The first big holiday of the holiday season is behind us. We’ll find out soon if it results in more COVID-19 infections and will be thankful if we all came through it healthy. What we also need to be thankful for is the health of the nation’s real estate market, which is shockingly better than anyone would have thought in March.
National home sales rose to a 14-year high in October, representing the fifth straight monthly increase. Economists credit this phenomenon to both the super low cost of mortgage borrowing and the shift in lifestyle preferences resulting from the pandemic. This is one of the best stretches for the housing market in several years, accelerating what was an already good market before the pandemic.
Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s, commented that “In the pandemic, nothing has been more positively surprising than single-family housing.” He goes on to say, “This is a fundamental shift in housing preferences.” Families and singles are leaving large cities and purchasing single-family homes despite soaring home prices.
According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales rose 4.3% in October from September, and 26.6% from October this year compared to October last year. As a comparison, Manatee County single-family home sales increased by 48.4% from last October to this October as reported in last week’s column, almost double the national average.
In addition to a shift in lifestyles because of the pandemic, buyers are aided by mortgage rates now at their lowest level since Freddie Mac began tracking them in 1971. However, low interest rates are being somewhat offset by an increase in home prices and shortage of inventory making it very challenging for first-time buyers to get into the market. This shortage of inventory could worsen in the coming months as COVID-19 cases increase, since some sellers will not place their homes on the market for fear of infection. This is especially true for older homeowners who may be ready to downsize but will not allow buyers or realtors in their homes.
New home construction is also benefiting from the busy real estate market. The S&P Homebuilders Select Industry index is up 24.2% this year. In addition, single-family home rentals are also increasing quickly, with families wanting a way out of crowded areas quickly. Overall, a good real estate market always increases consumer spending in general. Appliances, furniture, landscaping and a variety of decorative and other home goods benefit from people moving from one location to another and purchasing or renting new properties.
Like all new events in our collective lives, the pandemic has produced unique contingencies to real estate contracts and buyers desperate for homes are going for it. Some of the more unusual contingencies I’ve read about include people who want to leave their pets with the house when they either can’t take them to their new location or they just feel it’s better for their pet to remain in familiar surroundings. Surprisingly, some buyers will agree to this especially if they’re pet lovers to begin with. Also, there’s crazy stuff like outdoor decorations and loved one’s ashes that can’t be removed, and home visits to pet graves in the yard the sellers are leaving. Most of these requests can be worked through without becoming part of the actual sales contract but it is just another oddity of what may well become the year none of us will ever forget.
As we look forward to Christmas and try to find a way to navigate through a reduction of festivities, we can at least be encouraged by the flourishing real estate market. But be prepared if the seller you’re negotiating with wants Santa on the front porch as a permanent contingency. Stay safe.
BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue district commissioners had their hands full at their final meeting of the calendar year.
Commissioners welcomed Commissioner Larry Jennis back to the dais for another four-year term along with new Commissioner Robert Bennett. Both were sworn in during the district’s Nov. 17 meeting.
Board officers for 2021 also were selected during the meeting, with Jennis receiving a unanimous vote to serve as chair. Commissioner George Harris was unanimously selected to serve as vice-chair and Bennett received the support of his fellow commissioners to serve as secretary/treasurer.
The first shovels are in the ground at the site of the new West Manatee Fire Rescue administration building. – Submitted | WMFR
In other business, Chief Ben Rigney told commissioners that a small groundbreaking ceremony had been held at the site of the district’s new administration building at 701 63rd St. W. in Bradenton. With permits in hand, he said that footer construction had begun and the building is projected to be completed by April or May 2021.
Jennis volunteered to be the new board liaison on the project, a position previously held by former Commissioner Randy Cooper.
Commissioner Al Robinson took the opportunity during commissioner comments to again express his displeasure that his fellow commissioners voted to construct a new administration building rather than stay in the district’s temporary administrative offices at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, located just across the street from the district’s previous administration building.
With the December meeting canceled due to the holidays, WMFR commissioners will next meet in January 2021.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has named its Businesses of the Year and its nonprofit organization of 2021.
In conjunction, the Rotary Club of Anna Maria has named its Businessperson of the Year for 2020.
The Center of Anna Maria Island is the Chamber’s 2021 Nonprofit of the Year, AMI Beach Weddings is the Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year, Ocean-Aire Conditioning is the Chamber’s 2021 Medium Business of the Year, and Barnes Walker is the Chamber’s 2021 Large Business of the Year.
Former Swordfish Grill General Manager Bob Slicker is the Anna Maria Island Rotary Club’s Businessperson of 2020.
The honors were bestowed upon the unknowing winners during a Thursday, Nov. 19 ceremony held on the patio of the Beach House restaurant in Bradenton Beach.
Rotarian Laurie Beppler presented Slicker with his award.
“Bob is a true humanitarian,” Beppler said, citing Slicker’s work with the Blessing Bags Project and Hurricane Laura victims in Lake Charles, La. among his many charitable endeavors.
When accepting the award, Slicker said, “Things like this happen by surrounding yourself with good people. I feel blessed and grateful. Thank you all so very much.”
Chamber President Terri Kinder then called up the members of this year’s Chamber awards committee.
Committee member Karen LaPensee, of LaPensee Plumbing Pools & Air, recognized this year’s finalists and asked them to gather at the front of the room before the committee members announced the winners.
“And to the winners we go,” LaPensee said when introducing the Nonprofit of the Year.
“Our winner in this category has been a backbone in our community for 50 years. Ever evolving, they’ve strived to advance the overall well-being of individuals for all ages, preserve a sense of community and offer creative programming and partnership,” LaPensee said.
Island Players’ board member Diane Phinney then announced The Center as this year’s winner.
Jim McDaniel and David Zaccagnino accepted the award on The Center’s behalf.
“Every business here knows we’ve had obstacles in 2020, especially being a nonprofit. Jim and Chris (Culhane) have done an outstanding job and we couldn’t do it without our community,” Zaccagnino said.
Moving on, LaPensee said, “The winner of the 2021 Small Business of the Year started their business from scratch. Continuously involved with the community and striving to improve the business through excellent customer service, she has provided the weddings of her client’s dreams.”
AAA Payroll Services co-founder Mike Southwick announced AMI Beach Weddings as the winner.
When accepting the award, owner Karen Riley-Love said, “I want to thank my son Jack. He helps me with my weddings. He is my organizer and keeps me calm and centered and makes sure everything is where it needs to be.”
Moving on, LaPensee said, “The winner of the Medium Business of the Year believes their key to success is communication with staff and customers. In an ever-changing world, the coronavirus has added significant issues to overcome. Challenging and adapting, they have exceeded their previous sales records. Their motto: ‘The virus will not stop them.’ ”
Suzanne Arbanas, of the Compass by Margaritaville, then announced Ocean-Aire Conditioning as the winner.
“I appreciate this very much. I’ve been in business here since 1979. It’s a long time – and seeing so many changes, I hope the new ones help. Bless you all,” owner Bill Long said.
When presenting the final award, LaPensee said, “The winners of the Large Business of the Year focus on providing timely, precise and practical solutions to their customers. Surviving the ‘great recession,’ their business dropped 83%, to rebound and grow to 45 employees. They continue to encourage shared values, open communication and a strong belief in excellence and community.”
Mixon Fruit Farms co-owner Janet Mixon then announced Barnes Walker, a five-office law firm and title company, as the winner.
When accepting the award, Branch Manager Faith Test said, “I like to say we make peoples’ dreams come true. Thank you all.”
Laurie Beppler, left, of the Anna Maria Island Rotary Club, presents the Businessperson of the Year award to Bob Slicker. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Barnes Walker Branch Manager Faith Test, left, receives the Large Business of the Year Award from Janet Mixon. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Ocean-Aire Conditioning owner Bill Long, left, receives the Medium Business of the Year Award from Suzanne Arbanas. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Jim McDaniel, left, and David Zaccagnino received The Center’s Nonprofit of the Year Award. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Karen Riley-Love, left, won the Small Business of the Year Award, accompanied by her son, Jack. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
The old rules governing a buyer’s and a seller’s market have been seriously adjusted in the time of COVID-19. Areas of the country where they never dreamed of running out of inventory and integrating buyers from major cities are still trying to figure it out while at the same time welcoming their good luck.
Realtor.com, after interviewing over 50 real estate agents in specific markets, has come up with the 10 top buying and selling markets nationwide. This analysis reflected closed sales for upper-end homes at $1 million or over.
A buyer’s market is something that we’re not remotely in right now in the Tampa Bay area, but since you never know when markets will turn, let’s establish some guidelines. The definition of a buyer’s market simply is one with more supply than demand. Santa Barbara County, California was at the top of the buyer’s market list with Santa Cruz County, California coming in at number 10. Florida had two counties on the list, Pinellas at number two and Collier at number four. Remember we’re talking about sales at $1 million or over.
A seller’s market is, of course, the opposite of a buyer’s market, defined as a market that has more demand than supply, with low levels of inventory and appreciating sales prices. Fairfax County, Virginia is at the top of the seller’s market analysis with Suffolk County, New York at the bottom. Florida has two counties on the top 10 list, Hillsborough County (Tampa) at number six and Broward County (Ft. Lauderdale) at number seven. Seller’s markets in this COVID cycle are typically suburban areas close to big employment centers that offer larger homes, property with office space and new construction.
Manatee County is certainly in a seller’s market, so potential buyers need to be cautious not to get in a bidding war and consider making an offer with an escalation addendum. Also eliminating all home sale contingencies like a mortgage will certainly put you in an advantageous position.
Now it’s time to review the October Manatee County sales statistics, reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, to determine if October’s numbers are as good as September’s were.
Single-family sales numbers compared to October of last year are as follows: Closed sales, up 48.4%; median sale price, $360,000, up 10.4%; average sale price, $481,349, up 20.7%; median time to contract, 18 days, down 58.1%; month’s supply of available properties, 1.8 months, down 45.5%; pending inventory, up 44.5% and cash transactions, up 53.6%.
Condo sales numbers compared to October of last year are as follows: Closed sales, up 39%; median sale price, $255,000, up 34.2%; average sale price, $294,595, up 13.2%; median time to contract, 41 days, up 8.9%; month’s supply of available properties, 2.6 months, down 36.6%; pending inventory, up 71.9% and cash transactions, up 10%.
Not only were the October numbers as good as September, they surpassed them in almost every area. The market is indeed soaring in both Manatee and Sarasota counties, and where this merry-go-round stops, I don’t think anyone knows, certainly not me.
The old adage, “All real estate is local,” has been a little upended this year. However, the principals are the same and we’ll eventually fall back into a normal market. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Updated Nov. 29, 2020 – BRADENTON BEACH – The city has received a $350,000 settlement agreement payment from former Sunshine Law lawsuit defendants John Metz and Tjet Martin.
The city has also received $500 settlement payments from co-defendants Patty Shay, Bill Vincent and Rose Vincent.
On Thursday, Nov. 19, the city commission unanimously accepted the Metz-Martin settlement agreement previously discussed during a private shade meeting on Nov. 5.
The $350,000 payment serves as partial reimbursement for the more than $572,000 in attorney fees and legal costs the city incurred as a result of the civil lawsuit the city filed against six former city advisory board members in August 2017.
The lawsuit sought a judge’s ruling as to whether Martin, Metz, Reed Mapes, Shay and the Vincents violated the Sunshine Law when discussing advisory board matters at their Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach meetings in 2017. Those meetings included a discussion about the potential pursuit of a citywide prohibition on the construction of parking garages.
In July 2019, 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas ruled all six defendants violated the Sunshine Law that pertains to government transparency and conducting official public business only at properly noticed public meetings. Minus Shay, the other five defendants appealed Nicholas’ ruling to the 2nd District Court of Appeal in Lakeland.
On Oct. 28, Nicholas ordered Mapes, Martin and Metz to pay the city $369,498. In his written order, Nicholas absolved Shay and the Vincents of any attorney fee-related financial liabilities because they had agreed to settle with the city before the 2019 trial began. The city commission rejected those pre-trial settlement offers because similar agreements were not reached with Mapes, Martin and Metz.
Settlement acceptance
City Attorney Ricinda Perry presented the Martin and Metz settlement offer for commission acceptance during the Nov. 19 meeting. She also presented a new settlement agreement reached with Shay.
The commission accepted the Martin and Metz settlement agreement and received the transferred funds the following day.
Vice Mayor Jake Spooner praised Perry’s efforts.
“Great job. We did what we’re supposed to do with protecting the transparency of the government, and the taxpayers are being reimbursed,” he said.
“I agree totally, and we said that all along about open, fair and transparent government,” Mayor John Chappie said.
Co-defendant agreements
During the Nov. 19 meeting, Perry also presented the settlement agreement with Shay, in which Shay agreed to pay the city $500 despite the judge’s recent order absolving her of financial responsibility.
“It dismisses everything as it relates to her. She is not a party to the appeal,” Perry said.
“Defendant Shay acknowledges she had concerns about the application of the Sunshine Law as it relates to the meetings at issue in this case, and further acknowledges that errors were made as it relates to the Sunshine Law,” Perry said when reading aloud the settlement agreement language.
“That was a very important piece of information the city wanted to make sure was addressed. There was compensation provided for the error, but there was an admission that the Sunshine Law had not been complied with,” Perry said.
The commission unanimously approved Shay’s settlement agreement.
Perry said paralegal Michael Barfield expected a call later from the Vincents later that day regarding individual settlement agreements similar to Shay’s.
“I expect they will execute the same settlement agreement with the same admission that Ms. Shay did. The Vincents are part of the appeal. They would be obligated also to release us and terminate all proceedings in the underlying case,” Perry said.
The commission authorized Chappie to accept and execute the Vincents’ settlement agreements when received.
After the Nov. 19 meeting, Perry was asked about Mapes’ settlement status.
“The city commission has authorized me to make a settlement offer to Mr. Mapes. Communication will be made to Mr. Mapes following the execution of the settlement agreements with John Metz, Tjet Martin, Bill and Rose Vincent and Patty Shay,” Perry said.
When contacted last week, Barfield said the Vincents’ settlement agreements had been finalized.
As of Sunday, Mapes remained the lone defendant still appealing Nicholas’ 2019 ruling.
On Nov. 24, Mapes sent Perry an email saying he would agree to the same settlement terms reached with the Vincents.
“I will dismiss my appeal with prejudice. I will need a response to this by Monday, Nov. 30, so that my attorney has time to file the necessary appellate paperwork,” Mapes wrote in his email.
Mapes’ settlement offer has not yet been presented to the city commission, which meets again on Thursday, Dec. 3.
“It is the commission’s expectation to make the public whole and Reed’s offer fails to do so,” Perry said regarding Mapes’ offer.
“He will remain solely responsible for all future costs to fight the appeal, and for any costs upheld or awarded by the Second DCA,” she noted.
Anna Maria Island is a place where families from all over the country – and the world – come to relax and reunite, especially over the holidays.
But as the coronavirus pandemic is revving up into high gear once again, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control have compiled comprehensive advice for you to consider before planning to travel and host or attend holiday meals and parties in this unusual and challenging holiday season.
Travel
2020 COVID-19 cases on Anna Maria Island
Source: Florida Department of Health
Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 this year, according to the CDC. Before you decide to travel, ask:
Are you or anyone you will be visiting at increased risk for COVID-19 due to age or medical conditions?
Are cases high or increasing in your community or destination? Check CDC.gov, which reports that cases are rising in the U.S.
Are hospitals in your community or destination overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients? Check state and local public health department websites.
Do your plans include traveling by bus, train, or air, which makes staying 6 feet apart difficult, or by car, which requires rest stops and gas station stops that can expose you to COVID-19?
Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers?
During the 14 days before you travel, have you or those you are visiting had close contact with people they don’t live with?
Are you traveling with people who don’t live with you?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you should not travel, according to the CDC.
The CDC advises that you do not host or attend a holiday gathering if you:
are at increased risk due to age or health conditions,
have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days,
are showing COVID-19 symptoms,
have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or
are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test.
Gatherings
The lowest-risk way to have a holiday gathering in 2020 is to schedule separate holiday celebrations simultaneously and connect by Zoom or a similar method, according to the CDC. But having meals with only the people who live in your household is also low risk, as is preparing and delivering meals for family and neighbors with no contact.
A moderately-risky option is having meals outdoors with a few family and friends, if they live in your community.
The highest-risk gatherings are indoor meals or parties with people you do not live with or near – the more people, the higher the risk.
Serving or using alcohol increases the risk by altering judgment and making it more difficult to practice safety measures.
Anyone who lives or works with people at higher risk should consider the potential risk to them before attending gatherings.
To reduce risk at a gathering:
Hosts and guests should strictly avoid contact with people outside of their households for 14 days before the gathering and should follow COVID-19 safety measures at home.
Keep gatherings short.
Wear masks with two or more layers, except when eating and drinking, and make sure they are worn over your nose and mouth and fit snugly along the sides of your face. Hosts should have a clean supply of disposable masks.
Keep a 6-foot social distance, including at tables. People from the same household should sit at their own tables.
Wash hands often, especially before preparing, serving or eating food. Guests should wash hands or use hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or more) for at least 20 seconds when entering and leaving gatherings. Hosts should supply paper towels or single-use hand towels in restrooms instead of cloth towels and may also provide cleaning supplies that allow guests to wipe down surfaces before they use or leave the restroom.
Gather outdoors or open windows indoors.
Verbally greet people instead of shaking hands, hugging or elbow bumping.
Encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks.
Do not use a buffet or drink station.
Limit people going in and out of the kitchen or gathering around the outdoor grill.
Limit the number of people cooking and serving food.
Provide single-use condiments to avoid multiple people from handling the same items.
Use disposable napkins, plates, cups, utensils and tablecloths.
Limit indoor gatherings to 10 people and outdoor gatherings to 25 people.
If you aren’t comfortable with the level of risk involved, consider canceling or not attending the event.
If you are exposed or get sick
After any holiday event, if you feel that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, take extra precautions for 14 days. Avoid being around people, especially those at increased risk of severe illness with COVID-19, and consider getting tested. While you are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test, stay at home and follow safety measures. If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, immediately inform the host and other guests who attended the event (hosts should keep a list of guests for contact tracing). This can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by ensuring that others get tested or self-quarantine.
Updated Nov. 23, 2020 – BRADENTON – Thursday’s Manatee County Commission discussion about potentially terminating County Administrator Cheri Coryea has triggered a public records request from Florida Sunshine Law expert Michael Barfield.
On Friday afternoon, Barfield, a paralegal, submitted individual written public records requests to county commissioners Vanessa Baugh, George Kruse, James Satcher and Kevin Van Ostenbridge. County Attorney Mickey Palmer was copied on each of the requests Barfield submitted on behalf of Sarasota-based Denovo Law Services.
The records requests seek the public records in the individual possession of Baugh, Kruse, Satcher and Van Ostenbridge. A subsequent request seeks records from former Commissioner Steve Jonsson.
On Nov. 3, Baugh was re-elected as the county’s District 5 commissioner. Kruse was elected as the at-large District 7 commissioner. Satcher was elected as the District 1 commissioner. Van Ostenbridge was elected as the District 3 commissioner, a district that encompasses Anna Maria Island, Cortez and west Bradenton.
County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh is the subject of the public records request. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The four commissioners were sworn into office on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Two days later, Van Ostenbridge initiated, with no advance public notice, a preliminary discussion seeking the termination of Coryea without cause.
At the conclusion of Thursday’s discussion, the newly-reconfigured county commission voted 4-3 in favor of putting Coryea on notice that her potential termination would be discussed at a special county commission meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 6. Baugh, Kruse, Satcher and Van Ostenbridge supported that action. Commissioners Reggie Bellamy, Misty Servia and Carol Whitmore opposed that action.
Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge initiated Thursday’s termination discussion with no advance public notice. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During Thursday’s discussion, Bellamy said the efforts to oust Coryea appeared to be “premeditated.” Whitmore said the efforts appeared to be “orchestrated.” Servia called the Van Ostenbridge-led efforts “reckless” and “dangerous.”
Records requests
According to the public records requests: “This is a request for records pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, otherwise known as the Public Records Act of the Florida Constitution. We understand that a citizen is not required to make a written request to obtain public records under the act, but we want to be clear what we are seeking from you.”
The records requests pertain to the following records made, sent or received in connection with the transaction of official business, or the rendition of services on behalf of each of the four request recipients:
All emails sent or received from Nov. 3, 2020 to Nov. 20, 2020.
All text messages sent or received from November 3 to November 20.
All messages sent or received via any digital app or social media platform from Nov. 3 to Nov. 20.
A detailed phone log of all calls made or received between the period Nov. 3 and Nov. 20.
Commissioner James Satcher is the recipient of a public records request. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
According to the records requests, the term “record” or “public records” also includes responsive records in both digital and hard copy formats, including email, text, SMS, MMS, .doc and voicemail.
According to the requests, “This request for records further includes any responsive records sent or received by any individual or entity via any private, nongovernmental account, as well as those records maintained, stored or archived in the cloud, on a shared drive, on the Internet, via social media accounts or any other electronic device such as a cell phone, tablet, flash drive, that is capable of sending, receiving or storing digital information.”
The records requests are also directed to any individual or entity – including any other public or private agency, person, partnership, corporation or business entity – acting on their behalf of any of the records request recipients.
“If you contend that any record, or portion thereof, is exempt from inspection, please state in writing the basis for the exemption and include the applicable statutory exemption,” the records requests note.
The records requests state the requested records shall not be disposed of for a period of 30 days after the written records requests were submitted on Friday.
Commissioner George Kruse has received a public records request. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Citing Florida Statutes, the records requests state: “If a civil action is instituted within the 30-day period to enforce the provisions of this section with respect to the requested record, the custodian of public records may not dispose of the record except by order of a court of competent jurisdiction after notice to all affected parties.
“The absence of a civil action instituted does not relieve the custodian of public records of the duty to maintain the record as a public record if the record is in fact a public record subject to public inspection and copying and does not otherwise excuse or exonerate the custodian of public records from any unauthorized or unlawful disposition of such record.
“We are requesting that you notify each and every individual and entity in possession of records responsive to this request, and that all such records be preserved on an immediate basis.
“Please produce all records responsive to this request as provided by 119.12(1)(b), Fla. Statute,” the public records requests say in conclusion.
According to Barfield, the three new commissioners – Kruse, Satcher and Van Ostenbridge – became subject to the Public Records Act and the Florida Sunshine Law at the conclusion of the Nov. 3 elections.
According to Barfield, the four commissioners have until early December to fulfill the public records requests.
Recent Sunshine case
While assisting the attorneys representing the city of Bradenton Beach, Barfield recently played a significant role in the city prevailing in a Sunshine Law lawsuit that resulted in two of the six defendants paying the city $350,000 on Friday.
The $350,00 payment was partial reimbursement for the attorney fees the city incurred as a result of a civil lawsuit the city filed against six former city advisory board members in 2017.
An extensive number of emails and other records and documents Barfield obtained from the defendants and others in that case factored into the judge’s 2019 ruling that Sunshine Law violations occurred.
Catch and release used to be a topic that came up often in fishing circles. The idea was to educate anglers that fish populations are finite and not the bottomless resource that they were once thought to be. For a time it seemed the idea was relatively commonplace. Now a look at Instagram and Facebook posts might have you wonder what happened.
Lately, a lot of posts of dead fish are appearing that seem to be taken more to impress others and get likes than to provide a meal. With increased angling pressure, burgeoning populations and serious water quality issues, proper catch and release methods are more important now than ever. Fish that aren’t headed to the dinner table should be given the best chance of living, reproducing and sustaining threatened populations.
Keeping big fish like tarpon in the water is critical. Andy Mill measures a tarpon while Captain Doug Kilpatrick assists. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun
When we get cut, bruised or break a leg, we can head for the local drug store, or, in more extreme cases, the emergency room. Not so for fish. For them, it’s heal or die, and in their world, it’s the sick and wounded that first fall prey to predators. What a shame to do the right thing, releasing a big, speckled trout full of roe, only to have it eaten by a shark, barracuda or other predator because it wasn’t handled properly.
Fishermen have been criticized because catch and release fishing is seen by some as playing with fish. Anglers, unlike hunters, can pursue their passion and release their prey.
Most anglers I know who practice catch and release have no problem with killing fish occasionally to take home for dinner. Responsible anglers and hunters are often on the front lines protecting the habitat and welfare of fish and animals. It’s more about enjoying the sport and trying to be proactive in helping it to remain healthy and viable.
There are many species, notable among them, tarpon, that anglers seldom, if ever, kill. Catch and release is not just about releasing fish that you don’t want, it’s also about properly releasing undersized fish or species that aren’t valued at the table. Catch and release in any form is a wise use of the resource, but unfortunately, many anglers don’t know how to properly handle fish.
Here are a few tips. First, make sure you match the tackle to the species you’re fishing for. Trying to land a big tarpon on 20-pound tackle might be OK if you’re experienced, but to the uninitiated, it’s like announcing a free meal to sharks. Enjoy the action, but land the fish as quickly as possible. Once you have the fish subdued, if possible, never take them out of the water. If you’ve been fighting them for a long time (think tarpon) make sure you revive them sufficiently. If you can reach the water over the gunwale, slowly move the boat forward while holding the fish. This forces water and oxygen through their gills. They’ll let you know when they’re ready to go.
The hook is probably the next most important consideration. A barbless hook is best for fish and anglers alike. The key to keeping fish on a barbless hook is to keep the line tight. The other important factor you should consider is hooking yourself. A barbless hook is far easier to remove from a finger or an ear. Another option is a circle hook that helps prevent “gut” hooking fish.
A de-hooker is a tool anglers should always have at hand. It keeps your hands clean and prevents you from inadvertently harming the fish. Fish have a viscous coating that covers their scales and skin and acts as a defense against the invasion of bacterial, parasitic and fungal pathogens. De-hookers come in various shapes depending on how they’re used. The simplest is J-shaped and removes hooks in or near the jaw. A circular-shaped longer version allows anglers to remove hooks that are deep in the throat of a fish.
Anglers who fish for reef fish like snapper and grouper need to learn how to “vent” fish. Reeling fish from deep water inflates their swim bladders. Unless this bladder is punctured the fish is unable to swim back to the bottom. Search YouTube for the Florida Sea Grant video that explains the venting procedure.
Taking the time and having the tools and knowledge to release fish mindfully is one way to help ensure we have a healthy population of fish now and into the future. Let’s bring catch and release back as a topic of conversation.
Updated Nov. 23, 2020 – BRADENTON – Newly-elected District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge initiated an effort on Thursday to terminate County Administrator Cheri Coryea.
The Manatee County Commission is scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 6 to debate and vote on the potential termination of Coryea, who has been on the county’s staff for more than 30 years.
As newly-elected commissioners, Van Ostenbridge, James Satcher and George Kruse were sworn in on Tuesday. They participated in a work session that day which resulted in Van Ostenbridge requesting a special commission meeting on Thursday to discuss the county’s legal rights in the event of a federally-ordered economic shutdown.
Terminating the county administrator was not an item on Thursday’s special meeting agenda, so no public notice was issued to the public, the commissioner, Coryea or county staff.
Commissioners Vanessa Baugh, Satcher and Kruse ultimately supported Van Ostenbridge’s motion to put Coryea on at least 15 days’ notice that a discussion pertaining to her potential termination is now pending. Commissioners Reggie Bellamy, Misty Servia and Carol Whitmore opposed that action. The 15-day time frame was later extended until after the holidays.
With about 1,900 employees under her supervision, Coryea carries out the directives of the county commission and oversees the operations of the county. She was named acting county administrator on Feb. 26, 2019. On May 21, 2019, the county commission approved removed “acting” from her job title and made her Manatee County’s first female county administrator.
Surprise discussion
As Thursday’s special commission meeting neared what was thought to be its conclusion, Van Ostenbridge said, “There is something else I’d like to bring forward. It’s a serious matter. I want to bring up the matter of our county administrator. I like Cheri very much as a person. I think she’s a great individual. However, I have a different vision for the administrator position. I admire her dedication to the county and her many years of service, but I’m a private sector person and she’s more of a public sector person.
“My vision is that government should, whenever possible, mirror the private sector. I think we need a shift of culture within the county. I saw the direction that she was leading the county and the direction she was steering the committee at times and I disagree with it fundamentally,” Van Ostenbridge said.
Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge seeks to terminate the county administrator. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Van Ostenbridge then referenced the county’s recent purchase of a 161-acre property in east Manatee County at 8520 State Road 64. The newly acquired property is across the street and slightly north of the county’s Lena Road Landfill.
“Cheri did not make that decision. The board made that decision.” – Commissioner Reggie Bellamy
The decision to purchase that property was finalized by a 5-2 commission vote in October, with Baugh and then-Commissioner Steve Jonsson voting in opposition. According to the sale and purchase contract dated Oct. 13, and signed by then-Commission Chair Betsy Benac, the county purchased the mostly vacant property from Musgrave Real Estate Holdings for $30,185,625.
The warranty deed that transferred ownership of the property from Musgrave Real Estate Holdings to Manatee County was signed by Kimberly Musgrave Schmidt and notarized by Karen Calyer on Friday, Nov. 13, with attorney Caleb Grimes signing as the second witness.
The property was purchased with the intent of creating the Central County Complex that would provide a district office for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and additional facilities for the county’s Public Works Department and Utilities Department.
“I, and some colleagues of mine, value that property at $6 million. The previous commission voted twice to go through with that purchase. I was pretty vocal against it. Commissioner Kruse was incoming at the time – he was pretty vocal against it. Mr. Satcher made public comments that he didn’t agree with it as well. It was pretty obvious that the incoming commission did not want this,” said Van Ostenbridge, a Realtor with Boyd Realty.
“The closing date of that property was hurried to last Friday. Funds have changed hands and it’s a done deal. I feel very saddled now with that cost and that property, as well as the burdens of the improvements that have to be made,” he said.
Van Ostenbridge also mentioned the purchase negotiations led by Utilities Department Director Mike Gore.
“I didn’t agree with the process, having Mr. Gore lead the negotiations. I didn’t feel he was qualified. Day-to-day operations are run by the administrator, so ultimately that falls on the administrator. I think tens of millions of tax dollars were wasted on that purchase. It’s the position of this commissioner that the $25 million in wasted tax money is a fireable offense,” Van Ostenbridge said.
The property is appraised at about $18.5 million, according to a June report obtained by The Sun and written by Hettema Saba Commercial Real Estate Valuation Advisory Services.
“Based on the known factors creating and affecting value, it is my opinion that the market value for the subject property in its ‘as is’ condition, as of June 18, was $18,448,000,” according to a letter signed by state-certified general real estate appraiser Ronald Saba and addressed to Brandie Adams, the real property specialist for Manatee County’s Property Acquisition Division.
”The purpose of the appraisal is to provide an opinion of the market value. The report is intended to be used by the client to make a purchase price decision,” Saba wrote.
The $30,185,625 purchase price equates to $187,488 per acre, with the most recent comparable property in that vicinity at that time selling for $310,218 per acre, according to a staff presentation to county commissioners on Oct. 13. The price per acre in that vicinity over the past 10 years was $496,923.
After a recess during last Thursday’s meeting, Commissioner Carol Whitmore sought insight from Chief Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague.
“Miss Coryea’s service as county administrator is by agreement between her and the county. That agreement has provisions in it that govern the circumstances under which the board can dismiss her. They require that the board provide her with at least 15 days’ notice prior to conducting a meeting to make that decision. The most the board could do today would be to direct our office to provide her with that notice and schedule a meeting to consider that. I would advise the board to be careful in this meeting about going into the legalities or the details of those things,” Clague said.
Whitmore noted the land purchase was actually initiated by previous County Administrator Ed Hunzeker.
Whitmore referenced a Nov. 15 story published at the Bradenton Times website that included the headline, “Are Special Interests Gunning for County Administrator?” The story states developer Carlos Beruff and other members of the development community pushed for Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance President Dom Dimaio to succeed Hunzeker, rather than Coryea.
“I was called, you all were called, by a developer who didn’t want Cheri in the job,” Whitmore said.
She also said that the developer supported Van Ostenbridge, Satcher and Kruse’s campaigns.
Commissioner Carol Whitmore believes an orchestrated effort is afoot to replace the county administrator. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I was hoping you guys would at least give her a chance. You haven’t even been in office for three days. Shame on you for doing that. This is very upsetting,” Whitmore said.
Regarding Van Ostenbridge’s desire for the county government to operate more like a business, Whitmore said, “This is not a business.”
Commissioner Reggie Bellamy began his remarks by referencing something he learned in business school: “When you take over leadership, you don’t come in and make hasty decisions. This sounds like a hasty decision and it’s very unfortunate,” he said.
Bellamy said it’s one thing to be disappointed with someone for carrying out a commission decision, but to say it’s a fireable offense is something totally different.
He also disagreed with Van Ostenbridge’s claim that the land purchase was rushed.
Commissioner Reggie Bellamy believes the efforts to oust Coryea are premeditated. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Bellamy said he asked Van Ostenbridge and Kruse during their campaigns if they planned to fire Coryea once they took office.
“And the comment was, ‘No, I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ ” Bellamy said.
“It’s quite clear there’s been some premeditated comments and thoughts about this particular step with her. If the cause is for Lena Road, don’t fire her. Fire the commissioners that voted on it, twice. And that’s not your job, that’s the job of the constituents. Cheri did not make that decision. The board made that decision,” Bellamy said.
“I don’t think you, as a county commissioner, can learn in 72 hours enough to draw a conclusion that you’re going to fire anybody. There is no way in the world that we should be holding a conversation like this three days into it,” Bellamy said.
“It’s kind of piling up now. When you see the information that’s brought to you it almost seems like an attempt to build momentum. This is why I’m saying some of this is premeditated,” Bellamy said.
Speaking next, Commissioner Misty Servia said, “Kevin, this is a reckless move. You have been here actually 50 hours, it’s not even close to 72 hours. Here’s what this move does: The morale of our staff just dropped. Our ability to hire people that we so desperately need has dropped.”
Servia said Van Ostenbridge made a “poor move” when initiating that discussion without giving the public advance notice.
“You’ve just shut them out of this,” she said. “The art of the deal requires finesse. This is not finesse.”
Commissioner Misty Servia described the efforts to terminate Coryea as “reckless.” – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Servia mentioned Coryea’s performance evaluations submitted by six of the seven members of the previous commission, which were discussed at that commission’s final meeting on Nov. 10 – an evaluation process Baugh chose not to participate in.
“Our county administrator just received a glowing review because she has done everything this elected board has asked her to do in a timely and efficient manner,” Servia said.
Bellamy noted Coryea received a 6-month evaluation and a 12-month evaluation.
“Not a 3-day evaluation or a 50-hour evaluation,” he said. “It seems as though there’s ulterior motives. It seems as though there’s something else out there.”
Bellamy told the new commissioners to consider how they would feel about being evaluated after just 50 hours on the job.
Along those same lines Servia said, “Fifty hours on the job? We need to be in a learning mode, not in a firing mode.”
When it was his turn to speak, Kruse said, “I think ‘premediated’ is probably a strong word. I think we all came into this with a common view of government. Any level of premeditation was just a group of us saying let’s look at something a little more from a business standpoint. I’m not saying which direction I’m going. I’m OK with starting a clock, but if this is a vote to flat-out do it today, then that would be a different story.”
Baugh disputed any premeditation.
“I don’t know anything about premediated. I don’t know anything about developers coming to anybody. None have come to me, but I can tell you this – the citizens do come to me and they’re the ones that are important. And by the way, I guess developers are citizens too,” Baugh said.
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh seconded the motion to put Coryea on notice. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I realize this isn’t a topic most people want to talk about. I don’t believe it is fair to make accusations to the new commissioners that have been out there for over a year working to get elected – who might know a little bit more than you think. Everybody take a breath, we’re not making the decision today,” Baugh said.
Clerk of Court weighs in
Aware of the discussion taking place, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court Angelina Colonneso felt compelled to make the short drive from her downtown Bradenton office to the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto to address the commission.
When addressing Van Ostenbridge, Satcher and Kruse, she said, “To the three of you, please take my advice: a little humility doesn’t hurt. Take it from my experience, you’ve got a lot to learn. I am for the people’s records, the people’s business. There are no citizens here. Those people have not been afforded the opportunity to even weigh in on this.
“I think you should take a little time and see how things work. You haven’t even been to a (regular) meeting yet and you’re bringing this up. You haven’t had a chance to work with anybody in this county or see the interactions,” Colonneso said.
“In a way, I feel like I’m up here as that watchdog for the citizens – to tell you that whatever you decide, take a step back. You took an oath. You need to be humble and understand there’s so much to learn. Please, take your time here,” Colonneso said.
“I didn’t expect to make a trip here today. I gave up another meeting when I saw this, it was so outlandish,” she said in conclusion.
Final comments
“This is not terminating Cheri today. I am not eliminating the public process. I’m going to make a motion to give 15 days’ notice of a vote. The public, community leaders, citizens of all types can reach out to us. I just want us to make some fundamental cultural changes,” Van Ostenbridge said.
Baugh seconded Van Ostenbridge’s motion.
Before voting on the motion, Whitmore said, “I knew this was orchestrated. Kevin, I supported you. I am ashamed that I did. You’ve been in office 50 hours. This was premediated. I’ve had the calls; every one of you have. I know what’s going on. There are employees crying right now because of what you’ve just done. Maybe you don’t care, but you should.”
In response, Van Ostenbridge said, “I agree with you, it’s a very difficult decision. It can be very emotional for people, but you cannot run a $1.5 billion business based on feelings and emotion. Unfortunately, it has to be run pragmatically, as a business.”
Servia said, “With all due respect, this is not a good way to do business because there are so many unintended consequences that amount to millions and millions of dollars; and things are shifting right now today because of this action. This is a very dangerous approach.”
Satcher said no one should be surprised about Van Ostenbridge’s positions.
“Everyone that was running for election had very public comments about what was going on at Lena Road. Of course it’s expected. It was a major decision. I was tempted to read my Facebook post: ‘Five reasons why the Lena Road land deal is wrong for Manatee County.’ I should have said 32 million and 5 reasons why it was bad for Manatee County,” Satcher said, citing a figure that was higher than the $30,185,625 sale price listed on the signed contract.
Commissioner James Satcher disagrees with a recent county land acquisition. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Kruse said the Coryea decision is one of the most serious decisions this commission will make, and he noted it will have implications throughout the entire county and county government.
“If you’re a director and you work directly under Ms. Coryea, please reach out to me – Ms. Coryea included,” Kruse said of his willingness to speak with as many people as possible before making his decision.
“This isn’t premeditated or a done deal. I am going to do my due diligence and my homework. Lena Road, while I disagree with it, that wouldn’t be my decision in and of itself, but there’s bigger philosophical things,” Kruse said.
Commissioner George Kruse says he has not made his decision yet. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After the 4-3 vote to put Coryea on notice took place, the commission discussed scheduling that meeting on Dec. 15. Bellamy requested the discussion be delayed until after the holidays and the other members unanimously supported his request.
MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Commission is scheduled Thursday morning to discuss its options in the event that a federal shutdown of the economy is ordered in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The special commission meeting is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. after the conclusion of the 9 a.m. Port Authority meeting.
Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, a Republican, requested the county attorney’s insight on the issue during Tuesday’s commission work session.
“It looks as if Joe Biden is likely to be our next president, and a lot of people that are likely to be in his administration are voicing the need for a federal shutdown of our economy. We went through that once already. When I was running for office, by far the number one issue was keeping the economy open,” Van Ostenbridge said.
To county staff, Van Ostenbridge said, “Could you put together a workshop or some kind of presentation for us so we as a county commission know what our options would be to defend and protect our local economy, our local businesses and our employees? What are our constitutional rights? What are the constitutional rights of our constituents and our business owners to keep our economy going?”
Chief Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague is being asked to research a possible county defense against a potential federal shutdown. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In response, Chief Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague said, “We can look into that if that is the prerogative of the board. There is a commerce clause in the Constitution that has been used by the federal government.”
“Freedom of religion comes into play as well,” Van Ostenbridge said.
“I do understand the First Amendment issues,” Clague said.
Open to the public and public input, the special commission meeting will take place at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Boulevard in Palmetto. Attendees must adhere to CDC social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings.
The special meeting will be livestreamed at the county website and on TV on Spectrum channel 644, Verizon channel 30 and Comcast channel 20.
The public can participate by phone and offer comments by dialing 1-888-788-0099 or 1-312-626-6799 and then entering the meeting ID, 822 2829 2685, followed by the # sign.
PALMETTO – During his first day as a Manatee County commissioner, Kevin Van Ostenbridge warned that the city of Holmes Beach risks losing beach renourishment funding if they don’t restore recently-reduced public beach parking.
Tuesday morning, Van Ostenbridge, James Satcher and George Kruse were sworn in to four-year terms as the newest county commissioners. Returning Commissioner Vanessa Baugh was also sworn in. Joined by commissioners Reggie Bellamy, Misty Servia and Carol Whitmore, the reconfigured commission then engaged in a work session at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto.
The afternoon session included discussion about beach parking on Anna Maria Island and the importance of maintaining an adequate number of beach access parking spaces to remain eligible for state and federal funding for future beach renourishment projects.
Earlier this year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Holmes Beach Commission eliminated parking spaces to reduce crowding in the city and on the beaches.
Van Ostenbridge, who represents Anna Maria Island and much of west Bradenton as the District 3 commissioner, said, “Mayor Titsworth and the Holmes Beach City Commission have jeopardized future beach renourishment projects in their city. I will not support county participation in beach renourishment projects in Holmes Beach until on-street parking levels are returned to pre-COVID-19 levels. I am drawing a line in the sand.”
Baugh, Satcher and Whitmore later expressed support for Van Ostenbridge’s position.
Tuesday’s discussion included a presentation by Deputy County Administrator John Osborne, with additional insight provided by Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker and county consultant Erica Carr-Betts.
A PowerPoint slide contained in Osborne’s presentation stated on-street neighborhood parking in Holmes Beach has been reduced by 45%.
Whitmore, a Holmes Beach resident and the city’s former mayor, said, “The city of Holmes Beach had 2,500 parking spaces before COVID. Today, they have maybe 500. They eliminated 2,000.”
Whitmore also mentioned a vacant bank property near Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach as the possible parking garage location.
At-large Commissioner Carol Whitmore expressed appreciation for Van Ostenbridge’s comments. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Thatcher, the new District 1 commissioner, later repeated the parking figures cited by Whitmore.
While Tuesday’s work session was in progress, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer provided The Sun with parking figures that differed from those being stated by county officials. Tokajer reconfirmed those figures by phone this morning.
With Tokajer’s support, the Holmes Beach commission permanently eliminated 497 on-street parking spaces, he said. As a result, there are currently 1,261 on-street parking spaces available in Holmes Beach that do not require a city-issued parking permit and 642 permit-only parking spaces that become available to the public after 5 p.m., seven days a week, according to Tokajer.
Regarding claims that 2,500 parking spaces were reduced to 500, Tokajer said, “That’s false. We started with 2,400 spots. The 500 number, which has been explained, is merely the number of spaces designated for beach renourishment. We have a lot more spots than that available. The numbers I provided are accurate as of today. Those are the same numbers we provided to Charlie Hunsicker, Cheri Coryea (county administrator) and Erica Betts.”
Renourishment funding
During the work session, Hunsicker said state and federal grants that help fund beach renourishment projects are based on the number of parking spaces located within a quarter-mile of the beach access points that extend the length of the Island.
“Everything happening between the water and that quarter-mile, that’s where we focus on maintaining a minimum number of parking spaces for each access point out to that beach. Beyond the quarter-mile, it doesn’t count, no matter how many spaces we have,” Hunsicker said.
“As cities change their allowances, if it’s happening outside of a quarter-mile it doesn’t affect our federal grant availability or our state grant availability. If we mess up inside that quarter-mile zone, it means millions of dollars of local cost. It doesn’t prevent you from having a beach renourishment program. It just increases your local share proportionate to the loss of public parking spaces,” Hunsicker explained.
Hunsicker said the per-quarter mile parking requirements are not offset by the large parking lots at Coquina Beach, Manatee Beach and elsewhere on the Island.
“The state and the federal governments believe access within a reasonable walking distance is important. So, it’s not maintaining the maximum total spaces along your length of shoreline, but a minimum of 50 spaces within a quarter-mile of each access point. If you have 40 spaces within a quarter-mile, you’re not going to meet the public access requirements to maintain full grant funding,” Hunsicker said.
Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker explained in detail the beach renourishment parking requirements. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Kruse, the new District 7 at-large commissioner, asked how many designated parking spaces for beach renourishment currently exist in Holmes Beach. Carr-Betts estimated that number to be approximately 460.
“We worked with the chief of police in Holmes Beach and we were right on the cusp of not having full eligibility. He worked with me and we were able to get full eligibility for that portion of the shoreline. With spaces being taken away, we have to be very careful at this point to make sure the spaces are adequately distributed along the shoreline,” Carr-Betts said.
“Literally, on a street-by-street basis. That’s why I’m very concerned,” Hunsicker added.
Hunsicker said there were instances when Tokajer was told a street with five proposed public parking spaces needed six.
“We used to have hundreds of spaces of leeway before the COVID actions happened, but now we’re tight, so we have to pay much more attention to it,” Hunsicker said.
Tuesday evening, Hunsicker provided The Sun with some additional information pertaining to beach renourishment parking requirements.
“In Holmes Beach, 479 is the bare minimum number of public parking spaces and equivalent public spaces provided by public trolley stops and bicycle racks, as provided by state statute to maintain 100% grant eligibility for state and federal renourishment,” Hunsicker said.
“Due to the opportunities for a small number of eligible spaces to change frequently, we ask each Island city to also provide a buffer of 10-20% of additional spaces within a quarter-mile of each public access point if at all possible. In our discussion with the Holmes Beach mayor and police chief, 500 spaces were offered, translating to 21 additional spaces. While this was short of the buffer desired, we accepted this offer as a good faith effort to provide buffer where needed,” Hunsicker said.
“The cities of Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria each have their own different and unique equivalent minimum parking space requirements covering their respective shoreline lengths of renourished beachfront as well,” he noted.
During the work session, Chief Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague also commented on the parking requirements.
“This is driven by the public purpose requirements of state and federal law. We’re supposed to use public dollars for public purposes. The tourist development tax statute we use for beach renourishment says it’s for beaches that have public access and public use. The reason it’s such a big issue for the county is that we take responsibility for the entire shoreline of Anna Maria Island. There’s a lot of private properties along that Island. It’s great that they have beaches, but it’s questionable whether we can use public dollars to renourish beaches in front of private homes. There has to be a public use there as well,” Clague said.
Van Ostenbridge opines
“I’ve spoken to many residents of Holmes Beach. A lot of them are embarrassed by the actions of their city. It’s extremely unwelcoming. It’s very disappointing,” Van Ostenbridge told the commission, noting his family’s roots on the Island date back to the 1930s.
Van Ostenbridge said many District 3 residents don’t live in Holmes Beach but work or own businesses there.
“I ran on a pro-business platform. I support those workers and those businesses, and I know this hurts them,” he said.
“The beach belongs to everyone. It’s the gem of the entire county. It belongs to every county taxpayer. If you want us to participate in renourishing that beach and caring for it and maintaining it, you have to provide them access to it,” Van Ostenbridge said.
“The state has minimum required levels of parking for the state and the feds to participate in beach renourishment funding. I would like this county to set much higher standards. I would like us to set pre-COVID levels of parking. If you’re looking for a number, 2,500 parking spaces is the minimum in Holmes Beach if they want us to participate in beach renourishment funding. I’m going to take a very aggressive approach with this,” Van Ostenbridge said.
“The vast majority of residents and business owners in Holmes Beach, they’re kind, welcoming people. They know they live in a destination city and they want people to come to their city. And those who are staunchly against this, you knew you moved to a destination city when you moved there. It is not a private Island. It is open to the public. It’s open to everyone in this community regardless of whether they live in Samoset or Palmetto or west Bradenton. The beach belongs to everyone,” Van Ostenbridge said.
He also alluded to the 5% tourist development tax collected on hotel, motel and vacation rental stays in Manatee County, most of which occurs on Anna Maria Island.
All three Island cities have utilized county commission-approved tourist development tax funds in recent years to help fund city projects, including the construction of the new Anna Maria City Pier.
Van Ostenbridge suggested the future use of tourist tax funds – spent on the advice of the Tourist Development Council (TDC) and the approval of the county commission – could be jeopardized by parking reductions.
“There are many other areas in this county that would love TDC funding – millions and millions of dollars,” he said.
Van Ostenbridge said he’d like to see Coryea enter into negotiations with some of the Island churches regarding the possible weekend and holiday use of their parking lots. He suggested reimbursing participating churches with tourist tax funds or some other funding source. He also asked Coryea to reach out to the school district regarding the possible weekend and holiday use of the parking spaces at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach.
Additional commission comments
Whitmore, an at-large commissioner who lives in District 3, thanked Van Ostenbridge for his comments about the Holmes Beach parking reductions.
“I am so happy that you’ve done what you’re doing. I don’t have it in me to be as direct as you, but you’re my commissioner and I’m happy that somebody in the leadership of Manatee County that represents that district has actually said it publicly,” Whitmore said.
She suggested Van Ostenbridge meet with Tokajer and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth.
“I know Judy. She’s a very good person,” Van Ostenbridge said. “We disagree politically on this issue.”
District 1 Commissioner James Satcherr expressed support for pursuing the construction of a parking garage on Anna Maria Island. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I don’t feel like we picked a fight,” Satcher said. “I feel this issue should not be put upon us, but it has, so I’m looking at other options to solve the problem. The one that I can see is to build a parking deck within that quarter-mile if we can get it.”
That prompted Van Ostenbridge to say, “Mr. Satcher, I would just caution you on moving too quickly on a parking garage. That would be detrimental to the character of the Island.”
Regarding the Holmes Beach parking reductions, Baugh said, “I totally agree with Commissioner Van Ostenbridge. I feel like it’s gotten out of hand in Holmes Beach. I think they have forgotten that we all work together as a team.”
Baugh said she, too, would like to see more communication between the county and the Holmes Beach mayor and police chief.
“We need to get back to the way things were. If not, they’re going to look real funny if their beaches don’t continue to be renourished. I don’t know if they realize that or not, but they certainly can’t afford to pay for the dredging. Hopefully, they’ll remember that and try to meet us halfway,” Baugh said.
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh also opposes Holmes Beach’s parking reductions. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
No formal votes were taken during the work session, but Van Ostenbridge offered his assessment of the commission majority’s position on potentially withholding future funds.
“I know we’re not counting heads here, but I think it’s pretty obvious that multiple commissioners are entertaining the idea. You might want to relay that message,” he said.
Holmes Beach responds
During the county work session, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth texted Whitmore. She later shared that text with The Sun.
In part, Titsworth’s text said, “Why are you allowing your commissioners to state untruths? You also should have invited me to attend. I was not aware of this work session.”
Speaking by phone after the work session ended, Titsworth said when she learned about the discussion taking place, she tuned in in time to hear Van Ostenbridge threatening to withhold future beach renourishment funds.
“No one called me to make sure they had the latest numbers. They didn’t make sure they had the correct information to give their commissioners. We offer more parking places than what’s required for beach renourishment. It’s surprising to me how they can speak about an issue and give strong opinions about an issue without trying to get educated on an issue,” Titsworth said.
“We had a meeting with Charlie. He was comfortable with the 500 spaces. We have it in our interlocal agreement. We adhere to the requirement for beach renourishment and will not jeopardize that,” Titsworth said.
“If he (Van Ostenbridge) wants to withhold funding, he should base it on us not upholding agreements that we have, and not just some fictional number,” she added.
Titsworth disputed the PowerPoint slide that said, “All on-street right of way and beach access parking in residential areas will close.”
“That’s not true. It looks like they were given bad information,” she said.
“Commissioner Van Ostenbridge has never reached out to me except for the one time he asked me if I’d support him if he ran for office. He has not called me since. If he has any concerns about anything, I have an open-door policy and he can see me any time.”
Tokajer also disputed the claim that 45% of Holmes Beach’s public parking spaces were eliminated.
“That is false, it has not been reduced by 45%. The parking numbers you have are the true and accurate numbers of today – which are the same numbers that were provided to Charlie Hunsicker in the meeting we had with Cheri Coryea and Erica Betts. It was not an adversarial meeting and every parking space they requested was given. The numbers given to them for beach renourishment were approved by them, as well as the state. We in no way would jeopardize the parking required for beach renourishment. It would have been nice for the commissioner, who is new, to have reached out to get the facts,” Tokajer said.
He also mentioned the figures cited by Whitmore and Satcher.
“We started with 2,400 spots, not 2,500. With the regular parking, the open parking and the permit parking, we have at least 1,903 spots. That shows a reduction of just under 500 spots total,” Tokajer said.
According to Tokajer’s statement, the city eliminated 21% of its pre-COVID parking spaces.
“That does not mean that in that quarter-mile area that we only have 500 spots. We have 1,261 spaces within that quarter-mile area. If the state and the feds were to come back and say for beach renourishment we need 600 spots designated, we already have them. They’re just not designated,” Tokajer said.
“We are not picking a fight. We are trying to weigh the needs of our residents and bring things back to some semblance of normalcy for them. The beach is for everyone, we’re in total agreement with that. But Holmes Beach’s residential areas should not be made into the county parking lot as if it was the UTC mall just because they want people to come to the beach. The county needs to come up with some other scenario where there is available parking without ruining the character and the residential areas of Holmes Beach,” Tokajer said.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The number of COVID-19 cases reported on the Island has reached 100.
The cases date back to the beginning of the pandemic in March through Monday, Nov. 16, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management daily COVID-19 data report, which reports cases according to patients’ home zip codes.
2020 COVID-19 cases on
Anna Maria Island by month
March 0
April 2
May 2
June 16
July 36
August 52
September 59
October 76
November (to date) 100
As of Monday, there were 52 COVID-19 cases reporting in Holmes Beach, 36 in Bradenton Beach and 12 in Anna Maria since the pandemic began.
As of Nov. 9, there had been 84 COVID-19 cases reported on Anna Maria Island – with 41 cases reported in Holmes Beach, 34 cases reported in Bradenton Beach and nine cases reported in Anna Maria.
Between Nov. 9 and Nov. 16, 11 new cases were reported in Holmes Beach, two in Bradenton Beach and three in Anna Maria.
As of Monday, there had also been 50 total COVID-19 cases reported in the Manatee County portion of Longboat Key and eight in Cortez.
On Saturday, Nov. 14, 202 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Manatee County, according to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) COVID-19 dashboard. As of Monday morning, 14,593 Manatee County residents and 179 nonresidents tested positive for COVID-19 since March.
According to the Nov. 14 Manatee County COVID-19 update shared by County Commissioner Misty Servia, 34 patients were currently hospitalized for COVID-19 as of Saturday, with 945 total COVID-19 hospitalizations to date, and 346 COVID-19 related deaths to date.
The most recent daily percent positive rate for those tested in Manatee County in one day was 7.81%.
Updated Nov. 23, 2020 – ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Before the arrival of Tropical Storm Eta, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker shared his thoughts on the anticipated loss of the sand that would occur on Anna Maria Island’s recently renourished beaches.
The beach widening portion of Anna Maria Island’s beach renourishment project is complete as of Nov. 18, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ contractor, Marinex Construction, began building dunes on Nov. 20 with an expected completion date of Nov. 30. The $17 million project began July 8 at 78th Street in Holmes Beach and ended at Longboat Pass in Bradenton Beach. Tropical Storm Eta and Hurricane Zeta delayed the project’s original Oct. 31 deadline, and pulled some newly-placed sand off the beach into the Gulf of Mexico (pictured) as anticipated by project engineers. Pipelines are off the beach except for a storage area at Coquina Beach. – Cindy Lane | Sun
“Many people who follow beach renourishment see the sand go away during a storm and say, ‘It all washes away. It’s a waste of money.’ I want everyone to understand the sands there are sacrificial. The beaches are intended to wash away. Mother Nature will come in with the energy she has and extract the sand, or take something from the Island. If it’s not the sand, it’s homes, roads and utilities,” Hunsicker said.After the Tuesday, Nov. 3 county commission meeting ended, Hunsicker discussed the public criticism that sometimes accompanies the storm-related loss of renourished beach sand.
“Many people look at that as a waste of money, but that’s exactly the plan. Sacrificial sand is what we put there. Recreation is an added attribute, but its first and foremost job is to protect the Island. That’s why it’s done and that’s what it does,” Hunsicker said.
“They were significant. But I want everyone to remember that the beach we build is titled theThe loss of beach renourishment sand was also discussed Thursday morning during the county’s post-Tropical Storm Eta virtual press conference, when Hunsicker was asked what losses were sustained in terms of beach sand.
‘Anna Maria Island Shore Protection Project’ by the (Army) Corps of Engineers. The primary purpose of our beaches is for coastal protection, to dissipate the energy of the storms. We also have very real recreation benefits and habitat benefits as well for nesting shorebirds and marine turtles,” Hunsicker said.
“We lost depth and width of beach to a near-shore and offshore sand bar. It did not wash away to the middle of the Gulf or Texas. It’s nestled below sea level about 50-60 yards offshore. It will stay that way over the winter, and in the summer, the gentler waves will slowly move it back on shore. Not all of it. We lost sand, and even under normal conditions, Anna Maria Island loses about 10 feet of width every single year,” Hunsicker said.“If a sandy beach washes away, it’s done its intended job. Without the beach, we’d be looking at Gulf-facing roads, utilities and ultimately homes that would absorb the brunt of the storm and be washed away. In this circumstance, we are quite pleased. The erosional losses we saw were the measured benefit of having the beach in place for storms just like this one,” Hunsicker said.
“I want everyone to understand the sands there are sacrificial. The beaches are intended to wash away.” – Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director
“We fully expect the beach to respond the way it did. It’s the breaking tide that does most of the damage. When high tide rolls up over the beach it moves sand around, but it doesn’t drag it out like grabbing hold of a bedsheet and pulling it off a bed. Actually, high tides and flooding on the beach is a good thing. We lose the back berms and dunes, but that sand is pulled from the dunes and distributed across the beaches,” Hunsicker said.
“We’ve been asked to assess damages like any other tropical storm or hurricane, and to rough estimate the volume lost. If there is a congressional add to the budget to address damages from this hurricane season, our beaches there will be eligible for the Corps to return with a new contractor and put that sand back on the beach. That isn’t very often, but that’s how, after Hurricane Sandy (in 2012), we got relief. If you remember Hurricane Irma (in 2017), that is why the Corps is here now, to return the whole beach back to its starting elevations and widths that were there before the storm,” Hunsicker said.
“We may go through yet another episode if congressional money is available. We won’t be able to afford paying for it ourselves – or the state of Florida for that matter. But we’re always optimistic. Certainly, there were damages up and down the southwest coast of Florida and on the east coast – Miami and Key West. So, if there’s a hurricane relief bill coming to Congress, the Army Corps will make efforts to apply that funding to restore the lost sand we just suffered in the last three days,” Hunsicker said.
However you voted in the recent election, there’s probably a certain amount of stress and angst that’s followed. I’m not immune either, but like so many stresses that make up our lives, I’m reminded that this, too, will pass. I’m also reminded that it’s a good time to move past the vitriol, arguing and blaming and concentrate on the things we all have in common.
As island residents, we all depend on the many gifts our local waters bring us, whether a reflective walk on the beach, a day fishing with friends and family or the spiritual refresh of a morning sunrise or an evening sunset. Beyond that, the economy that supports our businesses and puts food on our tables depends on all of us working together for the common good. If you’re feeling like you are helpless in the face of the political and environmental storms that have rocked our lives recently, I would like to propose a path forward.
While I don’t mean to make this a philosophical discourse, I think it’s important to remember that we only have, at best, a short time on this planet. In that time we have the ability to help create real positive change and make a difference for our children and future generations by concentrating on the things that matter most.
I’ve seen the result of that first hand in the faces of volunteers that help plant clams to clean local waters, who work to enforce environmental regulations meant to keep our waters vibrant and in the letters and posts in the local papers and on social media. My experience has shown me that people care and want to get involved. I think the 71% of Manatee residents who voted for the Water and Land Referendum in an election that revealed the depth of our political divide is proof of that.
Want to get involved? Here is a partial list of organizations that work locally to protect our most precious resource and the fishing it supports!
Brice Claypoole is one of the youngest activists in the area.
Sarasota Bay Watch members and volunteers celebrate one of their 2018 clam releases. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun
Elizabeth and Ann Brooker, Sadie Barbour and Addy Freeman share a day on the water that they love and are working to protect. - Submitted
Kids are working to clean bay waters. - Submitted
Water quality is a continuing problem in local waters. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun
Citizens prepare to address EPA officials presiding over the public comment session at Mote’s WAVE Center. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun
The Scallop Search is a great opportunity for families to spend a day on the water helping the bay. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun
A thick mat of lyngbya covers the east shoreline of Anna Maria Sound. Brown areas of water appear where the mat has sunk to the bottom. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun
Larry Beggs positions his barge so volunteers Benny Parrish, Becky Parrish and Taylor Wilson can unload their kayaks. - Submitted
Volunteers help Sarasota Bay Watch plant clams to address water quality. - Submitted
Updated Nov. 16, 2020 – BRADENTON BEACH – Longtime Island resident Mark Mixon died Wednesday evening from an accidental electrical shock he received during Tropical Storm Eta.
According to Det. Sgt. Lenard Diaz, of the Bradenton Beach Police Department, the fatal accident occurred at a home Mixon was working on at 211 Bay Drive N. The police department received the dispatch call at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.
“The Fire Department and EMS were there. When we got there, a guy came running up to us and said his friend just got electrocuted,” Diaz said that evening.
According to Diaz, Mixon was placing sandbags around the bayside of the Bradenton Beach home before the accident occurred.
“He went inside his storage room, which is part of the house and on the ground, and there were approximately 3 inches of water inside the storage room. When he walked inside, he didn’t realize he had an appliance still connected to electricity. He walked inside and he was electrocuted because the appliance was partially in the water,” Diaz said.
Diaz said the storage area contained a washer and dryer and some tools. He later said he believed the dryer to be the source of the electrical shock.
Diaz said Mixon’s friend tried to pull Mixon out of the storage area, but he felt electricity surging through the water and discontinued those efforts and called 911.
“When we got there, we couldn’t walk in until the electricity got turned off, which took approximately 30 minutes. We then brought him out and checked his vital signs and he was deceased,” Diaz said.
When contacted that evening, Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Saur provided some additional details. He said Manatee County EMS was among those who responded to the 911 call.
“Our 911 center called FPL. This was the first time in my 20 years we’ve had to call FPL and ask them to de-energize a portion of the county. That takes a lot to do and they asked us if we’re sure we want to do this because we could take out power to a lot of other critical things. We’ve never really done that before, but we did it in this case so we could get into that home,” Saur said.
Around that same time, several Bradenton Beach residents noted on Facebook that they had lost power.
When contacted that evening, West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Ben Rigney confirmed the electrocution. Rigney did not provide the victim’s name but did say the victim’s next of kin was notified of the accident.
“The next of kin was on scene,” Rigney said.
“They had an electrocution. It came in at approximately 5:35 today. Our responders went there. When they first walked in they felt a little tingle so they had to back away until they got FPL out there,” Rigney said.
“They were unable to access the patient due to the power still being on. They had to wait for FPL to secure power to the area before going in to check on the patient and he was confirmed DOA (dead on arrival),” Rigney said.
Rigney said this was the first time he was aware of a significant portion of the power grid being turned off in response to an emergency call.
Several years ago, Mixon took over operations of Jim Mixon Insurance Inc., the family-operated, Holmes Beach-based insurance agency founded by his father, Jim. After the agency was sold, it was renamed Waller-Mixon Insurance.
Holmes Beach resident and County Commissioner Carol Whitmore knew Mixon well.
“I’ve known Mark since the 70s or 80s. He grew up in Holmes Beach. He used to be my neighbor on 84th Street for many years before he moved to Bradenton Beach. Mark was a very quiet man and he helped his parents with Mixon Insurance. He was a very hard worker. He took pride in succeeding his parents in the family business and carrying on the family legacy. I know more people than I can count in Manatee County and on the Island who got their insurance from Mark. After they sold the business, I heard he stayed busy repairing and remodeling houses,” Whitmore said.
Patrick Shomo owns the property at 209 Bay Drive N., next door to the scene of the accident. He also spoke kindly of Mixon.
“Nobody lived there. Mark told me it was his personal project house and he’d been working on it mostly alone,” Shomo said.
“Mark was good people and has been nice to my family since we became neighbors in October. He hit it off with my wife and kids and talked to my 9-year-old son about fishing, always letting him chase a lost lure onto his property. We are all sorry to see him gone. He was also my insurance agent for years. The Island lost a good man,” Shomo said.
Holmes Beach resident Margie Motzer said, “We were so sad to hear about Mark. He was such a nice guy and he will be sorely missed.”
Holmes Beach resident Scott Moore said, “Mark was a great guy. He was a really nice guy and everybody on the Island liked Mark.”
Moore’s daughter and longtime Island resident Kelly Moore Hunt said, “It’s so tragic. Mark was such a good person. I have his smiling face in my head. When we were children, we used to stay at his house all the time. He was so welcoming to all the kids and he treated us like a second dad. I ran into him about a year ago and he said if you need anything you come to me. He was the most loving, caring human and he was always there for his friends. He grew up on the Island and he was all about Anna Maria Island.”
