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VOL 20 No. 10
December 18, 2019
Contest winners shed light on their efforts The city’s holiday decorating contest featured a residential category and a business category. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Assisted by the Public Works Department, Santa Claus emerged from a cloud of orange smoke.
Holiday Carols in the Park not dampened by rainy weather Holiday Carols in the Park is the city of Anna Maria’s signature Christmas season event.
ANNA MARIA – The Craft family and Duncan Real Estate won the city of Anna Maria’s inaugural Bright Holiday Lights holiday decorating contest. The resident and business category winners received their trophies during the Holiday Carols at City Pier Park event on Friday, Dec. 13. The Crafts’ prize-winning lights and decorations are currently on display at the couple’s home on Gladiolus Street, and their elaborate decorating themes incorporate driftwood, yard decorations, scenic vignettes, a candy canethemed arch and much more. When attending Friday’s trophy presentations, Larry Craft said his wife, Carol, who was not present, deserved most of the credit. “I think the main motivation behind this is the smiles on the faces of the little children that come by and also to get more people to decorate their homes,” he told The Sun. He said their Christmas decorations feature an eclectic mix of primarily vintage elements. Speaking by phone Sunday evening, Carol Craft shared her thoughts on winning the holiday decorating contest and the couple’s long-standing tradition that predates it. “To us, it’s not about the contest. We’re hoping it encourages other people to decorate,” she said. SEE LIGHTS, PAGE 17
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Despite a steady rain, the city of Anna Maria’s Holiday Carols in the Park started with a bang, when Santa magically appeared through a cloud of orange smoke at the west end of City Pier Park. The annual city-sponsored holiday event took place on Friday, Dec. 13, and began at 4 p.m. After making his way to the shade sail structure to the delight of the awaiting youngsters, Santa first joined Mayor Dan Murphy and helped announce the winners of the city’s inaugural Bright Holiday Lights holiday decorating contest.
INSIDE NEWS 4 CALENDAR 7 OUTDOORS 22-23 REAL ESTATE 30-33 SPORTS 34 POLICE REPORTS 42 CROSSWORD 36
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The choir from the Roser Memorial Community Church performed several Christmas carols, including some sing-alongs. Deputy City Clerk Debbie Haynes, artist and Emerson’s Studio Store owner Emerson Quillin and AMI SEE CAROLS, PAGE 35
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
This Craft family holiday vignette promotes peace on earth.
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
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Kids see Santa at the Sandbar The 19th Annual Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party was be held at the Sandbar Pavilion on Wednesday, Dec. 11. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – It was a winter wonderland for around 70 children and their parents at the Sandbar restaurant Wednesday at the Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party. Sandbar owner Ed Chiles, son of the late Florida governor, was there with his wife, Tina, daughter, Ashley, and a host of volunteers plus DJ Chuck Caudill with a bagful of Christmas music. The children were members of RMCA, a non-profit agency that provides care and education to migrant children, and Head Start Rise and Shine Early Education Program. As the kids came into the pavilion with their parents, Ed Chiles remembered when he promised to carry on his father’s tradition almost 20 years ago. “I was proud when my employees voted to name it after dad,” he said. “It never fails to put me in the Christmas spirit.”
After the families got seated, the kids got up to explore. There were bounce houses on the beach. The morning’s fog made them look eerie. There was an inflatable pirate’s ship with an inflatable parrot on a mast. There were face painting and holiday crafts the cartoon characters came. The children surrounded Mickey and Minnie the mouse, Dora the Explorer and Woody from Cartoon Story. They posed for pictures and gave the characters hugs. Then lunch was served with chicken fingers, French fries, mac and cheese, salad, fruit and more. After that, the kids were told Santa was nearby and they moved to the parking lot. Suddenly, a siren sounded, and a West Manatee Fire Rescue truck pulled up, and Santa waved and stepped down. He was immediately surrounded by kids. Santa moved through the pavilion to a structure on the beach with a chair and packages. Staff from the Sandbar and the two guest agencies got the packages to Santa to distribute. “I want to thank my staff, the volunteers and everyone who made this possible for these many years,” Chiles said. “They help keep the spirit alive.”
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Clockwise from above, This young lady was appehensive at first. This young man got some hugs. Ed and his daughter, Ashley, enjoyed watching the kids. Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Dora the Explorer with their fans.
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ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
Christmas holiday trash schedule and closures The Christmas holidays are upon us and with it comes government office closures and changes to recycling, trash and yard waste collection schedules. Both Waste Pro and Waste Management will be following their holiday collection schedules. Trash, recycling and yard waste collections will take place as scheduled on Tuesday, Dec. 24. No collections will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 25. Customers with normal Wednesday collection will have their trash, recycling or yard waste collected on Thursday. City offices in all three Island cities, Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, will be closed Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and Christmas Day, Dec. 25. The Center of Anna Maria Island will close at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 23 and remain closed Dec. 24-25, reopening at 7 a.m. on Dec. 26. The Tingley Memorial Library and Island Branch Library both will be closed Dec. 24-25 for the Christmas holiday.
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
Seafood, music fest debuts at Coquina Beach
The first ever Coquina Beach Seafood and Music Festival brought live music to the south end of Coquina Beach last weekend, along with fresh seafood from gator to crayfish and a chance to adopt a new roommate at The Humane Society of Sarasota County’s Big Mac mobile adoption center. An eclectic arts and crafts show included handmade soap, maps painted on wood, crocheted dresses, CDB products, a variety of jewelry, swinging chairs and tabletop fireplaces made from coquina rock. After a soggy start on Friday afternoon, the festival sailed into a sunny weekend, drawing Christmas shoppers and seafood and music lovers to the beach for an enjoyable time.
CINDY LANE | SUN
A gator head serves up gator tail and frog legs at the Coquina Beach Seafood and Music Festival.
Center hosts winter kids camp The Center of Anna Maria Island is hosting a winter day camp for kids age five to 12 over the two weeks of the winter school break. The first week of camp is Dec. 23, 26 and 27, followed by week two on Dec. 30 and Jan. 2-3. A daily camp is available on Jan. 6. The cost for both weeks and the Jan. 6 day camp per child is $140 for Center members and $160 for non-members. The cost of one week of camp is $70 per child for members and $80 for non-members. The Jan. 6 only day camp cost is $25 per child for Center members and $45 for non-members. New to The Center campers also will have to pay a $25 registration fee. The last day to register for any day of the camp is Dec. 19. Activities for campers include bowling, movies, flag football and more. For more information, or to register, call 941-778-1908, go online to www.centerami.org or visit The Center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
CINDY LANE | SUN
Crayfish and sausage with corn and potatoes was just one of many dishes served up at the Coquina Beach Seafood and Music Festival.
Get ready for Scallopalooza Sarasota Bay Watch is offering early bird pricing until Dec. 20 for its annual gala, Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic! on Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency, 1000 Blvd. of the Arts in Sarasota. Featuring a live auction, music, food and drinks, the celebration supports shellfish restoration in Sarasota Bay. Through Dec. 20, early bird pricing is $90 per person or $850 for a table of 10. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Email rondaryan@sarasotabaywatch.org or call 941-232-2363.
CINDY LANE | SUN
Marine creatures on a surfboard was one of the paintings on display by Steve Diossy, the artist who designed the Protect Wild Dolphins Florida license plate.
CINDY LANE | SUN
Maps painted on wood by Map Mom Florida featured Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and other Florida cities, plus destinations in the Caribbean.
DECEMBER 18, 2019
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Servia new TDC chair Manatee County Commissioner Misty Servia will chair the Manatee County Tourist Servia Development Council (TDC) in 2020. Servia was born and raised in Sarasota where she attended public schools. Her mother’s family, The Great Gretonas, were highwire circus performers who wintered in Sarasota, and her grandparents owned the House of Chong, the first Chinese restaurant in Sarasota. Servia has lived in Manatee County since 1988 after accepting her first job as a planner for Manatee County government, where she worked for nearly 18 years. Her alternate is Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who will complete her term as chair of the TDC at year’s end.
CINDY LANE | SUN
Cold snap brings on mullet season A recent cold front brought much-anticipated mullet to the A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez. Mullet is historically the staple crop in the commercial fishing village, providing roe – or fish eggs – known as bottarga, which is exported as a delicacy. The fish are frequently enjoyed in Cortez with grits or smoked and sold at Cortez markets and food trucks.
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OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
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The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE
For information, call 941-7086130 Dec. 24, all day – City offices closed for Christmas holiday Dec. 25, all day – offices closed for Christmas holiday Jan. 1, all day – City offices closed for New Year’s holiday
BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.
For information, call 941-778-1005
Dec. 24, all day – City offices closed for Christmas holiday Dec. 25, all day – City offices closed for Christmas holiday Jan. 1, all day – City offices closed for New Year’s holiday Holmes Beach 5801 MARINA DRIVE
Dec. 24, all day – City offices closed for Christmas holiday Dec. 25, all day – City offices closed for Christmas holiday Jan. 1, all day – City offices closed for New Year’s holiday
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.
WEDNESDAY DEC. 18
Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Painting with a fish, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $38. Ukulele class for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3 p.m. AMI Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, 5 to 7 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for future members.
THURSDAY DEC. 19
Veteran services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Green Explorers: Wild Waders, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Reserve to 941-742-4501, ext. 6034. Book Club, “The Mermaid Collector,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m. Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Science and Service Book Club, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 4 p.m. Reserve to michelle.leahy@ mymanatee.org.
FRIDAY DEC. 20
Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach,
11:30 a.m. Board game night, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 5-10 p.m. Reserve to sarah.denison@ mymanatee.org. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
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Blalock Walters law firm celebrates the holidays The Bradenton-based Blalock Walters law firm held its Christmas party at the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria on Friday, Dec. 13. Bradenton Beach City Attorney Ricinda Perry and her husband Stephen, an attorney and shareholder in the law firm, hosted and organized this year’s party. The festivities included cocktails, live music, dinner, gift bags, a post-dinner visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus (the Perrys) and a pinata bearing the likeness of managing shareholder Matt Plummer as he appeared at the firm’s Halloween party dressed as Woody from the Toy Story movies.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Mrs. and Mr. Claus (Ricinda and Stephen Perry) made a guest appearance at Friday’s Blalock Walters Christmas party.
SATURDAY DEC. 21
Saturday at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon. Guided meditation with Sheryl, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 11 a.m. Robinson Preserve Light Festival, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6 p.m., $5 cash only. Winter Nights Under the Lights, Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6 to 9 p.m.
SUNDAY
DEC. 22 BEACH MARKET, COQUINA BEACH, 2650 GULF DRIVE S., BRADENTON BEACH, 10 A.M.-4 P.M.
Rise and Shine power flow yoga, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10:30 a.m., $10 cash only. Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10:30 a.m., $10 cash only. Winter Nights Under the Lights, Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6 to 9 p.m.
MONDAY DEC. 23
Winter Nights Under the Lights, Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6 to 9 p.m.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
From left, Nicole Plummer gives Woody a whack on the rear end, but he survived several more swings. Jacki Mori lines up her swing at the Toy Story-inspired piñata.
Special performance Melanie Goerlitz graced the stage at Harry’s Grill in Anna Maria on Sunday, Dec. 15. Goerlitz is a lyric soprano from New York City, and she gave a special holiday performance for some lucky Islanders. SARAH PARSONS | SUBMITTED
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
Beach renourishment starts in the new year With a planned start date in February 2020, beach renourishment work is coming to Holmes Beach. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County Director of Parks and Natural Resources, along with co-presenter Tom Pierro, appeared before commissioners Dec. 10 to discuss the upcoming beach renourishment project and what Holmes Beach property owners and visitors can expect during the project. Hunsicker said the project is planned to take place in February and March of 2020, just a few months away and during the Island’s busy season. While equipment is planned to be brought in primarily by barge with staging areas on the beach where work is being done and potentially at the Manatee Public Beach, Hunsicker said that there
may be a need for workers to use beach access points. While he said it was possible that equipment could be moved through the beach accesses, it was more likely that the areas would be used for worker parking as the project moves down the beach. One Holmes Beach beach access point that might be used is 68th Street. If the beach access is required for the project, Hunsicker said it would come back before city commissioners for permission to use the right of way. Pierro said that beachfront residents can expect to see sand piped onto the beach from an offshore borrow area near Passage Key in the north and Longboat Pass in the south. Once the sand is onshore, he said it is spread out in a predetermined design to widen the beach by heavy machinery. Once the sand is placed, he said a final grading is done, and then the beach is dressed with the Island’s white sand. Once work is completed, he said it would take six months to a year for the
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Tom Pierro and Manatee County Director of Parks and Natural Resources Charlie Hunsicker give a presentation to Holmes Beach commissioners Dec. 10 on beach renourishment. missioners approved the use of the public beach for the project Dec. 10 and that the project was expected to go to bid on Dec. 16 with pre-construction work to begin in late January or early February. During public comment, Jeff Gary, one of the managers of the White Sands Beach Resort on Gulf Drive, said that the previous beach
tidal flow to stabilize the widened beach. Hunsicker said the Island’s beaches lose approximately 10 feet of sand per year, which, depending on the way the tide is moving, goes north to Bean Point in Anna Maria or down south to Longboat Pass. He added that the county com-
renourishment was a nightmare. He told commissioners and the county leaders present that during the last beach renourishment he had been told that construction staging would be done on the beach in front of his property for a maximum of 72 hours, which he relayed to his customers. Rather than the 72 hours promised, he said the staging lasted for a month in front of his property, leading to a refund of around $70,000 to all of the guests staying at the hotel during the month because of the disruption. Many of the customers at that time, during December, were monthly visitors, Gary added, saying that he hopes it doesn’t happen again. Pierro said that all of the residents’ and business owners’ concerns would be addressed in his meetings with the Army Corps of Engineers, the group responsible for the beach renourishment project. He said that the concerns would be raised with the contractor for the project once one is chosen.
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
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Pine Avenue shines during Holiday of Treasures
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Clockwise from above, the Duncan Real Estate office was one of many Holiday of Treasures Open House hotspots along Pine Avenue Friday night. Jerry Brower, from Jenison, Mich., was among the first to get a free hot dog at Two Scoops. AMI Historical Society board members Lynn Brennan, Arlene Clarke, Valerie Wilson and Evelyn Hoskins appreciated the holiday sounds of keyboardist Don Donahue. The Waffle Press handed out free waffle samples. At Emerson’s Studio Store, Margie Ignatius served wine, cookies and liquor infused chocolates.
Christmas Eve
TWOTUESDAY, CANDLELIGHT SERVICES DECEMBER 24 • COME EARLY!
Christmas Carols
Passing of the Light
Dr. Bob O’Keef will bring us the message of Good News!
5:30 PM
FAMILY SERVICE
All children are invited to participate in the NATIVITY PAGEANT!
9:00 PM
TRADITIONAL SERVICE A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH
COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier]
941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • Facebook @RoserChurch
SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 & 10:00 AM
SoulJourn • 5:30 PM
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
Annual Christmas parade lights up the Island It may have started out as a rainy morning Dec. 14 but that didn’t stop people from coming out to see the annual Christmas parade, presented by the Anna Maria Island Privateers. The sun came out and the pirates led the way down the Island from Coquina Beach to City Pier Park in Anna Maria where children got to meet Santa and received a gift from the Privateers.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Clockwise from above, The AMI Privateers kick off the annual holiday parade with Christmas carols and dancing aboard the landbound pirate ship, The Skullywag. The ladies from Mackey Law Group help get the crowd in the holiday spirit. One parade participant danced to the beat of holiday carols in the rear of the Anthony’s Cooling, Heating and Electrical truck. SARAH PARSONS | SUN
Mrs. Claus, Santa Claus and Ada Aksu and Diler Aksu
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
The Beach Horses and their handlers made an appearance in the Christmas parade.
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
THE SUN
Cool night on Bridge Street There was a good crowd at the Christmas on Bridge Street celebration Saturday night, especially considering the temperature was cold and the wind gusty. The Drift In had a crowd in its parking lot keeping warm while drinking, and people were using the corn hole games set out in the street as they waited for dark and the lighted boat parade. Inside the Bridge Street Bazaar, people were looking through the merchandise buying. “It’s been really steady, and it’s a good crowd,” said salesclerk Susan Rendel. “People have been nice.” Amanda Escobio was working at an outside table selling raffle tickets for gift baskets. The Bridge Street Merchants Association were raising money for Toys for Tots. “We had a fantastic turnout out for Christmas on Bridge Street,” said Sherman Baldwin, president of the Bradenton Beach Area Merchants group. Around 7:30 p.m., as the sun set, people headed for the Bridge Street Pier to wait for the lighted boats. The Anna Maria Princess paddle wheeler led the parade of brightly decorated boats drawing applause from the crowd as they sailed toward Braden Beach Marina. The marina hosted and organized the parade. Marina president Mike Bazzy said the award for the Best Decorated Vessel went to Don Wilson and his boat, The Don Tiki. The award for Most Holiday Spirit went to Kraken. Presented by Yolo Adventures and Kraken Custom Marine, the 38-foot Kracken featured Santa Claus with multiple fish on his line. Bazzy said the coinciding charity cruise aboard the marina’s Anna Maria Princess paddle wheeler included 86 passengers and raised more than $2,500 to help fight children’s cancer
SARAH PARSONS | SUN
Clockwise from above, Future famous artist tries her hand at chalk drawing. Children making ornaments. Presented by Yolo Adventures and Kraken Custom Marine, Kraken, a 38-foot powerboat, won the Most Holiday Spirit award in the Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade. Santa's elves were busy offering wine to the shoppers on Bridge Street
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
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Micro mobility ban continues to January Commissioners pushed a final vote on regulations governing micro mobility devices to January. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
Custom Holiday Party Trays Order yours TODAY! Call Anthony Cucci or Adam Sears (941)798-2035
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HOLMES BEACH – After hearing from the public and from police Chief Bill Tokajer, commissioners continued a final vote on regulations on micro mobility vehicles until they meet again in January. After working for months on a mobility share service pilot program, commissioners decided that a mobility share service, including ebikes and motorized scooters, isn’t something that they’d like to see come to Holmes Beach. They then began work on an ordinance regulating micro mobility vehicles and which ones are allowed in the city. The ordinance bans scooter, bicycle and other mobility share services but does not impact current rental businesses in the city. It also provides an exemption for personally owned mobility devices, such as motorized bicycles and scooters, that are used privately and not rented. One of the most highly debated items in the ordinance are the scoot coups, three wheeled mini cars, that are rented in Anna Maria and driven into Holmes Beach. When the ordinance was first considered, commissioners considered banning the scoot coups from the city, but after further consideration, decided to ban them from streets with a speed limit higher than 25 miles per hour. One of the reasons that the final vote on the ordinance was continued
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Holmes Beach residents line up to speak up against allowing scoot coups on residential streets. until January is that commissioners reconsidered banning the scoot coups after hearing from several city residents who believe the cars are a safety hazard and don’t want them relegated to residential side streets. Tokajer began the conversation by saying he had received resident input and was back to recommending banning the scoot coups from the city. “We kind of rue the day they came to this Island,” resident Gerald Newbrough said of the scoot coups. Resident Bob Robinson said that he moved into a quite R-1 neighborhood, where shortterm rentals aren’t allowed, and doesn’t want his neighborhood disturbed by scoot coups driving through the residential streets. “I don’t want them in my neighborhood,” he said during public comment. “I am totally against anything you’re going to send down our street.” Commissioners agreed to move back to banning the scoot
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coups in Holmes Beach, which means that, if the ordinance passes its final vote in January, the vehicles will not be allowed to cross into Holmes Beach from where they’re rented in Anna Maria. Resident Dennis Groh also brought another mobility device to commissioners’ attention – Segways. He said he’s seen the vehicles on city sidewalks and is worried that it’s a safety hazard. Tokajer said that the Segways are only rented when accompanied by a trained guide and has no problem with how they are operated in the city. He added that because they are motorized, Segways are not allowed in any bicycle lanes in the city. Commissioners voted unanimously to add to the ordinance to define the use of Segways, saying that they’re allowed on city roads with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less and on sidewalks, where necessary due to increased speed limits, as long as the Segway is privately owned or if the Segway operators are on a guided tour.
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
Committee talks park improvements City field and the dog park are both planned for January openings. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The city’s Parks and Beautification Committee members are moving along with projects headed into the holiday season. The committee met Dec. 4 at city hall to discuss the ongoing projects at the city field complex, work on the newly relaunched AdoptA-Spot program and choose a chairperson for the 2019-20 year. First, committee members selected Mary Lange as the group’s new chair for the current season. The Parks and Beautification Committee meets October through May, taking a break for the summer months. Committee members also made another decision, to host a second meeting in December on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. at city hall to discuss the structure of the new program and what guidelines they’d like for adopters concerning the replanting and maintenance of spots. Lange said that there are 27 spots to adopt in Holmes Beach, with most of them still needing adopters. The count includes 17 spots and 10 pocket parks. City Commissioner Carol Soustek appeared before the committee with an update on signage for the city’s beach accesses. It was previously discussed that the multiple signs at beach access was overwhelming and should be reduced
to easier to read, more welcoming signage. Soustek said the signs have been made and that they are being installed at beach access points throughout the city. Development Services Director Eran Wasserman also spoke to the committee, giving an update on the goings on at the city field complex, located adjacent to Holmes Beach City Hall. Wasserman said that work is underway at the skate park, dog park and multi-use field. Drainage and grading are complete at the multi-use field, he said, with the area being seeded with grass and planned to be fertilized in two weeks with a possible opening of the space to the public on or around Jan. 10. Currently, an event is planned to be held on the multi-use field at city field Jan. 11-12. At the dog park, Wasserman said the park is in the final construction phases with drainage and leveling of the space already complete, along with hydro seeding where grassy areas are planned for dog to play and a sand/shell mix ordered for walkways and other play areas. Fencing also is going up around the new park and the former dugouts from the baseball field are being converted into shelters for people and pets to cool off from the sun. User-friendly signs are being printed and spray hydrants for dogs to cool off in and drink water also are ready to be installed at the new park. Currently, the dog park is planned for a Jan. 25 public opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.
CINDY LANE | SUN
Lifeguard stands under construction Manatee County is rebuilding the aging lifeguard stands on Anna Maria Island beaches, including six portable stands and the two permanent stands at Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach, according to Manatee County Marine Rescue Chief Joe Westerman. Some stands have been in service for nearly 30 years.
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Commissioners vote to raise stormwater fees After a motion to raise stormwater fees to $4.40 per 100 square feet of lot size failed on a tie vote, the board voted to raise the 2020 fee to $2.95. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City property owners will notice a hike in their stormwater fees when trim notices for the 2020 tax year are mailed out in August. During a Dec. 10 meeting, City Engineer Lynn Burnett spoke in favor of raising the stormwater fee from $1.50 per 100 square feet of lot space owned to $4.40 per 100 square feet of lot space owned to help fund needed stormwater improvements and resiliency efforts to prevent or reduce flooding. She added that she’s received feedback from residents who thanked her for doing something to help lessen flooding and standing
water and prepare for the future. Some city residents stepped up to speak against raising the rate, which was doubled for the 2019 fiscal year from $0.75 to $1.50. Resident Beverly Neville said that if the rate was raised to $4.40, for her 12,000 square foot lot, the stormwater fee would increase from $180 this year to $528 next year, a serious burden for people living on a fixed income in an area where property taxes are high. Resident Bob Robinson said he’s not in favor of any projects that take more green space away from the Island to replace it with rock filled infiltration trenches or other engineering projects. “Haven’t we scarred this Island enough?” he asked commissioners. After the motion to raise the stormwater fee to $4.40 in 2020 failed on a tie without Commissioner Carol Soustek there to break it, Commissioner Terry Schaefer suggested a compromise. Rather than increasing the rate immediately to $4.40, he suggested raising the rate to $2.95 per 100 square feet of lot size.
For the average Holmes Beach residential lot, which Burnett figured at around 7,500 square feet, the current stormwater fee is $112.50. Under the $4.40 rate, that would have increased to $330. With the $2.95 rate, which commissioners voted unanimously in favor of, the new stormwater rate for a 7,500 square foot lot in 2020 will be $221.25. For anyone who feels that the increase will adversely affect them, Burnett said they have the option of appealing in writing to the city to either have the increase waived or reduced. Appeals must be submitted in writing to city hall within 30 days of the passage of the ordinance, Dec. 10. Commissioners will review the appeals and discuss if there are any properties, such as the Key Royale Golf Club and churches, should have a reduced rate or if currently excluded properties, including government properties and Anna Maria Elementary School, should remain excluded, during a January meeting.
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Chamber events The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has holiday dining listings on and around the Island Christmas and New Year’s holiday hours lists for local area restaurants on the AMI Chamber website. The lists can be accessed by searching for “Holiday Dining On and Around the Island” under Upcoming Events on the Home Page. https://www. annamariaislandchamber.org/events/holiday-dining-on-and-around-the-island/ On Wednesday, Dec. 18, Chamber holds its December Business Card Exchange from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Anna. Maria Oyster Bar located at 200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach. The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members. On Thursday, Jan. 9, the Chamber hosts its January Sunrise Breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The cost to attend is $10 for members and $20 for prospective members. On Thursday, Jan. 23, the Chamber holds its January Business Card Exchange and Trolley Grant Awards from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members. To RSVP, contact the AMI Chamber at 941-778-1541 or email info@amichamber.org. During this special combined event, members also will be presenting trolley grant awards to committee selected Island and Cortez non and not-for-profits.
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LIGHTS: Vintage themes popular FROM PAGE 1
“We’ve done it for 16 years. We start with Halloween and then Thanksgiving and Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patty’s Day and we end with Easter,” she explained. “For me, it’s about keeping that childlike wonder in the adults as well. We have had a lot of adults through the years who have thanked us. It’s about keeping the spirit of Christmas alive for them, and it’s about the magic of Christmas for the children also. It’s equally satisfying to see it brings back the child within the adults, and I really enjoy that,” she said. Carol said Larry made the two candy canes that grace the arch near their front door. He also made a Christmas tree out of wooden pallets, incorporated the inflatable reindeer making smores and made the North Pole sign among his many efforts. “We have more than 10 pieces of
driftwood we bought after we bought the house. A gentleman had them all in a boat he was selling. We ended up taking them all, and I believe they’re cedar tree roots. We use them for all the holidays, and it’s a perfect palette for hanging lights and different decorations,” Carol said. “To me, the vignettes are like little scenes on their own. One has a glittered snow man and snowflakes hanging from one of the palm trees. Another one is kind of like the north pole,” she explained. “I like it to be equally interesting during the day,” she added. “Over the years, a lot of people have grown older, and they can’t or don’t want to decorate anymore. And there are people that travel from all over, and they’re away from home for the holidays. That’s a big part of it for me, sharing this with others,” she said.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Duncan Real Estate office on Pine Avenue won the business category. Rental agent J.P. Beaubien, left, designed Duncan Real Estate’s holiday lighting theme and rental and sales agent Joey Hutchinson was part of the team that helped make it happen.
DUNCAN WINS BUSINESS CATEGORY
Duncan Real Estate’s lights and decorations include a beautifully lit office building, several beautifully lit palm trees, an inflatable sleigh that sits upon the roof and an inflatable Santa out front. “We were so excited to win the lighting contest,” owner Darcie Duncan said via text on Sunday, while vacationing in London, England.
“Rental agent J.P. Beaubien was the lighting maestro, and he was instrumental in working with my entire team to make it all come together. J.P. is amazing, and I couldn’t be more proud of them all,” Duncan said. “Now what do we do to top it next year? You’ll just have to wait and see.”
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
Aqua development under way The previously undeveloped land is now a bustling construction site. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – A Thursday, Dec. 12 visit to the Medallion Home property on El Conquistador Parkway in unincorporated Manatee County provided a view of the construction activity taking place at the southeast end of the multi-parcel property. One large building, possibly a clubhouse and/or sales center, now stands on the property. The sign erected by Medallion Home bears the Aqua logo and says, “Coming Spring Of 2020 Distinct Single Family Homes $600’s $1M+” A large trench was being dug northwest of the new building and a steady flow of large dump trucks transported the removed soil to the other end of the property, closer to the existing Legends Cove condominium community. Scattered about the property are several large concrete pipes, bulldoz-
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
This sign and new building now stand on the Medallion Home property along El Conquistador Parkway in west Manatee County. ers, excavating equipment and other heavy machinery. The parcel currently being developed was approved for approximately 200 single-family homes many years ago. In 2017, Manatee County commissioners approved developer Carols
Beruff’s revised Aqua by the Bay plans that now call for the construction of up to 16 residential buildings not to exceed 95-feet in height, and an unspecified number of residential buildings to be built at heights between 36 and 75 feet. It was noted in 2017 that those build-
ing heights would depend on how the real estate market unfolds over the anticipated 20-year construction period. If built, the condo towers would be erected northwest of the single-family homes built during this initial phase of construction. In 2017, the Aqua by the Bay developers received County Commission approval for a total of 2,894 residential units, 78,000 square feet of commercial space and recreational amenities that include a man-made Crystal Lagoon. Facing public opposition and potential commission denial, those approvals were granted after Beruff and his development team agreed to remove a controversial man-made estuary and retaining wall from their plans. In 2013, the development project then known as Long Bar Pointe faced intense public opposition and anticipated County Commission denial until Beruff agreed to remove a controversial marina and navigation canal from his proposed plans. In 2014, the developers then withdrew those plans as they continued to revise the development plans later approved in 2017.
DECEMBER 18, 2019
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KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Roser Cantata The 31 member choir, along with six musicians and director Phyllis O’Keef present the annual Christmas cantata “Joy to the World: A Celebration of Carols” Dec. 15 at Roser Memorial Community Church.
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
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OUTDOORS
DECEMBER 18, 2019
The ups and downs of tides
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS
T
he only thing I know for sure after almost four decades of fishing area waters is that I’ll never figure it out. That’s in the context of finding fish and divining the conditions that make them want to eat my flies. That’s a good thing because contrary to what we might think, that would diminish the allure of the sport. Actually, there are at least two things I know for sure. The other one? Having at least a good working knowledge of the incomprehensible conditions that effect the feeding patterns of fish will definitely up your game. Paying attention to tides and the movement of water where you fish and wherever you travel will greatly
increase your angling odds. Locally you can do that by experience and paying attention. When you travel that’s the advantage of having a professional guide who’s been there done that, Actually, depending on how much time you have on the water, the same applies locally. While I always like to follow the axiom, “The best time to go fishing is whenever you can,” understanding and being able to track tidal fluctuations is invaluable. Let’s start with a quick primer. While there are myriad factors that influence the tides, basically it’s the gravitational pull of the moon on the earth and its oceans that’s the prime driver. This means that the oceans on opposite sides of the earth experience high tides as the water is pulled away from the earth. The other object in the solar system that influences the tide is the sun, which has approximately one half the influence of the moon. SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 23
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
On low tide birds can provide intel on where to find fish on the rising tide.
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Winter fishing brings variety CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT
Anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key had good action on several trips in Sarasota Bay, Little Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay and the coastal Gulf recently. Fly anglers did well with tripletail in the coastal Gulf. Spin and fly fishing anglers fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay with me had some action catching and releasing trout, bluefish and Spanish mackerel on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies. A trip in Little Sarasota Bay produced snook and trout on CAL jigs with Shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos. We also caught and released reds and snook in skinny water also on CAL jigs with Shad tails. Tripletail action was good in the coastal Gulf. Mike Perez, from Sarasota, and Jeff Hanna, from Englewood, fished a day with me and they both caught tripletail. Jeff’s tripletail was the largest tripletail ever on a fly on my boat, 15 lbs. Denton Kent, from Sarasota, and Rick Guzewicz, from Longboat
Key, fished the next day and both also caught and released tripletail. Rick’s 7-lb tripletail was his first on a fly! A trip later in the week was slower but in addition to a tripletail we also caught a small cobia on a fly. Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, Ill., also had a good day fishing lower Tampa Bay with me. He caught and released several snook, a couple of good reds, trout and a flounder on CAL jigs with Shad tails.
CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE
We’ve had some good weather here this last week. This has enabled us here at Anna Maria Charters to spend a bit more time offshore. The red grouper seem to be gorging themselves lately. We’ve gotten the limit on every trip this past week. Using live pinfish or dead sardines, it’s been easy to keep our offshore clients happy. We’ve also been getting big mangrove snapper and lane snapper as well. FYI, lane snapper closed on Dec. 13, so can't
CAPT. DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED
Terence and Liam Burns, of Washington D.C., show off a pair of big red grouper caught with Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters. keep these guys anymore. Blackfin tuna and kingfish are pretty prevalent out there as well. Using live pilchards, either with wire, for the kings, or without for tuna, you should do well on a flat line. Inshore, the snook, redfish, trout and Jack crevalle fishing is good. We’re waiting to see
if better sheepshead start pushing in with these cold fronts. It makes it way easier to fill the cooler on inshore trips when the bigger sheepshead are in. Good luck out there.
REEL TIME: The ups and downs of tides FROM PAGE 22
When the sun and the moon line up at the full and new moon, their combined influence create the greatest pull, creating what is known as spring tides. When the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, during the moon’s first and last quarter, they interfere with each other and we experience weak or neap tides. In addition, the tidal ranges are greater when the moon and sun are at perigee, or closest to the earth. Wind is another factor that affects tides. In our area a strong east wind can push tides lower and later, holding up a rising tide. A hard-west wind can do the opposite, pushing in a rising tide and holding up a falling one. Experience will teach the angler how to benefit from the myriad tidal dynamics that
affect fish and their feeding patterns. I learned a valuable lesson about tides on trips to the Bahamas in search of bonefish. My first several trips were planned to coincide with a full or new moon in order to take advantage of the increased feeding activity that generally takes place during these times. Instead I found that the bonefish I was stalking would disappear into the mangroves as the tide rose, giving me a shorter window to pursue them along the mangrove fringes. Based on that information I planned subsequent trips when neap tides slowed the progress and size of the tide providing many more opportunities for sight fishing. Just the opposite is often true when I explore local waters. While I still fish whenever I have the opportunity, I target days of
extreme high and low tides because I know they stimulate feeding and concentrate fish. Depending on the time of year and the temperature, you can use the tide to take advantage of the season. In the winter when the waters chill down, I like to seek out locations where a late afternoon falling tide brings warm water off the flats. The holes, slues and channels the water drains into attract gamefish and can provide some excellent action. When fishing the flats, working from the deep water to shallow on the falling tide and in reverse on the rising tide is a very effective way to target fish. Very low tides (during spring tides) provide an excellent opportunity to scan the flats for channels, slues and holes on the flats where fish congregate. Armed with this knowledge anglers can return when
the flats are covered with water and benefit from that awareness. Tide charts and apps are valuable because the tide can be varying heights depending on whether you’re fishing in the Gulf or far up a bay. Planning your day to take advantage of these variations can make a real difference in action. No matter what species you target, you’ll have a better chance at success if you understand and track the tides. They can tell you where to concentrate your effort and help you avoid other less productive areas. Pick up a tide chart at your local tackle shop or download one of a number of excellent Apps on your smartphone. That way hopefully you’ll have more ups than downs.
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Center finances stay on budget The Center of Anna Maria Island closed October within 1% of its 2019-20 fiscal year. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The good news from The Center of Anna Maria Island is that the nonprofit is operating exactly on budget, or at least within 1% of it. During a Dec. 9 board meeting, Executive Director Chris Culhane said that though October ended with the nonprofit technically losing money, the results aren’t anything that wasn’t expected in the off season and that December and January are expected to bring an influx of funds as snowbirds return and season gets underway, including the Bradenton Area Concert Series sponsored by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council with The Sandbar as title sponsor for the shows at The Center. The Center ended October with a loss of $107,767 including fundraising and
taking into account all costs. For the fiscal year, The Center is at a loss of $130,189, a variance of $22,421 from budget. Culhane said that some capital improvement programs are still ongoing, including the replacement of the aging air conditioner units in the building. The Center’s annual audit began the week of Dec. 9 for the previous fiscal year, which ended June 30. During the meeting, the board elected John Munn to serve as vice chair with David Zaccagnino remaining as chairman. It also was announced that board is considering adding new members to its numbers in January. Zaccagnino announced the return of the popular monthly bingo night at The Center beginning with the first night at 6 p.m. on Jan. 10 and continuing through March with two other dates, one on Feb. 7 and another on March 6. All games will be played at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
The AME Holiday Shoppe also was designed to teach young children how to handle money.
Kids learn how to shop BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
The art room at Anna Maria Elementary School resembled a department store recently when the school opened an opportunity for students to shop for friends and family. School mom Rajane Monetti helped with choosing merchandise. She sells fashions online. Most students had two opportunities
to visit the store - once to see the merchandise and a second time to make purchases. It appeared the mugs with hot chocolate mix for $5 were popular. All they need now is a post-Christmas cold spell so they can use them. Monetti said this was a good opportunity for the students to get a taste of shopping, making good decisions and handling money
DECEMBER 18, 2019
DECEMBER 18, 2019
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Sha Na Na rocks The Center More than 300 people came out to The Center of Anna Maria Island Dec. 14 to hear famed doowop group Sha Na Na perform as part of the Bradenton Area Concert Series. Spontaneous dance floors were created in the rear of the venue’s entertainment space along with down the aisles and in the front row as attendees bopped to the beat of their favorite hits from the 50s and 60s. The concert kicked off a series of five performances this season at The Center, presented by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. The five shows at The Center also are presented by title sponsor the Sandbar restaurant. KRISTIN SWAIN | THE SUN
Christmas on the Island C E
Candlelight Communion 5:00 & 7:30 PM
C M
Carol Eucharist 10:00 AM Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 941-778-1813
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
The Sandbar – creating memories Adjacent to the historic Sandbar restaurant is the site of the Sandbar Pavilion. Weddings and events at the Sandbar Pavilion are recognized worldwide as award winning and unique. With breathtaking sunsets, exceptional customer service and outstanding food, the Sandbar venue has, for decades, attracted couples celebrating their special day. You too can say your vows on the sugar sand beach in this incredible place. For multiple years, couples of "The Knot" have voted the Sandbar venue top ceremony and wedding site. Readers of weddingwire.com have given the Sandbar the Brides Choice Award continuously. Designated as one of the top venues for destination weddings and special events on the west coast of Florida, the Sandbar Pavilion is a stand-alone, openair pavilion steps from the Gulf of Mexico that can comfortably seat 150 plus guests under the pavilion with additional seating along its perimeter. Innovative menus offer a wide variety of locally sourced and sustainable seafood dishes, land fare and fresh produce grown at the restaurant’s own farm. The Sandbar’s expert culinary team is happy to customize a menu unique to any style or size event. Sandbar Event Sales Manager Kim Lemke will be with you throughout the event. Contact Kim Lemke, 941-757-3737, klemke@chilesgroup.com. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Search reviews on The Knot, and Weddingwire or see photos on their website www.islanddining.com.
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Sarah Foland and David Brothers were married on Oct. 12, 2019, at the Snow Hill Country Club in Wilmington Ohio. Aniston Brothers was their flower girl. Sarah's mother, Mary Ann Haines Foland coordinated the ceremony and reception and also designed all of the floral arrangements in antique vases that belonged to Sarah's grandmothers. Chuck Caudill provided the music for the ceremony and reception. Sarah and David honeymooned on Anna Maria Island. They currently reside in Wilmington, Ohio.
DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG
DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG
Jenny Hall and Adam Yeatts were married on the beautiful beach of Anna Maria Island on Sept. 1, 2019. Jenny's children, Aiden, Quinlan, and Sophie, were in attendance. Karen Riley-Love coordinated the wedding and performed the ceremony. Jenny and Adam honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Abingdon, Va.
DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
Sea level rising expert speaks in Anna Maria Sea level rise expert John Englander believes adaptation and long-range planning are the keys to dealing with sea level change. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Oceanographer, author, sea level rise expert and cofounder of the new nonprofit Rising Seas Institute John Englander gave two presentations at The Center in Anna Maria on Tuesday, Dec. 10. On Tuesday afternoon, Englander addressed about 50 government officials from Anna Maria Island, Manatee County and beyond. That evening, he gave a similar presentation to more than 200 residents. Anna Maria residents Bob Carter and Carol Carter brought Englander to Anna Maria at their own expense to speak at The Center. Carol Carter is an Anna Maria Commissioner and her husband is a member of the planning and zoning board. “I can’t think of a better place to talk about sea level rise than right here,” Bob Carter said when introducing Englander Tuesday afternoon. Carter noted the elevation of the Island ranges from sea level to about eight feet and said, “Whatever’s going to happen is going to happen here.” Carter said he knows sea level rise won’t greatly impact the remainder of his life, but he’s concerned about future generations. Englander began his afternoon presentation by saying, “This is a topic of interest all over the world, but every coastal community thinks it’s their problem.” Using a projection screen, Englander used slides to support his theories and statements. One screen addressed the forms of flooding that include storms, rainfall, extreme tides and rising sea level. “Extreme tides are getting worse,” he said. “The reason high tides are getting higher is because of sea level rise.” Englander said four counties in southeast Florida and the Florida Keys recently added an additional five inches to their 10-year sea level rise projections. He said the three factors of climate change are sustainability, resilience and adaptation – and adaption is the key to addressing sea level rising. Englander said sustainability pertains to reducing greenhouse gases and carbon emissions and turned to alternative energy forms that might help slow the current global warming trend. “It has some relevancy to sea level rise,
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Sea level rise expert John Englander does not believe the melting of existing icebergs contributes to rising sea level. This slide illustrates how Florida’s land mass have changes in the past 120,000 years. but not as much as you think,” he said. He said resiliency is how we endure and recover from a storm or flood. “Sea level rise is a different problem. Sea level rise can no longer be stopped, so we must adapt to it. You can’t be resilient to sea level rise. It’s a new problem we humans have never experienced.” He surprised some when he said, “Melting icebergs have nothing to do with rising sea level. If you float ice cubes in a glass, they’re like icebergs. Draw a line and let the ice melt. The level will not change. Once ice is floating it no longer impacts sea level. It’s already had its impact. The impact happened when the ice went from being a glacier on land and broke off. That’s adding an iceberg.” He also said, “The good news is this can’t happen overnight. I’d be surprised if you get a half-inch in the next three years from sea level rise.” Englander said 98 percent of the world’s ice volume is in Antarctica and Greenland. Greenland, he said, is ground zero for sea level rise because the ice there is melting much faster. “If it all melts, its 25 feet of sea level rise. It’s not going to happen this century, but even if we get a foot or two, we’ve got a problem,” Englander said. “We’d be idiots if we didn’t try to slow the melting. I think we should, but that’s not my issue. I really want to focus on adaptation because lots of people are working on the energy issue.”
When showing a slide titled “Salty Truths,” Englander said, “Rising seas and shifting shorelines are now unstoppable, but on a scale of decades and centuries. It’s going to happen regardless of our reduction of greenhouse gases. There’s no way to stop it.” Englander encourages people to drive electric cars and put solar panels on their roofs, but he doesn’t believe that’s going to prevent the ice melting and the sea levels rising in the next 30 years. Another of Salty Truth pertained to property values. “Property values will be affected before the water will rise. Your property doesn’t go worthless when it’s submerged. It’s impacted when it floods frequently. There’s good evidence that coastal property values are already being affected by concerns about flooding. “Now’s the time to begin to look at future building codes, future transportation criteria, utilities and things like that. People are not going to give up living on the coast. So, I contend
that the places that plan for sea level rise and adapt sooner will have an advantage. Anna Maria Island could be one of those places. That’s for you to decide. What can you do? Get educated and share it with others,” he said. Englander said he recently visited Singapore and the prime minister said on TV that rising sea level is the biggest threat to be faced this century. Englander said Singapore officials are planning for 13 feet of sea level rise. “Thinking a century in advance is normal for them. We think a year’s a long time,” Englander said. Englander’s presentations were followed by a question and answer sessions. During the afternoon session, he was asked what local leaders can do to adapt to sea level rise. “The first and most obvious thing is building codes,” Englander said. He also mentioned road heights, drainage, water plants, wastewater treatment and amortizing public projects over longer periods of time.
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Moose lodge reopens after two-day closure The Moose lodge resumed full operations Monday morning. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 in Bradenton Beach reopened Monday morning, Dec. 16, after being closed for two days for emergency repairs. When contacted Sunday night, Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton explained what happened. “We are having an outfit put new pavers in because our parking lot needs it badly. They had somebody in a Bobcat tearing up the asphalt. They started on Friday,
and everything was going well. Late Saturday morning, I got a call about the toilets not flushing properly. We shut the lodge down, as an emergency, because you can’t have people celebrating and drinking cocktails and not having any facilities to use,” Dalton said. “We called one of our sister lodges and they had a member, Doug Bloomer, who is a plumber and just happened to be near our lodge at the time. They called Doug and asked him to come check it out. He figured out that the Bobcat driver had smashed or cut the top of one of the clean out trap covers. Bloomer, formerly of Code Red Plumbing, now owns and operates A B & Douglas Plumbing in Bradenton. “The sand and dirt and asphalt they dug up fell into the drainpipe and not only filled the drainpipe going out to the street but also the pipe coming back in. We shut the lodge down, helped the plumber dig a hole around the pipes and found that two of them were broke,” Dalton explained. “Doug did a phenomenal job and he stayed there with our chef, Zack Machleit. Zack is an ox, and we call him “The Hulk.” Zack cleared the dirt and water out of the way so Doug could work. We stayed there until about
BYRON DALTON | SUBMITTED
Right, a clean out trap cover was accidentally damaged and had to be replaced. Above, some of the old PVC pipe was removed and replaced with new PVC pipe. 8 o’clock Saturday night to determine the extent of the damage. “Doug got a hold of a friend he used to work with at Wyman Plumbing. They got the parts we needed and by 10 o’clock Sunday morning, they had all the old stuff cut away, the new stuff glued and pieced together and they were putting the last sleeve on. By about 1 o’clock, they had the hole filled in and the trap cover well marked so this doesn’t happen again. “We sent an email to our members and posted at our website that we’d resume full operations Monday morning. We were only closed two days, Saturday and
Sunday. Doug came in and did his magic and we really appreciate what he did for us,” Dalton said. Moose Lodge #2188 will host its annual Moose members’ children’s Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 21.
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REAL ESTATE
DECEMBER 18, 2019
Million dollar homes and taxes T
hree months ago, when I updated my quarterly million dollar and over properties report in our area, I took some pity on wealthy real estate owners around the country who were experiencing a serious slow down in sales. Now I have another reason to empathize with the wealthy or near wealthy particularly those who live in New York City. On July 1 the city of New York, which encompasses not only Manhattan but four other New York City boroughs all with high end properties, increased the so-called mansion tax. The tax escalated from a flat 1 percent for property sales $1 million or more to a progressive tax starting at 1.25 percent on homes between $2 million to $3 million up to a maximum of 3.9 percent on sales $25 million or more. Technically, the buyers are responsible to pay the tax, but rest assured, it is a highly negotiable item, particularly in today’s slow high-end market. Keep in mind the state of New York has had a 1 percent surcharge on all home sales
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER over $1 million for many years. This tax stays the same for New York State homeowners, and only properties within the city of New York are subject to the progressive increase. This is in addition to New York State properties, especially within commuting distance to New York City, having some of the highest property taxes and state taxes in the country. This combined with the cap on state and property tax deductions is the reason New York and other Northeastern states are shedding residents. So, what does this mean to us low tax carefree Floridians? As I’ve previously stated, it probably means a steady influx of well-heeled buyers escaping high taxes and
snow, a lethal combination. If they come to our area, here’s what they’ll find over $1 million based on the August, September and October sales and properties currently on the market as of this writing: Cortez did not sell any $1M or over properties this quarter which is the same as the previous quarter. The city of Anna Maria sold eight properties $1M or over, ranging from $1,000,000 to $1,925,000. Last quarter it closed 13 properties. The combined cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach closed eight properties over $1 million, ranging from $1,025,600 to $3,550,000. Last quarter it closed 14 properties. On the market as of this writing, in Cortez there are two over $1 million properties, residential land for $1,600,000 and a singlefamily home for $1,375,000. Last quarter there were six available. The city of Anna Maria has 59 $1 million or over properties available – one listing at $5,500,000, four listed for $4,000,000 or over, five listed at $3 million or over, 14 listed for $2 million or over
and 35 listed for $1 million or over. Last quarter Anna Maria had 48 properties available. Finally, the combined cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach have 73 properties available – two at $5 million or more, three at $4 million or more, two at $3 million or more, 18 at $2 million or more and 48 at $1 million or more. Last quarter there were 69 available. The statistics for the analysis are compiled from the Manatee County Property Appraisers Office and available properties from relator.com. Although the million dollar and over sales are down a little and the available properties are up a little, considering the month’s analyzed it’s expected. Everyone is getting ready now for the busy winter season listing their properties and waiting for the Northeast escapees to arrive. Florida still has the best weather and lowest taxes in the country, and the high-end buyers especially are starting to take notice. Let’s make sure Florida never has a mansion tax.
www.amisun.com
DECEMBER 18, 2019
THE SUN
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TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Volunteers celebrate The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce held a party on Wednesday, Dec 11, for the volunteers who answer phones and take care of walk-ins. The party was held in the Martinique condo's meeting room. MELISSA BECHLER | SUBMITTED
Santa at Beach House Santa and Mrs. Claus have been busy on Anna Maria Island; they visited the Beach House Restaurant Thursday night before the Anna Maria Holiday Carols in the Park on Friday afternoon.
HOLMES BEACH: 5201 Gulf Drive • ELLENTON: 945 25th Drive East, Suite 10
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THE SUN
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Spring Lake The waters at Spring Lake in Holmes Beach are clear enough to once again see the bottom of the lake. Water testing is planned to take place in January to judge how effective the aeration system installed is and what the next steps may be for the lake.
DECEMBER 18, 2019
www.amisun.com
DECEMBER 18, 2019
THE SUN
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City accepts new beach patrol contract Manatee County leaders offered HBPD officers $15,000 to patrol county beaches in the city for the coming year.
Commissioner Jim Kihm said the ultimate goal is reaching compensation in the amount of $140,000, the amount calculated for the salary, benefits and equipment for one officer for a year.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN Sun Staff Writer | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Police Chief Bill Tokajer presented city commissioners with a new contract from Manatee County for police services at county-maintained beaches in the city for the coming 2020 year during a Dec. 10 meeting. Though Tokajer and Mayor Judy Titsworth can sign the annual agreement, it’s presented to commissioners for informational purposes, along with the amount being offered as compensation for police services by the county. For the coming contract year, the amount offered is $15,000, $5,000
more than in previous years. Titsworth said the relationship between Holmes Beach and county officials is improving but that it’s going to take time to get things where they should be, including the amount of compensation for the services police supply to patrol the beaches. Titsworth said she asked for funding near $20,000 but after discussions with Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea, it was agreed to increase the amount to $15,000 with the possibility of additional funding later in the year if it is available.
Tokajer said annual increases in the amount of funding are now expected and will be pursued each year. Commissioner Jim Kihm said the ultimate goal is reaching compensation in the amount of $140,000, the amount calculated for the salary, benefits and equipment for one officer for a year. The mayor encouraged commissioners to speak to county commissioners, invite them out to Holmes Beach to see the work that police put into patrolling the beaches and help to build a better relationship between city and county officials.
LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.
B AY PA L M S 523 67th Street Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4447854 $899,000
M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 107 66th Street 12 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452254 $875,000
M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 101 66th Street 6 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452260 $600,000
T I DY I S L A N D 51 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4440248 $599,000
HARBOUR LANDINGS 12325 Baypointe Terrace Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4442408 $1,375,000
HARBOUR LANDINGS 12522 Harbour Landings Drive Ralph & Megg Faillace 941-713-9142 A4434327 $495,000
SANDS POINT 100 Sands Point Road 225 Sandi Layfield & Michael Nink, PA 941-914-2807 A4448551 $489,000
T I DY I S L A N D 10 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4452203 $489,000
H O L M E S B E AC H 517 77th Street Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies 941-685-6767 A4452504 $825,000
H O L M E S B E AC H 6403 Holmes Boulevard A & B Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4451978 $725,000
R I V E R DA L E R E V 4712 Compass Drive Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4451405 $529,000
H A R B O U R V I L L A C LU B 615 Dream Island Road 314 Cathy Meldahl & Susan Smith 941-724-7228 A4448279 $499,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 5400 Gulf Drive 22 Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4440903 $325,000
MARSHALL L ANDING 5490 56th Court East Tyler Hardy 941-201-4574 A4411520 $599,900
NEW CONSTRUCTION
MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS
PA L M A S O L A B AY C LU B 7710 34th Avenue W 302 Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4449791 $455,000
OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM
michaelsaunders.com
8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8
michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R
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THE SUN
SPORTS
DECEMBER 18, 2019
Adult basketball championship set: Gulfview Windows to meet Ugly Grouper
moved the ball to the basket with 14 unanswered points, putting the score to 33-48. Moss Builders started making its shots again, with two three pointers by Gillis, pushing the score to 39-50. On another scoring streak, Gardner, DeMers, J. Moss and Shuck all put points up on the scoreboard, giving the Gulfview team an 18-point lead. With the score 41-59, Moss Builders kept pushing to the basket for points. A threepoint basket by McElfresh fell through the net. Trying to gain possession of the basketball, Moss Builders started intentionally fouling the Gulfview squad. Shuck and Gardner both made their free throw shots, ending Gulfview’s scoring with 67 points. Kiester ended the game with a nice three pointer for Moss Builders to give his team their 48th point. Gulfview Windows will match up against Ugly Grouper in the championship game at The Center.
BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
As the adult basketball season moves into the playoffs, Ryan Moss, owner of Moss Builders, finds himself playing against his company sponsored team last Wednesday night as a member of the victorious Gulfview Windows team. In the first semifinal game of the season, Gulfview tops Moss Builders by 18 points after a slow start. Despite winning the game-starting tip off, Jordan DeMers to JB Shuck, Moss Builders’ Trent Gillis made a layup, giving his team the early lead. Gillis followed with his first three pointer, widening the lead 5-0. Gulfview Windows’ Ray Gardner got the basketball to Jon Moss with a precise bounce pass leading to a basket. Getting fouled on the shot, Moss went to the line for a single free throw, moving the score to 5-3. Bradley Coleman, for Moss Builders, made his outside shot for another three, only to be followed by two shots at the line by Shuck for Gulfview. With the score 8-5, Trent Gillis made a layup for Moss Builders. Aggressive defense on the other end of the court put DeMers to the free throw line for two shots. DeMers missed the first one, but hit the second, taking the points to 10-6. Another outside shot was hit by Moss’ Joey McElfresh, with another good shot by Coleman to give their team a nine-point lead. Gardner’s point shooting heated up with a three point shot with 10 minutes left in the half. He followed with a fast break scoring opportunity putting up a layup and getting fouled in the process. Sinking his shot, Moss
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
Left, Gulfview’s Ray Gardner plays a strong defense against Trent Gillis for Moss Builders last Wednesday night. Right, Finding their ups, Jordan DeMers, for Gulfview Windows, battles against Moss Builders’ Trent Gillis in the semifinal game last week. Builders’ lead was decreased to 15-12. McElfresh was called for a foul on Shuck. Shuck’s consistent shooting from the line made it a one-point game with the score 15-14. Finally taking the lead in the game, Gardner made a nice layup, shifting the momentum of the game. Jacob Kiester attempted his first three point shot that went off the rim,. DeMers answered back making his three pointer, giving Gulfview Windows a 15-19 lead. Gillis hit a three, and DeMers put two more points in
the statistic books. R. Moss scored two points after Gardner took the ball down the court for his first basket of the game. With the scoreboard at 1823, R. Moss took the basketball under the basket from a pass by DeMers where he was fouled. R. Moss made the first of two free throws, widening the Gulfview lead by six. Shuck and Gillis each made two point shots for their teams, but Gardner could not hit his outside shot for an additional three Gulfview points. Making both free throw
shots at the line, DeMers once again increased Gulfview’s lead with the score 20-28. After strong scoring, the Gulfview defense got confused at its end of the court, allowing Moss Builders to score an easy two points. Both teams going back and forth down the court, with a strong and successful scoring effort by Moss Builders, ending the half with the score a tight 29-32. The second half of play started with a three point shot by Kiester to tie the game 32-32. This spark was short-lived as Gulfview
SUN SCOREBOARD WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11 SEMIFINAL GAMES
Moss Builders Gulfview Windows
49 67
Progressive Cabinetry Ugly Grouper
43 53
THURSDAY, DEC. 12 QUARTER FINAL GAMES ADULT SOCCER Vintage Beach MuniPlan
11 6
Sato Real Estate Moss Builders
12 2
Blalock Walters Vacasa
5 3
Ross Built Construction Flynn Law
5 6
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
BEACH BEAT ANNA MARIA
121/7, identity theft, 400 block of S. Bay Blvd. The victim’ cell phone was stolen.
BRADENTON BEACH No new reports
CORTEZ
No new reports
HOLMES BEACH
12/5, domestic violence, 2900 block of Avenue B. An argument between turned violent when the boyfriend grabbed the girlfriend on the upper arm, causing pain and red marks. The boyfriend was arrested. 12/5, resisting arrest, and trespassing, 5400 block of Holmes Blvd. A resident called
police to report three drunken males from D Coy Ducks in her yard. When police arrived, One of the males ran from an officer. They caught up with him, and he was in pain from a laceration to his left eye and scratches to the left side of his body. When officers approached him, he swung and kicked at them. An officer tried to use a Taser on him but only one prong hit him. So they used a stun gun. He was belligerent ant threatened them and spit all over the patrol room floor and the officers and hit his head on a door, causing damage. He was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital for evaluation and then jail. 12/8, trespassing and illegally camping on the beach, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer spotted a bike at a picnic table after hours and a trail that led to some bushes. He found two males sleeping. H awakened them and found out they had been caught camping before. He wrote each of them a notice
THE SUN
to appear. 12/9, driving with a suspended license, 4100 Gulf Drive. The officer received an alert from a license plate reader about a driver whose license was suspended and pulled him over. He found the plate sticker to be not assigned to the vehicle. He was ticketed. 12/10, Criminal mischief, 3900 East Bay Drive. A person unknown slashed two tires on the victim’s car.
OBITUARIES William A. Henn William A. Henn, 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his
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loved ones on Dec. 8, 2019. He lived in Harwich, Mass., and Anna Maria, Fla. Prior to his retirement to Cape Cod, Mass., Bill worked as an engineering coordinator for the state of New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety. His lifelong passions and interests included fishing, marathon running, painting, freeflight model aircraft, ballroom dancing and nature conservation. Bill is survived by his three children, daughter Diane F. Henn, of Dennisport, Mass., son William C. Henn, of Clifton, N.J., and daughter Cynthia Percarpio, her husband James, and their two children Scott and Ariana, of Stanhope, N.J. Services will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory can be made to The Harwich Conservation Trust (HarwichConservationTrust.org) or The Nature Conservancy (Nature.org/donate). Notes of comfort may be made to his family at www.MorrisOConnorBlute.com
CAROLS: Lift spirits despite rain FROM PAGE 1
Chamber of Commerce President Terri Kinder served as the contest judges and visited each entry before Friday’s event. “Hopefully next year we’ll have more entries. It was a lot of fun,” Kinder said when the judges were introduced. “I want to thank all of our businesses for entering, you did a fantastic job,” Murphy said. Santa then opened the hermitically sealed envelope and announced Duncan Real Estate won the business category. Sales and rental agent Joey Hutchinson accepted the trophy on behalf of Duncan Real Estate, but he said most of the credit goes to rental agent J.P. Beaubien. “He did all the work,” Hutchinson said of the decorations gracing the real estate office on Pine Avenue. Harry’s Grill, Poppo’s Taqueria, Pink & Navy, Island Cabana, Vacasa, Beach Bums and Two Scoops also competed in the business category. For their home on Gladiolus Street, Santa announced the Craft family as the winners
of the residents category. Santa and the mayor then presented Larry Craft with his lighted, Christmas tree-themed trophy. “I give the credit to my wife (Carol). She’s truly a Christmas angel, and I am her wing man. I didn’t do that much; she did most of it,” Craft told the crowd. “Beautiful job,” Murphy said. “And thank you everyone who entered.” The Johnson family on Kumquat Drive, Steve Coppin and John Polking on Bayview Place and Debbie White on North Bay Boulevard also competed in the residents' category.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Santa then made his way over to his special chair so the children could share their Christmas wishes with him and receive the gift bags he had for them. Standing under an auxiliary tent and accompanied by a talented keyboardist, the choir from the Roser Memorial Community Church performed several Christmas carols, including “Away in the Manger,” before asking the crowd to join in a holiday
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Jack Melancon, Mary Catherine Melancon, Reagan Shuck, Ella Melancon, and Brooklyn Melancon were pleased with Santa’s arrival. sing-along that included “Joy to the World and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Attendees were also treated to free eggnog, Christmas cookies and other refreshments. After performing with the choir, Lorna Smilde was among the grown-ups who paid Santa a visit. When asked what Christmas wish she shared with Santa, Smilde said, “I want peace in this country.” After the performance, Murphy shared with The Sun his thoughts on the festivities.
“With all this rain. I was surprised that we had the great turnout we did. It just shows you the holiday spirit is alive and well in Anna Maria. I’m very pleased and I’m very proud of what the city staff put together for this celebration.” Murphy praised the amazing crew that coordinated the Holiday Bright Lights contest and the Holiday Carols in the Park event and consisted of Haynes, City Clerk LeAnne Addy, Public Works Manager Dean Jones and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Janney.
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FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Renovator's protective cover 5 Not so exciting 10 Soak up the sun 14 "Dies __": Latin hymn 15 Yoga pose 16 Hatchet man __ Brasi of "The Godfather" 17 *Speak carefully to avoid offense 19 Spoken 20 2019 award for author Walter Mosley 21 *Yahtzee, for one 23 Cry of success that can also be a sarcastic admission of failure 26 Ad-__: improvise 29 "__ won't do" 30 Pinch pennies 35 Post-op sites 37 Not fooled by 39 Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum city 40 *Homemade song assortment 42 *Vocally imitate a drum machine 44 Spoken 45 Poetry event 47 Hatcher or Polo 48 Status __ 50 Forget to mention 52 Report card bummer 53 Norse mythology upheaval used as the subtitle of a 2017 "Thor" film 56 *Lunch from home 60 Repairs 64 Marshmallow blackener 65 Kitchen guide ... and where to find the starts of the answers to starred
clues 68 Discomfit 69 Save a ton on the wedding reception? 70 Not pro 71 Sty feed 72 Often __: half the time 73 Check signer Down 1 Life partner 2 Dry as a desert 3 Tolled, as a bell 4 Pie nut 5 Word after hee or yee 6 Spanish bear 7 Most challenging 8 Reversed 9 Dinosaur Jr. frontman J __ 10 Online journal 11 General vibe 12 Take in 13 Leafy vegetable 18 Middle of Q.E.D. 22 __ Sketch 24 Blue-roofed eatery 25 Fishing gear 26 Succotash beans 27 Without warmth
Answers to 12-1-19 Crossword Puzzle.
28 Full-bosomed 31 "Out of the Cellar" metal band 32 Under the covers 33 Boxing legend Archie 34 Impish fairy 36 Incomplete Wikipedia entry 38 "Becoming" memoirist Michelle 41 Add beauty to 43 Mideast noble 46 Scam that takes a while to pay off 49 __ Tar Pits 51 Thick book 54 Irish speakers 55 Meaty fare from a falafel stand 56 Closest pals, initially 57 Tehran money 58 Rice-shaped pasta 59 Shed tears 61 Pitching gem, in baseball slang 62 "i" pieces 63 Hits the slopes 66 Wall St. debut 67 Darling
DECEMBER 18, 2019
DECEMBER 18, 2019
CLASSIFIED
ANNOUNCEMENTS EARLY CLASSIFIED DEADLINES FOR HOLIDAYS. Deadline for the December 25 edition will be December 20 at noon. The deadline for the January 1 edition will be December 27 at noon BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit. com FACE PAINTER/PORTRAIT ARTIST Island student artist, reasonable price for parties, events, and special portraits. Call/text Lillian 210-380-9691 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
KATHY’S CLEANING SERVICE: Professional, responsible, and friendly. I clean residential, and commercial homes, and offices. Please call me for a free estimate: 941-447-4660.
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE
13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216
COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
EMPLOYMENT
ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
NAIL PRO PART TIME for busy LBK salon. Experienced with acrylic, dip, gel a must- friendly, reliable, patient, gentle! Call 941387-9807.
Join the team at the FLORIDA MARITIME MUSEUM to preserve Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage. Assist with collections, school tours and more! Contact 941-708-6120
CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
BOATS: SALES & RENTALS KAYAKS (Two 10 ft PERCEPTION PESCADOR kayaks) with 2017 Malone Trailer. $2000. 2016 Tahiti Craig Cat $11,000. Call Cheryl 863-381-6256.
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 THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570
Call us today! 941-778-3986
FISHING CHARTERS
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP & ANNEX open 9:30-2p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Donations preferred 9a.m.-11a.m. Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Phone 941-779-2733 MOVING SALE- THURSDAY, December 19, 8am-noon, 802 N Bay Blvd. Furniture, nick nacks, pictures, books and more. Best offers.
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. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500
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HOME SERVICES THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571
STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors. Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.
LEGAL NOTICE
HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822. HOME MAINTENANCE. Tile and Laminate installation. Popcorn ceiling removal, Drywall repair, texturing and painting. Call 941-7259876 ISLAND GATER RESTORATION. Painting, Drywall repair, Textures. Island references. 30 years experience. islandgater@gmail. com Call Danny for Free Estimate 864-921-3298
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Latitude 27 intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Tallahassee FL and/or Clerk of the Circuit Court of Manatee, Agerskov Holdings, Inc., 10855 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706
LOST & FOUND FOUND KAYAK. FOUND near Key Royale Bridge Call or text 248 765-5207 LOST ON BEACH Beige Women’s Eye Glasses. $50 REWARD Call John 941705-6068 LOST DIAMOND STONE on Trolley or shops on Anna Maria Island. $500 REWARD. Call 314-324-5921
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing. Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.
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CLASSIFIED
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
AMISUN.COM
Call us today! 941-778-3986
RENTALS: ANNUAL BAY HOLLOW CONDO Beautiful 2BR/2BA canal front condo just off the Island with views of the water, boat dock can be available for use, updated gourmet kitchen. HOA approval required, $1950/mo. Call Paige 513-382-1992 www.teamduncan.com Duncan Real Estate
ANNUAL LEASE: 1BR/1BA Holmes Beach Duplex--$1050 1st, last, sec. Available in December 2BR/1BA Bradenton Beach ground level condo-$1400 1st, last, sec. Available February 1. 2BR/2BA furnished gulf front $2650 Available March 1 $150 application fee. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 LARGE EXECUTIVE HOME Perico, close to beach, 3BR/3BA, Available Now $2400/month 1st, last, and security deposit req'd.. Call Sato Real Estate, Inc at 941-778-7200 or email monica@satorealestate.com
600 FEET TO GULF Bradenton Beach Apartment 2BR/2BA. Canal front. Dead end street. Laundry room, New appliances. Close to Cortez. Call 941-580-5747 2BR/1BA BRADENTON BEACH bottom floor. Walk to Beach and Bay. Washer/ Dryer $1650/mo. First, Last & $400 Security. Will consider small pet. Call 941-705-4737 HOLMES BEACH DUPLEX with Private Pool. Spacious 2BR/2BA, large lania, 2 blocks to Beach. Includes pool service, lawn service, water, garbage. Available February 1 $1900/mo. First, last & security. Credit check required. Call 941-809-2488 NW BRADENTON HOUSE for Rent. Catalina Subdivision. 3BR/2BA on Lagoon. 6 miles to AMI beaches. Available February 1 $1900/mo. First, last & security. Credit check required. Call 941-809-2488
DECEMBER 18, 2019
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 REDEKERCONDOSonAMI.com 941-704-7525 GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190 2BR/2BA BRADENTON BEACH remodeled Available January 1/1/20 and 4/4/20-12/31/20 call 551427-0248
MY HOME AVAILABLE in Anna Maria 20192020 Season. Beautiful 2BR/2BA ground level home with carport. 1 1/2 blocks to Gulf. Updated 2010, new kitchen w/granite counter tops, patio w/ outdoor furniture, plantation shutters, Flat screen TV's in every room. Call 941-5652373 GULF PLACE Gulf Beach Front beautiful 3BR/2BA condo for rent weekly or monthly, fully equipped, gorgeous views, heated pool, tennis court. Call Gayle, Simpson South Realty, 941-812-6489.
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600
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DECEMBER 18, 2019
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DECEMBER 18, 2019