Skip to main content

Tag: Anna Maria Island

Governor suspends vacation rentals

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has suspended vacation rentals for two weeks.

“We’re going to suspend for two weeks any new vacation rentals in the State of Florida. The concern is people in some of these hot spots wanting to come here. Now’s not really the time to do that, so the vacation rentals will be suspended for two weeks. If you’re in one now, then finish and go home – but for any new rentals there’s going to be a suspension on that,” DeSantis said during Friday’s press conference.

These actions are set forth in Executive Order 20-87.

Governor suspends vacation rentals, mayor suspends rental reservations
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a two-week suspension on new vacation rental stays. – www.flgov.com

“I hereby order all parties engaged in rental of vacation rental properties, as defined in Florida Statutes, to suspend vacation rental operations. Vacation rentals are prohibited from making new reservations or bookings and shall not accept new guests for check-in for the duration of this order,” according to the executive order.

The directive includes any house, condominium or dwelling unit that is also a transient public lodging establishment as defined under Florida Statutes.

The governor’s directive does not include hotels, motels, inns, resorts, non-transient public lodging establishments, time share projects or long-term rentals. The order does not include rental stays at which the guests are already occupying the rental unit or have previously booked a stay and are scheduled to check in no later than March 28.

The order does not apply to those performing military, emergency, governmental, health or infrastructure response, or travelers engaged in non-vacation commercial activities.

“DBPR shall revoke the vacation rental license of any party that violates this order or otherwise advertises vacation rental opportunities during the duration of this order; and DBPR shall alert the state authorities to evidence of violations or attempts to violate this order,” the executive order says.

“This executive order shall expire in 14 days unless extended by subsequent order,” the order concludes.

Restrictions in Anna Maria

On Tuesday, March 24, Anna Maria Dan Murphy issued an emergency order that temporarily prohibits new reservations for vacation rental stays of less than 30 days in Anna Maria. The order took effect at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25.

Governor suspends vacation rentals, mayor suspends rental reservations
On Tuesday, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy issued an emergency order suspending new vacation rental reservations. – File Photo | Joe Hendricks | Sun

“There shall be no new reservations for an arrival date of March 26 through June 30 of less than 30 days. Reservations with an arrival date on or subsequent to July 1 are excluded from this order,” Murphy’s order says.

“If a rental of 30 days or more during the period between March 25 and June 30 is cancelled before the end of the 30-day period, that vacation rental shall not be permitted to be made available for rental, or be rented, for the balance of that 30-day period,” the order says.

According to the order, it is now considered fraudulent and unlawful to advertise a short-term vacation rental unit in Anna Maria that does not state all restaurants on Anna Maria Island are limited to takeout service only and all bars are closed.

It is also considered fraudulent and unlawful to not include mention of the governor’s 14-day mandatory self-quarantine requirements that apply to visitors from specific states and cities.

“This order is deemed necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the city of Anna Maria,” the order says.

The order notes violations shall incur punishments that include but are not limited to the suspension or revocation of the vacation rental unit’s annual registration; removal of tenants; criminal penalties levied against the vacation rental owners and the rental management companies and personnel that represent them.

“Every day of non-compliance will be punished by separate fines levied against both the vacation rental owner and the vacation rental management company in the amount of $500 per day of non-compliance,” the order says.

Murphy is required to review his emergency order at least once every seven days to determine whether it needs to remain in place or be lifted.

On Wednesday, Murphy sent city commissioners an email update on the decision he made.

“Our city is the only one in the county with this type of order. I was on a conference call this afternoon with all cities and county officials in Manatee County. I was asked to explain our rationale/position for this order. I explained that part of our rationale was based upon reducing the churn of people coming into and out of Anna Maria weekly,” Murphy’s email said.

The mayor’s email expressed concerns about visitors being at a higher risk of infection while traveling; about potentially infected visitors using public facilities and visiting city beaches; and about potentially infected visitors being in close proximity to Anna Maria residents, many of whom are senior citizens.

“I acknowledge that there is pressure and displeasure with this order from some quarters. But I still feel this is in the very best interest of our community,” Murphy said in his email.

On Thursday, Murphy and the city commission held their first virtual commission meeting.

Joining the virtual meeting by telephone, several out of state residents expressed concerns about the emergency order impacting their existing reservations.

Pennsylvania resident Rose Jordan said she and several other family members have reservations on Anna Maria Island scheduled to begin on April 18. Jordan said she was not sure which of the three Island cities everyone in her party was scheduled to stay in.

“The order doesn’t apply to existing reservations. You have a legal right to come to the Island and stay,” Murphy said in response – not knowing what Gov. DeSantis would do the following day.

Murphy also cautioned that now is not a good time to travel and he noted the closures and restrictions placed on the Island’s bars and restaurants.

Jordan and others also expressed concerns about some vacation rental companies on the Island not providing refunds to those who wish to cancel their reservations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Jordan said she was offered a credit that must be used during the 2020 calendar year. Jordan said due to their occupations she and several others in her party must bid out their vacation time well in advance and cannot make it to the Island at any other time in 2020.

New York resident Marco Dipasquale expressed similar concerns. He said he is an Airbnb host and that Airbnb and VRBO hosts, for the most part, are giving refunds for cancellations.

“This is not sitting well with us,” Dipasquale said, noting this might be the “last straw” for him when it comes to dealing with some of the Island’s vacation rental companies.

Local businesses lend a hand to the community

Local businesses lend a hand to the community

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Business, Restaurants | Bars.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Local businesses are reaching out a helping hand to community members amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minnie’s Beach Café, at 5360 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, is offering free breakfasts and lunches to local kids in need. In addition, if anyone is having trouble finding fresh eggs, produce or any items other than paper goods, the staff at the café is willing to help. Call the restaurant with what you’re looking for and, if they have it, the staff is willing to sell supplies to the public. And if you need something but can’t get out and live locally, they’ll deliver your order to you. The restaurant also is offering freshly prepared food to-go. Minnie’s Beach Café can be reached at 941-778-4140. The restaurant is open for pick up from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

The Sandbar Restaurant and Mar Vista are both offering farm fresh organic produce boxes to the public. Each box of vegetables comes straight from Worden Farms and features an assortment of salad greens, root vegetables, culinary herbs, cooking greens and other organic veggies. Each box is $30 with orders delivered to The Sandbar on Thursdays for pick up after 1 p.m. and to Mar Vista on Thursdays for pick up after 2 p.m. The vegetable boxes are the farmer’s choice and cannot be customized.

Both restaurants also have a menu of freshly prepared dishes for pick up along with a selection of grocery items including eggs, cheese, fresh meat and seafood, pasta, fresh vegetables and bottles of wine, beer and liquor. For more information, or to place your order, visit Mar Vista online to order or The Sandbar online to order. Pickup from both locations is available daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Mar Vista is located at 760 Broadway St. on Longboat Key. The Sandbar is at 100 Spring Ave. in Anna Maria.

Over in Cortez, the Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar also is offering not only some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes to-go but groceries, bait, ice, deli supplies and sandwiches, beer, wine and liquor for pick up by land or by boat. The food menu and available groceries change daily as do the groceries available which range from fresh vegetables to milk and eggs, seafood, deli meats and cheeses, fresh bread and even a few paper goods. The restaurant, located at 4628 119th St. W. or at mile marker 49 by boat, is accepting orders online or by phone at 941-798-2035.

Related coverage

 

Roser Food Pantry needs your help

 

Restaurants rocked by coronavirus pandemic

 

Island bars sobered by governor’s decision

Island bars sobered by governor’s decision

Island bars sobered by governor’s decision

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – For Anna Maria Island’s stand-alone bars, St. Patrick’s Day was supposed to be a night of celebration.

Instead, St. Patrick’s Day 2020 became the day Florida’s bars went dark. This took place at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 as a result of the executive order Gov. Ron DeSantis issued earlier that day.

In an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), DeSantis ordered all non-restaurant-affiliated bars and nightclubs to close at 5 p.m. sharp. Those that didn’t comply faced immediate legal consequences.

The governor’s order closed the Drift In, Sports Lounge and Tommy Knockers in Bradenton Beach, and the Anchor Inn, D Coy Ducks and the Doctor’s Office in Holmes Beach. The city of Anna Maria currently has no stand-alone bars in operation.

The Drift In was very busy during its final hour, and at the outside tiki bar, bartender Sharon Bell worked her final bar shift for the foreseeable future.

“I’ve never seen anything like this. It feels ominous and foreign and awful. This place has been serving liquor 365 days a year since before this was Bridge Street, when that bridge (the Cortez Bridge) was made out of wood,” Bell said.

“People have been really sweet today. They’re concerned and they’re asking if I’m going to be alright. Some of our vacationers are worried about what’s going to happen when they go home and if they’re going to get stuck trying to get home. This is not just here. This is not just Florida. This is our whole nation and it’s scary,” Bell said of the pandemic.

“I have another job, thankfully,” she said of her part-time position in the insurance industry.

Bell said she hadn’t had time yet to form an opinion about the governor’s decision to make bars and nightclubs the first Florida industry to be shut down as a result of the pandemic.

Anna Maria Island Privateer and longtime Drift In patron Tim “Hammer” Thompson said he’d already been to D Coy Ducks and the Anchor Inn and he planned to hit the Sports Lounge too before it closed.

“I gotta get ‘em all in before 5 o’clock,” he said.

Thompson said he felt bad for all the bartenders that would become unemployed at 5 p.m. Using an expletive, he also said he disagreed with the governor’s decision.

“At 5 o’clock on St. Patty’s Day I’m going to be the last pirate standing,” he said before making his way to the Sports Lounge next door.

At exactly 5 p.m., the Drift In and the Sports Lounge closed as ordered and many patrons simply dispersed to the other restaurant bars that remained open.

Anchored for now

Although the front door was already locked at 5:20 p.m., Anchor Inn owner Darla Tingler opened the door to discuss what just happened.

“I understand it, but I don’t think it’s fair that he started with the bars,” she said of the governor’s decision.

Tingler said she didn’t understand how sending her customers to another establishment would help separate people in terms of containing the spread of the coronavirus.

“That’s doesn’t make sense to me. As owners, me and my husband will be OK. My employees, that’s another situation. Brad’s been with us for 18 years,” she said.

Her son, Joey Tingler, said, “I woke up this morning thinking I was going to work and I heard they were shutting us down for the next month. None of us saw this coming and none of us were prepared for something of this magnitude.”

Tingler’s husband, Bobby, said there are many times during the day when there are 10 or less people in the bar – and there might be 20 or so people there when it’s busy.

“You’re going to get way more people in the restaurant bars,” he said.

Restaurants rocked by coronavirus pandemic

Restaurants rocked by coronavirus pandemic

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Many restaurants on Anna Maria Island and in the village of Cortez are now offering takeout and delivery service to help offset the economic damage being caused in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

On Tuesday, March 17, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order that closed all Florida bars and nightclubs as of 5 p.m. that night. The executive order also mandated all restaurants reduce their seating capacity to 50% and create a six-foot distance between groups of diners that are now limited to no more than 10 per group.

Restaurants rocked by coronavirus pandemic
Swordfish Grill server Scarlett Szarko makes a dockside delivery to boater and longtime patron Mick Weick. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The next change came shortly after 2 p.m. on Friday, March 20, when DeSantis issued an executive order that immediately restricted restaurant operations to delivery and takeout service only. The order allows alcohol to be sold for takeout purposes but prohibits alcohol being consumed on the premises of any Florida restaurant.

Shellshocked in paradise

Although not a complete surprise, Friday’s announcement sent immediate economic shockwaves throughout Florida’s restaurant industry as owners, managers and employees scrambled to enact contingency plans.

In Cortez, Swordfish Grill General Manager Bob Slicker already had his plan in place.

“We had already been providing our customers with to-go services that include having their food delivered curbside or dockside,” Slicker said Friday afternoon.

“If you order something to go, you get a free roll of toilet paper if you need it. And if you’re a restaurant employee and have a check stub to prove it you get 40% off your food. We can do to-go alcohol too. You can pick up a six-pack and some food and then stay home,” Slicker said.

He encourages those who purchase takeout food anywhere to tip generously.

“I want to be there for my team and my community and pay some of our employees for as long as I can. Some people can’t bounce back from something like this and they might start making bad decisions,” Slicker said when expressing his concerns about mental health issues and suicide rates increasing as the economic hardships become greater.

By 3:45 p.m. Friday, Anna Maria Island Beach Café bar manager Jason Bell had already closed the tiki bar and the café was in the process of closing until further notice.

“We’re waiting to see what happens next and we’re pretty much out of a job at the moment. Luckily, they’re going to let us come in and do some cleaning and stuff like that, but there’s only so much of that you can do,” Benn said.

By 4 p.m., Hurricane Hanks in Holmes Beach already had banners in their windows that said, “Open for takeout and delivery.”

Management and staff there were already dealing with unhappy customers who were learning they would not be allowed inside to eat or drink.

Around the corner at the Ugly Grouper, General Manager Thad Treadwell was still trying to process what just happened and he said it was too soon for him to comment.

While Treadwell and his staff swung into takeout-only mode, Wisconsin visitor Cindy Jewett and her son Nick learned they were not going to be sitting down to enjoy food and drinks.

“Before you could sit with the tables further apart, but this is ridiculous,” she said of the events that unfolded during her week-long stay on the Island.

In response to the governor’s order, most Anna Maria Island and Cortez restaurants quickly took to social media to announce and promote their takeout and delivery services.

Ed Chiles and the Chiles Group own and operate the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria, the BeachHouse in Bradenton Beach and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant in Longboat Key.

When contacted Sunday, Chiles said, “All three restaurants are operating with takeout menus and we’re looking to do custom food too if people need a bigger, family-style meal.”
Regarding his employees, Chiles said, “Our staff is concerned and we’re providing them information on where to go to sign up for unemployment compensation, how to do that and what we’re doing with their health insurance after these layoffs happen. We also set up a GoFundMe account for our Chiles Group employees and we put $12,000 in that. This is a vehicle for people who want to help these folks who work for us.”

Before last week’s events unfolded, the Chiles Group had more than 300 employees.

Holmes Beach logo OLD

Holmes Beach mayor declares state of emergency

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

HOLMES BEACH – Amid growing COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, concerns, Mayor Judy Titsworth declared a temporary state of emergency March 17. The state of emergency will last for seven days before it will either expire or another state of emergency will need to be declared.

Under the state of emergency, the city is eligible for federal and state emergency funds, if needed.

As of March 18, eight cases of patients with the coronavirus in Manatee County had been confirmed by the Florida Department of Health.

For residents and visitors to Holmes Beach, the declared state of emergency means that Titsworth may limit or suspend the sale of alcoholic beverages, establish a curfew and stop price gouging, among other things. Currently, no restrictions have been placed on Holmes Beach residents and visitors though everyone is encouraged by city, state and federal leaders to practice social distancing, limit gatherings to 10 people or less and wash hands regularly.

Some business owners have restrictions placed on them but those have come from the state. Gov. Ron DeSantis required all bars and nightclubs in the state of Florida to close for a 30-day period beginning at 5 p.m. on March 17. Restaurants can still operate, however, they are required to operate at 50% seating capacity for the safety of staff and diners.

Local schools also are affected by the coronavirus with schools, including Anna Maria Elementary School, shuttered until April 15. Manatee County School District employees will return to work for the week of March 23-27 to complete instructions for K-12 students to continue learning at home beginning March 30 using a remote learning program called Schoology. Students will be able to work online from home and communicate with their teachers through the program.

State testing and school grades for the year are canceled by DeSantis with students to have the option of moving forward next school year or remaining in their current grade.

For more information on the city of Holmes Beach’s response to the coronavirus threat, visit the city’s website. For more information on the school district, visit the Manatee County School District website.

Related coverage

Manatee County School District extends spring break

Manatee County declares state of emergency

Roser Church moves services online

Roser Church moves services online

Roser Church moves services online

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

ANNA MARIA – After taking into consideration guidance from the National Centers for Disease Control and the concerns of parishioners, leadership at Roser Memorial Community Church made the decision March 17 to close the church’s doors to the public, temporarily moving all worship services online.

The closure of the church building has caused the cancellation of the popular senior aerobics class RoserRobics and the church’s annual Easter cantata, planned for March 29 as well as other programming.

For now, everyone is invited to join the church online with both the 10 a.m. Sunday traditional worship service and the 5:30 p.m. Sunday SoulJourn contemporary worship service being broadcast live online. Previous worship services can be viewed any time on the church’s YouTube channel.

In addition to the Sunday worship services, regular bible studies also will continue online at the church’s website. Terrific Tuesday bible studies will take place live online at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays with previous sessions available to view on YouTube at any time.

All other planned church events and meals are currently canceled.

The Roser Thrift Shop also is temporarily closed due to coronavirus concerns.

The Roser Food Pantry remains open to those in need by appointment only. Please call the church office at 941-778-0414 to schedule an appointment or if you wish to drop off a donation. Recommended items for donation include cereal, soup, canned fruits and vegetables, fruit juices and dried rice, potatoes and pasta. For more information, visit the food pantry online.

Related coverage

Manatee County declares state of emergency

Coronavirus concerns prompt event cancellations

Coronavirus prompts message from Bishop

Youth flag football finals names three champions

Youth flag football finals names three champions

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

ANNA MARIA – The youth flag football winter season came to a close March 10 with the three championship games played at The Center of Anna Maria Island. Of the six teams that played, only three would be named the victors.

In the eight-to 10-year old league, HSH Designs came out on top with a 39-16 victory over Cool Today.

Cool Today’s Peyton Hovda had two rushing touchdowns in the game and was named the league’s male MVP for the season. Hovda also completed a two-point conversion reception for his team.

The league’s female MVP, HSH’s Savanna Coba, caught two passes, one for six points.

In addition to being named Most Improved Player, Noah Rigney made a catching touchdown, along for an extra point, for HSH Designs.

Cale Rudacille was voted the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award for the season.

Bailey Cain scored two points for Cool Today with a two-point play. Teammate Chad Nunez made two catches in the game.

Earning the win, Connor Samblis made a rushing touchdown for HSH Designs. Charlie Neri, in the quarterback position, recorded three passing throws.

HSH’s Chase Signor made a touchdown catch to add to his two additional receptions in the game.

Contributing to the offensive game for HSH Designs, Sterling Holiday finished the championship game with three grabs.

Ugly Grouper took home the big win against Slim’s Place in the 11-to 13-year old league.

Slim’s Place’s JM Feeney scored a rushing touchdown and was named the male MVP. Gabriella Gilbert had a running score herself for Ugly Grouper. Gilbert was voted the female MVP for the predominantly middle school league.

Despite the loss, Jaxon Rush caught the football for a touchdown, along with five other big catches. Ben Rigney made a nice catch for Slim’s Place.

With four rushing touchdowns for the win for team Ugly Grouper, Ashton Hovda can be seen as the championship game’s MVP.

Jackson Zoller made four critical receptions for the Ugly Grouper offense in addition to scoring two points in a conversion play. Teammates and brothers Mikey and Frankie Coleman both had catches of their own in the game. M. Coleman had a one-point conversion to add to his team’s scoring.

Ugly Grouper’s scoring was made complete with a touchdown by Brennan Gunter.

Additional league awards went to Matthew Hennesey as the Most Improved Player and Jack Mattick receiving the Sportsmanship award.

In perhaps the most anticipated youth flag football game of the season, Hashmark Sports took the field against MuniPlan.

Playing without their second-round draft choice, Blake Balais, the league’s Quarterback of the Year Tuna McCracken was missing a key target. Despite the deficit, MuniPlan put 19 points on the scoreboard with rushing touchdowns by McCracken.

MuniPlan’s offensive action was spread across the roster with two catches by Tyler Brewer, Morgan Horesh and David Daigle. McCracken caught the football for a single statistic in the game.

In their big win, Hashmark Sports’ Ian Godefry, voted league Most Improved Player, made threw for three touchdowns. Team MVP in the game could be given to Shawn Balvin with five total catches, three for touchdowns. Balvin scored an extra point to add to his game statistics.

Nate Costello, league MVP, and Chance Howard also each scored a touchdown and extra point.

Hashmark Sports’ Noah Costello had two sacks in the game, with brother Nate marking a single sack.

Defensively, Alex McCauley’s interception was a big part of the team’s win against the number one seed team for the championship.

Cole Carter was bestowed the Sportsmanship award in the award ceremony that followed the final game to end another youth flag football season.

Related coverage

Excitement in The Center gym with indoor soccer

Sports action at The Center heating up

Solid Rock Construction undefeated in volleyball

Coronavirus concerns cause event cancellations

Coronavirus concerns prompt event cancellations

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – If you were planning on attending an event on Anna Maria Island over the next couple of weeks, your plans may be changing.

Events and programs scheduled to take place through April 17 at the Florida Maritime Museum are canceled or postponed, including all classes at the Folk School, lectures and Music on the Porch.

The city of Anna Maria’s weekly Farmers Market at City Pier Park has been canceled until further notice. The seasonal farmer’s market was scheduled to continue into mid-May.

The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach is closed until at least Monday, March 23. Queen (of Hearts) sales will not resume until further notice.

Because of the COVID-19 virus, all activities except Mass have been temporarily canceled at St. Bernard Catholic Church, including the blood drive, pancake breakfast, coffee/donuts, adult and youth education, the parish mission and the exercise class. The office will remain open.

The Anna Maria Island Garden Club flower show, scheduled for March 18 at Roser Memorial Community Church, is canceled.

The Grass Roots concert planned to take place at The Center of Anna Maria Island on March 19 has been postponed to December 3 by the Manatee Performing Arts Center. Ticket holders can contact Manatee Performing Arts Center at 941-748-5875 to inquire about refunds. Tickets for the show are still on sale and previously purchased tickets will be valid for the new date. The Center of Anna Maria Island remains open for regularly scheduled classes, fitness center hours, sports, youth programs and other programming. Operations Director Aris Thompson said that regular updates will be posted on the nonprofit’s social media page. Members also can contact The Center at 941-778-1908 for more information.

The Island Branch Library canceled its book sale, scheduled for March 20 and 21. No reschedule date has been set.

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s 27th Annual Tour of Homes, scheduled for Saturday, March 21, will be postponed until 2021 due to coronavirus concerns. A press release from The Center states that tickets purchased for this year’s Tour, along with raffle tickets for the final Tour quilt, will be good next year. Ticket’s purchased for the quilt drawing will be included in next year’s drawing.

West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners have canceled their upcoming March 24 meeting. Their next meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on April 21 with a budget workshop at 5 p.m.

The March 30 Tourist Development Council meeting has been canceled; the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is expected to announce the rescheduled meeting soon.

The Beach’n Food Truck & Music Festival scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at City Field in Holmes Beach has been postponed. Event organizers are expected to provide future updates and/or a future rescheduled date.

Manatee County School District students will be getting an extra week of spring break until Monday, March 30 with employees returning to work March 23. All extracurricular activities and sports also are canceled until March 30.

Amid coronavirus concerns, the Holmes Beach Art Walk scheduled for Friday, March 13 was canceled. Both the Artist’s Guild Gallery and Island Gallery West remain open to customers during business hours as does the newly reopened Sand Dollar gift shop.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers postponed their March 14 Thieves Market in response to concerns about the spread of coronavirus. The new date for the outdoor market is April 11 at Coquina Beach.

Health concerns also prompted parade organizer, Sean Murphy of The Beach Bistro, to postpone the 21st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Holmes Beach. In a March 12 Facebook post on the Bistro’s page, it was noted that the parade will be rescheduled for later in the year. The parade was previously scheduled to take place Sunday, March 15.

The Island Players closed their theater doors after performances on Sunday, March 15. The theater will reopen for the final show of the 2019-20 season, “Death by Design,” on April 30. The play runs through May 10. For ticketholders for performances of the current show, “Leading Ladies,” contact the box office for a refund for shows scheduled after March 15.

The Off Stage Ladies also announced that their April 8 meeting is canceled.

Related coverage:

Got symptoms? Call the Manatee COVID-19 health line

 

Manatee County resident being treated for coronavirus

 

Real estate in the time of coronavirus

Beach Rafts 2

Coronavirus may be increasing tourism

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Business, Tourism.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While COVID-19 is causing canceled cruises, the shutdown of Disney World and widespread anxiety about venturing far from home, it may also be causing an unexpected uptick in Island tourism.

Some tourists have canceled their plans to visit the Island, but others – including stranded cruise ship passengers – are coming unexpectedly, said Terri Kinder, president of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

“A lot of these people already planned their vacation, and the rest of the family has already set aside the days, so they have to go now,” she said, adding that vacancies still exist as of this weekend.

Mid-March is the peak of the Island’s tourist season, and crowded beaches, congested roads and an increase in spring breakers caused by the coronavirus-inspired extension of spring break attest that visitation is at normal to above-normal levels.

“We’re not alarmed at this time of the year,” said Elliott Falcione, director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In fact, he said, people in densely-populated cities like New York and Boston are saying, “‘We’re going to get out of here and come to a safe place.’ They believe the beaches are safer than the dense city.”

European visitors are booked for summer and fall, Falcione said, adding that the CVB’s London office is currently monitoring the perception of prospective overseas visitors.

“We’re going to take this one day at a time,” he said.

Some airlines are addressing the health crisis by offering hospital-caliber filtration systems on board the aircraft, Falcione said.

“If I had to fly, I wouldn’t be concerned,” he said. “Just keep your hands from your face and keep your hands clean.”

While some visitation has been lost with canceled airline flights, it has been regained or exceeded by more people driving to Manatee County, he said.

“People within driving distance who had plans to fly are coming here,” agreed Bill Annis, of Island Vacation Properties, adding that the company has had some cancelations from other countries.

Although rental agents are fielding calls and questions all day long, “It hasn’t been horrible for us,” he said, with March booked solidly. “Overall, it’s leveling out for us.”

“It’s a little bit of a hodgepodge,” said Lisa Spehar, of Island Real Estate. People within driving distance from Tampa and Orlando are calling to book rooms because kids on spring break are unexpectedly out of school longer due to coronavirus concerns, she said.

But fears about the virus and its impact on the stock market caused at least one visitor who returns to the Island annually to cancel, she said, while some visitors who normally book a year in advance have said they don’t want to commit to visit next year because of uncertainty about the virus.

“We believe our customers will come back,” Falcione said.

A tourism update is scheduled for the Monday, March 30 Tourist Development Council meeting at 9 a.m. at the Honorable Patricia M. Glass Chambers at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton.

Mayor provides pier lease update

Mayor provides pier lease update

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Archives.

ANNA MARIA – On Wednesday, Feb. 19, Mayor Dan Murphy provided city commissioners with an e-mail update regarding the request for proposals (RFP) the city issued in January seeking a new city pier tenant.

The new tenant will occupy the new city-owned restaurant and bait shop buildings at the T-end of the new pier.

“We don’t anticipate receiving any responses to the RFP until we are close to, or most likely on, the due date. This is the norm for any RFP process. Serious bidders take as much time as possible to perform their due diligence, evaluate the market and prepare a business case,” Murphy’s email update said.

“As of today, 10 restauranteurs have expressed interest in our outstanding RFP. That is not to say that all 10 will submit a bid, but a significant level of interest exists in the local hospitality community. We have received inquiries from St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Lakeland, Bradenton/Sarasota and Anna Maria Island,” Murphy wrote.

An optional meeting for interested bidders was scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 10:30 a.m.

“Interested parties who may have open questions remaining would probably attend,” Murphy wrote.

“The final submission date for the RFP is Tuesday, March 10 at 1 p.m. The bids will be opened at that time, but only the name of the bidders will be disclosed. We will have 30 days to evaluate and rank the bids. Details of the bid contents are confidential during that evaluation process,” Murphy wrote.

When contacted Friday, Murphy said 14 parties have expressed interest or posed questions about leasing the pier buildings.

“There’s lots of interest out there. That makes me feel good,” he said.

Questions and answers

Upon request, Murphy shared a document containing written questions posed by potential tenants and the responses provided by the city. That document is referred to as Pier RFP Addendum #2 and it does not reveal the names of any potential bidders that posed questions.

In response to one question, the RFP addendum says there is no draft lease for potential tenants to review, but they can obtain a copy of the previous pier lease.

Current pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder’s lease expires in mid-December. In January, the commission rejected his final offer to pay $8,000 in initial monthly base rent as part of a new 10-year lease.

The addendum says it is negotiable as to whether the city will provide the pier tenant any allowance for the interior build-out of the city-owned pier buildings.

According to the questions posed and the answers given were:

  • The tenant will be required to obtain liability insurance for at least $2 million.
  • The tenant is allowed to sell retail items and merchandise.
  • Restaurant and bait shop patrons will have the shared use of the pier’s common areas.
  • Hours of operation are negotiable.
  • The bait shop can sell beer, the tenant’s ability to obtain a liquor license is negotiable and there is no city ordinance prohibiting liquor service on the pier.
  • Live music in the outside common area is negotiable, as is the tenant’s ability to place additional outdoor seating in the common area at the pier’s T-end.
  • Maintenance costs will be shared by the tenant and the city on a prorated basis, and those financial terms are negotiable.
  • Regarding menu expectations or requirements, the addendum says, “Good quality food.”
  • Regarding there being any city expectations or requirements for the restaurant’s name, the addendum says, “Yes – City Pier Restaurant, but negotiable.”
  • The city prefers that breakfast be served, but that is negotiable.
  • The number of parking spaces provided to the tenant will depend on how many seats the tenant proposes.
  • The city is unable to provide an estimate on the taxes and utilities to be paid by the tenant.
  • The city is unable to provide data regarding the average number of pier visitors in past years.
  • Potential bidders can request a tour of the pier and pier buildings with their own architect and/or builder.

Related coverage

Pier opening delayed by electrical issues

Commission rejects Schoenfelder’s pier lease offer

Pier lease offer to be discussed Friday

Vacation rental bills looming large

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Archives.

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Legislature is getting closer to potentially taking away local governments’ ability to regulate short-term vacation rentals and vacation rental advertising.

And Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Commissioner Carol Carter are among those who are concerned that state legislators may finally succeed in their annual efforts to strip away cities’ home rule rights.

Similar in nature and intent, Senate Bill 1128 and House Bill 1011 are progressing toward possible final votes on the House and Senate floors.

As recently noted by Florida League of Cities Legislative Advocate Casey Cook, legislators who support the proposed legislation want to turn over the regulation of vacation rentals to the already understaffed and under-resourced Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations.

And new this year, state legislators are including in their proposed legislation a requirement that all vacation rentals advertised through Airbnb, VRBO and other online platforms must be fully licensed and registered with the state. This is the legislature’s attempt to ensure that vacation rental-related taxes are remitted to county tax collectors, including the sale tax revenues to be remitted back to the state.

Originally filed by Sen. Manny Diaz Jr, R-Miami/Dade, SB 1128 passed through its second committee stop on Tuesday, Feb. 11. The Commerce and Tourism Committee ruled favorably on the amended bill by the 3-2 vote and committee chair Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, was one of three senators who voted favorably on the bill.

The Senate bill has been referred to the Rules Committee for its third and final committee stop but it was not included on the agenda for the committee’s Wednesday, Feb. 26 meeting.

If SB 1128 passes through the Rules Committee, it is likely headed to the Senate floor for a final vote by the Republican-controlled Florida Senate.

Serving as the House companion, HB 1011 is co-sponsored by Rep. Jason Fischer, R- Jacksonville, and Rep. Mike LaRosa, R-St. Cloud.

HB 1011 passed through its third and final committee stop on Thursday, Feb. 20, when the Commerce Committee ruled favorably on the bill by a 14-9 margin. State Rep. Will Robinson Jr., a Republican from Bradenton, broke ranks with his party and opposed the legislation. The following day, Murphy sent Robinson an email expressing his appreciation.

“Thank you for voting no on HB 1011 concerning vacation rentals. Your stance on this critical issue is greatly appreciated and respected.  It was apparent that you were the only Republican who had the courage on the committee to stand up for what is in the best interests of the community. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed and will not be forgotten. We thank you for your continued support of the city of Anna Maria and your understanding of the impact of this proposed legislation,” Murphy’s email said.

HB 1011 now appears to be headed to the House floor for a final vote in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

If identical bills are adopted by the Senate and the House, the legislation would be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign into law or veto. The 2020 legislative session is scheduled to end on March 13.

Local concerns

On Friday, Murphy discussed his concerns and said he’s in daily contact with Chip Case, the city’s lobbyist.

“I’m very concerned about this legislation getting to the House and Senate floors. We need to keep the pressure on the Senate Rules Committee,” Murphy said.

“When Commissioner Carter and I were in Tallahassee two weeks ago, every person we visited, including Fischer, said we certainly got a lot email from your constituents. That’s important. It might be falling on deaf ears, but if we didn’t have that public pressure and we appealed to the governor, the legislators could say there’s been no public objection to this bill,” Murphy said.

“If it passes as written, we’re through regulating vacation rentals. Occupancy limits, inspections and registration would all be out the door. We would lose the ability to know, from a law enforcement point of view, who’s responsible for that house. Now we know who’s responsible because we make sure every vacation rental has a registered agent, a person we can contact 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That’s critical if there’s a fire, a burglary, an issue with noise or some other issue. Without registration, we have nothing. You’re not going to call anybody at Airbnb. Most of these homes are listed under an LLC and in many cases, it’s foreign ownership,” Murphy said.

“The annual inspections are good, and the occupancy limits are important too – Airbnb wants to cram 25 people in those houses – but the loss of knowing who’s responsible for that house and having that contact information is critical,” Murphy said.

On Monday, Feb. 24, Carter distributed an email that said HB 1011 could be headed for a final vote on the House floor as early as Thursday.

“Time to reach out to all house members to vote no,” she wrote.

She also noted SB 1128 could be on the Rules Committee’s March 3 agenda.
“Must keep up the pressure on our senators,” Carter wrote.
She urges concerned citizens to contact Republican Rules Committee members Lizbeth Benacquisto, Rob Bradley, Jeff Brandes, Anitere Flores, Travis Hutson, Tom Lee, Kathleen Passidomo, David Simmons, Wilton Simpson and Kelli Stargel.

Related coverage

Vacation rental bills progressing

Local vacation rental regulations under fire again

Concerns raised over horse waste in bay

Scenic Highway group seeks to solve horse problems

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Environment, Featured, Outdoors.

BRADENTON – Members of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity met Feb. 2 with one big item on their agenda: the horse riding operations that take place on the north side of the causeway.

Tim Maddox of The Real Beach Horses was on-hand during the meeting to help provide an insider’s look at how the horse riding businesses operate on the causeway. Because the businesses operate in a Florida Department of Transportation right of way, no money can be exchanged on the site but the businesses can operate with limited oversight and no permits needed. Issues that have been brought up during previous meetings include damage to seagrasses, damage to palm trees from tying up the horses and waste problems both on the causeway and in the water.

Maddox said that his ride operators are careful to only conduct rides during low tide when the seagrass along the beach area is visible and the horses can be led around the grasses rather than through them. He added that his staff also cleans up behind the horses while they’re on land though he added that other horse ride operators are not always so careful to preserve the local environment. Maddox also stated that he has commissioned water quality testing to make sure that the horse excrement isn’t adversely affecting the water in Palma Sola Bay. He said that the tests all came back well within normal levels and that four testing areas were used in close timing to when horse rides were taking place to get the best samples possible.

Though he said that his company is very mindful of how they leave the north side of the causeway, some of the other ride operators are not and it’s taking a toll on his employees who are encouraged to clean up after other businesses’ horses.

“I really think our industry needs regulation,” he said.

Maddox suggested that Palma Sola CME members approach the county about regulating the six or more ride operators that bring horses to the causeway for commercial purposes, including instituting a medallion system where businesses would have to apply for a permit per horse, similar to how some cities regulate taxis, and would have to meet certain standards or risk having the medallions revoked. Maddox suggested $500 per medallion to help pay for enforcement of the program. Currently, he said there are no permits, business taxes or regulations required. Ride operators only have to pay sales tax for monies collected.

Manatee County parks representative Mike Elswick said that if the property is owned by the city, even though it is an FDOT right of way, it could fall under the city of Bradenton’s parks department with rules and regulations determined by the parks department director. Maddox said that he feels the only way to create enforcement is to institute something like the medallion program because it’s a contract with strings attached and the threat of taking away the ride operator’s ability to have horses on the causeway.

“A slap on the wrist won’t work,” he said.

Co-chair Ingrid McClellan said she would work on achieving compliance with the current ride operators on the causeway while working with the Palma Sola CME group to come up with a recommendation to present to Bradenton city leaders.

Related coverage

County moves to regulate horses in bay

Pinellas County bans water horses

WMFR commissioners review 2019 results

WMFR commissioners review 2019 results

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue’s February commission meeting started out on a happy note as two of their own were promoted, a new staff member was welcomed and a team received chief’s coins for their work in the community.

Kicking the meeting off, commissioners welcomed new administrative assistant Andrea Berggren, who took the oath of office and was greeted personally by each commissioner.

New administrative assistant Andrea Berggren takes the oath of office. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Continuing the festivities, WMFR leaders recognized Chad Brunner and Tyler MacDonald who were elevated to the rank of captain. MacDonald’s son was even on-hand to pin his father’s badge on his uniform.

Battalion Chief Rich Jasinski congratulates the newly promoted Captain Chad Brunner. – Kristin Swain | Sun

The non-transit advanced life support team of firefighters Frank Agresta and John Balzer, along with Lt. John Stump, were presented with chief’s coins by Administrative Battalion Chief Jay Johnson for going above and beyond in their service to the community. Johnson said he’d spoken with a woman whose husband was having a hard time entering their Island home and had fallen. The firefighters showed up to help the man up and then they returned to the fire station to build a step to make it easier for him to access his home without falling down. Johnson said he’d received many thanks and compliments from the man’s wife for the actions of the firefighters.

Once the festivities were over, commissioners moved on to other business, including discussions concerning the district’s new administrative home.

In January, commissioners were presented with the opportunity to purchase an additional piece of land complete with a shell building in a commercial area near Blake Medical Center. Commissioner Randy Cooper reported to his fellow commissioners during the February meeting that he had viewed the property and didn’t recommend pursuing the purchase, stating that he felt it doesn’t meet the district’s needs.

In 2019, commissioners purchased a large commercial lot located behind the Fountain Court Shopping Center off of Manatee Avenue and have already engaged the services of an architecture firm to help plan the new building.

Commissioner George Harris said that he would like the district’s leaders to keep all of their options open for the moment. Commissioner Al Robinson said he was disappointed that his fellow commissioners had dismissed the possibility of purchasing the other lot with the shell building, saying he felt it could save the district money in the long run when weighed against the expense of new construction.

During the meeting, commissioners voted four to one with Robinson dissenting to accept a contract for construction manager at risk with Creative Contractors Inc. for the new administration building. The contract grants Creative Contractors payment of 5.5% of the actual cost of work for the construction of the new administration building and includes a bond percentage of 0.81% with 0.82% of construction costs going to insurance.

“It’s been great working with them so far,” Chief Ben Rigney said.

There’s no timetable set yet for construction on the new administration building.

Commissioners also reviewed the 2019 annual report.

Johnson presented the annual report, stating that it reflects the district’s purchase of new air packs and the launch of non-transport ALS service at all three district fire stations. He said the district had a 3% increase in calls in 2019 with 67% of those being medical calls. He added that there were 45 fire incidents that WMFR firefighters responded to in 2019, including 14 building fires. He said the district’s response time improved 27 seconds over the previous year.

Community members are invited to review the annual report online.

Related coverage

WMFR celebrates promotions, awards

Lawsuit filed against fire department

Special magistrate hears code cases

Special magistrate hears code cases

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

HOLMES BEACH – Four cases came in front of special magistrate Michael Connolly Feb. 19, including one repeat offender.

The first case concerned work without a permit and a davit that was constructed on top of a city drainage pipe at 652 Key Royale Drive.

Code Compliance Officer James Thomas presented the case with testimony from City Engineer Lynn Burnett.

Thomas said the davit was built too close to the property line and was installed without obtaining a permit from the city’s building department. Burnett added that the concrete pad that the davit is on and the davit itself are constructed on a stormwater/drainage easement and on top of a stormwater outfall pipe that is collapsing from the additional weight. She recommended that the davit and concrete pad be removed within the next six months to allow for much-needed repairs to the pipe.

During the hearing, it was revealed by building department clerk Angie Birdwell that a permit for demolition of the davit had been issued on Feb. 10 and is good for 180 days.

Connolly ruled that the property owner has 180 days from the permit date to removed the davit and has to pay $127.24 in hearing costs. An additional $250 per day fine may be assessed if the property owner does not come into compliance within the recommended time.

Repeat advertising offender Mohamed Walliagha was next on the docket for advertising his R-1 rental property as a vacation rental with higher than allowed occupancy.

Thomas presented the case, stating that advertising for the property at 515 75th St. allows for rentals of up to 16 people in the seven-bedroom property and for a period of less than the 30-day minimum allowed in the R-1 residential district. Under the city’s ordinances, rental units are allowed a maximum occupancy of two people per bedroom or a total of six, whichever is greater, capping Walliagha’s property at a maximum occupancy of 14.

This is the second time Walliagha has been brought before Connolly during a special magistrate hearing for advertising violations. The first time was Sept. 11, 2019, when Connolly ruled in the city’s favor, ordering the property owner to bring his advertising into compliance with the city’s ordinances. Thomas said that while the advertising did come into compliance for a while after the special magistrate hearing, Walliagha began listing the property on vacation rental sites VRBO, Home Away and Flip Key in December 2019 again in violation of the city’s ordinances. Thomas asked for Walliagha to pay $127.24 in fees along with a $250 per day fine for days the advertising was out of compliance from Dec. 19, 2019, to Jan. 30, 2020.

Walliagha argued that his advertising was on a three-month hold with the websites and was reactivated after that time without his notice. He also stated that since the property is his primary home and is homesteaded, he does not have to adhere to the city’s ordinances concerning rentals in the R-1 district. Thomas argued that the property is listed with all seven bedrooms for rent and that he showed the advertisements to the property owner well in advance of the hearing date, stating that he’s been working with Walliagha for two to three years to bring the property into compliance.

Connolly ruled in the city’s favor, ordering Walliagha to pay a $250 fine along with $127.24 in fees.

The third and fourth cases concerned dilapidated structures, one at 3017 Avenue E and another at 605 Emerald Lane.

The Avenue E property, owned by 3015 Avenue E LLC, was deemed by Thomas to be a dilapidated and unsafe structure.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that the police officers had responded to the property Jan. 3, finding vagrants squatting on the property. He said the vagrants were removed from the property and said that officers had attempted to contact the property owner to have it boarded up.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer testifies Feb. 19 during one code compliance hearing before the special magistrate. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Thomas said since then the property had not been boarded up and was still open to the elements and abandoned, though it appeared that someone had mowed the lawn. He asked for fees along with a $250 per day fine for every day the property is not in compliance along with a $100-250 per day fine for every day the property remains out of compliance after the recommended 30 days to obtain a permit and 60 days to execute the permit to completion, including demolishing the structure, rehabilitating it or presenting a plan to the building department for rehabilitation. Thomas also noted that a permit had been pulled for the structure in 2019 that allowed for three units to be constructed inside the structure. He said it appeared that before work stopped at the property, five units were being constructed in violation of the permit.

The property owner was not present during the hearing.

Connolly ruled that the property owner has 30 days from the hearing date to obtain a permit from the building department and 60 days from the permit date to complete work or come back before the magistrate for an extension. He also granted the request to impose $127.24 in fees and a $250 per day fine if the property owner does not bring the structure into compliance.

The Emerald Lane property, currently owned by Stephanie Morris of Emerald8 LLC, was a bit of a different story. While Burnett said she inspected the property with Building Official Neal Schwartz and found it to be an unsafe structure, resident Tom Sanger stepped up to say that he was currently in negotiations to purchase the property in an owner-financed transaction to allow for the repairs needed at the home.

Two neighboring property owners also stepped up to serve as witnesses as to the condition of the property, Peter O’Brien and Jim McIntire. O’Brien said that he’s observed the property in its same, boarded up, dilapidated condition for over two years. McIntire said that he hopes the property can be sold to someone who will care for it and bring it up to the standards of the Key Royale neighborhood.

Connolly found in favor of the city, giving the current owner until March 6 to record a deed of sale or obtain a demolition permit. If a new owner is recorded for the property, that person has 30 days to obtain a permit and six months to complete renovations or come back before the magistrate to ask for an extension. He also assessed a $127.24 fee to the current owner and a $250 per day fine if his timeline for renovations or demolition is not met.

The next Holmes Beach special magistrate hearing will be held at 10 a.m. on March 18 at city hall, 5701 Marina Drive.

Related coverage

Lighting up the neighborhood

Special magistrate rules in favor of city

Reel Time: Pulitzer Prize winning author to speak

Reel Time: Pulitzer Prize winning author to speak

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

On March 8, Suncoast Waterkeepers (SWK), a local environmental group whose mission is to protect and restore the Florida Suncoast’s waterways through enforcement, fieldwork, advocacy and environmental education, will hold its annual fundraiser Brunch for the Bay at the Bradenton Yacht Club.

The group uses the funds to advance its water quality enforcement and “Sick of Sewage” campaigns. SWK has been effective in educating the public about man-made pollutants (stormwater and sewage) and enforcement with legal challenges to municipalities in Tampa Bay and surrounding waters.

After a series of horrific sewage spills in 2016 despoiled Tampa Bay and other local waters, SWK and partners brought suit against the cities of St. Petersburg and Gulfport to stop serious and ongoing violations of the federal Clean Water Act. It focused its efforts on achieving four key goals for municipal wastewater systems: to de-politicize the issues by agreeing to court oversight of overdue infrastructure maintenance and improvements; to provide certainty via mandatory long-term commitments and deadlines; protect local waterways and to ensure public transparency along the way.

During the course of the hard-fought two-year litigation against St. Pete and Gulfport, Suncoast Waterkeeper began investigating sewage spills in Sarasota County. The investigation of Sarasota County’s sewage system revealed a shocking pattern of longstanding, systematic infrastructure failures and disregard for public health and water quality in area waters. In a race to consolidate its far-flung sewage system, the county decommissioned two tertiary, or Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT), plants to better centralize its operations. However, the remaining plants that it increasingly relied upon employed only secondary treatment, leaving billions of gallons of highly nitrogenated wastewater as a byproduct.

At the same time, demand for the reclaimed irrigation water from the county was disappearing as developers, in managing nitrogen in stormwater runoff, turned to less polluting options, such as well water or highly treated reclaimed water from the city of Sarasota. To date, spills from the Bee Ridge facility have totaled over a billion gallons since 2013 on at least 394 separate days, adding over 65 tons of nitrogen into bay waters.

Meanwhile, the extensive sewage collection system was deteriorating and poorly maintained in a piecemeal fashion, resulting in periodic spills of dangerous raw sewage throughout Sarasota County. In early 2019, the environmental groups initiated a federal lawsuit under the Clean Water Act.

According to SWK’s lead attorney Justin Bloom, “to their credit, the Sarasota County Commission showed a willingness to immediately work towards a solution and to avoid protracted litigation.”

You can help support the group’s efforts and learn about its ongoing campaigns in Sarasota and Tampa Bay by attending the fundraising event. Not only will you be treated to a wonderful brunch at the scenic Bradenton Yacht Club, but you’ll hear a presentation by University of Florida history professor Jack Davis.

Davis’s book, “The Gulf,” garnered numerous literary accolades including the Pulitzer Prize for history, the Kirkus Prize for non-fiction, was a finalist National Book Critics Circle Award (nonfiction) and was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, just to name a few. I’ve lived here for close to 40 years and the book caused me to see the place I live with new eyes. I highly recommend it and this is a chance to get your own signed copy.

Suncoast Waterkeeper is a group that has earned the support of anyone that values and is willing to work to protect the amazing marine ecosystem surrounding our local islands, and that is vital to the region’s local economy. Anglers, in particular, can learn how the group’s efforts are supporting an environment conducive to healthy fisheries, now and for future generations. Learn more at the Suncoast Waterkeeper website. Tickets can be purchased for the brunch online.

I hope to see you there.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic

Reel Time: “Fish farm” proposal troubling

Reel Time: Get in on the hot winter action