ANNA MARIA ISLAND – It’s been a good week for sea turtles as nest numbers continue to climb, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella.
However, the group has documented several disturbances to nests on Island beaches.
“There were lots of large holes on the beach,” she said, thanking Manatee County’s beach cleaning staff for filling them in. “It’s best if people fill in their holes before they leave the beach. That way, they are not hazards to nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings at night.”
The holes also are hazards to people who walk the beach at night.
Mazzarella also reminded people to keep beaches dark at night to avoid disturbing nesting turtles.
“Lights are prohibited on the beach and can disturb turtles that may be nesting a long distance from a light source,” she said. “Several of our nesting females traveled a long distance out of their way because they were following lights instead of using the brightness of the night sky to find the ocean.”
This year, Turtle Watch is using backup stakes to find or remark nests in case a storm washes away existing stakes.
“They are placed in the dunes but sometimes in the middle of the beach,” Mazzarella said. “We urge people to avoid these stakes and leave them in place. Please call code enforcement or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission if you see someone disturbing these nests or a nesting site.”
MANATEE COUNTY – What goes up must come down, but in the release of celebratory helium-filled balloons, it’s the coming down that creates problems.
In addition to adding trash to the waters, deflated balloons can cause marine life to become entangled and die. The balloons also can be ingested by marine life.
In May, researchers from the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP) spent five days offshore conducting dolphin research, but they found more than dolphins.
“We collected 76 balloons and other marine debris up to dozens of miles offshore, including two ghost crab trap lines with floats and a beach ball. Most of the balloons had Mother’s Day or birthday messages,” according to the SDRP website.
Mylar balloons are made of synthetic nylon with a metallic coating, are non-biodegradable and can travel long distances.
“They heavily contribute to oceanic waste and animals can become entangled in them or ill from ingesting whole balloons or pieces,” according to the SDRP. “Wayward balloons are also extra dangerous for sea turtles because they resemble jellyfish – one of turtles’ common prey items.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) also warns against the release of balloons as being hazardous to marine life.
“Marine and coastal wildlife can become entangled or trapped in many items such as fishing line, crab traps, balloons with attached string, beach furniture and other types of marine debris. In addition, some of these items may be ingested, leading to further harm,” according to the FWC website. “Monofilament fishing line and other plastics (bags, deflated balloons, etc.) can drift into seagrass beds or snag onto floating vegetation – a sure path to a slow death if a manatee ingests any of these items and is not able to pass it through its digestive system.”
Florida Statute 379.23 prohibits the release of more than 10 balloons within 24 hours. Violation of the law can result in a $250 fine.
ANNA MARIA – Bortell’s Lounge is on the market with a $7.2 million asking price.
Pat Bucko is serving as the broker for Bortell’s Lounge owner Steve Rose.
According to Bucko’s online listing, the purchase includes the land, the 2,850-square-foot building, the business and a 4COP dual liquor license that allows for consumption on premises and package liquor sales.
According to the listing, “Bortell’s Lounge first opened its doors in 1977 and has been an Anna Maria institution ever since. What makes Bortell’s legendary is the long history with the locals and vacationers that have created lifelong memories and friendships over the past 46 years.
“The current owner purchased the building and business in 2015 knowing it was going to need an extensive remodel and in 2018 he closed the doors and began the process. After three years of planning, engineering, construction and blood, sweat and beers, Bortell’s reopened in 2021,” the listing notes.
Steve Rose reopened his renovated Bortell’s Lounge in 2021. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When contacted by The Sun, Rose shared his thoughts on selling Bortell’s.
“It’s just time. I always knew I was buying it to do a renovation and I’ve achieved what I wanted to do. I’ve got some other projects I want to do and it’s the right time to move on. I’ve got a couple things in the hopper that I’m excited about but nothing under contract yet,” he said.
“Bortell’s is for sale but people shouldn’t worry. It was a bar for 40 years when I bought it and I developed it in a way that I believe it will stay a bar for 40 more years. I can’t imagine anybody buying it and doing anything other than that. I’m not expecting a quick sale. We’re still pouring drinks six days a week and we’re firing up the pizza ovens and bringing pizza back beginning on Tuesday (June 13),” Rose said.
“Owning Bortell’s has truly been a dream come true for me. It’s helped me check so many things off my personal bucket list that I had to update my list. I moved to the Island and bought a dive bar. It’s like something from a Jimmy Buffett song. I did not get to this place alone. I owe thanks to everyone who has and does work for me, as well as a huge list of vendors, contractors and sub-contractors, as well as a few people that were just at the right place and time to help us out,” Rose said.
In certain parts of the world, the marketplace is designed for negotiation. Don’t ever offer full price and don’t ever accept the first negotiation are two commonly employed strategies. It’s a culture that was pretty common in this country in generations past. Now it’s rare to purchase a car, an appliance or bike for your child and not pay the asking price.
Even purchasing a home during the past several years has almost lost the art of negotiation with values going crazy and offers being accepted at or well over full price. With the market stabilizing, buyers and sellers are starting to negotiate offers again, but there are other areas in the process of home buying where savings can be achieved. It never hurts to ask.
So, as a buyer or seller, you negotiated the accepted price of a home, but don’t think you’re done. I bet there are a few things you never thought of. They say a good negotiation is when both parties to the transaction come away thinking they left something on the table. Every property comes with stuff. It may be stuff that the buyer wants and the seller can’t take with them, making this a good starting place for negotiations.
Furniture is always negotiable even if the seller was planning on taking it. Furniture is expensive to move and, unless there are some valuable pieces, it may not make sense to hire a mover or shipper to relocate it. This is the time when the buyer can evaluate whether the furnishings have value and negotiate an offer to purchase. Not having to furnish a home can mean really big savings. Many homes in Florida come “turnkey” furnished and this can be a financial asset, especially for a second home purchase.
Everyone reading this lives on or near the water. What floats on the water? Boats. If the seller owns a boat and is moving to Colorado, it’s possible to take it off their hands, especially if the buyer was planning on buying one. This is a win-win for all parties. It’s the same with cars. Shipping a car that might be a few years old may not be cost-effective for a seller and buyers may be looking for another vehicle for their second home or their upcoming teenager’s driver’s license.
There are other ways to reduce expenses when purchasing a property, including negotiating with moving companies that are starting to see a reduction in activity. Try three different moving companies and see what the spread is. Moving companies also have other services like packing and unpacking which, if you ask, you can sometimes get a nice upgrade for not much more money.
As we know, mortgage rates have been fluctuating. Don’t be shy about negotiating origination fees, underwriting and loan application fees. Even the rate can be negotiated, just make sure the lender isn’t adding fees in the form of points to a negotiated interest rate. According to Freddie Mac, between 2010 and 2021, borrowers who applied with two different lenders reduced their mortgage rate by an average of 0.10%.
Sellers generally pay the broker commission on the sale of a property. Remember that realtor commissions are not regulated and can be negotiated as well. That said, I generally don’t like sellers negotiating realtor commissions since I think it can hurt the marketability of the property.
Good negotiating is an art. If you develop the skill to think creatively, you’ll be surprised how much money you can save. My mother grew up in the never pay full-price generation. Sometimes this was embarrassing, but most of the time she was right.
ANNA MARIA – In a cooperative effort between Mote Marine Laboratory and The Florida Aquarium, two loggerhead sea turtles were released at Bayfront Park on May 30 after months of care and rehabilitation for the effects of red tide toxin.
“We are proud to collaborate with The Florida Aquarium in our shared mission to rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles,” Mote’s Rehabilitation and Medical Care Coordinator Lynne Byrd said in a press release. “By combining our expertise and resources, we can provide these magnificent creatures with the best possible care, ensuring their recovery and return to the big blue.”
The two rescued loggerhead sea turtles were nicknamed Valerie and Mahomes. Valerie was discovered floating nearshore off Longboat Key on Feb. 21. She appeared to have been affected by toxins from red tide, a waterborne algae that also can affect human respiration. She was transported to Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital in Sarasota and began receiving injectable antibiotics and subcutaneous fluids until symptoms improved.
When Valerie arrived at the hospital, Mote scientists found that she already had a flipper tag and a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag. The PIT tag, placed by Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program in 2019, gave the turtle a unique barcode identification number that allowed scientists to gain valuable insights into her migratory patterns, growth rates, survival and reproductive output, according to Mote.
Mahomes was found washed ashore off Casey Key Road in Sarasota County and also showed symptoms of red tide toxicity.
Initially admitted to Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital on Feb. 13, Mahomes was later transferred to The Florida Aquarium Turtle Rehabilitation Center on Feb. 24 to better prepare Mote for what they anticipated to be high numbers of incoming sea turtle patients affected by toxic red tide exposure.
Mahomes received antibiotics and supportive care during the course of rehabilitation to help rid the sea turtle’s body of toxins.
Before the release, Mahomes was outfitted with a satellite tag by The Florida Aquarium and the Sea Turtle Conservancy.
“These tags provide critically important information about diving, feeding, migratory and activity patterns all while recording corresponding environmental data such as water temperatures. This data will help better understand the patient’s behavior after reintroduction and provides key insight for future rehabilitation and conservation efforts,” according to Mote.
Following their months of care, the loggerheads successfully cleared all health assessments mandated by wildlife officials for release.
“Every turtle matters, as they serve as ambassadors for the critical need to protect and conserve these creatures and the habitats they rely on,” Byrd said in the release. “Every rehabilitated sea turtle is a symbol of hope for the future of our oceans.”
Within Sarasota or Manatee county waters, if you see a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale, please call Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program, a 24-hour response service, at 941-988-0212.
If you see a stranded or dead manatee anywhere in state waters or a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale outside of Sarasota or Manatee counties, please call the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
The world of photography has evolved with amazing speed over the last two decades and anglers have never had an easier time recording memories made on the water. Whether you’re capturing a reminder of a trip or your catch to share with friends and family, to post on social media or just to keep for your records, the new generation of phones and digital cameras allows you to record those experiences.
Photography has never been easier and anglers can enjoy this amazing technology no matter what their level of expertise. Most digital cameras and most smart phones also come with software (or apps) that let you enhance the image, crop the size and share the final product in a number of ways. You can send the images by email, as a text (straight from a phone) or download them, edit and print them out to frame and display. Modern phone cameras have all the features of digital cameras and the advantage of always being close at hand.
Even though taking a picture may be easy, there are a few basic rules that will help you capture a better image.
Before leaving the dock be sure you have fresh batteries, a charged phone, portable battery banks, memory cards and a cleaning cloth.
There is almost always a certain amount of chaos associated with catching a memorable fish, so get an idea in advance of where you’ll compose your image.
Check the background through the viewfinder carefully for distracting and cluttered backgrounds. Make sure you don’t have any unwanted objects, like a rod appearing to stick out of someone’s head.
Look to capture photographs that aren’t posed and remember that the sooner you get your picture the more vibrant the colors of a fish will be. First and foremost, fill the frame with the subject, eliminating anything that doesn’t add to the composition.
Since you’re filming on the water, check that the horizon is straight. Cameras and most smartphones have the option of putting a grid on the screen. If you have the option, and most phones do, shoot in portrait mode to blur the background and bring the subject into sharp focus.
Use a polarizing filter to cut glare and saturate colors.
For most shots with a digital camera set the aperture to at least F8 for better depth of field.
When trying to “catch” a jumping fish, make sure you stop the action with an ISO of at least 1,000th of a second. Many digital cameras and phones can now capture up to 10 frames a second so set the camera or phone to burst mode.
Many photographs taken on the water are exposed in bright light. When possible, avoid shadows on angler’s faces and use a fill flash if necessary.
Take a number of shots from different angles and get the angler excited and talking to you. One of the really great advantages of digital is that you can take lots of pictures and edit them on the go to make sure you have the shot you want.
Check out accessories like gimbals, selfie sticks and filters to take your work to the next level.
Start a YouTube channel and learn to upload and link movies. It’s easier than ever to shoot movie clips on digital phones like the iPhone and create videos in iMovie that can be uploaded to your YouTube channel.
If you are interested in recording underwater images and clips, check out the GoPro line of cameras and accessories.
A photo capturing the catch of a lifetime is made all the more special knowing the catch was released alive. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun
If you have photo editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop, you can lighten the shadows in post-production. Post-production can be done on software that comes with new cellphones. This can eliminate the need for fill flash (if the contrast isn’t too great) and prevents a flash from creating unwanted reflections on fish. Since lighting is almost always challenging, shoot and then review important shots. If you have a more advanced camera, you can bracket important shots in difficult lighting situations. Expose at least three images: one slightly (one stop) underexposed, one slightly (one stop) overexposed and one at the setting suggested by the light meter.
There are a lot of excellent digital cameras on the market today. The new generation of smartphones can take amazing images and have clip-on accessories, including a polarizing lens.
If you’re really interested in photography, I would suggest getting a camera that meets your needs. Most come with a trial version of an image editing software like Adobe Elements. There are many cameras on the market from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, but for many anglers, their cellphones get the job done. Taking the time to capture the “moments of life” pays dividends that you can continue to relive by sharing them through your images.
For more information on the right camera for you, check with a professional at your local camera shop like Johnson Photo Imaging or shop online. Software demos (check out Lightroom or Photoshop) can be downloaded.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Hurricane season is officially underway. This year’s June 1 start was heralded with the arrival of Tropical Depression Two, which formed into Tropical Storm Arlene the next day.
Though short-lived, Arlene was a good reminder that Atlantic hurricane season is here and now is the time to get prepared, not when the Island is facing the threat of storm impacts.
Here are some tips to help you get ready for hurricane season.
Have a 3–5-day supply of non-perishable food and water for each member of your family, including pets.
Keep emergency medical supplies, including medications, a first-aid kit and hand sanitizer.
Have a supply of battery-powered lanterns and flashlights, along with extra batteries.
Make copies of important documents, such as wills, passports, photo identifications, veterinary records for your pets and insurance policies. Keep the copies in an easy-to-access place where they can be grabbed quickly in case of an evacuation.
Keep a stock of cleaning supplies such as trash bags, rubber gloves, sanitizing cleaners or wipes and paper towels handy.
Invest in a fire extinguisher.
Pick up a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to listen for news when the electricity goes out.
Keep your yard and patio areas clean and clear of debris to make moving everything outside that could blow away or cause damage during a storm easier.
Know your evacuation zone. Anna Maria Island, Perico Island, Flamingo Cay, Cortez and parts of northwest Bradenton are all in the first evacuation zone for Manatee County. Make a plan with relatives or friends outside of early evacuation zones in case you need to leave home. In the event of an evacuation, you should plan to evacuate a few miles, not a few hundred miles, so that you can get back and check on the condition of your property after the storm passes and local officials determine it’s safe to return to the area.
If you have a generator, make sure to give it a test run before a storm comes toward Manatee County, that it’s kept in a safely ventilated area and that all carbon monoxide alarms are in good working order.
For anyone who finds themselves in need of hurricane supplies, Florida has two tax-free holidays to help with the purchase of some items. The first tax-free holiday ends on Friday, June 9. The second tax-free shopping opportunity will be from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8. Included items include portable generators, waterproof sheeting, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, portable power banks, batteries, flashlights, coolers, portable radios and more. A full list can be found online.
For more information on preparing for hurricane season, visit the Ready website.
HOLMES BEACH – The driver of a truck who struck two women pedestrians at Gulf Drive and Marine Drive on May 12 while they crossed the street is contesting the traffic citation with a plea of not guilty.
The crash led to the May 17 death of Miriam Trotter, 86, of Maryland. She was crossing Gulf Drive northbound in the marked crosswalk with her daughter, Deborah Trotter, 65, of Holmes Beach when Michael Ritchie, 43, of Bradenton, made a left turn on a green light from southbound Marina Drive onto southbound Gulf Drive in a 2018 GMC truck and struck both women, according to a Holmes Beach Police Department report.
Both pedestrians were transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital with injuries. Deborah Trotter was released from the hospital the same day.
Holmes Beach police cited Ritchie for failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian at an intersection with a traffic control device under Florida Statute 316.130(7)(A). Ritchie was not charged with a criminal offense because the police investigation determined he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and he did not leave the scene of the accident.
According to documents obtained in public records, Ritchie obtained the services of Sarasota-based attorney David Haenel. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7 at 8:30 a.m. in Manatee County’s 12th Judicial Circuit Court. Ritchie has requested a trial by judge.
The accident led to changes in the traffic light pattern at the three-way intersection. Now, when the signal for pedestrians to cross says “walk,” the lights are red in all three directions.
Police remind drivers that even if they have a green light, they must yield to pedestrians.
Summer is here and while you’re sitting on the beach you might not want to think about real estate fraud, but fraudsters may be thinking about you. Over the past few weeks, we’ve gone over different kinds of real estate fraud, but there’s more – lots more.
Deed fraud is something most people don’t even think about. How can someone get a lender to give them money against the equity of your home or indeed take over your identity? It might be easier than you think.
There are many identity theft monitoring subscriptions you can purchase that will alert you if there is a new credit check on your credit report or a new loan or credit card. I have one of these and it is very effective, if occasionally annoying, especially if your credit card has an unusual charge which you know about. Nevertheless, I, for one, think it’s a good investment.
The one thing that may be more difficult to be alerted about is deed fraud, another form of identity theft. Deed fraud occurs when someone steals your identity, forges your name on a deed and takes title to your home. This can be more difficult than it sounds to sort out even if you know about it quickly.
Every state has different regulations on executing a deed of sale, but a sure way to check to see if your deed has been tampered with, especially if you have reason to believe this is the case, is to search Manatee County property records. This is a simple and quick process that involves just entering your name and finding your property records. You will see immediately if the deed has been transferred to someone else just like when you sell or buy a property. It’s a nice little habit to get into once a month considering that identity theft is on the rise.
Another popular fraud is wire fraud starting with scammers checking online multiple listings. They wait for a pending sale then profile as many parties to the transaction as they can and research email addresses. When you purchase or sell a property these days, most of the transaction is done online. With so many people involved in the transaction, there is sensitive paperwork flying around the internet. It’s easy for even the most trusted person to make a mistake or not check details, leaving that up to you as the buyer or seller. Look over everything carefully, don’t just do your online signature and move on to the next page.
There are red flags to look for before you sign off and these are just a few of a long list: deletions, corrections or other alterations; someone other than the seller is shown on the sales contract; purchase price is substantially higher or lower than current market value; date and amount of existing encumbrances appear suspicious; real estate commission is excessive; chain of title includes an unknown interested party or the buyer and seller have similar names but haven’t disclosed a relationship.
Finally, you can keep up with scams by logging on to the FBI or the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force websites if you are suspicious of something related to your transaction or by emails you received online. Don’t open any emails that look official unless you’re positive it’s legitimate.
There are many anti-fraud acts enacted by states and the federal government. The most well-known one is the Dodd-Frank Act enacted in July 2010 as a result of the prior financial crisis. This act places regulation of the financial industry in the hands of the government to limit risk and enhance transparency. However, don’t assume everyone involved in a real estate transaction or an existing deed is competent and honest. As a homeowner and potential homeowner, you need to be proactive.
This may not be your favorite beach reading, but it is important.
ANNA MARIA – More than 500 people gathered Monday morning at City Pier Park for a Memorial Day remembrance of the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Navy veteran Carl Pearman and his wife, Irene, attend the Memorial Day commemoration each year.
“I’m a proud Navy veteran,” Carl said. “I served from the late 1950s between the Korean War and Vietnam. We come every year. It’s important to honor these people.”
The annual ceremony, replete with tradition and patriotic music, was coupled with a recognition of the centennial anniversary of the City of Anna Maria.
A U.S. Marine Honor Guard presents the colors at the Memorial Day commemoration at City Pier Park. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy welcomed the crowd and introduced officials from the City of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach who were in attendance, including former Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and his wife, Denise, and former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore.
Additional dignitaries introduced by Murphy were Commissioners Mark Short, Robert Kingan, Jon Crane and Deanie Sebring, as well as Manatee County School Board Chair Dave “Watchdog” Miner and former Commissioner Dale Woodland, who Murphy said was instrumental in purchasing City Pier Park.
Veterans are called up to the stage by branch of military service to be recognized at the Memorial Day commemoration at City Pier Park. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Bishop Michael Garrison of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida gave the invocation.
“We gather today to remember and give thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Garrison said. “This is not just the first day of the summer season, but a painful remembrance for those who lost family members.”
A U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard presented the colors in front of the stage and an Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) trumpeter played Taps followed by the orchestra playing the National Anthem.
Pearman was one of dozens of veterans who were called to the front of the stage by their branch of service and given flags and applause for their service.
Spouses and significant others who lost loved ones in the military service were presented with yellow roses by City of Anna Maria staff and volunteers.
Following a performance of patriotic music by AMICCO, who wrapped up with God Bless America, attendees were invited to sing along. The orchestra and chorus were conducted by Maestro Leonard Murphy.
Originally referred to as Decoration Day, the holiday originated following the Civil War and became a federal holiday in 1971 in remembrance of all who died in service to the U.S.
100th anniversary
Murphy introduced the 100th Anniversary celebration of Anna Maria at the close of the Memorial Day ceremony.
“One hundred years ago on what was a little sandspit, our city was founded,” Murphy said, noting the first mayor of the city was Mitch Davis.
“Resiliency is the legacy of this community we should be protecting it,” Murphy said to applause.
A history of Anna Maria was presented by Master of Ceremonies Tom Aposporos.
Aposporos, a longtime Anna Maria resident, read anecdotes from 1923 newspaper articles.
“In 1923, the local paper said the citizens of Anna Maria felt things weren’t being done fast enough,” he said. “A committee of interested parties met at the next town meeting.”
Aposporos read part of a poem by two-time city commissioner Frances Livingston.
“Depending on where people are from, they pronounce the name of our city differently,” he said. “I’ve heard Anna Mariar and Anna Maria with a long ‘I’. So here is a poem about that.”
“ ‘The sunshine is hot, life is much freer, for all the tourists of Anna Maria’,” he quoted from the poem, adding, “No matter what you call it, we’re just lucky to be here.”
ANNA MARIA – City Commission Chair Mark Short doesn’t want Anna Maria’s parks, beaches and rights of way to be commercialized in a manner similar to what’s currently taking place along the Palma Sola Causeway.
During the commission’s May 25 meeting, Short noted there are now multiple commercial entities offering horseback rides, personal watercraft rentals and more along the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64. Short also expressed concerns about commercial activity occurring in city-owned rights of way.
“I don’t want this to become another Manatee Avenue,” he said.
Short said during his preliminary research of the city’s code of ordinances he didn’t find any prohibitions pertaining to commercial activities taking place in conservation zones, parks, beaches and other city-owned properties, and is not aware of any city regulation that prohibits such activity.
Short said he doesn’t want the city to prohibit short-term right-of-way uses during city-permitted special events. He also said he doesn’t want to prohibit commercial activities at The Center of Anna Maria Island, which is owned by the city, or the commercial activities already approved by the city on the City Pier.
He recommended asking City Planner Ashely Austen and City Attorney Becky Vose to draft a city ordinance that would prohibit commercial activities in public spaces. He then sought input from other commissioners.
Commissioner Mark Short wants to regulate commercial activity in public spaces. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Commissioner Jon Crane agreed that the city’s rights of way should be protected, but he’s not sure a new ordinance is needed.
Commissioner Charlie Salem asked Short if there are currently any commercial activities taking place on city property that he’s concerned about. Short said there are, but he didn’t name any specific activities.
Commissioner Robert Kingan noted there are already businesses operating in Anna Maria that rent, deliver and retrieve beach cabanas, beach chairs and other beach supplies. Kingan said there are also restaurants that deliver to beach patrons.
Short said he wasn’t aware of the cabana rentals taking place in Anna Maria.
Salem noted the city already has an ordinance in place that prohibits beaching personal watercraft at Anna Maria’s public beaches and parks.
Crane said he’d like to see some additional analysis from city staff but he didn’t share Short’s desire for a prohibitive ordinance.
Mayor Dan Murphy agreed that some staff analysis would be a good starting point and he asked what specifically the commission wants analyzed. Crane said he’d like to know whether the city has the right to prohibit commercial activities in public spaces.
Murphy said that’s a legal question to pose to the city attorney. Murphy said the city attorney could analyze what the city can and can’t regulate before requesting any additional analysis from the city planner.
“I like that approach. Find out what we can and can’t do,” Short said.
Murphy said he would ask the city attorney to provide her legal insights at a future meeting.
HOLMES BEACH – Plans for a new restaurant received unanimous approval from city commissioners despite criticism from a city resident and local business owner.
The new, ultra-modern Bohemian restaurant is slated to take the place of the closed Island Grill at 5910 Marina Drive. A concept by five-time James Beard semifinalist and Anna Maria Island native Chef Jeannie Pierola, the new restaurant will feature both indoor and outdoor dining with the outdoor bar and seating area covered. The restaurant will undergo extensive renovations to feature about 100 seats when it’s complete.
A new outdoor seating area addition is planned to have 50 seats along with a bar under a covered space. – Submitted | Halflants and Pichette
Presenting the site plan to city commissioners for approval during a May 23 meeting, representatives from Halflants and Pichette said the plan with the new restaurant is to provide a fine dining experience for guests while also bringing the indoors outside with the new exterior seating area.
While commissioners were fully in support of the new restaurant plans, not everyone was as happy about the concept.
The owners of Isola Bella Italian Eatery object to plans to create an outdoor seating area for the planned Bohemian restaurant, which would have a host stand for the new restaurant occupying a common area walkway connecting the restaurant locations to a shared parking lot. – Submitted | Halflants and Pichette
Speaking on behalf of her restaurant, Isola Bella Italian Eatery, owner Alessandra Salafia said that while she supports the addition of the new restaurant in the long-vacant space, she doesn’t like what it could do to her business. The building that Bohemian is planned to occupy is also shared with Isola Bella and an office space with the majority of parking for the tenants located in front of the planned Bohemian restaurant and accessed by Isola Bella patrons along a shared walkway. Plans for Bohemian show that the walkway will be partially used by a seating host for that restaurant with entrances to the outdoor and indoor seating located on either side of the concrete path. Salafia said she doesn’t like the idea that Isola Bella’s guests would have to essentially walk through another restaurant to get to her eatery. She also said she feels that the outdoor seating area, which is planned to occupy an area that is now grass, and its accompanying 6-foot tall landscaping barriers would block the visibility of her restaurant.
“Our address is on Marina Drive, not 59th Street,” she said.
Holmes Beach resident Margie Motzer questioned the viability of adding a more intense use to the area. She said that while she’s pleased with the prestige Pierola would bring to the Island along with the aesthetic facelift to the aging building, she’s concerned that adding another 100-plus-seat restaurant to the area will create a greater strain on local resources including water, drainage and other infrastructure.
Seating at Bohemian is planned to be a 53% increase over the seating that was allowed at the Island Grill.
Commissioners considered both women’s comments but proceeded to give the new restaurant their stamp of approval with a unanimous vote in favor of the presented design.
ANNA MARIA – The beauty of the Island as a community is the strong sense of volunteerism and giving back. Three young men who grew up in the Island community exemplified the best qualities that locals know and love, coaching 8- to 10-year-old team Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control to ultimate season victory last Tuesday night at The Center.
Head Coach Tyler Brewer, along with assistant coaches Charles “Tuna” McCracken and Javier Rivera, skillfully and compassionately coached 11 little soccer players, getting them through the regular season and first round of playoffs. The three coaches also helped their players in gaining confidence with each game.
With all skill levels on the team, the three graduates of Anna Maria Elementary School and lifelong friends found the strengths of each player and worked with them to hone their personal soccer skills. Ultimately, the individual players came together as a unified team by the end of the regular season.
After amazing semifinal action last Monday night with the top two teams being on the losing side of the stat sheet, teams Cheesecake Cutie and Sato Real Estate sat out during the big championship game last week.
Despite the shutout, the Island Real Estate team, led by the experienced soccer skills of Keith Mahoney, fought hard during all 40 minutes of regulation play. Miles Moss, goalkeeper for Island Real Estate, had 10 amazing stops in the game.
The determined Westfall squad was just too much for their opponent’s offense and defense. Throughout the season, Landon Chatt, Gabriel Foley, Preston LaPensee, Chandler LaPensee, Owen Mahoney, Kellan Oelfke, Asher Patel, Jordy Perez, Colton Sullivan and Julian Whipple-Anderson, along with Moss, all fought hard and had an amazing season under their coach’s direction and leadership.
On the winning side of the field, Brewer’s players showed up for the game ready to win. Keeper Kason Price had 10 big stops to help secure his team’s victory.
Wesley Bekkerus and Callin Westfall put points on the scoreboard for team Westfall with their solid shots against the Island Real Estate defense. Scoring when it mattered while keeping calm heads under pressure became the key to success for the 8- to 10-year-old champs.
Winning the big game, Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control earned the 8- to 10-year-old league soccer championship title. Top row, left to right, Jordan Tobey, Mia Ross, Assistant Coach Javier Rivera, Kason Price, Jordan Steele, Coach Tyler Brewer, Parker Svoboda, Assistant Coach Charles McCracken, Maggie Niedzwick and Madeline Kimmons. Bottom row, from left, Callin Westfall, Ruby Kesten and Wesley Bekkerus. Polea Vacek is not pictured. – Monica Simpson | Sun
In teen soccer action, the number one seed Gulf Drive Café easily moved on to the final round of the playoffs against Shady Lady Horticultural Services. Also going forward to the final game of the season, HSH Designs took their place by winning against Moss Builders in overtime penalty kicks.
Leaving it all on the field, team HSH Designs just could not make the shots to win the game against team Gulf Drive Café.
The hot foot of Luke Dellenger helped to secure the championship win for his team with a hat trick. Protecting the net, Gulf Drive’s goalkeeper Cyrus Ryan made five important stops. Teammate Kegan McGlade made an additional save.
Opponent goalie Chase Castagna prevented seven goals for HSH Designs. Helping keep the team in pink in the game, Cecelia Kroth scored the lone goal for her team.
Teammates Braelyn Curtis, Sterling Holiday, Riley Karecki, Sophia Kerr, Krosby Lamison, Kirra Quimby, Briahna Robertson, Brittney Robertson and Brett Shortridge all did their part to get the HSH squad to the final game of the season.
In the final game of the spring soccer season at The Center, the adult co-eds played a thrilling game last Thursday night. The rain in the first half could not dampen the high emotions on the field and sidelines.
It was a big win at The Center for team Pool America, taking home the championship cup. Top row, left to right, Eduardo Schlueter, Sam Parker, Lucas Wilson, Jamie Hutchison and Dean Hinterstoisser. Bottom row, from left, Nate Welch, Chris Klotz, Maxim Panchenko and Robb Marshall. Not pictured
After two halves of play, team Pool America topped the Vintage Beach team by one goal.
Team captain Dean Hinterstoisser was prevented from scoring but is credited with an assist. Chris Klotz and Nate Welch made three total goals. Teammate Sam Parker sailed a beautiful shot over the head of the Vintage Beach keeper in the big game, raising the volume of the Pool America team’s and supporting spectators’ cheers.
Pool America’s goalie Robb Marshall did his part to secure the win with seven saves against a strong Vintage Beach offense.
Making the stops for team Vintage Beach, PJ Smargisso stopped eight shots from the team deemed the “Germans” in the season with strong representation from various parts of the country.
Danny Free had the hot foot for Vintage with a hat trick of his own, along with an assist by team captain Joey Hutchinson. The three goals just were not enough.
With the sound of the final whistle, team Pool America captured the Paul “Ace” Hayward Championship Cup to end another season of Center soccer on Anna Maria Island.
Does the talk of insurance make your eyes glaze over? If it does, join the club. Insurance of all types is complex and difficult to understand but in the case of homeowner’s insurance, condominium insurance and flood insurance, it’s getting worse.
I recently learned that condominium insurance in coastal areas is skyrocketing by as much as double over last year’s renewal. This is primarily because 2022’s busy hurricane and storm season left the southwest coast of Florida with unimaginable damage. Insurance companies have left the state leaving very few options for coastal communities. This has compounded the existing problem of fraudulent lawsuits being brought against insurance companies that would not reimburse for overinflated home repairs.
Now we’re also facing increases in flood insurance based on a 2021 FEMA decision calculating policy costs. FEMA’s new method is to equitably distribute premiums across all policyholders based on the value of their properties in addition to their location. The increases will give sticker shock to everyone in both single-family homes and condos. The good news is that readjustments will be phased in over a period of 10-15 years.
The challenge specifically to condominium associations is to come up with the unexpected premium payment. Most associations will need to special assess their owners which creates a potential problem for owners who are considering selling.
The Florida condominium rider requires a seller of a condominium to make the following representation: “Seller represents that seller is not aware of any special or other assessment that has been levied by the association or that has been an item on the agenda or reported in the minutes of the association within 12 months prior to the effective date of a contract for sale.” This is a mouthful, but it’s pretty clear language. The problem is when does a “potential” assessment need to be disclosed?
Like any other disclosure when selling property, always err on the side of caution and disclose everything. For instance, possible disclosures could include if an improvement that could lead to a future assessment is in the minutes from a previous meeting or on an agenda for an upcoming meeting, if there is any indication that an improvement could lead to a future assessment included in any mailing to any unit owner or even if a conversation with a board member indicates the possibility of an assessment.
Anything that even has a hint of a special assessment needs to be disclosed to a potential buyer to protect the seller from future liability. On the other hand, if a seller truly had no knowledge of the possibility of an assessment and it was never discussed at a meeting or was never an agenda item, the seller is likely protected from post-closing liability.
As far as insurance increases, there is a glimmer of hope. The lawsuits against insurers have been somewhat addressed by the Florida Legislature putting in place tort reform starting next year. Hopefully, this will encourage insurers to return to Florida’s enormous marketplace, creating some competition with the benefit of leveling premium costs.
We live in litigious times in a state surrounded by water and prone to hurricanes. Sure, it’s the price we pay for living in what most of us feel is a little bit of paradise. Nevertheless, stay on top of all the insurance issues and what your obligation is for disclosure with a clear eye.
HOLMES BEACH – Florida House Bill 947 has just one more stoplight to pass before it becomes law, being signed into law – or not – by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
If the bill is signed, Manatee County has the green light to build a three-story, 1500-plus space parking garage spanning the width and breadth of the county-owned parking lot at Manatee Beach. All existing facilities at the beach, including the concession stand, retail and restrooms, would be demolished, with new facilities located in the parking garage.
Some locals and visitors are not happy about what would be the end of an era on Anna Maria Island.
The concession building has been at the public beach for decades, with the roof once functioning as a community dance floor. And while some people don’t mind the potential changes, others don’t want to see the current parking area and concession building demolished.
Carolyn Brown shares a vintage postcard photo of the concession building at Manatee Beach along with a plea for lawmakers, “Please don’t destroy this gem.” – Submitted | Carolyn Brown
The place is important to former Holmes Beach mayor, former county commissioner and long-time Holmes Beach resident Carol Whitmore.
“I have fond memories of the concession area since 1969,” she said. “That was the beach of choice for the islanders to gather. I used to go in the cold months and lay where the patio is currently behind the wall so I was protected from the cold weather. When they had steps leading to the rest, but it was cut off, my daughter and I used to sit at the top being protected by the cold weather to get sun. At one point I lived on top of West Coast Surf Shop with my daughter and I will never forget the public beach and the concession stand area.”
“I have a lot of memories of the public beach,” Holmes Beach resident and charter fishing Capt. Scott Moore said. “Years ago, we actually used to be able to dance on top of the concession building. There were stairs going up to the top and you could see all over and see the sunsets. My biggest memories are of the fishing pier that was in front of the public beach. We miss that. It also made for great surfing. A lot of people would like to have it back so they could fish off it. I know people don’t like changes, but I don’t care about the parking garage. Give my pier back.”
The owners of the West Coast Surf Shop, Florida’s oldest surf shop at the edge of the parking lot where the proposed parking garage would be built, are not happy about the prospect of a three-story structure at the beach.
Ronee and Jim Brady have owned the surf shop at 3902 Gulf Drive for 59 years.
“We don’t need any more concrete,” Ronee said, adding, “We have miles of parking at Coquina Beach that’s been under construction for two years. What about that parking?”
Jim expressed concern about the additional traffic and infrastructure.
“We don’t have the infrastructure for more cars,” he said. “The beach holds 500 cars, at the intersection going to the beach there are 35,000 to 40,000 cars a day and it’s congested. At another 1,000 cars with three people per car, there just isn’t enough room.”
Ronee recalls the dances on the concession roof in the 1960s and 70s.
“They used to have steps going up to the top and they had dances up there,” she said. “That building has a lot of history and that’s a shame to lose it.”
A crowd gathers well before sunset on May 11 to listen to live music, eat dinner and enjoy the view at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café at Manatee Beach. The beach café building, along with restrooms and a retail shop, is planned to be demolished as part of a plan to build a parking garage at the site. – Kristin Swain | Sun
Tanner Enoch, whose family has owned the Manatee Beach concession for the past 12 years, is taking a wait-and-see approach.
“We have a good partnership with Manatee County. We work with the county and we appreciate their ongoing effort to make improvements,” Enoch said. “Right now, my understanding is they’re seeing if they’re able to do this. I’m not super concerned.”
Enoch said his family’s beach concessions at Manatee and Coquina Beaches employ around 70 people.
“We’re happy with what we have here and we hope it doesn’t change anytime soon,” he said.
While too young to see it personally, Enoch said he has seen old pictures of the beach concession building when it had a rooftop dance floor.
More than 200 people took to The Sun’s Facebook page to have their voices heard.
“We’ve been vacationing there for years and plan to buy a home eventually,” Kensy Carter said. “If the parking garage happens, we will have to find a new spot. I can’t imagine how crowded the beaches would be. The quaint vibe we love so much would be ruined.”
“Ever since moving to the Island in 1999, we have enjoyed eating at the Manatee Beach café,” Suzanne Lansing Moderhak said. “Our kids/grands call it ‘pancakes on the beach.’ We have met our Canadian friends every Wednesday night for years during season for dinner to eat and listen to the music. We are very disappointed in the decision to tear it down for 2 years while an unnecessary parking garage is built.”
“This cafe and beach area is an iconic part of AMI, with decades of memories for so many!” Laura Lynch said, adding that she feels having a concrete parking garage as the first impression of Anna Maria Island for visitors is “a travesty,” a sentiment echoed by many others, including Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, who led opposition to the garage.
Multi-level parking garages are not an allowable use within the city of Holmes Beach, where Manatee Beach is located, unless commissioners approve a special exception.
Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge took his plan to build a parking garage at the county-owned beach to the local state legislative delegation when he concluded that Holmes Beach commissioners would not approve the use. Legislators gave his plan their unanimous approval, translating the request into a bill that passed both the state House and Senate. DeSantis can choose to sign, veto or ignore the bill, which would put it into law automatically.
If the bill becomes law, Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse said he estimates it would take about a year to get shovels in the ground to start construction of the parking garage if it’s approved by a majority of county commissioners.
Estimated to cost around $45 million with at least a two-year construction time, the garage would have to have paid parking to pay for construction and upkeep, estimated at $2 per hour per vehicle, Van Ostenbridge said.
