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Solid Rock Construction leads youth indoor soccer leagues

Solid Rock Construction leads youth indoor soccer leagues

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Soccer, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – Escaping the extreme heat of the week, family and friends packed The Center’s gymnasium last week for youth indoor soccer action. After taking a week off for Independence Day, both youth leagues took to the indoor pitch for three action-packed games.

Both of the Solid Rock Construction teams currently lead their leagues, with the youngest squad remaining undefeated after beating the Progressive Cabinetry team 6-4 last Tuesday night.

Matthew Darak was the high scorer for the Solid Rock team with a hat trick. Teammates Turner Worth and Elijah Roadman each contributed to the scoring with three additional goals. Worth is credited with an assist.

Darak, with an assist of his own, also played in the defensive goalkeeper position, making four saves in the game. Sharing the keeper responsibilities, Isaac Roadman had five critical stops, helping his team earn another W.

With a hat trick, Progressive Cabinetry’s Kason Price helped to keep his team in the game. A solid goal and assist by Rafa Price, along with 14 total saves by Vincent Gollamudi and Price challenged the Solid Rock team every second of the game.

Last Tuesday, team Intentional Resilient Intuitive played hard against the AMI Dolphin Tours team despite the end score of 8-0.

Intentional goalkeepers Camden Rudacille and Paul ten Haaf, with nine and 14 saves, respectively, stayed focused and determined despite the arsenal of shots taken by the AMI Dolphin Tours offense.

With three goals, Gunnar Maize also played goalie and had three saves in the game. AMI Dolphins Tours teammates Louis Bacon, Kazimir Funtal and Charlee Maize each added a goal to G. Maize’s hat trick.

Bacon and Funtal provided assistance on two of their team’s goals, along with two goals by Parker Svoboda.

AMI Dolphin Tours’ primary goalie, Miles Moss, had five big stops in the team’s first win of the season.

The older league played the night before with a single game due to a forfeit by team Coastline West Team – Wagner Realty. The forfeit put the Solid Rock Construction team in the 11- to 13-year-old league at the top of the ranking.

Team Moss Builders faced the Island Vacation Properties team, winning by three goals after two halves of indoor soccer action.

Despite the 18 total saves by Alonso Valle and Chandler McRae, the goals by Tucker McRae and Valle just were not enough to defeat the Moss Builders team.

Moss Builders’ Callin Westfall lead his team to victory with three goals and an assist. Big plays and the hot feet of Mason Moss and Jackson Wyatt added two points to the scoreboard for their team. Walker Wyatt made a huge assist leading to a scoring strike.

Goalie Magness Rollins protected his team’s net with 10 saves, contributing to Moss Builders’ second win of the season last Monday night.

The Center’s adult flag football league played four games in week five last Thursday night.

Team Luxury Services remains undefeated after beating fourth-ranked Cortez Deep Sea Fishing 47-20.

Moss Builders is a close second with only one loss. Their 45-6 win against The Banks Home Lending Team proves their continued dominance in the league.

Currently ranked third, Sandbar Seafood & Spirits easily beat the Salty Printing squad 45-32. The Salty team is in the fifth slot going into week six play.

Solid Rock’s adult flag football team, ranked sixth, defeated the Gulf Drive Café team 47-24, leaving the Gulf Drive squad in sixth.

Still in playoff contention, The Banks Home Lending Team sits in the eighth-place slot after their loss to Moss Builders. Despite losing 45-6, The Banks team lives to play another week under the gridiron lights at The Center.

SUN SCOREBOARD

 

 

JULY 10

YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER 

WEEK 4

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

 

 

Solid Rock Construction (2-1-1) Winner by Forfeit

Coastline West Team Wagner Realty (2-1-1) L

 

 

Moss Builders (2-2-0) 5

Island Vacation Properties (1-3-0) 2

 

 

JULY 11

 

YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER 

WEEK 4

EIGHT- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

 

 

Solid Rock Construction (4-0-0) 6

Progressive Cabinetry (2-2-0) 4

 

 

AMI Dolphin Tours (1-2-1) 8

Intentional Resilient Intuitive (0-3-1) 0

 

 

 

JULY 13

 

ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 5

 

 

Sandbar Seafood & Spirits (3-2-0) 45

Salty Printing (2-3-0) 32

 

 

Solid Rock Construction (2-3-0) 47

Gulf Drive Café (1-4-0) 24

 

 

Luxury Services (5-0-0) 47

Cortez Deep Sea Fishing (2-3-0) 20

 

 

Moss Builders (4-1-0) 45

The Banks Home Lending Team (1-4-0) 6

Suncoast Waterkeeper christens new patrol boat

Suncoast Waterkeeper christens new patrol boat

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

Island residents have two opportunities to join in on the christening of Suncoast Waterkeeper’s new patrol boat and the launch of Eyes on the Suncoast, an improved citizen pollution and habitat monitoring program.

The 23-foot deck boat was purchased from Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours. Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK) is grateful to the owner, Island entrepreneur Ben Webb, who has been a huge supporter of the group. According to Waterkeeper’s Executive Director Abbey Tyrna, “Webb gave us a great price on the boat, allowed us time to obtain a grant before final payment and donated a $7,000 trailer. It’s because of stakeholders like Webb that we can make a real difference protecting the water quality and habitat of Sarasota Bay.”

“It’s a win/win for both of us,” Webb said. “If we don’t all pitch in to protect the natural areas that fuel our passion and that are the basis of our economy, everybody loses. It’s only common sense.”

The first event will be held on World Mangrove Day, Wednesday, July 26 at Floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar, 12332 Manatee Ave. W., from 4:30-6:30 p.m. During the event, attendees will be educated about the new program and learn about the importance and function of mangroves. Besides the christening, there will also be live music and a raffle. Light appetizers will be served and each attendee will receive a free drink. Once again, Waterkeeper would like to give a shout-out to Floridays and partner James Brearley, staunch supporters of SCWK’s work.

The second event is planned for Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron on City Island. This is a family-friendly event that will have a host of exciting, water-centered activities including making sun prints, dip netting, stand-up paddleboard lessons, casting lessons, training, live music and a raffle. Food will be available from food trucks including Big Blue Grilled Cheese Company and Chill Mobile. Partners for this event include the Sailing Squadron, Florida Sea Grant, Around the Bend Nature Tours, Big Blue and Chill Mobile.

Come and learn about the efforts of SCWK and local partners to protect the water quality and habitat on the Suncoast and learn how you can be part of the solution. While you’re there, you’ll participate in the christening, meet some of the area’s most committed citizens and share some of the unique activities our waters provide.

Banks Home Lending Team gets first W

Banks Home Lending Team gets first W

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – In the blazing heat of the Fourth of July week weather, the adult co-ed flag football league played last Thursday night pushing past mid-season match-ups.

In the final game of the night, The Banks Home Lending Team earned their first win against the Solid Rock Construction team with a final score of 46-29. Favored to finish the game victorious, Solid Rock’s mistakes paved the way for their opponent.

After four games, three teams are in the middle of the pack with 2-2-0 records. Teams Sandbar Seafood & Spirits, Cortez Deep Sea Fishing and Salty Printing all go into Thursday night’s games hoping to break away.

The three teams are chasing The Moss Builders team. Their win against the Salty Printing squad puts the team ranked second just under Luxury Services.

Luxury Services easily won against Gulf Drive Café, winning by 17 points. Both team’s quarterbacks showed impressive cool under pressure under the beating sun.

With four touchdown passes, team captain and Luxury Services QB outthrew Gulf Drives’ quarterback, Dominick Otteni, by one TD throw. Richardson kept the ball for himself on a touchdown run for six points, while Otteni played on defense with two key flag pulls.

Otteni’s scoring targets last Thursday night were Dallas Buchholz, with six points in the game, and Jacob Ferda, scoring two TDs from six game catches in addition to five defensive stops.

Despite strong defensive play with two interceptions for the Gulf Drive team by Meghan Mitchell and Kiatrell Zachery, and a QB sack by Steven Pavina, the squad just could not make it click on offense.

Off the arm of Richardson, Tim Holly and Alonzo Lemus each found the endzone twice for 24 points. Holly was Richardson’s main game target with 12 catches. Lemus followed close with eight receptions of his own.

In addition to Richardson’s running score, Holly raced into the endzone for six more Luxury Services points. He is also credited with getting to Otteni in time to snag his flag before the football left the QB’s hand.

Holly and his teammates worked to keep their team undefeated going into week five play.

Coming off their loss against Luxury Services, Gulf Drive Café hopes to improve on their 1-3-0 record.

With regular season play to continue for a few more weeks, three teams sit at the bottom of the rankings hoping to position themselves for playoffs. Gulf Drive Café shares the single win record with The Banks Home Lending Team and Solid Rock Construction.

Gulf Drive faces Solid Rock this Thursday at 7 p.m. while The Banks Home Lending Team plays team Moss Builders in the last game of the night.

Kicking off the flag football action this week, Salty Printing hopes to improve its record against the Sandbar team. The 8 p.m. game has current top seed Luxury Services defending their undefeated record against the Cortez Deep Sea Fishing squad.

 

 

Sun Scoreboard

July 6

Adult Co-Ed Flag Football
Week 4

Luxury Services (4-0-0) 41

Gulf Drive Café (1-3-0) 24

Sandbar Seafood & Spirits (2-2-0) 31

Cortez Deep Sea Fishing (2-2-0) 29

Moss Builders (3-1-0) 25

Salty Printing (2-2-0) 20

The Banks Home Lending Team (1-3-0) 46

Solid Rock Construction (1-3-0) 29

Reel Time: Hot weather strategy

Reel Time: Hot weather strategy

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

Anglers are no strangers to Dog Days, those hot, sultry times when even the lizards are lurking in the shadows. We know that a change of strategy will be in order soon. What we are strangers to is those days showing up a month earlier than usual. Add to that challenge the persistent west winds and anglers that chase tarpon on the beach and those that plumb the depths for grouper and pelagic species are affected. The name “dog days” comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, in close proximity to the sun, was responsible for the hot weather.

On the west coast of Florida, dog days can run through September and into October, with the “spell” being broken by the shorter days more than the easing of daytime temperatures. While the temperatures create challenging conditions, savvy anglers know to change their strategies, tailoring their efforts to maximize their comfort and opportunities.

One of the prime times to fish during the dog days is before the sun crests the horizon.

The myriad dock and bridge lights that illuminate the waterways from Bradenton to Venice are prime targets. These areas hold schools of snook as well as trout, mangrove snapper, redfish, tarpon and a host of other species.

Docks with a water depth of more than 6 feet and good tidal flow generally hold more fish. When possible, fish the up-tide side of a structure. This allows more latitude when making a presentation, allowing flies, lures and bait to swing to the fish naturally and stay in the “strike zone” longer. Knowledge of the area you’re fishing will allow you to have docks to target on any tide.

The presence of hard bottom near a bridge or dock is another indicator of good fish habitat. Baitfish and crustaceans are attracted to a light source but also the presence of structures like ledges, oyster bars and seawalls. The type of light also can influence the action with underwater lights and lights sitting low to the water having a more distinctive shadow line, an area where feeding fish concentrate. In almost all cases, the biggest fish seem to hang on the dark edges of shadow lines.

When the rising sun lightens the horizon, anglers can move to the flats to target redfish, snook and trout. By concentrating your efforts around flats with good grass cover, with defined edges, potholes, sandbars and oyster bars you’ll find fish in much the same pattern as during other times of the year. The key is to find water temperatures that attract bait and are tolerable to gamefish. The addition of a strong incoming tide will increase your odds as well.

In the hottest months, most of the early morning tides are from 1-1.5 feet, so anglers will seldom see pushes or tails. Instead, concentrate on scattering bait, working birds and schools of mullet. One of the most productive strategies is to fish “seams,” demarcation lines that separate grass, sand and other structure.

While the pre-dawn or early morning is generally the best time during sweltering weather, there is one exception. The late afternoon outgoing tides that correspond to the full and new moons provide some fast action with a variety of species. Areas to concentrate on include the slues and channels that drain the inshore flats and the passes where the funneling effect concentrates game fish and their prey. Passes that have flanking seawalls and rock groins can be particularly productive. These areas attract and concentrate the baitfish on which the predators feed. Work lures and flies close to the structure. Fishing the “doldrums” can be productive no matter where you fish if you follow a few rules. First and foremost, you must find conditions that are acceptable to the species you seek. Snook and redfish are much more tolerant of high water temperatures than trout. In general, water temperatures must not be excessive, and you can count on early mornings and deeper water to moderate conditions. The exception to the rule will be those areas and times where the presence of food overrides the fish’s desire to locate comfortable conditions.

Fishing the dog days can be challenging, but master the rules and you’ll have a lot of good fishing opportunities minus the crowds.

Castles in the Sand

The value of a renovated home

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

Most homebuyers today want to buy a home, but very few want to buy a project. Nice work if you can get it, but even in our slightly leveling-off market, it may not be so easy.

Unfortunately for buyers, there is still a lack of inventory in most markets around the country. Our local market is no different with only a 2.7-month supply of available properties as of the end of May, higher than last year but still well below a 6-month availability, which is considered a healthy market.

The challenge for buyers has a lot to do with increased mortgage rates. Purchasing a home that is fully renovated may cost more but if the buyer is qualified, this additional cost can be financed and become part of the overall underlying mortgage. Even at today’s higher rates, 6.67% on average at the end of June, it’s still better to have the work done before purchase than to renovate after purchasing. Coming up with the cash to renovate or finance the renovation is also subject to today’s higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms.

The challenge for sellers is that they are no longer getting multiple offers on their property no matter what condition it’s in. According to the National Association of Realtors, sellers are receiving an average of three offers now, compared with around six a year ago. The consensus is that renovated properties sell quicker than unrenovated properties, which appears to be true for both primary homes and second homes.

Real estate professionals feel that anything that sits on the market for more than a month is usually either overpriced or in need of significant repairs or updates. In Manatee County as of the end of May, single-family homes were in contract an average of 32 days from listing. How long a property is on the market can be influenced by a variety of factors. Here in Florida, the season is a major factor. The market traditionally slows down in the summer, so there are fewer buyers in the pool. That said, some buyers simply have no choice but to purchase a home that needs renovation.

Despite fewer offers on properties, the prices haven’t declined as much as many economists expected. Because of higher mortgage rates, current homeowners are reluctant to sell their properties, keeping the supply of homes on the market lower than normal. Home prices peaked in June of 2022 and declined until January of 2023 when they started to recover.

However, even homes that need renovations are still selling near the list price or slightly higher because there aren’t enough homes on the market to meet the demand. Nationally, the median existing-home price fell 3.1% in May from a year earlier to $396,100, according to the National Associations of Realtors. Manatee County’s median single-family home price at the end of May fell by 6.4% to $515,000.

Buyers with busy lifestyles are less inclined to buy a home requiring major renovations. This is especially true for many buyers in our area who are second homeowners and live out of state. It’s difficult to manage a home renovation when you’re local but almost impossible from 1,000 miles away.

Nevertheless, if you’re in the market for a project, and have the funds to renovate and manage the project, you may be able to come out ahead. Picking your kitchen cabinets and bathroom tile does have an advantage and is nice work if you can get it.

Island population drops in all three cities

Island population drops in all three cities

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – It may not come as a surprise to some long-time residents, but the population of this seven-mile stretch of paradise is dwindling.

While the U.S. Census Bureau conducts 10-year counts across the country, the organization also conducts a yearly American Community Survey to record changes and trends in population. The available online data spans 2010-2021 and shows a few minor ups and downs in population numbers. However, there is a stark difference in all three Island cities in the numbers between 2020 and 2021 – all three cities lost a significant portion of their population.

Looking at the data, the city of Holmes Beach is the undisputed largest municipality on the Island. In 2010, Holmes Beach had 4,136 residents. After fluctuations of 100-200 people per year, the city had 4,276 residents in 2020. That number dropped to 3,132 in 2021. That’s a loss of 1,144 in a single year, or 26.75% of the population.

In Anna Maria, the population changes were more volatile over the years. In 2010, the city had a recorded 1,475 residents, hitting a high of 1,556 in 2013 before steadily dropping to 719 in 2019. In 2020, the city’s population jumped to 1,087 before dropping to 944 in 2021, a loss of 143 residents in a single year, representing 13% of the population.

The population in Bradenton Beach also suffered a steady decline over the years. In 2010, the city had 1,452 residents. That number dropped to 836 by 2019 before picking back up to 902 in 2020. By the 2021 count, Bradenton Beach had lost another 35 residents, dropping the population down to 867, a 4% loss.

In a single year, 2020-21, 1,322 residents left the Island life behind. With stories floating around the three municipalities about more and more residents moving away, population numbers have the potential to drop even more when the 2022 and 2023 data comes out. And while the state of Florida and greater Manatee County are showing population increases, that data isn’t reflected in the population numbers for the Island.

The Census Bureau states that when cities start to see marked decreases in population year over year, that’s when it becomes more likely that the cities will disincorporate, with the land annexed into a larger geographic body, such as unincorporated Manatee County, an idea that was proposed by the Manatee County legislative delegation prior to the 2023 state legislative session. While the idea of folding the three cities into one or putting them all solely under the governmental leadership of the Manatee County Board of Commissioners wasn’t pursued this year, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s off the table for coming legislative sessions if population numbers continue to dwindle.

Water main back in service

Water main back in service

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The water main that broke on the Manatee Avenue Bridge on June 19 is back in service, Manatee County officials say.

As work ensued on the broken pipe, another pipe continued to supply water to the Island from the south. Residents of the Island were asked to conserve water as repairs were underway on AMI’s main water source. Those requests have been rescinded, according to a July 6 Manatee County press release.

Island customers were told on June 19 that they may experience intermittent drops in water pressure due to the emergency repairs on the broken 16-inch water main.

“Cooperative coordination with Manatee County Utilities staff and local contractors kept construction delays to a minimum and provided maximum access to motorists during the recent holiday weekend,” according to the press release.

More work will be taking place along the drawbridge over Anna Maria Sound and in the area over the next several weeks to permanently reposition the main along the span.

Crews also will be in the area removing the old pipe from the water. Details of that work have yet to be finalized.

In a June 29 press release, Manatee County officials advised that “Construction equipment will remain on site as the contractor will need to remove the old water pipe that fell into Anna Maria Sound. It is not anticipated that this work – which may begin as early as the week of July 10 – will require lane closures on Manatee Avenue.”

Residents and visitors will be notified of any road closures or traffic impacts associated with the ongoing work.

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic across the bridge has returned to normal after being reduced to one lane from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Friday, June 30. Motorists were advised then to use the Cortez Bridge or Longboat Key Bridge to the Island. Boaters were asked to travel only through the channel underneath the bridge to avoid interference with the workers.

For more information, visit mymanatee.org or call 941-748-4501. Follow the county on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.

Holiday beachgoers disturb turtle nests

Holiday beachgoers disturb turtle nests

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Outdoors, Sea turtles.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers discovered that multiple sea turtle nests were disturbed over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

“I don’t think it was anything malicious,” Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said. “We have had disturbances to nests before, but this weekend was exceptional. I think this was people not realizing and not giving the nests space. I want to make people aware that they need to respect posted nest areas.”

Mazzarella said that issues during the holiday included people walking across nests, knocking over stakes, tearing marker tape, digging in the sand close to nests and planting tents in nesting areas.

Turtle nests on local beaches are clearly marked with yellow numbered stakes and pink caution tape.

“We recommend that people keep their distance from nests, report anyone that is observed disturbing a nest to local law enforcement, and also call 941-301-8434 to report a nest that has not been marked,” Turtle Watch posted on their Facebook page.

Turtle nesting season runs from May through October.

Marine turtles are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 and Florida’s Marine Turtle Protection Act.

“Florida Statutes restrict the take, possession, disturbance, mutilation, destruction, selling, transference, molestation and harassment of marine turtles, nests or eggs,” according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Fourth of July Parade wet, wild fun

Fourth of July Parade wet, wild fun

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Entertainment, Parades.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – More than 120 participants in the annual Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade loaded their vehicles with water guns to do battle with thousands of people lining the parade route.

Beginning at Coquina Beach at the south end of the Island and finishing on Pine Avenue in the north, some parade participants had containers holding more than 100 gallons of water, but parade watchers also were well stocked for what has become known as Florida’s biggest and longest water battle.

“We had more than 80 Jeeps in this year’s parade, in addition to the other participants that made this one of, if not the biggest, Fourth of July parades we have ever had,” Anna Maria Island Privateers President Kim Boyd said. “It was so much fun.”

Every July Fourth, it is understood that standing along the parade route will result in getting wet, but this year, it appeared that people watching the parade were especially prepared.

“We live in St. Pete and have heard about this parade and how much fun it is,” Jalene Hummer said. “We brought plenty of water, a tent and plenty of “Super Soakers” to fight back against the parade, and it was every bit as much fun as we thought it would be. This parade was huge, the best we have ever been to.”

Both locals and visitors seemed to enjoy getting soaked, especially since temperatures were well into the 90s even when the parade began at 10 a.m.

“It’s so hot here, what a great idea to cool things down for a parade,” said Jason Kabler, of Jacksonville, North Carolina. “We didn’t come with water guns because we knew nothing about it. We just got here yesterday, but we happily let them hit us as they passed by; it felt good.”

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been in existence for 52 years and has donated over $500,000 in scholarships to local high school students. They also contribute to many other charities, adopt families at Christmas, participate in community events, as well as promote children’s activities and reading events.

No tops on these “Slingshot” vehicles means a wet and wild Fourth of July parade on AMI. - Jason Schaffer | Sun

No tops on these “Slingshot” vehicles means a wet and wild Fourth of July parade on AMI. - Jason Schaffer | Sun

More than 80 Jeeps participated in the Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade, many completely soaked inside and out within the first mile of the more than 6-mile long parade route. -Jason Schaffer | Sun

More than 80 Jeeps participated in the Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade, many completely soaked inside and out within the first mile of the more than 6-mile long parade route. -Jason Schaffer | Sun

U.S. Army WWII veteran John Seen, 104 years old, waves to the crowd at the front of the Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade. - Jason Schaffer | Sun

U.S. Army WWII veteran John Seen, 104 years old, waves to the crowd at the front of the Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade. - Jason Schaffer | Sun

The Anna Maria Island Privateers lead their annual Fourth of July Parade doing battle with water guns against parade-watchers while aboard their ship, The Skullywag. - Jason Schaffer | Sun

The Anna Maria Island Privateers lead their annual Fourth of July Parade doing battle with water guns against parade-watchers while aboard their ship, The Skullywag. - Jason Schaffer | Sun

Although there were no official fireworks displays on AMI over the Fourth of July holiday, many individuals set off their own. - Jason Gargiule/amiaerials.com

Although there were no official fireworks displays on AMI over the Fourth of July holiday, many individuals set off their own. - Jason Gargiule/amiaerials.com

The sunset had a little help from fireworks on Anna Maria Island on July Fourth. - Jason Gargiule/amiaerials.com

The sunset had a little help from fireworks on Anna Maria Island on July Fourth. - Jason Gargiule/amiaerials.com

Loggerhead sea turtle ‘Suzi’ released into race

Loggerhead sea turtle ‘Suzi’ released into race

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Featured, Outdoors, Sea turtles.

BRADENTON BEACH – 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 that had gathered, but once she reached the water she was in her element and took off swimming.

The June 27 release, however, won’t be the last time Suzi’s whereabouts will be known. Just after nesting in Bradenton Beach, she was outfitted with a satellite monitor and is the latest turtle to join the Tour de Turtles race. Her location will be monitored for several months via satellite.

“She nested right here and we boxed her up. We dedicated the nest that she laid to Suzi Fox, so we have a plaque here,” said Kristin Mazzarella, executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. “She’s now part of the Tour de Turtles race.”

Turtle Watch volunteer Barbara Riskay praised the naming of the loggerhead in commemoration of Suzi Fox, the late executive director of Turtle Watch.

“It was a no-brainer to name her ‘Suzi,’ ” Riskay said.

Within three days of her release, loggerhead Suzi had traveled 16 miles at an average speed of .25 mph.

The release was sponsored by the non-profit Sea Turtle Conservancy, along with Turtle Watch and Waterline Resort.

“Started in 2008, the Tour de Turtles is a fun, educational journey through the science, research and geography of sea turtle migration using satellite telemetry,” according to the Sea Turtle Conservancy website. “Created by Sea Turtle Conservancy, with help from sponsors and partners, this event follows the marathon migration of sea turtles, representing four different species, from their nesting beaches to their foraging grounds.”

By tracking sea turtles, scientists have learned a lot about them.

“We now know that sea turtles are highly migratory, often traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles between the beaches where they lay their eggs and the foraging (feeding) grounds where they spend much of their time at sea,” according to the Sea Turtle Conservancy website. “Since most research conducted on marine turtles has been carried out on nesting beaches and well over 90% of a sea turtle’s life is spent in the water – feeding, mating, migrating and doing whatever else a sea turtle does when no one is watching – we are missing important information that can help us better protect sea turtles.”

Check the Sun’s Facebook page for weekly updates on Suzi’s location in “Where’s Suzi?”

Solid Rock, Luxury Service remain undefeated

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – The Island-area tweens and teens took to the indoor soccer pitch in The Center’s gymnasium for week three action. With the standings in the 11- to 13-year-old league close, the four teams all went into this week’s play with the final week of play in view.

Due to a forfeit by Moss Builders, only one game was played last Monday night. Island Vacation Properties lost the game against Solid Rock Construction 5-4. The win was the first for the Solid Rock team in the oldest youth league.

Goals by Chandler McRae, Jimmie Melichar and Alonso Valle for Island Vacation Properties kept the squad in the game. Solid Rock’s offense was just a little too much for their opponent’s defense.

With seven saves each, Island Vacation Properties’ goalies McRae and Valle worked hard to protect their net. Solid Rock’s keeper Austin Guess was solid in his position, making 10 stops.

Renan and Ryk Kesten each scored a goal for Solid Rock in addition to a hat trick by Wes Saxon for the win.

The ballers in the 8- to 10-year-old league played two nights in a row to get their schedule back on track. After playing last Tuesday, team Intentional Resilient Intuitive had a hard loss against the Progressive Cabinetry team.

Winning the game 11-2, Max Mcmaster had five points in the game. Mcmaster’s teammates, Wesley Bekkerus, Rafa Price and Kason Price contributed with goals of their own.

  1. Price worked his magic in the keeper position making six defensive stops. Adding to the save count for Progressive, Vincent Gollamudi had five saves in the statistics for the game.

On the other side of the line, Paul ten Haaf scored the only two goals for the Intentional squad. Ten Haaf, playing as goalkeeper, made six saves in the match. Teammate Luke Willing shared the duties, making six stops as well.

The youngest Solid Rock Construction team earned the win against AMI Dolphin Tours, winning by three goals. Parker Svoboda scored the solo goal for AMI Dolphin Tours.

Sharing the scoring credits, Matthew Darak and Samuel Raulerson each got the soccer ball past the AMI Dolphin Tours’ keepers.

The four goalkeepers in the game were kept busy with a total of 22 saves. With eight saves each, Isaac Roadman for Solid Rock and Gunnar Maize for AMI Dolphin Tours set the pace, while teammates Darak and Maize each helped with big saves of their own for their teams.

Wrapping up week three sports at The Center, the adult co-ed flag football league played under the big lights for four games.

In a high-scoring game, the Cortez Deep Sea Fishing team beat Gulf Drive Café by two points, winning 41-39. Team Salty Printing had an easy time of it against The Banks Home Lending Team with the final score 39-18.

Playing without their team captain, Ryan Moss, Moss Builders was shut out by Sandbar Seafood & Spirits. Sandbar scored 29 points in the third game of the night last Thursday.

Winning and remaining undefeated, Luxury Services won their third game of the season against Solid Rock Construction. Solid Rock kept the game close the entire two halves of play, losing only by two points.

Heading into the mid-point of the season for all the leagues, the championship games are in sight and all of the teams remain strong contenders.

 

 

Sun Scoreboard

June 26

11- to 13-year-old league
Week 3

 

Solid Rock Construction (1-1-1) 5

Island Vacation Properties (1-2-0) 4

 

Coastline West Team/Wagner Realty (2-0-1) Winner by forfeit

Moss Builders (1-2-0) L

 

June 27

Youth Indoor Soccer
8- to 10-year-old league

 

Progressive Cabinetry 6

AMI Dolphin Tours 0

 

Solid Rock Construction 7

Intentional Resilient Intuitive 4

 

June 28

Youth Indoor Soccer
8- to 10-year-old league

 

Progressive Cabinetry (2-1-0) 11

Intentional Resilient Intuitive (0-2-1) 2

 

Solid Rock Construction (3-0-0) 4

AMI Dolphin Tours (0-2-1) 1

 

June 22

Adult Co-Ed Flag Football
Week 2

 

Cortez Deep Sea Fishing (1-2-0) 41

Gulf Drive Café (1-2-0) 39

 

Salty Printing (2-1-0) 39

The Banks Home Lending Team (0-3-0) 18

 

Sandbar Seafood & Spirits (2-1-0) 29

Moss Builders (2-1-0) 0

 

Luxury Services (3-0-0) 21

Solid Rock Construction (1-2-0) 19

City leaders continue to fight parking garage

City leaders continue to fight parking garage

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

HOLMES BEACH – Gov. Ron DeSantis may have signed off on a beachfront parking garage, but that doesn’t mean that city leaders are giving up the fight to stop the garage from being built just yet.

“We’re committed to fighting this thing. We’re not going to stop until there are shovels in the ground,” Commissioner Terry Schaefer said, with his fellow commissioners echoing the statement.

The garage that commissioners are vowing to fight is planned as a three-story parking structure with 1,500 or more spaces at Manatee Beach. While parking garages are not an allowable land use in any of the three Anna Maria Island cities, they are allowed in Holmes Beach by special exception. Feeling that city officials would never approve the garage, Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said he opted to circumvent the special exception process in Holmes Beach by encouraging state Rep. Will Robinson to introduce HB 947, a bill to allow for the garage to be built without requiring any input or approvals from the city. Despite public outcry against the bill, it received unanimous support from the local state delegation, the Florida House and Senate, and, ultimately, from the governor.

The garage is estimated to cost $45 million to build, $400,000 a year to maintain and take at least two years to build, during which facilities and parking at Manatee Beach would be unavailable. The existing concession building with a retail store, restrooms and the Anna Maria Island Beach Café would be torn down to make way for the parking garage. Once built, the garage is expected to house new restroom and concession facilities.

City Attorney Erica Augello said that the legal battle is now underway to try and stop the garage from being built. While she said she’s just beginning to work on the city’s legal defense against the parking structure, she said she’s aware that at least two groups of residents and other interested parties have sprung up locally to fight against the garage. Augello said that if either or both groups decide to retain an attorney to pursue legal action she would like the attorneys to contact her to coordinate legal efforts.

Castles in the Sand

Is having two homes too much?

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

This column is all about being careful what you wish for. Some people love their childhood home and long for the day they will inherit it from their parents. Others know if they just had that beach house their life would be complete. Well, I’m here to tell you that both dreams do not come as easy as you might think.

Inheriting the family home has been a tradition in the country for a century. It made a lot of sense to children who needed the space and location where they grew up for their new families. It wasn’t uncommon for siblings to make arrangements to buy out other siblings who wanted the property and, mostly, it was a good idea and worked.

Now, however, the family home may be worth a lot more than anyone in the family anticipated. Higher mortgage rates can make it impossible or impractical for any of the heirs to maintain the property or buy it outright. In addition, tax liabilities need to be calculated by a professional to determine if or when the best time to sell is.

If keeping the family home is a viable option for the heirs, then it might be a good option to use this windfall as a second vacation or investment home. Owning a second home comes with a long list of pros and cons, just ask any owner on Anna Maria Island. But, if you’re starting with a property that is inherited, you’re at least starting at the top of the pro list.

The biggest expense in owning a second home is financing it. Financing costs are typically higher for vacation homes with higher interest rates and larger down payments generally required. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have also raised fees for second home loans recently. If this is an inherited home, financing is not the issue, but there are plenty of other issues.

Coastal Florida, in case you haven’t noticed, is experiencing insurance premiums that are rising with shrinking options. The closer you are to the water, the greater your risk of flooding and wind damage in a storm, especially for older homes that may not have been built to current code. It’s certainly not impossible to get insurance on older properties but insurance companies are looking for new roofs at a minimum. In fact, you don’t even need to have a waterfront home for insurance companies to require a new roof before they will write insurance or give you a deadline for when that new roof needs to be installed.

Maintenance of a second home is always an issue, especially if the owner resides several hours or several states away. Maintenance companies will maintain issues in the home and check on it regularly if no one is there, but these services all come with a price. Renting a second home certainly is an option, but at the end of the rental, the property needs to be cleaned and checked for repairs. It’s a lot of work for owners and it’s not unusual for second homeowners to decide at some point it’s too much work for the time they use the property.

The flip side of this is the income that can be realized from second homes. Just look at the rental prices on Anna Maria Island. Again, consult your tax professional if you plan to use the property for both personal and business use. Every owner’s situation is different based on their personal use, the amount that can be written off and income.

There is no one answer for everyone. Owning a beachfront property or a ski-in, ski-out chalet may be your dream. Just be careful what you wish for.

Legislation imperils local waters

Reel Time: Legislation imperils local waters

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

At a time when the need to move water quality issues in a positive direction should be crystal clear, decisionmakers (and, by default, the citizens who elected them) are weakening protections that are the basis of the region’s economy. After several years of record harmful algae blooms (red tide, lyngbya, blue-green algae) and the unprecedented mega release of toxic effluent from the Piney Point disaster, it’s almost unbelievable that newly enacted state laws are making it harder to protect critical waters.

A bill that was recently signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis prohibits local governments from “adopting or amending a fertilizer management ordinance” during the 2023-24 budget year. The legislation restricts the ability of local municipalities and counties to restrict fertilizer use during the rainy season (May 15 to Oct. 3). Instead, they are now required to depend on less restrictive regulations developed by the University of Florida and supported by the state’s phosphate industry, the producers of fertilizer. It’s another nod to industry over the common good. The bill, which was quietly tucked into the budget without comment from the public, is defended by proponents since it only lasts for a year while the university studies the impact of the revised rule. This move appears to be nothing more than a gift to the fertilizer industry that has been losing revenue since 2000. Before the law was enacted, Gil Smart, executive director of advocacy group VoteWater, stated, “Fertilizer control is a key tool for local governments grappling with water quality problems. If this stands, it just opens the door to even more nutrients in our waterways and more problems. It’s unconscionable.” (Mary Allen Klas, Tampa Bay Times, May 2, 2022)

When I contacted Smart about the newly-enacted bill, he added, “I can also say this fertilizer study is an obvious precursor to legislative attempts to weaken fertilizer ordinances across Florida. I’d expect to see legislation to that effect as early as next session.”

Local anglers see first-hand what devastation excess nutrients from a myriad of sources, including fertilizer, wreak on the waters of Anna Maria Sound. Capt. Justin Moore understands the issue firsthand. Moore fishes over 200 days a year and sees the changes happening before his eyes.

“I have lots of customers who love to fish and have young children,” he said. “If they want their kids able to fish, we need to address this issue at the ballot box. What I’m seeing makes me afraid that we’re close to losing it all if we’re not careful. New and existing businesses on the Island and beyond need to know that a catastrophic red tide bloom (scientifically linked to excess nutrients) could devastate their business.”

If this wasn’t a big enough blow to efforts to protect water quality and vital marine habitat, Senate Bill 540 might signal the final nail in the coffin of common-sense reform. According to Samantha Wassmer, marketing and communications specialist for Suncoast Waterkeeper, “Along with the new restriction on fertilizer, the state Legislature delivered Senate Bill 540 and Senate Bill 1258/House Bill 1191 to the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 540 threatens ordinary Floridians with financial ruin for exercising their right to legally challenge bad development decisions. Specifically, citizens who challenge comprehensive plan amendments would be forced to pay the attorney fees and costs of the prevailing local government and developers if they lose their challenge. Senate Bill 1258 approves the use of radioactive waste called phosphogypsum in road construction, giving a free pass for industry to produce even more fertilizer that ultimately flushes into and pollutes our local waterways. Gov. DeSantis signed SB 540 on May 24, 2023, and has yet to take any action on SB 1258 which, as a result, automatically went into effect on July 1.”

Dave Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, has a broader viewpoint as a scientist and brings another perspective to the issue.

“Municipalities are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to clean up Sarasota Bay and isotopic signatures show the presence of fertilizer-derived nitrogen in bay waters. Since there are no agricultural sources of nitrogen in the adjacent watershed it’s an indication that the nitrogen is from residential sources. If you want a bright green lawn, you must be willing to accept a bright green bay,” Tomasko said. “Since no one wants that, every citizen in the watershed must step up and do their part.”

In the end, the message seems clear to this advocate. If we are to protect this special place we love, it will require the voters to elect lawmakers who represent the people. Our state legislators and the governor have failed us to date.

Coquina Beach parking lot improvements nearly complete

Coquina Beach parking lot improvements nearly complete

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Almost the entire Coquina Beach parking lot is now available to beachgoers, including those visiting the beach during the extended Fourth of July weekend.

The second phase of Manatee County’s long-running drainage and parking lot improvement project is now in its final stage, with the remaining work taking place in the overflow parking area being created north of the picnic pavilion area.

Coquina Beach parking lot improvements nearly complete
This diagram illustrates where the work was completed and the overflow parking area, circled in red, still being worked on. – Manatee County | Submitted

According to Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan, all the Coquina Beach parking spaces are now open except for the overflow area, which he said is expected to be completed by the end of July.

Coquina Beach parking lot improvements nearly complete
An overflow parking area is being constructed near the picnic pavilions. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“That is the last and final parking and drainage improvement,” Logan said of the final work taking place.

Formerly comprised of shell and sand, the Coquina Beach parking spaces are now paved with permeable concrete which contains gaps that allow water to drain down through the pavement and into the new drainage elements below.

A visit to the Coquina Beach parking lot on June 27 indicated that, with the exception of the overflow area, the entire parking lot was finished and available for parking.

Coquina Beach parking lot improvements nearly complete
The improvements made to the north end of the Coquina Beach parking lot are complete. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Coquina Beach drainage project started at the south end of the beach parking lot in May 2019 and included the removal of approximately 100 Australian Pine trees. County staff said the trees needed to be removed in part because their expansive root systems would hinder the drainage and paving improvements. As the second phase of the project moved north, approximately 87 more Australian pines were removed. Although many Australian Pines were removed, many still remain in place, including those along the recreational trail between the parking lot and the beach.

When the county commission approved the phase two plans and tree removals in 2020, the estimated phase one cost was $3.36 million and the estimated phase two cost was $3.62 million.