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Year: 2020

Local soccer player goes pro

Local soccer player goes pro

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

Bradenton native Spencer Moeller is a long way from his early days of playing indoor soccer at The Center of Anna Maria Island. Now the 26-year-old is playing soccer professionally with the Los Angeles Force.

Taking a few moments to speak with The Sun about his career, Moeller said he credits his time at The Center as the reason he keeps playing soccer. Evolving from his time playing locally at the YMCA, G.T. Bray and IMG Academy, Moeller’s not just passionate about playing soccer, it’s what he’s worked for his entire life.

While playing soccer throughout his school-age years, Moeller said he dreamed of playing professionally. Those plans were slightly derailed when he broke his arm, pushing him toward college soccer instead of the professional leagues.

After playing his freshman year in Memphis, he transferred to a school in New Jersey where he played for a year and a half before getting injured in 2015 and cut in the spring of 2016. Due to league rules, Moeller said he had to sit out for a year before transferring to a Kentucky school, Lindsey Wilson College, where he played for two seasons and graduated in May of 2018. After college, Moeller traveled to Europe to play with international teams before returning to the United States and being signed by the Force in August 2020, a feat he said is basically unheard of at age 26; he said most players are signed to professional teams for the first time in their late teens or early 20s.

Local soccer player Spencer Moeller has moved up to the big leagues, playing professional soccer with the Los Angeles Force. – Submitted

While he was working toward playing in professional soccer, Moeller was also spending time working on another project – sharing his story online with other soccer hopefuls.

Moeller started a video blog in 2007 that he uses to help other soccer players see the reality behind the dream. His more than 34,000 followers have watched him grow up in the game, suffer injuries, recover, get past stumbling blocks and more, all while he continues to portray a positive message of continuing to fight for your dreams.

“My story is about persistence and refusing to be denied,” he said.

For him, Moeller said the pressure to succeed in the sport is a lot higher and he wants to give back by helping younger players create a plan of action and not give up on their dreams due to a setback, excuses or being told “no.”

“I thrive on pressure,” he said. “I thrive when people are against me.”

In addition to the YouTube channel where he shares his personal journey, Moeller also has a website where he shares training videos for soccer players. All of his content is provided for free because he said the point is to give back and help others, not to monetize his experience.

Right now, Moeller is living his dream, despite COVID-19 precautions slowing the team’s game schedule and preventing fans from being in the stadium. In the next phase of his life, he said he envisions several different opportunities, but one that he’d like to see become reality is a professional soccer team for his hometown of Bradenton.

“I just want to be able to give back and help kids get into the game,” he said.

To follow along with Moeller’s life and career, follow him online at his website and on his YouTube channel.

Food drive taking place Saturday

Food drive Saturday at Harvey Memorial

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church St. in Bradenton Beach, is conducting a food drive on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Donated food will be delivered to the Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria for distribution to local residents and employees in need.

Food drive taking place Saturday
The food drive will benefit the Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

According to Roser Food Pantry chairman Jack Brennan, the food pantry currently needs canned chicken, Vienna sausages, Spam and other canned meats. The pantry is already well-stocked with canned tuna. The pantry needs canned fruit but is already well-stocked with canned vegetables.

Brennan said the food pantry can use anything made by Chef Boyardee that comes in a pop-top can, but the pantry is currently well-stocked with boxed pasta, including macaroni and cheese dinners.

The pantry needs Capri Sun juice boxes or pouches, soft drinks, soda, Gatorade and other sports drinks.

Brennan said the Roser Food Pantry also needs paper goods, including paper towels, toilet paper and napkins.

Brennan said the food pantry does not currently need soup, cereal or bottled water.

Those who cannot donate to Saturday’s food drive can always donate food, supplies or financial assistance directly to the Roser Food Bank, 511 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. The pantry is staffed to receive donations on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to approximately noon.

Food donations can also be made across the street in the Roser Memorial Community Church’s administrative office at 512 Pine Ave. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. using the Publix shopping cart located near the main door.

For information on how to receive food pantry assistance, or to provide additional support, please call 941-778-0414. You can also visit the Roser Food Pantry online at www.roserchurch.com/food-pantry.

New dining experience comes to Waterline

New dining experience comes to Waterline

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Business, Restaurants | Bars.

HOLMES BEACH – A new dining experience is set to open on Dec. 20 with the French cuisine of The Chateau Anna Maria.

The new restaurant, helmed by Edward “Buddy” Foy Jr. and his wife, Jennifer, will open at the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, taking the space formerly occupied by Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen.

Speaking with The Sun, Foy said that the new restaurant has been a dream of his and his staff’s since starring on the Food Network show, “Summer Rush” last year. After visiting his parents in Holmes Beach earlier in the year and staying for several months due to COVID-19 shutdowns, Foy said he knew that Anna Maria Island is the perfect place for his family’s new venture. If the show is renewed by Food Network for a second season, he said it’s possible that some of it could be shot at The Chateau Anna Maria, though Foy said there’s no guarantee.

After beating out several other applicants for the space, renovations began on the restaurant to help transform the space into the signature European/French countryside-inspired design created by Jennifer Foy that makes dining a special treat at the couple’s flagship restaurant, The Chateau On The Lake in Bolton Landing, New York.

Foy said that the goal for his family and staff is to provide a white tablecloth, five-star dining experience that makes guests feel more like they’re being entertained at someone’s elegant home rather than dining in a restaurant, a goal that he said his wife’s design of the space brings to life.

Plans are also underway to renovate the outdoor dining area in a phase two opening tentatively planned for late spring/summer.

Thanks to Foy’s upbringing in the restaurant business and his wife’s Italian heritage, he said that guests can expect a spin on French cuisine served in Italian-sized portions. The Chateau Anna Maria will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week with more casual dining taking place during the day. In the evening, Foy said the plan is to transform the restaurant into more of a fine dining experience that guests can enjoy on a special occasion or every day. He added that for guests desiring a more casual evening, casual dining favorites such as burgers will be served at the bar.

Foy said that one of his daughters plans to attend IMG Academy this coming fall while he and his wife plan to spend at least half the year on Anna Maria Island, returning to New York to operate their flagship restaurant during the summer months.

Those familiar with the Foy’s show, “Summer Rush,” know that while The Chateau On The Lake is a destination restaurant, the time that guests have to dine there every year is extremely limited. While tourists flock to the area over the summer, Foy said his family, which owns three restaurants in the area, has only 60 days of season to put in the work normally done in an entire year.

The restaurant has received more than 30 Diner’s Choice awards and was named a Top 100 Most Romantic and a Top 100 Most Scenic restaurant in America.

With the new restaurant opening in Holmes Beach, Foy brought along 15 of his Bolton Landing employees to help get the new restaurant started, including chefs. Currently, his existing staff is working to help train the new staff members in the restaurant’s policies and procedures. At the New York location, Foy said that during this year’s season, his restaurant staff greeted more than 100,000 guests without a COVID-19 case among his staff or linked back to dining at the restaurant, a streak of safe dining he plans to continue at The Chateau Anna Maria.

While the new restaurant opens for a VIP dining experience on Dec. 19, it officially opens to the public on Dec. 20. Foy said that guests staying on the Island for the holidays also can join them for dining on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

To follow along with The Chateau Anna Maria, visit the restaurant’s website, follow on Instagram or go on Facebook to follow The Chateau On The Lake where you can see video of some of the renovations taking place.

Two sports, two champs: Signature Granite and Slim’s Place

Two sports, two champs: Signature Granite and Slim’s Place

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Soccer, Sports.

The final games of the season in adult co-ed sports were played last week with Signature Granite winning the Hayward Cup for soccer and Slim’s Place taking the flag football championship.

After winning the semifinal game against Ugly Grouper 9-2, Signature Granite solidified their place in the final game of the soccer season against Slim’s Place.

Slim’s Place also scored nine goals in their semifinal matchup against Sato Real Estate.

Signature Granite dominated the final game with seven unanswered goals. Zach Leib led the scoring for his team with three goals in the game. Lindsey Styka had two goals and two assists in the big game.

Two sports, two champs: Signature Granite and Slim’s Place
Wednesday night champions, Signature Granite, ran away with the Hayward Cup. – Monica Simpson | Sun

Despite struggles in the backfield, Slim’s Place’s keeper Ryan Moss had nine saves recorded in the game. Steve Oelfke had four saves for Signature Granite.

Goals by Olsin Crean and Ugur Durmaz secured the win for the team lead by veteran Kris Yavalar, as well as the return of Zoran Kolega and Toby Wickland to the league.

Last Thursday night in adult flag football action, Slim’s Place defeated Gulfview Windows and doors 23-12, putting them into the championship game.

The second semifinal game was a close one with Sandbar coming out on top against Moss Builders, 18-17.

In the final game of the night and the season, Slim’s Place eked out the win against Sandbar 34-33.

Connor Haughey led the Slim’s Place squad, while putting in the record books three passing touchdowns as the QB. Haughey also had two scoring receptions, an interception and two points after the touchdown in the championship game.

Keith McQuillen threw for two touchdowns and had two points after adding to the Slim’s Place team stats. Dominick Otteni and Luis Campos contributed to the Slim’s Place scoring with receiving yards that put them in the end zone.

The four throws for touchdowns by quarterback Chase Richardson just were enough. Anthony Mannino found himself on the receiving end of the Richardson passes for touchdowns.

Mannino’s night included a pick six and an extra point conversion play. Tim Holly scored the other TD with a nice grab of the Richardson throw.

To round out the scoring, Dylan Doyle scored two points after the touchdown for Sandbar.

The efforts of the Sandbar squad just were not quite enough against Slim’s Place, this season’s adult flag football champions at The Center.

Sun Scoreboard

Wednesday, Dec. 2
Adult Co-Ed Soccer Semifinal Playoff Games

Ugly Grouper 2

Signature Granite 9

 

Slim’s Place 9

Sato Real Estate 3

Adult Co-Ed Soccer Championship Game

 

Signature Granite 7

Slim’s Place 0

 

Thursday, Dec. 3
Adult Co-Ed Flag Football Semifinal Playoff Games

 

Slim’s Place 23

Gulfview Windows and Doors 12

 

The Sandbar Restaurant 18

Moss Builders 17

 

Adult Co-Ed Flag Football Championship Game

 

Slim’s Place 34

The Sandbar Restaurant 33

Sebring appointed to Anna Maria Commission

Sebring appointed to Anna Maria Commission

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Doris “Deanie” Sebring is now an Anna Maria City Commissioner.

Anna Maria resident Sharon Wisniewski also applied to serve the two-year commission term vacated by Commissioner Amy Tripp when she moved to North Carolina earlier this year after qualifying to run unopposed in the November election.

Sebring’s appointment took place during the commission’s Thursday, Dec. 3 organizational meeting at which Commissioner Mark Short and Mayor Dan Murphy were first sworn into their new two-year terms in office after running unopposed. Commissioner Carol Carter was then appointed to serve as commission chair for another year, with Short serving as vice-chair.

Sebring appointed to Anna Maria Commission
Mayor Dan Murphy was sworn into another two-year term in office. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

 

Sebring appointed to Anna Maria Commission
Commissioner Mark Short will serve another term on the city commission. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Before the vacant commission seat was filled, Sebring and Wisniewski had five minutes each to address the commission.

Going first, and accompanied by her diabetic-alert dog Humphrey, Sebring said she and her husband, Tripp, moved to Anna Maria four years ago.

“We chose to move here and build our forever home because we love the feel of the city, the quaintness of the small, hometown businesses and the feeling of being safe. I have no hidden agenda or political interests other than to serve the community,” she said.

“Anna Maria is a major tourist destination. While I knew that when I moved here, I also understand that we can’t let tourists’ interests overpower the interests of the people who call Anna Maria home. There has to be a healthy balance between tourism and businesses and the residents,” Sebring said.

Sebring said she supports the home rule rights the commission has thus far managed to preserve, despite the annual challenges from the state legislature.

“I feel it’s important to have local authority over rentals. You cannot effectively rule when you’re so far removed,” Sebring said.

“I also would like to continue the progress the city has made with regards to sidewalks. In a beach community that is mainly a walking town, I think sidewalks are a necessity. Not to mention, motorists are trying to dodge huge potholes and maneuver flooded streets. I’d like to find a way to make our streets safer for residents and our visitors and I do have ideas for that,” Sebring said.

Sebring appointed to Anna Maria Commission
Doris “Deanie” Sebring listed sidewalks, streets and local vacation rental regulation as some of her top priorities. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Sebring said she grew up in Louisiana and helped run the family business. At the age of 18, she moved to California and began working in the accounting department of an automobile dealership that later named her general manager.

When she was 32, she moved to Tampa, opened her own business and developed a clientele that consisted of more than 550 auto dealerships throughout the United States. In doing so, she invented and marketed an email- and Q-code-based database as part of a lost key recovery program utilized by consumers and auto dealerships at a time when people were still leery of sharing their email addresses.

“While running my business in Tampa, I raised three children on my own. I was board member of the garden club in the historic south Tampa district and was a key member of the fundraising team. I wrote for the magazine Hyde Parking Living. I’ve written two children’s books and I’ve done the children’s circuit for Barnes & Noble. Since moving to the Island, I have been active with the Anna Maria Garden Club,” Sebring said.

“I’m organized, I’m dependable, I’m dedicated and up for the task. I love this island as much as anyone here in this room and I want to preserve the beauty, the character and quaintness that brought me and my family here to remain forever,” Sebring said.

Wisniewski’s qualifications

Wisniewski said her husband’s family ties on Anna Maria Island date back to the 1950s.

“We love living here and we currently live in the house my husband’s grandfather built in 1959,” she said.

Wisniewski said their daughter and son-in-law are the owners/operators of the Pizza Social restaurant on Pine Avenue.

Sebring appointed to Anna Maria Commission
Sharon Wisniewski cited her military experience when addressing the city commission. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“I was a commissioned officer in the United States Army for 31 years. I retired as a full colonel. We retired in 2014 and became full-time residents here in Anna Maria in 2015,” she said.

Wisniewski said her military service provided her with a wide range of experience and knowledge regarding budgets, facilities, personnel, staffing, recruiting and more.

“My background is human resource management, but as an officer, you’re often asked to do things out of your comfort zone. I’ve managed budgets from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars,” she said.

She also said she managed upwards of 350 people at a time who were dispersed over a wide geographic area.

Appointment made

After the applicants spoke, Murphy said, “We are very fortunate as a city, and as a municipal government, to have two very highly qualified candidates to consider for this position. You have such unique and fantastic backgrounds, both of you.”

Carter, Short and commissioners Jon Crane and Joe Muscatello were then asked to rank Sebring and Wisniewski as their first and second choices. Crane, Muscatello and Short ranked Sebring as their first choice. Carter ranked Wisniewski as her first choice and the appointment went to Sebring.

Reel Time: Choosing line and leader

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

While most of the advertising and branding of fishing tackle targets rods, reels, lures and accessories, lines and leaders are an integral part of the equation.

The choices of line are varied but are mostly limited to monofilament, braid and fluorocarbon. While fluorocarbon, monofilament and braided lines were created to spool reels, monofilament and fluorocarbon along with wire are most often used as leader material. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and you’ll want to choose them based on how they perform in different fishing scenarios.

Monofilament has been around for decades and is the most commonly used line. It has many advantages and a few disadvantages. Chief among its advantages are affordability and the fact that it sinks slowly and is more forgiving (stretches) making it less likely to break when shocked. Its disadvantages include the fact that is less durable, stretches, and has a larger diameter.

Braided lines have made significant inroads since their introduction in the early ’90s. They are constructed of a special blend of polyethylene fibers. Some brands are wound loosely while others are fused. Braided lines are extremely durable, with no stretch. The unfused lines are generally suppler, while the fused ones are stiffer but less likely to wrap around guides and form knots during casting, one of the disadvantages of braided lines. When using braid, it’s important to be aware that no loops form on your reel, a sure sign of trouble to come. It’s also wise to raise the rod tip to tighten the line after a cast and before retrieving.

Braided lines are much stronger than mono lines, so pound for pound they have a much smaller diameter. In order to get the line to spool on the reel like mono, it is necessary to choose a matching diameter, which will be much stronger than the equivalent an angler is used to. Most anglers choose to go with a matching line test (i.e. smaller diameter line) and add a base of mono on the spool. That way you don’t have to use extra braid that will never see the light of day. The major advantage of braided lines is the lack of stretch which makes it easier to feel a bite and to set the hook on a fish. This is a big advantage when bottom fishing and targeting fish with subtle bites.

Fluorocarbon lines are expensive, and most anglers use them for leaders. Its most important advantage over monofilament is being less visible in the water. In addition, it is denser, sinks faster and is more abrasion-resistant. It’s important to carefully seat all knots after wetting them and this is especially true with fluorocarbon.

Wire leaders are used for toothy fish like Spanish mackerel, king mackerel and barracuda that can easily cut mono or fluorocarbon line. Traditional wire leader is hard to tie and kinks easily. While still being used, most anglers opt for wire that can be tied. These wires don’t kink readily and don’t require any other hardware like swivels.

Most choices are common sense. If you’re fishing shallow water or light floating flies and lures, you’ll want to opt for monofilament, which sinks slowly. If you’re interested in getting your offering down quickly, fluorocarbon would be a better choice. Fluorocarbon would also be a better choice for wary species like permit and bonefish. Generally speaking, you can get away with it earlier and late in the day when the sun is low or the water is off-color.

There are, of course, exceptions to all these rules, so my advice is to seek out local knowledge from anglers and tackle shops and try different lines and leader combinations to see which suits your fishing style.

Reel Time lines and leaders
Fluorocarbon leader material is advised for snook, whose raspy mouth can more easily abrade through monofilament line. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun
Island Chamber starts the holiday season

Island Chamber starts the holiday season

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Featured.

HOLMES BEACH – It’s beginning to look a lot more like Christmas, with the holiday decorations up and the Christmas tree of lights shimmering at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

Despite a rainy night, dozens of people gathered in front of the Chamber in Holmes Beach on Dec. 4 to take part in the annual tree lighting, which featured music and a visit from Santa Claus courtesy of his pirate elves, the Anna Maria Island Privateers. Hot apple cider and individually-wrapped sweet treats were provided by the members of CrossPointe Fellowship Church. The tree, sponsored by Anthony’s Cooling, Heating and Electrical, lit up the night sky right on time at 6 p.m., drawing cheers from the masked crowd in attendance.

In addition to the festivities at the Chamber, local businesses also were welcoming visitors with treats of their own.

At Sun and Surf Beach Shop, visitors were greeted by the shop’s birds and a table full of individually-wrapped treats. A little further down at the Artists’ Guild Gallery, shoppers were invited to shop right from the gallery’s Christmas trees, choosing from a selection of handmade ornaments. At RE/MAX, the ladies of the realty company greeted passersby with sweet treats. Both Irene’s clothing boutique and The Original Sand Dollar were open for business, with children able to make their own Christmas ornaments at the Sand Dollar while parents were serenaded by violinist Danae Tran.

And while this year’s festivities were somewhat more subdued than in years past, it didn’t stop anyone in attendance from enjoying a festive start to the holiday season.

Delighted by the lights, a little child enjoys playing in the Christmas tree. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Delighted by the lights, a little child enjoys playing in the Christmas tree. - Kristin Swain | Sun

A game of chase breaks out in the Chamber parking lot before the Dec. 4 tree lighting. - Kristin Swain | Sun

A game of chase breaks out in the Chamber parking lot before the Dec. 4 tree lighting. - Kristin Swain | Sun

While kids couldn’t climb in the sleigh with Santa this year, they were able to tell him what they wanted and take a socially distanced photo with the big guy. - Kristin Swain | Sun

While kids couldn’t climb in the sleigh with Santa this year, they were able to tell him what they wanted and take a socially distanced photo with the big guy. - Kristin Swain | Sun

In lieu of elves, Santa brought along some of his favorite pirates from the Anna Maria Island Privateers. - Kristin Swain | Sun

In lieu of elves, Santa brought along some of his favorite pirates from the Anna Maria Island Privateers. - Kristin Swain | Sun

The ladies of RE/MAX greet passersby with a smile and a selection of sweet treats. - Kristin Swain

The ladies of RE/MAX greet passersby with a smile and a selection of sweet treats. - Kristin Swain

Children wanting to add a little sparkle to their family’s tree were invited to make their own ornaments using seashells at The Sand Dollar. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Children wanting to add a little sparkle to their family’s tree were invited to make their own ornaments using seashells at The Sand Dollar. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Violinist Danae Tran enchants visitors to The Sand Dollar with a selection of holiday tunes. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Violinist Danae Tran enchants visitors to The Sand Dollar with a selection of holiday tunes. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Santa greets a bashful little Santa in training. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Santa greets a bashful little Santa in training. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Volunteers from the Chamber and CrossPointe Fellowship Church hand out cups of hot apple cider and individually-wrapped treats to attendees at the tree lighting ceremony. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Volunteers from the Chamber and CrossPointe Fellowship Church hand out cups of hot apple cider and individually-wrapped treats to attendees at the tree lighting ceremony. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Castles in the Sand

Is your dream a vacation home?

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

Owning a dream vacation home is kind of like owning a dream boat, until you actually own one. The idea of it is so exciting that you spend hours every day looking at what’s available to buy. You imagine yourself lounging away the day with little to do but enjoy the best decision you ever made. Well, guess what – it’s not that easy when stuff happens.

There are 7.5 million second homes in the United States, and for many of those millions of homeowners, their second homes have been an escape during the COVID-19 pandemic. But during normal times, owning a second home can become a burden as much as an escape.

Anna Maria Island (and the surrounding waterfront property in Manatee County) is one of the most popular regions in the state of Florida to buy a second home. Our beautiful beaches, pristine water and island charm have been attracting people from around the world for decades. However, owning a vacation property also comes with a litany of problems, especially if yours is set up as a rental property as well.

If you’re renting your property when you’re not using it or are just having someone oversee it while you’re not there, get ready for phone calls. Broken and leaking appliances, roof leaks, mold, air and heating equipment malfunctions, termites and who knows what other critters who may decide to invade your nice, quiet home while no one is there are just a few of the potential issues. And, of course, the Florida curse of hurricane season, where for almost half a year you will hold your breath and stay glued to the Bay News 9 weather cones.

Owning a vacation property has as much to do with your financial ability as it has to do with your personality. If you like being free and exploring different and varied places around the world, going back to the same beach house every year can make you feel stifled and unimaginative.

If your personality is one where you want everything working properly all the time with nothing out of place when you arrive, better rethink your decision. No matter how hard you try, something will go wrong, whether you’re renting your property or not, so maybe you’re better off being the one who rents, keeping your stress level down.

If, however, you’re pretty easygoing and want to find a second home for your family to return to every year and create memories, then a second home will fit your personality and lifestyle better. Getting involved in the community and making friends with local shop owners and restaurant owners will not only enhance your second home experience, it will also give you someone to fall back on if you have a problem getting local repair people, landscapers and housekeepers. Make it more than just your second home, make it part of your life.

If renting your second home is part of your plan in order to offset expenses, consult with your financial and tax advisor. As we know, tax laws have changed in the last couple of years and some of that may affect your personal tax position and frequency of personal use. Unless you live near your second home, hiring a property manager to handle rentals as well as maintenance will make ownership a lot less stressful. Many homeowners successfully use websites like VRBO and Airbnb for their rentals, but that requires being more hands on than you may want to be.

So, should you buy a second home for Christmas? There is a multitude of pros and cons involving finance and personality. Be honest with yourself, because, like owning a boat, owning a second home may not be that exciting once you get off the lounge chair. Stay safe.

Liveaboard boater found dead

Liveaboard boater found dead

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Liveaboard boater Jerald Joseph Oliver, 60, was found dead and floating in the water at the Bradenton Beach Marina on Wednesday.

Oliver’s body was discovered by marina employee Andy Tolar shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, according to the incident report prepared by Det. Sgt. Lenard Diaz of the Bradenton Beach Police Department.

“He (Tolar) was walking along the dock and dropped his keys into the water. While looking into the somewhat shallow water to find his keys, he noticed something floating in the water, to his left, just under the dock. Mr. Tolar realized that what he sees floating in the water is a person face down. Mr. Tolar grabs a pole off a nearby boat and tried to reach the person floating. The pole was not long enough, so Mr. Tolar yells for help and two gentlemen that work at the marina – Cory Stickler and Joshua Wilson – came to help. Cory and Joshua got on a boat and went over to the person floating in the water and were able to get him on to the bow of the boat and start CPR,” according to Diaz’s report.

When Diaz arrived on the scene, Wilson was administering CPR.

“As Joshua was doing CPR, I noticed that the gentleman he was working on was bleeding from his left temple and had abrasions on his lower legs. By this time, Paramedic Millard had arrived on scene and came down to the floating dock to take over. Paramedic Millard and I picked up the gentleman and moved him off the floating dock and to a flat concrete surface on land. Paramedic Millard did his assessment of the gentleman and determined that he could not be saved. Paramedic Millard called the time of death at 3:05 p.m. At that time, I began gathering witness information and detailed accounts of what had happened,” according to Diaz’s incident report.

The report notes Tolar, Stickler and Wilson recognized Oliver because he had lived on his boat at the marina for many years.

“I talked to another gentleman who had shown up after the incident happened – later identified as Richard Anthony Correa. Mr. Correa stated that he was just at the Drift In bar with Mr. Oliver about 45 minutes before. Mr. Correa and Mr. Oliver were friends and both had a few drinks at the bar. Mr. Correa also stated that Mr. Oliver came up to the bar to get a bottle of alcohol and go back to his boat, which he said was normal for Mr. Oliver to do,” according to Diaz’s report.

“Mr. Oliver was taken by the transport to the medical examiner’s office for further investigation. No further action was taken by me at that time,” the report concludes.

A well-liked man

Bradenton Beach Marina President Mike Bazzy said Oliver lived at the marina for the past four years.

“It’s unfortunate. They think it was a drowning and it looked like he had bumped his head. We tried to resuscitate him, and we couldn’t,” Bazzy said.

“He was a really good guy and there were a lot of people around town who knew him. Everyone around town called him Oliver. They all knew him as Oliver, but his first name was Jerald. He spent a lot of time on Bridge Street,” Bazzy said.

Drift In Manager Doreen Flynn spoke fondly of Oliver.

“He was a really nice man. If anybody called him Ollie, he used to say, ‘My name is not Ollie, please call me Oliver.’ He had a heart of gold and he would help anybody. I was very sad when I got the phone call,” Flynn said.

Drift In bartender Sharon Bell said, “Oliver was a character and a half. He did things his own way and never had an unkind word for anybody. He was part of our motley crew and he will be missed. 2020 strikes again.”

Flynn said a celebration of life will be held at the Drift In on Friday afternoon, Dec. 11.

Parking penalties increasing in Holmes Beach

Parking penalties instituted in Holmes Beach

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – If you’re a driver who violates the parking rules in the city of Holmes Beach, beware. There are new penalties in place for violators.

City commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 17 to approve increases for parking fines in the city. Here’s what those increases look like:

  • Increase a general parking violation from $50 to $75;
  • Establish a $250 fine for using a fraudulent parking permit;
  • Charge a $15 late penalty for unpaid parking tickets 10 days after the parking fine is due instead of the previous five days;
  • Increase illegal handicap and Purple Heart parking violations to $250;
  • Increase the fine to $250 for impeding emergency access to the beach.

Parking fine increases aren’t the only change that drivers can expect.

During the Nov. 17 work session, commissioners heard a proposal from Police Chief Bill Tokajer to allow his officers to have a boot in each police vehicle and use it to prevent drivers with three or more outstanding parking tickets from operating their vehicles until delinquent fines are paid.

Tokajer said that currently there are two people with three unpaid parking violations and one with four unpaid parking violations in the city. Right now, he said the city’s regulations allow drivers to have 10 unpaid violations before the city’s officers can pursue the issue.

Under the proposed new regulations, parking tickets would have to be paid before the wheel locking device would be removed by officers.

The proposed ordinance states that the officer writing the citation would have the discretion to either boot or tow the vehicle once three or more unpaid parking violations have accumulated. He said it would be his officers’ intention to boot the vehicles unless they’re blocking traffic.

Tokajer added that his officers currently use the wheel locking devices on illegally parked golf carts because they’re not required to have a license plate so there’s no way to know who the owner or driver is if they’re not on site when the citation is issued.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she has “no problem with enforcing adequate, responsible laws whether they’re friendly or not.”

Commissioner Kim Rash said he would be happy backdating the ordinance to an effective date of Jan. 1, 2020, and asked if the chief could look into determining a fee for unlocking a boot when it’s used on a vehicle.

Though Commissioner Jim Kihm expressed some concern about backdating the ordinance to the first of the calendar year, commissioners agreed to move the proposed regulations forward to a first reading at an upcoming meeting with an effective date of Jan. 1.

Beach renourishment parking requirement met

During a regular meeting held the same evening, Mayor Judy Titsworth and commissioners addressed comments from Manatee County commissioners made at their Nov. 17 meeting concerning the lack of beach parking in the city and possible withholding of funding if city leaders don’t meet the county leaders’ demands.

Soustek said that she would like to have one commissioner or the mayor attend the county commission meetings on a rotating schedule to have representation in case something like the Nov. 17 discussion, which wasn’t on the meeting’s agenda, happens again. She said that there’s a lack of communication between the city’s elected officials and Manatee County commissioners that she would like to see repaired, as evidenced by incorrect information cited by county commissioners during their meeting. During the Nov. 23 organizational meeting, Soustek applauded Titsworth for her quick reaction in sending two informational letters to county commissioners concerning parking in the city.

After COVID-19 restrictions were lifted and a permit parking program for residents was enacted, city officials eliminated 497 on-street parking spaces; 1,261 non-permit spots remain available to the public within a quarter-mile of the beach, as well as 642 resident permit-only until 5 p.m. spots. Chief Bill Tokajer said the city has well over the approximately 500 parking spots needed to be granted beach renourishment funds.

During the city commission meeting, Titsworth addressed the comments brought up by county commissioners during their meeting.

Titsworth said that she was not given notice by county commissioners that parking in Holmes Beach would be discussed during their meeting and didn’t have a chance to speak on the city’s behalf to correct the statements made during their meeting. During her city’s meeting, she reiterated that she’d spoken with county officials when parking restrictions were being discussed and that they were comfortable with the 500 spaces offered for beach renourishment. She said the 500 spaces required per an interlocal agreement between Holmes Beach and Manatee County was approved by Florida state officials. The city is legally required to have 378 spaces to receive beach renourishment funds.

Tokajer thanked Titsworth for her quick response and clarification of the issue of parking spaces, adding “the way that county commissioners and county employees treated this city in their meeting today is just shocking and appalling at the least. I’ll leave it at that.”

Related coverage

 

New county commissioner warns Holmes Beach of parking concerns

 

Increases coming for parking violations

 

Commissioners go forward with permit parking

City Pier Grill opening soon

City Pier Grill opening soon

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business, Restaurants | Bars.

ANNA MARIA – The City Pier Grill could open this week or next, according to Brian Seymour, who will operate the business with partners Nick Graham and Vic Mattay.

The exact opening date will be announced on the City Pier Grill Facebook page.

When the business opens, the City Pier will be open to the public seven days a week for the first time since the new pier opened to the public three days a week in June. All seating will be outside.

“We are excited to get going, and the mayor’s excited to get the pier up and running. We want to get this pier open seven days a week and the city wants that as well,” said Seymour, of GSM Partners LLC.

“We’ll be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. We’ll be open 365 days a year. On holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, there might be some adjusted hours, but we will be open so the locals and tourists can enjoy the pier on major holidays,” Seymour said.

“We’ve got our live bait tanks set up and ready to go. We’ll have bait and tackle, breakfast, lunch and beyond and sweet treats,” he added.

As the city’s new pier tenants, City Pier Grill will operate in and around the smaller of the two city-owned buildings at the T-end of the pier.

On Tuesday, Nov. 24, Seymour provided a tour of the work taking place.

City Pier Grill opening soon
The kitchen hood installation was among the work taking place during Thanksgiving week. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

While standing inside the 300-square-foot interior space, Seymour said, “We’re at the finishing stages. We’ll be finishing up the hood installation and installing the electrical plugs and plates and kitchen equipment soon.”

The food and beverage equipment includes two fryers, a flattop grill, a charbroiler, a small freezer, a beer and wine cooler and a kegerator.

Seymour said he hopes to have the final inspections completed this week, if possible.

“The tropical storm set us back,” Seymour said of the weather conditions and rough seas that delayed the gas company and plumbers from getting under the pier in a boat to complete those connections.

“We have a good core staff and we’re still looking for talented, experienced people. This is going to be a fast-paced, fun and energetic work environment,” Seymour said.

Those seeking employment can send an email to CityPierGrill@gmail.com or stop by in person after the opening.

Grill offerings

The breakfast menu will include breakfast sandwiches, waffles, pancakes, fresh fruits, coffees, teas and more.

The Bradenton-based Banyan Coffee Company will provide the coffees, brewed teas and ice teas and Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton will provide fresh juices.

“The lunch and beyond menu will have fish and chips, fish sandwiches, fish tacos, shrimp baskets, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and more. We have a vegetarian-type hot dog and burger too. We’ll have a made-to-order wedge salad and Caesar salad and we’ll have daily breakfast and lunch and beyond specials,” Seymour said.

“We’ll have a full sweet treat menu with soft-serve ice cream, gelatos, waffle cones and select pies from Hometown Desserts, a favorite here on the Island. We’ll have draft beer, local craft beers and a nice wine selection. We’ll have six beers on tap,” Seymour said.

“Our plan is to eventually have live acoustic music and we’re looking for local musicians who are interested in performing out here,” he said of the rear deck that faces the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

City Pier Grill opening soon
With live bait wells out front, the City Pier Grill will operate in and around the smaller of the two city-owned pier buildings. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Chris Powers will serve as operations manager.

“My duties will include making sure we have adequate staff at all times and that anyone who comes out for bait is taken care of. I’ll also have the duties of a pier attendant, making sure the guests are having a good time and are safe,” Powers said.

His son, Jacob Powers, will serve as executive chef.

“I’ll make sure we’ve got consistent food quality and the customers are happy with their experience and what they’re eating,” Jacob Powers said.

His kitchen experience includes stints at Slim’s Place in Anna Maria, The Feast Restaurant in Holmes Beach and a few restaurants in Tennessee. He also helped open and manage a French bakery.

Seymour, the owner/operator of the Anna Maria General Store, said, “Mostly recently, Jacob has been the chef at the General Store. His talents, creativity and ability to make great specials are definitely going to benefit us out here on the pier. We’re looking forward to him continuing his growth out here.”

Reel Time: Learning to fly

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

I often joke that I took up fly fishing so I wouldn’t catch many fish, and it seems to be working pretty well. While uttered in jest, I wouldn’t suggest that anyone take up fly fishing to catch more fish. Still, I haven’t run into any seasoned fly anglers that decided to go back to fishing with live bait.

Hunter Parrish with a nice fly-fishing catch. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Fly fishing is first and foremost fly casting, and that’s what appealed to me – that and the thrill of casting to an individual target and working a fly to fool them into hitting. Adding to the satisfaction of a sight-fished tarpon, redfish or tripletail is tying the fly that fools them. Committing to catching fish on the fly is challenging, no doubt about it, and even the most accomplished fly angler started with the basics and a dose of frustration.

This past week I had the pleasure of having longtime friends Benny and Hunter Parrish on the boat. The father and son duo are both committed to learning the art of fly casting. Hunter recently relocated to Ft. Collins, Colorado, where he’s catching the “fever” on western trout streams. Benny has had an interest in fly fishing for years, but it was this past summer while fishing with Hunter in Colorado that he discovered the most important element, a compelling reason – the opportunity to share this art with his son.

The day after Thanksgiving when we planned our outing, we were greeted with the best weather we’ve seen locally in more than a month – bright blue skies, light winds and clear Gulf waters. We started the morning running crab trap lines off Anna Maria Island as we made our way north towards the mouth of Tampa Bay. About halfway there, we ran across a really nice tripletail laying on its side with its nose right on a crab trap line. Coming off plane, I dropped the trolling motor and headed back towards the float as Hunter got ready with his 8-weight outfit and shrimp fly. The fly was rigged with a weed guard to prevent a hookup on the float or line. Tripletail are ambush feeders and lay on their sides to mimic seaweed that’s often trailing from the floats. Unlike most species, you need to strip the fly right into their face for the best chance at a bite.

Hunter got a take on the first cast but missed it, so we motored back around for another pass. This time the tripletail wouldn’t move off the line to take the fly, so I had Hunter make a cast that brought the fly right to its face. Even fish reluctant to feed can’t resist just having to open their mouth for an easy meal. It took a couple of casts but when the fly entered the “sweet spot,” the fight was on. The tripletail made a strong run when it felt the hook and jumped clear of the water before making another run. It was a team effort as Hunter worked on line management issues as the fish ran back towards the boat and loose fly line wrapped around angler and boat. Our luck held and after getting the fish back on the line, we were able to land it.

We saw a couple of smaller tripletail that day but were unable to get them to bite. Continuing with our plan, we poled the edges of a flat on Egmont Key where we found schools of snook. Once again, Hunter was on the bow and made a perfect cast to a group of cruising snook. As the fly passed in front of the fish, one 24-inch snook broke from the ranks and attacked the baitfish pattern. This time Hunter cleared the line as the snook made its first run and then played the fish on the line, enjoying several strong runs and jumps. We fished the school a little longer, but the tide changed and they lost interest in biting, so we decided to call it a day.

While this was a great day of catching, it had its share of frustrations as father and son both struggled at times with the new tackle. I assured them that every fly caster has experienced the same and it’s sort of a “rite of passage” learning experience.  It’s what every angler experiences if they are committed to learning to fly.

Anna Maria formalizes public parking reductions

Anna Maria formalizes public parking reductions

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s previous elimination of 88 public parking spaces has been formalized by the adoption of Ordinance 20-877.

Thirty-seven of the permanently eliminated parking spaces were located along North Shore Drive.

The city commission adopted the amended parking ordinance during the Tuesday, Nov. 24 meeting that served as the make-up date for the Nov. 12 meeting canceled due to Tropical Storm Eta.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy referenced a white paper he provided commissioners regarding the parking reductions. The white paper notes the three primary factors that drove the parking reductions were public safety, drainage and the previous elimination of public parking spaces in Holmes Beach.

“We’ve eliminated a net of 88 parking spaces. It’s been 15 years since we visited the parking ordinance within the city of Anna Maria. It was time to relook at it,” Murphy said.

Murphy said North Shore Drive has become a heavily traveled thoroughfare in recent years, but the street hasn’t gotten any wider. During peak periods, cars were parked on both sides of the road with children present, car doors opening in the roadway and construction taking place.

“It was an accident waiting to happen. We eliminated 37 spaces along North Shore, and it was all under the auspices of public safety,” Murphy said.

“We also eliminated spaces for drainage. People were parking on top of our drainage,” Murphy said in reference to the city’s granite- and lime rock-covered vertical infiltration trenches.

“And lastly, we were impacted by the changes made in Holmes Beach. We have pretty much recovered from all those changes. I think it’s a total of about eight spaces associated with the Holmes Beach changes,” Murphy said.

Anna Maria formalizes public parking reductions
Public parking spaces have been eliminated along Archer Way, at the south end of Anna Maria. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Murphy said 110 public parking spaces were eliminated earlier this year, but 22 were later restored.

He said the public feedback he received from residents has been positive, and some residents asked him why more spaces weren’t eliminated.

“If we can’t justify it for public safety, if you can’t justify it on drainage and it has nothing to with the Holmes Beach changes, there’s very little motion to take those away. Not wanting cars in front of your house, I get it, but these are the three factors we used,” Murphy said.

Murphy recommended reevaluating the impact of the parking reductions early next year, after the peak tourist season.

Beach renourishment requirements

Earlier this month, Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge threatened to attempt to withhold future beach renourishment funding for the city of Holmes Beach if that city’s public parking capacity is not returned to pre-COVID levels.

Anna Maria Commissioner Jon Crane asked Murphy about potential county pushback in response to Anna Maria’s parking reductions.

“Will the county lean on us? I’ve had preliminary discussions with two of the new county commissioners. I don’t anticipate anything from those two, but I can’t tell you about others,” Murphy said.

Murphy said Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker asked him to provide the county’s consulting company with a copy of the city’s revised parking plan.

“I sent them our plan a month ago and I have not heard anything since. We more than meet beach renourishment requirements,” Murphy said.

Murphy said the 2005 beach renourishment plan called for 70 public parking spaces within the renourishment zone that stretches from Cypress Avenue to the southern city limits.

“There’s no danger of us losing federal funding for beach renourishment. The rest of our beaches are all privately-owned and they don’t qualify for beach renourishment,” Murphy said.

Commission Chair Carol Carter noted Anna Maria only has a quarter-mile stretch of public beach that would qualify for potential future beach renourishment.

Commissioner Joe Muscatello asked when beach renourishment last occurred in Anna Maria.

Murphy said that occurred in 2005, and only for the beach area that extended south from Cypress Avenue.

Commissioner Mark Short noted Murphy’s white paper stated the city currently has 571 available parking spaces in that area.

“The fact that there are 571 available spots to me is something extremely important to point out,” Short said.

“I feel very strongly this is the right thing to do for public safety. It’s the right thing to do for our drainage. It is the right thing to do for the city of Anna Maria,” Murphy said.

While standing outside her home along North Shore Boulevard, city resident Lou Ann Williams said she was glad the parking spaces in front of her home were eliminated.

“I love the fact that they can’t park here anymore, for the simple fact that it is a hazard and there’s too many people. With so many people parking in my front yard, my family had nowhere to park,” Williams said.

Wheels off pavement

The city commission was also presented with the first of two readings on another ordinance that, when adopted, will further clarify the city’s existing requirements that street-side parking occur with no wheels on the pavement.

The city’s code of ordinances already provides parking exceptions that allow landscaping trucks and other service vehicles to park in no parking zones. At the discretion of code enforcement officers, service vehicles are also allowed to park with tires on the pavement while actively providing service.

Anna Maria commissioner returns from COVID-19 illness

Anna Maria commissioner returns from COVID-19 illness

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria City Commissioner Joe Muscatello has recovered from his recent COVID-19 infection.

During the Tuesday, Nov. 24 city commission meeting, Muscatello discussed his COVID experience after thanking Mayor Dan Murphy and city staff for checking on his well-being.

“I’m one of the people in Anna Maria that had COVID. You don’t want it. It was horrible. I’ve gone through stage 4 cancer and this was worse than that for three weeks. I couldn’t move for three weeks. I had to quarantine away from my wife, in my room,” Muscatello said.

Muscatello, who’s retired, said he was fortunate that he didn’t have to miss work, get children off to school or deal with the other concerns working people have to contend with while recovering from the illness.

2020 COVID-19 cases on Anna Maria Island

 

Source: Florida Department of Health

Muscatello said he had a 102-degree fever for three weeks, but was fortunate that he didn’t have to be hospitalized or be placed on a ventilator.

“And I’m not one of the 250,000 people who are now dead. My heart goes out to all those families,” he said.

“These damn people who won’t wear a mask… it’s personal to me now. I was worried about it before. Now that I’ve had it, I’m even more worried,” Muscatello said. “I picked it up from an extended family member. I let my guard down for one day. That’s all it takes.”

Muscatello said his main concern is the 1,500 residents who live in Anna Maria, but he’s also concerned about “the 20,000 that come here every week to have a good time.”

Commission’s COVID concerns

Muscatello discussed his personal experience after Commissioner Jon Crane expressed concerns about Gov. Ron DeSantis’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You already know my feeling about the governor’s approach to relaxing COVID measures. I disagree with him,” Crane said.

“I’m been ruminating on this for a while and the other day I saw a number of mayors had written a letter to the governor saying, ‘Let us have our powers back so we can protect our city.’ I think we might want to consider some sort of resolution supporting those mayors and our own need to exercise our home rule in protecting our citizens,” Crane said.

Anna Maria commissioner returns from COVID-19 illness
Commissioner Jon Crane disagrees with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ COVID-19 response. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

In September, DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-244, an order that prohibits city and county governments from imposing fines or other penalties on individuals who violate local COVID-19 orders or mandates.

That order also prevents local and county governments from limiting establishments with a food service license to less than 100% indoor capacity without quantifying the economic impact of each limitation or requirement placed on those restaurants and explaining why each limitation or requirement is necessary to protect public health.

On Nov. 24, DeSantis extended EO 20-244 with the issuance of EO 20-297.

“We’re not able to enforce our mask ordinance,” Crane said.

“Because we can’t fine,” Mayor Dan Murphy added.

Crane said it was noted earlier during the meeting that Anna Maria businesses are, for the most part, doing a good job of enforcing their own mask requirements.

“I just think we ought to protect our people from visitors who are mask-defiant,” Crane said.

Murphy referenced the local emergency order he issued on Sept. 30 in response to DeSantis’ order – an order that reiterates a business owner’s right to have a patron trespassed for refusing to wear a mask. At that time, Murphy issued a second order that requires masks or face coverings inside city hall, the city annex and at city events held at City Pier Park.

“The trespass order is actually more effective than the fines because nobody wants to be trespassed. We’ve had incidents down at the farmers market and they’re quickly solved with the mention of trespassing,” Murphy said.

Muscatello asked Murphy if he was aware of any Anna Maria businesses trespassing a patron for not wearing a mask.

Murphy said he was not aware of that happening, but he is aware of customers being made cognizant that they could be trespassed.

Code Enforcement Manager Debbie Haynes mentioned an incident involving a patron who refused to wear a mask at the farmers market.

“A deputy came to address the situation,” Haynes said, noting it wasn’t a vendor who requested that action, but a member of the code enforcement department who was present at the time.

Murphy said a lady recently wanted to use the restroom inside city hall but didn’t want to wear a mask.

“She told me all the reasons I couldn’t make her put a mask on. I told her that I could, and I would, and she wasn’t going to use the bathroom. She yelled at me a little bit and I said you’ll have to use the bathroom somewhere else,” Murphy said.

“I’ll maintain my outrage. but I’ll withdraw my motion,” Crane said in regard to a city resolution.

“Jon, I’m right behind you on what we can do to convince this crazy-ass governor of ours to help us out,” Muscatello said before sharing his own COVID experience.

Proposed Coryea termination prompts procedural concerns

Proposed Coryea termination prompts concerns, objections

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – Efforts to fire County Administrator Cheri Coryea have prompted objections and procedural concerns should the commission decide to terminate her from the position.

Newly-elected commissioners Kevin Van Ostenbridge, George Kruse and James Satcher, along with Commissioner Vanessa Baugh, voted unexpectedly on Nov. 19 to begin termination procedures against Coryea, who has worked for the county for more than 30 years.

Reactions include County Commissioner Misty Servia’s Nov. 23 email regarding Coryea’s possible termination, sent to several upper-level county staff members.

“I would like to add an item to the Dec. 15 agenda. In order to prepare for the possible firing of our county administrator on Jan. 6, I would like to understand the succession plan so that county business continues with limited interruptions. Below are the items I would like for our board to discuss to prepare for the possible termination of Administrator Coryea:

  • Do we have a succession plan that is a part of the ordinance that establishes the county administrator position?
  • Who will be appointed in the interim until a permanent county administrator is hired?
  • If one of the deputy county administrators is appointed as interim county administrator, will we need to appoint an interim deputy county administrator? If so who will that be?
  • Are there any other potential gaps in the organization that need to be considered to ensure seamless government operations?
  • What process is envisioned for hiring the next county administrator? Will the public be involved?
  • Are there any changes planned to the county administrator job description?”
Proposed Coryea termination prompts procedural concerns
On Nov. 19, County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge proposed terminating the county administrator. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

County resident Shane Wedel emailed County Commissioner Carol Whitmore regarding Coryea’s potential severance pay.

“I have been looking at Ms. Coryea’s publicly available contract. I noticed that Section II, 1, b, (2) indicates that Ms. Coryea would be due a severance payment for being let go without cause to be paid within 10 business days after the effective termination date. Her contract stipulates that this would be 20 weeks of her pay plus accumulated leave payouts, which for such a long-standing employee is likely to be substantial,” Wedel wrote.

“This information would certainly be important for the public and for the rest of the board of county commissioners to be aware of. Hopefully, the newer members are aware of this stipulation in her contract. I believe the public deserves to be aware of this ‘responsible’ use of limited resources if it (Coryea’s termination) becomes reality,” Wedel wrote.

Whitmore referred Wedel’s comments to Human Resources Director Kim Stroud.

County Attorney Mickey Palmer distributed an email on Nov. 25 to county commissioners and others regarding the potential termination process.

“This is information that I will be prepared to share with the BCC at the Board’s December 15 meeting. But there is no time like the present, I suppose. By copy of this reply to personnel in both Human Resources and Payroll (a division of the Clerk’s Office), I am asking them to run the calculations with a projected termination date of Jan. 6. My preference would be that the folks in Payroll and HR be of one mind on the calculations, and that the calculations be forwarded to me as promptly as they are completed.”

Also on that date, Manatee County Government Agenda Coordinator Diane Vollmer distributed an email to county commissioners, Coryea and several other staff members regarding the Jan. 6 discussion.

“Inasmuch as there is a legislative delegation meeting scheduled in the Longboat Key Room at the Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, the special meeting to vote to terminate the county administrator’s contract has been scheduled for that afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. In the event the meeting is not concluded at that time, it will be continued to 5 p.m. on Jan. 7, following the land use meeting,” Vollmer wrote.

League of Women Voters supports Coryea

Proposed Coryea termination prompts procedural concerns

League of Women Voters of Manatee County President Alice Newlon sent Whitmore an email on Nov. 27 stating the League’s position on the proposed termination.

“The League of Women Voters has actively worked supporting good governance for the last 100 years. We oppose the actions taken by the four county commissioners (Vanessa Baugh, George Kruse, James Satcher and Kevin Van Ostenbridge) at the Nov. 19 meeting where they: 1) improperly brought up and voted on, with no public notice or notice to their fellow commissioners, significant changes to county operations; 2) came with and passed a resolution allowing the commission, by majority vote, to ignore procedures designed to allow public notice and input and 3) voted to initiate the termination of Cheri Coryea, without notice, without cause and without any forethought of the community repercussions,” Newlon wrote.

“We hear that those who voted to terminate the administrator want to run our county like a business and take the county in a new direction. However, county government has a different structure and purpose than that of a business. As a business, making a profit is the primary goal.

“In contrast, a county government operates any services, not for profit, but for the well-being of its citizens. The similarity? Both businesses and government retain high-performance employees. What they normally do not do is fire without prior warning, using a weak excuse.

 

“A recent decision to remove our county administrator during an already precarious time in the life of our community – the disruption of COVID-19 – is destabilizing and serves to create increased uncertainty.

“The loss of Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea would be a great loss to our county, considering her excellent work and high ratings by her supervisors and praise from those who worked with her.

“As an employee for over 30 years, she served in a number of positions, doing well for the county, its communities and its citizens, always improving what she found. She has been called the best county manager in the state.

“We urge you to return to the procedures that have created a government allowing for proper research, planning and notice.

“We also urge you to reverse the rash decision to terminate Cheri Coryea and instead take the time to reassess, in collaboration with the many entities of this community, and develop a long term strategy that will help all of Manatee County and its residents continue to thrive, ” Newlon’s letter said in conclusion.