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VOL 18 No. 25
April 4, 2018
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
A Pine Avenue Easter TOM VAUGHT | SUN
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Anna Maria Island celebrated Easter with an Easter egg hunt at the Sandbar restaurant followed by a walk to Pine Avenue for fun and games and an Easter bonnet contest. More on Page 10.
Liveaboard boater dies after being rescued Brandon Nieuwkoop died at Blake Medical Center Saturday afternoon.
Some Holmes Beach residents are concerned that the city’s noise ordinance isn’t strict enough.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Liveaboard boater and anchorage resident Brandon Nieuwkoop, 52, died Saturday afternoon after being pulled from the Anna Maria Sound near the historic Bradenton Beach Pier earlier that morning. According to Lt. John Cosby, of the Bradenton Beach Police Department, liveaboard boater Mark Hill was in his dinghy and headed toward the public dinghy dock near the Bridge Tender Inn at approximately 11:48 a.m. when he spotted a body floating in the water. Hill’s dinghy capsized as he tried to pull Nieuwkoop from the water, but bystanders jumped into the water and came to the two men’s assistance. According to Cosby, Nieuwkoop still had a pulse and someone on shore administered CPR until EMS personnel arrived and transported him to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. At 2:12 p.m., Cosby notified The Sun that Nieuwkoop had passed away at the hospital.
INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION 6 SUN SURVEY 7 BUSINESS 14 SEAN MURPHY 17 OUTDOORS 26-27 REAL ESTATE 36-41 CLASSIFIEDS 45-47
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
FACEBOOK | SUBMITTED
Brandon Nieuwkoop kept this boat at tthe Bradenton Beach Marina before moving it into the unmanaged anchorage several months ago. “We don’t have any idea what happened to him,” Cosby said of the circumstances that led to Nieuwkoop being in the water. Cosby said an inspection of Nieuwkoop’s boat revealed no signs of foul play, no note was found and the boat was in tidy condition. A medical examin-
Anna Maria Island, Florida
HOLMES BEACH – The city’s noise ordinance has been in effect for over a year now, however, some residents are concerned it’s not cutting down enough on noise pollution. Resident Kim Rash spoke to city commissioners, expressing his concern that city law enforcement isn’t doing enough to stop noise pollution. He said residents and visitors alike have been contacting him asking for intervention to help stop nearby noisemakers at residential homes rather than contacting Holmes Beach police officers for “fear of retaliation.” “Officers come but they just don’t get anything done,” Rash said. “You’re discriminating against se-
SEE BOATER, PAGE 42
GET FRAMED
in style by Karly Carlson. 14
Noise issues concern Holmes Beach residents
SEE NOISE, PAGE 42
TERN, tern, tern - shorebird nesting season is here. 9 IMPACT fees may be coming to
Anna Maria. 37 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com
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Bert Harris counter offers made The city of Anna Maria has settled 93 of its 112 Bert Harris claims. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – City commissioners recently approved three more Bert Harris claim settlement offers, including one for a beachfront home at 107 Elm St. owned by Graham and Hazel Hansen. The Hansens requested a 10-person occupancy limit for their rental home. The city originally offered an eight-person occupancy limit that was rejected. On March 22, the commission voted 4-1 in support of increasing the occupancy offer to 10. Commissioner Carol Carter opposed that action. She said the home is very narrow and the bedrooms are very small and she questioned the need for the extra occupancy. The commission unanimously approved a 14-person occupancy offer for a home at 211 Chilson Ave. owned by Lakeland-based O&S Holdings. The commission unanimously approved a counter offer for a 14-person occupancy limit at 211 Willow Ave.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
This beachfront vacation rental home at 107 Elm has been offered a 14-person occupancy limit in hopes of settling a Bert Harris claim. The home is owned by Allen Weinstein and Alison Boak. One of the city’s previous counter offers included an offer to buy the home for $1.79 million. That owners rejected that offer. According to City Clerk LeAnne Addy’s monthly report, the city has settled 93 Bert Harris claims, is awaiting client decisions on six settlement offers and is awaiting client signatures for 13 accepted settlement offers. The city has made settlement offers
on all 122 of the Bert Harris claims received in 2016 and 2017. The period to file a claim expired in early 2017. The claims were filed in response to the eight-person occupancy limit contained in the vacation rental ordinance adopted in late 2015. The Bert Harris claims are an attempt offset lost rental income and/or reduced property value as result of the city’s vacation rental occupancy limits.
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Glitch ordinance passes first reading Changes are coming to the recently passed Holmes Beach formula business ordinance in the form of a glitch ordinance clarifying two points of the original ordinance. The glitch ordinance passed first reading with a unanimous vote with Commissioner Judy Titsworth recusing herself. Titsworth’s family owns shopping center property in the city’s downtown commercial district, which is affected by the formula business ordinance. The glitch ordinance specifies that realty offices are not included as formula businesses for purposes of regulation by the city. It also clarifies that formula businesses are an allowable use in commercial districts outside the mixed use MXD commercial district in the downtown corridor. Formula businesses are allowed in the MXD district by special exception. The glitch ordinance goes for a final public hearing and vote April 10.
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ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
Center announces Tour of Homes results The numbers are in, and this year’s Tour of Homes was a success for The Center of Anna Maria Island. More than 700 people came out to see the interiors of five Island homes and visit the Center Bazaar and Tropical Treasures Boutique. Center board Chair David Zaccagnino said the 25th annual event grossed $25,000 for the nonprofit, though it will still be a few weeks before the final profit numbers are known. Zaccagnino said the gross amount was close to what the board was expecting from the event. He praised the 80 volunteers who gave their time to the single-day event and had nothing but compliments for board member Karen Harllee, who oversaw the bazaar, and Joan Pettigrew and the artists who contributed to and ran the boutique. “The ladies are like clockwork,” he said. “They always do an amazing job.” Sponsors for the event included media sponsor The Sun, Boutique sponsor Duncan Real Estate, quilt sponsor Green Real Estate and music sponsor The Ugly Grouper.
Commission preview The agenda for the Bradenton Beach City Commission’s Thursday, April 5, meeting includes the second and final reading of an amended anchorage/mooring ordinance and the first reading of a city resolution that clarifies and establishes the taking of meeting minutes. Under old business, the commission will revisit a request for the CRA to fund some of the changes to the AMOB sign and assist in the return of a historic Bridge Street Pier sign. Proclamations will be read regarding National Arbor Day and Donate Life Month. The meeting will start at 6 p.m.
Scholarship available Attention all graduating seniors: if you are graduating this spring from one of the seven high schools in Manatee County, have demonstrated excellence in one of the arts (drama, music, band, art) and are continuing your studies by attending college in the fall, you are eligible to apply to receive a scholarship from The Island Players. Students selected will receive $2,000 from The Dolores Harrell Scholarship Fund to further their education in their chosen field. The deadline is May 1. Contact your school principal or guidance counselor for the application or send an email to bobbieberger@tampabay.rr.com For more information , go to www.theislandplayers.org
New member joins beautification committee Carol Hebden is joining the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee as an alternate. City commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Hebden to fill the unexpired term of previous second alternate Don Anthony. The second alternate term expires Aug. 1, 2018. Hebden was not present at the City Commission meeting. “I really appreciate her stepping forward to serve,” Commissioner Judy Titsworth said.
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APRIL 4, 2018
Alternate 57 stone used for right of way restoration
Westra is using recycled concrete aggregate 57 stone when restoring rights of way disturbed by Manatee County’s force main replacement projects. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The 57 stone that Westra Construction is placing in Holmes Beach rights of way is not the same white, jagged lime rock previously used Island-wide for city-initiated drainage projects. Instead, the construction firm Manatee County contracted for its force main replacement project is using a recycled concrete aggregate 57 stone that is darker in color and more resembles rounded river rock. It’s likely the same concrete aggregate will be installed along Avenue C and elsewhere in Bradenton Beach as Westra’s work
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The 57 stone used by Westra Construction is rounder and darker than the white lime rock used by Woodruff & Sons for city stormwater projects in Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria. proceeds along Gulf Drive toward Cortez Road. Holmes Beach resident Dan Anderson lives in the Palms Gable condominium complex on Fourth Avenue, between 36th Street and Gulf Drive. As the result of Westra’s recently-completed work, both rights of way along that sec-
tion of Fourth Avenue are now topped with concrete aggregate stones. Anderson does not like the changes made to Palm Gable’s eastern boundary. “I’ve owned here for several years. I know they’re doing things SEE STONE, PAGE 5
Lime rock concerns BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – As Westra Construction installs recycled concrete aggregate 57 stone in disturbed city rights of way, city officials have recently expressed concerns about the lime rock previously installed during city-initiated drainage projects. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Commissioner Jake Spooner have expressed concerns about the lime rock 57 stone along Bridge Street getting compacted when driven on and parked on, which reduces its drainage capabilities. Concerns have also been expressed about lime rock dust dirtying Bridge Street’s brick-like surface and getting tracked into the nearby businesses. The commission has expressed interest in possibly paving over the Bridge Street lime rock with pervious pavement, similar to what Manatee County plans to install in the Coquina Beach parking areas. Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter recently expressed concerns about the lime rock 57 stone presenting hazards to pedestrians and bicyclists. She said it can be dangerous to walk and ride along streets where there are no sidewalks and the lime rock covers both sides of the rights of way. Carter said before the lime rock was installed pedestrians and bicyclists could get off the streets and sidewalks and onto the grass if need be.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The lime rock 57 stone along Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach has been a source of conversation at recent City Commission meetings. “Where there’s no grassy area it certainly difficult to walk, and it’s almost impossible to bike on those rocky areas,” she said. Carter said she recently had a close call with a young bicyclist on Gulf Drive who was riding down the sidewalk and was forced into the lime rock between the sidewalk and the road. Carter said the rocky surface nearly caused the youngster to lose control of her bike and collide with Carter as she traveled down the roadside bike lane in the opposite direction.
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STONE: Used for right of way restoration FROM PAGE 4
to improve the drainage, but I’m very disappointed with the removal of what was a beautiful grass lawn on both sides of where we’re standing. And our paver driveway that went out to the asphalt, now we have this stone, which frankly is not attractive at all. It diminishes the appearance of the property, and I think it diminishes the appearance of the town,” he said. Anderson said he was not notified of the work in advance. “I knew nothing about it. I’ve asked our property manager and he didn’t seem to know all that much either. I got no formal notification. I assumed they were going to put the pavers back and restore the grass lawn, but it doesn’t appear that’s happening,” he said. The removed pavers are stacked on pallets and sitting around the corner in the grassy area along 36th Street.
NOT SET IN STONE
Lynn Burnett is the city engineer for all three Island cities. When asked about the new stones placed along Fourth Avenue, she said 57 stone pertains to the size of the stone, not the type of stone; and unless specified by the client, it’s up to the
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The brick paver driveway across the street from Palm Gables condominiums was also impacted by the recent right of way work. contractor to determine which type of stone is used. “Every contractor has their different vendors and suppliers, and some of them have their own machines and make their own product. Typically, they take recycled concrete materials – sidewalks and things like that – and run it through a machine that grinds it down to that stone size. "It depends on who makes it and what their source of material is as to what color
it comes out. It’s commercial grade 57 stone as defined by FDOT. It meets the required specifications,” she said. Burnett said the concrete aggregate will not produce the white dust that lime rock does. She then mentioned complaints received when non-lime rock materials were originally used for the vertical infiltration drainage trenches installed in Anna Maria a few years ago.
“When Woodruff & Sons started they had a huge amount of recycled concrete they were using, but the Anna Maria folks didn’t like it because it was darker. They wanted the white stones instead, so we changed the specs. We said Woodruff could use the other stuff below, but we wanted the white lime rock on top.” Burnett also explained why the rights of way being disturbed by Westra are not being fully restored. “They’re restoring with just the 57 stone because in October and November we’re coming right back in and doing drainage projects behind it. It didn’t make sense to put people’s driveways down just to have them taken out again. Eventually they’ll be allowed to put their driveways back in, but we have to finish the capital improvements first,” she said. Those city-initiated drainage projects will take place in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Burnett said it has not yet been determined whether the Westrainstalled concrete aggregate or newlyinstalled lime rock will serve as the surface materials for the cities’ drainage projects. She said the concrete aggregate would be used either for surface or subsurface purposes.
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OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
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APRIL 4, 2018
EDITORIAL Market more than just food
L
ike seasonal fruits and vegetables, the city of Anna Maria’s new farmer’s market is a fleeting pleasure with an expiration date: Tuesday, May 8. The market’s trial run was an experiment conducted by Mayor Dan Murphy and Deputy Clerk Debbie Haynes, with the City Commission’s blessing. The goal was to attract more people to the Pine Avenue business district while the Anna Maria City Pier remains closed. Judging by the first two markets, that’s mission accomplished. Approaching stormy weather did not dampen the initial excitement felt when the market debuted on March 20, when four vendors (two of them sharing space) set up around the shade sail at City Pier Park. The shoppers were eager and the foot-traffic was heavy, and the following week produced more vendors and more people. When expressing support for the market’s inception, Commissioner Doug Copeland lamented the lack of fresh produce on the north end of the Island. With two produce vendors on hand last week, the market provided that, but it also provided something else – a public gathering that helps foster a sense of community. The market provides a place where locals can reconnect with one another in a new and natural setting. They can also interact with the friendly visitors who are often ostracized simply for being part of a demographic known as vacation rental guests.
T
he market is an example of the mayor and city commissioners trying to support the business community, full-time residents and visitors all at the same time in a small but significant manner. Does a farmer’s market cure the city’s woes? No, it does not, but getting people to gather regularly in a city park is an effort to be saluted – and hopefully repeated on the other side of summer. Some vendors at the Anna Maria market are familiar faces at the long-running Beach Market at Coquina Beach on the south end of the Island. Chaperoned by Nancy Ambrose, the Beach Market also offers baked goods, clothing, jewelry, antiques, arts and crafts, live music, good vibes and a lovely stroll down a shaded beach trail. The Beach Market happens each Wednesday through May 9 and most Sundays through the end of July. The stock market may be a roller coaster ride, but a trip to a local market is always a sound investment.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Don't just say no I have noted the sign at the Manatee Avenue entrance to the city which says, “Welcome to Holmes Beach,” then proceeds to list a host of prohibited activities – no dogs, no alcohol, no grills, no tents, no camping. I feel this gives a very negative impression to visitors. A number of years ago, the city of Bradenton Beach put up signs at the entrances to their city with a list of nos. However, after an outcry by residents regarding the negativity of the signs, they were removed. Maybe Holmes Beach should consider doing the same. Pat Copeland Anna Maria
Thank for help with Tour There are so many businesses and people involved in the Anna Maria Tour of Homes. I will start here with my list of people who deserve recognition. I'm hoping no one will be left out. Our in home volunteers, home coordinators, photographers, home owners, The Center staff, parking attendants, shuttle drivers, musicians, Steam Design for ad design, One to One for printing of tour books, vendors at The Center on tour day, quilt makers, boutique artists, Traveling Gourmet catering, Manatee Memorial Hospital and Blake Hospital for donation of booties, CrossPointe Church, sponsors, ticket
Take The Sun Survey on Page 7. distributors, and our 700 tour goers for making the day such a success for the Island and The Center. There are also 10 very special people for whom I treasure for all of their hard work and loyal help to me – members of the Tour of Homes committee. This team consisted of Diane Phinney, Joannie Petigrew, Karen Harlee, Maureen & Bill Shuman, Sandee Pruett, Peggy Brettigan, Liz Hager, Suzanne Richardson and Heather Darling. Brookie K. Ritchie 2018 Anna Maria Island Tour of Homes chairperson
Brighter lights needed Five weeks ago, a gentleman from New England was struck by a vehicle and seriously injured in the 1000 block of Gulf Drive. This happened a few minutes before midnight. The question has been asked, "How and why could this happen?” Anyone who has driven on Gulf Drive after dark knows the answer to that question. The streetlights are so dim that very little illumination occurs. Why can't we have much brighter street lights that will obviously lower the chances of an accident? Some people ride bicycles with little or no lights and other people dress in dark clothing, which is obviously an accident waiting to happen. If these two things were to change I believe the accident rate would be reduced dramatically. Ed Saxe Bradenton Beach
SUN FACEBOOK COMMENTS On the pipeline replacement project causing more traffic snarls. Tmo Terry: Super duper great time of year to do that. Blake Heeke: This is part of a 2-year long job. Can't just stop and pick back up later. Gotta look at it
from a business stand point. Carole Flanders: As if it isn't slow enough. They should wait until September. Bill Arthur: They should do projects like this in the fall, not during tourist season.
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APRIL 4, 2018
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ON THE AGENDA
THE SUN SURVEY
PREVIOUS QUESTION: Would you like to see a ferry boat service established between Fort DeSoto and Anna Maria Island?
ANNA MARIA
HOLMES BEACH
April 10, 4 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting April 12, 6 p.m. – City Commission special meeting For information, call 7086130
April 4, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting April 4, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting April 10, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow April 13, 6 p.m. – Police Department community forum April 16, 1 p.m. – Ad-Hoc Form of Government Committee meeting For information, call 7085800
10005 GULF DRIVE
47%
Yes. It would be a great day trip as long as we didn't miss the ride back home.
BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.
April 4, 9:30 a.m. – CRA meeting April 4, 11 a.m. – Pier Team meeting April 5, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting April 10, 1 p.m. – City Commission workshop April 12, 1 p.m. – Department head meeting For information, call 7781005
53%
NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 4
THE SUN SURVEY IS NOT A SCIENTIFIC POLL AND IS USED FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY When it comes to restoring city rights of ways, what material
• Lime rock 57 stone. • Recycled concrete 57 stone. • Pervious pavement. • Grass, plants and shrubs
should they be covered with?
To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone. LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun The Anna Maria Island Sun staff
Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks
Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Dianne Martin
5801 MARINA DRIVE
ISLAND-WIDE
April 9, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Anna Maria City Hall.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
No. It would simply bring more people to our already overcrowded Island.
Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field
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Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz
Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Sean Murphy Monica Simpson
Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Painting with a fish, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 9:30 a.m., $35. Beach Market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call 941-518-4431. Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce networking luncheon, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy, Bradenton, 11:30 a.m., $15 for members or $25 for prospective members. Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon. Gulf Coast Writers, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:45 p.m. Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 2 to 4 p.m. Ambassadogs volunteer information, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 5:30 p.m.
THURSDAY APRIL 5
Veteran services information, Island Branch Library,
5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493. ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided. Reserve to 941-216-9600 or sjbrill@aol.com. Reiki I, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $75 for three-part series. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter. org or 941-383-6493. Knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m. Bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 6 to 9 p.m.
FRIDAY APRIL 6
Paddle, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Reserve to 941-742-5757 ext. 7. NEST Nature Days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 41
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APRIL 4, 2018
Waterfronn Dininn aa Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the
Pier
Tableside service with a bayside view on the Bridge Street Pier! Call(941) 778-AMOB(2662) for Beach-to-Pier Shuttle!
200 Bridge Street • Bradenton Beach, FL • OysterBar.net
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APRIL 4, 2018
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Shorebird nesting season here BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND - When you see terns two by two on the beach and snowy plovers in pairs, it’s a sure sign that shorebird nesting season is here. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers have spotted the first pair of nesting snowy plovers this spring on the north end of the Island, Director Suzi Fox said. Snowy plovers are a threatened species in Florida, as are black skimmers, which also are on the Island for nesting season. Other threatened species that nest on local beaches are the American oystercatcher and the least tern. From April 15-21, beachgoers will see Turtle Watch ATVs driving carefully up and down the beaches looking for signs of nesting, so that they can stake off nesting areas to protect the birds, which are easily frightened off their nests – sometimes for good – by people who get too close. If birds are screeching nearby, you are too close, Fox said, adding that some birds defend their territory with the best weapon they have – bird droppings.
CINDY LANE | SUN
To everything there is a season (tern, tern, tern) – a flock of royal terns frequents the north end of Anna Maria Island at Bean Point, overlooking Egmont Key.
KID INITIATIVES
To keep the beaches safer for birds and sea turtles, which will begin nesting in late April or early May, Turtle Watch volunteers will be picking up plastic beach toys abandoned on the beach and placing them in toy lending boxes at the two public beaches, Manatee and Coquina, for people to use. “Hopefully, people will use them instead of buying more plastic and leaving it on the beach,” Fox said, adding that the toys will be cleaned regularly. Beachgoers, whose kids use the toys to dig holes in the sand, should fill them in before they leave to keep people and sea turtles from falling in them, she said. To teach local schoolkids about beach wildlife, Turtle Watch plans to lend “traveling teaching trunks” full of education information to local teachers, Fox said. The organization also will be posting about 60 signs, drawn by local schoolchildren, on Island beaches instructing beachgoers about beach etiquette around wildlife, an alternative to stay off the dunes signs that people don’t seem to notice, she said. Local children’s artwork also will be featured on notecards available for purchase at Tuesday Turtle Talks at 10 a.m. at Waterline Marina Resort, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on April 10 and 24, May 8 and 22, June 5, 12, 19 and 26 and July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.
CINDY LANE | SUN
A flock of white ibis and a heron play in a puddle on the bay side of Anna Maria Island.
CINDY LANE | SUN
Sandpipers scurry for their evening snack at sunset.
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APRIL 4, 2018
Clouds don’t stop this bunny Despite scattered rain in the area, the Sandbar celebrated its 32nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the beach. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Hundreds of kids and their parents showed up for an Island tradition, the Sandbar restaurant’s annual Easter Egg Hunt. This year, they started the hunt a few minutes late to accommodate those who got stuck in traffic or delayed leaving home because of the scattered rain in the area. Instead of rain, there was a gentle, cool wind as the kids searched for plastic eggs nestled in the sand. This year, they had a smaller area roped off for kids three and under and when the announcer said “Go,” the youngest hunters had to be urged by their parents to go after the eggs. The older kids needed no urging and soon, the beach was cleared of eggs and kids. Soon after that, the crowd found the Easter Bunny, who took them down Pine Avenue to a roped off side street. Kids rolled eggs down a course for prizes, got their faces painted, spent some time with coloring books, tossed eggs into baskets for prizes and more. DJ Chuck Caudell played Easter music. His wife, Dara, took pictures of kids with the Easter Bunny. Two of them, Paisley and Teagan O’Hara, from New Jersey, found out about the celebration when they got here because they were told by their friends who rented them a home. The parents of Teddy and Elliott Thomas, of Connecticut, found out about it when they looked out the window of their rental unit above Olive Oil Outpost, where the pictures were being taken. There was food for all in the form of egg and ham rolls, juice for the kids and mimosas for the adults and pastries from Hometown Desserts. There was a drawing for a basket filled with goodies from Pine Avenue merchants. May Xo won. Then came the judging for the Easter bonnet contest. There was a remarkable array of hats ranging from colorful to wild. One hat was really two hats stacked vertically. One youngster had a bonnet made from playing cards. The adult winners were Ryan Holbrook, Nicolle Henry and Jeanie Murray and the children winners were Max Pupin; his brother, Ben; and an unidentified girl who got away before anybody could get her name. The Anna Maria Island Sun is a sponsor of the Easter Egg Hunt, the Easter Egg Roll and the Easter Bonnet Contest.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Clockwise from above: the Easter Bunny and his admirers head for more fun on Pine Avenue. Kids hunt for eggs in the sand. This year's event added an egg toss. Ed Chiles hands out a ham and cheese biscuit.This double-face hat was an attention-getter.The winning kid's entries showed a lot of color and imagination.
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APRIL 4, 2018
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Record crowd at sunrise service The 54th annual Easter Sunrise Service, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island, drew an estimated 3,000 people and the parking lot at Manatee County Public Beach filled up quickly Sunday. Holmes Beach Police were on hand, and there were no problems with the large crowd. The message was “Good news; He has risen,” and the representatives of the six Island churches worked together for a flawless show, except for a short power outage in the sound system. The full moon peeked in and out of view in the cloudy sky as the sun rose to light the enormous crowd giving thanks from paradise. At left, from left to right: Rev. Matthew Grunfeld, of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation; Rev. Ed Moss, of CrossPointe Fellowship; Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keefe, of Roser Community Church; Mathew Nowicki, St. Bernard Catholic Church director of faith formation; Rev, Stephen King, of Harvey Memorial Church; Rev. Rosemary Backer, of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Robyn Mary Kinkopf, Kiwanis Club past president; and Morgan Lawson, standing. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Worshipers of all faiths attended the 54th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Manatee County Public Beach Sunday.
FAVORITE BAR & GRILL 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 778-5788 h i h k hurricanehanks.com
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Morgan Lawson sang during the Easter Sunrise Service.
FAVORITE LIQUOR STORE 5344 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 779-2337 h i li i hurricaneliquorami.com
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Residents voice driveway construction concerns City commissioners are sympathetic to residents affected by force main work, however their options to calm concerns are limited. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – With work underway on the Manatee County Force Main Five project, residents are concerned about the impact to their residential properties. Residents Kim Rash and Richard Motzer took their concerns to city commissioners in the hopes that their and other residential driveways could be spared during construction. As construction on the force main moves through the city, workers must dig up the force main pipes, many of which lie in the city’s right of way. Rather than closing trenches and leaving the site as it was found, workers are filling the site with 57 stone, including across where driveways are disturbed by construction. City Engineer Lynn Burnett said the
reason for the 57 stone is to keep workers from tearing up the site twice when storm water improvement construction moves through the same areas. While construction on the storm water infiltration trenches has largely left driveways untouched, work on the force main requires driveway concrete or pavers to be removed and placed to the side for property owners. If the owners want to put their driveways back to their original state, but over the 57 stone, they must pay for the repairs and obtain a permit from the city. Rash said he’s spoken with residents on his road, Holmes Boulevard, who are upset at the idea of paying to reinstall their driveways without a choice about whether the damage is done in the first place. “You have to put back what they have, equal to or better,” Rash said to commissioners. Commissioner Judy Titsworth said she understands where the concern is coming from, but that it’s not fiscally responsible for commissioners to launch a project to redo the ends of the driveways for everyone
affected. With so many different materials in play she said it could make costs mount for the city. “We can’t use taxpayer funds to restore driveways because of the variations,” she said. Because the driveway ends lie in the city’s right of way, she said the city has the right to allow county workers to do the work on the force main. Motzer suggested making an exception for property owners who installed pervious driveways, including himself. If the driveways allow for storm water drainage, he argued that the infiltration trenches won’t be needed underneath the driveway surface. Burnett said now isn’t the time to have that discussion because conversations are ongoing between herself, the county and the city to find an amicable solution. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution,” she said. “We still have workshops to discuss restoration projects coming up with commissioners.” In the meantime, construction continues on both the force main and storm water improvement projects.
APRIL 4, 2018
Cultural affairs director hired Cultural Connections is hosting an informationsharing program on Wednesday, April 11, at 4 p.m. at The Studio at Gulf and Pine. Judith Tilton, Tilton the new Manatee County director of cultural affairs, will attend. This is a new position with the focus on the arts, culture and heritage assets of Manatee County. Cultural Connections is a non-profit organization that advocates the same areas on Anna Maria Island and has been responsible for the annual artsHOP weekend of events each November. Representatives from nonprofit organizations, businesses and interested people in the community are invited to attend. If there are questions, contact Joan Voyles at carvoy@aol.com.
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APRIL 4, 2018
WMFR closes in on administration building sale If the sale of the district’s administration building goes through, West Manatee fire commissioners will soon be needing a new home for staff members.
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WMFR hits pause on legislative change WMFR may be able to continue its practice of offering exemptions to some district property owners without a legislative change. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
BRADENTON – The staff at West Manatee Fire Rescue may soon be saying goodbye to the district’s administration building. After more than a year on the market, Chief Tom Sousa said he received a formal contract from the Oasis School to purchase the building. The offer came in at $1,675,000, the full asking price for the listing. Commissioners have called a special meeting for 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, to discuss an offer on the building. If everything works out as planned, he said closing could be as early as May 30. WMFR purchased the 11,156 square foot complex and renovated the interior in 2010. In late 2016, Commissioner Al Robinson brought up the possibility of selling the building and relocating administrative
THE SUN
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
After being on the market for about a year, an offer may soon be coming to purchase WMFR’s administration building on Third Avenue West in Bradenton. staff to a smaller location in the district. Issues with the continued use of the building, Robinson said, include the large size of the building compared to the small size of the district’s administrative staff and the large cost associated with the mortgage and upkeep of the facility. If the sale goes through, an option open to the staff for the short-term is to move into the upstairs of Palma Sola Presbyterian Church across the street from the administration
building on Third Avenue West in Bradenton while the search continues for a permanent home. Previously, Sousa said an invitation from the church was open to the district to rent office space for an undetermined amount of time. Though commissioners are seeking a new office space, the home of the district’s administrative staff no plans are being made to move the offices off the mainland to Anna Maria Island.
BRADENTON – After meeting with attorney Jim Dye, Chief Tom Sousa recommends West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners hit pause on an attempt to seek legislative change to allow exemptions to non-ad valorem fire assessments. Dye appeared before commissioners in February with an opinion from the office of the Florida Attorney General stating that fire districts do not have the authority to offer exemptions to annual assessment fees. The opinion disrupted a system in place since the founding of WMFR in 2000 where district leadership offers assessment exemptions to everyone who receives a tax exemption, including churches, the disabled, and disabled veterans, along with properties owned by governmental agencies. During the meeting, Dye expressed concern that commissioners may not be able to continue offering the exemptions and, now that they have the attorney general opinion, may be opening themselves up to a lawsuit if the exemptions continue. In order to continue offering exemptions, a practice commissioners feel strongly about continuing, Dye said a minor change may be required in the district’s local legislation while a change a the state level may be required to the enabling legislation for special districts. Because the district’s commissioners set the fire assessment rates by resolution each year, rather than having rates written into the enabling legislation, Dye said he needs more time to review the law and the attorney general’s opinion before commissioners take any action on the validation of their exemption process. After the February commission meeting, Sousa drafted a letter to send to all affected property owners in the district, estimated at about 200, explaining the situation and notifying the owners they may have to pay fire assessments in 2018. Now, Dye is recommending the district’s leadership operate as usual in developing this year’s tax roll to present to the Manatee County property assessor’s office and continue offering exemptions until further notice. Though commissioners did reach a consensus to draft the letter, no formal vote was taken on sending the letters or altering this year’s tax roll. Without a vote to rescind, commissioners agreed to hold on taking any further action and wait for Dye’s final legal opinion. Commissioner George Harris said he’s concerned about backlash from district property owners if the notice letter is sent out and the attorney finds no changes need to be made to continue granting the exemptions. “We need to give the attorney more time,” he said. “We’ll just leave it at the status quo,” Sousa agreed.
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BUSINESS
APRIL 4, 2018
Get framed in style by Karly Carlson BY LOUISE BOLGER
KARLY CARLSON
SUN STAFF WRITER
D
id you ever consider how important frames are in our lives? They hold our children’s baby pictures, graduation pictures and wedding pictures. They hold our irreplaceable documents, diplomas, marriage licenses and school report cards. They create memory walls and designer spaces in our homes. That’s why it’s so important to find just the perfect frame for just the perfect effect. Karly Carlson has been taking pictures and providing framing services on both on and off Anna Maria Island since 1987, when she relocated to Florida from Madison, Wis. For many years, the focus of her photography business has been on beach weddings and beach portraits which she is well known for. And although photography is still her first passion, she is starting to expand her full-service framing business to meet the needs of local residents. Carlson points out that she is the only custom framer on the Island and just off the Island. In her, by appointment only, boutique framing shop in Holmes Beach she has an impressive collection of frame styles and colors appropriate for both casual and formal framing. She particularly loves frames with a whimsical flair that spotlights the
PHOTOGRAPHY & CUSTOM FRAMING 941-726-8000 By appointment Cash and checks accepted www.karlycarlson.com
Karly Carlson works in her photography and framing studio.
Island vibe. She instinctively knows through years of experience what works best with the artwork and photographs her customers provide. Part of what she loves best about framing is all the great artwork and interesting clients she gets to see and
meet. Framing also involves a certain amount of education and guidance in order to bring out the best qualities of the piece being framed. Carlson has a lively year-round business and is very accommodating. Customers can drop off pieces
to be framed, and she will be more than happy to deliver them to their home when completed and can work with a quick turn around time. She gets that the island life lends itself to being flexible, and because of this, has a very loyal and repeat customer base resulting in receiving the Anna Maria Island Sun Readers’ Choice award for framing for three years. This upbeat and energetic woman isn’t even close to retirement. She loves what she does, is easy to work with and makes sure she is always kind to everyone. Why would you turn over such an important piece of your life to just anyone? Whether it’s framing or photography, keep your toes in the sand on beautiful Anna Maria and call Carlson.
APRIL 4, 2018
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Concession funds request advances A joint request for dispersal of surplus concession funds was unanimously approved by Holmes Beach commissioners. The funds, held by Manatee County, are excess funds created by the two concession stands at county beaches on Anna Maria Island. If county commissioners approve of the use, funds can be requested jointly by the Island cities for one-time projects. Currently, the fund is at over $1.4 million. Holmes Beach commissioners are asking for $342,290 for improvement projects along with $33,333.33 for capital improvement projects at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The total ask from all three cities is $1,073,520. Once the request passes the other two Island city commissions, it goes before county commissioners for a vote before any funds can be released.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Sandless blankets Paul and Kathleen Steverger cut the ribbon at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce for their business, SandlessBlanket.com. Their product prevents beachgoers from getting sand in their homes because sand goes through its special weave. Just shake the towel outdoors to get rid of the sand. For more information, call them at 473-208-0020 or check online at sandlessblanket.com.
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Peaches and fences – part two BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN
T
he thing about part two is that you should read part one. It’s like breakfast. It’s a serial. I grew up on a small cove in Nova Scotia surrounded by an extended Irish family that loved me and cared for me. We all drank a boatload of 7up because my Uncle George owned the distributorship. The 7up Uncle George drank was more of an amber colour. My grandfather and Uncle George had used a legal principle called adverse possession to carve off three feet of neighbor McGillicuddy’s peach grove. Grandad built a house three feet onto McGillicuddy’s property and then, years later, Uncle George built a fence to the corner of that house – three feet over onto McGillicuddy’s property. My relatives lived around the open, deeper end of Deadman’s Cove. There was constant warfare among the kids in the cove.
The Irish question was involved. The shallow enders weren’t big on Catholics. More dangerous than a Protestant from the shallow end of the cove was a city Protestant. City Protestants fought dirty, and they all had big brothers with cars. The cars were a major advantage. It was like they had cavalry. The worst city Protestants were the Cleary brothers. They were full-blown hoodlums. We were about 12. We were hanging out at the boat club on the point across from the cove, and the Clearys pulled up in a convertible. We were toast. It was humiliating. They pushed us around and stole the quarters from cousin Timmy’s penny loafers and gave cousin Mikie a wet willie. All we could do was suck it up and plan vengeance. Minutes later vengeance was ours. We were squatting in McGillicuddy’s peach grove when they drove from the boat club up the winding curve toward the main road. It was the grassy knoll. The bullies and their convertible were a slowmoving, unobstructed target. Our position was perfect. We had height. We knew the battleground.
The bank down to the drive between us and them was steep enough to cover our retreat. We each threw three of McGillicuddy’s peaches. We raked them from stem to stern. All of our peaches landed inside that car. Most of the hits were mushy splats, but there were a couple of good solid thuds. There was an eruption of cussing and screeching of tires. We ran with the speed that only terror can inspire. Hoodlums were not police. They did not take you home to your parents. They beat the bejeezuz out of you. I was racing for Uncle George’s fence. Once I cleared that fence I was safe. I knew my three BIG cousins were in the yard. They were the three BIG cousins that every fleeing warrior prayed for. Cousin Fred was a Mountie. He was home from RCMP training camp where they had taught him how to kill people with his bare hands. Cousin Tommy was the proverbial brick out house. Cousin Pat was lanky and tough like stainless steel spaghetti strung together and he was one of the best dirty fighters anywhere.
I thought I had the Clearys beat because they had to climb up the bank by the boat club. I realized they had swung their car up around the peach grove and were cutting me off. Their cavalry had turned my flank. I was doing a full tilt boogie toward George’s fence when the convertible slid to a stop a few feet away. Joey Cleary launched a flying tackle from the car. I leaped for the fence. I cleared the fence and Joey by a whisper. Like Wellington said at Waterloo, “It was a damn near thing.” By the time the gang climbed the fence that my Uncle George had built three feet over onto McGillicuddy’s property, and turned the corner of the house my grandfather had built, I was waiting, gasping, in front of my three BIG cousins. The Clearys beat an ignominious and hasty retreat. Uncle George was watching from my grandmother’s porch with a little amber 7up and a big smile on his face. I am certain that grandad was smiling down from the next place with a little amber 7up of his own. Their visionary conspiracy had moved that fence three feet closer to my leap for life.
Surfside … Anna Maria Island
“Best Restaurant in America” 4.9 out of 5 ZAGAT stars One of only 11 in the entire country
941.778.6444 www.BeachBistro.com
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APRIL 4, 2018
Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH
SUNDAY WORSHIP
8:30 AM and 10:00 AM Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service
IN THE SANCTUARY 10:00 AM Nursery & Church School 8:45 AM Adult Sunday School 9:00 AM Adult Book Study
A NON-DENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria
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941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch
CINDY LANE | SUN
Anna Maria Island’s beaches will benefit from the state 2018-19 fiscal year budget.
Beaches to benefit from state budget BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
CITY ISLAND – Florida’s beaches and red tide research are among the beneficiaries of the nearly $89 billion state fiscal year 2018-19 budget that Gov. Rick Scott approved in March, he announced at Mote Marine Laboratory last week. While agriculture accounts for a large portion – more than $1.7 billion – of the $4 billion environmental budget component, beaches, parks, springs, the Everglades and other initiatives receive significant investment, up slightly from the 2017-18 budget. A record $100 million is budgeted for beach restoration – $50 million for beach and dune restoration, beach renourishment and other coastal restoration projects and $50 million for the state’s share of beach restoration due to Hurricane Irma damage in 2017. Another $3.6 million is set aside for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) new Florida Resilient Coastline Initiative, which will assist local governments with sea level rise planning, coastal resilience projects and protection of coral reef health, including Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration Initiative. The budget allows $500,000 for Mote’s coral initiative in coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), DEP, and others. In combination with a similar 2018 state investment, Mote scientists hope to restore 50,000 corals by 2019, with a goal to eventually restore 1 million corals and increase living coral reefs by 25 percent, according to Mote officials. With the environment being the primary tourist attraction in the state, “These investments aren’t just a
positive step in support of our environment, but a strong investment in Florida’s economy,” Mote Marine Laboratory President and CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby said.
RED TIDE
The budget also includes $1.6 million for a red tide research program between Mote and FWRI to “strengthen research, education and outreach efforts, including development of new technologies for mitigation, clean-up, control and community reporting of red tides, rapid assessment for bloom forecasting, public health protection with expansion of Mote’s Beach Conditions Reporting System and expanded research into the effects of red tide on commercial fisheries,” Crosby said. “Red tides in Florida negatively impact our environment and economy by killing fish, harming marine mammals, closing shellfish harvest areas, deterring tourists from visiting Gulf coastlines, causing beachgoers to cough and sneeze due to airborne toxins and even sending people with chronic respiratory disorders to hospital emergency rooms,” he said. “Mote’s world-class independent research enterprise is designed to address such threats and benefit Florida’s natural ecosystems.” Other environmental budget beneficiaries are: Water quality – $460 million Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, dike repair – $355 million Natural lands, Florida Forever – $172 million Springs – $55 million Parks – $50 million Water infrastructure – $50 million Wildfire prevention, firefighter raises – $3 million
THE “BRONZED” GULF BLACK GROUPER
I’m an Original
The Seafood Shack Marina, Bar & Grill has been a Cortez landmark since 1972. Accessible by both land and sea, the Seafood Shack has a 68-slip marina, a bar & grill with an outdoor waterfront patio and a 7,000 square foot event space. The Seafood Shack’s mission is to ensure that each and every guest receives fast and friendly service, to always sell fresh, delicious seafood and to preserve that Old Florida Feeling. We are truly proud to be an Original! Chef Gerard Jesse, Seafood Shack Marina, Bar & Grill
The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is a group of locally owned restaurants who share a passion for dining excellence and commitment to our community.
eatlikealocal.com 15 South Ristorante • Amore Restaurant • Andrea’s • Anna Maria Oyster Bar • Arts & Eats Restaurant and Gallery • Beach House • The Bijou Café • Birdrock Taco Shack • Blasé Café & Martini Bar • Blu’ Island Bistro • Blue Marlin Seafood • Bridge Street Bistro • Café Baci • Café Gabbiano • Café Venice • Cassariano Italian Eatery • Cedar Reef Fish Camp • Chaz 51 Bistro • Ciao! Italia • The Crow’s Nest • Drunken Poet Café • Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. • enRich Bistro • Euphemia Haye • Fast N Fresh • Fins at Sharky’s • Gold Rush BBQ • Gulf Drive Café and Kokonut Hut • Harry’s Continental Kitchens • JPAN Restaurant • Lobster Pot • MADE Restaurant • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub • Mattison’s Forty - One • mi Pueblo • Michael John’s • Michael’s On East • Miguel’s Restaurant • Oasis Café & Bakery • Ophelia’s On The Bay • Ortygia Restaurant • Pacific Rim • Paradise Grill • PIER 22 Restaurant • Polo Grill & Bar • Pop’s Sunset Grill • Primo! Ristorante • Riverhouse Reef & Grill • Roessler’s Restaurant • Salute! Ristorante • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits • Seafood Shack Marina, Bar & Grill • Siesta Key Oyster Bar • State Street Eating House • Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse • Tsunami • Village Cafe • The Waterfront Restaurant
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APRIL 4, 2018
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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Day dock in limbo City officials in Bradenton Beach are still waiting for Technomarine to deliver and install a new day dock next to the historic Bridge Street Pier. In mid-February, Pier Team facilitator Sam Speciale received an updated construction schedule that said mobilization would begin near the pier between March 19-23, but that did not happen. Delivery of the pre-manufactured dock sections was expected by Friday, April 6, and installation was expected to take place April 9-27. The delayed dock will likely be discussed at the April 4 Pier Team meeting. If and when installed, it would replace the storm damaged floating dock removed last summer.
CHANTELLE LEWIN | SUN
Stuck on Palm This car got stuck and bogged down in the right of way along Palm Avenue last week and had to be towed out after the water from a heavy rain subsided. The incident occurred in an area where city stormwater work was taking place.
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APRIL 4, 2018
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
This vacation rental on 12th Street North was the first to be cited for not having a Transient Public Lodging Establishment license.
NC RIE XPE
BRADENTON BEACH – Code Enforcement Officer Gail Garneau has issued the city’s first notice of violation for the failure to obtain a city-issued Transient Public Lodging Establishment (TPLE) license. The notice of violation was issued to Janet Wagner on March 21 for the two-unit vacation rental she owns and operates at 109 12th St. N. The city’s new vacation rental registration program took effect March 19. Garneau simultaneously issued Wagner a second notice of violation for not obtaining a city-issued business tax receipt license before engaging in rental-related business endeavors. The city’s business tax license requirement has been in place for several years. Garneau said the enforcement matter was triggered by a complaint about pos-
sta lE
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amsun.com
IQU EC oa
BY JOE HENDRICKS
sible maintenance code violations made by a guest. The corrective actions listed in the notice of violation require Wagner to apply for and pay for a TPLE license and a business tax license within seven days of the notices being issued. “Failure to correct this matter will result in the scheduling of a hearing before the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate,” the notice says. In addition to potentially being fined for continued unresolved code violations, Wagner could be made responsible for the city’s special master and court costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees and administrative costs. The notice of violation notes that vacation rental owners and operators who have not yet obtained the required city licenses can find the application forms online at www.cityofbradentonbeach. com. Those with questions about the licensing processes can also contact City Treasurer Shayne Thompson at 941-778-1005. “Please govern yourself according,” the notice of violation concludes.
UN
Vacation rental owners and operators are now required to have two city-issued licenses.
ES
First rental violation cited
Waterfront Dining & Boaters Welcome Home of RumDay Monday
Sustainably-Sourced Seafood
FOR FULL MENU OF OFFERINGS VISIT OUR WEBSITE
APRIL 4, 2018
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TOM VAUGHT | SUN
From left, Manatee County has hired Callie Hutchison as the children's services librarian and Liz Williams as head librarian at th Island Branch Library.
New hires at Island Branch Library Both women are familiar with the Island Branch Library. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Manatee County has filled two vacancies at the Island Branch Library, and both are familiar with the Island facility. Liz Williams was hired to replace Island head librarian Inez Tamanaha, who retired after six and a half years here. Williams comes from Palm Beach County, Fla. She hails originally from Ohio. Before Palm Beach County, she worked at Manatee County’s Main Library in downtown Bradenton with Ava Ehde, who held the Island post before assuming the position of head of the Manatee County Library Services Department. Williams said friends got in touch with her when the Island position became
open. In her first week, she said she’s gotten positive feedback from library users. “Lots of people introduced themselves to me. A lot of them are Friends of the Island Library members,” she said. “I’m looking forward to meeting more visitors in the future.” Children’s service librarian Callie Hutchison recently earned her master’s degree in library science from Florida State University while she worked at Braden River Library. At one point, she lived on the Island and commuted to the mainland, and she said she is now commuting from the mainland to the Island. She replaces Trudy Hill Bell, who also retired. “I enjoyed meeting the people my first week, and I look forward to meeting more,” she said. “I also look forward to preschool story time on Tuesdays and all facets of our children’s programming.”
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APRIL 4, 2018
Center resolution satisfies commission On March 22, Anna Maria Commissioner Brian Seymour read aloud the new resolution adopted by The Center of Anna Maria Island’s board of directors. The resolution states the Center’s commitment to transparency with the city regarding the Center’s financial and operating records. “I think it’s an important step to putting last year’s stuff behind us and moving forward towards a positive relationship with them,� Seymour said. He was referencing past concerns the mayor and commission had about records sharing by an organization that operates on land leased from the city. City Attorney Becky Vose drafted the resolution language and the Center’s attorney, Scott Rudacille, reviewed it. Seymour is the commission’s new Center liaison and he recently attended his first Center board meeting in that capacity.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Commissioner Brian Seymour reads the Center’s transparency resolution to his fellow commissioners.
Turtle time
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox held a spring training meeting on Monday, March 26, at Waterline Marina Resort and Club. She told the nearly 100 volunteers that they need to be prepared for the sea turtle nesting season that begins May 1 and runs through October. She said they would meet monthly on the second Tuesday of each month. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
LET’S TALK ABOUT HUMIDITY CONTROLS!
Are you going away and closing your home, even for a short while? Help prevent mildew formation with a dehumidistat. It works with your existing thermostat to turn your system on only when the two humidity forming conditions, heat and humidity, are met.
For only $188, you can buy “peace of mind.� Price includes installation and sales tax.
AUCE Fish Fry 1st Sunday Each Month AUCE Snow Crab 2nd Sunday Each Month
Lobster Boil 3rd Sunday Each Month Slicker's Pig Roast 4th Sunday Each Month
Waterfront Tiki Bar on Sarasota Bay Wed. 3/4 - Tanya & Matt 6PM Thurs. 3/5 Blues Jam w/Jason Haram 7PM
Fri. 3/6 - Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones 7PM Sat. 3/7 - Tim Chandler 12-4 Memphis Rub 7PM Sun. 3/8 - Tim Chandler 12-4 Dr. Dave Band 6:30-9:30 Mon. 3/9 - Natural Vibes 5:30PM Tues. 3/10 - Ted Stevens 6PM
Lunch Specials Daily
4628 119th St W Cortez (941)798-2035 swordfishgrill.com Marker 49 by boat
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941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH
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OUTDOORS
APRIL 4, 2018
Generation next A
cool wind ruffled the waters of the Manatee River and clouds scudded overhead as we left the relative calm of Warner’s Bayou and the 59th Street boat ramp. These were less than ideal conditions for a fly caster but that didn’t dampen the spirits of 18-year-old Hunter Brasington. Steve Traves, owner of AMI Outfitters on Anna Maria, introduced me to Brasington. Hunter had been frequenting the shop, and Traves had been impressed with his enthusiasm. Besides being passionate about fly fishing he is also an avid fly tier and has experienced the excitement of catching a fish on one of his own creations. A senior in high school in Gainesville, he vacations on the Island with his family several months a year. When he’s at home in Gainesville, he fishes for redfish around Cedar Key in his Hell’s Bay Guide flats boat that he’s had since he was a freshman in high school. Today we were fishing from Traves Beavertail flats boat. Besides the opportunity to get Brasington on the water, the trip was a chance for me to meet him and learn about
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS an internship he was pursuing with Traves. Brasington’s senior project for his business major requires him to work in a trade for 40 hours. The idea is to experience a career interest. AMI Outfitters is a perfect location for him because he wants to work in and maybe eventually own a fly shop. Besides the 40 hours, he also is required to create a blog around his interest and give a presentation. I was immediately struck with the enthusiasm he showed for whatever the day might bring and pleasantly surprised when I queried him and he related to me his passion for fly fishing. Like so many anglers, he had started out fishing with bait and artificial lures and had carefully explored the haunts of the snook, redfish, tarpon and trout that ply local waters. He also had made the switch to fly
fishing relishing the challenge after becoming bored chasing tarpon with live crabs on conventional tackle. What really impressed me was the fact that he had made the switch far earlier in his fishing career than most anglers. As it turns out that’s becoming more common as younger anglers become interested in fly fishing, a big change from just a few years ago. His dad isn’t a fly fisherman but is an avid angler. It was a trip to the Everglades with a guide that really caused him to make the switch to fly fishing. “I was pretty bad when I started out,” he said “but by the end of the day I was doing a lot better. After that trip I didn’t touch a spinning rod for two years. When I’ve been out a couple of times and haven’t caught anything I go to the internet and watch a fishing video. That keeps me interested.” The weather eventually improved, and we were able to do some sight fishing in Terra Ceia Bay. During the day, we took turns on the bow, and although we didn’t have much luck in the catching department, everyone enjoyed the opportunity to get some shots at
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Hunter Brasington casts to a redfish on a shoreline in Terra Ceia Bay. snook and redfish. That’s the beauty of fly fishing, that you can have a great day on the water even though you don’t actually bring a fish to the boat. It was a pleasure getting to know Hunter and encouraging to see that someone so young is committed to fly fishing and protecting the resource. I’m sure if he stays on the same track, he’ll have a bright fly fishing future. He couldn’t have better mentor than Traves.
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APRIL 4, 2018
THE SUN
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It’s a great month for snook CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE
The water is heating up around Anna Maria Island. This means the inshore fishing is heating up right along with it. High tides and warm temps in the afternoon have made the bite very good. I’m fishing the shallower flats for snook and the occasional redfish. Snook season is open until the end of April, and these fish are on the radar. These fish must be over 28 inches and under 32 inches. So getting a slot fish isn’t easy and not always accomplished in every trip. But even the small ones put up a heck of a fight. There’s starting to be a few cobia showing up as well. As spring progresses, I expect to catch quite a few more of these tasty fish. It’s always exciting to see a big cobia before it eats your bait. The melee that ensues is a blast. I really look forward to these fish. They’re a sure sign of spring.Tight lines.
CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT
This is a great month for snook on shallow flats or around lighted docks and bridges in the ICW at night. Reds and trout also will be more active as the water warms and baitfish become more plentiful. You might find Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano in passes or on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Look for Spanish mackerel, false albacore (little tunny), cobia and tripletail in the coastal Gulf this month. Tarpon also should make an appearance in back country areas and in the coastal Gulf later in the month. Tarpon will become more plentiful this month as resident fish make their way out of rivers and creeks and early arriving migratory fish begin to show along beaches, particularly by the end of the month. Water temperature in the Gulf is a key factor, with 80 degrees being an optimum temperature. As the water warms towards that, fish will become more plentiful. Resident fish may be rolling on deep grass flats in some of the same places that you find trout, laid up on edges of shallow grass flats or along sandbars. Spin anglers might score with a DOA Shrimp, Baitbuster or 4-inch CAL Shad Tail, while fly anglers might connect with a black Deceiver or Tarpon Bunny fly. Keep your tarpon tackle,
CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED
Eric Simpson, of Syracuse, shows off an oversized redfish caught with Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters. rigged and ready, this time of year so you’re able to take advantage of any opportunity that arises. Snook season remains open this month, but will close on April 30 (full regulations can be found at www.myfwc.com). Personally, I’ll continue to ask clients to release them since they are such a magnificent gamefish, and slot-size snook are still relatively hard to come by. They should be staging on flats, around sand and oyster bars, on points of islands and around docks and bridges close to passes in the ICW. Spin anglers should score with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails including the new 4” CAL Shad, DOA Baitbusters and Airheads or surface walking top water plugs. Fish the edges of bars and potholes when the tide is low and mangrove shorelines or points of islands when the tide is high. You’ll also find snook around docks and bridges in the ICW. Night snook fishing should be productive with small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow fly, CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms, DOA Shrimp and Tiny TerrorEyz. Fish peak tidal flows for the best action. Docks and bridges in the ICW from Sarasota to the Venice Inlet are usually productive for snook in the spring
Reds will spend more time feeding on shallow flats due to more plentiful bait. I am seeing a decline in reds and big trout in shallow water in many of the areas that I fish, which makes them even harder to catch with lures and flies. Look for them in potholes, the edges of bars and around docks when the tide is low. You should find them higher on flats over shallow grass or around mangrove shorelines when the tide is high. I like a 1/16-oz CAL jig with a shad tail or jerk worm for reds in shallow water. They are easy to fish in shallow water, come in multiple colors and are a good way to find reds. My Grassett Flats Minnow is my go to fly for reds. It fishes well in shallow water and its bend back design makes it very weedless. You may also find big trout in skinny water in many of the same places that you find reds. The same lures, flies and techniques used to find and catch reds will also work for big trout. I like the flats of Tampa Bay and Gasparilla Sound for reds and big trout in April. Trout should be plentiful on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. I like to drift and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails or DOA Deadly Combos. Fly anglers should score with weighted flies on sink tip fly lines. I tie Clousers with Ultra Hair on long shank hooks so that they are durable and will hold up to toothy and rough mouth fish. Deep grass flats with a good tidal flow, like the Middleground, Radio Tower and Marina Jack flats, are usually good due to their close proximity to passes and good tidal flow. You might also find blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano or flounder mixed with trout on deep grass flats. The same lures, flies and techniques that you use to find trout on deep grass will work for these species, too. You’ll need to tip your leader with wire or heavy fluorocarbon when blues and mackerel are around. I prefer heavy fluorocarbon and long shank hooks whenever possible, since that usually won’t affect the trout bite. Blues and mackerel usually don’t feed on the surface in the bay like they do in the open Gulf, but you may see bait showering or boils indicating fast moving fish, feeding just below the surface. Pompano may skip when you run or drift past them, giving their location away. When that happens, circle back upwind and drift the area. Flounder are often found in potholes, on the edges of bars or on mud bottom. There should be good action in the coastal Gulf this month with Spanish and king mackerel, false albacore (little tunny), cobia and tripletail. Look for Spanish mackerel or albies feeding on the surface. You might find tripletail or cobia around crab trap floats. Your tarpon spin or fly tackle can do double duty for cobia and medium spinning tackle or an 8 or 9-weight fly rod will cover everything else. Artificial reefs or natural areas of hard bottom may hold any of these species. When fishing these areas you will need to get your lure, fly or bait down in the water column to the level where fish are located. April is one of my favorite months. There should be good action in Sarasota Bay on both shallow and deep grass flats, in the coastal Gulf for mackerel, albies, cobia and tripletail and with tarpon by the end of the month. I like early season tarpon, since they are usually aggressive, but there should be lots of other options, too. Whatever you choose to do, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit.
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APRIL 4, 2018
Special master supports variance request If approved by city commissioners, the variance request would allow for another full-time city resident. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Special master Lisa Gonzalez Moore has ruled in favor of a variance request for an exterior chair lift that would allow a former March of Dimes poster child to move to Bradenton Beach. The variance request now requires the four-fifths, supra-majority support of the five-member City Commission. The request is not included on the agenda for the commission’s Thursday, April 5, meeting. Wanda Kandel recently became a full-time resident of Bradenton Beach. She owns and resides in the top floor of the three-unit condominium home located at 1105 Gulf Dr. S. She rents out her second-floor unit and the other second floor unit is owned by someone else. Kandel requested the setback variance during the March 12 special master hearing that Moore presided over. Kandel told Moore she sought a variance for a side yard setback reduction so a wheelchair accessible exterior chair lift can be installed alongside the house on the north side of the property. The lift would allow Kandel’s sister, Barbara Mayer, to move into the third-floor home with her. Kandel said Mayer was diagnosed with polio as a youngster and served as a March of Dimes poster girl in 1953. She brought a copy of the photo used in that poster to the hearing. Mayer is now 65, becoming more reliant on the use of a wheelchair and living part-time with a family member in Georgia. If approved by city commissioners, Kandel’s variance request would allow the vertical chair lift
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Bradenton Beach resident Wanda Kandel explains her variance request to the special master. A variance is being sought that would allow a vertical chair lift to be installed near the stairwell on the north side of this residential structure on Gulf Drive South. to extend 5 ½ feet into the required 10-foot side yard setback. There is already an uncovered exterior stairwell in that location that complies with city code. In her March 23 written ruling, Moore expressed support the granting of a variance because the lift would be similar to the existing stairway and would not constitute a fixture or an addition to the main structure. In response to a request Mayor John Chappie made at the March hearing, Moore included a stipulation that states the variance, if granted, would not run in perpetuity with the land. The stipulation would allow the city to revoke and terminate the variance if the land is sold and the title is transferred to a new owner. “The city shall have the right to seek further review of the appropriateness of this conditional grant of variance and may demand the applicant or agent acting on the applicant’s behalf to remove the vertical platform lift or otherwise preserve the side yard setback,” Moore’s ruling says.
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In 2015, city voters adopted a charter amendment put forth by the charter review committee that requires supra-majority commission approval for all variances, special exceptions, rezoning requests and the vacation of rights of way. Prior to the adoption of that charter amendment, the contracted special master could approve or deny variance requests. Variances like the one Kandel seeks could become a thing of the past if the Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods (KORN) political action committee succeeds in its quest for a new charter amendment that would prohibit any new construction other than stormwater and drainage elements from encroaching into side yard setbacks.
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Rental regulations require side yard trash service for some Bradenton Beach’s new vacation rental regs took effect March 19. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amsun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City staff is now implementing, enforcing and working out the kinks in the city’s new vacation rental regulations and the accompanying registration program that took effect March 19. The new regulations require some rental owner/operators to arrange for side yard trash pickup service, but some may not be aware of these new requirements. According to City Treasurer Shayne Thompson, 191 shortterm rental owners/operators had registered as of March 22. The vacation rental ordinance and accompanying Transient Public Lodging Establishment (TPLE) resolution that established the registration and renewal fees were adopted last summer. Copies of these documents were included in the information and noticing packets sent to all known Bradenton Beach property owners in November. The packets included application forms and a list of owner/ agent requirements, but that list of requirements did not mention side yard trash pickup. The only reference to side yard trash pickup is in the ordinance itself. Those who did not read the entire ordinance may not know about the new trash requirements that apply to certain rental properties. Therefore, they could be subjected warnings or citations issued by Code Enforcement Officer Gail Garneau. “We’re aware of this, and we will be updating the application form. Anyone that has already registered will be notified,” Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale recently last week. Speciale said a staff meeting was being scheduled so staff can discuss any concerns that have arisen during the implementation of the new rental regulations.
VACATION RENTAL REQUIREMENTS When developing the rental
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Bradenton Beach’s new vacation rental regulations include side yard trash pickup requirements designed to reduce the number of trash cans left curbside at vacation rental homes. regulations last summer, several citizens, city commissioners and Planning and Zoning Board members expressed concerns about trash cans affiliated with vacation rental homes being left at the curb for several days. City code requires trash cans to be brought in by 8 p.m. on the day of pickup. Side yard trash pickup alleviates the need for trash receptacles to be placed at the curb. For an additional fee, Waste Pro personnel will retrieve the trash receptacles from alongside the home or structure and return the emptied receptacles to those same locations. Bradenton Beach’s new side yard trash pickup requirements do not apply to vacation rental properties that are already exempt from the city’s new TPLE regulations and licensing requirements because they are located in the planned development, mixed-use, limited commercial or general commercial zoning districts. The new side yard pickup requirements do not pertain to short-term rentals located in R-1 and R-2 residential zones, if the property owner lives in part of the home or duplex, or the property has onsite management at least six hours a day. Vacation rentals located in the residential zones are, however, still required to have a cityissued Transient Public Lodging Establishment license and are subject to the new rental regulations. All vacation rentals in the city, regardless of their zoning district, are required to have a cityissued vacation rental business tax license and a state-issued
vacation rental license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
SIDE YARD SERVICE
When contacted recently, Waste Pro route manager Bob Baublitz and Office Manager Ranell Bradfield said side yard pickup service costs $29.96 per month for one trash receptacle can and one recycling receptacle. Each additional side yard service trash receptacle costs $13.50 a month. Each additional side yard service recycling receptacle costs $10 per month. Baublitz said standard curbside service costs approximately $17 a month. Baublitz said Waste Pro has approximately 800 side yard trash pickup accounts in Holmes Beach and his company is aware of the new regulations in Bradenton Beach. He said Waste Pro personnel will not go into garages or carports or behind privacy fences to retrieve trash and recycling receptacles. The receptacles must be placed in a visible and easily accessible location. Ranell said Waste Pro currently has approximately 55 side yard trash accounts in Bradenton Beach, and almost all of those were in effect before the city sent out the notification packets in November. The city of Anna Maria requires side yard pickup for all non-homesteaded properties. To obtain side yard trash pickup in Bradenton Beach, call Waste Pro at 941-355-9600. If you have questions as to whether you require the service contact the city clerk at 941-7781005.
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BEACH BEAT ANNA MARIA
3/24, possession of drugs, Gulf Drive at Magnolia Avenue. The deputy stopped the driver for running a stop sign and driving erratically. He smelled the odor of burnt marijuana and conducted a search of the defendant’s truck, finding some in a box. He arrested the suspect. 3/25, theft, 700 block of Jacaranda Road. A rented bike was stolen from the yard overnight. 3/27, lost item, 100 block of Crescent Drive. A trash can is missing. 3/28, lost item, 200 block of Palm Avenue. Two Waste Management trash cans are missing.
HOLMES BEACH
3/22, battery, shoplifting, Jessie’s Island Store, 5424 Marina Drive. A store clerk was attacked by a shoplifting suspect. He hit the female clerk before he got away. See complete story on Page 1 of today's Sun. 3/23, theft, Gulf Sands Condo, 4200 Gulf Drive. Bike stolen. 3/23, driving with no license, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the driver for making an illegal turn. He had no license and spoke little English. The officer called the car owner to come get it
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and wrote the driver traffic citations. 3/24, driving with no license, speeding, 500 Manatee Ave. The officer clocked the suspect at 50 mph in a 35 mph zone and stopped her. She had a suspended license, and the officer ticketed her. 3/24, larceny, 100 block of 81st Street. A white sign with Salty Margarita painted on it was stolen from above the garage door. 3/24, driving with no license, 5300 Marina Drive. The officer ran a computer check and found the car’s owner had no license or ID. He stopped her and found out she had a warrant for her arrest. 3/24, criminal mischief, Small Town Creamery, 5404 Marina Drive. The owner said two white males damaged his ice cream cone sculpture. He has a video recording of the incident. 3/25, noise violation, 606 Dundee Lane. The officer found loud noise at a party in and outside the house. He talked with a person in the house. He explained the noise law and gave her a citation. 3/25, noise violation, 207 N. Harbor Drive. The officer was dispatched to the home and found a party outside with people yelling and screaming. The neighbors came out and said they were sick and tired of the noise. The officer talked with one of the renters and gave her a summons. 3/26, driving with no license, 4000 Gulf
APRIL 4, 2018
Drive. The officer ran a computer check on the suspect’s plate and found he had no license. He was issued a summons. 3/26, driving with no license, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer ran a computer check on the suspect’s plate and found he had no license. He was issued a summons. 3/27, animal noise code violation, 500 block of 77th Street. The officer answered a
complaint of dogs barking excessively. He saw two small and two large dogs barking. He knocked on the door and nobody answered. All that time, the dogs were barking. He looked inside a window and saw signs somebody was there. He tried the door, and it was unlocked, so he entered and found a woman inside. She said she was dog sitting. He issued a noise citation to her.
SUBMITTED
Jamaican wedding Emily Brown, Tracy Cibischino, Mat and Chris Brown and Montana Cibischino enjoy The Sun and the sunny weather on their trip to Negril, Jamaica, to attend the March 10 wedding of Chris Brown and his bride, Anna (not pictured.)
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APRIL 4, 2018
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Farmer’s market expands in week two Anna Maria’s city-sponsored farmer’s market will continue through Tuesday, May 8. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city’s farmer’s market is growing. On Tuesday, March 27, the new market’s second week of operations included a second produce vendor, a new herb vendor and a new vendor selling citrus grown in his own backyard. The weather was beautiful, and the shoppers were plentiful underneath the sail shade in City Pier Park that created a market in the round kind of vibe. Making his first appearance at the Anna Maria market, Tony Martinez, from Palmetto-based Milagro Produce, brought a large supply of produce that included tomatoes, peppers, yellow squash, butternut squash, zucchini, potatoes, radishes, onions, fresh ginger, grapes and more. When asked if sales were good, Martinez said, “Yes sir. We’re going to be bringing about three times more stuff next week.” Martinez said he planned to also bring bananas, apples, strawberries, watermelons, cantaloupe, blueberries and strawberries to April 3 market. While perusing Martinez’s produce offerings, Sofia Camacho, from Washington D.C., said, “My mom’s into farmer’s markets. She saw the sign when we were driving around.” Making a return appearance, produce vendor Judy Thomas was joined last week by her husband, Tillman Thomas. He said the Bradenton couple served 40-45 customers before the market officially opened at 11 a.m. “Its busier because it’s nicer out, and we’ll bring even more next week,” he said in reference to the rain-shortened market debut his wife participated in the week before. “I’ve never seen a Tuesday market.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Milagro Produce’s Tony Martinez and his young helper made plenty of sales at the March 27 market. Milagro Produce’s cornucopia of produce included tomatoes, peppers, squash, zucchini and much more. Everybody does Wednesdays and Saturdays,” he said,’ noting that this gives vendors another day of sales. He also said he liked the bay view and the nice breeze coming off it. The Thomas’ offerings included multiple varieties of tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, acorn squash, eggplant, lemons, limes, grapefruit, Florida sweet onions, celery, Romaine lettuce, peppers and more. “This is much better,” Judy said in comparison to the stormy conditions that cut the market debut short a week earlier. Selling her Himalayan salt products, returning vendor Cindy Thompson said, “Week two is fabulous. More people, more energy and more products.” By 12:30 p.m., Thomas was nearly sold out of her Himalayan Salt Sole Water. Returning vendor Neil Currie – one half of the Saucy Guys – said the second week was going “awesome.” He provided samples of local raw
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
While visiting from Washington D.C., Sofia Camacho checked out the produce brought to market by Milagro Produce.
honey from Sarasota that he and Jim Brannon sell in addition to the specialty hot sauces and salsa they created. “We’re down to two cases of salsa and we started with eight. People taste it and they buy it – and we love seeing their faces light up,” Currie said. “Our hot sauce is good on oysters,” he added. Armaldo Mata and his companion Jael (no last name given), from an independent nursery in Palmetto, were on hand selling fresh parsley, Italian basil, sage, thyme, mint and more. Nearby, Mike Meehan was selling oranges, Valencia oranges, honeybell oranges, navels and grapefruits that he grew in his backyard. “It’s been quite busy, and I’ve sold out of some things. I’m really happy Anna Maria is doing this,” he said. Weather permitting, the city-sponsored farmer’s market begins each Tuesday at 11 a.m. and continues until 5 p.m. or when the vendors run out. “Early birds are welcome as the
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Judy and Tillman Thomas brought potatoes, eggplant, summer squash, Florida sweet onions and a whole lot more to the second day of the new farmer’s market. vendors are setting up,” said Debbie Haynes. Haynes is the deputy city clerk and Treasurer, and she also serves as the market coordinator. The trial run of the Anna Maria farmer’s market will end for the season on Tuesday, May 8. Haynes said the city would then look at possibly resuming the market in the fall or in early 2019, but that is yet to be determined.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The city of Anna Maria’s weekly farmer’s market takes place in and around the shade sail structure recently installed at City Pier Park.
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ENTERTAINMENT
FAMILY FUN At the library The Island Branch Library at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, has a number of activities for young and old. This week’s listings include: • Wednesday, April 4: Gulf Coast Writers, 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. • Thursday, April 5, a veteran services professional will be available to help those with problems, 9 to 11 a.m.; Knit and Crochet Club, 2 to 4 p.m. • Friday, April 6, Forty Carrots parenting program, 10 to 11 a.m.; mahjongg, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. • Tuesday, April 10, preschool story time; 10 to 11 a.m.; mahjongg for beginners, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; technical help for portable devices, 2 to 4 p.m. Call the library at 941-778-6341 for information.
LEARNING Seniors learn about Medicare Senior Adventures members will meet on Friday, April 6, at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, at 10 a.m. for a lunch and learn about Medicare. Reservations are necessary and may be made by calling Kay Bell at 942-538-0945.
ART Painting On Silk workshop The Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Boulevard, Holmes Beach, presents a Painting On Silk workshop with Mark Mizener on Friday, April 6, from 2 to 5 p.m. Mizener, spent his childhood in Downers Grove, Ill. He majored in theater arts at University of Illinois and also at Columbia College in Chicago The cost is $60 for League members and $65 for non-members. The fee covers art supplies. Spaces are limited. Scholarships may be available. Call the Art League at 941-778-2099 or visit the League on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for more information or to sign up.
A call to artists
The Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Boulevard, Holmes Beach, is looking for artists for its students’ exhibit, "Progression of Art” open exhibit of past to present students within the 30-year history of the Art League. Media exhibition is opened to all area artists, All medium is encouraged – painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry, and both film and digital photography. Artists can bring submissions between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays no later than Monday, April 9. The entry fee is $15 per piece. Each artist may submit up to three completed works. If artwork is larger than 20 x 24, submissions can only be up to two completed works. Artwork must be ready to hang. Art work will continue to be shown through May 4, the pick up date. There will be an open reception: Friday, April 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Complimentary light refreshments will be available
NATURE
WayneAdventures on Friday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to noon. This is an easy paddle that can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers, and it is suitable for adults who can meet the county's minimum eligibility requirements and participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. All participants must wear a life jacket. Call 941-742-5757, ext. 7, to reserve.
Underground celebration Celebrate one of Florida's most important residents, the gopher tortoise, at Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton, with a guided tour of Manatee County's newly established gopher tortoise habitat. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 7. Learn about the gopher tortoise reintroduction program and other efforts to protect this interestingspecies. Visit some active burrows and discover ways to help gopher tortoises in your area. This program is suitable for all adults. Reservations are required. Call 941-742-5923, ext. 6036, or email elena.burke@mymanatee.org Perico Preserve
NEST nature days begin
Sierra Club meeting
The new Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology will open its doors for an afternoon of exploration on Friday, April 6, Saturday, April 10, and Friday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton. Walk the grounds of the historic Reasoner Tract and observe botanical giants collected from around the world. Explore the canopy boardwalk among the banyans, climb to the top of the crow's nest, take in panoramic views, and exit from the building via a slide. Learn about upcoming programs and new additions to Robinson Preserve. This program is suitable for all ages, and no reservations are required. For more information, call 941-742-5923, ext. 6039.
The Sierra Club of Manatee/ Sarasota will hold a Manatee Club meeting on Monday, April 9, at 1:30 p.m., at the Bradenton Central Library 1301 Barcarrota Blvd., for an update and a discussion of issues. Contact Marsha Wikle at nw121150@gmail.com for more information.
Glide through the preserve Explore the salt marshes of Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, with the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department’s nature guide from
Tortoise talk at the NEST The public is invited to stop by the new Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, on Tuesday, April 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. for an afternoon of exploration in celebration of annual Gopher Tortoise Day. Learn about Florida's keystone species, meet the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department’s new education gopher tortoise and explore the new classroom space at the NEST. This program is suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. For more information, email amy.
APRIL 4, 2018
may@mymanatee.org or call 941742-5923, ext. 6044.
READING A new book club is forming Environmentally inclined readers are invited to the newest part of Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, for Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department’s first ever book and service club in the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration Science and Technology. The first meeting is on Wednesday, April 11, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Every month they will read a different book from science and Florida history and discuss and pair it with a service project in the preserve. This month will feature “The Yearling,” by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. The program is suitable for all ages. RSVP by emailing michelle. leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923, ext. 6035, to register.
EXERCISE Sunset tai chi at the NEST The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department has moved the monthly tai chi class to the new Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, and the first session is on Tuesday, April 10, from 6 to 7 p.m. Dr. Brian Nell, a fifth degree blackbelt in kung fu and a certified tai chi instructor, will lead the group through the gentle movements. This class is perfect for beginners and will include an exploration of several different styles of Tai Chi and Qigong. The program is sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts, and it is suitable for ages 13 and up. Call 941-742-5923, ext. 6039, to register. There is a $5 participant fee payable by cash only.
APRIL 4, 2018
ENTERTAINMENT
THE SUN
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FILE PHOTO
Colorful food trucks will offer a host of offerings for visitors.
Here come the food trucks FILE PHOTO
Kids race on the water along the Palma Sola Causeway in last year's Bottle Boat Regatta. This year it will take place on Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bottles ahoy The De Soto Heritage Festival Bottle Boat Regatta is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The 2018 De Soto Heritage Festival moves to the Palma Sola Causeway on Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the 40th annual Bottle Boat Regatta This is a fun event where teams, divided into age groups, build boats
that float on 2-liter bottles and are propelled by rowing. Bring a lawn chair or beach blanket; the event is free and food and sodas will be avaialble. More information may be found online at www.desotohq.com.
Be a survivor Last year, Hurricane Irma gave Manatee County residents and business owners a taste of what a storm could do, and the county government wants the public to learn from that experience That’s why the county is hosting a free public business recovery expo on Thursday, April 26, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto. The expo, "We survived Hurricane Irma in 2017 - Are you ready in 2018?," is is organized by Manatee County Economic Development, a divi-
sion of the Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity department. The Expo will feature exhibits from local disaster recovery businesses and nonprofit organizations, as well as workshop speakers from the National Weather Service and Florida Power & Light and lessons learned from the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center. Manatee County resource partners assisting with the event include CareerSource Suncoast, Small Business Development
Center, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Manatee County Black Chamber of Commerce and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, call Bruno Kapacinskas at 941-749-3029 ext. 6218, or email him at bruno. kapacinskas@mymanatee.org.
One of the Island’s most popular events is coming up: the Beach’N Food Truck and Music Festival on Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Coquina Beach, south of the Coquina Beach Café trolley stop at 2650 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. There will be arts and crafts, live music, the Bill Mergens Memorial Car Show and drinks and edibles from all sorts of food trucks. Admission is free, and there is ample parking . The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event. For more information, call the Chamber at 941-778-3986.
Youths perform with AMICCO The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) and Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W, Bradenton, will host a free Young Artists Solo Recital on Sunday, April 15, at 3 p.m. at the Church. This event features past winners and participants in AMICCO’s Young Artists Solo Competition, which held its 12th Annual Competition in January, the 12th year at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church. During those 12 years, nearly 20 young artists, ages 12 through 18, have soloed with AMICCO. Several competitors have performed with the orchestra in the trombone, bassoon and violin sections. Two of the recent competition winners have been featured on NPR’s “From the Top.” The Anna Maria Island Rotary Club has provided the winner’s cash prizes over those 12 years. Many of the young artists have gone on to careers in medicine, law and, of course, music with major success at Florida State University, Harvard and USC. Pianist Andrew Lapp, AMICCO’s very first competition winner, has pursued a performance career and has been heard locally as a member of the Five Concert Pianist Ensemble, featured at the Sarasota Opera House in both 2017 and 2018. Donations will be accepted at the event. For additional information call 269-615-1870 or email stoltie@ verizon.net. To learn more about AMICCO go online to www.amicco.org.
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Happy 90th, Austin! Friends of Austin Lowery met recently on the beach in Anna Maria to present him with their homemade birthday card poster and to celebrate his 90th birthday. Happy birthday, Austin! CHANTELLE LEWIN | SUN
Happy 50th, Stephanie! Stephanie Bell, wearing the tiara, gathered with a group of her friends recently at Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach to celebrate turning 50. Stephanie is a broker at Fran Maxon Real Estate in Anna Maria. Happy birthday, Stephanie! CHANTELLE LEWIN | SUN
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Commissioners discuss a vision for the future A new vision statement is on the horizon to help shape the future of Holmes Beach. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – After months of work, a recommendation for the city’s new vision statement is before Holmes Beach commissioners. Planning Commission members Chuck Stealey, Scott Boyd and Jayne Christenson appeared before city commissioners to discuss their commission’s recommendation for a new vision statement. City commissioners offered some input and agreed that planning commissioners should move forward with the vision statement, considering the input received, and begin work on value statements before delving into a full comprehensive plan review. The city’s vision statement is an overall impression of how residents and city leaders envision the future of Holmes Beach. Value statements further define the elements listed in the vision statement. This all goes at the front of the city’s comprehensive plan, which is expected to legally support the vision and value statements. The city’s vision statement was last addressed in 2004, though it was never officially adopted by the commission. Work
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Planning Commission Chair Chuck Stealey discusses how words were chosen to form a recommendation for the city’s new vision statement. on the new iteration of the vision statement began for the Planning Commission in early 2017. The new proposed vision statement reads: “Holmes Beach is an irreplaceable authentic Florida community providing a safe small-town environment with a balance of full-time residents, part-time residents and visitors. We are an environmentally sensitive community with clean pedestrian and bicycle-friendly streets,
effective transportation and infrastructure systems with primarily owner-operated commercial centers.” “To do this, the words were very carefully chosen, discussed and debated,” Stealey said. “It was agony for something that seems so simple.” “I think you guys did a phenomenal job,” Commissioner Judy Titsworth said. She suggested adding the word "coastal" to the vision statement description of com-
munity and consider rewording the section on commercial centers to make it clear the statement refers to business, not shopping center owners. Commissioner Carol Soustek said she liked the proposed statement as-is. “Unless we disappear under the flood, we will remain a coastal community,” she said. “I have empathy for what this represents, and the work involved. I like where it ended up. This is the tracks for the railroad to go on. The value statements will move it forward.” Commissioner Jim Kihm said he was concerned about the lack of public input on the vision statement. Boyd said the Planning Commission hosted several public meetings on the topic, including a workshop for members of the public to work in groups to voice their opinions on what should be included in the statement. The workshop was attended by approximately 10 people and some elected officials. “I don’t think they could’ve done anything more,” Soustek said of the planning commissioners’ efforts to solicit public input. “We need to move forward with this. This is the first step, and there are many steps.” The vision statement goes back before planning commissioners for discussion before being submitted to city commissioners for a vote at a future meeting.
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REAL ESTATE
APRIL 4, 2018
Interest rates and housing E
aster just passed, and, hopefully, you didn’t put all your eggs in one basket. But what if the United States puts maybe not all of its eggs into one basket, but a pretty large percentage of them. Chances are you’ll start worrying about overflowing the basket, and this is why. About 15 percent of the U.S.’s gross domestic product represents the housing sector. For a few years now there has been a loss of inventory, which has been pushing prices up and up. Now potential buyers could be impacted with another threat to the housing industry – higher interest rates. Mortgage rates have hit their highest level since 2014 and are now about 4.5 percent, which is the highest in more than four years. According to Freddie Mac, the average mortgage interest rate at the beginning of the year was 3.95 percent. This doesn’t sound like a lot, but it could push marginal buyers either out of the market or cause them to make other financial choices, all which could have an overall effect on the
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER economy. In addition, while the rates are still historically low, millennial buyers who are starting to flood the market may get their first dose of sticker shock. This combined with the lack of inventory has resulted in home sales activity slowing down in recent months. Some current homeowners are opting to renovate rather than move and be forced to take on a higher rate mortgage than they likely have, further reducing available inventory. Typically, when interest rates are threatened to go up, buyers are motivated to seriously look for homes and lock in at a lower rate. This is especially true in higher priced
markets where a difference of one percentage point can make the monthly mortgage payment increase by hundreds of dollars. Never-the-less, some economists believe that mortgage rates would have to reach 6 percent before buyers are forced to decide whether or not to buy a home based purely on interest rates. The housing sectors that have been hit more than origional mortgage financing are home equity loans and lines of credit. And to make that market even less attractive are the new tax laws, which will have an impact on the deductibility of home equity interest. When the tax cut law was enacted, not all of the minor aspects of the changes were reported in detail. One of those aspects was the ability to deduct the interest on home equity loans and lines of credit. Initially, it was reported that none of this interest would be tax deductible now, however, there is a better explanation of the rules governing interest deductions for these loans. The nuance in the law is that interest on
home equity loans remains deductible as long as the loan can be classified as acquisition indebtedness. What this means to the normal human brain is that the borrowed funds need to be used for substantial improvements of a qualifying residence like a major renovation or an addition to your existing home. If you want to take out a home equity loan to pay off your credit cards, buy a car or make a college tuition payment you will not be able to deduct the interest on the loan. Likewise, if you want to take out a home equity loan on your primary residence to purchase a second home, this would not qualify for the interest deduction under the new tax law. Keep in mind that your regular mortgage interest remains tax deductible up to a lower cap of $750,000 of loan principal rather than the $1 million previous cap. The best way to figure out any interest deduction questions is to seek advice from a tax professional. Time to get rid of those Easter baskets anyway.
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Impact fees proposed in Anna Maria Occupancy-based impact fees would help fund infrastructure projects needed to help offset population increases created by high-volume vacation rentals. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and the City Commission are considering implementing impact fees to help fund projects included in the city’s 10-year capital plan. Adopted by city resolution on April 6, 2017, the original plan calls for an estimated $35.8 million to be spent on capital projects over the next 10 years. The plan provides the commission with a long-range spending vision, but the actual expenditures must be budgeted on an annual basis. When adopted, the plan was intended to be a living, breathing document subject to annual review and revision. On March 22, Murphy asked commissioners to start thinking about potential additions, deletions or revisions to make to the current plan before developing next year’s city budget later this summer. He suggested the commission conduct a
special meeting to discuss the 10-year plan and projects to be funded in next year’s budget. He then introduced the idea of occupancy-based impact fees.
IMPACT FEES
“Where does the money come from to accomplish the elements of this 10-year plan? Part it comes from ad valorem taxes, but there’s a new revenue stream we need to tap,” Murphy said. He said the Stantec consulting firm that is already assisting the city with preliminary data gathering for a potential special assessment program would soon shift its focus to impact fees based on the number of bedrooms being added to the city of Anna Maria. Occupancy-based impact fees, if pursued, would apply to new construction, reconstruction and significant renovations only. Occupancy-based special assessment fees, if further pursued, would apply incrementally to all properties or to all properties that exceed a specific occupancy threshold. Regarding vacation rentals, Murphy said, “They have an impact on our roads, our drainage, our parks, our plans to buy green space, and they also impact city hall requirements in terms of the size of city hall. Part of it should rightly come from those that are creating the impact: the increased density of
population within the city,” he said. Stantec will review the 10-year plan and base the proposed impact fees on the anticipated costs of completing projects that address these infrastructure concerns. “That will be one source of revenue for these improvements over the next 10 years,” Murphy said. Commission Chair Doug Copeland requested the commissioners be provided with preliminary budget numbers before the 10-year plan/impact fee discussions continue. “So we know where we stand dollar-wise,” he said. “It’s important to get some of these items on next year’s budget,” Commissioner Dale Woodland said of the current plan. Commissioner Brian Seymour noted the city is already working on some of those items, including the replacement of the Anna Maria City Pier and City Pier Restaurant space, improvements to City Pier Park and the future dredging of Lake LaVista. “I think we need to look at the rest of them. Are they still realistic or are there more realistic options?” he said.
CAPITAL AND PIER PROJECTS
The current plan lists $2.76 million for beach access and Gulf Park improvements, $2.18 million for Historical Park improve-
ments, $3 million to dredge canals and channels citywide, $650,000 to dredge Lake LaVista, $1.27 million to aerate canal ends, $11.4 million for streets and $3.3 million to remodel city hall. The plan lists $1.36 million for City Pier and City Pier Park buildout and improvements, $400,000 for a water taxi landing at or near the Anna Maria City Pier, $2 million for the pier rehabilitation and $1 million to remodel the city-owned restaurant space. When the plan was developed last year, the pier was scheduled for major rehabilitation within five years. Those plans changed when the pier was closed and scheduled for complete replacement due to damage sustained during Hurricane Irma. The current year budget includes $200,000 for the anticipated pier rehabilitation project. That will be rolled over into next year’s budget and approximately $300,000 more will be budgeted to cover the city’s portion of the anticipated $4.5 million pier replacement project. The city’s contributions could be reduced depending on how much, if any, current pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder is willing to contribute to extend his currently suspended pier-based business operations beyond the expiration of his lease in December 2020.
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Sanchez oil paintings at IGW Jeffrey Sanchez’s oil paintings will be featured in a month-long exhibit entitled “Inspirations from my New Life in Florida” this April at Island Gallery West at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. As part of the monthly Holmes Beach Art District ArtWalks, a highlight of the exhibit will be a public reception on Friday, April 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It’s an opportunity to enjoy complimentary refreshments, meet the artists and see all the latest local art at Island Gallery West. Moving here in 2016, Sanchez found fresh inspiration in the beautiful beaches and dramatic weather, especially on Anna Maria Island. The relaxed vibe carried over into Sanchez's paintings, which evolved with a soft, impressionistic, sometimes nostalgic quality you’ll see in the new paintings being exhibited at the gallery. Sanchez's exhibit runs through April 30. Regular gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and Sundays, 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. from November through the end of April. For more information, visit www.islandgallerywest.com, Facebook or call 941-778-6648.
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February tourist tax collections compared to February 2017
Municipality Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Manatee County Total*
Approximate change 11% 9% 15% 8%
*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto) Manatee County’s 5 percent tourist tax is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50 percent of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20 percent allocated to beach renourishment. Resort tax increases reflect both increased visitation and improved tax collection efforts. Amounts shown were collected in February and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in March. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www.taxcollector.com/tdt-evader.cfm. Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR From Page 7 N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Intermediate bridge session, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493. Mahjong for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 11:30 a.m. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
SATURDAY APRIL 7
Healing meditation, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided. Reserve to 941-216-9600 or sjbrill@aol.com. Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 2 p.m. Tortoise Day celebration, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 2:30 p.m. Reserve to 941-742-5923 ext. 6036 or elena. burke@mymanatee.org.
SUNDAY APRIL 8
Beach Market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call 941-518-4431.
MONDAY APRIL 9
Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. The Art of Living Well, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key,
second floor, 10 a.m., $15 per class or $50 for four sessions. Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493. Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
TUESDAY APRIL 10
NEST Nature Days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Preschool storytime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Blind Vision: A Veteran’s Story from Trauma to Triumph, Longboat Island Chapel, Shook Fellowship Hall, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, 10:30 a.m., $10 per person. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493. Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 101 Bay Blvd. N., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mahjong for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Mahjong for beginners, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., $10, snacks are provided. ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided. Reserve to 941-216-9600 or sjbrill@aol.com. Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Tortoise talk at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 2 p.m. Sunset Tai Chi, Robinson Preserve NEST, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, 6 p.m., $5 fee, cash only. Reserve to 941-742-5923 ext. 6039.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 11
Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Beach Market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call 941-518-4431.
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APRIL 4, 2018
BOATER: Dies after being rescued `FROM PAGE 1
er’s report and a toxicology report are pending. Bradenton Beach Marina President Mike Bazzy said Nieuwkoop used to keep his boat at the marina, but moved it over to the unmanaged anchorage south of the pier several months ago. Cosby said Nieuwkoop had been going through some personal issues and had also been dealing with some health problems. Nieuwkoop previously lived in Sarasota.
LEGAL HISTORY
Sarasota County court records indicate that Nieuwkoop pled guilty to a third-degree felony possession of a controlled substance without a prescription charge in 2007. In 2007, he was also named as a respondent in a repeat violence offense listed in the court records as a closed case heard by a family law judge. In 2008, Nieuwkoop pled
FACEBOOK | SUBMITTED
Liveaboard boater Brandon Nieuwkoop died Saturday afternoon after being found in the water alive earlier in the day. Alive but conscious, Nieuwkoop was found floating in the water near the public dinghy dock late Saturday morning. JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
guilty to a third-degree felony charge for the illegal possession of drugs that also resulted in his probation being terminated. He was cited for three traffic
violations in Sarasota County in 2008 and issued a speeding ticket in 2015. In 2013, he was cited for not obtaining an animal license. The Sarasota County court
records also list a summons being issued on March 29, two days before Nieuwkoop’s death, regarding a petition for the dissolution of marriage filed by his wife on March 19.
In 2008, Nieuwkoop was cited in Manatee County for improper passing by leaving the pavement.
NOISE: Concerns Holmes Beach residents FROM PAGE 1
niors to let kids have fun. We need a balance, chief.” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said it’s more difficult for his officers to enforce the city’s noise ordinance if people are contacting someone other than the police department to report noise issues. Officers also are limited by the city’s noise ordinance, which limits daytime noise to 65 decibels until 10 p.m. and 50 decibels after 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. If sustained noise levels don’t register on a decibel meter above the limits, officers are hard-pressed to issue a citation. Another hurdle is that some of the noise issues reported are common noises, such as children playing outside. “We can’t cite kids for playing in a
pool,” he said. If officers did and the citation was challenged in court, Tokajer said he feels confident the city would lose the case. What officers can and will do in some instances is visit the residence where the noise originates to ask occupants to quiet down and provide a pamphlet outlining the city’s stance on noise. Outside of decibel readings, officers have seven standards they can use at their discretion to determine if a noise violation is taking place. Officers can independently evaluate the situation on-site for volume, intensity, whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual, proximity to residential homes, duration, time of day it occurs and the
volume and intensity of ambient noise. Noise issues also are arising between commercial businesses and neighboring residential homes. Tokajer said two complaints have been received against The Freckled Fin since it moved into the AMI Plaza shopping center. While no violations were recorded, he said the issue has been solved by the affected resident calling the restaurant directly when the noise is too loud. No problems with noise have been reported to HBPD since the resident and restaurant management reached the understanding. Commissioner Judy Titsworth said she’s heard complaints about noise coming from The Ugly Grouper, which has yet to install a new outdoor stage
complete with sound dampening technology to quiet noise spread outside the restaurant. “It seems way too loud over there,” she said. “We’ve been very patient.” Building Official Jim McGuinness said he’s spoken to management at the restaurant and plans are underway to begin construction on the new stage after spring breakers return home later in April. He’s given restaurant management until the end of May to get the work done. For residents and visitors experiencing noise issues, Tokajer said the best thing to do for resolution of the issue is to contact the HBPD directly. Officers can be reached 24 hours a day at 941-778-2677.
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Commission concerned about ‘phantom sidewalks’ Regardless of the funding mechanism used, city officials want to address safety concerns along Pine Avenue and elsewhere in the city. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – City commissioners recently expressed safety concerns about the Pine Avenue sidewalks, or lack thereof, when discussing impact fees and potential 10-year capital plan projects. On March 22, Mayor Dan Murphy asked commissioners if they had any additional projects they felt should be added to the capital plan. “One thing I would to add to this or at least discuss, is Pine Avenue. The phantom sidewalks are flooding, pedestrians are walking in the street,” Commission Chair Doug Copeland said. He also cited concerns about bicyclist safety along Pine Avenue and he’s previously expressed concerns about the lack of lighting. The “phantom sidewalks” Copeland referenced are located along the eastern side of the Pine Avenue business district, primarily between or near North Shore Drive and Crescent Drive. When walking from Gulf Drive toward the Anna Maria City Pier, the sidewalk ends just past North Shore Drive, near the city hall annex building. A sign that says, “For your safety please walk this way,” then directs pedestrians to a meandering unpaved path that brings them closer to Salon Salon on Pine, Anna Maria Accommodations, the Flip Flop Candy Shop, Emerson’s Studio Store and the Island Coffee Haus. After crossing Crescent Drive, the path continues northeast past the Olive Oil Outpost, AMI Outfitters and The Island Cabana before reconnecting with the sidewalk that leads to the end of the street and the pier. The businesses along that path are part of the Pine Avenue Restoration project led by Mike Coleman and Ed Chiles several years ago. While the path provides higher visibility for the businesses, some commissioners are concerned that too many pedestrians ignore the signs and continue walking along the street. This puts them in closer proximity to Pine Avenue traffic and the vehicles pulling in and out of the parking lots. On more than one occasion, Copeland has expressed concerns about this and
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Signs along a portion of Pine Avenue eastern sidewalk direct pedestrians toward a meandering unpaved path. Below, this path leads pedestrians away from the discontinued sidewalk and past The Island Cabana, AMI Outfitters and the Olive Oil Outpost.
he did so again at the commission’s most recent meeting. “I think we’re fortunate that we haven’t had any problem there, but Pine Avenue has developed to an extent that 10 years ago we never dreamed it would. Once the pier is opened and those people are coming back, I think there’ll be even more traffic on Pine Avenue. "I think there’s something that can be done to make it a safer, more walkable street to the benefit of the tourists, the shop owners and those of us that have to drive through it,” he said. Commissioner Dale Woodland further addressed these concerns during his commissioner’s report. “I’m not looking at it as a capital improvements project,” he said. He feels the Pine Avenue sidewalks are among the city’s safety concerns that should be addressed sooner rather than later and independent of the 10-year plan if need be. “Not just Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive, but virtually every street in the city. I don’t want us to wait until somebody gets hurt or killed before we start to address this problem,” Woodland said.
I think there’s something that can be done to make it a safer, more walkable street to the benefit of the tourists, the shop owners and those of us that have to drive through it.” Doug Copeland, Commission chair Regarding other potential pedestrian and bicyclist safety improvements to include in a revised 10-year plan, Commissioner Amy Tripp said she would like to see the city’s bike route further developed and the development of a multi-use path for pedestrians, bicyclists and others.
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FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Yanks' foes 5 Operation designed to hurt 10 Shipboard resident 14 CFO, e.g. 15 Not as likely to mess up 16 Walk without getting anywhere? 17 TW ... 20 Shoelace site 21 Shipboard chums 22 Tenn. neighbor 24 Apartment listing abbr. 25 DCYC ... 34 Nice with? 35 Gobs and gobs 36 Cart for heavy loads 37 Filly's brother 38 Fighter eulogized by Bill Clinton, among others 39 Old-time teacher 40 "The Grapes of Wrath" figure 41 Beams 43 Prime real estate? 44 CI ... 47 Downed a sub, say 48 In-law's wife, possibly 49 Refrigerates 53 One of a biblical ten 58 AGT ... 62 Like quality beef 63 One "sitting lonely on the placid bust," in a classic poem 64 Course with relevant tangents 65 Regular guys 66 Finals, e.g.
67 Spot Down 1 "Star Wars" warrior 2 Nerve cell part 3 Cravings 4 Ewan McGregor, for one 5 They're often free 6 Sched. question mark 7 Kind 8 Once called 9 Sir Georg Solti's record 31 10 Rotating rod 11 Conduct 12 Hurting 13 Puts money (on) 18 Dash 19 Not at all reflective 23 On the lam 24 Backs up a videotape 25 Cobb salad ingredient 26 Bring to mind 27 Composer Mendelssohn 28 Good-sized wedding band Answers to 03-28-18 Crossword Puzzle.
29 Prefix for "sun" 30 Madison Ave. pitchers 31 Carpentry, e.g. 32 Worries 33 Church numbers 41 Reacted to an arduous workout 42 Shoes without laces 45 Gymnast's powder 46 Ibiza, por ejemplo 49 Key of the finale of Brahms' Symphony No. 1 50 "Les MisĂŠrables" author 51 "Now it's clear" 52 Old Fords 54 Hard-working colonizers 55 Spice Girl Halliwell 56 Second, e.g. 57 Sharp side 59 Reach capacity, with "out" 60 Actress Mendes 61 President pro __
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CLEANING SERVICE TOTAL HOME SERVICE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570
Call us today! 941-778-3986
AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES. Residential/Commercial/Vacation Rentals & Construction Cleaning. Also Power Washing, Windows, Paver Sealing & Roof Cleaning. Ask about your Senior Citizens Discount Call 941-251-5948 or 941565-3931
COMMERCIAL SALES
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 4-sale Resorts Bradenton Bch *5 units $1,048,800 *13 units $4,999,000 *9300 Sq. Ft. Ware-house, Machine Shop heavy duty elect or Car Storage, So Many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport $595,000 Island Real Estate Ask Alan Galletto 941-232-2216
COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
EMPLOYMENT
PART-TIME POSITION Green Turtle Shell & Gift Shop. Looking for a personable, energetic person with excellent Customer Service skills. Position includes cash register usage, stocking merchandise and light cleaning. Call manager 813-409-7540 HELP WANTED – ISLAND DISCOUNT TACKLE – Apply in person after 12:00pm and ask for jonny. 5503 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach
WATERLINE MARINA RESORT & BEACH CLUB currently hiring the following Full time / Part time Positions: Cooks, Kitchen Steward/Dishwashers, Food & Beverage Assistant Manager, Food & Beverage Supervisor, Bartenders, Servers, Server Assistants, Restaurant Hosts, Housekeeping Attendant, Housekeeping Supervisor, Public Area Attendant, Front Desk Supervisor, Resort Hosts, Shuttle Drivers, Recreation Host, Maintenance Technician. Call 941238-6261 email vwinstead@mainsailhotels. com or apply in person at 5325 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach. JOB FAIR APRIL 17 10am-4pm (please submit resumes to vwinstead @mainsailhotels.com)
FISHING CHARTERS CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30am-2pm, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. 10am1pm Saturday Donations preferred 9am-11am Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Phone 941-779-2733
HAULING SITE CLEAN-UP to trash outs we can handle it all. Call us for your dumpsters/ trash needs today 941-7538772
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.
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KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us DECKOUT MASTER CARPENTER Everything Patio & Dock Decking Work Repair, Replace, Maintenance Work, Cleaning, Treatments, New Decks. Also Handyman/Painting work to home or office. Call RICHARD Bespoke Service 941-448-3571 Island Resident. FENCING, CAN'T GET ANYBODY? Wood, Vinyl. New or Repair. Call Richard. Free Estimates. 941-448-3571 Bespoke Services. BATH ROOM REMODELING. Anna Maria Home Accents. 25 years experience. Call 786-318-8585 LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500
HOME SERVICES ON ISLAND "HANDYMAN" SERVICES Newly relocated property manager available for maintenance services on AMI and Longboat. Bondable, Residential & Commercial, 20 Years in the business, 24/7 service available. On Island, local references available. Call 508-221-7486 email thegk@yahoo.com BATH ROOM REMODELING. Anna Maria Home Accents. 25 years experience. Call 786-318-8585
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
SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/18/2018, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1B3ES56C33D172813 2003 DODGE 1D7HA18298S565736 2008 DODGE 1G4HP52K6VH570096 1997 BUICK 1HGCG165XWA045940 1998 HONDA 1HGEG8653RL057213 1994 HONDA 5NPD84LF1HH123533 2017 HYUNDAI JN1CA31D61T605902 2001 NISSAN JT3GP10V1X7063254 1999 TOYOTA WBABK8329VET98637 1997 BMW WVGAV75N09W502337 2009 VOLKSWAGEN
LOST & FOUND LOST I-PHONE 8 Plus on Cortez to Gulf Dr to Holmes Beach. LifeProof Greenish Case. Call 224545-4274 FITBIT LOST THURSDAY February 22 on Bradenton Beach near Sandpiper heading south. Wristband is Plum color. Call 440901-8586. WATCH TURNED IN to the police department which was found on the beach. Turned in on Jan. 7th. Call Detective Brian Hall 941708-5800 ext 243. LOST 18" DIAMOND CHAIN NECKLACE with my grand mother's diamond in center – REWARD Call 267454-0725
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FOUND WEDDING RING October 2 in Holmes Beach. To Rayburn with love Kathy. Call 941-9008226 LOST ENGAGEMENT RING. Solitaire white gold. Lost on 10/22/2017. Call 770712-8819 LOST GOLD BRACELET with toggle clasp & charm with 50th anniversary engraved. Sentimental value. Lost in vicinity of Palm Ave. in Anna Maria. Call 407-8730078. LOST MY GRANDMOTHER'S gold wedding band (initials inside and date) at Coquina Beach area. Reward. Call 407-579-1621
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777. TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www.twomen.com Call 941-359-1904. We sell boxes!
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. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Meticulous, Thorough, Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured
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CLASSIFIED
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING
DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing. Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847
PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE & WINDOW WASHING AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing, Roof Cleaning and Windows. Call 941-251-5948
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
FROM THE LOW $300’s. Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy. Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans. Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $209/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com
Call us today! 941-778-3986
INCREDIBLE NEW CONSTRUCTION Home on Pine Ave! Prime location to shops, restaurants, bay and beach! $1,995,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Bch - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, La Casa L’Plage, Waters Edge & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 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 26 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
BRADENTON: SAN REMO SHORES 2BR/2BA/1CG. 4011 Plumosa Terrace (99th St W). 2 miles to Anna Maria Island. Sailboat Water, Salt Water Canal. Park Boat in Your Yard. $369,900. Call JoAnne with A Paradise Realty 941-8092488 HISTORIC BRIDGE STREET 1BR Trailer, 21 LaVerne. Bay & Beach close. Boat slip 55+ $105,000. Call 941-405-7068 or 402-4994157
RENTALS: ANNUAL
3BR/2.5BA TOWNHOUSE CONDO, 1450 s/f on 2 floors. 2 pools, private beach access. Nicely furnished or unfurnished. Washer / Dryer inside. Screened lanai & 1 car garage. Water, sewer, trash, basic cable, pest control included. Background & credit required. $3000/ mo. $3000 security. Longboat Key. Ask for Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. Annual Rental- Anna Maria 2BR/1BA steps to beach. $1750/mo. No Pets. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307. HOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA lanai, walk-in closet, car port, private front & back yard includes washer/ dryer, water, trash & security system. No smoking/ No pets. $1750/mo. First, last & security deposit. Call 860-922-3857
APRIL 4, 2018
BRADENTON: BAY HOLLOW 8732 54th Ave W. Waterfront Property with individual boat docks, direct Gulf access from a private Marina, overlooking Tidy Island. 2BR/2BA second floor, cathedral ceiling, fireplace, walk-in closets, large eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, extra storage room in attic, spacious screened and glass enclosed balcony/lanai, heated pool, covered parking, 10 min. to beach. $1350/ mo. Security deposit. Call 941-727-1083 or 941-704-5967 or e-mail: Rikki.UW@gmail.com NW BRADENTON WEEKLY or MONTHLY Rental. Available April 15. 1BR/1BA large kitchen/living room combination. Washer/ Dryer in unit, All utilities included. No smoking/No Pets. One week minimum. $450/wk, $1700/mo. Call 941-761-4483
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 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915
2018 SEASONAL RENTALS Available: 2BR/1BA Gulf front from $3,850 per month, 2BR with sleeping loft from $3,850 per month. Three month minimum. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-778-0426 kringco@tampabay.rr.com GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190 AVAILABLE WINTER SEASON 2018 and 2019; 2BR/2BA ground-level with carport and patio. 1.5 blocks to Gulf. Updated, flat-screen TV’s, must see! Anna Maria 941- 565-2373 AVAILABLE 2018 & 2019 SEASON. Large bright 1BR/1BA Condo on Bay. Steps to Gulf. 55+, 4 month minimum, pool, private fishing pier. $2400/mo. Call 647771-3288 or amigulftobaycondo@gmail.com HOLMES BEACH MARTINIQUE South. 2BR/2BA Condo on Beach. Pool, fully furnished, sleeps 4. Available April 15 to December 15, 2018. $1900/mo. 3 months minimum. No Pets. timmerjul@yahoo.com
RENTAL WANTED RETIRED PROFESSIONAL COUPLE seeks moderately priced annual rental starting October 2018. Excellent references and credit. We are former longtime homeowners who know how to care for your property. Prefer unfurnished. One house-trained cat. Call 512-442-1007, grodd56@ gmail.com.
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $65. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095
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APRIL 4, 2018
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 MOVERS
HAULING
PAINTING
HOME IMPROVEMENT
TRANSPORTATION HOME SITTING / PET SITTING
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www.amisun.com
APRIL 4, 2018
Vacation Rentals • Sales • Property Management
TeamDuncan.com • 941.779.0304
310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216