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Tag: Anna Maria Island

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Florida Legislature convenes 2024 session

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

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Legislature’s 2024 regular legislative session is underway and the city of Anna Maria already is opposing lawmakers’ latest attempt to preempt vacation rental regulation to the state.

The Legislature’s 60-day regular session began on Jan. 9 and noon of that day was the deadline to file bills for introduction. Feb. 27 will be the final day for regularly scheduled committee meetings and the 60-day legislative session is scheduled to end on March 8.

In addition to proposing and debating new state laws, the Legislature will help craft the annual state budget to be presented to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

VACATION RENTALS

Utilizing the city-owned, city-managed Home Rule Florida website, https://www.homerulefl.com/, the city of Anna Maria has already launched an opposition campaign regarding Senate Bill 280.

SB 280 is the Legislature’s latest attempt to preempt vacation rental regulation to the state and strip Florida cities and counties of those home rule regulatory rights. The Home Rule Florida website provides information concerning legislation and provides already-written opposition letters that can be emailed to several legislators at a time.

Sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, (R-St. Petersburg), SB 280 passed through the Senate’s Regulated Industries Committee on Dec. 13 by a 4-0 vote. Committee Chair Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota), Committee Vice-Chair Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor) and Senators Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) and Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) voted in favor of forwarding SB 280 to the Senate’s Fiscal Policy Committee.

As of Friday afternoon, Jan. 5, a House of Representatives companion bill to SB 280 had not yet been filed. For new state legislation to be enacted, matching bills must successfully pass through the Senate and House and be signed into law by the governor.

LEGAL ANALYSIS

On Dec. 11, City Attorney Becky Vose provided Mayor Dan Murphy and the Anna Maria City Commission with her six-page legal analysis of SB 280.

“To a person not heavily involved in the regulation of vacation rentals, a review of SB 280 could possibly appear to be a reasonable and well-thought-out statutory scheme to standardize the regulation of vacation rentals throughout the state. However, the devil is in the details. As proposed, SB 280 would have devastating results in Anna Maria, and similarly destructive results in other municipalities and counties that have adopted vacation rental regulations similar to those currently in effect in Anna Maria,” Vose stated in her analysis.

“SB 280, in another devastating blow to home rule in Florida, would allow local governments to only impose certain specific regulations on vacation rentals, thereby eliminating the well-thought-out and well-accepted provisions of the currently existing vacation rental ordinance in Anna Maria, as well as similar ordinances in other Florida locations,” Vose stated.

“SB 280 would:

• “Allow virtually unlimited occupancy in vacation rentals due to the provision that allows local governments to cap occupancy only based on the number of ‘sleeping accommodations’ in the vacation rental. This occupancy ‘cap’ is purely illusory since it could allow up to 16 persons to sleep in a 14’ x 14’ bedroom, and who knows how many people in other parts of the vacation rental;

• “Eliminate the ability of the city to conduct annual inspections of vacation rentals for compliance with the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire and Life Safety Codes. Such inspections would only be allowed upon the initial application for registration, or when a registration is changed;

• “Cap the cost of the initial application for registration of a vacation rental at $150, and cap all subsequent renewal fees at $50, thereby transferring the bulk of the cost of regulation and registrations of vacation rentals to the taxpayers of the city;

• “Eliminate the regulation of the number of vehicles at vacation rentals. Since occupancy would essentially be unlimited, parking would likely be a serious problem;

• “Eliminate the ability to require rental agreements and postings at vacation rentals to inform guests of a variety of local issues such as where to park vehicles, sea turtle regulations, solid waste pick up regulations, noise regulations, location of the nearest hospital and what to do in the event of an evacuation order due to a storm;

• “Make illusory the enforcement power of the State of Florida as to cease and desist orders by the state to enforce state requirements,” Vose stated in her analysis.

Commission discusses redistricting, vacancy

Commissioners discuss redistricting, commission vacancy

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

BRADENTON BEACH – Following the vacancy left by the Dec. 28 resignation of Commissioner Jake Spooner, city commissioners discussed the course of action to fill his position at a Jan. 4 meeting.

The discussion also included the possible redistricting of the city’s four ward boundaries.

Spooner, a commissioner since 2015 from Ward 1, ran unopposed in 2022 and was sworn in for a two-year term in November 2023. He said he resigned because of the state’s expanded financial disclosure requirements that now apply to all Florida mayors and city commissioners holding office as of Jan. 1.

Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Ralph Cole and Jan Vosburgh attended the Jan. 4 meeting while Commissioner Marilyn Maro and City Attorney Ricinda Perry phoned in.

“There is a process our charter dictates that we go through,” Chappie said. According to Section 8 of the City Charter, Filling of Vacancies: “Whenever there is a vacancy, the commission shall propose by nomination one or more names of willing and qualified successors for the vacancy. The commission will then vote among the nominees to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. If a majority of the commissioners are unable to fill a vacancy or vacancies after two meetings, then the successor shall be chosen by lot by the city clerk from the nominees proposed. If no appointee can be found residing in the ward of vacancy, the commission may appoint an individual who would otherwise qualify for elective office.”

“There are two things we’re dealing with that are both dealing with this particular issue,” Perry said. “One is the changing or review of the ward boundaries and also changing the numbers of three and four so they’re sequential in our city. Right now it’s one, two, four, three.”

Perry said part of last year’s charter review process was to make sure the four wards are evenly balanced for the number of registered voters.

“This comes directly with recommendations from the Supervisor of Elections,” Perry said. “If you recall it was almost a year ago, maybe a little longer, the city formally requested from the Supervisor of Elections their data and analysis.”

The Supervisor of Elections produces maps and boundary descriptions for the four wards, she said.

“The charter review committee had recommended the city redistribute that once that data was available from the Supervisor of Elections,” Perry said. “It wasn’t until much later in the year, almost right before the deadline for the November election, that the Supervisor of Elections produced that data to the city. And at that time (City Clerk) Terri Sanclemente and I had discussions with the Supervisor of Elections as to when would be the best time for the city to take up this issue and look at redistributing the voters. “

She said Assistant Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington had asked the city to hold off until after the elections to avoid confusion.

“Now that the election is over, this would be the time for the city commission to look at those recommendations that came from Mr. Farrington,” Perry said.

She suggested the city take up the redistricting issue first, which is done by resolution.

“Once that issue is fully addressed, then I believe the city commission can take up appointments for Mr. Spooner’s seat,” Perry said.

If no candidate steps forward from Ward 1, Perry explained the next steps.

“Then it becomes an at-large seat temporarily for the remainder of that term,” Perry said. “Until the next election cycle, then it would become a ward seat again if anyone wants to run.”

Perry said the commission would discuss the issue again on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.

Prior to that meeting, Perry said she plans to reach out to Farrington to ensure the data received last year from the Supervisor of Elections has not changed.

Reel Time: New Year’s resolutions

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

New Year’s resolutions are an annual ritual. It’s a time to look back and reflect on what matters most, how we feel about our lives, and what changes might improve our situation. It’s also a time to consider what positive actions and fresh adventures might be planned for the new year. Anglers can glean some valuable insight by reviewing their year in fishing, examining what they learned from their days on the water, what their experiences revealed and assessing how this knowledge might lead to improved success and enjoyment in 2024.

I’m not suggesting that we write down hard and fast resolutions that don’t give any wiggle room. Instead, think back on even the small things that when done differently might have had a bigger impact than you ever imagined. An example might be remembering when you hooked a nice fish only to lose it to a failed knot, that tell-tale squiggle on the end of your line where the hook used to be attached. This resolution might read, “Always remember to carefully tie my knots, inspecting and testing them before I start fishing.” The same applies to sharpening hooks, checking the drag, and inspecting the line for nicks and abrasions. Reflections like this can be the start of a general review of all your rigging, the state of your tackle and lures and the condition of the line you have on your reels.

Tackle and organization are certainly places to start but extend that same thinking to other equipment like your boat and motor, waders, push pole and trolling motor. Experience teaches us that it’s the little things that we overlook that come back to haunt us. On the water, consider thinking out of the proverbial box by altering your routine strategy. Many anglers go fishing with a plan and never deviate from it. They start at one spot and hit all the usual holes during the day. A different option is to try planning to fish in places you’ve never explored before. I’ve done this and been amazed at how many areas there are that have proven to be productive. Looking at the same place with new eyes can be revealing.

New Year's resolutions
A concerned Anna Maria resident reported this illegal, after-hours mangrove destruction at 111 Gull Drive, now under investigation by city, state and federal agencies. – Submitted

Also, consider trying a new destination. There are lots of beautiful and productive fishing adventures within a few hours’ drive of Anna Maria Island, both north and south. Drive two hours north and you can explore the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and, just north of there, Homosassa, Crystal River and Withlacoochee Bay. Less than two hours south and you can discover Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. Don’t want to go that far? Anyone with a boat can leave Anna Maria Island and be fishing in fresh water in less than an hour. The Manatee River and Braden River provide anglers with a variety of fish from tarpon to catfish, redfish to bass. Both rivers also have numerous launch sites for boats, kayaks and paddleboards.

It might even prove useful to review how you approach fishing. If you’re a fly caster, look at ways you might improve your casting and consider learning how to cast with your non-dominant hand. Anglers who use conventional tackle might want to try artificial lures instead of always relying on live bait. No matter how long you’ve been fishing or what your level of competency there’s always room for improvement. A general review of tackle, techniques and the opportunities available to you can only improve your enjoyment of fishing moving into 2024.

Lastly and even more important, consider getting involved in protecting the resource that determines our fishing today and in the future. Fishermen have the most to lose by not addressing the degradation of our local waters and habitat. There are so many ways to make a difference no matter your circumstance. Keep an eye out and report illegal mangrove trimming and pick up trash on the water. Employ enlightened self-interest by vetting your local, state and national politicians on how they voted on matters that affect the water we drink and swim in and the fish we pursue. If we vote party line rather than on the issues that affect our fishing, we’re working against our self-interest. Write letters, attend commission meetings and join and donate to organizations like Sarasota Bay Watch, Vote Water and Suncoast Waterkeeper who work to protect our watery world. A resolution to act this year will protect what we value most for today and future generations. Happy New Year!

Happy new real estate year

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

Despite homeownership being a pipe dream for many Americans, there is good news on the horizon. If you’re a first-time buyer and are still stuck on the sidelines, this may be the time to get started.

One-third of buyers in 2023 were first-time home buyers, below the historical average of 38%, according to the National Association of Realtors. In addition, the median age of first-time buyers was 35 years old. It is now less affordable than at any time in recent history to buy a home, and that isn’t changing any time soon – except for one interesting point.

When the Federal Reserve started raising rates aggressively two years ago to curb inflation, mortgage rates went up right along with all the other rates for borrowing money. Well, a funny thing happened on the way to 2024; rates started going down. The Federal Reserve stopped raising rates during the last several meetings, the stock market started going up and mortgage rates started heading to 7%. As of this writing, according to Forbes, the rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 7.26% and the rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was 6.34%. Also, the Federal Reserve signaled it may cut interest rates next year and possibly have multiple rate cuts.

This may not help the housing shortage that has kept asking prices so high, but for those who can finally find a home, the carrying charges are starting to look more affordable, allowing more first-time buyers to qualify for financing. However, Gen Z and Millennials, the primary buyers of first-time homes, will continue to be facing a limited supply of single-family properties. This will put pressure on prices to stay elevated unless or until supply catches up.

Locally, there is more positive news. WalletHub.com, an online company that analyzes market trends, has placed Tampa as the best place to retire. In fact, their analysis places the five top best places to retire as Tampa, Scottsdale, Arizona, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Miami, four out of the top five in the state of Florida.

Just to be fair, U.S. News & World Report placed Tampa as #4 in their analysis as the best place to retire, moving up from #6. Both surveys are based on affordability, quality of life and health care.

And very close to home, imagine my surprise when about a month ago I opened the second page of the Wall Street Journal and found Cortez, Florida as the dateline in a good size news story.

The story was about the Hunters Point new construction on Cortez Road just east of the Cortez Bridge. Hunters Point single-family homes are all energy-efficient homes, explained by the developer as the first “net zero” single-family home development in the country. This means that the homes generate at least as much energy as they consume.

The homes have solar panels and a battery system to keep the power on even if the power grid experiences outages. They are also built with flood vents to accommodate rising water and living space that is about 16 feet above sea level. Hunters Point’s goal is to fight both the cause of climate change and carbon emissions while protecting their properties during major storm events.

It looks like little Cortez made the big time, and you can too if you start the new year with an optimistic outlook. In the words of Mark Twain, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Happy New Year!

Police chase on and off the Island ends with crash

Police chase on, off Island ends in crash

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies arrested a man after he allegedly battered an Uber driver, stole his vehicle and crashed it into light poles.

At about 12:18 a.m. on Dec. 21, Leo Paul Bradley, 26, allegedly punched the driver in the 3500 block of First Street West in Bradenton after refusing to pay in advance for a ride from Bradenton to Tampa, according to a police report. Bradley allegedly stole the vehicle, which deputies spotted within minutes of a report, fleeing eastbound on Manatee Avenue West.

A pursuit was initiated, and Bradley switched directions, heading west toward Anna Maria Island, later striking a deputy’s patrol vehicle, according to the report. The MCSO helicopter followed the SUV as it left the Island and nearly collided with oncoming traffic. Bradley allegedly continued to drive erratically to the 6700 block of Manatee Avenue West, where he drove the stolen vehicle into a light pole, knocking the pole into the roadway. He continued east, knocking down another light pole, coming to a stop in a ditch. Multiple MCSO units surrounded the vehicle.

Fire and EMS removed Bradley and transported him to HCA Florida Blake Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Bradley was arrested for battery, motor vehicle theft, causing an accident involving a vehicle and aggravated fleeing with damage. The pursuit covered about 20 miles along dry roads with minimal traffic for about 17 minutes.

There were no injuries to any MCSO personnel.

Demolition in progress at proposed hotel site

Demolition in progress at proposed hotel site

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

BRADENTON BEACH – Shortly after the Dec. 7 city commission approval of a 106-room resort hotel/restaurant/retail complex on the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South, demolition began on the first building on the site.

On Dec. 11, a permitted demolition began on 129 Gulf Drive S., the location of the former Joe’s Eats N Sweets.

The property that the hotel will be built on is co-owned by local developer Shawn Kaleta and Bradenton Beach commissioner and businessman Jacob Spooner. It is sited on 1.61 acres and located at 101, 105 and 117 Bridge St. and 106, 108, 110 and 112 Third St. S.

In a Dec. 27 email to The Sun from Bradenton Beach permit technician Annabre Veal, the permit application for demolition of 101 Bridge St. is complete and demolition permit applications for 105 and 117 Bridge St. have also been submitted.

The proposed scope of the work at 101 Bridge St. is “Demo and remove entire structure (Mixed use comm/res, 2 living units, 1 comm building),” according to the permit applied for by Kaleta.

Several local residents who are critics of the hotel project have expressed concern about the historical background and environmental concerns surrounding the three remaining buildings on the proposed hotel site, and they have reached out to city officials with their findings.

Demolition in progress at proposed hotel site
The building at 105 Bridge St. is slated for demolition. – Leslie Lake | Sun

A Dec. 15 letter signed by Christine Johnson and Sue Longacre and addressed to Mayor John Chappie, City Attorney Ricinda Perry and City Clerk Terri Sanclemente was hand-delivered to city hall by Johnson.

“Residents of Bradenton Beach have uncovered historical elements located in the Florida Master Site File for situs addresses within the planned development, Bridge Street Resort, in Bradenton Beach, Florida,” the letter states in part.

The letter lists the three addresses from the Master Site File as:

• “Magnolia Apartments, 105 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, Florida; dated 1935; Florida Master Site File: Condition- ‘Fair;’ appears to meet qualifications for National Listing Individually and as Part of a District;

• Maestro’s Italian Restaurant; 101 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, Florida; dated 1925; Florida Master Site File; Condition ‘Good;’ appears to meet qualifications for National Listing Individually and as Part of a District;

• Bridge Street Bazaar; 117 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, Florida; dated 1955; Florida Master Site File; Condition ‘Good;’ appears to meet qualifications for National Listing Individually and as Part of a District.”

“Documents supporting relevant findings will be attached to this letter and residents believe it is necessary to present these findings to the City Commission and the City Attorney to preserve the historical elements of Bradenton Beach.”

Former Building Official Steve Gilbert said that the listing in the Master Site file does not prevent building owners from demolition.

“I’m not aware of any structures in Bradenton Beach that might be listed on the state or federal registry,” Gilbert wrote in a Dec. 13 email to The Sun two days before he retired. “Even so, being listed does not preclude an owner from renovations, or demolition and rebuild. The purpose of the program is to encourage owners to ‘save’ older buildings, but there are no regulations through state or local ordinances to prohibit what is proposed.”

In an April 24, 2013 story in the Anna Maria Island Sun, reporter Cindy Lane described the renovation at Magnolia as follows:

“While preserving the two-story exterior, in keeping with the Island’s low-rise appeal, Bill Herlihy has replaced almost everything inside the Island Time Inn, 105 Bridge St., formerly the Magnolia Inn, which he said dates back to 1935.

Tile floors, beadboard cabinets, granite countertops, flat-screen TVs, textured walls, light fixtures, kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures and comfortable furniture are all new.

But he saved a few things for history buffs, too – an old stained glass window in one unit, original wood ceilings in another, and even some of the original exterior of the building incorporated as interior walls.”

Mangroves removed before protective barrier installed

Mangroves removed before protective barrier installed

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

ANNA MARIA – More than three weeks after the removal of mangroves at 111 Gull Drive, a required protective water barrier was placed at the site, according to neighbors.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) noted the absence of the barrier in its investigation of the mangrove removal on Dec. 13. FDEP’s Heather McClurg emailed others in the agency saying in part, “After viewing the photos though (of the property at 111 Gull Drive), I did note that they do not have proper BMP’s deployed and wanted to forward this over to compliance for review.”

A BMP (Best Management Practice) is a method used to prevent or control stormwater runoff and the discharge of pollutants, including sediment, into local waterbodies, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The mangroves at 111 Gull Drive, a canal-front home under construction, were removed in early December, according to a complaint received by the city, which posted a stop work order on Dec. 6. Neighbors complained again on Dec. 13 that more mangroves were removed.

Federal, state and local officials are investigating.

The protective material was installed on Dec. 28, according to Ronnie Leto, a neighbor with a view of the property.

On The Sun Facebook page, Jane Ingalls posted an aerial photo of the property at 111 Gull Drive showing the mangroves prior to their removal. In that photo, lush mangroves were present behind the canal front home. A second photo posted by Ingalls shows what she called a side view of the former mangroves at 111 Gull Drive in August. No mangroves remain at the property.

The FDEP previously issued a seawall permit exemption for a limited amount of mangrove removal to contractor Mason Martin LLC, but FDEP spokesperson Brian Humphreys said on Dec. 22 that the agency was investigating complaints about excessive mangrove removal and planned a site visit.

It was reported on Dec. 23 to The Sun by a neighbor that FDEP investigators conducted a site visit at the property. That visit has been unconfirmed by FDEP.

The Sun has requested a follow-up report from the agency, but it was not received by press time.

Person of the Year: John Stevely

Person of the Year: John Stevely a force for nature

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Community News, Cortez, Featured.

CORTEZ – Habitat preservation is thriving in Cortez due in large part to the commitment of the late John Stevely.

A founding member of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and an early advocate for the FISH Preserve, the Anna Maria Island Sun names Stevely as one of its two 2023 Persons of the Year.

“When we lost John, FISH and the village not only lost a long-time board member, but a good friend and an advocate for FISH, the preserve and the village,” FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann said. “He was a founding member of FISH and instrumental in the initial purchase of the preserve property.”

Stevely passed away on May 27, 2022 at the age of 72 while walking with his wife, Dr. Theresa Bert, at Robinson Preserve. His work was recognized at the newly-completed 98-acre FISH Preserve ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 3.

“There’s one person that could not be with us today,” von Hahmann said at the FISH Preserve dedication. “This is a gentleman who was part of the original purchase of this program, who was part of the original board that was FISH in 1992, he was part of Sea Grants and sat on the board. And we lost him last year to a battle with cancer.”

Von Hahmann then asked Stevely’s widow to accept a plaque on behalf of her late husband.

“In memory of John Stevely, without his dedication to, and passion for, the FISH Preserve and the village of Cortez, the FISH Preserve restoration project never would have been accomplished. Gone but not forgotten,” the plaque reads.

“I think I have a surprise for you guys perhaps,” Bert said. “In John’s and our will, we put $50,000 to be willed to the FISH Preserve. What I want to do is donate that $50,000 to the FISH Preserve now, specifically for trails and bridges. So this will help build those.”

Stevely’s friend for more than 20 years and fellow scientist, Dale Beaumariage, remembered him as a visionary for the protection of the environment.

“All of us biologists knew habitat was key for the survival of animals, especially fish,” Beaumariage said. “John recognized early on that the habitat was important to a productive shoreline which was being degraded by people.”

Beaumariage said Stevely was dedicated to Cortez and its people.

“John recognized Cortez village consisted of people who were independent and worked for a living,” Beaumariage said. “They were producing food, and he knew protecting the habitat was essential when you’re harvesting for food.”

He called Stevely an adventurer.

“He liked diving and fishing,” Beaumariage said. He was also a surfer.

“He and Terry traveled to exotic places to dive. He was an adventurer; he enjoyed the adventure.”

A longtime marine extension agent at the University of Florida Sea Grant Program, Stevely was replaced in that role by Angela Collins.

“John was most proud of Angela as a legacy,” Beaumariage said.

“We miss him so much,” Collins said. “Even though he’s not here with us, his presence is felt every single day.”

Collins noted that Stevely had served on the board of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and was a staunch advocate for local fisheries.

“John was an integral player in the initiation of FISH and the preserve,” Collins said. “He was incredibly passionate about the ecosystem, Cortez and the working waterfront.”

Collins said Stevely was one of the founders of the first Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival in 1981 and continued to promote Cortez and the festival throughout his life. Proceeds from the annual festival are used to purchase and maintain the FISH Preserve.

“When there was a giving challenge, John was pounding the pavement to find support for Cortez and to raise money for the FISH Preserve,” Collins said.

“In 2000, FISH and community members came together in a grassroots effort to raise the money to purchase 95 acres of land immediately adjacent to the village of Cortez. This parcel of land is now referred to as the “FISH Preserve” and it is one of the only untouched waterfront properties on Sarasota Bay,” according to the FISH website. “This habitat supports one of the last true working waterfronts in the state of Florida. The FISH Preserve came close to getting paved over by developers, however, the community came together to purchase the property in the nick of time. “

Karen Bell and Linda Molto worked with Stevely on the initial purchase of the preserve property in 2000.

“He was instrumental in all of it, FISH, the preserve and Cortez,” Bell said. “He was always one of the biggest supporters. He worked at the festival every year, which, along with private donations, is how we funded the preserve.”

Bell added, “He was someone who never got upset. He was just a really good person.”

Stevely dedicated his long and illustrious career to science and research.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in marine science from the University of South Florida. He went on to be selected as a Smithsonian Research Fellow and a member of USF’s Outstanding Alumni.

During his career as a Marine Extension Agent, Stevely served as a University of Florida Sea Grant scientist and coauthored 15 scientific research publications. Following retirement, he became an Agent Emeritus. Among the nearly 20 awards and commendations he received, he was a Gulf Coast Guardian Award recipient, and in 2015, he was inducted into the Manatee County Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Person of the Year: Judy Titsworth

Person of the Year: Judy Titsworth defends city’s home rule

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Holmes Titsworth has consistently defended the city against Manatee County officials and Florida legislators who propose to chip away at home rule, particularly on the parking garage and consolidation issues that have made headlines over the past several months.

For her determination and hard work, the Anna Maria Island Sun names Titsworth as one of its two 2023 Persons of the Year.

“Naming Mayor Judy your Person of the Year is a no-brainer,” Holmes Beach Commissioner Greg Kerchner said. “Especially in this tough political environment, she does so much for this city, takes so much grief and gets so little credit that I’m thrilled to see her receive this award. No one deserves it more. Her family’s history with Holmes Beach may be obvious but her dedication to improving our waters, wetlands and environment is just as important. It’s going to be really tough finding another mayor, let alone a city manager who will be as dedicated, accomplish as much or work as hard for so little compensation.”

“As police chief for the city of Holmes Beach with 45 years’ experience, I can say that Judy Titsworth is an amazing mayor to work with,” Chief Bill Tokajer said. “She lets me do my job. She allows us to have all the equipment that we need. All of our board members are on the same team, everybody’s going in the same direction and the direction that the city needs to go. She is in love with this city and has the city at heart and she takes it really hard when people attack her and the city. Not her personally, but the city itself. As to the work that we’re doing and how much we’ve accomplished, it’s just phenomenal. For us to be attacked and for her to be attacked is just unconscionable. She deserves this award. We appreciate her and I hope she knows it.”

“Judy has been like my little sister,” Commissioner Pat Morton said. “I was the one who got her involved in the commission. I worked on her for five years to get her in here and it has never been a regret. She’s been the best mayor we’ve had since I’ve been on the Island. I’ve been here over 30 years. She just grew so much since she became mayor. It’s beyond anything we could have out here. She stands up for the citizens, like all of them should do, and she respects our city employees and everyone else. And she’s earned their total respect in return. I will back her any way I can.”

Titsworth is part of the Holmes family that founded the city of Holmes Beach and was a city commissioner for many years before becoming mayor. She is currently serving her third term as mayor after running unopposed in 2022. In addition to being the city’s mayor, a job that’s she’s committed to full-time, she’s also working to oppose Manatee County commissioners’ plans to install a parking garage at Manatee Beach in violation of the city’s ordinances and land development code as well as working with the mayors of Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach to fight against a push from the state to consolidate the three Anna Maria Island cities.

In the past year, she’s also worked with city staff and other leaders to develop the Islanders 4 Clean Water campaign to help bring public awareness to issues affecting local water quality and the environment.

Luck is when opportunity meets preparedness

Reel Time: Luck is when opportunity meets preparedness

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

Whether you’re fishing local water, stalking bonefish in the Bahamas, poling a flat in Charlotte Harbor for tailing redfish, or any number of angling scenarios, we anglers spend the majority of our time fantasizing about making the perfect cast to a hungry fish under ideal conditions. When we do get on the water, we face the unpredictable forces of wind and weather that can throw hurricanes, fronts, windstorms, clouds and various adverse conditions at us.

While the world of fishing in general and fly fishing, in particular, presents us with many challenges, it’s surmounting these odds that makes success all the sweeter. That’s why we hunt gamefish with imaginative mixtures of feathers, fur, synthetics and tinsel. The excitement of making a presentation to a gamefish you’ve stalked, enticing it into taking a fly, and then connecting through graphite and cork makes all the preparation, time, money and past disappointments worthwhile.

With so many odds facing a fly angler, there is good reason to be as well prepared as possible. Too many anglers wait for months to take the trip of a lifetime and find their casting proficiency severely tested. The old saying that “luck is opportunity meeting preparedness” is especially true for fly fishers. Why not develop the mindset from the beginning that everything we do, on the water and off, contributes to turning odds into opportunities?

Preparation comes in many forms, and the most important components are practiced throughout the year. That means having tackle in top form, as well as knowing how to tie proper knots and flies that imitate your prey’s food. Casting skills are developed over a lifetime, and practice should not be saved for fishing trips, or even the days leading up to a trip. If you can’t get your fly to the fish, all other factors are moot. The best practice is on grass, throwing to targets placed at different distances and angles. Don’t make the mistake of judging your casting ability by how long a line you can throw. Learn to make a tight (in saltwater), accurate 40-foot cast first and then work on distance.

While I’ve been blessed to learn from some top fly casters, I’ve found the best instructor of all is having a compelling reason to fly fish. That’s what leads successful fly fishers to learn the basics and practice. One of the first and most important lessons I’ve learned is to see the wind as a friend, not a foe. If you’re new to the game, don’t put off a fly-fishing trip because the wind is blowing. On my first trip to the Bahamas, I was face to face with a large school of bonefish just 40 feet away, into a 25-mph headwind. All those days of avoiding the wind meant that I didn’t have the skills to get the job done. Now I appreciate the windy days because I know that if I can be successful on windy days, I’ll be golden on the nice days. Wind-generated waves provide windows into the water and fish are far less spooky and more readily take a fly. If you can make a short, accurate cast into a 15-20-knot wind you’ll excel on those rare perfect days. Practiced fly anglers who are mentally prepared and visualize their outcome (just like top athletes) have a definite advantage. They’re primed when the opportunity presents itself as luck. The next time you have a chance to go fishing, don’t let the wind dissuade you, make the wind your friend. It will pay dividends in your fishing future.

Will there be home stability in the New Year?

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

It’s a whole year later and we’re still talking about interest rates and low inventory – will it ever end? The sellers are still happy with their values, the buyers are still dismayed with the lack of inventory and it’s not likely things will change much in the new year.

The most recent conversation among real estate analysts is that even though interest rates have dropped slightly, it will make homes more affordable but not affordable enough since the shortage of available properties to purchase is not expanding at the national level.

The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index, which measures home prices across the nation, rose 3.9% from a year earlier in September compared with a 2.5% annual increase the prior month. September was the highest since the index began in 1987. In addition, according to the National Association of Realtors, the median existing home sale price rose 3.4% in October from a year earlier to $391,800.

So, what is the outlook for the new year? Some analysts feel home prices are feeling the burden of high mortgage rates, which will slow the rate of price growth in the new year. Others agree and think it might be that home prices are going to tread water for a number of years until the economy gets in balance with higher incomes and lower rates.

One nice change for those buyers out there is the increase in the maximum size of home mortgage loans eligible for backing by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which represent the majority of home mortgages. In expensive markets like Hawaii, California and New York, the increase will be a maximum of $1,149,825 from $1,089,300 and for less expensive markets, the cap would rise to $766,550 from $726,200. The increases are set by a legal formula and could make it easier and more affordable for some borrowers, especially in the high-end markets.

Let’s take a look at Manatee County’s November sales statistics reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

Single-family homes closed 22.2% more properties compared to last November. The median sale price was $485,861, down 4.1%, and the average sale price was $662,237, up 4%. The median time to sale was 82 days compared to 77 days last year.

Condo sales were up 20.7% compared to last November. The median sale price was $351,500, down 1.8%, and the average sale price was $393,475, up 0.6%. The median time to sale was 83 days compared to 56 days last year.

The month’s supply of available properties for both single-family and condos were up. Single-family properties had a 3.4 month’s supply, up 13.3% from last November and condos had a 4.4 month’s supply, up 63% from last November.

Overall demand is strong for both Manatee and Sarasota counties. With inventories in both counties continuing to increase, we can assume sales will be strong over the winter months when visitors and part-time residents return in force.

The stability of the real estate market really depends on the stability of countrywide and even worldwide economies. And don’t discount the emotional impact of wars and unrest as well. Fortunately, Florida is still a hot market that doesn’t look like it’s cooling off any time soon. We’re going into the busy buying and selling season, which will be the real barometer of how successful our market is.

Happy New Year and much joy and love in 2024.

Year in review: Environment

Year in review: Environment

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Environment, Outdoors, Special Sections, Year in Review.

MANGROVE VIOLATIONS

In January, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection levied an $8,500 fine for improper mangrove trimming and debris removal activities that occurred at Carlos Beruff’s Aqua development in unincorporated Manatee County in 2022.

Year in review: Environment
Some Aqua mangroves were trimmed to create better views for those occupying the development’s multi-family residential buildings. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

FOX HONORED AT CELEBRATION OF LIFE

At the celebration of Suzi Fox’s life in January, local dignitaries, family and friends painted a picture of a dedicated advocate for Island turtles, a fun-loving and funny friend, and a caring mother, sister and grandmother. Fox, longtime executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, died on Sept. 30, 2022 after a fall. More than 150 people attended the event at the Center of Anna Maria Island to pay tribute to Fox.

EARLY START TO SEA TURTLE SEASON

Island sea turtles got off to an early start in 2023 as the first nest of the season appeared on Anna Maria Island. “AMITW got a big surprise early this morning, finding the first loggerhead nest of the season,” Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella wrote in an April 18 statement. Sea turtle nesting season officially begins May 1 and lasts until Oct. 31.

SUZI FOX DAY DECLARED ON MAY 1

As turtle nesting season began, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring declared May 1 as Suzi Fox Day to honor the legacy of its former executive director.

PINEY POINT CONTAMINATION EXTENDED FURTHER THAN ORIGINALLY THOUGHT

A study showed that contaminated water from the 2021 Piney Point spill, which contributed to algae blooms and red tide in Tampa Bay waterways, traveled farther than originally thought. According to the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), a chemical signature from the spill was found more than 30 miles away, in St. Joseph Sound near Tarpon Springs.

LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE ‘SUZI’ PARTICIPATES IN TOUR DE TURTLES

As hundreds of delighted onlookers gathered to see a publicized turtle release at Coquina Beach, loggerhead sea turtle “Suzi” made a grand entrance from the sand to the water. She hesitated several times walking on the beach, appearing to look at the crowd, but once she reached the water she was in her element and took off swimming. The June 27 release wasn’t the last time Suzi’s whereabouts was known – she was satellite-tagged and tracked during the Tour de Turtles race.

MULTIPLE TURTLE NESTS RUN OVER

On a daily patrol in July, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers were shocked and saddened to find multiple turtle nests that had been trampled on and run over with vehicles. On its Facebook page, Turtle Watch posted photos of tire tracks and footprints through multiple nests with marker stakes broken and on the ground. Vehicles are illegal on the beaches of Anna Maria Island. The culprits were not found.

SEA CAPTAINS CATCH POACHERS

The vigilance of three local charter captains resulted in multiple citations against three men for poaching marine life in local waters.

TURTLE HATCHLINGS RESCUED FROM HOLE ON BEACH

Four turtle hatchlings that had fallen into a hole on the beach were found by Holmes Beach Code Enforcement staff on the morning of July 16. While entrapped, the turtles were using up energy they needed for their long swim to the floating sargassum line where they will spend the next few years.

HURRICANE IDALIA CAUSES BEACH EROSION

Hurricane Idalia’s Aug. 31 storm surge eroded the Island’s renourished beaches, but the full extent of the damage and when it will be repaired is not yet known. “It could be months before any decision on what efforts will be undertaken is made,” Manatee County spokesman Bill Logan said in a Sept. 8 email to The Sun.

Year in review: Environment
Mangrove trimming debris at the Aqua property was not properly removed and disposed of. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

FLAMINGOS FLOCK TO FLORIDA

Hurricane Idalia’s Category 3 landfall in late August brought rain, wind, and, surprisingly, flamingos, to Florida. One flamingo was rescued by boaters in the Gulf off St. Petersburg Beach. Nicknamed “Peaches,” the bird was brought to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Tampa Bay and was then transferred to the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores for rehabilitation. After a week, “Peaches” was self-feeding and becoming active. She was released and spotted later at Fort DeSoto in Pinellas County.

HURRICANE IMPACTS TURTLE NESTING

Turtle nesting season ended early this year, with Hurricane Idalia having left a large dent in nesting numbers. “Hurricane Idalia had a major impact on our nesting season, causing the loss of 18.5% of this season’s nests,” Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said. The last nest on the Gulf of Mexico side of the Island hatched on Sept. 19. The season typically runs through October.

BIOLUMINESCENCE FASCINATES BEACHGOERS

The bioluminescent glow that came off the water in September may be related to the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia, according to one local expert. “This could be related to the nutrient pulse from Idalia,” said Dr. Dave Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. “The water came up and much of the grass clippings and yard debris on our landscape got dragged back out into the bay as the water receded.”

U.S. COAST GUARD SUSPENDS INVESTIGATION INTO SEAPORT MANATEE OIL SPILL

Following testing of multiple potential sources, and with no responsible party identified, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its investigation on Sept. 26 into the source of an oil spill at SeaPort Manatee, pending any new information. The spill was reported by SeaPort Manatee on Sept. 1, launching the Coast Guard’s examination of facilities and ships for evidence of an improper oil discharge.

PINEY POINT CLOSES FIRST OF FOUR WASTEWATER COLLECTION PONDS

In September, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection said the work on the first of four wastewater collection ponds was complete. The pond, built to contain industrial wastewater from phosphate processing operations, is located at the top of a phosphogypsum waste stack.

MANATEE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REDUCE WETLAND BUFFERS IN A 5-1 VOTE

Commissioners voted on Oct. 5 to default to the less restrictive state of Florida minimums from more restrictive county standards. Buffers between sensitive wetlands and new upland development were reduced from 50 feet to 25 feet. Buffers between outflowing wetlands and new upland development were reduced from 30 feet to 15 feet.

MANATEE PROTECTION, ALGAL BLOOM RESEARCH FUNDED BY FEDS

Federal funding is coming to Florida to support two environmental initiatives critical to the state – the protection of manatees and harmful algal bloom research. Congressman Vern Buchanan’s office announced that the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed two of his amendments to the Interior and Environment government funding bill, one of which dedicates $1.15 million for the rescue and rehabilitation of manatees.

 – Sun Correspondent Joe Hendricks contributed to this story

Year in Review: Tourism

Year in Review: Tourism

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Business, Special Sections, Tourism, Year in Review.

Journal featured a full-page article about Anna Maria’s 34216 zip code being the second most expensive in Florida. It ranked second only to the ultra-exclusive Fisher Island in Miami, which is home to residents like Oprah Winfrey, Andre Agassi, Robert Herjavec and other high-net-worth individuals and celebrities. The City of Anna Maria had a current median list price of $3.6 million, a median $1,695 price per square foot, an average of 75 days on the market before a home is sold and 42 active listings, which was up 133.33% year-over-year. Tourism is known to drive home sales on Anna Maria Island.

SPRING BREAK BOOSTS NUMBERS

In March, thousands of students, many with their families, flocked to AMI to escape the still-freezing temperatures farther north, trading quizzes and tests for beach volleyball and fun in the sun. Due to different regions of the country having spring break on different weeks, spring break season on the Island runs from the first week of March through the middle of April, more than a month long. According to the Holmes Beach Police Department, which has license plate readers that count how many cars enter the city each day, the first week of March saw 214,740 cars for an average of 30,677 per day. The numbers continued to grow as the month went on.

COQUINA BEACH TRAIL IMPROVED

At the April 24 meeting of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC), Chad Butzow, public works director for Manatee County, presented a proposal to the TDC requesting the approval of $1.5 million for improvements to the Coquina Beach Trail, a paved path popular with visitors and locals about the width of a city sidewalk that begins at the Longboat Pass parking lot and runs 1 1/2 miles along the beach north to Fifth Street South. The trail is estimated to cost $1.5 million, including the removal of 96 Australian pine trees whose roots are damaging the pavement, to be replaced by native tree species. The money was later approved by Manatee County commissioners and work began in September. The project is currently delayed due to supply chain issues, but is scheduled to resume in January 2024.

BEACH CLOSING TIMES CHANGE

Manatee County had the full support of the Bradenton Beach Police Department and Mayor John Chappie when officials changed the closing time of beaches and beach parking from midnight to 10 p.m. Anna Maria and Holmes Beach had the 10 p.m. closing time for many years, with Bradenton Beach being the only city remaining with the midnight closing time. The county said the reasons for the earlier closing time were reports of numerous after-hours issues with drugs, homeless persons, vandalism and the safety of workers who clean common areas, bathrooms and other duties that can’t be completed until beach visitors have left the area.

MEMORIAL DAY BUSIEST EVER

In the days following Memorial Day, Island officials said this year may have been the busiest Memorial Day weekend ever. Traffic was backed up all weekend long, and parking was chaos in many areas. Bradenton Beach Police Lieutenant Lenard Diaz said while he had nothing official to back up his claims, it felt to him like it was the busiest weekend he had ever seen, a sentiment echoed by Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, who said his department wrote more than 400 tickets for illegal parking over the weekend. Visitors reported wait times of more than two hours to get onto the Island on both Cortez Road and Manatee Avenue.

HURRICANE IDALIA IMPACTS TOURISM

As news of approaching Hurricane Idalia dominated the days leading up to Aug. 29, tourism came to a screeching halt on Anna Maria Island. Rooms were canceled and eventually, a forced evacuation was mandated for AMI as, at the time, forecasters said the Island could sustain a direct hit from the category 3 storm. Fortunately, the Island was spared the worst of the surge, suffering flooding but not much structural damage. However, hundreds of thousands of tourism dollars were lost and many local businesses took some time to recover from water damage.

AIRBNB USES AI

In November, Airbnb announced they had been using artificial intelligence (AI) to crack down on people renting houses and condos for the sole purpose of having parties. Airbnb launched the AI-driven anti-party system ahead of the Halloween holiday weekend in both the U.S. and Canada. The purpose of the technology is to help owners of houses rented through Airbnb to avoid the hassle of dealing with renters whose sole purpose of renting is to have a disruptive party. On Anna Maria Island, this is especially problematic, as noise ordinances are in place in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Police in all three cities respond to multiple potential noise violations every week. Airbnb’s AI can learn patterns of renters that may be potential party risks and block them from renting.

Year in Review: Cortez

Year in Review: Cortez

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Community News, Cortez, Special Sections, Year in Review.

CORTEZ COMMERCIAL FISHING FESTIVAL CELEBRATES VILLAGE

The 41st Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival took place on Feb. 18-19 in the historic fishing village. The festival, which celebrated 100 years of Star Fish Company, was organized by a volunteer committee from the non-profit Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH). “The money raised at the festival will support the continued restoration of the FISH Preserve,” FISH board member Jane von Hahmann said. The preserve covers over 98 acres of environmentally sensitive land immediately east of the village. It is the last stretch of undeveloped waterfront property left on North Sarasota Bay.

CANAL DISPUTES

In 2023, Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty, his Cortez Road Investments and Finance ownership group, and his legal team prevailed in two rulings pertaining to multiple canal-related disputes that remain ongoing. In March, Administrative Law Judge Bruce Culpepper recommended the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board issue a final order granting the developer’s application to construct 49 boat slips/docks in the privately-owned Hunters Point canal. In May, the governing board issued that order. The owners of the nearby Cortez Village Marina are appealing the final order as part of their ongoing opposition to the Hunters Point docks. In late October, as part of another canal-related dispute, 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas denied motions seeking to dissolve the lis pendens claims Cortez Road Investments filed against canal-side property owners Wendy and George Kokolis and Jonathan and Sheila Graham. A lis pendens claim notifies potential buyers of a lawsuit involving the property and can impact the ability to sell a property, obtain financing or obtain title insurance.

Year in Review: Cortez
The FISH Preserve in Cortez, which opened on Nov. 3, provides a natural buffer between the Cortez commercial fishing village and development to the east. – Submitted

FISH PRESERVE DAMAGED BY FIRE

Despite a May 10 fire that the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said was intentionally set at the 98-acre Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) Preserve, work continued on the final phase of a restoration project. The fire had minimal impact on the restoration efforts.

SEAFOOD SHACK/ANNIE’S BAIT AND TACKLE FOR SALE

Annie’s Bait and Tackle is part of a parcel including the Seafood Shack that went up for sale in May with a starting price of $15 million. Annie’s, which has been in operation since the 1950s, has been owned by Bruce Shearer and Kim Shepherd for more than 20 years. The Seafood Shack went under contract for sale in August, but the listing agent remained tight-lipped about the potential buyer. Realtor Dave Neff said, “The property has not sold yet, but it is under contract. I am not able to disclose who the buyer is. Much of the speculation on the internet centers around the potential buyers as the current owners of a waterfront restaurant in Venice. There are rumors going around about who the buyer is, but those rumors are premature in nature and inaccurate,” Neff said.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND PRINCESS FOR SALE

The Anna Maria Island Princess paddleboat went up for sale in 2023. Listed at $499,999 on the Boat Trader website, the 99-foot paddleboat has caught the attention of potential buyers. “It hasn’t sold yet but we’ve had a lot of interest,” said Mia Still, Bradenton Beach Marina executive assistant for tours and operations on Sept. 26. The boat is owned by Bradenton Beach Marina, which was purchased in January by local developer Shawn Kaleta.

HURRICANE IDALIA CAUSES SHORT-LIVED DAMAGE

As residents and businesses cleaned up following the Aug. 30 storm surge from Hurricane Idalia, which flooded local roads, the recurring consensus was, “We got lucky.” “There was no boat damage (to the fleet of fishing boats). We lost a few boards on the dock,” A.P. Bell Fish Company owner Karen Bell said. “We were very lucky.” On Wednesday morning, roads in Cortez were underwater. By that evening the waters receded and roads were passable. In advance of the storm, local fish houses secured their fleets of fishing boats. Tide Tables was flooded from the storm surge but cleaned and dried by the following day.

CORTEZ ROAD CONSTRUCTION STUDY BEGINS

In August, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) launched a Cortez Road corridor study that extended from 121st Street Court West in Cortez to U.S. 301 in Bradenton/West Samoset. The corridor study project is a partnership between FDOT, Manatee County and the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, with the Renaissance Planning consulting firm tasked with gathering input from the public and other stakeholders. The primary goals were to identify ways to make the Cortez Road corridor safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and others and to address the relationship between the roadway and future growth along the corridor. More than 8,500 new homes and residential units are expected to be constructed near Cortez and Anna Maria Island in the coming years. In April/May, the Woodruff and Sons construction company began clearing trees and other landscaping along the north side of Cortez Road as part of a Manatee County sewer line project. The utilities easement agreement the county entered into with property owner Whiting Preston stipulates the new sewer line must provide the capacity to handle the sewage produced by the 2,000 residential units planned as part of Preston’s Peninsula Bay development.

CORTEZIAN GROWS RECORD-SETTING PUMPKIN

What started out as a casual pastime for Cortez resident Tim Caniff turned into a statewide record-sized pumpkin. At 1,039 pounds, the pumpkin, grown in Caniff’s backyard, blew the previous state record out of the water by more than 400 pounds. “This started off as a fun beer-drinking hobby,” Caniff said.

CORTEZ STONE CRAB FESTIVAL CELEBRATED

The kickoff to the stone crab harvest season was celebrated on Nov. 11-12 at the 11th Annual Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival. The festival typically draws more than 5,000 attendees and more than 2,000 pounds of stone crab is consumed. “The festival celebrates the heritage of Cortez and the kickoff to stone crab season,” Adam Sears, Swordfish Grill General Manager said. This year’s theme was “Crack a Cold One,” since stone crab is served cracked and cold.

FISH PRESERVE RIBBON-CUTTING HELD

In the culmination of more than two decades of planning and hard work, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve on Nov. 3.

At nearly 100 acres, the preserve is on the south side of Cortez Road, an oasis of natural beauty among multiple construction projects nearby. The preservation and non-development of the preserve land, adjacent to the Cortez fishing village and bordering the waters of Sarasota Bay, was precisely the goal of FISH members in 2000 when they began fundraising to purchase the property. The invitation-only ribbon cutting featured speakers Dr. Dave Tomasko, Director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program; Dr. Jay Leverone, staff scientist with SBEP; FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann; EPA Region 4 Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle and Manatee County Commissioner and SBEP policy board member Kevin Van Ostenbridge.

PASSINGS

On Feb. 22, former Swordfish Grill Manager Greg “Grego” Koeper passed away from melanoma at 67.

 – Sun Correspondent Joe Hendricks contributed to this story

Year in Review: Bradenton Beach

Year in Review: Bradenton Beach

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Special Sections, Year in Review.

BRADENTON BEACH – The Pines Trailer Park and Bradenton Beach Marina sales and the approved hotel/restaurant/retail project on Bridge Street and Gulf Drive made the biggest headlines in the city in 2023.

Bradenton Beach Marina sold

In early January, developer Shawn Kaleta and the Metropolitan Property Ventures LLC purchased the Bradenton Beach Marina from the Bazzy family for $14 million. Kaleta now serves as president of the Bazzy Marine Corp.

County works on sewer, drainage problems

In January, Manatee County initiated its ongoing $8 million sewer improvement project along Gulf Drive South and the adjoining side streets from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South. As the sewer line replacement and installation work takes place on the residential side streets one street at a time, those streets temporarily closed to vehicular traffic for a month or more. Impacted residents, property owners and visitors must park in designated parking areas in the Cortez Beach parking lot until their street reopens. The county project is slated for completion in late 2024. By mid-August, Manatee County had essentially completed the second and final phase of the $7 million Coquina Beach drainage improvement project that included the installation of pervious pavement that allows rainwater to seep into the new drainage systems below. The completed project that began in 2019 provides more than 1,000 paved parking spaces and required the removal of more than 180 Australian pines.

Year in Review: Bradenton Beach
The parking lot at Coquina Beach was finally finished. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Signs, signs, signs installed

In February, Scenic WAVES Committee members and others expressed their concerns about the Florida Department of Transportation installing more than 60 new “No Parking on Right of Way” signs along Gulf Drive South, near Coquina Beach. Police Chief John Cosby requested the signs but had no input on the number of signs FDOT installed.

Azure Shores ordinance passed

In November, the city commission approved an ordinance that eliminated zoning map and future land use map inconsistencies that existed with 23 residentially zoned (R-3) properties in the Azure Shores subdivision between Bridge Street, the Cortez Bridge, Highland Avenue and Gulf Drive North.

Beach House Restaurant celebrates 30 years

Celebrating a longevity rarely found in the restaurant business, Chiles Hospitality observed the 30-year anniversary of the Beach House Waterfront Restaurant.

Hurricane Idalia precautions taken

In advance of Tropical Storm Idalia, City commissioners voted Aug. 28 to declare a local state of emergency until Tuesday, Sept. 5, as clean-up efforts continued following storm surge. Beaches were closed and a mandatory evacuation order was in place for Level A residents, including all mobile home parks. Manatee County issued a voluntary Level B evacuation. “What we’re expecting now is a storm surge 4-7 feet,” Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby said prior to the storm’s landfall.

Year in Review: Bradenton Beach
Developer Shawn Kaleta purchased the Pines Trailer Park. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Pines Trailer Park purchased

In late August, Shawn Kaleta and the Pines Park Investors LLC purchased the Pines Trailer Park for $16.25 million after the resident/owners were unsuccessful in their efforts to purchase the park. In late September, Pines Park Investors LLC sent letters to park residents and mobile homeowners informing them of the rent increases that will take effect Jan. 1. The monthly rents are increasing from $620-$625 per month to $1,200, $1,350 per month or $1,475 per month depending on proximity to the waterfront.

Alcohol sales, consumption on city pier approved

Commissioners approved with conditions a special use permit for the sale and consumption of alcohol at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) on the Bradenton Beach Pier. The permit, with the City of Bradenton Beach as applicant, was approved on Sept. 18 allowing the consumption of alcohol purchased from AMOB, either from the main restaurant or takeout kiosk, at designated areas of the pier. AMOB leases both spaces from the city.

Tingley Library elevation considered

The creation of public parking by elevating or moving the Tingley Library was discussed at both the City Commission and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meetings in September. The city-owned library was built in the early 1990s using $240,000 of the $678,801 that Beulah Hannah Hooks Tingley bequeathed to the city in 1986 to create a public reading room. At the Sept. 6 CRA meeting, members acknowledged the need for public parking, but one member questioned whether CRA funds should be used for the design/build project. Mayor John Chappie directed city attorney Ricinda Perry to draft an RFP.

Coquina Beach Market reopens under county management

Nearly a year after the Manatee County tourism agency took over management of the Coquina Beach Market from the previous market director, a new manager and opening date for the market was announced. In a July 25 meeting of the Manatee County Board of Commissioners, it was approved that Dottie Deerwester from Ready Set Go Tour and Travel serve as the new market manager. The market reopened on Oct. 4 at South Coquina Beach and operates year-round.

Zoning irregularities discovered

At an Oct. 5 city commission meeting, a city building official determined that several properties in the city do not conform to the building code. “What we discovered, Runaway Bay – all the condominiums – Tortuga, Silver Surf, Bridgewalk, Old Bridge Village, all of these appear to be triggered in some way by this provision on first blush,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry said. Many properties in the city exceed the number of allowable units, making them legally non-conforming, according to Perry. City officials say the classification only affects property owners if a natural disaster forces rebuilding, whereupon current codes would apply, potentially eliminating some units.

Chappie, Vosburgh and Spooner begin new terms

Mayor John Chappie and Commissioner Janet Vosburgh were sworn in for new two-year terms on Nov.17 by City Clerk Terri Sanclemente at Bradenton Beach City Hall. Chappie, Vosburgh and Commissioner Jacob Spooner ran unopposed. Spooner was sworn in the following day.

CRA votes to discontinue tram funding

At a Dec. 6 meeting, the CRA board voted unanimously to discontinue funding of the Old Town Tram, a free park-and-ride service which it began subsidizing in November 2020 at a cost of $52,000 per year. The tram was launched as a pilot program to help address the lack of parking on Bridge Street. Annual funding for the service was cut from the city’s 2023-24 budget, but CRA board members agreed at a Sept. 6 meeting to a $10,000 expenditure to keep it going until the end of 2023.

Hotel/Restaurant/Retail project approved on Bridge Street

At the end of a second public hearing on Dec. 7, city commissioners voted unanimously to approve a hotel/restaurant/retail project at the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South. The 106-room hotel will also have a 60-seat restaurant, 5,396 square feet of retail space and 154 on-site parking spaces. Co-applicants for the hotel are Shawn Kaleta and Jake Spooner, a Bradenton Beach city commissioner who recused himself from all hearings related to the hotel. At the first public hearing on Nov. 16, following a Nov. 13 recommendation for approval by the City Planning and Zoning Board, commissioners expressed concern about lack of parking, hotel design and density. In addressing those concerns, applicants’ representatives made design changes to the original plan, adding balconies, public walkways and a hydraulic lift parking system. Within days of approval, demolition began on one building on the site of the hotel – the former Joe’s Eats ‘N Sweets ice cream shop.

Passings

On April 10, Bradenton Beach Public Works Department employee and Holmes Beach resident Marylou Kelley passed away at 62.

On June 17, Pines Trailer Park resident and former Michigan resident Dick Smith passed away at 83. Smith was a popular regular patron at the Sport Lounge and the Drift In.

Drift In parking lot attendant, local artist and former Cortez commercial fisherman Marty Tupin passed away on Aug. 1 at 62 after battling ongoing health issues.

Longtime Bradenton Beach property owner and visitor Judy Kuhlman passed away on Sept. 23 at 81. Kuhlman and her husband, Dick, owned the historic 3 Pines Cottage beachfront vacation rental at 2214 Gulf Drive N. that still contains the 1948 Airstream trailer her grandparents placed on the beachfront property in the late 1940s.

Former Chiles Group Chief Financial Officer Martha Wright passed away on Oct. 20. Wright was also the treasurer and a longtime volunteer for Gulf Shore Animal League.

 – Sun Correspondent Joe Hendricks contributed to this story