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VOL 22 No. 26
April 6, 2022
Suspect arrested in Holmes Beach beating
The 17-year-old was identified as Ellenton resident John William Bartholow, charged in the attack of a Holmes Beach man. BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
bated toxic cyanobacteria blooms that peaked in June, followed by a bloom of toxic red tide algae that caused fish kills, triggering the cleanup of more than 1,600 metric tons of dead fish, according to the report. Piney Point receiver Herbert Donica, of Tampa-based Donica Receivership Services, recommended a phased approach to closing the Piney Point wastewater holding ponds built on the crest of phosphogypsum stacks less than two miles from Tampa Bay, near two state aquatic preserves. Since the leak was repaired, more than 19 million gallons of wastewater have been removed from the site by trucking and piping it to nearby wastewater facilities, and a system of spray nozzles continues to accelerate evaporation. About 265 tons of nitrogen and 240 tons of phosphate have been removed from the wastewater onsite, according to FDEP. State environmental officials issued a permit in December for Manatee County to build a deep injection well to hold the remaining 258 million gallons of wastewater in the gyp stacks, which prompted a
HOLMES BEACH – One suspect is under arrest and one is still at large in connection with the beating of a 40-year-old Holmes Beach man on March 23. John William Bartholow, 17, of Ellenton was taken into custody by police on March 30 and charged Bartholow with aggravated battery in the attack on Evan Purcell. Another suspect, Cameron Leron Evans, 18, of Sarasota, is at large. Purcell was walking his dog with his 10-year-old niece on the evening of March 23 when he came upon some teenagers breaking bottles, drinking alco- Evans hol and vandalizing Anna Maria Elementary School property, according to Holmes Beach police. Purcell yelled at the group to stop what they were doing, which resulted in the teens becoming aggressive. Although Purcell waived a pocketknife fearing for his safety, it was not a deterrent to the teens, who allegedly knocked him to the ground and beat him severely, including an assault with a wooden object, possibly a skateboard. According to Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, police arrived on the scene around 9 p.m. to find Purcell unconscious on the ground and the assailants gone. The victim was taken to Blake Hospital in stable condition, but suffering from multiple serious injuries. Although there was no video footage of the incident, the suspect vehicle was identified by the city’s license plate recognition camera as a white Kia Sportage. Tokajer also said there were cans and broken bottles left at the scene that could be used to obtain DNA and fingerprints. He stressed that these were not students of Anna Maria Elementary, and no
SEE PINEY POINT, PAGE 28
SEE ARREST, PAGE 28
FILE PHOTO
A 3,300-foot-deep well to contain wastewater is under construction near Piney Point at 3105 Buckeye Road and is expected to be completed by next spring.
Piney Point closure date set A year after 215 million gallons of wastewater was dumped into Tampa Bay from the Piney Point phosphate plant, a state agency has approved its closure plan. BY CINDY LANE
SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
PALMETTO – The environmentally unstable Piney Point site will be closed by December 2024, according to a plan approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on March 30. One year ago, FDEP authorized the emergency discharge of 215 million gallons of wastewater from the former phosphate plant into Tampa Bay to avoid a potential flood after a leak was discovered in the waste storage system. Surrounding homes and businesses were evacuated. From March 30 to April 9, the wastewater poured into the bay, adding an estimated 186 metric tons of nitrogen, exceeding typical annual nitrogen loads in a matter of days, according to a new report released by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. The nutrient exacer-
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DEVON STRAIGHT
CLOCK tower bell ‘hanging by a
named Officer of the Year in Bradenton Beach. 15
thread’ in Bradenton Beach. 11 NO TAKERS so far in proposed water taxi project. 4
Anna Maria Island, Florida
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Mote Marine proposal to be evaluated soon Mote Marine’s most recent proposal features virtual exhibits rather than live exhibits. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The City Commission expects to soon review Mote Marine’s plans for an educational outreach center on the City Pier. The facility is to be installed in the vacant city-owned building at the T-end of the City Pier. Mayor Dan Murphy provided the commission with a project update on March 24, based on his meeting with Mote Marine representatives the previous week. “We discussed where we are and where we’ve been with the program,” Murphy said. “We discussed the delivery of plans back to this commission for approval. A few obstacles along the way have come up. Right now they are working with the architect who designed the pier, Barron Schimberg. Mote’s desire is to have plans back to us by the end of the month (March) assuming there are no more obstacles.” The commission will then need one or two special meetings in April to discuss
MOTE MARINE | SUBMITTED
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Above, the Look Deeper and Draw Alive exhibits were among those proposed in January as potential alternatives to the previously-proposed live exhibits. The Fish Sounds exhibit was among those proposed by Mote Marine in January. Right, Mote Marine’s educational outreach center is to be installed inside the vacant building on the Anna Maria City Pier. and approve or reject the plans proposed by Mote, he added. In late January, Mote Marine provided the city with an alternative design proposal to consider. That latest proposal featured digital and virtual exhibits rather than the
live exhibits originally proposed in 2021. The city commission will ultimately decide whether live, virtual or a mixture of both types of exhibits are featured in the educational outreach center. In September, Mote Marine Vice Presi-
dent of Communications and Strategic Initiatives Kevin Cooper told the commission he expected the installation of the Mote Marine facility to be completed by March. No revised anticipated completion date has been declared.
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APRIL 6, 2022
Proposed water taxi service attracts no formal proposals
IN BRIEF
The county has reached out to potential water taxi vendors seeking additional feedback. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
AMY HENDRICKS | SUBMITTED
The Women of the Moose filled 1,000 plastic eggs for Saturday’s Easter egg hunt.
Moose Lodge hosting Easter egg hunt Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 in Bradenton Beach will host its annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 9 at 10 a.m. Attending youngsters will be given an Easter basket to place their eggs in as they retrieve them from the beach sand. The kids will also be treated to a free lunch, and the Easter Bunny and Tommy Moose will be on hand for photos.
Get a taste of New Orleans in Anna Maria Party like it’s Mardi Gras at The Center of Anna Maria Island with a Cajun crawfish boil. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 23 from 5-8 p.m. and is sponsored by Christine Major Hicks to benefit The Center’s senior programs and environmental initiatives. Enjoy fresh crawfish, chicken and sausage gumbo, red beans and rice, bourbon bread pudding, soft drinks, a cash bar and live music by The Stockton Brothers. The cost is $25 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, contact The Center at 941-778-1908. Tickets are available online at centerami.org/events.
Water quality report Water quality at area beaches based on monitoring of enterococcus bacteria levels, which can pose an increased risk of infectious disease: Bayfront Park North Good Coquina Beach North Good Coquina Beach South Good Cortez Beach Good Manatee Beach North Good Palma Sola South Poor Source: Florida Department of Heath
ANNA MARIA – Water taxi operators aren’t expressing interest in operating a water taxi service between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. March 30 was the deadline to submit a proposal to the Manatee County Procurement Division in response to the invitation to negotiate (ITN). No proposals were received. Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione is among the staff members that Manatee County Administrator Dr. Scott Hopes tasked with bringing a long-anticipated water taxi system to the county. “As of yesterday, at the end of the day, the Manatee County procurement office did not receive a proposal,” Falcione said. “So, how are they handling it from this point moving forward? They’ve sent an email request to the vendors we previously sent the invitation to negotiate to. We hope to see where we can improve the solicitation process using any feedback they may have. That process has begun. “We’re still optimistic that we’re going to pursue a water taxi operation,” Falcione added. “We have to pursue this for the greater good of enhancing multi-modal transportation in our community. We’re going to interact with vendors who have done charters or similar types of businesses in our community to see what they need to move this thing forward.” “I don’t look at this as a negative. It’s part of a process and we’re going to do our best to make this happen. The Tourist Development Council embraces this, the board of county commissioners wants to move this forward and we know the municipalities in the county want enhanced multi-
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The floating day dock in Bradenton Beach was discussed as a potential water taxi stop. modal transportation. This is the best, first step we can take as part of that process,” he said. The opportunity to submit a proposal ended last Wednesday and has not been extended. “That process is closed,” Falcione said. “Based on the feedback we receive, we’ll come up with plan B. The procurement office is looking at the law to see if now that we’ve gone out to solicitation with no bids do we have the opportunity to negotiate with vendors who have interest? We want to keep this moving forward. I’m sure I’ll know a lot more next week as to what we can and can’t do, but I know we’re going after feedback from the vendors we know who received the invitation to bid.” The Sun asked Falcione if he was surprised no proposals were submitted. “This is new to me, so I can’t say whether I’m surprised or not,” he said. “I’m a positive kind of guy and I’m not going to look at this as a negative. We’ve just got to keep on the pedal, communicate well, continue to work for the greater good and do all we can to meet the objective of getting a water taxi system going sooner than later,” he replied. Does the lack of proposals signal concerns from the private sector
about the financial feasibility of a water taxi operation between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island? “No, because the invitation to negotiate was so open-ended,” Falcione said. “It was pretty much an opportunity for them to tell us what we need to get an operation going. There weren’t any specifics related to a water taxi operation. We’ll see if we missed something as we try to get feedback from the vendors that are licensed to do what we’re asking them to do and who really know this community. We’re going to take it one step at a time.” The initial lack of proposals may suggest a water taxi system may need to be operated by Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) as a county-funded public transportation service that is similar to the bus system. “I think that’s an obvious option as we go through the process of finding out if this is a public/private partnership, or is this a public operation? I think that could be a question at some point, but we’re still looking at this as being a public/private partnership,” he said. Falcione invites interested people to contact Purchasing Official SEE WATER TAXI, PAGE 5
APRIL 6, 2022
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WATER TAXI: Proposed service attracts no formal proposals FROM PAGE 4
As of yesterday,
Jacob Erickson at 941-749-3053 or by email at jacob.erickson@mymanatee. org. Erickson is a member of the Manatee County Procurement Division.
at the end of the day, the Manatee
VENDOR FEEDBACK
Paradise Boat Tours General Manager Sherman Baldwin was among the tour boat operators Erickson spoke with on Thursday. Paradise Boat Tours operates in a small terminal subleased from the city of Bradenton Beach and uses the public day dock next to the Bradenton Beach Pier to load and unload passengers. Baldwin previously served as a first officer for Hy-Line Cruises – a Massachusetts-based company that operates a high-speed ferry service with destinations that include Hyannis, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. “I worked with them on the logistics of high-speed ferry travel and I was part of the team that helped make that transportation model viable,” Baldwin said. After moving to Florida, Baldwin was part of a group that contemplated operating a high-speed ferry service between Sarasota, Bradenton Beach and downtown Bradenton. Those
County procurement office did not receive a proposal.” Elliott Falcione, BACVB director
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Anna Maria City Pier was discussed as a possible water taxi landing area. plans were never fully pursued due to several contributing factors, including delays with the Bradenton Beach dock replacement project, red tide and the coronavirus pandemic. “The invitation to negotiate did not accurately reflect the challenges an operator would face in making this a viable commuter option, which is ultimately the goal for this,” he said. “In
my opinion, this looked like a glorified tour boat operation without solving any problems we face with our land-based transportation model that is being squeezed to the limit.” “This is a go-big-or-go-home venture,” he added. “You’ve got to change the hearts and minds of people as to how they move around this region and that’s going to take time, money and invest-
Yogi Moon
ment. I talked to Jacob and said we’re talking about big dollars, but let’s not forget a single MCAT bus costs about a million dollars. We’re talking two $3 million boats that operate long hours, seven days a week, plus approximately $4 million a year in operating costs. Then you’re really talking about a program that could take some pressure off our land-based transportation system.” Baldwin thinks a water taxi service might be more feasible if pursued collectively by Manatee County and Sarasota County.
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ON THE AGENDA
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. April 7, 10:30 a.m. – Historic Preservation Board meeting and walking tour April 14, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting April 15, all day – City offices closed for Good Friday April 19, 10 a.m. – Special Magistrate hearing
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. April 6, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting April 6, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting April 7, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting April 15, all day – City offices closed for Good Friday April 20, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Please visit www.holmesbeachfl. org or contact city hall for more information. April 12, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow April 15, all day – City offices closed for Good Friday April 20, 10 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee meeting
ISLAND-WIDE
April 19, 5 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board budget work session with regular meeting to follow, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton MARK YOUR CALENDAR
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6
Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tortoise Talk, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 3:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, APRIL 7
RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.
Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Register online at manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8486578 Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m. Bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, APRIL 8
Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486859 Mahjong Club – Experienced Players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8486622 Bingo, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6-8 p.m., $10 for 10 cards
SATURDAY, APRIL 9
Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. Sister Keys cleanup with Sarasota
THE SUN
Bay Watch, Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant, 760 Broadway St. N., Longboat Key, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parking available at the Whitney Beach Plaza. Complimentary lunch provided at Mar Vista. Sign up online sarasotabaywatch.org/event/ sisterkeys040922/ Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required. Master Gardener Tour, Riverview Point Preserve, 8250 DeSoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, 9-11 a.m. Salt marsh planting, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve online manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486407 Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 2 p.m. Keychain crafting party, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Reserve online manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8487016 Starry Night Astronomy, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8-10 p.m.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 12
Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486820 Mahjong for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online at manateelibrary.libcal. com/event/8486602 One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-3:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13
Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Microalgae workshop, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Tortoise Talk, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 3:30 p.m. Island Time Book Club, “The Good Sister,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m. Reserve online manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8486385
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APRIL 6, 2022
Second bike thief busted in Bradenton Beach A suspect wanted on multiple warrants was arrested for burglary, obstruction and possession of paraphernalia. BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH - Levi Oxendine, 22, of Bradenton, was arrested on March 30 for the theft of two bicycles – one that he was riding, and the other that he had on the handlebars. Oxendine Oxendine was riding northbound in the 2800 block of Gulf Drive when Officer Eric Hill spotted him. The rider looked panicked when he saw the patrol vehicle and began to pedal faster in an effort to get away, Hill wrote in his report. When Hill turned on his emergency lights and called out for him to stop, Oxendine got rid of the second bike and took off in the opposite direction.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
Bradenton Beach police take a stolen bike into evidence after a March 25 arrest on Avenue C. Oxendine cut through yards to try to avoid capture, but Hill was able to cut him off on Avenue E, according to the report. Oxendine slipped on loose gravel and cut his ankle, at which time EMS was called to
treat the injury. Officer Tom Ferrara arrived on the scene to assist in the arrest and found Oxendine in possession of a methamphetamine pipe. Both bikes were found to be stolen from Runaway Bay Condos, and the
owners both wished to press charges. When the officers ran a warrant check on Oxendine, they found he was wanted on multiple felony warrants for burglary, larceny and other charges in Manatee and Sarasota counties. According to records obtained from the Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office, Oxendine has a record going back to 2017 with multiple felonies, including vehicle theft, drug charges and grand theft. He was arrested for burglary, obstruction and possession of drug paraphernalia and held in Manatee County Jail on $10,000 bond. The bike arrest was the second in less than a week. Hill also arrested Kelly Martin, of Bradenton Beach, for burglary on Avenue C on March 25 for entering a property where she formerly resided and stealing a bicycle from the current owner who stored it in a laundry room. Hill said that despite the arrests, bike owners should always lock their bikes or secure them indoors.
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Mystery tour raises money for Ukrainians Proceeds from the mystery tour were donated to the American Red Cross. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
LONGBOAT KEY – Women from the Cedars Tennis Resort & Club embarked on a mystery tour aboard the Anna Maria Island Privateer’s parade vessel, the Skullywag, on April Fools’ Day, but they had a serious mission in mind. Organized by Canadian resident and part-time Bradenton Beach resident Karen MacKay, the mystery tour drew 28 participants, collecting donations for the American Red Cross to help support Ukrainians impacted by the recent and ongoing Russian invasion of their homeland. MacKay’s grandparents emigrated from Ukraine to Canada in 1918. “The pirate ship arrived at the tennis resort playing loud music from the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie and the ladies' mouths dropped in surprise. Most of them guessed we were going somewhere in golf carts, walking to the beach or doing nothing at all because it was April Fools' Day,” MacKay said.
KAREN MACKAY | SUBMITTED
Left, Karen MacKay organized the mystery tour with help from the AMI Privateers. Above, Cedars Tennis Resort & Club members boarded the Skullywag for an April Fools’ Day mystery tour. “Cheap wine and beer were served and our destination was the Anna Maria City Pier, where we had 45 minutes to explore. The ladies were thrilled and we loved watching the smiling faces of the adults and kids as we rode by in the Skullywag and waved. The most important thing for me was to give back to the Ukrainians and the bonus was we had fun doing it,” MacKay said. MacKay encourages others to donate to the American Red Cross in support of the war-impacted Ukrainians.
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The most important thing for me was to give back to the Ukrainians and the bonus was we had fun doing it.” Karen MacKay, mystery tour organizer
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Clock tower bell poses safety hazard The walkway below the clock tower is barricaded. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The walkway beneath the historic clock tower at the foot of the Bradenton Beach Pier is temporarily closed because the bell could fall off. The needed repairs eventually will be made by The Verdin Company, based in Cincinnati, Ohio with a Florida office in Merritt Island. Bradenton Beach Public Works Director Tom Woodard informed the mayor and city commissioners of the situation on March 30. In his email to city officials, Woodard said, “They (Verdin) have informed us that the bell/clock is in need of repairs and until they are performed, I should close off access under the bell. So, we have placed barricades and warning tape to try to keep visitors out and safe.” Woodard included two emails he received from Verdin representative Brian Straits on March 28 and March 29. In his March 29 email to Woodard, Straits wrote: “The bell is more or less hanging by a thread. A good storm could really cause problems. In 2017, we provided a quote at that time to replace the striker, head
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
The walkway under the clock tower is now closed to the public. bolt, etc. as they were in bad shape then, but the company you had servicing the bell replaced the solenoid and didn’t forewarn you of future problems. It is not our policy to just ‘spring’ a fix on a customer, but since we only recently started servicing again this is our first chance to see the bell again. “At this time, we can’t say how long it will last or hang there, but we do suggest moving forward with the fix ASAP,” Straits said. “We are also suggesting that you turn the bell off. The force of the striker hitting and vibrating the bell just makes it worse. Hopefully, you can move forward sooner than October.” In his March 28 email to Woodard, Straits said, “You have received over 20 years of service from the existing equipment, which is not bad con-
NOW HIRING Liquor Store Sales Associates Bartenders Cooks Bussers Food Runners Cleaners Hosts email : hurricanehanks@icloud.com or stop by any location for more information
CITY OF BRADENTON BEACH | SUBMITTED
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The bell inside the Bradenton Beach clock tower is “hanging by a thread” and has been deemed unsafe. sidering the salt air and that there was no stainless steel or galvanized parts used. Your bell and striker came from the Schulmerich Company. Verdin purchased Schulmerich about 10 years ago. Verdin manufactured the tower clocks and updated them a few years ago. “The new striker components will use updated materials that will hold up even better in the salt air,” Straits wrote. “We will also use
stainless steel and will galvanize other steel parts. This will ensure longevity of all the new equipment, which will come with a full threeyear warranty. We will use the existing Verdin MCC3 to control both the clocks and bells. This will keep them synced together.” Straits noted it might be five or six months before the repairs are made.
IF YOU ARE AWESOME we want YOU! 5344 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach
6854 Gulf of Mexico Dr Longboat Key
5350 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach
5346 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach
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Roser Church
“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”
SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER
RoserChurch.com
Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
A luxury Bentley sedan crashed into a house in Bradenton Beach.
Road rage costs driver A road rage incident caused a luxury Bentley sedan to crash into a house. BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH - An impatient driver of a high-end vehicle paid the price for his road rage when he crashed his Bentley into a house on March 27. According to witnesses, the driver of the Bentley was traveling southbound just north of lifeguard stand four in Bradenton Beach and was impatient
AMI Chamber luncheon at Pesto Bistro & Wine The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon on Thursday, April 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pesto Bistro & Wine, 8799 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. This is an opportunity to mingle and meet with Chamber members, pass out business cards, and win raffle prizes donated by Chamber member businesses. The cost to attend is $18 for Chamber members and $30 for prospective members. Business donating raffle prizes will be recognized when the prize is given away. Contact the chamber at www. annamariaislandchamber.org.
Privateers host second-chance prom The Anna Maria Island Privateers are hosting their Second Chance Prom, “Dancing Through the Decades,” on Friday, May 20 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Palmetto Elks Lodge. The event is open to the public at $25 per ticket.
with the slow speed of the vehicle in front of him. The driver tried to pass the slower-moving vehicle by driving off the pavement into the sandy beach parking area, but when he sped up in the loose sand and gravel, he lost control of the car, crossing both lanes and coming to rest after hitting a house. The two drivers got into an argument, causing Bradenton Beach police to rush to the scene and treat the crash as a road rage incident. However, police said no one was injured in the crash, the house was not damaged and no charges were filed against the Bentley’s driver.
Visit www.amiprivateers.org for more information and to purchase tickets. The Privateers are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help kids in the community.
Celebrating 25 years of shopping fun It’s been nearly 25 years since Margaret Art was permitted by the city of Anna Maria to open the Roser Guild Thrift Shop and the ladies of the women’s guild are inviting the community out to a celebration. An open house at the thrift shop is being held on Thursday, April 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The community is invited to come out, party with the guild members and check out all of the great bargains at the store. Proceeds from sales at the thrift shop provide scholarships for Manatee County students and help to fund more than 20 local nonprofits. The shop is located across from Roser Memorial Community Church at 511 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.
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Sun to be honored with awards
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Two Anna Maria Island Sun staffers are finalists in the 2022 Florida Press Association Weekly Newspaper Contest. The Sun reached the finals in two categories: InDepth Reporting (Cindy Lane, reporter) for coverage of Piney Point, and Original Local Editorial Cartoon (Steve Borggren, artist). Awards will be announced at the Florida Media Conference in Ponte Vedra Beach in August.
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Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee’s Friendship Dining program could be coming back to The Center of Anna Maria Island if enough local seniors are interested in participating. The program offers seniors a continental breakfast, hot lunch and social activities ranging from competitive games to crafts and movie viewings. Typically, the Friendship Dining program is offered at participating locations in Manatee County Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program is open to seniors age 60 and older. For anyone interested in the program returning to The Center, please call Meals on Wheels Plus Manatee at 941-747-4655.
Locally Owned and Book sale at Annie Silver 45 Stores Natio
The Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach will hold a book sale this Friday, Apr. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Books are 50 cents for paperbacks and $1 for hardcovers, with proceeds going to the operating costs of the center, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Sloppy Joes and drinks will be offered during the event. This is the last sale of the season, and Annie Silver continues to seek volunteers to help organize books and keep this event going year-round. Those interested can call Peg at 941-4475076. The next board meeting will be Monday, April 11 at 4 p.m.
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APRIL 6, 2022
FDA authorizes second COVID booster The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized a second COVID-19 booster vaccine for those over 50 years old whose first booster shot was at least four months ago. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are in agreement but urge those with concerns to speak to their doctors. Those with compromised immune systems or who are 12 or older are also eligible for the second booster. Local pharmacies should be contacted for information on scheduling the shot.
COVID-19 IN MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOLS
March 28 Anna Maria Elementary - 0 staff, 0 students Manatee County - 0 staff, 0 students Total since the first day of school (AME) - 2 staff, 25 students Total since the first day of school (county) 862 staff, 4,513 students April 3 Anna Maria Elementary - 0 staff, 0 students Manatee County - 0 staff, 0 students Total since the first day of school (AME) - 2 staff, 25 students Total since the first day of school (county) 866 staff, 4,518 students
COVID-19 IN MANATEE COUNTY
March 28 Cases 257 % Positivity 2.23% Deaths 18 % Eligible population vaccinated 64.1% New hospital admissions 7 April 3 Cases 88 % Positivity 3.03% Deaths <10 % Eligible population vaccinated 64.4% New hospital admissions 8 Source: Manatee County Schools, CDC
2021
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Devon Straight named Officer of the Year Devon Straight was previously named as the 2019 Officer of the Year.
Officer Straight arrested the
BY JOE HENDRICKS
suspect, which
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Devon Straight has been named as the Bradenton Beach Police Department’s Officer of the Year for 2021. Lt. Lenard Diaz nominated Straight for the annual award and explained why in the nomination letter he distributed. “On 8/12/21, Officer Devon Straight responded to Coquina Beach, where an attempted carjacking of two victims had just occurred by one suspect. Upon Officer Straight’s arrival, the subject was being held down by a second victim. Officer Straight responded to the location quickly and cuffed and placed the subject in the back of his police vehicle for further investigation, and before the suspect could flee or attempt another carjacking. “Officer Straight conducted a ‘show up’ of the first victim, which was a family of four, including two infants in the back seat. The suspect had made it into the driver’s seat to steal the vehicle,
led to a 12-year conviction for his attempted carjacking of two vehicles.” Lt. Lenard Diaz, Bradenton Beach Police Department
BRADENTON BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT | SUBMITTED
Devon Straight has been named Officer of the Year for a second time. but he did not have the keys and then fled on foot. The victims were very frightened, but happy that the suspect was apprehended shortly after. “Officer Straight arrested the suspect, which led to a 12-year conviction for his attempted carjacking of two vehicles. Officer Straight has been selected by the Bradenton Beach Police Depart-
ment for Officer of the Year 2021,” Diaz stated in the press release. When asked about the award, Straight said, “I am extremely grateful to be recognized as Officer of the Year and I will continue to serve the city of Bradenton Beach with dedication, while hoping to leave a positive impact everywhere I can.”
Straight was 19 years old when he joined the Bradenton Beach Police Department in 2018, making him the youngest officer ever hired by the department. He won the 2019 Officer of the Year award after being nominated by then-Police Chief Sam Speciale.
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SUBMITTED
The three recipients of the 2022 AMI Chamber Scholarship Awards Presentation, from L to R, Toddrick Pollock, Keile O’Dell, Maxwell Fletcher.
Chamber scholarships awarded Toddrick Pollock, Keile O’Dell and Maxwell Fletcher are the recipients of the 2022 Scholarship Awards from the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. The awards ceremony was held March 30 at the LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air showroom at 401 Manatee Ave. in Holmes Beach. The $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year to graduating seniors in Manatee County to help continue their education.
Pollock is graduating from Southeast High School with honors from the International Baccalaureate Program. O’Dell is graduating from Manatee High School and has been very active in her school, clubs, community, sports and church. Fletcher will be graduating at the top of his class at Braden River High School, and has become a versatile, composed and excellent student.
APRIL 6, 2022
APRIL 6, 2022
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Queen of Hearts jackpot exceeds $100,000 The jackpot for the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge’s Queen of Hearts drawing on Wednesday, April 6 is $101,803. On Wednesday, March 30, envelope #45 was opened and it contained a 5 of spades. The winner was not present and received a $300 consolation prize for not pulling the Queen of Hearts that remains in hiding with more than half of the cards already pulled. The March 30 drawing produced $15,182 in weekly ticket sales and the lodge’s
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
This case holds the envelopes that contain one playing card each. share of those proceeds help benefit Moose Charities. The weekly draw-
ings take place at 7 p.m. and are open to Moose members only.
TheBodyofChrist A musical service featuring the CHANCEL CHOIR and CHAMBER ORCHESTRA!
EASTER CANTATA by Pepper Choplin
Come early for the best seating!
Palm Sunday, April 10 8:30 & 10:00 AM RoserChurch.com
“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”
Receive a Palm Cross!
941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch
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Palma Sola Boat Ramp closed for dredging MANATEE COUNTY – The Palma Sola Causeway Boat Ramp and docks will be closed for dredging maintenance from Monday, April 4, through Friday, April 8. The ramp is located at 9701 Manatee Ave. W. According to the county’s press release, about 130 cubic yards of accumulated sand will be removed to make the ramp fully functional again. The sand naturally builds up over time and requires periodic dredging. The press release notes that enough sand will be removed to fill about 10 dump trucks. Contractors are hoping to complete the dredging during the week so it doesn’t impact weekend boaters. Part of the parking lot also will be closed for material and equipment
NEWS BRIEFS Bradenton Beach Commission meets Thursday The Bradenton Beach City Commission will meet on Thursday, April 7 at 6 p.m. According to the agenda, Mayor John Chappie will read a city proclamation about National Arbor Day and the commission will authorize a request for the city’s Scenic W.A.V.E.S. Committee to coordinate the Arbor Day plantings. Under new business, the commission will discuss the repairs needed for the bell inside the historic clock
FILE PHOTO
The Palma Sola Causeway Boat Ramp will be closed this week but is expected to reopen in time for the weekend. staging during the process. Boaters can still use the Kingfish Boat Ramp
three miles west at 752 Manatee Ave. W.
tower near the Bridge Street Pier. (Related story on Page 11) Under attorney business, the commission will be asked to adopt a resolution on the creation of a charter review committee and another resolution seeking the governor’s final support for the city’s state appropriation requests.
$4,190 invoice for the March tram services. The CRA members will be asked to approve a police department reimbursement invoice for $12,857.71, an Environmental Science Associates (ESA) engineering invoice for $18,360 and a $197 invoice from LTA Engineering. Under new business, the CRA members will discuss National Arbor Day plantings at City Park, across the street from city hall. The city attorney/CRA liaison will provide an update on current and pending CRA projects and the CRA members will also receive an update on policing services within the CRA district that extends from the south side of the Cortez Bridge to the southernmost property lines along Fifth Street South.
CRA members to meet Wednesday The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will meet Wednesday, April 6 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall. The first order of business is an Old Town Tram update from tram service operator Joshua LaRose and his request to approve payment of a
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OUTDOORS
APRIL 6, 2022
Reel Time on the Road: Frankie’s Two Boys Inn Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS
O
ver the years I’ve had the pleasure of fishing a lot of destinations in the Bahamas. The fact that it’s so close to Florida coupled with its vast schools of my favorite catch on the fly, bonefish, make it hands down my choice destination. Despite all those opportunities I had never fished what is widely known as the birthplace of bonefishing, the middle bight of Andros Island. Arguably one of the richest flats fishing locations for bonefish on Earth, the middle bight of Andros holds vast opportunities. I had my first experience there the third week in March when I visited the Bering Point Settlement and Frankie’s Two Boys Inn. I first heard of the lodge from Robert Fischer, a Tampa native and a longtime member of the Tampa Bay Fly Fishing Club. Years ago, Fischer and I fished South Andros, so when I heard he was a veteran of the area and lodge I reached out to him. I wanted to explore that area and, in the process, experience the place where I planned to introduce some friends new to fly fishing to the thrill of bonefishing. In the process of organizing the trip, another new fly-fishing friend, Andy Grosso of Sarasota, signed on as did Fischer and Tony Pizarro, a member of the Suncoast Fly Fishers in St Petersburg. We met at the Tampa International Airport on a Wednesday morning for a flight to Nassau and then to Andros Town. There we were met by a taxi for a 45-minute drive to the lodge on
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Andy Grosso poses for a quick photo before releasing a typical Andros Island bonefish. Bering Point. After settling into our rooms, we all met in the lodge’s great room for libations and snacks. The morning began early with coffee at 6 a.m. and breakfast at 7 a.m. As soon as breakfast was complete, anglers made and boxed their choice of sandwiches, chips and fruit, assembled tackle and walked across the street to the lodge’s dock on Cargill Creek. The day’s fishing started at or before 8 a.m. and finished with lines out at 3 p.m. While 3 p.m. sounded a bit early to finish, after experiencing the short run to fishable water, it became clear that the actual fishing time was probably longer here. Weather and wind were challenging six of the seven days we fished, something I had become accustomed to (well, almost) fishing the Bahamas. De-
spite the weather and the wind, everyone caught fish including the two anglers fairly new to the sport. Actually, they bested the “old salts.” On the first day, Grosso and I fished the east side of the island with Calvin Bowe and had shots at schools of fish on the flats and at a creek mouth near the lodge. The shots we had were plagued by clouds and wind but we still managed to land, break off and make presentations to numerous bonefish. Our second day was tough as well but we got a wonderful introduction from owner and head guide Barry Neymour to the vast and unbelievably beautiful middle bight through all-too-infrequent windows in the clouds. When the sun did break through, it revealed a kaleidoscope of varied and eye-popping colorful flats
laced with deep azure channels. The weather improved over subsequent days and the fishing did as well, with everyone at the lodge catching bonefish. I caught my first-ever mutton snapper on fly the third day and Grosso caught one the following day that fed everyone at the lodge. On the fourth day when the weather broke and the sun shined all day, I caught five fish before lunch. Two days after we arrived at the lodge thee more anglers came including an old friend of mine and one that had connections with Grosso. While the fishing and weather were challenging, the camaraderie was excellent and we all looked forward to sharing stories from the flats as well as some very funny jokes at the end of each day. While fishing is the main focus of any trip, the time spent with other passionate anglers really enhances the experience. I’ll have to admit this was one of the most challenging bonefish trips I’ve ever taken, but also one of the most memorable. The fishing was tough, a combination of weather and the fact that bonefish don’t flood the flats in as great a number during the mercurial change from winter to spring. I was so impressed with the experience as a whole and accounts of fishing there in the late spring and fall that I booked space for six anglers this coming November. Barry Neymour and his wife, Melinda, run a tight ship and the locals were friendly and accommodating. I can highly recommend this reasonably-priced experience that is sure to please even the most discriminating angler as well as anyone new to or wanting to experience bonefishing. To inquire about availability and book a trip, contact Melinda Neymour at Frankie’s Two Boys Inn at 242-375-2054 or visit their website at www.twoboysinn.com.
APRIL 6, 2022
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Warmer water brings baitfish return CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT
This is a great month for snook on shallow flats. Reds and trout will also 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. You should also find Spanish mackerel along with false albacore (little tunny), cobia and tripletail, in the coastal Gulf this month. Tarpon should also make an appearance in bay or backcountry areas or along beaches by later in the month. Tarpon will become more plentiful 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 sand bars. Fly anglers might connect with a black Deceiver or Tarpon bunny fly fished on a 12-weight fly rod with a floating or clear sink tip fly line, depending on depth. I always have tarpon tackle, rigged and ready, on the boat this time of year. Snook and reds remain closed to harvest south of State Rd 64 in Manatee County on the west coast of Florida, south to the south bank of Gordon Pass in Collier County. Reds and snook are catch-andrelease only in that zone until May 31, 2022. Spotted seatrout has reopened in that zone with a three-fish-per-person, bag limit and a six-fish boat limit. Trout must be from 15”-19” with one allowed per vessel over 19”. Full regulations and details can be viewed at https:// myfwc.com/.
CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED
Mat Schenk, from Colorado, with a Spanish mackerel caught and released on Clouser flies on a couple of trips with Capt. Rick Grassett. Snook 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. Fish the edges of bars and potholes when the tide is low and mangrove shorelines or points of islands when the tide is high. I like wide profile flies, such as Lefty’s Deceiver, my Grassett Flats Bunny or EP flies, for snook on the flats 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, shrimp patterns or Shrimp Gurglers. Fish peak tidal flows for the best action. Reds will spend more time feeding on shallow flats due to more plentiful bait. Even before the latest red tide outbreak, I was 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. 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. 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 flies and techniques used to find and catch reds will also work for big trout. April is one of my favorite months. There should be good action in the 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. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills and discharges, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
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BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH
3/24, 10:20 p.m., noise complaint, 2400 Gulf Drive N. Dispatch notified the officer of a noise complaint in the 2400 block of Gulf Drive, saying a group of people were being noisy in the area. Upon arrival, the officer couldn’t find anyone making any noise after searching on foot and in his vehicle. No further action was taken. 3/24, 11:30 p.m., noise complaint, 401 20th Place N. The officer responded to a possible noise complaint. The caller wanted the area checked for a group of people talking loudly, but when the officer arrived, he noted the noise level was not enough to be a violation of city ordinance. The primary renter was contacted and notified of the noise ordinance. No further action was taken.
HOLMES BEACH
3/25, 2:35 a.m., unlicensed carry of a firearm/marijuana possession, 3200 Gulf Drive. After stopping a vehicle for a traffic violation on Manatee Avenue, the officer approached the vehicle and detected a strong smell of marijuana. He searched the vehicle and found 5.8 grams of marijuana, a digital scale and a loaded
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APRIL 6, 2022
12-gauge shotgun. When asked his name, the driver cursed at police and refused to cooperate. A passport was found in the vehicle which allowed police to identify the driver. He was charged with unlicensed possession of a firearm, marijuana possession under 20 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 3/27, 9:03 p.m., larceny/theft, 6600 Gulf Drive. The officer responded to a report of two stolen bicycles. The victim said he last saw the bikes a few hours earlier unsecured at the bicycle rack on the property. There were no security cameras at the location and the victim did not have serial numbers. The victim later sent photos of the bikes, which the officer added to the case file. 3/29, 10 p.m., Baker Act, 3000 Gulf Drive. The officer arrived at the listed location to find a man lying on the ground unconscious with cans of compressed air dusters laying nearby. The subject woke up before EMS arrived and told police he was going through a divorce and huffing the air duster helped him cope. The officer told him this was illegal, but the subject grabbed a can and took another “hit” in front of the officer, who had to take the can away. The officer placed the man in protective custody under the Baker Act and transported him to Centerstone Behavioral Hospital.
Live Music on our Patio
Anna Maria's Favorite Hang Out
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APRIL 6, 2022
THE SUN
EASTER AT THE BEACH IS A PIECE OF CAKE
bunny LOVES
EVERY CARROT CAKE.
Holidays and traditions go hand in hand. Families look forward to special times together and traditions help make lasting memories. Easter at the beach is one of the most popular times for families. Sunrise services, spring break, warmer water and longer days make Easter at the beach more memorable. Traditional Easter foods including hardboiled eggs, ham and carrot cake are often part of the celebration. The origin of the carrot cake is not clear. Some say the cake was eaten by Europeans in the Middle Ages when sweeteners and sugars were expensive, and carrot was substituted for sugar. The most recent explosion in popularity of the carrot cake can be attributed to the dieting craze of the 1970’s when the cake was promoted as healthy because it contained actual vegetables—carrots. Pastry Chef, Leilana Haas at the Anna Maria Bake House is currently creating a very special version of the carrot cake for the Chiles Group of restaurants that include the Sandbar, the Beach House and Mar Vista. The carrot cake recipe she uses is from a fellow pastry chef named Sarah and it’s called the morning glory recipe. 7KH PX൶QV VROG DW WKH *DPEOH &UHHN Farm in nearby Parrish, FL were also an inspiration for the newest rendition. Leilana took out all the other vegetables and fruits in the PX൶Q EDWWHU DQG PDGH LW D FDUURW FDNH 7KH cream cheese frosting is her cinnamon roll icing recipe and instead of creaming the butter and cream cheese together and then adding the powdered sugar, she melts the butter and pours it into the cream cheese after incorporat-
ing the powdered sugar. By melting the butter, LW PDNHV LW D PRUH ÀX൵\ DQG DLU\ IURVWLQJ %\ combining two recipes, Leilana made her own dessert out of it and restaurant guests are delighted that she did!
Pastry Chef Leilana Haas
The Anna Maria Bake House incorSRUDWHV RUJDQLF SURGXFWV LQFOXGLQJ ÀRXU LQ as much of their food as possible. Preferred suppliers include King Arthur Flour (Norwich, VT), Lindley Mills (Graham, NC) and Carolina Ground (Asheville, NC). The bakery SURGXFHV PDQ\ GL൵HUHQW W\SHV RI EUHDGV SLHV cakes, and desserts for all three of the Chiles Group restaurants. This delicious carrot cake is available at the Sandbar in Anna Maria, the Beach House in Bradenton Beach Mar Vista in Longboat Key and Gamble Creek Farms in Parrish during the Easter holiday. Content provided by: The Chiles Group
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REAL ESTATE
APRIL 6, 2022
Florida insurance reform - not
A
t the end of March, the Florida Legislature ended its session with an April Fools’ to every homeowner in the state. The legislators could not come to an agreement on passing insurance reform in the face of rising insurance rates and fewer companies in the state, leaving homeowners without any relief for this year. The bill that was in play was passed by the Florida Senate, but the House leadership wouldn’t accept it. Part of the proposed legislation was a modification of the insurance deductible for roof replacements. Naturally, homeowners with older roofs would have borne the brunt of the cost. The bottom line is that homeowners all over the state are faced with increasing rates and policies dropped at renewal time. Part of the reason for this is that insurance companies are losing money in
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER the state. According to the Insurance Information Institute, Florida insurance companies had $1.6 billion in underwriting losses in 2020. This is in addition to the companies’ experiencing rising costs of reinsurance, as well as fraud in the roofing industry and frivolous lawsuits. As a result, many insurance companies are not renewing policies on homes that have roofs more than 15 years old and are even being picky about what types of homes they want to cover. Homeowners’ and condominium associations are now faced with replacing roofs on older buildings and
homes during a time of supply shortages, high demand and high prices. My personal experience was a substantial reduction in my homeowner’s premium when the condominium roof on the building I live in was recently replaced. This was because the replaced roof met the Florida code for wind velocity and then some. It was nice while it lasted, but at the next renewal, the premium was increased, wiping out all of the savings from the roof replacement. My view is that even if legislation had been passed, can you really force companies to do business in the state? Companies are going broke or making business decisions to move their businesses out of Florida. It’s a monumental problem that will require some creative thinking in Tallahassee during the next legislative session. Tort reform and other reforms that would have better control of litigation would go a long way to help insurance
companies that are leaving the state to take another look. For now, however, we’re done, and homeowners will have to just deal with double-digit increases in their homeowner’s policy at renewal, as well as the possibility of having a new roof installed so they will actually qualify for insurance. The legislature could call a special session to take another look - a very good idea - but one that is rarely done. The state saw this coming and kept kicking the can down the road, and as usual, it’s the least wealthy among us who will be hurt the most. I wish there were more encouraging news, but there’s not. My advice is to write to your legislator, replace your roof if you’re in a position to do so and don’t shop for another insurance company. If your current company has renewed your policy, just be happy; don’t be a fool in April.
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Concert series closes with The Rascals It was a beautiful evening on April 2 when Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals took the stage for the final show in a five-part concert series at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The group had audience members on their feet for many numbers, beginning with the hit “A Beautiful Morning” and continuing through many of the band’s hits including “Good Lovin’,” “It’s Wonderful,” “Love is a Beautiful Thing,” and “Groovin’,” among others. The show concluded a fivepart concert series on the Anna Maria Island stage, which featured performances from The Wailers, Lou Gramm, Don Felder and Richard Marx. The Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series was brought to The Center by Bradenton Area Arts & Culture, The Sandbar and Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages.
Say hello to your new neighbors
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KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals got the crowd on their feet for a rendition of “Groovin’.” The Rascals played the group’s hits during a show at The Center, starting with “A Beautiful Morning.”
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ARREST: Suspect arrested in beating FROM PAGE 1
one related to the school was believed to be involved in any way. Evans, a 6-foot tall, 140-pound Black man, is considered a danger to the community due to the violent acts committed and the nature of the charges, according to police. Anyone who sees Evans is advised not to approach him and to immediately contact their local
police department. A third person, a juvenile, also has been charged in the case. Anyone with information about the case is urged to call HBPD at 941-708-5800. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS or submit a tip online at manateecrimestoppers.com. A reward of up to $3,000 is being offered for
information leading to an arrest in the case. Purcell’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with his medical bills. As of March 30, the effort has raised $15,755 of the $25,000 goal. To donate, visit the GoFundMe site.
PINEY POINT: Closure date set FROM PAGE 1
lawsuit by The Center for Biological Diversity, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Suncoast Waterkeeper, ManaSota-88 and our Children’s Earth Foundation against Piney Point owner HRK Holdings LLC, Gov. Ron DeSantis, FDEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton and the Manatee County Port Authority to stop the well. The case has been
stayed until Oct. 17. The 3,300-foot-deep well is under construction near Piney Point at 3105 Buckeye Road, and is expected to be completed by next spring. Once all wastewater is removed from the ponds, fill material will be added to the gyp stacks with a 2-foot-thick soil and vegetative cover system that will be sloped to
enable runoff of rainwater into the existing stormwater management system, according to the plan. Meanwhile, repairs are ongoing at a new leak discovered in January in a wastewater pond liner. “There continues to be no indication of any concern with the integrity or stability of the stack system,” according to an April 1 FDEP report.
APRIL 6, 2022
Cindy Jones-Burke ke Realtor/Staging Certified Residential Specialistt
Cindy@CJonesRE.com m Direct: 941.773.9770
310 Pine Avenue • Anna Maria, FL 34216
teamduncan.com
www.amisun.com
APRIL 6, 2022
THE SUN
CINDY LANE | SUN
Spring visitor A hooded warbler visits a backyard on Anna Maria Island.
A real estate company you can trust: 46 years of exceptional knowledge & service. WE REMAIN THE SUNCOAST’S MARKET LEADER WITH A RECORD-BREAKING $4.79 BILLION IN SALES IN 2021
Our commanding market share in all price categories is more than regional bragging rights. It’s a direct reflection of the trust we’ve earned and hardwork we have dedicated to our loyal customers throughout our 46-year history. Michael Saunders & Company. The name trusted by buyers and sellers on the island. Connect with a local. 941.896.9981
Nowhere but here. 6000 Marina Drive 113, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM | Licensed Real Estate Broker
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APRIL 6, 2022
February 2022 tourist tax collections compared to February 2021
Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Manatee County Total*
18% 23% 42% 39%
*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto) Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or 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% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also partially funds tourismrelated attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Amounts shown were collected in February and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in March. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. 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
CINDY LANE | SUN
Stormy sunset Storm clouds only make the sunsets on Anna Maria Island better.
www.amisun.com
APRIL 6, 2022
THE SUN
THIS IS HOW WE
FLORIDA
Get Away from it All or Ge t Into it All Daily life at Lakewood Ranch doesn’t look the same for everyone. Let loose at Music on Main or stroll the Farmers’ Market for new finds. Take advantage of our close-to-the-coast location with an afternoon trip to the beach, or join in the excitement of a Tampa Bay sporting event. Connect with nature on our trails or catch dinner and a concert at our newest lakefront town center. This is how Florida is meant to be lived. 18+ VILLAGES TO CHOOSE FROM I DISTINCTIVE HOME STYLES & SIZES I MULTIGEN LIVING OPTIONS I COUNTRY CLUB GOLF & RACQUET SPORTS I SOCIAL & SPORTS CLUBS I AWARD-WINNING LIFESTYLE I YEAR-ROUND FARMERS’ MARKET I TOP-RATED SCHOOLS 3 TOWN CENTERS WITH SHOPPING, DINING, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT I 150 MILES OF TRAILS I THRIVING BUSINESS ECONOMY
NEW HOMES FROM THE $300S TO OVER $1 MILLION *
*Prices subject to change without notice. © 2022 Lakewood Ranch
.com
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SPORTS
APRIL 6, 2022
Sato Real Estate opens soccer season strong BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUIN
ANNA MARIA - The spring adult soccer season started off under threat of rain, but the four opening-week games were played without fail. Sato Real Estate started the season with a strong performance in a onesided affair, beating Shady Lady 8-1. Sato’s Damir Glavan netted the first goal after less than five minutes of play. Glavan’s goal was the first of four he scored against the Shady Lady defense. With 16:02 on the clock for the first half of play, Sato’s Will Kretzmann shot his first goal of the night, taking the score to 2-0. In the co-ed recreational soccer league, Selena Gonzalez-Salinas moved the score to 3-0 with a beautiful shot past Shady Lady’s goalie, Tuna McCracken. Michael Moya started the game in goal for Shady Lady, but was needed to bolster his team’s effort on the field. McCracken, who finished the game with seven saves, stepped in to help the Shady Lady squad, down a few players. McCracken is officially on the Salty Printing roster and had to play the next game for his team without a break. Shady Lady made it on the scoreboard with the only team goal by Nate Welch with four minutes left in the half. The halftime whistle blew with the score 3-1. Starting the last half of play with the victory still within reach for the Shady Lady squad, Glavan hit his second goal of the night just minutes into the action. Glavan’s perfect position near the post gave Sato Real Estate a threepoint lead, with more than 20 minutes
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
Left, Sato Real Estate’s Will Kretzmann handles the soccer ball down field with Shady Lady’s Nate Welch moving to take possession in the first adult soccer game of the season at The Center. Right, with pressure from Will Kretzmann for Sato Real Estate, Shady Lady’s J.D. Webb winds up for the strike against goalkeeper Josh Sato last Thursday night. left to play. Sato Real Estate’s fifth goal came off the foot of Josh Sato, from the assist by Glavan. Selfless play karma resulted in Glavan’s third goal. The hat trick pushed the score to 6-1. Feeling the game slip through their fingers, the Shady Lady team continued to push the Sato Real Estate defense. Between the three official goalies in the game, Sato Real Estate had seven recorded saves against the Shady Lady shooters. Off a Sato assist to Glavan, the Sato Real Estate hot foot scored his fourth goal of the game. Playing with less than five minutes left in the game and no substitute players, the Shady Lady team saw their hopes disappear. The final bit of hope ended with the eighth goal by Sato Real Estate's Gonzalez-Salinas off the perfect pass by Sato, ending the game with the score 8-1. The win is predicted to be
the first of many for Sato Real Estate in the season. Shady Lady’s season should be a competitive one with the appearance of the entire team ready to play. Sato Real Estate takes on Salty Printing Thursday night in the 8 p.m. game. Salty lost their first game against team Progressive Cabinetry. Shady Lady faces The Gitt Team Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m. The Gitt Team could not score against the Moss Builders squad, losing with the final score 3-0. The strong Moss Builders team plays in the first game next week against Servis First Bank. In a close game against Gulfview Windows & Doors, Servis First captured their first win by a single goal. Gulfview looks for their first win of the season against Progressive Cabinetry in the late game next Thursday. Week two action could produce an
early leader. Can Sato Real Estate win another championship? Will Moss Builders or Gulfview Windows & Doors, veteran sponsors and champions, take another finale? The season’s champion will be named in June, with strong soccer action each Thursday night at The Center.
SUN SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, MARCH 31 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER
Sato Real Estate (1-0-0) Shady Lady (0-1-0)
8 1
Progressive Cabinetry (1-0-0) Salty Printing (0-1-0)
4 1
Moss Builders (1-0-0) The Gitt Team (0-1-0)
3 0
Gulfview Windows & Doors (0-1-0) 3 Servis First Bank (1-0-0) 4
APRIL 6, 2022
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Some game pieces 5 Long-range nuke 9 Like horses 14 Palm whose oil is used in cosmetics 15 David Copperfield wife 16 Barely, with "by" 17 Blades for trimming blades 19 Futile 20 Channel that shows college games 21 Banquet offering 23 Any ship 24 Shine, in adspeak 27 Evasive 28 Development that ended much development 34 Disinfectant brand since 1889 35 Nipper 36 Collapsed Answers to 03-30-22 Crossword Puzzle.
39 Bell invention with a bell 42 Farm mom 43 "Bravo!" 44 Unaccustomed to 46 Club used at a club 52 Centuries-old discipline 53 Pod opening 54 Japanese computer giant 57 Call dibs on, with "to" 61 1736 writer of a seminal paper on graph theory 63 From an earlier time 64 Wheels for carrying wheels 67 Setting for a Tonywinning Miller play 68 Persia, now 69 "Check this out!" 70 Seriously weaken 71 Bind, in a way 72 Eye ailment
Down 1 Loses color 2 PayPal payment, e.g. 3 Rubbernecked 4 __ Féin 5 "What will __ now?" 6 Intimidate 7 Two-time Cy Young Award winner Saberhagen 8 Show amazement (at) 9 Western Pacific island capital 10 Alias 11 Proper __ 12 Latin infinitive 13 Big game 18 Wet weather word 22 Holiday mo. 25 Speak like Sylvester 26 Texter's "Then again ... " 29 Breed 30 One way to sing 31 Acid Rain Program org. 32 Capek classic 33 Parrot 36 Bribe 37 "Aladdin" prince 38 After expenses 40 Colorful salamander 41 Big-mouthed one that can hold its wine? 42 Sess. 45 Bye word 47 Recurred at regular intervals
48 Loving request 49 "Hometown Proud" supermarket 50 Ace a test 51 Join 55 Tiny
THE SUN
56 Minotaur's home 57 Get rid of 58 Hardly around the corner 59 Risk-taker's acronym 60 Actress Sorvino
62 FedEx rival 65 Plan (out) 66 "A Chorus Line" number
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CLASSIFIED
ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit.com THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381. ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
AUTOMOTIVE FOR SALE 2002 MITSUBISHI CONVERTIBLE SPYDER/ ECLIPSE 94,000 miles. Runs great, body is great! $2500. Call or email 647771-3288 or karenmackay@hotmail.com
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-7564570 or 941-565-3931
EMPLOYMENT The award-winning ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is looking for a freelance reporter/photographer to cover events on this tourism-driven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be mailed to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, Attention: Mike Field, publisher.
Call us today! 941-778-3986
FISHING CHARTERS CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
FOR SALE TOURING BICYCLE: LYNSKEY, TITANIUM, 'Sportive' 21gear., custom components: Shimano, Bontrager 'Race' carbon fork FSA, ASOO flat spoke wheels: virtually new, $4200 OBO. Call David 941-778-9315 CLASSIC BRITISH SEAGULL (1988), QBSeries, Curlew, pristine, no corrosion (used once), 4hp, Original Manual, $950 OBO. Call David in Holmes Beach: 941-778-9315
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES SHELL POINT COMMUNITY YARD SALE Saturday April 9. 9am-3pm. 6300 Flotilla Drive, Holmes Beach GARAGE SALE SATURDAY April 9, 2022 9 AM till 2 PM 302 - 306 South Bay Blvd Anna Maria City Tools, Fishing gear, Depression glass, Household items, Lots of MISCELLANEOUS Rain Date: Saturday April 16
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 941-725-0073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/ Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call Mike Kern 941-778-1115 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors. Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067. HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.
HOME SERVICES
APRIL 6, 2022
LOST at AMI MOOSE CLUB on Tuesday March 15 Brown wooden sunglasses with Abalone shell frame. Blue lenses. Call 941-2431444
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
CONCRETE FUSION, CRACK REPAIR sidewalks/ driveways. Why fix 95% of concrete when only 5% bad? Number 1 in concrete repair. Insured. Free estimate. Call Bobby 941-374-7670.
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
Decluttering and Organizing for your home or office. Packing/Unpacking & room revitalization to create comfortable and enjoyable environments. 765404-6608 Free Estimates!
“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455
LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran. Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 941-799-9299.
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315. SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, Additions, Drip, Timer Head Adjustments. Call Rick today Cell 720-299-1661 Office 941920-0775 SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
LOST & FOUND LOST PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES in black case between Gulf Watch and Beach House Restaurant. Please call 847-563-8365.
AMISUN.COM
DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525 SUMMER AT THE BEACH Anna Maria Island. Updated 5 star Condo. Available May to November (monthly with multiple month discount) Million $ water view. First floor 2BR/2BA beautiful water view deck, walk to beach, pool, tennis. Smoke free. Email NOW rentamiwaterview@aol.com or Call 570-239-0431
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $50, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi. com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600
RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992.
FREE
HOME DELIVERY
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190
Call for Details
778-3986
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APRIL 6, 2022
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 PAINTING
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PAINTING
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the Team Duncan Difference! Local-Area Expertise Outstanding Customer C t S Service i Experienced Professionals Proven Performance
Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner
Cindy Jones Sales Associate
Michelle Laade Sales Associate
April Green Martha Jones Robel Sales Associate Sales Associate
Robyn Hawk Paige Rogers Joey Hutchinson Katie Self Sales Associate Sales Associate Sales Associate Sales Associate
Nancy Howle Sales Associate
William Romberger Sales Associate
Lindsey Leech Strickland Mary Anne Muniz Sales Associate Sales Associate
Home & Condominium Sales • Investment Properties • Vacation Rentals
BOUTIQUE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Vacation Rentals • Annual Rentals • Association Management • Home Watch Service
• Dedicated, multi-lingual rental team • Performance tailored to your needs and expectations • Cutting-edge technology • Trusted by generations of Islanders, property owners, and visitors 310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216
Providing a top-no guest experien tch ce You call and we answer – 2 4/7 Always there for our owners Maximize yo ur revenue
TeamDuncan.com
941.779.0304