Anna Maria Island Sun April 15 2026

Manatee Belle joins the Gulf Islands Ferry fleet

The Manatee Belle began service to and from Bradenton Beach on Saturday, April 11.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – The Gulf Islands Ferry service's new, larger and partially enclosed Manatee Belle ferry boat is now in service.

Manatee County's new 91-seat ferry boat made its passenger-carrying maiden voyage from the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier in downtown Bradenton to the Bradenton Beach Pier in Bradenton Beach on the morning of Saturday, April 11.

Shortly before 1 p.m., a second group of passengers arrived at the Riverwalk Pier and began boarding the Manatee Belle for its second official trip to Bradenton Beach.

At approximately 1:25 p.m., the Manatee Belle pulled out of its slip and passed under the “Green Bridge” as it headed toward Bradenton Beach Pier, traveling along the Manatee River and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Female students are the real Lucky Ducky Race for Pace winners

The rubber duck race is the primary annual fundraiser for the Pace Center for Girls, Manatee.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – The 17th Annual Lucky Ducky Race for Pace was held on the Manatee River on Saturday, April 11, and it raised more than $210,000 for the Pace Center for Girls, Manatee organization.

A message posted at the Pace Center for Girls, Manatee Facebook page Sunday afternoon says,

“Thank you to everyone who supported the 17th Annual Lucky Ducky Race for Pace, helping Pace raise over $210,000! Your sponsorships, partnerships, adoptions, volunteerism and sharing Pace ‘Find the Great in Every Girl.’”

The funds raised will be used to cover the Pace Center’s regular operating expenses.

According to the Pace website, Pace Center for Girls, Manatee is part of a network of 18 Pace

SEE PACE, PAGE 11

Residents push back on cabana rental regulations

The city commission is consid ering expanding the areas where beach cabana and tent rentals are allowed.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City officials are receiving pushback from some city residents and property owners regarding city’s recently-enacted beach cabana rental regulations.

Several Anna Maria residents expressed their concerns during the general public input portion of the April 9 city commission meeting.

Some who spoke that day addressed the unintended consequences of allowing rented beach cabanas, tents and umbrellas only in a specific area, from Magnolia Avenue and

Oak Avenue, while not allowing similar commercial activities in the city’s coastal conservation-zoned public beach areas.

The new regulations for commercial cabana, tent and umbrellas rentals took effect March 15 and they

SEE CABANA, PAGE 4

Demolition permit issued for old Wells Fargo bank building

The pending demolition will clear the way for construction activities to follow.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Island businessman Jake Spooner now has the cityissued demolition permit needed to demolish the former Wells Fargo bank building at 5327 Gulf Drive, near the Gulf Drive/Marina Drive intersection. Demolition permit D26-000006 was recently issued to Oden Hardy Construction and Spooner’s Island Bazaar Gulf Dr limited liability corporation. According to the Holmes Beach Building Department Administrator Kimberly Charron, the additional project-related building permit applications for the main structure and an accessory structure submitted on April 6 were still being reviewed as of Friday, April 10.

When speaking to the Sun on April 10, Spooner said the demolition work will begin after the building permits for the primary building and the accessory structure are approved by the city and presented to his bank.

In December 2024, the Holmes Beach City Commission approved the site plan application submitted by Spooner and his development team. At that time, Spooner originally hoped to salvage some of the old bank building’s primary structure. Earlier this year, his engineer advised him that constructing an entirely new building would be a better option.

“We’ll have a brand-new, flood-proofed building instead of having a portion of a building that’s 60-70 years old,” Spooner told The Sun in late January.

Regarding the need to demolish the existing building and replace it with a new one, Holmes Beach Development

Services Director Chad Minor said in January that if the modified construction plans remained consistent and compliant with the original, commission-approved site plan, no additional city commission approval would be needed.

Referred to in the 2024 site plan application as “Holmes Beach Island Bazaar & Mini Golf,” Spooner’s mixed-use development will include his miniature golf course, his video game arcade and his Island Bazaar retail operations. The remaining ground-level interior space will be leased to the Fudge Factory candy and ice cream store.

The second story space to be leased to

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

JOE HENDRICKS SUN

Police Chief John Cosby stood at the sand-covered Gulf Drive/Cortez Road intersection the morning after Hurricane Helene struck.

Chief

Cosby

to be recognized for his posthurricane leadership

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby will be honored at the 40th annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference for his efforts in leading the city’s response to the 2024 hurricanes, “The city is pleased to announce that Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby will be the recipient of the Chad Reed First Responder Award at the 40th annual Governor's Hurricane Conference for his exceptional leadership in response to the 2024 hurricanes,” the Bradenton Beach Police Department announced on its Facebook page on April 7. “The award is presented to an individual or organization that made an outstanding contribution in the field of hurricane emergency response in the state of Florida.” Cosby also serves as the city’s director of public works and he held that role when Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck in 2024. The hurricane conference will be held May 10-15 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

Kingfish Boat Ramp closing for two days

The Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach will be closed to the public from 7 pm. on Thursday, April 16, through 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, to accommodate work associated with the Manatee Avenue Water Main Replacement Intracoastal Crossing Project. The county boat ramp will be inaccessible during the two-day period. “Please do not move the barricades or barrels placed on the eastern side of the Kingfish Boat Ramp parking area. They are in place to allow construction crews to continue their work and to maintain safety and traffic control. Vehicles parked in restricted areas due to moved barricades or barrels will be towed at the owner’s expense,” the construction notice says. Regular projectrelated construction activities will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, weather permitting.

Kiwanis supports Tingley Memorial Library

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

“That general vicinity lends 4

On Saturday, April 11, representatives from the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island and club-related Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Foundation presented two $250 checks to the Tingley Memorial Library Director Stephanie Katz. The $500 donation will be used to purchase items for the library’s children’s section at the independently operated library at 111 Second Street in Bradenton Beach.

CABANA: Residents push back on cabana rental regulations

FROM PAGE 1

are set forth in the amended parks and recreational ordinance city commissioners further clarified and adopted on March 26.

The enacted city regulations restrict the commercial delivery, set up and removal of “temporary shade structures” that include cabanas, tents and umbrellas to the recreaetion open space-zoned area known as Gulf Front Park.

City regulations allow commercially rented temporary shade structures to be placed on privately-owned beachfront property located in the coastal conservation zone, with the property owner’s permission. City regulations also allow noncommercially-rented temporary shade structures to be placed in a coastal conservation zone.

PUBLIC CONCERNS

Palm Avenue resident Polly Ruggles was the first to address the commission during the April 9 meeting and she said she was also representing several other property owners on Palm Avenue, Magnolia Avenue, Gulf Boulevard and Palmetto Avenue.

Ruggles said she could not outline all her concerns in the three minutes allotted during public comment and she asked the city commission to revisit the restrictions that are now impacting residents and property owners on and near her block

“Palm to Magnolia has become what the commission didn’t want to occur. And that is, we have become the Palma Sola Causeway,” she said in reference to the highly commercialized beach areas along Manatee Avenue in west Bradenton.

Ruggles said she’d like the commission to revisit the ordinance that limits temporary shade structure rentals to one specific beachfront area.

She said she wants the city to address “the disparate treatment between our neighbors to the north and our particular section of the beach.”

She then said, “I can’t do that in three minutes, so I am requesting

Beach cabana rentals are limited to a specific area in Anna Maria

a meeting with the mayor and any particular city officials so that I can outline those concerns and request action to help us. We need it. The conditions have become intolerable. I have video evidence which I am happy to share with you – the amount and sheer number of tents on our block alone. In the last month, there have been 15 tents, two rows deep, sometimes three rows deep,” she said.

Ruggles said the cabana companies are complying with the regulation that states no more than two commercial rental areas containing temporary shade structures may be placed within 50 linear feet of each other.

“While they are complying with the 50-foot regulation, there’s nowhere for us to enjoy,” she said as her three minutes expired.

Speaking next, My Beach Concierge owner Peery Heldreth said he completely agreed with Ruggles’ comments.

He said his company accepted 34 cabana rental reservations prior to the new regulations taking effect from folks planning to visit Anna Maria. Heldreth said those with pending reservations were told they had two choices: relocate their cabana rental to an area within the allowed commercial activity zone or cancel their reservation with a full refund.

He said the majority of those clients revised their reservations, but most wanted to be as close

to Magnolia Avenue as possible because of easier access to the paid parking lots at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Gulf Drive; with additional paid parking available further away, along Spring Avenue.

Peery said his clients also wanted to know how far the walk would be from their cabana rental area to the Sandbar restaurant at the end of Spring Avenue.

COMMISSIONER SPEAKS

After a few more residents shared their concerns, joined by CabanUp co-owner Kevin Crump, City Commissioner Chris Arendt said the comments being given that afternoon dovetailed perfectly into his agenda item request to discuss allowing some limited commercial activity in the coastal conservation-zoned public beach areas from Spring Avenue northwest to Coconut Avenue

“I had a sneaky suspicion this would happen,” Arendt said in regard to allowing cabana rentals in the recreation open spacezoned area but not in the nearby coastal conservation-zoned areas.

He said people have historically been allowed to set up commercially rented cabanas and tents in those areas and they want to continue doing so because of the available parking and the close proximity to the Sandbar.

Breezy Bakery celebrates five challenging years

Bakery owner Bri Suzano reflects on challenges faced by small business owners.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ

– On April 9, the fifth anniversary of the Breezy Bakery’s opening, owner Bri Suzano expressed gratitude on a Facebook post for being able to do what she loves. But she also reflected on the serious challenges she is facing as a small business owner.

Six mornings a week, she begins at 5 p.m., baking everything fresh for the day; and she said she loves what she does.

“Five years later - MY BAKERY IS STILL OPEN!” she recently wrote on Facebook. “That itself is something to be proud of. Not to mention my two beautiful children, five amazing employees, 1,000s of orders, 100s of new friends, and endless memories created!”

She wrote that she was grateful for a life full of love and support.

“Thank you, everyone, for these wonderful years. For letting me be

at my shop, and still I can barely cover my bills, let alone the rising cost of everything! I am willing to try, to work, to push, to grind, but I am not willing to give up!”

Bob Slicker, the former owner of the neighboring Slicker’s Eatery that recently closed, has been coming in early some days to help Suzano prepare for the day.

part of your birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, celebrations and all the wonderful things in between,” she wrote. “The amazing family I have created here is one of the greatest gifts in my life.”

Along with the support she has received and the fulfillment of her dream of owning a bakery, she also wrote, “That all being said, numbers don’t lie. Our sales are half of what they used to be, with traffic, construction and a serious lack of visibility, I’m at my wits' end.”

“I baked my heart out on Friday

and Saturday for Easter and it was just dead,” she told The Sun.

Breezy Bakery features an assortment of muffins, croissants, breads, cakes, brownies, cookies, cupcakes and pies. At the end of each day, unsold products are either donated or discarded.

“I can’t keep making these beautiful, wonderful things just to watch traffic for six hours on the weekends stop everyone from coming in,” Suzano wrote in her Facebook post. “My food doesn’t have preservatives, or chemicals, or anything that

will help it stay fresh on the counter for several days. That’s why we bake fresh every day, but baking for waste is heartbreaking.”

She thanked family and friends for their support, but she's now reaching out to the community as a whole.

“I need to call in my troops! And I mean, my bakery family! This is not one of those pity posts, just looking to bring in people for a short amount of time. I need a real solution here,” she wrote on Facebook. “I run a tight ship

“She makes everything fresh with a lot of love,” Slicker said. “Any business can survive if the locals get behind it. I think if people from town realized that traffic is not an issue now, they would come out and support her.”

He admired her fortitude, attitude and insistence on quality.

“How many small businesses can go through COVID and the hurricanes and still survive?” Slicker said. “I don’t think people really understand how hard it is for a business to get back on its feet after the hurricanes.”

Breezy Bakery is located at 11904 Cortez Road W. and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit Breezy Bakery online at BreezyBakery.com.

OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Publishers

Bob Alexander

John Reitz

Editor

Joe Hendricks

Reporters | Photographers

Joe Hendricks

Leslie Lake

Lance Roy

Columnists

Louise Bolger

Rusty Chinnis

Contributors

Steve Borggren

Capt. Rick Grassett

Layout

Ricardo Fonseca

Advertising Director

Shona Otto

Classified Ads

Bob Alexander

Graphics

Elaine Stroili

Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution

Bob Alexander

Tony McNulty

Brian Smith

Accounting

Leslie Ketchum

John Reitz

Phone: 941-778-3986

email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Kiwanis gives thanks for

Easter Sunrise Service support

On behalf of club president John Chappie and the members of The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island, we would like to thank our churches who took part in our 61st annual Easter Sunrise Service. We would not be able to provide this event without them.

The attendance was over 3,000, according to the police chief and the weather didn’t disappoint.

Thank you to the AMI Beach

Café for the location, Chuck Caudill for providing the sound system, Morgan Bryant for her lovely singing voice, Marty Gray, our bagpiper, the city of Holmes Beach, the Holmes Beach Public Works Department, the Holmes Beach Police Department for helping with parking and Manatee County.

Thanks to our members’ families and thanks to our SCF Key Club students who also helped to make the event special for everyone.

A huge “thank you” to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Com-

Drop us a line

merce, which recently awarded our club with a trolley grant to help defray expenses.

Last, but not least, we send out a huge “thank you” to those who attended the service, and for your fantastic generosity. We will be able to share the net proceeds with the participating churches and the Kiwanis club’s various programs for children.

We look forward to seeing everyone next year for our 62nd Easter Sunrise Service.

Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. Email The Sun at news@amisun.com and write Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length and content.

Commission to discuss relocated beach rocks, Salt permitting

The Thursday, April 16, Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting will include an update on the investigation into the recent relocation of large beach rocks; and a commission discussion about Salt Bar & Table’s recent non-permitted improvements. The commission will continue its Tingley Library discussions and will discuss and review the Building and Planning Department. Under new business, the commission will be asked to approve a temporary use permit to park five golf carts at 100 4th Street South; and to approve increas-

ing the hourly pay rate from $45 to $60 for offduty Bradenton Beach police officers working commission-approved events. Under attorney business is the second reading of Ordinance 26-566 establishing procedures for milestone inspections and the Trask Daigneault city attorney services contract.

Proclamations for Professional Municipal Clerks Week and National Day of Prayer will also be read. Thursday’s meeting starts at noon and will be held in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers at 107 Gulf Drive N.

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

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

Visit www.cityofannamaria. com or contact city hall for more information.

Wednesday, April 15, 9 a.m., Planning and Zoning Board meeting

Tuesday, April 21, 9 a.m., Special Magistrate hearing Thursday, April 23, 10 a.m., City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

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

Visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.

CRA meets Thursday

Wednesday, April 15, 1 p.m., Scenic W.A.V.E.S. Committee meeting

Thursday, April 16, 9:30 a.m., Community Redevelopment Agency meeting

Thursday, April 16, 12 p.m., City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

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

Visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

Tuesday, April 14, 2 p.m., City Commission meeting

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, with a sparse three-item consent agenda. The consent agenda items are: Approval of police department reimbursement in the amount of $16,866; approval of public works department reimbursement in the amount of $4,251 and the approval of an invoice from the Trask Daigneault law firm for $5,928. The CRA meeting will be held in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers at 107 Gulf Drive N.

Holmes Beach and Manatee County officials have been informed that the Waterline Villas & Marina will not be selling Manatee County a boat slip, or slips, to serve as a Gulf Islands Ferry landing in the marina basin along Marina Drive.

Mainsail Lodging & Development manages Waterline Villas & Marina and Mainsail Lodging & Development President Joe Collier told the Sun that giving the matter much consideration and speaking to city officials and potentially impacted neighbors, he decided not to sell the county a boat slip, even though he supports the Gulf Islands Ferry service as a tourist amenity.

Dara Grinenko lives along the canal that leads in and

No ferry stop in Holmes Beach

out of the Keyes Marina and Waterline Villas & Marina boat basin. When speaking to The Sun, she said, “We are thrilled that The Waterline unit owners and their leadership team agreed with their neighbors and the petitioners that this small marina, located in a residential zone, is not a suitable stop for hundreds of visitors to embark and disembark several times a day. Ferry visitors can hop on the free trolley from Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria if they want to eat or shop in Holmes Beach. We hope that the Holmes Beach commissioners do their best to prioritize the residents and homeowners they represent.”

Annual picnic brings Cortez community together

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

Attendees at the annual Cortez Community Picnic were treated to a picture-perfect weather day, a wide variety of homemade food and a big helping of neighborhood camaraderie.

Sponsored by the Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS), the annual community picnic is a long-standing tradition in Cortez, held each year to bring the Cortez community together.

The picnic was held on the Fulford Dock in Cortez on Saturday, April 11. CVHS president Cindy Rodgers welcomed upwards of 75 attendees who each brought a covered dish to share; and Star Fish Company owner Karen Bell donated the fried mackerel and hush puppies. Picnic attendees were reminded to provide recipes, stories and photos for the upcoming new edition of the “Cooking in Cortez,” living maritime cookbook. Cookbook submissions can be emailed to Merry Retus at: R1995@aol.com.

PACE: Female students are the real Lucky Ducky Race for Pace winners

centers that have served more than 40,000 girls since 1985. Pace classes are aligned with the local public school district, and the goal is to ensure the participating girls stay on track academically and earn the academic credits they need.

Serving as Pace Manatee’s largest annual fundraiser, this year’s Lucky Ducky Race for Pace featured 27,255 adopted ducks – a bit shy of the 33,000-duck adoption goal, but still an overwhelming success.

The rubber ducks were adopted in advance, online or in person, in the name of an individual or company, or through one of the 80-plus fundraising duck adoption teams that participated this year. The fundraising teams included many businesses and organizations affiliated with Anna Maria Island.

It cost $5 to adopt a single duck for the race, $20 to adopt five ducks and $100 to adopt a flock of 30 ducks.

Larger, VID ducks (very important ducks) were offered and adopted as part of a $400 package that also included 125 smaller ducks.

The smaller docks were contained in a bin previously built by U.S.A. Fence and placed on a motorized barge provided by Quality Marine Construction owner Harry Blenker and tied up to the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier in downtown Bradenton. For identification purposes, each duck had a serial number affixed to its bottom.

AMI Dolphin Tours owner Ben Webb provided the large pontoon boat that served as the VIP seating and viewing area while docked at the Riverwalk Pier, next to Blenker’s barge.

“We’re here for a great cause: to support Pace and the girls they help,” Webb said before the races began.

“We’re just happy to help the girls,” Blenker added, with his dog, Luna, by his side.

The pre-race festivities started along the Bradenton Riverwalk at 11 a.m. and included food and drink vendors, duck race merchandise sales, children’s games, a display of racethemed models created by some of the fundraising teams, music and announcements by DJ Robert McDonald – with Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown, and his wife, Gina, in attendance.

At noon, the VID ducks competed in their own race before the main race began. The VID race started with the duck adopters throwing their duck as far down the race course as possible, on their way to the finish line.

The Anna Maria Oyster Bar/Oysters Rock Hospitality duck won the VID race and Trey Horne was crowned “King Duck.” Trey is the Oysters Rock Hospitality’s technology solutions manager. He’s also a Pace board member and the nephew of AMOB CEO John Horne.

During the main race that started at 12:30 p.m., more than 27,000-plus smaller ducks were released into a cordoned-off portion of the Manatee River, between the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and the “Green Bridge”

After counting down from 10, all the small ducks were released from the bin and they meandered as a large, tightly-packed mass toward the finish line 100-150 feet away – with hundreds of spectators lined up against the Riverwalk safety rails watching them pass by.

During both races, there was a threeman “Duck Deployment Team” in the water. Jeff Curry and Chuck Knapp waded through the chest-deep water, following the ducks and grabbing the strays as they tried to escape from the race area boundaries designated by flotation noodles. Just outside the race area, Randy Haley used a kayak to chase down any ducks that broke free from the race area. Randy is the son of Pace Manatee Development Director Christi Haley.

Waiting at the finish line was a clear plastic tube into which the smaller ducks were funneled one-by-one before they emerged out the other end of the tube. Pace Manatee Executive Director Amy Wick Mavis and volunteer Abigail Koester (Randy Haley’s fiancé) stood in the river and received the winning ducks – grabbing each duck, from first place through 30th place, and placing them in a numbered bag.

After the race, several volunteers assisted in the removal of the ducks, with no duck left behind – a process that took about an hour to complete.

RACE WINNERS

The first-place grand prize was a free twoyear lease on a Jeep (or $5,000) provided by Firkins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. This year’s winning duck was adopted by the Women’s Club of Bradenton's duck adoption fundraising team. After learning

FERRY: Manatee Belle joins the Gulf Islands Ferry fleet

PAGE 1

The county did not announce the new boat's Saturday morning entry into service and one of the afternoon passengers said they didn't know when they purchased their tickets in advance that they’d be among the first to ride the new ferry boat.

The Manatee Belle has an enclosed, heated and air-conditioned midsection for passenger seating and an open-air seating section at the back of the boat. The new boat also features public restrooms

The Manatee Belle is much larger, heavier, wave-resistant and weather-resistant than the 49-passenger, open-air pontoon boats that comprised the Gulf Islands Ferry fleet when the county-contracted ferry service to the Anna Maria City Pier and the Bradenton Beach Pier began in early 2024.

The Gulf Islands Ferry service currently operates as a two-point transportation system between downtown Bradenton and Bradenton Beach. The ferry service provides easy access to the dining, drinking and shopping establishments and businesses on and around Bridge Street.

Ferry service to Anna Maria has been suspended since Hurricane Milton destroyed most of the City Pier walkway in October 2024. After the construction of the new pier walkway pier is completed and additional repairs and potential modifications are made to the buildings at the T-end of the pier, the pier is expected to fully reopen later this year.

At some point after the City Pier is fully reopened, Manatee County officials expect to install a countyfunded Gulf Islands Ferry landing alongside the City Pier.

COUNTY ANNOUNCEMENT

On Monday, April 13, Manatee County issued a press release about the new boat joining the ferry fleet.

“The new vessel adds 91 seats to the existing fleet and its increased size and enclosed, climate-controlled cabin design will improve dependability, delivering a comfortable and safe passenger experience. This debut further affirms Manatee County’s commitment to its residents and visitors with reliable, scenic and convenient alternate travel options,” the press release says.

“The addition of the Manatee Belle will help maintain consistent scheduling, enhance service reliability due to weather concerns and reduce the need for personal vehicles while travelling between the mainland and the seven miles of coastline on Anna Maria Island.

“Funded by the tourist development tax, the Gulf Islands Ferry now features three vessels, connecting downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island via the Manatee River and the Intracoastal Waterway,” the press release says.

Weather permitting, the Gulf Islands Ferry service has boats departing from the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier in downtown Bradenton beginning at 7:30 a.m. and continuing until 7:30 p.m. The ferry boats begin departing from the Bradenton Beach Pier at 9 a.m. The last trip back to Bradenton departs at 9 p.m.

To purchase tickets and view the complete ferry service schedule, please visit GulfIslandsFerry.com.

BEACH BEAT

HOLMES BEACH

APRIL 6, 4:15 a.m., 3900 block of East Bay Drive. Operating a motor vehicle without a license. Police observed a vehicle parked in the area, with the driver, a 51-year-old Bradenton man, known to police. Police said the driver had knowledge that his driver’s license had been recently revoked. The driver, who was working for DoorDash, was identified by a Florida ID card and acknowledged that his license was not valid.

APRIL 6, 10:15 p.m., 52nd Street beach access. Drug possession and consuming alcohol on public beach. Police were dispatched to the area for a noise complaint. Upon arrival, police

said there was loud music playing and five people were consuming alcohol. Police said the group appeared younger than 21 years old. One of the males, age 20, had a rolled marijuana cigarette behind his ear and stated he had a medical marijuana card. He was holding a can of open Twisted Tea behind his back. He was detained in handcuffs. Three females, ages 19, 18 and 17, were also present. Another male, age 21, was placed in handcuffs.

The two males were escorted to a police vehicle so the alcohol and marijuana offenses could be investigated. When one of the males stood up, police reportedly found a pink package on the sand from underneath him that said, “Pink Cherry Gobstopper” and “contains cannabis, a schedule I controlled substance.” Inside that package was a small amount of green leafy substance that looked and smelled like marijuana. The

male subject was able to provide his medical marijuana card, confirming he can be prescribed the substance. However, since he was using the substance in an area that is open to the public, he was violating the medical use of the marijuana outlined in F.S. 381.986(12)(C). As a result, police issued him a notice to appear for possession of alcohol by a person under 21 and use of medical marijuana in an area open to the public.

Police stated the other male is on felony probation for burglary. He was charged with possession of marijuana less than 20 grams and possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the public beach. Police left a voicemail for his probation officer informing him of the arrest. He was turned over to a Manatee County Sheriff's Office transport deputy. That deputy then transported him to the Manatee County Jail.

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Pines Trailer Park homeowner receives notice of abandonment

Rob Bolash said his mobile home was not abandoned and he’s continued to mail his lot rent checks.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH –

The Pines Trailer Park mobile home that Rob Bolash has owned for 22 years remains furnished and occupied, and he continues to mail his monthly lot rent checks. Yet, he was recently served with a “Notice to Right to Reclaim Abandoned Property.”

Dated April 2, the notice states a single-wide mobile home built in 1976 remains on the park property at 44 Bay Drive North.

“The premises were not vacated, so that’s an untruth,” Bolash told The Sun.

He speculated that he received the notice because he, unlike some other Pines Park trailer owners, did not relinquish the title of his property to park ownership.

“I decided not to, because I never stopped paying my rent,” Bolash said.

He said a confidential, lawsuit-related settlement agreement the Pines Park Homeowners Association and the Pine Park Investors LLC park ownership group reached in August contains a condition that allows those who turned over the titles to their mobile homes to continue living in

the park for an undisclosed period of time.

Bolash said in August and September, he had mailed his monthly $1,200 lot rent checks to the Pines’ manage ment company The Urban Group, but those checks were returned to him.

“I sent those checks back to them with the October payment, with a note saying the checks were sent back to me mistakenly,” Bolash said. “They were trying to say I didn’t pay by not cashing my checks; and then they came forward with the lawsuit for eviction.”

He said he has continued to send his lot rent checks each

BUSINESS

Auto Service

Grooms Motor & Automotive

5608 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 941-896-7898

Bait & Tackle Shop

Keyes Marina 5501 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-1977

Bank

TD Bank www.td.com

Bike Rental

Beach Bums Rentals

427 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-3316

Boating Store

Keyes Marina

5501 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-1977

Car Wash

Sun & Suds Car Wash 6412 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, 564-3072

Carpet Cleaner

Fat Cat Carpet Cleaning 3801 9th Ave W. Bradenton, 778-2882

CBD Store

Edibles N More

5368 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach 855-334-2530

Clothing Store

Pink Pearl Resort Wear 5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach 941-900-2838

Convenience Store

Anna Maria General Store 503 Pine Ave Anna Maria 779-9200

Dry Cleaner

Courtesy Cleaners 7421 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 794-5145

Electrician

Anthony’s Heating & Cooling 778-0100

Fine Dining

The Waterfront 111 S Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 778-1515

Fitness

Prosper Bradenton 7449 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209 313-207-8506

Floor Coverings

Tradewinds Tile & Stone 5917 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton 941-896-9640

Florist

Blooms by The Beach 2501 Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach, 778-2555

Gift Shop

Beach Bums

427 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3316

Golf Cart Rental

Beach Bums

427 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3316

Grocery Store

Publix Supermarket 3900 East Bay Drive

Holmes Beach. 778-5422

Hair Salon

Salon Salon 3612 E Bay Dr Holmes Beach 941-778-0400

Hardware Store

True Value Hardware 5324 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 213-9159

Heat & Air

Anthony’s Heating & Cooling 778-0100

Home Builder

Wash Family Construction Holmes Beach 725-0073

Hotel/Motel

Silver Surf Resort 1301 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach, 778-6626

House Cleaner Lisa Firestine

Jewelry Store

Pink Pearl Resort Wear 5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach 941-900-2838

Liquor Store

Time Saver Liquor Store 5353 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-1524

Marina Keyes Marina 5501 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 778-1977

Men’s Apparel

Beach Bums

427 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3316

Non Profit

The Center of Anna Maria

407 Magnolia Ave. Anna Maria, 778-1908

Outdoor Sports Store

Dicks Sporting Goods 4108 14th St. W. Bradenton, 751-6900

Painter

Ever-Ace 1212 40th St. W., Bradenton, 962-2093

Everace941@gmail.com

Pest Control

Jones and Son’s Pest Control 758-7723

Pet Grooming

The Paw Spa 5343 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach 778-0885

Pet Store

AMI Beach & Dog Supply CO. 5402 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 941-7138970

Pharmacist

Todd CVS

611 Manatee Ave Holmes Beach,778-1411

Pharmacy CVS

611 Manatee Ave Holmes Beach,778-1411

Plumber

Sewell’s Plumbing and Air 941-794-6497

Pool Cleaner

Stand Up Pools

Pool Contractor

Agnelli Pools & Construction 7411 Manatee Ave. W. #200 Bradenton, 778-4333

Real Estate Associate

Jessica Batten

Sato Real Estate Inc. 519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200

Real Estate Company

Sato Real Estate Inc. 519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200

Rental Company

Sato Real Estate Inc.

519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200

Resort

Anna Maria Resorts

Tradewinds Beach Resort 1603 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach, 779-0100

Roofer

Trust Mike Roofing

5300 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach 807-6507

Retirement Community

National Church Residences

Service Station

Grooms Motor & Automotive

5608 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 941-896-7898

Shopping Center

Island Shopping Plaza 5414 Marina Drive Holmes Beach

Souvenir Shop

Island Bazaar

3304 East Bay Dr. Holmes Beach 778-3343

Spa

Aluna Day Spa 2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach 778-8400

Women’s Apparel

Pink Pearl Resort Wear 5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 941-900-2838

PEOPLE & PLACES

Architectural Design Market Design

Architect Sensa Design

Art Gallery

Artist Guild Gallery 5414 Marina Dr Holmes Beach 778-6694

Artist Kristi Marie Photography

Attorney Nick Sato

2071 Ringling Blvd. #400 Sarasota, 861-4400

Band

Pam Ward at Harry’s Grill

9903 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 567-5999

Bar & Grill

Harry’s Grill

9903 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 567-5999

Bartender

Zachery Russell

gRub Tropical BBQ

415 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 900-2874

Beach

Coquina Beach

Boat Captain

Lance Plowman

Florida Fishing Fleet 941-720-6147

Business Person

Mike Zeppi

Anthony’s Heating & Cooling 778-0100

Caterer

Ben Sato

gRub Topical BBQ 415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874

Chef Jesus Avarjo at Harry’s Grill 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999

Chiropractor

Harbor Chiropractic 6220 Manatee Ave W

Dentist

Island Dental Spa 3909 E Bay Dr Ste #205 Holmes Beach, 778-2204

Doctor Kirsten Ritchie-Wilson Blake Medical Center

Eye Care

Coastal Eye Institute 217 Manatee Ave E. Bradenton, 941-748-1818

Financial Planner

Edward Jones

John Campora 6400 Manatee Ave W Suite B 779-2499

Fishing Charter

Florida Fishing Fleet Charters 4628 119th St W. Cortez, 941-720-6174

Individual Entertainer

Pam Ward at Harry’s Grill

9903 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 567-5999

Interior Design

HSH Collective Home and Design

5602 Marina Drive C Holmes Beach, 941-718-9178

Manacurist

KD at Four seasons Nail and Skin Care

5604 Marina Drive Holmes beach, 778-8590

Massage Therapy

Aluna Wellness

2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400

Personal Trainer

Breanna Newton

Home Fitness by Bre dnewton@airguaranteed.com

School

Anna Maria Elementary 4700 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 708-5525

School Teacher

Laura Martin

Palmetto Elementary 1540 10th St. W. Palmetto, 941-723-4822

AMOB voted favorite seafood restaurant

Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier was selected as the favorite seafood restaurant in The Sun’s 2026 Readers’ Choice poll.

“The grouper is very popular, that’s absolutely number one,” said Eleni Sokos, the executive vice president of Oysters Rock Hospitality, the parent company of AMOB. “We treat the grouper carefully because it’s an expensive product. We serve that blackened, grilled, sauteed, or as a fried grouper sandwich.”

AMOB’s seafood offerings also include oysters, ceviche, peel and eat shrimp, cobia, salmon and fish and chips.

Sokos said the cooks in all six AMOB locations are trained to prepare seafood correctly.

“It’s always about serving the best product that we can find for the best value. We want to make sure our guests can enjoy seafood at a great value.”

She said visitors to the area expect to find quality seafood.

“When people come to this area, they just want seafood in general. Some of our bestsellers are things that are clearly not local, like our snow crab boil, but they’re popular, and that’s what people want,” Sokos said.

She said AMOB is not only for tourists; it’s also accessible for locals.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Oysters Rock Hospitality Executive Vice President Eleni Sokos and AMOB Head of Culinary Will Parard display Louisiana oysters on the half-shell and peel and eat shrimp.

“This is a place that people can come on Tuesdays, not just on birthdays or anniversaries,” she said. “We’re accessible and always value-forward.”

Sokos said another side of the restaurant’s popularity is its focus on hospitality.

“You can go to other places that have great food for a great price, but our service here, I think, is best in class,” Sokos said. “Our team loves to make connections and build relationships.”

AMOB founder and CEO John

Horne opened the Bradenton Beach Pier location in 2015. He opened the first Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Anna Maria City Pier in 1995.

AMOB on the Pier is located at 200 Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Visit them online at OysterBar.net.

Veterinarian

Dr Connor Bystrom

West Bay Animal Hospital

6905 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton, FL 34210 792-3473

Veterinarian Clinic

Island Animal Clinic

5343 Gulf Dr Unit 900 Holmes Beach, 778-2445

View Bean Point

Waiter/Waitress

Linda Kissell

Harry’s Grill 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999

Yoga Studio

Aluna Wellness 2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach, 778-8400

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

Asian Restaurant

Island Ocean Star 902 S Bay Blvd Anna Maria, 251-6940

Bagel Shop

Ginny’s & Jane E’s 9807 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 778-3170

Bakery

Hometown Desserts

507 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 896-3167

Barbeque

gRub Tropical BBQ 415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874

Boat Tour

Ben Webb - AMI Dolphin Tours

5325 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 281-3461

Breakfast

Ginny’s & Jane E’s 9807 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 778-3170

Burger Harry’s Bar & Grill 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999

Café

5350 Pour House 5350 Holmes Beach, 251-3681

Candy Store

Dips Ice Cream

503 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-1706

Deli

Scott’s Deli

5337 Gulf Drive Ste. 300 Holmes Beach, 7783000

Festival Bayfest on Pine Ave

German Restaurant

Lucky Frog Restaurant 4625 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton, 795-2132

Golf Course

Pinebrook Ironwood Golf 4260 Ironwood Cir Bradenton, 792-3288

Grouper Sandwich

Hurricane Hanks 5346 Gulf Dr. Holmes Beach, 941-7785788

Health Food Store

The Fresh Market 6701 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, 941-7951800

Ice Cream Shop

Two Scoops Ice Cream 101 S. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 779-2422

Italian restaurant

Isola Bella 5904 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach 941-242-5309

Key Lime Pie

Hometown Desserts 507 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 896-3167

Live Theater

Island Players

10009 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 778-5755

Margarita

Wicked Cantina 101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 281-2990

Mexican Restaurant

Wicked Cantina 101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 281-2990

Most Romantic

Restaurant

The Waterfront

111 S Bay Drive Anna Maria, 778-1515

New Restaurant

Rod and Reel 3246 E Bay Dr. Holmes Beach 941-778-1885

Night Spot

Harry’s Bar & Grill 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999 Pier

Bridge Street Pier

Pizza

Pizzano’s Pizza 5318 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach 778-3663

Restaurant (Overall)

The Waterfront 111 S Bay Drive Anna Maria, 778-1515

Seafood Restaurant

Anna Maria Oyster Bar Oysterbar.net

Specialty Cocktail

The Waterfront

111 S Bay Drive

Anna Maria, 778-1515

Specialty Gourmet

The Porch Restaurant

9707 Guld Dr. Anna Maria, 941-7828683

Sub/Sandwich

Scott’s Deli

5337 Gulf Drive Ste. 300 Holmes Beach, 7783000

Takeout

Anna Maria General Store 503 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 941-7799200

Anna Maria General Store offers

a little bit of everything

Sun readers named Anna Maria General Store & Deli in Anna Maria as their favorite convenience store and their favorite place for takeout.

Owner Brian Seymour said, “It’s such a great honor to win favorite convenience store for the second straight year. And to win favorite takeout for the first time, on top of that, is amazing.

“At the Anna Maria General Store, we pride ourselves on offering more than your average convenience store. Our goods target our three client groups: residents, the local workforce and visitors to Anna Maria Island. We offer beer, wine, tobacco, groceries, dairy products, frozen treats, bait & tackle, snacks, candy, beverages, household items and much more,” Seymour said.

“About 50% of our business comes from our deli and grill. We offer our deli sandwiches and salads from 8 a.m. until half an hour before closing. Our breakfast is available seven days a week, from 8-11 a.m. Our lunch grill menu is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week.

“Since the 2024 hurricanes, we have focused heavily on our deli and grill and instituted multiple daily specials

created by Chef Ezio Piccone, which I believe was a huge factor in us winning favorite takeout. We work hard to ensure our very strong local repeat customer base has different options, as they frequent our business multiple days a week,” Seymour said.

“Winning these two awards means our daily efforts are not going unnoticed, and we appreciate everyone who voted for the Anna Maria General Store as your favorite convenience store and favorite takeout!”

Anna Maria General Store & Deli is located at 503 Pine Ave. The phone number is 941-779-9200. Visit them online at AnnaMariaGeneralStore.com.

gRub puts an Island spin on barbecue

Ben Sato’s gRub Tropical BBQ claimed three Readers’ Choice Awards: favorite barbecue, favorite caterer and favorite bartender, with Zach Russell winning that category for the first time.

“I’m proud of everyone that’s part of this. I’m glad people recognize what we do. It feels great,” Sato said on April 8.

“Our barbecue is different. It’s not traditional. It’s my own style – a hybrid of tropical flavors and traditional smoked barbecue. We use a pineapple barbecue sauce. We also do empanadas and bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwiches). We do a unique spin on barbecue. When I started this, I wanted to pull in an Island feel.

“We cater a lot of barbecue but we also do custom menus tailored to a theme or style of cuisine that has nothing to do with barbecue. Next week, we’re catering a vacation home for three nights: Italian night, taco night and barbecue night. We’re catering the Anna Maria Elementary school gala and that’s an ‘old New York’ theme. We did The Center’s Murder Mystery Dinner – braised brisket, mushroom risotto, kale salad and patatas bravas; and we had 15 minutes to get that out to 350-400 people.

Ben Sato is the creative force at gRub Tropical BBQ and he loves catering too. gRub bartender Zach Russell is a first-time Readers’ Choice Award winner.

“We rent the entire restaurant out for weddings and private parties. We go to people’s houses and do private chef parties. We do everything. My background is fine dining and hotels, and catering lets me be creative beyond the barbecue mindset,” Sato said.

Regarding the readers’ favorite bartender, Sato said, “Zach is a people person and people come in all the time and ask for him. He’s very relatable, he keeps the mood light and he’s a big sports guy too.

“I want to thank everyone who voted for us and we’re grateful to all the people who visit our restaurant and use our catering,” Sato said.

Pink Pearl Resort Wear named favorite in three categories.

Pink Pearl Resort Wear in Holmes Beach was named The Sun readers’ favorite in three categories: women’s apparel, clothing store and jewelry store.

Amber Zampello has owned the store for nearly a year. She attributes its popularity not only to the clothing and jewelry, but to the relationships formed with customers.

“I think we like to make friends with all of our customers. When people come in, we like to talk and have a good time and really help them,” she said.

Pink Pearl Resort Wear operates in the space that was formerly Irene’s Resort Wear, and Zampello was an employee there.

“I loved the store,” Zampello said. “She retired and sold me the business”.

Zampello said her store’s clothing appeals to mature customers, as well as younger customers.

“I try to bring in some fun, youthful things,” she said.

The store stock ranges in price from cotton T-shirts at $13, to dresses that cost $400 or more.

“We have a lot of Canadian designers in what I call our ‘fancy room,’” Zampello

said. “Then there is the more casual side, with dresses and coverups – fun things.”

Pink Pearl also features a consignment loft.

The extensive jewelry selection features both everyday jewelry and artisan lines.

“We have jewelry made with Swarovski crystals, fused art glass, and gold-filled and silver-filled jewelry,” she said.

Zampello plans to have online sales capabilities in the future.

Pink Pearl Resort Wear is located at 5308 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, in The Island Shopping Plaza. Visit them online at PinkPearlResortWear.com.

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program updates annual report card

The SBEP report states local bays are healthy and resilient following hurricanes and drought. Palma Sola Bay is characterized as “excellent”

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

SARASOTA – On April 8, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) released its 2026 update to the annual Ecosystem Health Report Card, which showcases water conditions for the 2025 calendar year.

According to the report, the local bays are healthy following the environmental swings caused by the 2024 hurricanes and prolonged drought.

The report card uses four indicators of ecosystem health to assess conditions in the five bay segments within the SBEP jurisdiction. The indicators include total nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, seagrass and macroalgae, according to an April 8 SBEP press release.

The data is collected from Manatee County, Sarasota County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and citizen volunteers trained in data collection.

2025 ECOSYSTEM HEALTH SUMMARY

“The Sarasota–Manatee region experienced dramatic environmental swings from 2024 to 2025, including intense hurricanes followed by prolonged drought,” the press release says.

“These storms brought heavy rainfall, storm surge and

increased nutrient runoff, temporarily impacting water quality; however, conditions improved throughout 2025 as the system began to recover.”

Despite the challenges, local bays remain healthy and resilient, according to SBEP.

“Water quality rebounded across most areas, with nutrient levels returning to target ranges after short-term storm impacts. Macroalgae levels, which can increase rapidly due to high nutrients in the water, also remained stable in 2025,” the press release states.

In the press release, SBEP Executive Director Dr. Ryan Gandy said, “The bay continues to show resilience in the face of extreme conditions, largely due to the focus on upgrading wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, but the bay’s future also depends on our individual actions. We can all make a positive impact by managing the runoff from our yards and businesses through the reduction of fertilizer use and the collection of yard debris, dirt, pet waste, and chemicals before they make it into the stormwater system that discharges into our creeks and bays. With a little bit of effort and persistence, we can each help protect the landscapes and waterways we call home.”

The press release says, “Seagrass, an important indicator of ecosystem health, showed strong recovery in 2024 prior to the storm season, with Sarasota Bay seeing a 24% increase and reaching near-historic levels. Updated seagrass maps will be available in 2027 and will reflect conditions for late 2024-early 2026.

“Overall, the region’s estuaries are demonstrating strong resilience, supported by ongoing investments in water

Three Cortez non-profits participating in the Giving Challenge

Donations between $25 and $100 will be matched by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and The Patterson Foundation.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER

| llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – Three Cortez-based non-profit organizations will be among the many local participants in the 2026 Giving Challenge.

The three participating Cortezbased non-profit organizations are the Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS), the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum.

The Giving Challenge is hosted by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the foundation’s giving capacity is further strengthened by The Patterson Foundation.

The 24-hour Giving Challenge will take place from noon on Wednesday, April 15, through noon the following day. All $25 to $100 donations made during that period will be matched dollar for dollar.

The Giving Challenge takes place every two years and supports approximately 700 non-profits in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.

CVHS

“The Cortez Village Historical Society’s mission is to preserve the past and protect the future of this unique fishing village,” according to a CVHS release.

The all-volunteer non-profit organization sponsors numerous events throughout the year, as well as lectures and events related to the Sarasota Bay estuary and the history of Cortez. The organization hopes to reach their $10,000 funding goal through the Giving Challenge.

The CVHS museum and the Cortez Cultural Center are free to the public.

To donate, visit GivingChallenge. org and enter “Cortez Village Historical Society” in the search bar.

FISH

All donations made to FISH will go toward the preservation and restoration of cultural resources: the 98-acre FISH Preserve. The FISH Preserve represents the last large undeveloped stretch of waterfront land on Sarasota Bay and it encompasses mangrove and wetland habitats that are critical to local fisheries, according to the FISH Facebook page.

“This gives you a rare opportunity to double your impact and make a difference in preserving the heritage and habitat of Cortez – one of

Challenge.

the last pieces of Old Florida and one of Florida’s last true working waterfronts,” the FISH Facebook page says.

To donate, visit GivingChallenge. org and enter FISH in the search bar.

FRIENDS OF THE FLORIDA MARITIME MUSEUM

Donations made to the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum will assist the group’s mission to support and enhance the museum's initiatives by educating the public through special events, marketing initiatives, community correspondence and financial support.

The museum is currently closed for renovations but is expected to reopen later this year.

To donate, visit GivingChallenge. org and enter “Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum” in the search bar.

SBEP | SUBMITTED The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program released its annual report card chart.

quality improvements, habitat restoration, and hydrologic management to protect these ecosystems into the future,” according to the press release.

von Hahmann resigning from FISH board

Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage (FISH) Treasurer Jane von Hahmann announced her upcoming resignation. “Unfortunately, I’m having to resign, and this is my letter of resignation,” von Hahmann said during the April 6 FISH board meeting. Her resignation will take effect on July 31. She did not say why she was resigning. “There will be elections in July, and I’m giving it a few months so we can get a good replacement as treasurer,” she said. “That’s a loss,” FISH board member Karen Bell said following the announcement. Von Hahmann has served on the FISH board since 2009. She has been instrumental in fundraising for the 98-acre FISH Preserve and organizing the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. The festival, held in February, netted more than $97,000, which will be used to fund the continued restoration and preservation of the preserve.

OUTDOORS

Sister Keys Cleanup 2026

Reel Time

uncoast Waterkeeper teamed up with Sarasota Bay Watch on Sunday, April 12, to conduct their 17th Annual Sister Keys Cleanup. The event was a collaboration of the two non-profit organizations, the town of Longboat Key, Reef Innovations and the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant.

Close to 40 volunteers worked for four hours on the island and around the mangrove fringes collecting trash and recyclable items.

The four-island, 74-acre Sister Keys located just south of Longboat Pass in Sarasota Bay were originally slated for development in the early 1960s as the Shangri Isle Club and they were once again

threatened in 1989 when they went on sale for $1 million.

That spurred a group of citizens to form the Sister Keys Conservancy in an attempt to buy and preserve the islands as a nature preserve. After a three-year effort to raise funds for the purchase that included bake sales and the Music in the Park series, the Longboat Key Town Commission voted to fund the balance of the purchase price on July 10, 1992.

The islands underwent a million-dollar mitigation in 2007 that removed all invasive species, planted native flora and created a two-acre wetland. Today, mature mangroves dominate the waterways and are rich with crustaceans, minnows, juvenile finfish and wading birds.

Native species, planted on the uplands that were first created from the dredging of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in the late 1800’s, have matured, making the islands one of

the best examples of a thriving native marine ecosystem in coastal Florida.

The cleanup is part of an ongoing two-prong effort to clean the islands of trash and prevent the resurgence of invasive species.

Larry Beggs, owner of Reef Innovations, once again provided a barge to pick up bags and debris collected by volunteers along the island. The Longboat Key Police Department provided a boat to slow traffic in the Intracoastal Waterway during the event. In all

2,061 pounds of debris were collected by 44 volunteers.

Following a tradition started by Ed Chiles of the Chiles Group (who still provides parking for volunteers), Beachside Hospitality, the new owners of the Mar Vista, Beach House and Sandbar restaurants provided volunteers a waterfront venue, box lunches and service. To learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit the Sarasota Bay Watch and Suncoast Waterkeeper websites.

CENTER SCOREBOARD

GIRLS SOCCER (WEEK 2)

RAK'S Wings 'N Things 3 (0-0-1)

Beach Bums 3 (0-0-1)

AMI Rental Cars 5 (1-0-0)

Bubble Binz 0 (0-1-0)

ADULT SOCCER (WEEK 2)

Sato Real Estate 4 (2-0-0) Salty Printing 0 (1-1-0)

Bubble Binz 6 (1-1-0)

Ross Built 3 (0-2-0)

Impact Florida Windows 4 (0-0-1) Pizza Social (0-1-1)

Pool America 4 (2-0-0)

Solid Rock Construction 3 (0-2-0)

Swordfish Grill 5 (2-0-0)

Duncan Real Estate 1 (1-1-0)

35+ ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL

Moss Builders 30 (1-0-0)

Solid Rock Construction 26 (0-1-0)

Bradenton Home Inspections 28 (1-0-0) gRub 23 (0-1-0)

AM

Brown and Gagnon in winner’s circle

On Wednesday, April 8, two teams went 3-0 during pool play at Anna Maria Horseshoes and met in the final. Tom Farrington and Bob Lee won the day’s bragging rights after a 24-10 victory over Steve Kriebel and Bo LaMura. On Saturday, April 11, Bob Brown and Ron Gagnon (pictured) teamed up to post the only 3-0 record and they ended up in Saturday’s winner's circle.

Key Royale Club golf scores

MONDAY, APRIL 6 - MODIFIED

STABLEFORD AND SKINS GAME

First place: Dave DuVernay, +5

Second place: Four golfers tied at +4

Skins - Jim Goff, hole 4, Greg Shorten, hole 7, Larry Pippel, hole 9

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 - 2026

WOMEN'S SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

First place: Linda Dorsey, 76

Second place: Margrit Layh, 91

Third place: Jana Samuels, 92

THURSDAY, APRIL 9 - STAG DAY (RAMBLE/SCRAMBLE) PAR 64

First place team: Brian Comer, Rod Hammonds, Charlie

Porter, Don Tilden, 66

Second place teams: Jack Lowry, Dave Richardson, Roger Rottschafer, Peter Solleveld tied Brian Hogan, Bob Paine, Brian Pecquet, Matt White, 68

REAL ESTATE

Artificial intelligence is real estate’s future

Acouple of weeks ago, my brother-inlaw who lives outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania, sent me the real estate column from that day’s daily paper. Keep in mind that Ron is from the generation where you read a newspaper every day, and sometimes more than one.

Being the avid reader he is, I send him this publication weekly, which he reads cover to cover and frequently calls me with questions and/or corrections in my column, as well as occasionally mailing newspaper columns. I accept his comments with the good intentions he means and move on. However, the latest column he sent was on artificial intelligence and this information caught my attention and opened my eyes to look at artificial intelligence (AI) from a whole different perspective.

Castles in the Sand

culture. One of the central changes in this revolution was the power source: introducing the steam engine to the world. We’re now at the beginning of another fundamental restructuring of the way we live, do business, construct houses and market real estate.

It’s predicted over the next few years that we’ll see robots precisely laying bricks and doing terrain grading work independently guided by GPS and AI technology.

are building walls for homes by adding layers on top of layers of specialized concrete generated by a 3D printer. This is the stuff of science fiction.

The logical outcome of the advanced technology is more construction in a shorter period of time – predicted to be a 50% increase in production. AI catching design flaws, managing material waste and providing a safer job site will add to the rate of production. AI could build so many affordable homes in such a short period of time that it could turn around our housing shortage crisis.

AI is so smart and it understands complex questions like, “I’m looking for a three-bedroom ranch house near an elementary school on a half-acre,” that buyers will see the available inventory before they make a phone call, without scrolling through dozens of listings online.

The Industrial Revolution started around 1760 and was a major technological change, transforming whole countries from an agrarian to a machine-driven

3D printer construction first came to my attention in 2018, when I read about a company based in Texas building small printer generated houses in 12 to 24 hours. Now, contractors around the world

What does this mean for the way buyers search for houses? And will real estate agents go the way of the horse and buggy? I don’t think so. There may be fewer of them, since they will get a lot of help from AI, but the person-to-person contact of building trust, negotiating and guidance can only be achieved with face-to-face meetings and fast available phone and text contacts.

The dreaded closing table will also be streamlined thanks to AI. And although you can’t replace inspectors and attorneys in a real estate transaction, AI will make their jobs easier, make the paperwork more accurate and eliminate delays clearing title and property line disputes. Change is a challenge. Remember when everyone laughed at the steam engine? Thankfully, we know too much now to laugh at AI, but the future is always confusing and frequently scary. I for one will start paying closer attention to AI real estate stories. So, thanks Ron for recognizing the obscure in real estate marketing and construction and sending it to me. Keep them coming.

PACE: Female students are the real Lucky Ducky Race for Pace winners

the club won, club member Kellie Hoffmeister said the club would take the $5,000 to help fund future club endeavors.

The second-place duck was adopted by Robert Gause, through the Bradenton Kiwanis fundraising team. He won dinner for two every week for one year at any Anna Maria Oyster Bar location

The third-place duck Vicky Waters adopted from the AAUW Manatee Branch Team fundraising team earned her a $500 shopping spree at The Teal Turtle Boutique. Donated prizes were also given to the fourth-through-30thplace finishers.

THE REAL WINNERS

As is the case every year, the real winner was the Pace Center for Girls, Manatee. When discussing Pace earlier in the week, Christi Haley said, “Pace is a school where girls can come to overcome their obstacles to success that they had in public school, or even a private school. We are a non-residential program. They come to us and they develop the tools they need to rewrite their story. They get counseling, academic training and we have a nurse on staff. We want

each girl to write and reimagine the possibilities for her life. We’re giving her hope for her future. The girls stay in our program 12 months to two years; and the average is around 18 months. Our goal is to get them caught up academically while giving them some tools from their counseling. We then send them back to the

public schools, but we stay with them for another year.

“We’re funded by the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Manatee County School Board. Any girl who resides in Manatee County is eligible to attend Pace free of charge, as long as she meets certain risk factors. For a girl that’s struggling a little and maybe

just needs some tutoring, Pace is not her place.”

Pace Center for Girls, Manatee is currently operating at 4030 Manatee Ave. while the new $8 million Pace Center facility is being built at Pace’s longtime location on 26th Street West. Learn more about Pace at www. pacecenter.org.

McCallsBeachCastleCondo

5310GulfofMexicoDr.,#16,LBK 2BR/2BA/ A4673264/$699,000 MiguelRosa(941)477-5928

WhitfieldManorSingleFamilyHome 710212 Ct E.,Sarasota th 3BR/2BA A4689100/$409,000

MichelleSimmons(941)232-8810

AnnaMariaIslandSingle FamilyHome

4BR/3BA/ A4682522

403N BayBlvd.,AnnaMaria

$2,650,000 NOW$2,549,900 Ed Taaffe(636)346-6165

OneParticularHarbourCondo

376ArubaCircle#301

2BR/2BA/A4688563/$624,900 BeckySmith(941)773-1954 Elfi Starrett(941)720-3528

TurnberryWoods@ConquistadorVilla 3410AvenidaMadera,#B,Bradenton 3BR/2BA A4628910/$399,900

JenniferDelbo(941)281-9940

GaryWojciechowski(941)777-5522

SpringLakesCondo 415SpringLakesBlvd.,#415D,Bradenton 2BR/2BA A4686710/$284,000 MaryCollandra(941)704-7095

AnnaMariaIslandSingleFamilyHome 519VillaRosaWay,AnnaMaria 4BR/4/5BA/A4671485/$5,000,000 EdTaaffe(636)346-6165

CambridgeVillageVilla 3215MercerRd.,Bradenton 2BR/2BA A4684270/$299,000 Mary Schmidt(941)932-0348

RunawayBayCondo

1801GulfDrN.,#125,BradentonBeach

2BR/2BA/A4686575/$540,000

PeggyWieland(248)310-0012

A4685223/ $174,990

JenniferAnderson(941)545-5586

OBITUARIES

Ronald Arbanas

Ronald Arbanas, age 98, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026.

Born on December 9, 1927, in Cook County, Illinois, Ron lived a long and meaningful life, filled with creativity, connection and love for those around him. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eva Arbanas; his sister, Vivian Nystrom; and his beloved daughter, Susanne Arbanas.

Ron is survived by his son, Keith Arbanas of Columbia, as well as his cousins, Jim and Ronnee Brady, and their family of Anna Maria. He also leaves behind many lifelong friends who will remember him for his kindness, steady presence and the joy he brought to those around him.

Ron was a familiar and friendly face on the Island, having worked for many years at Hurricane Hanks Liquor Store, where he enjoyed connecting with locals and visitors alike. He was often seen riding his moped all over Anna Maria Island – a simple joy that perfectly reflected his independent spirit and love for the Island lifestyle.

Ron also had a true passion for pottery. He found peace and purpose in creating with his hands, shaping pieces that reflected both

Celebrating the lives of Ron and Susanne Arbanas

Friends and family are invited to come together as we celebrate the beautiful lives of Susanne and Ron Arbanas. Join us on Saturday, April 25, from noon until 3 p.m. at The Center of Anna Maria Island as we share memories, laughter and love in their honor. This will be a heartfelt gathering filled with stories, connection, and celebration – just as they would have wanted. Dress the part! In honor of Susanne and Ron, we invite you to wear bright colors and your favorite bold red lipstick as we celebrate their vibrant spirits. We hope you can join us in remembering two wonderful lives and the joy they brought to so many. Ron passed away on March 8. Susanne passed away on Dec. 8, 2025. The Center is located at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.

his artistic spirit and his appreciation for the simple beauty of life. Those who knew him will always remember his quiet creativity and the warmth he shared so generously.

Ron’s life was one of quiet strength, creativity and deep love for family and friends. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A combined celebration of life for Ron and his daughter, Susanne, will be held on Saturday, April 25, at The Center of Anna Maria Island, from noon until 3 p.m.

Charles Stephen Daniel

On April 3, 2026, Charles Stephen Daniel passed away while in hospice care in Bradenton, Florida. With a degree in criminol-

ogy, he served in the United States Air Force OSI in the United States, Korea, Vietnam and Japan. He then worked as a cable splicing technician for Southwestern Bell/ SBC/AT&T for over 25 years, retiring in the late 1980s. He moved to Florida in 2000, initially residing on Anna Maria Island, then to Waters Edge in Bradenton. He had many friends wherever he lived. He will be fondly remembered, especially by the residents’ dogs in Waters Edge who always happily received his treats.

He is survived by brothers William L., of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Thomas C., of Goreville, Illinois. Charles asked for any donations to be made to Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc., 2207 Ave B. in Bradenton Beach, Fla. 34217; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Selling Island dreams for 26 years.

Let yours be the next dream I make come true!

CABANA: Residents push back on cabana rental regulations

PAGE 4

itself to people wanting to be there,” he said.

“I understand our intent is to try and make it not like the causeway. I feel that if we do allow a limited amount of cabanas in the coastal conservation zones, that would spread it out more,” he said, noting the regulations could possibly be stricter in the coastal conservation zones than in the recreation open space zone.

“I think to ban it carte blanche is close-minded. I think it’s really doing us a disservice. A lot of people want to be in those areas and they do have the right to be safe from the sun,” Arendt said.

Arendt said he is “perfectly good” with continuing to ban every other commercial activity in the coastal conservation zones.

In response to a question from Arendt, City Attorney Becky Vose said a portion of the coastal conservation zone could be rezoned to recreation open space, which would then allow commercial cabana rental activities in the rezoned area.

Commissioner John Lynch didn’t lend his support to allowing commercial cabana rentals in the coastal conservation zone that he feels should continue to be protected as such.

Commissioner Gary McMullen said he would not have an issue extending the recreation open space zone to Elm or Coconut, but he wonders if the Sandbar restaurant owners want commercial cabana rentals taking place on the public beach area between the restaurant and the Gulf.

Commissioner Kathy Morgan Johnson said there should be a limit on how many cabana and tent rental companies are allowed to operate in the permitted commercial activity areas.

Palm Avenue resident Mary Helen Dean said, “We are in crisis.”

Former commissioner Doug Copeland said, “In case you haven’t noticed, our beaches are overcrowded. I think it’s somewhat crazy to open up more space when we have too many already. The conservation area is what it says: Conservation.”

Anna Maria resident and North Shore Café owner Colleen Geller said the commercial activity taking place on the public beaches is taking away the beach experience for people who live here –and for people who can’t afford to rent a cabana.

I think to ban it carte blanche is close-minded. I

think it’s really doing us a disservice.”

Chris Arendt, Anna Maria Commissioner

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Non-rented cabana and tents are allowed in Anna Maria’s coastal conservation zone.

Photos, videos sought for Memorial Day event

On Memorial Day (Monday, May 25), the city of Anna Maria will host its annual Memorial Day event at The Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria. The city’s annual event “honors the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.”

“We invite Manatee County residents to help us recognize these heroes by sharing photos, short video clips, and information about your loved ones who served and gave their lives in the United States Armed Forces,” says a notice currently posted at the city of Anna Maria’s website.

• A photo (in uniform, if available)

• The military member’s full name and branch of service

• The member’s rank, years of service, and any additional details you would like shared

• A brief message or memory you would like included (optional)

If you would like your family member to be included in the Memorial Day presentation, please submit:

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Commissioner Chris Arendt proposed expanding the allowed cabana rental area.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Palm Avenue resident Molly Ruggles is concerned about the new cabana regulations.

She said it’s reaching the point where people are essentially buying a spot on the beach.

Several other people also spoke before the discussion ended. The commission took no formal action on these matters and the commercial beach activity discussions are expected to continue during future meetings.

“By sharing their stories, we ensure their sacrifice is remembered and honored by our entire community. Thank you for helping us pay tribute to those who gave everything for our freedom,” the city notice says. Submissions can be emailed to bjeffries@cityofannamaria.com and the deadline to submit items for ceremony inclusion is Thursday, April 30.

PINES: Trailer Park homeowner receives notice of abandonment

FROM PAGE 14

month by certified mail and none of his checks have been cashed.

“I don’t believe this is a clerical error, I believe it’s criminal,” Bolash said.

Bolash was among the 29 Pines Trailer Park homeowners who were served eviction notices. His was filed on Oct. 22, 2025.

A “Final Default Judgment for Tenant Mobile Home Eviction: was signed on Nov. 29, 2025.

The notice stated that the property will be sold at a public sale on April 29, if Bolash has not paid the costs of storage and advertising.

“After the property is sold and costs of storage, advertising and sale are deducted, the remaining money will be paid over to the county. You may claim the remaining money any time within one year after the county received the money,” states the notice signed by attorney Shawn Arbeiter.

“I called that attorney and left a message, but he hasn’t returned my call,” Bolash said on April 9. Arbeiter did not respond to The Sun’s email request for comment.

The April 2 abandonment notice states: “If you own this property, you may claim this property by contacting the management office of the owners of Pines Trailer Park. Unless you pay the reasonable costs of storage and advertising, if any, for the property and take possession of the property for which you claim, not later than April 17, this property may be disposed of pursuant to Sect. 715.109, Florida statutes.”

FUN IN THE SUN

CLASSIFIEDS

BOATS

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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

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Roser Church seeks parttime Assistant Facilities Administrator to cover Friday to Sunday and special events. Read the Job Description RoserChurch. com/job-opportunity.

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LOCAL ISLAND

RESIDENT 30+ years of experience. Licensed & insured. Professional Services. Carpentry, Painting, Drywall and More. Reliable, Honest, Quality work. FREE estimates- Call Brian 941-220-8300

HOME SERVICE

HATE TO COOK? Long time Island resident. Can help with cooking, laundry and many things around your house. Many compliments on cooking. References available. Please Call or Text 941685-0045.

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

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315

SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

MOVING & STORAGE

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096

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

RETIRED LIFETIME PAINTER. "Have saved many customers many dollars". $27 per hour. Insured 502-817-6786

PEST CONTROL

ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL Call 941-7781630

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial.{Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-565-3931.

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

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NEW LISTING SANDY POINT Condo 2BR/2BA NEW flooring, new bathrooms, updated kitchen, screened porch, high ceilings, new roof, siding, partial furnished, 2 car tandem parking. $499,900. Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054

WATERFRONT SEASIDE GARDENS townhouse, End Unit, 2BR/2BA, 40’dock, Boat Lift, New Seawall and patio. Outside shower. Sold As Is $650,000. Call 609-2319564

RENTALS: ANNUAL

BEAUTIFUL PERICO BAY Club Condo! 2BR/2BA, Second Floor Unit $3500/ mo seasonally, $2300/mo annually +Security Deposit Please call 941-7781979 for more details.

AMI BRADENTON BEACH

6 month or one year lease. Furnished 2BR/1BA. $1700/mo water, cable TV, internet included. Call/ Text 517-548-1327

IN HOLMES BEACH

2BR/2BA Annual Rental. Off street parking. First & Security deposit. $2300/ mo Please call 941-5658407

ANNUAL RENTAL HOLMES BEACH

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3bdrm 2 full bath ½ duplex walking distance to the beaches, restaurants and shops. Immediate occupancy. $3.500/month. Call Paige Rogers Duncan Real Estate 513-382-1992.

PERICO ISLAND ANNUAL RENTAL

2BR/2BA unfurnished, avail now. Ground floor, tile, lake view. Water/ trash/lawn/cable incl. Parking + storage. Pool, tennis, gym. Near preserves & Anna Maria Island. Credit check. Small pets ok. No smoking. HOA app/fee. 941-713-2328

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND

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

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NEWLY RENOVATED 2BR/2BA CONDO close to Mantee Beach & shopping. First floor unit, all utilities, cable TV, internet, washer/dryer, parking, community swimming pool & pickle ball courts. No pets/no smoking. $3500/mo. 1-to-6-month lease. First & security deposit. Available immediately. Call 716-982-5168.

TRANSPORTATION

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095

TRAVEL SERVICES

DESTINATIONS BY

DeMERS For your travel needs like cruises and land tours, contact Ann at 585-200-3740.