Skip to main content

Year: 2026

Hunters Point canal settlement reached with one defendant 

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Featured.

CORTEZ – One of the defendants, Jacquelyn Shepard, named in a 2022 lawsuit regarding the residential use of the man-made Hunters Point-owned canal reached a settlement agreement with Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. (CRIF) and Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty. 

Through her Cortez Canal House and Cortez Boat Resort limited liability corporations, Shepard owns the canal-side homes located at 4219 126th Street West and 4223 126th Street West in Cortez. 

On Feb. 19, Shepard and CRIF reached a settlement agreement that removes Shepard as a defendant in the case for which a jury trial is scheduled to take place in mid-May before 12th Circuit Judge Charles Sniffen. 

The Manatee County Property Appraiser Office lists Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. as the owner of the canal that’s highlighted in teal. – Manatee County Property Appraiser Office | Submitted

Filed on June 3, 2022, the civil lawsuit alleges some of the docks and boat lifts at the west end of the canal, across the canal from the Hunters Point property, violate county regulations because they allegedly extend more than 25% into the canal waterway. When speaking to The Sun in the past, some of the other defendants disputed the allegation that their docks and/or boat lifts extend too far into the canal. 

According to the Joint Notice Of Voluntary Dismissal With Prejudice dated Feb. 19, “The parties have entered into a settlement agreement resolving all matters in the above-styled litigation as among themselves. All claims asserted by plaintiff against defendants Jacquelyn Shepard, The Cortez Canal House, LLC and The Cortez Boat Resort LLC are hereby voluntarily dismissed with prejudice. All counterclaims asserted by defendants Jacquelyn Shepard, The Cortez Canal House, LLC and The Cortez Boat Resort LLC against plaintiff are hereby voluntarily dismissed with prejudice. 

“This dismissal applies only to the claims and counterclaims among the parties executing this notice. The litigation remains pending as to all other parties. Each party shall bear their own attorney’s fees and costs incurred in this litigation,” the notice states.

THE PARTIES SPEAK

When speaking to The Sun on March 26, Gobuty said, “We worked together to solve an issue, keep the canal safe for boating and let the homeowners enjoy the canal behind their home. It was a pleasure to work with Jackie and her husband, Steve.

“One home had a dock was torn down by the hurricane and it is acceptable to Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. if she replaces that dock, after she gets the required Manatee County permits. The second home has a dock that is within the 25%, so that is fine as it is. They also have access to use the canal and the necessary easements have been granted and are being recorded,” Gobuty said. 

Several boat docks and boat lifts are located across the canal from the Hunters Point property in Cortez. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Attorney Susan Martin represents Gobuty and CRIF. When speaking to The Sun on March 26, Martin disclosed some of the general settlement terms. 

The settlement terms include CRIF being named as additional insured parties on Shepard’s homeowners’ insurance policies. 

The settlement agreement allows Shepard to maintain her current dock at 4223 126th Street West and build a new, five-foot-wide dock at 4219 126th Street West to replace the dock that was damaged during the 2024 hurricanes.

When speaking to The Sun on March 26, Martin said, “Marshall’s objective is to have people comply with the Manatee County regulation by being less than 25% of the width of the water body. His second objective is to be on everybody’s insurance policy so if there’s some type of accident on the canal, he’s not responsible for it. Thirdly, and probably most important, is to make sure there are no navigational hazards on the canal.” 

Martin said the recorded easements grant Shepard and the occupants of those two properties the right to utilize the canal for the purpose of maintaining her docks and using the canal to access the Intracoastal Waterway. 

When speaking to The Sun on March 27, Shepard said she’s not real pleased about being limited to building a new dock that’s only five feet wide, but she’ll make it work. 

As for why she settled, Shepard said, “I didn’t want to spend any more money on legal fees. It’s a narrow canal, so we have to work together. Before Marshall came, it was only being used on our side of the canal. Now that’s not the case so we’ve got to make adjustments. As long as it’s done in a reasonable fashion and there’s compromise on both sides, then it’s a good day.”

Jonathan and Sheila Graham’s boat lift is part of the lawsuit dispute. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The lawsuit still names Jonathan Graham, Sheila Graham, Mark Ibasfalean, Wendy Kokolis and George Kokolis as defendants.

The Sun reached out to Jonathan Graham, Mark Ibasfalean and their attorney, Fred Moore, but no comment was provided at this time. 

“Capt. Kim” Ibasfalean stores the boat she uses for her Captain Kim’s Boat Rides & Charters business at their canal-side home. In the front yard of Mark and Kim’s home are two signs that reference the “Stand with Captain Kim to Protect HerHome” online fundraiser that, to date, has received $1,215 in donations.

Mark and Kim Ibasfalean’s canal-side home. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The tall vertical sign placed in the couple’s front yard says, “Help save the canal. Hunters Point, on the other side of this canal, has 6 homeowners on this canal in a 3-year court battle. They claim they OWN all of this part of the canal and up to 3 feet into our back yards and we must remove our docks.”

“Captain Kim” stores her charter boat at her canal-side home in Cortez. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“I have lived here and paid property taxes for 40 years. They persuaded a judge to file a lis pendins (pendens) on our properties. Meaning: we cannot sell our homes or borrow against them. They specifically told me that ‘when’ they win, they will charge everyone to use the canal. Help us keep waterways open to the public. Stop developers from taking over!” the yard sign says.

This sign stands in Kim and Mark Ibasfalean’s front yard. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

A banner that hangs in front of the Ibasfaleans’ home also references the GoFundMe page and says, “Help us keep this canal for everyone. I have spent $100,000 lawyer/surveyor fees. If we loose (lose) = you will pay to use canal.”

This banner hangs in front of Mark and Kim Ibasfalean’s canal-side home. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Regarding the upcoming jury trial, Martin said if CRIF prevails in the lawsuit, CRIF can pursue the recovery of the value of the use of the canal, from the time the lawsuit was filed until the time the non-compliant docks, boat lifts are removed 

Martin said if the defendants prevail in court, they’ll be able to maintain their docks and lifts in their current conditions, even if they pose potential navigational hazards to other boaters and canal users. 

CANAL HISTORY 

Constructed in the 1950s, the man-made inland canal extends from the humpback bridge at 127th Street West (near the former Seafood Shack property) to the Cortez Village Marina and boat basin at the east end of the canal. 

The canal surrounds the Hunters Point property on three sides and it provides the only waterway connection to the Intracoastal Waterway for those who have docks, lifts and boat storage facilities along the canal. 

The canal surrounds the Hunters Point property on three sides and extends east to the Cortez Village Marina. – Manatee County Property Appraiser Office | Submitted

The 2022 lawsuit was filed in connection with an ongoing dispute between Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. and the MHC Cortez Village LLC limited liability corporation that owns the nearby Cortez Village Marina that utilizes the canal Gobuty purchased when he bought the undeveloped Hunters Point property in 2017. 

The Cortez Village Marina (blue roof) is located to the east of the Hunters Point homes. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The lawsuit involving the canal-side property owners was filed about a week after CRIF filed a civil lawsuit against MHC Cortez Village LLC, the owners and operators of the Cortez Village Marina, on May 26, 2022. 

CRIF filed the lawsuit against MHC Cortez Village LLC in the midst of what proved to be the marina ownership group’s unsuccessful challenge of the state-issued permit that allows for the construction of 49 Hunters Point docks and boat slips along the Hunters Point side of the canal. The CRIF/MHC Cortez Village lawsuit remains ongoing and no trial date has been set for that case. 

Approximately half of the 86 Hunters Point have been built and several are now occupied. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The 86-unit Hunters Point community is now approximately 50% completed and some of the solar-powered, LEED-certified townhomes are now occupied as homes, second homes or short-term vacation rentals as the construction of more townhomes and the Hunters Point docks continues. 

Jonathan and Sheila Graham’s red canopy-covered boat lift is part of the lawsuit. The boat lift in the foreground that is closer to the shoreline is not. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The owners of this canal-side property, George and Wendy Kokolis, are named as defendants in the lawsuit. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
This canal-side home and dock were not named in the 2022 lawsuit. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The canal connects with the Intracoastal Waterway on the other side of the 127th Street West bridge. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
New Hunters Point docks are being built along the northern side of the property. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Hunters Point community has a boat ramp and kayak launch at the east end of the property. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
This dock runs along the eastern edge of the Hunters Point property. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Hunters Point canal settlement reached with one defendant

Anna Maria adopts revised commercial beach activity regulations 

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Featured.

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Commission has updated the city’s recently enacted commercial beach activity regulations that pertain to temporary shade structures (aka rented cabanas, tents and umbrellas). 

The revised city regulations that first took effect on March 15 allow certain commercial beach activities to be conducted only in the recreation open space-zoned Gulf Front Park area that extends from the northerly side of Magnolia Avenue to the southernly side of Oak Avenue in Anna Maria. 

According to Mayor Mark Short, as stated on March 12, non-commercially rented temporary shade structures are still allowed in the coastal conservation-zoned public beach areas that include the beach areas near the Sandbar restaurant and the beach areas at and near Bean Point. 

On Thursday, March 26, the commission adopted ordinance 26-956, an ordinance that was presented on first reading during the commission’s March 12 meeting. Ordinance 26-956 amends the Chapter 38 city code provisions set forth in a similar ordinance adopted on Feb. 26 (Ordinance 26-952), after many months of public discussion and debate.

After adopting Ordinance 26-956 with no additional commission discussion or public input given on March 26, the mayor and commission were then presented with the first reading of Ordinance 26-958, an ordinance that when adopted on second and final reading will establish a registration program for service providers. 

Similar to the city’s short-term vacation rental program, the registration fees will be established each year by the commission’s adoption of a fee-related city resolution. The second reading of the registration ordinance is expected to be presented for second and final reading on Thursday, April 9.

The proposed registration ordinance also contains provisions that would allow beachfront property owners to utilize commercially delivered, set up and removed cabanas, tents, umbrellas and other allowed items on their privately-owned, coastal conservation-zoned upland properties, but they must provide the city with 18 hours’ advance notice before doing so. 

ADOPTED REGULATIONS

First presented on March 12 and adopted in March 26, one of the whereas clauses contained in Ordinance 26-956 says, “The city commission has determined that the (previously adopted) ordinance should be clarified to expressly state that a Commercial Rental Area is permitted for purposes of renting temporary shade structures as defined in the ordinance.”

According to the adopted ordinance, “A Commercial Rental Area for the purposes of renting temporary shade structures is permitted with the following conditions: “Commercial Rental Areas must be pre-ordered. No more than two Commercial Rental Areas may be placed within 50 linear feet of each other, measured in any direction. Adjacent Commercial Rental Areas shall not exceed 28 linear feet in any direction.

“Signage and/or advertising may not exceed four square feet, must include the owner name and contact information, must be located on the Temporary Shade Structure within the Commercial Rental Area and may not exceed the roofline of the Temporary Shade Structure. No stand-alone signage is permitted. 

“Any individual or entity providing a Commercial Rental Area must have on file with the city a valid proof of insurance certificate with coverage as stipulated by resolution of the city commission. 

“Delivery and set-up may not occur prior to 7 a.m. Tear-down must be complete and removed from the beaches by dusk. During inclement weather events, tear down after dusk may not be penalized provided tear down commences as soon as the beach is safe to access.”

The Chapter 38 code revisions included in the Feb. 26 meeting packet included the following definitions: “Commercial Rental Area means an area temporary in nature not to exceed 169 square feet in total of ground coverage, and 13 linear feet extending in any direction and includes at least one Temporary Shade Structure.” 

“Temporary shade structure means a portable freestanding shelter providing sun protection such as a tent, umbrella, canopy or the like. Temporary shade structures shall not exceed 169 square feet of ground coverage in total, and 13 linear feet in any direction, inclusive of any poles, pegs, tie downs, anchors, weights, sandbags or the like,” according to Chapter 38.

According to City Planner Ashley Austin, this type of temporary beach dining area is not allowed as a commercial beach activity on a public beach in Anna Maria, according to current city code. – Boho Beach Escape | Submitted

According to a March 27 email City Planner Ashley Austin sent to Mayor Mark Short, City Attorney Becky Vose and Commissioner Chris Arendt, a temporary beach dining area that consists of a portable dining table that holds one or more umbrellas and is accompanied by portable chairs and other accessories is not allowed according to the city regulations now in effect. 

PERSONAL SHADE STRUCTURES

The Anna Maria Commission held its first beach cabana regulation discussion in July 2025. During the ensuing commission discussion on Aug. 14, Mayor Mark Short said, “Commercial activity is not listed as a permissible activity on any of our beaches. In fact, our land use ordinance even goes as far as to say you can’t even have more than one-pole tents on the coastal conservation part of our beach.”

During the March 12, 2026, meeting, Short addressed one-pole and four-pole shade structures and the misconception that personally owned, non-commercially rented temporary shade structures are prohibited in coastal conservation-zoned beach areas. 

“I just wanted to make it clear that in the ordinance that was passed, that ordinance better defined beaches. And that means all beaches, whether they’re in the coastal conservation zone or in the parks and rec zone. As part of that ordinance, we say that four-post tents can be on the beaches. I know there’s been some chatter out there about mono poles only in the coastal conservation zone, but the ordinance that was passed makes it clear that people who have four-post tents can set those tents up on the beach, including in the coastal conservation zone. That was part of the ordinance we didn’t really highlight, but it did clarify the concerns about mono poles. The mayor is not against people being protected from the sun.”

The March 26 meeting packet did not contain in their entirety the most recently amended version of the Chapter 38 code provisions. The complete, amended Chapter 38 provisions that were included in the Feb. 26 meeting packet did not contain any specific references to four-post temporary shade structures being placed in the city’s coastal conservation zones.

AMI Moose Lodge hosts beachfront Easter egg hunt

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Featured.

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge 2188 held its annual children’s Easter party on Saturday, March 28. 

The highlight of the party was the climactic Easter egg hunt that took place in the beach sand between the beachfront lodge and the Gulf. The festivities also included a visit from the Easter Bunny, games and activities, French toast sticks and an Easter cookie for breakfast and candy-filled Easter baskets as parting gifts. 

Off we go, on the hunt for Easter eggs. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Moose Lodge 2188’s annual children’s Easter party was limited to local and visiting Moose members’ children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members. The party began at 10 a.m. and ended around noon. 

Longtime member Sandra Zenzel and Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton helped organize the Easter party. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“Today’s our annual Easter Bunny visit,” Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton said as he watched the children enter. “We’ve got about a hundred children signed up to see the Easter Bunny this year.” 

Longtime lodge member Sandra Zenzel is the chairperson for the lodge’s annual children’s Halloween, Christmas and Easter parties. 

“Sandra has been running this program for a very long time. She and her committee did a great job of getting things ready,” Dalton said.

“There’s 200 eggs in the small pit for the little kids – that’s the two-to-five-year-olds – and 200 eggs in the pit for the older kids, six-through 12. Each egg has 35 cents in it,” Zenzel said of the eggs several volunteers partially buried in the beach sand earlier that morning.

“We had a bunch of people helping out,” Zenzel said.

The plastic Easter eggs were partially buried earlier that morning. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

As they entered the lodge, each youngster was asked to guess the number of gummies contained in a reusable plastic water bottle that hung around the neck of the Moose mascot placed on one of the entryway tables. The children received activity sheets, stickers, crayons and a raffle ticket. Ten raffle ticket holders later won a crocheted bunny made by lodge member Janet Curran.

When announcing the winner of the gummy-guessing contest, Zenzel said a half-dozen or so kids correctly guessed there were 25 gummies in the water bottle. For the tiebreaker, each of the correct guessers were called forward and asked to pick a number between one and 10. Alex Czajkowski chose the number 7 and he won the tiebreaker and the water bottle filled with gummies. The other children who participated in the tiebreaker received Tommy the Moose stuffed animals.

Alex Czajkowski won the gummy-filled water bottle. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

When asked why the Moose lodge hosts its annual children’s holiday parties, Dalton said, “Our main job is to support the community and raise money for children and seniors at both Mooseheart and Moose Haven. This is one of our ways of reaching out to the community and serving our dues-paying members.”

Dalton was referring to the Mooseheart Child City & School residential childcare community, in Mooseheart, Illinois, that provides a safe and nurturing home for children in need; and to Moosehaven, the private membership retirement community in Orange Park, Florida, that provides seniors 65 and older with a comfortable and secure retirement option.

While making some announcements during the party, Dalton said the AMI Moose Lodge has 20,000 members and that’s the largest membership of any Moose lodge in the world.

Vivi and Lulu Akers met the Easter Bunny. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

When it was time for the Easter egg hunt, the children were asked to come outside and line up around the two designated areas where the Easter eggs were partially hidden in the sand.

The kids in the older age group set off in search of Easter eggs. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

When the Easter Bunny gave the command, the children raced to brightly colored plastic eggs and grabbed as many as they could during the five minutes or so the hunt lasted.

As they exited the party from the Gulf-front porch area, the children retrieved an Easter basket on their way out.

MORE MOOSE NEWS

The beachfront AMI Moose Lodge 2188 that sits along the Gulf shoreline was badly damaged in late September 2024 when Hurricane Helene’s powerful storm surge smashed through the lodge’s Gulf-front windows and doors and flooded the lodge. The lodge sustained additional damage during Hurricane Milton in early October.

The AMI Moose Lodge looked like this the morning after Hurricane Helene struck. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The lodge’s social quarters (bar area) reopened on May 1, 2025, and the repaired and restored dining room opened a couple months later.  

“We’ve been very busy since we reopened after the hurricanes. It’s good to see all our members coming back, and signing up new Moose members,” Dalton said.

The Moose lodge dining room was full during the children’s Easter party. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The AMI Moose lodge’s next weekly Queen of Hearts drawing will begin on May 6.

Voting for the new Lodge 2188 board of officers will take place on Tuesday, April 14, from 3-7 p.m. At the end of the general membership meeting that evening the ballots will be counted and results will be announced. AMI 2188 member with a valid membership card are encouraged to visit the lodge that day and cast their votes.

Bradenton Moose Lodge 1223 will host its Thunderbolt 201 four-person scramble “three-club and a putter” golf tournament on Saturday April 25 at the Greens of Manatee Golf Course in Bradenton. For more information, call John at 941-504-1576.

On Tuesday evening, April 28, the AMI Moose Lodge will award scholarships to some deserving local students.

Become a member and learn more about the lodge acitivites, the weekly dinner specials and more at the AMI Moose Lodge 2188 website.

The Easter Bunny posed for a group photo with the kids. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The kids in the younger age group had their own egg hunting area. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
This young lady had a helping hand guiding her toward a mostly buried purple Easter egg. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
This young lady had a helping hand guiding her toward a mostly buried purple Easter egg. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The hunt is on. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The kids received a free Easter-themed breakfast. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The youngsters scrambled to retrieve the partially buried Easter eggs. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The children guessed how many gummies were in the water bottle that hung from the Moose mascot’s neck. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
AMI Moose Lodge hosts beachfront Easter egg hunt

Pines Trailer Park HOA says 20 residents remain

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Featured.

BRADENTON BEACH – During the March 19 city commission meeting, Building Official Rob Perry estimated there were only five to seven inhabited mobile homes left in the 86-unit Pines Trailer Park.

Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association vice-president Rex Geissler disputed Perry’s assertion and emailed The Sun on March 25 saying that number is closer to 20.

A once-bustling community, the park now has a handful of residences that appear to be inhabited – with cars in the carports, bicycles outside and plants still blooming. Yet, the majority of the mobile homes are empty and some are in disrepair. There have been reports of squatters entering the empty mobile homes and the police department and the city have been notified.

During happier times in December 2024, Pines’ residents who expected to repair their mobile homes gathered on Joe Klingler’s patio to celebrate the holidays. – Leslie Lake | Sun

The Pines Park Investors LLC ownership group announced the closure of the park in January 2025.

Twenty-nine homeowners were served notices of eviction beginning in March 2025. The evictions followed residents withholding their monthly lot rent payments because of the continued disrepair of the park amenities and park grounds after the 2024 hurricanes. Many of those who were evicted, and numerous other mobile home owners too, surrendered their titles to the park ownership group.

Two waterfront mobile homes took the worst hits from the 2024 hurricanes. – Leslie Lake | Sun

Those who remained benefited from a lawsuit filed on March 28, 2025, by Pines Park HOA in an effort to stop the evictions. The lawsuit was settled on Aug. 8, 2025. The specific settlement terms are confidential, but the agreement allowed some homeowners to remain at the park for an undisclosed additional time period.

A view from one of the roads in the Pines Trailer Park shows cars parked in front of several mobile homes. – Leslie Lake | Sun

The fate of the park, which was built around the 1930’s, remains unknown.

In January, the park owners applied to the city to subdivide the mobile home park property into two separate parcels.

While that application was rejected by the city, Perry said during the March 19 meeting that the park property would at some point be rezoned from M-1 (mobile home zoning) to a different zoning designation. He said the city will decide what that new zoning designation is.

“They (the park owners) want to develop the property, and it won’t be a mobile home park,” Perry said.

As of March 26, the city had not received any additional development applications.

Bicycles still stand outside this mobile home. – Leslie Lake | Sun
This is one of the three waterfront mobile homes that took the worst hit from the 2024 hurricanes and were deemed unable to be repaired. – Leslie Lake | Sun
This hurricane-damaged mobile home appears to be unoccupied. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Ripped screens and broken railings outside of two empty mobile homes. – Leslie Lake | Sun
This empty mobile home has a broken porch light hanging from it. – Leslie Lake | Sun
The empty mobile home has a broken door and broken windows. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Debris lines the common area leading to what once was the laundry room. – Leslie Lake | Sun

CENTER SCOREBOARD: Reel Coastal Properties claims flag football title

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Football, Soccer, Sports.

Adult Flag Football (Semi-Finals)
3/26
The Fish Guy Aquarium Services 26
Salty Printing 25

Reel Coastal Properties 54
Edible Cookie Dough Café 37

Adult Flag Football (Finals)
3/27
Reel Coastal Properties 52
The Fish Guy Aquarium Services 19

 Soccer

Adult 35+ Soccer (Play-Ins)
3/25
Emily Moss Designs 6
Language Services Associates 2

Adult 35+ Soccer (Semi-Finals)
3/25
Bubble Binz 7
MG Construction 1

Hogan’s Pool Service & Repair 2 (won in penalty kick shootout)
Emily Moss Designs 2

Adult Indoor Soccer (Week 10)
3/19
Salty Printing 9 (2-4-2)
Pool America 8 (5-3-0)

Slim’s Place 10 (3-3-2)
Solid Rock Construction 10 (2-4-2)

Bye Week:

Sato Real Estate (4-2-2)

Lori Waggoner wins Key Royale Club’s match play tournament

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Golf, Sports.

HOLMES BEACH – Thirteen women began the annual KRC Nine-Hole Handicap Match Play tournament in late February. The tournament ended last week with the final match coming down to the last hole with Lori Waggoner and Andi Saia tied after eight holes. Lori then outscored Andi on the ninth hole to become the 2026 KRC Champion.

KRC Hole In One

On Monday, March 23, David Desrosiers scored a hole-in-one at Key Royale Club. Playing the 128-yard eighth hole, Dave hit a towering nine iron and the ball landed on the green and rolled into the hole for his first career hole-in-one.

David Desrosiers scored a hole-in-one at Key Royale Club.- KRC | Submitted

Key Royale Golf Club results:

Monday, March 23 – Modified Stableford

First Place: Dave Desrosiers and Earl Ritchie tied, +6

Second Place: Rod Hammonds, +4

Tuesday, March 24 – Low Net Score

Flight A

First place: Mary Wilkie, 29

Second place: Six ladies tied at 32

Flight B

First place: Marty Clark and Beth Linderman tied, 26

Second place: Annette Hall, 30

Rene Chapman chipped in on hole 6

Jenny Huibers birdied hole 1 and Rene Chapman birded hole 6

Upcoming events on and around Anna Maria Island

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Entertainment, Events.

Saturday April 4

Coquina Beach “Fun in the Sand” Spring Art & Craft Show, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 5

Sandbar Seafood + Spirts Easter Egg Hunt, Sandbar Seafood + Spirits, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, 9-11 a.m. 

Coquina Beach “Fun in the Sand” Spring Art & Craft Show, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 7

Anna Maria Community Farmers Market, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Friday, April 10

Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island Market Night, Artists Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 5-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 11

Annual Cortez picnic, Fulford Fish House at the end of 123rd Street West, Cortez, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

If you have an event you’d like included in an upcoming events calendar, please send event info to news@amisun.com

Planning a successful fishing adventure

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

The transition from spring to summer is a time when many anglers start planning fishing trips. 

Whether it’s a trip to a location in Florida for bonefish and permit, the West for trout, or Alaska for salmon, proper preparation is essential to assure that the time, money and effort involved pays dividends in catching fish and the overall experience.

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

Chances are you’ve been looking forward to this trip for a long time and finally have the opportunity to fish, eat, sleep and repeat for a week or more. It makes good sense to develop a plan to ensure that you have the best possible chance of success.

Deciding where to go, and when, are your first decisions. While it’s not impossible to book your own trip, knowing the best time, tides and lodging can be daunting. In addition, juggling the details of plane reservations, transfers, accommodations and guides can complicate organizing a trip.

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

If you require a certain level of service, or are traveling with non-fishers, you’ll want to research locations that offer certain conveniences, as well as good fishing.

It can be helpful to talk to others you trust and have similar expectations when you’re planning. You can also reach out to an outfitter or host for several references and question them carefully. Make sure they have been to the location recently – and at the time of the year you plan to visit. Online references and referrals may be helpful too; but be careful of the source.

In foreign countries, even as close as the Bahamas, you’ll be hard-pressed to replace items you forgot to pack, particularly fishing tackle. 

This is one case when it’s probably better to pack more than you think you’ll need. Making a packing list and checking it before your departure will pay dividends. In any case, be reasonable about what you pack – as in, “it’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!”

Many tropical fishing destinations are very near the equator, so anglers need to pay special attention to the sun. Cool and comfortable long-sleeved pants and shirts for sun protection are a must, along with a high SPF waterproof sunscreen.

Polarized glasses with glare guards and a fishing hat with a dark underbrim are mandatory and bringing a second pair of each is advisable. 

You can be a consummate planner, have beautiful weather and terrific fishing and still have a frustrating and unsuccessful trip if your cast isn’t up to par. Pay special attention to casting into the wind and being able to place an accurate 40-foot cast. Practicing these skills well in advance on grass will greatly increase the pleasure of your adventure wherever you go.

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

Selling your home gives you big tax breaks

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand, Real estate | Development.

April Fool’s Day is the one day a year when it’s okay to play a friendly trick on a friend. Two weeks later is April 15, Tax Day, and not a good day to play tricks, especially on the IRS.

Most people use tax consultants to prepare their annual tax returns, which, in my opinion, is a very good idea. Tax preparers are schooled in looking for that deduction you may never have thought of; and if you sold your primary home in this tax year you will have a big deduction.

Since the late 1990s, homeowners have been allowed an exemption of up to $250,000 for single filers and $500,000 for joint filers on the profits on the sale of their principal residence. For example, a married couple who bought their home for $400,000 years ago and are now selling it for $850,000 should not owe tax on the sale because their $450,000 gain is covered by the $500,000 exemption.

In order to qualify for this benefit, the seller usually must live in the home for two of the five years preceding the sale. The property must also be the owner’s primary residence, with proof such as a driver’s license, receipt of mail, utility bills, etc. In addition, the capital gains exclusion can be used multiple times throughout your lifetime but generally only once every two years.

If your profit exceeds the $250,000 or $500,000 exemption based on filing status, the remainder of the profit is subject to capital gains tax. However, the law allows the owners of the property to lower their taxes by raising their “cost basis” if they have made capital improvements to the property, thus lowering their tax liability. Capital improvements include kitchen and bath renovations, landscaping, decking and other improvements made during the ownership period. There are other fees that can be deducted to lower your cost basis, including realtor fees related to the sale of the property. 

Couples who have not filed a joint tax return prior to selling their home can still get the benefit of the deduction as long as they meet the IRS ownership and use test of two out of the last five years and file jointly for the year the home is sold.

In order to lower your cost basis and reduce your tax liability, you must be able to prove the capital improvements are legitimate. This involves good record keeping with receipts or credit card statements, but the way to be sure you’re counting every dollar is to consult a tax expert – or, if you’re in the mood, read the IRS statutes online.

There is one more way to reduce your cost basis and that’s a little-known law called “The Cohan Rule.” The Cohan Rule is a legal principle that allows taxpayers to use reasonable estimates to deduct expenses when they lack formal documentation, like receipts, to prove the expenses actually occurred. This rule originated in 1930 when the entertainer George M. Cohan brought a court case involving missing records.

Finally, I am not a CPA or a certified tax consultant. To get accurate advice, please consult one of these professionals. 

Don’t play a trick on yourself before filing your tax return, especially if you sold your primary home last year. Ask for advice, save your receipts and don’t be foolish on April Fool’s Day.

Tingley Memorial Library options discussed

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

BRADENTON BEACH – On March 18, the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board members and city staff discussed the repairs needed and the funding available for the city-owned Tingley Memorial Library.

The library is located at 111 Second Street N., which is in the CRA district. Built in 1994, the Tingley Memorial Library was funded by a bequest of more than $500,000 made long ago by benefactor Beulah Tingley, whom the library is named after. The bequeath funds the library operations that include one full-time salary and the utilization of several volunteers.

The library building needs repairs in the $230,000 to $250,000 range, according to Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby.

According to City Treasurer Shayne Thompson, the current balance in the bequeath fund is $130,000. During a previous library discussion in May 2025, Thompson said the bequeath fund had a $165,000 balance at the time and would likely be exhausted within three years.

During the March 18 meeting, Cosby said, “The back steps of the library are basically unusable. They shake when you walk on them, and that’s part of the fire exit. The air conditioning units are getting ready to fall through, but I don’t want to spend money to do that if we’re going a different route. With the air conditioning system in the library, I had a company come out and look at it. They don’t think it’s going to make it through the summer.”

Operating as a separate city-affiliated entity, the CRA board consists of Mayor John Chappie and the four city commissioners. 

On March 18, the CRA members discussed the city selling the library to the CRA, which would allow CRA funds to be used to make the needed repairs. Another option is to continue discussions with Manatee County about making the currently independent non-profit library part of the county library system. There was also discussion about raising the library building and installing paid parking underneath it.

CRA Chair Scott Bear asked if CRA could use eminent domain to take the library ownership away from the city.

“Does this board have the authority to use eminent domain over the city?” Bear asked.

“I’ve never heard of a government using eminent domain over a government property. I’m not in the position right now without doing the research to give you an answer that I’m comfortable with,” City Attorney Erica Augello said. 

Augello was filling in for CRA attorney Nancy Meyer, who’s also a member of the Trask Daigneault law firm.

“To assert eminent domain is a court proceeding. You still have to pay the reasonable price of the property. You can’t just acquire it for zero dollars,” Augello said. “I don’t know why you would do an eminent domain proceeding when you have to use it for a public purpose afterwards – other than just selling outright to another entity.”

Bear said using CRA funds for the library would impact the timing for other CRA projects and he asked if the use of the library property would have to change if the CRA acquired it. City Clerk Terri Sanclemente said she looked into that and part of the library building might have to be used as a community center if sold to the CRA.

Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce is the city commission liaison for the Tingley Memorial Library. 

“I thought we owned the land already,” Scaccianoce said. “Currently, it’s non-profit. It’s a 501(c)(3), so do we lose that designation? What changes if the city takes control?” 

Augello said the library has a lease to use the building. 

“There was a bequeath for construction of the building,” Mayor John Chappie said, noting the lease remains in place as long as the bequeath funds exist.

Scaccianoce said there have been discussions with Manatee County officials about the county helping with the repair costs and making the library more of a community meeting place. 

“I would never want to see this library close, especially since we have come so far in the last year. With Stephanie (new Library Director Stephanie Katz) coming on board, it’s just incredible,” Scaccianoce said. 

“What does it look like if the bequeath runs out? It reverts back to the city?” CRA member Ralph Cole asked.

“Yes,” Augello said. 

Cole asked what happens if the city doesn’t have the money to fix the library building.

“I may get attacked for saying this, but you tear it down and you put up paid parking,” Cosby said. “We need between $230,000 and $250,000, not counting the money we need to try to continue to operate it.”

Scaccianoce said, “If we decided to take it over and make it part of the CRA, we could use that $130k to affect the repairs that are most urgent.” 

She also said, “One more giant parking lot, instead of a library, just breaks my heart, but I think we have options and I’m still working with the county. They don’t want to lose the library. They said in a year and a half, they would be willing to come in and make it a (county) branch.” 

“One of the things we talked about over the years was elevating the structure to create parking underneath the building,” Chappie said. “It’s such a waste of that land when we need parking desperately.” 

“What’s the will of the board?” Bear asked. “To continue the county discussions and figure out what the issues are from a legal standpoint?” 

Scaccianoce said she would reach out to the county. 

“Let’s see where we are legally if we were to take over the library and see what that means for the city,” she said. 

Bear suggested setting a deadline of one month to continue the library discussion. Further library discussion is included on the agenda for the Thursday, April 2, city commission meeting that begins at 6 p.m.

County providing additional funding for pier repairs, ferry enhancements

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

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners approved a second amendment to an existing interlocal agreement with Manatee County for hurricane-related repairs to the Bradenton Beach Pier.

The amended interlocal agreement approved by the city commission on March 19 also provides additional funds to enhance the city-owned floating dock located next to the city-owned pier. 

A portion of the floating dock is used as a Gulf Islands Ferry landing.

“In addition to the repairs of the Bradenton Beach city pier, the county and city intend to enhance the Bradenton Beach Pier to accommodate the new, larger third water ferry,” the amended interlocal agreement states. 

The most recent amendment to the agreement notes the city and county first entered into the interlocal agreement on Jan. 8, 2025, so the city could repair the damage the pier and the floating dock sustained during Hurricane Milton. 

The original agreement was amended in May when the original reimbursement amount was increased.

Ferry-related enhancements will be made to the floating dock located next to the Bradenton Beach Pier. – Leslie Lake | Sun

The second amendment to the agreement says, “In order to continue with the city pier enhancements, the county and the city wish to amend the agreement to incorporate additional pier elements and extend the agreement termination date to allow for the city to complete the project.”

The agreement’s termination date is being extended to Sept. 30.

The Hurricane Milton-related repairs include replacing decking, pilings and handrails; repairing the dinghy dock and repairing or replacing the floating docks on the south side of the pier. The total pier repair project costs are not to exceed$375,000 and the county will reimburse the city for the project expenses incurred. 

Some of the hurricane repairs have been completed and some repairs remain pending.

Regarding the ferry service enhancements, the amended agreement says, “To accommodate the addition of a third, larger ferry, enhancements to the current docking area are needed. The project includes, but is not limited to, the following: upgrade and extend the fire suppression system on the main fishing pier; add aluminum gussets for angle reinforcement to all finger piers; add mooring piles to the water taxi slip; and add heavy-duty waste receptacles and benches,” the amendment states. 

The pending ferry enhancement costs are not to exceed $100,000. The city will incur the original costs and then be reimbursed by the county. 

The pier fence enhancement costs that are not to exceed $15,000 are included in the not-to-exceed $100,000 limit for the ferry enhancement costs.

“We are extending our agreement with the county in order to get reimbursed for projects that occurred at the pier,” Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby said during the March 19 meeting. 

Mayor John Chappie expressed his appreciation for the county’s financial support.

“They have been very good to us,” Chappie said.

Public hearing held for proposed Longboat Pass Bridge construction

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Featured.

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials who viewed a recent Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) presentation expressed their concerns that the proposed new bridge to be built over Longboat Pass has the potential to worsen the traffic flow at the south end of Bradenton Beach.

The Longboat Pass Bridge extends from the south end of Bradenton Beach to the north end of Longboat Key and serves as the primary point of access to and from the north end of Longboat Key. The current bridge is nearly 70 years old.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) hosted an in-person PD&E study public hearing at the Christ Church of Longboat Key on Thursday, March 12. FDOT hosted a similar virtual online hearing on Tuesday, March 17.

During the hearings, FDOT officials presented information about the state agency’s preferred alternative to the existing drawbridge. FDOT plans to replace the existing Longboat Pass Bridge with a 78-foot-high fixed span bridge. 

According to the presentation, “The need for the proposed improvements to State Road 789 includes addressing the structural integrity of the existing bridge, enhancing multi-modal mobility and improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities and emergency evacuation and response times.”

The presentation shared during the public hearings states: “The current driveway at the Coquina Beach South entrance will be shifted approximately 500 feet to the north and will still be accessible from northbound and southbound traffic. In addition, the current driveway at the Coquina Beach South entrance will become an underpass underneath the proposed bridge and will give recreational access to the bay side (the east side) of SR 789 for both northbound and southbound traffic.” 

Having viewed the presentation, Mayor John Chappie shared his concerns during the March 19 city commission meeting.

“One of the things that caught my eye was with the south boat ramps. They’re funneling all the traffic to get in and out of there to the west side of Gulf Drive, then you have to go to the exit,” Chappie said. “I think that could be a problem with those trailers on the back of trucks making these turns and maneuvering and then having to wait and come in on Gulf Drive.” 

Chappie said he could see traffic backups worsening in that scenario. 

Having viewed the presentation, Commissioner Scott Bear said, “Part of what they’re doing is they’re funneling all of the traffic to the two access points and the vehicles trailering boats out have to cross the southbound lane. Not only is it going to cause problems with the northbound side, it is going to shut down the southbound side as well.”

Bear, a former engineer, said he suggested to the project managers the addition of an acceleration lane to help traffic merge.

“They hadn’t thought about that. They’re going to go back and look at it and provide some input to the city as to whether that’s even possible,” Bear said. “We still have multiple opportunities to speak to them because they’ll have to come forward with design meetings.”

Bear said as the plans stand now there could be a worse traffic problem in that area than what exists today. 

“They’re pushing the bridge further to the north so that they can get underneath with the boats. You would have to turn right onto the current beach access inside the park and then get into one of the exits,” Bear said. “The current exit that’s there on the boat ramp, they’ve moved that 500 feet north. This will not fix traffic and will potentially make it worse.”

The fixed-span bridge would be high enough for most recreational vessels to pass underneath it. – FDOT | Submitted

The proposed bridge will begin at North Shore Road in Longboat Key and extend approximately one mile to the north.

“As proposed, the recommended alternative will require permanent use of approximately 0.23 acres of property from the Coquina Bayside Park and boat ramp to accommodate a maintenance easement,” according to the presentation.

Subsequent project phases include design, public right-of-way easements and construction.

According to the FDOT project website, “At this time, FDOT’s adopted five-year work program includes funding for the next phase of the project design in fiscal year 2026. There is no private right-of-way acquisition needed for this project. Currently there is no funding for construction.”

According to the FDOT presentation, “The Longboat Pass Bridge was rehabilitated in 2005, but the original structure was built in 1957. Based on a February 2024 FDOT bridge inspection report, the bridge received a sufficiency rating of 42 on a scale of 0-100. Anything under 50 qualifies a bridge for replacement funding.”

More project details can be viewed at the project website.

Hidden issues in your future home

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand, Real estate | Development.

You finally found the home of your dreams. Now you need to be certain that your dream won’t turn into a nightmare.

Hiring a home inspector will probably be the best money you spend during the purchasing process. An inspector is looking for hidden issues that the future owner may not have noticed, as well as the physical structure, from the roof to the foundation. The inspection takes between two and four hours and in Florida will cost the buyer in the range of $650 for a 2,000-square-foot single-family house. Other inspections, like termites, pool, mold and radon, would be additional charges. There are 35 states that require home inspectors to be licensed, and Florida is among them.

Home inspections are visual inspections only, not invasive. Inspectors are thorough and it’s unusual for them to miss something, but if they do miss a minor item, something non-structural, they frequently will take responsibility for the repair. If there is a significant issue or something breaks during the course of the inspection, inspectors will likely turn it over to their insurance company.

As the buyer, you have a vested interest in the outcome of the inspection, so it’s important to attend the inspection. Walk through the home with the inspector, ask questions and verify that the inspector runs all the appliances through a cycle. You’ll learn a lot about your future house. If there is a problem or something that needs to be replaced, the inspector can give you an idea of the cost and the timeline.

Florida is “condo land” and you may think an inspection is not required. That’s something you should rethink. The cost of a new refrigerator (because you didn’t notice it was running warm) would cost more than the inspector.

Now it’s time to check the February sales statistics reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

Single-family home sales were up 10% from last February. The median sale price was $489,634, up 2.9% from last year. The average sale price was $673,021, up 2.5%. The median time to contract was 65 days, compared to 46 days last year. The months’ supply of available properties was 4.8 months, compared to 4.9 months last year.

Condo sales were down 18.7% from February of last year. The median sale price was $311,995, down 2.5%. The average sale price was $369,085, up 3.3%. The median time to contract was 67 days, compared to 51 days last year. The months’ supply of available properties was 7.5 months, compared to 8.3 months last year.

Even though condo sales were substantially down, I feel the extreme cold weather in the northeast and in Florida discouraged the typical condo buyer from moving forward. However, single-family homes are showing a serious recovery this month.

Cash sales were up 6% for single-family home buyers and up 7.4% for condo buyers. These strong increases, particularly in the condo market, could indicate activity for investors and second home buyers.

Home inspections are important to the real estate transaction and should never be waived. Every repair required in owning a home is super expensive, not to mention a nightmare, so be sure to know ahead of closing what you can expect. Negotiate accordingly, budget for unexpected repairs and you’ll sleep soundly.

Historical Society hosts annual Heritage Day Festival

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, Festivals.

ANNA MARIA – In celebration of Anna Maria Island’s past and present were celebrated at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society held its annual Heritage Day Festival on Wednesday, March 18.
The annual Heritage Day Festival serves as a fundraiser for the historical society and the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum at 402 Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. 

The museum and the adjacent Belle Haven Cottage were open for free tours, with volunteer docents on hand to discuss the history of the Island.

The AMI Privateers captured and released Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The fundraising activities included strawberry shortcake sales, Settlers Bread sales, raffles and silent auctions that featured items donated by local businesses and – with the assistance of the Anna Maria Island Privateers – the capture of Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short, who was held in the “Old City Jail” until enough ransom was raised to secure his release.

The mayor’s two-year-old granddaughter, Quinn Cunningham, was among those who placed ransom in the ransom bucket. 

Mayor Mark Short’s two-year-old granddaughter, Quinn Cunningham, put money in the ransom bucket. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Unable to participate in this year’s event, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, her husband, Steve, and Shoreline Construction donated $500 to help free the Anna Maria mayor.

Anna Maria-based Pizza Social sold pizza by the slice and Dole Whip Fruit Soft Serve sold a gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan ice cream-like frozen treat.
 
The children’s activities included face painting, oversized checkers, a scavenger hunt and the museum’s fundraising “The Sand Beneath Your Feet” Discovery Station that replicates mining for rocks and minerals in a river.

Oliver Crane displays the shells, rocks and gems he discovered in the musuem’s “The Sand Beneath Your Feet” activity area. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The participating vendors sold homespun wool yarn and yarn products, art, crochet pot holders, local honey, jewels and crystals, historical books and more.
The participating non-profit organizations included AMI Turtle Watch, Wildlife Inc. (with a live kestrel and a live great horned owl), Islanders 4 Clean Water, the Holmes Beach Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee, the Island Branch Library and the UF | IFAS Extension for native plants.

Performing solo, Trevor Bystrom provided the live music.

Trevor Bystrom played a mix of original material and cover songs. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Historical Society President Carolyn Orshak served as this year’s festival chairperson and she expressed her gratitude and thanks for everyone who attended, assisted, volunteered or participated in this year’s event.

Shortly after the mayor was released, Orshak said, “The money raised today helps us keep the museum open for free admission, as we’ve done since the museum first opened its doors in 1992. We’re very proud of that. We’ve had some pressure to start charging for admission like most other museums do, but we want everybody to be able to enjoy this museum. 

The AMI Historical Museum was open for tours and the museum tours are always free. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“The Privateers did a great job of raising money to get the mayor out of jail. They volunteer their time to do that for us and they give the ransom money to the museum,” Orshak said. 

Standing within earshot, Privateer Terry “Colonel Krash” Kilpatrick said, “We’re here out of the goodness of our hearts, as black as they may be.”

“We have so many beautiful silent auction and raffle gifts,” she said. “Pizza Social is here selling inexpensive pizza. We have dairy-free, gluten-free ice cream (Dole Whip Fruit Soft Serve) that’s amazing and he’s been letting my granddaughter help him serve it.

Jordan Simmonetti, David Miesner, Hollie Miesner, Lori Miesner and Katie Miesner at the Pizza Social tent. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Lance Sulek served tasty Dole Whip Fruit Soft Serve frozen treats. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“We have a beekeeper selling local honey and we have a lot of other interesting vendors. We also have a lot of informational and educational booths this year that help raise awareness about those organizations,” Orshak said. 

Wildlife Inc. volunteer Krista Carpenter introduced folks to Kaya, the kestrel, with Athena, the great horned owl, watching on. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Standing beside Orshak, Holmes Beach Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee member and Anna Maria Island Real Estate Company owner Bill Romberger said, “We’re just trying to raise awareness to the local community and the tourists about keeping the waters around the Island clean.”

Scott MacGregor and Bill Romberger from the Holmes Beach Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee were joined by Holmes Beach Code Enforcement Clerk Allyson Kalicharan. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Orshak said Detwiler’s Farm Market donated the strawberries this year and Anna Maria-based Hometown Desserts once again provided the shortcake.

Historical Society members Barb Murphy and Renee Goodheart served strawberry shortcake to AMI Privateer Terry “Colonel Krash” Kilpatrick. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“We have four amazing sponsors this year: Anna Maria Island Real Estate Corporation, Island Real Estate, Moss Builders and Solid Rock Construction. They generously sponsored us with $500 each, which helped us pay our expenses and fund our programs,” Orshak said.

Visit the musuem and historical society website to learn more.

Heritage Day Festival photo gallery

Catwalk fiber arts owner Donna Stansbury uses an old-fashioned, foot-powered spinning wheel to spin wool into yarn. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Detwiler’s Farm Market donated the strawberries. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The children’s activities included face painting. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Painter Corin Finnie is an annual Heritage Day participant. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The weather was grand for the well-attended Heritage Day Festival. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Museum docent Karen Z. Gardner shared the history of the Belle Haven Cottage. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
These whimsical stuffed animals were among the many items for sale during the festival. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Anna Maria Turtles LLC Manager Joanie Derry set up next to the AMI Turtle Watch tent. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
AMI Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella shared information about sea turtles and their nesting activities that will begin soon. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Robin Hankinson is an annual participant in the Heritage Day Festival. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Island resident Luann Marshall offered her homemade pot holders. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The fundraising activities included a silent auction. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Local businesses donated raffle prizes and silent auction items. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Beekeeper Kevin Lausman discussed local honey with John Nowicki. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Susan Griffith displayed a buttonwood and a necklace pod at the UF | IFAS Extension native plants table. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Youth Programming Coordinator Sidney Richendollar represented the Island Branch Library. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Historical books were among the vendor offerings. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Anna Maria Island Privateers captured Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short and held him for fundraising ransom. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Roser Guild hosts fundraising fashion show

Written by Lance Roy on . Posted in Entertainment, Events.

ANNA MARIA – The Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria held its annual Roser Guild Thrift Shop Fashion Show and luncheon on Wednesday, March 18. 

The clothing presented in the fashion show was selected from the Roser Guild Thrift Shop located across the street from the church and the modeled fashions were available for purchase during the show. The proceeds from the fashion show and luncheon will help fund Roser Guild scholarships, church programs and community outreach missions.

Master of ceremonies Kathie Rieder introduced the models and the clothing they modeled. – Lance Roy | Sun

Roser volunteer Kathie Rieder served as the fashion show’s master of ceremonies and the models walked to keyboard music performed by Roser Church Musical Director Edita Urbon.

Roser Church Musical Director Edita Urbon provided the fashion show music. – Lance Roy | Sun

The fashion show models included Senior Pastor Dirk Rodgers, Roser Facilities Administrator Charles Wade, Sharon Rowe, Mike Pescitelli, Ruth Caweln, Lillian Chin, Nancian Hall, Peggy Buck, Camrin Merritt, Kathryn Sanderson, Kathleeen Giest, Emily Glasscock and Emily’s son, Jackson Glasscock. 

Roser Church Senior Pastor Dirk Rodgers opened the fashion show as the first model. – Lance Roy | Sun

Before the fashion show began, attendees enjoyed a Cuban-themed lunch served by church volunteers. 

The lunch menu included a “1905 salad” prepared by Guild volunteers following The Columbia restaurant’s recipe that is shared at the restaurant’s website and featured in the “The Columbia Restaurant Spanish Cookbook.” 

The fashion show luncheon featured two menu items served at The Columbia restaurants. Facebook | Submitted

The classic Cuban sandwiches were purchased from the Ybor City-based La Segunda Bakery and were served with plantain chips. The black bean soup served over rice was prepared from scratch by the Guild’s volunteer crew that followed The Columbia restaurant’s recipe. The Tres Leche Bar Cake served for dessert was purchased for the event. Tickets for the sold-out fashion show and luncheon were $25.

Fashion show attendees enjoyed a “A Taste of Cuba” themed meal. – Lance Roy | Sun

After the fashion show, Rieder said the luncheon and fashion show went very well and featured many new models and new volunteers. She noted last year’s fashion show and luncheon was cancelled due to the hurricane recovery efforts.

Roser Church Video Specialist Emily Glasscock modeled a black pantsuit. – Lance Roy | Sun

Roser Church communications specialist Bev Hunsberger said she was very thankful for all the volunteers and models who participated and helped with the event.

The Roser Guild Thrift Shop that serves as an ongoing Guild fundraiser is located at 511 Pine Ave. Through May, the thrift shop is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Donations are accepted on Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m.