Anna Maria Island Sun September 27, 2023

WMFR begins inspecting vacation rentals

Former firefighter Michael Wilcox offered his vacation rental as the first to be inspected by WMFR.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – On Oct. 1, West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) will begin mandatory annual inspections of all short-term vacation rentals in the fire district that includes Anna Maria Island, Cortez and portions of west Bradenton. The WMFR inspections are separate from the vacation rental inspections conducted by the cities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach.

Bradenton resident and Holmes Beach vacation rental owner Michael Wilcox volunteered his three-unit Casa Coconut AMI vacation rental as the first to be inspected and reinspected. Wilcox is a retired fire lieutenant from the Miami Valley Fire District in Miamisburg, Ohio and still holds an active Ohio fire safety inspector certificate. The former firefighter offered his vacation rental units as a trial run for WMFR and he conducted his own inspection before the WMFR inspection took place.

“I came up with what I think are 19 violations in my three units and some of them are repetitive. I didn’t fix anything before the WMFR inspection,” he said.

SEE WMFR, PAGE 16

Ferry will stop at Anna Maria Turtle season slows to a crawl

The ferry service will initially operate three days a week.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city commission has approved an interlocal agreement that allows Manatee County to use the City Pier as a Gulf Island Ferry stop.

The unanimous approval granted on Aug. 21 ends a lengthy negotiation process that included the mayor and city commissioners recently rejecting the county’s request to make $300,000 in modifications to the

City Pier. The rejected modifications included a floating perpendicular dock and a gated, exclusive ferry landing area at the existing boat landing at the T-end of the pier.

The county previously entered into an interlocal agreement with the city of Bradenton Beach to use the Bradenton Beach Pier as a ferry stop. The county also entered into an interlocal agreement with the city of Bradenton to use the Riverwalk Day Dock as a ferry stop.

On Thursday, the Anna Maria City Commission approved the county’s

SEE FERRY, PAGE 21

Some sea turtle nests were lost during Hurricane Idalia.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The 2023 turtle nesting season is coming to an early end, partly due to Hurricane Idalia.

“No changes in nest numbers,” Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said. “That’s not surprising as this is usually the hatching time of year.”

The last nest on the Gulf of Mexico side of the Island hatched on Sept.

19 and volunteers continue to check three remaining nests on the bay side.

“We are still hoping to see a hatch,” she said.

Sea turtle season officially begins on May 1 and ends on Oct. 31.

Volunteers did not conduct patrols on Aug. 30 due to Idalia, but they were out on the beach assessing the status of the nests the following day.

“We had 76 unhatched nests left on the beach when Hurricane Idalia came through. Stakes were lost from all but 12 of them,” Mazzarella said.

SEE TURTLES, PAGE 14

TWO CANDIDATES oppose Kevin Van Ostenbridge in county race. 4

AMOB approved to sell alcohol on Bradenton Beach Pier. 9

A STONE, A BEAR, a girl and a heart of gold. 11

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Clockwise top, Michael and Jennifer Wilcox’s Casa Coconut AMI vacation rental was the first to be inspected by WMFR. Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski inspected one of Michael Wilcox’s smoke detectors. Josh Adkins, Nick Riffe, Michael Wilcox and Rodney Kwiatkowski were present during the follow-up inspection.

Commissioner Kruse hosts Island talk

Manatee County

Commissioner George Kruse came to the Island Branch Library to answer questions from the public, and he didn’t hold back on the answers.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Only 18 people came out to the Island Branch Library on a stormy Wednesday night to hear what Manatee County Commissionerat-large George Kruse had to say, but the conversation continued for nearly two hours.

Kruse held his monthly town hall meeting in Holmes Beach and invited anyone who attended to ask him questions. One of the hot topics of the night was the anticipated parking garage at Manatee Beach.

PARKING GARAGE

While Kruse said he wasn’t particularly for or against the parking garage, he doesn’t believe that it’s worth the cost to taxpayers or the best use of an estimated $30-50 million.

“We have much more important things to do in this county,” he said. “We do not have the money to do all the important CIP (Capital Improve ment Plan) work we need to do. We don’t collect enough in impact fees; we don’t collect enough in FIF (Facility Investment Fees). We need to be focusing on our bridges, we need to be focusing on our major roads, we need to be focusing on Ft. Hamer, so for anyone to tell me this parking garage is even in the top 50 most important things is asinine,” Kruse said, refer ring to a recent county commission work session where several of his fellow commissioners stated that the Manatee Beach parking garage was a top priority project for the county. Due to legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and supported by members of the Manatee County legislative delegation, Manatee County commissioners can go against Holmes Beach city ordinances and the city’s land development code to build a three-story parking garage at the county-owned Manatee Beach, located in the Island city. If it’s built, the parking garage is planned to have 900

parking spaces along with restroom, concession and retail facilities. The project would require the removal of the restaurant, restroom, bar and retail store at the beach, along with the existing 400+ parking spaces.

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who is leading the charge to build the garage, said he estimates the garage will take at least two years to build. During that time, no parking, facilities or public access would be available at the popular

INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES

Another topic of conversation was Kruse said that the county is facing a number of infrastructure issues, including a water shortage and water

“We’re running into a water capacity issue,” Kruse said. “Not tomorrow, but I have to look into the future. You can’t build something in a day.” He said that the long-term growth going on in the county will eventually create a strain on water utilities. As to the issue of water quality, he said he’s looking for any ideas to help increase water quality in the county in order to help increase water capacity for the county.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse hosts a town hall meeting on Sept. 27 at the Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach.

IN BRIEF

Siddique, Shoemaker enter county commission race

The primary election is in March and the general election is in November.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Democrat

Bortell’s Lounge seeks additional signs

On Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 9 a.m., the Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board will resume its August discussion regarding a request from Bortell’s Lounge owner Steve Rose to place additional signage on the bar building that would replicate the old signs used many years ago. If the additional historically-styled signs exceed the square footage and/or the number of signs allowed by the city’s sign ordinance, a city commission-approved special exception would be needed to install the additional signs. Public input will be allowed during Wednesday’s meeting and can also be given by phone by calling 1-929-2056099 and entering access code 85695567017.

Anna Maria budget adopted

The Anna Maria City Commission adopted the $14.7 million 2023-24 fiscal year budget that Mayor Dan Murphy presented for final approval on Sept. 21. The budget maintains the same 2.05 millage rate that’s been in place for the past 10 years. The budget includes $1.36 million for law enforcement and public safety, $1.74 million for stormwater and drainage improvements and maintenance, $673,752 for street paving and $3.3 million for the expanded Reimagining Pine Avenue project to be pursued during the new fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

Updated COVID vaccines now available

Updated COVID-19 vaccines from PfizerBioNTech and Moderna are now available at CVS, Publix and Walgreens pharmacies on Anna Maria Island. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. According to the CDC, the virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine can restore protection and provide enhanced protection against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the U.S.

Diana Shoemaker and Republican Talha “Tal” Siddique both seek the District 3 Manatee County Commission seat currently held by Kevin Van Ostenbridge.

Shoemaker announced her candidacy on Sept. 22. Siddique announced his candidacy on Sept. 19. District 3 includes all of Anna Maria Island, Cortez, Palma Sola, and a portion of west Bradenton. The county commission primary election will conclude on Aug. 20. The primary election winners will square off in the general election that concludes on Nov. 5.

DIANA SHOEMAKER

Shoemaker was president and CEO of Manatee Habitat for Humanity until 2021. For 12 years, she worked to create affordable housing for Manatee County residents.

In 2021, she became executive director of the Elders Action Network, a non-profit organization that works to create greater social and environmental justice.

From 2007 to 2009, she served as director for Family Promise of Manatee County, a non-profit providing shelter and resources to homeless families. She was the chair of the Manatee County Affordable Housing Task Force in 2016 and a member of the Bradenton Housing Advisory Committee. She graduated from the Leadership Manatee program and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Executive Academy.

Shoemaker grew up in Long Island, N.Y. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Ohio University and a master’s degree from Columbia University in 1988. She, her husband, Mark, and their two children moved to Bradenton in 1999.

According to her campaign announcement press release,

Shoemaker is running to restore the voice of District 3 voters whose concerns have been overlooked or ignored on issues such as wetlands protection or the proposed parking garage on Holmes Beach.

“It’s time that we have leadership that understands their responsibility to listen to their voices,” she said.

“What we want from those who lead our community is integrity, open dialogue and attention to critical local issues necessary for creating fair and balanced policy. In recent years, leaders have pushed through policy decisions over and sometimes in spite of clear opposition from the public they represent. The issues we’re struggling with right now are nonpartisan issues. Having clean water and solving traffic problems are nonpartisan issues,” Shoemaker said. Learn more at www.electshoemaker.com.

TAL SIDDIQUE

Siddique earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational sciences with a minor in computer science from The George Washington University and he’s served with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Air Force.

Siddique is a member of the 2023-24 class of Leadership Manatee. He’s also a member of the Bradenton Kiwanis Club, Manatee Young Professionals, Young Republicans, Lakewood Ranch Republican Club, Lakewood Ranch Young Leaders Alliance, the Elks Lodge, Manatee Tiger Bay Club, the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Alumni Board and his community advocacy group, Speak Out Manatee.

“I have had a tremendous amount of encouragement from Manatee County residents, which has been humbling. Our residents are frustrated with mismanagement, and the scandalous theft of property and personal data by politicians who think this is an appropriate use of their power and our taxpayer dollars. They clearly want to see new

leadership, as do I,” Siddique stated in his campaign announcement press release.

The press release notes that Siddique and his wife, Kristen Truong, are deeply rooted in the Manatee County community and devoted parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles Catholic Church.

“Tal’s candidacy for Manatee County Commission, District 3, is founded on a genuine desire to advocate for the needs and aspirations of the community, bringing forth a fresh and inclusive perspective to enhance the lives of all residents,” his press release says.

Siddique has already been endorsed by Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer. Learn more at www.votetal.com.

KEVIN VAN OSTENBRIDGE

First elected in 2020, Van Ostenbridge filed his District 3 reelection campaign paperwork on June 1 and he’s already received $170,000 in campaign donations.

In a written statement provided to The Sun, Van Ostenbridge said, “Conservatives in Manatee County know that in my first term, I have led their county commission in delivering two tax cuts, record investments in traffic-relieving infrastructure, renewed our commitment to our sheriff’s office and its deputies and kept the economic engine of our community open for business.

“Conservatives know we’ve gone to unprecedented lengths to protect the right to life and the second amendment in Manatee County.

“Conservatives know that protecting our environment is a priority of mine including moving forward with conserving hundreds of acres of environmentally sensitive lands for future generations to enjoy. I have also played an integral role in writing the final chapter of Piney Point. The closure of phase 1 at the Piney Point site is now complete,” he said.

A historic photo shows the Bortell’s Lounge signs in place many years ago.

Ostenbridge

Commissioners approve funding to remove derelict boats

Derelict boats will be removed at the Bradenton Beach Pier as the city prepares to welcome the new water taxi service.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners have passed a request from Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby to approve funding for the removal of derelict boats at the city pier following Hurricane Idalia.

A proposed motion was read by Mayor John Chappie at the Sept. 21 commission meeting to approve an invoice from SeaTow Sarasota Inc. for $10,397 for the removal of derelict vessels using city pier funds to come from West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) grant money.

The motion was made by Commissioner Jan Vosburgh and seconded by Commissioner Ralph Cole.

It was passed unanimously by Vosburgh, Cole and Chappie. Commissioners Marilyn Maro and Jake Spooner were absent with excuse from the meeting.

“I want to thank you for getting on top of this and getting those boats out of there,” Chappie said. “Thank you to our public works department for all the work they’ve done with the whole mess with the storm.”

WCIND provides financial assistance related to navigability, recreational boater access, boater safety and the marine environment. It is a multi-county special taxing body covering Manatee, Sarasota,

Charlotte and Lee counties.

In other business at the meeting, City Attorney Ricinda Perry gave an update on city pier preparations for the water taxi.

“Duncan (Duncan Seawall) has been out there every day working on it... They were very close to finishing when I talked to the Duncan crew the other day,” she said. “I also got the quotes in from Duncan to do the expanded pier planking that would wrap around to the dinghy dock and put in the waiting area for the water taxi down at the cistern area.”

Perry reported that the city has obtained approval from the Southwest Florida Water Management District to remove the cistern adjacent to the city pier.

Chappie had presented a proposal at the Aug. 2 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting to discuss having an elevated small park created at the end of the Bradenton Beach pier in the spot where the

fenced, unused cistern is located.

“The cistern project area is the center point of what we’ve been doing for the last several years - this 1,800-foot-long walkway,” Chappie said in August. “We have the city pier that has been totally rebuilt with 630 linear feet, we’ve added the 36 feet of floating docks, we’ve added the finger docks which expanded our docking facilities for up to 21 boats.”

“The mayor has been working on getting that set up and taken care of, which I think is going to be happening within the next few weeks,” Perry said at the Sept. 21 meeting.

Perry said the next step is to get the project funding in place.

“This was a project that was budgeted to be funded by the CRA,” she said. “But in the hopes the TDC (Tourist Development Council) funds would be used for this particular area, I’m pleased to tell you Mayor Chappie and I have been working very diligently with the TDC for the water taxi that is coming in.”

She said the CRA approved up to $15,000 for a ramping system or connection to get into the water taxi. She said it’s still being worked on.

“We have an interim potential solution,” Perry said. “It will be in combination with using the floating dock with a leased-out handicap-accessible piece of equipment while potentially making it full-time coming off the dinghy dock… It looks like we’re going to have that particular issue resolved.”

The lease amount is $1,000 a month for the handicap lift, which will be temporary, Perry said.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

From left, Commissioner Jan Vosburgh, Mayor John Chappie, Commissioner Ralph Cole and City Attorney Ricinda Perry discuss preparations for the new water taxi service at the City Pier.

OPINION

GUEST EDITORIAL

Wild AMI depends on us

Anna Maria Island provides more than pristine water and white sand beaches for residents and visitors. As one of Florida’s west coast barrier Islands, it is ecologically diverse and an important habitat for a variety of wildlife.

The Gulf provides abundant fish, mollusks and crustaceans that support a large population of bottlenose dolphins. Manatees, also known as sea cows, graze seagrasses in the Gulf and Sarasota Bay. Manatees have been listed as an imperiled species since 1967 and protected areas have been set aside for them in the Sarasota Bay.

The island is a sanctuary for sea turtles and shorebirds. About 90% of all sea turtle nesting in the United States takes place on Florida beaches. Manatee and Sarasota County host the highest density of loggerhead nests in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2022, there were 453 nests with a record of 35,850 turtle hatchlings and successful crawls to the Gulf. Shorebirds such as black skimmers, least terns and snowy plovers nest on Anna Maria Island from spring through early summer. Research has demonstrated that chronic disturbance from human activity around nesting birds has a negative impact on reproduction according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Shorebirds need space to nest, rest and feed undisturbed.

Like Anna Maria Island wildlife, visitors and residents depend on the water quality of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and the health of the beaches and they make an effort to maintain the beaches and swimming areas. AMI’s three cities are leading a combined effort to improve local water quality with the Islanders 4 Clean Water campaign. Locals serving with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring coordinate with county, state and federal efforts to conserve sea turtles and shorebirds. The Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center on AMI rescues and rehabilitates wild animals, and Mote Marine Laboratory cares for manatees, sea turtles and dolphins.

As stewards of Anna Maria Island’s resources and biological diversity, we are learning to make use of the earth's natural resources, both renewable and nonrenewable, in a manner that ensures sustainability and equity into the distant reaches of time. This attitude of stewardship requires full consideration of the potential environmental consequences of all development activities. It compels us to temper our actions with moderation and humility, realizing that the true value of nature cannot be expressed in economic terms. It is important for us to understand the natural world and its role in our collective development - both material and spiritual. Therefore, sustainable environmental management must come to be seen not as a discretionary commitment that we can weigh against other competing interests, but rather as a fundamental responsibility that must be shouldered - a prerequisite for spiritual development as well as the individual's physical survival.

We must carefully evaluate the environmental impact as well as social requirements before deciding to develop a three-story parking garage on Manatee Beach.

- Eileen Jellison

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Kids want wetlands preserved

Dear Manatee County Commissioners,

We are kids who live in Manatee County and the surrounding areas. We love our community and our environment. We are sunset watchers. We are kayakers of mangrove swamps, snorkelers of seagrass beds, and sailors of our beautiful bay. These are the things we love, the experiences

Owner/CEO

Mike Field Editor

Cindy Lane

that have shaped us. That’s why we are distressed to see our wetlands disappearing and our waters becoming increasingly dirty. We are concerned that we are losing what we love, that the reckless destruction of our environment being committed today will leave us nothing for tomorrow.

We are shocked and saddened that you are considering removing

our already inadequate wetland protections. If our wetlands are destroyed, we stand to lose everything we love about our home forever. Decisions like this will define your legacy. Please, do not eliminate the county’s increased wetland buffer requirements.

Brice Claypoole Manatee County

(Editor’s note: 71 other minors signed this letter)

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Contributors

Steve Borggren

Capt. Rick Grassett

Monica Simpson

Tom Vaught

Anne Yarbrough

Classifieds

Bob Alexander Graphics

Elaine Stroili

Ricardo Fonseca

General Manager

Bob Alexander

Reporters/Photographers

Joe Hendricks

Leslie Lake

Jason Schaffer

Kristin Swain

Columnists

Louise Bolger

Rusty Chinnis

Layout

Ricardo Fonseca

Digital Editor

Kristin Swain

Advertising Director

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Advertising Assistant

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Distribution

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Accounting

Leslie Ketchum

Co-founding publishers

Mike Field

Maggie McGinley Field

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 27

Explore Nature: Tower Talk, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

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

THURSDAY, SEPT. 28

Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29

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

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

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

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

Seashell shore walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 2

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

Manatee County Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee meeting, Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 3

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

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

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 4

Indigenous People of Florida: From First Peoples to Conquest, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

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

THURSDAY, OCT. 5

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

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 6

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

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

SATURDAY, OCT. 7

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

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

Ask a Master Gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 9

Gentle yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Boating Safety, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 10

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.

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

Sept. 27, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

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

Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting

Oct. 4, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

Oct. 5, 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. 4, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting

Oct. 4, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

Oct. 10, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

Oct. 11, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting

ISLAND-WIDE

Oct. 5, 8:30 a.m. – Manatee County Legislative Delegation meeting, Bradenton City Hall, 101 12th St. W., Bradenton

Sebring departs Anna Maria Commission

Sebring’s

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City Commissioner

Deanie Sebring has vacated her city commission seat.

Sebring participated in her final commission meeting on Sept. 21. In October, she and her husband, Tripp, are moving to France. The remaining months of Sebring’s two-year term will be filled by a commission appointment to be made in January. Her term expires in December 2024.

Thursday evening’s regular city commission meeting was preceded by a budget adoption hearing. Before the budget meeting began, Sebring shared some thoughts on her departure and her next adventure.

“I am following my intuition. I am moving to Biron, France. I looked at a map and something made me say I was moving to France, and that was it. That day, we started putting the wheels in motion,” she said.

In the small commune/domicile of Biron, Sebring will pursue artistic interests that include working with Angélique de Labarre and creating paintings of the late American-born French entertainer Josephine Baker. She will also continue her efforts to expand universalism.

Sebring moved from Tampa to Anna Maria in 2017. In December 2020, she was appointed to fill the city commission seat vacated by Amy Tripp. Running unopposed in 2022, Sebring was elected to serve another two-year term. When asked what she learned as a commissioner, Sebring noted a commissioner doesn’t always get what they want because commission decisions are made by consensus. Sebring was alone in her past support for the elimination of the parallel parking spaces along Pine Avenue as part of the pending Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project. She believes eliminating those streetside parking spaces would make Pine Avenue safer for pedestrians.

Referring to the potential consolidation of the three Anna Maria Island cities, Sebring said, “I think more

people need to put their name in the hat to become a commissioner, especially if they want Anna Maria to continue to be a city.”

Regarding the commission as a whole, Sebring said, “I love the fact that it’s people who truly care about the community. I think this commission does a wonderful job. We have people with different backgrounds and it’s nice that we all have different ideas about different things. Dan Murphy is an incredible mayor and I very much respect him.”

When the budget meeting began, Murphy presented Sebring with a plaque

containing a ceremonial key to the city. He described Sebring as “a bundle of energy” who got involved with the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, the city commission and the community.

“You’ve left your imprint here in the city of Anna Maria and we are so appreciative to have had you as a citizen of our city. It’s going to be difficult to replace you and we’re going to miss you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the city,” Murphy said.

Sebring then said, “I will definitely miss everyone here. I’ve never felt I would have so many friends and meet so many people. It’s actually been the most incredible experience of my entire life. This little town was a safe haven for me and my husband for many different reasons. Anna Maria’s probably the most spectacular city I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of.”

Sebring’s last action as a city commissioner was to join the rest of the commission in approving the interlocal agreement that allows the county to use the City Pier as a Gulf Island

SEE SEBRING, PAGE 12

vacated seat will be filled in January by commission appointment.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

On Sept. 21, Deanie Sebring participated in her final city commission meeting.

City approves sale of alcohol on pier, with conditions

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Commissioners have approved with conditions a special use permit for the sale and consumption of alcohol at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) on the Bradenton Beach Pier.

Under the permit, approved on Sept. 18, the City of Bradenton Beach will allow the consumption of alcohol purchased from AMOB, either from the main restaurant or takeout kiosk, at designated areas of the pier. AMOB leases both spaces from the city.

The city commission on Aug. 3 voted to have Mayor John Chappie and Planning and Zoning Board Chair Bill Morrow meet to review and approve the special use permit applied for by the city. The application had previously been reviewed by Building Official Steve Gilbert prior to the Sept. 18 meeting between Chappie and Morrow.

At that public meeting, pursuant to the City of Bradenton Land Development Code, Chappie and Morrow discussed the requirements to be put in place prior to approving the permit. They decided on the following conditions: Biodegradable and/or environmentally sensitive/friendly identifiable cups for use on the pier with no use of straws permitted; AMOB is responsible to provide adequate supervision and collection of refuse on the city pier and its immediate waterway; and the special use permit expires on the expiration of the concessionaire agreement with AMOB.

Chappie outlined other required conditions: “The landscaping, the fencing, the dumpster enclosure, table and chairs for outdoor seating must be installed, cameras for monitoring of the pier and the floating dock area and the dinghy dock area, appropriate signage for the city pier has been installed, adequate and approved refuse containers to be placed in the newly-installed alcohol sales footprint and appropriate insurance,” Chappie said. “No alcohol may be sold

Island Yoga Space hosting suicide prevention event

or consumed outside the original restaurant footprint under the special use permit until the following property improvements are completed to the satisfaction of the building official and mayor.”

Chappie said the intent of serving alcohol on the pier is to allow people to buy drinks while waiting for a table in the restaurant.

A discussion centered around withholding approval of the special use permit pending the completion of the conditions.

“It would be best to approve it clean, but not authorize the use of the special use permit until the improvements can be made by the applicant,” Bradenton Beach City Attorney Ricinda Perry said. “Allow the governing body to say, ‘We approve it but you can’t use it until the improvements are completed.’ ”

The special use permit was approved with those conditions.

Chappie gave commissioners an update at the Sept. 21 commission meeting about the special use permit meeting and conditions.

Commissioners Jan Vosburgh and Ralph Cole agreed with the conditions.

Cole asked whether AMOB could begin selling alcohol once the conditions were met.

Island Yoga Space will host a suicide prevention awareness event on Friday, Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:15 p.m. “Hoop for Hope” is free for adults and children and will take place on the beach at the north end of Magnolia Drive in Anna Maria. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month and “Hoop for Hope” is intended to raise suicide awareness and instill hope by fostering positivity and community through joyful activities. The event will feature hula hooping, drumming and yoga activities from 5:30-6:30 p.m. A limited number of hula hoops will be provided and attendees are invited to bring their own hoops. From 6:30-6:45 p.m., attendees are invited to mingle and explore suicide prevention resources. From 6:45-7:15 p.m., event organizer Paige Phelps will guide a free, 30-minute full moon “letting go and manifesting” meditation session. For more information visit https:// islandyogaspace.com/

Community invited to clean up Coquina

Keep Manatee Beautiful is inviting the community to gather at the Coquina South Boat Ramp for a cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 9:30 a.m. to help collect their 100,000th pound of trash. There will be lunch following the cleanup at 11 a.m. Sign up online at ManateeBeautiful.com.

Annie Silver Center to hold book sale, potluck

The Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, will be holding its next book sale and potluck lunch on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Membership is not required to take part.

Bradenton Beach commissioners say AMOB must complete specified improvements before being allowed to serve alcohol on the pier.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Alcoholic beverages on the city pier will be available for sale by the Anna Maria Oyster Bar under certain conditions.

Coquina Beach Market set to reopen

The beach market will be yearround with up to 80 vendors.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT|llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH

– The Coquina Beach Market will reopen on Wednesday, Oct. 4 and will run year-round.

Hours are Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

“The maximum vendors we have each day is 80,” Coquina Beach Market Manager Dottie Deerwester said. “Each day varies depending on vendor reservations. We are close to that every day. We continue to accept vendors every day and the number of booths varies every day.”

Potential vendors can email info@coquinabeachmarket.org.

Deerwester said a wide variety of products will be for sale at the market.

There will be apparel, pet accessories, fresh fruit, coastal products, custom artwork and more, she said.

“We had a great response from potential vendors,” she said. “I guess over 225 potential

Roser Church

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

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vendors have approached us. Many were vendors at the previous market.”

It’s been more than a year since the county announced it would take over management of the Coquina Beach market.

In an Aug. 2, 2022 press release, the county announced it was taking over the beach market from Nancy Ambrose, its director for the previous decade. The release stated in part: “Artisans and other vendors will be back along the Coquina Beach South promenade, once again, when the 202223 seasons opens in November as oversight for the market shifts to Manatee County.”

That opening was delayed following Hurricane Ian in September 2022.

Deerwester, of Ready Set Go Tour and Travel, was named as the new market manager by Manatee County commissioners on July 25.

According to the Coquina Beach market website, coquinabeachmarket.org, the vendor roster will be added in time for the Oct. 4 opening.

A grand opening ribbon-cutting will be held at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER R 17 8:30 & 10:00 AM

Featuring the Roser Cantata Choir & Chamber Orchestra

SiCh

A CHRISTMAS S CHORAL L EXPERIENCE

arr. Joel Raney & Mary McDonald

RoserChurch.com

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

OPEN CALL TO ALL SINGERS! We are extending an open invitation to the community to join us. Sing Christmas Cantata Choir rehearsals are on Thursdays from 6:45 - 8:00 PM in the Roser Sanctuary. Each singer will be given a musical score and recording so that they may rehearse individually

Please send an email to Craig Ramberger, Director of Music Ministries: craig@roserchurch.com or call the o ce 941-778-0414 if you are interested in joining us READ MORE: RoserChurch.com/Christmas-Cantata

941-778- 0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @Roser Church

WWW.COQUINABEACHMARKET.ORG | SUBMITTED

A rendering of the layout of the Coquina Beach Market shows spots for 80 vendors.

SEE MARKET, PAGE XX

Painted rock honors young Iowa woman

A ‘kindness rock’ discovered near the City Pier honors a young woman who passed away from ovarian cancer.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Bradenton Beach

resident Rob Edwards made a heartwarming discovery while recently photographing the sunrise at the Anna Maria City Pier.

Edwards, a retired electrician from New York, often takes photographs of the Island sunrises to send to his snowbird friends up north. On Sept. 9, which also happened to be his son’s birthday, he decided to take that day’s sunrise photo at the City Pier.

While standing among the shoreline rocks near the foot of the pier, Edwards looked down and saw a rock with Winnie the Pooh painted on one side of it. Winnie the Pooh happens to be one of his son’s favorite characters. At first, Edwards thought he’d found a rock painted by Marilia Stumpf Clarke, an Island resident who paints messages on rocks – sometimes called “kindness rocks” or “kindness stones” – and leaves them all over the Island. But when Edwards picked up this rock and read the memorial message on the other side, he knew it was something different.

The message on the rock says, “In memory of Ava Rose Vaske, Oct. 4, 2002 – Sept. 11, 2022, West Des Moines, Iowa.”

Not knowing what to do with his discovery, Edwards took the rock home and posted photos of it on the Anna Maria Island Life Facebook page. Someone suggested he reach out to Ava’s family. From a family

member, Edwards learned Ava passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 19. She had been planning a trip to Anna Maria Island but never made it due to her illness. According to Ava’s still-active Facebook page, she was a student at Iowa State University.

After Ava’s passing, her mother decided to paint rocks in her memory and have friends place them in various places so her spirit could experience those places. She painted 100 rocks, three of which featured Winnie the Pooh, a favorite of Ava’s. One of the three Pooh rocks was placed on Ava’s grave. Another was given to a young girl at the Mayo Clinic suffering from the same disease. The third Pooh rock was given to a family friend who was headed to Anna Maria Island. That friend placed Ava’s rock near the City Pier.

The family member Edwards communicated with told him to keep the rock. Given the affinity Ava and his son shared for Winnie the Pooh, and the fact that he found the painted rock on his son’s birthday, Edwards decided to carry it with him on his Island travels and post photos of those experiences on Facebook.

Edwards has since shared photos of Ava’s rock by a parrot cage at the Sun and Surf beach shop in Holmes Beach, on the beach near the 26th Street street-end in Bradenton Beach, and at sunrise by the dock at the Sandpiper Resort mobile home park where he lives. His Facebook posts have generated more than 1,000 likes, comments and emojis from other Facebook users.

“The family is ecstatic over the outpouring of love and compassion shown by so many total strangers,” Edwards said. “As for the Ava stone, Ava and I will continue to travel together.”

AVA ROSE VASKE/FACEBOOK | SUBMITTED Iowa resident Ava Rose Vaske passed away when she was 19.

ROB EDWARDS | SUBMITTED Rob Edwards found the painted rock near the City Pier.

ROB EDWARDS | SUBMITTED The painted rock memorializes Ava Rose Vaske. Ava’s painted rock experienced sunrise at the Sandpiper mobile home park dock.

ROB EDWARDS | SUBMITTED

KRUSE: Holds Island talk

FROM PAGE 3

He also addressed the issue of the water main serving the north end of the Island that is still being repaired.

“That happened because we’re not maintaining it,” he said of the pipe that fell off the bridge this summer and has since been replaced with a temporary pipe taking up the south side of the sidewalk. “We don’t have the money to maintain it because fees and rates have been kept too low for too long. No previous board wanted to be on the hook to increase something even a nickel because then they’re going to have some negative campaign ad against them saying they raised taxes, so we kept the rates artificially low. It covered the water, but it didn’t cover the maintenance.”

Kruse added that the fees paid by developers that are supposed to help increase capacity and expand infrastructure are also too low. He estimated that those fees are about 20-30% of where they need to be.

Regarding infrastructure, he

said that the county was keeping up with maintaining and creating new infrastructure, including roads, until 2008, when the housing market crashed. After that, he said it took the county years to begin collecting impact fees from builders again and by that time it was too late to catch up with all of the work that needed to be done.

“We’ve never caught up from then,” Kruse said, adding that some of his fellow commissioners have delayed a vote on increasing impact fees. Currently, he said the county is charging based on a 2015 impact study that used 2013 data. A new impact fee study has been done, though he said bringing impact fees to a vote has been delayed multiple times. Though it’s now currently slated for discussion by the commission in November, Kruse noted that if the vote is delayed again until December, an argument could be made that the study is now stale and would need to be redone, delaying the vote another six to eight months.

SEBRING: Departs Commission

BRIDGES

On the topic of bridges, Holmes Beach Commissioner Terry Schaefer said that the Cortez Bridge is currently scheduled to be replaced in 2026, pending litigation, with the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue tentatively scheduled for 2029. On both bridges, he said, the Florida Department of Transportation is looking at adding a third lane that would be designated for transit and emergency personnel.

Kruse said the county is considering adding another trolley for the Island trolley’s free transit system. He also said he’s pushing for the county to open libraries at least part of the day on Sundays and run Manatee County Area Transit buses on Sundays, when he said people are off work and can take advantage of the free amenities.

To learn more about what Kruse had to say, visit www. amisun.com to watch a video of the town hall discussion.

FROM PAGE 8

Ferry stop. She then departed the regular commission meeting still in progress to attend a previously planned social gathering.

APPOINTMENT TIMELINE

After Sebring departed, the mayor and remaining commissioners discussed the process and timeline that would be used to appoint someone to serve the remainder of Sebring’s term. At the same time, the commission will appoint someone to fill the two-year vacancy created when Commissioner Robert Kingan’s two-year term expires in December because he decided not to seek reelection.

In November, the city clerk’s office will begin accepting applications from Anna Maria residents interested in serving on the commission. The commission appointments will be made in early January, with each sitting commissioner numerically ranking the applicants in order of their personal preference. One applicant will be selected to serve the remaining months of Sebring’s current term and one applicant will be selected to serve the two-year term as Kingan’s successor. Applicants can state their preference for a one or two-year appointment.

A week before appointments are made, the applicants will participate in a public question and answer session at city hall answering questions posed by the sitting commissioners, the public and the media.

AMI sunsets take center stage at Island Gallery

Local artist Larry Paul’s unique perspective of Anna Maria Island sunsets is on display through Sept. 30 at Island Gallery and Studios.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON - The September featured artist at Island Gallery and Studios is Larry Paul.

“Expressions of Anna Maria Island Sunsets: A Retrospective” shows the evolution of his drawings since the first one, completed in 2017.

Paul is an award-winning artist who creates unique works of art using Prismacolor colored pencil, inks and graphite. His art displays a talent that includes multiple series and sub-series of numbered “experiments" embracing impressionistic realism.

According to Paul, the series presents an abstract expressionistic quality with an overlapping color technique that contrasts and brings the movements together. The colors are inspired by the wild brilliance afforded by the mix of sunsets, storms and open blue water.

Shore scenes take over Artists’ Guild

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is celebrating Gulf Coast beaches with an exhibition in its gallery window at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, through Sept. 30. View artwork by Artists’ Guild members inspired by the scenes of the Gulf of Mexico, soft white sand, boats and seabirds. While visiting the gallery, step inside to see member artwork including oils, watercolors, sculpture, stained glass, mosaics, jewelry, photography and more. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The all-volunteer, 501(c) (3) non-profit organization was

Paul’s featured art will be on display through Saturday, Sept. 30 at the gallery, 456 Old Main St. in Bradenton. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 941-778-6648 or visit www.islandgalleryandstudios.org.

formed in 1989 to promote and support creative processes by bringing together all artists to share experiences and expertise and work together to develop and promote the artistic community.

Artists’ Guild offering new classes

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is organizing in-person classes of all types at two locations. Classes include a drawing workshop with Marge Kelly beginning on Thursday, Oct. 12 and acrylic painting on canvas with Kathy Lee Patterson beginning on Thursday, Nov. 16. Visit www.amiartistsguildgallery.com

to register for either class. The Guild also offers the following activities:

• Painting party at your home. The Guild supplies the instructor and, on occasion, art supplies and the host supplies the food and beverages for guests. A fee will be charged and may include the cost of supplies.

• Home schooling for children 13 and over. One parent must be present. No more than five students at a time. Sessions can be one time only or 3-4 sessions.

• Clubhouse events for your organization. These can be onetime events or a larger project over a couple of days and can be either demos or small classes. They can be separate events or part of regular meetings.

SUBMITTED

The Island Gallery and Studios featured artist for September, Larry Paul, presents ‘Expressions of Anna Maria Island Sunsets: A Retrospective.’

TURTLES: Season winds down

FROM

PAGE 1

“It is possible that some nests may still hatch, although unmarked. Turtle season is not quite over, but we are happy with the results, having allowed nearly 23,000 hatchlings to go out to sea prior to the storm.”

One local celebrity loggerhead turtle, Suzinamed after the late Suzi Fox, longtime executive director of Turtle Watch - was released from Coquina Beach on June 27 after being fitted with a satellite monitor. She is participating in the Sea Turtle Conservancy Tour de Turtles race and is currently swimming in the Gulf of Mexico near Cancun, Mexico.

The hatchling numbers from Suzi’s nest were unavailable due to the storm.

“Unfortunately, we never saw Suzi's nest hatch prior to the storm, so we don't have any information on how many hatchlings the nest produced,” Mazzarella said. “It is possible it hatched on one of the rainy days prior to Hurricane Idalia. The rain sometimes makes it impossible to see the hatchling tracks and therefore document the hatch.”

As the season winds down, Turtle Watch focuses on education and outreach.

“We are looking forward to having a booth at the Anna Maria Farmer's Market in October,” Mazzarella said. “We are still compiling our data and working on coordinating with the schools about outreach programs.”

TURTLE WATCH/CHUCK ANDERSON | SUBMITTED

A sea turtle nest lies underwater following Hurricane Idalia.

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid: 405 (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls: 438 (Record: 831 in 2010)

Nests hatched: 295 (Record: 453 in 2022)

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

Hatchling disorientations: 89

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Where’s Suzi?

Suzi, a female loggerhead sea turtle released from Coquina Beach after nesting and being satellite tagged on June 27, is in 7th place in a field of 11 turtles in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles race, having traveled 743 miles. Suzi is swimming to bring attention to the cause of light pollution and how lighting near shore can negatively impact nesting turtles and their hatchlings. She was named in honor of Suzi Fox, the late executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, which is sponsoring her along with the Coastal Wildlife Club and Waterline Marina and Resort. Visit The Sun’s Facebook page for weekly updates in “Where’s Suzi?” and visit amisun.com for weekly updates on turtle nesting activity in “Nesting News.”

Vote-by-mail requests now require annual renewal

by regular mail. Voters who haven’t previously requested vote-by-mail ballots can also request vote-by-mail ballots for the 2024 election cycle.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Voters who plan to vote by mail during the 2024 election cycle need to submit a request for vote-bymail ballots.

More than 100,000 registered Manatee County voters are receiving official correspondence as part of the election office’s efforts to inform them of an important update, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Manatee County voters who voted by mail in previous years are receiving notice that they need to make a new request to receive vote-by-mail ballots for the 2024 election cycle. The 2024 election cycle includes the Florida presidential primary election that takes place on March 19, 2024 the state primary election that concludes on Aug. 20, 2024 and the general election that concludes on Nov. 5, 2024.

Voters who previously provided their email addresses will receive an official email from the Supervisor of Elections Office. Others will receive their notification

The vote-by-mail ballot request process requires the voter to provide their name, date of birth and either the last four digits of their social security number or a valid Florida driver’s license or a valid Florida identification card.

The annual vote-by-mail ballot request renewal requirement stems from the Florida Legislature’s adoption of Senate Bill 90 in 2021. The state law created by that legislation limits the duration of requests for vote-by-mail ballots to all elections through the end of the calendar year of the next regularly scheduled general election.

As a result of the state law, Manatee County’s vote-by-mail voters' rolls were wiped clean after the 2022 general election.

“We went from more than 100,000 voters having a request on record for a mail ballot to zero,” Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett stated in a press release. “This effort is about making people aware that they’ll need to renew their vote-by-mail request more frequently. Voters should renew

COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS | SUBMITTED

their request sooner than later or they could forget and miss their opportunity to receive a mail ballot.”

In the press release, Bennett’s chief of staff, Scott Farrington, noted that during the 2022 general election, 110,260 vote-by-mail ballots were sent to Manatee County voters and 75,310 were returned as ballots cast, accounting for 44% of the county’s total voter turnout. Farrington said 7,848 Manatee County voters have already registered to receive vote-by-mail ballots during the 2024 election cycle.

“The SOE reminds Manatee voters that voting by mail is a safe and convenient way to cast your ballot. It allows voters to avoid potential Election Day obstacles like long lines, bad weather or work delays. Voting by mail also gives voters more time to consider issues and candidates with their ballot in hand, rather than feeling rushed at the polling place,” according to the press release.

There are no contested city commission races or proposed charter amendments to be decided by Anna Maria Island voters during the 2023 election cycle. The only elections taking place in Manatee County in 2023 are in the Bayshore Gardens Park & Recreation district and the Trailer Estates Park & Recreation district.

“Since all three Anna Maria Island cities’ candidates ran unopposed, there will be no election. An unopposed candidate is considered elected. The two Dec. 5, 2023, elections are special taxing districts. Only the residents within each district are eligible to vote,” Supervisor of Elections Office Chief Deputy Sharon Stief said. Manatee County voters can request their 2024 vote-by-mail ballots online at www.votemanatee.gov/VBM, or by calling 941-741-3823 and pressing the number 1 when prompted.

The Florida presidential primary election will conclude on March 19, 2024.

MANATEE

The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office oversees the county’s vote-by-mail process.

WMFR: Rental inspections begin

FROM PAGE 1

INSPECTION CHECKLIST

The WMFR inspections utilize the one-page checklist posted at the WMFR website, www.wmfr.org/shortterm-vacation-rental-information.

The checklist includes properly displayed street numbers, properly maintained wall-mounted fire extinguishers, emergency lights at primary exits, smoke alarms in each bedroom, additional smoke alarms in common areas and hallways and carbon monoxide alarms in rentals with gas appliances or attached garages. The checklist notes golf carts are to be charged in a well-ventilated area, with a carbon monoxide detector required.

All electrical circuits shall be properly identified and extension cords shall not be used as permanent wiring. Dryer ducts must be free of accumulated lint and all paths of ingress and egress shall be kept clear and unobstructed.

A copy of the vacation rental owner’s annual transient public lodging establishment (TPLE) license issued by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) must be included in the guest information book. The guest information book must also include fire safety information describing the evacuation of the dwelling, smoke detector information, procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency and a unit-specific floor plan that identifies each room and the primary and secondary exits, including the windows.

INITIAL INSPECTION

On Aug. 21, Wilcox welcomed

WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, Lt. Inspector Keith Miller and Inspector Josh Adkins to the vacation rental he and his wife own near Manatee Beach.

Miller and Adkins began by inspecting the exterior of the dwelling, including the ground-level parking and storage areas and the laundry room.

“We’re looking at everything outside the structure,” Miller said.

As they inspected each rental unit,

Adkins entered the observed violations, photographs of the observed violations and additional notes into the handheld digital inspection pad that produced the electronic inspection report emailed to Wilcox.

The inspection revealed missing or improperly located smoke alarms, non-wall mounted fire extinguishers, fire extinguishers that had not been inspected and certified within the past year, no battery-powered emergency lights near the primary exits and no unit-specific floor plan in each guest information book.

Wilcox was given 45 days to correct the violations and schedule a reinspection.

“Vacation rental owners and managers should embrace this process because it’s going to save lives,” Kwiatkowski said, noting that last year more than 73% of the residential fires in the district occurred at vacation rentals.

“As long as it’s not a violation that poses imminent danger, a grace period of 45 days will be allowed to become compliant. The Florida Fire Prevention Code gives us flexibility and we’ll weigh all options and come up with the best solutions when applicable,” he added.

“If you rent or advertise for rent your place three or more times for less than 30 days at a time you need a TPLE license from DBPR; and the state fire marshal’s office says we have to inspect these TPLEs annually. We have roughly 3,000 vacation rentals that are appropriately registered

through DBPR. We are told by three different software companies that we likely have closer to 5,000 vacation rentals in our district.”

A recently-approved WMFR resolution formalized the fire district’s intent to categorize vacation rentals as commercial properties, rather than residential properties, for the WMFR tax assessments that appear on a property owner’s annual property tax bill. The increased tax revenues will help cover the fire district’s increased inspection costs and letters were sent to property owners informing them of the commercial assessment rate.

Kwiatkowski said anyone who wishes to challenge the district’s right to inspect short-term vacation rentals would be challenging the Florida Fire Code adopted by state legislators.

“They’re taking on the state of Florida, because they’re the ones that wrote the law,” Kwiatkowski said.

“The code tells us we have to do this,” Adkins added.

“Our goal is to work with property owners/managers to gain compliance,” Kwiatkowski said. “If, and I stress if, a property owner/manager were to refuse to meet the minimum fire and life safety standards required under Florida Administrative Code 69A-43, we would use the full force of our state enforcement powers, including, but not limited to fines or shutting down the business in order to keep

the public and first responders safe. That’s a scenario I am hoping will be avoided through good quality public education.”

Wilcox said he spoke with other vacation rental owners and property managers who expressed anxiety about WMFR classifying vacation rentals as commercial properties for taxation purposes.

“I got my tax bill yesterday and it’s going to go up $700, total, for all three units on this property. Nobody wants to pay more, but I don’t mind paying that because I think there’s value in having this program,” Wilcox said.

FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION

On Sept. 13, Kwiatkowski, Adkins and Inspector Nick Riffe returned for the follow-up reinspection that revealed all previous violations were corrected.

Wilcox displayed his rechargeable emergency lights that plug into an electrical outlet near the main exit and come on when the power goes off. He bought them at Amazon.com for about $10 each and also placed one in each bedroom.

Regarding his now-wall-mounted fire extinguishers, Wilcox said some rental owners he spoke with expressed consternation about the aesthetics of wall-mounted fire extinguishers

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Vacation rental fire extinguishers are not supposed to be stored on the floor. Fire extinguishers must be wall-mounted in a vacation rental unit. SEE WMFR, PAGE 17

WMFR: Rental inspections begin

versus placing them under the sink or in some other less conspicuous location.

“Aesthetics don’t save lives,” Kwiatkowski said. Wilcox spent about $500 correcting his violations.

“Next year it’ll be about $100 to have the extinguishers serviced and my taxes are going up about $700,” Wilcox said of his future compliance costs.

When asked what he learned during the inspections, Wilcox said, “It confirmed to me that the intent isn’t to close down vacation rentals. The intent is to make them safer.”

Wilcox noted that for the past several years the Florida Legislature has unsuccessfully attempted to preempt all short-term rental regulation to the state and take that authority away from local governments.

“Eventually it’s going to pass. When that happens, it’s going to take the enforcement away from the cities, but it won’t affect the WMFR inspections. There will still be something in place that’s not negated by future legislation,” Wilcox said.

“A lot of the property owners are worried about what the inspections will include and how extreme they’re going to be,” Adkins said. “This wasn’t a hard task for Mike. It was simple and it took seven days – and the majority of that time was waiting for the fire extinguisher company inspection.”

“Our goal is to support local businesses and ensure that they’re safe so the guests keep coming back. We’re asking vacation rental owners and managers to go to our website and schedule their inspections,” Kwiatkowski said.

Fire station 1, termites 0

WMFR staff helps with hurricane recovery

Local first responders recently traveled to north Florida to help with Hurricane Idalia cleanup, including four firefighters and one battalion chief from West Manatee Fire Rescue. The four firefighters joined a strike team from Manatee County. The engine strike team went to Suwanee County while Battalion Chief Tyler MacDonald joined a tinder strike team in Madison County. All five had returned safely to Manatee County by Sept. 11.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Rodney Kwiatkowski, Josh Adkins and Keith Miller inspected the exterior of Michael Wilcox’s vacation rental dwelling.

FROM PAGE 16

No building is safe from routine maintenance, even West Manatee Fire Rescue’s Station 1 on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. The fire station was tented by Haskell Termite and Pest Control over the Sept. 22 weekend.

WMFR | SUBMITTED

Get ready for fabulous fall fishing

(8- to 10-pound test) tackle, adding to the excitement.

he first cold front is probably still a month or more away, but fish are showing up and now is a great time to prepare for the fall season, getting tackle in order and keeping an eye on the sky for diving birds and

Under those birds, you’ll find Spanish mackerel, little tunny, jack crevalle and any number of other predators that come together to feast on giant schools of baitfish that migrate to nearshore waters in the fall. All will take live bait, lures or flies and can be caught on spinning, bait casting or fly tackle. Except for king mackerel and cobia, most can be landed with light

Depending on the species you’re targeting, you’ll want to rig accordingly. Since it’s possible to encounter such a diversity of fish in a single outing, multiple outfits are a good idea. One of the main considerations should be rigging. After a long, hot summer, tackle can fall into disrepair and need to be replaced. However you fish, take care to avoid the number one way fish are lost, improperly tied knots. To ensure you’ll never lose a good fish to inferior knots, moisten and tighten all knots. Properly sharpened hooks and rig outfits with the appropriate bite tippet and leader are also key. Options include wire, monofilament, long-shanked hooks or a combination of these. It’s possible to catch a kingfish without wire, but your odds aren’t good. The same applies

SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 19

RUSTY CHINNIS

Montana a go-to fishing vacation destination

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

I hosted a group of friends and clients on my annual destination fly fishing trip to southwest Montana recently. I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman and made the 2-1/2 hour drive to Medicine Lodge and a 100,000-acre working ranch near the Beaverhead River outside of Dillon, Montana. I met up at the lodge with my brother, Kirk Grassett, of Delaware, Bill Johns, of Venice,

Florida, Derrick Johns, of Austin, Texas and Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley, of Indiana, who drove and met us at the lodge.

Despite some fishing restrictions due to heat, we caught and released some quality trout. We fished the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Madison Rivers with guide Dave King, owner of King Outfitters (406-596-0209) in Dillon, and his talented group of guides.

REEL TIME: Get ready for fall fishing

FROM PAGE 18

with certain exceptions to Spanish mackerel. Mackerel can sometimes shy from the wire. That’s the time to switch to a long shank hook or a heavy (60-pound) monofilament leader. Even then it’s possible to get cut off, but you’ll be guaranteed more action if the fish are feeding.

When using wire or heavier mono for a bite tippet an 8- to 12-inch trace can be tied to monofilament using an Albright Special knot (best) or a swivel. If you use a swivel, use a black one as opposed to silver to prevent fish from mistaking it for forage. American Fishing Wire makes a product called Surflon Micro Supreme that is

extremely flexible and kink-resistant. This wire can be knotted to your lure, hook or fly like monofilament; it also provides greater flexibility and less stretch than monofilament. Umpqua makes a product that’s ideal for fly anglers. Their Re-Twistable Haywire Twist wire is reusable and will allow you to change flies in a snap. This is the quickest and most painless system to rig wire for toothy fish. A wire is less likely to deter a bite under low light conditions like early morning, overcast days and late in the day.

One of the most effective ways to find schooling fish in the fall is to look for surface action and diving birds in the

I’ve fished with Dave for more than 20 years, and his guides do a great job and know their fishery well. We fished 4-, 5- and 6-weight fly tackle and caught and released brown and rainbow trout to more than 20” on streamers, dry flies, dry/dropper and nymph rigs. The dry fly action was with a variety of dry flies. Often a hopper, sometimes with a nymph or with a smaller dry fly dropper and a few other bugs. A great trip!

inshore Gulf waters. Predators can also be present without revealing themselves around structure, reefs and wrecks, so a few exploratory casts around structure and baitfish schools is advisable. When you find baitfish schools and feeding fish, you can approach them by trolling, drifting or with the use of a trolling motor. Whatever method you employ, never let your boat pass through or get too close to the action. With more and more boats and anglers pursuing feeding fish, they are likely to sound and move away. The best bet is to stay outside the action but within casting distance. If trolling, make wide turns so only your lures pass through the action. On species like little tunny that surface, feed and then sound suddenly, only to resurface yards away, learn to watch hovering birds. The birds track the finicky fish as they move from between baitfish schools.

Live bait anglers target schooling fish in several ways. Anchoring upcurrent from a likely area, they may deploy a chum bag and then toss wounded live baits to draw fish into casting range. This can be an extremely effective method. Those who

prefer artificial lures find spoons particularly effective as well as jigs like the DOA CAL or the Berkley Gulp. One of the most exciting and effective types of lures are top water models like the MirroLure Top Dog, the Heddon Zara Spook or the Rapala Saltwater Skitter Pop. Not only is the strike visual and often explosive, but the surface action can attract target species.

Fly fishing is also an effective and exciting way to target fall species from cobia to triple tail, Spanish mackerel and even kingfish. The same rigging applies and top water flies like the Crease fly or Garthside Gurgler can produce some memorable strikes. Clouser Deep Minnows are also a great choice for Spanish mackerel and little tunny. This would be a good time of the year to have a 10- or 11-weight rod rigged with a big black fly should a cobia or late-season tarpon make an appearance.

Whatever your fishing style, take advantage of the great action you’ll find in area waters this fall. If you’re new to the game, consider hiring a guide. It's a great way to learn the ropes and a great value when shared with a friend. Good fishing!

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED Dennis Kinley, of Indiana, with a nice trout.

AMOB: Sale of alcohol approved

FROM PAGE 9

“The city has now been issued a special use permit with the decision that took place by the chairman and the mayor. It’s been granted,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry said. “There were some additional conditions that would have amended the lease amendment. So, my proposal is because of that decision I’m going to John Horne and say this is the finalized lease amendment from the city… If he argues about the lease amendments, I have to bring that back to the commission.”

The conditions that Chappie listed must be completed before the city allows AMOB to use the special use permit, Perry said.

Perry added that Horne does not have a liquor license in place yet to serve alcohol on the pier.

Vosburgh asked whether the city could back away from the agreement if a problem develops.

“In the event there is constant litter, we can take away your right to sell alcohol,” Perry said. “In the event there is trouble on the pier and the chief (Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby) has documented it a number of times through observation… we can shut the special use permit rights down immediately. There would be a hearing before the city commission and you would decide whether to revoke the permit permanently with 30 days’ notice.”

Perry said the city would like to maintain the family

atmosphere that exists currently on the pier.

“If the city isn’t enforcing this, it could lose its special use permit,” Perry said.

A motion was made to direct the city attorney to prepare a legal notice to AMOB that it may use the city’s special use permit with the conditions set forth by the city commission on Sept. 21.

The motion was passed unanimously by Chappie, Cole and Vosburgh. Commissioners Marilyn Maro and Jake Spooner were absent with excuse.

County changes historical property oversight

Representatives spoke in opposition, but a majority of county commissioners voted to move historical property oversight to the Sports and Leisure Services Department.

BY LESLIE LAKE

SUN CORRESPONDENT| llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – A proposal to shift the oversight of historical properties from the Manatee County Clerk’s Office to the Sports and Leisure Services Department was contested by many in the historical community at a Sept. 12 Manatee

County Commission meeting.

That didn’t stop a majority of commissioners from voting in favor of the change.

Properties affected by the change in management include the Florida Maritime Museum (FMM) in Cortez, Manatee Village Historical Park, the Manatee County Historical Records Library, the Manatee County Agricultural Museum and Palmetto Historical Park.

“Have we had any complaints that these properties are presently not being run adequately under the clerk’s office?” Commissioner George Kruse asked. “I don’t under-

stand why we’re doing this.”

Commissioner Amanda Ballard said she felt “we could do better.”

“It seems like it’s been rushed in here,” Kruse said. “No one can tell me why we’re doing this except the opinion that quote unquote it could be done better. Somebody has to tell me why we’re doing this today. And not being presented to us in a manner that we can actually make an intelligent vote on this.”

A motion to approve that Historical Resources should be managed under the Sports

FERRY: City Pier stop approved

FROM PAGE 1

request to attach two composite bumper pilings to the existing boat landing. Mayor Dan Murphy said pilings will be attached to the existing landing area but will not extend downward into the state-owned submerged land below the Tampa Bay waters. Murphy noted driving pilings into the state-owned land would require approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Murphy said the piling installation will cost the county about $10,000. The city will pay for the ongoing maintenance of the pilings. If the city decides later to opt out of the interlocal agreement, the city must reimburse the county for the initial piling installation expenditure.

Ramps carried on the ferries will provide pier access for arriving and departing passengers. Other boats docked at the public landing area

must yield to arriving ferries.

Commissioner Charlie Salem thanked Murphy for the time and effort he put into the interlocal agreement negotiations that ultimately saved the county and its taxpayers $290,000.

Expected to begin service at some point this year, the Gulf Island Ferry service between downtown Bradenton, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach will initially operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The fare will be $8 for a one-way trip, $5 for children making a one-way trip and $6 for seniors making a one-way trip.

Commissioner Jon Crane doesn’t expect the limited ferry service to have much impact on reducing automobile traffic and congestion to and from the Island. Nor does he expect the ferry service to be heavily utilized by employees who commute to the

Island for work. Crane said he hopes the city and the county have ongoing conversations about increasing and expanding the limited ferry service.

Murphy agreed and said the initial

offering is at least a starting point that hopefully leads to increased service and a greater emphasis being placed on transporting Island employees.

A Gulf Island Ferry visited the City Pier on Sept. 7. The Anna Maria City Pier will be a Gulf Island Ferry stop using the boat landing at the T-end of the pier.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN The Florida Maritime Museum is one of the county historical entities that will now be under the oversight of the Manatee County Sports and Leisure Services Department.

SEE CVHS, PAGE 23

Market in the eye of the beholder

To some people, our national real estate market is downright awful, but to others, it may be the best of real estate times. It’s all in the eye of the beholder.

Don’t believe everything you read and, believe me, I read it all. Yes, it’s true that buyers, especially first-time buyers, are having a terrible time finding an affordable house. Yes, indeed, sellers aren’t moving out of their 1,200-square-foot starter house because they have a 3% mortgage. But it’s also true that sellers who want to sell are in a pretty darn good financial position and they’re as happy as can be.

Home prices were declining for five consecutive months but all of that has reversed itself quicker than the housing economists expected. The surprisingly quick recovery suggests that the residential real estate downturn is turning out to be shorter than many housing economists expected. Even if the number of sales keeps going down, sale prices are unlikely to fall significantly. In popular regions, including Florida,

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

bidding wars are breaking out again, reliving the insanity of the 2021 market. A byproduct of higher selling prices and fewer sales is, of course, the fear of low appraisals. If the buyer is planning on obtaining a mortgage based on the contract price the lender will be looking for a satisfactory appraisal for at least the purchase price. If the appraisal comes in too low, that will affect the loan-to-value ratio and could easily sink the transaction.

Sellers in today’s competitive market may remove the appraisal contingency from the contract. This means that no matter the amount of the appraisal, the buyer is legally bound to complete

the transaction and better have the additional cash available.

Facing a low appraisal in an escalating market is not uncommon and can be a shock to buyers. Again, they will need to come up with more cash to close the gap to proceed with the transaction. Parties to the transaction like the broker and/or attorney can ask for consideration on the appraisal if they determine that one or more of the comparable properties were not valid, however, getting appraisers to change appraisals is nearly impossible.

Time to look at Manatee County’s August sales as reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee for the month of August:

Single-family homes closed 6.9% more than last August. The median sale price was $525,000, the same as last August. The average sale price was $715,711, up 9.2% from last year. The median time to contract was 33 days, compared to 13 days last year. The month’s supply of properties was 2.8 months, compared to 2.5 last year.

Condos closed 0.8% less than last August. The median sale price was $358,990, up 1.8% from last year. The average sale price was $393,727, down 2.6% from last year. The median time to contract was 50 days, compared to 13 last year. The month’s supply of properties was 3.3 months, compared to 1.8 months.

The Realtor Association feels that our prices are steady, and Florida is enduring in its desirability among out-of-staters. The fact that new listings and pending inventory are up for both single-family and condos is encouraging. Single-family had 8.6% new listings and 8.4% pending inventory. Condos had 18% new listings and pending inventory at 16.1%.

My eye beholds further adjustments, not a downturn, and once buyers get comfortable with 7.5% interest rates, they will forget all about the 3% their friends have. This is the way the economy rolls; it can’t be timed, it can only be faced head-on.

CVHS: County changes historical property oversight

FROM PAGE 21 and Leisure Services Department was made by Commissioner Ray Turner and seconded by Commissioner Mike Rahn. Manatee County Deputy Director of Sports and Leisure Services Molly White narrated a PowerPoint presentation at the meeting.

“We feel there is an opportunity to have a more impactful reach to our residents and visitors by moving these locations under the management of Sports and Leisure Services. This will create a streamlined marketing approach and increase in growth in programs and initiatives to better serve our residents,” she said.

More than a dozen speakers who were not in favor of the change spoke, including Cindy Rodgers and Karen Bell, representing two Cortez-based non-profits dedicated to the historical preservation of the fishing village.

“The Historical Society was founded in 1984 to document the history of Cortez, educate the public on the living history of our working fishing village and protect the important historic resources of our National Historic District. Due to the community’s historic preservation

efforts, Cortez is a popular tourist destination,” Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) president Rodgers said.

“One of the things that ties the history together for both residents and visitors is the Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez. The museum opened in 2007 and has developed into a valuable educational resource.”

CVHS has co-sponsored multiple public events with the museum.

“We’ve observed a high level of professionalism, creativity and commitment on the part of the (clerk’s) staff,” Rodgers said, adding that Manatee County’s historic resources are well-run.

“We are particularly appreciative of the Manatee County Historical Records Library, which has painstakingly preserved and cataloged all of the key historical resources under the county’s purview,” she said. “It makes sense that the county clerk’s office, which is responsible for maintaining most of the key public records for the county, including deeds, marriage licenses and construction documents, has the expertise and experience to successfully manage our historic

records and resources.”

She expressed concern about the proposal to “uproot the Historic Resources Department” and move it to the Sports and Leisure Services Department.

“The PowerPoint suggests that management and public use of our historic resources would improve under this sweeping change in administration,” Rodgers said. “That is an interesting perspective and one that deserves a full public airing if commissioners and others have concerns about the current situation.”

She asked for commissioners to defer action until there is a full public accounting of the costs and benefits of such a change.

Karen Bell, a board member of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH), also spoke in support of the Florida Maritime Museum and recounted some of its history.

“We met with Ernie Padgett, who was the county administrator at the time, and we asked him if we could write a grant to purchase the Maritime Museum, which at the time was the 1912 schoolhouse. Bob Sailors lived

there – he had died and his estate was willing to sell to us,” Bell said. “We put together a grant application in 10 days, submitted it, we were in the top 10 and we were awarded the money. So, the funds to purchase the Maritime Museum came from the state of Florida and the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage. We put $20,000 into the purchase.”

Bell told the commissioners the importance of sharing that story.

“That’s our museum,” she said. "That’s our history. We have our families’ artifacts in there. So, for this to be brought upon us with no notice, nobody even shared with us that this was a consideration. It’s hard for me to understand how that can be when we have a partnership with the county. So please, take time before you do something drastic. It works well.”

Bell said people from around the world visit the museum and stop at A.P. Bell Fish House as the last stop during village walking tours.

“It’s so different from what they see in other places in Florida,” Bell said. The motion passed by a 6-1 vote with Kruse in opposition.

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BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

9/12, 12:05 a.m., noise complaint, 2207 Ave. C. The officer was dispatched in reference to a noise complaint from a neighbor. The officer could hear loud bass from an outside speaker as well as loud talking, yelling and screaming from numerous children and adults in the rear of the residence. The primary renter was contacted and notified that the music and screaming were in

violation of the city’s noise ordinance. The renter apologized and said he would comply immediately. The officer told the renter if the noise continued, he would be given a citation.

HOLMES BEACH

9/15, 9:40 p.m., operating a vehicle without a license, 3900 6th Ave. While traveling behind a blue low-speed vehicle (LSV), the officer heard very loud music coming from the LSV. The officer stopped the LSV for the noise violation, which the female driver said she was not aware of. During the stop, the officer

learned the driver did not have a driver’s license. The officer issued the driver a warning for the noise violation, and a criminal citation for driving without a license. A licensed driver came to retrieve the vehicle.

9/19, 10:25 p.m., larceny, 3007 Gulf Drive. The officer responded to the Anchor Inn in reference to a subject who left the bar without paying a $170 tab. According to the police report, the bartender identified the subject and said he had been drinking with two women. The bartender said the subject said he would be paying for the females and himself, but left without paying. When the bartender confronted the customer outside the bar and told him the police would be called if he didn’t pay, the customer said, “Send them my way,” and drove off in his SUV. The bartender said he wished to press charges. The bartender identified the subject from a driver’s license photo, but when officers went to his listed address, it was abandoned and he could not be found.

Sex offender relocation: William L. Davenport, 69, 306 55th St., Holmes Beach.

City considers adding pickleball at Herb Dolan Park

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON

BEACH

–The city has gotten one step closer to installing pickleball courts at Herb Dolan Park.

At the Sept. 7 commission meeting, Public Works Director Tom Woodard presented proposed costs for the courts.

Woodard received a verbal commitment from Stewart Tennis Courts for $28,000 for a single court and $38,000 for two courts.

“That includes the courts, the surface, the striping, the posts and the net,” Woodard said. “There are options, if you choose, to have a fence around it and lighting.”

During public comment, self-proclaimed “pickleball addict” and Bradenton Beach resident Kat Witt spoke in support of the courts.

“I could fill this room 10 times over with people who would support this. I really feel as a community we could

support two pickleball courts there,” Witt said. “I would like to ask for two pickleball courts.”

Commissioners Ralph Cole, Jake Spooner and Jan Vosburgh, and Mayor John Chappie expressed support for the installation of courts at the park.

“I talked to a number of people who would like a separate pickleball court,” Chappie said. “Right now, the basketball court doubles as a pickleball court. It’s not the best for pickleball and I think it’s time we put at least one more court in that area.”

Chappie said there are funds available for the installation. The discussion then turned to whether or not there was enough space for two courts.

“One of the concerns from a gentleman who lives in that area was they would like to see green space as well,”

Chappie said

“There’s room for two. For

another $10,000, we should put two or it would be just a matter of time before someone would say, ‘We should put another pickleball court in,’ ” Cole said, adding, “I think it’s a good expenditure of our

tax dollars to give back to the community some type of recreation.”

Vosburgh said it was a “fabulous idea.”

“If we have the space, for an extra $10,000, I would be

in support of that,” Spooner said.

The lighting and fencing would be an additional cost, Woodard said. Those options will be in the written quote to the city.

Chappie said that because the park is in a residential area, he would not support lighting.

“I don’t think the people would really appreciate it,” Chappie said. “I know if I lived there, I would not like the lights on.”

Cole said he would like to see the proposed layout of the courts.

Chappie said while waiting for a formal written proposal for the courts, he would work with Woodard to put stakes out to determine layout and spacing.

“That will give everyone an idea of what’s going on,” Chappie said.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Bradenton Beach resident Kat Witt speaks to commissioners at a Sept. 7 meeting in support of pickleball courts at Herb Dolan Park.

Miles Moss: Not stopped by Guillain–Barré

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

HOLMES BEACH - To anyone seeing him on the playground at Anna Maria Elementary School or on the field at the Island’s community center, Miles Moss looks like any 8-year-old boy. Kicking the soccer ball on the field or in the gym at The Center, Miles has excelled as a young athlete.

But it has not been an easy road for Miles to reach his position as one of the top youth goalkeepers in The Center’s recreational leagues.

Over Thanksgiving break 2016, Miles’ mother, Emily, worked as the Youth Programs Director for The Center of Anna Maria Island and had a week of fun-filled activities planned for The Center’s campers, but one November morning would forever change her family’s world.

On Nov. 21, 2016, a switch seemingly went off in Miles’ body, rendering him unable to stand or gain stability. Taking time away from the business he recently started with his uncle, Miles’ dad, Ryan, immediately took his son to the doctor, who rushed them to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.

With conditions worsening, pain at the touch and loss of movement progressed. Testing and speculation began. The possible diagnoses ranged from encephalitis to spinal myelitis. Negative or inconclusive tests led to preventive treatments, with no improvement for Miles.

As testing continued, Miles slowly became paralyzed.

“He could no longer sit up, eat, drink or speak,” his mom said.

In excruciating pain, his spinal tap resulted in a Guillain–Barré Syndrome diagnosis. The head neurologist at All Children’s expressed to the Moss parents that Miles was the youngest patient he had seen with this diagnosis.

Guillain-Barré is a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system, affecting the signals to the brain, causing weakness, numbness, pain, temperature and touch sensitivities, paralysis, as well as difficulty swallowing and breathing.

The future was unknown for the entire Moss family. Because of Miles’ young age, lack of research and experience meant uncharted

territory for medical professionals and everyone else involved in his recovery. The progression to recovery that typically is seen within a few weeks in most patients was not the case for Miles.

The road to recovery was up and down until Miles was well enough to start the therapy necessary to move him back to his home. During the next weeks, he started three hours of hard work a day for occupation, speech and physical therapy.

Earning the nickname “Smiles” at The School for Constructive Play, Miles brought his infectious personality with him while he worked through his daily recovery with his mom in the hospital. While Emily was with Miles, co-worker, Rainia Lardas, kept youth programs at The Center running smoothly, allowing Emily to focus on her son’s health.

Making the trip back and forth to Tampa when possible and spending weekends at the hospital, Ryan and Miles’ older brother, Mason, poured love and support into his recovery. Thanks to the Tampa Ronald McDonald House, the family had a place to escape the hospital setting for emotional and physical recovery as caregivers.

Working and growing his

then-new construction company, Moss Builders, Ryan tirelessly supported Miles’ recovery. Learning to walk again, starting with a crawl to walking with braces, Miles eventually worked up to returning to school. With sports and other daily activities, Ryan helped him regain his confidence.

According to Emily, “Ryan and Mason both helped coach and encourage him in sports and would always cheer for him along the way.

“Mason was such a trooper through it all. He never complained about the long car rides to Tampa after school, or coming for the weekends,” his mom said. According to Emily, Mason would make games out of his brother’s therapy, helping him to get through his exercises.

After more than a month at All Children’s, Miles was finally on his way home, but the road to recovery continued at Blake Hospital. The journey was not easy and it was not overnight.

Over three years later, “Miles has made a full recovery as far as we can tell,” Emily said. Completing his last therapy session in February 2020, Miles has been able to resume a full and active life.

Playing sports with Mason, now 12, Miles has been dominating the soccer field both inside and outside at The Center along with his brother.

“There is always a fierce competition with his older brother, Mason, in all things,” Emily said of Miles.

In the most recent seasons, Miles has been one of the top goalies in The Center’s youth leagues and has been playing in his designated age group, as well as the older leagues.

Being an Island kid, he loves chatting it up with people fishing at the City Pier or helping the waitresses at Slim’s Place, the location of his “dream job.”

“Sometimes, when I look back

at the photos, it’s hard to believe that was even my life at one point,” Emily said.

Seemingly with the hard part behind them, the Moss family is thankful that Miles thrives today. His mom’s statement of pride says it all.

“Miles is confident and loves being in the spotlight. He wants to be ‘famous’ like his dad and brother, who are often found in the sports section of the local newspaper,” she said.

The confident third grader, with the love and support of his family and the community, goes through life today like any other 8-yearold after enduring the life-altering impacts of Guillain–Barré Syndrome.

SUBMITTED

After a long road of recovery, the Moss family can look back at their journey with Guillain-Barré Syndrome as a distant memory.

SUBMITTED

Recovered from Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Miles Moss is now playing lacrosse with older brother, Mason.

SUBMITTED

Miles Moss spent the 2020 holidays with big brother, Mason, at All Children’s Hospital after receiving a Guillain-Barré Syndrome diagnosis.

Even pitch: Center youth soccer teams battle to finals

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – With wins, losses and a lot of ties, after two weeks of youth soccer at The Center, the season looks to be a competitive one. With no clear standout team, the road to the championship game could be a tight one.

This fall’s youth soccer league, with 11 teams taking to the field in the two age group divisions, has been filled with strong recreational play, with close final scores and strong team efforts all around.

Last Tuesday night in 11- to 13-year-old league play, the Solid Rock Construction team looked as if a tie against The Gitt Team was inevitable, but in the last minutes of the game, their opponent pulled out the win, 5-3.

In goal for Solid Rock, Jack Zaccagnino made seven nice saves in goal for his team, but his defense just could not stop the pursuits and shots by Renan and Ryk Kesten and Callin Westfall.

Renan Kesten had a single goal in the game along with Westfall. Ryk Kesten had the critical hat trick, helping his team to victory with three goals. Doing his part on defense, The Gitt Team’s Austin Guess is credited with four saves against the Solid Rock strikers.

Luke Dellenger had two goals for Solid Rock, with an added goal by Jesse Zaccagnino to help keep their team in the game

until The Gitt Team turned on a strong offensive attack.

The Solid Rock loss resulted in the two teams going into week three play with a 1-1-0 record.

Game two in the older youth league ended in a 2-2 tie. For Cheesecake Cuties, Josiah MacDonald and Kegan McGlade were the goal scorers. Teammate Thomas Holly protected his team’s goal, saving three HSH Design shots.

HSH goalie Cyrus Ryan worked to direct his defense while saving seven shots. Ryan’s fellow HSH players Sterling Holiday and Kegan McGlade each had a goal, helping to keep their team in the match.

In the 8- to 10-year-old league, scoring was kept to a minimum with strong defensive efforts by all. Unable to put a point on the scoreboard, the match-up of Adrian Griffin Interiors and La Creperie ended in a 0-0 score.

Goalies Andre Harwood and Sawyer Leibfried, for La Creperie, had eight and seven saves in the night, respectively, for their teams.

Game two in the younger age group also ended in a tie. Isola Bella Italian Eatery and The Porch went head-to-head with two goals scored. For the Italian Eatery team, Ruby Kesten had a solo goal.

On the other side of the

pitch, Luke Willing shot his goal. Willing’s teammate Santiago Cantero had seven big stops in the game, while his Isola Bella counterpart, Trinity Miller, had a nice save.

Finishing the night of youth recreational soccer, the younger Solid Rock Construction team won over AMI Coconuts by three goals.

Preventing an AMI Coconuts goal, Solid Rock keeper Carson Long had five big saves in the match. Goalie Kason Price stopped the onslaught of shots by Solid Rock with seven stops.

With a win on their record, the Moss Builders team had a bye and looks forward to getting back

into the action in week three play.

The outlook of the season indicates fun, actionpacked youth soccer, leading up to the playoffs and the final championship game to be played in November.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Solid Rock Construction’s Luke Dellenger and Ryk Kesten for The Gitt Team race for field position to get to the soccer ball last Tuesday night at The Center.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

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GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.

HOME SERVICES

CONCRETE FUSION, CRACK REPAIR sidewalks/ driveways, pool decks, concrete grinding. Why fix 95% of concrete when only 5% bad? Number 1 in concrete repair. Insured. Free estimate. Call Bobby 941-374-7670.

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

LOST & FOUND

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

LOST KEY FOB at Pickle ball courts in Holmes Beach. Please call 941778-2919.

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

MOVING & STORAGE

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980

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

DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING

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

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

POOL SERVICES

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

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

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.

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

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

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

112 OAK ANNA MARIA

$1,450,000 4 bedroom cottage on rental program. Good income. Sold furnished Christine Kourik Remax 314-440-7574

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

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

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

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

ANNUAL RENTAL BRADENTON BEACH Bungalow with mini loft cathedral ceiling. Electric, water, WIFI, lawn care all included. Washer/Dryer. Pets welcome Steps to beach & intercoastal. Sunrise/ Sunset over water. First, Last months rent, $1000 deposit $200 pet deposit. $2195/mo. Call 941-7411096.

BUSINESS & SERVICE

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

VACATIONERS ANNUAL RENTAL Bradenton Beach. Steps to beach, intercoastal. Sunrise/Sunset over water. Pets welcome. Stay longer, come down anytime. Electric, water, WIFI, lawn care included. Washer/Dryer. No utilities to set up. No bills to pay. Cleaning, grocery delivery available. Mini Loft with cathedral ceiling. First, last $1000 deposit. $200 pet deposit. $2195/mo. Call 941-741-1096

SEASONAL RENTAL-

AVAILABLE Jan- March 2024 3 mo min. Westbay Point & Moorings 2BR/2BA ground floor waterfront unit. Beautiful open water views. $6,000/mo + taxes/fees. Contact Fran Maxon Real Estate for details 941-778-2307.

TRANSPORTATION

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

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

Sales Associate

Katie Self

Sales Associate Joey Hutchinson

Sales Associate

Lindsey Leech Strickland Broker Associate Tom Aposporos

Sales Associate

Martha Jones Robel April Green

Michelle Laade

Sales Associate Cindy Jones Broker- Owner

Darcie Duncan

Rogers Sales Associate

Robyn Hawk