FREE
VOL 16 No. 24
April 13, 2016
For the birds cindy lane | SUN
Birds feed at sunset in Bradenton Beach.
Rental occupancy limits upheld Grandfathering will allow additional occupancy for some vacation rentals. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amimsun.com
ANNA MARIA – Circuit Court Judge Gilbert Smith Jr. has ruled the city of Anna Maria’s eight-person occupancy restriction on vacation rental properties is legal and does not violate state law. Smith issued his ruling on Friday, April 8, after hearing the case on Friday, April 1; the same day the vacation rental ordinance and occupancy limits took effect. The legal challenge was brought forth by Florida Gulf Coast Vacation Homes LLC doing business as Anna Maria Vacations. Smith’s written ruling specifies the
only issue the court was being asked to decide was whether the city’s occupancy restrictions, which do provide a grandfathering period, violate Florida Statute 509.032(7). The state statute says: “A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate the duration or frequency of rental of vacation rentals. This paragraph does not apply to any local law, ordinance, or regulation adopted on or before June 1, 2011.” In his ruling, Smith wrote, “The court finds that the ordinance does not conflict with Section 509.032(7). The ordinance does not prohibit vacation rentals that have been historically rented to more guests than is permitted under see rentals, page 34
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It’s a new day at A Hair Day Salon & Spa. 14
Anna Maria Island, Florida
In order to pursue a noise complaint, there must be a complainant, not an anonymous caller. BY PAT COPELAND
SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – After losing a court case last week involving a noise citation, the city has changed its policy on taking noise complaints. The citation was issued to owner Shawn Kaleta after an anonymous caller complained about loud music and talking at 204 72nd Street on Jan. 3. Police Chief Bill Tokajer explained, “We lost the hearing because we had no complainant. From now on, a caller must give his/her name and information, meet with the officer, sign an
affidavit on a founded violation and be willing to testify in court if required. “If not, the officer will take no action other than to go by the location, and if there’s noise coming from the location that would be considered a valid complaint, meaning one that he can hear, the officer will take no action other than asking them to lessen the noise. “There will be no fines or no ordinance violation imposed without a willing complainant who will sign off and stand up in court and describe the effect this noise had on his life.”
Noise ordinance
Tokajer said the city’s noise ordinance defines noise as “any sound, which annoys or disturbs humans see noise, page 33
Michael Walker NAMED OFFICER OF THE YEAR. 4
INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey business Town crier outdoors real estate classified
New noise policy in Holmes Beach
Participate in the Great American Cleanup. 13
The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper
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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
APRIL 13, 2016
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APRIL 13, 2016
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Term limit solution proposed A term limit question will be placed on the August primary ballot. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amimsun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City voters will determine whether term limits still apply to elected officials in Bradenton Beach. There has been uncertainty surrounding this matter due to a scrivener’s error that went unnoticed during the charter review process last summer. With the June 20-24 qualifying period approaching and third-term Commissioners Ed Straight and Jan Vosburgh scheduled to term-limit out of office, the commission agreed that a determination is needed. Straight had previously said he would consider running again, if allowed. Vosburgh has said she would not run again. During the Thursday, April 7, meeting, Commissioner Jake Spooner proposed adding a charter amendment question to the ballot for the Manatee County primary elections taking place in August. Spooner said he contacted the Supervisor of Elections Office and discussed
joe hendricks | sun
City Commissioner Jake Spooner, right, proposes a solution to the term limit confusion that could impact fellow commissioner Ed Straight. the process with Deputy Chief Sharon Stief. He said the city could add a term limit question to the Aug. 30 ballot and avoid the cost of a stand-alone special election. Spooner was told Straight could qualify as a candidate in June, but his final eligibility would be determined by city voters in August. If term limits are eliminated, Straight can run again. If
term limits are in effect, Straight would be ineligible to run and forfeit his $48 qualifying fee. Mayor Bill Shearon said, “I’m with you, the voters do need to make the decision. If the two commissioners decide they’re not going to run, we could do it in a timely manner.” Vosburgh said, “It has to be settled one way or the other. It doesn’t make any
difference if we decide to run. If we say there are going to be no term limitations it’s going to affect the rest of you.” Spooner said, “It’s already been expressed at least one of our commissioners is willing to run again. This is doing it the right way. It goes to the voters, we get a determination and go from there.” Straight said, “I’m really not sure myself, but we need to make a determination.” Commissioner Ralph Cole said, “The question is, is there limits or isn’t there? What do we do?” It was Cole who recently discovered the city charter no longer references term limits. Last summer, the Charter Review Committee (CRC) unanimously favored eliminating term limits. The city commissioners in office at the time then overruled the CRC and voted 3-2 against placing a term limit charter amendment question on the November 2015 ballot. Before the election took place, the commission adopted an accompanying ordinance without realizing the term limit language had been stricken through. City voters then approved an increase see term, page 33
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THE SUN
ISLAND NEWS
in brief
Center $50,000 challenge continues A matching challenge issued by Center board member Rex Hagen in March continues until May 15. Center officials said they have received $30,000 so far and Hagen will match all contributions up to $50,000. To contribute, call the Center at 778-1908.
Cortez picnic Saturday Cortezians are invited to the annual Cortez Community Picnic on Saturday, April 16, at 11:30 a.m., at the Albert Few-Miller public dock on the Cortez waterfront. Bring a dish to share; beverages and setups will be provided by the Cortez Village Historical Society. Share family news and hear about the latest happenings in the community, and bring pictures for display in the new Cortez Cultural Center. The picnic began in 1990 on the grounds of the Cortez Rural Graded School, now the Florida Maritime Museum. The 1992 event celebrated Cortezian Goose Culbreath being named “Florida Folk Artist of the Year” at the Florida Folk Festival. T-shirts were printed to commemorate the award, and were adopted by a German band as its official performance attire.
Bridge work continues Crews are performing maintenance on the Cortez ridge and there will be lane closures controlled by flaggers from 9 p.m. each night to 5 a.m. through Wednesday, April 13. Use caution and expect possible delays.
Anna Maria commission meeting preview Beginning at 6 p.m., the Thursday, April 14 Anna Maria City Commission meeting with begin with general public comment, followed by City Engineer Lynn Burnett giving a presentation on the AMI SUNTrail bike path. The commission will conduct a final public hearing on Ordinance 16-812, which creates occupancy limits in the ROR zoning district; and continue the final public hearing on Ordinance 16-811 and the repeal of the long-standing building moratorium. As part of the ongoing efforts to create a working list of commission priorities, commissioners will discuss right of parking and protecting beach accesses. Mayor Dan Murphy will provide the commission with a pier update and the commission will discuss revisions to the grand tree ordinance being developed.
Fishing group officers elected Fishing for Freedom has elected its new officers: President Mark Coarsey, Vice President Jamison Segal, Secretary Julie Guthrie and Treasurer Thomas Reynolds. The organization, which has 64 members, is active in cleaning up local waterways; the next event is on Saturday, April 16, at 9 a.m. on the Sarasota Bay waterfront in Cortez.
Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
APRIL 13, 2016
Moratorium town hall requested
Commissioners are willing to discuss vacation rental concerns in their entirety. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach City Commission rejected a request for a town hall meeting to discuss exclusively a potential building moratorium, but agreed to discuss the vacation rental issue as a whole. Longtime city resident and recent moratorium activist Priscilla VonAhnen presented her request for a moratorium-related town hall meeting during last week’s commission meeting. When presenting her request to the commission, VonAhnen said, “We seem to be getting nowhere,” in regard to the enactment of a moratorium and the city’s stalled efforts to enact local vacation rental regulations. VonAhnen said she was amenable to discussing vacation rentals in their entirety, but told the commission she is part of the petition initiative to have a moratorium referendum included on the November ballot if the commission fails to act. VonAhnen believes a moratorium would serve as time-out and provide a cooling off period that would allow the commission time to develop new rental regulations. Bradenton Beach is the only Island city that has not re-
joe hendricks | sun
City resident Priscilla VonAhnen in adamant is her desire to see a building moratorium enacted. cently adopted some form of vacation rental ordinance. “It’d be great if we made a permanent moratorium, but that’s not what we’re asking,” she said. In response to VonAhnen’s request, Commissioner Ralph Cole said, “What are you trying to do? Are you trying to stop the vacation rentals?” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said the goal was to “stop the party homes” in the city R-1 and R-2 residential zone districts. She expressed concerns about building permits being issued for nine additional large homes, which are expected to serve as vacation rentals, in addition to those that already exist. Vosburgh also mentioned the
continued loss of permanent residents and described a new home being built next to her as “the house from hell.” She later made a motion calling for a town hall discussion on a six-month building moratorium in the R-1 and R-2 districts, but her motion died without a second from the other commissioners. “I’ll make a motion that we discuss all possible solutions to this problem,” Commissioner Jake Spooner said. “I’ll second that motion” said Vice Mayor Ed Straight, suggesting this be done as soon as it can be worked into the commissioners’ schedules. “I don’t see that a moratorium is the see moratorium, page 31
Michael Walker is named Officer of the Year Walker also will receive Florida’s Congressional Law Enforcement Dedication and Professionalism Award. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Officer Michael Walker has been named as the department’s Officer of the Year and also will receive Florida’s Congressional Law Enforcement Dedication and Professionalism Award. “Over the past year, Officer Walker has continuously gone above and beyond with his duties as a patrol officer,” Chief Bill Tokajer said. “He has been very proactive in his
patrols, as he has made 47 arrests for the year of 2015.” Examples of his proactive patrol are as follows: • On June 27, he attempted to stop a Walker vehicle for a traffic violation, and while turning a corner, the driver fell out of the vehicle onto the busy roadway. Walker assisted in getting the driver out of the roadway before he was injured or killed. • Between July 21 and Aug. 7 and Nov. 17 through 30, he wrote 114 citations and made 16 arrests during Click It or Ticket campaigns. • On Aug. 26, he arrested a suspect with 106 grams of marijuana and a loaded handgun.
• On Sept. 30, he located suspects fleeing from Longboat Key police in a stolen vehicle. Walker has been employed by the department since September 2008. Regarding the Congressional award, Congressman Vern Buchanan, wrote, “Your actions and proactive approach to your duties is a credit to your profession. Your dedication and resolve have brought honor to the Holmes Beach Police Department. Your service was recognized by the region’s law enforcement community when they nominated and selected you for this award.” The Congressional award ceremony will take place on April 22 at 5 p.m. at the Sarasota County Commission Chambers.
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Auctions, raffle and chill lounge at Affaire Win 99 bottles of wine on the wall valued at $3,000 for a $100 ticket. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Exciting live auction packages will be available to the highest bidder at this year’s Grand Affaire on Saturday, April 16. Auction packages at the dinner fund-raiser feature everything from fabulous trips to Montana, Colorado, Hawaii, Key West, Scrub Island and the Lola House in California to gourmet dinners and more. Three of the packages are as follows: Take a private, six-passenger jet from Sarasota to Key West for four days and three nights and stay in a threebedroom, two-bath home with a private plunge pool. Spend a week on the island of Kaiai in Hawaii at the Oceanfront resort, The Point of Poipu, in a two bedroom,
sun file photoS
Above, bidders peruse the silent auction offerings at last year's Affaire. At right, guests enjoy dinner and drinks, while listening to music at last year's Affaire. two-bath villa with an oceanfront view. Enjoy the cocktail party of the year with 20 of your closest friends at the Beach Bistro's craft cocktail creation, The Doctor's Office, at the 48th Street beach tiki. Savor delicious classically crafted cocktails and Bistro complimentary accomplishments. Mobile bidding on live auction items has begun and ends at 9 p.m. on the day of the Affaire. The site is qtego.
net/qlink/annamaria. Guests also can bid on more than 100 silent auction items and purchase tickets to win 99 bottles of wine on the wall. Tickets are one for $100 or six for $500. The wine is valued at $5,000. Before and after dinner, guests can chill in the chill lounge outdoors in the west parking lot where the bar
will be open during the entire event and dance to Howl at the Moon, an interactive, high energy, dueling piano show, set to a variety of music from classic rock to today’s tunes. Tickets are $175 per person. The event begins with social hour at 6 p.m., and dinner will
be served at 7:30 p.m. Sponsors for the event include The Sun, Mainsail Lodging and Development, Motorcoach Store, Progressive Cabinetry, Erik Abrahamson of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, Pineapple Fish and Bright House Networks.
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Air & Energy is Proud to be Manatee County’s Largest AND Best Rated Trane Dealer.
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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 13, 2016
EDITORIAL Thanks to volunteers
V
olunteers are the heart of a community. They step in to offer their time and talents to ease the burden on schools, community centers, organizations and others. As this is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, we should be thanking our volunteers as this heartfelt thanks from the AMI Chamber does so well: "There is no better time than this to thank all of our volunteers, business members and community for their year-round support of the AMI Chamber of Commerce and its programs and events. It is the support of this community that allows our Chamber to continue to help local businesses and non/not-for-profits thrive. The AMI Chamber also would like to thank the volunteers, member sponsors, local community, visitors and participants of our inaugural Beach’N Food Truck & Music festival. Your help and support were instrumental to the success of the event, despite the rain. It was great to see all of you at the event, willing to help no matter the weather, with big smiles and positive festival feedback. Thank you also to Mayor Bill Shearon, the city of Bradenton Beach administration and the wonderful Bradenton Beach Police Department for giving us an opportunity to work and collaborate with you on this fun event. Your help and support as we worked through event logistics and security was key to its success, and all of you went above and beyond to make the process easy and fun. We also would like to thank Manatee County for allowing us to host this event on Coquina Beach as well as for its help navigating us through the county permit application process. In addition, we thank CrossPointe Fellowship and their volunteers for all the help and heavy labor each year at all our festivals as they set up and man our tents, hang banners, fill coolers, keep the event garbage-free and dismantle everything rain or shine; all while thanking us for having it. Finally, a huge thanks to the food trucks, craft vendors, car show hosts and the cars that helped make this event delicious, unique, classic and fantastic. We received many compliments from all about the amazing food, unique arts and crafts and gorgeous automobiles. Due to the success and fun we had planning and executing this event, the AMI Chamber looks forward to hosting it again next year and we hope to see you at what promises to be a truly fun, family-friendly, music, craft, car and foodie event." Deb Wing, president, AMI Chamber of Commerce
Take The Sun Survey on Page 7.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Street posts offend My wife and I decided to walk down to Anna Maria beach to view the sunset Sunday evening and could not believe what we saw. As we looked down the beach, as far as we could see, there were pressure treated wood square posts approximately every 300 feet with the nearby street names attached. Who was the genius that made that decision? In a country and world so dumbed down now that the city feels the need to show folks where to exit the beach so they don’t get lost? Really? Are people so dumb now they can’t remember what two houses they had to walk by to get to the beach so they could return? Probably some 911 related entity decided if in the unlikely event someone needed rescue at the beach, it would be helpful to have a wooden street sign to remind folks what street they entered the beach on so they could meet the 911 responders. Hey guys, almost everyone at the beach has a cell phone that can provide the exact longitude and latitude GPS coordinates to tell 911 responders exactly where the emergency is without having and ugly wood square sign installed every 200 feet. You ruined a beautiful, natural
beach landscape by putting up these signs. In a time where the Island is sorry that the secret of Anna Maria Island became so popular with outsiders, and with traffic being so impacted with the amount of tourists, I can now see folks posting on Facebook to come to Anna Maria beaches because they have street signs to keep you from getting lost, something that other beaches don't have. Please! Someone with common sense and the authority to take these signs down reverse this decision. Ask the geniuses how many folks called 911 and said they were lost on the beach in the last 25 years and needed directions. Also ask how many 911 calls were made and the 911 responders could not find the person needing rescue within minutes to justify the installation of street signs being required on the beach. I’ll bet not many, if any. We suggest, so the purchased pressure treated wood to make the signs is not wasted, it be put to better use to rebuild the unsafe city pier in what we hear has the highest probability of an emergency happening there. Scott and Deneen Knisely Anna Maria
Condo recycling We have been coming to AMI for 14 years and have seen many changes over those years. Some for the good, others not so much. In this day and age, where the environment is such a concern, we have been amazed about one issue: recycling. We have read that there soon will be single stream collections on the Island. That type of collection has been in use for years back home. We are happy that homeowners are able to participate in this. What concerns us is that renters in condo complexes who do not have access to this collection have nowhere to recycle. Each year we contact the Chamber of Commerce to locate a drop-off site, but are told there is none. It seems as if the three municipalities could provide a location for those of us who are trying to protect the environment by recycling. We would hope that by our return next year we would see such a program in place that will help solve this issue. Sharon Jaeger Bloomington, Ill.
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APRIL 13, 2016
THE SUN
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the sun survey
on the agenda
PREVIOUS QUESTION: In your opinion, which group best obeys the Island's traffic laws?
Anna Maria
Holmes Beach
4/14: City Commission shade meting, 5 p.m. 4/14: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m. For information, call 7086130.
4/14: City Commission work session, 7 p.m. For information, call 7085800.
12%
2%
16%
All of the choices
Cyclists
Pedestrians
10005 Gulf Drive
Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.
4/14: Department head meeting, 1 p.m. 4/20: Planning and Zoning Board, 1 p.m. 4/21: City Commission meeting, noon. For information, call 7781005.
5801 Marina Drive
Island-wide
4/14: Manasota League of Cities, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, 9:30 a.m. 4/18: Manatee County Tourist Development Council, Holmes Beach City Hall, 9 a.m. 4/20: Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Holmes Beach City Hall, 2 p.m. 4/21: West Manatee Fire Commission preliminary budget review, 6417 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.
mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.
38%
31%
None of the above
Wednesday April 13
Motorists
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY
Should term limits apply to Island mayors and city commissioners?
• Yes. Term limits bring fresh faces and fresh ideas to the commissions and help prevent complacency and cronyism. • No. It's hard to find qualified candidates and effective mayors and commissioners. Let’s keep the good ones as long as we can. • Instead of elections, all mayor and commission seats should be decided by cutting cards.
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
Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane
Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks
Ad assistant Chris Boniberger
Accounting John Reitz
Columnists Louise Bolger
Classified ads Bob Alexander
Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis
Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca
Distribution Bob Alexander Keith Isner Tony McNulty
Ad director Chantelle Lewin
Web/Social media Jocelyn V. Greene Cindy Lane
Contributors Steve Borggren Tom Breiter Monica Simpson
Lifelong Learning Academy discussion on the roles and rights of women, The Center of AMI, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12 p.m. Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099. Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. AMI Community Connections gathering of friends, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.
via DVD, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 a.m. $8 per lecture, tickets at the door. Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099. AMI Community Connections mingle, bring a dish to share and drinks, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 p.m.
Saturday April 16
Kayak paddle, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reserve to 941-742-5757, ext. 7. Successful Women Aligning Together, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Members, $12, guests, $17. RSVP to swatami@gmail.com
Perico Bay Guardians planting workday, Perico Preserve, north side of Palma Sola Causeway, east of Harbour Isle development, 9 a.m. to noon. Reserve to 727-893-2765 or http://sarasotabay.org/ Cortez community picnic potluck, iced tea and fish provided, Miller Dock, noon. Recycled Fashion Show, Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd., Bradenton, 1 to 3 p.m. Starry night telescope exploration, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 8 to 10 p.m. Reserve to 941-748-4501, ext. 6039.
Friday
Sunday
Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning lecture series
Master Gardener tour,
Thursday April 14
April 15
April 17
SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 26
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THE SUN
APRIL 13, 2016
Lawton to defend federal suit Using a Florida League of Cities-appointed attorney will significantly reduce the city’s legal fees. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Orlando-based attorney William Lawton will take the lead in defending the city of Anna Maria against a federal lawsuit filed on behalf of Shawn Kaleta and Beach to Bay Construction. An insurance policy the city holds with the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust though its membership in the Florida League of Cities (FLC) will cover the cost of Lawton’s legal fees. The policy also insures the city in regard to a potential monetary settlement, should the court support Kaleta’s request for more than $100,000 in alleged damages. Filed in February with the United States District Court Middle District of Florida, the federal suit alleges city officials singled-out Kaleta and Beach to Bay in regard to permitting processes and compliance with city building and development codes and regulations. The suit alleges Kaleta and his associates were treated in a
discriminatory manner that differed from how developers and contractors were treated. In early March, City Attorney Becky Vose filed a motion to dismiss the case. Her motion disputed the claims and allegations made and presented legal arguments in the city’s defense. In late March, attorney Randolph Smith filed a response to Vose’s motion to dismiss. “The city views each of the actions alleged by the plaintiffs in their complaint as random, isolation incidents having no relation to each other. Yet, this reading of the plaintiffs’ complaint ignores the crux of the plaintiffs’ allegations: that the totality of the city’s actions are part of a large pattern to harm, halt or destroy the plaintiffs’ business and development efforts in the city,” Smith’s response said. During an emergency City Commission meeting that took place Thursday, April 7, the commission authorized Mayor Dan Murphy to secure Lawton’s services. With the commission’s blessing, Vose will now hand over to Lawton the primary duties associated with the city’s defense of these allegations, but she will continue to be involved in an observatory role. The FLC originally recommended Clearwater-based attorney Jay Daigneault,
I think he’ll do an excellent job and I’ll monitor everything he does.” Becky Vose City Attorney but Murphy requested a different lawyer in order to avoid any complications stemming from the fact that Daigneault had previously applied for the city attorney’s job that was instead given to Vose. In regard to the mayor’s request, an April 4 letter from FLC Claims Manager Jessica Sheets said, “While we are disappointed in that decision, our role in appointing mutually agreeable counsel permits us to recommend additional professionals who can effectively defend the city’s interests.” The proposed FLC alternatives consisted of Lawton, from the Dean, Ringer, Morton & Lawton firm, or fellow-Orlando-area attorney Jeff Weiss. Vose also lives and works in the Orlando area. While participating in last week’s emergency meeting via telephone, she said she knew both attorneys and she highly recommended Lawton.
“I’ve had a lengthy telephone conversation with him with regard to his representation of the city and I’m very comfortable recommending him to handle the matter for the insurance company. I think he’ll do an excellent job and I’ll monitor everything he does,” she told the commission. Commission Chair Doug Copeland asked if the use of an FLC-appointed attorney limits city input in regard to any settlement agreements reached. “We are still giving up our right to make the decision for any settlement, is that correct?” Copeland asked. “Technically, that’s right, but that’s what my conversation with Bill was about. I feel comfortable that will not be a problem,” Vose responded. She said she could provide the commission additional details during the non-public shade meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 14.
APRIL 13, 2016
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THE SUN
APRIL 13, 2016
February resort tax collections
Manatee County’s 5 percent 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 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 941741-4809 or visit www.taxcollector.com/services_resort_tax_tips.asp. Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
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APRIL 13, 2016
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School opens for kindergarten registration Parents of kindergarten bound children are urged to sign up their children before the first day of the next school year. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Elementary School holds its Kindergarten Roundup on Thursday, April 1. Parents of children who will be entering kindergarten next school year are asked to bring a number of items when enrolling a child for the first time. • An original certified birth certificate or other proof of date of birth; • A Florida Certificate of Immunization; • A physical examination certificate;
• Legal guardianship papers, if applicable; • Your child’s Social Security Card; • Your child’s recent report card/ transcripts/withdrawal forms, if applicable; • Proof of residency, e.g., current electric or water bill showing the name and address of the enrolling parent or guardian, a current lease agreement, an official letter from a company providing housing, a notarized statement from the owner of the home where they are staying. The school will accept registrations for the next school year through the end of this school year. Pre-registering avoids having to do it on the first day of school, and it helps the school in assigning kids to the right classroom. For more information, call Anna Maria Elementary at 941-708-5525.
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APRIL 13, 2016
Submitted
Benefit helps former Island residents The benefit for Erin Bloch and George Grossl that took place at the Drift In in Bradenton Beach on Saturday, April 2 raised $6,457, according to family friend Bill Fazioli. Donations from the local community and business community helped raise the funds that will assist Bloch and Grossl as they recover from injuries sustained in a serious motorcycle accident last fall.
APRIL
11-17 L I V E M U S I C E V E RY W E E K
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Great American Cleanup April 13
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Keep Manatee Beautiful sponsors the 2016 Great American Cleanup in Manatee County on Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to noon. Adopt-A-Highway, Road and Shore groups are encouraged to clean their adopted sites starting at 9 a.m. Other volunteers can check in at 9 a.m. at any the following centers: • Anna Maria City Hall at 10005 Gulf Drive; • Holmes Beach at Kingfish Boat Ramp on S.R. 64 W.; • F.I.S.H. Preserve at 11601 Cortez Road W. Bring gloves, sunscreen and wear closed toe shoes. Trash bags, drinks and thank-you gifts will be provided. Cleanup volunteers helping on Anna Maria Island, and nearby in the village of Cortez and the Palma Sola Causeway will be thanked with an Earth Day Party at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach, compliments of Anna Maria Island Beach CafĂŠ. This year’s theme, “Clean Your Block Partyâ€? aims to inspire behavior change at home and provides volunteers and individuals with the tools and education materials necessary to apply best practices in their own community when it comes to the proper disposal of litter, recyclables and other solid waste. In Manatee County last year, 2,230 Keep Manatee Beautiful volunteers collected 19,817 pounds of trash and 5,023 pounds of recyclables; cleaned 307 miles of roads and highways and 218 miles of shoreline. For more information, contact Keep Manatee Beautiful at keep@manateebeautiful.com or Facebook or
Center hosts teen cleanup block party The Center will host a Great American Cleanup Clean Your Block Party for teens on Saturday, April 16, from 8 a.m. to noon. Meet at the Center at 8 am, pick up the provided supplies and then clean the beach from White to Magnolia avenues in Anna Maria. Sign up at the Center by April 13 to receive a complimentary T-shirt. This is primarily for teens, but all are welcome. For information or to sign up, contact CJ at caron@ centerami.org or 941-778-1908.
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THE SUN
BUSINESS
APRIL 13, 2016
It's a new day at A Hair Day Salon & Spa BY LOUISE BOLGER SUN STAFF WRITER | lbolger@amisun.com
Change is a wonderful thing, and when Faith Baglieri decided it was time to grow and expand her hair salon, she didn’t hold back. In February, Baglieri moved her business from the middle of the Mount Vernon Plaza to a much larger and very visible location facing Cortez Road. And that wasn’t all. She added an entire menu of services, turning what once was a traditional hair salon into a salon and spa. The new décor at A Hair Day Salon & Spa will make you feel like you’re walking on to a beach with its sky blue walls, tropical fans and sandpiper murals. In addition, all of the hair stations are brand spanking new as well as the furnishings for the new spa, which features a soothing massage room. A Hair Day Salon & Spa’s hair services include shampoo and haircuts, which are still only $16 for both men and women; perms; highlights; roller sets; blow-drys and of course color. Faith Baglieri and Cindy Simmons are both hair stylists with many years of experience. Baglieri started A Hair Day salon in 1999 after prior years working and managing other salons. Simmons has been in the business since 1973 in both Sarasota and Manatee counties and with A Hair Day for almost four years. She is a color specialist and offers facials as well. Karen Rediker handles the spa side of A Hair Day Salon & Spa with a full menu of massage therapies as well as chair massage. She also offers pedicures, manicures, facials, waxing and microdermabrasion. Rediker brings many years of experience to the new location, including a previous massage business on Anna Maria Island for 13 years. Baglieri and her specialists aren’t even close to being done. They are planning a makeup bar within the next couple of months and can host wedding parties in their very large space. Wedding groups
A HAIR DAY SALON & SPA Mount Vernon Plaza 9516 Cortez Road W. Suite 7, Bradenton 941-795-5227 Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. MasterCard, Visa & Discover Cards accepted can come to them or the A Hair Day staff will go to the wedding party location, making for a very festive pre wedding event. They even have Caitlin Walker, a makeup artist , who can’t wait to get started after her training is completed. Some of the products A Hair Day Salon & Spa offers are Paul Mitchell products as well as Nevo products, which are 100 percent vegan, gluten free and biodegradable and 5 percent of the cost goes to fighting cancer. To further support cancer research, A Hair Day Salon & Spa raises money for the Anna Maria Island Relay For Life, which takes place on Coquina Beach in May. For the event the women are raffling off two gift baskets full of great stuff, including gift certificates for their salon, and you can purchase tickets at the salon. Soon, A Hair Day Salon & Spa will be hosting an open house to welcome everyone to their new location and offering refreshments and raffles. Watch for that date in their ad in the Sun. Baglieri invites hair stylists who would like to join her expansion to stop by and see her four great hair stations. She also wants to thank everyone who has supported the salon over the years.
LOUISE BOLGER | SUN
From left, Karen Rediker, Faith Baglieri and Cindy Simmons offer an entire menu of services at A Hair Day Salon and Spa. Baglieri is very excited to offer both her salon and spa services to the community and indicates that she is here to stay. A Hair Day Salon & Spa is in a great location just off Anna Maria
Island with its own tropical feel, but without the traffic. Change is sometimes a good thing. A Hair Salon & Spa took that leap and maybe you should too.
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Food and Wine on Pine
THE SUN
15
A call for golfers
Business Card Exchange
The Anna Maria Island Chamber Golf Tournament is going to be held at IMG Academy and Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, on Friday, May 20. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. and the shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. The Chamber is looking for sponsors and players. This event is great fun and goes toward the Chamber’s scholarship program. Call 778-1541 for more information.
The Anna Maria Island Historical Society is hosting this month’s Anna Maria Island Business Exchange on Wednesday, April 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be snacks and refreshments and the Historical Society will be introducing their scholarship recipients for this year. To RSVP, call the Chamber at 778-1541.
6th ANNUAL May 7, 11:30am - 6:30pm
SHOWCASING OUR AREA’S BEST FOOD, WINE, ART & MUSIC
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Thieves Market
HISTORIC PINE AVENUE, ANNA MARIA $5 Entry Fee 20+ Local Restaurants 30+ Artists 30+ Unique Musical Performances 30 Wineries • Craft Beers Minstrels & Character Performances Children’s Activity Area
Privateers Lady Sinthia and Baquete sell purses to make money for the Anna Maria Island Privateers during their final Thieves’ Market of the season. Cool winds made standing in the sun more comfortable but the turnout was not up to par, partly because it came after Easter.
Park & Ride Free Trolley
Parking available at Anna Maria Island Community Center & CrossPointe Fellowship Church
A Kentucky Derby Experience At Pine Avenue Downs! Hat Contest! Races Televised! ATMs on site SPONSORED BY
®
Distinctive Homes for Coastal Lifestyles
Island Coffee
Haus 5350 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach,FL
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Roser Community Church
The Vita, Vining, Hermann, Denton Group at Morgan Stanley
FoodAndWineOnPine.com • For info call 941.778.8705 • Rain Date: May 8th
Proceeds benefit local art and culture charities helping local youth realize their dreams in the arts.
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APRIL 13, 2016
Day dock debate continues The city is awaiting further clarification from FDEP. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The use of the city’s day dock continues to be a hot topic of conversation at city hall, along the city’s waterfront and in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection offices in Tampa and Tallahassee. During last week’s Pier Team meeting, Bradenton Beach Marina Owner and pier lawsuit plaintiff Al Bazzy voiced objections to Police Chief Sam Speciale’s interpretation of a letter recently received from FDEP Southwest District Director Mary Yeargan, who works in Tallahassee. Bazzy objects to the day dock being used by tour boats and the back-and-forth between him and Speciale ensued after the chief provided his interpretation of the FDEP letter.
“I just want to clarify what this letter is, what it means and where we’re going from there. The letter was basically advising us that an issue had come to their attention that certain things may be happening on the dock facilities. Basically it says, if in fact this stuff is happening, then there are the options the city has to take. We would have to change the lease,” Speciale said. “I’m still of the opinion that we are in compliance with all the FDEP regulations,” Speciale said. The FDEP letter instructed the city to contact Gerald Loesch, at the Tampa office, in response to the concerns raised. Speciale said he spoke to Loesch in regard to what, if anything, the city needs to do, and he is now awaiting a written response from Loesch. “The letter we got was basically the same questions we had originally,” Speciale said. “I know we keep hanging on for this letter, but we are waiting for this as much as you are.” Speciale sent Loesch a land survey and aerial photos of the submerged land lease
area that he feels supports his long-held belief that the city-owned buildings subleased to Paradise Boat Tours, A Room with a Hue and Tide and Moon Jewelry are located outside the submerged land lease area and therefore not subject to any state-imposed restrictions. “And just so everyone knows, we have an active pier ordinance that we’re working with. There are things in the ordinance we could go ahead and enforce, but we want to make sure everything is clarified before we do this,” Speciale said. He was referring to section 66-1 of the city’s code of ordinances, which prohibits: • Selling or offering for sale, any merchandise, article, or service whatsoever, without the consent of the city commission. • Practicing, carrying on, conducting, or soliciting for any trade, occupation, business or profession, without the consent of the city commission. “I know it doesn’t seem like we’re doing anything, but we’re just being cautious be-
cause we don’t need another lawsuit going on down there,” Speciale said. At this point, Al Bazzy stood up and said, “I disagree with everything you just said. I have the letter right here and it has made decisions. In your presentation you seemed to have washed over that.” Reading the letter aloud, Bazzy said, “It has come to the department’s attention that commercial vessels use the day dock to conduct unauthorized revenue generating activities.” This prompted Paradise Boat Tours owner Sherman Baldwin to say, “No they don’t.” Reading from the letter, Bazzy said, “The lease limits the use of the dock to recreational vehicles and a water taxi. To use the lease area for commercial purposes an application to modify the lease will need to be submitted for consideration.” Speciale said the letter’s opening line see dock, page 31
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Center finances continue to improve Officials said they plan to broaden the revenue base and reduce the dependence on donors. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Center Treasurer Jim Froeschle said The Center had a positive net income in March due to events of the past couple of months. “It’s important to realize that those months are the exception, not the rule,” Froeschle explained, “If you look at history, those months that the Center has reported positive income are when we have one of three major events – dinner theater/murder mystery, Tour of Homes and Affaire. ‘We’re still negative $110,000 year to date. We finish the (fiscal) year in May and June, and activities are typically slow. We hope to bring that loss down a lot closer to breaking even.” He said things that will help do
that are the mortgage payoff that saved $21,000 in interest and efforts to streamline the staff that saved $13,000. “It’s unlikely we’ll break even this year,” he continued. ‘It re-enforces the strategy that we need to keep working. Areas we’re moving ahead on are broadening the donor base, researching the tourist segment and working with the cities on expanding financial support.’ He said as they move into the next fiscal year in June, they plan to broaden the revenue base and reduce the dependence on donors. He said currently 45 percent of the revenue comes from private donations, and they hope to broaden the funding base to three to five areas of 15 to 20 percent each. “It’s much more sustainable,” he concluded. “It’s very unlikely we’ll break even, but we going to significantly reduce that $110,000 per year net loss. I’m very encouraged at the direction we’re going.” Chair Bill Shuman asked when the budget process begins, and Froeschle said in early May.
Director’s report
Executive Director Kristen
Lessig reported that: • The Center received a grant from the Sarasota Community Foundation for an internal communications plan; • Youth and adult sports programs are beginning in the next few weeks; • Summer camp planning is underway with specialty camps such as drama and a partnership with the West Coast Surf Shop; • She is cultivating partnerships with organizations such as the Island Chamber, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau and Annie Silver Community Center; • A new corporate membership program will launch in April; • The historical video project continues; • New rental program rack cards were delivered to four rental agencies; • A presentation seeking funding is planned for the Bradenton Beach City Commission; • A volunteer program with monthly orientations will launch after the Affaire; • Member and parent survey have been sent via e-mail. She said they submitted a grant to Manatee County, but noted, “They are looking for organizations that serve at risk youth and the demographics on the Island are changing and our ability to meet that get smaller and smaller.” Froeschle said they are pursuing other grants sources.
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Center releases financial results Treasurer Jim Froeschle for The Center of Anna Maria Island has issued a financial report for The Center showing the results for 2014-15 and the budget for 2015-16 and the plan, the results and the difference for July 2015 through February 2016.
Full fiscal year
FY 2014-15 Revenue Private donations $304,400 Capital donations $0 Island cities’ funding $38,500 Grants $105,300 Memberships/program revenue/special events $584,500 Other earned income $19,500 Total revenue $1,052,200
Expenses
Management Direct program expenses Mortgage interest Total expenses Net increase (loss)
$808,200 $201,600 $63,600 $1,073,400 ($21,200)
July 2015 to February 2016
Revenue
The plan The results
FY 2015-16 $225,000 $0 $75,000 $113,800 $804,000 $15,100 $1,232,900 $847,300 $316,200 $64,000 $1,227,500 $5,400 The difference
Private donations $150,000 $139,500 Capital donations $0 $36,000 Island cities funding$75,000 $45,800 Grants $67,000 $79,700 Memberships/program revenue/special events $457,200 $350,600 Other earned income $8,000 $3,200 Total $757,200 $$654,800
Expenses
Management $599,200 Direct program expenses $174,000 Mortgage interest $42,600 Total $815,800 Net inc (loss) ($58,600)
($10,500) $36,000 ($29,200) $12,700 ($106,600) ($4,800) ($102,400)
$587,600
($11,600)
$139,000 $38,000 $746,600 ($109,800)
($35,000) ($4,600) ($51,200) ($51,200)
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TOWN CRIER
Everyone loves a story Trudy Hill, the children’s librarian, reads stories on Tuesday, April 19, at 10 a.m. Kids between toddler and five years of age are welcome as are their parents at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.
Discuss roles of women The Lifelong Learning Academy meets at The Center of Anna Maria, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, on Wednesday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to discuss the roles and rights of women and how they have changed. The session is free, and no registration is required. For more information, call the Lifelong Learning Academy at 941-359-4296 or visit www.lla-sm.org.
Celebrate farming, food and crafts
Stay within the lines Join the Island Branch Library’s new Coloring Club, which holds its initial meeting on Wednesday, April 13, at noon at 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore. It can ease stress and turn on your creative juices. It’s free. Call 7786341 for more information.
The chess master teaches Learn how to play or how to better play chess at a class in the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, April 13, at 2 p.m. The classes are free and you can bring your own chess set or use one supplied by the library. Call 7786341 for more details.
Paddle the preserve Explore the salt marshes with a county kayak guide at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., in Bradenton, on Thursday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring a kayak or canoe and safety equipment including a life jacket and a camera to catch birds and other critters in their natural habitat. This ride will be safe for beginners. Reservations are required; call 941-742-5757, ext. 7, to reserve a spot.
Beat binge eating If you want to lose weight, a new group called Overeaters Anonymous group meets at the Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, every Thursday at 7 p.m. For more information, call 813-494-6518.
Admire the gardens Senior Adventures, the group for seniors that brings them together for fun and education, is traveling to Lake Wales to experience Bok Tower and its gardens on Friday, April 15. The cost is $10 plus gas, and they will stop for lunch. The excursion leaves The Center of Anna maria Island in Anna Maria at 9 a.m.
APRIL 13, 2016
Bottle Boat Regatta Saturday
Palma Sola Causeway will be packed for the Hernando De Soto Heritage Festival’s Bottle Boat Regatta from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. Sponsored by Freedom Boat Club, this year’s event is the 38 years old.
Youth of the year Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County 2016 Youth of the Year Lourde Blanc, 17, a high school junior, and Francine Diemer, will attend the next meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island at the Manatee Beach Café starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 16. Admission is free, and attendees can purchase breakfast before the meeting. Visiting Kiwanis Club members and prospective members are welcome to attend.
Contact Darcy Young, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, at 941-955-8085 or info@sarasotabay.org.
Bottle boat races set Palma Sola Causeway will be packed for the Hernando De Soto Heritage Festival’s Bottle Boat Regatta from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. Sponsored by Freedom Boat Club, this year’s event is the 38 years old and it pits teams of rowers in boats floating on 2-liter bottles.
Help clean up the shore
Stargazer’s delight
Come join the Reef Medics Foundation for the 2016 Great American Cleanup countywide on Saturday, April 16. Members will be cleaning up their adopted Gulf shoreline on Anna Maria Island between Magnolia Avenue and Coconut Avenue. Volunteers meet on the Gulf side of the Island by Magnolia Avenue at 10 a.m. Look for the Reef Medics tent. Free hot dogs and water will be provided to volunteers while supplies last. Trash bags, gloves and grabbers will be available at the event. For more information, contact Kerri at 941-961-4131.
Get a view of the heavens through a high-powered telescope from Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., on Saturday, April 16, from 8 to 10 p.m. This is suitable for all ages, and reservations are required. Call 941-748-4501, ext. 6039, to reserve.
Help restore Perico Preserve The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program needs Bay Guardian volunteers to plant native vegetation at Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, on Saturday, April 16th, from 9 a.m. to noon. This Bay Guardians event will build upon past volunteer efforts to restore the estuarine and upland areas of Perico Preserve. They are teaming up with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Around the Bend Nature Tours and Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources for this family-friendly event. Lunch will be provided. You must register.
More stargazing The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers invites everyone to Sidewalk Astronomy on Saturday, April 16, starting at sunset and continuing until at least 10 p.m. They will set up high-quality telescopes on Holmes Beach City field north of the Holmes Beach City Hall at 5801 Marina Drive. The sessions are fun, free and open to everyone.
Master Gardener tour Learn more about the coastal flora at a Master Gardener tour of Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, from 9 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 17. Master Gardener Sam Starrett will lead a relaxing stroll through the coastal property. It’s spring, and there should be come colorful blooms. Call the Master Gardener office at 722-4524 to make reservations,
Join Geraldson Community Farm, 1401 99th St. N.W. in Bradenton, in celebrating farming, food, crafts and music on Saturday, April 23, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. There will be games, face painting, hay rides and a bounce house for the children. There will be local food and crafts and music from Hymn For Her. There is free entry and parking, and it is pet and family friendly. Interested in vending? E-mail vendors@ fwcrcd.org for more information.
Last call for garden club The Anna Maria Garden Club will hold its last meeting of the season on Wednesday, April 20, at noon, at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The program will be “Wild About Flowers” presented by a Master Gardner from the University of Florida Manatee County Extension Center. The public is invited. Membership dues must be paid by this meeting. If you cannot attend, send dues to Rita Allan, treasurer. The Club will resume meeting on the third Wednesday in October. For information call 778-2607.
Painting with a Purpose Artists and wanna-be artists will have an opportunity to express themselves and raise money for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch on Sunday, April 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. at PaintingwithaTwist.com/ Bradenton, 5917 Manatee Ave. W. Suite 209. Paricipants will receive a blank canvas and helpful instruction from artist Tiffany Viloria. Turtle Watch receives 50 percent of the proceeds. To sign up, go to www.PaintingwithaTwist. com/Bradenton or call 941-795-7928.
Shopping for seafood Learn more about Florida’s seafood when Florida Maritime Museum’s Education and Volunteer Coordinator John Beale gives a lecture at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, at the museum, 4415 119th St. W., in Cortez. Beale will speak on the origins of seafood, favorite types, how to spot quality at your local market, frozen vs. fresh and the sustainability of local fisheries. Admission is free, and seating is first-come first-served, beginning at 2:30 p.m. FMM members and volunteers can reserve seats by calling 941-708-6120.
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APRIL 13, 2016
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Art enthusiasts enjoy cool Springfest BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
When people wear jackets to Springfest, you know Anna Maria Island is getting a rare spring cool spell, just perfect for attending a festival. The 28th Annual Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts at the Holmes Beach City Hall Field was smaller this year because it was scheduled later in the season than usual – after Easter, when many visitors have returned north – and the same weekend as the Tarpon Springs Fine Art Festival, which features many of the same artists that Springfest hosts. But without the crowds, all seemed to enjoy the crisp weather, music, food and art at the event, sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Art League. Springfest and Winterfest are the major fund-raisers for the League, a nonprofit, tax deductible organization dedicated to fostering the arts on the Island. Funds from the festivals underwrite classes, exhibits and a variety of community programs.
adult Fine Arts and Fine Crafts award winners: Best of Show
Jay Canterbury – photography
Awards of Distinction
CINDY LANE | sun
Sara Aune – jewelry Ailen Garcia – oils/acrylics Warner Harshberger – sculpture Robin Zimmerman – fiber/paper
Clockwise from above: handpainted tiles by Cuban artist Ailen Garcia Gorrita. Eathan Pyles, a Blackburn Elementary second grader, shows off his mixed media work at the Young at Art exhibit. Ailen Garcia Gorrita, originally from Havana, Cuba, painted a scene from his hometown at Springfest. Oilve wood kitchen utensils by Dunnellon artist Sofiene Lessis drew attention at Springfest last weekend.
Awards of Merit
Karen Brandon – jewelry Anne Derwent – jewelry Galina Lambert – fiber/paper Karin Villaroman – clay/pottery
The Young at Art award winners: High school 1st place Gladys Joy Go 2nd place Lila Jones 3rd place Jake Mattraw
Middle school
1st place Anthony Rosario 2nd place Bethshida Jean 3rd place Claudia Martinez
Elementary school
1st place Rileigh.Franczyk 2nd place Simon Leyva 3rd place Alex Loque Guerra
Honorable Mention Sofie Brown Lacey Richards
Young artists at the Young at Art tent work on their creations. CINDY LANE | sun
Grade 11 Southeast High School Grade 9 Southeast High School Grade 12 Southeast High School Grade 8 Dana Sackett Harlee Grade 8 Dana Sackett Harlee Grade 8 Dana Sackett Harlee Grade 1 Freedom Elementary Grade 2 Blackburn Elementary Grade 1 Tara Elementary Mills Elementary Mills Elementary
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Beautification board plans to identify city parks The next and final meeting of the season was set for Wednesday, May 4, at 10 a.m. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Beautification board members continued their discussion on naming the city’s parks and identifying them with signs. Acting Chair Jerry West said not all the parks belong to the city and that the tennis courts and the basketball court are county parks. “We talked about a generic sign with the city seal on it, but it’s more complex than that,� he said. “I will work with the public works department during the summer to identify the parks and see what kind of signs and how many we need.� At previous meetings, members had discussed having more elaborate signs for the parks with historical meaning, like those at the AMI Historical Museum complex in Anna Maria. Member Zan Fuller said the museum signs are “very well done.� Judy Hildeman, of the AMI Historical Society, offered to do re-
search for any parks that require historical signs. She said some parks could display the history of a nearby location, such as the one at Key Royale, Marina and Palm drives, which could display the history of Key Royale. “I love the idea of using the history. History makes the park so much more interesting,� remarked City Commissioner Marvin Grossman, the board’s liaison. West reiterated that they must identify the parks first and said many of them don’t have names. Grossman suggested a contest to name the parks.
Finish Prince Park
Resident Pam Leckie asked the board to recommend to the mayor that the city finish Prince Park, which is behind the S&S Plaza on 52nd Street and is named for Prince the cat. “It’ a real gem in this community,� she said. “It’s very well used, but I don’t think it’s completely finished. Around the outside nothing has been done. I’d like the city to consider adding some shell or stone around the outside edges to finish it off.� Fuller said shell would not be
good because of all the trees and their leaves that drop. Public Works Foreman Dave Benton said the city has plans to complete the area. Benton reported that the traffic islands at East Bay Drive and Manatee Avenue are being completed. He said the weeds have been killed and the mulch and rip rap is in place. The boulders and small stones will be added next. Members discussed the now abandoned butterfly park adjacent to city hall. Grossman suggested it be made into a lunch spot with picnic tables for city employees. Member Midge Pippel asked what is being done with the funds being raised for the butterfly park during art festivals in the city field. Fuller said the organizer could continue to raise money for the park no matter where it is located. Members agreed to plant a 10-gallon silver buttonwood at the beach end of 67th Street for National Arbor Day, April 29. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. The next and final meeting of the season was set for Wednesday, May 4, at 10 a.m.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME Adult Bible Study 8:45 AM
SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM
Children & Youth Church School after the Children’s Sermon NURSERY AVAILABLE A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef
t XXX 3PTFS$IVSDI DPN t XXX GBDFCPPL DPN 3PTFS$IVSDI
APRIL 13, 2016
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APRIL 13, 2016
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Couple explores Island Jiri and Hilda Minarik walked every street on Anna Maria Island after purchasing a second home here. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
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Bradenton
1808 Cortez Road
HOLMES BEACH – They fell in love with the Island and planted roots here by purchasing a second home. What next? Why not explore the whole island? Jiri and Hilda Minarik hail from New York State, where they still have a home, but they decided to move to Florida one day and live on an island. They purchased a home in North Beach Village, in Holmes Beach, in July 2014, but had to wait to move in because the previous owners were building a home elsewhere and asked if they could stay in North Beach Village until it was finished. “We became their landlords,” said Hilda Minarik. “They were moving off the Island because of the traffic.” When the previous owners moved out, the Minariks moved in, but they were under a time limit and they had 2 1/2 weeks to furnish their home. “That’s when we discovered some second hand stores,” said Jiri. “We also bought from shops on the Island and furniture stores on the mainland like the Pink Pineapple.” While furnishing their new nest was time-consuming, there was one thing they treated themselves to. “We walked to the beach and watched the sunsets every night,” said Hilda. They left with the home fur-
tom vaught | SUN
Hilda and Jiri Minarik hold a map of the Island while standing on the front porch of their Holmes Beach home. nished and returned in September, taking time to enjoy Island life. Then Jiri got an idea. Why not walk every street on the Island to really see what was out there? They began their daily walks on Jan. 18 and they ended it Feb. 26. Jiri kept track of their walk by marking each street they visited on a map of the Island from Island Real Estate. What did they find? “There was always something unusual,” Hilda said. “We even walked past the tree house that’s been in the news.” “I’m an amateur photographer,” Jiri said. “I found some of the old wooden figurines in the yards of some of the older houses.” Hilda said she was fascinated by some of the homes designed by Emily Anne Smith, a designer who left her mark on the neighborhoods from the late 90s until now. “I like the island style of homes and the bright colors on some of them,” she said.
How did they find Anna Maria Island? “We had a friend who moved to Bradenton and we would visit her and always go to the beach,” Hilda said. “When we decided to look for a house on an island, we visited Longboat Key, but it was terrible and then we crossed the bridge to Anna Maria Island, we knew that was it. “Walking the streets was fun and great exercise,” Hilda said. “We even walked the alleys.” What else do they like about the lifestyle of their new other home? “We love turtle season when people walk the beach to help the sea turtle hatchlings,” she said, “Whenever we walk, people are so polite and they mean it when they greet you.” These Island residents don’t look forward to staying away too long, although they have a nice home in upstate New York. “I’ll have mixed feelings about going back,” Hilda said.
755-3262
Her robot Tori Anne Hurst shows off the robot she built at the Island Branch Library recently. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
22
THE SUN
OUTDOORS
APRIL 13, 2016
Protecting seabirds Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS
T
he first sign of action was vague and a few miles in the distance. Without the clue we got from the terns and pelicans wheeling above the water’s surface we may never have found the frenzy of feeding little tunny we encountered as we motored closer to the action. Thanks to the birds we enjoyed some fast action, following the birds as they tracked the movement of the schools below the water’s surface. When local anglers fish the bays and gulf waters they share that space with numerous seabirds. All too often they find themselves having to deal with one of these birds when they are inadvertently hooked. This is home for the birds and they are a valuable resource for anglers often leading them to the fish that they’re seeking. Problems develop when seabirds, particularly terns and pelicans, mistake the bait anglers’ use as an easy meal. They can
rusty chinnis | sun
Seabirds are a valuable resource and an angler’s friend. also be hooked by anglers using flies and artificial lures when they cast into feeding fish that the birds hover over. Trouble ensues if the fisherman doesn’t know how to properly deal with the situation. All too often the line breaks and the birds trail it to their eventual roost.
When anglers fishing the mangroves make an errant long cast, hooking the trees by mistake, they sometimes end up breaking the line and leaving it dangling in the trees. Whether they come in contact with discarded fishing line in the mangroves, or they take line
to their roosts after becoming hooked it can become a death trap for the birds. It is important when this happens to follow a few simple guidelines that will prevent the encounter from being deadly see reel time, page 23
tide chart for anna maria city pier april 13-20 Day Date
A.M. High Time Feet
A.M. Low Time Feet
P.M. High Time Feet
P.M. Low Time Feet
Wed 4/13
7:45a 1.25
8:36a 1.25
4:03p 2.15
Thu 4/14
9:12a 1.34
12:42a -0.08
5:19p 1.97
Fri 4/15
9:33a 1.45
1:51a 0.01
6:53p 1.83
1:05p 1.28
Sat 4/16
9:55a 1.56
2:47a 0.09
8:25p 1.78
2:36p 1.09
10:58a 1.33
Sun Rise Set
Day Date
7:07-7:54 7:06-7:55 7:05-7:56 7:04-7:56
A.M. High Time Feet
A.M. Low Time Feet
P.M. High Time Feet
P.M. Low Time Feet
Sun Rise Set
Sun 4/17
10:15a 1.66
3:32a 0.18
9:33p 1.76
3:40p 0.86
7:03-7:57
Mon 4/18
10:32a 1.76
4:07a 0.29
10:25p 1.75
Tue 4/19
10:46a 1.86
4:36a 0.41
11:08p 1.72
5:05p 0.43
Wed 4/20
10:59a 1.96
5:02a 0.54
11:47p 1.67
5:41p 0.25
4:26p 0.63
7:02-7:57 7:01-7:58 7:00-7:58
APRIL 13, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
THE SUN
23
Find pompano on the beach Captain Rick Grassett
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook in the ICW near Venice at night, trout, snook and redfish in Charlotte Harbor and trout on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay on flies and DOA Lures during the past week. Tim Graham, from Venice, and Pat Redmond, from Sarasota, fished Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me on Monday. The best action was with trout to 18 inches on CAL jigs with shad tails, but they also caught and released a couple of snook, and Tim finished the day with a small red to complete his slam. Anglers fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay caught and released trout on Ultra Hair Clouser flies, CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly
Combos. The best trip of the week was a night trip was when Frank Zaffino, from Rochester, N.Y., snook fished with me in the ICW near Venice. We fished dock lights, and he had good action catching and releasing numerous snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. Look for reds, snook and big trout mixed with mullet schools or cruising shallow flats and edges of bars in back country areas of Charlotte Harbor and lower Tampa Bay. Night snook fishing around lighted docks and bridges in the ICW with flies and DOA Lures should also be a good option.
Annie’s Bait & Tackle
Captain Sam Kimball is catching a ton of catch and release gag grouper and nice red grouper on his all day trips, along with a few amberjack, and mangrove snapper. His half-day trips are producing
very nice mangrove snapper, grunts and porgies. Kingfish are also starting to make a nice appearance. Captain Daniel Kesten says snook are scattered, but are eating well. Trout are moving to the passes along the edges of the flats. Release the bigger trout, if possible, because they are full of roe. Redfish are being caught on the higher tides up tight in the mangroves. Snapper are plentiful on the nearshore reefs. There are reports of kingfish in 40 feet of water and deeper. Captain Scott Moore says trout are scattered in the potholes. Redfish are showing up around the oyster bars and along the edges of the mangroves from the mouth of the river to Palma Sola Bay. Pompano are on the beach, and snook are showing up around the passes.
reel time: Protecting seabirds FROM PAGE 22
to the birds. If you hook a seabird while fishing, make sure that you fight it to the boat just like you would a fish to prevent it from breaking your line. Use your drag and work the bird to the boat where it can be held while the hook is removed. Care should be taken with all birds, because they don’t know you’re trying to help them, and their sharp beaks can inflict a nasty wound. If you’re careful, it can be released without harm to you or the bird. Start by placing a towel over the bird’s head. This will calm it and protect you from sharp bills. Handle birds carefully because
their bones are light, hollow and fragile. Cautiously unwind the line from wings and feet, remove any hooks and then check the bird carefully before releasing it. If you see a hooked or tangled bird in an active rookery, don’t approach it if it's nesting season. Often a well meaning human can cause more harm than good by causing startled young birds to fall from the nest. The incidence of anglers hooking birds can be reduced by never feeding birds, a practice that causes birds to look for a handout. When you’re fishing, be aware of birds that might be eyeing your
bait. It’s easy to pull the bait or lure out of harm’s way at the last second before a gull, pelican or tern dives on it. Taking care of the environment that feeds our passion is every angler’s responsibility. Follow these simple guidelines with our angling allies: be aware of their presence, take care in handling them, and never feed them. If you see a bird in distress and it's not nesting season you can free it. If it swims or flies away on its own that's all you'll need to do. If you believe it is too weak to recover on its own, take it to Save Our Seabirds on City Island or call 941-388-3010.
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THE SUN
SPORTS
APRIL 13, 2016
Brothers Moss light up the championship field: Beach House Real Estate victorious BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Beach House Real Estate Moss Builders
21 13
Just before sundown, the regular season league leader faced the second seeded team in the adult co-ed flag football championship game at The Center Wednesday night. Beach House Real Estate, #1 seed, proved why they were at the top of the league against worthy opponents #2 seed Moss Builders. What proved to be a showdown between brothers Ryan Moss and Jon Moss kept those on the sidelines and the dozen spectators, more than half part of the closely-knit Moss family, engaged in the 40 minutes battle the entire time. Beach House, lead by Don Purvis as quarterback, started the game on offense. Purvis continued with his creative play calling using a mix of states like Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, and cities such as Memphis and the silent snap - - signatures he is well known for in the league. After a few snaps of the football, a holding call on Moss Builder’s Nick Sato, and razzle-dazzle swirling and twirling into the end zone by J. Moss for the first score of the game, taking two minutes off the clock. Dragging Sean Kaleta across the back of the end zone, Beach House advanced the score to 7-0. Methodical play calling was key for both teams during the season. Moss Builders on their first set of downs strategized in the offensive huddle coming out with the speedy wheels of Sato for a 10-yard gain before the flag pull by Mike Gillum. J. Moss set the stage for the entire game sprinting more than seven feet pass the line of scrimmage to put pressure on R. Moss. Despite the sack attempts, R. Moss completed passes to Jeff Walker, Jay Hoffmeister and Sato for a Moss Builder’s TD and one point conversion, tying the ballgame. Both teams on the field showed incredible depth of play offensively, with the versatility of J. and R. Moss, D. Purvis, Walker and Sato. All of the players on each team are strong contributors on the other side of the line of scrimmage both offensively and defensively. The overall strength and consistency of both teams is clearly the reason they were in
monica simpson | SUN
Members of the winning team, Beach House Real Estate, celebrate their victory. the championship game. Sato applied the defensive pressure on D. Purvis, the strong and experienced QB, forcing him to throw his first pass away back on offense for Beach House Real Estate. With the snap to Leah Purvis to J. Moss, Purvis was free to go down field to get into position for an offensive gain. Despite the effort, Beach House missed a scoring opportunity, giving the ball back to Moss Builders. Relentless, J. Moss batted down the pass by R. Moss with the football nearly intercepted by Erin Gereghty. Wearing the two targets on each hip, R. Moss could not avoid the hot pursuit by J. Moss, nabbing his brother’s flag in the end zone causing a safety and giving Beach House two points advancing their lead to 9-7. Taking over on offense the MossPurvis combo option was not enough.
Three snaps of the football and no score once again for Beach House. With four minutes left in the first half of play, observers saw R. Moss in the shot gun position more than ten yards behind the center, forcing J. Moss to run further to catch him, giving the QB more time to get the ball away and the offense to run their routes. Catches by Sato could not stop J. Moss. On the third down play, J. Moss got a critical sack ending the offensive run by Moss Builders. Purvis found Kaleta for his second catch of the gain before meeting up with the defensive wall of R. Moss. After a catch by D. Purvis, Sato raced to get his sack on the quarterback, once again stopping Beach House Real Estate before getting into the end zone. Defense was the name of the game during the first 20 minutes of the championship game. Jesse Brisson
quickly pulled the flag of Hoffmeister. With the clock ticking down and a two point spread in the score Sato was the intended receiver for the next three plays gaining big forward progress. Moss House used their last timeout of the half with 8.3 seconds on the clock. In a big play Brisson made a critical defensive move batting down the football in the end zone in front of Walker forcing the third down play. Hoffmeister went long in a do or die play missing the perfect catch by R. Moss for the last play in the half leaving the score 9-7 with the slim lead by Beach House Real Estate. Starting the second half of the game, both teams knew they would need to put more points up on the scoreboard to win the game. In an important move, Beach House’s Chris Sullins see sports, page 25
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
APRIL 13, 2016
SPORTS BRIEFS Adult spring sports at The Center Registration for the adult co-ed soccer league at The Center of Anna Maria Island has already began and will continue through April 18 at 9 p.m. Evaluations will be held on April 21 and the season will start May 5. Bring your own team or sign up as an individual for adult basketball league at The Center. Registration has already began and will continue through April 19 at 9 p.m. Games will be played on Tuesdays and the season will start May 3. The cost per sport is $5 for members and $120 for non-members. Pay on-line at Centerami.org. The Center also is seeking sponsors. Contact Will Schenerlein at 941-778-1908, ext. 9217, or will@centerami. org to be a sponsor or for more information.
From the horseshoe pits On Wednesday, April 6, four teams advanced to meet in a playoff after each went 3 and 0 during pool play. In round one, Bob Lee and Hank Huyghe moved into the final with a 22 to 6 win over Art Kingstad and Bob
THE SUN
25
Palmer, while Bob Demont and Bruce Munro moved on after a 21 to 17 victory over Myles Macleod and Jim Kleiner. Lee and Huyghe slipped past Demont and Munro 21 to 15 and earn the days bragging rights. Action on Saturday, April 9, had two teams meet in the final, this time Demont and partner Myles Macleod came out on top with a 23 to 12 win over Lee and George Mclaughlin and earn a trip to the winners circle. Horseshoe play gets underway at 9 a.m. each Wednesday and Saturday at the horseshoe pits at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. Get there early to choose teams.
Weather great for golf The weather was inviting as the golfers at Key Royale Club competed last week. Al Kaiser and Wade Ladue won the low net of partners play Monday morning with a score of 57. Peter Karycki and Chet Hutton came in second with a score of 58. On Monday afternoon, Quentin Talbert won the modified Stapleford contest’ singles play with a score of +6. Greg Shorten came in second with a score of +4. In the team competition, Wayne Patterson, John Findley, Greg Shorten and John Cassese came in first with a score of +6.
joe hendricks | sun
Rotarians get in the swing Above, Mike Shaughnessy lines up a putt during the during the Rotary Club of Anna Maria’s second annual charity golf tournament on Wednesday, April 6. Shaughnessy and his teammates, Mike Morello, Steve Nichols and Steve Bierwirth, also shown, took first place overall honors with a group score of 59. Grant Burgess, Caleb Roberts, Brianna Shaughnessy and Tim Shaughnessy took first place in the mixed division. At left, from left, Anna Maria Oyster Bar’s Lynn Horne won the longest drive contest on the 10th hole and AMOB managing partner Tim Bingham was closest to the pin on the eighth hole. Board member Beth Shaughnessy said the tournament raised nearly $10,000, which will assist the Rotarians with their charitable endeavors.
sports: Beach House Real Estate victorious FROM PAGE 24
stayed close to intended receiver Walker, going up for the ball and Walker. Despite the fact that Sullins was called for pass interference, the long yardage gain and possible score was avoided. Game MVP J. Moss continued to put the pressure on R. Moss once again forcing him to throw the ball away. Seconds later, on the third down play, R. Moss’ pass was intercepted by J. Moss. Putting it all together offensively, Beach House Real Estate scored after a near interception by Walker in the end zone. The long pass by J. Moss to Purvis for the touchdown finally moved the score to 15-7. R. Moss stopped the point after, catching the pass by J. Moss. Still in the game and determined, Moss Builders used the quick feet of Sato to gain yardage. Some of the progress gained was brought back with a flag guard call on Sato who accumulated 105 receiving yards in the game. Hoffmeister was the strong target for
R. Moss on the third down play. After the reception, Hoffmeister sprinted straight down the middle of the field past the first down line. R. Moss hit Hoffmeister at the Beach House seven-yard line with an impressive flag pull by L. Purvis stopping the touchdown. Walker took the snap and threw to R. Moss in the end zone for the fourth touchdown of the game. Missing the extra point, Beach House Real Estate retained a two-point lead. With eight minutes left in the game Gillum got the call for a short yardage reception. D. Purvis could not turn fast enough to catch J. Moss’ throw on second down, and the third down throw by D. Purvis was incomplete. Preventing Beach House from putting more points on the scoreboard the supercharged Moss Builders offensive tried to drive the ball down the length of the field for a score. Sato was called for flag guarding again, taking away the
touchdown run by the speedy offensive threat. Gillum and Brisson matched up well and prevailed on defense with important flag pulls. A torn jersey and successful offensive plays were not enough for Moss Builders. Unable to get into the end zone, Moss Builders gave the ball back to Beach House Real Estate with plenty of time on the game clock in the heated competition. With less than three minutes left in regulation play, an unnecessary roughness penalty call on Moss Builders gave Beach House a huge field advantage and a new set of downs. Kaleta caught the next two D. Purvis passes giving his team a first down and the next score, running half the field avoiding defenders and taking time off the clock before scoring. Missing the extra point put additional pressure on the Beach House defense with the score 21-13. D. Purvis recorded 95 passing yards, with an additional 30 yards noted for J. Moss.
Moss Builders took over on offense with one time out left and 13.2 seconds left on the clock, plenty of time for level headed and talented R. Moss to move his team down the field and possibly tie the ball game. No receivers were in site on the first down play for R. Moss, finishing the game with 20 out of 28 passes completed for 145 passing yards. Walker gained yardage before the Brisson flag pull with Walker in bounds keeping the clock ticking. Moss Builders used their time out with less than one second on the clock. In the final play of the game, the “Hail Mary” pass found all but three players at the end of the field ready to catch the bomb. The football hit the ground with no time left in the game and Beach House Real Estate the winners with the final score of 21-13, ending another fun adult co-ed flag football season on Anna Maria Island.
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THE SUN
BEACH BEAT Anna Maria
3/15, petit theft, 500 block of Pine Avenue. A store employee reported a ring worth $200 was stolen two weeks earlier. She said she waited to report it because she was having a problem downloading a surveillance recording. 3/24, civil dispute, 100 block of Crescent Drive. The complainant hired a contractor in January to do a job on his house and paid him $2,700. The contractor started the work but did not complete it, and the homeowner had to hire somebody else to finish the job. 4/5, dog bite, 700 block of North Shore Drive. A girl was bitten by a dog, Manatee County Animal Services was called. The mother denied EMS care. 4/7, petit theft, 800 block of Pine Avenue. Outdoor furniture was stolen,
Bradenton Beach
4/1, felony driving with a suspended license, 100 block of Third Street North. The officer spotted a car being driven by a woman whose license is suspended. He knew that from an earlier incident and pulled her over. She went to jail. 4/4, trespass warning, Circle K, 103 Gulf Drive N. The officer responded to a woman in a wheelchair making comments to herself and being disrespectful to customers. When he found the woman, she smelled of feces and urine. The clerk told her she was not wanted at the store. The woman said she was waiting for her husband and went outside. As she got a cigarette, she urinated on herself. 4/5, suspicious incident, 500 Gulf Drive N. The officer found a pedestrian sign on the ground. There was no damage to it or evidence it had been hit by a car.
Cortez
4/6, trespass warning, AP Bell Fish Co.,
4600 124th St. W. The company owner asked a deputy to trespass two people who were on the dock after hours.
Holmes Beach
3/26, fraud, 4700 Gulf Drive. The officer was alerted by a license-scanning camera that a car's owner had a suspended license. He stopped the driver, seized the license plate and gave the driver a citation. 3/27, driving without a license, 3900 block of Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the driver for not wearing a seat belt and found out the driver had no driver’s license or proof of insurance. He was ticketed. 3/27, traffic violations, 600 block of Manatee Avenue. The officer saw the defendant take a sip of beer while driving a car and followed him He noticed a child seat was not attached properly. He stopped the driver who gave him a Florida driver’s license and a North Carolina registration. The driver handed over the can of beer. He was ticketed for an open container violation and was issued citations for the unsecured child and not changing to a Florida registration. The tag was seized and the car was towed. 3/28, driving with an expired license, 600 block of Manatee Avenue. The officer ran a random computer check on the car ahead of him and he found the driver’s license had expired. He stopped the driver and cited him. 3/29, driving with an expired license, 4300 block of Gulf Drive. The officer was informed that a license recognition camera identified a vehicle whose owner’s license had expired. The driver said he didn’t have insurance or a registration. He was issued summonses. 3/31, driving with no license, 5900 block of Marina Drive. The officer was informed that a license recognition camera identified a vehicle whose owner had an expired license. He spotted the vehicle and pulled over the driver. He seized the tag, cited the driver and called for a
mark your calendar From Page 7
Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 to 11 a.m. a.m. Reserve to 941-722-4524. Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bridge Street Market, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday April 18
Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon. Tuesday April 19 Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annuncia-
tion, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m. Main Hatch Motley Sea Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., in Cortez, 2 p.m.
Wednesday April 20
Lifelong Learning Academy discussions, The Center of AMI, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099. AMI Community Connections gathering of friends, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m. Lecture on seafood by Education and Volunteer Coordinator John Beale, Florida
tow truck. 4/1, alcohol violation, 30th Street beach. A city employee was patrolling the beach in the city’s ATV and he saw four females, three with open containers of beer. He called for an officer, and they found that a 52-year-old was letting the three teenagers drink. She said they were headed back to New York the next day, and she decided to let them drink. Since she admitted it before being read her rights, and he did not witness her giving the alcohol to the girls, he wrote a request to the state attorney’s office to investigate. 4/1, DUI, fraud, Mr. Bones BBQ, 3007 Gulf Drive. The officer responded to a report of a customer causing a disturbance. The suspect left on a motor scooter before the officer arrived. A witness took a picture of the suspect before he left. Another officer stopped the suspect in Cortez, and the first officer joined them. The suspect ap-
APRIL 13, 2016
peared intoxicated and when asked how much he had drunk, he answered “two beers.” He failed a field sobriety test and was arrested. The found a marijuana cigarette on him. 4/1, theft, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. The victim called police to report a parking decal for her residence was stolen. 4/3, violation of city camping ordinance, 4000 Gulf Drive. The defendant was spotted sleeping on the beach about 150 feet from the water. He was intoxicated and belligerent and said he wanted to go to jail. He was arrested. 4/3, traffic offenses, 600 block of Gulf Drive. The defendant was stopped for a stolen license plate on the car. She said she took the car from a dealership in Brandon and was trying to get it to a friend’s house to store in a garage. She handed the officer an ID card because her driver’s license was suspended. She was arrested.
U.S. COAST GUARD PHOTO | SUBMITTED
High sea rescue A 45-foot response boat-medium boat crew from Coast Guard Station Cortez tows the 32-foot boat, John Deer Green, while an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter rescue air crew continues to monitor the scene, 19 miles west of Egmont Key on Saturday, April 9. The Coast Guard crews worked hand-in-hand to save four lives from the flooding boat.
Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., in Cortez, 3 p.m. Ambassadogs pack walk, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 5 to 6 p.m. Call Sam at 941-742-5923, ext. 6036, to join the pack. Book and Craft Club for ages 8 -12, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.
Thursday April 21
Friends of the Island Branch Library Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Zumba with Suzy for beginners, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 to 11 a.m., $10 per class. Aerobics for Seniors, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.
Pier vendor arrested According to Police Chief Sam Speciale, pier-based bait vendor John Maguire was arrested early Monday morning for urinating from the city day dock in front of a Bradenton Beach Police Officer. Maguire was taken to the county jail and has been trespassed from the pier. Being trespassed could impact Maguire's floating bait sales operations, which the City Commission has allowed while seeking clarification from the FDEP on allowed day dock uses.
APRIL 13, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
THE SUN
27
Pittman pinpoints Florida peculiarities Craig Pittman’s book, “Oh Florida: How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country,” will be released July 16. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – We read about it in the papers and watch it on TV; there’s a whole genre of books about it, and it’s something we hold dear. It’s Florida’s weirdness. Craig Pittman is a reporter for the Tampa Bay Times, and over the years, he has noticed people can do some strange things in Florida and for the most part, get away with it. He has a new book coming out July 16 called “Oh Florida: How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country” and it’s a product of his journalism. “It’s a book about stories I covered in the Sunshine, or should I say ‘Punch line State,’” he said. Pittman had a long list of unusual things that happened or are happening, which drew a lot of chuckles from the audience at a presentation of the Island Branch Library’s Lecture and
tom vaught | SUN
Author and reporter Craig Pittman talks about the weird things that happened and are still happening in Florida. Travel Series last month. For instance, where else could a high-rise building suffer damage from a runaway blimp? It happened in Tampa. His slide show then showed a woman sitting in a tree, playing an accordion. “Florida has more natural springs than any place in the country, which can also produce sinkholes,” Pittman said. “Florida also has the most fake dinosaurs, thanks to a place called Dinosaur World.” He also named the world’s smallest post office and a town founded
by Russian circus midgets as unusual facts. “Before Florida was made a state, it was known as a rogue’s paradise,” he said. “There was a town that was founded by a man who claimed he was from Moroccan royalty. He was actually Jewish. “Back then, rogues faced little resistance from the law since many Floridians got involved with events such as luring ships to the rocks so they would sink and then stealing their cargo.” see pittman, page 31
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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
The Center offers photography, dance and fitness classes The Center of Anna Maria Island offers the following classes at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For further details or to register call The Center at 778-1908 or visit the website at Centerami.org
Irish dance
Join The Center in partnership with Cawte Dance Academy for the art form of Irish dance. Enjoy an activity that is fun while learning about this evolving modern phenomenon. Whatever your ability, novice or experienced, you can keep fit and healthy and experience the joys of learning Irish dance. The class is offered on Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. for children and on Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for adults. The cost is $15 per lesson for members and $20 per lesson for non-members. You must pre-register.
Photography open forum
Jack Elka Photography will
offer a photography open forum on Tuesday, April 19, from 1 to 2 p.m. Bring your pictures, cameras and questions and gain insightful critiques, get advice and ask questions. Come and share your photography experiences and spend some time with other photo enthusiasts. Members pay $10 and nonmembers pay $15. All that attend receive a 2016 AMI Calendar by Jack Elka.
Aerial photography using drones
The Center is partnering with Jack Elka Photography on Thursday, April 21, from 5 to 6 p.m. for a workshop on aerial photography using drones. This one-hour workshop will teach you how drones are being used commercially in the photography industry, as well as enlighten you on all the particulars and legalities that come with operation of a drone. Additionally, there will be a demonstration by Elka.
Members pay $10 and non-members pay $15. Teens and younger are admitted free.
Cardio cycle
Recent studies have shown high intensity interval training is one of the best types of workouts to burn fat. Cardio cycle is one of the best ways to create a high-level interval workout without any hard impact on the body. Your instructor will be taking you up hills using resistance, showing safe, effective ways to maximize your movements and workout. There will be a short interval recovery between each song, then maxing out your race legs to the finish line. This class is for all levels of fitness. Reserve your spot ahead of time; the number of bikes is limited. If you are new to cardio cycle, come a few minutes ahead to adjust the bike to your specific needs. Classes are free to members and $15 for drop-ins.
APRIL 13, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
APRIL 13, 2016
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Live like a local Respect Wildlife
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Royal Tern I am resting up for nesting. Please don’t chase me! Anna Maria Island Sun, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
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REAL ESTATE
APRIL 13, 2016
Boosting your home's value: Part II
ast week we covered the first four ways to boost your home’s value based on a recent Consumer’s Report survey of the millennial generation. This week, we’ll cover the last four ways. By the time you have read all eight ways, not only will you know the inner workings of the minds of the mellennials, but you may have also increased the value of your homes by 35 percent, so let’s get going. Rule number 5: Millennials have parents who are aging rapidly and living longer. It is estimated that by 2040 there will be almost 80 million seniors accounting for 21 percent of the population. Basically, it’s time for seniors and their children to find ways to retrofit homes to accommodate them, either in their own home or their children’s. Walk-in showers are the first thing that older people are looking for. Forget about those tubs – too difficult to get in and out of. Next are master bedrooms
Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger on the main living level with a bathroom attached outfitted with comfort height toilets. Possible increase in sales value could be 1 to 3 percent. Rule number 6: If you ever watch HGTV, you know that a gallon of paint is the most recommended and least expensive home improvement. High traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms always could use a fresh coat of paint and never more than when a house goes on the market. In addition, front doors and back doors get beat up from everyday use, especially if you have small children or pets, so they should also be at the top of your paint
list. Using neutral colors and good quality paint will impress your millennial potential buyers, since its one less thing they have to think about. Rule number 7: Outdoor space, especially in states like ours where good weather is the norm, is very important to millennials. However, they are very cognizant of the maintenance cost associated with outdoor living. If you’re planning on a deck, make it as maintenance free as possible and the same with a pool. Actually less may be more for this generation in all areas including landscaping. Curb appeal is still important, as are plantings that require less water maintenance – added value to your sale price 3 to 5 percent. Rule number 8: Technology can be tricky in a home since it changes so rapidly, but millennials grew up on smart phones and want the ability to control systems at their fingertips. Programmable thermostats, locks and
security systems, all controlled with a smart phone, are normal technology to millennials. Also, whole house generators in states that are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes can bring a great return on your dollar. These items can bring 3 to 5 percent in additional value to your home. What most of this survey has taught us is that the millennial generation wants a home that is move-in ready where they can start cooking and entertaining on day one. They want a home with a lot of high tech amenities, space for an office and room to have live in child care options, i.e. parents. But what they really want is what every other house buying generation has always wanted, a comfortable, safe home for their families. Only they want it without having to pick up a paint brush.
APRIL 13, 2016
pittman: Pinpointing Florida peculiarities FROM PAGE 27
Florida’s claim to fame includes being the sinkhole capital of the world, the lightning capital of the Western Hemisphere and the shark bite capital, with many incidents in Volusia and Brevard Counties. “More hurricanes make landfall here than any other state,” he said, “and yet, we call it paradise.” Nature helps preserve our weird reputation and our nice weather attracts animals such as pythons, large lizards and giant snails. There was an instance when police were chasing a runaway llama and had to use a taser on it. Pittman said one governor carried a gun at all times and there was a mayor of Cedar Key who ran his city like a dictator. Finally, the US Navy sent a ship to the island to depose him. And there was a US Senate candidate who admitted drinking goat’s blood. Florida was much in the news during the 1970s. The Watergate burglars came from Miami and Colorado Senator Gary Hart, who was about to make a run for the White house, dared reporters to find dirt on him. They found pictures of him on a boat off the coast of Florida with Donna Rice, not his wife, sitting on his lap. Speaking of sex, the cult porno movie “Deep Throat was filmed in Florida. The state is also home to more nudist colonies than other states. Why all this weirdness in Florida? Pittman said the population explosion is partially to blame. As the permanent residents moved here, tourists also enjoyed the weather and today more than 100 million tourists visit each year. There are also a lot of residents who own pythons and machetes and Florida is ranked 49th in state funding for mental health care. If you want to learn more, Pittman’s book when it comes out July 16.
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moratorium: Town hall requested FROM PAGE 4
only solution to this. Everything will be on the table. I don't want to just limit it to a moratorium, because we’ve already done that,” Spooner added, referencing two previous votes in which the
commission majority rejected a moratorium. Mayor Bill Shearon suggested having the meeting in the evening so more people could attend. He also suggested a larger venue may be needed in order to accom-
modate an anticipated crowd that would likely exceed the capacity of the Bradenton Beach commission chambers. As of Monday, a date, time and location for the town hall meeting had not been announced.
dock: Debate continues FROM PAGE 16
suggests FDEP was simply responding to a complaint; and Bazzy acknowledged that a letter of complaint had been sent to FDEP. That letter was not shared with the city. Acquired later in the week, the letter Bazzy’s son Mike sent to FDEP on Feb. 23 mentioned the day dock being used by tour boat operators and others, and it says the city has taken no action to stop these uses. The letter voiced complaints about the public showers being closed and claimed there is no bait shop on the pier. The letter fails to note that Paradise Boat Tours sells live bait and also sells and rents fishing equipment and supplies.
Bazzy’s letter expressed concerns about a tour boat terminal being operated in lieu of a dock master’s office in one of the subleases spaces, and voiced objections to modifying the current submerged land lease to accommodate commercial use. The letter also questioned Speciale’s opinion that financial transactions conducted on the city-owned day dock are what constitute a commercial use. Al Bazzy said to Speciale: “Are you still putting out the false information that as long as somebody does not receive money on that dock that use is permitted?” To this, Speciale said, “Yes.” Summing up his thoughts on the FDEP letter, Speciale said,
“They’re in an investigative phase and asking us to give them information. The letter didn’t say we have to stop anything. What we have to do is show that this is not happening.” Bazzy voiced many of these same complaints during the City Commission meeting that took place the following night. When Mayor Bill Shearon reiterated that the city was not going to take any further action until final FDEP clarification was received, Bazzy suggested the mayor was also taking an incorrect position. City Attorney Ricinda Perry supported Speciale's position regarding the FDEP letter not serving as a cease and desist order.
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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
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Top real estate producers for March 2016 A Paradise Realty
Al and Helen Pollock - Listing and selling
Duncan Real Estate Darcie Duncan - Listing Billi Gartman - Selling
Fran Maxon Real Estate
Stephanie Bell - Listing and selling
Island Real Estate - Anna Maria Team Blandford - Listing Adele Holland and Josh Bernet - Selling
Island Real Estate - Holmes Beach Melinda Bordes - Listing John Van Zandt - Selling
Island Vacation Properties
Mel and Barb Neely - Listing and selling
Mike Norman
Sally Greig - Listing Jason Hrnak - Selling
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Terry Hayes - Listing and selling
Sato Real Estate
Barbara Sato - Listing Jason Sato - Selling
Wagner Real Estate
Rae Ellen Hayo - Listing The team of Carmen Pedota and Lori Guerin - Selling
-*'& *4 BETTER AT THE #&"$)
APRIL 13, 2016
1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5 p 3&"- &45"5& 4"-&4 p 7"$"5*0/ 3&/5"-4
Contact Us Today! Rentals@IslandVacationProperties.com www.IslandVacationProperties.com p
APRIL 13, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
term: limits proposed FROM PAGE 3
in residency requirements, but voters never saw any language pertaining to term limits. The existing commission-adopted ordinance-related charter language now makes no reference to term limits, but the previous language still found at the Municode website says, “No person may hold the same elected office for more than three full consecutive terms.” The cities of Holmes Beach and Anna Maria do not impose term limits on elected officials. Perry said she also spoke with the elections office and she verified the process Spooner explained. During public comment, former commission candidate Michael Harrington said he has been unable to
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obtain an updated copy of the charter. “Is it in the charter now that there are term limits?” he asked “There are no term limits,” Spooner said. Shearon and Cole agreed. Former commission candidate Tjet Martin said, “Did you put it on the ballot and I did I vote to get rid of it? “No,” Spooner said. “Then why are we still discussing it?” Martin said. “Three previous commissioners said no. It was a scrivener’s error. You and I did not vote it off. Commissioners cannot change the charter. The voters have to change the charter. It was an error, put it back.” The commission then voted 4-0 in support of placing a term limit question on the August ballot in order to resolve this debate. Straight recused himself from the vote in order to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
noise: new policy in Holmes Beach FROM PAGE 1
or causes or tends to cause an adverse physical or psychological effect on humans. Noise includes low frequency noises caused by amplified bass music that can induce vibration in building structures or human beings.” He pointed out, “If you don’t have a person to say the noise was keeping them up or keeping them from hearing their TV, those are things that have to be taken into account.
“The noise ordinance reads that there are two ways to find a valid complaint – seven criteria listed in the ordinance or with a decibel meter or both.” The seven criteria are the volume of the noise, the intensity of the noise, whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual, the volume and intensity of the ambient noise, if any, the proximity of the noise to residential sleeping facilities, the time of the day or night the noise occurs and the
duration of the noise. For example, he said kids playing in a swimming pool are not considered unusual noise. Tokajer further said that if the property that is the subject of the complaint is a rental property and “does not raise to the level of a true noise violation, we will look at the building code on requirements for screening and sound damping and adjust those requirements to give some relief to the homeowner.”
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APRIL 13, 2016
rentals: Occupancy limits upheld FROM PAGE 1
the occupancy regulations set forth in the ordinance. The limitation on occupancy is a regulation that does not impinge in any way on the regulatory subjects of frequency or duration of rental. Therefore, the regulation of the ordinance is not in conflict and is not preempted by Section 509.032(7).” Smith’s ruling concluded by saying, “Therefore it is ordered and adjudged that plaintiff’s motion for final summary judgment against defendant is denied. Defendant’s motion for final summary judgement against plaintiff is granted.”
City officials pleased
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy learned of the ruling while celebrating his 49th wedding anniversary. “I’m happy. I think it’s a signal that our ordinance is strong and defensible, which is what we thought it was when we adopted the final version,” he said. City Attorney Becky Vose and her son, Wade Vose, represented the city, with the son taking the lead at the hearing. “Wade and Becky did an excellent
job. I felt good when I heard our closing arguments. I thought our prospects of winning were good,” Murphy said. Becky Vose said, “I’m exceptionally happy. I’m delighted the judge made a good and proper ruling. It is a good and defensible ordinance.” In regard to her son’s efforts, she said. “He did a fantastic job and I’m extremely proud of him.” Commissioner Carol Carter said, “It was the right decision and excellent news for the city and our community. We were very well-represented by our legal counsel.” Commission Chair Doug Copeland said he was, “very happy with the judgement.” The city will now attempt to recover legal fees and expenses incurred in this case, as allowed by Florida Statute 57.105. Murphy hopes this will deter others from challenging the vacation rental regulations. Vose said a judge would examine the city’s request and rule on whether the plaintiffs must provide the city with a fair and reasonable reimbursement.
It is a good and defensible ordinance,” Becky Vose City Attorney.
Occupancy limits
The ordinance adopted in November, and further negotiated to resolve a previous lawsuit, states the maximum occupancy of a vacation rental shall be limited to the lesser of: • Two persons per bedroom that contains 100 square feet or more, plus one person per bedroom that contains no less than 70 square feet, but less than 100 square feet, plus two persons. • A total of eight occupants per vacation rental. • In the event there is more than one building or dwelling on a platted lot, the maximum occupancy shall be capped at eight occupants per lot or structure, whichever is less. A five-year grandfathering provision allows temporary exceptions to vaca-
tion rentals in use prior to ordinance adoption on Nov. 19, 2015. “A grandfathered vacation rental shall have its maximum occupancy based upon two persons per bedroom at the time of application for grandfather status,” the ordinance states. A grandfathered rental will maintain that status until April 1, 2021, at which time the eight-person occupancy restrictions take effect. Vacation rentals with an occupancy of eight or less do not require grandfathering.
Future impact?
During the hearing, the judge and attorneys said they were not aware of another vacation rental occupancy case taking place in Florida. When asked about impact this ruling might have elsewhere, Vose said, “It’s binding for the 12th Circuit and it can be persuasive elsewhere. I think this will be looked at all over the state.” The plaintiffs could appeal the decision to a higher court. Impacted property owners could also file Bert Harris claims against the city in an attempt to recoup perceived lost revenues created by the occupancy restrictions.
APRIL 13, 2016
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FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Regular patterns 7 Mass robes 11 __ time 14 Madrid-based airline 15 Bantu language 16 Keats' "still unravish'd bride of quietness" 17 *Big-time 19 Barnyard noise 20 Topeka-to-Peoria dir. 21 Spiny houseplant 22 Rwandan ethnic group 23 Reporter's query 25 Pundits 27 Baseball commissioner before Manfred 28 "May I get a word in?" 30 *Local legend sought in a 1999 horror film 32 Round building 33 Thumbs-up 34 Low-tech propeller 35 Most swanky 37 Whistleblower's request 41 __ card 42 Ancient greeting 43 1986 #1 hit for Starship 44 *Oatmeal sweetener 48 Bamboozle 49 Sri __ 50 Pretend 52 MD for women 53 Old French coins 54 Cantina crock 55 Something to come up for 57 St. whose motto is "Forward" 58 *She voiced Princess Fiona in "Shrek" movies 62 Press into service 63 Cries of clarity
64 Very cold period 65 Brit. leaders, the last four of whom begin the answers to starred clues 66 Bakery output 67 Parable feature Down 1 Finger-pointing pronoun 2 Its first champion was the Pitt. Pipers 3 Decorates, as a royal crown 4 Waffle __ 5 Flags 6 Tessio in "The Godfather" 7 Rhododendron varieties 8 Star of "Dracula" (1931) 9 RisquĂŠ 10 Seek damages 11 Ruckus 12 Hot 13 Just the right amount 18 Aerie fledgling 22 Many a soap heroine 23 Briefcase fastener 24 Where Lima is
Answers to 04-06-16 Crossword Puzzle.
26 Deep gulfs 27 Adult cygnet 29 Mostly-shaved-head hairstyles 31 Classical guitar family name 36 Volcano near Catania 37 Online icon 38 Fruity wine drinks 39 City fooled by a horse 40 Betray boredom 42 Not ephemeral 44 Hit the roof 45 "To Kill a Mockingbird" theme 46 Burdens 47 Tracey of sketch comedy 51 '30s V.P. John __ Garner 54 Pearl Harbor site 56 March time? 58 Hailed transport 59 Wildcatter's find 60 In times past 61 __ master
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classified
ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON 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 Dusty at 941779-7688. ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).
APPLIANCE REPAIR DR. JOE'S APPLIANCE REPAIR Owner Certified Technician. Reasonable rates. Call 941-527-6447
AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE GOT A CAR You Wanna Sell. The Good, The Bad or The Ugly. Call Now 727-400-1910 2005 F150 XLT EXCELLENT condition. Very Clean. 142K miles $9,900 Towing package & braking system, bed liner. Located on Island. Call 860-922-3857 2005 CHRYSLER MINIVAN White w/ all leather interior. Immaculate/ well maintained. Excellent condition. 108K miles $4700 Call Bob 617-256-7153
BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student. Call or text Isabel 941-5457995
BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES ISLAND BOAT SALES. Selling Your Boat? 16 Years, Hundreds Of Boats Sold. "Business On A Hand Shake." www.Islandboatsales. net Call Dave- 941228-3489
AMISUN.COM
Call us today! 941-778-3986
BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088
LANDSCAPE LAWN MAINTENACE. Full Time with benefits at Island Condominium. Experience a Must! Call 941-778-5915
CARPET CLEANING
PART TIME at AMI Gift Shop. Must be able to work, nights & weekends. Retiree's Welcome Call 813 -409-7540
QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
ISLAND RESORT SEEKING part time housekeeper. 18-22 hours per week. Call 941-778-7153 4/13
CLEANING SERVICE
FOR SALE
C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates. Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512
PRIDE LUXURY LIFT CHAIR Model TMR-570 Tan, Like new. $200 Firm. Call 941757-9435
CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570
HUGE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE!, Coming close to the end. Everything Store Wide 75% Off. Lots of Sterling, Vintage Costume Jewelry, Pewter Miniatures, Dolls, Art, Furniture, Displays, Collectibles, Antiques, Beer Steins, Bric-Brac, Florida & Pirate Signs, Books, More! Hurry 75% off. 5351 Gulf Dr, Next to City Center, Holmes Beach. 7 days 9:30-5.
PRESSURE CLEANING and WINDOW WASHING residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways. Paver Sealing & Cleaning etc. Call 941-565-3935
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 RETAIL Sales clerk is available at Bradenton Beach gift shop. Flexible hours including days, weekends, evenings. Retirees Welcome. Call Shirley 941-580-1535 TWO SCOOPS – Anna Maria Island’s Favorite Ice-Cream... is now hiring part-time associates. Varied shifts available must be able to work nights and weekends. A great place to work and have a little fun…looking for a few friendly people to join our team. Food prep. or server experience preferred. Great pay! Apply today…Two Scoops 101 S. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria.
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES
ROSER THRIFT SHOP and ANNEX: Open 9:30 am. – 2 pm. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am.-1pm Saturday. Donations accepted 9-11a.m. Wednesdays 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria 941-779-2733 FLEA MARKET RADERS Reef parking lot. Sunday, April 17. 8am-4pm 5508 Marina Dr. Antiques, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, misc. items HUGE GARAGE SALE! Sale of 4 unit beachfront vacation rental forces sale of ALL items. Furniture, appliances, flatware, island themed artwork, linens, kitchen items, lots more. EVERYTHING MUST GO!! Friday to Sunday April 15-17 rain or shine. 202 35th Street, Holmes Beach
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HUGE GARAGE SALE 80 year old auto mechanic & car restorer must sell all equipment, tools and parts that fill a 40' x 75' garage! Also some antiques, household and yard tools. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8am to 3pm. 1708 78th St. West in Bradenton.
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 # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-504-2222 www. kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services. 35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 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 $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
LOST & FOUND LOST 2/9/16 - GOLD CHOKER Necklace w/old Spanish coin pendant. - Bradenton Beach - Gulf Drive/ Bay Drive area between 1st St N and 12th St N. Sentimental value. Reward! Please call 404-545-1943.
FOUND KEY RING with Subaru Car key fob & multiple keys attached. Found at Bradenton Beach. Turned into Bradenton Beach Police Department MISSING BLACK AND WHITE male cat. Lucky is deaf and 15 years old. He was last seen on 2nd St in Bradenton Beach where he has lived outdoors for 4 years. Reward. Heartbroken. 941-730-7052 LOST CAT “FIDO” He adopted us 16 years ago. His turf is in the area of 5392 Gulf Dr. near Time Saver and Niki’s . Has collar with a bell, chipped by Animal Clinic. If found please call 941-518-6329.
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 941-3591904. 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 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www. WalyPrecisionPainting.com “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096
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PEST CONTROL NICK PATSIOS PEST CONTROL Owner Certified Operator. Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates/Inspections. Call 941-713-2071 npatsios5@gmail.com
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
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
DISCOVER THE OTHER ISLAND!} Tidy Island in Sarasota Bay. Beautiful Townhouse w/direct bay views! 3BR/2.5 BA/ 2 CG with private swimming pool. Open plan. Pet friendly. $699,000 Katharine Pepper RoseBay Intl 941-792-9459 ICW -BAY FRONT HOME for sale 5BR/3.5BA Bradenton Beach EXCEPTIONAL close to GULF Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-232-2216 W. BRADENTON CONDO 4000sq.ft. Canal front Bay view 3+BR/3.5BA Bonus room dock lift 2 car Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-2322216 NEW HOMES at MIRABELLA FLORIDA. Starting from the mid 200’s. Only minutes from the beaches, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy. Perfectly designed, open floor plans, 2BR/2BA plus den and 2CG. Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball, pet friendly community. HOA only $190/month. Models open daily. Contact us 941-254-3330 www. MirabellaFlorida.com
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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE WOW ! UNDER $400K! 2BR/1BA Hideaway Cottage. Central A/C. Block to Pine Ave; Steps to Bay. Turnkey Furnished. Fabulous For Investor or Personal Use. Don Schroder, RE/MAX Alliance Group. 941-720-7100. See & Buy! NEW LISTING BEST Value in Harbour Isle 1994 sf 2BR + Den. Loaded with upgrades, End unit. Open plan, Overlooking Reserve. $492,500 Karen Fineout Wagner Realty Call 941-518-3682 VILLAGE GREEN VILLA Small pet friendly 2BR/2BA/2CG Updates $229,900. Real Estate Mart Call 941-356-1456 WATERFRONT 2BR/1.5BA Remodeled and Updated, heated pool, boat dock. $199,900 Real Estate Mart Call 941-356-1456 W. BRADENTON TANGLEWOOD Patio Home off 59th St. 3BR/2BA with 2 car garage & Community pool. Fenced yard, Pet friendly $190,000 Call Gayle Schulz, Simpson South Realty at 941-8126489 BEACH BEAUTIFUL SETTING-Mobile Home $29,900 in Bradenton Beach Pines Mobile Home Park; walk to Bridge Street shopping and the beaches! Call 941-746-1167
Call us today! 941-778-3986
RENTALS: ANNUAL 2 BR/2BA HOME in Holmes Beach. $1800/ mo, $1800 last month, $1000 security. 1200 + S/F, Great room layout. Great parking. Community boat ramp near by. Credit & Background required. Available March 1. 3BR/2BA spacious ground level condo with many upgrades and covered parking. W/D hook up, includes water, sewer, trash, cable & grounds care in park like setting. Pool, sauna, and observation dock. $1,700 /mo $1700 last and $1000 security. Background required by association w/ fee. 2BR/2BA lakefront home in Bay Lake Estates. Nice spacious lanai with water view. Inside laundry, 2 car garage. Water, Lawn care included. Some vehicle restrictions apply. Background check required. $1500/mo. 1st & last month, $1000. security dep. Available 4/1. 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. HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1BA Duplex. 900+ sq.ft. Nice & Clean. New appliances, W/D hookups. $1250/ mo + utilities. First, Last & one month security. Credit check. 1 year lease. Call 941-809-2488 ANNUALS-3BR/2BA furnished elevated duplex $2500. 2BR/2BA furnished in WBPM $1900. 2BR/2BA single family home w/garage $2000. Call Paradise Realty 941-778-4800 BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT RENTAL, 3BR/2BA, tennis courts, pool and golf course access. 941-778-2141 ANNUAL RENTAL Bradenton Beach, 3BR/2BA home, view of Intracoastal. Unfurnished. $2,100/mo First, last, and security required. Call Sato Real Estate, Inc. at 941-778-7200 or email monica@satorealestate. com
2BR/2BA ANNUAL RENTAL Summer Sands, Bradenton Beach. View of Gulf of Mexico. Beautiful sunsets, private beach, pool, upgraded with Cherry Cabinet & Granite. Furnished or unfurnished negotiable. No Smoking/No Pets. $2500/mo. Call 941518-8714 DOUBLEWIDE MOBILE HOME 2BR/2BA in Ellenton 55+ community with all amenities. Lot fee/water included. Annual $1100/ mo. Call Debbie 941-7304929 NORTHWEST BRADENTON single family home in Village Green. 2BR/2BA w/ 2 car garage, small pet with approval. $1400/mo. First, last and security required. Available May 1st. Call June at Island Real Estate 941-345-1295 ANNA MARIA ISLAND 12 month 2BR/2BA. Steps to Beach, Shops, Restaurants & Trolley. No smoking/No pets. Very Clean $1600/mo First, last & security. Call 860-922-3857
APRIL 13, 2016
FOR LEASE 2BR/1BA Mobile in Waterfront Cortez Park. Furnished. 6 month lease minimum. No pets/No smokers Call 740-398-9846 ANNUAL RENTAL, HOLMES BEACH, 3BR/2BA, fully appliances, w/d, rehabbed in 2010, storage, pet friendly, no smoking, available 5/1/2016. $1700, 603969-6840.
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
WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub! VACATION RENTAL "OWNER OPERATED" 3BR/2B beautiful single story home, heated pool Weekly/monthly available starting July 2016; WiFi, great amenities. 813-6014466. Discounts given to Vets. 2BR/2BA HOLMES BEACH Furnished. Block to Beach,1500 sf, Dishwasher, microwave, washer/dryer. cental A/C, Pool. $1100/mo plus utilities. June thru December. First & last month plus security deposit. Call 847-769-6175
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ROOMMATE WANTED "APARTMENT SHARE: FEMALE" roommate wanted. North Holmes Beach, Quaint 2BR/2BA, $600/ month. May-October, Call 954-684 4231
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www. amitaxi.com ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469 ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, shopping, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095
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APRIL 13, 2016
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APRIL 13, 2016