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- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 24 No. 13

November 22, 2023

The lighting of the 42-foot tree kicked off the holiday season in Bradenton Beach. BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

Christmas tree lights up Bridge Street

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Clockwise, above, the Christmas tree stands in the Bradenton Beach post office parking lot. Master of Ceremonies Sherman Baldwin recognized June Shaughnessy and the accomplishments of her husband, the late John Shaughnessy, who formerly served as a Bradenton Beach City Commissioner and as mayor. Members of The Magic of Manatee chapter of Sweet Adelines International sang Christmas carols before the tree was lit.

Anna Maria celebrates Thanks-Living The annual pre-Thanksgiving gathering is a celebration of community.

BRADENTON BEACH – The Christmas season officially began on Bridge Street with the Nov. 18 lighting of the city Christmas tree. Prior to the event, the Magic of Manatee chapter of the Sweet Adelines serenaded the crowd with a variety of Christmas songs. They sang, “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” inviting attendees to sing along to “O Come All Ye Faithful.” The late John Shaughnessy, a former Bradenton Beach mayor and commissioner who passed away in May, was honored at the tree lighting. Emcee and local businessman Sherman Baldwin introduced Shaughnessy’s widow, June, and spoke of the former mayor’s vision for Bradenton Beach. “He would be so proud and happy to be here on a night like this,” Baldwin said. “The vision he saw for this street and Bridge Street pier is nothing short of amazing.” Joe Cuervo, the former owner of the Drift In,

Anna Maria officials discuss consolidation study The OPPAGA letter cites three possible consolidation options.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Residents and visitors gathered under the City Pier Park shade sail on Sunday afternoon and evening to celebrate Thanks-Living. Graced by perfect weather, approximately 50 people attended the annual Thanks-Living celebration that provides an opportunity to share a potluck dinner while mingling with friends and fellow community members. This year’s bountiful food offerings included appetizers, salads, Pizza Social pizzas, sandwiches, turkey sliders, a wide array of desserts and more. With assistance from the city of Anna Maria and other volunteers, Anna Maria resident Liz Hager helped organize this year’s Thanks-Living community gathering.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Thanks-Living took place under the City Pier Park shade sail structure. “We’re really glad that so many people came and it’s such a beautiful evening. This is a great place to live,” Hager said. “The city was very supportive and put up wonderful Thanks-Living signs for us in several places.” Anna Maria City Commission Chair Mark Short welcomed the attendees. “We believe this is the fifth ThanksLiving hosted here and we appreciate everybody coming. I was in charge of

SEE THANKS-LIVING, PAGE 10

ANNA MARIA – On Nov. 16, each of the three Anna Maria Island mayors received a letter requesting information from the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA), which is conducting a study on consolidating city services and governments. The study was requested in January by the Manatee County Legislative Delegation that consists of Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton), Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton), Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota), Rep. Tommy Gregory (R-Lakewood Ranch) and Rep. Mike Beltran (R-Apollo Beach).

BAKED PEARS will warm your holidays. 29

On Nov. 16, Mayor Dan Murphy and the Anna Maria City Commission discussed the OPPAGA study, the request for information received earlier that day and the initial Zoom meeting that Murphy and Commission Chair Mark Short had with OPPAGA representatives on Nov. 7. Speaking first, Short said he learned during the Zoom meeting that OPPAGA Staff Director Emily Leventhal is overseeing the three-person team assigned to conduct the study. “The scope of their project is to look at the possibility of consolidating services across the three Island cities; and separately, to do an analysis of the consolidation of government structure (the three city governments),” he said. Short said that each city will be analyzed separately, but the analysis

SEE ANNA MARIA, PAGE 21

HOTEL PROJECT GETS Planning and

Zoning OK, goes to commission. 4

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR awards

bestowed by AMI Chamber. 12

Page 31 Anna Maria Island, Florida

SEE TREE, PAGE 28

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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2 THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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THE SUN

Holmes Beach Commission weighs in on consolidation

OPPAGA’s Nov. 16 request for information mentions the three Island cities possibly being consolidated into the city of Bradenton. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners discussed the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA)’s consolidation study on Nov. 14, which lists the city of Bradenton as a possible annexation destination for Holmes Beach, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach. Reading aloud a statement, Commissioner Greg Kerchner said, “When I offered up my last soliloquy, I poured out my concerns over the influence of local developers, about state and county politicians not having our best interests at heart and about the threat of a consolidation being forced down our throats. “But maybe we can turn this threat into an opportunity. Our job now must be to help the evaluators follow their own guidelines. We must ensure that they learn the unblemished truth about what

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, left, said she’s tired of the 'false narrative' surrounding the consolidation study and the construction of a parking garage. Commissioner Greg Kerchner, center, stressed providing OPPAGA with all the pertinent facts. Commission Chair Terry Schaefer, right, believes the consolidation study is financially motivated. has already transpired and must guarantee that they have all the facts they need to reach fair and just conclusions so that their recommendations are in the best interests of everyone involved, islanders and off-islanders alike,” Kerchner said. “We need to wipe away any taint of political wrangling by clearly and fairly highlighting the relevant facts while insisting that all pertinent issues are considered. Unfortunately, this includes all the issues around visitor parking in Holmes Beach, which, for whatever reason, continues to play an outsized role in all our interactions with legislators and other governments,” Kerchner said. Commission Chair Terry Schaefer said

the consolidation of the Island cites would be “the granddaddy of destruction and overriding home rule in our community.” Commissioners also discussed statements that Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton) made the previous week regarding the study. Titsworth said she hadn’t planned on addressing the OPPAGA study again until she read Robinson’s comments in the newspaper. “Just because they’re saying something doesn’t mean it’s true. Just because they keep repeating the same thing doesn’t make it any more true. I don’t know how to respond to this continued narrative – and

it’s always directed at me, it’s always directed at our city. We are upholding our charter, our comprehensive plan, our land development code. We care about quality of life. We are showing up to work every day,” she said. “They keep pointing at the mayor that’s ‘putting up roadblocks,’ the mayor’s ‘that’s not doing what she says.’ I have done every single thing that’s been asked of me except putting unlimited parking in our residential districts. Name me one coastal community that has unlimited parking. There are none. We’ve proven that we have excess parking on any given day. Everybody who wants to

SEE HOLMES BEACH, PAGE 19

4 THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF City seeks commission applicants

The city of Anna Maria is accepting applications from Anna Maria residents who wish to be considered to fill two vacancies on the Anna Maria City Commission. As of Monday, three candidates had submitted applications JOE HENDRICKS | SUN to the city clerk’s office: Deanie Sebring vacated her comKathleen Morgan, mission seat in late September. Pat Olesen and Sharon Wisniewski. The person appointed to fill the seat vacated by Deanie Sebring in September will serve until December 2024. The person appointed to fill the seat being vacated by Robert Kingan in December will serve until December 2025. The application period closes on Friday, Dec. 15. The one-page application form can be obtained in person from the city clerk’s office, by email at amclerk@ cityofannamaria.com, or online at www.cityofannamaria.com by clicking the “I Want To” tab at the top of the city homepage. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, must be a registered voter in the city of Anna Maria and must have been an Anna Maria resident for at least the past two years. The city is also accepting written questions from the public to be answered by the applicants in person during their candidate presentations on Thursday, Jan. 11. Due by Monday, Nov. 27, written questions can be submitted by email to amclerk@cityofannamaria.com. The compiled questions will be presented to the candidates on Friday, Dec. 29 and commissioners Mark Short, Jon Crane and Charlie Salem will appoint two new commissioners on Thursday, Jan. 25.

City seeks charter review committee members The city of Anna Maria seeks three to five city residents to serve as volunteers on the soon-tobe-appointed charter review committee. Mayor Dan Murphy said the ideal candidates would have a good knowledge of the workings of city governments. Meeting two to three times a month, the committee will review and possibly recommend changes to the city charter, which sets forth how the city is governed and defines the city’s building height limits. Murphy expects the committee to present its recommendations and report to the city commission in April. Applications can be obtained by email at amclerk@cityofannamaria. com, or online by clicking on the “I Want To” tab at www.cityofannamaria.com and clicking on the “Apply for Board or Committee” link.

Correction Jeannie Roberts serves as the city of Bradenton’s public information officer. A story in last week’s Sun listed an incorrect job title.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there. NOVEMBER 22, 2023

P&Z unanimously recommends approval of hotel project BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – It’s all in the hands of city commissioners now. Following a unanimous recommendation for approval from the city Planning and Zoning Board, the future of a 106-room hotel/ restaurant/retail project on Bridge Street and Gulf Drive will be decided by the city commission. The application for the yet-unnamed Bridge Street hotel project includes the hotel, a 60-seat restaurant, 2,485 square feet of retail and 99 on-site parking spaces. Property owners Shawn Kaleta, a local developer, and Jacob Spooner, business owner and Bradenton Beach city commissioner, made the application on Dec. 2, 2022.

JASON GARGIULE/AMIAERIALS.COM | SUBMITTED

The corner of Gulf Drive and Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach is slated for a hotel/restaurant/ retail project. After a 6.5-hour public hearing on Nov. 13, P&Z board members John Burns, Fred Bartizal, Ken McDonough, Dan Morhaus and Bill Morrow voted in favor of two separate motions, with conditions attached to their approval. One

motion approved the establishment of a Planned Development Overlay District in the C-1 and C-2 district and the second approved the Major Development Plan Application.

SEE P&Z, PAGE 5

Commissioners review hotel project Commissioners asked for a reduction in the number of hotel rooms at the Nov. 16 hearing. Applicants’representatives say they’re close to a breaking point. BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – A 6.5hour city commission public hearing on Nov. 16 for a proposed hotel/ restaurant/retail project on Bridge Street and Gulf Drive led to warnings that something more impactful could be built if it is not approved. Commissioner Ralph Cole suggested a reduction in the proposed 106 hotel rooms to alleviate parking issues. The applicants’ representatives pushed back. The applicants’ Bradenton attorney, Stephen Thompson, said his clients are close to their breaking point on numbers, and architect Shaun Luttrell indicated the alternative to the hotel project for the applicants could be a mixed-use building on Bridge Street and multi-unit rental properties along

SUBMITTED

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said he would prefer balconies on the proposed hotel. Third Street South. The application for the hotel, a 60-seat restaurant, 2,485 square feet of retail and 99 on-site parking spaces was made by property owners Shawn Kaleta, a local developer, and Jacob Spooner, a Bradenton Beach commissioner. Three of the five commission members, Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Jan Vosburgh and Cole, were present at the Nov. 16 hearing. Spooner recused himself from the meeting. Commissioner Marilyn Maro has been absent with excuse since January but was present by telephone for part of the hearing. Cole expressed concerns about

parking for the hotel. City Attorney Ricinda Perry responded by saying the applicants have the option to develop the property as is if the project is not approved. “Am I correct that you produced images today showing you would build a ton of differently-owned rental properties on Third Street South and then a mixed-use development on Bridge Street?” Perry asked Luttrell. “That’s correct,” Luttrell said. Luttrell said each of those rental properties would have six units per house with parking spots underneath them.

SEE HOTEL, PAGE 15

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

P&Z members reverse public comment closure

The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board reconsidered closing public comment at its second public hearing on a proposed hotel. Nine people spoke in opposition. BY LESLIE LAKE

SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Planning and Zoning Board unexpectedly reversed its decision to close the public comment session at its second public hearing on a 106-room hotel/restaurant/retail project on Bridge Street. An announcement was made at the first hearing on Nov. 1 that when public

comment was closed at the end of that meeting, it would remain closed at the Nov. 13 hearing, a continuation of that meeting. Robert Lincoln, Sarasota-based special counsel to the Planning and Zoning Board, began the Nov. 13 hearing with the announcement that public comment remained closed. “The public input, citizen portion of the hearing is closed. And there will not be further public participation or input related to the rebuttal or the other information that’s going forward. There will be an opportunity to address the board’s recommendations when the matter goes before the city commission.” But board member John Burns asked Lincoln, “Should the board and the chair wish to have public comment reopened

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Members of the public who were allowed to speak at the second Planning and Zoning hotel hearing are sworn in. or is it not allowed by statute, rule or case law?” “You have the option by a vote of the board to amend your procedures to accept additional public comment,” Lincoln said. “I would suggest that if you do so, you create an issue; following the public com-

ment would have to have another round of rebuttal from the staff and the applicant to address the citizens’ comments.” Lincoln added that under the board’s established procedures, additional public comment would not be heard. “If it’s the will of the board it can be reopened?” Burns asked. “You’re referring to our established procedural rules. It would be up to us to reopen it if we wish and then follow your recommendations if we do allow public comment one more time based on the additional information we haven’t seen yet, we could do that, we would offer the applicant time for rebuttal.” Public comment was reopened shortly over an hour after the beginning of the 6.5-hour hearing. Nine people spoke opposing the project.

P&Z: Unanimously recommends approval of hotel project

FROM PAGE 4

The following conditions were imposed on both: • City commission approval of the major development plan/site plan accompanying the application; • Development of the property shall be consistent with the major develop-

ment plan; • Consensus by the commission that the use of the hotel top deck is limited to hotel staff and guests and will not offer food or beverage service; • Consensus by the commission that live entertainment, food and beverages would only be allowed or permitted through a special event permit,

approved by the city commission; • Guest drop-off, check-in and check-out shall be accommodated within the first level of the parking garage; • Applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the building official that the loading area can accommodate deliveries from a semi-trailer in order

to receive a building permit; • Applicant cannot use any parking spaces wholly or partially on public rights of way to meet parking requirements; • To the extent that the applicant cannot accommodate or seeks to

SEE P&Z, PAGE 31

6 THE SUN

OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 Phone: 941-778-3986

email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun NOVEMBER 22, 2023

GUEST EDITORIAL J

Public comment fiasco avoided - somewhat

ohn Burns is a First Amendment champion. The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Commission member asked the right questions of the board’s attorney last week when the attorney tried to discourage the board from taking public comment at the second of two hearings on a controversial hotel/restaurant/ retail project planned at the corner of Gulf Drive and Bridge Street. As a result of Burns’ intervention, the board reversed its decision to close public comment at the second hearing, and nine people opposed to the project were able to have their say as a result. Under the direction of its attorney, the board had announced at the project’s first hearing on Nov. 1 that public comment would be closed at the end of that hearing and would remain closed at the Nov. 13 hearing because it was a continuation of the Nov. 1 hearing. The board’s attorney said it would “create an issue” to reopen public comment at the second hearing, explaining that more comments would require rebuttal from city staff and the project owners, one of whom is a city commissioner. Public comment is designed to let officials know what their constituents think. If that’s creating an issue, then so be it. We will never know how many people stayed away from the Nov. 13 meeting, thinking it would be futile to attend since they were told they would not be allowed to express their views to the board, which is a recommending body to the city commissioners they elected. That's known as a prior restraint. A lot of law has been written about the illegalities of government action prohibiting speech before it is spoken. Books about it would fill all 106 rooms in the new hotel. We don’t like it, and we’re glad the Planning and Zoning Board doesn’t like it either.

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Owner/CEO Mike Field Editor Cindy Lane General Manager Bob Alexander

Reporters Photographers Joe Hendricks Leslie Lake Jason Schaffer Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Rusty Chinnis

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

New developments burden waste management It is no understatement to say that many are alarmed at the intensity and density issues of the area's explosive growth and impacts on infrastructure. Perhaps the infrastructure was not designed for, or even capable of, supporting this growth. Although there have been efforts to address the sewer lines, some are asking why we have not heard more from the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which is tasked with managing water supply, protecting water quality and preserving natural water-related functions. How do these numbers affect sewer lines?

Contributors Joe Becht Steve Borggren Capt. Rick Grassett Isis Mavenyengwa Monica Simpson Tom Vaught Capt. David White Anne Yarbrough

• Lake Flores - 6,500 homes, 3 million square feet of retail/office space, 500 hotel rooms; • Aqua by the Bay – 2,894 residential units, 78,000 square feet of commercial/retail; • Peninsula Bay - 2,000 residential units, commercial/retail/ office space, boat ramp/marina; • Hunters Point - 86 homes (originally tiny homes of 494 square feet, now over 2,000 square feet), potential for retail/ commercial space or hotel rooms; • Proposed Bradenton Beach hotel - 206,987 square feet, 100+ rooms, restaurant/retail space, 99 parking spaces; • Pines Trailer Park - sold, future unknown; • Holmes Beach - three adjoining properties defined by the state as Transient Public Lodging Establishments (TPLE) approved in a resi-

dential zone with 23 bedrooms/23+ bathrooms, with a legal occupancy of 46 on slightly over 1/2 acre. The area of the first two properties originally supported a two-bedroom/one-bath home and within months, it became 16 bedrooms/15 baths. Curiously, these Holmes Beach properties sit adjacent to the current county sewer work scheduled for completion a year ago. Residents and business owners have noted the negative impact from digging, filling in and re-digging repeatedly in the same area for months on Holmes Boulevard. The vocabulary on this topic could be repugnant to some and humorous to others, but I will simply ask, can this area withstand all this sewage?

Margie Motzer

Holmes Beach

Layout Ricardo Fonseca

Classifieds Bob Alexander

Accounting Leslie Ketchum

Digital Editor Kristin Swain

Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Distribution Bob Alexander Connor Field Tony McNulty Brian Smith

Co-founding publishers Mike Field Maggie McGinley Field

Advertising Director Shona Otto Advertising Assistant Pamela Lee

Family-owned since 2000

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

EVENTS WEDNESDAY, NOV. 22

Creative Aging drawing series, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 10 a.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 25

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

SUNDAY, NOV. 26

Christmas in the Garden, “A Celebration of Lights & Music,” Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31

MONDAY, NOV. 27

Gentle yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, NOV. 28

Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29

Bird songs of the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

www.amisun.com

Indigenous People of Florida: Unconquered to the Present Day, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Florida’s First People, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 2 p.m. Green Explorers: Feathered Friends, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon Holly Berry Market, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ask a Master Gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Lester Family Fun Day, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 10:30 a.m. Paper Crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Christmas on Bridge Street, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 2 p.m. Bradenton Beach Boat Parade, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 1

SUNDAY, DEC. 3

THURSDAY, NOV. 30

Mistletoe Market, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Paper Crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House, AMI Chamber, 5324 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 2

Mistletoe Market, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic

Bethlehem Walk, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 6 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 4

Marine Heritage of Manatee County, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 5

THE SUN

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Nov. 23, all day – City offices closed, Thanksgiving Nov. 24, all day – City offices closed Nov. 24, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. Nov. 23, all day – City offices closed, Thanksgiving Nov. 23, all day – City offices closed

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Nov. 23, all day – City offices closed, Thanksgiving Nov. 24, all day – City offices closed Nov. 28, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing

ISLAND-WIDE

Dec. 4, 9 a.m. – Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria

8 THE SUN

www.amisun.com

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

Gulf Island Ferries make inaugural cruise

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Elected officials, invited guests and media members took a cruise on the Gulf Island Ferries on Monday afternoon. The county-funded ferry service is expected to begin service on Friday, Dec. 8, pending final Coast Guard certification. The covered pontoon boat ferries will initially run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The ferry service will include stops at the Anna Maria City Pier, the public dinghy dock near the Bradenton Beach Pier, the North or South Coquina boat ramp (yet to be decided) and the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton. The

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Miss Anna Maria departed the Riverwalk Day Dock early Monday afternoon. and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said that once the initial service is operational, the county will explore grant opportunities in hopes of purchasing an enclosed high-speed ferry that will carry passengers between downtown Bradenton and the Anna Maria City Pier. The two pontoon boats would then be used to ferry passengers between the three Anna Maria Island destinations. And at some point next year, the county hopes to initiate free

R OU

F A M I LY T

HAPPY

ferry service for those who work on the Island and live on the mainland. At approximately 1 p.m., the Miss Anna Maria departed the Riverwalk Day Dock and headed west down the Manatee River, followed by the Downtown Duchess. The Miss Anna Maria turned around about halfway down the river and the Downtown Duchess continued to the City Pier in Anna Maria. The ferry didn’t dock at the existing City Pier landing area

BY JOE HENDRICKS

initial fare will be $8 per one-way trip, with discounts provided for seniors, children and toddlers. The Nov. 20 ferry ceremonies at the Bradenton Riverwalk began with 10th grade Manatee School of the Arts student Marley Holmes singing “God Bless America,” followed by an opening prayer led by Senior Pastor Dirk Rodgers from Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria. County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge said the ferry service has been desired and discussed for decades and is now becoming a reality. He noted that until the Cortez Bridge was built in the 1920s, ferries and boats were the only mode of transportation to the Island. “100 years later, we have these two ferries,” he said, before Pastor Rodgers conducted the ancient tradition of the blessing of the fleet. Bradenton Area Convention

The ferry service is expected to begin on Friday, Dec. 8, pending final Coast Guard certification.

! g n i v i g s Thank full O F B O T H thanks A N D giving MAY YOUR DAYS BE

WE WILL BE CLOSED ON THANKSGIVING DAY TO SPEND TIME WITH OUR FAMILIES.

VOTED BRADENTON'S BEST! Find your nearest location at OysterBar.net

that’s still awaiting the attachment of two composite pilings needed for ferry dockage. During the return trip, Tourist Development Council board member Eric Carnes said, “This is absolutely fantastic. This is a great day for Anna Maria Island and a great day for the city of Bradenton. The visitors and employees that come to the Island on the ferries will have a great experience.” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said, “We’ve got seaworthy vessels. It was a smooth ride and the captain knows what he’s doing. The seats are comfortable and the ride was enjoyable. It’s a nice relaxing way to get out to our Island, with no traffic.” As the Downtown Duchess docked, Falcione said, “It was my first time on this river. It was more than just a ferry service. The water is an experience that will help showcase that ‘real authentic Florida’ to our visitors.”

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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Thanksgiving Sunday • November 26 One Service at 10:00 AM

Choosing to Celebrate Psalm 100 RoserChurch.com

“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

Sermon by Pastor Dirk Rodgers

THE SUN

IN PERSON • ONLINE

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

SEE YOU SUNDAY!

941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Anna Maria Island made Travel and Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024.

Travel and Leisure ranks AMI in its 50 best destinations

Anna Maria Island is among the world’s elite travel destinations according to Travel and Leisure. BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - In years past, Anna Maria Island has ranked among the nation’s best beach destinations in numerous travel publications, but a recent Travel and Leisure edition lists AMI among the best in the world. AMI tops the "Beach Vibes" category in the publication’s new “50 Best Places to Travel in 2024.” It's the only destination in the continental U.S. to make the prestigious list of the world’s best in the category. The article cites the no-high-rise shoreline, incredible sunsets and

small-town feel as a few of the reasons it topped the “Beach Vibes” category, which includes places like Costa Rica, Mallorca, Spain and Coastal Campania, Italy. The magazine also mentions the fact AMI is the first destination in Florida to partner with Leave No Trace, an international non-profit organization that uses the powers of science, education and stewardship to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet. AMI has long been referred to as Florida’s best-kept secret, but after Travel and Leisure named the Island as the nation’s #2 beach town in 2021, now ranking it among the best in the world, the secret is out.

10 THE SUN

www.amisun.com

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This group of friends from Germany enjoyed Thanks-Living.

THANKS-LIVING: Celebrates community FROM PAGE 1 the weather today. I think I did OK,” he joked. “This is a great event for everybody to get together and enjoy each other’s company – and for a lot of us, to catch up with people we haven’t seen in quite a while. I want to thank everybody for being here and I want to thank the people who helped put this event on. The Roser Food Pantry is here and I encourage everybody to make a donation. Enjoy yourself,” he said. While gathered around a table with his wife, Dusty, and a group of friends, City Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I love small-town community events. It’s heartwarming. I’m very thankful for everybody who’s donated to the Roser Food Pantry and gave of their time to put this together. It’s a nice event.” The Thanks-Living attendees include a group of friends from Germany who frequently visit Anna Maria. Visitor Regina Ruh said, “We’ve come many times to Anna Maria to vacation and this is my third ThanksLiving here.” Her friend, Ute Iffland, said, “We visited the Island 10 years ago for the first time and we fell in love. On Tuesday, we were at the farmers market (also held at City Pier Park).” Roser Food Pantry Co-Chair Jack

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Thanksgiving comes early at Annie Silver Center Members of the Bradenton Beach community chat and enjoy an early Thanksgiving meal at the Annie Silver Community Center on Nov. 18. Prepared by Annie Silver members, the meal was free. Diners could also purchase books to benefit the nonprofit organization.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anna Maria City Commission Chair Mark Short welcomed attendees. Brennan manned the food pantry donation table and later said, “It’s been a heck of a last couple weeks of raising money for the food pantry. Thanks-Living raised over $300 and we also collected some non-perishable food items. In October, the “Witch Sisters” raised over $1,200 during the Halloween celebrations. We appreciate the Island organizations and being part of this incredibly communityminded city.” The first Thanks-Living was held in 2019 and was organized by the “For the Love of Anna Maria Island” community task force that consisted of Carol Carter, Janet Kingan, Barbara Zdravecky and Bruce Meyer.

Jack Brennan accepted food and monetary donations for the Roser Food Pantry. JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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THE SUN

The Center celebrates 65 years of community BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – Under a clear moonlit sky, Anna Maria Island neighbors came together for a celebration of service and community with The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Executive Director Chris Culhane, Director of Development Jillian Ptak and the rest of the staff on Nov. 10. With The Center’s sports field and turf transformed into a party venue, festivities filled the air. For the past 65 years, the Island’s community center, 407 Magnolia Ave., has been the place to go for community services, classes and workshops, childcare and development, sports and fitness, and fun and fundraising. The Island celebrated with music by the Billy Rice Band and food from Hickory Hollow in Ellenton. With more than 200 friends of The Center celebrating, sharing stories, laughing over historic pictures and catching up with friends, Friday’s gathering reminded everyone of the importance of community and The Center. Leading the path down memory lane was the first speaker of the night, Christine van Zandt, wife of John van Zandt, friend to the Island and namesake of The Center’s John van Zandt Scholarship Fund. Her moving stories expressing what the community center meant to her and her late husband silenced the audience. Former Holmes Beach Mayor and Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore spoke about the importance of supporting The Center financially. She stressed the fact that the community center so many people rely on

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Above, Center Executive Director Chris Culhane and Center board member Elizabeth Hager at the 65th Anniversary celebration of The Center. Above right, the Island crowd gathered on The Center's fields to celebrate 65 years of service and community. Left, Christine van Zandt, wife of John van Zandt, leads off the speakers Friday night with fond stories of The Center and the scholarship established in honor of her late husband.

is a nonprofit organization, making donations essential to keeping the doors open and programs running. Sandee Pruitt took the mic next reminiscing about her time working at The Center in her various roles as the “face” of the community center. Her love for The Center and the work it does was ever clear in her words to those in attendance Friday night. Sandee remains active at The Center as a member. Chris Culhane introduced Paulette Webb, a native of Anna Maria Island. The memories rushed back through her stories of the past. Her passion for the Island and The Center made

attendees laugh and ruminate about the changes on the Island. Her profound thoughts stressed the important role the Island’s Center has on the community. Growing up at The Center, Jake Parsons spoke about a specific memory that so many locals remember. As a child, Jake sacrificed his locks for The Center. His fundraiser collected more than $500 for him to shave his head. Weeks later that hair was cut and the donations were made, along with the significant memory to many friends of The Center. The evening closed with lifelong local and Center board member, and brother of Paulette, Ben Webb. After hearing the other speakers, Ben felt compelled to share. Ben spoke about not being a supporter of the direction of The Center in the past. He focused on the faith he had in the current executive director. With his confidence in having him at the helm, Ben told the crowd that he asked Chris if he could serve on The Center’s board because of the

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Islanders Gussie and Lisa Lardas and Dina Franklin at the photo wall during The Center's anniversary gathering last Friday. good work he saw him doing as the organization’s leader. Ending the night with more music and fellowship, The Center’s 65th anniversary celebration kicked off a fundraising campaign. The donation goal is $100,000, and a friend of The Center has committed to matching $25,000 donations. For more information about The Center programs and to contribute to the services provided through your donations or volunteering, call 941778-1908.

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12 THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 22, 2023

AMI Chamber names Businesses of the Year Local businesses were recognized for their excellence at the 2023 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Member Gala at the Bradenton Country Club.

“We had 38 nominees this year, and out of that 38 there were 12 that were selected to do a face-to-face interview,” AMI Chamber President Terri Kinder said. “There’s three chosen in each of the four categories. We have one winner and two runners-up in each category.” The four categories are Not-For-Profit, Small Business, Medium Business and Large Business. Three finalists in each category are chosen for a face-to-face interview with a panel of five chamber members who then decide on a winner. The committee that chooses the winners consists of Karen LaPensee of LaPensee Plumbing Pools and Air, Eric Cairns of Cedar Cove Resort, Susanne Arbanas of AMI Concierge Service, Mike Southwick of AAA Payroll and Nikita Fosmore of Salon Salon.

BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON - Local business owners recognized high achievers in the business world at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce 2023 Member Gala on Nov. 17 at the Bradenton Country Club. The event is an opportunity for local business owners and managers to applaud the winners of the Business of the Year Awards. The awards are presented to businesses in four categories that go through a rigorous process of evaluation by a panel of five chamber members before one in each category comes out on top.

The award winners and finalists are:

NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Winner - Manatee County Habitat for Humanity Runner Up – Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Runner Up - The Sertoma Club of Bradenton

SMALL BUSINESS

Winner - Bins Be Clean Runner Up - Beach Suites Runner Up - Harbor Lane Court

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0 p.m $10 op at 2 the

LESTER FAMILY

Old Fashioned Fun At Old Fashioned Prices

Santa arrives at noon!

AMI Chamber members mingle during cocktail hour before the awards presentation at the AMI Chamber of Commerce Member Gala held at the Bradenton Country Club.

LARGE BUSINESS

Winner - College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Runner Up - Body & Sol Spa & Wellness Runner Up - Waterline Villas & Marina

10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

FUN DAY

Above, winners and finalists celebrate at the 2023 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Awards at the Bradenton Country Club.

Winner - The Cheesecake Cutie & Café Runner Up - Once Upon a Beach Runner Up - Salty Mermaid Real Estate

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AMI CHAMBER | SUBMITTED

MEDIUM BUSINESS

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JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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THE SUN

AMI CHAMBER | SUBMITTED

Pizzano’s hosts AMI Chamber luncheon Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce members ate hearty Italian lunches at the Nov. 9 luncheon at Pizzano’s Pizza and Grinderz in Holmes Beach. Standing, back, is AMI Chamber President Terri Kinder. At the back table, from left, are Christine and Felica Goett (Blooms by the Beach), Susanne Arbanas (Anna Maria Island Concierge Services), Karen LaPensee (LaPensee Plumbing Pools Air) and Jennifer Geils (The Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe). At the middle table, from left, are Brian Sharkey (Compass Insurance Partners), Rick Freeman (Haskell Termite & Pest Control), John Lappin (Concord Home Mortgage), Andrew Vac (RE/MAX), Claudia Mir and Alex Wilking (Island Real Estate Vacations), Deborah Skorupski (Bamboo Dreams Photography), Jim Turk (Junk King) and Jimmy Maguire (AMOB). At the front table, from left, are John Renkawitz (Pampered Movers) and AMI Chamber Board Chairperson Katy Demick (Anna Maria Island Resorts).

Total Life Care, Bemer sponsor business card exchange From left, Drew Correll (Total Life Care), Michael Vejins (Raymond James), Rebecca St. Jean (Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare), Lisa Sampson (Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki) and Judith Patterson and Kayles Bogaski (Your CBD Store/SUNMED) network at the Oct. 26 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange at the chamber office. The event was sponsored by Total Life Care and the Bemer Group. AMI CHAMBER | SUBMITTED

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14 THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 22, 2023

Holmes Beach police chase ends in crash, arrest What started as a routine traffic stop turned into a high-speed chase that resulted in a crash and a suspect taken to jail. BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - Police Officer Andrew Adkins was in his patrol car at the intersection of Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive on Nov. 7 at 10:41 p.m. when he saw a black Chevy Silverado leave the Manatee Beach parking lot and go straight through a traffic light while in the left turn lane. Adkins noticed the truck had a tinted license plate cover and initiated a traffic stop in the 700 block of Manatee Avenue. He identified the driver as Christopher Leopard, 46, of Indiana. “Leopard was acting nervous during the stop and told me he did not have his license. I gathered his name and date of birth and went back to my vehicle,” Adkins said in his official report. “While doing so, he waved out of the driver's window so I approached the vehicle again. He told me he found his Indiana driver license so I took it from him and returned to my vehicle.” When Adkins ran Leopard’s license, he found an active warrant from Indiana. Meanwhile, additional units

had arrived on the scene to assist. Adkins asked Leopard to exit the vehicle, but he refused, saying his identity had been stolen, which immediately aroused suspicion from the officers. Leopard Adkins tried to open the door, but Leopard had locked it and rolled up the window, causing officers to lay spike strips in front of the vehicle, anticipating that he may attempt to flee the scene, which he did. “I told Christopher to give me the keys and that he is not free to leave but he began fleeing at a high rate of speed eastbound on Manatee Avenue. I got in my patrol vehicle and initiated a pursuit with lights and siren active,” Adkins said in his report. “Leopard was fleeing at speeds of about 120 mph.” The pursuit continued down the Palma Sola Causeway, and a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy was able to deploy stop sticks on the truck, according to the report. Although the front driver’s side tire was flat, Leopard continued to flee at a high speed and often into oncoming traffic before hitting the median and crossing back into the correct lane of traffic. Now driving on a bare rim, Leopard continued to drive erratically, running stop lights and refusing to stop. Another spike strip was deployed which caused

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

the truck to slow down, where Leopard then jumped out of the moving vehicle running north on Eighth Street North. The vehicle then veered off the roadway, onto a sidewalk, went slightly up a utility pole wire, and then came to a stop after an impact with a chain link fence. “I noticed he turned west onto Fourth Avenue West and was proned out on the ground next to Officer Hurt's patrol vehicle. I took Leopard into custody and secured him in Officer Hurt's vehicle,” Adkins said. “I placed him under arrest

for obstructing an officer's investigation without violence, fleeing to elude an officer with a disregard for other persons and property and resisting arrest without violence. I also issued him 11 traffic citations for the traffic infractions that occurred during the incident.” Leopard was arrested and taken to Manatee County Jail and was issued a bond of $8,500. He is scheduled to appear in front of Judge Frederick Mercurio on Wednesday, Jan. 3 in Manatee County’s 12th Judicial Circuit Court.

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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HOTEL: Commissioners review hotel project FROM PAGE 4

“Can you testify or Mr. Thompson testify as to what this commission has to consider? There are essentially three things asked for in this development that do not adhere to the current strict zoning that you could build those, I’ll use your term, ‘party house row,’ ” Perry said. “They’re asking for a reduction in parking, they’re asking for a reduction in one of the setbacks and asking for 106 hotel units.” “If the commission does not agree to give something under the planned development that looks like what has been asked for is there a point which the applicant does not find this financially feasible and would just go to the straight rezone, I mean to the straight current zoning and build what they’re entitled to?” Perry asked Luttrell. “I’m sure there is a point within those numbers where they would stop the project and pursue a different avenue,” Luttrell said, adding that he didn’t know what that number is. Luttrell asked if there were issues besides parking that needed to be addressed. Chappie said he didn’t like the design of the hotel. “Personally, I don’t like the look of it,” Chappie said. “I like the hotel idea in commercial, I like that idea a lot, similar to what’s across the street.”

“We’ll take everything into consideration and see if we can massage this plan a little bit to get closer to what you’re looking for,” Luttrell said. Thompson said the applicants had made a number of concessions up to that point. “We didn’t start at this number,” Thompson said. “We were a lot higher than this number. We’re almost at the breaking point, I’m being honest with you. One of our clients is more than happy to do the vacation rentals.” “We want to continue with this, but then the issue is, ok, what is the number?” Thompson said, adding that his team will come back with a proposal in advance of the next meeting. “I’m hopeful we can come to the right number,” Chappie said. “I do have the same fear of party houses.”

COMMISSION VOTE

“You’ve been given over six hours of information and handouts,” Perry said. “It’s fair to say you need some time to think about things and there’s nothing to say when we come back on Dec. 7 that you can’t get into a substantive discussion.” “We’re just not there yet,” Chappie said. “I think we can work something out here, I really do, the alternative - I don’t like at all.” Chappie questioned the effect that

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the approval of the first reading of the ordinance would have on the ongoing discussion. Building Official Steve Gilbert clarified. “You have a first reading that’s been advertised,” he said. “That reading does not set a development order in place nor does it fully authorize a PD back later. I think you can clear your first reading of the proposed ordinance tonight, continue the hearing - I’m not calling it a public hearing, but it’s still an open hearing because we’ve taken public comment already - until the Dec. 7 meeting at which time then you would conclude the hearing and contemplate the second reading of the ordinance.” “The ordinance just says it allows for a plan, and what we’re currently in the process of doing is determining what that plan is,” Perry said. “Before the second reading and adoption of this ordinance, there must be a plan figured out.” “If you cannot come to an agreement and if you cannot establish a plan at the December meeting, everything goes away and we start over,” Gilbert said. “This just keeps us talking, all at the table to see where we end up,” Chappie said. Vosburgh made the motion to approve the first reading, and to set the second hearing, seconded by Cole. The motion passed unanimously 3-0. Maro was no

THE SUN

longer on the call for the vote. Based on the city charter, which calls for an affirmative supra majority vote by four of the five commissioners, the question remains as to whether the standing commission has the ability to approve the project.

PUBLIC COMMENT

During the public comment portion of the Nov. 16 hearing, Seminole-based attorney David Blum, representing six project opponents, said, “As far as the conditions on this plan, if you all adopt the conditions along with the plan and don’t deny, you all are setting yourselves up for a lot of litigation, not from me, but you’re setting yourself up. There’s a part about special events applications that allows you to serve alcohol, which turns it into a commercial space. It gives you the ability to do away with the noise ordinance. So rock on.” In a departure from the two Planning and Zoning hearings, in which a majority of speakers were in opposition to the project, nearly half the 20 speakers at the Nov. 16 commission hearing spoke in favor of the hotel. At least five of those were employees of businesses in which Kaleta has ownership interests - specifically Prime Vacations and Salt Bar & Table Restaurant. The Thursday, Dec. 7 hearing will be held at 6 p.m. at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.

16 THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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Roser provides grief support TERRI EDMUND

SUN CORRESPONDENT

ANNA MARIA – Roser Church hosted a survival course for those facing the holiday season after the death of a loved one, a preface to an upcoming series on surviving grief. “GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays” offered participants a safe, confidential place to share their questions about grief: Is it normal to feel so blue for so long? Why is my brain in such a fog? What’s life like going forward without my best friend? Why me?

The two-hour seminar last week was the preface to a 13-week series that begins in January. Besides discussion and a workbook that offers daily suggestions for managing grief, the course will include video sessions with professional counselors and teachers who, themselves, have dealt with the loss of a close loved one. They will share insights on how to walk through grief in a healthy manner. “Many people going through grief want to fast forward to January and skip the holidays altogether,” program

facilitator JoAnne Moyer said. They don’t want to deal with their emotions or face the usual traditions. Every person grieves in their own way. It takes a while when you lose a loved one to settle in with the feelings of grief. Some people try to numb themselves with drugs or alcohol or overshopping, just so they don’t have to go through that pain. But they have to go through it, not around it or underneath it. Every person is different.” The series starts on Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 1-2:30 p.m., and wraps up on

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Wednesday, April 3 at Roser, 512 Pine Ave. GriefShare is a Christian-based program, but all beliefs are welcome. The only requirement is that one’s grieving is about death, not reasons like divorce, PTSD or estrangement. With GriefShare, participants will learn how to walk through the journey of grief and be supported on their way to healing. For more information, visit roserchurch.com or call 941-778-0414 to register.

18 THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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HOLMES BEACH: Commission weighs in on consolidation FROM PAGE 4 can come right now; they just don’t want to because there’s too much congestion and traffic,” Titsworth said. She noted the city recently created additional public parking spaces along Holmes Boulevard. She also noted she previously took Manatee County commissioners George Kruse and Jason Bearden on tours of the city’s available parking spaces. “During that peak season tour, there were empty parking spaces in our city right of ways. I showed him (Kruse) the church parking available for overflow. He was amazed. Same thing with Bearden. Spring break, height of season, there were empty parking places everywhere. How can you continue to say we’re preventing families from coming out here? It’s wrong and I’m over the false narrative,” Titsworth said. Titsworth said the consolidation study is “a power grab from the top down” being driven by state legislators and not by the Island residents and property owners who will have no input on the consolidation study requested by Robinson, Sen. Jim Boyd and the other members of the Manatee County Legislative Delegation. Titsworth said all three Island cities are thriving.

“Why wouldn’t somebody want the city of Holmes Beach?” she asked. “We have zero debt. We have $12 million in reserves. At a height limit of 36 feet, we have a $3 billion taxable value in our little city of Holmes Beach. The city of Anna Maria is $2 billion. The city of Bradenton Beach is $1 billion. Our three tremendous little cities equal the taxable value of the city of Bradenton and all their high rises and everything else.” According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, the total taxable value of all Bradenton properties in 2023 is $5.91 billion. The total taxable value of all Anna Maria Island properties is $6.15 billion. The current millage rates in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach are 2.05 mills. The current millage rate in Bradenton Beach is 2.3329. Bradenton is 5.8351 mills and Manatee County is 6.2326 mills. “Consolidate us into the city of Bradenton, they just doubled their taxable value. This is not about parking. It has never been about parking. It’s about doing what they want to do,” Titsworth said. “I don’t want to play these games. I want them to leave us alone. I promised OPPAGA we are going to work with you and give you every single thing you want from our city. We are a

good city. We have so much to be proud of and we have every right to continue to be a city that serves the people who want to be here.” Titsworth refuted Robinson’s statement that the Holmes Beach population has declined. “That is not true. Our population is increasing, and it’s because of the hard work of our commission and our boards; and because it’s paradise out here,” she said. In his recent statement, Robinson said he would support maintaining the height limits currently established in each of the three cities’ charters. Earlier this year, Robinson co-sponsored state legislation that allows Manatee County to build a three-story parking garage at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach. “Representative Robinson said he’d respect the limits we have right now, but he told me if he could have had six stories, he could have gotten 1,500 to 1,700 parking spaces,” Titsworth said. In support of Titsworth’s comments, Commission Chair Terry Schaefer said, “The commission stands squarely behind you. It seems like some legislators have forgotten where they came from.” Schaefer expressed confidence that the

information provided by each of the three Island cities would support their continued operation as independent cities. “I was encouraged to hear elected officials will be interviewed. I was discouraged to hear the plan is not to hear from the public,” he said. Shaefer said he’s been researching the city of Bradenton and Manatee County regarding their debt obligations and financial reserves. “It’s an eye-opener, folks. Strong positive reserves in all three Island cities. Not so much the case in the alternative. I don’t have any doubt that the whole motivation is financial. I think the garage was a smokescreen. I think it was an issue that they took up to try to taint and create ill will to divide people from off-Island and those of us who live and serve here. I think it backfired,” Schaefer said. “If anyone is wondering why, the why is the money and the dissolution of charters. Height restrictions go away. If you don’t think there are aggressive developers out there who wouldn’t like to have an opportunity to build something higher than 36 feet in our city and on our beaches, pay more attention to what’s happening where communities don’t have control,” he said.

20 THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 22, 2023

Garden Club Plant Sale draws crowd The annual Anna Maria Island Garden Club Plant Sale at Roser Church raised money that will help beautify the Island. BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - From the serious gardening enthusiast to the casual plant admirer, this year’s annual Anna Maria Island Garden Club Plant Sale on Nov. 17 had something for everyone. Each year, the Garden Club holds a plant sale at Roser Church to raise money for beautification projects on the Island. Money from last year’s sale went to pay for the wind sculpture at City Pier Park in Anna Maria. “A donation was recently made to install a wind sculpture at the Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach, then we’ll do Bradenton Beach,” AMI Garden Club President Kathy Morgan Johnson said. “We also do all of the plants at the library, and we’ve donated to Annie Silver (Community) Center

Shopping

Lively Music

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

People lined up to shop for a variety of plants at the Anna Maria Island Garden Club’s Plant Sale at Roser Church.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

There was a bit of everything at this year’s Anna Maria Island Garden Club Plant Sale at Roser Church. in Bradenton Beach for their new garden.” Johnson said this year’s sale had a line of people at the door before it even began, and after the first two hours had already surpassed last year’s total sales. The total dollar amount raised is not yet

Tasty T Treats

S Santa's Sleigh

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

Tree Lighting & Holmes Beach Holiday Open House

Friday, December 1st 5:00 - 8:00 pm Tree Lighting at 6:00 pm CrossPointe Fellowship Family singing holiday tunes AMI Privateers visiting with Santa's Sleigh

Local Businesses will stay open to accommodate Holiday Shopping. Treats for shoppers must be individually wrapped.

Shop Local! Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Office 5313 Gulf Dr. in Holmes Beach 941-778-1541

available. The plants in the sale come from local nurseries, and since the Garden Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they get a nonprofit discount, allowing the club to make money from the sale of each plant. Dozens of club

members were on hand to assist in the sale. The club has more than 120 members and holds its meetings at Roser Church. Anyone interested in joining can visit www. amigardenclub.com and sign up online. Members can take part in monthly lunches, field trips, volunteer projects and participate in fundraising efforts such as the plant sale and the flower show, scheduled in January.

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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THE SUN

ANNA MARIA: Officials discuss consolidation study FROM PAGE 1 and data pertaining to all three cities will likely be combined into a single report. “Their goal is to provide options with respect to what could be done and provide both pros and cons with respect to each of those options. They told us they are not making recommendations about what to do. It is unlikely they will recommend any specific course of action,” Short said. Short said the first step for the city is to provide OPPAGA with the requested information by Dec. 8, if possible. He said OPPAGA representatives will also interview city officials as the study continues. “They will then prepare a report that will be made available to the state Legislature. That report will be made available to them, not to us. Their goal is to have this analysis done by July of 2024. Probably the most surprising thing I heard on this call was that they are not obligated to share their report with us,” Short said. After noting that OPPAGA is exempt from public records requests, Short said, “They will share it if the Legisla-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Commission Chair Mark Short said OPPAGA is not required to provide the city with a copy of the consolidation study report. Mayor Dan Murphy hopes the OPPAGA study can help reduce property taxes. ture authorizes them to share it with us. Otherwise, they have no obligation to share with us whatever’s in this report, which, personally, I found to be extremely disappointing.” Murphy provided an overview of the questions posed and information requests made in the letter. Most of them pertain to city services, but there’s also a three-part question about the potential consolidation of the three Island cities and their governments, he said. The information request period spans from 2018-23. OPPAGA requested a list of current services the

city provides, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, public works projects, public safety, elections, solid and liquid waste disposal treatment, code enforcement and building and planning services. OPPAGA wants email addresses and contact information for the appropriate city official to contact for each service listed, and the total budgeted amounts and actual expenditures for each service. OPPAGA also wants a description of how the city services provided by Anna Maria could be consolidated with the other two Island cities. Commissioner Robert Kingan said

he doesn’t see how the projected cost savings for the consolidation of services between three cities can accurately be estimated. Regarding the potential consolidation of the three city governments, the OPPAGA request letter says, “Please provide the following information on government consolidation: A description of the benefits and challenges to individual citizens as well as to government operations related to the following potential options for local governance on Anna Maria Island. “Option 1: All three cities on Anna Maria Island are consolidated into one new city on the island. “Option 2: All three cities on Anna Maria Island were incorporated as part of the city of Bradenton. “Option 3: All three cities on Anna Maria Island remain as incorporated municipalities on the island and work to consolidate existing services where that makes sense,” the request letter says. OPPAGA’s request for information does not mention Manatee County as a possible consolidation/annexation option.

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ANNA MARIA: Officials discuss study FROM PAGE 21 COMMISSION DISCUSSION

Murphy said he received a phone call from Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown the previous day and Brown told him he had not received any consolidated study-related correspondence from Boyd or Robinson. According to Bradenton Public Records Liaison Bill Ackles, as of Nov. 18, Brown and the city of Bradenton had not received any correspondence from OPPAGA. In the consolidation study-related letter that Boyd and Robinson sent to the three Island mayors in August, the state legislators stated their goal was to reduce property taxes by consolidating similar services provided by each Island city. “If the purpose of this study is to reduce taxes, which is what they said at the very beginning, there might be some good in this,” Murphy said. However, noting that Anna Maria’s property tax millage rate is 2.05 mills and Bradenton’s millage rate is 5.8 mills, he added, “Can you imagine what that would do to your taxes?” Short noted the two biggest tax levies on an Anna Maria property owner’s tax bill are the taxes levied by

Manatee County and the taxes levied by the Manatee County school district. Short said property taxes levied by the city of Anna Maria only account for approximately 10% of a property owner’s total tax bill. “I think this is something we can embrace and we might get some good out of it and we might be able to shave people’s tax bills,” Murphy said. “I met with a couple yesterday who showed me their tax bill of $50,000 for their home. They’re not homesteaded. They’re retirees from Atlanta. They built a house and didn’t take into consideration the tax implications. Granted, a lot of that is the school board and Manatee County, but a portion of it is ours. I think the push in the next budget year is to reduce our ad valorem taxes. If OPPAGA can help us do that, let’s do it. If we can reduce taxes, we can attract more people to live here,” Murphy said. Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I’m going to exercise my right to be a little skeptical.” During public input, Anna Maria resident John Kolojeski suggested the city do some legal research on annexation and whether the state Legislature can force a community to be annexed into another community.

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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THE SUN

Volunteer rebuilds museum’s picnic tables The Anna Maria Island Historical Society thanks museum volunteer extraordinaire Bill Romberger for recently rebuilding the wooden picnic tables at the AMI Historical Museum park. Historical Society board member Barbara Murphy said the 10-year-old tables had become unsafe and the Historical Society greatly appreciates Romberger’s volunteer efforts.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The rebuilt picnic tables are located on the museum grounds.

Artists’ Guild spotlights giving thanks

created by gallery member artists. The gallery is located at 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s (AGAMI) monthly window theme for November is Thanksgiving, Giving Thanks. Each month, AGAMI has a new theme in the front window showcase, featuring works of art

Art workshops at Annie Silver Acclaimed for his Florida watercolor landscapes, Robert Reiber has taught painting in the Manatee County school district

for more than 30 years, and is sharing his talents at watercolor workshops at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. The workshops are scheduled on Thursday mornings from 9-11:30 a.m., except on Thanksgiving Day. For more information, text 941-524-9951 or email reiberart@ aol.com.

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24 THE SUN

OUTDOORS

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

Bahamas fishing with Rusty Chinnis… Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

ishing the Bahamas or any other destination always seems to offer challenges as well as rewards. This annual trip to the Bahamas has checked both those boxes. The trip had a damp element at the beginning, when a tropical disturbance dropped a record amount of rain on south Florida the night after we departed Fort Lauderdale. The ride was bumpy as gusts of wind from the advancing front buffeted the Makers airplane and resulted in a sprint to the door of the Andros Town International Airport. The first two days proved challenging as wind, clouds and high tides resulted in neither myself nor my partner, Anna Maria resident Bill Partridge, landing a single bonefish. The last two days proved to be a totally different experience as winds calmed, the sun made an appearance and we were able to each land between 15-18 fish. More on this trip next week!

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Above, a bonefish flat in Andro’s Middle Bight. Left, Anna Maria resident Bill Partridge with an Andros bonefish. RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Rusty Chinnis and Bill Partridge with one of a number of doubles the duo landed when the sun made an appearance.

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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… and Capt. Rick Grassett CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

I hosted a group of friends and clients at Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge in South Andros, Bahamas on my recent annual trip. Stewart Lavelle, of Sarasota, Kirk Grassett, of Middletown, Delaware, Rick Happle, of St. Petersburg, Bill Crelin, of Wisconsin and I drove from Sarasota to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. We met up with other group members, John, of New York, Joe Nourigat, of Maryland and Tracy and Cullen Baker, of North Carolina and traveled to Congotown, South Andros on Makers Air. Conditions were good most of the time, with good sunlight and not a lot of wind. We waded vast sand flats and also fished from flats skiffs for everything from large cruising or tailing single and double bonefish to large schools of fish. We had good action most days and there were also a couple of slower days. There were numerous bonefish in the 4- to 6-pound class and several 8- to 9-pound fish caught and released. Top producing flies during the week were Peterson’s Spawning Shrimp, Fitz flies, Ververka’s Mantis Shrimp, Gotchas and Gotcha variations.

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUN

South Andros, Bahamas, looks otherwordly from the air. Bill Howard, the resident owner/ operator, does a great job of making things run smoothly at the lodge. We dined on a variety of excellent authentic Bahamian dishes, including fresh fish, lobster and conch. One of the best things about Mars Bay Lodge, the southernmost lodge on South Andros, is fishing the vast sand flats and scattered mangrove keys to the south. Being the southernmost lodge on South Andros also means about a 10-mile shorter boat run each way and more fishing! South Andros has got to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth! This trip, as well as

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUN

Kirk Grassett, of Middletown, Delaware, with a Mars Bay 'cuda. my Montana trip, are annual trips, so if you have an interest in any future trips, contact me or go to the Destination Trips page of my websites. Back home in Sarasota, deep grass

flats of Sarasota Bay have been producing trout, blues and pompano on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Tripletail have also been a good option depending on conditions.

FROM

MANATEES

AND MASTODONS

METEORITES THERE’S SOMETHING HERE FOR EVERYONE!

COME DISCOVER THE BISHOP!

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature 201 10th Street West • Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-4131 • info@bishopscience.org www.BishopScience.org

26 THE SUN

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AME principal celebrates birthday Anna Maria Elementary School Principal Mike Masiello celebrated a milestone 60th birthday with staff and students on Nov. 17. They threw Mr. Masiello a party with cake, pizza and other treats. Masiello is in his third school year since taking over as principal after the retirement of former Principal Jackie Featherston.

AME PTO | SUBMITTED

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH 11/11, 12:08 a.m., criminal mischief, 106 Ninth St. N. The officer was dispatched on a vandalism call. The victim told the officer that a family member may have vandalized his truck, breaking the windshield, slashing the tires and causing other exterior damage. The victim said he had gotten texts from his brother-in-law, who had threatened him. The officer tried unsuccessfully to make contact with the suspect. No camera footage was available and the incident was closed pending further investigation.

THE SUN

HOLMES BEACH 11/10, 11:45 a.m., information, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer was dispatched to the Manatee Beach parking lot regarding a vehicle vandalism. The victim told the officer that when she began to pull into an open parking spot, a man standing in the space attempted to hold the spot for another vehicle. When she began to pull in, the man began cursing and shouting at her, then walked away. Upon returning to her car, the victim said there were scratch marks along the entire passenger side of her car and around her door handle. There were no cameras in the area, and no suspect could be identified.

11/15, 2:55 a.m., possession of controlled substance, 4100 Gulf Drive. While conducting speed enforcement on Manatee Avenue, the officer stopped a vehicle for traveling 58 mph in a 35 mph zone. When the officer asked the female driver if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, she said no, and consented to a search of the vehicle without the officer asking to do so. The officer found a plastic bag in the door containing two white pills, later identified as Xanax. The driver denied having knowledge of the pills, and since they were in the passenger side door, her male passenger was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and taken to Manatee County Jail. The driver was issued a citation for speeding and released from the scene.

Bradenton Beach police accepting food donations The Bradenton Beach Police Department is collecting donations of food for the Manatee County Food Bank’s annual food drive. Police will be accepting non-perishable food items at the Christmas on Bridge Street event on Saturday, Dec. 2 that begins at 10:30 a.m. Donations also will be accepted on Thursdays

at the police department, 403 Highland Ave., until the week before Christmas. “The Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization based in Manatee County, and has provided over 58 million pounds of food since 1985 for local children, families and seniors,” according to the food bank website. “The Food Bank

of Manatee provides nutritional assistance and caring, supportive services to individuals in need throughout Manatee County by distributing food through local non-profit partner agencies and food pantries and through direct services to the community.”

FRESH BEACH DINING SINCE 1993 Scan to see our menu 200 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach, FL beachhousedining.com

28 THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 22, 2023

TREE: Lights up Bridge Street FROM PAGE 1 was given the honor this year of lighting the tree. “He also brought a vision to this street, always a positive influence and is definitely a part of what makes this street what it is today,” Baldwin said of Cuervo. Cuervo wished the crowd a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The illuminated tree brought cheers from the crowd. The 42-foot tree, located at the post office on Bridge Street, lights up the night sky with more than 20,000 lights. Following the tree lighting, the movie, “Elf,” was played on an outdoor screen. The holiday event was sponsored by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the city of Bradenton Beach and local merchants. Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby said the tree lighting typically attracts around 1,0001,200 people to Bridge Street.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Above,former Drift In owners Joe and Angie Cuervo helped light the tree. Left, Michael, Mickey and Liam get into the holiday spirit at the Bridge Street Christmas tree lighting. LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Santa and Mrs. Claus are seated by the tree before the Bridge Street Christmas tree lighting.

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

FOOD & WINE

THE SUN

Baked pears warm the holidays

Brian Mathae

Baked Pears (4 servings)

Ingredients

2 large ripe pears 2 teaspoons honey, plus more to finish 1/4 cup crushed walnuts 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 4 cinnamon sticks for garnish 1 cup Greek yogurt (optional)

HURRICANE HANKS

had put so much energy into the renovation of Hurricane Liquors that when we finally reopened, I was desperate for a vacation. I was happy to go anywhere as long as the destination allowed me some time to unwind, relax and let the worries of the businesses be a minor thought, if one at all. We are fan favorites of France because of the beautiful architecture, clean streets and, of course, the ever-so-wonderful food and wine. France is one of the few places where, when we vacation there, we actually lose weight in spite of eating and drinking well. I believe it to be the purity of their food, additive-free in all aspects, that not only makes it taste so good but is actually better for the human body. So it was a slam dunk to pick France as our somewhat impromptu vacation destination. This time we chose to spend far less time in Paris and instead focus on a few of the wine regions. Chateauneuf du Pape was one of the regions we visited. We stayed in the beautiful city of Avignon. I studied the

Directions

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French language for a few years while going to school in Canada so I should have been able to automatically translate the meaning of Chateauneuf du Pape, but never really paid much attention to it for all these years. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it literally translates to “the pope’s new castle.” Starting in 1309, seven successive popes resided in Avignon, a beautiful walled city with the UNESCO world heritage site, the “Palais des Papes,” in the center of it. The massive Papal Palace is an amazing example of

Gothic architecture from the 14th century. I am always in awe of the preservation of buildings in Europe and how today’s residents walk the same streets people did centuries ago. I find great internal peace when walking in these cities and imagining all those who walked before us. I highly recommend Avignon as a travel destination, particularly if you enjoy touring local wineries as part of your vacation. It was a stunning experience. We did visit other regions in France and other countries on this trip, but I will save

those stories for a future edition as I do want to get on to the food recipe. We flew on Air France and on the return flight, I was served pears poached with spices and orange segments as a dessert. It tasted absolutely delightful. I hadn’t enjoyed pears in quite some time and forgot how a little heat and a few sweet accompaniments can enhance their flavor. I wasn’t able to coerce the recipe out of the Michelin-rated chef for Air France, so instead I pulled an old favorite out of the books for today. Baking pears will unlock flavor and

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the pears in half lengthwise and place on a lined baking sheet. If the pears don’t lay perfectly flat, you can cut a sliver off the round on the bottom to help with their stability. Scoop out the seeds and core with a small spoon or melon baller. Sprinkle each half with cinnamon, evenly distribute the walnuts to the pear cavities and drizzle 1/2 teaspoon of honey over each one. Bake for about 30 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the walnuts are not burning. Remove and allow to cool. When ready to serve you can top with a scoop of Greek yogurt and another drizzle of honey. create a delicate texture that makes this ever so enjoyable. I think it's a great recipe for the holidays as it’s relatively easy to pull together when you are already so busy, plus it’s that combination of flavors that gives you warmth and comfort in these cooler days. We do hope you enjoy.

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30 THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

Be thankful - maybe

omorrow is Thanksgiving and in spite of or because of our current housing market, we have much to be thankful for. Not everyone in the world can live in their own home, especially in such a beautiful place. Nevertheless, we need to be vigilant because nothing is ever free. According to Forbes, as of Nov. 16, the average 30-year home mortgage is 7.83% and the average 15-year home mortgage is 7.06%, down slightly from previous weeks. This may not sound great, but the good news is the rates are going down and are somewhat stable. In addition, the Federal Reserve did not raise rates during its last meeting and has signaled they may be holding steady for a while. The stock market heard this loud and clear and has been improving almost every day. However, buyers who are actively looking for a new home and a new mortgage still aren’t too happy. To find a way to

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER address the buyer’s reluctance to enter into an 8% mortgage, some lenders are offering programs that include future refinance for free. Of course, lenders are looking to fill the hole left by retreating buyers who cannot bring themselves to sign on for an almost 8% home mortgage and attract new borrowers. But is this really a good deal for buyers? Nothing in the mortgage industry is free and signing on to what looks like a good deal may bite you down the road. Every lender has its own program with a different set of incentives that can be confusing to even astute buyers.

Usually, lenders will give some borrowers a certificate or another type of IOU that gives them access to a credit that can be used to pay for some of the costs associated with a future refinance. Other lenders may roll the future closing costs into the loan amount or waive lender fees and/or appraisal fees for a future refinance. The average closing costs for a singlefamily refinance are approximately $2,500. A lender could offer a credit somewhere between $1,500 and $3,000 for a future refinancing but if the closing costs in the future are less, the difference will not be refunded to you. Also, buy now/refinance later mortgages may have higher initial fees or interest rates or come with time limits. Since no one knows what the rates will be in the future or what your particular lender will offer down the road, you could be signing up for an unknown. Part of that unknown is

whether your credit rating declines or your property value drops and you don’t qualify for a refinance. It’s always nice to see new ideas that may be available to help buyers, but it might be more beneficial to focus on what you can afford now; don’t assume that the rates will fall in the future and allow you to take advantage of your previous credit. Refinancing any mortgage is always an option and if interest rates do drop, you’re not tied in to one lender, you can see what the competition is offering at that time. I’m not saying there may not be some great buy now/refinance later programs out there that will be the perfect fit for your finances now, I’m just saying think about the future before you obligate yourself. Tomorrow be thankful for your family, friends and a bounty of food. Also be thankful for American ingenuity, it makes our country special and offers options for every buyer. Happy Thanksgiving.

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NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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THE SUN

P&Z: Unanimously recommends approval of hotel project FROM PAGE 5 reduce the number of parking spaces, the applicant shall use the special use permit process; • The applicant shall provide landscaping and physical barriers to the existing landscape easement along Gulf Drive. City staff had also recommended that the hotel be furnished with blackout curtains and educational materials about the protection of sea turtles and prevention of lighting from rooms facing the beach and that the applicants provide an easement for access to the trash receptacles at Daiquiri Deck at 107 Bridge St.

DENSITY VS. FLOOR AREA RATIO

A disagreement between land use experts on allowable criteria - density versus floor area ratio - for the hotel was put to rest from the city’s perspective by City Planner Luis Serna. Misty Servia, former Manatee County commissioner and a certified land use planner with 34 years of experience, said on Nov. 1 that the city’s comprehensive plan limits hotel density to just 18 units per acre. Servia read from the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

“This policy states that hotel/motel/ transient units are limited to 18 units per gross acre,” Servia said. “That’s very important because that’s also transcribed in your zoning and Land Development Code. The Comp Plan cannot be modified with the PUD zoning, and your comp plan limits the density to 18 hotel units per acre.” The proposed 106-room project on 1.61 acres is clearly inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, she said. “The number of units should be decreased to 28 hotel rooms,” Servia said. Susan Swift, AICE certified planner, representing the project applicants, disputed Servia’s claim that 18 units per acre applies to hotels. “That density is meant for residential,” Swift said. “We don’t use units per acre, we use Floor Area Ratio for commercial use.” Serna said that because the hotel is commercial, the floor area ratio standard applies. “It is my opinion that the application as proposed is within the PD (planned development) guidelines of the code and the comp plan specifically with regard to density,” Serna said. “As a PD, they can request more density.”

Serna noted the city has taken that position with other planned developments approved recently. “There’s language in the comp plan that states a hotel is commercial and therefore is subject to floor area ratio rather than density,” Serna said. “Based on that, it’s our opinion they can proceed with the requested density as part of the PD.” Morhaus questioned the guidelines in the comprehensive plan that allow for just 18 units per acre. “They can vary setbacks as part of a planned development and density is part of that,” Serna said. “They amend or present their own standards of development and that’s what the PD drawings are for. It’ll be to approve this specific plan of development. That’s within the bounds of the comp plan and the code.”

APPLICANT REBUTTAL

The applicants were represented by Bradenton land use attorney Stephen Thompson of the Najmy-Thompson law firm, architect Shaun Luttrell, traffic engineer Jay Calhoun and Swift. Luttrell presented a Nov. 9 memorandum summarizing the applicant’s response to planning and zoning concerns and questions from the Nov. 1 meeting.

In that memorandum, Luttrell proposed that 17 parking spaces along Third Street be counted toward the off-street parking tabulation, offered free public parking in nine of the 17 parking spots with direct access from Third Street and offered that the applicant open the hotel parking lot to the public as paid valet parking. In the parking tabulation, there were 140 parking spaces required for the hotel, open-air restaurant, putt-putt golf and retail. Applicants requested a 29.1% parking exception, lowering the number of provided spots to 99. Luttrell also said that in an attempt to limit the number of hotel guests with cars, a credit voucher toward local retail will be provided to those who use rideshare services or taxi to and from the airport. Board members expressed concerns about parking, particularly the use of public spaces on Third Street and hotel check-in spaces on Bridge Street, noise from the rooftop deck, traffic and delivery and garbage truck clearances. A public hearing in front of the city commission on the hotel project is scheduled on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive.

32 THE SUN

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Key Royale golfers tie it up Seventy-five golfers played in the annual Key Royale Club "Welcome Back Scramble" on Nov. 10. To accommodate all the players, the course was modified to all par three holes and golfers played in fivesomes with a par 27. The team of Chuck Bode, Chet Hutton, Joe Ireland, Jim McParland and Mike Riddick tied the team of Chris Arendt, Richard Brown, David Julian, Eric Lawson and Steve Martins with a score of 24, 3 under par. The highlight of the day was David Julian's hole-in-one on the sixth hole from 130 yards. Bob Reid won closest to the pin on hole #8 at 8' 3''. Mickey Paine beat out all the ladies in the chipping contest while Tom Nelson and Don Tilden tied for the men.

From left, Jim McParland, Chet Hutton, Mike Riddick, Joe Ireland and Chuck Bode. SUBMITTED

From left, Eric Lawson, Chris Arendt, David Julian, Steve Martins and Richard Brown. SUBMITTED

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NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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THE SUN

OBITUARIES Mary Elizabeth Robinson

Mary Elizabeth Robinson (née Morrow) passed away on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Seminole, Florida, surrounded by loving family and friends. She was a resident of Holmes Beach, Florida, for four years. She was 79. Mary Beth, as she was known, was born on June 16, 1944, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Mary and Charles Morrow. She was an

alumna of St. Agnes Academy and attended dental assistant school after high school. She married (the late) Jack O’Connell in 1966. They lived in Indiana, New York, Illinois and Ohio, moving to Seminole in 1980 and raising two children. Mary Beth was an entrepreneur and had two successful start-up businesses. Proudly, she was a professional picture framer for 27 years. She made children’s toys for ToyMakers of East Lake. She was an accomplished landscape artist, sculptor, loved kayaking and was an avid gardener. On Oct. 2, 2017, Mary Beth married Nick Rose, who died shortly after they were married. On June 13, 2021, she married Al Robinson and resided at their beach home on Anna Maria Island

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where they enjoyed nightly sunsets with their precious dog, Lexi. Mary Beth treasured her family and friends and took great pride in her children and five grandchildren. She traveled extensively to Europe, South America and the Caribbean. Mary Beth is survived by her husband, Al Robinson; her two children, Patty Guenther and Brian O’Connell; grandchildren, Zachary, Emma and Aidan Guenther and Spencer and Riley O’Connell; and sisters, Connie Henn and Terri Smith of Indianapolis and Sue Morrow of Athens, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mesothelioma Foundation. A memorial service will be held in the near future on Anna Maria Island.

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34 THE SUN

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Gilbert to retire next month Bradenton Beach Building Official Steve Gilbert will be replaced by Darin Cushing. BY LESLIE LAKE

SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – After nearly 16 years with the City of Bradenton Beach, Building Official Steve Gilbert announced on Nov. 16 that he will retire on Dec. 15. “My wife and I have been planning this date for two years,” he said. Gilbert has a wealth of knowledge and experience. He is a certified state standard inspector in commercial building, plumbing, single family, structural, plumbing, electrical and mechanical. He has a certification for coastal construction and is certified in plans examination for building, plumbing and single-family residential and is a certified building official and flood plain manager. He said he’ll be spending the next several months working on projects around his home. Gilbert will be replaced by Darin Cushing, former Longboat Key building official and deputy building official of Palm Coast. Gilbert said that Cushing is wellqualified as a certified building official

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Incoming city building official Darin Cushing, right, sits behind retiring building official Steve Gilbert and city planner Luis Serna, foreground, at a recent public hearing. and a certified flood plain manager with experience, and noted he’s worked in Palmetto, Bradenton, Longboat Key and the east coast of Florida. “We’ve been trying to get him up to speed. He’s been a building official long enough to know there’s always skeletons that will fall out of the closet at some point,” Gilbert said. “It’s just a matter of being able to know where to get the information so you have a framework and point of reference to move forward from.”

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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THE SUN

Teams smiledeep for Center soccer JACKSON PAKBAZ SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA - Beloved soccer coach Paul Hayward was honored at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Nov. 11 with the second smiledeep soccer tournament, which raised funds for The Center’s soccer program. Hayward, affectionately known as Ace, died on Feb. 26, 2015, after living with cancer for several years. Hayward played for Bethany College and was inducted into the Bethany College Hall of Fame in 1994-95 for his contributions to soccer. He coached at the NCAA level for nine seasons before moving to Florida. When he relocated to the Island, Hayward brought his talents to the community center, where he played pick-up soccer games and held soccer academy camps for kids. Hayward’s key coaching philosophy was making kids feel important. Through coaching on the Island and at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School in Bradenton, Hayward passed along his love for the game of soccer, a life-long passion. The smiledeep soccer fundraiser tournament and its participants help ensure his mission endures.

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The youth 8- to 10-year-old tournament had teams Magic and Pickle competing for the big win. In the end, it was team Pickle who emerged victorious. The first smiledeep soccer tournament was held on May 17, 2014, as a fundraiser to benefit Hayward. Nineteen teams of children and adults turned up to support Hayward, who was in attendance for the inaugural event. As reported in the Anna Maria Island Sun at the time, Hayward was humbled by the experience, saying, “I can’t believe this is for me.” This year, Hayward's sister and brother-in-law, Carolann and Jim Malenfant of Toronto, Canada, were in attendance. His nephew, Jeff Malen-

fant, their son, played in this year’s tournament with new Island friends on team Ross Built Custom Homes, who welcomed him on their squad for a fun day on the pitch. The smiledeep planning committee organized the 4 v. 4 fundraiser to close out The Center’s fall soccer season. Ten adult teams and three youth teams registered for the 2023 tournament. Kicking off the action was the youth 8- to 10-year-old tournament with team Magic, Solid Rock Construction

and Pickle all competing for the big win. In the end, it was team Pickle who won the championship against Solid Rock for youth top honors. The adult soccer action did not disappoint. Each team played hard in the group stage, and eight teams made it into single elimination tournament play. The skill level was high and the short games were extremely competitive. The championship game saw team Mariner Strikers win against the Bins Be Clean squad. Alongside event sponsors Bins Be Clean and Nephroresearch, other local businesses provided support, including The Sandbar Restaurant, Sarasota Paradise, MuniPlan, Pool America, Sato Real Estate, Stand Up Pools and Ross Built Custom Homes. The after-tournament gathering was hosted by Slim's Place, which also sponsored tournament prizes. Custom designs by Amy Talucci’s company, Gnarly Mangrove, adorned tournament prizes. With the support of sponsors, The Center was able to purchase five sets of goals and soccer balls for their soccer program.

40 THE SUN

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

'Bean' boots Gulf Drive’s championship shot BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – Center soccer play ended last week with six teams playing for three championship titles. Monday night started with semifinal playoff games for youth soccer. In the 8- to 10-year-old league, top-ranked team Moss Builders lost the first age group game against team Adrian Griffin Interiors in an overtime shootout after the 0-0 regulation time finish. Solid Rock Construction eked out the win, moving on to the championship game against Adrian Griffin Interiors, after a 1-1 tie against team Am I Coconuts? by a single goal in the shootout. The semifinal games for the older youth players were not as close. The 11- to 14-year-old league play started with Solid Rock winning over The Gitt Team - KW on the Water by four goals. In the final game last Monday night, the top-seed Cheesecake Cuties team outscored HSH Designs by seven goals. The Cuties’ win put them up against the second-ranked Solid Rock team the next night in the championship match-up in youth soccer. Kicking off Tuesday night soccer, James Roadman’s Solid Rock Construction could not compete against the tough Adrian Griffin Interiors team in the 8- to 10-year-old championship game. With the final score 7-1, Jordy Perez had a hat trick for the winners. Teammates Phoenix Harwood and Jackson Griffin each had a goal in the game. With two points, Joseph Caballero scored two points to help his team earn the win. Andre Harwood made 10 big stops for the Adrian Griffin Interiors team. Carson Long worked hard at the goal with nine saves for Solid Rock Construction. Sam Raulerson got one past A. Harwood for a solo goal for his team. Solid Rock showed a never-quit spirit on the field for two full halves of play,

ending the season strong. The Adrian Griffin Interiors team, led by coach Jesse Griffin, set the stage for their victory with a huge victory against Moss Builders in the semifinal round. Last Tuesday night’s final game showed strong efforts on both sides of the field as the Cheesecake Cuties, coached by Keith Mahoney, narrowly defeated the Solid Rock Construction team in the 11- to 14-year-old league championship game. Thomas Kelly led the defensive charge with nine saves for the Cuties. Jack Zaccagnino stopped eight strikes for Solid Rock. On offense, the single goal by Luke Dellenger just was not enough for the Solid Rock Construction team, coached by J. Roadman. Three goals by three players solidified the Cheesecake Cuties place on the top of the rankings for the age division. Closing out the action-packed season and nail-biting playoff series, the adult co-ed recreational soccer finals were played last Thursday night. After over 45 minutes of regulation play, Gulfview Windows & Doors faced Gulf Drive Café utilizing the Golden Goal rule. After letting one in during the final seconds of the game, Gulf Drive’s Tyler “Bean” Brewer was the first to score in overtime, winning the game for his team. Gulf Drive Café’s Helio Gomez scored the first two goals for the team, while Jesus Martinez and Amber Augustine got the soccer ball past Charles “Tuna” McCracken. McCracken, the league’s leading goalkeeper, had 11 saves in the final game of the season. The two Gulfview goals by Martinez and Augustine were capped off by team captain Keith Mahoney. Mahoney snuck the ball away from Brewer in front of the Gulf Drive goal, leading to the third Gulfview goal with McCracken caught off guard. Heating up the field, Gulf Drive’s captain, Kevin Roman, was left just enough time in the game to dominate and strike.

Roman’s shot sped past Gulfview keeper, Raul Loera, at the lower left corner of the goal to tie the championship game 3-3 at the whistle. Brewer’s OT goal captured the Paul “Ace” Hayward championship for team Gulf Drive Café. As a player at The Center since he was 4 years old, the big win is Brewer’s first soccer championship in his 17 years of playing on the Island’s pitch. Soccer moves to the gymnasium in 2024 with indoor soccer action for both kids and adults. Walls, balls and high-speed action starts in January.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

8- to 10-year-old league youth soccer champions, Adrian Griffin Interiors, are, bottom row from left, Owen Serra, Jordy Perez, Andre Harwood, Abigail Barber, Jackson Griffin, Joseph Caballero, Everly Chaplinksy and Phoenix Harwood. Top row from left are Coach Mark Barber, Coach Charlie Serra and Coach Jesse Griffin.

SUN SCOREBOARD NOV. 13 YOUTH SOCCER – SEMIFINAL GAMES 8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

#1 Moss Builders 0 #4 Adrian Griffin Interiors 0 winner in overtime PKs (4-2) #2 Solid Rock Construction 1 winner in overtime PKs (3-2) #6 Am I Coconuts? 1

11- TO 14-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

#2 Solid Rock Construction #3 The Gitt Team KW On The Water

#1 Cheesecake Cuties #4 HSH Design

8 1

NOV. 14 YOUTH SOCCER – CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES 8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE #4 Adrian Griffin Interiors #2 Solid Rock Construction

11- TO 14-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

#1 Cheesecake Cuties #2 Solid Rock Construction

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

11- to 14-year-old league youth soccer champions, team Cheesecake Cutie, are, from left, Coach Keith Mahoney, Maggie Niedzwick, Charlee Maize, T.J. Hagey, Preston LaPensee, Owen Purcell, Gunnar Maize, Theo Aupelle, Kegan McGlade, Thomas Holly, Coach Dave Hagey and Josiah McDonald.

7 1 3 1

NOV. 16 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER – CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

#5 Gulfview Windows & Doors 3 #2 Gulf Drive Café 3 winner in overtime PKs (1-0) MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Adult soccer champions, team Gulf Drive Café, are, top row from left, Juan Vega, Eliza Falliace, Kevin Roman, Tyler Brewer, Javier Rivera, Flavio Olvera and Jana Whitehead. Bottom row from left are Alejandro Aviles, Charles “Tuna” McCracken and Helio Gomez.

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Mixes in 5 Pricing word 9 Tidied, as a lawn 14 "An Officer and a Gentleman" star 15 Run the show 16 Many a flower girl 17 Lotion component 18 Wyoming national park 20 Charmin maker, familiarly 22 Put forward 23 Needle hole 24 Nocturnal birds of prey 26 Chicken tikka __ 30 "Everything must go" event 32 De-pleat? 34 Hor. map line 35 Guitar lesson basics 37 Military title for POTUS 38 JFK alternative 39 "Tabula rasa" philoso-

Answers to 11-15-23 Crossword Puzzle

pher John 40 Video chat annoyance 41 Live coal 43 Hobbit enemy 44 __ polish 46 "The View" Emmy winner Shepherd 47 Purpose 48 Gurgling sound 49 Post-WWII alliance 50 "Wiggle" singer Jason 52 Sushi prep verb 54 Brewpub barrel 57 Meditate on 59 Gibbons of talk TV 61 "No need to mince words" 65 __ pricing 66 Think alike 67 "West Side Story" pair 68 Old character 69 The Brownings, e.g. 70 Garden annoyance

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71 Newspaper commentary Down 1 Obviously impressed 2 Supply chain inconvenience 3 Sport with teams of quadcopters 4 Tourney rank 5 Rowing machine, informally 6 Hearing-related 7 Period of the Peloponnesian Wars 8 Layers on a farm 9 Foyer 10 Eating patterns 11 Word before "Shorty," "Smart," "Hard," and "Out," in film titles 12 Environmental prefix 13 Bear's lair 19 Evil spirit 21 Hollywood Foreign Press Association awards 25 Director Craven 27 Emotionally crushed, and an apt description of the circled elements in this puzzle? 28 Beer choice 29 Centipede maker 31 Ararat lander 33 Semi 35 Billowy mass 36 Belmont Stakes racer 40 Shang-Chi player Simu

42 Converged 45 Without help 46 Punkie Johnson's NBC show 51 Part of a Cinderella story

53 Give a speech 55 Online periodical 56 __ community 58 Common result in championship chess 60 Currency symbolized

by € 61 Track circuit 62 Self-image 63 Italian three 64 Psychedelic letters

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NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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NOVEMBER 22, 2023