- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -
VOL 20 No. 3
October 30, 2019
Charter amendments explained Almost two dozen people attended a town hall in Holmes Beach where the discussion focused on the proposed charter amendments up for a vote in November. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
Farmer’s market returns JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Flower power: Dominga’s Flowers is a new addition to the market. Story and photos on Page16.
HOLMES BEACH – Voters in Holmes Beach have more than their candidates for commissioner to choose from when they go to the polls. Also on the November ballot are eight proposed charter amendments styled as yes or no questions. To help voters decide how to cast their ballots, city leaders asked Charter Review Commission Chair Ed Upshaw to host a town hall meeting where the ballot questions were explained and residents could ask questions about the proposed amendments. About two dozen people attended the Oct. 23 town hall meeting where Upshaw presented the eight questions along with the reasoning behind each one and answered questions from community members. SEE CHARTER, PAGE 32
Pier issues present additional challenges In addition to the stalled lease negotiations, a conflict has arisen between the architect and the engineering firm. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy will seek city commission authorization to prepare a request for proposals (RFP) for the potential lease of the cityowned restaurant and bait shop buildings being built on the new City Pier. On Oct. 24, Murphy told the city commission that on Nov. 7 he would formally request authorization to prepare a pier lease RFP as part of
INSIDE NEWS 4 CALENDAR 7 OUTDOORS 24-25 ENTERTAINMENT 26 REAL ESTATE 30-33 SPORTS 34 CROSSWORD 36
the city’s ongoing efforts to secure a pier tenant. In late September, Murphy emailed current pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder two options for a new 10-year lease. Murphy proposed either an initial base rent of $21,600 per month or an initial base rent of $18,900 per month with an additional $250,000 up-front payment due upon signing. Schoenfelder rejected those proposed terms and referred to his own previous offer to pay the city a base rent of $12,000 per month. Schoenfelder’s current lease expires in December 2020. “His final offer is due to the city by December 13,” Murphy told the commission. SEE PIER, PAGE 33
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
It is not yet known who will occupy these new buildings being built at the T-end of Anna Maria’s new City Pier.
STONE Crab Festival
SYMPHONY ON the Sand tickets
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9 and 10. 3
now available. 9
Anna Maria Island, Florida
LUNCHEON concludes turtle
nesting season. 22 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com
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OCTOBER 30, 2019
OCTOBER 30, 2019
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Stone crabs coming in, festival follows BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
CORTEZ – All the hard work preparing stone crab traps last month in the historic fishing village of Cortez is starting to pay off, judging from the haul since the start of stone crab season on Oct. 15. You can get fresh, local stone crab claws in several locations in Cortez, including Cortez Bait and Seafood, where James “Wyre” Lee says they’re starting to roll in, and Star Fish Co., supplied by the fishing fleet at A.P. Bell Fish Co. Prices range from under $10 a pound for floaters, which have less meat, to more than $30 a pound for jumbo crab claws. Stone crab claws are beginning to appear on local menus, too. And they will be the featured attraction at the free 8th Annual Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival the weekend of Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10. Also on the bill of fare is fresh seafood and beer, with live music, local art and a kid’s play area. Stone crab claws are uniquely sustainable, since they can be eaten
CINDY LANE | SUN
All the preparation for stone crab season is starting to pay off for the fishing village of Cortez. without harm to the crab. Crabbers usually pinch off only one of the crab’s two claws, depending on size, releasing the crab back into the water where it can still grab food for itself. Cortez is ready for a good stone crab season; a lingering red tide was responsible for a dismal season last year. So far this season, only background concentrations of the toxic algae have been detected in Manatee County waters. Background concentrations have no effect on shellfish, other marine life or people, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
If you go... Who: You, stone crabs What: The 8th Annual Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival, featuring fresh seafood, beer, live music, local art and a kid’s play area When: Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar, 4628 119th St. W., Cortez; Marker 49 by boat. How much: Free
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ISLAND NEWS
Parade participants wanted
Buy Candy Grams at AME Just in time for Halloween, the Kiwanis K-Kids at Anna Maria Elementary School are selling Candy Grams for 50-cents each to support the Honeybee Conservancy Project. The sale runs from Tuesday, Oct 29 through Thursday, Oct. 31. The students will be looking for customers. Feel free to drop by if you like the cause.
Wildlife fundraiser Saturday The Drift In’s Rock & Blues Festival on Saturday, Nov. 2, will also serve as a fundraiser for the Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center. Beginning at 12:45 p.m., the music festival will feature performances by Concrete Edgar, Tommy Balbo & The Collective and Dos Macs with Steve Arvey. Gift baskets, gift certificates and other items donated by local businesses will be raffled off and silent auctioned as part of the fundraising efforts. The Drift In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, is also accepting cash donations and checks made payable to Wildlife Inc. Founded and operated by Ed and Gail Straight and based in Bradenton Beach, Wildlife Inc. rescues and rehabilitates injured and orphaned birds, animals and other wildlife.
Center hosts Veterans Day Camp The Center of Anna Maria Island is offering a solution for parents who have to work on Veterans Day. The nonprofit will host a Veterans Day Camp for students ages 5-12 on Monday, Nov. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Campers are asked to bring a packed lunch and wear red, white and blue since the group will be participating in the Old Soldiers and Sailors Veterans Day Parade on Pine Avenue. The cost is $45 for members, $55 for non-members and $25 for children already enrolled in The Center’s Beyond the Classroom afterschool program. For more information, or to register, contact Ashley Friszman at 941-778-1908, ashley@centerami.org, visit The Center at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria, or register online at www.centerami.org.
OCTOBER 30, 2019
Lay-By resort sold to Nashville-based LLC
IN BRIEF
The city of Anna Maria wants local businesses and organizations to participate in the annual Old Soldiers and Old Sailors Parade that will travel down Pine Avenue at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11. The parade will feature and celebrate the area’s military veterans, joined by military vehicles, marching bands, the musical duo Brigid’s Cross, floats, historic vehicles and walking groups representing local organizations. The deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 4. Applications can be downloaded at www.cityofannamaria.com or obtained from the city clerk’s office. The parade will conclude at City Pier Park, where the Veterans Day ceremonies will take place, followed by a free ice cream social at the nearby AMI Historical Museum. For more information, call 941-708-6130.
Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
Those involved in the real estate transaction have not yet confirmed the identities of the new buyers. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The Lay-By resort has been sold to Nashvillebased Coasting LLC and there is much speculation as to whether a pair of married country music stars are behind the recent purchase. The property at 105 White Ave. has long served as a resort for employees of the Norfolk Southern Corporation, including its subsidiary, the Norfolk Southern Railway. According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the property sold for $8.825 million. The warranty deed posted at the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller website dated Friday, Oct. 18 lists Georgiabased Southern Region Industrial Realty Inc. as the seller. The buyer is listed as Coasting LLC, a Florida limited liability company with a Nashville, Tenn. mailing address. According to the Florida Division of Corporations website, Coasting LLC filed its articles of organization on Sept. 24. Using a Nashville address, Cheryl S. Harris is listed as Coasting LLC’s manager. Harris is a partner at O’Neil Hagaman LLC, a Nashville-based business management and consulting firm that is dedicated solely to the entertainment industry, according to its Linkedin page, which also notes that the company’s clients include entertainers, record labels and industry executives. Harris is listed in several trade publications as the business manager for country music artist Garth Brooks. When contacted on Friday, Oct. 25, Harris declined comment on the Lay-By sale and the parties involved. CT Corporations Systems in Plantation is listed as the LLC’s registered agent and that Florida firm also declined comment. As of Friday, Norfolk Southern’s
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Coasting LLC bought the Lay-By resort in Holmes Beach. media department had not responded to phone and email inquiries regarding the Lay-By sale.
FAMOUS NEW OWNERS?
On Friday, Oct. 18, Cindy Quinn, a real estate associate with the RE/ MAX Alliance Group in Holmes Beach, commented on the sale on her Facebook page. “Rumor has it Garth Brooks just purchased the ‘Layby,’ a gulf front 2 acre estate that was used as a retreat for the Norfolk Southern Railroad employees, for $8,825,000 on Anna Maria Island!” her Facebook post said. When contacted on Friday, Oct. 25, Quinn acknowledged her Facebook post, but said she could not speak on the record about the real estate transaction. Judie Berger, from the Sarasotabased Premier Sotheby’s International Realty firm, represented the seller and buyer in the Lay-By transaction. On Friday, Oct. 25, Berger was contacted by text message and asked if she could confirm or deny that Brooks and his wife, country music artist Trisha Yearwood, purchased the Lay-By property. “I must decline comment, I cannot confirm. I worked through out-ofstate attorneys and the contract was purchased through an LLC. As far as other agents posting on Facebook, they don’t have any direct knowledge to the sale, so everything is on conjecture,” Berger wrote in her response. According to the Manatee County
Property Appraiser website, the Lay-By property is 1.96 acres, with 9,770 square feet under roof and 8,242 square feet of living/business area. According to the Realty.com listing, the waterfront resort was built in 1963 and features 14 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, tennis courts and a swimming pool. It is not known yet what the new owners plan to do with the property.
LAY-BY LEGACY
As of Friday, the page description for the “Love the Lay By” Facebook page said, “For over 50 years the Lay By has been a place of quiet retreat for NS (Norfolk Southern) employees, retirees and their families. It represents the NS commitment to family as part of our corporate culture, something very rare in today’s corporate numbers-only world.” On Sept. 17, page administrator Jim Horgan wrote: “It looks like the Lay-By closing is scheduled for the end of this month. It has been a wonderful place for many of us and our friends and families. I will keep this group open for anyone who wants to reminisce with photos or stories about the great times spent at the Lay-by.” On Oct. 19, Cecilia Brown posted this message: “Sadly, layby is officially gone.” In reply, Rebecca Reeves wrote, “41 years of wonderful memories. I am so sad to not be able to continue this tradition with my family.”
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OCTOBER 30, 2019
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Pinellas County bans water horses BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
Pinellas County commissioners have banned horses from aquatic preserves in the county, impacting a popular tourism business that also rents horses at Palma Sola Causeway in Manatee County. C Ponies offers rides in an aquatic preserve in Tampa Bay near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Pinellas County, and in Palma Sola Bay and along its narrow causeway beach in Manatee County. Activities include beach rides, water rides and “horse surfing,” standing on horses while they swim. Other horse rental businesses in Pinellas County also are affected. “We only have one body of water to protect. We only have one planet to save. Once it’s destroyed, it’s destroyed,” said Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long, a former competitive horseback rider. The commission pinned its 5-1 decision Tuesday on evidence – including aerial photos – that horses trample fragile seagrass in the aquatic preserve, and that horse manure and urine pose a risk to human health.
CINDY LANE | SUN
Horseback riding in Palma Sola Bay as well as on its shoreline is popular with tourists and locals. Citing support for the ordinance from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and the City of St. Petersburg, the commission also prohibited the unpermitted damage of seagrass in aquatic preserves. Recognizing the value of the horseback riding businesses to tourism, commissioners voted unanimously to direct county staff to investigate other
locations for horseback riding. Manatee County officials have contacted Kelli Levy, Pinellas County’s Environmental Management division director, for a copy of the ordinance, Levy told commissioners, adding, “They will be looking into it as well.”
BACTERIA HAPPENS
Simply put, horseback riding in the water decreases water quality, Levy told commissioners.
“It’s the wrong activity in the wrong place,” she said. Tests by DEP and the Florida Department of Health show increased fecal bacteria in waters frequented by horses, Levy said, adding that the bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness in people exposed to contaminated water through their eyes, ears, nose or cuts. Florida Department of Agriculture best practices on horseback riding include staying at least 25 feet from water bodies, and the Florida Administrative Code discourages “activities that degrade the aesthetic, biological or scientific values or quality or utility of a preserve,” she said. Water testing has shown increases in fecal bacteria in the areas where horses are ridden, said Heather Young, an environmental planner for the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. “Nutrients and bacteria are the same thing our local governments are working incredibly hard to reduce,” she said, adding that seagrass restoration has been a group effort among many organizations and governments. “These riding operations are being SEE HORSES, PAGE 31
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OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
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OCTOBER 30, 2019
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Thanks to all from Bayfest The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank our community for their support and understanding as we presented Bayfest 2.0 - Reimagined. Nestor may have stopped us from having an outstanding street festival, but with the support and can do attitude of The Center of Anna Maria Island, the city of Anna Maria, CrossPointe Fellowship, the volunteers, the Chamber staff and the many people who came out to
enjoy the music, we still threw a party! Thank you to our great sponsors, the bands who went on with the show and everyone who helped turn a public safety concern into a day of fun and camaraderie. What a great place to live, work and thrive! Terri Kinder President, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce
Goodbye, AMI
Sewer spills from dated infrastructure, Mosaic, Monsanto and
Big Sugar are being allowed to ruin Florida, not the horses getting in the water. We will be vacationing elsewhere after our last red tide stay on Longboat Key and AMI. We made three vacation trips a year for 15 years to Florida. I'm sorry to abandon my human and animal friends, but we are going to places where the environment has not been destroyed to such an extent. Sherry Laible-White Washington, Ill.
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OCTOBER 30, 2019
ON THE AGENDA
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
ANNA MARIA
Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Ukulele class for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3 p.m. Sunset flow yoga, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 5:45 p.m., $10 cash only. Harry Potter Trivia Night, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.
10005 GULF DRIVE
For information, call 941-708-6130 Nov. 6, 10 a.m. – Historic Preservation Board meeting Nov. 11, all day – City offices closed for Veterans Day Nov. 12, 4 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting
BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.
For information, call 941-778-1005 Nov. 6, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Nov. 6, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Nov. 7, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Nov. 11, all day – City offices closed for Veterans Day Nov. 12, 10 a.m. - City Commission work meeting
HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE
Oct. 30, 2 p.m. – RFP Comp Plan Selection Committee meeting Nov. 6, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting Nov. 6, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Nov. 11, all day – City offices closed for Veterans Day
ISLAND-WIDE
Nov. 4, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall Nov. 13, 2 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall
THURSDAY OCT. 31
Veteran Services Information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Trail of Treats, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 4-6 p.m. Costume contest at 3:30 p.m. Pick up
a map at the Chamber then safely trick or treat through all three Island cities. For more information, call 941-778-1541. Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m. Trunk or Treat, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 5-7 p.m.
FRIDAY NOV. 1
Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY NOV. 2
Saturday at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon. Net mending, The Folk School, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 8:30 a.m., $43.
THE SUN
Holiday Craft Fair, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Ask a Master Gardner, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.1 p.m. WMFR Open House, Station 1, 407 67th St. W., Bradenton, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Rock and Blues Festival benefitting Wildlife Inc., Drift In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, 12:45 p.m. Art and Culture Stroll, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria 4-6 p.m.
SUNDAY NOV. 3
Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10:30 a.m., $10.
TUESDAY NOV. 5
Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Author Talk: Joan Dickenson, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
WEDNESDAY NOV. 6
Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Ukulele class for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3 p.m. Bad art night for tweens and teens, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m. Veteran services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.
November 9th and 10th 10 AM - 6 PM Free Admission! - Kids Zone -
- Local artists - Tents for Rain or Shade -
Stone Crab, Stone Crab And More Stone Crab Saturday November 9 Main Stage 10:00AM Terry Helm 12:00PM Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones 2:00PM Donadi, Yoder, Moore & The Strange 4:00PM The Chris Anderson Band Sunday November 10 Swordfish Stage Main Stage 12:00PM Tim Chandler 10:00AM Poppa Grump 6:00PM Jason Haram 12:00PM Eric Von Band Cortez Kitchen Stage 2:00PM Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio 6:00PM Buzz Factor 4:00PM RJ Howson/Mike Kach & Friends
4628 119th st w. cortez, fl
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Swordfish Stage 1:00PM Stockton Bros. 5:00PM TC & The Troublemakers Cortez Kitchen Stage 3:00PM Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones
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JANUARY 17, 2018
DOCK & DINE
Cruise to the Pier by land or sea! Boat docking is NOW AVAILABLE at the Pier location! LANDSIDE
6906 14th Street West 941.758.7880
CORTEZ
6696 Cortez Road 941.792.0077
ELLENTON
1525 51st Avenue East 941.721.7773
BRIDGE ST. PIER Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662)
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OCTOBER 30, 2019
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Symphony on the Sand tickets now available The Anna Maria Island Sun is a proud media sponsor of this event. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaugh@a,amisun.com
‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE
BRADENTON BEACH – Once again the musical talents of the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) will enhance the beauty of the beach as Symphony on the Sand for a seventh time on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Coquina Gulfside Park, 2650 Gulf Drive South. This signature music and gour-
NEWS BRIEFS Three charter amendments on Anna Maria ballot In the city elections that conclude Tuesday, Nov. 5, Anna Maria voters are being asked to approve three charter amendments proposed by the city’s Charter Review Commission. Charter amendment question #1: “Shall the Anna Maria city charter be amended to provide that any city commission member or the mayor shall forfeit such office if he or she is found by the Florida Commission on Ethics to have violated any portion of the
met event will be held rain or shine, thanks to the huge clamshell shaped stage. Tickets are available at www. SymphonyOnTheSand.com. The symphony features show tunes, pops, classical music and, as usual, salutes to our military, veterans, first responders and heroes. There are several ways to enjoy the concert. The locally sourced food is available for $125 ticket holders, tasty small plates with a salad, entrée selection and desserts plus complimentary fine wines and select beers. New this year, $75 ticketholders will sit on decks at
Code of Ethics for public officials and employees found in Chapter 112, Florida Statutes?” Question #2: “Shall the Anna Maria city charter be amended to provide that the mayor’s appointment of a city treasurer shall be subject to the approval of the city commission?” Question #3: “Shall the Anna Maria city charter be amended to make technical, corrective and conforming changes to the charter to correct scrivener's and grammatical errors, conform city investment activity, the enactment of emergency ordinances, and certain referendum requirements to current state law, and add clarifications to make the charter easier to read and understand?”
tables and receive vouchers for two drinks each and they will be allowed to purchase food. Fifty dollar ticket holders will sit on concert chairs and $20 ticket holders will bring their own chairs or blanket to sit inside a roped-off area with alcohol and food available for purchase. Food purchased at the concession stand with $50 and $20 ticket purchases must be enjoyed at their seating area. Bringing alcohol onto the beach is prohibited. No outside food is permitted within the ticketed area. Dogs are not allowed under county ordinance.
Get tested and know the score Prevention Plus is offering tests to show if you’re in danger of suffering a stroke or heart disease with tests and screenings at reduced prices on Friday, Nov. 8, at The Center on Anna Maria, at 407 Magnolia Ave. The screenings include stroke/carotid ultrasound for $40, abdominal aortic aneurysm for $40, arterial disease test for $40, thyroid ultrasound for $40, abdominal ultrasound for $95 and heart scan-echocardiogram for $95 or all six tests for only $179. Blood tests, liver, cholesterol, PSA and TSH tests are also available. To register, call 888-667-7587.
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Thanks-Living dinner planned The recently formed For the Love of Anna Maria Island community taskforce will host a Thanks-Living community dinner at City Pier Park in Anna Maria from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday Nov. 27. The Thanksgiving eve gathering is the first local activity inspired by author Peter Kageyama’s presentation at The Center in June – a presentation focused on bringing people together as a community. Thanks-Living attendees are asked to bring their own food and beverages, and alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Co-sponsored by the city of
Anna Maria and The Sun, the city will provide bottled water, plates, napkins and other dining supplies. The community gathering will benefit the Roser Food Pantry and All Island Denominations. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items in cans and boxes (including boxed milk), small soaps, detergent and toilet tissue for the Roser Food Pantry and/or cash and checks for the All Island Denominations collective of local churches that provides emergency cash vouchers for rent, utilities and gasoline for needy residents and Island employees.
For the Love of Anna Maria Island taskforce members Barbara Zdravecky, Bruce Meyer, Carol Carter and Janet Kingan display their new promotional banner. FOR THE LOVE OF AMI | SUBMITTED
OCTOBER 30, 2019
OCTOBER 30, 2019
BUSINESS
THE SUN
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AMI's first CBD shop opens BY LOUISE BOLGER SUN STAFF WRITER
Feeling well is essential to living a full and active life, and in recent years natural products have become one of the paths to achieving better health and wellness. Live Naturally is the only CBD shop on Anna Maria, opening just a couple of weeks ago and fully stocked with natural products to help you navigate those aches and pains or just uplift your mood and alleviate the stress. Morgan and Ben Bryant have a great story; he grew up on Anna Maria and she in Bradenton. They lived for 10 years in California where they studied and learned about hemp and cannabis products, then traveled around the country to find the exact products they wanted to feature in their store. They decided to come back home to fulfill their dream of giving back to the community and raise their two-yearold son, Finn. The CBD (cannabidiol) products featured at Live Naturally range from creams and essential oils to coffee, tea, soda and more. There are even products for your pet’s well-being. Everything is artfully displayed on reclaimed redwood shelves from California designed and built by Ben Bryant, who is also a custom woodworker. The Oxygen bar gives a whole different meaning to bars. For $1 per minute you can breathe in between 90 and 98 percent oxygen infused with aromatherapy. Oxygen promotes mental alertness, increases
LIVE NATURALLY 5337 Gulf Drive, Suite #200 Holmes Beach, FL 941-567-5299 www.livenaturallyami.com
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. All major credit cards accepted stamina, reduces stress and provides overall well-being. Live Naturally conforms to the Florida legal limit for CBD products in addition to many of the products being USDA-backed. Live Naturally Keep Movin’ Cream, Joy, Comfort and Willie’s Remedy Coffee are some of the brands in the shop, and products can be purchased online. Live Naturally will have its official grand opening and ribbon cutting on Nov. 12, offering samples, refreshments and live music. Ben Bryant says he has always wanted to make people feel better and is hopeful that Living Naturally will provide an important service to the Anna Maria Island community. The Bryant’s mission is to help you naturally and they will be happy to explain how CBD products and overall wellness work together.
LOUISE BOLGER | SUN
Ben Bryant and Morgan Bryant will host a grand opening for their store, Live Naturally, on Nov. 12.
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OCTOBER 30, 2019
ONE ISLAND. ENDLESS POTENTIAL.
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State-of-the-art marina Beach Club with poolside cabana bar Fully-equipped fitness center and yoga lawn Views of Anna Maria Sound Across the bridge from Anna Maria Island
COMING SOON
• 6-story island-inspired Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts • Authentic Old Florida fish-house-style restaurant
When you’re not in town, you can hand over the keys and our seasoned hotelier will handle everything through our short-term rental program.
Visit OPHMintoUSA.com to book your tour today! (941) 229-3860 | OPHMintoUSA.com | 12340 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists’ renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. © Minto Communities, LLC 2019. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. One Particular Harbour and the One Particular Harbour logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. 2019. CGC 1519880.
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OCTOBER 30, 2019
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WMFR board swears in new chief BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue’s board of commissioners began their regular meeting on a celebratory note Oct. 15. Commission Chair David Bishop kicked things off with the swearing in of Chief Ben Rigney. Rigney’s family was on hand to help celebrate the moment with the third-generation firefighter. Command of the fire district was later handed over to Rigney during a changing of the guard ceremony held Oct. 17 at Station 1. Jay Johnson was introduced as the district’s new administrative battalion chief, taking the position formerly held by Rigney. Johnson reported on the district’s non-transport advanced life support service which launched Oct. 1 on Engine 111. The district already has an ALS unit response team on the Island. Johnson says he hopes to see the service launched on every WMFR engine by 2021. Inspector Rodney Kwiatkowski, serving as the interim fire marshal, stepped up to comment on the upcoming open house on Nov. 2 at Station 1, 407 67th St. in Bradenton. The event, featuring fun, games, station tours and food is family-friendly and free to the community. The fun runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kwiatkowski also commented on a new initiative for the three elementary schools located within the district. As a part of fire prevention education, he said that fifth grade students would be invited to complete a project illustrating something they’ve learned over the years from WMFR firefighters. The winner from each school would be named deputy fire marshal with their name placed on a
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KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Board Chair David Bishop administers the chief’s oath to new West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Ben Rigney. Left, WMFR Chief Ben Rigney celebrates with his wife, Cori, and three children during the Oct. 15 board meeting.
plaque to be hung at their school. The overall winner will be chief for a day and escorted, with a parent, around the district’s stations to give orders to the firefighters. Commissioners also continued the discussion on potentially offering an honorarium to the district’s chaplain. After some discussion, commissioners voted 3-2, with Commissioners Al Robinson and Randy Cooper dissenting, to offer an honorarium equal to what commissioners receive, currently $250 per month. Commissioners voted unanimously to pass a measure adding all retirees from the past 10 years still on the district’s health plan
to the cancer diagnosis coverage required by the state. The meeting ended on a bittersweet note, being Chief Tom Sousa’s last as commander of the district’s firefighters. “I just want to say that it was five years ago October that you selected me to be the fire chief. It’s been a good ride. We’ve done a lot in five years. The team that we have in place is excellent, so I think you guys are in great hands. I enjoyed quite a bit, learned quite a bit from everyone and I just appreciate the opportunity. I just want to thank you,” Sousa said to the board.
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FDOT presents traffic study to county commissioners BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
BRADENTON – Representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation were on hand Oct. 22 to present the findings of phase three of the ongoing barrier island traffic study to Manatee County commissioners. Thus far, Nathan Kautz of FDOT said there are 77 recommendations that have come out of the study. He said his favorite is the suggestion of making the Island vehicle free as a way to reduce, or in this case eliminate, traffic congestion. Kautz said that the focus of the study shifted from reducing the number of people coming to the islands to how people can be effectively and efficiently moved along the barrier islands. Some of the solutions that have already been implemented include the addition of sidewalks on the north side of Manatee Avenue to the Anna Maria Island Bridge along Perico Island, a beach shuttle service created using an MCAT development grant that commissioners approved as part of the consent agenda during the Oct. 22 meeting, the addition of sidewalks
in some locations in Anna Maria, the complete streets project in Bradenton Beach, which he said is currently in the design phase, and safety improvements to the traffic corridor from 86th Street West to 123rd Street West in Cortez. Other proposed traffic improvement strategies include the addition of multi-modal transportation options and partnerships to bring local visitors to the barrier islands in ways other than by a car, such as using a ferry. Over the course of the study Kautz said that researchers have determined where the visitors driving to the barrier islands are coming from, with the vast majority at 64.86% coming from the Bradenton-Sarasota-North Port area. In his presentation, he said that these visitors are what he considers locals and should be expected to continue to drive to the islands on a regular basis. The phase three traffic presentation is planned to be presented to members of the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization at their November meeting for additional projects to be potentially added as project priorities for funding in upcoming years.
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City and property owners prevail in Metz appeal The city and the court do not consider an unoccupied structure slated for renovation to be an abandoned structure. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The city of Bradenton Beach and property owners Wendy and George Kokolis have prevailed in a legal challenge presented by neighboring property owner John Metz. The property use dispute dates back to 2016, when Metz first challenged a 2015 permitting decision made by Building Official Steve Gilbert that allowed the Kokolis’ to begin renovating the two-story building at 308 Gulf Drive S. they purchased in September 2014. Metz claimed the Kokolis’ structure had been unoccupied for more than 18 months and therefore forfeited its right to continue being used as a short-term vacation rental. Metz was using a portion of his beachfront home at 306 Gulf Drive S. as a vacation rental when he initiated his challenge. Gilbert and City Planner Alan Garrett disagreed with Metz’s interpretation of the city’s land development code and stated their professional opinions that an unoc-
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Left, John Metz was unsuccessful in his appeal of a 2018 special master’s ruling. Right, Attorneys Robert Lincoln and Ricinda Perry represented the plaintiffs at the June court hearing. cupied structure pending renovation is not considered abandoned. In 2018, the parties participated in a special master hearing conducted by attorney Liza Gonzalez Moore. During that hearing held at city hall, Metz and his attorney also claimed the dollar value of the renovations exceeded FEMA’s 50 percent threshold. Moore ruled in favor of the city and the Kokolis’ and Metz later appealed her ruling to the Circuit Court. The parties appeared before 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Charles Sniffen on June 26. City Attorney Ricinda Perry represented the city of Bradenton
Beach, attorney Robert Lincoln represented the Kokolis’ and attorney Robert Robinson represented Metz. Sniffen issued his written ruling on Oct. 16. “The court finds Mr. Metz’s logic to be flawed,” Sniffen stated in his written ruling regarding Metz’s claim that the Kokolis property had previously been abandoned. “Nothing in the case law indicates that the property owner’s intent affects the initial premise that repairs and renovations do not discontinue a specific land use,” Sniffen wrote in his ruling. “After reviewing the record, the court
concludes that it contains competent, substantial evidence that supports the special master’s ruling that the use of the property was not abandoned,” Sniffen concluded. When asked about the ruling, Perry said, “This was another clear-cut case of Mr. Metz filing a frivolous lawsuit at the expense of our city taxpayers. I’m pleased with Judge Sniffen’s legal conclusions and this is another win for the city.” Perry said Metz has the right to appeal Sniffen’s ruling to the Second District Court of Appeal in Lakeland if he wishes to continue his legal challenge.
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OCTOBER 30, 2019
Farmer’s market returns to Anna Maria The weekly market takes place under and around the shade sail structure at City Pier Park. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s weekly farmer’s market is back and better than ever. The seasonal market opened its third year of operations at City Pier Park on Tuesday, Oct. 15 and will continue through mid-May. The city-sponsored market takes place each Tuesday at City Pier Park, weather permitting, from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. – with the exception of Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24. City Pier Park is located at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard. “We’re excited to have the market up and running with the majority of our vendors back with us. Our new vendor, Dominga's Flowers, is a nice addition to an already great product variety. From all accounts everyone was very happy with the opening day turnout and looking forward to another great season,” market manager Debbie Haynes said. Mayor Dan Murphy said the market was going like gangbusters on its second day of operations this season. “It was packed,” Murphy said. “I get more compliments from people who say they’re so glad this city has a farmers market. If you haven’t been down there, please go by.” This year’s vendors include Fibela Produce, Milagros Produce, Tillman Produce, Bella’s Gourmet Cuisine, Dominga’s Flowers, Hahn’s Gourmet
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Tillman Produce was selling hard to find raw turmeric. Boston residents Aisling, Noleen and Niamh McQuaid visited the market before going home. Kettle Corn, Holy Paradise Guacamole, Meli Gusto gourmet products, Mr. Fun Guy’s Mushroom Store & More, Painting With a Fish, Saucy Guys and the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring organization. “I can walk right down the street and go to the market. It’s so convenient,” Anna Maria resident Lynn French said on opening day while purchasing tomatoes, radishes and raw turmeric from Tillman Produce. French said raw turmeric is hard to find, and Tillman noted he’s one of the three-year-old market’s original vendors. Market visitors Aisling, Noleen and Niamh McQuaid purchased fresh banana bread before returning to Boston later that day. “It’s fabulous,” Noleen McQuaid said of the bread, and of the market she and her daughters have also visited in years past. Selling hot sauces, local honey, spice mixes and more, Saucy Guys vendor Neil Currie said, “We’ve been here since the beginning. It’s a great market. We love it. We’ve met some great people out
here – and a lot of people from all over the country that buy from our online store when they’re back home.” Currie’s business partner Jim Brannon said, “Right now I have orange blossom honey. Everybody kept asking for it, but it’s been hard to come by. I finally got some yesterday.” “It’s beautiful here,” vendor Angelo Cannistraci said while working his first Anna Maria market selling mushrooms and more at Bill Nelms’ Mr. Fun Guy tent. “It’s a fantastic market,” Holy Paradise Guacamole vendor Michael Valdes said, noting his offerings included fresh guacamole, tomato salsa and pineapple-mango salsa. Milagros Produce vendor Tony Martinez was assisted by his seven-year-old son, Aidenn. At her Painting With a Fish tent, Kelly Hunt explained how she presses raw fish into paint and then onto can-
vas to create her art. “All my fish are caught locally around Anna Maria Island. I’m big on conservation. I don’t use the fish once and throw it out. I refreeze it and use it for my classes at the Florida Maritime Museum,” Hunt said. She also sells T-shirts that contain prints of her work and the GPS coordinates of where that particular fish was caught. She also had on hand a few copies of the book G.B. Knowles wrote with and about her father, charter fishing Captain Scott Moore: “Captain Scott Moore’s Snook Fishing Secrets.” Moore dropped by to visit his daughter and while there he signed a copy of the book an out of state visitor bought for her oldest son, whom she noted might one day become a charter captain himself.
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Additional repairs needed for floating dock The dock will remain closed until the needed repairs are made. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORREPSONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – A new problem has surfaced with the city’s new floating dock. On Tuesday, Oct. 22. Public Works Director Tom Woodard told the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members that the bolts pulled out of some of the roller brackets that connect the floating dock to its wooden pilings. The new floating dock opened in August but was closed on Oct. 4 because the con-
nection points for the pedestrian gangway that leads to and from the Bridge Street pier are coming loose and in need of pending redesign and repair. Regarding this newest issue, Woodard said he believed the roller bolts came loose during the previous weekend as a result of wave action associated with Post-Tropical Cyclone Nestor. “There were three of the rollers that were completely loose. They pulled the bolts out of the structure, which shouldn’t happen,” Woodard said. Woodard also said a dinghy became lodged underneath the pier on Monday Oct. 21, and had to be removed. Woodard referenced a Monday, Oct. 21,
email he received from Eric Shaffer, from the Hecker Construction Company that installed the dock. “I can come out and fasten/re-tighten the bolts, but I do not know how long that will last. The water there is rough, and I do not know what the solution is. We built everything per Technomarine’s specifications,” Shaffer wrote. In early 2017, Technomarine was contracted to install a floating dock to replace the previous floating dock removed in 2016. Due to ongoing delays, the CRA terminated its relationship with Technomarine earlier this year. During last week’s CRA meeting, Mayor John Chappie and City Attorney Ricinda Perry both noted that Hecker Construction did some additional engineering on the dock project before installing the components Technomarine delivered to Hecker. Chappie questioned whether the additional pilings recommended by Hecker’s engineer produced a dock with less flexibility than the dock originally designed by Technomarine and its Spain-based supplier, Ronautica Marinas. “This engineer changed the way the floating dock was supposed to perform,” Chappie said. “That dock was supposed to withstand
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Repairs are needed to some of the rollers that connect the floating dock to the dock pilings. a Category 3 hurricane,” Vice Mayor Jake Spooner said. Spooner asked Woodard if the dinghy getting wedged beneath the dock contributed to the roller bolts coming loose. “That’s one thing that happened, then the other thing happened. I don’t believe they were associated.” Woodard said, noting there could be some validity to Spooner’s theory.
DOCK INSPECTION
On Friday, Oct. 25, Woodard provided the CRA members with an email update SEE DOCK, PAGE 19
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Lots of laughs at Island Players Chuckles abound at the Island Players’ performance of “Relatively Speaking,� by Alan Ayckbourn, from Nov. 7 to 17. Heiko Knipfelberg directs, Denise Handley is the stage manager and Bortell’s Lounge is the coproducer. “Relatively Speaking� is a witty comedy full of mistaken identities and misunderstandings. The cast of four is Jeffrey Steiger as Greg Poynter, Kristin Mazzitelli as Ginny Whittaker, Mark Shoemaker as Phillip Carter and Sylvia Marnie as Sheila Carter. After Greg proposes marriage, Ginny leaves for a day in the country, allegedly to visit her parents but actually to break things off with her married lover. Greg finds the address and
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Mark Shoemaker as Phillip Carter and Sylvia Marnie as Sheila Carter in "Relatively speaking," by Alan Ayckbourn. decides to surprise his fiancĂŠ by arriving first, much to the hilarious confusion and dismay of her older lover, Philip, and his befuddled wife, Sheila. Tickets are $23 per person and the box office is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and prior to each show. For
more information, log onto www.theislandplayers.org or call the box office at 941 778-5755. Island Players is located at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Get your tickets and enjoy this funny performance at Manatee County’s oldest theatre.
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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Some of the roller brackets are missing from the new floating dock.
DOCK: additional repairs needed FROM PAGE 17
regarding the dock inspection conducted that day in the presence of himself, CRA chairman Ralph Cole and others. Woodard’s email said he and Cole met the Hecker crew on the dock and their inspection of the rollers, and the manner in which they were installed revealed more problems than Woodard reported earlier in the week. Woodard’s email said the Hecker crew would return on Tuesday, Oct. 29, to check, adjust and tighten all the roller connections.
He also noted the additional rollers added to accommodate the additional pilings did not have the same structural integrity as original rollers provided by Technomarine. Woodard is now getting an estimate for the fabrication of 18 connection brackets for those additional rollers. “It is believed this will greatly improve the rollers’ strength, durability and resiliency, which in turn will help prevent damage to the dock when moving and rolling with waves,” Woodard wrote.
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Mobility ban still up for consideration Holmes Beach commissioners opted to table the first reading of a proposed ban on micro mobility devices in the city until changes could be made to the ordinance. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – A proposed ban on micro mobility devices, including scooters and mopeds, is on hold until city staff can make changes to the ordinance and research the unintended consequences of the ban. The ordinance, if it passes commission vote, regulates what motorized micro mobility devices can be used in the city and where they can be driven. After much discussion, commissioners came to an agreement on a few issues. If the ordinance passes, the scooters/mini cars with three wheels that are rented in Anna Maria would not be allowed in the city. There are no known rental businesses in Holmes Beach that rent the scooters. Motorized standing scooters, ones that look like a skateboard with handles, also will not
be allowed in the city. Motorized mopeds still would be allowed to be rented in the city but cannot be driven on sidewalks or in bicycle lanes. Motor-assist or motorized bicycles can be rented in the city and would be allowed to be ridden on city streets or in bicycle lanes. The ban would prevent those bicycles from being ridden on city sidewalks. There is an exemption provision for residents who own motorized scooters who would be able to use them on city streets. The ban also would not affect the use of ADA compliant scooters or other mobility devices for the disabled, which are allowed to be used on city sidewalks. Included in the ban are docked and dockless mobility sharing services. These types of businesses would not be allowed to do business in Holmes Beach. Commissioners agreed that with the changes being made to the proposed ordinance, it needed to be tabled for discussion at a future meeting after the city attorney makes the requested changes and police Chief Bill Tokajer has time to research the mobility rental businesses that exist in the city to make sure that the proposed regulations would not adversely affect their businesses.
OCTOBER 30, 2019
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OCTOBER 30, 2019
Another turtle generation paddles into the sunset BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
At least 27,298 sea turtle hatchlings scurried safely to the Gulf of Mexico this year from Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox told volunteers Saturday. While the babies didn’t break the record of 35,788 hatchlings set in 2018, the mamas broke the 2018 nesting record of 534 by 10 nests. Another 568 nesting attempts were abandoned, known as false crawls. Slightly lower egg counts in this season’s nests are a mystery, Fox said, with nests averaging 66 eggs apiece. As Turtle Watch held its annual end-of-season luncheon, two of three remaining nests were still on the beach waiting to hatch. Tropical Storm Nestor destroyed the third nest on Oct. 19 when it pushed higherthan-normal tides onto the beach. The season ends on Oct. 31. Erosion from recent storms affecting Holmes Beach south to Longboat Pass will be corrected by a beach renourishment project in 2020 during part of sea turtle nesting season. The project will put heavy equipment on the beach, necessitating that some of next year’s surveys will be done by ATV instead of by beach walkers, and that some of the eggs will have to be relocated, Fox said. Turtle Watch will not be accepting new volunteers in 2020 because of the renourishment. This year’s shorebird program was virtually non-existent, with two snowy plover nests that fledged three chicks each, she said, adding that one
CINDY LANE | SUN
AMY L. WATERBURY | SUBMITTED
From left, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring is seeking a woodworker who will help make commemorative turtle nest adoption plaques, a major fundraiser for the not-for-profit organization. Call Suzi Fox at 941-778-5638. Turtle Watch Director Suzi Fox thanks Buddy Odom for his volunteer efforts in keeping the Island’s beaches clean. potential reason is people intentionally chasing off the birds from their nesting areas. Fox recognized new volunteers Carla Boehme and Linda ONeal, who began volunteering this year. She also remembered volunteers Ron Edmonds and Vicki Staley, who both passed away during this year’s nesting season, and noted that volunteers Debbie and Henry Stachura walked with Staley on the beach as her health failed. Fox honored section coordinators for their service: Joe and Cindy Richmond, Debbie and Bob Haynes, Debbie Basilius, Fran Kramer, Pete Gross, Birgit Kremer, Hans Derr, Kathy Doddridge, Lee and Marvin Zerkel and Kathy Noonan. She thanked sisters Monica and Barbara Riskay for overseeing Turtle Watch merchandise, which brings in
donations, and Turtle Watch staff photographer Amy Waterbury, a frequent Sun contributor. Fox also thanked Friends of Turtle Watch, ncluding Allen Morrison and Buddy Odom, who walk the beach daily to pick up trash, Gracie Alfieri, who brought her visiting family members on survey walks and Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, who is working with Florida Power and Light to retrofit street lights with sea turtlefriendly bulbs. She also thanked former Turtle Watch volunteer John DeFazio, who taught Fox how to excavate turtle nests, making her count the eggshells, throwing them back in the nest and making her recount again until she got the same number, and his friend and Turtle Watch supporter Margaret Finley.
Kids enjoy early Halloween at Moose lodge The Moose lodge has been hosting the children’s Halloween party for 10 years now. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The Women of the Moose hosted their annual children’s Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 26. More than 50 children of all ages were served a free lunch that included chicken tenders and French fries. The kids played games, had stories read to them and paraded their costumes through the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 in Bradenton Beach. Moose member Janet Curran helped plan and coordinate the event. SEE MOOSE, PAGE 29
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Piper Payne, Maggie “Mom” Payne,” Penny Payne, Gianna Clark and Anna Radojcsics were among the many nattily attired attendees.
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WMFR board chooses architect for new building West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners are moving forward on building a new administrative home. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners are moving forward with the creation of a new administration space. They’ve acquired a property, located behind the Fountain Court Shopping Center just off Manatee Avenue, and now they’ve instructed Chief Ben Rigney to begin negotiations with an architectural firm. After hearing presentations from three local architectural firms, commissioners ranked the presentations and voted to go with Hall Architects out of Sarasota as their first-choice firm. Fawley Bryant Architecture was ranked second and Sweet Sparkman Architects came in third. Commissioners David Bishop and Al Robinson abstained from voting on the matter. During the presentation from Hall Architects, the matter of the district’s $1.1 million construction budget was addressed. For
what the district is wanting, a 5,000 squarefoot hardened building built to Miami-Dade hurricane standards, the representatives said the budget would be the challenge. To build to that size with those standards, they said would go well over the district’s budget. They suggested a smaller building, about 3,800 square feet, with a portion of the building built to the Miami-Dade hurricane standards to serve as an emergency operations center if needed. Commissioners said that the direct address of the budget and issues potentially facing the build was one of the reasons that they chose Hall as their top-ranked firm. Not all of the commissioners were in favor of the idea of building a new administration building. Robinson spoke out against spending more than a million dollars to construct the new administration building. “I was elected here to make good financial decisions,” he said. “It’s sinful to spend this kind of money for this meeting room.” Robinson added that commissioners meet 11 times per year and that he feels the costs spent on the meeting room and planned administration building could be pared down. He suggested the administration staff
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Carl Hees, on behalf of Hall Architects, explains how WMFR commissioners could save money on the construction of their new administration building by hardening only one part of it to serve as an emergency operations center. stay where it is, in temporary quarters at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, and move during a hurricane event to somewhere like the currently under construction Floridays hotel at One Particular Harbour on Perico Island, which he said would be empty during a storm but seems to be built sturdy enough to withstand most storms. “Let’s rethink this project together,” Robinson said. In commissioners’ comments, after the
vote was taken, Commissioner George Harris said that he agreed with some of Robinson’s comments about constructing a new building. With the current rising construction costs and tariffs placed on materials, he said it may be less expensive to wait to build but that the district is vulnerable in its current administrative location during hurricane season. “I’m unconvinced that we should put a shovel in the ground at this time,” he said. “The group we hire will make sure we get the best building for our buck,” Bishop said, adding that the representatives from Hall Architects seemed to favor building functional but inexpensive spaces. “We don’t have to build right now. We have a home,” he said, adding that he agrees the district’s administration is vulnerable in its present location if a hurricane should strike. Right now, the only action commissioners have taken is to purchase the land and allow the chief to begin negotiations with the first-ranked architectural firm. Any agreement with an architectural firm will have to go before commissioners for approval and a vote.
Hearings held for unregistered vacation rentals All four rentals were brought into compliance before the hearings took place. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – While presiding over a code enforcement hearing, Special Magistrate Karla Owens ruled on four violations issued for not registering vacation rental properties and two parking infractions. The quasi-judicial hearings took place at Anna Maria City Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
In each of the four vacation rental registration cases, City Attorney Becky Vose requested the $250 per day fine not be levied against the property owner and/or property manager because each of the rental properties had been brought into compliance with the city’s vacation rental ordinance by the time the hearing took place. Instead, Vose requested in each of the four cases that Owens find the violations did occur and that she assess the violators a $150 administrative fee – with the understanding that future violations at those properties would be treated as repeat violations.
The $150 administrative fees were assessed to: • Suncoast Real Estate’s Julie Royal for a vacation rental she helps manage at 109 Maple Ave,; • Green Real Estate’s Kenneth Jackson for rental properties he manages at 315 Poinsettia Road and 104 Palmetto Ave.; • Beach to Bay Investments/AMI Locals for their rental property at 205 South Bay Boulevard. A similar hearing for an unregistered vacation rental at 766 Jacaranda Road was postponed to a later date.
PARKING VIOLATIONS
Owens reduced the $35 parking citation fine to $25 for Myakka resident Victoria Cutway, who attended the hearing and explained that her vehicle was parked in the wrong directed because it broke down and was pushed to the side of the road along Spring Avenue. Lakeland resident Nicolette Smith Tsambis did not attend the hearing she requested and was fined $50 and charged an additional $150 administrative fee for parking a golf cart in a safety zone and too close to the curb on Magnolia Avenue.
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OUTDOORS
OCTOBER 30, 2019
Autres poisson Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS
W
hen you read about fly fishing in the Georgia mountains, the story usually centers on trout. Whether it’s rainbow trout, brown trout or native brook trout, the narrative either revolves around the fish known as stockers or natives. The stocked fish are raised in hatcheries and either find their way into public streams or private waters. The socalled natives, small rainbow trout and brook trout, reside in the high mountain streams where the water remains cool enough to support them year-round. Of the two, the only true natives are the brook trout that rarely reach 12 inches long.
Anglers that fish these waters have the option to fish the put and take trout that are regularly stocked in public streams or pay to fish the catch and release private waters that raise impressive double digit trophy trout. Over the years I’ve enjoyed some notable days on these North Georgia streams, but recently I’ve been introduced to some of the other local species, including spotted bass, shoal bass, carp and striped bass. My first introduction to stripers was in the private waters of Unicoi Outfitters in Helen. Last year I fished with owner Jimmy Harris and Georgia fisheries biologist Jeff Durniak and caught a 9-pound striper on a 7-weight outfit. Those fish had migrated from Lake Lanier and reached the dam at Nora Mills in record numbers bolstered by high water from an unusually wet winter season. That was followed by SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 25
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
The spotted bass has the shape and general look of a largemouth bass with the mouth and stamina of a smallmouth bass.
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Discover Egmont Key Nov. 9-10 BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
EGMONT KEY – Come to historic Egmont Key State Park on Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10, and Discover the Island. The event is an annual fundraiser for the Egmont Key Alliance, a non-profit citizen support organization dedicated to protecting, restoring and preserving the key, off the northern tip of Anna Maria Island in Tampa Bay. Egmont Key has been a prison for Seminole Indians and Confederate soldiers, a refuge for runaway slaves, a hideout for bootleggers during Prohibition and a wartime landing field. It’s now a harbor pilot base, a recreational boating destination and a bird, sea turtle and gopher tortoise refuge. Watch Civil War re-enactors set up camp, demonstrate drilling maneuvers and engage in
skirmishes, and see the SpanishAmerican war exhibit sponsored by the Tampa Rough Riders. Visit the 1858 working lighthouse, which replaced one built in 1848 that was destroyed by storms. The light, which once ran on whale oil and lard, is now electric. Talk to the lighthouse keeper reenactor, and see an exhibit by the Florida Lighthouse Association and the Anclote Key Lighthouse Group. Learn about the island’s unique gopher tortoise population from expert Betty Rossie at the Battery Howard. Enjoy a presentation about the sea life around Egmont Key including shorebirds and sea turtles, and see the Boyd Hill birds of prey exhibit. A geocaching exhibit and kids’ fossil pit will be set up at the guardhouse. Take group or self-guided tours about plants, wildlife, beach dynamics and military history, including the ruins of the U.S.
Army Fort Dade Military Reservation and the USS Narcissus, a sunken warship just offshore from the island. The Egmont Key Shanty Singers will sing folk music, and hot dogs, drinks and souvenirs will be available for purchase. A presentation, “Remembering the Histories of Egmont Key: The Seminole Experience,” and a silent auction are on Saturday only. Shuttle ferries will be leaving Fort DeSoto Bay Pier in Tierra Verde in Pinellas County (not DeSoto National Memorial in Bradenton) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the last ferry leaving Egmont Key at 4 p.m. Ticket sales open at 8:30 a.m. Boarding begins at 9 a.m. Ferry and admission prices are adults, $25; ages 12-18, $15; ages 6-11, $10; children 5 and under, free. For more information, visit www.EgmontKey.info.
Grant will grow artificial reef Manatee County commissioners accepted a $60,000 grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Tuesday to add to the Larry Borden artificial reef, a 40-acre site 7 nautical miles due west of Longboat Pass. In 2015, the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources
Department received state and federal permits to create the reef, and construction began in 2017, placing about 1,500 tons of large limestone boulders paid for with a $60,000 FWC grant and $115,000 in county funds. Later that year, FWC granted another $60,000 for additional limestone. The reefs are designed to im-
prove habitat for fish, crustaceans and organisms that are naturally restricted to relatively scarce areas of sea bottom that have suitable foundations for colonization. The goal is to enhance recreational fishing and diving opportunities in area waters and stimulate the local economy.
CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED
Tony Capecci, of St. Paul, Minn., shows off a hefty redfish caught with Capt. David White, of Anna Maria Charters.
Snook, redfish, shark biting around AMI CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE
Despite the frequency of high winds and the occasional thunderstorm, fishing has been pretty dang good for us here at Anna Maria Charters. Inshore, big snook and redfish are solid targets for inshore anglers looking to catch and release on lighter tackle. With pilchards seemingly everywhere, getting bait is about as easy as it gets. The biggest redfish caught last week was 36 inches. Healthy fish!! Anglers looking for dinner have been catching mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, and the occasional black drum.
Snapper fishing has been great lately. With bigger fish being more prevalent, and the numbers of fish high, we are sometimes filling a cooler by accident while targeting other species. Lastly, clients wanting bigger catch and release species, there are a lot of BIG sharks around right now. With 10-foot bulls and hammerheads a fairly regular occurrence, it’s awful fun to watch someone from up North reeling in the biggest animal of their life. Hopefully, the winds will lie down and I’ll have more to report from offshore.
REEL TIME: Autres poisson FROM PAGE 24
a trip to the lower Chattahoochee with Harris and Capt. Henry Cowen where we sight fished carp. This year I did a float trip on the Chattahoochee below Helen with Unicoi Outfitters guide and assistant manager Wes McElroy for the aptlynamed shoal bass. These hard-fighting fish are closely associated with rock shoals and are uncommon in other habitats due to their unique spawning requirements. They were only described as a separate species in 1999, having been confused as a sub-species of the red eyed bass. The four-hour float introduced me to a section of the Chattahoochee that features intermittent rapids interspersed with smooth stretches notable for its scenic beauty
and lack of development. McElroy also introduced me to the articulated flies he uses for shoal bass. These segmented flies create incredibly life-like patterns that swim. We encountered a number of fish along the river but never managed to hook up. Still the experience was one that I will definitely repeat in the future. On another day I fished the upper reaches of Lake Lanier near Gainesville, Georgia with Harris and Durniak for striped bass and spotted bass. The stripers in Lake Lanier are the source of the fish caught in the upper reaches of the Chattahoochee where they migrate to spawn and feed on a variety of forage fish, crayfish and small trout. We arrived at the lake just before the sun crested the horizon and as we launched
the boat we noticed fish rising on a nearby point. It only took two casts before I was hooked up to a spotted bass that put up an admirable fight for its size on 8-pound spinning tackle. After making a few more unsuccessful casts we headed south on the lake in search of stripers that reach eye-popping proportions (upwards of 40 pounds) on the lake. This was early in the season for the stripers that are regularly found chasing baitfish on the surface under birds. The combination of an unusually hot and dry summer created water temperatures approaching 70 degrees even though the morning temperature had dipped into the low 40s. We still encountered a few fish on the surface and managed several casts near the breaking fish.
This fishing reminded me a lot of the run and gun tactics we use locally for little tunny. Unfortunately, the winds picked up early and the fish sounded so we were unable to hook up. While I’ve yet to experience the action that makes this lake a mecca for anglers, I did get enough of a taste to keep me coming back. Now that I’ve been introduced to some of the area’s other fish, I look forward to exploring the resource more fully. If you’re interested in the wide range of angling opportunities in the north Georgia mountains contact Unicoi Outfitters at 706-878-3083 or visit their website at www.unicoioutfitters.com. Capt. Henry Cowen can be reached at 678-513-1934 or visit his website at www.henrycowenflyfishing.com.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Family Fun
At the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach: • Wednesday, Oct. 30, Lifelong Learning Academy. “National Popular Vote and the Electoral College,” 1 to 2:30 p.m.; Ukulele Class for Beginners, 3 to 4 p.m.; Harry Potter Trivia Night, 6 to 7:30 p.m. • Thursday, Oct. 31, a veteran’s services professional will be available to help vets with needs, 9 a.m. to noon; Seaside Quilters, 10 a.m. to noon • Friday, Nov. 1, Forty Carrots - Partners in Play, 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Tech help, 2 to 4 p.m. • Saturday, Nov. 2, Ask a Master Gardener, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Tuesday, Nov. 5, Preschool story time, 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Author Talk, Joan Dickinson, 2 to 3 p.m.; Tech help, 2 to 4 p.m. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.
What’s cookin’ at IGW Watercolorist Judy Saltzman is the November featured artist with “What’s Cookin’ ” at Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Cooking and dining are central to everyone's day-today living. “What’s Cookin’ ” presents food as art. Saltzman is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society (NWS) and the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA). Her artwork has been featured in the International Magazine, “The Art of Watercolour,” the National Magazine Watercolor Artist, The Artist's Magazine and North Light Books "Splash 19" and "Splash 21." A highlight of the month-long exhibit will be the Anna Maria Island Holmes Beach Art Walk on Friday, Nov. 8, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. All are invited to stop by for complimentary refreshments, meet Saltzman and fellow artists and enjoy
BEACH BEAT ANNA MARIA
10/12, lost property, 11107 Gulf Drive. A trash can was missing.
BRADENTON BEACH No new reports
CORTEZ
No new reports
the fine art. For more information, visit www. islandgallerywest.com, Facebook or call 941-778-6648 for updates about the art and artists of the gallery.
Privateers hit the road Join the Anna Maria Island Privateers as they hold their annual Shiprek Poker Run on Sunday, Nov. 17. Registration will be at Peggy’s Corral beginning at 10 a.m. Kick stands go up at 11 a.m. Run what ya brung – bikes, trikes, convertibles, Jeeps or anything else with wheels. Stops will include Cork’s Cigar Bar, D Coy Ducks, AMI Island Drift In, American Legion Kirby Stewart Post #42, ending at the Palmetto Moose Lodge with a private party. The first hand is $20 and additional hands are $10. If you’d like to pre-register go to http://amiprivateers. memberlodge.org/ and just click on the Poker Run Banner. More questions? Call Maryann “MAZ” Zyla at 941-650-8673
Kids to gather Halloween treats Local kids are invited to don their spooky apparel one more time on Halloween, Oct. 31, for trick or treat beginning at 3:45 p.m. sharp at the Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce Trail of Treats. Kids up to 12 years old will gather in the Chamber parking lot at 5313 Gulf Drive for costume judging in four age groups. After the winners are awarded, the children will take off for participating businesses for their treats. Be sure to get the list of those businesses from the Chamber. After you’ve gleaned the candy from the Holmes Beach establishments, check the list for stores in Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach. For more information, call the Chamber at 941-778-1541. In addition, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will host a Trunk or Treat in its parking lot from 5 to 7 p.m. For information, call
HOLMES BEACH
10/13, larceny, theft, 4900 block of Gulf Drive. The victim had several items stolen from his house while he was in the hospital. The officer spoke with a neighbor, who said her daughter’s boyfriend said he had pawned some coins lately. The officer checked pawn store records that indicated the boyfriend had pawned the coins. The detective took over the case. 10/12, domestic violence, 5600 block of Guava. A couple got into an argument
Roser at 941-778-0414.
Center to host Cousteau talk Phillipe Cousteau Jr. is coming to The Center of Anna Maria Island for one night only. On Nov. 16 he’s presenting a talk titled “Ocean of Hope” sharing stories and insights from three generations of explorers in his family, including his grandfather, the famed Jacques Cousteau. The talk also will explore ways to help create a thriving, healthy ocean environment for everyone. Cousteau is an acclaimed author, speaker, television host and social entrepreneur. Along with his wife Ashlan, Cousteau hosts “Caribbean Pirate Treasure” on The Travel Channel. A welcome begins at 5 p.m. with an update from Suzi Fox of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch. All ages are welcome to attend the presentation. Tickets are $25 for ages 12 and older. Kids under 12 are free. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.centerami. org, call 941-778-1908 or visit The Center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
Reception on Bridge Street The public is invited to the opening reception for Beach Blossom Studio at 102 Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach, on Friday, Nov. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. Beach Blossom Studio is partnered with Book a Little Sunshine to offer art, jewelry, home décor, apparel and accessories. For more information, call 941-451-7050.
Art and culture in Anna Maria Pine Avenue comes alive on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. as the public is invited to take an Art and Culture Stroll. Enjoy hidden treasures in Pine Avenue’s shops while snacking on cheese and wine. Participants include the Anna Maria Historical Museum at 402 Pine Ave. featuring artist Barbara Truemper-Green
that turned physical, and the male was arrested for using force to keep the woman from leaving. 10/13, operating a vehicle without a license, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the driver for not wearing a seatbelt. He had no license, only a Guatemalan ID. He was ticketed. 10/15, possession of drugs and paraphernalia, 800 Manatee Ave. Police stopped the suspect and found drugs and paraphernalia. The driver was arrested. 10/17, driving with a counterfeit tag, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the
OCTOBER 30, 2019
and muralist Pam Fortenberry; Olive Oil Outpost at 401 Pine Ave., offering gourmet provisions and old world taste for Nuevo cuisine; Three Island Monkeys at 314 Pine Ave. featuring the Florida Audubon Photographer of the Year, R.J. Riley and his art; Emerson’s Studio at 317 Pine Ave. with the works of Emerson Quillan; and Anna Maria Accommodations and Flip Flop Gift Shop at 315 Pine Ave.
Artists’ Guild turns 30 The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, at 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, is throwing a 30th anniversary party on Nov. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Gallery. The party will encompass the parking lot with local artists offering a series of paint-arounds. Guests will have the opportunity to win the finished paintings. In addition, they will offer a large selection of paintings based on historical local scenes. Refreshments will be served. The Guild, established in 1989, by Genevieve Novicky Alban, was the first organized non-profit artists’ group on the Island. Its purpose is to promote and support visual, performing and writing artists and develop a local artistic community. The Guild offers many programs that support arts education by making donations to school programs, sponsoring student scholarships and hosting schoolchildren’s visits to the Gallery and to the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. Senior art students from local high schools are invited to exhibit monthly at the Gallery. The Guild also hosts monthly meetings with program speakers and offers a growing program of art classes and workshops. Guild artists staff the Gallery daily and participate in the Holmes Beach Art Walks each month in season. In addition, they sponsor an annual open fine art show each January with cash prizes. For more information, visit amiartistsguildgallery.com.
suspect because his license tag didn’t look right. It wasn’t, and the driver was ticketed. 10/19, driving with a suspended license, 3500 East Bay Drive. The license plate reader alerted the officer to a suspended license. The officer stopped the suspect and found out he had numerous arrests for driving with a suspended license. He took the suspect into custody.
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OCTOBER 30, 2019
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MOOSE: Kids enjoy early Halloween FROM PAGE 22
“For 10 years we’ve been putting on this event for the children of the members of the Moose. It’s always great to have the kids come in. We feed them lunch, play some games read them stories, and it’s a great perk for our members,” she said while working the party. New lodge administrator Byron Dalton recently relocated from Illinois and he enjoyed the special event taking place at his new workplace. “This is phenomenal, everybody’s having fun,” Dalton said, noting the Halloween party is one of many community events the Moose lodge hosts and/ or participates in. Dressed as Spiderman, Bradenton resident Brian Slicker brought his sons Corbin and Rowan, who were also dressed as Spiderman, to the party. “My kids were so excited they even made me wear a costume. We come for the Halloween party and the Christmas party every year. It’s great what they do here for the kids,” Slicker said. Outfitted in pixelated Minecraft Diamond Armor, seven-year-old Evan Sparrow said he liked the party. “Especially the food,” he said while enjoying his free lunch. During the two-hour party, several children enjoyed being fingerprinted by Det. Sgt. Lenard Diaz from the Bradenton Beach Police Department. This was a new addition to the annual festivities, and the fingerprint cards include space for the parents to paste a photograph of their child. “These are something you can take home in case of emergencies or if the child gets lost. This is something the family can present to the police officers to help identify the children,” Diaz said. Members of the Bayshore High School French Club – who are students of Miss Hollands’ French classes – earned community service hours by assisting the Moose volunteers. And club members Luna Bundy-Gilday and Nicole Llorente read two books to the children: “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown,” and “Going on a Ghost Hunt.” For the grand finale, the costumed youngsters paraded through the lodge,
out onto the beachfront patio, back through the lodge and over the table that contained their Halloween treat buckets as parting gifts. The Women of the Moose will host their annual kids’ Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 21.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Above, Nikos Kimon, Danika Kimon, Valynn Kimon, Maizy Kimon and Remi Martin met new lodge administrator Byron Dalton. Below Beckham Buchanan left the party with treats in hand.
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REAL ESTATE
OCTOBER 30, 2019
The ghosts of real estate
never really believed in ghosts and evil spirits. It was always fun to talk about other people’s experiences at parties but since I never had any firsthand knowledge it was just that, fun, until it wasn’t. Anna Maria Island has its share of ghost sightings including haunted restaurants, even one with a ghost cat. Hotels have had sightings - how about a bride ghost - and, of course, Coquina Beach has its resident ghost. Naturally, some clever entrepreneurs have packaged these events into entertaining tours around the Island, so you can get up close and personal. But if you’re selling your property and you think you may have a ghost, what do you do? Thankfully, Florida absolves property owners of the responsibility of disclosing paranormal activity in homes or the fact that a crime was committed in a home. In addition, the seller does not even have to disclose that their property was suspected
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER to be the site of a crime. Further, a seller has no obligation to disclose homicides, suicides or deaths that occurred on the property. Basically, you can sell your property with all the ghosts, ghouls and goblins as an added bonus. Florida is one of more than 20 states with laws that say agents and sellers won’t be held liable for failing to mention that 20 years earlier a wife stabbed her husband in the home’s master bedroom, for instance, or the possibility of paranormal activity. Our state does not consider these events material facts and therefore property owners are not subject to possible lawsuits down the road; you can do
absolutely nothing within the law. However, in plenty of other states you may be legally required to say something about your haunted house, deaths, suicides or crimes. To me it does sounds a little unnecessary to disclose deaths in a property; after all how does an aged grandfather dying comfortably in his bed impact the structural integrity of a home. Even more unfair is a home that has no past history, but rumors have taken over facts and turned it into a stigmatized property that now has to be disclosed to potential buyers. This has happened in cases of celebrity or well-publicized events like the home where JonBenet Ramsey lived. Owners of some so-called stigmatized properties have even resorted to changing the property address in an effort to remove some of the stigma. Unfortunately, since you can’t prove the unproven, sellers are stuck and must disclose in states that require it.
As a general rule, it’s always better to disclose everything you know about a home, whether or not the law requires. It will give your buyer a sense of honesty that is always important in a business transaction and will allow you to move out with a clear conscience knowing you’ve done the right thing. My up close and personal ghost experience happened in a 17th-century hotel in Rome. Although I never actually saw a spirit they did move several things around and made a copy of The New York Times disappear and then reappear in the exact spot. It was enough to give me the creeps and start paying closer attention to cocktail party talk. If you’re selling your home and you think that it may be stigmatized in any way, ethics should prevail; if it makes you uncomfortable probably a good thing to disclose it even though you’re not obligated. Have a Boo time on Halloween!
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OCTOBER 30, 2019
THE SUN
HORSES: Banned at Skyway FROM PAGE 5
allowed without permission or oversight. There is no guarantee water quality is not being impacted.”
SEAGRASS AT STAKE
Randy Reynolds, DEP’s aquatic preserve manager for Tampa Bay, said he has studied the Pinellas County horseback riding area for two years, initially snorkeling, then deciding against it due to the water quality. He observed damage to shoal grass inconsistent with boat propeller scarring, and damage to turtle grass beds in deeper water. “I’m convinced it’s the horseback riding, not boats,” he said. “They’re punching holes in the seagrass.” Jessica Bibza, a marine biologist and member of the National Wildlife Federation and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program Technical Advisory Council, told commissioners that one in five jobs are directly tied to the health of Tampa Bay. “I don’t know why this one activity should be exempt,” she said. “We’ve all invested a lot of time and energy and money to restore the bay.”
HORSEBACK RIDING DEFENDED
Commissioner Kathleen Peters defended the businesses, saying she took an anonymous ride to see things for herself. “They picked up everything” using several rakes and buckets. “The beach was pristine,” she said. “Many of these horses are rescue horses. These people are taking in abused horses and are giving them an opportunity to exercise in the water,” Peters said, suggesting in vain that commissioners compromise by imposing a permit fee and allowing only one water trail. Jennifer Osterling, a guide for C Ponies, brought trash to the commission meeting that she said she collected from the bay during trail rides, including six-pack holders and plastic bottles. Guides educate riders about the environment, she said, while helping veterans, cancer patients, and the horses. Kimberly Kult of C Ponies said only 10% of the horse waste is deposited in the water, and guides use pool nets and buckets to remove it. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency excludes horse waste from the definition of “solid waste,” she said,
CINDY LANE | SUN
Horse surfing in Palma Sola Bay is a popular tourist activity. because horse waste is primarily composed of grass. The exclusion means that horse waste is not required to be disposed of at a hazardous waste landfill, Levy said, adding, “It can be disposed of in the trash, but it doesn’t mean it’s fit for human health.”
LOCAL CONCERNS
Much like the Sunshine Skyway causeway, the Palma Sola Bay causeway attracts people who enjoy other recreational activities besides horseback riding, including swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and kitesurfing.
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A representative from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program told The Sun in July about concerns that horses are impacting seagrass beds in Palma Sola Bay on the northeastern corner of the causeway, where most commercial horseback rentals occur. Other local organizations that have discussed concerns about horseback riding at Palma Sola Bay include Keep Manatee Beautiful, the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity, the Manatee Council of Governments and Sarasota Audubon. “We do have concerns about horses and dogs on the causeway,” said Ann Paul, a biologist with Audubon’s Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries, days before addressing Pinellas County commissioners. “They’re peeing and pooping, and there’s no cleansing of the water before it gets in the estuary,” she said. “Where they are walking through seagrass, they’re punching holes in the seagrass. People would like to use that stretch of beach and can’t because of horse poop.” The Florida Department of Health's Healthy Beaches Program lists moderate water quality in Palma Sola Bay as of the most recent test on Oct. 23. Tests showed poor quality on Oct. 21 based on enterococcus bacteria from fecal contamination on the south side of the bay, which horse proponents point out is across Manatee Avenue from the horseback riding businesses.
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OCTOBER 30, 2019
CHARTER: Amendments explained FROM PAGE 1
The first ballot question, if approved by voters, would consolidate and update the legal description of the city limits to make the description current in the charter and consistent with the description used in other city documents. The second question, if approved, would change how the city sells, leases or otherwise conveys city property to private owners. It would require any sale, lease, abandonment or transference of city property to be approved by a super majority vote of the commission and to pass a ballot vote by residents at the next available general election. The change would apply to all long-term leases of five years or more. For leases of five years or less, it would require a super majority commission vote in order to be enacted. Question number three involves how budget amendments are approved. This question, proposed by the city treasurer during charter review discussions, if it passes would allow budget amendments of $100,000 or less to be completed by a resolution instead of an ordinance. The difference is that the
budget amendment would require one commission vote to pass instead of two. The fourth question produced the most questions during the town hall meeting because it ties into questions six and seven. Questions six and seven respectively remove the building official and the human resources specialist from their status as charter positions, though neither does away with the positions. Question four gives the same protection to department heads that is offered to charter positions in relation to termination. Charter positions are those that in a crisis, the city would have to have filled to continue operations. After much discussion among charter review commissioners and with city employees, Upshaw said it was determined that the human resources and building official positions could be contracted if necessary due to financial hardship. He added that Holmes Beach has an unusually high amount of charter positions which were not seen in other cities in the charter review commission’s research. Upshaw said the description of the building official’s duties also is obsolete.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Charter Review Commission Chair Ed Upshaw hosts a town hall meeting Oct. 23 at Holmes Beach City Hall to discuss the eight proposed charter amendments on the Nov. 5 ballot. Despite recommending the removal of the human resources and building official positions as charter positions, charter review commissioners wanted to keep the termination protections for those positions. If question four passes with voters, it would require agreement of city commissioners to terminate any department head, not just a decision by the mayor. Upshaw said that the intent is to provide the residents with continuity in city government despite whoever the elected officials are. The fifth question, if passed, will alter the job description of the city treasurer
to note that all city financial audits are completed by a third-party impartial auditor. The final and eighth question would transfer a duty of the city clerk to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office. Currently a written notice of candidacy can be filed with the city clerk at Holmes Beach City Hall. If this question passes with voters, that piece of paperwork would have to be filed at the supervisor of elections office. All other candidate paperwork is already required to be filed with the supervisor of elections office.
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PIER: Issues present challenges “In case Mr. Schoenfelder’s offer is in fact rejected, I want to be prepared to quickly issue this RFP.” Later in the week, Murphy was asked about the RFP process that could ensue if the commission rejects Schoenfelder’s final pier lease offer. “Mario could bid it on it, as well as anyone else interested in having a restaurant on our pier, if the commission authorizes putting it out for bid if Mario’s final offer doesn’t meet the needs of the city,” Murphy said. “If it’s not in the best interest of the city, the commission could decide not to open a restaurant and use the space for other purposes. The city needs to get some sort of return on its investment over a 10-year span,” Murphy said.
Schimberg, who designed the new pier buildings and the engineering firm, Ayres Associates, that designed and engineered the new pier. “I have a meeting tomorrow to get to the bottom of all of that, to see exactly where the responsibility lies, as well as the scope of any delay it may cause us,” Murphy told the commission. “Hopefully it will be a minor issue,” he added, noting that he would not publicly speculate on the exact nature of the design conflict. On Friday, Oct. 25, Murphy issued an email stating his meeting with the architect and the engineers was delayed until Thursday, Oct. 31, because one of the parties was unavailable. “We’ve got a plan to address any issues, and I’m still investigating this,” Murphy said on Friday.
DESIGN CONFLICT
INTERIOR BUILD-OUT
FROM PAGE 1
During last week’s meeting, Murphy said a design conflict has arisen between the architect, Barron
During last week’s meeting, Murphy announced that Mason Martin Builders, the firm constructing the new pier buildings, has retracted its option to complete the interior build-out of those structures. That decision came in the wake of a recent email exchange between Murphy and Schoenfelder in which Schoen-
If it’s not in the best interest of the city, the commission could decide not to open a restaurant and use the space for other purposes.” Dan Murphy, Anna Maria Mayor
felder said he felt he was being forced to use the city’s contractor of choice to complete the interior build-outs of the spaces he hoped to lease. Murphy told Schoenfelder he would not be obligated to use the city’s contractor for the interior build-outs and was free to get estimates from other contractors even though that could further delay the opening of the restaurant and bait shop in 2020.
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SPORTS
OCTOBER 30, 2019
Vacasa and Lancaster Designs fall to MuniPlan SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, OCT. 22 YOUTH SOCCER EIGHT- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE
BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Week two of the adult co-ed soccer season saw back-toback night action on The Center’s pitch. Sato Real Estate and MuniPlan were the only two teams to capture two wins in the week. Sato Real Estate, currently undefeated with a record of 3-0, is followed closely by the powerhouse Blalock Walters team. Moss Builders and MuniPlan round out the leaderboard with records of 2-1. Winning both of their games last week was critical for the start of the season for MuniPlan. Coming off of a loss last week, MuniPlan came on the field looking for their first win of the season. Despite Vacasa’s Trey Horne’s 11 saves, the team could not find the net enough times, losing to MuniPlan 2-4, with Jessica Williams scoring the only goals for her team. MuniPlan started to gel as a team last Wednesday night against Vacasa with single goals by Nathan Kragt and Ryan Hogan. Teammate Sean Flynn, co-founder of Flynn Law, P.A., scored the other two goals in the game for the win. Without the number one pick, Kragt, and one of last season’s high scorers, Ashley Friszman, the MuniPlan squad handily took on team Lancaster Designs, with late add-on goalkeeper Edgar Bartolon
West Coat Surf Shop (0-4-1) 2 HSH Designs (4-1-0) 3 Moss Builders Ugly Grouper
(2-1-2) 0 (3-1-1) 5
YOUTH SOCCER 11- TO 15-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE
Lancaster Design (3-1-1) 4 Progressive Cabinetry (1-4-0) 3 Island Vac. Properties (1-4-0) 3 Ugly Grouper (4-0-1) 4
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23 ADULT SOCCER Lancaster Designs Blalock Walters Vacasa MuniPlan
2 8 (0-2-0) 2 (2-1-0) 4
Sato Real Estate Moss Builders
7 2
Ross Built Construction Flynn Law
4 9
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
MuniPlan's Ashley Friszman tries to get the soccer ball past Eric Pullen for team Vacasa last Wednesday night. who had 15 saves in Thursday night’s game. Team MuniPlan utilized the goalkeeping skills of three of their players, Ben Sato, Flynn and Mark Long, who are versatile enough to make a difference in goal and on the field. The MuniPlan team also spread the joy in goal scoring with Flynn, Hogan and Steve Oelfke, credited with single goals each. Sato and Zach Long, brother of Mark, both had two goals in the game.
Scoring Thursday night for Lancaster Design was limited to Juan Carlos and Rico Beissert, who played goalie last week for his team. Sato Real Estate’s Amy Ivin scored five goals in Wednesday night’s game against Moss Builders. Connor Bystrom got a hat trick for Ross Built Construction, along with three goals for Flynn Law’s Chris Scott, returning to the league this season after an injury. Thursday night Moss Build-
ers’ Keith Mahoney and Gerardo Urbiola both had three goals contributing to their team’s win. Vintage Beach’s Joseph Hutchinson found the net three times against Blalock Walters. League high scorer Ivin, with a total of 11 goals in the first three games, capped off the night with three more goals for the week, showing why she is the top female pick in the league season after season.
THURSDAY, OCT. 24 ADULT SOCCER Flynn Law Moss Builders
(1-1-0) 6 (2-1-0) 9
Lancaster Designs MuniPlan
(0-3-0) 2 (2-1-0) 7
Vintage Beach Blalock Walters
(0-1-1) 5 (2-0-1) 5
Sato Real Estate Ross Built Const.
(3-0-0) 4 (1-2-0) 1
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OCTOBER 30, 2019
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Former island coach named to Hall of Fame BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Family legacy does not make one a Hall-of-Famer. Hard work, sacrifice, dedication and success paves the way to the accolade. Will “Scheny” Schenerlein, former recreation director at Schenerlein The Center, recently received such top honors. As a former wrestler and coach, Scheny, originally from Parkersburg, West Virginia, received official notification on Sept. 3 that he was named to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. His contributions to the sport not only as an athlete, but also as a leader, teacher, coach and mentor set his place in the permanent history of the sport. His wrestling career, including that of a competitive wrestler into his 30s, ended as he got older and the years of experience in the sport took its toll on him physically. Scheny moved his family to Anna Maria Island in 2013 and he worked at The Center for several years before moving on to be a world history, sociology and psychology teacher at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota. As a coach and teacher, Scheny’s childhood dreams came true. Starting his wrestling career at the age of seven, Scheny knows what it is like to be young and training for the competitive world of wrestling. While at The Center, he took his experience as a wrestler and coach to the mats at the community center with the Island youth. Influenced by both of his older brothers, Bob and Scott, Scheny was inspired to make a name for himself and impact the lives of countless wrestlers. As a child, his biggest inspiration was his high school coach, Joe Handlan. Later down the road, the wrestlers he had the pleasure and honor to coach became Scheny’s inspiration. Schenerlein notes that he has “… always wanted to be a coach … [I] had great coaches at all levels as role models and was an assistant [coach] under great leaders as well.”
SUBMITTED
Will "Scheny" Schenerlein, former recreation director at The Center, started wrestling in elementary school and continued well into adulthood. Right, Scheny shares a moment on the mat with his oldest son, Harrison, at a local wrestling meet with The Center youth. Despite knee, hip and neck injuries over the years, nothing kept Scheny from the sport. Over the many years, a number of the wrestlers coached under Scheny went on to college and beyond. A number of them became coaches themselves. During his career, he coached three national champions, 14 All-Americans and NCAA All-Americans, as well as 25 state champions, four state championship teams, and five national teams ranked in the top 20. Scheny sincerely notes, “… if it wasn’t for all the people in my life, especially the kids I coached, I would be nothing. I love them all like my own and they know it.” His influences on the mat and in the gym with his athletes led him to be previously named by USA Wrestling as the National Coach of the Year, as well as this year’s induction into the Hall of Fame. Scheny states fondly, “I still receive notes from former wrestlers thanking me for being a positive role model in their lives.” The only regret in the sport that he has is
ending his high level-coaching career early to pursue other interests. Working at The Center gave Scheny the opportunity to start coaching again. With the kids at the community center, he groomed many boys and girls for local competition. Witnessing the little wrestlers develop as athletes and individuals and watching their skills improve added to his proudest and most memorable wrestling moments. Scheny holds his parents as his biggest supporters and positive influences during his wrestling career. As a coach at The Center, he had the opportunity to not only coach local kids in the sport he loves, but also his oldest son Harrison – continuing the family legacy. While Scheny does hope his sons follow his footsteps, he is supportive in all of their activities. Harrison continues to wrestle and Scheny believes his youngest child, Bodie, has the build and personality to be successful in the sport. Through all of the sacrifices made
during his career, including fighting through injuries and preparing for meets by spending many nights alone “cutting weight,” Scheny says he would without a doubt do it all over again. Lee Roy Smith, executive director of the Hall of Fame and Museum, noted in his letter to Scheny, “This award acknowledges that [his] life has been significant and [he] is leaving behind a legacy that others admire.” Smith goes on to say Scheny has “… a special place in the heritage of the sport …” Scheny was recently formally presented with the Hall of Fame honors and recognized at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He believes, “There is not a better sport to teach character, self-discipline, loyalty, respect, or honor than wrestling.” Schenerlein truly believes, “Once you have wrestled, everything else in life is easy!”
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FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 New England fish 4 Seriously injures 9 Frosh, next year 13 "Should I take that as __?" 14 Are 15 Boy Scout unit 17 *Pedigree ancestry 19 Luxury Honda 20 "Eight Miles High" band, with "The" 21 Farm building 23 Up to, in ads 24 The Beatles' "__ Love Her" 25 *Suit tailor's concern 28 Prospective elevator passenger's query 30 Villain played by Josh Brolin in most "Avengers" films 31 Flock female 32 Biblical paradise 34 Olympics segment 35 *Nightly ritual for young children 38 On the ocean 41 Red Sox manager Alex 42 Topeka's st. 45 "I want to see" 47 "The Lord of the Rings" wizard 49 *Teacher's outline 52 "__ all work out" 53 Barcelona gold 54 Field mouse 55 Diviner's deck 56 Opposite of sur 58 "Field of Dreams" subject, and where both parts of the answers to starred clues can go
61 Movie legend Greta 62 Appliance with burners 63 Actress Vardalos 64 Cannon of "Heaven Can Wait" (1978) 65 Sinatra classic with Anka lyrics 66 PIN requester Down 1 Sauerkraut, mainly 2 "Just this second" 3 Desperate 4 Drugs from docs 5 Rose of Guns N' Roses 6 Three on a sundial 7 "Hardball" cable channel 8 Rib eye, for one 9 Baseball great Musial's nickname 10 Beast fought by 47-Across 11 Canadian french fries dish 12 Where land and sky seem to meet 16 Most colorless 18 Chief Norse god 22 Like some mil. officers
Answers to 10-23-19 Crossword Puzzle.
25 Weaponless selfdefense 26 Mimic 27 Goalie's goal 29 "Hurry!" 33 It has both Kings and Queens counties, briefly 35 Uses needle and thread 36 Roman robe 37 Persian Gulf republic 38 Comparable in duration 39 "Not Taken" place in a Frost poem title 40 "My apologies" 42 Catastrophic New Orleans hurricane 43 The whole shebang 44 Cardinals or Falcons 46 Frequent co-producer of U2 albums 48 Dashboard feature 50 Suffix with proto- or cyto51 Southpaw 55 Low card 57 Sched. question mark 59 Disabled car need 60 "2 Fast 2 Furious" actress Mendes
OCTOBER 30, 2019
OCTOBER 30, 2019
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit. com FACE PAINTER/PORTRAIT ARTIST Island student artist, reasonable price for parties, events, and special portraits. Call/text Lillian 210-380-9691
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216
TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077
COMPUTER SERVICES
THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com
EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
EMPLOYMENT
Join the team at the FLORIDA MARITIME MUSEUM to preserve Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage. Assist with collections, school tours and more! Contact 941-708-6120
CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570 KATHY’S CLEANING SERVICE: Professional, responsible, and friendly. I clean residential, and commercial homes, and offices. Please call me for a free estimate: 941-447-4660.
Call us today! 941-778-3986
SOLO’S PIZZA LOOKING for part time evening cook. Call 941-778-8118
FISHING CHARTERS CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
FOR SALE VARIDESK CUBE CORNER 36, two tier design and keyboard deck. Heavyweight base for stability. Color black. Also Varidesk sitting/ standing chair and floor mat. All perfect condition. All pieces new $805. Asking $250. Call Steve 941-724-2728.
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP & ANNEX open 9:30-2p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Donations preferred 9a.m.-11a.m. Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Phone 941-779-2733 GARAGE SALE SATURDAY November 2. 8am-1pm. 2709 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach. Multiple Sleeper Sofas, Kitchen tables and chairs, Wicker Bedroom Furniture plus much more! RUNAWAY BAY’S ANNUAL White Elephant Sale. Saturday, NOVEMBER 9 from 8am1pm. Multiple Owners Participating in this event in Front Lot of Runaway Bay, 1801 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach. Don’t Miss this One.
RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors. Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted. HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.
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HOME SERVICES THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
LOST & FOUND FOUND KAYAK. FOUND near Key Royale Bridge Call or text 248 765-5207 LOST ON BEACH Beige Women’s Eye Glasses. $50 REWARD Call John 941705-6068 FOUND DIAMOND RING on Friday July 5 on Coquina Beach. Call Bradenton Beach Police Department 941-778-6311 LOST DIAMOND STONE on Trolley or shops on Anna Maria Island. $500 REWARD. Call 314-324-5921 LOST EYE GLASSES April 19th. Dark men’s frame. Anthony Peoples Design. Call 269-344-7960
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
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“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
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PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing. Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086
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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
ADORABLE POOL HOME 2BR/2BA newer pool. New windows and doors. Great wonderful porch for additional sleeping! Two blocks to beach. $549,000 Call Scott May 941-228-8377 or Brenda Boyd May 941-7308589 Boyd Realty
REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE: FSBO 1BR/1BA MOBILE Home Sandpiper Co-Op Bradenton Beach-$129,999 Movein ready! November 2 & 3. Noon-2pm 2601 Gulf DR N Lot 327!
Call us today! 941-778-3986
RENTALS: ANNUAL
BAY HOLLOW CONDO Beautiful 2BR/2BA canal front condo just off the Island with views of the water, boat dock can be available for use, updated gourmet kitchen. HOA approval required, $1950/mo. Call Paige 513-382-1992 www.teamduncan.com Duncan Real Estate ANNUALS AVAILABLE: 1BR/1BA duplex on Island. $1200. 2BR/2BA furnished gulf front $2650 First, last and security-Available immediately. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 ANNUAL RENTALSANNA MARIA 1BR/1BA steps to beach, onsite laundry. No pets. $1,400/mo. Holmes Beach 2BR/1.5BA elevated duplex steps to beach, covered parking, W/D,DW $1,850/mo. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307
ANNUAL RENTAL AT VILLAGE GREEN Oversized Villa with 2 car garage, premium lake view, 2BR/2BA, fully applianced, unfurnished, very clean. Recent updates include plantation shutters, AC, new paint and large heated pool. First, last plus security. $100 HOA fee. Tenant pays electric/water. Trash and cable included in rent. JUST REDUCED TO $1575/MO. Available NOW. Please Call (owner) Jim 781-6032861 jimreilly@townisp. com LARGE EXECUTIVE HOME Perico, close to beach, 3BR/3BA, available August 1st. $2800/month 1st, last, and security deposit req'd.. Call Sato Real Estate, Inc at 941-778-7200 or email monica@satorealestate.com
OCTOBER 30, 2019
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1. 2BR/1BA duplex off Cortez. Newly renovated. 2 miles to beach. Quiet neighborhood near restaurants and shopping. Separate laundry room. $1200 includes water. $1200 deposit. Call 941-773-1552.
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190
GULF PLACE Gulf Beach Front beautiful 3BR/2BA condo for rent, fully equipped, gorgeous views, heated pool, tennis court. Call Gayle, Simpson South Realty, 941-812-6489. 2BR/2BA UPDATED new cabinets granite counters available immediately through the 2020 season. Call 551-427-0248 or cibcocorp@optonline.net for details and pictures 2 blocks to beach
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095
AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere. Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured
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Vacation Rentals • Sales • Property Management
TeamDuncan.com • 941.779.0304
310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216