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Center of Anna Maria Island

Summer sports heat up at The Center

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

The Center summer sports returns to the gridiron with adult co-ed flag football. With the teams mixing up the rosters and new faces in the league, the games leading to the final championship game are sure to heat up the field.

In the first game of the night last Thursday, Team Ugly Grouper’s captain Matthew Manger saw his team take a beating on the field against a veteran squad.

Team captain Ray Gardner, for Moss Builders, threw for two touchdowns and made a touchdown of his own along with eight receptions.

Mike Gillum and Chad Woods each had touchdown catches to add to the duo of touchdowns by Jon Moss and Lexi Sato.

Game two also ended in a runaway game with underdogs Team Hashmark Sports the victors. With each team playing with four on the field, due to the absence of key player Brianna Roberts for Lancaster Designs.

Karri Stephens, receiver for Lancaster Design, was the lone scorer with two touchdowns.

Hashmark Sports creator and team captain Tim Holly scored a touchdown in the game with teammates Chase Richardson, Matthew Briley and Corey Banks each finding the end zone twice.

The final game put Progressive Cabinetry against Gulfview Windows and Doors. In the closest game of the night, Progressive took the win against team captain Ryan Moss and his squad.

Brandin Holcomb, Dina Calvary and Jordan DeMers each scored touchdowns for Gulfview Windows and Doors. Connor Haughey, Brandon Kull, Vincent Paraspolo and Jaret Rojas took the football to the end zone for Progressive Cabinetry in their victory.

Youth indoor soccer action continued with action in the gym at both the intermediate and advanced levels.

In the intermediate league, Moss Builders took the win against Ugly Grouper with goals for Moss by Dylan Sato, Mason Moss and three by Jackson Titen.

The Zaccagnino siblings, Jack and Jesse, each found the net with two goals by Jesse.

Solid Rock Construction denied Cloud Pest Control a goal. Cousins Isabella Roadman and Carson Long each made a goal for their team.

In the two games at the advanced level, G&G Yardscaping and Ugly Grouper each took the W.

Dalton Fox scored the only goal for AMI Locals, while Hudson Green, Ryan Joseph, and Connor Samblis got the soccer ball past the AMI Locals defense for their team.

AMI Locals had the doubleheader of the night, taking on Ugly Grouper in the last game of the evening. With fresh legs, Angelina Albrecht, Jackson Long, Jayden Sparks and Will Wright each scored a point in the week’s final game.

Related coverage

Youth indoor soccer heats up the summer

Moss Builders shut out Island Vacation Properties

Youth indoor soccer teams battle at The Center

Reel Time: Cameras – catch and release digitally

Reel Time: Cameras – catch and release digitally

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

The world of digital photography and videography continues to evolve, and anglers have never had more options to explore. Whether you’re capturing a picture or a video clip to remind you of your catch, to share with friends and family or to post on social media, digital cameras allow us to capture images of our catches, making a catch and release all that much more rewarding.

Photography has never been easier and anglers can enjoy this amazing technology no matter what their level of expertise. Most digital cameras and most smartphones also come with software or apps that let you enhance the image, crop the size and share the final product in a number of ways. You can send the images via e-mail or as a text straight from a phone, download them, edit, and print them out to frame and display.

Even though taking a picture may be easy, there are a few basic rules that will help you capture a better image:

  • Before ever leaving the dock, be sure you have fresh batteries, a charged phone, memory cards with enough space to record your images, a clean lens and a cleaning cloth.
  • There is almost always a certain amount of chaos associated with a catching a memorable fish, so get an idea in advance of where you’ll compose your image.
  • Check the background through the viewfinder carefully for distracting and cluttered backgrounds. Make sure you don’t have any unwanted objects, like a rod appearing to stick out of someone’s head.
  • Look to capture photographs that aren’t posed, and remember that the sooner you get your picture the more vibrant the colors of a fish will be. First and foremost, fill the frame with the subject, eliminating anything that doesn’t add to the composition.
  • Since you’re filming on the water, check that the horizon is straight. Most cameras and many phones have the option of putting a grid on the screen.
  • Preset your exposure and check it as lighting conditions change.
  • For most shots, I set my camera to aperture (F8) priority.
  • When trying to catch a jumping fish make sure you stop the action with an ISO of at least 1,000th of a second. Many digital cameras can capture up to 10 frames a second, so set the camera for a rapid burst.
  • Many photographs taken on the water are exposed in bright light. A camera’s light meter averages light over the scene, so an angler’s face, especially if shaded by a cap, will often be dark and lack detail. Make sure you expose your shots with fill flash.
  • Take a number of shots from different angles and get the angler excited and talking to you. One of the really great advantages of digital is that you can take lots of pictures and edit them on the go to make sure you have the shot you want.
  • When possible, use a polarizing filter during the daylight hours. It helps cut the glare on the water and saturate colors.
  • If you have photo editing software, like Lightroom or Photoshop, you can lighten the shadows in post-production. This can sometimes eliminate the need for fill flash, if the contrast isn’t too great, and prevents a flash from creating unwanted reflections on fish. Since lighting is almost always challenging, shoot and then review important shots. If you have a more advanced camera, you can bracket important shots in difficult lighting situations. Expose at least three images: one slightly (one-stop) underexposed, one slightly (one-stop) overexposed and one at the setting suggested by the light meter.

There are a lot of excellent digital cameras on the market today. The new generation of Smart Phones can take amazing images, but they have their limitations (lack of a polarizing filter).

If you’re really interested in photography, I would suggest getting a camera that meets your needs. Most come with a trial version of an image editing software like Adobe Elements. There are many cameras on the market from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

Taking the time to capture the moments of life pays dividends that you can continue to relive by sharing them through your images.

For more information on the right camera for you, check with a professional at your local camera shop like Johnson Photo Imaging or go to www.bhphoto.com. Software demos (Check out Lightroom CC 2019) can be downloaded online.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Success – opportunity meets preparedness

Reel Time: Line and leaders

Reel Time: Waterkeeper Alliance holding polluters accountable

A merry Christmas in July

A merry Christmas in July

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, Family fun.

BRADENTON BEACH – Kids on Bridge Street got a surprise Saturday night, a visit from Santa Claus at the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Christmas in July on Bridge Street at the Drift In. The Privateers and Drift In raised $2,500 for next year’s scholarships by holding raffles and serving a potluck dinner inside the bar. In the parking lot, people enjoyed cool refreshments while listening to live music from Dos Max.

Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar employees Dana Coty and Carlee Griffin paired up and purchased the winning ticket for the liquor basket. Bridge Tender employee Denise Hendricks purchased the winning ticket for the Lotto Board that contained $320 in lottery tickets and two $50 bills.

Drift In manager Doreen Flynn said she was happy that some local employees won those raffle prizes. She also noted that Santa Claus took a break from his summer vacation and made an appearance at the annual fundraiser. She also thanked Privateer Shelly “Fireball” Hill and Pines Trailer Park resident Ellen Scott for making this year’s Lotto Board and assisting with the fundraising efforts.

Privateer Tim “Hammer” Thompson said the first $1,000 raised Saturday night will go toward the purchase of Christmas gifts for this year’s adopted Christmas family or families. The remaining $1,500 will be placed in the Privateer’s scholarship fund.

“It all ends up going to kids one way or another,” Thompson said, noting that a similar fundraiser will take place in December.

lost pets fundraiser Gulf Drive Cafe

Pup & Cat Crawl helps lost pets

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Benefitting the Lost Pet Services Inc. organization that helps reunite lost pets with their owners, the inaugural Pup & Cat Crawl fundraiser on Friday, July 26 raised $2,050 after expenses.

Friday evening’s four-stop fundraiser began at the Seafood Shack. Seventy pre-ticketed participants then boarded two Siesta Key trolleys and made their way to the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria, the Gulf Drive Café in Bradenton Beach and the Swordfish Grill in Cortez.

Each stop featured pet-themed drink specials, raffle drawings and 50-50 drawings. Some of the drink specials featured Tito’s Vodka because Tito’s is known as a dog-friendly company. Tito’s and several local businesses donated raffle prizes and some of the participating restaurants also served special appetizers.

Lost Pet Services Inc. board member Debbie Capobianco organized the event, working with organization founder and president Patty Giarrusso. Capobianco is a Realtor for Michael Saunders & Company and works out of the firm’s Holmes Beach office.

“It was a great event. The bars we visited were very generous, and they donated prizes for us to give away in our raffles too. We had so many raffle prizes donated that it took us over an hour to give them all out,” Capobianco said on Saturday.

lost pets fundraiser
Bill Capobianco assisted with Friday’s fundraising efforts. – Debbie Capobianco | Submitted

“We also gave away our free microchips, as it is so important to have your dog or cat chipped in case they are ever lost,” Capobianco said.

Lost Pet Services Inc. provides location chips, name tags, missing pet flyers and helps spread the word about missing dogs and cats through its website and the Lost and Found Pets 941 Facebook group.

The organization also provides medical assistance for pets and assists in finding foster homes and/or new permanent homes for unclaimed pets.

“It’s a great organization. Patty started it all by herself, and I help with the fundraising,” Capobianco said, noting that Lost Pet Services Inc. has helped locate thousands of lost pets since it was founded in 2013.

You can report a missing pet, search for a missing pet, support the cause or learn more about Lost Pet Services Inc. at www.lostfoundpets941.com.

City seeks reimbursement for Sunshine lawsuit expenses

City seeks reimbursement for Sunshine lawsuit expenses

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

BRADENTON BEACH – The city will try to recover some or all of the estimated $450,000 in attorney fees and legal costs city taxpayers incurred in the Sunshine Law lawsuit filed two years ago by the city and co-plaintiff Jack Clarke.

On July 19, Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas ruled former city advisory board members Reed Mapes, Tjet Martin, John Metz, Patty Shay, Bill Vincent and Rose Vincent violated the Florida Sunshine Law when they discussed their advisory board business at Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach meetings in 2017.

These matters were discussed at two city meetings on Friday, July 26.

At 1 p.m., city commissioners participated in a special meeting that provided for public discussion on the judge’s ruling and the recovery of attorney fees and legal costs.

At approximately 2 p.m., the commission and City Attorney Ricinda Perry convened a non-public shade meeting that allowed for a private discussion on the city’s legal strategies regarding attorney fees, legal costs and a possible appeal filed by some or all of the defendants.

After emerging from their private discussion, the commission voted 4-0 to pursue any and all available remedies to recover the city’s fees and costs

Mayor John Chappie and commissioners Ralph Cole, Marilyn Maro and Jake Spooner supported this course of action. Commission Randy White did not attend Friday’s meetings.

Earlier that day, attorney Robert Watrous filed a motion notifying Metz and his attorney, Thomas Shults, of the city’s intent to recover its attorney fees according to Florida Statute 57.105.

Judge Nicholas will preside over a post-trial hearing in the next few months and decide what, if any, reimbursements the defendants must make to the city.

Legal insight

During Friday’s first meeting, Perry addressed the pursuit of attorney fees according to state statute.

“It has not been a secret that attorney fees are something that would be considered at the conclusion of the judge issuing his order. You have an obligation and a responsibility to your constituency to fully discharge all of the rights they own in that statute, and those rights include healing the city treasury,” Perry told the commission.

Perry noted the defendants rejected a settlement offer in March that sought $500 from each defendant and a collective acknowledgment that errors were made regarding Sunshine Law compliance.

In May, the defendants proposed individual settlement offers that collectively sought $60,902 from the city and $24,444 from Clarke. Some of those settlement offers stated the defendants’ financial demands would increase if the case went to trial and the city lost.

“It was not lost on these defendants that there was a lot at stake financially. It was not lost on this commission, because repeatedly you attempted to settle with them. They took the gamble, they lost,” Perry said.

Paralegal and Sunshine Law expert Michael Barfield assisted Watrous and Perry with this case. He also addressed the commission.

“Thank you for doing your job and making sure the Government in the Sunshine Law was upheld. While I thought all along that it was an easy case, the bills that you see before you don’t reflect that. They reflect work that was done unnecessarily because of the defenses that were mounted in the case. They were tenacious,” Barfield said.

Barfield noted Nicholas used the words “contrived, after the fact, not credible,” when addressing the defenses unsuccessfully presented to him.

“Those, we believe, are the magic words for sanctions that will be imposed by the court when the court is fully aware of the efforts of the city to try and resolve this case pre-trial,” Barfield said. “We think we are well-positioned to recover, if not all, a significant portion of the city’s fees.”

Between meetings, Barfield said he thinks the judge will likely award the city approximately $30,000 to cover the legal costs that included a court reporter’s transcription services, copying fees and other non-attorney expenses.

Barfield said the defendants have 30 days to file an appeal.

Commission comments

“We’re not giving high-fives here. This is pretty simple stuff: it’s about the Sunshine Law. What price do you put on defending people’s constitutional right to open and fair and transparent government? This commission made a tough decision, and we stuck with it. And it was the right decision,” Chappie said.

Cole said the judge’s ruling can serve as a learning tool for others who serve on city boards. “If you’re ever in doubt, the first thing you should do is ask the city attorney.”

Maro said, “I know we’ve taken a lot of flack for this. It was hard, but nobody gave up.”

Spooner said, “I’m a little surprised that we’re here a week later, and there’s still no apology from the defendants to our taxpayers.”

After the meetings, Spooner said, “I understand some people’s concerns about the city seeking reimbursement from our former advisory board members, but whatever money we don’t recover from the defendants is money our citizens and taxpayers are going to be responsible for.”

Related coverage

Judge rules CNOBB members violated Sunshine Law

Sunshine trial gets underway

City prevails in preliminary Sunshine case hearing

Copeland will not seek reelection

Copeland will not seek re-election

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

ANNA MARIA – City Commissioner Doug Copeland will not next seek re-election in the upcoming city elections that will conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Copeland made this announcement from the dais toward the end of the Thursday, July 25, City Commission meeting.

“Candidate qualifying is the middle of next month, and at this time I’d like to announce that I will not be seeking re-election. I would like to encourage some of our very talented citizens to seek that seat,” Copeland said.

Copeland’s surprise announcement produced a brief period of silence as his fellow commissioners and others in the room processed the news.

While giving his commissioner’s report a few minutes later, commission chair Brian Seymour turned to Copeland and said, “After that bombshell, thank you for your service. You’ve obviously made this decision and you served the city so well for so many years.”

Seymour said he was shocked but happy that Copeland made a decision he feels is right for him at this time.

“Same here, Doug,” Commissioner Carol Carter added.

In addition to serving multiple terms as a city commissioner, Copeland also represents Anna Maria Island on the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. Before becoming a commissioner, Copeland spent two decades as a member of the city’s Planning and Zoning Board.

Carter and Dale Woodland’s current two-year terms also expire in November. Both said they will seek re-election.

Qualifying info

Anna Maria’s two-week candidate qualifying period will open at noon on Monday, Aug. 19 and close at noon on Friday, Aug. 30. Those seeking office must pay a qualifying fee and submit the signatures of 10 registered city voters. They must also sign a candidate’s residency affidavit stating they have been a city resident for at least two years.

For more information, visit www.votemanatee.com, call 941-741-3823 or e-mail info@votemanatee.com.

Grassy Point expansion plans stall

Grassy Point expansion plans stall

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners are concerned about what a potential donation of 26 acres to Grassy Point Preserve in exchange for road access along a city-owned right of way might mean for a 28th Street neighborhood.

The property is controlled by Nora Scholan who inherited the property and is executor of the will governing it. During a June meeting, she appeared before commissioners to offer the 26 acres to the city in exchange for access along a city right of way to buildable lots located off of 28th Street that otherwise would have no direct access to a street. While commissioners were at first enthusiastic about the trade, they now want to know exactly what they would be allowing to happen in that residential neighborhood before they sign on the dotted line, particularly what buildable lots would be opened up for development and how the surrounding mangroves and sea grapes would be affected.

City Engineer Lynn Burnett spoke to commissioners during a July 23 work session to give them a brief update on the project. She said that she had met with ecological professionals, walked the upland areas and was working on concept plans to be presented to commissioners in August for how the lower areas could be protected from flooding which she said could also have a positive impact for surrounding residences. She added that there was the potential to put in barriers that would be nearly invisible and minimally invasive in the area to hold back king tides and other high water events.

Burnett said the due diligence period for the land acquisition had been extended by 120 days to allow for more research. She said that she would have more information for commissioners when they reconvene Aug. 27.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said that she visited the site and saw the upland areas. After the visit, she said she wants a better idea of what the city is giving up and what the impact on the environment and surrounding homes would be if the city agrees to the deal.

If city leaders do agree, in exchange for the property, the city will create and finance the building of a road along city right of way to give access to the buildable lots that would still be owned by the Hames family and available for the building of residential properties or sale to new owners for development. The size and number of lots that would have access along the road are expected to be discussed at a future meeting.

Related coverage

Progress made on park improvements

No plans made for future Grassy Point development

Letters: Horses on the causeway

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

I appreciate your article in the Anna Maria Island Sun dealing with potential health concerns of horse fecal matter on the Palma Sola Causeway. In fact, your article also brought up for me another concern in addition to horse poop. I initially expressed my concerns by written letter to Bradenton City Councilman, Ward One, Gene Gallo in February. He sent me a short reply basically saying “tough luck ol’ boy,” the horse folks are on state right of way, and no one around here has any jurisdiction.

These horses have become a real problem for those of us who wish to fish on the north side of the causeway. At 76 years old, my wife Lucy, and I enjoy only a few activities, and wade fishing on the causeway is fun for us, for we are also catching food for the dinner table. Unfortunately, due to red tide and bans on keeping our fish of choice, we’ve retired the rods until the ban is lifted.

My concerns/gripes follow: What started as a one-horse trailer some time ago has expanded to three trailers, meaning more horses in the water, or so it seems. Lucy and I were fishing one day a few hundred yards west of the trailers, i.e., towards the island, with about 20 yards or so of line in the water. I saw several horses coming our way, and as they were getting closer, I tried to wave them off for obvious reasons. The lady in the lead was starting to invade our space and I told her we were fishing. She smiled, turned around towards the others, and made an arm gesture to continue forward. They started to run over our lines. I screamed at them, took another rod and tried to cast a plug at them and it hung up in the rod (thank goodness…I didn’t want to hurt anyone but I was angry). When they realized my anger, they turned around and went back the way they came, and the seagrasses that the horses trod over, perhaps 20 feet from the shoreline, broke loose and the surface of the water was filled with grass cuttings. The water no longer looked pristine, it was a mess. It was a horrible mess…no apology from the lead horsewoman was forthcoming, it was like she owned the place!

And yes, there is horse poop in the water.

It’s getting to where folks have to fish only on the south side of the causeway when the horses are there. I feel like these farmers/ranchers with horses are increasingly taking advantage of the situation, and I’d like to see their enterprise kept within a minimum area… truly I’d like to see them gone. If anything, they could be more respectful of their surroundings and the other folks that also want to enjoy the north side of the causeway. It’s hard to fish on the north side when you see the horses several hundred yards from the trailer along the road. Who wants to stop and wade out in the water with potential horse crap in it and knowing the horses have trodded over the area cutting the grasses, and causing the fish to leave their grass surroundings and seek other areas.

Only very seldom do you see families parked on the north side with kids playing in the water. The news is out… it’s probably not safe! Is the one or two ranchers and some tourists more important than the multitudes who enjoy the causeway. The north side is basically dead to us who live here, as well as the tourists who spend their vacation monies in several neighboring businesses. The horse folks make money from the tourists, I assume. Yes, some tourists are obviously happy about that, BUT you don’t see them swimming in that water!

We all had better start taking more of an action-related stand towards our water resources in these days of uncertain climates. Simply waiting for bacterial samples to reach an acceptable level while continuing to indulge in the practices that likely resulted in high bacterial counts should be unacceptable for all folks who genuinely care about our environment.

Edward (Ed) Segerson, Bradenton

My wife and I noticed recently “50 fun things to do in Manatee and Sarasota, one of which is horseback riding in Palma Sola Bay. We have lived adjacent to the bay since 2000, and have enjoyed swimming, fishing and boating in the bay since 1974.

When we first heard that a business providing horseback riding in the bay, primarily on the north side, was going to be allowed, I called several elected officials of the county and city and noted my concerns regarding the potential water quality issues. I was familiar with the fact that individual horse owners, over the years, had ridden their horses in the bay, but never as a business.

The officials were helpful and explained the jurisdiction issues on the causeway, but it appeared that businesses would be allowed to operate. I understand free enterprise and as a small business owner, I had mixed feelings about objecting to the business,  that was, until just after the businesses started, and I was fishing off my dock, and saw the horse turds floating by.

Numerous riding businesses now have many horses in the bay on the north side. I know that they are being responsible for any droppings on the shore, and I respect that. It’s clearly not stopping the amount of horse urine and feces in that area of the bay, when the horses are walking along the shoreline and in the bay along the east shoreline.

What we all need to consider is the total effect of these private business operations on the public. I have seen a decline in the use of the north shore since the horseback riding businesses were allowed. I know I wouldn’t want to be lounging along that shoreline or have a small child there when horses are walking in the same area.

With all the horses now using the east shoreline and proceeding north along that area, well in the water, what if any effect has the walking in that water had to the seagrasses in that area. I don’t see how the horses have not obliterated the grasses by now.

So I ask the appropriate elected officials, should we continue to ignore the negative impact on the public from the private businesses operating the horseback riding in the bay, including any negative impacts to the horses themselves, or after several years of allowing these businesses to, once and for all, look into the possible negative impacts, to the bay and the public that enjoys the bay.

Robert Lombardo, Bradenton

https://amisun.com/2019/07/06/concerns-raised-over-horse-waste-in-bay/

https://amisun.com/2019/07/18/horses-not-allowed-on-gulf-beaches/

 

Vessels break free, threaten new dock

Vessels break free, threaten new dock

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

BRADENTON BEACH – Two boats in the unmanaged anchorage near the Bridge Street Pier broke loose Saturday afternoon, one making contact with the new floating dock being installed along the south side of the pier.

Bradenton Beach Police Officer Eric Hill responded to the report of an unmoored sailboat making contact with the pier. He then ensured the vessel was removed from the floating dock area and secured to the nearby dolphin pilings that protect the pier.

Mayor John Chappie said the vessel was tagged and the owner was given five days to retrieve the sailboat. If not retrieved during the allowed time period, the boat will be removed and destroyed.

Later that day, a cabin cruiser broke loose and was redirected to the nearby dinghy dock before it could make contact with the new floating dock.

Hill serves as the city’s primary marine patrol officer and has been at the forefront of the city’s increased enforcement efforts pertaining to the navigable waters near the pier.

State law requires a vessel to be able to move under its own power in order to not be considered a derelict vessel that becomes subject to removal and destruction.

Pier lease talks gain momentum

Pier lease talks gain momentum

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

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and current city pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder recently reviewed a draft document that includes several potential options for the lease of the new pier.

The construction of the pier walkway and T-end platform are to be completed by the end of August. The new restaurant and bait shop buildings at the new pier’s T-end are expected to open to the public by year’s end.

Schoenfelder’s current pier lease expires in December 2020 and he has expressed interest in entering into a new long-term lease.

The recently developed draft document is not a formal and binding agreement. It merely reflects some of the terms, conditions and options to be considered by the city and Schoenfelder.

The draft lease document presents three options regarding which portions of the new pier could be leased to Schoenfelder or another pier tenant.

Option one is to lease the T-end restaurant, bait shop, bathrooms and breezeway only. Option two is for the entire T-end of the pier, not including the pier walkway and boat landing. Option three is for the entire pier.

Parking option one proposes the city provide adequate marked parking based upon an approved number of seats. Option two proposes the pier tenant lease adequate parking from the city and/or private sources.

The draft lease language states the leased premises will be used solely to operate a restaurant and bait, tackle and gift shop that also serves snacks and beverages.

The lease terms require the tenant’s business operations to be seven days a week 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the tenant having the option to extend, but not decrease, the hours of operation. The proposed lease language states that the tenant shall serve breakfast, lunch and dinner unless otherwise specified by the city.

The proposed lease language states all open areas of the pier, including the breezeway and bathrooms, shall be accessible to the public at all times.

Lease terms

The proposed lease term options include a 10-year lease with two five-year extensions or a seven-year lease with two seven-year extensions.

The draft language proposes the pier tenant contribute $250,000 toward the city’s construction of the new buildings that will house the restaurant, bait shop and restrooms. The language also proposes that the tenant is responsible for interior build-out of those buildings at the tenant’s expense.

“All improvements made to the premises shall become the property of the landlord upon installation,” the draft lease language says.

Maintenance

Pier maintenance options include the tenant being responsible for all maintenance of pier premises, or the city being responsible for all maintenance of premises – except for the maintenance of the operational fixtures purchased by the tenant to operate their businesses.

The lease language proposes the tenant pay an unspecified amount per quarter toward the maintenance of the pier, the approach area and the parking lot.

The draft language includes options for either the tenant or the city to insure the pier and pay the annual property taxes.

The possible lease options include an absolute net lease where the tenant pays the maintenance, insurance, tax, improvements and is responsible for all expenses of the facility rented; a triple net lease where the tenant pays for maintenance, insurance and taxes; a double net lease where the tenant pays the taxes and the insurance or a modified net lease where the tenant pays the taxes only.

The language proposes the tenant pay an unspecified, monthly base rent that includes an annual 3% increase – or a base rent that increases or decreases each year based on the Consumer Price Index.

Another option would be a percentage-based rent that requires the tenant to the pay the city 8% of the total revenues generated by the pier-based business operations.

The proposed lease language requires the tenant to maintain a blanket saltwater fishing license that allows anyone to fish from the pier, including those who do not hold their own fishing licenses.

Related coverage

HardiePlank selected for pier building exteriors

Anna Maria appreciates county, state pier support

Mason Martin Builders selected to build pier restaurant and bait shop

Reel Time: Success – opportunity meets preparedness

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

It seems that we have to work harder all the time for a day on the water that includes catching fish. That’s after actually having the chance for a day on the water fishing. It’s a fact for most anglers that those days are far apart and it’s all too easy in our haste to just grab our gear, put it on the boat and head for the water. All too often we forget to check some of the most basic things that make the difference between fishing and catching a fish. A little forethought and preparation will help assure that you turn your opportunities into success.

It’s a good idea to have a checklist to follow before you ever make the first cast. These are the major reasons why we lose fish and with some due diligence, it can be easily avoided.

A sharp hook is obviously one of the most important components of an effective rig. It’s also one of the easiest things to forget to check. A hook can be razor-sharp the last time you used it and can become dulled with contact to the rub rail of the boat, objects in the water, guides and many other things. Test it every time you step to the bow and you’ll have a better chance at catching that fish you searched long and hard for. I like to check the hook on my fingernail. If I put it there and it doesn’t slip, I know it’s sharp enough. Still, it’s a good idea to have a hook sharpener on hand and touch up the point several times during any outing.

Reel Time be prepared knot
Even a well-stretched fly line can create a disaster if it gets too hot. This knot was created by a tarpon! – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Knots are probably the second leading reason fish are lost. Even the best-tied knot will break if it’s not tightened well. You may tie perfect knots, but there’s a chance they could loosen between trips. Always make sure you moisten knots before tightening them and draw them up very tight. The first place a line will break is at a knot when it slips.

Checking the drag is, of course, one of the most important things you can do. I would suggest having the drag set so you don’t have to touch it while fighting a fish. Make sure your drag is smooth. You’ll know it needs attention if there’s any jerking motion when line leaves the spool.

Checking leader and line for nicks and abrasion is another must. It’s easy to cut off a small section of leader and re-tie than to lose a good fish to an imperfect line. Fly anglers can avoid a lost fish by always stretching their fly line. Fly line has memory and will come off the spool in small loops that can tangle easily, causing you to break off a fish. Strip off the line you’ll be casting, make a cast and gently stretch it as you retrieve it. On hot summer days, it’s a good idea to wet the line occasionally to keep it from getting hot and sticky.

Each time you step to the bow make sure you check all the components that lead to success. You’ll find it will make a big difference at the end of your fishing day. On the days when you get the opportunity to catch a fish, you don’t want to end up with pulled hooks or a break-off because you didn’t check your drag or leader.

While you’ll always lose fish even when everything is right, you’ll definitely have a better chance at success if you’re prepared when the opportunity presents itself. Sharp hook, smooth leader, properly set drags, stretched line and tight properly secured knots. Tight lines!

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Youth indoor soccer heats up the summer

Youth indoor soccer heats up the summer

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

As the temperature of the summer heats up, so does the action on the indoor soccer court at The Center on Anna Maria Island.

With more than half of the games played in the season, the dominant teams in both the Intermediate and Advanced leagues have risen to the top, but the season is still young and the championship is any single team’s to win.

Last Tuesday night Cloud Pest Control and Island Vacation Properties faced off, with Cloud eeking out the win, and both teams have very similar mid-season records in the Intermediate league.

Cyrus Ryan was credited with a hat trick, scoring all three goals for Cloud Pest Control. Clancy Cusack and Kason Davis scored a single goal each for Island Vacation Properties.

In the second game of the night during Intermediate league action, Moss Builders once again dominated, beating Solid Rock Construction with a score of 3-0. Dylan Sato scored two goals and Jackson Titen had a solo goal for the Moss Builders squad.

The last two match-ups of the night saw the Advanced league teams go head-to-head. Team Ugly Grouper struggled against both of their opponents in the back-to-back games.

Team AMI Locals won their game against Ugly Grouper, ending with the game score of 5-1. Will Wright scored the single goal for Team Ugly Grouper.

Evan Talucci hit the net twice for AMI Locals, with teammate Savana Coba scoring a hat trick of her own.

Victor Albrecht scored the lone goal in the final game of the night for Ugly Grouper. Top-ranked G&G Yardscaping played with a tremendous amount of teamwork, with assists by Katie Stembridge, Ryan Joseph, Cale Rudacille and Connor Samblis.

Each of the G&G players with assists also scored goals, with Samblis credited with three goals in the game, clinching the win with a score of 6-1.

With one more week of regular-season indoor soccer play on the schedule, the youth players continue to play hard toward the championship game on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m.

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Castles in the Sand

The condo dance

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

Every dance has specific dance steps. Even though some dancers may look like they’re just winging it, they’re at least the ones that you keep looking at. Living in a condo requires learning a multiple of dance steps, so if you’re not good at condo dancing, you may need to rethink your purchase.

Condo living is great. It frees you of all the day to day maintenance issues that a house requires – exterior painting and pool cleaning are done, the lawn is mowed and roof repairs are a thing of the past. But all of these services come with a price in both money and control.

The first dance steps you need to learn are those in the condo maintenance fees or homeowner association fees dance. These fees are established in order to pay for all of the services and expenses the condo association is responsible for. Owners pay either a monthly or quarterly fee that goes into the association’s funds and is allocated to specific reserves.

As soon as you are in contract for a condo property, the condo fees are disclosed to you. You, in turn, need to disclose these fees to your lender if you are applying for a mortgage. Condo fees are calculated by lenders right along with principal, interest, taxes and insurance in order to qualify for financing.

Condos with high fees can kill a deal if the potential buyer does not qualify for a mortgage because of the fees. This can be a tricky calculation for condos that are new construction since it’s not uncommon for the developer to lowball common charges in order to sell units, which means that marginal buyers may not get their financing if the fees are adjusted upward prior to closing.

The second dance that has very complicated steps is the giving up control to the condo boards and management company dance. If you’re one of those people who needs to dot every “I” and question every rule, you may have a hard time learning this dance.

There’s a fair amount of freedom you give up to live in a condo. For instance, if you liked skinny dipping in your single-family home pool you better start buying a bunch of bathing suits or, if your neighbors on the other side of your common wall have their grandchildren over every Sunday to watch football, either you join the party or go out for the day. Condo living is nothing if not a compromise.

There is, however, a way to gain some control and that’s by volunteering to join the condo board. Based on how the condo documents are drawn up, condo board members have a lot of power. They can change rules, choose contractors to do jobs and move money around. There certainly are decisions the boards cannot make without a vote of the residents, so learning what decisions condo boards can and cannot make is important before going forward.

If you don’t join the board yourself, make sure you vote for board members that you feel are qualified and ethical. In addition, condo boards that have good management companies to advise and guide them are better run.

Successful condo living is a “live and let live” concept. Minor infractions of rules should be overlooked and flexibility will make your living experience rewarding. If you want a carefree lifestyle and the ability to lock your door and leave, like so many people in Florida do, condo living is a perfect fit. But first you need to learn the condo dance and how to dance like a pro.

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Horses not allowed on Gulf beaches

Horses not allowed on Gulf beaches

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Beach, Environment, Featured, Outdoors.

HOLMES BEACH – While motorists were noticing a long, white horse trailer parked among the boat trailers at the Kingfish boat ramp Monday morning, beachgoers were even more surprised to see three horses on the beach near 45th Avenue.

A photo posted on the “Island Ratz Unite” Facebook page prompted a brief exchange between two members: “Wonder if we’re going to have to pass a “no horses in the bike lanes” ordinance now? LOL!”

The response: “They WERE in the bike lane this morning around 10:30 by the curve.”

Horses are not allowed on the beach on Anna Maria Island or at Kingfish boat ramp, Holmes Beach Police Sgt. Michael Pilato said, adding that someone called the police about the incident. A code enforcement officer was dispatched, but the horses were gone by the time the officer arrived on the scene, he said.

If you see horses on the beach or at Kingfish boat ramp, contact Holmes Beach Code Enforcement at 941-708-5833.

The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department staff that maintains the beaches and boat ramps has been notified, said Michael Elswick, division manager for the Natural Resources Division.

“We’ll keep an eye out for this type of thing within the parks,” he said, meaning Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach. “Outside of the county-run beach parks, this would be an issue for Island municipality code enforcement.”

One horse- and dog-friendly beach

The only beach where horses – and dogs – are allowed is the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton.

The riders may have been discouraged from going to the causeway Monday because the causeway was under a no-swimming advisory earlier this month, Manatee County Marine Rescue Chief Joe Westerman said.

The Florida Department of Health issued a no-swim advisory for the Palma Sola Bay South beach after tests on July 8 and July 10 confirmed that enterococcus bacteria from fecal matter in the water exceeded EPA guidelines.

The advisory was lifted on Monday, said Tom Larkin, director of the Manatee County Environmental Health department.

A story in The Sun on July 6 uncovered concerns about horse waste at the causeway causing poor water quality and destroying seagrass. Officials from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, Keep Manatee Beautiful and Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity expressed concerns about the issue.

https://amisun.com/2019/07/06/concerns-raised-over-horse-waste-in-bay/

 

Moss Builders shut out Island Vacation Properties

Moss Builders shut out Island Vacation Properties

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

This summer’s indoor soccer action at The Center includes two skill levels and age group divisions: Intermediate (five- to nine-year-old) and Advanced (10- to 14-year-old).

In the first game of the third week of play, the intermediate teams of Moss Builders and Island Vacation Properties faced each other in 40 minutes of rapid-fire action.

Dylan Sato started the play for Moss Builders. Immediately, Maddie Kimmons showed what a defensive powerhouse she is for Island Vacation Properties.

Sato brother Brandon made a nice reaching attempt to stop the soccer ball, but just could not quite get to it.

Six minutes into the game, Moss Builder’s Jackson Titen made a nice shot attempt. Teammate Mason Moss hit a rocket shot that was stopped by Kimmons, playing by the net.

Sato made a shot attempt that went just right of the post seven minutes later.

Island Vacation Properties made a great run down the field before being stopped by Moss.

With three minutes left on the scoreboard, Moss made another shot attempt, finding Kimmons away from the goal.

Despite what looked to be domination on the field by Moss Builders, the first half of play ended with the score 0-0.

Island Vacation Properties started the second half play. Camden Rudacille made a nice pass down the line. Kimmons was caught off guard allowing the first Moss Builders’ goal.

Implementing the three-line rule, teammates are required to touch a long pass before it crosses the third critical line down the court.

After a near own-goal by Moss Builders, Brandon Sato shot the Moss team’s second goal of the game. Moss followed two minutes later with another ball in the net, pushing the score to 3-0.

The Moss Builders team put its fourth goal on the board less than three minutes later.

Miles Moss worked with his team on the court allowing big brother Mason a clear shot over everyone’s heads for the team’s fifth goal.

Mason Moss hit another perfect shot for the final point of the match with a little more than four minutes left in the game, to end with the score 6-0.

Related coverage

Youth indoor soccer teams battle at The Center

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