President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” is more than historically inaccurate, it is unnecessarily confusing and will no doubt cost taxpayers millions to implement, then reverse in the next administration.
Where to begin?
Well, there’s that bugaboo, history. The Gulf of Mexico has been called by that name since more than 200 years before there was a United States of America, according to “The Gulf, the Making of an American Sea,” by Jack E. Davis, who wrote, “The unknown maker of a 1541 map called it Seno de Mejicano, the ‘Mexican Gulf,’ ” noting that subsequent names were quickly tried and dropped, with mapmakers settling on Golfo de Mexico, or Gulf of Mexico.
Then there’s cultural sensitivity, or its reverse. The United States is not the only America. Remember Latin America, South America, North America?
Trump’s order states, “The area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico (shades of Prince) has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America,” then goes on to mention its oil and gas value, which gives a clue as to one reason for the name change.
The Associated Press said in a statement that it will continue using the “Gulf of Mexico” in its Stylebook, used by most U.S. newspapers, including The Anna Maria Island Sun.
Amanda Barrett, AP’s vice president of standards and inclusion, wrote, “The Gulf of Mexico has carried that name for more than 400 years. The Associated Press will refer to it by its original name while acknowledging the new name Trump has chosen. As a global news agency that disseminates news around the world, the AP must ensure that place names and geography are easily recognizable to all audiences.”
Barrett notes that other countries are not bound by the executive order.
And there are geographical precedents for calling the same body of water by two names. What Iran calls the Persian Gulf, Arab nations call the Arabian Gulf, according to the publication Al Jazeera, which notes that the sea that is bound by Japan and the Korean peninsula is called the Sea of Japan by Japan, while both North and South Korea call it the East Sea.
But what is the Town of Longboat Key going to call its main road, now known as Gulf of Mexico Drive?
The current AP Stylebook entry for the Gulf of Mexico is “inlet of the Atlantic on the southeast coast of North America bounded by the U.S., Mexico and Cuba.”
So why not the Gulf of Cuba?
The U.S. has ignored Cuba for the better part of the past 65 years, to the extent that for decades after its revolution succeeded in 1959, TV weather maps showed the island, but did not name it.
To this day, the U.S. embargo of Cuba remains in effect, punishing people who never knew their great-grandparents who fought the revolution and may only adhere to its politics publicly, by mandate.
We could take a cue from the brave Cubans who, in every generation, resist their Communist government and politicians.
Granma, the newspaper that calls itself the official voice of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee, would probably not cover such a resistance movement, at least until it was squelched, and has not yet mentioned Trump’s new name for the Gulf in print.
But Mexico says it will not recognize the new nomenclature.
The Sun stands with Mexico, and the AP – not to mention real, verifiable history – and will continue to call it what it is, the Gulf of Mexico.
BRADENTON BEACH – The city commission conducted a work meeting on Jan. 28 to focus on restructuring the building department and the challenges the city faces in finding a permanent replacement for recently-suspended Building Official Darin Cushing.
“I want you to all know the work meeting is for the commission to discuss the current and future staffing of the Building and Planning Services Department,” Mayor John Chappie told attendees in a packed city hall. “Because this is a work meeting, the subject will be what is posted on the agenda, the building and planning department. This is a single subject commission meeting.”
However, during the meeting – particularly during public comment – the conversation evolved into discussions about Cushing and his city-disputed approval of the Drift-In tiki hut.
The commission considered changing the current model of using a contracted building department to hiring an employee.
Chappie began by giving an update on Cushing’s suspension, which he characterized as a “temporary suspension.”
He then read the letter the city sent to Cushing’s employer, M.T. Causley, a subsidiary of SAFEbuilt, which outlined the city’s reasons for the suspension. Chappie said M.T. Causley has place Cushing on administrative leave.
“M.T. Causley is working on a game plan at this time,” Chappie said. “They can provide an inspector on a partial basis. They also can provide online plan review.”
Chappie said the part-time inspector can conduct inspections, including electrical and mechanical, and residential plan reviews, but cannot conduct commercial inspections.
“We are also being backed up Holmes Beach for inspections and commercial inspections when we need them,” Chappie said. “We’re covering our basic current needs at this time.”
Chappie laid out some proposed options for the building department which included putting out a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a company other than M.T. Causley, continuing with M.T. Causley, using the building planning services of Integrated Solutions Consulting (ISC), retaining former retired building official Steve Gilbert for floodplain review, sharing building services with Holmes Beach (Joe Payne Inc. – JPI) or advertising for a new employee.
“In the past, the building official was an employee, and we changed that in 2015,” Chappie said.
He said the pros to hiring an employee as a building official are continuity of care, getting to know the public and being an actual supervisor of the building department. The cons include paying for errors and omissions insurance included in a contractual agreement.
“It is my opinion that it would benefit Bradenton Beach to have an inspector in-house rather than outside,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said.
Chappie said the current cost to the city of building official professional services is $215,977 and $70,000 for planning professional services.
“I think we have better options in-house, but I’m concerned about what happens immediately,” Commissioner Scott Bear said. “If we decided to terminate (with M.T. Causley), how do we make sure we don’t have a gap?”
Chappie said M.T. Causley has been advertising for a year or more for a building official.
“It would be a difficult road to hire somebody,” Chappie said. “It could take a lot of time. Right now, M.T. Causley is willing to work with us. They’re working on a game plan to try to get somebody here all the time.”
“We also have the option because we’re still within the FEMA timeframe to get compensation for building services,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry said. “That expires in approximately two months. So, you could under your emergency powers hire the same firm that Holmes Beach is using.”
Perry said she could prepare an RFP within 24 hours if approved by the commission.
“I think M.T. Causley should come up with a solution,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said. “I have constituents who are concerned and standing in limbo waiting for permits.”
Perry said the city has not missed a single inspection.
“This meeting has nothing to do with the Drift-In application, it has nothing to do with Mr. Cushing’s performance,” Perry said. “It was simply one of the steps the city is going through to get stronger and better dealing with storm events.”
“It was read into the record at the beginning of the meeting, about the Drift-In,” Cole said. “That being said, that’s separate. We need to assure the public that the permits are getting processed and it’s our job to make sure that happens. So here we are, we have to make a decision on what to do.”
Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce said, “I have a concern about going forward with M.T. Causley. The Drift-In, the planner in that process, also failed to catch issues, which is an M.T. Causley employee. So, my concern is the quality and the knowledge of that company in our permit review process. I think we need to consider that because how many other poor decisions were made that we don’t know about? That was a big one.”
Perry said there are 55 days left for the city to get FEMA reimbursement for building services.
“There’s a hybrid option for all of this,” Perry said. “There’s floodplain, there’s inspections, plan review, building official services.”
“Another part of the process could possibly be to talk to Mayor Titsworth (Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth) about shared building services,” Chappie said. “In fact, if we were able to work something out with who they’re using. It would help our elected officials in the state realize we are listening to what you say, and we are using the OPAGGA study, as much as we didn’t like it, we are using it as a tool.”
The OPPAGA study recommended that Island cities work together on certain issues to save money.
“We have Causley in place, then we can make a decision rather than rushing,” Cole said. “We have them under contract until June.”
“The hybrid approach makes a lot of sense, that’s a long term solution,” Bear said. “We also need an immediate solution.”
“M.T. Causley is a stop gap until we have more information with regards to what they come up with in their plan,” Chappie said. “To the extent that Mr. Cushing is available, he is on administrative leave. Do we want to continue with Mr. Cushing or have M.T. Causley provide a different building official?”
“I don’t think we should use Mr. Cushing,” Vosburgh said.
“It sounds like he doesn’t want us to use him either,” Bear said. “I think the motion is they provide someone other than him, because having him here as a disgruntled employee is not going to help us. There are two sides to the argument, so I’m not taking one side over the other, I’m just saying it’s a little difficult to have a disgruntled employee.”
“I think the motion should be to continue with M.T. Causley and have them provide a building official so we can make a permanent decision on some type of hybrid approach,” Bear said.
The meeting was then opened for public comment.
Public comment
Linda Cushing asked who the building official of record for the city is. She was advised by Chappie that questions would not be answered during public comment.
“I’ve been a property owner since 1995 and have done numerous building projects. I just wanted to add my two cents about Darin Cushing,” Keith O’Neill said. “I will tell you I was very supportive of him, he was very supportive of our project and regardless of everything I want to speak on his behalf and say he did a great job for the projects I was engaged in.”
“I live in Sandpiper Resort and I’m here to support what may or may not occur with Drift-In,” Bill Wisotzka said. “We’re all trying to recover from a disastrous scenario. I hope you find some compassion to process what we need to do with Drift-In.”
Pines Park homeowner Elayne Armaniaco spoke in support of Cushing.
“Darin is approachable, he was knowledgeable,” she said. “I think the fact that he was so approachable was really helpful because as you all know we went through a terrible situation and through it all he was fair and kind.”
Michael Silberge, president of West Coast Air Conditioning, spoke in support of Cushing.
“My comments today are to support Darin Cushing,” he said. “I have never had any problems with M.T. Causley. Steve Gilbert is a saint in my opinion, and so is Darin Cushing.”
“I’m concerned. There’s been no discussion up here about Darin,” said Angela Rodocker. “What he did on social media is wrong. If I had an employee that did that I would put them on leave too. But I wouldn’t be up here talking about him being gone. I was shocked. There’s been no discussion about a man that has worked in this community and has an amazing reputation. That’s why you hired him in the first place.”
“What’s going on here today seems like a bit of a witch hunt,” Neil Lind said. “Has counsel or Bradenton Beach staff made mistakes in the past? If so, were you terminated? No.”
“I have a lot of employees who are really hurting right now,” Drift-In owner Derek Williams said.
Drift-In owners Helena and Derek Williams speak to commissioners at a Jan. 28 work meeting. From left are Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce, City Attorney Ricinda Perry and Helena and Derek Williams. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Motions
Bear made a motion to continue with M.T. Causley and have them provide a building official until the city can make a permanent decision on some type of hybrid approach.
A second motion was read by Perry to authorize staff and Chappie to pursue emergency services for building department and planning services with JPI and ISC as well as to submit any necessary mission requests to the State of Florida or Manatee County.
A third motion was read by Perry to authorize Chappie and staff to coordinate with Holmes Beach for any additional services that cannot be fulfilled by M.T. Causley in the immediate future to provide building and planning services to the constituency.
All three motions passed unanimously.
“I think we should do everything possible to work with the owners of the Drift-In to help them move on with that building,” Vosburgh said.
Drift-In matters
Perry advised the commission that she would not represent the city in Drift-In matters.
“Mayor Chappie, there is a change,” Perry said. “I have declined representation on behalf of the city. The notices have gone out, the hearing will be the first commission meeting in March. The P&Z meeting and the city commission meeting. I am declining any representation, in large part, because Mr. Williams has retained the law firm of my husband and I am uncomfortable with representing the city with that perceived potential for conflict.”
That prompted an exchange between Drift-In owners Derek and Helena Williams and Chappie.
“In regards to the city attorney’s comment, as a business owner if she’s now stating she has a conflict of interest, from what we’ve been told there’s no replacement,” Helena Williams said. “So, in my opinion it looks from our perspective that we’re at a standstill until somebody else is appointed to represent you, so how that’s going to affect our business and us opening I would like to know the answer to that. There needs to be a replacement. When is that going to happen? Because we would like to move forward and open our business.”
Derek Williams said, “First let me say, I’m not attacking anybody, including Miss Perry. I feel the tensions back and forth since I arrived. The email I received last night said Ricinda got our 30-day public notice out and I have to wait for 30 days. There’s been some questions about when the Planning and Zoning meeting would be. All of these things get addressed in one day? There’s not been a lot of clarification. That means potentially I’m closed for another 30 days.”
“The only comment I’ll make is Ricinda is going to recuse to be clear there’s no conflict and it’s the safest way. Drift-In knew her husband was in the firm,” Chappie said.
Williams said, “I was told they’re divorced.”
“You knew who her husband was, and it is what it is,” Chappie said. “We’ve got to protect the city’s rights.”
CORTEZ – Just one day after the Manatee County Board of Commissioners’ Jan. 28 vote to direct staff to explore ways to bring the hurricane-damaged Annie’s Bait and Tackle up to code, a contingent of county staff met Commissioner Tal Siddique to inspect the building.
Annie’s is part of the Seafood Shack parcel that the county recently purchased to create a public boating facility.
“Commissioner Bearden made a motion, within 30 days to present all options for a feasible rebuild to keep Annie’s here was the directive,” Siddique said. “We’re doing our due diligence.”
The inspections will be repeated six more times. In accordance with Sunshine Law, each commissioner will meet with county staff and tour the building separately.
“We’re here to tour the facility,” Siddique said. “We have our natural resources, our building official, our county administrator, all of our county leadership here, plus me as district commissioner. The fire marshal will be out here.”
Siddique said he met with Annie’s co-owner Bruce Shearer during the inspection.
“I feel for him. Just looking at these reports, looking at what the experts are telling me, the building officials and more, this isn’t just a matter of replacing some two-by-fours,” he said.
Shearer has said he would be able to repair the building at a cost of around $5,000 and is hoping to be allowed to do so.
“We have a responsibility to make sure we’re protecting the neighboring communities and we’re upholding all the progress we made in the Community Rating System and we’re not putting that at risk,” Siddique said. “This has to be FEMA compliant. If we break the law, everybody in Manatee County loses their flood insurance.”
He said Annie’s will not be fenced off, allowing Shearer to access the building.
“I ran on preserving our small town feel here and I’m trying to do what we can to keep Annie’s here, but these old school style of buildings, we know they’re not going to last with the way these hurricanes are going,” Siddique said.
Siddique said the dock repairs would require an emergency Army Corps of Engineers permit.
“I don’t want to pre-suppose the board,” Siddique said. “I think what you’re going to see is county come forward with all the pros and cons the proffers we’re making to Bruce (Shearer).”
HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce awarded trolley grants to 18 local organizations and announced three business of the year award winners during a ceremony at the Key Royale Golf Club clubhouse on Jan. 23.
Local business owners Adrienne Cardinale, Donna Woodruff, Jason Luper (front row), Frank Galati, Rick Cardinale, Marife Bryan and Gayle Luper accepted the Chamber’s business of the year awards. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
LaPensee Plumbing, Pool and Air owner Karen LaPensee served as the evening’s master of ceremonies, assisted by Chamber President Terri Kinder.
The annual trolley grants are funded by a portion of the advertising revenues generated by the businesses that advertise on the trolley buses that Manatee County Area Transit operates on Anna Maria Island at no charge to trolley passengers.
When applying for the annual trolley grants, local organizations propose a specific use or project and an estimated cost. A panel of Chamber board members interviews each applicant and determines who receives a grant and the grant amount. The differing grant amounts are based on the request and the surplus advertising revenues available, which this year totaled nearly $18,000.
This year’s grant recipients included Anna Maria Elementary School, the Anna Maria Island Art League, the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, the Anna Maria Island Privateers, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, the Annie Silver Community Center, the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, the Cortez Village Historical Society, Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum, Friends of the Island Library, The Island Players, the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island, the Roser Food Pantry, Roser Memorial Community Church, the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, The Center of Anna Maria Island and Wildlife Inc.
Businesses of the year
Shore Thing Tiki Cruises is the chamber’s large business of the year, Bungalow Beach Resort is the medium-sized business of the year and Slicker’s Eatery is the small business of the year.
Rick Cardinale, Adrienne Cardinale and Frank Galati accepted the award given to Shore Thing Tiki Cruises. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When accepting the large business award, Adrienne Cardinale, joined by her husband, Rick, and Capt. Frank Galati, thanked the Chamber and said, “If it wasn’t for the networking events, the support and the ambassadors who really helped us integrate with the Island and the other business owners, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We started from scratch and we’re super-thankful for the award.”
Marife Bryan, Gayle Luper and Jason Luper accepted the award given to the Bungalow Beach Resort. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Bungalow Beach Resort in Bradenton Beach sustained significant hurricane damage and several ground-level bungalows built in the 1930s were destroyed.
When accepting the award, Jason Luper said, “This is amazing and we’re very honored. We’re able to rebuild and we’re excited to keep the soul of Anna Maria Island with what we have.”
His mother, Gayle Luper, said, “We’re very thankful for this and we’re thankful for the Chamber. Our new project, we call it ‘old Florida with modern durability.’ We’ll keep the reclaimed wood and ambiance and even though it’s going to be a brand-new building, it’s still going to have the ‘old Florida’ look.”
Donna and Bill Woodruff accepted the award given to Slicker’s Eatery. – Joe Hendricks | SunBrandon Rolland, Chris Ferrero, Abby Coller and Brianna Sandstrom received the Slicker’s Eatery award the following day. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez sustained significant flood damage during the hurricanes and had not reopened as of last week, but their reopening is expected soon. Owner Bob Slicker couldn’t attend the ceremony because he was recovering from surgery, so Donna Woodruff accepted the award on his behalf. When contacted the following day (his 118th day of closure) Slicker expressed his gratitude for winning the award despite being closed for four months.
“Since we first dreamt of building our own little family eatery, we promised to keep things local and keep kindness at the forefront. It has never been about competition or getting rich. We still haven’t stopped working, serving and growing and we’ve never been known to give up. Simply put, we care about people and people care about us,” Slicker said.
Dr. Katie Fradley and Jen Serra represented the Anna Maria Elementary school. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Marilyn Margold and Gale Tedhams represented the Anna Maria Island Art League. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Renita Bertoluzzi and Kathy Morgan represented the Anna Maria Island Garden Club. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Kris Martinez represented the Cortez Village Historical Society. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Anna Juarez and Karen Bell represented the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Rebecca Gill and Judy Rupp represented the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Jillian Ptak and Chris Culhane represented The Center of Anna Maria Island. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
MANATEE COUNTY – Anna Maria Island once again has an elected city official serving on the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC).
The last elected Island official to sit on the TDC was former Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland, who helped secure TDC-supported funds for the construction of the new City Pier completed in 2020.
On Jan. 28, Manatee County Commissioners appointed Holmes Beach Commission Chair Dan Diggins to fill the elected official’s seat recently vacated by former Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant.
County commissioners appointed Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa Managing Director and minority owner Anthony “Tony” DeRusso to fill the hotelier’s seat recently vacated by Anna Maria Island businessman Ed Chiles.
Palmetto Marriott Resort Managing Director Tony DeRusso has a seat on the TDC. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Diggins, Palmetto Mayor Dan West and Longboat Key Town Commissioner Debra Williams sought the vacant elected official’s seat. DeRusso, Anna Maria Island developer and hotel owner Shawn Kaleta, Wagner Realty rental property manager Lisa Varano and Realtor/Short Term Florida Rentals LLC owner Damien Hernandez sought the vacant hotelier’s seat.
Serving as an advisory board to the county commission, TDC members make non-binding recommendations regarding the proposed tourism-related expenditures of the revenues generated by the county’s 6% tourist development tax. The tax applies to all lodging stays of six months or less in Manatee County and last year it generated approximately $30 million in tax revenues. Per state law, tourist development tax revenues can only be spent on projects and initiatives that promote or enhance tourism.
The appointments
Having received the TDC candidates’ applications before Tuesday’s meeting, District 3 County Commissioner Tal Siddique nominated Diggins to fill the elected official’s seat and District 6 at-large Commissioner Jason Bearden nominated West. Before the vote occurred, County Commission Chair George Kruse said he previously reached out to West to explain his support for Diggins.
“The islands (Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key) have not had an elected official representative on the TDC during my time on the board,” Kruse said. “They have not been given fair representation considering the disproportionate amount of capital and funds they contribute. I talked to Dan West and he understood.”
Kruse noted that Eric Cairns also sits on the TDC. Cairns manages the Cedar Cove Resort in Holmes Beach.
Commissioner Amanda Ballard expressed similar support for Diggins.
“For much the same reason, I will be backing Dan Diggins. I don’t want all these north county people represented with no representation from the islands when they provide so much in the way of our tourist economy,” she said.
The commission voted 5-2 in favor of Diggins, with Bearden and Mike Rahm supporting West.
Diggins’ TDC term will expire in June 2028.
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said he would reach out to West and Williams.
“If they have interest in tourism, we want them to be part of our dialogue,” he said.
Falcione said the hotelier appointee would fill the TDC seat that Chiles held for more than 25 years, but would only do so until June, when all four current hotelier terms expire and become open for reappointment or appointment.
Bearden nominated DeRusso and with no further discussion or additional nominees, the commission voted 7-0 in favor of DeRusso’s appointment. Kaleta did not attend the meeting and no meeting attendees offered public input on any of the applicants.
Appointee’s insights
Diggins attended the morning session of the county meeting but left before the TDC appointments were made late that afternoon.
The following day, he said, “I think it’s an asset for an elected official from the Island to be on the council because the Island contributes as much tourist tax revenues as the rest of the county combined. I have a very good relationship with Elliott and I really appreciate the trust the county commission has in me. I’ll do a good job representing the Island and the county. My first meeting will be Feb. 24 at Bradenton city hall.”
Tourist tax revenues were used to launch the county-contracted Gulf Islands Ferry service and the tourist tax revenues subsidize that ongoing public transportation operation. Diggins supports having a ferry stop in Holmes Beach and sitting on the TDC might increase the odds of that happening.
“We live on an Island. It makes sense. The two current boats are starter vessels and they’re getting a third boat built that’s enclosed and designed for the waters, currents, winds and weather we have out here. Elliott and I have talked about a ferry stop at the Kingfish Boat Ramp. The county would have to put some money into it and we should use TDC funds to do it,” he said.
Diggins’ appointment illustrates the improved relations between Holmes Beach and Manatee County officials since the 2024 elections reshaped the county commission.
“The city and the county couldn’t continue down the negative road we were on. Both parties recognized that and this is a step in the right direction,” Diggins said.
Standing outside the commission chambers after his appointment, DeRusso said, “I’m humbled by the appointment and I’m honored to be sitting at the table – especially in the seat of a legend like Ed Chiles. The Island’s ‘old Florida’ experience was the first thing I fell in love with when I came here from northern California nine years ago. Protecting that experience for the residents and future visitors is important and we also need to continue to invest in the Island and enhance it.”
DeRusso noted the Palmetto Marriott Resort is located near the entrance to the county’s urban core and next to the county-owned convention center; and Falcione has frequently expressed his desire for a ferry stop near the convention center and the new hotel.
“We need to make sure we have a diversified ‘tool belt’ to attract visitors and weather the different types of storms, literally and figuratively, we experience here in Manatee County. I look forward to diversifying the investments that help grow tourism in this area.”
BRADENTON – Following a strong showing of public support for the continued existence of Annie’s Bait and Tackle at a Jan. 28 Manatee County Commission meeting, coupled with the insistence of County Commissioner Jason Bearden, the commission voted unanimously to direct county staff to explore ways to bring the hurricane-damaged Annie’s up to code.
“I feel like we keep beating around the bush on this,” Bearden said. “We’ve had people come here in public comment today that have made the decision they want to keep Annie’s. Therefore, let me show you how to get it done. County Administrator (Charlie) Bishop, I need you to figure out how to get that building up to code so that Annie’s can continue, period. No ifs, ands or buts.”
Annie’s Bait and Tackle is part of the Seafood Shack parcel that was recently purchased by the county with the intent of creating a public boating facility.
“Do I have a consensus on the board to get that done right now or do I have to make a motion?” Bearden asked.
Commissioner George Kruse then asked Bishop to work with his staff to bring back a discussion about the feasibility of bringing Annie’s up to code.
“They have to speak with FEMA. They have to talk to general contractors, and they have to figure it out.” Kruse said. “It’ll be as soon as feasibly possible they will bring it back.”
“Let’s make a motion then to confirm it,” Bearden said. “I want to make a motion to have something back with regards to what we need to do to get Annie’s back up to code within 30 days.”
That motion passed unanimously at a vote of 7-0 and brought applause from meeting attendees who spoke in support of Annie’s.
Annie’s co-owner, Bruce Shearer, spoke to The Sun after the meeting.
“They’re giving us 30 days, so I’ll be getting a bid from my contractor and bringing it back to them,” Shearer said. “I’m hoping to put it back together and get back to business.”
Shearer said there were approximately 75 people who attended the meeting in support of Annie’s.
“That did wonders,” he said. “There’s no doubt about it.”
Prior to the public comment portion of the meeting, Deputy County Administrator Brian Parnell gave commissioners an update on what is now being called the Cortez Marina property.
“Before the acquisition was finalized, the hurricanes, as anyone can see, caused extensive damage destroying the boat slips, the restaurants and the bait and tackle,” Parnell said.
Parnell said that structural inspections revealed that all the repairs would be beyond 50% of the structures’ value, which triggered FEMA regulations ensuring that any build back would be to current code.
“The current status is they are red-tagged, they are condemned,” Parnell said.
“We went under contract to acquire this pre-storm with the intention of resigning the leases,” Kruse said. “Annie’s bait shack structure is condemned and doesn’t exist. I must adhere to higher powers telling us people cannot be in there and we cannot pull permits. We can’t in good conscience issue permits and ignore FEMA and hold other people that cross the 50% threshold to a different standard on their residences.”
Kruse said the property is going to be fenced off to demolish the Seafood Shack, eliminating parking.
“There’s no boat docking there so there’s no use for a bait shack at the moment,” he said. “We had this discussion, we wanted to work in good faith with Bruce and Annie’s Bait Shack to try to put them there to keep some historical heritage associated with Cortez village in place but we cannot sign leases on condemned buildings. That’s not wise to do, and it’s not legal to do.”
“We did have those discussions prior to the hurricanes when the previous board directed us to purchase the property, we discussed how we could keep operations going on the marina for the two and a half years before we can build something new and get something in place,” Parnell said. “Post-hurricanes, it’s not an option for us anymore.”
“I know that’s not what people want to hear,” Kruse said. “The reality is we do not have a physical structure to sign a lease for. Once this is up and running, this is a good conversation to have with us, how do we refill the location which is inclusive hopefully of Annie’s Bait Shack, which I will keep beating that drum for in two and two and a half years, because I want to keep that historical component associated with this property.”
PUBLIC COMMENT
“My dad is Bruce Shearer, he owns Annie’s. I understand what you’re saying about the building,” said Anna Gaffey. “My parents Bruce and Kim bought Annie’s Bait and Tackle Jan. 1, 1996. They worked hard over the years to turn it into a place where families could come and eat, buy bait and tackle and learn about fishing.”
Gaffey said Annie’s means a lot to the community.
“Over the years, they have watched kids coming in to buy bait and have watched them grow up and now we get to see those kids all grown up bringing their kids to eat and get bait,” she said. “It’s one of the pleasures of being in a business like this, generations of love and passion for fishing.”
“Annie’s has always been an older historic building and that’s what’s important out there. We’d like to see if it’s at all possible to protect it,” Karen Bell said.
“Annies is very important to Cortez,” tour boat Capt. Kathe Fannon said. “It’s historical and a lot of people depend on it. I think taking two and a half years is not acceptable. I think we need to give him the opportunity to put the place back together.”
Shearer said he could fix the hurricane damage for about $5,000.
“If we hadn’t been hit by the hurricanes, you’d have let me stay,” Shearer said. “Five grand, that’s all the damage I’ve got.”
Following the meeting Shearer said, “It’s an iconic place, I hope to get longer than two and a half to three years.”
ANNA MARIA – The winter chill kept the 8- to 10-year-old players from taking the field last week, but the older kids and adults battled it out during a slight break in the weather.
On Monday night, the Sato Real Estate team only allowed Sandhoff Construction to score eight points in the 20-8 game. Quarterback Blake Bower threw the touchdown pass to Grady Sandhoff for six points. The additional two points came from a David Evans sack in the Sato Real Estate end zone for the safety.
QB Brandon Sato dominated the game statistics on offense and defense for the Sato Real Estate team. Ashton Bennet was Sato’s target for a touchdown and two single point-after conversions.
Sato ran for a TD and intercepted a Bower pass for a pick-six, helping lead his team to victory. Defensively, the Sato team had 15 recorded flag pulls compared to the six defensive stops by the Sandhoff squad.
Team Shady Lady could not take advantage of the 10 catches made by Stone Mitchell in their loss to Moss Builders. With the final score of 39-6, the arms of Mason Moss and Austin Guess just could not be stopped.
Renan Kesten caught the three scoring passes by Moss and Guess. The receiving statistics for the Moss Builders team speak volumes about the depth of the team. Putting two additional points on the scoreboard were Guess and Bryson Frady, scoring a one-point conversion.
Working as a receiver, Guess had six catches in the game, while Kesten nabbed five of Moss’ throws. Teammates added five additional catches totaling 17 compared to 11 by the Shady Lady Horticultural Services team.
Shady Lady showed their potential with a throw from Charlie Neri to Stone Mitchell for the six points in week two action.
Team Jiffy Lube defeated Solid Rock Air Conditioning 15-6 in a closer matchup. Kyle Mims hit Carson Long for the touchdown and six points for Solid Rock.
Luke VanDuinen, playing for Jiffy Lube, threw to Braelyn Curtis and Callin Westfall for 12 points. Curtis sacked the Solid Rock QB in the end zone resulting in two points for Jiffy Lube.
Adding a point for Jiffy, Tyler Trout caught a VanDuinen throw for a successful point after a touchdown to help with the team win.
Poppos Taqueria and Salty Printing played a tough game, ending with Salty coming out on top 13-7. Tyler Higman found Grayson Cohen for Poppos in the week two loss. Teammate Sawyer Leibfried found the end zone, adding a point to the scoreboard.
Quarterback Jahkari Steele made the difference in the game for Salty Printing, throwing a touchdown pass to Turner Worth and intercepting the Poppos quarterback for a six-point run back after the turnover.
Securing an extra point in the game, Asher Patel was Steele’s go-to to help secure the W.
The teens and adults took to the gridiron last week with victory posted in the statistics for Cortez Florida Vacations, Moss Builders and Solid Rock Air Conditioning.
Playing back-to-back nights last week, the adults go into weeks 5 and 6 this week again with games on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Everyone likes to speculate on what the real estate trends will be going forward. The problem is we are in uncharted territory, so making predictions could be a fool’s errand.
What is it that we do know? We know we have lived through a devastating hurricane season, leaving homes all over Manatee County damaged. Anna Maria Island and other coastal communities bear the brunt of the damage but homeowners fronting the Manatee River have experienced their fair share of damage.
We also know the mortgage interest rates; the Federal Reserve lowering its rates in December did nothing to improve mortgage interest rates, just the opposite – they went up. On Jan. 17, mortgage rates rose above 7% for the average of a 30-year fixed rate mortgage for the first time since mid-2024 per Freddie Mac.
This uptick in rates was totally missed by housing executives and economists who incorrectly predicted that mortgage rates would come down. Six months ago, the prediction was that interest rates would be reduced slowly through 2025, and mortgage rates would reach the mid- to high-5% range. For our region, the combination of damaged properties and high interest rates that may also make investors take pause leaves us with a double whammy of uncertainty.
So, what’s the good news? I guess it depends on how you look at it, however, the Florida Demographic Estimating Conference predicts that Florida’s population growth will slow down. In 2024, the conference reported over 23 million in population, an increase of 1.62%. Their estimated growth rate for 2025 decreases to 1.43% and in 2026 down further to 1.33% and keeps declining. Nowhere in their estimates does it show that growth will be reversed; in fact, in 2033, Florida will likely reach well over 25 million residents.
As far as Manatee County’s position in this growth, in 2024 the population increased to just over 452,000 residents and by 2028 will potentially reach almost 485,000 residents. Looks like the slowdown won’t be an issue in Manatee County – not surprising based on the avalanche of new construction all over the county.
Let’s take a look at the December real estate statistics reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee:
Single-family homes in Manatee County closed 6.2% more properties this December compared to last December. The median sale price was $492,045, down 1.6%, and the average sale price was $675,263, down 2.8%. The median time to contract was 56 days compared to 35 days last year and the number of new listings was up 19.3%. The month’s supply of available properties was 4 months compared to 3.3 months last December.
Condos in Manatee County closed 24.9% more properties this December compared to last year. The median sale price was $327,000, down 6.6%, and the average sale price was $361,827, down 4.3%. The median time to contract was 56 days compared to 38 days last year and the number of new listings was up 43.5%. The month’s supply of available properties was 6.9 months compared to 4.6 months last year.
More next week about what these numbers may mean and the overall yearly trends.
Uncharted territory is probably an understatement since it’s almost impossible to get a firm answer about the future other than an overall feeling that everything will come back. As always, everyone needs to make decisions based on their personal needs, uncharted or not.
My first experience fishing with a guide was when I moved to the Suncoast and met Bobby Lee, a neighbor and avid angler. Lee had been chartering for Capt. Scott Moore and would invite me to join him on multiple occasions. It was Moore who showed me a whole new universe of fishing and ignited the flame that burns bright to this day. It was also Moore who sparked my advocacy when our worries about the state of gamefish populations led us to form the Manatee Chapter of The Florida Conservation Association (FCA) with another local guide, Capt. Jim O’Neill.
A writing career was fostered through my work with the FCA. Fishing guides became a trusted source for ideas, techniques and information that I share with my readers to this day. Guides were valued colleagues when my advocacy moved from the fish to the habitat and waters that sustain them. Like his father, Scott, Capt. Justin Moore has a passion for fishing and a conservation ethic he inherited from his dad and G.B. Knowles (the first outdoor editor of The Anna Maria Island Sun). He and other local guides have been “eyes on the water” for Suncoast Waterkeeper and have helped protect acres of mangroves and seagrass habitat.
Now many of these dedicated watermen are suffering from many factors not of their making. If you haven’t fished with a guide, this is an excellent time to experience some of the dedication, expertise and humor that I have found invaluable for four decades.
Recently, I was talking to Anna Maria guide Capt. Dave White about these challenges and asked him to put his feelings down in his own words. He responded, “The charter fishing industry is undeniably a ‘feast or famine’ profession, heavily influenced by unpredictable variables. Challenges such as red tide, shifting weather patterns, economic instability, FWC regulations, major hurricanes and even global events like COVID-19 have all left their mark, often threatening our livelihood. Yet, for many of us who call this coast home, giving up isn’t an option. Commercial fishermen and charter guides remain steadfast, clinging to a way of life that embodies the spirit of resilience and connection to the sea. For the true ‘lifers’ of the area, this work is more than just a profession – it’s a tradition, a passion and a legacy worth preserving. Of course, as in any industry, there are those who come and go, drawn in by the allure but unprepared for the reality. But for those who stay, the connection to our waterways and estuaries runs deep. By choosing local guides, practicing sustainable fishing, and protecting our natural resources, you help ensure this cherished way of life endures for generations. Together, we can safeguard the waterways and traditions that define our coastal heritage.”
These professionals take you to places you might never venture to on your own and have the knowledge to make memories that last a lifetime. A guided fishing trip is a win-win-win experience for the angler, guide and the waters they love and work to protect.
BRADENTON BEACH – The city’s Scenic Waves Partnership Committee held a ribbon-cutting on Jan. 24 to showcase the first installation of “Wildlife of Anna Maria Island” signs on the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway. The ceremony was held at John Chappie Park at 1400 Gulf Drive N.
The Scenic Waves Partnership Committee was awarded a $5,000 Tampa Bay Estuary Program mini-grant for the design and manufacturing of two of six wildlife educational signs to be installed at public parks along the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway. The signs teach ways to protect wildlife and their habitats.
According to a press release from Scenic Waves, “The sign design was done by Drawn by Dawn Witherington Illustration & Design. Each sign is 60″ x 24” high-pressure laminate CHPL and was installed atop aluminum posts by the Bradenton Beach Public Works Department staff. The sign design and content were reviewed for scientific accuracy by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, as well as Wildlife Inc.”
Keep Manatee Beautiful has provided 68 color prints of the “Wildlife of Anna Maria Island” sign and 68 thumb drives with information about the wildlife to Manatee County’s public schools, private schools and community centers.
“Scenic Waves members are obtaining feedback through surveys from the public where the signs have been placed, both before and after the signs were installed,” according to the press release. “The surveys ask the public to identify seven animals in the bays and Gulf of Mexico around Anna Maria Island, two reasons why our shorelines are important for wildlife and two ways to help protect the wildlife. A summary of the results will be provided to the Tampa Bay Estuary Program.”
BRADENTON BEACH – In a Jan. 24 letter, City Attorney Ricinda Perry outlined the city’s reasons for the Jan. 21 suspension of Building Official Darin Cushing and is asking his employer to provide a replacement for the city.
The letter, which was addressed to Matthew Causley, president of M.T. Causley, was shared by email with city officials and The Sun. M.T. Causley is a subsidiary of SAFEbuilt Inc. and provided Cushing’s contractual building official staffing to Bradenton Beach.
The city’s reasons for what Mayor John Chappie characterized as Cushing’s “temporary suspension,” center around the Building Official’s approval of a permit for construction of a tiki hut structure at Drift-In on Bridge Street as well as various social media posts.
According to Perry’s letter, “The project at issue was for the Drift-In located on two parcels at 120 and 122 Bridge St. The project on the 120 Bridge St. parcel consisted of an outdoor structure that Mr. Cushing determined was a Chickee Hut, exempt from the Florida Building Code pursuant to Section 553.73 (10) Fla. Stat. He approved the structure with the following notable issues:
1. 450% larger (24’x54’) than the prior structure (13’x15’+3’ overhang);
2. Decreased parking spaces that were previously part of the site;
3. Allowed the replacement structure to be placed back into an easement granted to the City; and
4. The “Chickee Hut” contained non-wood features such as nails, screws, a concrete floor, outdoor bar, stage area, as well as electrical and plumbing work incorporated into the structure.
These proposed improvements fall outside of the Section 553.73 (10) exemption.”
On Jan. 21, Mayor John Chappie and Perry met with Cushing. Perry’s letter states that Cushing was asked about the intent and purpose of public comments he made on social media and said that instead, Cushing redirected the conversation to the tiki hut permit.
According to Perry’s letter, Cushing stated at that meeting: “I’m out. I’m requesting to be out of here. I want to tell SAFEbuilt to send another different building official here. They’ve already got a position for me elsewhere. So, it’s because now it feels like a hostile working environment.”
At that point, the letter states that Chappie advised Cushing he was suspending his service and would be contacting M.T. Causley for a replacement building official.
The city commission approved Cushing’s contract as building official on Jan. 23, 2024. He has been a licensed building official since 2005.
Cushing declined to comment on Perry’s letter.
Perry’s letter cited the following reasons for Cushing’s temporary suspension:
ULTRA VIRES ACT (ACTING OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF AUTHORITY)
“The city is of the opinion that the issuance of an administrative development approval to Drift-In, for the installation of a structure that Mr. Cushing deemed to be a Chickee Hut, as exempted by Florida Statutes, was improperly categorized as such, and should not have been approved until a major development hearing was conducted by the Planning and Zoning Board and City Commission.”
Perry wrote that Cushing’s administrative approval of the structure was outside the scope of his authority, and he failed to adhere to the municipal laws in the city’s Land Development Code.
According to an exhibit attached to Perry’s letter, Cushing stated in a social media post, “It was approved administratively and needed no more than that. But others aren’t getting their way (or that property) so I’m being asked to pull back my approval and force the owner to go through a ridiculous set of processes.”
DISREGARDING DIRECTION FROM MAYOR
“Mayor Chappie proactively advised Mr. Cushing to refrain from issuance of any permits immediately following the approval of a demolition permit for the property at 122 Bridge, because of active legal discussions between the city attorney and the attorney for the Drift-In,” the letter states.
The letter states that Cushing issued the administrative development approval without informing anyone in the city.
“Upon seeing redevelopment work and repairs at the Drift-In on Dec. 13, 2024, Mayor Chappie immediately contacted Mr. Cushing by phone and in writing to advise him of a number of concerns that he had in order to protect the city stating, ‘“[t]he Cities [sic] Land Use Right and the Drift-In’s Land Use Rights must be protected, and proper policy and procedures must be followed. The City must operate in accordance with the policy mandates of the Commission. All proper documentation must be in place to protect the city from any FEMA issues and the Cities [sic] easement issues must be addressed by the commission prior to any additional work.”
A copy of the written notice from Chappie was attached to the letter.
“Mr. Cushing disregarded all advice given by Mayor Chappie,” the letter states.
FAILURE TO ADHERE TO PROCEDURES AND NOTICE TO REVIEWING AGENCIES
Perry’s letter stated: “The failure to notify any of the reviewing agencies i.e. WMFD (West Manatee Fire District) violated the procedures of the Building Department and came at a cost to the property owner. Mr. Cushing did not provide any information nor the plans for review to the West Manatee Fire District (“WMFD”), the City of Bradenton Beach Police Department, nor the City of Bradenton Beach Public Works, as required in the approval process.”
“During a 12/19/24 Commission Meeting where an update was provided on the Drift-In matter, a directive by the city commission to notify WMFD was directed to Mr. Cushing, who made the following statement: “I know the Fire Marshal is aware of the situation, but I will bring this new information to him today and see if he needs to put an approval on it. However, during the WMFD meeting a month later on 1/14/25, Chief Rigney and Fire Marshal Kwiatkowski stated that they learned of the Drift-In project through social media and had not been provided any municipal notice, nor a copy of the permit application. The Fire Marshal was obligated to red tag the property and found that the thatched roof was in violation of the standards and regulations promulgated by the District. Accordingly, the new roof would have to be removed and replaced with synthetic thatched materials, which may have been avoided with notice to WMFD.”
According to a social media post attached to Perry’s letter, Cushing had written, “I will take ownership of not routing to WMFR, but the Fire Marshal and I immediately had a conversation about it and agreed on a game plan. Then he came out and red tagged it, at whose direction? The whole thing stinks to me… I may be wrong… but I’m usually not.”
FAILURE TO ADHERE TO AND PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF FEMA/FLOODPLAIN POST-STORM EVENT
“The cessation of securing a permit for property improvements/repairs at 120 Bridge St. violates a number of policies of the City, the Land Development Code, and, in light of the post-hurricane floodplain/FEMA compliance, likely violated the substantial damage and substantial improvement procedures,” Perry stated in the letter.
“As noted by the Fire Marshal on 1/14/25, the second structure located at 122 Bridge St. had undergone extensive renovations including electrical, plumbing, restroom reconfigurations, windows, doors, concrete, painting, flooring, HVAC work. No permit was required by Mr. Cushing for any of the work until a meeting with WMFD, wherein the City Attorney and the WMFD Fire Marshal requested for one to be applied for and reviewed by the Building Department and the appropriate agencies,” Perry’s letter states. “As directed by FEMA Floodplain Management and Insurance Specialist, Braydon Williams from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, every single improvement to any property, including minor repairs such as repainting an interior wall, triggers the need in a post-storm event for a permit in order to properly and legally capture substantial damage and substantial improvement matters. Failure to do so is grounds for non-compliance and audits.”
SOCIAL MEDIA
“The actions of Mr. Cushing to engage in salacious social media postings with slang profanity terms is improper and harmful to the City of Bradenton Beach. The City is aware of no less than half of a dozen comments on social media that contained factual misstatements, made declarations adverse to the best interest of the City, incited the public against the City, and made statements that could be taken as threats against the City ‘[s]o when it all hits the fan, be prepared to get some on your face!’,” Perry’s letter states.
She stated that one additional posting by Cushing pending his temporary suspension casts a negative light on the City of Bradenton Beach.
“I requested the assistance of Paul Featherston to address any written or verbal statements by SAFEbuilt, M.T. Causley or its agents that could be defamatory in nature with the public or press. We would again emphasize the importance of maintaining a level of professionalism that does not negatively impact the reputation of the City or SAFEbuilt/M.T.Causley,” Perry stated in the letter.
Featherston is the West Coast/Central Florida Regional Operations Manager at SAFEbuilt.
THE CITY’S REQUEST FOR REPLACEMENT BUILDING OFFICIAL
“Mayor Chappie has contacted Mr. Featherston each day this week since Mr. Cushing has left the service of the city and has been advised that options are very limited,” Perry’s letter states. “Time is of the essence—especially in the aftermath of the two storm events that greatly impacted our community. If SAFEbuilt is unable to provide the services needed and contracted for by the city, please advise immediately.”
ANNA MARIA – More than 300 Build Back the Beach volunteers planted nearly 30,000 native plants along the hurricane-ravaged Anna Maria shoreline between Bean Point and Sycamore Avenue last weekend.
Lakewood Ranch and part-time Anna Maria residents Cindy and Tryn Stimart initiated and organized the ambitious beach replanting effort and Oyster River Ecology Executive Director Damon Moore donated his plant knowledge and technical expertise.
As part of the project-related fundraising efforts, the Stimarts pledged to match half of the donations needed to cover the nearly $30,000 spent to purchase the plants.
Nearly $30,000 was spent on native beach plants. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Divided into two three-hour shifts on Jan. 25 and a third shift on Jan. 26, the volunteers planted sea oats, panic grass, railroad vine (also known as morning glory) and dune sunflowers.
The plants were placed about a foot apart. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Using a rechargeable battery-powered drill and auger, volunteers dug small holes in the beach sand to soon be filled with plant gel and plants.
Dawn Zimmerman helped dig the holes to be filled with native beach plants. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
While digging holes in the sand Saturday afternoon, Bradenton-based Filters Done Right owner Dawn Zimmerman said, “I’ve been coming here since I was 21 years old. It’s the least I can do to give back to such a beautiful place where I’ve made so many memories.”
These volunteers were part of the Saturday afternoon shift. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During the Saturday afternoon shift, Tryn Stimart said the planting project started at the tip of Bean Point earlier that morning and each shift planted approximately 9,000 plants in a 10-12-foot wide swath that extends for a mile along the Anna Maria shoreline.
The swath of new plants is 10-12 feet wide. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Beach Bums rental shop on Pine Avenue provided the golf carts that transported volunteers to and from the worksite. The Center of Anna Maria Island helped recruit and coordinate the volunteers and Executive Director Chris Culhane spent time Saturday transporting volunteers and planting plants.
These volunteers worked the first planting shift Saturday morning. – Cindy Stimart | Submitted
When asked why they embarked on this mission, Cindy Stimart said, “I’m doing this because I love Anna Maria Island. I’ve been coming here since I was a little kid. I walked this beach as a toddler and now it’s part of our home.
“After the hurricanes, when the people were taken care of and on the road to recovery, we wanted to help repair the beach that had been severely eroded. It started as an idea in our house but it could not have happened without our incredible team and this incredible community that came out to help,” she said.
Chicago residents Pascal Berthou and Carol Golder volunteered their time. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
As their Saturday afternoon shift wound down, Chicago natives and part-time Island-area residents Carol Golder and Pascal Berthou explained their desire to participate.
“I saw the devastation and anything that saves the Island is good for us,” Golder said.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Berthou added.
Jamie Telke volunteered because she loves Bean Point. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
While placing a plant in the ground, Jamie Telke was asked what brought her out that day.
“Because I love Bean Point,” she said.
Posie Haeger wanted to help with the hurricane recovery efforts. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Working next to her, Posie Haeger said, “Because I love Anna Maria and I want to help in any way I can.”
ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria resident John Rice’s swift actions likely saved the life of a kayaker whose kayak sank in Tampa Bay.
On Jan. 6 around 5 p.m., John and Tricia Rice were at their bayfront home on South Bay Boulevard, not far from where an abandoned 30-foot cabin cruiser had been anchored offshore for the past couple weeks.
“We were in between storms, a small craft warning had been issued and there was an offshore wind,” John said.
The boat’s anchor became dislodged, or the anchor line broke, and the boat started drifting toward the Sunshine Skyway.
“It was starting to get dark and the boat started floating out to sea,” John said. “All the sudden we see a guy go out on a very small kayak. He was in street clothes and wasn’t wearing a personal flotation device. Once he hit the wind line, he became unstable, flipped and started struggling. It was a tiny kayak and that thing filled with water and sank. He tried to swim back but there was an offshore breeze. He wasn’t getting anywhere and he started yelling for help.”
John Rice could not sit idle while waiting for first responders to arrive. – John Rice | Submitted
Tricia said, “I started to call 911 and John said, ‘I can’t sit here and wait for them and watch this guy die. I have to go get him.’ And he did.”
“I’m a windsurfer and I just got in a few hours earlier,” John said. “The water was about 62-63 degrees. I put a wetsuit on and took a life jacket with me. I grabbed a paddleboard and went out and got him. He was a couple hundred yards out, in the deep part, and he would have been taken out to sea. We didn’t have much daylight left, but I have a watch that I could make calls on if we got stranded out there.
“He was out of breath and definitely struggling. When I got to him, he grabbed the nose of the paddleboard and caught his breath. Then we slowly paddled back. It took a while because we were going against the wind and he had half his body on the front of my paddleboard. The Marine Unit arrived, but by that time I had him on shore,” John said.
The guy’s name was Dale. He said he wasn’t the owner of the boat and I guess he was being a Good Samaritan. He might have thought someone was on the boat but he never should have taken off like that in a small craft warning. He was shaken up and he thanked me, but he didn’t hang around. I think he refused medical treatment,” John said.
“The Marine Unit was out on the bay for hours. I saw their blue light out there,” Rice said, guessing they were searching for the boat adrift in the shipping lane.
Downplaying his heroic actions, John said, “It was no big deal.”
Tricia disagreed and said, “My husband’s being too modest. He was a lifeguard when he was a teenager. There’s no way that man would be alive if it wasn’t for him.”
When asked if she was nervous watching her husband paddle out to get the man, Tricia said, “I was. I told John I didn’t want him getting into trouble out there but he said he couldn’t sit there and watch the man die.”
John said they never saw the abandoned boat again.
HOLMES BEACH – Gloria Dei Lutheran Church has closed and city officials hope to purchase the building and property if financially feasible.
On Jan. 18, the church hosted a Holy Closure service as its final service. The church and its 3-acre property will be put on the market and the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America is handling the sale.
According to a message shared at the Gloria Dei website, “On Jan. 1, the Synod Council assumed responsibility for all decisions related to the property, its contents and the transition process. The congregation of Gloria Dei will no longer be an active congregation. Continued worship at Gloria Dei for any additional time is not feasible.”
The message includes a statement from Tampa-based Bishop’s Assistant Rev. Ron Rose: “We were warmly invited to attend and participate in worship at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bradenton. This congregation is dealing with similar issues affecting small congregations everywhere. They look forward to getting to know us and to exploring future possibilities. We want to maintain the close bonds and support we have as a church family. We can continue to worship together at Redeemer as we plan for a successful transition to a new congregation.”
Video of the final service is posted at the church’s Facebook page, accompanied by a single comment from Elle Orr that says, “A sad day for sure.”
City interest
When discussing the pursuit of resiliency grants and other state and federal funds with city commissioners on Jan. 14, Mayor Judy Titsworth mentioned the church closure and the future sale of the building and property at 6608 Marina Drive.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church recently hosted its Holy Closure farewell service. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Titsworth wants to pursue the financial assistance needed to purchase the property for use as city-owned green space. The potential funding sources include a federal FEMA grant, a state appropriation or revenues from the county commission-controlled tourist development tax fund. Titsworth said Congressman Vern Buchanan already offered his assistance.
Titsworth said the city might have to put some “ skin in the game” as well and that could entail taking out a loan or dipping into the city’s reserve fund.
“Three acres? This is our one chance to get a great place like that. That’s what I think reserves are for,” she said.
Commissioner Carol Whitmore said that Sen. Jim Boyd told her that Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to reduce the state appropriations given to local governments this year.
City Director of Development Services Chad Minor said he recently spoke with Rose about the pending sale.
“I expressed our interest in having a seat at the table as they consider future plans for that property,” Minor said. “Once they get their appraisal, they will be putting it on the market. They have a responsibility to their group and they’re going to get the highest and best price they can for that property; and we’re more than welcome to throw our hat in the ring.”
Titsworth said the green space could be used for art festivals, a farmers market and other public uses.
“It’s something that could be a treasure for the people that live out here,” she said, noting the property could also be used as a temporary hurricane debris staging area if needed.
The School For Constructive Play preschool is displaced by the church closure. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Whitmore said the School For Constructive Play is displaced from the church building and is temporarily operating at The Center of Anna Maria Island and pursuing the licensing needed to operate a preschool there.
When contacted by The Sun, The Center’s Executive Director Chris Culhane said the School For Constructive Play obtained a temporary displacement permit from the state Department of Children and Families and they are working with DCF to obtain the permits and licensing needed to keep the preschool there if needed.
Titsworth said she will work with Minor, Public Works Superintendent Sage Kamiya and the city’s lobbyist to identify the most favorable uses of the building and property in terms of pursuing federal, state or county funding.
“Things like green space, soccer fields, a public-private partnership with an art league, allowing the school back in. Something where it can still be used for the community,” Titsworth said.
Regarding the church’s architecture and unique roof structure, she said, “It’s a landmark. I’d like to rehab the building and get it back to its glory. It’s a gorgeous building.”
Minor noted the property carries public/semi-public zoning and future land use designations. Commissioner Dan Diggins asked if the property could be used for commercial purposes. Minor said that would require a comprehensive plan amendment, a future land use map amendment and a rezoning amendment.
Titsworth noted that about six years ago, the church leaders sought to rezone a portion of the property to allow the construction of residential duplexes. Those efforts failed because the commission wanted that property to retain its public/semi-public land use and zoning designations.
Bringing the informal discussion to a close, Commissioner Terry Schaefer said, “We need to be prepared when we get the nod to sit at the table. I’m also working on other sources of funding this. If we get that chance, we don’t want to be in a position to say we’re interested but we don’t know how to fund it.”
BRADENTON BEACH – In a Jan. 27 letter to the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association (HOA), Pines Park Investors LLC offered to sell the mobile home park to the residents for $75 million.
At that price, each of the 86 mobile homeowners would be responsible for $872,093.02.
“This has got to be a joke,” said one Pines resident, who asked not to be named.
On Aug. 5, 2023, Pines Park Investors, LLC purchased the 2.78-acre waterfront mobile home property from The Jackson Partnership LLLP for $16.25 million. The manager of Pines Park Investors LLC is Shawn Kaleta.
The park sustained damage from both Hurricanes Helene and Milton but many homeowners hoped to rebuild their mobile homes.
The LLC notified Pines mobile homeowners on Jan. 4 of their plans to close the trailer park. As part of the process of closing the park, and per Florida Statutes, the ownership is required to make an offer to residents, according to the letter to the HOA from attorney Shawn D. Arbeiter of the Davie, Florida-based law firm Hunden, McClean and Arbeiter.
“Pursuant to Section 723.061(1)(d)1.a., Florida Statutes, within 45 days after the execution of this agreement, the Association may execute and deliver a Purchase and Sale Agreement to Pines Trailer Park to purchase the mobile home park at the price and under the terms and conditions set forth in this Notice,” the letter reads in part.
That statute reads as follows:
“1. The park owner gives written notice to the homeowners’ association formed and operating under ss. 723.075–723.079 of its right to purchase the mobile home park, if the land comprising the mobile home park is changing use from mobile home lot rentals to a different use, at the price and under the terms and conditions set forth in the written notice.
a. The notice shall be delivered to the officers of the homeowners’ association by United States mail. Within 45 days after the date of mailing of the notice, the homeowners’ association may execute and deliver a contract to the park owner to purchase the mobile home park at the price and under the terms and conditions set forth in the notice. If the contract between the park owner and the homeowners’ association is not executed and delivered to the park owner within the 45-day period, the park owner is under no further obligation to the homeowners’ association except as provided in sub-subparagraph b.
b. If the park owner elects to offer or sell the mobile home park at a price lower than the price specified in her or his initial notice to the officers of the homeowners’ association, the homeowners’ association has an additional 10 days to meet the revised price, terms, and conditions of the park owner by executing and delivering a revised contract to the park owner.”
According to the letter from Arbeiter, the purchase price for the mobile home park is $75 million. A deposit of $500,000 is required to be deposited with escrow agent Najmy Thompson PL, 1401 Eighth Ave. in Bradenton within three business days. One hundred thousand dollars of the deposit is non-refundable. The letter calls for a 60-day closing.
The Sun reached out to Arbeiter by email for comment as to how the LLC arrived at the proposed purchase price of $75 million, but did not receive an immediate response.
