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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.

Parking at a premium for holiday weekend

Parking at a premium for holiday weekend

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – As America makes its 247th successful trip around the sun, many people are expected to celebrate the nation’s birthday on the Island’s white sand beaches.

With July Fourth coming next Tuesday, be prepared for several days of festivities, as many will arrive early for the weekend and crowds are anticipated to be some of the largest AMI has ever seen.

While there has been a slight leveling off after the tourism boom that occurred in 2021 as Florida became one of the few states that opened for business after the COVID-19 lockdown, recent holiday weekends have been busy and there is no reason to expect anything less for this one.

Law enforcement officials have gone on the record saying Memorial Day weekend last month was the busiest weekend ever seen on the Island.

“In my opinion, the Sunday before Memorial Day was the busiest day I’ve ever seen on the Island,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said. “We issued more than 100 parking-related tickets, but I drove around our city’s public parking spots and there was never a time there weren’t spots open, people just need to keep a lookout for them.”

A map of available public parking spaces in Holmes Beach can be found on the city’s website.

Parking at a premium for holiday weekend
Beachgoers enjoyed nearly perfect weather on Memorial Day weekend at a very busy Manatee Beach. The July Fourth weekend could see even larger crowds. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

In Bradenton Beach, the parking situation is amplified with the addition of more than 50 new no parking signs on Gulf Drive South, though some motorists don’t seem to care about the new signs.

“Over Memorial Day weekend, our officers wrote more than 400 tickets for illegal parking at Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach, and there were still plenty that probably got away with it,” Bradenton Beach Police Lt. Lenard Diaz said.

Both Tokajer and Diaz believe that some people feel like it’s worth the price of a ticket to just park and get on with their beach day, a sentiment echoed by many people The Sun has spoken to regarding beach parking.

“It costs about the same to park at Disney as it does to get a ticket for illegally parking here,” Britany Hillibold of Bradenton said. “I live less than 10 miles from the Island and it can take two or more hours just to get onto AMI. Then the process of finding a parking spot begins. I get why some people just park and head to the beach knowing they’ll have a ticket on their windshield when they get back to their car. For the price of a couple of grouper sandwiches, you’re good to go.”

While parking will be difficult, restaurant wait times will be excessive and travel to and from the Island will be slow, there will still be plenty of sand, sea and sun to make the Island a great place to wish America a happy birthday. Just keep a few things in mind to have a safe and enjoyable fourth. The following are not permitted on any Island beach:

  • Motor vehicles,
  • Fires,
  • Grills (except where public grills are provided),
  • Pets,
  • Alcohol,
  • Harassment of wildlife (shorebirds and sea turtles are nesting, admire from a distance), and
  • Fireworks.

“I have three important reminders for the upcoming July Fourth holiday weekend,” Tokajer said. “First, you are vacationing in a residential area, so please keep noise to a minimum. Second, be respectful of your surroundings and leave it cleaner than you found it. Third, always park with all tires off the road. Parallel parking is parking with the flow of traffic. Saying you didn’t see the sign or were not aware will not get a ticket voided.”

Holmes Beach police, along with Bradenton Beach and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which patrols the city of Anna Maria, remind the public that local ordinances are strictly enforced, and all three departments plan to increase the number of officers on patrol for the busy holiday weekend.

“Remember to not put yourself in a position to be a victim of a crime of opportunity,” Diaz said. “Lock your car and don’t leave valuables in plain sight on car seats or places that entice criminals. Also, don’t bring valuables to the beach. Just bring what you need so you can relax and enjoy yourself.”

While violent crime is uncommon on AMI, a heavy influx of visitors may bring out a few people with bad intentions. Taking common sense precautions can help assure a fun and safe day at the beach.

Continued water disruptions expected on AMI

Continued water disruptions expected on AMI

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Customers can expect periodic continued disruptions to water services as contractors continue to work to replace a part of a water main after the aging pipe fell off the Anna Maria Island Bridge on June 19.

In a press release, Manatee County officials said the emergency repairs are being completed as quickly as possible but could take up to a few weeks to complete. While residents and businesses are not without water, water pressure is expected to remain lower than usual and service may be interrupted for short periods of time to accommodate the repairs. Currently, the north end of the Island is receiving water through Bradenton Beach.

In addition to water service disruptions, there also are associated traffic issues to contend with.

Boaters are asked to travel only through the channel underneath the bridge to avoid interfering with workers and hitting the construction equipment or pipes.

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic across the bridge is reduced to one lane from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Friday, June 30. Access to the sidewalk on the south side of the bridge will be restricted and drivers will have to contend with alternating one-way traffic across the bridge, which is expected to cause traffic jams and extended travel times. To avoid the construction area, motorists are advised to use the Cortez Bridge to access the Island.

Everyone is asked to conserve water as much as possible while repairs are taking place, including taking shorter showers and limiting outdoor watering.

For more information, or to check for updates to the project, visit www.mymanatee.org.

Reel Time: Fly casting mastery

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

Teaching fly casting has taught me some valuable lessons. Chief among them is the fact that it’s most often easier to learn from scratch using the fundamentals (physics) of the cast than it is to correct bad habits that have been developed over time. That became apparent to me when I gave lessons to someone who had been fly casting for a long time but who had ingrained bad techniques. When I showed them how to properly move the rod tip in a straight line to form a tight, wind penetrating loop, they understood the concept immediately. The eye opener for student and teacher was when they tried to repeat the proper casting stroke and their ingrained bad habit overpowered their new understanding.

This isn’t bad news for long-time casters who have been using improper techniques, but points out the necessity of practice to reteach the brain how to move the rod. The same applies to proficient casters who are learning to cast with their non-dominant hand. Try this and you’ll see what I mean instantly. If you’re a right-handed caster, putting the rod in the left hand is like handing it to your clone where the fundamentals of the cast are understood but the body doesn’t cooperate. The good news is that by learning the fundamentals of the cast and practicing them regularly anyone can become adept.

Besides learning and practicing the essentials of fly casting, it’s important to realize that there is no right or wrong casting style. Casting is governed by physics and there are some essentials that every fly caster must master, no matter what their individual skills or styles. This is the difference between the art (style) and science (physics) of the cast.

Reel Time: Fly casting
Fly fishing legend Joan Wulff demonstrates the casting stroke. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Fly casting is a lifelong learning experience that you can practice at 9 or 90. Different people learn at a different pace. Some people pick up casting quickly and then plateau. Others start slow, but when they finally get it, they’ve got it. It can be compared to learning how to ride a bike. To become a good caster you need to practice, but that practice will reward you with a lifetime of pleasure and provide the opportunity of the company of good friends.

Fly casting differs from spin or bait casting where the weight of the lure or bait loads the rod. The rod then transfers the stored energy of the rod to the lure or bait, which carries it to the target. In fly casting, the weight of the line loads the rod, and the line takes the leader and flies to the target.

The basic casting stroke consists of the rod being held in the hand at the base of the fingers with the thumb on top of the cork. The stroke is a combination of moves of the wrist, the forearm and the upper arm. In the ready position with the thumb on the cork, the wrist is straight and the butt of the rod is at a 45 degree angle to the forearm. The wrist travels from this straight position to a 45 degree down angle then returns to straight position. The forearm and the upper arm complete the motion.

There are five basic movements that make up what is referred to as the essentials:

  1. There must be a pause at the end of each casting stroke, which varies in duration with the amount of line beyond the rod tip. This allows the line to straighten for the next cast.
  2. Slack line should be kept to an absolute minimum. Slack line prevents the rod from loading and applying the proper power to the cast. The most common mistake that creates slack line happens when the rod is started too high, forming a belly in the line between the rod tip and the water. To prevent this, start your cast with the rod tip pointing at the water.
  3. To form the most efficient, least air-resistant loops and to direct the energy of the cast toward the target, the rod tip must move in a straight line. Practice tracing a horizontal line like a roof eve.
  4. The length of the casting stroke must vary with the amount of line past the rod tip. If you are making a short cast, there is only a small amount of line needed (which only weighs a small amount). As the length of line increases, the stroke must be increased to load the rod.
  5. Power must be applied in the proper amount at the proper place in the stroke. In general, the power is applied slowly at first, gradually increasing to a peak at the end of the stroke. There should be a crisp stop at the end of the stroke, forcing the rod to come out of its bend. This is commonly referred to as the speed-up and stop.

In my experience, the only way to master fly casting is to practice consistently, preferably committing to two to five minutes every day to train or retrain your brain. Any additional time will, of course, be a bonus, but the importance of a regular practice schedule cannot be over-emphasized. There are lots of resources on the internet to help you perfect your cast and lessons with a caster trained by the Fly Fishers International can be invaluable. Some of the best videos to search for online are those by master casters and instructors Joan Wulff and Lefty Kreh. Locally, anglers can research rods and tackle at AMI Outfitters on Anna Maria Island. There are also some excellent casting videos on YouTube from Orvis and Rio. Learn and apply the fundamentals of fly casting consistently and you’ll be on your way to mastering the cast.

Luxury Services and Moss Builders lead the pack

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

ANNA MARIA – Adult flag football and youth indoor soccer play continued at The Center last week. In the second week of play, two teams rose to the top of the pack.

Luxury Services and Moss Builders look to be the teams to beat this season going into week three play undefeated. Luxury Services had an easy time against the Sandbar Seafood & Spirits crew last Thursday night, winning by 16 points.

In the defensive battle royale, eight total interceptions were recorded in the statistics between both teams, along with more than 25 flag pulls. Leading in the defensive stops for Luxury Services was Derrick Carey with seven pulls.

Jonathan Soultatos, a member of last season’s championship team, along with teammate Ramon Guerrero IV had four flag pulls each, helping the team total 15 stops during the two halves of play.

The wheels of Tim Holly allowed him to get to the Sandbar quarterback with three sacks in the game. On the other side of the football, Soultatos got to the QB once for a big stop.

For the offense and the win, Luxury Services quarterback Chase Richardson hit Alonzo Lemus three times for touchdowns. Two-point conversions by Richardson and Lemus, along with a sack for a safety by Holly, gave the Luxury team 30 points and the win.

Despite the loss, Sandbar scored two touchdowns and Guerrero made a two-point conversion. TDs by Soultatos and Zachary Routh helped to keep the team in the game, but it just was not enough.

In game two Thursday night, Gulf Drive Café dominated the field on both offense and defense against The Banks Home Lending Team with the final score of 41-15. Dominick Otteni threw for four touchdowns and had a rushing TD of his own to help lead his team to the win.

Otteni’s scoring targets were Dallas Buchholz, Jacob Ferda, Steven Pavina and Kiatrell Zachery. Pavina scored for Gulf Drive while on defense, while Zachery, Ferda and Otteni added to the points after conversions.

The Banks Home Lending Team managed to get 15 points up in lights thanks to two nice throws by Cruz Rodriguez leading to 12 points by Juan Vega and Joseph Vigil. Don Uffinger is credited with a sack leading to a safety for two points.

Contributing to the team’s scoring, Sequiel Marintez scored a one-point conversion for The Banks Home Lending Team.

The third game in the adult flag football league was a nailbiter. Salty Printing eked out the win by three points against Cortez Deep Sea Fishing. Zaon Williams led the Salty team with three passing touchdowns and six points on his feet rushing into the end zone.

Joey Carder, Jose Perez and Brandon Rolland each put up six points with nice catches for touchdowns. Andrew Procter scored three critical conversion points in the game, helping to give his team the win.

Scoring his own one-point conversion, Rolland had seven points in the game, with two catches and one flag pull.

Despite the strong efforts of the Cortez Deep Sea Fishing squad, the win eluded them. Matt Manger and Anthony Mannino shared the QB duties. Mannino threw for one TD and scored on a reception from Manger. While playing defense, Mannino was credited with a flag pull, interception and a defensive touchdown.

Flipping roles, Mannino threw a touchdown pass to Manger. Other targets of the night for touchdowns were Johnny Sevier and Jesse Skipper. Skipper found himself in the endzone causing a sack and safety.

Rounding out the scoring for the Cortez Deep Sea Fishing squad, Anthony McCance contributed with a one-point conversion.

In the final game of the night, QB Tuna McCracken just could not find one more scoring opportunity for the Solid Rock Construction team, losing to Moss Builders 20-14.

Despite finding Connor Ludwig and Evelyn Long open for scoring passes and one-point conversions by both, Moss Builders made it into the end zone one more time than Solid Rock.

Veteran player Ryan Moss threw for three touchdowns, hitting cousin Greg Moss twice and Isaiah Lambert once for three touchdowns. G. Moss and Lambert each had a single interception in the game.

Moss rounded out his statistics with a two-point conversion to help the Moss Builders team capture its second win, remaining undefeated along with Luxury Services heading into week three play this Thursday night at The Center.

Youth soccer

In youth indoor soccer action, two games were played in the 11- to 13-year-old league last Monday night. Playing the first game, the Coastline West Team/Wagner Realty left Island Vacation Properties scoreless with a final score of 9-0.

David Zupa scored five goals for Coastline, along with three goals by Cayson Travis and a single by Grady Sandhoff. Blake Brower played goalie for Coastline, making 15 saves.

On the other side of the indoor field, Jimmie Melichar made 16 saves, while teammate Alonso Valle had 13 stops as goalie for Island Vacation Properties.

Winning by two goals, Moss Builders, with Miles Moss in goal, defeated Solid Rock Construction in youth indoor soccer. Moss made 10 stops for his team, with scoring by his brother, Mason Moss, and Magness Rollins for four points.

Solid Rock Construction’s Austin Guess stopped 11 shots as the keeper, while Mckenna Darak and Wes Saxon each had single goals to close out week two of youth indoor soccer action in the gymnasium at the Island’s community center.

 

Sun Scoreboard

June 19

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

No games

11- to 13-year-old league
Week 2

 

Coastline West Team/Wagner Realty 9

Island Vacation Properties 0

 

Moss Builders 4

Solid Rock Construction 2

June 22

Adult co-ed flag football
Week 2

 

Luxury Services (2-0-0) 30

Sandbar Seafood & Spirits (1-1-0) 14

 

Gulf Drive Café (1-1-0) 41

The Banks Home Lending Team (0-2-0) 15

 

Salty Printing (1-1-0) 36

Cortez Deep Sea Fishing (0-2-0) 33

 

Moss Builders (2-0-0) 20

Solid Rock Construction (1-1-0) 14

Piney Point contamination extends to Tarpon Springs

Piney Point contamination extends to Tarpon Springs

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Environment, Outdoors.

PALMETTO – A recent study shows the 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.

Immediately after the spill in 2021, SBEP partnered with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the University of Florida and the University of South Florida to set up a series of sites to monitor existing conditions and determine the extent of the spill’s impact, according to the SBEP.

Results of that collaboration among agencies showed evidence of algae blooms and high concentrations of red tide in the months following the spill.

“A chemical signature, unique to the Piney Point effluent, was also found at a location in St. Joseph Sound, originally chosen to be a reference site, as it was assumed to be far enough away from the spill to avoid impact,” according to the SBEP website. “This was not the case as evidence of the Piney Point spill was also found at this location.”

In 2021, FDEP authorized the intentional emergency discharge of 215 million gallons of wastewater from the former phosphate plant into Tampa Bay to avoid a potential flood after a leak was discovered in the waste storage system. Surrounding homes and businesses were evacuated.

From March 30 to April 9, 2021, the wastewater poured into the bay, adding an estimated 186 metric tons of nitrogen, exceeding typical annual nitrogen loads in a matter of days, according to a report released by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. The nitrogen worsened toxic cyanobacteria blooms that peaked in June, followed by a bloom of toxic red tide algae that caused fish kills, triggering the cleanup of more than 1,600 metric tons of dead fish, according to the report.

Last March, Manatee County Utilities crews began disposal of those waters into a permitted injection well.
The well, drilled to a depth of 3,300 feet below land surface, was completed by Fort Myers-based Youngquist Brothers Inc., working with consultants ASRus of Tampa and Manatee County Utilities staff. By collaboratively working with the FDEP, crews were able to expedite the well work, which was completed in late 2022.

The well holds Piney Point’s process water in a confined saltwater aquifer over a half mile below the surface under the Floridan aquifer, the state’s drinking water source.

The phosphate process water will continue to be drained from the reservoirs atop nearby phosphogypsum stacks as the plant is permanently closed, and will be pre-treated before injection.

Fireworks pose danger to wildlife

Fireworks pose danger to wildlife

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Birds, Outdoors.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While it’s common knowledge that house pets are easily spooked by fireworks, local animal advocates remind people about the disruption to wildlife from loud and light-filled Fourth of July celebrations.

Krista Carpenter, a volunteer with Wildlife Inc., said that each year, the Bradenton Beach animal rehabilitation organization sees an influx of animals impacted by fireworks.

“Babies can become separated from their parents as they run from the noise of fireworks,” Carpenter said. “Raptors like the bald eagle can abandon their nests because the noise and lights are considered an attack.”

She said even animals in Wildlife Inc.’s care may become hurt while reacting to the sound of fireworks.

“Animals at the rescue can injure themselves by throwing themselves against the cages out of fear, attempting to escape,” Carpenter said.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said that fireworks can disorient sea turtles and scare nesting shorebirds away.

“Fireworks pose threats to both sea turtles and shorebirds,” Mazzarella said. “The light from fireworks can disorient or confuse nesting sea turtles and hatchlings, preventing them from finding their way to the ocean.”

She said both light and noise can scare nesting shorebirds.

“Fireworks can spook nesting shorebirds from their nests and scatter chicks, leaving them open to predators and being separated from their parents,” Mazzarella said. “The trash from the fireworks can be a danger to all animals on the beach.”

Celebratory fireworks can literally frighten birds to death, according to Audubon Florida.

“Although beachside fireworks shows are entertaining to people, the bursts of color and noise wreak havoc on coastal birds – especially for nesting species. After each fireworks explosion, birds panic and fly from their nests, scattering the chicks and exposing them to predators and heat until their parents return,” according to Audubon Florida. “For this reason, it is better to attend a municipal firework show versus deploying store-bought fireworks on the beach.”

Audubon Florida reminds beachgoers:

  • Debris left from the fireworks litter beaches and near-shore waters and can be easily mistaken for food by sea turtles and other marine animals. Hungry chicks nibble on plastic refuse, even ingesting some of the smallest pieces.
  • Give nesting birds at least 100 feet of distance or as much as possible. Signs or people will alert you to these areas, but some birds haven’t settled down to start nesting yet and may just look like they are resting in the sand. Please avoid walking through flocks of birds on the upper beach.
  • Pets and vehicles are not permitted on Anna Maria Island beaches.
  • Remove trash and food scraps, which attract predators that will also eat birds’ eggs and/or chicks.

“These disturbances can cause adult birds to abandon their nests or chicks, which can ultimately lead to chicks starving, getting eaten by a predator, or overheating in the sun. This Fourth of July weekend, many birds are re-nesting and will have their final opportunity to successfully raise young this season,” the Audubon website says.

Over the July Fourth weekend, Audubon Florida’s bird stewards will be out at locations across the state where people and beach-nesting birds co-mingle. They will help coastal visitors learn about the birds to better understand what is happening inside posted areas.

Letter to the Editor

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

Dear Island Sun Staff,

The Copeland family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the remembrance edition dedicated to the life and legacy of Pat Copeland, recently published on June 21, 2023. We are deeply moved by the AMI Sun family’s tribute to her.

The remembrance edition truly captured the essence of Pat’s remarkable life journey and the profound impact she had on our community. The articles, photographs, and personal anecdotes shared within its pages beautifully highlighted her numerous accomplishments, her unwavering dedication as a wife and mother, and her enduring spirit. It was a fitting tribute to someone who touched so many’s lives.

I must commend journalist Joe Hendricks for the love and care he poured into his article, the entire AMI Sun Staff, and the editorial team involved in creating this exceptional tribute. Pat especially loved the weekly cartoons by Steve Borggren, so it was such a nice surprise to see that even the weekly cartoon was in her honor. It was a wonderful portrait for those who knew Pat, and for those who didn’t, they got to know her.

The overwhelming condolences the family has received show the beauty and kindness within the island community that Pat cherished. Thank you to the City of Anna Maria for giving her a stately celebration by lowering the city flags in her honor.

On behalf of everyone who had the privilege of knowing Pat, I extend my deepest gratitude to the entire team at The AMI Sun. Your commitment to honoring her memory with grace, dignity, and authenticity is a testament to the importance of local journalism and its role in preserving the stories that shape our community.

A public memorial service will be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, July 8, at Roser Memorial Church on Anna Maria, where friends and family will come together to celebrate Patricia’s remarkable life.

The Copeland Family

Castles in the Sand

100 years of paradise

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

Anna Maria is celebrating 100 years of providing exquisite beaches and aqua water to beachgoers and visitors. The celebration started on Memorial Day and will probably go on for several months and rightly so since the Island is something to be celebrated.

Down through the years when I interviewed new business owners or friends who moved to Anna Maria Island, I always asked how they found it. Many of them came as children to visit grandparents and always vowed to return. One drove over the Manatee Avenue bridge because she was early to visit a relative in Bradenton and couldn’t believe what she found, buying a Gulf-front piece of property the same day on a credit card. And one of my favorite stories was when a couple on vacation in their RV drove over the Cortez Bridge and turned right instead of left. They too bought a home the same day and opened a business.

My personal story happened in 1995 when I was visiting a friend in Bradenton and was taken to Anna Maria for dinner. That was the first of many visits to the Island, including the one that sent us home to sell our house. In January of 1997, my husband and I rented a beach house on the Gulf side of North Shore Drive. It turned out to be one of the best vacations I ever had and I knew then this is where I wanted to be.

To say Anna Maria Island has changed since those years would be a vast understatement and the thing that has changed the most is real estate construction and values. May sales statistics released by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee is showing our market is still moving forward.

Single-family closed properties were up 17.2% compared to May of last year. The median sale price for single-family homes was down 6.4% to $515,000 and the average selling price for single-family properties was also down by 4.1% to $686,015. The median time to contract was 32 days, compared to six days last year. Pending inventory was up by 31.8% and the month’s supply of available properties was 2.7 months, compared to last year at 1.2 months.

Condo sales were up 5% when compared to May of last year. The median sale price was up 3.4% to $382,645 and the average sale price was also up by 37.3% to $606,255. The median time to contract was 37 days, compared to 6 days last year, and pending inventory was up 8.9%. The month’s supply of available properties was 3.4 months, compared to one month last year.

Condo sales had the edge this month in both sales and selling price, which in this market could change in a heartbeat. That said, the market is starting to settle down, as stated by the press release issued by the Realtor Association.

“Sarasota-Manatee housing market begins to stabilize but remains a seller’s market,” the press release said.

The summer months have always been the slow time in Island real estate, but don’t bet on that to continue when we’re in a seller’s market.

Anna Maria Island is so much more than its beaches; it’s a lifestyle I fear is slowly eroding just like the beach sand. If there is anything that can be done to slow this progression, I don’t know what it is. I only hope that our little paradise isn’t lost in the name of progress.