Anna Maria Island Sun September 8, 2021

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 21 No. 48

September 8, 2021

Piney Point deep water injection well permit issued Manatee County has obtained a draft permit to build a deep injection well to hold contaminated water from Piney Point underneath the Floridan Aquifer.

BY CINDY LANE JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

PALMETTO – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has issued a draft permit for Manatee County to build and test an underground injection well to store contaminated water from Piney Point under the Floridan aquifer, the state’s drinking water source.

The April 20 permit request by the Manatee County Utilities Department is for two wells at 3105 Buckeye Road – an injection well and a monitor well. Under the permit, issued Sept. 1, the injection well would be up to 3,300 feet deep and

Labor Day getaway

SEE PINEY POINT, PAGE 20

CONNOR FIELD | SUN

Despite the threat of COVID-19 and red tide, visitors still flocked to Island beaches for the Labor Day holiday, enjoying sunny skies and clear, blue water. Story on Page 5.

No red tide detected, a first since April

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

Ask for proof of vaccine, get a fine Florida will begin issuing $5,000 fines to schools, businesses and government agencies that require anyone to show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - Florida is poised to begin enforcing the state law banning vaccine “passports” this month, imposing $5,000 fines on schools, government agen-

INSIDE NEWS LETTERS OUTDOORS CASTLES IN THE SAND REAL ESTATE BEACH BEAT CROSSWORD

4 6 18-19 22 22-26 24 29

cies and businesses that require proof of COVID-19 vaccinations.

The law, passed during the spring Legislative session, does not restrict screening protocols if they are consistent with government-issued guidance to protect public health.

“I don’t tell people what to do. If you want to be vaccinated, be vaccinated. If you don’t want to be vaccinated, then don’t. The same goes for wearing masks,” said Susan Chully, owner of Beach Life AMI in Bradenton Beach. “I leave it up to individual people. They know the risks and what’s out there so it’s their call,” added Chully, speaking

of her business policy on employees and customers.

The fines are on a per-instance basis, meaning that asking a single customer or employee to show proof of vaccination more than once would be subject to the $5,000 fine for each instance.

“What small business owner could afford to take that chance?” asked Shawn Waters, who owns Solo’s Pizza in Holmes Beach.

“It’s hard enough to keep your doors open with the lack of workers right now. You’d have to have some deep pockets to afford to take a risk on a bunch of $5,000 fines to get your point across.”

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Red tide was not detected in any of 18 water samples tested in Manatee County on Aug. 30-31, according to Friday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.

It’s the first time that no red tide has been detected since mid-April, when the toxic algae began appearing near Piney Point after 215 million gallons of contaminated water was dumped into Tampa Bay. The water contained the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, which act as a fertilizer for red tide.

The discharge was approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to prevent the collapse of a compromised gypsum stack containing the contaminated water. The former phosphate plant is in receivership and is slated for closure and the disposal of the remaining contaminated water.

Despite the clean Manatee County report, red tide remains in waterways in Pinellas County to SEE RED TIDE, PAGE 20

FALL IS in the air! At

MR. BONES BBQ restaurant

least it is in Canada. Food & Wine. 21

closes its doors for good. 3

Anna Maria Island, Florida

VOTING BY mail could be more

difficult in Florida this year. 15 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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Iconic Island BBQ restaurant closes its doors

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

HOLMES BEACH – It’s the end of an era as one of Anna Maria Island’s most iconic restaurants, Mr. Bones BBQ, has closed its doors forever.

The surprise announcement came on Aug. 29 on social media.

“Mr. Bones is now permanently closed,” the announcement reads.

“We thank all our loving customers for letting us feed you good food for almost 30 years. We truly wish we could say goodbye to all of you and thank you individually. We have watched AMI grow and change. Our children were born on the Island, and it was our home for many years. We look forward to retirement, and again, we thank everyone for loving our food and weird, funky atmosphere since 1991.”

The restaurant, located at 3007 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, offered a wide variety of dishes for everyone, from shrimp and grits to vegetarian Indian specialties and, of course, barbecue. Owned

by Charlotte Mansur and Eric Connors, Mr. Bones was famous locally not only for its good food but also for the eclectic décor, from a coffin holding beer for patrons to African masks on the walls and, at one time, Mr. Bones himself, a skeleton standing over a fountain in the lobby.

Shortly after the restaurant’s closure, the coffin was auctioned off on Facebook, going for $300 to Karen Ramirez.

While supplies last, the restaurant’s BBQ sauce, dry rub, T-shirts, mugs and other items are available to purchase online at www.mrbonesbbq.com.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Mr. Bones BBQ’s doors closed for the last time on Aug. 29.

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Three more dolphin calves born The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program has discovered three new dolphin calves since they reported the birth of 15 new dolphin calves in area waters last month.

The 18 births are just shy of the record number of 21 births recorded in 2017. One calf was born in in April, six in May, five in June, three in July and three in August.

Program scientists report sighting all the previous newborns, too, indicating that they’re all doing well so far, despite four months of red tide.

They also spotted nine of the calves born in 2020 and six of the oldest dolphins tracked by the program, each more than 40 years old.

Be a T.V. extra at Mixon’s The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has announced a unique opportunity to be an extra on the T.V. show “Florida on a Tankful” as they visit Mixon Fruit Farms. They will be filming on Sept. 23 on the 11 a.m. tram tour. The ride will take about an hour and feature a newly-added snake exhibit. Forty free tickets are being offered. If interested, call 941-748-5829, ext. 239 to sign up.

County offers opioid addiction services The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County is trying to raise awareness of the ongoing opioid crisis by launching a website listing available assistance to those who are suffering from or know someone with opioid addiction. The page, found online at www.manateecountyflorida.now.site/home, features assistance options for recovery, suicide prevention, mental health services, housing and nutrition services.

Anyone who believes they’re experiencing an opioid overdose should dial 911 for emergency assistance.

Turtle Watch fundraiser approaching Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring will hold a fundraiser on Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 4-6 p.m. to raise money to fund scientific data collection on sea turtle nesting and protect nesting turtles on AMI beaches.

Loggerhead sea turtles, a threatened species, and green sea turtles, an endangered species, both nest on Island beaches.

The indoor/outdoor event will be hosted by Hurricane Hanks Bar & Grill, 5346 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, where there is plenty of room for safe distancing. Newly-designed Turtle Watch masks will be available free to everyone who attends.

Mike Sales will provide musical entertainment, and a silent and live auction will be presided over by volunteer auctioneer Bob Slicker. A 50-50 donation raffle also will be up for grabs.

Sponsors are A Paradise Real Estate, Mike Sales Entertainment, J n’J Graphics, Florida Underwater Sports, CabanUp, Harbor Lane Court Vacation Rentals and The Anna Maria Island Sun.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

John Cosby appointed acting police chief

Lt. John Cosby is succeeding Sam Speciale as the city’s chief of police.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Lt. John Cosby is now the acting chief of the Bradenton Beach Police Department.

The “acting” designation will be removed from Cosby’s title in early October when current Police Chief Sam Speciale’s 35 years of service come to an official end.

Cosby was appointed acting police chief during the Thursday, Sept. 2 city commission meeting.

He now carries all duties, responsibilities and authority given to the city’s police chief. Cosby joined the police department in 1988 and has long served as Speciale’s second in command.

When Speciale tendered his resignation to the city commission last October, he said his final day would be Oct. 9, 2021 – a date that marks 35 years to the day since Speciale joined the department.

Because he accrued so much vacation time and other paid time off during his 3 1/2 decades with the city, Speciale recently decided he would discontinue his active police duties as he waits for his retirement to become official in October.

Earlier this year, Speciale sold his home in Bradenton Beach. He now lives in Bradenton and he and his wife, MaryAnn, now spend much of their free time at their cabin in Georgia.

When proposing Cosby’s appointment as acting chief, Mayor John Chappie suggested Cosby’s salary be immediately increased to the current salary earned by Speciale. According to City Treasurer Shayne Thompson, Speciale’s current annual salary is $109,054 and was to increase to $114,507 when the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.

“He’s doing the work, he’s done the time, it’s only fair,” Chappie said, noting that he spoke to Speciale about the transition taking place.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Acting Police Chief John Cosby has developed strong working relationships with city officials, city residents, local business owners and his fellow officers since joining the police force in 1988.

Chappie also proposed giving Cosby a $2,500 bonus as compensation for the additional work he’s done during the transition period leading up to Speciale’s pending retirement. The rest of the commission supported the proposed salary increase and the bonus.

Cosby said he appreciated the immediate salary increase offer, but declined to take it because he does not want to impact the final remaining weeks of the police department’s current fiscal year budget. Cosby said he has some departmental expenditures he would rather spend that money on instead.

Cosby said he would accept the mayor and commission’s offer of a $2,500 bonus. Chappie then suggested, and the commission agreed, to increase the bonus by an additional $2,500 using Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds in appreciation of all the extra work Cosby has done regarding CRA projects and in the CRA district as a whole. The CRA portion of the $5,000 bonus is still contingent on final approval by the seven-member CRA board that includes all five city commission members.

The commission also approved Cosby’s request that he be allowed to reserve his right to work special duty shifts that include marine patrols of the anchorage south of the Bridge Street Pier and other policing duties. Cosby will also continue his long-held role as the city’s emergency operations manager.

Chappie and the commission praised Cosby and Speciale for their many years of service to the city.

“I’ve known the lieutenant and I’ve known the chief for a long, long time. I know that they work together as a team to make this place what we’ve got right now. I want to thank you and him (Speciale),” Commissioner Ralph Cole said.

“You look at our community and the amount of crime and they’ve done an excellent job. My dad was mayor when Chief Sam came in.

A lot of good things happened.

These guys put us where we’re at right now. They’ve done an extremely great job. John deserves everything that we can give him.

I know how hard you work. I’ve watched you work over the years.

You should get everything you deserve,” Cole said.

SEE COSBY, PAGE 26

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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Labor Day weekend packs the Island

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - Anna Maria Island's world-famous beaches have seen a record number of visitors this summer, and the Labor Day holiday was no exception.

With the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in many northern states that were locked down in the spring season, summer statistics for the Island are rising, fueled by in-state visitors coming to the beach to escape the heat and out-ofstate tourists who couldn’t previously take a vacation.

According to data gathered from the Manatee County Tax Collector, the three cities that make up Anna Maria Island saw a combined average increase in tourist taxes of about 40% in July - the most recent month for which records are available - as compared to the same month in 2020, when the pandemic significantly slowed tourism.

Business owners and innkeepers were happy to see the traffic back up as thousands of visitors headed to the

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

After a summer that has broken tourist visitation records, Labor Day weekend is no exception.

Island's two main beaches, Manatee and Coquina, to celebrate what’s become known as the unofficial end of summer.

As the red tide that has plagued the waters since April begins to wane, the

COVID-19 spike remains a serious concern for Florida residents.

However, very few visitors appear to be letting these issues dampen their fun.

“We were concerned about red tide

because we wanted to hit the beaches,” said Ken Barkoff, who was visiting for Labor Day weekend with his wife, Kim, and son. “Our son just moved here, and we wanted to see him. We’re vaccinated and took the precautions we needed to, in order to get here safely, so we’re not too worried about it,” Kim Barkoff added.

Other visitors shared the Barkoffs’ sentiment, seeming to be happy to visit and ready to enjoy a holiday with as little stress as possible.

“It’s easy to check on red tide online and I saw it was pretty much gone,” said Dixie Brooks, who was visiting the Island for the first time, making a quick, two-day trip from Missouri.

And while the official numbers on Labor Day visitors won’t be available for a few days, the endless stretch of beach umbrellas along the Gulf is a measure of the Island’s continued popularity, even with the spike in the COVID-19 Delta variant.

“The COVID situation is pretty much the same here as it is back home,” Brooks said, “so I’m not concerned.”

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Jason Schaffer Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors Editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Leslie Ketchum Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

'No' to deep well injection

Opt-out form not democratic

ManaSota-88 respectfully requests the Manatee Board of County Commissioners withdraw the application for an Underground Injection Control Well at Piney Point and place this item on the agenda for the next Manatee County Board of County Commission meeting.

ManaSota-88 continues to oppose construction of any deep injection well in the vicinity of the former Piney Point Phosphate Plant.

Groundwater pollution detection is an inexact science, and it is easy to miss a toxic plume.

Our knowledge of the health risks of long-term exposure to toxic and radioactive substances in phosphate wastewater is very limited.

There are many problems associated with deep well injection. All wells are subject to failure and there are too many unknowns to safely inject treated, or partially treated, effluent.

The operation of a deep well relies very heavily on predictions and good faith.

Deep well injection is done because liquid wastes that cannot be discharged into surface waters are injected into deep wells. Thus, the worst wastes end up in these wells. If a failure occurs, very little can be done to correct it. If an aquifer is contaminated, it’s too late.

The AMI Sun article, ‘Manatee County School Board extends mask mandate’, relates that the mask mandate includes an “optout clause requiring parents to fill out an online form if they do not want their child to wear a mask.”

As I read it, I couldn’t help being reminded of an experience many years ago.

In 1973, I was in Greece for a month when there was an impending election. The wannabe dictator was up for election. Greek citizens were simply to vote yes (pronounced “nay” in Greek) or no (pronounced “oh-hee”) for the dictator-to-be. There was no opposing candidate.

All over Athens were billboards directing people to “vote nay.”

Anyone who wanted an “oh-hee” ballot was required to mail in his request for the special ballot needed to vote no (against the dictator). Interesting! This was Greece, where democracy began.

Well, thank you School Board for granting school parents the honor and privilege of completing an unnecessary form, a step that not only wastes time but that essentially states the obvious: “I am the parent, and I will decide what’s best for my child.”

This is America, where democracy is vanishing.

Maria DiMenna Holmes Beach

Confining layers don’t confine and effluents will ultimately migrate beyond the point of injection.

Monitoring programs are highly ineffective. Little is known of the chemistry and the biology of phosphate-related, well-injected wastes, except that those wastes move underground.

While the models upon which decisions to inject wastes are based look good on paper, changing conditions in the aquifers can allow wastewater to seep into the groundwater supply, and it would be too late then to correct the problem.

Groundwater is one of our most precious natural resources. Contaminated groundwater is extremely difficult, expensive and time-consuming to clean up. It is impossible to pump and treat all the contaminated groundwater in a plume and some of the contaminants will cling to soil particles and remain untreated in any event.

There are no easy answers to getting rid of the radioactive and toxic wastewater at the former Piney Point Phosphate Plant, however, deep well injection is not a solution that should be considered.

Glenn Compton – Chairman ManaSota-88 Inc.

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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Bradenton Beach police crack down on derelict boats The Bradenton Beach Police Department has increased enforcement on boats moored or anchored in the bay.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - This time last year, 68 boats – many derelict – were moored or anchored in Sarasota Bay off the coast of Bradenton Beach.

As of Sept. 3, that number is down to 15, largely due to an increase in patrolling by the Bradenton Beach Police Department.

Though it is legal for anyone to moor or anchor their boat in the shallow water of the bay, there are laws that the crafts must adhere to.

“To legally be here, a boat has to run under its own power and be seaworthy,” Acting Police Chief Lt. John Cosby said. “The registration also has to be up to date and it must be able to be steered and maneuvered.”

To assure compliance with these regulations, Officer Eric Hill and other members of the department regularly patrol the bay on their boat, checking for up-to-date registrations and obvious violations. This can include a craft that has taken on water because windows or hatches have been left open, excessive barnacle buildup on the hull or missing sails and motors.

Officers can ask boat operators to demonstrate the seaworthiness of their craft at any

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

Sept. 8, 9 a.m. – Historic Preservation board meeting Sept. 9, 5:30 p.m. – City Commission budget hearing with regular meeting to follow Sept. 23, 5:30 p.m. – City Commission budget hearing with regular meeting to follow

BRADENTON BEACH

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

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.

Sept. 9, 5:05 p.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency budget meeting Sept. 9, 5:35 p.m. – City Commission budget meeting Sept. 15, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting Sept. 16, 10 a.m. – City Commis-

time. If the owner cannot demonstrate the boat is in working order, they are issued a warning citation and given a period of time to make the necessary repairs. If there is no one present and officers see the boat is in obvious disrepair, they will attach the warning or citation to the craft.

If necessary repairs are not made after a craft is warned or cited, the department runs the registration number and begins a derelict case on the boat. This process involves taking photos to prove the boat is not in working order, then sending a certified letter to the last known owner. According to Cosby, this doesn’t always get results because boats are often bought and sold without changing registration with the state.

“Let’s say I own that boat and I sold it to you, then I don’t tell the state that I sold the boat and you live on it. When a derelict report is filed on that boat, I’m responsible, not you,” said Cosby, explaining the complexities that can come into play when trying to get a derelict boat out of the bay.

According to Cosby, in some instances, boat owners will get in over their heads.

Whether it was a dream of fixing up an older boat and the expense got out of hand, learning that living on a boat is more difficult than it may have seemed in the beginning or even having a boat sink, the dream often dies and the boat is left to deteriorate in the water. Officials understand this and have a way out for owners who are past the point of no return.

“If they can’t fix the boat, they can do what’s called a title sign-over. They give us

sion work meeting Sept. 16, noon – City Commission meeting Sept. 16, 5:05 p.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency final budget meeting Sept. 16, 5:35 p.m. – City Commission final budget meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

Sept. 8, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing Sept. 15, 5 p.m. – City Commission budget hearing with regular meeting to follow Sept. 28, 5 p.m. – City Commission budget hearing with regular meeting and work session to follow

ISLAND-WIDE

Sept. 13, 9 a.m. – Tourist Development Council meeting, Manatee County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton Sept. 13, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall Sept. 15, 2 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Anna Maria City Hall

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

With no sail or working motor, this is an example of a boat that is not currently up to code. the title to the boat and the city becomes the owner of the property,” said Cosby. While this may not be the desired outcome for the boat owner, it’s a way out. The owner doesn’t incur any fines and is not responsible for the cost of removing the vessel from the water.

The reasons for stepping up enforcement are mostly for safety, according to Hill, who pointed out numerous places along the Bradenton Beach Pier where there was new lumber from repairs made due to loose boats crashing into it during storms. Sunken boats and boats that have broken free of their moorings and run into shore are easy to spot on the bay. In addition to crashing into piers and shore, there is also a risk of collision with other craft in the water.

Cosby says while the new enforcement has shown amazing results and made the bay a much safer place, it took putting a plan into place and some education to make it happen.

“We got the city to adopt an ordinance; we had to go to court a few times, the judges

MARKYOUR CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 8

Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton, 2:45 p.m. tee time, 5:30 p.m. Bible study and dinner, $40 for golf and dinner, $20 for dinner.

Reservations required. Reserve to www.roserchurch.com/g4g/.

Island Time Book Club, “The Woman with the Blue Star,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/7996233

THURSDAY, SEPT. 9

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Sunrise Breakfast, Wicked Cantina, 101 Seventh St. N., Bradenton Beach, 7:30 a.m., $10 for members or $18 for prospective members. Registration required at 941-778-1541 or email info@ amichamber.org.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Participants are asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes

really weren’t used to dealing with this so there was some courtroom education there to make sure fines were being levied against them. Eventually, word got out and some went over to Palmetto and some went south.

They just realized they weren’t going to get away with it here,” Cosby added.

Cosby says his department is unique in the seriousness of their enforcement, saying only Sarasota is as strict, patrolling the area around Marina Jack.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department does not have a regular schedule of boat patrols. Unlike getting in a cruiser on land and taking to the streets, there are factors that can make it difficult to patrol the water.

This can be especially problematic during the summer months when pop-up storms can be severe. Cosby also said the recent red tide has made it difficult to be on the water.

The effect of heavy summer rain is also easy to spot while on the water in the area where many of the boats in the bay are moored or anchored. “Listing” is a nautical term for a vessel that has taken on water and begins to lean to one side. There are multiple examples of this currently in the bay. If a boat is left listing and the water is not removed, it will eventually take on enough water to completely roll over and capsize.

While most of the time a listing boat is not occupied and probably not a safety hazard to anyone onboard, it becomes a costly cleanup and removal project for the city, and may even prove to be an environmental problem as well.

Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 10

Locals Beach Cleanup, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m. Reserve at www. facebook.com/AMILOCALS.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 11

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

Music on the Porch Saturday Jam Session with Soupy, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road, Cortez, noon to 2 p.m.

American Scrimshaw lecture and demo, Fisherman’s Hall, 4511 124th St. W., Cortez, 1 p.m. Call 941-7086120 to register.

Seeing Stars, Robinson Preserve expansion parking lot, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 p.m. Register online at https://bishopscience. org/events/seeing-stars-robinsonpreserve/

SUNDAY, SEPT. 12

Donate blood, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 1-888-936-6283 and use sponsor code 37502 to make an appointment. Drop ins also welcome.

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat.

Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 14

Tortoise Talk, Robinson Preserve Valentine House, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants are asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

Mah Jongg Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Register at https://manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/7977014

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THE SUN

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

More COVID-19 cases at Anna Maria Elementary COVID-19 cases continue to rise at Anna Maria Elementary School, which has had 10 student cases this year.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - Manatee County schools, including Anna Maria Elementary School, continue to see a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases.

AME reports two coronavirus cases among students and two students quarantined as of Sept. 3, with 10 total cases since the school year began last month.

No confirmed cases have been reported among staff. Of the 52 schools in Manatee County, AME is one of only five that has seen no staff cases.

The county had 49 student cases and five staff members testing positive, with 178 students quarantined as of Sept.

3. There have been 1,820 COVID-19 student cases countywide and 274 staff cases countywide since Aug. 10.

Manatee County has a mask mandate in place for schools, but

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Anna Maria Elementary School is seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases. it has an opt-out clause that allows parents to send their children to school without a mask if they fill out an online form. While the state outlaws mask mandates and can withhold funds from county school systems that violate the law, Manatee

County's school system is unlikely to lose funding because of the opt-out clause.

COVID-19 SCHOOL PROCEDURES • All students and employees who are sick or who have symptoms will be

sent home until they are symptom-free.

• Temperature checks will be taken daily for all employees and randomly for students.

• Reinforce and practice proper handwashing techniques among students and staff.

• Provide and encourage the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Deep clean and disinfect schools and school buses daily, or in between uses as needed.

• Make every effort to social distance as much as possible in schools.

• District employees visiting schools, other than their own, must wear masks during the school day.

• Provide plastic shields in elementary classrooms and cafeterias where possible.

• All employees will answer COVIDrelated questions daily upon arriving at work.

• Limit non-essential visitors and volunteers to school campuses.

• Everyone eligible to be vaccinated is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.

COMMEMORATIVE TEES AVAILABLE! A portion of the proceeds will go to the Bradenton FireFighters Association.

OYSTERBAR.NET

LANDSIDE

6906 14th Street West 941.758.7880

CORTEZ

6696 Cortez Road 941.792.0077

ELLENTON

1525 51st Avenue East 941.721.7773

BRIDGE ST. PIER Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662)

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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THE SUN

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Dock expansion contract to be finalized soon The dock expansion contract is expected to be finalized in September.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The contract negotiations to expand the floating dock next to the Bridge Street Pier have entered the final stages.

On Wednesday, Sept. 1, the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment (CRA) members unanimously authorized City Attorney Ricinda Perry to proceed with finalizing the proposed draft contract discussed that day with Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift General Manager Steve Porter.

The CRA members directed Perry to bring back a finalized contract for approval in September.

The draft contract presented to the CRA members during Wednesday’s meeting did not include a final cost because the board still needed to make some design decisions that day regarding the dock expansion and the addition of fender pilings between the finger piers.

The draft contract also did not include an estimated completion date. Porter previously told the CRA members the installation will begin after the dock components are ordered, manufactured and received from North Port-based Golden Marine Systems – a process that will take several weeks. The order will be placed after the contract is finalized and authorized by the CRA board in September. Porter estimated the dock expansion project would cost about $561,000.

The scope of the project includes adding nine floating finger piers that will extend

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift General Manager Steve Porter has guided several Bradenton Beach projects. The dock expansion project will provide additional public dockage at the floating dock next to the Bridge Street Pier. perpendicular to the existing floating dock.

The dock will also be expanded to the east in a manner that will provide space for three additional finger piers. The finger piers will create free, short-term, public docking for a total of 24 or 25 additional boats, with the easternmost slip possibly being designated in the future for use by independently operated water taxis and/ or an often discussed, not-yet-pursued, county-operated ferry service from downtown Bradenton.

Each finger pier will be connected at one end to the floating dock and at the other end to a piling. Two additional mooring/ fender pilings will be placed between each set of finger piers. The fender pilings will provide additional points for the docked boats to tie off to. The space between each finger pier and pair of pilings will accommodate a boat that is up to 13.5 feet wide.

Porter told the CRA members the individual finger piers could later be ad-

justed and reconfigured to accommodate different-sized boats, at an additional cost.

The CRA-funded project also includes the replacement of the aging city-owned dinghy dock near the foot of the pier boardwalk. The existing wooden dinghy dock will be replaced by a new dinghy dock that features Trex decking.

Earlier this year, the Manatee County Commission agreed to provide the CRA with up to $850,000 in matching funds for the forthcoming dock expansion/dinghy dock project.

OTHER DUNCAN PROJECTS

In January 2017, North Palm Beachbased Technomarine was contracted to install a new floating dock next to the Bridge Street Pier. The new dock was to replace the original floating dock rendered unuseable due to repeated storm damage and wave action.

After several prolonged delays created

by Technomarine, the floating dock manufactured in Spain by Ronautica Marinas was installed alongside the pier by the Gibsonton-based Hecker Construction Company in late July/early August of 2019.

Due to ongoing structural and safety concerns, Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift was later contracted to make additional repairs and modifications to the work done by Hecker Construction. Manatee County reimbursed the CRA for $125,000 of the $283,000 in total dock replacement project costs.

Manatee County also provided 50% matching funds for the replacement of the Bridge Street Pier that Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift completed at an approximate cost of $1.5 million in 2015.

As of Friday, Duncan was nearing the completion of a state-funded city dredging project in the navigable waters along the Bradenton Beach shoreline between the Bridge Street Pier and Leffis Key.

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

COMMUNITY CHURCH IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER www.RoserChurch.com Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer & meditation

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MARTHA KELLEY MARHSALL | SUBMITTED

Having been a couple for many years, David and Martha Marshall recently married on June 28.

Beloved Island figure dies after accident Former longtime Drift In employee and well-known Island personality David Marshall passed away on Sunday, Sept. 5, according to his nephew, Erik Marshall. “Just lost the coolest uncle and one of the purest souls on the planet. Thank you for being you. RIP Uncle Dave, make sure to take over the ‘Ringing of the Bell’ wherever you go. Love ya man,” Erik Marshall stated in the Facebook post he shared Sunday night.

On Tuesday, Aug. 24, David Marshall was struck by a car while crossing the street near his Bradenton home after getting off a bus.

He was hospitalized at Blake Medical Center and underwent multiple surgeries before

his passing. The “David Marshall Recovery” GoFundMe account (https://gofund. me/3a8ad3f1) was recently established to assist David and his wife, Martha Kelley Marshall, with their medical and living expenses. As of Monday morning, 22 people had donated $1,460 toward the $10,000 fundraising goal. Playing Santa Claus, an angel and other holiday figures were among the many duties Marshall carried out during his long tenure as an employee of the Drift In bar in Bradenton Beach. “David really is an angel, and I can’t tell you how many hearts he has touched,” Drift In manager Doreen Flynn said, before his passing.

Time change for Music on the Porch Music on the Porch at the Florida Maritime Museum has become a popular way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Cortez. Effective Saturday, Sept. 11, this free music event series will begin at noon and continue until 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday each month.

Music on the Porch is an all-ages event that celebrates the Cortez Grand Ole Opry and the fishing village’s rich musical heritage. It takes place in the chickee hut located on the east side of the museum’s grounds between the Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Cultural Center. Musicians are invited to bring an acoustic instrument and join the jam session. Audience members are encouraged to bring a chair to sit back and enjoy the music.

Parking is available in the museum lot.

This event is hosted by the Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Cultural Center. Keep in mind that this event is a jam session, so music is not guaranteed and musician participation varies. The Florida Maritime Museum is

SUN FILE PHOTO

Soupy Davis and his band will be performing at Music on the Porch. located at 4415 119th St. West in Cortez.

Visit FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org for more information, or call 941-708-6120.

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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Old Town Tram pilot program to be extended The CRA members decided to extend the parking shuttle pilot program for another year, rather than entering into a five-year contract.

advertisers to finalize their advertising agreements.

According to LaRose’s report, the Old Tram Trams had 1,846 riders in August and 535 of those rides were the result of riders using the 941-404-6240 phone number to hail a ride.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Old Town Tram parking shuttle pilot program is being extended for a second year.

Launched last November, funded by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and supported by local advertisers, the Old Town Trams provide park and ride shuttle service within and around the CRA district that extends south from the Cortez Bridge to Fifth Street South. The service area also includes the county-owned parking lots at Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach, south of the CRA district boundaries.

The purpose of the one-year pilot program was to determine whether a CRA-funded parking shuttle service would work in Bradenton Beach. The goal is to encourage visitors to park at Cortez Beach, Coquina Beach and elsewhere in the CRA district and catch a free ride to their desired destinations in and around the Bridge Street area.

The long-term goal is to create a permanent shuttle service that includes a dedicated tram path along the west side of the Gulf Drive South connecting to Coquina Beach. The long-term vision also includes an employee parking area near the Coquina North boat ramp.

The tram path and employee parking area, which will be located on county property, eventually will require county commission approval. The current county commission has already expressed enthusiastic preliminary support for the proposed CRAfunded tram improvements.

During Wednesday’s meeting, CRA

BOARD DISCUSSION

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Joshua LaRose’s EasyParking Group provides the Old Town Tram trams and drivers. member John Chappie said the pursuit of the tram path is on hold until after Manatee County completes a pending sewer line replacement project along Gulf Drive South that will temporarily disrupt the Cortez Beach parking areas.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry told CRA members the one-year pilot program contract with Joshua LaRose’s EasyParking Group expires in November. She said the board needed to decide if it wanted to let the pilot program expire, extend the pilot program for another year or enter into a long-term contract that would provide LaRose five continuous one-year service terms.

Perry noted the extension of the pilot program would require LaRose’s consent, which he gave.

After much discussion, the members voted 7-0 in favor of extending the pilot program.

Perry will present a new one-year pilot program contract at the board’s October

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meeting. The CRA and LaRose will both maintain their existing rights to discontinue the program at any time, with proper notice given.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Since launching the Old Town Tram service, the CRA members have repeatedly emphasized two primary objectives: that advertising revenues eventually cover all or most of the monthly costs, and that the tram drivers stay within the designated tram route and not travel north of the Cortez Bridge, which is outside of the CRA district and the tram route.

Each month, LaRose submits an invoice for services provided and monthly ridership reports. During Wednesday’s meeting, the CRA members approved the $4,580 invoice LaRose submitted for August. The invoice states advertisers covered $4,775 (51%) of the $9,335 monthly total owed, and that LaRose is currently waiting on two additional

Chappie said he’s not in favor of entering into a long-term contract yet. He suggested extending the pilot program for another year to provide more time to evaluate it. Chappie also said he’d like to see LaRose put forth an even greater effort to secure additional advertisers who place ads on one or both of the electric trams.

CRA Chair Ralph Cole said, “I think we need to look at it a little more because issues keep coming up. I see a lot of people using it, so it is a fairly good service. I’m not willing to jump into a five-year contract until I know that it’s absolutely right and running the way we want it to run. The consistency of the stops, that’s one of the things that’s really important.”

CRA member Jake Spooner said, “I think it’s working really well even as it stands today. Our bill this month is $4,580. Without getting the additional advertisers, you’re looking at four grand a month. Of all the things we do in the CRA district, parking is the main problem. If we can help solve the parking with $48,000 a year, I think we’ve made a major stride in finding a solution. To stop it now, when we’re still working out the kinks and building momentum, would be a big mistake.”

LaRose said, “I feel confident that we can fix all the bugs and make it a success, I just didn’t want the advertising part to all fall on me and be a reason that it’s not successful.”

Board member David Bell noted the SEE TRAM, PAGE 27

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Holmes Beach to host first budget hearing The first public hearing for the 2021-22 proposed Holmes Beach city budget is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. While this hearing is only the first of two required public hearings before commissioners can officially vote to approve the budget, it’s the first chance for members of the public to voice their opinions on planned spending for the coming fiscal year, which begins on Oct. 1. Copies of the proposed budget are available to pick up in the lobby of Holmes Beach City Hall at 5801 Marina Drive from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. A final public hearing on the budget is scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. While meetings can be viewed online with Zoom, to speak during the meeting, participants must attend in person. No comments will be heard from online participants.

2021

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

Available www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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MANATEE COUNTY – If you were planning on receiving a COVID-19 vaccination at the Palmetto Bus Station, your plans will have to change.

Florida Department of Health officials opted to close the Palmetto Bus Station vaccination site, moving operations to the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County facility at 410 Sixth Ave. East in Bradenton. The site will offer first, second and third doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, along with the one dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, to anyone age 12 and older at no cost. Anyone under the age of 18 wishing to be vaccinated must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Vaccinations are available by appointment only Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointments can be made by calling 941-242-6646.

If you received a first dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at the bus station location, you Owned will and Locally need to make an appointment to receive a second 45 Stores Natio vaccination at the Department of Health facility.

Third doses of the vaccine are currently available only to people with compromised immune systems.

To determine if you are qualified to receive a third dose, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinicalconsiderations/immunocompromised-patients.html.

COVID-19 testing is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, weather permitting, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd. in Palmetto. The site offers both PCR and rapid testing at no cost.

For additional COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites in Manatee County, visit www.floridahealthcovid19.gov.

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American scrimshaw lecture and demo The Florida Maritime Museum invites you to learn more about scrimshaw.

Regarded as an original American art form of nautical origin, scrimshaw is a scribing and inking process that is done on bone, antler, fossil or synthetic materials. Whalers originated this art form by making intricate etches or "scrims" on whale teeth.

On Saturday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m.,

Erwin Wunderlich, artist and scrimshander, will present a program on modern and antique artwork and demonstrate the basic techniques of scrimshaw.

This free event will be held at Fishermen's Hall, 4511 124th St. West in Cortez.

Space is limited. Call 941-708-6120 or email fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

Florida Maritime Museum temporarily closes The Florida Maritime Museum will be closed to the public on Thursday, Sept. 16 through Tuesday, Sept. 21 for staff training and building maintenance.

Normal operating hours will resume on Wednesday, Sept. 22. Located at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez, the museum's regular hours are TuesdaySaturday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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Vote by mail procedures differ this year Mail voters must now request a vote by mail ballot for each election.

The drop box will be available during the following days and times:

BY JOE HENDRICKS

9/27/2021 - 10/22/2021

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Vote by mail ballots for the upcoming fall elections will be mailed out beginning on Friday, Sept. 24, said Sharon Stief, of the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Overseas and military ballots are being mailed out on Friday, Sept. 17.

As a result of recent legislation adopted by the Florida Legislature and supported

by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida voters now must submit a new vote by mail ballot request for each election cycle. This can be done locally at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections’ website, www. votemanatee.com, or in person at the Supervisor of Elections office at 600 301 Blvd. W., Suite 108, in Bradenton.

Vote by mail ballots can be returned as usual using the U.S. Postal Service, but the recent actions of the Legislature and governor also now limit the hours during which vote by

Monday - Friday only 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. .

10/23/2021 - 10/30/2021

(including Saturday, Sunday) 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

11/01/2021

Monday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

11/02/2021

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Election Day 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

The drop box at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office will no longer be available 24 hours a day during the upcoming elections cycle. mail ballots can be placed in the drop box at the Supervisor of Elections Office.

During the upcoming election cycle, the drop box will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday only from Monday, Sept. 27 through

Friday, Oct. 22. The drop box will then be available seven days a week during those same times from Saturday, Oct. 23 through Saturday, Oct. 30, and again on Monday, Nov. 1. The drop box will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 2.

In-person early voting for the upcoming election cycle will take place at the Supervisor of Elections office from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 through Saturday, Oct. 30. For more information on how and where to vote, visit www.votemanatee.com.

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Vacation rental fees and fine collection on Thursday’s agenda The Anna Maria City Commission will hold the first of two public hearings for the adoption of the city’s 2021-22 fiscal year budget on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 5:30 p.m.

The regular city commission meeting will begin immediately after the budget hearing.

As always, Thursday’s commission meeting will begin with general public comment on items not included on the meeting agenda.

The commission is then expected to adopt on second and final reading an ordinance that will strengthen the city’s ability to collect vacation rental-related registration

fees and fines. The city attorney will then present on first reading a new ordinance on mobile homes, although there are currently none located within the city of Anna Maria.

The commission will also discuss the location of the new playground equipment to be installed at City Pier Park and the reappointment of Dr. Jose Erbella to the city’s Planning and Zoning Board. City hall remains open to the public. Thursday’s meetings can be attended by phone by calling 1-929-205-6099 and entering the meeting ID: 85392000280.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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Book an appointment for a no-cost COVID-19 vaccination today!

(941) 242-6646

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OUTDOORS

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

The Mayfly Project Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

I

discovered The Mayfly Project when a child therapist reached out to me to find a mentor for a young man in St. Petersburg. Like so many young men and women, he loves to fish but has no one to coach him. My first thought was to reach out to my friend and former Florida Outdoor Writer’s Association President Bill AuCoin. AuCoin is a member of and produces a newsletter for the Suncoast Fly Fishers (SCFF), a St. Petersburg-based fly club. SCFF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is also a charter member of the Fly Fishers International group.

The day after I reached out to AuCoin, he sent me an email introduction to Scott Russell, a fly club member who is heading up a project to mentor foster children through a unique program called The Mayfly Project. The Mayfly Project is a 501(c)(3) national organization that uses fly fishing as a catalyst to mentor and support children in foster care. The website describes the mission of The Mayfly Project: “To support children in foster care through fly fishing and introduce them to their local water ecosystems, with a hope that connecting them to a rewarding hobby will provide an opportunity for foster children to have fun, build confidence, and develop a meaningful connection with the outdoors.”

When I went to The Mayfly Project

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

The Mayfly Project provides mentors to children in foster care. website and read the story of how the founders, Jess and Laura Westbrook, were inspired to form the organization, I was “hooked.” Jess Westbrook’s idea to use fly fishing as a tool to support children in foster care was derived from how he used fly fishing as a therapeutic tool to manage his own anxiety. In 2014, Jess and wife Laura’s son, Kase, was born. Soon after, Jess started experiencing intense anxiety attacks, which he had never had before. In a six-month period, he lost 30 pounds, was missing work frequently and distancing himself from loved ones. Even though Jess had been fly fishing since he was 6 years old, everything changed for him when a friend stepped in to help.

“A friend that I admired kept getting me out on the river to fish and I found that when I was on the river, I forgot about

everything but fishing,” explained Jess. All his worries and anxious thoughts seemed to disappear as soon as he stepped into the water. “When we are fly fishing, we are so concentrated on casting, mending, presenting good drifts, etc., that we forget about everything else around us.”

During this time, Jess was introduced to mentoring children in foster care through an organization at church. The timing was perfect. He was looking for a way to give back to the community through fly-fishing, a sport that had helped him over some very tough hurdles.

“It broke my heart learning more about what foster children go through and that they needed the community to support them during their difficult journey,” Jess said.

When I reached out to Russell about

a mentor, he related his own story. “My wife and I are very familiar with the challenges foster youth struggle with. Many of them that struggle with controlling their emotions frankly have days that are full of being ‘corrected’ by the adults (e.g. teachers, parents, foster home staff, etc.) in their lives. Our project is meant to just be a break from everything. As mentors in the program, we’re not there to try to fix things that aren’t going right in their life, we are only there to spend time with them, have fun, and teach them about fly fishing.

Similar to how fly fishing has been found to be great therapy for veterans through the Healing Waters program, we hope that fly fishing can be a great escape for these kids from their normal routine. I know for me, even just tying flies or practicing casting is a great way to get my mind off of all the ’stuff’ going on in my life. It’s also a nice opportunity for them to learn about conservation and how it will help preserve the natural resources we enjoy. These youth need all the help our community can provide.”

Westbrook and Russell’s story is inspirational to me and resonated because fishing in general, and fly fishing in particular, had been so helpful to me when I experienced my own bout with anxiety and depression.

I credit a large part of my recovery to the friends and family who supported me. I had experienced the same relief that Jess and Scott had on the water.

There are many programs like The Mayfly Project that use fishing to help disadvantaged children, breast cancer survivors, soldiers and others navigate the inevitable traumas that life brings. What better way for us to use our passion to assist others who need a helping hand.

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

Red tide dissipating at last CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action catching and releasing snook before dawn, and also trout, blues and a bonus shark on deep grass flats in Sarasota Bay on flies on several trips recently. Red tide has cleared in Sarasota Bay and fish are returning to normal patterns.

A recent scouting trip showed very clear water in some areas, plentiful baitfish and birds.

Fly anglers scored with baitfish fly patterns on sink tip lines and spin fishing anglers had action on CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos. A shark surprised us when it ate a Clouser fly and quickly took the angler into her backing! Some of the larger trout were caught and released in shallow water on DOA PT-7 topwater baits. Fly poppers and Gurglers should also be a good shallow-water option for trout.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Pat Beckwith, from Sarasota, with a shark caught and released on a Clouser fly while fishing Sarasota Bay recently with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and more. Since heat is still an issue, fishing dock lights for snook and juvenile tarpon before dawn is also a good option.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

THE SUN

TURTLE TIPS 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 can disorient hatchlings.

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand and level sandcastles before leaving the beach; they can obstruct or trap nesting and hatching

19

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 888404-FWCC (3922).

NESTING NEWS Turtle nests laid: 420 (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls: 557 Nests hatched: 157 Hatchlings hatched: 9,757 (Record: 35,788 in 2018) Nest disorientations: 24

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PINEY POINT: Well permit issued FROM PAGE 1

could be filled at the rate of up to 4 million gallons a day. The monitor well to test drinking water would be up to 950 feet deep.

Manatee County commissioners approved a $9.35 million agreement on April 20 – the same day as the permit request – for Tampabased ASRus to design and build the deep injection well.

The permit, which makes the county liable for harm to human health or animal or plant life, also prohibits anything that “causes or allows movement of fluid into an underground source of drinking water,” which the permit states is located at about 900 feet deep at the site.

Should the injection well fail, the permit requires that current methods of water management resume, including trucking and piping the water off site. The removal of the contaminated water began after FDEP approved the emergency discharge of 215 million untreated gallons into Tampa Bay in March and April to avoid the potential collapse of the compromised south gypsum stack. The pond at the top of the stack then contained more than twice that amount of polluted water, which the state agency feared could flood the surrounding neighborhood.

Deep well injection “is one potential critical element of the necessary water disposal that will enable the ultimate closure of the

Piney Point facility once and for all, eliminating the threat from this site to the environment and the community permanently,” according to an FDEP release.

OPPOSITION TO THE WELL

Local environmental group ManaSota-88 asked the Manatee County Commission on Sept. 4 to withdraw its application for the permit and place the issue on next week’s agenda for public discussion.

The group opposes the deep injection well on several grounds, including that wells are subject to failure, and that leaks of the contaminated water - which is also slightly radioactive - could poison the state’s drinking water.

“The operation of a deep well relies very heavily on predictions and good faith,” Glenn Compton, chairman of ManaSota-88, wrote the commission. “Deep well injection is done because liquid wastes that cannot be discharged into surface waters are injected into deep wells. Thus, the worst wastes end up in these wells. If a failure occurs, very little can be done to correct it. If an aquifer is contaminated, it’s too late.”

Compton also is concerned that changing conditions in the aquifer can allow wastewater to seep into the groundwater supply, and that detecting a leak in the system is “an inexact science.”

“There are no easy answers to getting rid

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

of the radioactive and toxic wastewater at the former Piney Point Phosphate Plant, however, deep well injection is not a solution that should be considered,” he wrote.

ManaSota-88 is among five environmental groups that sued FDEP and Piney Point owner HRK Holdings LLC on June 24 seeking to hold both responsible for negligence in managing the site. No hearing has yet been set in the case.

A public meeting on the permit will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 4-7 p.m. at the Manatee County Central Library auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. in Bradenton to give citizens an opportunity to comment on the draft permit, ask questions and obtain information.

Written comments also can be submitted to FDEP Aquifer Protection Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3530, Tallahassee, Florida 33637-0926 by Oct 6.

POND STATUS

Water management at the site is ongoing.

FDEP officials estimate that Piney Point will get at least another 7 inches of rain by the end of September. The current storage capacity for additional rainfall at the site is about 10.5 inches as of Sept. 4. Totals are changing with rainfall amounts and water management activities at the site, including trucking water off site to the Manatee County Southeast Water Reclamation Facility to lower water levels; 228 trucks have hauled about 1,440,480 gallons of process water off

site as of Sept. 4. Contaminated water began to be piped to the North Regional Water Reclamation Facility on Sept. 2. About 263 million gallons remain in the pond, up from 256 million gallons on Aug. 28, the increase due to rainfall.

The state agency also is working with a contractor to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from the water in case another discharge becomes necessary. Since the April discharge, the water has been treated to remove about 200 tons of nitrogen and 150 tons of phosphorus. Both act as fertilizer for toxic red tide, which has plagued area waters since mid-April.

This week is the first that no red tide was detected in Manatee County waters since the discharge, although it remains in waterways in Pinellas County to the north and Sarasota County to the south.

FDEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton visited the Piney Point site on Sept. 1 to receive an update on the latest site conditions and meet with the new court-appointed receiver, Herbert Donica, a business lawyer and partner of the Tampa-based Donica Law Firm.

Under the Aug. 25 court order appointing him, Donica is responsible for maintaining, managing and closing Piney Point “as efficiently and expeditiously as possible.”

FDEP sued Piney Point owner HRK Holdings LLC last month requesting an emergency hearing to appoint the receiver, concerned that heavy rains could overflow contaminated water ponds this summer.

RED TIDE: None detected, first time since April FROM PAGE 1

the north and Sarasota County to the south. Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in or offshore of Manatee County, as well as Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties over the past week.

Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water and go inside to

an air-conditioned space with closed windows and a clean A/C filter. Wearing masks, especially during onshore winds, is also advised.

Health officials warn against swimming near dead fish and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of red tide. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue.

Officials also warn that consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.

Updated red tide forecasts are available at habforecast.gcoos.org and visitbeaches.org.

High

RED TIDE REPORT

(respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills, water discoloration)

Background

Medium

(probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

Low

Very low

(possible respiratory irritation)

(no effects)

None

(no red tide present)

(possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills) Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

FOOD & WINE

THE SUN

Fall is in the air

Frittata (Serves up to 8)

Brian Mathae

Ingredients

3 cups peeled and cubed russet potatoes 8 large eggs 1 bunch fresh spinach 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, mined 1 tbs virgin olive oil 2-3 ounces pancetta, finely chopped 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1 cup whole milk 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese 1 cup Fontina cheese (or Gruyere) 1/4 cup fresh parsley, stemmed and minced plus extra springs for garnish 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp ground mustard 1/4 tsp nutmeg

HURRICANE HANKS

F

all is in the air! At least it is in Canada, where I am visiting my family after a long absence due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

It’s a bittersweet trip. I am here to settle the estate of my parents, both of whom passed away during the travel restrictions. After such a long absence from Canada, I am enjoying my time catching up with family and friends. I need the strength right now that comes from the unwavering support of all these great people.

Cleaning out the house that my parents occupied for 51 years is a far more difficult task than I imagined.

There is a lifetime of mementos in that house. There are so many memories of my childhood and of my parents in that place. I can’t explain why I am fixated on certain items and not others. Just the other day, while cleaning out their kitchen utensils, I came across a simple boiled egg slicer that I just couldn’t part with. I have no particular memories of it and it's certainly not an expensive item, and yet while I was holding it in my hand, it was the most im-portant thing to me at that moment. Needless to say, it’s coming back with me to Anna Maria Island, along with many other keepsakes.

In addition to the genuine joy of seeing everyone again in person, I am also enjoying the fall weather here in Canada. It is a wonderful

SUBMITTED

reprieve from the heat and humidity of a Florida summer. Of course, I could never admit to my friends and family that I am enjoying the current weather here over that in Florida, so I fuss about how cold it is here. But the lack of humidity and the crisp clean air is absolutely delightful. It makes you feel alive. The warm clothing wraps its proverbial arms around you and gives you the biggest hug. At least that’s the way I see it.

As I’ve mentioned before, food often gives me that same feeling.

Sometimes I just need to eat, and I think of it as simple sustenance.

Eating anything will do, as there are more pressing things to accomplish.

But food should invoke all sorts of pleasures. There are so many wonderful tastes and smells. I just need to slow down and smell the roses, so to speak. Today’s recipe

is perfect for the upcoming cooler weather. It’s a Sunday-brunch-athome-and-relax-after kind of item.

When shopping for your ingredients, be sure to pick up a loaf of crusty bread and a nice, salted butter to accompany the Frittata. As usual, feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your tastes. Use the recipe for a base and add ingredients that you are craving.

Reward yourself!

Please stop by Hurricane Liquors on Anna Maria Island or LBK Liquors on Longboat Key and ask our sales associates to recommend some Champagne or Prosecco options for you. After all, Sunday brunch isn’t Sunday brunch without mimosas.

My current favorite for mimosas is Veuve du Vernay (currently offered at $8.99). It has the scent of sweet fruit, a nice golden color and complements both savory and sweet dishes.

Directions

- Peel and cube russet potatoes and place in a large bowl with cold water.

-In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and onion and sauté until tender. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Stir in spinach, salt and pepper and remove from heat immediately.

-In a second skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Transfer pancetta to paper towels to soak up any grease.

-Remove potatoes from water and place into a colander until well drained. Place potatoes into a clean tea towel and squeeze to remove any remaining liquid.

-Place potatoes on the bottom of a greased 11x 7 baking dish. Spread sautéed spinach mixture over the potatoes and the pancetta over the spinach mixture.

-In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, nutmeg and half of each of the cheeses. Pour into the baking dish and top with the remaining cheeses.

-Bake for about 35 minutes until a wooden skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Remove from oven and let rest for about 10 minutes before portioning and serving. Garnish with sprigs of parsley and serve.

21

22

I

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

How not to derail your transaction

t’s the night before your home closing and your broker calls and says she was just notified by the lender there is a problem with the title and closing is postponed.

The moving trucks on both ends of the transaction are ready to roll, your buyer’s son has already signed up for his new soccer team and everyone involved is having a breakdown.

Last-minute issues come up in almost every real estate transaction and title problems can be the most difficult to deal with. The best way to avoid the drama is to be prepared and be proactive, whether you’re the buyer, the seller or the real estate professional.

If you’re the seller and you have had any kind of county permit pulled for work performed in your home, like a new airconditioning system or plumbing work that required a permit, make sure that the company that pulled the permit has sent a release to the county closing out an open permit. Same thing if you are having a de-

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER bate with a contractor and are withholding funds; they may have put a “mechanic’s” lien on the property until they have full payment. Best to get this settled and the lien released before you go into contract with a buyer. Of course, the ultimate title issue is when one of the buyers becomes seriously impaired or passes away. Legal issues and delays will naturally follow, putting the transaction in jeopardy.

Another big derailment issue is financing. A contract for a real estate sale that involves financing will state how much money the buyer is financing and a time frame for application and approval, as well as the amount of earnest money being

collected. To avoid any issues with a buyer not qualifying for a mortgage, all buyers requiring financing should be prequalified for an amount equal to the purchase price and amount of funds being borrowed.

The next big issue when working with a buyer who is financing is the property appraising. We are in such an evolving market, with sales numbers going up daily, that determining the appraised value is like trying to hit a moving target. Since appraisers can only use closed properties in their analysis and not properties for sale or under contract, it’s not surprising that appraisals come up short. Buyers need to be prepared in the event this happens to them. Having more cash ready to put down a larger down payment is generally the best thing to do, but in this market, don’t expect the seller to renegotiate the price down.

Engineer inspections are notorious for derailing a sale. Sellers have to get all their ducks in order, making sure the appliances, HVAC, roof and plumbing are in working

order if that is what you represented to the buyer. And, at the time of the final walkthrough, everything the buyer expects to be there under the contract should be there and working. This includes a buyer expecting the property to be broom clean. More than one transaction has fallen apart at the last minute because the dishwasher quit the night before.

Finally, if the buyer and seller have negotiated personal property to be conveyed with the sale, all parties should be clear on what they are. The more detail you can include in the original contract, the better it will be at the end. If you’re leaving two refrigerators, specify color and model; and if you’re leaving the family room furniture, try not to have your new puppy chew one of the legs the week before closing.

Many of the last-minute problems can be avoided with just a little planning. Don’t let the sales train get off the tracks - once it does, it’s pretty hard to get it back up and running.

www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

Top Real Estate Producers for August 2021 A PARADISE

Helen Ross Pollock - Listing Catie Seip - Selling

AN ISLAND PLACE REALTY

MIKE NORMAN

Marianne Norman-Ellis Listing Kathy Caserta - Selling

PREMIER SOTHEBY

Tanya McCormick - Listing Sue Carlson - Selling

Shellie Young – Selling

DUNCAN REAL ESTATE

REMAX ALLIANCE GROUP

EDGEWATER REAL ESTATE

SALTY MERMAID REAL ESTATE

Darcie Duncan - Listing Bill Romberger - Selling Lynn Zemmer Listing & Selling

Christine Kourik – Listing Cindy Quinn - Selling

Liz Blandford Listing & Selling

FRAN MAXON

SATO REAL ESTATE

Stephanie Bell Listing & Selling

ISLAND REAL ESTATE

Ryan Sheck – Listing & Selling

MICHAEL SAUNDERS

Barbara Sato – Listing Jason Sato - Selling

WAGNER REAL ESTATE

Miguel Rosa - Listing Chantelle Lewin - Selling

Hannah Hillyard Listing & Selling

THE SUN

23

Sunken catamaran removed FWC provided the funds to remove the sunken vessel.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – A large catamaran that sank last year south of the Bridge Street Pier has been removed.

Acting Police Chief John Cosby of the Bradenton Beach Police Department made the announcement during the Wednesday, Sept. 1 Community Redevelopment Agency meeting.

Cosby thanked Bradenton Beach Police Officer Eric Hill, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) Executive Director Justin McBride for their efforts in getting the boat removed.

“We did not have that kind of money. I reached out to FWC and they had their officer take Eric’s findings and finish up the investigation. Mayor Chappie and myself then approached FWC

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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The now-removed catamaran sank last November during Tropical Storm Eta. and Justin McBride and they were able to fund the removal.

That boat is history,” Cosby told the CRA members.

According to Cosby, FWC provided the state funds to WCIND and WCIND then contracted the two vessels and personnel needed to remove the catamaran that sank last November during Tropical Storm Eta. During that storm, four other boats broke free from their moor-

ings and crashed into the nearby pier and floating dock. With McBride’s assistance, those boats were quickly removed to prevent further damage to the dock and pier. The catamaran that sank about 100 yards south of the pier did not pose an immediate safety threat and its removal was delayed until the past week or so.

The catamaran's owner does not live in the U.S., Cosby said.

24

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

OBITUARIES David William Roberts David William Roberts, 79, of Bradenton Beach, Fla., passed away on Aug. 31, 2021. David was a police officer with the Detroit Police Department for more than a decade. He ate a lot of glazed doughnuts and maybe had a few whiskey shots along the way.

After moving to Florida, he owned and operated an automotive sales business for more than 30 years. He has probably repo’d 7,000 cars in his career alongside Diamond Jim and others.

He retired at age 75. He served in the U.S. Army and was in the seminary.

The closest he got to firing a gun was during the Bay of Pigs invasion. David married Jeanne Letendre on Oct. 6, 1990, in Longboat Key. He would swing Jeanne around on the dance floor and take her to the sandy beaches. Jeanne would cook homemade meals every night to make him happy. He, in turn, would make her laugh all the time.

David was always jovial and had a larger-than-life personality. He loved riding his bicycle, going fishing with his grandkids and having pancakes on the beach. He would sit in his chair and tell stories and jokes to make everyone belly laugh, with a Miller Light by his side. Friends and family would visit the condo, the heart of all gatherings and parties. He loved looking after people and taking care of his mini-vans and shopping lists (mostly spaghetti sauce). There was no food he didn’t like – Outback Steakhouse knew him well. He ate with such joy, with a

napkin tucked under his chin, a knife in one hand and fork in the other. The world has a big hole in it without him here, but we know that heaven has a touch more humor with him floating in the clouds. David is survived by his wife, Jeanne Roberts; kids, David and fiancé, Chrisie; Wendy and husband, Ray Desmarais, and grandsons, Ethan and Mitchell; brother, Johnny Roberts and sister-in-law, Elaine Roberts; sister, Rosalie Kerr and brother-in-law, Carl Kerr; and sisters-in-law, Leona Roberts and Barbara Roberts. He has 31 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Edward and Rose Roberts; sister Florence and brother-inlaw Chuck Balduf; and sister Mary Ann and brother-in-law Harvey Poikey; and brother Joseph. A memorial visitation will be on Sunday, Sept. 5, from 1 to 2 p.m. with services to follow at 2 p.m., at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com

BEACH BEAT HOLMES BEACH

8/26, 3:25 p.m., Battery-domestic, 631 Dundee Lane. Officers responded to a call regarding a domestic battery that had taken place. Victim stated he had got home from having a few drinks and his nephew attacked him. The suspect’s father told police that his son had been the aggressor. Although no weapons were used in the attack, family members said the suspect had pointed an assault rifle at the victim

earlier in the day, and he had no business being in possession of weapons.

All weapons on the premises were booked into evidence by officers and the suspect was arrested.

8/26, 1 p.m., False ID, 600 Manatee Ave. During a traffic stop for expired registration, the driver of the vehicle was not able to produce a driver’s license, stating he left his wallet at home. After being issued two citations, the driver was let go without incident. When the officer arrived back at the station, he was informed that the driver was trying to contact him. The driver stated his brother had used his name during a previous traffic stop to avoid being arrested for outstanding warrants. This was verified by police and the citations issued were voided.

8/27, 12:05 p.m., Petty theft, 611 Manatee Ave. Officers were dispatched to CVS for a shoplifter who allegedly stole two cases of hard seltzer. Officers were shown a photo from security footage and soon after observed the subject from the photo sitting on a picnic bench by the beach with friends. A notice to appear was issued and the subject was trespassed from the CVS. 8/29, 7:12 p.m., DUI, 4100 Gulf Drive.

The officer observed a vehicle driving erratically crossing the shoulder and center lines of Gulf drive.

The officer detected the strong smell of intoxicants on the driver, as well as glassy eyes and poor balance. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office traffic unit was called in to investigate a possible DUI. After

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

investigation, the suspect was arrested for DUI. 8/30, 8:49 a.m., Baker Act, 8102 Gulf Drive. An officer was dispatched to an intoxicated veteran making suicidal threats. Upon arrival, the officer made contact with the subject, who did not have weapons on his person, but stated he had a gun and a knife in his room and was contemplating suicide after a long drinking binge after 18 months of sobriety. The gun and knife were seized, and the subject was transported to Center Stone Behavioral Hospital on a Baker Act form without incident.

www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

THE SUN

25

Holiday decorations headed to dazzling level The CRA intends to contract Voila Decorating to install this year’s holiday decorations.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) plans to spend about $40,000 on Christmas holiday decorations this year.

The Christmas decorations will adorn Bridge Street, the Bridge Street roundabouts, the historic clock tower at the foot of the Bridge Street Pier and the area along the Bradenton Beach side of the Cortez Bridge.

On Wednesday, Sept. 1, the CRA members agreed to move forward with their plan to contract Sarasota-based Voila Decorating to install and maintain the decorations to be supplied by the decorating firm.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN FILE PHOTO

This year’s Bridge Street Christmas decorations are expected to exceed past decorating efforts.

In recent years, the CRA has spent about $10,000 per year to have private individuals install holiday decorations owned by the CRA and others.

At CRA member Jake Spooner’s request, CRA member John Chappie will oversee this year’s decorating efforts. During Wednesday’s CRA meeting,

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 607, 609, 611 Fern Streets & 610 Rose Street 12 Beds 6 Baths 1,568 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4497933 $5,900,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 112 Mangrove Avenue 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,577 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4502423 $4,350,000

BRADENTON 5948 Riverview Boulevard 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,091 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4504528 $2,195,000

BRADENTON 4155 Riverview Boulevard 6 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,962 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4509189 $1,950,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 8017 Marina Isles Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,593 Sq. Ft. Kate Enis 941-330-6068 A4500595 $7,250,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1445 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 201 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,274 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4504369 $1,137,000

BRADENTON 1523 1st Avenue W 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,500 Sq. Ft. Fran DeDona & Pam Goodwin 941-812-5023 A4505327 $1,050,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1701 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 303 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,551 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4503585 $875,000

Chappie presented the board members with a menu of potential decorations to choose from.

The board’s desired decorations and a decorated Christ-

BRADENTON 383 Aruba Circle 201 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,456 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4510370 $725,000

mas tree to be placed in front of the Fish Hole adventure golf course totaled approximately $44,000. The board directed Chappie to contact Voila Decorating representative Eddie Henderson and ask if the decorating firm would do the work for $40,000 in exchange for a multi-year decorating agreement.

The following day, during the Thursday, Sept. 2, city commission meeting, Chappie told the commission members Voila Decorating provides a 10% discount to clients who sign three-year agreements and 15% percent discounts to clients that sign five-year clients. Chappie said either of those discounts would get the CRA to its desired $40,000 spending limit.

A contract with Voila Decorating must be finalized before the decorating can begin. According to Chappie, the decorating is expected to begin on Nov. 1.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 102 Cedar Avenue 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,290 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4507978 $4,200,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 520 77th Street 2 Beds 2/2 Baths 3,241 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo & Lynne Callahan 941-545-4430 A4508576 $2,650,000

LONGBOAT KEY 647 Marbury Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,651 Sq. Ft. Sandi Layfield 941-914-2807 A4503569 $1,799,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2719 Gulf Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,119 Sq. Ft. Melinda Alvarez 941-704-0633 A4506596 $1,749,000

BRADENTON 1501 63rd Street W 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,384 Sq. Ft. Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4509399 $395,000

BRADENTON 4421 19th Street Circle W A & B 1,259 Sq. Ft. Louise Hollander 941-224-4483 A4507731 $250,000

941.896.9981 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

26

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

COSBY: Appointed acting police chief FROM PAGE 4

When discussing a brief potential pre-retirement return to police headquarters by Speciale before his retirement becomes official, Cosby jokingly said, “He better come back at some point because he left a lot of stuff in the office that has to go.”

After the meeting ended, Cosby shared some additional thoughts on his new role as chief and the chief ’s duties he’s been performing during the transition period.

“Sam’s been semi-retired and working off his paid time. There will be some changes with the police department – stuff that Sam and I have talked about in the past – that are now going to come to fruition,” Cosby said.

Cosby was asked if he plans to appoint someone to serve as his second in command, similar to the role he served under Speciale for many years.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale announced his retirement last October.

“Yes, I’ll make that announcement in October. I’m going to promote somebody from within,” Cosby said, noting the officer who gets promoted will hold the rank of lieutenant that he held for many years.

“We’re lucky to have you,” Commissioner Marilyn Maro said to Cosby as she exited city hall.

BOB SLICKER | SUBMITTED

Slicker’s Eatery supports AME and ICU unit Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker presents Anna Maria Elementary school Principal Mike Masiello with $400 in Slicker’s Eatery gift certificates on Friday, Sept.3. The certificates were donated by a Slicker’s Eatery patron. The previous week, Slicker delivered $300 in Slicker’s Eatery gift certificates to those who work in the ICU unit at the Blake Medical Center in Bradenton.

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1112 64th Street NW $3,200,000 Lisa Morreale 941.400.9038

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND

825 North Shore Drive Cindy Pierro

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Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

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www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

THE SUN

27

TRAM: Pilot program extended FROM PAGE 11

shuttle service was originally intended to transport riders to and from Coquina Beach to the Bridge Street area. According to LaRose’s monthly reports, that is not yet happening regularly.

“This project, as originally proposed and conceived, is a failure. It’s not going to Coquina. It’s not bringing people back from Coquina, but I think it’s really still valuable,” Bell said.

LaRose has said previously that there simply hasn’t been much demand for tram rides to, or from, Coquina Beach.

Bell asked LaRose if he thought the tram

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Happy Hour is from 2pm until 5pm!

9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria FL. 34216

route should be extended north of the Cortez Bridge.

LaRose said the route could be extended north to the area near the Wicked Cantina and Gulf Drive Café restaurants, but he doesn’t recommend going much further north than that.

“Our goal has always been to increase activity and bring more people to the CRA district without them bringing their cars. I’d like to have us look at expanding the service area, maybe even with more vehicles, and seeing if maybe we can connect the city better,” Bell said.

Learn more about the Old Town Tram at www.oldtowntram.com.

28

THE SUN

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

Solid Rock Construction wins on the hardcourt

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

The basketball court at The Center heated up last Monday night with Solid Rock Construction looking to remain undefeated at 2-0 going up against the Beach Bums.

The Solid Rock team took an early lead in the game, but Beach Bums, with the team’s and game’s high scorer, Austin Young with 21 points in the game, kept it close going into halftime.

With the score going into the second half of play at 21-16, Beach Bums continued to chip away at Solid Rock’s lead and tied it up at 21 each moving into the fourth quarter.

Dom Otteni and J.J. Friszman, with 20 and 17 points in the game, respectively, fought back to take back the lead in the game for Solid Rock, pushing the score to 38-35 with 11 minutes left on the clock.

Holding their opponent to only three additional points in the next seven minutes of play, Solid Rock cleared the net with six more points, increasing its lead to 44-38.

Playing with no one on the bench, Solid Rock fought hard against the Beach Bums squad until the final seconds.

Connor Haughey took to the free-throw line after being fouled with 33 seconds left in the game.

Haughey, scoring six points on the night, made the first shot at the line, missing the second. Down by five points, Beach Bums made final efforts to take the win, but another free throw by Solid Rock Construction and missed shots on offense ended the game with Solid Rock winning 49-42.

Both teams now have a 2-1 record going into week four of adult basketball action.

SUN SCOREBOARD MONDAY, AUG. 30 ADULT CO-ED BASKETBALL

Solid Rock Construction (2-1) 49 Beach Bums (2-1) 42 Moss Builders (1-1) Paddy Wagon (2-1)

49 44

Sandbar (0-3) Slim’s Place (2-0)

55 43

Blue Lagoon (0-2) Bye Week

THURSDAY, SEPT. 2 ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL TBT (3-3) Sandbar (4-2)

12 14

TMT (0-6) Beach Bums (1-5)

26 36

We The Best Lending (5-1) 42 Rays Ramblings (3-3) 14 Catalyst (6-0) 38 Cortez Deep Sea Fishing (2-4) 6

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Solid Rock Construction’s JJ Friszman and Beach Bums’ Carlton Bennett fight for position under the net last Monday at The Center in the first game of the night.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Indian food option 5 "4x2=8" rapper from Korea 8 Blood component 14 Et __: and others 15 Troy, N.Y., school 16 Trojan War hero 17 Delivery method 19 Duke's Mike Krzyzewski, familiarly 20 Fall 21 Boats and gravy boats 22 Stockpiled 24 Tigers, on scoreboards 25 "Miracle on Ice" winners: Abbr.

28 Pours carelessly 29 Start of el año 31 Quick bite 33 Chef's collection 35 Siri device 37 Pointed facial feaAnswers to 09-01-21 Crossword Puzzle.

tures 41 Morris Buttermaker's "bad news" team 43 Big name in smooth jazz 44 Spray can output 46 Like some U.S. mail 47 African antelope 50 Binge 52 Montgomery of jazz 53 Part of UCLA 54 Due 56 Easy marks 59 __ del Fuego 62 Angular abode 63 Complex containing thiamine and niacin 65 Close tightly 66 Half of eleven?

67 Spots at the prom?

68 Discount phrase 69 Farm sci.

70 Mower holder

Down 1 Brit's raincoat 2 Rick's love in "Casablanca" 3 In __ of 4 Decrees 5 1996 Richard Gere/ Edward Norton thriller 6 Spot buyer 7 Half a cosmic whole 8 Walked nervously 9 Some summer babies 10 Santa __: dry winds 11 Withdraw formally 12 "Resurrection Symphony" composer 13 Invites for 18 Antacid brand 21 Italian scooter 23 Long-running Mad feature suggested by this puzzle's circled letters 25 Yard, say 26 Junior-to-be 27 Tennis immortal 29 "The Neverending Story" author 30 Acronymically named boy band 32 White House architect James 34 Rug rat 36 More than want 38 Had down cold 39 Thornfield Hall governess 40 Capt.'s subordinates 42 Bouquet for a se-

ñorita 45 On the soapbox 47 West Texas city 48 Preppy shoe 49 Celestial 51 Zeno's home

THE SUN

54 Coterie members, in slang 55 "Aunt __ Cope Book" 57 Black Friday event 58 Controversial radio host

60 Like chocolate cheesecake 61 Actress Hathaway 63 Intl. news broadcaster 64 Rest area?

29

30

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FISHING CHARTERS

BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com

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

AMI TURTLE WATCH needs donations & silent action items for our FUNDRAISER. Accepting Donations at Holmes Beach City Police Department at the back door. We can pick up! Call or text Linda 863-287-1133 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.

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

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 THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941565-3931

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts?

Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

EMPLOYMENT TIMBER CREEK GOLF COURSE challenging scenic Par 3. PT pro shop/cashier position. Golf privileges included. Call Dave 941405-9199

Call us today! 941-778-3986

HEALTH CARE HOME CARE PROVIDER with Dennis Church a nursing assistant. 8+ years of experience. Licensed in Florida. SAFER at HOME. Call 815-519-3993

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing: driveways, walkways, fences, pool decks/ cages. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315.

LOST & FOUND

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

Neil 941-726-3077

FOUND TURTLE INLAYED silver/platinum ring with inscription ( Pease identity text to confirm). Found on Palm Harbor Dr near Manatee Public Beach. Call 540-312-5299.

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

LOST ON MANATEE BEACH. 18" herringbone chain (4mm thick, square link, round clasp, 10k) with 3/4" Spanish gold coin pendant.

Please call 585-755-3894.

Contact Dennis

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CBC 1261150.

Call Mike Kern 941-7781115 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

“HAMMERED HOMES” (SAVING HOMES SINCE 1984) Handyman services, renovations. Free Estimates & Consulting. Call before making decision, save money.

941-778-3206 API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience.

Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you.

Call 941-524-8067.

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

LOST MEN'S GOLD wedding band in shallow water just south of new rock groin on beer can island.

Very sentimental. Reward, call 941-504-0526

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

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

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

40-YEAR PAINTER from Kentucky. Hourly rate guaranteed savings over contractor price. Neat, dependable, equipped, insured. Highly productive. A+ rated by Better Business Bureau for 40 years. 502-817-6786. aapressurewash.com

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience.

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran.

Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 941-799-9299.

PALMA SOLA PARK. 3BR/2BA 2 car garage.

Large yard. Move in ready. $525,000 make offer. Call 941-405-7138

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee.

Call today for details.

Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992.

RENTAL WANTED SWEET FAMILY IN NEED of an annual rental on the island. We've been renting on the island for 3 years.

Our kids go to school on the island. Please help keep us here! 3/4 bedrooms, unfurnished, with pool. Call Fallon 706-2026141.

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

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates.

Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190 ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $700/$800/$900 a wk. redekercondosonami. com Tim 941-704-7525 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Updated 5 Star Condo for Rent- Available September October November. (Multimonth discount) Million$ water view, first floor, 2BR/2BA, patio, walk to beach, pool, tennis (smoke free) marketreps@aol. com Boat/jet ski dock available

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi. com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PAINTING

THE SUN

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

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THE SUN

www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021