FREE
VOL 16 No. 31
Happy crowds
June 1, 2016
COLLIN SCHMIDT | submitted
Memorial Day brought sunny skies and crowded beaches to Anna Maria Island. Anyone who waited until afternoon to hit the beaches last weekend faced stop and go traffic backed up to as far as 39th Street in Bradenton.
Pier rehabilitation offer declined It’s back to the drawing for Mayor Dan Murphy in regard to securing the final $500,000 to fund the pier rehabilitation. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – City Commissioners unanimously rejected pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder’s offer to contribute up to $500,000 toward the $2 million rehabilitation of the Anna Maria City Pier. During the May 26 meeting, commis-
INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey TOWN CRIER OUTDOORS REAL ESTATE SPORTS Classified
4 6 7 29 30-31 34-39 40 45-47
sioners also voted against Mayor Dan Murphy negotiating a revised offer. Before the commission discussion ensued, Murphy recapped the offers he presented at the previous meeting. “The essence of that particular proposal was a 10-year lease and a quarter million dollars under the condition of the 10-year lease and/or half a million dollars with the 10-year lease and two years rent-free,” Murphy said of Schoenfelder’s offers. “If you accept the offer, I will meet with Mr. Schoenfelder and iron out the see pier, page 42
PIZZA RULES at Fire and Stone on Cortez Road. 14
Anna Maria Island, Florida
City to explore limiting franchises The city attorney suggested getting input from shopping center and business owners. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – After hearing from their attorney, city commissioners agreed to try and limit the proliferation of franchise, or formula, businesses in the city. The issue began when commissioners learned that Dunkin Donuts and
Baskin Robbins were planning to come to the Anna Maria Island Centre, owned by the Benderson Development Company. Chet Zarzycki, owner of Holy Cow, an ice cream and gift store in the shopping center, urged action and said, “It would be my hope that commissioners would address the issue that Benderson poses in bringing a major distributor into our shopping plaza. see franchises, page 42
love AND MARRIAGE: YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD. 10
Hurricane section is your guide to storm preparation. 21-28
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Pier settlement sunk The settlement terms were deemed unacceptable by one of the lawsuit co-defendants. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The terms of a potential pier lawsuit settlement were revealed and then rejected last week. While this process played out, Mayor Bill Shearon chose not to share a settlement-related document with the city clerk’s office or his fellow commissioners until much later in the week. The proposed settlement pertained to a lawsuit filed by Bradenton Beach Marina owner Al Bazzy and his son Mike, who are challenging the process in which the lease rights to three city-owned buildings were awarded to the Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) ownership group. The lawsuit names the city of Bradenton Beach, AMOB’s We’re Back Inc., Paradise Boat Tours owner Sherman Baldwin and two additional tenants who, like Baldwin, sublease commercial space from AMOB. Baldwin mentioned a potential settlement at the May 19 City Commission
city of Bradenton Beach submitted
Joe Hendricks | Sun
meeting. He provided no details at that time and asked who he could meet with to discuss the proposed terms. The commission authorized Shearon to meet with Baldwin, but directed him to refrain from further discussions with the Bazzys. During that meeting, Commissioner Jake Spooner said he did not think the city should pursue a settlement because the city had a strong case in defense of the suit.
Terms rejected
Before meeting with Shearon on Monday, May 23, Baldwin sent an e-mail to Mike Bazzy recapping the settlement terms they previously discussed. Baldwin’s e-mail said: “The city immediately make substantive steps towards converting the anchorage area into a managed mooring field, including designating one building a harbor-
Above, pier surveillance camera footage shows Mayor Bill Shearon leaving the pier area Tuesday morning. Left, shown at a previous city meeting, settlement terms proposed by Mike Bazzy, left, have been rejected by Sherman Baldwin, right. master’s office that the city removes from the AMOB lease agreement. “I move my equipment over to Bradenton Beach Marina. I agree to buy fuel from you. I create a bait shop-type operation at Bradenton Beach Marina, and the current bait shop on the pier acts as an adjunct to marina services. Paradise Boat Tours agrees to move see pier, page 16
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ISLAND NEWS
Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
JUNE 1, 2016
in brief
Vacation rental town hall Tuesday On Tuesday, June 7, at 6 p.m., a vacation rental town hall meeting will take place at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N. in Bradenton Beach. Bradenton Beach residents, commissioners, board members, and those who own and/ or operate vacation rentals in the city are invited to provide their perspectives on vacation rental regulations, concerns, solutions and a citizen-requested building moratorium.
Attorney warns about tents and parking Holmes Beach City Attorney Patricia Petruff warned city commissioners about reports of people renting tents on public land and that it wouldn’t be a stretch for people to rent tents in their back yards or plug their RVs and allow people to stay in them. “Don’t ever underestimate the cleverness of people trying to leverage property,” she said. In addition, she said people are waving drivers in for parking in their yards such as occurs around McKecknie Field during spring training. “That’s a potential for coming here also,” she said.
AME hosts last dinner, play of the school year The Anna Maria Elementary School PTO is holding its final family dinner on Wednesday, June 1, starting at 5 p.m. The price is $8 for adults and $5 for children and the Chiles Group is serving a choice of seafood gumbo with steamed rice from the BeachHouse and pulled pork barbecue sliders with cole slaw and chips from the Sandbar restaurant. Refreshments will be provided and dessert will be available for a donation. Following the dinner at 6:30 p.m., the fifth grade will perform “I Need a Vacation.” Admission is free. Tickets are available at the school or reserve a dinner by calling 708-5525.
Term limits set for consideration Beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday June 2, the Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting will feature the second and final readings of the term limit/ charter amendment ballot language ordinance and the new public urination ordinance. The only other listed agenda item is the reoccurring Bazzy litigation update. Voted on as a whole unless otherwise requested, the consent agenda calls for the payment of $21,485 for various professional services and the approval for the Anna Maria Island Privateer’s annual Fourth of July parade.
Correction The town hall meeting on vacation rentals taking place Tuesday, June 7 at the Annie Silver Community Center will start at 6 p.m. An incorrect time was listed in last week’s Sun.
tom vaught | SUN
Above, the middle pier is finished except for some last minute details. The finished northern pier is in the background.,
Contractor targets July 1 for Twin Piers completion Staging areas would still be around for a couple of weeks after the beaches are reopened. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Work on the often-delayed Twin Piers reconstruction will be completed by July 1, according to senior project engineer Michelle Pfeiffer. Reacting to complaints that the project is taking too long and requests for information by elected officials, Pfeiffer sent a memo dated May 18, saying the north groin is essentially done, except for some punch list items. Work continues on the middle and southern groins that stick out into the Gulf waters from Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. She estimated the center groin was 90 percent complete and the southern structure 65 percent finished. Pfeiffer said Cayo Construction has a goal of having the beach cleared of the construction zones and open to the public before the Fourth of July holiday. However, the company announcement said the staging areas in the parking lot might remain occupied while minor items are addressed through final completion, estimated to be a
tom vaught | SUN
The southernmost pier was a pile of rubble before construction on its replacement began. It is scheduled to be finished before the Fourth of July holiday. couple of weeks after July 1. “All parties are eager for completion, but recognize the importance of mindful execution of these important structures, as they will serve as the erosion control structures to protect this vulnerable section of the Anna Maria Island coastline and upland for decades to come,” Pfeiffer wrote. Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon replied, saying residents and visitors celebrating Independence Day will appreciate the completed groins and the open beach, but he said he was very disappointed the staging
areas would remain for weeks. The project was extended because of the amount of debris in the sand around the three structures. The replacement piers can be adjusted to gain maximum retention and minimal erosion of the surrounding beaches. Although there are three piers, the area got the informal nickname Twin Piers by local surfers. Some surfers were detained last month for a short while because they ignored the orders by police and others not to surf in that location during the project.
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Fire board approves assessment increase The three options were no increase, a 1.5 percent increase or a 2.25 percent increase. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
BRADENTON – After debating three options, West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners approved a 2.25 percent increase in the tax assessment rate for 2016-17. The options were no increase, a 1.5 percent increase or the 2.25 percent increase. By law the fire district could have increased the assessment 4.16 percent. Last year, there was no increase. “We’re recommeding 2.25 based on future initiatives,” Fire Chief Tom Sousa said. “We make every effort to minimize our expense without impacting service delivery.” Sousa said the increase would allow the district to add a firefighter at Station 1 in Holmes Beach. He pointed out that the district did not replace two positions last fiscal year – the deputy chief and an administrative assistant. He said the budget shows six months of operating reserves in the event of a disaster and noted, “If you want to go to zero, we can make it, but don’t ask for any level of
service increase, and we’ll be coming back to you and draining our the reserve budget to pay capital expenses. “Then you’ll really have to raise rates dramatically, and you’ll have a problem with the taxpayer.” Commissioner George Harris made the motion for a 2.25 increase.
Commissioners weigh in
Commissioner Al Robinson asked how much the 2.25 percent increase would generate, and Sousa said $120,000. “We’re underspending all the time. Why do we want to do this to the taxpayer?” Robinson asked. “I think we’re being greedy for $120,000.” “Raising taxes is not an easy decision,” Harris responded. “However, on the same token, we are elected to represent the citizens of our district by educating ourselves so we can make the hard decisions, which is our charge. “This administration and board have worked very hard to be good stewards with the public funds that we collect. We can’t run a responsible fire department on the cheap. Our costs continue to increase just like everyone else.” Commissioner David Bishop said, “Being
We can’t run a responsible fire department on the cheap. Our costs continue to increase just like everyone else.” George Harris Fire commissioner prepared and being proactive is better than being reactive. If we can’t provide the service that’s what I fear the most,” but he added that he’s unsure about whether the increase should be 1.5 percent or 2.25 percent.
“The 1.5 percent increase will get us through with what our costs will be with nothing more than that,” Sousa pointed out. The vote was 4/1 with Robinson dissenting.
Fire assessment rates for 2016-17 The 2.25 percent increase in assessment rates approved by West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners last week would result in the following rates for 2016-17 with the 2015-16 rates in parentheses: • Vacant lot: $23.76 ($23.24); • Single-family residential, condo, mobile home, travel trailer, mixed residential: $180.20 ($176.23) for the first 1,000 square feet and .1063 (.1040) cents per
additional 1,000 square feet; • Duplex: $360.39 ($352.45) and .1063 (.1040) cents per additional 1,000 square feet; • Commercial: $425.22 ($415.86) for the first 1,000 square feet and .1841 (.1800) cents per additional 1,000 square feet. Structures with sprinkler systems are discounted 25 percent;
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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 1, 2016
Letters to the editor Thanks Holmes Beach and J.T. This past weekend the Island was crowded with visitors enjoying our beaches. With the influx of large numbers of people come large volumes of trash. Anyone who lives by the water can attest to the incredible volume of trash that accumulates at the entrance to the beaches. By Monday morning all of the garbage cans were overflowing and garbage was left scattered on the ground. With another day of visitors coming to the beaches, there was no doubt that the trash accumulation was going to get worse. Rather than wait for the garbage trucks to come by and pick up later during the week, the city of Holmes Beach took action that deserves some recognition. Code Enforcement Officer James Thomas (better known as J.T.) went above and beyond on Memorial Day by bringing out additional garbage cans to these overflowing sites and picking up what was thrown on the ground. As someone who lives nearby one of these overflowing trash areas, I want to say thank you! Not only did this action take care of the unsanitary and unsightly mess but it also assisted in the prevention of wild animals getting into the garbage. J.T., your dedication to our community and its visitors is to be commended! Thanks so much for your service. It is sincerely appreciated! Paula Olivero Holmes Beach
Keep businesses diverse This letter was sent to Benderson development officials: It has come to the attention of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce that your recent new tenant considerations with the Anna Maria Island Shopping Centre in Holmes Beach are causing distress for your existing tenants, many of which are AMI Chamber members. As a chamber of commerce, our mission is to help our local business members survive and thrive in a competitive economy. We care about the future of our local businesses and, therefore, would like you to consider the concerns we have for our business community. We understand the need for balance and the benefits of a pro competitive
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR marketplace, however, a fair market practice for a landlord should include some consideration for local small businesses within the same shopping center. For the sake of both the landlord retaining a renter and that of a tenant, a business should be given the opportunity to reap the benefits of their investment before a direct competitor is located in the same vicinity. Your shopping center is just beginning to increase its occupancy on space that has been vacant for some time. It would be unfortunate to lose tenants that are put out of business because they are unable to not only recoup their initial investment dollars but also because they can no longer afford to rent space in your complex. One such business affected by having a major competitior come into your complex is Cupcake Delight. They not only had to delay their opening for months due to a backlog of building and zoning plans at the city of Holmes Beach, they also just made a significant build out, product and marketing investment. We hope that a reputable business such as Benderson Development would adopt a best practices policy to protect small business investments and allow them to get established in our community. In addition, please be aware that our island has a special branding that is repeated on nearly every tourist targeted advertising put forth by the AMI Chamber of Commerce, The
BACVB (Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau), as well as by locals themselves. A key component in our branding is promoting a destination that is unique. For decades, Anna Maria Island has taken pride in being a destination devoid of high rise complexes, billboards or retail chains. Instead we invite visitors to enjoy unique owner-operated restaurants, accommodations and retail boutique shopping. With the exception of grocery and drug stores, our Island has managed to remain a special destination for generations, thanks to city ordinances that have been put in place which deter some types of businesses from opening here. These claims are one of the things that help visitors choose to visit our Island over other vacation destinations. Nearly every tourist related editorial, visitor guide and website will mention these themes in their dialogue. The AMI Chamber asks you to keep these important points in mind when considering new tenants for your shopping center. Please join us in protecting our local island business community and our unique island branding. We thank you in advance for your consideration. AMI Chamber board of directors, president and staff
Take The Sun Survey on Page 7.
More on diversity This letter was sent to Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson I'm adamantly opposed to the Benderson deal to allow Duncan Donuts to occupy the same strip center as several other similar food providers. The statement made by a Benderson official was inadequate and cliche. It is clear that, like many other things on the Island, greed is the underlying factor. A corporate lessee is more likely to make the monthly lease payment and then sign another lease than a mom and pop store. That's why Benderson signed up Duncan Donuts and Baskin-Robbins. Greed! They have every right to do so, but that still does not make it ethical. The deal was not made to bring in business to the other stores, as stated by Benderson. I had five retail stores in Maryland and every time I looked into a new lease, the landlord would never allow a similar business in its center. This is greed at its worst! While I'm generally a free-trade proponent, more corporate stores only tear away the fabric of our paradise. I'm hopeful that you and the city commission will work at making it difficult for chains to take over the Island. As you can imagine, if this is not curtailed immediately, more chains will be rolling in. Karl Slichter Holmes Beach
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THE SUN
the sun survey
on the agenda
PREVIOUS QUESTION: Franchises have come under fire in Holmes Beach. They should :
Anna Maria
5%
19%
Be left alone, but drive through restaurant should be banned.
Be left alone because they are part of our nation's free enterprise system.
10005 Gulf Drive
6/9: City Commission work session/special meeting, 6 p.m. For information, call 7086130.
Bradenton Beach
7
vacation rentals, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St,. N., 6 p.m. 6/8: City Commission workshop, 10 a.m. 6/8: Scenic WAVES, 3 p.m. 6/9: City Commission workshop, 10 a.m. For information, call 7781005.
107 Gulf Drive N.
6/1:Pier Team, 11 a.m. 6/2: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m. 6/7: City Commission workshop, 10 a.m. 6/7: Town Hall meeting on
Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive
None scheduled For information, call 7085800.
mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.
Wednesday June 1
76%
Be banned from the Island because they will hurt our mom and pop stores.
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY The installation of license plate recognition cameras has been proposed for the three Island cities to take a photo of the license plate of every vehicle that comes on the Island.
• Sounds like Big Brother to me – watching everything we do. • It’s a great idea because bad people do come to the Island, and it would be a deterrent. • You gotta be kidding. What’s next? Drone surveillance?
View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun
Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane
Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks
Ad assistant Chris Boniberger
Accounting John Reitz
Columnists Louise Bolger
Classified ads Bob Alexander
Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis
Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca
Distribution Bob Alexander Keith Isner Tony McNulty
Ad director Chantelle Lewin
Web/Social media Jocelyn V. Greene Cindy Lane
June 2
Aerobics for Seniors, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. June 3
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Editor/CEO Mike Field
Thursday
Friday
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Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099. Gulf Coast Writers group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:45 p.m.
Contributors Steve Borggren Tom Breiter Monica Simpson
Bridge beginners/refresher class, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10 includes coffee and cookies. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493. Guided Relaxation Circle, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Donations only.
Saturday June 4
Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Board games for all ages, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Bradenton Gym Ratz vs.
Dallas Hoyas, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 3 p.m., $6.
Sunday June 5
Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday June 6
Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon. Gentle yoga and meditation, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., $12.
Tuesday June 7
Preschool 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. Main Hatch Motley Sea Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., in Cortez, 2 p.m.
Wednesday June 8
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099. Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12 p.m. Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8
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JUNE 1, 2016
mark your calendar From Page 7
Thursday June 2
Aerobics for Seniors, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Friday June 3 Bridge beginners/refresher class, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10 includes coffee and cookies. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493. Saturday June 4 Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Board games, Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Tuesday June 7 Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Wednesday June 8 Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12 p.m. Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Thursday June 9 Aerobics for Seniors, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Ambassadogs pack walk, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 7:30 p.m. Call Sam at 941- 742-5923, ext. 6036, to join the pack. Friday June 10 Bridge beginners/refresher class, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10 includes coffee and cookies. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493. Alzheimer’s caregiver support group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Saturday June 11 Sunrise at Leffis Key, 2351 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach. Reserve to 941-742-5923, ext. 6044 Origami class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Lego club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Music on the porch, Florida Maritime Museum, Cortez Road and 119th Street West, Cortez, 2 to 5 p.m. Bradenton Gym Ratz vs. Savannah Cavaliers, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 p.m., $6.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME Adult Bible Study 8:45 AM
SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM in the Memorial Chapel 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary Church School (K-5th) after Children’s Sermon • Nursery A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef
941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch
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Award-Winning Beers Live music Wine and cocktails Delicious food trucks Cornhole, bocce, putting green Massive projector screens Unique Event Space LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE: 6/1 - David Smash (Blues) 6/2 - Scott Curts (Acoustic) 6/3 - Bodie Valdez WhooDoos (Blues)
6/4 - Big Daddy Band (Rock/Blues) 6/5 - David Smash (Blues)
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Octogenarian succumbs to marriage fever The groom’s friends hired a barbershop quartet to serenade the couple after Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy read a Certificate of De-bachelorization following the ceremony. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – A group of men who formed a pact during grad school at the University of Chicago watched the last of its ranks become a groom at St. Bernard Catholic Church Saturday afternoon. The twist to this story is that they are all in their 80s. The groom, John Polking, a retired math professor from Rice University, married Agnas “Stevie” Coppin, of Anna Maria. When the group, known as the Natty Bumppo Society, decided to do something for Polking and his new bride, they hired Arne’s Army Barbershop of the Sandpiper Chorus to serenade the couple as they came out the front door of the chapel. The Quartet – Jim Craig, Ken Geisinger, Arne Hansen and Glen Moon – sang “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” as they watched and laughed. After the ceremony and before they emerged from the church, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy read a Certificate of De-bachelorization According to Coppin, she met Polking when they both took a vacation to Turkey. The romance got serious, and now Polking is no longer a bachelor. Call him happily married.
S
Tom vaught | sun
Members of the Arne's Army Barbershop Quartet, left, sing for Mr. and Mrs. John Polking after their marriage last Saturday at St. Bernard Catholic Church.
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JUNE 1, 2016
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Beach concessionaire seeks changes Attorney raises questions about parking, traffic, bathrooms and the purpose of the beach concession. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City Attorney Patricia Petruff has questioned a number of changes to the concession area at Manatee Public Beach sought by United Park Service (UPS), which took over the beach concession in 2010. According to an e-mail from Debbie Voorhees, contracts manager for Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, UPS is seeking the following: • Add seating including Tiki huts, lounge chairs and umbrellas, in the sand area in front of the patio; • Make a new ice cream shop/area in the inside storage area on the north side of the building and add outside storage; • Turn the current ice cream area into a pizza shop with pizza ovens, a counter, a dining area and a to go window.
Attorney replies
Petruff provided the following thoughts: • The additional 100 seats should require one parking space for three seats like all other restaurants in the city. • Would serving alcohol at these tables require more security and should paid security be required? • Bathrooms are already crowded; should more be added to accommodate the additional seating? • If the seats are added, this will be one of the largest, if not the largest restaurant in the city. Is this the purpose of the beach concession? • Can concurrency standards be met, especially traffic? The area is already at gridlock. Adding seats would only escalate the problem. • What is permitted in the Rec district? • Will the hours of operation be expanded? • Will there be a conflict with people who just want to go to the beach and people who are coming to eat and drink at a place with a view?
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(877) 542-0822 | MintoFla.com To learn more about our award-winning communities throughout Florida, visit mintofla.com. © Minto Communities, LLC 2016. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, Harbour Isle and the Harbour Isle logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affi liates. CGC 1519880. 6/2016
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Submitted
Emily Crowell, Pastor Neil's daughter is displaying a poster of Sal the salamander. All kids are invited to come and learn about Sal and the other inhabitants of the cave – Mawtha the moth, Radar the bat, Olivia the owl and Ray the glowworm.
Roser VBS June 13 through 17 A summer kids’ event called Cave Quest VBS (vacation Bible school) will be held at Roser Community Church from Monday, June 13, to Friday, June 17, from 9 a.m. to noon for kids from 4 years old to fifth grade. Cave Quest VBS is filled with Bible-learning experiences. Kids will meet new friends, experience music, take part in spelunker sports, make and eat snacks, experience surprising adventures, collect Bible memory buddies to remind them of Jesus’ love and test out science fun gizmos they’ll take home and play with all summer long. Plus, kids will learn to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God sightings. Each day concludes with a Cave Quest closing that highlights lessons learned from these standout activities demonstrating how faith flows into real life. Since everything is hands-on, kids might get messy. Be sure to send them in play clothes and safe shoes. Parents are invited to register their children in the Church office between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or online at www. roserchurch.com. A coloring sheet invitation is available online or to share on the Roser Church Facebook page. Go to www.facebook/ roserchurch and see the VBS photo albums from last year! Roser Church is located near the Anna Maria City Pier at 512 Pine Avenue. For more information call the church office at 941-778-0414, email info@roserchurch.com, go to www.roserchurch.com or find us on Facebook at www. facebook/roserchurch.
Beaches and Peaches Springtime brings fresh, luscious, artisan peaches, ripe for picking and featured on the menus at all three of our world-class waterfront restaurants. Grown locally at King Family Farms in Bradenton they are the perfect addition to salads, desserts, fresh fish and more. So come stick your toes in the sand and enjoy springtime like never before – farm to fork produce, tide to table seafood and even crop to cocktail libations! We’ve got local covered!
Peach Bellini
IslandDining.com
Anna Maria 941.778.0444
North Bradenton Beach 941.779.2222
North Longboat Key 941.383.2391
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Pizza rules at Fire & Stone BY LOUISE BOLGER
FIRE & STONE PIZZA
SUN STAFF WRITER | lbolger@amisun.com
10519 Cortez Road W.
Pizza is a way of life in America. It’s not only a staple of our diets but also a cultural event, gathering us around a piping hot pizza to watch a sporting event, celebrate a birthday or just to be happy it’s Friday night. So why merely have one pizza when you can have endless pizza, and Fire & Stone Pizza is the place to find it. Radka Watson was born in the Czech Republic and lived in London with her husband. In 2008, after moving to Florida, they purchased Fire & Stone Pizza on Cortez Road in west Bradenton putting their own stamp on it and developing a very loyal customer base. After her husband’s passing, she continued running the restaurant with a new partner, Peter Ross, and last fall added their general manager, Eric Fleishman. Ross, originally from Atlanta with family on Anna Maria, and Fleishman, originally from upstate New York, have brought their experience in both the building and restaurant business to Fire & Stone. As the name says, Fire & Stone Pizza is known for its pizza, specifically its Endless Artisan Pizza Bar, where you can find at least 15 varieties of pizza on the bar at any one time. The buffet also has the freshest salad bar around with 24 items to choose from, homemade salad dressings and two homemade soups. And you can top it off with a complimentary ice cream sundae for dessert. You can also specialize your pizza with a large choice of toppings or order one of their gourmet pizzas or a white pizza. And if pizza is not your thing, try one of their fabulous sub sandwiches like the super sub or an Italian sausage or meatball or eggplant among others. They also offer spaghetti entrees, garlic bread, beer and wine. All the food is homemade on premises. Fire & Stone is very proud of its wine
Bradenton 941-792-5300 www.firestonepizza.com Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Cash or check only Half price bottles of Zonin wine program with $12.49 bottles available or two glasses of wine for $6.99. There is beer on tap as well as imports, domestic and craft beers. Starting on June 6, they will be hosting a family night every Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring face painters, balloon artists and other events for the kids. And coming this summer they are introducing Fire & Stone To Go where you can grab and go from their new cooler stocked with soups, salads, entrees and drinks, a quick stop over on the way to or from the beach. Also on order is an espresso machine being imported from Italy, so soon you can top off your pizza with an espresso, cappuccino or latte. And Fire & Stone is working on a full catering program with a large menu including traditional Italian entrees, salads and desserts. All of this hard work and customer following has landed Fire & Stone number 1 out of over 300 restaurants in Bradenton on TripAdvisor. Fire & Stone is expanding its horizons, but the real business is still pizza, LOUISE BOLGER | SUN and nobody does it better. Enjoy one of America’s staples at Fire & Stone Pizza Partner Peter Ross, owner Radka Watson and General Manager Eric Fleishman are expanding their offerings at Fire & Stone Pizza. Bet you can’t eat just one slice.
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TOM VAUGHT | SUN
A christening The owners and officials of the Seafood Shack in Cortez gathered last Thursday, May 26, as members of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting to christen their new bar on the ground level portion of the restaurant. Named Salacia, which comes from Roman mythology for the goddess of the sea, the bar is shaped like a ship, and they christened it with a champagne bottle, like the hull of a boat. It seats 36. For more information, call the restaurant at 941-794-1235 or visit it at 4110 127th St. W.
Open everyday 7:30AM to 5:00PM 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria • 941-778-3170 www.ginnysandjanees.com
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PIER: Settlement sunk in Bradenton Beach FROM PAGE 3
forward on buying a 49-passenger boat from you. “In return, BB Marina agrees to drop the current lawsuit and agrees to not file further suits in this regard. Is this amenable to you as we had discussed on Thursday?” Bazzy’s response said, “Yes, that is the spirit of the agreement. The only addition I would make is that the city must commit the resources to making the transition from anchorage to mooring field without delay or interruption. We reserve the right to monitor that the city is continuing to move forward with the process. If the city stops pursuing the mooring field, the deal would be off.”
Document withheld
According to Baldwin, Shearon contacted him after their meeting and requested a copy of the e-mail. Baldwin said Shearon asked for a printed copy rather than having an electronic copy sent to his city e-mail account, which would have become a public record
accessible to the city clerk. At 9:11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24, Shearon walked into Baldwin’s tour boat terminal and retrieved the requested document. Baldwin asked the mayor if he should also send a copy to the city clerk. According to Baldwin, Shearon said, “No, not yet.” According to Florida state statue, a public record means all documents or other material made or received in connection with the transaction of official business. According to the Florida Bar website, any agency document, however prepared, if circulated for review, comment or information is a public record. “Examples of such materials would include proposals which have been submitted for review to anyone within or outside the agency,” the bar website states. By 9:50 a.m., Shearon was seated inside city hall awaiting the start of a hearing not related to the pier. He was overheard saying to Commissioner Jan Vosburgh: “Things are going good with Sherman.”
The proposal . . . is not in the best interest of Paradise Boat Tours . . .” Sherman Baldwin Paradise Boat Tours owner
While at city hall, Shearon did not present the printed e-mail to the clerk’s office to be recorded into public record. Unknown to Shearon, Spooner met with Baldwin the following morning and provided the clerk’s office with a printed copy of the e-mail afterwards. Deputy Clerk II Christine Watson stamped the document as received and placed it in a sealed envelope because
the clerk and deputy clerk were attending a conference. On Thursday, Baldwin e-mailed Shearon and City Clerk Terri Sanclemente regarding the settlement terms. “After careful consideration, the proposal, as it stands now, to settle the Bazzy lawsuit is not in the best interests of Paradise Boat Tours and therefore we must reject said proposal,” his e-mail said.
Becoming transparent
Shearon did not present a copy of the email he obtained from Baldwin until a public records request was made late Friday afternoon. He then turned the document over to City Treasurer Shayne Thompson, who copied it and fulfilled the records request. At 9:26 p.m. Friday night, Shearon sent an e-mail to attorney Fred Moore, the city commissioners and others noting that a shade meeting was scheduled for July 7 and a court hearing was scheduled for Aug. 11. Attached to those e-mails were copies of the BaldwinBazzy e-mail and Baldwin’s rejection notice.
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More Bert Harris claims filed The city of Anna Maria has now received 48 Bert Harris claims seeking more than $13.5 million. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria received three more Bert Harris claims last week seeking $965,000 in damages for projected property devaluation and lost vacation rental revenue. Attorney Louis Najmy filed the newest claims on Thursday, May 26, in objection to occupancy restrictions contained in the city’s vacation rental ordinance. Allen Weinstein and Alison Boak are seeking $345,000 for the fivebedroom home they own at 211 Willow Ave. that they claim sleeps 16 people. Jeffrey Rodencal and Wendy Blumenthal are seeking
$275,000 for the five-bedroom home at 827 North Shore Drive they say accommodates 13 guests. Andrea Jones and Daniel Scanlan are seeking $345,000 for the four-bedroom home they own at 891 North Shore Drive they say sleeps 10. The vacation rental ordinance allows a maximum occupancy of eight-persons per vacation rental property, but those who registered larger vacation rental properties with the city could request being grandfathered in at a two-person per bedroom rate for five years. The grandfathering provision does not allow for additional guests using cots or sleeper sofas in rooms not designated as bedrooms. In the past month, the city has received 48 occupancy-related Bert Harris claims seeking more $13.5 million. Najmy filed 20 Bert Harris claims the previous week that sought $5.08 million. The Najmy claims were preceded by 17 claims filed in late April
by attorney Kevin Hennessy and eight claims filed that same week by attorney Scott Rudacille. The claims filed by Hennessey and Rudacille seek a combined $7.55 million. The city has 150 days from the respective filing dates to negotiate with the property owners’ attorneys. As an alternative to monetary settlements, the negotiations could produce increased occupancy allowances or occupancy exceptions for those who filed claims. The negotiations could also result in an extension of the current five-year grandfathering period. Unless the City Commission decides to take unilateral action, these concessions would only apply to those who file claims. If the negotiation periods do not produce terms amendable to those who filed claims, or if the city decides not to make any occupancy concessions and take its chances in court, any or all of the claimants could act individually in filing
lawsuits against the city. Each suit would then have to be addressed as a separate legal challenge. During the May 26 commission meeting, City Attorney Becky Vose told commissioners that processing the claims was a labor intensive effort, but she is receiving assistance from two attorneys provided by the Florida League of Cities. After the meeting, City Clerk Diane Percycoe said city staff has to notify all those who own neighboring property in close proximately to the properties listed in the claims. Percycoe said each claim requires four to 10 notifications, which makes the claim process laborious for staff as well. When asked earlier in the week, Finance Director Maggie Martinez said the city has spent $337,957 in legal fees thus far in the 2015-16 fiscal year. This already exceeds the $315,000 budgeted for the fiscal year that does not end until Sept 30.
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Magistrate orders tree house fine restored Tree house attorney David Levin was quick to respond with an appeal and a motion to stay the fine. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The city’s special magistrate has ruled that tree house owners Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran have not brought the property into compliance by removing the violations or demolishing the structure on the beach in front of Angelino’s Sea Lodge at 103 29th St. Special Magistrate Kelly Fernandez ordered a fine of $50 per day starting from July 22, 2015, when the Second District Court of Appeal denied Tran and Hazen a rehearing. The fine will terminate the day the property is found in compliance by the city. The order will be recorded in the county’s public records and constitute a lien on the property as well as any other real or personal property owned by Tran and Hazen. However, Tran and Hazen’s attorney David Levin was quick to respond with a notice of appeal of the fine to the circuit court. In addition, Levin filed a motion for stay of enforcement of the order imposing the fine pending appeal. “A stay is needed in view of the fact that the order imposing fine requires the movants to pay a daily fine in the
anna marie Hayden | submitted
This tree house on the beach at 103 29th Street in Holmes Beach has been the subject of litigation since 2013.
amount of $50 while they exercise their right to seek a judicial determination regarding the correctness of the order,” said Levin. “The failure to grant this stay will subject the movants to the imposition of substantial fines.
“Under these circumstances, the effect of failure to grant a stay could well be to deny the movants fully effective relief in this case and to inflict material harm on movant’s rights. In addition, there is a June 6 hear-
ing in the Manatee County Courthouse involving an initiative petition filed by Tran and Hazen seeking to put an ordinance on the ballot for voters to decide if the tree house is legal.
JUNE 1, 2016
Moving time for Code Enforcement The Anna Maria Code Enforcement Department will be moving into the new City Hall Annex at 307 Pine Ave. this week. Mayor Dan Murphy said he expected the move to take place Tuesday or Wednesday, with the lease terms negotiated with property owner Lizzie Vann taking effect Wednesday, June 1.
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Murphy budgeted $10,800 for buildout and setup costs as of Friday totaled approximately $8,400. “It’s going to come in under budget,” Murphy said. The buildout included the installation of a front foyer that features the old granite countertop that formerly graced the Anna Maria General Store. The annex is also being outfitted security cameras, keyless locks and Internet and telecommunication connectivity.
Once Code Enforcement personnel get settled in, there will be enough remaining space to relocate another city department if needed.
Fertilizer ban in effect
Manatee County and Sarasota County ordinances prohibit nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer application from June 1 through Sept. 30. “Summer-safe” yard products like
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iron, zinc, manganese or fertilizers with “0” as the first two numbers on the label (as in 0-0-6) do not contain nitrogen or phosphorous. Summer rains wash fertilizer into the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota Bay, the Manatee River and other waterways; too much can cause algae blooms – including red tide – and fish kills. Learn more by visiting www.befloridian.org or www.sarasotabay.org.
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Job opening on beach BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
There’s a job opening for some lucky entrepreneur that guarantees working outdoors on the beach, getting paid for watching Anna Maria Island sunsets every evening and doing a public service to wildlife. The self-made founder of a closely held company that pulled beach chairs in from the beach at night, Zac Shely, has moved to Tallahassee for school. That leaves the beach wide open for an aspiring businessperson to hit the pavement, contact resorts on the Gulf side of the Island, negotiate contracts, hire employees, if necessary, and get
out there and stack and padlock beach furniture at sunset, Anna Maria Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox said. Shely said it takes some moxie; sometimes you have to ask people to vacate the chairs when the sun goes down, and they don’t always want to cooperate. But it’s all for the turtles, to keep them safe from bumping into the chairs when they are nesting or hatching, which can disorient them and keep them from nesting or reaching the Gulf of Mexico. Call Fox at 941-778-5638 for information on resorts, city ordinances and sea turtle guidelines.
CINDY LANE | SUN
By law, beach chairs and other objects must be removed from the beach at sunset to protect turtles.
Turtle Talk Tuesdays
CINDY LANE | SUN
Cats destroy colony A lone pair of black skimmers is all that’s left of the nesting colony of skimmers and least terns at a large nesting area near 26th Street in Bradenton Beach. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox told volunteers to take down the stakes roping off the large area where shorebirds have historically nested after one or more cats killed the eggs in a dozen least tern nests on the ground, she said. Island city governments need to take drastic action to protect the imperiled birds, she said, adding that the cats could be feral or domestic. Cats are not allowed to be unrestrained outside, Fox said. Last year’s colony in the same area was decimated by two people on an illegal vehicle on the beach which killed three black skimmer chicks.
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers will present a 30-minute program every Tuesday at 10 a.m. in June and July at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Using photos, videos and stories, volunteers will take you on a virtual tour of Anna Maria Island’s nesting beaches and answer your questions. Participants will learn the times and locations of upcoming nest excavations, done three days after hatchlings leave the nests. Free activity books, handouts and temporary turtle tattoos will be available. T-shirts, stickers, transfers and embroidered ball caps with Turtle Watch’s new Turtle Life logo will be available for a donation. For more information, visit www. islandturtlewatch.com.
Turtle Tips
During sea turtle season, May 1 to Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water. • Don’t use flashlights, light sticks, or cell phone 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).
Bird tips
During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area. • Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed. • Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health. • If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close. • Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach. • Keep pets away from bird nesting areas.
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Storm forecasters take note of weather pattern changes NOAA’s forecast predicts a more normal hurricane season, more active than previous years. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
“The times, they are a changing” warned singer Bob Dylan during the 1960s and the weather forecasters from the two major agencies agree. After basking in the protection of El Nino winds, which resulted in wind shear at high altitudes that tore tropical storms apart, El Nino has left the Pacific and his evil sister, La Nina, has taken his place.
In other words, be careful out there and make sure you have a plan in case a storm makes tracks for the area. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) issued its prediction last week, and it mirrors the one from the Colorado State University’s (CSU) Department of Atmospheric Science, in Fort Collins. For the types of storm activities, NOAA predicts 10 to 16 named storms compared to CSU’s 12, four to eight hurricanes, compared to CSU’s five; and one to four major hurricanes, compared to CSU’s Two. The NOAA Climate Prediction Center took note of El Nino’s absence, saying that makes it particularly difficult to
predict what will happen. NOAA said there is a 45 percent chance of a near normal season, 30 percent it will be above normal and 25 percent that storm activity will be below normal. Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, said they are uncertain whether the high hurricane activity that began in 1995 has ended. That high activity is the result of warmer Atlantic Ocean waters and a stronger West African monsoon. However, the past three years has seen a shift toward cooler Atlantic waters and a weaker West African monsoon.
2016 Hurricane Names Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine, Igor, Julia, Karl, Lisa, Matthew, Nicole, Otto, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tomas, Virginie, Walter.
CSU Seasonal Forecast NOAA Seasonal Forecast
Named Storms Hurricanes Major Hurricanes
13 5 2
10-16 4-8 1-4
Websites can bring immediate information BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
Whether a storm is still brewing in the Caribbean or winds are starting to blow debris around the Island, everybody has an interest in the weather this time of the year, and it’s a good idea to have a few sites bookmarked on your computer. First off, you can get longrange forecasts as well as the immediate weather from the National Hurricane Service (www.nhc.noaa. gov), The Weather Channel (https://weather. com/storms/ hurricane-central) a n d the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (http://www. atmos.colostate.edu/).
West Manatee Fire Rescue’s website (wmfr.org) has a good tracking chart plus hurricane preparedness information. If you want to get emergency weather information, go to www.emergencyemail. org and sign up. They will send out alerts on everything from hurricanes to flooding conditions and forecasts. If you want help in planning for an emergency, go to www.floridadisaster. org. They have several icons for family plans, business plans, strengthening your home and one to help kids make a plan. In addition, Bay News Nine (channel 9) is available
to Bright House subscribers and has the latest on evacuation orders, flooding and where a storm is predicted to land, especially if it’s within the Tampa Bay area, including the Island. During and after weather events, this channel offers live coverage of emergency operations center updates and it generally tries to avoid the hype offered by network television channels who will send reporters out into storms to “show how intense it is.” Of course The Weather Channel (63 on Bright House) has great coverage of storms nearby with charts and satellite images from around the world. Many residents appreciate the coverage offered by the reporters who travel to the scene of the worst weather, however most hope we never see those reporters on the Island.
In addition, they note that El Nino, which went away last week, will be replaced by La Nina, which encourages the formation of tropical storms, during the busiest part of the hurricane season. After the past few years, officials along the hurricane-prone areas are worried about the number of new residents in the area who are unfamiliar with the storms and residents who have become complacent and let their stock of hurricane necessities dwindle or expire. As they say every year, it only takes one storm to make it a bad season for the Island.
Say goodbye to El Niño This summer might see more tropical storms forming in the Gulf and Caribbean than in the Atlantic. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
As the storm season begins, we have already had some action and it could be just the tip of the iceberg. Hurricane Alex formed as an extra tropical cyclone near the Bahamas on Jan. 7. Two days later it had hurricane force winds and roamed the waters of the Atlantic for more than a week before it merged with another extra tropical cyclone over the Labrador Sea on Jan. 17. Nothing has happened storm wise since then, but changes in our weather are raising the odds for a hurricane to develop and hit land, possibly in Florida. The El Niño weather pattern, which produces cooler surface temperatures in the Pacific, also generates wind shear and when a storm forms and heads toward the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, the wind shear circumvents the storm’s development. Over the past five years, storms have been few and far between, but El Niño has turned into La Niña, according to Michael Carter of the Weather Network. “With the La Niña pattern, there will be little
wind shear and we’ll have a convergence pattern that leads to the formation of more storms,” he said. “We are also seeing lower surface temperatures in the waters off Africa and that would hinder the formation of storms there. The warmer water will be closer to home and storms could form in the Gulf and Caribbean.” Carter said the formation of more storms will be a major concern during the season. For those of us who live and work on the Island, it means we need to heed the warnings and shake off that feeling of security in reaction to the past few seasons. “It means people need to check their emergency supplies of food, water, batteries and be prepared,” said Bradenton Beach Police Lt. John Cosby, who serves as the city’s safety officer. “You should have enough supplies to live for five days without help.” Cosby said if a disaster hits, it might take that long for rescuers to get to homes on the Island. Of course, if they call for an evacuation, do so because you would be dealing with a destructive storm with high winds and serious flooding. So as we go into the season again, take the time to make a plan and stock up on supplies. One or two days before a storm is forecast to hit is not the time to try and find batteries or bottled water.
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Hurricanes rated on wind intensity New residents might not be familiar with the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. It is a 1–5 rating based on the hurricane's intensity, and is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on the slope of the continental shelf and the shape of the coastline, in the landfall region. Note that all winds are using the U.S. 1-minute average.
Category One:
Winds range from 74 to 95 mph. Storm surge is generally 4-5 ft above normal. No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Expect some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.
Category Two:
Winds 96–110 mph. Storm surge generally 6–8 feet above normal. Expect some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal
and low-lying escape routes flood 2–4 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.
Category Three:
Winds 111–130 mph with a storm surge generally 9–12 ft above normal. You can expect some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtain wall failures. Damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage lost and large trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3–5 hours before arrival of the hurricane’s center. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by battering from floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than five ft above mean sea level may be flooded inland eight miles or more. Evacuation of low-lying residences with several blocks of the shoreline may be required.
Category Four:
Winds 131–155 mph. Storm surge
generally 13–18 ft above normal. More extensive curtain wall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees, and all signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3–5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as six miles. Hurricane Charley of 2004 was a Category Four hurricane made landfall in Charlotte County, Florida with winds of 150 mph.
Category Five:
Winds greater than 155 mph. Storm surge generally greater than 18 ft above normal. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over
or away. All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3–5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5–10 miles of the shoreline may be required. Only 3 Category Five Hurricanes have made landfall in the United States since records began: The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, Hurricane Camille (1969), and Hurricane Andrew in August, 1992. The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane struck the Florida Keys with a minimum pressure of 892 mb--the lowest pressure ever observed in the United States. Hurricane Camille struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast causing a 25-foot storm surge, which inundated Pass Christian. Hurricane Andrew of 1992 made landfall over southern Miami-Dade County, Florida causing 26.5 billion dollars in losses-the costliest hurricane on record. In addition, Hurricane Wilma of 2005 was a Category Five hurricane at peak intensity and is the strongest Atlantic tropical cyclone on record with a minimum pressure of 882 mb.
What to do now? make preparations now
• Get a re-entry tag. • Make an evacuation plan and a contingency plan in case you can’t return home and tell family members. Designate a contact person outside of the area that each family member can contact in case you get separated. • Make your disaster supply kit. • Videotape or photograph every room in your home and the outside of your house and yard. • Inventory your possessions and make a list of what you want to take. • Pack important documents in portable boxes. Mark items you can’t pack ahead with flags to grab at the last minute. • Freeze jugs of water to keep your freezer and refrigerator cold if there’s a power outage or throw in the cooler if you evacuate.
Assemble disaster kit
Assemble your disaster supply kit in a watertight container at the beginning of hurricane season. If you are working with last year ’s
kit, check it to see if anything, such as expired batteries, should be replaced. The kit should contain: • Disposable utensils, plates, bowls and cups, napkins, trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer; • A seven-day supply of nonperishable food and water, a manual can opener and a utility knife; • A small charcoal grill, camp stove or a set of propane burners; charcoal or propane and waterproof matches, a pot and a skillet; • Water purification kit and disinfectant; • Air mattress or sleeping bag and bedding; • First aid kit, mosquito repellant and sunscreen; • Flashlights or battery- operated lantern, battery- or crank- operated radio and extra batteries; • A basic tool kit including hammer and nails, screwdriver, shovel, saw, duct tape and work gloves;
• Two large coolers, one for food and one for ice.
tag offers hassle-free re-entry
Evacuating for a hurricane is easy, but coming back could present challenges if you don’t have a re-entry tag. Access will be restricted and without one, your return home could be delayed. • Residents are limited to one tag per household. • To get a tag you must show identification and proof of ownership or residency.
Get tags at city halls
• Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Holmes Beach Police Department, 5801 Marina Drive, Monday through Friday. Use the front door during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the back door after hours
You can take it with you
If an evacuation is ordered, residents of the Island will be the first to be told to leave. Don’t wait until the last minute, but make a list in advance and know where to locate these items quickly: • Disaster supply kit • Re-entry tag • Back up for computer • Camera and batteries • Infant and pet supplies • Clothing, shoes, rain gear, personal hygiene items • Two weeks supply of prescription medications • Family photographs or negatives • Small irreplaceable family heirlooms • Books, games and toys • Cash/checkbook • Documents or copies including bank and stock statements, insurance policies, medical records, family history, birth certificates, will and/or living will, children’s school records, home inventory, appraisal documents for antiques, jewelry and art works.
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JUNE 1, 2016
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Preparation checklists Home preparation
• Install shutters on all openings, including windows, doors, sliding glass doors, French doors and garage doors • If using plywood, purchase 5/8" thick plywood well before a storm arrives, pre-measure, predrill and label each piece • Install impact resistant windows • Caulk or install weather stripping around windows • Install three door hinges on outside doors • Install deadbolts that extend one inch into the door jamb on outside doors • Repair loose or missing roof shingles • Inspect soffits for adequate fasteners • Replace loose or missing soffits • Outside, seal openings from air conditioning refrigerant lines, water heater pressure relief lines, water pipes, cable and satellite TV wires, telephone wires, Internet wires and exhaust fan vents from bathroom, kitchen, clothes dryer • Inside, seal around electrical boxes and circuit breaker panels, electrical outlets, exhaust fan vents • Bring loose items inside, including garbage cans, lawn
furniture, decorations, hoses, hanging plants, grills • Turn off or disconnect electric, gas, water and sewer before evacuating
Mobile home preparation
• Inspect, repair or add tiedown straps and anchors according to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles standards at http://casey. hsmv.state.fl.us/Intranet/dmv/ Forms/BMHRV/15C1Finl.pdf • Make sure straps are properly aligned and not on an angle • Check to be sure the proper number of tie-downs have been installed properly • Verify that ground anchors and stabilizer plates have been installed properly • Be sure support piers are in contact with the frame • Inspect and repair wood rot and termite damage in wall-to-floor connections, wall-to-roof connections, perimeter joists and trusses • Inspect fasteners if home has a roof-over • Close shutters • Secure loose outdoor objects • Turn off or disconnect electricity, gas, water and sewer
• Establish a community evacuation plan for your mobile home park • Make list of residents’ phone numbers, alternate addresses • Assign each neighbor a partner to help them evacuate
Swimming pool preparation
• Lower the water level to reduce flooding potential • Do not empty the pool, it could pop out of the ground • Turn off electrical power to the pool • Store filter pump motor indoors to keep it dry • Store loose items indoors, not in pool, to protect from chemicals • Add extra chlorine to use pool water for washing and flushing • Inspect and repair or replace pool screen hardware • Remove two opposite pool screen panels to allow wind to blow through
Yard preparation
• Trim weak branches • Hire licensed trimmers to trim near power lines • Trim early enough before storm to allow branches to be removed from property to keep them from becoming projectiles
... additional information
Evacuation assistance for special needs
Help is available for those dependent on medical equipment or those that need assistance or transportation to a shelter by registering in advance. Register for Manatee County’s Special Needs Assistance Program in several ways: • Call the county’s emergency management department at 749-3500, ext. 7828, and an application will be mailed to you. Complete the form and return it to Manatee County Emergency Management, P.O. Box 1000, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000.
• Go to the county’s website at mymanatee.org and click on emergency management and then on special needs registry to download instructions, an evacuation checklist and an application. Complete the form and return it to Manatee County Emergency Management, P.O. Box 1000, Bradenton, FL 342061000. • Register online at the county’s website listed above.
Cities supply sandbags
Each Island city makes sandbags available to residents. • Anna Maria: Get empty sandbags and sand at the north end of Bayfront Park by North Shore Drive. The city encourages a 20-bag limit. • Bradenton Beach:
During business hours, get filled sandbags at the public works department, 400 Highland Ave. There is 10-bag limit and a limited supply. • Holmes Beach: Get empty sandbags at city hall and fill them from the sand pile in the bunker by the skate park. There is a 10-bag limit.
Emergency information
Holmes Beach offers an Emergency Preparation Guide and a laminated extreme weather information sheet from NOAH. Both are available in the lobby of city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
Prepare your pets Start thinking now about where your pets will ride out a hurricane, and put your pet plan in place. • Motels/hotels – check The Sun’s Pet Pages (pp27-28) • Veterinarian • Kennel • Friends/relatives • Pet-friendly evacuation shelters (Braden River High School, Manatee High School, Mills Elementary School) - requirements are: - First come, first served - Pets must remain in carrier or cage except for scheduled exercise times - Current rabies vaccination certificates - Two family member limit in pet-friendly area - Owners must stay with pets at all times - Owners must provide food and supplies - Owners must not permit other shelter occupants to handle or approach pets - Owners are responsible for the care, feeding and handling of their pets
Some things to bring for your pets:
• Proper ID collar and rabies license tag • Carrier or cage • Water and food bowls • Food and water supply to last about three days • Medications • Special care instructions • Potty pads/plastic bags for waste disposal • Toys and comfort items • Muzzles, if necessary • First aid supplies • Grooming items • Manual can opener • Proper ID on all belongings • Current photos and description of your pets in case you get separated • Pet information sheet including the name and address of your vet, feeding schedules, medical conditions and behavioral issues in case you must temporarily leave your pets in someone else's care.
Preparing your boat • Make a plan well in advance to secure your boat during a hurricane. • Small, open boats and high-performance powerboats with low freeboard should be trailered and transported inland. • Boats ashore should be stored well above the anticipated storm surge. • Reduce windage as much as possible. Dig a hole for your sailboat keel or lay smaller sailboats on their sides. • Make sure your boat has extra jack stands, at least three or four on each side for boats under 30 feet and five or six for larger boats. The jack stands should be supported by plywood and chained together. • Strap boats down to eyes embedded in concrete or earth augers. • Boats in the water should be secured in a snug harbor. • At a marina, use sturdy pilings and trees one or two slips away to secure boats using longer-than-normal dock lines.
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The following hotels and motels accept pets. Some have limitations on species, number, size and breed, some require pets to be caged before housekeeping services are rendered, some require deposits or extra charges, and some have special pet amenities, such as grassy areas for walking. Call ahead to find accommodations that match your needs, and make a list of several hotels in different parts of the state to be prepared for storms from any direction. ARCADIA Knights Inn 504 S. Brevard Ave. 863-494-4884 Holiday Inn Express 2709 Southeast Hwy. 70 863-494-5900 BRADENTON Best Western Plus 2215 Cortez Rd W 941-238-0800 Best Western Plus 648 67th St. Cir. E. 941-757-5555 Courtyard Bradenton Sarasota/Riverfront 100 Riverfront Dr.W. 941-747-3727 Days Inn 3506 1st St.W. 941-746-1141 Fairfield Inn & Suites Lakewood Ranch 6105 Exchange Way 941-552-4000 Hampton Inn 309 10th St W 941-746-9400 Motel 6 660 67th St. Circle E. 941-747-6005 Quality Inn 6727 14th St.W. 941-758-7199 Super 8 6516 14th St.W. 941-756-6656 Sunrise Inn 668 67th St Circle E 941-745-1876 BROOKSVILLE Days Inn 6320 Windmere Rd 352-796-9486 Microtel Inn 6298 Nature Coast Blvd 352-796-9025
Quality Inn 30307 Cortez Blvd 352-796-9481
Travel Lodge 4760 S Cleveland Ave 239-275-1111
DAYTONA BEACH Homewood Suites By Hilton 165 Bill France Blvd 386-258-2828
Travel Lodge 13661 Indian Paint Ln 239-561-1117
Residence Inn Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport 1725 Richard Petty Blvd 386-252-3949 DELAND Budget Inn 2801 East NY Ave 386-736-3440 ELLENTON Red Roof Inn 4915 17th St. E. 941-729-0600 Sleep Inn 5605 18th St. E. 941-721-4933 Super 8 5218 17th St. E. 941-729-8505 FORT MYERS Baymont Inn & Suites 9401 Marketplace Rd 239-454-0040 Four Points by Sheraton 13600 Treeline Ave S 239-322-1399 Holiday Inn 2431 Cleveland Ave 239-332-3232 Hyatt Place 2600 Champion Ring Rd 239-418-1844 La Quinta Inn 9521 Market Place Rd 239-466-0012 Residence Inn 20371 Summerlin Rd 239-415-4150
GAINESVILLE Best Western 4200 N.W. 97th Blvd. 352-331-3336 Holiday Inn Express 3905 S.W. 43rd St. 352-376-0004 Motel 6 4000 S.W. 40th Blvd. 352-373-1604 Red Roof Inn 3500 S.W. 42nd St. 352-336-3311 KISSIMMEE Motel 6 5731 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. 407-396-6333 Palms Hotel and Villas 3100 Parkway Blvd. 407-396-2229 Blue Inn 4970 Kyngs Heath Road 407-396-0065 LAKELAND Ramada Inn 3260 U.S. Hwy. 98 N. 863-688-8080 La Quinta Inn 1024 Crevasse St. 863-859-2866 Motel 6 3120 U.S. Hwy. 98 N. 863-682-0643 Residence Inn 3701 Harden Blvd. 863-680-2323
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LAKE BUENA VISTA Clarion Inn 8442 Palm Parkway 407-996-7300 Marriott Residence Inn 11450 Marbella Palm Court 407-465-0075 LAKE CITY America’s Best Inn 339 SW Commerce Dr 386-755-6300 Baymont Inn & Suites 3598 US 90 W 386-752-3801 Days Inn 3430 N US Hwy 441 386-758-4224 LAKE MARY Candlewood Suites 1130 Greenwood Blvd. 407-585-3000 Extended Stay America 1040 Greenwood Blvd 407-829-2332 La Quinta Inn 1060 Greenwood Blvd. 407-805-9901 Residence Inn 825 Heathrow Park Lane 407-995-3400 LEESBURG Best Western Plus 1321 N. 14th Street 352-460-0118 The Sleep Inn 2476 Citrus Blvd. 352-326-9002 OCALA Hampton Inn & Suites 3601 SW 38th Ave 352-867-0300
Holiday Inn Express 1212 S Pine Ave 352-629-7300
Staybridge Suites 7450 Augusta National Dr 407-438-2121
La Quinta Inn & Suites 3530 S.W. 36th Ave. 352-861-1137
Townplace Suites 11801 High Tech Ave. 407-243-6100
Microtel Inn & Suites 1770 Southwest 134th St 352-307-1166
PLANT CITY Comfort Inn 2003 S Frontage Rd 813-707-6000
Quality Inn 3434 SW College Rd 352-854-3200 Residence Inn 3610 S.W. 38th Ave. 352-547-1600 Sleep Inn and Suites 13600 S.W. 17th Court 352-347-8383 ORLANDO Hard Rock Hotel 5800 Universal Blvd. 407-503-2000 Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista 13351 State Road 535 407-239-4500 La Quinta Inn - Universal Studios 5621 Major Blvd 407-313-3100 Motel 6 - Winter Park 5300 Adanson Street 407-647-1444 Motel 6 5909 American Way 407-351-6500 Residence Inn Seaworld 11000 Westwood Blvd. 407-313-3600 Rodeway Inn Maingate 5995 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. 407-396-4300
Knights Inn 301 S Frontage Rd 813-752-0570 PORT CHARLOTTE Country Inn 24244 Corporate Court 941-235-1035
SANFORD Best Western Plus 3401 S Orlando Dr 407-320-0845 SARASOTA Comfort Suites 5690 Honore Ave 941-554-4475 Hampton Inn 975 University Parkway 941-355-8140 Hibiscus Suites 1735 Stickney Point Road 941-921-5797 Holiday Inn – Lakewood Ranch 6231 Lake Osprey Dr 941-782-4400
JUNE 1, 2016
Holiday Inn Express 4400 US 27 North 863-386-1115
Motel 6 West 2738 N. Monroe St. 850-386-7878
Holiday Inn Express 8310 Galbraith 813-910-7171
Kenilworth Lodge 1610 Lakeview Dr 863-385-0111
Quality Inn 3090 N. Monroe St. 850-562-2378
Red Roof Inn 2307 E. Busch Blvd. 813-932-0073
La Quinta Inn 4115 US 27 South 863-386-1000
Red Roof Inn 2930 Hospitality Street 850-385-7884
Residence Inn 4312 W. Boy Scout Blvd. 813-877-7988
Quality Inn & Suites 6525 US 27 North 863-385-4500
Residence Inn 1880 Raymond Diehl Road 850-422-0093
Residence Inn 3221 Tubbs Road 863-314-9100
Residence Inn Universities 600 W. Gaines St. 850-329-9080
TEMPLE TERRACE Holiday Inn Express 13294 Telcom Dr 813-972-9800
SPRING HILL Microtel Inn 4881 Commercial Way 352-596-3444
Sleep Inn 1695 Capital Circle N.W. 850-575-5885
Days Inn 1941 Tamiami Trail 941-627-8900
Holiday Inn Express 5730 Gantt Rd 941-925-0631
Knights Inn 4100 Tamiami Trail 941-743-2442
Holiday Inn Sarasota - Airport 8009 15th St. E. 941-355-9000
Microtel Inn 4056 Tamiami Trail 941-624-6339
Hotel Indigo Sarasota 1223 Boulevard of the Arts 941-487-3800
Sleep Inn & Suites 806 Kings Highway 941-613-6300
La Quinta Inn & Suites 1803 N.Tamiami Trail 941-366-5128
TALLAHASSEE Best Western Pride Inn 2016 Apalachee Parkway 850-656-6312
PUNTA GORDA Four Points by Sheraton 33 Tamiami Trail 941-637-6770
Residence Inn 1040 University Pkwy. 941-358-1468
Best Western Seminole Inn 6737 Mahan Drive 850-656-2938
Days Inn 5000 N.Tamiami Trail 941-351-7734
Econo Lodge North 2681 N. Monroe St. 850-385-6155
Sleep Inn 900 University Pkwy. 941-359-8558
La Quinta Inn North 2905 N. Monroe St. 850-385-7172
SEBRING Chateau Elan Hotel 150 Midway Dr 863-655-7200
Motel 6 Downtown 1027 Apalachee Parkway 850-877-6171
Punta Gorda Waterfront Hotel 300 W Retta Esplanade 941-639-1165 The Wyvern Hotel 101 E Retta Esplanade 941-639-7700 RUSKIN Ruskin Inn 3113 College Ave 813-641-3437
Motel 6 6172 Commercial Way 352-596-2007 SUN CITY Sun City Center Inn 809N. Pebble Beach Blvd 813-634-3331
Residence Inn 13420 N Telcom Parkway 813-972-4400 Towne Place Suites by Marriott 6800 Woodstork Rd 813-975-9777
Staybridge Suites 1600 Summit Lake Drive 850-219-7000 Suburban Extended Stay Hotel 522 Silver Slipper Lane 850-386-2121 TAMPA Clarion Hotel 2701 E. Fowler Ave. 813-971-4710
WINTER HAVEN Howard Johnson Inn 1300 3rd St SW 863-294-7321 Lake Roy Beach Inn 1825 Cypress Garden Blvd 863-324-6320 Shergill Grand Hotel 5665 Cypress Garden Blvd 863-324-5950
Econo Lodge 4732 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. 813-874-6700
Roadway Inn & Suites 1911 Cypress Gardens Blvd. 863-324-5994
Hampton Inn 5628 W Waters Ave 813-901-5900 Holiday Inn Express 9402 Corporate Lake Dr 813-885-3700 Holiday Inn Express 8610 Elm Fair Blvd. 813-490-1000
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Bradenton Central 4315 26th St. W. (941) 758-4411 (941) 761-0312 Bradenton East 4238 53rd Ave. East (941) 727-7058
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Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers will present a 30-minute program every Tuesday at 10 a.m. in June and July at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Volunteers will take visitors on a virtual tour of Anna Maria Island’s nesting beaches and answer questions. Participants will learn the times and locations of upcoming nest excavations, done three days after hatchlings leave the nests. Free activity books, handouts and temporary turtle tattoos will be available. T-shirts, stickers, transfers and embroidered ball caps with Turtle Watch’s new Turtle Life logo will be available for a donation. For more information, visit www. islandturtlewatch.com.
The Gulf Coast Writers meet at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Wednesday, June 1, at 12:45 p.m. Members are urged to bring some of their writings for critique. Those interested in joining are welcome. For more information, call 778-6341.
Laid back yoga
Summer art display in Cortez The Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., in Cortez, hosts “Living by Water” featuring sculptures by local artist Steve Humphrey. Humphrey’s works are abstractions of images inspired by fish, fishing and boating. The sculptures are made from wood, metal, rope, and fiber and are meant to provoke humor, intrigue, and an appreciation of life around the water. There will be an exhibit opening on Thursday, June 2, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be available courtesy of the Florida Maritime Museum and admission is free. Reservations are appreciated. For more information or to RSVP call 941-708-6120 or e-mail Kristin.Sweeting@manateeclerk.com. The exhibit will remain on display through Friday, Aug. 12.
Fun with needles The Friends of the Island Library present knitting and crochet at the library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Thursday, June 2, at 2 p.m. Bring needles and supplies and any project you might want to complete. Cal 778-6341 for more information.
Music on the beach Enjoy Jam in the Sand on Thursdays at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s free, and it’s fun. Enjoy dinner while you listen.
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Turtle Talk Tuesdays
Writers meet at library
Cindy Phillips teaches Gentle Chair Yoga on Wednesdays from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd. Holmes Beach. The cost is $10 per class and spaces are limited. Gentle Chair Yoga combines breathing with postures to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and tranquility. Enjoy all the benefits of a regular yoga practice, without having to get down on the floor by using a traditional yoga mat, which makes it suitable for all levels and abilities. For more information, call 778-2099.
THE SUN
Snooks Adams Kid's Day
Island sons and daughters are invited to join the fun at Bayfront Park, in Anna Maria, on Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as the Anna Maria Island Privateers carry on a tradition started 62 years earlier to celebrate the start of summer vacation. The Privateers will have their parade ship, Skullywag, for kids to explore. Parents, kids are encouraged to dress like little pirates so you’d better be looking for eye patches, outfits and plastic swords. Kids will be able to dig for treasure in the sand, toss rubber rats at a bucket, water balloon tossing, a water pistol showdown and other fun and games. There will be free hot dogs with chips and soft drinks for the kids; parents can join them for a donation.
Beachy beats
Saturday is game day
Enjoy the sounds of drums keeping the beat at the Sunset Drum Circle at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. There’s no charge to listen, and dinner is available at the café.
The Island Branch Library, at 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach hosts its chess club on Saturday, June 4, at 10 a.m. There will be a chess master to help those wanting to learn the game of just improve their play. In the afternoon, there will be a board game session at 1 p.m. for people of all ages. Bring your favorite games and find someone to compete with you. For more information, call the library at 778-6341
Kiwanis hear about Island charity Club member Pam Leckie speaks about her involvement with the Island Food Pantry at the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, at the Manatee Beach Café at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. Anyone who would like to hear about this local non-profit agency is welcome. Breakfast is available for purchase before the meeting, and prospective members are welcome.
Clean out those closets There will be a clothing drive at Duffy’s Tavern, 5808 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, on Saturday, June 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are looking for new or gently worn women’s clothing, shoes and accessories for the Women’s Resource Center of Manatee’s Career Closet and resale boutique for women looking for work. Donors will receive a little something from Duffy’s towards a burger and beer.
The shopping is beachy The Beach Market at Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach at the trolley stop, concession stand area offers shopping in the shade of the pines along the all-purpose path from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Sunday through July. Shop for items from local artists, arts and crafts, jewelry, fresh produce, plants, apparel, pottery, purses, collectibles, health and beauty items and more. It’s a good place to enjoy the beautiful white sand beach, relax on the beautiful deck overlooking the Gulf and with eats and drinks from the Coquina Cafe. Admission is free and the free trolley stops near the market. Manatee County does not allow dogs anywhere in Coquina Park. The market is stroller, walker and wheelchair accessible. Contact Nancy Ambrose for more information 941-518-4431.
Stories for kids The Island Branch Library,at 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, hosts story time for pre-schoolers with kid’s librarian Trudy Bell on Tuesday, June 7, at 10 a.m. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.
Detect problems in time You could be alerted to possible stroke or other health problems by taking Prevention Plus Stroke and Vascular Screening offered Thursday, June 9, at The Center, 407 Magnolia, Anna Maria. The screenings are being offered at reduced prices. They include stroke/ carotid ultrasound for $40, abdominal aortic aneurysm for $40, arterial disease test for $40, thyroid ultrasound for $40, abdominal ultrasound for $95 and heart scan-echocardiogram for $95 or all six tests for only $179. Blood tests, liver, cholesterol, PSA and TSH tests are also available. To register, call 888-667-7587.
Film on Powell Crosley scheduled The film “Powel Crosley, Jr. and the 20th Century” will be shown June, July, and August on Wednesdays and the first and third Saturdays at 1 p.m. at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 1015 6th St. W., Palmetto. The museum is located within the Palmetto Historical Park. After the movie the museum will provide a 2 p.m. tour of the Park as well as view both sites’ Crosley exhibits which are part of the six-site “Powel Crosley, Jr. Community Exhibition: His Life. His Work. His Impact.” The museum is closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch, and the door will open at 12:50 p.m. on movie days. For more information, call 721-2034 or agriculturalmuseum@manateeclerk. com.
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OUTDOORS
AMI OUTFITTERS
Coastal Gear & Apparel
401 & 505 Pine Ave. Anna Maria
amioutfitters.com
FEBRUARY 17, 2016 941-254-4996
Simply fishing T
o many anglers fishing is simple. It's not much more complicated than dangling a shrimp or fishing a jig in any likely spot. Like other human activities, the level of involvement ranges from the simple to the insane. Most fishermen fall somewhere in between, while some live and breathe life on the water. They dream of rigging rods and reels, sharpening hooks, consulting charts, and exploring tackle shops and online forums for the next great lure or fly. Some anglers steadily graduate from cane poles to graphite spinning rods and fly tackle. Some never consider killing a fish, epitomizing the catch and release ethic. Others sport stickers on the back of their trucks that read, "I Kill Fish." Once again most of us fall somewhere in between, content with our fishing method, respecting our catch and enjoying an occasional fresh fish dinner. Fishing develops into an individual passion, one that's much more than catching. Some of us can have a great day on the water and never catch a fish; others may be disappointed if they don’t fill the cooler, but we all profit from our time on the water. Whether we’re just relaxing on the boat or are on the alert for the action of the tides, the subtle movements on the water's surface and the birds that inhabit the oceans and bays sharpen our senses and take us away from our day to day lives. Whatever kind of fisherperson we might be, everyone benefits from being immersed in the natural world. The important thing is to en-
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS joy the experience and come back to shore in a better mood than we left. Of course, not every day on the water is as relaxing and enjoyable as we’d like it to be. Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, the fish don’t bite and engine and tackle problems intrude on our interlude. A fishing trip after all isn’t immune to the unpredictable. The best advice is to expect the best and be prepared for the worst. Be flexible. I know anglers that wouldn’t think of picking up anything other than a fly rod, and to be honest I might have been one of those. After more than my share of frustrating days, I learned a valuable lesson and flexed. Now I seldom venture onto the water without a spinning rod or two, outfitted with a jig and or a top water plug. When the wind makes it just too much work to fly fish, I switch to my spinning tackle, a move that has paid dividends more than once. If you are a live bait fisherman, try artificial lures, particularly top water plugs. Sometimes when the pinfish are stealing your hard won bait faster than you can get them on the hook, artificial lures can save the day. The important part is to make the best of your day on the water. Be OK if the catch is less than you hoped for because if you keep
CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | submitted
Kids know how to make a simple fishing trip an adventure.
your eyes open, you’ll learn lessons that will pay off on future trips. Taking a kid fishing is a great way to break out of too narrow a focus on catching. They’ll be thrilled to land fish, but will also notice the rays, dolphins, manatees, birds and other creatures that inhabit the watery world. Whatever your experience, make sure that you are able to break the experience down to simply fishing!
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No fish feeding or cleaning at Kingfish The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is starting a process of education for boaters and fishermen to remind them that it is against the law to feed pelicans and other birds, according to Alan Lai Hipp, Environmental Program Manager, Marine Resources, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department New signs regarding this prohibition have been installed at Kingfish ramp. He said this has been a major concern at Kingfish because it is used predominantly by charter guides during the week. In addition, Lai Hipp said fish cleaning tubes would not be installed on or near docks at county public boat ramps. “Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) looks at the disposal of fish carcasses into the water from a water quality standpoint,” he explained, in an e-mail. “They do not authorize carcasses going into the water; they require them to be disposed of in receptacles or on uplands. “That is not to say that fish cleaning tables cannot be on docks, however,
Turtle lighting display
Learn about the latest technology in turtlefriendly lighting at this kiosk at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. The display, sponsored by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and the Sea Turtle Conservancy, has examples of turtle lights that you can see up close and features a short video explaining the three principles of turtle-friendly lighting – low to the ground, long wavelengths (red or amber LEDs) and shielded from the beach.
they must have the proper outfitting for receptacle or upland disposal in order to be permitted.” He said the county removed the fish cleaning tables from the docks at Kingfish and moved them to an upland location with appropriate garbage receptacles adjacent to them.
CINDY LANE | SUN
tide chart for anna maria city pier-june 1-8 A.M. High Time Feet
A.M. Low Time Feet
P.M. High Time Feet
P.M. Low Time Feet
Sun Rise Set
Day Date
Wed 6/1
8:41a 2.30
2:26a 0.73
9:58p 1.64
3:49p 0.23
6:35-8:22
Thu 6/2
9:17a 2.50
3:08a 0.92
11:10p 1.62
4:44p -0.08
Fri 6/3
9:53a 2.67
3:48a 1.08
Sat 6/4
12:16a 1.58
4:24a 1.20
Day Date
5:35p -0.30 10:30a 2.80
6:25p -0.43
6:35-8:22 6:35-8:23 6:35-8:23
A.M. High Time Feet
A.M. Low Time Feet
P.M. High Time Feet
P.M. Low Time Feet
Sun Rise Set
Sun 6/5
1:20a 1.54
5:00a 1.28
11:09a 2,.85
7:13p -0.46
6:35-8:23
Mon 6/6
2:20a 1.50
5:58a 1.32
11:51a 2.83
Tue 6/7
3:17a 1.48
6:21a 1.35
12:36p 2.74
8:47p -0.30
Wed 6/8
4:05a 1.50
7:3a 1.36
1:25p 2.59
9:53p -0.15
8:00p -0.41
6:35-8:24 6:35-8:24 6:34-8:25
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Eat more octopus T
here is hope on the horizon for stone crabbers who are fed up with octopuses eating the stone crabs right out of their traps. When he’s not busy developing algorithms for predicting the camouflage patterns of octopuses, new Mote Marine Laboratory researcher Dr. Noam Josef is studying the octopus/ stone crab relationship. On the surface, it’s pretty straightforward. An octopus spots a stone crab in a trap, realizes it can’t get away, slithers into the trap and gobbles it down. It’s a fate far more final than being pulled out of the water by a fishermen and having an arm snapped off before being tossed back into the water to grow a new one. Unless they’re deep fried, local stone crabbers hate octopuses, which pay absolutely no attention whatsoever to state wildlife laws that prohibit tampering with traps. Josef hopes to come up with ways to deter the lawless thieves from bellying up to the captive crab buffet. But it won’t be easy. Octopuses are smart. Very smart, Josef says.
BY CINDY LANE They are the only invertebrates that solve problems on their own. They can even be trained for multiple complex tasks. Eating a stone crab in a trap is like shooting fish in a barrel to an octopus. Josef will be talking to local fishermen to find out how many of their stone crabs octopuses eat, how, when and where they eat them and how to stop them. In scientific terms, that’s quantifying, characterizing, strategizing and exterminating the slippery little devils. He will spy on octopuses with video recorders positioned at crab traps to see how they get in and out of the underwater fast food swim-throughs. And he plans to run an experiment (however obvious) on whether declawed stone crabs are more vulnerable to octopuses than crabs with claws.
At the same time, with Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition researcher David Fries, he will be working on developing flexible and biodegradable electronic displays that mimic octopus camouflage, which Mote says could be used in fashion (a shirt that goes from stripes to polka dots?), recreational diving (a wetsuit that blends in with its surroundings?), and even the military (a cloaking device for Jeeps?). Octopuses and other cephalopods have complex skin with cells that contain pigment sacs which expand to display color and contract to hide color. Beneath the sacs is a protein layer that reflects, absorbs and diffuses light like a backlit LED screen. The octopus controls the cells with its brain, so its color and pattern can change as fast as he can think it – one-tenth of a second – far faster than the laid-back chameleon, which uses hormones to change color. With all that built-in technology, brainpower and sheer cunning, it seems a shame to fry up an octopus for dinner. But when you’ve got no crabs, you’ve got no choice. Pass the lemon butter.
SUBMITTED
Guild members in state show Nine Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island members are displaying in the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society Show. Three Guild members placed in the show: Anne Abgott, first place for "Times Square” (pictured above), Cheryl Jorgensen, merit award for "Sitting by the Blue Statues," and Wendell Graham, merit award for "Cetacea." The gallery is located on the ground floor of the Academic Center at the Willis Smith Gallery on the Ringling College Campus, 2363 Old Bradenton Road. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit ends June 10. For information call 941-359-7563. The Guild will feature refreshing artwork entitled “Splish, Splash” in its gallery window this month at 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
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Public hearing set on using golf carts in Cortez BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
CORTEZ – The Manatee County Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 7, at 9 a.m. to consider an ordinance that would designate additional roads in Cortez village for golf cart use. After the county commission adopted a 2014 resolution instituting criteria for designating public roads for golf cart operation, residents of Cortez requested that certain roads be approved, providing required letters documenting majority support in the village, according
to county records. An investigation of traffic indicated that golf carts may safely travel on or cross certain public roads in Cortez village. The new ordinance, 16-27, would allow golf cart traffic on: • 119th Street West from Cortez Road West to dead end; • 121st Street Court West from Cortez Road West to dead end; • 123rd Street West from Cortez Road West to 46th Avenue West; • 123rd Street Court West from Cortez Road West to 46th Avenue West; • 124th Street West from Cortez Road West to 46th Avenue West; • 124th Street Court West from Cortez Road West to Bayview Avenue; • 125th Street West from Cortez Road West to dead end; • 45th Avenue West from 119th
Street West to 125th Street West; • 45th Avenue Drive West from 121st Street Court West to dead end; • 46th Avenue West from 123rd Street West to 124th Street West; • Bayview Avenue from 124th Street West to 124th Street Court West. Passing the ordinance, which also designates roads for golf cart use in Heather Hills, will cost the county an estimated $9,200 in signage and $1,150 a year in maintenance and repairs, according to the county. Under the ordinance, golf carts may be operated by drivers aged 14 and over, between sunrise and sunset (unless equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield) as long as they are equipped with efficient brakes, reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror and red reflectorized warning devices in both front and rear.
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THE SUN
REAL ESTATE
JUNE 1, 2016
A Bert Harris tune up I
t’s been a year and a half since I wrote about the Bert Harris Act – right about when Island property owners were starting to challenge the vacation rental regulations. In view of several new Bert Harris claims on the Island, I thought it might be time to tune up Bert Harris for those who don’t know what it is. The Bert J. Harris, Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act of 1995 was created to restore balance to the regulatory process by providing citizens with a mechanism for seeking compensation when government regulations or policy actions inordinately burden their property rights. The act states specifically; “The term inordinate burden means that an action of one or more governmental entities has directly restricted or limited the use of real property such that the property owner is permanently unable to attain the reasonable, investment-backed expectation for the existing use of the real property or a
Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger vested right to a specific use of the real property with respect to the real property as a whole, or that the property owner is left with existing or vested uses that are unreasonable.” That sure is a word salad of terms and moving parts, but the essence of it relates to protecting the use of private property. When the act was drafted in 1995 the strongest critics of it were primarily city and county governments that frequently passed regulations that impacted the use of private property resulting in a financial loss to the owner. According to some property owners in the city of Anna
Maria, the city is attempting to reduce the number of rentals by restricting the number of people permitted in each rental, specifically restricting the number of individuals who can occupy a rental unit to eight. This also can be controlled, not only in Anna Maria but also in the other cities, through the use of building permits for new or existing properties. The argument against the cities and what is also generating so many Bert Harris claims is that state law prevents local governments from prohibiting vacation rentals for any duration. However, the number of occupants in a rental is not specifically part of the state law. Recently the city of Anna Maria has been hit with over 40 Bert Harris claims seeking more than $12.5 million in compensation as previously reported in this paper. The law does permit property owners who consider that the value of their property has been diminished because
of rental restrictions imposed by the city to seek financial compensation. The law suits are being accompanied by documentation, including professional real estate appraisals, in an effort to make the case that a loss of revenue from the property because of rental restrictions substantially reduces the overall value of the property. There is room for negotiating some of these points between the cities and property owners that does not involve cash settlements. Adjusting the number of days, number of occupants and length of years the properties will be permitted to operate as rentals could be a compromise, but would only be applicable to current rental properties. That’s the Bert Harris tune up. I hope it makes all of this a little more understandable. As I wrote last time, living in such a beautiful and desirable place is both a blessing and a curse. Everyone needs to take a deep breath and focus on the blessings.
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Commissioner supports license plate cameras Commissioner Carol Soustek suggested that the three island cities use beach concession funds to pay for them. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Commissioner Carol Soustek urged her fellow commissioners to consider joining with the other two Island cities to install license plate recognition cameras. Soustek brought up the idea at a recent meeting of Island elected officials, and she suggested that they use beach concession funds to pay for the cameras. “People coming to our Island are not
stellar,” she said. “It’s another tool. It’s a deterrent.” She said Police Chief Bill Tokajer had some statistics, which were presented in his absence by Sgt. Vern McGowin. “The police department site tested a system from March 13 to April 3,” McGowin explained. “There were two trailers and we placed one on the north side of Manatee Avenue and one on the south side.” He said the units read tags of cars going east bound and west bound and were connected to the laptops in the officers’ patrol cars, which received information about the tag and vehicle as well as any issues with the vehicle or driver. The system is connected to the National Crime Information Center and the Florida
People coming to our Island are not stellar. It’s another tool.” Carol Soustek Commissioner Crime Information Center, McGowin said. For out of state tags, there were 173 hits and for in state there were 100 hits for various violations. There also were 2,010 hits for expired, suspended or revoked licenses and 1,636 for expired tags. “The system only highlights if there’s an issue,” he pointed out. “You can set filters to leave out certain things.”
Soustek suggested that Tokajer get information from Longboat Key about their system, and Mayor Bob Johnson said he would be the one to take action on the issue “if there is a need.” Longboat Key installed five cameras, three on one end and two on the other end, three years ago. The startup cost, including cameras, was $70,000 to $75,000
Dining certificates on sale The Sarasota-Manatee Originals popular 30 percent off discount dining certificates go on sale Thursday, June 2, at 7 a.m. The Originals is a group of locally owned restaurants that share a passion for dining excellence and commitment to our community. With nearly 60 different restaurants
that cover every type of cuisine imaginable and locations throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties, there are endless opportunities to find a new favorite. Here are the best deals in dining: • $50 certificates priced at $35; • $25 certificates priced at $17.50; • $20 certificates priced at $14;
• $15 certificates priced at $11. Be ready to purchase through the dineoriginal.com website a few minutes before 7 a.m. as many of restaurants sell out within the first few hours, sometimes minutes. The Original’s discount dining certificates can be printed on your home computer or delivered to your e-mail ad-
dress immediately after purchase. Certificates are valid for six months from purchase date for the food portion of your restaurant bill. One certificate may be redeemed per table per visit. Visit www.dineoriginal.com for more information on how you can support local restaurants.
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JUNE 1, 2016
ROR occupancy ordinance adopted The new eight-person occupancy limits in the ROR district do not apply to PAR properties. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The City Commission has adopted a new ordinance that restricts occupancy in vacation rentals located in the Residential/Office/Retail (ROR) district along Pine Avenue. Although less restrictive in terms of other conditions contained in the vacation rental ordinance adopted last year, Ordinance 16-812 calls for the same eight-person occupancy limits. Most of the vacation rentals in Anna Maria’s ROR district are second story residential units located above ground level businesses. There are approximately 25 vacation rentals in the ROR district, 11 of which were built as part of the Pine Avenue Restoration (PAR) project that dates back to at least 2008. The PAR properties are not subject to the new occupancy restrictions. Recent delays in the adoption of the ordinance stemmed from PAR LLC managing partner Mike Coleman’s position that PAR properties are exempt from occupancy limits.
PAR position
Coleman did not attend the May 26 meeting at which Ordinance 16-812 was unanimously adopted on final reading. He made his position clear at the April 28 meeting, when he referenced a joint session of the city commission and planning and zoning board that took place in 2008. “Basically it was a comp plan amendment to allow our development to go forward without the occupancy restrictions and so forth,” he said. “I have no issue with occupancy. We have practiced eight or less occupancy since we built those buildings. Our lawyer’s concern is that we somehow start down a slippery slope where we’re exempted, but not for this and not for that,” he explained. “Whatever you guys try to do, we’ll consider ourselves exempt, and any attempt to enforce this would be met with resistance,” he said. “The good news is there won’t be any attempt to enforce it, because we’re not going to violate it. We’ve had zero complaints in seven years.” Commission Chair Doug Copeland said, “Granted, we’ve never had a problem with occupancy. Should you choose to sell those units that might be a concern?” Coleman mentioned similar concerns ex-
Whatever you guys try to do, we’ll consider ourselves exempt, and any attempt to enforce this would be met with resistance.” Mike Coleman PAR pressed during a conversation he previously had with Commissioner Dale Woodland. “The future danger there is someone would take over a lot or take over a building and try to do what’s been done in other places.” Coleman said. Commissioner Carol Carter asked Coleman how many of the 11 units PAR still owned. Coleman said PAR still owned eight of those units, but the three that were sold remain a part of the condo association of which he is president. “I’ll commit to this: We will put in the condo docs restrictions on occupancy.” “That would relieve some of my concerns,” Copeland said. Commissioner Chuck Webb expressed concerns that PAR’s self-imposed occupancy limits might change if the majority of the PAR properties are sold to other owners.
“In order to have new condo documents you have to have new ownership; when you have new ownership you trigger the ordinance,” Coleman replied.
Final thoughts
Serving as a companion to the vacation rental ordinance, Ordinance 16-812 was adopted at a time when the city has been named in 48 Bert Harris claims filed in response to occupancy limits contained in the vacation rental ordinance adopted last fall. The ROR district was removed from the vacation rental ordinance at that time in response to a lawsuit filed by PAR. In regard PAR properties being exempt from the new ordinance, Copeland said last week, “We’re not going to litigate what those rights are as long as they don’t start renting to 12 people.”
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Bridge timing request denied The recent denial pertains to the Longboat Pass Bridge only. The other Island bridges are still under review. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The U.S. Coast Guard has denied a request to adjust the Longboat Pass Bridge opening schedule to once every 30 minutes on a year-round basis. On May 19, Seventh Coast Guard District Bridge Administration Program Director Barry Dragon sent a letter to Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Director David Hutchinson informing him of the decision. Dragon’s letter says the Coast Guard conducted an extensive review of the operation of the Longboat Pass Bridge and its impacts on vessel and vehicle traffic. The Coast Guard agrees that both forms of traffic have increased, but its primary concerns pertains to the safety of all modes of transportation. “The waterway surrounding this
CINDY LANE | sun
Citing strong currents and an increase in boat traffic as well as vehicle traffic on the Longboat Pass Bridge, the Coast Guard said it will keep the drawbridge openings at every 20 minutes, on demand. bridge, specifically on the Gulf of Mexico side, is an open body of water, and the tides and currents through this inlet have a severe impact on vessels transiting from the
Gulf to the Intracoastal Waterway. Due to limited safe vessel holding areas and shoals in the area, the Coast Guard is unable to approval a change to this bridge schedule, as this could
lead to multiple vessel accidents and bridge allisions,” the letter states. “The Coast Guard is in the process of drafting a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to address your requested changes to the Stickney Point, Siesta Key, Cortez and Anna Maria bridges across the Intracoastal Waterway. Once this is publish in the federal register, a copy will be forward to your office,” Dragon’s letter concludes. Via e-mail, Hutchinson then notified city and county officials of the decision. Representing the three Island cities, and working with the MPO, the Island Transportation Planning Organization requested the Anna Maria and Cortez bridges be relieved of the seasonal requirement for bridges openings every 20 minutes, as needed, from midJanuary to mid-April. Island officials feel 30-minute intervals during peak season would help relieve some of the congestion created by opening the bridge three times an hour.
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THE SUN
JUNE 1, 2016
Center expands fitness center A CrossFit area has been set up upstairs and will include a new membership category. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Executive Director Kristen Lessig reported to the board of directors that The Center’s fitness center has been expanded to include the reception and office area upstairs. “We took out the dead space that was the office and circular space and expanded our fitness so that all of our cardio equipment is out there,” she said. “The backroom is now set up to become a CrossFit destination. We will be pursuing a new membership structure just for that type of workout.” CrossFit is a fitness program that is both a physical exercise philosophy and a competitive fitness sport. It incorporates elements of various sports and exercises such as high intensity interval training, powerlifting and gymnastics. Lessig said the remodeling work was donated by John and Shay Coleman and no new equipment was purchased, but moved from the area now used for CrossFit. She said about 55 people per day use the fitness center. She also reported that the major topics of the discussion at the recent town hall meeting were: • Engage more volunteers; • Enhance multi-generational involvement and interaction; • Improve outreach and marketing • Prioritize programming that meets community needs and is profitable.
Financial report
Treasurer Jim Froeschle reported that April generated a positive net income of
pat copeland | SUN
New fitness equipment has taken place of the office and reception area upstairs at The Center. $6,500, however, he noted, “It was supposed to be the biggest month of the year. The impact of the Affaire was a major disappointment. The net revenue fell well short of what we’ve been able to do in the past. “We need to look at whether that particular style of event is becoming old. We’re going to have to do a lot better with special events, what kind of events and how many of them.” He said in the first 10 months of the fiscal year, the loss was $33,000, plus he expects to lose another $50,000 in the next two months. “We’re going to be pushing a $90,000 loss on a net operating income loss,” he said. “Last year we had a $21,000 loss, so it would appear we’re going the wrong direction.” He said some factors for the loss were: • Planning for an aggressive increase
in membership of 38 percent, but getting 12 percent; • Spending money for additional programs that did not pay off; • Anticipating that city funding would double, but it did not; • Budgeting for donations that did not materialize; “We’re getting new families in and increasing membership, but we’re fighting for inches,” Froeschle said. “At the current rate, we’re losing money and it’s tough to win that back an inch at a time.”
Donors and fund-raising
“We have got to find a broader new donor base,” Froeschle said and pointed out that for longstanding Islanders, The Center was part of their lives and new donors don’t have that history. “We have to get the people who can give $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000 a year,”
board member Ed Chiles said. “We’re making progress, but it frustratingly slow progress,” Froeschle replied. “It’s harder to reach out to those people and find out who they are.” Froeschle said Anna Maria resident Bob Carter has volunteered to help develop a fund-raising strategy over the next 30 to 60 days and evaluate The Center’s special events. “We can’t keep playing the game the old way,” he said. “The rules have changed, and the demographics have changed on this Island. “We’re looking at how to make fundraising an ongoing thing. We don’t want to spend a ton of money to raise some money. “We do a lot of events that drain our resources and don’t deliver the financial impact we need,” Lessig added.
Other business
Lessig also reported that: • Record numbers of participants have signed up for youth soccer and adult soccer and basketball. • A $50,000 matching challenge issued by Center board member Rex Hagen in March brought in $43,594. • The Center has established a Parent Advisory Council. • Parents must pre-register their kids for summer camp so The Center can provide enough staffers. • The Bradenton Gym Ratz play basketball games in The Center’s gym, and The Center receives a portion of the ticket and food sales. • The Center is seeking a front desk manager who also will coordinate volunteers and grow the volunteer program. • The Center has applied for a claim with BP for $800,000 from the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
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SPORTS
JUNE 1, 2016
Play is strong at mid-season mark BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Island youth and adults have been meeting up for friendly competition all spring at the Center on the basketball court and soccer pitch. After several weeks of play, each league has clear leaders heading into the next phase of the season. Team Jackson, lead by Antwan Jackson, is at the top of the adult basketball league with three weeks of play in the record books. With a 3-0 record, Team Jackson is followed by Team Sapanora and Team Calvary, both with two wins and no losses. In the middle of the pack are Team Terman and Team Bekkerus, each with one win. Yet to get the W, Team Aaron and Team Bailey both have three losses, with the hopes of getting their first win in the coming week. Last week’s high scorers for Team Jackson were team captain Jackson with 29 points, Brandon Kern scoring 25 points, and Matthew Smith racking up 22 points. Team Terman’s scoring leader was Ray Gardner with 16 points. Patrick Calvary recorded 18 points for his team, Team Calvary, with Reggie Clemons adding 24 points to the scoreboard for his team. Captain Paul Aaron lead his team with 20 points, followed by Dale Smith who put up 13 additional points for Team Aaron. Team Bailey, led by Daniel Bailey, had two scorers with 12 points: Jeff Marland and Andrew Staggs. Neil Baumann shot 18 points for Team Bekkerus in their win last week. Adult soccer played its fourth week and has clear leaders in Team Ross Built
Construction, the only undefeated team in the league. The league top team will find its schedule only getting harder as the weeks go on. With returning veteran players, Greg Ross, Lyn Clark, Ed Moss and Darrin Wash, the season has already seen strong head-to-head matchups. Three teams have lost a single game so far: Jiffy Lube, Eason Builders Group and Island Pest Control. Slim’s Place and Moss Builders each have two losses and two ties. Wash Family Construction, which had a bye the first week, has a 1-2 record. Blake Medical Center brought in two professional team building teams who have shown their sportsmanship and skills on the soccer field. The Blake #2 team found its first win last week against Moss Builders, while the Blake #1 team is still in search of its first win. The youth soccer leagues take the spot light each week, as they should, with friendly but competitive games each week. For the 11- to 13-year-old league, Team Coldwell Banker tops the leader board with four wins and two ties. Added to Tyler Brewer’s goals in its game on May 24 were scores by German Rivera and Travis Bates for Coldwell Banker in its win against Team Beach Bums. Beach Bums is in the middle of the pack with two wins, two losses and one tie. Wednesday night, Coldwell Banker faced Sugar Beach Digital, currently in third place in the league with one win, four loses and one tie. Brewer was the sole scorer for his team, while David Daigle showed tremendous hustle, scoring a single goal for Team Sugar Beach Digital.
Bradenton Gym Ratz play at The Center
Silver&Fit® accepted at The Center
Bradenton Gym Ratz, a men’s semi-pro basketball team, plays its local games at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Admission is $6. The home schedule is as follows: • 6/4: Bradenton Gym Ratz vs. Dallas Hoyas, 3 p.m. • 6/11: Bradenton Gym Ratz vs. Savannah Cavaliers, 6 p.m. • 6/12: Bradenton Gym Ratz vs. Savannah Cavaliers, 1 p.m.
Starting June 1, The Center of Anna Maria Island will be accepting Silver&Fit® plan members. Silver&Fit® is part of a health plan offered to eligible Medicare Advantage/Supplement beneficiaries and group retirees. Members must check with their insurance carrier for eligibility and fill out all required membership paperwork at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria, in order to receive Center membership benefits. For more information visit, https://www.silverandfit.com/ Pages/Home/About
In the eight- to 10-year-old age group Anthony Nguyen, Gregory Jordan and Jackson Kruse were the scorers for The Feast last week. Team Blue Lagoon Landscape’s Aiden Templeton made multiple goals for his team, and Jackson Pakbaz scored for Lux Golf Carts. The standings in this age group have two standout teams: The Feast and Wash Family Construction. Team John Damato Real Estate and Team Blue Lagoon Landscape each have one win and one tie. Team Lux Golf Carts have time to capture their first win. The youngest age group with game stats, six- to seven-year-olds, are lead by Team Signarama with a 4-1 record. Progressive Cabinetry and Truly Nolen both have three wins and two losses. Team Pink and Navy has a record of 0-5, with three more games to play in the season. With the kids playing toward the playoff games, the adults hit their stride mid-season. Win or lose, each player continues the spirit of recreational sports on the island as a community at the Center.
Sun Scoreboard Monday, May 23 6- to 7-year0-old league Truly Nolen Signarama
1 0
Progressive Cabinetry Pink and Navy Boutique
3 1
8- to 10-year-old league The Feast Blue Lagoon
Tuesday, May 24 Adult Basketball Team Bekkerus Team Bailey
45 44
Team Calvary Team Aaron
65 56
Team Jackson Team Terman
97 51
8- to 10-year-old league
Wash Family Construction Lux Golf Carts
4 1
John Demato Real Estate Blue Lagoon Landscape
0 2
11- to 13-year-old league Coldwell Banker Beach Bums
Thursday, May 26 Adult Co-Ed Soccer
Ross Built Construction Slim’s Place
5 1
Eason Builders Group Wash Family Construction
2 5
Blake Hospital Team #2 Moss Builders
4 2
Jiffy Lube Blake Hospital #1
6 2
3 1
Competition heats up on the greens The action continues at Key Royale Club, even though the part-time residents are going back North. Last week, Dave Kruger and Jim Lathrop took first place in Monday morning’s low net of partners play with a score of 53. Second place was Jim Thornton and Barry Martin with a score of 54, and third place went to Al Kaiser and Jack Roe with a score of +5. In Monday’s modified Stapleford play, Merritt Fineout won the individual play
4 0
with a score of +5. There was a four-way tie between Jack Connors, Lex Halakan, Fred Miller and Pat Moyna for second place with a +3. There was no team competition. The ladies took to the course Tuesday and the low next results were: Flight A: 1 Debi Wohlers 30; 2 Helen Pollock 31; Flight B: 1 Sue Christenson 31; 2 Fran Barford 32; Flight C: 1 Janet Razze 25; 2 Markie Ksiazek 28. Game of the Day, Low Putts:
Debi Wohlers 15; Debbi Richardson 15. Chip-In: Debbi Richardson #5. In Thursday’s team scramble, Lex Halakan, Art McMillan and Ken Rickett won with a score of 6 under par 26. John Estok, Quentin Talbert and Paul Phillips came in second with a score of 5 under par 27. Call Key Royale Club at 778-3055 for information on making golf a part of your Island vacation.
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Opening celebrated Billi Gartman, Suzy Korinek and Sue Carlson celebrated the opening of Anna Maria Life/An Island Place, 314 Pine Ave, Suite C, Anna Maria on May 26. Chantelle Lewin | Sun
Rigneys honored
At left , Johnny Rigney, Jr. was named Sarasota County Paramedic of the Year last week. He is a firefighter/charge paramedic at the Sarasota County Fire Department. Johnny, Jr. grew up on the Island and is the son of Johnny and Cherri Rigney, of Holmes Beach. He and his wife, Alisha, have three children and live in Bradenton. At rght, Cori Rigney, wife of Ben Rigney, the training officer for West Manatee Fire Rescue, received her Masters of Divinity from Dubuque University Theological Seminary last week. Cori is the daughter-in-law of Johnny and Cherri Rigney. She and Ben have three children and live in Bradenton.
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AME alum Maddy Valedie, daughter of Kyra and Dr. Arthur Valedie, was given a Golden Herald for English and Literature at a ceremony recently. She poses her with her teacher, Julie Cunard.
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JUNE 1, 2016
pier: Tenant’s offer declined FROM PAGE 1
details and come back to you. If you reject Mr. Schoenfelder’s offer, then I need to know whether you want me to negotiate,” he said. Commissioner Nancy Yetter said, “My vote would be to reject this offer. I don’t think it benefits the city. It’s more of a benefit to himself, and I think it would a disservice to the residents to accept that.” Commissioner Chuck Webb said, “By my simple math, with his proposal we’re going backwards.” Webb felt the proposed terms did not produce a financial benefit that equaled the existing lease, which expires in 2020. Commissioner Dale Woodland offered support for Schoenfelder, who has leased pier and operated a restaurant and gift shop at the pier end since 2000. “We’ve got a known commodity there in Mario,” Woodland said. In response to Yetter and Webb, Commissioner Carol Carter said, “I agree with the arithmetic and the sense of it.” Webb then made the motion to reject Schoenfelder’s offers and the vote was 5-0 in support doing so.
joe hendricks | sun
Commissioner Nancy Yetter was among three commissioners who did not want Mayor Dan Murphy, right, to engage in further negotiations with pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder at this time. Murphy then discussed some of the options in play if he was not authorized to negotiate with Schoenfelder. “One option is that the commission would set an amount that Mr. Schoenfelder needs to contribute to refurbishment of the pier. Another option will be to pursue breach of contract. Another option would be to do nothing and let
the Mr. Schoenfelder’s term expire.” Webb said Schoenfelder has not always met the maintenance and repair requirements stipulated in his current lease and this often resulted in additional negotiations rather than direct action. “I’m done with negotiations; he needs to comply with the lease,” Webb said. “I think the city’s done a poor job of hold-
ing his feet to the fire,” Woodland added. “I’d like to city be in control of this,” Carter said. The commission agreed the next pier lease would likely absolve the tenant from the responsibility to maintain the pier, but at an added cost in terms of rent paid. Copeland said he didn’t consider Schoenfelder to be a bad tenant. He said the lease was probably “lousy” to begin with and he saw no harm in allowing Murphy and Schoenfelder to negotiate. “If he didn’t fulfill his obligations the first time, he’s not going to do it now,” Yetter opined. She then made a motion to reject authorization for the mayor to negotiate. Webb and Carter supported the motion, Woodland and Copeland opposed it and it passed 3-2. On Friday, Murphy informed Schoenfelder of these decisions. Schoenfelder told Murphy he would be traveling for a couple weeks and would contact the mayor to discuss his options in mid-June. Schoenfelder owns the Rod & Reel Pier and restaurant located at the end of the other pier located northwest of the Anna Maria City Pier that he leases from the city.
franchises: City could limit FROM PAGE 1
“While it would certainly impact my business, as well as a dozen other stores in that plaza, the issue is much greater than that. If we allow this to happen we will open a door we can never close again. “It’s about the future of the Island. Take a real hard look at what we can do,” adding that the city spent three years and thousands of dollars on the tree house and should be willing to spend as much on this issue.”
Attorney’s advice
City Attorney Patricia Petruff provided commissioners with ordinances from a number of cities for informational purposes and noted, “Of all the strategies, the one that I think could be workable after a lot of discussion would be to have a special permit program in place that would limit the number of formula businesses in C-1.” She said the city already has numerous businesses that fit the formula definition including Publix, CVS, Walgreens, Dollar Tree, Subway, Domiono’s, Ace Hardware, banks and some real estate offices such as Remax. “You need to really think about what you want to do and why and how you want to do,” she said adding that there are other strategies such as providing tax credits for renting to local busi-
If we allow this to happen, we will open a door we can never close again.” Chet Zarzycki Holy Cow Ice Cream and Gifts
nesses or assisting small business owners to purchase their buildings. She said part of the problem in the city is that “the commercial center is basically strip malls. There is nothing special about your city center. “You can move forward, but do it with caution. I can be regulated, but it won’t be easy to do. You need to do it in a thoughtful, careful manner.” She suggested getting input from shopping center and business owners and noted, “There are some compelling business reasons why someone would rather have a Baskin Robbins as opposed to a stand alone ice cream shop. “Some formula business owners live here, and there are national chains in which the owners of the franchise are independent business owners trying to make a living.”
Commissioners’ thoughts
Commissioner Jean Peelen suggested
that the three Island mayors have an emergency meeting with Elliott Falcione, manager of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, and the Manatee County Commission. “We’re selling this place all over the world a unique, as individual,” she stressed. “We are not a place for chain stores. We are Old Florida. It’s their sales pitch everywhere.” Commissioner Carol Soustek agreed and added, “We need to immediately go to the county commission to impress upon them the danger that’s going on here.” The county has spent millions publicizing the Island as Old Florida all over the world, Commissioner Marvin Grossman said and noted, “If it were filled with chain stores it would look quite different.” Commissioner Pat Morton and Chair Judy Titsworth also agreed, and Peelen asked if the other Island cities would
join in the effort. Mayor Bob Johnson said he thought they would and that he also is gathering information on options. “I do feel we have a shot at doing something,” Titsworth said. “We need to look at ordinances that we like and that have held up in court.” She asked that Petruff, Johnson and staff begin working on an ordinance and also approach Falcione and the county commission.
Whitmore comments
Carol Whitmore, Manatee County commissioner and Tourist Development Council chair, said, “I do not support franchises on the Island because it diminishes the character of what we’re all about.” Regarding whether the county could have any influence, she said, “I’m a firm believer in home rule. It’s a charter city, and they make their own decisions, but we could support them in meeting with people who want to do something.” Whitmore said she spoke to Randy Benderson, owner Benderson Development, and “He said he did not realize it would cause a problem, but now he has leases with these new businesses. He said he would get a contact for the mayor so the city has someone to call if there are problems in the future.”
JUNE 1, 2016
BEACH BEAT Anna Maria
5/13, lost property, 400 block of Pine Avenue. The complainant said her Waste Management trash can is missing. 5/16, suspicious incident, Sandbar restaurant, 200 Spring Ave. The victim used the valet parking and when she came to retrieve her car, her key was missing. A search was unsuccessful.
Bradenton Beach
5/18, grand theft, 50 block of Bay Drive North. The complainant said two people saw where he kept his pistol while helping him move. Later he found out
Obituaries William 'Dickie' Hall William “Dickie” Hall, 64, of Bradenton, originally from New Harbor, Maine, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of May 21, 2016, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Dickie moved back to Maine with his family earlier this month. Born Aug. 29, 1951, Dickie was the son of William “Billy” Hall and Ramona Sawyer. Dickie grew up in Round Pond and attended local schools and the University of Maine, Orono. He began playing lead guitar at the age of 14. During his early guitar years, many of the bands he played in enjoyed jamming in the family barn on the Back Shore Road in Round Pond, always attracting many locals as well as other fellow musicians to the door yard. People living in town would open their doors and windows to listen to and enjoy the music flowing from the barn. Dickie loved playing music for people and chatting with them during breaks. He always had kind words to say to and about everyone. After moving to Florida more than 30 years ago, he continued to play music locally. Dickie was an accomplished guitarist and member of local bands such as The Royal Shaft and Ellsworth and Co., playing at various venues on the Island and in Bradenton and Sarasota. In 2003, Dickie joined GriffithCline Funeral Home in Bradenton as a funeral home associate, courier, and building and grounds supervisor. He became like family to the staff he worked with over the course of the last 13 years. Dickie was preceded in death by his father, Billy Hall; step-father, Kenneth Sawyer; and half sister, Karen Meyers. He is survived by his mother, Ramona Sawyer; sisters Pammy Hall-Gaeth (Rick) and Cyndy Sheppard; nieces,
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the pistol was missing. When questioned, each suspect blamed the other. 5/19, domestic battery, 200 block of Gulf Drive South. The officer responded to a domestic violence and auto accident. He found a Harley Davidson motorcycle unattended in the roadway, blocking traffic. As he moved it off the street, witnesses said the rider had gotten off and reached into a car next to him and started beating a women driver in the face. She took off in the car with him attached. There was a set of car keys and a cell phone near where the motorcycle was. A car approached and said the male and female were at Sixth Street South, and the officer went there. As he approached, he saw the female on the front porch of a house, and the male took off behind the house.
The female, who appeared to be intoxicated, said she was out drinking with the male when she decided to go home. As she was stopped in traffic, he came and reached in her car and started beating her. She panicked and took off with him hanging on. She turned into a driveway, and he fled. She said he had been arrested for domestic violence before, but she dropped the charges. She completed an affidavit and police were trying to find the suspect. 5/21, alcohol violation, Circle K, 103 Gulf Drive South. A store clerk was arrested for selling alcohol to a minor. 5/22, drunk pedestrian, Gulf Drive Café, 600 Gulf Drive N. The officer found a man sleeping in his car and called the man’s wife to come get him.
Holmes Beach
Sarah and Jessica Sheppard, Brittany Carter (Chris), and Jessica Meyers (Ryan Cilbrith); nephew, Alex Gaeth; great-nieces, Sydney Gaeth, Alanna Cilbrith and Emily Carter; and his great-nephew, Brayden Cilbrith. Dickie will be sadly missed by all that he touched and will forever be cherished for all the fond memories he left in everyone’s heart. A memorial service will be held locally to honor and remember our dear friend on Saturday, June 4, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Griffith-Cline Funeral Home, 720 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
Annabella Scholl. Flo was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Ronnie Robinson, grandson, Christopher Baker. A celebration of life was held on Sunday, May 22, at the Star Fish restaurant in Cortez. Arrangements were entrusted to Skyway Memorial Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.skywaymemorial.com.
A memorial Service was held on Sunday, May 29, in the Mt St Vincent Chapel in Seattle. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center or the Mt St Vincent Foundation are greatly appreciated.
Florence ‘Flo’ M. Campbell Florence “Flo” M. Campbell, of Cortez, Fla., passed away on May 17, 2016. Flo was born in Kansas City, Mo., to the late Omar and Eugenia Frisbee Robinson. Her family moved to Cortez, Fla. 50 years ago. As a young girl, she used to go to The Rec pool hall on the beach, where she met and fell in love with John Campbell. Their love would span the next 47 years. Flo worked for Tropicana for 12 years and worked as a waitress at Cortez Café. Her greatest love of all was for her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Flo is survived by her husband, John Campbell, of Cortez; son, John (Jennifer) Roberts of W.Va.; daughters, Candy (John) Tyson, of Bradenton, and Johnna Norment, of Bradenton; brother, Wayde (Mary) Campbell, of Bradenton; sisters, Stevie (Bill) Deckard, of Walnut Grove, Mo., Anna Henson, of Las Vegas, Nev., Vicki Morgan, of Cortez, Loretta (David) Tupin, of Bradenton and Jeanie (Mike) Webb, of Castleberry, Fla.; grandchildren, Brittany Ferrero, Maranda Tyson, Whittany Norment, Johnaca Tyson, Sailor Norment, Nicholas Roberts, Alex Roberts, Matthew Roberts, Skyla Roberts; great grandchildren, Hayley Herschberger, Landyn Tyson, Kairi Ferrero, Lil Lighnin Ferrero, Connor Stoddard and
Edward Joseph Dunn Edward Joseph Dunn, 65, of Anna Maria Island died unexpectedly on May 24. Ed is survived by his wife Dolores; sister Jo-Ann Drake; brother Michael; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held at GriffithCline Funeral Home on May 28, 2016.
Patricia 'Patsy' Hutchinson Patricia “Patsy” Hutchinson passed away om Wednesday, May 25, 2016. Born and raised in Seattle, Patsy grew up in the Mt. Baker district attending John Muir Elementary and Franklin High School. After graduating she worked as a fashion designer and consultant for I. Magnin Department Store. During World War II. she served in the Women’s Army Corps before marrying Seattle Rainiers pitcher Fred Hutchinson. In 1948 she moved to Anna Maria, Fla., to follow Fred’s baseball career. After his death in 1964 she remained in Florida to raise their four children and became a passionate and accomplished golfer. Patsy returned to Seattle in 2003 to join her longtime friend and fellow Dixieland Jazz enthusiast Will Anderson. Together they enjoyed 13 years of traveling, music and baseball. Patsy Hutchinson was known for her keen wit and sense of humor and her undying devotion to baseball. She is survived by her four children, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren, one brother, and beloved companion Will Anderson.
5/14, burglary, 100 block of 74th Street. A neighbor saw the suspect remove an air conditioner unit to gain access to a bedroom. The neighbor contacted the owners, who said nobody should be at the home. Police were called. The homeowner’s son identified the suspect, and police asked the state attorney’s office to investigate. 5/15, possession of drugs, 600 block of Manatee Avenue. The officer observed the suspect’s vehicle travel outside the lane, and he initiated a traffic stop. The driver smelled of alcohol, and he admitted to coming from a bar and drinking “two beers.” The officer also smelled marijuana on the suspect, but the suspect denied having any. The officer found a bag of marijuana.
Frank Joseph Leggio Frank Joseph Leggio was born in Washington, N.J. on Dec. 13, 1924, the son of Giuseppe and Concetta Terminelli Leggio. He passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Pomona, N.J. Frank Leggio lived most of his life in Washington, N.J. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II as a radarman third class. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Coast Guard in April of 1945, he returned to Washington, N.J. Frank purchased a small auto trim business called Washington Auto Top. He owned his business for 31 before he sold the building and business. After retiring, he and his wife, Muriel, moved to Smithville, in South Jersey where they resided until his death. He is survived by his wife, Muriel; his son, Frank J. Leggio Jr. LTC USA (retired) and his wife Bonnie, of Holmes Beach, Fla.; his daughter, Michelle A. Leggio, of Galloway, NJ; three grandsons, Frank J. Leggio III and his wife Amy, of New Albany, Ohio, Michael S. Leggio and his wife Jennifer, of Fairport, N. Y. and Gabriel J. Morales, of Galloway, N.J. Frank was also the proud great-grandfather of Chloe Scarpino, Cade Leggio, Blake Leggio, Joseph Leggio and John Leggio. Frank was predeceased by his three brothers Christopher, Tony and John and one sister, Mary Giunta. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers a memorial donation be made to the Honor Flight of Southern New Jersey, C/O Pontano/Honor Flight, 176 Dorado Avenue, Sewell, N.J. 08080, in his name.
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FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Light source 4 Sea bordering Uzbekistan 8 Online money source 13 Prepare for a snap 15 "Sons and Lovers" author 17 Heat 19 Tuscan hill city 20 "__ does it!" 21 Zipped 22 Gulf Coast resort city 24 Like sriracha sauce 26 Smidgen 27 Colorful cover-ups 31 Heat 35 Alley wanderer 36 Popular truck brand 37 Important time 38 Heat 45 Unites, in a way 46 PETA concern 47 Turn right 48 "No, really?" 53 Egg on 56 L, vis-Ă -vis C 58 Junkyard material 59 Heat 62 It's thinly disguised 63 Fries, e.g. 64 Medicare card specification 65 Fabulous runner-up 66 Talk trash to Down 1 Euphoria 2 Region that rebelled against Persia in about 500 B.C.
3 Work at weddings 4 Hulu distractions 5 Butler in a classic film 6 Greek leader 7 Logan of "60 Minutes" 8 EMS destinations 9 Advertised advantage of some lights 10 "Get __": 1967 Esquires hit 11 Amount to plow 12 Cry out for 14 "You're welcome," in Havana 16 Anger simile 18 Like Willie Nelson's voice 23 Kabuki accessory 25 URL ender 27 Easy mark 28 Host after Allen 29 Med. tests using leads 30 "Now do you believe me?" 31 Wit's end? 32 1,509-mile border river 33 Big dos
Answers to 05-25-16 Crossword Puzzle.
34 2011 NBA retiree 35 Divs. on some rulers 39 "The Grapes of Wrath" character 40 Make sure of 41 Titter 42 Bay Area travel letters 43 Home of the WNBA's Shock 44 Puts up 48 Botanist's field 49 Proposal 50 Old Celtic religious leader 51 Column in un calendrier 52 Fencing swords 53 Hunt for bargains 54 Hemingway sobriquet 55 Cab company competitor 57 Image on Missouri's state quarter 60 "Citizenfour" org. 61 Saison in Provence
JUNE 1, 2016
JUNE 1, 2016
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ANNOUNCEMENTS 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).
AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE GOT A CAR You Wanna Sell. The Good, The Bad or The Ugly. Call Now 727-400-1910
BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student. Call or text Isabel 941-5457995
BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES ISLAND BOAT SALES. Selling Your Boat? 16 Years, Hundreds Of Boats Sold. "Business On A Hand Shake." www.Islandboatsales. net Call Dave- 941228-3489 WOODEN BOATS YACHT restoration repairs Interior joinery Teak trims Leaks sources detection Electrical Mechanical. Master Shipwright woodworker. Call 941-779-8306
CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
CLEANING SERVICE C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates. Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512
Call us today! 941-778-3986
CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570 PRESSURE CLEANING and WINDOW WASHING residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways. Paver Sealing & Cleaning etc. Call 941-565-3935
COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS PRIME COMMERCIAL LOCATION (2 Lots) 12,840 sq. ft. Located on Gulf Dr. in the City of Anna Maria, close to the beach and surrounded by shopping. Business on a tropical island! Island Real Estate Ask Al Galletto 941-232-2216
COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
EMPLOYMENT
NAIL SPECIALIST. EXPERIENCED for busy, upscale island salon. Flexible schedule. Call 941-3879807 PART TIME FUN Position at Gift Shop on AMI. Must be able to work all shifts. Retiree's Welcome. Call 813-4097540 INSURANCE AGENCY ON Holmes Beach hiring a full-time 2-20 or 4-40 licensed insurance customer service representative. Must have at least 3 years experience with a multi-line, independent insurance agency. Please inquire for more information to brent. moss@greatflorida.com or 941-567-6266
FURNITURE GOOD CONDITION LEATHER Sofa and Love Seat Green reclining sofa and stationary matching love seat, $150 for both. Used in family home, not rental! Call 602-3127464
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP open 9:30a.m.-2p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, annex closes at noon. Saturdays open 10a.m.-1p.m. Donations accepted 9-11.am. Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave. Anna Maria 941-7792733.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-5042222 www.kernconstructioninc.com HANDYMAN. RETIRED ENGINEER. Free estimates. “No job too Small”. Repairs, replacements, improvements, wall TV’s, shelves, cabinets, calking etc. Call Jim 941-448-7806 GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194. “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services. 35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com JOE UNGVARSY CONSTRUCTION Concept to Permit. State License CRC 035261. "Like No Other." Call 941-779-4630 or email juremodel1@aol.com
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
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R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
LOST & FOUND LOST BRACELET Heavy silver with multi colored stones at Harrington House Bed & Breakfast. REWARD! Call 949-939-3340 LOST WHITE GOLD diamond ring. Antique looking. It has a hinge which opens up. Sentimental value. REWARD. Call 941504-9502 MISSING BLACK AND WHITE male cat. Lucky is deaf and 15 years old. He was last seen on 2nd St in Bradenton Beach where he has lived outdoors for 4 years. Reward. Heartbroken. 941-730-7052 LOST CAT “FIDO” He adopted us 16 years ago. His turf is in the area of 5392 Gulf Dr. near Time Saver and Niki’s . Has collar with a bell, chipped by Animal Clinic. If found please call 941-518-6329.
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777. TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www. WalyPrecisionPainting.com “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455
PERSONAL SERVICES CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS providing compassionate in-home care. References. Call Sandra 941-799-9229 DO YOU NEED a MATH TUTOR? -I am a successful math teacher. Many references, years of experience. Certified in math through 12th grade. 941-524-4177
PETS ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available. Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. {Chemical Service} Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
DISCOVER THE OTHER ISLAND! Tidy Island in Sarasota Bay. Beautiful Townhouse w/direct bay views! 3BR/2.5 BA/ 2 CG with private swimming pool. Open plan. Pet friendly. $699,000 Katharine Pepper RoseBay Intl 941-792-9459
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W. BRADENTON CONDO 4000sq.ft. Canal front Bay view 3+BR/3.5BA Bonus room dock lift 2 car Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-2322216 NEW HOMES at MIRABELLA FLORIDA. Starting from the mid 200’s. Only minutes from the beaches, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy. Perfectly designed, open floor plans, 2BR/2BA plus den and 2CG. Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball, pet friendly community. HOA only $190/month. Models open daily. Contact us 941-254-3330 www. MirabellaFlorida.com NEW LISTING BEST Value in Harbour Isle 1994 sf 2BR + Den. Loaded with upgrades, End unit. Open plan, Overlooking Reserve. $492,500 Karen Fineout Wagner Realty Call 941-518-3682 229 CHILSON 3BR/3BA. New, pool, canal with no bridges to Bay. Walk to Beach. $1,250,000. Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 SANDPIPER RESORT PARK 1BR/1BA, total renovation 2014, new floors, appliances, furnished, AC/Heat combo, $68,000. Call owners 941-705-7953
RENTALS: ANNUAL WATER FRONT PROPERTY Available June 1. 2BR/2BA water view with dock on Anna Maria Sound. Open floor plan, new rear deck pavers being installed. Waiting list for applicants. $1850, first, and security. Background & credit required for all occupants over 18 years old. 1BR EFFICIENCY in town, 1 bath NO PETS, no W/D 650sf water, sewer, gas, electric, included $800/ mo $800 sec dep. Background check required $40 Available 6/1. Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com
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RENTALS: ANNUAL 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. 3BR/2BA ELEVATED, pet friendly, furnished duplex with garage $2500. 3BR/2BA Furnished Bayfront condo in Mariners Cove $2500. Contact A Paradise 941-778-4800 NORTHWEST BRADENTON single family home in Village Green. 2BR/2BA w/ 2 car garage, small pet with approval. $1350/mo. First, last and security required. Available June 15. Call June at Island Real Estate 941-345-1295 HOLMES BEACH: RENEWABLE Long Term Lease Available 2BR/2BA. Steps to Beach, Shops, Restaurants & Trolley. No smoking/No pets. Very Clean $1550/mo First, last & security. Call 860-922-3857
Call us today! 941-778-3986
WEST BRADENTON HOUSE Cute 2BR/2BA plus family room. W/D hookups, car port, large yard. $1300/mo. First, Last, Security. Credit check Available May 1. Call 941-809-2488 text for info tyxq to 26971 3BR/2BA TOP FLOOR condo in Bradenton Beach. Washer/ Dryer, Private Elevator, 3 Car Garage. Partial Gulf Views! 1 block to beach. Furnished or Unfurnished. Small pet considered. $3,000/ mo. First/Last/Security. Gulf-Bay Realty 941-7787244 ANNUAL RENTAL: HOUSE 3BR/3BA, Redesigned 2014, Huge lot 10500 s.f. 2 car garage, Beach, $ 2545/ mo, No pets , First, Last, Security. Text Mike 514952-7022
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!
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TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www. amitaxi.com ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469 ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere. Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured
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