- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -
VOL 20 No. 52
October 7, 2020
COVID scuttles Fishing Festival FILE PHOTO
The annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival will not take place in February due to concerns about spreading the COVID-19 virus in crowds like this. Story on Page 11.
Anna Maria mayor issues two mask-related orders Those who refuse to wear a mask or face covering could be trespassed by a business owner or special event host. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy has issued two new emergency orders regarding COVID-19 and face coverings. One order serves notice that an individual who refuses to wear a face mask or face covering inside a business or at a special event can be cited for trespassing on that property. Another order makes masks or face coverings mandatory in or at certain city properties. Order #86 includes the title: “Granting businesses and special events the right to require face mask use and with trespass
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enforcement for non-compliance.” The order notes it was issued pursuant to the authority Murphy has as the mayor of Anna Maria. The order took effect the same day. “I hereby declare that every business or special event held in the city of Anna Maria may, at the business’s or special event designee’s discretion, require the wearing of a facemask as a condition of being in/at the business’s or special event premises,” Order #86 says. Murphy issued the order one week after Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order, EO 20-244, that now prohibits local governments from fining or otherwise penalizing an individual who violates a local COVID-19 mandate or order – including those pertaining to masks and face coverings. SEE ORDERS, PAGE 22
TAMPA BAY fans capture Lightning in a bottle. 13
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County face-covering mandate repealed It’s no longer mandatory to wear face masks in Bradenton Beach, but it is in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – The mandatory face-covering requirement in Manatee County is no longer in effect after being rescinded and repealed by county commissioners on Tuesday, Sept. 29. County commissioners voted 4-3 to repeal the face-covering resolution previously adopted by a 4-3 vote on July 27. The commission now recommends, but does not mandate, that face coverings be worn inside businesses when proper social distancing cannot be maintained.
Commissioner Priscilla Trace made the motion to rescind and repeal the county’s face-covering resolution and commissioners Vanessa Baugh, Betsy Benac and Steve Jonsson supported the motion. Commissioners Reggie Bellamy, Misty Servia and Carol Whitmore opposed rescinding and repealing the face-covering resolution. The commission also unanimously adopted a non-binding proclamation proposed by Benac that strongly encourages people to continue wearing face coverings on a voluntary basis. “Be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Manatee County, that in the best interest of the county and the furtherance of public health, safety and welfare of the county, the board strongly encourages SEE MANDATE, PAGE 22
LONGBOAT Key hit with fines for
sewage spill. 3 PARKING GARAGE question
on Bradenton Beach ballot. 8
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Anna Maria Island, Florida
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LBK faces multiple penalties for sewage spill BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
LONGBOAT KEY - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has ordered the Town of Longboat Key to pay $242,652 in fines and take several other measures to mitigate an 11-million-gallon sewage leak in Sarasota Bay. The sole sewer line serving Longboat Key, which runs under Sarasota Bay, broke on June 18, causing sewage to spill into the bay until June 29. Some of the sewage collected in the mangroves on Long Bar Pointe, across the bay from Longboat Key. The order requires the town to install a second sewage main within five years, provide an analysis of its sewage collection system, plant 872 mangroves to offset mangrove damage caused during efforts to repair the pipe, test the water in the bay for contaminants and buy mitigation credits to offset the damage caused by
BERKELEY RESEARCH GROUP | SUBMITTED
This section of rusty pipe was apparently partially blocked by a plant root or log during the leak, keeping it from being worse than it was, according to the Town of Longboat Key. The Town of Longboat Key’s sole sewer pipe, which runs under Sarasota Bay to Long Bar Pointe on the mainland, sprang a leak in June. the spill. Instead of the cash penalty, due 30 days from the date the order becomes effective, the town may pay a $1,000 fine and spend at least at least $362,478 to perform an environmental enhancement or restoration project or purchase and donate to the state environmentally sensitive land within a longer time frame.
A $15,000-a-day fine applies if the town violates the order. Under the order, the town also may be fined up to $15,000 a day for future sewage spills, depending on the amount spilled. The town has until Friday, Oct. 23 to sign the document and return it to the department, according to DEP Public Information Manager Shannon Herbon. The town had not yet
responded to the order by The Sun’s press time. The town’s consultant, Environmental Science Associates (ESA), concluded in July that fecal contamination in Sarasota Bay was not found near the leak or along the pipeline route, but originated from natural sources and homes in Bayshore Gardens that could be leaking effluent from their
waste collection systems. In September, another town consultant, Berkeley Research Group, revised its original estimate of a 26 million gallon spill downward to 11 million gallons. The consultant accounted for the difference by citing a witness who said he saw a 6-inch diameter root or log in the breach of the sewer pipe partially blocking its flow.
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ISLAND NEWS
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
Daiquiri Deck manager pleads not guilty to grand theft
IN BRIEF
A preliminary arraignment hearing was scheduled for Friday. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Farmers market returns next week The city of Anna Maria’s weekly farmers market returns Tuesday, Oct. 13, and will continue each Tuesday under the shade sail structure at City Pier Park from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through May 11. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of vendors will be limited, with an emphasis on fresh produce and other food products. Face coverings and proper social distancing are required and will be monitored by city staff.
Commissioners consider legislative priorities Holmes Beach commissioners are considering how they’d like to proceed with the city’s legislative priorities for the 2021 Florida Legislature. The legislative priorities adopted by commissioners are the items that the city’s lobbyist will pursue during the 60-day legislative session beginning March 2. They’re scheduled to make the decision at the Tuesday, Oct. 13 regular meeting. Commissioner Jim Kihm presented a draft of the proposed legislative priorities to his fellow commissioners during a Sept. 22 meeting. Commissioner Terry Schaefer asked that the commission vote be pushed back to October to give him time to review the proposed list. The list of proposed priorities includes opposition to additional limitations on local governmental authority to regulate vacation rentals, support for legislation that provides recurring funding to programs working to mitigate negative environmental and economic impacts of red tide and other algae blooms, opposition to legislative efforts that restrict or remove authority of municipalities to levy a local business tax, and support for expanded use of tourist development revenue dollars for public safety and infrastructure maintenance, repairs and replacement. Kihm said he’d like to be able to approve the list of priorities so that discussion among commissioners about how to prepare for the upcoming legislative session can begin following the Nov. 3 election.
Correction The AMI Chamber recently held an event at the Compass by Margaritaville Hotel. A story in the Sept. 30 edition of The Sun gave an incorrect location.
BRADENTON BEACH – Daiquiri Deck manager and Sarasota resident Tabatha Lynne Dondanville, 27, has entered a plea of not guilty to a Dondanville felony charge of grand theft. According to Manatee County Court records, Dondanville is accused of stealing $20,000 from a purse left behind by Daiquiri Deck customer Jasmine Bryant on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. According to the probable cause affidavit that the arresting officer, Bradenton Beach Police Sgt. Lenard Diaz, filed with the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court, “The victim, Bryant, and her girlfriend were at the Daiquiri Deck on Bridge Street. While eating, Bryant laid her purse containing $20,000 cash on the chair beside her. Upon finishing their meal, they got up and forgot the purse on the chair.” The original complaint arrest affidavit – a separate document obtained directly from the Bradenton Beach Police Department – refers to Bryant’s girlfriend as her fiancé, Emmanuella Saintcyr. That document notes the couple was staying nearby when the incident occurred. According to the probable cause affidavit, “The cameras showed an employee picking up the purse then later giving it to the defendant. It was placed in the manager’s office, where the money was (allegedly) stolen by the defendant.” According to the arrest affidavit, “The victim stated she called the restaurant and was told the victim did not leave a purse there. The victim went to the restaurant the next morning. The victim stated she talked to the opening manager, Samantha Mitchell, and that Samantha told her the purse was
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
An incident involving a missing purse containing $20,000 occurred at the Daiquiri Deck in Bradenton Beach on Labor Day. not found and she had to contact the closing manager. “The victim advised that’s when she called the police and suddenly her purse appeared from the manager, Samantha, but the purse was empty and the money was gone. The victim advised there was a note in the bag that said, ‘Found in the bathroom,’ ” according to the arrest affidavit. “The video showed the hostess finding the purse on the chair and placing behind a computer near the hostess station. The purse sat on the counter for approximately 20-30 minutes until the male waiter grabbed the purse and walked into the kitchen where the night manager, Dondanville, was at.”
MONEY RETURNED
“Later in the day, the girlfriend called the manager, Samantha Mitchell, and spoke with her. Samantha admitted to the victim that they did find the money and that it was on its way back to the restaurant as they spoke. The victim decided not to wait and walked over to the restaurant and recorded their conversation with Samantha. On the recording you can hear Samantha stating the money is coming back from Sarasota. Approximately 15 minutes later, Samantha brought a plastic bag with all of the victim’s money in it,” according to the arrest affidavit.
About 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, Diaz noticed he had a voice message on his phone. “It was the victim that had left me a message stating that she got her money back from the manager. The victim stated that approximately 1316 hours (1:16 p.m.) she received a call from the manager, Samantha, that she knew where her money was and that if they did not get the police involved that would get her the money back,” according to the arrest affidavit. Diaz then returned to the restaurant to speak with Samantha Mitchell. According to the arrest affidavit, “I asked who took the money and Samantha stated, ‘Do I have to tell you?’ I asked Samantha if she wanted to be a witness or an arrestee, because she was more involved than I thought at first. Samantha responded with hesitance and answered, ‘I guess a witness.’ I asked her if she was sure because I could arrest her because of her accessory to the crime. Samantha stated she would rather be a witness. I advised her that I was going to need her to write an affidavit of involvement and she agreed. I asked Samantha again who took the money. She hesitated and said, ‘Tabatha.’ ” SEE DAIQUIRI DECK, PAGE 5
OCTOBER 7, 2020
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DAIQUIRI DECK: Manager pleads not guilty FROM PAGE 4
ARREST MADE
“I asked Samantha to please go get Dondanville. Samantha and Dondanville entered the office a short time later and at this time I began to read Dondanville her Miranda rights. I asked Dondanville who took the money and Dondanville stated, ‘I did.’ Dondanville stated that she had taken the money right after myself and Lt. Cosby left the office the morning the victim called the police, and the reason she took it was because nobody had claimed the money. At this time, I advised Dondanville that she was under arrest for grand theft of $20,000,” according to the arrest affidavit. “I took Dondanville to the police department. While at the station, Dondanville stated she didn’t understand why she was being arrested because she brought the money back. I advised Dondanville that the statute for grand theft reads: ‘If you temporarily or permanently deprived the owner of their property (money) you have committed a crime.’ I advised Dondanville that she
only did bring the money back when they made a deal with the victim that the police would not be involved,” according to the arrest affidavit. Dondanville was transported to the county jail and later released on a $7,500 bond. According to Manatee County court records, attorney Ronald Filipkowski filed a not guilty plea on behalf of Dondanville on Sept. 14. An arraignment before Judge Gilbert Smith Jr. is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2. When contacted on Monday, Sept. 28, a manager at the Bradenton Beach Daiquiri Deck declined to comment on the incident and whether Dondanville and Mitchell were still employed there. According to Sarasota County court records, Dondanville entered a plea of nolo contendere (no contest) in 2011 after being charged with petit theft. According to the notice to appear dated May 20, 2011, “The defendant (Dondanville) placed a shirt, skirt and necklace in her purse then attempted to leave without paying for the items. Security stopped her and retrieved the items. The defendant admitted post-Miranda to the crime.”
TREASURE COAST NATIVES | SUBMITTED
Natives in Bloom Inkberry (Scaevola plumieri), left is a desirable native sand dune plant listed by the State of Florida as threatened, according to Damon Moore of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department. It is similar to Naupaka (Scaevola taccada) above, an undesirable exotic plant with curlier leaves that is listed by the Florida Pest Plant Council as a category 1 invasive.
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OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Vote for clean water on Nov. 3 Conserving the land next to our waterbodies is one of the best ways to make sure we have drinkable, fishable, swimmable water. That’s why a group of concerned citizens banded together with two notfor-profits, Manatee Fish & Game Association and Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, to create dedicated funding for land conservation in Manatee County. Their plan is to ask Manatee County voters this November if they are willing to spend a little to save a lot. The group was successful in getting a referendum question placed on the November ballot and created a political committee, Vote FOR Water and Land, to get the word out. The word is that nothing is more important than keeping our water clean and free from pollution. It impacts our quality of life every day. If Manatee County voters approve the ballot measure, then $50 million will be available to purchase land and easements that will protect our drinking water, prevent polluted stormwater runoff from flowing into our bays, rivers, and creeks, and provide natural floodwater storage. The
funds will also be used to create parks and preserves, which ensures that Manatee County’s natural beauty is preserved for all to enjoy, now and for our children and grandchildren. If Vote FOR Water and Land passes with more than a 50% vote in November, Manatee County can purchase a $50 million bond that will be paid for using an increase in property taxes of .15 mill, an increase of .00015. For the average home value, that equates to just $2.40 a month, a small price to pay to have parks and preserves in Manatee County that protect our clean water and quality of life. There will be strict accountability provisions to ensure the funds are spent properly. If passed in November, the resolution requires that the funds can only be used for the purposes stated in the proposal. There will also be an annual public audit of how the funds are spent. Furthermore, Manatee County citizens will have multiple ways to give input on the selection of properties: 1. They can serve on or attend a citizens’ advisory committee that will give recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners; 2. They can give public comment at each Board of County Commissioners’ meeting when a parcel is up for
preliminary approval; and 3. They can give public comment at each Board of County Commissioners’ meeting when a parcel is up for final approval. Manatee County needs this dedicated fund for water and land. Land prices continue to rise and the amount of natural land is dwindling, all at a rapid pace. The state of Florida’s average amount of conserved land is 30%, but in Manatee County it is only 10%. We must act now to protect Manatee County’s last remaining natural areas and wildlife habitat before they are lost forever to development. Vote FOR Water and Land needs your help. • Like, follow us, and share on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VoteLandManatee/ • Follows us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ votelandmanatee/ • Make a donation at https:// www.voteforwaterandland.org/ • Tell everyone to vote For Water and Land on Nov. 3. Learn more at voteforwaterandland.org. Christine Johnson President of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 7, 2020
ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 8, 2 p.m. – City Commission special meeting Oct. 19, 2 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach. com or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 7, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Oct. 8, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency special meeting Oct. 8, 1 p.m. – Department head meeting Oct. 15, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency special meeting Oct. 15, noon – City Commission meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
City hall is open to the public by appointment only with safety protocols in place. Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 7, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Oct. 13, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Oct. 21, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing
ISLAND-WIDE
Oct. 12, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall Oct. 20, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration offices, 510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.
MARKYOUR CALENDAR October 7 - October 20 The Island Branch Library is open at 40% capacity. Please wear a face mask/covering. The Tingley Memorial Library is open. The Center of Anna Maria Island is open with social distancing and face masks required. The Holmes Beach dog park (Scentral Park),
skate park, basketball courts and tennis courts are open. Local preserves are open, including Grassy Point Preserve, Neal Preserve, Perico Preserve and Robinson Preserve. Local beaches are open.
SATURDAY OCT. 10
Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.
SUNDAY OCT. 11
Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online or by cash at the door. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks. mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-7425923 ext. 6042 for more information.
TUESDAY OCT. 13
Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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THURSDAY OCT. 15
AMI Chamber October networking luncheon, Floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar, 12324 Manatee Ave., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m., $18 for members or $30 for prospective members. Reservations required and event is limited to 20 people. Reserve to 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org.
SATURDAY OCT. 17
Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.
SUNDAY OCT. 18
Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online or by cash at the door. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks. mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-7425923 ext. 6042 for more information.
TUESDAY OCT. 20
Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
Two parking garage questions on Bradenton Beach ballot BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – With voteby-mail ballots already being cast, Bradenton Beach voters have begun deciding whether the city charter will prohibit or allow parking garages. The Bradenton Beach ballot for the general election that concludes Tuesday, Nov. 3 includes two separate charter amendment questions pertaining to parking garages. City voters are being asked to vote yes or no on each proposed parking garage-related amendment to the city charter. In August 2018, the city commission amended the city’s comprehensive plan and land development code in a manner that currently prohibits the construction of stand-alone or multi-level parking garages anywhere in the city. Those existing prohibitions could be lifted by a future city commission. Amending the city’s comprehensive plan to allow for a parking garage would require the four-fifths supermajority support of a five-member city commission. Amending the land development code would require the simple-majority support of at least
three commissioners. Both documents would have to be amended to allow for the construction of a parking garage. Currently, there are no plans or proposals to build a parking garage in Bradenton Beach.
BALLOT QUESTION 1
After a two-year legal battle, Bradenton Beach Ballot Question 1 was placed on the ballot at the request of the Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods (KORN) political action committee formed in 2018 by Reed Mapes and John Metz. Mapes has since moved and is no longer a Bradenton Beach resident. The ballot language for Bradenton Beach Ballot Question 1 reads as follows: “Amendment 1 to city of Bradenton Beach charter. “Prohibition of multi-level parking garages only. “Should the charter of Bradenton Beach be amended to prohibit the building of any multi-level parking garages within the city of Bradenton Beach? All other parking garages, facilities and structures are allowed as permitted by local law.” According to City Attorney Ricinda
Perry, the adoption of Ballot Question 1 would add language to the city charter that would prohibit the future construction of a multi-level parking garage anywhere within the city limits. Perry has previously stated the adoption of this proposed charter amendment would not prohibit the construction of single-level parking garages or parking facilities. Similar to the existing height restriction placed in the charter many years ago, a parking garage prohibition added to the city charter could only be reversed by a future charter amendment approved by Bradenton Beach voters. If this amendment is adopted, the city commission would not have the authority to allow for the construction of a multi-level parking garage. That authority would lie solely with a future vote of Bradenton Beach voters.
BALLOT QUESTION 2
Suggested by Perry in response to KORN’s proposed amendment, and supported by the city commission earlier this year, Bradenton Beach Ballot Question 2 reads as follows: “Amendment 1 to city of Bradenton Beach Charter.
“Prohibition of multi-level parking garages and mandated citywide voter referendum to increase its density. “Should the city amend its charter to: (1) Prohibit the approval, development and building of any stand-alone parking garage structures in all residential zoning districts; (2) Prohibit any multi-level parking garage, structure, or facility exceeding a total density of one multi-level parking garage within the entire municipal limits; and (3) Establish a mandatory citywide voter referendum to increase the multi-level parking garage density? Voter approval of this amendment would allow for the potential construction of a single multi-level parking garage in Bradenton Beach should any government and private entity choose to pursue such an endeavor. According to Perry, if city voters approve both proposed charter amendments, neither amendment would be adopted and neither would be placed in the city charter because they would be in conflict with one another. If city voters reject both proposed amendments, parking garages will remain prohibited according to the comp plan and land development code.
OCTOBER 2020
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
OWN YOUR OWN VACATION.
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CL FI OS NA EO L UT !
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
Your “Wholesome & Wholehearted” Store. New USDA-Certified Organic CBD Tinctures Find Yours at Your CBD Store Bradenton or at SunFlora.org
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SUBMITTED | HOLMES BEACH MERCHANTS
Birthday wishes A group of Holmes Beach merchants came together Oct. 2 to wish a very happy birthday to one of their own. Holmes Beach business owner Tony Caminite celebrated his 88th birthday over the weekend. Caminite is the 43-year owner of Home True Value Hardware in Holmes Beach. Here’s wishing Caminite a very happy birthday and many more to come!
2723 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 (941) 226-1230
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
COVID scuttles fishing festival The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, a favorite of locals and tourists alike for 38 years, is taking a pause due to COVID concerns. BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
CORTEZ – The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) board decided unanimously Monday night to cancel the 39th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival next February due to COVID-19. The two-day festival, a fundraiser for FISH and its primary project, the FISH Preserve, draws thousands of people each year to the snug north end of the historic fishing village of Cortez. “Due to the uncertainties, we feel we have to be responsible; however, we’re going to work on a possible scaleddown alternative,” said John Stevely, one of the founders of the festival. The entrance to the festival is at the Florida Maritime Museum on 119th Street, which leads to a fish house and restaurant complex on Sarasota Bay with one main route in and out. Once inside, people line up to sample seafood from dozens of food vendors, a challenge for social distancing, as is the possibility of monitoring whether only family groups are sitting together to eat at tables for eight to 10 people. In addition, “There are so many who would refuse to wear a mask outdoors,” Stevely said. Other considerations were whether FISH could obtain a permit for the event, the health risk to 200 or so volunteers in their 60s, and whether the
FILE PHOTO
Clockwise above. Seafood is the main event at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. John Stevely, one of the festival’s original organizers, was among those deciding to cancel the 2021 fishing festival Monday night. Nautical art is one of the fishing festival attractions. Fishing festival T-shirts are collector’s items. event could turn a profit if the number of participants was limited. The FISH board has historically been reluctant to raise the original $2 entrance fee, which, after 38 years, is now $5. “We’ll come back with enthusiasm and we will get through these times,” Stevely said. “2022 will be bigger and better.”
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
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Lightning’s Stanley Cup championship celebrated BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
CORTEZ – About 80 Tampa Bay Lightning fans gathered inside and outside of the Swordfish Grill’s Flippin’ Mullet Sports Bar in Cortez on Monday, Sept. 28 to watch the sixth and final game of the best of seven Stanley Cup Final. To the sheer joy of those assembled, the Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars 2-0 to claim the second Stanley Cup championship in the franchise history – and their first since 2004. After the championship clinching win, Czechoslovakian-born Peter Hanak was probably the most emotional of the many passionate Lightning fans in attendance. “They made my life. I’ve been coming to Lightning games so long and they did it. I was very excited the first time they won it and I never thought they would do it again. I hope they’re going to get more cups in the future.� Swordfish Grill General Manager Bob Slicker has long been a Lightning season ticket holder and a devout Lightning fan. He was joined at Monday’s celebratory viewing party by his daughter Molly (who was 12 when they celebrated their first Lightning championship together), his mom Ellen, his brother, Brian, and several other family members and close friends. Cortez residents and Monkey Bus owners Roque and Kathy Pastorius were also on hand to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary with a Stanley Cup championship.
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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Swordfish Grill General Manager Bob Slicker and his daughter Molly Slicker celebrated their second Lightning championship together.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
These Lightning fans gathered for a celebratory photo at the Swordfish Grill. Monkey Bus owners Roque and Kathy Pastorius celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary with a Lightning championship.
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Lighting up city field HOLMES BEACH – New lighting is coming to Holmes Beach’s city field complex at the Community Skate Park, bocce ball courts and shuffleboard courts thanks to a grant from the Hagen Foundation. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a contract with Synergy Lighting Inc. for $56,226.90, all funded by the foundation’s donation, to purchase and install the lighting. The lights on the poles are planned to be pointed
downward so that they illuminate only the park amenities and do not add to the city’s light pollution, which could draw hatching sea turtles toward town instead of the Gulf of Mexico if visible from the beach. Mayor Judy Titsworth said the light poles will feature LED lights and will be put on a timer so they won’t be on all night. Work is expected to be completed on or before Dec. 24.
OCTOBER 7, 2020
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
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New improvements come to city park New basketball and pickleball courts are ready for delivery and installation at city field, joining the newly built bocce ball and shuffleboard courts. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – A few more improvements are happening at the city’s parks. Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman presented commissioners with an update on the progress made by public works employees on several different projects, including continued improvements at the city field complex. Wasserman said the new bocce ball courts are completed and ready for use behind the skate park. Lighting is expected to be installed in the coming weeks near the new shuffleboard courts, public works barn, skate park and bocce ball courts to allow them to be used for a limited amount of time after sunset. The lights will be put on a timer to keep them from shining all night. Copolymer polypropylene tile liners have been constructed for the basket-
ball court and new pickleball courts to serve as a lining that will be harder to breakdown in the harsh outdoor conditions with regular use, unlike poured court surfaces and painted striping. The tiles also are designed to provide more traction for players. Wasserman said the court linings are completed and are awaiting delivery and installation. A baseball field also was completed with sod installed in the infield and outfield and clay laid to mark off the bases and pitcher’s mound. Other recently completed projects include the repaving and restriping of the parking lot at city hall. Work was completed on Sept. 18, Wasserman said. Repairs also were completed on the Key Royale Bridge to restripe the lanes, repair cracks and complete other small fixes to the bridge. Sliplining of drainage pipes also was completed along Ambassador Lane. The work included cleaning out the pipe, attaching the PVC pipes together and installing them inside the existing concrete drainage pipe, which was breaking down. Sliplining the pipes prevents the old pipes from having to be dug up and fully replaced.
SUBMITTED | ERAN WASSERMAN
A new copolymer polypropylene tile lining is assembled and ready for delivery to the Holmes Beach basketball court in the city field park complex. Left public works employees take a break to play a game at the city’s new bocce ball courts behind the skate park.
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OUTDOORS
OCTOBER 7, 2020
Vote for water and land
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS
I
have been blessed to live on a barrier island in Manatee County since 1980. I was drawn to the area by family but moved here because of my love of fishing and the natural world. I realized I'd found what I loved most in one place. After almost 40 years, I am now focused on giving back. I want to help assure that future generations have some of the same opportunities that have made my life both rich in nature and profitable in business.
SEEN FIRSTHAND
The combination of my love for fishing and my business has, over the years, made me aware of critical connections between the health of our local environment and the health of the businesses that sustain all of us on the Suncoast. You don’t have to look any RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 19
Excess nitrogen leads to lyngbya blooms like this recent one in a Holmes Beach boat basin.
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REEL TIME: Vote for water and land FROM PAGE 18
farther than the broad negative effect of all-too-frequent red tide events on our tourist economy. Unfortunately, as soon as red tide events pass, that awareness fades as waters clear and people assume everything is “back to normal.” Being a waterman, I have witnessed the changes in our bays and estuaries over almost four decades. In the first 20 years, there were some notable successes as awareness of water quality led to a dramatic increase in seagrass coverage in Tampa and Sarasota Bay.
CHANGES
That has all changed, and now, seagrass meadows are disappearing at an alarming rate. The loss of seagrass (and fish) is fueled by excess nitrogen that encourages the growth of algae. The cause? Habitat loss, sewage releases (primarily a result of inadequate infrastructure), stormwater runoff (exacerbated by rampant development) and myriad other minor insults result in elevated nitrogen levels. This threatens not only the natural beauty of the region, the fish,
birds and mammals, but the very foundation of our economy. Whether you’re a restaurant owner on the water or a carpenter hammering nails at Lakewood Ranch, everyone will be impacted.
WHAT WE CAN DO
But we can do something about it. On Nov. 3, voters in Manatee County have the opportunity to approve a referendum voteforwaterandland.org. The referendum, if approved, will establish dedicated funding to protect water quality, water resources, and fish and wildlife habitat. The need has never been greater. If we don’t act soon and decisively, I fear our children and future generations will never have the opportunity to experience the natural wonderland that we all often take for granted. The cost? The average homeowner will pay the equivalent of two fast-food burgers a month. Please vote YES on the Manatee County Bond Referendum and encourage your neighbors and friends to do the same. The kids will thank you and remember you for it.
CINDY LANE | SUN
Home stretch Just four loggerhead sea turtle nests remain to hatch on Anna Maria Island beaches, but it’s still green turtle season through Oct. 31, so Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox asks that everyone continue to be diligent about keeping light off the beach to keep hatchlings from getting disoriented on their way to the Gulf of Mexico.
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The city of Anna Maria is currently operating with a four-member city commission consisting of Mark Short, Jon Crane, Carol Carter and Joe Muscatello.
‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE
Anna Maria Commission applicants sought The commission seeks to fill the vacant commission seat for a full two-year term. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria seeks applicants to fill the city commission seat recently vacated by Amy Tripp. Soon after the general election concludes on Nov. 3, the four sitting commissioners will appoint a new commissioner to serve the full-two year term that became vacant when Tripp, who had been running unopposed for reelection, announced in August that she was resigning and moving to North Carolina. Her resignation came after the qualifying period for the November election had ended, so no other candidates could run. The commissioner appointed to fill the vacant seat will serve a two-year term and earn $400 per month for their service. The commission meets at least twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, and there are occasions where additional emergency or special meetings or workshops are conducted as well. Commission applicants must be at least 18 years old and must have been a resident of the city of Anna Maria for at least the past two years. “I’m looking forward to getting some good applicants. I’m hoping that we’ll get a lot of interest in this. It’s a tremendous opportunity to serve the city in so many ways. We need fresh ideas, we need new ideas and we need resident involvement. I can’t think of a better way to be involved in your community and serve your community than by serving on the commission,” Mayor Dan Murphy said. Applications can be downloaded at the city website, www.cityofannamaria.com, or obtained directly from the city clerk’s office at city hall. Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by the close of business on Monday, Nov. 16. The city hall mailing address is P.O. Box 779, Anna Maria, FL 34216. The physical address for city hall is 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.
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SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM
In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin. The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer & meditation.
941-778-0414 • info@RoserChurch.com • LIKE us on Facebook @RoserChurch SUBMITTED | THE CENTER OF ANNA MARIA ISLAND
Youth and adult programs, such as soccer, returning to The Center are helping to keep the nonprofit on solid financial footing.
Center finances ahead for the fiscal year The Center’s financials show that the nonprofit is well ahead of the previous year two months into the new fiscal year. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Despite recent challenges, The Center of Anna Maria Island is doing well in the new fiscal year. The nonprofit’s 2020-21 fiscal year began on July 1 with the latest financial reports covering July and August. Executive Director Chris Culhane reports that the net ordinary income loss of $46,856 year to date is $50,771, better than the previous year. Total operating revenue came in for the two months at $100,570, which is 9% better than the previous year. Total operating expenses are down 22% from the previous year at this time to $147,426. Fundraising revenue for the first two months of the fiscal year is $58,145, an 84% improvement over this time last fiscal year with direct costs at $27,271, which is $4,842 lower than the previous fiscal year. Where The Center’s finances are still struggling is in programs, the activities that actually take place on the nonprofit’s Anna Maria campus. Revenue from programs came in at $42,424 fiscal year to date, 30% or $18,269 lower than the previous year. With direct costs at $37,294, programs have only brought in $5,130 in income so far this fiscal year. Culhane said he feels the low amount of income from programs is due primarily to COVID-19 related closures of the facility. With direct costs for programming down 40% over the previous year, he said it helped The Center net $6,868 more than the previous year. After $2,661 in capital expenses, the nonprofit finished August with a loss in net income of $49,517. Though The Center’s youth and adult sports leagues have recently relaunched,
joining the fitness center and after school program which were already back up and running after shutdowns earlier this year, Culhane said the Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 precautions are still in place. Protective protocols for guests and members include wearing a mask when moving through the building. Masks are required to enter or exit, and while moving through the building or standing on the sidelines unless you can remain six feet away from others. Temperatures are checked at the front desk when entering and before each game for players. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher will not be admitted into The Center. If you’re feeling bad, you’re encouraged to stay home. Everyone is required to bring their own water bottles, towels and yoga mats when needed. Cleaning supplies are provided for everyone to wipe down fitness equipment before and after their workout. Staff also performs regular cleaning and sanitizing of all equipment and activity areas. With the threat of COVID-19 still prevalent, Culhane said that he and The Center’s staff and board are continuing to monitor the situation when making decisions about upcoming events. Currently, he said the nonprofit’s budget does not include any events taking place at this time, including the annual LaPensee Bowling Tournament and The Ugly Grouper Golf Tournament, both of which usually take place in the fall. Events still under consideration include the holiday extravaganza known as Lester Family Fun Day, the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, the annual Tour of Homes and The Sandbar’s Gulf Island Concert Series. The Tour of Homes and most of the concert series were canceled in 2020 due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. Culhane said that the loss of each event amounts to a loss of about $100,000 or more for the nonprofit. Despite the threat of financial loss, he said that no events will be held unless the staff and board feel that CDC guidelines can be adhered to and the event can be held safely for participants and staff.
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
Mask refusal could lead to trespassing charge BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – On Friday, Sept. 25, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order that suspended fines and penalties for individuals who violate local COVID-19 restrictions and mandates. On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Manatee County commissioners repealed the county face-covering mandate that applied inside Bradenton Beach businesses. During the Bradenton Beach City Commission’s weekly special emergency meeting on Thursday, Oct. 1, Lt. John Cosby from the Bradenton Beach Police Department addressed the local impact of these state and county actions.
“Everybody knows the county rescinded the mask ordinance, so I’ve been going around speaking with the businesses. If they still want people to wear masks in their business and somebody doesn’t have a mask, they can ask them to leave. If they don’t, and we’re called, the owner would then trespass them. If they refuse to leave after that point, then we would make a physical arrest. I doubt that it’s going to come to that. Everybody is still wearing the mask when going into a business,” Cosby said. Cosby also said he and City Treasurer Shayne Thompson are working on a second CARES Act reimbursement submittal as a follow-up to the initial reimbursement that resulted in the city receiving $5,500 to help offset the cost of its COVID-19 response.
ORDER: Mayor issues two mask-related orders FROM PAGE 1
Murphy’s order provides for an alternate means of enforcement in the wake of DeSantis’ order. “At the request of a business/special event representative or designee, a law enforcement officer of the city of Anna Maria may trespass a person who refuses to wear a face mask at that business/ special event premises and enforce that trespass order as to complaining business/special event,” Order #86 says. “This order shall be reviewed by the undersigned to determine whether it is needed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Anna Maria no less often than once every seven days, if deemed to be still needed, shall be extended for additional periods of no more than seven days at a time,” the order says. Second order requires masks On Wednesday, Sept. 30, Murphy issued order #85, which includes the title, “Requiring face mask use and social distancing at certain city facilities.” The order took effect the following day. “In a further effort to reduce the potential spread of the deadly COVID-19, I hereby declare that every person, when in the following city locations – Anna Maria City Hall, City Hall Annex, City Pier Park – during a city-sponsored event, such as the farmers market, shall properly wear a face covering and maintain social distancing from other persons, excluding family members or companions,” Order #85 says. The order makes no reference to the new City Pier across the street from City Pier Park. According to Order #85, facial cover-
Persons violating this order shall be subject to removal from the city location.” Anna Maria Emergency Order #85 ings are not required at city facilities for persons under the age of 2 years old, persons for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition, persons working in a city location who do not have interactions with other persons and persons working in a city location when all interactions with others is done with social distancing as recommended by the CDC.” Regarding enforcement, Order #85 says, “Persons violating this order shall be subject to removal from the city location.” The order notes it shall be reviewed and renewed or allowed to expire every seven days. Murphy issued Order #85 one day after Manatee County commissioners repealed the county face-covering mandate that did not apply in Anna Maria because the mayor issued an emergency order in late June that required face masks inside many Anna Maria businesses. The city’s mask order carried a $50 fine until DeSantis issued his Phase 3 reopening order on Friday, Sept. 25 – an order Murphy said rendered the city’s original face-covering order unenforceable.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Manatee County’s repealed face-covering mandate no longer applies in Bradenton Beach but many businesses there still require masks.
MANDATE: County face-covering mandate repealed FROM PAGE 1
individuals who cannot socially distance to wear face coverings and supports businesses displaying signs requiring face masks to be worn in business establishments to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” the proclamation states. These actions came in response to the Phase 3 reopening order Gov. Ron DeSantis issued on Friday, Sept. 25. In addition to allowing restaurants and bars to operate at 100% capacity, DeSantis’ order suspended locally-imposed fines or penalties for violations of COVID-19 regulations, including face-covering mandates. Manatee County’s mandate included a written warning for a first offence, a $50 fine for a second offense and escalating fines for subsequent offences. It was noted during the meeting that no one had been fined for violating the county mandate. Regarding the governor’s order, Chief Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague said, “Our face-coverings resolution imposes mandatory requirements to wear face coverings and imposes fines on individuals who don’t comply. Under the executive order, that is no longer enforceable.” Clague said businesses and governments can still require face coverings inside their buildings and facilities. He also said the Manatee County School Board still retains the sole authority regarding face coverings at public schools. The repeal means the county no longer requires face coverings inside
Bradenton Beach businesses – where the county mandate previously applied because the city had not imposed its own local mandate. As of Friday, local face-covering mandates remained in effect in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, minus any enforcement penalties.
PUBLIC INPUT
During public comment, Suncoast Baptist Church Pastor Joel Tillis expressed support for the repeal of the face-covering mandate. Tillis recently dropped a lawsuit he filed against the county after the face-covering resolution was amended to exempt houses of worship. “I believe you did what was best for the physical healing of our community at the time. Now, I am here asking you for the emotional healing of our community. This issue of the mask mandate has divided us. It has hurt us and caused our community to be filled with anger and confusion. It is not the mask, but the mandate, that has divided us,” Tillis said. County resident Andra Griffin said, “I haven’t worn a mask before. I will not wear a mask going forward. I didn’t wear a mask coming in here. I refuse to wear a mask because it’s not your decision what I should be doing with my body.” Joining the meeting by phone, Swordfish Grill General Manager Bob Slicker offered another perspective. SEE MANDATE, PAGE 28
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Commission grants $5 million in tourist funds to Mote BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
SARASOTA - Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium will receive $5 million in Manatee County tourist tax funds over five years to market its new, $130 million Science Education Aquarium (SEA) at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota County. Manatee County commissioners approved the expenditure last Tuesday after spirited debate about whether to spend Manatee County tourist funds in Sarasota County. Mote’s original request was for $15 million to help with construction of the facility, however, by law, Manatee County tourist tax proceeds can’t be used for construction projects outside the county, according to the Manatee County Attorney Bill Clague. The funds can, however, be spent on marketing outside the
SUBMITTED
Mote’s Science Education Aquarium (SEA) at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota County will receive $5 million in tourist tax funds from Manatee County. county, and commissioners voted Tuesday to do so, cutting $10 million from Mote’s original request and securing the right to name the new manatee habitat at the aquarium. The name has yet to be announced. The commissioner’s decision
New number for reporting distressed marine life Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium has a new 24/7 hotline for reporting distressed, injured or deceased sea turtles, manatees, dolphins or whales in the Sarasota/Manatee region. Members of the community are strongly encouraged to report to Mote's Stranding Investigations Program hotline at 888-345-2335, and not attempt to assist any distressed or injured animal on their own. Here are some tips for reducing human interactions with marine life: • If you see an injured, entangled, or beached dolphin, manatee, sea turtle, or whale, do not attempt to assist the animal. Please call trained responders immediately at 888-345-2335 in Sarasota and Manatee counties. In the rest of Florida, call FWC at 888-404-3922. Hotlines are 24/7. Assisting animals could result in further injury to the animal or injury to yourself. • Abide by slow wake zones. • Use a spotter to watch for marine life. • Use polarized lenses to better detect marine life in the water.
• Don’t feed or attempt to feed dolphins or sea turtles. Don't feed, attempt to feed, or give water to manatees. Remember, it’s illegal! • Reel in your fishing line if dolphins appear. • Change locations if dolphins show interest in bait or catch. • Release catch quietly away from dolphins when and where it is possible to do so without violating any state or federal fishing regulations. • Check gear and terminal tackle to make sure it won’t break off easily and, if your line does break, be sure to collect anything left behind in mangroves or on docks. • Use circle and corrodible hooks and avoid braided fishing line. • Stay at least 50 yards away from marine life. • Stash your trash in a lidded container on your boat until you can get to shore and dispose of it safely in a place where it will not blow back into the water. • Sea turtles and hatchlings, sea turtle nests, and nest marking materials are all protected by law.
was in opposition to the recommendation of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, which voted unanimously earlier this year to recommend commissioners make a $1.25 million commitment, paid at the rate of $50,000 a year for 25 years.
August 2020 tourist tax collections compared to Auguts 2019
Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Manatee County Total*
57% 33% 72% 30%
*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto) Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also partially funds tourism-related attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Amounts shown were collected in August and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in September. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http:// www.taxcollector.com/tdt-evader.cfm. Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
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REAL ESTATE
OCTOBER 7, 2020
Florida is new home to thousands W
hen I moved to Florida 23 years ago, I honestly thought I was at the end of the world. During my dog’s 11 o’clock walk, the brightness of the stars was so overwhelming, I would ask the dog, “Where have we moved to?” Since he had no opinion, I just needed to move on and get to know this new foreign place with its laid-back culture and clean air. Now after all of these years, I not only appreciate where I am but love it as well, and apparently many others are also. In September, it was reported by the Miami Herald that approximately 950 people a day are moving into the state of Florida, a startling number. Most are from the Northeast and other congested COVID-19 hotspots around the country, and for many, this is not a second temporary home to escape to; it’s permanent. Florida is not alone with the influx of new residents - many small cities and
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER towns are being overwhelmed with new, well-heeled residents buying up any and all available properties, pushing up values and depleting inventory. Most of them are looking for wide-open spaces, larger homes and a safe and friendly environment. Even younger people who have been forced to leave big cities because of COVID-19 or job loss are reconsidering a more peaceful lifestyle from the high life they originally moved to the cities for, most of which has been eliminated for the foreseeable future. Home sales in Manatee County are at an all-time high, as well as in the rest of the
country. Nationally home sales rose 2.4% in August from a month earlier, increasing the 24.7% surge in July which was the strongest monthly gain ever recorded going back to 1968, according to the National Association of Realtors. None of this is expected to change soon. The Federal Reserve says it expects to hold rates low for at least three more years. Large numbers of Americans will continue to work from home even after a vaccine is developed, and even if sales volume begins to taper off in late 2020, it’s unlikely to diminish too much, according to economists at Zillow. The end result of this is a shortage of homes which we’ve been talking about for some time, pushing up competition and increasing housing prices. Even with the historic low mortgage rates, the increase in sale prices is canceling out the purchasing power of buyers trying to keep up. Some buyers and their representatives are offering an
escalation clause in their purchase agreements. This protects a buyer’s offer in the event another potential buyer comes in over their offer by automatically adding an agreed-upon percentage over the new offer. It sure looks like people are still pouring into our state, and why not? The Northeastern cities are having serious financial problems and high unemployment with smaller populations and much higher budgets and taxes. Florida’s unemployment rate in August was 7.4% - incredible progress considering April’s was 13.8%. Now with the state opening up almost completely, that number will likely be lower going forward. Florida is looking more and more like a utopia every day. Certainly gone is my end of the world view. So, watch out for those out-of-state plates and listen to your canine friends; they get it. Stay safe.
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
BEACH BEAT
HOLMES BEACH
BRADENTON BEACH
9/24, burglary, Anna Maria Island Inn, 2218 Gulf Drive N. When the victims checked out of their room, they left a Wells Fargo Visa credit card in their room. The victims got a call from an Inn employee saying they had found the card and were mailing it to them. Two days later, the victims got an email from Wells Fargo saying somebody used the card at a Walgreens in Brandon. They tried to cancel the card online but the site didn’t work. Meanwhile the card was used for other purchases. 9/25, burglary to a vehicle, 1300 Gulf Drive. The car of a worker on the beach renourishment project was burglarized while parked on the side of Gulf Drive, and a case with personal papers was taken. There was no sign of forced entry, but the victim said he thought he had locked the vehicle. Bradenton Beach Police Detective Lenard Diaz is investigating.
9/23, warrant arrest, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer spotted a homeless male who was wanted for failure to appear before a judge. He was taken into custody. 9/24, fleeing to elude police, 2701 Gulf Drive. The officer was alerted to a stolen truck and he spotted it southbound on Gulf Drive, south of Cortez Road, in Bradenton Beach. He initiated a traffic stop and the suspect sped up to 80 mph. He gave chase until they crossed into Sarasota. The truck was found unoccupied later in Sarasota and returned to its owner in Palmetto. 9/24, trespass warning, Jessie’s Island Store, 5424 Marina Drive. A male tried to enter the store without a mask and was refused service. He got into an argument with the manager who called police to have him trespassed. 9/24, burglary, Bali Hai Beach Resort, 6900 Gulf Drive. The victim said he locked the door to his room and took a beach walk. When he returned, he found $250 cash that he had hidden in a suitcase was missing. 9/25, driving without a valid driver license, 4000 Gulf Drive. The offi-
 Â?Â?Â? Â? Â?Â?  Â? Â? € Â? ‚ ƒ „… Â?  † ‡ ˆ
cer observed a vehicle run a fourway stop sign at an intersection. He noticed seven teenagers in the car, none wearing seat belts. When the officer asked the driver for his license, the driver was “very cocky, arrogant, uncooperative and argumentative,� according to the report. He eventually admitted he only had a learner’s permit and he “may not have completed his school.� Police reported smelling marijuana, but the officers had their hands full with another uncooperative teen and one passenger who fled with a backpack and was never caught. The driver and his twin brother were transported to the police station for processing and the parents of the kids were called to come pick up their children. 9/27, noise violation, 211 67th St. Police responded to an anonymous complaint shortly past midnight. They observed yelling, and the “overwhelming odor of burnt cannabis.� The renter was cited. 9/27, information, 52nd Street beach access. The officer responded in reference to a disturbance over a parking space. Upon his arrival, the complainant said another person was accusing him of hitting him
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with a car. An officer talked with the complainant who stated that he had been sitting off to the side of the road waiting for a parking space to become available. When a vehicle pulled out of a parking space, he went to pull into the space and observed the accuser run in front of his car and into the parking space to occupy it. The two men started arguing. There was no injury or damage so the officers had the complainant sign a waiver of prosecution and the other man agreed to move to another part of the beach. 9/27, disturbance, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. While backing up his patrol car, the officer heard a disturbance starting on the south end of the park. Three males were arguing and two of them were accused of hitting the third in the face. The two accused men said the accuser actually went crazy and hit himself in the face. Witnesses said that’s what happened, so he recanted his story and was taken to the hospital. 9/28, larceny, Bali Hai Beach Resort, 6900 Gulf Drive. A pistol was taken from a room.
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
Clerk secures CARES Act funds CARES Act reimbursements help local governments recoup some of their COVID-19 costs. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission praised and thanked City Clerk LeAnne Addy for securing $33,573 in COVID-19-related Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds. The federal relief funds are administered and distributed by Manatee County. During the Sept. 24 city commission meeting, Murphy said the CARES Act funds allow the city to recoup some of the costs the city incurred in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – including the additional signage needed to help respond to the parking restrictions imposed in Holmes Beach that drove additional traffic to Anna Maria. “That cost us money, and it was all a result of the steps they were taking down there under the auspices of COVID-19,” Murphy said. “I think you’ve done an excellent job of accumulating those costs and taking care of all the paperwork. It’s not easy. Thank you for what you’ve done,” Murphy said in praise of Addy. “I submitted for $33,573 and got
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Anna Maria City Clerk LeAnne Addy plays a key role in the city’s COVID-19 reimbursement efforts. all the money back,” Addy told the commission. She said the reimbursement requests are subject to many stipulations, including providing the county with itemized invoices and cleared checks. “It was very time consuming, but I’m glad we put in for it because we got a lot of money back,” Addy said. The reimbursable expenditures included signage, hand sanitizers, automated paper towel dispensers, gloves, masks, putting people to work remotely, acquiring the software needed to conduct virtual meetings and additional expenses the city had not budgeted for.
“It’s a significant amount of money compared to some of the neighboring cities. I think Bradenton Beach got $5,500. I do want to put in for another submission and I have that almost ready to go,” Addy said. She anticipates the city receiving approximately $40,000 in additional CARES Act reimbursements. “Bravo,” Commissioner Jon Crane said. “I continue to be impressed with you, the mayor and our staff. I want to congratulate you. You guys are just amazing. You make this job really easy for us. Thank you,” Commissioner Joe Muscatello said. “Here, here,” Carter added.
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OCTOBER 7, 2020
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LOCALLY KNOWN. GLOBALLY CONNECTED. SINCE 1976.
COVE SOUND YACHT CLUB 12903 Yacht Club Place Gregory Zies & Kathy Valente 941-779-3081 A4455943 $1,200,000
VILLAS OF HOLMES BEACH 206 52nd Street 3 Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4464002 $989,000
MAINSAIL BEACH INN 101 66th Street 6 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452260 $595,000
MANGROVE WALK ON HARBOUR ISLE 246 Sapphire Lake Drive 201 Laura Rulon & Betsy Hagen 941-896-2757 A4477933 $589,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 97 52nd Street Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4468151 $2,350,000
MAINSAIL BEACH INN 107 66th Street 12 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452254 $870,000
TIDY ISLAND 73 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4477926 $690,000
MARINA WALK ON HARBOUR ISLE 383 Aruba Circle 201 Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4466540 $570,000
MAINSAIL BEACH INN 103 66th Street 10 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452245 $567,125
NEW CONSTRUCTION TIDY ISLAND 51 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4469997 $539,000
EDGEWATER WALK ON HARBOUR ISLE 371 Compass Point Drive 101 Betsy Hagen & Laura Rulon 941-216-0721 A4470148 $515,000
BRIDGEPORT 501 Gulf Drive N 102 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4475704 $449,900
MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS
WILDEWOOD SPRINGS 701 Oakview Drive 701 Deborah Capobianco & Kristi Berger 941-704-2394 A4476294 $271,000
SHORE ACRES 804 59th Street NW Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4477227 $269,000
RIVERSIDE POINT 5473 56th Court E Tyler Hardy 941-201-4574 A4433047 $229,900
888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM
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SPORTS
OCTOBER 7, 2020
Goalies keep the scoring low in Island youth soccer games BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
A team can’t score if it can’t get past the goalie. That was reaffirmed Tuesday night at The Center with four youth soccer games all with total goals less than four and the largest point spread at two goals. In the first eight-to 10-year old age group game of the night, Beach Bums bested Moss Builders 1-0 on a goal scored by Hayden Eurice. Eurice also made two critical saves toward his team’s win. Teammate Ryan Cyrus also had two saves in the game. Moss Builders’ Austin Guess had two saves in the match up, along with a single stop by Xane Flores. Goalies Liam Nunez and Jack Zaccagnino each had six saves for the Miz & Hiz Biz and Progressive Cabinetry soccer squads, respectively, in a 3-1 win for Progressive. The two goals by Jack McCarthy and solo score off the foot of Jesse Zaccagnino earned Progressive Cabinetry the win.
Nixon Conner, for Miz & Hiz Biz, scored the lone goal for his team. At the net in the keeper position, Bam Gartmen had three saves of his own for the Biz team. Tidy MD won the first game in the older age group battles on the pitch. In the game, Slim’s Place’s Elek Brisson had one save and one recorded assist. Teammate Madison Ferrari had the only goal for the team in the 3-1 loss. Three players protected the net for the victors. Tidy’s Victor Albrecht show his strength in the goal with three saves. Albrecht also had a hat trick in the game, scoring all three points for team Tidy MD. Both Frankie Coleman and Jayden Sparks prevented a score. The final match up of the night finished in a 0-0 score. The lack of points on the scoreboard does not mean shots were not taken, however. With the shots, goalkeeper Benjamin Young had eight stops for ugly Grouper, while Gulf Drive Café’s Dennis Gallager had four of his own. Evan
Talucci had four saves in the game, giving the Gulf Drive squad a total of eight saves as well to end another night of youth soccer on the Island.
SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 YOUTH CO-ED SOCCER EIGHT-TO 10-YEAR OLD LEAGUE WEEK #4 Moss Builders Beach Bums
(1-1-1) 0 (2-0-1) 1
Miz & Hiz Biz Progressive Cabinetry
(0-3-1) 1 (2-0-1) 3
YOUTH CO-ED SOCCER 11-TO 14-YEAR OLD LEAGUE WEEK #4 Tidy MD Slim’s Place
(3-0-1) 3 (0-4) 1
Gulf Drive Café Ugly Grouper
(2-0-2) 0 (1-2-1) 0
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER WEEK #2 Slim’s Place Solid Rock Construction
Signature Granite Blalock Walters
(1-0-1) 6 (1-0-1) 6
Sato Real Estate Skinny’s Place
(1-1) 8 (0-2) 6
Progressive Cabinetry Ugly Grouper
(0-2) 3 (1-1) 7
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL WEEK #3
Progressive Cabinetry (1-2) 45 Gulfview Windows and Doors (0-2) 20 Sandbar Moss Builders
(2-1) 31 (1-2) 30
Slim’s Place Ugly Grouper
(2-1) 19 (1-1) 12
Solid Rock Construction Beach Bums
(3-0) 40 (1-2) 20
(2-0) 7 (1-1) 3
MANDATE: County face-covering mandate repealed FROM PAGE 22
“I have 70 employees and I just want to thank the commission for the mask mandate. You have the right not to wear a mask. Please don’t come to my restaurant. You need to wear a mask in my restaurant because we care about everybody,” Slicker said. “Scientific studies have shown that masks work. Not wearing a mask is not kind. Not wearing a mask is not patriotic. Our parents would wear masks. Past generations would wear masks. This is about taking care of people. “Unfortunately, without the mandate, I have 16-year-old hostesses and 18- and-19-year-old servers that are harassed daily by people who don’t want to wear a mask. My business picked up because you passed that mandate and made it easier for us all to do our job. Having a mandate really helps us,” Slicker said.
Joining by phone, school board member Charlie Kennedy encouraged the commission to continue the mandate or least continue to recommend face coverings. “There’s a lot of peer pressure around masks. When a business owner has a customer come into their establishment, or a school principal has a parent walk onto their school campus, that person can just say I am mandated to do this because this is what my local government is telling me I have to do. I think it sends a signal that we believe in science, that we believe in data. The vast majority of us know that masks are a positive step in the direction of suppressing COVID,” Kennedy said.
COMMISSION COMMENTS
After public input, Baugh said, “It’s not the wearing of masks, but the mandate itself that was the is-
Scientific studies have shown that masks work. Not wearing a mask is not kind. Not wearing a mask is not patriotic.” Bob Slicker, Swordfish Grill general manager sue. The majority of people wear a mask – and not because of the mandate, but because they know it’s the right thing to do. I don’t think the mandate really made a big difference. It’s really up to each individual business.” Whitmore then said, “I respectfully don’t agree. I know masks make a difference. I’m looking at this graph here from the Department of Health.” She was referring to 60 new positive COVID-19 cases discovered in
Manatee County on Saturday, Sept. 26 and reported the following day. Benac was the only commissioner who voted to rescind the facecovering resolution after previously supporting it. After Jonsson made the motion to adopt her proclamation, Benac said, “It was an extremely tough decision for me, but I wanted to make it clear that my position has not changed. Everybody is saying you need to keep wearing a mask to slow the transmission.”
OCTOBER 7, 2020
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Half a poverty-to-wealth metaphor 5 Shows affection, dogstyle 10 Amt. rarely paid by a car buyer 14 Came down 15 Puget Sound, e.g. 16 Elevator name 17 Building emergency exit 19 Takes too much for oneself 20 Natural skill 21 Ark landing site: Abbr. 23 P&L part 25 Injure badly 26 Pay 29 Letters at the end of a proof 32 Fish with a net 35 German gent 36 Stalin-era prisons 38 Green acres
Answers to 09-30-20 Crossword Puzzle.
39 Some nest egg components 40 Only monosyllabic U.S. state 41 Weighty Brit. references 42 Tease 43 "Ars Poetica" poet 44 Craving 45 Time off 47 From S.F. to Vegas 48 Aquarium cutie 49 Math subj. 51 Palm starch 53 "Spring Symphony" composer 57 Be released 61 West Virginia resource 62 They're holstered in old Westerns 64 Forget to include 65 Connoisseur 66 Provide the bank blueprints for, say 67 Even civil ones aren't
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friendly 68 Bedding component 69 Flu fighters Down 1 Finn conveyance 2 Et __: and others 3 "Atta __!" 4 Heinz Field NFL team 5 Grocery shoppers' aids 6 Ltd. relative 7 Refuse to talk, with "up" 8 Didn't give away 9 Iron output 10 Angora goat fabric 11 Severe weather warning 12 Latvian capital 13 Sibilant "Hey!" 18 First chimp in orbit 22 "Peanuts" word of frustration 24 With 31-Down, hoedown activities, and a hint to the circled letters 26 Pirouette 27 Elevated dwelling 28 "Sit, sit" 30 Sports bureau cofounder Al or Walter 31 See 24-Down 33 Golfer's "pitching" club 34 Surgical cutter 36 Controversial crop alteration, for short 37 "Golly!" 41 Too tired to go further 43 Big wheel on a ship 46 Gymnast's jumps
48 Prayer opener 50 Settles 52 Contract negotiator 53 Flat-bottomed garbage hauler 54 Deep sleep
55 Builder who lived to be 950 56 Central church part 58 Cartoonist Goldberg 59 The "E" in DOE: Abbr. 60 Spanish pronoun
63 Actress Wallace of "E.T."
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CLASSIFIED
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EMPLOYMENT
THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com
JESSIE’S ISLAND STORE has immediate openings for full and part time cashiers for both day and night shifts. 2 to 3 shifts per week apply in person at 5424 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach or call 941-778-6903
ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
BOATS BOATS ARE STILL SELLING Very Well. No Listing Agreements. No Time Constraints, Just Easy 20 years, Excellent Reputation, Hundreds of Boats Sold. Islandboatsales. net 941-228-3489
CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216
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HOTEL ON ANNA MARIA seeking Housekeeper Full time, Part time. Must have two years experience. We drug test. Must speak English. If no Answer, leave message. 813-735-4373. HELP WANTED. HARD WORKING AND MOTIVATED employee for a small family friendly restaurant. Full/ Part Time available. Front or Back of House. Inquire in person at PIZZA SOCIAL, 308 Pine Ave, Anna Maria. THE AWARD-WINNING ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, (https://amisun. com; www.facebook. com/AnnaMariaIslandSun), is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourismdriven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to news@amisun.com or by U.S. Postal Service to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, attention: Mike Field, publisher.
FISHING CHARTERS CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077
RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call Mike Kern 941-7781115 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571
JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors. Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.
ISLE TILE EXPERT INSTALLATION of floors, custom showers, backsplash, deck/lanai. Licensed and insured. References available. Call Chris at 941-3028759 please visit website: isletileservices.com COASTAL INTERIORS Trim, paint, repairs and more 27yrs experience Local 786-318-8585
HOME SERVICES THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www. thehardwoodstop.com
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
OCTOBER 7, 2020
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing: driveways, walkways, fences, pool decks/ cages. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315.
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 CUSTOM PAINTING, Residential-Commercial, Interior/Exterior Professional quality work for over 40 years. Free estimates. Call Larry at 941-400-8754. References available.
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
HOUSE FLIPPERS DREAM! Beautiful lakefront treed lot with house in Holmes Beach. One block to beach. $650,000. For details contact amiturtles@earthlink. net
RENTALS: ANNUAL RESORT LIVING JUST off the ISLAND, Renovated 2BR/2BA open floor plan condo at Mount Vernon with access to Sarasota Bay. $1,795 includes all utilities. Immediate occupancy. Call Paige Rogers Duncan Real Estate 513-3821992.
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TURN KEY FURNISHED VRBO River District Bradenton. Estately Gardens Vacasa. $769,000 Call Brenda Boyd May. Broker owner Boyd Realty. 941-730-8589 509 PINE AVE ,ANNA MARIA. $1,690,000. 2 Cottage homes w/pool. Zoned nightly rentals/ Retail/Commercial. Furnished w/rentals in place. Virtual Tour Avaliable. Christine Kourik Re/max 941-538-7414 RUNAWAY BAY CONDO-Bradenton Beach $335,000 water view 2BR/2BA furnished. Virtual Walk thru Tour Available. Christine Kourik Re/Max 941-538-7414 GULF FRONT CONDO, 2BR/2BA, furnished, tile floors, updated kitchen and bathrooms. Holmes Beach $649,900. Sharon Hightower 941-330-5054.
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RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL 2BR/1BA STEPS to Beach. Tile floors, dining area, deck with Gulf View, carport, storage room, washer/dryer. $1850/ mo. + utilities. First, Last & security deposit. Call 941778-3427 ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH cute 1BR efficiency. Washer/dryer hookup. No dogs $950/mo. First, last & security. Credit check required. Available November 1. Call 941-809-2488 ANNUAL RENTAL 3BR/2BA ground floor duplex. Close to Beach & shopping. Includes washer/dryer, security system, internet, trash. No smoking, friendly small dog considered. $1975/mo. First, last & security deposit. Call 860922-3857.
COZY COTTAGE SANDPIPER 55+ Resort. 1 ½ minute walk to Beach or Bay. 1BR/1BA. Washer/ dryer. For Sale or Rent. Call 941251-4767. Leave number on machine.
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION MONTHLY RENTAL 1BR/2BA apartment with pool access. Bottom floor, pool is unheated, no washer/dryer. Steps to beach. No pets. $3800/ mo rent. Cleaning fee plus 12% tax. Available starting January 1, 2021. Call 941778-0426 TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 SIX MONTH RENTAL West of Gulf Drive. City of Anna Maria. 2BR/1BA upstairs apartment. $3000/mo. Call 941-778-4499
SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $700-$850/wk REDEKERCONDOSonAMI.com 941704-7525 AVAILABLE JANUARY 1, 2021 thru March 31. 1BR Condo. One block to Beach. Free WIFI, large pool. $9750 for 3 months. Call 941-447-3071
ROOMMATE WANTED ROOMMATE WANTED VERY PRIVATE. MUST SEE. CALL 941-685-0045
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi. com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Mask & gloves provided. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600
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