HOLMES BEACH – A plea bargain in an eight-year-old murder brought law enforcement officers to the beach at 81st Street to dig for the victim’s remains Thursday. That evening, they found one of Sabine Musil-Buehler’s Converse tennis shoes she was reportedly wearing when she disappeared. They secured the site for the night and the next morning, they found her skeletal remains, ending a bizarre mystery that baffled detectives and friends of the victim for years.

During a pre-trial hearing for William Cumber, who faced second-degree murder charges in the disappearance of Musil-Buehler eight years ago, Cumber confessed to murdering the German citizen and Island businesswoman with whom he was involved. She was last seen by many at a Halloween party at Haley’s Motel in Holmes Beach, which she owned with her estranged husband, Tom Buehler.

Public Defender Franklin Roberts made the offer to State Attorney Arthur Brown on Tuesday, Oct. 13. It called for 22 years in prison in exchange for Cumber’s confession, which would be reduced to 20 years if Cumber would lead authorities to where Musil-Buehler was buried. On Thursday morning, law enforcement officers brought Cumber out to the beach in shackles to the 79th Street entrance. He walked to a cabana on the beach and told them he buried her there.

Searching in the sand

In 2011, former Manatee County Sheriff’s Office homicide detective John Kenney searched for Musil-Buehler’s body with earthmovers using cadaver dogs on the beach near Willow Avenue. Th0ey found her purse and other items in a wooded area just south of Willow Avenue on the beach. According to State Attorney Arthur Brown, Cumber disposed of Musil Buehler’s body before he disposed of her purse. Kenney also searched for her body at the tip of the Island near Galati Marine, finding women’s undergarments, which were never linked to the missing woman.

At one point after the search, Kenney and deputies walked the beach south of Willow to within a few blocks of where her body was, but crews did not dig in the sand at that location.

Kenney is now an investigator for the Manatee County School District.

A rocky romance

Musil-Buehler started seeing Cumber in 2008 while he was in prison for setting fire to his girlfriend’s house. When released from prison, he moved in with her in an apartment she rented for them at 208 Magnolia, Apt. B, in Anna Maria. She disappeared in November, and Cumber said she left the house after arguing over his smoking. Later, she was reportedly seen in a nightclub in Bradenton, and police stopped Robert Corona, who was driving her car. He admitted to stealing the car, but said he knew nothing of her disappearance.

Cumber remained in Anna Maria until his money ran out a couple of months later. He was arrested out of Manatee County and convicted of violating his parole. He is serving a 13-year sentence for that conviction.

Sage Hall was a close friend of Musil-Buehler’s and she said she is relieved to hear Cumber confessed.

“It takes away unnecessary suspicion of other people,” she said. “I hope it also brings awareness of domestic violence, which led to her death.”

However, Hall said it disturbs her that Cumber would get a reduced sentence for showing them where Musil-Buehler is buried, even if it is only two years less.

Hall also said we should remember Musil-Buehler for what she did while she was alive.

“Although we are finding out the details of her death, we should remember her life, how she treated people and how she loved animals,” Hall said. “She was one of the most giving people I have ever known.”

Hall’s mother, Debbie Hall, said they were amazed at how Musil-Buehler made her new life on the Island.

“She didn’t have any family here, that’s why we befriended her,” Debbie Hall said. “Sage and I got some sand from where she was buried to remember her.”

Suzi Fox, of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, knew Musil-Buehler and she feels there is a lesson to be learned from this.

“At Turtle Watch, we work a lot in the dark, and we always have rules to follow to ensure our safety,” she said. “It is obvious Cumber was a dangerous man with a record of violence, and if a woman is in a relationship with somebody who gets violent, she needs to get away before it’s too late. If something looks wrong, don’t be afraid to call the police.”

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioner Carol Soustek proposed a policy at last week’s City Commission meeting to suspend the licenses of a repeat red tag violators.

Soustek said she had obtained a list of red tag violations for 2015 from the building department and “it looked to me like there were willful violations by one party. I looked to see if we have a policy on what to do if you have red tags. I couldn’t find that if you exceed a certain number we do something. I think we need that.”

She proposed that on the second violation, the city shall suspend the contractor’s license and a notice of the violation be sent to the Florida Department of Business and Professional (DBPR) regulation. The license shall remain suspended until the city receives a response from the DBPR.

“This is not the right platform for this to be addressed,” Chair Judy Titsworth said. “Staff should handle it. It’s a state issue.”

A state license

City Attorney Patricia Petruff agreed and said, “It’s a state license. The city cannot suspend it. Mr. McGuinness (Building Official Jim McGuinness) has the authority and discretion to issue red tags, and they get time to come into compliance.

“What you read goes too far. If there are 10 red tags all for similar things, its Mr. McGuinness’ call when to report that to the state for their process with respect to construction licenses.”

She said they could ask McGuiness to report to the commission when a contractor has a particular number of red tags, but cannot require him to report the contractor to DBPR.

“We all know, as in the city of Anna Maria, we have a contractor or contractors who have demonstrated disregard for our building code and our laws. I know our mayor and building official have made it clear this will not be tolerated any more,” Commissioner Jean Peelen said

She asked McGuinness to meet with Mayor Bob Johnson and develop a policy to deal with repeated red tag violators, and McGuinness said he and the mayor already are working on it.

McGuinness pointed out that the city just adopted a schedule that establishes fees for red tags. The fee for the first issuance of a stop work order is $500, the second within 12 months of the first, not job specific, is $1,000, the third within 12 months of the first, not job specific, is $2,000.

BRADENTON BEACH – In last week’s Sun, Mayor Jack Clarke and former Mayor Bill Shearon shared their views on vacation rental regulations, building moratoriums, the administrative department, the city budget and the anchorage.

This week, the mayoral candidates discuss additional elements of their campaign platforms.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, city voters will determine who serves as the Bradenton Beach mayor for the next two years.

What do you feel you accomplished during your time as mayor?

CLARKE: “put forth an operating budget with the least shortfall in recent memory, secured a quality tenant for the Historic Bridge Street Pier, closed out county reimbursements for the pier reconstruction; significantly reduced legal fees and supported the transfer of the cell tower lease that resulted in greater income potential and an immediate cash consideration. The charter review process was completed and the recommended amendments are on the ballot. The revised land development code is through planning and zoning and scheduled for commission approval.

I have fostered improved relationships with county officials and the other Island mayors, worked with the other mayors and our shared city engineer, who is planning and coordinating projects that will save hundreds of thousands of dollars. I have also worked to restore the confidence of the business community and the citizens in demonstrating how we can work together.

SHEARON: The new city pier was completed on time and under budget, and a new restaurant lease concept was developed for a successful tenant. I proposed resolution of four city lawsuits in one fell swoop. I recognized the need for a separation of the city treasurer and clerk and hired two experienced and certified individuals.

As mayor, what mistakes have you made and what have you learned from them?

CLARKE: Impatience is my flaw. In attempting to make progress against the glacial pace of government action, I have acted impetuously at times. I try to remember government cannot be run like a private business, but it can be run in a business-like manner.

SHEARON: I learned that being a business CEO is less challenging than being the mayor. The decision process is a challenge when the mayor is limited by administrative oversight requiring support from commission and department heads.

How would you describe your working relationship with city staff?

SHEARON: I look forward to a working relationship with staff, which encourages major accomplishments during my administration, with mutual respect for areas of responsibility and accountability, so the city will better serve the community.

CLARKE: Generally cordial and productive. It is a pleasure to work with professionals who know their job and go the extra mile.

How would you describe your working relationship with your fellow commissioners?

CLARKE: Generally positive with one exception. Recently, the most shameful invective has been put forth about me in print by a candidate not even running for mayor. This is absurd and truly makes the city appear that the lunatics are running the asylum.”SHEARON: “I am confident the new commission will create an opportunity to work together by addressing the goals and objectives for our city's future.

How would you describe your working relationship with the Bridge Street Merchants and the Bradenton Beach business community?

SHEARON: I have a fair and respectable relationship with the Bridge Street Merchants and the business community of which I am a part.

CLARKE: Excellent. The merchants and our business community as a whole are the key to a vibrant, healthy city. I seek a balance between business and residential interests and we are getting there by working closely with the entire community.

What, if anything, should be done to assist or improve the city’s police department?

SHEARON: The city needs a proactive approach for law enforcement, i.e. stricter enforcement of noise and parking regulations. Code enforcement is needed on nights and weekends.

CLARKE: Give them the 21st century tools needed to do the job, and provide clear direction for enforcement in all areas.

Is there one issue not addressed in these questions you would like to address?

SHEARON: Currently the former transparency in our city government has been quashed by eliminating public department head meetings, severely limiting commissioners from discussing issues at commission meetings, limiting public comment whenever possible, ramming through ordinances on the shortest time span possible with limited citizen input and ignoring public involvement.

CLARKE: Divisiveness. A loyal opposition is essential in any government, but it is not healthy when a few politically-motivated folks spend their time finding fault where none exists, expending the time and resources of city employees while attempting to embarrass the sitting administration with malicious, unfounded, politically-motivated legal actions and baseless litigation that wastes city resources.

We hear a lot about what’s wrong with Bradenton Beach; what do you think is right about Bradenton Beach?

SHEARON: There are more citizens becoming engaged in the city’s business and demanding that they have a say in the issues affecting them. They are upset at being ignored and are getting themselves active and organized on these issues.

CLARKE: There is nothing wrong with our city. Criticism by opinion and innuendo, however, is another thing. In this election campaign the concept of respectful disagreement has disappeared. Fabricated so-called issues laced with slanderous personal comments and name-calling create a hostile and vindictive atmosphere and a toxic environment not seen in the other cities. We need to get past this.

HOLMES BEACH –Excitement was in the air as officials, development partners and employees and residents gathered to break ground on the Island’s first full service hotel, Waterline, located near the intersection of Marina and Gulf drives.

The hotel, being developed by Mainsail Lodging and Development, of Tampa, and has been six years in the making. A project was first proposed for the property in 2001, and it has been through two other developers and several incarnations.

This prompted Joe Collier, president of Mainsail, to liken it to the “Field of Dreams” with all the previous developers walking through the field of rebar, eliciting a laugh from the crowd.

“It takes a big team of people to make something like this happen,” Collier said, introducing some of the partners and team members. “It’s been a couple of years working through getting permits, and we’re really excited to finally be here.

“It’s been a test of perseverance, but we’re excited because the project is going to be something unique that Anna Maria will be proud of.”

Commissioner Jean Peelen, representing the city, said, “It’s a really good, happy day to be at the beginning of this project. Waterline will enhance this community, and I’m very glad it’s here.”

Collier said the company learned of the propery following the global financial crisis when a bank called offering the opportunity to buy the project. While on the Island to sign the contract, he met Ed Chiles while dining at the Sandbar, and Chiles became one of the project’s investors.

Past and future

Chiles recalled the site’s history as the home of Pete Reynard’s Yacht Club, one of the Island’s most famous restaurants for 50 years.

“Pete Reynard built a showplace that reflected the qualities of Anna Maria Island,” Chiles explained. “Back in the ’50s and ’60s this was the place, and Pete Reynard was the consummate restaurateur. Locals and people from Tampa and the surrounding area came, and it was a showcase.

“Then it sat for too long. So today is a great day – the rebirth of an incredible piece of property with an operation that respects and understands the heritage and authenticity of this Island. I congratulate Joe for his perseverance.”

Dr. Michael P. Crosby, president and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, spoke about the partnership with Mainsail with the Mote Education program through the Mote Eco Discovery Tour vessel.

Elliott Falcione, director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, said, “It’s another example of showcasing the character of the Island, the old Florida setting with modern accommodations,” and added that it will bring jobs and tax revenue that will “enhance the quality of life for the community.”

“Waterline’s commitment has just added to the value proposition we offer our visitors and residents,” Deb Wing, president of the AMI Chamber. “Waterline is complementing our unique destination. They are creating a new value for our tourist and residents.”

Officials then took shovels and broke ground on the project. Collier said he plans to complete the project by Nov. 1, 2016.

HOLMES BEACH – Robert and Liz Lang, of 5601 Flotilla Drive, objected to recent concerns expressed by City Commissioners regarding weddings in residential rental properties being a commercial use in a residential area.

“This is the old saying of ‘shoot first and ask questions later.’ If weddings are banned at private homes, what follows – birthday parties, graduation parties, confirmation celebrations or how about a 70th birthday party for family and friends? Robert Lang asked.

He said he and his wife follow all the city, state and county regulations for rentals and have the proper licenses, and their rental can sleep 16 people and provides 18 parking spaces.

“In your effort to take care of some of the problems you’ve had with the four, five and six bedrooms houses that pack a bunch of people in there, you’ve thrown out the baby with the bath water.

“We don’t have specific rules and regulations for our renters. We rent the house. If they want to have a birthday party, that’s fine; if they want to have a wedding there, that’s fine. We have no ban on specific celebrations as long as the renters treat the home and our neighbors with respect.”

Liz Lang said they are providing an alternative to commercial wedding venues and added, “We’re not going to make any extra money; that is not for us. We are renting our home and want people to have a wonderful opportunity.

“We follow all the regulations of the city and state and have all our licenses, and for this to be public in the newspaper, we are highly insulted.”

Chair Judy Titwsorth pointed out, “You are in a sleepy, little quiet bayou.”

Liz Lang countered that they are surrounded by the library, a marina and other residential rentals.

Titsworth said if someone who lives there has an occasional party, it shouldn’t be a problem, but if its different renters every month, it could be an issue.

BRADENTON BEACH – Jake Spooner’s latest Bridge Street development got the green light last week.

The City Commission unanimously approved the major development application and special exception request for off-site parking Spooner presented at the Thursday, Oct. 15 commission meeting and the Oct. 14 Planning and Zoning Board meeting.

The 36-year-old Spooner owns Bridge Street Bazaar, The Fish Hole adventure golf course and the vacant lot next door used for parking and the seasonal Sunday markets hosted by the Bridge Street Merchants.

When built on the vacant lot, the two-story building will feature 5,340 square feet of ground level retail space Spooner will use to expand his Bridge Street Bazaar operations. The second floor will be leased as a 250-seat restaurant space that offers indoor and outdoor dining; which Spooner said has already generated interest from potential tenants.

Spooner expects construction to begin next September and be completed by March 2017.

Island resident Emily Anne Smith designed the project with the intent of creating a space with an old-time Florida feel that fits well with the surrounding structures, some of which she designed.

Parking alternative

The plans call for 19 on-site parking spaces rather than the 88 spaces needed to comply with the existing land development code. In his efforts to secure the special exception, Spooner developed an alternative parking plan that utilizes off-site parking at nearby Cortez Beach, along the west side of Gulf Drive.

Bridge Street visitors will have access to more than 200 public parking spaces, with tram stops located on city property at Fifth Street South and 12th Street South and trams providing free shuttle service aboard an 18-passenger electric tram.

City Planner Alan Garrett recommended a stipulation that legally obligates Spooner to provide tram service as long as a restaurant is operated at his location. It was agreed that Spooner would provide shuttle service seven days week that runs least every 20 minutes from five to 11 p.m.

“During season I can see it running from 10 in the morning to midnight,” Spooner said, noting that he would buy a second tram if needed.

Spooner said all Bridge Street visitors would have access to the free service, and developer Michael Hynds has offered to purchase an additional 14-passenger tram. Hynds attended Thursday’s meeting and said afterwards he plans to begin construction on his previously-approved, open-air restaurant and retail development on Bridge Street next year.

Community support

BridgeWalk owner Angela Rodocker expressed her and her mother’s support and she thanked Spooner for considering the other Bridge Street businesses when devising his plans.

County Commissioner and former Mayor John Chappie said, “This is right in line with what we hoped for in the revitalization of Bridge Street.”

Realtor Mike Norman and restauranteur and hotel owner Bill Herlihy provided additional support via written correspondence.

After the meeting, Spooner said he was glad the approval process was completed before he takes office as a city commissioner next month. He is running unopposed in Ward 1 and would have to recuse himself from voting on his own project.

P&Z split

The design presentations included insight from Smith, the septuagenarian designer who reminded the commission and the planning board of Bridge Street’s checkered past and its current status as a resort community.

When addressing the planning board, Smith mentioned tram services at Disney attractions and said, “The ride is part of the joy; it’s part of the experience.”

Former planning board member JoAnn Meilner said the Bridge Street Overlay zoning district created many years ago was supposed to eliminate parking requirements.

“We need to stop focusing on parking; there isn’t any,” she said.

Board members John Metz and Fawzy Makar recommended commission approval, but Makar wanted assurances that parked delivery trucks would not endanger passing bicyclists. City Engineer Lynn Burnett said city-initiated street improvements would soon result in a designated delivery area in front of the post office that will service the entire street.

Metz praised the design and parking plan and said the presentation overcame his initial resistance. Frank Harrison liked certain elements but remained concerned about parking. Dan DeBaun objected to parking requirements being waived and cited previous commission approval of projects the board opposed. The subsequent 2-2 vote resulted in no board recommendation to the commission.

On Thursday, Garrett suggested the commission address Bridge Street parking requirements when they review the revised land development code.

BRADENTON BEACH – Anchorage resident John Deal, 58, was found dead Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, aboard the sailboat he owned and lived on for many years.

Known around the Historic Bridge Street Pier and the adjacent anchorage area as “Captain John,” Deal was described by those who knew him a private man who sought little interaction with others.

“He was a grumpy old man, but I liked him,” said anchorage resident Robert Randall. “I saw him about a week ago, and he was looking very gray.”

Randall said Deal lived a hermit-like existence and was thought to be a writer.

Anchorage resident Rick Roland said, “I felt bad for him. He had no friends and he didn’t want help from anyone.”

Police Chief Sam Speciale said he recalls Deal living in the anchorage for at least 10 years and noted that he walked with a cane and a significant limp due to an untreated ankle injury suffered many years ago.

Body discovered

Deal’s two Chihuahuas led to the discovery of his body.

According to the police report, on the evening of Monday, Oct. 12, Bradenton Beach Police Officer Eric Hill and two other officers were patrolling the anchorage in the police boat. After determining that Deal’s vessel had no navigation lights in operation, the officers pulled closer and could not see or a hear anyone on the boat. The cabin windows were covered, which prevented them from seeing inside.

When making their presence known, the officers discovered two small dogs, one of which acted in a somewhat aggressive manner. The boat also smelled badly of dog feces, so Hill decided he would contact Animal Services and ask them to check on the dogs’ welfare.

On Wednesday morning, Animal Control Officer Steve Bell was transported to Deal’s anchored vessel. When Bell boarded the boat he discovered Deal’s body inside the cabin.

The dogs were removed and returned to land. Crime Scene Investigator Kelsey Belloise then returned to Deal’s Boat, accompanied by Speciale, Hill and Sgt. Lenard Diaz. Due to the limited space inside the cabin, the boat was towed to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office dock at the Marine Rescue headquarters near Coquina Beach.

According to Speciale, Belloise found nothing that suggested foul play, and Deal had probably been dead for at least a few days. Deal’s body was transported to the medical examiner’s office for an autopsy and the case remains open until the medical examiner’s office concludes its examination.

Speciale said initial efforts have been made to locate Deal’s next of kin, and Deal’s boat is considered part of his estate if a family member wishes to claim it. If not, the boat will be removed or donated to someone who can remove it.

Dogs rescued

Manatee County Animal Services Supervisor Joel Richmond was contacted Friday and asked about the welfare of Deal’s canine companions.

“They are here, and they are healthy,” Richmond said. “We have a rescue group that knew the deceased and worked with him previously. They have committed to pick the animals up, and they’ll definitely get placed somewhere.”

BRADENTON – After confessing to murdering Sabine Musil-Buehler last Thursday, William Cumber sat down with State Attorney Arthur Brown and Public Defender Franklin Roberts to record what happened on Nov. 4, 2008, they night she was murdered.

Cumber said he was in the bedroom watching the election results, and she was in the living room of the home they rented at 208 Magnolia, Apt. B, in Anna Maria, watching another show. He went out to smoke a cigarette and when he returned, she smelled the smoke. He said she was wearing only her underwear at that time

Cumber said she got dressed and came into the front room wearing clothes.

“She said she was through with the relationship,” Cumber said.

Cumber said he had drunk six-to-eight beers, and she had been drinking wine that evening. He said he was feeling stressed and that he got “kind of antsy” when he drinks.

“I’m not a violent person when I drink but there was a lot going on,” he said, in reference to her objection to his smoking.

Cumber said he lost control and hit her on the forehead and in the face, causing her to bleed.

“I reached for her throat and started choking her until she stopped moving,” he said.

Cumber said he couldn’t believe what he had done.

“I stared down at her and a lot of things were going through my mind,” he said.

It was 10:30 to 11 p.m., he said.

Hiding the body

Cumber said he did not want to go back to prison so he decided to dispose of her body. He took the sheet off the bed and rolled her up in it, then waited about an hour before putting her body in the back seat of her car after making sure there were no people to witness his actions. He grabbed her purse with the car keys and drove to the beach near Haley’s Motel, which Musil-Buehler owned with her estranged husband, Tom Buehler. He got a shovel from the motel and buried her on the beach.

When asked why he picked that spot, he said it was the most unexpected location to bury her.

“I was taking my chances,” he said.

Cumber said he dug a hole about four feet deep in an area surrounded by grass. He estimated it took 20 minutes to bury her. He took the car back to Magnolia Avenue on the beach and parked it. It was later ticketed for illegal parking overnight.

When Cumber returned to the house, he saw some blood on the arm of a chair and cleaned it with soap and water. Before he moved out of the home, he said he mopped the floor, most likely with bleach.

The next day, he drove her car into town and parked it with the key in it at the Gator Bar. He figured there was a good chance the car would be stolen. It was, and the man who took it was arrested and convicted of theft. He served time and was released.

Cumber left items of Musil-Buehler’s in the car and caught the bus from the courthouse to get back to the Island at Coquina Beach. He then took the trolley to the house.

Cumber later disposed of her purse in foliage by the beach near Willow Avenue, where it was found by residents living nearby when the Sheriff’s Office dug at the beach in search of her body back in 2012. He said he disposed of her cell phone in the trash in Bradenton Beach after flushing the chip down the toilet.

When asked, Cumber said there was nobody else involved and he did everything himself. He also told detectives the problem he was having with the relationship was Tom Buehler’s control over it.

“She was siding with him, and I wasn’t digging that,” Cumber said. “We were going to get counseling, but it was getting to the point where it wasn’t working out, and he was just pushing it to the limit to where we couldn’t deal with it.”

When asked if Cumber thought Musil-Buehler was having a relationship with another man, he said no although if she had been, the most likely person was a local masseuse.