Anna Maria Island Sun April 29, 2026

Bradenton Beach considers replacing police department with sheriff’s office

The consideration to eliminate the police department comes at a time when the officers are considering unionizing.

BY LESLIE LAKE and JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTERS

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach police officers’ efforts to potentially unionize the department have morphed into serious consideration by the city commission to utilize law enforcement services provided by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office instead.

The agenda for the special city commission meeting that took place on Thursday, April 23, contained two items. The first agenda

item was a discussion about the representation-certification petition the International Union of Police Associations (I.U.P.A) submitted with the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission on April 10, on behalf of the Bradenton Beach police officers.

The second agenda item was a discussion about the city’s law enforcement services possibly being provided by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).

The sheriff's office’s $1.5 million preliminary law enforcement proposal is $628,000 less than the $2.12 million budgeted for the city’s police department during the current 2025-26 fiscal year.

The first agenda item was quickly dispensed with. The second agenda

item commanded the bulk of the conversation during the 80-minute special meeting.

UNIONIZATION DISCUSSION

Attorney Robert Eschenfelder represented the city during the special meeting. Eschenfelder, a labor law and employment law specialist, is a partner in the Trask Daigneault law firm that provides the contracted services of City Attorney Erica Augello.

“There have been a number of interest cards where the group of public employees (police officers) want to examine the opportunity to vote to create a union,” Eschenfelder said. “Those have

Satos join Seymour in City Pier lease partnership

The revised LLC members will attempt to negotiate a lease for the use of the larger City Pier building.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Commission has authorized Mayor Mark Short to negotiate the potential lease of the larger City Pier building to Brian Seymour’s GSM Partners LLC, a limited liability corporation that now includes Ben and Jason Sato as new partners.

GSM Partners currently holds the lease for the smaller City Pier building from which Seymour and his former business partners operated the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop until Hurricane Milton destroyed most of the City Pier walkway in October 2024.

A new walkway is currently being built and the pier is expected to fully reopen later this year. GSM’s lease was scheduled to expire at the end of 2025, but due to the hurricanerelated suspension of business operations, Seymour has the option to utilize the remaining 15 months of his suspended original lease once the pier reopens.

Seymour has recently expressed interest in also leasing the larger pier building previously occupied by Mote Marine. A clause in the original lease provides, but does not guarantee, Seymour and his partners the opportunity to renegotiate the lease to include the larger pier building in their business operations.

In March, Seymour sent Mayor Mark Short a letter of notice regarding his decision to revise the GSM partnership structure.

“As managing member of GSM Partners LLC, I am sending this letter to serve as official notice that I am requesting a change in partners within GSM Partners LLC that is currently under lease with the city of Anna Maria. The changes are the removal of Victor Mattay and Nicholas Graham and replacement of them with Benjamin Sato and Jason Sato,” Seymour stated in his letter.

“I have chosen to change the partnership and keep the partnership solely comprised of long time Anna Maria Residents and proven successful businesspeople who take a handson approach, as I do, to ensure success for our business and success for the City Pier. This change positions us with the means, resources, business experience and flexibility to build out and execute our ideas/business

PROFESSIONAL

Love and Schultz receive Pat Copeland Scholarships

Jack Love and Courtney Schultz were recognized for their academic achievements and their community involvement.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Courtney Schultz and Jack Love are this year’s Pat Copeland Scholarship award winners.

On Thursday, April 23, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society awarded Schultz and Love $2,000 scholarships. The scholarship winners were announced during the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s monthly business card exchange gathering, held this month on the AMI Historical Museum grounds in Anna Maria.

Before announcing the recipients, historical society member Liz Hager noted the long-awarded annual scholarships are named in honor of Pat

Copeland, the historical society and museum co-founder (and AMI Sun reporter) who passed away in 2023.

Pat’s husband, Doug Copeland, attended the chamber event and helped serve the complimentary beer and wine provided by the Anna Maria General Store. The complimentary pizza was provided by Double Deez and Pizzano’s.

When addressing the attendees, Hager noted the scholarships date back many years and several past winners remain active in the Island community.

“That’s why it’s so special to be here tonight,” she said.

Hager said the historical society received eight scholarship applications this year, which is more than usual, and all the applicants were well-qualified.

JACK LOVE

Hager said the selection committee initially selected one scholarship winner, but the committee also had another applicant, Jack Love, who’s a history major – which ties right in with

KAREN RILEY-LOVE | SUBMITTED

Left, future park ranger Jack Love at De Soto National Memorial. Love is pursuing a degree in public history at UCF.

the historical society’s mission to preserve and promote Anna Maria Island’s history.

“We were so impressed with what he’s done, what he’s doing and what’s he’s going to do that we had to go ask to have more scholarship money made available so we could give two scholarships this year. And a very generous donor has made that happen,” Hager said.

She noted Jack grew up in the village of Cortez, attended Anna Maria Elementary school and is now pursuing a degree in public history at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

“Public history is about making history accessible and relevant to the public, whether through national parks, museums or community programs,” Hager said.

She said Jack was unable to attending the scholarship award ceremony that evening because he was in Orlando working on a paper and studying for an important exam the following morning.

Citing his scholarship application letter, Hager said one Jack’s favorite duties while working for the National Park Service at De Soto National Memorial in west Braden-

ton was working with the children in the Junior Ranger program.

In his application letter, Jack wrote, “My long-term goal is to become a National Park Ranger, ideally working in a setting like the New Orleans Jazz Historical Park.”

In his recommendation letter, De Soto National Memorial Superintendent Scott Pardue wrote, “I first saw Jack’s genuine interest in history and culture way back when he was very young. If memory serves me correct, we made an exception for Jack, too young to attend the camp, to join his older sister in our Junior Ranger summer camp.”

Pardue noted the scholarship would Jack accomplish his goal to be a park ranger

Hager called Jack’s mom, AMI Beach Weddings owner Karen Riley-Love, up to say a few words on Jack’s behalf.

Karen said her mom, Mary Wood, helped instill a love of history in Jack, and his sister, Isabella, who will soon graduate from Columbia University with a master’s degree in oral history.

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

The CRA board approved the purchase of a boat to clean up the CRA district shoreline.

CRA approves purchase of boat for pier area cleanup

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board unanimously approved the $7,998 purchase of a 14-foot Tracker boat to be used for cleaning the areas around and near the Bradenton Beach Pier, the pier boardwalk and the city-owned dinghy dock. “It’s going to be used to clean up the shoreline in the CRA,” Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby said during the April 16 CRA meeting. The new boat will have the ability to access the shallow waters in those shoreline areas, some of which are populated by mangroves. “We can’t take the chance of trampling through the mangroves and messing them up. We haven’t been able to get to it because we haven’t had a boat for a while,” Cosby said.

Suzi Fox Day kicks off turtle nesting season

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

Arbor Day celebrated with tree plantings

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On Friday, April 24, trees were planted in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach in honor of Arbor Day. Participants in the annual Arbor Day events included city officials from the three Anna Maria Island cities, the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, Keep Manatee Beautiful, the Scenic W.AV.E.S. Partnership Committee, the Florida Forest Service and the Modern Woodmen of America and other community advocates.

A gumbo limbo tree was planted at Jacaranda Park in Anna Maria. A silver buttonwood tree was planted at Prince Park in Holmes Beach. The city of Holmes Beach and the Islanders 4 Clean Water initiative hosted a coinciding “Free Tree Giveaway” on the city hall property, during which silver buttonwood and green buttonwood trees were given away.

A sabal palm tree, a coconut palm tree and a sea grape were planted at Katie Perola Sunset Park in Bradenton Beach. A wildlife education sign was also installed.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN 2025 attendees learned about sea turtles from Turtle Watch volunteers.

The kick-off to the 2026 sea turtle nesting season will be celebrated with Suzi Fox Day on Friday, May 1, at the Coquina Beach Café in Bradenton Beach from 3 to 6 p.m. Honoring the deceased former Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch executive director, the free event will feature educational materials, games, turtle-themed activities and live music by Scott Blum and Bill Vinhage. Property managers and homeowners can pick up free, wildlife-friendly PAR20 amber LED light bulbs. The event is sponsored by the Coquina Beach Café and attendees who pick up educational outreach materials receive a free beer from the café. Coquina Beach Café is located at 2650 Gulf Drive South. For more information about sea turtle nesting season, visit IslandTurtleWatch.com.

Correction

Randy Mora serves as the Holmes Beach City Attorney. Randy’s last name was spelled two different ways (one of them incorrect) in a story that appeared in last week’s Sun.

BY SHAWN MAYERS

ANNA MARIA ISLAND GARDEN CLUB

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Arbor Day was celebrated on Anna Maria Island on Friday, April 24, and the Anna Maria Island Garden Club donated the native trees planted during the Arbor Day ceremonies held in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.

This year’s trees were selected for their suitability with the Island conditions.

The gumbo limbo is often called the “tourist tree” for its peeling red bark. The gumbo limbo is a native Florida hardwood with a broad, irregular canopy. It’s exceptionally tolerant of salt spray, sandy soils, and hurricaneforce winds and its flexible branches bend rather than break. It’s also drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for Anna Maria Island’s coastal conditions and storm exposure.

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The tree planting ceremonies were followed by the Florida Forest Service’s All-American Cookout Lunch featuring free hot dogs and hamburgers at the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach.

After

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at the Annie Silver Community Center.

“Arbor Day celebrates the importance of trees to our Island environment, health and community spirit,” AMI Garden Club President Renitia Bertoluzzi said in a press release distributed in advance.

Rooted in Paradise: Native trees we should all know

The silver buttonwood is a compact coastal shrub-tree with distinctive silvery-gray foliage. This Florida native thrives in the brackish, salty air of barrier islands. It tolerates poor, sandy soils and salt spray beautifully and its dense form makes it excellent as a windbreak or ornamental planting. It’s low-maintenance and is highly adapted to the Gulf Coast environment.

The sabal palm is Florida’s state tree and it’s one of the most salt-tolerant and wind-tolerant palms in existence. Its deep root system anchors it firmly in sandy soils, and it handles flooding, drought, and tropical storms with remarkable resilience. As a Florida native, it supports local wildlife and fits naturally into the barrier island landscape of Anna Maria Island.

The coconut palm is the iconic symbol of tropical beaches and it thrives in full sun, sandy soil, and high humidity – all defining

features of Anna Maria Island. It has good salt tolerance and, once established, requires minimal care. Its graceful, arching form provides shade and a quintessential tropical aesthetic. It does best in South and Central Florida’s warm, frost-free climate, making Anna Maria Island an ideal location.

The sea grape is a beloved Florida coastal native that features large, round, leathery leaves that are highly resistant to salt spray and wind. It grows naturally along Florida’s shorelines and dunes, where it helps stabilize sand and protect against erosion — a critical function on a barrier island like Anna Maria. It also produces clusters of edible grape-like fruit that attract birds and wildlife.

All five of these trees share the key traits needed to thrive on Anna Maria Island: salt tolerance, wind resistance, and adaptability to sandy, well-drained soils.

Professional Municipal Clerks Week honors AMI’s city clerks

City clerks provide important services to elected officials, city staffs, the pub lic and the media.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

– The cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach joined other municipali ties statewide in proclaiming Sunday, May 3, through Saturday, May 9, as Professional Municipal Clerks Week. During their respective city commission meetings, Anna Maria City Clerk Amber LaRowe, Bradenton Beach City Clerk Terri Sanclemente and Holmes Beach Clerk Marina Hovious were honored with similar proclamations provided by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

Deputy City Clerk Barbara Jeffries, left, and Anna Maria City Clerk Amber LaRowe, right, received framed proclamations from Mayor Mark Short.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Terri Sanclemente is the city of Bradenton Beach’s long-tenured city clerk.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mayor Judy Titsworth presented the proclamation to Holmes Beach City Clerk Marina Hovious.

ments of the office of the professional municipal clerk. Therefore, be it proclaimed the week of May 3 - May 9, 2026, be known and recognized as Professional Municipal Clerks Week and farther extend appreciation to all professional municipal clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent,” according to the proclamations.

According to the proclamations, “The office of the professional municipal clerk, a time-honored and vital part

of local government, exists throughout the world.

“The office of the professional municipal clerk is the oldest among public servants.

“The office of the professional municipal clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels.

“Professional municipal clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all.

“The professional municipal clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community.

“Professional municipal clerks continually strive to

improve the administration of the affairs of the office of the professional municipal clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops and the annual meetings of their state, provincial, county and international professional organizations.

“It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplish-

The Sun also expresses its appreciation and gratitude for the services and assistance provided to the media and the public by the Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach city clerks, deputy clerks and administrative assistants. The Sun also thanks former Holmes Beach City Clerk Stacey Johnston for the many years of service and assistance she provided the media and the public before her recent retirement.

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

Opinions shared on police unionization, law enforcement services

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – On April 23, the mayor, the city commissioners, the police chief and labor attorney Robert Eschenfelder discussed the possible unionization of the city’s police department.

Without making a final decision, the city officials and the labor attorney also discussed the city potentially disbanding the police department and contracting the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to provide the city’s law enforcement services.

Representing the city, Eschenfelder said the sheriff’s office provided a $1.5 million preliminary estimate for county law enforcement services for the 2026-27 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. Eschenfelder noted the sheriff’s office proposal is $628,000 less than the $2.12 million budgeted for the city’s police department in the current fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.

Eschenfelder said the unionization had not been officially voted on and least five officers would have to vote in favor of it.

On Monday, April 27, six officers informed the city that they would not support unionization.

OFFICERS SPEAK

None of the potentially impacted officers attended the April 23 meeting, but some officers later

spoke to The Sun on the condition that they remain anonymous.

One officer reiterated that the unionization vote had not yet occurred and it does not appear at this time that the majority the officers want to move forward with unionizing.

One officer said, “The decision to unionize was never a matter of pay, but rather representation against threats and misconduct from the administration – the very kind now being disguised in public as financially motivated.”

This officer also referenced the April 21 cease and desist letter union-affiliated attorney Bradley Rothman sent to the mayor, the commissioners, Police Chief John Cosby and Lt. Lenard Diaz.

CEASE AND DESIST

Rothman is a member of the Naples-based Weldon Rothman law firm. His letter includes the header: “Demand to cease and desist unlawful threats, interference and retaliation concerning protected union activity.”

“We represent the International Union of Police Associations (IUPA) in connection with the pending representationcertification petition that seeks to represent the city’s regular full-time sworn law enforcement officers employed in the rank of officer or sergeant,” Rothman’s letter says.

“This letter serves as a formal demand that the city of Bradenton Beach, its police department and all elected officials, supervisors, managers and agents immediately cease and desist from any threats, coercion, intimidation, interference, discrimination, retaliation or reprisals directed at officers because they have exercised protected rights to organize, to associate with one another, to seek union representation and to petition for collective representation.

“The city is already on notice of serious misconduct. The officers’ March 20 request for recognition recounts that during a March 12 department meeting, Lieutenant Diaz addressed reports of union activity by stating, among other things, ‘I dare you to pursue a union and you will feel our wrath,’ that ‘the city won’t go for it,’ and that “I will be here another three to five years and you won’t.’”

Regarding Diaz’s alleged comments, Rothman’s letter says, “That is not protected managerial opinion. It is an explicit threat of reprisal for protected activity and it conveys unmistakably that officers who support unionization can expect retaliation affecting their tenure and future employment. The timing of the city’s current conduct raises an additional and deeply troubling inference of retaliation.

John M. Campora, ChFC®,

BRADENTON BEACH

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

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

Wednesday, May 6, 1 p.m., Planning and Zoning Board meeting Thursday, May 7, 6 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 28, 2 p.m., City Commission meeting CANCELLED Thursday, April 30, 10 a.m., Code Compliance Special Magistrate hearing

Tuesday, May 5, 9:30 a.m., Hurricane Preparedness Workshop

SATURDAY, MAY 2

TUESDAY, APRIL 28

Season finale: Anna Maria Community Farmers Market, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

Book signing by “Baseball in Paradise: A Century of Spring Training in Bradenton, Florida” author Pasquale Carlucci, Anna Maria Island Historical Museum, 402 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cajun Crawfish Boil/Kentucky Derby Party, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6-9 p.m., adults $50, kids 12 and younger $10

SATURDAY MAY 2

Rick “Boston” Burnes celebration of life, Anna Maria General Store, 503 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 1:30 p.m.

Rick “Boston” Burnes celebration of life/Kentucky Derby party, D Coy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 6, 10 a.m., Parks and Beautification Committee meeting

Wednesday, May 6, 3:30 p.m., Planning Commission meeting

ANNA MARIA

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

Visit www.cityofannamaria. com or contact city hall for more information. No meetings scheduled

MONDAY, MAY 4, 11, 18, 25 AMI Turtle Watch Summer Turtle Talks, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 10 a.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 7 –

SUNDAY, MAY 17

The Outsider, Island Players Theatre, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 7:30 p.m. evening shows, 2 p.m. Sunday matinees, $20-$30

SCHOLARSHIP: Love and Schultz receive Pat Copeland Scholarships

“He’s delightful person. He has wanted to be a national park ranger since he was four,” Karen said of her son.

When expressing her appreciation for the museum and the historical society, Karen said historians need places like that to do their work. Hager said the unnamed person who made the donation that provided Jack’s scholarship hopes Jack can someday get involved with the Anna Maria museum too.

COURTNEY SCHULTZ

Hager then called Courtney to the makeshift stage on the Belle Haven Cottage steps. Hager listed some of her many accomplishments and activities, including serving as the captain of the Manatee High School Sugar Canes dance team, for which she was honored as an All-American dancer.

“Dance has taught me discipline, confidence and leadership

skills that I carry with me into every part of my life,” Courtney stated in her application letter.

Hager read aloud a portion of Courtney’s application letter, which said, “I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease when I was seven years old. Living with these conditions has taught me responsibility, time management and resilience.”

Her letter also says, “Because of my experience, organizations that support diabetes research are

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Courtney Schultz’s accomplishments were highlighted by Historical Society member Liz Hager. Left, Courtney and Colton Schultz, and their grandpa, Walt Glover, during a 2013 visit to the Old City Jail on the AMI Historical Museum grounds.

especially meaningful to me. One organization that is particularly important to me is JDRF (the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), where I have organized walk teams and raised over $2,000 to support diabetes research.”

Her letter notes she taught dance to Girl Scouts, fostered kittens, read to elementary school students and volunteered at various school and community events.

“These experiences have shown me how meaningful it is to use my time and skills to help others,” she wrote.

“Balancing my health with work, academics, activities and leadership roles has challenged me, but it has also made become more organized, determined and focused,” she stated in her application letter.

“As I pursue a degree in finance (at Florida State University), I hope to use my education and experiences to make a positive impact in my community and beyond. After I graduate, I hope to work in the business field. My goal is to provide support, guidance and information to people who may not have the resources or opportunities to access financial education,” her letter says After rejoining her parents, the reserved young lady said, “I’m truly humbled. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and to be acknowledged by these amazing people.”

Her mom, Kim, said, “We’re super proud of her. She’s an

amazing kid. She’s battled health issues and through it all she stayed in the top 4% of her class and kept straight A’s while going to Manatee High and SCF (State College of Florida). She’ll graduate with an AA (associate’s degree) and her high school diploma at the same time. And she made the dream of going to FSU come true.”

Her dad, Curt, said, “We’re extremely proud of her. She was born in Bradenton. She grew up on the beaches. She’s been coming here her whole life and we’re proud that the community’s supporting her.”

BB POLICE: Bradenton Beach considers replacing police department with sheriff’s office

been signed and submitted to the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC). The next step is requiring the city to respond within a certain period of time as to whether the proposed bargaining unit is the appropriate bargaining unit.”

The proposed union bargaining unit currently consists of eight officers (including one recently vacated officer’s unfilled position) and one sergeant.

The union-represented bargaining unit would not include Police Chief John Cosby, Lt. Lenard Diaz and police department clerk and public information officer, ChrisAnn Allen.

Cosby was the only member of the police department who attended the special meeting. I.U.P.A. Business Agent and Field Representative Bill Bjork attended the city meeting, but he did not speak or participate.

“I want to make it clear that this does not mean the union is formed,” Eschenfelder said. “There is a concept that PERC examines, which is called ‘unity of interest.’ In this case, PERC wants to know what the city’s position is with respect to a sergeant being in the same bargaining unit as officers”

He advised the commission not to expend any resources to fight the proposed unionization and to allow him to inform PERC that the city has no objections to sergeants and officers being represented as part of the same bargaining unit.

The commission reached unanimous consensus to allow Eschenfelder to register no objection on that point.

Eschenfelder said PERC would

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Commissioner Ralph Cole wants to consider all possible policing options.

schedule an election. He said if at least five of the eight potential union members vote yes, the department would be unionized. The city would then be legally obligated to negotiate with the union on behalf of the Bradenton Beach union members.

On Monday, April 27, six officers informed the city that they would vote against unionization.

MCSO DISCUSSION

Prior to the recent unionization efforts, the Bradenton Beach Commission never entertained replacing the police department with contracted law enforcement services provided by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

The city of Anna Maria does not have its own police department and the sheriff’s office has long provided that city’s contracted law enforcement services. The city of Anna Maria is paying the sheriff’s office approximately $1.7 million for the law enforcement services being provided during the current 2025-26 fiscal year.

The city of Holmes Beach has its own police department, which is operating with a $5.6 million budget

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Labor attorney Robert Eschenfelder discussed the city’s policing options.

for the current fiscal year. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office and the Holmes Beach Police Department are not unionized.

When discussing an agreement with the sheriff’s office for such services, Eschenfelder referenced the April 21 cease and desist letter sent to Mayor John Chappie, the city commissioners, Chief Cosby and Lt. Diaz by attorney Bradley Rothman, from the Naplesbased Weldon and Rothman law firm.

“You are familiar with the correspondence that was received by the union lawyer saying that this is nothing more than anti-union hostility and so forth,” Eschenfelder said.

Rothman’s letter alleges police officers have received “explicit threats of reprisal for protected (union) activity.”

Regarding that allegation, Eschenfelder said, “The city completely understands and respects that folks are entitled to be members of a public sector union, but you all (as elected officials) have a separate fiduciary duty to the taxpayers, and a budget, to always make sure you’re doing the right thing.”

In addition to serving as police chief, Cosby has served as the city’s public

works director since Tom Woodard vacated that position in May of 2024.

“You have a police chief who has made it known to many of you that his intention is to retire. He has interest in being the public works director for the city and there’s going to be a transition there in the police department,” Eschenfelder said.

Eschenfelder said he’s had preliminary discussions with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office with respect to a transition to county-provided law enforcement services. He said that transition could result in substantial cost savings for the city.

“I have worked with the general counsel’s office for the past few days on what would the transition look like,” Eschenfelder said. “Yesterday, I was informed by the sheriff’s office that their preliminary review of our staffing needs is that they would be able to perform that role for $1.5 million, and likely less. That is based upon eight deputies and one sergeant. When you look at your current budget of $2,128,000 for municipal policing, that’s a saving for the city of $628,000 a year.”

Cosby asked if the sheriff’s office indicated a time frame as to when it could start providing those law enforcement services if a formal proposal is later approved by the city commission.

Eschenfelder said the sheriff’s office is flexible, but the county-provided law enforcement services would likely begin on Oct. 1, which is the first day of the city and the county’s 2026-27 fiscal year.

Canniff’s pumpkin on track to beat prior record?

LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – Cortezians are watching closely to see if Tim Canniff’s giant backyard pumpkin will break his 2023 state-wide record of 1,039 pounds.

The Cortez Village Cultural Center recently posted a Facebook message that says, “Let’s keep an eye on Tim’s pumpkin.”

When speaking to The Sun on April 23, Canniff said, “The pumpkin is about 350 pounds right now and that’s 33 days from when it was pollinated. It’s at the point where it can start adding 20 to 25 pounds a day.”

At that rate, with 30 days left on the vine, exceeding his former record is mathematically possible.

“It has great color and shape this year; it should ‘orange up’ pretty good,” he said. “It has similar genetics to my thousand-pounder a few years ago. It will really have to kick it into gear if I’m going to break a thousand again. It certainly has potential.”

In what began years ago as a fun hobby, Canniff, a commercial

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Tim Canniff’s new pumpkin already weights 350 pounds and it’s growing 20-25 pounds per day. In 2023, Tim Canniff set a state record with this 1,039-pound pumpkin

fisherman, has grown a backyard pumpkin every year for more than 20 years. Many of those pumpkins have exceeded 100 pounds.

Canniff fashions a sunshade to protect the fruit from the hot Florida sun. He has credited the genetics of the seed as a contributing factor to the pumpkin’s size.

“You just never know if it will take off,” he said in 2023.

BB POLICE: Bradenton Beach considers replacing police department with sheriff’s office

Regarding the potential loss of officers during a transition period, Eschenfelder said, “If the city does approve an agreement and a significant number of our officers go find other jobs, which could occur, it may become unviable to maintain the police department over the summer months. Obviously, the sheriff will begin earlier.”

Eschenfelder said the sheriff’s office would need to hire additional deputies to accommodate Bradenton Beach’s law enforcement services and that could possibly include hiring current Bradenton Beach officers if they qualify and choose to apply.

“We can continue the status quo unless we run into that situation where there’s a mass exodus of officers,” Cosby said.

Eschenfelder said the commission could discontinue its discussion about the sheriff’s office and maintain the city police department even if the officers vote to unionize. He said the city would then need to negotiate a contract with the union and that annual contract would likely exceed $2 million.

“Or do we want to direct staff to negotiate with the sheriff?” he said.

Commissioner Ralph Cole said the commission needs to explore all possible funding sources and police service options.

Eschenfelder said the commission could raise property taxes to generate additional revenues, but there aren’t many other potential funding sources the city can turn to. Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce noted the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis hope to eliminate property taxes on homesteaded residential properties.

Cosby noted the total aggregate value of all Bradenton Beach properties is much less than it is in Holmes Beach, Anna Maria and the Manatee County portion of Longboat Key. Cosby said the additional property tax revenues generated in those neighboring cities provide more funds for law enforcement operations and allow for higher officer salaries.

The commission expressed no support for increasing property taxes to generate more tax revenues for police services.

“We have a fiduciary responsibility,” Mayor Chappie said. “We are sworn to maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of our community and the police department is the key to that. I think we need to continue the negotiations with the proposal from the sheriff’s department.”

Scaccianoce’s brother, Sam Speciale, served as a Bradenton Beach police officer and then served as the Bradenton Beach police chief for many years until his retirement in 2021.

“I have a special attachment to the police department,” Scaccianoce said.

“I love our guys and I love our police department, but we really are in a crossroads here financially. It’s our duty as commissioners to at least look

at that proposal from the sheriff.”

Eschenfelder addressed the city’s current police budget.

“The $2,128,000 budget is your current budget without a union contract, so the issue really is that maintaining a local police department has its costs. There are certain costs because it’s a small agency and you don’t have economy of scale,” he said. “You pay your own insurance premiums, workers’ comp, vehicles, vehicle maintenance, and all that would be handled in a much more efficient way with a larger agency.”

Eschenfelder said the sheriff’s office currently has no interest in occupying the police station building on Church Street and the city could use that space for other city operations.

Cosby addressed the special policing services currently provided by the police department in the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district that includes the Bridge Street business district. Separate CRA funds are used to pay for the additional policing that occurs along Bridge Street during peak weekend and holiday periods.

Cosby said the sheriff’s office’s initial proposal does not include additional CRA patrols.

“You would have to make a request

for off-duty deputies and we would pay them (using CRA funds), but there’s no guarantee that anybody’s going to sign up for it. There’s a lot of off-duty time offered to them throughout the county,” Cosby said.

Cosby noted the county currently contracts the city to patrol the countyowned beaches in Bradenton Beach. He said the sheriff’s office would have to assume those patrol and enforcement duties if the police department is eliminated. He also said the sheriff’s office would have to enforce the boats and derelict vessels that anchor in the city’s waterways, including the unmanaged mooring area south of the Bradenton Beach Pier.

“Sometimes you pay more for something because you like it better and it’s more suitable for our situation,” Cole said. “I’m torn about this. I think we should keep all our options open.”

Commissioner Scott Bear, who also serves as the CRA chair, pointed out that the CRA has $134,000 in its budget for CRA policing.

“That would be an additional cost, so I’d like to see that added into the quote from the sheriff,” Bear said.

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Firefighters train together to strengthen regional readiness

Several local fire departments participated in the threeday regional training session.

BY RODNEY KWIATKOWSKI WMFR FIRE MARSHAL

MANATEE

COUNTY

– Over three days, fire agencies across Manatee County came together for an intensive, hands-on training event hosted by West Manatee Fire Rescue District (WMFR).

The training brought together personnel from multiple departments, reinforcing a key principle of modern emergency response: no agency operates alone.

The training sessions took place on April 21, 22, and 23 at WMFR Station 2, at 10350 Cortez Road West.

The participating departments included East Manatee Fire Rescue, Parrish Fire Rescue, North River Fire Rescue, Southern Manatee Fire Rescue, Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, the Bradenton Fire Department, Longboat Key Fire Rescue and West Manatee Fire Rescue.

The training sessions emphasized real-world, scenario-based learning. Crews worked side by side in multi-company drills designed to simulate complex emergencies.

Firefighters advanced hose lines into simulated fire environments, forced entry into secured structures, conducted search and rescue operations and performed advanced vehicle extrication.

Emergency medical personnel simultaneously practiced patient packaging and advanced life support interventions under realistic conditions.

Beyond the technical skills, the training fostered something equally important: interoperability. When agencies train together, they build trust, improve communication and develop a shared

|

Left, Cedar Hammock Medical Officer Doug Brett (right) oversaw WMFR Firemedics Matt Joseph, Casey Fischbach and Dane Miller as they performed advanced patient care training. Right, WMFR Training Chief Mark Tuttle and Parrish Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Tim Gajan reviewed the training plans and coordinated the multi-agency exercises. Below, WMFR firefighters conducted a coordinated rescue and patient care scenario, providing simultaneous attention to both pediatric and adult patients during a realistic multi-victim training evolution.

understanding of tactics and expectations. These elements are critical during large-scale or multi-jurisdictional incidents, where seamless coordination can directly impact outcomes. When asked about the value of such training, WMFR Training Chief Mark Tuttle said, “These multi-company drills push our personnel to perform at a high level under realistic conditions. It’s not just about individual skills; it’s also about how effectively

we work together across agencies. That’s what makes the difference on the fireground.”

The multi-day exercise stands as a strong example of the commitment shared by Manatee County fire agencies to invest in their people and continuously improve service delivery. Through training like this, firefighters are better prepared, response efforts are more efficient, and the community is safer as a result.

Deputy ‘JoJo’ Parkinson reassigned

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Manatee

County Sheriff’s Office Deputy and longtime Anna Maria Unit member JoAnn “JoJo” Parkinson has been reassigned and will spend the final year of her career as a member of the sheriff’s office reporting unit in Lakewood Ranch.

During the April 23 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, Parkinson was honored with a proclamation read aloud by Mayor Mark Short.

“Deputy Parkinson is a 24-year veteran of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, whose career has been defined by professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to public service.

In 2020, she transferred from patrol to the city of Anna Maria, where she quickly became an integral part of our community and a trusted presence among residents, visitors and the whole staff,” Short said.

“Affectionately known as ‘JoJo,’ Deputy Parkinson has earned a reputation for her approachable

demeanor, strong work ethic and dedication to community-oriented policing, fostering meaningful relationships and enhancing public trust. Throughout her

service in Anna Maria, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and responses to major storm events such as Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton, she consistently demonstrated leadership, resilience and selflessness, placing the needs of the community above her own,” Short said.

“As she enters the final chapter of her distinguished career, Deputy Parkinson leaves behind a legacy of dedication, professionalism and community service that will be remembered and appreciated for years to come. Therefore, be it proclaimed that the city commission does hereby recognize and honor Deputy Parkinson for her outstanding service and her many contributions to the safety and well-being of the community.”

When contacted later, Sgt. Brett Getman, the leader of the Anna Maria Unit, said, “I want to wish JoJo well in the next year. She’s been a fantastic person to work with in Anna Maria. I think we can all agree she’s one of the kindest people you will ever meet, with the biggest of hearts.”

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OUTDOORS

Jim Costa Memorial Bowlees Creek Cleanup is May 9

Reel Time

n Saturday, May 9, Suncoast Aqua Ventures will sponsor the Jim Costa Memorial Bowlees Creek Cleanup from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bahia Mar West Marina at 6918 14th Street West in Bradenton. The event is focused on keeping Bowlees Creek “clean and beautiful.”

The creek, a 4.8-mile stream in Manatee County, just north of the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, is located within the Sarasota Bay watershed and it drains a large area of Sarasota and Manatee County. Held in partnership with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, the cleanup event is headquartered at the marina’s tiki hut. The marina is uniquely located on Bowlees Creek near Sarasota Bay and

has private and public slips adjacent to the tiki hut. The cleanup area includes upstream areas within the boundaries of US 301 and State Road 70, and downstream to the mouth of Sarasota Bay, including Bowlees Island.

The cleanup has been renamed to honor Jim Costa, a longtime supporter, participant and boat sponsor who helped inspire Suncoast Aqua Ventures’ signature event, the Reef and Beach Cleanup. Jim and his wife, Martha, were also dedicated committee members.

Cheryl Huntsinger, president of Suncoast Aqua Ventures, stated that “a major goal of the event is to remove trash from upstream areas before it reaches Sarasota Bay.”

The event typically draws more than 50 volunteers who use pontoon boats, kayaks, paddle boards and small jon boats to collect debris. The cleanup event is well timed to collect debris that would otherwise create significant pollution when long overdue rains fall this summer. Following the cleanup,

Suncoast Aqua Ventures and Bahia Mar West will provide lunch for volunteers at the marina’s tiki hut.

Suncoast Aqua Ventures was created by a handful of friends in 2016 who were concerned about human trash

and debris in our waterways. They created a one-of-a-kind competitive event called the Reef and Beach Cleanup. They gave cash and prizes in numerous categories to the teams that competed. All of the cleanup activities are structured to be fun, familyfriendly events.

To date, the events have collected well over 300,000 pounds of marine debris from our waterways. The volunteers come from all age groups and all walks of life and include water enthusiasts, kayakers, fisherman, scuba divers and anyone else who has a passion for our beautiful aquatic ecosystem.

Participants are encouraged to sign up early at the Suncoast Aqua Ventures website, SuncoastAquaVentures.com. This is a great opportunity to make new friends, be surrounded by like-minded volunteers and go away knowing you left our local waters better than you found them.

CENTER SCOREBOARD

ADULT 35+ FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 3)

Slim's Place 19 (2-0) Bradenton Home Inspections 10 (1-1)

Solid Rock Construction 38 (1-2) gRub 21 (0-3)

ADULT 3V3 BASKETBALL

USA Fence 17, 23, 21 (1-0) Salty Printing 21, 20, 15 (0-1)

Gator-Man Pools 21, 21, 21 (1-0) MI-Box 9,18,9 (0-1)

Paddy Wagon's 21 ,21, 22 (1-0) Q Law Injury Attorneys 3, 11, 20 (0-1)

Bradenton Home Inspections 21, 21, x (1-0) Luxury Services 15, 8, x (0-1)

YOUTH SOCCER ALL-GIRLS (WEEK 4)

RAK'S Wings 'N Things 1 (0-1-2) Bubble Binz 1 (1-1-1)

Anna Maria Island Rental Cars 4 (2-0-1) Beach Bums 0 (0-1-2)

YOUTH SOCCER ALL GIRLS (WEEK 1)

RAK'S Wings 'N Things 2 (1-1-2) Bubble Binz 0 (1-2-1)

Anna Maria Island Rental Cars 4 (3-0-1)

Beach Bums 3 (0-2-2)

YOUTH SOCCER 8-10 YEARS OLD (WEEK 4)

AMI Outfitters 1 (0-0-2)

West Coast Surf Shop 1 (2-0-1)

Flip Flop Shop & Candy Stop 3 (2-1-0) G.I. Bins 2 (0-3-0)

Anna Maria Island Rental Cars 6 (2-0-1) The Gitt TeamKW on the Water 0 (0-2-0)

YOUTH SOCCER 11-13 YEARS OLD (WEEK 2)

Solid Rock Construction 3 (3-0-0) Le Creperie 3 (0-3-0)

Print Wizards 5 (3-0-0)

Moss Builders 2 (0-3-0)

YOUTH SOCCER 14-17 YEARS OLD

Kesten Concrete Co. 2

Solid Rock Construction 1

Solid Rock Construction 2 (3-1-2) Print Wizards 0 (1-4-1)

Kesten Concrete Co. 2 (3-1-2) Print Wizards 0

YOUTH SOCCER 14-17 (WEEK 4)

Kesten Concrete Co. 3 (4-2-2) Print Wizards 1 (2-5-1)

Solid Rock Construction 4 (4-2-2)

Kesten Concrete Co. 2

Print Wizards 3

Solid Rock Construction 2

ADULT SOCCER (WEEK 4)

Sato Real Estate 4 (4-0-0)

Solid Rock Construction 3 (0-3-1)

Pizza Social 3 (2-1-1) Pool America 2 (3-1-0)

Duncan Real Estate 8 (2-2-0)

Impact Florida Windows 6 (0-1-2)

Swordfish Grill 8 (3-1-0)

Bubble Binz 1 (1-2-1)

Salty Printing 3 (2-1-0)

Anna Maria Island Real Estate Corporation 1 (0-2-1)

Key Royale Club golf scores

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 - FAREWELL SCRAMBLE

First place team: Charlie Porter, Chas Smith, Don Tilden, 27 (- 5)

Second place team: Monica

Lawson, Eric Lawson, Margrit

Layh, Steve Vasbinder, 28 (- 4)

Third place team: Chris Arendt, Brian Comer, Joe Coyne, Robert Kingan, 30, (-2)

MONDAY, APRIL 20 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD AND SKINS GAME

First place: Mike Pritchett +5

Second place: Buddy Foy, Jim Hill +4

Third place: Larry Solberg +3

Skins: John Cassese hole 4, Eric Lawson hole 5, Larry Pippel hole 6, Mike Pritchett hole 8

TUESDAY, APRIL 21 - DOE DAY

First Flight winners: Janelle Clements and Debbie Richardson

Second Flight winners: Billie Jean Pinson and Pam Lowry

Third Flight winners: Anne Klein and Jan Turner

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 - SCRAMBLE

First place team: Eric Lawson, Ken Kari, Warren Stevens, Nub Turner, 27

Second place team: Larry Brattain, Deb DuVernay, Jim Hitchen, Gerry Martinek, 28

Third place team: Bob Blaser, Tim Dunigan, AJ Ellis, Rob Ellis tied with Jack Lowry, Larry Pippel, Charlie Porter, Jana Samuels, 29

REAL ESTATE

According to national real estate reporting, the sky is falling. I agree the housing market has been stuck in a rut for the past three years, which is why I’m feeling optimistic. It’s time; and based on last month’s sales statistics, I think the time is now.

Time to think positive, no matter what you read Castles in the Sand

According to the National Association of Realtors, national home sales declined 3.6% in March – not a good sign for the spring selling season that most of the country depends on. This is the lowest level of sales since June of 2025.

Manatee County, which is essentially at the end of its strong selling season, closed 21.9% more single-family homes in March this year compared to last year. Our median sale price for single-family homes was $494,205, down 2.4% from last year – compared to the national median of home sales, which was $408,800, a 1.4% increase. The Southeast market has been stubbornly sluggish; however, we see a small uptick with more sales and fewer properties on the market.

LOUISE BOLGER

The one thing potential condo buyers can’t quite get past are the increases in HOA fees in the condo market nationwide. Homeowners all over the country are paying more than ever to homeowner associations, sometimes more than their mortgage and property taxes. The median monthly condo fee was $420 in 2025, up 29% from 2019, according to realtor.com. Mortgage rates can trend lower, or at least stabilize, but insurance and maintenance costs keep going up, whether you own a condo or a singlefamily home. Condo lovers defend this by pointing out that condo fees pay for amenities and salaries for staff to maintain the property and the amenities.

It’s part of the condo maintenance-free lifestyle and it costs money.

Coastal Florida condo owners pay higher HOA fees for the privilege of living on or near the water on both coasts. This means flood insurance and higher property insurance for both associations and individuals, not to mention expenses related to hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane Helene was almost two years ago and some condo associations are still recovering financially as we’re staring down a new hurricane season.

Condo associations are mandated by the state to maintain financial reserves to cover normal expenses to run the association. The problem occurs in associations where condo boards and residents don’t think ahead to the day when they may need additional funds to cover long-put-off maintenance issues or make repairs from storms. The collapse of the Surfside condo building in 2021 is the perfect example of what can happen when maintenance issues are not addressed.

In addition, because of repairs created by damage from Hurricane Helene, many condo associations were required to collect special assessments to pay the repair bills. How much of a special assessment depended on the severity of the damage and the financial health of the association.

In spite of all the negative talk about condo living, here in Manatee County we are seeing a small but significant change in the condo market. For the month of March, condos closed 12% more properties compared to last year. Although the selling prices were down 11.3%, the available properties were also down by 13.4% – possibly creating more of a competitive market.

If you’re one of the millions of condo owners who are convinced the sky is falling, it’s probably time to change your expectations. Remember why you live in a condo to begin with and prepare for higher HOA fees – unless, of course, you want to mow the lawn and clean the pool.

OPINIONS: shared on police unionization, law enforcement services

“After the filing of the PERC (Public Employees Relations Commission) petition, and after officers engaged in protected organizing activity, the city placed on a public agenda both a discussion of the PERC petition and a discussion of whether law enforcement services should be provided by the sheriff," Rothman's letter says.

“The prospect of dissolving, transferring or outsourcing the department had not been seriously advanced before the officers sought representation. A public employer may not weaponize restructuring, review or operational considerations as a means of retaliating against employees who choose to organize,” Rothman stated in his letter.

“The city must also refrain from taking any action to abolish, transfer, outsource, reduce or otherwise undermine bargaining-unit work where the action is motivated in whole or in part

by anti-union animus, or by a desire to defeat the pending representation effort,” Rothman wrote.

FACEBOOK COMMENTS

On April 24, The Sun published an online story about the April 23 meeting and shared the story on the Anna Maria Island Sun Facebook page.

In the Facebook comments, Adrian Abbott wrote, “It’s frustrating to see Bradenton Beach talking about getting rid of its police department over about $600,000. That might look like savings on paper, but it doesn’t tell the full story. Just down the road in Holmes Beach, they’re not dealing with this issue. That tells me this isn’t just about policing; it’s about how things are being managed overall.

“A local police department isn’t just a line item in a budget – it’s the officers you see every day, the ones who know the community, the businesses and the people. If this shifts to

the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, you’re not going to get that same level of connection. And once you get rid of a department, that’s it. You don’t just bring it back easily … I think people need to take a hard look at whether this is really about saving money – or if it’s a deeper budgeting issue that’s being pushed onto public safety.”

Abbott also wrote, “What actually put Bradenton Beach in this financial position to begin with? Was there mismanagement of funds or decisions that led to this shortfall? Because now we’re talking about putting public safety on the chopping block, and that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Neighboring cities like Holmes Beach and Longboat Key went through the same hurricane impacts and economic challenges and they’re still maintaining their police departments. So, what’s different here? Before making a permanent decision like dissolving a police department, there should be a real, transparent

look into how things got to this point, and whether anyone should be held accountable. Public safety shouldn’t be the first thing cut without fully understanding the root cause.”

Faith Hope wrote, “Can we somehow stop this from happening?”

Rick Bambatta wrote, in part, “Bradenton Beach has the lowest crime rate of the entire Island … Be careful what you wish for people, because once done, there is no turning back. I’ll keep my current reliable police department as it is, so I can feel protected if ever needing them in an emergency.”

Richard DeFrank Sr. wrote, “Big saving for residents. Taxpayers would save big time. This should have been done years ago.”

The city commission’s police service discussions are expected to continue during the regular city commission meeting on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m., but the meeting agenda will not be published until later this week.

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OBITUARIES

Richard “Boston” J. Burnes Jr. With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Richard “Boston,” J. Burnes Jr., 66, of Anna Maria, Florida, on April 7, 2026.

He is survived by Andrea Burnes; his sons, Jonathon, Richard III and Benjamin; his wife Melissa; and his grandchildren, Theodore and Samuel. He is also remembered by his sister, Jeanmarie, his brothers, Shawn

and Michael, and his wife, Kathy; along with many extended family members, including aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean “Mutzy” and Richard “Bun” Burnes, and his brother, Joseph.

Ricky grew up in Massachusetts, where he attended Quincy High School and played football. Over the years, he remained active and competitive, participating in rugby and candlepin bowling. He found enjoyment in fishing, playing chess and supporting his sons as a youth soccer coach. He was also an enthusiastic reader, especially drawn to novels by Stephen King.

He dedicated much of his working life to the United States Postal Service, living in Quincy, and later Falmouth, before eventually relocating to Florida.

In Anna Maria, he embraced a relaxed coastal lifestyle and formed many meaningful friendships.

While in Florida, Rick found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed cooking at the Anna Maria General Store, spending time on the golf course, riding his bike and taking his beloved dachshund, Camo, to the dog park. Rick followed horse racing with interest and enjoyed attending races when he could. He continued to follow his Boston sports teams and he rarely missed the chance to catch a game. He was also known for never missing

an episode of The Price Is Right – a reflection of his easygoing nature and appreciation for everyday routines.

Ricky had a deep love for dogs, especially his dachshunds Rocky, Apollo and Camo, who brought him constant companionship and happiness.

A celebration of life, laughter and memories will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at the Anna Maria General store, at 503 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

The celebration will then shift to D Coy Ducks, at 5410 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, where at approximately 4 p.m., shots of Fireball will be raised in Boston’s honor as the Kentucky Derby watch party held in tribute to him gets underway.

Lee and Poccynek win Wednesday match

On Wednesday, April 22, Bob Lee and John Poccynek (shown in photo) teamed up, posted the only 3-0 record during pool play at Anna Maria Horseshoes and wound up in the winner’s circle. On Saturday, April 25, four teams went 3-0 and settled things in a playoff. In the semi-finals, Tom Farrington and Bob Lee won 22-9 over Bob Rowley and Tim Sofran, while Dom Livedoti and Gersey Fernades moved on after a 24-13 win over Billy Silver. Farrington and Lee then took the final match, beating Livedoti and Fernandes 22-6 and being crowned champs for the day.

BB POLICE: Bradenton Beach considers replacing police department with sheriff’s office

Commissioner Robert Talham asked how many of the city’s officers voted for unionization.

“PERC would not have sent a requirement for us to respond if a majority of the potential bargaining unit members hadn’t signed interest cards,” Eschenfelder said. “We’re not allowed to know who did. The gentleman who initiated this discussion among the officers has since left the force.”

“He poked the bee’s nest and left?” Talham said of that officer’s departure.

Regarding future negotiations with a unionized police department, Talham said, “When we talk to these people, are we talking in the officers’ interest or are we talking to a union machine?”

Eschenfelder said the union would decide who sits at the negotiating table on behalf of its members: “If a majority of officers say 'we vote to hand our fate over to the union,' then from that point forward we can’t stick our nose behind the curtain and say ‘Who are you sending? Why isn’t the officer here at the

table?’ That is none of our business. Whoever shows up across the table from us, we are to presume is speaking on behalf of and in the best interest of the officers.”

“I guess the sheriff’s proposal is looking mighty wonderful,” Talham responded.

Cosby said county deputies are fully equipped and provided with equipment the city’s officers currently don’t have.

“Right now, we don’t have body cams, we don’t have cams in cars, we need to replace our radios and all this stuff is extremely expensive,” Cosby said. “Most of the (law enforcement) agencies are also accredited. These are things, if unionized, that the union will expect us to do.”

PUBLIC COMMENT

Bradenton Beach resident Bill Clemens was the only meeting attendee to provide public comment.

“The dollars being spoken about aren’t quite apples-to-apples. I wonder why is there a $600,000 swing? I understand there’s an economy of scale with the sheriff’s department, but are there some things they’re

not providing? Or are there things we could do here to maintain our police department at a closer cost?” Clemens said.

Eschenfelder said the $628,000 difference between the city’s budgeted policing costs and the sheriff’s office’s proposed costs are due to cost efficiencies the sheriff’s office experiences as a much larger agency.

“I like what Mr. Clemens said about apples-to-apples,” Scaccianoce said. “We need to have an apples-to-apples comparison. What would overtime look like as far as the sheriff for special events and the increase in population during season? This is not black and white. There are a lot of variables involved.”

MOTION ADOPTED

The commission unanimously approved the following motion: “To approve continuing with a formal request from Sheriff (Rick) Wells for an operational analysis to provide an agreement for the city of Bradenton Beach for the sheriff to take over the law enforcement activities of the city of Bradenton Beach.”

No final decisions have been made in regard to who will provide the

city’s law enforcement services and further discussion and decisionmaking will take place at a future commission meeting or meetings. The commission is scheduled to meet next on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m.

UNION REP SPEAKS

After the meeting ended, Bjork, the union representative, spoke to the media.

“We’re not adversarial,” he said. “I came here to listen to what the proposals and thoughts are. It’s just sad that we filed a petition with PERC and then, all of a sudden, they have a special meeting to discuss that PERC petition, and then also discuss having the deputies take over. I can appreciate their wanting to explore their options, but I would say in the long run they would be far better off with their own local police agency that they would have more control over, and with officers that have a good relationship with the community.”

The video recording of the entire April 23 meeting can be viewed in the web version of this story at The Sun website, www.amisun.com.

FUN IN THE SUN

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GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-9621194

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

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

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 941-778-1630

POOL SERVICES

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

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.

IN HOLMES BEACH

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

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

CABINS FOR SALE IN SMOKY MOUNTAINS of Western North Carolina. Perfect for second homes or investment. Call Chester 828-736-0907 RE/MAX REALTOR.

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

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

ANNUAL RENTAL HOLMES BEACH

Completely renovated 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.

2BR/2BA ANNUAL PERICO ISLAND $2150/mo 2BR unit unfurnished, avail now. Ground floor, tile, 1200sq ft. 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. 941-778-7244

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525

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

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941-201-2190

REASONABLY PRICED

SEASONAL FURNISHED 2BR/2BA, water view, 3 minute walk to beach. 941-226-4008 jamesk95@netzero.com

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.

BUSINESS & SERVICE

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

3BD/2BA HOME ON

WATER

$2,500 in Holmes Beach. On the water. Parking + all utilities, internet etc. included. Strictly non-smoking. Available April 30 -Jun 8th $2,500. Message 617-518-1240.

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.

PIER: Satos join Seymour in City

Pier lease partnership

for the soon to be rebuilt City Pier,” his letter says.

During general public comment at the April 23 commission meeting, Seymour addressed the mayor and commission and said, “We would like to request that the commission considers enacting clause 1.13 of our lease and allowing the mayor to negotiate with us for the primary building on the pier.”

Commissioner Chris Arendt later made a motion to approve Seymour’s request.

“Because time’s of the essence regarding the City Pier, especially the T-end, and given the fact that GSM Partners is ready to move forward, I’d like to make a motion that we take a vote today that would allow the mayor to begin negotiations with GSM Partners,” Arendt said.

Before the votes were cast, Short said it makes sense to engage in those negotiations, but it does not commit the city to granting the lease of the larger pier building to GSM Partners. FROM PAGE 1