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New hotel complex proposed for Bridge Street

New hotel complex proposed for Bridge Street

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

BRADENTON BEACH – A major development permit application and initial site plans have been submitted for the proposed development of a hotel complex at the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South.

Architect Shaun Luttrell submitted the land development code/major development permit application and site plan documents on Dec. 2. The permit application lists Shawn Kaleta and Jacob Spooner as the owners of the various properties associated with the proposed development.

Kaleta is a well-known developer on Anna Maria Island. Spooner is a Bradenton Beach businessman and commercial property owner and a member of the Bradenton Beach City Commission and the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency. As a sitting city commissioner, Spooner would have to recuse himself from any commission discussions and votes pertaining to the proposed hotel development.

The submitted site plan proposes 206,987 square feet of total development with a total of 103 hotel units. The ground-level floor plan includes a miniature golf course located along Gulf Drive South and retail space located along Bridge Street, west of the existing Spooner-owned Bridge Street Bazaar and Daiquiri Deck building.

New hotel complex proposed for Bridge Street
This floor plan illustrates the ground-level, first-floor elements of the proposed development. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted

The first-floor plan includes additional retail space east of the Bridge Street Bazaar building, the main hotel entrance, the hotel lobby, a coffee bar, a hotel lounge and hotel offices. The site plan indicates 114 regular parking spaces, eight handicapped parking spaces and four golf cart parking spaces for a total of 126 parking spaces.

The second-floor plan includes 47 hotel units, some with private balconies, a kitchen area, a dining area, a fitness area and a storage/maintenance area. The third-floor plan includes 56 hotel units, some with private balconies, a conference room, a spa and a housekeeping area. The floor plans also include a rooftop swimming pool and deck. The anticipated cost of the hotel project is not known.

Properties included

The permit application lists the following addresses for the properties that would be combined to develop the hotel and other amenities as proposed: 219 Gulf Drive S., 101, 105 and 117 Bridge St. and 106, 108, 110 and 112 Third St. S.

New hotel complex proposed for Bridge Street
The currently vacant building at 101 Bridge St. is among those that would be demolished to make room for the new hotel. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, the property at 101 Bridge St. S. is owned by the 205 Sycamore LLC, which, as of April, listed attorney Louis Najmy as its registered agent and Kaleta as a manager and authorized person. The Najmy and Kaleta-affiliated Tampa Bayshore Trust LLC owns the adjacent hotel property at 105 Bridge St. and the property at 106 Third St. S.

According to the property appraiser’s office, the undeveloped property at 108 Third St. S., the neighboring properties at 110 and 112 Third St. S. and the commercial property at 117 Bridge St. are owned by Bridge Street Bazaar Inc., which, as of April, listed Spooner and his mother, Deborah Sniadach, as its registered officers.

New hotel complex proposed for Bridge Street
The proposed development includes 103 hotel units. – Submitted | City of Bradenton Beach

According to the property appraiser’s office, the former Joe’s Eats & Sweets property at 219 Gulf Dr. S. (at the corner of Third Street South) is owned by AMI Plaza LLC, which, as of March, listed attorney William Saba as its manager and Firkins Nissan Inc. as authorized persons. AMI Plaza LLC is not referenced as a property owner in the permit application.

The Sun reached out to Saba and Najmy with no reply as of press time to determine whether AMI Plaza LLC is involved in the proposed hotel development.

Long road ahead

“The plans are very preliminary,” Bradenton Beach Building Official Steve Gilbert told The Sun on Friday.

According to Gilbert, a proposed development carrying a major development designation must be reviewed by the city’s Planning and Zoning Board and then approved by the city commission. Gilbert said multiple land development code interpretations will be required and multiple land use issues will need to be addressed before the proposed development can be advertised for public hearings before the planning board and city commission.

According to the permit application, the present and proposed zoning designations for the various properties are C-2 (general commercial) and the present and proposed comprehensive plan use designations are Mixed Use Bridge Commercial.

Gulfview wins Hayward Cup

Gulfview wins Hayward Cup

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

ANNA MARIA – After nearly 45 minutes of Island soccer action, playoff underdogs Gulfview Windows and Doors came out on top. With nine saves in the game against the likes of Danny Anderson, JD Webb, Pedro Gonzalez and Will Kretzmann, Tuna McCracken was arguably the game’s MVP.

McCracken’s cat-like reflexes and perfect placement kicks helped take the Gulfview team led by Keith Mahoney to victory against the talented and physically powerful Sato Real Estate squad.

Playing down the first 10 minutes of the game, Gulfview had a player advantage on Sato.

Raul Loera led the Gulfview team in scoring last Thursday night with a hat trick. Loera’s three goals were complemented by a single by Thomas Magnotic, giving the team the 4-3 win in the final game of the season.

Mahoney was credited with an assist in the big win. His team made it to through to the end with strong play by Chris Culhane, David Kesten, Zach Long, Brandon Rolland and Asli Gunsel.

On the other side of The Center’s pitch team, captain Josh Sato stood on the sidelines only able to watch his team lose by one goal.

Sato stepped down from the team prior to the start of playoffs knowing he would be away for his wed- ding. Kretzmann, Sato’s replacement, matched the talented skills of the veteran player, scoring two goals in the championship game.

Gonzalez had a solo goal, while teammate Webb made an assist.

Gulfview wins Hayward Cup
Two “Island boys,” Chris Culhane and Tuna McCracken, and Gulfview teammates, celebrate the post-championship game with Culhane helping McCracken cool off with a celebratory ice shower. – Monica Simpson | Sun

Protecting the net for Sato was Mark Rudacille, credited with two big saves in the game, helping his team to stay in the game, along with the strong defense of the Sato squad.

Finishing the season with dynamic play and sheer athleticism, Danny Anderson showed no quit in the game, diving and flying until the final whistles.

Anderson’s teammates Brian Leib- fried, Jacek Czajkowski, Ben Sato, Lindsey Styka and Justine Wells all contributed with strong team play to finish the regular season ranked second going into the playoffs.

The naming of the Paul “Ace” Hay- ward Cup champions set the stage for the adult kickball league’s championship game to be played Monday night. With Captain Ron’s Crew pitted against Paddy Wagon, it is anyone’s game to win.

Sun Scoreboard

 

Dec. 5

 

Adult kickball
Semifinal playoff games

 

Captain Ron’s Crew 9

General Bums 6

 

Paddy Wagon 22

The Salty Dolphins 12

 

 

 

Dec. 8

Adult soccer

Championship game

 

 

#5 Gulfview Windows and Doors 4

#2 Sato Real Estate 3

Tune up for the redfly

Reel Time: Tune up for the Redfly

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

The Redfly, a premier Tampa Bay area tournament targeting redfish on fly tackle, is just around the corner and this is a good time to get ready for the 17th running of this popular event.

The tournament is the brainchild of Capt. Jon Bull, of St. Petersburg and provides a good opportunity for fishing enthusiasts to test their skills against some of the Tampa Bay area’s best anglers and have a shot at a bevy of great prizes.

What originally started as a small tournament based out of Cockroach Bay in 2008 has turned into the largest, longest-running fly-fishing tournament for redfish in the country. The 16th Annual Redfly was a huge success. The tournament topped past events with a record 84 anglers. Fishing was tough, and while that tournament proved hard for anglers, the event raised $2,260 for Tampa Bay Waterkeeper.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday, Jan. 14. The tournament starts with a mandatory check-in and captain’s meeting at 5:30 a.m. at the Salty Shamrock Irish Pub, 6816 U.S. Hwy. 41 in Apollo Beach. Each team or solo angler is required to bring their measuring device to the meeting to be approved by tournament officials.

The catch-photo-release tournament is open to two-person teams and solo anglers. Each angler or team must provide at least one digital camera with a clear memory card to participate. Pictures taken with a cellphone also are allowed. Anglers can use fly fishing gear, but no bait scents, live, dead, cut or frozen bait, chumming or tipping is allowed. Participants also cannot fish in another boat’s chum line or in the area where another boat is chumming.

Anglers can wade or fish from a boat, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, pier, dock, bridge or shoreline as long as they remain in the tournament boundaries and no more than 50 yards from their partner or vessel. Boundaries for the tournament stretch from Fred Howard Park in the north to Gasparilla Pass in the south. Participating anglers can launch from any public ramp and must fish between the boundaries. All anglers must have a valid Florida saltwater fishing license and adhere to all state fishing regulations. Anyone fishing from a boat must have all required U.S. Coast Guard safety gear on board during the tournament.

Anglers are asked to show courtesy to other tournament and recreational anglers while fishing. All participants will be operating on the honor system during the tournament regarding use of fly-fishing gear and adhering to tournament rules. If you cheat in a fishing tournament, you are just pathetic and sad.

Fishing begins at 7 a.m. with weigh-in taking place from 3-4 p.m. back at the Salty Shamrock. Any angler who is late to the weigh-in will be disqualified. Pictures of the day’s catch, including an approved measuring device, whole fish and tournament marker, will be presented to the judges during the weigh-in.

The angler with the largest two redfish total to the nearest quarter inch will win a 100% payback with the first runner-up earning a 60% payback, second runner-up earns a 30% payback and 10% goes to the third runner-up. The cost to participate is $50 per two-person team or $25 for solo anglers. Registration fees will be collected at the captain’s meeting and must be made in cash.

After the weigh-in there will be a prize raffle at the Salty Shamrock. Tickets for the raffle are $5 each or five for $20 and can be purchased onsite with cash or by using Zelle, CashApp at $shadowcastflyfishing, or Venmo at @shadowcastflyfishing.

All the proceeds from the event benefit Tampa Bay Waterkeeper. For more information, contact Capt. Jon Bull at 863-860-7250 or jbull1229@gmail.com.

Environmental groups push to return manatees to endangered status

Environmental groups push to return manatees to endangered status

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Featured, Manatees, Outdoors.

Since the 2017 downlisting of manatees from endangered to threatened status – and with a record number of deaths of the marine mammals – a push is underway to seek restoration of the manatee’s endangered status and the protections that go along with it.

Last month, The Center for Biological Diversity, Harvard Animal Law & Policy Clinic, Miami Waterkeeper and Save the Manatee Club petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to increase protections for West Indian manatees. The petition urges the wildlife service to reclassify the species from threatened to endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).

“Since the service prematurely reduced protections in 2017, the species has declined dramatically,” according to a press release from The Center from Biological Diversity, a national non-profit conservation organization with a Florida office in St. Petersburg. “Pollution-fueled algae blooms sparked an ongoing mortality event that killed more than 1,110 Florida manatees in 2021 alone. This represents 19% of the Atlantic population and 13% of all manatees in Florida.”

As of October, 726 manatees have died in Florida so far this year. Officials estimate about 6,500 manatees live in waters of the southeastern U.S.

“West Indian manatees from Florida to the Caribbean are facing drastic threats from habitat loss, boat strikes, pollution, climate change and toxic algae blooms,” said Ben Rankin, a student attorney at the Harvard Animal Law & Policy Clinic. “The restoration of full Endangered Species Act protections is an essential first step in conserving this species everywhere it is found.”

Manatees had been protected as “endangered” since 1967 under the ESA. The 2017 reclassification came after the Pacific Legal Foundation, on behalf of Save Crystal River Inc., a recreational boating group, petitioned the FWS, saying the safety measures addressing the manatee’s endangered level of protection were bad for tourism and boating businesses.

Manatees are protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and the ESA. They are listed as threatened under the ESA and designated as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

It is illegal to feed, harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound or kill manatees.

The West Indian manatee consists of two sub-species: the Florida manatee and the Antillean manatee. The average Florida manatee is about 10 feet long and weighs about 1,200 pounds. Florida manatees can live more than 65 years, however, among the manatees that reach adulthood, only about half are expected to survive into their early 20s, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The pending petition is not the first call to restore the manatee’s endangered status. In June 2021, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Manatee) called on the FWS to upgrade the manatee from threatened to endangered under the ESA.

“Manatees are beloved, iconic mammals in Florida,” Buchanan said. “We should provide these gentle giants with the highest levels of federal protection.”

In Nov. 2021, the FWC and the FWS ad- dressed an unusual mortality event (UME) among manatees along Florida’s Atlantic coast.

“Researchers have attributed the UME to starvation due to the lack of forage in the Indian River Lagoon. Historically, the lagoon has provided essential habitat to manatees year-round, and during the colder winter months many manatees depend on warm water refuges in this area,” according to the FWC.

“Increasing protections for manatees with an endangered listing would provide immediate protection,” said Rachel Silverstein, executive director of Miami Waterkeeper. “With astounding losses of seagrasses around the state, we need to address water-quality issues to give the manatee a fighting chance to survive and thrive.”

FWS has 90 days to evaluate whether the petition to protect the manatee as endangered presents substantial information to indicate that the action may be warranted. If so, the agency must complete a thorough review of the species’ status within 12 months of receiving the petition.

Castles in the Sand

How big is too big?

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

Sometimes what seems like a great idea may not be in the long run. Kind of like that Jaguar you had to have when you were 18; it looked pretty, but it was always in the expensive foreign car repair shop.

Last week’s big financial announcement from the federal government was the increase in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s mortgage loan eligibility. What does that mean? It means that the federal government is now backing mortgages for over $1 million for the first time. Remember that Fannie and Freddie don’t make loans. The companies are under government control and have been since 2008 for a good reason. They buy mortgages from lenders and package them into securities that are sold to investors. In 2008, when loose lending practices created a bubble of foreclosures, these investors lost big time, crashing the stock market and almost our economy.

Fannie and Freddie’s mandate when the government programs were established was to guarantee middle-class mortgages and make housing more affordable for the average buyer. Because of this, not everyone in the financial community is on board with the government insuring even larger home loans geared more to the wealthy and further increasing taxpayer liability.

Fannie and Freddie’s loan limit, which is known as the conforming loan limit, will now be a high of $1,089,300 in high-cost areas, up from $970,800, and $726,200 up from $510,400 in other parts of the country. The high-cost areas are mostly the California and New York coastlines with some pockets in other areas of the country. All Florida counties with the exception of Monroe County, which encompasses the Keys, are at the $726,200 limit.

Loan limits are determined every year using a formula that factors in the average housing prices. This year, about 100 counties in the country are determined to be high-cost markets out of approximately 3,000 counties. The increases in the loan limits may make it easier and cost less for borrowers purchasing single-family homes. Conforming loans usually have lower closing costs and can require lower down payments than residential mortgages that go over the loan limits.

With higher mortgage rates and higher asking prices for homes, many prospective buyers have been unable to qualify for loans or had to reevaluate their buying criteria. Fannie and Freddie argue that raising the loan limits is necessary in order to reflect the higher home prices and the higher interest rates. They view their job as needing to keep pace with home prices to address affordability.

Anna Maria is obviously a high-cost area of Florida even though our buyers are not benefiting from the increase in loan limits. Many buyers of our multi-million-dollar homes are either coming in with all cash, finding private funding or applying for a jumbo loan, which is over the federal loan limit.

As much as I sympathize with high-cost buyers in theory, I still question the benefit of large loan limits in our economy, especially when Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were designed initially to help the middle class. Nevertheless, far be it from me to compare a bad automobile choice to the federal government, but I can’t help remembering the financial crash in 2007- 08. Remember the one that we almost didn’t survive based on the foreclosures of non-conforming home loans backed by the federal government? Just saying!

Anna Maria Island loses a beloved Renaissance man

Anna Maria Island loses a beloved Renaissance man

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

HOLMES BEACH – Resident Dr. André Renard passed away on Nov. 22 at the age of 82.

Renard, a plastic surgeon, was married to former Manatee County Commissioner and former Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore. He passed away at the couple’s home in Holmes Beach, where they were married and lived together for 29 years.

“He died of complications due to Parkinson’s disease,” Whitmore said.

Renard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012 and he retired from his medical practice in 2014.

Whitmore is a registered nurse and she helped care for Renard when his health began to fail.

“He was bedridden for the past month and a half or so and required total care. I promised him he would never get a bedsore and he didn’t,” she said.

A love story

Renard and Whitmore got married in 1994.

“We met at a party in Holmes Beach and my girlfriend that I went with met her future husband that same night,” Whitmore said.

“André loved art and polo. He was a self-trained artist who never had an art lesson. He played polo all over the world before I met him. He was born and raised in Belgium. He was a general practitioner in Belgium for five years. He then came to America and did a residency in plastic surgery in Jacksonville. Polo is what brought him to this area. He drove down from Jacksonville because he heard there was a polo field in Sarasota. I met him about seven months after he started practicing medicine in St. Petersburg, but he wanted to be closer to the polo field in Sarasota. When we first met, he was offered a job in Brussels, Belgium, but he didn’t want to leave me or this area,” Whitmore said.

“Our marriage worked well. He worked a lot and I was busy being a nurse, a mayor and a county commissioner. I’m a type-A personality. I’m not always easy to get along with and he could always bring me back down to Earth. We had a good relationship because we understood each other,” Whitmore said.

Whitmore has a daughter, Janae Rudacille, from a previous marriage.

When asked about Renard, Rudacille said, “He was an incredible stepfather. He was supportive and helpful in anything I did. He was kind and passionate and funny. He gave back to people who were less fortunate and he would treat patients who didn’t have money or insurance.”

Renard is also survived by two daughters and a son from a previous marriage.

Medical practice

Renard practiced medicine in Manatee County and Sarasota County and performed surgeries at Blake Medical Center, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and other local hospitals.

“On Oct. 30, the Manatee County Medical Society recognized André during their annual gathering and Janae and I went on his behalf,” Whitmore said. “He was among the first surgeons in Florida doing micro-surgery thumb transplants in Jacksonville in the 1980s. He also spearheaded the transgender surgery team in Jacksonville. He helped convince Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s radiology department to start doing sentinel node biopsies for breast cancer patients back when you used to have to go to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa for that.”

“He was a fierce supporter of COVID precautions and totally believed in infection control. He had tuberculosis when he was 8 years old. They isolated him and his parents sent him to a castle in Switzerland. The castle was full of kids who had been exposed to TB and he stayed there for a year. He said it was wonderful. He went to school and skied all the time,” Whitmore said.

Renaissance man

“André was a respected physician. He was nice to everyone. He was well-educated and spoke four or five different languages,” Whitmore said. “He was a Renaissance man. He was into the art of the old masters and he was also into pop art. He was 14 years older than me. Unlike me, he was very worldly in terms of traveling. He opened up a whole new world for me. His art was really wild and people were surprised that it came from someone his age. He was also the cover editor for the Florida Medical Journal for a few years. He drew the magazine covers.”

Renard’s art was featured in a New York art expo in August 2014. In December 2014, Renard’s “cuts and brushes” exhibit was featured at The Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria, which at the time was owned by the late Rhea Chiles.

The gallery is now owned by Rhea’s son, Ed Chiles, who said, “André was a unique person – a great doctor, a very talented artist and someone you loved being around. He was one of the individuals that makes our Island and our community a special place. It was difficult to watch him go through the health challenges he faced in his last years and Carol was selfless in her support of him.”

Renard’s art can be viewed on Facebook at André Renard Art.

On Monday, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott called Whitmore and offered his condolences.

That same day, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said, “André was a super guy. He was such a kind man and an amazing artist and surgeon. Carol and André were a perfect match. They complimented each other and they both gave back to the community. André was one of those amazing people that you’re lucky to run into in your lifetime.”

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said, “Not only was André a talented physician, but he was also an incredible artist. My prayers are with Carol. Her dedication to André over the years serves as an inspiration to all married couples.”

The family hopes to host a celebration of life at the polo grounds in Lakewood Ranch but those plans are still being finalized.

Please, don’t feed shorebirds

Please, don’t feed shorebirds

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Humans disturbing birds is one of the key hazards to threatened shorebird and seabird populations, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Shorebird Alliance (FSA).

When attempting to nest and raise chicks on local beaches, breeding birds spend energy avoiding human threats, leaving chicks and eggs vulnerable to the elements and predators, according to the FSA’s annual report.

“Research has demonstrated that chronic disturbance from human activities at a site can negatively affect reproductive outcomes, local abundance, and ultimately statewide populations,” according to the FSA report. Kathy Doddridge, a volunteer with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, offered some tips on reducing human interaction and dis- ruption to the local shorebird population.

“Walk around bird colonies so as not to disturb them, prevent children (and adults) from running through a resting colony in order to get that perfect selfie or video,” she said. “Feeding gulls bread is equivalent to feeding your children styrofoam peanuts. When the gulls become reliant on beach scraps, they are more inclined to stay around and then prey on chicks and eggs. One of the primary predators of nesting birds is the local cat population. Keep your cats inside and your dogs off the beach.” Manatee County law prohibits dogs on beaches.

FSA, a statewide network of local partnerships committed to advancing shorebird and seabird conservation in Florida, focuses on beach-nesting birds that are state-listed as threatened – the American oystercatcher, black skimmer, least tern and snowy plover. The Wilson’s plover is listed as a species of greatest conservation need.

Doddridge conducts a twice-monthly shorebird survey of Anna Maria Island and last week said she saw thousands of laughing gulls as well as migrating red knots, American oystercatchers, ring-billed and lesser black-backed gulls and smaller sandpipers.

“This past Sunday it was cold, windy and far fewer numbers of birds. So cold fronts play a big part in what we see on the beach,” she said. “In the summer months, we have black skimmers, least terns and American oystercatchers frequent the Island. This past year we did not have any nesting seabirds or shore- birds. However, other barrier islands had very large colonies. Gulls nest on Egmont Key, Passage Key and the spoil islands of Hillsborough Bay. Why do they prefer one area over another? People and predators.”

Gulls, terns, oystercatchers, skimmers and sandpipers use AMI beaches to rest during peak migration periods. Skimmers and least terns nest in colonies and rely on the group to protect them from people, crows and laughing gulls, she said.

“Skimmers gather near the water to cool off during the heat of the summer. Imagine wearing a black coat as you sit on the sand in the middle of July,” Doddridge said.

The 2022 Florida Shorebird Alliance Monitoring Data at Work annual report is now available at flshorebirdalliance.org. The report highlights trends and strategies to improve nest- ing outcomes and reduce human disturbance.

“Ever-increasing human populations mean continuing challenges in reducing human disturbance, managing predation and regulating coastal development that impacts beach-nesting birds,” according to the FSA report.

Posting signs and roping off areas around nesting habitat are tools routinely used by FSA partners. Posted Designated Critical Wildlife Area signs are disturbance reduction tools for birds.

FWC law enforcement patrol efforts have grown from 629 patrols in 2018 to up to 1,500 proactive patrols statewide each year. Law enforcement is an important aspect of species protection, according to the FSA site.

In another method of monitoring the local bird population, for the past 123 years, from Dec. 15 through Jan. 5, the Audubon Christ- mas Bird Count has been conducted.

“Teams of people count individual birds to establish a snapshot of what is happening within their circle. A circle is a 15-mile diameter circle,” Doddridge said. “There are two circles that cover Manatee County. I am the compiler for the Bradenton Circle which goes only as far as the Intracoastal (Waterway). AMI is covered by the Fort DeSoto circle, with only the northern end of AMI (north of Anna Maria Elementary) covered in the circle.”

Ambrose prepares to open new market

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Followers of the “Where is the Market?” Facebook page are anxiously awaiting what appears to be an imminent announcement of a new venue.

“I will be thankful at Thanksgiving that our market family will be together soon. However, because of the holiday I cannot get the needed paperwork until the 29th as people are on vacation,” Nancy Ambrose wrote on the page Nov. 18. “So the Sunday market will not start on Dec. 4 as there would not be enough time to market it. I am planning on Dec. 11. Cannot wait to see everyone.”

Ambrose, who was the director of the Coquina Beach Market for the past decade, was ousted by Manatee County officials who announced in August that the county was taking over operations of the beach market.

The Aug. 2 press release from Manatee County Information Director Bill Logan stated in part, “Artisans and other vendors will be back along the Coquina Beach South promenade, once again, when the 2022-23 season opens in November as oversight for the market shifts to Manatee County.”

Logan declined to give a reason for Ambrose’s termination and said by email on Aug. 5, “I do not have any further information why the contract was terminated.”

In October, county officials announced a delay to the projected Nov. 1 opening of the county-run market due to Hurricane Ian having impacted preparations.

“As crews have been deployed around the county to clean up and repair other parks properties, the site prep and rehab work to get the new site (further south on Coquina Beach) ready have been put on hold temporarily,” according to the county website. “The official opening date has been delayed from the originally planned Nov. 1.”

The county has not estimated its beach market opening date.

Ambrose indicated that her new Sunday market will not be on Anna Maria Island and that she would not be making any further announcements until arrangements are finalized. She also wrote that she is looking in another county for a possible Wednesday market.

Her Facebook page, “Where is the Market?” has over 2,000 members, some of whom are vendors who have worked with her and who are hopeful that they will soon have a new venue to sell their products.

Vendor Venita Clark wrote, “I think Nancy needs to have her own booth set up so everyone could stop by and give her the big hug she deserves for working so hard for all of us!

Castles in the Sand

Are there any houses without flaws?

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

“A mark, fault or other imperfection that mars a substance or object.” That, my friends, is the definition of a flaw. If you think you can find a house that doesn’t fit this description, you’re probably dreaming.

Every home built or lived in has flaws; it’s up to the buyer and seller to decide
if the flaw is serious enough to repair or serious enough to not buy the home. Here are some things to think about on both sides of the transaction.

Buyers need to be aware of many things when first viewing a home. If you have young children, or are just sensitive to noise, be aware of traffic or boat noise at various times of the day. Sometimes homes on main roads are priced better but may not work for your family.

Naturally, obvious structural issues like sloping floors or cracks in the walls should raise a red flag.

Water is a problem if leaks get out of control in a home. Question water stains, mold, peeling paint or blisters on the paint and an overall musty odor. Look under sinks for water dripping and run faucets to see if they leak.

Check to see if the floors are maintained. Scratches on hardwood, cracks on tile and worn carpeting could be an indication of an overall maintenance issue in the home.

Look carefully at the appliances and see if they’re rusty or have dents and look worn out. It’s perfectly legitimate to ask if the appliances are in working order and ask their age. Any hanging wires or broken fixtures could indicate a worse electrical problem and should be questioned.

Finally, landscaping and the entire exterior of the home will give you an im- mediate negative or positive impression the minute you step out of the car. First impressions do count.

If you’re selling, sometimes rather than take on a major renovation of a kitchen
or bathroom it’s just as productive to use a little elbow grease. Even though there is still a shortage of inventory in most markets, buyers are frequently turned off by little things. Any type of odor, whether it’s musty, pet, gym shorts or baby, needs to be corrected. When you’re putting your house up for sale, the best favor you can do it is investing in a deep cleaning. The second-best thing you can do is enhance your curb appeal. Remove the bikes, toys and half-dead plants. Paint peeling on outdoor trim and dirty windows are a no-no.

If your home needs more than a good clean-up, fresh paint may not be as dramatic as a new bathroom, but it will do that first impression a lot of good. Refinishing hardwood floors or putting down an inexpensive piece of carpeting in the kids’ rooms will more than pay for itself. Other small fixes that buyers love are new doors and custom closets, many of which you can do yourself. Think about what appeals to you when you look at Realtor pictures of homes for sale. It could be as simple as new throw pillows and bed quilts. I once bought a $300 new sofa for my family room after my dog made the old one his home. It worked perfectly. The buyers even wanted to buy it from us.

Homes aren’t the only things that have flaws. Most of us can look in the mirror and see a long list of things that need fixing. Just remember, there are no perfect homes and no perfect people. A good lesson to keep in mind.

Reel Time: Wade in the water

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

Believe it or not, winter is here. While air temperatures would have us think otherwise, bay and Gulf waters have chilled, if only a little, putting fish into an atypical winter-time pattern. Anglers considering their options on a sunny day should think about getting out of the boat and taking a walk. Although the water isn’t as cold as normal this time of year, the shorter days can produce some great results for anglers willing to “step outside the boat.”

Reel Time: Wade in the water
Andy Grosso of Sarasota caught his first redfish on fly while wading Sarasota Bay last December. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Like any time of the year, wading provides some distinct advantages over fishing from a boat. Wading puts you in the fish’s realm, giving you the advantage of a low profile and a silent approach. This can be particularly important during the winter months when the water can be gin clear, making gamefish extremely wary.

The key to comfortable winter wading is being prepared. A good pair of waders, wading boots, long pants and comfortable socks will do the trick on the coldest day. On warm days, wet wading is still an option. Add a pair of polarized glasses, a hat with a dark un- der-brim, a wade vest or pack and you’re in business. You won’t need heavy tackle unless you’re fishing docks or other structures. Under most conditions, an 8-pound test tackle will be sufficient. You can go even lighter if conditions permit. Fly anglers generally opt for 7- or 8-weight outfits unless wind or other conditions warrant otherwise. Thirty-pound bite tippets should be constructed of fluorocarbon and be approximately 18 inches long.

If the visibility isn’t great, or you’re fishing early or late, target the edges where grass and sand meet. These sandy areas (the seams) and potholes are perfect ambush spots for the predators you’re targeting. Start with presentations about 2 feet outside the area working towards, in and past your target. Make sure you include any deep grass at the ends of the potholes. These areas can be very productive and always warrant a couple of extra casts.

After working the edges of the holes and the seams, begin casting into the sandy areas. Work the nearside of the hole and cast progressively longer until you reach the other side. When fly fishing, try a clear sink tip line with a relatively (8- to 10-foot) short leader over deep grass.

During the winters, anglers who wade fish find big trout on the flats on cold, low-tide mornings. The fish will come into some extremely shallow water to feed, so start shallow and work your way towards the deeper edges, always staying vigilant for surface action, wakes or feeding birds.

If fish are particularly spooky or hard to see, try standing still and waiting for them to come to you. Try this approach if fish see you just before you see them. An- chor well away from the area you intend to fish, get out of the boat and stake out a pothole or sandy area where you have visibility. By staying a long cast away, you can easily see the fish when they enter a hole or pass across a patch of sand. Position yourself off to the side in the grass where you’re less visible, keep a low profile and be still. Just waiting them out gives you a big advantage when targeting reds, trout, snook and other game fish as they wander the flat. When you make a presentation, don’t make any quick moves and make your casts low and slow. It takes patience but can be productive when all else fails. When you “get in” you’ll discover some excellent angling opportunities and, as a bonus, get some exercise.

Letter to the Editor: A bone for every dog

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

I would like to thank The Sun for placing two articles in their paper for donations of Nylabones for the dogs at the County shelter.
We have gotten some wonderful donations from residents all over Manatee County. Their donations have made it possible to supply every dog with a bone.
I will continue to work with Chewy and some other vendors to get much-needed supplies – beds, bones and high-value training treats. We can never have enough because we keep getting new dogs.
The shelters are full and could use help walking the dogs. If anyone has time and would like to take a pup for a stroll around the facility it would be greatly appreciated. They need to get out to exercise and volunteers are in short supply.
I’ll keep updating everyone on what we are buying and show pictures of the very grateful pups.

Renee Ferguson

Holmes Beach

Champs at The Center: LaPensee Plumbing, Progressive Cabinetry win

Champs at The Center: LaPensee Plumbing, Progressive Cabinetry win

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

ANNA MARIA – After weeks of amazing Island youth soccer, The Center lights lit up the fields as family and friends gathered to witness the U10 and U14 championship games.

In the U10 finale, underdogs Solid Rock Construction faced top-ranked LaPensee Plumbing. With only one loss going into the game, team LaPensee had the pressure of finishing the season at the top.

In the action-packed battle, Solid Rock’s Turner Worth scored the team’s two points, while goalie Isaac Roadman made five saves off the shots of the LaPensee strikers.

Roadman and Worth’s teammates Renan Kesten, Ruby Kesten, Luke Willing, Matthew Darak, Grayson Hinckle and Elijah Roadman supported their team during throughout the season.

Obi Roadman, the league’s recipient of this season’s U10 Sportsmanship Award, joined his Solid Rock teammates every week, working hard to get them to the final game of the season.

Team Solid Rock stayed in the championship game until the last second, but the offensive push by LaPensee was just too much.

On the other side of the soccer ball, the LaPensee team proved why they were the team to beat all season. Ending the regular season with only one loss, the back-and-forth battle was the nail-biter that soccer fans were wanting to see.

With three saves in the game, Owen Mahoney and the LaPensee defense made huge stops. Credited with goals for LaPensee, TJ Hagey and Preston LaPensee put two points on the scoreboard.

Luca Rosenkrans, the league’s Most Improved Player, scored a solo goal for the champions.

LaPensee Plumbing fought hard in the championship game and the matches lead- ing up to the final with the all-important field play of Elijah Agelus, Asher Patel and Chandler LaPensee.

LaPensee was joined by U14’s Progressive Cabinetry as the season’s youth soccer champions.

Champs at The Center: LaPensee Plumbing, Progressive Cabinetry win
Fall 2022 U10 youth soccer champions, team LaPensee Plumbing. From left, Preston LaPensee, assistant coach Jackson Pakbaz, Luca Rosenkrans, Elijah Agelus, Chandler LaPensee, TJ Hagey, Asher Patel, Coach Keith Mahoney and Owen Mahoney. – Monica Simpson | Sun

The Center’s oldest youth soccer players narrowed down their pack of three to Progressive Cabinetry and HSH. Meeting once again in the championship game, the two teams played in a hard-fought battle, ending with Progressive capturing the W.

Putting the single goal in the net for HSH was Jesse Zaccagnino. Zaccagnino’s older brother, Jack, played in goal. The Zaccagni- no siblings and their teammates Braelyn

Curtis, Ava Gitt, Austin Guess, Krosby Lamison and Jasmine Sparks brought their skills to the field week after week.

HSH’s hard work and dedication to their game was recognized by the coaches in the league with the awarding of Female and Defensive MVP, respectively, to Jayden Sparks and Sterling Holiday.

MaryTess Bolognone upped her game throughout the season, receiving the Most Improved Player award for the season. Bolognone proved why she received the award with a goal in the game.

Bolognone’s Progressive Cabinetry teammate Mason Moss also had a goal in the final game of the youth soccer season and night’s action.

The Progressive squad, including Gabe and Gavin Petrone, Aubrielle Clarke, Sarah Graham, Theo Aupelle and Grace Comegno along with Annie and Polea Vacek, who gave it their all for the team each time they took the field.

Included in the Progressive Cabinetry success in the season and the championship game, goalkeeper Charlie Serra made two game-winning saves, closing out another successful youth soccer season.

Adult soccer playoff games Nov. 17 narrowed the field from eight teams down to four.

Playing in semifinal action is Gulfview Windows & Doors after beating Pool America in first game of the playoffs.

Ross Built Construction was narrowly defeated after ending regulation play in a 2-2 tie against Wash Family Construction. In an overtime penalty kick scenario, Wash Family took the win and advanced to the next round of post-season play.

Shooting for Wash Family was Kevin Roman, Tyler Brewer, Austin Nutting, Amy Ivin and Ryan Hogan. Each got the soccer ball past keeper Steve Oelfke.

For Ross Built, Oelfke, Eduardo Schlueter, Dean Hinterstoisser and Kali Richardson each went to the line against Wash Family goalie Mark Long. Long’s stop of the shot of Richardson gave his team the win.

In addition to the match-up between Gulfview and Wash Family at 7 p.m., Sato Real Estate and Moss Builders will take to the pitch for the 8 p.m. game on Thursday, Dec. 1.

Sato earned the semifinal spot after finishing second in the regular season with a win against ServisFirst Bank.

Moss Builders took on Slim’s Place for their first playoff game.

The road to the Paul “Ace” Hayward Championship game is getting shorter but not easier as the two top-seeded teams are still in it to win it.

Youth Soccer Fall 2022 Awards

U10

Most Improved Players                   Luca Rosenkrans / Parker Svoboda

Goalie of the Year                          Salvatore Vera

Sportsmanship                              Obi Roadman

MVP Female                                  Adelaide McGraw

MVP Male                                     Callin Westfall

Defensive MVP                              Aidan Guess

U14

Most Improved Player                    MaryTess Bolognone

Goalie of the Year                          Jack Zaccagnino

Sportsmanship                              Dominik Zupa

MVP Female                                  Jayden Sparks

MVP Male                                      Jesse Zaccagnino

Defensive MVP                              Sterling Holiday

Reel Time on the Road: Wakulla Springs and Florida’s Big Bend

Reel Time on the Road: Wakulla Springs and Florida’s Big Bend

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

Standing on the banks of the San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park where the Wakulla and St. Marks rivers converge on Florida’s Big Bend, I was struck by the vast and serene sweep of marsh and distant hammocks. This was a Florida that one could, with a modicum of imagination, picture unchanged since the Spanish explorer Panfilo de Narvaez arrived in the area with 300 men in 1528. The peaceful “silence” was unbroken except for the rustle of the reeds in the wind of an advancing front and the occasional sound of a distant outboard motor. The serenity was even more compelling with the knowledge that so many bloody battles had been fought here over the centuries.

The definition of Florida’s “Big Bend” varies according to the source, but in this telling encompasses an area of Florida’s coastline from south of Perry to Apalachicola. This stretch of coastline lacks the barrier islands that most often define the state, fringed instead with a necklace of marshes and cypress hammocks laced with spring-fed rivers. The St. Marks and Wakulla rivers are modern-day reminders of the best of wild Florida. The St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge preserves an increasingly rare wild and natural Florida Gulf coastline. Of all these, Wakulla Springs, lined with ancient cypress trees festooned in sinuous Spanish moss, is the jewel in the necklace.

Having gone to college in nearby Tallahassee, I had explored this area years before but, for some reason, had never visited Wakulla Springs. It was even on the short list of places we considered when we got married. That’s why my wife, Chris, and I decided to visit when the “fallout” from Hurricane Ian caused us to change our fall vacation plans. Once again, a cancellation of plans turned into a blessing in disguise.

Native Americans had lived on the lands surrounding the spring for thousands of years before the first explorers arrived. Wakulla Springs is one of the deepest and largest freshwater springs in the world and was purchased in 1937 by financier Ed Ball. Ball had traveled the world and considered the spring and surrounding land to be the most serene place he had visited. He constructed the Wakulla Springs Lodge in 1930s Spanish style as a guest house, hiring craftsmen and artisans and importing the finest U.S. marble from Tennessee. An elegant sanctuary with 27 unique guest rooms was created with a great lobby featuring murals depicting Florida scenes painted on its high ceiling.

Beginning in 1941, filmmakers were attracted to the primordial feel of the property and filmed movies including “Tarzan’s Secret Treasure” (1941) and “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954). In 1986, Florida purchased the spring and property and it became a state park.

Today, visitors can swim with manatees where mastodons once roamed and take guided boat tours where dugout canoes once paddled the river. During our tour, we encountered alligators, numerous fish, manatees and an assortment of birds.

A visit to the lodge is a step back in time with its period furniture, original elevator and rooms absent the ubiquitous television. We found the ambiance of the period lodge and grounds extremely relaxing and were grateful for the absence of the television, though Wi-Fi is available. The food in the restaurant was excellent and the natural amenities that surround the area were a bonus.

After almost six decades in Florida, it was refreshing to return to a place both familiar and new, where Florida could be experienced with “new eyes.” Go online for more information and see the video here.

Castles in the Sand

Let’s talk turkey

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

So, after the turkey is consumed, the pies are half gone and the dishwasher is running its first load, it’s time to talk turkey. And what’s everyone’s favorite dinner conversation – real estate.

Let’s start with one of the mysteries of the ages, why mortgage rates go up and down. If you think you’re going to get an understandable answer from me, guess again. Some mysteries are never solved.

As of this writing, the average rates are 6.89% for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage and 6.26% for a 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage. Adjustable-rate mortgages are 5.52%, not too much better but could put borderline buyers in the range of qualifying. These rates have actually ticked down a little from 7% a few weeks ago in spite of the Federal Reserve upping their rate by 0.75% again.

Nationally, home sales typically go down when rates go up since fewer potential homeowners qualify for a loan. Despite the sharp decline in sales, home prices are rising on a year-over-year basis, in part be- cause supply remains low. Unfortunately, a slower housing demand affects other goods and services. Furniture, appliances, lumber and plumbing sales declined in September due to less demand for those products, slowing down the overall economy.

Not surprising, the future predictions are all over the place. The Mortgage Bank-
ers Association thinks mortgage rates are expected to end 2022 at 4.8% and to decline gradually to 4.6% by 2024. Good news, if you believe it, for buyers who are trying to decide between an adjustable-rate mortgage and a conventional one.

The National Association of Realtors kind of agrees with the above, saying that all in all, the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is likely to hit 5.3% by the end of the year, and that 5-year adjustable-rate mortgages will be at 4% by the end of the year.

Finally, a senior economist at Zillow says that competing dynamics suggest that there will be little reason for mortgage rates to decline anytime soon.

As far as pricing is concerned, the National Association of Realtors expects prices to post year-over-year declines starting next year.

Let’s just see what the Manatee County market did for the month of October according to the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

Single-family homes closed at 22.5% less than last October. The median price was $549,444, up 29.3% from last year and the average price was $711,358, up 25.8% from last year. Median time to contract was 24 days compared to 6 days last October and the month’s supply of properties was 2.8 months versus 0.8 last year.

Condos closed 22.5% less than last October. The median price was $368,700, up 32.6%, and the average price was $388,103, up 17.4%. Median time to contract was
22 days versus 7 days last year and the month’s supply of properties was 2.3 months compared to 0.6 last year.

The trend of fewer sales and raising inventory is continuing. Some real estate analysts feel the market is leveling off with less of a bounce to higher values. A lot of this as it relates to Florida is impacted by hurricanes, interest rates and inflation. And we’re not alone. Just coming over one of my news feeds is a report that home sales nationally fell for a ninth straight month in October, according to the National Association of Realtors.

I hope this gives you some debatable information to discuss at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Just remember that when it comes to talking turkey, you probably know as much as anyone. Happy Thanksgiving.

Holiday merriment takes over Bridge Street

Holiday merriment takes over Bridge Street

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured, Holiday.

BRADENTON BEACH – Merchants and city officials launched the Season of Lights and Spirit light display that will continue to shine through the New Year and that’s not the only holiday event happening on Bridge Street.

The holiday festivities began on Nov. 19 with the Light Up Bridge Street tree lighting ceremony and continue with a street party, boat parade and outdoor movie.

The tree lighting ceremony included a special appearance by Santa Claus. Longtime Island resident and former city commissioner Ed Straight had the honor of flipping the switch to light the 32-foot big tree for the first time this season.

Street party and boat parade

Coinciding with the annual Holiday Boat Parade is a festive street party taking place on and around Bridge Street on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 3-9 p.m. This family-friendly event starts in the post office parking lot with face painting, a kid’s holiday crafts station and photo opportunities with Santa.

Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the closure of Bridge Street to enjoy the waived open container rules, drink specials from local venues, live music, entertainment from local youth performers, a drawing featuring more than $2,000 in gift cards for one lucky winner and shopping opportunities at area merchants. A one-of-a-kind Bradenton Beach fillable ornament will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting Turning Points of Bradenton, an organization that assists the homeless.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., the Bradenton Beach Pier will provide an excellent view of the annual Holiday Boat Parade hosted again this year by the Bradenton Beach Marina. Local entertainer Mike Sales will provide the musical soundtrack to the festivities and announce the boat parade participants as they pass by the pier.

The boat parade vessels will gather near the south end of Jewfish Key. At 6 p.m., the boat parade will head northwest along the Longboat Pass Bridge and then north up the Intracoastal Waterway. At approximately 6:30 p.m., the boat parade will pass alongside the pier at Bridge Street on its way to the Bradenton Beach Marina.

There is no entry fee to join the boat parade and interested boaters are asked to download the entry form at www.braden- tonbeachmarina.com or call John or Mike at 941-778-2288. The shops, restaurants and bars along and around Bridge Street will remain open until after the street party and boat parade.

Christmas on Bridge Street

The annual Christmas on Bridge Street is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17 from 3-9 p.m. The Anna Maria Island Privateers will arrive by sleigh in front of the big Christmas tree for pirate pictures with Santa. The afternoon’s activities also include a performance by the Crosley Theater Dickens Carolers, face painting and a kids’ holiday craft station. A free outdoor movie featuring a screening of “Home Sweet Home Alone” starts at 7 p.m. with a concession stand offering popcorn, soda and virgin daiquiris. Takeout also is available from many restaurants in Bradenton Beach.

At the same time, the Drift In will host its annual Christmas party and fundraiser benefitting the AMI Privateers’ youth programs.

For more information on any of these “Holidays in Paradise” events, go online or call 941-896-2222.