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VOL 26 No. 49
September 2, 2026
The commercial activity taking place along the Palma Sola Causeway has spread to the Kingfish Boat Ramp. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
Commercial activity increasing at Kingfish Boat Ramp JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
City officials are concerned about personal watercraft rentals taking place at the Kingfish Boat Ramp.
Former city treasurer's lawsuit scheduled for mediation The city and the former city treasurer must participate in a mediation session. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Now in federal court, the lawsuit former City Treasurer LeAnne Endres filed against the city of Anna Maria is headed for mediation in January. If the court-ordered mediation session fails to produce a settlement agreement, a jury trial is tentatively scheduled for September 2027. According to recent court filings filed with the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa, an in-person mediation session is scheduled for Jan. 13 at 1 p.m., with Travis Hollifield serving as the mediator. Judge Virginia Covington
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Former City Treasurer LeAnne Endres was terminated in November. signed off on the amended mediation notice on Aug. 13. Her order requires all parties, counsel and representatives to attend the mediation session in person, with full authority to negotiate a settlement. The court does not permit mediation to be conducted by phone or video.
SEE LAWSUIT, PAGE 9
SEE KINGFISH, PAGE 8
Ferry service expands to Coquina Beach BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County's Gulf Islands Ferry operation has been expanded to include a stop at the Coquina Bayside South Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach, across the street from Coquina Beach. According to the Gulf Islands Ferry website, ferry service to the Coquina Beach stop was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, Sept. 2. A trip from downtown Bradenton to Coquina Beach will require a transfer to a smaller pontoon ferry at the Bradenton Beach Pier. Ferry trips between the pier and the beach are also available. Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione has been the ferry service's point man and biggest advocate since before the ferry service began in January 2024. "It's not logistically possible to bring the large ferry (the Manatee Belle) down to Coquina Beach," he said.
BEACH CABANA
regulations finalized. 12
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The smaller pontoon ferry boats will operate between the Bradenton Beach Pier and Coquina Beach. Earlier this year, the larger, partly enclosed Manatee Belle began service between downtown Bradenton and Bradenton Beach. Regarding the new Coquina stop, Falcione said, "I'm hoping that entices more residents to use the water ferry because in most cases, Coquina Beach is their beach of choice to enjoy. We're excited that we have it up and available for the Labor Day holiday, which is obviously one of our busiest weekends of the summer." To purchase tickets or see the schedule, visit bradentongulfislands.com/gulf-islands-ferry/.
UNDERGROUNDING TO RESUME in Bradenton Beach. 4 ANNA MARIA will soon have a city
administrator. 11
Page 20 Anna Maria Island, Florida
HOLMES BEACH – City officials are growing concerned about the commercial activity occurring at the state-owned, county-operated Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach. City officials are also concerned about motorists parking across the street from the boat ramp and crossing Manatee Avenue on foot to get to the boat ramp. Mayor Judy Titsworth expressed her concerns during the Aug. 25 city commission meeting. “I don't know if you all have noticed, but there's a lot more vehicles, not vehicle trailers, taking up the parking at Kingfish,” she said. “We've always had local captains and fishermen picking up people there, but now we've got boat rental companies moving in. And they're the pontoon boats that can carry one, two families. So, they've added to the parking. Even though it's a commercial use that's not allowed, we have to catch them. We have to be there watching them, sighting them. Once the pontoons came in, then you noticed the jet ski guy. Then you noticed now we don't have enough vehicle parking,” Titsworth said.
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Holmes Beach mayor discusses potential paid parking Paid parking has not been formally proposed or presented in Holmes Beach, but it has been discussed. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth recently shared her thoughts on the possibility of paid parking becoming a reality in Holmes Beach at some point in the not too distant future. Titsworth addressed paid parking while giving her mayor's report during the Aug. 25 city commission meeting. Titsworth noted she recently had her annual meeting with Manatee County officials and there was reluctance at the county level to discuss paid parking at the Island's county-owned public beaches in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. “They didn't want to talk about it this year because it's election season and they know that's going to cause some anxiety as soon as you talk about paid parking at beaches,” Titsworth said.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The public parking area at the end of 52nd Street currently provides free parking. She also referenced the recently presented parking study in Anna Maria that proposes paid parking and resident permit parking. She referenced the Anna Maria mayor and said, “I have been in conversations with Mark Short. We've seen that they are looking at what they
have to do. They invested in a parking plan. It was just unveiled.” Regarding what might happen in Holmes Beach, Titsworth said, “Everybody knows that we've done our parking map and we've identified what we would have if we went forward with paid parking. We've just been
sort of waiting until we were pushed into paid parking. We all have to do it at the same time.” Titsworth noted Anna Maria and Holmes Beach already use the same Passport program for the issuance of parking tickets and the collection of parking ticket fines. Although she'll be stepping down as mayor in November, Titsworth anticipates Holmes Beach implementing a paid parking program that would be similar to the parking program Anna Maria expects to implement in March. “We would be looking at protecting Holmes Beach property owners. Anna Maria would be looking at protecting theirs,” she said. “Although we might have little different scenarios with our paid parking, we're hoping they would be very similar as far as use for the people that are using it. We're doing the background work in case it looks like it's going to happen, or in case these two cities decide let's do it, let's not wait for the county. Staff has been prepared to act if we need to,” Titsworth said.
SEE HB PAID PARKING, PAGE 23
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ISLAND NEWS
Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there. SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
CRA approves more utility line undergrounding
IN BRIEF AMI South End hosting Endless Summer street party An end-of-summer street party will be held on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 2 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by AMI AMI SOUTH END | SUBMITTED South End, the upcoming AMI South End will host the Endless free event is called Summer Afterglow party. Sundown Get Down: The Endless Summer Afterglow Party. The family-friendly street party will feature entertainment, local vendors and kids' activities. AMI South End is a collaboration of Bradenton Beach businesses highlighting the attractions on the south end of the Island. Future Sundown Get Down events will include a Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 31, a Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 21, Holidays in Paradise on Nov. 28 and the New Year's Eve Oyster Drop on Dec. 31.
Volunteers, vendors, sponsors needed for BayFest The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce seeks volunteers for the 25th annual BayFest festival, to be held on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Billed as the largest event on Anna Maria Island, this year's AMI CHAMBER | SUBMITTED BayFest marks 25 years of Island tradition, and the AMI Chamber of Commerce needs help in several areas, including event setup and breakdown, vendor assistance, parking and wayfinding, merchandise sales, stage and entertainment, and welcome and information services. Volunteering for BayFest is a great way to meet new people, support the community and help make a difference. The volunteer sign-up form can be found at annamariaislandchamber.org. Sponsor application forms and vendor information and application forms are also available at the Chamber website.
CITY OF HOLMES BEACH | SUBMITTED
New beach access trash bins delivered
Waste Pro delivered new beach access trash receptacles to several street ends in Holmes Beach on Thursday, Aug. 27. The new receptacles blend in with the sand and water and are a different color than the standard Waste Pro receptacles seen throughout the city.
The undergrounding project has faced delays due to hurricanes and supply issues. BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The city commission approved moving forward with the final phase of a project to bury utility lines underground in the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district, following years of setbacks due to hurricanes and equipment shortages. Acting as the CRA board, the five city commission members voted unanimously during the Aug. 20 CRA meeting to approve a scope-of-services agreement with Utility Consultants of Florida (UCOF) for consulting and management of the remaining Florida Power & Light (FPL) underground conversion in the CRA district at a cost of $120,712, to be paid for using CRA funds. No cost estimate was provided for the total anticipated cost of the final phase of the multi-year, multi-phase undergrounding project. The CRA’s first undergrounding project took place along Bridge Street and a small portion of Bay Drive. That project was completed in 2020. The CRA district extends from the south side of Cortez Road to the southernmost property lines along Fifth Street South. Public Works Director John Cosby said the final stage of the multi-year CRA undergrounding project would take place between Bridge Street and the Cortez Bridge. UCOF Senior Project Manager Mark Porter has long served as the city’s contracted undergrounding consultant. He and Cosby were directed to work with CRA attorney Nancy Meyer to draft the easement agreements that will be needed to carry out the undergrounding project. Cosby will serve as the project manager. Cosby said the proposed project is a continuation of an earlier phase of undergrounding work previously completed in the CRA
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
UCOF Senior Project Manager Mark Porter spoke with the city commission. district. He said the project has been delayed multiple times due to hurricanes and tariff-related equipment shortages. “The first hurricane, Debby, caused a delay, then the tariffs caused FPL not to be able to get equipment and then we had Milton and Helene which caused a further delay,” Cosby said. “We’re finally at the point where we’re ready to move forward.” Despite the delays, Cosby said FPL and UCOF agreed to honor pricing set in 2022 and the project will move forward without cost increases. “There is no increase in anybody's fees," he said. Cosby said he and Porter will lay out where the electrical, phone and cable equipment needs to be located. “There is one transformer which will be a little too close to the road,” Cosby said. “So, we’ll have public works install bollards just to make sure the equipment doesn’t get damaged.” Porter told the commission securing property easements is now the critical first step. A construction easement is a legal agreement that allows a utility company to access a specific portion of private property to conduct its work. “We looked at the easements and they look good,” Porter said. “We’ll start immediately contacting those owners. FPL is just waiting for us to say we’ve got all the easements.”
He said the city needs about 11 easements from property owners along the corridor, and that FPL will not begin its own scope of work, including surveys and cost estimates, until the city confirms those easements are in hand. Porter estimated the easement process could take up to three months, followed by four to six weeks for material procurement, with a goal of having contractors begin work before November. The commission questioned where the northern boundary of the project would end. Mayor John Chappie asked if the utilities would be run under Cortez Road to the north or would stop south of the road. “We’re still trying to figure that out,” Porter said. “We’ll have a big switch there at that corner. It will depend on the footprint of the bridge.” “This will be part of the CRA no matter what side it goes on,” Cosby said. “We are at the mercy of the DOT (Florida Department of Transportation). They’re going to tell us where they want us to put it, depending on where the bridge comes forward.” He said even if the boundary goes to the north, it’s still related to the CRA and will not power anything north of Cortez Road. Porter said he plans to provide the board with regular progress updates, about once a month, as the project moves forward.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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Hearing will address potential SALT violations A hearing is scheduled regarding SALT’s potential code violations. BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Possible code violations at SALT Bar & Table restaurant will be the subject of an Oct. 27 special master hearing. Police Chief John Cosby currently supervises the city's code enforcement division and he discussed the pending hearing while giving his code enforcement update during the Aug. 20 city commission meeting. Cosby said Code Enforcement Officer Evan Harbus has been working on several code violations citywide and one of those involves SALT. “We're getting ready to take some action about SALT and that will be coming up in October,” Cosby said. “We're going to have the special master meeting with all the players involved.” Cosby didn't specify what the alleged violations were. Past city commission discussions have centered around the outdoor pa-
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
SALT Bar & Table’s possible code violations will be the subject of a special master hearing. A valet parking sign leans up against the SALT building. tio and valet parking at the restaurant, as well as potential code violations. During the April 16 city commission meeting, it was noted that possible code violations at the restaurant were being investigated by the code enforcement department. “They are working with the property owner to garner compliance,” City Attorney Erica Augello said during that meeting.
SALT Bar & Table does not have a dedicated parking lot, and Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce said she's received many complaints from residents about the valet parking at and near the restaurant. Valet parking is prohibited citywide under current code. Augello said there were questions raised about the SALT patio and valet parking activities. “During the investigation, there were certain things that were elicited
that might have been code violations. One was concrete that was installed without a permit. One was a fence that was installed, I believe, without a permit,” Augello said during the April meeting. “There was a question about outdoor dining and the parking issue.” Located at 2519 Gulf Drive North, SALT Bar & Table restaurant is owned by 2519 Gulf LLC, a limited liability company that lists Shawn Kaleta as its manager.
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Local firefighters deployed to Texas wildfire WMFR is part of Florida Emergency Support Team 1101. BRADENTON – Two Manatee County firefighters have been deployed to North Texas to assist with the ongoing response to the Ross Fire, which is one of the largest wildfires in North Texas history. The deployment was announced in a West Manatee Fire Rescue District (WMFR) press release issued Friday, Aug. 28. As part of the Florida Emergency Support Team 1101, Lt. Cameron Frazier, a firefighter from the West Manatee Fire Rescue District, and Capt. Andrew Griffon, a firefighter from the North River Fire District in Palmetto, are traveling with a North River Fire District brush truck and may remain deployed in Texas for up to 14 days. The Ross Fire began Aug. 24 near Palo Pinto, Texas, and rapidly spread. As of Friday morning, Aug. 28, the fire had burned approximately 85,000 acres and was 26% contained, according to the most recent incident information. The fire has damaged and destroyed structures, forced evacuations and required a large-scale response involving local, state and national mutual-aid resources. No injuries have been reported. Frazier and Griffon are part
WMFR | SUBMITTED
WMFR firefighter Cameron Frazier is assisting firefighters in Texas. The North River Fire District is assisting with the firefighting efforts. of a larger Florida deployment that includes fire apparatus and personnel from departments across the state. Their assignment represents Manatee County's contribution to the interstate mutual-aid response supporting Texas firefighters. “When communities face an incident of this magnitude, the fire service responds without regard to jurisdiction or state lines,” WMFR Fire Chief Ben Rigney said. “We are proud to have one of our firefighters representing West Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County as part of this deployment. Cameron is taking the training, professionalism and commitment of our organization with him to Texas, and our priority is supporting the mission and bringing everyone home safely.”
For WMFR, the deployment also reflects the value of maintaining personnel trained and prepared to operate as part of larger regional, state and national emergency responses. “Major disasters require resources from well beyond the community where they occur,” WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said. “Today Florida firefighters are answering the call in Texas; tomorrow it could be Florida that needs assistance. We are proud that West Manatee Fire Rescue has personnel capable of stepping forward when that call comes.” West Manatee Fire Rescue will continue to support the deployment efforts throughout the assignment.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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Commission to amend noise, vacation rental ordinances The Bradenton Beach City Commission will conduct the first reading of an amended noise ordinance during the Thursday, Sept. 3, meeting at 6 p.m. The revised noise ordinance says, "All violators shall be given a verbal warning that a citation will be issued if the violator fails to bring the sound level into compliance within five minutes of the issuance of the warning." A decibel meter is used to monitor the noise level, and first warnings are currently issued in writing. Under attorney business is the first reading of the amended TPLE (shortterm vacation rental) ordinance. Occupancy limits will be a modified two-plus-two rule calculated by multiplying the number of bedrooms by two and adding two additional occupants. The amended ordinance will allow for fines up to $2,400 for a first offense. Under old business is a discussion about the Blalock Walters attorney's $2,575 closing costs for the city's recently renewed $5 million line of credit with Seaside Bank.
The commission will consider a Coastal Engineering Consultants $29,050 proposal for a 48-month mitigation monitoring survey of the Coquina access channel between Leffis Key and the Bridge Street Pier. The scope of services includes monitoring the seagrass and mangrove mitigation sites. New business includes a special event request to place Halloween decor on public buildings, pergola and clock tower on Bridge Street from Oct. 1 through Nov. 1. That request to place skeletons on those structures was made by Bridge Street Merchants LLC, and the merchants association will pay for the decorations. The commission will discuss allowing current Building Official Mike Alexander to assist newly hired Building Official Ben Carr for up to three months after Carr begins his tenure with the city on Sept. 14. The commission will also discuss buying a $41,334 2027 Ford F-150 4x4 truck for Carr to drive. The commission meeting will be held at City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.
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Visit www.cityofannamaria.com Saturday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m., City Commission budget hearing Monday, Sept. 7, City offices closed in observance of Labor Day Thursday, Sept. 8, 5 p.m., City Commission meeting
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107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
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Visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com Wednesday, Sept. 2, 1 p.m., Planning and Zoning Board meeting CANCELED Thursday, Sept. 3, 5:05 p.m., Community Redevelopment Agency budget hearing Thursday, Sept. 3, 5:30 p.m., City Commission budget hearing Thursday, Sept. 3, 6 p.m., City Commission meeting Monday, Sept. 7, City offices closed in observance of Labor Day
Visit www.holmesbeachfl.org Wednesday, Sept. 2, 3:30 p.m., Planning Commission meeting CANCELED Monday, Sept. 7, City offices closed in observance of Labor Day Wednesday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m., Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee meeting Wednesday, Sept. 9, 5 p.m., City Commission budget hearing
The Center, Roser Church conducting food drive The Center of Anna Maria Island and Roser Memorial Community Church are partnering on a food drive to help provide meals for neighbors in need. The two organizations are collecting non-perishable food items that include canned fruit and fruit cups, pancake mix, syrup, jelly, canned vegetables, soups, Chef Boyardee products, pasta, pasta sauce, canned tomatoes, tomato paste and cereal (excluding Cheerios). They are also accepting pasta and rice packets (excluding macaroni and cheese)
and beans (excluding chickpeas and garbanzo beans). Donations can be dropped off at two locations: Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Both organizations thank residents in advance for supporting the Island community and helping to ensure that local families have food on the table.
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KINGFISH: Commercial activity increasing at boat ramp FROM PAGE 1 Continuing, Titsworth said the city has no objection to cars and trucks and boat trailers parking at the boat ramp, but she said the parking lot is now being more heavily used for commercial purposes that reduce parking for recreational boat users and charter fishing captains. Titsworth said charter fishing boats and charter boats are only allowed to dock at the boat ramp for 15 minutes at a time. “They're only allowed to be attached to the dock for 15 minutes and we will give them a citation if we see them staging and waiting on their people to get there,” Tokajer said. “There's going to have to be more discussion and also in the county and how we're going to address it. I reached out to them to try to see what they can do to solve the issue,” Titsworth said. Commissioner Carol Whitmore noted the Island area fishing charter captains have picked up their clients at the boat ramp for many years. “I don't like the tourists going up and renting a pontoon and having 12 people on it, but it's still the same thing. It's a commercial business. This may affect the islanders,” Whitmore said.
The Kingfish Boat Ramp discussion prompted comparisons to the high volume of personal watercraft rentals and other commercial activity taking place along the Palma Sola Causeway portion of Manatee Avenue. Tokajer said he saw approximately 50 jet skis in that area during the previous weekend. Titsworth said the watercraft rental vendors make their own access ramps simply by backing their trucks down to the water. “There's no enforcement at all,” she said of the causeway activities. Titsworth said she spoke with District 3 Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique and he told her the county may need to reconsider its agreement with the city of Bradenton that designates Bradenton as having the primary enforcement jurisdiction for the causeway area. Tokajer said some personal watercraft and pontoon boat rental operators stage their commercial activities on the east side of the bridge, and when it’s time to meet their clients, they drive over to the boat ramp to drop off the boat or personal watercraft being rented.
ADDITIONAL CONCERNS
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
This group discussed personal watercraft rentals and the signing of a liability waiver. “Deliberate work-arounds,” Commissioner Dan Diggins said. Whitmore said she's never seen personal watercraft depart from the Kingfish Boat Ramp, but she sees them all the time along the causeway. Tokajer said he's seen pickup trucks with trailers containing four personal watercraft each at the Kingfish Boat Ramp, which he suspects are being offered for rent. “We had that issue at 63rd Street as well,” Commissioner Terry Schaefer said. “And there was a jet ski crash in Anna Maria this past weekend with a death,” Tokajer noted.
Titsworth said many people are parking their vehicles in the grassy area across the street from the Kingfish Boat Ramp and crossing Manatee Avenue on foot to access the boat ramp. “If you're going to park there, it has to be parallel with the flow traffic,” she said, noting diagonal parking is not allowed there. “They all got tickets,” Tokajer said in regard to some recent offenders. Titsworth said Tokajer viewed videos of parents and their young children parking along the south side of Manatee Avenue and crossing the busy street to board a rental boat. “You're not allowed to park on right of ways on state roads,” Titsworth said. “Are we going to be liable if we continue to look the other way, and someone gets hit because we're not enforcing state laws?” Tokajer said he’s been in touch with the Florida Department of Transportation. “I sent them videos showing the people leapfrogging between cars with kids in coolers and they were not happy. They said that they would get back with me but they're going to take action. I suspect that they'll put up the signs of no parking on the right of way over there,” Tokajer told the commission.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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LAWSUIT: Former city treasurer's lawsuit scheduled for mediation FROM PAGE 1 The mediation process is to be completed by March 15, 2027. If the mediation sessions don't produce a settlement agreement, the case will continue to move forward, and all dispositive motions would be due by April 1. A pretrial conference is currently scheduled for Aug. 12, 2027, at 9 a.m. in Tampa Courtroom 14B, and a jury trial is currently included on the court's September 2027 trial calendar. The judge informed the parties that she will not substantially move the trial date or the dispositive motions deadline.
THE CASE
The case, Endres v. the city of Anna Maria, is now in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa after the city requested the case be removed from the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Bradenton and reassigned to the federal court in Tampa. The city requested moving the case because some of the discrimination claims contained in the original complaint alleged violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Florida Civil Rights Act. The lawsuit also alleges violations of the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Endres was 57 at the time of her dismissal.
The federal case originated on June 24 and was assigned to Covington and Magistrate Judge Lindsay S. Griffin. Tallahassee-based attorney Marie Mattox continues to serve as Endres' attorney. Mattox filed the original lawsuit complaint that alleged Endres was wrongfully terminated and discriminated against because of her age and a disability. The lawsuit also alleged whistleblower retaliation, being subjected to a hostile workplace and other claims related to Mayor Mark Short terminating Endres' employment with the city on Nov. 17, 2025. The original lawsuit complaint referenced Endres' use of city funds. It also mentioned the surveillance of another city employee's work vehicle. "This action involves claims which are, individually, in excess of $50,000, exclusive of costs and interest," the amended complaint says. In May, Short told The Sun the city contests the lawsuit allegations. He said the city's outside counsel would "vigorously defend the case."
CASE TIMELINE
On June 25, Douglas Noah was designated lead counsel for the city. Mattox was designated lead counsel for Endres the following day. On July 1, Noah filed the city's
CASE BACKGROUND
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Mayor Mark Short terminated the city treasurer in November 2025. motion to dismiss the original lawsuit complaint. As of Aug. 31, The Sun was not able to obtain a copy of the city's motion to dismiss. On July 27, Mattox filed an amended complaint with the federal court. The first page of the 45-page amended complaint says, "Plaintiff (Endres) is a member of a protected class due to her age and actual and/or perceived disability, and she was retaliated against after reporting defendant's (the city) unlawful employment practices." On Aug. 10, the city filed its answer and affirmative defenses to the amended complaint. The city also filed a demand for a jury trial. On Aug. 11, Covington denied the city's pending motion to dismiss because the motion addressed the original complaint rather than the amended complaint.
Known as LeAnne Addy at the time, the Minnesota resident was hired in August 2016 by thenMayor Dan Murphy, with city commission approval. Addy replaced retiring longtime City Clerk Diane Percycoe. In March 2017, the city commission approved Murphy's request to appoint Addy to also serve as city treasurer and finance director. At some point during her tenure, Addy remarried and changed her last name to Endres. In January 2025, the city commission authorized the separation of the city clerk and treasurer roles. Amber LaRowe was hired as the new clerk, and Endres continued serving as the city treasurer. In December 2025, the city sent Endres a notice of internal investigation and a request for information regarding her use of city funds and her use of city credit card rewards points. The city then opened an investigation into Endres' spending activities. In a January email sent to Short and City Clerk Amber LaRowe, Endres denied any misuse of city funds or credit card points. To date, the city has released no findings related to the city's investigation.
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California man dies in personal watercraft incident BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – A 34-year-old California man recently died in a singlevessel personal watercraft incident that occurred offshore of Anna Maria. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Public Information Officer Bradley Johnson, "On August 22, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Manatee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) and Manatee County Fire Rescue all responded to a single vessel incident. "Preliminary information indicates that a personal watercraft (PWC), with two occupants on board, was traveling just north of Anna Maria Island when they encountered a wave that caused the PWC to capsize. Both occupants ended up in the water, where they then attempted to flip the PWC back over. A short while later, a good Samaritan on a nearby vessel stopped to assist them. While helping one of the occupants out of the water, the good Samaritan noticed that the second occupant was suddenly face down in the water," Johnson said. "The individuals on the vessel then pulled him from the water and transported him
back to shore, where EMS was waiting. He was then transported to a nearby hospital, where he was sadly declared deceased as a result of the incident. The victim was later identified as Sergio Andres Galvis Lopez, of California," Johnson said. "FWC would like to express our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the victim. FWC is the lead agency of this active investigation and there is no further information available at this time," Johnson said. According to Manatee County Communications Coordinator Francesca Constantini, “Our Beach Patrol staff provided medical care to the patient following the accident until care was turned over to EMS and West Manatee Fire Rescue.” According to the West Manatee Fire Rescue incident report, upon arrival at the waterfront unloading point, MCSO advised the waves were too large to safely bring the patient ashore. A new drop-off location was advised and the response crews moved to where the man was brought ashore on a paddleboard. Advanced life support was then provided to the patient before he was transported to the hospital.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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City clerk appointed city administrator Amber LaRowe will serve as Anna Maria’s first city administrator. BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – City Clerk Amber LaRowe will also serve as Anna Maria’s first city administrator when the new 2026-27 fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. On Aug. 27, the Anna Maria City Commission unanimously approved Mayor Mark Short’s request to appoint LaRowe to also serve as city administrator. Short noted the city charter provides for the creation of the city administrator position. The charter says, “Subject to the approval of the city commission, the mayor may appoint an individual to act as an administrator to report to and serve at the pleasure of the mayor. The qualifications and duties for this position shall be defined within the administrative code of the city.” The charter also says, “The city clerk may, if appointed by the mayor, with approval of the city commission, fulfill the office and duties of city treasurer and/or administrator.” When presenting his request, Short said, “I've been in office now for almost two years and I believe that it is in the best interest for the city operationally, as well as from an organizational standpoint,
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
City Clerk Amber LaRowe will soon serve as the city administrator too.
Mayor Mark Short requested the creation of the city administrator’s position.
that we have a city administrator to assist me in managing and keeping tabs of basically everything that's going on in the city. For a little city, we have a lot going on. “I want to be clear: These duties do not change what the mayor is responsible for, per the charter. People hear administrator, they think city manager. These are two completely different things. This is not someone who's replacing the mayor. This is helping the mayor, as well as working with our departments within the city to make sure we are cohesive,” Short said. “I'm asking the commission to not only approve the city administrator position, but also to approve Amber LaRowe as becoming the city administrator effective October 1.” Commissioner Charlie Salem asked about the fiscal
impact of the city clerk also serving as the city administrator. Short said there would be a $17,000 impact, but there’s no need to hire an additional employee. As city clerk, LaRowe’s current salary is $114,500, and she was already scheduled to receive a salary increase during the coming fiscal year. Salem asked if the city administrator’s position is addressed in the administrative code. Short said he didn’t have a copy of administrative code with him, but it would be made available. The commission voted 5-0 in favor of the mayor’s request.
ADMINISTRATOR'S DUTIES
The following day, the clerk's office provided a copy of the administrative code that states the mayor remains
the city’s chief executive, and the administrator will serve as the mayor's principal day-today administrative officer. “Nothing in this policy shall diminish, transfer or supersede any power, duty, professional responsibility or independent authority assigned by the charter or applicable law to the mayor, city commission, city clerk, city treasurer, city attorney, superintendent of public works, building official or any other city officer,” the administrative code says. “The mayor shall retain direct responsibility for the appointment, suspension, termination and other final personnel decisions concerning department heads,” the code says.
PAST COMMENTS
In September 2024, while seeking election to the
mayor’s office, Short and fellow mayoral candidate Brian Seymour participated in a candidate forum and were asked where they stood on the potential appointment of a city manager or city administrator. Short said then, “I do not believe the city needs a city manager or a city administrator. If you read the city charter, that is the job of the mayor. You’re electing someone to do exactly what a city administrator or manager would do. If the voters want a city manager, then we need to change the city charter.” Seymour said, “I’m very much in favor of a city administrator-type position to help oversee the city. It has become such a large city with so many departments and so many employees. I really believe that would be beneficial to the city.” When contacted on Aug. 28 and asked about his past comments, Short said, “After spending almost two years in office, it has become clear to me having an administrator helping with the day to day activities in the city is a positive thing. To be clear, this is to assist with administrative tasks and to continue to promote operational efficiencies and coordination between departments in the city. It does not impact the duties of the mayor as called out in the city charter.”
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New water main installed on Anna Maria Island Bridge A new water main that crosses the Intracoastal Waterway on the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue was scheduled to be placed into service during the week of Aug. 24. A temporary water main was installed atop the bridge after the previous water main fell off the underside of the bridge in 2023. According to an Aug. 24 project update from Manatee County, crews will begin removing the existing water main from the bridge immediately after the new line is activated. The sidewalk on the south side of the bridge has been closed during construction. It's expected to reopen to pedestrians Sept. 5, before the Labor Day weekend. The Kingfish Boat Ramp parking lot near the bridge remains open to the public. Motorists are asked to avoid the barricaded sections where the grass is
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
This temporary water main was installed atop the bridge in 2023. being allowed to recover. Some barricades and barrels have been relocated to the east side of the parking lot. Vehicles parked in restricted areas are subject to towing at the owner's expense. Construction crews are working Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Officials cautioned that the schedule could shift because of weather or other unforeseen conditions. More project information can be found at info@AMIprojects.io.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Crews working 24-hour shifts for Cortez Bridge utility relocation project Crews are working around the clock this week to pull a pipe underneath the Intracoastal Waterway near the Cortez Bridge as part of an ongoing utility relocation project along Cortez Road West. Pipe installation is underway on both the north and south sides of the roadway as crews prepare for the waterway crossing during the week of Aug. 24. The work will require continuous, 24-hour shifts, according to Manatee County. Several side streets off Cortez Road West remain closed as the project continues, including Central Avenue, 125th Court West, 124th Street Court West and 124th Street West. Traffic barriers extend to just before 123rd Street Court West.
County officials said this phase of construction is expected to be completed by late summer, with the overall utility project on track for completion in fall 2026, ahead of the new Cortez Bridge replacement project. Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists should expect intermittent lane shifts, flagging operations and temporary sidewalk and bike lane closures throughout the work zone. Construction schedules remain subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen conditions. The county has urged residents to remain alert near equipment and crews and to follow posted detours. Updates to the project are available at amiprojects.io or by calling 941-306-4660.
MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED
The county provided this map of the water main installation project.
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Several side streets off Cortez Road West remain closed and detours are in place.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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THE SUN
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Mixon Farms Market announced
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Automated cameras monitor speed limit infractions near the school.
55 speeding tickets issued in school zone During the Aug. 25 Holmes Beach City Commission, Police Chief Bill Tokajer provided an update on the number of automated speeding tickets issued to date in the school speed zone near the Anna Maria Elementary School. The speed limit is 15 mph during the morning and afternoon student pickup and dropoff times, and 25 mph the rest of the time.
“The first two weeks of school, we've had 55 people that have exceeded the speed, and I believe nine of them are Island residents,” Tokajer said. “But we did have one person last Wednesday that came out in the morning and was doing 31 miles an hour. And then as he left the Island in the afternoon, he was doing 28. So, he was given two tickets in one day. And he received a citation in January of this year, so he should have known.”
Devinne Whittaker, manager of the seasonal Anna Maria Farmers Market held on the grounds of Roser Church and co-owner of DBTB Juice Bar & Bakery, recently announced the first season of the new Mixon Farms Market. The new Mixon Farms Market will take place each Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting Sept. 27 and continuing through May 30. Now owned by Manatee County, the Mixon Farms property is located at 2525 27th Street East in Bradenton. In her written announcement, Whittaker said, "Mixon Farms has been a hometown treasure since 1939, when Willie and Rosa Mixon began with a small roadside fruit stand. Over the decades it grew into one of Manatee County's most beloved landmarks, welcoming generations of families through its groves, market, restaurant, wildlife tours and celebrations. "When Mixon closed its doors in 2023, many of us wondered what would become of such a special place. Thankfully, Manatee County stepped in and purchased the property in 2025 — not to replace its history, but to preserve it. Their vision is to keep Mixon as a gathering place for the community while protecting its agricultural roots for generations to come. Every Sunday you'll find local
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farmers, bakers, makers, artists, growers and small businesses sharing what they love most," she wrote. "My hope is that this market becomes a place where neighbors become friends, children make memories they'll one day tell their own families about and every purchase helps keep local businesses thriving," she wrote. "This isn't just about shopping local. It's about preserving tradition, supporting our community and creating a place where everyone feels like they belong."
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14 SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
COFFEE BEER WINE
BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER 5350 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach 941.251.3681
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16 THE SUN
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Krysta's hatchlings were disoriented Turtle Watch urges the use of turtle-friendly lighting to avoid disorientation. BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Krysta, the loggerhead sea turtle being tracked from Anna Maria Island as part of Sea Turtle Conservancy's Tour de Turtles, has completed her nesting this year. She’s now resting in her foraging grounds off the coast of Fort Myers. "The nest she deposited on June 29 (the day of her release at Coquina Beach) hatched this week, but like many other nests in the area, the hatchlings were drawn away from the beach by artificial lighting from nearby homes and rental properties," according to an Aug. 28 press release from Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella. Mazzarella said Turtle Watch was fortunately contacted when 70 live and five dead hatchlings were found scattered along Gulf Drive South, between the 300 and 500 blocks. Turtle Watch's nighttime response team rescued the live hatchlings and released them on a darker stretch of beach. "The following morning, patrol found two more hatchlings – one in a pool and another in a storm drain. Both
CHUCK ANDERSON | SUBMITTED
This photo of Krysta's nest was taken the night her hatchlings became disoriented. were transported to Mote's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital," Mazzarella said. "Three days later, Turtle Watch volunteers excavated the nest and found that 89 of 102 eggs had hatched." She said that without that intervention, many of those hatchlings may never have reached the Gulf. She also said disorientation is preventable. "Sea turtles use light as a cue to find their way to the Gulf when they hatch. They depend on a dark background landward of the nest to see the brightness of the light of the night sky reflecting on the water. Artificial lights from inland properties can cause them to go the wrong way," Mazzarella said. Sea turtle season runs through Oct. 31.
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Where’s Krysta? As of Sunday, Aug. 30, Krysta, a female loggerhead sea turtle, had traveled 547 miles since she was satellitetagged and released on June 29 after nesting on Coquina Beach. She is participating in the Sea Turtle Conservancy's 2026 Tour de Turtles race that began Aug. 1. Krysta has traveled 125 miles since the race officially began and is currently in 10th place for miles traveled, in a field of 11 tracked sea turtles. 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)
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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THE SUN
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Turtle Watch monitoring beach lighting
More than 20 beachfront property owners took corrective actions to prevent sea turtle hatchling disorientation.
According to a disorientation chart shared by Mazzarella, Bradenton Beach had 52 of the 102 hatched nests disoriented at hatch – a rate of 51%, with 167 disoriented hatchlings found dead. Holmes Beach had 16 of 54 hatched nests disoriented – a rate of 30%, with four hatchlings found dead. Anna Maria had one of 32 hatched nests disoriented at hatch – a rate of 3%, with no hatchlings found dead. Turtle Watch will continue daily patrols until the end of nesting season on Oct. 31.
BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring staff and volunteers have been working with property owners to educate them about turtle-friendly lighting. "This week, in addition to sea turtle patrol, Turtle Watch staff and volunteers have been surveying properties along the beach to identify visible lighting and reaching out to owners and managers of properties that could be a problem for sea turtles in hopes of preventing further hatchling disorientations into Gulf Drive," Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella wrote in her Aug. 28 email update. She said since the Aug. 14 incident in which 55 hatchlings were killed trying to cross Gulf Drive, Turtle Watch contacted 26 property owners and there has been a great response. "As of today, 21 properties have responded and either turned off their
SEA TURTLE NESTING NEWS AS OF FRIDAY, AUG. 28:
RYAN HESSONG | SUBMITTED
Turtle-friendly lights were installed at Sunset Villas to reduce illumination that could attract turtle hatchlings. lights, closed their blinds, changed to turtle-friendly fixtures or bulbs, applied shields or are in the process of implementing turtle-friendly lighting plans," Mazzarella said. "In addition, several properties have addressed their lights without being contacted. As a result, we have noticed a great reduction of artificial light from landward sources."
She expressed thanks to the property owners and also to CJ at Synergy Lighting, who conducted site visits to multiple properties and provided turtle-friendly solutions. Bradenton Beach had the highest rate of sea turtle hatchling disorientations during the reporting week that ended Aug. 28, according to Turtle Watch.
Total loggerhead turtle nests: 458 (record 543 in 2019) Nests this week (8/22-8/28): 0 False crawls this week: 1 Total false crawls: 569 (record 831 in 2010) Total nests hatched: 188 (record 453 in 2022) Total hatchlings produced: 13,214 (record 35,850 in 2022) Total adult turtle disorientations: 20 Nests inventoried: 222 Disoriented hatchlings: 2,081 to 4,680 Disoriented hatchlings found dead: 171 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
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OUTDOORS
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
The Sportsman Swap is back
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS
T
he Manatee Fish and Game Association is bringing back its popular Sportsman Swap on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave N.W. in Bradenton. “Stroll into this free event with old gear in hand and leave with something new or useful. Have a large inventory? Set up a table to sell your inventory for just $20,” the event web page says. Swap vendors can register for a table in advance using the information and link provided at manateefishandgame. org. The fee for a table is $20, plus a $3.18 processing fee. Attendees can use the same information to register to attend the swap meeting free of charge.
This is a great opportunity to meet knowledgeable local hunters and fishermen, find unique items, exchange stories and maybe even pick up some valuable information on local fishing and hunting opportunities. While you’re there, be sure to check out the botanical garden’s beautiful grounds and walk among its unique collection of rare fruit trees. The Manatee Fish and Game Association is a local organization dedicated to hunting, fishing and environmental conservation. Founded in 1935, it brings together individuals who are passionate about wildlife and outdoor activities. The association focuses on promoting responsible practices among hunters and fishers while advocating for the protection of wildlife habitats. Over the years, the association has led the way in establishing Myakka State Park, advocated for meaningful fish and game limits and laws, and helped
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The Sportsman Swap is a chance to exchange gear and ideas with others who are passionate about hunting, fishing and environmental conservation. in establishing the Manatee County Duette Preserve Hunting Program. The association also supports youth programs including the Manasota Regional Envirothon, the annual Jerry Hill Memorial Kids Fishing Tournament, Manatee County’s youth fishing camps and free covered wagon tours at the Duette Preserve.
The Manatee Fish and Game Association provides grants for wildlife habitat-related projects through its fund established at the Manatee Community Foundation. To get more information on the many local events the association holds, or to join in its good works, visit manateefishandgame.org.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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September fishing heats up with snook, reds and trout BY CAPT. RICK GRASSETT
Adult migratory tarpon should thin out in the Coastal Gulf by September. They will move to inside waters to rest and eat before migrating away from our area. You may find them around bridges or over deep grass flats. Spin fishing anglers should connect with DOA Lures (Baitbuster, Shrimp and TerrorEyz) or live bait. Snook fishing should be good during September. You should still find them in the surf in the Coastal Gulf and in the ICW around docks and bridges, close to passes. Since heat is still an issue in September, it is a good time of year to fish dock lights before dawn and then move to shallow flats or the surf. Fly anglers should do well with small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, which will also work in the surf. Spin fishing anglers should do well with live bait or CAL jigs with a variety of tails, and DOA Shrimp.
Reds should be schooled up during September. You should find them on shallow flats when the tide is high or along the edges of flats and sandbars at low tide. Try to avoid spooking them by casting around the edges of the school. You may also find large spotted sea trout, jack crevalle and blues on shallow flats this month. They may be in potholes or mixed with schools of reds. Over-slot trout are usually females, which in my opinion should be released since they are breeders. Spin fishing anglers should score with live pilchards or topwater lures, such as the DOA PT-7. Fly anglers should score with poppers, Gurglers and wide-profile baitfish fly patterns. You may also find trout on deep grass flats where they may be mixed with blues, Spanish mackerel or pompano. When fishing deep grass flats, I like to drift and cast ahead of my drift with DOA Deadly Combos or live shrimp under a popping cork.
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Capt. Rick Grassett releases a tarpon caught during a previous September fishing excursion. Fly anglers should do well with synthetic-fiber Clouser flies (due to toothy fish in the mix). Make a series of drifts to locate fish and then shorten your drift to zero in on them. Since stone crab traps aren't in the water yet, focus on inshore crab trap floats (blue crab) to find tripletail and then use DOA Shrimp, live shrimp or lightly weighted flies with weed guards to avoid snagging the crab trap line. Full regulations on trout
and other species can be found at myfwc.com/. I like to check the Coastal Gulf when conditions are good. You may find false albacore (little tunny) or Spanish mackerel in the Coastal Gulf, although it's a little early in the season. Look for surface activity (breaking/feeding fish). I use small white flies or CAL jigs for albies and mackerel. Look for surface action that may also attract sharks and tarpon into the fray. Although it's too early
for stone crab traps to be in the Gulf, you may find an early tripletail on abandoned crab trap floats, channel marker buoys or any floating debris. I like DOA Shrimp, live shrimp or flies with weed guards when targeting tripletail. There are lots of options this month. I like to start in the dark before sunrise, targeting snook and juvenile tarpon around dock lights and then move to shallow flats at dawn to target reds and big trout. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by residential, agricultural and industrial runoff, toxic spills and discharges, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don't kill your limit! Find Capt. Rick Grassett online at snookfin-addict. com or flyfishingflorida. us. Contact him by email at snookfin@aol.com or by phone at 941-923-7799.
REAL ESTATE Surfside collapse impacts today’s condo owners
20 THE SUN
A
fter the collapse of the Surfside condominium building on Florida's east coast in 2021, more stringent condo association requirements were instituted. Florida state law now requires a mandatory Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) to be conducted every 10 years for condo buildings with three or more habitable stories. The same state law now prohibits condo associations from voting to waive or reduce reserve funding for the structural components identified in their SIRS study. Now the federal government is getting into the act. Effective January 2027, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are asking condominium associations to set aside more of their budgets in reserve accounts that can be used to pay for capital projects. The reserve increase is changing from the current mandatory minimum baseline allocation of 10% to 15% (unless supported by a recent three-year reserve study using specific alternative thresholds). Nationally, 39% of condo associations operate in what is called a "weak" financial
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER state. According to data from Association Reserves, a firm that evaluates condos' financial health, less than 30% of condo associations have reserve funds. Prior to the Florida SIRS structural integrity law, condo unit owners could vote annually to completely waive or reduce reserve funding for capital improvements. This practice left many Florida condos underfunded to begin with, and the enactment of the new law will further increase HOA fees to catch up. It's not uncommon for condo unit owners to opt for lower HOA fees and depend on special assessments as capital improvements are required. Unit owners who voted for this were betting they would have sold their condo before the bill is due, but those days are over.
Post-Surfside collapse, lender requirements have already negatively impacted condo sales for buyers who are applying for a mortgage. A condo's lack of adequate reserves could easily kill a buyer's ability to qualify for a mortgage and a current owner's ability to secure refinancing on an existing loan. Fannie and Freddie are already beginning to scrutinize more closely a buyer's ability to qualify for financing and the condo associations' financial health, especially for low-down payment buyers, all of which could hurt some condo sales. Will changing the mandatory reserve percentage really hurt sales? Maybe yes, maybe no. For condos that have good management and have kept up with maintenance and capital improvements, they will be in a good position to attract buyers no matter what laws are passed. Condos that have deferred maintenance because unit owners voted down increases in HOA fees could have a problem finding buyers who want to finance. And why would a buyer want to purchase property for cash in an association where the ability to finance is iffy?
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are also tracking condos with poor insurance ratings, a high number of renters, a high number of conventional loan applications being turned down and multiple special assessments for repairs unrelated to an act of God. None of this should stop you from buying a condo. It's still a great, maintenance-free lifestyle; you just may need to dig a little deeper into the association's financial history and structural integrity. Once you have an accepted offer or are in contract, don't be afraid to ask questions. Board meeting notes, budgets and reserve schedules as well as a list of special assessments and the reason for them will give you a good understanding of where and what you're buying into. Yes, it was easier and less complicated years ago. You accepted the seller's word and the association's data, but times have changed. You now have to be your own best advocate. Despite the tragedy, we have Surfside to thank for the new laws that mandate building safety and make condo associations better financially positioned.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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THE SUN
Beach renourishment contractor approved BY LESLIE LAKE
OBITUARIES Marvin Leslie Zerkel
SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County commissioners approved a $1.92 million contract to repair storm damage at Coquina Beach caused by Hurricane Idalia in 2023. On Aug. 25, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners authorized the county's purchasing department to execute an agreement with Sea Hawk Maritime for the Coquina Beach Hurricane Idalia storm damage repair and renourishment project. The project calls for dredging, the placement of compatible beach fill, beach grading, demobilization, site restoration and environmental monitoring to restore Coquina Beach following damage from Hurricane Idalia in 2023. The scope of services includes all labor, materials, equipment and services necessary to complete the beach nourishment
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LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Coquina Beach will have dunes restored and graded by Sea Hawk Maritime. and storm damage repairs at Coquina Beach. The agreement was included on the consent agenda item and there was no commission discussion on the matter. According to the meeting packet, the contract with Sea Hawk Maritime has a not-toexceed value of $1.92 million and gives the contractor 90 calendar days to complete the work once the notice to proceed is issued.
The county issued an invitation for bids on May 22. Sea Hawk's original bid of $1.74 million was the lowest of four submissions the county received. The other bids came from Cavache Inc. at $2.3 million, Arbor Tree and Land at $2.8 million and Weeks Marine at $4.55 million. The project will be partially funded by FEMA.
Marvin Zerkel, 90, of Bradenton, Florida, and formerly of Bradenton Beach, Florida, died July 3 at Surrey Place Healthcare & Rehabilitation in Bradenton. Marvin was born Aug. 17, 1935, in Portland, Indiana, to Alden and Opal Zerkel. He graduated from Portland High School, as well as Ball State University after serving in the United States Marine Corps. He went on to have a successful career in the fields of accounting and finance and served as secretary treasurer of United Telephone Company throughout his career during the 1970s and 1980s. In his 35 years on Bradenton Beach, he was a member of Moose Lodge No. 2188 and served for many years as a volunteer for the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch organization. He also was a member of the American Legion and a member of the Freemasons. He was an avid reader and enjoyed tennis and golf. Marvin was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Mary Lee Zerkel. He is survived by his daughters, Leslie Gau and husband Steve of Winter Springs, Florida, and Krista Bazell of Bradenton; son John Bradley and wife Gayle of Tempe, Arizona; brother-in-law John and wife Carole Brigham of Bradenton; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. There will be a celebration of life, date to be announced.
22 THE SUN
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SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
We’re Local. We’re Global.
ANNA MARIA 915 N Shore Drive | 4 BD 4/1 BA 2,870 SF $5,000,000 Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941.744.7358
ANNA MARIA 103 Park Avenue | 5 BD 4/1 BA 4,540 SF $5,350,000 Dee Munn & Scott Toland 407.346.4422
ANNA MARIA 270 Gladiolus Street 3 BD 2 BA 1,326 SF $1,750,000 Dee Munn & Scott Toland 407.346.4422
HOLMES BEACH 406 Bay Palms Drive 2 BD 2 BA 1,332 SF $1,295,000 Kathy Harman & Amy Ward 941.400.9828
CORTEZ 12917 42nd Terrace W | 4 BD 3/1 BA 2,798 SF $3,199,000 Dee Munn & Scott Toland 407.346.4422
HOLMES BEACH 401 63rd Street 4 BD 2/1 BA 2,223 SF $1,100,000 Dee Munn & Scott Toland 407.346.4422
HOLMES BEACH 4255 Gulf Drive #116 2 BD 2 BA 1,430 SF $589,000 Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941.744.7358
WEST BRADENTON 4738 Dundee Drive 3 BD 2 BA 1,582 SF $405,000 Scott Toland & Dee Munn 202.607.6369
Amy Ward
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Connect with a local. 941.896.9981 6000 Marina Drive 113 | Holmes Beach, FL 34217 | michaelsaunders.com
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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HB PAID PARKING: mayor discusses potential paid parking FROM PAGE 3 Commissioner Carol Whitmore asked about Bradenton Beach's paid parking plans. She said it would be nice if all three Island cities worked in continuity. Titsworth said most of the beach parking in Bradenton Beach is at the county-owned beaches, but she anticipates Bradenton Beach implementing some form of paid parking program too. Commissioner Jessica Patel asked the mayor if Holmes Beach has a parking map. Titsworth said that map can be found at the city website. Whitmore asked how much residents pay for parking permits in the areas where permit parking is already in place. Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the annual resident parking permits are $10. “I'm not paying to park when I live here,” Whitmore said.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Mayor Judy Titsworth will be leaving office in November. Commissioner and mayoral candidate Dan Diggins said paid parking will be a heated issue during the next couple of years. “We're gonna get you all the information, so if it does come forward, staff will be able to give you everything for your consideration,” Titsworth said. “It could be messy you start going to paid parking, but we'll have all that information for you when you're ready to talk about it.”
THE SUN
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Bradenton Beach clock tower repaired The four clocks on each side of the clock tower at the Bradenton Beach Pier have been refurbished and reinstalled. The clock faces feature newly refreshed numbers and the addition of "Bradenton Beach" printed on each side. The clocks stopped working after the 2024 hurricanes. New electrical service to the clocks was connected in January 2026, at a cost of approximately $5,800. The clocks reflected the proper time for a while before once again needing repairs, according to Mayor John Chappie. The clocks were removed in June. They were sent to a master clockmaker in Ohio for repairs and refurbishment using upgraded technology that is resistant to moisture. The clock tower was built in 1996 and is considered a Bradenton Beach landmark.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
The newly refurbished clock tower faces feature new lettering that says "Bradenton Beach."
24 THE SUN
ISLAND SPORTS
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Fishing with Salty 47 (6-3) The Fish Guy Aquarium Services 25 (7-2)
Solid Rock Construction 4 Salty Printing 3
Luxury Services 43 (7-2) MI-Box 0 (1-8)
TUESDAY, AUG. 25 - LADIES LOW NET SCORE
Pavina Bros Windows Cleaning 33 (5-4) Salty Printing 6 (5-4)
CENTER SCOREBOARD
ADULT SUMMER FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 10)
USA Fence 31 (3-6) Moss Builders 27 (3-6)
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Solid Rock Construction 25 (5-4) Moss Air 0 (3-6)
ADULT SUMMER 5V5 SOCCER (SEMIFINALS)
KEY ROYALE CLUB GOLF SCORES
First place: Rene Chapman and Terry Westby, 32 Second place: Sue Wheeler, 34
Sato Real Estate 3 (Won in penalty kicks 2-1) Moss Builders 3
Farrington and Fernandes prevail On Wednesday, Aug. 26, Tom Farrington, left, and Gersey Fernandes, right, were the only team to go 3-0 during pool play and they won the day's competition at Anna Maria Horseshoes. On Saturday, Aug. 29, two teams squared off in the final after each team went 3-0. Billy Silver and Tim Sofran jumped out to an early lead and did not look back, beating Farrington and Tom Betty 21-4, with Silver ending it in style with a double ringer to win the day's championship. AM HORSESHOES | SUBMITTED
Yates memorial golf tournament scheduled The Center of Anna Maria Island will host the Foster Yates III Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, Oct. 16, at IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway. Yates received a kidney transplant from Center Executive Director Chris Culhane about 10 years ago, but later passed away due to complications related to juvenile diabetes. The tournament entry fee is $500 per foursome, and sponsorships
are available. The golf event will feature raffles, a long-drive contest, a closest-to-the-pin contest and other games, along with goodie bags for participants. Dinner will be served at IMG Academy following the tournament. Check-in begins at 1 p.m., with a shotgun start at 2 p.m. For more information or to register, contact Tyler at 941-778-1908 or tyler@ centerami.org, or visit centerami. org/events. THE CENTER | SUBMITTED
AME PTO hosting Dolphin Dash, Fin’s Fun Run The Anna Maria Elementary School PTO will host the Dolphin Dash 5K and Fin's Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. The running event includes a chip-timed 5K along the beach and paths that will start at 9:30 a.m., and an untimed, stroller-friendly 1K fun run on shaded paths at 9:15 a.m. A virtual 5K option is also available. Dogs are not permitted at Coquina Beach. Medals will be awarded after the races. The registration fee is $15 for the fun run and $35 for the 5K or virtual 5K. All proceeds will benefit Anna Maria Elementary School. Register to run at amepto.org/dolphin-dash-2026. Those interested in being a sponsor or vendor can contact ameptotreas@gmail.com.
AME PTO | SUBMITTED
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Novice gamers, informally 6 Thurman of "Pretty Lethal" 9 Pizzeria array 13 Moral principle 14 "M*A*S*H" setting, for short 15 "Butterfly Dance" artist 16 Put away 17 Under a spell 19 College where Robert Frost taught English 21 "Let's do it!" 22 NYC home of Matisse's "Landscape at Collioure" 23 Fail to share 25 Taylor-Joy of "The Northman" 26 Skillets 29 Area exposed by an updo 31 Teases
Answers to 08-26-26 Crossword Puzzle
32 "__ it down!" 34 "Downton Abbey" cook 38 Here, in Honduras 39 Artistic printing method, and a feature of rows 2, 5, 11, and 14 in this puzzle 41 Mod About You polish maker 42 Mexican sandwich 44 Like a bowstring 45 Trade 46 Playfully sly 48 Endearment 50 Electrically adaptable 53 __ Majesty 55 Sazerac options 56 Carefree 58 Abu Dhabi, e.g. 61 Expanse crossed by Odysseus 63 Sanctions 65 Like van Gogh and Vermeer
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66 Superlative suffix 67 __-Grain 68 Breyers rival 69 Tiny 70 Blades for some Olympians Down 1 Super Mario Bros. console 2 Jazzy James 3 Guitar accessory that may create vibrato 4 Knights' neighbors 5 Blueprint 6 Luau instruments 7 May, say 8 Skill 9 Prehistoric supercontinent 10 Like some pyramids 11 Moriarty, to Holmes 12 Musician's better half? 15 Sweet potato 18 Latvian capital 20 Cost 24 Recipe quantity 26 Greek life group 27 Part of P.R. 28 Calm 30 S.F. summer hrs. 33 Leak prevention measure, briefly 35 Home of the Cyclones 36 Hormel product 37 Cry in pain 39 Biblical rider of a red horse 40 Development sites
43 Elements of a strategy 45 Move stealthily 47 Steve who co-founded YouTube 49 Power of classic films 50 Stand
51 Easy part of a sky in a jigsaw puzzle, maybe 52 __ Moore: canned stew brand 54 Oscar winner Witherspoon
57 "As if!" 59 Londoner's pal 60 Brontë orphan 62 Darn 64 Certain sib
25
26 THE SUN
CLASSIFIEDS LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
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
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931
HOME IMPROVEMENTS RENOVATION SPECIALIST 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 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
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE
CLEANING SERVICE
Call us today! 941-778-3986
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
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 FOR SALE STUNNING completely renovated home in the HISTORIC LONGBEACH VILLAGE single family home with garage, 2BR/2BA with option of a 3rd sleeping area. Walkable to the beach and restraints. $899,900 unbelievable price. Gorgeous! call Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054 today.
3BR/2BA SINGLE FAMILY HOME NW BRADENTON, COMPLETELY RENOVATED all new windows, doors, roof, bathrooms, flooring, new ac, fenced backyard, room for boat or jet ski parking. Gorgeous inside and outside NO Flood insurance required. Vacant move in ready. $769,900 call Sharon Hightower 941-3305054 direct RE/MAX Alliance Group BUY ONE OR BOTH - -Two Anna Maria island coastal Elevated Retreats each has 3 bedrooms. Excellent weekly Rental Zone! BEST BUYS on ISLAND, UNIT A $775,000 with 2 Car Garage, UNIT B $880,000 with 3 Car Garage CHRISTINE KOURIK REMAX 314440-7574 BRADENTON BEACH 205 Highland Ave #3 1BR condo elevated with covered parking. 1 block to beach. + pool. $379,900 Christine Kourik Remax 314-440-7574 HOME FOR SALE Newly Renovated 3BR/3BA home on the water, North end of Anna Maria Island. Call for details 941-400-6297
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
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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 & Wi-Fi. Small resort, big pool. One block to beach. 6 month minimum $2200/month. Call 941-315-6678 3BR/2BA in Bradenton for rent. $2800 monthly +Security Deposit Please call 941-778-1979 for more details.
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
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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SEPTEMBER 2, 2026