Anna Maria Island Sun September 14, 2016

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VOL 16 No. 46

September 14, 2016

Bowling for The Center

monica simpson | SUbmitted

Members of the Salon Salon team had a “ball” bowling in the LaPensee Challenge Saturday. More on Page 16.

Commission divided on settlement offers Mayor Dan Murphy suggested a special assessment fee be levied as a means of offsetting the increased vacation rental occupancy demands contained in Bert Harris claims.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City Attorney Becky Vose presented the Anna Maria Commission with 28 additional proposed

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey sports outdoors Town crier real estate classified

4 6 7 20 22-23 26 30-35 37-39

Bert Harris claim settlements during the Thursday, Sept. 8, meeting.

This was the third time Vose sought approval for proposed settlement offers, but the first time the offers included a proposed purchase price to offer vacation rental owners who want greater occupancy limits than the two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests the city is offering.

“I’m suggesting we offer them an alternative settlement. They could take

The island

remembers 9/11.

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Anna Maria Island, Florida

see settlement, page 19

Gloria Dei rezone recommended The recommendation will go to the city commission, which will make the final decision

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – The Planning Commission last week recommended approval of a request from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 6608 Marina Drive to rezone a portion of its property from PSP (public/semi public) to R-2 (two family residential).

City Planner Bill Brisson told the board, “While we would prefer not to extend vacation rental use throughout the city, the medium density land use category is the most consistent use to the adjoining properties. It is the most common use next to PSP.” He said there could be as many as five duplexes allowed on the property, but most likely there would be four. He said the demand for water and sewer would not cause a capacity problem and that traffic would be see rezone, page 28

Anna Maria City Commission raises concerns about flooding. 3

Waterfront restaurant gets crafty with beer. 21 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

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SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

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Commission concerned about flooding Parking concerns are being set aside in order to address the more pressing issue of localized flooding.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – In response to the flooding that occurred during Tropical Storm Hermine, the mayor and city commissioners have requested a work session be scheduled to discuss flooding, drainage and stormwater issues.

“Something’s seriously out of whack. I don’t think our stormwater plan’s working,” Commissioner Chuck Webb said during the Thursday, Sept. 8 commission meeting.

The impromptu conversation on flooding and drainage ensued during a planned discussion on potential revisions to the city’s street-side parking allowances.

The commission agreed that flooding and drainage concerns would take precedence over the parking concerns expressed by Commissioner Dale Woodland as part of his ongoing efforts to provide relief to residents in the 100 blocks, near the beach access points.

Webb questioned whether vehicles parked on the stone-covered infiltration trenches are compacting the stones and reducing the ability for water to drain downward into the horizontal trenches that are supposed to move the water along. He wondered aloud if the commission needed to consider prohibiting streetside parking atop stormwater elements in order to

MAGGIE field | SUN

Scenes like this are common when the Island gets a heavy rain, and many residents suffer damage to their homes and possessions from the water, especially when sightseers drive by leaving a wake. prevent further reductions in drainage capabilities.

Webb said the drainage was good on Spring Avenue, but was not good along Magnolia Avenue.

“That’s newer and it hasn’t been parked on and hasn’t been compacted,” Webb said.

Commission Chair Doug Copeland said a broken pipe along North Shore Drive might be contributing to the drainage issues in the vicinity of Magnolia. see FLOODING, page 17

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ISLAND NEWS

in brief

Candidate forums next week The Sun will host two city commission candidates’ forums next week.

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m., Anna Maria City Commission candidates Brian Seymour, Chuck Webb and Nancy Yetter will participate in a forum taking place at Anna Maria City Hall.

On Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m., Bradenton Beach City Commission candidates John Chappie and Bill Vincent will participate in a Sun forum taking place at Bradenton Beach City Hall.

The forums will be open to the public, and the public is invited to submit questions for consideration in advance to jhendricks@amisun.com.

Holmes Beach gains 37 people According to population figures from the University of Florida, Bureau of Economics and Business research, Holmes Beach has gained 37 permanent residents since 2010. As of April 1, the 2010 census population was 3,836 and the preliminary population estimate for 2016 is 3,873.

Fish fry and social at The Center The Center will hold a community fish fry on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free for members, $5 for non-members and free for kids 12 and under.

Harry’s Grill and Bistro will cook the food and the menu includes fried fish, hot dogs, hush puppies, fries, cole slaw and baked beans. Kona Ice will provide entertainment.

The Center is located at 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria. For more information call 941-778-1908 or go to events@centerami.org.

City to get money for school resource officer Holmes Beach city commissioners authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with the Manatee County School Board in which the School Board will pay 50 percent of the school resource officer’s (SRO) salary in quarterly installments of $12,500.

Board sets topics for future agendas Holmes Beach city commissioners agreed on the following topics for future agendas: • The sale of animals in pet stores; • The backlog of permitting in the building department; • Policies and procedures dealing with unpermitted work by licenses contractors.

Correction In order to be considered for appointment to the Bradenton Beach City Commission in November, potential candidates must reside in Ward 2 at the time of their consideration and they must have been a resident of Bradenton Beach, not Ward 2, for the past two years.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

This dog is one man’s best friend

Bay, who turned 1 in July, was a rescue dog from the animal shelter.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@ amisun.com

CORTEZ – Eddie Shorter, dock master at the Seafood Shack docks, is happy to be alive after nearly drowning Aug. 23, and he thanks his dog, Bay, for alerting restaurant employee Harley Wise and Wise’s girlfriend, Debbie Akins, after he slipped and fell into the water.

“I was walking Bay that night when I slipped and the next thing I knew, I was in a hospital bed,” he said. “They say after I fell in, Bay barked for 20 minutes before Debbie suspected something was wrong.”

“I came out and looked, and we saw something floating in the water and I thought it might be a manatee,” Wise said. “I had Debbie hit the lights and I said, ‘Hey, that’s Eddie!’”

He said Capt. Max Hayman from the Barnacle helped bring Shorter out of the water. That’s when Wise, an Army veteran, and Akins gave him CPR before EMS took over and revived Shorter.

“They were amazed I was able to come back after not breathing for so long,” Shorter said. “They thought I might have brain damage.”

Instead, Shorter had a sore chest, the result of the CPR. He spent the next day in the hospital,

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Above: Eddie Shorter with his dog, Bay, At right, left to right: Debbie Atkins, Eddie Shorter and Harley Wise. and then he came back to work.

“They told me to take some time off,” he said, “but I said, ‘I can’t just sit around, I need to get back to work.’”

There was a gathering of first responders who tended to Shorter last week to celebrate his rescue and fast recovery.

Shorter said while he was essentially dead, he did not experience a light at the end of a tunnel or anything like that.

“It was like I was floating in

space without the stars,” he said.

“Then I woke up.”

He said the experience changed his outlook on life.

“I appreciate things more,” he said. “I tell people to believe in miracles; they happen.”

Non-profits bank on Giving Challenge

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

Local non-profits will be anxiously awaiting the results of the 2016 Giving Challenge, Sept 20 and 21 from noon to noon.

The Giving Challenge is supported by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Manatee Community Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knght Foundation and the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. During the 24-hour giving event, people go online to make donations to participating organizations and the foundations match

donations that meet certain criteria.

The challenge, in its fifth year, has raised more than $15 million for charities in the four county area, according to Murray Devine, communications project manager of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, which was the originating organization. Last year’s effort brought in $7 million of that.

Local non-profits include the Center of Anna Maria Island, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, the Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island, the Friends of the Florida Maritime

Museum and the Cortez Village Historical Society.

“The Giving Challenge makes sure the non-profits are transparent because it requires them to make profiles of their leadership, their goals, their financial history and their results,” Devine said. “It is also an opportunity to make any donor, no matter how big or small, part of the effort.”

Devine said the idea has caught on in other areas of the country, making it nationwide.

For more information on the Giving Challenge, log onto www. givingpartnerchallenge.org.

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Mayor proposes parking garage The CRA Committee favors an interlocal agreement that would provide for a greater police presence in the anchorage.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Mayor Bill Shearon’s latest attempt to drum up support for a managed mooring field was presented as part of a larger-reaching concept that also included a parking garage, a new city hall building and the pursuit of Tourist Development Council (TDC) funds.

As an alternative to a mooring field, the committee expressed support for an interlocal agreement suggested by Commissioner Ralph Cole that would allow Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds to be used for increased policing of the anchorage near the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

The committee also unanimously supported City Attorney Ricinda Perry’s plan for moving forward with updating the city’s outdated CRA plan at an estimated cost of $18,000. This process will include multiple opportunities for the public and the business community to provide input on what projects they would like to see included in

joe hendricks | SUN

Last week, Mayor Bill Shearon proposed building a parking garage near the cell tower and public works department building. the CRA district that currently stretches from Cortez Road to Fifth Street South and may soon include the off-shore anchorage as well.

Dock funds

Shearon presented his latest proposal during the Wednesday, Sept. 7, CRA meeting.

Based on recent discussions with county officials regarding funding for waterfront

projects, Shearon said the county would cover the entire cost of installing new public day docks alongside the pier if the city agreed to build and maintain a managed mooring field at its own expense.

The commission has already approved spending $250,000 in CRA funds to replace and expand the public day dock on the south side of the pier. The commission majority, minus Shearon, also recently

authorized $15,000 for an ecological consultant to research the viability and legality of installing commercial wet slips on the north side of the pier.

Shearon said county officials might balk at funding any dock improvements that include commercial wet slips.

Participating via Skype while on vacation, Commissioner Jake Spooner questioned Shearon’s assertion that the TDC might oppose a project that would provide tourists with more access to tour boats, parasailing, charter fishing.

Spooner also questioned the need to incur the cost of a mooring field in order to get TDC funds to pay for a public day dock that's already approved using CRA funds.

“You’re spending $20 to get $5,” Spooner said of Shearon’s proposal.

Acting as the CRA Committee, the four city commissioners offered no support for a managed mooring field. They did however agree to invite county officials to appear at a future commission workshop in order to hear from them directly.

Parking Garage?

Shearon’s proposal to build a multi-level parking garage in the unpaved parking lot see PARKING, page 17

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OPINIOn

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

EDITORIAL Fifteen years after the attacks

I

t has been 15 years since a team of terrorists slapped America across the face, killing thouands of innocent people in the process.

The nation reacted immediately, grounding all airline flights as we realized things would never be the same.

As we tightened security and tried to strike down the people responsible, we uncovered a huge network of dissidents using their religion to seek revenge on the United States and our allies. We finally caught and killed Osama Bin Laudin, but while he was the recognized face of the enemy, there were thousands more waiting to exact revenge on us.

Whether it is Al Quaida or Isis or myriad other groups, we face a long struggle to gain back our sense of security that was so shoockingly taken from us on that September morning.

On the Isand, people from New York reacted with shock about the incredible destruction of the twin owers and the loss of life.

Political leaders banded together to get a grasp on our situation and take measures to prevent any further surprise attacks.

There are calls for closer control of illegal immigration from the south because those routes into our country have been around for years, and those who use them are often involved with drugs or dealing in stolen property.

Whatever the solution, we need to work together and try to compromise to get results. Security has turned into a political football, and nobody wants to give in to anything but their own ideas.

As we look back on the last 15 years, we are still involved in wars in the Middle East, and we still face a bloodthirsty enemy that uses faith to spread its ideology.

We need to make sure our enemies are held at bay and maybe make an attempt to find the cause of their disdain.

In the end, we need to come together before we're pulled apart.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Flooding requests This e-mail was sent to Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer.

First, nice work on reducing the Island traffic after the 7-inch rain on Wednesday and trying to limit it to residents and weekly visitors.

Were you able to use the sign on Manatee Avenue just before 75th Street? No person in his right mind should be going to shop, eat out, go to the beach, do lawn maintenance or outdoor construction on such days, and we don’t need sightseers.

Second, can you work with the commission and mayor to impose a temporary 20 mph speed limit on such days? Deep water covering the road at such spots as the library on Marina Drive, or Gulf Drive at 73rd Street, forces people to slow down.

However, where we live on Palm Drive, for several blocks on either side of 71st Street, the water is partly but not fully covering the road. In particular, pickup and delivery trucks drive by at 35 mph, throwing water to each side and creating a significant wake. If we had more than 7 inches of rain, water would likely wash into several homes.

Could you move the portable radar signs to such locations, set to flash at 20 mph, to reinforce the lower limit?

Could you delegate an officer to write say about 25 tickets for about an hour to help get the word out?

Your help would be much appreciated.

Susan and David Cheshire Holmes Beach

Rental issue This e-mail was sent to Holmes Beach City Commissioners.

I understand that certain rental homes in the R-1 zone, which were grandfathered 10 years ago, so that they were able to continue accepting weekly rentals instead of the required 30-days is expected to expire in March 2017.

At the time that they were granted 10 years, it should have been understood that this was plenty of time to either sell or realize that they should be building up a clientele of longer rental customers. They are out there!

Where I live full time on Key Royale in an R-1 zone, there are several rental homes near me, which are part of the grandfather rule. Two of them are large houses, which have over three bedrooms.

A third on Key Royale Drive has three bedrooms but this home is mostly rented by the month. It is no problem. The other two very large homes often have six plus cars

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7. parked and large groups of guests.

But these don’t bother me personally nearly as much as the home directly across the canal from me located on 67th Street. This home has three bedrooms, but often way more than six people and usually children. Rentals are almost always a week and some two. There are times when there are nice, quiet guess in residence, but all too often, they are young children who like to be in the pool at all hours or adults here to party.

The canal is fairly narrow and noises carry. In the past, we have called about noise, but it does get tiresome to keep doing this. Although I like to sleep with windows open, I have learned to just shut them in order to be able to sleep.

With monthly rentals, you have a different kind of guest. They are usually couples, and they are here to enjoy the ambiance and quiet of Anna Maria Island. Many decide to buy and spend more time her.

I have gotten to know many who stay at the rental house across the street from me.

And now they have a problem.

This paticula house was sold last year to a couple who honored he previous owner’s reservations, but only until next year. They plan SEE LETTERS, PAGE 7

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SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

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the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Should the county turn back sight-seers when there is flooding on the Island?

Of course, and they

Anna Maria

Holmes Beach

9/13: Planning and Zoning Board, 4 p.m.

9/20: Island Sun Candidate Forum, 6 p.m.

9/21: Final budget hearing, 6 p.m.

9/22: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7086130.

9/19: Vacation Rental Certificate stakeholders meeting, 6 p.m.

9/22: Vacation Rental Certificate stakeholders meeting, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

9%

25%

could do the same when there is too much traffic.

No, a word of caution should be enough.

10005 Gulf Drive.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

9/15: City Commission meeting, noon.

9/20: City Commission work session, 1 p.m.

9/21: Island Sun Candidate Forum, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

66%

Note: Events are free unless indicated.

Wednesday

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY Should the city of Bradenton Beach build a parking garage near the cell tower?

• Yes, the business district needs more parking.

• Yes, but build it closer to the Bridge Street attractions.

• No, that would be an eyesore and create more traffic.

• No, there are better ways to spend the taxpayers’ money.

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

to live here full time. I spoke with one of their guests in part this winter who comes for two months each year. They don’t know where they are going to find a place after

Island-wide

9/15: West Manatee Fire Commission public hearing for first reading of Ordinance 2016-11 WMFR Firefighters’ Retirement Plan, followed by second reading and adoption of 2016-17 budget and a regular commission meeting, 6 p.m., 6417 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton.

9/21: Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 2 p.m.

mark your calendar

Yes, homeowners don't need vehicles leaving wakes when their homes are flooded.

From Page 6

5801 Marina Drive.

this next year. Most rental homes are so large and so very expensive, as they are geared to only weekly rentals. I know they spent weeks this winter searching and came up empty handed except for some homes off Island.

I hope that you will not consider the pleas of those who wan to continue the grandfather clause. Let’s instead encourage more who want to live here year ‘round.

Elaine Jackson Holmes Beach

Sept. 14

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10.

Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099.

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12 p.m.

Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Thursday Sept.15

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 to 11 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Friends of the Island Branch Library Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Successful Women Aligning Together, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Members, $12, guests, $17. RSVP to swatami@ gmail.com

Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Jam in the sand, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday Sept. 16

Bridge beginners/refresher class, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10 includes coffee and cookies. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight.

Movie, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday Sept. 17

International Coastal Cleanup at Coquina Beach and Leffis Key, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Register to Michelle.

Leahy@mymanatee.org or 941-748-4501, ext. 6035.

Kayaking for first timers, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8

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Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Reserve to 941-742-5757, ext. 7.

Meditation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

S.T.E.A.M., Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Sept. 24

Thursday Sept. 22

Monday Sept. 19

Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

Tuesday

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 to 11 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Jam in the sand, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday Sept. 23

Sept. 20

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 to 11 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

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

Neighborhood Services presents “Taking Ownership in Your Community,� Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday Sept. 21

Paddle through Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reserve to

S

Saturday

941-742- 5757, ext. 7.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight.

From Page 7

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

Forty Carrots program for babies and children to age 5, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Bridge beginners/refresher class, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10 includes coffee and cookies.

RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Rendezvous at Robinson Expansion, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 to 1 a.m. Reserve to Coral.Bass@mymanatee.org or 941-7425923, ext. 6034.

CPR class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Preregistration required.

Healing meditation, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. to noon. Reserve to 941-778-2099 or ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com.

Lego club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Fish fry, The Center of AMI, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 to 8 p.m. Free for members, $5 non-members.

Monday Sept. 26

Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

Tuesday Sept. 27

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

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 to 11 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Wednesday Sept. 28

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12 p.m.

Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Ambassadogs pack walk, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call Sam at 941-742-5923, ext. 6036, to join.

Bradenton Beach City Commission preview Beginning at noon, the Thursday, Sept. 15, the Bradenton Beach Commission meeting will start with a time-certain public hearing on a variance request for two docks at 2107 Ave. A. The agenda also calls for the final reading of the concessionaire and lease ordinance with AMOB, the adoption of an interlocal agreement that will allow for additional policing of the anchorage, a presentation on the revised Scenic W.A.V.E.S. bylaws, possible discussion on a settlement agreement for the Bazzy lawsuit and an update on a requested special master hearing.

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joe hendricks | SUN

Pier protection proposed

Punta Gorda Wild Hog Tenderloin

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Mar Vista offers a true Florida dining experience. Situated on picturesque Sarasota Bay guests can sit inside the quaint dining room, outside on the covered deck or under the canopy of 100 year old Buttonwood trees while they enjoy fresh Gulf to table seafood, farm to fork produce, an extensive wine list and a full bar featuring tropical drinks.

World class cuisine in a historic authentic Old Florida dive, it makes us a true Original!

Anthony Cucci, general manager Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub

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DineOriginal.com 15 South Ristorante • Amore Restaurant • Andrea’s • Anna Maria Oyster Bar • Beach House • The Bijou Café • Birdrock Taco Shack • Blu Island Bistro • Blue Marlin Seafood • Bridge Street Bistro • Café Baci • Café Gabbiano • Café Venice • Caragiulos • Cassariano Italian Eatery • Cedar Reef Fish Camp • Ciao! Italia • The Crow’s Nest • Drunken Poet Café • Duval’s • enRich Bistro • Euphemia Haye • Fast N Fresh • Fins at Sharky’s • Gold Rush BBQ • Gulf Drive Café + Tiki • Harry’s Continental Kitchens • JPAN Restaurant • Lobster Pot • Madfish Grill • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub • Michael John’s • Michael’s On East • mi Pueblo • Miguel’s Restaurant • Ophelia’s On The Bay • The Original Egg • Ortygia Restaurant • Pacific Rim • Pier 22 Restaurant • Polo Grill & Bar • Primo! Ristorante • Riverhouse Reef & Grill • Roessler’s Restaurant • Salute! Restaurant • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits • Seafood Shack • Siesta Key Oyster Bar • State Street • Tsunami • Village Café • The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria • The White Horse Pub

During last week's Bradenton Beach Pier Team meeting, Police Chief Sam Speciale suggested running a cable or rope through the dolphin pilings in order to prevent boats that break free from the anchorage during storms from crashing into the pier, as was the case during Tropical Storm Hermine. It was also suggested that a cable or rope be run diagonally to the pier's T-end for the same reason. Even though one sailboat broke free during the recent storm and hit the T-end of the pier, the only damage sustained was some superficial scuffing and chaffing to the exposed ends of a few of the Trex composite decking boards. The day dock also sustained minor damage in the form of a connecting rod that came loose, which was later reinstalled so the day dock could be reopened.

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Rental regulations crystalizing The Planning and Zoning Board will continue its vacation rental regulation discussions on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – It started slow, but the Planning and Zoning Board has now hit its stride in regard to developing vacation rental regulations to recommend to the City Commission.

During the board’s Sept. 7 meeting, the five attending members reached consensus on several potential means of regulating short-term vacation rentals, and they still have more to discuss at their next meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 9 a.m.

Using a three-page document created by City Planner Alan Garrett that contained board member suggestions given at previous meetings, the board was able to lay out a significant portion of the regulatory framework that will be presented to the city commission when the board feels this stage of its work has been completed.

The local licensing of transient public lodging establishments (TPLEs) will adhere to the state definition that defines a short-term rental as one that is rented more than three times a year for a period of less than 30 days or one calendar month, whichever is less.

The board reached consensus on the

following recommendations: • The city will have the right to inspect the rental dwelling and property.

• Maximum occupancy will be two persons per bedroom, plus two additional guests for existing rental units, and there was also talk of a maximum of eight occupants for new rental units built in the R-1 and R-2 residential zones after any proposed regulations are enacted.

• Vacation rentals will be required to utilize side yard trash pickup, with owner occupied units exempt from this regulation unless a complaint is received.

• TPLEs will be required to present to the city a copy of a public lodging license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, and the possession of such license will trigger the mandate that the rental unit be registered with the city and subject to its vacation rental regulations.

• The owner’s name, address and phone number will be provided to the city.

• If applicable, the rental agent’s name, address and a 24-hour contact number will be provided to the city.

The board majority supports Police Chief Sam Speciale’s request for outside signs that provide a contact name and number, accompanied by an interior placard that contains additional information pertaining to occupancy limits, parking spaces and other details that may be of use to an officer who

responds to a complaint.

Two board members prefer an electronic data base to public signage and the final decision will be left up to the commission.

The board agreed to adopt a false advertising ordinance similar to the ordinance adopted in Anna Maria that requires the advertised occupancy to consistent with the occupancy limit established by the city.

The board majority has recommended amending the existing noise ordinance in a manner that would reduce the allowed decibel levels in the R-1 and R-2 districts from 55 decibels to 45 decibels between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Speciale said later that he did not think he and his officers could enforce noise levels that low.

The board agreed that it would be up to the commission to adopt a resolution that established application and registration fees sufficient enough to reimburse the city for the time and expense of implementing and enforcing the rental regulations.

The board discussed limiting the number of day guests allowed, but couldn’t come up with an exact idea as to what that number should be or how it would be enforced.

“I want to thank you guys for allowing me to be involved with this process and I appreciate it,” Speciale told the board as the meeting came to an end.

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Former City Commissioner Janie Robertson could be fined up to $1,000 for each of the four alleged campaign violations she will now try to resolve.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Florida Elections Commission has issued an order of probable cause to former Bradenton Beach Commissioner Janie Robertson for four Robertson counts of alleged campaign reporting violations that date back to September 2015.

The complaint was filed by former Mayor Jack Clarke after the city elections took place in November.

The complaint pertains to a campaign letter that Robertson mailed to city voters in envelopes that also contained a campaign letter written by Bill Shearon, who was trying to reclaim the mayor’s seat he lost earlier that year.

At that time, questions were raised as to whether the shared mailing served as an unreported in-kind campaign contribution in regard to any shared postage costs not being declared on her finance reports.

Clarke’s complaint also alleged that Robertson’s letter contained false statements about him.

The order of probable cause dated Aug. 31 makes no mention of any alleged false statements, but the four counts listed do find probable cause that Robertson may have submitted campaign finance reports that were not true, correct and complete.

Count 2 alleges she failed to report a contribution on one of her reports, and Count 3 alleges she deliberately failed to include required information. Count 4 alleges Robertson falsely reported information.

The order of probable cause re-

cently sent to Clarke and Robertson lists four ways that Robertson can resolve the case. She can agree to consent order where she and the commission agree to the amount of the fine. She can request an informal hearing before the Elections Commission if she does not dispute any of the materials facts contained in the staff recommendation. She can also request a formal hearing before an administrative law judge, and she has 30 days to make that request.

If Robertson does not request one of these methods, her case will be sent to the Elections Commission for a formal or informal hearing, depending on whether the facts are in dispute.

According to an Elections Commission spokesperson, administrative violations of this nature are subject to fines of up to $1,000 per violation.

Robertson commented on these developments last week.

“The situation is not fully resolved as yet, and I will be glad to comment further when it is. As far as the fine goes, I only ask for fairness. Months ago, I said I was guilty of one small infraction and corrected it. After months of digging into the statutes with Supervisor of Elections Office, I finally understand a second infraction.

It was missed by three of us,” she said, noting that a member of the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office was among those who was not originally aware that violation occurred.

When contacted, Clarke said, “The process is ongoing, but to get this determination of four probable violations is an indicator that our election laws are to be taken seriously and violations are not without consequence.”

A similar complaint Clarke filed against Shearon last fall has resulted no known action or notification from the Elections Commission.

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SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

A salute to responders and a flag raising Bridge Street Bistro honored first responders, active military and veterans with a buffet lunch Saturday and the Anna Maria Oyster Bar raised the flag on its new flag pole at 10:03 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, to commemorate the exact time the first tower went down at the World Trade Center in New York City 15 years ago.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Clockwise from above: Zack Benshoff, Clayton Lease, and Jay Johnson with Avery Brown in the empty lot across from the Bridge Street Bistro with response equipment from West Manatee Fire Rescue and Bradenton Beach Police; several members of the True Blue band are first responders; responders prepare for their free lunch; former NYPD Officer Bill Murphy presents Anna Maria Oyster Bar owner John Horne with a 9/11 plaque. Bottom pictures from left: the new flag flies over AMOB; Southern Manatee Fire Battalion Chief Herb Smith, Bistro event organizer Paula Riley, Bistro owner Bill Herlihy and event organizer Eric Fleishman.

AMOB | SUBMITTED

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Center will need a volunteer army Due to new regulations for non profits, The Center is going to lose thousands of staff volunteer hours.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island is going to need to recruit an army of volunteers to make up for the loss of volunteer hours currently provided by staff.

Executive Director Kristen Lessig reported to board members at their Aug. 29 meeting that the U.S. Department of Labor has new regulations for non profits.

“As of Dec. 1, there’s no such thing as comp or flex time anymore for salaried employees, “ she explained. “If they don’t make over $47,300, and nobody besides

me makes that, they have to work 40 hours a week or be paid overtime.”

She said it would mean a loss of thousands of volunteer hours per year, and board member Sam Pakbaz asked how they plan to address that gap.

“A lot of the time it gets burned up on special events,” Treasurer Jim Froeschle responded, and Lessig said that is one reason they have cut back on special events.

“You’ll notice among the mission earned income sources, which are what Center officials can control, that two are declining significantly – special events and grants,” Froeschle pointed out. “They burn up a lot of staff resources that we have to replace with volunteer resources, but I’m concerned that we’re walking away from revenue from special events

Center events planned The Center released the following list of coming events: • Member social and fish fry, Sept. 24; • Golf tournament, Oct. 21; • Town hall meeting, Oct. 24; • Family Fun Day, Dec. 3; • Youth Christmas play, Dec.11; • Town hall meeting, Jan 23, 2017; • Murder mystery, Feb. 24 and 25, 2017; • Tour of Homes, March 18, 2017; • Dinner theater, March 24 or 31, 2017; • Town hall meeting, April 24, 2017; • Member social, May 20, 2017.

New board members at The Center The Center of Anna Maria Island board of directors welcomed two new board members last week. Members are Sam Pakbaz, of Anna Maria, and Sean Flynn, of Bradenton Beach, both attorneys. Pakbaz and his wife have two young sons, and Flynn, and his wife have two young daughters.

There’s a lot of people out there who would be happy to donate hours, but there’s no concerted effort to find them.”

Jim Froeschle Treasurer

we need.

“The question is can we gear up a volunteer work force to do it and can we go way over this budget with special events income? Can we afford to downsize special events efforts in view of the uncertainty of when the development plan will have an effect?”

He said they must develop an “active base of volunteers. There’s a lot of people

out there who would be happy to donate hours, but there’s no concerted effort to find them.”

Lessig added that it must also be a diverse pool to accommodate the different types of events.

Board members also discussed the possibility of asking parents of kids who receive scholarships to contribute volunteer hours.

Center could face large budget gap The problem is income that Center officials can’t control such as city and county funding.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Treasurer Jim Froeschle reported that the Center is beginning the 2016-17 budget year with a potential funding gap of $470,000.

“It is a constant challenge,” he said.

“We’re always looking for ways to create sustaining revenue sources to fill that gap.”

He said mission earned income is what Center officials can control and includes memberships; revenue from three activity centers – community programs, sports and Beyond the Classroom (after school program); special events and grants.

Other income that Center officials can’t control includes private donations, Island cities funding, county funding and

the rental program.

With operating expenses budgeted at $1,155,900 and mission earned income of $687,000 deducted, that creates the potential $470,000 gap.

“The sources of revenue are shifting,” Froeschle said. “We spent two years saving The Center and developing a strategy to diversify our revenue sources. Now we’re building our sources of revenue.

“The reality is that Island has gone from locals to 50 percent vacationers at certain times of the year, and we have to tap that source. It’s a long slow process.”

He said net income for 2016-17 is expected to be break even if the $470,00 gap is filled.

Director’s report

• Executive Director Kristen Lessig presented board members with binders containing information such as an employee manual, a board contact list, the strategic work plan, a copy of the bylaws, a board engagement plan and

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an organizational chart.

• A new website is in progress, a new promotional video is completed and Sugar Beach Digital is helping create a new campaign that features families and kids who grew up using the Center.

• The Island trolleys will feature Center ads.

• The Center Moves program of fitness and nutrition for third-graders began at Anna Maria Elementary School.

• The Center will participate in ArtsHOP weekend.

• Staff members trained with West Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County’s Customer Service Team.

• The new teen room is open from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

• The Pittsburgh Pirates funded labor and equipment for field maintenance and also awarded The Center a $5,000 grant.

• Centerstone has begun teaching social skills to children in kindergarten through fifth grade and life skills to teens.

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SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

Island resident students now a minority

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – It’s official. Students at Anna Maria Elementary School who live on the Island are now in the minority.

According to the official 10-day count, 51 percent of the 260 registered students live off the Island. AME Principal Jackie

Featherston said the total attendance is equal to latest school year’s count, but for the first time in the school’s history, off-Island students outnumber the ones who call the Island home.

“Those students who live off-Island usually have parents who work here,” she said. “They enrolled here as part of the School Choice program and those

who missed the window of opportunity for School Choice declare a hardship to be able to attend this school.”

That doesn’t mean much in the way the school operates. With the number of families who live on the Island decreasing due to the expense of living here and the loss of community, AME’s enrollment might drop to the point that

AME to celebrate peace

Tell your Island story

The International Day of Peace, sometimes called World Peace Day, began in 1981 with a resolution in the United Nations and was first observed on Sept. 21, 1982.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – An annual tradition, observance of the International Day of Peace, will be held in front of Anna Maria Elementary School starting at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 23.

AME Guidance Counselor Susan Tabicman has events scheduled including music, presentation of peace flags and reading of essays. The theme of this year’s celebration is “A World of Music.”

The celebration begins with the presentation of flags and drums by fourth- and fifth-graders. The Star Spangled Banner and Pledge of Allegiance come next followed by the song “Hello” by the kindergarten and first grade classes. Then, students from grades two through five will read an essay.

A Peace Pole in front of the school is a daily

the district would consider closing it.

So far, there has been no talk of that.

The quality of education at the school remains top-notch and the school’s overall grade from the district is an A, as it has been in more than a decade.

The school also has a high amount of volunteer hours from stay-at-home parents and retirees.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Anna Maria Elementary School Guidance Counselor Susan Tabicman with books on peace. reminder of the need to work for world peace. The Peace Pole was a gift from the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island shortly after the 9/11 attacks.

AME’s first observance of World Peace Day, as it is sometimes called, was a year after the terrorist attacks.

The public is invited to watch the celebration and join the movement to end wars.

Home Sweet Home, the local organization committed to bringing new permanent residents to Anna Maria Island, is seeking to interview residents who grew up on the Island and/or whose families have owned on the Island for a generation or two. They also want to interview folks who live here and have started businesses here, as well as those who work from home here.

“It shouldn’t be surprising that many people think AMI is only a resort island – simply a place for a fabulous vacation,” said Home Sweet Home Director Jean Peelen. “They have no idea that AMI is a great place to raise a family and that we have a school, churches, a library, civic clubs, dentists, doctors, and all manner of services a residential community needs.”

Peelen feels the group can best tell the Island story by compiling residents’ stories. Those interested may contact Jean Peelen at 941-8965827 to be interviewed for a story and a photo which will appear on the Home Sweet Home website.

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Pins fall as money is raised Organizers of the LaPensee Plumbing Bowling Challenge had a good problem before the event - they hadn’t reserved enough alleys for the bowlers. In fact, they ended up with a total of 40 lanes and approximately 150 bowlers competing for high game, high series or low game, low series trophies, as they made money for The Center.

There were raffles too – a 50/50 drawing; a Chinese drawing where ticket holders put tickets next to the prize baskets they wanted; and a separate drawing for a Yeti bag loaded with liquid refreshments that only a person 21 years or older would be allowed to enjoy.

AMF Lanes provided a buffet spread that features pizzas and crispy wings with a choice of dips.

Organizer Lindsay Saul brought her daughter, Livia, who helped sign in the entries.

Sponsors Karen and Mike LaPensee were pleased to see the turnout and the spirit shown by the bowlers.

Center Director Kristen Lessig expressed thanks to the sponsors and the bowlers for their generosity.

photos by TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Clockwise from above: Mikaela Culhane was top young bowler; Members of the Tom Sanger Pools Team took top team honors; Sponsor Karen LaPensee draws the winning ticket for the 50/50 drawing; Craig Kaplan took high game for the men; and Juanity Sok rolled the top women’s game

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

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Parking: Garage proposed FROM PAGE 5

at the north end of Highland and Church avenues was met curiosity and questions about cost and practicality.

That location currently serves as an unpaved parking lot that provides approximately 30 parking spaces. Spooner said he doubted there was enough space there for a parking garage and the entrance and exit points that would be needed.

“If it was closer to the Bridge Street area it would be more convenient and people would use it more,” he added.

Shearon said it was possible the public works building might have to be torn down to make room for a parking garage. He also suggested the structure might also include enough space for a new city hall, which he acknowledged would cost millions of dollars and require a voter-approved bond.

“It’s big wish list needless to say, and when you get to the point of a city hall that’s obviously a long range plan,” Vosburgh said.

She expressed some support for a

parking garage but the idea garnered no significant traction from the committee as a whole.

Anchorage policing

As a separate agenda item, the committee unanimously supported a proposed interlocal agreement that once adopted by the city commission would allow the city to use CRA funds to fund police patrols of the anchorage.

The committee majority felt this would be more cost-effective than a mooring field at a time when a new state law makes it easier for local law enforcement to deal with at-risk and non-compliant vessels.

“I think that would solve three-quarters of the problem,” Vosburgh said.

Cole suggested future expenditures might include jet skis and other equipment that would further enhance the enforcement efforts.

“My goal is to make it happen as soon as possible,” he said.

flooding: Concerns raised FROM PAGE 3

“I think everybody in this city is well aware of our drainage issues after this week,” Copeland said.

He then suggested the commission’s next work session be dedicated to stormwater and drainage. He said it would be beneficial to have City Engineer Lynn Burnett on hand to provide her insight as to why the drainage elements are working well in some areas and not well in other areas.

Commissioner Carol Carter said the flooding has become much worse along the 200 block of Willow Avenue in recent years and she offered a theory as to why.

“Good drainage or bad drainage, the problem is lot coverage. We know how many vacant lots are now covered with a huge house, and we know how many formerly small houses have been transformed into huge houses,” she said.

Mayor Dan Murphy said he spent the better part of the week visiting

with citizens who contacted him about flooding issues.

“They showed me where the water came in for the first time ever and it never came in before in all the years they’ve lived here. They all attribute it to construction,” Murphy said.

In regard to the city’s stormwater system, Murphy said, “Our master plan doesn’t work. In half the cases, vertical infiltration was just put in and the city remained underwater until we pumped it. It works in some places; I think it needs improvement in other places. I don’t know what the cause is. We need to have a serious conversation on what we’re going to do.”

Burnett also serves as the city engineer for the cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.

“Is Holmes Beach’s drainage system the same as ours?” Commissioner Nancy Yetter asked.

When she was told the systems are similar, Yetter said, “Boy that didn’t work.”

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SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

Lawsuits against city remain unresolved One lawsuit is tentatively scheduled for a trial in October, while the other has been delayed indefinitely.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The city of Bradenton Beach was in court twice last week.

On Wednesday, Sept. 7, attorney Fred Moore represented the city at a brief hearing pertaining to the pier-lease lawsuit filed last year by Bradenton Beach Marina owners Mike and Al Bazzy.

On Thursday, Sept. 8, City Attorney Ricinda Perry appeared in court on behalf of the city, joined by attorney Robert Lincoln, who is now defending property owners Wendy and George Kokolis from a lawsuit resident Planning and Zoning Board member John Metz filed against the city in June.

Attorney Nelon Kirkland represented the Bazzys on Wednesday and Metz on Thursday.

Bazzy suit

joe hendricks | SUN

From left, city resident John Metz discusses his case with attorney Nelon Kirkland, with potentially-affected property owner Wendy Kokolis and former Mayor Jack Clarke sitting behind them.

Wednesday’s hearing was originally scheduled to be a summary judgement hearing for the city, but a competing motion for summary judgement filed by Kirkland led both attorneys to agree that no judge’s decision would be rendered that day. Instead, the hearing served as a case management hearing pertaining to a potential trial date.

A non-jury trial has been tentatively scheduled to start on Monday, Oct. 10, but that date is dependent on eight potential jury trials and two potential non-jury trials that are ahead of the city on the October trial docket. The attorneys agreed that the case will center primarily around statements made and ac-

tions taken at a series of city meetings that took place last summer, which led to AMOB being awarded the lease rights to three city-owned buildings located at the foot of the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

The Bazzys are contending the non-public preliminary lease discussions that took place in between public meetings violated state Sunshine Law. Therefore they are asking the court to order new requests for proposals (RFP) be issued for the two smaller spaces AMOB controls and subleases to other tenants.

The attorneys also noted that settlement offers and counter offers are being exchanged and this might produce an out of court resolution.

Metz suit

On Thursday, Lincoln told Judge Gilbert Smith, Jr. that substantive and procedural errors were committed by including the city, but not

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the Kokolises, in the legal proceedings Metz initiated in June, which could have a direct impact on his clients’ property rights.

Smith granted Lincoln’s motion to intervene in the lawsuit and this was met with no objection from Kirkland.

Lincoln will now represent the Kokolises at any future hearings or proceedings that pertain to Metz’s attempts to have the Kokolis’ residential property at 308 Gulf Dr. S. declared abandoned in regard to it being allowed to continue being used as vacation rental.

Before the hearing, Wendy Kokolis said the first floor renovations are complete, but she is not renting those units out yet due to the uncertainly created by Metz’s lawsuit.

She also said the renovations still taking place in the second story units were put on hold.

During the hearing, Lincoln said the writ of mandamus granted by

the court last month erroneously included language that prevented the Kokolises from working on their property while the legal process plays out.

Kirkland agreed that this language be removed and the Kokolises can now continue working on their property if they wish.

Metz, who lives next door and uses a portion of his home as a vacation rental, contends that because the Kokolis property sat unoccupied for more than 18 months, its use as a vacation rental should be terminated because the preexisting use of the property is considered non-conforming according to current city codes.

Building Official Steve Gilbert has maintained that when the city issued building permits to the Kokolises in June 2015 that served as notice that the property was not abandoned.

Metz requested, and was recently granted, an appeal hearing held at the city level, but the scheduled special master hearing was then canceled due to scheduling conflicts and ensuing legal actions.

Last week, Perry told the judge that Metz has requested that someone other than attorney William Robinson Jr. serve as the city’s special master in this case. Perry said Metz objects to Robinson because Perry's husband is a shareholder in the law firm that employs him.

Perry told Smith that an RFP would now have to be issued in an attempt to find another special master. She said the last time the city put out an RFP for a special master Robinson was the only licensed attorney to respond, thus she could not provide an estimated timeline as to when Metz would get his hearing.

When Thursday’s hearing came to an end, the judge said, “Good luck.”

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

19

settlement: Divided opinions FROM PAGE 1

the occupancy we offer or the city would offer to purchase the house� Vose told the commission.

All but one of the 29 previously approved settlement offers proposed the two-plustwo occupancy allowances sought by the property owners. Of the 28 settlements proposed last week, 20 are seeking occupancy levels in excess of two-plus-two, with some seeking as many as four more guests than the two-plus-two provision would allow.

The highest requested occupancy is 16 and the city’s highest offer is 14.

The combined purchase offers presented last week exceed $20 million. The city has a projected 2016-17 budget of $4.73 million. If settlements cannot be reached, an owner’s next option is to take the city to court.

Vose has warned the commission that the failure to present a settlement offer results in an automatic win for the property owner. “We have to make an offer that makes the person whole as far as their financial expectations. If we do not make them whole, then as a matter of law we will lose,� Vose said.

As for the city taking its chances in court, she said, “We’re talking about spending an incredible amount of money for which we get no benefit. They have a little lower occupancy and that’s all.�

Split decisions

The commission voted 3-2 in favor of approving the latest settlement offers. As they did in July and August, commissioners Chuck Webb and Nancy Yetter again voted in opposition.

Before the commission voted, Commissioner Dale Woodland addressed the severity of the situation and questioned why the pervious votes were not unanimous. “This is the biggest issue I’ve ever seen hit the city of Anna Maria. I’m perplexed on why we’re not having votes that are 5-0 instead of 3-2,� Woodland said.

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In response, Yetter said, “The first group of settlements was not a compromise, it was a give-in. We gave them exactly what they wanted. I don’t want the city to go bankrupt, but at the same time I’m so sick of us sitting up here making these grandiose statements and at the first chance we put our tails between our legs and we run.

We have to start being stronger. I gave my word to a lot of residents. I will stick by this rental agreement, so don’t look to me to turn my back on those people now.�

Webb did not elaborate, but during the first settlement discussion in July he said settling did not sit well with him, in part because he pushed previous administrations to enact rental regulations and got very little support. “What is the other option?� Commission Chair Doug Copeland said. “I’m scared for the future of the city. If we go to bankruptcy, the first thing we have to do is sell off city assets. The city would be turned over to the county. The last thing any of us as residents want is the county operating it because we all know the only thing they care about is the vacation rental income the county promotes more of,� he said.

Special assessment proposed

In response to increased occupancy demands, Mayor Dan Murphy has directed staff to research an annual special assessment fee that would be levied on short-term rentals according to occupancy. “If you wanted 20 people in your home like some of these Bert Harris claims, you can put 20 people in there, but you’re going to pay per person a special assessment fee.

It’s legal. It can be implemented,� he told the commission.

The fee would help offset the infrastructure strain large vacation rentals are placing on city services. Murphy acknowledged that vacation rental owners generally pay higher property taxes, but he said it’s not enough to offset the impact of having 10 or more occupants than the average permanent residence. “There’s benefits that people receive from living in the city such as public works, parks and recreation, beach renourishment, sidewalks, drainage and streets being paved. Everybody gets the same benefits, but these houses are getting a whole bunch more benefit and not really paying for it,� he said.

Murphy said he expects to make a formal request for the special assessment by year’s end and the commission expressed its unanimous preliminary support.

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SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

Beach House Real Estate chills Tyler’s Ice Cream

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

After a week off of the gridiron thanks to Hurricane Hermine, the men and women of the co-ed adult Island flag football league energetically took the field Thursday night to resume the season. Under the cloak of humidity, Team Tyler’s Ice Cream, affectionately known as Team Sato because of the roster, took the field to meet up against Team Beach House Real Estate in the first game of the night.

Starting on offense, Tyler’s Ice Cream lined up with quarterback Jason Sato, brothers Josh, Nick and Ben Sato, and honorary Sato Laura Alderson on the field, with sister-in-law Lexi Sato on the sideline to begin the game.

Playing without their athletically blessed female player Leah Purvis, Beach House played the entire game with four players on the field. On defense, team captain Don Purvis, Jesse Griffin, Jason Mickan and Jon Moss positioned themselves to stop Tyler’s Ice Cream from moving down the field.

With Alderson at center and Jason Sato in the shotgun position, the game began with a completed pass to N. Sato for a 10-yard gain. Tyler’s gained sort yardage leading to third down. Team Beach House could not stop the offensive charge and first down leaping catch of Josh Sato. Moss’ defensive coverage prevented the immediate touchdown.

The first down play for Tyler’s Ice Cream resulted in an incomplete pass thanks to the hot on the heels pressure applied to Jason Sato by rusher Purvis.

Going back to his target, Jason Sato hit B. Sato just short of end zone. Despite the strong push by the Satos, the team could not convert on third down for TD. On their first run on offense, Purvis tossed the football to Moss behind the line of scrimmage who held on to the ball for short yardage. Griffin held on to the pass placing the ball in the pass only zone just short of the mid-field line.

The sneaky snap directly to Moss allowed Purvis to run down the field for the reception. Purvis took the ball into the end zone after scrambling, hip switching and fancy sideline footwork to elude the Sato defense.

Using the silent snap, Purvis managed to get the ball to Mickan putting up the extra point on the scoreboard.

Behind by seven points, Jason Sato passed the pigskin to Josh Sato behind the line of scrimmage who immediately got the ball off to B. Sato moving the

monica simpson | SUN

Left: Team Tyler's Ice Cream's Ben Sato makes a grand leap to snag the pass by brother Jason Sato. Beach House Real Estate's Jon Moss sped by the last defender Nick Sato in their victory.

ball out of the danger zone. Tyler’s Ice Cream executed the same play but the second down play found N. Sato as the target. After the reception the receiver high stepped down the field for a first down and extra yardage before slipping at the beach house 15-yard line.

B. Sato caught the ball for a 10-yard gain with nine minutes left on the clock.

Tyler’s quarterback executed an awesome pass under pressure by Purvis to B. Sato for the follow-up score. The extra point conversion catch by Josh Sato tied the ball game.

After an offensive run with no points by the beach house, Team Tyler’s Ice Cream took the ball down field with a long pass by Josh Sato. With the football placed at the Beach House Real Estate 15-yard line and just 45 seconds on the clock, Jason Sato made the completed pass to Josh Sato advancing the score to 7-13. The extra point attempt was no good with strong defensive pressure and a low pass by the quarterback.

With seconds left on the first half clock, Beach House Real Estate under the leadership of Purvis quickly march the ball down the field with complete passes to Moss and running by Purvis, but to no avail. The first half ended with the Satos leading the game by six points.

The second half of play started with Team Beach House on offense still short one player on the field and no substitutes on the bench. Despite the apparent disadvantage, Purvis’ team remained in the game with 20 minutes left in the game.

To start the offensive run, Purvis made a long run with a double flag pull

by Jason Sato. On first down, Mickan made a critical catch with Jason Sato running interference. Beach House’s second down play was spoiled by a flag pull and sack by Ben Sato to end the play. After the quick pass to Mickan, Tyler’s Ice Cream was called for the illegal rush giving Purvis’ team a new set of downs with 16 minutes left on the clock.

Team Beach House Real Estate regained the lead after a short pass to Mickan. The referees spotted the ball in the end zone awarding them the touchdown and the point after.

With the high snap by Josh Sato, Jason Sato got the ball off to B. Sato who bobbled the ball into the hands of Mickan. With no fumbles in the Island league, Tyler’s Ice Cream maintained possession of the ball at their own 15yard line.

Team Captain L. Sato made the first down catch, putting her team past mind-field. Josh Sato made significant yardage gain on the first down, followed by an incomplete pass to N. Sato. A short snap to the quarterback resulted in the loss of possession with the missed third down play for Tyler’s Ice Cream.

Purvis, who finished the game with 115 passing yards, got the ball to Moss giving him time to find Mickan. Beach House quickly launched a long pass to the hot hands of Mickan for the team’s third touchdown further increasing their lead to 20-13.

With three minutes left on the clock, Team Beach House Real Estate made the two-point conversion with a high reaching reception by Moss in the corner of the end zone. The extra points was a smart strategic move forcing Tyler’s Ice Cream to push for two touchdowns before the last tick of the time

clock.

A quick push by the Satos put six more points on the scoreboard with a touchdown run by Josh Sato breaking away from the Beach House defenders.

Intense defense by Moss prevented the extra point, leaving the score at 22-19.

Jason Sato finished the game with 205 passing yards, with 120 receiving yards

by Josh Sato and an additional 35 and 40 receiving yards by N. and B. Sato.

Team Beach House Real Estate took over on offense with under a minute left on the game clock. Scrambling to make something happen, Tyler’s Ice Cream fought hard to get the football back.

Purvis’ quick handoff to Mickan gained yardage before Tyler’s Ice Cream was called for a penalty that ended the game.

Sun Scoreboard Tuesday, September 6 Youth Basketball Five-to Nine-Year Old League Sugar Beach Digital Salty Printing

12 (5-0) 1 (0-5)

The Waterfront Harry’s Grill

5 (1-4) 10 (4-1)

Thursday, September 8 Adult Co-Ed Flag Football Beach House Real Estate Tyler’s Ice Cream

22 (2-1) 19 (1-2)

Progressive Cabinetry Blake Medical Center

19 (2-1) 12 (0-3)

Mason Martin Anna Maria CrossFit

27 (3-0) 6 (1-2)

Coldwell Banker Moss Builders

21 (1-2) 34 (2-1)

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

FOOD & WINE

Bill Hard

Creation of a craft bar

THE WATERFRONT

I

started working here at The Waterfront restaurant way back in 2000 when it was owned by an English couple. I opened each day, working the day shift until four or so, when we were allowed to slip in the back room and have a cold draft beer after a hot day in the kitchen. It didn't matter which one we picked since a Budweiser or Miller Lite tasted about the same. When the Suzors bought the restaurant in 2002, I remember that one of the first changes they made was to upgrade their draft beer choices, and I became a fan of Stella Artois. Now back then you rarely saw TV ads for imported beers, and the craft beer rage was just beginning. Some of the staff thought the change a wee bit crazy but fortunately, Jason had the idea of being a bit different than the other restaurants on the Island, and opted to offer more variety and more styles of beer than them.

When we had the fire in 2004 we were able to redesign the restaurant to be able to chill up to ten kegs.

It was decided that we would have all

The Waterfront puts a new spin on an American classic: deviled eggs. submitted

THE SUN

imports and several of the new, domestic “craft” beers that were starting to spring up all over the country on tap. In doing so, we could offer all those different styles of beer, each one being served in its own specific glass. We added more of these “craft” lagers and ales by the bottle along with our domestic selections. Our bar was starting to take shape.

The next decision was wines. We originally planned on offering a house wine by the glass or carafe, offering a few white and a few red varietals from the same winemaker. After some thought however, we decided to offer certain wines by the glass from our roughly 100-bottle wine list as well as by the bottle. This decision gave us the freedom to pick better wines for glass pours as opposed to “jug” wines like so many other restaurants offered. This also allowed us the option of offering more than one tier for

certain varietals. We added in daily wine specials, selecting additional wines to pair with our dinner specials each day. Step two of our new bar was complete. We reopened in September of 2004, and with all of the new, unusual offerings the bar was a hit, but something was still missing. There was only one restaurant that offered a full service bar at this time in Anna Maria; nowhere else in the city were you able to enjoy a mixed drink with dinner. The Waterfront wouldn't be complete until we could offer mixed drinks. That, however, was easier said than done. The requirements for acquiring a full liquor license were demanding, and the city had to give its approval before the restaurant could even apply with the state. After a great deal of work, the restaurant finally got approved by the city. The restaurant then

21

applied for its state liquor license, and we finally got it in September of 2013. Now the job of redesigning the bar in order to accommodate all of the equipment and the supplies necessary to be a full-fledged bar would begin. The decision was made to shut down the restaurant for renovations with a projected reopening ten days later. Now the real hard work began, deciding which liquors, mixers and liqueurs would be necessary to make the cocktails that would make us a truly unique bar.

So now we have the next question: Which cocktails are we going to make in order to achieve our goal?

That, my friends, was the pressing question. So, until next time...

Bacon & Bleu Deviled Eggs

By Chef Hibberts

Ingredients: 8 hard boiled eggs 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 shallot, minced 2 green onions, minced ¼ c. bleu cheese ¼ c. mayonnaise 2 TBS. Dijon mustard 1 dash Worcestershire 1 dash of your favorite hot sauce

Directions: Cut eggs in half lengthways and remove egg yolk. With a fork crumble egg yolk into a powder. Mix ingredients together leaving a few bacon crumbles and scallions behind for garnishing later. Using a piping bag or a Ziploc storage bag, pipe filling into the egg halves. Garnish and enjoy.

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THE SUN

OUTDOORS

AMI OUTFITTERS

Coastal Gear & Apparel

401 & 505 Pine Ave. Anna Maria

amioutfitters.com

FEBRUARY 17, 2016 941-254-4996

Word's out on little tunny The water was flat and there was no sign of life as we neared the Tampa Bay Ship’s Channel. Word was out that little tunny and Spanish mackerel were attacking baitfish in and along the edges of the waterway, but as far as we could see the water was flat and mirror smooth without a hint of action. After 10 minutes of surveying the waters in an easterly direction towards the Skyway Bridge we were starting to wonder if the run from Longboat Key was a mistake. Then I remembered a day a few years back when Captain Rick Grassett, who was accompanying me today, and I had a similar experience off Longboat Pass. Just as we were beginning to consider fishing in the bay instead of the Gulf, a striking fish exploded on the surface. After that we were surrounded by action that lasted the whole morning.

No sooner had we uttered those words when baitfish started to show on the surface followed by diving birds

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS and striking fish. Running to the nearest feeding frenzy we cut the motor twenty yards away and launched small clousers into the melee. Almost immediately Grassett’s line came tight as a little tunny inhaled the fly. The fish bolted in a burst of speed that makes little tunny such a sought after target. Grassett’s rod bent deeply as he applied pressure in an attempt to slow the fish's run as backing disappeared from his spool.

The gamey fish would have nothing of it and ran another twenty yards of backing into the depths of the channel. After several more runs and a battle near the boat I was able to grab the little tunny’s tail and swing it into the boat for a

captain rUSTY CHINNIS | SUbmitted

Captain Rick Grassett poses for a photo before releasing his little tunny. quick picture. As quickly as we could we launched the fast swimming fish into the bay to give it a head start.

After the first fish we found them challenging to intercept. Fish were exploding everywhere, but more often than not they would sound before we could get flies into the carnage. This is a common experience but we knew to run up to a school as fast as possible and make casts before they sounded.

Employing that technique we were able to catch four little tunny each and several mackerel before we decided to try the beaches on our return south.

We didn’t find any action on the return to Longboat, but we had a great day of action and were content to enjoy a smooth ride home in the Gulf. Little tunny should be in local waters until cold spells send them south. That’s a lot of time to enjoy some spectacular action. If you go, look for birds and breaking fish along the Gulf Coast.

Small flies and spoons that mimic the baitfish work best. Now is the time to enjoy some of the hottest rod bending action of the year!

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

THE SUN

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Great fun with fishing friends Captain Rick Grassett

As expected, fishing rebounded quickly following the passing of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Hermine. Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, during the past week caught and released snook, trout and bluefish on DOA Deadly Combos and flies. I also had a chance to fly fish with a friend one day and we had good action with Mayan Cyclids and a bonus juvenile tarpon!

Steve Cohn, from Australia, fished a pre-dawn snook/bay trip with me on Monday. We had rescheduled this trip from the previous week to let the water clear up following the storm. Steve is a CCI (certified fly casting instructor) and a great fly caster. He had good action catching and releasing snook around dock lights before dawn on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. We moved to the deep flats after daylight where he kept it going with trout, jacks and blues on Ultra Hair Clouser flies. I also had an instructional fly fishing trip

with another angler later in the week.

Visting from Pa., Collin and Carol Myers celebrated their anniversary by fishing Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. We fished deep grass flats on the west side of the bay where they had good action catching and releasing trout, bluefish and jacks on DOA Deadly Combos.

I had an opportunity to fish with my friend, kayak fishing guide Steve Gibson of Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing, on Thursday. We fished the edge of the Everglades and had good action catching and releasing Mayan Cyclids on 2-weight fly tackle with bead head nymphs. We were both surprised when I caught and released a juvenile tarpon on the same rig. Great fun!

Night snook fishing around lighted docks and bridges in the ICW with flies and DOA Lures should be a good option. You might also find a few juvenile tarpon and reds in the lights along with snook. I look for action in the coastal gulf with false albacore (little tunny) and Spanish mackerel to take off as

captain rick grassett | SUbmitted

Collin Myers caught and released this bluefish while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett in deep grass flats. the water cools down and baitfish become more plentiful. In addition, there should also be good action with trout,

Get your Grady on!

Spanish mackerel, bluefish and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.

The best boating season is just around the corner, so now is the time to start getting ready for all those special moments with family and friends out on the water. If you’ve been dreaming about owning a new Grady-White why not take advantage of the exceptional savings that are currently available at Cannons Marina?

CANNONS.COM • 941-383-1311 Fisherman 236

Grady Days Sales Event. ACT NOW AND YOU CAN SAVE UP TO $12,500!

6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key Open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

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TOWN CRIER Privateers host ‘Shipreck’ Run The Anna Maria Island Privateers are looking for people who know a good poker hand when they see it and aren’t afraid to have a good time as they hold their 2016 “Shipreck” Poker Run on Saturday, Oct. 8, beginning at 10 a.m. with registration at Bogey’s Restaurant and Sports Pub, at 7230 52nd Place, Bradenton. Participants will stop at Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse, the Bearded Clam, the Ugly Grouper and the Gator Lounge then back to Bogey’s for live music, raffles, a 50/50 drawing, food and drinks.

This isn’t a typical poker run because participants won’t ride motorcycles or classic cars unless they want to. In fact, those who don’t want to drive can take the Monkey Bus for $20 per rider The cost is $15 for the first hand and $10 for each hand after that. There will be prizes for the best hand, second best hand and worst hand. Proceeds go to the AMI Privateers’ and the Shipreck Scholarship Fund. For information, call the Privateers’ hotline at 941-900-4141 or visit their website at amiprivateers. org.

The Privateers are searching for vendors for the party at Bogey’s after the run. The cost is $100 for a 12-by-12foot space. There are 12 spaces available. Contact Larry “Punchy” Ackerman at 941-900-4141.

Fun and games at library The Island Branch Library, 5702 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, has fun on its agenda on Wednesday, Sept.

14. At noon, the Coloring Club tries to stay within the lines. They say it’s very therapeutic. At 2 p.m., the Chess Club meets to learn some new moves. It’s free and parking is plentiful. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Book review at library The Friends of the Island Library Book Club meets on Thursday, Sept.

15 at 10 a.m. at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. At 2 p.m., the Knit and Crochet Club meets. For more information on both, call 941-778-6341.

Zika discussion at The Center Carrie Harter, of the Manatee County Department of Health will speak at the Soiree Room of The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria on Friday, Sept. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. Wine and light refreshments will be served and the program is limited to those 21 and older. Admission is free to Center members and $10 to non-members. For more information, contact the Center’s senior programs coordinator, Amanda

Sugg at Amanda@centerami.org or 941-778-1908, ext. 9201.

Junior Achievement spoken here Kristen Schreiner speaks on Junior Achievement at the Kiwanis Club of Manatee County’s meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, at the Manatee Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, in Holmes Beach. Non members are welcome as are Kiwanis members from around the world on vacation.

Take some time out Slow down and get in touch with your inner self at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, in Holmes Beach for some meditation on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m. More information is available at 941-778-6341/

Learning made fun at library Kids are invited to the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, Sept. 17, for a STEAM program on catapults. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Seniors tour Turning Point center Annie Silver Senior Adventures will meet at The Center promptly by 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, to take a tour of the Galvano Turning Point/ One Stop facility. They will travel by van and have lunch downtown after. A reservation is required. Call Peg Miller at 941778-3106.

Fund-raiser dinner set The Blue Marlin Seafood restaurant, at 121 Bridge St., in Bradenton Beach, is hosting a five-course dinner with wine pairing on Friday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. for $150 per person to raise money for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. There will be live music and a silent auction. To RSVP, call 727-7674199 or e-mail sarah.paul@jhmi.edu.

Learn about Junior achievement Kristin Schreiner, from Junior Achievement, will address the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Manatee Beach Café, at the public beach at 4000 Gulf Drive.

Junior Achievement is a class taught to school kids to educate them about the business world. It is taught to Anna Maria Elementary School kids. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. and visitors are welcome, especially Kiwanis members on vacation from other areas.

world are coming together to protect their waterways, and the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is inviting citizens to be part of it. Get your feet wet to help Coquina Beach and Leffis Key. They will be collecting trash and recording their findings for a global impact report. Bring water shoes and a sense of adventure. Visit http://www.oceanconservancy.org/our-work/international-coastal-cleanup/ to learn more.

This program is sponsored by Ocean Conservancy, in partnership with Keep Manatee Beautiful. And it is suitable for volunteers of all ages. Volunteers are asked to RSVP by e-mailing Michelle.Leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-748-4501 ext. 6035 to register.

The effort will be headquartered at Coquina Beach Bayside.

Get your feet wet Celebrate National Estuaries Week on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon. By participating in Kayaking For First Timers. No prior experience is necessary. A kayak guide will give a three-hour class with a cruise through the marshes and mangroves of Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. It will be a slow paced paddle intended to give participants time to get used to their kayaks.

For those interested in learning how to load a kayak on their car, a demo will follow. Free kayaks and gear from the West Coast Inland Navigation District-funded fleet are available to use for 10 individuals or you may bring your own. Life preservers must be worn at all times. Reservations are required by calling 941-742-5757 ext. 7.

Island Democrats meet The Anna Maria Island Democratic Club will discuss candidates, taxes, and constitutional amendments on the November ballot when it meets on Monday, Sept. 19, at the IMG Academy Clubhouse, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton, on Sarasota Bay. Buffet service starts at 11:30 a.m., the cost is $15 to $17. For more information, contact Bill McGrath, 941-7614017

Program for concerned citizens The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts “Communities Taking Ownership,” given by a member of the Manatee County Department of Neighborhood Services on Tuesday, Sept. 20. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Worldwide beach cleanup

Fun for kids

Participants are needed for the International Coastal Cleanup at Coquina Beach on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers all over the

Island Branch Library Children’s Librarian Trudy Bell reads to preschoolers on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m. at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

Parents will enjoy listening too and after the stories there will be some fun things for the kids and maybe a craft.

For more information, call 941-7786341.

Mullet story at museum The Florida Maritime Museum (FMM) presents a Pearl Brands and WCGU documentary screening of “Mullet: A Tale of Two Fish” on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m.

The screening will be followed by a discussion panel including Jim Goin, the documentary’s producer, and other experts in the field including Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish Company, Kevan Main, a specialist from the Mote Marine Laboratory Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture Research Program and Ken Leber, a specialist from the Mote Marine Laboratory Fisheries Ecology and Enhancement Research Program.

The cost for the documentary screening is $5. Participants are invited to stay for snacks, supplied by FMM, and conversation with the panelist to support FMM in a Giving Challenge kick-off event where donations will assist FMM in its efforts to create a folk school.

For more information and to reserve, call 941-708-6120 or e-mail Kristin.

Sweeting@manateeclerk.com.

Love your local estuary Kayakers can celebrate National Estuaries Week with a paddle through Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will be a kayak/nature guide from WayneAdventures. This is an easy paddle which can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers who can paddle 4-5 miles. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. All participants must wear a life jacket. Reservations are required. Call 941-742-5757 ext. 7.

Class reunion Attention Manatee High School Class of 1976 alumni, there will be a class reunion at the Sandbar restaurant, 200 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, on Saturday, Nov. 19, starting at 5 p.m.

Happy hour runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and there will be entertainment until 10 p.m. The cost is $75 per person in advance, $85 at the door. Checks should be made out to MHS Class of 76 Reunion and mailed to Tammy Eason at 1022 50th St. Ct. W., Bradenton, FL 34209. You can e-mail Tammy at Thager21@gmail.com of call her at 941-228-8500. She suggests class members notify fellow classmates.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

8/28, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams, Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd. Deputies responded to a report of a man smoking marijuana and sleeping at the pier. They found a bottle with marijuana in it and arrested the man.

9/2, disturbance, 100 block of Crescent Drive. Homeowners were concerned about traffic down their street would make flooding worse. The city finally out up barricades on Crescent Drive.

9/2, suspicious circumstances, Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd. The sheriff’s office received a complaint of intoxicated people on the pier and possibly unsupervised children. Deputies responded and found the children supervised by a woman and three men drinking on the pier. They were given citations for drinking on the pier.

Bradenton Beach No new reports.

Cortez

No new reports.

Holmes Beach

8/20, theft to a vehicle, 4001 Gulf Drive.

The victim said he and his wife went to dinner and when they returned, he noticed the license plate was missing from his vehicle in the carport.

8/20, code violation, camping, 3900 East Bay Drive. The officer on patrol noticed a person sleeping at the trolley stop

Obituaries Matthew ‘Matt’ Behan Matthew “Matt” Behan, 82, of Bradenton, passed away, Monday, Sept. 5, at Blake Hospital, Bradenton, Fla. A mass celebrating his life and his return home was held on, Saturday, Sept.

10, at Saint’s Peter and Paul of the Apostles Catholic Church, 2850 75th Street, Bradenton. Family and friends met afterward at St. Bernard’s Parish Hall, Holmes Beach.

Matt was born July 31, 1934 in Hoboken, N.J. to Christopher and Esther (Foster) Behan. He grew up in Secaucus, N.J. with his four brothers, Martin, James, Christopher and Patrick. Matt served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 in Germany.

On April 27, 1958, he married his beloved wife, Carol Pitkwitz of Union City, N.J. They resided in Palisades Park, N.J. where they were blessed

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

bench. The man was intoxicated and admitted he was camping illegally. He was cited. Three hours later, police found a female camping at the trolley stop and she received a citation.

8/21, theft, 4000 Gulf Drive, Manatee County Beach. The victim said she left a bag with extra clothing on the beach and went swimming. When she returned, it was gone. She and her family canvassed the area and found some clothing. County crews found the bag later.

8/21, alcohol violation, 4000 Gulf Drive, Manatee County Beach. While investigating a noise complaint, the officers noticed a bottle of rum next to the suspect. He received a citation.

8/22, code violation, camping, 3200 East Bay Drive. The officer noticed a male sleeping on the bus stop bench. He was cited.

8/24, driving with a suspended license, habitual offender, warrant arrest. The arresting officer responded to Gulf Drive after receiving a radio message from the sergeant warning of a motorcyclist driving fast and passing cars on the right. The officer stopped the driver.

When the officer approached the driver and asked him for his license, he said he left it at home. A computer check showed his license had multiple suspensions and the last one for five years.

He also found the motorcyclist had a warrant for driving with a suspended license. The driver was arrested and his father was called to take the motorcycle away.

8/24, battery, obstructing a law enforcement officer without violence, 4000 Gulf Drive, Manatee County Beach.

with their two children, Thomas and Susan. They moved to Hopatcong, N.J. where they lived 41 years before moving to Bradenton, in 2002. Matt and Carol loved the warm waters of the Gulf Coast and visited the beach several days a week. Matt took up golf and played nearly every day at Key Royale Golf Club on Anna Maria Island.

Matt is survived by his wife, Carol; their son, Thomas and his wife, Ann; daughter, Susan and her husband, John; and grandchildren, Kylie, Andrew, Shannon, and Colleen.

Donations may be made in memory of Matt to the American Red Cross for disaster relief assistance in Florida and Louisiana. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to: www. brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Raymond H. Beach Raymond H. Beach, age 88, of Bradenton, went home to the Lord on Tuesday, Sept. 6, after a long illness; he was surrounded by all of his children.

The son of Harry and Grace Beach

The officer responded to the beach on a report from a lifeguard of two women having an altercation. When he arrived, a lifeguard directed him to a trolley where the aggressor was reportedly sitting. He confronted the suspect and she failed to respond, even when he ordered her to get off the bus. He finally grabbed her bag and took her off by the arm. He said it was apparent she was intoxicated because she had trouble walking. Two other officers arrived and he asked them to make sure the suspect did not leave. He talked to the victim who said they got into an argument over paying for drinks. She appeared to be intoxicated as well, but she said she wanted to press charges.

The officer got an identity from the suspect’s credit card. He took her to jail, handcuffed and on the way, she slipped a wrist out of a handcuff and started banging on the patrol car windows. He stopped and put her into the handcuffs again and she slipped out of one of the cuffs again. He finally got help from Palmetto police and she was booked at the county jail.

8/25, driving with an expired license, 5200 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the driver for speeding. He did not have a valid license, only a Columbian passport. He received a ticket 8/25, driving without a license, 3900 Gulf Drive. While on patrol, the officer conducted a random computer check and found there was a seize tag order if the owner is driving. He stopped the driver who only had a Mexican passport. He was arrested.

8/26, DUI, 3200 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the driver for failing to keep

of Pennsylvania, he was pre-deceased by his wife Charlotte, brothers Joe and Jim Beach, and sister Mary Washington.

Raymond is survived by his sons David (Donna) and Larry (Karen) Beach; daughters Carol (Wayne) Beck and Pamela Cutrone; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and a number of loving nieces and nephews.

Raymond will be remembered as a loving and caring husband and family man, and for his life’s work as a cabinetmaker. He had been the longest serving member of the First Baptist Church of Bradenton (59 years), serving as a deacon, member of the church choir and teaching in Sunday school.

All who knew him will remember his wry sense of humor and the frequent twinkle in his eye. Entombment was scheduled at the Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Avenue East, Ellenton, on Tuesday, Sept. 13. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.dignitymemorial.com. The family asks that donations may be made in his name to Tidewell Hospice.

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27

within her lane. He noticed her eyes were red and her speech slurred. He administered a field sobriety test and arrested her based on the results of that test.

8/28, driving with a suspended license, 6900 block of Palm Drive. The officer was following a woman on a small motorcycle and when the car in front of her stopped to make a left turn, she passed it on the right. He pulled her over and she admitted not having a license. A computer check showed her license was suspended in 2012. He gave her a notice to appear.

8/28, driving with a suspended license, 7200 block of Marina Drive. A random computer check showed the driver in front of the officer’s license was suspended.

He issued her a ticket and a licensed driver was called to drive her car home.

8/29, code violation for alcohol on the beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Manatee County Public Beach. The officer spotted three men sitting at a table after hours.

One was drinking a beer. He gave the drinker a citation and all three of them trespass warnings.

8/30, driving without a valid license, 3500 block of Gulf Drive. The officer ran a computer check on the car ahead and it showed the owner had no license. He stopped the driver who said he had no license issued in this country. He was ticketed.

8/31, burglary, 400 block of Bay Palms Drive. The caretaker of the house said she found a rear, sliding window open, an empty bottle of whiskey and two glasses on the kitchen table. She said the smell of the whiskey was overwhelming and she washed the glasses.

Barbara F. Nally Lakeland – Barbara F. Nally, 78, passed away Sept. 9, 2016.

Mrs. Nally was born in Bartow, Fla. on Oct. 2, 1937, to the late William and Ruth Frankenburger. She remained a lifelong resident of Polk County, and was the owner and operator of Nally Properties. Mrs. Nally enjoyed traveling and especially going to the beach.

Mrs. Nally is survived by her husband, William F. Nally; sisters, Jean (David A.) Huntley and Janet (Tom) Seibel; aunt, JoAnn (Richard) Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Betty Jo Smith.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-8 pm at Gentry Morrison Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Rd. Lakeland. Funeral services will be conducted Wed. at 10 am at the funeral home chapel, followed by interment at Auburndale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society or St.

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THE SUN

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

rezone: Recommended by planning commission I feel we are suffering the death of a

FROM PAGE 1

minimal and not overwhelm local roads.

“I am unable to find a consistent basis to find it inconsistent with the comprehensive plan,” he concluded.

thousand cuts, but we also need to try and save the church.”

Gary Hickerson Planning commission chair

Board questions

Member Barbara Hines asked if it could be R-1 (single family) since that is what is across the street, and Brisson pointed out that the property is surrounded by vacation rentals.

Alternate member Scott Boyd asked if the board could attach a condition that if the church ever sold the building the property would remain PSP. “I’d be very cautious attaching a condition like that,” City Attorney Jim Dye responded. “It almost sounds like a restrictive covenant and would have a significant impact on the value of the property and create a Bert Harris issue.”

Chair Gary Hickerson expressed concerns about traffic during season being backed up to the church, and Brisson said, “Traffic generated by this project won’t have a significant impact on the level of service.”

Hickerson also asked about drainage and said a large portion of permeable property will be lost.

“That’s the case with every vacant lot,” Brisson responded. “It’s a site plan issue, and they will have to accommodate their drainage.”

Member Chuck Stealey asked if they would be setting a precedent for the remainder of the property, and Dye said it would have to go through the same process.

Applicant’s presentation

Attorney Scott Rudacille represented the church and said, “The church has existed in the city for more than 50 years, and it is an iconic architectural feature.

The request applies only to the one acre portion, and the church has every intention of continuing to operate.”

He said due to changes in the city, the church has major financial issues.

It established a committee to explore options, and members determined that the only way to save it was to rezone a portion of the property and sell it off.

“The strategy moving forward is to come up an investment approach that would yield enough of a return to supplement the church,” he explained.

“If the application is not successful, the synod will liquidate the property.”

Public comment

Jim Kihm asked the board to limit the change to single family and said, “People in the community are concerned about the loss of full time residents in the city. You have an opportunity to limit the continued proliferation of multi-tenanted rental homes in the city.”

In a letter, Roy Griscom said, “It is our opinion that the rezone and sale of some of the church property would only be a short-term windfall and not a solution to their problem” and add to the density and drainage problems in the neighborhood.

John and Joanne Ellington objected to the rezone in an e-mail and said they have “seen a lamentable deterioration of properties all around us as money grubbing developers have thrown up substandard, multi-family rental units.

“And now to see more of the same taking place for the convenience of a church that is unable to support itself in the normal fashion of such non-profit organizations is regrettable indeed.”

Boyd Grayson said there are metal pipes from church property to Spring Lake and asked if there is an easement to protect them.

“I strongly recommend the establishment of that location of those pipes to ensure that the pipes, which perform of a vital tidal recharge to Spring Lake, are protected,” Building Official Jim McGuinness said.

Hines made a motion to continue the meeting until the board could see a map showing the location of the pipes, and member Allan Wurzbach seconded it.

Rudacille said there is an easement, and he could provide a survey. Hines asked for a recess so the board could see it. After the board viewed the survey, Hines withdrew her motion and Wurzbach withdrew his second.

Board discussion

Stealey said while he is disturbed that rentals could add to the traffic, he did not see anything that shows it’s in

conflict with the comprehensive plan.

“I would prefer to see it stay the way it is,” Hines said. “The whole other side of the street is R-1. I don’t believe it’s compatible. Basically, you’re taking something that was a church and turning it into something that is totally different.”

Boyd said from a planning and zoning perspective R-2 makes more sense than R-1, and Wurzbach said R-2 is more appropriate.

Brisson pointed out, “It is surrounded on two sides by medium density. If it were the whole church parcel, R-1 would make sense.”

Hickerson asked if R-1 would meet the church’s investment needs, and Rudacille said no because it would be “significantly less valuable.”

“I feel we are between a rock and a hard place,” Hickerson said. “I feel we are suffering the death of a thousand cuts, but we also need to try and save the church.”

Both motions to recommend approval of the rezone and comprehensive plan change were approved with Hines dissenting. The recommendations will go to the city commission, which will make the final decision.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

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Adult basketball begins in October The Center’s adult basketball league season begins Oct. 19 and the last day to register is Oct. 7. Create your own team or sign up individually and be placed on a team. Games are played on Tuesday nights starting at 6:30pm. The cost is $5 for members and $90 for non-members.

To sponsor a team or for more information, contact Will Schenerlein, recreation director, at will@ centerami.org or 941-778-1908, ext. 9205.

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

To move or to remodel?

I

’ve just spent the last two months getting paint out from under my expensive manicure and trying to keep my mouth shut every time my husband asks, “Are we done yet?” But that’s the price you pay for doing a home renovation. Is it worth it or is moving easier? In today’s market you may not have a lot of options.

There’s a lot of buzz about the lack of inventory in the real estate market nationally which keeps pushing prices up around the country. Again in July, the National Association of Realtors reported that the pace of existing home sales decreased 3.2 percent from June, and compared to a year earlier July sales were down 1.6 percent.

Everyone loves when sale prices go up and according to the Case Shiller 20-city home price index prices have grown at about a 5 percent pace since early 2015.

However, a lot of potential buyers are being pushed out of their affordability range every month creating the proverbial logjam of first time buyers who can’t afford to buy

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger and trade up buyers who can’t sell and, therefore, can’t buy their next home.

According to the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee counties, Manatee County in July closed 0.7 percent more single family homes and 11.5 percent more condos from July of last year. The median sale price for single family homes in July this year compared to July last year was up 11.7 percent to $279,250, and the average for single-family homes was up 19.9 percent to $355,374. As stated condo sales closed 11.5 percent more properties from July of last year, with the media price higher by 21.9 percent to $185,250 and the average sale price up 8.8 percent to $230,839.

As far as inventory in Manatee County is concerned, comparing July of last year to July of this year, single-family homes had 19.5 percent more properties available and condos had 12.2 percent more properties available. Even though Manatee County’s inventory is slightly higher, don’t be fooled.

It’s still summer, and the buyers haven’t arrived yet. The number of months of available inventory for both single family and condos remained similar to what we’ve been experiencing all year at just over a 4 month’s supply. Nationally the number of month’s supply of properties as reported by the National Association of Realtors at the end of July was 4.7 months, a number that has fallen for 14 straight months. Anything below a six-month supply of available properties is considered abnormally low.

This was a long way to get back to home remodeling, but with the real estate market forcing homeowners to stay put, many of them are opting to renovate rather than move. Economists are forecasting that

investment in residential remodeling and repairs this year will surpass records set during the housing boom in 2007 and are expected to continue rising over the next three years.

In addition, our homes are getting older, even in Florida, which always had a large percentage of new construction. Homes built more than 30 years ago now make up 65 percent of the nation’s housing supply according to census data. In spite of the mess and inconvenience of remodeling, buying a new house, moving and obtaining a new mortgage is even more massive.

Interest rates are low and because of increased property values, equity is high – the perfect storm for a home equity loan for the remodel.

So take it from me. Cancel your next few manicures and get out the paint brush, the hammers and nails and the telephone number of a qualified contractor. As bad as it seems, the project will eventually end without the need for a moving truck.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

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City offers rental registration discounts Vacation rental owners and agents who file and pay their 2017 registration fees early and electronically can save up to $225 per rental unit.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy has proposed reduced rental registration fees for vacation rental owners who pay their annual registration fees early and file their paperwork electronically at the city website.

After Murphy presented this idea at the Thursday, Sept. 8 meeting, the Anna Maria City Commission voted unanimously in favor of adopting Resolution R-721.

“If you file early and you file electronically you save staff time and we won’t have to bring in people like we did last year on overtime.

It took us forever to process the boxes of paper and the online system was hardly used. This way, we pass along the savings to the vaca-

tion rental owners. In theory, you could register your vacation rental this year for practically the same as what you paid last year. Otherwise, if you wait until the April 1st deadline, or go beyond that, you’re going to pay full freight, which is $951,” Murphy said.

The inaugural vacation rental registration fee short-term vacation rental owners were required to pay in April was $695 per rental unit, which included the initial annual inspection.

According to the fee schedule included in the resolution, those who pay their 2017 registration fee early or electronically by October 17, 2016, will receive a $95 discount, with an additional $160 discount given for filing the registration forms electronically. Taking advantage of both offers will result in a $225 discount and a total registration fee of $696.

Those who pay by Nov. 15 will receive an $86 early payment reduction and a $130 electronic filing reduction for a total savings of $216 and a final fee of $735. Those who pay by Dec.

In theory, you could register your vacation rental this year for practically the same as what you paid last year.”

Dan Murphy Anna Maria Mayor 15 will receive a $76 early payment discount and a $110 electronic filing discount for a total savings of $186 and a total fee of $765. Decreasingly lower discounts will be offered through March 15, 2017.

“It’s revenue and expense neutral. A dollar saved gets passed right through. It has no impact on the tax base for the residents. The only thing it has an impact on is the registration fee itself. The vacation rental owners can take advantage of this or choose not to. It’s their call.

If they hold out until April 1st, we’re fine with that as well,” Murphy said.

“This is a pretty good opportunity,” Commissioner Dale Woodland said.

Commissioner Carol Carter asked if properties that have been redflagged for some type of violation

would be re-inspected during the annual registration process.

“We will physically re-inspect every vacation rental home. It’s an annual process and you go through the same registration procedure that you went through the last time,” Murphy said.

The early registration information will be posted at the city website, www.cityofannamaria.com, where vacation rental forms and information can be found by clicking on the “Residents” link at the top of the homepage.

Murphy said realtors would be contacted and made aware of the savings opportunity, but there will not be mass mailing informing owners and agents of the discounts being offered.

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

SUBMITTED

Dream theme “Island Dreams” is September’s theme at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island gallery, 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. Guild artists will portray the most idyllic features of the Island, including “Bridge Street Evening,” an oil by Karen de Leon Stuart. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays through September.

Pat Copeland | Sun

First class West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Tom Sousa, at left, and battalion Chief Rich Losek, at right, congratulate firefighter John Balzer, center, who was promoted to first class at the Aug. 18 fire commission meeting.

Submitted

‘Glass Impressions’ at Island Gallery West Marie Rice is the featured artist for September at Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Her exhibit, “Glass Impressions,” is a collection of oil paintings inspired by some of her mom's sentimental belongings from the 1940s and ’50s. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

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33

34

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

Learn hip hop dance

Ballet classes at The Center

The Center of Anna Maria Island is partnering with Kingdom Arts Academy to offer hip hop dance to youths ages 8 to 12 on Mondays. Classes are from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Members pay $60 per month and non-members pay $70 per month. Call 941- 778-1908 or go to info@ centrami.org to register.

Ballet classes are being offered at The Center of Anna Maria Island for youths ages 2 to 16 and for all levels. Classes are held from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Members pay $60 per month and non-members pay $70 per month. Call 941- 778-1908 or go to info@ centrami.org to register

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

SOAK UP SOME

SUNSHINE

1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5 p 3&"- &45"5& 4"-&4 p 7"$"5*0/ 3&/5"-4

Contact Us Today!

Rentals@IslandVacationProperties.com www.IslandVacationProperties.com p

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

THE SUN

35

Top real estate producers for August, 2016 An Island Place Realty

Island Real Estate - Holmes Beach

Sue Carlson - Listing Billi Gartman - Selling

Alan And Scott Galletto - Listing and selling

m i c h a e l s a u n d e r s . c o m

Michael Saunders - Holmes Beach

Coldwell Banker

Debbie Capobianco - Listing and selling

Gabe Buky - Listing and selling

Mike Norman

Duncan Real Estate

Marianne Norman-Ellis - Listing Jason Hrnak - Selling

Terry Hayes - Listing Darcie Duncan - Selling

Sato Real Estate

Fran Maxon Real Estate

Stephanie Bell - Listing and selling

Jason Sato - Listing Barbara Sato - Selling

Island Real Estate - Anna Maria

Wagner Real Estate

Marianne Correll - Listing Kathleen White And Erin J. Heckler - Selling

Rae Ellen Hayo - Listing and selling

206 Spring Lane Anna Maria Nora Johnson

A4157421 $2,849,000 941-809-1700 941-951-6660

Familiar Faces Exceptional Service International Relationships

joe hendricks | SUN

New clerk arrives

1710 Gulf Drive N E Anna Maria Island Tom Bangerter

A4160661 $2,149,000 941-587-6187 941-383-5502

1281 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 906 Longboat Key A4159835 $1 ,895,000 Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 941-896-9981

5016 64th Drive W Bradenton Deborah Capobianco

A4136838 $1,599,000 941-704-2394 941-896-9981

524 Villa Rosa Way Anna Maria Kelly Baldwin

A4132170 $1,395,000 941-404-9396 941-388-4447

7535 Westmoreland Drive Sarasota Adam Cuffaro

A4156924 $1,125,000 941-812-0791 941-752-2683

111 8th Street S Anna Maria Island George Myers

A4162212 $650,000 941-224-6021 941-896-9981

1325 Gulf Drive N 160 Anna Maria Island Tammy Mast

A4157378 $475,000 941-256-6543 941-383-7591

5627 15th Avenue W 5627 Bradenton Deborah Capobianco

A4145379 $129,000 941-704-2394 941-896-9981

Newly-hired Anna Maria City Clerk LeAnne Addy, right, attended her first City Commission meeting last week. During her first week with the city, Addy began her on the job training, working with current City Clerk Diane Percycoe, left, who will retire at the end of the month.

6000 MARINA DR #113 ‡ HOLMES BEACH ‡ 941.896.9981

36

THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Oodles and oodles 6 Airport idlers 10 Poetic foot 14 Kemper of "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" 15 Wintry coating 16 Tennis court surface 17 Work with a loom 18 How some sloganed T-shirts should be washed 20 Toddler's taboo 21 Ocho minus cinco 22 More than rotund 23 Baltic Sea capital 25 RC or Pepsi 27 1998 Bullock/Kidman film involving witchcraft 33 Metal-rich deposits 34 Chicken chow __ 35 Catch 37 Dollar competitor 38 High in the sky 40 Flag Day month 41 Maiden name intro 42 Clicker's target 43 Not at all excited 44 Going to the grocery store, the bank, etc.

48 Word on a shoppe sign 49 Data set average 50 "Gone With the Wind" family name 53 Uno card 55 Knight's weapon 59 Unsportsmanlike behavior 61 Divided island of Southeast Asia 62 Twistable cookie 63 Ritz-Carlton rival 64 Scent 65 Chestnut horse 66 "And away __!"

67 Some speeches open

with them ... as do this puzzle's four longest entries Down 1 Mended using stitches, with "up" 2 Elizabeth Taylor role, informally 3 Economist Greenspan 4 Acts like Elizabeth Taylor?

5 "Understand?"

6 Former French president Jacques 7 Top-notch 8 Symbol for the lower piano music part 9 __ Lanka 10 Swelling reducer 11 Medicinal houseplant 12 Rodent in a German lab 13 Data unit 19 Ken or Daria of financial journalism 21 __ Friday's 24 "__ all good" 26 Leave out 27 Word after floor or flight 28 Mars explorer 29 "So long!" along the

Answers to 09-07-16 Crossword Puzzle.

Seine 30 In the middle of 31 Preserve, as ashes 32 Did some wickerwork 36 Hotel count 38 Corrosive liquid 39 In need of a friend 40 Surrealist painter from Barcelona 42 Subsurface woodwork decoration 43 Bikini top 45 Big name in antivirus software 46 Estevez of "The Breakfast Club" 47 Hollywood agent 50 Scent 51 "Big Hero 6" hero 52 Neck of the woods 54 Classic arcade game Donkey __ 56 Every which way 57 Obedience school command 58 Historic periods 60 Comics punch sound 61 __ Mahal

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

classified

ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE GOT A CAR You Wanna Sell.

The Good, The Bad or The Ugly.

Call Now 727-400-1910

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082

CLEANING SERVICE C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates.

Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570 PRESSURE CLEANING and WINDOW WASHING residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways.

Paver Sealing & Cleaning etc. Call 941-565-3935

Call us today! 941-778-3986

ALBA CLEANING SERVICES for your home or rental will make you happy or it's free. $10 off 2nd cleaning Call 941592- 4274

COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS PRIME COMMERCIAL LOCATION (2 Lots) 12,840 sq. ft. Located on Gulf Dr. in the City of Anna Maria, close to the beach and surrounded by shopping.

Business on a tropical island! Island Real Estate Ask Al Galletto 941-232-2216

COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424

RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

LOST MAN’S SILVER Wedding Ring, silver with stones mounted. Lost at Coquina Beach near restrooms. Please Call 813413-3373

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-5042222 www.kernconstructioninc.com

LOST BRACELET Heavy silver with multi colored stones at Harrington House Bed & Breakfast. REWARD! Call 949-939-3340

“HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com JOE UNGVARSY CONSTRUCTION. Designer/ Remodeling Contractor State License CRC 035261.

Call 941-779-4630 or email juremodel1@aol.com ZTL SERVICES, Simple Handyman Services. No task too big or too small!

Free Estimates! Call today! 941-549-9778 www.ztlservices.com

EMPLOYMENT

AMI CARWASH on Anna Maria Island seeking Auto Detailer at fast-paced car wash. New Ownership/ Management. Position responsible for detailing automobiles, providing excellent customer service /exceeding productivity goals. Please send resumes/ inquiries to info@amicarwash.com for details.

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

EXPERIENCED NAIL TECH manicures, pedicures, gels, acrylics. Must be patient, friendly, reliable. Excellent income opportunity at upscale LBK salon - 941387-9807.

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured.

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

SERVER and KITCHEN STAFF wanted, Holmes Beach.

Professional appearance, reliable transportation and local references a must.

Contact chef@keyroyaleclub. com to schedule interview.

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

FOR SALE ALUMINUM STORAGE SHED: 8 X 14, good condition, lockable door. $500 OBO: see at AMI Museum, 402 Pine Ave. Call 813-758-3234

HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates.

Neil 941-726-3077

THE SUN

LOST & FOUND LOST TENNIS BRACELET Gold with Diamonds around. Near Dog Park or Publix. REWARD! Call 941778-2494 FOUND SET OF KEYS in water off Bayfront Park.

Call Bob 941-778-3986 LOST WOMAN'S PRESCRIPTION glasses, brown frame.

Lost on beach around 72nd street. On Monday the July 25. Call 260-6029866

LOST WHITE GOLD diamond ring. Antique looking. It has a hinge which opens up. Sentimental value. REWARD. Call 941504-9502

MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.

TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!

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 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www.

WalyPrecisionPainting.com “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096

AMISUN.COM

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POOL SERVICES

RENTALS: ANNUAL

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657

ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach/mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com

COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE 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 26 years. Proven track record, brings you results! 941-725-1589 W. BRADENTON CONDO 4000sq.ft. Canal front Bay view 3+BR/3.5BA Bonus room dock lift 2 car Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-2322216 STARTING FROM THE UPPER 200’s Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy. Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans. Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $190/month. Models open daily. Contact us 941-254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com 106 WILLOW RENOVATED Cottage. 1 in from Beach, beautiful pool/spa. Lush landscaping $1,245,000.

Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086

WEST BRADENTON San Remo 4011 Plumosa Terrace 2BR/2BA/1CG on Salt Water Canal. W/D hookups, Large lanai & yard plus dock Bring your boat! $2000/mo unfurnished.

First, Last & Security. Credit check. Call JoAnn 941-8092488 ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. 2BR/2BA SINGLE FAMILY HOME, unfurnished, w/ carport $2000/mo. Just one block to the beach.

2BR/2BA Furnished ground level condo at West Bay Cove $1600/mo. Contact A Paradise 941-778-4800 BRING YOUR BOAT to this 3BR/2BA ranch w/2 car gar. on canal in East Bradenton. Waterfront home has dock, 11,000 # boatlift, fireplace, large lanai & split plan. Just minutes to I-75 with large fenced, shady back yard. $1750/ mo. Call June at Island Real Estate - 941-778-6066 1BR/1BA BRADENTON BEACH. One minute to beach and Bridge Street. $1,000/mo. First and Security. Available September 1.

Call 941-243-3843 HOLMES BEACH BEAUTIFULLY FURNISHED 12 month renewable lease.

2BR/2BA, enclosed lanai, walk in closet, laundry room with washer/dryer, carport, private front & back yards. Includes security system, Dish Cable, water & trash. No smoking. $2200/mo First, last & security. Call George 860922-3857

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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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915 WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!

WINTER RENTALS AVAILABLE- 3 month minimum starting at $2,500/ mo+ taxes/fees. Call Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307 for info.

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150.

Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www. amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095

Call us today! 941-778-3986 SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

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