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Tag: Anna Maria Island

Bortell’s Lounge poised for a comeback

Bortell’s Lounge poised for a comeback

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business, Restaurants | Bars.

ANNA MARIA – Extensive renovations will soon take place at Bortell’s Lounge and the popular Anna Maria watering hole is expected to reopen as early as June.

Located at 10002 Gulf Drive, Bortell’s Lounge closed after its husband and wife owners, Steve Rose and Marci Wilhelm, were involved in a plane crash in South Carolina in 2018. Wilhelm was seriously injured in the crash and the pilot and co-pilot were killed when the private jet they were flying in went off the runaway and crashed after landing.

“We’re both getting back to normal, as normal as we can. We would have been open a long time ago but the plane crash took us out of the game for a year. And right after that my dad got brain cancer and we brought him back to the Island and put everything else on hold,” Rose said when speaking by phone on Sunday.

Rose said he was out of town last week and didn’t know the Shoreline Builders’ permit box had been affixed to the building until several friends texted him about it. Security fencing was also installed last week.

Security fencing is now in place in preparation for the pending renovations. – Submitted | Doug Copeland

“We’re doing a full renovation of the building. It had not been renovated in 40 years. We needed electrical, plumbing and a new roof. I like to say we needed one of everything and two of some things. The I’s are dotted, the T’s are crossed and the permits are filtering in. Hopefully, we’ll be open in four to four-and-a-half months. We’re shooting for June,” Rose said.

“The day we shut it down, we yanked out the memorabilia and old stuff that’s been hanging on the walls for 40 years. We got it to an offsite location and secured it. We’ll bring a lot of that stuff back,” he explained.

Rose said Bortell’s occasionally opened for customer appreciation days during the extended temporary closure.

“We’d just fling open the doors and serve drinks, but I can’t even remember the last time we did that,” he said.

“We’re doing a top-quality job and it’ll look great when it’s done,” Rose said, noting there will be at least one significant addition.

“I’m putting a kitchen in, but I don’t know what we’re doing with the kitchen yet. When you spend this kind of money on a rebuild you do it for best possible use – so best possible use does have a kitchen,” he said. “The only food we served since we owned it was the free hot dogs during football on Sundays, and that will continue.”

Bortell’s will also continue the no-smoking policy implemented in 2015.

“That worked out really well for us,” Rose said.

Related coverage

Bunny & Pirates adds to their bounty

Jason Sato tops county real estate rankings again

Mote request trimmed

Castles in the Sand

Florida’s in the tax driver’s seat

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand, Real estate | Development.

It’s almost tax time again so why not talk again about Florida’s advantageous tax position and the influx of new residents. I like to tie in our growing population with real estate sales statistics since it’s my opinion there’s a direct correlation between the two. I’ll also report the January sales in this column.

But first, it’s been two years since the new tax law was signed and we’re just starting to see the effects. Local economies and housing markets are motivating residents of high tax states to relocate to more tax-friendly states like Florida with no state income tax. Even though the tax overhaul resulted in many people experiencing lower taxes, homeowners in high tax states are being seriously hurt and when many of these high-end individuals move, it has a ripple effect on the economies of that state.

If you remember, part of the new law capped how much homeowners can subtract from their federal taxes for the payment of local property and income taxes. The cap is set at $10,000 which, in states like New York, New Jersey and Illinois to name a few, is far below what most homeowners pay in property tax and state tax combined.

The average property tax in the United States in 2018 was about $3,500 according to a national data real estate firm. However, this is far below what much of the northeastern states pay in property tax. In Westchester County in New York State, the average property tax was more than $17,000, the highest in the country. In addition, the law also lowered the size of mortgages for which new buyers can deduct the interest to $750,000 from $1 million, just adding to the high tax and high property value states’ misery.

Not everyone is moving because of taxes exclusively, some were considering a move already and many were near retirement and just needed a little push. Whatever the reason, Florida is one of the beneficiaries of the movement with increased sales and rising property values.

These are the January sales statistics for Manatee County from the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee: Single-family homes closed 22.4% more homes in January compared to last January. The median sale price was $329,500, an increase of 6.6%, and the average sale price was $420,775, an increase of 8.7%. Condos closed 47.7% more properties this January compared to last year. The median sale price was $210,000, up 7.7%, and the average sale price was $236,687, down 1.8%.

An ongoing problem continues to be a lack of inventory, with 3.4 month’s supply for single-family properties and 4.7 month’s supply for condos. These numbers are either down double digits from last year or even. As the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee headline reads in its press release “Home Sales Out-Pace Supply.” Not a great place to be.

For those who want to change your address to one in Florida, make sure you establish a legitimate residency. States are known to conduct residency audits to verify you’re really leaving their state. This happens a lot when people own two homes in different states and want to move their residency. Florida wants you to get a driver’s license, obtain Florida license plates and auto insurance, file a declaration of domicile, apply for Florida homestead exemption, register to vote and open a bank account. Floridians should get ready for this influx to continue.

As with most changes, there’s always a good and a bad aspect and we’re sure to experience both.

More Castles in the Sand:

The greying of the mortgage market

Credit scores have new meaning

Let’s all just take a breath

Bunny & Pirates adds to their bounty

Bunny & Pirates adds to their bounty

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business, Restaurants | Bars, Retail.

CORTEZ – The expanded business operations at Bunny & Pirates Bazaar now include the Skullywags Coffee Bar and Marketplace.

The coffee bar and marketplace recently joined the live music, beer and wine service, and gift and souvenir sales that have been the staples of the eclectic business that life partners and business partners Elizabeth Shore and Jeffrey O’Connell operate at 12404 Cortez Rd. W. in Cortez.

On Jan. 31, Bunny & Pirates Bazaar celebrated the grand opening of the coffee bar and marketplace named after a beloved family member.

“We lost my brother-in-law, Tim ‘Skully’ Quinlan, a couple years ago and this is our way of honoring him,” Shore said.

“Our coffee beans are 100% Arabica from Brazil freshly roasted to order in Ybor City and then delivered to my doorstep. There’s no warehousing, so it’s always fresh, smooth and delicious,” Shore said.

“We soft-opened the coffee bar a while back and we were working out how that would work with the pub. I’m doing keto breakfasts, we have ‘grab and go’ breakfast sandwiches, yogurt, parfaits and fresh bagels, muffins and croissants, depending on what’s available that day,” Shore said.

The marketplace was originally part of the business Shore and O’Connell opened in 2018, but Mother Nature had other plans.

“When the pub was a month and a half old, I was just starting to build up the convenience store and it was doing well. But when the red tide hit, business was dead. The capital I planned to use for growing the business was used instead to pay the lease and the electric bills,” Shore explained.

“The marketplace has Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, vegetables, crackers and snacks, salads and more. We also have eggs, milk, juice, flour, rice, cans of tuna, toilet paper and things like that. It’s just the basics, but the basics done right. It’s a great convenience for the neighborhood and we have great daytime offerings for people headed to and from the Island and the beaches,” Shore said.

And that’s not all…

“About two months ago, we started doing a one-item menu in the evenings called ‘What’s for Dinner?”. It’s like coming to our house for dinner and it’s really starting to get some momentum. We’ll serve one item and an appetizer with it. We’ve done a Hawaiian beef burrito with pineapple coleslaw, a BLT with tomato soup and we’ve done chicken tacos. Now we have people calling and saying ‘what’s for dinner tonight’?” Shore said.

Bunny & Pirates features live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and an open mic night with Erin McCarthy on Mondays.

Skullywags opens daily at 8 a.m. and Bunny & Pirates remains open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 11 or 11:30 on weekends.

“If we have a crowd, we’ll stay later,” Shore said, noting the entire business is closed on Sundays.

And there’s the gift store.

“Our gift store has some of your traditional souvenirs, but there’s also the one-of-a-kind

finds because that’s where the pirating comes in. We’re always looking for something unique. It’s a great place to find last-minute gifts or something special you want for your house. And we’re really starting to build up the stuff we get from our local artists,” Shore said.

Related coverage

Jason Sato tops county real estate rankings again

Mote request trimmed

Sports action at The Center heating up

Sports action at The Center heating up

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

The recreational sports program at The Center is in full swing for the Anna Maria Island area youth as well as the adults. The field and hard court at the community center are filled with volleyball, indoor soccer or flag football action.

In last Monday night’s adult volleyball matches, Solid Rock Construction retained their undefeated record by beating Sandbar and Ugly Grouper.

Ugly Grouper ended the week with a 0-4 record. Ugly Grouper and Bins Be Clean sit in the middle of the pack.

Youth flag football lit up the fields Tuesday night. Playing their seventh and final week of the regular season, Moss Builders came out on top with one defeat going into the playoffs in the eight-to 10-year old league.

HSH Designs and Diamond Turf are the second and third seed, respectively, with 4-2 records.

Diamond Turf went up against Beach Bums and finished with the win.

In the win, quarterback Carson Clover had three throwing touchdowns. Clover found Maddox Culhane and Mason Moss as the receivers.

Culhane had one rushing touchdown to be matched by a running score by Clover.

Hayden Eurice was at the top of his game for Beach Bums, finishing the game with two catches for points and a running touchdown.

Dennis Gallagher worked behind the snap as the quarterback for the Beach Bums squad. Gallagher put two passing touchdowns in the statistics.

Beach Bums and Cool Today both won three of their six match-ups, while Rays Ramblings earned two victories in the regular season.

In the 11-to 13-year old flag football league, Progressive Cabinetry and Solid Rock Construction sit one and two on the leader board. Slim’s Place is in third place with three wins and four losses. Ugly Grouper look for their first win in the season.

With a late bye week, MuniPlan currently is at the top of the 14-to 17-year old league with a 5-1 record. Hashmark Sports plays this week and could even up the score with MuniPlan.

Killer Bait is in third with Ugly Grouper holding on to fourth with a single win. Gulf Drive Café is still fighting for win number one.

Week two of the adult indoor soccer league finished with Pool America and Duncan Real Estate on top with two wins. Sato Real Estate and Slim’s Place both have 1-1 records.

Going into week three, Ross Built Construction and Gulfview Café take the field playing for their teams’ first victory.

The adult flag football league has veteran wisdom going for them with Moss Builders undefeated at the season’s midpoint.

The youthful team sponsored by Lancaster Design is in second with a single loss. Ugly Grouper has a 0-4 record and Capt. Sky Cruises is in seventh with a win and three losses.

Beach Bums, Firkins Automotive, Rays Ramblings and Slim’s Place all go into week five winning two of the four games played to round out the week of Island sports.

Related coverage

Solid Rock Construction undefeated in volleyball

Volley, goals and sacks in full swing at The Center

Flag football fun at The Center

Holmes Beach logo OLD

No stormwater fee relief for residents

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

HOLMES BEACH – There won’t be reduced stormwater fees on any Holmes Beach property owner’s trim notice in the fall.

Commissioners voted in December to raise the city’s stormwater fee to $2.95 per 100 square feet of lot space from the $1.50 per 100 square feet that property owners paid in 2019. After receiving some feedback from residents and owners with larger properties, including the Key Royale Club’s golf course management, commissioners committed to discussing whether or not to allow exceptions to the higher stormwater fees for certain property owners, such as churches, the golf course on Key Royale and low-income residents. That conversation ended during a Feb. 11 work session when commissioners decided that no exceptions to the stormwater fee will be given.

City Engineer Lynn Burnett presented commissioners with options, including giving low-income property owners and the golf club a break on the increased fee, decreasing it down to the current $1.50 fee. The issue, she said, is that by reducing the fee for some, it would mean the burden would have to be carried by other property owners and it would take longer to fund the repairs and replacements needed on the city’s failing infrastructure. Burnett said that even properties with their own stormwater infiltration systems and retention ponds are still a part of the problem creating flooding situations on the Island.

“Every inch of property on this Island, except Grassy Point, contributes to the problem,” she said. With higher than normal tides and heavier rainfall events, Burnett said the overdevelopment of the Island is creating too much strain on a failing system that’s outlived its useful years.

Commissioner Jim Kihm said that with a huge bill in front of city leaders for repairs and replacement, he felt the $2.95 stormwater rate already voted on should stand.

“We’re all in this together,” he said. “We’re all part of the problem. My feeling is that we all need to be part of the solution.”

While Kihm said he doesn’t like raising fees or taxes, funding has to be secured to fix the infrastructure problems.

“It costs something to live here,” he said.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said he wasn’t in favor of lowering the $2.95 rate.

“I’m paying my fair share,” he said. “It’s worth the investment for the city to protect the future of what could become an inundated island.”

“You don’t want to walk out of your house into a pond,” Schaefer added.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said that if commissioners agreed to go with the stormwater fee already voted on, she didn’t think there could be exceptions.

“Everybody gets the tax, everyone pays the same,” she said.

If the city is successful with the Bert Harris Act cases facing it, Soustek said she hoped the funds put in reserve for that can be used to help fund infrastructure improvements and lower the burden on property owners.

“It’s a burden on everybody, we all have to pay the price,” Kihm said.

Though there are no exceptions to the fee, property owners still have the option to appeal the fee. Appeals have to be submitted to the city clerk’s office in writing. Appeal forms are available at Holmes Beach City Hall.

Related coverage

Stormwater fees on the rise in Holmes Beach

City leaders consider stormwater fee increases

Skate park opens to cheers from local skaters

Skate park opens to cheers from local skaters

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

HOLMES BEACH – After months of anticipation and a lot of help from the community, the city’s new Community Skate Park finally opened Feb. 15.
A cheer went up from community members and local skaters as the ribbon was cut, officially opening the park to the public. Mayor Judy Titsworth said the park was being called the Community Skate Park because, without the community, she said the park couldn’t have been built. For the ribbon-cutting, she called up Island residents David Zaccagnino and Tom Sanger to join the city and Manatee County elected officials and staff. Zaccagnino worked with city leaders to help secure the $100,000 in donations necessary to build the bowl section of the skate park. Sanger not only helped to raise funds, materials and labor, he also stepped up to create the concrete skate path from the bowl to the promenade section of the skate park.
“Tom poured his heart and soul into this skate park,” Titsworth said, thanking him for his contributions.
To thank the many local community members and businesses who contributed to the skate park, a banner was placed on the fencing lining the back of the park identifying the dozens of contributors.
“Take a look at this banner and when you see these people out in the community, tell them ‘thank you,’ ” Tokajer said of the skate park’s donors.
Dozens of skaters of all ages came out and took to the new skate park, trying out the ramps, rails, quarter pipe and other obstacles, though one of the most popular attractions was the skate bowl, which was newly opened for public use. Skaters lined up for their chance to skate through the bowl.
When they needed a break, staff from Poppo’s Taqueria and The Beach Bistro were on hand with tacos and hotdogs. City staff handed out drinks, along with T-shirts and baseball caps commemorating the occasion. The team from West Coast Surf Shop brought along a new skateboard, which was won by Ben Rigney Jr.
“It’s a great day,” Commissioner Kim Rash said, looking out at all of the people gathered to celebrate community in Holmes Beach.

Some skaters attempted tricks, like this one who practically flew on the quarter pipe. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Some skaters attempted tricks, like this one who practically flew on the quarter pipe. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Master mind behind the new Community Skate Park, Tito Porrata of Pivot joins elected officials for a celebratory photo. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Master mind behind the new Community Skate Park, Tito Porrata of Pivot joins elected officials for a celebratory photo. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Skaters raised their boards in salute, joining community members and elected officials as the ribbon was cut, officially opening the Community Skate Park. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Skaters raised their boards in salute, joining community members and elected officials as the ribbon was cut, officially opening the Community Skate Park. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Some skaters attempted tricks on the many obstacles throughout the skate park. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Some skaters attempted tricks on the many obstacles throughout the skate park. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Skaters of all ages took to the new Community Skate Park in Holmes Beach during the grand opening party Feb. 15. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Skaters of all ages took to the new Community Skate Park in Holmes Beach during the grand opening party Feb. 15. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Commissioner Kim Rash, with his puppy Lucy, Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman, HBPD Officer Josh Fleischer, Commissioner Carol Soustek, Code Compliance Officer Nate Brown and City Treasurer Lori Hill hang out at the opening of the city’s new skate park. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Commissioner Kim Rash, with his puppy Lucy, Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman, HBPD Officer Josh Fleischer, Commissioner Carol Soustek, Code Compliance Officer Nate Brown and City Treasurer Lori Hill hang out at the opening of the city’s new skate park. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Vendors including Poppo’s Taqueria, West Coast Surf Shop and The Beach Bistro came out to support the opening of the new skate park. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Vendors including Poppo’s Taqueria, West Coast Surf Shop and The Beach Bistro came out to support the opening of the new skate park. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Skaters glided down rails and jumped obstacles on the promenade skate area. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Skaters glided down rails and jumped obstacles on the promenade skate area. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Some of the people responsible for helping to get the skate park built, including designer Tito Porrata of Pivot, HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer, Mayor Judy Titsworth, City Engineer Lynn Burnett, Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman and Tom Sanger of Sanger Pool and Spa, celebrate in the skate bowl. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Some of the people responsible for helping to get the skate park built, including designer Tito Porrata of Pivot, HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer, Mayor Judy Titsworth, City Engineer Lynn Burnett, Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman and Tom Sanger of Sanger Pool and Spa, celebrate in the skate bowl. - Kristin Swain | Sun

One of the most popular parts of the skate park was the one that almost wasn’t built. Skaters lined up for the chance to skate the park’s bowl. - Kristin Swain | Sun

One of the most popular parts of the skate park was the one that almost wasn’t built. Skaters lined up for the chance to skate the park’s bowl. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Related coverage

Funding received for skate park bowl

Construction moves forward at city field

Skate park design nears completion

Lighting up the neighborhood

Lighting up the neighborhood

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners are considering amending the city’s sign ordinance to allow hotels and motels in the A-1 residential area along the beach to have lighted signs – just not the kind that one hotel owner wants.

Attorney Stephen Thompson, representing the owners of the Anna Maria Beach Resort, appeared before commissioners during a January meeting to ask commissioners to consider changing the sign ordinance. His clients installed an interior lighted sign with an LED message board and a neon-lighted sign on the overhang at the entrance to the resort in mid-2019 with a building permit from then-Building Official Jim McGuinness.

City leaders realized the permit was issued in error because lighted signs aren’t allowed in the A-1 district where the resort is located, and revoked the permit, requiring the signs to be removed.

The matter went before the city’s special magistrate in September. The magistrate ruled that the signs could remain but they could not be lit and the LED message board should be removed.

Rather than remove the LED message board and keep the signs dark, Thompson submitted a draft ordinance amending the sign ordinance that would allow all commercial properties in the city to have lighted signs. While commissioners said they see the need for some sort of nighttime signage at the resorts for safety, they agreed they would not be looking at changing the sign ordinance citywide and any changes to the sign ordinance for the A-1 district wouldn’t involve bright lighted signs that would adversely affect the residents living nearby.

Mayor Judy Titsworth suggested only allowing a reasonably-sized painted wooden sign or similar sign that is lit externally by a single landscaping spotlight, in the same manner that other hotels in the district use for their signs. She said having signs lit in this manner would be visible to motorists and allow them to safely see where their hotel is and mark the entrance and exit to the property but not be bright enough to disturb residents at adjacent condominium properties and residential homes.

“It’s just to find the hotel,” she said of the signs.

City Planner Bill Brisson asked commissioners for time to research how many resort properties are in the A-1 district, if they have any lighted signs and what type of lighted signs might be best in the area given the number of residential properties. He said that he expects it will be March before he has a draft ordinance ready to put before commissioners for discussion. He added that he feels the resorts should be allowed to have some sort of illumination but that the owners should be sensitive to the surrounding residents. Another concern is how lighted signs on Gulf Drive will affect sea turtles during nesting season.

The one thing city staff and commissioners agreed on is that the draft ordinance submitted by Thompson won’t work.

“We have to start from scratch,” Building Official Neal Schwartz said of the ordinance changes. “There’s no way we’re letting commercial signage go in that district.”

Related coverage

 

Scoot coupe ban under reconsideration

 

Mayor hands out 2019 city awards

 

Stormwater fees on the rise in Holmes Beach

Community garden proposed for Holmes Beach

Community garden proposed for Holmes Beach

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

HOLMES BEACH – The city’s Parks and Beautification Committee members are considering a new project – the possibility of installing a community garden.

Holmes Beach resident Mary Catherine Melancon and committee Chair Mary Lange presented the idea during a Feb. 5 committee meeting.

Melancon said the idea would be to have a community garden where people in the community could participate in growing vegetables, fruits and herbs in a social setting.

Lange said that while she would like the city to purchase the vacant lot located between Key Royale and Marina drives, she knows that might not be possible. Instead, Lange suggested identifying one or more areas in city parks that could be used for the community gardening project. After the meeting concluded, Lange and Melancon walked to Memorial Park, located adjacent to Holmes Beach City Hall, to see if there was enough flat, raised green space between the park and the Island Branch Library to place a few raised gardening beds as a pilot program. The two plan to report back to the committee in March after looking at other potential locations. The women also agreed to develop a presentation on the project and a cost estimate to present to city commissioners.

Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman said he thinks the idea is a good one, but that the project would need to be a spot where the large gardening beds could be placed, has access to irrigation, is safe for pedestrians to walk to and would have easy parking. Melancon added that there should be fencing or some kind of barrier to prevent people not a part of the gardening project from picking the produce.

If the committee opts to move the project forward, it will need approval from city commissioners before any construction on the gardening beds can begin.

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Volley, goals and sacks in full swing at The Center

Volley, goals and sacks in full swing at The Center

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

Two adult sports leagues started up the season last week at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Adult volleyball arrived on the hardcourt with Solid Rock Construction out to defend the championship title. At the end of the night, the family team came out on top, winning two matches.

The first games of the adult indoor soccer season heated up the gym for its second season since the sports comeback last year.

The night included lots of shooting and amazing saves. Pool America came out on top in the match-up against Sato Real Estate, finishing the game with the score at 8-7.

With Josh Sato playing as the primary goalie and 22 saves, backup goalie Sean Flynn logged six saves and three goals in the Sato Real Estate loss on week one.

Sato’s sister-in-law, Lexi, along with Oliver Petereit had single goals in the game. Ben Sato, Josh’s brother, put two points on the scoreboard to keep the game close.

Team Pool America got its first win with Chris Klotz in the goal with 14 saves. Omar Polar and Andrew Sullivan both had multiple saves as relief to Klotz.

Sullivan also hit three soccer balls into the net, matching teammate Olaf Krause.

Chris Scott got his two shots past the Sato Real Estate defense and goalie to secure the win.

In the second indoor game of the season, Slim’s Place topped Gulfview Windows, with a final score of 8-7.

Gulfview’s Brandin Holcomb and Ryan Moss had 14 and 16 saves, respectively, in the game. Keith Mahoney, Jessica Williams and John Haggerty all put points on the scoreboard for their team.

Putting a win in the record books, Diego Felipe, for Slim’s Place, had 15 saves. Steve Oelfke earned eight saves for his team.

The Slim’s Place scoring came from Felipe, Kevin Roman and Mark Long, each with two goals. Felipe’s brother, Brayan, and Oelfke each had a solo goal in the nail-biting game.

Ross Built Construction’s loss to Duncan Real Estate was in the hands of former Ross Built goalie Robb Marshall.

Marshall’s 22 recorded saves along with Zach Lieb’s six goals gave Duncan Real Estate its victory. Duncan’s win came with the help of scoring by Jenna Steininger and Damir Glavin, with two goals each and Cole Peterson’s single.

Joey Hutchison’s two goals and six saves in the game sparked and solidified the win.

Ross Built Construction’s squad made Duncan work for the game. In the goal, Max Gazzo and Nate Talucci shut down 29 shots.

Teammates Chris Circharo, Greg Ross and Ryan Hogan each struck and scored. Gazzo topped off his 18 saves with two goals in the Ross Built team loss to end the first night of indoor competition.

Sun Scoreboard

Monday, Feb. 3

Adult Co-Ed Volleyball

Ugly Grouper                        25             25

Bins Be Clean                       16             16

 

Solid Rock Construction        25             25

Sandbar                              11             8

 

Solid Rock Construction        22             25        15

Ugly Grouper                       25             13        9

 

Tuesday, Feb. 4

Youth Flag Football

Eight- to 10-year-old league

HSH Designs                            24

Diamond Turf                           18

 

Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar           0

Cool Today                               30

 

Moss Builders                          13

Rays Ramblings                        6

11- to 13-year-old league

Solid Rock Construction            32

Slim’s Place                             18

 

Ugly Grouper                           12

Progressive Cabinetry               26

14- to 17-year-old league

MuniPlan                                   8

Hashmark Sports                       0

 

Gulf Drive Café                          14

Ugly Grouper                             33

 

Thursday, Feb. 6

Adult Co-Ed Indoor Soccer

Sato Real Estate                        7

Pool America                             8

 

Slim’s Place                                8

Gulfview Windows                       7

 

Ross Built Construction                5

Duncan Real Estate                    13

 

Adult Co-Ed Flag Football

Lancaster Designs                      28

Ugly Grouper                               6

 

Beach Bums                              33

Rays Ramblings                         32

 

Slim’s Place                               34

Capt. Sky Cruises                      33

 

Moss Builders                            38

Firkins Automotive                     26

Related coverage

Flag football fun at The Center

Youth flag football winners play through cold for victory

Team Rays Ramblings capture their first win of the season

Artists’ Guild erases boundaries with new exhibit

Artists’ Guild erases boundaries with new exhibit

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

BRADENTON – The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s 11th annual juried art exhibition, “Boundaries Erased,” is on display at ArtCenter Manatee in downtown Bradenton through Friday, Feb. 7.

The exhibition opened Tuesday, Jan. 14. The opening reception and awards ceremony took place Thursday, Jan. 16.

Marianne Hiland and Wendell Graham co-chaired the exhibition that took place for the first time this year at ArtCenter Manatee. In years past, the exhibition took place at The Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria.

Guild members and non-members submitted the 60 works on display in the Kellogg Gallery, all of which are for sale. Renowned Florida artist Dean Mitchell judged the competition.

Cortez resident Susanna Spann won Best in Show and the $500 prize for her “Friday on Frenchmen Street” painting.

“I’m doing a whole series of musicians, primarily from New Orleans. I go there every year for the Jazz & Heritage Festival. This was at The Maison, one of the bars there. I take photos, come back home, rearrange and redesign them and paint with watercolor. I want to tell stories and what I want is the feeling I felt. This was a red-hot jazz band and I wanted that feeling to come out in my painting,” Spann said.

“Friday on Frenchmen Street” was previously one of 10 winners in The Artist’s Magazine’s nationwide Over 60 Art Competition.

“I’m real proud of this baby, it’s been real good for me,” Spann said.

Many Guild members are also ArtCenter Manatee members, and some dual members entered other pieces in the ArtCenter’s “Annual Member Show” currently on display in the Searle & Reid Hodges galleries.

“I’ve got another one in the other room that I also won an award for, ‘Washboard Willie at The Cat.’ I wanted the same feel – the feeling I got when I was listening and watching the musicians,” Spann said.

“Busy Day in Thailand”

Holmes Beach resident Cheryl Jorgensen’s “Busy Day in Thailand” watercolor painting won first place and a $400 prize.

Cheryl Jorgensen’s “Busy Day in Thailand” painting won first place. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“I was in Thailand and I saw this guy with this beautiful orange outfit and decided I had to paint it,” Jorgensen said. “To me, it says no matter where you go, people are busy. That is what life is all about.”

Doreen Renner’s “Cardinal Rule” was awarded second place and Lu Ann Widergren’s “Morning View from Rod-n-Reel” was awarded third place.

Excellence in Photography

Anna Maria resident Cathy Tobias won Excellence in Photography awards for her “Great Migration” and “Flamingo Delight” photographs.

Tobias took “Great Migration” in Tanzania while watching wildebeest migrate.

Cathy Tobias won an Excellence in Photography award for her “Great Migration.” – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“It was on my bucket list of things I had to see. They stand at the riverbank and they can stand there for hours before the first one starts to cross – they’re worried about crocodiles,” Tobias said.

“It was late morning and this reddish dust was everywhere. They crossed for 30 minutes and I cried the whole time. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen and this is very close to the true color of what was going on,” Tobias said regarding the color tones in her photo.

She took “Flamingo Delight” at Jungle Gardens in Sarasota.

Cathy Tobias won an Excellence in Photography award for her “Flamingo Delight.” – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“This is a gorgeous bird. I liked the detail of the feathers, the eyes, the black tail and the shape it was in,” Tobias said, noting she cropped out the natural background.

“The background was competing with the flamingo and I thought it would stand out much better with a black background,” she said.

Change of venue

“I want to thank ArtCenter Manatee for hanging the show and for being so supportive. It’s a great venue,” Hiland said. “A number of our Guild members are not on the Island, so this is more centrally located for our membership and participants. It’s been a wonderful experience. The galleries are gorgeous.”

ArtCenter Manatee is located at 209 Ninth St. W. in Bradenton. For more information, visit the ArtCenter online.

The Artists’ Guild Gallery is in the Island Shopping Center at 5414 Marina Dr in Holmes Beach. For more information, visit the guild online.

Team Rays Ramblings capture their first win of the season

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

After two weeks of youth flag football play at The Center, three teams remain undefeated with two wins in the record books. In the eight- to 10-year-old age group, HSH Designs defeated Moss Builders for their second win in the season.

Solid Rock Construction was victorious against Slim’s Place in the 11- to 13-year-old league.

Playing with an injured Tuna McCracken, MuniPlan let back up quarterbacks run the plays in the 14- to 17-year-old division win against Ugly Grouper, remaining unbeaten.

In each of the age group leagues, three teams hold 1-0 records, with their bye week already completed: Diamond Turf, Progressive Cabinetry, and Hashmark Sports.

Looking for their first win of the season after a critical first game loss, Rays Ramblings took to the field knowing that learning from their losses lead to stronger players, a better team, and eventually a win.

In a huge team effort, Rays Ramblings put up 13 quick points to start the game.

Unfortunate bobbles by the Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar squad gave the football back to the Ramblings offense without putting any points up on the scoreboard.

With an extra point catch by Drew Buky after another TD, Ramblings was up 20-0.

Failing to execute on offense, with a seven-second violation called on the Swordfish quarterback, Ramblings quickly took it to the end zone with a Reef Marin score, advancing the score to 26-0.

Rays Ramblings’ Reef Marin made four receptions for three receiving touchdowns. Teammate Kellan Hunt caught the fourth scoring pass by quarterback Jack McCarthy.

Joseph Bramurov scored the only rushing TD for Rays Ramblings. Rounding out the team win, Ismael Garcia and Drew Buky made huge catches to help the squad move the football down the field into scoring position.

Buky had two extra-point catches in the game, with an additional point conversion reception by Hunt.

In the second half of the game, Swordfish Grill skillfully put eight points on the board with a rushing touchdown by Dylan Sato. Sato’s teammate Nixon Connor sacked Ramblings quarterback giving the team a safety and two points in the game.

Rounding out the Swordfish statistics were catches by Cale Rudacille, Troy Jones and Colin Bankert, adding to the receptions by Connor and Sato.

Related coverage

 

Youth gridiron action starts the new year at The Center

 

The Center Champions: Blalock Walters, Gulfview win it all

 

Gulfview Windows to meet Ugly Grouper

Castles in the Sand

What does a mortgage broker do?

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

I’ve talked many times in this space about getting a mortgage for a home and how it is one of the most stressful aspects of purchasing. Many people don’t have the time to contact numerous lenders and comb through the details when shopping around and choose instead to go to a mortgage broker for help. But what do they really do and how much does it cost?

Mortgage brokers are licensed in the state of Florida and most states as well. They are financial professionals who act as the bridge between borrowers and lenders. They originate loans and help you connect with a variety of lenders who best fit your financial situation. Working directly with a bank will not give borrowers any flexibility in rates or loan requirements, however, mortgage brokers can offer buyers products of many banks and many more options. This is particularly important for buyers who may not have perfect credit scores and have small down payments.

In addition, mortgage brokers coordinate and manage paperwork and typically close a home loan faster than a traditional bank. They work in cooperation with real estate agents, underwriters, lenders, title companies and attorneys. They are part of the closing team and are trained to anticipate glitches and troubleshoot problems standing in the way of a closing.

There are disadvantages to using a mortgage broker. Since they are motivated to close as many properties as possible, keeping up with the hands-on service can be a challenge for them. It’s critical that you choose a broker who comes with a good recommendation from a friend, family member or real estate professional who has had recent transactions with the broker. Also, you must feel comfortable with the mortgage broker and feel you can tell them anything since you are essentially telling them everything about your personal finances.

Mortgage brokers are paid by commission by either the borrower or the lender. The fee is typically 1% or 2% of the total loan amount and usually is rolled into the loan in the case of a no-cost loan. However, be alert since rolling in the mortgage broker origination fee could result in a higher interest rate.  The other option is to pay a loan origination fee to the broker separately, again 1% to 2% of the loan amount.

Mortgage brokers are required to disclose all fees up front and can charge only that disclosed fee amount. Further, each fee should be itemized, and the broker should be ready to tell you, the borrower, exactly what each fee was for. Mortgage brokers, like real estate brokers, do not get paid unless there are a closed loan and a closed transaction regardless of how much work they do prior to closing.

After the financial crisis, the Dodd-Frank Act restructured how mortgage brokers get paid. Before this legislation came into effect, lenders could compensate mortgage brokers for getting their clients to agree to high-interest rate loans and signing off on costly fees. This left the door open to an unscrupulous loan broker and hidden fees, affecting many inexperienced buyers.

With so many details involved in purchasing a home, working with a competent mortgage broker whom you’re comfortable with can be a good idea to help you get through the process. They could be invaluable in procuring the best loan for your financial situation and taking some of the work off your shoulders.

More Castles in the Sand

 

Real estate winter

 

Is Anna Maria Island still Old Florida?

 

Happy new real estate year

Carolyne Norwood – dedicated to Island history

Carolyne Norwood – dedicated to Island history

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

Contributed by Pat Copeland | Special to The Sun

ANNA MARIA – Carolyne Norwood has been the heart and soul of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society since its beginning in 1990, when she and I came together to found it, encouraged by Mayor Ray Simches.

She guided us through the early years when we had no place to meet until Dr. Henry Stevens offered us his former vet clinic for half the rent. Unfortunately, we had no money, so Carolyne asked Ed Chiles to help us. He became our guardian angel by paying our rent and utilities for the first year.

We set out on our mission to preserve the Island’s history and began collecting photos, documents and artifacts. Soon the building was bursting at the seams.

Carolyne used her powers of persuasion on the city commission, begging them to let us have the old icehouse, which had been used by the Island Turtle Watch. The Privateer’s came with their hammers and muscle and helped gut the building, so we could begin our museum.

That made her happy for a few years, then when we were bursting at the seams once again, she began to eye the public works office adjacent to the museum. She didn’t let up on those poor, unsuspecting city officials until we were moved into that space.

Next came the Remember When dinners. Each had a play with an Island theme – the history of Holmes Beach, the history of the fire district, the history of the Island school, to name a few. Carolyne penned the plays, marshaled the actors and buttonholed volunteers to make each one a success.

Then she began to dream of a historical complex. She decided that one more building would fit into the park and began to focus her efforts on the old Roser Cottage. Unfortunately, that was not to be, but that didn’t deter her.

She soon found Belle Haven Cottage under threat of demolition, and those poor, unsuspecting city officials, once again, didn’t have a chance. She worked her magic on them until Belle Haven was moved to the site. She made the remodeling project her priority, and Belle Haven was dedicated a little more than three years later.

In 2003, she wrote the Island’s first history book, “The Early Days, 1893 to 1940.” It was a huge success, and in 2010, she completed her second volume of Island history, “Anna Maria Island 1940 to 1970, Tales of Three Cities from Bean Point to Bridge Street.”

The historical society has come from a handful of volunteers with a dream of preserving Island history to become one of the Island’s most cherished institutions. That never would have happened without the dedication, perseverance and love of Carolyne Norwood. She was a great lady and a great friend.

Youth gridiron action starts the new year at The Center

Youth gridiron action starts the new year at The Center

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

The ringing in of the new year brought in 2020 and a new season of youth flag football at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

In addition to the football clinics for the youngest ballers, the area boys and girls ranging in age between eight and 17 years old officially started another season on the gridiron last week.

Six games were played, with the winners feeling the wind under their wings with excitement and the teams that came up short learning valuable lessons with the sport. With many games left to play, some standouts became apparent.

In the eight-to 10-year old league, HSH’s Connor Samblis and Savanna Coba made huge plays for their team. Samblis with three recorded receptions, two receiving touchdowns and a pick-six to be included with his two passing touchdowns could be noted as the team MVP.

Coba had two receptions including one for a score in the game. Scoring for HSH included touchdowns by Charlie Neri and Lucas Signor.

Team Rays Ramblings worked hard on the field and held their heads up high despite the loss against HSH with two touchdown passes by Jack McCarthy. Reef Marin was credited with receiving touchdowns in the game, along with six catches by Joseph Bramurov.

In Moss Builders’ win against Beach Bums, Gavin Lyssy had two passing touchdowns and a scoring catch of his own. Ewen Cloutier caught the football for three touchdowns and Cyrus Ryan made a two-point conversion reception.

Despite the loss, Beach Bums’ Hayden Eurice had four catches including one putting six points on the scoreboard for his team.

The only 11-13 age group game last week was between Ugly Grouper and Solid Rock Construction. Coming out on top, Solid Rock’s Evan Talucci caught a touchdown pass to help his team with the win.

On the other side of the field, Frankie Coleman scored, while teammate Aiden Templeton had an interception and took it to the end zone for Ugly Grouper.

The Hashmark Sports defense took advantage of a rocky passing game by Ugly Grouper in the 11-14 flag league, with four interceptions for touchdowns. Shawn Balvin, for Hashmark Sports, had a receiving touchdown and a pick-six.

Teammate Nate Costello snagged the reception on defense for two scoring interceptions and an offensive touchdown reception as well. Alex McCauley grabbed the fourth interception taking it down the field for a score for his team. Chance Hayward scored 12 points for Hashmark in the 54-point win with Ian Godefry noted as the quarterback with three touchdown throws.

Defensively Ugly Grouper’s Jonah Durst and Ethan Brown both had interceptions. Kolby Petrin caught five passes with the remaining members of the roster each having at least one catch in the game.

In the final game of the night, MuniPlan took the win spreading the catches among the team from Tuna McCracken, Tyler Brewer and Fisher Dahlman. Brewer also had six catches in the game with one for a touchdown, along with four for Morgan Horesh including an extra point.

Teammate David Daigle was credited with two touchdown catches in the win against Killer Bait.

Killer Bait’s sole touchdown came from a Ben Barreda throw to Jackson Hayes. Hayes had five catches in the game, with four in the books for Silas Banyas.

Related coverage

 

The Center Champions: Blalock Walters, Gulfview win it all

 

Gulfview Windows to meet Ugly Grouper

 

Hutchinson and Ivin top charts going into playoffs

Reel Time: Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic

Reel Time: Scallopalooza, it’s clamtastic

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

Sarasota Bay Watch’s “Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic!” fundraising event is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Feb. 15, 2020.

SBW’s major fundraiser supports the many projects the organization is involved with including its ongoing shellfish restoration project.

After almost a decade at the Sarasota Yacht Club, this year’s event is moving to a larger banquet venue at Sarasota’s Hyatt Regency. At press time, over 300 participants are signed up for the event. Past events were capped at 200 due to space limitations at the Yacht Club.

Monies raised from past events have paid for the introduction of millions of scallop larvae and adult clams into Sarasota Bay from Bradenton to Sarasota with the hope of repopulating our Bay waters with these once-abundant species.

SBW’s restoration effort is growing exponentially, fueled by the interest and concern of the communities surrounding the Bay as well as the determination of its citizens to be part of the solution. The importance of this work has been made all the clearer from the water quality issues that have been plaguing area waters for years.

Hard-shell clam restoration has proven more suitable than scallops to challenging water quality issues while providing a sustainable approach to improving water quality. Sarasota Bay Watch’s restoration program has gained the attention of scientists and community leaders interested in the benefits of the clam’s natural filtration as well as the army of motivated volunteers that have backed the initiative.

This year the effort has been given a tremendous boost by a generous $106,000 donation from the Charles and Marjory Barancik Foundation. These monies are being used to plant one million clams in Sarasota Bay in 2020.

These million clams can filter huge amounts of water every day helping to clean our Bay waters and reduce excess nutrients that may contribute to red tide. They also provide a food source for a plethora of wildlife.

Our Bay and Gulf waters are the key to our robust economy and provide the environment that attracts people and commerce to this region. Sarasota Bay Watch is committed to protecting and preserving the Bay water and the animals that depend on it. Please, join us to help us raise the funds needed to maintain and drive this vigorous level of restoration.

The Scallopalooza event has enjoyed the continued support of the community, proof that the businesses and inhabitants of Manatee and Sarasota counties care about and are willing to tackle this long-term restoration project. Sarasota Bay Watch was initially formed with the mission of protecting and restoring Sarasota Bay’s ecosystem through community education and citizen participation. The spirit of the mission is reflected in the organization’s slogan, “A healthy Bay is everybody’s business.”

Come and join SBW on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, for an evening of camaraderie, great food, music and libations at one of Sarasota’s most spectacular venues. The event kicks off with 6 p.m. cocktails, followed by a silent and live auction. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The Sarasota Hyatt Regency is located at 1000 Boulevard of The Arts in Sarasota.

Tickets are $100 per person and tables are $850 for 10 people. Tickets can be purchased online. For additional event information contact Ronda Ryan at rondaryan@sarasotabaywatch.org or call (941) 232-2363.

More Reel Time:

 

Reel Time: Fishing bridges, piers and docks

 

Reel Time: The ups and downs of tides

 

Reel Time: We’ll See