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VOL 15 No. 24
Recall election will happen
April 8, 2015
The mayor’s fate is now in the hands of city voters. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – It is official. There will be a special recall election, and city voters will determine whether Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon remains in office. City Attorney Ricinda Perry expects Circuit Court Judge Lee Haworth to issue an order this week calling for a special election in May Vice Mayor Jack Clarke has confirmed that he will run against Shearon in the special election. Additional candidates are allowed to join the fray, but none have presented themselves in the early stages of what is now a campaign process. Police Chief Sam Speciale served Shearon the notice of petition certification mere minutes before the see recall, page 29
Season’s sizzle stays BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
It’s not over ‘til it’s over. The sun has risen and set on Easter, but beaches, roads, restaurants and stores remain busy as visitors merely trickle off Anna Maria Island at the traditional end of the year’s high tourist season. “It’s not over yet,” Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce President Mary Ann Brockman said, adding that Chamber members are reporting only sporadic one- or two-night vacancies. With bad weather up north, “It’s definitely been the best season we’ve ever had,” she said. “All the snow up North helps us out,” agreed Caryn Hodge, marketing director for the Chiles Restaurant Group, adding that it has been a record year at the BeachHouse, Sandbar and Mar Vista restaurants. “People came earlier this year,” said Kelly Clark, communications director for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). “We usually see a decline after Easter, but we’re going to see a healthy season.” The Island was nearly full in February – 94 percent occupancy, according to the CVB – and March, historsee season, page 30
INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey outdoors Real estate obituaries crossword classified
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A hippity hoppity Easter
MAGGIE FIELD | SUN
Hundreds of kids, including Natalie Beard, 2, of Sarasota, scramble on Saturday in Anna Maria to scoop up Easter eggs before moving on to a Pine Avenue party. Page 20-21
Turquoise
AFFAIRE live AUCTION LOADED
Stunning photo exhibit featured at Artists’ Guild. 32
THIS YEAR. 3
water:
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Tales from a non-chef in Food and Wine. 25
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