FREE
VOL 16 No. 40
August 3, 2016
Egmont fire leaves scorched earth
Center Affaire to evolve The event will fit The Center’s new motto: the community’s gathering place.
SUBMITTED
Above, palm trees are left charred and the ground barren following the Egmont fire last week. Below, a massive plume of smoke towers over the island preserve last Tuesday afternoon.
BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – As Mark Twain once said, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” So it is with reports of the demise of The Affaire, The Center’s annual fundraiser gala held in the spring. “Last year’s Affaire didn’t go as well as planned.” Executive Director Kristen Lessig said. “It made $60,000 and our goal was $100,000. An event like that takes a very dedicated effort and one person driving it.” Lessig said she met with Trudy Moon, who headed The Affaire committee for is most successful years, and Pierrette Kelly, the Center’s former executive director, who was at the helm for the majority of The Affaire events. “We agreed that the community wants a different event, and The Affaire had run its course. We heard from the community, and people don’t want The Center to be an executive club.” So what’s ahead? “The community has changed, and so has the mission of The Center,” Lessig explained. “This is the community’s gathering place with a more casual atmosphere. “We are still brainstorming about what kind of event and what to call it. It’s an evolution to fit a new center, and we want to make it fun and exciting, a party atmosphere.”
Officials are still determining the damage done to wildlife from the Egmont Key fire. BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
EGMONT KEY – Egmont Key has reopened to the public after a fire sparked by lightning last Tuesday burned until Friday. Visitors are asked to stay on marked trails and roadways and avoid the burned areas of the key, a state park and national wildlife refuge north of Anna Maria Island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The fire burned 80 acres, about a third of the key’s acreage, and was slowed down significantly by a backburn on Wednesday, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officer Stan Garner said. A tactic to suppress wildfire, the backburn removed vegetation between the fire and a narrow line that was cleared of vegetation with shovels, Florida Forest Service spokesman John Saddler said. Seabreezes fanned the fire, which was doused with buckets of saltwater dropped MIKE FIELD | SUN
see center, page 35
INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey outdoors Town crier real estate obituaries classifieds
4 6 7 22-23 25 28-33 34 37-39
a Journey
brings closure to one Island local. 4
Anna Maria Island, Florida
see egmont, page 35
Day dock future on Thursday’s agenda in Bradenton Beach. 3
Pet friendly hotels listed in The Sun’s Pet Evacuation Guide. 15-16
The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper
www.amisun.com
2
THE SUN
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
AUGUST 3, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
AUGUST 3, 2016
THE SUN
3
Day dock consultant on agenda The commission will decide if it wants to take the next step toward the potential expansion of the docks adjacent to the Historic Bridge Street Pier.
FDEP Meeting
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Thursday’s City Commission meeting will include a request to spend $15,235 for consulting services for the permitting and construction of a new and expanded floating dock. The scope of services proposal submitted by Scheda Ecological Associates says, “Scheda will coordinate with the city staff their chosen coast engineer and regulatory staff to ensure that all information necessary for permitting the proposed additional slips and modified submerged land lease will be incorporated into the applications.” The proposal states the fee estimate does not include engineering or geotechnical fees, seagrass and coral protected species surveying, permit application fees, environmental mitigation or the preparation of legal documents.
Photo courtesy Technomarine USA
City officials visited these floating docks at the Snook Bight Marina in Fort Myers Beach. If pursued, the slips and finger docks would be installed along the north side of the Historic Bridge Street Pier and leased to commercial and recreational clients. The south side of the pier will remain a free public dock. If not pursued, what remains of the existing floating dock must still be replaced in order to address concerns that it could break loose and damage the pier during a storm. A portion of dock damaged during Tropical Storm Colin in early June has already been removed. In mid-June, Commissioner Jake Spooner proposed expanding the dock area as a means of generating additional revenue for the city. The commission
voted 4-1 in favor of Spooner serving as the commission liaison on this effort and working with Speciale to further research its viability. Mayor Bill Shearon cast the one opposition vote and expressed displeasure at Spooner was asked to serve as the commission liaison on the pursuit of this project. That same meeting then saw the commission vote 3-2 in opposition to a request to spend $11,988 for Scheda to conduct a feasibility study on the potential construction of a managed mooring field. Shearon and Vice Mayor Ed Straight supported the mooring field study.
On Friday, July 22, Speciale, Spooner, Gilbert and Scheda’s Sarasota branch manager Dianne Rosensweig traveled to the Florida Department of Environment Protection (FDEP) office in Tampa to discuss submerged land lease options that would allow for the replacement of the existing day dock and the future addition of leased slips. According to Speciale and Spooner, the FDEP reps said the city could replace the existing day dock in the current footprint without the need to amended the existing lease. They were also told that amending the submerged land lease in a hybrid fashion that would allow for public and commercial use was a relatively simple process that could be completed in a few months. In exchange for a submerged land lease that allows for both commercial and public purposes, the state would receive approximately six percent of the revenue generated by the leased slips.
Dock research
On Friday July 15, Shearon accompanied Speciale to Fort Myers Beach see DOCK, page 8
4
THE SUN
ISLAND NEWS
Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
AUGUST 3, 2016
in brief
Hearing for Cortez Bridge The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a hearing Tuesday, Aug. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, on alternatives to replacing or rebuilding the Cortez Bridge. FDOT has plans for the drawbridge built 60 years ago. It is classified by the state as obsolete, and FDOT is looking to either rebuild the structure or replace it. Their choices for a replacement bridge include another drawbridge essentially the same height as the current one – a 21 vertical clearance, a 35-foot vertical clearance drawbridge and a high, fixed span bridge. The old bridge has two lanes for traffic, and FDOT has plans for two traffic lanes, one or two emergency lanes, pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes for the replacement bridge. FDOT engineers will be present to answer questions, and there will by displays and a video of plans for the alternatives. Those attending will be asked to give their preferences on comment sheets.
Fitness owner airs complaints Jen Crady, owner of AMI Fitness, again asked commissioners to withdraw funding for The Center of Anna Maria Island due to its guest pass program, which gives renters with participating agencies free access to the fitness space. “People have come in and called because they are confused thinking we had free memberships,” she told Holmes Beach commissioners last week. “The last two weeks we lost $3,038.98. I was forced to go on a massive marketing campaign, and this is the worst time in the world to do that. “My marketing campaign is not paid for by taxpayers’ money, donations or grants. These are slow times, and I’m getting very scared. What happens in the season when we should make enough money to hold us through the summer?” Mayor Bob Johnson said he and the other Island mayors met with center officials and noted, “It’s evident there’s a more clear and better understanding required.”
Board could set legislative priorities Holmes Beach Vice Chair Jean Peelen asked city commissioners to consider setting legislative priorities. ‘We have not traditionally done this,” she said. “None of the Island cities have ever done this. The county does it. It’s time for us to do it.” She said each commissioner could bring a list to a future work session for discussion, and they could ask the other two Island cities to do the same and combine the lists in order that the Islands speak with one voice. She also said she is considering starting an Island lobbying group of 10 to 12 people to approach their senators and representatives to lobby for Island priorities.
Correction Manatee County Planning Commission member Matt Bower lives in the San Remo Shores neighborhood. A recent Sun story listed the wrong neighborhood.
SUbmitted
Girl Scout Leader Susan Grinkemeyer welcomes Pat Copeland to the memorial park at the July 23 ceremony.
A journey to closure BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – I found it tucked away with other mementos of past chapters of my life – a small cardboard box filled with my Girl Scout badges, pins and stars. They were like new – never sewed on a sash. There was no reason. The visions came flooding back. Sixth grade 1959 – laughing children just learning that life is not all fun and games. This day our troop was going on a Girl Scout field trip to the Xenia library in our leader’s station wagon. “I can’t go on the trip,” I told my best friend Connie with disappointment. “Why not?” Connie questioned. “My mother is going to a card club meeting, and I don’t have any way to get home afterward,” I replied. “Well, I don’t want to go if you don’t,” Connie declared. “I don’t want you to miss the trip because of me,” I said. “You go and tell me about it later.” About halfway through the morning, Connie whispered, “I have a great idea. Doesn’t Mrs. North (our teacher) live near you? Anne North is going on the trip, so maybe she can take you home. “Why don’t you ask her?” she said in a note that she passed to me. “I wish you would. Please
ask Mrs. North if you can. Love always, Connie.” I wrote back, “You and I will ask her at the last recess, maybe, OK? Love always, Patty.”
Missing the trip
At recess we rushed up to Mrs. North and explained the problem. She understood and agreed to give me a ride home. When the school day ended, I went to my locker. My lock stuck, and when it finally opened, I got my books and walked out the door to see the station wagon pulling away. My heat sank at missing the trip as I got on the bus to go home. Once at home, I settled down to do my homework, and then took a break to watch TV. “Special news bulletin,” blared the TV announcer. “A car carrying eight Girl Scouts and two leaders has been hit by a train at the Factory Road railroad crossing.” All perished as a result of the crash. That Friday, my parents took me to each funeral home to pay our respects. In those days there was no closure, no counseling. You bucked up and went on, and that’s what I did, along with the two others, Candy Prystalowski and Sharon Smith, who also missed the trip.
Preparing to visit the park
Fast forward to 2016. My visiting
sister told me of the Beavercreek Community Park, built near the former train crossing, where a memorial honored the Girl Scouts and leaders that perished. The train tracks were now a bike path. It was called Angels’ Pass Memorial, and Girl Scouts who cared for the memorial received special Angel’s Pass patches. I e-mailed the troop with my story, asked for a patch and began corresponding with two leaders. I was planning to go to Indiana to visit my mother, and my sister said she would take me to see the memorial. I told the Scout leaders Anna Henderson and Susan Grinkemeyer about my trip, and they graciously arranged for a Girl Scout memorial ceremony to present the patches. I decided I needed to get a Girl Scout sash and sew my patches on it to wear to the ceremony. I called my friend, Juile Krokroskia, a Scout leader, and she got me a sash. We met at her office so she could show me where to place the pin, stars and patches. She asked if I had troop numbers, and I said I did not. She insisted that I needed those and asked me the number. I said it was 133. She said, “You’re in luck. Our troop number is 136, so I have 1s and 3s.” see JOURNEY, page 32
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
AUGUST 3, 2016
THE SUN
5
Bert Harris settlements not yet formalized Three more claims were presented to the city last week, bringing the latest total to 62. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – As of late last week, none of the proposed 24 Bert Harris claim settlements authorized by the Anna Maria City Commission had been formally accepted by those who filed them. On July 21, the commission approved potential settlements for 24 of the then 59 claims that City Attorney Becky Vose determined to be the most legitimate. The settlement terms Vose proposed called for permanent occupancy allowances of two persons per bedroom; and all but one of those property owners requested and was offered an additional two guests per property. During that recent meeting, Vose said she was still in the process of evaluating the remaining 39 claims, some of which she suggested the city might fight in court if need be. In regard to the proposed settlements, Vose said on Friday, “Formal offers have not been sent. We are working on them.”
joe hendricks | SUN
On July 21, City Attorney Becky Vose, far left, suggested the City Commission make settlement offers on the most legitimate Bert Harris claims. While the proposed settlements remained a work in progress, the city received three more Bert Harris claims on Monday, July 25, bringing the total number of claims received to 62. All three of the new claims were submitted by the Najmy/Thompson law firm. Two of the claims were filed on behalf of 791 Jacaranda LLC for properties located at 789 Jacaranda Road and 791 (lot 16) Jacaranda Road. According to state records, developer Shawn
Kaleta and attorney Louis Najmy serve as 791 Jacaranda LLC’s registered agents. These two claims each pertain to fivebedroom homes that list a pre-vacation rental ordinance occupancy of 12 to 14 occupants; and each lists $345,000 in assessed lost value if restricted to the occupancy limits set forth in the vacation rental ordinance enacted earlier this year. The third claim was filed on behalf
of KPI 48th Street Development LLC, which is also registered to Kaleta and Najmy. This claim lists $515,000 in assessed lost value for a six-bedroom home that listed an occupancy of 14 to 16 occupants prior to the vacation rental regulations taking effect. Totaling $1.2 million, the three new claims bring the total compensation sought – if not granted occupancy relief – to more than $24 million. This includes the $6.8 million affiliated with the 24 claims approved for settlement via increased occupancy rather than financial compensation. Property owners have one year from being notified of the enactment of new regulations to file a Bert Harris claim. According to Vose, that official notification occurred on Jan. 26 of this year. Once the one-year deadline expires, no more Bert Harris claims can be filed in opposition to the occupancy limits imposed on vacation rentals. Residential structures permitted and built after the one-year deadline expires will be restricted to eight occupants per property and will not be eligible for the grandfathering provisions that sunset in 2021.
6
THE SUN
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
Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun
AUGUST 3, 2016
GUEST COLUMN Manatees still in danger BY KATIE TRIPP, Ph.D. Director of Science & Conservation Save the Manatee Club
T
he number of watercraft-related manatee deaths has been ticking steadily upward since the start of the year. Cheaper gas, a recovering economy, a mild winter, and a hot summer have meant lots of boating in Florida. The current record for manatee watercraft deaths was set in 2009. That year, through mid-July, there were 58 manatees killed by boats in Florida waters. This year, through that same time period, 67 manatees have died from this cause. The number of watercraft-related rescues this year has also been higher than average. In all of 2009, 97 manatees in Florida were killed by boats. With more than five months left in the year, it's highly likely that this record will be broken and 2016 will be the new record year for manatee watercraft deaths. Some will say that if we have more manatees, we should expect more to be struck and killed. We disagree. We believe that educated, compliant and watchful vessel operators are key. Also this year, manatees along Florida's east coast are exposed to algal blooms in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). In the north IRL, small numbers of manatees have once again started to die from an ongoing Unusual Mortality Event that has killed more than 150 manatees and is believed to be tied to a loss of seagrass linked to algal blooms that started more than four years ago. In the southern IRL, manatees are swimming through putrid waters impacted by discharges from Lake Okeechobee. As in the north IRL, there are concerns that these prolonged blooms will shade and kill seagrass, eliminating the manatees' primary food source and an important habitat for other marine species. What to do with all this bad news? For boaters, we ask for their vigilance and compassion to make our water safer for the rest of this year to stave SEE editorial, PAGE 7
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Jim White was right
Penninsula Bay questions
Editor’s note: This letter originally was addressed to our Florida state senators and representatives. Once again we say good-bye to long-time Island residents. We have known Jim and Terri White for decades and were saddened to learn some months ago of their decision to move. This is just one more of a continuous stream of exits by good citizens and long-term friends. Jim’s letter to The Sun (Sun, July 20) expresses it succinctly. There is something radically wrong when legislation in the form of the Bert Harris Act can lead people to believe that they are entitled to: establish commercial ventures in our residential neighborhoods, identify property as single family and state that they could house 34 people in this “single family,” receive monetary compensation while using state legislation to support their claims and create so much undue stress and turmoil within (and for) our communities, cities and residents. All common sense and decency support that they do not have the right to degrade the quality of life for others as they have. It is obvious that many of the people filing these suits are severely lacking in the sense of community. Please make the changes necessary to correct this flaw in the legislation. Dick and Margie Motzer Holmes Beach
Most of my life, I have lived on the Intracoastal Waterway between the Manatee Bridge and the Cortez Bridge. Since the late 70s, I have thoroughly enjoyed the area, participated in every water sport possible and have made preservation of the environment a priority. The waters have been beautifully clear and abundant with seafood. Recently, I attended the Planning and Zoning workshop on the Peninsula Bay project. Many people begged the board to do their job, plan and use some common sense. After listening for several hours, I have more questions about the approval than answers. Why can’t the majority of the development be in the areas that are already disturbed land? Why can’t the established canal to the east serve as a public boat ramp? It would take minimal effort to gain access. Why dredge the narrow and shallow inlet located on the west side where all kinds of birds and fish reside? This is one of the best kayaking and fishing spots in the county! Sea grass lives on the bottom. I thought mangroves and wetlands were protected. Will the schools of redfish still be there after four public boat ramps are installed? Maybe a kayak ramp would more appropriate. How safe are the swimmers and the wading fisherman on the sandbar at the
Take The Sun Survey on Page 7. public park, right next to the mouth of the inlet? Except to provide five feet of extra fill required for almost 2000 units, wouldn’t the existing coastline be way better than a lake? How many units are really proposed if many of the lots have an auxiliary detached structure? How will the additional water runoff affect the quality and clarity of the water in our area? When the dead end canal empties into the protected nursery on the south side of Cortez Road, how will that affect The Kitchen and livelihood of our historic fishing village? Many years ago, the water quality in our area started to decline. I no longer could dip for blue crabs and the meat of many of the game fish often harbored worms. I started spending more time in the Florida Keys. Unfortunately, overuse and pollution there have made that area less than pristine. Mother Nature has already struggled in Manatee County. We still have a chance to help her. Let us learn from our previous mistakes, please! Peg Miller, retired chemistry instructor Bradenton Beach
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
AUGUST 3, 2016
THE SUN
the sun survey
on the agenda
PREVIOUS QUESTION: Anna Maria is settling 24 of the 59 Bert Harris lawsuits that oppose the city's vacation rental restrictions. What do you think of this move? The city should never have imposed the rental
Anna Maria
50%
restrictions in the first place.
10005 Gulf Drive
8/3: Budget work session, 6 p.m., tentative 8/9: Planning and Zoning Board, 4 p.m. 8/10: Budget work session, 6 p.m., tentative For information, call 7086130.
Bradenton Beach
7
8/4: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m. For information, call 7781005.
Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive.
8/9: City Commission meeting, CANCELED 8/11: City Commission work session, CANCELED For information, call 7085800.
107 Gulf Drive N.
8/3: Capital Improvement Committee, 10 a.m. 8/3: Community Redevelopment Agency, 10:30 a.m. 8/3: Pier team, 11 a.m.
Island-wide
8/10: Palma Sola Scenic Highway Committee, Bradenton Public Works, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, 4 p.m.
mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.
Wednesday Aug. 3
27%
Wise decision because these are the cases the city likely would have lost if it litigated them.
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY Changing The Center's Affaire to Remember fundraiser to a more casual event is:
23%
Bad idea. This just weakens the city's position in the long run.
• A good idea if they make it more appealing and accessible to locals. • A bad idea. They need people with deep pockets to attend and donate. • A good move as long as the new event involves Texas Hold 'Em and the Buccaneers cheerleaders.
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 EDITORial FROM PAGE 6
water safer for the rest of this year to stave off a new watercraft mortality record. We also ask citizens to stay engaged with manatee issues as we await the decision from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding whether it will downlist manatees from endangered to threatened on the federal endangered species list. We firmly believe downlisting without better controlling the escalating threats is premature.
To heal our waters, we encourage citizens to sign the Floridians' Clean Water Declaration at wewantcleanwater.com and the Now or Neverglades Declaration at gladesdeclaration.org. Then, contact your elected officials and ask for their commitment in safeguarding your local waters. Be sure to contact Florida's governor, whose support for comprehensive protections of our statewide waters is pivotal. We encourage all citizens to get more involved with
their local environmental groups and to share these issues with other civic and community groups because dirty water and a sick environment not only threatens our environment, but also our health, economy, and quality of life. Most importantly, stay engaged, even when the blooms and news headlines disappear. We have a long road ahead of us to truly protect our waters, and we need everyone's sustained voice to get us there.
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.
Thursday Aug. 4
Aerobics for Seniors, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Jam in the sand, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
Friday Aug. 5
Bridge beginners/refresher class, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10 includes coffee and cookies. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493. Guided Relaxation Circle, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Donations only. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday Aug. 6
Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Games and Legos, Island
Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Monday Aug. 8
Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
Wednesday Aug. 10
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.
Thursday Aug. 11
Aerobics for Seniors, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Jam in the sand, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
Friday Aug. 12
Bridge beginners/refresher class, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10 includes coffee and cookies. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493. Alzheimer’s caregiver support group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
8
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
THE SUN
AUGUST 3, 2016
Holmes Beach sets millage at 2.25 Public hearings on the budget were set for Tuesday, Sept. 13 and 27, at 6 p.m. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners last week approved a tentative millage rate of 2.25 for fiscal year 2016-17, the same as fiscal year 2015-16. “This is little different from last year, when we were looking at a gaping hole,” Mayor Bob Johnson pointed out. Last year, he and Treasurer Lori Hill discovered an error, which if allowed to continue, would have bankrupted the city. Commissioners set a high millage rate to try and rectify the error. Johnson said he plans to continue a program of austerity to build the reserve.
Work will close Neal Preserve The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department will close Neal Preserve, at 12301 Manatee Ave. W., near the Anna Maria Island Bridge, on Thursday, Aug. 4, for site improvement work. Nearby Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W.; Robinson Preserve at 1704 99th St. NW ; and Ungarelli Preserve at 4000 Palma Sola Blvd will be open.
S
Vice Chair Jen Peelen pointed out that 2.25 is the maximum millage, and commissioners can reduce it but not increase it before the final budget is approved. The draft budget shows total operating revenues of $6,723,918 and carryovers/reserves of $5,567,725 for a total of $12,291,643. It shows expenditures of $3,950,203 for personnel, $5,683,729 for operating expenses, $2,578,611 for capital outlay and $79,100 for debt service for total of $12,291,643.
Department budgets
The mayor/commission budget shows an increase of $20,000 in the reserve. The general government budget shows increases for personnel, a special magistrate and a planner. It also shows an increase in outside agency funding due to some funding being moved from public works.
Nesting News
The police department shows increases in 911 upgrades and equipment with a minimal decrease overall. The code enforcement department shows in increase for a second full time officer, but a decrease in part time salaries with a minimal decrease overall. The public works department shows an increase for professional services, insurance, repairs and maintenance, capital improvements, Grassy Point and equipment. The building department shows a decrease in part time salaries, professional services (planner moved to general government), IT services, utilities, repairs and maintenance, operating supplies and equipment. Copies of the draft budget are available in city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Public hearings on the budget were set for Tuesday, Sept. 13, and Tuesday, Sept. 27, both at 6 p.m.
Nests remaining: 295 Hatchlings to Gulf: 1566 Nest disorientations: 8
Turtle nests laid: 380 False crawls: 812 Nests hatched: 35 Not hatched: 50
Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
u At o Y ee
AM
DOCK: Issue on agenda FROM PAGE 3
to examine the floating dock system at Snook Bight Yacht Club and Marina that could be used to replace and/or expand the existing day dock. Created by Technomarine USA, the dock system is designed to withstand a category three hurricane winds and waves. “This system is really nice,” Speciale said after the visit. Based on previous preliminary estimates received from Duncan Seawall and Dock and Technomarine President Mike Shanley, Speciale and Spooner tentatively estimate the replacement and expansion of the dock would cost between $250,000 and $300,000, but the exact cost has not yet been determined. Spooner also noted that 14 slips leased at $2,000 a month would generate $336,000 in annual revenues.
Come see why we were voted the #
OB !
1 New ant
Restaur
Soak in the Sun, Soak in the Suds! Happy Hour Domestic Draft Prices All Day!
0 5 .
Present this coupon when you purchase one breakfast entrée at regular price and receive a second
2
FREE!
OFF
Domestic Drafts
Breakfast Served Daily! 8 – 11am
CODE
¢
*Limited to 1 guest, 1 visit, 1 use . Expires August 31, 2016. With this coupon. Pier location only.
*
PIER s 941.778.AMOB (2662) s 200 Bridge Street (Historic Bridge Street Pier)
AUGUST 3, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
THE SUN
9
10
THE SUN
WWW.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
This old wooden jetty and the geotextile tube, buried in the sand to the right, will be removed and replaced by a new jetty, according to plans approved by the Manatee County Commission.
County working on long-range beach erosion plan The county wants $225,000 in state funds to build a new jetty on the south tip of the Island. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
BRADENTON – The Manatee County Board of Commissioners voted in favor of a resolution authorizing the County Parks and Natural Resources to file a long-term beach erosion control budget plan with the Florida Department of Environment Protection. The resolution calls for the county to name projects which will require state funding and confirm the county’s ability to act as the local sponsor for the projects and the county’s ability to fund the local share of projects, presumably from the county’s rental tax. Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker included a local government funding request with the information packet at the commission meeting, detailing projects past, present and future, with a total request of $400,000 from the state for the coming fiscal year.
He wrote about the 2011 nourishment project that covered beaches in the city of Anna Maria and Coquina Beach that had not been covered before. The Coquina Beach project also included a geotextile tube along Longboat Pass next to Coquina Beach. The county is now planning to repair the geotextile tube or replace it with a jetty. The anticipated cost is $225,000. The county is also planning more sand for Anna Maria City’s beaches, possibly in 2017 or 2018. There will be no state cost to that project since the Port Dolphin Project allocated $5 million to the project that will come through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The county also wants to re-vegetate the upland dunes in Cortez Beach near the Twin Piers project and build three dune walkovers. Again, no state funds would required. The final project is an inlet management plan for Passage Key, which was required as part of an earlier agreement to take sand to put on Coquina Beach in the 2014 nourishment project.
AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
AUGUST 3, 2016
AUGUST 3, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
THE SUN
11
Rental regulations remain elusive The past five board meetings have seen far more debate than decision making. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board is struggling with its attempt to create vacation rental regulations to present to the city commission for consideration. The efforts that began in mid-May sustained another setback last week when longtime board chair Dan DeBaun resigned due to an undisclosed health issue. He was appointed to the board in 2012. Vice-chair John Burns chaired the Wednesday, July 27, meeting, which began with him saying, “I would personally like to thank Mr. DeBaun for his service, his insights, his wisdom and his ability to grasp the issues as a whole, even while we’re drilling down to the minutia.” A new chair and vice-chair will be elected at the Aug. 24 meeting.
Slow going
Previous meetings have been slowed by board member debate and the inability to reach consensus on whether to first address structure size and intensity of use, or the behavior of those who own, operate and occupy vacation rentals. Prior to last week’s meeting, the only consensus reached was a 5-2 vote to recommend the commission repeal the quality of life ordinance adopted last fall. During last
week’s meeting, the board asked City Planner Alan Garrett to place this stand-alone recommendation on a future commission agenda, despite Garrett’s suggestion that the board wait until it has something to present as an alternative.
Structural suggestions
Making a presentation originally scheduled for a previous meeting, board member and retired contractor Reed Mapes presented a list of proposed actions aimed at reducing size and useable space for future residential structures. Mapes subscribes to the theory that smaller structures result in fewer occupants, which results in fewer problems. He acknowledged that this long-term approach would not address existing rentals. He suggested reducing floor area ratios, adopting a minimum bedroom size of 120 square feet, requiring a certain percentage of the structure be dedicated to nonbedrooms, counting pools as impervious surfaces when calculating lot coverage, requiring all parking to occur on hard surfaces and requiring the use of impact glass that provides better soundproofing. Many of Reed’s suggestions have already been implemented in Anna Maria, where Garrett formerly served as city planner. Taking its first tangible step, the board reached consensus that Reed and Garrett should continue working on these proposed actions and present them in greater detail at the next meeting. see RENTAL, page 27
12
THE SUN
BRIEFS County commission candidate forum in Cortez A candidate forum will be held on Thursday, Aug. 18, from 5:30-7 p.m., at Fishermen’s Hall, 4511 124th St. W. in Cortez. Ask questions of the three candidates vying to represent citizens in District 3 on the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners – Matt Bower, Stephen Jonsson and David Zaccagnino. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Chamber seeks board members The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is reaching out to its members who would like to serve on its board of directors for the 2017-2019 term. Interested candidates must be in a business that is a member of the Island Chamber of Commerce and have five individual member businesses sign an nomination form. The AMI Chamber currently has three directors running for re-election and four board openings. Nomination forms need to be submit-
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
ted by Sept. 2. Qualified nominees are asked to submit a brief 250-word biography about themselves, written in third person, along with their nomination form. For an example of a biography and to see the current board of directors visit http://www.annamariaislandchamber. org/AbouttheChamber/BoardofDirectors. aspx. For more information, call 7781651.
Swiftmud approves 2016-17 millage The governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District adopted a proposed FY2016-17 millage rate of 0.3317, 4.9 percent lower than the current fiscal year. For the owner of a $150,000 home with a $50,000 homestead exemption, the district tax would be $33 a year, or about $2.76 per month. The fiscal year runs from Oct. 1, 2015, through Sept. 30, 2016. The total FY2015-16 proposed budget for the district is $180.1 million. The district will hold a tentative budget hearing on Sept.13 at 5:01 p.m. at the Tampa Service Office, 7601 U.S. Highway 301.The governing board will vote on the final budget on Sept. 27 at 5:01 p.m., at the Tampa Service Office.
Open everyday 7:30AM to 5:00PM 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria • 941-778-3170 www.ginnysandjanees.com
AUGUST 3, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
AUGUST 3, 2016
Town hall meeting reviews services, budget Center officials discuss areas of focus, major services, partnerships and the new budget. BY PAT COPELAND
We want to focus on events that cater to the community.” Kristen Lessig Executive director
13
Mayors seek more information Two mayors want participation numbers for specific programs offered by The Center. BY PAT COPELAND
SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Center officials held another in their series of town hall meetings last week to review their community services and budget for fiscal year 2016-17. Executive Director Kristen Lessig welcomed the crowd and said The Center’s mission is to be the community’s gathering place. She said there are six areas of focus The Center implemented to rebuild trust in the community. These are: • Develop consistent brand messaging; • Go beyond the walls with programs and activities; • Re-evaluate programs, activities and structure; • Develop partnerships with local businesses and individuals; •Elevate citizen engagement to improve communications; • Develop a sustainable financial
THE SUN
SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
model for the future. She discussed The Center’s major services such as youth and senior programs, family health and fitness, arts and culture and sports and noted that 61percent of those who use The Center are Island residents. While 66 percent of participation in special events was by residents, participation in specific events ranges from 42 percent for the Affaire to 79 percent for the golf tournament. “We want to focus on events that cater to the community,” Lessig said.
Partnerships and memberships
Some partnerships The Center has cultivated are with Cornerstone for family support services, Island Yoga Space for hot yoga, and Painting with Purpose for use of the facility, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau for sports events and AME
Elementary School for a morning exercise program. Since introducing the all-inclusive membership, memberships have increased from 889 in March 2015 to 1962 in 2016. Lessig said health, recreation and fitness opportunities drive memberships and that the rental membership program provides a low maintenance/passive income with minimal impact on staff time and center resources. Treasurer Jim Froschle said the fiscal year ended June 30 and the board has approved a new budget for 2016-17, which included developing a vision for the financial structure and building a strong financial management system. “This allows us to run an operation rather than a lemonade stand,” he quipped. see center, page 18
ANNA MARIA – Following the July 15 meeting with officials from The Center, Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson said in an e-mail, “I believe it is important for the cities (and the county) to have a solid understanding for community service program offerings.” He asked for participation numbers for the following programs and services: adult specialty classes, senior programs, youth specialty classes/camps, adult fitness classes, before and after school care, summer camps and drop in care. He also said, “Ideally it would be good to see frequency of events, attendance #s, direct revenues/fees (if any), direct costs, related grant income, related specialty membership income etc. “In addition to the above, what community service programs are not being offered currently, but would benefit the community?” Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon agreed with Johnson. Anna Maria Mayor Dam Murphy said he told center officials to “come up with a capital project, bring it to us and give us the numbers and we’ll try to get county funding.”
14
THE SUN
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
OWN IT. ENJOY IT. RENT IT. Award-Winning Resort Lifestyle. Income Opportunity For Owners Through Short-Term Rentals.
Actual View from Marina Walk
Located on Florida’s last private island just moments from the world-famous beaches of Anna Maria Island, Harbour Isle is one of the Sarasota area’s most unique waterfront communities. Our elegant new Marina Walk residences offer you all the luxuries of the award-winning Harbour Isle lifestyle with the option to place your Resort Home with our preferred rental agency for short-term rentals. Don’t miss your chance to own a vacation home that can work for you year round!
New Models Open Daily
AWARD-WINNING RESORT AMENITIES  � � Kayak Launch • Planned Marina with Wet and Dry Storage, Restaurants and Shops
5 minutes to world famous Anna Maria Island Beaches
WATERFRONT RESORT HOMES FROM THE $500s 12300 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209
Located on SR-64 West, just before the Anna Maria Island Bridge
(877) 542-0822 | MarinaWalk.com To learn more about our award-winning communities throughout Florida, visit mintofla.com.  � � � � � � �  � � � �  � � � € ‚ € ‚ ƒ � „ … † ‡ˆˆ ˆ„
AUGUST 3, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
AUGUST 3, 2016
The following hotels and motels accept pets. Some have limitations on species, number, size and breed, some require pets to be caged before housekeeping services are rendered, some require deposits or extra charges, and some have special pet amenities, such as grassy areas for walking. Call ahead to find accommodations that match your needs, and make a list of several hotels in different parts of the state to be prepared for storms from any direction. ARCADIA Knights Inn 504 S. Brevard Ave. 863-494-4884 Holiday Inn Express 2709 Southeast Hwy. 70 863-494-5900 BRADENTON Best Western Plus 2215 Cortez Rd W 941-238-0800 Best Western Plus 648 67th St. Cir. E. 941-757-5555 Courtyard Bradenton Sarasota/Riverfront 100 Riverfront Dr.W. 941-747-3727 Days Inn 3506 1st St.W. 941-746-1141 Fairfield Inn & Suites Lakewood Ranch 6105 Exchange Way 941-552-4000 Hampton Inn 309 10th St W 941-746-9400 Motel 6 660 67th St. Circle E. 941-747-6005 Quality Inn 6727 14th St.W. 941-758-7199 Super 8 6516 14th St.W. 941-756-6656 Sunrise Inn 668 67th St Circle E 941-745-1876 BROOKSVILLE Days Inn 6320 Windmere Rd 352-796-9486 Microtel Inn 6298 Nature Coast Blvd 352-796-9025
Quality Inn 30307 Cortez Blvd 352-796-9481
Travel Lodge 4760 S Cleveland Ave 239-275-1111
DAYTONA BEACH Homewood Suites By Hilton 165 Bill France Blvd 386-258-2828
Travel Lodge 13661 Indian Paint Ln 239-561-1117
Residence Inn Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport 1725 Richard Petty Blvd 386-252-3949 DELAND Budget Inn 2801 East NY Ave 386-736-3440 ELLENTON Red Roof Inn 4915 17th St. E. 941-729-0600 Sleep Inn 5605 18th St. E. 941-721-4933 Super 8 5218 17th St. E. 941-729-8505 FORT MYERS Baymont Inn & Suites 9401 Marketplace Rd 239-454-0040 Four Points by Sheraton 13600 Treeline Ave S 239-322-1399 Holiday Inn 2431 Cleveland Ave 239-332-3232 Hyatt Place 2600 Champion Ring Rd 239-418-1844 La Quinta Inn 9521 Market Place Rd 239-466-0012 Residence Inn 20371 Summerlin Rd 239-415-4150
GAINESVILLE Best Western 4200 N.W. 97th Blvd. 352-331-3336 Holiday Inn Express 3905 S.W. 43rd St. 352-376-0004 Motel 6 4000 S.W. 40th Blvd. 352-373-1604 Red Roof Inn 3500 S.W. 42nd St. 352-336-3311 KISSIMMEE Motel 6 5731 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. 407-396-6333 Palms Hotel and Villas 3100 Parkway Blvd. 407-396-2229 Blue Inn 4970 Kyngs Heath Road 407-396-0065 LAKELAND Ramada Inn 3260 U.S. Hwy. 98 N. 863-688-8080 La Quinta Inn 1024 Crevasse St. 863-859-2866 Motel 6 3120 U.S. Hwy. 98 N. 863-682-0643 Residence Inn 3701 Harden Blvd. 863-680-2323
THE SUN
15
16
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
THE SUN
LAKE BUENA VISTA Clarion Inn 8442 Palm Parkway 407-996-7300 Marriott Residence Inn 11450 Marbella Palm Court 407-465-0075 LAKE CITY America’s Best Inn 339 SW Commerce Dr 386-755-6300 Baymont Inn & Suites 3598 US 90 W 386-752-3801 Days Inn 3430 N US Hwy 441 386-758-4224 LAKE MARY Candlewood Suites 1130 Greenwood Blvd. 407-585-3000 Extended Stay America 1040 Greenwood Blvd 407-829-2332 La Quinta Inn 1060 Greenwood Blvd. 407-805-9901 Residence Inn 825 Heathrow Park Lane 407-995-3400 LEESBURG Best Western Plus 1321 N. 14th Street 352-460-0118 The Sleep Inn 2476 Citrus Blvd. 352-326-9002 OCALA Hampton Inn & Suites 3601 SW 38th Ave 352-867-0300
Holiday Inn Express 1212 S Pine Ave 352-629-7300
Staybridge Suites 7450 Augusta National Dr 407-438-2121
La Quinta Inn & Suites 3530 S.W. 36th Ave. 352-861-1137
Townplace Suites 11801 High Tech Ave. 407-243-6100
Microtel Inn & Suites 1770 Southwest 134th St 352-307-1166
PLANT CITY Comfort Inn 2003 S Frontage Rd 813-707-6000
Quality Inn 3434 SW College Rd 352-854-3200 Residence Inn 3610 S.W. 38th Ave. 352-547-1600 Sleep Inn and Suites 13600 S.W. 17th Court 352-347-8383 ORLANDO Hard Rock Hotel 5800 Universal Blvd. 407-503-2000 Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista 13351 State Road 535 407-239-4500 La Quinta Inn - Universal Studios 5621 Major Blvd 407-313-3100 Motel 6 - Winter Park 5300 Adanson Street 407-647-1444 Motel 6 5909 American Way 407-351-6500 Residence Inn Seaworld 11000 Westwood Blvd. 407-313-3600 Rodeway Inn Maingate 5995 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. 407-396-4300
Knights Inn 301 S Frontage Rd 813-752-0570 PORT CHARLOTTE Country Inn 24244 Corporate Court 941-235-1035
SANFORD Best Western Plus 3401 S Orlando Dr 407-320-0845 SARASOTA Comfort Suites 5690 Honore Ave 941-554-4475 Hampton Inn 975 University Parkway 941-355-8140 Hibiscus Suites 1735 Stickney Point Road 941-921-5797 Holiday Inn – Lakewood Ranch 6231 Lake Osprey Dr 941-782-4400
Holiday Inn Express 4400 US 27 North 863-386-1115
Motel 6 West 2738 N. Monroe St. 850-386-7878
Holiday Inn Express 8310 Galbraith 813-910-7171
Kenilworth Lodge 1610 Lakeview Dr 863-385-0111
Quality Inn 3090 N. Monroe St. 850-562-2378
Red Roof Inn 2307 E. Busch Blvd. 813-932-0073
La Quinta Inn 4115 US 27 South 863-386-1000
Red Roof Inn 2930 Hospitality Street 850-385-7884
Residence Inn 4312 W. Boy Scout Blvd. 813-877-7988
Quality Inn & Suites 6525 US 27 North 863-385-4500
Residence Inn 1880 Raymond Diehl Road 850-422-0093
Residence Inn 3221 Tubbs Road 863-314-9100
Residence Inn Universities 600 W. Gaines St. 850-329-9080
TEMPLE TERRACE Holiday Inn Express 13294 Telcom Dr 813-972-9800
SPRING HILL Microtel Inn 4881 Commercial Way 352-596-3444
Sleep Inn 1695 Capital Circle N.W. 850-575-5885
Days Inn 1941 Tamiami Trail 941-627-8900
Holiday Inn Express 5730 Gantt Rd 941-925-0631
Knights Inn 4100 Tamiami Trail 941-743-2442
Holiday Inn Sarasota - Airport 8009 15th St. E. 941-355-9000
Microtel Inn 4056 Tamiami Trail 941-624-6339
Hotel Indigo Sarasota 1223 Boulevard of the Arts 941-487-3800
Sleep Inn & Suites 806 Kings Highway 941-613-6300
La Quinta Inn & Suites 1803 N.Tamiami Trail 941-366-5128
TALLAHASSEE Best Western Pride Inn 2016 Apalachee Parkway 850-656-6312
PUNTA GORDA Four Points by Sheraton 33 Tamiami Trail 941-637-6770
Residence Inn 1040 University Pkwy. 941-358-1468
Best Western Seminole Inn 6737 Mahan Drive 850-656-2938
Days Inn 5000 N.Tamiami Trail 941-351-7734
Econo Lodge North 2681 N. Monroe St. 850-385-6155
Sleep Inn 900 University Pkwy. 941-359-8558
La Quinta Inn North 2905 N. Monroe St. 850-385-7172
SEBRING Chateau Elan Hotel 150 Midway Dr 863-655-7200
Motel 6 Downtown 1027 Apalachee Parkway 850-877-6171
Punta Gorda Waterfront Hotel 300 W Retta Esplanade 941-639-1165 The Wyvern Hotel 101 E Retta Esplanade 941-639-7700 RUSKIN Ruskin Inn 3113 College Ave 813-641-3437
AUGUST 3, 2016
Motel 6 6172 Commercial Way 352-596-2007 SUN CITY Sun City Center Inn 809N. Pebble Beach Blvd 813-634-3331
Residence Inn 13420 N Telcom Parkway 813-972-4400 Towne Place Suites by Marriott 6800 Woodstork Rd 813-975-9777
Staybridge Suites 1600 Summit Lake Drive 850-219-7000
WINTER HAVEN Howard Johnson Inn 1300 3rd St SW 863-294-7321
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel 522 Silver Slipper Lane 850-386-2121
Lake Roy Beach Inn 1825 Cypress Garden Blvd 863-324-6320
TAMPA Clarion Hotel 2701 E. Fowler Ave. 813-971-4710
Shergill Grand Hotel 5665 Cypress Garden Blvd 863-324-5950
Econo Lodge 4732 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. 813-874-6700
Roadway Inn & Suites 1911 Cypress Gardens Blvd. 863-324-5994
Hampton Inn 5628 W Waters Ave 813-901-5900 Holiday Inn Express 9402 Corporate Lake Dr 813-885-3700 Holiday Inn Express 8610 Elm Fair Blvd. 813-490-1000
5
$
®
OFF ANY PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE
*13240* 13240
No change given. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Offer good with original coupon only and limit of one per household. Not valid for prior purchases. No cash value. Good through 11/30/16.
Bradenton Central 4315 26th St. W. (941) 758-4411 (941) 761-0312 Bradenton East 4238 53rd Ave. East (941) 727-7058
Bradenton West
6908 Manatee Ave. West
Over 100 Locations in Florida
PetSupermarket.com
AUGUST 3, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
THE SUN
17
EVERYONE IS WELCOME Adult Bible Study 8:45 AM
SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM in the Memorial Chapel 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary Church School (K-5th) after Children’s Sermon • Nursery A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef
941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch
18
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
THE SUN
Three TDC members appointed BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
One of the nine members of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council has been reappointed to the board, joined by two new members, one from Anna Maria Island. Commissioners appointed first-time members Doug Copeland, an Anna Maria commissioner, and Trevor Gooby, general manager of Pirate City accommodations and reappointed Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston to the board. Applicants who were not appointed are former Anna Copeland Maria Commissioner Carol Carter and Longboat Key Commissioner Ed Zunz. “I would like to help develop tourist destinations in the county other than the beach,� wrote Copeland in his application. He will replace Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen in a seat reserved for elected officials that expires June 30, 2020. Gooby will replace Scott Busby of the Holiday Inn Express East in a seat reserved for accommodations operators. Busby resigned before his June 30, 2017 term expired. Poston retains an elected official seat. Other council members are Chairman Carol Whitmore, Manatee County commissioner; Jack Rynerson, of the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority; Vernon DeSear, vice president of Manatee Healthcare System; David Teitelbaum, manager of Old Bridge Village,
Tortuga Inn Beach Resort, TradeWinds Resort, SeaSide Inn Beach Resort and Tropic Isle Resort in Bradenton Beach; Dale Sconyers, manager of the Holiday Inn Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch; and Ed Chiles, of Mainsail Beach Inn and the Sandbar, BeachHouse and Mar Vista restaurants on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. TDC membership consists of one county commissioner, who serves as chairman, two elected municipal officials (one being from the largest municipality in the county, Bradenton, and one from any other municipality in the county), at least three but no more than four members who are owners or operators of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks or other tourist accommodations in Manatee County that are subject to the 5 percent resort tax, and the remainder, members who are involved in the tourist industry and have demonstrated an interest in tourism but who are not subject to the five percent resort tax. Terms are four years.
Resort tax expenditures
The nine-member board advises the county commission on how to spend Manatee County’s 5 percent resort tax, collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less, who charge the tax to tourists. State law limits what the tax proceeds can be spent on, which includes convention centers, sports stadiums, arenas, coliseums, auditoriums, aquariums, museums, tourist information centers, beach park facilities, beach improve-
ment, maintenance, renourishment, restoration and erosion control, zoological parks, fishing piers, nature centers and professional sports franchise and spring training facilities. About half of the county’s resort tax proceeds are allocated to the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) to market the area to tourists. Manatee County commissioners have approved a $5.3 million marketing budget for fiscal year 2016, with the largest expenditure being $400,000 for McKechnie Field, and a $7.4 million marketing budget for fiscal year 2017, including $2.3 million to promote the 2017 World Rowing Championships at Nathan Benderson Park. Funds spent on Anna Maria Island projects over the past two years include renovations to the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach ($1 million), improvements to Grassy Point Park in Holmes Beach ($100,000), Anna Maria City Pier inspection ($29,890), improvements to Gulf Front Park in Anna Maria ($76,900), improvements to the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum ($25,000). Beach renourishment projects also are partly funded by resort tax funds. The TDC meets on the third Monday of every other month. The next meeting is scheduled at Monday, Aug. 15, at 9 a.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.
Crit Holland, DVM Jade Kafer, DVM 0 ) 6$7 681 &/26(' 7+ 67 &7 : &257(= )/
www.beachvetclinic.com
(941) 792-2838
L Like us on Facebook for a free nail trim
AUGUST 3, 2016
CENTER: Holds town hall meeting FROM PAGE 13
He said the only thing that put The Center in the black in 2015-16 was a $174,000 settlement from BP for lost income as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Budget for 2016-17
Plans to increase revenue in the new fiscal year include working with an outside analyst to find new ways to fund The Center, broadening the financial base, developing revenue from the tourism sector and working with city and county officials, said Froeschle. The 2016-17 budget plan revenue (with estimated actual figures for 2015-16 in parentheses) includes: • Private donations and sponsorships, $340,00 ($237,900); • Capital donations, $0 ($36,000); Island cities funding, $45,000 ($45,800); • County funding, $0 ($0); • Grants, $66,500 ($104,200); • Memberships, programs, special events, $603,600 (563,500); • Interest, $27,500 ($0); other earned income, $12,000 ($231,200); • Total, $1,094,600 ($1,218,600). The 2016-17 budget plan expenses (with estimated actual figures for 2015-16 in parentheses) includes: • Management, $850,000 (932,000); • Direct program expenses, $242,600 (260,800); • Mortgage interest, $0 ($15,700); • Total, $1,092,600 ($1,208,900).
www.amisun.com
AUGUST 3, 2016
THE SUN
19
City Pier Park refinancing authorized Additional savings can be generated by making annual prepayments on the existing loan. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
WHEN YOU THINK FANS, THINK DAN'S!
DAN'S FAN CITY LARGEST SELECTION OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR FANS ANYWHERE! TORNADO
DESIGN
MARINE GRADE S316 STAINLESS STEEL
YOUR FAN
ASK US HOW
OR SEE OUR
RAINDANCE
Direct Water Contact 30 Year Warranty 45 Stores Nationwide Parts, Services & Open 7 Days A Week Installation Available Locally Owned and Operated · Fan Experts For Over 35 Years
Bradenton
1808 Cortez Road
755-3262
Back Deck BBQ 1st Sunday Each Month
Lobster Boil 3rd Sunday Each Month
AUCE SNOW CRAB 2nd Sunday Each Month
Slicker's Pig Roast 4th Sunday Each Month
Live music 9 times a w week
Waterfront ront Tiki Bar on Sara Sarasota Bay
Sports Bar with 13 TVs
4628 119th St W Cortez (941)798-2035 swordfishgrill.com Marker 49 by boat
Stay informed of our Events
ANNA MARIA – Refinancing the loan taken out to purchase the six lots now known as City Pier Park will save the city and its taxpayers nearly $30,000 per year. During the July 21 City Commission meeting, the commission authorized Mayor Dan Murphy to complete the refinancing process that he and volunteer financial consultant John Chambers first proposed in May. Murphy told the commission that Hancock Bank was now offering an interest rate of 1.9 percent. “The interest rate come down a little bit from what was originally proposed to you. The monthly payments would also come down as a result of that, to the point where we’re going to save approximately $2,004 per month. That equates to $28,800 per year,” Murphy said. In 2011, the city of Anna Maria took out a 20-year, $2.84 million loan with a 3.94 percent interest rate in order to purchase the six lots at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard. During last month’s meeting, Murphy discussed the additional savings that could be generated by making extra
joe hendricks | SUN
The six lots property is now named City Pier Park lump loan sum payments each December, when the city receives the majority of its annual ad valorem tax revenues. “If we make a $100,000 prepayment every year we will pay off the loan in August of 2025 and save the city $615,961. If we do not make the $100,000 payments each year we’ll still save the city $480,407, but we’ll have another five years of payments,” Murphy said. “I encourage us to make the $100,000 payment each year as long as we can. I think it’s the wise thing to do,” he added, noting that this was not a decision to be made that night. The prepayment option will be discussed again when preparing the 2016-17 fiscal year budget, and the first of three budget workshops has been scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m. In praise of Chambers, Murphy said,
“John did a yeoman’s job on herding and shepherding this through the process. He stayed with this thing like a bulldog. He made phone calls, he sent e-mails and he worked like a demon to get this thing through. I greatly appreciate what you, John, did for the city.” From his seat in the audience, Chambers said, “It took longer than I thought. The bank’s charging us no fees, other than the prepayment fee, which is unusual.” Speaking for the commission, chair Doug Copeland said, “I think we’re all in agreement that we appreciate your efforts, not only on this, but with the other things you’ve been involved with. You’ve certainly helped the city immensely.” Offering a final thought, Murphy said, “That’s a chunk of change that John saved us.”
20
AUGUST 3, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
AUGUST 3, 2016
21
22
THE SUN
OUTDOORS
AMI OUTFITTERS
Coastal Gear & Apparel
401 & 505 Pine Ave. Anna Maria
amioutfitters.com
FEBRUARY 17, 2016 941-254-4996
Good action on tarpon, trout and blues Captain Rick Grassett
Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay and the coastal gulf in Sarasota with me, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with tarpon, trout and bluefish during the past week. Anglers fished Sarasota Bay with me a couple of days and had good action with trout, blues and a juvenile tarpon on DOA Lures and flies. We also fished the coastal Gulf several days and had shots at tarpon every day, with five hook ups, two tarpon caught and released and another fought to close to the boat. Tom Harmer, from Sarasota, and his son, Deryck Harmer from Orlando, fished a pre dawn/bay trip with me on Wednesday. Deryck caught and released his first tarpon, an estimated 15-pound juvenile, on a CAL jig with a shad tail. We moved to deep grass flats at dawn and worked bait schools where they had fast action with trout to 18 inches on DOA Deadly Combos. Jerry Horine, from Bradenton, and his grandson, Jessie Horine from South Carolina, also had good action catching and releasing trout, blues, Jacks and ladyfish on DOA Deadly Combos and flies on deep grass flats on both sides of the bay on Friday. Working bait schools was the key,
captain rick grassett | SUbmitted
Steve Gibson and Capt. Rick Grassett, from Sarasota, had great action hooking several tarpon, fighting another to close to the boat and catching and releasing another while fly fishing the coastal Gulf in Sarasota as predators fed on glass minnows in the frenzy. Since the DOA Deadly Combo is so effective in this situation, Jessie fished a fly popper/dropper combo with a small EP fly behind a large popper with good results. They had fast action, including several doubles as the action reached a peak. Steve Gibson, from Sarasota, fly fished for tarpon with me in the coastal Gulf on Thursday. There are fewer tarpon this time of year, often requiring long waits before they show up, but they are aggressive. We had four hook ups, leadering one fish and
STEVE GIBSON | SUbmitted
fighting another to close to the boat. Hal Lutz, from Parrish, and Jeb Mulock, from Bradenton, also had good action fly fishing for tarpon with Jeb catching and releasing an estimated 100-pound plus tarpon. Action was slow to start, but patience paid off as tarpon started to flow and got aggressive. Tarpon fishing in the coastal Gulf should be a good option next week, particularly on the strong, outgoing tides in the afternoon. There are more singles, doubles and
small schools of tarpon now, rather than the large schools that we see in June, and since many tarpon have already spawned, they are more aggressive. Snook season is closed now on the west coast of Florida, but catch and release night snook fishing around lighted docks and bridges in the ICW with flies and DOA Lures should be good. There should also be good action with trout, bluefish and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.
tide chart for anna maria city pier-August 3-10 A.M. High Time Feet
A.M. Low Time Feet
P.M. High Time Feet
P.M. Low Time Feet
Sun Rise Set
Day Date
Wed 8/3
1:20a 1.65
5:33a 1.24
11:40a 2.71
7:16p 0.06
6:55-8:17
Thu 8/4
1:43a 1.69
6:20a 1.15
12:22p 2.60
7:46p 0.20
Fri 8/5
2:04a 1.76
7:07a 1.07
1:05p 2.46
8:16p 0.35
Sat 8/6
2:27a 1.85
7:56a 1.00
1:51p 2.30
8:47p 0.52
Day Date
6:56-8:17 6:56-8:16 6:57-8:15
A.M. High Time Feet
A.M. Low Time Feet
P.M. High Time Feet
P.M. Low Time Feet
Sun Rise Set
Sun 8/7
2:53a 1.94
8:47a 0.94
2:41p 2.11
9:17p 0.69
6:57-8:14
Mon 8/8
3:22a 2.04
9:44a 0.89
3:37p 1.92
Tue 8/9
3:56a 2.12
10:48a 0.84
4:40p 1.72
10:22p 1.05
Wed 8/10
4:35a 2.17
12:03p 0.79
6:02p 1.56
11:01p 1.22
9:49p 0.87
6:58-8:14 6:58-8:13 6:59-8:12
AUGUST 3, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
THE SUN
23
New law helps FWC, officials manage Fla. waterways A new Florida law, approved by the Legislature and Governor during the 2016 session, will enable county and local authorities along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to more effectively manage the state’s waterways. The new law (F.S. 327.4107) allows law enforcement officers to issue non-criminal citations to owners who allow their boats to become at risk of becoming derelict. “This law allows officers to take action before a vessel crosses that line between at-risk and derelict, and hopefully prompts the owner to rectify any issues with the vessel before it reaches a state of disrepair,” said Phil Horning, FWC’s derelict vessel program administrator. “Prior to this law being enacted, officers had to wait until a vessel met the legal criteria for a derelict vessel before beginning any sort of official interaction with the owner.” Under the new law, a vessel is deemed to be at-risk if any of the following conditions is observed: • The vessel is taking on or has taken on water without an effective means to dewater. • Spaces on the vessel that are designed to be enclosed are incapable of being sealed off or remain open to the
submitted
The new law should make it easier for authorities to get derelict boats removed from Florida waters. elements for extended periods of time. • The vessel has broken loose or is in danger of breaking loose from its anchor. • The vessel is left or stored aground unattended in such a state that would prevent the vessel from getting underway, is listing due to water intrusion, or is sunk or partially sunk. If an officer observes a vessel with
one or more of these criteria, a noncriminal citation may be issued that requires the owner to correct the problem or face stronger penalties after 30 days have passed. If problems are not fixed, non-compliant vessel owners can face additional fines issued every 30 days until they are. Officials expect that this new law will decrease the number of vessels
becoming derelict, a problem which continues to burden the state’s public waterways. “Our goal is to keep Florida’s waterways safe and protect their environmental stability,” said Horning. “We are committed to protecting this valuable resource for the people of Florida and its visitors.” Vessel owners are also reminded to sell their vessels properly. “Many owners don’t realize that not only is the buyer required to get the vessel retitled in their name, but the seller is also required to notify the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 30 days that they have sold their vessel,” said Horning. Failure to do so is a violation and may cause the prior owner of record legal troubles should the vessel become derelict at a later date. The FWC will be assisting state and local governments with derelict vessel removal grants that will be available soon. The grant funding was also approved by the Legislature and Governor during the 2016 session. Interested applicants may contact the FWC Derelict Vessel Program office at 850-617-9540 or email DVGrant@MyFWC.com for more information.
24
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
THE SUN
AUGUST 3, 2016
Island home sought for classic painting Efforts are underway to return a David Burliuk painting to the Island. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – In 1949, David Burliuk painted a street scene in Bradenton Beach that prominently featured the Bayside Inn, which is now the Bridge Tender Inn. The painting has been in Hallandale Beach resident Leo Grachow’s family since the early 1950s, and he now hopes to sell it to someone who will return it to the Island. As part of these efforts, Grachow recently contacted Bridge Street Merchants’ board member Amanda Escobio. “I am interested in seeing this nostalgic view of the Bayside Inn, now the Bridge Tender Inn, returned to where it originated and owned by a collector or entity that appreciates this exceptional work of art,” he said in an e-mail to Escobio. The original oil painting is 17 1/2 inches wide, 13 1/2 inches tall and sits in the original 23 x 19 wooden frame. It is signed “Burliuk 1949 Florida.” Grachow’s e-mail included a description of the artist. “He was an American artist of Ukrainian/Russian descent, considered to be the father of Russian Futurism. Burliuk combined elements of Fauvism, expressionism and neoprimitivism to create a unique and avant-garde style “In speaking to those knowledgeable about the artist, it appears that he and his son were very fond of this area of Florida, probably or possibly even staying at the Bayside Inn.” Grachow’s e-mail noted that many art brokers and auction houses have
submitted
This 1949 oil painting by David Burliuk depicts the Bayside Inn before it became the Bridge Tender Inn. expressed interest in the painting, but he stated another preference, “My personal connection dictates that finding an interested party for whom this painting holds meaning would be more appropriate.” According to Wikipedia, Burliuk was born in 1882 in the area now known as Ukraine. He first traveled to the United States in 1917 and he lived in Long Island, New York, for 20 years until his death in 1967. Burliuk’s work includes at least two other paintings of the Island. The WikiArt.org website references a 1948 water color listed as “AnnaMaria Island, Florida” that depicts a shoreline, skyline and coastal road with three houses facing the water. That painting is part of a private collection, as is a 1946 painting, also listed as “Anna-Maria Island, Florida,” that depicts a couple
walking down a coastal road with cottages and farmhouses in the background. The March 4, 1959, edition of the St. Petersburg Times included notice that Burliuk would be among the artists participating in an art exhibit and tour of Anna Maria Island homes benefitting the Women’s Auxiliary of the Church of the Annunciation. Burliuk is often associated with the futurism movement of the early 1900s, but his Island paintings are categorized as primitivism. “I always thought the characters looked a little cartoonish, but that’s his genre, and his other characters look similar during that time period,” Grachow said of the painting that has been his family for more than 60 years. The painting resided at his par-
ents’ home in New York City until his mother passed away and he inherited it and brought it to southeast Florida about 10 years ago. Speaking by phone recently, Grachow discussed the family heirloom. “We’ve had it since 1951. It was always in the house. I’m not certain, but I think it was purchased by my parents at a fund-raiser. Burliuk lived in Connecticut and he probably gravitated into the same circle as my parents. He may have donated the painting.” Grachow once visited the Island while working in Bradenton, but he was unable to locate the building depicted in the painting because he didn’t know where to look. While traveling in Wyoming, he later met a former Bradenton Beach resident to who put him in touch with someone who identified the building. “If someone were to offer me $10,000, I would take it. The auction house feels they would start it at about $12,000, but they would be selling it nationally or internationally,” Grachow said. Bridge Tender Inn owner Fred Bartizal is aware of the painting and according to manager Shannon Dunnan he offered to pay up to $1,000. “I’m also open to displaying it in a gallery on loan rather than having it just sitting on my wall,” Grachow said. “I’ve looked at it for over 60 years. I’d like the people from Bradenton Beach to have the opportunity to look at it. I think that’s what my parents would have wanted.” Restaurant owner and businessman Ed Chiles said he would love to see the painting on display at The Studio at Gulf and Pine. Other interested parties can contact leograchow@gmail.com.
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
AUGUST 3, 2016
TOWN CRIER No programs for August The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources reports it is taking a break from its popular preserve programs for the month of August. The staff will be busy reviewing, reflecting and preparing for the next 11 months. According to a news release, they will be planning more summer camps for kids, and maybe for adults too. They are also planning new trails for some of the preserves. The preserves will still be open for public use during the month of August.
A storm remembered JOY (Just Older Youth) meets on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 11 a.m. in the Roser Community Church Fellowship Hall. Jim Shirley, who survived Florida’s deadliest hurricane, an unnamed storm in 1928, will speak. The storm came in from the Atlantic, crossed Lake Okeechobee, reversed and came back drowning many along the shore. Volunteers built pine boxes to bury the bodies. Shirley recently visited Port Mayaca Cemetery where 1,600 unidentified people are buried. Everyone is welcome. Bring your own lunch; dessert and beverage will be provided. If you would like lunch provided for you, contact the church office 941778-0414.
Detect problems in time Alert yourself to possible stroke or other health problems by taking Prevention Plus Stroke and Vascular Screening offered Friday, Aug. 12, at The Center, 407 Magnolia, Anna Maria. The screenings are being offered at reduced prices. They include stroke/ carotid ultrasound for $40, abdominal aortic aneurysm for $40, arterial disease test for $40, thyroid ultrasound for $40, abdominal ultrasound for $95 and heart scan-echocardiogram for $95 or all six tests for only $179. Blood tests, liver,
cholesterol, PSA and TSH tests are also available. To register, call 888-667-7587.
Knit and crochet fun Enjoy knitting or crocheting with others at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 10 a.m. The Friends of the Island Library are sponsors. Call the library at 778-6341 for more information.
Lose that stress Loren Batsell leads a Guided Relaxation Circle on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 5:45 p.m. at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd, Holmes Beach. Donations are requested. A portion of the money will benefit the Art League. A retired fine arts teacher from Connecticut, now a full-time Island resident, Batsell practiced wellness for more than 20 years, She is a nationally board certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine and licensed acupuncture physician. Chairs will be provided or students may bring a mat. Attendees will be given verbal cues throughout the process to calm the body, mind, and spirit. Comfortable clothing is suggested. For more information, call 778-2099 or visit the Anna Maria Island Art League, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stay in Saturday If the heat get to be too much, the Island Branch Library, at 5701 Marina Drive, is hosting the chess club, with a chess master present from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6. After that, there will be board games from 2 to 4 p.m. It’s open to everybody. Call 7786341 for more information.
Find a best pet friend The Second Annual Adopt-A-Palooza will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Boulevard in Palmetto.
Adopt-A-Palooza is a pet adoption and expo-style event, designed to bring the community together as Manatee works towards its No Kill goal. Manatee County Animal Services (MCAS) sponsors the largest adoption event in Manatee County. Admission and parking are free. All pets will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped. MCAS adoption fees will be discounted. All adopters from Manatee County will be required to purchase a county license tag for $15. Specialty retailers will offer products and services to enhance every pet household. Contact Hans Wohlgefahrt, MCAS outreach and events specialist, or visit mymanatee.org/pets for more information,
Welcome ladies The Roser Church Guild will hold its summer get-together on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at noon in the Roser Fellowship Hall at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. All ladies are invited to come for a pot-luck lunch and to learn about Roser Memorial Community Church. Melissa Merkle, co-founder of Boomers N Motion Health Coaching, will speak about balance and stability and suggest some unique exercises to help improve one’s balance. For more information, call the church office at 941-778-0414, e-mail info@ roserchurch.com, go to www.roserchurch.com or Facebook at www.facebook/roserchurch.
THE SUN
25
wellness. Donations are accepted. Fifty percent of the donations will go toward the Art League. Beach chair yoga follows the discussion from noon to 12:45. For more information, call 778-2099 or visit the Art League.
Help children with special needs The Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART),a group that advocates horseback riding as therapy for some special needs children, is looking for volunteers to man SMART’s ice cream stand at Tampa Bay Buccaneers games. For more information, call Christopher at 248-785-7214 or e-mail to horses4ourkids@gmail.com. For more information on SMART, log onto smartriders.org.
Drivers needed for recovery The American Cancer Society needs drivers to help patients get to treatments. To become a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society, one must own a safe and reliable vehicle, have a current valid driver’s license with proof of adequate automobile insurance, have a good driving record and attend Road to Recovery training. Drivers also must be available between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call your local American Cancer Society office or 800-227-2345 or visit www. cancer.org for more information,
Health discussion scheduled
Plan your stargazing
Loren Batsell, DOM, AP, RYT, a nationally board certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine and licensed acupuncture physician, will speak on how to create better health on Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd, Holmes Beach. Batsell will discuss how digestion affects the Health of everybody’s system and why the gut is often called “the second brain.” Learn how to improve your digestive health for better overall
The Local Group of Deep-sky Observers has set three dates for stargazing at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, this coming season. The dates are Oct. 8, Jan. 7 and April 1. All of the sessions start at sunset, weather permitting, Members will set up their high-powered telescopes for visitors to use, and they will explain what they are seeing. It’s free. For more information, log onto www.LGDSO.com.
26
THE SUN
Board member removal on Thursday agenda Beginning at 6 p.m., the Thursday, Aug. 4, Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting will include a request for legal services to prepare a policy for board and committee member removal. The request stems from a recent commission discussion about a planning board member who has filed two lawsuits against the city. Also on the agenda is the second and final reading of the citizen-initiated building moratorium ordinance, a $12,000 request for building and planning department software and a $15,235 request for a floating dock consultant.
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
JULY 27, 2016
AUGUST 3, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
THE SUN
27
RENTAL: Regulations elusive FROM PAGE 11
Sign quagmire
The board has spent significant portions of the last two meetings debating a single topic: whether to use an electronic data base or signs to provide responding police officers with owner/agent contact information and occupancy allowances. Burns has argued at length in support of a data base that would provide officers with this information via in-car computers. Member John Metz supports this; and member Patricia Shay likes the idea, but only if supported by Police Chief Sam Speciale. Speciale has said he does not want to rely on a data base that requires maintenance by city staff, and he has repeatedly expressed support for small signs posted in the interior entryway that would allow responding officers to immediately obtain needed information without entering the premises. Speciale does not support exterior signs that would encourage neighbors to contact owners and managers directly. He feels this would result in complaints not being properly
I encourage this commission to stop talking and get something done.” Pricella VonAhnen Resident documented while increasing the risk of confrontation. Member Frank Harrison said his recent success in dealing directly with a neighboring property owner came to an end when guests complained about his recent visit to the property. Burns feels interior signs present concerns about officers entering without a warrant, and Metz questions the need to treat short-term rentals differently than longer term rentals or permanent residences. Burns owns
one vacation rental unit and Metz owns several. The board majority expressed support for interior signs, but no formal consensus was reached. During public input, resident Priscilla VonAhnen expressed her frustration and said, “I encourage this commission to stop talking and get something done.” After a previous meeting, she likened the board’s endless debate to a filibuster.
28
THE SUN
W
REAL ESTATE
AUGUST 3, 2016
Let the sun shine in
e live in the Sunshine State, and it’s called that because Florida has an abundance, sometimes an overabundance, of sun year round. You would think that every roof on Anna Maria would have solar panels mounted. Well now may be the time to consider taking advantage of the sun’s power. During the past more than 30 years, solar costs have dropped so much that today it’s possible to generate all or most of a home’s electricity for about the cost of a new economy car. In addition, there are federal tax credits available that were extended by Congress not expiring until 2021. Through 2019 there is a 30 percent tax credit available to homeowners who install a solar system then scaling down to 26 percent and then 22 percent through 2021. You also may qualify for additional solar incentives at the state and local level. And it appears a lot of people are getting on board with installations increasing almost
Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger 60 percent in one year, resulting in the cost of solar panels potentially reaching their plateau. You can purchase or lease solar systems, however, purchasing provides a far greater return on your money and qualifies you for the federal tax credits. It generally costs between $15,000 and $20,000 to install a system after tax credits and can reduce your electricity bill by 70 to 100 percent. Most systems pay for themselves in five to seven years. If you’ve always hated the look of solar panels, there is some new technology that makes those bulky roof panels go away.
There are new solar cells designed to look and perform like shingles and roof tiles, creating a more acceptable appearance, as well as traditional concrete shingles or terra-cotta tiles available, all of which qualify for the federal tax credits. There also is progress on a transparent solar cell that could power computers and smart phones as well as powering buildings by installing windows made of the transparent solar cell material. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, there are 6,284 megawatts of home solar panels installed in the country. California has 48 percent of these with other states like Arizona, New York, New Jersey and Hawaii coming in next. However, Florida, in spite of it raking third in the nation for rooftop solar potential, only comes in 14th for cumulative solar capacity installed, also reported by the Solar Energy Industries Association. That said, it reported that over the next five years, Florida
is expected to install 2,089 megawatts of solar electric capacity ranking the state 9th over that time span, so we are starting to use one of our top natural resources. In addition, there are more than 456 solar companies at work throughout Florida. The Solar Energy Industries Association SEIA has a website that could be helpful if solar energy is something you have been thinking about, www.seia.org. There are certainly a lot of technical details that you need to educate yourself on, from inverters to batteries, to panel designs before going forward. The good thing is that there is a lot of information available on line and a lot of companies that can get you up to speed. But the real good thing is that we have plenty of sunshine in Florida to power a much larger percentage of homes than we now do. The Sunshine State is not living up to its potential, so let’s get moving and let the sun shine in.
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
AUGUST 3, 2016
THE SUN
29
Committee gets down to the details The committee will make suggestions on how the replacement bridge will look. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
BRADENTON – Members of the committee adding input to the design of the 65-foot clearance fixed-span replacement to the Anna Maria Island Bridge, on State Road 64, got a surprise when they arrived to the July meeting, Engineer Katie Sherrard had taken another position with the Florida Department of Transportation. She has replaced by engineer Rick Lilyquist. The committee has several decisions to make as the plans for the new bridge are made. The group has Island residents in its ranks, including Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon, Holmes Beach citizen Bob Rosas and Save Anna Maria (SAM) treasurer Nancy Deal. Keep Manatee Beautiful Executive
Director Ingrid McClellan was also present representing the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Committee, Unlike the previous month’s meeting, the committee had a forum for the July meeting and members got down to basics, electing Bradenton Public Works and Utilities Director Jim McLellan as chairman, Ingrid McClellan as vice-chair and Bob Rosas as secretary. They also voted to adopt Robert’s Rules as their meeting format. The bridge design decisions facing them include the pier footings, the shape of the piers, the shape of any scenic overlooks they might include and the design of the railings along the bicycle paths and scenic overlooks.
The piers
The piers that will serve as the feet of the bridge will be anchored into the bay bottom and the committee had two choices: waterline and mudline. The waterline piers have platforms
The square ones were cheaper and offered more room. Plans call for four to eight overlooks along the bridge and when a question of whether to allow fishing arose, members were told the overlooks would be too far from the water for fishing. The choices of bicycle and overlook railing ranged from square to lacy to a sunset design.
Design theme
submitted
These are the choices members of the committee are facing as they prepare recommendations for the new bridge's look. around them at the waterline and the mudline piers don’t. The platforms would need to be farther apart at the channel in order to be attached to bumpers that stick out from the piers to push boats away without damaging the concrete piers. The fact is boaters could climb on them, leaving trash on them and posing a hazard for those who climb on them. They also cast a larger shadow, which could prevent as
much seagrass re-vegetation. The pier shapes at the top, where they connect to the bridge, were also discussed. The choices given were a hammer or champagne glass shape. One design, called an outslope, carried a $2.7 million cost for all of the piers.
Overlooks and railings
The group saw overlooks that were squared off or rounded.
The group was given three design themes that might affect their decisions. They are nautical/rustic, beach getaway and old Florida charm. They were told to consider their preferences to discuss it at the next meeting.
Next meeting
The group was told to take the other options home and show them to neighbors and the citizens they represent and bring the feedback to the next meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 24, where they might vote on recommendations.
30
THE SUN
Sign a card to show you care Local real estate professional Jen Bowman wants people to sign cards for Island law enforcement agencies to show they care. She will present the cards at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, at the Holmes Beach Field Gazebo. To sign the cards, stop by Keller Williams Realty, 5312 Holmes Blvd.
Sewall cap to be repaired Holmes Beach city commissioners approved a bid of $32,980 by Wood Dock and Seawall to install a new seawall cap at the 63d Street boat ramp. The city and West Manatee Fire District (WMFR) will be shar-
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
ing a boat dock and lift at the ramp. WMFR fire commissioners awarded the bid for construction of the boat dock and two lifts to Wood Dock and Seawall for $58,020 earlier this year.
Board approves budget transfers Holmes Beach city commissioners approved the following budget transfers last week regarding grants received by the police department: • $5,000 for a beach safety vehicle from the Florida Municipal Insurance trust; • $1,000 from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for breath testing equipment.
AUGUST 3, 2016
AUGUST 3, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
THE SUN
31
Listen to a Turtle Talk BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
About 20 visitors got a close up look at what Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring’s 92 volunteers do out on the beach every morning at a Turtle Talk on Wednesday night. Each takes a one-mile stretch of beach once or twice a week and walks it up and down, checking for tracks that look like commas in the sand, if a loggerhead sea turtle made them, or hyphens, if a green turtle made them, Turtle Watch Education Director Karen Anderson said. Looking for nests where between 80 and 100 eggs were laid the night before, volunteers are trained to identify the fluffy sand hills that indicate a mother turtle has buried her eggs and covered them up, trying to camouflage them. When they identify a nest, volunteers dig until they find one egg, then re-cover it and stake it off to protect it from beachgoers. When no nest is found, it’s a false crawl, when sea turtles come
ashore without nesting. That happens about twice as often as they lay eggs, she said. Some false crawls are due to beach renourishment, said volunteer Denise Gardner, because the turtle doesn’t recognize the new contours of the beach, which have changed since she imprinted on it when she hatched. Turtles nest in the same general area they hatch, with Florida west coast turtles staying west of the peninsula, east coast turtles staying to the east and panhandle turtles staying north. Once so far this year, a volunteer was privileged to see a rare daytime nesting, which probably happened because the turtle had tried to nest a few times before, but had been deterred by lights or beach furniture or people or predators, and she couldn’t wait to lay her eggs until the following night. Sometimes, when turtles are disoriented by lights or obstacles, they can’t get back out to the Gulf and back ashore farther down the beach in time to nest, so they drop their eggs in the water, where they die. A turtle’s preferred nesting time
is between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m., and they take about two hours to nest, Anderson said. One daytime nesting happened last year on the bay side of Anna Maria Island, the only place in the country where sea turtles nest on the bay side of the Island as well as the Gulf side, Anderson said. The eggs at the cool bottom of the nests develop as males, while the eggs at the warmer top of the nest develop as females, or, as Anderson calls them, “cool dudes and hot chicks.” Turtle Watch no longer relocates nests that are close to the water’s edge to keep them from flooding, as it changes the gender of the turtles. Turtles adapt to flooded nests, Gardner said, noting that after Tropical Storm Colin in June, which killed many nests on the Island, turtles nested higher and drier on the beach. Nests hatch 40 to 90 days after they are laid, also usually at night, and all at once, in what is called a boil. A few stragglers are somesee turtles, page 34
32
THE SUN
JOURNEY: To closure FROM PAGE 4
She fixed me up with numbers, and I completed the sash for the trip.
The memorial
My sister and I arrived at the memorial, a beautiful, serene park with a brick pathway in a circle and benches, named for each one who perished, arranged around the circle. In the center was a memorial stone with the Scouts and leaders’ names, a plaque that told their story, a hedge of lush green bushes, bright yellow flowers and three flagpoles. I was greeted by Candy, who was instrumental in having the memorial built, and Susan, who planned the ceremony, as well as members of the families of the girls’ who perished, park officials and local Girl Scouts. The ceremony began with raising the flags of the U.S., Ohio and my former Troop 133 by the Girl Scout Color Guard, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Girl Scout Promise and singing the Girl Scout song, “Make New Friends.� Special guests were introduced and candles were passed out and lit for the Juliette Low (Girl Scout founder) Candle Ceremony that included reciting the Girl Scout Laws. Next, I was called up to receive a bouquet of flowers and the Angel’s Pass patches. I think it was at that moment that I finally felt closure as the names of my troop members were read, a bell tolled for each one and the ceremony ended with Juliette Taps: On this day, We have come – From the North From the South, East and West – All your dreams Will live on, Juliette. I am humbled that so many people would come together to welcome a stranger into their hearts, and I am grateful to all those whose love and dedication made this park a reality.
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
AUGUST 3, 2016
-*'& *4 BETTER AT THE #&"$)
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
AUGUST 3, 2016
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
submitted
Artist Rick Grice stands with his first prize mixed media work “Still Working,” which won the top prize in the 19th Annual James Pay exhibit at the Anna Maria Island Art League.
Island loses influential artist Rick Grice ANNA MARIA ISLAND – After 38 years of making an artistic impression on Anna Maria Island, artist Richard Allen Grice, 60, died Saturday, July 23, 2016, at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton. His final art exhibit can still be seen at the Morean Arts Center in Saint Petersburg, his last competition during his lifetime. Open until Aug. 13, the show is the 98th Anniversary Members’ Show at the gallery. Grice’s entry “The Critic,” a consideration of heaven and hell. Known for his mixed media, collages and provocative works, Grice was a familiar site at garage sales, where he discovered odd items that he would repurpose for one-of-a-kind creations. Real people also appeared in curious corners of his paintings and sculptures, including his partner of nearly 40 years, Franklin Kittle. That’s who inspired “Frank Trapped in the Art II,” which took second place at the Longboat Key Club’s Exhibition on March 10, 2005. The piece combined technology such as computer wires and CDs. A regular exhibitor at the Anna Maria Island Art League , he won the top prize in 2013 in the 19th Annual James Pay Exhibit with his mixed media piece “Still Working.” In fact, he and James Pay together started the Anna Maria Island Art Festival about 30 years ago. Grice has also participated in numerous art events on the Island, including exhibits at the Island Branch Library. In June, 2015, he won second place in Bra-
denton’s Art Center Manatee, in No Boundaries, an open, all media, juried exhibit. The show dared artists to create work outside their comfort zones, to try something new, whether it be color, size/dimension, medium or subject. A native of Gastonia, N.C., Grice studied arts at Gaston College in Lincolnton, N.C. He moved to the home he shared with Kittle on Holmes Beach. Survivors include his partner, former Islander Franklin Kittle, now of Bradenton; their son, Asaph Graham, of Seminole; their daughters Austin Graham Judd and Charlotte Quandt, and two grandchildren, Anthony Quandt Judd and Lila Shelby, all of Saint Petersburg. Others include three sisters and three brothers, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. An informal memorial service will be held on Coquina Beach sometime close to his Nov. 10 birthday.
THE SUN
33
34
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
THE SUN
Obituaries Lois Biel Lois Biel, 98, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2016. She was born Lois Forbeck on May 23, 1918, in Terre Haute, Ind., to Roy and Elizabeth Forbeck. She was joined two years later by a sister, Marjorie. After graduating from high school, Lois attended Indiana State University, earning her degree in education,m and worked as a social worker. She later married Robert Curry Biel, of Terre Haute, and they had one son, William Robert Biel. Lois enjoyed life in Terre Haute surrounded by many friends and family. Upon retirement she and Bob moved to Florida, where she spent lots of time golfing, volunteering in the box office for the Island Players and walking many miles every day well into her 90s. Lois even had a few newspaper articles written about her walking, but the Florida locals just knew her as “the lady who walks.” She moved back to Indiana at the age of 93 to be closer to her son and family. Lois is survived by her son, Bill, daughter in law, Sherri, grandsons, John (Chris) and Samuel, a niece, Su-
BEACH BEAT Anna Maria
7/21, found property, 12100 block of Gulf Drive. The subject said he found property left by the previous tenant of the vacation rental. He left it with the deputy. 7/21, found property, 300block of North Bay Boulevard. A small woman’s watch was turned in to authorities.
Bradenton Beach
7/16, disorderly intoxication, Sports Bar, 118 Bridge Street. The officer encountered a patron who was hollering at another officer. When the man refused to calm down, he was arrested, 7/20, burglary to a vehicle, Cortez Beach, 500 Gulf Drive S. While clearing the beach parking lot, the officer found a minivan with three windows broken out. The van’s owner arrived and confirmed items were taken. She said she suspected her ex-boyfriend was responsible, as he had just gotten out of jail for domestic violence on her. 7/22, property damage, Cortez Beach, 600 Gulf Drive S. The officer dispersed some juveniles who here playing on the Twin Piers. While doing so, he ran over a beach towel and a bag that had a smart
san (John) Moulton and two nephews, Don (Peggy) Kord and Kent (Shirley) Biel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and sister, Marjorie. At Lois’ request, no service will be held. Since she deeply loved her pets and working in the box office of The Island Players, memorial donations may be made to the Island Players or Humane Society of Boone County.
Richard Allen Grice Richard Allen Grice, 60, died in Tidewell Hospice, Bradenton, July 23, 2016. An artist known for his mixed media, collages and provocative works, Grice frequently won awards in area competitions. His current work, “The Critic,” is on display at the Morean Art Gallery in St. Petersburg. He was born Nov. 10, 1955, in Wilmington, Del., to Leon Vanford and Mary Neal Tanner Grice. Surviving are his partner Franklin Kittle, of Bradenton; son, Asaph Graham, of Seminole; daughters, Austin Judd and Charlotte Quandt, of Saint Petersburg; and two grandchildren. Also three sisters and three brothers, plus numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. An informal memorial service will be held on Coquina Beach around his birthday in early November. In lieu of flowers, suggested donations in his name may be given to the Manatee Art Center.
phone in it that was damaged. 7/25, lewd or lascivious, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive South. The victim reported seeing a man naked sitting on the bench at the public showers. She said he was masturbating and when he saw her look, he continued. She signed an affidavit to press charges.
Cortez
Trespass warning, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W. A museum employee reported a man under a wood porch. The manager got his identification and called the Sheriff’s Office. The deputy issued a trespass warning, and the man left. 7/21, petit theft, 10000 block of Cortez Road. The victim said some medication she had was missing after her landlord and two workers entered her apartment to perform work.
Holmes Beach
7/17, criminal mischief, 6300 Palm Drive. At 3:30 a.m., the officer reported a rash of roadside vandalism including downed mailboxes and traffic control signs from approximately 4800 block of Gulf Drive to 6300 Palm Drive. 7/19, burglary, 300 block of 74th Street. The officer made a house check and discovered the home had been entered by force. He called the owner’s daughter who told him the owner had recently
Dennis Allen Marlar Dennis Allen Marlar, 62, a long-time resident of Tallahassee and recent resident of St. Petersburg, Fla., died July 21 of natural causes at his St. Petersburg home. Mr. Marlar was a successful Chevrolet automobile dealer, auto resale dealer, a pilot and in the real estate business for over 40 years both in Fayette, Ala., and North Florida. Born on Aug. 5, 1953, in Paducah, Ky., Dennis grew up in Fayette, graduated from Fayette County High School and later attended the University of North Alabama in Florence, Ala. Dennis spent the early part of his business career in the Chevrolet automobile business in his hometown of Fayette. At age 19, Dennis Marlar became the youngest Chevrolet dealer in the U.S. He is survived by one daughter, Lesley Marlar, of Portland, Ore.; his loving mother, Mrs. Joyce M. Watkins, of Atlanta, Ga., and Anna Maria Island; a devoted sister, Denise Wilkinson, also of Anna Maria Island; two nephews, Joel Wilkinson, of Orlando and Josh Wilkinson, of Charleston, S.C.; and a stepbrother, David Palmer, of Carrabelle, Fla. He is preceded in death by his father, Billie Marlar, formerly of Fayette and Apalachicola, Fla. A gifted artist as a youth, Dennis was also a restaurateur in St. Petersburg in the early 1980s. He leaves behind his devoted pets and constant companions, Mia and Ali. Dennis was full of life and adventure. He was devoted to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and all things passed away. Police made a crime scene investigation of the house and found nothing missing. The daughter told him her mother had a rifle and a pistol, and when he looked for them, the weapons were gone. Police are investigating. 7/19, alcohol code violation, 5100 Gulf Drive, at the beach. The officer was on beach patrol when he spotted juveniles under a canopy trying to hide cans of beer from him. The juveniles were cited, and their parents were called to come get them. 7/20, camping on the beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer found three subjects sleeping in the parking lot after spotting their car in the lot after hours and issued citations to each of them. They said they were homeless. All three had suspended driver’s licenses so their car was towed. 7/21, criminal mischief, 3800 block of Sixth Avenue. The owner said she had not been at the property for a while, and when she went out on the lanai, she found a backpack and a screen was damaged. She said it appeared a homeless person had stayed there. The backpack was full of bugs and unsanitary clothing plus a couple of beers. She requested police check the property regularly. 7/22, burglary to a vehicle, 100 block of 73rd Street. The owner found two sets of golf clubs were stolen from his unlocked vehicle.
AUGUST 3, 2016
that were right and just. He was an honest man and generous to a fault. His charm, wit and loving nature will be missed by all who knew him. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, Bradenton. A graveside burial service was held Thursday in Lakeland, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations in the memory of Dennis A. Marlar be made to the Humane Society of Leon County at 413 Timberlane Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32312, 850 224-9193, www. donatons@LCHS.info. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
Thelma M. Weismiller Thelma M. Weismiller, 90, of Anna Maria, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2016. She was born in Detroit, Mich., on Saturday, Oct. 31, 1925. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Reeves, and her grandson, Scott Franklin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to TideWell Hospice. Condolences for the family may be given at www.GriffithCline.com.
turtles: Talk meetings FROM PAGE 31
times unearthed three days later, when volunteers dig up the nest to count the eggshells and determine how many hatchlings were in the nest. Only one in 1,000 survives. Right now on the Island, hatchings are common, and mothers are still nesting, so beachgoers are asked to fill in holes that can trap them, remove furniture, tents and other objects from the beaches at night, stay clear of turtles you may encounter on the beach, don’t use any lights on the beach at night, turn off lights or close drapes and blinds on beach-facing windows and rent only from accommodations that have turtle-friendly outdoor lighting. Also, Gardner said, Turtle Watch requests that no wish lanterns be set off on the Island, as even the biodegradable frames can strangle turtles and other marine life. Turtle Talks will continue on Tuesdays, Aug. 2, 9 and 16, at 10 a.m., at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
AUGUST 3, 2016
THE SUN
35
egmont: Fire leaves scorched earth FROM PAGE 1
from a Florida Forest Service helicopter and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service helicopter, he said. Tampa Fire Rescue also responded with a fire boat. Buildings on the key were not affected, including historic Fort Dade and the 1858 lighthouse, and no structures were damaged at the harbor pilot station, which operated on emergency generator power after the fire caused a power outage, said Capt. Allen Thompson, executive director of the Tampa Bay Pilots Association. The fire did not impact the pilots’ ability to guide ships into and out of Tampa Bay, he said. Shorebird colonies were spared, and gopher tortoise numbers appear strong, Garner said, adding that a full biological assessment will be done in the coming weeks. The key, which is accessible by boat, has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978, and has contained prisons for Seminole Indians and Confederate soldiers, hideouts for runaway slaves and the U.S. Army Fort Dade Military Reservation. The smoke from the Egmont Key fire rose hundreds of feet into the air during the first day. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
center: Affaire to evolve Coming fund-raisers
Lessig said the Affaire committee has become an events committee and the first three events it has planned are the annual bowling tournament, a fish fry and a golf tournament. The bowling tournament will be produced by LaPensee Plumbing and Pools and will take place on Saturday, Sept. 10, at AMF Lanes on Cortez Road in Bradenton. The cost is $30 per person for shoes and three games. There will be complimentary pizza and wings served on every lane and lots of raffle prizes. The lanes can accommodate 140 bowlers, and businesses can sign up to be lane sponsors. Harry’s Grill and Bistro will present the fish fry on Saturday, Sept. 24, at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. There will be fried fish, cole slaw, baked beans, hush puppies and Harry’s signature lemonade. It is free for members and $5 for non-members. The golf tournament will take place on Friday, Oct. 21, at IMG Academy in Bradenton. The cost is $100 per golfer or $350 per foursome. Tee time is 1 p.m., and snacks and drinks will be provided throughout the course. There will be raffle prizes and dinner after the tournament.
Mail-in ballots delivered to voters Island residents will help determine the winners of several key races during the primary election in which mail voting is now under way. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Island residents who previously requested vote by mail ballots for the primary election that concludes on Tuesday, Aug. 30, should have received their ballots by now. According to Sharon Stief at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, military and overseas ballots were mailed on July 15 and the remaining ballots began being mailed out on Tuesday, July 26. According to Stief, 383 Anna Maria voters requested mail ballots, joined by 848 voters in Holmes Beach and 233 voters in Bradenton Beach. Mail ballots can still be requested and the deadline to request a ballot to be mailed to you is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24. Mail ballots must be returned to the elections office by 7 p.m. on Aug. 30.
Primary primer
Island voters affiliated with the Democratic, Republican or Libertarian parties will help narrow the field of candidates vying to claim the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Marco Rubio. Registered Democrats and Republicans will also help narrow the field of candidates seeking the District 16 Congressional seat currently held by Vern Buchanan.
All Island residents who participate in the primary election can cast votes in the two school board member races that will be won if a candidate receives 50 percent of the vote, plus one additional vote. If none of the four school board candidates in District 1 or three candidates in District 3 receive more than 50 percent of the votes, the top two vote getters in either of those undecided races would advance to the general election in November.
All who cast votes in the primary will also have a say in whether a constitutional amendment is adopted that would provide ad valorem tax exemptions for the assessed value of solar or renewable energy devices. For additional ballot and election information, visit www.votemanatee. com.
Term limits and residency requirements
The primary election will also see Bradenton Beach voters determining whether term limits will remain in effect for city commissioners, and whether commission candidates must reside in the city for nine months or 24 months before seeking elected office. Registered voters in Bradenton Beach should have recently received a letter from the city that contains the ballot language, summary language and the accompanying ordinance pertaining to the two proposed charter amendments. If this letter was not received, you can contact the city clerk’s office at 941-778-1005 or e-mail tsanclemente@cityofbradentonbeach. com. In November, Bradenton Beach voters will determine whether a sixmonth building moratorium will be enacted.
36
THE SUN
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Tostitos dip 6 #, in music 11 Swabbing need 14 Makes furrows in fields 15 Universal donor's group 16 Sports drink suffix 17 Roof overhangs 18 Check the total of 19 Musician's booking 20 Gallic gal pal 21 Paving goo 22 Adorable ones 24 Thor Heyerdahl's raft 26 Lady of Lisbon 27 Beijing skyline haze 28 Home of the Raiders 32 Video game brother 35 High, in the French Alps 37 Swiss painter Paul 38 Green card in the credit world 39 Wild guesses 40 Brainchild 41 Breathe heavily 42 Hair clipper brand 43 Twist into knots 44 More vertical 46 Periodical with a URL 48 Oater actor Jack 49 Chess pieces that move only diagonally 53 Venus, e.g. 56 Dress for success, with "up" 57 Gardner of mystery 58 Old nuclear agcy. 59 Repair, as faulty software 61 Morocco's capital 62 Pixar collectible 63 Loon kin 64 Official command
65 Nonstandard producttracking no. 66 College paper 67 "Bone" prefix Down 1 Command to Fido 2 "Drive Happy" rental company 3 "Good __": 1966 Young Rascals hit 4 *Round before the Elite Eight 5 Biblical mount 6 *Ball carrier's maneuver depicted by the Heisman Trophy 7 Martha of "Some Came Running" 8 Therapists' org. 9 Revolutionary soldiers 10 Middle-of-nowhere town 11 Star-struck trio? 12 Drooly toon dog 13 Cribbage pieces 21 Bout decision 23 Pundits ... and what the first words in the answers
Answers to 07-27-16 Crossword Puzzle.
to starred clues literally are 25 Texter's "I think ..." 26 *Two over par 29 "M*A*S*H" star 30 At no time, in poems 31 Negotiation ender 32 Plans (out) 33 Amo, amas, __ 34 Philosopher Descartes 36 Contented sigh 39 Cool weather clothes 43 Fun time 45 Telethon promise 47 Russian fighter 50 Heavenly path 51 "Peyton __" 52 Spat 53 Lobbying orgs. 54 Scallion kin 55 First Amendment defender: Abbr. 56 Oom-pah maker 60 Wanna-__: pretenders 61 Popular Roaring Twenties auto
AUGUST 3, 2016
AUGUST 3, 2016
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 Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com . 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).
AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE GOT A CAR You Wanna Sell. The Good, The Bad or The Ugly. Call Now 727-400-1910 2006 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN One Owner. Locally Maintained. Brand New Air Conditioner. $3000. Call 941-356-1456
BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student. Call or text Isabel 941-5457995
BICYCLE REPAIR ISLAND MOBILE BICYCLE Repair. "I will come to you." Reasonable Prices. Flats fixed on the Spot. Please Call Rick 941-5459683.
BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES BOATS ARE SELLING VERY WELL. Selling Your Boat? “Business On A Hand Shake”. We’ve sold hundreds of boats!. www.Islandboatsales.net Call 941-228-3489 LOTS OF BOAT for the Money. Local on Island. Bayliner 27’ Ciera. Weekender/Fisherman. Merc V8. Well Maintained $7,500 OBO. Call 941-356-1456
AMISUN.COM
Call us today! 941-778-3986
YACHT RESTORATION REPAIRS. Interior joinery, teak trims etc. Leak sources detection. Electric & Mechanical. Master Shipwright Wood Worker. Free quotes. Call JC 941-779-8306
CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
CLEANING SERVICE C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates. Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570 PRESSURE CLEANING and WINDOW WASHING residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways. Paver Sealing & Cleaning etc. Call 941-565-3935
COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS PRIME COMMERCIAL LOCATION (2 Lots) 12,840 sq. ft. Located on Gulf Dr. in the City of Anna Maria, close to the beach and surrounded by shopping. Business on a tropical island! Island Real Estate Ask Al Galletto 941-232-2216
COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
EMPLOYMENT 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. COOK POSITION IN ESTABLISHED Island restaurant; full or part time, will train the right candidate. Nights & weekends a must. Professional work environment. Send resume or work history to solarium84@gmail.com HOSPITALITY and MEMBERSHIP MANAGER for private club. Office duties, hosting and greeting. Computer and bartending experience a plus. Full time seasonal with full time potential. Send resume to chef@keyroyaleclub.com. NAIL PRO – UPSCALE island salon, flexible schedule- experience a must. Call 941-387-9807 NEED PART TIME Secretary with light bookkeeping duties. Real Estate License would be great but not needed. Call 941-778-0426
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP open Tuesday & Thursday 9:30a.m.-2p.m., Saturday 10a.m.-1p.m. Annex open till noon. Donations accepted Wednesdays 9a.m11a.m.Thrift shop closed month of September. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria Call 941-779-27-33
HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.
THE SUN
KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-5042222 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 JOE UNGVARSY CONSTRUCTION. Designer/ Remodeling Contractor State License CRC 035261. Call 941-779-4630 or email juremodel1@aol.com BESPOKE SERVICES, MASTER CARPENTER for all home & office repairs. Also painting, decorating, decking & dock repairs,. Large or small works. Reasonable Rates! Island guy for Island work. Call RICHARD 941-448-3571
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 FOUND SET OF KEYS in water off Bayfront Park. Call Bob 941-778-3986 LOST WOMAN'S PRESCRIPTION glasses , brown frame. Lost on beach around 72nd street. On Monday the July 25. Call 260-602-9866 LOST MAN’S SILVER Wedding Ring, silver with stones mounted. Lost at Coquina Beach near restrooms. Please Call 813413-3373
AMISUN.COM
LOST BRACELET Heavy silver with multi colored stones at Harrington House Bed & Breakfast. REWARD! Call 949-939-3340 LOST WHITE GOLD diamond ring. Antique looking. It has a hinge which opens up. Sentimental value. REWARD. Call 941-504-9502
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
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
37
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE 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 106 WILLOW RENOVATED Cottage. 1 in from Beach, beautiful pool/spa. Lush landscaping $1,245,000. Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 MOBILE HOME for SALE. Bayshore Village. Clean & nicely furnished $10,500. 8 miles to Beach. By Owner 941-356-1456 RARE ISLAND GEM REDUCED!!! This 3BR/3BA home includes two master suites, open plan, bamboo floors, fireplace, awesome pool area, huge garage! Perfection throughout! $729K. Call Karen Fineout, Wagner Realty, 941-518-3682
38
THE SUN
classified
RENTALS: ANNUAL 2BR/2BA CONDO, No Pets. W/D, new A/C & appliances. $1250/mo with first , last , security. Community pool and carport.2BR/2BA home w/ den 1650 s/f lawn care incl. w/d hook up , tile & wood, 1 carport, 1st, last $1,500/ mo.$1,500 sec dep. Single family home, w/ existing rented 1 behind, on property. NO PETS AT THIS PROPERTY. Available July 1, Near St. Stevens 2BR/2BA Wildwood Springs ground level condo, pool tennis, inside W/D . Park like setting. $975/ mo1st month & security. 2BR/2BA home in 55+ golf community. Pool, tennis. Updated home in East Manatee. $1,500/ mo 1st month & security. Credit & background required on all applicants over 18 Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com
Call us today! 941-778-3986
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. 2BR/2BA SINGLE FAMILY HOME, unfurnished, w/ carport $2000/mo. Just one block to the beach. 2BR/2BA Furnished ground level condo at West Bay Cove $1600/mo. Contact A Paradise 941-778-4800 WEST BRADENTON HOUSE: 2206 25th Ave W. 3BR/2BA plus bonus room. W/D hookups, fenced yard,. $1350/mo. First, Last, Security. Credit check. Call 941-809-2488 ANNUAL RENTAL 3BR/1 3/4BA. All Electric, two story town house. parking for 2 cars. Great view of Gulf Waters. $1800/ mo Call Mike 941-7828556
AMISUN.COM
FURNISHED BAYSHORE VILLAGE. Mobile Home. Clean, nice $800/mo 8 miles to Beach. Realtor 941-356-1456 JUST HALF BLOCK from BEACH! 2BR/2BA elevated Duplex, screen porch, wash/dry hookup, 2500 block Ave C, $1,500/mo. Call Mark 941-720-4475
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
AUGUST 3, 2016
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!
ROOMMATE WANTED GOLDEN GIRL LOOKING for same to share 2BR/2BA furnished Condo (West Bradenton) Amenities included, 5 miles to Beach. $600/mo. Available now. Call 941-281-2339
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
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095
www.amisun.com
AUGUST 3, 2016
business & service directory computer service
THE SUN
39
Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986
home improvement
painting
movers
transportation
home improvement
40
THE SUN
WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
AUGUST 3, 2016