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Castles in the Sand

The fun and not-so-fun of selling a home

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

Last week we talked about the fun and not-so-much fun of buying a home. This week we’ll talk a little about selling your home, choosing the perfect realtor and not necessarily one you’re related to. But before we do that, let’s review the June and July Manatee County sales statistics as reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

In June, Manatee County closed 2.2% fewer homes than last year, not surprising for this time of year. In spite of that the median sale price, half above and half below, increased by 5% from last year to $315,000. The average sale price was $397,987, up 8.8%, and the month’s supply of properties is down to 3.6 months.

June’s condo sales increased for the number of sales by 6.1%, the median sale price was $210,000, up 14.3%, and the average sale price was $246,381, up 5.2%, all impressive numbers. The month’s supply of properties was 4.2%.

July single-family sales were down slightly by 1.8%, but the median sale price broke a record at $325,000 up 5% from last year. This is the highest median price since the housing crisis more than a decade ago and near historic levels. The average single-family home price was $391,049, up 2%, and the month’s supply of properties was down to 3.4%.

Condo sales were up by 8.7% with a median sale price of $191,000, down 4.1%. The average sale price for condos was $216,523, down 6.6% from last year and the month’s supply of properties was 3.7%.

Do these numbers give you incentive to find that perfect realtor and consider selling? Maybe, but remember statistics are only a snapshot in time and, although our sales and appreciation rates continue to go up every month, it could change in a heartbeat.

But just in case you’re ready to cash in, here are a few tips for choosing a realtor:

Although there are many questions you should ask a real estate professional before you turn over what may be your biggest asset to them, the two that are most important to me are how long have you been in residential real estate sales and what is your specific marketing plan?

Much of real estate experience is an on-the-job learning experience but choosing an agent who has accumulated a few designations or certifications shows a commitment to his/her profession. Certainly, you should ask if real estate sales are their full-time job. There are sales agents who get into the field thinking it’s a part-time job they can fit around their children’s school schedule. Trust me you don’t want this person.

As far as a marketing plan, the agent should be prepared to show you a written plan involving print advertising, open houses and digital participation. They may also include a pricing schedule suggesting a step-down pricing recommendation for 30, 60 or 90 days in the event offers are not coming in. As part of this plan, your agent should advise how frequently he/she will be in touch with you regarding showings and feedback.

It is also important for you to know how long homes in your area are taking to sell and the variation between the listing and final sales prices. I frequently note these statistics in my monthly updates for Manatee County because they are so important to the overall picture of the market.

Finally, giving your listing to a relative may look appealing since you already have a relationship and he/she may offer to reduce commission for you. However, it takes away the business aspect of the transaction and gets into the emotional aspect. My advice is don’t do it.

I’m looking forward to receiving the August Manatee County real estate numbers and hope you have a fun selling experience with a qualified broker.

More Castles in the Sand:

The fun and not-so-fun of buying a home

The challenges of inheriting a house

Uncovering a home’s defects

Castles in the Sand

The fun and not-so-fun of buying a home

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

Labor Day has just passed and in some parts of the country, that signals the end of summer – but not in Florida. We still have plenty of hot weather and hurricane threats, think Irma, but September does signal the beginning of buying season or at least the beginning of the thought process of buying a home.

Looking for a new home is fun with a capital F. Who doesn’t love HGTV, online home listing websites and going to open houses? It’s getting to the actual making of an offer and getting it accepted that is the not-so-much-fun part.

Choosing a realtor to purchase a home may not seem as important as choosing one to sell a home, but it is every bit as important. You want someone who has the proper sales credentials in the area of your choice, who understands the values and what’s been on the market and for how long. You want someone who can guide you in applying for a mortgage, recommend an attorney and tell you which schools are in the area.

But most of all, you want someone you connect with and who will communicate with you on a regular basis, especially one who has their pulse on the market and is keyed into new listings as soon as they hit. Keep in mind that this person may not be your best friend or your brother-in-law in spite of how much you love them.

Once you’ve found the perfect home, you will complete the offer-to-purchase form with your broker or with an attorney. In addition to the actual dollar offer, other details will be the amount of financing, if any, the down payment upon contract or earnest money; the requirement to have the home inspected; closing date and whether or not you plan on employing an attorney. The earnest money is kept in a broker’s escrow account and is returned to the buyer if the transaction does not close.

All of the above are considered contingencies to the contract and have specific guidelines. For example, if you’re applying for a mortgage you will have a specific number of days to obtain a mortgage commitment after contract. Usually property sales that involve financing are contingent on the buyer getting a mortgage commitment; no commitment, no contract. A bank appraisal will be required prior to a mortgage commitment, and if the appraisal is below the agreed-upon price, the deal is off unless the buyer and seller come to different terms. Other contingencies also are a home inspection within a specific number of days, clean termite inspection, well and septic tests.

Generally, after an initial offer, there is a counteroffer. Counteroffers can be in the form of a higher sale price, removal of some of the contingencies, a different closing date and even personal property within the home. This is a negotiation process, and all parties to the transaction should attempt to work with an offer, even if at first it appears to be unworkable.

Finally, you’re in contract, all inspections are good to go, your mortgage commitment is in and the movers are booked. There is one more final and very important step – the final walkthrough. Just prior to closing, usually the day of or the day before, the buyers will do a final inspection of the property to verify that there haven’t been any major changes since the last time they were there. If repairs were required, check to make sure they have been made satisfactorily and that the property is broom clean except for personal items or furniture that both buyer and seller agreed to leave.

That’s it. You did it; you bought a home. Now wasn’t that fun?

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Be The Center’s next bowling champion

Be The Center’s next bowling champion

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Archives.

BRADENTON – It’s not too late to join the fun at the LaPensee Bowling Tournament benefiting The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Player slots and lane sponsorships are still available for the annual event on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. at Bowlero Bradenton, 4208 Cortez Rd. W.

Be The Center’s next bowling champion
Trophies on display at last year’s tournament. – File photo | Sun

Signature lane sponsorships are available at $500 each including three games for five players, shoe rentals, pizza or wings, a pitcher of beer at the lane, business logo displayed on the lane and at check-in and a gift bag including a Yeti and Center fishing shirt with the business logo on it.

Lane sponsorship is available for teams of five players at $200 and for sponsors without a team, lane sponsorship is $150. If you want to play but don’t have a whole team, the cost is $30 per person and includes three games, shoe rental and pizza or wings. Kids’ lanes also will be available for young players.

At the end of the tournament, awards will be given out for the best team, best and worst male and female bowlers, and kid bowlers. An award also will be given to the best costume, so make sure that your team comes dressed to win.

In addition to the bowling fun, there will be a silent auction and raffle. All proceeds go to benefit The Center’s community and youth programs.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call The Center at 941-778-1908 or email info@centerami.org.

The Sun is the media sponsor for the tournament.

Reel Time: Get ready for fall

Reel Time: Get ready for fall

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

If I had to pick a least-favorite month for fishing, September would certainly be in the running. This is hurricane season and the height of the dog days of summer. There are a few highlights depending on where you are fishing, but there isn’t much to excite the local angler.

That, thankfully, won’t last long as we can look forward to early fall as a time when Spanish mackerel, little tunny and other pelagic species will be targeting schools of bait along the coast. One of the few bright spots was redfish that formed big spawning schools in area bays in August and September, but I haven’t seen that in many years.

I like to use the days I can’t or don’t want to be on the water to get ready for the fall action to come. That can mean getting the boat ready, checking tackle, tying flies and working on your casting skills so you’ll be ready when the action gets hot. Whether you’re a beginning fly fisher or are a proficient caster, it’s important to be aware of what are commonly known as the essentials of fly casting.

Fly casting differs from spin or bait casting where the weight of the lure or bait loads the rod. The rod then transfers the stored energy of the rod to the lure or bait which carries it to the target. In fly casting, the weight of the line loads the rod, and the line takes the leader and flies to the target.

The basic casting stroke consists of the rod being held in the hand at the base of the fingers with the thumb on top of the cork. The stroke is a combination of moves of the wrist, the forearm and the upper arm. In the ready position with the thumb on the cork, the wrist is straight and the butt of the rod is at a 45-degree angle to the forearm. The wrist travels from this straight position to a 45-degree down angle, then returns to a straight position. The forearm and the upper arm complete the motion.

There are five basic movements that make up what we refer to as the essentials:

1. There must be a pause at the end of each casting stroke, which varies in duration with the amount of line beyond the rod tip. This allows the line to straighten for the next cast.

2. Slack line should be kept to an absolute minimum in the casting stroke. Slack line prevents the rod from loading and applying the proper power to the cast. The most common mistake that creates slack line happens when the rod is started too high, forming a belly in the line between the rod tip and the water. To prevent this, start your cast with the rod tip pointing at the water.

3.  In order to form the most efficient, least air resistant loops and to direct the energy of the cast toward the target, the rod tip must move in a straight line.

4. The length of the casting stroke must vary with the amount of line past the rod tip. If you are making a short cast there is only a small amount of line needed (which only weighs a small amount). As the length of line increases, the stroke must be increased to load the rod.

5. Power must be applied in the proper amount at the proper place in the stroke. In general, the power is applied slowly at first, gradually increasing to a peak at the end of the stroke. There should be a crisp stop at the end of the stroke, forcing the rod to come out of its bend. This is commonly referred to as the speed-up and stop.

One of the best ways for you to master fly casting is to practice on a regular basis. Create a practice schedule that you can stick to. Start by practicing three times a week for 10 minutes. Any additional time will, of course, be a bonus, but the importance of a regular practice schedule cannot be overstated. There are lots of resources on the internet that can help you perfect your cast, but make sure you pick the right source. I suggest the instructional series on YouTube from Orvis and Rio and well-known casters like Lefty Kreh and Joan Wulff.

While there is a ton of content online, there is no substitute for local knowledge. Fly anglers on Anna Maria have a great resource in AMI Outfitters on Pine Avenue. It has a selection of rods and reels for the beginner or the advanced caster and can provide invaluable knowledge on local flies, what is biting and local guides.

We have some great fishing right around the corner. Now is the time to get ready so you can be able to take advantage of the opportunity!

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Dorian continues to steer clear of AMI

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Community News, Weather.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County remains clear of Hurricane Dorian’s “cone of uncertainty” today, with lighter-than-normal Labor Day beach crowds, in part due to holiday plans that changed days ago when the forecast was less certain.

County emergency management officials de-escalated the Emergency Operations Center Saturday as forecasters predicted the category 4 storm would stay east of Florida and turn north.

https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun/videos/1123388031189379/

Tonight’s sunset shows no sign of Hurricane Dorian on Anna Maria Island.

But with change being the only thing certain about tropical weather, officials advise residents to continue to keep watch on the storm, which clocked 145-mph winds today after stalling over the Bahamas with up to 185-mph winds.Dorian continues to steer clear of AMI

“It’s been an unpredictable storm and it could take a left turn just like it took a right turn, so our residents should continue to monitor the forecast by watching reliable news sources and following the county’s social media accounts,” Emergency Chief Steve Litschauer said.

A 10% chance of tropical-storm-force winds remains in Manatee County through Saturday, Sept. 7, according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center.

Officials canceled their plan to open shelters for those living in mobile and manufactured homes and RVs today, and announced that school and government operations are scheduled to continue normally on Tuesday following the Labor Day holiday. No changes are expected to the county’s holiday waste collection schedule.

Expectations of Dorian’s winds and rains curtailed Labor Day weekend crowds today on Anna Maria Island, where beachgoers experienced the typical summer mix of sun and rain.

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Holmes Beach holds off on emergency declaration

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Holmes Beach logo OLD

Holmes Beach holds off on emergency declaration

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

HOLMES BEACH – With Hurricane Dorian’s path uncertain, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth is holding off on declaring an emergency in her city.

Titsworth said that she’s holding off until either Sunday, Sept. 1 or Monday, Sept. 2 before declaring a state of emergency for Holmes Beach until the path of the storm is more defined.

Manatee County and both of Holmes Beach’s neighboring cities, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach, declared a state of emergency on Aug. 30. West Manatee Fire Rescue district also held an emergency board meeting Aug. 30 to declare a state of emergency.

In order to receive reimbursements from FEMA for funds spent during and after a storm, particularly for storm debris clean up, a municipality or district must officially declare a state of emergency. Once a state of emergency is declared, the declaration only lasts for 72 hours. With the timing of Hurricane Dorian’s landfall on the east coast uncertain, Titsworth said she preferred to delay the declaration. She said that the city’s departments are ready for the storm if it should come to our area.

In the meantime, she encouraged Holmes Beach residents to make their preparations for the storm, including gathering supplies and readying their residences for possible high winds and heavy rains.

Sandbags and sand are available to residents at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, on the south end of the parking lot. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels.

For updates on the storm and the city’s preparations, Titsworth asked residents to visit the Holmes Beach Police Department’s Facebook page.

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Progressive Cabinetry shuts the door on Moss Builders

Progressive Cabinetry shuts the door on Moss Builders

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

In week three of the adult indoor soccer season at The Center, Kevin Roman’s Progressive Cabinetry team continues to dominate the league along with Keith Mahoney’s Ugly Grouper squad, both with 3-0 records.

Progressive faced off against the Moss-less Moss Builders team in the second game of the night in a passionately played game. Miguel Ajoy started off the scoring for the Moss Builders’ team in the first minute of the game.

Roman followed up with the first of seven goals in the game only seconds later.

With the score tied 1-1, the game would continue to be a battle of the defenses and hotshots.

Jessica Williams, for Progressive Cabinetry, took her first shot at point-blank range. Moss’ Omar Polar, playing goalkeeper, made one of many miraculous saves.

Juan Carlos scored his first goal in the fourth minute of the game, giving Moss Builders the lead once again with the score at 2-1.

Lyn Clarke put the soccer ball in the net with a ricochet shot only to be followed by a goal for Progressive’s Murat Akay.

In the seventh minute of play, Williams got the ball to the feet of Diego Felipe. With his head up, seeing the field, Felipe found Roman in the perfect position for the tying goal.

Akay helped his team take the lead four minutes later with another goal, advancing the score to 3-4.

With Moss Builder’s keeper David Greene out of position, Roman had the opportunity for a shot and easy goal.

Carlos responded by putting the soccer ball in the net after the Moss Builders’ offense drew Felipe, now working as the keeper, out of position.

Working with a one-point lead, Progressive worked on defense but could not stop Polar, who tied the game once again with the score 5-5.

Two minutes later, Roman found the net once again.

The back and forth game continued until the half. Carlos got a shot off with the last seconds of the first half of play quickly ticking off the scoreboard clock. Diego just could not stop Carlos’ shot, once again tying the game at 6-6 to end the half.

To start the final 20 minutes of the game, Roman snuck the soccer ball past goalie Greene after a beautiful long pass by Akay.

With a one-point lead, Williams quickly took advantage of her team’s scoring momentum with a shot of her own that could not be stopped, moving the score to 6-8.

Scoring his second goal of the game, Moss Builders’ Ajoy was finally given the ball after a long series of passes by both teams.

Williams scored her second goal after a cross by teammate Roman. The roles were soon reversed a minute later with a Williams’ assist to Roman to change the score to 7-10.

Moss Builders scored a goal of its own four minutes later. Polar put the ball in the goal with a header 15 seconds later, closing the scoring gap to 9-10.

The back and forth goal scoring kept the game exciting for the next two minutes of the game. Missile shots Steve Oelfke, Akay and Felipe were matched by a Moss Builders’ goal by Carlos.

Scoring ceased momentarily with the score at 10-13 and Progressive Cabinetry leading by three goals. Carlos scored once again in the 32nd minute.

Neither team tiring, the last five minutes of the match-up would prove to be a scoring feast for the spectators to enjoy.

Williams made a gorgeous cross-court pass to Roman, who found Akay all by himself at the net, giving the Progressive Cabinetry team its 14th goal of the game.

Moss Builders’ Carlos hit his last goal of the night, pushing the score to 14-12.

Back-to-back scoring by Progressive’s Felipe, with the last net and one minute left in the game, gave his team a four-point lead.

To end the game with amazing saves by keeper Oelfke, Moss’ Polar scored his final goal with only 17 seconds on the clock to end the game with the score 13-16.

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Reel Time: Charleston and the Low Country

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

Charleston, South Carolina, is a city that’s been on my list to visit for a very long time. The first week in August my wife Chris and I spent four days there exploring the Old City on bikes. While we were there we also sampled some of Charleston’s top restaurants and were introduced to the rich fishing opportunities on a coast resplendent in vast oyster-studded estuaries.

Charleston was founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England. Charleston adopted its present spelling with its incorporation as a city in 1783 at the close of the Revolutionary War.

The city has a past steeped in history, including the birthplace of the Civil War and the infamous honor of being the city where nearly half of all Africans were brought to America as slaves. Today, Charleston is known for its well-preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants and hospitable people.

Charleston is a popular tourist destination, having received numerous accolades, including America’s Most Friendly City by Travel & Leisure in 2011 and in 2013 and 2014 by Conde Nast Traveler, and also the most polite and hospitable city in America by Southern Living magazine. In 2016, Charleston was ranked the World’s Best City by Travel & Leisure.

We stayed at the King Charles Inn in Charleston’s center city, a well-preserved historic district on a peninsular separated by the Ashley River to the west and the Cooper River to the east. Referred to locally as The Peninsula, the location allowed us easy access to the historic city center with its storied architecture and world-famous culinary destinations.

One of the highlights of the trip was an opportunity to explore the Low Country fishing with local guides Captain Mark Phelps and Captain Rob Glasser. I was introduced to Glasser by my friend and tackle representative Rick Hess. As it turned out Glasser was best friends with another acquaintance Captain Mark Phelps, whom I had originally met when he started his guide business in Sarasota in the late 90s.

Phelps has established himself as one of the area’s top guides and is based in at Isles of Palms Marina just north of Charleston. Phelps is well equipped to explore the riches the area possesses, both inshore and offshore. His Shore Thang Charters business is outfitted with a Hell’s Bay Guide, 18-foot flats boat for exploring the fertile inshore waters and a 25-foot Latitude Tournament boat for fishing the Atlantic Ocean.

Reel Time Charleston
Captain Mark Phelps holds a spadefish that fell for his match the hatch fly. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Depending on the weather, time of year and current fishing opportunities clients have the chance to explore the low country estuaries for trout, redfish, flounder, sheepshead and a plethora of other species in addition to a wide range of offshore pelagic species, including but far from limited to king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, cobia, amberjack, tarpon, tripletail and sailfish.

The day we fished we were greeted with early morning thunderstorms and rain showers. That didn’t dissuade Phelps, who started us fishing inshore points at the beginning of a falling tide aboard the Latitude with its large protective T-top. During the first couple of hours, we bounced from one area to another avoiding the rain and lightning, while connecting with some quality trout with seven and eight weight fly rods.

As soon as the storms cleared the area, we headed into the Atlantic where we fished a nearshore wreck for bluefish and spadefish on flies. The action was consistent as schools of blues attacked both baitfish flies and topwater poppers with abandon. That day I added spadefish to my list of fly caught species, thanks to some coaching from Phelps. The spadefish frequent the reef and rise to the surface to feed on jellyfish that float by. Phelps has developed a fly that mimics a piece of jellyfish and easily fools the spades. The trick is to set the hook fast as these hard fighting fish quickly reject the fly.  Phelps described the fight as “catching a two to eight plus pound bluegill on fly,” a characterization that wasn’t an overstatement.

We got our fill in two hours as the low country heat pushed into the low 90s glad for the protection of the T-top. If the weather had been better, Phelps would have headed further offshore. The day before he had led clients to a catch of amberjack, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, spadefish, dolphin (mahi-mahi) and black sea bass.

Regardless of the weather, it was a terrific introduction to an area that boasts some of the most varied fishing opportunities anywhere. Depending on the season, Phelps can lead clients to a variety of fishing experiences from tailing redfish in the inshore Spartina grass beds to sailfish and amberjack in the offshore waters. While Phelps specializes in light tackle fly fishing he’s well equipped with the latest spin tackle as well.

Contact Phelps at 843-475-1274 or visit his website.

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WMFR celebrates life with Phoenix Awards

WMFR celebrates life with Phoenix Awards

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

BRADENTON – Aug. 20 was a celebration of life at West Manatee Fire Rescue’s board meeting as district leaders handed out three sets of Phoenix Awards to first responders.

The district gives out Phoenix Awards to first responders with the district who respond to a medical call where the patient doesn’t have a heartbeat either on arrival or at any point during the call, the patient is revived and is eventually discharged from the hospital. In August, Battalion Chief Ryan Moore presented responders from three separate calls with Phoenix Awards.

“These are my favorite awards to give because they’re truly life-changing for the people we respond to,” Moore said.

The first call involved an April call to a Mangrove Point residence where a female patient was found unresponsive. The crew, Lt. Chad Brunner, firefighter John Balzer and firefighter Tyler McDonald, gave the patient CPR until an EMS crew arrived to take over patient care. The patient was able to be discharged from Blake Medical Center in Bradenton.

wmfr award
Firefighter Andrew Powers receives a Phoenix Award Aug. 20 from Battalion Chief Ryan Moore for his work to revive a drowning victim who survived and was discharged from the hospital. – Kristin Swain | Sun

The second call was in response to a drowning on June 3 on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. The responding crew included Lt. Darren Vollmer, firefighter Mike Petrosino, firefighter Jared Apple, firefighter/paramedic Adam Bagget and firefighter/paramedic Andrew Powers. Upon arrival, crew members saw bystanders giving CPR to an unresponsive male patient on the beach. Crew members took over CPR and advanced life support care. The patient recovered and was discharged from Blake.

The third call involved a male patient who went into cardiac arrest at O’Shucks Raw Bar and Grill in Cortez on June 4. Lt. Jay Johnson, Lt. Chad Brunner and firefighter Tyler McDonald responded to the call. Upon arrival, the first responders said it appeared the patient was having a seizure and wasn’t breathing well on his own. During the call, his heart stopped beating.

The patient, a resident of Anna Maria Island, Robert Philippi, was present at the Aug. 20 board meeting when the awards were given out. He said he was having dinner with his family when he had a heart attack.

“Obviously the night was a rollercoaster ride for everyone involved,” he said. “I’d never had a moment of ill health in my life, nor was I expecting a heart attack that night, but I was very fortunate in where I was that I had some expert bystanders around who helped with CPR until the team arrived. And from there I have very little recall, so everything I have is what people have told me that went on, but there’s no question that without the expert support and care that I received from the fire service, from the EMS crew that arrived there and actually from all the staff at Blake hospital because it required 10 resuscitations to get me stabilized over the course of about a five hour period. Unbelievably, I was discharged from the hospital two days later.”

“I’m just extraordinarily grateful to everyone involved,” Philippi said.

wmfr award 2
Firefighter Tyler McDonald receives the first of two Phoenix Awards Aug. 20. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Moore also read an excerpt from a letter written by McDonald praising the actions of Lt. Johnson.

“When Chief Sousa announced his goals to enhance the service of West Manatee Fire Rescue by providing advanced life support, we all knew this was going to be a challenge. Among other hurdles, one of the largest would be staffing our engines with paramedics rather than EMTs. Lt. Johnson was one of the first to offer his time and energy, go to school and be one of the missing pieces of the puzzle. As you know, Lt. Johnson completed paramedic school and has been a charge medic with us for nearly a year,” Moore read.

“On this particular cardiac arrest, I saw everything in a different way. Once the EKG monitor was attached to the patient, I watched a colleague who I’ve worked beside since the beginning of my career, read the squiggly lines on the monitor and immediately identify the abnormal rhythm that the patient’s heart was in and announce without hesitation that we needed to shock this patient. At this moment, this call seared an everlasting memory in my brain.

“As you know, with most cardiac arrests, even the ones that turn out to be saves, it’s only a hopeful ride to the hospital while the patient is still unconscious. This is the first time I have ever seen a cardiac arrest play out like a Hollywood movie where the patient jolts back to life and begins talking to us.”

“How unbelievably rewarding to see the dead come back to life,” Moore continued, reading from McDonald’s letter. “I’m extremely pleased to write this letter on the successful efforts that day and want to ensure that Lt. Johnson is recognized for the time and energy he has spent in order to use his skills as a paramedic and to have played a very large part in saving this man’s life.

“The advanced life support program that was started at West Manatee is an obvious success. I am proud to work with people like Lt. Johnson who always take initiative and have a passion and commitment to be the best they can be in this profession.”

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Anna Maria taking new approach to noise violations

Anna Maria taking new approach to noise violations

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

ANNA MARIA – City officials are working on an amended noise ordinance that if adopted on final reading next month will result in $35 citations being issued for a first noise ordinance violation.

Repeat noise violations will result in significantly higher fines. If the noise violations occur at a vacation rental, the property owner and the property manager or rental agent will be notified and may be subject to future fines.

As a followup to the Anna Maria commission’s Aug. 8 discussion, these proposed changes were discussed in greater detail at the Thursday, Aug. 22 meeting.

When the amended ordinance is adopted on second reading next month, deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit will no longer issue warnings if they determine a noise ordinance violation has occurred. They will instead issue a $35 ticket.

“It’s similar to parking tickets. We don’t give warnings on parking tickets. That option is taken away. If in fact, you decide it’s a violation, we want you to issue a $35 citation,” Mayor Dan Murphy told the commission.

If the violator is a vacation rental guest, the property owner and the property manager or rental will be notified.

Anna Maria noise ordinance
Sheriff’s deputies recently responded to a noise complaint at this vacation rental at 820 North Shore Drive – Submitted

If the same guest commits a second noise violation, a citation carrying a $200 fine will be issued, and similar $200 citations could be issued to the property owner and the property manager or rental agent.

If a third violation occurs, the violator would be issued a citation carrying a $500 fine, and similar citations would be issued to the property owner and the property manager or rental agent.

The current noise ordinance includes a $500 fine for the first violation. City Attorney Becky Vose has expressed her opinion that a $500 fine for a first offense makes deputies reluctant to issue citations.

The new fine amounts will be addressed in a yet-to-be-adopted city resolution because they can be more easily adjusted, as needed, than fines set forth in an ordinance.

Fining multiple parties

Regarding the city’s ability to fine property owners, property managers and rental agents, Vose said he spoke to Holmes Beach City Attorney Patricia Petruff about this.

The Holmes Beach commission previously considered fining a property owner for the actions of his vacation rental guests, but it was determined that wasn’t legal because the property owner wasn’t aware of his guests’ actions.

Vose said notifying property owners, manager and rental agents of a guests’ first noise ordinance citation will put them on notice and subject them to potential citations and fines as well.

“If these same renters do the same thing over again, I think it might very well be appropriate to also fine the owner because the owner obviously was not strong enough with the renter. And that would be particularly true with a third violation,” Vose said.

Vose said the enforcement cycle will begin again with each new set of guests.

At the Aug. 8 meeting, Vose said a property cited three times for a violation could be deemed a public nuisance. She’s previously stated a property deemed a public nuisance could lose its ability to function as a vacation rental.

Sheriff’s Office support

Sgt. Mike Jones previously told the commission most of the city’s noise complaints are resolved with a warning, but last week he said he supports this new approach.

“I think the $35 fine is a good way to start the process. I like the idea. I support it,” he told the commission.

Jones said this also will make it easier to track where the noise violations occur.

Commissioner Doug Copeland asked if deputies would still have some discretion as to what constitutes a violation.

Jones said kids playing in a swimming pool at 5 p.m. would probably not rise to the level of a noise violation, but people jumping off the balcony at 10:30 p.m. probably would.

The reports included in last week’s meeting packet noted deputies issued verbal warnings for noise complaints made at 804, 819 and 820 North Shore Drive, 228 Willow Ave., 420 and 422 Magnolia Drive, 207 and 214 Spring Ave. and 204 Oak Ave. All but one of those properties are vacation rentals.

Related coverage

Repeat noise violations a lingering concern

Magistrate rules in city’s favor on noise citation

No winners in noise battle

Counterfeit money being passed around

Counterfeit money being passed around

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

MANATEE COUNTY – Several area businesses have been presented with counterfeit $50 and $100 bills in recent weeks.

On Friday, Aug. 23, a counterfeit $50 bill was taken as payment at the Pig Out BBQ and Southern Soul Food restaurant in Bradenton on Manatee Avenue.

Manager Nora Davis reported the counterfeit money to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the following day she posted a photograph of the counterfeit bill on Facebook.

On Thursday, Aug. 22, counterfeit bills were presented for payment at Tide Tables and the Cortez Kitchen in Cortez.

Tide Tables’ bartender Staci Wilkinson said someone called in an inexpensive to-go order and when a man came in to pay for the food the employee on duty determined the money was counterfeit and refused to take it.

“We started messaging everybody at the other restaurants and they tried it again at the Cortez Kitchen,” Wilkinson said.

Counterfeit Cortez Kitchen
This counterfeit $50 bill was received at the Cortez Kitchen. – Submitted

Surveillance photos of the man who tried to pass the counterfeit bill were quickly posted at the Tide Tables’ Facebook page. That post also included photos of the white Chevy pickup truck the man left in, which is believed to have been driven by a female accomplice.

Less than an hour later, the same man entered the Cortez Kitchen to pick up a fudge sundae to go. He presented bartender/manager Ryan Young with a $50 bill. Aware of what happened earlier at Tide Tables, Young took the bill and stepped into the backroom to consult with someone else about the bill’s validity.

The suspect then decided to leave and Young managed to get the truck’s license plate number before it pulled out of the parking lot. The license plate number and the counterfeit bill were given to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. A photograph of the counterfeit bill was also posted on Facebook.

Two weeks ago, a counterfeit $100 bill was received at the FishHole miniature golf course in Bradenton Beach.

FishHole owner Jake Spooner later presented the Bradenton Beach Police Department with surveillance photographs of the man he believes presented the $100 bill to one of his employees. Spooner said the suspect shown on his surveillance camera appears to be a different person than the suspect shown on the Tide Tables’ surveillance camera.

Regarding the counterfeit bill his business received, Spooner said its looked to him like the counterfeiter bleached a $10 bill and then printed a $100 bill on the bleached paper.

“On the far-right side of the front of the bill you can see the watermark is Alexander Hamilton’s face, and the ribbon says U.S.A. 10,” Spooner said.

Castles in the Sand

The challenges of inheriting a house

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

No one wants to see a loved one pass away, but it’s inevitable that we all will have that experience and along with the grief comes the distribution of personal items and property. As emotional as sifting through your family’s papers and clothing is, the real challenge at this time of your life will be selling their property.

The important thing to be clarified before death is if there is a will or trust in place. Dying without a will causes the estate to default to the statutes of the state to determine who the legal heirs are. Needless to say, that will be a time-consuming and possibly costly process involving probate. Even a will needs to go through a probate process, however, living trusts will avoid probate. These are all legal issues which will need a legal opinion.

If there is a home to be sold and there is a legal will or trust, that responsibility will fall to the executor of the estate. The executor has the power to make all decisions but should certainly confer with all other beneficiaries to the sale of the house.

As in all property sales, decisions need to be made starting with a reasonable selling price. More than one estimate of value should be obtained from real estate professionals and a licensed appraiser should also be considered, especially if there are multiple heirs, to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

Whoever is handling the sale of the property should be prepared to spend some money before the home is sold. Property taxes, utility bills, lawn maintenance and unforeseen repairs all have to be considered prior to sale.

In addition, the property needs to be cleaned out of personal items and, based on the recommendation of a real estate professional, the furniture removed. There are companies that take care of this and any furniture not sold at an estate sale is removed by the estate person for a fee. However, the family will still need to decide which items will go into the sale, which will be passed along to other family members and which will get destroyed – not an easy process.

Then, of course, as in any property sale, decide whether renovations and/or cosmetic fixes should be made. Most professionals will tell you that this is not the time for major renovations. If necessary, cosmetic fixes would be a better choice. Cleaning, painting, yard and garage clean up is probably the most practical and least expensive way to go. Here again, the advice of a competent and experienced real estate professional is essential to understanding the local market.

Heirs who are in a tight financial position and need to sell quickly could consider one of the quick-sale companies as long as they are willing to take a discounted price. The heir’s tax consequences should also be considered before any money is spent and sale offers are considered, especially if the property has been in the deceased’s name for a long time.

Here in Florida it’s very common for parents to pass away and leave property in their estate to be sold by their heirs. This is a little more of a problem if the beneficiaries are out of state, but again because it’s common in Florida, there are several companies to assist heirs in the disposal of personal property and furniture.

Selling a family home is always emotional and more so on the heels of a loved one’s death. Ask for help during this time; it’s out there.

More Castles in the Sand:

Uncovering a home’s defects

How to determine the truth about home flooding

It’s all about the kitchen

Commission clarifies pier lease parameters

Commission clarifies pier lease parameters

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

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission have established which portions of the new Anna Maria City Pier will be leased to the current and/or future pier tenant.

On Thursday, Aug. 22, the commission unanimously agreed the city will only lease the new restaurant and bait shop buildings to current pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder – or to a new tenant if a new long-term lease can’t be negotiated with Schoenfelder.

The commission decided the pier’s T-end bathrooms and the T-end decking will be common area shared by the city and its tenant. A contracted property management company will maintain the new pier and the maintenance costs for the shared common areas will be shared by the city and the pier tenant on a pro-rated basis.

The commission also decided the new pier lease will be a triple-net lease that requires the tenant to pay rent, share maintenance costs and pay the insurance and taxes on the leased premises.

On Friday, Mayor Dan Murphy sent Schoenfelder a letter regarding the commission decisions. Schoenfelder has until Sept. 6 to respond as to whether he wishes to continue the lease negotiations based on these new parameters.

“There’s very little value moving forward with discussions on a new lease that would start in December 2020 if Mr. Schoenfelder’s not in agreement with these two issues. These two items are the foundation of a lease,” Murphy told the commission, regarding the premises to be leased and the maintenance of the pier.

Schoenfelder’s current lease expires in December 2020. His lease payments were suspended after the old pier was closed in 2017 due to damage sustained during Hurricane Irma. Schoenfelder’s current lease required him to maintain the entire pier.

The construction of the new pier buildings will begin in September and be completed by year’s end. The interior buildout of the new buildings is expected to take an additional 60 to 90 days.

Murphy was asked later in the week if Schoenfelder can occupy the new buildings until his current lease expires if a new lease is not negotiated. Murphy said there are several possible options to consider, but he’s not ready to discuss them yet.

Schoenfelder lives in Germany and occasionally visits Anna Maria Island. He has not attended a city commission meeting since the old pier was closed.

Commission discussion

During last week’s meeting, Murphy and the commission discussed a July 17 letter Schoenfelder sent Murphy detailing his proposed lease terms. Schoenfelder’s letter was in response to a letter he received from Murphy.

“He feels he should pay $12,000 rent (per month). Secondly, he feels he should have the first six months free,” Murphy said. “He’d like to rent the entire T-end, including the boat landing, but he doesn’t feel he wants to maintain that. He feels parking should be included.”

Murphy noted the city has proposed a $500,000 contribution from the pier tenant, which includes the interior buildout of the restaurant and bait shop. Murphy said Schoenfelder proposes a $250,000 contribution toward the interior buildout.

“The other quarter-million he feels is for his equipment. Our offer does not include equipment. He already had equipment – we helped him carry it off the pier. The equipment is something the restauranteur takes with him if they leave, so I don’t believe the taxpayers should be purchasing $250,000 worth of restaurant equipment,” Murphy said.

Murphy said he needed commission decisions on which portions of the pier premises would be leased to the pier tenant and who would be responsible for the maintenance of the leased and non-leased premises.

“It’s fruitless to go on with conversations unless we can settle those two issues,” Murphy said. “Once you’ve defined the premises and who’s going to maintain the premises you can zero in on what the rent should be, you can zero in on the parking issue, you can come to an agreement on the insurance issues.”

When discussing whether the T-end bathrooms would be leased to the pier tenant, Commissioner Doug Copeland noted they need to remain open 24 hours day.

“I want the city to control as much of the space as possible,” Copeland said.

Murphy said the crew that cleans the City Pier Park restrooms could also clean the pier bathrooms, with the city and the tenant sharing those costs on a pro-rated basis.

In response a question city resident Alan Ward posed during public comment, Murphy said the old bathrooms were open 24 hours a day and maintained by the tenant.

Commissioner Amy Tripp said the past bathroom conditions were “terrible.”

“He failed miserably,” Copeland added.

Regarding maintenance of the pier in general, Copeland said, “I’m not here to bad-mouth Mario, but he’s proven in the past that he’s not good at maintenance.”

“That’s the beauty of the third-party property management; it’ll get done and it’ll be done right,” Murphy said.

Commissioner Dale Woodland agrees that a contracted property management company has the experience and expertise needed to properly maintain the pier and pier buildings – something he said the city and the pier tenant do not possess.

Related coverage

Pier opening discussed

Pier progressing as planned

Aubry files ADA complaint about pier railings

Score a strike at the LaPensee Bowling Tournament

Score a strike at the LaPensee Bowling Tournament

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Archives.

The LaPensee Bowling Tournament, supporting The Center of Anna Maria Island, returns to Bowlero Bradenton for a night of fun competition on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m.

The annual event is a fundraiser for The Center with presenting sponsor LaPensee Plumbing, Pools & Air. The Sun is the media sponsor for the event.

Each year the bowling tournament brings people together for an evening of fun and a little friendly competition on the lanes. In addition to bowling, this year’s tournament features a raffle, prizes for best costumes and awards for the best and worst male, female and kid bowlers.

Last year’s event brought out around 300 bowlers playing on 52 sponsored lanes and raised more than $15,000 for the nonprofit. This year’s goal is to sell out the bowling alley.

Tickets are $30 per person and include three games of bowling, a shoe rental and a choice of either pizza or wings. If you have a team, you can sponsor a whole lane. The cost is $150 to sponsor a lane with a logo displayed on your lane and at check-in. Lane sponsors with players, a team of up to five members, is $200 with a logo displayed at check-in and on the lane.

Signature lane sponsors, at $500 per lane, can have a team of up to five players per lane with a logo displayed at the lane and at check-in. Signature lane sponsors receive a pitcher of beer at their lane, and each player receives a Yeti and Center fishing shirt with a business logo on it. Kids’ lanes also are available.

And don’t forget the costume contest. Each player is encouraged to participate in the costume contest by dressing up solo or as a team.

For more information or to register, visit The Center online at or call 941-778-1908. Bowlero Bradenton is at 4208 Cortez Road.

Related coverage

Center fans rock the lanes at bowling tournament

LaPensee Bowling Tournament to benefit Center

Hurricane Harvey

Help spot severe storms with SKYWARN

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

HOLMES BEACH – The National Weather Service’s Tampa Bay office is looking for some volunteers to help make their forecasts and severe weather warnings more accurate.

More than a dozen community members came out to Holmes Beach City Hall Aug. 15 to learn about the SKYWARN volunteer program and receive training from two National Weather Service representatives – Daniel Noah, a warning coordination meteorologist and Austen Flannery, a pathways meteorologist.

Help spot severe storms with SKYWARN
Daniel Noah, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service, discusses different types of clouds and severe rainstorms begin Aug. 15 during a SKYWARN training session at Holmes Beach City Hall. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Noah said that volunteers with the SKYWARN program are the eyes of the National Weather Service on the ground. With radar, he said it’s possible to see storms that are far away but that locally, radar has a few blind spots, particularly within the first 20 miles around the radar tower, and it’s not always accurate. That’s where SKYWARN volunteers come in. Volunteers are asked to report any severe weather that they view, whether it’s more than an inch of rainfall over the course of an hour, flooding in areas that don’t ordinarily flood or waterspouts near the coast.

Meteorologists at the local Tampa Bay branch of the National Weather Service in Ruskin are tasked with determining when severe weather warnings and watches need to go out across television stations, radio airwaves and to cellphones located within the area. By having volunteers who can report what’s happening on the ground, Noah said the National Weather Service can make a more accurate determination when issuing a watch or warning to local inhabitants.

During the Aug. 15 presentation, Flannery and Noah discussed what types of weather volunteers should look out for and report, how to report the information and how to estimate wind speed or determine if a funnel cloud is really a tornado or if it’s just a cloud in a funny shape. Volunteers also were educated on basic storm safety, including preparing for the aftermath of a hurricane.

Flannery said that Sept. 10 is the peak of hurricane season for Florida with a secondary peak in mid-October. Though he said everyone should prepare for at least one storm each year by gathering supplies and making an evacuation plan, he said there’s a one in 200 chance of Anna Maria Island taking a hit from a hurricane similar to the damage that Hurricane Michael brought to Mexico Beach.

He suggested planning more for after the storm than during it by having a seven to 10 day supply of food and water available, stocking up on cleaning supplies and evacuating tens of miles instead of hundreds of miles if you need to leave your home before the storm so that it’s easier to get back and begin cleanup once the storm passes.

Anyone age 18 or older can volunteer as a SKYWARN spotter. Volunteers are required to complete either an in-person training session or a webinar training session to be certified. Certification must be renewed every three years.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, visit https://www.weather.gov/tbw/skywarn.