FREE
VOL 15 No. 39
July 29, 2015
Oyster Bar awarded pier lease
The commission’s selection is contingent on the successful negotiation of a pier lease contract. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Oyster Bar is slated to return to the Island where it first began. Last week, city commissioners unanimously agreed to award the lease for the city-owned restaurant space on the Historic Bridge Street Pier to Oyster Bar owner and company president John Horne. Horne will now enter into contract negotiations with Mayor Jack Clarke and City Attorney Ricinda Perry, with the negotiated lease terms subject to final commission approval. If a suitable agreement cannot be reached with the Oyster Bar, the city will turn to the commission’s second choice, the Colorado-based Apeizza pizzeria group led by Rich Foresta.
joe hendricks | sun
Police Chief Sam Speciale congratulates Anna Maria Oyster Bar owner John Horne on being selected as the city’s next restaurant tenant. An express version of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar’s Cortez Road location will be offered on the Historic Bridge Street Pier
see OYSTER BAR, page 13
Officials seek county infrastructure plan Concerns are raised about the impact of new development being approved in the county. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
LONGBOAT KEY – Island elected officials plan to ask Manatee County officials to meet with them to discuss the impact of future development in the county.
The subject was brought up at the July meeting of the officials by Anna Maria City Commissioner Doug Copeland, who pointed out, “The county has given preliminary approval for the Lake Flores project. They continue to grant plans for more and more developments with seemingly no plans for the infrastructure. “I’m not just talking about the Island. If you drive into Bradenton or Sarasota during the season, it’s becoming almost impossible to get around. I’d like us to consider appealing to both Bradenton and the county to stop before they
They continue to grant plans for more and more development with seemingly no plans for the infrastructure.” Doug Copeland Anna Maria commissioner have a plan to deal with this traffic.” The Lake Flores project is planned for the area of 75th Street and Cortez Road and includes 6,500 residential
units, one million square feet of retail space, two million square feet of commercial space and 500 hotel rooms. see plan, page 30
INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey pet evacuation pages outdoors sports real estate police reports
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The sun wins 12 statewide awards from the Florida Press Association. 12
Anna Maria Island, Florida
The county accepts $1,442,091 in BP oils spill money. 4
Mayor seeks new judge in rental injunction case. 3
The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper
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JULY 29, 2015
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Mayor seeks new judge in rental injunction The city commission will discuss the injunction at a shade meeting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, preceding the 6 p.m. work session. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy filed a motion last week to disqualify Circuit Judge John Lakin from presiding in a case where a group of rental home owners and developers filed for an injunction against a deadline imposed by the city’s vacation rental home ordinance. During a July 15 hearing, Lakin said his wife used to work for Island Real Estate and still keeps her license active with the company. Island Real Estate is one of the plaintiffs in the case because it belongs to the Anna Maria
Island Vacation Property Association, a named plaintiff in the case. Murphy and City Attorney Becky Vose met with attorneys for the plaintiffs last week, but are not discussing the case until a shade meeting on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 5 p.m. with the City Commission Rental managers and developers filed the request for an injunction because the City Commission passed a requirement that rental homeowners provide the city with the contracts with renters that were made before the rental ordinance was passed. The deadline was less than 30 days from the date the law was passed. Plaintiff’s attorneys Kevin Hennessy and Jennifer Cowan said they also had some privacy issues with the new law. Until the issues are resolved, the injunction on the deadline still stands.
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Reaching up Workers have hooked up equipment to the Anna Maria cell phone tower and installed smooth surface panels. They also removed an American flag and an Arbor Day flag that were hung after the tower went up. Brett Buggeln of Florida Tower Partners, which built the tower, said the timing of when it will be operational would be up to Verizon, the only carrier signed up for the tower. He said AT&T, which also signed up, had not made a move to get its equipment on the tower. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
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ISLAND NEWS
in brief
Fire board lowers assessment rate On July 16, commissioners of the West Manatee Fire Rescue District rescinded an increase in fire assessment rates that they approved in May and approved adopting the same rates as the 2014-15 fiscal year. Rates are as follows: • Vacant lot: $23.24; • Single-family residential, condo, mobile home, travel trailer, mixed residential: $176.23 for the first 1,000 square feet and .104 cents per additional 1,000 square feet; • Multi-family residential: $176. 23 and .104 cents per additional 1,000 square feet per unit; • Commercial: $415.86 for the first 1,000 square feet and .18 cents per additional 1,000 square feet. Residential structures with sprinkler systems are discounted 25 percent.
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JULY 29, 2015
County takes BP spill offer
The county will put the money into the budge surplus and decide later where to spend it. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
In a special meeting last week, the Manatee County Commission voted unanimously to accept an offer of $1,442,091 for the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. The meeting was called while commissioners were on summer recess so Commission Chair Betsy Benac and Commissioner Robin DiSabatino participated via phone to vote because they were unavailable. Commission Larry Bustle was on medical leave and did not participate. Chief Assistant County
Attorney Robert Eschenfelder announced the settlement and he said the attorneys would get 20 percent of that amount and court expenses would eat up a little more. He did not have an exact figure after expenses. He said the county would receive the money in the fall. The amount of the settlement was reached by comparing revenues before and after the spill. They multiplied that figure by two to compensate for future damages. Manatee County decided to seek damages and hired a legal team in 2013 that specialized in applying for damages. The county expects to receive more money from RESTORE, the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast Act of 2012. That
money would go toward damage to natural resources. The settlement announced last week applies to economic losses, according to Eschenfelder. RESTORE funds have to be spent on natural resources while the settlement announced last week would be put into the county budget’s general fund, for the board of commissioners to decide later. Individual cities in the county have also reached settlement. While Bradenton did not pursue funds, Palmetto accepted a $364,383 settlement offer in July 15. Bradenton Beach got $333,l83, which translates to $210,797 after legal fees; Anna Maria will net $84,254 from the $120,363 it accepted; and Holmes Beach accepted a $126,645 settlement. A net figure was unavailable.
Bridges might see slowdowns The Florida Department of Transportation reports construction projects on two of Anna Maria Island’s three drawbridges. Crews are working on the Anna Maria Island Bridge on State Road 64, also known as Manatee Avenue. Expect nighttime/overnight single-lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Daytime sidewalk closures are also required. One sidewalk will remain open at all times. The project is expected to be finished by this fall. Crews are sweeping bicycle lanes on State Road 789, also known as Gulf of Mexico Drive, from the Longboat Key Bridge to 13th Street South. Expect intermittent daytime north and southbound lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Wednesday, July 29.
Legislative delegation to meet Aug. 24 The Manatee County Legislative Delegation will meet on Aug. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the State College of Florida’s auditorium at Lakewood Ranch Campus, 7131 Professional Parkway E., Sarasota. Informational material must be turned into the office of Rep. Greg Steube, 722 Apex Rd., Suite A., Sarasota, by 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 17. Presenters must provide Steube’s office with 18 copies of the information, which must be collated and three-hole punched. Groups and presenters will be placed on the agenda in the order that the office receives their information for presentation. For further information, call Steube’s office at 941-341-3117.
‘Global settlement’ closer to completion Final approval will help end a long-running dispute about BeachHouse parking. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Commissioners have tentatively approved on first reading a small scale comp plan amendment, a rezoning request and a special exception request submitted on behalf of BeachHouse restaurant owner Ed Chiles. The approvals were granted during last week’s commission meeting, and a second and final reading is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12. All three actions are part of the efforts to meet the remaining conditions of the “global settlement” agreement introduced by former Mayor Bill Shearon and approved by the commission in March. The intent of the global settlement is to settle four lawsuits involving the city and/or Shearon, including a 2012 suit Shearon, Tjet Martin and Jo Ann Meilner filed against the city in their objec-
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
This property owned by restaurateur Ed Chiles is part of a global settlement designed to end multiple lawsuits. tion to a commission-approved joint development agreement that granted Chiles parking rights and allowed for parking-related improvements to be made on the southern end of his BeachHouse property. The development agreement also called for the city to develop a small public parking area south of and adjacent to the Chiles property. The Shearon/Martin/Meilner lawsuit was based in part on the
argument that parking is prohibited on property maintaining a preservation zoning designation, and Shearon withdrew as a plaintiff when he was elected mayor in 2013. The comp plan amendment changes the property’s land use designation from preservation and park/recreation/open space to park/recreation/open space only. Removing the preservation zoning SEE BEACHHOUSE, PAGE 25
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Commission wades through moratorium ordinance Commissioners will wait to address items related to the vacation rental ordinance until after they meet Thursday, Aug. 13. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – City commissioners began working on issues that need to be settled before they can drop a moratorium on building permits for homes with four or more bedrooms or rooms that could be used as bedrooms. In a work session held after their regular meeting, commissioners worked out details of what they need to change or affirm before they could lift the moratorium. On the issue of minimum bedroom size, they discussed the need to tie the size of bedrooms to the size of the lot, but they did not finalize it and won’t until after the
shade meeting at 5 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 13. On the matter of whether the city can count swimming pools toward the lot coverage requirement, Commissioner Dale Woodland was against it. Commissioner Carol Carter agreed, saying the city has more pools now and they cut down on the natural leeching of rainwater into the ground. Commissioners agreed to count all new pools toward lot coverage, but exempt all existing pools. On the issue of impact fees, the city has none now, mostly because it is built out and impact fees can only apply to new construction. City Planner Alan Garrett said to get impact fees, they would have to hire a consultant to figure out the amount of money that is needed to for infrastructure per house. The money can only be used for improvement. That figure has to be revised every five years. Woodland said to forget it because
he feels impact fees don’t work. Commissioner Doug Copeland disagreed with Woodland, saying any fee would bring money to the city, but he felt impact fees for services supplied by the county, such as water and sewer, should be exempt from city impact fees. Commission Chair Chuck Webb said they could use county figures to come up with fees for those services. Carter said she would like to see an impact fee for the effect a new building would have on nature. Copeland suggested a fee for recreation as required in the comp plan. Mayor Dan Murphy said he would explore the issue with a consultant to determine if they would be worth enacting. The commission agreed. Under the subject of building code/fire code amendments to ensure the safety of non singlefamily residential use buildings, they agreed the water pressure is too low to ensure that safety. A fire marshal was quoted as saying there
isn’t enough pressure to fight two fires on the Island at one time. As for basing building permit fees on the square footage of the project, Copeland said the city already makes enough money from the fees, but Murphy said he needs to spend more to cover the rush for permits the city has experienced. As for separating building permits from other development permits, the city ties all the zoning review and other matters to the building permit. Webb wants to have a zoning permit and a building permit. “A building permit is just for boards and nails,” he said. Garrett said they are starting to go over all the plans before they even accept an application. Once they get an application, they have 30 days to issue a permit. They decided to leave things as they are. The commission will work on the other matters at a work session next month
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OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
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JULY 29, 2015
EDITORIAL Welcome home, Oyster Bar
G
ood things have been happening down in Bradenton Beach lately and especially on Historic Bridge Street. The heart and soul of this beach community at the southern end of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street now stands as an example of how to bring back an area suffering from economic blight and turn it into a healthy, lively destination for tourists and locals alike. The jewel in this business district's crown should be the Historic Bridge Street Pier. It is uniquely positioned at the water's edge to provide not only wonderful views of Anna Maria Sound and the IntraCoastal Waterway, but also excellent fishing and fun dining options. Unfortunately, the dining part of that equation for success has been languishing for years. Inexperienced, under-captialized franchisees, saddled with ill-conceived and financially punishing leases from the city, combined to doom the most recent attempts at establishing a good restaurant on the pier. Add in severe damage from storms plus general wear and tear that kept the pier closed for what seemed like forever, and you have a recipe for just what has happened: failure.
T
hat is why last week's city commission decision awarding the new pier lease to Anna Maria Oyster Bar owner John Horne generated such overwhelming approval and, yes, excitement among city leaders and residents. Horne, whose first Oyster Bar location was on the Anna Maria City Pier back in the 90s, was selected from four bidders. In our opinion, Horne is an excellent choice. First, he not only has years of experience running restaurants but also has had great success doing so. He is a known commodity and brings with him the stability that has been so lacking on the pier for years. Now, of course, comes the tough part - negotiating the details of the lease. In the past, we believe the city has exacted too high a financial price for the start-up restaurants to actually make a go of it. And while we don't advocate giving away the store, we do hope city officials remember recent history and keep in mind that nobody makes any money if the pier remains closed. The opportunity for success on the pier finally is staring us in the face. Getting a deal done that's fair to both sides will be good for the city and good for business. Seize this day and everyone will be the winners.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Thanks, mateys The Anna Maria Island Privateers wish to thank the more than 30,000 people who showed up on the Fourth of July to stand along the parade route to watch and partake in our hosted parade. I have never seen so many American flags being waved, and all the chanting of U-S-A. Thanks go out to: the cities of Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria for permitting us to invade there towns; the police, who ensured it was a safe and well organized event; all the local media for supporting us to get the word out; the Kirby Post Riders for filling in and being our Honor Guard to lead the parade; and last but not least, the 147 parade participants who took their time and money to decorate their floats and provide the booty to share. Participants like Sue and James Simpson, the Krewe of Santa Margarita, Hernado Desoto, ReMax, Wicked Cantina, Lapensee Plumbing, Tyler's Ice Cream, Bark Realty and the 59th Street Patriots, just to name a few. The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field
You made this the largest parade in Privateer history. The parade was free to all, as the Privateers, in our way, paying for all the expenses, to give back to the Island which supports our mission of “Pirates for Kids and Community” all year long. Thanks also to the McClarren Family - I am sorry that you were pelted with the water guns, I can say that it was not from our flagship Skullywag. We can only control so much, but let it also be said that we Privateers were also pelted from the onlookers along the parade route with water guns and water balloon. I guess I’m just thankful it was only water and done in celebration of our Independence Day and not in the form of protest. I have to tip me old Pirate hat to all the Privateers who give their time and money to make this a great event on Anna Maria Island. Hope to see you all for our Christmas parade on December 12. God Bless you all and this great nation. Tim “Hammer” Thompson Privateers Fourth of July parade chairman
Layout Ricardo Fonseca
Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis
Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks
Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistant Chris Boniberger
Columnists Louise Bolger
Classified ads Bob Alexander
Don't accept BP money I'm in total agreement with the recent editorial in the Sun regarding the BP oil fraud money that all the island cities are benefiting from. Mayors and city administrators please inform the public proof of loss revenue and why you feel you should receive easy money from BP. I also know of several restaurants and employees on the island who filed loss income against BP as well and were compensated. There's enough fraud in Florida already. According to Florida auto insurance companies one in three claims is false and the reason Florida auto insurance is high compared to other states. Back when the BP spill occurred there were many news stories stating how our area of Florida actually benefited in tourism. The Sun, along with several other newspapers, published a photo of me with the caption, "Come visit AMI where the sun is shining, the water is crystal blue and the only oil you'll find on
Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Web Jocelyn V. Greene Accounting John Reitz
SEE LETTERS, PAGE 7
Distribution Bob Alexander Keith Isner Tony McNulty Contributors Steve Borggren Tom Breiter Monica Simpson
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JULY 29, 2015
THE SUN
the sun survey
on the agenda
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: How should Holmes Beach make up its $650,000 budget shortfall?
Anna Maria
4%
Build a third bridge to the mainland.
15%
Increase selected user fees.
17%
A combination of all listed.
10005 Gulf Drive
8/5: City Commission budget work session, 6 p.m. For information, call 7086130.
Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.
8/5: Capital Improvement Projects, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday July 29
AMI Community Connections fellowship, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.
64%
Increase its ad velorum tax rate.
Reduce spending.
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY Where would you like to see the county and cities spend their BP oil spill money?
rooms and • On sand dune showers on the projects to protect beaches. the beaches. • On environmen- • For lobbyists to fight oil drilling in tal education for the Gulf. residents and visitors. • For more rest-
To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.
View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun
HOW TO SEND US A LETTER TO THE EDITOR Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are several ways to make your opinion known. Visit our website at www.amisun.com and click on the “contact us” link at the top of the home page. Or, e-mail The Sun directly at news@amisun.com. If you prefer the old-fashioned way you can mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, Island Sun Plaza, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. Letters also may be edited for length and content.
Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive
None scheduled For information, call 7085800.
Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.
Thursday Aug. 6
Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Thursday
Saturday
School age summer program, “Surapsari Asian Dance,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Quilting group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
Origami class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
July 30
Monday Aug. 3
Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
Tuesday Aug. 4
Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday Aug. 5
LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun
8/5: Pier Team, 11 a.m. 8/6: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m. For information, call 7781005.
mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.
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AMI Community Connections fellowship, AMI
Aug. 8
Monday Aug. 10
Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
Tuesday Aug. 11
Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday Aug. 12
AMI Community Connections fellowship, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.
letters FROM PAGE 6
our beaches is suntan oil." City leaders and everyone else who filed false claims and were compensated by BP, ask yourself this: Will you feel good when you're sitting in church this Sunday? Also, ask yourself this: What have we taught our children on the Island? Tracy Eckert Bradenton Beach
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JULY 29, 2015
Mayor seeks reduced law enforcement cost Mayor Dan Murphy said he would investigate alternatives to using the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy is standing his ground after getting a bid for law enforcement services from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. “It represents a 7 percent increase, and over the last two years, it is a 10 percent increase,” Murphy said at last Thursday’s City Commission meeting. The city of Anna Maria paid $615,543 for fiscal year 2013—2014 and the next year it increased to $641,048. The proposal for 2015-2016 is $685,626. Murphy talked with Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer, who proposed eight officers to patrol the city for more than the city as paying for the sheriff’s deputies. He said he also looked into starting a police force and it would be between $1 million and $2 million. Murphy said he would come up with a counterproposal but for now, he doesn’t want the city to pay that much. “I have to put my foot down on a 7 percent increase,” he said. “The staff of the Sheriff’s Office got a 4 percent raise across the board.”
Monday, Murphy said he had talked with Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker about the 4-percent raise and he told Murphy the money had already been budgeted by the county. Murphy said the Sheriff’s Office was charging the city for the raise too. “That’s double-dipping,” he said. “That’s what I’m dealing with.” Murphy expressed his dissatisfaction with the Sheriff’s Office offer at the city commission meeting last Thursday, saying, “I’m satisfied with the service, but not the price.” Another service contract was discussed at the meeting, this one with MT Causley for building official services. Murphy looked at alternatives to having Causely provide a building official after Bob Welch, longtime building official assigned by Causley to serve the city, moved on to another position. The current building official is also supplied by Causley, and Murphy wants to make it permanent, but Causley wants more money. “They offered a 4 percent raise and we countered with ‘No,’” Murphy told the commissioners. “They countered with just over 2 percent, and I’m going to need 30 more days to negotiate.” The commission voted unanimously to extend negotiations. In other action, the commission approved a budget amendment that would take $60,000 from reserve funds
I have to put my foot down on a 7 percent increase. The staff of the Sheriff’s Office got a 4 percent raise across the board.” Dan Murphy Anna Maria mayor
to the general fund for attorney fees, $75,000 from the reserves to the budget for City Pier Park improvements and $37,000 from the restricted road reserve/fuel tax fund to pay for recent road paving projects. They also voted to have the city clerk sign the election services agreement with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections for the Nov. 3 general election. The commission also approved the millage for the next fiscal year’s budget at 2.05, the same rate as the current millage. Murphy said the city could accommodate an increase in spending without raising the millage, which is
also known as the property tax rate. “We will get more money because of the 8.8 percent appreciation of land values plus money from the BP oil spill ($84,254) and the cell phone tower rent ($365,000),” he said. However, while it is good to have lots of cash, the city’s reserves are languishing, he said. “We have about $2 million in reserve, and that should be drawing a lot of interest, but the budget shows interest at $150,” he said. “The state has a program for governments to earn interest, and I’m going to look at it.”
JULY 29, 2015
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JULY 29, 2015
Pier inspection begins The structural inspection of the Anna Maria City Pier was scheduled to begin July 28 and last until July 31, weather permitting. Divers will inspect the pier’s undercarriage and each piling to assess its overall condition. CB&I and Bridge Design Associates are conducting the inspection using divers with underwater photography. Their final report will be used as a guide toward overhauling the pier, which is a popular tourist destination in Manatee County. The county is paying for half of the study and the
city of Anna Maria is paying the rest. Divers will be around and under the pier between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the four days. The pier will remain open to pedestrians during that time and fishing will be allowed on designated sections of the pier. It will be limited to the T portion of the pier for two of the four days and for the other two days, it will be allowed only on the boardwalk. Anna Maria Public Works Director George McKay will oversee the project for the city.
Chamber networking in August The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has opportunities for members to network with other members of the Island business community in August. Here’s the rundown. • Wednesday, Aug. 5, there will be a business luncheon at the Bridge Tender Inn, 135 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for prospective members. An RSVP is required. • Wednesday, Aug. 12 is the monthly sunrise breakfast at Anna Maria Island
Beach CafÊ, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach from 7:45 to 9 a.m. The cost is $8 for members and $16 for prospective members. An RSVP is required. • Wednesday, Aug. 26 is the Business Card Exchange at Hancock Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members. An RSVP is requested. To RSVP, contact the AMI Chamber at 941-778-1541.
Sweet Onion Crusted South Florida Mahi - SoMa Creek Side
“
I love owning a restaurant that is truly Original and local. I came back to my hometown of Bradenton and utilize my culinary skills to create food and community at SoMa Creek Side. The food is unique and flavorful, utilizing local ingredients and incorporates Southern food with a sophisticated flair. Come join us as we grow our connections through great food, friends and community.
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Dave Shiplett, chef/proprietor, SoMa Creek Side
EAT LIKE A LOCAL DineOriginal.com 15 South Ristorante • Andrea’s • Anna Maria Oyster Bar • Beach House • The Bijou CafÊ • Bridge Street Bistro • The Broken Egg • CafÊ Baci • CafÊ Gabbiano • CafÊ L’Europe • CafÊ Venice • Caragiulos • Cedar Reef Fish Camp • Ciao! Italia • Cosimo’s Restaurant & Catering • The Crow’s Nest • Derek’s • Drunken Poet CafÊ • Duval’s • Euphemia Haye • Fast N Fresh • Gold Rush BBQ • Gulf Drive CafÊ + Tiki • Half Shell Seafood House • Harry’s Continental Kitchens • JPAN Restaurant • Lobster Pot • Lynches Pub & Grub • Madfish Grill • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub • Michael John’s • Michael’s On East • mi Pueblo • Ophelia’s On The Bay • Ortygia Restaurant • Pacific Rim • Pattigeorge’s • Pier 22 Restaurant • Polo Grill & Bar • Primo! Ristorante • Riverhouse Reef & Grill • Roessler’s Restaurant • Salute! Restaurant • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits • Savory Street • Sharky’s On The Pier • Siesta Key Oyster Bar • SoMa Creek Side • Tsunami • Village CafÊ • The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria • The White Horse Pub
JULY 29, 2015
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THE SUN
JULY 29, 2015
Sun takes home a dozen awards The Anna Maria Island Sun wins 12 statewide journalism awards over the weekend at the Florida Press Association annual conference, held at the Lake Mary Westin Hotel. STAFF REPORT - The Sun Newspaper and its staff were recognized for excellence in journalism Friday in the 2014 Florida Press Association Better Weekly Newspaper Contest, receiving awards for efforts in news reporting; feature writing; news, feature and portfolio photography; column writing; headline writing and political cartooning. Judges in the competition, which drew entries from weekly and daily newspapers throughout the state, commended The Sun’s entire staff for the publication’s overall general excellence, citing “well-written and researched stories,” “great photography” and well-done cartoons that “capture the mood and concept” of important local issues. The newspaper competed in Division B, which includes publications with circulations of 7,000 to 15,000. More than 2,000 contest entries were submitted this year, with a record number of newspapers participating and another record number of journalists attending the conference and awards ceremony in Lake Mary. The Sun was the only publication from Anna Maria Island to be honored in the event. The 2014 awards are:
FIRST PLACE
• Cindy Lane: State & Local Tax Reporting (The Florida TaxWatch Award), for a series of stories on Manatee County’s efforts to collect resort taxes. The judges said: “Well written and researched, the series of stories raised awareness of the tax issue.” • Steve Borggren: Original, Local Editorial Cartoon titled “Remaining assets,” which depicted the Anna Maria Island Community Center’s struggle to stay afloat financially. The judges commented: “Getting an image to hit its viewer immediately is hard. This cartoon captured the mood and the concept of the issue with simplicity. Well done.”
First PLACE State & Local Tax Reporting (The Florida TaxWatch Award CINDY LANE
First PLACE original local editorial cartoon “Remaining assets” STEVE BORGGREN
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPORTING Bradenton Beach forfeiture of office JOE HENDRICKS
BEST HEADLINE “Granny Get Your Gun” MIKE FIELD
OUTDOOR & RECREATION REPORTING Local efforts to save pelicatns Cindy Lane
SERIOUS COLUMN “Respect the manatee’s river” Cindy Lane
COMMUNITY HISTORY “Searching for explosives around Egmont Key” CINDY LANE
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
GENERAL EXCELLENCE ANNA MARIA ISLAND STAFF
PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHY CINDY LANE
of office proceedings. Throughout the writings, the reporter kept opinion out of his stories and thoroughly explained possible outcomes ... ” • Mike Field: Best Headline, for “Granny Get Your Gun,” a story about an Anna Maria Island grandmother who brandished her handgun and confronted a burglar in her house. “Great headline for this story,” the judges said.
• Cindy Lane: Outdoor and Recreation Reporting, for a series of stories on local efforts to save pelicans and turtles from becoming entangled in abandoned fishing line. “Reporter Cindy Lane is a true friend of nature. Her fine reporting spotlights important protection awareness issues for readers,” the judges wrote. • Cindy Lane: Serious column, (The Sally Latham Memorial Award), for her Coast Lines column titled “Respect the manatee’s river,” which expressed concerns over the course chosen for a power boat race in the Manatee River. The route was scheduled to cut directly through an area where manatees mate. After the column was published, the course was altered to avoid the area. Judges commented: “This column dealt with a hot local subject and offered alternatives and solutions.” • Cindy Lane:
SPOT NEWS PHOTO BREAKING NEWS STORY “Blessing all creatures Local fisherman takes great and small” case to supreme court Cindy Lane Cindy Lane
Community History, for a story about the U.S. Army searching for old explosives on the beaches in and around Egmont Key. Judges comment: “Great lead image, and an interesting tale.”
THIRD PLACE
• Sun staff: Overall General Excellence. “The Sun presents its local reports colorfully and with great detail. A good variety.” • Cindy Lane: Portfolio Photography, (The Robert J. Ellison Award), for a series of photos on a variety of subjects. “The photogra-
FEATURE PHOTO “Mom and daughter selfie” mike field
pher has a good eye for her subjects.” • Cindy Lane: Spot News Photo, for her photo titled “Blessing all creatures great and small” on a blessing of the animals ceremony at a local church. The judges called this “A great feel good photo.” • Cindy Lane: Breaking news story, about a local fisherman who took his court case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and won. “Good local story with a tie to the Supreme Court.” • Mike Field: Feature photo of a mother and daughter taking selfies of themselves at sunset on Anna Maria Island. “Candid view of a fun moment,” the judges said.
“The Sun presents its local reports colorfully and with great detail. A good variety.” Judge’s remarks
SECOND PLACE
• Joe Hendricks: Local Government Reporting, for continuing coverage of efforts to remove the Bradenton Beach mayor from office through “forfeiture of office” procedures. The judges commented: “Well-written reports and extensive coverage on forfeiture
First place for state and local tax reporting went to Sun reporter Cindy Lane.
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Oyster Bar a popular choice Positive feedback has been received in support of the commission’s decision. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The City Commission’s decision to award the pier-based restaurant space to the Anna Maria Oyster Bar appears to be well-received. Although he hoped to be the winning bidder, and offered a higher compensation package than the Oyster Bar, Colorado-based Apeizza and Angelo’s pizzeria owner Rich Foresta was gracious in his acceptance of the commission’s decision to go with a wellknown local establishment instead. “I think it’s fair. He should have gotten it; he’s been here a long time. I hope he does well,” Foresta said, after the commission decided last week to award the pier lease to Oyster Bar owner and President John Horne. Foresta said he is OK with being the commission’s second choice and first alternative, and is still interested in the space if the city
joe hendricks | sun
Anna Maria Oyster Bar owner John Horne discusses his proposal with the city commission during last week’s meeting cannot reach an agreement with Horne. Foresta has been visiting the Island for more than 30 years, and the commission’s decision has not dampened his enthusiasm to open a pizzeria on the Island. After last
week’s meeting, he said he planned to continue his search for an alternate location later that day. Police Chief and Pier Team advisory board chair Sam Speciale said, “I’m thrilled that
they’re coming back to the Island. We’ve had a long relationship with them, and I think it’ll just get better now that they’re back home again.” Via e-mail, Bridge Street Merchants President Angela Rodocker said, “We are so excited to welcome Anna Maria Oyster Bar to Bridge Street, and we know John Horne and his team will add something special to this already special part of Anna Maria Island.” Paradise Boat Tours owner Sherman Baldwin is among those who plans to submit a proposal to lease the bait shop and office/ retail space that are also located on the pier. In regard to the Oyster Bar decision, he said, “The Bradenton Beach pier has a new breath of life. This is great news, and good things are on the horizon for the pier and Bradenton Beach.” John Maguire is also interested in the bait shop and he and Baldwin have discussed a possible partnership. “I’m ecstatic. They made the right choice. If I get the bait shop the pier’s going to be a happy place. There were 96 people fishing on the pier Friday,” Maguire said.
Oyster bar: coming to Bridge Street Pier FROM PAGE 1
Proposals submitted by Bradenton Beach Marina owner Al Bazzy and a Tampa group interested in opening a sushi restaurant failed to receive final commission consideration. Because the Oyster Bar proposal did not include the neighboring bait shop and small office/retail space, the fate of those two spaces will be determined once the restaurant lease has been negotiated. Although the commission unanimously favored the Oyster Bar, commissioners expressed concerns about the compensation package offered. “I think the Anna Maria Oyster Bar would be perfect for Bradenton Beach. The problem I have is that they were the low bidder,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said, before the vote took place. “I agree,” Commissioner Janie Robertson added. Referencing previous failures experienced
at that location by the Cast-n-Cage and Rotten Ralph’s, Vice Mayor Ed Straight expressed support for the Oyster Bar. “I think they would be the best fit. They’ve been successful, and we’ve had a lot of un-success in the past, so that’s why I favor them,” he said. Commissioner John Shaughnessy expressed support for the Oyster Bar, but questioned its financial terms. “They have a business plan, a commitment, and they’re looking to be here for 20 years. This is our third strike. I honestly believe if we don’t make it this time, nobody’s ever going to come in here,” he said. “I’m not too happy with the money, but he’s not going in with both feet, and I think that’s a smart thing. When the contract comes up, we can run through that again,” he added. After the meeting, Shaughnessy said, “Everyone in this area knows the Oyster Bar and I think one right here on the pier is going to be
very successful.” During the meeting, Clarke said, “The Anna Maria Oyster Bar is an institution in this area and would serve us well, but the disparity in compensation must be addressed.” Afterwards, he said, “We look forward to negotiating the contract and a quick occupancy of the pier facility. I am pleased that both the first choice and the alternate are primarily restaurant operations. We’ll be able to continue the tradition of maintaining a restaurant on our pier. I think we did a good job and made the proper selection.” Clarke said preliminary negotiations with Horne could begin as early as this week.
Coming home
As he left city hall, Horne stopped to discuss his company’s anticipated return to the Island, where the original Anna Maria Oyster Bar operated on the Anna Maria City Pier from 1996 to 1999 before relocating and opening two
locations in Bradenton and a third in Ellenton. “We’re excited as we can be. We’ve been off the Island for 16 years, so it’s a chance to come home. A lot of regular customers that have been eating with us for years will be able to come to a closer location,” he said, noting that he plans to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. “I truly believe that we can come to an agreement where everybody will win. They’ll make money, we’ll make money and everybody will be happy,” he said of the forthcoming contract negotiations with the city. “I wish we could open tomorrow, but our realistic goal will probably be December or January.” he added. “It takes a while to negotiate, and then it takes a while to get the permitting for the remodeling, but we’ll start making plans today. We hope to put in an overhang to cover up more of that deck, so more people can enjoy being outdoors and beauty of being on that pier.”
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JULY 29, 2015
Part III: How much is enough?
n Parts I & II of this series, we reviewed the process of planning for how much retirement income will need to be generated by your investment plan to supplement Social Security and pension income. We also highlighted how longer life expectancies and personal goals of retirees can create stress on a retirement income plan. If you missed Parts I & II you can read them by visiting my blog under the “About” tab at www.breitercapital. com or at the Sun’s archives at www. amisun.com In this final segment we will review the safe withdrawal rate concept and give an example of how to calculate an appropriate retirement nest egg for your income needs. This includes the income to support your desired retirement lifestyle and leaving a legacy to your chosen heirs. The original work on the safe withdrawal rate was done by William Bengen, a financial planner from southern California. Using historical return data on the stock and bond market including good and bad times, he concluded that a 50-50 mix of stocks and bonds could support a 30-year retirement distribution period if the initial with-
Investment Corner TOM BREITER drawal rate was limited to 4.2 percent, and then adjusted by 3 percent annually for inflation. The success of this plan depended on the investor staying in the markets through thick and thin and not abandoning the plan. Subsequent studies on this topic have expanded Bengen’s work to include additional asset classes such as small cap stocks, international stocks and REITs. The addition of more asset classes along with annual rebalancing of the portfolio has been shown to increase the safe withdrawal rate closer to 5 percent, with a 95 percent probability of success. For our purposes of calculation, we’ll use 4.5 percent as the safe withdrawal rate. So, let’s conclude with a hypothetical example. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are planning their retirement. They will collect Social Security of $35,000 per year combined at full retirement age,
which coincides with their retirement date objective. Mrs. Brown will have a small pension of $5,000 per year from a teacher’s assistant job she held earlier in her career. Their combined income today is $120,000. They have reviewed their anticipated retirement lifestyle and believe that 80 percent of their current income, or $96,000, will be sufficient for their needs and discretionary spending goals in retirement. With $40,000 of guaranteed income from Social Security and Mrs. Brown’s pension, they need to create $56,000 of additional income to achieve their goals. If we take their additional income needed ($56,000) and divide by the safe withdrawal rate of 4.5 percent (0.045), we realize that they will need to have an investment plan total of $1,244,444 at retirement in order to meet their goal of having inflation adjusted income with a high probability they will not run out of money during their lifetimes. They can now review what they have in their investment accounts today and come to a conclusion on some savings goals to help them reach the total investment objective.
If they find they will not be able to reach the goal, there are choices that can help. One great strategy is to work another year or two, which helps in two ways. First, working longer allows for more savings and growth of assets in the investment plan. Second, by working longer and delaying Social Security, they will realize an increase in benefits – an additional 8 percent per year between their full retirement age and age 70. Obviously this is a simple example and there are a multitude of other factors that could change the calculation, such as the Browns inheriting money from relatives, forced early retirement due to health conditions or the need to take care of aging parents. Life makes this a complicated process, but by starting with the basic calculation and adjusting for other factors, you can arrive at a plan. Tom Breiter is president of Breiter Capital Management, Inc., an Anna Maria based investment advisor. He can be reached at 778-1900. Some of the investment concepts highlighted in this column may carry the risk of loss of principal, and investors should determine appropriateness for their personal situation before investing. www.breitercapital.com
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City seeks bids for toilets H O L I S T I C
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The public response to questioning by members of the Pier Park Committee indicated the majority wanted a public toilet. BY TOM VAUGHT
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941.778.8400 | 2219 Gulf Drive N. | Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
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SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The first step toward turning the six lots the city owns into City Pier Park is underway. Mayor Dan Murphy has posted a request for bids for a stand-alone building with a men’s and ladies’ toilet, changing stations, a drinking fountain with a pet water basin and an outdoor shower. The building is expected to be less than 500 square feet, and it would also have electricity that could be tapped by musicians and vendors at festivals. The news comes after years of quarrelling by the City Commission over whether to
provide services to the public. At one point, philanthropist Rex Hagen offered to pay for landscaping and toilets, but the commission voted against it, and he took back his offer. When he took office, Murphy formed a team of citizens to find out what the public wanted and make recommendations on what the six lots should become. That committee started at square one, asking if the public wants the city to sell the land or use it. After determining the will of the people was to make it into a park, they considered other uses including parking, restrooms, a small stage, a water park and more. They recommended the city starts with restrooms and some landscaping and then add as it acquires money. Their list of recommendations was made into a public bucket list for that purpose Conner + Associates Architecture Inc., of Holmes Beach, designed the building.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Chamber business Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce President Deb Wing, right, addresses the crowd that gathered under the Gulf Drive CafĂŠ Tiki Wednesday, July 22 for the monthly Business Card Exchange with Chamber board member Lori Gyson, of Walter & Associates. The next Business Card Exchange will be at Hancock Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach on Aug. 26.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME Adult Bible Study 8:45 AM
SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00 AM
Children & Youth Church School after the Children’s Message NURSERY AVAILABLE A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef
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New action filed in Key Royale lawsuit The action against the city of Holmes Beach and former Mayor Carmel Monti contains five counts. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Leah Marie Enterprises and its majority member, Kathleen Morgan, have filed another lawsuit against the city of Holmes Beach and former Mayor Carmel Monti. The issue began in January 2014 when the building official shut down the construction site at the home stating that the contractor could only remove and replace a maximum of 30 percent of the roof structure. The official maintained the work exceeded the 30 percent. The issue went to the Florida Building Commission, which ruled in Morgan’s favor and in September 2014, Morgan’s attorney, David Johnson, filed a Bert Harris Property Rights Protection notice. In December 2014, the city made a settlement offer, and Johnson asked the court to compel the city to issue a building permit. On March 4, Johnson rejected the city’s offer and filed a Bert Harris complaint seeking a jury trial. The city filed a motion to dismiss the complaint regarding the Bert Harris action in April, and on July 13, a judge denied the motion. Another action on July 7 asked to consolidate the two actions, which was granted July 20.
The new lawsuit
The new lawsuit, filed July 20,
maintains the following: • Count I: Fraud – The building official and plans examiner, fraudulently made representations to Morgan, her architect and contractor that the property must comply with the 30 percent rule and that the rule does not exist with regard to this property. • Count II: Negligent misrepresentation – The city made the claims regarding the 30 percent rule, but it “had no reasonable ground to believe they were true.” • Count III: Negligence – The city, its mayor and commissioner knew or should have known that the building official and plans examiner, “were not licensed or properly supervised and had been improperly enforcing the code” and “that its 30- percent rule should not apply to the subject property.” • Count IV: Defamation – The city and Monti “wickedly and maliciously” intended to injure Morgan and “bring her in public scandal and disgrace” when Monti spoke against the project at a city commission meeting and was quoted in local newspapers. • Count V seeks attorneys’ fees and a jury trial.
City responds
On July 21, the city filed a response to the Bert Harris claim with seven affirmative defenses. It alleges that: • The city is a governmental entity in the state and is entitled to all the protections, defenses and limitations contained in Florida Statutes. • The plaintiffs have “failed or
The plaintiffs allege fraud, negligent misrepresentation, negligence and defamation and are seeking attorneys’ fees.
refused to perform actions that would mitigate their alleged damages, and the city is entitled to a set-off for any damages the plaintiffs failed to mitigate.” • The plaintiffs have “failed to allege any set of facts entitling them to relief.” • There was “no new law, regulation or ordinance of the city as applied that unfairly affected the real property at issue.” • The plaintiff’s are “barred from recovery because, through their actions, they attempted to circumvent the law and, therefore, have unclean hands.” • The plaintiff ’s “failed to provide proper notice by not providing a bona fide, valid appraisal that supports the claim and demonstrates the loss in fair market value to the real property.”
JULY 29, 2015
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The following hotels and motels accept pets. Some have limitations on species, number, size and breed, some require pets to be caged before housekeeping services are rendered, some require deposits or extra charges, and some have special pet amenities, such as grassy areas for walking. Call ahead to find accommodations that match your needs, and make a list of several hotels in different parts of the state to be prepared for storms from any direction. ARCADIA Knights Inn 504 S. Brevard Ave. 863-494-4884 Holiday Inn Express 2709 Southeast Hwy. 70 863-494-5900 BRADENTON Best Western 2215 Cortez Rd W 941-238-0800 Best Western Plus 648 67th St. Cir. E. 941-757-5555 Courtyard Bradenton Sarasota/Riverfront 100 Riverfront Dr.W. 941-747-3727 Days Inn 3506 1st St.W. 941-746-1141 Days Inn I-75 644 67th St Circle East 941-746-2505 Hampton Inn 309 10th St W 941-746-9400 Motel 6 660 67th St. Circle E. 941-747-6005 Quality Inn 6727 14th St.W. 941-758-7199
Microtel Inn 6298 Nature Coast Blvd 352-796-9025
Hyatt Place 2600 Champion Ring Rd 239-418-1844
Quality Inn 30307 Cortez Blvd 352-796-9481
La Quinta Inn 9521 Market Place Rd 239-466-0012
DAYTONA BEACH Daytona Inn Seabreeze 730 N. Atlantic Ave. 386-255-5491
Allure Suites 9200 College Parkway 239-454-6363
Homewood Suites by Hilton 165 Bill France Blvd 386-258-2828 Residence Inn Daytona Beach Intl. Airport 1725 Richard Petty Blvd 386-252-3949 DELAND Budget Inn 2801 East NY Ave 386-736-3440 ELLENTON Guest House Inn 4915 17th St. E. 941-729-0600 Sleep Inn 5605 18th St. E. 941-721-4933 Super 8 5218 17th St. E. 941-729-8505
Super 8 6516 14th St.W. 941-756-6656
FORT MEYERS Baymont Inn 9401 Marketplace Rd 239-454-0040
Sunrise Inn 668 67th St Circle E 941-745-1876
Four Points by Sheraton 13600 Treeline Ave S 239-322-1399
BROOKSVILLE Days Inn 6320 Windmere Rd 352-796-9486
Holiday Inn 2431 Cleveland Ave 239-332-3232
Residence Inn 20371 Summerlin Rd 239-415-4150 Travel Lodge 4760 S Cleveland Ave 239-275-1111 Travel Lodge 13661 Indian Paint Ln 239-561-1117 GAINESVILLE Best Western 4200 N.W. 97th Blvd. 352-331-3336 Holiday Inn Express 3905 S.W. 43rd St. 352-376-0004 Motel 6 4000 S.W. 40th Blvd. 352-373-1604 Red Roof Inn 3500 S.W. 42nd St. 352-336-3311 KISSIMMEE Motel 6 5731 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. 407-396-6333 Palms Hotel and Villas 3100 Parkway Blvd. 407-396-2229 Red Roof Inn 4970 Kyngs Heath Road 407-396-0065
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LAKELAND Ramada Inn 3260 U.S. Hwy. 98 N. 863-688-8080
Residence Inn 825 Heathrow Park Lane 407-995-3400
Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista 13351 State Road 535 407-239-4500
La Quinta Inn 1024 Crevasse St. 863-859-2866
LEESBURG Best Western 1321 N. 14th Street 352-460-0118
Motel 6 3120 U.S. Hwy. 98 N. 863-682-0643
Quality Inn 1392 North Blvd.W. 352-787-6363
Residence Inn 3701 Harden Blvd. 863-680-2323
OCALA Hampton Inn & Suites 3601 SW 38th Ave 352-867-0300
Motel 6 5909 American Way 407-351-6500
Holiday Inn Express 1212 S Pine Ave 352-629-7300
Residence Inn Sea World 11000 Westwood Blvd. 407-313-3600
LAKE BUENA VISTA Clarion Inn 8442 Palm Parkway 407-996-7300 Marriott Residence Inn 11450 Marbella Palm Court 407-465-0075
La Quinta Inn & Suites 3530 S.W. 36th Ave. 352-861-1137
LAKE CITY America’s Best Inn 339 SW Commerce Dr 386-755-6300
Microtel Inn 1770 Southwest 134th St 352-307-1166
Baymont Inn & Suites 3598 US 90 W 386-752-3801 Days Inn 3430 N US Hwy 441 386-758-4224 LAKE MARY Candlewood Suites 1130 Greenwood Blvd. 407-585-3000 Extended Stay America 1040 Greenwood Blvd 407-829-2332 La Quinta Inn 1060 Greenwood Blvd. 407-805-9901
Quality Inn 3434 SW College Rd 352-854-3200 Residence Inn 3610 S.W. 38th Ave. 352-547-1600 Sleep Inn and Suites 13600 S.W. 17th Court 352-347-8383 ORLANDO Country Inn 5440 Forbes Place 407-856-8896 Hard Rock Hotel 5800 Universal Blvd. 407-503-2000
La Quinta Inn - Universal Studios 5621 Major Blvd 407-313-3100 Motel 6 - Winter Park 5300 Adanson Street 407-647-1444
Rodeway Inn Maingate 5995 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. 407-396-4300 Staybridge Inn 7450 Augusta National Dr 407-438-2121 Townplace Suites 11801 High Tech Ave. 407-243-6100 PLANT CITY Comfort Inn 2003 S Frontage Rd 813-707-6000
Days Inn 1941 Tamiami Trail 941-627-8900
Hampton Inn 975 University Parkway 941-355-8140
Kenilworth Lodge 1610 Lakeview Dr 863-385-0111
Motel 6 West 2738 N. Monroe St. 850-386-7878
Holiday Inn Express 8610 Elm Fair Blvd. 813-490-1000
Knights Inn 4100 Tamiami Trail 941-743-2442
Hibiscus Suites 1735 Stickney Point Road 941-921-5797
La Quinta Inn 4115 US 27 South 863-386-1000
Quality Inn 3090 N. Monroe St. 850-562-2378
Holiday Inn Express 8310 Galbraith 813-910-7171
Microtel Inn 4056 Tamiami Trail 941-624-6339
Holiday Inn 6231 Lake Osprey Dr 941-782-4400
Quality Inn & Suites 6525 US 27 North 863-385-4500
Red Roof Inn 2930 Hospitality Street 850-385-7884
Quality Inn & Suites Fairgrounds 4955 E. 18th Ave. 813-623-6000
Sleep Inn & Suites 806 Kings Highway 941-613-6300
Holiday Inn Express 5730 Gantt Rd 941-925-0631
Residence Inn 3221 Tubbs Road 863-314-9100
Residence Inn 1880 Raymond Diehl Road 850-422-0093
PUNTA GORDA Four Points by Sheraton 33 Tamiami Trail 941-637-6770
Holiday Inn Sarasota Airport 8009 15th St. E. 941-355-9000
SPRING HILL Microtel Inn 4881 Commercial Way 352-596-3444
Residence Inn Universities 600 W. Gaines St. 850-329-9080
Knights Inn 9300 Knights Dr 941-505-5701
Hotel Indigo Sarasota 1223 Boulevard of the Arts 941-487-3800
Motel 6 6172 Commercial Way 352-596-2007
Punta Gorda Waterfront Hotel 300 W Retta Esplanade 941-639-1165
La Quinta Inn & Suites 1803 N.Tamiami Trail 941-366-5128
SUN CITY Sun City Center Inn 809N. Pebble Beach Blvd 813-634-3331
The Wyvern Hotel 101 E Retta Esplanade 941-639-7700 RUSKIN Ruskin Inn 3113 College Ave 813-641-3437 SANFORD Days Inn 4650 W FL 48 407-323-6500
Knights Inn 301 S Frontage Rd 813-752-0570 PORT CHARLOTTE Country Inn 24244 Corporate Court 941-235-1035
JULY 29, 2015
Best Western Plus 3401 S Orlando Dr 407-320-0845 SARASOTA Comfort Suites 5690 Honore Ave 941-554-4475
Residence Inn 1040 University Pkwy. 941-358-1468 Days Inn 5000 N.Tamiami Trail 941-351-7734 Sleep Inn 900 University Pkwy. 941-359-8558 SEBRING Chateau Elan Hotel 150 Midway Dr 863-655-7200 Holiday Inn Express 4400 US 27 North 863-386-1115
TALLAHASSEE Best Western Pride Inn 2016 Apalachee Parkway 850-656-6312 Best Western Seminole Inn 6737 Mahan Drive 850-656-2938 Econo Lodge North 2681 N. Monroe St. 850-385-6155 La Quinta Inn North 2905 N. Monroe St. 850-385-7172 Motel 6 Downtown 1027 Apalachee Parkway 850-877-6171
Sleep Inn 1695 Capital Circle N.W. 850-575-5885 Staybridge Suites 1600 Summit Lake Drive 850-219-7000 Suburban Extended Stay Hotel 522 Silver Slipper Lane 850-386-2121 TAMPA Clarion Hotel 2701 E. Fowler Ave. 813-971-4710 Econo Lodge 4732 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. 813-874-6700 Hampton Inn 5628 W Waters Ave 813-901-5900 Holiday Inn Express 9402 Corporate Lake Dr 813-885-3700
Red Roof Inn 2307 E. Busch Blvd. 813-932-0073 Residence Inn 4312 W. Boy Scout Blvd. 813-877-7988 TEMPLE TERRACE Holiday Inn Express 13294 Telcom Dr 813-972-9800 Residence Inn 13420 N Telcom Parkway 813-972-4400 Towne Place Suites 6800 Woodstork Rd 813-975-9777 WINTER HAVEN Howard Johnson Inn 1300 3rd St SW 863-294-7321 Lake Roy Beach Inn 1825 Cypress Garden Blvd 863-324-6320 Magnuson Grand Conference Hotel 5651 Cypress Garden Blvd 863-324-5950 Ranch House Inn 1911 Cypress Gardens Blvd. 863-324-5994
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Slow progress Work slowed recently on the northernmost of the three piers along the shore of Cortez Beach where the old structure was razed, and workers are installing a new adjustable groin that can control erosion. According to Bradenton Beach Mayor Jack Clarke, workers found some pilings from the old pier were deeper than originally thought and might not be removable. The situation might add another month to the completion time, according to Clarke. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
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TIP-OFFS TO POTENTIAL RIP-OFFS
If you must act now, the offer is probably to good to be true. You pull the permits? - NO Solici ng door to door – “Just finished a job down the street�- NO Unmarked vehicle – NO No physical address for the office/shop – NO Be sure the contractor’s phone number is listed in your local directory. Discount as your’s is a “demonstra on home� – NO Pay everything up-front for a discount? – NO Ask to see your contractor’s license and check with the FL Dept of Business & Professional Regula on to verify. Check with your neighbors and friends – Have they used this contractor before? Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Ask for proof of insurance, both General Liability (to protect your property) and Workers Compensa on (to cover anyone who would get hurt on your job). Get an es mate/proposal in wri ng. Make sure it specifies work to be performed.
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OUTDOORS
JULY 29, 2015
Teaching kids to fish Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS
M
ost anglers can remember learning to fish. Those first experiences on the water leave indelible memories. They should be exciting and exhilarating. They can be the difference between kindling passion or disdain for the activity. The basics of fishing are not complicated to learn, are easy to teach children and don’t require expensive equipment. If there’s a cardinal rule to getting kids interested in fishing, it’s to make sure and keep them engaged. Children are naturally curious about the water world, they love to play in and on the water and are fascinated by the creatures that inhabit our bays and Gulf. Some of my earliest memories are of fishing with my dad along the coast of North Carolina. There was something special about observing the ocean and its creatures while waiting for a fish to bite, and catching them became a lifelong addiction. Beyond the basics of how to fish, learning to handle fish gently and return them quickly to their environment is a great lesson in conservation and compassion. It’s important to involve your kids from the beginning. Kids enjoy feeling they are a part of the adventure, getting them involved is a great way to introduce responsibility in children. Give them things to be in charge of such as making sure everyone knows where the safety equipment and personal floatation device are located is a good start. It’s important to keep children active and engaged. Plan an outing that includes other activities such as wildlife viewing and identification or snorkeling, as well as fishing. Being on the water provides an excellent opportunity to teach kids about their environment and boating, as well as safety skills. You could also make a game out of learning basic nautical terms such as port, starboard, bow and stern. When fishing with children avoid cheap plastic fishing rods and reels. Start kids with decent equipment, but keep it light and manageable. An ultra-light rig with 6-pound test is a great way to start. Try and think like a kid when fishing, children would much rather catch a dozen pinfish in a half hour than wait a half hour for a chance at a bigger or better fish. Action is paramount; kids are easily bored and distracted. Consider starting kids fishing with a small popping cork that they can watch for signs of action. I think all fishermen still enjoy what was probably their first introduction to fishing. It’s a good idea (though maybe not so easy) to stress that catching isn’t the only goal and may not happen. If you can
rusty chinnis | submitted
The size of the fish doesn’t determine the excitement of the catch. start teaching kids that the enjoyment of the adventure isn’t measured by the number or size of fish you catch you’ll do them a great service that many fishermen never learn. Impress that it’s just as important to be outside and enjoying the experience of the natural world. If you don’t catch fish, you can talk about the birds you’ve seen, the other creatures in the sea and an abundance of other things. If you can make the experience interesting for them, even if there’s no hook ups, they are more likely to want to do it again. Kids might be more interested in collecting shells, counting crabs or looking for manatees or dolphin than fishing, so be sensitive to what’s bringing them pleasure. It’s a good strategy to have children involved in other activities while you search for the fish. When the action gets hot, get them involved. That is a much better way to make a day of fishing more memorable and one they’ll want to repeat. It’s also important to bend down barbs and teach kids to beware of toothy fish, catfish and sting rays. The first experiences on the water are very , and you should consider a plan of action in advance in case the fishing isn’t great. The last thing you want to do is bore kids by sitting on a spot too long with nothing to do but anticipate a bite. They don’t have the patience we do!
JULY 29, 2015
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Tarpon action to improve Captain Rick Grassett
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout on a variety of DOA Lures and top water plugs on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Despite a persistent west wind, we also had some action fly fishing for tarpon. Anglers spin fishing with me early in the week caught and released a few trout to 3 pounds on CAL jigs with shad tails, DOA Deadly Combos and top water
Nesting News Sea turtles Nests laid: 331 False crawls: 429 Nests hatched: 53 Hatchlings to Gulf: 3,299 Nest disorientations: 7 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
plugs on deep grass flats on both sides of Sarasota Bay. Tarpon weren’t plentiful, but in a good mood. A fly angler had only a few shots at tarpon one day and one hookup. We’ve been in a west wind pattern for more than a week, causing rough water and often poor visibility due to storm clouds, making conditions tough for tarpon fishing. Tarpon action in the coastal Gulf should improve when the west wind pattern ends and we switch back to a normal weather pattern of east in the morning and an af-
During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water. • Don’t use flashlights or camera flashes on the beach at night. • Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings. • Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water. • Don’t use sky lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf. • Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights. • Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
ternoon sea breeze. You may find trout, Spanish mackerel or blues on deep grass flats, particularly close to passes. Also look for reds, snook and big trout mixed with mullet schools on shallow flats and edges of bars. Catch and release snook fishing around docks and bridges close to passes or sight fishing for snook in the surf with flies or DOA Lures should also be good options.
During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area. • Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed. • Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health. • If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close. • Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach. • Keep pets away from bird nesting areas. • Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife. • If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
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JULY 29, 2015
Artists continue work on wall mural for Center Mural artist John Allinson presented a draft sketch for the work. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – A committee of Island artists met last week to continue discussion on plans for a mural for the wall by the Center’s playground that will involve artists mentoring and guiding the Center’s youths in its execution. Mural artist John Allinson showed his sketch for the wall that included a variety of sea life below; a ceramic wave border in the middle and water, palm trees and sky above and noted, “The ceramic waves do not divide the wall, but enhance it.” Julia Garland said she had researched grants to help pay for the artwork and found that Wells Fargo offers grants that promote artistic opportunities that reflect community diversity and community enhancement.
Members agreed that when they get closer to beginning the project, they could call on community member for materials such as broken pieces of leftover tiles and seashells for the mosaic. Janet Kingan said they should limit the kinds of materials they collect, but Joan Voyles pointed out, “You might be surprised at what you get, and you can always throw it away.” Allinson said they could merge the paint and tiles and also “paint tricks into it like a fish coming at you or a cave you feel you can put your hand into.” Kingan suggested breaking into groups to focus on different elements of the project such as design and collecting materials. The groups would meet individually and then all would get together. Members also discussed postponing the actual work outside until the weather cools. The next meeting is Thursday, July 30, at noon at the Community Center’s Soiree Room, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
pat copeland | sun
Mural artist John Allinson discusses elements of the proposed mural.
New code enforcement officer starts work JT replaces Dave Forbes and will work under the police department. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – With plans to reach out into the community, the city’s new Code Enforcement Officer JT (aka. John Thomas) began work July 15. “I want to create a great atmosphere that Holmes Beach is one of the prettiest places to live and work,” he said. “I have an open door and residents can call or visit my office any time. We want to let people know that this is a quality of life that we want to continue to have.” JT, a fourth generation Manatee County resident and graduate of Southeast High School, served in the U.S. Navy before beginning work with the city of Bra-
Chief endorsement
denton. He was in code enforcement with the city for 11 years, the city of Sarasota for one year and Manatee County for nine years. “This is the first time I’ve worked in an entity as small as this, but with so much going on,” he said. “It also is the first time I’ve worked in a beach community.”
Educational workshops
JT said he plans to hold workshops for interested citizens and business owners “to educate people about the codes and explain the code enforcement process and what kinds of things they can and can’t do. “We want to let people know we’re interested and concerned. The goal is to make sure we don’t have continuous violators. We want long-term compliance.” He said he said he would reach out to churches,
pat copeland | sun
JT receives the code enforcement officer’s badge from Dave Forbes. community organizations and condo associations and meet groups of people at
their homes. He also said he would become involved in community events.
Police Chief Bill Tokajer said he knew JT through his work at the city of Bradenton and “saw the skills he had and used him on the crime reduction team to target nuisance homes as a team approach. “I’ve watched him over the years, and he does amazing things partnering with residents, businesses and the community. I look forward to continuing that effort and making sure all the codes are enforced equally and fairly across the board. “He’ll be a great addition to the way we do things. He’s very proactive. He’ll be an active member of the community.” JT’s wife, Sabine, works at the Manatee County courthouse, and they have three children in college – two at FAMU and one entering law school at Emory.
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Board works on comp plan changes The city wants to have all changes added to the comp plan at one time. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) met recently to discuss changes to the city’s comprehensive plan. P&Z Chair Jonathan Crane passed out a goal and policy sheet for creating a historic district. “It was initially for the city pier and Galati Marina,” Crane said
City Planner Alan Garrett said he likes the idea, and it would take a comprehensive plan amendment to enact it. P&Z member David Youngs said he would like to see a list of eligible buildings. Garrett said if the city gets designation from the federal government, it could allow fixing historic buildings without FEMA requirements. He wants language that allows it to designate homes without tying them in to something they might not want. They will discuss it further at their next meeting.
Garrett said the city is facing a problem with swimming pool setbacks. He said if a homeowner decided to build a second story, his pool might be non-conforming because it would end up in the setback. Maureen McCormick moved to recommend 10-foot side setbacks for all homes. The board voted unanimously for it. They attacked what Garrett called very restrictive dock regulations. If homeowners want to replace their docks with the same footprint, they can’t because a dock is not considered a structure and it can’t be grandfathered in.
A dock can be up to 20 feet less than the width of the yard, and Garrett estimated 50 percent don’t meet the requirements. Crane said he wants homeowners to be able to replace their docks with like structures. Garrett said he would bring an ordinance to the next meeting. Finally, Crane wants the P&Z to be able to have members attend via telephone if they can’t make it in person, like the new rule for the City Commission. Garrett said he would check with the mayor.
Small turnout for congressman’s assistant BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – If the turnout for a visit on Wednesday, June 24, to city hall by Congressman Vern Buchannan’s special assistant is any indication, people are happy with the way the federal government treats them. Special assistant Gary Tibbetts only heard from one resident of Anna Maria, Bill Iseman, who spoke about the out-oftouch lives of those who serve. “We need to fix Congress,” he said. “It has gotten to the point where the perks they have and the lifestyles they live make it so they can’t associate with the common people. They are highly paid, and they make a salary for life.” Tibbets disagreed with Iseman about some of his assertions. “They do not get a salary for life, they pay for their retirement, and they have to be vetted before they get their retirement,” he said. Iseman said they have become isolated from their constituents, and they are influenced by lobbyists. “They think about getting re-elected and are looking for money in the process,” Iseman said, adding they should be limited to six months to collect money for re-election. Tibbetts’ aides, Ryan Dyson and Whitney Ackles, came in with donuts from the shop on Pine Avenue, talking about how long the line was to get them and how good they were. Tibbetts also heard from Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who pointed out a problem she sees as a nurse who volunteers her services part of the time. “Medicare cannot negotiate for prices on drugs,” she said. “I would like to see that changed, but it’s a result of lobbyists for the drug companies.” Tibbetts checked with his cell phone
Pat Copeland | Sun
tom vaught | sun
Congressman Vern Buchannaan's special assistant, Gary Tibbetts, talks with attendees at an informational meeting. and said, “Congressman Buchannan had voted to allow Medicaid to negotiate for drug prices, but it was voted down. He continues to support it though.” Finally, Mayor Dan Murphy talked about a pet project he has for the city, one that might interest Buchannan. “I hear the Congressman is an avid cyclist,” he said. “I would like him to consider money for a bicycle path for the city.” When asked if it would be on Gulf Drive, Murphy said no, he wants to divert bicyclists off of Gulf Drive through the city on back streets and around Bayfront Park. “The county has offered to pay, but they only pay half,” Murphy said. “A federal grant would help.” Tibbetts questioned whether the federal government could make such a grant, and Murphy said he researched it and they could. Tibbetts said he would schedule another meeting next month to hear from residents. He added these information-gathering meetings are for all the residents of the Island, not just the city of Anna Maria.
History demolished Workers erased another bit of Island history on Tuesday when they demolished Teddy Towers at 104 Park Ave. in Anna Maria. The house was built in 1959 by Stephen and Virginia Walker. Virginia was known as the Teddy Bear Lady because of her extensive teddy bear collection, which was on display in the house, hence the name Teddy Towers. The Walkers sold the home in 2005, and it recently sold for $1.825 million to Timothy and Deborah Gray, who bought 100 Park Ave. in 2013 for $2.09 million.
Pat Copeland | Sun
Museum intern thanked Nancy Deal, of the AMI Historical Society, presented intern Kathryn Rohlwing with a present from the society’s members as she concluded her internship at the AMI Historical Museum. Rohlwing is working on her master of arts in museum studies with a specialization in historical preservation at the University of Florida. While at the museum, she built the Web page for the Historical Society, created a walking/biking tour of the city of Anna Maria, did research for the coming museum renovation and worked with the museum’s docents.
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SPORTS
JULY 29, 2015
Taking the action inside:
The Sun Scoreboard Monday, July 20 8-to 10-Year-Old Indoor Soccer
BY MONICA SIMPSON
14-to 17-Year-Old Indoor Soccer
Youth indoor soccer heats up at the center
Salty Printing LaPensee Plumbing and Pools
SPECIAL TO THE SUN
ANNA MARIA – Just as the adult recreational soccer league wraps up on the big field, the community kids speed up the game with indoor soccer at the Anna Maria Island Community Center. The youth from the Island and around the area match up weekly for of the wall action. On Friday, two of the middle school teams took the indoor field in the third week of play. Bark & Company Realty, coached by Chris Joseph, faced Sugar Beach Digital, coached by Ken Richards, in the second game of the night. Both teams filled with talented players made for an exciting 40 minutes of play. Four minutes into the game, Gavin Walker, for Bark & Company Realty, scored the first goal of the game. Walker took another shot past Bryce Higgins, goalie for Sugar Beach Digital, taking the score to 2-0. Team Bark went up 3-0 when Ryan Joseph soon followed up with a strike of his own. Coach Richard’s striker, Tyler Brewer, answered back by scoring a hat-trick, with the last one in the 13th minute of play. With the score tied at 3-3, Joseph came back with a goal at the 15th minute and the next with one minute left in the first half, closing out the half with a score of 5-3. In the second half of the game, the scoreboard lit up with scoring by other members of both teams. Preston Walker started it off with a goal with 17 minutes left in regulations play. Yukio Kuroiwa scored the fourth and fifth goals for Sugar Beach Digital. James Richards slid in the final goal for his team once again tying up the score 6-6. Battling back with 10 minutes remaining in the game, second half goalie Brock Soletti was called for violating the pass-back rule. With an indirect kick, Walker scored his third
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Wednesday, July 22 8-to 10-Year-Old Indoor Soccer Signarama West Coast Air Conditioning & Heating
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Adult Flag Football
3 1 5 7
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Anna Maria Vacations Dolphins Slim’s Place Eagles
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Sato Real Estate Giants Miller Electric Lions
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Jessie’s Island Store Fighting Irish 8 Poppo’s Taqueria 49ers 34 Tyler’s Ice Cream Vikings Sugar Beach Digital Cowboys
Thursday, July 23 Adult Flag Football
Monica simpson |SUBmitted
Javier Rivera prepares to score his first goal in the game Bark & Company Realty goal of the game for Bark & Company Realty. Joseph quickly scored again giving his team a two point lead. Walker scored his final goal of the game after taking the ball the length of the field. Joseph had a strong game and scored his fifth goal in the 17th minute. Bark goalkeeper Javier Rivera came out of the goal to play the field halfway into the second half. Rivera sealed the
deal with a final goal seconds before the buzzer, capping of the game with a score of 11-6. Youth indoor soccer continues with games through the second week of August. Championship games will be played on Friday, Aug. 14.
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Poppo’s Taqueria 49ers Sato Real Estate Giants
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Tyler’s Ice Cream Vikings Miller Electric Lions
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Slim’s Place Eagles 31 Jessie’s Island Store Fighting Irish 20 Anna Maria Vacations Dolphins 14 Sugar Beach Digital Cowboys 27
Friday, July 17 11-to 13-Year-Old Indoor Soccer Sugar Beach Digital Bark & Company Realty
14-to 17-Year-Old Indoor Soccer Wash Family Construction LaPensee Plumbing and Pools
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MAGGIE FIELD | SUN
Deep water Motorists found streets flooded after storms dumped more than five inches of rain on Anna Maria Island from Friday to Monday.
BEACHHOUSE: Settlement with city closer FROM PAGE 4
designation helps eliminate the parking prohibitions. Rezoning the Chiles property from Public Recreation Area District (PRA) and Preservation District (E-1) to PRA only accomplishes a similar objective. The special exception allows for restaurant use in a PRA zone district. In exchange for dropping their 2012 lawsuit, the plaintiffs managed to protect the city-owned parcel from being developed for parking. Martin and Commissioner Janie Robertson have previously expressed a desire to see the city property used as a small park, with some additional recreational elements added if funding can be secured. The commission approved the Chiles requests last Thursday, one day after the Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) unanimously recommended approval of all three requests. The board was assured by city staff that no structures would be permitted on this particular property, and its future use would be limited to parking. City Engineer Lynn Burnett assured the P&Z that the parking area would maintain a pervious, unpaved surface that allows for stormwater drainage.
I just find it very premature to do this." Janie Robertson Bradenton Beach commissioner
Robertson and Mayor Jack Clarke attended the P&Z meeting. When Commissioner Jan Vosburgh made a motion to approve the rezoning request at Thursday’s commission meeting, Robertson expressed concerns about the rapid succession of events. “I just find it very premature to do this. P&Z just met yesterday, and we don’t even have a draft set of minutes to look at for back up here.” Robertson noted that three of five commissioners did not attend the previous day’s P&Z meeting. “How can you vote on this when you have not even read the minutes from the P&Z,” she
added. Commissioner John Shaughnessy said he had no problems with approving the request on first reading, and City Planner Alan Garrett reminded the commission that the P&Z unanimously recommended approval of all three requests. Despite her objections, Robertson joined the rest of the commission in unanimously approving all three requests upon first reading. The commission will now have additional time to review the P&Z minutes and supporting documents prior to the Aug. 12 meeting.
Additional improvements
During Wednesday’s P&Z meeting, the board members agreed to continue a discussion on an additional major development application request submitted on Chiles’ behalf. The request pertains to future improvements to the BeachHouse restaurant and removing the pavement that currently exists in the establishment’s northern parking area. The P&Z members requested more specific details and planning information and requested that the discussion be continued at the Wednesday, July 29, meeting at 1 p.m.
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Christmas in July Santa Claus traded his icy realm at the North Pole for the humid sub-tropics Saturday night at the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Chistmas in July fundraiser, held at the Drift In on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Several hundred people turned out to help raise money for a family that the Privateers will adopt this Christmas. MAGGIE FIELD | SUN
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REAL ESTATE
JULY 29, 2015
Forgive and forget F
orgiveness isn’t often talked about when it comes to hard business decisions, but we’re starting to see a fair amount of forgiveness going on in the mortgage market. The question is will this prove to be a benefit to the marketplace or another step on the road back to slipshod financing practices? We’re starting to see lenders who are willing to work with borrowers who have recently gone through a foreclosure, bankruptcy or other financial crisis making them ineligible for financing with big lenders. With underwriting remaining very tight, risky buyers have no place else to turn except the private mortgage market. The loans are frequently funded by or sold to private equity firms and hedge funds that are willing to take the risk in return for higher yields. Most of these mortgages fall outside of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s qualified mortgage definition, established last year, which set strict debt to
Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger income ratios. The bureau’s regulations also set limits on loan fees and interest rates, as well as giving borrowers the ability to sue if they default claiming the lender did not adequately qualify them for the loan. Nevertheless, both lenders and borrowers are willing to assume the risks in order to get back into the housing market and turn a quick profit. Lenders try to protect themselves by requiring at least 25 percent down, as well as analyzing credit reports, demonstrating that recent activity is positive with borrower’s bills being paid on time. They are comfortable lending to a person who has had a one- time event such as medical bills, job
loss or other hardships which impacted the borrower’s credit rating rather than someone who consistently had past due bills. Individuals, who previous to a foreclosure or bankruptcy had a high credit score, can tolerate a reduction of about 200 points that will result from these events, leaving their credit scores still in an acceptable range for lenders willing to accept the risk. In conjunction with extending financing to risky borrowers is the return of the interest-only mortgage, which is starting to get renewed traction as home prices continue to appreciate. Again these loans are typically available with private brokers, equity firms and Wall Street investors. Right now, most of the interest only mortgages are tied in with jumbo loans which are above the $417,000 government backed limit, except for some high cost areas where the government backed limit jumps to just over $600,000. According to Zillow. com jumbo mortgages with a 25 percent
down payment have increased 13 percent in the 25 top metro areas since 2012. However, interest only is just one piece of the jumbo loan market and one that is really built for sophisticate borrowers who want to keep their monthly cost down. These borrowers for their own reasons can usually afford to pay the monthly cost of a conventional mortgage but choose not to. Interest only does at some point adjust to a higher interest rate, and considering that none of the principal has been paid down, homeowners are gambling that the real estate market continues to appreciate. Interest only loans were one of the primary reasons homeowners got in trouble when the real estate bubble burst leaving them with a large mortgage and zero equity. Forgiveness may be the moral thing to do, but is it the smart thing to do. Only time will tell. The temptation to take the easy road is always out there, but taking the smart road is generally the better choice.
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SWAT remembers Ellen Aquilina A well-loved and wellrespected member of SWAT (Successful Women Alligning Together) Networking, Ellen Aquilina, lost her battle with cancer in June and her passing had a lasting impact on her fellow SWAT sisters. “She was our Woman of the Year last year and will be greatly missed by so many of us,” said Dr. Robyn Spirtas, founder and CEO of SWAT Networking. “When we found out about losing Ellen, we decided to take up a collection and give the money to a local charity,” said Deborah Gerard, SWAT executive director. The women selected the Center for Building Hope in Lakewood Ranch, saying the organization does a tremendous job in
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Tales of 'sheroes' Credit
Left to right, Karen Cubberly accepts a check from SWAT members Robyn Spirtas, Deborah Gerard and Pam Gillette. benefitting cancer patients and their families. At the July meeting of SWAT’s Anna Maria Island chapter, the women of SWAT presented a check for more than $1,100 to Karen Cubberly, of the Center for Building Hope,
as Ellen’s daughter, Pam Gillette, watched. Pam was honored to be inducted as a SWAT sister at that meeting. For more information on SWAT Networking, go to www.swatnetworking. com.
Storyteller Sue Byrnes told stories of “sheroes,” heroes who are females, at the Island Branch Library on Thursday, June 25. Approximately 20 kids, parents and grandparents watches as she brought the female heroes to life in three stories, and the audience responded with applause after each story. Her performance was part of the library’s summer kids program, sponsored by the Friends of the Island Branch Library.
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Plan: Officials seek county infrastructure plan FROM PAGE 1
Bradenton Beach City Commissioner Janie Robertson asked about impact fees, and Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said they are permitted but “the chances of sustaining Copeland them are not good.” “The principle here, is look at things on a broader community impact basis. I agree with Doug completely. I expected that to be something that came out of the ULI study,” Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Robertson Johnson said.
A larger concern
“It’s a larger concern than just the Island,” Copeland stressed. “You come to downtown Bradenton and you can’t get Johnson through. You come to the Green Bridge and you can’t get over it.” Holmes Beach City Commissioner Jean Peelen suggested that the three mayors draft a letter to county and city of BradenMurphy ton officials expressing their concern and added, “I think it’s a wonderful idea. I see them approving growth as if it’s the Bible.” Longboat Key Town Manger Dave Bullock suggested asking the city and county officials to meet with island officials to ex- Peelen plain their infrastructure plan that would support the continued development. Longboat Key Vice Mayor Terry Gans said they should not be adversarial, and Copeland noted that Murphy has been working with the county and said, “We want to help solve this problem.” “We can reach out to say how we might collectively develop a plan,” Johnson added. Murphy said he would work with Johnson to draft a letter.
Water taxi
Murphy said he has spoken to two water taxi operators regarding doing business in the city. “One provider only wants to bring tourists,” he said. “I’m leaning toward bringing employees who work on the Island, and one of these carriers is
I see them approving growth as if it’s the Bible.” Jean Peelen Holmes Beach commissioner
interested in negotiating with business owners on the Island to subsidize it. I wanted to solve a problem.” He said an engineer would recommend the best landing place for a water taxi in conjunction with the city pier study. “That’s a great idea to bring employees,” Peelen said. “Could we have a stop in Holmes Beach?” Murphy said he has discussed the proposal with Johnson and Bradenton Beach Mayor Jack Clarke. Murphy said there would be a different fare for tourists than employees and added, “It has to be affordable to people who work on the Island when they compare it to the price of gasoline.”
Solar issue
Copeland also expressed his concern about the Florida League of Cities joining with Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and the power companies to oppose a proposed solar choice amendment to the state constitution. If approved, the amendment “would provide businesses and individuals with a constitutional right to produce up to two megawatts of solar power and sell that power directly to others at the same or contiguous property. This right would be secured by limiting the government and electrical utilities’ abilities to impose barriers to supplying local solar electricity.” “The amendment would allow solar companies to install units without the upfront fee,” Copeland explained. “Florida is one of the four states that does not allow this.” He said he is offended that the FLOC is opposing the amendment and added, “It’s time the state made a change to encourage citizens to get solar.” Bullock pointed out, “The key is cities that own electrical distribution in their cities. They are powerful in the League.”
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State requests sign removal in roundabout City staff has been authorized to apply for the proper permits. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – To the surprise of city officials, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has requested the removal two wooden Historic Bridge Street signs located in the roundabout at the intersection of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive. In response, the city commission authorized Building Official Steve Gilbert to apply for the state-issued permits that would allow the signs to remain in place. The request for removal was triggered by a sign permit application submitted by Bridge Street Merchants association President Angela Rodocker. Rodocker was trying to comply with a previous commission request that she contact the state about the merchants association’s desire to place small wooden signs promoting the seasonal Sunday market and other special events atop the city signs erected in the early 2000s. FDOT District Permit Coordinator David Smith e-mailed Rodocker recently and informed her that the Florida Administrative Code does not allow for the approval or permitting of the additional signage. “This type of signage at this location, exist-
ing and proposed, is considered a commercial advertisement on FDOT rights of way and does not conform to F.A.C rule chapter 14-51 standards,” Smith wrote. Smith referred to the 2014 landscaping permit and plans he attached to his note and said, “The approved plans to not include any reference or description of the Historic Bridge Street signs to be placed in the roundabout median section of this roadway. Please have the two Historic Bridge Street signs removed from this location at your early convenience.” When addressing the commission last week, Gilbert said, “The memo stems from a request that the commission had approved awhile back to add some signs to the city signage in the roundabout.” Continuing his presentation, Gilbert said, “What we’re here today to do is to ask whether or not the City Commission, number one, intends to try to keep the signs that we’ve already bought, paid for and installed; and, number two, if you want to authorize city staff to see what we can do to talk to DOT about what we need to do to keep them there.” Participating via Skype, Commissioner Jan Vosburgh moved to approve the authorization. “I just think it’s the right thing to do. I think they are very attractive signs, and we should
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The existence of two city-owned signs located in the Gulf Drive/Bridge Street roundabout has been called into question by the Florida Department of Transportation. do everything we can to help promote the Bridge Street merchants,” she said. Commissioner John Shaughnessy said, “I notice in the letter DOT is considering these signs as commercial advertisements. I don’t get advertising Historic Bridge Street as a commercial advertisement. They’re not advertising any stores, they’re advertising a historical street.” Gilbert pointed out that Smith’s memo was addressed to Rodocker and his comments about commercial signage stemmed from her request to promote the Sunday market and other special events. He said the state’s administrative code does allow signs that promote a downtown district.
The commission then voted 5-0 in favor of authorizing Gilbert to apply for the proper FDOT permits. Rodocker was unable to attend the commission meeting, but she later said, “It would be sad to see our roundabout signs removed, and I have full confidence in our city that they will do what they can to help Bridge Street keep the signs in place.” In a separate agenda item, the Bridge Street Merchants requested additional maintenance and landscaping assistance from the city. The commission asked Public Works Director Tom Woodard to provide more specific details and cost estimates so the matter can be discussed further at a future meeting.
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JULY 29, 2015
Food was a chore for sailors While officers of the old sailing ships could bring their own food and men to wait on them, the enlisted men of America’s young Navy were allotted some interesting food. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – In the old days, the chore of feeding the crews of naval ships was carefully planned because there was no refrigeration and precious space to store the food. As a result, the crew members ate a combination of dried bread, beer and meat on certain days of the week. The favorite way of preparing the food was boiling, according to John Beale, education volunteer for the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez. Beale spoke at the Island Branch Library recently on what sailors ate in the olden days and he said feeding the sailors was a science. “The average requirement is 2,500 calories per day to survive, but
these men worked hard,” Beale said. “The average requirement for them was 4,800 calories.” When packing a ship for a lengthy sail, the navy allowed a gallon of beer per day and a pound of hard tack, bread that was dried to preserve it and would have to be soaked to eat. “Generally, the British Navy was the best fed navy in the world back then,” he said. The word mess comes from a group of men who ate together, thus they had mess halls and some of the men had mess duty, to cook and serve the food. Other words they used included banyan days, days when they ate no meat; and duff, which is what they called desserts. Feeding the crew weighed down the ships, Beale said. For a ship with a crew of 152 men, they had to have 895 tons of food and water on board. They also brought goats, steers, hogs and chickens for eggs and fresh meat. Then there’s the word grog, which was rum mixed with lime to prevent scurvy. They also had cheese, but it was too hard to eat whole
and they would shave it to make it edible Ships had pursers to keep track of the food, and if too much food was lost, the men might go hungry. The situation was a far
cry from the ultra modern Navy today where the food is as good as military food gets, although today’s Navy does not allot a gallon of beer per day anymore.
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Edna Claire Brittain Busselle Edna Claire Brittain Busselle, 99, died on July 20, 2015, in Hot Springs, Ark., after a long and full life. Edna was born in Tennessee, but her heart was in Florida. She was a frequent visitor to Longboat Key and a long time resident of Anna Maria Island. Edna loved to travel and met new friends everywhere she went. She charmed everyone with her sparkling blue eyes, impish smile and Southern drawl. Her deeply held Christian beliefs guided her in all things. She was a dedicated volunteer to service organizations all her life. In honor of that generous spirit, the family requests that donations be made to Roser Community Church in lieu of flowers. Edna will be returned to the waters she loved most in an Eternal Reefs ceremony on Oct. 12, 2015.
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TOWN CRIER Asian dance at library The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts Asian Dance and Theatre by Surapsari Indian Dance and Drama on Thursday, July 30, at 10 a.m. This is the final presentation of the summer series for kids. It is free and sponsored by the Friends of the Island Branch Library. Call 7786341 for more information.
Searching for beach books? Senior Adventures will hold its last Friday of the month book sale and potluck lunch on Friday, July 31, at 10 a.m. at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Call Kaye Bell, 538-0945, or e-mail cortezbell@tampabay.rr.com for more.
Fund-raiser for wildlife Fill your mug and raise money for an Island-based non-profit agency that takes care of injured wild animals. The 2015 Bradenton Beer Festival will be held at the World of Beer Bradenton, 497 Cortez Road, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8. Enjoy live music from 3 to 10 p.m. plus beer and food. Tickets are $20 up to the date of the festival when they go to $25. VIP tickets for people to enter at 3 p.m. are $30 or $40 the day of the event. Get your tickets at these participation outlets: Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center, Inc.; the Lost Kangaroo Pub; Tide Tables restaurant and Marina, in Cortez; Hickory Hollow Barbecue; Darwin Brewing Co.; Big Top Brewing Co. and the Clam House.
Big push for pet adoption Adopt-A-Palooza , one of Manatee
BEACH BEAT
a baby seat alone in a car. The deputy waited and finally the parents came back. They had been arguing and left the child behind. Child protection was notified.
Anna Maria
Bradenton Beach
6/29, 3:11 p.m., petit theft. 100 block of Palm Avenue. A person or persons unknown walked to the beach and stole a canopy frame worth approximately $100. 7/9, 11:15 p.m., found property, 10005 Gulf Drive, city hall. An unknown party left a license tag at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office substation. It was assigned to a low-speed vehicle. 7/16, 8:06 a.m., suspicious incidents, 9800 block of Gulf Drive. A woman said over the last few months a certain man has been in the area of the bus stop that she uses to get to work and she’s afraid he is stalking her. The deputy spoke with the man who said he parks in that area for work and he has never been forward or even talked to her. The woman said that was true. The man said he would park his car someplace else. 7/19, 9:12 p.m., found property, 301 N. Bay Blvd. After a turtle hatchling release at Bayfront Park, a man found a watch and gave it to the deputy on patrol. 7/20, 4:04 p.m., found property, 10005 Gulf Drive, city hall. An unknown party left a license tag at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office substation. 7/21, 12:32 p.m., lost property, 100 block of Palmetto Avenue. The complainant said her house numbers and a couple of chairs were missing when she arrived from Orlando. The numbers and one chair reappeared the next day. 7/23, domestic disturbance, child neglect, 875 North Shore Drive, Rod & Reel parking lot. A citizen found a child in
7/19, 5:58 a.m., retail theft, 103 Gulf Drive S., Circle K. The clerk said a white male picked up two cases of beer and walked out without paying. 7/22, 12:44 a.m., disorderly intoxication, 200 Bridge Street. The officer saw a fellow officer in a defensive stance with a can of pepper spray in his hand and a woman who appeared intoxicated trying to hit him. The second officer helped, and the suspect was pepper sprayed. EMS was called, and she bit a technician. The EMT gave her a sedative to calm her down. She was sent to the hospital and then to jail. 7/23, 2:50 p.m., disorderly intoxication, 118 Bridge St. The officer arrested an intoxicated man who would not stop yelling obscenities at people on the street. 7/24, 2 a.m., suspicious circumstances, 118 Bridge St. An officer responded to a report of a man arguing with another and brandishing a gun. The witness said the man was arguing with several people and waving the gun and then they all got into a car. The officer recognized the suspect from their description and found the car. The driver said he had a gun pulled on him, but would not identify who did it. Others in the car said a gun was drawn, but not pointed at anybody. The officer took no further action. 7/24, 1:10 p.m., no valid driver’s license, possession of marijuana, 124th Street and Cortez Road West. While driving on Gulf Drive, the officer heard a call about a reckless driver. He then observed the vehicle pass him. When
JULY 29, 2015
County’s largest animal adoption events, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Hours on Saturday are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. The adoption shelter will be closed on Saturday, Aug. 1, for staff to work the event and transport animals. Feld Entertainment is sending its Monster Jam® truck “Monster Mutt® Dalmatian” to the Palooza on Saturday Aug. 1. There will be a crew member there to sign autographs. See the first appearance by a Monster Jam truck since the division moved to Manatee County. The pet-friendly event is free and open to the public. There will be more than 100 adoptable puppies, dogs, cats and kittens to choose from. All pets will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Manatee County Animal Services Director Bill Hutchison hopes to find forever homes for 50
dogs and 25 cats. Even though the event is free, sponsors are asking people to help feed hungry pets by bringing donations of dog or cat food. Adopt-A-Palooza will be an expostyle event with raffles, nail trims, dog washing and a fly ball tournament both days. Microchipping service will be available, along with a chance to sign up for low cost or free spay/neuter. Manatee County license tags will be for sale. Specialty retailers and fun pet vendors will offer pet-related products and services. Local trainers will be on hand with live demonstrations, helpful tips and information. Local animal professionals will share their expertise on petrelated topics including pet care and animal advocacy. For more information, on the event or sponsorship opportunities, call 941 746-3611.
pulling behind the vehicle, a witness told him the vehicle tried to run him off the road at 75th and Cortez Road West. After observing the driver drive into the oncoming lane, he made a stop. The driver advised he did not have a driver’s license, just a Honduran passport. The officer also saw a nag of marijuana in the car, and arrested him.
beach, but the officer told them they were too drunk to drive. The officer took breath samples and the two were intoxicated. He called Child Protective Services who sent an investigator, and the female had her mother come to the scene. The investigator placed the child with the female’s mother, and the officer issued a notice to appear to the male suspect. 7/13, 10:53 a.m., suspicious circumstances, Island Fitness, 5317 Gulf Drive. The owner of the facility said two T-shirts were missing, and she suspects a former member of the facility who talked another member into letting him in. She had a security recording of the suspect carrying something out the door, but the picture was not clear. Efforts to reach the suspect by phone were unsuccessful. The officer gave the owner a case number. 7/14, 4:45 p.m., theft, Publix, 3900 East Bay Drive. The victim said she left the bike unlocked while she went into the store for a few minutes, and when she returned, the bike was gone. An officer later found it. 7/15, possession of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, 600 block of Key Royale Drive. The officer responded to reports of juveniles jumping off the bridge. He did not see any juveniles, but he found multiple backpacks and skateboards. While the officer was going through the backpacks to catalogue what was inside, the juveniles called asking about their equipment. They were told to retrieve them at the police station. Meanwhile, the officer found marijuana and homemade pipes. When the juveniles arrived, a female said the backpack with the drugs and paraphernalia was hers, although the contraband was not. She was placed in the custody of her mother, who had been contacted to respond.
Cortez
7/14, 4:45 p.m., aggravated assault, Paradise Bay Motel, 4406 102nd St. W. The victim said a man with whom she has an intimate relationship battered her and threatened her life.
Holmes Beach
7/11, 2:40 p.m., driving with a suspended license, 600 block of Manatee Avenue. The officer stopped the driver for not wearing a seat belt and found her license was suspended, and she was classified as an habitual traffic offender and had been convicted four times for driving with a suspended license. The officer handcuffed the driver and took her to jail. 7/12, 5:41 p.m., burglary, 200 block of Peacock Lane. The homeowner said he was awakened by the sound of doors opening and shutting and he found the suspect in his house. When he asked the suspect what he was doing, the suspect said he was sorry and fled. The homeowner’s daughter said the suspect opened her bedroom door and said, “What’s up?” A search for the suspect was fruitless. 7/12, 2:26 p.m., child neglect, alcohol, 100 block of 50th Street. The officer responded to a report of two intoxicated people with a child causing a disturbance. He found a man and woman who appeared to be intoxicated with a child. They were trying to find the keys to a golf cart to drive to the
JULY 29, 2015
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Gothic literature middle name 6 Sound of relief 9 Tells 14 Olympus competitor 15 Lobster __ Diavolo 16 Talked a blue streak 17 Violent whirlpool 19 *Split apart 20 *Working, working, working 22 Bashful 23 Per person 24 Pinch 28 Part of Q.E.D. 29 Asian holiday 31 Transcript fig. 32 GĂŠorgie, to Georgette 35 *1967 NHL Calder Memorial Trophy recipient 37 Sound 39 Game show prize 40 Long tales
Answers to 07-22-15 Crossword Puzzle.
41 *Half-hitch kin 43 With 64-Across, tax shelter since 1998 44 "Power" accessory 45 Updike's "Rabbit Redux," e.g.: Abbr. 46 Longtime Saudi king 49 Tater 51 Ancient Israeli fortress 53 Workout "washboards" 56 *"And it took long enough!" 59 *Backup option 62 Vibrator in the larynx 63 Public opening? 64 See 43-Across 65 Low-price prefix 66 Really cracks up 67 Volleyball barrier 68 Carved emblem Down 1 Soprano Gluck and composer Mahler-Werfel
2 Chihuahua lead 3 Stretch out next to 4 Censorship-fighting org. 5 Bahamas port 6 Hiding under the covers 7 Tossed off the covers 8 Poor choice to play 48Down 9 Creamy cheese 10 Like Olympic pools 11 Picnic invader 12 Moment of stage gratitude 13 __-Cat: winter vehicle 18 Proofer's find 21 U.K. network, with "the" 25 Disco phrase 26 Nursery rhyme surname 27 Strident 28 Cotton swab brand 30 "Conan" channel 32 Bridge positions 33 Cup-shaped bloom 34 "Cheers," across the Channel 35 Ball striker 36 Play area 38 Endorsements 39 Chicken-in-wine stew 42 Movie clownfish 46 One with money to burn 47 1998 Sarah McLachlan song 48 Speaker of the ends of the answers to starred
clues 50 Boy in an Irish song 52 Target, for one 53 On __: reveling 54 Carried
THE SUN
55 City destroyed in Genesis 57 Tailgaters' cookers, for short 58 __ Domani: Italian wine
brand 59 Sleepover attire 60 Cyberyuk 61 "Just as I thought!"
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at AMICC. Help your community by giving of yourself. Various positions available. Call Sandee 941-778-1908 ext 0 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Dusty at 941779-7688. ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm). OUR DAILY BREAD of Bradenton is looking for volunteer servers 9amnoon. Ask for Penny 941745-2992
BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well! More Buyers Than Sellers. We Need Boats! Cortez High & Dry MarinaTop Location. www. Islandboatsales.net We Also Buy Boats. 941-228-3489 BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088
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
PROBLEMS WITH THE IRS or State Taxes? Wall & Associates can settle for a fraction of what you owe! Results may vary. Not a solicitation for legal services. 877-330-3429
C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates. Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512
STRUGGLING WITH DRUGS or Alcohol? Addicted to Pills? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment. 855-995-3142
CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570
A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR for breast cancer! Help United Breast Foundation education, prevention, & support programs. Fast free pickup - 24 HR Response - Tax Deduction -855-398-4992
PRESSURE WASHING AND WINDOWS residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways etc. Call 941-251-5948
AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE
COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS
CAR WASH/ DETAIL $25 - $55- Hot Summer Special. At your Home or Business, one time or on a schedule. Ethan 941-932-7620.
BABY SITTER BABY SITTER. Honor student with own transportation. Experienced, References available. Call or text Amanda at 941-713-3219 RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student. Call or text Isabel 941-5457995
Call us today! 941-778-3986
COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
EMPLOYMENT PART TIME HOUSEKEEPER needed for island resort. Must be available to work on weekends. Interested candidates please contact the resort via email at islands58@aol.com or call for appointment. 941-7782090. TWO SIDES of NATUREAnna Maria Island's Largest Little Beach Shoppes is now hiring part-time associates. We have an immediate opening for evening shifts- week nights and weekend nights. Retail Experience Preferred, +20 hours a week. Apply today Two Sides of Nature 101 S Bay Blvd. Unit A-1, Anna Maria PART-TIME POSITION AVAILABLE at Gift Shop on Anna Maria Island. Retirees welcome. Inquire at 727-244-5906 IMMEDIATE FULL TIME EXECUTIVE ASST. position available with the AMI Chamber of Commerce. Hrs are mainly M – F 9am5pm. Includes Health/ Dental benefits plan. Qualified applicants will have excellent knowledge of MS Word & MS Excel. Experience in Quickbooks, Publisher, Website updating, database entry and social media are a plus for this position. Interested candidates may call 941778-1541 or e-mail resume to info@amichamber.org.
ANNA MARIA CITY Gulf Drive Frontage Commercial 2 Lots 104x120 Real Estate only $1,200,000. Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216
MARKETING ASSISTANT PART-TIME Busy office, strong communications skills, computer skills. Need to be flexible. Send Resume to PO Box 1394, Anna Maria FL 34216
RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216
CAN YOU DIG It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! We Offer Training and Certifications Running Bulldozers, Backhoes and Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible! 866-362-6497
JULY 29, 2015
ATTN: CDL DRIVERS – 2 CPM Pay Increase! $2k Sign-On Bonus Great Miles and Pay Love your Job and Truck CDL-A Req – 877258-8782 www.drive4melton.com AVIATION GRADS WORK with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and others- start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-314-5838
FOR SALE VISION FITNESS R2200 HRT, Heart, calorie monitor. Incline hydraulic adjustment. LCD touch screen/programmable workouts Non-smoker. Excellent condition. $200 OBO Call 813-210-1020 SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $4,397- make & save money with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In Stock, ready to ship! Free Info/ DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 800-578-1363 Ext.300N DISH TV STARTING at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) Save! Regular Price $34.99 Call Today and Ask About Free Same Day Installation! Call Now! 888986-4858
FURNITURE CUSTOM COASTAL FURNITURE & CABINETS by Frankie Z. ebay store. Call 941-726-1482. 10015 Cortez Rd (corner of 101st) frankiezaff@yahoo.com
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES SALE NIKI’S GIFT & ANTIQUE SHOP. 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All Sterling 20% to 50% off. Select Furniture, 3 Drop Leaf Tables, Bedroom, Desk, Gifts, Collectibles, Miniatures, Vintage Jewelry, Foster Grant Sunglasses, Swim Suits 30% to 50% off. Beautiful scented soaps, Open 7 days 9:30am-5pm. ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30am-2pm Tuesday and Thursday and Saturday. 10am.-1pm Annex open same days till noon. Donations accepted 9am-11am Wednesday. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria Call 941-7792733
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077
STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
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 941-5042222 www.kernconstructioninc.com COUNTER TOP REFINISHING. Give existing counter tops new look. We can make laminate counter tops look like expensive stone for a fraction of the cost. Free estimates. Call 941-4446700 “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services. 35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com TILE REFINISHING. GET rid of grout lines forever! We can make tile and grout lines look like expensive stone for a fraction of the cost. Call 941-444-6700 DOES YOUR BATHTUB need a make over? Re-Glazing services bathtubs and tile. Free integrated Bath Mat with Premier Package! www. surfacetransformation. com Call 941-444-6700 GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194. HANDYMAN. RETIRED ENGINEER. Free estimates. “No job too Small”. Repairs, replacements, improvements, wall TV’s, shelves, cabinets, calking etc. Call Jim 941-448-7806
HOME SERVICES DRAIN CLEANING James VanFossen A.K.A. “RIP” Call 941-301-6077
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 ELI’S IRRIGATION New install/repair. Pumps, pools, irrigation, landscape lighting and pressure washing. Call 941-580-2054 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
LOCKSMITH ISLAND LOCKSMITH, “Lock Around the Clock”. Licensed/bonded/insured. Call 941-778-1661 or 941713-4414
LOST & FOUND
LOST CAT Mostly all white with black tail and black patches. Lives near the AMI Community centre on Palm Ave. Please call 941-7799888 Reward for finder Thank you LOST in HOLMES BEACH near 29th Street beach area. Blue Fire Wave music speaker in black bag. Call 863-214-3886 FOUND GOLD CHAIN close too Sandbar Restaurant on Beach Sunday May 31. Please call Bob 941-7783986 MEN'S GOLD RING, lost in surf near 60th street. Great sentimental value, reward offered. Please call 863-944-3517 LOST FAMILY HEIRLOOM during Wedding at Sandbar Restaurant on Sunday March 29. Gold wedding band with Diamond pendant near high water mark. Please contact 407-7609033
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JULY 29, 2015
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MOVING & STORAGE
POOL SERVICES
RENTALS: ANNUAL
MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. {Chemical Service} Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657
2BR/1BA COTTAGE HOME with fenced yard in Bradenton, $900 / $900 security. Quiet dead end street near Cox Chevrolet. Pets OK w/ pet fee. Credit & background required on all applicants over 18. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com
TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www. WalyPrecisionPainting.com
PERSONAL SERVICES SMALL ODD JOBS, yard work, walk dog etc. Call George 941-773-5518 THE TINT GUY." Commercial, residential, automotive, marine. Free estimates. All work guaranteed. Over 25 years experience. Mobile service available. Call 941-2012649
PETS ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available. Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496 ANNA & LINDSAY’S Dog Walking. $5 per dog walked, $10 Dog wash. $20 for both plus play time. Contact 917-406-9554. Anna Maria Island Only.
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AMI VALET LLC Professional parking services. Restaurants, weddings, any & all special events. Insured & Licensed. Years of experience. Call 941-565-0137 AMIValet@gmail.com AT YOUR SERVICE Personal & Professional assistant. Great rates. References available "Let me do what you are unwilling or unable to do." Call Cindy 941-812-2238 zicker8@aol.com
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE SPACIOUS 3BR/3BA Condominium rarely available in wonderful bay front complex with pool and tennis courts. Tastefully renovated to include newly tiled kitchen & family room with a peak of the bay and a split bedroom plan. Centrally located in Holmes Beach, with a short walk to shops. Ground-floor unit with covered parking and private storage. Family oriented and pet friendly. Offered at $450,000. Call Green Real Estate @ 941-7780455
FOR SALE by OWNER 1BR/1BA in historic Sandpiper co-op resort with bay view, boat docks, beach completely new inside and out. Call 941-224-1652 for more details 4BR/3BA HOUSE on 71.5 acres with 18 stall horse barn in Parrish, Florida. Call Steve Georgie 941-321-6253 at Keller Williams Realty
ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. ANNUAL RENTAL- 2BR/2BA with den condo and boat dock Will allow small pets $1800/mo. Call Island Vacation Properties 941778-1000 LUXURIOUS 2BR/2BA CONDO at Smugglers Landing $2350 annual lease. 1800sqft W/D, tennis courts, heated pool. Contact A Paradise 941778-4800
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NEWLY FURNISHED 1BR/1BA with patio in Holmes Beach. Light and bright with convenient location. Immediate occupancy, $1250/mo plus utilities. First, Last & Security. References required. Call 219-7760325 ANNUAL RENTALS: 2BR/1BA elevated unit with Gulf View. One property from beach. W/D, D/W $1,500/mo includes water/garbage. NO pets. Non-Smoking. 1BR/1BA close to beach. $990/mo. Non-Smoking. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307. HOLMES BEACH ROOMFor working female. Private bath, W/D, storage, screened room, beach 1 block. $675/mth inc all utilities/DISH/WiFi. References. Mary 941448-4027
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RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION
REAL ESTATE: OUT OF AREA
TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915
NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAIN Land for sale: a rare find - gently sloping mountain land, 3 1/2 plus acres with building lot, electric, water and septic installed. Storage bldg, apple trees facing south. Near Cashiers and Lake Glenville. $75,000. Call 941-778-5966.
WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport services: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com TOWN CAR SERVICES, All airports served. Local and Long distance services available. Call Glen 941225-0072 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur at taxi prices! Airports (1person $75, 10 people $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere. Credit cards accepted. Call Phil 941-3201120 admiraltowncar@ gmail.com, admiraltc.com Licensed & Insured
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Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner
Cindy Jones Sales Associate
Michelle Laade Sales Associate
Ed Kirn Broker Associate
Greg Burke Sales Associate
Billi Gartman Sales Associate
JULY 29, 2015
Kandi Kerekes Sales Associate
April Greene Denise Crownover Susanne Kasten Sales Associate Broker Associate Sales Associate
Vacation Rentals s Sales s Property Management
TeamDuncan.com s 941.779.0304
310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216