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Year: 2023

AMI tourism numbers remain strong

AMI tourism numbers remain strong

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Business, Tourism.

ANNA MARIA – Research Data Services’ (RDS) Ann Wittine presented her state of tourism update to members of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) on June 5 at a meeting held at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

As predicted in her April 24 address to the TDC, most numbers continue to be on the rise.

Wittine’s report featured the latest available statistics related to the Manatee County tourism industry from April. Total visitors and room nights were down slightly from April 2022, but economic impact was up for the month in 2023 with 97,000 visitors (down 2.1%), 220,700 room nights (down 4.1%) and $143,973,100 in economic impact (up 3.4%).

“While we did see a slight decrease in visitation this April over last April, a big part of this is because last year Easter fell on April 17, but this year it was April 9,” Wittine said. “This is a normal thing. When we see an early Easter, we find the season compresses. While we saw a slight decrease from last year, we see an increase in economic impact, meaning that visitors that are coming are spending more.”

Room occupancy for April was down slightly (down 2.8%) after being down more than 3% in the last report from RDS, which quoted data from February 2023. The average daily room rate, however, was up 7.9% at $265.70 per day in April compared to $246.30 in April 2022.

The Tampa-based RDS also keeps track of where people come from when they visit the area. The biggest increase in domestic visitor origin was the Midwest, which was up 5.1% over the same time period in 2022. Globally, travel from Europe fell 13.6% and travel from Canada was down 25.6% over April 2022. Wittine said the reason for the decrease in European and Canadian visitors was due to April 2022 being the first spring these tourists were not under COVID-19 lockdown orders. She said that current numbers are more in line with what is expected.

“As we have been seeing, we have a slight rollback in the number of people coming out of Florida,” Wittine said. “This is expected. The important thing to note is that we are still up 50% over where we were in 2019, so all of the marketing to the nearby markets has had an amazing ripple effect with the visitors continuing to come back.”

Wittine forecast numbers going down slightly at her last address to the TDC, but said at this meeting that rental agencies and condo owners on AMI have reported solid bookings for June and July.

Letter to the Editor: Parking solutions complex

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

I am a fan of simple. I think we overanalyze many things. However, there are some things that call for higher-level thinking. The dilemma of transporting more people to AMI beaches is one of them.

The current knee-jerk parking garage solution from state and county leaders is decades old, tired and simple. It is “Boy howdy, let’s just pour us some more concrete.” It is wrong on so many levels.

There is a lesson here for the electorate. There are going to be other ongoing complex issues that call for creative and innovative thinking. The solutions to these issues will impact us all.  We would be wise to elect future leaders who understand the whole picture, are forward-thinking and comprehend multiplex relationships. After all, they do have our fate in their hands.

 

Deb Sneddon

Holmes Beach

Castles in the Sand

It can’t hurt to ask

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

In certain parts of the world, the marketplace is designed for negotiation. Don’t ever offer full price and don’t ever accept the first negotiation are two commonly employed strategies. It’s a culture that was pretty common in this country in generations past. Now it’s rare to purchase a car, an appliance or bike for your child and not pay the asking price.

Even purchasing a home during the past several years has almost lost the art of negotiation with values going crazy and offers being accepted at or well over full price. With the market stabilizing, buyers and sellers are starting to negotiate offers again, but there are other areas in the process of home buying where savings can be achieved. It never hurts to ask.

So, as a buyer or seller, you negotiated the accepted price of a home, but don’t think you’re done. I bet there are a few things you never thought of. They say a good negotiation is when both parties to the transaction come away thinking they left something on the table. Every property comes with stuff. It may be stuff that the buyer wants and the seller can’t take with them, making this a good starting place for negotiations.

Furniture is always negotiable even if the seller was planning on taking it. Furniture is expensive to move and, unless there are some valuable pieces, it may not make sense to hire a mover or shipper to relocate it. This is the time when the buyer can evaluate whether the furnishings have value and negotiate an offer to purchase. Not having to furnish a home can mean really big savings. Many homes in Florida come “turnkey” furnished and this can be a financial asset, especially for a second home purchase.

Everyone reading this lives on or near the water. What floats on the water? Boats. If the seller owns a boat and is moving to Colorado, it’s possible to take it off their hands, especially if the buyer was planning on buying one. This is a win-win for all parties. It’s the same with cars. Shipping a car that might be a few years old may not be cost-effective for a seller and buyers may be looking for another vehicle for their second home or their upcoming teenager’s driver’s license.

There are other ways to reduce expenses when purchasing a property, including negotiating with moving companies that are starting to see a reduction in activity. Try three different moving companies and see what the spread is. Moving companies also have other services like packing and unpacking which, if you ask, you can sometimes get a nice upgrade for not much more money.

As we know, mortgage rates have been fluctuating. Don’t be shy about negotiating origination fees, underwriting and loan application fees. Even the rate can be negotiated, just make sure the lender isn’t adding fees in the form of points to a negotiated interest rate. According to Freddie Mac, between 2010 and 2021, borrowers who applied with two different lenders reduced their mortgage rate by an average of 0.10%.

Sellers generally pay the broker commission on the sale of a property. Remember that realtor commissions are not regulated and can be negotiated as well. That said, I generally don’t like sellers negotiating realtor commissions since I think it can hurt the marketability of the property.

Good negotiating is an art. If you develop the skill to think creatively, you’ll be surprised how much money you can save. My mother grew up in the never pay full-price generation. Sometimes this was embarrassing, but most of the time she was right.

Loggerheads released after recovering from red tide

Loggerheads released after recovering from red tide

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Outdoors, Sea turtles.

ANNA MARIA – In a cooperative effort between Mote Marine Laboratory and The Florida Aquarium, two loggerhead sea turtles were released at Bayfront Park on May 30 after months of care and rehabilitation for the effects of red tide toxin.

“We are proud to collaborate with The Florida Aquarium in our shared mission to rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles,” Mote’s Rehabilitation and Medical Care Coordinator Lynne Byrd said in a press release. “By combining our expertise and resources, we can provide these magnificent creatures with the best possible care, ensuring their recovery and return to the big blue.”

The two rescued loggerhead sea turtles were nicknamed Valerie and Mahomes. Valerie was discovered floating nearshore off Longboat Key on Feb. 21. She appeared to have been affected by toxins from red tide, a waterborne algae that also can affect human respiration. She was transported to Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital in Sarasota and began receiving injectable antibiotics and subcutaneous fluids until symptoms improved.

When Valerie arrived at the hospital, Mote scientists found that she already had a flipper tag and a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag. The PIT tag, placed by Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program in 2019, gave the turtle a unique barcode identification number that allowed scientists to gain valuable insights into her migratory patterns, growth rates, survival and reproductive output, according to Mote.
Mahomes was found washed ashore off Casey Key Road in Sarasota County and also showed symptoms of red tide toxicity.

Initially admitted to Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital on Feb. 13, Mahomes was later transferred to The Florida Aquarium Turtle Rehabilitation Center on Feb. 24 to better prepare Mote for what they anticipated to be high numbers of incoming sea turtle patients affected by toxic red tide exposure.

Mahomes received antibiotics and supportive care during the course of rehabilitation to help rid the sea turtle’s body of toxins.

Before the release, Mahomes was outfitted with a satellite tag by The Florida Aquarium and the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

“These tags provide critically important information about diving, feeding, migratory and activity patterns all while recording corresponding environmental data such as water temperatures. This data will help better understand the patient’s behavior after reintroduction and provides key insight for future rehabilitation and conservation efforts,” according to Mote.

Following their months of care, the loggerheads successfully cleared all health assessments mandated by wildlife officials for release.
“Every turtle matters, as they serve as ambassadors for the critical need to protect and conserve these creatures and the habitats they rely on,” Byrd said in the release. “Every rehabilitated sea turtle is a symbol of hope for the future of our oceans.”

Within Sarasota or Manatee county waters, if you see a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale, please call Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program, a 24-hour response service, at 941-988-0212.

If you see a stranded or dead manatee anywhere in state waters or a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale outside of Sarasota or Manatee counties, please call the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Reel Time: Capture the moment

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

The world of photography has evolved with amazing speed over the last two decades and anglers have never had an easier time recording memories made on the water. Whether you’re capturing a reminder of a trip or your catch to share with friends and family, to post on social media or just to keep for your records, the new generation of phones and digital cameras allows you to record those experiences.

Photography has never been easier and anglers can enjoy this amazing technology no matter what their level of expertise. Most digital cameras and most smart phones also come with software (or apps) that let you enhance the image, crop the size and share the final product in a number of ways. You can send the images by email, as a text (straight from a phone) or download them, edit and print them out to frame and display. Modern phone cameras have all the features of digital cameras and the advantage of always being close at hand.
Even though taking a picture may be easy, there are a few basic rules that will help you capture a better image.

  • Before leaving the dock be sure you have fresh batteries, a charged phone, portable battery banks, memory cards and a cleaning cloth.
  • There is almost always a certain amount of chaos associated with catching a memorable fish, so get an idea in advance of where you’ll compose your image.
  • Check the background through the viewfinder carefully for distracting and cluttered backgrounds. Make sure you don’t have any unwanted objects, like a rod appearing to stick out of someone’s head.
  • Look to capture photographs that aren’t posed and remember that the sooner you get your picture the more vibrant the colors of a fish will be. First and foremost, fill the frame with the subject, eliminating anything that doesn’t add to the composition.
  • Since you’re filming on the water, check that the horizon is straight. Cameras and most smartphones have the option of putting a grid on the screen. If you have the option, and most phones do, shoot in portrait mode to blur the background and bring the subject into sharp focus.
  • Use a polarizing filter to cut glare and saturate colors.
  • For most shots with a digital camera set the aperture to at least F8 for better depth of field.
  • When trying to “catch” a jumping fish, make sure you stop the action with an ISO of at least 1,000th of a second. Many digital cameras and phones can now capture up to 10 frames a second so set the camera or phone to burst mode.
  • Many photographs taken on the water are exposed in bright light. When possible, avoid shadows on angler’s faces and use a fill flash if necessary.
  • Take a number of shots from different angles and get the angler excited and talking to you. One of the really great advantages of digital is that you can take lots of pictures and edit them on the go to make sure you have the shot you want.
  • Check out accessories like gimbals, selfie sticks and filters to take your work to the next level.
  • Start a YouTube channel and learn to upload and link movies. It’s easier than ever to shoot movie clips on digital phones like the iPhone and create videos in iMovie that can be uploaded to your YouTube channel.
  • If you are interested in recording underwater images and clips, check out the GoPro line of cameras and accessories.
Capture the Moment
A photo capturing the catch of a lifetime is made all the more special knowing the catch was released alive. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

If you have photo editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop, you can lighten the shadows in post-production. Post-production can be done on software that comes with new cellphones. This can eliminate the need for fill flash (if the contrast isn’t too great) and prevents a flash from creating unwanted reflections on fish. Since lighting is almost always challenging, shoot and then review important shots. If you have a more advanced camera, you can bracket important shots in difficult lighting situations. Expose at least three images: one slightly (one stop) underexposed, one slightly (one stop) overexposed and one at the setting suggested by the light meter.

There are a lot of excellent digital cameras on the market today. The new generation of smartphones can take amazing images and have clip-on accessories, including a polarizing lens.

If you’re really interested in photography, I would suggest getting a camera that meets your needs. Most come with a trial version of an image editing software like Adobe Elements. There are many cameras on the market from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, but for many anglers, their cellphones get the job done. Taking the time to capture the “moments of life” pays dividends that you can continue to relive by sharing them through your images.

For more information on the right camera for you, check with a professional at your local camera shop like Johnson Photo Imaging or shop online. Software demos (check out Lightroom or Photoshop) can be downloaded.

Permit parking only in effect

Permit parking only in effect

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Featured.

BRADENTON BEACH – As crews work their way down Gulf Drive South to complete the South Bradenton Beach Gravity System Relocation Project, temporary permit parking is now in effect to accommodate residents and visitors impacted by the project.

The first of the adjacent side roads to be closed during the project is 11th Street South. Residents and guests of homes on that street will be required to park with permits on the west side of Gulf Drive South for at least the next four months.

“There are approximately 70 residential properties on 11th Street South,” Manatee County Public Works Department Strategic Manager Ogden Clark said. “Nobody will be able to drive down the road. The reason we started with 11th Street is that there are the most residences on that road.”

The sewer project will replace and relocate a portion of the gravity collection system in South Bradenton Beach that now lies on private properties to new locations within the public right of way.

Clark said the 2.5-year-long project, which was contracted in January, is slightly ahead of schedule, but that could change during the summer rainy season.

“We had originally anticipated starting on 11th Street in July, so we’re slightly ahead of that,” Clark said. “But as we start to get heavy rains, the dewatering aspect becomes more involved and will take more time.”

Currently, the reserved permit parking section is located slightly north of Eighth Street South and goes south to midway between 10th Street South and 11th Street South.

Free golf cart shuttle service will be available to those living on closed roads. The phone number to call for service is 941-269-6699.

A security guard will be checking parking permits.

Part of the designated permit-only parking area includes public parking formerly for the use of those visiting the beach. “Permit parking only” signs will be placed in the area and citations may be issued to those parking in the designated area without permits.

Beach parking will be open just north of Fifth Street South to midway between Sixth and Seventh Streets. Additional beach parking will be in the area of 13th Street South. A construction material storage zone is located between Sixth and Seventh Streets and ends at the beginning of Eighth Street. The construction work zone is located midway between 10th and 11th Streets and ends between 12th and 13th Streets.

At its May 23 meeting, the Manatee County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution R-23-087, authorizing permit-only parking in designated parking spaces along Gulf Drive (Sixth Street South and 13th Street South) in Bradenton Beach for the project.

“The Acting County Administrator or his designee shall issue temporary parking permits for those impacted by the project construction and disseminate same to the appropriate individuals as needed and in accordance with this resolution and in the following chronological order: 1. 11th Street 2. 12th Street 3. 13th Street 4. 10th Street 5. Ninth Street 6. Eighth Street 7. Seventh Street 8. Sixth Street. Only one street at a time will be under construction and only those impacted by that particular street will be issued permits to park in the designated permit-only parking area during construction on that street.”

“The County shall temporarily change certain areas of parking along the west side of Gulf Drive South between Fifth Street and 13th Street from free parking to permit-only parking from the effective date of Resolution R-23-087 until Jan. 1, 2025,” according to Manatee County.

A copy of the resolution was mailed to the current mailing address on file with the Manatee County Property Appraiser for all properties eligible to receive a temporary parking permit.

High speed pursuit on Bridge Street ends in arrest

High speed pursuit on Bridge Street ends in arrest

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – According to witnesses, at least one of whom took video, a man later identified as Kevin Rodriguez, 48, of Bradenton left a trail of destruction on Bridge Street that began shortly after he was asked to leave the Drift In bar on May 27.

A Bradenton Beach police report said the incident began shortly after 11 p.m. when Rodriguez insisted on leaving the bar and driving after staff refused to serve him alcohol due to his inebriated state. Bar staff members convinced him to surrender his keys and agree not to drive. The tactic did not produce the intended results.

Bar management called a tow truck to remove Rodriguez’s truck from the parking lot, at which time Rodriguez pulled a second set of keys out of his pocket and got into his truck. The tow truck driver attempted to block Rodriguez from leaving the parking lot, but he rapidly accelerated, throwing gravel over nearby people and vehicles. He also struck a parked car, doing extensive damage to that vehicle’s front end.

Bradenton Beach Police Officer Devon Straight was pulling onto Bridge Street from Gulf Drive just as Rodriguez was speeding west on the street towards the Gulf Drive traffic circle. Several people in the roadway ran to Straight’s patrol vehicle stating that the driver of the truck was drunk and had just caused an accident.

“I turned around to keep sight of the vehicle while other officers responded to the Drift In,” Straight said in his report. “I observed the pickup truck northbound on Gulf Drive traveling at a dangerously high rate of speed, passing vehicles and running cars off the road as they tried to avoid being hit. There were also many pedestrians in the area due to it being a holiday weekend. The truck then turned eastbound over the Cortez Bridge and began driving on the wrong side of the road to pass traffic.”

After crossing the bridge, Straight attempted a traffic stop with his lights and siren, but he said the truck just sped up, eventually pulling away from the patrol car. In his report, Straight said that due to the highly intoxicated state of the driver, he stopped the pursuit believing his reckless driving would continue and the chase was becoming too dangerous to the public.

A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office helicopter took over the chase about two minutes after Straight called off his pursuit, following the truck until it eventually crashed into a driveway at 1704 57th Ave. W. in Bradenton.

Rodriguez was arrested for DUI, felony fleeing/eluding, hit-and-run and reckless driving. As of press time for The Sun, Rodriguez remains in the Manatee County Jail.

Season’s first named storm bypasses AMI

Season’s first named storm bypasses AMI

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Hurricane season is officially underway. This year’s June 1 start was heralded with the arrival of Tropical Depression Two, which formed into Tropical Storm Arlene the next day.

Though short-lived, Arlene was a good reminder that Atlantic hurricane season is here and now is the time to get prepared, not when the Island is facing the threat of storm impacts.

Here are some tips to help you get ready for hurricane season.

  • Have a 3–5-day supply of non-perishable food and water for each member of your family, including pets.
  • Keep emergency medical supplies, including medications, a first-aid kit and hand sanitizer.
  • Have a supply of battery-powered lanterns and flashlights, along with extra batteries.
  • Make copies of important documents, such as wills, passports, photo identifications, veterinary records for your pets and insurance policies. Keep the copies in an easy-to-access place where they can be grabbed quickly in case of an evacuation.
  • Keep a stock of cleaning supplies such as trash bags, rubber gloves, sanitizing cleaners or wipes and paper towels handy.
  • Invest in a fire extinguisher.
  • Pick up a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to listen for news when the electricity goes out.
  • Keep your yard and patio areas clean and clear of debris to make moving everything outside that could blow away or cause damage during a storm easier.
  • Know your evacuation zone. Anna Maria Island, Perico Island, Flamingo Cay, Cortez and parts of northwest Bradenton are all in the first evacuation zone for Manatee County. Make a plan with relatives or friends outside of early evacuation zones in case you need to leave home. In the event of an evacuation, you should plan to evacuate a few miles, not a few hundred miles, so that you can get back and check on the condition of your property after the storm passes and local officials determine it’s safe to return to the area.
  • If you have a generator, make sure to give it a test run before a storm comes toward Manatee County, that it’s kept in a safely ventilated area and that all carbon monoxide alarms are in good working order.

For anyone who finds themselves in need of hurricane supplies, Florida has two tax-free holidays to help with the purchase of some items. The first tax-free holiday ends on Friday, June 9. The second tax-free shopping opportunity will be from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8. Included items include portable generators, waterproof sheeting, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, portable power banks, batteries, flashlights, coolers, portable radios and more. A full list can be found online.

For more information on preparing for hurricane season, visit the Ready website.

Driver pleads not guilty in deadly crash

Driver pleads not guilty in deadly crash

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – The driver of a truck who struck two women pedestrians at Gulf Drive and Marine Drive on May 12 while they crossed the street is contesting the traffic citation with a plea of not guilty.

The crash led to the May 17 death of Miriam Trotter, 86, of Maryland. She was crossing Gulf Drive northbound in the marked crosswalk with her daughter, Deborah Trotter, 65, of Holmes Beach when Michael Ritchie, 43, of Bradenton, made a left turn on a green light from southbound Marina Drive onto southbound Gulf Drive in a 2018 GMC truck and struck both women, according to a Holmes Beach Police Department report.

Both pedestrians were transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital with injuries. Deborah Trotter was released from the hospital the same day.

Holmes Beach police cited Ritchie for failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian at an intersection with a traffic control device under Florida Statute 316.130(7)(A). Ritchie was not charged with a criminal offense because the police investigation determined he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and he did not leave the scene of the accident.

According to documents obtained in public records, Ritchie obtained the services of Sarasota-based attorney David Haenel. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7 at 8:30 a.m. in Manatee County’s 12th Judicial Circuit Court. Ritchie has requested a trial by judge.

The accident led to changes in the traffic light pattern at the three-way intersection. Now, when the signal for pedestrians to cross says “walk,” the lights are red in all three directions.

Police remind drivers that even if they have a green light, they must yield to pedestrians.

Castles in the Sand

More fraud red flags

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

Summer is here and while you’re sitting on the beach you might not want to think about real estate fraud, but fraudsters may be thinking about you. Over the past few weeks, we’ve gone over different kinds of real estate fraud, but there’s more – lots more.

Deed fraud is something most people don’t even think about. How can someone get a lender to give them money against the equity of your home or indeed take over your identity? It might be easier than you think.

There are many identity theft monitoring subscriptions you can purchase that will alert you if there is a new credit check on your credit report or a new loan or credit card. I have one of these and it is very effective, if occasionally annoying, especially if your credit card has an unusual charge which you know about. Nevertheless, I, for one, think it’s a good investment.

The one thing that may be more difficult to be alerted about is deed fraud, another form of identity theft. Deed fraud occurs when someone steals your identity, forges your name on a deed and takes title to your home. This can be more difficult than it sounds to sort out even if you know about it quickly.

Every state has different regulations on executing a deed of sale, but a sure way to check to see if your deed has been tampered with, especially if you have reason to believe this is the case, is to search Manatee County property records. This is a simple and quick process that involves just entering your name and finding your property records. You will see immediately if the deed has been transferred to someone else just like when you sell or buy a property. It’s a nice little habit to get into once a month considering that identity theft is on the rise.

Another popular fraud is wire fraud starting with scammers checking online multiple listings. They wait for a pending sale then profile as many parties to the transaction as they can and research email addresses. When you purchase or sell a property these days, most of the transaction is done online. With so many people involved in the transaction, there is sensitive paperwork flying around the internet. It’s easy for even the most trusted person to make a mistake or not check details, leaving that up to you as the buyer or seller. Look over everything carefully, don’t just do your online signature and move on to the next page.

There are red flags to look for before you sign off and these are just a few of a long list:  deletions, corrections or other alterations; someone other than the seller is shown on the sales contract; purchase price is substantially higher or lower than current market value; date and amount of existing encumbrances appear suspicious; real estate commission is excessive; chain of title includes an unknown interested party or the buyer and seller have similar names but haven’t disclosed a relationship.

Finally, you can keep up with scams by logging on to the FBI or the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force websites if you are suspicious of something related to your transaction or by emails you received online. Don’t open any emails that look official unless you’re positive it’s legitimate.

There are many anti-fraud acts enacted by states and the federal government. The most well-known one is the Dodd-Frank Act enacted in July 2010 as a result of the prior financial crisis. This act places regulation of the financial industry in the hands of the government to limit risk and enhance transparency. However, don’t assume everyone involved in a real estate transaction or an existing deed is competent and honest. As a homeowner and potential homeowner, you need to be proactive.

This may not be your favorite beach reading, but it is important.

Memorial Day, centennial celebrated

Memorial Day, centennial celebrated

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – More than 500 people gathered Monday morning at City Pier Park for a Memorial Day remembrance of the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Navy veteran Carl Pearman and his wife, Irene, attend the Memorial Day commemoration each year.

“I’m a proud Navy veteran,” Carl said. “I served from the late 1950s between the Korean War and Vietnam. We come every year. It’s important to honor these people.”

The annual ceremony, replete with tradition and patriotic music, was coupled with a recognition of the centennial anniversary of the City of Anna Maria.

Memorial Day, centennial celebrated
A U.S. Marine Honor Guard presents the colors at the Memorial Day commemoration at City Pier Park. – Leslie Lake | Sun

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy welcomed the crowd and introduced officials from the City of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach who were in attendance, including former Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and his wife, Denise, and former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore.

Additional dignitaries introduced by Murphy were Commissioners Mark Short, Robert Kingan, Jon Crane and Deanie Sebring, as well as Manatee County School Board Chair Dave “Watchdog” Miner and former Commissioner Dale Woodland, who Murphy said was instrumental in purchasing City Pier Park.

Memorial Day, centennial celebrated
Veterans are called up to the stage by branch of military service to be recognized at the Memorial Day commemoration at City Pier Park. – Leslie Lake | Sun

Bishop Michael Garrison of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida gave the invocation.

“We gather today to remember and give thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Garrison said. “This is not just the first day of the summer season, but a painful remembrance for those who lost family members.”

A U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard presented the colors in front of the stage and an Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) trumpeter played Taps followed by the orchestra playing the National Anthem.

Pearman was one of dozens of veterans who were called to the front of the stage by their branch of service and given flags and applause for their service.

Spouses and significant others who lost loved ones in the military service were presented with yellow roses by City of Anna Maria staff and volunteers.

Following a performance of patriotic music by AMICCO, who wrapped up with God Bless America, attendees were invited to sing along. The orchestra and chorus were conducted by Maestro Leonard Murphy.

Originally referred to as Decoration Day, the holiday originated following the Civil War and became a federal holiday in 1971 in remembrance of all who died in service to the U.S.

100th anniversary

Murphy introduced the 100th Anniversary celebration of Anna Maria at the close of the Memorial Day ceremony.

“One hundred years ago on what was a little sandspit, our city was founded,” Murphy said, noting the first mayor of the city was Mitch Davis.

“Resiliency is the legacy of this community we should be protecting it,” Murphy said to applause.

A history of Anna Maria was presented by Master of Ceremonies Tom Aposporos.

Aposporos, a longtime Anna Maria resident, read anecdotes from 1923 newspaper articles.

“In 1923, the local paper said the citizens of Anna Maria felt things weren’t being done fast enough,” he said. “A committee of interested parties met at the next town meeting.”

Aposporos read part of a poem by two-time city commissioner Frances Livingston.

“Depending on where people are from, they pronounce the name of our city differently,” he said. “I’ve heard Anna Mariar and Anna Maria with a long ‘I’. So here is a poem about that.”

“ ‘The sunshine is hot, life is much freer, for all the tourists of Anna Maria’,” he quoted from the poem, adding, “No matter what you call it, we’re just lucky to be here.”

National Safe Boating Week raises awareness

National Safe Boating Week raises awareness

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Outdoors.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – National Safe Boating Week, May 20-26, was an annual reminder for boaters to prioritize safety while enjoying Florida’s waterways.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the state leads the nation with over 1 million registered vessels.

“Unfortunately, each year FWC officers respond to far too many tragic boating accidents that could have been prevented. There were hundreds of accidents reported last year involving almost 2,000 individuals,” FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader Major Rob Beaton said in a recent FWC press release.

According to the organization, 54% of all vessel accidents in 2022 involved collisions, with the primary causes being improper lookout and operator inexperience. FWC encourages boaters to pay attention to their surroundings, always maintain 360-degree awareness and to take a boater safety course.

In 2022, 70% of operators involved in fatal boating accidents had no formal boater education.

“We know that an educated boater is safer on the water,” Beaton said. “Everyone can benefit from taking a boating safety course, it makes for a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone on board.”

FWC encourages boaters to always wear United States Coast Guard-approved life jackets while on the water, as well as to avoid impaired boating.

“FWC officers are always on the lookout for impaired operators and these operators will face arrest if found to be operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Beaton said.

To report dangerous boating activity, the public can submit anonymous tips by texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information about the violation or call 888-404-FWCC (3922).

For a summary of Florida’s boating regulations, available courses and boating safety tips, visit FWC online.

City proclamation

During the May 25 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy read aloud a city proclamation that said in part, “Safe boating begins with boating safety education and vessel preparation. The United States Coast Guard estimates human error or poor judgment accounts for most boating accidents. Basic safety precautions, such as taking a boating safety course, wearing life jackets, staying sober while boating, getting a free vessel safety check to confirm a vessel meets USCG safety requirements and carrying communication equipment can help ensure that boaters stay safe.”

More tips

Anna Maria resident David Haddox is the commander of the Anna Maria Island Sail & Power Squadron, and he provided The Sun with some additional insights.

He said Florida led the nation last year with 457 boating injuries and 70 boating fatalities.

More than 70% of the boating fatalities involve boats that are 21 feet long or shorter. Drowning is the most common cause of boating fatalities (64%) and four of five boater drownings involve boaters not wearing life jackets. At 27%, trauma was the second most common cause of boater fatalities.

Haddox encourages boat operators to wear an engine cut-off switch lanyard so that if the operator falls overboard, the boat will stop instead of motoring away or circling and causing death or injury by propeller strike.

“At the beginning of every trip, brief everyone on board about safety issues – where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them; how to stop and restart the engine; how to make a VHF radio mayday call; where the first aid kit is and where the anchor is,” he advises.

Haddox recommends taking America’s Boating Course. The next one offered by the local squadron begins Monday, June 5 at 6 p.m. and pre-registration is required.

“A state-approved boating safety course like ours is required for any boat operator born on or after Jan. 1, 1988,” Haddox noted.

Visit the AMI squadron online or contact them at 941-477-7845 or at AMISailPowerSquadron@gmail.com. America’s Boating Course is also available online.

Board rules in favor of Hunters Point docks

Board rules in favor of Hunters Point docks

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Cortez.

CORTEZ – The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) governing board has adopted a final order that allows 49 residential docks/boat slips to be built along the Hunters Point canal as part of the Hunters Point Resort & Marina development.

The final order issued on May 23 in favor of Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty and his Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. (CRIF) ownership group pertains to a 2021 permitting challenge filed by MHC Cortez Village LLC, which owns the nearby Cortez Village Marina.

Board rules in favor of Hunters Point docks
Eighty-six energy homes are being built as part of the Hunters Point Resort & Marina development. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The marina and its clients use the man-made canal built in the 1950s and purchased by Gobuty when he bought the Hunters Point property in 2016. The governing board’s ruling allows the water management district to issue the environmental resource permit CRIF first sought in 2021. The permit allows for the installation of 32 new boat slips in the canal and the replacement of 17 existing slips.

Board rules in favor of Hunters Point docks
This map illustrates where the Hunters Point docks will be located. – Cortez Road Investments | Submitted

MHC Cortez Village has 30 days to appeal the final order. If filed, the appeal would be heard either by the district court of appeal in Hernando County where the water district headquarters is located or in Manatee County where the Hunters Point property is located.

When contacted by The Sun and asked about the appeal process, the water district’s Public Information Officer Susanna Martinez-Tarokh provided the information she obtained from the water district’s office of general counsel.

“The court of appeal would review the record of the administrative proceeding and would make its decision based on the evidence in the record,” she said. “An appeal would not necessarily prevent the dock construction from starting, unless the court of appeal enters an order requiring construction to cease. However, if the court of appeal overturns the final order, the dock construction may have to be stopped.”

Gobuty told The Sun he expects MHC Cortez Village LLC to appeal the board’s final order.

When challenging the original permit issuance in 2021, MHC Cortez Village LLC was granted an eight-day hearing by Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Bruce Culpepper. That hearing was conducted last fall on behalf of the Florida Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).

During the hearing, MHC Cortez Village LLC alleged the construction of the Hunters Point docks would impede navigation on the canal and negatively impact the marina clients’ ability to use the canal, which provides the only direct water access to the nearby Intracoastal Waterway. The canal provides similar access for several canal-side residential property owners who already had docks and boatlifts in place when Gobuty bought the canal.

The governing board’s monthly meeting took place at the water district’s Tampa office.

SWFWMD attorney Chris Tumminia told the board members they were engaging in a quasi-judicial process that did not allow for any new testimony or public input. Tumminia said the board’s ruling could only be based on the official records of the case they received before their meeting, including the recommended order Culpepper issued on March 7.

SWFWMD attorney Jennifer Soberal then reviewed for the board members the salient points of the DOAH hearing and Culpepper’s previous factual findings and conclusions of law, which were based on the evidence, testimony and legal arguments presented to him.

“The applicant (CRIF) and the district demonstrated by a preponderance of the evidence the applicant’s entitlement to the ERP (environmental resource permit),” Soberal said. “The applicant provided the district with reasonable assurance in its permit application that constructing the dock is not contrary to the public interest. While the administrative law judge concluded the dock project will impede boat traffic to a certain extent, competent substantial evidence and testimony further established that any impediment will not be significant. The challenger failed to carry its burden of ultimate persuasion that the ERP should not be issued to the applicant.”

Before the governing board made its ruling, the attorneys representing CRIF and MHC Cortez Village were given three minutes to address the board. CRIF attorney Susan Martin noted the permit challenge pertained to a privately-owned canal and that the Hunters Point docks will not extend more than 9% into the canal.

“Your staff testified that this development was not contrary to the public interest and would not substantially impede navigation,” she said.

MHC Cortez Village attorney Matthew Chait said, “This is a very narrow and shallow canal and, when they add docks on one side it’s obviously going to make it narrower. The judge concluded in his proposed order that boats in this canal need at least 3.5 feet of depth to navigate, but the range of depths on the non-project side tops out at 3.2 feet. There is literally not enough depth for a boat to pull off on the non-project side, which is why we asked for the permit to be modified to remove some slips.”

Board rules in favor of Hunters Point docks
The owners of the Cortez Village Marina unsuccessfully challenged a permit that allows the Hunters Point docks to be built. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

With no further board discussion, the board approved the proposed final order and the issuance of the environmental resource permit that allows the Hunters Point docks to be built.

In 2022, in response to MHC Cortez Village’s permit challenge, CRIF filed a still-pending civil lawsuit seeking a court order that would prevent Cortez Village Marina clients from using the privately-owned canal.

CRIF also filed a separate and still pending civil lawsuit against several canal-side residential property owners which alleges that their docks and boat lifts violate Manatee County code by extending more than 25% into the canal. Those property owners dispute those allegations.

Related coverage

 

Final order expected for Hunters Point dock challenge

Commission discusses commercial activity in public spaces

Commission discusses commercial activity in public spaces

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

ANNA MARIA – City Commission Chair Mark Short doesn’t want Anna Maria’s parks, beaches and rights of way to be commercialized in a manner similar to what’s currently taking place along the Palma Sola Causeway.

During the commission’s May 25 meeting, Short noted there are now multiple commercial entities offering horseback rides, personal watercraft rentals and more along the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64. Short also expressed concerns about commercial activity occurring in city-owned rights of way.

“I don’t want this to become another Manatee Avenue,” he said.

Short said during his preliminary research of the city’s code of ordinances he didn’t find any prohibitions pertaining to commercial activities taking place in conservation zones, parks, beaches and other city-owned properties, and is not aware of any city regulation that prohibits such activity.

Short said he doesn’t want the city to prohibit short-term right-of-way uses during city-permitted special events. He also said he doesn’t want to prohibit commercial activities at The Center of Anna Maria Island, which is owned by the city, or the commercial activities already approved by the city on the City Pier.

He recommended asking City Planner Ashely Austen and City Attorney Becky Vose to draft a city ordinance that would prohibit commercial activities in public spaces. He then sought input from other commissioners.

Commission discusses commercial activity in public spaces
Commissioner Mark Short wants to regulate commercial activity in public spaces. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Commissioner Jon Crane agreed that the city’s rights of way should be protected, but he’s not sure a new ordinance is needed.

Commissioner Charlie Salem asked Short if there are currently any commercial activities taking place on city property that he’s concerned about. Short said there are, but he didn’t name any specific activities.

Commissioner Robert Kingan noted there are already businesses operating in Anna Maria that rent, deliver and retrieve beach cabanas, beach chairs and other beach supplies. Kingan said there are also restaurants that deliver to beach patrons.

Short said he wasn’t aware of the cabana rentals taking place in Anna Maria.

Salem noted the city already has an ordinance in place that prohibits beaching personal watercraft at Anna Maria’s public beaches and parks.

Crane said he’d like to see some additional analysis from city staff but he didn’t share Short’s desire for a prohibitive ordinance.

Mayor Dan Murphy agreed that some staff analysis would be a good starting point and he asked what specifically the commission wants analyzed. Crane said he’d like to know whether the city has the right to prohibit commercial activities in public spaces.

Murphy said that’s a legal question to pose to the city attorney. Murphy said the city attorney could analyze what the city can and can’t regulate before requesting any additional analysis from the city planner.

“I like that approach. Find out what we can and can’t do,” Short said.

Murphy said he would ask the city attorney to provide her legal insights at a future meeting.

Anna Maria opts out of Gulf Drive study

Anna Maria opts out of Gulf Drive study

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

ANNA MARIA – The city-owned portion of Gulf Drive will not be included in a corridor study conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

On May 25, the Anna Maria City Commission unanimously agreed to opt out of the state-funded study of the Gulf Drive corridor and its coinciding rights of way.

The city owns the portion of Gulf Drive located in Anna Maria. The state owns the portions of Gulf Drive/State Road 789 located in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.
FDOT engineer/design manager Craig Fox introduced the study to Island officials during the May 8 Island Transportation Planning Organization (ITPO) meeting. During that meeting, it was noted that Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach requested and will participate in the FDOT study that’s scheduled to begin in August and be completed within two years at an estimated cost of $1.5 million.

The study will identify areas along Gulf Drive that could be improved in terms of safety and drainage. The improvements could include implementing complete street standards pertaining to sidewalks, multi-use trails, crosswalks and more.

Fox said the participating cities can use the completed study results to pursue state and federal funds to implement the street and right-of-way improvements identified in the study.

During the Anna Maria City Commission’s May 11 meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy briefed the commissioners on the proposed FDOT study and asked them to review the study document before making a decision on May 25.

Murphy noted the state, in the 1970s, turned over to the city the ownership of the portion of Gulf Drive located in Anna Maria. Since then, the city has maintained, studied and improved those rights of way and the city-owned street that extends from the Anna Maria/Holmes Beach border to the Coconut Avenue intersection.

During the May 25 meeting, Murphy noted the 46-page study document includes language pertaining to drainage and land acquisition. Murphy said he needed to provide FDOT with the commission’s decision by the end of the month.

Commissioner Robert Kingan said he didn’t see the need for the city to participate in the study of an area that’s already been subjected to extensive drainage engineering and improvements. He also noted the city is currently planning safety and drainage improvements along Pine Avenue and he doesn’t want the FDOT study to detract from those efforts. Kingan said the FDOT study could possibly be more detrimental than helpful.

Commission Chair Mark Short agreed and noted the study mentions drainage and complete streets. He pointed out that Gulf Drive gets wider when you enter Anna Maria and there’s already a wide multi-use trail alongside a portion of the city-owned road.

Short shared Kingan’s concerns that FDOT’s study recommendations may not be what’s right or best for the city.

“I’m not fond of this project either,” Short said.

Kingan made the motion to opt out of the study and the commission voted 4-0 in support of doing so, with Commissioner Deanie Sebring absent.

“I will notify FDOT tomorrow morning,” Murphy said.