Shack tenants receive eviction notices
Businesses received
eviction notices effective Sept. 30, but county officials said agreements will be negotiated after the October sale.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Business owners on the Seafood Shack property received eviction letters effective Sept. 30, but a Manatee County spokesperson said new agreements with those businesses are possible after the county buys the property.
“It is the intention of Manatee County to make every effort to establish new contracts that include county contract requirements with legacy and/or new vendors once the county is the owner of the property,” Manatee County Information Out -
reach Manager Bill Logan wrote in a Sept. 20 email to The Sun.
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved the $13 million purchase at a Sept. 5 land use meeting with the anticipated use of the property as a public boating access facility consisting of a boat ramp, dry storage facility and marina.
The scheduled closing date for the sale is Oct. 7.
Logan said the business owners’ properties are leased on a month-tomonth basis.
“The current landlord (owner Vandyk Properties) would not agree to a sale date extension to allow the buyers (Manatee County) an opportunity to evaluate the current leases prior to closing, so the current
SEE SEAFOOD SHACK, PAGE 23
Former Piney Point owner fined for 2021 dumping
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
ST. PETERSBURG – A federal judge has found HRK Holdings LLC liable for the intentional dumping of wastewater from Piney Point into Tampa Bay in 2021.
The discharge from the former phosphate processing facility was linked to a widespread red tide and fish kill. More than 215 million gallons of wastewater was discharged into the bay to avert the potential collapse of a phosphogypsum stack that supported a pond where the waste was stored.
The Sept. 18 ruling in a lawsuit filed by five conservation groups imposed a fine of $846,900.
“As a result of the lawsuit, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection separately agreed to fund independent monitoring of the Piney Point disaster’s ongoing harm to Tampa Bay’s water quality,” according to a press release
SEE PINEY POINT, PAGE 27
Sun archive installed at Historical Museum
The Sun is also compiling a digital archive as it enters its 25th year of publication this week.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The new Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper archive is now on permanent display at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum.
The newspapers were preserved by longtime Sun reporter and copy editor Pat Copeland, who passed away in 2023. Her husband, Doug Copeland, built the red oak bookcase that now holds the archived newspapers she saved and stacked in her home office.
On Sept. 19, Copeland and AMI Historical Society board member Barb
Murphy met at the museum at 402 Pine Ave. to discuss the museum’s new installation.
“Pat started saving these Island Sun newspapers and kept all of them up through 2021. She donated them to the museum and the museum wanted to get them bound” with The Sun’s cooperation, Copeland said. “I volunteered to make and donate a new bookshelf for them."
Joan Bowling assisted Copeland in building the bookcase.
“The beautiful, handcrafted display for The Sun’s bound archive is a heartfelt gesture we appreciate so much,” Sun Editor Cindy Lane said. The new installation coincides with The Sun beginning its 25th year serving the Island community this week.
SEE SUN, PAGE 27
CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY | SUBMITTED
A view of the south side of a Piney Point gyp stack. The stacks hold ponds containing wastewater from phosphate processing operations.
Preserving home rule rights a top priority
The city is developing 2025 legislative priorities, including home rule and other issues.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City officials are compiling a list of priorities for the Florida Legislature’s 2025 session that starts on March 4.
When fully compiled, the list of Bradenton Beach’s legislative priorities will be shared with the Florida League of Cities and the city’s contracted lobbying firm. According to the legislative priorities document discussed during the Sept. 19 city commission meeting, the mayor and commission’s first priority is to preserve the city’s home rule rights and the right to self-government, and to oppose any legislation that attempts to eliminate or reduce those rights. The second priority is to oppose any legislative efforts to preempt short-term vacation rental regulation to the state.
“Home rule is why no two cities are alike,” according to the priorities list. “Strong home rule powers ensure that government stays close to the people it
serves. Intrusion on home rule from the state or federal government undermines the constitutional right of citizens to govern themselves.”
The city supports legislation that protects and enhances the quality of our natural waters, addresses sea-level rise and supports the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Forever conservation and recreation lands acquisition program. Bradenton Beach officials support legislation that provides funding for projects that help prevent and mitigate the negative environmental and economic impacts of red tide and other harmful algae blooms.
Property insurance reform is another top priority and the city supports a state effort to address increasing insurance rates, limiting the claim duration process and the unsubstantiated cancellation of insurance policies.
Bradenton Beach officials also would like more equitable sharing of the county’s tourist development tax revenues. The priorities list notes that a substantial portion of the county’s tourist development tax revenues are generated in Bradenton Beach and elsewhere on Anna Maria Island. Manatee County currently levies a 5% tourist tax on all short-term resort and
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Bradenton Beach Commission has several priorities heading into the 2025 legislative session.
vacation rental stays and county voters are now being asked to increase the tax to 6%.
State law restricts how the tourist tax revenues received by a city are spent. Tourist tax revenues can be used for city projects that enhance tourism but cannot be used for law enforcement or projects that enhance streets and roads, drainage and other infrastructure components.
The list notes that Bradenton Beach has a residential population of approximately 1,200 people, but during weekends, holidays and other peak periods, the population can swell to 30,000 people with the influx of beachgoers and other visitors.
The commission supports the Florida Legislature revising the population
requirements that currently allows some municipalities, but not others, to use tourist development tax revenues for police services and infrastructure improvements.
The city wants the Legislature to protect public rights-of-way by addressing the Advanced Wireless Infrastructure Deployment Act it adopted in 2017. The state act allows wireless providers to place small cell phone transmitters and other wireless devices on utility poles located in city rights of way. The act prevents local authorities from prohibiting, regulating or charging for the placement of small wireless facilities in public rights-of-way except as specified in the bill that caps the rate for device placement at $150 per year.
The commission opposes legislation that would restrict or eliminate the tax revenues generated by the city’s local business tax.
Commissioners support the Florida League of Cities’ legislative priority pertaining to state funding for mental health initiatives, facilities and programs.
City Attorney Ricinda Perry recommended adding two more priorities to the list: one pertaining to complete streets project funding and one in support of state funding that would help cities enhance their cybersecurity measures.
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
Floating dock upgrades approved
The city of Bradenton Beach will pay Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift
$29,407 to attach 3’ x 3’ triangular metal support groins where the floating finger piers attach to the floating dock next to the Bradenton Beach Pier. On Sept. 19, Duncan Seawall
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
Planning board reviews parking regulations
Street-side parking
near driveway entrances was among the matters discussed.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Planning and Zoning Board members are reviewing the city’s parking regulations with an emphasis on reducing visibility challenges created by parked vehicles.
General Manager Steve Porter told city commissioners some of the finger piers were damaged during Tropical Storm Debby and that has been a regular occurrence during several previous storms. Porter said adding the corner groins to both sides of the floating finger piers will help minimize future damage caused by the wave-induced vertical and horizontal movement of the floating structures that occurs during storms and high winds.
Mail ballots arriving soon
Vote-by-mail ballots for the general election that includes the presidential election will be mailed on Sept. 27, according to Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office Chief Deputy Sharon Stief. Thursday, Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to request that a voteby-mail ballot be mailed to you. In-person early voting will take place at various locations throughout Manatee County daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. beginning on Monday, Oct. 21 through Saturday, Nov. 2, including Sunday, Oct. 27. Locally, the general election will determine the winner of the Anna Maria mayor’s race, the winner of the Holmes Beach mayor’s race, the two winners of the Holmes Beach city commission race, the four winners of the Manatee County Commission races, the winners of two school board races and more. For more information, visit VoteManatee.com.
City seeks safety feedback
Holmes Beach city leaders have engaged VHB Consultants to create a comprehensive safety action plan to seek out ways to improve roadway safety and they’re asking for the community’s help. City staff has created a survey for community members to give their feedback on the current state of roadways in Holmes Beach and what the public thinks could use improvement. The survey can be accessed by scanning the QR code with your phone’s camera and following the link or by accessing https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id= mV5cNo_260uJ2avstBsaG9lNQ0i7ZudFutR2SSdKkF 9UNDlIREdZNUQ3MUtXMVRKUkdDTjhFUk1VNi4u &origin=QRCode&route=shorturl. The study is funded through a federal highway grant.
Joined by City Planner Ashley Austin and General Manager Dean Jones, Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board members David Haddox, Dusty Crane, Doug Copeland and Jeff Rodencal participated in parking regulation-related workshops on Aug. 21 and Sept. 19. The board recommendations produced during the workshops will be reviewed again on Oct. 31 before being presented for city commission consideration.
The board and city staff recommend regulation revisions that include prohibiting parking on multi-use paths and designated bike lanes and parking within a visibility triangle at a street intersection. Board members and staff also discussed prohibiting street-side parking within 10 feet of a driveway.
DRIVEWAY CONCERNS
Earlier this year, the board members and city staff assumed city code prohibited street-side parking within 10 feet of a driveway, but they later learned no such prohibition exists.
When discussing a possible driveway-related parking prohibition in August, Copeland said, “When people park directly up to your driveway, you cannot see to get out.”
He noted the lack of visibility experienced when pulling out of a driveway presents a danger to families walking down the street and makes it difficult to see oncoming motorists.
Rodencal agreed but questioned how the city would enforce such a prohibition and notify residents and visitors of that new restriction.
Rodencal also questioned whether eliminating numerous public parking spaces located within 10 feet of a driveway impacts the city’s ability to provide the number of public parking spaces required to qualify for county and state-funded beach renourishment projects. He said city staff would need to review the city’s parking plan and determine how many parking spaces would be eliminated.
Copeland said he previously asked the city to install traffic delineators on each side of his driveway entrance. The delineators consist of a white and orange plastic sleeve slipped over a metal fence post. The delineators limit the available parking space and make it difficult to park without the vehicle’s tires encroaching onto the street pavement, which is a parking violation.
The board expressed concerns about the visual aesthetics of installing parking delineators at every residential driveway, and there is no desire to install more “No Parking” signs in the city’s residential areas.
“Obviously we don’t want to put up two parking signs at every driveway, but the plastic bollards are really not that offensive and they’re fairly effective,” Copeland said during the August workshop.
Jones said the city would incur the costs of installing and maintaining the parking delineators.
“It’s a great idea, but how do you execute it out in the field?” he asked.
During the Sept. 19 workshop, Jones proposed asking the city commission to consider allowing the public works department to install driveway parking delineators only as requested by residential property owners.
VISIBILITY CONCERNS
During the September workshop, Copeland said he received a call from a resident who expressed concerns about a rental business on Pine Avenue parking their golf carts in the street-side parking spaces located in the city-owned right of way. Austin said that’s not allowed and she would look into that.
Haddox expressed a similar concern about a small commercial truck that’s frequently parked in a city-owned parking space along Pine Avenue. Haddox said the parked truck creates a visibility challenge when exiting the post office parking lot. Crane said a sign located on or near the post office property also limits visibility.
Jones said he would diplomatically share the board’s concerns with those business owners.
Crane reiterated her previously stated concerns about the visibility challenges created by parked vehicles, fences and residential landscaping at the North Bay Boulevard and Poinsettia Road intersection. She said the landscaping at the North Bay and Jacaranda Road intersection also impedes visibility.
Crane expressed concerns about the reduced visibility created by the landscaping at the Magnolia Avenue and South Bay Boulevard intersection.
“I agree, that’s a really dicey intersection,” Haddox added. “There’s just too much foliage there when you’re trying to execute a right-hand turn.”
Existing city code says, “On a corner lot, there shall be no parking or loading spaces, structure or planting which materially obstructs the vision of vehicular traffic within 20 feet of the two intersecting street right-of-way lines.”
Rodencal said similar visibility challenges exist throughout the city, and he asked what’s hindering the city’s efforts to address those concerns. Jones said he would research the board’s concerns.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Some of the floating finger docks were damaged during Tropical Storm Debby.
The Anna Maria Public Works Department previously installed these parking delineators at the request of city resident Doug Copeland.
Educational signs coming to John Chappie Park
The signs will feature images of Island wildlife and educational messages.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Two educational “Wildlife of Anna Maria Island” signs will soon be placed in John Chappie Park.
The park, 1400 Gulf Drive N., is across the street from the Bermuda Bay Club condominium complex. The identical 60" x 24" angle-mounted, high-pressure laminate signs will be placed at two locations along the sand trails in the natural surroundings of the city-owned park located between Gulf Drive South and the Gulf of Mexico. The signs will not be placed on the beach directly west of the park.
The Bradenton Beach Scenic WAVES Partnership Committee is spearheading the sign project. On Sept. 19, Scenic WAVES Vice-Chair Ingrid McClellan presented the mayor and city commission with an invoice for the completed design work and the cost estimate for the sign manufacturing. She also asked the
commission to choose the color of the signposts. The commission opted for green posts.
The colorful and informative signs will include images of the wildlife found on Anna Maria Island, including manatees, bottlenose dolphins, cownose rays, pelicans, loggerhead sea turtles, green turtles, gopher tortoises, ospreys, royal terns and several other shorebirds, fiddler crabs, Atlantic bay scallops and more.
The signs will include the following educational messages:
• Leave only footprints;
• Fill in holes;
• Obey posted closures;
• Lights out May-October (sea turtle nesting season);
• Give birds space;
• Do not feed wildlife;
• Protect dune vegetation; and
• Be seagrass safe.
The sign design cost $3,503, with the city paying $1,003 of that using funds from the John Chappie Park fund. The cost to manufacture and ship the two signs and the mounting posts is $3,007. A mini-grant from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program
SIGNS, PAGE 23
Jan Vosburgh Park sign style selected
Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jan Vosburgh and the city commission prefer a sign design similar to this city hall sign for the future installation of a sign at the city-owned, beachfront Jan Vosburgh Park located across the street from city hall. On Sept. 19, Vosburgh and the commission opted for this style sign rather than the billboardlike sign at Katie Pierola Sunset Park.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
CITY OF BRADENTON BEACH | SUBMITTED Two signs bearing these images and messages will be installed at John Chappie Park.
OPINION
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WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25
Weekly oyster drilling, Robinson Preserve Valentine House, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon
Line dancing for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Tortoise Talk, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.
Advanced line dancing, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.
Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 26
Seashell shore walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. Meet under the Longboat Key Bridge.
Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Green Explorers: Nature’s Symphony, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., 10 a.m.
AMI Chamber Business Card
Exchange, NY Foot and Body Massage Spa, 6100 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 5 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members
FRIDAY, SEPT. 27
Forty Carrots toddler playtime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
Rock garden rock painting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 28
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
Book sale and potluck lunch, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please bring a side dish to share.
Art with Enith, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Tram Tour, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
MONDAY, SEPT. 30
Gentle yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
TUESDAY, OCT. 1
Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2
Line dancing for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Advanced line dancing, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.
Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.
Know Before You Vote: Constitutional Amendments on the 2024 Ballot, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 3
AMI Chamber of Commerce sunrise breakfast, Compass Hotel, 12324
Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.,
$15 for members or $25 for prospective members
Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCT. 4
Forty Carrots infant and toddler playtime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 5
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
MONDAY, OCT. 7
Gentle yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
TUESDAY, OCT. 8
Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Sept. 26, 5:01 p.m. – City Commission budget meeting
Sept. 26, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting
Oct. 10, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N.
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach. com or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 2, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting
Oct. 2, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting
Oct. 3, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 2, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting
Oct. 2, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting
Oct. 8, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow
ANNE YARBROUGH | SUBMITTED Peace to all
Above, fifth graders lead the run under the banner during the 23rd Annual Peace Day at Anna Maria Elementary on Sept. 20. The event celebrates worldwide peace and peace within.
Right, kindergartners and first graders sing at the Peace Day celebration.
Below right, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and Police Chief Bill Tokajer lead the flag parade at Peace Day.
Sundown Get Down celebrates back to school
It was a family-friendly street party on historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach as a large crowd turned out for the September Sundown Get Down.
BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH - It was a beautiful day for a Back to School Bash on Bridge Street as the Bradenton Beach Merchants Association held its third Sundown Get Down street party on Sept. 19.
The event, scheduled on the third Thursday of every month through Dec. 19, offers attendees the chance to try out the unique offerings of the city’s diverse array of businesses. Information tents at both the west and east ends of Bridge Street explained discounts and freebies offered by local businesses.
This month’s event had a Back to School Bash theme, and plenty of families were on hand to enjoy some fun in the sun.
Sundown Get Down’s upcoming themes are:
• Oct. 17: Pumpkins and Palms in Paradise
• Nov. 21: Coastal Harvest Hoedown
• Dec. 19: Sandy Clause Beach Celebration
During each Sundown Get Down event from 4-9 p.m., Bridge Street is closed to auto traffic and open alcohol is permitted. The event offers sporting competitions for prizes and a chance
to fish in a kiddie pool for prizes.
The Monkey Bus runs a complimentary shuttle service to and from the free parking lot at Coquina Beach and paid parking lots in the area offer half-priced rates during the event. For more information, visit www. sundowngetdown.com.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Sophia Troxler enjoyed the Sundown Get Down Back to School Bash on Bridge Street.
AMI Chamber introduces board member candidates
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce introduced chamber members to the eight candidates running for the five open seats on the 2025-27 board of directors. Ballots are mailed to all chamber members and counted in October by four board members who are not up for reelection. New board members will begin serving on Jan. 1, 2025. The candidates seeking
election are Susanne Arbanas - Anna Maria Island Concierge Services; Joann Baker - United Community Bank; John Campora - Edward Jones; Kris Castagna - Better on Bikes; Don Goudy - Veritas! Pest Management; Wayne Gunter - BB&T; Logan Nichols - Owner Relationships Manager (ORM); and Kellie Spring - SERVPRO of Bradenton.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
From left, Logan Nichols, Kellie Spring, John Campora and Susanne Arbanas (running for the AMI Chamber Board of Directors) with current board member Bob Slicker and Bonnie Sanchez at the Sept. 17 chamber meet and greet event for new candidates.
Migratory birds using AMI beaches as rest stop
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The monthly bird survey by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring turned up thousands of birds, including some uncommon species.
“The survey was a joy this week as we counted thousands of birds, including several unique species, black terns, banded American oystercatchers, marbled godwits, red knots, short-billed dowitchers, reddish egrets and a federally endangered piping plover,” according to a Turtle Watch press release. “Please remember that many of these birds are migratory and taking a rest on AMI beaches, so we need your help to keep them safe while they are visiting our shores.”
Where’s Henrietta?
Henrietta, a female loggerhead sea turtle, remains in ninth place in a field of 10 in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles Race, which began on Aug. 1. She has traveled 158 miles since her release on June 24 from Coquina Beach after nesting and being tagged with a satellite transmitter. Henrietta is swimming in the race to draw attention to the cause of light pollution and how lighting near shore can negatively impact nesting turtles and their hatchlings. Her participation in the 2024 Tour de Turtles is sponsored by Hurricane Hanks and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. Visit The Sun’s Facebook page for weekly updates in “Where’s Henrietta?” and visit amisun.com for weekly updates on turtles nesting activity in “Nesting News.”
SUBMITTED
Turtle Watch offers the following tips:
• Teach kids not to chase birds – birds may be resting during migration.
• Don’t feed birds – our food is not good for their health, and it encourages them to fly at people aggressively.
• If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close. Stay at least 300 feet away.
• Keep pets away from bird nesting areas; dogs are not allowed on the beach by law.
• Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract bird predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife.
• Do not feed wildlife.
• If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
For more information or ways to help protect nesting shorebirds and seabirds, visit islandturtlewatch.com.
NESTING NEWS
Turtle nests laid: 685 (Previous record: 543 in 2019)
False crawls: 835
(Previous record: 831 in 2010)
Nests hatched: 302 (Record: 453 in 2022)
Hatchlings produced: 20,748 (Record: 35,850 in 2022)
Hatchling disorientations: 55
Adult disorientations: 36
Nests remaining on beach: 17
DODDRIDGE | SUBMITTED
Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
Turtle nests hatch despite storms
As sea turtle nesting season approaches its Oct. 31 close, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring reports there have been no new nests or hatches on the beach in the past week, although 17 unhatched nests remain. As Turtle Watch volunteers continue to monitor the Island for nesting or hatching activities, they are hoping to see more hatches in the coming weeks. “The good news is that during 70-day (overdue nest) excavations, we found that six nests had
a couple of hatched shells – meaning hatches that we missed, likely due to rain washing out the tracks,” Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella wrote in an email to The Sun. “This means that despite the overwash and water inundation caused by Tropical Storm Debby and last week's high tides from Hurricane Francine, a couple of strong hatchlings made it out of the nest, so the nests were not total losses.”
KATHY
An endangered piping plover was recently spotted on Anna Maria Island’s beaches.
DEP investigating Manatee River sewage releases
More than 50 million gallons of raw and partially-treated sewage was dumped in the Manatee River in August.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is investigating a series of sewage releases impacting the Manatee River following Hurricane Debby. The FDEP sent a violation letter to Bradenton Public Works Director Irvin Lee on Sept. 5 citing two bypass events at the city’s wastewater treatment facility in August totaling more than 50 million gallons of wastewater that was discharged into the Manatee River.
“The facility continues to experience intermittent discharges and FDEP staff have been onsite at the facility to conduct inspections,” FDEP
Public Information Specialist Brian Humphreys said in a Sept. 19 email to The Sun. “As part of our investigation, FDEP has issued the city a warning letter and held an initial meeting with the city to discuss these incidents.”
Humphreys wrote that the FDEP has many enforcement tools at its disposal.
“Depending on the nature of the violation and circumstances surrounding the event, FDEP will determine which measure is best suited,” he wrote. “Along with the possibility of fines and penalties, which is one enforcement tool, enforcement can also necessitate restoration and/or remediation actions through a compliance assistance offer, consent order or other enforcement mechanism.”
The DEP violation letter states: “Hurricane Debby Related: On Aug. 4, at the Wastewater Treatment Plant: 25 million gallons of wastewater was
Trygg becomes U.S. citizen
Former Anna Maria resident Carl “Charlie” Trygg became a naturalized U.S. citizen in a ceremony held at Tropicana Field on Aug. 31. Trygg, now a St. Petersburg resident, was born in Sweden and retains his citizenship there as well. He was raised in Connecticut by his parents, Karin and Steve Trygg, who moved to the Island around 2010 and later purchased a beachfront home in Anna Maria near Bean Point. Charlie moved into the family beach home in 2013 and remained there for 10 years. After Karin passed away in 2015, Steve divided his time between Anna Maria and other locations, including Sweden. Last year, Steve and Charlie sold the Anna Maria home and Charlie moved to St. Pete.
discharged into the Manatee River, as result of a bypass in the treatment process. Non-storm related: On Aug. 27 at the Wastewater Treatment Plant: 25.59 million gallons of wastewater was discharged into the Manatee River, as a result of a bypass in the treatment process. Additionally, during the period of August 2024, the Department was notified by the City of Bradenton and SWO, that your facility had unauthorized discharges or unpermitted Sanitary Sewer Overflows (“SSOs”) totaling approximately 2,151,500 gallons of which 2,138,000 gallons were associated with Hurricane Debby.”
The letter noted that on June 12, 2020, the city voluntarily entered into an agreement with the department that addresses SSOs and provides for stipulated penalties.
The letter was signed by Kelley M. Boatwright, southwest district director for FDEP.
Charlie Trygg is now a U.S. citizen.
“Please be advised that this warning letter is part of an agency investigation, preliminary to agency action in accordance with Section 120.57(5), Florida Statutes. Violations of Florida Statutes or administrative rules may result in liability for damages and restoration, and the judicial imposition of civil penalties,” Boatwright wrote. According to environmental watchdog group Suncoast Waterkeeper, “As part of our Sick of Sewage campaign, we identified Bradenton as one of the cities in need of repair. For the past five years, the city of Bradenton has illegally bypassed at least 160 million gallons of wastewater away from full treatment before discharging it into the Manatee River. Also, during that time frame, the city discharged millions more gallons of reclaimed and raw sewage from its aging sewage system, which is plagued by structural deficiencies.”
Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown did not respond to The Sun’s request for comment by press time.
Red tide organism detected
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was observed in background concentrations in Manatee County by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Sept. 19. The organism that causes red tide was found in 11 water samples taken in southwest Florida. Reports of fish kills potentially
related to red tide were received from FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline and Mote Marine Laboratory’s Beach Conditions Reporting System over the past week in Sarasota County. Respiratory irritation potentially related to red tide was reported at Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota County. To track statewide reports, visit myfwc. com/research/redtide/statewide.
Armstrong scheduled for court hearing
Kevin Armstrong, 48, of Cortez, is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, Oct. 31 for a case management conference on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Armstrong was arrested on June 6 in connection with a shooting following an argument with his girlfriend, who
sustained a gunshot wound. If convicted, he faces a prison term of up to five years. Armstrong, represented by Bradenton attorney E. Jon Weiffenbach Jr., is scheduled to appear at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., in Bradenton at 8:30 a.m.
CHARLIE TRYGG | SUBMITTED
WMFR presents Phoenix Awards
Staff, family and friends celebrated life as West Manatee Fire Rescue presented Phoenix Awards on Sept. 10.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – Staff and commissioners at West Manatee Fire Rescue are celebrating 10 lives saved as they presented Phoenix Awards and a Civilian Service Award.
The district bestows Phoenix Awards on staff members who respond to an emergency where the patient is in cardiac arrest and that patient not only has a pulse and is breathing again when transferred to a medical facility but also is able to recover from the incident. Over a one-year period, WMFR staff had 10 of those incidents allowing for the patients to successfully recover and leave the hospital, including one where a private citizen responded before first responders could get to the scene, helping to save one man’s life after a boat fell on him.
The recipients of the Phoenix Awards were firefighter/medic Jerrod Apple with two awards, firefighter/ medic John Balzer, firefighter Nathan Bergbom, firefighter William Bowen, firefighter/medic Casey Fischbach, firefighter Matthew French with two awards, firefighter/medic Gabriel Gonzalez with two awards, firefighter Aston Jasinski, firefighter Gavin Johnston, firefighter Sarah Joseph, firefighter/medic Clayton Lease, Capt. James Leigh, firefighter Dane Miller, firefighter/medic David Miller, firefighter Zackary Misiura, firefighter Chris O’Kelley, firefighter Max Pollock, firefighter/medic Aaron Reese, firefighter Tyler Snyder, Lt. Daniel Tackett, firefighter Jeffrey Taylor with two awards, and firefighter/medic William Thomas.
Private citizen Steve Gulash received the district’s Civilian Service Award after jumping into a canal to rescue Ryan Cahill, who was struck by a falling boat when a cable on a boat lift snapped.
“The first week in May, I’m standing on a lift around a boat, up in the air, helping my father-in-law get it ready for hurricane season,” Cahill recalled. “We’re up about 8 feet above the water and the cable snapped. A 10,000-pound boat hit me and broke my arm, broke my knee, broke both
my shoulder blades, 50 stitches in my head and four vertebraes. This was just four months ago.”
The Kalamazoo, Michigan resident said the Sept. 10 meeting was the first time that he met the man who saved his life after he fell in the water.
Cahill said that the doctors could not believe that he recovered. He said his family was called to come and say their goodbyes but after several days on a ventilator in the intensive care unit, he began to improve and was able to go home and has made a full recovery from his injuries.
“The impact that you made on my family, my kids, everybody that knows me, I’m forever connected with you going forward and so will they be and thank God for that and thank God for you. Thank you,” Cahill said to Gulash, presenting the award to the man who saw him go in the water and reacted quickly enough to save his life. Firefighters said that when they arrived, Gulash was holding Cahill above the water, and it took six people to pull him out of the canal due to the depth of the water to the height of the seawall.
Cahill said his response was a reaction to all his training as a coach and in law enforcement. He said he felt honored to receive the award
among firefighters who stepped up every day to help save lives. “You guys are awesome,” he said.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN West Manatee Fire Rescue presented Phoenix Awards during a Sept. 10 commission meeting for staff members who successfully helped save a patient in cardiac arrest. From left are firefighter Jeffrey Taylor, firefighter/medic Gabriel Gonzalez, firefighter/medic Casey Fischbach, firefighter Tyler Snyder, Lt. Daniel Tackett, Lt. John Stump, firefighter Sarah Joseph, firefighter/medic William Thomas and firefighter Matthew French.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
The recipient of WMFR’s Civilian Service Award, Steve Gulash, is thanked by Ryan Cahill for saving his life after Cahill was hit by a falling boat.
Firefighters recognized for Debby response
Firefighters responded to more than 50 emergency calls during a tropical storm.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – While residents were hunkering down during the wind and rain as thenTropical Storm Debby swept by the Gulf coast on Aug. 4, West Manatee Fire Rescue’s A shift was responding to multiple calls.
Over the course of a 24-hour shift, the department’s staff responded to more than 50 calls. WMFR Commission Chair Derrick Warner was so impressed with the team’s work and dedication during the storm that he presented them with a Commissioner’s Unit Citation Award during a Sept. 10 board meeting at the district’s administration building.
The Unit Citation Award is given to a crew, unit or entire department for exemplary performance during a fire or other emergency where the participants act as a team to efficiently bring the situation under control. Receiving the award for work during Debby are firefighter/medic Jerrod Apple, firefighter/medic John Balzer, firefighter Nathan Bergbom, firefighter William Bowen, Lt. Cameron Frazier, firefighter/medic Gabriel Gonzalez, Deputy Chief Jay
New firefighter joins WMFR
Matthew Joseph takes his oath on Sept. 10, stepping up from reserve to full-time firefighter with the West Manatee Fire Rescue District. Joseph is a second-generation firefighter.
Johnson, firefighter Gavin Johnston, Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, firefighter Brooks Larkin, Capt. James Leigh, Battalion Chief Tyler MacDonald, firefighter Samuel Martinez, firefighter Dane Miller, firefighter Chris O’Kelly, Chief Ben Rigney, firefighter Tyler Snyder and Training Chief Mark Tuttle.
During an August board meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to bestow the award on the group for their response efforts during the
“They functioned well as an organized team to deliver emergency services over 50 times in one shift. Their mission was to reduce the devastation of Hurricane Debby on Aug. 4, 2024, and they did a great job,” Warner said of the team. “It’s certainly a reflection on their training, their organization, their leadership and their ‘get it done’ attitude. The board of commissioners is deeply grateful and appreciative of the efforts demonstrated by shift A and the others over a very long day.”
Fire district passes 2024-25 budget
The new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1 and West Manatee Fire Rescue is ready with a new budget recently passed by the district’s board of commissioners. The budget passed unanimously during a Sept. 10 public hearing with no comment from commissioners or from the public. Commissioners also voted unanimously to approve the district’s 2024-25 fiscal year assessment certification. The total approved budget for the new fiscal year is $19,070,058 including $6,526,695 in reserves and impact fees, a 7.4% increase for taxpayers.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
fighter/medic Gabriel Gonzalez, Deputy Chief Jay Johnson and Battalion Chief Tyler MacDonald.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Island Players kick off 76th season with Crimes of the Heart
Crimes of the Heart offers an emotional tour of a family that is alternately poignant, funny and dramatic.
BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA - Manatee County’s oldest community theater, the Island Players, kicked off its 76th season on Sept. 19 with a production of Beth Henley’s awardwinning “Crimes of the Heart,” which runs through Sunday, Sept. 29 at the Island Playhouse, 10009 Gulf Drive.
While the play is a drama, there are ample moments of laughter as the audience is drawn into a family of four sisters who are brought together after one of them commits a criminal act. All the sisters have their own personal issues, and their grandfather (who never appears on stage) is in the hospital, adding drama to their already complicated lives.
Most of the story is learned through the conversation of the sisters, whose life problems cover
plays so centrally into the plot that during the introduction of the play, director Mike Lusk gives the
While not as slapstick or hilarious as many of the Island Players’ productions in the past couple of seasons, there is plenty to love about Crimes of the Heart. Lusk cast the play well, with most of the actors familiar to anyone who is an Island Players’ regular. Even on opening night (first night audiences are most likely to see mistakes by the cast), the performance was nearly flawless and full of genuine emotion, brilliantly acted by a talented veteran cast.
Anna Maria Island is beyond fortunate to have the Island Players, and Crimes of the Heart is another example of why a night at the theater is one of the best options for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the real world.
manages to make the suicide aspect poignant, and even the source of a few laughs.
Last season, the Players sold out most shows and broke attendance records. To avoid missing out, get tickets as soon as possible. Tickets are available at www.theislandplayers.org, at the box office beginning one hour prior to the show or by calling the box office at 941-7785755.
OUTDOORS
Water matters
wo years ago, I had the honor of meeting Dr. John Bowden, who was collecting samples in the area for a study of PFAS (forever chemicals) in local waters. Bowden is an associate professor at the University of Florida who works on measuring emerging pollutants in a wide variety of matrices. He was a guest speaker at a Suncoast Waterkeeper fundraising banquet and I volunteered to help him leading up to the event.
Recently, the report, PFAS in Florida Surface Waters, was peer-reviewed and published in Environmental Science and Technology: Water. Bowden also published a paper looking at PFAS in Florida springs.
While Bowden was in the area, he was commissioned to conduct a study of drinking water on Anna Maria Island by Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and the Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee.
According to Titsworth, “Growing up and living on the water my entire life,
I have witnessed a decline in water quality. It is more important than ever for everyone to decrease their impacts on the water.”
To learn more and be part of the solution, go to islanders4cleanwater.com.
Now there’s an opportunity to help Bowden with a new study that should be of importance to all Island residents. Currently, he has a Ph.D. graduate student working on a project to measure emerging pollutants in fish muscle. To date, they have an extensive set of fish samples but are looking to expand the study. They are hoping to connect with anglers and fishing guides to see if they can obtain a small piece of fish muscle harvested when fish are cleaned for their study. They only need about 1-2 grams from each fish. If you can help, all data will be shared with participants, and you will be anonymous in any publication. If interested, please share an address and they will send tubes that the small muscle plugs can be put into to send back to them. They have a FedEx account for the shipment of the samples. Their goal is to generate data that will allow them to help determine the safest fish to consume and better fish consumption advisories.
While they are open to receiving samples from all types of fish, these are
the fish species they are most keen on getting samples from (species in bold represent ones they have no samples for yet): Mahi, sailfish, snapper, grouper, tuna, amberjack, wahoo, monkfish, tilefish, swordfish, hogfish, flounder, striped mullet, American red snapper, triggerfish, sheepshead, tripletail, barrelfish, kingfish, cobia, grunts and drum, as well as any others that are available. They are interested in some freshwater fish as
well, including catfish, bass, etc. This is a great opportunity for local guides and anglers to help in identifying the safest species for consumption. For more information and to participate, contact Dr. John Bowden at john.bowden@ufl.edu.
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Dr. Bowden with a water sample taken at the mouth of the Manatee River.
RUSTY CHINNIS
CRA selects ESA for seagrass survey
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will use Environmental Science Associates (ESA) instead of the Coastal Engineering Consultants (CEC) to conduct the latest seagrass and mangrove surveying and reporting work required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The reporting requirements stem from the CRA-funded dredging of the navigation channel between the Bradenton Beach Pier and Leffis Key that occurred a few years ago. The dredging resulted in the removal of seagrass and the CRA was required to plant new seagrass to offset that loss.
CEC did the initial engineering, surveying and monitoring for the seagrass planting, conducted by a contractor associated with Duncan Seawall. The initial planting was not successful and additional plantings were needed.
CEC proposed doing the latest
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The previous dredging of the navigation channel in these waters south of the Bradenton Beach Pier requires the ongoing monitoring of the seagrass planted as part of that project.
surveying and reporting work for approximately $24,000 and ESA proposed doing it for approximately $22,000.
During the special CRA meeting on Sept. 19, Mayor John Chappie noted that in addition to saving the CRA $2,000, ESA has a long and productive working relationship with the CRA that includes the floating day dock and finger pier projects and the past and ongoing pursuit of funding for a potential resiliency project along Bay Drive South.
The latest seagrass reports are due by the end of September.
Beat the heat – fish at night
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT
Fly anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key had some action with snook at night and trout in Sarasota recently. Pat Beckwith, of Sarasota, caught and released snook before dawn and then fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay and had some action with trout on flies.
Jim Randle, of Sarasota, also got in on the action, catching and releasing several snook on my Snook Minnow fly on another trip. Fishing in the dark is a great way to beat the heat this time of year.
Look for snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and more.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED Fishing in the dark is great way to beat the heat this time of year. Pat Beckwith, of Sarasota, (top) and Jim Randle, of Sarasota, (below), each had some action catching and releasing snook on flies on a couple of different trips while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.
FWC offers funds for derelict boat removal
Local governments that meet FWC criteria can apply for a grant to remove derelict vessels from area waters.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is rolling out an initiative to assist in the derelict boat removal process for some municipalities.
At a September meeting, FWC commissioners approved rule amendments creating a block grant option within the FWC derelict vessel and public nuisance vessel removal grant program.
The FWC Boating and Waterways Section proposed the option to allow for additional reimbursement for ongoing vessel removals in areas that remove a substantial number of derelict vessels annually.
A derelict vessel is any vessel that is left in a wrecked, junked or substantially dismantled condition in the waters of the state.
Eligible governments must have removed 40 or more vessels within three of the preceding five calendar years.
However, smaller municipalities such as Bradenton Beach may not qualify for the block grants.
According to Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby, approximately 25 derelict and abandoned boats have been removed by the city from waters in the past five years.
Local boat captains have expressed concern about sunken and unregistered boats south of the
Cortez Bridge off the fishing village of Cortez, in Manatee County.
In May, marine law enforcement agencies issued more than 20 citations for multiple unregistered and derelict vessels.
“Our goal is to keep improving our waterways by removing as many DVs as possible,” said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC boating and waterways section leader. “This amendment will allow local
governments that have DV removal experience and are familiar with the process an option to remove these vessels more efficiently. They can remove eligible DVs and submit for reimbursement from their awarded block grant.”
As of June 1, there were 700 derelict vessels listed in the FWC derelict vessel database statewide.
“These vessels cause the destruction of valuable seagrass resources and endanger marine life. They also threaten human life, safety and property as they drift on or beneath the surface of the water or block navigable waterways, posing a navigational hazard to the boating public,” according to an FWC press release.
The funding for each block grant award is based on a formula that includes the average number of vessel removals for the applicant and the statewide average cost per removal.
For more information about the derelict vessel removal grant program, visit MyFWC.com/boating, select “Grant Programs” then “Derelict Vessels Removal Grant Program.”
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Partially or completely sunken boats litter the waters off Cortez, causing hazards to navigation and the environment.
CENTER NOTES
Wear Pink Week for breast cancer awareness
Wear pink at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., to show your support for breast cancer awareness the week of Monday, Sept. 30.
Youth Pickleball Clinic
Youth Basketball Training with AMI Hoops
Sign up for group or private training in youth basketball for kids kindergarten through ninth grade. Group training for elementary school age children is on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Older kids hoop it up on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The cost is $100 for members and $125 for non-members. Private training is available with the founder of AMI Hoops on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. The cost for a 4-week session is $185 for members and $225 for non-members.
Learn the basic skills, do drills and play pickleball at the youth pickleball clinic for youth in third through ninth grades on Wednesdays starting on Oct. 2 from 5-6 p.m. The cost is $100 for members and $115 for nonmembers.
To register for Center programs or for more information, email The Center at hello@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.
REAL ESTATE
Fondly remembering the 80s
If you loved shoulder pads, Cabbage Patch Kids and the Rubik’s Cube, you probably loved the 80s. But one thing not to love about the 80s was the home buying affordable rate, which has just been outdone this past June.
Today’s housing market is the most dif ficult in decades. This has been an ongoing frustration for first-time home buyers in the Gen Z and Millennial generations. Home buying affordability dropped last fall to the lowest level since September 1985, and it fell near that level again in June. The good thing for the mid-80s buyers is they had much more housing supply. Homes became more affordable as mortgage rates fell in subsequent years, adding to the inventory. In September 1985, 72% of consumers said it was a good time to buy a home, according to the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey. In June 2024, just 12% said the same. And it gets worse. According to the National Association of Realtors’ affordability index, in January 2021, a family needed an
Castles in the Sand
income of $49,152 to afford the medianpriced single-family home with a 20% down payment. In June 2024, just three years, the family would need an income of $110,544 to make the same purchase. Added to this is the cost of property taxes, home insurance, car insurance and a list of other expenses related to homeownership that have increased.
In addition to the affordability rate, there is the number of home sales. The existing home sales slid in 2023 to the lowest level since 1995 and have held at lower levels in the first half of 2024.
There is a group of buyers, however, who are somewhat unfazed by the affordability rate the first-time buyers are facing.
And those, of course, are the wealthy. The high-end market is doing a lot better than the 30-year-olds looking for their first home. Wealth allows for people to care more about having their ideal home than holding on to a 3% mortgage rate. They know they can always refinance later if the rates drop. But nonluxury buyers typically finance their purchases and are more sensitive to interest rates.
The Federal Reserve met last week and took action on interest rates for the first time in several years, cutting their rate by half a percentage. This does not always translate into lower mortgage rates, which have been going down and are now just above 6%, but it might, and it could also have a positive effect on restoring confidence in the market.
Now it’s time for the August Manatee County home sales, reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee. Single-family homes closed 0.2% fewer this August compared to last August. The median sale price was $494,000,
down 5.9%, and the average sale price was $609,789, down 14.8%. There were 3.6% more new listings and the month’s supply of available properties was 3.9 months, up 39.3%.
Condos closed 11.2% fewer this August. The median sale price was $329,990, down 8.1%, and the average sale price was $385,931, down 2.0%. New listings were up 3.8% and the month’s supply of available properties was 5.7 months, up 7.27%.
If I were spinning, I could say it’s summer and it’s always slow, condo buyers are still cooling off in their northern homes and more new listings is a good thing. But I won’t insult your intelligence; the market is slow, and I think we have a few more months before we can get a real read on what’s going on.
No one really wants to go back to the 80s - didn’t we all hate Cabbage Patch Kids? Hopefully, an adjustment in mortgage rates will benefit non-luxury buyers and move the market up. A rising tide lifts all boats.
LOUISE BOLGER
OBITUARIES
Luis Kristian “Kris” Wisniewski
Luis Kristian “Kris” Wisniewski, 65, of Anna Maria, died on Aug. 28. He was a third-generation resident of Anna Maria. His grandfather originally settled on the Island in 1959. Although he was born in Germany, he spent most of his life as an islander. His mother, Helen RomeikieWisniewski was a local artist. Shortly after graduating from USF, he received a commis sion in the U.S. Army and served for 22 years. During that time, he deployed to the first Gulf war, receiving a bronze star. After retiring, he returned to the island to take his dream job, working at the city pier bar before Hurricane Irma shut it down. He also volunteered at the Roser Thrift Store and was an active member of the church. He loved spending time at the Island Ace Hardware store, D Coy Ducks reading trivia and telling horoscopes on the pier. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughters, Andrea and Ammanda (Andrew Simonetti); and two grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at Roser Memorial Church on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 11 a.m., followed by a small reception in the fellowship hall. Roser Church is located at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, Florida, 34216.
BEACH BEAT
BRADENTON BEACH
9/5, 8:09 p.m., criminal mischief, 2100 Gulf Drive N. An officer was dispatched to Holmes Beach in reference to a vandalism that allegedly occurred in Bradenton Beach. The officer met with Holmes Beach officers who said they were flagged down by a motorist who said someone in a red Dodge Ram had thrown change out of a moving truck, striking the hood of the victim’s vehicle as they passed on the road. The truck was located in the Publix parking lot, where officers made contact with the owner, who admitted he had thrown a single penny at the victim’s car, which the victim said damaged the paint of his hood. Due to the victim’s vehicle being a rare Mercedes, the damage was valued in excess of $1,000, and the victim demanded res titution. The driver was issued a notice to appear in court for the damages.
HOLMES BEACH
9/11, 5:50 a.m., trespass warning, 3304 East Bay Drive. The officer responded to the Publix store on East Bay Drive in reference to the issuance of a trespass warning due to a prior incident. The officer arrived and met with a Publix employee who advised he wanted to have a female trespassed due to a previous incident. The female was still on the property, and was notified by the officer that she was trespassed from the property and no longer welcome. The female subject was told if she returned she would be subject to arrest.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Deputy Bowman returns
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Dep. Vince Bowman recently returned to the Anna Maria Unit after working an off-Island assignment for the past year.
SEAFOOD SHACK: Tenants receive eviction notices
tenants must vacate their locations per the current landlord’s requirements,” Logan wrote.
Logan wrote that there will likely be no changes to the configuration of the property for 12-24 months after the sale closes to allow the county time to complete an overview of the property and craft plans for future enhancements.
“No work will commence before neighbors, nearby HOAs, and other stakeholders are informed of the impact(s) anticipated and allowed an ample opportunity to engage in that planning process,” Logan wrote.
The property, which consists of seven upland parcels of approximately 5.9 acres and two submerged land leases of 2.9 acres, was appraised
at $12.55 million. That appraisal assumed that two expired submerged land leases would be renewed.
“I assume the board will act as a landlord and essentially create a revenue source by leasing slips and continue to lease space to those businesses that are already there,”
Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said at the Sept. 5 meeting. “We’re not looking to put anybody out of work.”
The eviction notices came from Vandyk Properties and advised business owners to vacate the properties by Sept. 30.
“The eviction notice is a legal letter,” said James Morganroth, who has
owned Pirate Adventures of Cortez at the Seafood Shack Marina since 2018. “I’m hearing from other businesses here the county is in talks with the owner so that may not happen. That’s the hope for sure.”
SIGNS: Coming to John Chappie Park
FROM PAGE 5 FROM PAGE 1
will cover $2,500 of the manufacturing costs and the remaining $507 will be donated personally by McClellan and Scenic WAVES committee member Cathy King.
Morganroth said he is excited about the prospect of the county installing a new marina and boat slips.
“This property has a lot of potential,” he said.
Annie’s Bait and Tackle, which has existed since the 1950s, is part of the Seafood Shack parcel. Annie’s co-owner, Bruce Shearer, told The Sun on Sept. 20 that he is reserving comment until Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Commissioner George Kruse was scheduled to hold an open meeting for area residents on Sept. 23, after press time for The Sun.
As an additional educational component to the sign installations, the non-profit Keep Manatee Beautiful organization will donate 68 thumb drives to teachers, schools and community centers in Manatee County. The thumb drives will contain informational materials provided by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring organization and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. The thumb drives will be accompanied by poster-sized versions of the wildlife signs.
While addressing the commission, McClellan noted the long-anticipated sign project was initiated in 2016. She expects the signs to be installed in December.
Mayor John Chappie, the park’s namesake, praised McClellan’s presentation and expressed his appreciation for all the work she and the committee put into the project.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Manatee County plans to buy the Seafood Shack and Marina for $13 million to make a public boat facility.
Police chief named public works director
Police Chief John Cosby now serves in a second position of importance to the city.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH –
Police
Chief John Cosby is also now the city’s permanent public works director.
Cosby previously served as the city’s temporary public works director since longtime director Tom Woodard resigned earlier this year.
On Sept. 19, commissioners voted 4-0 in favor of naming Cosby public works director permanently and paying him an additional $74,747, as outlined in the employee manual, in addition to his $133,000 police chief’s salary.
During Thursday’s meeting, Mayor John Chappie said he initially intended to ask the commission to consider a pay increase for Cosby as he continued to serve as the temporary director but decided instead to ask the commission members to make Cosby the permanent director.
“It gives him the leeway to make some of the more important decisions in the operations of the public works department,” he said.
Chappie said appointing Cosby as public works director provides the city with significant savings because his insurance, pension and other
employee benefits are already part of his police chief compensation.
Under Cosby’s leadership, Chappie said the public works department has already produced increased productivity and efficiency, along with better utilization of the department’s existing and new equipment. He attributed that to the leadership skills Cosby developed during his many years with the police department.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what he’s been able to do. With that, I would hope you would
I think Chief Cosby’s done an outstanding job wearing that additional hat.”
Deborah Scaccianoce, Bradenton Beach commissioner
consider my proposal,” Chappie told the commission.
Before the vote took place, Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce said, “I think Chief Cosby’s done an outstanding job wearing that additional hat. You can definitely see all of the things that have improved.”
Scaccianoce also said she’s glad to see the city’s street sweeping truck being routinely used.
“Things are getting done. I think he’s doing a great job,” she added.
Cosby has also long served as the city’s emergency operations manager.
COSBY’S COMMENTS
After the meeting, while standing in front of the public works building located next to the police station, Cosby discussed his public works department duties.
“I’ve been doing it for five months and it hasn’t really been an issue. I take all the paperwork that has to be done for public works home and I do it at home. There haven’t been
any issues and hopefully, it stays that way,” he said.
When asked if he enjoys the public works side of things, Cosby said, “Yes. I like to get things done quick. I can move more at the pace I want instead of waiting for other people. It definitely makes it easier to get things done.”
Cosby said Donovan Buss serves as the public works department foreman and some future departmental restructuring is likely.
“I may make some changes after the first of the year to adjust everybody’s jobs and give everybody a little more responsibility. There’s a lot of talent there and I don’t think it’s being used properly,” Cosby said.
At the police department, Lt. Lenard Diaz has served as Cosby’s second in command since Cosby succeeded Sam Speciale as police chief in 2021.
“The police department is run by the chain of command, from the staff to the sergeant, to the lieutenant, and then to me,” Cosby said.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
John Cosby will lead the Bradenton Beach Public Works Department for the foreseeable future.
The following hotels and motels accept pets. Some have limitations on species, number, size and breed, some require pets to be caged before housekeeping services are rendered, some require deposits or extra charges, and some have special pet amenities, such as grassy areas for walking. Call ahead to find accommodations that match your needs, and make a list of several hotels in different parts of the state to be prepared for storms from any direction.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
Anna Maria Dream Inn 2502 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach 941-209-1420
Anna Maria Island
Resorts
Tortuga Beach Resort 1325 Gulf Dr. Bradenton Beach 941-778-6611
Anna Maria Motel
808 N. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria 941-778-1269
Queen’s Gate 1101 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach 941-778-7153
ARCADIA
Knights Inn
504 S. Brevard Ave. 863-494-4884
Holiday Inn Express 2709 Southeast Hwy. 70 863-494-5900
BRADENTON
Best Western Plus 2215 Cortez Rd W 941-238-0800
Compass Hotel
Anna Maria Sound 12324 Manatee Ave W. 941-741-9700
Courtyard Bradenton
Sarasota/Riverfront 100 Riverfront Dr. W. 941-747-3727
Days Inn
3506 1st St. W. 941-746-1141
Days Inn
Bradenton – I75
644 67th St Circle E 941-746-2505
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Lakewood Ranch 6105 Exchange Way 941-552-4000
Hampton Inn & Suites
309 10th St W 941-746-9400
Hyatt Place Sarasota/ Lakewood Ranch 6021 Exchange Way 941-748-3100
Motel 6
660 67th St. Circle E. 941-747-6005
Spring Hill Suites
Bradenton
Downtown Riverfront 102 12th St. W. 941-226-2200
BROOKSVILLE
Days Inn
6320 Windmere Rd 352-796-9486
Microtel Inn 6298 Nature Coast Blvd 352-796-9025
Quality Inn 30307 Cortez Blvd 352-796-9481
CAPE CORAL
Holiday Inn Express 1538 Cape Coral Pkwy E 239-542-2121
Hampton Inn & Suites 619 SE 47th Terrace 239-540-1050
DAYTONA BEACH
Homewood Suites By Hilton 165 Bill France Blvd 386-258-2828
Residence Inn Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport 1725 Richard Petty Blvd 386-252-3949
DELAND
Comfort Inn 400 E International Speedway 386-736-3100
ELLENTON
Hampton Inn 5810 20th Ct. E. 941-721-4000
Red Roof Inn 4915 17th St. E. 941-729-0600
ELLENTON
Super 8
5218 17th St. E. 941-729-8505
FORT MYERS
Baymont Inn & Suites 9401 Marketplace Rd
239-454-0040
Hyatt Place 2600 Champion Ring Rd
239-418-1844
La Quinta Inn 9521 Market Place Rd
239-466-0012
Residence Inn
20371 Summerlin Rd
239-415-4150
Travel Lodge
13661 Indian Paint Ln
239-561-1117
GAINESVILLE
Best Western
4200 N.W. 97th Blvd.
352-331-3336
Home Hotel & Suites
3905 S.W. 43rd St.
352-376-0004
Motel 6
4000 S.W. 40th Blvd.
352-373-1604
Residence Inn by Marriott
I-75
3275 SW 40 Blvd
352-264-0000
KISSIMMEE
Ramada Gateway 7470 HWY 192
407-966-4410
Motel 6
5731 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy.
407-396-6333
LAKELAND
Hilton Garden Inn
3839 Don Emerson Drive
863-647-0066
Motel 6
3120 U.S. Hwy. 98 N. 863-682-0643
Residence Inn 3701 Harden Blvd. 863-680-2323
LAKE BUENA VISTA
Marriott Residence Inn 11450 Marbella Palm Court 407-465-0075
LAKE CITY
Baymont Inn & Suites 3598 US 90 W 386-752-3801
Days Inn
3430 N US Hwy 441 386-758-4224
LAKE MARY
Extended Stay America 1040 Greenwood Blvd 407-829-2332
Hyatt Place 1255 S International Pkwy 407-995-5555
La Quinta Inn 1060 Greenwood Blvd. 407-805-9901
Residence Inn 825 Heathrow Park Lane 407-995-3400
LEESBURG
Best Western Plus
1321 N. 14th Street 352-460-0118
Hampton Inn 9630 Us Hwy 441 352-315-1053
OCALA
Comfort Inn 1212 S Pine Ave 352-629-7300
Hampton Inn & Suites 3601 SW 38th Ave
352-867-0300
La Quinta Inn & Suites
3530 S.W. 36th Ave.
352-861-1137
Microtel Inn & Suites 1770 Southwest 134th St
352-307-1166
Equus Inn 3434 SW College Rd
352-854-3200
Residence Inn 3601 S.W. 38th Ave. 352-547-1600
Sleep Inn and Suites 13600 S.W. 17th Court
352-347-8383
ORLANDO
Hard Rock Hotel 5800 Universal Blvd. 407-503-2000
Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista 13351 State Road 535 407-239-4500
La Quinta Inn - Universal Studios 5621 Major Blvd 407-313-3100
Motel 6 - Winter Park 5300 Adanson Street 407-647-1444
Motel 6 International 5909 American Way 407-351-6500
Residence Inn Seaworld 11000 Westwood Blvd. 407-313-3600
Staybridge Suites 7450 Augusta National Dr 407-438-2121
Townplace Suites 11801 High Tech Ave. 407-243-6100
PLANT CITY
Comfort Inn 2003 S Frontage Rd 813-707-6000
Knights Inn
301 S Frontage Rd 813-752-0570
PORT CHARLOTTE
Comfort Inn
812 Kings Hwy 941-421-7548
Days Inn 1941 Tamiami Trail 941-623-9404
Knights Inn 4100 Tamiami Trail 941-743-2442
Sleep Inn & Suites 806 Kings Highway 941-613-6300
PUNTA GORDA
Four Points by Sheraton 33 Tamiami Trail 941-637-6770
RUSKIN
Holiday Inn & Suites
226 Teco Rd. 813-922-4561
Ruskin Inn 3113 College Ave 813-641-3437
SANFORD
Best Western Plus 3401 S Orlando Dr 407-320-0845
SARASOTA
Comfort Suites 5690 Honore Ave 941-554-4475
Comfort Inn & Suites 5931 Commercial Way 941-342-8778
Courtyard Sarasota Bradenton
850 University Pkwy 941-355-3337
Embassy Suites by Hilton 202 N. Tamiami Trail 941-256-0190
Even Hotel – Lakewood Ranch
6231 Lake Osprey Dr 941-782-4400
Hampton Inn & Suites 8565 Cooper Creek Blvd 941-355-8619
Hibiscus Suites 1735 Stickney Point Road 941-921-5797
Hyatt Place Lakewood Ranch 6021 Exchange Way 941-946-2357
Hyatt Place Sarasota 950 University Pkwy 941-554-5800
La Quinta Inn & Suites 1803 N. Tamiami Trail 941-366-5128
Residence Inn 1040 University Pkwy. 941-358-1468
Days Inn 5000 N. Tamiami Trail 941-351-7734
Sleep Inn 900 University Pkwy. 941-359-8558
SEBRING
La Quinta Inn 4115 US 27 South 863-386-1000
Magnunson Grand 6525 US 27 North 863-385-4500
Residence Inn 3221 Tubbs Road 863-314-9100
Severn Sebring Hotel 150 Midway Dr 863-655-7200
SPRING HILL Motel 6 6172 Commercial Way 352-596-2007
TALLAHASSEE
Best Western Pride Inn 2016 Apalachee Parkway 850-656-6312
La Quinta Inn North 2905 N. Monroe St. 850-385-7172
Motel 6 Downtown 1027 Apalachee Parkway 850-877-6171
Motel 6 West 2738 N. Monroe St. 850-386-7878
Quality Inn 3090 N. Monroe St. 850-562-2378
Red Roof Inn 2930 Hospitality Street 850-385-7884
Red Roof Inn 6737 Mahan Drive 850-656-2938
Residence Inn 1880 Raymond Diehl Road 850-422-0093
Residence Inn Universities 600 W. Gaines St. 850-329-9080
Sleep Inn 1695 Capital Circle N.W. 850-575-5885
Staybridge Suites 1600 Summit Lake Drive 850-219-7000
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel
522 Silver Slipper Lane 850-386-2121
TAMPA
Quality Inn-Busch Gardens 2701 E. Fowler Ave. 813-971-4710
Holiday Inn Express 8610 Elm Fair Blvd 813-490-1000
Holiday Inn Express 8310 Galbraith 813-910-7171
Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa/Brandon
10240 Palm River Road 813-685-7099
Hyatt Place Tampa Airport 4811 W. Main St. 813-282-1037
Residence Inn 4312 W. Boy Scout Blvd. 813-877-7988
Sheraton Tampa East Hotel 10221 Princess Palm Ave 813-623-6363
TEMPLE TERRACE
Residence Inn 13420 N Telcom Parkway 813-972-4400
Towne Place Suites by Marriott 6800 Woodstork Rd 813-975-9777
WINTER HAVEN
Howard Johnson Inn 1300 3rd St SW 863-294-7321
Lake Roy Beach Inn 1825 Cypress Garden Blvd 863-324-6320
Roadway Inn & Suites 1911 Cypress Gardens Blvd. 863-324-5994
SUN: Archive featured at Historical Museum
FROM PAGE 1
Featuring more than 40 newlybound volumes, The Sun's archive begins with May 2001 and ends with December 2021. Soon, the collection will span The Sun’s full history from September 2000 through September 2024.
“We are in the process of filling out Pat's collection and will continue to compile future editions for the display," said Lane, who has worked at The Sun for 21 years, much of that time with Pat, who was The Sun's first employee.
"At the same time, for our 25th anniversary year, we are completing a digital archive for people who can’t get to the museum but want access to the historical record and great memories in The Sun," Lane said.
“These newspapers are a historical resource. What went on every week in the city is recorded here. And it’s not just Anna Maria. It’s Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach too,” said Copeland, adding that Pat co-founded the Historical Society with Carolyne Norwood.
Copeland, a former city commissioner, said he once spent a week at the museum researching several months’ worth of old newspaper stories about Bean Point being sold to a hotel chain that wanted to build a hotel there. The city fought those efforts in court and prevailed and that influenced some of the city’s single-family dwelling zoning restrictions that
Pat started saving these Island Sun newspapers and kept all of them up through 2021.”
Doug Copeland, Anna Maria resident
remain in place today.
“People come in and they love to sit down and pull out a volume they might be interested in,” Murphy said. “Possibly, they had parents or grandparents that were on the Island and told them about a certain story and we try to help them locate that. It’s a wonderful archive of the Island newspapers and the Island’s history and it’s a special feature people can enjoy here at the museum.”
As the slower summer season winds down, the AMI Historical Museum is open free of charge Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The museum will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
in January, February and March.
“We’ve spent the month of September changing and refreshing some of our exhibits and we are still looking for volunteer docents –people that love the Island and can
PINEY POINT: Former owner fined for 2021 pollution
volunteer their time to help educate the public and the tourists about the history of the Island,” Murphy said. Learn more about the museum and the historical society at www.amihs.org.
from one of the plaintiffs, the Center for Biological Diversity.
“The court’s ruling exposes the reckless gamble Florida regulators took by letting this toxic waste facility operate without a permit for more than 20 years,” said Ragan Whitlock, a Florida-based attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “This outcome can’t undo the terrible harm done to wildlife and Tampa Bay’s water quality, but it should help state regulators see that trusting corporate polluters to oversee their own toxic waste is asking the fox to guard the henhouse.”
Following the 2021 spill, HRK Holdings declared bankruptcy. U.S. District Judge William Jung
issued a default judgment finding that HRK had violated the Clean Water Act by discharging pollutants into Tampa Bay without a lawfully issued permit.
“State and local officials knew for years that HRK lacked the financial and operational resources to safely close Piney Point, yet watched this disaster unfold without intervention,” said Daniel C. Snyder, lead counsel for the plaintiffs and director of Public Justice’s Environmental Enforcement Project.
Following the dumping, Tampa Bay experienced a red tide event that killed more than 600 tons of marine life in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, according to the press release.
“During the 2021 wastewater
release, Tampa Bay received more nitrogen - nearly 200 tons - than it usually receives from all other sources in an entire year. The red tides that have plagued Florida are fueled by nitrogen,” the press release stated.
“It’s the communities that rely on these coastal waters who are left holding the bag, forced to deal with the lasting damage caused by HRK’s negligence,” said Abbey Tyrna, executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper, one of the plaintiffs. “Suncoast Waterkeeper and our partners have stepped up to enforce the laws that the state should have been upholding all along. There is still so much work to be done to clean up after this disaster, and the responsibility to protect our waters needs to be
shared between the state and the community.”
“It should be noted too that presently there are no federal, state or local regulations that adequately protect the public from hazards associated with phosphogypsum, and no regulations to require the industry to make final disposition of phosphate wastes in an environmentally acceptable manner,” said Glenn Compton, chairman of ManaSota-88, one of the plaintiffs. Other plaintiffs are Tampa Bay Waterkeeper and Our Children’s Earth Foundation, represented by Public Justice’s Environmental Enforcement Project, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the law offices of Charles M. Tebbutt.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Barb Murphy and Doug Copeland are pleased with the museum’s newspaper archives.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Anna Maria Island Sun's bound archives are on display for the public's use.
SPORTS
BY MONICA SIMPSON
SPECIAL TO THE SUN
The Center kicks off fall soccer
ANNA MARIA – Thursday night heated up as the adult fall soccer league started with five backto-back games. With two more teams this season, the schedule is compressed to let roughly 100 Island-area men and women hit the pitch for the nine weeks of games leading to the playoffs in late November.
Veteran player and team captain Greg Ross led his team to victory over team Bubble Binz with a score of 4-2. Ross played alongside his twin sons, Andrew and Jake Ross, on the Ross Built Custom Homes squad.
While not credited for a goal, G. Ross struck hard and struck often, finding his sweet spot on the field. Jake and Andrew each had a goal, adding to the two points put up by Jack Gibson.
In an uncharacteristic position at goal, Kevin Roman made five important stops off the boots of the Bubble Binz offense. Osvaldo Cabello protected the goal for team Bubble Binz, making six saves after two halves of soccer action.
Cabello’s teammates James Knowles and Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos scored the goals for Bubble Binz, helping to keep the team in the first game of the season.
AMI Dolphin Tours and Language Services Associates took to the pitch next. Ending in a 3-3 draw, each team recorded seven saves after 40 minutes of regulation play.
Making the saves was Julian Bejarano for team Language Services. AMI Dolphin Tours split the duty between Tyler Bekkerus, with three big stops, and Aaron Frech, with four stops. Frech took over in goal after Bekkerus left the field with an injury.
Scoring for AMI Dolphin Tours were Robert Fellowes, Erica Nielsen and Frech. On the other side of the field, Luis Martinez, Alex Quintero and Juan Rodriguez put the points on the scoreboard.
Team Pool America dominated in the third game of the night against Gulf Drive Café. Pool America’s Chris Klotz and Gulf Drive’s Charles “Tuna” McCracken each had 10 saves in the game.
Four all-important goals got past McCracken for his team’s 5-1 loss. McCracken is credited with the assist on Gulf Drive Café’s only point, scored by Javier Rivera.
On the other side of the field, Murat Akay and Lucas Wilson each put two past McCracken, while Dean Hinterstoisser had a solo goal in the team’s win.
The Sato Real Estate goalies Josh and Ben Sato were kept busy making eight and nine saves, respectively. Their counterpart, Steve Oelfke, made five recorded stops in his team’s three-goal win.
Offensively and defensively strong, the Hampton Painting team held Sato Real Estate to two goals by Logan O’Brien and team captain J. Sato. Hampton’s captain, Daniel Hampton, scored two goals, along with Tim Holly. Their teammate Ethan Hampton scored his first goal of the season against the Sato defense.
Ending the night with a big win, Solid Rock Construction beat the Moss Builders team 5-2. Ryan Moss’ eight saves, in addition to goalie efforts by Karri Stephens with two stops, just was not enough against Keith Mahoney’s team.
Led by James Roadman, the Moss Builders team managed to score two goals against Solid Rock with strikes by Stephen Adair and Alexis Bellamy.
Playing in her second game of the night, Nielsen scored another goal. Julio Cantu got one by the Moss Builders’ keeper.
With the only hat trick of the game, Mahoney scored three of the team’s five points to close out week one of adult soccer on the Island. SUN
ADULT
their way
AMI
the
circle
on Sept. 18 after they posted the only 3-0 record during pool play. On Sept. 21, Fernandes came out on top again this time with partner Tom Farrington after they won the final 22-4 over Gary Howcroft to take the day’s championship.
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
Erica Nielsen for team AMI Dolphin Tours handles the soccer ball with teammate Cody Wright nearby to help and Language Services Associates’ Lorenzo Llorente ready to steal last Thursday night at The Center.
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
On The Center’s pitch, AMI Dolphin Tours’ Alex Villanueva and Language Services’ Juan Rodriguez fight for posiHorseshoe winners
Gersey Fernandes, left, and Gary Howcroft teamed up and pitched
to
winner's
at
Horseshoes
FUN IN THE SUN
CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BEST VOLUNTEER POSITION off the island. The Cortez Village Historical Society needs greeters, gardeners and volunteers for special events. Contact CVHS at cvhs2016@aol. com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
TINGLEY LIBRARY in Bradenton Beach is looking for volunteers. Fun and friendly atmosphere. Morning and afternoon shifts. If interested, please contact Library Clerk, Eveann Adams, @ 941779-1208.
THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.
ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends. Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.
CARE GIVER
ELDER CARE by Longtime resident. Many References. Part time to help with shopping, companionship, cooking etc. Call Cheryl 941-685-0045
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE
HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
CLEANING SERVICE
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931
EMPLOYMENT
JOIN DUNCAN REAL ESTATE! Open positions: Bookkeeper, Administrative Assistant, Housekeeping Liaison Apply: Send resume to sybille@teamduncan.com
SHAMPOO ASSISTANT for busy upscale island hair salon. Experience preferred & retired professionals welcome. Call Irina 941-387-9807.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourismdriven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a daily or community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be mailed to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, Attention: Cindy Lane, editor.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-778-1115
GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-9621194
JSAN CORPORATION
Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.
BMF INTERIORS Home repairs and more, No job too small. Please call 786318-8585
A.R.E. Renovation’s WHOLESALE KITCHEN CABINETS DIRECT., Remodeling, Bathrooms. Trim Flooring and Decks Tile and more Free quote, references available. Lic. # CRC.1334176 941-4653045.
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315
MOVING & STORAGE
MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING
PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455
DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
POOL SERVICES
FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
RENTALS: ANNUAL
ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.
ANNUAL: 2BR/2BA single family, 55+, great W. Bradenton location $2300/ mo. Call 941-778-4800
ANNUAL RENTAL: Imperial House Condo 2BR/1BA $2000/mo - Available Aug 1st.. 208 B Magnolia Ave. 2BR/2BA $2900/mo- available Aug 1st. 407 76th St A Holmes Beach, FL 34216 3BR/2BA $5000/mo- available now with dock slip available for rent. Contact Sato Real Estate for more information. 941-778-7200
ANNUAL RENTAL at Perico Island. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo. Water, trash, cable included. Parking and storage. Pool, tennis, Clubhouse. Small pet ok. $2350/month. HOA application fee required. Gulf Bay Vacations 941-778-7244
HOLMES BEACH 1BR/1BA plus bonus room, carport includes W/D and water. No pets/no smoking. First, Last, Security. $2000/mo. Available October 15. Call 860-922-3857
ANNUAL RENTAL 2BR/1BA
Unfurnished Island Duplex steps to Gulf, quiet non smoking with no pets allowed. Owners use other side. $2775 includes all electric ac/heat good references/credit required 508-496-8480 williamshomes@yahoo.co
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION
TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455
SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941-201-2190
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525
ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDO Available September and October 2024, and February thru November 2025. Great Value. Beautiful Upgraded 2BR/2BA Incredible water View! Waterfront Patio, Pool, tennis, pickle, walk to beach. Private carport. Excellent Rental terms. Owner/renter. Call/email for pics. drchristines@ yahoo.com or 570-2390431
SEASONAL RENTAL IN HOLMES BEACH . Studio apartment Minimum 4 month rental, Available Dec 2024 - April 2025, $8700. 908-914-1282
TRANSPORTATION
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095
Jessica Pierce Sales Associate