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Year: 2026

Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers host fly-casting clinic

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

On Saturday, March 21, the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers club, a charter club of the Fly Fishers International (FFI) organization, sponsored a free fly-casting clinic. The annual event attracted close to 30 participants from both the club and the public at large. 

I participated as an instructor and was joined by FFI instructors Captain Pete Greenan, Captain Rex Gudgel, Captain Rick Grassett, Jim Cannon and Pat Jones. The event was held at Payne Park in downtown Sarasota from 9 a.m. to noon.

The morning started with an introduction by Cannon, who went through the fundamentals of a proper cast. While fly casting can be said to be an art, there are physics at play that must be observed. They are referred to as the five essentials and are as follows: 

1.) There must be a pause (to let the fly line fully unwind) at the end of each casting stroke, which varies in duration with the amount of line beyond the rod tip. 

2.) Slack line should be kept to an absolute minimum in the casting stroke. Slack line prevents the rod from loading and applying power to the cast. Common mistakes include not anchoring the line against the rod or with the rod hand; movement of the line by outside forces like wind and water; starting the cast too high; rough, jerky application of power; and poor timing between the forward and back cast. Of these, the most common comes from starting with the rod too high, which forms a belly in the line between the rod tip and the water. To prevent this, start with the rod tip pointing at the water. 

3.) To form the most efficient, least air-resistant loops, and to direct the energy of the cast toward the target, the caster must move the tip in a straight line. 

4.) The size of the casting arc must vary with the length of line past the rod tip. If you are making a short cast there is only a small amount of line needed and only a small casting arc is necessary to load the rod in a straight line. As the length of line increases, the stroke must be increased to load the rod. Participants were reminded, short cast-short stroke, long cast-long stroke. 

5.) Power must be applied in the proper amount at the proper place in the stroke. In general, the power is applied slowly at first, gradually increasing to a peak at the end of the stroke. There should be a crisp stop at the end of the stroke, forcing the rod to come out of its bend. This is commonly referred to as the speed-up and stop.

After discussing the fundamentals, the participants broke into groups and the instructors worked with the individuals according to their needs and what the instructor determined would help their casting. While many of the group knew the fundamentals of the cast, the instructors worked to help them tighten their loops, control their line and double haul. Instructors also helped the participants work on how to make the most efficient cast when dealing with injuries to an arm, elbow or shoulder.

The event was a big success, judging by the performance of the casters before and after the clinic. While there was much improvement, instructors were adamant that the fly casters practice often to improve their skills.

If you are interested in joining the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers or attending their meetings, check out their website. The club meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Sarasota Garden Club. Casting and fly tying begin at 6 p.m. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and usually includes a presentation on some aspect of fly fishing.

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

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

BRADENTON BEACH – The owners of the Pines Trailer Park have applied to the city to subdivide the mobile home park into two separate parcels. 

“They did put in an application for a lot split which was rejected,” Building Official Rob Perry said during the March 19 city commission meeting. “They can’t do a lot split. There’s an old plat there. We have five mobiles on each lot in the old plat.” 

It’s unclear from the Jan. 30 lot split application exactly what the owners’ future plans are for the 86-unit mobile home park. The application shows the park’s present zoning classification as M-1 (mobile home use). The future land use category is listed on the application as “ROR (retail/office/residential) and Commercial (split). 

“It’s going to go from M-1 (mobile home zoning) to something, but I’m going to put a question mark on that,” Perry said. “The city’s going to determine what they want that zone to be. They (the park owners) want to develop the property, and it won’t be a mobile home park.” 

The lot split application was submitted by land use attorney Marshall Robinson on behalf of Pines Park Investors LLC. 

“They are going to go back to their planner and submit a proper PRD (Planned Residential Development) or PUD (Planned Urban Development). It would be a major development,” Perry said. “It’s coming. There’s going to be a zoning change request and not a lot split.” 

“That was always going to be a rezone request when Kaleta’s group bought that property,” Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce said. “They bought it with the intention of doing a rezone request within five years.” 

Developer Shawn Kaleta was listed as the LLC/corporation manager when Pines Park Investors LLC was formed in May 2023. Kaleta was also listed as the limited liability corporation’s manager in the annual reports filed with the Florida Division of Corporations in 2024 and 2025. The amended annual report filed on Nov. 3, 2025, now lists longtime Kaleta associate Sam Negrin as the corporation’s manager. Attorney Louis Najmy remains listed as the corporation’s registered agent, as he has been since the corporation was formed. 

Pines Park Investors LLC purchased the 2.78-acre mobile home park from the Jackson Partnership LLC on Aug. 25, 2023. The ownership group purchased the property subject to the stipulation that it would remain a mobile home park for five years from the date of purchase. 

The uncertainty about the future of the Pines Trailer Park began in 2024, after Hurricane Helene caused water intrusion into the mobile homes. That December, then-Building Official Darin Cushing informed 83 of the mobile home owners that they could repair their hurricane-damaged homes if they obtained the proper permits. 

In January 2025, however, Pines Park Investors LLC notified homeowners of their decision to close the park, citing “financial challenges, resident concerns and safety and long-term viability.” 

Many of the mobile home owners withheld paying their lot rent due to what they said was the continued disrepair of the park following the hurricanes. Subsequently, many of those mobile home owners were either evicted or had to turn over to park ownership the titles of their mobile homes to avoid eviction. After those titles were turned over, those mobile homes were sealed, with screws driven into the doors to prevent entry. 

The Pines Trailer Park homeowners’ association filed a lawsuit against the park ownership group and the lawsuit was later settled under confidential terms. 

According to Perry, there are only five to seven residents remaining in the mobile home park. 

The Pines Trailer Park is mostly vacant of residents. – Leslie Lake | Sun

After the March 19 meeting, Perry said, “We’re basically going to guide them (the park owners) in the right direction and let them get a private planner to submit a new plan, which is going to need a new plat and a PRD or a PUD.” 

He said a replat and a major development application is needed and there are city-owned streets that run through the park. 

Perry said he does not know what the Pines owners plan to specifically do with the property. 

“I’m giving them the guidance to go through a zoning review with the planning and zoning board. There’s a process if they apply for a zoning change,” he said. “My job is to educate them and get them in the right direction.” 

When contacted later in the week, Negrin did not respond to The Sun’s request for comment regarding the upcoming plans for the park.

Revised condo inspection ordinance now addresses habitable stories 

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BY LESLIE LAKE & JOE HENDRICKS

BRADENTON BEACH – The second reading of the city’s condominium-related milestone inspection ordinance has been adopted with an added clarification that effectively excludes all condominium and cooperatively-owned buildings in Bradenton Beach from the state’s milestone inspection requirements. 

When presented to the city commission for first reading on March 5, City Ordinance 25-566 did not reference “habitable stories” and it included the following language: “A condominium association and a cooperative association must have a milestone inspection performed for each building that is three stories or more in height by Dec. 31 of the year in which the building reaches 30 years of age, or 25 years if the building is located within three miles of the coastline, and every 10 years thereafter.” 

The state’s milestone condominium inspection and reporting laws were first enacted in 2024 and then amended in 2025. The city ordinance presented on March 5 included language based on the 2024 version of the state law that referenced buildings three stories or more in height and did not reference habitable stories. This created some confusion as to whether the city ordinance pertained to condo and co-op buildings with two habitable stories located above a ground-level parking area.

The state law was amended in 2025 and the milestone inspection and reporting requirements currently set forth in Florida Statute 553.889 apply to “a building that is three habitable stories or more in height as determined by the Florida Building Code.”

The Florida Building Code does not consider a ground-level parking area to be a habitable story.

The language contained in the revised city ordinance presented on March 19 is based on the current version of the state law. It now includes the word “habitable” and references milestone inspections performed for “each building that is three habitable stories or more in height.”

During the March 19 meeting, City Attorney Erica Augello said the adoption of House Bill 913 in 2025 clarified that the state’s milestone inspection laws that now pertain to condo and co-op buildings with three or more habitable stories.

Regarding the revised city ordinance, Augello said, “The only difference between the first reading and this reading is to clarify it, adding the word ‘habitable.’”

NO LOCAL IMPACT

Bradenton Beach’s city charter and land use regulations do not allow building heights that exceed the equivalent of three stories. 

According to Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby, there aren’t any condo buildings in Bradenton Beach with three or more habitable floors, so the state-mandated inspection and reporting requirements referenced in the city ordinance don’t apply to any condo or co-op building in the city. 

During the March 19 meeting, Building Official Rob Perry confirmed that condo buildings in Bradenton Beach are not impacted by the state’s milestone inspection program.

“The ordinance and the statute clarified the language and we won’t require any reporting in the future. The clarification was habitable stories and it was the confusion of the parking garage being a story,” Perry said. 

The state law also requires each municipality’s building and planning department to provide the local enforcement of the state’s milestone inspection and reporting laws. Establishing those local enforcement responsibilities was the primary purpose of the city ordinance.

The Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis adopted the milestone inspection and reporting laws in 2024 in response to the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside, Florida, in 2021 that killed 98 people.

Governor says new state law will prevent cruise port

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Featured.

BRADENTON – During his March 19 press conference at the Pier 22 restaurant in downtown Bradenton, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a coastal resiliency bill he and some state lawmakers say will prohibit the dredging needed to build and operate a cruise port in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve. 

In January, Tampa-based Slip Knott LLC and cruise ship terminal operator SSA Marine announced they were exploring the development of a multi-berth cruise ship port in northwest Manatee County, on the Knott-Cowen tract of land near Rattlesnake Key and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. If built, the proposed cruise port would be located west of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and would accommodate “mega” cruise ships that are too tall to pass under the bridge. 

Highlighted in darker blue, the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve was established in 1984. – Google Maps | Submitted

Before signing into law the legislation created by SB 302 and HB 1035, DeSantis noted the coastal resiliency bill would be the first piece of legislation adopted during the 2026 legislative session that he would sign into law. 

The new state law that takes effect July 1 includes an amendment Senator Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) filed on Feb. 18. The following day, the Florida Senate adopted the amended version of SB 302 by a 38-0 vote.

Boyd’s added language to SB 302 specifically addresses the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve and the law “prohibits the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund from approving the dredging or filling of the submerged lands of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve unless such dredging and filling occurs for certain reasons.”

Boyd’s amendment was based on language already included in SB 302 that pertained specifically to the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve in the greater Miami area. Before Boyd filed his amendment, SB 302 did not reference the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve. 

On March 9, the Florida House of Representatives adopted matching legislation by a 109-0 vote. 

PRESS CONFERENCE COMMENTS

In addition to DeSantis and Boyd, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert and State Representative Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton) also spoke during the press conference.

DeSantis said, “You have an issue here in recent months where there was an idea that had been floated to dredge the water of Terra Ceia Bay and establish a new cruise port terminal in Manatee County. That obviously would have a major change in the lifestyle and the environment of the folks that live in this area. There’s not really a need to add another port in the middle of a conserved area and aquatic preserve, especially given that Tampa Bay is already home to three deep water ports, including SeaPort Manatee right here in Manatee County.” 

In reference to the new state law being created by SB 302, DeSantis said, “The bill would not allow the dredging that would be necessary to convert this into a commercial cruise ship terminal. The dredging that would be allowed would be for passive recreational fishing, boating and water quality purposes, but not for a new commercial port in this area. The bill further protects this area by requiring any permits to be approved by the state, and subject to public notice,” DeSantis said.

Speaking next, Lambert said, “Our aquatic preserves represent some of the most ecologically significant and beautiful natural areas in the state. Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve was created in 1984 to protect these pristine coastal waters – not just for aesthetics, but also for their scientific value, so they remain for generations to come. 

“Senate Bill 302 also underscores our commitment to building stronger communities by directing the department to develop guidelines for using nature-based methods to make our coastal communities more resilient to the impacts of storms and flooding,” Lambert said. 

Speaking next, Boyd said, “When the cruise terminal started to be discussed, we said this is just something we can’t allow that to happen in our community, and in that particular spot. As the governor said, there’s plenty of cruise terminals around the state and the country. We support the cruise industry, but just not there. What the governor will do today by signing this is protect that area for generations to come. We’re going to stand firm and protect that,” Boyd said.

Boyd thanked SB 302 sponsor Senator Ileana Garcia and House Bill 1035 sponsor Jim Mooney for supporting his amendment; and he said Robinson and State Rep. Bill Conerly helped get the amended legislation adopted.

“Thank you governor for making this a priority. We’re very grateful,” Boyd said.

Robinson then said, “I cannot think of a worse place in Florida for a mega cruise ship terminal to be than in Terra Ceia.” 

“Senator Boyd called me and mentioned this vehicle (the SB 302 amendment). The senator worked with Senator Garcia to tack it on the Senate Bill and then we shipped it over to the House. Representative Mooney was very kind, but at the very end we had a member that wanted to tack on an amendment, and it would have killed the bill. Thankfully, that member decided not to tack on the amendment. This is the perfect example of how the legislature works well. Thank you governor for everything you’ve done. We don’t need a cruise ship out there,” Robinson said.

State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and State Sen. Jim Boyd stood by the governor’s side as he signed SB 302 into new Florida law.

Joined by others, Boyd and Robinson then flanked DeSantis as he signed the legislation into new state law. 

During his Bradenton visit, DeSantis also signed into law the legislation created by HB 1417. 

According to the press release issued by the governor’s office later that day, “House Bill 1417 streamlines environmental rule making by repealing the outdated Environmental Regulation Commission, making it faster to update rules to protect our environment and keep our economy thriving.”

BOYD’S AMENDMENT

Boyd’s amendment added language to SB 302 that says, “No further dredging or filling of the submerged lands of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve shall be approved or tolerated by the board except: Such minimum dredging and spoiling as may be authorized for public navigation projects or for such minimum dredging and spoiling as may be constituted as a public necessity.”

According to the adopted legislation, “Such minimum dredging and filling as may be authorized for the creation and maintenance of marinas, public boat ramps, piers, and docks and their attendant navigation channels and access roads. Such projects may be authorized only upon a specific finding by the board that there is assurance that the project will be constructed and operated in a manner that will not adversely affect the water quality and utility of the preserve.”

It remains to be seen if the new state law will prohibit the proposed cruise port, as stated by the governor and the state lawmakers. To date, SSA Marine has not publicly commented on the new state law and its potential impact on the proposed cruise port.

City responding to Cushing lawsuit subpoena 

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

BRADENTON BEACH – City Clerk Terri Sanclemente and City Attorney Erica Augello are handling the city’s response to a subpoena Sanclemente received as part of the civil lawsuit former Building Official Darin Cushing filed against his former employer, SAFEbuilt Florida LLC. 

While serving as the city’s building official, Cushing was a contractual employee for SAFEbuilt Inspections. M.T. Causley is a subsidiary of SAFEbuilt and the city had a contractual agreement with M.T. Causley to provide building official services.

Bradenton Beach is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit Cushing’s attorney filed with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Bradenton on May 7, 2025.

The subpoena sent to Sanclemente on Jan. 26 requested records pertaining to Cushing’s job description, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, complaints and all documents pertaining to the termination of his employment. Because Cushing was not a city employee, the subpoena does not seek employment applications and documents related to his hiring.

During the March 19 city commission meeting, Sanclemente said she had received the subpoena from Cushing’s attorneys.

“He is suing SAFEbuilt, so I have completed all of those documents and sent them over to Erica to review; and when she’s done, she does the submittal,” Sanclemente said.

The city temporarily suspended Cushing’s contractual services on Jan. 22, 2025. Following the suspension, Cushing’s employment with SAFEbuilt was later terminated.

Cushing’s suspension centered around his permitting approval for the Drift-In bar’s tiki hut structure, as well as for various social media posts he made. The city maintained the Drift-In permit should not have been issued and the project should have been classified as a “major development” due to the new tiki hut’s increased size. Cushing has maintained that the permit was issued properly. 

Cushing has alleged that his employment status with the city was threatened for not complying with what he characterized as “illegal and unethical” requests to provide favorable treatment to a local developer. City officials denied those allegations. 

Cushing’s lawsuit complaint alleges he was “unlawfully terminated because of his whistleblower actions in refusing to participate in illegal activities and reporting violations of laws, rules and regulations in violation of his rights under the Florida Private Whistleblower Act.”

A court date for Cushing’s requested jury trial has not been scheduled and the preliminary legal filings continue.

Shorebird nesting season has begun on Anna Maria Island

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring (Turtle Watch) personnel and volunteers have started conducting beach nesting bird surveys on Anna Maria Island to locate, monitor and protect imperiled shorebird species nesting on the Island’s beaches.

The shorebird breeding season runs from March through September. Early in the season, birds such as American oystercatchers, least terns, black skimmers and snowy plovers begin looking for areas to nest in Florida.

A pair of black skimmers exhibiting courting behavior. – Kathy Dodderidge | Submitted

According to a March 19 press release received from Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella, “Nesting shorebirds prefer open sandy areas, gravel or shell bars with sparse vegetation on sandy beaches, coastal islands and gravel-tar rooftops. Their nests, called ‘scrapes,’ are shallow saucer-shaped depressions dug on the surface of the sand. Birds may make several scrapes in an area before laying eggs.”

If nesting birds are disturbed while establishing a nest site, they may move to a less suitable location. When beach-nesting birds are forced from their nests, they leave their eggs and chicks unprotected against predators and the heat.

When the eggs are laid, they are speckled to camouflage them from aerial predators. That coloration leaves them susceptible to being stepped on by beachgoers.

“When eggs are observed, (Turtle Watch) personnel will post a buffer – a stake and string boundary with nesting shorebird signs – around the area to prevent humans from approaching too close. Once a nesting area is posted, volunteers will conduct daily surveys to document the progress of the nest site,” according to Mazzarella, who noted imperiled shorebird species are protected by state and federal laws.

“In 2024, a colony of least terns nested successfully on AMI. The last time black skimmers nested on the Island was 2017,” Mazzarella stated in the press release. 

Turtle Watch is part of the Florida Shorebird Alliance; and the Turtle Watch organization conducts surveys to identify areas where shorebirds are establishing nest sites. Turtle Watch volunteers look for birds resting on the middle to upper parts of the beach and engaging in mating or courtship behaviors such as offering a stick or fish to their mate. If courting or mating birds are seen in the same location over several days, volunteer monitors will be on the lookout for eggs in the scrapes.

Beachgoers can help make Anna Maria Island beaches a safe place for shorebirds by following these tips:

• When you see large flocks of birds, give them space so you don’t disturb them. 

• Never intentionally force birds to fly. When birds are chased or disturbed, they use the energy they need for nesting and migration.

• Keep your distance. If birds become agitated or take flight, you are too close. 

• Respect posted areas. Avoid posted nesting and resting areas and use designated walkways.

• Don’t fly kites or drones near areas where birds may be nesting; they may be perceived as predators and disturb them.

• Keep dogs away from nesting areas. Keep cats indoors. Even well-behaved pets are regarded as predators.

• Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators such as racoons and crows to the beaches. Litter on beaches can entangle birds.

• Spread the word. If you see people disturbing nesting birds, gently remind them how their actions may hurt the birds’ survival. 

If someone continues to disturb nesting birds, please report their activities to FWC’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404-3922. For more information about protecting nesting shorebirds and seabirds, please visit IslandTurtleWatch.com.

DeSantis signs legislation that seeks to prevent proposed cruise port

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

BRADENTON – During Thursday’s press conference held at the Pier 22 restaurant in Bradenton, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law the dredging prohibitions contained in Senate Bill 302 and the matching companion bill recently adopted by the Florida House of Representatives.

During the March 19 press conference, DeSantis, FDEP Secretary Alexis Lambert, State Senator Jim Boyd and State Representative Will Robinson Jr. each said the new state law will prevent the dredging needed to construct and operate the proposed Knott-Cowen cruise port in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve near Rattlesnake Key and The Sunshine Skyway. The new state law will take effect on July 1.

The press conference was streamed at the Florida Channel website and can be viewed using the link below. DeSantis began speaking about the cruise port and signing SB 0302 at the 7:24 mark of the video. Lambert, Boyd and Robinson also spoke during the press conference.

The Florida Channel video:
https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/3-19-26-signing-of-sb-302-coastal-resiliency-and-hb-1417-department-of-environmental-protection/

Reel Time: Remembering Captain Zach

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Environment, Fishing, Outdoors.

On Thursday, March 5, we lost one of the area’s earliest and most ardent defenders of the marine resources that make our Island home so special. 

I first met Captain James “Zach” Zacharias when I began my career writing about fishing in a column called “Backlash” for the Longboat Observer in the 1980s. Captain Zach was a reliable source for my Captain’s Report and he was someone who shared my passion for fishing and protecting the local fishery. That passion led both of us into the ongoing fight to protect water quality and the habitat that safeguards that resource. Everyone who enjoys a day on the water owes Captain Zach a debt of gratitude for his service that inspired me and many other local environmentalists.

I asked several of his friends to share their memories of Captain Zach – testimonials that speak to the remarkable nature of a humble man who loved fishing and the marine environment and worked tirelessly to protect it.

Captain Justin Moore: Zach was one of the humblest fishing guides you’ll ever meet. I remember vividly one time he took me fishing and let me drive his boat from Cortez to Longbar when I was 10 years old. We caught fish for hours. Zach was a kind soul with a gentle voice. He was always willing to have breakfast and coffee and talk about the good old days of fishing.”

Captain Scott Moore: Zach was a special guy. He was a very good captain, good with people and he fished hard. He loved to catch a variety of fish and was a very good cook as well. I spent many hours talking to him about my ancestry in Cape Cod. If I had questions, he could answer them about my family’s hometown. He’s going to be missed. He represented the guiding and fishing community, working hard to protect what we all love about this area.

Merrie Lynn Parker: Captain Zach sat on Manatee County’s first Environmental Land Management and Acquisition Committee (ELMAC) with my husband, Chick Parker, and he was an active member of Manatee Fish & Game Association. Zach was a fantastic fisherman, but more importantly, a strong and passionate advocate for our area’s natural resources, specifically wildlife habitat. He was a true man of the sea and understood the interdependence and fragility of the ecological coastal and upland world we are blessed with in Manatee County. Zach worked diligently on both the Emerson Preserve and the Duette Preserve management plans. Zach was a man of stature and humility.

Angela Collins: Captain Zach was an active member of the Sea Grant advisory committee under John Stevely and me. Zach provided a lot of honest guidance on issues that were important to fisheries. He was also a supporter of the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and was a reliable member of both organizations.

Captain Scott Greer: Manatee County lost one of its finest. Captain Zach was an excellent guide and put a smile on thousands of customers’ faces over the last 50 years. He was also very involved in conservation and water quality issues. That was back years ago, before most people realized how important water quality was and it wasn’t a very popular issue. We all owe him many thanks for some of the work he was involved in. 

Captain Jonnie Walker: Captain Zach was one of the area’s finest guides. I first met him in the early 80s through Judge Lynn Silvertooth and always admired his dedication to the environment. He was always the nicest and most positive guy. He was never in competition with the other guides; he was just one of us. I particularly liked working with him when he took over the fishing report for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune after Steve Gibson’s passing.” 

On a more personal level, Zach and I had coffee in the morning at the Cortez Café for several decades and had many lively conversations and shared many laughs. He will truly be missed as a fellow guide and as a true friend. 

Captain Zach’s legacy can be honored by all who love the Suncoast by continuing his work to protect the waters that benefit us today and all future fishermen. There will be a celebration of life for Captain Zach in the spring.

James “Zach” Zacharias was Manatee County’s Outdoorsman of the Year in 1998. – Submitted
James “Zach” Zacharias won the Manatee County Outdoorsman of the Year award. – Submitted
James “Zach” Zacharias was recognized for his exceptional service in 1997. – Submitted

Island Players discover love ‘The Second Time Around’

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Entertainment, Theater.

ANNA MARIA –The Island Players’ production of Henry Dencker’s romantic comedy, “The Second Time Around,” tells the tale of a two widowers, Samuel (played by Mark Shoemaker) and Laura (played by Meg Newsome), who find love in their golden years and want to spend their remaining time together and make the best of what’s left of their lives.

But, this late-life romantic endeavor doesn’t sit well with their adult children and the other family members who try everything in their persuasive powers to stymie Samuel and Laura’s romantic desires. 

As they try to come to grips with a romantic relationship they didn’t know existed, the adult children and their spouses are particularly appalled at the notion of Samuel and Laura “shacking up” without at least getting married first. 

This premise sets the scene for the comedic interactions and interludes that ensue. The trouble begins when Samuel’s adult daughter, Cynthia, (played by Morgan Powis), pays a morning visit to the New York City apartment she grew up in and discovers a second coffee cup in Samuel’s living room. Much to her chagrin, there are traces of lipstick around the rim of this unexpected second cup and Cynthia is displeased to learn that her father is moving on from the passing of her mother and his longtime wife.

Laura and Samuel try to reason Mike and Cynthia, who remain skeptical about this second-chance romance. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Cynthia’s interrogations are interrupted by the arrival of Laura’s maritally henpecked son, Mike, (played by Joseph Klens). Mike is equally upset to learn that his mother has found love again after the passing of her husband and his father – so upset that his “spastic colon” begins acting up.

Samuel and Laura’s love nest becomes increasingly crowded with the subsequent arrival of Mike’s controlling, domineering and micro-managing wife, Eleanor (played by Deirdre Dean).

Eleanor (Deirdre Dean) is quite firm in her dietary and sexual opinions. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Also joining the fray is Cynthia’s husband, Dr. Arthur Morse, a head-strong and pompous psychoanalyst (played by Scott Ehrenpreis) who’s as emotionally fragile as the patients he treats.

Dr. Arthur Morse (Scott Ehrenpreis) shares his clinical views on his father-in-law’s late-life romance. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Accompanied by his attractive girlfriend, Angela, (played by Katherine Powell), Samuel’s sexually active college student grandson, Bruce, (played by Evan Bradshaw) also objects to his beloved grandfather’s intent to engage in romance without marriage. 

Bruce (Evan Bradshaw) and Angela (Katherine Powell) have thier own uses for Samuel’s apartment. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Samuel and Laura may be outnumbered but they’re not outwitted; and in response to their family members’ emotional pleas and objections they have a couple tricks of their own up their seasoned sleeves and they remain steadfast in their amorous intentions.

Laura and Samuel’s newfound love is questioned but not thwarted. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“The Second Time Around” is directed by Island Players’ stalwart Preston Boyd and co-produced by Sato Real Estate.

The second to the last production of the Island Player’s 77th theatrical season is a heartwarming, funny and romantic reminder that life does offer second chances to those who have the courage and persistence to pursue them.

Island Players’ veteran Preston Boyd directed “The Second Time Around.” – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“The Second Time Around” runs through Sunday, March 29. The Island Players Theatre is located at 10009 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. Tickets are $28 for adults and $18 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.theislandplayers.org and also at the theater box office. For more information, call the box office at 941-778-5755.

West Manatee Fire Rescue officals address special election results and costs

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On March 10, voters in the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District (WMFR) rejected the fire district’s request to levy a new millage rate-based property tax on properties located in the fire district that includes Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Cortez and portions of unincorporated Manatee County. 

According to the official results posted at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website, 1,864 voters (55.99%) opposed the proposed property tax and 1,465 voters (44.01%) supported it. 

The WMFR fire district has 19,020 eligible voters and 3,335 votes were cast in the special election, resulting in a 17.53% voter turnout. 

The special election occurred at a time when state legislators and Gov. Ron DeSantis have expressed support for eliminating or significantly reducing non-school district-related property taxes. 

The additional tax sought by WMFR appeared on the ballot as this: “Shall the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District be authorized to levy and collect an annual ad valorem tax on real property in an amount not to exceed 1 mill to provide additional operational revenue to fund the district’s fire control and rescue services, infrastructure and facilities, including emergency medical services?” 

According to the ad valorem tax calculator posted at the WMFR website, the owner of a home with an assessed taxable value of $548,958 would have paid an additional $274 tax if the annual millage rate was set by the board of commissioners at .5 mills. The WMFR tax would have been $548 on that same home if the annual millage rate was set at the full 1 mill. 

WMFR RESPONSE

WMFR issued a press release soon after the March 10 election results were posted. 

“Voters in the West Manatee Fire Rescue District (WMFR) did not approve the district’s referendum during today’s special election. District officials thank residents for participating in the election and emphasize their continued commitment to serving the community,” the press release said.

In the press release, WMFR Fire Chief Ben Rigney stated, “We respect the decision of our voters and appreciate everyone who took the time to participate in this important conversation about our community’s future. Regardless of the outcome, our mission remains the same: to provide professional services essential to the safety and well-being of the community.” 

The press release says, “West Manatee Fire Rescue will continue evaluating how best to meet the district’s evolving fire protection and emergency service needs while maintaining its commitment to providing the highest quality service to the community. 

“WMFR also extends its appreciation to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections, poll workers, and residents who participated in the election,” the press release says.

DISTRICT FUNDING

WMFR operations are currently funded primarily by the annual square footage-based assessment WMFR levies on properties within the district. Due to the election results, WMFR will remain as one of two fire districts in Manatee County that does not receive additional millage rate-based property tax funding. 

The WMFR 2025-26 fiscal year budget includes $16.6 million for anticipated expenditures that include salaries and personnel expenses, capital outlay expenses and operating expenditures.

Operating with a balanced budget, WMFR’s projected 2025-26 revenues also total $16.6 and those revenues include $12.6 million in annual assessment fee revenues and the anticipated use of $3.2 million of the district’s $6.6 million in total reserve funds.

SPECIAL ELECTION COSTS

After the election results were known, some Facebook users questioned why WMFR requested a special election to be conducted at the expense of the fire district and the fire district’s taxpayers.

According to Assistant Supervisor of Elections Sharon Stief, WMFR’s special election was originally estimated to cost approximately $40,000.

“We are still receiving items that must be processed, so the final total has not yet been determined,” Stief recently said. “However, we do anticipate that the final cost will be below the $40,000 estimate to be paid by WMFR.”

Stief said there would have been no cost to WMFR to place the district’s tax referendum question on the general election ballot in November.

WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said he anticipates the final cost of the special election to be closer to $35,000, but he acknowledged that’s still a significant expenditure of the taxpayers’ dollars. 

Kwiatkowski said the district’s board of commissioners selected the March 10 special election after considering several factors.

“At the time the decision was made, there was uncertainty regarding whether, and if so how, property tax-related measures might appear on the November ballot,” he said. “Additionally, recommendations from the district’s post-hurricane resiliency committee identified needs the board felt should be addressed as soon as practicable. Based on those considerations, the board chose to move forward with a March special election so voters could consider the question sooner rather than later.”

City revising condominium milestone inspection ordinance 

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

STORY BY LESLIE LAKE AND JOE HENDRICKS

BRADENTON BEACH – City Attorney Erica Augello has revised for second reading a city ordinance that pertains to state-mandated milestone inspections for condominium buildings that have three or more habitable stories and have reached the age of 25 or 30 years. 

The city ordinance presented on first reading during the March 5 city commission meeting did not reference “habitable” building stories. The revised ordinance included in the March 19 city commission meeting packet now includes the word “habitable” and brings the city ordinance in line with state law that regulates milestone inspections. 

According to the state law enacted in 2024 and amended in 2025, “An owner or owners of a building that is three habitable stories or more in height as determined by the Florida Building Code, and that is subject in whole or in part to the condominium or cooperative form of ownership as a residential condominium under chapter 718, or a residential cooperative under chapter 719, must have a milestone inspection performed by Dec. 31 of the year in which the building reaches 30 years of age, based on the date the certificate of occupancy for the building was issued, and every 10 years thereafter.”

Many three-story condo buildings in Bradenton Beach feature two habitable floors located above a non-habitable ground-level parking area. The Sun is not aware of any condo buildings in Bradenton Beach that feature three habitable floors, but some may exist. The city charter and the city’s land development codes limit total building height to the equivalent of three stories.

The Gulf View condo buildings have two habitable stories. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The revised city ordinance to be presented on March 19 now reads as follows: “A condominium association, as defined by Chapter 718, Florida Statutes, and a cooperative association, as defined by Chapter 719, Florida Statutes, must have a milestone inspection performed for each building that is three habitable stories or more in height by Dec. 31 of the year in which the building reaches 25 years of age, based on the date the certificate of occupancy for the building was issued, and every 10 years thereafter.”

The city ordinance presented on March 5 did not reference habitable stories and it read as follows: “A condominium association and a cooperative association must have a milestone inspection performed for each building that is three stories or more in height by Dec. 31 of the year in which the building reaches 30 years of age, or 25 years if the building is located within three miles of the coastline, based on the date the certificate of occupancy for the building was issued, and every 10 years thereafter.”

The revised city ordinance now references habitable stories. The revised ordinance no longer references buildings located within three miles of the coastline or buildings that reach the age of 30 years.

CITY CLARIFICATION 

When contacted by The Sun, Bradenton Beach Building Official Rob Perry, on March 11, confirmed that Florida Statute 533.899 references habitable stories. He said the state’s milestone inspection regulations pertain to condominium buildings with three or more stories of habitable space. He said parking and storage areas are not considered habitable space according to the Florida Building Code. 

When asked why the city ordinance presented on March 5 did not reference habitable stories, Perry said there was some “confusion” due to an amendment to the state law in 2025. 

The milestone inspection laws first enacted by the Florida Legislature and the governor in 2024 did not reference habitable stories. The state statute amended in 2025 includes the word “habitable” and requires milestone inspections for condo and co-op buildings that have three or more habitable stories.

The amended state law allows local governments in coastal areas to shorten the local inspection requirement from 30 years to 25 years.

According to the 2025 state statute, “The local enforcement agency may determine that local circumstances, including environmental conditions such as proximity to saltwater, require that a milestone inspection must be performed by Dec. 31 of the year in which the building reaches 25 years of age.”

The revised city ordinance to be presented on March 19 references buildings that have reached the age of 25 years. 

INSPECTIONS

According to Florida Statute 553.899, “Milestone inspection means a structural inspection of a building, including an inspection of load-bearing elements and the primary structural members and primary structural systems, by an architect licensed under chapter 481 or an engineer licensed under chapter 471 authorized to practice in this state for the purposes of attesting to the life safety and adequacy of the structural components of the building and, to the extent reasonably possible, determining the general structural condition of the building as it affects the safety of such building, including a determination of any necessary maintenance, repair or replacement of any structural component of the building.”

CITY REGISTRATION

Sec. 26-132 of the revised city ordinance includes a registration process for certain condominium and cooperatively owned buildings in Bradenton Beach.

The revised city ordinance says, “In order to determine the inventory of structures in the enforcement area, all existing commercial and residential buildings operating as cooperatives or condominiums that are subject to the milestone inspection provisions of 553.899, Florida Statute, as amended, shall register with the Building and Planning Department by July 1, 2026.”

The registration process set forth in the city ordinance would require condo and cooperatively owned buildings that subject to the state’s milestone provisions to be identified as three habitable stories tall or higher, or be identified as less than three habitable stories tall.

According to the Florida Statute, only condo buildings and cooperatively owned buildings with three or more habitable stories are subject to the state’s milestone inspection provisions.

The Gulf Watch condominium buildings have two habitable floors over ground-level parking. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The final adoption of City Ordinance 26-566 will bring the city into compliance with a state law that requires local governments to adopt an ordinance regarding milestone condominium inspections and inspection-related repairs. 

The state laws pertaining to milestone inspections also address condominium association reserve funds and additional structural repair-related financial responsibilities.

City seeks proposals for potential City Pier building wall removals

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

On Thursday, March 12, Anna Maria City Commissioners unanimously authorized Mayor Mark Short and city staff to seek Invitation to Build proposals from contractors regarding the potential removal of some of the existing walls from the larger City Pier building previously occupied by Mote Marine.

Mayor Mark Short and the city commission want to know how much it might coast to replace two or more of the City Pier building’s walls with sliding glass doors that would provide an open-air environment while also providing additional seating for the public and for future Gulf Islands Ferry passengers when the hurricane-damaged pier fully reopens later this year or early next year.

The Invitation to Bid process does not obligate the city to remove the pier building walls and the mayor and commission have not yet determined the future use of the larger pier building.

The smaller pier building is still leased to Brian Seymour for his hurricane-suspended City Pier Grill & Bait Shop operations.

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

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business.

ANNA MARIA – After being further clarified on Thursday, March 12, the city of Anna Maria’s commercial beach cabana rental regulations took effect on Sunday, March 15.

In Anna Maria, commercially-rented beach cabanas, tents and other temporary shade structures are now only allowed in the recreation open space-zoned area known as Gulf Front Park, which extends from Oak Avenue to Magnolia Avenue – southeast of the Sandbar restaurant.

In Anna Maria, commercially-rented cabanas and tents are now only allowed between Oak Avenue and Magnolia Avenue. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Non-commercially rented cabanas and tents are still allowed in the coastal conservation-zoned beach areas that include the beaches in front of the Sandbar restaurant and at Bean Point.

Adopted in late February after numerous city commission discussions that began last year, Anna Maria’s amended parks and recreation regulations do not allow commercial cabana and tent rentals in the coastal conservation-zoned areas that include the beach areas in front of the Sandbar restaurant, on the beach areas between the Sandbar and Bean Point, on the Bean Point beach areas or on the Bayshore Park beach areas.

When the beach cabana rental discussions began last year, Mayor Mark Short surprised many when he said the city code adopted long ago prohibited anything more than single-pole, umbrella-like shade structures in the city’s coastal conservation zones.

During the March 12 city commission meeting, Short clarified that non-commercially-rented cabanas and tents are allowed in those coastal conservation zones as long as they’re located seaward of the dune line – where a dune line exists.

Short said he is not in any way opposed to beachgoers protecting themselves from the sun by using non-commercially-rented cabanas and tents in the city’s coastal conservation zones.

During the March 12 meeting, city commissioners adopted an emergency ordinance to be followed by the March 26 adoption of a “permanent” regular city ordinance that specifies which commercial beach activities are allowed in the recreation open space-zoned beach area known as Gulf Front Park.

The emergency ordinance and the permanent ordinance contain the following language: “Commercial rental of beach equipment means the business or activity of renting, leasing or providing for compensation any beach-related equipment, including Temporary Shade Structures and accessory beach equipment including but not limited to chairs, chaises, coolers, and baby items or similar equipment for use on the public beaches of the city within a Commercial Rental Area and including the delivery, setup and tear-down of the aforementioned equipment. Commercial Rental Area means an area temporary in nature not to exceed 169 square feet in total of ground coverage, and thirteen 13 linear feet extending in any direction and includes at least one temporary shade structure.”

When contacted on March 19 and asked if stand-alone beach chair rentals and other commercial activities are allowed in the specific area where temporary shade structures are allowed, Mayor Mark Short said, “The ordinance specifically requires a cabana rental be included in the area designated as a commercial rental area.”

Parade celebrates the Island’s St. Patty’s Day spirit

Written by Lance Roy on . Posted in Entertainment.

 HOLMES BEACH – This year’s Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade included two camels, three pirate ships, multiple floats, costumed people and many local businesses and non-profit organizations. 

The Sunday, March 15, parade was presented by Duncan Real Estate and co-sponsored by AMI Dolphin Tours, Duffy’s Tavern, and The Center of Anna Maria Island. 

Last year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade was canceled due to stormy weather, but this year’s parade was blessed with excellent weather. 

Folks lined up early to get a good seat for the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

About 30 minutes before the parade began, residents and visitors began lining up alongside Marina Drive, while others searched for viewing spots along the parade route. 

Original Sand Dollar owner Julia Duytschaver and Original Sand Dollar employee Claire Fuchs and AMI Outfitters owner Jennifer Hagey secured a nice viewing location near the skate park. 

Claire Fuchs, Julia Dutyschaver and Jennifer Hagey enjoyed the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

“It is awesome to see such a large part of the community gather,” Duytschaver said as the parade began. 

“The parade was fantastic. It was so well-done,” Hagey said. “I used to take my son and daughter to the parade. It’s so fun to see.” 

Agents and staff from the Michael Saunders & Company real estate in Holmes Beach office welcomed parade spectators and offered them free hot dogs, chips, bottled water, beads and hand fans.

The parade participants lined up near Holmes Beach City Hall. – Lance Roy | Sun

Before the parade began, the parade participants lined up in the staging area near Holmes Beach City Hall. 

At 4 p.m., the parade began proceeding toward Anna Maria, traveling along Marina Drive, Palm Drive, and Gulf Drive, and into Anna Maria before turning left onto Pine Avenue en route to The Center on Magnolia Avenue.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer led the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer led the parade, riding on one of the police department’s all-terrain vehicles.

The Duncan Real Estate float was the first of many parade participants who threw beads and other items to the crowds that lined the streets. Many other local businesses, organizations and community groups also participated in the parade that celebrated the Island community’s St. Patrick’s Day spirit.

Duncan Real Estate presented the Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

The participating organizations and businesses included the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, the Anna Maria Island Privateers, Islanders 4 Clean Water, the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge, AMI Dolphin Tours and many others.

AMI Dolphin Tours co-sponsored the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

Parade participants and attendees embraced the holiday spirit and wore festive green clothing, hats and beads in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. 

As the parade made its way down the parade route, spectators eagerly collected the beads, candy and other treats that were tossed to them.

When sharing her post-parade thoughts on Monday morning, Duncan Real Estate Owner Darcie Duncan, who’s Irish, said, “The weather was perfect, the streets were lined with so many happy faces and lots of shenanigans were to be had. The parade has been part of the fabric of our community for many years and it is important to me to keep the tradition going. That is what community is all about and we just love that we can be a part of that. A big shout out to my Duncan Real Estate team; and thanks also to Chris Culhane, The Center, Ben Webb and Peggi Davenport. We can’t wait for next year! Slainte.”

Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade photo gallery:

The Duncan Real Estate-sponsored soccer team won The Center’s soccer championship and celebrated during the parade. – Lance Roy Sun

The Anna Maria Island Privateers arrived aboard their Skullywag vessel. – Lance Roy | Sun

The Crewe of Hernando de Soto raided the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

Folks lined up early to get a good seat for the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

The Michael Saunders & Company office in Holmes Beach gave away free hot dogs, chips, drinks, beads and hand-fans. – Lance Roy | Sun

Tailgaters arrived early to get a front row view of the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

Parade-goers found shaded spots along Marina Drive, near Holmes Beach City Hall. – Lance Roy | Sun

The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge participated in the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

The Islanders 4 Clean Water organization was represented in the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

Anna Maria Island Garden Club members rode in a decorated golf cart. – Lance Roy | Sun

Scott Cooper, Steve Oelfke and Sam Romero were members of the team the won The Center’s soccer championship. – Steve Oelfke | Submitted

County launches Beach Like a Local life vest initiative

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Entertainment, Parks and nature.

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County’s commitment to responsible recreation and beach safety now includes the new Beach Like a Local complimentary life vest initiative.

The county-funded initiative is designed to encourage a safer beach experience for residents and visiting beachgoers of all ages and swimming abilities.

According to the county’s March 4 press release, the Beach Like a Local life vest initiative was inspired by an idea brought forward by Manatee County Supervisory Leadership Program members William Shick, Jennifer Perry, Codey Metters, Allen Raby and Enrique Gonzalez. The initiative provides additional safety opportunities in Anna Maria, where no manned lifeguard towers occupy the beach shoreline.

The free borrow and return life vest program provides Anna Maria beachgoers with U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests at two locations on the north end of Anna Maria Island. One life vest stand is located on the beach alongside Gulf Boulevard, between Magnolia Avenue and Palm Avenue. The other is located at Bayfront Park.

One of the new life vest stands is located near Gulf Boulevard. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Each life vest stand was initially stocked with 32 life vests of various sizes for infants, children and adults. The life vest stands also feature signage that explains how to properly fit and use a life vest.

The Beach Like a Local program is part of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Love It Like a Local initiative that encourages visitors to enjoy Anna Maria Island as if it were their own home by respecting wildlife, leaving beaches and waterways as they found them and making safer choices, including wearing life vests.

“This life vest program provides extra support for our residents and visitors,” Manatee County Commission Chairperson Tal Siddique said in the press release. “As we welcome visitors from around the world, we encourage them to not only enjoy our beaches but to also make choices that support a safer, more enjoyable beach experience for everyone.”

The county advises beachgoers and swimmers to check the www.safebeachday.com/county/manatee-county website for rip current possibilities and weather conditions.

“Water conditions can change quickly on the north end of Anna Maria Island and not everyone is familiar with our currents or tides,” Siddique said. “Wearing a properly fitted life vest adds another layer of protection while enjoying the water.”

The press release also notes Anna Maria Island’s seven-mile beach shoreline features a total of 11 lifeguard towers – some located at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach and others located at Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. The lifeguard towers are staffed by members of the Manatee Public Beach Patrol that was recently named the 2025 Beach Patrol of the Year by the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association.