Anna Maria Island Sun July 22, 2026

Baby turtles are out and about

Lenard Diaz appointed new police chief

Lenard Diaz will succeed John Cosby as the city’s police chief.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Lt. Lenard Diaz will serve as Bradenton Beach's next police chief.

On July 16, the city commission unanimously supported Mayor John Chappie's nomination for Diaz to serve as police chief. Diaz will step into his new role when current Police Chief John Cosby retires from the police department on Oct. 1.

Chappie said Diaz has been a law enforcement officer for 40 years, has been with the Bradenton Beach Police Department since 2002 and served as the city’s detective for the past 19 years.

When making the nomination, Chappie said, "I believe you've all had the opportu-

nity to look at the résumé of Lt. Diaz and also you've gotten to talk with him about the opportunity to fill that position. I think he is deserving of a shot. He's experienced and he knows everybody."

Chappie noted that when Cosby was promoted from lieutenant to chief several years ago, he appointed Diaz to serve as his lieutenant.

SEE DIAZ, PAGE 7

Bradenton Beach stormwater fees increased

The city hadn’t increased its stormwater fee rate since 2017.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach property owners will see their annual stormwater fee assessments increase from $4.40 to $8 per 100 square feet of property when the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.

The rate increase was proposed during the June 23 city commission workshop. During the workshop, the commission voted 3-1 in favor of raising the stormwater fee to $8.

Commissioner Ralph Cole opposed the increase and Commissioner Robert Talham was absent.

Stormwater assessment fees are the city’s primary source of funding for drainage and stormwater maintenance and improvement projects. According to the assessment evaluation prepared by Infrastructure Solution Services, the average annual fee increase would be an additional $78.49 for the owner of a mobile home or a single-family home. The average fee increase for the owner of a duplex or multifamily home would be $197 annually. The fee for shared common areas would increase annually by an average of $1,170. Commercial properties would experience a $707 average annual increase.

When discussing the fee increase again during the July 16 city commission meeting, City Engineer Devyn Brown explained some of the reasons for the increase and the

Holmes Beach Commission plans to lower millage rate

The tentative higher millage rate adopted on July 14 is expected to be lowered in September.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners have set the tentative maximum millage rate at 1.99 mills for the 2026-27 fiscal year, but their intent is to lower the millage rate to 1.9272 when the budget is presented for final adoption in September.

While participating remotely in the Tuesday, July 14, city commission work session, City Treasurer Julie Marcotte guided the mayor and commissioners through the 17-page, $17.42 million draft budget that is based on the 1.9272 millage rate.

During the regular city commission meeting later that day, with Commissioner Carol Whitmore absent and on vacation, the commissioners

voted 4-0 in favor of setting the tentative millage rate at 1.99.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said the proposed budget is based on the 1.9272 millage rate and that setting the tentative maximum millage rate simply serves as a "safety valve" that allows the city time to make any needed budget adjustments before the budget is finalized in September.

Mayor Judy Titsworth noted the commission has historically adopted the higher tentative maximum millage rate and then lowered it during final adoption. Titsworth said adopting the higher tentative rate provides the city with some financial flexibility during the final couple months of the current fiscal year that ends on Sept. 30. She said it also gives the city a little leeway in the event of a hurricane or other emergency.

Commissioners Dan Diggins, Jessica Patel and Steve Oelfke each expressed support for later lowering the millage rate

Participating remotely, City Treasurer Julie Marcotte guided the commission through the proposed 2026-27 fiscal year budget.

to 1.9272, or lower. None of the commissioners expressed support for adopting the 1.99 millage rate in September. The final budget and the final millage rate will be presented for final commission adoption during the Wednesday, Sept.

9, and the Tuesday, Sept. 22, public hearings that will both start at 5:01 p.m.

YOUR TAX BILL

At 1.9272 mills, a Holmes Beach property owner would pay approximately $1.93 per

$1,000 of assessed taxable property value, after any applicable homestead exemptions and other tax-reducing exemptions are applied.

At that rate, the owner of a home and property with a $1 million assessed taxable value would see a $1,927 Holmes Beach property tax on their 2026 TRIM notice and property tax bill that will also include the millage-based property taxes levied by Manatee County, the school district and other taxing authorities.

The owner of a Holmes Beach home and property with a $2 million taxable value would owe approximately $3,854 in city property taxes.

The owner of a home and property with a $500,000 taxable value would owe about $963 in city property taxes.

Even at the lower millage rate, many property owners will still see the city portion of their property tax bills increase due to their increased property value.

SEE HB MILLAGE, PAGE 8

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Cortez Bridge staging begins

SEMA Construction moved a crane and four metal pilings onto the former Seafood Shack property in Cortez on Tuesday, July 14. The pilings will support an 80-foot access trestle to be used for the construction of the new Cortez Bridge. SEMA Project Superintendent Patrick Aylmer said the trestle will serve as a work platform that allows the construction crew to stage equipment and load barges once construction begins, which is expected in September. The construction barges are expected to arrive next month, and the pile driving is expected to start in about two weeks.

Cover photo needed for CVHS cookbook

A cover photo is needed for the new Cortez Village Historical Society cookbook. Submissions of highresolution images that reflect the spirit of Cortez may be sent to cvhs2016@aol.com or by mail to CVHS, P.O. Box 663, Cortez, Florida 34215. The selected image will be featured on the cookbook cover and the photographer will receive credit. Please include your name and contact information. A short note about the image may be included with the submission.

Christmas in July fundraiser is Sunday

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will partner with the Drift-In bar in Bradenton Beach for the annual Christmas in July fundraiser and shopping event Sunday, July 26, from 1 to 5 p.m. The fundraising activities will include the sale of handmade crafts and other items offered by the Privateers. A lotto board containing a $100 bill and several scratch-off lottery tickets will be raffled off. The dessert bar can be enjoyed for a $5 donation. The proceeds will benefit the families the Privateers assist during the Christmas holiday. The Drift-In is located at 120 Bridge Street.

Correction

Regarding a request to vacate a city-owned alley, Ben ten Haaf currently plans to build two homes on the beachfront property he owns at 2902 Avenue E.

A story in last week's Sun incorrectly referenced the construction of three new homes, as previously stated in the original vacation request.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

Anna Maria Commission begins budget discussions

No decisions have been made yet about maintaining or raising the current millage rate.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The mayor and city commissioners kicked off their multi-meeting budget adoption process with a budget workshop on Thursday, July 16.

Mayor Mark Short and City Treasurer Randy Maxon presented the proposed 2026-27 fiscal year budget, which currently anticipates matching revenues and expenses totaling $16.8 million.

The presentation included in the meeting packet notes a $493,338 deficit if the current millage rate is maintained and the budget is adopted as is for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

According to Maxon, the total taxable value of all Anna Maria properties increased to about $2.61 billion this year, compared with about $2.38 billion last year.

The proposed budget anticipates the city receiving $4.19 million in ad valorem property tax revenues this year if the current 1.65 millage rate is maintained. A return to the previous 2.05 millage rate would generate $5.2 million in property tax revenues for the city.

In 2023, the commission lowered the longstanding 2.05 millage rate to 1.65 mills. At the current rate, Anna Maria property owners are levied $1.65 for every $1,000 of taxable assessed property value, minus homestead exemptions and other exemptions that lower the property's taxable value.

The commission must set its tentative maximum millage by Aug. 4. The adopted tentative millage rate can be reduced before final adoption during two public hearings

ANNA

| SUBMITTED This chart details some of the potential millage rate scenarios.

in September, but it cannot be increased.

During the budget workshop, the commissioners discussed potentially increasing the millage, in part to help restore the city's depleted reserve fund. According to the presentation included in the meeting packet, the city currently has just over $1 million in unencumbered reserve funds. The presentation notes the reserve fund was much higher when a past commission lowered the millage rate in 2023.

The city has also incurred expenses associated with Hurricanes Helene and Milton since then.

According to the one-page budget report included in the presentation, the largest projected city expenditures include $6.6 million for capital projects and outlay — some of which likely includes reconstruction of the hurricane-damaged City Pier, which is expected to reopen in November. The budget report lists $1.79 million for public safety, most of which entails contracted law enforcement services provided by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office; $641,000 for code enforcement; $2.77 million in debt service; and $910,000 for

staffing and operation of the public works department.

It was noted during the workshop that the city is obligated to cover up to $4.2 million for hurricane-related pier damage, and the city has about $1.6 million in claims to date. The county has already provided the city with $1.3 million for the pier reconstruction project. It was also noted that a $4 million loan was taken out to help finance pier reconstruction while awaiting future reimbursement.

The presentation also included an update on the city's hurricane recovery efforts. The presentation addresses what the city did well and what it did not do well. As for what was not done well, the presentation notes there was a lack of competitively bid debris contracts and incomplete photographic documentation of storm damage. The commission did not take any formal action during the initial workshop, and the next budget workshop is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, at 9 a.m., with projected city revenues as that day's focus.

StayTerra files amended lawsuit complaints

The revised complaints still allege violations of the terms of a previous $105 million transaction.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON – StayTerra Vacations has amended the lawsuit complaints originally filed in late 2025 and recently dismissed by Circuit Court Judge Charles Sniffen on June 18.

The original and amended lawsuit complaints name StayTerra Vacations, Prime Vacations and GSP Prime Holdings as the plaintiffs. One of the separate but similar original complaints named Kiri Stewart as the defendant and named as co-defendants several property-specific LLCs Stewart is or was associated with. The other complaint named Jennifer WarrenKaleta as the defendant and named as co-defendants several property-specific LLCs she is or was associated with.

Warren-Kaleta is developer Shawn Kaleta's ex-wife. Stewart is his current life partner. Shawn Kaleta is mentioned frequently in the complaints but he is not named as a co-defendant.

In the written dismissal order that granted Stewart and Warren-Kaleta's motions to dismiss the original complaints, Sniffen stated the plaintiffs had 20 days to amend their complaint in conformity with his order.

According to the complaints, in September 2024, GSP, through StayTerra, closed on a transaction with the Prime Business founders and owners to acquire the majority stake in that business entity. The original complaints identified Shawn Kaleta and Roman Eckert as the Prime Business owners and founders. The complaints alleged a breach of contract for the $105 million consideration StayTerra paid Prime Business in exchange for the exclusive right to collect management fees for the Prime Business properties for a minimum of seven years.

According to the lawsuit complaints, Shawn Kaleta and Eckert also agreed to five-year no-compete provisions, which the lawsuits allege have been violated.

As a condition of closing the $105 million transaction, the Prime Business founders and owners entered into a master property rental and management agreement (PMA) with StayTerra Vacations.

In his June 18 order, Sniffen cited multiple issues with the original lawsuit complaints. He stated the similar original complaints filed separately against Stewart and Warren-Kaleta included hundreds of numbered paragraphs that are "replete with evidentiary facts and impertinent allegations."

In response to Sniffen's order, each of the amended complaints filed by attorneys Christopher Nigro, John Wagner and Carson Oakley has been shortened. The amended complaint filed against Warren-Kaleta now contains 166 paragraphs. The amended complaint filed against Stewart contains 132 paragraphs.

In his dismissal order, Sniffen stated the original complaints did not specifically allege whether Kaleta or Eckert signed the PMA as the Prime Business founders and owners, or as authorized signatories representing the individual LLCs named in the lawsuit, or some combination of both.

"These allegations shall be clarified in any amendment," Sniffen's order states.

With regard to Shawn Kaleta and Eckert's role as authorized signatories

of the PMA, the amended complaints state: "Kaleta and Eckert specifically represented to plaintiffs that they signed the master PMA in September 2024 in their capacity as the owners or legally appointed representatives of the properties that were owned directly by the property owners, and that they were authorized to act on behalf of the property owners."

Sniffen's order also notes the plaintiffs must prove that the defendants' conduct "misled guests and distorted the vacation rental market" and that "plaintiffs had to mitigate the harm to guests and the public by preventing double-booking and disruption to reservations."

The revised complaints allege, "Defendants diverted bookings and rental revenue from plaintiffs by listing vacation rental properties that were managed by the Prime Business on Airbnb, VRBO and other platforms and then, after receiving a booking for the property, coordinating with the owner of the property to inform plaintiffs that the dates should be blocked off for personal use, a representation that in all instances was false."

OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Publishers

Bob Alexander John Reitz

Editor

Joe Hendricks

Reporters | Photographers

Joe Hendricks

Leslie Lake

Ernie Vanderwalt

Columnists

Louise Bolger

Rusty Chinnis

Contributors

Steve Borggren

Capt. Rick Grassett

Layout

Ricardo Fonseca

Advertising Director

Shona Otto

Classified Ads

Bob Alexander

Graphics

Elaine Stroili

Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution

Bob Alexander

Tony McNulty

Brian Smith

Accounting

Leslie Ketchum

John Reitz

Phone: 941-778-3986

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Is drainage ordinance being properly applied?

I appreciate The Sun's coverage of the concerns surrounding the driveway at 242 Lakeview Drive. However, I believe one important aspect of the story deserves clarification.

This is not a debate about whether the driveway can be described as "permeable." It is about whether the city's stormwater management ordinance, Ordinance 13-761, was properly applied and enforced.

On June 11, neighbors watched concrete being poured across the driveway. Mayor Mark Short confirmed that the approved plans did not show a concrete driveway and that the city required engineering drawings to be submitted.

Those drawings were provided later that day, by which time the driveway was already substantially complete. When the engineering drawings were subsequently released, they did not include the rational method calculations demonstrating compliance with the city ordinance. We therefore asked an independent engineer to perform the required calculations using the dimensions shown on the submitted plans. Based on those calculations, the engineer concluded that the proposed design could not be demonstrated to comply with the ordinance's performance standards. This is particularly significant because the new home sits approximately 15 inches higher than the previous house on the lot, in an area where Hurricane Helene left neighboring properties under approximately 4 feet of floodwater.

The ordinance does not ask whether a driveway is called "permeable." It asks whether the completed development has been demonstrated, through the required engineering analysis, to meet the city's stormwater performance standards.

The developer stated that similar systems are used throughout Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. If so, this raises a broader question of whether the city's stormwater regulations are being applied consistently. Homeowners are required to pay annual stormwater utility assessments, and they are entitled to expect those regulations to be applied consistently to every development, and to have confidence that their community is being protected from unnecessary flood risk.

Protecting paradise through partnership

BY RODNEY KWIATKOWSKI WMFR FIRE MARSHAL

When people think of public safety, they often imagine the big three: firefighters responding to a structure fire, law enforcement handcuffing the bad guy or EMS personnel responding to a medical emergency. While those moments do capture much of the work of public safety, the work that has the greatest impact often happens long before anyone dials 911. Safe communities are not created by a single agency, or even three. They are built through partnerships. Living

and working on Anna Maria Island is a privilege. Our beautiful beaches, thriving businesses, welcoming neighborhoods and unique Island character make this a place unlike any other. Preserving that quality of life requires more than remarkable emergency response; it requires a shared commitment from government agencies, businesses, property owners, residents and community organizations. Every partner has a role to play.

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

Visit www.cityofannamaria.com

Thursday, July 23, 9 a.m., City Commission budget workshop: revenues

Thursday, July 23, 10 a.m., City Commission meeting

Thursday, July 30, 2 p.m., City Commission budget workshop: operating expenses

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

Visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com

Tuesday, July 21, 9 a.m., City Commission work meeting

Thursday, July 30, 9:30 a.m., Community Redevelopment Agency budget work meeting

Thursday, July 30, 11 a.m., City Commission budget work meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Visit www.holmesbeachfl.org

Thursday, July 23, 11:30 a.m., Police Pension Board meeting

Thursday, July 28, City Commission meeting CANCELED

DIAZ: appointed new police chief

FROM PAGE 1

"I think it's a good idea," Commissioner Ralph Cole said of the nomination.

Diaz will serve a one-year probationary period, which Cosby said is standard procedure for all Bradenton Beach Police Department employees.

During a previous commission discussion, Cosby told the mayor and commission that Diaz wasn't interested in becoming the new chief.

During the July 16 meeting, Commissioner Scott Bear said, "I think him taking the job is great, but I had a discussion with him and he didn't originally want the job; now he does. I think in that year he can decide if this is

really what he wants. I think the probationary period needs to be part of this."

Commissioner Robert Talham, who telephoned into the meeting, said of Diaz: "He's a well-spoken gentleman and we're lucky to have him. He's a 24/7 kind of guy." Diaz attended the meeting, but he did not speak.

Cosby has been with the Bradenton Beach Police Department for 39 years. After Tom Woodard departed in early 2024, Cosby also began serving as the city's public works director and he guided the city’s recovery from the 2024 hurricanes. Cosby will continue as the full-time public works director after he ends his policing career, as he decided to do.

HB MILLAGE: Commission plans to lower millage rate

THE BUDGET

Marcotte said the total assessed value of all Holmes Beach properties increased by about $400 million compared to the current fiscal year. The city's budgeted ad valorem tax revenues for the current fiscal year were $6.16 million. At 1.9272 mills, those ad valorem revenues are projected to increase to $6.8 million in the coming fiscal year.

The draft budget includes $1.78 million for general government personnel and operations; $1.71 million for building department personnel and operations; $3.42 million for public works department personnel and operations; $883,631 for the code compliance department personnel and operations; and $1.54 million for stormwater and drainage projects.

The city's largest annual expense is the $5.87 million budgeted for the police depart-

ment, which includes $4.66 million for personnel and $1.2 million for operating costs.

Marcotte said one expense not yet included in the budget is a $135,000 generator for the city hall building that includes the police department headquarters. The city expected to receive a $100,000 grant to cover the majority of that cost.

Public Works Director Herb Raybourn said the current generator that backs up city hall, the police department and the call center was installed in 1991.

The current fiscal budget included $6.09 million in reserves. Marcotte said the reserves dipped to around $3 million during the fiscal year, before hurricane-related FEMA reimbursements brought it back to nearly $6 million.

The proposed 2026-27 fiscal year budget includes $7.81 million in reserves, including $3.4 million for contingencies and emergencies.

Titsworth said the city has or

will be reimbursed for almost all of the costs the city incurred during and after the 2024 hurricanes. During the regular commission meeting later that day, she said the city had received $4.1 million in FEMA reimbursements to date, with at least another $1.4 million anticipated.

During the work session, Diggins noted the two-year vacation rental certificate fee is increasing from $545 to $782. Titsworth said the Holmes Beach fee covers a two-year

period, while most other cities use one-year vacation rental registration or certification programs. She said the fee is meant to cover the city's costs of administering and enforcing vacation rental regulations and that the fee hasn't been raised in a long time. She said Code Compliance Chief James Thomas and Development Services Director Chad Minor recommended the increase. Diggins also noted the rates to lease a city-owned boat slip will increase from $425

a year to $850 a year for the Sunrise area docks. The fee will increase from $600 a year to $1,200 a year for the T-end docks.

Patel noted the draft budget includes salary increases for the mayor and commissioners that were in the 20% to 30% range. Titsworth said the salary increases were set forth by a city resolution adopted by a previous commission.

When contacted later, Marcotte said the salary information listed in the draft budget was incorrect.

She said the mayor's salary is currently $29,200 and the commissioners' salaries are currently $8,340, for an annual total of $70,900.

She said the proposed salaries for the coming fiscal year are $29,719 for the mayor and $8,470 for each of the commissioners, for an annual total of $72,070. She said these figures will be corrected in the next draft of the budget.

Moose lodge donates $10,000 to police department

The donation will be used to purchase mini ballistic shields for the city’s police officers.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge 2188 gave the city a $10,000 donation to purchase eight mini ballistic shields for the city’s police officers.

During the July 16 city commission meeting, Police Chief John Cosby thanked the Moose lodge for its latest police departmentrelated donation.

“Our public-private partnership with the Moose Lodge is something that the department itself and the Moose Lodge has put together over the years,” Cosby said.

Cosby said he and Sgt. Steven Masi recently had a conversation with members of the Moose lodge’s leadership team about the possibility of the officers having to respond to an active shooter situation and having no way to protect themselves.

According to Slate Solutions, a company that specializes in the sale of police safety equipment, a ballistic shield is a handheld, bullet-resistant barrier designed to stop gunfire and provide mobile cover for law enforcement officers.

“Sergeant Masi found these mini shields that we can put in each

car,” Cosby told the commission.

“We used to have a full-size SWAT shield, but it’s very heavy and it had to be left at the station. We couldn’t buy one for every car because the expense was just ridiculous.”

Cosby said that one shield was destroyed by saltwater intrusion during the 2024 hurricanes.

“These are designed to take the place of that,” Cosby said. “I was planning on buying half of them out of this year’s budget and half out of next year’s budget. When I talked to Moose representatives, they were more than happy to donate the money to pay for them.”

The commission then unanimously approved the acceptance of the $10,000 donation, with no Moose lodge representatives in attendance.

OBITUARIES

John Claude Polking

John C. Polking, 93, passed away on June 28, 2026, on Anna Maria Island, Florida, with his beloved wife, Agnes "Stevie" CoppinPolking, at his side.

John leaves behind a distinguished career in academia spanning more than five decades and a trail of devoted family and friends.

John received his bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, where he graduated magna cum laude. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1959 before attending graduate school

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

July 2, 11:50 a.m., Gulf Drive N. Animal complaint. Police responded to a report of a dog bite involving a 9-year-old child. The child and his father were at a restaurant when the child was petting a German shepherd with the owner's permission. The dog's owner told police she had allowed the child to pet the animal, but the child got too close and was nipped. Police said the child suffered minor facial abrasions but no serious injuries. The owner said the dog had never previously shown aggression. An animal control officer was called to the scene to investigate.

at the University of Chicago, where he earned his Ph.D. for a thesis on partial differential equations. His professional academic career began at Brandeis University in 1966. From 1968 to 2004, he was a professor at Rice University in Houston. He retained his rank of professor emeritus for the rest of his life and continued to teach one course each spring at Rice.

John met the love of his life while touring Turkey in 2012 at the age of 78. Stevie Coppin and John wed in 2016 and took up dual residences on Anna Maria Island in the winter and in Knokke, Belgium, in the summer. John and Stevie traveled the world together, and John became a doting father and grandfather to Stevie's three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren (who called him "Papa John").

A celebration of life for John will take place on Anna Maria Island in the fall.

HOLMES BEACH

July 10, 7:10 p.m., 5000 block of Marina Drive. Stolen vehicle. A blue Toyota Tacoma was reported stolen. The vehicle's owner told police she knew the suspect, saying she had given a man a ride from Ellenton and parked the vehicle with an extra set of keys in a backpack left inside. The vehicle later went missing. It was spotted in Bradenton Beach, and police attempted to stop it, but the driver fled on foot and evaded officers. A capias arrest request was issued for the suspect. On July 12, the man was spotted at a Holmes Beach restaurant. Police attempted to make contact, and he again fled on foot. He was cut off by a Holmes Beach patrol car, taken into custody and transported to the Manatee County Jail.

9:00 a.m. TO 10:00 p.m. DAILY 5344 Gulf Drive Holmes Beac h (941) 779-BEER hurricaneliquors.com

“ This place has an amazing collection of spirits.” Josh

“Spent t he week in Anna Maria Island and out of all the liquor stores on t he island, t his is by far t he best one, wit h t he best prices and t he most selection. The staf f was very friendly ” Heat her

“ The guys here was very helpful and knowledgeable. They had some great choices on bourbon.

“ These guys had t he best selection , decent prices, and were overall just good people.” Matt hew

“Great assor tment of spirits and competitive prices.” Nyor

“Amazing selection knowledgeable staf f and best ser vice on t he island” Vicky

AMI Outfitters moves to Holmes Beach

A change in building owners resulted in a change of address for AMI Outfitters.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – After 14 years in Anna Maria, AMI Outfitters has relocated to Holmes Beach.

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., AMI Outfitters is now located at 5337 Gulf Drive, Suite 200, Holmes Beach, near the Freckled Fin.

Jennifer and Dave Hagey pur chased AMI Outfitters in September 2022 and reopened under their ownership in October 2022.

When discussing the recent move, Jennifer said, “We closed our Pine Avenue location on July 3 after 14 wonderful years there and officially reopened in Holmes Beach on July 6. It was a whirlwind 48-hour move, but thanks to an incredible team and the overwhelming support of our community, we were ready to welcome customers on opening day.

“I want our loyal customers to know that moving off Pine Avenue was never our decision. We were fully prepared for an increase in rent and were committed to remaining in our longtime location. Relocating our family-owned business in the middle of peak summer season was never part of our business plan,” Jennifer said.

“After the building changed ownership, we discussed a

needed the space for their own business operations and asked us to vacate within 30 days. It was an incredibly difficult situation, but we immediately focused our efforts on finding a new home so we could continue serving our customers without interruption. We’ll miss our neighboring businesses and being part of the Pine Avenue community, where AMI Outfitters called home for the past 14 years,” she said.

While she’ll miss the Anna Maria location, Jennifer looks forward to what lies ahead in Holmes Beach.

“With change comes opportunity and possibility. This move has given us the chance to reimagine our space while building new relationships with neighboring businesses and becoming part of another wonderful Island community.”

After a week or so at the new location, Jennifer said, “The support has been incredible. Locals and visitors alike have gone out of their way to find us once they learned we’d moved. We’re incredibly grateful for the warm welcome and hope that support continues.

“We offer thoughtfully curated men’s and women’s coastal apparel, accessories and outdoor lifestyle gear. Some of the brands and products we carry include Free Fly, Johnnie-O, Howler Brothers, Olukai, Patagonia, Turtlebox, and YETI. We also sell the original hot pink Anna Maria Island sweatshirt. Guests can expect the same warm, welcoming small-shop experience they know and love, now in a space that’s even more intimate, elevated and reflective of our vision for the brand,” Jennifer said.

AMI Outfitters also offers online shopping at amioutfittersfl.com.

WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?

The following hotels and motels accept pets. Some have limitations on species, number, size and breed, some require pets to be caged before housekeeping services are rendered, some require deposits or extra charges, and some have special pet amenities, such as grassy areas for walking. Call ahead to find accommodations that match your needs, and make a list of several hotels in different parts of the state to be prepared for storms from any direction.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Anna Maria Dream Inn 2502 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach 941-209-1420

Anna Maria Island

Courtyard Bradenton

Sarasota/Riverfront 100 Riverfront Dr. W. 941-747-3727

Days Inn

Microtel Inn 6298 Nature Coast Blvd 352-796-9025

Quality Inn 30307 Cortez Blvd 352-796-9481

Resorts

Tortuga Beach Resort 1325 Gulf Dr. Bradenton Beach 941-778-6611

Anna Maria Motel

808 N. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria 941-778-1269

Queen’s Gate 1101 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach 941-778-7153

3506 1st St. W. 941-746-1141

Days Inn

Bradenton – I75

644 67th St Circle E 941-746-2505

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Lakewood Ranch 6105 Exchange Way 941-552-4000

Hampton Inn & Suites

309 10th St W 941-746-9400

CAPE CORAL

Holiday Inn Express 1538 Cape Coral Pkwy E 239-542-2121

Hampton Inn & Suites 619 SE 47th Terrace 239-540-1050

DAYTONA BEACH

ARCADIA

Knights Inn

504 S. Brevard Ave. 863-494-4884

Holiday Inn Express 2709 Southeast Hwy. 70 863-494-5900

BRADENTON

Hyatt Place Sarasota/ Lakewood Ranch 6021 Exchange Way 941-748-3100

Motel 6

660 67th St. Circle E. 941-747-6005

Spring Hill Suites

Homewood Suites By Hilton 165 Bill France Blvd 386-258-2828

Residence Inn Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport 1725 Richard Petty Blvd 386-252-3949

DELAND

Best Western Plus 2215 Cortez Rd W 941-238-0800

Compass Hotel

Anna Maria Sound

12324 Manatee Ave W. 941-741-9700

Bradenton Downtown Riverfront 102 12th St. W. 941-226-2200

BROOKSVILLE

Days Inn

6320 Windmere Rd 352-796-9486

Comfort Inn 400 E International Speedway 386-736-3100

ELLENTON

Hampton Inn 5810 20th Ct. E. 941-721-4000

Red Roof Inn 4915 17th St. E. 941-729-0600

ELLENTON

Super 8

5218 17th St. E. 941-729-8505

FORT MYERS

Baymont Inn & Suites 9401 Marketplace Rd

239-454-0040

Hyatt Place 2600 Champion Ring Rd

239-418-1844

La Quinta Inn 9521 Market Place Rd

239-466-0012

Residence Inn

20371 Summerlin Rd

239-415-4150

Travel Lodge

13661 Indian Paint Ln

239-561-1117

GAINESVILLE

Best Western

4200 N.W. 97th Blvd.

352-331-3336

Home Hotel & Suites

3905 S.W. 43rd St.

352-376-0004

Motel 6

4000 S.W. 40th Blvd.

352-373-1604

Residence Inn by Marriott

I-75

3275 SW 40 Blvd

352-264-0000

KISSIMMEE

Ramada Gateway 7470 HWY 192

407-966-4410

Motel 6

5731 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy.

407-396-6333

LAKELAND

Hilton Garden Inn

3839 Don Emerson Drive

863-647-0066

Motel 6

3120 U.S. Hwy. 98 N. 863-682-0643

Residence Inn 3701 Harden Blvd. 863-680-2323

LAKE BUENA VISTA

Marriott Residence Inn 11450 Marbella Palm Court 407-465-0075

LAKE CITY

Baymont Inn & Suites 3598 US 90 W 386-752-3801

Days Inn

3430 N US Hwy 441 386-758-4224

LAKE MARY

Extended Stay America 1040 Greenwood Blvd 407-829-2332

Hyatt Place 1255 S International Pkwy 407-995-5555

La Quinta Inn 1060 Greenwood Blvd. 407-805-9901

Residence Inn 825 Heathrow Park Lane 407-995-3400

LEESBURG

Best Western Plus

1321 N. 14th Street 352-460-0118

Hampton Inn 9630 Us Hwy 441 352-315-1053

OCALA

Comfort Inn 1212 S Pine Ave 352-629-7300

Hampton Inn & Suites 3601 SW 38th Ave

352-867-0300

La Quinta Inn & Suites

3530 S.W. 36th Ave.

352-861-1137

Microtel Inn & Suites 1770 Southwest 134th St

352-307-1166

Equus Inn 3434 SW College Rd

352-854-3200

Residence Inn 3601 S.W. 38th Ave. 352-547-1600

Sleep Inn and Suites 13600 S.W. 17th Court

352-347-8383

ORLANDO

Hard Rock Hotel 5800 Universal Blvd. 407-503-2000

Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista 13351 State Road 535 407-239-4500

La Quinta Inn - Universal Studios 5621 Major Blvd 407-313-3100

Motel 6 - Winter Park 5300 Adanson Street 407-647-1444

Motel 6 International 5909 American Way 407-351-6500

Residence Inn Seaworld 11000 Westwood Blvd. 407-313-3600

Staybridge Suites 7450 Augusta National Dr 407-438-2121

Townplace Suites 11801 High Tech Ave. 407-243-6100

PLANT CITY

Comfort Inn 2003 S Frontage Rd 813-707-6000

Knights Inn

301 S Frontage Rd 813-752-0570

PORT CHARLOTTE

Comfort Inn

812 Kings Hwy 941-421-7548

Days Inn 1941 Tamiami Trail 941-623-9404

Knights Inn 4100 Tamiami Trail 941-743-2442

Sleep Inn & Suites 806 Kings Highway 941-613-6300

PUNTA GORDA

Four Points by Sheraton 33 Tamiami Trail 941-637-6770

RUSKIN

Holiday Inn & Suites

226 Teco Rd. 813-922-4561

Ruskin Inn 3113 College Ave 813-641-3437

SANFORD

Best Western Plus 3401 S Orlando Dr 407-320-0845

SARASOTA

Comfort Suites 5690 Honore Ave 941-554-4475

Comfort Inn & Suites 5931 Commercial Way 941-342-8778

Courtyard Sarasota Bradenton 850 University Pkwy 941-355-3337

Embassy Suites by Hilton 202 N. Tamiami Trail 941-256-0190

Even Hotel – Lakewood Ranch 6231 Lake Osprey Dr 941-782-4400

Hampton Inn & Suites 8565 Cooper Creek Blvd 941-355-8619

Hibiscus Suites 1735 Stickney Point Road 941-921-5797

Hyatt Place Lakewood Ranch 6021 Exchange Way 941-946-2357

Hyatt Place Sarasota 950 University Pkwy 941-554-5800

La Quinta Inn & Suites 1803 N. Tamiami Trail 941-366-5128

Residence Inn 1040 University Pkwy. 941-358-1468

Days Inn 5000 N. Tamiami Trail 941-351-7734

Sleep Inn 900 University Pkwy. 941-359-8558

SEBRING

La Quinta Inn 4115 US 27 South 863-386-1000

Magnunson Grand 6525 US 27 North 863-385-4500

Residence Inn 3221 Tubbs Road 863-314-9100

Severn Sebring Hotel 150 Midway Dr 863-655-7200

SPRING HILL

Motel 6 6172 Commercial Way 352-596-2007

TALLAHASSEE

Best Western Pride Inn 2016 Apalachee Parkway 850-656-6312

La Quinta Inn North 2905 N. Monroe St. 850-385-7172

Motel 6 Downtown 1027 Apalachee Parkway 850-877-6171

Motel 6 West 2738 N. Monroe St. 850-386-7878

Quality Inn 3090 N. Monroe St. 850-562-2378

Red Roof Inn

2930 Hospitality Street 850-385-7884

Red Roof Inn 6737 Mahan Drive 850-656-2938

Residence Inn 1880 Raymond Diehl Road 850-422-0093

Residence Inn Universities 600 W. Gaines St. 850-329-9080

Sleep Inn 1695 Capital Circle N.W. 850-575-5885

Staybridge Suites 1600 Summit Lake Drive 850-219-7000

Suburban Extended Stay Hotel 522 Silver Slipper Lane 850-386-2121

TAMPA

Quality Inn-Busch Gardens 2701 E. Fowler Ave. 813-971-4710

Holiday Inn Express 8610 Elm Fair Blvd 813-490-1000

Holiday Inn Express 8310 Galbraith 813-910-7171

Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa/Brandon 10240 Palm River Road 813-685-7099

Hyatt Place Tampa Airport 4811 W. Main St. 813-282-1037

Residence Inn 4312 W. Boy Scout Blvd. 813-877-7988

Sheraton Tampa East Hotel 10221 Princess Palm Ave 813-623-6363

TEMPLE TERRACE

Residence Inn 13420 N Telcom Parkway 813-972-4400

Towne Place Suites by Marriott 6800 Woodstork Rd 813-975-9777

WINTER HAVEN

Howard Johnson Inn 1300 3rd St SW 863-294-7321

Lake Roy Beach Inn 1825 Cypress Garden Blvd 863-324-6320

Roadway Inn & Suites 1911 Cypress Gardens Blvd. 863-324-5994

Voting and the future of fishing

n last week’s column, I made the case that there is a direct, often overlooked link between voting and fishing. While it might not be apparent to the average angler, my experiences and advocacy have made that crystal clear. Being involved and paying attention to the issues that affect water quality and habitat reveals the direct link – the link between how those who represent us on the local, state and federal levels vote, and how their votes reveal whose interests are served. You won’t hear me promote or refute either political party because, in my opinion, that’s what muddies the waters, often causing anglers to vote (or not) against their own self-interest. The finger-pointing by one party or the other

fuels the misinformation about things that matter least, diverting our attention from the things that matter most.

What matters most is protecting the habitat and the water quality that is essential to continuing healthy fish populations. Decisions made in boardrooms and backrooms fund and fuel the campaigns of the very men and women we elect to represent us. If we aren’t vigilant, their actions may have a negative effect on this and future generations.

It’s critical in this divisive environment that anglers and all those who appreciate our natural world realize the importance of their vote and the impact the decision to vote or not vote has on the birds, turtles, manatees and fish that have no vote.

Not taking part in the democratic process by voting and paying attention leads to other people making decisions that may benefit them financially, while degrading the habitat, waters and wildlife we cherish.

Finally, anglers and lovers of our marine environment need to be aware of the “bubbles,” algorithms that feed

information, and often disinformation, that can splinter the fight to guarantee that future generations enjoy some of the same opportunities we have. Lis-

ten to what each “side” has to say but do your own independent research. Don’t accept what anyone claims is the truth, including this column!

REAL ESTATE

The financial reality of owning a home

Homeowners across the country are sitting at their kitchen tables and trying to understand where all the money went. The drip, drip, drip of inflation has eroded discretionary income to the point where ballet lessons and summer camp could be a thing of the past for some families.

Think of this: A home buyer in 2019 could expect to spend about $20,000 a year on basic homeownership expenses like mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs, according to data from Intercontinental Exchange and home-services marketplace Angi. By the time 2025 rolled around, the annual bill for those living expenses had soared above $28,500, outpacing inflation and keeping many would-be buyers out of the market.

Castles in the Sand

staying put because of the cost of purchasing today.

Pre-pandemic, between 5 million and 5.5 million sales a year were the norm.

Since 2023, previously owned home sales have held around 4 million a year, the lowest level in decades, according to the National Association of Realtors. This means that homeownership for the middle class, which has always been a key to wealth building, is in jeopardy.

gency repairs last year, up from about $9,000 in 2019, according to survey data from Intercontinental Exchange and Angi. Higher electricity prices are also putting a sizable ding in homeowners' budgets.

If you live in a condo association, higher fees are becoming a major sore spot. Typical monthly fees for those associations rose 51% from 2021 to 2025, according to HOA software company Vantaca. These associations are having the same inflation issues as single-family homeowners, with the cost of insurance, maintenance and labor increasing every year.

Since all real estate is local, let's look at the June sales statistics for Manatee County reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee:

days, compared with last year's median of 56 days. The months' supply of available properties is 4.1 months, compared with last year's 5.2 months.

Condos closed 11.2% more properties this June compared with last June. The median sale price was $310,000, down 0.9%, and the average sale price was $349,674, up 4.7%. The median time to contract this year was 84 days, compared with last year's 68 days. The months' supply of available properties is 5.7 months, compared with last year's 7.4 months.

The bottom line for June is growth in sales and a decline in inventory – a positive report.

The housing market has been in a slump for four straight years because of affordability challenges. Homeowners who would like to sell are also

Inflation has hit every part of the economy, from insurance to property tax and home repairs. Households spent an average of almost $12,500 on home improvements, maintenance and emer-

Single-family homes closed 26.2% more properties this June compared with last June. The median sale price was $490,000, up 11.4%, and the average sale price was $648,560, up 11.2%. The median time to contract this year was 45

So where did the money go? The answer to that question is way above my pay scale. Until someone can tell you, keep those pencils sharpened while you're working on the family budget. You might get lucky and find a math error in your favor, or you could sell the kitchen table.

Where’s Krysta?

As of Sunday, July 19, Krysta, a female loggerhead sea turtle, had traveled 369 miles since she was satellite-tagged and released on June 29 after nesting on Coquina Beach. She will participate in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 2026 Tour de Turtles race, which begins on Aug. 1. Krysta is symbolically swimming to raise awareness about the threat of beach erosion. Her participation in the 2026 Tour de Turtles is sponsored by Hurricane Hanks.

Source: Sea Turtle Conservancy (conserveturtles.org/turtle/Krysta)

Turtle Watch reports more than 70% hatch rate

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna

Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring is reporting a rate of hatch success in more than 70% of inventoried nests.

“Nest inventories are conducted to determine the hatch success of the nest,” Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella stated in a July 17 email. “If you see Turtle Patrol conducting a nest inventory, feel free to come by and watch to see how well the nests did and learn more about sea turtles.”

According to Mazzarella, some live hatchlings may be found in the nests and will be released.

Sea turtle hatchling emergence season runs through October.

If you find a disoriented hatchling or any sea turtle in distress, please do not place them in the water.

Instead, call Turtle Watch’s 24hour hotline at (941) 301-8434 and a trained volunteer will respond.

NESTING NEWS:

As of Friday, July 17: Total loggerhead turtle nests: 409

AMI least tern colony thriving

The least tern colony on Anna Maria Island continues to thrive.

As of Friday, July 17, there were 52 least tern adults, 11 chicks and zero active nests, according to the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring organization. "Five of the chicks have now fledged or have learned to fly," Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella wrote in her July 17 email update. "Three other least tern chicks are

almost ready to fly, which is the perfect time to band them." Those three chicks – Pearl, Carlos and Leon – were captured gently and weighed. Their bills and wings were measured. A silver federal band and unique identifying color bands were loosely attached to the chicks' legs, according to Mazzarella. The bird banding assists with scientific research conducted by others that includes population analysis, survival

Nests this week (7/10 to 7/17): 24

Total false crawls: 517

False crawls this week: 57

Total nests hatched: 36

Total hatchling nest disorientations: 16

Total adult turtle disorientations: 20

Total hatchlings produced: 1,726

Total nests inventoried: 22

2026 disoriented hatchlings: 478

2026 hatchlings found dead: 37

Source: AMI Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

AMY WATERBURY | SUBMITTED

A recently hatched least tern chick is learning to fly.

estimates and tracking movements. Beachgoers are asked to use caution around the nesting site. When chicks feel threatened by a predator, they lie flat on the sand and can be difficult to see.

Runaway Bay Condo

1801 Gulf Dr N., #125, Bradenton Beach 2BR/2BA / A4686575/ $540,000 Pegg yWieland (248) 310-0012

BeckySmith (941) 773-1954

Elfi Starrett (941) 720-3528

Runaway Bay Condo

1801 GulfDrN., #266, Bradenton Beach 1BR/1BA / A4692935/ $350,000

Becky Smith (941)773-1954

Elfi Starrett (941)720-3528

C

BB STORMWATER: fees increased

FROM PAGE 1

continued discussion. Brown said it was her understanding the increase was approved at that work meeting, but she thought it still had to come before the commission for final approval.

“If it was noticed properly and as long as there was public input, it doesn’t need to be done at a regular commission meeting as long as it’s done at a public hearing,” City Attorney Erica Augello explained.

Brown noted the city’s stormwater fee hasn’t been increased since 2017.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

City Engineer Devyn Brown spoke during the July 16 commission meeting.

Mayor John Chappie said, “We had our work meeting where we approved the rate increase. The extra funds will help us in a big way with matching grant opportunities.”

According to Infrastructure Solution Services, the increase to $8 per 100 square feet would increase the city’s current annual stormwater revenues from $290,985 to $434,940 and result in a first-year increase of $143,955.

“Currently, the assessment basically covers the operating expenses but there is no budget for the city to be looking at projects or matching funds for doing improvements to their system,” Brown said. “So, the city is looking at this increase in the assessment to be able to fund stormwater projects.”

POTENTIAL PROJECTS

The assessment evaluation previously provided by Infrastructure Solution Services lists eight potential stormwater projects and the top four are ranked in order of priority.

Item 1A calls for the replacement of 150 linear feet of pipe blocks in the Community Redevelopment Agency district that extends from the southern side of Cortez Road to the southernmost property lines along Fifth Street South at a present-day cost of $75,000.

Item 1B calls for the replacement of 700 linear feet of pipe blocks throughout the city at a present-day cost of $350,000.

Item 2 calls for the purchase and installation of drainage filter inserts to be inserted at various locations at a present-day cost of $56,250.

Item 3 calls for a flood resiliency project between Ninth and 12th streets north at a present-day cost of $1.88 million.

The four remaining projects on the list include a $3.12 million Avenue B flood resiliency project, a $2.53 million Avenue A flood resiliency project, a $2.75 million Avenue C flood resiliency project and a $2.77 million flood resiliency project from 22nd to 26th streets north. The assessment evaluation also lists the projected cost increases through 2031.

“We’re looking at providing the city with a GIS (Geographic Information Systems) map of their stormwater infrastructure so they can track what they have when inspections have been done,” Brown said.

She said the total cost of the projects would be millions of dollars.

“What the city is trying to do is just take it a chunk at a time and then will be applying for different grants,” Brown said.

She said many grants provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection or the Federal Emergency Management Agency require matching funds from the city or some sort of financial participation by the municipality.

“At this moment in time the city doesn’t have the funds to participate in the match,” she said.

“With the recent hurricanes, your reserves have been depleted,” Brown said. “If something is to happen again, the city is looking at a challenge with that. There’s a lot the city has to deal with on the stormwater side and the priority is to take care of that.”

FEE CALCULATION

On July 15, Brown provided The Sun with some additional clarification on fee calculation methods. She was asked whether the increased fee would be calculated solely on a per100-square-foot basis, or if additional variables would also be factored in for some properties.

In her email response, Brown said the fee increase would apply to commercial and residential properties, but there may be some calculation variables that the city still wants to consider. If so, those would be discussed at a future commission meeting.

Brown said there are some unique situations, including the Pines Trailer Park, that don’t fall within the basic 100-square-foot calculation criteria and those are yet to be finalized. She said shared common areas in condominium communities are calculated on a per-100-square-foot basis, which is consistent with the rest of the city.

ISLAND SPORTS

CENTER SCOREBOARD

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 4)

Moss Air W by Forfeit (2-2) MI-Box FF (1-3)

The Fish Guy Aquarium Services 44 (3-1) Moss Builders 41 (1-3)

Pavina Bros Windows Cleaning 39 (2-2) USA Fence 21 (1-3)

Luxury Services 26 (3-1) Solid Rock Construction 25 (3-1)

Fishing with Salty 24 (3-1)

Salty Printing 19 (1-3)

YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER 8-10 (WEEK 5)

Leading Edge Investments 9 (3-1-0) Diamond Turf 3 (1-3-0)

USA Fence 7 (2-2-0) The Gitt Team 2 (1-3-0)

YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER 11-14 (WEEK 5)

RAK’S Wings N’ Things 4 (0-3-2) 82 West Home Inspections 4 (3-1-1)

Solid Rock Construction 6 (3-1-1)

GML Coatings 1 (2-3-0)

ADULT 5V5 SOCCER (WEEK 4)

Moss Builders 8 (2-1-0) USA Fence 4 (0-3-0)

Salty Printing 2 (2-1-0) Solid Rock Construction 1 (1-2-0)

Sato Real Estate 4 (3-0-0) 82 West Home Inspections 3 (2-1-0)

Hampton Painting 8 (2-1-0)

Leading Edge Investments 4 (0-3-0)

KEY ROYALE CLUB GOLF SCORES

MONDAY, JULY 13 - STABLEFORD AND SKINS GAME

First place: Chuck Patrick, +3

Second place: Gary Razze, +2

Skins: Ken Nagengast, hole 3; Mike Clements, hole 8; Tom Nelson, hole 9

TUESDAY, JULY 14 - LOW NET SCORE

First place: Jana Samuels, 33

Second place: Anne Klein, Janet Razze, 34

Chip-ins: Janet Razze, hole 3

THURSDAY, JULY 16 - SCRAMBLE

First place team: Bruce Christenson, Janelle Clements, Mike Cusato, 33 (-1)

Saturday horseshoes rained out

On Wednesday, July 15, Steve Kriebel, left, and Tim Sofran, right, teamed up and posted the day’s only 3- 0 record during pool play at Anna Maria Horseshoes and for that they earned the day’s bragging rights. The horseshoe action on Saturday, July 18, was rained out.

FUN IN THE SUN

CLASSIFIEDS

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

ACCOUNTANT/BOOK-

KEEPER NEEDED part time for a small HVAC company in Bradenton. Please send resume/inquiry to Sales@ ckphvac.com or Rae@ ckphvac.com

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.

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

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

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

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

PERICO ISLAND WATERFRONT 2BR/2BA

single level villa + den, 2-car garage, screened lanai, impact windows/ doors plus other upgrades. Pool, clubhouse, fitness, sauna, tennis & pickleball. $569,000. Karen Parsons, Good Life Realty, 407-2337059

FOR SALE - PERICO BAY CLUB 3BR/2BA with Water View! Updated Kitchen, Tile Floors & 2023 Roof! $345,000 Call Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941-448-5616

FOR SALE - PERICO BAY CLUB Open Water View 2BR/2BA with garage! Updated floors, kitchen & baths! $495,000 Call Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941-448-5616

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ANNUAL 12 MONTH MIN. Holmes Beach 2BR/2BA + office. Walk to beach, shops, restaurants & trolley. $2800/mo. Call 203223-1119.

ANNUAL CONDO BRADENTON BEACH 1BR/1BA Furnished, all utilities including cable & Wifi. Small resort, big pool. One block to beach. 6 month minimum $2200/month. Call 941-315-6678

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

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

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190

TRANSPORTATION

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $90. Sarasota $45. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095

BUSINESS & SERVICE

Salty Dawg: Wade In

Most people meet Anna Maria Island the same way: They pull off Gulf Drive, kick off their sandals and walk down to the shore, sand so sugary and white. They stand there a minute. Maybe snap a photo and admire the clouds at sunset. The breeze comes off the water just right, and it feels like enough. It is enough, for most people.

But the beach was never the point. The beach is just where the story starts. I have a confession. I cannot just look at the Gulf. I have to get in it. Ankles first, the way it goes for everybody. Cool water lapping over sunburned feet, sand shifting underneath so you can never quite stand still. That part is easy. That part is the postcard. But if you stop at the ankles, you have only dipped a toe into what this place actually is.

So, I keep walking. Knees next, and the water finds the hem of your shorts. You make a decision, whether you meant to or not, about whether today is a look day or a swim day. Then the hips, and there's no pretending anymore. You're wet. You've committed. The Gulf does not care how far you meant to go. It only cares how far you're willing to go.

Goggles down, and under I go.

This is where Anna Maria stops being a postcard and starts being a real place with an actual bottom, grass beds swaying sideways in the current, a sandbar a few hundred yards out where the water goes shallow again and the sun lights the sand up like a second sky underneath you. I swim out there most mornings scanning the bottom for sand dollars, those flat disks half buried until the light catches them right. Finding one still feels like the ocean handing you something on purpose, just for showing up.

I used to think that was the whole draw. The hunt. Turns out that's only half of it.

I'm drawn toward the sea the way some folks are addicted to having coffee in the morning.

Salt water isn't a hobby for me. It's closer to a requirement. I love the noise of the world going quiet the second I go under. I love the salt drying tight on my skin after, salting my beard by the time I'm walking back to the truck, so even hours later I catch a whiff of Gulf every time I run a hand across my jaw.

Folks ask why I swim so much, why a grown man gets this worked up over a sand dollar. I used to try explaining it. The light underwater at sunrise. The weightlessness after a week where everything on land felt heavy. Honestly, I've stopped trying.

Some things you either feel or you don't. If you've ever stood at the edge of the Gulf and felt the pull to keep walking past your ankles, past the point where turning back is still easy, you already know what I'm talking about. Come wade in with me. Ankles first. We'll let the rest follow.

WMFR: Protecting paradise through partnership

FROM PAGE 6

West Manatee Fire Rescue works to reduce fire and life safety risks. Building officials ensure structures are built safely. Code compliance helps preserve the character of our Island. Responsible property owners and managers maintain safe, well-kept properties. Residents help create communities where neighbors look out for one another. Collectively, every partner contributes something essential to protecting our community.

As Amber LaRowe, city clerk for the city of Anna Maria, recently shared, "The value of partnerships is that everyone has something to contribute. The city has a role, our public safety partners have a role, businesses have a role and residents have a role. When all of those efforts come together, those individual actions multiplied across our community are what make Anna Maria Island resilient. Resilience isn't something the government creates on its own. It's something a community builds together."

LaRowe's perspective reinforces an important truth: protecting a community's character and ensuring public safety are not competing priorities; they are complementary goals achieved through collaboration.

Some of our greatest successes are the emergencies that never happen. A potential fire hazard is corrected before it burns down a business. A smoke alarm is installed before it is ever needed. A vacation rental is brought into compliance before guests arrive. A hurricane plan is developed before a storm appears on Klystron 9. These successes rarely make headlines, but they make our community safer every single day.

The same philosophy is shared by the private sector. Maria Regoli, compliance officer for Prime Vacation Rentals, recognizes that collaborative partnerships benefit everyone.

"Safety is not the result of one organization working alone," she said, "it's the harmony created when every partner plays their part."

When agencies collaborate, businesses engage and residents become active partners, problems are solved more effectively, and trust grows stronger. Protecting Anna Maria Island isn't accomplished by any one agency. It happens when neighbors, businesses, local governments and public safety professionals work together with a shared commitment to protecting paradise through partnership.