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VOL 15 No. 32

June 10, 2015

City’s rental ordinance gets a boost A court ruling in Flagler County lends legal support to Anna Maria’s vacation rental rules, according to the city attorney. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – It appears to Anna Maria City Attorney Becky Vose that a June 1 ruling on a lawsuit against Flagler County over a vacation rental ordinance will have an effect on a similar lawsuit recently filed against the city of Anna Maria by developers of rental properties. Vose received a copy of the ruling the day it was filed and then mailed the plaintiffs’ attorneys a draft motion for sanctions in the suit to require the plaintiffs to pay for the city’s legal expenses. Her letter to the plaintiffs’ attorneys took note of the lawsuit against the plaintiffs’ claim that, “The regulation of the operation of short-term vacation properties is see RENTALS, page 26

Parking ‘foot soldiers’ to hit the streets The parking enforcers will wear special shirts to identify them. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

Citrus season may be over, but there are still Florida oranges to be had … no sweeteners needed.

ANNA MARIA – Eleven people, ranging from city employees to private citizens, took a parking enforcement specialist course last week at city hall. They will be the “foot soldiers” for the city’s crackdown on illegal parking, the last step before paid parking. Mayor Dan Murphy said if the city goes to paid and permit parking, these employees would enforce it. Murphy selected a number of applicants to do the work because he wants more hours of see PARKING, page 16

CINDY LANE | SUN

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey TURTLES outdoors sports ReSTAURANTS classifieds

4 6 7 20 22-23 24-25 26-27 36-39

FIRST

City Pier: COUNTY OK’S MONEY

Tourism marketing spending to increase over next two years. 8

green turtle nest of the 2015 season is discovered on AMI.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

FOR PIER PILING INSPECTION. 11

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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THE SUN

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JUNE 10, 2015

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THE SUN

Metz issues new threat The commission approved payment of the attorney fees generated by a failed recall lawsuit.

If this bill is paid by the city, I can assure you that this matter will not stop in this room.” John Metz Resident and planning board member.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – After filing and dismissing an unsuccessful recall lawsuit that cost city taxpayers $11,049, John Metz has threatened additional action against the city. During Thursday’s commission meeting, Metz objected to the city paying the attorney fees produced by his failed efforts to have Jack Clarke removed from last month’s recall election ballot, which later led to Mayor Bill Shearon being removed from office and replaced by Clarke. Metz voiced his objections while the commission discussed a consent agenda that included an invoice for City Attorney Ricinda Perry’s monthly services and a second invoice for $11,049 owed to attorney Andrea Flynn Mogensen’s law firm. In early May, Mogensen successfully defended Clarke against the lawsuit and an injunction request Metz filed in

joe hendricks | sun

John Metz objects to legal fees that resulted from a lawsuit he filed in an attempt to thwart the recall election. opposition to his candidacy. Clarke was vice mayor at the time. Metz is now objecting to the city paying for legal fees generated by his own actions. He also accused the city attorney of committing an error of timing he feels prevented Clarke from fully complying with the state’s resign-to-run law, and he thinks the city should be relieved of some of her fees as well.

In support of this belief, Metz restated the resign-to-run argument he unsuccessfully argued before Judge Gilbert Smith, who ruled that he failed to provide sufficient proof. In regard to the Mogensen invoice, Metz said, “It’s not a legitimate city bill. It’s a gift of public funds and a misuse of public funds. The Mogensen firm was hired after a vote by this commission. It was a 3-2 vote and the third vote was by Vice Mayor Clarke. This is a violation of Florida Statute 112.3143.” Metz said the invoices should be paid by Perry’s errors and omissions carrier or by Clarke personally. “If this bill is paid by the city, I can assure you that this matter will not stop in this room,” he said. Perry then said to Clarke, “Mayor, because there were disparaging remarks made against me I’d like to respond.” Clarke granted the request and Perry

addressed the qualifying period timeframe Metz objected to. “Mr. Metz I had no control over the dates. The dates were selected by the supervisor of elections. The judge looks at a proposed order and decides whether the supervisor of elections gave him dates that were acceptable to him,” she said. When Metz interrupted, Clarke brought the gavel down and said, “Let’s have order here.” Metz then refrained from further comment. When Perry finished, Commissioner Jan Vosburgh made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. The motion was supported by Clarke and Commissioner Ed Straight with no further discussion or acknowledgement of Metz’s objections. Commissioner Janie Robertson was absent see threat, page 14

THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

Center survey seeks feedback

Holmes Beach warns of boat thefts The Holmes Beach Police Department is notifying residents that neighboring jurisdictions have had some thefts of high dollar boats. “Please be vigilant in watching your boats and neighboring boats,” said Police Chief Bill Tokajer. Call the police immediately at 941-778-2677 if you see anything suspicious.

Holmes Beach power poles being replaced FPL has announced that it will be replacing power poles on the mail electrical transmission lines in Holmes Beach. At times, street traffic will be reduced to one lane. Flagmen will be present during all lane closures. Approximately 90 poles are being replaced on Gulf Drive from 61st Street to 80th Street, all of Marina Drive, Holmes Boulevard from 61st Street to 75th Street, Palm Drive from 61st Street to 80th Street and Key Royale Drive from Marina Drive to Dundee Lane. Work is anticipated to continue to Labor Day. No work will be done during the July 4 holiday.

Blues, Brews & BBQ redux The success of the rain-shortened inaugural Blues, Brews & BBQ event that attracted more than 400 guests in May has led to the scheduling of the second Blues Brews & BBQ to be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016. “We are proud to say that this first-time event, even with it getting rained out halfway through, was still a success, and we were still able to raise money for the community” said Bridge Street Merchants secretary and Sea-renity Spa owner Amanda Escobio, who noted that proceeds from last month’s event benefitted the Food Bank of Manatee.

Correction Bait vendor John Maguire lives aboard his boat in Cortez and does not reside in the anchorage adjacent to the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

JUNE 10, 2015

Zaccagnino cleared of ethics complaints

in brief

In response to numerous questions received over the past months, AMI Community Center officials have compiled a list of questions via Survey Monkey addressing things they would like to improve upon. This survey gives residents the opportunity to share their feedback about what type of events, programs and activities they would like to see offered at the Center and where they feel there is room for improvement. The results are completely confidential and anonymous. For Survey Monkey questions, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3DX9V7S.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

Former Mayor Carmel Monti filed the complaints on May 20, 2014. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – The Florida Commission on Ethics has cleared former Commissioner David Zaccagnino of ethics complaints filed by former Mayor Carmel Monti. Monti filed the complaint on May 20, 2014, alleging that: • Zaccagnino misused his position to persuade or attempt to persuade the building official to overlook building regulations regarding a tree house for a homeowner who also was Zaccagnino’s friend. • Zaccagnino misused his position to obtain or attempt to obtain preferential treatment from the mayor for Shawn Kaleta to allow him to resume a construction project that had a stop work order.

• Zaccagnino misused his position to threaten or attempt to threaten Waste Management and/or its employee for failing to pick up waste materi- Zaccagnino als from his residence. In a July 1, 2104, letter to the Commission on Ethics, Zaccagnino’s attorney, Maggie Mooney-Portale stated, ‘The entirety of the complaint appears to be politically motivated to disparage Commissioner Zaccagnino before the November 2014 mayoral election and force Commissioner Zaccagnino to defend against a frivolous claim.” However, Monti pointed out that he filed his complaint 28 days prior to Zaccagnino filing to run for mayor on June 17, 2014.

Ethics Commission’s findings

Regarding the first allegation, the Ethics Commission report stat-

ed that Human Resources Analyst Mary Buonagura and Zaccagnino both said his “concern was for legal fees that could be incurred by the city,” and that there is insufficient evidence to show how his actions were inconsistent with the proper performance of his office. Regarding the second allegation, the report said, “Respondent (Zaccagnino) contends that the city charter allows him to communicate with the mayor on matters pertaining to city business and to express his opposition to action taken by the city,” and that there is insufficient evidence to show how his actions were inconsistent with the proper performance of his office. Regarding the third allegation, the report said, “While respondent may have let his frustration get the best of him, there is insufficient evidence to show how he attempted to use his official position and/ or that there was corrupt intent.”

Robertson out as merchants’ liaison Jan Vosburgh will now serve as liaison to the Bridge Street Merchants. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Commissioner Janie Robertson has been replaced as commission liaison to the Bridge Street Merchants. During Thursday’s commission meeting, Mayor Jack Clarke appointed Commissioner Jan Vosburgh to serve as the new liaison to the merchants association, making a change sought by the merchants’ association. “We requested a new liaison from the mayor that we believe was better aligned with the mission statement of our organization,” Bridge Street Merchants President Angela Rodocker said on Friday. Robertson recently fell out of favor with the merchants during disputes pertaining to Bridge Street Market signage and the use of a privately owned Bridge Street property for public parking. Robertson did not attend Thursday’s commission meeting and was not on hand when this action was taken.

Credit

Commissioner Janie Robertson has been relieved of one of her commission duties. Last week, Clarke also appointed Vosburgh to serve as the chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency, taking over a role previously held by Bill Shearon. Vosburgh also will serve as the new cell tower liaison and provide the commission with updates on tower repairs and the efforts to secure additional cellular service providers.

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JUNE 10, 2015

THE SUN

A familiar figure returns The Bradenton Beach City Commission has been reshaped in the wake of last month’s recall election. BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Former Mayor John Shaughnessy returned to the commission dais Thursday evening after been appointed to serve the remainder of Jack Clarke’s ward 1 commission term. Last week’s commission meeting also saw longtime Commissioner Ed Straight selected to serve as vice mayor. Shaughnessy and Straight’s appointments were necessitated by last month’s recall election, which resulted in Clarke, the former Ward 1 commissioner, ascending to the mayor’s position. “Commissioner Straight has served on the dais for nearly five years and has prior experience as vice mayor He is the logical and most qualified candidate for this position. I strongly support him for the position of vice mayor going forward,” Clarke said when nominating Straight. A few minutes later, when nominating Shaughnessy, Clarke said, “I have received Mr. Shaughnessy’s application. He should need no introduction to anyone in this room. He’s served as commissioner, vice mayor and

mayor, as well as devoting his time to the city on non-elected boards. He brings to the dais a wealth of institutional memory and experience. Among his numerous accomplish- Shaughnessy ments on behalf of the city, John was the one person more than any other that made our new pier possible. There is no better qualified candidate to fill the first ward seat.” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh made the motion to appoint Shaughnessy and her motion was supported by Clarke and Straight. Commissioner Janie Robertson was absent with excuse. City Clerk Terri Sanclemente then read the oath of office and swore Shaughnessy into office with his wife June standing by his side. The oath concluded with Shaughnessy saying, “I will well and faithfully perform the duties of the position which I am about to enter.” After a round of applause, Shaughnessy said, “Thank you very much for your support, I appreciate it. It’s good to be back in the saddle.” Clarke invited Shaughnessy to take a see shaughnessy, page 33

Pro tempore no more Bradenton Beach now has an official city clerk, and the administrative department has been restructured. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The term pro tempore has been removed from Terri Sanclemente’s job title. During Thursday’s commission meeting, Sanclemente was appointed city clerk after serving as the acting city clerk since October. “Pro tempore means for the time being. Terri Sanclemente has been city clerk pro tempore for most of the last year,” Mayor Jack Clarke said when he initiated the appointment. “She’s made order out of chaos in the clerk’s office. She will continue to bring greater stability and focus to the job. She received top marks in her most recent job performance evaluation. She previously worked for the city from November 2006 to May 2012 directly under (former city clerk) Nora Isdo, but her recent service has been exceptional during a very trying period in our city administration,” Clarke said.

“I agree,” said Vice Mayor Ed Straight. “I’m pleased to have her,” said Commissioner Jan Vosburgh. Having just been reappointed to the Sanclemente commission, John Shaughnessy said he was familiar with Sanclemente’s work. “I worked with Terri when I was on the commission and also as mayor. She’s very qualified, works good with people and she’s very efficient. You have my vote,” he said. Sanclemente will receive an annual salary of $55,000, which amounts to a $12,000 raise and brings her pay in line with City Treasurer Sheila Dalton. “I am very honored to accept the position of city clerk. I’ve always loved this city, from the very first time I set foot in city hall on Nov. 6 of 2006,” Sanclemente said when addressing the commission. “I feel that I bring good work experience having worked in the clerk’s office before for five and a half years; and working see sanclemente, page 33

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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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JUNE 10, 2015

GUEST COLUMN A view from the U.K. BY PAT AND TONY WHITEHOUSE UNITED KINGDOM RESIDENTS SPECIAL TO THE SUN

e have been coming to AnnaMaria Island since 1993 from the Southwest of the United Kingdom. We love the Island and the people who live here, having made good friends with some local residents. It saddens us to read of major traffic congestion during peak months of February and March. Fortunately, since 2012 when we retired, we've been able to come after Easter in April, when it is not so busy. We have been more than happy to rent a smaller house on the Island and have respected the local residents right to peace and quiet. We do not understand why large houses are being built for rental to very large groups, when the infrastructure can barely cope. Please do not spoil the Island - we love it too much to see it ruined. Surely people will not visit if it is too busy, noisy and inaccessible? Town planners please take note of our humble opinions.

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Paradise not yet lost More than two years ago, I wrote a letter to the editor of The Sun that contained the following: “As I see it, our reformers have two choices. Keep their heads in the sand and deny that we've become another Daytona Beach, or face reality and start planning for dealing with an influx of party seeking transients. I firmly believe that the focus of our elected officials has to be toward generating as much revenue (as do the developers, Realtors, and business owners) from this transformation as possible. How about they consider bridge tolls, parking meters, beach tags, an extra 20 police, an extra 20 enforcement personnel (i.e., 24/7 coverage and protection for the remaining “residents”), increased rental taxes and access fees, etc. All to be paid by those who are now enjoying our “slice of paradise.” In this week's Sun, Chief Tokajer responded to why he doesn't have officers assigned to major intersections for traffic control: He would have to have 10 officers to do that, and he only has three. Maybe an auxiliary police force to handle parking and traffic

duties might be a solution? The Urban Land Institute's $130,000 study recommended paid parking to pay for community improvements. Wouldn't one think that traffic control fits that bill? If not, just wait until the Fourth of July weekend. Bob McCaffrey Holmes Beach

What residential neighborhoods? You may have noticed a group of young women with the Tampa Bay Bucs in town a few weeks ago. We understand they came to the beach for training, to take pictures and spend a little time enjoying the Island. My wife and I are the lucky people who live next door to one of the houses they rented. They didn’t make a lot of noise compared to most of the rentals that surround us. No complaints there. But the comings and goings of 20 women, most driving separate vehicles, disrupted our neighborhood. At many times during the week, Loquat Drive was nearly impassable for most vehicles and almost impossible for larger vehicles like the garbage trucks and UPS.

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

Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Web Jocelyn V. Greene Accounting John Reitz

We still didn’t complain during the week. We’ve been putting up with it. It’s what so many of us do who have lived here for 10, 15, 20 years or more … who remember when Anna Maria Island was a really great place to live. We had neighborhoods. We had neighbors! When cars blocked our street on Friday, we did contact the managing real estate agent who had no idea there were so many people or cars. I wish we’d called when they first arrived. With so many rentals, agents can’t keep a constant eye on every property. We need to step up and report any “cheaters” and overcrowding when we see it. The final straw was coming home Friday night in the downpour and finding a car backed in our carport in front of our garage. Pretty ballsy right? We got drenched getting to the house to wait for the Sheriff's Office to respond. The officer did a great job of getting the young lady who owns the car to move it. He also told the others that all the vehicles lining the street had to be moved or parked with wheels off pavement. Then he SEE LETTERS, PAGE 7

Distribution Bob Alexander Keith Isner Tony McNulty Contributors Steve Borggren Tom Breiter Monica Simpson

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JUNE 10, 2015

LETTERS

the sun survey

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: The prohibition against dogs on AMI beaches is:

THE SUN

40%

A bad idea. Dogs should be allowed on the beach as long as they are kept on leashes.

Let the dogs onto the beaches; kick out the people.

FROM PAGE 6

No dogs on the beach In your Sun survey on dogs on the beach, you left out the most important question: Who wants to keep dogs off the beach because we don't want our children or grandchildren playing where dogs have pooped and peed. Not all, but most owners do not pick up after their dogs have pooped and no one can pick up where their dogs have peed in the sand. It is just there for our children and grandchildren to pick up and play in. And, of course, some of it ends up in their mouths. So let's keep dogs off the beach for sanitary reasons if for no other. Mike Barnhart Anna Maria

Anna Maria Island Insanity

55%

A good idea, since it protects nesting birds and sea turtles.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

Anna Maria City is proposing an ordinance that would limit rental houses to eight people per home. Good idea or bad idea?

• Great idea. This will bring prevent the mini-motels from housing 2030 people at one time.

• Horrible idea. This clearly will take value away from any given property and result in even more lawsuits.

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone. LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun 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.

I am a native of Anna Maria Island and homeowner here. I love the Island and have always wanted to spend my life here. Now I don’t. I am growing increasingly weary of the total lack of concern about what Anna Maria Island and Anna Maria City are becoming. The Island is one huge parking lot, the city hall is being paid to erect a 165-foot cell phone tower next to residential homes and no one really cares. This is because no one really lives here anymore. The large rental properties that offer lodging for 3-4 families at a time are owned by investors and individuals that don’t care about the city and are in it for the short-term investment. My street, Spring Avenue, next to City Hall is now a huge free parking lot for everyone and is going to have a cell tower on the corner. Visitors parking for free throw their trash next to my house and the renters next door in the six bedroom rental house throw their trash in my trash cans. I am not here just to rant - I am proposing a few solutions. After visiting other areas like Naples, Ft. Myers and St. Petersburg, I have realized there can be a valid solution. Paid parking lots or garages with metered spaces or daily parking rates should be placed in areas on the Island. People in these towns seem happy to pay $8 to $15 per day, even 25 cents per 10 minutes, to park near the beach. Manatee County residents should be able to purchase a yearly parking pass for beach parking. The monies generated are able to pay city personnel with a small truck to empty the trash cans by the beach accesses on a frequent schedule to keep the areas clean. Traffic is kept to a minimum as people who cannot get a parking spot leave. The residential areas are more visually appealing as they are not free parking lots. As far as rental homes, there are a few solutions. Owners have to provide ample parking and adhere to occupancy numbers that are published by the rental agency. I also have rental property on the Island and keep close tabs on the occupancy numbers. This is a must. Renters have rights but they also must have rules. I am not opposed to progression, but planned progression is needed and it is time our elected city and county officials put their heads together to solve the issues, instead of fighting over mundane and mindless politics. It is time to put a stop to this Anna Maria Island insanity. Keverly Sugden Anna Maria

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THE SUN

Sixty-one percent increase proposed for tourism marketing BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

enhance or maintain the quality of life for residents out there.”

The Bradenton Area Convention Onward and upward and Visitors Bureau (CVB) plans The peak season that ended last to spend $12.7 million to market month continued a record upward Manatee County as a tourist destina- trend for tourism, generating contion over the next two fiscal years, 61 tinuing concerns from Island resipercent more than the previous two dents about traffic, parking, noise fiscal years. and other issues. The increase of about $4.8 milSince 2010, visitation to the county lion is due mostly to the addition of has increased by 11.9 percent, with several new sports initiatives, CVB 2.9 million visitors in 2014 alone, and Director Elliott Falcione said. no room at the inn at the season’s The proposed tourism marketing height in March 2015, with 95.6 budget is $5.34 million for fiscal year percent of the county’s accommoda2016 and $7.38 million for 2017. The tions full, according to CVB statistics. same budget was $3.92 million for “Demand is outstripping, to some 2014 and $3.96 million for 2015. extent, supply. You’re playing the Budget funds are generated by revenue curve. It’s capitalism. It’s resort taxes paid by tourists to acgreat, you’re making money,” Walter commodations in the county. Klages of Research Data Services, The Manatee County Tourist the county’s tourism consultant, told Development Council (TDC) voted the TDC. unanimously on Monday to recomThe trend will likely continue, mend the budget to the Manatee especially with the nation in an ecoCounty Commission, which is nomic recovery, he predicted. expected to vote on the expenditure Visitation from Europe increased in September. 16 percent from 2014 to 2015, more Among other events, the budget than from any other geographic increases will pay to promote the area, Klages said, adding that international travelers have 30 percent 2017 World Rowing Championships at Benderson Park, and the more purchasing capacity than second Bradenton Area River their U.S. equivalents, “and they are Regatta, which will return to Brayounger - for the first time in the last denton and Palmetto on Feb. 6, five years we are seeing millennials 2016, Falcione said. The two events coming in.” account for about $2.8 million of The number of visitors to Manatee the two-year budget. County rose 7.2 percent in April 2015 from the previous April to 52,300 No additional funds are allocated to promote Anna Maria Island as people, according to Research Data a tourist destination during high Services. season, he said, adding that the CVB Occupancy on Anna Maria Island focuses on promoting the entire was up 4.8 percent, with room rates up 9.8 percent from the previous Bradenton area. “We’ve shifted away advertising dollars from the peak season, January through Memorial Day, staying away from print Manatee County’s 5 percent resort tax, and digital ads because or tourist tax, is collected from owners of there’s enough market share accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, out there that has created in most cases, tourists. About 50 percent awareness. We have shifted of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors our equity to the mainland,” Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20 he said. percent allocated to beach renourishment. Resort tax increases reflect both increased “We are meeting with visitation and improved tax collection efforts. Amounts shown were collected in the (Island) mayors every April and paid to the Manatee County Tax three months to find better Collector’s Office in May. balances,” Falcione said. To anonymously report a rental owner “When your beaches are who may not be paying the tax, call 941741-4809 or visit www.taxcollector.com/ ranked number five in services_resort_tax_tips.asp. Conde Nast in the world, Source: Manatee County Tax Collector there’s noise out there that you can’t manage, so the best thing is shift away what we’re doing to

April to $203 per night. Room nights were up 6.2 percent countywide in April, with party size remaining constant at an average three people per party and the length of stay remaining constant at an average five nights. The average age of the travelers was 46 with a median income of $119,458 a year. Nearly 90 percent used the Internet to learn about the area, and 66 percent used the Internet to book reservations. Floridians accounted for 26.2 percent of the visitors, followed by the Midwest (23.9 percent) and the Northeast (21 percent). Nearly 40 percent were visiting for the first time.

In other business

• Falcione announced a $50,000 initiative to create a countywide arts and culture organization that could be funded by future resort taxes. • The council learned about CVB efforts to bring travel writers to the area, including a writer for Mother Nature Network who stayed on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria, and several freelance writers from the United Kingdom. • CVB staff announced plans to attend tourism conferences in London, Washington D.C., Boston, Orlando and Dallas. • A new social media campaign, Bradenton Area Beach Madness, ran in March, staging virtual competitions between area activities such as kayaking at Robinson Preserve versus birdwatching at Emerson Point Preserve. The overall winner was seeing Snooty at the South Florida Museum.

April resort tax collections

JUNE 10, 2015

on the agenda Anna Maria

Holmes Beach

6/11: City Commission work session, 6 p.m. For information, call 7086130.

6/11: City Commission work session, 7 p.m. For information, call 7085800.

Bradenton Beach

Island Wide

10005 Gulf Drive

107 Gulf Drive N.

6/11: Charter Review Committee, 2 p.m. 6/18: Charter Review Committee, 2 p.m. For information, call 7781005.

5801 Marina Drive

6/17: Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Holmes Beach City Hall, 2 p.m. 6/18: West Manatee Fire Commission meeting, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.

Wednesday June 10

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $8. Register to 941-778-2099. AMI Community Connections fellowship, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m. Spanish for adults, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

Thursday June 11

Katie Adams on Greek myths, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Friday June 12

Alzheimer’s caregivers group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Saturday

June 13 Origami class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Families flock together: salt march explorers, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 2 to 4 p.m. Register to 941-7484501, ext. 6039.

Sunday June 14

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday June 15

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 to 11:45 a.m., $8. Register to 941-778-2099. Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

Tuesday June 16

Children’s story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday June 17

Thursday June 18

Magic and Mayhem school age program, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Successful Women Aligning Together, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Members, $12, guests, $17. RSVP to swatami@ gmail.com Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

JUNE 10, 2015

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THE SUN

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THE SUN

JUNE 10, 2015

Island life just got a little more exciting!

Beach Club Opening Summer 2015

INTRODUCING

Marina Walk New Resort Homes from the $500s

Marina Walk Resort Homes

Pre-construction Pricing - Limited Time! Overlooking the emerald waters of Anna Maria Sound just moments from Anna Maria Island, Harbour Isle proudly introduces our newest addition of waterfront Resort Homes, Marina Walk. Designed for low maintenance living, these innovative two- three-bedroom residences feature large island kitchens, walk-in closets, screened lanais, and breathtaking sunset views. And a rich array of resort amenities makes every day a getaway at your private island paradise! Models for this all new collection of Resort Homes are under construction and planned to open in January 2016. Florida’s Favorite Beach Community! Anna Maria Island was named one of the Sunshine State’s “10 Best Secret Beaches” by USA Today/10Best.com and one of only four “Old, Classic Florida” destinations by the Wall St. Journal. Harbour Isle Amenities Include: Waterfront Beach Club s Private Clubhouse s 4 Resort-Style Pools s Fitness Center s Kayak Launch s Sky Bar Lounge s Event Lawn s Sandy Beach s 3 Neighborhood Amenities s Planned Marina with Wet and Dry Storage, Restaurants, Shops and More No CDD fees! Unlike other communities, Harbour Isle does not burden you with Community Development District (CDD) fees, which saves you thousands of dollars during your home ownership.

(877) 542-0822 | mintofla.com 12300 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 | Located on SR-64 West, just before the Anna Maria Island Bridge in Bradenton For location, hours of operation and further details about our award-winning communities throughout Florida, visit mintofla.com. ©MintoCommunities,LLC2015.Notanofferwhereprohibitedbystatestatutes.Allrightsreserved.Contentmaynotbereproduced,copied,altered,distributed,storedortransferredinanyformorbyanymeanswithoutexpresswrittenpermission. Artist’srenderings,dimensions,specifications,pricesandfeaturesareapproximateandsubjecttochangewithoutnotice.Minto,theMintologo,HarbourIsleandtheHarbourIslelogoaretrademarksofMintoCommunities,LLCand/oritsaffiliates. CGC 1519880. 6/2015

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JUNE 10, 2015

THE SUN

Money approved for pier inspection Mayor Dan Murphy said every piling under the pier would be inspected with sonar to make sure they are safe. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught @amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – A request for funds for a detailed inspection of the Anna Maria City Pier passed through the Manatee County Board of Commissioners last week.

The request, from the city of Anna Maria, was for up to $60,000 from the Tourist Development Council. The city will have to reimburse the TDC 50 percent of what is spent. “It is an engineering and architectural look at the pier,” said Mayor Dan Murphy. “They will get an in-depth look of each piling, using sonar to look for deficiencies.” Murphy said he expects the study to begin this summer. He said he wants to make sure the pier is safe for the increase of

visitors. Over the years, the Anna Maria City Pier has been identified as a top tourist attraction for Manatee County. Murphy said the topside of the pier would not be included in the study. The tenant who runs the restaurant, Mario Schoenfelder is charged with the upkeep of the structures on the pier. Murphy said the city would put together a request for bids and judge the applicants to find a contractor.

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JUNE 10, 2015

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

‘Twin piers’ work continues BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The northernmost of three erosion control groins along Bradenton Beach’s shore is gone and is being replaced by a modern, adjustable one that officials hope will do a better job. There is nothing left of the old concrete pier and large cranes are

Owner Steve Traves Outdoor Pro

lowering steel structures onto a base of sand and concrete. They will serve as the frame for the new groin. To the south, the outline of the middle groin, which is partially collapsed, shows why they are being replaced. Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker paved the way for the project by recommending the

adjustable groins as a tool to cut down erosion. The Coquina multi-use path will be closed along the work area behind the current groin. When it is finished, those portions will be reopened and other portions behind subsequent groins will be closed as workers replace them. The project is expected to last through December.

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JUNE 3, 2015

THE SUN

Fire Station 4 rebuild plans progress The design/build team is NDC Construction, Wannemacher Jensen Architects and AllisonGause Engineering. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue’s Building Committee met with an architect, engineers and construction company representatives to refine plans to rebuild Station 4 in Bradenton. Building Committee members are Fire Chief Tom Sousa, Fire Commissioner Randy Cooper and Battalion Chief Chris Kiernan. The design build team includes NDC Construction, Wannemacher Jensen Architects and AllisonGause Engineering. The first discussion centered on the ingress and egress to the apparatus bays because the property shares a driveway with an adjacent day care business. Members agreed that the ingress would be on the day care side, and the driveway would be made as wide as possible on the fire station side Kiernan asked that the

WMFR | submitted

Above, a rendering of Station 4 that is being considered. At right, Battalion Chief Chris Kiernan and Fire Chief Tom Sousa discuss building plans. Pat Copeland | sun

parking lot be fenced because firefighters have had their vehicles broken into. Members discussed either a keypad or magnetic lock to open the fence. Cooper asked for suggestions to improve the plain wall facing 67th Street, and Kiernan suggested a changeable sign to announce meetings, classes, etc. Sousa said they could have a sign in the right of way like the ones in front of schools, and Adam Phillips, of

NDC Construction, suggested putting the district’s logo on the wall. Cooper asked about glass doors on the apparatus bay, and Phillips said he could provide various options and prices. Sousa pointed out that the apparatus bay is big enough to hold the district’s entire fleet in case of hurricane evacuation from the island. Sousa asked about solar panels on the building, which could save $500 per month in

electric costs. Phillips said he would look into the construction aspect, and Cooper said he would research the cost. On the interior plan, Kiernan pointed out that firefighters do not want windows in the dorm rooms,

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and that doors to three offices or common areas can be eliminated because they are unnecessary. Cooper agreed to present the preliminary plan to the board of fire commissioners at their June 18 meeting.

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Music on the Porch Saturday Bring an instrument, raise your voice or tap your feet at the Music on the Porch jam session at the Florida Maritime Museum on Saturday, June 13, from 2 to 5 p.m. Children and adults are welcome at this free event. The Florida Maritime Museum is at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez. For more information, call 941-708-6120.

Choose-your-own-topic lecture series The Florida Maritime Museum invites you to suggest a historical topic for the

staff to research and make a short presentation on, with a roundtable discussion following. The presentations will take the place of the regular lecture series over the summer. Dates include Wednesday, June 17, at 3 p.m.; Wednesday, July 15, at 3 p.m.; and Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 3 p.m. If there is a topic you would like to learn more about that is related to Florida or its waters (lakes, rivers, bays or oceans) that happened at least 30 years ago, e-mail John Beale at John.Beale@manateeclerk. com.

THREAT: More legal action possible FROM PAGE 3

with an excuse, and John Shaughnessy had not yet been appointed to the commission, which occurred later that evening. After the meeting, Perry commented on Metz’s assertion that she erred in the assistance she provided in establishing the qualifying period. “I take great issue with it,” she said. As for the city paying for Clarke’s defense, Perry said, “The statute Mr. Metz referenced was for a private gain or loss. There was no private gain or loss in this situation, as it

relates to the discharge of public duty and the city is obligated to provide legal services in that regard for any elected official, just as they had previously done for then-Mayor Shearon.” Metz has served on the city’s Planning and Zoning Board since Shearon nominated him in 2013. According to section 34-62 of the city ordinances, he could be removed from the board by a four-fifths super-majority vote if the commission determines his services are no longer desired. As of Sunday, Metz had not taken any additional legal action against the city.

JUNE 10, 2015

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Pier buildings available to separate tenants Interested parties will be able to view the request for proposal package. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT

BRADENTON BEACH – The city commission is open to the idea of leasing the restaurant space, bait shop and harbor master’s office located on the Historic Bridge Street Pier to separate tenants. This decision was reached as the result of discussions that took place at last week’s Pier Team meeting and city commission meeting. Those who wish to lease the pier structures will have the option to submit bids for one, two or all three pierbased structures during the request for proposal (RFP) process that will commence soon. It has been determined that the bait shop will be relocated to its former location inside the peach-colored eastern end of the smaller pier structure, while the yellow-colored harbor master’s office recently used as a bait shop will be leased as office or retail space. The bait shop will lease for $750 a month and the harbor master’s office will be leased for $550. The restaurant space formerly occupied by the Cast-n-Cage will be leased for $2,500 a month, plus a still to be determined percentage of gross revenues. The commission originally intended to lease all three structures for $2,500, plus the revenue sharing percentage, and this new approach is expected to generate additional revenue for the city. This will also allow potential restaurant tenants to concentrate solely on their restaurant operations if that is the business model they wish to adopt. These decisions were made due the high demand, and immediacy of those demands, expressed to the commission before and after former tenant

Roland Pena and his business partners vacated the city spaces. John Maguire, Mark Hill and Paradise Boat Tours owner Sherman Baldwin have all expressed interest in the bait shop, as has an unidentified resident of the Sandpiper Resort CoOp; and Baldwin, who recently added a second tour boat to his operation, said he plans to submit an “out of the box” bid for all three pier spaces. According to Pier Team Chair Sam Speciale, the city has also received inquiries about the harbor master’s office. “I think it’s a good thing,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said of the new direction taken. “I agree,” said Vice Mayor Ed Straight. Newly-appointed Commissioner John Shaughnessy said, “I think it’s a good idea, especially if somebody comes in and doesn’t want all three together. Someone who wants to run the restaurant will not be burdened, and this gives someone else an opportunity.” Commissioner Janie Robertson did not attend last week’s meetings, but she previously expressed support for leasing the structures to separate tenants. Mayor Jack Clarke said, “My question in all things is what is the best way to expedite this? I want the RFP out there and working.” Thursday night, Speciale and City Attorney Ricinda Perry told the commission they would modify the previously-approved RFP language in a manner that allows bids to be submitted for all or any of the pier buildings. The city has yet to receive any serious inquires about the restaurant space, but that is expected to change once the RFP is advertised and made available, which could take place as early as this week or next. Interested parties can contact the city clerk’s office at 941-778-1005 for additional information.

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PARKING: Enforcers to hit streets FROM PAGE 1

enforcement – into the weekends and evenings – and the city employees would be able to trade some of the hours for comp time. Renee Tomas, who heads up parking enforcement for Tampa, was the lead trainer. Her program gave the trainees an overview of their legal status as unsworn parking enforcers, what to look for, what the law allows and how to handle angry people who get tickets. Administrative Coordinator Sherrie Mullineaux accompanied Tomas, running the visual projector. During the class, Tomas said DELETE parking meters are expensive and require upkeep and may not be worth it. “Parking meters are not a viable revenue source,” she said. “Meters are being phased out and cities are switching to pay stations, which are more expensive.” She reaffirmed the mayor’s position that more intense enforcement might be the answer. Tomas said only 50 to 60 percent of parking tickets get paid, but the city could enroll in the D.A.V.I.D. (Driving and Vehicle Information Database) System to get information on vehicle owners to follow-up with collections. She said the city could also enroll in a service that will not allow a driver in another state to renew a driver’s license or tag if there is an unpaid ticket on record. Tomas had advice for those who encoun-

Parking meters are not a viable revenue source.” Renee Tomas Tampa parking enforcement

ter a confrontational driver with a ticket. “Don’t let them get to you,” she said. “They will try to bait you into acting unprofessional so they can complain about your actions.” She said it is best to not return an insult or mimic a complainer. She also warned it could get dangerous. “Don’t turn your back to them,” she warned. “Keep one eye on them and the other on the traffic.” Finally, she said if a situation gets heated, call for a sheriff’s deputy. Parking enforcers will not be armed, but they will have digital cameras. Tomas said they should get at least three photos of each infraction. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Paul Davis said if members of the public sees illegal parking, they should call the Sheriff’s Office substation at 708-8899 to get a deputy or a parking enforcer to respond. Do not call 911 for illegal parking, he said.

JUNE 10, 2015

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JUNE 10, 2015

THE SUN

Chief offers hurricane advice Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer has issued the following information for residents regarding hurricane season. Even though severe weather experts are predicting a lower than normal number of named storms during this hurricane season, which started June 1, itâ€™s important to remember it only takes one to cause damage to Holmes Beach. Now is the time for all residents, business owners and visitors to be prepared. A lack of education and planning are the common links of all major disasters. By knowing what actions should be taken, you can greatly reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster, so have a plan. â€œI canâ€™t emphasize enough that residents need to have a plan prepared, a radio and fresh batteries,â€? Tokajer

stressed. â€œAlso, without power, residents will be unable to charge their cell phones for days and be unable to get updates from the Internet.â€?

When evacuating

Residents can be forced to evacuate the Island or be confined to their homes. So begin by gathering some basic, yet vital, information regarding supplies such as flashlights and batteries, water, non-perishable food products, additional clothing and bedding. It is especially important for the elderly to have any medications they need in an accessible location so they donâ€™t them leave behind should there be an evacuation. If you are asked to evacuate, know where the evacuation routes will take

I canâ€™t emphasize enough that residents need to have a plan prepared, a radio and fresh batteries.â€? Bill Tokajer Holmes Beach police chief you. Have a plan of where you will stay during the storm. Once the storm has passed residents will need to have a re-entry tag proving they reside in Holmes Beach. That re-entry tag may be picked up at the Holmes Beach police station and should be kept in the car.

For more information regarding hurricane preparedness, brochures are available in the lobby at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. A hurricane information flier and re-entry tag forms are on the cityâ€™s Website at www.holmesbeachfl. org.

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Merchant donates to women's recovery AMI Outfitters Coastal Gear & Apparel owner Steve Traves donated three boxes of new women’s clothing and shoes to Learn to Fish Recovery Center representative Sabrina Sweeney for a fund-raiser they are holding July 4 at Bradenton Riverwalk. Traves calls Learn to Fish a perfect match for his shop's community outreach. "We appreciate their slogan, 'Give a girl a fish, feed her for a

day; teach a girl to fish, feed her for a lifetime,'” he said. “We hope our contribution of clothing to the LTF auction will ultimately help these women reinvent themselves." Since 2007, Learn To Fish has assisted more than 1,000 victims through court advocacy, sheltering homeless mothers and helping them retrieve their children from foster care. LTF has also raised public awareness of hu-

man sex trafficking. Traves said some of the items they gave will be raffled, and some will be used by the women living there getting their lives together. Sweeney said the group operates on donations alone and 100 percent of the money and items donated go toward the women at their facility. Those wanting to donate may call 941-755-3900.

Stormwater fee adopted Property owners will pay $4.40 per 100 square feet. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH –The Bradenton Beach City Commission passed a stormwater resolution last week that formally establishes a 2015 stormwater fee of $4.40 per hundred square feet of property, regardless of which type of structure,

if any, sits on the property. Using this rate, the owner of a 5,000 square foot property would be assessed a $220 stormwater fee. The commission also adopted an accompanying resolution that establishes appeal procedures for those who wish to dispute the stormwater fee assessed to their property. The appeal process entails a letter to be filed with the city’s Public Works Department within 30 days of the rate being established. The rate was established at the June 4 meeting,

which means an appeal must be filed by Friday, July 3. Once an appeal is filed, the burden falls on the property owner to show the city’s determination is incorrect and to provide the appropriate data to support this contention. The final decision will be made by city staff and the city engineer, and there will be a fee associated with the appeals process. Stormwater bills are scheduled to be mailed out on or around July 1.

JUNE 10, 2015

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THE SUN

Maul wins scholarship Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island education committee member Marie Garafano awarded a $1,000 memorial scholarship to Rachel Maul, a Manatee High School graduate who plans to attend Flagler College and major in visual arts. The awards are given each year to a student from a Manatee County public high school planning to major in one of the fine arts in college. This year the scholarship is in honor of Faye Rosechild Nierman. SUBMITTED

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JUNE 10, 2015

Tuesday Turtle Talks launched BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The first Tuesday Turtle Talk at Annie Silver Community Center drew about 25 people to learn about local efforts to save imperiled sea turtles. Bill George, a 19-year volunteer with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, told the group that it’s worth putting in the hours, even at age 77, to keep a species that’s 250 million years old from going extinct like the dinosaurs. Threatened loggerheads are the most common sea turtle on Anna Maria Island, deriving their name from a legend that sailors thought they were logs floating in the water, he said. A few green turtles also are sighted here each year. Others that nest elsewhere are leatherback, hawksbill and Kemp’s ridley turtles. Sea turtles live a life span similar to humans – 80-100 years, and take up to 30 years before they can reproduce. Nesting is not easy, George told the group, challenging kids to lie on their stomachs and drag themselves along the beach with their arms and legs like a turtle. Turtles began nesting in April this year, a bit early, as the official start of turtle season is May 1, probably because April was warmer than usual, George said, adding that when the water is at least 80 degrees, nesting begins. Mother turtles can nest several times each season. They come ashore at night, dig a shallow pit, then dig down two feet with their back flippers and lay their eggs, then cover up the nest with their back flippers and crawl back to the Gulf of Mexico. Last year each nest averaged 82 eggs. “She tries to hide it from us, and she does a good job,” he said, adding that Turtle Watch volunteers go out each morning to spot tracks, carefully dig down to verify that eggs were laid and mark the nests to protect them. Sometimes nests must be dug up and relocated because they are too close to the water, too close to the surface or, as in the case of two recent nests, too close to construction at Twin Piers, he said. Nests are prey to raccoons, ghost crabs, ants and even people who rob the nests for the eggs, a federal offense. About 60 days after the nest is laid, hatchlings emerge like lava from a volcano, heading for the sea, unless they are distracted by lights or other interference, he said. They swim for floating grass beds in the Gulf, where they feed and grow, and are camouflaged. One in 1,000 survive.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Above, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteer Bill George talks about turtles each Tuesday at the Annie Silver Community Center. Right, a model of a sea turtle nest shows hatchlings on their birthday. Below, when you see these yellow stakes marking sea turtle nests on Anna Maria Island, do not disturb – dozens of turtles are incubating!

Thirty years or so later, the females return to the area where they hatched to nest. The males seldom, if ever, see land again. Turtle Watch excavates hatched nests to count the number of shells and unhatched eggs, keeping statistics on the numbers. Tours of the excavations will be offered in July and August. Tuesday Turtle Talks will continue on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. through August.

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

Flippers and Feathers Nesting News The gender of loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings is dependent on nest temperature. Lower temperatures in the nest, usually occurring in the lowest part of the underground nest, produce more males, while higher temperatures, usually occurring nearer to the surface, produce more females.

Sea turtles Nests laid: 115 False crawls: 145 Nests hatched: 0 Hatchlings to Gulf: 0 Nest disorientations: 0 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

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).

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JUNE 10, 2015

THE SUN

Get into the swim zone

For the safest swimming on Anna Maria Island, swim at the county’s two public beaches, Manatee Beach Park and Coquina Beach Park, which are both lifeguarded, and where no-vessel zones, marked by buoys, prohibit boats from coming close to shore at any speed. Elsewhere on the Island, swimming is allowed between the beach and the buoys, which designate either slow speed/no wake zones or idle speed/no wake zones for boats. Law enforcement officers can issue tickets to vessel operators who ignore the buoys.

During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • 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).

SUBMITTED

Number one green The first green turtle nest of the 2015 season was discovered by volunteers with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring on Sunday. Green turtles nest only occasionally on the Island; most are loggerhead turtle nests.

Live like a local Respect Wildlife

CINDY LANE | SUN

Natives in Bloom Beach sunflowers are a welcome addition to the dune systems on Anna Maria Island’s beaches, helping to hold the dunes together and requiring no watering or fertilizing to thrive. Don’t pull them out when the flowers fade and they turn dormant – they’ll come back!

Tunicate Lawn chemicals wind up in the water and can kill animals like me ~ please use less! Anna Maria Island Sun, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

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OUTDOORS

JUNE 10, 2015

Fly fishing for tarpon

arpon are one of the premier gamefish that swim local waters and are a noble adversary on any tackle. The fish that frequent our beaches during the months of May through August can weigh over 200 pounds and average from 80 to 100 pounds. I’ll always remember the way a guide in the Keys described fly fishing for tarpon. In his words it is the “apex of angling.” We are blessed with some of the best tarpon fishing in the world, and the local bars and inshore waters host some of the finest fly fishing to be found anywhere. This isn’t a game of numbers, and to the anglers who pursue tarpon on the fly, it’s the hunt and the eye to eye action that keep them on the bow for hours in the hot summer sun. Fly tackle should match the size of the quarry, and most anglers opt for a 12-weight outfit and 70- to 80-pound bite tippet. While it might seem like a difficult task to land a tarpon on the fly, someone who knows the limits of his/her tackle can actually land a tarpon in a surprisingly short time. The key is to apply maximum pressure from the hookup and never let up. Too many anglers

baby their tarpon in a misguided attempt to land them. The truth is that the longer you fight a tarpon, the better chance you have of losing it. A properly tied tarpon leader usually runs between 10 and 12 feet and is tapered. It includes a class tippet from 16 to 20 pounds that is doubled at both ends to soften the (shock) impact of the larger leader (40 to 60 pounds) it’s tied to. Flies vary from the classic splayed feather, Key’s style to more complex designs like the Toad. There are lots of YouTube videos available with directions on how to tie leaders and flies. Key to the whole equation is to have a very sharp hook as tarpon have extremely tough mouths. Some fly anglers are not concerned with actually landing a tarpon, preferring to just enjoy the hunt, the hook up and the jumps that usually follow the hook set. They use light bite tippets, which allows the tarpon to work through the leader with their abrasive mouths. The key to landing tarpon on the fly is accuracy. The fly must be placed perfectly, move in a precise direction rela-

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS tive to the fish and be at the proper (fish’s) depth. Even when all of these factors come together, there’s still about a 50 percent chance that the tarpon will reject the fly. Patience is a critical factor when fly fishing for tarpon. The most successful anglers find the edge of a sandbar or other underwater feature that tarpon track, anchor in casting range and wait. Sometimes tarpon come at a steady rate, but just as often there are long periods of time when the only thing to look at is the water and the bottom. This really separates the great anglers from SUBMITTED the good anglers. There are times when you need to move, but knowing when and If you’re new to fly fishing for tarpon a guide is a where is a skill that is developed if never good investment. Here Captain Rick Grassett leads his client to an epic fight with a large west coast see reel time, page 25 tarpon.

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JUNE 10, 2015

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The heart of tarpon season Captain Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook FinAddict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action, jumping and catching and releasing tarpon on a fly and on live crabs in the coastal Gulf in Sarasota during the past week. Tarpon action was strong coming off the full moon. Fly anglers Hal Lutz, from Parish, and Jeb Mulock, from Bradenton, tarpon fished with me on Monday and Tuesday. It was slow to start, but the action picked up in the afternoon, and Jeb hooked up with a tarpon estimated at 120 pounds on a Grassett Flats Bunny fly. He successfully fought the fish through numerous jumps until he had her at the side of the boat. We were rained and clouded out on Tuesdayâ€™s fly fishing trip after a couple of hours and fly anglers on Wednesday had numerous shots and a bite, but didnâ€™t hook up. Dave Reinhart and Domenick Raschella, both from Virginia, tarpon fished with me on Thursday and

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | submitted

Domenick Raschella, from Virginia, caught and released this tarpon on a live crab while fishing the coastal Gulf in Sarasota with Capt. Rick Grassett. Friday. They had good action both days with numerous bites, several jumped tarpon and one tarpon landed on live crabs. Tarpon fishing in the coastal Gulf should be strong as we head into June and the heart of the tarpon season. Catch and release sight fishing for

snook in the surf with flies or DOA Lures should also be a good option. You may find trout, Spanish mackerel, blues or pompano on deep grass flats, particularly close to passes. Look for reds, snook and big trout mixed with mullet schools on shallow flats and edges of bars.

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SPORTS

JUNE 10, 2015

Team Gardner’s teens head to championship game The Sun Scoreboard Tuesday, May 26

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Team Gardner Team Ray

40 32

Taking on the responsibility of coaching the youth at the Anna Maria Island Community Center is nothing new to the Center’s athletic department staff. This basketball season, Athletic Director Matt Ray coached two youth teams and Assistant Athletic Director Ray Gardner found himself heading up four teams. Their time and dedication make it possible for over 30 kids ranging in age from five to 17 to play with passion on the basketball court. On Tuesday night, the two coaches once again found their teams meeting up for a spot in the championship game. The 14-to 17-year olds battled it out for two halves of play, ultimately finding Team Gardner on the top, clinching the final seat in the finals. The game started with Team Gardner going on top with six quick points by Trent Boring and Burke Hill. Michael Latimer made a basket for Team Ray that was quickly matched by another basket by Boring, who was fouled. Boring made the free throw, taking the score to 9-2. Team Ray’s Sam Cuva made a two point shot, followed by a three point shot by Lane Burrnet. In the remaining first half of play, Hill scored four more points, Burrnet added a basket and Jake Parsons scored four points for Team Gardner. Team Ray’s Cuva contributed 10 more points in the half, ending the play with the score at 27-22. With a half of play remaining, Team Ray’s Latimer led the team in scoring. After a score by Burke Hill, Latimer was fouled and made one free throw. Josh Parrish rebounded and scored for Team Ray, bringing his team within four points of Team Gardner. Team Gardner would pull ahead with eight unanswered points thanks to a free throw and three baskets by Parsons and a three-point shot by Boring. Latimer added three points for Team Ray, but his contributions would not be enough to win the game for Team Ray. The final score of 40-32 paved the way for Team Ray to go head-to-head with Team Gilman, lead by Alan Gilman, in the championship game.

Adult Basketball Team Kern Team Ray

61 62

Team Mickan Gator Man

33 38

Team Spacondra Team Ray

65 67

Wednesday, May 27 Team Laade Team Simpson

21 20

Thursday, May 28 Adult Soccer

Team Lion Team 11ManGang

6 8

Eason Builders Team Unity Island Pest Control Team smiledeep

2 6

Sato Real Estate Team powwowder Wash Family Construction Team idigthisisland

6 2

Slims Place Team optimisticool Team Rebellion

Friday, May 29 8-to-10-Year-Old Youth Basketball Championship Island Real Estate Team Calvary

3 5

MONICA SIMPSON |SUN

Above: Sportsmanship recipients pictured with their families: Jaylen Reaves, 8-10 basketball; Connor Ludwig, 11-13 basketball; and Thomas Heckler, baseball. Not pictured is Alex Gilman, 14-17 basketball. Left: Spring Youth Sports MVPs: Andrew Procter, 11-13 basketball; Trent Boring, 14-17 basketball; Tuna McCracken, baseball. Not pictured is Sam Wright, 8-10 basketball.

8 12

11-to-13-Year-Old Youth Basketball Championship Team Gardner Team Laade

28 13

14-to 17-Year-Old Youth Basketball Championship Team Gardner Team A. Gilman

28 38

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Above left, Defensive Player of the Year: Will Batey, 11-13 basketball; and Bryce Higgins, baseball. Not pictured: Dante Tilelli, 8-10 basketball; and Chris Johnson, 14-17 basketball. Above right, Spring Youth Sports Female MVPs: Fiona Turner-Leathem, 8-10 basketball and baseball; and Hannah McCracken, 11-13 basketball.

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JUNE 10, 2015

THE SUN

REEL TIME: Fly fishing for tarpon FROM PAGE 22

mastered. Once set up, the angler must be able to make a 40 to 50 foot cast to a location the size of a dinner plate. Placement of the fly cannot be overemphasized because tarpon will seldom vary a foot or two from their path to eat a fly. Although there is always the rare exception, a fly must never travel in a path towards the intended target. A tarpon’s prey species wouldn’t survive long if it moved towards its aggressor, and the tarpon know it. Besides moving away from the fish the fly must move at the proper pace, be at the proper depth and never slow down when a tarpon is tracking it. Conversely you can’t move the fly too fast, taking it out of a tarpon’s range. If all this wasn’t demanding enough, once a tarpon decides to eat the fly, the angler’s mettle is really tested. Tarpon are not trout and attempting to raise the rod to set the hook is a cardinal mistake. Fortunately, once a tarpon decides to eat the fly, there’s no need to make a lighting fast hook set. The right set is called a strip strike, which involves letting the line come tight and immediately setting the hook with a combination of the line hand and the rod. The angler must at once work to set the hook in the cement-like jaw while being ready for the fish to bolt away from the boat.

Don't try to rush the tarpon when it gets near the end of the fight." Rusty Chinnis Sun Outdoors editor

After the initial hook set, attention must go immediately to clearing (getting the loose line off the deck) the line. In most cases the angler has been stripping in line when the fish bites and the hook is set. That line can easily foul on the angler, the rod or the reel. The drill is to take your attention from the fish to the line at your feet. Hold the rod away from your body and let the excess line pass through your stripping hand in a circle made with the thumb and the fore finger. Once the line is on the reel, set the hook with several more strip strikes using the rod. If this wasn’t enough to remember, it’s critical to apply maximum pressure

to the tarpon during the fight, yielding only on jumps when the angler thrusts the rod forward to relieve pressure on the line. This prevents the tarpon from breaking off if it lands on a taught line. This maneuver is known as "bowing to the king.” It’s customary to start the engine and get as close to the tarpon as possible after the initial and subsequent long runs. This allows the angler to apply maximum pressure. If a tarpon is a hundred yards from the boat, the stretch of the line makes it impossible to apply any real pressure. If you’re looking for a good jump shot here’s a great tip. When a tarpon makes any long run, motor to it, applying only enough pressure to make sure the hook doesn’t dislodge. As soon as you are in place, frame the shot you want and then have the angler apply maximum pressure. Most times the tarpon will make a jump that’s close enough to the boat to get the angler and the fish in the shot. It’s not a sure thing, but when it works it can present an awesome photographic opportunity. Finally don’t try and rush the tarpon when it gets near the end of the fight. Keep the pressure on, but don’t clamp down and try to force the fish to the boat. Tarpon on the fly is a challenging endeavor, but it’s well worth the effort when you finally get that first fish boat side for a photograph.

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THE SUN

RENTALS: Ordinance gets a boost FROM PAGE 1

expressly pre-empted to the state of Florida.” Vose’s letter said that the Flagler County decision “specifically addressed this exact issue in a similar case filed on behalf of vacation rental owners and interested persons against Flagler County, relating to Flagler County’s vacation rental ordinance.” The lawsuit against Anna Maria was filed by Timothy J. and Ayne Kimberly Iafolla, who own property at 12108 Gulf Drive and 207 Coconut Avenue; Carol A. Roaldi, who owns property at 11- Palm Ave. and 220 Chilson Ave.; Salouh, LLC, which owns property at 106 Los Cedros Drive; Rysal Enterprises, LLC, which owns property at 812 North Shore Drive and is closing on two properties at 843 North Shore Drive and 113 Park Avenue; Seven Emeralds, LLC, located at 803 North Shore

Key Royale seeks holiday pole decorations Diane Phinney, representing the Key Royale Resident Owners Association, asked city commissioners to extend the lighted holiday decorations on utility poles to the 600 and 700 blocks of Key Royale Drive. She said the association and the North Point Harbor Association have invested more than $40,000 in maintaining and improving the medians in the developments.

Drive and owns rentals at 780 Jacaranda Road, and 404 Alamanda Road.; Island Real Estate; and The Anna Maria Island Vacation Property Association, which was formed to protect the rights of rental owners and managers. That suit argued that the Anna Maria vacation rental ordinance placed expensive and burdensome requirements on their clients. The judge’s ruling in Flagler County says the implementation of regulations concerning the short-term rental industry does not violate the statute 509-032, which initially said local governments could not prohibit vacation rentals. However, it was later amended to say local governments were allowed to regulate vacation rentals as long as they did not prohibit them or regulate the duration or frequency of rental. Vose declined to discuss this matter as it concerns pending litigation.

New board for Privateers The Anna Maria Island Privateers have elected a new board of directors. Bill Rosencrantz is the new president, Cindy “Sparkles” Meeks is the vice president, Lady Sinthia is the new secretary, Diane “Mona Lisa” Hardee is the treasurer, Dianne “Mai Tai” Gritzmacher is the captain and Dan Hill is the boucanier. They take office Aug. 1.

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Top real estate producers for May 2015 A Paradise Realty Holmes Beach Helen Ross and Al Pollock Listing Quentin Talbert - Selling

Island Real Estate - Anna Maria Alan Galletto and Scott Galletto Listing Kathleen White and Erin Heckler Selling

A Paradise Realty Bradenton Beach Brian Sirota - Listing Larry Albert - Selling

Island Real Estate Holmes Beach Kathleen White and Erin Heckler Listing Alan Galletto and Scott Galletto Selling

Duncan Real Estate Darcie Duncan - Listing Billi Gartman - Selling Fran Maxon Real Estate Stephanie Bell Listing and selling

Island Vacation Properties Barb Neely, Mel Neely and Bill Annis - Listing

Mike Norman Sally Norman Greig - Listing Jason Hrnak - Selling Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Terry Hayes - Listing and selling Sato Real Estate John Damato - Listing Barbara Sata - Selling Wagner Real Estate The Team Of Carmen Pedota and Lori Guerin - Listing Karen Day Fineout - Selling

Michael Saunders Kathy Valente Listing and selling

Children’s painting workshop set The Anna Maria Island Art League will present a three-day children’s workshop on “Exploring Creativity” by Marie Garafano. A recognized artist in watercolor painting as well as a former illustrator and graphic designer, she illustrated “Ginger Goes on a Diet,” a chapter

book for children. Children will learn how to paint with watercolor and experiment with collage to create expressive pictures. The workshop will be June 24 through 26 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the League, 5312 Holmes Boulevard in Holmes Beach. The cost is $50 per

child; scholarships may be available. Supplies will be provided. Please have children dress comfortably and for being around paint. For more information or to register, call 941-778-2099 or visit the League on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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REAL ESTATE

JUNE 10, 2015

The potential of a mass frenzy

fear we’re all coming down with a temporary madness. Is it something in the water, is it love or is it a mass frenzy that’s starting to raise its greedy head – again? For a couple of months now I’ve been writing about and noticing real estate prices both in Florida, and particularly on Anna Maria, reaching pre-bubble-bursting levels. And we’re not alone. Nationally, there is what some real estate professionals are calling artificial sales numbers in some regions. The real estate eggheads have put their pointy heads together and have come up with some of the reasons they think this is happening. For starters, there is a shortage of homes for sale. The ideal is to have a market balanced between buyers and sellers where there are enough available homes to satisfy demand. Generally, that type of market is defined as six to seven months of inventory per the National Association of Realtors. In April, the available supply of single-family homes in

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger the country was 5.3 months and in Manatee County it was 4.3 months, substantially lower than would be considered a balanced market, on top of a 2.6 percent decline in inventory. Even the real estate eggheads can only speculate the reason for the lack of inventory. Some believe homeowners who bought at the top of the market are reluctant to sell because the value of their homes went down so far in the financial crisis that it still hasn’t recovered. Or some homeowners are starting to see the market going up and are holding out for higher prices. The overall slow economy and poor job market also has to be factored into the real estate market, which partly depends

on job relocations adding inventory to the marketplace. The other big factor creating the frenzy mentality is the historically low interest rates. We’ve been enjoying interest rates for primary mortgages in the low 4 percent range for a very long time, but that may be coming to an end. The feds are continually sending warning signs that rates may be going up, pushing buyers into making decisions before that happens. So what do you do if you’re a buyer in this market? The first thing you do is get past the frenzy. Compulsive buying at inflated prices for something that you may not really be able to afford – I can guarantee you will lead to trouble down the road if prices take a turn down. Full price offers, over listing price offers and bidding wars are happening all over the country, leaving the winning buyer feeling like he has just overpaid for a Grecian urn at an auction. Set a budget and stick to it. Buyers in an effort to secure a home are

also starting to waive contingencies that are standard in a contract of sale. Typically a mortgage contingency is part of a contract releasing the buyer if they are not approved for a mortgage for either a problem with their finances or, what is frequently happening now, the house doesn’t appraise. In a rapidly appreciating market it can be very difficult to find comparable homes that have recently sold, placing the buyer in the position of coming up with more cash or moving on. In addition buyers are also waiving their right for a home inspection in order to sweeten up their offers. To enter into a contract of sale on a home without either one of these contingencies would be a mistake regardless of the nutty market. The national madness we’re experiencing makes it a good time to sell, but possibly a risky time to buy. Whatever you do, stay away from the madness. Hopefully it’s only temporary.

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JUNE 10, 2015

Movie shot on Island

THE SUN

This Cortez dock is one of the Village locations used in filming the movie "Paradise, FL," which will be featured at the Skyway Film Festival June 12-14.

‘Monte Comes Back’ is about an actor who loses everything because of pride.

submitted

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Bortell’s Lounge was the spot to be for movie fans last Friday, as it served as the location for a new movie. “Monte Comes Back,” written by Thomas Nudi, is about a man who leaves his hometown of Detroit and goes to New York and Los Angeles and finds a mild amount of success that goes to his head. The result is that he loses everything and comes to Florida to get his life together. Nudi said he chose Anna Maria Island as a location because he grew up in Manatee County. Brandon Tyler Jones plays the lead, Monte. He found some success, too, when he performed in “Confidence Game” with actress Sean Young. He was also in “Hole in One” made in 2010 and “The Networker,” made this year. “Working with Sean Young was good experience,” he said, sporting a black eye that was given him by the makeup person as part of the movie.

Cortez film to be featured at festival BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

MAGGIE FIELD | SUN

Producer Vincent Dale, actor Brandon Tyler and writer Thomas Nudi stand inside the bar at Bortell's. Jones said he tried out for “Monte Comes Back” in New York and got the call he was hoping for to pack up and get ready to travel. Producer Vincent Dale said they began work on the movie last October. They got money to shoot through Kickstarter.com and a couple of investors. He said they chose Bortell's because it is an Island tradition with interesting characters. They hope to be able to debut at the Sarasota Film Festival.

CORTEZ – The historic fishing village of Cortez is the backdrop for one of the films to be featured at the inaugural Skyway Film Festival June 12-14 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. “Paradise, FL,” filmed in Cortez in July 2014, premiered at the Sarasota Film Festival in April and is about a struggling oyster fisherman “who helps care for his friend's two young children and finds himself fighting for the family he didn't know that he needed,” according to the festival Website, http:// www.skywayfilmfestival.org. The film’s writer/producer, Tony Stopperan, discovered Cortez in 2012 after

graduating from the Asolo Conservatory of Actor Training when a friend took him to lunch at Star Fish Co., he said. “I had begun adapting ‘Paradise’ from a one-man stage play to a screenplay to be set in Florida, and realized Cortez was where I wanted to film it,” he said. “Apart from the intrinsic beauty, it was old Florida at its best. The cycle of fishing seasons and men and women working to make a life with their hands from the sea was all part of the world I was writing.” The production features a cast and crew ranging from newcomers at the Asolo Conservatory and Ringling College of Art and Design to Screen see film, page 34

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THE SUN

JUNE 10, 2015

Fifth-graders leave their mark The students performed two songs after their awards ceremony BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – The fifth grade students enjoyed their last week at Anna Maria Elementary School with some outdoor fun and a nice lunch and they capped it with an awards ceremony, where they reaped praise for their efforts. Principal Jackie Featherston shook hands with all of the students after they received their honors. After the ceremony, the students sang two songs for the audience, composed mainly of parents, and after that, they watched a video showing baby pictures of each member of the fifth-grade class followed by pictures of them as they look now. It brought laughs and memories. Here is a list of students honored at the ceremony, by class. • Sunshine Math Awards – Fisher class; Fiona Turner-Leathem, first place; Eli Heskin, second place; Ava Alderson, third place. Nyberg class; Emma Nebra, first place; Luke Bisio, second place; Shakira Furrer, third place. AME students Thomas Heckler and

tom vaught | sun

The 2015 class of graduates from Anna Maria Elementary School pose for a final photo before they head for summer vacation and a brand new experience next year at middle school. Eli Hesken competed against the rest of the winners in the district and came in second place. • Presidential Silver Awards for all As and Bs – Fisher class: Ava Alderson, Sam Bowers, Hailey Hirter, Gavin Johnston, Koby Keenan, Sanna Lexhed, Addie Linville, Angelina Padilla, Madelyn Rogers, Paisley Smelt, Fiona Turner Leathem. Nyberg class: Martin Damm,

Marco Figuerola, Matt Georgoulis, Emma Nebra, Destin Gollamudi, German Rivera. • Presidential Gold Awards for all As – Fisher class: Eli Heskin, Jade Ortwein. Nyberg class: Thomas Heckler, Luke Bisio, Arianna Coons, Jayse Berzowski. • Perfect Attendance Awards – Fisher class: Fiona Turner-Leathem. Nyberg class: Luke Bisio, Emma Nebra.

• Tropicana/4-H Speech Awards – Fisher class: Angelina Padilla, first place; Hailey Hirter, second place; Paisley Smelt, third place. Nyberg class: Matt Georgoulis, first place; Cole Pearson, second place; Thomas Heckler, third place. The school winner was “Anything is Possible,” by Cole Pearson who read it for the audience. • Science Fair Awards – Fisher class: Jade Ortwein, first place; Hailey Hirter, second place; Garrett Largo, third place. Nyberg class: Maggie Carter, first place; Preston Bergeron, second place; Anna Kornmann, third place. • Sons of the American Revolution award – Fisher class: Addie Linville. Nyberg class: Arianna Coons. • Additional Outstanding Citizenship Awards – Fisher class: Sam Bowers, Maddox Davis, Miles Jardine, Garett Largo, Joe Leister, Sebastian Sciandri. Nyberg class: Kennedy Bullard, Marco Figuerola, Chloe Fulton, Destin Gollamudi, Anna Kornmann, Isabella Padilla, Gabriella Sanchez, Cody Vadas. • Rotary Club Service Above Self Award – Fisher class: Jade Ortwein. Nyberg class, Luke Bisio. • D.A.R.E. Essay Awards – Madelyn Rogers and Martin Damm. Both winners read their essays.

Thanks staff

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Please save us Students at Mrs. Newhall’s second-grade class performed puppet shows the last week of school with a single theme, preserving wetlands creatures. A bear, eagle and manatee spoke before a backed classroom of students and parents.

Teachers and staff at Anna Maria Elementary School ate well recently because it was the PTO’s Staff Appreciation Week. Parents made buffet lunches all week, and Guidance Counsellor Cindi Harrison enjoyed Italian food. TOM VAUGHT | SUN

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JUNE 10, 2015

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TOWN CRIER Help keep your preserves clean The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources sponsors Rip Squad Volunteer Workday on Wednesday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to noon. This group works directly with county natural areas land managers on various wildlife habitat improvement projects. They meet every other Wednesday with locations and tasks determined based on need, opportunity, and priority at the time of each event. E-mail announcements are sent out a few days in advance of each event that detail the purpose, goals, and meeting information for each upcoming event. This program is suitable for volunteers age 16 and older. To receive e-mail announcements about the RIP squad volunteer events, e-mail Damon at damon.moore@mymanatee.org.

Spanish for adults If you’ve ever wanted to learn another language, the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is hosting Spanish for adults on Wednesday, June 10, at 6 p.m. The class is free, and seating is on a firstcome, first-served basis. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

Beach Market open through end of July Come and stroll the Beach Market at 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach at the trolley stop, concession stand area, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Sunday through July. Shop for local art, arts and crafts, jewelry, fresh produce, plants, apparel, pottery, purses, collectibles, health and beauty items and more. The tents are set up in the shade of the Australian pines, and the sounds and smell of the surf are invigorating, according to organizer Nancy Ambrose. Ride the free trolley or pack the car and make a day of it at the beach. Manatee County does not allow dogs anywhere in Coquina Park. The market is stroller, walker and wheelchair accessible. Contact Ambrose for more information 941-518-4431.

Sue Fox, a representative of the Sarasota Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, will host a program for caregivers of people with memory problems, including Alzheimer’s disease, on Friday, June 12, at 2 p.m. at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The program is free. Call 778-6341 for more information.

sota County Parks and Natural Resources and Around the Bend Nature Tours for a volunteer day on Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to noon helping to plant native plants and remove trash at Siesta Key beach. Check-in at Pavilion 25, which is in the southernmost picnic area adjacent to the parking lot. Park in the most southern lot. This event is suitable for all ages. Participants are asked to wear hat, sunscreen, close-toed shoes (old tennis shoes work great), clothes that can get dirty and work gloves. Also, bring a reusable water bottle if you have one to reduce our plastic pollution. Since they will be planting, bring a shovel or trowel if you have one. Bay Guardians shirts will be available for all volunteers. If you already have one, wear your shirt to the event and carpool if you can. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers after the activities are done.

Folding fun at library

Explore Robinson’s salt marshes

Judy Pruitt presents her origami class at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn this ancient Japanese art of paper folding. The class is free. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources is sponsoring the program, “Families Flock Together: Salt Marsh Explorers," on Saturday, June 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Robinson Preserve. Where the sea meets the sand, life flourishes and you can explore the salt marsh at the county’s closest to the Island preserve located in northwest Bradenton. Explorers can check out new educational backpacks from the West Coast

Learn mythology Katie Adams will present a program on Greek myths for school age kids at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Thursday, June 11, at 10 a.m. For more information, call 778-6341.

Alzheimer’s caregivers meet

Siesta Key gets cleaned Sarasota Bay Estuary Program's Bay Guardians are teaming up with Sara-

Inland Navigational District that are full of tools and activities. Observe life above the preserve and what swims below the tide line. Wear clothing and shoes that can take getting wet. This program is suitable for all ages. To register, call 941-748-4501, ext. 6039.

Read me a story A children’s librarian will read stories on Tuesday, June 16, at 10 a.m. Kids between toddler and five years of age are welcome as are their parents at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

Paddle through the Memorial On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May through November, De Soto National Memorial offers free ranger led kayak tours. This event is for all skill levels. Trained rangers will ensure your first time will be safe and enjoyable. For kayakers with more experience, our tour will offer a different way for you to view the natural resources and vibrant history of the Manatee River. Paddle through time as you explore the coastal estuaries. Learn how native peoples and European settlers used the waterways for transportation and food. Find out how you can help preserve and protect these fragile ecosystems for future generations The Memorial will supply kayaks,

JUNE 10, 2015

paddles, personal flotation devices and other safety equipment. Kayak tours will be held at 9:30 a.m. The kayak tours and all equipment rentals are free. All children between the ages of 8-16 must be accompanied by an adult. Due to Life jacket restrictions children less than 50 lbs. are not allowed on tours. Free paddle is only allowed under supervision of a park ranger, all participants must stay with the tour. All gear will be checked and a safety briefing will be held before the tour begins. For experienced paddlers, ask about their monthly advanced tour, attendance of one regular tour is mandatory for participation in advanced tours. RSVP is mandatory for space is limited. Call 941-792-0458.

Library seeks writers and artists The Manatee County Library System is publishing a new online literary and arts journal called “805,” and the editors of this bi-monthly publication are seeking short stories, flash fiction, essays, poems and art. Writers and artists are asked to submit via the Website at www.805lit. org and include full contact information, genre and word count, if applicable. For general information, visit www.805lit.org.

Free yoga at the beach Enjoy sunsets and the sound of waves as you relax and connect with nature at free beach yoga on the last Wednesdays of the month through October, from 6 to 7 p.m., at Manatee Beach Park, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources sponsors this event. Bring your own mat. Registration is not required. For more information, call 941742-5923, ext. 6007, or e-mail Mallory. carteaux@mymanatee.org.

Pirates hold rum tasting The Anna Maria Island Privateers love the taste of rum in the morning. They say it tastes like the night before. They will be holding a rum tasting event on Saturday, June 27, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Lynches Pub and Grub, 19B North Blvd. of the Presidents, on St. Armands Circle. For a $20 donation, sample rums from around the world. Their parade ship, the Skullywag, will be on site for those that have never been given an opportunity to walk the plank and check out their vessel. This is a fundraiser for the Privateers’ mission of helping kids and community. For more information on this event, call Lynches Pub and Grub at 941 388-5550. For more information on the Privateers, log onto www.amiprivateers.org.

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JUNE 10, 2015

THE SUN

SANCLEMENTE: Pro tempore no more FROM PAGE 5

a lot of things that you can’t learn on your own. I feel that’s going to help me to excel and grow as a very good city clerk for the city of Bradenton Beach. Thank you very much,” Sanclemente said. After the meeting, Sanclemente said, “It feels good. It feels justified.” When asked how it felt to be appointed to a position once held by her mentor, Nora Idso, Sanclemente said,

“It is an honor to follow in her footsteps. I just hope I can do as good a job as she did.” After two years in the private sector, Sanclemente returned as deputy clerk last July. She served as clerk pro tempore on multiple occasions and had held that position since former clerk Gia Lancaster was dismissed in October. While in office, Mayor Bill Shearon declined the opportunity to remove Sanclemente’s pro tempore title, which Clarke did during his first week as

mayor. “She’s been doing the job for a year and it’s a long overdue appointment,” Clarke said later in the week. On Friday, an administrative meeting took place in which it was decided that the treasurer’s office would no longer be a separate department, which means Deputy Clerk Audra Lanzaro and Clerk’s Assistant Emily Long will provide assistance to both the clerk and the treasurer as needed under Sanclemente’s supervision.

SHAUGHNESSY: Familiar figure returns FROM PAGE 5

seat at the dais and Sanclemente presented him with an agenda book before the pier request for proposal was discussed. During the general public comment that began last week’s meeting, Ward 1 resident Jim Hassett told the commission he would be glad to serve on the commission if Shaughnessy declined the nomination. “Should Mr. Shaughnessy care to step back, I’d be glad to work in his stead on behalf of the ward and the citizens of Bradenton Beach,” Hassett

offered. Shaughnessy served as mayor from 2011 to 2013 and came up 17 votes short in his bid for reelection in a race won by Bill Shearon. Before that he served as a commissioner for six years. When asked later how it felt to be back, Shaughnessy said, “Good…good. I’m here to serve the city. I was asked, so I’m here to help out.” As for what he brings to the commission, he said, “Eight years of experience; six as commissioner and two as mayor. I know the inner workings of the city, and I think it’s a benefit to have

someone in here, especially at this time, to ease the transition.” Shaughnessy will serve as the ward 1 commissioner until the city elections take place in the fall, and he has indicated that he does not plan to run for election at that time. “As far as I know, I’m only going to be here until November,” he said. As the former mayor, Shaughnessy can share his knowledge of the position with Clarke as he settles into his new role. “I’m here to serve him,” Shaughnessy said.

www.amisun.com

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JUNE 10, 2015

FILM: Cortez movie to be featured at festival FROM PAGE 29

Actors Guild artists. The film was directed by Ringling College alumnus Nick Morgulis. “We are excited about screening ‘Paradise, FL’ and world premiering ‘Catching Junior Tate’ as well, which was made in Bradenton,” said Joe Restaino, artistic director of the festival. Also on tap is “Turtle Tale,” filmed in Largo, a work in progress that will invite the audience to offer feedback, he said. The local films are among more than 50 features, shorts, documentaries,

BEACH BEAT

student films and teleplays scheduled for screenings. Opening night will feature the world premiere of “Walt Before Mickey,” starring Thomas Ian Nicholas, Jon Heder, David Henrie and Jodie Sweetin. The film chronicles the life of Walt Disney from his childhood in Missouri to his start as an animator, and is directed by Khoa Lee. The closing night film is the Florida premiere of “No Stranger Than Love,” a romantic comedy starring Alison Brie, Colin Hanks and Justin Chatwin and directed by Nick Wernham. A special retrospective screening of

5/30, 11:08 p.m., domestic battery, 800 block of North Shore Drive. The couple are mother an daughter, and they got into an argument. The victim said she was slapped in the face. The suspect was arrested. 6/3, 9:16 a.m., burglary, larceny, Galati Yacht Sales, 900 S, Bay Drive. Items were stolen from the company overnight.

5/31, 12:07 a.m., noise complaint, Freckled Fin, 101 Bridge St. The officer responded to a complaint about the music.. The doors of the business were open. They spoke with the owner, who became upset and confrontational. They wrote a complaint. 6/1, 1 p.m., battery, 200 Bridge Street. The officer responded to the address on a report of an altercation. The victim said the suspect came up to him and asked if he wanted to fight. He said the suspect bit him on the nose and put a finger in his eye. The officer saw red marks. He found the suspect and arrested him.

Bradenton Beach

Cortez

Anna Maria

5/24, 6:49 a.m., criminal mischief, Coquina Beach, 1600 Gulf Drive South. County workers found vandalism in the restrooms. 5/25, 2 p.m., theft, Bridge Tender Inn, 135 Bridge St. A party unknown broke into a car in the parking lot and stole a purse with checks and prescription drugs. 5/25, 6:30 p.m., battery, South Coquina Beach boat ramp. The officer responded to reports of a fight, and when he arrived, the parent of one child asked him to arrest another teenager for hitting his son. 5/26, 1 p.m., burglary, 1010 bridge St., The Freckled Fin. A customer’s husband put their cell phone in their car to charge. He said he may not have locked the door to the car. When they returned to the car, the phone was missing. Later, the wife called to say she had located the phone in Bradenton through the phone’s locator device. The officer told her to call Bradenton Police to retrieve it. 5/29, 11:12 p.m., disorderly intoxication, possession of a concealed weapon and possession 118 Bridge Street Sports Lounge. The officer observed the defendant yelling at the bouncer. He noticed the man appeared to be intoxicated, so he arrested him. While inspecting the suspect, the officer found brass knuckles a pipe used for smoking marijuana.

5/30, 11:54 p.m., parole violation, 10100 block of Cortez Road West. The suspect was arrested for violation of community control parole.

Holmes Beach

5/18, 8:14 a.m., theft at a construction site, 5700 block of Marina Drive. The builder said he saw two white females take paver bricks from his construction site. No suspects were found. 5/18, 8:41 p.m., larceny/theft, 100 block of 49th Street. The victim said a white male walk into a rental house, and the victim asked if he was there to fix the refrigerator because he was holding a screwdriver and a paid of pliers. The man said yes and walked through the house, exiting and running. The victim later found $120 was missing from her purse. 5/19, 8:35 a.m., driving with an expired license, 700 block of Manatee Avenue. The officer had just written a ticket when he noticed the suspect driving with no seat belt. When the suspect was stopped, the officer asked him for his license, and it was expired. Upon checking the registration, the license plate was not registered to the car. The suspect was given tickets. 5/20, 9:58 a.m., driving with a tag not registered to the car, 8500 block of Gulf Drive. The officer ran a computer check on the suspect’s car and found the tag was not assigned to it. He tick-

We are excited about screening ‘Paradise, FL’ and world premiering ‘Catching Junior Tate,’ as well, which was made in Bradenton.” Joe Restaino Skyway Film Festival artistic director “The Blair Witch Project” will be followed by a Q&A with co-director Dan Myrick.

Festival tickets can be purchased at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.

eted the driver. 5/23, 6:12 a.m., driving with a suspended license, 700 Manatee Ave. The officer noticed the suspect’s car trunk lid was not secured and stopped the driver. When asked for his license, he said it was in the trunk. The officer ran a computer check on him and found his license was suspended by a judge. He was ticketed. 5/23, 7:37 p.m., driving with an expired license, 600 Manatee Ave. The officer stopped the driver for running a red light and a computer check showed his license expired June 13, 2014. He was ticketed. 5/23, 8:26 p.m., battery, 200 block of 66th Street. The victim said his juvenile nephew spit on him while his mother was driving and the victim was on his bike. The officer sent a capias request to the state attorney’s office to investigate. 5/24, 7:33 a.m., criminal mischief, 500 block of Key Royale Drive. The victim said somebody damaged his and his neighbor’s mailboxes. 5/24, 7:33 a.m., criminal mischief, 500 block of Key Royale Drive. Another mailbox was damaged. 5/24, 7:39 p.m., criminal mischief, 500 block of Key Royale Drive. An outdoor art piece was damaged. 5/25, 2:19 p.m., obstructing justice without violence, 6400 block of Gulf Drive on the beach. The suspect was being detained after officers caught him and two other males pull on car door handles. While he was writing his name,

the suspect was holding something in his other hand. When the officer asked him to show what was in his hand, he refused. When the officer tried to get his hand open. He pulled back and ran. After a four-block chase on the beach, the suspect went into the water, refusing to come out until a police boat pulled up. He was arrested. 5/25, 6:07 p.m., domestic violence, 4000 Gulf Drive, Manatee Beach Park. The victim said the father of her three children took them by force, and he grabbed and pushed her while doing it. She said he left the scene in a white car. The officer took photos of her injuries and sent a BOLO for other departments to be searching for him. While questioning the victim, the officer got word from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office that it had caught the suspect with the children. The victim went to the suspect’s location and got the children. The Sheriff’s Office finished the case. 5/25, 7:28 p.m., drunk, 3224 East Bay Drive, Zen Nails. The officer spotted a person sleep in front of the business, The officer had a hard time waking up the suspect, who appeared to be heavily intoxicated. Over time, the suspect became more responsive, and the officer took him to a Circle K near where a friend of his lives. 5/27, 12 noon, theft from a vehicle, 6600 Gulf Drive. The victim said the tag on her rental car was taken. She talked with the rental agency and was told they were sending her a new car.

Obituaries Gabriel Simches Gabriel Simches, 90 formally of Holmes Beach, Fla., died peacefully in his home on June 4, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of his late wife of 64 years, Dorothy Simches. He is sur-

vived by his three children, Kathy, Judy and David, and was also grandfather to eight grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. Gabe was a popular actor who performed with the Island Players. For those who were privileged enough to have known him, it’s a heartfelt loss. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ACLU or your local hospice.

JUNE 10, 2015

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Like some timers? 4 Kids' rainy day projects 11 Watch kids 14 Piglet bud 15 Boring, facetiously 16 Kyrgyzstan city 17 Self-preparing dessert? 20 Supple 21 Red meat source 22 Red giant 23 37-Down's concerns 24 Year during Augustus' reign 26 Val-d'__: French department 27 Dry, powdery dessert? 30 Human __ 31 Big bunch 32 Moisten, as garden Answers to 06-03-15 Crossword Puzzle.

cobwebs 35 Shingle wood 39 Biological duct travelers 40 Wagering letters 43 You'd be amazed to stand in it 45 Unlock, to Byron 46 Tries to obtain 48 Dead last, say 50 Hourly-rate alternative 51 Marital concession 52 Anne Frank's father 53 Belts 55 __ vez: Juan's "again" 56 Grassy surface 58 Bio, e.g. 59 Indifferent 60 Yes-Bob link 61 One of the Kardashians

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62 Sandwich request 63 Blog input 64 Compound suffix 65 Annie of "Designing Women" Down 1 Colgate rival 2 Mascot of the NHL's Blues 3 Like pointillist works 4 Cultural idea that may go viral 5 Acting legend Hagen 6 Political thaw 7 First coat 8 Nocturnal demonic visitor 9 Corrode 10 Some pic takers 11 Pushover 12 Lands in el mar 13 Pointing remark 18 "And I'm Cleopatra" 19 Wagnerian soprano 24 Needing no Rx 25 Ozone-threatening compound 28 Prune 29 Aspects 32 Choreographer with nine Tonys 33 Facetious scapegoat 34 Surreal dessert? 36 Like the desserts in this puzzle, literally? 37 See 23-Across 38 Pulls back

41 Digits displayed on beaches 42 Suds 43 "Whenever"

44 Travails 47 Acorn woodpecker, e.g. 49 "Ditto"

54 Lithographer's material 57 "L.A. Law" actress 59 Indy initials

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com 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 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 BRAND NEW! UNIQUE gift card sleeves and holders that keep track of transactions and balances. No more sharpies needed! Go to Sleevepal.com 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

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

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well. As Always, More Buyers Than Sellers. Cortez High & Dry Marina-Top Location. 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 C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates. Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-962-2512 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-756-4570 PRESSURE WASHING AND WINDOWS residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways etc. Call 941-251-5948

COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS 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 RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216 BAR/RESTURANT 2100 ft2 with lease, includes Liquor License, Furniture and Good Will $599,000 CALL ALAN GALLETTO Island Real Estate 941-232-2216

JUNE 10, 2015

COMPUTER SERVICES

FOR SALE

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

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

EMPLOYMENT

FURNITURE

PART TIME HELP needed at Family owned Gift Shop on Anna Maria Island. Retirees welcome. Inquire at 941-580-1535

CUSTOM COASTAL FURNITURE & CABINETS by Frankie Z. ebay store. Call 941-726-1482. 10015 Cortez Rd (corner of 101st) frankiezaff@yahoo.com

HELP WANTED-OFFICE help needed at small Island Motel. Apply at 877 North Shore Dr, Anna Maria. Must be able to work weekends. Call 941-7782780 for more information 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 GARDEN HELP REQUIRED some trimming scrubs, weeding etc. All tools including power. West Cortez. Call 941-795-3816 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

ESTATE SALE FRIDAY. JUNE 12. 9:30am3pm. 265 Gladiolus, Anna Maria (please park on one side of street only, all wheels must be off pavement). 1997 Lincoln Town Car Executive Series approx. 72,660 miles. Samsung 55" and Sony 42" flat screen TV's, Queen temperpedic mattress & box spring, Bench Craft sofa, Lazy Boy recliner, electric lift chair, Oriental style coffee table, dinette, curio cabinet, pair of Danish chairs, coffee & end tables, collectibles including Blues Brothers, camera, paintings, Rattan swing, wrought iron sofa, pair of chairs and tables, kitchen ware, linens, tons of tools including compressor, generator, drill press, Lots of hand & electric tools. Snap On and other tool chests and more! Sale conducted by Palma Sola Sales. Numbers given out at 8am.

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES SALE NIKI’S GIFT & ANTIQUE SHOP. 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All sterling & gold jewelry 20% to 60% off. Select gifts, miniatures, art, bric-brac, collectables, vintage & costume jewelry, books, glassware, Japanese war dolls 35% to 80% off. Visit our NEW Swim wear & Beach accessories section. Great discounts. Open 7 days a week 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 GARAGE SALE 6 FAMILIES. Clean up sale 50% off everything. June 13 Saturday 9am-noon. 218 84th St, Holmes Beach Inside garage Rain or shine. Bedroom, living room furniture, jewelry, books, lamps, antiques, bric-brac, art work, miscellaneous clothing. Don't miss great sale!

HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. State License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-504-2222 www. kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services. 35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honey dohomerepairinc.com

HOME SERVICES HEADED BACK HOME? I'll keep an eye on your seasonal home until you return. Weekly Security inspections. Email or text reports after each visit. Scott Ricci 941-6858999 amihomecheck@ aol.com DRAIN CLEANING James VanFossen A.K.A. “RIP” Call 941-301-6077

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 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 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 FITBIT CHARGE (brown) May 27 South Bay Blvd near City Pier. Call 513-252-5981 FOUND MENS WEDDING Band at Kingfish Boat Ramp. Call 941-713-4048 FOUND BOAT ANCHOR approximately Saturday May 9 in the water off The Sandbar Restaurant. Call 941-778-4944 FOUND 2GB SD Card in the sand at the walkover beside the Sand Bar Restaurant several weeks ago. Pictures of Children on Camel on card. Please contact Bob at the Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper 941-778-3986 FOUND: SMALL FEMALE CAT, grey, short tail, white paws. 9th St South Bradenton Beach. Very affectionate. Call Dan 603-5201998 FOUND PRESCRIPTION ITALIAN sunglasses in water on Saturday, April 4. Call 813-679-9662 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

MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777. TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507

JUNE 10, 2015

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PAINTING & WALLCOVERING “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 MOBILE GROOMING splash and dash $35.00. Also full grooming available. Check our testimonies, call today www. furrytails4grooming.com or call 941-224-8655 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.

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. {Chemical Service} Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-713-1893

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 BRING YOUR BOAT! Canal villa with no bridges to ICW. Renovated 2BR/2BA villa w/carport, in gated community. 23 foot dock. Open plan, Update kitchen & baths. $249,900 Katharine Pepper, RoseBay International 941-755-2100 or 941-792-9459

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 3BR/2.5BA: CORTEZ/BRADENTON. WATERFRONT. Escape the Island/Key Traffic, High Taxes and Flood Insurance Costs, and move just across the Cortez Bridge to the upscale community of Coral Shores and our upscale home at 4502 Nassau Road. www.4502Nassau.com $497,500. OPEN HOUSESUNDAYS 1-4. Call 941795-5225. FOR SALE: CORTEZ PARK #34C, 1BR/1BA mobile home in waterfront resident-owned park, corner lot, outdoor living area, carport. Call 815494-0383.

4BR/3BA HOUSE on 71.5 acres with 18 stall horse barn in Parrish, Florida. Call Steve Georgie 941-3216253 at Keller Williams Realty

REAL ESTATE: LOTS FOR SALE GORGEOUS LOT (14,160 Sq. Ft) (80 X 177) Located at 1107 Palma Sola Blvd. Stunning views of Palma Sola Bay with great potential for new construction. For more details contact Gregg Bayer at AMI Beaches Real Estate 941-799-9096

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LUXURIOUS 2BR/2BA CONDO at Smugglers Landing $2350 annual lease. 1800sqft W/D, tennis courts, heated pool. Contact A Paradise 941778-4800 NOW AVAILABLE. Holmes Beach 300 block 2BR/1BA 1/2 duplex w/1 car garage $1400/mo. W/D hookup. Owner pays pest & Landscaping. NO smoking, Credit & background check, 1st, last & security. Call Lynn 778-6066 ANNUAL: FURNISHED 2BR/2BA 4519 6Oth St Court West Bradenton. No smoking/no pets. $1700/mo. Call Joani 941-448-7119

RENTALS: ANNUAL 1 BEDROOM 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 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 RENTALS: 3BR Townhouse in Palma Sola Trace. 1 car garage, heated community pool. Brand new! $1700/mo. First, Last, Security. Contact junew@islandreal.com or 941-345-1295. Island Real Estate. ANNUAL RENTAL HOLMES BEACH, 209 B 83rd St. 2BR/2BA with pool. $1700/mo. Available July 1st. First & 1 month security. Credit Check required. Call for appointment 941809-2488 ANNUAL RENTALS2BR/2BA house with boat dock $2000. 2BR/2BA with den condo and boat dock $1800. Requires first, last and $500 security plus credit check. Both available July 1. Please call Island Vacation Properties 941778-1000

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915

WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!

REAL ESTATE: OUT OF AREA 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. 20 ACRES $0 DOWN, $128/ mo. Owner Financing. Money Back Guarantee! Near El Paso, TX Beautiful Mountain Views Free Color Brochure Call 800-343-9444

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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