Anna Maria Island Sun February 4, 2026

Future use of the City Pier buildings discussed

StayTerra files lawsuit against Jennifer Kaleta, AMI Premier Properties

The civil lawsuit seeks no less than $9 million in compensation.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On Dec. 19, StayTerra Vacations filed a civil lawsuit against Jennifer Warren-Kaleta, AMI Premier Properties and 21 property-specific LLCs. On that same day, StayTerra Vacations filed a similar civil lawsuit against Kiri Stewart, Magnolia Cottages LLC and 10 property-specific LLCs (as previously reported by The Sun).

The Warren-Kaleta and Stewart lawsuits contain similar allegations related to a $105 million business transaction StayTerra Vacations struck with Prime Business in 2024. Filed with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Bradenton, the lawsuit names StayTerra Vacations LLC, Prime Vacations LLC and GSP Prime Holdings LLC as plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs seek compensation for damages of not less than $9 million. The plaintiffs also seek a temporary restraining order and temporary and permanent injunctions that would prohibit the defendants from allegedly “continuing to engage in unfair and deceptive trade practices.”

The discussions about the future use of the City Pier building will continue

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city hosted a town hall meeting regarding the future use of the City Pier building previously occupied by Mote Marine. Many who spoke during Tuesday, Jan. 27, meeting would like to see a full-service, sit-down restaurant on the pier.

Mayor Mark Short scheduled the town hall meeting because he and the city commission wanted to hear what the public wants to see in the hurricane-impacted pier space vacated by Mote Marine. The building previously occupied by Mote Marine is the larger of the two city-owned buildings at the T-end of the pier.

Anna Maria General Store owner/operator Brian Seymour and his business partners hold the lease on the smaller pier building from which they operated The City Pier Grill & Bait Shop from 2020 until Hurricane Milton ripped away the City Pier walkway in October 2024. The smaller pier building does not provide space for indoor seating.

Concerns raised about ferry landing efforts

A Holmes Beach resident made a public records request pertaining to communications about a potential ferry landing.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – When expressing her continued opposition to a Gulf Islands Ferry landing being implemented in the Waterline Villas & Marina basis, Holmes Beach resident Daria Grinenko expressed some additional concerns about the behind-the scenesefforts to bring a ferry stop to that location.

On Jan. 13, Grinenko was one of three city residents to express opposition to the ferry stop potentially being located in the Waterline Marina basin.

When giving public comment again during the Jan. 27 city commission meeting, Grinenko addressed communications that occurred between City Commissioner Chair Carol Whitmore and Bradenton Area

SEE FERRY, PAGE 21

Hundreds attend Slicker’s Eatery send-off party

Slicker’s Eatery went out on a high note after five years of restaurant and community service.

BY LESLIE LAKE & JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTERS

CORTEZ – Before closing the doors of Slicker’s Eatery after five years in business, Bob Slicker greeted hundreds of wellwishers and friends at a Jan. 30 pig roast and send-off party.

“My only wish is I hope the love continues. I hope people carry the last five years with them the rest of their lives,” Slicker said.

Beginning at 3 p.m. and taking place inside and outside, the send-off party included musical performances by Tanya McCormick and Steve Paradis. Throughout the evening, some attendees did ceremonial shots with Slicker as he made the rounds while still overseeing the final evening of his regular business operations.

At one point, Amy Moriarity and Amber Tipton stepped to the microphone, joined by Slicker, to present the “Be Like Bob” T-shirts they had made as a final and still ongoing fundraiser for three of Bob’s favorite non-profit organizations: The Blessing Bags Project, the Florida Institute for Saltwater

Heritage (F.I.S.H.) and The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island’s youth reading program.

The front of the T-shirt features a photo of Slicker and says, “Be Like Bob.” The back of the shirt includes five “Bobisms” he frequently shared: “143 (code for I Love You),” “Love each other,” “Look for where you can help,” “Choose kindness” and “Much Love.”

The “Be Like Bob” shirts are $25 and can still be purchased by emailing BeLikeBobShirt@gmail.com and including the size and quantity of shirts wanted.

As the farewell festivities began winding down shortly after 9 p.m., Slicker cut a cake,

shared pieces of the cake and grabbed the two airplane bottles of liqour on the cake and did another shot with a longtime friend.

When asked how he felt now that his five-year run was almost over, Slicker said, “After five years of love, hard times and great times here at Slicker’s, it’s sweet to see so many people come out and share their love tonight, and during the past few weeks. Our business motto was “to not look the other way,” our slogan was “For goodness’ sake” and for five years that’s what we did.”

Having sold out most of their remaining stock, Slicker’s Eatery was closed on Saturday and the business operations concluded with a catered event on Sunday, Feb. 1.

SLICKER’S EATERY

Slicker’s Eatery opened at 12012 Cortez Rd. W. in February 2021. In September 2024, the leased building and its contents were badly damaged by Hurricane Helene’s storm surge and floodwaters. Following the hurricane, Slicker found tables and chairs askew and floating, freezers flipped over, a dumpster pushed into the middle of Cortez Road and an ice machine broken in two and wedged against the door.

With the help of his staff, he reopened the doors to the restaurant in February 2025, 128 days after Hurricane Helene.

During the time Slicker and his team were working on putting the restaurant back together, while also repairing damage to his own home, he found time to engage in several charitable activities.

On Thanksgiving Day, 2024, hundreds of people gathered under tents in front of Slicker’s Eatery to enjoy a free turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

Slicker was also involved in Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island initiatives to give away bicycles, donate cars and provide refrigerators to those impacted by the hurricanes. He said he now plans to get some rest, spend some time with his grandchildren and catch up on his reading.

NOW SERVING BOARS HEAD SUB S& SANDWICHES

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Commission holding Bungalow Beach Resort hearing

The Bradenton Beach City Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a major development at the Bungalow Beach Resort and discuss a letter of no objection during the Thursday, Feb. 4, commission meeting that starts at 6 p.m. Also on the agenda is a review of Ward 4 city commission applicant Robert Talham. Under new business, is the appointment of the commission members’ 2026 liaison duties. The city attorney will present a quarterly attorney tasks update. The meeting will be held in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers at 107 Gulf Drive N.

Have coffee with the mayor

The city of Holmes Beach is hosting “Coffee with the Mayor” at city hall on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 10 a.m. Touted as a “relaxed, community-focused gathering centered on conversation, connection and the future of our city,” this informal event is a chance for residents, business owners and visitors to enjoy a cup of coffee and informal discussion with Mayor Judy Titsworth, Police Chief Bill Tokajer, Director of Development Services Chad Minor and Director of Public Works/City Engineer Herb Raybourn. Attendees can share ideas and suggestions, ask questions and engage directly with city leadership in a welcoming, casual setting. The coffee is free and city hall is located at 5801 Marina Drive.

Anna Maria launches City Connect newsletter

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

Old Wells Fargo bank building to be demolished

Jake Spooner hopes to soon begin construction of a new building for his mixed-use project.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Anna

Maria Island businessman Jake Spooner now plans to demolish the old Wells Fargo bank building at the corner of Gulf Drive and Marina Drive and build a new building in its place.

He hopes the construction of his building will begin as early as March, if all goes well.

In December 2024, the Holmes Beach City Commission approved the site plan for Spooner’s mixed-use project that will feature his groundlevel Island Bazaar retail store, an outdoor miniature golf course and a small, stand-alone arcade. Some of the ground-level space will be leased to the Fudge Factory candy and ice cream shop and the second floor will be leased to Ben Sato for a 125-seat, family-friendly restaurant and bar called Mingo’s.

CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED

The first issue of the city newsletter can be found at the city website.

The city of Anna Maria has launched a new city newsletter called City Connect. The newsletter provides the city with a simple and consistent way to keep residents informed about city projects, updates and opportunities for public input. The first issue is a special edition focused on the community input phase regarding the future use of the city-owned building formerly occupied by Mote Marine at the Tend of the City Pier. The current newsletter summarizes the key themes from the recent town hall-style discussion and includes a short public survey so residents can continue to share their feedback. The debut newsletter is posted at the city website, www.cityofannamaria.com, and will also be distributed through the city’s normal communication channels. Printed copies are also available for those who prefer paper copies. City Clerk Amber LaRowe said her goal with the newsletter is to provide a reliable “one-stop snapshot” that residents can look forward to each month.

Spooner originally hoped to salvage some of the old bank building’s primary structure, but his engineer recently informed him that constructing a new building is a better option.

When speaking to The Sun, Spooner said, “They originally designed the building to meet FEMA’s 50% rule, but about six months ago we realized we’re not going to meet the 50% rule. Then it was a matter of what part of the existing building do we keep? There was discussion back and forth about retaining the two-story section. The twostory section was built with steel columns, but the second-floor ceilings aren’t the ideal height.

“Then we needed cost figures for the different options, so we had to wait for that. It was then determined that we have to tear down the whole structure. We’ll have a brand-new, flood-proofed building instead of having a portion of a building that’s 60-70 years old,” Spooner explained.

“They’re redesigning the project to include the new building and hopefully the design work will be done in a week or two, if all goes well. We’re going to ask the city for a demolition permit so we can remove the old building and we might have that as early as this week.

“When the city issues us the demo permit, we can start removing the old building. In the meantime, the architect and the engineers will be working on new drawings to submit to the city so we can get a building permit when we’re done with the demolition,” Spooner said.

“If all goes well, we’re hoping construction can start as early as March and then we’re looking at a 10-to-12month construction project. Nothing’s being changed on the site plan. It was just a matter of salvaging the existing structure, or not.”

Spooner emphasized that the city of Holmes Beach has not contributed to the delays in any way.

“The city and the city staff have been pleasant, nothing but helpful and a pleasure to work with,” he said.

When contacted by The Sun, Holmes Beach Director of Development Services Chad Minor said, “We were made aware of the engineer’s recommendation not to utilize the existing structure.”

Minor said a demolition permit will be needed for the removal of the existing structure.

Minor said if the new plans remain consistent and compliant with the original site plan, then no additional city commission approval would be needed. Minor said he and city staff will review the new plans, when submitted, for consistency and compliance and determine if any additional city commission approval is needed.

Commissioners debate past Gloria Dei purchase offer

Remarks Commissioner

Carol Whitmore made a recent town hall meeting prompted a response from Commissioner Terry Schaefer.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – On Jan. 27, city commissioners engaged in an impromptu discussion about the currently vacant Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property last used for church services in January 2025.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer initiated the discussion during his commissioner’s comments when he referenced comments

Commissioner Carol Whitmore made about the Gloria Dei property during her town hall meeting at the Island Branch Library on Jan. 22.

None of the other commissioners attended Whitmore’s town hall meeting, but it was livestreamed and archived at the Anna Maria Island Sun Facebook page.

During the town hall meeting, Whitmore expressed her opinion that the city’s $3 million offer for the church property in mid-2025 was too low and that’s why it was rejected. The property was then placed on the open market with an initial $9.9 million asking price.

During the town hall meeting, Whitmore said she never saw a specific plan regarding how the church building and church property would be used if purchased by the city.

During the Jan. 27 meeting, Schafer said, “There was an implication that the city was making an offer for which it had no intended specific need or use. Not true.”

Schaefer said several agencies and entities expressed interest in occupying the church building if purchased by the city.

“You felt our offer wasn’t adequate enough. I want to remind the public that when we made our $3 million offer it followed our appraisals. And our appraisals were based on the current zoning,” Schaefer said.

The church property is currently zoned Public/Semi-Public (PSP) and that zoning designation does not allow residential or commercial development.

Schaefer said the property owners’ $9.9 million dollar appraisal was based on the potential to rezone the property for residential or commercial development.

Regarding the city’s offer, Schaefer said, “It was rejected, but I don’t think it helps our case for anyone of us to say the property is worth more than we offered. And consequently, if we have an opportunity to

SUN

According to Commissioner Terry Schaefer, the asking price for the Gloria Dei property is now $7.5 million.

re-discuss the acquisition of this, it doesn’t put us in a very advantageous position of leverage for our chair to be saying we didn’t offer enough.”

In response, Whitmore said, “We offered our max and they didn’t accept it.”

Whitmore said she asked for a plan regarding the use of the church building and property and was by told by “leadership” that some non-profit organizations were interested in using that space and the School For Constructive Play preschool that previously occupied the church building was interested in returning.

“We never had a firm plan,” Whitmore said. “I wanted a better plan.”

Schaefer said there has been further dialogue with the church’s representative and the asking price has been reduced to $7.5 million.

Whitmore expressed her view that if someone else buys the property and wants to rezone it, the city can’t deny the rezoning request just because the city wanted the property and didn’t get it.

Schaefer noted that several years ago the church owners previously sought to rezone two of the three church parcels for residential development and the commission denied those rezoning requests.

Schaefer acknowledged the current asking price remains too high for the city, but the owner may eventually realize the current asking price may not be a realistic given the current zoning restrictions.

Whitmore said she doesn’t think the city can afford to pay $6 million to $9 million to buy the property and she doesn’t want the city going into to debt to buy it.

After further discussion about the condition of the church building, City Attorney Randy Mora reminded that commissioners they were in commissioners’ comments and may want to curtail any further debate about the church property in that setting.

Phone: 941-778-3986

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The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

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Bob Alexander

Editor

Joe Hendricks

Reporters | Photographers

Joe Hendricks

Leslie Lake

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Ricardo Fonseca

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Shona Otto

Classified Ads

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Accounting

Leslie Ketchum ©2026

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.

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

Visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Thursday, Feb. 12, 1 p.m., City Commission meeting

EVENTS

TUESDAY, FEB. 3, FEB. 10

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

THURSDAY, FEB. 5

Friends of the Island Library lecture series, Ryan Nunez, on “Artificial Intelligence: What It Is and What It Can Do for Us,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

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

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 1 p.m., Planning and Zoning Board meeting CANCELLED Thursday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m., City Commission meeting

FRIDAY, FEB. 6, SATURDAY, FEB. 7

FEED the Peeps Art & Craft Show, Bayfront Park, 310 N. Bay Blvd. in Anna Maria. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday

THURSDAY, FEB. 12

Friends of the Island Library lecture series, Robert Gaglio on “The Other Italy,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEB. 13

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island Night Market and featured artist reception, Artists’ Guild gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, in The Island Shopping Center, 5-7:30 p.m.

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

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

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m., Parks and Beautification Committee meeting

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

Jan. 22, 11:30 a.m. 200 Block Gulf Drive S., Aggravated assault with a handgun. Police were called to the Kingfish Boat Ramp in response to a report of a reckless driver. A reported victim told police that while driving northbound on Gulf Drive, a white Ford F-150 pickup truck passed him and began driving erratically. A short time later, the driver reported that he and the driver of the truck were stopped at the roundabout on Gulf Drive N. in Bradenton Beach and the driver of the truck held his hand in the shape of a gun and appeared to yell, “I will shoot you.” The driver of the truck then reportedly held up a real gun and pointed at it while

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 3:30 p.m., Planning Commission meeting

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2 p.m., City Commission meeting

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m., Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee meeting

continuing to mouth the words, “I will shoot you.” The driver of the truck then reportedly set the gun on the center console and drove away. The victim reportedly said he wanted to press charges.

HOLMES BEACH

Jan. 20, 12:30 a.m., Flotilla Drive. Missing adult recovered. A man in his 80s was reported missing by his wife. His vehicle was reported leaving Holmes Beach and traveling eastbound on SR 64. The man reportedly suffered from Parkinson’s Disease and suspected nighttime dementia, according to the police report. A BOLO (be on lookout) alert was issued to surrounding agencies. Attempts to call the missing man on his cellphone were unsuccessful. At around 4 a.m., the man was located in Pasco County and arrangements were made to bring his wife to that location.

Chili cook-off warms Sports Lounge crowd

Local chili cooks brought the heat during the Sports Lounge’s fundraising chili cook-off.

BY LANCE ROY SUN CORRESPONDENT

BRADENTON BEACH – A blustery, 45-degree Sunday afternoon set the stage for the inaugural fundraising chili cook-off at the Sports Lounge.

General Manager Courtney McGough welcomed contestants and guests on Sunday, Feb. 1, as crockpots began arriving at noon and the tasting started at 1 p.m.

The chili cook-off doubled as a fundraiser for the Florida English Bulldog Rescue organization in Tampa, and McGough’s four-year-old bulldog, Sadie, added canine charm to the event, greeting guests and soaking up attention throughout the afternoon.

Sandy Ziros emceed the cook-off, guiding attendees

through the chili tasting and the judging while keeping the atmosphere lively and organized.

Guests sampled chili that ranged from eye-watering spicy, to rich and savory –with beef, pork and turkey all represented.

The Sports Lounge provided the chili toppings that included Fritos, cornbread and crackers.

The anonymous judges ranked each entry based on flavor, texture and overall appeal.

Attendee Shannon Jacobs said the gathering was “wonderful,” and she was happy with the turnout and the great selections of chili.

At 3 p.m., the judges awarded first place to Tim and Danielle Ladner for their chili that featured a blend of

beef and pork, which they said was perfected through trial and error.

Second place was awarded to Alan Ziros, who crafted a thick, hearty chili.

“I’m not a fan of soupy chili,” he said.

Third place went to Adam and Shannon Smith (a Sports Lounge bartender), who combined family recipes to “make magic in the ground

beef” for their chili entry.

McGough said she was overwhelmed by the support.

“I’m so grateful for everyone who showed up,” she said. “We will definitely be doing this again next year.”

Later that evening, McGough said via text message, “We ended up raising $1,200 for the rescue. It had me in tears how generous people were.”

City commission approves acting building official

More discussion is expected on the long-term structure of the building department.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Following the Jan. 21 resignation of Building Official Bill Palmer, city commissioners held a special meeting on Jan. 27 and appointed Robert Perry, of Tew & Taylor, as acting building official for up to six months.

“With the unfortunate resignation of the building official, we are presently without a building official,” City Attorney Erica Augello said. “The city is under contract with Tew & Taylor. They do have several options, and they’ve sent someone here today who could act as the acting building official.”

Augello suggested commissioners put a time limit of six months on the appointment.

“That way, you could determine whether you want to hire another in-house building official, or if you would like to continue with this person as your contracted building official. It’s completely up to you,” she said.

Commissioner Ralph Cole asked if the city could try to find a permanent building official during the time Tew & Taylor is under contract.

“If you decide you want to have a full-time employee like Mr. Palmer was, then the commission could go ahead and interview people and hold public meetings,” Augello said.

“You would then appoint a building official via your charter and the appointed acting building official would step down.”

She noted the contract with Tew & Taylor would remain in place for building department services.

“There is a difference between someone who can act like a building official and someone who is an appointed building official,” Augello said. “Every city can only have one appointed building official. While Bill (Palmer) was unable to perform some of those services, they did pick that up. But, if he had to make any determinations on ordinance passages or interpretations of the building code or your land development code, Tew & Taylor didn’t have the authority to do that because they weren’t the building official.”

Mayor John Chappie suggested discussing the options further at the

next city commission meeting on Thursday, Feb. 4.

Perry then spoke to the commissioners

“We’re catching up pretty quickly,” he said. “There are a few people working around town without permits, so we’re going to get that tightened up. There’s a lot of unlicensed work that’s happening right now that we’re tightening up on, so the plan is maybe stop by job sites, check permits and check licenses and insurance.”

Perry said a team of three people will be working for the city: a fulltime plans examiner, an inspector and himself.

“I think Bill was so busy in the office he couldn’t do all the hurricane damage,” Perry said. “It was just too much.”

Perry said he used to work the entire west coast of Florida for 3

½ years and is familiar with small building departments up and down the coast. He suggested the commission consider a contract where Tew & Taylor manages the building department, as has been done in other cities.

“Another thing I want to mention is that we do building department services,” Perry said. “We do certain contracts where we take over the whole building department and then we do a 90/10 split where we take 90% of the fees and 10% goes to the city for admin use.”

He said his company would handle permit fees and scheduling.

“What we’ll do is we come in, perform those services and it’s hands-off; it’s an enterprise fund. No money comes out of the city,” Perry said. “It’s pretty much like having your own building department but you don’t have to worry about the fees coming out the general fund. In my opinion, a building department enterprise fund is the way it should be run.”

“Just know that we can help you with that if you want to go that way,” he said. “Or, if you hire somebody here, we can just supplement you on as needed basis. I’ll help you find somebody. I’m not here to make every dime I can. I’m just here to help you try to run this place properly. “

City commissioners unanimously approved a motion to appoint Perry to serve as acting building official for a period not to exceed six months.

City creates bus stop for Anna Maria Elementary student

The Anna Maria Public Works Department created a safe school bus stop for a new bus rider.

BY COLLEEN GELLER (Vivian’s mom) SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – Many know Vivian Rose Geller as the little girl who’s growing up at her family’s business, the North Shore Café in Anna Maria. In January, Vivian Rose, 8, started second grade at Anna Maria Elementary. To her parents’ surprise, she made the bold decision to ride the big yellow school bus.

For years, I had noticed the old benches and signage for school bus stops along the north end of the Island, but the children who once waited there had grown up and moved on. When I mentioned to Dean Jones, the head of the Anna Maria Public Works Department, that Manatee County had designated a bus stop for Vivian Rose, they expressed concerns about safety at the corner and they wondered if a more official stop could be created for Vivian Rose.

Just one day later, after Dean researched the bus route and spoke with Mayor Mark Short, a safe and official bus stop was set up for Vivian Rose. A bus stop sign and bench were installed, making it the perfect spot for her to wait for the bus. Neighbors, some on their morning jogs, others

Trolley stop relocated, trolley rerouted

To accommodate the construction of a new pier walkway, the Free Island Trolley stop located in the Anna Maria City Pier parking lot was recently temporarily relocated just up the street along Pine Avenue, near the City Pier Park entrance. In conjunction with the temporary relocation of the trolley stop, the Free Island Trolleys operated by Manatee County have been rerouted in a manner that now has them passing by and stopping at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Magnolia Avenue.

walking dogs, all stopped to celebrate the new bus stop with the team who installed the sign and the bench.

When Vivian Rose returned home from school that afternoon, she gleefully spun around the new sign, sat on her bench with a big smile and rushed to her art desk to create a thank-you note for Dean and his crew; and the thank you note was accompanied by a basket of fresh made muffins.

As a family, we couldn’t feel more welcomed by the community here in Anna Maria. It’s those small, thoughtful gestures that make our little Island feel like something out of a Hallmark movie. Thank you, Anna Maria, thank you Dean and thank you to the public works department.

M. Campora,

STAYTERRA: files lawsuit against Jennifer Kaleta, AMI Premier Properties

FROM PAGE 1

The lawsuit names as defendants Jennifer Warren-Kaleta, AMI Premier Properties Inc. and 21 property-specific LLCs that include 91 Avenida Veneccia LLC, Palmetto Panama LLC, RE 106 9th LLC, 107 Maple Ave. LLC, 117 Palm Ave. LLC, 3605 Gulf Dr. LLC, 112 Palm Ave LLC, 107 Palm LLC, 3602 6th LLC, Island Savvy Ventures LLC, 209 65th LLC, 100 73rd LLC, 216 Palmetto Ave LLC, 305 Magnolia LLC, 9405 Gulf Drive LLC, 303 Pine LLC, 104 9th St. SK LLC, Gulf View Beach House LLC, 301 22nd LLC, 741 Jacaranda LLC and 307 Magnolia LLC.

According to the Florida Division of Corporations, Jennifer Warren-Kaleta is listed as the manager and registered agent for AMI Premier Properties Inc. She is also listed as the manager for 18 of the propertyspecific LLCs named as defendants.

Her ex-husband, Shawn Kaleta, is listed as the manager of three of the defendant LLCs: 104 9th St. SK LLC, 301 22nd LLC and 741 Jacaranda LLC.

According to Manatee County court records, the couple finalized their divorce on Nov. 4, 2021.

The Bradenton-based Najmy Thompson law firm is listed as the registered agent for 18 of the defendant LLCs and attorney Louis Najmy is listed as the registered agent for three of the defendant LLCs.

StayTerra is represented by the Sarasotabased Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen law firm and the New York Citybased Paduano & Weintraub law firm.

The Warren-Kaleta case is assigned to Circuit Court Judge Stephen Mathew Whyte.

STAYTERRA STATEMENT

Shawn Kaleta is not named as a defendant in either of the Dec. 19 lawsuits, but he is mentioned in both lawsuits. He is also named specifically in a Jan. 29 statement Dan Gagnier, managing partner of New York City-based Gagnier Communications,

emailed to The Sun on behalf of StayTerra.

“Following numerous attempts to resolve these matters in good faith, StayTerra and affiliated entities have filed claims to prevent Mr. Kaleta and his close family, friends, business associates and related entities from reneging on the benefit of the bargain that was struck when they acquired Mr. Kaleta’s vacation rental property management business in September 2024.

StayTerra and its affiliated entities remain focused on delivering superior service for their homeowners and guests each and every day,” Gagnier stated.

StayTerra Vacations previously filed a similar lawsuit in Delaware.

On Sept. 30, the StayTerra Vacations LLC vs. Kaleta lawsuit was filed with the Delaware Court of Chancery, according to the www.law.com website.

The lawsuit complaint appears to be sealed, but according to the www.law.com summary, StayTerra Vacations LLC, GSP Prime Holdings LLC and Prime Vacations LLC are listed as the plaintiffs in the Delaware lawsuit.

The defendants are listed as Shawn T. Kaleta, Tri Star Properties LLC, Tristar Pd LLC, Tristar Properties Acquisition Prime LLC, Tristar Seaside Tropic LLC, 1015 Fleming St LLC, 111 Cedar Ave LLC, 171 McKinley LLC, 791 Jacaranda LLC, Anna Maria Beach Resort LLC, Bali Hai JV LLC and Coconut Beach Resort LLC,

The Delaware case type is listed as “Commercial law: restrictive covenant, trade secret dispute.”

LOCAL LAWSUIT TIMELINE

On or around Sept. 18, 2024, Garnett Station Partners (GSP), through StayTerra, closed on a transaction with the founders, owners and certain other seller entities to acquire a majority stake in Prime Business. The founders and owners of the Prime Business are identified in the lawsuit complaint as Shawn T. Kaleta and Roman Eckert.

GOOGLE MAPS | SUBMITTED The LLC associated with this property at 741 Jacaranda Road in Anna Maria is named as a lawsuit defendant.

The rental management business is referred to in the complaint as Prime Business. The complaint states the founders managed 1,100 vacation rental properties at the time of the business transaction, including approximately 130 properties owned or controlled by the defendants.

“The founders and owners of the Prime Business recognized they needed liquidity for their real estate development business,” the complaint states.

Through an Equity Purchase Agreement (EPA), StayTerra acquired the equity interests and certain other companies comprising the Prime Business for a purchase price of approximately $105 million, with $70 million in cash and $35 million in rollover equity in GSP Prime Holdings, the parent company that owns StayTerra Vacations.

The complaint notes the GSP investment firm has more than $3.5 billion in assets under its management.

The six Kaleta/Eckert-affiliated companies involved in the 2024 transaction included AMI Locals, Anna Maria Island Accommodations, Anna Maria Vacations, Siesta Key Luxury Property Rentals, Lido Key Vacations and Tropical Sands Vacations.

According to the terms of the EPA, the owners/founders of Prime Business agreed they would not compete in any way, or recruit or solicit employees or service providers for a period of five years.

“As a condition to the closing of the

transaction, the founders and owners of the Prime Business delivered a Master Property and Rental and Management Agreement (PMA),” the complaint notes.

The PMA agreement granted the plaintiffs the exclusive right to collect management fees for the properties for a minimum of seven years. The lawsuit alleges the properties were transferred to circumvent adherence to that agreement.

“Less than thirteen months after pocketing the consideration comprised of approximately $105 million of cash and rollover equity, the defendants embarked on a deliberate, bad faith scheme to eviscerate the benefit of the bargain plaintiffs struck by facilitating purported transfers of the founders’ membership interest in the defendant seller-JK Property Companies that owns the Seller-JK Properties that are subject to the master PMA to defendant AMI Premier, which is ostensibly owned and controlled by defendant WarrenKaleta,” the complaint alleges.

The complaint alleges that in each of the transfer agreements, the founders and owners of the Prime Business, “falsely represented they had the full power to transfer their interests in the Seller-JK Property Companies subject to the master PMA without obtaining the consent or approval of any other person.”

Following the transfer agreements, the defendants claimed JK Properties is no longer subject to the master PMA, according to the lawsuit complaint.

On Oct. 7, 2025, Warren-Kaleta and AMI Premier Properties received a cease-anddesist letter from the plaintiffs.

“They were undeterred by that letter and have continued to actively engage in their scheme,” the complaint alleges.

As of Monday, Feb. 2, the defendants had not filed an initial response to the lawsuit.

As of Monday, Feb. 2, Warren-Kaleta and Najmy had not responded to the Sun’s request for their comments on the lawsuit.

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The new educational program promotes protecting Sarasota Bay.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun. com

CORTEZ – The Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) rolled out a new community educational initiative in partnership with Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) and with support from the Florida Maritime Museum. The “It Takes a Village” initiative was introduced during the Cortez: Coffee, Culture & Conservation event held at the Cortez Cultural Center on Saturday, Jan. 31.

Funded by a grant from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, the collaborative project focuses on the connection between a healthy estuary, sustainable seafood and the Cortez working waterfront. The educational initiative features bilingual signage, restaurant table cards, walking guides, a new web page and public events, all designed to encourage residents and visitors to take actions that protect Sarasota Bay. Speakers at the Jan. 31 program included representatives from SBEP, CVHS, the Florida Institute for Salt-

“It Takes a Village” initiative rolled out

water Heritage (FISH) and the Florida Sea Grant/UF/IFAS Extension.

“We’re really happy to have been part of this,” SBEP Executive Director Dr. Ryan Gandy said. “There are very few places we can actually engage with the environment in this area and this is a great place to do so.”

Dr. Angela Collins, of the Florida Sea Grant/UF/IFAS Extension, spoke about the importance of healthy estuaries and the FISH Preserve.

“Local seafood exists because we have estuaries like Sarasota Bay right here in our backyard,” she said. “If you look at a satellite image of the state of Florida, you’ll see that most of the coastal systems here are highly developed, highly urbanized. That’s what makes the FISH Preserve so incredibly special. It’s 100 acres of undeveloped land on Sarasota Bay and it really is one of the last true stretches of undeveloped habitat around.

Probably 30% of the seafood that’s landed in the Gulf comes through this general region.”

“The fishermen in Cortez are literally feeding the world,” AP Bell Fish Company owner Karen Bell said, noting that mullet and mullet roe

coming through Cortez are shipped to Colombia, Taiwan and Italy.

FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann spoke about the FISH Preserve.

“There’s one thing that’s remained constant in Cortez for 140 years, and that’s the fishing industry,” she said. “They were challenged with development. They were challenged with the 1995 net ban that took over half the fishing businesses in this community. It could have gone the way of so many other coastal communities but they chose to continue what was a passion for them, what was so historic for

them, which was the industry that carries them through even to this day.”

Von Hahmann said CVHS and FISH have the same mission: the promotion, education and preservation of Cortez, Florida's commercial fishing industry and the maritime culture and environment on which the community

“That environment is that 100-acre (FISH Preserve) right here,” she said.

“We’re excited it is now open for you,” von Hahmann said. “We were designated a waterfront community back in 1999. And where every other waterfront community was saying we want to bring tourism, we want to build the financial base of our community, we want to build stores and hotels, we said no. We want to maintain the historical value that will always be Cortez.”

The Jan. 31 program included a guided tour of the restored FISH Preserve.

Attendees were also invited to take a self-guided tour of Cortez, using the new map featuring places of interest, key environmental features and boatto-table restaurants and markets.

PIER: Future use of the City Pier buildings discussed

Before opening the town hall meeting up for public input, Mayor Mark Short said the pier replacement project that includes the construction of a new pier walkway and also includes repairs and remediation to the hurricaneimpacted pier buildings and the replacement of utility lines and other infrastructure needs is now estimated cost between $7.1 million to $7.8 million.

Short said that cost estimate doesn’t include the higher amperage power supply and the interior buildout that might be needed to operate a larger, full-service restaurant on the pier.

Short said his goal is to have the City Pier fully reopened at some point this fall.

Short said the county’s desire to install a Gulf Islands Ferry landing alongside the new City Pier walkway to accommodate the larger, partially enclosed 96-passenger ferry boat (Manatee Belle) the county could result in 90 passengers getting off the boat and 90 more passengers waiting to board the boat at the same time and that too would impact the future use of the pier buildings.

wants the pier to remain available to all users.

Commissioner John Lynch said he believes the mayor and commission are embracing the county’s ferry service but there are “critical issues” that need to be addressed regarding the flow of all those additional people on the pier.

Short said he and the commission need to have a pretty good sense of how the pier buildings will be used before the pier walkway is fully constructed and completed by March 31.

PUBLIC INPUT

Seymour suggested an operation similar to what former pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder did until Hurricane Irma closed the previous pier in 2017. Schoenfelder operated the City Pier FROM PAGE 1

Short said he doesn’t want the City Pier to become exclusively used as a staging area for the county’s ferry passengers and he

resident Amir Banaly said he’d like to see the larger pier building used as a coffee shop.

“I think it’s very simple to accommodate and accomplish without any changes,” he said.

Anna Maria resident Janis Ian suggested a coffee stand with one or two New York City-style hotdog carts.

“I think a hot dog cart on the pier would look cool,” Ian said. She also encouraged the mayor and commission to stand up to the county regarding the impacts a larger ferry boat would have on the pier operations.

Short asked that one town hall attendee at a time come forward at a time to suggest a potential use of the pier building to be discussed before another potential use was suggested.

Speaking first, Anna Maria

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival celebrates past and present

Cortez is one of Florida’s last working fishing villages.

BY LESLIE LAKE

SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – The 44th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, and Sunday, Feb. 15.

The annual festival is a celebration of the cultural history of Cortez –one of the last true working fishing villages in Florida.

“The village of Cortez and the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) welcome the public back to the shores of Sarasota Bay for the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival,” said the press release issued by FISH media contact Angela Collins.

Known as a “party with a purpose,” the proceeds from the festival will go back to the community and help support the

restoration and conservation of the FISH Preserve. The preserve is located on 98 acres of coastal habitat on the east end of Cortez village and is the last large stretch of undeveloped land on Sarasota Bay.

This year’s theme, “Boat to Market,” recognizes the Cortez fishermen who bring fresh seafood from their boats to local markets.

“FISH invites you to come out to celebrate a real working waterfront community dedicated to preserving their fishing way of life. Soak in the sunshine along Sarasota Bay while you boogie to live local music, browse aisles of original local artwork and nautical crafts, sip cold beverages and sample some tasty seafood,” Collins wrote.

The festival will feature the “Dock Talks” educational talks given by members of the University of Florida’s Florida Sea Grant program.

FISH | SUBMITTED

“Boat to Market” is this year’s festival theme.

“Working waterfronts are critical to Florida’s seafood economy and convey a sense of tradition and purpose that is hard to compare. Development, population growth and shifting priorities

have contributed to the decline and disappearance of many fishing villages, but Cortez has survived the changing tides and remains a true vestige of old Florida,” Collins wrote.

“The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival was organized to share the importance of local seafood production with the public. Cortez was settled in the 1800s by families lured by the bountiful marine resources in our region and many of those original families’ namesake still live in the village today,” Collins wrote. “If you are eating wild-caught Florida seafood, there is a very strong chance that it crossed the docks of Cortez.”

The festival will be held both days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in front of Starfish Company and the A.P. Bell Fish Company, between 123rd Street W. and 124th Street W. in Cortez. Admission is $5 and free for kids under 12.

New Holmes Beach city clerk named

Longtime City Clerk Stacey Johnston’s final day is Friday, March 6.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Oregon resident Marina Hovious has been named to succeed Stacey Johnston as Holmes Beach’s next city clerk when Johnston retires on March 6.

Since April 2018, Hovious has served as the board clerk for the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners in Portland. Before that, she served for eight years as the assistant board clerk.

With Mayor Judy Titsworth absent during the city commission’s Jan. 27 meeting, the Holmes Beach city commissioners unanimously approved the mayor’s recommended hiring.

Hovious will become the new city clerk effective March 7 and her first full work week with the city begins on Monday, March 9.

During the Jan. 27 meeting, it was noted that four of the five commissioners conducted Zoom interviews with Hovious after the mayor deemed Hovious as her first choice.

It was noted that Titsworth also interviewed additional candidates, including current Deputy City Clerk and Records Manager Michelle Lowe.

Regarding his Zoom interview with Hovious, Commissioner Terry Schaefer said he was very impressed with her and her credentials. He also said he hopes Lowe continues in her current position with the city. Commissioners Dan Diggins and Carol Whitmore expressed similar views and Whitmore noted Hovious already has family members living in Lakewood Ranch. When contacted later in the week by email, Hovious said, “I’m excited for the opportunity to serve the city of Holmes Beach and be closer to family.”

PIER: Future use of the City Pier buildings discussed

PAGE 13

Restaurant in the larger pier building and a bait shop and draft beer bar in the smaller building.

Seymour said he and his business partners still have 15 months remaining on the hurricane-suspended lease that was scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. He said he and his partners also have the option to lease the pier for five more years beyond the remaining 15 months that will resume when the pier reopens.

Seymour said it may not make sense for him to resume his City Pier Grill operations in the small building only. He said he would be interested in leasing both pier buildings to operate a sit-down restaurant in the large building and use the smaller building as a bait shop that serves draft pier and provides additional storage space.

Anna Maria resident Cory Jackson said he’s president of Anna Maria Beach Cottages and his rental guests tell him they would like a to see a sit-down restaurant on the pier again.

“I think it’s very critical that we have a restaurant,” Jackson said.

Anna Maria resident and planning and zoning board member Jeff Rodencal suggested revisiting a previously discarded idea to install a stand-alone ferry landing between the pier walkway and the Lake La Vista jetty and he encouraged the commission to consider not landing all the ferry passengers on the City Pier at all. No decisions were made during the town hall meeting and the future use of the City Pier buildings will remaining an ongoing topic of conversation for the mayor and commission until some decisions are made.

The Cruise Port: A Cautionary Tale

y now, most of you are probably aware of the proposed cruise port that would be adjacent to Rattlesnake Key and the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve. This port, as it is envisioned, would handle the new class of cruise ships that are not able to sail under the Skyway Bridge. With a clearance of between 175 and 190 feet, depending on the tide, passing under this bridge is awe-inspiring. The thought that ships like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, at almost 250 feet tall, would be diverted to rest at port just north of this vital preserve boggles the imagination.

I’ve fished these waters for almost four decades and regularly take friends and guests there to show them what I consider the best of Manatee County’s many unique natural resources.

Rattlesnake Key was recently purchased by SSA Marine, through a subsidiary called the Rattlesnake Key Preservation Company, ostensibly “to preserve the island’s natural character and keep it in long term conservation for public enjoyment,” according to a company statement. In my opinion, it appears the real reason was to help justify the destruction that will be required to build the port they are proposing.

How we got here in the first place strikes me as very suspicious. Had Rattlesnake Key been protected prior to this proposal, all this would have become a moot point.

In 2022, in partnership with State Rep. Will Robinson Jr., Senator Jim Boyd secured $23 million in state funding with the goal of purchasing Rattlesnake Key. The sale then failed due to a low appraisal by the state.

As Boyd notes in a recent opinion piece, “Buying the property would have forever prevented development, ensuring its protection for generations to come.”

In 2024, they tried again with state funding and a commitment from Manatee County. This failed again due to the disparity between a low state appraisal and the asking price of the 700-acre property.

The state’s recent purchase of four acres in Destin for $38 million, and a state appraisal that justified it, raise serious questions in my mind about how we value land in Florida and the politics that can influence these decisions.

The state values land partly due to its development potential, which in this case shows how that system is flawed. Originally purchased for approximately $8 million in 2016-2017, there have been questions raised about the prior owner’s political donations. The opposition to the port proposal has been broad and swift, but I worry that deep pockets and political influence might affect the final decision.

Manatee County’s future depends on the natural resources that define and draw visitors and residents to our county. The long-term health of our natural resources and their connection to our economy cannot be overstated. People travel to and settle in this area because of the natural coastal beauty of the

February fishing presents weather challenges

CAPT RICK GRASSETT

Trout and redfish should be good shallow water options this month. You may also find trout along with blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano and flounder on deep grass flats. Look for sheepshead, flounder, reds and more around docks. Catch-andrelease night snook fishing around lighted docks in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) may be a good option if the weather isn’t too cold. Since snook are temperature sensitive, I won’t target them following strong fronts when water temperatures dip below 60 degrees. However, I have had some great night trips catching and releasing snook on flies in the ICW at night this time of year. Since larger baitfish aren’t that plentiful this time of year, snook will gorge themselves on glass minnows and shrimp. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, DOA Shrimp (3” or 2-3/4”), DOA Tiny

TerrorEyz or CAL Jigs with shad tails and jerk worms will all work well.

You may also find snook in rivers, creeks or canals this month. Fishing may be good in these areas on a blustery day when it isn’t fit to fish anywhere else. I like wider profile flies and lures in these areas due to the baitfish that may be found there. Fly anglers should score with wide profile baitfish patterns, such as Lefty’s Deceiver, fished on a sink tip fly line. Spin anglers should do well with CAL jigs and 4” swim baits and jerk worms, DOA Baitbusters or suspending plugs. Fish the deep spots, usually on outside bends, for the best action. You might find reds in potholes or along the edges of bars and shallow flats when the tide is low. As the tide rises, they will feed higher on shallow flats, particularly on sunny afternoons. I like 1/16-ounce CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms for

reds in shallow water. If it is too shallow or grassy to fish an exposed hook, a Mustad or Owner weedless hook will allow you to fish plastic baits in these areas. Fly anglers should score with lightly weighted flies, like Clousers or my Grassett Flats Minnow,

with weed guards on floating lines with 10’-12’ leaders. You may also find big trout in skinny water in the same places you find reds. The same lures, flies and techniques that you use to target reds will work for big trout in those areas. Spotted Seatrout

regulations have changed in southwest Florida to a threefish-per-person bag limit and a six-fish boat limit. Trout must be from 15 inches to 19 inches, with one allowed per vessel over 19 inches. I release all over slot trout since they are usually females and I feel they are important to the health of our trout fishery. Full regulations and details for all species can be viewed at myfwc.com. You’ll also find trout on deep grass flats. I like flats that have a good mix of grass and sand and good tidal flow. Flats that are close to passes are often good choices since water temperatures may be warmer there. Following fronts, silted up water will cover deep grass flats close to passes, often affecting fishing in those areas. Other good grass flats may be on points or around bars. I like to drift and cast ahead of my drift with

REAL ESTATE

Where did my parents’ Florida go?

In the early ‘70s, my parents moved to the east coast of Florida, inland from Pompano Beach. They bought a brand new two-bedroom, two-bath condo overlooking the pool for about $20,000. They were in heaven to be away from the New York winters and to live in what they perceived as a “fancy” place.

In those days, Florida offered properties for all retirees in all price ranges to enjoy the sunshine and affordable living. However, things have changed a lot in Florida and it’s not your parents’ Florida anymore.

Castles in the Sand

Those of us who live in Florida don’t have to be told how expenses have gone up in the last several years. Insurance, property taxes and HOA fees have all increased. Nevertheless, buyers are still coming just a little more well-heeded then in previous years. There are Florida counties where the income of people moving in from other states in 2022 surpassed that of existing residents, based on the most recent Internal Revenue Service and Census Bureau data.

Meanwhile, middle-class Florida residents are leaving and looking for a more affordable location. The Carolinas are providing an alternative to Florida, with lower property values and a lower cost of living.

Even mobile home communities, which were always an alternative for low-income retirees, are getting expensive. Most of them are now owned by corporations that may be buying them for investment development down the road.

The real estate developers are focusing their new construction on the high-end market with more upscale offerings. Lakewood Ranch, the master planned

community in Bradenton, has properties ranging from townhouses in the $200,000 range to palatial houses listing at more than $3 million. According to Lakewood Ranch data, home sales grew from 2023 to 2025 in two price categories – $1 million-plus and below $300,000 – and decreased in the ranges in between where middle-class retirees would normally buy.

The influx of wealthier buyers is adding pressure to an already difficult housing market. The average home value in Florida was $372,000 in November – a decline from recent years but a significant increase from 2019 when the average was $246,000.

Then there is the ultraluxury market in and around Miami. The insanity of this market is totally unrelated to the average person. According to Miller Samuel, an appraisal and consulting firm, there were four real estate transactions above $100 million in 2025. What would my parents think?

Even the senior living communities in Naples, one of the super high-end housing areas in Florida, are starting at $600,000 and ranging to $9 million. So, if you’re thinking of growing old in a Florida senior care facility, you might have to reassess your plans.

The home pricing betting platforms are also getting very popular. Robinhood and Kalshi are accessible if you’re in the betting mood or just looking for another opinion on buying and selling properties. My opinion is that these platforms can be very dangerous to the average homebuyer who may be getting information based on a national trend and not applicable to their local area.

For sure, my parents would be shocked if they woke up in 2026 and saw the prices on similar two-bedroom, two-bath condos like they bought in 1973. But everything changes, and sometimes it changes too fast. If you’ve lived here for 20 years, you’re sitting pretty, but new retirees to Florida are having sticker shock.

FERRY: Concerns raised about ferry landing efforts

Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione.

“After the last commission meeting and the subsequent work session, I became concerned that we were not being heard about our opinions on a Waterline ferry stop. I therefore requested under the Freedom of Information Act text and emails between Carol Whitmore and Elliott Falcione,” Grinenko said.

“Beginning last October, there are several texts and emails referencing this ferry stop, including such phrases as ‘the need to educate commissioners’ and that ‘the city is delaying this’. There’s been no site plan proposal, so I don’t know why all this conversation is going on,” Grinenko said.

“Last week, I witnessed a gathering of Carol Whitmore with Elliott Falcione and three other men at the proposed dock area and the Waterline trolley stop. I have pictures on my phone. In addition, as Carol was driving away, I was sitting at the trolley stop and I heard you (Whitmore) yell to Elliott, ‘We’ve have to

make sure we have Dan on our side.’ Elliott responded, ‘Don’t worry, I’ve got Dan covered,’” Grinenko told the commission.

Holmes Beach City Commissioner and Manatee County Tourist Development Council Dan Diggins has publicly expressed his support for his support for a ferry stop somewhere in Holmes Beach since 2024. He was part of the efforts to bring a ferry boat to the marina in 2024 to help determine if a slip near the old Wells Fargo bank building would be a suitable ferry landing location. It was determined that day that there was not enough navigable space for that slip to serve as a ferry landing.

In closing, Grinenko said, “The question I have for you all, that I want you to consider, is how can we be convinced that Carol Whitmore will be able to perform her duties in quasi-judicial (site plan) hearing when it’s clear she’s the one person orchestrating this new use in the boat basin at the Waterline Marina.”

To date, the county has not presented to the city with a proposed site plan regarding the county’s

potential purchase of a boat slip or slips in the marina basin for use as a ferry landing.

In response to Grinenko’s comments, Whitmore said, “I’ve been talking since October of last year to all the commissioners. I’m reporting about the ferry and saying that I was meeting with the county, so I have been keeping the board updated since last October – when I asked what the status was and they said they were letting the county deal with it to try to find a spot. When I found a spot (in the Waterline basin), I brought it up before the board, so I’ve been very transparent about that.”

Commissioner Terry Schaefer then said, “I think, by innuendo, there’s some belief that there is a consensus on this commission and I want to make clear there has never been a formal discussion, nor is it appropriate for us as a commission, to have a discussion until the county acts. And the act that they must pursue would be a site plan. So, nothing formally in discussion has occurred, or will occur, until there is a formal application. I think it’s unfortunate, by accident or

by implication, that there is this belief in the community that there’s already a consensus to move forward. I, for one, have many questions about this issue. I can only speak for myself. I’m listening, I have questions and nothing formal will happen until such time as the county acts.”

Whitmore acknowledged that she met with Falcione and other county staff members as Grinenko stated.

“I have nothing to hide. If I did, I sure wouldn’t be out there on Marina Drive,” Whitmore said. “They looked over the areas so they can develop a plan to come before the city commission. That’s what they were there for. They know it’s all in their lap now.”

When talking to The Sun later in the week, Grinenko said, “I feel like Carol Whitmore’s not being a neutral party and she’s made up her mind because she’s trying to orchestrate this. That’s not how a commissioner should act. I feel she’s not fulfilling her role as a city commissioner. She’s acting more like a county commissioner and I don’t understand her actions.”

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REEL TIME: The Cruise

Port: A Cautionary Tale

FROM PAGE 18

places we’ve preserved – like Neal Preserve, Perico Preserve, Robinson Preserve and Emerson Point.

In my opinion, the development of a cruise port near Rattlesnake Key and the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve would be a travesty that would degrade this rare coastal habitat and be a long-term negative for our economy.

It’s important that we stay on top of this unfolding story. Attend meetings to express your opinion, write letters to decision makers, sign petitions and join and support organizations like Tampa Bay Waterkeepers and Suncoast Waterkeeper who will be leading the fight against this misguided proposal.

GRASSETT: February fishing presents weather challenges

FROM PAGE 19

CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails, DOA Deadly Combos or weighted flies on sink tip fly lines to locate trout. Once you’ve located them, you can shorten your drift or anchor on them.

In addition to trout, you may also find blues, Spanish mackerel, flounder or pompano –depending on water temperature and conditions – on deep grass flats. The technique to find them is the same as for trout, although there may be other clues.

Pompano may “skip” on the surface when you drift or run past them, giving their presence away. When that happens, set up a drift upwind of where you saw a pompano and cast ahead of your drift. Blues and Spanish mackerel may force bait out of the water or feed on the surface. You may need to add heavy fluorocarbon or wire when blues

OBITUARIES

Bruce D. Mckenzie

Bruce D. Mckenzie, 69, of Bradenton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. He was surrounded by his family. He was born Aug. 16,

and mackerel are mixed with trout on deep grass flats.

Fishing docks are another good option this time of year, especially when the tide is low. You might find reds, sheepshead or flounder under docks. I like docks that are deep (three feet or more) and have a good tidal flow.

Fish the end of long piers to find the deepest water. Also, look for big boats moored on docks or on boat lifts, which is also an indication of deeper water.

Older docks with lots of barnacle and oyster growth usually hold more baitfish and predators. I like CAL jigs with shad tails, grubs or jerk worms or weighted flies fished on sink tip fly lines when fishing docks. Be sure to let your jig or fly get down close to the bottom. There may be some action in the coastal gulf by the end of the month with Spanish mackerel and cobia. When the water warms to the high 60’s to low 70’s, these

1956, in Hartford, Connecticut, raised in Maine, the son of the late Merle and Harriet Mckenzie. He is survived by his beloved wife Dee, loving son Jarrod, (Nicole VanSciver), aunts, uncles, and his cherished nieces and nephews.

He worked as an elevator mechanic, also as a dedicated volunteer firefighter and Little League coach at the island community center. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, hunting and gardening.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m. at

fish will move into our area from the south as they migrate north. Look for Spanish mackerel on the surface or in passes. Cobia may be swimming on the surface, around buoys, channel markers and crab trap floats or over structure. Tripletail may also be an option during warmups in the coastal gulf. February can be a tough month to fish. With frequent fronts and cool water, fish aren’t always in an eating mood. If you’re able to pick good tides, combined with favorable weather conditions, you should be successful. If you don’t have that luxury, you might do better by sleeping in and fishing later in the day when it’s warmer. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills and discharges, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, so please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, Florida, 34209. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, at 604 43rd Street West in Bradenton, is in charge of arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bruce, please visit the Brown & Sons tribute store at www.brown-sonsfuneral-homes-crematory-43rdst-chapel.tributestore.com.

CENTER SCOREBOARD

8-11 ALL GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 3)

Sato Real Estate 21 (2-0-1) Emily Moss Designs 6 (1-2-0)

Print Wizards 31 (2-0-1) Poppo’s Taqueria 6 (0-3-0)

8-10 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 3)

Adrian Griffin Interiors 19 (3-0-0) Grooms Motors & Automotive 0 (0-2-0)

USA Fence 26 (2-1-0) Gulfster.com 20 (1-2-0)

Solid Rock Construction 21 (1-2-0) Sato Real Estate 6 (0-2-0)

11-13 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 3)

Slim’s Place 39 (3-0-0) Impact Florida Windows 6 (2-1-0)

USA Fence 34 (2-1-0) G.I. Bins 6 (0-3-0)

Sato Real Estate 20 (1-2-0)

Reed Physical Therapy & Fitness 13 (0-3-0)

82 West Home Inspections 41 (3-0-0) Cloud Pest Control 6 (0-3-0)

14-17 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 3)

Moss Builders 22 (2-0-0) HSH Design 0 (0-2-0)

Swordfish Grill 42 (3-0-0) Wings ‘N Things 7 (1-2-0)

Better on Bikes 31 (1-2-0) Solid Rock Construction 20 (1-2-0)

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 2)

Coaster Continent 47 (2-0-0) Moss Air 26 (0-2-0)

Beach House Real Estate 42 (1-1-0)

Edible Cookie Dough Cafe 40 (0-2-0)

Reel Coastal Properties 36 (2-0-0) Salty Printing 19 (1-1-0)

Solid Rock Construction 29 (1-1-0) Sandbar 27 (1-1-0)

The Fish Guy Aquarium Services 33 (2-0-0) Slim’s Place 25 (0-2-0)

ADULT 35+ SOCCER (WEEK 3) Emily Moss Designs 6 (1-2-0) Bubble Binz 3 (1-1-1)

Language Services Associates 5 (1-1-0) MG Construction (1-1-0)

ADULT INDOOR SOCCER (WEEK 3)

Slim’s Place 10 Win by FF (1-1-0) Pool America 12 FF (1-1-0)

Sato Real Estate 11 (2-0-1) Solid Rock Construction 7 (1-2-0)

Key Royale Golf Club scoreboard

MONDAY, JAN. 26MODIFIED STABLEFORD First Place - Gary Risner, +5 Second PlaceMark Micho, Bob Paine, Harvey Shovers, +4

Skins Game - Brian Comer holes 2 and 4, Quentin Talbert hole 3, Scott Laird hole 3 and Gary Risner hole 7

THURSDAY, JAN. 29 - SCRAMBLE

First Place Team - Tom Darish, Eric and Monica Lawson, Mark Micho 30, 2-under par Five teams tied for second place with a score of 31, 1-under par

This past week's winners at Anna Maria

were Gary Howcroft and Bob Mason, on the left, who teamed up to beat Steve Doyle and Bob Lee 23-14 on Jan. 28 in the final. Bob Rowley and Gerson Fernandes, on the right, then came out on top after a 22-7 victory in the final over Bob Mason and Del Reese on Jan. 31 to win the day’s competition.

FUN IN THE SUN

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BRIDGE GAMES EVERY FRIDAY 12:30 at Roser church starting February 6, 2026. call 314-324- 5921.

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

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING:

Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931

EMPLOYMENT

MAINTENANCE MAN

NEEDED part -time hotel on Anna Maria Island please call: 941-778-1010

HEALTH CARE

NOW AVAILABLE HEALTH

CARE at your home by Certified Nursing Assistant! 12 years experience. Call Dennis Church 815519-3993

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

RENOVATION SPECALIST

ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.

KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-778-1115.

OFFICE ADDRESS: 1878 59th Street W Bradenton, FL 34209

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.

CCS DRYWALL REPAIRS

We are local. Family owned & operated since 1991. Free Estimates. Licensed/Insured/Bonded. License # SCC131149803 Call 941-713-6531.

HURRICANE DAMAGE?

I’m an Island resident. Pressure washing, tree work, fence repair, mailbox replacement. Also see ads under “Landscaping & painting. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

LOCAL ISLAND RESI-

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

SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. Experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/ On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822

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. Works alone. $27 per hour. Insured 502817-6786

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 941-5653931.

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

TRAILER FOR SALE 2 miles off island. Enjoy AMI, save money, stay longer at active 55+ community. $31,000 920-344-8271

PRICED TO SELL!

Custom built home elevated, Elevator, 3 car garage, furnished 5BR/4BA, roof top deck, private pool, easy access to the beach, GULF VIEWS from the front porch and roof top deck. $2,420,000. Lowest price on the island for a 5 bedroom. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054

ESTUARY A BEAUTIFUL GATED community in NW Bradenton, Neal built 2018 with Panoramic double lake views, western sunset views, inground pool with hot tub, lani, 3 car garage, model home condition. Walk to Robinson preserve. Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054

CANAL FRONT, 3BR/2BA home completely renovated, new sea wall, new windows, not in a flood zone. Coral Shores $750,000. Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX ALLIANCE GROUP 941-330-5054

PERICO ISLAND single family home 3BR/2BA lake views, newer roof, a/c, 2 car garage $625,000. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ANNUAL RENTAL CENTRAL HOMES BEACH

3BR/2BA completely remodeled. Walk to beach, school, trolley, shopping. $2595/mo Call 941-7136743

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

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 941201-2190

2BR/2BA W. BRADENTON. December January February March available. Inclusive $3000/mo or $2750. Text 941-962-0971

TRANSPORTATION

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete

$85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095