Year: 2025

Planning commission will not review site plans

Written by Joe Hendricks on January 21, 2025. Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – At the advice of City Attorney Erica Augello, city commissioners plan to deny the planning commission’s request to conduct preliminary reviews of major site plan applications.

Augello also advised that major site plan applications not be preliminarily discussed during non-quasi-judicial city commission work meetings.

A site plan is a diagram that illustrates a proposed development, redevelopment or significant improvements desired by a property owner.

Augello dispensed her legal advice on Jan. 14 while Holmes Beach city commissioners and Director of Development Services Chad Minor discussed proposed changes to the city’s site plan application review processes. The proposed changes are set forth in Ordinance 25-02 and the ordinance was presented on first reading that day. Adoption is expected during the second and final reading on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

Currently, the planning commission does not review major site plan applications before the city commission conducts an evidence- and testimony-based quasi-judicial public hearing on the proposed site plan.

When initially reviewing the proposed ordinance last year, the planning commissioners recommended inserting additional language that would allow them conduct public hearings to review major site plan applications for consistency with the city’s comprehensive plan and land development code. This would be done before the city commission conducts its quasi-judicial public hearing on the site plan application.

The planning commission’s recommended language was included in the ordinance presented to city commissioners on Jan. 14.

“The city planning commission shall hold a properly noticed public hearing to review the site plan application and based on the evidence presented provide a recommendation to the board of commissioners as to whether the application is consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and land development code.

“The city planning commission may also provide advisory comments to the applicant regarding site design recommendations to increase compatibility of the site with adjacent uses and the surrounding area. After review by the planning commission, the planning and zoning administrator or designee shall prepare a staff report, findings and recommendation for submittal to the city commission for review at a public hearing, including any recommendations provided by the planning commission,” the ordinance said at that time.

Regarding the proposed inclusion of the planning commission in the site plan application review process, City Commissioner Carol Whitmore said, “I don’t support this. This is not a planning commission role. This is one of the biggest jobs of the commission and we should be taking the responsibility for it.”

Whitmore said the planning commission’s role is to ensure compliance with the city’s comprehensive plan and allowing them to conduct public hearings to review site plan applications would subject the city to additional attorney fees.

“I respect the planning commission and I love what they do, but this is our job and I don’t feel like giving my job up to another board,” Whitmore said.

Augello noted the planning commission is an advisory board, not a decision-making body. When conducting a quasi-judicial public hearing, the city commission could not use any evidence or testimony given at a planning commission hearing.

Augello agreed that a planning commission hearing would provide another layer of public input but it could also create additional legal complications if the city commission denies a site plan application and the applicant appeals the decision. Augello said the applicant could allege the city commission made its decision based on the planning commission review rather than the evidence and testimony presented directly to the city commission.

Augello said planning commission review of a site plan application could also create a “conflict in record evidence.” If something was presented at the planning commission hearing and not at the city commission hearing, that could create a potential deviation of information. Augello advised avoiding a “dual review” process for site plan applications and she suggested a similar approach for rezoning requests.

Commissioner Carol Soustek serves as the city commission’s planning commission liaison. She expressed her respect for the planning commission and their desire to review site plans but she agrees with Whitmore regarding the avoidance of additional attorney fees.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer noted subjecting site plan applications to a single public hearing provides the public with only one opportunity to provide their input.

The commission unanimously agreed to remove the planning commission’s recommended language and move forward toward final adoption of the ordinance as amended that day.

In a related action meant to solicit greater input from the city’s advisory boards, the commission agreed to place monthly advisory board reports on future commission meeting agendas.

After the city commission meeting, Minor sent a revision version of the ordinance to City Clerk Stacey Johnston, with the planning commission’s recommended language deleted.

Planning Commission Response

On Jan. 15, when reviewing the ordinance as amended the previous day, the planning commissioners expressed disappointment with the city commission’s decision, but they acknowledged the city attorney’s legal concerns. After much discussion, the planning commissioners unanimously agreed to reinsert the deleted language as a symbolic reiteration of their desire for greater transparency in the site plan review process – knowing the city commission will delete that language again before the ordinance is adopted on second reading.

Minor said he would never present a site plan application to the city commission that doesn’t comply with the city’s comprehensive plan and land development code. At the request of the planning commission, Minor agreed to post a notice at the city website when a major site plan application is received so the public has as much advance notice as possible.

Holmes Beach officials critique consolidation study

Written by Joe Hendricks on January 21, 2025. Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – The mayor and city commissioners had plenty to say about the recently released OPPAGA consolidation study and former Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge.

The 25-page consolidation study report compiled by the Florida Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability was provided to the Holmes Beach, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach mayors on Jan. 8.

The report was accompanied by a two-page letter dated Jan. 9 and signed by State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and State Sen. Jim Boyd – the state legislators who led the Manatee County Legislative Delegation’s pursuit of the consolidation study formally requested in January 2023.

The letter includes a statement that suggests that consolidation of the three Island cities is no longer a viable consideration: “The OPPAGA study confirms what we have discussed over the past year. Merging or eliminating cities could negatively impact the unique and special character of the Island and could have a detrimental impact on issues like building height.”

The OPPAGA study analyzed four potential consolidation options and the pros and cons of each option. The report included no recommendations or findings as to which consolidation option should be pursued. The report also contains detailed information about each city’s finances, public services provided, decreasing permanent resident population and more.

The state legislators’ consolidation study request partially stemmed from a beach parking dispute between Holmes Beach city officials and Van Ostenbridge and his desire to build a three-story parking garage at the county-owned Manatee Beach.

Having lost his at-large District 7 election bid in November 2024, Van Ostenbridge is no longer a county commissioner. Tal Siddique now represents Anna Maria Island as the county’s District 3 commissioner.

City Commissioner Terry Schaefer was the first to mention the OPPAGA study during the commission’s Jan. 14 meeting.

“I thought it was unfortunate that leadership on the delegation did not mention the conclusion of the report in their cover letter to our three mayors indicating there will be no consolidation. I thought the public deserved to hear their recommendation would not include any consolidation efforts,” he said.

Commissioner Carol Whitmore opposes the consolidation of the cities but she sees some value in the completed study.

“I loved the data, the information. It gave me a good picture of what the other two cities are doing, how much population we’ve lost and the other options,” she said.

Schaefer agreed the study provides some useful information but the conclusion to not consolidate the Island cities was something city officials and Island residents knew and supported all along.

“In this case, facts prevailed and we can now focus on the betterment of our city and our Island in general,” Schaefer said.

Commission Chair Dan Diggins succinctly said, “Hopefully, we can just turn the OPPAGA page.”

Mayor Judy Titsworth said, “I sleep better at night. We all know what was really behind the OPPAGA study. This was wrong, but the commissioner (Van Ostenbridge) was probably the worst district representative we’ve had in the history of our city. He was vengeful and thank God he’s gone. We are so lucky to have someone like Tal. We couldn’t ask for a nicer, more committed representative for our city.”

Titsworth also noted there’s not enough support among current county commissioners to continue the pursuit of the now-defunded parking garage.

“I’m so glad that’s behind us as well,” she said.

When the OPPAGA study came up again later in the meeting, Titsworth said, “Everything’s positive from here on out. I believe they’re going to quit picking on us.”

She then thanked the city officials, residents and community members who opposed consolidation and the parking garage.

Whitmore said she served with one of Van Ostenbridge’s uncles many years ago, during her previous tenure as a city commissioner.

“KVO is not the Van Ostenbridge family that I know,” she said.

She also served on the county commission with Van Ostenbridge.

“I will never forgive that man for what he did to all of us,” she said.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said, “The people who initiated this OPPAGA study did not take into account the effect it had on so many people’s personal lives. All the city employees were upset. They thought they were going to lose their jobs. It was unnecessary, vindictive and I was very disappointed in the elected leaders.”

Soustek applauded the stand taken by Titsworth and the Holmes Beach commission. She also thanked Hands Across the Sand director and consolidation protest organizer Barbara Ehren and all those who opposed the consolidation of the Island cities.

“I’m very happy to see the results, but it’s exactly what the mayor was saying all along,” Soustek said. “It was a degrading thing to go through for the cities when they had so many other things they needed to do. It put a black mark on the judgment of Tallahassee (state legislators). I was very disappointed,” she said.

The Rock N’ The Sand proceeds will be donated to The Center’s Rock N’ Support program.

Rock N’ The Sand fundraiser will assist Island workers

Written by Joe Hendricks on January 20, 2025. Posted in Entertainment, Festivals, Music.

ELLENTON – Several Anna Maria Island bands and musicians will participate in the Rock N’ The Sand music festival and hurricane relief fundraiser at Whiskey Joe’s in Ellenton on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The funds raised will be donated to The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Rock N’ Support hurricane relief grant program.

“100% of the proceeds will go to Island employees who lost their income due to hurricanes Helene and/or Milton. Every penny raised will be donated to The Center of Anna Maria for disbursement to Island employees,” according to the Rock N’ The Sand website.

The musical roster includes Jah Movement, 301 Travelers, Concrete Edgar, Rob Hamm, Black Thorn Rose, Luke Andrews, Cabana Dogs, Dos Macs, Steve Paradis, Nauti Girl Band, Tommy B. and Nobody’s Fool.

Tickets can be purchased at the eventbrite website and also on the day of the event. General admission tickets are $25, VIP tickets are $100 and non-attendees can also make a $25 donation to support the cause. Whiskey Joe’s is located at 5313 19th St. E. in Ellenton and discounts will be given to their patrons who also wish to enter the festival.

The event was organized by Beach Dogs Island Essentials owner Patty Nazarre, Island Marketing owner Amy McCloskey-Tobin and Cabana Dogs lead guitarist and singer Jimmy Camastro, who organized the live music. Bowes Imaging Center, Time Saver Wine & Spirits, Beach Dogs Island Essentials, Island Marketing and the Cabana Dogs are sponsoring the event.

“We’re more than three months out from the hurricanes, but there’s still a lot of people hurting,” Nazarre said. “Hopefully, we’ll make some money for them. I have a lot of friends that are musicians. I love frequenting the venues. I know a lot of the bartenders and servers on the Island and some are still living in hotels. Whiskey Joe’s wanted to help. They’re donating the VIP food and drinks and donating a portion of the food sales to the cause.”

Tobin said, “A lot of the musicians playing the event were hurt by the hurricane themselves. This is islanders helping islanders. None of us are getting a penny and Bowes Imaging is helping a lot.”

Camastro wrote a song called “Anna Maria” and a musician friend suggested he release the song for sale to help raise money for local hurricane victims. That suggestion helped inspire the Rock N’ The Sand fundraiser and the wheels were set in motion.

“I love Anna Maria Island and I play out there all the time. We lost a lot of gigs and had to find gigs off the Island. So did a lot of other musicians and bands,” Camastro said.

Grant applications

Primarily funded by the proceeds from the recent Lynyrd Skynyrd concert in Palmetto, the Rock N’ Support program has already provided $250-$500 grants to more than 628 applicants, totaling more than $293,500.

The grants are available to Anna Maria Island and Cortez hospitality and tourism industry employees financially impacted by the hurricanes. Regarding the Rock N’ The Sand fundraiser, Center Executive Director Chris Culhane said the grant program might be expanded to include musicians and retail employees too, but that remains to be determined. To submit a grant application, visit The Center’s Rock ‘N’ Support web page.

Government calendar

Written by Sun staff on January 20, 2025. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

Anna Maria

10005 Gulf Drive

For information, call 941-708-6130

Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

Jan. 23, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

Bradenton Beach

107 Gulf Drive N.

For information, call 941-778-1005

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.

Jan. 22, 10 a.m. – Pier Team meeting

Jan. 28, 9 a.m. – City Commission work meeting

Jan. 29, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES workshop

Holmes Beach

5801 Marina Drive

For information, call 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

Jan. 23, 11:30 a.m. – Police officer’s pension board meeting

Jan. 28, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

Feb. 5, 3:30 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

Island Players romp through ‘Birthday Suite’

Written by Joe Hendricks on January 18, 2025. Posted in Entertainment, Theater.

ANNA MARIA – Community theater lovers have until Sunday, Jan. 26 to enjoy The Island Players’ comical performance of “Birthday Suite.”

Island Players veteran Heiko Knipfelberg directs the slapstick British farce written by English playwright Robin Hawdon. The play is rarely performed in America.

The cast features Daniel Coppinger as Tony the Italian waiter, Eric Johnson as Bob, Pamela Hopkins as Kate, Jeff McMahon as Dick and Sylvia Marnie as Liz. Marnie hails from Lancaster, England and naturally speaks with a British accent. Her fellow cast members had to adopt English or Italian accents for their roles.

Marnie is also the Island Players’ executive director. She selected “Birthday Suite” because her sister saw it performed in England three years ago and loved it. She reached out to Hawdon and his agent directly to secure the rarely issued American rights to perform the play.

Before the Jan. 10 performance began, Knipfelberg stepped to the front of the stage to welcome the theater patrons, share a few thoughts on the upcoming performance and to thank the play’s co-producers, Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café.

The two-act tale unfolds in an English hotel, in a two-room suite with adjoining rooms and a door between them that’s assumed to be locked. One by one, the four main characters arrive at their respective rooms, escorted by Tony, whose frequent intrusions help propel the chaos and absurdity that ensues.

First to arrive is Bob, a nervous, neurotic and quite tall civil servant who on his birthday seeks a “naughty night out” as a reprieve from his failing marriage.

Next to arrive is Kate, a cautious, conventional and lonely boutique clerk in search of a meaningful relationship.

Third to arrive is Dick, a divorced psychiatrist who’s more adept at dispensing relationship advice than navigating his own romantic endeavors. His idea of a perfect date is a quiet dinner in a non-public setting.

The final guest to arrive is Liz, an attractive and assertive English housewife whose marriage is on the rocks.

Two of the guests find themselves at the hotel thanks to the matchmaking efforts of Bob’s never-seen friend, Geoff Tippet. The other two are making their first foray into online dating.

Hovering over the forlorn quartet and their increasingly flummoxed waiter is the mystery of Mimi, the no-show prostitute whose unknown whereabouts contribute to the confusion and hilarity – with Liz and Kate both mistaken as fellow members of Mimi’s erotic profession.

Although their accents are different, Coppinger’s energetic portrayal of Tony is reminiscent of John Banner’s classic portrayal of Sgt. Hans Georg Shultz, the endearing and bumbling German prison camp guard from the old “Hogan’s Heroes” sitcom. And as he tries to figure who’s with who and where they are at any given moment, Tony’s rapid-fire dialogue harkens back to Abbott and Costello’s classic “Who’s on First” sketch.

Fueled by British humor, champagne, liquor, melon, filet mignon, loneliness, uncertainty, apprehension, sexual tension and a quest for companionship, the four main characters, their waiter and some unexpected interlopers embark on a farcical evening that leads to a comedic climax.

“Birthday Suite” delivers a five-star evening of community theater and the Anna Maria Island community is fortunate to have such a talented cast and crew lend their time and talents to the Island Players 76th season – and they should be applauded, literally and figuratively, for their efforts and excellence.

Up next for the Island Players is “Death by Design,” a murder mystery/comedy that opens on March 13 and runs through March 30.

The Island Players theater is located at 10009 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. “Birthday Suite” tickets are $18-$28. During theatrical runs, the box office is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and before each show. The box office phone number is 941-778-5755. Tickets can also be purchased at the Island Players website.

Related coverage

“Birthday Suite” up next for Island Players

City commission discussing building department restructuring

Commissioners discuss restructuring building department

Written by Leslie Lake on January 18, 2025. Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Following discussion at a Jan. 16 city commission meeting about a possible restructuring of the city’s building department, commissioners decided to meet on Tuesday, Jan. 28 for a work meeting on the subject.

The city has been at odds with Building Official Darin Cushing over his issuance of a permit for the Drift-In tiki structure on Bridge Street.

“Right now, we are currently under a contractual agreement with SAFEbuilt to provide a building official and planner,” Mayor John Chappie said. “This is opposed to the way it used to be with a department head as employees of the city.”

Chappie said over the years, the system of contracting has worked out for the most part, but said he would like commissioners to evaluate the return of the building department positions to the city.

“The past four or five months have been very challenging as we all know,” Chappie said, citing the importance of having department heads at emergency team meetings.

Cushing serves as the city’s building official with Luis Serna as land planner. Both are contractual roles.

Commissioners approved a contract for Cushing on Jan. 18, 2024 as city building official following the Dec. 15, 2023 retirement of former building official Steve Gilbert. Cushing has been a licensed building official since 2005.

“There’s some differences that need to be addressed so that we can function a lot better for our community and our property owners,” Chappie said. “There’s been some concern and bumps in the road that made it a little more challenging than it needed to be at times. I want to set up a work meeting so we can take action and discuss the overall functions of the building department and the comparisons to actually having an employee.”

City Attorney Ricinda Perry noted that as a contractor, Cushing does not have the same authority over the building department as a department head.

“There’s this whole reassessment of what is working and what isn’t working and how do we properly supervise the department,” Perry said. “You need somebody who has that authority under the employee handbook. I will tell you by state statute the building official is the chief code enforcement officer for a municipality.”

She said the hurricanes magnified weaknesses and also shed some light on the strengths of an independent contractor.

“This department is under a tremendous amount of demand right now, a very high level of demand and that department is under tremendous strain. They are in our next phase of recovery and a critical component for getting permits turned around so people can return to their normal life,” Perry said. “It is also critical for turning over the properties that are damaged and are being redeveloped or rebuilt for purposes of getting those properties back on the tax rolls.”

Prior to the November return of Gilbert and the arrival of a team of 20 inspectors provided by the state to assist with damage assessments, Cushing had been tasked with evaluating the damage to hundreds of storm-affected homes citywide since Hurricane Helene on Sept. 26.

Perry asked the commission to assess whether the city needs more resources or restructuring to go back to an employee scenario.

“We need to get information from you as to what you need and solve the problem, but I agree with the mayor that a separate work meeting is needed at this point, it’s critical,” Perry said.

“I believe this is something that needs to be discussed and addressed,” Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce said.

Commissioner Scott Bear asked what the expectations are from those under contract.

“Prior to the meeting we’ll look at their contract to see what services they’re supposed to be providing,” Bear said. “That would help us understand what we’d want from any employee as well.”

A work meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 9 a.m. at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Construction to begin on Bridge Street hotel project

City attorney: Hotel project will begin construction this year

Written by Leslie Lake on January 18, 2025. Posted in Business, Featured, Real estate | Development.

BRADENTON BEACH – Construction is expected to begin this summer on the Bridge Street hotel project, according to City Attorney Ricinda Perry.

“By way of keeping you in the loop with development activities within the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) district, I have spoken with Shawn and Jake (hotel co-applicants Shawn Kaleta and Jake Spooner) who have the hotel that’s supposed to come on to Bridge Street,” Perry said to CRA members at a Jan. 16 meeting.

On Dec. 7, 2023, the city commission approved the 106-room resort hotel, 60-seat restaurant, 5,396 square feet of retail and 154 on-site parking spaces.

“I have been told that those plans have been worked on, they are submitting the building department plans for this and they hope to turn dirt by late summer for that project, so it is still on task,” Perry said.

Just days after approval, on Dec. 11, a permitted demolition began on 129 Gulf Drive S., the location of the former Joe’s Eats N Sweets. On Jan. 13, 101 Bridge St., formerly the Freckled Fin, was demolished. On Jan. 26, demolition began on the building at 105 Bridge St., formerly the Magnolia Inn.

The parcel, on the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South, has since been used as a public paid parking lot.

The hotel property is sited on 1.61 acres and located at 101, 105, and 117 Bridge St. and 106, 108, 110 and 112 Third St. S.

“It’s nice to hear Bridge Street hotel is moving forward with their project,” Mayor John Chappie said.

Building Official Darin Cushing said he has not yet received updated plans from the hotel applicants.

Perry’s update was one of three she presented on Kaleta-owned projects at the CRA meeting. The others were a possible rezoning of the Pines Trailer Park and conceptual plans to eliminate dry storage at Bradenton Beach Marina and add retail and restaurants there.

The Sun reached out to a representative for Kaleta for comment, but no response was received by press time.

Ross Built builds generational home on Jewfish Key

Written by Joe Hendricks on January 17, 2025. Posted in Business, Featured, Real estate | Development.

LONGBOAT KEY – Ross Built Custom Homes recently completed the construction of a new waterfront home on Jewfish Key.

The Bradenton-based construction company is owned and operated by husband and wife, Greg and Lee Ross. On Dec. 13, Lee Ross provided a tour of the new home soon to be occupied by its owners. Completed after hurricanes Helene and Milton struck, the home will be showcased in Southern Living magazine in March.

“The premise of the article is homes that are built to last and we’re proud to be part of that,” Lee Ross said.

“We had an absolute blast building the home and we’re excited to turn it over to the client. I presented the house to the client yesterday. On the boat ride over here, he told his kids they can never sell this house. They need to pass it down to their kids. We built the house to last and they want it passed down through the generations,” she added.

Facing Sarasota Bay and Longboat Pass, the 3,000-square-foot home features four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms and comfortably sleeps 14 people with bunk beds in the third-story bedrooms and den.

It now serves as a second home for a millennial-aged Sarasota couple, along with their 11-year-old daughter, 9-year-old son and extended family members. The family first occupied their new second home during the Christmas holidays.

“The whole premise of this house is it’s their weekend getaway. When the owner travels, he sometimes travels with up to 17 family members, including sisters, brothers, aunts and cousins. The house is designed so everyone can roam free during the day and come inside and gather at night. That’s why it has so many sleeping spaces,” Ross said.

The homeowners provided the design documents created by Beacon Home Design principal designer, design architect, company founder and Manatee County native A.J. Barnard. Longtime Ross Built employee Rob Fehd served as the project supervisor. Ross served as the interior designer and Holmes Beach-based Original Sand Dollar retail store owner Julia Duytschaver provided the interior décor elements.

Located on a small, 12-parcel island in Sarasota Bay, off the northern tip of Longboat Key and the southern tip of Bradenton Beach, the home has a Longboat Key address. Florida Power and Light provides the electrical service but county water and sewage service is not available. An artesian well provides the fresh water and sewage discharges into a septic tank.

The only way to access the home and the shared dock on the other side of the island is by boat, or other watercraft. Construction materials were delivered by boat or barge and transported from the dock or the shoreline to the job site by Bobcats and skid steers. Construction workers and others associated with the project were transported to the job site in a boat captained by Tom Mora, with the South Coquina boat ramp serving as the main pickup point.

Construction took 18-20 months, including time lost to the hurricanes.

“A couple king tides and a couple hurricanes impacted the schedule,” Ross said.

Building a home struck by back-to-back hurricanes heightened Ross’s appreciation for the stricter building codes construction companies must follow to help mitigate hurricane and storm damage.

“We always thought those rules were annoying. But when we pulled up the day after Helene to check the damage, we found the rules worked because they saved the house,” Ross said. “The house performed beautifully. We had no water intrusion on the upper levels. We took on 3 feet of water on the ground level, but the water came and left and everything was fine.”

She noted the ground-level interior area features flow-through flood vents that allow intruding floodwater to naturally recede. Accessible in some areas by bay doors, the ground-level space can be used for storage, recreation and other activities but cannot be used as sleeping space/living space per FEMA regulations.

“We were very thoughtful about the materials we used down there,” Ross said. “The floor is made of pressure treated lumber and we had zero issues after that area filled with three feet of water. We had paperless drywall in there before Helene hit and it performed pretty well. But after Helene, we replaced it with cementitious board that can be pressure washed.”

The ground-level wood floor features an abstract fish head pattern created by a local 16-year-old artist who was recently accepted to a New York art school.

“There will be a lot of sand coming into that part of the house and we wanted it to look and wear over time like an old store from the 1920s,” Ross said.

Another local artist painted a horseshoe crab on the one of the ground-level foyer walls.

The home’s exterior is covered with fireproof Hardie fiber cement siding and all the doors and windows are hurricane impact rated.

The waterfront yard features a deck, a circular hot tub, a nautilus-shaped outdoor shower, a fire pit and a small private beach.

Interior design

Regarding the interior design, Ross said, “We were strong in our intention that geography matters, so we tried to embrace everything about living on an island. We focused on the materiality of sand, beachy colors, driftwood tones and hints of blue and green to represent the water.

“We wanted a coastal theme, but not one that’s cliché. We wanted a neutral pallet, as if you came out here and pulled things off the island and built the house. That was the intention with the types and colors of wood we used. There’s also a lot of white, like an old-fashioned beach house,” Ross said.

“On the second floor, we installed a tile floor that looks like beach sand. We focused on durable materials that don’t need a lot of maintenance so the kids can play and not worry about ruining the floors.”

The second-floor dining area features a custom-made table built of ebony wood selected by the family and obtained from a local supplier.

“A local artist put the three pieces of wood together. It weighs about 500 pounds and it took seven people to get it in and out of the boat and into the house,” Ross said.

The concrete kitchen countertop features embedded shells previously collected by the family. The kitchen features a General Electric induction range and a workstation sink.

Utilizing an open floor plan, a cozy living room sits next to the dining room.

“We wanted some interesting and notable ceiling detail and we found some wood floating around after the hurricane and built some abstract fishbones coming out of the living room ceiling,” Ross said.

“The client really wanted a connection with the outdoor spaces so we have a lot of deck space. We have bi-fold glass doors open up to the bay so it looks like you’re sitting on the water,” she said.

The second-story master bedroom features a modern four-post bed, a tile floor that resembles driftwood, a Capiz shell chandelier and black and white photos on the wall.

“With opalescent tile on the wall, the master bath is like being inside conch shell,” Ross said.

“The Original Sand Dollar provided the interior décor. Julia knocked it out of the park and she’s never done this before,” Ross said.

“It was a big honor to work with Lee Ross,” Duytschaver said. “She wanted someone local and authentic and the two of us worked well together. It’s a big house. It was a big undertaking and we worked on the project for more than a year. We looked at the property and met with the homeowners. I got a storage unit and started ordering things that were different than some of the stuff I carry in the store. Thankfully, it stayed safe during the hurricanes.

“Other than the furniture and light fixtures, we did all the accessories. We did the tabletops, the bedding, the bookshelves, the wall art, the black and white photographs and more,” Duytschaver said.

“We wanted it to look understated and homey, but with a higher-end feel,” Duytschaver said, noting the wife wanted the interior décor to represent the family and their desire to build a home on the island.
“Gillian Crago works with me and we did the install. Seeing the finished product was very fulfilling. Working with Lee was great. She’s super-talented and the house is really cool,” she added.

Supervisor’s sentiments

During that mid-December visit, Fehd and his crew were knocking out the final punch list items to complete the project. The initial site preparation included removing several Australian pines from the undeveloped two-acre lot.

Fehd said this is the first home he built on an island accessible by boat only.

“It requires a lot of coordination and it takes a little longer to build out here because of that – getting the materials over on the boat and barge and scheduling the different trade workers,” Fehd said. “It’s going to be sad to finish this house because I really enjoyed the process. I like getting on the boat in the morning and coming over here. Going through two hurricanes and being a small part of this process has been really gratifying. It’s a feather in the cap. Lee really made the house a home with her interior design details and the furnishings she picked out. Lee brought the house to life.”

Lee and Greg Ross own Ross Built Custom Homes. - Ross Built Custom Homes | Submitted

This aerial photograph of Jewfish Key hangs in the house. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The custom home offers ample deck space. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The kitchen island includes a workstation sink. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The kitchen features a General Electric induction range. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The hot tub provides a waterfront view. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The fire pit sits near the Sarasota Bay shoreline.

Lee Ross placed these horseshoe crabs shell on the private beach. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

A Capiz shell chandelier hangs in the master bedroom.

This bedroom includes a bed and bunk beds. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Bay doors provide access to the ground-level interior spaces. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Original Sand Dollar is located in Holmes Beach. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Letter to the Editor: Residents insist on equal protection in noise ordinance

Written by SUN contributor on January 15, 2025. Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

The Holmes Beach Commission is working diligently on the Island Bazaar site plan for the old Wells Fargo location in addressing the noise issue, the discussion of which was initiated by the mayor. We learned long ago that noise is a difficult issue to understand unless you have actually experienced it. It is an issue that has been greatly researched, and the mayor’s dialogue touched on some of what is deeply rooted in that research, and that is that there can be negative impacts. The reduction to 50 decibels during the day in this resolution was noteworthy; it will be great for the mayor and her family, who live nearby.

We all know that we have lost many residents, and for some, noise was a contributing factor. Sometimes the sustained shouting, yelling and screaming in our neighborhoods is what forced people out. For years, noise was mischaracterized, and residential zones were misreferenced as vacation rental districts, resort zones or commercial zones, although the zone should have no bearing since the noise control ordinance is citywide. It took seven years for reprieve for us, and although the situation is better, it is not 50 decibels during the day.

That level of protection is now only in this one geographic region, at the old Wells Fargo location. It may not have been the intent to deny equal protection to others within the city, but it is reasonable that all residents should be protected equally regardless of where they live. Many residents have been exposed to similar levels of sustained and repetitive noise; we are not seeing any reason that others should be treated differently. It is reasonable that equal protection, both literally and figuratively, should be provided to everyone in the city and that there should be even enforcement.

Considering that the 14th Amendment grants equal protection, we think the city needs to take action to apply that same daytime 50 decibel level citywide.

Dick and Margie Motzer

Holmes Beach

Farrington sworn in as elections supervisor

Written by Joe Hendricks on January 15, 2025. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – Scott Farrington has been sworn in as Manatee County’s new supervisor of elections.

On Jan. 7, Clerk of the Court Angelina Colonneso swore Farrington in with his wife, Amy, and his son, Jacob, standing by his side. The ceremony took place at the supervisor of elections office in Bradenton in a room filled with county residents and elections office staff members.

In January 2024, Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett announced his retirement effective March 1. In April, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher to serve the remaining months of Bennett’s four-year term, despite Satcher having no prior experience conducting an election or running an elections office.

In response to DeSantis’ decision, Farrington resigned as the elections office chief of staff. He then sought election to serve as Manatee County’s next duly-elected supervisor of elections. In August, Farrington defeated Satcher in the August primary election and he ran unopposed in the general election in November.

The swearing-in ceremony began with Bennett addressing the large crowd and saying, “This goes to show what happens when the right people win.”

After the Pledge of Allegiance, Colonneso conducted the brief ceremony that ended with a warm round of applause.

Farrington then thanked Bennett, for whom he served as chief of staff for 11 years. He also shared some thoughts about being a first-time candidate and having to gather petition signatures, design campaign signs, attend campaign fundraisers and participate in other campaign-related activities.

In reference to the non-partisan nature of the elections office and attending a campaign fundraiser organized by Bennett, Farrington said, “I’ve done my best to stay out of politics. That was the first fundraiser I’ve ever been to and I hope it’s the last.”

Getting more emotional, Farrington thanked his wife and son. “My family: I wouldn’t be here without their support. Amy knew when to push, when to support and when to kick me in the ass – and she enjoyed the last part a little too much.”

Farrington praised the elections office staff for successfully conducting the primary and general elections – a feat accomplished with an inexperienced, first-time supervisor. He asked them to stand and be recognized with a round of applause.

“Without them, you would not have had an election. I know I can count on you,” he told them.

To the county residents in attendance, he said, “I believe the reason you decided to elect me is because you trusted the elections we’ve had under Mike Bennett and you want to still trust them. I believe the reason you have put me here is you want to hold safe, secure, accurate and transparent elections and that is what we are going to do. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I am so proud to be your supervisor.”

FISH Preserve being restored following hurricanes

Written by Leslie Lake on January 14, 2025. Posted in Outdoors, Parks.

CORTEZ – The recent hurricanes took their toll on the 98-acre FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve.

Allen Garner, a retired landscape architect who has been working on the preserve for many years, gave a report on the post-hurricane impact at a Jan. 6 FISH meeting.

“The hurricanes were just the beginning in a whole new era in our history as far as the preserve goes. The amount of devastation plus what’s carrying through into other things has been very significant,” Garner said.

He said the trees have thinned out to such an extent that very few shady areas remain.

“You might be able to find some shade in some patches of the mangroves, but it’s very sunny out there,” Garner said.

He said the preserve is losing weakened native pine trees due to an infestation of beetles.

“The native pine trees in the preserve, we’re losing nearly all of those, and the reason for it is because of a little beetle called an ips beetle that’s always around and they bore into the trees and lay their eggs,” he said. “In a healthy pine tree, the sap is toxic basically to the water bug, it kills it off. But if the tree’s weakened from sitting in salt-saturated soil and it’s too weak, then the larva win.”

He said mature pine trees are turning brown.

“The pines didn’t die from the salt water,” Garner said. “They got weakened and the beetles moved in and that’s what’s killing them off. They’re dying now rather than three months ago.”

Due to the abundance of sunlight reaching the soil, there has been a proliferation of seed distribution.

“Everything is starting to sprout, both good and bad,” he said. “The two things that have significantly started sprouting are the Australian pines and the mangroves. The mangrove seeds got everywhere. They’re sprouting on top of hills, between two crab traps, in our yards, in shell parking lots, all over.”

Garner had been working on removing the remaining Australian pines over the past several months.

“One of the things we’re going to have happening as we go into spring are the Brazilian pepper trees, the carrotwoods, all the invasive things. It’s going to be an overwhelming number and it’s going to be this year,” Garner said.

He suggested FISH hire one or two people to go through the preserve weekly over the next four or five months and pull out seedlings of the invasive species. Garner said spraying is not an option.

“The problem with spraying is we’re going to have all the good stuff sprouting too and we want to pull out the pepper trees and not pull out the native things,” he said. “Spraying becomes a bad overkill approach.”

He said by summer, the seedlings will be too big to pull out by hand.

Garner said he would have to train potential subcontractors, and he recommended FISH allocate funds for the new few months for the seedling removal project.

A motion to spend up to $1,500 a month for the next six months to pay one or two people to pull the unwanted seedlings was approved unanimously by the board.

Garner said for the past three months he has been doing mostly restoration of the preserve following the storms, but is making progress on the work funded by the Barancik grant.

In June of 2024, the FISH board approved a proposal by Garner to complete the public accessibility project at the FISH Preserve in fulfillment of a grant from the Barancik Foundation.

Garner is working on the following projects:

• Design and build two new bridges; one sufficiently strong and sized to accommodate both pedestrians and maintenance vehicles and the other for foot traffic;

• Grade and create 12,000 square feet of shell trails;

• Build a portable information kiosk;

• Create and install a FISH Preserve entrance sign, four education signs, four orientation signs and 12 trail markers;

• Build two picnic shelters;

• Provide and install four picnic tables and six benches; and

• Provide construction support for completion of the Bradenton Kiwanis-funded bridge.

“We have been putting pilings in and probably finish up the pilings tomorrow or the next day for the bridge,” he said at the Jan. 6 meeting.

Garner began the grant project in July.

The total budget for the project is $180,000 with the grant amount being $165,000 and FISH providing the additional $15,000. The grant application for the FISH Preserve Enhanced Public Access Project was approved on Feb. 9, 2024.

Winter flag takes the field

Written by Monica Simpson on January 14, 2025. Posted in Football, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – Under the lights of The Center field, the coin toss opened the winter flag football season last Thursday night on the Island. The big kids took to the gridiron with 11 adult co-ed flag football teams playing this season.

The first game started with a 47-6 Moss Builders blowout over the Slim’s Place squad. With Richard Fosmore returning to the field as the Slim’s Place quarterback after many years, his touchdown pass to Dave Kesten just was not a match for the talents of the Moss Builders team.

Offensively, Moss Builders used the arms of team captain Ryan Moss, throwing for four touchdowns, and James Roadman, who also completed four TD passes.

As the scoring targets, Evelyn Long, Zachary Long and Logan Heath all caught two touchdown throws. Roadman was hit by Moss for a six-point catch, as well as a point-after conversion for one point.

Heath and the Longs also helped add points to the scoreboard with post touchdown extra points. The win puts Moss Builders on top after week one play along with teams MI-Box, Floridian Mortgage, Moss Air and Ross Built Custom Homes.

MI-Box showed up to win over the Gulf Drive Café squad 25-12. Matthew Briley led his team to victory as the team captain and QB, throwing for two TDs and taking two to the endzone with rushing yardage.

On the other side of the football, Briley had three interceptions against the Gulf Drive quarterbacks. Christian Hampton had the hot hands for the MI-Box team, catching the two Briley TD passes.

Silas Banyas put statistics in the books with two sacks and a one-point conversion.

Gulf Drive Café’s Cody Allen shut down a MI-Box drive with an interception, picking off Briley. Never giving up, the Gulf Drive team scored 12 points with passes by Jeremy Rodriguez to Steven Pavina, and Pavina to Jaden Grant.

The result of game three was no surprise as team Floridian Mortgage handily won against Reel Coastal Properties. Scoring six points, new Reel Coastal team’s QB Sequiel Marintez threw to Roman Marintez for the team’s only score in the game.

Slicker’s Eatery could only find the endzone once in their match-up against Moss Air. With the final score 20-7, Dominick Otteni connected with Donte Filletti for six points and the one-point conversion to end the team’s scoring.

Chad Woods, Jesse Skipper and Jonathan Soultatos were hit by QB Jonathan Moss. Team captain Moss threw for two extra points, including one to Skipper to seal the win.

Closing out the night in the only nailbiter in week one, Ross Built defeated team Solid Rock Construction by two points. Solid Rock showed their promise this season with team captain Charles “Tuna” McCracken at the helm as the QB. Throwing for two TDs and rushing for 12-points, McCracken led his team to near-victory.

Connor Ludwig and Tyler Brewer caught the McCracken passes, but failed point-after attempts were the ultimate demise of the Solid Rock team.

Ross Built Custom Homes converted on all four extra point plays, while also scoring four touchdowns, with four successful passes by Miguel Rodriguez and Corey Vonborstel. Zaon Williams, Vonborstel and Rodriguez each had solid hands, receiving for 24 points.

Making the difference, Andrew Ross scored one point along with teammate Williams, while Rodriguez scored two additional points to put the first W in the books for their team this season.

SUN SCOREBOARD

JAN. 9

ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL

Moss Builders 47

Slim’s Place 6

MI-Box 25

Gulf Drive Café 12

Floridian Mortgage 26

Reel Coastal Properties 6

Moss Air 20

Slicker’s Eatery 7

Ross Built Custom Homes 28

Solid Rock Construction 26

Coaster Continent – Bye Week

Get out your calculators

Written by Louise Bolger on January 14, 2025. Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

If it’s costing you more to live these days, it may not be just your grocery bills; there are additional expenses in almost all aspects of our lives. Basically, better get out your calculators and see where you can stem the tide before you start drowning.

One of the biggest increasing costs for homeowners is property insurance. Insurers have been raising rates to compensate them for losses from natural disasters for several years now, but after this year’s expenses are calculated, the increase in premiums could be staggering.

Keep in mind this has nothing to do with flood insurance, which is managed by the federal government, and have been kept artificially low. This may come to an end soon since the government is now looking at their losses in coastal areas and attempting to mitigate that loss.

Last year, FEMA changed the way it calculates flood insurance prices. Instead of relying on old flood zone maps covering broad areas, it’s now basing premium prices on a wider range of factors, like an individual property’s distance from the ocean, rainfall levels and the cost to rebuild a home. This system sure looks a lot like the model private insurers use to determine their premiums.

The second major factor facing homeowners is an increase in property taxes. In September, 32% of the average single-family mortgage payment went to property taxes and home insurance. This is the highest since 2014, and in many metro areas this number reaches 50%.

The triple threat of rising taxes, homeowners’ insurance and fluctuating mortgage interest rates is keeping homebuyers out of the market. This is keeping the number of sales down, but the prices are still high. With sellers’ fears escalating, there could easily be an adjustment in selling prices.

Many senior homeowners on fixed incomes are having difficulty keeping up with the increase in expenses and are facing the possibility of a relocation to a less expense lifestyle. In addition, young families who bought at the margin of what they could afford are also struggling with the additional homeowner expenses, school costs, gasoline and food.

In spite of all of the increase costs, homeowners still want to give their homes a facelift, either to prepare for sale or just for personal enjoyment. If you’re thinking of this there are a few upgrades you would want to skip: Kitchen remodeling with anything but the most neutral materials is not going to get you money back; home extensions like oversized primary suites may make purchasers swoon, but they won’t pay more for it; and expensive or custom exterior upgrades like roofs and trim should be replaced with the moderately priced choices that look new.

There are plenty of low-cost items that can be upgraded and will give you good value for your money: The big one is paint, it’s cheap and leaves a clean appearance; replace old carpets, wash windows, clean the bathrooms of anything that looks like mold and declutter.

We’re all in this together since housing is so much a part of our lives and economy. And as far as calculators are concerned, I suggest you get a nice big one with oversized numbers to go with your oversize expenses.

Fly casting for beginners

Written by Rusty Chinnis on January 14, 2025. Posted in Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

Fly casting and fly fishing are lifelong learning experiences that you can participate in whether you’re 9 or 90. They will introduce you to a whole new way of approaching fishing and a cadre of enthusiasts who love, like traditional anglers, to share their techniques, experiences and perspectives. In addition, you’ll be introduced to a segment of anglers that create their own flies (lures). If you’re thinking of getting into fly fishing or just need to develop your casting skills, consider exploring the Fly Fishers International website. While there’s a wealth of good fly-casting videos on the internet and YouTube, there are also videos that can confuse or misdirect budding fly fishing enthusiasts. The FFI will provide you with videos and information vetted by some of the best fly casters in the world.

Fly casting for beginners — The Fly Fishers International website has a wealth of information on all things fly fishing and casting. Here you’ll find answers to your questions that have been vetted by some of the world’s most respected practitioners. – Submitted

Giving fly casting instruction taught me that being a newcomer to the sport has its advantages. Learning from scratch using the fundamentals (physics) of the cast is often easier than correcting the bad habits of long-time casters. For someone who has been fly casting for a long time but has ingrained, incorrect techniques, it can be harder to correct.

The good news is that long-time casters who have been using improper techniques can “retrain” the brain with dedicated practice sessions.

Besides learning proper technique and practicing, it’s important to realize that there is no right or wrong “casting style.” Casting is governed by physics and the repetition of a correct casting stroke builds what has been called “muscle memory” although wiring neurons into patterns is a more proper characterization. Science has shown that it’s more effective to practice often for short periods than long sessions.

There are essentials that every fly caster must master, although they may have individual skills or styles. This is the difference between the art (style) and science (physics) of the cast. Different people learn at a different pace. Some people pick up casting quickly and then plateau.

Others start slow, but when they finally “get it” they’ve “got it.” The only common requirement is practice. It can be compared to learning how to ride a bike. When we first start, we fall off and are unsteady. When the activity is practiced repeatedly it becomes second nature, like when we jump on that bike and ride off without thinking of the components required to stay upright and move forward. It’s the same with fly casting. To become a good caster you need to practice, but that practice will reward you with a lifetime of pleasure and provide the camaraderie of good friends.

Next Week: The Fundamentals

Federal, state funds can help elevate ground-level homes

Written by Joe Hendricks on January 14, 2025. Posted in Business, Featured, Real estate | Development.

ANNA MARIA – Federal and state funds may be available to help Anna Maria homeowners elevate their ground-level homes.

During the Anna Maria City Commission’s Jan. 9 meeting, the city’s contracted FEMA and floodplain consultant, Del Schwalls, gave a 56-minute flood prevention presentation that included information about the soon-to-be-initiated Elevate Florida program that is expected to provide grants and low-interest loans to those who own ground-level homes in designated flood zones.

Schwalls made his presentation at the request of Mayor Mark Short and the commission chamber was filled to standing room only capacity during the presentation.

The Elevate Florida program was announced in early December during the Florida Chamber of Commerce Insurance Summit in Orlando.

Manatee County government recently issued an Instagram message that said, “The Florida Division of Emergency Management has announced the first statewide residential mitigation program – Elevate Florida – to help homeowners implement preventative measures to reduce potential damage caused by natural disasters. More information about how and when to apply is coming soon. To learn more about eligible project types, please visit floridadisaster.org/residentialmitigation.”

Fourteen minutes into his multi-topic presentation, Schwalls addressed the Elevate Florida program. He noted that it is not yet in effect and an exact start date has not been announced.

Schwalls said there are a lot of FEMA and state funding options to help mitigate and reduce flood damage.

“They look at how much money FEMA spent and they give a percentage of that and that money is available for grants,” he said.

The grant programs fund elevation projects, acquisition projects, stormwater projects and other mitigation projects that help reduce flood damage.

He said FEMA funds are available to elevate a ground-level home or relocate a ground-level home outside of a flood zone. He noted the entire city of Anna Maria (and the rest of Anna Maria Island) is designated flood zone.

He also said, “FEMA will provide money for the city to acquire your house and demolish it and leave it as open space. If there’s no house there, it can’t get damaged.”

Funds are also available for business and restaurant owners to make their businesses more flood resistant.

“All these projects can be funded by FEMA,” Schwalls said.

Regarding elevating a home, he said, “There’s a common misconception that you can’t elevate block homes. You can elevate any house.”

He said elevating a home costs between $20,000 up to $100,000 or more, depending on the location, and FEMA will cover 75% of the elevation costs. The remaining 25% must be provided by the homeowner or other non-federal funding sources and Schwalls said there are many ways to shrink the remaining costs. He said FEMA will cover 90-100% of the cost to elevate a ground-level home that has suffered repeated flood damage and is included on the repetitive loss list.

Schwalls said the city must apply for the FEMA funds on behalf of the homeowner and it may take two or three years to receive the funds. The Elevate Florida program hopes to expedite the funding process by removing the city from the application process and removing some of the red tape that slows the process.

Similar to FEMA, the Elevate Florida program will fund elevation projects, repair and elevation projects and acquisition projects.

Schwalls said older, wooden, ground-level bungalows that suffer hurricane and/or flood damage are often demolished and replaced with an elevated home.

“We want to preserve this character. Some of these houses are generational homes, they’ve been in the family,” he said.

“The current regulations may not work for preserving these, so we’ve been chewing on some other options. The current regulations say if your home gets damaged by more than 50% you’ve got to bring the home into compliance with today’s regulations. If I’m going to improve it more than 50%, federal law and state law says you’ve got to elevate it.”

In response to a question from Commissioner Chris Arendt, Schwalls said FEMA might prioritize primary residences but second homes and vacation rentals statewide are also eligible for FEMA funds.

In response to a question from Commissioner Kathy Morgan-Johnson, Schwalls said FEMA won’t reimburse a homeowner for work done before FEMA approves the work and the approval process might take 6-8 months.

Local contractor Kevin Hutchinson said he’s currently working on a project that entails abandoning the ground-level living space, converting it to garage and storage space and building new living space above it. He asked Schwalls if it would be more cost effective to raise the whole house instead.

Schwalls said he’s not a contractor and can’t provide a cost comparison, but he said FEMA will help fund those types of elevation projects too.

Hutchinson questioned the accuracy of Schwalls’ estimated elevation costs. He said an elevation contractor he spoke with said elevating a wood-framed home costs $100-$160 per square foot and elevating a concrete block home costs $300 per square foot.

Schwalls acknowledged elevation costs vary depending on location and he said the estimates he provided came from companies he’s familiar with in New Orleans and New Jersey.

The city asks those interested in the pursuing FEMA funds to elevate their homes to contact City Planner Ashley Austin at amplanner@cityofannamaria.com. She will compile a list of interested homeowners and future public meetings and/or information sessions will be scheduled.

The video of Schwalls’ presentation can be viewed here.

Tingley Memorial Library options discussed

County providing additional funding for pier repairs, ferry enhancements

City rejects Pines Trailer Park lot split application, expects new development plans

Revised condo inspection ordinance now addresses habitable stories

City responding to Cushing lawsuit subpoena

Shorebird nesting season has begun on Anna Maria Island

Tingley Memorial Library options discussed

County providing additional funding for pier repairs, ferry enhancements

City rejects Pines Trailer Park lot split application, expects new development plans

Revised condo inspection ordinance now addresses habitable stories

City responding to Cushing lawsuit subpoena

Shorebird nesting season has begun on Anna Maria Island

Planning a successful fishing adventure

Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers host fly-casting clinic

Reel Time: Remembering Captain Zach

Reel Time on The Road: Fishing the Chass

On the Cusp: legislative action needed

The Waterman 2026: Fishing for a purpose

Selling your home gives you big tax breaks

Hidden issues in your future home

Non-commercially-rented beach cabanas still allowed in coastal conservation zones

The thaw has begun

Izzy’s Place opens at former Slicker’s Eatery site

Tips on selling in a funky market

Lori Waggoner wins Key Royale Club’s match play tournament

City to install guideline signs at pickleball courts

CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer

CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer

CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer

Center Scoreboard: flag football and soccer

Sections

Latest Stories

Political Cartoon

What statewide recognition says about West Manatee Fire Rescue

2026 brings change and consistency

Political Cartoon

Thanks to Carol Soustek

Coast Lines: So long, farewell

Sections

Latest Stories

Churches of Anna Maria Island

Churches of Anna Maria Island

Insider’s Island – The insider’s guide to outdoors AMI

Readers’ Choice Awards 2025

Churches of Anna Maria Island

Year: 2025

Planning Commission Response

Grant applications

Anna Maria

Bradenton Beach

Holmes Beach

Interior design

Supervisor’s sentiments