ANNE YARBROUGH |
Tolls will eventually be levied on Cortez Village Marina boaters while other boaters will continue to use the canal for free.
Canal access will remain free for canalside homeowners, Buttonwood Inlet and Holiday Cove RV resort guests and others, but those who store their boats at the Cor tez Village Marina will soon be asked to pay a fee to use the canal that provides marina boaters with their only direct water access to the nearby Intracoastal Waterway. These revelations were made by Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty during the rebuttal testimony he gave on Sept. 2 during a multi-day administrative hearing that began in June, continued in August and resumed on Sept. 1. The hearing is expected to conclude on Tuesday, Sept. 13. Administrative law Judge Bruce Culpep per is being asked to issue a recommended order as to whether the environmental resource permit the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) issued in 2021 to Gobuty and his Cortez Road Investments & Finance Inc. owner ship group was properly issued. The permit allows for the construction of 49 canal-side docks as part of the 86-home Hunters Point community being constructed along Cortez Road West east of the Cortez Bridge. The construction of the docks is on hold until the permit dispute is resolved.
BRADENTON BEACH – City of ficials soon will begin negotiating with Easy Parking Group owner Josh LaRose to create a paid parking pro gram on city-owned lots.
“Paid parking can give us a nice stream of revenue without raising SEE PAID PARKING, 27
PAGE
Dispute leads to tolls, traffic lights for canal boaters
Paid parking coming to Bradenton Beach
GREG LAPENSEE Bowling Tournament rolls on Saturday at Bowlero. 8-9
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
The MHC Cortez Village LLC group that owns the nearby Cortez Village Marina challenged the SWFWMD permit and claimed the addition of the Hunters Point SEE TOLLS, PAGE 31
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
SUN Beachgoers crowd Manatee Beach at the start of the Labor Day weekend on Saturday. More on the weekend on Page 3.
CIGARETTES, STRAWS to be banned in Holmes Beach. 5
- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class - September 7, 2022 Anna Maria Island, Florida The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com
Labor Day fun in the sun 27
BY JOE HENDRICKS
Josh LaRose is proposing paid parking for at least two city-owned parking areas in Bradenton Beach.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Easy Parking Group owner Josh LaRose presented a proposal for paid parking to the city commission.
“I figured I’d put it on the agenda and see what everyone else’s thoughts are,” Commissioner Jake Spooner said when initiating the paid parking discussion.
CORTEZ – Boaters can expect one-way navigational patterns in the privatelyowned Hunters Point canal, with some having to pay automated tolls to use it.
INJURED TURTLE found in Cortez rehabbed, released. 15
Page
BY JOE HENDRICKS
The commission unanimously au thorized City Attorney Ricinda Perry, Police Chief John Cosby and other members of the city team on Aug. 30 to enter into direct contract negotiations with LaRose to implement a paid park ing pilot program that provides the city the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of the initial program before entering into a long-term contract.
941.778.1515 | 111 South Bay Blvd | Anna Maria Island, FL. Watermelon sa lad balsamicwareductiontermelonarugulaoliveoilbasilmintfeta 2 THE SUN www.amisun.com SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
ANNA MARIA ISLANDThe official number of visi tors to the Island won’t be available for a few days, but this Labor Day weekend ap peared to be a more subdued event than last year, when the post-COVID travel boom brought a record number of visitors to the Island. “We came to Panama City first to visit a friend there, then we headed here,” said Tom Biscontine, who trav eled here with his wife, Stacy, from Illinois. “We have a wedding to go to in Bradenton, so coming to the Island was a nobrainer.”
Labor Day weekend was a bit less crowded than last year, but still a busy holiday weekend marking the unofficial end of summer.
Summer’s unofficial end comes quietly
According to statistics from Manatee County regarding the tax dollars brought in from the 5% tax on tourist rentals on the Island, the summer months have seen a sharp decline from 2021, showing that the freedom to travel burst after the COVID-19 lockdown has started to level off. “I know we need our tour ists to keep our economy strong, and I love them,” said Maria Nunez, of Holmes Beach. “On the other hand, it’s nice to get to work in just a few minutes rather than planning for chaos.”
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com THE SUN 3
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Left, the Brown family spent Labor Day weekend on the Island to celebrate a friend’s wedding. Right, Stacy and Tom Biscontine enjoy a weekend on the Island, stopping to browse on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.
Normally, holiday weekends on Anna Maria Island cause serious traffic issues, but this year, some beachgoers found roads less crowded.
Both Lt. Lenard Diaz of the Bradenton Beach Police Department and Chief Bill Tokajer of the Holmes Beach Police Department say Labor Day weekends are not typical ly as busy as the Fourth of July or Memorial Day weekends because children are back in school and it’s a tight window for air travel in that short time frame. Regardless, all the police departments on the Island increased the number of officers on patrol last week end and got assistance from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which not only patrols the city of Anna Maria, but brings in additional officers to Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach on holidays.
“It took us over an hour to cross the Palma Sola Cause way last year,” Brandon resident Tommy Stamper said. “This year on the same day it took less than 20 minutes.”
Biscontine says his father was a regular at the Coquina Beach Cafe for years, even having his own reserved chair with his name on it. The couple likes to come to the Island, but says they usu ally avoid the busy holiday weekends.“Wearesurprised, it’s not crazy at all here right now, it’s really nice,” Biscontine said. “We love the beaches here, the people, the food, and, of course, the live music. We love to go see a great band and there are plenty here.”
BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
Maro mentioned a large boat and boat trailer that had been stored for some time in the front yard of a rental home at 2113 Ave. B, which is now slated for demolition.
The Anna Maria City Commission’s Thursday, Sept. 8 meeting will begin immediately following the conclusion of the first of two public hearings pertaining to the city’s 2022-23 fiscal year budget. The budget hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. Dur ing the regular meeting, the mayor will present a revised interlocal agreement regarding the use of the City Pier as a water taxi stop. The mayor will present a resolution pertaining to Island Players theater parking and an easement agreement for pending Pine Avenue sidewalk improvements. The mayor will also discuss parking ticket collections. To access and participate in Thursday’s meetings by phone, call 1-929-205-6099 and enter the meet ing ID, 85392000280.
A charter county government could further restrict city governments’ already-shrinking home rule rights, opponents say. The meeting begins at 2 p.m. at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. The meeting can also be accessed by telephone by call ing 1-929-205-6099 and entering the meeting ID, 85392000280.
The larger boat on the left has been removed from the front yard of this rental residence on Avenue B.
CONTRASTING VIEWS Commissioners Jake Spooner and Ralph Cole expressed their opinions that being allowed to store a boat and boat trailer in one’s front yard is an attraction to many residents who live in a boating community like Bradenton Beach.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
The Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 14 will include a presentation by attorney Wade Vose pertaining to charter county governments, a controversial topic that is once again resurfacing in Manatee County.
Spooner said he understood Maro’s concerns even if he did not share them. Cole said he was experiencing “déjà vu” because the commission en gaged in a similar discussion a couple of years ago. Regarding the potential impact on neighboring property values, Cole said he hasn’t heard of anybody having trouble selling a resi dential property in Bradenton Beach. Spooner noted some people store small sailboats in their front yards and others store larger center console boats. Gilbert said some people store motor homes in their front yards and others store multiple personal water craftSpoonerthere. questioned how the city code could be revised in a manner that properly accounts for these var ied storage uses. Cole said changing the rules to address a few problem atic boats could negatively impact many more city residents. Spooner said prohibiting front yard boat stor age would take away a right granted to Bradenton Beach residents for decades. Spooner also said the major ity of boats he sees stored in front yards belong to permanent residents, notCommissionervacationers. Jan Vosburgh ques tioned why recreational vessels and vehicles are not required to be parked in the backyard. Spooner said many standard-sized lots don’t provide enough space to access the backyard for boat storage.
The discussion ended with the commission voting 4-1 in support of Spooner’s motion to leave the recre ational parking regulations as they are. Maro opposed that motion.
At Maro’s request, recreational vehicle and vessel parking was discussed at the city commission’s Aug. 30 work meeting. Maro said some of her constituents have ex pressed concerns about these park ing and storage activities potentially impacting their property values.
Front yard boat storage questioned
Water taxi agreement on Thursday’s agenda
Bradenton Beach budget hearings set
Building Official Steve Gilbert referenced Section 308.14.1 of the city code of ordinances, which says: “Campers, trailers, boats with trailers, boat trailers and similar recreational type equip ment shall be permitted to park in off-street parking spaces in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 (residential) districts providing that there shall be no more than one recreational vehicle per dwelling unit located in the front yard. Additional rec reational vehicles shall be located behind the front wall of the dwell ing or Gilbertstructure.”saidthe code could be re vised by the commission, but Maro was the only commission member in favor of doing so. Gilbert said storing golf carts on a residential property for commercial purposes would be addressed in another section of the city code and would warrant a different discussion.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The first of two public hearings pertaining to the city of Anna Maria’s proposed $11.4 million 202223 fiscal year budget and proposed 2.05 millage rate will take place at city hall on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. The $11.4 million in proposed rev enues includes $3.57 million in ad valorem prop erty tax revenues and $1.4 million in city-levied stormwater fees. The $13.6 million in proposed expenditures includes $1.75 million for storm water and drainage projects, $798,752 for street paving projects and $1.9 million for the pending Reimagining Pine Avenue sidewalk, crosswalk and lighting improvements. The proposed budget previously presented by Mayor Dan Murphy leaves the city with $2.25 million in reserves that could be used to address any emergencies or unforeseen financial needs.
On Thursday, Sept. 8, the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Bradenton Beach City Commission will con vene for separate public hearings pertaining to the adoption of their respective 2022-23 millage rates and fiscal year budgets. Taking place at city hall, the CRA budget hearing will begin at 5:05 p.m. The city commission’s budget hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m.
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Bradenton Beach’s code of ordinances allows one recreational vehicle or vessel to be stored in the front yard of a residential property.
The Sun’s recent visit to the property also revealed a boat owned by tenant Matt Bauer parked alongside the driveway. Bauer said the other boat parked in the front yard belonged to his landlord, Stephan Najmy. Bauer later said the other boat was removed several hours after the morning work meeting ended.
County charter presentation on BIEO agenda
IN BRIEF
4 THE SUN ISLAND NEWS SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
Anna Maria budget hearings to begin
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners discussed – but took no action – on Commissioner Marilyn Maro’s concerns about boats and other recreational ve hicles being stored in front yards. In recent months, Maro has ex pressed concerns about golf carts, boats and other recreational ve hicles in front yards, particularly at vacation rental properties. She’s questioned whether some vacation rental properties are being used to store golf carts being offered for rent and whether some people are buying residential properties for storage purposes.
HOLMES BEACH – City lead ers are one step away from ban ning the distribution of plastic straws and the mayor says they’re not getting a lot of push back from local business owners. Commissioners are planning to have a final public hearing and vote on an ordinance banning the distribution of plastic straws by food service establishments dur ing a Thursday, Sept. 15 meeting. If the ordinance passes, everyone who sells food and drinks in the city will have to make the change to using paper, bamboo or other environmentally-friendly straws. Mayor Judy Titsworth said she’s been working with code compliance officers on outreach for the ordinance and, so far, they’ve only received comments from one food service establish ment and those comments were positive.Commissioners began consid ering the ordinance as a way to reduce single-use plastic waste and cut down on litter in the city. Due to constraints by the state of Florida, plastic straws are the only single-use plastic item that local governments can choose to restrict.Iftheordinance passes a final vote, businesses would have up to six months to use up their existing plastic straw inventory and make the switch to a more sustainable product. The ban would include service items only and not extend to prepackaged items, like juice boxes. Any busi ness that sells drinks or other items with plastic straws in the city would be affected, including the deli at Publix and the café at Manatee Beach.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com THE SUN 5
The ban extends only to filtered ciga rettes. Hand-rolled cigarettes and cigars without filters, vaping devices and ecigarettes are not included. If the ordinance passes a final vote, the fine will be $75 for a first offense. Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that his of ficers would work to educate the public about the new smoking regulation, if it passes, before issuing citations.
HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners are seeking to reduce litter in the city, and one of the ways they’re considering is banning smoking on the beach and in cityWhileparks.the proposed smoking ban ordinance passed the first reading by a 4-1 vote, it still has to pass a final public hearing and vote during a Thursday, Sept. 15 meeting be fore it can be regulatingstatingproposedself,Soustek,Commissionerenforced.Carolasmokerhervotedagainsttheordinance,shefeelsthatsmokingoutdoors is over stepping.
City straws
Commissioners pursue smoking ban
leaders move to ban plastic
FILE PHOTO
While City Attorney Erica Augello said commissioners can vote to pass and enforce the ordinance, there are limits to what they can do. For instance, while city leaders can ban smoking in city parks and on city beaches, they cannot regulate it at Manatee Beach, which is Manatee County property.
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6 THE SUN OPINION SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 The Anna Maria Island Sun 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 9 Mahjong Club – Experienced Players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 10 Sunrise paddle, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6:30 a.m. Register with Sarah Denison at sarah.denison@mymanatee.org.
MONDAY, SEPT. 12 Sunset Tai Chi at the Nest, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6:30 p.m.
ON THE AGENDA
THURSDAY, SEPT. 8
ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130 Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Sept. 7, 1:30 p.m. – Historic Preserva tion Board meeting Sept. 8, 5:30 p.m. – City Commission budget meeting with regular meeting to follow Sept. 12, 2 p.m. – City Commission special meeting BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005 Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach. com or contact city hall for more information. Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m. – Community Rede velopment Agency meeting Sept. 7, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Sept. 8, 5:05 p.m. – Community Rede velopment Agency budget meeting Sept. 8, 5:30 p.m. – City Commission budget meeting Sept. 13, 9:30 a.m. – City Commission work meeting Sept. 14, 10 a.m. – Department Head workshop HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800 Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Sept. 14, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting
AMI Chamber members luncheon, The Porch, 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 11:30 a.m., $18 for members or $30 for prospec tive members. Reserve to 941-782-8683. Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m. Teen yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.
Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m. Saturday mornings at the NEST, Rob inson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 2-4 p.m. Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament benefitting The Center, Bowlero Bra denton, 4208 Cortez Road, Bradenton, 5 p.m., $50 per person or $250 for a team of six. Call 941-778-1908 or email info@centerami.org to register.
Sept.ISLAND-WIDE12,2p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall Sept. 13, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting and budget hearing, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton Sept. 14, 2 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Anna Maria City Hall WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 7 Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon.
EVENTS
SEPTEMBER
TUESDAY, SEPT. 13 Preschool yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m. 7, 2022
www.amisun.com THE SUN 7
Donate blood at Roser Church
The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be outside Roser Memorial Community Church on Sunday, Sept. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. All donors receive a free wellness checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and a cho lesterol screening. Donors also will receive a $20 e-gift card, a cancer awareness T-shirt and socks. Photo identification is required to donate. Appointments are encouraged but not required. To make an appointment, call 1-888-936-6283 or visit www.oneblooddonor.org and use sponsor code 37502. Roser is located at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.
SUBMITTED
| ROSER CHURCH
8 THE SUN www.amisun.com SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 6696 Cortez Road 941.792.0077 CORTEZ 1525 51st Avenue East 941.721.7773 ELLENTON Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662) BRIDGE ST. PIER 6906 14th Street West 941.758.7880 LANDSIDE Greetings o It’s all thanks to YO U that we’ve been voted BRADENTON’S BEST! ALL -A R OUND RES TA URANT HAPP Y HOUR | MARG ARIT AS RA W B AR | EARLY BIRD SPECIAL | SEAFOOD
Have some fun and help raise money for The Center of Anna Maria Island at this year’s Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament.Theballstarts rolling on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. at Bowlero Bradenton, 4208 Cortez Road W. Every player will have the opportunity to bowl in three games, competing for top honors as the best male, female and team of the night. Prizes will be awarded to top scorers. The cost to compete is $50 per person or $300 for a team of six people. A team costume contest will be judged with prizes given for the best, most cre ative costumes. In addition to a great night of bowling, the event also will feature a raffle with tickets available to purchase throughout the evening. Donations of raffle prizes areLanewelcome.sponsors are also welcome. Sponsorship of a lane without players is $250, with the sponsor’s name and logo displayed both on the lane and at player check-in. To sponsor a lane with six play ers, the cost is $400 and also includes the sponsor’s name and logo displayed on the lane and at check-in. Signature lane sponsors receive all the perks of being a lane sponsor with a team of six players along with a pitcher of beer at the lane during play and each player receives a tumbler and Center fishing shirt with the sponsor’s logo on it. The cost for signature lane sponsorship is $700. Kids lanes also are available. Only a few lanes remain. To sponsor a lane, contact The Center’s staff at 941-778-1908. Tickets are available online at www. centerami.org/events. Each player’s entrance fee includes three games, shoe rental and snacks, including pizza and wings.Thebowling tournament is sponsored by LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air with all proceeds going to support The Center.
Bowl, support Center at Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament
The Bradenton Beach City Com mission has approved Police Chief John Cosby’s request to spend $95,664 to purchase one Ford Interceptor police vehicle and one Ford Responder police vehicle, plus an additional $4,000 to pur chase two AED trauma kits, one for each new vehicle. The com mission approved the budgeted expenditure on Aug. 18. City purchasing two police vehicles
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com THE SUN 9
10 THE SUN www.amisun.com SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM in the Chapel 10:00 AM in the Sanctuar y Nurser y • Children’s Church ONLINE • Watch LI VE or LATER RoserChurch.com Text ROSE R to 22828 to rece ive t he weekl y e Bulletin The CHAPEL is open during o ce hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch Roser Church “...a beautiful place to explore your faith...” City officials concerned about trash cans on street The city plans to increase enforcement of sanitation ordinance violations.
“What do we do with the garbage cans that are out by the road at all times? Do we ‘suck it up, buttercup?’ Do we change the way it is with side yard pickup, have no sideyard pickup, require everyone to have sideyard pickup?” he asked.
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amsun.com
JOE HENDRICKS
| SUN Vacation rental trash and recycling containers are a familiar sight in Bradenton Beach. SEE TRASH, PAGE 21
BY JOE HENDRICKS
BRADENTON BEACH – Mayor John Chappie continues to lament the con stant presence of trash containers left alongside city streets. Chappie and the city team, which in cludes City Attorney Ricinda Perry, Build ing Official Steve Gilbert and Public Works Director Tom Woodard, have previously discussed the problem and Chappie re quested a trash can discussion during the city commission’s Aug. 30 work meeting. The city’s transient public lodging es tablishment (TPLE) ordinance requires vacation rental properties to use sideyard trash pickup, a service requiring Waste Pro employees to retrieve the trash and recycling containers from the side of the rental home and return them to the same location after emptying them. Instead, full trash containers are often placed roadside after being emptied.
Chappie mentioned vacation rental property managers, cleaning crews and rental guests as primary contributors to the lingering trash container problem Waste Pro hasn’t been able to solve.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com THE SUN 11
LSV drivers can be cited for impeding the flow of traffic if their vehicle doesn’t go at least close to the posted speed limit.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
“It’s important to remember though, that many of these rental agencies that rent out the carts have their own rules about where they can go,” Diaz said. “I think some of them don’t permit the carts to leave the Island. While the rental companies should make sure every renter is well-versed on all of the rules regarding the carts, in the end, as far as our depart ment is concerned, the driver is respon sible for their decisions and their knowl edge of the laws and rules. They’ll get the ticket, not the rental company.”
“We’ve really tried to educate rather than just write tickets,” Bradenton Beach Police Lt. Lenard Diaz said. “We try to tell people that if you look in the rearview mirror and see you’re backing up traffic, pull over to the side safely and let traffic pass. The issue we’re having, though, is that people are not pulling over and stop ping, but rather pulling into the bike lane and waving people around them. This is not only illegal, it’s dangerous for anyone using the bike lane.” Diaz says pulling over and letting traffic pass if you can’t go a reasonable speed is not only the courteous thing to do but it’s also the law.
Officers remind drivers of LSV safety rules
On Anna Maria Island, all of the city of Anna Maria has a 25-mph posted speed limit. In Holmes Beach, the speed limit is also 25 mph with the exceptions of Mana tee Avenue and East Bay Drive where the speed limit is 35 mph. In Bradenton Beach, many city streets have a speed limit of 25 mph, though sections of Gulf Drive have a 35-mph speed limit. Typically, low-speed vehicles travel at a top speed of 25 mph, though that speed can be affected by a number of circum stances including the size and type of the vehicle and the number of passengers.
The Suddock family, with dad, Matt, and kids, Lawson and Kaylynn, in the front seat and mom, Ashley, with baby, Preston, in the back seat, are practicing good LSV safety on a ride down Bay Street in Bradenton Beach. Everyone is wearing a seatbelt and Preston is securely fastened into a child seat.
The same rules apply that would apply in a car.”One of the biggest frustrations for To kajer and other law enforcement officials on the Island is that some users may not realize the danger of not taking the proper safety precautions when driving or riding in one of the smaller vehicles. An LSV weighs significantly less than a mo tor vehicle, is much smaller and does not have the same safety equipment, includ ing air bags, doors and windows.
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Almost all the rental vehicles on the Island have GPS transmitters on them, so anyone violating the rules could suffer consequences such as having their rental contract terminated. Also, both Diaz and Tokajer agree that driving an LSV across the Cortez Bridge is dangerous because there is no shoulder and a collision could beTheredeadly.have been multiple accidents in volving LSVs on the Island, ranging from a near-fatal accident last year in Holmes Beach to more than one collision in Bra denton Beach in the past six months.
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Learn some of the do’s and don’ts of driving a low-speed vehicle on Anna Maria Island.
BY JASON SCHAFFER
In Holmes Beach, golf carts - the unli censed type that are built primarily for use on golf courses - are permitted to be driven on city streets by residents only. Any rental vehicle on the Island, despite looking like a golf cart, is required to be an LSV, which has a license plate and is registered with the Florida Department of MotorLSVsVehicles.arenotpermitted to be driven across the Anna Maria Island Bridge
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
We also look forward to s erving you at:
ANNA MARIA ISLAND - As more visi tors come to Anna Maria Island, many are realizing that renting a golf cart-style low-speed vehicle can be a fun and effec tive way to get around. For residents and visitors alike, it’s important to remember that the same rules apply whether driving a car or an LSV. When operating an LSV, the driver is required to be licensed, just like in a car or truck, and all passengers must wear a seatbelt. Young children also are required to be secured in an appropriate child seat for their age and size. “We are enforcing seatbelt laws, moni toring the usage of the golf carts to make sure the driver is authorized to drive and we’re monitoring capacity,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said. “Children are supposed to be in car seats and all passengers need to be seatbelted.
on Manatee Avenue and down through the Palma Sola Causeway Beach area to the mainland due to an increase in the speed limit to 45 mph. Whether or not the vehicles are legally permitted to cross the Cortez Bridge leading from Bradenton Beach to the village of Cortez is still up forDiazdebate.said his department does not pa trol the bridge, so Bradenton Beach police will not stop an LSV from crossing in either direction. A representative from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which patrols unincorporated Manatee County where Cortez is located, was unable to cite a local ordinance or state statute specifically stating whether or not the vehicles are allowed to cross that bridge.
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BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com
With 25 to 30 contracted projects in progress, “There is equipment ready to be used now that could control red tide in a canal or marina-sized area. We are very close to deployment,” he said. “Permitting through DEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protec tion) has to be worked through.”
Testing is being done in three tiers: Tier 1 is conducted in the laboratory and looks at whether each technique kills cells and eliminates toxins in the lab. Mitigation techniques being studied in Tier 1 include natural com pounds such as macroalgal and bacte rial algicides, clay, curcumin, macroal gae and beer-derived flavonoids along with manufactured compounds such as activated carbon.
SARASOTA - As more than two dozen teams of researchers study and develop red tide control and mitigation technologies in a state-funded initia tive, viable solutions to the toxic water issue may soon be on the horizon. The researchers, from both public and private entities, are working under the umbrella of the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Develop ment Initiative, a partnership between Mote Marine Laboratory (Mote) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conserva tion Commission (FWC). A $3 million appropriation from the state’s general revenue fund is granted to the FWC each year for six years, which then awards funds to Mote. The initiative was created by Florida Statute in 2019 to establish a coordinat ed effort to develop prevention, control and mitigation technologies in stem ming the harmful impacts of red tide. Red tide is a higher-than-normal con centration of microscopic toxic algae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms and can lead to fish kills, cause human respiratory problems, close beaches and negatively impact fishing and tour ism“We’reindustries.seeing the last pieces of many promising technologies,” said Kevin Claridge, vice president of Mote Ma rine Laboratory Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy Programs. “This is the first time we’re synergizing a lot of technologies. For example, clay from Southeast Asia - can you marry that to an algicidal product?”
12 THE SUN www.amisun.com SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
The beer-derived flavonoids proj ect tested natural compounds from “brewer’s spent grain” - a byproduct of beer breweries - for their potential to degrade red tide cells. In one study, curcumin is being tested as an algicide.
Ozonix (Prescott Clean Water Tech nologies LLC) is a patented chemical-free water treatment technology that has been used for cleaning contaminated water supplies and agricultural farm waste.
In a collaboration among research ers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts, Mote and the University of Central Florida, clay applications for red tide bloom control are being “Laboratorystudied.studies suggest that kaolinite clay particles can ‘grab,’ sink and destroy K. brevis algae, helping remove K. brevis cells and their toxins from water. Clays have been used to treat other algal blooms for more than 20 years in South Korea and China, often covering areas as large as 40 square miles,” according to a Mote report.
Tier 2 criteria looks at effectiveness in natural communities, determines any adverse effects and logistical issues and examines economic feasibility.
In another, the algicidal (lethal to some species of algae) properties of natu rally occurring bacteria, macroalgae, grasses and seawater are being tested.
“In Tier 3 we are moving toward potential larger uses,” Claridge said.
So far UV-C and EVIE Robot are the only technologies that have made it to Tier 2, with clay and Ozonix being tested in Tier 3.
A robot nicknamed EVIE, a product of Solaris Cybernetics, is being tested in partnership with Mote to determine its ability to identify red tide cells us ing a light sensor, convert the cells to biofuels and store the product.
The UV-C study, a partnership among Mote, Florida International University and nTecSolutions, is examining a field device that uses ultraviolet wavelengths to prevent or mitigate algae blooms in small to medium aquatic ecosystems.
Clay, robots and even the leftovers from beer production are being tested as weapons against toxic red tide.
Tier 3 studies include pilot studies, field demonstrations and federal, state and local regulatory approvals in ca nals, nearshore or offshore settings.
Working to control red tide
Chamber lunch at The Porch
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com THE SUN 13
This fall the Senior Adventures group is back in ac tion with three trips planned in September. The first takes place on Friday, Sept. 9 as the group travels to Jungle Gardens of Sarasota. On Friday, Sept. 16, the group goes to the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa and on Wednesday, Sept. 21 the Senior Adventures group plans to visit the Tampa Museum of Art. The cost for each trip is $5 for transportation, not including any entrance fees for attractions. Reservations are required and space is limited. The van leaves for each adventure from The Center of Anna Maria Island at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. The trips to Jungle Gardens and the Hard Rock Casino leave at 10 a.m. and the art museum adventure leaves at 11 a.m. For more information, or to reserve a space, call 941-7781908. The Senior Adventures trips are a coordinated effort between the Annie Silver Community Center and The Center.
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a luncheon at The Porch Restaurant, 9707 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria, on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mingle with chamber members while enjoying a delicious meal. The fee is $18 for chamber members and $30 for prospective members and guests. RSVP to becky@amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541 to reserve a spot. Don’t forget to bring business cards and a raffle prize to add to the fun.
Locals Realty to hold Halloween bar crawl, food drive
Locals Realty will host their Second Annual Hal loween Bar Crawl and Food Drive to benefit Our Daily Bread Food Pantry on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 7-10 p.m. with visits to popular Island bars to be an nounced at a later date. Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume and meet at the Locals Realty office, 9801 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. Call 941-300-5469 for more details.
WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?
Explore local sites with Senior Adventures
During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, follow these tips to help turtles: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nest ing sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the •water.Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night.
| kswain@amisun.com
• City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941778-1005, ext. 280.
MANATEE COUNTY – Neighbors in the battle for beach access in Holmes Beach say they plan to continue in court, fighting with nearby property owners for a path to the sand to be reopened for public use. Neighbors are pitted against neighbor over a now-closed beach access point on 78th Street. The access path, previously thought to be a public path traversing two pieces of private property, was closed by one of the property owners in April after the Easter holiday weekend. Owner Travis Resmondo said that large numbers of people using the path, leaving trash and blocking access to his vacation home at 101 78th St., among other issues, caused him to close the path to the public, including his 78th Street neighbors. The other property the path crosses is owned by the adjacent Oceana Condominium Association, though an at torney for that group said they did nothing to close the long-used path to the public. The beach path from the end of the street to the sand and Gulf of Mexico has been in use by neighbors for about 70 years. Neighbors of Oceana and Resmondo filed a lawsuit in Manatee County Circuit Court in a bid to have the path reopened to the public. In that case, Judge Charles Sniffen ruled on Aug. 26 against a temporary injunction to reopen the path after a two-day hearing, citing a lack of proof of adverse use of the path. Despite the failure of the motion for temporary injunction, a group of 78th Street property owners are continuing forward with the case for an injunction in hopes of having the path reopened permanently. No date had been set for a new hearing as of press time for The Sun.
• Level sandcastles before leaving the beach; they can block hatchlings from the water.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER
3.10 $1000 1-year
• Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
• City of Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941-7780331, ext. 260.
• City of Anna Maria code enforcement — 941-7086130, ext. 111.
Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
TURTLE TIPS
* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 09/01/22. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC)
14 THE SUN www.amisun.com SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 FDI-1916K-A © 2022 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P ALL RIGHTS RESERVED We’re more than just a great rate. > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC Bank-issued, FDIC-insured Minimum depositAPY*%
John M Campora Financial Advisor 3226 East Bay Drive Anna Maria Island Centre Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941-779-2499
• Remove all beach chairs and other objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings.
• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water. To report large holes or other turtle obstacles, call:
Battle for beach access continues in court
• Don’t use balloons, wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf, and turtles can ingest the •debris.Donot trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights.
SUN jschaffer@amisun.
Waving farewell
Where’s Esther?
Green sea turtle “Waves," rescued near the Seafood Shack Marina in Cortez on May 17, was released at Lido Beach on Aug. 30 after a successful recovery at Mote's Sea Turtle Reha bilitation Hospital. Waves was found entangled in fishing line, which was wrapped around its left flipper and mouth. The turtle was already missing its left rear flipper. Mote staff determined the turtle had been entangled for an extended amount of time and also discovered that the turtle had ingested a spinner hook and was suffering from numerous fibropapilloma tumors. After gaining use of the front left flipper, passing the hook and undergo ing surgery to remove the tumors, Waves was cleared for release. If you see a distressed or deceased sea turtle, manatee, dolphin or whale in Manatee or Sarasota counties, contact Mote’s Stranding Investiga tions Program at their 24hour hotline, 888-345-2335. When calling, be ready to provide a thorough de scription of the animal, its behaviors, and the location. Take photos and video if possible. Never attempt to rescue or push back any animal in distress.
Esther, the loggerhead sea turtle that was satellite-tagged after nesting on Coquina Beach on June 20, has not strayed far from her comfort zone off the coast of Englewood, where she has been for the past three weeks. She continues her strong show ing in the 2022 Tour de Turtles leaderboard, remaining at sev enth place this week. Esther has been as high as fifth place, but appears to put contentment as top priority over competition. She has traveled 203 miles since the official start of the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 13th Annual Tour de Turtles race. She is one of 15 turtles competing in her division in the event with the title going to the turtle that travels the most distance between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31, the end of turtle season. Esther, whose nest successfully hatched last month, is competing to raise aware ness of light pollution, and is sponsored by Waterline Villas & Marinas and Mainsail Vacation Rentals.
ANNE YABROUGH |
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com
SUBMITTED
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT
ANNE YABROUGH | SUN Interns Mary Keane and Jessica McGinnis and staff member Weston Spoon of Mote Marine prepare to release rehabili tated sea turtle “Waves” at Lido Key public beach on Aug. 30.
There is a limit of 10 people per class. Please call us at (941) 761-1555 to reserve your spot. certification from this class.
Roser Church’s Matt Meehan traveled to eastern Kentucky to serve as a part of a team helping families recover from heavy flooding.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND –
*Beginning in January of 202 3, Hands-Only CPR Classes will be offered every 4 th Saturday of the month at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, from 9am to 11am.*
16 THE SUN www.amisun.com SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
@ HOLMES BEACH CITY HALL Help save lives in your community! Every minute CPR is delayed, a victim’s chance of survival DECREASES BY 10%! Help save lives in your community! HANDS-ONLY CPR
SUBMITTED | MATT MEEHAN A volunteer team
a
SEE HELP, PAGE 17
*You will not receive a
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOSTED BY WMFR
Visitors to Roser Memorial Community Church may know Financial Administrator Matt Meehan as a member of the church and frequent presence at events. What they may not know is that he also works frequently as a volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse to help in recovery efforts for disaster victims.Meehan recently took a trip to join other volunteers from around the country in Garrett, Kentucky, one of the many towns affected by heavy flooding and mudslides in the eastern part of the state. After volunteering with the organization several times be fore, Meehan said he received an email that the organization was looking for volunteers to help in the flood relief effort and saw no reason to not go, though this time he went alone, without other volun teers from Roser. Volunteers for the recovery effort were housed at two local churches, one where they were able to stage supplies and mealtimes and another where they were able to shower and sleep. Meehan said that the area, located in a hilly, rocky area of the state, received more than a foot of rain overnight July 27-28, leading to flooding and mud rising as high as 30 feet in some areas. In the town where his group was stationed, a bridge had washed out due to the flooding, leaving the only way in and out of town as a one-lane road through a low-hanging forest. He noted that a survey crew assessed helps local survivor of the eastern Kentucky flood clean out debris from her home.
HOLMES BEACH CITY HALL 5801 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, FL 34217 (941)761-1555WMFR.org
Local lends a helping hand in eastern Kentucky
SUBMITTED
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com THE SUN 17
It took more than one team of volunteers to help this family in eastern Kentucky begin the recovery process.
| MATT MEEHAN
FROM PAGE 16 the bridge, along with seven others in the same county that had been damaged.“Theheight of the water was some times hard to imagine,” he said, “but the drying mud left 25-30 feet above water level, sometimes hundreds of yards from flowing water, made it real.”He worked for several days as a part of volunteer teams made up of people from Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, North Caro lina and Kentucky. Over the course of several days, Meehan said the volunteers helped to clean out debris, pull up wet flooring, cut out ruined drywall and moldy insulation, shovel mud out from homes and even work as part of a bucket brigade pulling mud out of basements in 5-gallon containers. He added that while some people’s homes had items that were salvageable and the houses could be made livable again, others lost every thing. When his time as a volunteer in the area was over, Meehan said that two Samaritan’s Purse volunteer sites in the area had about 400 outstand ing work orders with only about 10% completed.“Thelocal response to this disaster is stronger than any I’ve yet wit nessed,” Meehan said. “Friends fam ily and neighbors helping each other out as much as they can. It seems people in this area were already ac customed to depending on each other to get by and the flood was a test of resilience they were prepared to respond to with teamwork.”
2021
HELP: Local lends a hand in Eastern KentuckySUBMITTED|MATTMEEHAN
Friends and family join volunteers from Samaritan’s Purse to help clear debris, tear up ruined flooring and remove moldy drywall and insulation from houses affected by the flood.
18 SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 19
20 THE SUN www.amisun.com SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 July 2022 tourist tax collections compared to July 2021
SOURCE: MANATEE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR
*(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 tour ism 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 July and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in August. 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.
Anna Maria 42% Bradenton Beach .01% Holmes Beach 12% Manatee County Total* 8%
BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
The Department of Health Manatee (DOH) says they encourage everyone to remain diligent in personal mosquito protection by remembering to “drain and cover.”
· Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlori nated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use. COVER SKIN
· Always read label directions care fully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.
The Guinness Book of World Records lists the mosquito as the deadliest animal in the world due to the diseases they can carry. While diseases such as malaria are rare in the U.S., West Nile virus, dengue and Zika are very real threats and should be taken seriously.
A mosquito enjoys a meal, while its victim must deal with the aftermath.
Commissioner Jake Spooner said he doesn’t want to eliminate the sideyard pickup requirement and vacation rental guests need to stop placing trash cans by the street when they check out. Chappie said many vacation rentals permanently leave their trash cans near the street. Gilbert said trash cans designated for sideyard pickup are marked with decals containing the Waste Pro initials. A trash can bearing that decal is supposed to be returned to its sideyard location.
· Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.·Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND - Although Labor Day weekend marked the unof ficial end of summer, the rainy season lasts well into October, bringing with it the opportunity to be a snack for the Island’s largest population - mosquitos. “I have no idea what you guys com plain about down here, we have a lot more bugs and angrier mosquitos up north than I’ve seen since we’ve been down here,” said Deanna Norton, from the Finger Lakes area of New York. “I don’t know if the lizards eat them here or what, but they will destroy you back home. I’d call them a minor annoyance downWhilehere.”itmay be true that mosqui tos can be more of a nuisance in other parts of the country, the Island is certainly home to plenty of them, and some people seem to be targeted more than others.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Waste Pro employees are supposed to return trash containers marked with WP decals to their sideyard locations.
WP stickers already identify which cans are supposed to be returned to their sideyard locations. He also noted Waste Pro customers pay an additional fee for sideyard service.
· Clothing - Wear shoes, socks and long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
· Repair broken screening on win dows, doors, porches and patios to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com THE SUN 21
With more than a month left of Florida’s rainy season, here’s how to minimize mosquito bites.
· Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or onto clothing, but not under clothing.·Inprotecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the Cen ters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3 years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old.
TRASH: Officials concerned about streetside cans
· Repellent - Apply mosquito repel lent to bare skin and clothing.
FROM PAGE 10 Chappie said Waste Pro doesn’t want their employees going behind fences to retrieve trash containers because they don’t know what they might encounter there. He questioned whether the contain ers should be placed instead on screenedin pads located elsewhere on the property.
Spooner asked if the code enforcement officer is out after 8 p.m. patrolling for trash can retrieval violations. Gilbert, who supervises the city’s only code enforce ment officer, said the city would need one full-time officer just to enforce the sanita tion ordinance. Gilbert said that sideyard collection is a great idea, but it doesn’t work.During public comment, it was noted that the city of Anna Maria budgeted $415,000 in occupancy-based vacation rental registration fee revenues to be used in the coming fiscal year for the enforce ment of its vacation rental ordinance. Gilbert said the city of Bradenton Beach budgets approximately $120,000 for code enforcement as a whole. City Treasurer Shayne Thompson said the city receives approximately $70,000 to $80,000 in an nual vacation rental registration fees. The discussion ended with Chappie saying he would meet again with the city team to discuss the commission feedback received. He’s also going to try to sched ule a meeting with the Island’s larger vacation rental property management companies and “read them the riot act” regarding their trash-related responsibili ties.“We’re going to start handing out cita tions. We’ll just lower the hammer as best we can and let them know this is irrevo cable and irreversible harm,” Chappie said.
Perry said Waste Pro would consider switching to sideyard pickup for every one, including permanent residents, to eliminate the need for their employees to figure out which properties require sideyardSpoonerpickup.saidthe
CDC | SUBMITTED
· Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
DRAIN STANDING WATER
· Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.·Ifadditional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Avoid being a mosquito’s meal
· Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
· Products with concentrations of up to 30% DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-tolu amide) are generally recommended. Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or IR3535. These products are generally available at lo cal pharmacies. Look for active ingre dients listed on the product label.
Perry said there are occasions when Waste Pro employees return the contain ers to their sideyard locations and the containers are then brought back out to the street by the vacation rental cleaning crews.Perry said Waste Pro employees are also leery of hauling trash cans through a driveway filled with parked vehicles out of fear of scraping or damaging them. She said Waste Pro recommends screened-in designated locations near the street. Spooner said he doesn’t want to look down the street and see an endless line of lattice-screened trash can pads. Woodard noted the city’s sanitation ordinance specifies the timeframe during which trash containers can be left by the street.“Containers shall be out for collection by 6 a.m. of the scheduled pick-up day and shall be removed from the collection site by 8 p.m. on the day of collection. Failure to comply within 24 hours shall be a violation of this code,” the ordinance says.“It’s not enforced,” Woodard said. He said the problems will continue until the city commission clearly states what it wants“Someonedone. has to be in charge, and that’s you all,” he told the commission. “How can we enforce this?” Chappie asked.Perry said the city’s code enforcement provisions address “irrevocable and irre versible harm” in a manner that allows a code enforcement officer to immediately issue a citation. “To me, that is the only way we can get there,” she added. She also noted the property owner’s TPLE license can be revoked for repeat violations of city code. Perry said the property management companies need to be informed in a more formal and serious manner of the city’s concerns and the potential enforcement ramifications.Chappiesaid he wants the city’s code enforcement officer to start issuing cita tions and fines to violators.
TimeReel RUSTY CHINNIS SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 23
22 THE SUN OUTDOORS SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
atch and release is a term I haven’t heard much recently. I’ve actu ally seen postings on social media that make me wonder if maybe this important conservation tool needs to be revisited. Catch and release wasn’t commonly discussed in saltwater sportfishing circles when I was growing up. It became prevalent when fish populations became stressed in the late 1980s and or ganizations like the Florida Conservation Association (now the Coastal Conserva tion Association) were being formed. Slowly, it caught on as an important tool to help flagging fisheries rebound. Most anglers I know who practice catch and release have no problem with taking an occasional fish home for dinner. It's more about enjoying the sport and trying to be proactive in helping it to remain healthy and viable. There are many species that have little or no food value that anglers seldom intentionally kill. But catch and release is not just about releasing fish that you don't want, it's also about releasing under sized and unwanted species. Catch and release is a wise use of the resource and that's why it's important that an glers know how to handle fish properly from hook set to release. When we get cut or bruised, we can head for the local drug store, or in more extreme cases the emergency room.Not so for fish. In their world, it's the sick and wounded that fall prey to predators. Releasing fish with a mini mum of damage is important with a 6-pound trout, a 150-pound tarpon and everything in between.
Catch and release redux
RUSTY CHINNIS
| SUN
Knowing how to fight a fish is a big component of catch and release. Capt. Bryon Chamberlin applies maximum pressure on a tarpon, a technique that's key to landing big fish quickly.
FROM PAGE 22
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED
Jeff Lasoski, of Wisconsin, also had good action catching and releasing trout and a tripletail on flies on another trip. Snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option now. You may also find juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks and in a few places mixed with snook around dock lights. Look for reds in skinny water. Fishing deep grass flats for a variety of species is also usually a good op tion for action. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by residen tial, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com THE SUN 23
The hook is another important con sideration. Some anglers don’t like to bend their barbs down because they’re afraid of losing the fish. The key to keeping fish on a barbless hook is keeping a tight line. When you're ready to remove the hook, use a de-hooker. De-hookers will prevent you from having to handle your catch, keep your hands clean, prevent you from inad vertently harming the fish's protective mucus membrane and come in various shapes depending on use. The simplest is J-shaped and removes hooks in or near the jaw. A circular-shaped longer version allows anglers to remove hooks that are deep in the throat of a fish. A set of pliers can also be used if the hook is easily accessible. Anglers who fish for reef fish like snapper and grouper need to learn how to "vent" fish with inflated swim blad ders. Bringing the fish up from deep depths quickly bloats their bladder, which has to be punctured to allow the fish to return to the bottom. For bigger, hard-to-vent fish like Goliath grou per, new technology uses a descender device to get them back down in good shape. Visit the Return 'Em Right proj ect web page to learn how to use the device and get one for free. By being prepared, anglers can use proper catch and release methods to increase a fish’s chance of survival. Taking the time and having the tools and knowledge to release fish properly is a great way to help ensure healthy fish populations both now and in the future. Catch and release is an impor tant concept that needs to be practiced and discussed among anglers.
REEL TIME: Catch and release redux
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT Fly anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key had good action catching and releasing trout and a variety of other species recently.
Pat Beckwith, of Sarasota, and Lyle Beck with, of Virginia, fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines and weighted flies with me, and in addition to numerous trout, they also caught and released mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel and a sharpnose shark.
Pat Beckwith, of Sarasota, with a Spanish mackerel, caught and released on flies while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.
Start by making sure you’re using the right tackle for the species being pur sued. Trying to land a 100-plus pound tarpon on 20-pound tackle might be okay if you're experienced, but to the uninitiated, it's like announcing a free meal to sharks that ply local waters looking for weak or injured prey. You want to enjoy the action but land the fish as quickly as possible. Once you have the fish under control, it's best to never take them out of the water. It might be necessary to revive big fish. That's best accomplished by slow ly motoring forward while holding the fish underwater. They'll let you know when they're ready to be released.
Caught on the fly
Juanita Carter Mikles
Juanita Carter Mikles, 96, of Holmes Beach, Florida, passed away on Aug. 25, 2022. Juanita “Nita" was born in Ft. Pierce, Florida, but spent most of her life in Norfolk, Virginia, Houston, Texas and Holmes Beach, Florida. In stantly liked by everyone who met her, she was an anchor of faith to her fam ily and friends, who loved her dearly.
ANNA MARIA 8/27, 5:50 p.m., attempted burglary/at tempted carjacking, 100 Magnolia Ave. A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy located a suspect who allegedly attempt ed to carjack a vehicle with an adult female driver and female juveniles inside. Holmes Beach police arrived on the scene to assist MCSO, who had the suspect handcuffed. Officers said they smelled a strong odor of alcohol. The adult female victim told police the suspect tried to open her car door. The suspect claimed to have a handgun in his possession, but a search did not reveal any deadly weapons. As the suspect was being placed into the car for transport, he became combative and it took multiple officers to restrain him. He was charged and taken to Manatee County Jail.
24 THE SUN www.amisun.com SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
BRADENTON BEACH 8/29, 10:30 a.m., lost/stolen property, 200 Gulf Drive N. A woman reported being at The Beach House restaurant where her daughter was getting married. She said she was taking pictures with her Canon camera and everyone was drinking. After leaving and return ing home, she realized she did not have her camera. One of the wedding attendees was seen taking the cam era with him when he left, but due to drinking, couldn’t remember where it was. He thought he may have placed it on a vehicle next to the wedding party vehicle. The woman didn’t call police until three days later when she returned to Michigan.
HOLMES BEACH 8/25, 8:41 p.m., possession of controlled substance, 4400 Gulf Drive. After con ducting a traffic stop, officers deter mined that the male driver and female passenger had valid domestic violence injunctions on each other in Indiana. After the two subjects were placed under arrest for violating the injunc tions, a search of the vehicle turned up multiple pipes with residue of metham phetamine, marijuana and suspected fentanyl. The driver was charged with possessing meth and drug parapherna lia, and both subjects were charged for violating the injunctions.
Over her 96 years of life, Nita was a cancer survivor who also had arthritis, a heart condition, and other health issues. However, she never allowed any of these many ailments to prevent her from having a cheerful, positive attitude toward life. She was not only a mother to her two children but was also a friend who was always there. Despite her age, she regularly read her Bible and texted her family and friends, including cell phone photos. Not bad for 96! Music and art were some of her passions. A self-taught artist, she painted several paintings over her lifetime. Her musical instru ments were flute, accordion and piano. Nita also loved RVs and owned three during her lifetime. She was very in volved with nutrition and supplements many years before they became popu lar. But above all, she was a believer and was quoted saying, "I'm going to heaven. Not sure what my position will be there, but I'm going." She is survived by her children, Rich ard (Angela) Mikles and Dana Davis; grandchild, Kimberly Potter; and greatgrandchildren, Juliauna, Elijah and Genesis. She was married to Richard Mikles Sr., who passed away in 1976. She never remarried. She will always be remembered for the wonderful human being that she was, and everyone who knew her is better for it. Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022 at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Cre matory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, Florida 34209 and also on Facebook live at brownandsonsfuneral.com.Condolencesfacebook.com/brownandsonsfuneral.https://www.maybemadeto:www.
BEACHOBITUARIESBEAT
9/2,CORTEZ11:30a.m., silver alert, 11000 block of 38th Avenue W. Laura Brisbois, 86, left her home on Sept. 2 around 11:30 a.m. driving a grey 2015 Chevy Impala and has not returned home. Police say she has become lost before, and it is possible she traveled to the Tampa area. Anyone with informa tion should call MCSO at 941-747-3011.
SUBMITTED
BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@ amisun.com
CORTEZ - Holmes Beach resident Danielle Bodnar received a phone call on May 23 that no mother ever wants to get. Her son, Sean Walsh, had been on a rock climbing trip in Utah and fell 40 feet after a rock he was using for leverage came loose in his hand. Walsh had to be airlifted from the scene while cling ing to life after sustaining a traumatic brain injury and multiple broken bones. He was flown to Grand Junc tion, Colorado where he spent more than a week in the“Ihospital.gotthephone call when he was en route to the hospital, so I flew up to Colorado,” Bodnar said. “I had to be with him for two months because he couldn’t travel. There’s a lot of bills when someone is down for that long, it’s very expensive, that’s why we’re having the fundraiser.” While he is getting better every day, Walsh is still un dergoing extensive physical therapy due to his brain trauma and the road to total recovery will be a long one. Slicker’s eatery in Cortez will be hosting a benefit spaghetti dinner for Walsh on Tuesday, Sept. 13 from 5-7 p.m. The dinner will be $40 and includes a meal and two drinks. There will also be a silent auc tion, 50/50 raffle and a live auction hosted by Slicker’s owner, Bob Slicker. To purchase tickets and RSVP, call Danielle Bodnar at 248-318-4908 or Venmo @ DANIELLE-BODNAR 3. Donations can also be made at gofund.me/323D8B5F.
A fundraiser for Sean Walsh will be held at Slicker’s Eatery on Tuesday, Sept. 13.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com THE SUN 25 Voted Favorite: Live Music, Night Spot, Takeout, Grill and Burger www.TheBestAMIBurger.com 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria 941-567-5999 For Reservations Please Scan the QR code er Anna Maria Something New Coming Soon Stay Tuned for Updates
Slicker’s to hold fundraiser EaterySlicker’swill be holding a fundraiser for the son of an Island resident who was seriously injured in a hiking accident.
The next most popular site is realtor.com (my personal favorite). The app allows you to search for homes, view pictures and video tours, compare neighborhood criteria like noise levels and provides information on flood zones. Listings are in real time and generally reflect all multiple listingNextproperties.upisTrulia, which focuses on local information and allows for personalized alerts with links to pre-qualified financing and financial calculators. Trulia may be a little too technical for the average property surfer but good to use when you have nar rowed down your favorite location. These are the most well-known and the most popular, but there are plenty more like apartments.com, FSBO.com and Homes for Heroes. There are also several home-buying websites that come and go on a regular basis. Zillow tried their hand at this, but their timing was off, starting when home prices were on a sharp rise. They have since dropped out but there are two others who are active - Flyhomes.com andSomethingHomelight.com.thatjust came to my at tention is a website called Roofstock. com, which provides listings and data for investors interested in rental properties to buy. Small investors are actively purchas ing properties frequently out of state and are becoming “Laptop Landlords.” They claim they’re the number one platform for small and large remote investors looking to purchase rental properties. The National Association of Realtors reports that approximately 51% of buyers found the home they purchased on the in ternet, only 28% found their home through their realtor and 4% from yard signs. The good thing about the 1980s was the pace was considerably slower than today, which made it a lot easier to learn and bluff your way through situations you haven’t yet had the time to learn. Every day was a challenge and a learning experi ence, and so much more fun. Our lives may be different now, but I still miss those binders.
Real
In the good old days of the late 1980s when the state of New York told me I was now capable of selling residential real estate, I knew they had no clue. Of course, I also had no clue, but that was part of the challenge. That was before the internet and cell phones when every real estate office had a receptionist at the front desk who took messages and buyers and sellers had the good manners to wait until you returned their call. In that era, real estate was mostly confined to print advertising and labor-intense manual systems. Picture this: Listings were collected in three-ring bind ers for potential buyers to look through. Once they found the perfect home at the perfect asking price in the perfect area, it was out to the realtor’s car for an in-per son tour of the home. Once the multiple listing services were created, realtors could access available properties on the computer, assuming the computer was up and running and the little blue-haired lady who was selling real estate for 100 years could learn the process. And then of course, only licensed realtors could access multiple listing services. That was then and this is now. In the real estate world of today, every available property for sale is at everyone’s finger tips, controlled by websites all competing for your eyeballs. Here’s a breakdown of the top sites: The number one site and by far the largest real estate website in the country is Zillow. Zillow or “Zillow Surfing” is with out a doubt addictive and provides listings from both the multiple listing services and for sale by owner. The site is free to buyers and sellers and at last count averaged 68 million monthly visitors.
26 THE SUN REAL ESTATE SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
estate websites changing our lives Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com THE SUN 27
PAID
As part of his research, Spooner engaged in preliminary discussions with LaRose, who for the past two years has provided the trams and drivers for the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)-funded Old Town Tram parking shuttleLaRose’sprogram.Sarasota-based company provides and manages the paid park ing kiosk located in one of the Sandbar restaurant’s overflow parking lots in Anna Maria. He also provides and man ages paid parking systems in down town Sarasota, St. Armands Circle and Venice.Spooner said paid parking would help create more turnover and make more parking spaces available to those who visit the CRA district, which includes BridgeAgreeingStreet.with Spooner’s statement, LaRose said a paid parking program would also encourage those who don’t want to pay for parking to park in the nearby Cortez Beach parking lot and use the free Old Town Trams to get to their destinations in the CRA district.
LaRose proposed a pilot program creating paid parking in the city-owned portion of the lot located between First Street North and the backside of the BridgeWalk resort, and the city-owned spaces near the police station and public works building along Highland Avenue.Spooner suggested the public parking spaces along Bridge Street could also be used for paid parking to help discour age employee parking in those spaces. That option might be presented for futurePrivatediscussion.parking lots generally charge $4.50 to $5 an hour, LaRose said. For Bradenton Beach, he proposed charging $3.50 an hour, which could be in creased, decreased or waived as needed with users paying using onsite payment kiosks or their cell phones. Cosby said he liked the idea of potentially increas ing the parking rate on certain holidays to help control the number of visitors coming to the city. LaRose suggested allowing Bradenton Beach residents to park for free or at a discounted rate using their city-issued hurricane re-entry tags or a parking de cal to be issued by the city. “We’re really only taxing the visitors that come here,” he said. Using a conservative estimate, LaRose said the proposed 56 parking spaces would generate between $240,000 to $343,000 in net revenues per year, depending on whether his company provides a full-time parking ambassa dor who’s paid an hourly rate to enforce the paid LaRoseparking.saidhis company uses the same parking enforcement technology that’s used by police departments. He said his company’s enforcement aimed primarily at educating users but can result in boots being placed on vehicles if Theneeded.enforcement costs will depend on whether his company receives 100% of the revenues generated by the park ing citations issued by his employees, PARKING: Coming to Bradenton Beach
FROM 1 the millage or doing other things to raise the funds that are needed,” he added, noting that paid parking rev enues could help subsidize the city’s police department.
PAGE
SEE PAID PARKING, PAGE 31
The city-owned portion of the parking lot behind the BridgeWalk resort is included in the paid parking proposal.
SUBMITTED | WMFR
28 THE SUN www.amisun.com SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 Dreams Do C ome True! W e hav
Moose donate ingandfirefindcameraDalton,andTreasurerleft,BattaliontoProtheytoinMembersequipmentlife-savingofMooseLodge2188BradentonBeachsteppeduphelptheircommunitywhendonatedanewAttackThermalImagingCameraWestManateeFireRescue.ChiefTylerMacDonald,acceptedthegiftfromlodgeJackHale,center,ChiefAdministratorByronright,onAug.31.Thewillhelpfirefighterstothesourceofafire,locatingbehindwallsandceilingsfindingtrappedvictimsdurafire,amongotheruses.
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SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com THE SUN 29 ANNA MARI A 101 M angrove Avenue 5 B eds 1/1 B aths 2,522 S q. Ft. Hannah Hilly ard & G eorge M yers 941-74 4-7358 A45 45903 $6,000,000 L ONGBO AT KE Y 730 Spanish Drive S 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,255 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark 941-312-1146 A4541965 $74 0,000 L ONGBO AT KE Y 4725 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 213 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,071 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wit tig , LLC 941-961-8850 A4539173 $869,000 L ONGBO AT KE Y 324 0 Gulf Of Mexico Drive B402 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,505 S q. Ft. Sean Clark 941-312-1146 A4544923 $990,000 L ONGBO AT KE Y 3320 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 203-C 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,187 Sq. Ft. Sandi Lay field 941-914-2807 A4542770 $529,000 L ONGBO AT KE Y 4800 Gulf Of Mexico Drive PH4 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,312 Sq. Ft. Tr yla Brown Larson 941-962-1122 A4539305 $875,000 L ONGBO AT KE Y 4390 E xeter Drive I -203 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,152 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi & JoDene M oneuse 941-376-5099 A4545441 $525,000 L ONGBO AT KE Y 3060 Grand Bay Boulevard 1101 4 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,413 Sq. Ft. Stacey Fredericks 239-823-0277 A4535637 $4,999,999 ANNA MARI A IS LA ND 820 N Shore D rive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,953 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4524 887 $3,999,999 ANNA MARI A IS LA ND 520 58th Street 5 Beds 3/ 2 Baths 3,414 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-74 4-7358 A4545105 $4,500,000 L ONGBO AT KE Y 54 0 Harbor Cove Circle 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,081 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick & Beverly St Hilaire 941-780- 6001 A4534178 $3,600,000 L ONGBO AT KE Y 830 Tarawit t Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,4 47 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group & Steve W alter 941-232-2000 A4545868 $3,100,000 L ONGBO AT KE Y 311 Firehouse Court 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,352 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941- 465-1124 A4534 473 $2,395,000 L ONGBO AT KE Y 609 Halyard Lane 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,069 Sq. Ft. Tr yla Brown Larson 941-962-1122 A4546210 $2,950,000 ANNA MARI A IS LA ND 218 82nd Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,802 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4541555 $1,895,000 941. 89 6. 99 81 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.CO M Perico Bay Club—As Good As It Gets!! Give me a call today if yoouu re lookinggGive me a call if yo e lookinree to Buy or Sell on Anna Maria Isla nddor Sell on Anna MariaM Isla or the surroundi ng area!a!Islaanounding aoun Lynn Zemmer 941 ding 41 area 1 73030 ea 0 1294949 941.209.1542 I Lynn@Edgewaterami.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc .com 106 Bridge Stre et, Bradenton Beach, FL 342 17 Business As Usual…..Just A Li le Differently If you’re looking to buy or sell in Perico Bay Club, or know someone who is, please give me a call! 941.730.1294 | Ly n n@Edgewate ra mi.c om www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.co m COVID-19 high in Manatee County AUG. 29 Cases 184 % Positivity 20.29% Deaths 0 % Eligible population vaccinated 73.2% New hospital admissions 66 SEPT. 6 Cases 84 % Positivity 16.28% Deaths 2 % Eligible population vaccinated 73.2% New hospital admissions 48 Source: Centers for Disease Control Manatee County community level of COVID-19 transmission
30 THE SUN www.amisun.com SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
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In response to claims that the canal is dangerous, Gobuty said, “Let’s go super safe and not let the word ‘dangerous’ haunt us.”
TOLLS: Dispute leads to tolls, traffic lights for canal boaters
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Cortez Road Investments-owned portion of the canal extends from the west ern boundary of the Cortez Village Marina property to the humpback bridge on 127th StreetWhileWest.testifying on Friday, Gobuty said Cortez Road Investments obtained a controlling interest in the Cipriani familyowned portion of the canal located directly in front of the marina after MHC Cortez Village unsuccessfully tried to purchase that portion of the canal earlier in the week. The remaining portion of the canal that extends to the east is owned by the Holiday Cove RV resort.
FROM PAGE 27 LaRose said. A typical enforcement period is 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., but his company enforces parking in downtown Sarasota until 2 a.m. and in some park ing lots, enforcement begins at 8 a.m. LaRose said there would be no startup costs or out-of-pocket expenses for the city. He proposes a 50-50 split of the net parking revenues that remain after equipment, signs, enforcement and other expenses are deducted. The city commission favors a 60-40 split. LaRose said the revenue sharing can be further negotiated before an agreement is Cosbyfinalized.said it’s important to designate in advance how the paid parking rev enues will be spent. He suggested using some of those revenues to replace the aging city hall building. Commissioner Ralph Cole said some of the revenue needs to be used to for additional fund ing of the city police department that has to deal with the increased enforce ment needs created by the large number of visitors coming to Bradenton Beach.
During Friday’s testimony, Gobuty was asked by his attorney, Susan Martin, what steps are being taken to make the canal safer for Gobutynavigation.notedCortez
Let’s go super safe and not let the word ‘dangerous’ haunt us.” Marshall Gobuty, Hunters Point developer
He then elaborated on the one-way navigation concept to soon be implement ed. He said traffic signals featuring red and green lights will be installed at three or more locations along the canal and will be used to control the direction in which boat traffic flows. “They see red, they hold. They see green, they proceed,” he said, adding that similar technology is used in the Netherlands. Gobuty said the one-way navigation would likely operate at 15-minute intervals. 30-minute intervals were also previously mentioned.Gobutysaid the managers of the nearby Buttonwood Inlet and Holiday Cove RV resorts have already been notified of the pending one-way traffic scenario and those managers said their guests would comply with the additional safety measures.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Commissioner Jake Spooner requested the paid parking discussion. Right, this payment kiosk in the Sandbar restaurant’s overflow parking lot in Anna Maria provides paid public parking for beachgoers and others.
CANAL TOLLS Gobuty said he and his team are also working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on the instal lation of an overhead Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) toll system similar to those used on toll roads. The AVI system will be used to automatically charge Cortez Village Marina boaters for their use of the canal. Gobuty said he hopes to have the automated system in place by January. Until then, the tolls will be collected manually using those boaters’ debit or credit cards. Gobuty said the manual toll collections and one-way navigation enforcement will begin with two pontoon barges stationed in the canal with a 14-foot space between them. Passing boaters will be asked to provide some basic information before being issued registration decals that contain bar codes that will eventually be used to levy automated tolls on the Cortez Village Marina boaters. Gobuty said the toll might be $10-$20 per one-way trip and 100% of the toll proceeds collected manually and automatically will be donated to a local charity or charities on an ongoing basis.
Village Marina General Manager Skip McPadden testified several times that the canal is dangerous and would become more so with the addi tion of the Hunters Point docks. During the previous testimony they gave on behalf of the marina, McPadden and boat Capt. Chris Karentz both claimed the canal is already too narrow in some places for two vessels traveling in different directions to pass side by side. McPadden and Karentz said the Hunters Point docks would further impede navigation. During the rebuttal testimony he pro vided Thursday on behalf of Cortez Road Investments, boat Capt. Dane Fleming testified that the construction of the Hunt ers Point docks would not significantly impede canal navigation even though some portions of the canal may be too narrow for two boats to pass side by side. Fleming said in those instances, one boat needs to pull over in a wider portion of the canal and allow the other boat to pass. He also testi fied that the implementation of a one-way navigation system would alleviate the need for two vessels to pass side by side in the canal.OnFriday, Gobuty said he recently received a letter from the U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez that stated the Coast Guard is not aware of a boating accident ever be ing reported on the canal.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES
FROM PAGE 1 docks would impede the safe navigabil ity of the canal for their customers –some of whom own boats up to 38 feet long – and thus negatively impact the marina’s profitability.
PAID PARKING: Coming to Bradenton Beach
Addressing visibility concerns expressed by McPadden and Karentz, Gobuty said the Hunters Point mangrove shoreline has already been trimmed by 25% according to state regulations and will be trimmed another 25% after one year has passed. Gobuty said additional “no wake” signs have been placed in the canal and navi gational mirrors were previously installed at some of the canal’s blind spots. He said boaters are also being asked to use VHF marine radio channel 9 to communicate with other boaters when approaching a blind spot or narrow portion of the canal.
Mayor John Chappie asked if the city is required to put the paid parking ser vices out to bid so other companies can submit proposals. Perry said the city’s procurement policy allows the munici pality to enter into direct negotiations with LaRose because he already serves as the CRA’s contracted parking tram provider, adding that the discussions must be conducted in a public setting in accordance with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law. Cosby noted the Easy Parking Group is a local company and said he and city staff already have a good working relationship with LaRose.
ONE-WAY NAVIGATION
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com THE SUN 31
When the hearing concludes, Culpep per will submit his recommended order to the water district’s governing board and that board will then issue a final order as to whether the SWFWMD permit was properly issued. When Gobuty purchased the Hunters Point property from the Cipriani family in 2016, he also purchased the majority of the man-made canal created by the Cipriani family in the late 1950s.
SUBMITTED | THE CENTER OF AMI
Workers from Wash Family Construction make progress on the upstairs renovations at The Center. THE CENTER OF AMI
SUBMITTED |
Above, The Center’s The
Center’s lobby is getting an upgrade with new flooring and paint. Turtle nests laid 531 (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls 490 (Record 831 in 2010) Hatched nests 401 Hatchlings 31,882 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch NESTING NEWS
AUG. 18 - SHAMBLE/SCRAMBLE COMBO
“The Center wishes to thank each community member who helped bring these important improve ments to our members and guests,” Director of De velopment Jim McDaniel said. “Your support of The Center helps us fulfill our commitment to serve the full spectrum of AMI citizens, Island employees and guests to our Island. Simply put, you make us better.” In the near future, McDaniel said there are plans to showcase The Center’s history on the lobby walls.
fitness center is getting a facelift with new ADA-compliant shower facilities. Left,
Capital underwayimprovementsatTheCenter
First Place - Ken Nagengast, Mike Pritchett, Bill Shuman with a score of 40, 3 under par Second Place - Diane Miller, Fred Miller, Mike Riddick with a score of 42, 1 under par AUG. 22 – MODIFIED STAPLEFORD First Place - Cliff Lanning and Quentin Talbert (tie) with a score of +6 AUG. 25 – SHAMBLE First Place - Cliff Lanning, Diane Miller, Deb and Dave Richardson with a score of 6 under par SEPT. 1 - STAPLEFORD/SHAMBLE First Place - Deb and Dave Richardson, Jim Hill and Bruce Broussard with a score of 51, one over par. Sign up for adult soccer at The Center Games aren’t just for kids at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The nonprofit’s adult fall soccer league is getting ready to kick off Sept. 15 and registration is now open for players. Games will be played on Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. through Nov. 17. Teams will be chosen during the captain’s draft on Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. The final day to register is Wednesday, Sept. 7. The cost is $10 for Center members or $120 for non-members. A $10 late fee will be assessed for any players registering or pay ing after Sept. 7 and a $20 late fee for those reg istering one week or more after the deadline. For more information, or to register, visit The Center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, call 941-7781908 or visit centerami.org online.
ANNA MARIA – There are some major changes happening at The Center of Anna Maria Island and it’s all thanks to community support. Donations from the community, local businesses and a grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation are helping to bring to life several longplanned facility improvements at the Island nonprof it, including remodeling the downstairs lobby, fresh paint and new flooring in common areas and the installation of ADA-compliant restroom and shower facilities on the second level adjacent to the fitness center.Plans to upgrade some of The Center’s facilities began to take shape more than a year ago, however, they were temporarily put on hold due to the pan demic and other factors. And while there’s no time table for completion of the ongoing improvements, The Center remains fully open and operational.
Key Royale summer golf continues
32 THE SUN www.amisun.com SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation.
BEACH YOGA ON Wednes days, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. Classes on Tues days & Fridays at 8:30 at 100 Broadway St. on attheable.OthervolunteerGreatweekends.formationWANTEDHOSPITALatmakers.needsAMIpositionTHEwww.thriveyogafit.comLBK.BESTVOLUNTEERontheisland.TheHistoricalMuseumdocentsandbreadCallKathyPrimeau989-560-6381.ROSERFOODBANKneedsdonationsofcashandnon-perishablefood,PAPER&PERSONALHYGIENEPRODUCTS.DonationsboxesarelocatedattheChurch,MooseClub,andWalgreen’s.VOLUNTEERStoassistatourindesk,especiallyforteensneedinghours(16yrs+).assignmentsavailPleasecallBlakeVolunteerOffice941-798-6151. Call BIG Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 : 941-896-7225Bradenton Free estimates. No too Love to help Call 941-524-8067. TILE Pressure washing available. Call isletileservices.com941-302-8759 95% of when only Number 1 in concrete repair. Insured. Free estimate. Call Bobby 941-374-7670. R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, pa tios, pool decks. Free esti mates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 Call calledVinnie773-383-0463LMT,CMCEuntil No 941-809-5777.
34 THE SUN CLASSIFIED SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 Call us today! 941-778-3986
hidden costs.
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts?
HOME SERVICES CONCRETE FUSION, CRACK REPAIR sidewalks/ driveways. Why fix
you.
of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD
concrete
CLEANING SERVICE TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING
job
ISLE
MASSAGE MASSAGE BY VINNIE Swedish Deep Tissue And More By Appointment Only
The award-winning ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is looking for a Field,FLP.OThelettersaandpreviousresidentsforsomenityexperiencereportingidealtourism-driventoreporter/photographerfreelancecovereventsonthisisland.Thecandidatewillhaveandphotographyatacommunewspaperandhaveexperiencewritinganewswebsite.Localorthosewithlocalknowledgewillingtorelocatehereplus.ResumesandcovermaybemailedtoAnnaMariaIslandSun,Box1189,AnnaMaria,34216,Attention:Mikepublisher. FISHING CHARTERS CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured FOR SALE TOPPER FOR F150 Long bed. $100 or Best Offer. Call 941-705-7560. IMPROVEMENTSHOME TILE! TILE! TILE! All varia tions of tile supplied and installed. 1115CallLicenseDesign/Build.NEWKERN0073.1258250ownedFamilyALLRENOVATIONNeilerences.reliable,workmanship.QualityPrompt,manyIslandrefFreeestimates.941-726-3077SPECALISTcarpentryrepairs,WashConstruction,locallyandoperatedCBCCall941-725-CONSTRUCTIONHomes&Remodel.Since1968.#CBC1261150.MikeKern941-778JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construc tion & comjsancorporation@gmail.Lic#ServicesHandyman941-243-0995CRC1332505 Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted. API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience.
Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-7564570 or 941-565-3931 EMPLOYMENT HOUSEKEEPER F/T, PT, Ho tel on Anna Maria Island. Contact Rick 813-735NOW4373. HIRING ENTHUSIAS TIC front desk and sales person and Esthetician. Leah Chavie Skincare 6646 Cortez Rd W,
LANDSCAPING&LAWNCARE
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Of fering dependable, com petitive rates.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 www.amisun.com THE SUN 35 BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT TRANSPORTATIONPAINTING
36 THE SUN www.amisun.com SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
