Anna Maria Island Sun September 13, 2023

Gulf Island Ferry visits Anna Maria Pier

The county currently has no estimated start date for its Gulf Island Ferry service.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County and Anna Maria city officials continue to discuss the safety and docking modifications needed to accommodate a Gulf Island Ferry stop at the city pier.

Those negotiations remain ongoing, and the city and the county have not yet entered into an interlocal agreement that would allow the city pier to serve as a ferry stop.

At some point this year, Manatee County plans to begin Friday, Saturday and Sunday ferry service between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, with stops at the city pier in Anna Maria, the Bradenton Beach Pier and the Coquina South boat ramp in Bradenton Beach.

In August, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission rejected the county’s proposal

Friends, family raise funds for The Center at LaPensee Bowling Tournament

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – Sold out again this year, the Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament was a huge fundraising success on Saturday night at Bowlero Bradenton.

With 64 lanes sold and teams of six bowling in support of The Center of Anna Maria Island, the night was filled with the sounds of crashing pins, laughter and good conversation.

At night’s end, the Salty Dolphins of AMI Dolphin Tours once again were the top team with a combined team score of 974 in a single game.

Bowling pin “trophies” were awarded to Mikie Phetcher, the top female bowler, with a score of 150. Hunter Parrish, scoring 234, was the top male bowler of the night. This was Parrish’s first individual achievement as a member of the AMI Dolphin Tours team.

King Middle School eighthgrader Cale Rudacille took home top honors as a youth bowler with a high score of 132.

On the flip side of bowling achievements, Keith Mahoney won the coveted Gutter Ball award.

The tournament, named in honor of Greg LaPensee, who passed away on Dec. 21, 2021 at 39 years of age, was once again sponsored by LaPensee

SEE BOWLING, PAGE 9

SEE WATER TAXI, PAGE 15

Funding for Old Town Trams extended

The city’s CRA has voted to continue short-term funding for the tram service until the end of the year.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Old Town Trams may be rolling just a little bit longer.

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) voted at its Aug. 15 meeting to remove the $52,000 subsidization for the free ride service from its 2023-24 budget. However, after much debate about the necessity of the trams at a Sept. 6 CRA meeting, a compromise was reached. Members voted unanimously to fund the tram, with conditions, until the end of this year.

“This was temporary until it could stand on its own,” Mayor John Chappie said. “I don’t mind helping people and getting people started, but for a limited time.”

Launched as a pilot program in November 2020,

SEE TRAM, PAGE 19

ANNA MARIA CELEBRATES its centennial anniversary. 12 Page 21

HURRICANE Idalia damaged the pier in Bradenton Beach.

SEAPORT MANATEE OIL SPILL cause still unknown. 4

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Using the cowboy theme suggested by Chandler LaPensee, youngest son of Carlee and Greg LaPensee, the LaPensee family and friends rounded up for the bowling tournament on Saturday night.

Winning this year's costume contest, friends Don Purvis, Brian Johnson, Gavin Lee, Leah Purvis, Laura Johnson and Amy Lee take home the coveted Blue Bowling Pin trophy as the Jamaican bobsledding team, bringing cool to the heat on the lanes.

Commission approves funds to repair hurricane damage to pier

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Damage

to the Bradenton Beach Pier and floating docks caused by boats during Hurricane Idalia on Aug. 30 was the focus of the Sept. 7 city commission meeting.

Images of the damage reviewed at the meeting showed missing and broken boards and a large boat against the docks.

“I am very disappointed it was the vessels that caused this damage. They did not secure themselves properly or move away from this,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry said. “In talking with Steve Porter (from Duncan Seawall) he said we would not be facing this if not for the boats.”

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby described the causes of the damage to the pier and floating docks.

“One boat broke loose and rammed into the others and broke them loose,” he said. “They were

secured fine and it was a domino effect. It was a sailboat that broke loose and knocked the rest out of the way.”

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh asked if boat owners were responsible for the damage and Chappie said the city will be looking into

whether or not the boat owners have insurance.

“There will be accountability to individuals that are not following the rules and not tying their boats down the way they should be or trying to find a safer port instead of just leaving it out there in the open seas at the north end of Sarasota Bay,” Chappie said.

“The city is going to do what it can do to hold people responsible for this kind of damage,” Perry said. Cosby reminded the commission that the pier itself is uninsurable because it’s over water. The city is self-insured for the structure.

Commissioner Ralph Cole made a motion to issue a work assignment to Duncan Seawall for all repairs to the pier and floating dock in the amount of $42,225 to be paid from the 2022-23 city budget, and to authorize Cosby and Perry to work toward future reimbursement from FEMA or any other agency.

The motion passed unanimously. The repair work is expected to be completed within a week or two.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Bradenton Beach commissioners reviewed images of damage to the Bradenton Beach Pier caused by boats during Hurricane Idalia.

IN BRIEF

Two city commission vacancies pending

candidates and each remaining commis sioner then ranking the applicants in order of their preference.

Licata promoted to captain

Louis Licata of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has been promoted from the rank of lieutenant to captain. For the past two years, Licata assisted with the supervision of the MCSO Anna Maria Unit led by Sgt. Brett Getman. Mayor Dan Murphy announced Licata’s promotion during the Aug. 7 city commission meeting. “I’d like to congratulate Capt. Licata,” Murphy said. Licata said his promotion was effective on Aug. 10. “The good news is I am still staying in this district. I’ll be the District 2 commander. I don’t know who my replacement will be yet, but we’ll be back out to introduce him. I won’t be here as much, but I’m still around,” Licata said. “Thank you, captain. You’ve done a great job,” Murphy said.

Holmes Beach hosts budget public hearing

City leaders are giving everyone a chance to step up to the podium and voice their opinions on the proposed Holmes Beach city budget. The city is holding the first of two public hearings on the proposed 2023-24 fiscal year budget on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 5:01 p.m. While the meeting can be streamed online, you must be present during the meeting at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, to speak. The final budget hearing for the fiscal year is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. Copies of the proposed budget can be found online at www.holmesbeachfl.org or picked up in person at city hall Monday through Friday. The 2023-24 fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.

Bradenton Beach budget public hearing Thursday

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 5:05 p.m. regarding the first reading of joint ordinance 23-549 adopting a budget for fiscal year 2023-24 and the receipt and collection of ad valorem taxes. The City of Bradenton Beach will conduct a public hearing on the ordinance at 5:30 p.m. The fiscal year runs from Oct. 1, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2024. The meetings will be held at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Dr. N.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – In the coming months, the Anna Maria City Commission will have two vacant commission seats to fill by commission appointment.

Commissioner Deanie Sebring’s final meeting will be on Sept. 21. After that, she and her husband, Tripp, are moving to France. She will leave office with approximately one year remaining in her two-year term.

Commissioner Robert Kingan is not seeking reelection in the fall election and his current two-year term will expire on Dec. 7. The person appointed to fill Kingan’s vacant seat will have approximately two years to serve.

How the two vacancies will be filled was discussed at the city commission’s Sept. 7 meeting. The commission has not yet determined whether the pending vacancies will be filled one at a time or both at once. That decision will be made at a future meeting.

The commission will use the appointment process employed in recent years which includes soliciting applications from interested

About 19,000 gallons of oil-contaminated water and more than 6 tons of oily debris have been cleaned up.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

PALMETTO – The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) continues to investigate the source of an Aug. 31 oil spill at SeaPort Manatee.

As of Sept. 8, the Coast Guard reported about 19,000 gallons of an oil/water mixture had been removed and 6.4 tons of oily

The upcoming appointment process will also use the new pre-selection vetting process and public question and answer forum introduced in January when Charlie Salem and Brian Seymour sought appointment to the seat vacated by Carol Carter. Salem was appointed to fill that seat and he and incumbent Commissioner Jon Crane are running unopposed in the fall election. No candidate qualified to run for the third open seat to be vacated by Kingan.

Maria and have at least two years of residency in Anna Maria before qualifying for office. The memo notes candidates cannot be city employees and cannot hold another municipal office that would remain in effect after the candidate is elected or appointed to serve on the city commission.

Short asked Vose how the city defines city residency. Vose said under Florida it’s simply a matter of where the candidate believes in good faith their primary residence to be.

Kingan

When the application process begins, Mayor Dan Murphy suggests the applicants specify whether they’re seeking an appointment to the one-year or the two-year term.

Commission Chair Mark Short asked City Attorney Becky Vose about the city’s residency requirement for commission candidates.

Vose referred to a memo she provided to the commissioners. The memo notes the city charter requires commission candidates to be qualified voters in Anna

Oil spill investigation, cleanup continues at SeaPort Manatee

debris was disposed of from the port’s inner basin.

USCG Sector St. Petersburg’s Response Department was notified on Aug. 31 through the National Response Center that there was a visible discoloration of the water at the Manatee County-owned seaport located on Tampa Bay.

“A commercial oil response company has been hired,” USCG Sector Commander Capt. Mike Kahle said on Sept. 1. “They’re applying a boom around the oil. It appears to be contained.” To

Vose noted residency is not well defined by the city or the state, but those who claim Anna Maria residency but also claim a property tax homestead exemption in another city run the risk of violating the homestead law and/or losing their homestead exemption.

Crane said he’s concerned about the number of remaining Anna Maria residents who would be interested in serving on the city commission.

“I used to have more friends in this city,” Crane said of the city’s shrinking population.

Sebring said she had already spoken with someone interested in serving. Kingan said he also spoke with someone who expressed great interest in serving.

No timetable for the pending appointments has been established yet.

Anna Maria commissioners are paid $4,800 per year.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Capt. Louis Licata is MCSO’s new District 2 commander.

No timetable has been established yet for the appointment of two Anna Maria City Commissioners.

SUBMITTED | USCG FACEBOOK PAGE

A boom is put in place to contain an oil spill at SeaPort Manatee. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to investigate the source of the spill. SEE

Hurricane floods local gas station tanks

Water from Hurricane Idalia may have mixed with more than 200 gallons of gas sold at Jessie’s Island Store.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Customers who purchased gas at Jessie’s Island Store immediately following Hurricane Idalia may have received a surprise they weren’t counting on – floodwater in their vehicle’s gas tank.

After several vehicles broke down after getting gas from the station, it was discovered that seals on the station’s underground tanks had failed. When the area was flooded by Hurricane Idalia, representatives from the Sarasota-based ATCO Inc./ Merit Petroleum said that floodwater mixed with the gasoline in two of the tanks. The company estimates that more than 200 gallons of the tainted gasoline was sold, resulting in damage to vehicles.

According to the mechanics at CarParts.com, mixing water with gasoline in a vehicle can cause several

problems depending on the amount of water in the tank. Some of the most common issues include the vehicle running roughly, the check engine light coming on shortly after putting the fuel in the gas tank and the engine stalling. Water in a vehicle’s fuel system also can cause corrosion to occur, which can lead to more issues down the road. Repairs to the vehicle may include flushing the fuel system and draining the gas tank to remove any water from the vehicle.

The underground gas storage tanks at the Island convenience store were cleaned out over the weekend of Sept. 8-10 and refilled with clean gasoline, according to Noreen Kiper with ATCO. At press time for The Sun, it was unconfirmed whether repairs to the seals on the tanks had been completed to prevent water from re-entering the storage tanks if the area floods in the future.

Anyone who believes they purchased some of the tainted gas is asked to

stop by Jessie’s at 5424 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach and pick up a form to fill out and return to ATCO with any documentation concerning repairs needed to the vehicle after purchasing gas at the convenience store. Anyone who believes they may have purchased some of the ruined gas is advised to have their vehicle checked out by a certified mechanic and should not attempt to continue driving their vehicle without first having the gas tested to determine if any water is in the fuel tank, even if no performance issues with the vehicle have been noted.

The ruined gas is estimated to have been sold between the store's reopening after Hurricane Idalia passed on Aug. 30 until the issues were noted the week of Sept. 4.

When Hurricane Idalia swept past Anna Maria Island on Aug. 29, storm surge combined with a king tide caused widespread flooding in all three Island cities. Holmes Beach police reported that there were several inches of standing water throughout the city center area where Jessie’s Island Store is located.

OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Owner/CEO

Mike Field Editor

Cindy Lane

General Manager

Bob Alexander

Reporters/Photographers

Joe Hendricks

Leslie Lake

Jason Schaffer

Kristin Swain

Columnists

Louise Bolger

Rusty Chinnis

Contributors

Steve Borggren

Jason Gargiule

Capt. Rick Grassett

Isis Mavenyengwa

Monica Simpson

Tom Vaught

Capt. David White

Anne Yarbrough

Layout

Ricardo Fonseca

Digital Editor

Kristin Swain

Advertising Director

Shona Otto

Advertising Assistant

Pamela Lee

Classifieds

Bob Alexander

Graphics

Elaine Stroili

Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution

Bob Alexander

Connor Field

Tony McNulty

Brian Smith

Accounting

Leslie Ketchum

Co-founding publishers

Mike Field

Maggie McGinley Field

Family-owned since 2000

email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Garage would ruin appeal of Manatee Beach

This is in response to the Aug. 23 edition of the Anna Maria Island Sun, “Beach parking garage fight continues.”

I just want to add my voice in support of the comments made by Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer. My family has been coming to Holmes Beach since the early 1980s, when my in-laws lived across the street from Manatee Beach. Our three children have such great memories of being on the beach and “jumping in the waves.” We celebrated my mother-in-law’s 80th birthday at the Beach Café, where my wife’s parents danced together to the background music that always seemed to be playing at the Beach Café every night. Sunday mornings we’d take the

kids over to have breakfast with The Pancake Kings. When we were back in Chicago, and then in Minnesota, I’d often see the AMI sticker on cars while out driving, and it’d make me wish I were there. Thousands upon thousands of people all over the country can probably tell you of the great times they’ve had at Manatee Beach and the Café.

It’s part of what Anna Maria Island is all about. It’s the City Pier, where the people responsible resisted putting up railings along it when it was recently rebuilt because railings weren’t in the original design. It’s going to the restaurants that seem to have been there forever, like Hurricane Hanks, Skinny’s and the Sandbar, and coming back to them year after year. But what attracted me right away to Anna Maria Island,

Drop us a line

Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail

and especially Holmes Beach, was that Holmes Beach has somehow managed to hold on to having the look and feel of being a town. It’s not what most of the other islands along the Sun Coast have become. That’s what draws people to come here and to want to live here. Manatee Beach, the Beach Café, the Pancake Kings, they’ve all been an integral part of the Island for as far back as most people can remember.

Take that away by putting in a three-story concrete structure right where people have been parking for years, well, it’s paving paradise to put up a parking lot. Once you lose paradise, you can’t get it back.

Jeff Forsythe Bradenton

a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

Sept. 21, 5 p.m. – Budget hearing with City Commission meeting following

Sept. 27, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning Board 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. 14, 5:05 p.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency final budget meeting

Sept. 14, 5:30 p.m. – City Commission final budget meeting

Sept. 20, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting

Sept. 21, noon – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

Sept. 13, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee meeting

Sept. 13, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

Sept. 14, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

Sept. 26, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing

Sept. 26, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 13

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 2-4 p.m. Island Time Book Club, “Killers of a Certain Age” by Deanna Raybourn, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 14

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 15

Oyster shell drilling for vertical gardens, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 16

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

MONDAY, SEPT. 18

Gentle yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 19

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 20

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 21

Tree Tots, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Island Morning Book Club, bring your own book, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m.

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Holocaust Speaker Series with Ginette Hersh, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m.

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Music on the Porch, Fisherman’s Hall, 4515 124th St. W., Cortez, 2-4 p.m.

Starry Night Astronomy, Robinson Preserve expansion parking lot, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 7:30-10 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPT. 25

Gentle yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 26

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Cortez fisherman’s assailant convicted after dragging him with truck

A Bradenton man has been found guilty on two counts stemming from a 2019 argument that led to the serious injury of a Cortez man.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTONDavid Lynn Nichols, 60, has been found guilty of battery and leaving the scene of a crash that caused a Cortez man to lose an arm, among other serious injuries.

In Manatee County’s 12th Judicial Circuit Court last week, a jury found Nichols guilty of both felony counts stemming from a Nov. 18, 2019 argument with Cortez resident Freddy Gilliland, 64.

According to police reports, Nichols struck Gilliland with his truck, dragged him about 300 feet, then fled the scene without notifying authorities.

According to a Nov. 19, 2019 Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) report, at approximately 10:22 p.m. on Nov. 18, deputies responded to 46th Avenue West and 102nd Street West in Cortez in reference to a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic crash. Upon MCSO's arrival, Gilliland was on the north side of 46th Avenue West with multiple traumatic injuries that included a nearly severed right arm, a left hand with exposed bone, compound rib fractures and massive facial injuries. He was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital by EMS in critical condition and underwent emergency trauma surgery.

“As a result of the defendant's actions, the victim sustained a magnitude of life-threatening injuries which at last update included the removal of his spleen, a lacerated liver, multiple rib fractures, collapsed left lung, right arm amputation and numerous facial sutures,” MCSO Dep. Britton Couch said in his report following the incident.

When medical personnel and

SPILL: Investigation, cleanup continues

MCSO deputies initially arrived on the scene, Nichols and his vehicle were no longer on the scene and were not located in the immediate vicinity. During the preliminary investigation by deputies, Nichols was identified as a person of interest based on the vehicle description and a witness providing the suspect name "Dave" and the area where he lived in the Sunny Shores subdivision. Deputies responded to the defendant's residence and located a Chevrolet pickup matching the witness’ description with front-end damage and evidence of a collision with a person. A witness also identified Nichols in a photographic line-up.

Nichols’ sentencing is scheduled on Friday, Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. in front of Judge Frederick Mercurio.

A GoFundMe page called “Friends of Freddy,” which raised $6,400 to help with his expenses, is full of words of support and well-wishes from not only friends and family, but also people in the community wishing to help a neighbor.

FROM PAGE 4

date, 97% of the oil has been removed from the surface of the water, according to Kahle, who said he expected cleanup efforts to be completed by Sept. 10.

On Sept. 8, Congressman Vern Buchanan toured SeaPort Manatee. He was joined by SeaPort Manatee Executive Director Carlos Buqueras and Kahle.

“Our local waterways, environment and marine life are incredibly important to area residents and Florida’s tourism-based economy,” Buchanan said. “With no evidence pointing to any infrastructure failures or pipeline leaks so far, it looks increasingly likely that someone may have dumped this oil and is failing to come forward. Whether an accident or purposeful, any potential bad actors must be held accountable for putting our waterways at risk.”

According to Kahle, about 19,000 gallons of contaminated water were cleaned up from the port. Of that, approximately 3,500 gallons were heavy, unrefined oil.

“It’s still too early to define where exactly that heavy fuel came from, because we don’t handle a lot of heavy fuel,” Buqueras said.

“Since Aug. 31, SeaPort Manatee’s team has been proactively collaborating with the Coast Guard to assist in response activities,” Buqueras wrote in a Sept. 7 statement. “The Coast Guard has inspected

SEE SPILL, PAGE 18

Nichols

BOWLING: Tournament raises funds for The Center

FROM PAGE 1

Plumbing, Pools and Air. LaPensee’s sons, Preston and Chandler, opened the tournament with the first bowls of the night.

Many of the teams showed their originality and personalities through the costumes they wore at the fundraiser. Five teams were considered for the team costume contest prize.

In the end, the six Jamaican bobsledders, Don and Leah Purvis, Brian and Lauren Johnson, and Gavin and Amy Lee, took home the title of best team costumes.

The fundraiser planning once again was a tribute to the giving spirit that Janae Rudacille has for her Island community. Center staff and Rudacille outdid themselves again this year with a wonderful event featuring many raffle items and silent auction items donated to benefit the nonprofit organization.

The Center staff is grateful to everyone who made this year’s fundraising event an even bigger success than last year. All proceeds from the bowling tournament will go toward the programming and services provided by The Center.

The Center staff, volunteers and bowlers made the Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament another night to remember.

Above, event coordinator Janae Rudacille takes time out with family and friends at the Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament. From left are Kaitlin Kee, Mauri Zaccagnino, Carol Whitmore, Janae Rudacille, Jen Davy and Brandi Brady.

Left, tournament ‘Gutter Ball’ champ Keith Mahoney brought his A-game and his friends to Bowlero.

Below left, taking time out for The Center, Dina Franklin and her son, Tyler Brewer, bowled three games in the annual fundraiser. From left are Jonathon and Tiffany Bates, Dina Franklin, Janessa Almodovar, Gracie Lewis and Tyler Brewer.

Left, top bowling honors went to Hunter Parrish, bowling with the Salty Dolphins of AMI Dolphin Tours.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Above, Charles and Chelsea Kyle joined the bowling fun in their cowboy-themed costumes on Saturday night.

Island Players kick off 75th season

The Island Players, Manatee County’s oldest community theater, will kick off their historic 75th season on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. with a performance of “Farce of Nature” by Jones, Hope and Wooten. The Players will hold a special reception on opening night at 6:30 p.m. featuring champagne punch, treats and giveaways. The comedy, directed

Cove Gallery to introduce new artists

Cove Gallery, 104 Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach, will host a new artist introduction reception on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 6-9 p.m. The reception will welcome Mary Lant (fiber art) and Justin Mastrangelo (pottery). The artists are among more than 25 local and ocean-minded artists at Cove. The event will feature artist meet and greets, giveaways, discounts and a grab bag for the first 20 guests through the door.

by Mike Lusk, will run through Sept. 24 with performances Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and two Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for $28 at the box office (or call 941-778-5755) or $30 online at www.theislandplayers.org. The theater is located at 10009 Gulf Drive on the corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue in Anna Maria.

Bayfest seeking sponsors, vendors

Anna Maria Island’s biggest and longest-running festival, Bayfest, is seeking vendors and sponsors for this year’s event, set for Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Each year, Bayfest features food, drink, art and craft vendors, live music and fun for the entire family. Sponsorship prices and availability, as well as vendor rules and applications, can be downloaded at www.amichamber.org, or call Terri Kinder at 941-778-1541.

Roser Church

“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

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

Sign up to receive the eBulletin at RoserChurch.com/contact-us

The CHAPEL is open during o ce hours for prayer and meditation

Azure Shores ordinance headed to city commission

The proposed text amendments will have no financial impacts on affected property owners.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – An ordinance that will fix existing zoning map and future land use map inconsistencies for 23 properties in the Azure Shores subdivision is ready for city commission review and approval.

The city’s zoning map and future land use map designations determine how a property can be developed or developed. The Azure Shores properties are the first of many properties in Bradenton Beach with map inconsistencies the city wants to cure. The map inconsistencies could result in land use disputes or legal challenges that question whether the zoning map or the future land use map prevails when the two are inconsistent.

On Sept. 6, the Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended city commission approval of Ordinance 23550. The ordinance contains new text amendments that would make the zoning map and future land use map designations for 23 Azure Shores properties consistent with each other.

The ordinance adds R-3

district for the retail/office/ residential (R/O/R) future land use category in the land development code. It also adds bed and breakfasts and hotels/motels as permitted uses in the R-3 district if the underlying future land use category is high-density residential.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Building Official Steve Gilbert said the text amendments also clarify that commercial uses for a bed and breakfast, a hotel, or a motel would only be allowed where the underlying land use is high-density residential.

“The underlying land use here is ROR, so bed and breakfast, hotels/motels will not be allowed in this section

Evelyn Stob was the only potentially impacted property owner to attend Wednesday’s meeting. During public input, she sought clarification on the potential impacts for affected property owners.

In response, Gilbert said, “The zoning map will not change. It will stay R-3 highdensity residential. The future land use map will not change. It will stay ROR (retail/office/ residential). We’re not changing the maps at all. What we are doing is by text saying that the R-3 high-density residential zone district will partially implement the underlying ROR land use.”

Gilbert said there would be no financial impacts for the affected Azure Shores

property values and fire district assessments.

Stob asked why a small section of the Azure Shores subdivision, south of Third Street North, is excluded from the area being addressed by the ordinance.

Gilbert said the Azure Shores subdivision extends from First Street North to the Cortez Bridge, and from the Gulf of Mexico to Sarasota Bay. The proposed text amendments would not apply to some properties along Second Street North.

“We had one applicant that wanted the zoning designation to change to remove that 25-foot setback requirement that only applies to the R-3 zone district. That’s a separate

issue for the Planning and Zoning Board to address at some point,” Gilbert said. “The R-1 district front yard setbacks are 20 feet. The R-2 front yard setbacks are 20 feet. Commercial can be as low as zero and typically it’s 20 feet and R-3 is 25 for some reason.”

After the meeting ended, Gilbert explained that a property owner on Second Street North wanted to build a small deck above his swimming pool, and the current 25-foot setback requirement would only allow for a very small deck.

“Eventually we’ll do the rest of Azure Shores as well,” Gilbert said. “At that point, it behooves these folks to say we’ll keep it R-3 but we’ll give you a 20-foot front yard setback.”

Several months ago, a representative of the Chiles Hospitality group expressed the group’s desire to create a designated parking lot at the corner of Highland Avenue and Third Street North. That property is located in the Azure Shores subdivision and carries the R-3 zoning designation that prohibits standalone parking lots. Gilbert said Chiles Hospitality can accomplish their goal by initiating a comprehensive plan change and/or rezoning the property.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Planning and Zoning Board recommendation ends a review process and discussion that began in 2021.

Anna Maria hosts centennial celebration

Anna Maria became a chartered Florida city in 1923.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – On Sunday, the city of Anna Maria celebrated its 100th anniversary for the second time this year.

Taking place again at City Pier Park, Sunday’s celebration served as a followup to the initial centennial celebration the city hosted on Memorial Day.

City volunteers and volunteers from the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird

Monitoring sold beer and wine, with the proceeds to be shared by the three organizations that also set up informational tents on the City Pier Park grounds. The Island Players and The Center of Anna Maria Island also had information tents, and the garden club provided shared space for the To Inform Families First (TIFF) organization that encourages motorists to provide additional emergency contact information that can be used to inform

family members in the event of a serious traffic accident.

The celebration featured food sales by The Anna Maria General Store and Deli, Harry’s Grill and Poppo’s Taqueria.

With conductor Leornard Murphy on saxophone, a jazz sextet comprised of musicians from the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra kicked off the afternoon’s musical performances, followed by The Stockton Brothers performing acoustically.

During the sextet’s performance, Mayor Dan Murphy welcomed attendees.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today and celebrating our 100th anniversary. We only do this every 100 years, so we’ll try to do it right,” Murphy said.

After encouraging the attendees to enjoy the beer, wine and food offerings, Mayor Murphy introduced Leonard Murphy and thanked him and his bandmates for being there, as they were at the first centennial celebration earlier this year.

After leaving the stage, Murphy shared

From left, Fran Berrios, Debbie Haynes, Pat Short, Doug Copeland and Barb McIntire joined Mayor Dan Murphy at the beer and wine tent.

some additional thoughts on the celebration.

“I chose today to do it because it’s after Labor Day. I really wanted to make this an event that focuses on our local citizens and celebrates our locals in this nice venue we have here at City Pier Park,” he said.

“We’ve got a pretty good crowd considering it’s the opening day of football season. It’s important to have events in this park with this beautiful shade sail and I’m glad to see people enjoying it and using

it. Events like this help foster a sense of community and we appreciate the participation from the local businesses and the not-for profit organizations that are here today. They’re doing a great job.

Fran Berrios and the rest of the city staff did a great job organizing this event and once again they came through with flying colors. I couldn’t be any happier with the layout and the setup,” Murphy said.

During the celebration, city staff members handed out small replicas of the full-sized centennial flags that hung from the light poles along Pine Avenue in honor of Anna Maria becoming a chartered Florida city in 1923.

Anna Maria Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I love small-town activities like this. They’re heartwarming.”

Standing next to Crane, full-time Holmes Beach resident George Fuller said he appreciates the city-hosted events that take place at City Pier Park.

“I love coming up here for these celebrations and the events they do for the veterans. Dan does a great job with this stuff,” Fuller said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Annie Silver Community Center meeting set

The Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N. in Bradenton Beach, will hold a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. Anyone in the community interested in being a part of the center is welcome to attend as the board discusses upcoming events for the remainder of 2023 and 2024. The center is looking to grow its membership and new members are always welcome and encouraged to participate in the center’s events.

Pirates invade business card exchange

The Anna Maria Island Privateers enjoyed light bites and beverages at the Aug. 24 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s business card exchange at Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar, 12332 Manatee Ave. W., where their trusty ship, Skullywag, is often spotted. From left are President Mary Ann Zyla, Ed Nelson and Terry Rapert. SUBMITTED

Join AMI Chamber’s luncheon at Freckled Fin

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s September luncheon will be held at Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is an excellent networking opportunity for chamber members and anyone interested in becoming a member. RSVP to ingrid@amichamber.org or by calling 941-778-1541.

TURTLE TIPS

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 nesting 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.

•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. You might also accidentally dig into an unmarked nest. To report large holes or other turtle obstacles, call:

•City of Anna Maria code enforcement — 941-708-6130, ext. 111.

•City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941-778-1005, ext. 280.

•City of Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941-778-0331, ext. 260.

•Level sandcastles before leaving the beach; they can block hatchlings from the water.

•Don’t use balloons, wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf, and turtles can ingest the debris.

•Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights.

•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).

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid 405 (Record: 544 in 2019)

False crawls 438 (Record: 831 in 2010)

Nests hatched 295 (Record: 453 in 2022)

Hatchlings hatched 22,995 (Record: 35,850 in 2022)

Hatchling disorientations 89

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Where’s Suzi?

Suzi, a female loggerhead sea turtle, remains in sixth place for the second week in a row in a field of 11 turtles in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles race. She has traveled 691 miles since her release on June 27 from Coquina Beach, where she was fitted with a satellite monitor after nesting. For the past several weeks, Suzi has been zigzagging off the coast of Mexico. She was named in honor of Suzi Fox, the late executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. Suzi is swimming in the race to draw attention to the cause of light pollution and how lighting near shore can negatively impact nesting turtles and their hatchlings. Her participation in the race is sponsored by the Coastal Wildlife Club, Waterline Marina and Resort and Turtle Watch. Visit The Sun’s Facebook page for weekly updates in “Where’s Suzi?” and visit amisun.com for weekly updates on turtle nesting activity in “Nesting News.”

WATER TAXI: Visits Anna Maria Pier

FROM PAGE 1 to install pilings, a floating dock and a gated and locked ferry landing area at the existing boat landing at the T-end of the pier. Murphy told county officials to focus instead on installing Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant landing ramps on the ferries so passengers can embark and disembark without significant modifications made to the pier.

PIER VISIT

On Sept. 7, one of the Gulf Island Ferry boats made a trial run that included stops at each planned ferry stop. Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione is leading the county’s efforts to implement the water taxi service. He told The Sun that meetings with city officials took place at each of the trial run stops that day.

Later that evening, Murphy provided the city commission with a progress update. He said he met with Falcione, an engineer, a ferry captain and others on the pier earlier that day. He noted county officials refer to the two new boats as ferries, rather than water taxis, and that’s how the county

service is being marketed.

“I don’t have an agreement to show you, but we’re closer,” Murphy told the commission.

He said he was asked if the city would allow the county to drive two pilings near the existing landing area to provide better stabilization for the ferries. Murphy said he didn’t know if the pilings would require permits from the Army Corps of Engineers or other regulating agencies. As an alternative to the pilings, county officials also suggested the installation of a mooring arm that would help stabilize the docked ferries.

Murphy said the county officials brought no illustrated plans to the ad-hoc pier meeting. He asked them to submit two plans, with estimated costs, for city commission consideration - one plan for pilings and another for a mooring arm.

Murphy said if pilings are installed, the city would specify that they must be made of concrete or plastic composite. He noted there are worms in the Tampa Bay waters that deteriorate and destroy wood pilings.

Any city-approved pier modifications would be installed at the county’s

expense and the city would then be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of those modifications.

“I want it to be very low maintenance,” Murphy said.

Murphy said the city would install signs that require other boats tied to the small public landing area to be occupied at all times so they can be moved to make space for an approaching ferry. Those who leave an unattended boat in the landing area will face a possible fine.

“People have to yield to the water taxi,” Murphy said.

If the city and county enter into an interlocal agreement and the city

decides later to opt out of the ferry service, the city must reimburse the county for the pier modifications made.

Commission Chair Mark Short asked if the county provided an estimated timeline to complete the pier modifications. Murphy said no timeline was given but the goal is to get it done as soon as possible.

When contacted by The Sun, Falcione said, “We are making progress and we are getting closer to starting our operation. I am not ready to give an estimated start date.”

AMY STANLEY/FACEBOOK | SUBMITTED

A Gulf Island Ferry docked at the Anna Maria City Pier during Thursday’s trial run.

Opposition mounts against wetlands reduction

clear that our coastal areas are particularly prone to flooding and storm damage and are in need of buffers.

hen the Manatee County Board of Commissioners voted 6-1 (Commissioner George Kruse voted no) to reduce wetland buffers in the county, the audience at the meeting reacted with an audible burst of anger. I was at that meeting and, after speaking in opposition to the measure and listening to a stream of three dozen citizens do the same, it was stunning and sad to experience the government overreach and lack of concern the commission displayed for the voters who elected them. It was clear that the passage of the illconceived building industry measure was a foregone conclusion as little to no discussion except Commissioner

Kruse’s well-reasoned objection was held. It was apparent that the six commissioners were waiting for the public comment to end so they could advance the measure.

Coming in on the heels of the decision, Hurricane Idalia’s inunda-

tion of low-lying areas of the county and barrier islands highlights the importance of wetlands and buffers not only for water quality but also for storm protection. The EPA’s document, “Wetlands: Protecting Life and Property from Flooding,” makes it

“Wetlands in many locations play an important role in flood protection. Nowhere is this function more important than along coastal areas. Coastal areas are vulnerable to hurricanes and other powerful storms, and the flat coastal terrain means that land and property can be exposed to the full power of these storms,” the document says. “Preserving and reconstructing coastal marshes can help reduce storm damage. Coastal wetlands serve as storm surge protectors when hurricanes or tropical storms come ashore. In the Gulf Coast area, barrier islands, shoals, marshes, forested wetlands and other features of the coastal landscape can provide a significant and potentially sustainable buffer from wind wave action and storm surge generated by tropical storms and hurricanes.”

SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 17

CINDY LANE | SUN

Manatee County commissioners have voted to reduce wetland buffers, like this one at Grassy Point Preserve, which protect the mainland from storms.

RUSTY CHINNIS

REEL TIME: Opposition mounts against wetlands reduction

FROM PAGE 16

As the date for the final decision, Oct. 5, draws closer, a groundswell of resistance is coming from some expected and unexpected groups. In just the last three weeks, Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Abbey Tyrna has reported requests for presentations to address these concerns from homeowners’ associations, civic groups and even religious organizations. The Save Our Wetlands petition has garnered over 2,000 signatures. The children’s group, Kids for Clean Water, has conducted Zoom meetings to find ways to effectively address what they rightly consider a taking of their future and are organizing to get that message out to the public. There are also moves underway to address this egregious overreach at the ballot box, so expect to see

New fly fishers achieve first catches

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

challenges to the commissioners, who take their orders from developers who financed their campaigns instead of the citizens they swore to represent.

What makes this move so deceitful is the fact that prominent developers, who were unable to reduce buffers in lawsuits brought against the county, financed commissioners who are now doing their bidding. While they might win this battle, I’m 100% sure they will lose the war. If the citizens of Manatee County don’t wake up to this threat, generations of Manatee County citizens will suffer the consequences.

Make sure you are part of the solution and not part of the problem. Write letters, call your commissioners, attend meetings and make sure you engage in enlightened self-interest at the ballot box.

Fly anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfit ters on Siesta Key had good action with snook and juvenile tarpon recently. Fishing before daylight has been most productive for me and also the most comfortable time of day. Several anglers scored “firsts” with a fly, which is always rewarding. Richard Weintraub, of Sarasota, fished with me and caught and released his first Sarasota snook on a fly. Emaly Rivera and Isaac Lee, of Georgia, scored their first snook and tarpon on a fly, fishing with me on their first saltwater fly fishing trip!

Look for reds in skinny water and snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. You should also find snook in the surf. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and more early in the day. Adult migratory tarpon are thinning in the coastal Gulf and will gradually move

to inside waters. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms fueled by residential, industrial and

agricultural runoff, toxic spills, increasing fishing pressure and habitat degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED Richard Weintraub, of Sarasota, with his first snook caught on a fly while fishing in Sarasota with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

SPILL: Investigation, cleanup continues

FROM PAGE 8

every area of the port, yet to date has been unable to identify the origin of the material.

“Preserving the environment is among our top priorities, which is why we have fully continued partnering with the Coast Guard,” Buqueras wrote. “We have also encouraged tenant businesses at the port to cooperate with the Coast Guard.”

“NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) experts conducted an endangered species analysis of the impacted area and reported no fish or wildlife is affected at this time,” according to a Sept. 6 USCG report.

Due to its location in SeaPort Manatee, the U.S. Coast Guard assumed jurisdiction for the incident, according to Department of Environmental Protection Press Secretary Brian Miller.

According to the Coast Guard’s Facebook page, on Sept. 1, 4,500 gallons of oil/water were removed overnight and an additional 3,000 gallons removed the following day. On Sept. 2, the following was posted: “7,200 gallons of oil/ water mixture was removed from the spill Sunday, including a large amount of oil debris. The source and responsible party are under investigation. Clean up operations will continue until we are sure the oil is removed.”

The following day, the Coast Guard reported 4,400 gallons of the oil/water mixture were removed, and stated, “Investigators are sending oil samples to be type-tested to assist in the investigation into the source and responsible party.”

According to that Sept. 3 post, 90-95% of the surface oil had been removed, ship’s hulls were 39-43% cleaned from the oil, and 6.4 tons of oily debris had been removed.

The Coast Guard reported on Sept. 6 that additional samples were taken from three vessels and two pipeline companies for analysis to try to find a match to the spilled oil.

TRAM: Funding for Old Town trams extended

FROM PAGE 1

the Old Town Trams were put in place to help address the lack of parking on and around Bridge Street. The trams are a free park-and-ride shuttle service in the CRA district (from the Cortez Bridge to Fifth Street South) using two electric golf carts.

“I don’t think any of us like to see it go away because it does provide some type of service,” Chappie said. “The problem is, who’s paying for it? And what kind of involvement will there be from businesses? That’s what the service is there for.”

The service is provided by the Sarasotabased Easy Parking Group, owned by Joshua LaRose. It is supported by the CRA at a cost of $52,000 per year and is partially funded by advertising sales.

LaRose attended the Sept. 6 meeting and offered concessions to help defray some of the costs to the city.

“The pilot program didn’t work out and we need to terminate the pilot program,” CRA member David Bell said. “I think what we need to do is see what Tram 2.0 looks like.”

Bell asked LaRose to tell the board what he thought would make it successful.

“Cutting out of season to the weekends is a possibility,” LaRose said. He also offered to cut service on slower days, possibly Monday and Tuesday.

LaRose said the profit margin for the tram service is minimal.

“I might make $1,000 a month, if that sometimes,” he said. “I’m not complaining. You came out and wanted this service.”

LaRose said that upkeep on the carts is expensive, and with the ongoing sewer construction he has had to replace tires multiple times. He also said that insurance is costly at $1,100 per month.

CRA member Jan Vosburgh, who has been a vocal opponent of funding the tram, said the tram is unnecessary, especially given the construction in the area.

“If we could privatize it, we could use that money to do a lot of things,” CRA member Ralph Cole said.

“There needs to be a designated route and stick with the timing needed between different stops, designated times, designated stops, the signage and upkeep on the carts. I’ve heard a few people complain about the upkeep and how they look,” Chappie said.

“Once the construction is done, I always thought there should be a dedicated route,” CRA member Jake Spooner said.

“This isn’t a free ride, we’re giving you so much money as a temporary thing and we want you to be able to make it on your own,” Chappie said to LaRose.

Chappie suggested taking a hiatus for several months to see if LaRose can get

support from local businesses during that time. Bell disagreed and said it would be too hard to start again after a break. Cole said if the tram were stopped for a hiatus, advertisers would be lost.

“We need to leave our options open,” Chappie said. “Do we want to set aside a certain amount of money for some type of tram service? We still have a little time, not much. We have to figure out the budget process and set aside a few dollars to support this in some way to help it move along.”

CRA members agreed that participation and support from local businesses would be desirable and necessary to keep the trams going.

“Merchants aren’t equally participating and contributing,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry said.

One local business owner asked for a balance.

“The city planned the street (Bridge Street) that way with no parking, the city agreed to put businesses in there with no parking,” Silver Resorts owner Angela Rodocker said. “There is a balance that has to be looked at if we want that to continue to thrive. I don’t think it looks like what it looks like right now. Certainly not $50,000.”

The tram is funded by the CRA until October.

“We could fund it for a few more months,” Cole said.

Contractually the city is on the hook for over $104,000 if the advertisers leave, Perry said. She also said $10,000 in funds could be reallocated for several months’ extension.

“Now we put it out there, and people realize we don’t want to fund it anymore,” Cole said.

“I think a clear message has been sent, ‘Time’s up,’ Chappie said. “If we can figure out how to make it better, ok and if we can’t then that’s it.”

A motion to fund and operate the tram service until Dec. 31 passed unanimously.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Josh LaRose, Old Town Trams owner, addresses the CRA board's concerns about continued funding at a Sept. 6 meeting.

Some homeowners ‘going bare’

Florida homeowner’s insurance is one of our favorite cocktail party conversations here on the coast. People who don’t live on the coast think we’re nuts to risk all just for great views and beach access. But we’re not the only homeowners who are being charged more for getting less coverage; it’s the new norm.

If you notice a drone over your roof, don’t be surprised, insurance companies are checking roofs for condition before renewing homeowner’s policies. In an effort to recoup some of their losses in recent years, insurance companies are raising deductibles, requiring new roofs and denying coverage on older homes without strong wind mitigation. With the Gulf waters overheated, we can expect more storms and higher premiums.

The national average for home insurance has gone up 20% from 2022, according to Bankrate.com. As unbelievable as it may seem, 12% of homeowners in the country don’t purchase home-

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

owner’s insurance. About half of them have annual household incomes of less than $40,000, according to a survey by the Insurance Information Institute. Florida is not alone in experiencing double-digit insurance increases. Companies are raising rates or completely leaving Louisiana and California in addition to Florida. There is, however, a solution for some homeowners who have the funds and nerve.

The insurance industry has a phrase for homeowners who choose not to buy homeowners insurance – it’s called “going bare.” If you own a home with a mortgage, you can stop reading right now, you don’t have the option of going

bare since your mortgage lender will require you to carry sufficient coverage to repair or replace your property in the event of a major disaster.

Your lender may also require you to escrow for insurance as part of your monthly payment and then they pay the annual premium. This is, of course, to ensure that the premium is paid and their asset - your home - is insured. If this is an arrangement you have with your lender, it’s possible to ask them to allow you to pay your insurance without having to escrow for it monthly. Usually, you have to have owned your home for several years and have demonstrated a good credit score and your ability to pay your mortgage payment consistently on time.

However, if you’re a gambler, you can “self-insure,” assuming your bottom-line savings will outweigh any repairs you might have to undertake in the event of a storm or fire. Wealthy people say they have enough money saved to rebuild or move even if their house is destroyed,

but for the average homeowner, it’s a bit more of a challenge.

A standard insurance policy typically covers the cost of replacement of the home and some of its contents in the event of damage or theft. Some average homeowners who have satisfied their mortgage choose to drop their insurance and bank the annual premium. Sometimes they come out ahead, especially if they have the ability to invest the money not paid for premiums at a good return, but it’s a risk not everyone can or should take. In addition, some homeowners who live in vulnerable waterfront locations are pushed into going bare when their policies are dropped and/or are renewed at a very high rate.

The increased cost of homeowner’s policies is hitting the real estate market heavily. Potential buyers can’t afford the double whammy of higher interest rates and higher insurance premiums, freezing the real estate market further. Pay the price or go bare - no good options.

Unknown man rescues 9-year-old from drowning BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

9/3, 3:15 p.m., Marchman Act, 300 Highland Ave. A bystander notified the officer that a man was lying on the ground near the police station. Upon arriving at the man’s location, the man came up to the patrol car and asked to get inside. He told the officer while he was at the beach, a group of men came out of the woods with guns and began chasing him. He said he fled for his safety. The officer said the man was irrational and had trouble communicating, and was possibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When the subject tried to get in the driver’s side door of the patrol car, he was placed in handcuffs and transported to Center Stone, where he stated he had been before. Center Stone staff confirmed they were familiar with the subject.

9/6, 9:06 a.m., burglary, 1407 Gulf Drive S. The officer responded in reference to a burglary. The victim, who was doing concrete work at the location, told the officer that sometime in the past four days, someone entered a locked work trailer that was parked on the property and took

multiple items. The officer took inventory of the missing items and tried to locate security cameras in the area, but found none. No suspect was located.

HOLMES BEACH

9/1, 11:53, warrant, 752 Manatee Ave. While on patrol, the officer saw two men sleeping on a table at Kingfish Boat Ramp, a violation of a Holmes Beach city ordinance. After making contact with the men, it was determined that one of the subjects had a warrant from Manatee County for failure to appear. The subject was taken into custody and transported to 75th Street where a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy took custody and transported him to jail.

9/2, 3:46 a.m., recovered stolen property, 4000 Gulf Drive. While patrolling Manatee Beach, the officer noticed an electric bicycle unsecured near the bike racks. The officer found this odd because the bike was valuable and it was after hours. The officer ran the serial number and found the bike was reported stolen in Bradenton. A search of the area found no one, so the bike was taken to the Holmes Beach Police Department for safekeeping until the owner of the bike could be notified.

According to Bradenton Beach police, a 9-year-old girl was rescued on Sept. 2 after she nearly drowned near lifeguard tower 3 at Cortez Beach.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - For one family, the Labor Day holiday weekend ended with gratitude to an unknown rescuer after a 9-year-old girl was saved from drowning at Cortez Beach.

According to Bradenton Beach Police Officer Ryan Gagliano’s report, he was dispatched to lifeguard tower 3 at Cortez Beach on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 5:05 p.m. in reference to a near-drowning.

According to his report, when Gagliano arrived on the scene, Beach Patrol was already accessing the victim, whose name is being withheld due to her age.

“Sandra Parizo, the victim’s aunt, was on the scene and stated the victim was in the water with her juvenile brother,” Gagliano said in his report.

“Parizo stated the brother came out of the water and when asked where his sister was, he did not know.”

An unknown man had located the

girl in the water and pulled her to shore before 911 was called, according to the report. Parizo said she did not know how long the girl had been in the water, but bystanders said they thought it was around two minutes. Gagliano said he observed the girl come and go out of consciousness while Beach Patrol and EMS were assisting her.

EMS called for a Bay Flight helicopter to come to a landing zone that police officers had cleared at the North Coquina Boat Ramp. The victim was transported to All Children’s Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition as of 10:40 p.m. that day.

On Sept. 7, Bradenton Beach Police Lt. Lenard Diaz said he was pleased to have gotten an update on the victim’s condition, and she was doing well and was expected to make a full recovery.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN A 9-year-old girl was rescued after a near-drowning at Cortez Beach on Sept. 2.

OBITUARIES

Henry

Garfield

Henry Garfield

"Gary" Ellis

"Gary" Ellis passed away peacefully on Sept. 5, 2023 in Bradenton, Florida at the age of 76. Gary was born in Bartow, Florida, on April 13, 1947 to Samuel Ellis and Lucy Mae Stanford. He graduated from Summerlin Institute in 1965. Gary served in the U.S. Army 1st Calvary

from 1966-67 when he fought in the Vietnam War and earned two bronze stars and honorary medals.

After returning from Vietnam, he welcomed his three children, Jay, Jeffrey and Jodi.

In 1988, he met the love of his life, Nancy Ellis. They happily married on April 4, 1993. He retired from Florida Power & Light as a foreman lineman after 33 years. After retirement, Gary smoked salmon for Cortez Bait & Seafood for 10 years, where he was known for the best smoked salmon.

Gary’s children remember him as a fun-loving, avid sportsman and outdoorsman. He was a

wonderful father, husband, PawPaw and role model.

Gary is survived by his wife, Nancy Ellis; sons, Jay Ellis and Jeffrey Ellis; daughter, Jodi Ellis Ketter; and sister, Philena Barnhill. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Janae Ellis, Caitlyn Walker, Jessica Ellis, Jeffrey Ellis, Makenzie Ellis, Cassie Clark, Shawna Ellis, Maddie Ketter, Joshua McCoy and Shelby McCoy; and great-grandchild, Jason Ellis.

A Memorial Service was held on Sept. 7, 2023 at Brown and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, Florida.

Kids, parents invited to musical audition

The Roser Youth Performing Arts group is gearing up for a November performance of “Noah’s Rockin’ Ark Adventure” and they’re looking for singers to join the cast. An informational meeting for aspiring young performers and their parents is scheduled on Friday, Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Roser Church Sanctuary, 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria, hosted by the musical’s director, Craig Ramberger. Performers age 7-13 are

welcome to learn about the musical and join the cast as they prepare to travel back to a 1950s soda shoppe to tell the story of how Noah built an ark to save people and animals from an apocalyptic flood. There are seven weeks of rehearsals planned with the performance to take place at a date to be determined in early November. For more information, email Ramberger at craig@roserchurch.com.

LOOP OF NORTHWEST BRADENTON

The Center kicks off fall adult soccer

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – One week after the effects of Hurricane Idalia, the excitement of adult co-ed recreational soccer returned to the Island pitch at The Center.

Starting the season in a close 3-2 game against Gulf Drive Café, team captain Greg Ross brought his Ross Built Custom Homes squad onto the field looking like an American football team. As a local growing up on Anna Maria Island, Ross is no stranger to the fields at the community center, playing youth and adult sports over the years.

Ross’ roster includes his twin sons, Andrew and Jake. The Ross brothers cut their athletic teeth in the youth leagues on the very fields they are now playing on with their father as adults. A team on the field, the Ross Built team includes several members of Ross’ team in the world of residential construction.

Longtime co-worker and friend Max Gazzo played in the goalkeeper position for Ross last Thursday night. Like the Ross boys and G. Ross himself, Gazzo grew up on the Island and played in the youth leagues at The Center, then the Anna Maria Island Community Center.

Credited with 10 saves in the game against the young Gulf Drive Café squad, Gazzo helped his team to the first win of the season.

Gazzo is joined on the soccer field by co-workers and Islanders John

Roser Robics resumes

Fitness instructor Ann Bodger is bringing back Roser Robics to Anna Maria Island. The class is scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning on Sept. 19 in the Roser Memorial Community Church Fellowship Hall, 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. Everyone at all skill levels is invited to join. Though the class is primarily designed as a chair-based exercise class, variations of every exercise are shown for those wanting to really break a sweat. Attendees are asked to bring their own hand weights or two cans of fruit of equal weight to be used during class and then donated to the Roser Food Pantry. The class is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 941-778-0414.

Coleman, Nate Talucci and Andrew Thomas. Ross’ sons also work in the family business.

Winning by a goal, the Ross Built team got three shots past Gulf Drive Café’s Charles “Tuna” McCracken, arguably one of the best goalies in the league. Singles by Daniel Hampton, Nicola Manni and J. Ross earned their team the win. A. Ross had a critical assist allowing for a goal.

McCracken had 11 big stops in the first game of the season, but playing without team captain Kevin Roman and Jana Whitehead could have been the difference in the opening matchup.

The Gulf Drive team includes three

lifelong friends, Tyler Brewer, Javier Rivera and McCracken. Learning at Anna Maria Elementary School and playing at the community center together, the three teammates are joined by Helio Gomez, who also played youth sports at The Center.

Gomez scored one of two goals for the Gulf Drive Café team. Juan Vega put the other point on the scoreboard, along with an assist in the statistics.

Flavio Olvera is credited with the assist on Vega’s goal.

Off to a slow start to the season, the Gulf Drive Café squad hopes to win their first game against team Pool America. Pool America is seeking its

July 2023 tourist tax collections compared to July 2022

17%

17%

14%

2%

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto)

first win of the season after a volatile loss against Moss Builders 5-1 in the final game of week one action.

The Ross Built team will face Moss Builders at the 9 p.m. game on Thursday night. There can be only one winner, squashing the hopes of the other team’s undefeated season.

Josh Sato’s team won by three goals against team Slim’s Place, led by team captain Yuri Pereira. Sato Real Estate plays Gulfview Windows & Doors in the 8 p.m. game, while Slim’s battles the Sandbar team.

Sandbar Seafood & Spirits lost 3-1 against Gulfview in the third game of the night.

With six games remaining in the regular season, the top seed going into the first round of playoffs is any team’s for the taking.

Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also partially funds tourism-related attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Amounts shown were collected in 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.

Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

defender Andrew Ross in the opening game of the fall 2023 adult co-ed soccer season.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

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WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends. Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.

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HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

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TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931

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WANTED! Take over a full book of Business (No Acrylic). Please stop by for an interview. A Hair Day 9516 Cortez Rd. 941-7955227

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TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941726-3077

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ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.

KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-9621194

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Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995

Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067.

ISLE TILE specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation. Pressure washing available. Call 941-302-8759 isletileservices.com

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ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315

LOST & FOUND

LOST WALLET AROUND Judy’s Restaurant. Please call 313-310-3290. REWARD

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LOST GOLD RING High School Graduation with PA on Top. Please call 941243-1444

MOVING & STORAGE

MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980

Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING

LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-713-1893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.

T & B PRESSURE WASHING Licensed & Insured. Driveways/sidewalks, Roofs, Pool cages, Fences, House (soft wash/ downstream). Call 813638-7636. tandbpressurewashing@yahoo. com Family owned and operated.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

1455 GULF DR $1,375,000 3BR/3BA, 2 car garage, Furnished. Weekly rental zoned Christine Kourik REMAX Alliance 314-440-7574

TIRED OF HURRICANE SEASON & want to sell? Call Kelly The Kelly Gitt Team Proud Veteran Keller Williams on the Water 941-799-9299

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.

SUNNYSHORES/ SAGAMORE ESTATES

AREA: Annual rental, home with 3BR/1.5BA. Includes washer, dryer, screened in patio, parking under carport, and access to boat ramp and park by Palma Sola Bay. $1,900 per month.

ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH 4BR/3BA $3980/mo (12 month minimum) + utilities. Walk to restaurants, shops, beach. Please Call 860-922-3857.

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941-201-2190

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525

TRANSPORTATION

AMI TAXI credit cards, cash, Venmo accepted. Airport: Tampa $105, Sarasota $50, St. Pete/ Clearwater $105, Orlando $220. Call 941-447-8372, www.amitaxi.com GOLF

CART RENTALS

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095

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