Your Comments
Name: DEREK BURGESS
Date: 2008-08-05 12:58:46
Subject: Thank you SUN
Comments: I live in England, but visit your area twice a year. I read the SUN every week via your website, which i find keeps me up to date with all the local news. THANK YOU>
Name: BIg Ray
Date: 2008-08-05 06:09:05
Subject: FISH WHERE
Comments: This is the Anna Maria Island SUN
How bout putting more ink on fishing on or near the Island. Let the people near Ft. Myers write about their fishing. We have property on the Island because of the interest there. It's not encouraging when tinking about how's the fishing and read articles about Cayo Costa. Thanks
Name: Barbara Wilson
Date: 2008-07-30 07:49:04
Subject: Horseshoes
Comments: Was hoping to see a little writeup about the July 26th horseshoe playoff game.Nothing was written about it. Why?
Name: Keith Martin
Date: 2008-07-24 14:05:22
Subject: Article concerning closed beaches near bridge street
Comments: As a non-resident of this area, I like to look at the newspapers of areas where I plan to vacation. The Anna Maria island area is of considerable interest to me as I prefer to drive to vacation destinations rather than fly. After I read the article concerning the accumulation of fecal bacteria in the area adjacent to Bridge Street, I was still unsure as to where exactly that was. There are 10 numbered testing sites on the map. Maybe you could mark the spot on the map with an x so I'd know where to avoid.
Name: concerned resident
Date: 2008-07-20 12:46:23
Subject: Local Police
Comments: I am writing in concern about the actions of our local police. My family and I are local business owners here on AMI and have been for some time now. We care and love our island, it's visitor, residents, and etc. This summer we have noticed quite a difference in the way the local police are treating all of us though. Numerous customers of ours have expressed their extreme frustration in regards to the "harassment" --their words-- the police have been dealing them. In addition to the July 4th incidents, which in my husband and my opinion were over the top in terms of the overly strict rules on our beaches and parks in regarding fireworks and small family parties--the very reason our customers visit this area! We as business owners heavily rely on these visitors for our lively hood, and we were told first hand by many of them that they will never celebrate another July 4th here. This worries us greatly since this holiday helps us get through the slower summer months.
Other reasons that concern us are some personal encounters we have had and stories from friends, all whom do reside on the island. A 0 ticket for not having a light on a bike at night? Where was the warning that this would be enforced? Getting questioned when walking to Circle K at night? Isn't that personal business? If the police didn't gather around the island Circle K's so much, while getting paid with our tax dollars mind you, maybe they wouldn't have to be so concerned.
My family understands that the local police departments want to keep the island safe, but it is a place for people to relax and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere, that's why we live here too. After much discussion with our island friends, family, and customers the general consensus seems to be that we are starting to feel like some of our rights are being taken away. I don't know if there are too many police on staff and not enough to do, or if they have agreed to start this new crackdown, but it is not working for us. It didn't used to be this way. I am forwarding this message to all police departments and newspapers with hope of resolve. Thank you.
Island Business Owner
Name: claudia green
Date: 2008-07-18 08:51:09
Subject: fireworks
Comments:
To the Editor,
I am amazed that there are some citizens of Anna Maria Island who cannot appreciate or understand the rationale for trying to regulate the (over) use of fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday.
Let’s just start with the fact that, to quote one of the critics, “any yahoo can buy as many rockets, missiles, bombs as they desire.” So, we don’t care that these ‘yahoos’ are out en mass setting off an excessive amount of illegal fireworks at will? And the argument that “a few injuries over the last 18 years shouldn’t qualify as a major disaster zone.” Obviously it wasn’t his finger that was blown off. Just how many injuries would it take TO qualify? Or do we just need to wait until someone is killed?
There was also an editorial comment made supporting the people out there ‘defying the authorities.’ That is a bit scary to say the least. What a lovely example to set for our future generations!
News flash: There’s ample reason the community is attempting to regulate Fourth of July fireworks on the beach. The least not being what I would think are the obvious safety factors. Not to mention the pathetically enormous amount of trash left on the beach, floating in the Gulf and ‘feeding’ the sea life.
I think the island’s police departments should be commended for their efforts to enforce this LAW and their dedication to keep its citizens and visitors safe! Maybe if we could follow the laws, an establishment like the Sandbar restaurant could get permission to display fireworks in a safe, controlled environment. But, gee….no drunks handling the fireworks and someone actually keeping people a safe distance from any potential accidents….what fun would that be!?
So, I guess we leave the “excess of 10,000 partially and totally inebriated people” to fend for themselves and for the rest of us who are “there for the fireworks and aware of the risks” need to chill or go home. Again, scary! As far as “treading on American rights” goes, I believe those rights go hand in hand with the responsibility to follow the law and respect the well being of everyone.
In closing I would like to specifically thank the police officers responsible for removing the golf cart full of inebriated women from the beach the night of July 3, before they hit someone. The drunken dames did manage to almost hit a sea turtle attempting to nest. Fortunately, between the golf cart and a few other obnoxious drunks, the poor turtle was intelligent enough (wish I could say the same for the drunks) to leave!
I am sorry that some island visitors were disappointed with the lack of fireworks. In my mind “lack of fireworks” translates to lack of noise, trash, injuries and chaos. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a beautiful, patriotic display the same as the next person. But come on, what’s been going on here for the past several years is ridiculous. I strongly support and appreciate the efforts being made to achieve some control over this situation, and I hope the vast majority of the island residents feel the same.
Claudia Green
Holmes Beach
Name: Stephanie Cenko
Date: 2008-07-16 10:06:45
Subject: Police Abuse of Power
Comments: Perhaps Anna Maria is seeing a drop in population because the Police Department will walk into your rented apartment without permission and also pee in your toilet without permission, as happened to me when I lived at 401-A Pine Avenue. After that outrageous incident, I moved off the Island.
Name: chuck sirovy
Date: 2008-07-10 13:07:54
Subject: fireworks
Comments: Three big HURRAH for the letter from Marsha Bard.
Name: Robert R Heiger
Date: 2008-07-10 09:57:44
Subject: Fireworks Tradition, My support of it.
Comments: If you were to look at page 37 in the July 9th addition of the Sun and then read the letter to the editor, I was one of the Island people that was making the South end of Holmes Beach look like a war zone. To the credit of the Sun you are to be commended for printing a great article about what the other side thinks. I send a letter to the Editor of the Islander and they would not print it. They must be of one mind with Madam Mayor of AMI.
If I paid for the Islander, I would cancel the paper. They can not even get all there facts right about people getting hurt.
Good work Sun
Name: M DeVane
Date: 2008-07-05 13:58:51
Subject: Beach Nutz
Comments: I read a lot of comics; Beach Nutz always does the job --- makes me laugh. Keep up the good work, I really appreciate it.
Name: Marsha Bard
Date: 2008-07-05 07:23:16
Subject: The people have spoken
Comments: The people of Anna Maria Island have spoken.
I don't think I've ever been as proud of our island people as I was this past 4th of July.
We have traditions here on our island and one of them happens to be the 4th of July beach fireworks.
It was so enpowering to stand with all of those folks and defy those authorities who would tell
us that our traditions should be governed by law. I'm grateful for those who risked fines
and arrest to carry on with what they believed to be their rights.
Isn't that how we got to where we are now? There were those who crept into Boston Harbor
to protest what they thought was wrong.... there were those who burned the Gaspee off
the Rhode Island shores. There were those brave men who sat in council at their own
risk to draft the most precious document in the world - and wrote the first words (in
large letters) WE THE PEOPLE....
We the people of Anna Maria Island have spoken. Don't ban our traditions. There is always
the danger of someone getting hurt - that same danger exists in crossing a street and you
don't ban cars - you create crosswalks. There is always a mess on the beach, as there is after
any event - you don't ban the event, you arrange a task force of concerned people to clean up
the mess. There will always be safety issues - make the suggestion that people setting off fireworks
over the water stay at the water's edge and not shoot them off behind the crowds of people on the
beach. And you don't threaten the people of Anna Maria Island with arrest for celebrating the
4th of July.
There are those who were happy about the fireworks ban - but they weren't in the majority - the
majority was down on the Anna Maria beaches doing what they have done for years and years,
sintting in their beach chairs cheering the rockets red glare - the rest were at home listening to
the pops and bangs and missing all the fun.
Governents seem to act as a body independent of the people at times, but that's not what
government is supposed to be - and the 4th of July is a holiday of the people - WE THE PEOPLE -
and we celebrate our freedom that was born out of protesting what was preceived as overbearing
laws and restrictions. All those people were on the beaches of Anna Maria friday night and I'm
proud to say that I was one of them. Thanks to all those who held strong to our tradition and
our right to celebrate our freedom.
Marsha Bard
Anna Maria Island
Name: Laurie
Date: 2008-07-03 05:32:19
Subject: Fireworks
Comments: I'm relatively new to the island, where can I find a fireworks show this weekend?
Name: RhondaK NativeFloridaFolkArtist
Date: 2008-06-27 06:28:24
Subject: Bridging the gap...Ed Chiles __YES!
Comments: That's a great take Ed!! I'm an artist doing these markets and they do make some people happy. I want a regular FUN sunset fest. Both the Chiles restaurants are perfect. Something free for the public, affordable to artists and a good time for all. Strolling artists, muscicians, sand castle builders A WHOLE green flash festival perfect for all types of people in times where the good times need to be bundled in together and reasonable. Bridge Street Merchants are doing a fantastic job. Anna Maria is benefitting from keeping itself real, keeping out the wall of condos and providing so many fun places to go/things to do. Now lets get that pier to hopping with some FUN and for God's sakes let some people walk their dogs on it and a designated portion of the beach. Heads in beds? Let people vacation with their pets. It's the national trend. Get on board! Pet smart is $$ paw-sitive.
Name: Margaret
Date: 2008-06-26 10:06:07
Subject: Turtles
Comments: THANKS so much for listing the number of nests and false crawls in a timely fashion on your Web Site.
We made a mistake when we paid all the extra money to The Islander for home delivery out of state when all we wanted to know was how the turtles were doing.
Name: sherri
Date: 2008-06-26 08:16:15
Subject: fourth fridays in Cortez
Comments: Thank you for listing our event in the Town Crier section of the paper! This will help our new event become a HUGE SUCCESS!!
Name: J. White
Date: 2008-06-10 11:58:52
Subject: Your City Needs You
Comments: Thank You Duke Miller for speaking up for all of the islanders who love Anna Maria and for being a wonderful City Commissioner. We will miss you.
Name: Clare Wiedorn
Date: 2008-06-04 06:26:15
Subject: Town Crier
Comments: Who writes the headlines? Mexico is not in South America but is part of North America.
Name: Kent Armstrong
Date: 2008-05-28 20:50:17
Subject: Photo gallery
Comments: I would like the photo gallery a lot more, IF PHOTOS WERE SHOWN!
Name: Tonya Van Cleve
Date: 2008-05-26 05:54:32
Subject: Island News
Comments: Thank you for your website to keep me up to date on Island news since moving to Missouri! I subscribed today to have your paper mailed to me! Thank you for having such a well informed paper to read!
Name: M DeVane
Date: 2008-05-24 08:14:14
Subject: Beach Nutz
Comments: Way to go Foster! Keep up the good work!
Next
Date: 2008-08-05 12:58:46
Subject: Thank you SUN
Comments: I live in England, but visit your area twice a year. I read the SUN every week via your website, which i find keeps me up to date with all the local news. THANK YOU>
Name: BIg Ray
Date: 2008-08-05 06:09:05
Subject: FISH WHERE
Comments: This is the Anna Maria Island SUN
How bout putting more ink on fishing on or near the Island. Let the people near Ft. Myers write about their fishing. We have property on the Island because of the interest there. It's not encouraging when tinking about how's the fishing and read articles about Cayo Costa. Thanks
Name: Barbara Wilson
Date: 2008-07-30 07:49:04
Subject: Horseshoes
Comments: Was hoping to see a little writeup about the July 26th horseshoe playoff game.Nothing was written about it. Why?
Name: Keith Martin
Date: 2008-07-24 14:05:22
Subject: Article concerning closed beaches near bridge street
Comments: As a non-resident of this area, I like to look at the newspapers of areas where I plan to vacation. The Anna Maria island area is of considerable interest to me as I prefer to drive to vacation destinations rather than fly. After I read the article concerning the accumulation of fecal bacteria in the area adjacent to Bridge Street, I was still unsure as to where exactly that was. There are 10 numbered testing sites on the map. Maybe you could mark the spot on the map with an x so I'd know where to avoid.
Name: concerned resident
Date: 2008-07-20 12:46:23
Subject: Local Police
Comments: I am writing in concern about the actions of our local police. My family and I are local business owners here on AMI and have been for some time now. We care and love our island, it's visitor, residents, and etc. This summer we have noticed quite a difference in the way the local police are treating all of us though. Numerous customers of ours have expressed their extreme frustration in regards to the "harassment" --their words-- the police have been dealing them. In addition to the July 4th incidents, which in my husband and my opinion were over the top in terms of the overly strict rules on our beaches and parks in regarding fireworks and small family parties--the very reason our customers visit this area! We as business owners heavily rely on these visitors for our lively hood, and we were told first hand by many of them that they will never celebrate another July 4th here. This worries us greatly since this holiday helps us get through the slower summer months.
Other reasons that concern us are some personal encounters we have had and stories from friends, all whom do reside on the island. A 0 ticket for not having a light on a bike at night? Where was the warning that this would be enforced? Getting questioned when walking to Circle K at night? Isn't that personal business? If the police didn't gather around the island Circle K's so much, while getting paid with our tax dollars mind you, maybe they wouldn't have to be so concerned.
My family understands that the local police departments want to keep the island safe, but it is a place for people to relax and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere, that's why we live here too. After much discussion with our island friends, family, and customers the general consensus seems to be that we are starting to feel like some of our rights are being taken away. I don't know if there are too many police on staff and not enough to do, or if they have agreed to start this new crackdown, but it is not working for us. It didn't used to be this way. I am forwarding this message to all police departments and newspapers with hope of resolve. Thank you.
Island Business Owner
Name: claudia green
Date: 2008-07-18 08:51:09
Subject: fireworks
Comments:
To the Editor,
I am amazed that there are some citizens of Anna Maria Island who cannot appreciate or understand the rationale for trying to regulate the (over) use of fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday.
Let’s just start with the fact that, to quote one of the critics, “any yahoo can buy as many rockets, missiles, bombs as they desire.” So, we don’t care that these ‘yahoos’ are out en mass setting off an excessive amount of illegal fireworks at will? And the argument that “a few injuries over the last 18 years shouldn’t qualify as a major disaster zone.” Obviously it wasn’t his finger that was blown off. Just how many injuries would it take TO qualify? Or do we just need to wait until someone is killed?
There was also an editorial comment made supporting the people out there ‘defying the authorities.’ That is a bit scary to say the least. What a lovely example to set for our future generations!
News flash: There’s ample reason the community is attempting to regulate Fourth of July fireworks on the beach. The least not being what I would think are the obvious safety factors. Not to mention the pathetically enormous amount of trash left on the beach, floating in the Gulf and ‘feeding’ the sea life.
I think the island’s police departments should be commended for their efforts to enforce this LAW and their dedication to keep its citizens and visitors safe! Maybe if we could follow the laws, an establishment like the Sandbar restaurant could get permission to display fireworks in a safe, controlled environment. But, gee….no drunks handling the fireworks and someone actually keeping people a safe distance from any potential accidents….what fun would that be!?
So, I guess we leave the “excess of 10,000 partially and totally inebriated people” to fend for themselves and for the rest of us who are “there for the fireworks and aware of the risks” need to chill or go home. Again, scary! As far as “treading on American rights” goes, I believe those rights go hand in hand with the responsibility to follow the law and respect the well being of everyone.
In closing I would like to specifically thank the police officers responsible for removing the golf cart full of inebriated women from the beach the night of July 3, before they hit someone. The drunken dames did manage to almost hit a sea turtle attempting to nest. Fortunately, between the golf cart and a few other obnoxious drunks, the poor turtle was intelligent enough (wish I could say the same for the drunks) to leave!
I am sorry that some island visitors were disappointed with the lack of fireworks. In my mind “lack of fireworks” translates to lack of noise, trash, injuries and chaos. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a beautiful, patriotic display the same as the next person. But come on, what’s been going on here for the past several years is ridiculous. I strongly support and appreciate the efforts being made to achieve some control over this situation, and I hope the vast majority of the island residents feel the same.
Claudia Green
Holmes Beach
Name: Stephanie Cenko
Date: 2008-07-16 10:06:45
Subject: Police Abuse of Power
Comments: Perhaps Anna Maria is seeing a drop in population because the Police Department will walk into your rented apartment without permission and also pee in your toilet without permission, as happened to me when I lived at 401-A Pine Avenue. After that outrageous incident, I moved off the Island.
Name: chuck sirovy
Date: 2008-07-10 13:07:54
Subject: fireworks
Comments: Three big HURRAH for the letter from Marsha Bard.
Name: Robert R Heiger
Date: 2008-07-10 09:57:44
Subject: Fireworks Tradition, My support of it.
Comments: If you were to look at page 37 in the July 9th addition of the Sun and then read the letter to the editor, I was one of the Island people that was making the South end of Holmes Beach look like a war zone. To the credit of the Sun you are to be commended for printing a great article about what the other side thinks. I send a letter to the Editor of the Islander and they would not print it. They must be of one mind with Madam Mayor of AMI.
If I paid for the Islander, I would cancel the paper. They can not even get all there facts right about people getting hurt.
Good work Sun
Name: M DeVane
Date: 2008-07-05 13:58:51
Subject: Beach Nutz
Comments: I read a lot of comics; Beach Nutz always does the job --- makes me laugh. Keep up the good work, I really appreciate it.
Name: Marsha Bard
Date: 2008-07-05 07:23:16
Subject: The people have spoken
Comments: The people of Anna Maria Island have spoken.
I don't think I've ever been as proud of our island people as I was this past 4th of July.
We have traditions here on our island and one of them happens to be the 4th of July beach fireworks.
It was so enpowering to stand with all of those folks and defy those authorities who would tell
us that our traditions should be governed by law. I'm grateful for those who risked fines
and arrest to carry on with what they believed to be their rights.
Isn't that how we got to where we are now? There were those who crept into Boston Harbor
to protest what they thought was wrong.... there were those who burned the Gaspee off
the Rhode Island shores. There were those brave men who sat in council at their own
risk to draft the most precious document in the world - and wrote the first words (in
large letters) WE THE PEOPLE....
We the people of Anna Maria Island have spoken. Don't ban our traditions. There is always
the danger of someone getting hurt - that same danger exists in crossing a street and you
don't ban cars - you create crosswalks. There is always a mess on the beach, as there is after
any event - you don't ban the event, you arrange a task force of concerned people to clean up
the mess. There will always be safety issues - make the suggestion that people setting off fireworks
over the water stay at the water's edge and not shoot them off behind the crowds of people on the
beach. And you don't threaten the people of Anna Maria Island with arrest for celebrating the
4th of July.
There are those who were happy about the fireworks ban - but they weren't in the majority - the
majority was down on the Anna Maria beaches doing what they have done for years and years,
sintting in their beach chairs cheering the rockets red glare - the rest were at home listening to
the pops and bangs and missing all the fun.
Governents seem to act as a body independent of the people at times, but that's not what
government is supposed to be - and the 4th of July is a holiday of the people - WE THE PEOPLE -
and we celebrate our freedom that was born out of protesting what was preceived as overbearing
laws and restrictions. All those people were on the beaches of Anna Maria friday night and I'm
proud to say that I was one of them. Thanks to all those who held strong to our tradition and
our right to celebrate our freedom.
Marsha Bard
Anna Maria Island
Name: Laurie
Date: 2008-07-03 05:32:19
Subject: Fireworks
Comments: I'm relatively new to the island, where can I find a fireworks show this weekend?
Name: RhondaK NativeFloridaFolkArtist
Date: 2008-06-27 06:28:24
Subject: Bridging the gap...Ed Chiles __YES!
Comments: That's a great take Ed!! I'm an artist doing these markets and they do make some people happy. I want a regular FUN sunset fest. Both the Chiles restaurants are perfect. Something free for the public, affordable to artists and a good time for all. Strolling artists, muscicians, sand castle builders A WHOLE green flash festival perfect for all types of people in times where the good times need to be bundled in together and reasonable. Bridge Street Merchants are doing a fantastic job. Anna Maria is benefitting from keeping itself real, keeping out the wall of condos and providing so many fun places to go/things to do. Now lets get that pier to hopping with some FUN and for God's sakes let some people walk their dogs on it and a designated portion of the beach. Heads in beds? Let people vacation with their pets. It's the national trend. Get on board! Pet smart is $$ paw-sitive.
Name: Margaret
Date: 2008-06-26 10:06:07
Subject: Turtles
Comments: THANKS so much for listing the number of nests and false crawls in a timely fashion on your Web Site.
We made a mistake when we paid all the extra money to The Islander for home delivery out of state when all we wanted to know was how the turtles were doing.
Name: sherri
Date: 2008-06-26 08:16:15
Subject: fourth fridays in Cortez
Comments: Thank you for listing our event in the Town Crier section of the paper! This will help our new event become a HUGE SUCCESS!!
Name: J. White
Date: 2008-06-10 11:58:52
Subject: Your City Needs You
Comments: Thank You Duke Miller for speaking up for all of the islanders who love Anna Maria and for being a wonderful City Commissioner. We will miss you.
Name: Clare Wiedorn
Date: 2008-06-04 06:26:15
Subject: Town Crier
Comments: Who writes the headlines? Mexico is not in South America but is part of North America.
Name: Kent Armstrong
Date: 2008-05-28 20:50:17
Subject: Photo gallery
Comments: I would like the photo gallery a lot more, IF PHOTOS WERE SHOWN!
Name: Tonya Van Cleve
Date: 2008-05-26 05:54:32
Subject: Island News
Comments: Thank you for your website to keep me up to date on Island news since moving to Missouri! I subscribed today to have your paper mailed to me! Thank you for having such a well informed paper to read!
Name: M DeVane
Date: 2008-05-24 08:14:14
Subject: Beach Nutz
Comments: Way to go Foster! Keep up the good work!
Next
