ANNA MARIA – The waves were high and the surf was furious as kids from all around gathered at Bayfront Park to celebrate Snooks Adams’ Kids’ Day last Saturday.

Thanks to a cold front that passed through the area, nobody broke a sweat as kids tossed rubber rats, dug for treasure and listened to tales from the Anna Maria Island Privateers. There were also hot dogs to be eaten and sodas to quaff as kids got a look at those real-life pirates who raise money all year long to give out scholarships to local kids.

There was a lot of competition in the pirate costume contest, and the kids all looked great. Some of the contestants wore eye patches and sported plastic swords and some had painted figures on their faces, thanks to the face painting ladies who stayed busy much of the morning.

This year’s batch of contestants was larger than previous years. When the competition ended a pair of three-year-old twins showed up with their parents, but they were too late. The parents seemed more disappointed than the children, Aiden and Addison Wilson, were just happy to be there.

The Privateers set aside areas this year with entrances for the treasure diggers and the story teller. They threw rubber rats at a bucket and many of the kids wore beads they found while digging in the sand for treasure.

The beach was alive with youngsters dreaming of the summer days ahead when school lets out and they can spend more time being pirates.

 

BIt’s official; this winter really was the biggest tourism season ever on Anna Maria Island.

“It’s important for everybody to realize that tourism is our largest industry, and put up with the traffic,” said Mary Ann Brockman, president of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, predicting that the summer tourist season “will be just as good.”

This winter, visitors fled from a seemingly unending Northern winter and packed the renourished beaches to the tune of $1.7 million in county-wide resort tax collections in March alone, 14 percent higher than March 2013, according to Manatee County Property Tax records.

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 guests.

Anna Maria Island produced more than $802,000 of the county’s March resort tax collections.

Anna Maria collections were up 15 percent over March 2013, Holmes Beach was up 11 percent and Bradenton Beach was up 9 percent.

The Island’s March collections increased about 11.5 percent over last year’s, and have been steadily increasing over the past five years.

If the trend continues, the county’s tourism industry could find itself closing in on the $2 million mark in March 2015.

The upward trend builds on 2013’s success, when 2.8 million people visited Manatee County, up 1.5 percent from 2012, according to the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The whole state saw record numbers in the first quarter of 2014 as well, with 26.7 million visitors, up 2 percent from last year, according to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism agency.

HOLMES BEACH – The planning commission will hear a request for a rezone and comprehensive plan amendment on Wednesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. The subject property is at 214 54th Street, across the street from Island Lumber, and contains two residential units and a CPA office.

The applicant is seeking to change the zoning from medium density residential, R-2, to commercial, C-1 and to extend the city’s mixed use overlay to include the property.

The applicant proposes to raze the existing structure and build two office units on the first level and two residential units on the second level.

City Planner Bill Brisson submitted three staff reports on the requests – one on the rezone, one on the comprehensive plan amendment and an addendum, which is a response to the applicant’s submission in support of the requests.

In the addendum, Brisson wrote, “I see no reason the city should expand the mixed use overlay area to include property that clearly is not appropriate for all the uses that could be allowed.

“By doing so, the city puts itself into the position of potentially having to consider requests in the future for uses that could easily be too intense for the area and, therefore, having to deny a request or develop conditions to ameliorate the effects of a use that it already knows is inappropriate for that location.”

Neighbors opposed

A proposal by the same applicant in April was met with strong opposition from neighbors. However, that request was for a rezone to C-3, the most intense commercial zoning, instead of C-1, the least intense commercial, zoning.

At the April hearing, planning commissioners learned that they didn’t receive Brisson’s staff reports. At that time, they agreed to hear testimony from Brisson; Monica Simpson, agent for the applicants; and residents.

Residents were concerned about increased traffic and the encroachment of commercial into residential. In addition, Brisson had recommended denial of rezone and the expansion of the overlay district stating, “It’s the wrong use.”

Planners then continued the hearing to May 21, when they plan to discuss the issues and make a recommendation.

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioner Marvin Grossman’s traffic plan for the intersection of Palm and Gulf drives met with kudos at last week’s city commission work session.

“We love the idea; it’s so simple and costs nothing,” said Carol Soustek, chair of the congestion committee.

“I think this is the perfect solution,” concurred Ursula Stemm, congestion committee member.

Police Chief Bill Tokajer made the presentation after explaining that he researched the cost of a traffic light at Key Royale, as asked by the commission.

“A traffic study would cost $12,000 to $15,000 and the county would not do it for us,” he said. “The traffic light would cost $400,000. I think we could work out other ways to alleviate some of the traffic.”

Tokajer explained Grossman’s idea using graphics. At the intersection of Gulf and Palm drives, drivers traveling south out of Anna Maria would be directed to use Gulf Drive. Drivers traveling north on Gulf Drive would be directed to turn right at 81st Street and then left on Palm Drive. There would be no change for drivers traveling north on Palm Drive.

Southbound drivers on Gulf Drive would have to go past the intersection and cross over on a side street to get to Marina Drive. Aside from the intersection, drivers could go both ways on both roads.

Questions and comments

Commissioner Jean Peelen asked how it could be accomplished.

“By creating a barrier,” Tokajer said. “I think it is something we could do it by putting up sawhorses with lights. That would be an inexpensive way to test it.”

Chair Judy Titsworth said what if people travelling south on Gulf Drive try to turn left at 81st to get to Marina. Tokajer said he thought they would travel further south to make a left turn.

He said another suggestion would be to leave Gulf Drive at 35 mph and change Marina/Palm Drive to 25 mph. He also said he has a concern about bicyclists and pedestrians that travel south on Palm Drive because Gulf Drive has no bike path.

Soustek said she stood at the intersection for five minutes one day and of 54 vehicles traveling south, only nine went down Gulf Drive.

“What if people drive around the barrier?” asked Commissioner Pat Morton.

“I would probably have one of our police trucks parked there with flashing lights until people get used to it,” Tokajer said.

Renee Ferguson, of 77th Street, said, “I think it’s a fabulous idea,” but she has concerns about the bicycles.

A Gulf Drive resident said, ‘It’s a good solution but not a perfect solution, but I’m wiling to share the load.”

Titsworth asked about how businesses on Marina Drive would feel about the plan, and Tokajer said he is hoping they would give their input when it is discussed at a work session.

BRADENTON BEACH – The color purple, the spirit of persistence, and the desire to cure cancer prevailed at last weekend’s Relay For Life of Anna Maria Island.

Taking place at Coquina Beach, participants raised more than $45,000 for the American Cancer Society prior to and during the annual fundraiser.

Volunteers from the 15 relay teams walked a continuous, circuitous route around the makeshift grassy track established near the children’s play area. Two additional teams contributed fund-raising efforts in advance.

The relay format called for at least one member of each team to be on track for the duration of the 14-hour event that started at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and concluded at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday.

During the opening ceremonies, cancer survivors gathered in front of the stage, many wearing purple T-shirts that bore the “Finish The Fight” slogan.

Seventh-grade King Middle School student Griffin Heckler sang the national anthem, followed by Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn, Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon and Holmes Beach Commissioner David Zaccagnino proclaiming May 17, 2014, as Power of Purple Day.

Sixty-five-year old leukemia survivor Dan Lord defined a survivor as “a person who refuses to accept defeat” and concluded by saying, “Let’s go out and finish the fight.”

Event co-chair Kimberly “Red” Bard recognized the top fundraisers before the relay got off to an emotion start with 35 cancer survivors walking the ceremonial first lap, accompanied by Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” and cheers from appreciative onlookers.

Organizing committee member and cancer survivor Nancy Ambrose piloted a golf cart carrying her father, and cancer survivor, Oscar “Doc” Walker, and fellow survivor Edna Tiemann.

Accompanied by Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me,” the survivors were joined on the second lap by those who serve or served as caregivers to loved ones. The survivors and caregivers were later treated to a survivors’ dinner catered by The Feast, with dessert served by the Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players.

The relay swung into full gear when the participating teams hit the track on lap three,

“The teams are excited and they couldn’t wait to get started. It’s going to be fun, and this is going to be the nicest weather day we’ve ever had,” Ambrose said, noting that Russ Winterbottom co-chaired this year’s event, with Bard.

Speaking as she circled the track, breast cancer survivor Claudia Wiseman said, “It’s always uplifting and rewarding to participate in this endeavor. It’s inspirational.”

When asked what advice she would give to someone who has just learned they cancer, Wiseman said, “Be as positive as you can and look to the American Cancer Society for support.”

Over at the Cuts4Cure team tent, Zaccagnino was the first dignitary incarcerated in The Lion’s Den, a pink jail cell that required the raising of bail to be released.

“Nancy does a great job. It’s a fun event for a good cause,” Zaccagnino said.

A 9 p.m. luminaria ceremony honored those whose lives were claimed by cancer, accompanied by Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

The participants then walked through the night, resting or napping in tents between shifts as they worked their way toward Sunday morning’s closing ceremonies.

TALLAHASSEE – Fishermen from in and out of state, including Cortez, held a rally and a prayer vigil on Thursday in Tallahassee before packing a district courtroom for a hearing on the state’s net ban.

The Cortez contingent met with other fishermen, some from as far away as Massachusetts, said Mark Coarsey, president of the Manatee County chapter of Fishing for Freedom, a group affiliated with the plaintiffs in the case, the Wakulla Commercial Fishermen’s Association, Panacea bait shop owner Ronald Fred Crum and mullet fishermen Jonas Porter and Keith Ward.

In 2012, the association sued the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), arguing that its rules enforcing the state constitutional amendment banning gill nets are unconstitutional and violate the equal protection rights of mullet fishermen.

The net ban was approved by Florida voters in 1994 to preserve fish populations and prevent the accidental entrapment of unintended marine life like dolphins, which fisherman insist was uncommon. The ban became effective in 1995, putting commercial fishermen out of work in Cortez and statewide.

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Jackie Fulford effectively lifted the ban last October when she ruled that the FWC could no longer enforce the net ban because its administrative rules create what she called a “legal absurdity,” prohibiting larger mesh gill nets that let juvenile fish go, while allowing smaller, two-inch stretch mesh nets that catch juvenile fish, which she said defeats the purpose of the ban, to preserve fish populations.

The Florida Attorney General’s office immediately appealed on behalf of the FWC, staying, or temporarily invalidating, the judge’s ruling, putting the net ban back into effect.

Fulford lifted the ban again and the FWC appealed again, staying her second order and putting the ban back into effect yet again.

The plaintiffs requested in vain that the Florida Supreme Court hear the case as a matter of great public importance. The case instead went to a panel of three judges at the First District Court of Appeal, which heard arguments last week.

“We argued the two-inch stretch mesh rule has no rational basis because studies show that it captures undersized fish,” said Mark Mason, co-counsel for the plaintiff.

The Attorney General’s office defended the rule, saying that the case was already decided once before in 2006 by another judge, appealed, and affirmed and should not be tried again, he said.

Plaintiff’s co-counsel Ronald Mowrey argued that the unintended bycatch issue came to light after that case was decided.

The court could take a week or a year to decide the case, Mason said.

Fishermen don’t expect the court to lift the net ban, he said, “But there’s always the possibility.”

It’s almost time for the Island Blood Drive, the annual event that helps refill the blood bank that gets low this time of year and helps four non-profits with their budgets.

The Island Blood Drive will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The church is air conditioned, so you’ll be comfortable no matter how long you have to wait.

• Be at least 16 years old;
• Weigh at least 110 pounds;
• Have not had hepatitis after their 11th birthday;
• Feel well the day of donation;
• Not be pregnant within the past six weeks;
• Not had a transfusion within the last 12 months.

Blood collection takes 10 minutes or less, but they will also collect information, conduct a mini-physical (including a blood pressure test) and provide light refreshment. Allow about an hour for the entire process (two hours for platelet collection.) You will not have to change your diet before donating.

A blood donation equals approximately one pint of blood. The average adult body has 10-12 pints. The vast majority of people will not feel any different because of the donation. A very small percentage may experience temporary dizziness, but some rest and fluids will help you feel better quickly. Your body will replace the lost fluid within 24 hours.

Every blood donation will generate a $100 from a secret benefactor, and blood donors get to decide where the money goes. They can choose to give it to one charity or split it up between two, three or all of them.

The four charities are the Anna Maria Island Community Center for youth sports scholarships, the Anna Maria Island Privateers for educational scholarships, Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation, Inc. for their operating expenses and the West Manatee Fire Rescue Auxiliary’s efforts to support the fire department.

Schedule an appointment online at www.oneblooddonor.org.

ANNA MARIA – After more than five years of searching, authorities still don’t know where the body of Sabine Musil-Buehler is, but they know where it isn’t.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Detective John Kenney brought back the cadaver dogs on Tuesday, May 13, to search a large plot of land north of Galati Marine for the remains of the popular motel owner who disappeared Oct. 31, 2008, after allegedly arguing with her boyfriend, William Cumber, over his failure to quit smoking. Cumber told authorities she took her car and left. The car was later seen parked on Gulf Boulevard, a one-block-long road that parallels the beach in Anna Maria.

Kenney, who was in charge of the Sheriff’s Office patrol in Anna Maria, is now a homicide detective, brought out front-end loaders to sift through the sand in that area in 2009 and 2010 with no success.

"We were going over clues and decided the body could be buried here," Kenney said. "We checked and it wasn't here."

This time, he searched near the bay, figuring the murderer might have buried her there and planted the car overnight near the beach to confuse investigators.

After the dogs, which were from the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office, found some so-called hot spots Tuesday and Wednesday of last week, forensics experts came to investigate and carefully dig through those areas.

Later, a small front-end loader was used to dig deeper as the owner of the property, Jack Fisk, looked on.

The digging continued Friday and Monday and, after finding nothing, the holes were filled in.

Nancy House, of Bradenton, was an acquaintance of Musil-Buehler’s, said she wishes they could get some closure on the case.

“It’s been terrible,” she said. “I feel she’s here somewhere on that Island.”

House said she doesn’t believe the missing woman was in the bar where her car was parked, before it was stolen by a man who was caught and convicted of grand theft auto. Authorities did not feel he was connected to her disappearance.

“When I drive past that bar where her car was parked, I just think there’s no way she would have gone there,” she said.

Sage Hall, along with her mother, Debbie, knew Musil-Buehler. She said Cumber called the location of the search his favorite spot.

“When she heard they were searching there, she said ‘I told them to search there,’” she said.

Cumber, who was on probation for setting a previous girlfriend’s house on fire, was arrested Dec. 22, 2008, in Marion County, for driving with a suspended license. He also was charged with violating his probation for not notifying his probation officer he was leaving Manatee County. He was sentenced to 13 1/2 years in prison.

Cumber was charged in October 2012 with second-degree murder in Musil-Buehler’s disappearance, based on evidence from her car and the apartment they shared. His trial is set for Oct. 20.

Anyone with information in the case is urged to call Kenney at 747-3011, ext. 2216.