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VOL 26 No. 16
January 14, 2026
Mote Marine’s City Pier lease terminated The future use of the city-owned pier building will be determined in the coming months. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Mote Marine occupied the larger City Pier building on the right.
SEE MOTE MARINE, PAGE 12
Slicker’s Eatery saying farewell The transition from Slicker’s Eatery to Izzy’s Place begins Feb. 2
Planning board discusses Bungalow Beach parking restrictions The resort owner will seek city commission approval on Feb. 5.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker is winding down his restaurant operations and the leased space he currently occupies will soon be transformed into Izzy’s Place, a family diner operated by new leaseholder Tom Theophilopoulos. During separate interviews given on Thursday, Jan. 8, Slicker and Theophilopoulos discussed the upcoming transition. Slicker’s Eatery will continue operating under Slicker’s leadership through the conclusion of a catered event on Sunday, Feb. 1. Theophilopoulos will take over the following day and the gradual transformation from Slicker’s Eatery to Izzy’s Place will begin. “We’ve been on a month-to-month lease, our rent increased, and with all of the health issues I had last year, and
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria and the Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory mutually agreed to terminate the lease agreement that allowed Mote’s Marine Education, Science & Outreach Center to operate rent-free on the City Pier before the pier walkway was destroyed by Hurricane Milton in October 2024. City commissioners unanimously approved the lease termination on Thursday, Jan. 8. Featuring a touch tank containing live marine life and other live and virtual educational exhibits, the pier-based Mote facility opened in May 2023 and occupied the larger of the two city-owned
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker looks forward to his next step in life. having another grandchild I would like to visit, we have decided it is in our best interest to not continue our lease,” Slicker said. “I am retiring from the restaurant business. I’m going to take a little time to get closer to my grandchildren, and myself, and I’m going to let my faith lead me which way I should go.
SEE SLICKERS, PAGE 8
BRADENTON BEACH – After much discussion about allowable parking uses at the Bungalow Beach Resort, the planning and zoning board, on Jan. 7, recommended approval of a major development application for a two-story, 15-guest room hotel to be built at 2000 and 2104 Gulf Drive N. Architect John Garra, speaking on behalf of resort owner Gayle Luper, addressed concerns about City Planner Luis Serna’s recommendation to restrict parking at the resort. “There was one other section in the staff’s comments that I believe is more stringent than the city’s land development
"MURDER BY MISADVENTURE" opened last week. 5
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
A model of the proposed Bungalow Beach hotel project was displayed at the Jan. 7 planning and zoning board hearing. code (LDC) and it’s related to parking,” Garra said, “It’s very limiting to what it says the parking can be used for. The way it was written excludes vendors and guests from parking in the parking lot, which is more restrictive than the LDC.”
SEE BUNGALOW BEACH, PAGE 11
DOG PARK discussions continue. 4 WHY DO mullet jump? 18
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Artists’ Guild members ‘Paint the Town’ Wendell Graham is the Artists’ Guild’s featured artist of the month. BY LANCE ROY SUN CORRESPONDENT
HOLMES BEACH –The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island brought its creativity out from beyond the gallery walls and onto the sidewalk during its monthly “Paint the Town” Friday market walk. Held outside the Artists Guild gallery in The Island Shopping Center on Friday, Jan. 8, the informal art event bought neighbors and community members together, drawn by conversation, shared stories and a shared sense of creativity. The event also honored the Guild’s January artist month, Wendell Graham. During the gathering, many attendees stopped to embrace Graham, whose presence was felt as much through her personal warmth as it was through the artwork she creates.
LANCE ROY | SUN
Wendell Graham works on her painting. Left, Guild artists LuAnn Widegreen, Leslie Robbins and Sandy Staley during the “Paint the Town” event. As a longtime member of the Artists’ Guild, Graham has built her artistic journey around connection, community and a deep appreciation for shared experience. She began her career in 1978 as a graphic illustrator in the U.S. Army, later serving as a photojournalist and advancing through leadership roles in public affairs, training,
operations, education and professional development. Graham retired as a command sergeant major from the Rhode Island Army National Guard after 28 ½ of service, followed by an 18-year career at Boston College. Her professional life reflected discipline, leadership and service – qualities that continue to shape her creative work today. Rather than slowing down after retire-
ment, Graham and her husband, Tom McLaughlin, embraced adventure, spending years parachuting and skydiving with multiple groups in the northeast. That same sense of motion and exploration carried over naturally into her art. Her work spans oil, acrylic and watercolor, along with photography, dyes, inks, colored pencils and crayons. She often incorporates natural elements
such as flora, feathers, wax and wood, creating richly textured paintings and sculptures that feel layered and alive. Graham describes her work as an expression of her love for western Florida. “It’s not just the beaches people expect,” she said. “It’s the hidden Florida water and land.” The evening included a raffle featuring four collaborative artworks created through a paintaround process in which the four participating artists rotated canvases every few minutes, adding their own creative touch to each painting. The paint-around artists were Graham, LuAnn Widegreen, Leslie Robbins and Sandy Staley. The paint-around raffle proceeds will benefit a creative arts student scholarship program for Manatee County high school students. The Guild’s next “Paint the Town” event is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13, at 5 p.m. at the Artists’ Guild gallery located at 5414 Marina Drive.
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ISLAND NEWS
Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there. JANUARY 14, 2026
Dog park discussions produce revised plan
IN BRIEF
Dog park users want more grass, more shade BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The accident occurred at the Pine Avenue/Bay Boulevard intersection.
Pedestrian struck in Anna Maria On Thursday, Jan. 8, a female pedestrian was struck by a pickup truck near the Pine Avenue/Bay Boulevard intersection in Anna Maria. According to Sgt. Brett Getman from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit, “A vehicle was traveling south on North Bay Boulevard toward the City Pier. It appeared the vehicle did come to a complete stop at the threeway stop and then proceeded south and struck an 80-female year-old pedestrian in the crosswalk. The pedestrian was transported by ambulance to Blake medical center (HCA Florida Blake Hospital) for her injuries.” An Anna Maria Unit deputy and two Anna Maria code enforcement officers responded to the call and helped direct traffic while waiting for a Florida Highway Patrol trooper to arrive and conduct the investigation. As of Friday, no additional details were available regarding Thursday’s late morning/early afternoon incident.
Bradenton Beach Commission to discuss fine increases The Bradenton Beach City Commission plans to instruct the city attorney to amend and increase the fine for city code violations from $75 to $200 during the Thursday, Jan. 15, meeting that starts at noon. Also on the agenda will be a review of Ward 4 city commission applicant Robert Talham, and a waiver of the alcohol ordinance and approval of the dates for the Coquina Beach Seafood and Music Festival. The meeting will be held in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers at 107 Gulf Drive N.
CRA to discuss consulting services RFP During their Thursday, Jan. 15 meeting, the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members will discuss the city attorney’s draft version of a request for proposals (RFP) for CRA consulting services. Also on the agenda will be a draft resolution approving the existence of Bradenton Beach CRA. The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers at 107 Gulf Drive N.
HOLMES BEACH – Progress is being made to address concerns expressed by the users of the city’s Scentral Park dog park. Located near City Field and the city-owned baseball field, the cityowned dog park has been a topic of multiple recent city meeting discussions and was scheduled to be the topic of discussion again during the city commission work session on Tuesday, Jan. 13 On Wednesday, Jan. 7, the volunteer Parks and Beautification Committee conducted its second dog park discussion, guided by new Public Works Supervisor Herb Raybourn, who took the notes that helped create the revised dog park plan released later that week. Mayor Judy Titsworth played an active role in the Jan. 7 discussion that provided dog park users another opportunity to share their suggestions and requests, and to also air their grievances that pertain mainly to turf management, sandy surfaces, bench positioning and the positioning of recently planted trees and additional trees to be planted in the future.
CITY OF HOLMES BEACH | SUBMITTED
Feedback provided at a Jan. 7 meeting produced a revised dog park plan. Holmes Beach residents Renee Ferguson and Larry Milder spoke during the meeting, as did Anna Maria residents Tom Evans and Nicky Hunt. At times, Titsworth stood before an enlarged, previous version of the dog park plan that was to be further revised before the Jan. 13 commission work session requested and scheduled by City Commission Chair Carol Whitmore. Titsworth said the city has or will spend approximately $20,000 on recent dog park improvements during the current
budget year and those expenditures included a new irrigation system and more trees. In response to complaints about the water from the dog washing area flowing the wrong direction and flooding the dog park entrance, Titsworth said the slope of that cement area would be modified to direct water away from the entryway and a curb might be installed too. In response to suggestions that the city hire a dog park consultant or a turf management expert, Titsworth said there’s no money in the current city budget for that type of expenditure. She also noted that the dog park users don’t all share the same desires and concerns regarding what should be done to make the dog park more user-friendly. City Commissioners Steve Oelfke and Dan Diggins also attended the Parks and Beautification Committee meeting that provided them additional insights before their work session discussion. The Parks and Beautification Committee members supported the dog park users’ primary suggestions and asked that the dog park plan be updated and distributed to the media in advance of the work session.
Garden Club hosting Fashion Show Luncheon The Anna Maria Island Garden Club will host its annual Fashion Show Luncheon on Wednesday Feb. 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The fashion show and luncheon will be held at Icon Bayside restaurant and bar at the IMG Academy Golf Club, at 4350 El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton. In celebration of the garden club’s 75th anniversary, this year’s theme is: “75 Years in Bloom - A Diamond Celebration.” The fundraising fashion show will feature fashions, hair and makeup from 15 stores and the fundraising activities will also include pop-up stores, raffle baskets and silent and
AMI GARDEN CLUB | SUBMITTED
The 2025 fashion show was held at The Center of Anna Maria Island. live auction items. Proceeds from the event help fund the garden club’s Island-wide beautification projects. Tickets
are $80 per person, $2,000 for a table of 12 and on sale now at www.amigcfashionshow2026. rsvpify.com/.
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Island Players commit ‘Murder by Misadventure’ “Murder by Misadventure” continues through Jan. 25. BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Island Players’ theatrical production of Edward Taylor’s "Murder by Misadventure" is chock full of murderous twists and turns. The three-week production opened on Thursday, Jan. 8 and continues through Sunday, Jan. 25 Starring Eric Johnson as Harold “Harry” Kent, Sylvia Marnie as his wife, Emma Kent, Heiko Knipfelberg as Paul Riggs and Kristin Mazzitelli as Inspector Egan, the story unfolds in Harry and Emma’s new luxury flat located high above the English Channel, at a time when cell phones were not yet prominent parts of daily life. Knipfelberg directed the play, and due to unforeseen circumstances, he was unexpectedly thrust into the role of Paul
Riggs as well – a development that requires him to perform “on script,” which means he’s at times reading from the small script book he holds in his hand but often disguises. Paul and Harry are longtime and prosperous television writing partners and their specialty is murder mysteries. Over the years, Harry’s grown tired of working with Paul and wants to write split the team apart so he can pursue his own writing endeavors. Having been frugal with his earnings, Harry is positioned to make a career move. Paul, on the other hand, is a hard drinking, less than successful gambler whose earnings are quickly squandered on booze and bad bets, leaving him with no nest egg to fall back on. Unwilling to accommodate Harry’s request to part ways, Paul tells Harry he knows about a deep, dark and criminal secret from Harry’s past and he’s going to turn him in if Harry insists on breaking up the successful writing team.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Syliva Marnie, Eric Johson and Heiko Knipfelberg bring their murderous characters to life. Paul’s blackmail threat sets in motion of series of diabolical, murderous and entertaining twists that continue until the final seconds of the surprise ending. As Harry, Eric Johnson aptly portrays his character’s desire to expand his creative and financial boundaries, and he’s willing to kill to do so. As Emma, Marnie, (a former magician in real life) perfectly
plays the accomplice who’s willing to go along with her husband’s murderous intentions As Paul Riggs, Knipfelberg nails the complacency, desperation and plot-devising acumen of his character. As the intrusive, clever and Columbo-like Police Inspector Egan, Mazzitelli helps bring the second act to its dramatic and unexpected conclusion.
The actors’ talents are enhanced by the work done by Stage Manager Denise Handley, Costume Designer Pamela Hopkins, Set Designer Jan Van Wart, Lighting Designer Ethan Vail, Sound Designer Mike Lusk, hair and makeup artist Rita Lamoreux and Backstage Manager Cheryl Jaroseiwicz, whose props and set changes set the scene for the action unfolding on the stage. “Murder by Misadventure” is co-produced by Ginny's & Jane E's Café. Tickets are $28 for adults, $18 for students and available online at www. theislandplayers.org. Tickets can be purchased at the Island Players box office Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 27. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office an hour before showtime. For more ticketing information, call 941-778-5755. The Island Players Theatre is located at 10009 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria.
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The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff General Manager Bob Alexander Editor Joe Hendricks Reporters | Photographers Joe Hendricks Leslie Lake 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 ©2026 Longboard Communications Inc.
2026 brings change and consistency Longtime Anna Maria Island Sun employees Bob Alexender (general manager, classified ads and distribution) and John Reitz (accounting and finances) are the new owners of Longboard Communications and the Anna Maria Island Sun. As the new owners, they’ve named longtime Sun reporter Joe Hendricks to serve as The Sun’s next editor. Joe will also continue serving as a full-time reporter, covering the cities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach and beyond while working in unison with the editorial staff that includes Bradenton Beach and Cortez reporter Leslie Lake, columnists
Louise Bolger (Castles in the Sand) and Rusty Chinnis (Reel Time), regular contributor Capt. Rick Grassett and award-winning cartoonist Steve Borggren. Ricardo Fonesca and Elaine Stroili will continue providing their talents to the Sun’s graphics and advertising departments; and Ricardo will continue laying out the weekly print issues he’s expertly crafted for many years. Tony McNulty and Brian Smith will continue assisting Bob with the weekly distribution of the Sun’s print issues. Advertising Director Shona Otto will continue working with the Island’s business owners and business
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community, and Leslie Ketchum will continue providing her accounting and financial expertise. We also look forward to the new Sun website currently being developed and soon to be launched by Sande Caplin & Associates. The Sun ownership, management and staff thank all the advertisers, readers and supporters who’ve been with us during The Sun’s first 25 years. We now plunge into our 26th year with the same unwavering commitment to the fact-based, communityfocused reporting and newspaper services envisioned and championed by our founders and former owners, Mike and Maggie Field.
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Commissioner Whitmore hosting town hall meeting Holmes Beach City Commission Chairperson Carol Whitmore will host a town hall meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 5 p.m. at the Island Branch Library. The town hall meeting will provide Whitmore with an opportunity for her to informally engage with Holmes Beach residents, business owners and other constituents and listen to their city-related desires and concerns. “This gathering is open to anyone and it’s for me to listen and learn,” said Whitmore, who returned to the city commission in late 2024 after serving as a Manatee County
ON THE AGENDA
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Visit www.cityofannamaria. com or contact city hall for more information. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m., Special Magistrate hearing Wednesday, Jan. 21, 9 a.m., Planning and Zoning Board meeting Thursday, Jan. 22, 2 p.m., City Commission meeting
EVENTS WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 THROUGH SUNDAY, JAN. 25
“Murder by Misadventure,” Island Players Theater, 10009 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria. JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Commissioner Carol Whitmore wants to hear what’s on the residents’ minds. Commissioner for many years. The Island Branch
941-798-9010
Library is located at 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.
TUESDAY, JAN. 13, 20, 27
Anna Maria Community Farmers Market, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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HOLMES BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information Thursday, Jan. 15, 9:30 a.m., Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Thursday, Jan. 15, 12 p.m., City Commission meeting
Visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2 p.m., City Commission meeting, followed by dog park work session Wednesday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m., Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee meeting Thursday, Jan. 22, 5 p.m., Island Branch Library, Town hall meeting hosted by City Commissioner Carol Whitmore
THURSDAY, JAN. 15
SATURDAY, SUNDAY, JAN. 17-18
Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel Series: Peggy Donoho and Ron Prouty, authors of “The Pioneer Tale of Miguel and Frederica Guerrero,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. “Transformational Oyster Restoration in Southwest Florida - Manatee River Case Study”presentation by Oyster River Ecology founder Damon Moore, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.
Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show. City Field, 6001 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21:
“Mastering the Art of Sourdough,” Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 1-3 p.m.
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SLICKER'S: Eatery saying farewell FROM PAGE 1 “We’re going to throw a pig roast and our five-year anniversary party on the last Friday of month (Jan. 30) and we’re hoping during the next few weeks everyone will come by for hugs of joy, drinks and food. Thanks for the support during the good times. Thanks for the support during the bad times. Please come out and see us because my team members could all use a little boost right now. Please watch our Facebook page. We’re still going to be doing our normal activities and events for the next couple weeks,” Slicker said.
AN EATERY AND MORE
Slicker’s Eatery opened at 12012 Cortez Rd. W. in February 2021. In 2024, the leased building and its contents were badly damaged by Hurricane Helene’s storm surge and floodwaters and further damaged by Hurricane Milton’s winds. “Everything in the place was ruined. That was disheartening,” Slicker said of Hurricane Helene. “The second storm ripping the brand-new air conditioner off the roof was bad too.” While closed for regular business, Slicker’s Eatery hosted several outdoor
hurricane relief parties that helped Slicker’s employees and other local out-of-work employees earn some much-needed money. Slicker’s Eatery also hosted a free Thanksgiving dinner for the hurricane-impacted community. “We wanted to help Cortez village and its residents,” Slicker said. Slicker’s Eatery remained closed for 128 days and reopened in February 2025. For several years, Slicker also dealt with painful kidney stone issues that were finally resolved in 2025. “The last year has been difficult. In all my years in business, this was the most difficult time I’ve had with the factors I can’t control. I ran a good race here for five years and it’s time to start another race,” he said. “I’m proud of everything we have done and everything we have accomplished in five years as a team. And even though the team has changed, we all had the same goal: ‘To not look the other way.’ Some of the team I opened with aren’t here anymore, but they were all part of a wonderful journey.” Slicker expressed special thanks to his daughter, Molly (Slicker) Parry, his life partner, Amy Coller, and Amy’s 26-year-old daughter, Abby Coller, for the help and support they provided
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Bob Slicker is passing the torch to Tom Theophilopoulos. before and after Slicker’s Eatery first opened its doors. “With all the stuff I went through last year, this place wouldn’t have lasted this long if it wasn’t for Amy, Abby and Molly,” he said. “I’ve made some tremendous friends here that will carry me through the rest of my life. I’m grateful for those. I also lost the best friends of my life: Scott O’Brien, ‘Grego’ (Greg Koeper) and my mom (Ellen Scott). “We had some great parties here, some great celebrations of life and some great wedding receptions. We’ve been involved with multiple
charities throughout these years that we’ve been able to help support with our time and our products. That’s a wonderful feeling,” Slicker said. The Slicker’s Eatery menu was developed by his nephew, Kurt Clennan, an executive chef in California. “Our concept was fresh, no fryers, no walk-in freezer. We wanted to provide chef-driven food at a reasonable price, using local products and healthy ingredients. Our Spicy Octopus flies off the shelf and our Smoked Old Fashioned is our best-selling drink because it’s so unique to the area. I’m proud of the quality of our product and we always got great reviews for our food.” The eatery’s post-hurricane recovery process included patrons and supporters paying $500 to have personal messages painted in white on the back of the black restaurant chairs – some of which now serve as memorials to deceased friends and loved ones. The chair that honors Slicker’s mom says, “Down in Front,” and sits at the corner of the bar where Ellen watched many Tampa Bay Lighting, Buccaneers and Rays’ games.
SEE SLICKER'S, PAGE 24
JANUARY 14, 2026
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Family, staff, friends reflect on Slicker’s Eatery Slicker’s Eatery will be transformed into a family diner called Izzy’s Place. BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
CORTEZ – When learning of Bob Slicker’s plans to step away from his Slicker’s Eatery restaurant operations after five years, family members, friends and regular patrons were quick to express their gratitude, appreciation and love for an establishment and a man who’s helped so many others. On Monday, Feb. 2, Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker will turn over his leased space restaurant space to new leaseholder Tom Theophilopoulos, who will then begin transforming the eatery into a family diner called Izzy’s Place. Slicker’s daughter, Molly (Slicker) Parry lives in the Orlando area with her husband, Richard, but she played an integral role in the opening and promotion of her dad’s restaurant in 2021 “I am incredibly proud of what my dad and the Slicker’s team has accomplished. Through all the attrition we’ve faced, and the odds that were often stacked against our little family restaurant, their loyal team and loving friends, family and patrons have seen them through five years of success,” Parry said. “I still remember doodling the logo on an index card while my dad talked about wanting to make this place a reality, and so much has changed since
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Slicker’s Eatery team includes Jason Harris, Barb Jeffries, Bob Slicker and Abby Coller. then. What hasn’t changed is why we did it: for goodness’s sake. They’ve made a lot of difference in a lot of lives. Mostly, I’m excited for my dad to have a well-deserved breather and for him to be able to spend less time working and more time as ‘Gramps.’” Slicker’s Eatery Manager Abby Coller was 22 when she started working at Slicker’s four years ago. Her mom, Amy Coller, is Slicker’s life partner and Amy played an important, mostly behind-the-scenes, role in the restaurant operations.
“I’ve met a lot of really special people through this place; and I learned a lot about people and life in general,” Abby said. Slicker’s retirement from the restaurant business frees Abby up to pursue another career path. “I’m moving on. I went to school for environmental science and I stuck around to help my family and ease their stress levels,” she said. She hopes to find work related to wildlife conservation, ecology, land management or something similar that
allows her to continue making positive changes in the world she lives in. “I got into Turtle Watch (Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring) because Bob knew Kristen (Mazzarella) and we held a lot of events for them,” Abby said. 27-year-old head chef Jason Harris has been working with Slicker on and off for the past 10 years, dating back to his high school years; and he too will eventually be moving on. “After almost a decade, it’s been a pleasure to be able to help so many charities and do what we’ve done,” Harris said. When asked what he learned from his many years with Slicker, Harris said it’s more than he can boil down into a few sentences for a newspaper story. After assisting with the transition, Harris hopes to temporarily relocate to the Fort Myers/Boynton Beach area to begin working as a move supervisor for Armadillo Relocations – a company that travels to different locations in Florida and throughout the United States and helps relocate low-income individuals and families who need to move due to redevelopment, disaster or other housing issues. Barb Jeffries is Slicker’s Eatery’s newest bartender, in addition to her full-time job as an executive assistant for the city of Anna Maria. She met Slicker in October after they worked the AMI Chamber of Commerce beer tent together during Bayfest.
SEE REFLECTION, PAGE 24
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Streetside parking switching sides The parking allowances for several Anna Maria streets switch sides annually and motorists are advised to pay attention to the parking and no parking signs that are currently being moved from one side of the street to the other in several locations near street-end beach access points. The impacted streets include Gladiolus Street, Elm Avenue, Fern Street, Fir Avenue, Magnolia Avenue, Newton Lane, Palm Avenue, Palmetto Avenue, Coconut Avenue, Jacaranda Road and Sycamore Avenue. On Monday, Jan. 12, members of the Anna Maria Public Works Department began switching the signs that one side of the street say, in red letters, “Parking not allowed this side between signs” or, in green letters, “Parking allowed this side between signs. Park with tires off pavement.”
JANUARY 14, 2026
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Where permitted, make sure to park with all tires off the pavement. Those who fail to heed the relocated parking signs subject themselves to parking citations that carry a $75 fine. When discussing the sign switching during the Thursday, Jan. 8, city commission meeting, Mayor Mark Short said a grace period of approximately 10 days will be in effect before enforcement resumes.
JANUARY 14, 2026
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BUNGALOW BEACH: parking restrictions discussed FROM PAGE 1 He suggested a better recommendation would be to follow the LDC. “The way it’s written now restricts the property owner from doing what they rightfully should be able to do,” he said. ”If a vendor is coming in to deliver some products, they can’t park there? The wording is too limiting.” Garra said the site plan, with 17 parking spaces, meets the city’s parking and loading space requirements. Prior to a presentation by Serna, the board members questioned Garra. Board member Bill Morrow asked about ingress and egress for the property. “That is under review by FDOT,” engineer Greg Fisher said. Board member John Burns questioned the FEMA regulations for ground-level restrooms on the property. “That’s a technical detail that’s covered under the Florida Building Code,” Garra said. “It’s not the zoning code necessarily. If you approve this, the onus is on us to make it work under the Florida Building Code.” Serna said the FEMA does allow dry flood-proof facilities at ground level in commercial uses. “The project will have to go through building permitting, so if you do want to approve it with the condition that it’s approved as long as it meets all the conditions of the Florida Building Code and is able to secure a permit, you can make that a condition of the approval,” City Attorney Erica Augello said.
SERNA PRESENTATION
Serna read his nine recommendations for the major development site plan approval.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Parking at the Bungalow Beach Resort property remains a point of contention. Those recommendations included: a unity of title for parcels on the site; driveway to be subject to final approval by FDOT; meet signs standards of the LDC; no trees located closer than 2.5 feet from the edge of any landscaped area; offstreet loading zone not to encroach into five-foot minimum landscaping buffer, maximum impervious area is 40% and compliance can be determined administratively. It was the first recommendation, which was related to parking, that was the subject of much debate and it read as follows: “Parking for this site (2000 and 2104 Gulf Drive North) shall be limited to use by employees and overnight guests of the resort on this site. No parking for uses off-site (sites other than 2000 and 2104 Gulf Drive North) or for other non-overnight guests shall be permitted without prior review and approval of a special permit for such parking in accordance with the requirements of Section 416.2 of the land development code.” “The applicant does own properties that are adjacent to this property, and we wanted to clarify parking for those offsite properties will not be permitted on the site you’re considering today unless they get a special permit use. That’s a requirement of the LDC,” Serna said. “Also, if there’s any paid parking for people who are not overnight
guests or vendors or employees of the facility – a paid parking lot basically – that would require special permit approval as well,” he said. He recommended keeping that condition but clarified that vendors would be permitted. “I think if you want the conditions in, you put the conditions in. If you want the condition to comply with the code, then you don’t need the condition,” Augello said. “They are required to comply with the code.” “If we put it in, the commission could take it out,” Burns said. “Let’s leave it in.” Vice-Chair Dan Morhaus suggested eliminating the parking condition. “We shouldn’t try to legislate much more restrictive covenants because that creates a huge problem, not only for enforcement, but if you want to make a change through code enforcement then you have to filter back through a myriad of what kind of special conditions were added on,” he said. “The only recommendation I would make is to eliminate number one.” Burns asked for a consensus about retaining the parking conditions and Morrow and Ken McDonough also voted to retain them. “The majority will rule,” Morhaus said. “This is a restriction beyond the building code.” After reaching 3-1 consensus to retain Serna’s recommended parking conditions (with Morhaus in opposition), the board unanimously approved a motion to recommend approval of the major development plan. Board chair Fred Bartizal was absent with excuse from the meeting. The city commission determines final approval and will hold a public hearing on the major development plan on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Bungalow Beach owner Gayle Luper and her son, Jason Luper, were among the attendees sworn in at the Jan. 7 planning and zoning board hearing.
Bungalow Beach Resort owner objects to parking stipulations The resort property owner opposes the planning and zoning board’s recommended parking restrictions. BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Bungalow Beach Resort owner Gayle Luper emailed City Planner Luis Serna to register a protest against the parking stipulations he recommended to the planning and zoning board. On Jan. 7, the planning and zoning board (P&Z) voted 4-0 to recommend approval for a major development site plan for Bungalow Beach Resort with the attached parking restrictions recommended by Serna Serna’s recommendation to the board stated: “Parking for this site (2000 and 2104 Gulf Drive North) shall be limited to use by employees and overnight guests of the resort on this site. No parking for uses off-site (sites other than 2000 and 2104 Gulf Drive North) or for other non-overnight guests shall be permitted without prior review and approval of a special permit for such parking in accordance with the requirements of Section 416.2 of the land development code.”
SEE OWNER, PAGE 27
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12 THE SUN
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JANUARY 14, 2026
MOTE MARINE: City Pier lease terminated FROM PAGE 1 pier buildings at the T-end of the pier until Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck. Tampa Bay Marine is currently constructing the new pier walkway to be completed by March 31 and most of the solid concrete pier pilings are already driven. Mayor Mark Short anticipates the City Pier fully reopening this fall. The smaller pier building on the northwest end of the pier has been emptied of its contents but remains leased to Anna Maria General Store owner Brian Seymour and his business partners, Vic Mattay and Nick Graham. Operating as GSM Partners LLC, the trio opened their City Pier Grill & Bait Shop in December 2020. Both city-owned pier buildings remain inaccessible to foot traffic until the new walkway is completed.
LEASE TERMINATED
When presenting the
termination request, Short said, “Over the past several months, we have been in discussions with Mote regarding their existing lease. Through those discussions, as well as conversations with county commissioners, the county administrator and the TDC (Tourist Development Council), we are all in mutual agreement that it makes sense to terminate the Mote lease. It’s a mutual termination of the lease.” When asked how the city will conduct its search for a new tenant to occupy the larger pier building, Short said a public meeting in January or early February will be held to solicit city commission input on how to proceed with that search. Short said he’d also confer with the city’s contracted engineering firm and Tampa Bay Marine regarding any structural improvements needed to accommodate a different use of the vacant pier building.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Charlotte and Jocelyn Bitner, from Orlando, touched a live horseshoe crab when Mote’s Marine Education, Science & Outreach Center opened on May 5, 2023.
When Commission Chair Charlie Salem sought a motion to terminate Mote’s lease agreement, Commissioner Gary McMullen said, “I happily move to approve that.” The commission then voted 5-0 in favor of the termination.
LETTER TO MOTE
The Jan. 8 agenda packet includes the termination letter to be sent to Mote President and CEO Dr. Michael Crosby for his co-signature. Short’s letter to Crosby began by expressing the city’s appreciation and gratitude for the partnership with Mote Marine.
“As you are aware, the two hurricanes in 2024 caused extensive damage to the pier, including destruction of the walkway leading to the outreach center and the loss of all mechanical infrastructure. In addition, all fixtures and furnishings have been removed to allow the city to properly remediate and make repairs to the buildings,” the letter says. “In addition, Manatee County is planning to bring an expanded ferry service directly to the pier, which will significantly increase foot traffic on the pier and has raised concern regarding visitor flow, safety and long-term best use of this space. “In light of these changed circumstances, the city of Anna Maria would like to revisit our agreement regarding the outreach center. The city proposes mutually terminating the lease agree-
SEE MOTE MARINE, PAGE 23
JANUARY 14, 2026
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THE SUN
13
MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED
Project updates: Cortez Bridge, Manatee Avenue
Manatee County released an update on the future and continued closure and detours to accommodate the Cortez Bridge utility relocation and Manatee Avenue water main intracoastal crossing construction. For the Cortez Bridge utility project, construction is ongoing on the south side of Cortez Road West, with sidewalk closures in place. The contractor has begun work in advance of upcoming pipe installation west of the Cortez Bridge. Installation has begun on both sides of Cortez Road West and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. There will be intermittent lane shifts, flagging and sidewalk and bike lane closures between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Manatee Avenue water main intracoastal crossing project work is ongoing, with the drilling of the pipe installation from west to east currently underway. That will be followed by underwater installation of the new water main using horizontal drilling. The drilling requires 24-hour work to keep the route clear until the pipe is installed. On the west side of the bridge, Kingfish Boat Ramp may have intermittent closures during construction. That construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2026 with activities to take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
14 THE SUN
www.amisun.com
JANUARY 14, 2026
Anna Maria seawall regulations being amended The emergency ordinance allows seawall repair projects to begin or resume. BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – City commissioners adopted a 60-day emergency ordinance that addresses existing city code that’s been preventing property owners from repairing their seawalls. On Thursday, Jan. 8, the commissioners unanimously supported Mayor Mark Short’s request to adopt the emergency ordinance that’s now in effect and will later be replaced by a regular city ordinance. The emergency ordinance allows impacted property owners to begin or resume seawall repair projects that had been on hold due to the ordinance language contained in the current city code. When presenting his requested emergency ordinance, Short told commissioners the current ordinance stipulates that if there are three seawalls evenly aligned side-by-side and the middle seawall requires repair, the middle seawall cannot be extended further out into the canal than the other two canals.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Repairs to this seawall at a home on Kumquat Drive can now proceed according to the emergency ordinance. Anna Maria’s residential canals are lined with seawalls. “What you have in front of you is an emergency ordinance to allow repairs to seawalls” he told the commission. Short referenced the current seawall ordinance that says, “Construction, inclusive of a buttress and seawall cap, shall not protrude more than 12 inches seaward of the existing seawall or seawall cap. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there are two existing seawalls abutting the subject replacement seawall of differing seaward projections, then the subject replacement seawall shall be further limited to a seaward projection distance of no more than either equal to the immediately abutting seawall with the least projection
or total seaward projection of 12 inches, whichever is more restrictive.” “This changes one word: the word ‘more’ to ‘less,’” Short said. “Which means that seawall could be extended up to 12 inches out.” During the commission’s Nov. 13 meeting, Commissioner Chris Arendt brought the seawall ordinance concerns to the city commission’s attention. He was joined in doing so by Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift owner and vice-president Mark Liebel. Liebel said he’s owned Duncan Seawalls for 29 years and doesn’t recall the city amending its seawall
ordinance during the time. He said the code might be outdated and the city may have changed how it interprets the long-standing seawall regulations. He mentioned one project in particular that was being delayed by the existing city code. During the Jan. 8 meeting, Arendt said, “I have a lot of people that were very interested in this issue. If we vote on this today, will it take immediate effect?” “It will take immediate effect,” Short replied. Short noted the planning and zoning board was scheduled to review and discuss a proposed permanent seawall ordinance in December but that meeting was cancelled. The board is now expected to review the proposed non-emergency seawall ordinance at its Jan. 21 meeting. The adoption of a regular city ordinance requires two advertised city commission public hearings that allow for public input. Short said the 60-day temporary ordinance provides time for the planning board and the city commission to review and discuss the proposed regular ordinance that he referred to as the “permanent fix.”
JANUARY 14, 2026
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
15
Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show returns this weekend The two-day show will feature more than 40 artists, crafters and creators.
THE
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Blue Ribbon Events is bringing its 7th annual Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show to City Field in Holmes Beach on Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free, two-day show will showcase the work of more than 40 artists and crafters and their paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, sculptures, yard art and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists and purchase their original, one-of-a-kind pieces. The show will also feature vendors selling sunglasses, beach hats, skincare products, bath and body products, furniture, handmade crepes and more.
SUBMITTED
The Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show will feature a wide variety of artists’ offerings. According to Blue Ribbon Events CEO Danielle Lynch, the event is designed to support local creativity while providing the community with access to unique artwork. “The event brings together talented makers and art enthusiasts in a welcoming Island setting,” she said in the event press release.
ARTISTS
Painter Kristina Grillo is returning with her soothing boat scenes and “captivating ladies.” Husband-and-wife duo Michelle Chang and Wayne Gao are bringing their innovative ceramic art and large-scale wall pieces. Mixed media artist
Rachel Wu returns with her dipped glasses, clocks, charcuterie boards and large wall art. Photographer Jimmy Chadsey is bringing his nature-themed images. Woodworker Tim Gillespie is bringing his turned bowls, “crazy Christmas trees,” large
plates and mushrooms. The show will feature seven talented jewelry designers, four of whom are returning fan favorites. Heather, from Jewelry by Nature's Stones, will offer unique natural gemstones. Dawn will have her bohemian wraps and beachy beaded bracelets. Maureen will have her handcrafted wire wrap creations. Abby May Miller is returning for the for the first time in a couple years and bringing her “bold runway statement pieces.” “Stop by and support these amazing artists and makers,” Lynch said. City Field is located at 6001 Marina Drive, next to Holmes Beach City Hall. Learn more at www. blueribbonevent.com.
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SATURDAY, SAT A URDAY A , JANUARY 24TH TICKETS T ICKETS & IINFO: NFO: WWW CENTERAMI.ORG/CONCERTS WWW CENTERAMI.ORG/CONCERTS
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16 THE SUN
www.amisun.com
JANUARY 14, 2026
AMI Garden Club wants to spruce up beach accesses BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Club seeks $1,000 donations to help beautify the beach access points in Holmes Beach. Working in unison with Mayor Judy Titsworth and the city of Holmes Beach, each $1,000 donation will beautify one beach access. According to a garden club sponsorship opportunities document provided by club member Kathy MorganJohnson, “There are 34 beach access points spanning from 28th Street to White Avenue. The AMI Garden Club has worked with the city of Holmes Beach to prioritize
points for beautification. This will include adding native plants like sea oats, wildflowers, palm trees and/or sea grapes. “We would potentially beautify/conceal trash cans (but keeping them useful) also. The city will install and maintain the area and there would be a sign/plaque near the project recognizing the sponsor and the garden club. Our goal is to address as many of these accesses as we are able to in 2026,” the document says. When asked about the project, AMI Garden Club President Renitia “Reni” Bertoluzzi said, “I was talking to Judy about some different
ideas and what she needed for the city. She said one of the things that really need sprucing up is the beach accesses, so we came up with this idea. This is going to make them really beautiful and it gets the community involved too.” Bertoluzzi said she’s already spoken with 10 individuals or businesses that want to sponsor a beach access in remembrance of a family member or friend, or to recognize a local business. To sponsor the beautification of a beach access, or learn more about the project, call Bertoluzzi at 941-2241761 or email president@ amigardenclub.com.
AMI GARDEN CLUB | SUBMITTED
The AMI Garden Club hopes to beautify the 72nd Street beach access.
JANUARY 14, 2026
www.amisun.com
Center hosting ‘killer’ wedding-themed dinner show
THE CENTER OF | SUBMITTED
Murder and love will co-mingle at this year’s Murder Mystery dinner. Center’s event webpage. The doors open each night at 6 p.m. and close at 6:45 p.m. The Center is located at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.
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17
Department of Health issues tips to avoid rabies exposure BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com
“Join us for an unforgettable evening of secrets, scandals and suspense – where love is in the air … and so is murder. You are cordially invited to the wedding of the year … if everyone makes it out alive,” says the invitation to attend The Center of Anna Maria Island’s 2026 Murder Mystery dinner event, “The Final Vow … Til Death Does Its Part” on Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7. Tickets are on sale now for the 17th annual adult-only event that includes “a killer show” and dinner, with a cash bar available to toast the happy couple, or the prime suspect. Themed costumes are strongly encouraged and attendees are invited to dress the part by wearing wedding party attire, bachelor and bachelorette gear or coming as a bride and groom. Grab your tickets before they disappear at www.centerami.org/ events. Single seat tickets are $56 and groups of eight or more can get tickets for $40 each. The Murder Mystery dinner is presented by Beach House Real Estate and additional sponsorship opportunities are available at The
#(( ,
THE SUN
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOHManatee) issued tips for residents to avoid rabies exposure. In a Jan. 6 press release, DOHManatee reminded residents to avoid contact with wild and stray animals and issued the following recommendations: • Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule. • Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secure on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Manatee County Animal Welfare at 941742-5933. • Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans or other sources of
food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOHManatee by calling 941-748-0747, option 4. • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. • Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Manatee County Animal Welfare at 941-742-5933. • Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets. For more information on rabies, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Manatee at 941748-0747.
18 THE SUN
OUTDOORS
JANUARY 14, 2026
Reel Time: Why Mullet Jump
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS
W
hile I was sitting by the bay the other day a mullet jumped right in front of me. That’s not unusual if you spend anytime near the water, and it elicited memories of stories I’ve heard over the years that sparked my curiosity. The first explanation I remember was from the longtime outdoors editor of the Bradenton Herald, Jerry Hill (from the late 1970s until his passing in 2009). A man with a vibrant sense of humor, Hill explained how mullet were vegetarians and eating all those veggies caused them to be flatulent. Releasing that gas was what propelled them out of the water.
Humor aside, I decided to do a search and came up with probable causes: it helps them supplement their oxygen (the theory being they spend a lot of time in warm, cloudy, oxygen-poor water); jumping helps them shed parasites, avoid predators and maybe even helps them see where they were going! Since I was seeing them jump in clear, cold water I discounted the supplementing O2 theory. I reached out to some commercial fishermen and anglers that I know and respect to get their takes. A highly respected guide who is by nature very observant (he also commercially cast netted) told me he thought it served the purpose of helping them digest their food, since mullet are one of the only fish with a gizzard. Additionally, he suggested it helped them communicate, as he has observed
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Longtime commercial mullet fishermen are convinced that mullet are communicating when they jump. that males and female jumped at different times, especially when they were in spawning populations. When I called a Cortezian friend who grew up in the village and asked him, he responded, “You want me to ask a Cortezian why mullet jump?” We had a good laugh over that
and hung up. The next day he called to say he had reached out to the oldest and most knowledgeable commercial fisherman in Cortez and got a response. The explanation he offered was that after a lifetime of observing and pursuing them, he believed they jumped to communicate.
Amazingly, I got this call while I was sitting by the bay – and as if the mullet were privy to this conversation, a number of them started to jump right in front of me. When I looked up, I saw a boat with two commercial cast netters approaching about two hundred yards in the distance. As the boat came closer the mullet stopped jumping, as if they had alerted the school and were hiding as the boat closed in. A coincidence? Maybe. But I’m guessing that if we want to know for sure we’ll have to ask a mullet! Do you have a theory? Have you spoken to a mullet recently? Feel free to share a comment at this week’s Reel Time column posted on the Anna Maria Island Sun Facebook page.
JANUARY 14, 2026
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THE SUN
Boatworks seeks volunteers to restore boats CORTEZ – The crew at the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage (FISH) Boatworks shop would like volunteers to join them two days a week to help restore older donated boats. FISH Boatworks, located at 116th Street West and Cortez Road West, is manned by volunteers and offers boatbuilding, restoration and repair services. “We could use some new members,” Joe Egolf said. “We’re here Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 (a.m.) to whenever. There’s no initiation fee. There’s no rules. We just have fun and play with boats.” The core crew at the FISH Boatworks consists of Egolf, Chuck Fellows, Bill Curto, Jim Powell and Jim Foley. “Volunteers whose skill levels run from professionals to enthusiastic amateurs get to work together to restore and repair boats. Boatworks is dedicated to celebrating local Florida maritime culture and focuses on wooden fishing boats, with special emphasis on fishing vessels and local heritage,” according to the FISH website. The FISH Boatworks is filled with
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Joe Egolf and Jim Powell show off a 17-foot Mako flats boat they are restoring at the FISH Boatworks shop. boats inside and out in various states of repair and every boat has a story behind it. “They would teach boys and girls to sail on the bay, and the supervisor would ride in this boat,” Egolf said of a donated 17-foot Mako flats boat. “When we get this all put together it’s going to be a nice boat.” Typically, this time of year, with
the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival just weeks away, the crew would be refurbishing a donated boat for a raffle to raise funds for FISH. This year, however, a donation hasn’t come through. “This is the first time in a while we don’t have a boat to raffle,” Egolf said. “We could always use a donated wooden boat for restoration.”
19
Moore giving ‘Transformational Oyster Restoration’ presentation Oyster River Ecology founder and restoration ecologist Damon Moore will give his free “Transformational Oyster Restoration in Southwest Florida - Manatee OYSTER RIVER ECOLOGY | SUBMITTED River Case Study” Damon Moore will speak at the Island presentation at Branch Library on Thursday, Jan. 15. the Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach, 5701 Marina Drive, on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 6:30 p.m. “Join us for an engaging presentation that explores the vital role oyster reefs play in our coastal ecosystems. We’ll take a fascinating look back at Southwest Florida’s once-vast oyster resources – uncovering the surprising reasons these reefs were intentionally destroyed—and share how innovative, cost-effective restoration techniques developed by Oyster River Ecology are bringing oysters back to the Manatee River. This presentation is informative, inspiring and full of stories that will make you think – and maybe even laugh once or twice,” the event notice says. To register to attend the free presentation visit www.eventbrite.com and search for “Manatee River Oyster Restoration Presentation.”
20 THE SUN
I
REAL ESTATE
JANUARY 14, 2026
Marketing for the new year
t’s a new year and time for new marketing ideas. You may think you’ve tried everything to sell your home, but you’ll be surprised what you may have overlooked. For about 25 years of my working life, I worked in some form of marketing. Selling real estate is, of course, marketing; and many of the years I worked for the Sun newspaper I was involved in advertising. But what really got my creative juices running was the years I worked with relocation companies marketing and selling their properties. Time is money, and when relocation companies are tasked with selling a property they have taken over from one of their client’s employees, it can’t be wasted. Naturally, they are looking to the realtor to come up with the best ideas, and sometimes we did. One of my favorite marketing ideas was giving away a mink coat to the broker who came up with the buyer. This was a multi-million-dollar property in a
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER high-end area on the north shore of Long Island – a lovely home with just one problem: the commuter train ran through the end of the property. The relocation company at first was reluctant to spend thousands of dollars to acquire the mink, but when their representatives drove down from Connecticut to the broker open house they were impressed by the wall-to-wall brokers who attended. Needless to say, it worked. Realtors are nothing if not competitive and there was so much exposure to the property that it was inevitable. Obviously, Anna Maria Island and our coastal communities won’t be giving away a mink coat but there are other
creative beach-related prizes that will attract the attention of brokers. How about a weekend in a Gulf front home available for rent? Or a year’s worth of restaurant gift certificates at one of the Island’s jazzy restaurants? And my personal favorite: a new wardrobe of bikinis to give to your favorite toned woman. However, now with artificial intelligence becoming such a major marketing tool, real estate is getting in on the act – and I don’t mean just staging a home or redesigning rooms. I read about a homeowner who created an AI film with a storyline specific to their property and ran it attached to their advertising and their listing. The ideas when you live on the beach are unlimited – everything from Robinson Crusoe to beach parties. If you want to provide a service to both brokers and open house attendees, arrange for a mortgage broker and/or an insurance broker to attend the open houses. In these
confusing times of mortgage rates and new mortgage products the opinion of an experienced mortgage broker can come in very handy in a short conversation. Likewise, waterfront and flood zone home insurance is always a tricky thing. Insurance brokers can answer questions and clear up confusion for brokers and buyers. You’ll look like a hero and people won’t forget the house. There are a lot of theories about empty houses not showing as well as lived in properties. Back in my day, the relocation companies came up with an idea of putting people they called “house managers” in the properties. They paid nominal rent and were expected to keep the property clean and clutter-free in return, as well as providing security. There are a lot of empty houses on Anna Maria Island that could benefit by this idea. You don’t need to reinvent the marketing wheel. Go ahead, borrow some ideas and make them your own, I won’t care.
JANUARY 14, 2026
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
21
FISH unveils new logo for Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival The 44th annual festival will be held on Feb. 14 and 15. BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) unveiled the new design logo for the 44th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. The festival theme this year is “Boat to Market” and the design will adorn t-shirts, advertising materials and promotional materials for the Feb. 14 and 15 festival. The illustration was originally done for a children’s book "The Fisherman and His Boat" written in 1961 by Louise Lee Floethe and illustrated by her husband, Richard Floethe. “The book is about Cortez, though the village is not
JANE VON HAHMANN | SUBMITTED
The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage unveiled the logo for the 44th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival on Feb. 14 and 15. mentioned by name in the book,” FISH treasurer Jane von Hahmann said. “It seems the Floethes came to Cortez years ago, pre-1961, and as so many do, fell in love with it.” Cindy Rodgers, president
of Cortez Village Historical Society, had the book reprinted in paperback and it will be sold at the festival. Louise and Richard’s son, Ronald Floethe, will be at the festival, most likely out on Miller's Dock speaking about the book, von Hahmann said. All proceeds from the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival support the FISH mission and the FISH Preserve. The two-day festival draws thousands of people to the working fishing village and celebrates Cortez fishing heritage with live music, nautical arts and crafts, children’s activities, environmental exhibits and seafood. The festival will be held in front of Star Fish Company seafood market and restaurant at at 12306 46th Ave. W. in Cortez.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
A group of musicians plays rock and country songs at the Florida Maritime Museum “Music on the Porch” on Saturday, Jan. 10.
‘Music on the Porch’ is a Cortez tradition “Music on the Porch,” a Cortez tradition started more than 20 years ago by the late Soupy Davis, continues on the second and fourth Saturday of each month on the porch of the old Bratton Store at the Florida Maritime Museum. Anyone is invited to bring an acoustic instrument and play along. The music can range from early rock to bluegrass and each musician takes a turn choosing and leading a song. The impromptu jam session is co-hosted by the museum and the Cortez Cultural Center A tent and picnic tables are available for attendees to sit and enjoy the free music, which runs from 2. p.m. to approximately 4 p.m. The Florida Maritime Museum is located at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez.
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7411 Manatee Ave W., Ste 100, Bradenton 3403 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton 1440 First St., Sarasota 8141 Lakewood Main St. Ste N109, Lakewood Ranch
Whitney Beach Condo 6701 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #311 LBK 1BR/1BA / A4640305 / $748,000 Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165
El Conquistador Village SFH 4124 Pinar Drive 3BR/2BA A4673184 / $699,900 Marsha Winegarden (248) 563-2820
SCAN QR CODE FOR THIS WEEKEND OPEN HOUSES
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JANUARY 14, 2026
Hawks claims two more horseshoe wins
At Anna Maria Horseshoes on Jan. 7, two teams met in the final after each posted 3-0 records during pool play. Tom Farrington, left, and Bob Hawks won the day’s championship after a 23-4 win over John Poccynek and Tom Skoloda. Hawks returned to the winner's circle on Jan. 10, this time with partner Bob Lee, after the duo posted the only 3-0 record during pool play.
ANNA MARIA HORSESHOES | SUBMITTED
Key Royale golf club scoreboard MONDAY, JAN. 5 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD
First Place - Buddy Foy, +5 Second Place - Rob Perkins & Bill Shuman tied, +3
TUESDAY, JAN. 6 - LOW NET SCORE
Flight A Frist Place - Deb DuVernay, 30 Second Place - Jana Samuels, 32 Third Place - Leigh Brattain, 33
Flight B First Place - Susan VanOrsdel, 29 Second Place - Sue Christenson and Annette Hall tied, 33 Third Place - Jan Turner, 34 Helen Pollock had a chip-in on Hole #9
THURSDAY, JAN. 8 - SCRAMBLE
First Place Team - Bruce Christenson, Deb DuVernay, Jeff Harold, Tom Solosky tied the team of Dave DuVernay, Bob O'Brien, Dave & Deb Richardson, 4 under par
BEACH BEAT HOLMES BEACH JAN. 2, 12:30 p.m., Marina Drive. Criminal mischief. Police responded to a complaint at The Island Shopping Center of a rental car that had been damaged or keyed. Police said there was a scuff mark along the
MIKE CLEMENTS | SUBMITTED
Clements aces hole #4
Mike Clements scored a hole-in-one on Jan. 8 at Key Royale Club. Using his driver, Mike aced hole #4 (measuring 186 yards long) for his first career hole-in-one. After his round, he treated all the golfers at the club to the traditional beverage of their choice.
driver side, from the headlight to the taillight. Due to the unknown intent, cause, suspects and the possibility that it happened at another location, police took an information report and asked area businesses for surveillance footage. JAN. 3, 4:08 a.m., 4500 block of Gulf Drive. Criminal traffic. Police reportedly observed a black motorcycle with two occupants traveling at a high rate of speed. Police caught up with
the motorcycle and ran that attached license plate. The driver of the motorcycle looked behind and when police attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled off at excessive speed. Officers lost sight of the motorcycle. Manatee County Sheriff’s went to the listed address for the driver and made contact with a relative. Later that afternoon, the man turned himself in and was charged with fleeing with disregard of safety to persons or property.
JANUARY 14, 2026
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MOTE MARINE: City Pier lease terminated FROM PAGE 12 ment which would allow both the city and Mote to move forward with their respective priorities,” the letter says.
PAST LEASE TIMELINE
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Clocktower keeping time again Electrical service to the clock in the historic clocktower at the Bradenton Beach Pier has been restored and the tower’s four clock faces are showing the correct time once again. The clock had been stopped at 9:53 since the 2024 hurricanes. Repairs will also be made to the wooden slats at the top of the clocktower.
The original wooden City Pier was built 1911 and frequented by the steamboats and other vessels that transported people and supplies to and from Anna Maria Island. The current pier buildings were part of the previous pier construction project completed in 2020 after Hurricane Irma damaged the existing wooden pier in 2017. In January 2020, the city commission rejected longtime City Pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder’s offer to lease the new pier buildings. In May 2020, Holmes Beach-based restauranteur Sean Murphy withdrew his offer to lease the pier space to operate a restaurant. Murphy withdrew
his offer days after the commission voted 4-1 to authorize Mayor Dan Murphy to begin lease negotiations with Sean Murphy. In August 2020, the commission voted 3-2 to reject the lease proposal received from the owners of the Ugly Grouper restaurant in Holmes Beach. In September 2020, the commission voted 4-0 to authorize Mayor Murphy to begin lease negotiations with Seymour and his partners. The grill and bait shop then opened that December. The group’s initial five-year lease was scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. After the hurricanes, the monthly lease payments were suspended until the pier reopens and the lease expiration date has been extended to account for the time lost because of the hurricanes. When his discussing his lease with Short and the
city commission last June, Seymour expressed interest in renegotiating the lease terms before reoccupying the smaller pier building and extending the lease for five more years. In September 2021, the city commission voted 4-1 to approve the 10-year, rent-free lease agreement with Mote. Commissioners Carol Carter, Doug Copeland, Jon Crane and Deanie Sebring supported the Mote agreement and Short, a city commissioner at the time, opposed it. “I don’t think having Mote on the pier is a bad thing. Although, to be honest, I’m not necessarily convinced it’s the best thing,” Short said at the time. Short felt the pier building should have been occupied by a restaurant operator. After numerous delays and missed deadlines, the Mote outreach center opened on May 5, 2023.
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SLICKER'S: Eatery saying farewell FROM PAGE 8 “The chairs are amazing and I’m grateful that the new owner is going to keep them. The chairs helped us put money back into the building and helped us keep our team members through the slow time of the year,” Slicker said. In 2022, Slicker traveled to Poland as part of the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island’s efforts to assist Ukrainians impacted and displaced by the war with Russia. “I can’t forget the nine-and-a-half hours of interviews with Ukrainian refugees that I have on my phone. I want to get back to that kind of energy and this is a great move energy-wise,” Slicker said of his unknown future endeavors. “It’s going to be good for my soul and my health, and that is what I’m looking forward to. With my faith, I’ve never worried about the next step. Now I can look for the next step. I want to do what I like doing best: helping people.” As for what he’ll miss about owning a restaurant, Slicker said, “The love that a family restaurant can provide. I’ll miss that. I’ll miss the comfortability of it. You get used to seeing the same people every day. I will miss my team. I will not miss the long hours. “Tom will move right in and I will help with the transition. I’m excited about his concept and I’m excited that he wants to move forward with my team. Through these years, I’ve always taken care of my team. It’s a great way to walk away,” Slicker said.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Patrons and supporters paid $500 to have a message painted on a chair and many of the message-bearing chairs will remain.
IZZY’S PLACE
Speaking by phone, Theophilopoulos said, “I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be working with Bob for a week or so and get to know the staff. I’ll wait a month, month-and-a-half, before we switch over to Izzy’s and go from there. I’ll be turning it into a really good family diner. We’re going to change the décor a bit and lighten the place up with some different colors.” Izzy’s Place will serve breakfast, lunch, daily lunch specials and dinner. “For $15, or less, you’re going to get a sit-down meal that’s fresh-cooked using good ingredients. We’ll have good food, a good family-oriented environment and good prices,” Theophilopoulos said. The liquor license will transfer to Izzy’s Place and mimosas and bloody marys will be part of the breakfast and brunch offerings.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Izzy’s Place is named after Theophilopoulos’ dog, Izzy, a friendly, five-year-old Havapoo that’s a mix of the Havanese and poodle breeds. “I bring 40 years of restaurant experience,” Theophilopoulos said. “I’ve been director of operations for four chains. I ran the Hard Rock Cafés in the northeast United States. I’ve opened 30-plus restaurants for different concepts. I’ve owned three of my own restaurants and this will be my fourth. Like a good Greek boy, I started at 13-years-old as a busboy working for my dad on weekends, summer vacations and Christmas
vacations. I worked as a busboy, dishwasher, line cook and a waiter. “I’ve been working with a real estate agent for the last couple years and I looked at a lot of places. Charles (Leduc) called me up and said this is perfect for you. We live five minutes away in San Remo, behind the Cortez Clam Factory, and I knew the place because my girlfriend (Marilyn Medo) and I have eaten there.” Theophilopoulos shares Slicker’s passion for helping the community: “I want to do a lot of local stuff, a lot of family stuff and get involved with the churches too.”
REFLECTION: Family, staff, friends reflect on Slicker’s Eatery FROM PAGE 9 “I heard about Bob and all the fundraising he does. I wanted to be a part of that; and the vibe here is awesome, with the people that come in and the people that work here,” Jeffries said. Wood Dock & Seawall is located next to the Slicker’s Eatery; and while sitting at the bar after work that Thursday afternoon, owner Joey Newell said, “I’ve been next to this place as it’s changed management multiple times throughout the years and I can say I’ve never met a better human than Bob. During the storms, he was giving away free food and supplying water to people. I’ve never seen somebody do more for the community than Bob. I wish him the best. I wish all the people that work here the best. They’re good humans at heart.” His dad (and co-owner), Brian Wood, said, “I’ve known Bobby a long time – for 20 years at least. I’ll reiterate what my son Joey said: Bob
I am incredibly proud of what my dad and the Slicker’s team has accomplished.” Molly Parry, Daughter
MOLLY PARRY | SUBMITTED
Richard Parry, Bob Slicker, Molly (Slicker) Parry and Ellen Scott enjoyed many good times at Slicker’s Eatery. Slicker has done a fantastic job with this place. The staff’s always been pleasant, they take care of you and I couldn’t find a better place to sit in the afternoon to have a cocktail and a bite
to eat. I wish Bob the best. He’s always been a striver of excellence; and in the long run, things turn out for people who are good-hearted. God bless him and thank you.”
On Friday evening, Bill Woodruff, a Slicker’s Eatery regular customer and a longtime friend, said, “Bob’s always called me ‘grandpa’ because I’m older than him. He is more positive and more beneficial to the people around him than most people you meet today. He’s real, he’s there all the time and I love him dearly. I hate to see him go, but I feel it will be a new opportunity for Mr. Slicker. The next chapter is what I’m interested in.”
JANUARY 14, 2026
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Marx brother known for silent gags 6 Laborious process 10 In style 14 "Rush Rush" singer Paula 15 Uncontaminated 16 Walesa of Poland's Solidarity movement 17 Burn with steam 18 Recedes slowly 19 __ Day vitamins 20 Indonesian archipelago now known as the Moluccas 23 "Fiddlesticks!" 26 Targeted, with "at" 27 Thorny garden flowers 30 Mardi Gras, for one 31 Alpo rival 32 Tire inflation abbr. 33 Currency of Montreal Answers to 01-07-26 Crossword Puzzle
and Toronto: Abbr. 34 Fuel additive brand 35 Shake, rattle, and roll at a concert 37 Six-pack in a gym 40 Vietnamese New Year 41 Move like a kangaroo 42 "Enchanted" girl in a fantasy comedy 43 Lab container 45 Absorb, as spilled milk 47 Blown sign of affection 50 Hybrid big cats 51 "Nothing to it!," and what each circled letter literally is? 54 Egg container 55 Soon, to Shakespeare 56 Most suitable 60 Teen sleuth Nancy 61 Diet-friendly, on labels
THE SUN
62 Sculpture trunk 63 Canadian gas brand 64 Glaswegian, e.g. 65 Feeling of dread Down 1 "Everything __ Changed": Taylor Swift song 2 Alphabet starter 3 Food stat 4 Some neutron stars and analog watches 5 Seasoned vet 6 Architectural detail, for short 7 Jiffy __: chain that specializes in oil changes 8 Once around the world 9 Artist's primer 10 Concealed 11 Reddish brown dyes used in body art 12 Clinched the win 13 Deep divide 21 Trendy place 22 Diet-friendly, on labels 23 R&B legend Redding 24 Frozen food directive 25 Like clothes put out to dry 28 Key near F1 29 Many Punjabis 33 Rounded roof 35 Artifact 36 Alley-__ pass 37 Not aweather 38 Hazy shape
39 Drains 40 Second try on a movie set 42 Encouraged 43 Venomous snakes 44 Spring blooms with
beards 46 Soviet premier Khrushchev 47 "Hoarders" airer 48 Aquatic barkers 49 Hedgehog mascot of
Sega 52 Picture, informally 53 Gadget review site 57 Unit of energy 58 Biblical beast 59 Valet's milieu
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CLASSIFIEDS
Call us today! 941-778-3986 JANUARY 14, 2026
ANNOUNCEMENTS EFFECTIVE DEC 12TH AT THE CENTER, Bridge games on Friday 12:30 PM. Call 314-324-5921 for seating.
BOATS 27' COM-PAC MK/II SAILBOAT- 1989 in v/ good condition, no storm damage, ready to sail. New bottom paint and Genoa, newer autopilot, Garmin chartplotter, 20A smart charger, enclosed head, propane stove w/ oven, 6' headroom, more info available. $16,750. 727-479-4919
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 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
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. 941-809-5777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. 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 502-817-6786
PEST CONTROL ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL Call 941-7781630
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.
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 WANNA SNOWBIRD? Cute, fully furnished trailer for sale in 55+ active community 2 miles from AMI. 1BR plus room for visitors. 920-344-8271
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 SNOW BIRD SPECIAL: DISCOUNT for multiple months. 2BR/2BA 2nd Floor Condo in HOLMES BEACH. POOL, Tennis/Pickleball, in-unit laundry, WIFI, screened lanai, covered parking. AVAILABLE 2025/26 Season beginning December 2025. Beautiful, bayside seating area. Pool/Beach toys, Bikes included. Call Jack 312835-2323 for more info/ photos. 2BR/2BA W. BRADENTON. December January February March available. Inclusive $3000/mo or $2750. Text 941-962-0971 FEBRUARY-APRIL CONDO RENTAL, near AMI Beaches Delightful 3BR/2BA condo; photos available. Close to pool, hot tub, tennis/pickleball, shopping and restaurants. Walk to beach with Palma Sola views. Covered carport, guest parking. 1 small dog under 30 lbs. considered. $3300/month, utilities included; 3-month minimum. 617-803-4659 zoe.perrywood@gmail. com
TRANSPORTATION ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095
JANUARY 14, 2026
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BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY FLOOR & TILE
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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 PAINTING
REAL ESTATE
OWNER: objects to parking stipulations FROM PAGE 11 The major development plan consists of a 15-guest room hotel with two stories over parking and an outdoor pool area. In her Jan. 8 email, Luper expressed appreciation for the approval but placed several objections and legal concerns on the record. One objection is that the P&Z board exceeded its authority, and she wrote: “The planning & zoning board is an advisory body tasked with reviewing development applications for consistency with the city’s adopted land development code. It is not empowered to create new rules, conditions or operational standards that are not already codified.” Luper cited Section 410.6 of the city’s land development code (LDC) which governs major development plan applications. “Nowhere does it authorize the board to regulate day-to-day parking operations or impose conditions beyond the written code,” she wrote. Luper stated that parking restriction is unsupported by the LDC and such standard has never been applied to neighboring hotels.
Luper stated the restriction lacks legal basis and she wrote, “The city has not cited a single code section that prohibits myself, family, guests or professional consultants from parking on private resort property,” she wrote. Luper stated the restrictions raise due process and property rights concerns under both the Florida Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. “Absent a clear code violation or compelling public interest, government cannot selectively dictate who may visit or park on private property lawfully operating as a resort,” she wrote. Luper stated that she is accepting the parking conditions under protest to the keep the project moving forward. “I reserve all rights to challenge the condition later – particularly if it is JOE HENDRICKS | SUN applied in a manner that interferes The proposed hotel would be built on the Bungalow Beach Resort property in Bradenton Beach. with lawful use, or treats my property differently from similarly situated She stated the parking restriction • Investors, bankers or potential properties,” she wrote. would apply to the following: buyers. She asked that her concerns be • Architects, engineers, builders, • Hotel inspectors, media and entered into the official record and be sub-contractors and construction Realtors. given consideration by city staff, the Inspectors. • Friends or colleagues. city attorney and the city commission. • Vendors and suppliers. • Family members, grandchildren or The city commission is scheduled • Housekeeping and maintenance personal guests. to hold a public hearing on Luper’s personnel. • The owner/operator’s use of their major development application on • Prospective guests. private property. Thursday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m.
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JANUARY 14, 2026