FREE
VOL 15 No. 7
December 10, 2014
PAT COPELAND | SUN
Members of the Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet perform at the Island Community Center’s Lester Family Fun Day last Saturday. More Fun Day photos on Page 44
Attorney: City can deny short-term rentals BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Attorney David Levin has sent the city an opinion saying he feels the city already has the authority to regulate and even prohibit short-term vacation rentals of single-family, detached dwellings. According to Levin, the city already had ordinances in place governing such rentals before the state passed a law on June 1,
INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey outdoors sports football fever Holiday events list real estate
4 6 7 30-31 32 36-37 49 40-46
2011, “preempting local government prohibition and regulation of vacation rentals.” He said the state prohibition does not apply to any local law, ordinance or regulation adopted on or before June 1, 2011. The city hired Levin to give an opinion on whether the city can regulate rental houses and whether the city’s zoning code prohibited short-term rentals of see RENTALS, page 43
Mayoral recall effort being considered Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon’s fate may ultimately be decided by a special election. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The commission-driven forfeiture of office proceedings against Mayor Bill Shearon may prove to be a moot point, if city voters are given the opportunity to determine whether the embattled mayor completes his inaugural two-year term.
According to acting City Clerk Terri Sanclemente, the city has been contacted by the Venicebased accounting firm of Robinson, Hanks, Young and Roberts. A representative of the Shearon firm informed Sanclemente that it is handling the financial duties for a yet to be named political action committee (PAC), the intent of which is to initiate a recall referendum see RECALL, page 34
island Players
Holiday of Treasures this Friday
delight with their performance of ‘Regrets Only.’ 41
in Anna Maria. 3
Anna Maria Island, Florida
New views of food at Lawn Party. The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper
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THE SUN
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DECEMBER 10, 2014
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Skullywag takes 'cannon ball' to the side The Anna Maria Island Privateers promise to be in their parade Saturday, even if they have to ride with another crewe.
THE SUN
Holiday of Treasures coming Friday The Christmas festival runs from Gulf Drive to the shops of Pine Avenue and down to Bayfront Plaza. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The parking spot for the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ parade ship, The Skullywag, will be vacant for a while as the Privateers scramble to get a ride in their own Christmas parade Saturday, Dec. 13. The Skullywag got hit in the side by a Ford F-150 pickup truck Saturday, Dec. 6, around 9:41 p.m. as it was pulling out of the Asia restaurant parking lot see skullywag, page 24
BOB DOMINUS | SUBMITTED
Above, the pickup smashed through the fiberglass exterior near midship of the Skullywag. Below, a case of beer fell onto the street and bottles broke spilling beer on the side of the ship.
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ANNA MARIA – The merchants are prepared to celebrate the holidays with everyone on Friday, Dec. 12, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Holiday of Treasures They will be offering specials on merchandise, refreshments and good old-fashioned fellowship to those who travel from one end of the city’s commercial district to the other. Visitors are urged to get a bingo card that participating businesses can sign and those who get them all filled can turn them in for a drawing for one of two gift baskets full of merchandise from the business owners. In addition, there will be snow and Santa Claus in a sleigh in the parking lot of the Island Sun Plaza
and at 6 p.m. the Roser Children’s Choir will sing carols at the Historical Park at 401 Pine Ave. The front porches of the shops along Pine Avenue will be alive with merchandise, music, food and drink. There will be chairs for those who need to rest or if they just want to sit and visit with the others. The shops at Bayfront Plaza will also be open offering more unique items. Those on the Island are reminded that the free Island trolley is a good way to avoid long searches for parking spaces, and CrossPointe Fellowship has plenty of parking spaces and will be offering rides to and from the site on a hay wagon. The Anna Maria Historical Society and The Anna Maria Island Sun are sponsors for the Holiday of Treasures. For more information, call Valerie Wilson at 779-0785 or Kandi Kerekes at 779-0709.
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THE SUN
ISLAND NEWS
in brief
AMI Centre holds Midtown Holiday Celebration The public is invited to the Midtown Holiday Celebration at the Anna Maria Island Centre on East Bay Drive on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 5 to 9 p.m. Visitors can participate in the Candy Cane Crawl in which they receive a bingo type card to get stamped by all of the participating merchants. The first 50 to complete the card will get a goodie bag with gift certificates, coupons and gifts. On the card, they also can vote for the best-decorated store. In addition Santa Claus will be available to listen to wishes and pose for photos, and Lightening Jack will play tropical holiday music on the steel drum. Each participating merchant will offer appetizers and drinks. Participants also are encouraged to join the Toys for Tots toy drive by bringing a new unwrapped gift to Walgreens or take a tag off the Giving Tree at Paradise Café and buy gifts for a child in need.
Boatbuilding lecture at museum The Florida Maritime Museum will host an educational lecture on small boatbuilding with John Beale on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m. Attendees will get a basic understanding of how to read small boat plans and begin to determine which boat design might suit them best. Admission is free, but due to limited space, an RSVP is required. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or visit the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez or http://floridamaritimemuseum.org.
Music, cookies on the porch Saturday Bring an instrument, raise your voice or tap your feet at the Music on the Porch jam session at the Florida Maritime Museum on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 2 to 5 p.m. Children and adults are welcome at this free event, which includes the annual Cortez Community Cookie Exchange. To participate, bring a batch of cookies to trade and share. Hot chocolate will be provided. The Florida Maritime Museum is at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or visit floridamaritimemuseum.org.
Park input needed The city of Anna Maria is seeking committee members to provide input and suggestions for the six lots on the corner of South Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, formally known as City Pier Park. If you are interested submit your name, contact information and a brief resume or background information to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy ammayor@cityofannamaria.com or by mail to PO Box 779, Anna Maria FL 34216, by Dec. 15.
Correction The city of Bradenton Beach received an EEOC Notice of Charge of Discrimination on Friday Nov. 21. A recent story listed an incorrect date.
Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there. DECEMBER 10, 2014
Thompson takes off with ideas for Center
She is revamping the children’s programs and adding a preschool program. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Her mind goes a mile a minute and the ideas tumble out so fast that you can barely follow them. This is Cindy Thompson, the AMI Community Center’s new executive director in charge of overall operations with a particular focus on the external aspects of the organization. “It’s amazing how the community has come out to support me in this position,” she said. “And it’s critical to me to do it in a transparent way because I’m a steward of this Community Center for the community.” Her first priority is the children’s programs for which she is eminently qualified. Thompson owns and operates Thompson Academy in Bradenton, which provides high quality childcare and early education for children
pat copeland
Executive Director Cindy Thompson said her first priority at the Community Center is the children’s programs. 18 months to 5 years old. “The basic function of the Center’s children’s programs is child care,” Thompson pointed out. “The immediate need right now is revamping all the children’s programs and providing more services for families.”
She is currently in the process of moving the children into the former workout room on the ground floor, which most recently housed the administrative offices. The children were see thompson, page 5
Managing director position created at Center Kristin Lessig will be in charge of internal operations such as staffing, programming and finances.
nization called Sportable, “to create opportunities for people with physical disabilities to participate in sports and recreation.” When her husband found his “dream job as a member of the technical staff of IMG for soccer,” they chose to live on the Island because of the Center and Anna Maria Elementary School.
BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The other half of the Community Center’s director equation is Kristin Lessig – in the newly created position of managing director in charge of internal operations such as staffing, programming and finances. “Kristin brings a breadth and depth of proven, hands on leadership and management experience that made her the clear choice for this position,” Executive Director Cindy Thompson said. “I’m thrilled to have her in support of our commitment to bring more and better services to our members and the community at large.” “The Community Center is a true
Starting as a volunteer
Pat copeland
Kristin Lessig is currently meeting with each staff member. asset to Anna Maria Island, and I am excited to work with Cindy and the team to enhance the services we provide,” Lessig said. Lessig and her husband, Kyle, came to the Island from Richmond, Va., where she founded a non-profit orga-
“I wanted a place for my daughter, Madeline, who is 6, to socialize, so I enrolled her in summer camp at the Center,” Lessig explained. “It’s great resource for young families, but I also saw the diversity in the programs here.” She said the Center was going through its financial crisis at the time, and she felt she could help due to her experience and background. She began volunteering and helping with small fund-raisers. see lessig, page 5
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DECEMBER 10, 2014
lessig: Managing director at Center FROM PAGE 4
“I wanted to do more, and when Dawn (former Executive Director Dawn Stiles) resigned, I put my hat in the ring. I learned about the vision for the future. Cindy and I talked and it became clear what my role could be. “My job is to see that things are operating smoothly and efficiently and to manage the personnel and make sure they have the resources they need to do the job.” Lessig said she currently is meeting with each staff member “to get their perspective in order to see the challenges and opportunities to support them and start things moving forward.”
THE SUN
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Center meets rental membership goal Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, has exceeded its goal of 100 vacation property memberships. Property owners who use property management companies may acquire center memberships for their clients through that company, while memberships for independently owned rentals may be purchased directly through the Community Center. Perks for property man-
agement companies include a business spotlight at the Center and linking partnerships with social media. An investment of $350 per property annually allows all renters to enjoy tennis, pickleball, gymnasium and fitness center use, discounts on classes and programs such as yoga, Pilates, dance, art, lectures and more. Special thanks and recognition go to the six property managers who were the first to step up
and offer their clients a Center membership as part of their rental package. Currently at 116 properties enrolled and counting, the participating agencies to date are AMI Accommodations, Anna Maria Vacations, Paradise Realty, Duncan Real Estate, Island Real Estate and Sato Real Estate. For information on how your agency can join this program, contact Jennifer Griffith at 941-778-1908, ext. 9204, or JenniferG@myamicc.com.
thompson: Takes off with ideas FROM PAGE 4
using the windowless room across the hall, which also serves as a staging area for events in the gym. “It’s important for children to have a sense of belonging and an attachment to the Center,” she explained. “They’ll have their own areas with developmentally appropriate activities set up with learning centers so they can go from activity to activity. “There’s room for solitary, cooperative and group play. If you structure it as a play environment and the by-product is incredible learning.
The learning becomes deeper when activities are open-ended.”
Expanding Programs
She said donations from board members will be used to purchase furniture and supplies and the room should be ready by mid-January for the two age groups – kindergarten through second grade and third through fifth grade. In addition, she plans on starting a drop in program for preschoolers from 2 to 5 years old. “The room is empty all day, and we could be meeting the needs of the preschoolers,” she
said. “There will be activities with development centers for the different age groups and babysitting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the other children come in from school.” Another area she plans to revamp is the teen program for middle and high school youths with a social room for parties, events, dances and dinners. She said she will survey the local high and middle schools to learn what activities the teens want. She also plans to increase the number of events offered by the Center including reviving the popular fishing tournament and hosting
Sunday pancake breakfasts. “Events, marketing and community outreach are critical to bringing people in, and events are a key part of our budget,” she pointed out. “I’m going to build a volunteer arm to absorb a lot of these events. “The goal is to answer the needs of the people and their requests. When people tell you what they want, you need to provide it. We’re trying to build something that we can be proud of so we can go out in the community and show people what we’ve done.”
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THE SUN
OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
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DECEMBER 10, 2014
EDITORIAL Time out for the holidays
W
e’re in the middle of the Christmas rush on Anna Maria Island, with special events planned for the next week followed by the inevitable slow down for the holiday. There's the Holiday of Treasures in Anna Maria and Christmas on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach plus the Lighted Boat Parade and the Privateers’ Christmas Parade, a new Midtown Holiday Celebration for the AMI Shopping Centre on East Bay Drive and more. After that, we all turn our attention from our communities to our families and, with the special events behind us, we celebrate the holidays with our relatives and friends. Our seasonal residents and visitors also celebrate in private and the streets are quieter because of that. It has been an interesting year for all three cities and not all the news has been positive. Mayors in two cities had rough starts and one faces forfeiting his office if attempts to remove him are successful. The other did not run for re-election and Anna Maria has a new mayor. The Anna Maria City Commission is working on plans to deal with the expansion of tourism and the explosion of conversions of homes into rental properties while Holmes Beach deals with parking. Real estate professionals have formed a group to monitor those efforts to make sure their rights to do business are protected. Some of the commission meetings have become contentious, as have the commission meetings in Bradenton Beach over whether to keep the mayor.
A
s we enjoy our last weekend of celebrations on the streets and prepare for the holidays, let’s call a truce, shake hands and wish each other a merry Christmas and happy New Year. Our little cities are reminiscent of Bedford Falls from the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” except, of course, for the lack of snow. These small towns in which we live are flashbacks to the days when people knew their neighbors and they banned together when times got tough. Yes, we do have some problems to face. Yes, the Island is changing. But just for a moment, let’s call a time-out and enjoy the holidays - because living here is truly a good life.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Third bridge plan My extreme gratitude to Diane Coates and Bill Gikas for their recent letters regarding a bridge to serve LBK traffic. I have been fighting that war since 1989 and researching from the air, the surface and administratively. Also, I flew for Mote Marine for a couple of years. Since there is no place on LBK to land a bridge the solution is to start at the circle at the west end of 53rd Avenue, set to be four-laned, across the field and cross 86th just north of the Tidy Island gatehouse, then through the middle of the mangrove swamp to its tip, similar to the west end of Manatee Avenue. From there a 5 degree left turn, up over the Intracoastal and touchdown 700 feet north of the Longboat Pass bridge. Two inner lanes would marry into SR789, and outboard lanes would serve Coquina
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field
Beach. It’s the second narrowest bay crossing, with the least seagrass in the bay, and would be one-half mile from the nearest Tidy Island residence. Jim Kissick Bradenton Beach
Encouraging trend It would appear there has been a meeting of the minds with regards to balancing the benefits of our successful visitor-based economy with the duty to preserve our “quiet residential community” for current and future residents. I believe we are very close to developing, thru voluntary collaboration between leading residents and property managers (who are themselves also residents), licensing, management and occupancy standards which are likely to meet and exceed anything
Layout Ricardo Fonseca
Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis
Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks
Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistant Chris Boniberger
Columnists Louise Bolger
Classified ads Bob Alexander
that might be accomplished thru a much more divisive and expensive “top down” process. There are extremes on both sides of this issue. Some think they can operate in our neighborhoods without any concern for the scale and characteristics which have made our community so desirable to begin with. Others maneuver toward an economy and job crushing prohibition on rentals outright. Its encouraging to observe the conversation arriving at common ground among responsible members of our community, property managers and City government. This process can move forward without input from Attorneys (expensive) and the courts (unpredictable) in a lot less time (weeks, not months or years) if those currently in discussions can bring agreed recommendations to see LETTERS, page 7
Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Web Jocelyn V. Greene Accounting John Reitz
Distribution Bob Alexander Keith Isner Tony McNulty Contributors Steve Borggren Tom Breiter Troy Morgan Monica Simpson
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DECEMBER 10, 2014
THE SUN
the sun survey
on the agenda
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: If you were emperor of the Island, what's the first decree you would make?
Anna Maria
Holmes Beach
12/11: City Commission special meeting, 6 p.m. 12/18: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m. For information, call 7086130.
12/18: Code Enforcement Board, CANCELED. For information, call 7085800.
4%
11%
Dismiss all the lawsuits against Bradenton Beach.
Make the beaches dog-friendly.
10005 Gulf Drive
Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.
14% Enforce all the sea turtle regulations.
39%
Solve the parking and traffic problems by making everyone drive golf carts on the Island.
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY
33%
Would you sign a petition to recall Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon?
Declare martial law and require DOT to build a third bridge to the mainland.
• No. The mayor has done nothing to warrant such procedures. • Yes. The mayor's conduct justifies a recall effort.
To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone. But don't just vote – let us know what else you think. Send your comments about this week's topic to news@amisun.com or post them in the comments section of our website.
Results are printed on this page every week in the Anna Maria Island Sun.
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LETTERS FROM PAGE 6
the Commission for review and approval. The final results can then pass into ordinance form
without meaningful opposition. Our City has a history of entanglements, but we mostly come to the right spot in the road over time. I’m encouraged that
this may be yet another example of that. The outcome is certainly within our control. Micheal Coleman Anna Maria
12/10: Planning and Zoning Board, 3 p.m. 12/11: City Commission/ Department head meeting, 1 p.m. 12/16: City Commission work session, 1 p.m. 12/17: Pier Team, 11 a.m. 12/18: City Commission meeting, noon. For information, call 7781005.
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5801 Marina Drive
Island-Wide
12/11: ULI Committee, Anna Maria City hall, 9 a.m. 12/17: ULI Committee, Anna Maria City hall, 9 a.m. 12/17: Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Holmes Beach City Hall, 2 p.m. 12/18: West Manatee Fire Commission work session on fire prevention ordinance, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 5 p.m. 12/18: West Manatee Fire Commission, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.
mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.
Wednesday Dec. 10
Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5. Bits and Pieces Puppet Show, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 p.m.
Thursday Dec. 11
Quilting group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. AMI Centre Midtown Holiday Celebration, 3200 block of East Bay Drive, 5 to 9 p.m.
Friday Dec. 12
Mindfulness in silence nature stroll, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 to 11 am. Reserve to 941-748-4501, ext. 6039. Forty Carrots program for babies and children to age 5, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Alzheimer’s caregivers’ group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Anna Maria Holiday of Treasures, Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria,
5:30 to 8 p.m.
Saturday
Dec. 13 Master Gardener tour, Riverview Pointe Preserve, end of 75th Street, Bradenton, 9 to 11 a.m. Reserve to 941-722-4524. Privateers’ Christmas Parade, Bayfront Park in Anna Maria to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. Winterfest fine arts and crafts festival, Holmes Beach city field, 5800 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Origami class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Holiday Readers Theatre, a family event by the Island Players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Music on the porch, Florida Maritime Museum, Cortez Road and 119th Street West, Cortez, 2 to 5 p.m. Christmas on Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 4 to 8 p.m. Cortez Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade, ICW from Moore’s Stone Crab restaurant on Longboat Key to Seafood Shack Marina in Cortez.
Sunday Dec. 14
Winterfest fine arts and SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8
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THE SUN
From Page 7 crafts festival, Holmes Beach city field, 5800 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bridge Street Market, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday Dec. 15
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $8. Register to 941778-2099.
TuesdaY Dec. 16
Children’s story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Duplicate Bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday Dec. 17
Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5.
Thursday Dec. 18
Friends of the Island Library Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Successful Women Aligning Together, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Members, $12, guests, $17. RSVP to swatami@gmail.com Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
DECEMBER 10, 2014
Live like a local Respect Wildlife
Friday Dec. 19
Tau Chi and Qigong class, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 to 10 a.m. Reserve to 941-742-5757, ext. 6.
Saturday Dec. 20
Sneak peek shutter stroll, Perico Preserve, north side of Palma Sola Causeway, east of Harbour Isle development, 8 to 10 a.m. Reserve to 941-742-5757, ext. 9. Salt march explorers, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton. Register to 941-7484501, ext. 6039.
White pelican Please recycle your fishing line so snowbirds like me don’t get tangled. Anna Maria Island Sun, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
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512 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria
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DECEMBER 10, 2014
THE SUN
Christmas on Bridge Street returns The landward holiday celebration coincides with the annual boat parade. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
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BRADENTON BEACH – Hosted by the Bridge Street Merchants Association, Christmas on Bridge Street will transform Bradenton Beach’s historic business district into a holiday-themed winter wonderland Saturday afternoon and evening. The once a year holiday extravaganza will coincide with the 11th annual Cortez Yacht Club Holiday Lighted Boat Parade that sets sail at dusk. Promising family fun from 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 13, Christmas on Bridge Street will feature a visit from Santa, snow, the Island’s largest live Christmas tree, holiday street lighting, a brand new hot chocolate bar, and holiday music performed by Russ and Brandi and Savannah Brady and Friends In addition to the special sales and promotions taking place inside the shops and businesses along Bridge Street, an outdoor holiday market at 107 Bridge Street will offer arts, crafts, and one of a kind gifts for the special folks on your holiday shopping list. Over $2,000 in gift baskets and holiday wreaths donated by local businesses will be raffled, including the infamous wheelbarrow full of liquor and holiday spirits donated by the Drift In. The traditional Children’s Craft and Cookie Bazaar offers area students an opportunity to sell homemade crafts, baked goods and holiday items. Youngsters who wish to participate can e-mail chodge@chilesgroup.com, as can business owners still looking to contribute raffle prizes. Proceeds from the event will benefit local food banks in their year-round efforts to provide assistance to foodchallenged individuals and families.
Parking is available at city hall, the post office, the public beach south of Bridge Street, behind BridgeWalk, and along Bridge Street. Attendees are encouraged to take the free trolley from anywhere on the Island. The Anna Maria Island Sun, Bradenton Herald, Brighthouse Networks, METV, BeachHouse restaurant, Ideal Image, Grayhawk Systems Inc., Edgewater Real Estate, and Kimball Construction join the Bridge Street Merchants in sponsoring the event. For more information visit www.bridgestreetmerchants.com.
Holidays ahoy
Hosted by the Cortez Yacht Club, the Dec. 13 holiday boat parade will depart from Moore’s Stone Crab restaurant in Longboat Key, casting off after 6 p.m. Participating skippers will guide their power boats and sailboats on a lovely cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, en route to the Seafood Shack in Cortez. The vessel sporting the best holiday decorations will win the $500 grand prize, with additional prizes awarded as well. No entry fee is required, but a gift donation to Toys for Toys is requested. New this year, is the opportunity for boat-less passengers to catch a ride aboard Capt. Jeff’s Island Pearl Express, with advance reservations required at 941-780-8010. Due to Seafood Shack renovations, this year’s after party will be held at the Bridge Tender Inn, with the Seafood Shack providing overnight docking for boat parade participants and Capt. Jeff providing after party shuttle service. Those not yet registered can do so at the mandatory skippers’ meeting taking place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Bridge Tender Inn, 135 Bridge St. Skippers requiring additional information can call 941-780-3547 or e-mail cortezyachtclub@verizon.net.
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THE SUN
DECEMBER 10, 2014
ULI group refines study questions BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The ULI study group continues to refine the questions it wants the Urban Land Institute to ask in February in its $125,000 study of Anna Maria Island. The not-for-profit development consultants are expected to survey up to 130 people to be selected in January about Island problems and potential solutions. Mayor Dan Murphy and Wayne Patterso, of Anna Maria; Mayor Bill Shearon and Rick Bisio, of Bradenton Beach; and Mayor Bob Johnson, Bob Rosas, Richard Motzer and David Cheshire, of Holmes Beach; worked on the questions last week and will revisit them again this week, aiming to finalize them down by Friday, Dec. 19.
The group is formulating the questions, not supplying potential answers, Johnson said, adding, “That's the last thing we want is to prejudice objective research.” The group discussed focusing on determining the appropriate balance among residential, rental and commercial developments, noting that vacation rentals are commercial in nature. Murphy suggested asking about ways “to attract the right kind of visitors,” specifically, families, not spring breakers. “I think we have to look toward maintaining our ground floor houses so they don’t become targets for the developers, and making them easier to be renovated to make them habitable by the residents who own them,” Patterson said, adding that short-term vacation rentals increased by 19 percent from 2000-2010
on the Island.
Developing questions
Mindful of redevelopment trending toward vacation rentals, the group favored investigating how people want the Island to look decades from now. “Everybody would like for it to be the way it was six months before they got to the Island,” Shearon said. One question asks for recommendations on improving traffic, parking and congestion, including a third bridge. “I don't care if you have 10 bridges, they come into two lanes, period,” Shearon said. The group favored asking the ULI to suggest design considerations to improve the functionality and beauty of the shopping areas and beaches. Two questions were combined to ex-
amine how a city manager for the Island could work with all three cities, rather than whether the three cities should be consolidated.
Coordinator sought
The group is taking applications for a coordinator, who will arrange lodging, meals and tours for the ULI staff. Shearon said he prefers a non-island resident to avoid the perception that a resident of one of the Island’s cities is favoring their home city. He also suggested that the ULI staff stay and dine off the Island to “avoid something being misconstrued,” he said. “That way we’re truly independent.” The ULI study group is scheduled to meet next on Friday, Dec. 12, at 9 a.m. at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive N.
Mayor aims for efficient, effective government Mayor Bob Johnson has begun setting objectives for the near future plus developing a long-range plan. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Proactive, efficient, effective government is what newly sworn in Mayor Bob Johnson plans to bring to the citizens of this city. “There’s been a lot of change over the last four years, which is largely seen as positive with the new ordinances, but there’s also been turbulence, for example with the building department,” he pointed out. “You have to start managing it and working with the staff to get the processes updated and see if there are things we can do more efficiently.” Johnson said he has begun setting objectives for the near future – the next three months – plus developing a longrange plan. “We have to really improve our way of establishing targets, how to get there and to be more proactive in communicating and let the city commission and the public know what’s going on here and what we’re trying to do,” he explained. Johnson said the coming study by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) is especially important because “it is an opportunity to have some people without skin in the game or prejudice or a preconceived view to come in and take an objective view (at the problems the three Island cities are facing) and come
Pat Copeland | Sun
Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson said the coming Urban Land Institute study will take an objective view of the three Island cities. up with suggestions (for relieving or resolving those problems). Regarding the previous mayor’s plans for paid parking at the public beach and the development of a city center around the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives or the Island Congestion Committee’s call for banning parking on residential streets and right of ways, Johnson said, “Let’s wait for the ULI study before we jump on any bandwagon. Then we’ll have some guidelines as to what solutions might solve the problems.”
MIKE FIELD | SUN
Toys for Tots The first Toys for Tots donation box at The Sun newspaper office is filling up, but a second one is on the way, so stop by Island Sun Plaza at 9801 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria and donate a new, unwrapped toy for the campaign.
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This week’s road report include ongoing projects that might slow down traffic, mainly in the overnight hours. Crews are making improvements to the drainage on Gulf Drive between Coquina Beach and 13th Street South. Drivers can expect intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The project is expected to be completed early next year. Workers are replacing power poles on Cortez Road West from 103rd Street West to 119th Cortez Street West. The outside eastbound lane will be closed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 12. Finally, work continues on the Cortez Bridge. Crews will work on the bridge expansion bearings and joints, beams, fender wall, sidewalks and the electric system in the bridge tender house, including the generator. FDOT urges motorists to exercise caution during the repair work. Motorists should note that driving across the bridge will feel bumpy due to the crews jacking (lifting) the bridge to remove and replace the bridge expansion bearings. Crews also will work Friday nights from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. through December for concrete pouring. If the weather is bad, Friday night will be a backup night for pouring.
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DECEMBER 10, 2014
Bethlehem Walk draws dozens BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – More than three dozen people attended the annual Bethlehem Walk at Roser Memorial Community Church Saturday night. The Bethlehem Walk is a recreation of Mary and Joseph’s walk while Mary was pregnant with the Christ child. Dozens of people took advantage of the balmy weather to walk around the elongated block across the street from the church, stopping at several homes and businesses so Joseph, played by Mark Morris, of Anna Maria, could ask if there was someplace they could stay as Mary, played by Mark’s wife, Jill, was experiencing labor pains. As in past walks, members of the crowd sang Christmas carols as they walked from stop to stop and again, as they walked past the outdoor seating area in front of the Waterfront restaurant, diners took note of the walkers, many in costume of the era and many with goats, donkeys and llamas, supplied
by a farm in east Manatee county. Shouts of “Merry Christmas” were heard from the porch as well as the sidewalk. At Sato Real Estate they were directed to the church, where a manger was set up at the entrance to the meeting room. Joseph and Mary went inside while Roser Pastor Dr. Bob O’Keef talked about the night and introduced the Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men, who had been visited by angels and brought gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold for “The King of the Jews.” Then, Joseph and Mary reemerged with the baby, played by 10-month-old Annabel Cook. Her eyes were bright and she acted serene as she looked at the crowd admiring her from the front lawn of the church. For the children, petting the animals and singing the carols was part of the hands-on experience of the Bethlehem Walk, recreating the night when Christ was born.
tOM VAUGHT | SUN
Above, Mary and Joseph played by Jill and Mark Morris with Annabel Cook, who played the baby Jesus. At left, the animals, especially the baby sheep, were popular with the kids.
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Season’s greetings The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation held its annual Holly Berry Christmas Market with an enthusiastic crowd of shoppers attending. Customers set up a short-lived line for the homemade chicken pot pies that sold out. Another busy area was the homemade pickles and it also featured glassware, including many hand painted glasses and the Cookie Walk, an assembly line where customers chose what kind of cookies and how many to put in their containers. Outside, people were purchasing plants in the garden area. At left, Ginny Upshaw shows off a handmade quilt being raffled at the market. Below, Susan Perpiglia gets help from Bill Wait wrapping her garden purchase as Bill’s wife, Sue, watches. Bottom, Pam Leckie pays Vivian Ragsdale for several jars of Annunciation pickles, one of the consistently popular products at the market. Jeanne Coward also worked the pickle table. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
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DECEMBER 10, 2014
TOM VAUGHT | SUN ToM VAUGHT | SUN
New owners Harry’s Grill at 9903 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria has been sold and the new owners want to make changes and add some fun to the restaurant. Jan and Mark Labriola started by making their pet Coati Mundi, a small mammal related to the raccoon, their logo and are changing its name from Taz to Harry. They plan on making the dinner menu more “robust.” Then they’ll attack the lunch and breakfast menus. Other changes include more promotions to attract customers. They have dropped the Grill from the name and are going to call the place Harry’s, trading in the surfboard motif for one centered on their Coati Mundi and the fun side of the Island.
Pipeline work Gulf Drive was closed in Anna Maria at Magnolia Avenue for a water pipe replacement at Spring Avenue on Monday. Traffic was detoured around the site while Manatee County Public Utilities Department crews worked on it. Gulf Drive was to be opened Monday night, after the workers went home and closed again Tuesday, according to Anna Maria Public Works Director George McKay, who said the project was expected to be finished Tuesday.
DECEMBER 10, 2014
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Shiny Fish emporium 306 Pine Avenue Anna Maria
hot chocolate bar margarita cupcakes island cookies
let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!
Holiday Walk Friday, December 13
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Privateers' parade will go on Santa will be waiting at Coquina Beach parking lot to talk with the kids after the parade and pass out presents. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
Despite not having their parade ship, Skullywag, due to an accident last Saturday night, the Privateers’ Christmas Parade will be held on time with all the fun of a normal Christmas parade. The parade begins at Bayfront Park in the city of Anna Maria at 10 a.m., and it ends at the parking lot at Coquina Beach. The Privateers will rent a pavilion and serve hot dogs and sodas for the kids and Santa will be there talking to the kids and passing out presents. Everyone is welcome to be in the parade as long as they register, have a motorized or peddled vehicle and decorate their vehicles in the spirit of the season. Walkers are not allowed due to the length of the parade. Participants must be at Bayfront Park by 9:30 a.m. for staging. The parade is free, and the food is free to the kids. Grownups are asked to donate what they feel is fair for their food.
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AMICCO celebrates the holidays The Anna Maria Concert Chorus and Orchestra performs its annual holiday concert, “Island Holidays,” on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Selections include Camille Saint-Saëns - Oratorio de Noël, Op. 12, (Christmas Oratorio), holiday music favorites with an audience sing-a-long, George Frideric Handel’s Christmas portion of Messiah and George Frideric Handel – Concerto for Harp, featuring Flannery McIntyre, AMICCO Youth Competition. McIntyre has been playing the harp since she was 11, and she currently studies with Cheryl Losey, principle harpist of the Sarasota Orchestra, and plays with the Sarasota Pops Orchestra. McIntyre is in 12th grade and is homeschooled. Other soloists include Flannery McIntyre, Joy Leitner, Francesca Veglia, Martha DiPalma, Robyn Rocklein,
SUBMITTED
Maestro Alfred Gershfeld is artistic director of AMICCO and has been its principal conductor since 1993. David Kesler and Daniel A. Hoffman. Tickets are available at www.amicco.org. at 941-8963899 or the Anna Maria Island
Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. If any tickets are still left before the performance, they may be purchased at the door.
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is sponsoring our
11TH ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE
THE SUN
We are accepting NEW unwrapped toys at the following locations: ISLAND VACATION PROPERTIES 3001 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
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ANNA MARIA ISLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
DUFFY’S TAVERN 5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach
Donataions are accepted as well by check made payable to:
Marines Toys for Tots Foundation
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DECEMBER 10, 2014
City moves forward with cell tower The city commission said an appeal from residents near city hall to move the tower was too little and too late. BY TOM VAUGHT SUNSTAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city commission has passed the first reading of a conditional use permit for the cell tower on city hall property despite an appeal from the owner of a house 54 feet from the tower’s proposed location. Geoffrey Thugden said the city will take down the trees on city property
that serve as a buffer and plant sixfoot-tall trees. He also said the platform that holds the cellular equipment would be huge, and claimed it was too large for the area. “I urge everyone to go down to Bradenton Beach and see what’s coming here,” he said. “This tower is not in keeping with the village we have.” He asked the city to reconsider where the tower will go and move it more toward the center of the property. Thugden also claimed mortgage lenders would have trouble approving loans on homes near the tower. “It is an important long-term decision,” Thugden said. “This thing is
going to be here for a long time.” Kevin Barile, of Florida Tower Partners, said they considered putting the tower more in the center of the property, but there are large cables that can’t be buried running between the tower and the machinery. Commissioner Dale Woodland urged the others to reconsider the location. “Our original plan was to make it the least intrusive,” Woodland said. He added that the whole community is waiting for improved cell service, but he asked if anyone would want to live with the cell tower next to their homes. Commissioner Nancy Yetter said the dissenters shouldn’t have waited until the last minute.
Commission Chair Chuck Webb asked how much would it set the project back to move the tower. Barile said six months. Yetter said she thinks the city should go ahead and get it done. “We’ve been talking about this for 10 years, and it’s time to move ahead,” said Commissioner Carol Carter. Commissioner Doug Copeland said it was typical of Anna Maria to get close to finishing and then say, “Oh my God, we can’t do this.” The commission passed it with only Woodland dissenting.
SKULLYWAG: Privateers’ ship T-boned on U.S. 41 FROM PAGE 3
at 6844 14th St. W., where members retrieved their cars after appearing in the Sarasota Christmas Parade. “If this had happened while the men were on the ship, they would have ended up in the street,” said Privateers President Bob “Stitch” Dominas, who was driving the ship alone. “If it had happened three seconds earlier, he would have hit the cab where I was.” Dominas said he was not injured, but was stiff and sore Sunday and Monday. He said witnesses told the Florida
State Patrol that the driver had been speeding and swerving in and out of traffic and that he was driving with no headlights. There were two men in the pickup, which made a large hole in the side and burrowed into the interior of the vehicle. An accident report from the Florida Highway Patrol was not available at press time. Dominas said members would meet this week to find a ride for the parade this Saturday. He said they could ride in the trailer they built for Santa, but it wouldn’t hold all of them.
We may have taken a cannon ball to the side, but we’ll still have our parade.’ Tim “Hammer” Thompson Privateer Privateers Vice President Bob “Sparkles” Rosencrantz said they will contact the In-
ternational Crewe Committee to see if there is an extra ship available or a group that would like to join the parade and let them ride. “We will have a parade, let there be no question about that,” said Privateer Tim “Hammer” Thompson. “We may have taken a cannon ball to the side, but we’ll still have our parade.” The Skullywag was built by the late Jim “Skully” Hungerford in 1999 to replace their worn out trailer ship. The Skullywag was built on a school bus frame with a Ford van cab and a Ford truck
engine. Hungerford worked with fiberglass and formed the hull’s skin from molds he made, and Dominas said he thinks they still have those molds stored. Until the Skullywag is in ship-shape condition, the Privateers will be hitching rides with other crewes or using their own vehicles to get around, but they will still be the Island’s kind-hearted philanthropists spreading joy, a little history and help for kids and students on and near the Island.
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Let there be lights Four members of the King Middle Advanced Choir sing Christmas songs after Mike Zeppi, in the background, lit the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Christmas tree. Zeppi, owner of Anthony’s Cooling, Heating and Air Conditioning, put up the lights that formed the tree. The Longboat Key Fire Department helped place the star above the tree in the Chamber parking lot using its ladder truck because West Manatee Fire Rescue’s ladder truck was unavailable. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
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OUTDOORS
DECEMBER 10, 2014
Enjoy the services of a fishing guide
I
n Florida, we’re lucky to be able to pursue fish in relative comfort most of the year. Add to this the fact that there is usually one or more species willing to bite, and you have the good news. The bad, well not so bad, news is that fishing patterns change constantly with the arrival of cold fronts and rapidly varying weather patterns. I’ve always been a great fan of fishing guides, and this time of the year is an especially good time to employ their services. Besides being a great initiation to the local waters in general, a guide’s considerable knowledge of where to find fish as they constantly move with the changing weather patterns is indispensable. As an added bonus, guides can take you to some of the area’s most beautiful natural areas. I know many experienced anglers who still fish with guides. They know that there is no substitute for the local knowledge gained from being on the
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS water on a regular basis. They also appreciate the convenience of stepping on a boat, being taken to the fish, having the guide clean fish and not having to deal with cleaning the boat. While many people have the mistaken impression that guiding is an easy job, few really understand the rigors of long days on the water. When a sport steps on a guide’s boat the captain has already put in a lot of time getting ready for the trip. The same goes for time spent cleaning, outfitting and getting ready for the next trip at the end of the day. In addition to showing us a good time on the water, these men and women
rusty chinnis | submitted
Captain Harrison King caught this 9-pound tripletail on a fly while working the crab trap markers off Anna Maria Island. also work to protect the valuable resources that provide the opportunities that we all too often take for granted. Besides all the work involved in the
day to day business of guiding it’s reassuring when you realize the process see reel time, page 31
DECEMBER 10, 2014
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Fish tidal flows for snook action Captain Rick Grassett
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook, blues and redfish in the ICW near Venice, trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and Jacks in Sarasota Bay and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal Gulf on flies, CAL jigs with shad tails and top water plugs during the past week. Patrice Camillieri, from France, fished with me on Monday. He caught and released a few trout and ladyfish on an Ultra Hair Clouser fly in Sarasota Bay and false albacore in the coastal Gulf on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. We also spent some time sight fishing for tripletai,l and he hooked a big one. The tripletail went around the crab trap float and line and straightened the hook! Sarasota winter resident Mike Perez fished the ICW near Venice with me on Tuesday night. With a strong tide and water in the mid 60s, snook went on a glass minnow binge. He had fast action catching and releasing snook to 26 inches and a 5-pound blue on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly, which is a glass minnow imitation. Bill Rhodes, from Hernando Beach, did the same thing with me on Wednesday night, and it
was just as good. In addition to fast action with snook to 26 inches, he also caught and released a 5-pound blue and a 24-inch red on my Grassett Snook Minnow and another glass minnow fly pattern. He fished Sarasota Bay the next day with me and caught and released trout and Spanish mackerel on a tandem fly rig consisting of a Clouser and a glass minnow fly pattern. Randy Powell and Ben Hatcher, both from Sarasota, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Saturday. With a negative low tide in the morning, we worked edges of sandbars and flats. Later in the day, we fished deep grass flats. They caught and released a few trout, Jacks and bluefish on CAL jigs with shad tails and top water plugs. Catch and release night snook fishing in the ICW is a good option now. Fish peak tidal flows for the best action. Trout, blues, Spanish mackerel, Jacks and more should also be good options on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Look for reds and big trout mixed with mullet schools on shallow flats. Tripletail and false albacore should be good options in the coastal Gulf depending on conditions. Look for albies feeding near the surface and tripletail around crab trap buoys.
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reel time: Fishing guides FROM PAGE 30
a charter captain must go through to get his or her license. Licenses are issued by the United States Coast Guard only after applicants have completed a battery of requirements that are daunting. First they must pass a test to show proficiency in their knowledge of the rules, which include knowing nautical light combinations, whistle signals, fog signals, and maritime conventions in both International and inland waters. They also must be skilled in charting and plotting courses on nautical charts. Other areas of expertise they are required to master include an understanding of tides, boat handling, electronic navigation, fire prevention, knot tying, weather and, most importantly, passenger safety. My first introduction to guiding came at the hands of Holmes Beach guide Captain Scott Moore. He taught me the value of a guided trip and of taking care of the natural resources. Today local anglers have a plethora of guides to choose from including a new crop of young guns that have taught me a few eye opening lessons. Not long ago, there were few fly fishing guide in Manatee County, but that has all changed. As you’ve read about on these pages and hopefully experienced yourself, there is some excellent talent plying local waters. Pay attention and you’ll learn a lot from fishing with guides. They can save you countless hours of frustration with their tricks of the trade. Guides are trained professionals that will help you catch fish, and if you’re attentive, teach you lessons they’ve learned over years of hard work on the water. Lessons including how to pattern fish during the changing weather patterns of a Florida winter. If you haven’t had the pleasure of a day on the water with one of the many professional guides in our area, I would encourage you to give it a try. To contact local guides look for their ads in this paper, consult knowledgeable local anglers or contact a local source like Anna Maria Island (AMI) Outfitters or Island Discount Tackle. Split a trip with friends and you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth and much more.
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SPORTS
DECEMBER 10, 2014
Eason Builders take cup BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Eason Builders DoJo Martial Arts
4 2
After semi-final play Wednesday night, domination by the Eason Builders team took them to victory Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Anna Maria Island Community Center against DoJo Martial Arts. Eason Builders finished the adult co-ed soccer league regular season in second place with strong passing and by utilizing the scoring depth of the team. Its effort to capture the Paul “Ace” Hayward Championship Cup was not without its challenges by the fourth seed team. Adam Buljarski for DoJo Martial Arts was the lone scorer with two goals, while DoJo’s goalkeeper Adam Mott made Eason Builders
matt ray | submitted
The Anna Maria Island Community Center adult co-ed soccer league came to a close last week with the championship game between DoJo Martial Arts and Eason Builders. Eason Builders was the victor, becoming the first recipient of the Paul "Ace" Hayward Championship Cup. work for every score. Mott had 14 saves in the championship game. In goal for Eason Builders, Wes
Robinson also had 14 saves. The team spread the scoring among four of its players. Nate Coleman,
Joey Ciasullo and Jeff Walker each scored one goal for Eason Builders. Matt Plummer added an additional goal and had one assist. Chris Klotz provided a vital assist in the victory. The first ever presentation of the Paul “Ace” Hayward Championship Cup was to Scott Eason, captain of Eason Builders. The Championship Cup was established by the Community Center to honor Hayward as a tribute to his overwhelmingly positive influence and inspiration to the Island and soccer communities. Hayward was in attendance to watch the final game of the season. The Championship Cup will be permanently displayed at the Anna Maria Island Community Center to recognize both Hayward and those teams that earn the title each season.
Golfers enjoy winter weather Good weather made play enjoyable for the golfers at Key Royale Club last week. Mike Gillies took first place in the modified Stableford individual games on Monday, Dec. 1, with a score of +5. Bob Soos and Bob Lang tied for second with scores of +3. The team of Art McMillan, Tom Nelson, Rich Papini and Bob Lang won the team competition with a score of +2/ The Key Royale women played low net and low putts in flights during their
Tuesday, Dec. 2 games. The results were: Flight A: first low net, Phyllis Roe with 25; second low net tied, Helen Pollock and Marlyn Thornton with 32 Flight B: first low net tied, Joyce Brown and Kris Landkammer with 27 Flight C: first low net, Jan Turner with 29 Flight D: first low net, Marcia O’Brien with 26 Flight A: first low putts, Joy Kaiser with 14; second low putts, Margrit Layh with 15
Flight B: first low putts tied, Rita Allan and Sharon Tarras with14 Flight C: first low putts tied, Shirley Cessna and Maryanne Kaemmerlen with 17 Flight D. first low putts, Anne Hitchen with 18; second low putts Eileen Witzgall with 23. Maryanne Kaemmerlen had a chip in on the first hole. Mike Gillies took first place in the modified Stableford individual games on Mon-
day, Dec. 1, with a score of +5. Bob Soos and Bob Lang tied for second with scores of +3. The team of Art McMillan, Tom Nelson, Rich Papini and Bob Lang won the team competition with a score of +2/ The team of Chet Hutton, Art McMillan, Larry Pipple and Ron Vandeman took first place in Thursday’s four person men’s scramble with a score of 27. Jim Kirk, Tom Nelson, Rich Papini and Quentin Talbert had a score of 30.
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Turtle Watch opposes park plans Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Director Suzi Fox sent a memo to the city suggesting they not trim sea grape trees or relocate gopher tortoises. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MADRIA – The evolution of Gulf Front Park might get some resistance if the plans to clear exotics and relocate some turtles are followed. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Director Suzi Fox sent a memo to the city warning it not to follow the plan outlined by consultant Rob Barron and presented to the city commission recently. Fox said they should never trim a sea
grape tree because they are a wonderful habitat for sea turtles and shorebirds. “The report that Mr. Barron was paid to write in August sounds like he really is working for someone who is looking for more view from their private homes,” she wrote in her memo. “He is not a sea turtle habitat expert.” Fox reiterated it is never OK to remove sea grape trees or trim them. She also said gopher tortoise removal and relocation is also a bad idea. “The most recent studies are finding gopher tortoises travel many miles to return to their original burrows that were their home,” Fox wrote. “Can you imagine the stress this puts on those animals?” She said she could not suggest either trimming sea grape trees or relocating gopher tortoises.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Sea grape plants like these at Gulf Front Park provide habitat for sea turtles and shorebirds and should not be trimmed, according to AMI Turtle Watch Director Suzi Fox.
Revenue Committee prepares list Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy apologized for not attending the group’s meetings while running for office but he had previous engagements. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city’s revenue committee held its first meeting since the election of Mayor Dan Murphy and members worked to finalize a list of suggestions they were going to give the city commission to raise the city’s revenues without raising taxes. City Attorney James Dye also attended to answer questions about the legality of their suggestions. City Commissioner Carol Carter, the meeting’s commission liaison, said they made a list of needs. It included buying up key land parcels as they might become available to make pocket parks, maintaining the roads in the city, for public works projects, paying off and developing City Pier Park, performing additional stormwater drainage work, renovating the City Pier, supplementing code enforcement and paying for a parking plan. Dye said the city’s stormwater needs are met through the stormwater utility tax assessed on landowners. The group talked about the city’s ability to raise taxes and being accountable for spending it. Dye said the ad valorem tax is the only tax the city can levee without permission from the state. “Taxes are what the city uses to pay bills,” Dye said. “You don’t have to account for where the money came from and where it will be spent. You have a budget for that.”
However, City Clerk Diane Percycoe said city commissioners changed the law so they can charge by the hour for services. Dye said fees for city services do not have to be surgically correct. “Building permit application fees have a set cost,” Dye said. “(Building Official) Bob Welch might spend a few hours on one permit and most of a day on another, but the fee remains the same for both.” Dye said the city could charge for services performed for several, but not all of the residents. “An argument could be made for charging boaters and residents of Lake LaVista for the annual dredging of the inlet since they are the ones benefitting the most from it,” Dye said. The group talked about charging for code enforcement services, which include looking at building plans to see if they are within code. Dye said they would have to estimate how much time the code enforcement officer spends on review as opposed to enforcement. They talked about the fact that raising the ad valorem would cost non-homesteaded property owners more that those permanent residents with homestead exemptions, but committee member Maureen McCormick said they were not supposed to raise taxes. “I would raise taxes, but I don’t want to,” she said, drawing agreement from Murphy. They asked Dye some questions that came up during their meetings: • Can the city charge a property transfer fee? Dye said that’s a county charge. • Can the city charge an inspection fee on buildings? Dye said yes, but it would need to increase personnel. • Can the city charge an occupational tax? Dye said the last time it tried that, there
was some resistance from the business community. The city needs to see what other governments are doing. It last collected the tax in 1993 when it missed the deadline to raise the tax. Since then, the state has not revisited the issue. Committee members don’t want to raise the taxes. • Can the city charge a fee for transforming residential to rental homes. Dye said it could. • Can the city levy a public safety impact
fee? Dye said it could pass one, but there has to be a relationship between the fee and the need and the money has to go toward dealing with the impact. The city might raise and enforce the special events fees, since it waives those fees for non-profit sponsors. McCormick said the city might set a number of festivals allowed per year and then take bids for opportunities hold them.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Funds for Food Pantry From left to right: Chiles Group Marketing Director Caryn Hodge made a donation to the All Island Denominations’ Roser Church Food Pantry with director Pam Leckie holding the checks totaling $526.18 from the Pine Avenue Edible Gardens’ Tour and Sandbar Tasting Lunch held twice recently with Mike Miller conducting the tour. The project is to show how tourism can be made sustainable with careful planning. The tour along Pine Avenue featured garden boxes growing vegetables and herbs in front of participating stores. The edibles were served in a meal at the Sandbar restaurant for participants who paid $30 per meal, and the proceeds were given to the food pantry.
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DECEMBER 10, 2014
Forfeiture vote delayed The mayor’s role in the forfeiture proceedings has been questioned. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRSPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Last week’s special commission meeting was expected to produce a vote on whether to formally reinitiate forfeiture proceedings against Mayor Bill Shearon, with the presentation of formal charges to follow if the commission majority favored moving forward. Instead, the meeting produced 50 minutes of emotionally-charged debate that ensued when Vice Mayor Jack Clarke asked Shearon to recuse himself from the forfeiture proceedings, which the mayor refused to do. “There’s no reason the mayor should preside over his own forfeiture vote,” Clarke said. “You’re the accuser; you should recuse yourself,” Shearon countered. The resulting impasse led Commissioner Jan Vosburgh to suggest that the meeting be continued at a later date, after the commission receives, from a yet to be determined attorney, a legal opinion regarding the point at which Shearon must recuse himself from chairing the forfeiture meetings or participating in any role other than that of defendant. City Attorney Ricinda Perry did not attend Tuesday’s meeting. She previ-
ously requested that she not be placed in the middle of a forfeiture debate that pits the mayor and commissioners, all of whom she represents, in conflict with one another. The commission voted 3-2 in favor of the continuance, with Clarke, Vosburgh and Commissioner Ed Straight voting in support and Shearon and Commissioner Janie Robertson opposing. “To prolong this is unfair. My term will be done by the time this gets done,” Shearon said, when imploring the commission to either move forward with the forfeiture proceedings or drop them altogether. Due to the holidays, the next forfeiture meeting is not expected to take place until January. Although Shearon lobbied for the vote to initiate proceedings according to Resolution 14-827, he opposed Clarke’s intent to follow that vote with the presentation of formal charges detailing Shearon’s alleged administrative failures and wrongful acts. Clarke planned to present 13 specific charges, but that list was never seen, nor introduced into public record, because the vote to initiate forfeiture never occurred. Reflecting on previous discussions pertaining to allegations against Shearon, Straight commented on the need to determine which claims have merit. “These problems have been identified, and we’re obligated (to address them).
These problems have been identified and we’re obligated (to address them.) We’re not going to hide them under the rug anymore, and we need to see how legitimate they are.” Ed Straight Bradenton Beach commissioner
We’re not going to hide them under the rug anymore, and we need to see how legitimate they are,” he said. Straight referred to a lawsuit filed on behalf of restaurant owner Ed Chiles earlier this year that alleged Shearon exceeded his mayoral authority in an attempt to obstruct Chiles’ future development plans. “We started right off on the wrong foot with accusations that certain employees were told to go and try to find problems
with different organizations. It set the stage for where we’re at right now; that’s when the red flags started to go up, and we can’t let that go on. We need to investigate these accusations and get them cleared up one way or another,” Straight concluded. Robertson told the commission her primary role in any forfeiture proceedings initiated against Shearon would focus on determining and disclosing any anti-Shearon bias exhibited by her fellow commissioners. At a previous meeting, Chiles’ attorney, Robert Lincoln, reminded Robertson that she must also be cognizant of her own pro-Shearon bias. During public comment, Shearon supporters reiterated their opposition to the notion of the commission removing an elected official from office. “This is un-American,” Carl Parks said. “Let’s stop this process and let the mayor (be) mayor,” Jim Hassett added. Lincoln restated his legal opinion that the commission has the right to engage in forfeiture proceedings based on case law and the recently adopted forfeiture resolution. He also said he feels the commission has gone out of its way thus far to provide Shearon with fair and due process. After the meeting, Lincoln said he thought the mayor hijacked the meeting by not recusing himself, and he suggested that his refusal to do so may constitute an additional charge to be added to Clarke’s list.
recall: Voters may decide mayor’s fate FROM PAGE 1
against Shearon. Sarasota legal assistant Michael Barfield was involved in the successful recall of former Anna Maria Commissioner Harry Stoltzfus in 2010. When contacted last week, Barfield said he is not directly involved in a Shearon recall, but he is aware of the PAC involved, and he said a formal announcement is expected soon. Shearon’s supporters, and others, have publically condemned the idea of an elected city official being removed from office by his peers, although the city charter and the recently adopted forfeiture resolution provides the commission with that authority. Many who have publically opposed the forfeiture efforts have stated during public
comment that Shearon was elected by the voters, and if he is to be dismissed, he would be dismissed by the voters. Shearon himself has made similar public comments. Clarke and Vosburgh are not involved in the recall, but both indicated they would prefer the mayor’s fate to be decided by a special election, rather than commission-led forfeiture hearings. Manatee County Assistant Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington said his office was aware of a citizen-initiated recall effort being organized in Bradenton Beach. He did not confirm which commission member the recall effort would be directed toward, but did provide general information on how it would work. “This is not an overnight process,” he said, noting that a municipal recall is guided
A formal announcement of the mayoral recall effort is expected soon.
by Florida Statute 100.361, The process begins with the formation of a recall committee that produces a petition that states in 200 words or less a statement of grounds for dismissal that contains the alleged reasons for potentially removing the elected official from office. “In a municipality or district of 500 or more, but fewer than 2,000, registered electors, the petition shall be signed by at least 100 electors, or by 10 percent of the total number of registered
electors of the municipality or district as of the preceding municipal election, whichever is greater,” the statute states. As of August, the city had 763 active voters and 181 inactive voters. Farrington said the recall organizers would need approximately 100 signatures to move forward with their efforts, and would have 30 days, once initiated, to submit the signatures to the city clerk, who in turn would submit them to the supervisor’s office for verification. If the required number of
signatures is verified, the accused official would have the opportunity to rebut the charges in the form a written statement that contains 200 or less words. The rebuttal would be included with the original statement of grounds in a second petition that would require the signatures of approximately 15 percent of the city’s registered voters. Those who signed the first petition would be allowed to sign the second one, and the petitioners would have 60 days to collect the second set of signatures. Once verified, the city clerk would present the final recall petition to the city commission, who would request from a county judge an order that a special election take place within 60 days. Farrington estimated a recall election would cost the city approximately $3,500.
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County cracking down on resort tax evaders To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the resort tax, call 941-7414809 or visit www.taxcollector.com. BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
The Manatee County Commission has toughened an ordinance targeting resort tax evaders. Under its provisions, a property owner who fails to pay resort taxes on a short-term vacation rental may now be served a warrant by the Sheriff's Office. Other sanctions include liens placed on the property, preventing its sale until payment is made; garnishment of personal property and wages to pay the tax; a 10 percent fee on unpaid amounts; a 5 percent fee for bounced checks and a threeyear record-keeping requirement. Violations are a first degree misdemeanor, with a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. Under the ordinance, the tax collector can investigate several types of evidence, including records of condominium or homeowners associations, property management companies and guest gate entry or parking passes and guest golf or tennis membership records.
Overseas owners targeted
The ordinance was spearheaded by Manatee County Tax Collector Ken Burton Jr., who said he foresees using it sparingly, primarily against European investors who advertise high-end rentals to tourists overseas. It strengthens the previous 25-year-old law that has been revised only twice, Burton said, adding, “Our goal is to keep a level playing field.” Commissioner and former Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore said tourists paying $25,000 a month for a home on the Island “need to pay the tax. This is not the little guy. This is someone who rents their house out for a business.” Tax dollars that are going back to Europe “should stay here,” commissioner and former Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie agreed. Burton’s staff works to track tax evaders door to door and online – about 81 percent of the county’s 6,600 properties subject to the resort tax are single-family homes or condos, often advertised on doit-yourself vacation rental websites, he said, adding, “Educating new and existing property owners is a challenge.”
By the numbers
Manatee County’s 5 percent resort tax, or tourist development tax, is required to be paid to the county by owners of accommodations rented for six months or less, who charge the tax to their guests. With the state’s sales tax of 6.5 percent, tourists pay a total tax of 11.5 percent on lodgings. The resort tax requirement is detailed on flyers included in every property tax bill mailed to property owners in the county, Burton said. By state law, resort tax proceeds only can be used for certain tourism-related projects, including beaches, fishing piers, sports arenas and tourism advertising. About 53 percent of the county’s 2014 anticipated resort tax collections are budgeted for tourism marketing efforts by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), with about 10 percent allocated to beach renourishment, according to the CVB. Of the $4.3 million in resort taxes generated on Anna Maria Island from January through October, $2.1 million has been allocated to projects benefiting the Island, according to statistics from the Manatee County Tax Collector and the CVB. Anna Maria Island generated an average of 47 percent of Manatee County’s 2014 resort tax revenues from January through October, the last month for which statistics are available. Holmes Beach consistently leads the Island’s three cities in generating resort tax revenues.
Loopholes
A provision of the ordinance states that owners who rent out their vacation properties must report individually to the tax collector on their resort tax collections. “This requirement shall apply equally to individual property owners, realtors, property managers and other persons who hold themselves to represent multiple properties for benefit,” the ordinance states. Some property owners charge the tax to tourists but keep it, said Sue Sinquefield, a senior staff member in the tax collector’s office. An Anna Maria property owner who wished to remain anonymous wondered if some rental agencies collect the resort tax then keep it and intends to ask for three years’ worth of records to be sure. A critic of the ordinance told see TAX, page 48
October resort tax collections Manatee County’s 5 percent resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. The majority of the tax is allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with one of the five pennies allocated to beach renourishment. Resort tax increases reflect both increased visitation and improved tax collection efforts. Monthly collection reports do not reflect the fact that some hoteliers pay quarterly, not monthly. Amounts shown are collected in October and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in November. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit www.taxcollector.com/services_resort_tax_tips.asp. Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
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Wicked Taco opens Owned by Janice and Mike Dolan, Bradenton Beach’s newest restaurant, the Wicked Taco Cantina, opened its doors Monday morning, Dec. 8. Located at 101 Seventh St. N., the Austin-inspired Tex-Mex eatery is now serving breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. With a sensational view provided by the Gulffront patio, patrons also can enjoy beer and wine, with liquor service coming soon. Learn more at www.wickedtacocantina.com. The Wicked Taco Cantina management group, from left, includes Assistant General Manager Spencer Harris, General Manager Jake Baker, owner Janice Dolan, Manager Destiny Newhart, and owner Michael Dolan. SUBMITTED
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Make the Holidays Brighter for a Local Family!
Stop in and check out our Adopt-A-Family St Christmas Tree.
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Christmas Hours:
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Limit one per person, per visit. Expires Dec. 31, 2014 With this coupon and purchase of entrée. Good at all 3 locations. Ages 21+ only.
HAPPY HOUR U R EEV EVERY V ERY E DAY! D 11am-5pm & 8pm-close LANDSIDE
CORTEZ
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941.758.7880
941.792.0077
941.721.7773
(1.5 miles north of SRQ Airport)
(5 min from Anna Maria Island)
( Take I-75 Exit 224 west)
6906 14th St. W. on US 41
6696 Cortez Rd.
1525 51st Ave. E.
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TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Holmes Beach Holiday Open House Businesses around the intersection of Gulf Drive and Marina Drive held their Holiday Open House Friday, and it drew a lot of people in to shop, snack and celebrate the holiday. Clockwise from above, Tony and Judy Brinkman enjoy the sounds of John Moher, also known as the Calypso Kid, on the steel drum at S&S Plaza. Leah Best and Tara Walker served food at the Island Trader’s extensive buffet. Santa took requests and talked with the kids in his makeshift sleigh in the bed of a pickup truck.
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REAL ESTATE
DECEMBER 10, 2014
Statistics flat lining I
recently discovered the village of Gulfport, which sits on Boca Ciega Bay directly west of the city of St. Petersburg. This is a great little gem with quaint shops and charming restaurants, which reminded me of all the other great little waterfront gems in the state of Florida including Anna Maria. But just because we love these places doesn’t mean they’re inoculated from the effects of the real estate market. According to last week’s report from the Commerce Department, sales of new single family homes rose only slightly in October after the three previous months of low growth. New home construction represents only about 10 percent of all home sales, but construction adds more jobs and investment into the economy than sales of existing homes. Although the sale of previously owned homes has improved this year, this sector did not give the economy the boost that was expected. This is primarily because of minimal income growth, reduced sales and continued
Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger difficulty getting mortgages in spite of rates near 4 percent, handicapping the market for new and re-sales. The October sales statistics for Manatee County as a whole are a little more encouraging than the rest of the country. The median sales price for single family homes in October of this year was $231,000 compared to $215,000 in October of last year, representing a 7.4 percent increase. The average sale price for the same time frame was $281,049 compared to $262,038, a 7.3 percent increase. The closed sales this October were 526 compared to 483 last year an 8.9 percent increase and the pending inventory is down this Octo-
ber by 9.8 percent, so there is less competition at this point. The Manatee County condo and townhouse market also has shown an improvement with median sales price at $131,500 this year compared to $125,050 last year, a 5.2 percent increase, and the average sale price this year is $174,026 compared to $168,728 last year, a 3.1 percent increase. Closed sales were almost exactly even with 175 this year and 174 last year, and pending inventory this year is also down by 13.4 percent. The three Island cities, Cortez and Longboat Key, which are analyzed by the Manatee Association of Realtors as a group, are not doing as well as the county as a whole, at least not in dollars. The average sales price this October was $759,177 compared to $907,876 last year, and the median price was $630,000 this year compared to $780,000 in October of last year. However, the total sales were higher in October of this year by 10 sales, and the average list price for this small area in October was
$819,665. Sales statistics in small high end areas can change dramatically based on just a few sales so these numbers could look entirely different next month. And speaking about high end sales, a little analysis of over one million dollar sales for the months of September and October in the three Island cities and Cortez show the following: $1,040,000 waterfront in the city of Anna Maria, $1,550,000 canal front in the city of Anna Maria, $1,375,000 in Key Royale in Holmes Beach; $1,230,000 lot in Holmes Beach and $1,600,000 duplex in Holmes Beach. Not too bad considering these are properties that likely went under contract during the summer. If real estate statistics were influenced by charm and quaintness, then we would all be in great shape. Unfortunately, we have to earn our numbers, so watch carefully what happens during the next several months. In the meantime, enjoy all that Florida’s west coast has to offer while you’re waiting for the next update.
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No regrets about seeing this play “Regrets Only” runs through, Sunday, Dec. 14, with performances at 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Island Players gave an outstanding performance of “Regrets Only,” by Paul Rudnick, last Sunday afternoon to a full house. The story is rather modern, set in the George W. Bush presidency and located in uptown New York. The subject matter also was modern as it dealt with the acceptance of homosexuality and gay marriage. Heiko Knipfelberg directed the play and gave an inspired performance as Hank Hadley, a gay fashion designer who recently lost his partner after living together for many years. Stephen Horowitz excels as Jack McCullough, an attorney who has been asked by the Bush administration to come up with a plan to not allow the legalization of gay marriage in the country. He enlists his up-and-coming
FILE PHOTO
From left to right: Robin Rhodes, as Myra Kesselman; Heiko Knipfelberl, as Hank Hadley; Sylvia Marnie, as Tibby McCullough; Stephen Horowitz, as Jack McCullough; Haley Hines, as Spencer McCullough; and Cathy Hansel-Edgerton, as Marietta Claypole in “Regrets Only.” attorney daughter, Spencer, played brilliantly by 15-year-old Haley Hines. Sylvia Marnie, as Tibby McCullough, was the glue that held the storyline together. A wonderfully talented actress, Marnie was especially adept in reacting
to and playing off of the other characters. Robin Rhodes was hilarious as Myra Kesselman, the maid who often talks to the others in a foreign accent to hide the fact she is, “the only Jewish maid
in Manhattan.” She did a sterling job of zipping onstage to provide a funny remark to something somebody said and her timing was perfect. Kathy Hansel-Edgerton made her appearance in the second act wearing a ridiculous looking hat, a trash bag for a dress and shoeboxes instead of shoes. She looked that way because the gay community had gone on strike after hearing of the Bush administration plans to block the legalization of gay marriages. That strike affected Spencer, who was getting married soon, and she feared the protest would affect her wedding. After that, the characters all gather together and some reveal that they are also gay. Tibby acts thoroughly confused while witnessing the events. The friends confront her, and she drops her mousy veneer and makes her views known in a big way. Overall, the play is timely, compelling and hilarious, while the comic timing of the characters is crisp and spot on. For ticket information, call the box office at 778-5755.
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Gourmet Lawn Party shines The annual lawn party was expected to raise $50,000 or more for children’s charities. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
LONGBOAT KEY – The holidays arrived early for more than 1,000 food lovers who attended Saturday’s Fourth Annual Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party. Ticket holders spent two hours roaming The Resort at Longboat Key Club, sampling culinary creations donated by more than two dozen restaurants from Bradenton Beach, Cortez, Longboat Key, St. Armands and Sarasota. Bridge Street participants included Blue Marlin Grill, serving seafood chili with shrimp and red snapper; Bridge Tender Inn, serving brat sliders and black bean soup; Bridge Street Bistro, serving tropical sushi; Island Time, serving mini pastrami sliders made with potato pancakes; and the Back Alley, serving shot-sized samples of its peanut butter pie. The Cortez contingent included O’ Shuck’s, Village Idiot Pizzeria and Tyler’s Ice Cream. Bradenton Beach residents Ed and Kathy Cavazos were among the island dwellers who attended the Longboat Key Kiwanis Club fundraiser expected to raise
joe hendricks | sun
Above, the Crab & Fin’s shrimp gazpacho was a popular dish. Right, Bradenton Beach residents Kathy and Ed Cavazos share a bite at the Gourmet Lawn Party. more than $50,000 for children’s charities in Manatee and Sarasota counties. “The food is fabulous, and there’s more than you can eat,” Kathy Cavazos said. “If you go away hungry, it’s your own fault,” said her husband Ed. They particularly enjoyed Lynches’ Cork cottage pie and the Dry Dock seafood salad. Local fitness guru Steve Schewe said Crab & Fin’s shrimp gazpacho was the best he ever tasted. Holmes Beach resident Deb Alpin said, “We want to go eat at these restaurants we’ve never been to. My
husband Doug loved Blue Marlin’s seafood chili.” Former Holmes Beach Commissioner John Monetti helped serve Columbia restaurant’s famous 1905 Salad. Sarasota resident Amy Hendricks enjoyed Bridge Street Bistro’s sushi, Lazy Lobster’s chilled shrimp and lobster salad and the Key Club’s roast pork Cubans. Sarasota’s Riana Rawson won $20,000 in the $100 per ticket raffle. Island Time owner Bill Herlihy served as restaurant chair, and Lazy Lobster owner Michael Garey served as event chair. The pair’s involvement
dates back more than 30 years, when they worked as restaurant managers in St. Armands, and participated in the St. Jude Gourmet Luncheon that was rebranded as the Gourmet Lawn Party in 2011. “The event doesn’t happen without the restaurants, but we also had 14 sponsors. This was a team effort with the Kiwanis Club, and a lot of people worked very hard to pull this off,” Garey said. “It gets better every year and this might the best ever…a glorious day, a great turnout, and a great, great cause,” Herlihy said.
Chili Challenge benefits Community Center The Chili Challenge will provide opportunities for disadvantaged youths. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPODENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Sponsored by the Bridge Street Merchants, Sunday’s Chili Challenge proved doubly-rewarding for Cindy Thompson, the new executive director of the AMI Community Center. The culinary contest raised $311 for the center, and Cindy’s mom, Jackie Estes, owner of Paradise Bagels Café & Catering, won first place with the New England-style chili she serves at her Holmes Beach restaurant. “I would put her chili up against anybody,” Thompson said. In regard to the funds given to the Center,” she said, “We’re grateful for everything the Bridge Street Merchants have done for us. This extra $300 is three weeks of after-care for a student that
couldn’t afford it or three students playing a sport they couldn’t afford.” Served by Lisa Sampson, the Paradise Bagels Café entry received the most votes from the Bridge Street Market visitors who paid $8 to sample 10 of the Island’s best chili recipes. Jan and Mark Labriola, new owners of Harry’s Grill, finished second with a classic American chili recipe created by the establishment’s former owner’s mother. The third place ribbon went to BeachHouse restaurant manager Mike Shannon's Nine Finger Chili, a steak-filled concoction that was the spiciest entered. “It’s called Nine Finger Chili because Mike cut the tip of his finger off when he first made it 10 years ago,” Caryn Hodge explained. Topped with green onion, parsley and capers, Blue Marlin Grill’s seafood chili, made with Gulf shrimp and American red snapper was the consensus favorite in terms of presentation.
“That’s what happens when your owner is an artist,” said Kelsey Flynn Stationed near the outdoor Christmas tree she decorated, Bridge Street Interiors owner Debbie Myers served a divine white chicken chili, while Kristi Kovaleski served a delicious black bean and pastrami chili from Island Time Bar and Grill. Sea-renity Spa’s Georgene Adkins entered a sublime white bean, chicken and Andouille sausage chili, Bridge Tender Inn’s James Nudd dispensed a hearty Black and Tan Chicken Chili made with Guinness beer and market manager Melissa Enders offered an atypically delectable sweet potato and black bean chili that included ground turkey and beef. “Grannie Annie” from Philly Finest Bakers provided the complimentary corn bread and Tangled Mangos supplied the groovy dining music.
joe hendricks | sun
Lisa Sampson, of Paradise Bagels, had the honor of dishing out the first-place, prize-winning chili.
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DECEMBER 10, 2014
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Gulf Coast Heritage exhibit open The Florida Maritime Museum is partnering with Sarasota Bay Watch to present the Gulf Coast Heritage exhibit, featuring the artwork of Larry Stults, William Hartman and Wilfrid “Wally” Berg. From net mending and boatbuilding to general stores and main streets, the exhibit conveys many facets of Florida’s rich maritime history. Visit the exhibit at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez.
ATTORNEY: City can regulate short-term rentals FROM PAGE 1
homes within the residential neighborhoods. Levin first went after the state definition of vacation rentals. Florida statute defines a vacation rental as “any unit or group of units in a condominium or cooperative, or any individually or collectively owned single-family, twofamily, three-family our four-family house or dwelling unit (that is also) a transient public lodging establishment that is not a timeshare project.” Levin singled out the use of the word “dwelling” in further defining rental housing. For instance, defining a transient public lodging establishment means “any unit, group of units, dwelling, building or group of buildings within a single complex of buildings which is rented to guests more than three times in a single calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or one calendar month, whichever is less, or which is advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests.” In defining non-transient public lodging establishments, the law also uses the word dwellings. Levin wrote that the law excludes from the definition of a public lodging establishment any single-family home, dwelling house or
dwelling unit that is rented for at least 30 days. Under the ordinance in effect on June 1, 2011, specific uses are either allowable in the R-1 residential district, allowable as accessory uses or prohibited as incompatible with the intent of the district. Those permitted include single-family detached dwellings. Non-permitted uses are “all uses not specifically permitted,” the sale of any commodity on the premises (except for yard sales) and landing any type of aircraft, including helicopters in the city limits. Levin said the state legislature did not intend for the phrase “single-family dwelling” to include use as a transient public lodging establishment and there is nothing in the city’s code to suggest the city commission believed otherwise. Levin said the city has a permissive zoning ordinance that only allows uses that are spelled out and nothing else. He concluded the lack of public lodging establishments was not expressly named in the R-1, R-2 residential district. After receiving Levin’s opinion, the city commission agreed to discuss it at a work session they scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11.
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A fabulous day of fun On Saturday, Island families flocked to the Lester Family Fun Day, what many have called the AMI Community Center's happiest event. Children delighted in face painting, making holiday cards and crafts, playing with balloon toys, riding ponies, jumping in the bounce house and watching performances by the Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet, the Manatee High School Drum Line and the Manatee Performing Arts Center. Santa arrived on his sleigh, and children lined up to tell him their wishes, while parents won turkeys provided by sponsors, Joey and Chuck Lester.
pat Copeland | sun
Clockwise from above, Santa arrives on his sleigh, Chuck and Joey Lester share a laugh and Makena Coor enjoys a pony ride.
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Pat Copeland | sun
Above, Andre Renard, center, with family members, from left, son-in-law and step daughter Scott and Janae Rudacille; daughter Alex Kowalski, wife Carol Whitmore and daughter-in-law and son, Marie-France Renard and Laurent Renard. At left, “Art Attack,” by Andre Renard.
SUBMITTED
Left, Artists’ Guild member and volunteer Penny Williams with featured student Jacquelyn Daum.
Daum student of the month The Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island has named Manatee School for the Arts senior Jacquelyn Daum, 18, as December student of the month. Her artwork, on display through December, is a photograph of Bradenton’s downtown waterfront titled "Golden Hour." Daum, who is enrolled in the Portfolio class, plans to attend Ringling College of Art and Design, where
she intends to major in computer animation. Her art teacher is Diane Rosenbarger. The gallery is at 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. Hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Sunday. For more information, call 941-7786694 or visit www.amiartistsguildgallery.com.
Renard’s show wows crowd Dr. Andre Renard’s first local art show, which opened at The Studio at Gulf and Pine on Friday, was a huge success, drawing glowing compliments from friends and artists. Renard’s work has been displayed in pubic only once before – at Artexpo New York two years ago. Island artist Joan Voyles
said, “This is the most significant creativity I’ve seen. It’s a secret we’ve had hidden away, and I’m glad it’s open to the Island and the world to see what great talent we have.” The show “Cuts and Brushes,” will be on display at The Studio, 1010 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, until Jan. 3.
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THE SUN
DECEMBER 10, 2014
Top real estate producers for November 2014 A Paradise Realty - Holmes Beach Cindy Grazar – Listing & selling A Paradise Realty - Bradenton Beach Cindy Grazar – Listing Quentin Talbert – Selling
Michael Saunders Kevin & Sally Carroll – Listing & selling Mike Norman Kathy Caserta - Listing Jed Wilkenson - Selling
Duncan Real Estate Cindy Jones - Listing Darcie Duncan - Selling
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Terry Hayes – Listing & selling
Fran Maxon Real Estate Stephanie Bell - Listing & selling
Sato Real Estate Barbara Sato - Listing Joshua Sato - Selling
Island Real Estate - Anna Maria Adele Holland And Josh Bernet Listing Alan Galletto - Selling Island Real Estate - Holmes Beach Alan Galletto - Listing Elizabeth Blandford - Selling Island Vacation Properties Mel & Barbara Neely – Listing & selling
Simpson South Realty Gayle Simpson Schulz - Selling Wagner Real Estate David Moynihan - Listing Team of Carmen Pedota & Lori Guerin - Selling
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Garage sale Shopper look through the sale items last weekend at the Home of BJ Love in Holmes Beach. Proceeds went to Wildlife Rescue.
www.amisun.com
DECEMBER 10, 2014
THE SUN
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Committee nominations produce stalemate The appointment of Charter Review Committee members will continue this week. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Because the four commission members in attendance at the Dec. 4 meeting could not agree on Mayor Bill Shearon’s slate of Charter Review Committee nominees, the decision has been delayed until Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 1 p.m. According to City Attorney Ricinda Perry, the city charter requires the committee to be seated by year’s end in order to conduct the mandatory fiveyear charter review, but Commissioner Ed Straight’s absence at last week’s meeting produced a standoff that pitted Shearon and Commissioner Janie Robertson against Vice Mayor Jack Clarke and Commissioner Jan Vosburgh in regard to Shearon’s nominees.
The charter authorizes the mayor to nominate all board members, subject to commission approval. Shearon nominated Planning and Zoning Board members John Burns and John Metz, former P&Z member Rick Bisio, former mayor John Shaughnessy, and resort owner Barbara Rodocker. Shearon also recommended that Vosburgh serve as commission liaison to the five-person committee charged with conducting a comprehensive review of the city’s guiding principles of government. Once reviewed, the committee recommendations are presented to the commission, that determines which, if any, proposed changes are presented to city voters. Shearon based his nominations, in part, on suggestions made by Vosburgh and Robertson, and he was critical of Clarke and Straight for not submitting any potential nominees. “How many people did Ed and Jack recommend? None. So I don’t think they have the right to pick apart the
nominations,” Robertson added, noting that her request to include a Ward 3 condominium resident went unfulfilled. Clarke said, “This is probably the most important decision we’re going to make during our terms in office. I propose we have a special meeting next week. All five of us need to be included in this choice. My problem is you’ve got three people out of five that are planning and zoning people. I’m not sure this doesn’t overbalance the makeup of the committee.” Vosburgh’s primary concern was the inclusion of Metz, who is fairly new to town, and intends to build a large mixed-use development next to Shearon in 2015. She also questioned why another of her nominees, Jim Lynch, was not selected. Shearon took offense to the suggestion that special interest played any role in his nominations. He also reminded Vosburgh that he nominated her to serve as the commission liaison, and nominated Rodocker based on her rec-
City cost cutting discussed The commission discussed reducing city expenses, but took no formal action. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Last week’s commission work session pertained to cost cutting measures proposed by Commissioner Janie Robertson. Robertson’s suggestions including reducing legal expenses by reducing the time City Attorney Ricinda Perry spends at city meetings. “We’re wasting a lot of money having the attorney sitting here,” Robertson said of Perry’s presence at meetings that sometime last four or five hours. Perry charges the city a reduced rate of $180 per hour for legal services rendered, including time spent at meetings. “I don’t think she’s the one causing the biggest expense,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said, in reference to numerous lawsuits involving the city and/or Mayor Bill Shearon. Robertson suggested the attorney’s report be moved to an earlier positon on the meeting agendas, and Perry be excused following her report if the remaining agenda items were not expected to require attorney input or assistance. The commission found merit in the suggestion, but Vosburgh and Commissioner Ed Straight expressed concern that the need for the city attorney cannot always be predicted in advance; and they noted there have been past instances when legal assistance was needed and the city attorney was not present. The commission, minus Vice Mayor Jack Clarke, who was absent with excuse, took no formal action, but agreed to me more cognizant of Perry’s billable time, and excuse her when possible. Robertson also suggested city employees be given a wider range of options in regard to health insurance
and retirement benefits. She said some employees have said they would like more money in their paychecks and less set aside for retirement. Shearon said some employees also have questioned the value versus the expense of their current health insurance benefits, at a time when the city’s annual health insurance costs have increased by $75,000. According to City Treasurer Sheila Dalton, who was not at last week’s meeting, the city contributes an amount equal to 13.5 percent of a city employee's earnings toward his/her retirement benefits. Robertson asked Shearon if the retirement contribution could be lowered in exchange for additional take home pay. Shearon said this might help lower the city’s compensation costs, and he suggested it be discussed when the budget committee convenes in January. “Forty-nine percent of our budget is compensation, and that really needs to be looked at,” he said. Vosburgh and Straight cautioned against reducing retirement benefits for city employees and suggested the employees would regret doing so when they reached retirement age. “I think you’re opening up a big can of worms. When you’re young, you’ll say ‘I’d rather have that extra money,’ but in the end they’ll be glad they saved that money,” Vosburgh said. Straight reflected on the 29 years he spent working at the county level and reminded the mayor that compensation costs are expected to be higher for a public entity that is run differently than a private entity geared toward profit. Robertson’s proposed cost cutting measures also included clarifying public records responsibilities in order to reduce the staff workload; clarifying employee grievance policies in order to prevent future legal costs; clarifying future storm water projects and developing a more organized approach to updating city policies and ordinances.
ommendation. He said he had no concerns about Lynch’s qualifications, but had never seen him at a city meeting. A series of motions and votes ensured that resulted in 2-2 stalemates, with Shearon and Robertson favoring the nominees, while Clarke and Vosburgh favored postponing the decision. At one point, an exasperated Vosburgh said “I’m going to change my vote.” She then seconded Robertson’s repeated motion to accept the nominees, but before the vote was taken, Perry collapsed to the floor, and a recess was called. “I’m OK, I just passed out. I think I just got too hot,” Perry told the concerned commission. When the meeting resumed, Vosburgh changed course again. “I don’t feel comfortable doing this until we all are here,” she said. Perry declared the agenda item dead and said the commission had no choice but to schedule a special meeting.
Variance appeal dismissed John Arcadi’s circuit court appeal of the front yard setback variance granted to Wendy and George Kokolis, for the proposed construction of a two-unit hotel on Ninth Street North was dismissed by Judge Gilbert Smith on Nov. 21. Smith dismissed the appeal because a transcript of the special master hearing conducted by attorney William Robinson Jr. was not included in Arcadi’s appeal documentation. Smith’s dismissal clears the way for Kokolis’ attorney, Patricia Petruff, to present the much-debated development request to the Bradenton Beach Commission early next year. Arcadi said he was disappointed, but not surprised by the judge’s decision; and he plans to consult with his attorney about a possible appeal to a higher court.
LISA O'CONNELL | SUBMITTED
Mobile home This house, once located in Holmes Beach, sits in Anna Maria at Crescent and Spring Avenue shortly after movers brought it up Gulf Drive in the early hours of Friday morning. A neighbor said the house is historical and that’s why it as saved.
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THE SUN
DECEMBER 10, 2014
CINDY LANE | SUN
Shoreline improvements at Robinson Oyster bar habitat will be added to the shorelines at Robinson Preserve, thanks to a $53,000 grant from the Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund. Oysters are expected to colonize the habitat in their free-floating larval stage. Because oysters are filter feeders, they will increase water clarity in the preserve and contribute to the health of its ecosystem, said Damon Moore, environmental programs manager for the Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department, which is working with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program on the project. Harvesting of oysters is not allowed in the preserve.
TAX: County cracking down FROM PAGE 35
commissioners that it does not address the practice of lending a vacation rental to family or friends and accepting a donation to escape the requirement of paying the resort tax. “There’s under-the-table transactions all the time, and you’re never going to collect it all. Unless we get tipped or get lucky, it’s very difficult,” Burton said.
Professional help
The ordinance should encourage people
to use a professional to manage their property, said Larry Chatt, of Island Real Estate, adding that he hopes the county will not enforce the ordinance too harshly against new, inexperienced buyers of rental property and will focus on those who are intentionally evading the tax. “Lots of owners can handle owning a vacation rental, but others shouldn’t even try,” he said. “Those that know they don’t have the time to run a business should hire a professional.”
Resort taxes generated by AMI in 2014 Anna Maria Island generated an average 47 percent of Manatee County’s 2014 resort tax revenues from January through October, the last month for which statistics are available. January 45% $462,782 February 43% $534,363 March 47% $802,662
April 48% $502,405 May 47% $346,139 June 54% $506,367 July 54% $466,849 August 49% $309,561 September 43% $211,375 October 38% $207,178 _______________ Total $4,349,681 Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
Resort taxes generated by AMI cities in 2014 Holmes Beach consistently leads Anna Maria Island’s three cities in generating resort tax revenues from January through October, the last month for which statistics are available.
May Anna Maria 14.73% Bradenton 8.62% Holmes Beach 23.78% June Anna Maria 14.81% Bradenton Beach 9.11% Holmes Beach 30.51%
January Anna Maria 16.14% Bradenton Beach 7.29% Holmes Beach 21.83%
July Anna Maria 14.33% Bradenton Beach 9.34% Holmes Beach 30.34%
February Anna Maria 11.18% Bradenton Beach 8.11% Holmes Beach 24.08%
August Anna Maria 15.24% Bradenton Beach 8.80% Holmes Beach 24.90%
March Anna Maria 12.23% Bradenton Beach 9.50% Holmes Beach 25.43%
September Anna Maria 8.22% Bradenton Beach 10.38% Holmes Beach 24.43%
April Anna Maria 13.99% Bradenton Beach 9.25% Holmes Beach 25.17%
October Anna Maria 6.50% Bradenton Beach 7.99% Holmes Beach 23.10% Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
www.amisun.com
DECEMBER 10, 2014
TOWN CRIER Puppet show for kids The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, presents Bits and Pieces Puppet Theatre at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, for pre-school through school ages. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.
Quilting fun at library Bring your project with you at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. Call the library at 778-6341 for more information.
Forty Carrots for kids Parents of mobile babies up to five years old can bond with their children in a unique program called Forty Carrots at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Friday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m.. This Sarasotabased project has children and parents experience new activities and spend time with other families to share valuable parenting information. The program is free and you can get a ticket for this session at the library desk. Space is limited to 12 families. For more information, call 778-6341,
Paper folding at library Judy Pruitt presents her origami class at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn this ancient Japanese art of paper folding. The class is free. For more information, call 778-6341.
Island Players act for holidays Readers from the Island Players will read holiday stories at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. Seating for this free show will be on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 778-6341.
It’s story time Children’s librarian Misty Wright will read stories on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. Kids between toddler and five years of age are welcome, as are their parents, at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.
Bingo at Center The Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, hosts bingo starting Thursday, Jan.
Seasonal Events • Thurs Dec. 11, 5-9 p.m., Midtown Holiday Celebration at the
• Friday Dec. 12, 5:30-8 p.m., Anna Maria Holiday of Treasures along the commercial district of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue. • Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m., AMI Privateers Christmas Parade starting at Bayfront Park and ending at Coquina Beach. • Saturday, Dec. 13, 4-8 p.m., Bradenton Beach Annual Christmas on Bridge Street with the Cortez Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade after sunset. • Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14, Winterfest at Holmes Beach City Hall field. • Sunday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m., Anna Maria Island Chorus and Concert Orchestra Island Holidays Concert at CrossPointe Fellowship.
Garden Club celebrates holidays The Anna Maria Garden Club will hold its Christmas meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria at noon. The program will feature musical entertainment by Marilyn and Jim Shirley. There will be presentations of Christmas traditions by club members, Priscilla Seewald, Peg Cummings, Zan Fuller, Ginger Wyss and Maureen McCormick. The officers and board members will provide lunch.
Restaurant collects for the hungry Island Gourmet Grill, 5910 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, has teamed with Feeding Empty Little Tummies (FELT), to provide weekend meals to homeless public school children using backpacks filled with enough food to get them through the weekends. The restaurant will be accepting donations through December. A donation of $40 will feed a child for four weekends. Typical backpack food items needed include quart packages of powdered milk, oatmeal and cereal packs, single-serving pasta cups, fruit cups, beans with franks, mac and cheese, raisins, peanuts and almonds.
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lands for $20 each to help fund their prom. They’re Fraser fir, grown in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, and they’re 22 inches in diameter with a ribbon bow. To order, contact Maggie Rogers Cucci at Facebook.
Volunteer advocates needed
AMI Centre Shopping Center.
15, from 7 to 9 p.m. and running every Thursday of the week through March 26, 2015. There will be cake and coffee for sale. Contact Linda Yarger at 7783580 or LyargerL@aol.com for more information.
THE SUN
No glass containers will be accepted; tab tops are preferred. Manatee County Schools has identified more than 2,300 children who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. For more information on how you can help, send checks made payable to FELT, Inc. of Manatee and mail them to Island Gourmet Grill, 5910 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.
Book club meets The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts a book club meeting on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. For more information, call 778-6341.
Knitting group meets Learn to knit or just have fun knitting with others at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. Call the library at 778-6341 for more information.
Play bridge at Annunciation Enjoy duplicate bridge every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 8965154.
High school juniors sell wreaths Manatee High School’s Junior Class is selling Christmas wreaths and gar-
Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. The program’s local councils are seeking additional volunteers to identify, investigate and resolve residents’ concerns. Special training and certification is provided. All interested individuals who care about protecting the health, safety, welfare and rights of long-term care facility residents, who often have no one else to advocate for them, are encouraged to call toll-free 1-888-831-0404 or visit the program’s website at http:// ombudsman.myflorida.com.
Red Cross needs you The American Red Cross in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties has an urgent need for volunteers to help train people how to save a life and to assist local families who have lost their home to a fire or other disaster. Volunteer instructors help people learn lifesaving skills such as CPR and First Aid. Disaster Action Team volunteers assist families that have suffered house fires or other disasters with short-term places to stay and other immediate needs, such as getting temporary refills on medications. Volunteers also are trained to provide emotional support for these families. All volunteer applicants must pass a background check and attend an orientation class. All training is free. American Red Cross volunteers constitute 94 percent of the total workforce to carry out its humanitarian mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. To register or for more information, visit www.redcross. org/fl/Sarasota/volunteer.
SHINE Program needs volunteers The Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging need volunteers to join the award-winning SHINE team to help the elderly make decisions on Medicare, health insurance and prescription drug plans. Volunteers may also make educational presentations to community groups and participate in local health fairs, senior fairs and other outreach and educational events. For more information, or to volunteer, call the Elder Helpline at 1-813-740-3888, ext. 5593.
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THE SUN
Obituaries Harry R. Bailey Harry R. Bailey, 85, Cortez, Fla. died Dec. 1, 2014. A memorial service was held at the Moose Lodge 110 Gulf Dr. S. Bradenton Beach on Dec. 4. Survivors include his wife, Virginia; daughters, Nyda Bannerman and Sue Downing; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Donations may be made TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.
John Kamin John Kamin, 93, of Anna Maria, died peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 30, 2014. Born in Lyndhurst, N.J., he was a long time employee of M&M Candies in Hackettstown, N.J., retiring in January 1980. Upon retirement, he became a resident of Anna Maria where he enjoyed his life as an islander. Known by
many residents and vacationers alike as “that guy on the Anna Maria free trolley that plays his harmonica,” John also was a soldier for Christ and a longtime member of the CrossPointe Fellowship Church on the Island. He was also a founding member of the Over the Hill Gang that played tennis many mornings at the Anna Maria Island Community Center where many people his junior couldn’t handle his serve. For over 30 years, he ministered to those in the local prison, leading many to accept the Lord, Jesus Christ, as their personal savior. John was a veteran of the US Navy where he served in the South Pacific during WWII as a chef. John was the last survivor of eight children of Anthony and Stanislawa (Pogozliski) Kaminski who preceded him in death. John leaves behind his wife of 68 years, May, of Anna Maria; a son, John R. Kamin (Gail Vignola), of Evansville, Ind.; and a granddaughter, Stefanie Bladel (Greg), of Hoboken, N.J. John also leaves behind a son-in-law, Tom Fox of Easton, Pa., who was married to his daughter, Candice, who preceded him in death six years prior.
PHOTO CREDIT
Take a dip for charity The Seventh Annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge, sponsored by Clancy’s Irish Pub, takes place at noon on Jan. 1, 2015, at the beach at 12th Street South, in Bradenton Beach. Participants take a New Year’s dip in the Gulf to raise money, either their own or friends and family in the form of pledges. A Post Plunge Party will be held after the event at Clancy’s, 6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, with door prizes, beverages, food and live music with the Jack Tamburin Band. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to Caring for Children Charities, a fundraising arm of Florida Winefest and Auction, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged children in Manatee and Sarasota counties. To date, more than Shamrock Shivers have raised $122,000. To plunge or pledge, contact Jan Crudele, Caring For Children Charities/Florida Winefest, 941-952-1109 or Rayma Stowe at Clancy’s, 941-794-2489.
Visitation was on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, with a short service after at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209. Memorial donations may be made to CrossPointe Fellowship Church, 8605 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Condolences can be made at www.brownandsonsfuneral. com.
BEACH BEAT Ann Maria
11/28, 11:03 a.m., burglary to an unoccupied residence. 500 block of Magnolia Avenue. The owner found the rear deck door had been pried open with a crowbar, breaking the dead bolt lock and allowing a burglar to gain entry.
Cortez
12/30, 7:46 p.m., domestic battery, 10200 Cortez Road West. The brother and sister who live in the same house got into an argument, and the sister stuck the brother in the face with her finger.
DECEMBER 10, 2014
She was arrested.
Holmes Beach
11/24, 7:48 a.m., driving with a license more than 6 months expired, seatbelt violation, 3100 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the driver for not wearing his seatbelt. He told the officer he used to have a driver’s license, but no longer does. His license expired April 10, 2007. He was ticketed. 11/25, 11:04 p.m., burglary, 100 block of 49th Street. Officers responded to a burglar alarm at a house. A sliding glass door was unlocked, setting off the alarm. They contacted a key holder who said the home’s owner was due back the next day. It appeared somebody had been inside and had gone through possessions there. They relocked the doors, and the key holder said he would contact the owner the next day. 11/27, 7:15 a.m., warrant arrest, 300 block of 54th Street. The officer was searching for the homeless defendant because he was wanted on a warrant from Manatee County. He found the defendant and took him into custody.
DECEMBER 10, 2014
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Crockpot concoctions 6 Bar snack made from 17-Acrosses 11 USO show attendees 14 Purity measure 15 Card for a seer 16 Hibachi residue 17 *Source of chips and 6-Across 19 Draw upon 20 Two-thumbs-up review 21 When directed 23 Drop in the ocean 27 Certain female grouse 29 Round numbers 30 Lake Erie port 31 Like Wrigley Field's walls 32 Baby spoilers, perhaps 33 Play with, cat-style 36 Brings home 37 Words to a hitchhiker, and a literal hint to what
Answers to 12-03-14 Crossword Puzzle.
spans both words of the answers to starred clues 38 Anti-art movement 39 One of football's Mannings 40 Like 101 courses 41 Not as loopy 42 "Heathers" actor Christian 44 Terrarium pet 45 Siri speaks on them 47 Idiomatic trendsetters 48 Trembled 49 They're usually loaded 50 Cut back 51 *Cervantes creation 58 Wolfed down 59 Poseidon's realm 60 Hunter of myth 61 Jamaican "mister" 62 Grown-up efts 63 Wyoming's __ Range
Down 1 Schuss, say 2 Tiny bit 3 Procter & Gamble detergent 4 Sob syllable 5 Legendary 6 Housewarming buy? 7 Designer Spade 8 Tax-deferred plan, for short 9 "__ funny!" 10 Trio in funny shorts 11 *Wide-legged fashion 12 Campaign topic 13 Gold lamĂŠ quality 18 Inflates, as an expense account 22 Writer Buntline 23 Newsstand app download 24 Slanted edge 25 *Rory McIlroy won it in 2014 26 Little piggies 27 __ boom 28 Arkin of "Argo" 30 Fleshy-snouted beast 32 Snouts 34 Singer with the albums "19" and "21" 35 Stuff to hawk 37 Can't stomach 38 Chance it 40 Trusts 41 Solar event caused by magnetic activity 43 London lav
44 Oz visitor 45 Major religion of Indonesia 46 ID component 47 "Flag" artist Jasper
THE SUN
49 Ella's style 52 Complete perfectly 53 Improved partner? 54 "__ you serious?" 55 Minor objection
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56 Bronx tourist attraction 57 New England cape
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ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com ISLAND VIBE STUDIO Not Fine Art But Fun Art! Paint & Wine Parties No experience needed! www. islandvibestudio.com 941792-1000. 10109 Cortez Rd W VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at AMICC. Help your community by giving of yourself. Various positions available. Call Sandee 941-778-1908 ext 0 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Dusty at 941779-7688. ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm). OUR DAILY BREAD of Bradenton is looking for volunteer servers 9am-noon. Ask for Penny 941-745-2992 TRANSFER ELIGIBLE COLLEGE Credits! Finish Your Degree Online! Financial Aid to those who qualify. Placement Assistance. Email transcript to startnow@sctrain.edu or call 800-852-0595.
AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE POWER WINDOW and LOCK repair. Licensed, mobile, Guaranteed. Call for Free estimate. 941-7801735 MV 46219 2013 GEM e6 ELECTRIC CAR. 6 Seat, like new GEM Low Speed Car. 25MPH, Street Legal. All Receipts, Full Canvas Doors, $12,000.00 Mention this Ad. Car is on AMI Call 941-223-5977
BABY SITTER BABY SITTER. Honor student with own transportation. Experienced, References available. Call or text Amanda at 941-713-3219
Call us today! 941-778-3986
RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student. Call or text Isabel 941-5457995
BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES
BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well. Season is Early-Busy-Busy-Busy www.Islandboatsales. net We Also Buy Boats. 941-228-3489 BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088
CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
CLEANING SERVICE C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates. Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570 PRESSURE WASHING AND WINDOWS residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways etc. Call 941-251-5948
COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS ANNA MARIA CITY Gulf Drive Frontage Commercial 2 Lots 104x120 Real Estate only $1,200,000. Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216 RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216
BAR/RESTURANT 2100 ft2 with lease, includes Liquor License, Furniture and Good Will $599,000 CALL ALAN GALLETTO Island Real Estate 941-232-2216}
COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
EMPLOYMENT IMMEDIATE OPENINGS Part time sales. Evenings/ weekends a must. Retirees welcome. Inquire at 727244-5906 SALES ASSISTANT PART-TIME Busy office, strong communications skills, computer skills. Need to be flexible. Send Resume to PO Box 1394, Anna Maria FL 34216 AIRLINE CAREERS START Here - Get FAA certified with hands on training in Aviation Maintenance. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 866314-5838 FLIGHT ATTENDANT CAREERS start here- We will help you land the job and prepare for training by the airlines. Five information packed days in Orlando. Call AIM to learn more 855-879-4538.
FOR SALE SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $4397.00- make & save money with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSaw mills.com 800-578-1363 Ext.300N
FURNITURE CUSTOM COASTAL FURNITURE & CABINETS by Frankie Z. ebay store. Call 941-726-1482. 10015 Cortez Rd (corner of 101st) frankiezaff@yahoo.com
DECEMBER 10, 2014
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES NIKI’S HUGE SALE! 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All Sterling Silver jewelry 10% to 50% off. Select Gifts, Dolls, Bric-Brac, Lamps, Miniatures, Glassware, Furniture, Beach Art 30% to 80% off. New line of Scented Candles & Essential Oils. Open 7 days 9:30-5. ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open Tuesday and Thursday 9:30am - 2 pm. Saturday 10 am -1 pm. Annex open am same days. Donations accepted Wednesday 9 am. – 11am 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Call 941-7792733. YARD SALE SATURDAY December 13, 9am-3pm 8 Twin Shores Blvd. Longboat Key. Furniture, house wares, jewelry, purses, clothes, Beachy items, & so much more.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. State License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-504-2222 www. kernconstructioninc.com
HOME SERVICES HANDY MAN for HIRE. Worked all trades, no job to big. Satisfaction guaranteed. Free estimates. Call Arthur 941-518-8658 HOME INSPECTIONS $95 wind mitigation or four point inspections. Call Island Property Inspections 941-315-3127 DRAIN CLEANING James VanFossen A.K.A. “RIP” Call 941-301-6077
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 ELI’S IRRIGATION New install/repair. Pumps, pools, irrigation, landscape lighting and pressure washing. Call 941-580-2054 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
LOCKSMITH ISLAND LOCKSMITH, “Lock Around the Clock”. Licensed/bonded/insured. Call 941-778-1661 or 941713-4414
LOST & FOUND
SOUTHWEST 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.
FOUND PRESCRITION GLASSES Ralph Lauren corner of Manatee and East Bay, Holmes Beach. Call 419-769-1610
PAINTING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR. Clean professional service. Free Estimates. Call Wayne Lewin 941-7268414
LOST PANDORA BRACELET many charms. Great sentimental value. Call 518-365-2702
LOST GOLD PINKY ring with amethyst stone vicinity of Cortez Kitchen and Swordfish Grill. Call 941778-8359
MISSING 18 INCH GOLD chain with diamond drop, sterling silver seed bracelet , location Blue Water Beach Club between 9/12 & 9/13/2013 heartbroken was gift from husband 45 years ago REWARD please call 863-668-8566 no questions asked
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777. TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www. WalyPrecisionPainting.com
PERSONAL SERVICES SMALL ODD JOBS, yard work, walk dog etc. Call George 941-773-5518 THE TINT GUY." Commercial, residential, automotive, marine. Free estimates. All work guaranteed. Over 25 years experience. Mobile service available. Call 941-2012649
PET SITTING ANNA & LINDSAY’S Dog Walking. $5 per dog walked, $10 Dog wash. $20 for both plus play time. Contact 917-406-9554. Anna Maria Island Only.
DECEMBER 10, 2014
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PHOTOGRAPHY NEW AERIAL AMI PHOTOS. PhotosFromTheAir.com. email: photosfromtheair@ gmail.com or Call 941-7739834
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. Anna Maria Island & West Bradenton. Certified pool operator. Residential/ commercial. Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-713-1893
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AMI VALET LLC Professional parking services. Restaurants, weddings, any & all special events. Insured & Licensed. Years of experience. Call 941-565-0137 AMIValet@gmail.com AT YOUR SERVICE Personal & Professional assistant. Great rates. References available "Let me do what you are unwilling or unable to do." Call Cindy 941-812-2238 zicker8@aol.com
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE SPACIOUS 3BR/3BA Condominium rarely available in wonderful bay front complex with pool and tennis courts. Tastefully renovated to include newly tiled kitchen & family room with a peak of the bay and a split bedroom plan. Centrally located in Holmes Beach, with a short walk to shops. Ground-floor unit with covered parking and private storage. Family oriented and pet friendly. Offered at $450,000. Call Green Real Estate @ 941-7780455 FREE! What every REAL ESTATE BUYER or SELLER needs to know! Go to www.yourmar ketupdate.com for the latest market data.
Call us today! 941-778-3986
CANAL FRONT, Recently renovated 2BR/2BA villa with dock. Near intercoastal with/no ridges. Great soon to be gated community. Pet friendly. Bradenton. Yes, you can have it all. $260,000. Katharine Pepper RoseBay International 941-751-0582 or 802-363-9973" ELEVATED DUPLEX 2BR/1BA each side. Washer/dryer, dishwasher, tiled, 2 one car garages, covered patios. 2 blocks to beach, bay, pier, shops, cafes and bars. 204 2nd St N, Bradenton Beach $650,000. Call 941-741-1096 PERICO BAY CLUB VillaVery well maintained! $230,000. Runaway Bay – Light & Bright, Weekly rentals! $317,900. Call Kathleen today! 941773-0165 Island Real Estate DISCOVER the OTHER ISLAND, Tidy Island in Sarasota Bay. Tastefully renovated lake front condo; 3BR/2BA/2 car w/storage. This condo has so much to offer! Pet friendly. $344,900 Katharine Pepper RoseBay International 941-751-0582 or 802363-9973" "AFFORDABLE" WATERFRONT/BOATING lifestyle can be yours! 2BR/1.5BA Palma Sola Bay canal front condo w/free boat slip. $153,000. 941-7275210. Very motivated seller! 4BR/3BA HOUSE on 71.5 acres with 18 stall horse barn in Parrish, Florida. Call Steve Georgie 941-321-6253 at Keller Williams Realty
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REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION
OPEN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 1-4pm 212 Coconut St, Anna Maria Steps to the beach and new construction w/4BR and pool. 510 Kumquat Dr, Anna Maria Canal front, 2 docks w/lift, 3BR+ office. 6 car garage Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Terry Hayes 941-302 3100 DiscoverAnnaMaria.com
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-$750/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-778-1915
RENTALS: ANNUAL
WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!
2BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL apartment in Triplex . Water, sewer, trash & gas included. $825/ momo $825 security deposit. Near St. Stephens in Bradenton 2BR/2BA home 1700 s/f water incl. W/D hook up new tile, new cabinets. Corner lot. Bradenton Credit & background required on all applicants over 18 . DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact kate@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. Looking for a bright energetic Property Management Team? Call Amberly and Tracy at A Paradise 941-778-4800 to maximize your rental income. ANNUAL RENTAL BRADENTON BEACH 2BR/1BA, dishwasher. 2 blocks to beach, bay, fishing pier & restaurants. Covered garden patio. $1095/mo. Call 941-741-1096 3BR/2BA CORTEZ CANAL front 1800s/f house on quiet cul-de-sac. Huge lanai, boat ramp, hoist, dock. Ceramic/hardwood floors. Unfurnished. $2000/ mo plus. References, background check. 608 697-8801 HOLMES BEACH 1BR efficiency. Small but cute includes water & garbage $850/mo Available January 15. 1 year lease & credit check required. Call 941809-2488
AMISUN.COM
VACATION RENTALAVAILABLE Jan, Feb, Mar 2015. Holmes Beach 3BR/2BA Canal home with pool. $5600/mo + taxes/fees. Contact Fran Maxon Real Estate 941778-2307 for details. franmaxonrealestate. com.
SEASONAL 2016 2BR/1BA,3 month minimum, Beach to bay condo, nice updated, 120 steps to the beach, pool, parking,$2800/mo, Call 813995-7018 SEASONAL FURNISHED NEW Home in Anna Maria, elevated, 3BR/2BA Available now until April. One Block to Beach. Call 813251-9201 AMI GULFFRONT CONDO. Pool, garage 2BR/2BA January $3200 for 3 weeks, April $4200/mo. Call 941778-6226 dunkirkray@ gamil.com
RENTAL WANTED LOOKING FOR A 3 bedroom rental property on AMI to rent from January 23, 2015 through April 30th 2015. Call 231-8282051
REAL ESTATE: OUT OF AREA COSTA RICA? BEAUTIFUL New 2BR 1500 sq ft home in private gated neighborhood on Costa Rica’s green coast. Quarter acre titled lot, walk to snorkel, surf, shop and eat. $239,000 Ask me: Anna Maria Realtor for 30 yrs. robinkollar@ gmail.com 941-713-4515
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TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport services: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com TOWN CAR SERVICES, All airports served. Local and Long distance services available. Call Glen 941225-0072
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