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Year: 2023

Letter to the Editor: Timeline for destruction

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

How did we come to the point where some want to further destroy what used to be one of the most beautiful locations in Florida? Here is my view: Officials on Anna Maria Island responding to complaints by residents, taxpayers and voters complaining about not being able to park in front of their homes, dealing with trash, feces, urine, loud voices and general interference with what they thought was their right to peaceful existence where some have lived for 25 or 50 years. Some of these issues are driven by youthful exuberance and the use of alcohol by adults, and, in many cases, minors. When was the last time a beachgoer was cited for having alcohol on the beach? If one wanted evidence of alcohol use on the beach, simply stand outside Publix, Walgreens, and other establishments on the island selling alcoholic beverages. I get it… it is nice to have a drink on the beach, but this is not Fort Lauderdale; this is not Miami Beach. This is Anna Maria Island where one can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings of an island paradise in peace.

So after the town initiated some parking rules, some of the county’s children, sorry commissioners, demanded that parking restrictions be rescinded, and, if not, there would be consequences/repercussions. These commissioners should recognize vacationers do not vote – taxpayers/residents do. There is such a well of disappointment, anger and resolve towards these commissioners with bruised egos that there will be organized efforts to change the composition of the county commission, which I expect will be well-funded. It is also possible that because the $11 million boondoggle at the Kingfish Boat Ramp expansion was defeated, some commissioners did not get their way and they could not spend the $11 million of taxpayer’s money. So, let us spend $42 million to build the three-story monstrosity, close the café for two years, and force beachgoers to pay for parking with the end result of increasing traffic and further degrading the atmosphere of the entire island.

It was pointed out to state representatives and others that there is plenty of parking on the island, there could be accommodation offered by various organizations and the town could offer parking to county residents. It seems some commissioners want to show Anna Maria Island who is the boss.

Remember to vote in 2024.

Paul Reed Steberger

Holmes Beach

Letter to the Editor: Preserve Island character

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

We applaud our Holmes Beach mayor and commissioners and their fellow civic leaders in Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach for defending longstanding, reasonable local “home rule,” certainly a tradition one would not expect to have attacked by Republican legislators like Rep. Robinson and Sen. Boyd.

But then who would expect that elected officials across the bridge in Bradenton would have such evident disregard and disrespect for the special “old Florida” vibe of Anna Maria Island? An expensive, intrusive parking garage? Really? On an island that, except for the high-rise condos on 53rd Street, has a unique character compared to Longboat Key and other beachfront communities?

Extensive, appealing, public beach access (with ample parking) is regularly underused at picturesque Coquina Beach. As several residents have wisely observed and our police chief’s recent survey of ample available parking spaces proved, we have “a traffic problem, not a parking problem.”

Yet the facts are unimportant. It’s all about political muscle and optics! As the mayor’s recent reasonable compromise proposal suggests, this is a political battle we are in danger of losing. One hopes that this very workable compromise did not come too late.

Holmes Beach has perhaps appeared to be insufficiently attentive to concerns raised about parking for daytime visitors. And to be fair, the tightening of parking regulations and removal of formerly available spaces pose an inconvenience for long-time homeowners like us – part-time or full-time residents for almost 25 years. Two wide, beach-block streets (67th and 77th streets) now suddenly forbid parking on both sides, though vehicles and pedestrians would still have ample, safe passage. The latter change is especially regrettable for those of us aged and/or requiring shelter from the sun, as 77th has a welcome beachfront shelter but few parking spaces remaining (even though golf carts have additional protected spaces).

Let’s hope that our state’s legislative representatives engage in genuine dialogue with local leaders, so we have a plan that responds appropriately to the need for parking for non-residents. But essential is a plan that recognizes and respects the primary responsibility of the Island’s elected officials to protect the quality of life for homeowners as well as visitors and the special character of Anna Maria Island.

Helen and Tom Flynn

Holmes Beach

Turtle season begins under Mazzarella’s watch

Turtle season begins under Mazzarella’s watch

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – As Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers begin checking the beaches this week for early sea turtle nesting activity, its new executive director, Kristen Mazzarella, takes over the watch from the late Suzi Fox.

“I envision following in Suzi’s legacy and to keep it going how it has been with the great community involvement,” Mazzarella said. “My goal is to keep the community educated, engaged and involved.”

Kristen Mazzarella will take over leadership duties at Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. – Submitted

Mazzarella has an extensive background with both turtles and shorebirds. She was a senior biologist at Mote Marine Laboratory for 15 years. She was on turtle patrol for 25 years in North and South Carolina and also worked with the Audubon Society for 15 years.

“The group of volunteers (with Turtle Watch) has been very welcoming,” she said. “Manatee County has been amazing; they clearly care a lot about the environment.”

Mazzarella said one of the Turtle Watch board members contacted her during their search for an executive director to see if she was interested in the position.

“I knew Suzi and I had worked with her on various projects,” she said. “I feel that this organization is so important because it’s a conservation program where both the community and the municipalities are very involved.”

There is a core group of 20-25 volunteers who have undergone training with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to conduct nesting beach surveys, but Mazzarella said volunteers are always needed and welcome.

During the nesting beach surveys, which run from mid-April to the end of October, volunteers patrol every day, keeping an eye on each nest until it has hatched, Mazzarella said.

“That training is done for this year, but certainly volunteers are needed to help with outreach and our adopt-a-nest program,” she said.

Fox’s legacy

Fox began as a volunteer for Turtle Watch in the 1990s. In 1996, she became the FWC’s turtle permit holder for the Island, adding nesting shorebird monitoring and protection to her duties.

She eventually took leadership of Turtle Watch as executive director and under her directorship, the organization grew.

May 1 is Suzi Fox Day in Bradenton Beach in honor of Turtle Watch’s late executive director. – Sun File Photo

“In three decades, we monitored 7,339 turtle activities, protected 4,454 nests, 301,694 turtle eggs, and watched 271,680 hatchlings depart to become a future generation of loggerheads that will return to the region as they reach maturity,” according to the Turtle Watch website.

Last season, local loggerhead sea turtles broke two records.

The number of hatched nests reached 453 in September, edging out the 2018 record of 447, and a record 35,850 hatchlings exceeded the prior record of 35,788 set in 2018.

The first official day of turtle nesting season on Anna Maria Island, May 1, will be proclaimed “Suzi Fox Day” in the city of Bradenton Beach.

At the Jan. 5 Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting, the proclamation was issued to honor Fox, who served as the organization’s executive director until her death on Sept. 30, 2022.

The proclamation states in part, “Suzi Fox led the organization and its league of volunteers for sea turtle protection to include protection for critical shorebirds.”

The proclamation credits Fox with reaching out to and educating the public about sea turtle and shorebird habitat.

“Suzi’s actions have led Anna Maria Island to expand on ecotourism opportunities and on further educating the public and future generations about our sea turtle and shorebirds habitat and the crucial role we play in ensuring their existence in the future.”

Featured artist combines nature, stained glass

Featured artist combines nature, stained glass

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – The final Holmes Beach Art Walk of the winter/spring season on April 14 offered a chance for the public to meet many of the talented local artists who are members of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island (AGAMI), including April’s Featured Artist, Janet Razze.

Unlike many artists who tend to specialize or prefer working in a single media, Razze uses watercolor, oil, acrylic, and in the case of her feature display, stained glass. She is a second-generation stained glass artist, learning the art form from her father beginning at a young age.

“I’m really inspired by nature, in fact, I started out as a biology teacher,” said Razze, whose display will be in the front window of AGAMI through the end of April. “I really enjoy doing stained glass, and as you can see by this display, I incorporated different shells from around the world in these stained glass pieces, and the name of the shell is in the title of each, so the observer knows what they are looking at.”

Razze offers unique stained glass works, and recently created a series of fish that glow in the dark after a labor-intensive process of applying a special acrylic paint that charges in the sunlight and glows in the darkness.

The art walk, which included many businesses in the Holmes Beach Shopping Plaza, will be the last of the season. Razze, who is also the AGAMI president, says they may restructure the event before its return in the fall of 2023.

“Since Island Gallery West moved off the Island, we are the only gallery left, so we may change the name to something else and do some restructuring,” Razze said.

The Artists’ Guild, an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed in 1989 to promote and support creative processes by bringing together all artists to share experiences and expertise and work together to develop and promote the artistic community. The AGAMI Gallery is located at 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach and displays member artwork.

Opposition to vacation rental legislation continues

Opposition to vacation rental legislation continues

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

ANNA MARIA – City officials continue to lead the opposition to proposed state legislation that would curtail local governments’ ability to regulate short-term vacation rentals.

Senate Bill 714 and House Bill 833 seek to preempt the regulation of vacation rentals to the state, specifically to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

According to the April 15 staff analysis provided to House of Representatives Commerce Committee members, HB 833 would still allow local governments to create local vacation rental registration programs and charge an annual registration fee, but the fees could not exceed $50 to register a single vacation rental home or unit, or $100 to collectively register vacation rental homes or units.

The proposed legislation would make the regulation of online vacation rental advertising platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo exclusively the state’s responsibility and take enforcement abilities away from local governments.

The staff analysis notes the proposed legislation would not supersede the authority of condominiums, cooperatives or homeowners’ associations to restrict the use of their properties and prohibit short-term vacation rentals.

Legislative actions

On April 12, HB 833 successfully passed through the House Ways & Means Committee by a 13-10 vote. State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton) was among the 13 members who voted favorably on the bill.

HB 833 previously successfully reported out of the House’s Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee on March 29.

The bill was scheduled to be discussed and potentially voted on by the House’s Commerce Committee on Monday, April 17, the third and final committee stop for the bill before it can be brought to the floor for a final vote by all House members.

SB 714 was scheduled to be discussed and potentially voted on by the Senate’s Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government Committee on Tuesday, April 18. This is the second of three committee stops scheduled for the Senate bill.

On May 13, SB 714 successfully passed through the Senate’s Regulated Industries Committee by a 5-2 vote.

The proposed legislation dies if it does not successfully pass through three preliminary committees. The 60-day legislative session is scheduled to end on May 5.

Local concerns

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy provided the city commission with an update on the city’s opposition efforts on April 13, noting the issue is the city’s primary legislative focus this year.

Murphy referenced the emails and letters that continue to be sent to state legislators through the city-owned and managed Home Rule Florida website, www.HomeRuleFl.com.

“It’s very impressive the amount of mail that this little city has generated. It didn’t all come out of this city. It comes from across the state because of our website. The lobbyist has assured me our efforts have not gone unnoticed, but we need to keep the pressure on,” Murphy told the commission.

“This thing is sailing through the House and the Senate along party lines. The Democrats are voting no and the Republicans are all voting yes. If it sails through along party lines, which it very well might do, it’ll then go to the governor’s desk for signature. If the governor sees that we already have all these letters, he’s going to think twice before he would sign off on it knowing there’s mass opposition amongst the public,” Murphy said.

Murphy said it’s premature to start lobbying Gov. Ron DeSantis before the proposed legislation reaches his desk.

“The governor’s not going to interfere in the legislative process,” Murphy said. “We need to save our thunder for when and if this thing gets to his desk. That’s when we really need to put a full-court press on.”

Commissioner Charlie Salem asked if the city’s lobbyist has at least informed DeSantis that the proposed vacation rental legislation might be headed his way. Murphy said that’s a good idea.

Murphy implored the city commissioners to urge their constituents to continue sending emails and letters to the Senate and House committee members who will determine whether the proposed bills make it to their respective floors for a final vote.

Murphy said the city’s recent labeling of the proposed legislation as a “party house bill” has gained a lot of traction in Tallahassee.

City Clerk LeAnne Addy and her staff manage the Home Rule Florida website that issues email updates and calls to action to those registered to receive them. The website contains pre-formatted email messages users can use to quickly and easily contact multiple state legislators at one time.

During the April 13 meeting, Addy said HomeRuleFl.com users have sent 30,489 emails to state legislators since the legislative session began in March.

“I’m very impressed by the work LeAnne and the mayor are doing,” Commissioner Jon Crane said. “I’m very impressed with the use of party house branding for this issue.”

“It takes away our right to regulate occupancy and they can jam as many people into a house as they want,” Murphy said in response.

Commissioner Deanie Sebring said most people who vacation in Anna Maria don’t want to stay next to a “party house.”

“If I was going on vacation and renting a house, I wouldn’t want all that madness next to me because it would ruin my vacation,” she said. “If you want to party, don’t rent a place in Anna Maria. Rent it someplace else.”

“It’s a family destination,” Commission Chair Mark Short added.

Gulfview rallies to tie Duncan

Gulfview rallies to tie Duncan

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

ANNA MARIA – With the completion of week three of the adult co-ed soccer spring season, team Gulfview Windows & Doors is still in search of their first win. The team fought back on April 13 against Duncan Real Estate with hard-striking goals by Keith Mahoney to tie the ballgame 5-5 in the last minutes of the match-up.

Duncan Real Estate’s team captain, Kevin Roman, started the scoring in the game early in the first half, kicking in his only goal in the game. Despite the single goal, Roman worked the soccer field both on offense and defense, giving his teammates scoring opportunities.

Javier Rivera scored the second goal for Duncan with a shot ricocheting off the left post. The third goal, shot by Nicholas Cavalluzzi, kept the Duncan Real Estate squad in the lead.

Working the field, Mahoney scored a total of four goals in the game for Gulfview Windows & Doors, with a single by Kris Yavalar.

Rounding out the goal-making for Duncan Real Estate, Murat Akay shot the next goal, taking the score to 4-2. Shooting the fifth goal, Akay gave his team a two-point lead, after a Gulfview goal.

Duncan goalie, Charles “Tuna” McCracken, despite his amazing saves, saw his team’s lead diminish as Mahoney scored the tying goal. Finishing the game with 15 saves, McCracken continues to be one of the toughest goalkeepers in the league.

McCracken’s counterpart, Mark Long, made 17 saves in the game, always keeping the Duncan team in the Thursday night battle.

With the tie, team Duncan Real Estate moves into third place along with Sato Real Estate with a 2-1-1 record. The Vintage Beach team tied the Sato squad with four goals each.

Sandbar Seafood & Spirits holds on to the top spot with a win over Pool America by one goal. Solid Rock Construction shares the top spot with the Sandbar team, earning nine points in the season.

Going into the fifth week of play, Moss Builders has a 2-2-0 record after losing to the Solid Rock team.

More than mid-way through the season, the top position is still up for grabs. All eight teams in the league continue to vie for the championship title.

 

 

Sun Scoreboard

April 11

8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE
Week 2

 

 

Cheesecake Cutie (2-0-0) 3

Island Real Estate (1-1-0) 0

 

 

Solid Rock Construction (1-1-0) 2

Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control (0-2-0) 1

 

 

Sato Real Estate (2-0-0) 5

AMI Coconuts (0-2-0) 0

 

 

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE
Week 2

 

 

HSH Designs (1-0-1) 4

Shady Lady Horticultural Services (0-2-0) 2

 

 

Gulf Drive Café (2-0-0) 4

Moss Builders (0-1-1) 1

 

April 13

Adult Co-Ed Soccer
Week 4

 

 

Gulfview Windows & Doors (0-3-1) 5

Duncan Real Estate (2-1-1) 5

 

 

Solid Rock Construction (3-1-0) 4

Moss Builders (2-2-0) 3

 

 

Vintage Beach (1-2-1) 4

Sato Real Estate (2-1-1) 4

 

 

Sandbar Seafood & Spirits (3-1-0) 3

Pool America (1-3-0) 2

Mote Marine facility opening May 5

Mote Marine facility opening May 5

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

ANNA MARIA – The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mote Marine education outreach center on the City Pier remains on track for Friday, May 5.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in City Pier Park, across the street from the pier, and be followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the pier entrance.

During the April 13 city commission meeting, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said invitations were sent to Anna Maria city commissioners and other city and county officials.

Murphy expects the ceremony to last approximately 45 minutes. After the mayor’s introductory remarks, Mote Marine President and CEO Dr. Michael Crosby will speak. Some of the attending city and county officials may also make brief remarks.

Portions of Pine Avenue, North Bay Boulevard and South Bay Boulevard will be closed during the ceremony.

The grand opening ceremony is open to the public and the Mote Marine education outreach center will open to the public right after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Featuring live and virtual marine life exhibits, the outreach center will then be open daily at no cost to the public.

At the recommendation of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, the Manatee County Commission provided $500,000 in county funds for the interior buildout of the city building and the installation of the Mote Marine exhibits. Mote Marine is leasing the city building rent-free but will operate and staff the outreach center at its own expense.

“This has been a long, long, long, long, long time coming. We’re finally here,” Murphy said. “We’re at the cusp of opening it up and I’m really excited. I think it’s going to bring a lot to the city in terms of education. When we pursued this, it was about awareness and education.”

Murphy referenced the commission discussions and public debate that ensued in 2020 and 2021 and pertained to whether the larger of the two city-owned pier buildings should be leased to a full-service restaurant operator or be used for some other purpose. After multiple efforts to secure a restaurant operator fell short, the commission majority decided to pursue the Mote Marine facility instead.

“Do we have hamburgers or do we have knowledge? We opted for knowledge,” Murphy said of that decision-making process.

Commissioner Robert Kingan noted the city actually got both because the smaller pier building is already leased to the operators of the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop.

Kingan said he visited the pier facility the previous day and saw workers installing the backgrounds and displays associated with the live and virtual exhibits.

“I think it’s going to be a resounding success,” Kingan said.

“It’s all about public awareness and knowledge and research. The pier is the jewel of this city and has been for over 100 years. We’re dedicating it to science and research and knowledge about the environment and clean water,” Murphy said.

Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I, for one, am absolutely thrilled.”

“It’s exciting for it to finally be open,” Commissioner Deanie Sebring added.

Reel Time: Successful fishing trip planning

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

Planning any fishing trip can be a challenge given the peculiarities of weather and the idiosyncrasies of fish. Add a few thousand miles, a different language and an exotic species or two, and some serious planning is advisable.

Chances are you’ve been looking forward to this trip for a long time and, finally, you’ll have the opportunity to do nothing but eat, fish, sleep and repeat for a week or more. More than likely, it’s taken a tremendous amount of time and money to get this opportunity, so it makes good sense to develop a plan to assure that you have the best possible chance of success.

Deciding where to go and when are the first decisions you’ll make. While it’s not impossible to book your own trip, knowing the best time, tides and lodging can be daunting. In addition, juggling the details of plane reservations, transfers, accommodations and guides can increase the challenge of putting together a self-guided trip.

A knowledgeable outfitter or travel host can provide you with the experience and insider information that will allow you to immerse yourself in the experience instead of the details. Even when using an outfitter, you’ll need to do some research to assure you’ve matched your angling needs and expectations to your chosen destination. There are a lot of resources online, including some great groups on Facebook, but you’ll need to vet those sources.

When choosing an outfitter or destination host, be aware that knowing what you want from your trip and asking the right questions are important to fulfilling your expectations. For example, some of the best fishing is available at sites that have the least amenities. If you require a certain level of service or are traveling with non-fishers, you’ll want to research locations that offer specific conveniences as well as good fishing. While you won’t want to plan your trip based on secondhand information, you’ll find it can be helpful to talk to others who have made the trip you’re planning. Ask the outfitter or host for a number of references and question them carefully. Make sure they have been to the location recently and at the time of the year you plan to visit.

In foreign countries (the Bahamas is a foreign country), you’ll be hard-pressed to replace items you forgot to pack, particularly fishing tackle. This is one case when it’s probably better to pack more than you think you’ll need, within reason. Making a packing list and checking it before your departure will pay dividends. Most destinations provide lists that you can use to make sure you don’t forget anything important. While their recommendations are a good place to start, customizing your own travel list can help ensure that you have what you need while streamlining the amount of baggage you take.

Reel Time: Successful fishing trip planning
A knowledgeable guide can take you to fish. It’s your responsibility to put a fly where the fish can see it. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Many tropical fishing destinations are very near the equator, so anglers need to pay special attention to the sun. Long-sleeved pants and shirts (with sun protection) are advisable along with a high SPF waterproof sunscreen. Polarized glasses with glare guards and a fishing hat with a dark (under) brim are mandatory and a second pair of each should accompany you. For many of my fishing adventures, I’ve used a full-face mask and gloves for sun protection. Recently, I started wearing a fishing hoodie with thumb holes that protect my face, hands and wrists. I find hoodies much more comfortable and invested in several that have bamboo fibers woven in. Invest in a good pair of flats wading boots and a sling or fanny pack with a water bottle holder and you’ll be good to go.

You can be a consummate planner and still fail to properly plan if you aren’t comfortable with your cast. Pay special attention to casting into the wind and being able to place an accurate 40-foot cast. Practicing these skills well in advance on grass will greatly increase the pleasure of your adventure.

The success or failure of any fishing adventure will vary due to conditions beyond your control, but being mindful of the things you do have control over can make or break your trip. Be prepared, practice casting and do your homework up front, ask good questions of knowledgeable sources, and be flexible. The time and effort you expend in planning the trip will pay in dividends of tight lines and lasting memories.

Castles in the Sand

Contingency clauses

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

The word “contingent” is defined as “subject to chance,” something that no one wants to hear in a real estate transaction. However, every contract to purchase real estate is likely to have contingency clauses. It’s up to both the buyer and seller to understand what the chance you are taking is and either assume the risk or don’t sign the contract.

Contingent clauses are commonly attached to an offer to purchase real estate and are included in the real estate contract. Essentially, a contingency clause gives parties to the contract the right to back out of the contract under certain circumstances that must be negotiated between the buyer and seller.

Virtually anything can be written into a real estate contract as a contingency, from the replacement of a roof to including the owner’s boat in the sale, but the most common items are as follows:

  • Financing Contingency: A financing contingency or a mortgage contingency gives the buyer time to apply for and obtain financing for the purchase of the property. This protects the buyer, who can back out from the contract and reclaim their earnest money in the event they are unable to secure financing from a legitimate lender. Keep in mind that in today’s real estate culture, most sellers will want to see a mortgage preapproval from a buyer before they enter into a transaction with them.
  • Appraisal Contingency: Contracts that include a financing contingency will also contain an appraisal contingency. If an appraisal by an independent appraiser comes in under the agreed-upon purchase price, the contract can be canceled or the price and/or terms can be renegotiated.
  • Home Sale Contingency: This gives the buyer a specified amount of time to sell and settle their existing home in order to finance the new one. Again, this protects the buyer but puts the seller at a disadvantage since their property is basically off the market. This was done all the time in the good old days of real estate when most buyers and sellers had more patience, and the real estate market was not as competitive.
  • Inspection Contingency: This allows the buyer to have the home inspected within a specified time period, typically five to seven days. It also protects the buyer, who can cancel the contract or negotiate repairs based on the findings of a professional home inspector. There is also a required termite inspection from a qualified termite inspector in order to obtain financing.

These are the standard contingencies, but I recently read about an innovative contingency regarding the buyer’s job status that’s happening with the job market in turmoil, especially in the tech sector. It’s known as the employment contingency, stating that if the buyer is laid off from their job before closing, they can back out of the deal. There could be a 30-day or more time frame for the buyer to find another job that will still qualify them for a mortgage, but either way it’s a dicey position for a seller to be in. Nevertheless, with the real estate market getting softer, buyers feel more confident asking for contingencies compared to a year ago.

The process of purchasing real estate is fraught with chance; the chance you may not find the right home, the chance that your offer will not be accepted, the chance the home will not pass inspection and the chance that your financials may not allow you to purchase the property. Think of contingency clauses to your contract as just one more chance you have to take in a lifetime of chances.

Letter to the Editor: Beach forecast

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

According to current science, rising sea levels will go up more than a foot by 2050. That’s 27 years from now.

That means the beaches will be about gone. Gone!

There won’t be much reason to go to the beach, or to have a parking garage, or to have big bridges to nowhere.

 

Thanks,

Tom Matheson

Letter to the Editor: Kiwanis offers thanks

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

On behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island, we would like to thank our churches who took part in our 58th Annual Easter Sunrise Service. The attendance was fantastic and the weather didn’t disappoint.

Thank you to the AMI Beach Café for the location, Chuck Caudill for providing the sound system, Morgan Bryant for her lovely voice, the City of Holmes Beach, the Holmes Beach Police Department for helping with the parking and the Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper for their coverage.

Another “thank you” goes to Casey Hoffman of Real Island TV, who, for the first time, live-streamed our service, which you can watch on YouTube.

We had our members and their families helping to make Easter special for everyone.

Lastly, a huge “thank you” to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, which awarded

our club a Trolley Grant to help defray expenses. With this and the generosity of those who attended, we will be able to share the net proceeds with the churches and our scholarship fund.

We look forward to seeing everyone next year for our 59th Easter Sunrise Service.

 

Sincerely,

Sandra K. Haas-Martens

Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island, secretary

Holmes Beach

April brings big crowds, heavy traffic

April brings big crowds, heavy traffic

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Local observation and tourism statistics have long pointed to mid-March as the height of tourist season, but last week, April 3-9, brought what could be the largest crowds, longest restaurant wait times, heaviest traffic and most crowded beaches of the season.

While most college spring breaks wrap up by the end of March, many elementary, middle and high schools take spring break during the first two weeks of April, bringing families from around the country to the warm, sunny shores of AMI.

“We came down from Wisconsin for a week at our time-share in Holmes Beach, the kids are loving getting to play in the sun since it’s still freezing back home,” said Nate Chambers, who is visiting with his wife and three elementary school-age children. “We love it here, and know we are coming during a very busy time of year, but we honestly don’t care. This is still the most relaxing time we will have this year. We’d love to come in November when it’s quiet and much slower paced, but the kids are in school and it’s just not possible; it’s now or never.”

Multiple road construction projects also brought the Island to a virtual standstill during the first week of April. The road construction project at city center in Holmes Beach slowed travel in the already congested area to a crawl most of the week, and a paving project on April 7 made a one-mile drive take in excess of an hour as traffic was detoured through residential streets not equipped for the volume.

“Friday, April 7 was the first time since I have owned the company that I had to refuse service to the north end of the Island. It was a nightmare,” Monkey Bus owner Sally Dirbas said. “Who thought it was a good idea to basically shut down traffic on one of the busiest days of the year? This construction has already caused severe financial damage to local businesses, some of which didn’t survive it. Could they have not paused the construction and paving another week until the spring break is over? It’s been going on for months, we could live with it an extra couple of weeks to keep the Island moving.”

Holmes Beach wasn’t the only source of frustration as April began. On April 5, a section of northbound Gulf Drive around 12th Street was closed for paving. The project took most of the day with crews not re-opening the northbound lane until after 8 p.m. Due to having to alternate traffic north and south through the southbound lane, a one-mile trip in either direction averaged 30-45 minutes. Both of these projects, in addition to the normally heavy volume in the Coquina Beach area, meant that catching a trolley in a timely manner was a next-to-impossible task.

“They say the trolley comes by every 20 minutes or so, but we’ve been sitting here at the trolley stop for over 40 minutes and haven’t seen one pass in either direction,” said Kelly Pratt, who was waiting with her husband and two small children at the southbound 25th Street stop in Bradenton Beach. “Some people told my husband it’s not because of spring break, but rather a bunch of construction projects. Are they trying to run people off? Who’s in charge of this stuff and what were they thinking? We were here last year and it was busy, but this is insane.”

So which week of spring was the busiest this year? Due to a malfunction, the license plate readers that count vehicles coming and going through Holmes Beach have no data available for the week of April 3-9, leading to more speculation, since resort tax data and room occupancy data provided by Manatee County tourism officials will not be available for more than a month.

“Unfortunately, we had a plate reader down this week, so I don’t have accurate numbers for the first week of April,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said. “In my opinion, it was just as busy or busier this week as any week in March.”

Tokajer’s thoughts were closely echoed by Bradenton Beach Police Lt. Lenard Diaz.

“Honestly, I’ve always thought the first week of April was the busiest of the spring season,” Diaz said. “I will say that our department hasn’t had any major problems related to spring break. Considering the large crowds, we don’t have anything serious to report that involved young people on spring break.”

Tokajer also said his department had not had any serious issues related to spring breakers this year. Both departments say crimes of opportunity, such as items stolen from the beach or unlocked cars, bicycle thefts and other non-violent crimes, tend to increase this time of year, but common sense, such as locking cars and not bringing valuables to the beach will prevent the great majority of these incidents.

City attorney: No reserved spaces for water taxi

City attorney: No reserved spaces for water taxi

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

BRADENTON BEACH – City Attorney Ricinda Perry told commissioners last week that they cannot promise to designate a reserved space for the proposed water taxi on the floating day dock next to the Bradenton Beach Pier.

Manatee County’s long-planned water taxi service includes proposed stops in downtown Bradenton, the City Pier in Anna Maria, the Bradenton Beach Pier and the county-owned South Coquina Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach. The county has not yet announced an anticipated start date for its initial Friday, Saturday and Sunday water taxi operations.

Perry said she made a few changes to a proposed interlocal agreement recently received from the county. One significant change notes that the water taxi operations must comply with the state-issued sovereign submerged land lease for the existing floating dock and the nine additional perpendicular finger piers that will be connected to the south side of the floating dock later this month, or soon thereafter.

Bradenton Beach Commission reviews water taxi agreement
Perpendicular finger piers will soon be attached to the existing floating dock. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted

Perry noted the submerged land lease requires the free public dockage offered at the floating day dock to be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. She said the city can’t provide the county with a reserved water taxi landing area.

“There’s really nothing the city can do to give an exclusive spot to Manatee County or any entity on the floating dock. It’s got to stay first-come, first-served,” she said.

City commissioners unanimously approved the draft version of the city’s proposed interlocal agreement presented by Perry on April 6 establishing the city’s requests and requirements pertaining to the use of the pier area as a water taxi stop. The agreement addresses any improvements the county or its contracted water taxi operator, Clearwater Ferry, wish to make to the pier area.

According to the proposed agreement, “The county shall only be responsible for the costs of creating ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) -compliant dockage at the pier for water taxi use. Subsequent maintenance of the pier shall remain the responsibility of the city.”

The city of Anna Maria’s proposed interlocal agreement with the county calls for the county or its contractor to cover the cost of any ongoing maintenance and repairs associated with any water taxi-related improvements or enhancements made to the Anna Maria City Pier.

Mayor John Chappie and Commissioner Jake Spooner said covering the ongoing maintenance costs would be Bradenton Beach’s contribution to the county’s water taxi service. Chappie also said he’s more comfortable with the city’s Public Works Department overseeing any maintenance or repairs needed on the pier or floating dock.

At this point, it’s not known what, if any, improvements the county might request. One potential safety improvement discussed was the installation of safety railings on the floating dock. The floating day dock doesn’t currently feature safety railings running along the length of the dock, but there are railings along the ramp area that leads from the floating dock to the elevated pier.

City Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said she’s shocked that the floating dock doesn’t have safety railings.

Spooner noted it would be difficult to access the floating dock by boat if railings existed along the southern edge of the dock that boaters tie up to. He also questioned the logic of installing railings on the backside of the floating dock, which is not accessible by boat.

Chappie said he doesn’t see the need for safety railings on the floating dock, but if the county installs them, the city will maintain them.

Perry told commission members they didn’t need to worry too much at this point about the specific improvements the county might want to make.

The proposed Bradenton Beach agreement notes, “The county agrees to provide a detailed plan in advance to the Bradenton Beach City Commission for approval showing the proposed landing area on the pier and any ADA-related modifications or improvements required.”

The commission-approved interlocal agreement is to be returned to the county for further review, which could result in additional revisions requested by the county.

Related coverage

 

City commission revises water taxi agreement

Abandoned boat at Robinson Preserve

Abandoned boat at Robinson Preserve

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Manatee County.

BRADENTON – Adding to the many abandoned boats littering local waters is a cabin cruiser that has run aground at Robinson Preserve.

A local resident who asked not to be identified contacted The Sun to express concern about the vessel in the hopes that its owner could be found and would take action toward its removal. The resident said the boat has been in that location since January and has not shown any activity except for the disappearance of four marine batteries that had been set on the stern.

At low tide recently, the hull and swim platform were sunk deep in the mud next to the mangroves in the Anna Maria Sound end of the preserve at the far northwest corner of the walking trail. The stern door was open, a bicycle was laying on the bow and a tattered windsock flew above the vessel.

The Can Do III out of Siesta Key/Sarasota, a 34-foot Californian, was likely built in the late 1970s or early 1980s. From the shore, the hull identification number is not visible.

“Derelict vessels are a priority for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The Division of Law Enforcement’s Boating and Waterways Section is spearheading a multi-year effort to dramatically reduce the backlog of derelict vessels currently on the waters of the state,” said Ashlee Sklute, public information coordinator for the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “Unfortunately, derelict vessels continue to be documented by law enforcement on an ongoing basis. These vessels cause the destruction of valuable seagrass resources and endanger marine life. They also threaten human life, safety and property as they drift on or beneath the surface of the water or block navigable waterways, posing a navigational hazard to the boating public.”

The removal process for an at-risk vessel is typically different from that of a derelict vessel, Sklute said.

“It is significantly less expensive to remove an at-risk vessel than a derelict vessel, primarily because an at-risk vessel, by definition, is still floating,” she said.

To help boat owners dispose of unwanted at-risk vessels before they become derelict, the FWC is accepting applications for a Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP). The program went into effect in 2022.

“The program is still active and staff have received numerous applications from at-risk vessel owners who wish to participate in this innovative program,” Sklute said.

In order to qualify for VTIP, a vessel must be floating upon waters of the state of Florida and cannot be determined derelict by law enforcement. The owner must have received at least one written at-risk warning or citation and possess a clear title to the vessel. To apply for or view program guidelines, visit FWC online or call the FWC Boating and Waterways Division at 850-488-5600 for more information or to report an abandoned or potentially derelict vessel.

Old Town Tram contract extended

Old Town Tram contract extended

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

BRADENTON BEACH – The contract for the Old Town Tram parking shuttle service has been extended for another year.

First launched as a one-year pilot program in November 2020, the Old Town Tram consists of two golf cart-like trams that provide free rides seven days a week within the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district, which extends south from the Cortez Bridge to the southernmost property lines along Fifth Street South.

Beyond the CRA district, the Old Town Trams also serve the Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach parking lots where tram users are encouraged to park and catch a tram ride to and from their destinations in the CRA district, which includes Bridge Street.

Bradenton Beach CRA members approved the contract extension with Joshua LaRose’s Easy Parking Group by a 5-1 vote on April 5.

During the meeting, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said the current contract was set to expire this month, but the contract could, with LaRose’s approval, be continued on a month-to-month basis if so desired.

When asked about a potential six-month extension, LaRose said he preferred something longer than that.

Each month, LaRose presents the CRA members with a monthly invoice for the tram services rendered. The Easy Parking Group invoice for March totaled $9,510. According to the invoice, advertising panels affixed to the two trams generated $5,175 in ad revenue, which left a $4,335 balance to be paid by the CRA.

Old Town Tram contract extended
Easy Parking Group owner Joshua LaRose provides the CRA’s contracted parking shuttle tram services. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

LaRose also provides the CRA members monthly ridership data and reports. During Wednesday’s meeting, he said tram ridership has increased by 40-60%.

CRA member Ed Chiles initially said he’d support a three-year extension, but the board agreed on a one-year extension. Perry noted that even with the extension, the contract can be terminated at any time by the CRA or LaRose with 30 days advance notice.

CRA member David Bell said he supports the trams and feels they provide an important service. He said he doesn’t have a problem with CRA funds being used to support the tram program, but, as he’s stated before, he feels the tram routes need to be adjusted.

Based on the ridership data and additional input provided monthly by LaRose, Bell has repeatedly expressed his support for discontinuing the little-used tram service at Coquina Beach and extending that service north of the Cortez Bridge where demand appears to be higher.

“People are not going to park at Coquina to come up to the CRA (district),” Bell said during the April 5 meeting. “My concern always is that we’re not analyzing the data the way that we should.”

CRA member Jan Vosburgh cast the only vote opposing the contract extension. Before doing so, she questioned extending the Old Town Tram contract at a time when significant portions of the Cortez Beach parking lot along Gulf Drive South are being rendered temporarily unavailable because of a Manatee County sewer line replacement project that’s not expected to end until late 2024.

Old Town Tram contract extended
Manatee County’s sewer line replacement project temporarily reduces the number of parking spaces available at Cortez Beach. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“I don’t see why we should be paying for the tram right now considering all that construction on Gulf Drive. Why bother with the trams? I don’t think we need it while all that construction’s going on,” Vosburgh said.

“Actually, I think it’s more important to have it now because of the construction,” CRA member John Chappie said, noting the county project sometimes forces people to park even further away from their desired destinations.

The Old Town Trams run Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5-10 p.m. On Sundays, the service ends one hour earlier at 9 p.m. Passengers can hail a tram as it passes by or call 941-404-6240 to request a ride.