Anna Maria Island Sun September 5, 2018

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 18 No. 47

September 5, 2018

Back to the beach RICH ROSATI | SUBMITTED

Clean beaches, dramatic sunsets and much better air are the norm once again on Anna Maria Island rather than the exception as the effects of red tide have substantially diminished.

Businesses working hard to offset red tide The businesses on Anna Maria Island and in the village of Cortez are working hard to offset the economic impact of red tide.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

The Sun reached out to the local business community on Sunday to see how their Labor Day weekend was going as they continue to rebound from the red tide’s economic impacts.

“Business has picked up a little, but our employees are stressed because they need to pay their rent. We just need everyone to know it’s not bad out here. We had people sitting outside all day yesterday,” said Shan-

INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION 6 SUN SURVEY 7 OUTDOORS 22-23 RESTAURANTS 26 REAL ESTATE 28-31 OBITUARIES 33 CROSSWORD 36

non Dunnan, manager at the Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar in Bradenton Beach.

“A good rebound, however the absence of a cleanup program in Sarasota Bay is not helping as the east winds are driving seagrass and dead fish into the canals and eastern shores of Longboat Key. But people are out, and it’s definitely improved since last week,” said Robert Baugh, chief operating officer for the Mar Vista, BeachHouse and Sandbar restaurants in Longboat Key, Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria.

“Business picked up last night. The week was slow, but our employees are hanging in there,” said Jason Suzor, owner of The Waterfront restaurant in Anna Maria.

“It’s definitely slowed down, but we’ve SEE RED TIDE, PAGE 15

A SCUBA diver

documents the underwater effects of red tide. 9

Anna Maria Island, Florida

FEMA proposes $1.37 million for pier damage The old Anna Maria City Pier sustained substantial damage during Hurricane Irma last year.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The City Commission has accepted a $1.37 million staff recommendation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that would help fund the construction of a new city pier.

During a special commission meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 29, Mayor Dan Murphy presented the FEMA recommendation for the commission to approve or reject. Murphy said the commission could challenge the FEMA offer in hopes of get-

ting an extra $100,000 or $200,000, but he recommended accepting the offer.

Murphy said the city submitted to FEMA a $1.8 million estimate for damages the pier sustained last September during Hurricane Irma – damages that occurred when the aging pier was already slated for rehabilitation within five years.

The damage included the roof being torn off the bait shop and bar building, damage to the restaurant building and significant damage to the pier’s T-end decking.

Murphy said FEMA offered the city 75 percent of what was requested and that was due to questions about the scouring of the pier pilings that could not be definiSEE PIER, PAGE 17

RED TIDE assistance is just a phone call away. 10 GET ready for the Lapensee Bowling

tournament on Saturday. 5

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

2

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

3

Canal cleanup revisited The landside canals are mostly free of dead fish, but one canal end in Bradenton Beach was filled with them last week.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County paid APTIM approximately $140,000 for a week’s worth of canal cleaning services, according to Information Outreach Manager Nick Azzara.

During a Monday, Aug. 27, press conference, county officials announced APTIM’s services had been discontinued “The contractor was able to manage to have all those fish picked up in a week,” County Administrator Ed Hunzeker said.

Hunzeker and Commissioner Steve Jonsson also announced the county was transitioning to a voluntary “Nets to Neighbors” maintenance program that involved hand nets, buckets and dumpsters being placed in some waterfront neighborhoods.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This Coral Shores canal was much cleaner last week than it was two weeks ago.

Dated Aug. 17, the county’s contract with APTIM’s Boca Raton office included a not to exceed amount of $468,988.

The contract stated APTIM would collect biological debris along the Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria bayside shorelines as well as the mainland shorelines along the Palma Sola and Sarasota Bay. The contract stated APTIM wouldn’t cleanup along the Gulf of Mexico, Longboat Key or

the Manatee River shorelines.

The contract stated APTIM would provide three 26-foot marine work vessels manned by a captain and two deck hands who would manually skim the surface with nets to remove the floating debris. The contract also called for a survey vessel and a dedicated collection vessel to transport the collected debris to offloading areas for transport to the county landfill.

APTIM’s fee proposal listed $145,680 in labor costs, $35,698 in equipment costs and $287,610 in direct costs if the contract was carried out in full.

APTIM’s projected direct costs included $272,580 for SWS Environmental Services – a national firm with locations in Tampa and St. Petersburg that offers on-water spill response services.

SWS comprised 95 percent of APTIM’s projected direct costs.

APTIM’s work assignment sheet listed daily rates for engineers, managers, surveyors, a hydrographer, biologists, geologists and more. In addition to survey boats, the daily equipment rates included cameras, a pitch and roll compensator, tidal gauges, a fathometer, a navigation system and more. The direct cost rates consisted of meals, lodging and mileage.

On Saturday, Aug. 25, Manatee County Environmental Program Manager Damon Moore sent an email to County Commission Executive Assistant Sheri Smith explaining his decision to discontinue APTIM’s services.

SEE CELANUP, PAGE 25

4

THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

Primaries set County Commission races

IN BRIEF

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This quartet of Cortez fishermen cleaned the beach along South Bay Boulevard last week.

Anna Maria beach cleanup After being contracted by the city of Anna Maria for a second time, Cortez fishermen Nathan Meschelle, Tanner Pelkey, Matt Smith and Michael Dolan spent three days last week cleaning the beach near the former and future site of the Anna Maria City Pier. On Wednesday, Meschelle said most of what they were seeing was seagrass, with only small amount of dead fish entangled in it. Pelkey said the seagrass is a normal occurrence. Meschelle said the red tide appeared to be dissipating, and he hoped to return to fishing soon.

During the previous weekend, Meschelle was privately contracted to do some canal and shoreline cleanup for the Wild Oak Bay community on Cortez Road.

“That was some pretty nasty stuff down there. We cleaned over a 1,000 square yards of carnage that had drifted in,” Meschelle said.

One Particular Harbour wins six awards The awards for the Southeast Building Council were given out in August at the Southeast Building Conference and Minto Communities walked away with 16 Aurora and Excel awards. Six of those awards went to local community One Particular Harbour.

The Margaritaville-brand community walked away with four silver awards and two Grand Aurora awards, one for best multi-family housing community and one for multi-family residential housing community of the year.

Minto announced the wins in an Aug. 30 press release.

The matchups in three Manatee County Commission have been determined by the Tuesday, Aug. 28 primary elections, and incumbent Commissioner Charles Smith has been ousted.

The winning primary candidates now move onto the general elections races that will conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Holmes Beach resident and incumbent Commissioner Carol Whitmore will face independent candidate Candace Luther in the District 6 at-large general election. Whitmore also works part-time as a registered nurse.

Luther, a Sarasota resident, is employed by Park Dental Associates in Sarasota.

En route to her primary win, Whitmore received 21,274 votes (55.61 percent) and her opponent, James Satcher, claimed 16,979 votes (44.39 percent).

“I’m happy that I still have the support of the Manatee County citizens, and I look forward to winning the general election,” Whitmore said on election night.

In the contest to fill Smith’s District 2 seat, Democratic primary winner Reggie Bellamy will face Republican Demitrie Denis, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

Bellamy received 2,178 primary votes (52.16 percent) and Smith received 1,998 votes (47.84 percent).

Bellamy lives in Palmetto and is a dean at Buffalo Creek Middle School. He also serves as the executive director of the Palmetto Youth Center and is the head coach of the Palmetto High School boys’ basketball team.

Denis, a Bradenton resident, is currently is enrolled in Southern New Hampshire University graduate program in pursuit of a M.B.A in Community Economic Development.

In the race to fill retiring Commissioner Robin DiSabatino’s District 4 seat, Republican primary winner Misty Servia will face Democrat Milton Little, who ran unopposed in the primary.

Servia received 2,668 primary

REGGIE BELLAMY | SUBMITTED

MISTY SERVIA | SUBMITTED

Clockwise above, Misty Servia defeated two opponents in her Republican Primary. Reggie Bellamy unseated incumbent Commissioner Charles Smith. Holmes Beach resident Carol Whitmore was joined by her grandson Camden Rudacille in celebrating her primary victory. votes (55.5 percent), Mark Black received 1,161 votes (24.15 percent) and Laurie Galle received 978 votes (20.35 percent).

Servia, a Bradenton resident, formerly worked in the Manatee County Planning Department.

She has spent 12 years with King Engineering, where she recently represented developer Carlos Beruff in the Aqua by the Bay permitting process.

Little, a Bradenton resident, is a longtime attorney. He currently practices civil law and family and marital law and also provides pro bono legal services.

OTHER CONTESTS

Receiving more than 50 percent of the vote, James Golden and Charlie Kennedy claimed school board seats. In the District 4 school board race, the top-two primary vote-getters, Joe Stokes and Scott Hopes, will square off in the general election because none of the District 4 primary contestants claimed more than 50 percent of the vote.

In a close race, county Democrats favored statewide winner David Shapiro (51.26 percent) over Jan Schneider (48.74 percent) in the District 16 Congressional primary. Shapiro will now face incumbent Republican

CAROL WHITMORE | SUBMITTED

Congressman Vern Buchanan in the general election.

In the gubernatorial primaries, Manatee County voters favored Democrat Gwen Graham (38.62 percent) over statewide primary winner Andrew Gillum (28.07 percent), Philip Levine (18.19 percent), Jeff Greene (11.07 percent) and the rest of the Democratic field.

County voters joined the rest of the state in favoring Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis (53.89 percent) over Adam Putnam (39.72 percent) and the rest of the Republican primary candidates.

Voter turnout was 32.25 percent in the election that saw 77,527 of Manatee County’s 240,419 participate in the primary elections.

For those who aren’t registered, the deadline to register for the general elections is Tuesday, Oct. 9.

Vote by mail voting will begin in early October, followed by early voting later in the month.

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

5

LaPensee Bowling Tournament returns Book your lane before it’s too late for the LaPensee Bowling Tournament taking place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at the AMF Lanes, 4208 Cortez Road in Bradenton. The cost is $30 per player or sponsor a lane for a team of five for $200. Players receive three games, shoe rental and a choice of pizza or wings.

Kids lanes are available. The event features a team costume contest, silent auction and 50/50 raffle.

Awards will be presented for the highest and lowest bowling scores.

All proceeds benefit The Center of Anna Maria Island. To register or for more information, contact the Center at 941-778-1908, info@centerami.org or www.centerami.org.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Mark your calendars Bil Bowdish and Dana Cohen played at the Elks Club in Bradenton recently. They will perform with Ted Young on the keyboard and guest artist KokoRay at the Sandbar restaurant next year to raise money the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra. Jazz Fest is scheduled for Feb. 12, 2019 and the Oldies Beach Dance on March 19, 2019.

6

THE SUN

OPINION

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

Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

EDITORIAL The Russians are coming

R

emember that movie where the Russians overrun a little beach community?

Well, it happened last week.

It’s hard to believe that a weekly newspaper in paradise like The Anna Maria Island Sun could be a target for hackers in Russia, just like the websites of federal government agencies.

But we were.

From Aug. 25-30, amisun.com sustained repeated attacks from cybercriminals in Russia, Pakistan, Great Britain, Brazil and other countries.

Did their vacation plans to AMI get spoiled by red tide?

Are they angry about our political cartoons?

Are they targeting us because we just won a statewide First Amendment Defense award from the Florida Press Association?

Maybe, but we’ll never know, just like you never know why a delinquent kid chooses to throw a baseball through one random window rather than another.

Cybercriminals thrive on creating chaos.

We prefer order, and law, and will be talking to local police about the attack.

We apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced trying to access our website last week. Please try again.

The red tide is receding, and so is the red threat, for now.

I

n the wake of the red tide outbreak that is diminishing by the day, we have adopted a theme of sorts for this edition that we're calling "Back to the beach."

It's a simple, easily remembered way of letting our readers all over the world know that Anna Maria Island is still a beautiful place to visit and a wonderful destination for all.

Check out our Page 1 story , our continuing red tide coverage throughout the paper and our editorial cartoon on this page to catch up on the latest news.

The beaches are clean, the water is warm and the sun still shines. Time to c'mon "back to the beach!"

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dogs to the rescue What a brilliant idea that Marsha Lindsey has put forward about having security "sniffer" dogs at schools! Obviously this kind of security works. I just got back from England and had to go through security etc. where they use these dogs to sniff out anything from drugs to weapons.

As a matter of fact I got sniffed out for trying to "smuggle" an apple that I had buried in one of my bags! This is a common practice so why aren't we using them at all our schools. As Marsha says, it's a win-win situation by using animals that may have to

be euthanized because of over crowding. Anybody thinking about bringing something "bad" into the school will know that they have to get passed "CanSecure" first. That alone should be a massive deterrent. And who doesn't love rescue doggies?.

Susan Hatch.

Anna Maria

Have your say Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest?

Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to e-mail The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

The Anna Maria Island Sun staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca

Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin

Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Dianne Martin Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane

Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Sean Murphy Monica Simpson

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

THE SUN

7

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE

For information, call 7086130 Sept. 11, 4 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting Sept. 13, 6 p.m. – City Commission special meeting, budget hearing

BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

On Aug. 15, FPL contractors ruptured a sewer line on North Bay Boulevard while installing a concrete utility pole.

Power pole replacement continues

For information, call 7781005 Sept. 5, 9:30 a.m. – CRA meeting Sept. 5, 11 a.m. – Pier Team meeting Sept. 5, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Sept. 6, 5:05 p.m. – CRA tentative budget meeting Sept. 6, 5:30 p.m. – Commission tentative budget meeting Sept. 6, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Sept. 11, 10 a.m. – City Commission work session

Sept. 13, 1 p.m. – Department head meeting Sept. 13, 5:05 p.m. – CRA final budget meeting Sept. 13, 5:30 p.m. – City Commission final budget meeting

HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

For information, call 7085800 Sept. 5, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Sept. 13, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

ISLAND-WIDE

Sept. 10, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Anna Maria City Hall Sept. 11, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting and final budget hearing, administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

As part of its ongoing hurricane hardening efforts, crews contracted by Florida Power & Light (FPL) continue to replace FPL’s wooden utility poles in Anna Maria with taller and more durable concrete utility poles. Anna Maria is the last of the three Island cities to receive the new poles because Mayor Dan Murphy refused to issue FPL the right of way use permits until he was provided with a specific plan to remove the old poles. Murphy took this stance because FPL has still not removed the wooden poles replaced in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach in recent years. When installing a new pole along North Bay Boulevard on Wednesday, Aug. 15, workers accidentally broke a sewer line, which produced short-term street flooding near Poinsettia Road. In addition to creating street flooding, the ruptured sewer line caused problems for some residents in that area.

NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.

WEDNESDAY SEPT. 5

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon.

Gulf Coast Writers Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:45 p.m.

Tortoise talks, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 3 p.m.

THURSDAY SEPT. 6

Concrete utility poles are being installed in Anna Maria as replacements to the wooden poles that must later be removed.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Veteran services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, The Paradise Center, 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key,10 a.m., $10 per class.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to

8 p.m.

FRIDAY SEPT. 7

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

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

Intermediate bridge session, The Paradise Center, 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter. org or 941-383-6493.

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

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

SATURDAY SEPT. 8

NEST Nature Days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Healing meditation, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 33

8

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

THE SUN

9

A scuba diver’s view of red tide

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

The recent red tide produced fish kills that littered the Island’s Gulf-side beaches and this begs the question: Are there any fish left in this part of the Gulf?

Sarasota-based professional underwater cinematographer, photographer and explorer Curt Bowen has some answers to that question.

On Aug. 29, Bowen conducted four dives in the Gulf of Mexico at various depths offshore of the Island.

He compiled his underwater footage into a short video titled, “Red Tide: The Death of our Shores” and posted it at his Facebook page.

“What I found was both shocking and hopeful,” he wrote in his post.

Bowen’s video begins with footage shot at site 1, one mile offshore of the Bradenton Beach/Holmes Beach boarder in murky water that was 15feet deep and offered a foot of visibility.

Other than plants and plankton, no living creatures are seen.

The embedded text says, “Estimated loss of life 98 percent.”

The site 2 footage was shot three miles offshore of Bradenton Beach in water 24-feet deep with eight to nine feet of visibility and an estimated loss of life 40 percent. The footage incudes a decomposing fish that falls apart in Bowen’s hands, a dead crab resting on the bottom and some live fish swimming around.

The site 3 footage was shot seven miles offshore of Longboat Pass, in water 41-feet deep, with 10 to 15 feet of visibility and an estimated 10 percent loss of life. Many varieties of fish are

CURT BOWEN | SUBMITTED

This dead crab was spotted three miles offshore of Bradenton Beach. Right, this dead and decomposing fish was also found three miles offshore from Bradenton Beach. seen swimming at this site, but Bowen also picks up a lifeless shell that somewhat resembles a sand dollar.

Site 4 was one mile offshore from northern end of Longboat Key in murky water 18 feet deep with 12 to 18 inches of visibility and an estimated the loss of life of 99 percent. Bowen is seen picking up several lifeless clam and scallop shells. He also picks up a lifeless sea urchin and finds a dead stone crab tangled in an underwater plant.

DIVER’S OBSERVATIONS

When contacted Sunday, Bowen shared more observations.

“It was hit really hard at one mile out, and it slowly got better farther offshore. I calculated the percentages according to what I saw alive and dead.

That doesn’t mean that some of the fish didn’t swim away, but I didn’t see anything alive at one mile. Then again, I could only see for 15 inches,” he said, noting the plankton and dead particles in the water greatly reduced visibility.

“That’s why you couldn’t see for more than a foot at one mile out,” Bowen said.

“At seven miles out, I saw a few things dead, but there were a lot of live fish. At 15 miles, I would imagine it’s not affected at all,” he added.

Regarding the dead scallops and clams he discovered, Bowen said, “They’re usually buried in the sand, but they must’ve tried to unbury themselves to get away from the red tide.

They obviously didn’t make it because I’ve never seen clams scattered across the bottom like that – and I’ve been diving in the Gulf for 30 years.

Regarding the fish population, Bowen said, “The red tide floats on the surface. The deeper you go, the better it’ll be – which is good, because those fish will come back in and repopulate the shallow water once the red tide goes away. It’ll take a couple years. We had a big red tide kill in 2005, and it took two years to get to almost normal. It wasn’t as bad as this one, but it was

pretty close. I’ve never seen it this bad.

“We’re on the north end of the kill.

The currents that come out of Tampa Bay typically run south, so it could have been keeping the red tide from killing stuff at 10 or 15 miles. Out of Fort Myers and Port Charlotte, the currents go outwards, so I’m thinking there’s going to be a worse kill in deeper water than there was in Anna Maria.

We got lucky because of the Tampa currents. I’m trying to get a boat out of Fort Myers and go down there to see how many miles offshore that kill was,” Bowen said.

He also plans to repeat his Island dives in the coming months to continue monitoring the underwater conditions.

Bowen is the owner and publisher of Advanced Diver Magazine, and he’s worked with several television networks including National Geographic and the Discovery Channel. He’s also the founder of the ADM Exploration Foundation, and you can visit him online at CurtBowen.com.

10

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

211 assistance just a call away Dialing or texting 211 puts people in touch with local resources during times of need.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.ctom

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While gearing up for what they hoped would be a busy Labor Day weekend, Amanda and John Horne from the Anna Maria Oyster Bar asked some of their employees to deliver 211 informational cards to the other businesses on and around Anna Maria Island.

This was done as part of the ongoing efforts to assist employees who’ve being impacted by the recent red tide.

“Serving Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto Counties, 211 is a free and confidential service that helps people across the United States find the local resources they need. We're here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days

a week,” says the 211 website, www.211.gs-humanservices.org.

“A small group of us have been speaking with our local organizations on how we can best help staff who are affected by the red tide situation – whether their hours are cut back or the locations they work have closed their doors for the duration. Our talks are ongoing, and we are trying to come up with a regional solution to helping out those most in need up and down our coast. In the meantime, there is help available right now: It is 211. This is a telephone number they can call or text

asking for help finding the resources in the community for assistance,” Amanda Horne wrote in an email she distributed to business owners and managers last week.

“We will have 3,000 cards available to distribute that you can give to staff and those you know who may need help. We will also have posters for staff notice boards. A huge thank you and shout out to all who helped get the word out that we are open for business, and let’s keep up the great social media presence. Thanks everyone for working together; it’s what makes us the awesome community we are,” Horne wrote.

“A huge thanks to Sarah Firstenberger, executive director of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, who reached out and offered to get the cards, posters and message out to the staff of all the Originals’ group,” Horne’s email said.

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

THE SUN

11

Roser Food Pantry assisting Island employees The Roser Food Pantry has a history of assisting Island employees in addition to its primary mission of serving Island residents.

DONATIONS WELCOME

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Roser Memorial Community Church Food Pantry in Anna Maria is expanding its services to include Island employees who’ve been economically impacted by the arrival of red tide in early August.

The food pantry generally services Island residents, but the efforts to also assist non-resident, Island employees will continue at least through October said food pantry chair and church member Jack Brennan.

“We set a precedent for assisting Island employees after the Rod & Reel Pier fire in 2013 and the City Pier Restaurant and bait shop closing in 2017,” Brennan said.

Each bag of groceries provided has an estimated retail value of $60 to $70.

When going through the food pantry, each individual, couple or family chooses two items from the refrigerator or freezer and those offerings include fish sticks, meatballs and more.

Each bag of groceries also includes two prepacked meals, two cans of soup, two cans of vegetables, one can of fruit, one can of tuna, one can of chicken, one can of beans, one starch, two beverages, two snacks, one box of cereal, grits or oatmeal, one sleeve of crackers, one roll of bathroom tissue and a choice of four items from the miscellaneous shelves.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Roser Food Pantry offers a wide variety of food items to choose from.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

An initial registration process must be completed before receiving services. To register call 941-778-0414 or visit the church’s administration office at 512 Pine Ave. during normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The pantry is located across the street from church and near the thrift store.

Each registered individual is eligible to receive one bag of groceries per week. A registered couple receives two bags and a registered family of four receives four.

The registration process requires a social security number for each person requesting groceries, including children. That information is privately held by the church and is not shared. The church would also like to see a copy of a recent paystub from those who work

on the Island but are not residents.

“We’re a faith-based charity, we’re not government-based. It’s not like we’re trying to challenge anyone. It really is a mission to provide support to those who live on the Island or work on the Island. We don’t turn anyone way,” Brennan said, noting that pantry clients include some of the live-aboard boaters in Bradenton Beach.

Once registered, a weekly appointment is scheduled to visit the food pantry and select your groceries. Located across the street from the church, the pantry opens at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and remains open until all appointments are met. Plans are also being made to extend the hours of operation to better serve those who don’t get out of work until later in the day.

The food pantry also provides an opportunity to volunteer or make donations. As chair, Brennan organizes 24 volunteers. Using monetary contributions, he also does the food shopping based on what’s needed beyond the donated items.

“The community can help us by donating non-perishable food and drinks, paper goods or monetary gifts,” he said.

Donations can be made at the food pantry on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. until close and anytime during normal church business hours at the administration building. Inside the administration building is a Publix grocery cart to place your donated items.

Brennan said the food pantry recently saw an immediate increase in demand after the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce distributed an email promoting those services.

The chamber email also helped increase donations.

“We had a bank manager – Janet Miller from the Fidelity Bank in Bradenton – who spoke to her boss who told her to do what she could to help.

She bought four boxes of food and also donated a $100 Publix gift card,” Brennan said.

Assisting the community is nothing new for the Roser Food Pantry.

“The Roser Food Pantry started off as a closet in the church sanctuary 13 or 14 years ago. Church members Pam and Major Leckie got involved a couple years later and encouraged the church to donate the location across the street,” Brennan said.

For more information, visit RoserChurch.com and click on “missions.”

Wine Special

5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 778-5788 hurricanehanks.com

Rawson’s Retreat Cabernet Sauvignon ŪƐƓĺƖƖ ņ 0o Ѵ; Ŗ Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Noir ŪƐƑĺƖƖ ņ 0o Ѵ; Ŗ * until September 30, 2018 or while quantities last with dine-in purchase of two entrees.

See us for full details.

12

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

OVERLOOKING ANNA MARIA SOUND

Live the

Lifestyle at One Particular Harbour

Try the Margaritaville Lifestyle Before You Buy!

Introducing One Particular Getaway

• GD\V QLJKWV LQ D ZDWHUIURQW KRPH DW 2QH 3DUWLFXODU +DUERXU • Full access to resort recreation • 8VH RI 0DUJDULWDYLOOH EHDFK FUXLVHU GXULQJ \RXU VWD\ • $QG PRUH

Only $229*

Purchase a One Particular Harbour home and your trip is on us!*

$Q QD 0 DU LD – Vote d To ΖV OD QG p 10 Be ach

Su ns et Vi

ew s

0D ULQD 'L QLQ J Entert ain me nt

MOVE-IN READY WATERFRONT RESIDENCES FROM THE HIGH $400s Sheltered from the wind, there’s a private island paradise waiting for you to come ashore... where island-styled UHVLGHQFHV RÎ? HU VWXQQLQJ VXQVHW YLHZV D GHHSZDWHU PDULQD SURYLGHV GLUHFW DFFHVV WR WKH *XOI RI 0H[LFR DQG GRFNVLGH GLQLQJ DQG ERDW GULQNV DUH VHUYHG ZLWK D OLFHQVH WR FKLOO +XUU\ EHIRUH WKLV RQFH LQ D OLIHWLPH RSSRUWXQLW\ VDLOV DZD\

Brand New Vacation Homes • Short-Term Rental Opportunity • Florida’s Last Private Island

For more information, call today!

877-542-0822 | OPHMintoUSA.com 12300 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209

*Price excludes taxes. Costs of trip including airfare and expenses will be reimbursed up to $500 at closing. Purchase must be made within 90 days of One Particular Getaway visit. Receipts for airfare and expenses must be submitted in order to be reimbursed for exact expenditures. The reimbursement cost is not to exceed $500.

This material shall not constitute a valid off er in any state where prior registration is required. The facilities and amenities described and depicted are proposed, but not yet constructed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifi cations, prices and features depicted by artists’ renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. Š Minto Communities, LLC 2018. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. One Particular Harbour and the One Particular Harbour logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affi liates. CGC 1519880. 9/2018. MOPH-005511

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

THE SUN

13

Red tide update

BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

Red tide is lessening off Anna Maria Island, according to the most recent report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Red tide is a type of algae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and shorebirds that feed on affected fish, red tide makes shellfish unfit to eat and can cause respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or other respiratory diseases.

The Aug. 31 report showed medium levels of red tide at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria, low levels at Longboat Pass in Bradenton Beach and none at the Palma Sola Bay bridge, down from high levels at all three locations as of the FWC's Aug. 29 report.

The Aug. 31 report also shows that red tide levels dropped by as much as 25 percent the week of Aug. 25-31 compared to the previous week of Aug. 18-24.

Red tide was detected in Manatee County in background to medium concentrations, an improvement from the previous report, which noted high concentrations of the

CINDY LANE | SUN

Birds are back on the beach on Anna Maria Island as the red tide lessens. marine algae in Gulf waters.

The report notes that respiratory irritation was reported from Aug. 23-30 at Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach. The last report-

ed fish kill in Manatee County was horseshoe crab and blue crab on Aug. 28 at Longboat Pass in Bradenton Beach.

Aerial surveys from Pinellas to Charlotte

counties, including Manatee, also indicated the presence of offshore blooms of the marine cyanobacterium, Trichodesmium, which is not dangerous to humans or animals.

SOURCE: FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

14

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

Make Lunch the Best Part of Your Day. Don’t settle for ordinary when you can enjoy chef inspired features like a crispy Soft Shell Crab Sandwich, Thai Lettuce Wraps or tasty Fish Tacos. Take a break and join us for lunch.

Make it the best part of your day with good food, great friends and a fabulous gulf front view.

open daily 12pm. / 400 feet south of the Cortez Bridge on the Gulf

BeachHouseDining.com

$10 OFF WHEN YOU SPEND $30 $10 OFF it’s our way of saying thanks for being a local customer.

Come in for lunch or dinner, bring the coupon, spend $30 and you’ll get an instant $10 off. The coupon is good for drinks, food and merchandise. Open daily 12pm.

on any purchase of $30 or more

Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. No cash value. Applies to a single total purchase. Valid at all three restaurants. Limit one per customer per purchase. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires 10/7/18.

Code: Summer

Sandbar Seafood & Spirits

The Deck at the Beach House Waterfront Restaurant

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub

Anna Maria Island 941.778.0444 SandbarDining.com

Bradenton Beach 941.779.2222 BeachHouseDining.com

North Longboat Key 941.383.2391 MarVistaDining.com

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

THE SUN

15

RED TIDE: Offsestting effects FROM PAGE 1

been doing OK. I was asking around the Island, and it seems this weekend everybody’s had a little boost in sales,” said Brad Lisk, bartender at D Coy Ducks in Holmes Beach.

“Business is picking up. It’s nowhere near last year’s Labor Day weekend yet, but we’re running Maine lobsters for $14.99 to help bring guests into our restaurants. Our staff really appreciates the guests coming in, and they’re hanging in there,” said John Horne, president of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar in Bradenton Beach.

“Business was good yesterday, but it’s still down over 25 percent for September. We’re having all-you-can-eat snow crab today, and it’s beautiful out,” said Bob Slicker, general manager of the Swordfish Grill in Cortez.

“The weekend has seen a good turnout with positive vibes. The employees are feeling nervous about what the next few months will hold during a slower season with red tide and all the media coverage. We are doing creative promos and specials to bring locals and tourists in and the locals are providing positive support,” said Scott Lubore, owner of the Freckled Fin in Holmes Beach.

“Our week leading up to Labor Day weekend was down about 25 percent over last year, but the good news is through two days of the holiday weekend we’re flat in

our year-over-year comparison. We’re seeing people and their feedback has been positive about how clean the beaches are and no red tide smell. I had to lay off three part-time associates last week. Hopefully that will be temporary. My full-time associates took an extra unpaid day off last week and will again this week,” said Brian Seymour, owner of the Anna Maria General Store.

“We had lots of cancellations prior to the weekend because people were reacting from the two weeks prior, but we had a handful of check-ins. Everyone’s supporting each other and keeping spirits up as they know this is out of their control. I just hope business picks up soon, so we can keep the wheels on the bus turning,” said Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan.

“Business was very quiet until Saturday and Sunday. This weekend we had a lot of Florida visitors. My sales are way down compared to last year, and all the businesses are struggling,” said Gayden Shell, owner of The Uptown Lot in Bradenton Beach.

“Business is better and the staff’s morale is swinging upward,” said Kit Bradman, general manager of Island Time Bar & Grill and Bridge Street Bistro in Bradenton Beach.

“We had our best Friday and Saturday in what feels like a month. Our employees have been hurting deeply in their pockets.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Waterfront restaurant in Anna Maria is one of many Island businesses being impacted by the red tide.

Hopefully some good publicity and the red tide passing will bring business back to our beautiful Island and help return us to normal,” said Doreen Flynn, manager of Drift In in Bradenton Beach.

“The red tide’s been a lot better the last few days. Today was pretty good. The week was spotty: one day would be good and the next day it wouldn’t. Hopefully it’s on upswing,” said Karen Bell, owner of the Starfish Co. Market & Restaurant in Cortez.

“The fish house has been fine. The guys have been fishing more to the north and the offshore guys aren’t really effected,” she said of the AP Bell Fish Co. “We’re hanging in there. The special we

ran this week helped get our locals out and they’ve been so supportive and generous.

We were able to open the outside seating again on Friday. It’s not been as busy as usual for Labor Day weekend, but there’s definitely been an increase so we’re staying positive and optimistic,” said Staci Stern, bartender at Tide Tables in Cortez.

“We had a great weekend. It’s been a little slower than normal, but’s always slow this time of year. Our employees could use a few more shifts, but everyone is hanging in there – and our winter friends will soon be coming back,” said Adam Ellis, owner of the Blue Marlin Grill in Bradenton Beach.

16

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Nice weather More than two dozen people attended the Cortez Picnic at the Cortez Cultural Center Saturday to talk and look over the center. J.B. Crawford was there to autograph copies of his book “Cortez Village,� and visitors enjoyed the food and shopping in the Cultural Center. Rain spoiled a previous picnic on June 30. But the weather Saturday allowed the visitors to enjoy themselves in the back porch of the building and under a tent in the back yard.

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

THE SUN

17

PIER: FEMA offers $1.37 million

NC

ES

The tenant’s contribution will be used for interior buildout of the restaurant and bait shop.

Current pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder’s lease with the city expires in December 2020. He and Murphy have engaged in productive preliminary discussions but Schoenfelder had not yet committed to assisting with the pier funding and extending his lease. If Schoenfelder and the city cannot come to terms, a new tenant will be sought.

RIE

The mayor also presented the commission with a pier funding update. In addition to the FEMA money, the city has already secured $1.5 million dollars in a Tourist Development Council recommendation for County Commission approved resort tax revenues, $330,000 in County Commission approved surplus beach concession revenues, $750,000 from the Florida Legislature

and $650,000 from the city’s general fund.

Commissioner Brian Seymour noted the pier demolition cost approximately $750,000 and that leaves $4.4 million to build a new pier – a pier that includes a restaurant and bait shop at its T-end.

Murphy said the only amount listed in his revenue projections that has not been secured is the $500,000 he hopes to get from the pier tenant.

“I had always projected $500,000 from the tenant, whether it’s the current tenant or a new tenant,” he said.

XPE

PIER REVENUE SOURCES

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Hurricane Irma ripped the roof off the pier bait shop in September 2017

sta lE

on track for a December 2019 completion date.

Murphy originally anticipated construction beginning in September, but he and the commission have not yet selected a pier construction firm. After recently rejecting the first two bids received because the bids were too high, a modified request for proposals is supposed to be issued this week.

Murphy said he expects the second round of construction bids to be submitted to the city by the end of September.

Murphy praised City Clerk LeAnne Addy for working on the FEMA funding for the past nine or 10 months.

“They lost all of our paperwork at one point. We’ve been showing records and we’ve been negotiating, and LeAnne has done a sterling job with bringing us to the point where we are today,” Murphy said.

IQU EC oa

tively attributed to the hurricane. Scouring is erosion caused by moving water.

“I would have difficulty saying there was no scouring of the pilings prior to the hurricane,” Murphy said.

“If we challenge it, we go back to the steps we were in before – negotiating, getting engineers’ estimates and providing more information as to what we’re challenging,” Murphy said.

“If you accept this, they go on and complete the formalized offer. At that point, we could begin our construction. Until we get the formal offer back from FEMA, we can’t start that construction,” he added.

Murphy said it would take approximately 30 days to formalize the FEMA offer.

The state of Florida must also concur with the FEMA recommendation that also has to be presented to the Congressional Budget Committee because the funding request exceeds $1 million.

“They have to allocate the money to give us the resources to start the pier,” Murphy said.

“The bottom line is if you vote today to accept this offer, my estimate is that in the late October-early November time frame we could begin driving piles,” Murphy said, noting this would still keep the pier project

UN

FROM PAGE 1

Waterfront Dining & Boaters Welcome Home of RumDay Monday

Sustainably-Sourced Seafood

FOR FULL MENU OF OFFERINGS VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

Sun site attacked STAFF REPORT

If you had trouble accessing The Sun’s website last week, blame cybercriminals.

Hackers using computers in Russia, Ukraine, Pakistan, Brazil, Great Britain, the U.S. and elsewhere launched a Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) cyberattack on amisun.com on Aug. 25.

The local weekly’s website is viewed internationally, with high readership in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Germany and Brazil, all primary feeder markets for tourism to the area.

The attacks began about the same time that an update on red tide was published on Aug. 25, attracting the attention of Google, which promoted the story. Nearly 20,000 users quickly visited the website, many clicking through from The Sun’s Facebook page, facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun. The high numbers in themselves were not a red flag, said Cindy Lane, The Sun’s digital editor, explaining that even higher numbers were reached during Hurricane Irma a year ago, when the website was just a few weeks old, and red tide has recently proven to be of international interest.

But the initial trouble with the site that at first appeared innocuous quickly escalated. The Sun was attacked more than 1.5 million times in less than a day.

The Sun and Nova Network took immediate measures to defend the site, gradually restoring it to full capacity on Aug. 30.

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH

Cybercriminals organize computers around the world to access websites thousands of times until the sites are overwhelmed, keeping users and even web administrators from accessing the sites, said Peter Langlois, CEO of Crystal River-based Nova Network.

It’s impossible to know the motivation for the attack with certainty, but hackers are known for wanting to shut down content.

There’s not a global appreciation of the First Amendment freedom of the press, Langlois said, adding that motivations could range from business owners who do not want red tide information published, to people who stood to gain financially or get ‘vengeance,’ to a random user with a grudge against Google, which picked up the story.

The website publicized The Sun’s statewide First Amendment Defense award from the Florida Press Association in August.

“We are in a global economy,” Langlois said. “Even though The Sun is local, it is international. And even though it is a weekly print edition, its online impact is immediate.”

Google analytics show that The Sun has increased its online readership more than 10 times since launching a year ago, which Langlois attributed to “timely, relevant coverage of issues that have a regional or larger meaning,” such as red tide.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Veterans Day Parade scheduled The city of Anna Maria will host its second annual Veterans Day parade and ceremony on Monday, Nov. 12. The parade will start at 1 p.m. and travel from the intersection of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue down Pine to City Pier Park where the veterans’ ceremony will take place under the shade sail structure. The ceremony will end around 2:15 and be followed again by a free ice cream social at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum.

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM IN THE MEMORIAL CHAPEL or 10:00 AM IN THE SANCTUARY Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service

10:00 AM Nursery & Church School 8:45 AM Adult Sunday School 9:00 AM Adult Book Study

A NON-DENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria

18

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

19

SUBMITTED | MOBILE MUTTLEY’S

Local residents Thomas Pechous and Tracey Thrall, along with architect Jeff Conner, are working to bring bicycle share docking stations like these to various Island locations, if they receive approval from the three city commissions.

Locals present bike share option to city commissioners A new form of transportation may soon be coming to the three Island cities in the form of a bike share program.

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

HOLMES BEACH – A new way to combat traffic on Anna Maria Island is being proposed by a couple of locals who want to install bicycle share docking stations where people can rent a bicycle using an app and leave it at any docking station that’s convenient for them.

Tracey Thrall, speaking on behalf of himself and business partner Thomas Pechous, made an informal presentation to Holmes Beach commissioners during an Aug. 28 meeting. Thrall introduced commissioners to the idea of the bicycle share program dubbed Mobile Muttley’s.

The program would feature concrete pads with locking bicycle docking stations located throughout the city and eventually the Island. Residents and visitors alike would be able to rent a bicycle from any of the docking stations where one was available, take it for a spin and return it to any Island docking station that’s convenient for them.

Because the docks lock, Thrall said it would help to reduce instances of bicycles being left in roads, across sidewalks or on private property where they’d have to be collected and returned potentially by local law enforcement. He also said the business wouldn’t need a storefront and wouldn’t be selling any

products. Instead, the business would be run from home with off-site storage and maintenance locations.

Proposed locations in Holmes Beach include the Island Branch Library, the Manatee Public Beach, near the intersection of Marina, Palm and Key Royale drives, across from Haley’s Motel, at city field, near the city tennis and basketball courts and at any trolley stops were enough space for the facility is available. Thrall said they have not presented their project to Bradenton Beach or Anna Maria commissioners. He added that a goal of the project is to not add to impervious space on the Island.

“I feel passionate about this because I feel it’s something that’s good for the community,” he said.

Commissioner Judy Titsworth said she had no problems personally with the idea of a bicycle share program, but a docking station couldn’t be placed at the city field complex because of deed restrictions. However, a minor site plan amendment would likely have to be approved at each location where a docking station was erected. For the station at the Manatee Public Beach, the business owners also would have to receive approval from Manatee County commissioners, she said.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said that she would hesitate to allow the docking stations to be placed along the city’s right of way due to space and liability concerns. If Mobile Muttley’s is allowed to put their docking stations in the right of way, Petruff said it could be difficult to refuse the next person who wanted SEE BIKE SHARE, PAGE 29

20

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

21

22

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

Reel Time on the road

St. Mary’s and Cumberland Island, Georgia Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

T

his past week I had the pleasure of an adventure to coastal Georgia when I accompanied my wife to a Tai Chi workshop in St. Mary’s Georgia. St Mary’s is the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore the state’s largest barrier island. I trailered my boat so I could explore the island and surrounding marshes as well as the ocean where I had heard of plentiful schools of redfish, tarpon, sharks and Jack crevalle.

Cumberland island is a true national treasure. The island is home to over 9,800 acres of congressionally designated wilderness, including pristine maritime forests, wide marshes and close to 18 miles of undeveloped beaches. Over the years it has been home to native Americans, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and wealthy industrialists.

One of the Island’s landmarks is Dungeness (now a ruin) which dates back to 1729. The last owners were the Carnegies, who built a 59-room mansion that was destroyed by fire in 1959.

After her husband’s death, Carnegie’s wife, Lucy, built the island’s other landmark

structures called Greyfield, Plum Orchard and the Stafford Plantation for her children. At one time the Carnegies owned 90 percent of the Island. Today visitors can access the island by ferry for a day visit from the Parks headquarters in St Mary’s. Visitors can also arrange to camp there in one of five designated camping areas.

We stayed at the Spencer House Inn Bed and Breakfast in St. Mary’s, a historic hotel that dates back to 1872. Hosts Mary and Mike Neff were the perfect hosts catering to our every need. Their hotel was the perfect mix of history and convenience and made a conSEE REEL TIME, PAGE 23

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

The Dungeness Ruins looking north west to the Cumberland River and King’s Bay.

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

THE SUN

23

The key to good fishing is finding clean water CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

As most of you already know, we are having a severe and extensive red tide, although it is showing signs of improvement in some areas. Fortunately, the Florida FWC has enacted a temporary modification of regulations for reds and snook in the areas affected by the recent red tide. The area extends from a line in Manatee County from Emerson Point west to Bean Point and continuing west to the Hillsborough County line, south to the south bank of Gordon Pass in Collier County.

Reds and snook will be catch and release only until at least Oct. 12 to allow a stock assessment to be completed before determining if the action will be rescinded or extended. Full details, including exact boundaries can be found at http://myfwc. com/media/4483041/eo18-38.pdf . Personally, I wish spotted sea trout would have also been included, especially breeders over 20 inches, but I applaud them

for taking this action to protect our fishery.

That being said, September is usually one of my favorite months, although this is not a normal September. Reds should be schooling on shallow grass flats, and you also might find big trout there at first light. Baitfish along beaches will attract Spanish mackerel, false albacore (little tunny), sharks, tarpon and more.

You should find snook around docks and bridges in the ICW. There should also be tarpon around bridges at night and in areas of Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. Juvenile tarpon from 10 to 30 pounds should be a good option in creeks and canals.

All of this depends on how quickly the red tide clears up.

The key to good fishing this September will be finding clean water that is unaffected by red tide. There are some areas that are unaffected, and fish will may concentrate in those areas. Red

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Jon Johnston, from Pennsylvania, had good action catching and releasing snook on flies while fishing dock lights recently with Capt. Rick Grassett. tide normally doesn’t blanket an entire area, it is patchy and changes from day to day and even tide to tide. It doesn’t do well in fresh water, so areas where fresh water is flowing out of creeks and rivers should be a good option.

I did some scouting this week

in advance of an upcoming trip and had decent action catching and releasing 7 or 8 snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly, fishing dock lights in the ICW. Jon Johnston, from Pennsylvania, fished the same area with me on Saturday morning. He had great action catching and

releasing numerous snook to 24 inches also on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. After a tide change snook started feeding on shrimp, so we switched to a Shrimp Gurgler fly and caught a few on top. Great to see snook plentiful and actively feeding.

Catch and release snook fishing around dock lights and bridges and trout, blues and more on deep grass flats should be good options if the water is clean in those areas. There should be some tarpon in upper Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay. Juvenile tarpon in canals and creeks may also be a good option, if you can find them.

You might also find them in a few places mixed with snook in dock lights.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation.

Please limit your kill; don’t kill your limit.

REEL TIME: On the road FROM PAGE 22

vert of me. I had spent very little time in B&Bs over the years, but both Chris and I were charmed during our visit.

The hotel is within walking distance of St Mary’s historic waterfront and the docks of the Cumberland Island Ferry.

I kept my boat attached to my truck and was only blocks from the boat ramp. We arrived two days before my

wife’s workshop. This gave us some time to explore the marshes that surround Cumberland as well as take some evening strolls around St Mary’s charming waterfront and its pleasant park. The town is also home to some excellent restaurants and is famous for its local seafood, especially shrimp.

In addition to water adventures, we took a trip to the nearby 500-acre

THE BEST INCENTIVES HANDS DOWN FOR 2019 MODELS A LIMITED TIME OFFER

Crooked River State Park. The park has wonderful facilities, trails, camping and cabins and a boat ramp on Crooked River. During our visit we enjoyed a hike on the apply named Semprevirens (Latin, ever-living) Trail which winds its way along the marsh, through old growth hardwood forests and over ancient Indian shell middens.

While Christine went to her work-

Are Back!

shop, I was left to explore the area. In those three days I was introduced to some of the area’s excellent fishing for redfish in nearby St Simons with Captain David Edens, a fellow FFI certified fly-casting instructor. I would also spend a day in the marshes on the east side of Cumberland Island and another along the beach chasing sharks and tarpon.

6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key | 941-383-1311

cannons.com

24

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

Noise lawsuit lands in limbo

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

BRADENTON – A lawsuit alleging tortious interference with two vacation rental homes owned

by Shawn and Jennifer Kaleta against neighboring property owners Richard and Marjorie Motzer has been dismissed by a Manatee County Circuit Court judge without prejudice.

Twelfth judicial circuit court Judge Lon Arend dismissed the case after hearing an argument from attorney Anthony Manganiello asking for the Kaletas to prove that the Motzers had placed numerous phone calls the Holmes Beach Police Department to report noise at two neighboring properties used as short-term properties.

According to HBPD records, while a couple of calls were identified as being made by the Motzers, the vast majority of the calls were listed as anonymous. The records show that while many calls were made, none resulted in a ticket

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Judge Lon Arend hears an argument from attorney Aaron Thomas to reject a motion to dismiss the case against the Motzers filed by the Kaletas over phone calls to the HBPD reporting noise at two vacation rental properties. from officers, though in each instance, officers did visit the rental property to warn the occupants that a complaint had been made.

Manganiello said that in order for the interference case to stick against the Motzers, the Kaletas would have to show where existing renters canceled their plans to visit one of the vacation rental

properties, either 302 55th Street or 5501 Holmes Boulevard.

Arend said he too was concerned with the lack of specifics in the case filed by attorney Aaron Thomas on behalf of the Kaletas.

He agreed to allow Thomas to refile the case within 10 days for future consideration.

WHEN YOU THINK FANS, THINK DAN'S!

DAN'S FAN CITY LARGEST SELECTION OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR FANS ANYWHERE! TORNADO

DESIGN

Gotta dance

Island resident Connie Kihm (second from right) dances the hula for fun and fitness.

Dancing with a performance group, Aloha Stars, www. facebook.com/StarfireTapCo, these women entertain civic groups, retirement homes, festivals and local markets.

Adult classes in hula, tap or jazz are available from beginner to performance.

Watch the dancers at their Fall Preview Show at Bella Danza Dance Academy, 5917 Manatee Ave. on Sept. 15 at 5 p.m., or call 727-709-0199.

CONNIE KIHM | SUBMITTED

MARINE GRADE S316 STAINLESS STEEL

YOUR FAN

ASK US HOW

OR SEE OUR

RAINDANCE

Direct Water Contact 30 Year Warranty 45 Stores Nationwide Parts, Services & Open 7 Days A Week Installation Available Locally Owned and Operated ¡ Fan Experts For Over 35 Years

Bradenton

1808 Cortez Road

755-3262

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

CLEANUP: Canal cleaning revisited

Bridge maintenance may slow traffic Crews will be working on the Anna Maria Island Bridge along State Road 64 may cause overnight lane closures from Sunday, Sept. 16, through Thursday, Sept. 20; from 9 p.m. each night to 5 a.m. each morning. Expect intermittent lane closures, use caution and expect possible delays.

FROM PAGE 3

“We were relying on this contractor to remove large mats of floating rotting fish in canals and boat accessible shorelines. By midday Friday they had worked through the existing large contiguous masses mostly within the areas of Coral Shores, Bowlees Creek, and Trailer Estates.

With the lack of accessible floating masses and fish rotting to the extent that they could not effectively be removed via the nets, I made the decision that this waterside approach was no longer an effective or wise use of funds at over $25k per day. I did this after a report from the helicopter survey on Friday of no more significant floating masses in the bay and speaking with Ed (Hunzeker) and Dan (Schlandt),” Moore’s email said.

On Aug. 21, county commissioners amended the fiscal year budget and appropriated $750,000 in county funds for red tide response. In turn, the county has a received a funding commitment for a $750,000 FDEP grant.

During the press conference, Hunzeker said the cleanup costs were $250,000, but he provided no details.

Azzara said later that figure included APTIM’s fees, overtime pay for county employees and other costs associated with the county’s red tide response.

CANAL CONDITIONS

A Wednesday, Aug. 29, visit to the Coral Shores neighborhood on

25

Know the score

SUBMITTED

The county placed this dumpster in the mainland Coral Shores neighborhood.

Cortez Road revealed only small amounts of dead fish and horseshoe crabs floating in the canal ends. Two weeks ago, those canal ends were filled with dead and rotting fish, and the smell was nearly unbearable.

A dumpster had been placed along the main entry road, accompanied by a sign that said, “Fish Disposal Only.” A peek inside the dumpster revealed no dead fish.

A visit to the neighboring Mt. Vernon community revealed similar canal conditions.

On Sunday, Coral Shores resident Lindy Gallagher said she didn’t see dead fish in her canal, but black algae had appeared. Resident Kelly Strom said there a bad odor in the

air, and she was seeing sheets of green algae floating in the canal.

An Aug. 29 visit to a residential canal at 20th Place North in Bradenton Beach revealed a bayside canal end covered with sea grass, dead fish, eels and horseshoe crabs, with flies and maggots congregating on the decomposing marine life.

One block over, the 21st Place North canal contained only a few floating fish and crabs.

When contacted, County Commissioners Carol Whitmore and Steve Jonsson said they were not aware of APTIM doing any work along the Island shorelines, and Whitmore said none of the Island mayors requested assistance.

You could be alerted to possible stroke or other health problems by taking Prevention Plus Stroke and Vascular Screening offered on Thursday, Sept. 13, at The Center, 407 Magnolia, Anna Maria. The screenings are being offered at reduced prices.

They include stroke/carotid ultrasound for $40, abdominal aortic aneurysm for $40, arterial disease test for $40, thyroid ultrasound for $40, abdominal ultrasound for $95 and heart scan-echocardiogram for $95 or all six tests for only $179. Blood tests, liver, cholesterol, PSA and TSH tests are also available. To register, call 888667-7587.

Dining out benefits PTO Columbia restaurant, located at 411 St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, is donating five percent of total bills to a charity of the customer’s choice during the month of September, if the customer requests it.

The Anna Maria Elementary School’s PTO is requesting parents and AME supporters remember them and request that the money goes to the them to help fulfill the PTO’s mission of supporting and enhancing the learning environment at the school.

26

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

Tree talks turn to property owner rights Holmes Beach commissioners are eager to enact an ordinance to protect large trees within the city but they want to make sure they’re not infringing on property owner rights.

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

HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners want their grand tree ordinance, currently in the draft phase, to move forward, but they don’t want to step on property owners’ toes.

Commissioner Rick Hurst said he’s glad the new draft of the ordinance allows people to beautify their properties without retribution from the city but is concerned about wording that might preclude a property owner from being able to take down a tree considered a grand tree to put in something like a pool or a circular driveway simply because one hadn’t been previously installed on the property.

“I have a hard time telling people they can’t do reasonable things with their property,” Hurst said.

City Planner Bill Brisson said what projects property owners can remove a grand tree for fall under what is

considered reasonable use. Brisson defined reasonable use as something that would commonly be present at the property, a definition that swimming pools fall under in Holmes Beach. However, he said it would be up to the property owner to make a case for why the improvement or change to the property requiring tree removal is needed.

For when trees are removed with permission, City Attorney Patricia Petruff suggested commissioners consider what kinds of trees should be planted elsewhere on the property to help recover the lost tree canopy or provide property owners with the option to instead donate a certain amount to a tree fund, which would pay for the purchase and placement of trees throughout the city in public or city-owned spaces.

Grand trees are deemed so by size, age and species of the tree. Native trees and those deemed desirable by the city with wide trunks and those with multiple trunks but that provide a large canopy area.

Petruff said with the definitions in the draft ordinance, she could only see grand trees being removed if they threated an existing structure, such as the foundation of a house or a driveway.

“There’s a line to be drawn,” she said.

Commissioner Jim Kihm said he wanted to find a workable ordinance that gives residents the community they envision without sacrificing the rights of property owners. Part of the responsibility, he said, falls to property owners because any tree that would be considered a grand tree is already existing and would have been on the property at the time of purchase.

Commissioner Pat Morton said he’s concerned with the amount of trees the city has lost over the past 25 years and wants to get an ordinance in place to keep from losing more to development.

Commissioner Judy Titsworth said she’s concerned that if the city mandates certain trees are planted on the property to take the place of a grand tree that the new trees will just be cut down after the property passes inspection by the building department. She said she wants to find a compromise that works for both the city leaders and the property owners.

“This is a tough decision for us,” she said.

The ordinance remains in draft form and conversations are expected to continue at a future work session.

HBPD readies to rock city field with National Night Out The third annual National Night Out is coming to Holmes Beach city field from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, and the Holmes Beach Police Department is looking for community sponsors to help make this year’s event even more of a success than in past years.

Donations being sought include beverages, bicycles, school supplies, backpacks and funds to cover items that aren’t donated for the event. Sponsors also are being sought to provide food, snacks, beverages, bounce houses, slides and other games suitable for chil-

dren. To donate funds by check, make them payable to The Police Special Projects Fund.

To donate, volunteer or for more information, contact Sgt. Vern McGowan or Officer Josh Fleischer at 941-778-2677 or watch@holmesbeach.org.

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

THE SUN

TURTLE TIPS

SEA TURTLE CONSERVANCY | SUBMITTED

Where’s Bortie?

Still ranking 11th in a field of 13, loggerhead sea turtle Bortie continues to paddle off Everglades National Park in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 11th Annual Tour de Turtles. Bortie has traveled 74 miles since the race began on Aug. 1. The event is part of the organization’s research project tracking satellite-tagged turtles to determine where and how far they migrate. Bortie was satellite tagged and released on Coquina Beach on June 19, and is sponsored by the Conservancy, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Waterline Marina Resort in Holmes Beach and Bortell’s Lounge in Anna Maria, for which she is named.

Bortie’s nest hatched successfully last month, and was excavated by Turtle Watch volunteers.

During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water.

• Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night.

• Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings.

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.

• Don’t use wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf.

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

• Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404FWCC (3922).

BIRD TIPS During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips:

27

• Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area.

• Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed.

• Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health.

• If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close.

• Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach.

• Keep pets away from bird nesting areas.

• Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife.

• If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888404-FWCC (3922).

NESTING NEWS Turtle nests laid: 530 (all-time AMI record) False crawls: 546 Nests hatched: 340 Not hatched: 44 Nests remaining: 146 Hatchlings hatched: 27,341 (all-time AMI record) Nest disorientations: 35 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

28

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

Why are you moving?

O

ne of the first things we ask when a friend or relative decides to move is, "Why are you moving?" That’s a question that has dozens of answers. None of them are simple, and none of them come without emotional baggage.

Owning a family home especially one where you lived for many years, raised children, hosted parties, holidays and created memories and experiences, may be the most difficult thing we live through. It’s right up here with death and divorce and is frequently combined with these life changing events.

Making selling a home even more complicated is the fact that for most people it’s the biggest financial transaction they will experience in their lives. Emotions and finances meeting at the crossroads of our lives can put us over the edge, but it doesn’t have to.

Planning for a significant life transition is the best advice for selling your home and moving. Plan well in advance, make lists, develop a time line and start throwing out. It

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER also helps if you have a friend or close relative who can give you a hand if needed.

Staying centered and keeping a calm Zen like state of mind will get you through the process when the worst happens, and it will.

Remember why you’re moving, focus on the benefits of the move, financial and emotional.

Is the house too big now that your family has moved on, will the property start needing major upgrades and renovations because of its age that may be more than you want to take on or is it just time to start fresh?

Americans are by nature transient. They move around the country frequently for school, jobs or retirement. For instance.

maybe after living at the beach for years it's time to move inland. We’re seeing quite a bit of that particular transition on Anna Maria Island and other waterfront communities in our area. As new part time residents and investors are purchasing on the Island keeping selling prices up, long time permanent residents are starting to think about moving off.

Some of this transition has to do with the aging of full time Island residents and their homes. New construction is always a draw, especially for retirees, as I have recently heard from many of my friends and acquaintances. In addition, small cities and university communities are a big attraction for retirees.

There has been a fair amount of migration to the Carolinas from Florida residents who want to be closer to families still in the Northeast or looking for a change of temperature from Florida’s warm summers. For instance, cities like Charleston, Charlotte and Ashville offer city life without the city hustle and bustle.

Finally, as stated, a home is most people’s largest investment, so selling it and moving on creates a dollar and cents stress like no other. Government regulations require realtors and closing agents to state clearly in black and white what your closing check will be and any other expenses related to the sale several days ahead of the actual closing.

For many years I worked in real estate corporate relocation in New York, and I can tell you the transition for these families coming from other parts of the country to the suburbs of New York City was staggering. The sticker shock reduced transferees to tears before they even got out of the realtor’s car, and this was even before the cultural differences kicked in.

So, when you make the decision to move after you answer all the questions about why you are moving, start making lists, stay centered, organized and look positively forward to the next of life’ challenges.

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

Rolling With The Tide on Saturday Rolling With The Tide is geared to assist Island businesses impacted by red tide.

THE SUN

29

BIKE SHARE: Option peddled

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

FROM PAGE 19

Rolling With The Tide on a Saturday typical refers to a University of Alabama football game, but this weekend it will take on a different and more localized meaning.

Anna Maria resident and Full Throttle Magazine employee Laurie Jo Higgins has organized the Rolling With The Tide event as a means of encouraging local and regional bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts to visit Anna Maria Island on Saturday, Sept. 8.

The purpose of the event is to support the Island businesses and assist in the ongoing efforts to recover from the financial setbacks created by the red tide that began impacting the Island and its businesses in early August.

Rolling With The Tide will feature a $10 poker run, two bike shows and an Island-wide scavenger hunt.

The poker run will begin at the Anna Maria Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach at 11 a.m. and the last hand will be dealt at 4 p.m. at The Freckled Fin in Holmes Beach.

Proceeds from the poker run will benefit To Inform Families First (TIFF), a statewide program longtime Rod & Reel Pier waitress Christine Olsen initiated after her daughter Tiffany and Tiffany’s boyfriend were killed in a motorcycle accident in 2005. It took more than six hours for Christine to be notified of her daughter’s accident.

“With the support of Florida State Representative Bill Galvano, The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and law enforcement agencies, a voluntary Emergency Contact Information program went into effect on October 2, 2006 in the state of Florida,” says the TIFF website, www.ToInformFamiliesFirst.org.

right of way space approval for a bicycle share or other industry. Before anything is decided about allowing this bicycle share program, Petruff said city leaders should consider creating regulations. With the popularity of bicycle, electric scooter and car shares, among others, rising throughout the county, she said it would only be a matter of time before all of those industries came to the Island.

Commissioner Carol Soustek suggested hosting the discussion at a future commission work session so that there would be an opportunity for a more detailed presentation and discussion among city leaders. She also suggested the Mobile Muttley’s attend the next Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting since the implementation of the bicycle share is planned as an Island-wide project.

TIFF programs have also been established in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio and Tennessee.

There will be a 4 p.m. bike show at the Freckled Fin and an 8 p.m. bike show in the Drift In and Sport’s Lounge parking lot in Bradenton Beach as part of the Full Throttle Magazine party that will conclude the day’s festivities.

For more information, call Higgins at 941-448-5642.

30

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

Amended landscape ordinance coming into bloom Anna Maria’s soon to be amended landscape and tree ordinance will require a certain number of Floridafriendly trees and shrubs.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – With the assistance of Environmental Horticulture Agent Michelle Atkinson, City Commissioners are in the process of amending the city’s landscape and tree ordinance.

Scheduled for first public reading on Thursday, Sept. 13, the amendments to Section 144-420 of the city’s code of ordinances will include the changes the commission members agreed to during their special meeting on Friday, Aug. 31.

The proposed changes will only apply to new residential or commercial construction. The changes will not apply to existing homes and commercial properties.

Instead of requiring 75 percent of the landscaping for a new home to be vegetation that is native to the state of Florida, the the soon to be amended ordinance will apply the broader Florida-friendly designation to the city’s landscaping requirements. Seventy-five percent of landscaping on a newly-developed residential property will have to be Florida-friendly.

The commission wants at least five trees retained or planted per property. The amended ordinance will recommend, but not require, that at least one of those trees be a canopy tree that when fully grown will provide the most amount of shade. At least

1-5 BEDROOMS * CONDOS & HOMES * WEEKLY & MONTHLY FAMILY & PET FRIENDLY

Personalized Property Management!

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Anna Maria Commission is working on an amended landscape and tree ordinance that will apply to new construction only.

three of the trees will have to be canopy trees or medium sized understory trees such as hollys or wax myrtles. The remaining two required trees can be palm trees or some other type of tree that does not produce a lot of shade.

OPPOSITION

Commissioner Amy Tripp opposed the amended tree requirements because she feels those decisions should be made by the property owners.

The amended ordinance will also require a minimum of nine shrubs and at least three different types of shrubs in order

to prevent a monoculture of a singular shrub species.

Commission chair Doug Copeland has been pushing more a stronger tree and landscaping ordinance that will better protect what remains of the city’s tree canopy. Public input will be accepted at the Sept. 13 meeting.

As an agent of the University of Florida IFAS Extension in Manatee County, Atkinson works with landscape professionals and homeowner associations and promotes sustainable landscaping practices that help protect water quality and conserve natural resources.

“The folks at Coastal Cottages are very agreeable and do all they can to meet your needs. We thank them for the part they play in making our stay such a positive experience! Til next year!”

941-567-6253

C O A S TA L C OT TA G E S A M I . C O M

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

START issues call to action

May 2018 tourist tax collections compared to May 2017

Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Manatee County Total*

6% 12% 4% 5%

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto) Manatee County’s 5 percent resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50 percent of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20 percent allocated to beach renourishment. Resort tax increases reflect both increased visitation and improved tax collection efforts. Amounts shown were collected in May and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in June. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www.taxcollector.com/tdt-evader.cfm Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

THE SUN

GUEST COLUMN

The continuing northern advance of the toxic red tide bloom on Florida’s west coast that began last February now stretches from Sanibel Sound to St Petersburg. In its wake, the beaches are piled with dead sea life from fish to sea turtles and manatees.

Beachgoers are a rare sight as people are doing their best to avoid the chronic coughing and running eyes caused by the airborne toxins. Local restaurants and hotels are reporting a 40 percent decline in business. Red tide is now an environmental, social and economic disaster.

Many sea captains and people familiar with the marine environment attribute the longevity and severity of this bloom to the releases of nutrient rich waters from Lake Okeechobee. This obvious source of nutrients is especial-

ly suspicious this year as the west coast is now also getting slimy green algae, a fresh water variety that is a signature of Lake Okeechobee.

For years, environmentalists have advocated for a “Water South” policy that ends the dumping of Okeechobee’s polluted water into our rivers and replaces it with an integrated system that runs it over purchased sugar land through filtering Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs). This approach keeps the nutrient laden Okeechobee runoff out of our waterways and provides a much-needed source of water to the drying portions of the Everglades.

Join START in a call to action to your federal and state representatives to finally address this perennial problem with the necessary infrastructure to stop the problem at its source.

Mike Norman Realty INC

You can reach your federal representatives through their website as follows: Senator Bill Nelson https://www.billnelson.senate.gov Senator Marco Rubio https://www.rubio.senate.gov Congressman Vern Buchanan https://buchanan.house.gov

Your state representatives can be emailed: Senator Bill Galvano Galvano.bill@flsenate.gov Senator Jeff Brandes brandes.jeff@flsenate.gov Senator Greg Steube steube.greg@flsenate.gov Representative Margaret Good Margares.Good@myfloridahouse.gov Representative Jim Boyd Jim.Boyd@myfloridahouse.gov Representative Julio Gonzales Julio.Gonzalez@myfloridahouse.gov

Offering the Best Selection O 800-367-1617 of Sales & Rentals on 941-778-6696 Anna Maria Island 3101 GULF DRIVE Since 1978 HOLMES BEACH

www.mikenormanrealty.com

31

32

THE SUN

ENTERTAINMENT

FAMILY FUN AT THE LIBRARY

At the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach: • Wednesday, Sept. 5, Gulf Coast Writers Club, 12: 45 to 1:45 p.m.

• Thursday, Sept. 6, a veteran’s services professional will be available to help those needing help, 9 to 11 a.m.; Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, 2 to 4 p.m.

• Friday, Sept. 7, Forty Carrots-Partners in Play, 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjongg Club, 1 to 3 p.m.

• Saturday, Sept. 8, Origami Club, 10 a.m. to noon; Lego Club, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Sept. 11, BLOCKfest-Early Learning Coalition 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjongg, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Call the library at 941-778-6341 for more information.

GIVE LIFE

On Sunday, Sept. 9, between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., the Big Red Bus will be in the Roser Memorial Community Church parking lot, across from the Roser Memorial Chapel at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Everyone who donates blood will receive a free limited edition September 11 T-shirt while supplies last.

You may register for a specific time online at www.oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor name Roser Memorial Community Church or just stop by the Big Red Bus in the Roser parking that day.

For more information go to www.roserchurch.com/blood or call the church office at 941-778-0414. For more information about OneBlood go to www.oneblood.org.

LEARNING BOATING COURSE OFFERED

The Anna Maria Sail and Power Squadron hosts America’s Boating Course (ABC), a basic boating course approved by the

U.S. Coast Guard, every Monday and Wednesday for five nights from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. starting Sept., 10, at 1200 71st Street, Bradenton.

This course teaches the skills and knowledge to safely operate a boat. Students will be taught federal and Florida rules and regulations governing boating. Specific topics include required equipment, nautical terms, anchoring, trailering, aids to navigation, VHF radio and personal watercraft (PWC) operation.

Any person born after Jan. 1, 1988, operating a vessel powered by a 10hp or more motor, must possess a Florida Boating Safety Identification Card. Passing this course qualifies for this certificate and card. The cost is $55 per person or $85 for two people sharing one manual. Check or cash, no credit cards. Call 941-383-1269 to register.

TORTOISE TALK AT ROBINSON

The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department presents a program on tortoises on the Valentine House lawn at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, on Wednesday, Sept. 5, from 3 to 4 p.m. as they take their new education tortoise out to graze.

In the wild, foraging is an integral part of a gopher tortoise’s lifestyle, so they encourage it as much as possible. Stop by and say hello, get a chance to meet him up close, and ask any questions you may have. This program is suitable for all ages.

To register or for more information, email amy.may@mymanatee.org or call 941-7425923, ext. 6044.

RELAX AT THE NEST

Join the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department for monthly sunset Tai Chi on Tuesday, Sept 11, from 6 to 7 p.m. on the lawn of the Mosaic NEST, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton. Dr. Brian Nell, a fifth degree black belt in kung fu and a certified Tai Chi instructor, will lead the group through the gentle movements of Tai Chi. This is a great way to shake off the stressful work week. Improve your balance,

loosen your joints, and improve flexibility as you relax and breathe. This class is perfect for beginners and will include an exploration of several different styles of Tai Chi and Qigong. This program is sponsored

by Cypress Pillar Healing Art and is suitable for ages 13 and up.

Call 941-742-5923, ext. 6039, to register.

There is a $5 participant fee payable by cash only.

TALK ABOUT COYOTES

There will be a free community program on coyotes on Tuesday, Sept. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave., N.W., Bradenton. Coyotes can be found throughout Florida and in every state except Hawaii and are well suited to urban and suburban environments.

Staff from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources will be available for questions. This program is offered in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

For questions or more information, contact Erin Struzzieri at erin.struzzieri@ mymanatee.org.

ROSER’S CHILDREN'S CHOIR BEGINS SOON

Joyful Noise, a free after-school community choir for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, begins practicing on Tuesday, Sept. 11, from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. at Roser Community Church 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

Children will learn vocal technique, beginning sight-reading concepts and performance skills. Kristen Stanton, director of music ministries at Roser, is the director.

Van transportation is provided from Anna Maria Elementary, and to the Community Center or the School for Constructive Play afterwards. Snacks are included. Performances are usually once a month and at various community events.

Register online at www.roserchurch.com/ joyful-noise, stop by the Roser Community Church office, call the office 941-778-0414 or email the church at info@roserchurch. com and request a Joyful Noise brochure.

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

NATURE EXPLORE THE NEST

The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department presents NEST Nature Days at the new Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology (NEST) in Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, on Saturday, Sept. 8. From 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m.

Visitors will be free to walk the grounds, explore the canopy boardwalk among the banyans, climb to the top of the crow’s nest, take in panorama views, and make an exciting exit from the building via a slide. Learn about upcoming programs and new additions to Robinson Preserve.

This program is suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information, call 941-742-5923, ext. 6039.

ART THE ARTS IN SEPTEMBER

Carole Dougherty is the September featured artist at Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach, showing her mixed media paintings in a display entitled “Innovations,” through Sept. 30.

Island Gallery West’s regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. through Sat. and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Nov. through the end of April.

Visit www.islandgallerywest.com, Facebook or call 941-778-6648 for updates about the art and 29 artists of the gallery.

During the month of September, the window theme at the Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach will be plants, flowers and gardens, in every form of art. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday.

Follow them on their website, www.amiartistsguildgallery.com or on facebook, https://facebook.com/ArtistsGuildofAMI.

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

OBITUARIES Gerald R. 'Jerry' Kovaleski Gerald R. "Jerry" Kovaleski, of Harvey’s Lake and Anna Maria Island, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2018, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

Born in Kingston on March 21, 1940, he was the son of the late John Kovaleski and Elsie Dombroski Kovaleski.

Jerry was a graduate of Kingston High School and King’s College. He was a member of the King’s College Century Club and worked on the College Telethon for several years. Upon graduation, he was employed by Uarco Business Forms before starting his own company in the area, Basic Business Forms. Jerry was also associated with his wife’s business, Thrifty Beverage in Hanover Twp., prior to her retirement.

BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

8/13, grand theft, Via Roma Resort, 2468 Gulf Drive N. The complainant said she took her jewelry with her on vacation because a neighbor’s house had been burglarized, but when she checked out of her room, she forgot it, and when they searched for it, it was gone.

8/20, grand theft, Runaway Bay, 1801 Gulf Drive N. A motorized bike was stolen from the front of a condo unit.

8/25, battery, Via Roma Resort, 2408 Gulf Drive N. A couple got into an argument over the female inhaling the contents of aerosol computer cleaner. She hit the male in the face. Afterward, she went to the beach, and when officers arrived, they found her unresponsive.

She was taken to the hospital and the male refused to press charges over the battery, so the officer took no further action.

8/27, criminal mischief, 26th Street and Avenue A. The window of a front-end loader was smashed out.

8/28, trespass warning, 107 Gulf Drive N. An intoxicated, homeless man was found sleeping on a trolley bench. He was trepassed and then driven to Cornerstone for treatment.

HOLMES BEACH

8/16, speeding, driving with a suspended

www.amisun.com

Jerry served his country as a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John, Jr. Surviving are his wife with whom he shared 52 years of marriage, the former Rosemarie Smulowitz; sister, JoAnne Demyun, Royersford; brotherin-law, Jack Smulowitz, Harvey’s Lake; nephew and nieces, John and Stacy Smulowitz, Shavertown; Marc and Judy Smulowitz, Harvey’s Lake; Steve Smulowitz, Lausanne, Switzerland; Janci Demyun, Atlanta; and Paul Demyun, Phoenixville; great nieces and nephews, Victoria and Alex Smulowitz and Lindsey and Eric Demyun.

Jerry was always supportive with a smile and a joke to tell. He was there when you needed him for the family, as an uncle and as a good friend. He was an avid fisherman and boater. He enjoyed traveling and loved his yearly fishing trips to Canada with his buddies. He often was affectionately called “The Captain.” Jerry was always seen with his faithful dog, Buddy.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

In accordance with Jerry’s wishes, a private funeral mass was held Wednesday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Victory Church, Harvey’s Lake. Arrangements wereÍ by Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, Inc., Shavertown. license, 600 Key Royale Drive. The officer was running radar checks and he clocked the defendant at 40 mph in a 25 mph zone, He stopped him and found out the driver’s license was suspended. He ticketed the driver for speeding and gave him a notice to appear for the other violation.

8/16, sex offender registration violation, driving without a seatbelt, 700 Manatee Avenue. The officer stopped the driver for not wearing his seat belt. The officer found out there a was a warrant from Michigan for not registering as a sexual offender. There was no extradition order. The driver said a sheriff’s deputy told him he did not have to register in Florida. He was ticketed for the seat belt. The officer found out the sexual offense charge had been dismissed, so he released the driver.

8/17, driving without a valid license, 700 Manatee Avenue. The officer made a computer check of the driver and found out he had no driver’s license.

He was ticketed, 8/21, suspicious circumstances, 5600 block of Guava Street, The complainant said a glass table was shattered and her vehicle had been vandalized recently.

8/23, possession of a small amount of marijuana, 700 Manatee Avenue. The officer clocked the defendant at 50 mph in a 35 mph zone and stopped her. He smelled marijuana as he approached the vehicle and searched the car, finding a bag of marijuana and a grinder.

She was ticketed.

THE SUN

33

SUBMITTED

Celebration of life A celebration of life for the late Star McNabb will be held this Sunday, Sept. 9, from 2 to 6 p.m. at D Coy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. All of Star's friends are invited to come out and share their love and memories of this wonderful person.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR From Page 7 LEGO club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

MONDAY SEPT. 10

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

TUESDAY SEPT. 11

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

BLOCK Fest, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Yoga for Seniors, The Paradise Center, 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, 10 a.m., $10.

Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Sunset tai chi, Mosaic NEST, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6 p.m., $5 cash only. Register to 941-742-5923 ext. 6039.

Let’s Talk Coyotes, Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

941-383-6493.

Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY SEPT. 14

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

Intermediate bridge session, The Paradise Center, 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Alzheimer’s caregiver support group, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

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

SATURDAY SEPT. 15

Give a day with Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon.

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

WEDNESDAY

MONDAY

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon.

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, noon.

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

SEPT. 12

THURSDAY SEPT. 13

Veteran Services Information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Butterfly garden cleanup, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Treetots: Color of Nature, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Reserve to coral.bass@mymanatee.org.

Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, The Paradise Center, 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, 10 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or

SEPT. 17

TUESDAY SEPT. 18

Painting with a fish, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 9:30 a.m., $38.

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

Yoga for Seniors, The Paradise Center, 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, 10 a.m., $10.

Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-649 Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Canine cognition: part two, Mosaic NEST, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6 p.m. Reserve to elena.burke@ mymanatee.org.

34

THE SUN

SPORTS

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

Ugly Grouper Red Team champions

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

The Island’s community center gym was filled with fast paced, wall beating, bouncing ball youth indoor soccer. With six regular season games under their belt, the three teams sponsored by the Ugly Grouper headed into playoff night last Wednesday with Team Blue at the top of the rankings.

Ugly Grouper Team Red and Team White went head-to-head in the first game of the night to decide who survived elimination and play in the championship game.

Consistent with the final season standings, Team Red won the semi-final game.

After a short break in the action, Ugly Grouper Team Blue and Team Red took to the court for the last 40 minutes of play in the season.

Ugly Grouper Team Blue came into the game with the stronger record, but the championship game proved once again that the win could be earned by any team.

Frankie Coleman started off the game with the kickoff back to an Ugly Grouper Team Blue teammate. Team Red’s Gregory Jordan quickly showed the many friends and family in the stands his abilities on the indoor pitch with a shot rocketing to the goal.

Jackson Pakbaz, eldest son of coach Sam Pakbaz, made the first assist to Coleman for the tying goal soon after.

For the first half of the game, the scoring went back and forth, making for an exciting match-up. Key player Anthony Nguyen, for Team Red, put the third point on the scoreboard giving his team a one-point lead.

Pakbaz’s first shot of the night was saved by goalie Harrison Schenerlein. Fighting back the brother Pakbaz scored the second goal for their team with the assist from William and goal by Jackson.

Tied up, Team Red played a strong offensive game with two girls playing in the big game. Ava Harlan and Laila Yavalar covered the entire court, supporting their team on both sides of the bouncy yellow ball.

Nguyen, all by himself with coach Pakbaz trying to get his team to cover him, scored his second goal of the game. He followed up quickly with another shot only to be stopped by J. Pakbaz.

Coleman made a fast paced charge toward the Team Red goal. With strong defense by Payton Harlan, Coleman could not find the net.

Back and forth action with post shots and Schenerlein saves charged the atmosphere with energy.

Playing to the direction and encouragement of Team Red coaches Gary Harlan

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Ugly Grouper Team Red defeated the number one team to take the youth indoor soccer championship Wednesday night. Pictured left to right: coach Kris Yavalar, Gregory Jordan, Anthony Nguyen, Laila Yavalar, Harrison Schenerlein, coach Gary Harlan, Ava Harlan and Peyton Harlan. and Kris Yavalar pushed offensively and attacked defensively with a no quit attitude.

Dribbling through defensive traffic, Nguyen got his hat trick pushing Team Red’s lead up by two points.

Team Blue’s W. Pakbaz and Coleman put the pressure on Jordan blocking his shot and preventing the score. The defense could not stop the offensive assault by P. Harlan and Jordan.

P. Harlan’s shot went just wide of the post, but Jordan’s quick thinking and speed chased down the rebound for the fifth Team Red goal, moving the score to 5-2.

Despite having just played the semi-final game, Team Red showed no sign of fatigue as the first half of the championship game came to a close.

After a great halftime talk by coach Pakbaz, J. Pakbaz came out from behind the boards to stop Nguyen in his tracks.

J. Pakbaz scored on a free kick sparking a fire for Team Blue narrowing Team Red’s lead.

Team Blue’s goalkeeper Michael Coleman saved another missile shot by Nguyen.

His relentless pursuit gave Nguyen another scoring opportunity, this time successful.

Caden Quinby, for Team Blue took the court with a vengeance helping to give his

teammates support as they fought to make a comeback.

Both teams used the boards to move the soccer ball past the immediate defenders.

Jordan took advantage of the indoor rules finding an opening for his second goal in the game, widening Team Red’s lead.

Team Blue’s drive to win continued, and the crowd exploded when J. Pakbaz’s midcourt shot went through the hands and legs of Schenerlein.

Team Red shot another strike for a goal, before F. Coleman fired a shot that went off the back of Yavalar. The team’s MVP J. Pakbaz took another free kick that went past the goalie advancing the score to 8-5.

Minutes later J. Pakbaz hit another goal reducing the deficit for Team Blue by only two points.

The Team Blue defense just could not stop the Team Red offense in the last minutes of the game. Once again not covered, Jordan took the behind the net pass by Nguyen for a goal.

After a brilliant stop by Yavalar on the offensive press by J. Pakbaz, Team Red scored its 10th goal of the game.

Nguyen scored the final goal for his team after a tough possession battle between Jordan and W. Pakbaz.

With the remaining fight in the game, Team Blue’s F. Coleman scored the final goal of the game, capping the score at 11-7, giving he underdog Team Red the championship title.

SUN SCOREBOARD WEDNESDAY, AUG. 29 YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP Ugly Grouper – Blue Team Ugly Grouper – Red Team

THURSDAY, AUG. 30 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER Sato Real Estate (Team Belgium) MAR/KIS Insurance (Team Uruguay) Moss Builders (Team Brazil) Lancaster Design (Team England) Bins Be Clean (Team Sweden) Ross Built Construction (Team Russia)

(5-0-1) 4 (1-3-2) 4 (3-3) 3 (5-1) 5 (0-5-1) 3 (3-3) 6

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

THE SUN

35

Construction time limit proposed Developers will have 15 months to complete their residential construction projects without incurring additional costs.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy, Anna Maria City Commissioners and City Attorney Becky Vose are working on an amended city ordinance and building permitting process that will require developers to complete their single-family residence construction projects within 15 months. A developer who cannot complete a residential construction project in the 15 months provided by the original cityissued permit will have to pay an additional permitting fee or be subjected to a $100 per day fine until the project is completed.

These changes were proposed after some local developers and property owners complained about being hit with additional and unanticipated permitting fees after the former Building Official decided to enforce a previouslyunenforced one-year time limit on construction projects. The fees levied on those builders have waived or refunded.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This custom home on Hammock Circle took four years to build, according to Anna Maria commissioners.

During the commission’s special meeting on Friday, Aug. 31, Mayor Dan Murphy said the ordinance amendments are intended to lessen the impact residential construction projects have on neighboring properties. And it was noted during last week’s meeting that one large home on Hammock Circle took four years to complete.

Once the ordinance is adopted during two public readings, the property owner will be required

to sign a notarized document that states they understand the city’s 15-month building permit allowance and the additional fees or fines that will be incurred if the project is not completed on time.

The amended ordinance will not apply to construction projects that have already been permitted or are in the permitting process.

The ordinance amendments will be further discussed at the commission’s Thursday, Sept. 13 meeting.

Sewer easement dispute continues The lawsuit Manatee County filed against developer Shawn Kaleta and the city of Bradenton Beach last year remains unresolved.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – Judge Lon Arend issued an ordering denying Manatee County’s request for a summary judgement that would have essentially ended in the county’s favor a lawsuit pertaining to a sewer easement dispute.

Arend issued his order on Aug. 22 after hearing the legal arguments for against the summary judgment on Aug. 9.

In August 2017, the county

filed the lawsuit that named developer Shawn Kaleta and the city of Bradenton Beach as codefendants. The county seeks a court order that would prevent the construction of pools and pool decks on three Kaletaowned properties on 11 Street South. At the county’s request, and as a result of the lawsuit, the city has not yet issued Kaleta the building permits he needs to build pools on those properties.

The dispute centers around 40-year-old county sewer line that runs through Kaleta’s properties. The county claims it has an existing utilities easement that requires 10-feet of clearance on each side of the sewer pipe to provide for future maintenance.

Kaleta’s attorney and the attorney representing the city

of Bradenton Beach dispute the county’s claim that those land easements still exist. In 2001, the city vacated to private property owners the city rights of way along Bay Drive South and Anna Maria Sound, from Fifth Street South to 14th Street South. The properties Kaleta now owns on 11th Street South were part of those land vacations. Around that same time, the county’s sewer service agreement with the city expired and it was not renewed until after the rights of way had been vacated, which the co-defendants’ attorney claim resulted in the expiration of the county’s utilities easements on those lands.

Arend’s ruling on the summary judgement means the lawsuit will continue.

36

THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Publisher Alfred 6 Spur to action 10 Mus. key with three sharps 14 Lost cause 15 Overconfident racer of fable 16 Hawaiian island 17 Hawaii or Alaska 18 Oil gp. that includes 57-Down 19 Take a load off 20 Horse sense 23 Pool tool 24 Try to win 25 Colonel Sanders facial feature 28 Main attraction 32 Lab maze navigator 33 Letter flourish 34 “... good witch, __ bad witch?”

35 Angry or achy 36 Test proctor’s reminder 40 Soap units 43 Gold in Granada 44 Semiaquatic salamanders 48 The “A” in “IPA” 49 Hard-boiled genre 52 Like Easter eggs before the hunt 54 Duct opening?

55 Debate side 56 Its measurements include liters and grams 60 Squared up 62 Tax-sheltered plans: Abbr.

63 More than suggest 65 Partial view?

66 Scandinavian lan-

guage 67 Circular 68 Decrease 69 Organic compound 70 Sch. district VIPs Down 1 56-Across wts.

2 On the fence 3 Winning like crazy 4 Korda of ’80s-’90s tennis 5 Library amenity 6 Camera buff, for short 7 Shoots the breeze 8 Utah city near Provo 9 10-point star polygon 10 Main blood vessel 11 Orchestra leader 12 Contented sighs 13 Stick (out) 21 Years and years 22 Word after fuel or fly 23 LP successors 26 Cup handle 27 Season after printemps 29 Erma Bombeck’s “At __ End” 30 Décor choice Answers to 08-29-18 Crossword Puzzle.

31 MLB’s D-backs 35 Editorial “let it stand” 37 Event often visible in the evening sky 38 “__ tu”: Verdi aria 39 Cutting teeth 40 Derisive interjection 41 “Rope-a-dope” boxer 42 Paleo diet protein source 45 Took care of, as a spill 46 Annoy persistently 47 __-cone: summer treat 49 Safety feature at a trapeze school 50 La Brea discovery 51 Wall-climbing plant 53 Slow on the uptake 57 Pakistan neighbor 58 “Duck Dynasty” attire, for short 59 Pants, briefly 60 Flow back, as a tide 61 By way of 64 Ave. and st.

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES. Residential/Commercial/Vacation Rentals & Construction Cleaning.

Also Power Washing, Windows, Paver Sealing & Roof Cleaning.

Ask about your Senior Citizens Discount Call 941-251-5948 or 941565-3931

BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com FACE PAINTER/PORTRAIT ARTIST Island student artist, reasonable price for parties, events, and special portraits. Call/text Lillian 210-380-9691 FREE PANASONIC FAX Machine. Call 941-778-3986 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com

PIERLY MAID CLEANING SERVICE – Two former city pier employees will make your residence, rental, vacation home or business purely shine. Free Estimates. 941-447-2565 or 941-565-0312 KATHY'S QUALITY CLEANING SERVICE: With over 30 years experience . Environmentally Friendly Residential and Commercial Cleaning (Meyers Cleaning Products) Flexible, Friendly and Honest. I clean so you don't have to!

Please call or text for a free estimate: 941-4474660.

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

BOATS: SALES & RENTALS ISLAND BOAT SALES No Listing Contracts, No Time Constraints, No Hassle. “Business On A Hand Shake” We Also Buy Boats. Dave 941-228-3489

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

CLEANING SERVICE TOTAL HOME SERVICE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals.

Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570

THOMPSON CLEANING SERVICE CommercialResidential-Marine.

Island Based Company.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning-Weekly-Occasional.

Call for Free Estimate.

317-908-9483

AMISUN.COM

Call us today! 941-778-3986

COMMERCIAL SALES

WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop with Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage, So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $629,000 RESORT: 13 UNITS $4,999,000 Bradenton Beach. Island Real Estate Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

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

EMPLOYMENT

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCY seeks Full-time Insurance Customer Service Representative with active 4-40 or 2-20 agent license.

Team-oriented insurance professional, who excels in multi-tasking at a fast pace and delivers excellent customer service. Must have 3 years’ experience with independent insurance agency, proficiency working in carrier and agency management systems, current product knowledge, and ability to identify and fulfill clients’ insurance needs, properly placing them in the best position possible, while rounding out the agency’s growing book of business. Email resume and best contact information to brent.moss@ greatflorida.com

FISHING CHARTERS CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured

HAULING SITE CLEAN-UP to trash outs we can handle it all.

Call us for your dumpsters/ trash needs today 941-7538772

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

Neil 941-726-3077

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194

THE SUN

BATH ROOM & KITCHEN REMODELING. Anna Maria Home Accents. 25 years experience. Call 786-318-8585 DECKOUT MASTER CARPENTER Everything Patio & Dock Decking Work Repair, Replace, Maintenance Work, Cleaning, Treatments, New Decks.

Also Handyman/Painting work to home or office.

Call RICHARD Bespoke Service 941-448-3571 Island Resident.

FENCING, CAN'T GET ANYBODY? Wood, Vinyl. New or Repair. Call Richard. Free Estimates.

941-448-3571 Bespoke Services.

LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500

HOME SERVICES HOME REPAIR. Anna Maria Home Accents. 25 years experience. Call 786-318-8585 GK HOME & PERSONAL SERVICES *Homewatch Service *Handyman Service *Landscaping & Irrigation Work *Pre and Post Tenant Cleanouts *Storm Board Up's ANYTHING you need help with give me a call!

Local, Reliable and Professional 508-221-7486 THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com DRYWALL, PRESSURE WASHING, Painting, Handyman, Roofing Coating. Total of 80 years experience.

Call 941-565-9446. Ask for Dave

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 DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 10/10/2018, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FMYU22X1WUB19850 1998 FORD 1FMYU92Z15KB05368 2005 FORD 1FMZU63K93UA82900 2003 FORD 1G8ZK52752Z237164 2002 SATURN 1N4AL21E18C256780 2008 NISSAN 1N4DL01D3YC167480 2000 NISSAN 1N6AD07U87C407832 2007 NISSAN 2D4GP44L84R542922 2004 DODGE 2HGES16571H575428 2001 HONDA 3C4PDCAB9HT637147 2017 DODGE 3FAHP0HA4BR337954 2011 FORD 5XYPG4A31GG152884 2016 KIA JH2MC1305HK200972 1987 HONDA JN8AF5MR8BT017594 2011 NISSAN JTDKDTB32C1020030 2012 TOYOTA KL1TD56607B071599 2007 CHEVROLET WBAET37443NJ33551 2003 BMW

LOST & FOUND LOST WHITE GOLD 18 carat wedding band on Anna Maria Island on beach near Sandbar Restaurant. Call 352-484-4040 if found.

37

LOST ON AMI near the curve at Bradenton beach in the gulf a small red ricoh underwater camera and a size 14 gold wedding band of 25 years. reward if found. Has very sentimental pictures that I cannot duplicate the camera had a half of a lanyard attached to it and on the clip of the lanyard was my wedding ring. Call 205-223-1548 LOST THICK STERLING Silver Ring between the Moose and Beach House Restaurant. Call 941-2431444

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

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

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

941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS”.

Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Paduani Call 941-5659446 or Larry Zimmer 941-224-8123 Licensed & Insured DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096

38

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

PETS

NO NEED FOR Doggie Daycare. I can walk your dog, exercise, Pet taxi to Vet or Groomer. Loving attention. Lots of cuddling. Mary Walsh 941-405-2496

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing.

Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847

PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE & WINDOW WASHING AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing, Roof Cleaning and Windows.

Call 941-251-5948

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

FROM THE LOW $300’s. Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans.

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $209/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com

AMISUN.COM

Call us today! 941-778-3986

{INVESTOR OPPORTUNITY!!} 6BR canal home, approved for 14 guests, in Anna Maria’s quaint shopping area. Restaurants and island beaches just outside your front door! This extraordinary home is also the perfect family getaway and the fisherman’s dream. $2,495,000. Wagner Realty, Karen Day Fineout. 941518-3682 / 800-211-2323. karenfineday@aol.com INCREDIBLE NEW CONSTRUCTION Home on Pine Ave! Prime location to shops, restaurants, bay and beach! $2,400,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 INVESTOR'S DREAM only 4 houses from the beach, adorable 2BR/2BA cottage North End for $629,000. 2017 income=68K CASH FLOWS. Call Kathleen White Island Real Estate at 941-773-0165. AnnaMariaSales.com

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! GROSSING OVER $90K/ YR – 5BR/4BA home with elevator only one block from the beach $1,395,000, Call Erin Heckler Island Real Estate at 941-448-5616 AnnaMariaSales.com LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 26 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

RENTALS: ANNUAL 2BR/2BA CONDO with den, many amenities including pool, clubhouse and covered parking. 2nd floor with golf course view near 43rd St. Some utilities included. &1500/ mo. Last mo. & security required. NO PETS ARE ALLOWED! Condo application required w/ $100 fee. Available 8/15.

Contact Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-737-6320 www. teamduncan.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. BRADENTON: HOUSE in WARE’S CREEK. 2216 8th Ave W. 2BR/2BA, adorable bungalow. Updated kitchen, hard wood floors.

Nice private back yard $1495/mo. First, Last & Security Deposit. Credit check. Call 941-809-2488 for Appointment.

2BR/2BA GROUND LEVEL in the UTC area. $1500.

1st, last, sec dep. 1BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL in Bradenton Beach. $1200 1st, last, sec dep. No Pets. Call A Paradise Realty. 941-7784800 ANNUAL RENTAL 1BR/1BA Large back yard, huge shaded common area.

First, Last & $1000 security deposit. No Dogs $1295/ mo. Call 941-705-7463 BUNGALOW WITH MINILOFT, washer/dryer. Water, Electric included. Pets considered. Steps to Bay & Beach. First, last & $500 deposit. $1295/mo. Call 941-741-1096.

BEAUTIFUL 2BR/2BA CONDO fully furnished second-floor condo in Westbay Point and Moorings.

Boat dock, pool, tennis courts. $1,750/mo annual rental plus security deposit.

Includes all utilities. Rick, owner, 941-795-1471.

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525

SEASONAL RENTALS AVAILABLE: Spring, Summer and Fall. CITY OF ANNA MARIA 2BR/2BA Bay Front.

HOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA 400’ to Gulf Bay. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-778-0426 kringco@ tampabay.rr.com GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190

HOLMES BEACH 1.5 BLOCKS to Beach.

Completely updated 2BR/2BA. Available December 2018 thru April 1, 2019. $4500/mo Nelson & Associates Real Estate. Call 863-6401864

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $65. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere.

Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured

www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 5, 2018

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HAULING

THE SUN

Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 MOVERS

PAINTING

HOME SITTING / PET SITTING HOME IMPROVEMENT

39

TRANSPORTATION

40

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

Vacation Rentals • Sales • Property Management

TeamDuncan.com • 941.779.0304

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216