Skip to main content

Tag: Anna Maria Island

Red tide affects Manatee County waters

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Featured, Outdoors, Red tide.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County has issued an alert for the presence of red tide in local waters.

Based on samples taken Nov. 7, a red tide bloom in varying degrees was shown at Bayfront Park, Coquina Beach South, Longboat Pass/Coquina Boat Ramp and Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) red tide status map on Nov. 17 showed a range in concentrations from very low at Rod & Reel Pier to medium at Longboat Pass.

Red tide is a type of algal bloom caused by high concentrations of Karenia brevis, a microscopic algae found in the Gulf of Mexico.

Wind and wave action can break open K. brevis cells and release toxins into the air, according to the health department. People should monitor conditions and use caution when visiting affected water bodies. Those in coastal areas can experience eye, nose and throat irritation during a red tide bloom. Some individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, like asthma or chronic lung disease, might experience more severe symptoms.

Red tide typically forms naturally offshore, commonly in late summer or early fall, and is carried into coastal waters by winds and currents. Once inshore, nutrient sources may fuel growth, according to the health department.

Soon after Hurricane Ian hit, some areas to the south of Manatee County experienced high levels of the toxic algae and local water quality experts were uncertain whether or not it would spread to the north.

“I never predict,” Dr. David Tomas- ko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, told The Sun in October. “Hopefully, this doesn’t get bigger. The wind is out of the west pushing water toward shore – that’s not going to help us.”

According to the FWC on Nov. 17, “Reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received over the past week in Southwest Florida in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties.”

Also on Nov. 17, the FWC website stated that respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported over the past week in southwest Florida in those same areas.

“Red tide toxins can also affect the central nervous system of fish and other marine life, which can lead to fish kills and increased wildlife strandings or mortalities,” a DOH press release stated. “Eating contaminated seafood can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in humans.”

“Please note that it is safe to eat shellfish that are commercially harvested and sold in fish markets, restaurants and other outlets,” the Mote Marine website states. “Florida has a well-established monitoring program for all commercial shellfish beds and these beds are closed when affected by red tide or other environmental conditions.”

For local shellfish harvesting status results, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The FWC collects and analyzes red tide samples and results are updated daily. Status updates are issued twice weekly during blooms.

To hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state, call the toll-free hotline at 866-300-9399.

To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute on the FWC reporter app, call 1-800-636-0511, or report online.

The DOH warns the public to take the following precautions in and around affected areas:

• Look for informational signage posted at most beaches.

• Stay away from the water.

• Do not swim in waters with dead fish.

• Those with chronic respiratory problems should be especially cautious and stay away from affected locations as red tide can adversely affect your breathing.

• Do not harvest or eat shellfish, distressed or dead fish from affected locations. If caught live and healthy, finfish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted and the guts are discarded. Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water.

• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide.

• Keep pets and livestock away from and out of the water, seafoam and dead sea life. If your pet swims in waters with red tide, wash your pet as soon as possible.

• Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner, making sure that the A/C filter is maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications.

• If outdoors near an affected location, residents may choose to wear masks, especially if onshore winds are blowing.

To get answers to questions about red tide and its effects, contact the health department in Manatee County at 941-748- 0747.

Youth soccer championship matchups set

Youth soccer championship matchups set

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

ANNA MARIA – Leading up to youth soccer semifinal playoff action, four teams in the U10 league took to the pitch at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Nov. 7. Cloud Pest Control lost 2-1 to Island Real Estate, advancing the team play against LaPensee Plumbing the following night.

The sure foot of Callin Westfall gave the Island Real Estate a goal and assist, while teammate Oliver Barr added a point to the scoreboard for his team.

On defense, goalkeeper Vincent Gollamudi made three critical saves in his team’s quarterfinal win.

The Island Real Estate offense kept Sawyer Leibfried busy with eight saves for Cloud Pest Control. Offensively for the Cloud squad, David Zupa had the team’s only goal in the game.

Solid Rock Construction easily defeated AMI Coconuts with the final score of 5-2. Solid Rock went on to play Sato Real Estate to determine which team made it to play in the championship game.

Despite a valiant effort by AMI Coconuts, Solid Rock Construction’s offense was too strong for their opponent.

With two goals, Renan Kesten led the scoring for Solid Rock with two goals. Kesten’s teammates Ruby Kesten, Turner Worth and Matthew Darak each had solo goals in the game.

Isaac Roadman protected his team’s goal in the quarterfinal game, saving two AMI Coconut shots. Roadman’s counterparts Jordan Steele and Sophia Kerr made a total of four saves against the strong Solid Rock offense.

The two AMI Coconut goals were made by Riley Karecki and Aidan Guess. Guess was credited with an assist to Karecki’s goal.

In a close one, LaPensee Plumbing went on to defeat Island Real Estate 2-1 in the second semifinal game on Nov. 8.

LaPensee’s big win comes after Solid Rock Construction’s narrow victory against Sato Real Estate. Taking the game into overtime, Solid Rock’s post-regulation play success gave the team the win, which clinched the first championship game slot for Solid Rock Construction in U10 play.

The U10 championship game was scheduled to take place on Nov. 14. After LaPensee Plumbing and Solid Rock Construction went head-to-head for the championship title, Progressive Cabinetry and HSH faced off for the U14 final win.

Progressive Cabinetry sealed the deal with a win against team Mac Parkman 3-2, paving the way to the team’s road to the U14 championship game Monday night.

 

Sun Scoreboard

Nov. 8

Youth Soccer – Semifinal Playoff Games
U10

 

Solid Rock Construction 4 OT PKs

Sato Real Estate 3

 

LaPensee Plumbing 2

Island Real Estate 1

U14

 

Progressive Cabinetry 3

Mac Parkman 2

 

NOV. 10

Adult Soccer – Quarterfinal Playoff Games

Postponed due to weather

Castles in the Sand

Zoom towns

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

They call them “Zoom towns” because so many of the new residents are working remotely and have given up their city and suburban lifestyles for a more relaxed environment in smaller communities. It’s no secret that this massive lifestyle change evolved because of COVID-19, but even now, when the danger of serious infection is substantially reduced, Zoom towns are still popular.

A recent National Association of Realtors survey reported that buyers who purchased homes in the year that ended in June moved a median of 50 miles from their previous residences. This is the highest distance on record, going back to 2005 when the median was a consistent 15 miles. This may not seem like a lot of mileage difference, but 15 miles from Boston, for instance, is still part of the city, but when you go 50 miles, you’re in real country. In New York City and other large metropolitan areas, however, you would need to go a little further than 50 miles to really be getting away from it all.

In the same survey, smaller communities were more popular, with buyers purchasing 48% of the homes. Again, this is a record and is up from 32% a year earlier. By comparison, traditional suburban home purchases dropped to 39% from 51% the previous year and only 10% of home purchases were in urban areas, down from 13% the year before. Naturally, the increased cost of homes and now the increased cost of financing has certainly influenced buyers.

Home buyers who are getting close to retirement are another influence on the popularity of small communities. Many who have the ability to work remotely chose to relocate now rather than after their retirement date. This gave them an edge before mortgage rates and prices went up further and set them up for easing into retirement.

Confirming further the demand for homes in smaller communities, The Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Emerging Housing Markets Indexes came out at the end of October. It reports that the demand for homes in low-cost cities with strong local economies is, in their opinion, “robust.” This annual survey incorporates economic and lifestyle data, including real estate taxes, home appreciation, unemployment, wages and commute time in their 300 biggest metro area rankings.

This survey places the North Port, Sarasota and Bradenton region at number four in the top 10. Unfortunately, as we all know, North Port has taken a big hit from Hurricane Ian since this survey was completed, so in next year’s survey it will be interesting to see where that area is placed.

The other Emerging Housing Markets were in this order: Johnson City, Tennessee; Visalia-Porterville, California; Elkhart-Goshen, Indiana; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Lafayette-West Lafayette, Indiana; Columbia, South Carolina; Columbia, Missouri; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Yuma, Arizona.

Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, said, “These more affordable markets continue to offer some opportunity. It doesn’t mean that they’re not seeing a slowdown in their housing markets, but they’re better positioned generally.” In other words, they had faster home sales and lower unemployment rates than the market as a whole, which is attracting buyers in an otherwise difficult housing market. Further, according to an economist at Nationwide Insurance, the trend toward less expensive housing markets looks like it will continue even if home prices start trending down.

I guess all of Florida needs to be considered a Zoom town based on the number of people who have relocated to our state in the past two years. We’re still a state with a lot of smaller, cozy communities, access to waterfront amenities and a friendly business environment. I believe our new diverse residents will only enhance those attributes. Time to pack your laptops and zoom your way to the Sunshine State!

Holmes Beach road work causes traffic delays

Holmes Beach road work causes traffic delays

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

HOLMES BEACH – Anyone driving through the largest Anna Maria Island city knows that drivers need more patience than usual to make it through the traffic congestion snaking through the center of the community.

With increased traffic due to the start of the winter tourism season and two roadway projects, travel time delays aren’t expected to decrease until at least the end of December.

The issues stem from the start of a long-planned city center roadway renovation project at the intersection of Marina and Gulf drives along with work from a Manatee County utilities project.

The city center renovations include the addition of sidewalks, crosswalks, green space and lighting through the intersection as well as improvements to bicycle and vehicular travel lanes. To accommodate the work currently being done down Marina Drive from the Gulf Drive intersection to just past the Island Branch Library, that section of the road is closed with traffic diverted down Holmes Boulevard and the coastal section of Gulf Drive. Ongoing work includes the installation of concrete curbing and sidewalks, infiltration trenches and new drainage structures as well as regrading and repaving the street.

City Engineer Sage Kamiya said that the work on Marina Drive is scheduled to be mostly completed by the end of December with traffic lanes reopened as work allows. Once work is completed on Marina Drive, additional work will need to be done on Gulf Drive.

Addressing the somewhat controversial four-way stop temporarily installed at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Holmes Boulevard, Kamiya and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer released a joint statement on Nov. 4 on Facebook stating that they believe the four-way stop is still the best traffic control method for the area.

The statement said they looked into the installation of a temporary traffic light and putting a police officer at the intersection to direct traffic as alternatives. Using a police officer to direct traffic was dismissed because the intersection is too narrow to allow for an officer to safely direct two-way traffic and reducing traffic to one lane would cause more traffic delays. Cost also was a factor as that solution would require a full-time police officer to be onsite at the intersection.

A temporary traffic light was also dismissed due to not being considered as effective in moving traffic as the four-way stop.

Adding to drivers’ woes is an ongoing potable water project by Manatee County which was supposed to be completed prior to the start of the city center project. Instead, both projects are continuing simultaneously with the county project first disrupting traffic along Holmes Boulevard and then blocking off a section of 52nd Street the week of Nov. 7, which kept traffic along that street limited for most of the week.

Ross, Wash tie going into playoffs

Ross, Wash tie going into playoffs

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

ANNA MARIA – Ending the adult co-ed recreational soccer regular season at The Center of Anna Maria Island, last-place team Ross Built Construction and the top-ranked Wash Family Construction met on the pitch last Thursday night.

Week seven play ended in a 4-4 tie on Nov. 3 between the two teams, slated to meet again in the first round of the playoffs on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m., according to The Center’s rankings.

The Center’s Marketing and Communications Director, Sam Parker, made a nice goal, tucking the soccer ball in the left corner of the net coming from the right side of the field. Teammate Raul Castano joins Parker in the statistics with a solo goal, along with two by Kali Richardson for Ross Built.

Getting past Steve Oelfke twice, Wash Family Construction’s Tyler Brewer’s two goals added to the single by team captain Kevin Roman and Austin Nutting.

Oelfke made eight saves in the final game. His counterpart, Mark Long, made seven all-important stops to help his team end the game a tie.

ServisFirst Bank’s defense kept the Gulfview Windows & Door scoring to only one goal by team captain Keith Mahoney. Teammate and keeper Tuna McCracken had eight saves in the game, only letting three get past him.

To score for ServisFirst, Selina Gonzalez-Salinas beat the Gulfview defense. Ugur “Lucky” Durmaz continued to strike successfully with two goals in the game.

In a blowout, team Sato Real Estate won against Slim’s Place with a final score of 8-0. Pedro Gonzalez had a hat trick with Danny Anderson and Lindsey Styka both scoring two goals against the third-seed team going into the quarterfinals.

Team captain Josh Sato made it on the board with a single. Finishing in second, Sato goes against ServisFirst next week.

Slim’s Place will match up against Moss Builders in quarterfinal play. With a surprising sixth-place finish, Moss Builders lost in a close one in the last game of the regular season against Pool America.

Hanging out in the middle of the pack with Gulfview, fourth-ranked Pool America scored seven goals against the Moss Builder goalies Ryan Moss, with seven saves, and James Roadman, with three.

Max Gazzo protected the Pool America goal, making three saves in the night.

Matthew Staggs earned his hat trick for Pool America along with Moss Builder’s Daniel Hampton.

Additional Moss Builder scoring came off the boots of Damir Glavan and Olaf Krause. The solid team came up short in the scoring department thanks to two goals by Nate Welch and solo goals by Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos and team captain Chris Klotz for Pool America.

The first game of the playoff season pits the mid-ranked teams against each other, as Gulfview Windows & Doors meets Pool America on Thursday, Nov. 10. Playoff action leads to the all-important Paul “Ace” Hayward Cup match on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.

 

 

Sun Scoreboard

NOV. 1

Youth Soccer – Week 7

U10

 

LaPensee Plumbing (6-0-1) 3

Sato Real Estate (4-1-2) 1

 

Island Real Estate (3-2-2) 1

Solid Rock Construction (2-3-2) 1

 

AMI Coconuts (2-3-2) 1

Cloud Pest Control (0-7-0) 0

 

U14

 

HSH (4-0-1) 3

Progressive Cabinetry (1-3-1) 1

 

Mac Parkman (0-3-2) Bye Week

NOV. 3

Adult Soccer – Week 7

 

#8 Ross Built Construction (1-5-1) 4

#1 Wash Family Construction (4-1-2) 4

 

#7 ServisFirst Bank (2-4-1) 3

#5 Gulfview Windows and Doors (3-4-0) 1

 

#2 Sato Real Estate (4-2-1) 8

#3 Slim’s Place (4-2-1) 0

 

#4 Pool America (4-3-0) 7

#6 Moss Builders (2-3-2) 5

Rankings and records provided by The Center

Reel Time: Master the basics

Reel Time: Master the basics

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

Today’s anglers are barraged by the constantly changing “state-of-the-art” innovations in the angling world. Side scan fish finders, spot lock trolling motors and even lures with cameras might improve your odds at catching fish, but there’s no substitute for learning and applying what might be called the basics, the foundations that successful angling is built on.

Fishing means different things to different people. To some, it’s the simple pleasure of being on the water where catching is optional. To others, it’s serious business and the outcome can make or break a day on the water. For others, it’s the search for a meal or just an opportunity to share time with friends or family.

Whatever fishing means to you, it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, I’m convinced that the less complicated, the better your chance of success. That might not be apparent when browsing the tackle department at your nearest sporting goods store or tackle shop.

There is a plethora of gear lining the shelves meant to dazzle and “lure” anglers. Even the basics like line and hooks come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, each promising the angler an advantage over the fish. In truth, experience has taught me that there’s no special magic to finding the right gear for angling success. Instead, concentrating on a few basic time-tested techniques will improve the luck of even the greenest angler.

Most important is the essential outfit – rod, reel and line. Pick the best quality tackle you can afford, but not the most expensive available. I’m talking about gear that is solidly made and able to survive the rigors of saltwater. Whether you’re using spinning tackle, fly tackle or bait casting gear, get an outfit that’s balanced and appropriate for the kind of fishing you’ll be doing. A balanced outfit means that the weight is evenly distributed when held just forward of the reel on the cork of the rod. This isn’t an exact science, but you’ll be able to feel if one component is oversized.

An appropriate outfit is one that is up to the task of catching the fish you’re targeting, but no heavier than necessary. An 8- to 10-pound rig is perfect for snook, trout, redfish and other inshore species while a 20- to 40-pound outfit works best for anglers hunting kingfish and cobia along the beach or bottom fishing for grouper, snapper or amberjack over offshore ledges and wrecks. The line should also match the outfit you’re using and fill the spool of the reel. The most common problem I see is reels with too little line. This severely hampers the angler’s casting accuracy and distance.

When it comes to deciding whether to use live bait or artificial lures, I think artificial lures are a better choice, especially for beginning anglers. First and foremost, lures are less of a hassle. Live bait takes time to acquire, must be kept healthy and usually stays close to where it’s cast. Artificial lures by contrast don’t have to be changed often and aren’t affected by pests like pinfish. At worst it only involves changing the body of a jig occasionally. Using lures will allow you to cover more water, testing various water depths and retrieval speeds.

My personal favorite is a jig and, while I now use mostly weighted jigs with plastic bodies, the original with bucktail skirts are still a great choice. My second choice would be a top water plug. These lures require a bit of practice to master “walking the dog” but allow the angler to cover a lot of water and attract fish with their sound and surface disturbance.

Consult your local tackle shop when choosing an outfit. They know the area, have a wealth of experience and can be trusted to get you off to a good start. While big box stores might seem a good place to shop, you’re not as likely to get the professional advice of a local shop. Do some homework before shopping so you can pick the best rig for the fishing you intend to do. There is no doubt that innovations appear that you want to be aware of, but your overall experience will be enhanced if you master the basics first.

Castles in the Sand

Is the Earth moving under homeownership?

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

As I’m reading that mortgage rates have topped 7% for the first time in 20 years, I can’t help wondering how all the events of the past two years will affect homeownership. As the affordability of purchasing a home deteriorates, will it take homeownership along with it?

I recently became aware of a book called “Crabgrass Frontier: The Suburbanization of the United States,” written by historian and Columbia University professor Kenneth Jackson in 1985. The book focuses on the history of single-family homeownership in the United States and goes all the way back prior to the Civil War. However, my interest and probably yours was what happened to American homeownership after World War II.

Although the book outlines the history of how the suburbs developed, it also explains the psychology of why people want to own their own home and the piece of ground under it. It’s all about the “American Dream” and how for generations, owning a home represented the fulfillment of that dream and the success that it symbolized. Immigrants who came through Ellis Island at the beginning of the 1900s couldn’t believe their children could actually own their own homes and appreciated how important that was to their lives.

The economics of owning a home for most would-be homeowners was less important than the desire to own a home, regardless of whether the future math made sense. Find the home you want in the area you want and find a way to get it without really considering its future worth. Fortunately, the future worth of real estate has consistently risen since the early 1950s when the suburbs outside of major cities grew and grew and grew.

All we have to do is look to the last couple of years when home values in the United States have risen 36% since 2020, which is twice as large as any other two-year increase on record. Even the real estate crash of 2007 hasn’t changed anyone’s minds about the value of homeownership. All the value that was lost has returned and most people and economists feel that what happened then was just a blip on the real estate radar, not a trend. There has consistently been a 60% homeownership rate since the early 1960s.

The COVID-19 epidemic has certainly changed where people live almost as much as the advent of affordable automobiles and highways did. It gave citizens the ability to live far from their job’s home offices and “commute” via their laptops, pushing up the value of homes in areas of the country no one ever considered moving to until retirement, like Florida. This has unfortunately widened the gap between the wealthy white-collar professionals and everyone else. That combined with the rise of inflation and mortgage rates has locked a lot of middle-class people out of the market.

Nevertheless, history predicts that what we’re living through now will not be long-term and homes will continue to appreciate. Eventually, new buyers will find a way into the market. Florida has been one of the major beneficiaries of this unusual real estate trend and, although our market is going through a slight correction, don’t bet on it collapsing.

Since the Federal Reserve just passed another rate hike at a recent meeting, we can anticipate mortgage rates to continue going up. As the Earth keeps moving under the real estate market, the average buyer just doesn’t know what to do, so many are doing nothing. It’s a sad state of affairs for the country, but hopefully one that will not stick around for long.

Letter to the Editor: Leaders, preserve Island character

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

Years ago, I attended the Aqua by the Bay hearings where I was introduced to a typical MO: A corporation requests a special exception which is not supposed to have a negative impact, but it usually does. It’s a trade-off. A site plan is approved that disturbs the public and/or environment to the benefit of a private entity.

Many experienced people like Joe McClash and Jane von Hahmann spoke with great detail showing how the request did not comply with the comp plan or code. It was said that their $25 drawing was even more detailed than the applicant’s. The county chambers were overflowing. However, as we well know, the county approved the plan anyway.

Subsequently, the corporation bulldozed a conservation area and backpedaled on a stipulation giving the public a checkpoint on progress. Issues related to a retaining wall and mangrove trimmings ensued. It was only through the persistence of environmental groups that prompted DEP intervention. But the damage was already done.

Within a 900-foot radius in Holmes Beach between city hall and city center, minimally, there have been special exceptions in Resolutions 14-04, 16-07, 17-03, 22-08, and a settlement in the residential zone. In addition, during a recent site plan review, it was discovered that there had been egregious unacknowledged special exceptions over the years. Honoring and allowing special exceptions while saying that you are adhering to the code seems like an oxymoron.

It is these repeated approvals of special exceptions and the unaddressed violations which chip away at the intended city character which is well outlined in the comprehensive plan and code.

Lack of space is a common denominator of many of our city issues, and it is the density related to these special exceptions that is creating a negative impact. There will be a trade-off; testimonials are abundant from residents who have moved, as well as the dwindling few who remain.

Residents are not asking for special exceptions when they desire a normal quality of life that is promised in the code. We ask city leaders to please have vision and preserve the unique Island character.

 

Margie Motzer

Holmes Beach

Having a boo-tiful Halloween on AMI

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, Family fun.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – It was a hauntingly good time this Halloween as hundreds of little ghouls, goblins, witches, princesses and even a few superheroes descended upon the Island for the annual Trail of Treats celebration.

The event, hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, stretched the length of the Island as businesses invited trick or treaters to come and collect candy from stops in Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. The Trail of Treats has been an Island tradition for more than two decades. Though COVID-19 caused a two-year hiatus, the event came back this year on Oct. 31.

In addition to the candy collecting, the Chamber also sponsored a costume contest as a kick-off for the event in Holmes Beach. Participants in the event and costume contest came from the Island and as far away as Sweden and Germany.

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

FWC warns boaters to watch out for manatees

FWC warns boaters to watch out for manatees

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatees are on the move this time of year, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boaters to keep an eye out for the slow-moving marine mammals, especially during November – Manatee Awareness Month.

As water temperatures cool, manatees are migrating to warmer waters. Manatees depend on water warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit to survive the winter, so in the fall they travel to springs, power plant discharges and other warm-water sites.

FWC urges boaters to follow all posted manatee protection zones, look out while boating, wear polarized glasses and always give them space. Manatee protection zones are marked by waterway signs. Maps of manatee protection zones are available online at MyFWC.org by clicking on “Data and Maps.”

Collisions with boats remain the leading cause of human-related death for manatees, according to oceanconservancy.org.

“Manatees live in coastal waters, estuaries and rivers, which happens to be where there is a lot of boat traffic. They also feed on seagrasses that grow in sunny, shallow waters, meaning they spend a lot of time close to the surface, putting them more at risk for boat strikes,” according to the Ocean Conservancy website.

Disturbing manatees at warm-water sites can cause them to swim out of those protected areas and into potentially life-threatening cold water.

Manatees are sometimes difficult to see on the water and you may see a swirl on the surface caused by the manatee when it dives, or see an animal’s back, snout, tail or flipper break the surface of the water. You may only hear the manatee when it surfaces to breathe. In any instance, keep your distance and observe passively, according to the FWC.

FWC law enforcement officers are on patrol in state waters to inform boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and take appropriate enforcement actions, according to the FWC website. The manatee is protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which makes it illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal. The manatee is also protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978, which states: “It is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee.”

Do not attempt to handle manatees but instead report injured, distressed, sick or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or by dialing #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone so responders can assist.

Resources for boaters, educators and other interested members of the public are available online.

Wash Family Construction, Slim’s Place top soccer rankings

Wash Family Construction, Slim’s Place top soccer rankings

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

ANNA MARIA – With one game left in the regular season, three adult soccer games were played Oct. 27 at The Center of Anna Maria Island. After six games, Wash Family Construction and Slim’s Place are at the top of the rankings with 4-1-1 records.

In what would have been the fourth game of the night, team Wash Family took the win by forfeit against Slim’s Place.

In the first game, team Sato Real Estate, currently ranked third, played team Ross Built Construction. With the loss, Ross Built fell to last place with a 1-5-0 record.

Despite the loss, the Ross Built squad put up impressive statistics and stayed in the game until the final whistle blew.

Both teams produced double hat tricks. Lindsey Styka and Jacek Czajkowski scored six points for Sato Real Estate, with three goals each.

On the other side of the field, Dean Hinterstoisser and Greg Ross each scored three points for Ross Built Construction. Hinterstoisser and Ross made the only goals for their team in the 6-8 loss.

Adding to the Sato Real Estate scoring were team captain Josh Sato and Danny Anderson, each with singles. In the goal, Steve Oelfke was credited with three saves, while Adam Mott’s incredible saves helped Sato Real Estate capture the W.

Ross Built faces Wash Family Construction Thursday, Nov. 3 in the first game, scheduled to start at 6 p.m. The Sato Real Estate team faces Slim’s Place in game three.

ServisFirst Bank met their match against Pool America in the second game of the night with a four-point loss.

Pool America’s Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos scored four goals of his own in the victory, with additional goals by Kris Yavalar and Jana Whitehead. Matt Staggs contributed to his team’s win with two goals of his own.

Selena Gonzalez-Salinas struck with two goals for ServisFirst Bank, along with solo goals by Ugur “Lucky” Durmaz and Joseph Keogh.

In the 8-4 game, Pool America’s goalkeepers helped with the big win. Chris Klotz led the charge with five saves, while Nate Welch stepped in to make two stops.

Welch’s time in goal allowed Klotz to play the field, earning an assist.

ServisFirst also put two players in the goal. Team captain Yuri Pereira was credited with one stop and Joseph Keogh made two big stops.

In week seven action, Pool America will face Moss Builders. Moss finished the week with a 2-2-2 record after losing to Gulfview Windows & Doors.

Gulfview, who handily beat Moss Builders, plays ServisFirst Bank in the last regular season week of adult soccer action in the 7 p.m. game.

Holding Moss Builders to four goals, Gulfview’s goalie Tuna McCracken made nine huge stops. On offense, McCracken’s teammates Raul Loera and team captain Keith Mahoney earned their own hat tricks. Asli Gunsel had two goals and Zach Long had a single in the 9-4 triumph.

Moss Builders’ scoring came off the boots of Damir Glavan and Jessica Williams, each with two goals. Olaf Krause, team captain for Moss Builders, supported his defense with four saves as keeper.

With the season’s schedule pushed a week due to Hurricane Ian, the much-anticipated Paul “Ace” Hayward Cup championship game is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.

Sun Scoreboard

OCT. 14

ADULT KICKBALL – WEEK 2

 

The Salty Dolphins (2-0-0) 17

Paddy Wagon (1-1-0) 16

 

 

Captain Ron’s Crew (1-1-0) 18

General Bums (0-2-0) 13

 

OCT. 25

YOUTH SOCCER – WEEK 6

U10

 

Solid Rock Construction (2-3-1) 2
Cloud Pest Control (0-6-0) 0

 

LaPensee Plumbing (5-0-1) 4

AMI Coconuts (1-2-3) 0

 

Sato Real Estate (4-0-2) 1

Island Real Estate (3-2-1) 0

 

U14

 

Progressive Cabinetry (1-2-1) 2

Mac Parkman (0-3-2) 2

 

HSH (3-0-1) Bye Week

 

OCT.27

ADULT SOCCER – WEEK 6

Sato Real Estate (3-2-1) 8

Ross Built Construction (1-5-0) 6

 

Pool America (3-3-0) 8

ServisFirst Bank (1-4-1) 4

 

Gulfview Windows and Doors (3-3-0) 9

Moss Builders (2-2-2) 4

 

Wash Family Construction (4-1-1) Win by Forfeit

Slim’s Place (4-1-1) L

Keep an eye out for cobia

Reel Time: Keep an eye out for cobia

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

As the waters cool in the Tampa Bay region, savvy anglers know it’s time to start looking for cobia in area waters.

These feisty game fish can grow to over 100 pounds, and 50- to 60-pound fish are common during the fall. While most anglers target cobia in the Gulf, the species ranges widely throughout local bays as well. Years ago, I was introduced to a cobia fishery I never knew about in upper Tampa Bay by Capt. Bryon Chamberlin of Land o’ Lakes.

That first day we launched near Apollo Beach and motored towards the Big Bend power plant, its twin stacks emitting plumes of steam silhouetted against a brilliant orange sky. That cold morning, the warm water discharge created steam that wafted over the chilly waters of Tampa Bay. The hope was that these warm waters would attract rays, jack crevalle, snook and our target, cobia. The strategy was to look for large eagle rays. Chamberlin knew that cobia “ride” their wings, looking for prey.

We had barely set up near the warm water when the wing tips of a large ray broke the surface about 100 feet away. Chamberlin dropped his trolling motor and quietly closed within casting distance. When the ray was 50 feet away, I made a cast and stripped the fly in the path of the ray as three large cobia came into view. A fish we estimated at 50-60 pounds attacked the black and purple bunny with a vengeance that surprised me, causing me to hold on too long and breaking my 16-pound tippet. I barely had time to recover and tie on a new fly before Chamberlin was moving towards another disturbance on the water. This one didn’t have a cobia in attendance, but in the next half hour, I had shots and refusals from four fish.

Chamberlin suggested a different pattern and I started to cut off the fly. For some reason, I waited a split second. Suddenly, a large brown shape morphed near the boat. Making a roll cast, I placed the fly 2 feet in front and watched as a large cobia inhaled the offering. This time I made a hard strip strike and relaxed my grip on the line as the fish bolted for the horizon. The cobia fought hard, making frequent head-shaking appearances at the surface followed by long runs into the backing. Thirty minutes later, Chamberlin lifted the 40-pound-plus fish for a few photos before we revived it and released it.

Unlike most fish, cobia are often easier to find and feed on a slack tide. When the tide is running hard, the rays feed on the bottom. When the tide starts to slow, the rays come back up to the surface and bring the cobia with them. Bright sunny days with light winds make for optimal conditions and could yield multiple shots.

This is definitely a hit-or-miss fishery, but it’s totally worth the effort when you have a chance at a 50-pound fish on a fly in Tampa Bay. Cobia can also be found along the beaches and over structure offshore in the fall. It’s a good idea to have a 10-weight outfit rigged and in the rod rack even if you’re not targeting cobia. They have a way of showing up suddenly and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Cortez Village Historical Society seeks board members

Cortez Village Historical Society seeks board members

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

CORTEZ – The Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) is putting out a call for new board members interested in helping preserve the rich history of the commercial fishing village.

The group will meet Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. at the Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., when a nominating committee will present a slate of candidates who have expressed interest in serving on the board or as an officer.

“If someone would like to be considered, they can let us know about any special qualifications they have. Maybe they’re good with children or have past board experience,” CVHS President Kaye Bell said. “This is open to the public and we welcome anyone to apply.”

Those interested are asked to email resumes prior to the meeting to: cvhs2016@aol.com

“The board acts in an advisory capacity,” Bell said. “Board members will oversee projects and give advice. It would be helpful if someone has been involved in a board in the past.

“We also have openings for volunteers who are willing to spend a few hours telling people about the history of Cortez,” she said. “The only requirement is a smile.”

Board member J.B. Crawford said that board members meet with the officers to consider a variety of important issues.

“These issues range from facilities, finances, meetings, activities, continuity of leadership and other matters as they arise,” Crawford said. “Prior to the pandemic, we met monthly to attend to business, but recently we have followed the social distancing rules and have communicated more by email and telephone.”

Social distancing is the reason that the Nov. 8 meeting will be held outside at the pavilion behind the Center, he said. The rain date is Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Cortez is one of the last remaining fishing villages on Florida’s Gulf coast, according to CVHS. Its fishing history goes back to the Native Americans and Spanish who first lived in and explored the area.

“The Cultural Center focuses on preserving ‘old Florida’ history and stories of founding families in Cortez. Starting with the Guthrie and Fulford families in 1880, visitors can travel through war times with Cortez women who went to work while their husbands were at war, and read about boats bringing visitors to the Albion Inn. The timeline stops at the 1980s, but eventually, the center will document the village’s history to present day,” according to the CVHS website.

The Cultural Center is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To book tours or groups by appointment, call 941- 540-0590. For more information, call Bell at 941-538-0945.

Castles in the Sand

The death of old Florida

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

Florida’s changed a lot in the over 20 years I’ve lived on the Gulf coast, and it’s changed even more as a result of COVID-19. But the biggest change to southwest Florida and the entire coastline south of Tampa may come as a result of Hurricane Ian.

Now that the flood waters are receding and everyone is assessing the damage from the storm, we’re starting to get a feel for the damage to real estate values. Feedback from brokers is that the investors and buyers are now out in force looking for properties to buy in as-is condition. One broker from Englewood predicts that home prices will increase for at least another 12 to 18 months because of the additional demand.

Buyers from out of state have not changed their minds and are motivated to buy before prices increase further because of the anticipated additional shortage of properties to buy in the aftermath of the storm. In addition, they have not been discouraged by the increased costs associated with fortifying homes against wind and flooding.

The fallout from the insurance companies is still unknown, but anyone purchasing a coastal home now is calculating that additional cost into their affordability factor.

Of course, Anna Maria Island and other barrier islands on the coast that did not have major damage will be looked at by buyers and seasonal renters. This could prove to be an even busier rental season for Anna Maria Island with higher price tags for rentals and purchases alike.

Assuming all of the above, where does that leave the average buyer who wants to live on the coast? Unfortunately, many will be forever priced out of coastal living because of a combination of building codes and the increased costs of flood and homeowners’ insurance.

The most recent update to Florida building codes from 2020 includes provisions to seal roof decks, as well as longer standing requirements to install impact-resistant windows or shutters and an update to stronger connections between the roof, walls and foundation.

As previously stated, homeowner’s insurance companies are requiring condos and single-family homes to install new roofs before they will provide an insurance policy. This is happening even if there are currently no leaks or damage to existing roofs, if they are over a certain age.

According to a recent report by CoreLogic, there are nearly 33 million homes at risk of hurricane-force wind damage along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts in Florida, so the amount of property updating required is substantial.

When Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle town of Mexico Beach, it didn’t take long for the area to recover with high-end homes, gated communities and beachfront condos supplanting the original old Florida cottage nature of the area. This is certainly going to happen in parts of southwest Florida where many homeowners do not have flood and/or homeowner’s insurance and are planning not to return. Just to prove that “deep pocket” money isn’t afraid of storms, The Ritz Carlton Residences on Estero Bay, located just south of Fort Myers Beach, is breaking ground next year with units starting at $2.8 million.

I still have my crystal ball handy from Halloween and it’s telling me Florida’s real estate values are strong and may actually get stronger because of Hurricane Ian. The downside is will “old Florida” be gone forever? The crystal ball is saying, “Why are you asking that question? You know the answer.” Unfortunately, I do.

Fireside Chats: Chatting about our annual open house

Written by Rodney Kwiatkowski on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

In 1871, from October 8th through the 10th the city of Chicago was ravaged by a fire that destroyed 3.3 square miles. For perspective, the whole of Anna Maria Island is 3.96 square miles. When the great conflagration was finally extinguished, 300 lives perished, the fire burned nearly 18,000 structures, left approximately 100,000 people homeless and cost $200 million in losses (adjusted for inflation, that is $5.4 billion by today’s standards). In 1922, In remembrance of this tragic event, the United States government declared the week surrounding October 9th National Fire Prevention Week. This year, on the centennial of its declaration, National Fire Prevention Week remains the longest uninterrupted national observance.

Fireside Chats: Chatting about our annual open house
The Great Chicago Fire. – Submitted

In the past, in observation of National Fire Prevention Week, West Manatee Fire Rescue District visited public schools and pre-schools within our district and educated children about the power of fire and the many ways in which we, as individuals, and as a community can prevent a repeat of The Great Chicago Fire.

Our observance of National Fire Prevention Week has always culminated in our annual Open house event. Our annual open house is and has always been a free event, hailed by many as “the hottest event of the day” throughout Manatee County, and features fun-filled activities designed to entertain and educate the public regarding fire and life safety. Tragically, the emergence of COVID-19 in early 2020 disrupted this tradition, making 2019’s Open House the last of these occasions before the pandemic forced communities into a long period of quarantining and social distancing. Recently, our community and extended communities to the south of us were battered ferociously by Hurricane Ian.

Throughout various epochs of history, communities have rallied during times like these under a simple, yet powerful, Latin phrase – Post Tenebras Lux, (After darkness, light).

With our community returning to a greater semblance of normalcy in this post-COVID era and with the ongoing and overwhelming outpouring of community cohesion in the name of recovery, we believe it is not only important but necessary, to resume the West Manatee Fire Rescue District Annual Open House tradition and come together as a community. To that end, we are thrilled to announce WMFR will be hosting the return of our Annual Open House on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 11 am until 2 pm at West Manatee Fire Rescue District Station 1, located at 407 67th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209. Come out, meet your local first responders and enjoy free food, drinks, games, tours of a fire truck and much more. We hope to see you there!