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Tag: Anna Maria Island

Mobility program dropped in favor of ban

Mobility program dropped in favor of ban

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

HOLMES BEACH – The wait is over for the owners of Mobile Muttley’s, at least in Holmes Beach. Commissioners agreed in a 3-2 informal vote during a July 9 work session to not move forward with a one-year pilot program for an alternate mobility share service, in this case, docked bicycles.

Instead, commissioners are now considering an outright ban on mobility share services, including docked and dockless bicycles and electric scooters. The ban is planned to be citywide.

Commissioners briefly considered allowing docked bicycle sharing services on private property with a site plan review but decided in an informal 3-2 vote to prohibit those as well to prevent opening the issue up to large companies coming into the Island and bringing bicycles share stations that have limited oversight.

Commissioner Rick Hurst said that he believes the commission either needs to ban the share services outright or find a small company to come in and run them. The previously proposed one-year trial period, he said, would be difficult for a small local business to fund with the knowledge that their ability to operate in the city could be taken back after only a year for any reason. To offer the trial period, Hurst said, would open it up to a large national company that already has equipment ready to install that could easily be relocated if the trial in Holmes Beach didn’t work out. He added that it would need to be an Island-wide effort to make it worthwhile for any business owner.

Mayor Judy Titsworth agreed.

“What you’ve done is open it up,” she said. “If you don’t prohibit it, you’ve made it a free-for-all.”

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said that she would work on the prohibition language as well as changes to the land development code to ban electric scooters from the city. The ban on electric scooters applies only to recreational electric and battery-powered scooters, not mobility assistance devices that assist those with medical issues.

Related coverage

Bicycle share on hold in Holmes Beach

Bike share regulations on hold

Locals present bike share option to city commissioners

Metz deposed in Sunshine lawsuit

Metz deposed in Sunshine lawsuit

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

BRADENTON – Former Planning and Zoning Board member and Sunshine Law lawsuit defendant John Metz has been deposed, but his computer may be subjected to a forensic examination.

Representing the city of Bradenton Beach and co-plaintiff Jack Clarke in the lawsuit filed in August 2017, attorney Robert Watrous deposed Metz under oath on Tuesday, July 2. Paralegal Michael Barfield assisted Watrous.

The lawsuit alleges Metz and former Planning and Zoning Board members Reed Mapes, Patty Shay and Bill Vincent, and former Scenic WAVES Committee members Tjet Martin and Rose Vincent violated the Florida Sunshine Law.

The allegations pertain to discussions and email exchanges the city advisory board members had while also serving as members of the Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) group. Some of those discussions and email exchanges pertained to parking garages, Community Redevelopment Agency projects and other city business that had or could foreseeably come before the advisory board members in their official capacities.

Last month, Judge Edward Nicholas ruled that a parking garage would absolutely come before the Planning and Zoning Board. The one-week trial begins Monday, July 15.

Document production

Watrous produced a copy of the oath of office Metz signed in 2014 when appointed to the planning board. When signing that document, Metz swore to uphold the United States Constitution and the Florida Constitution.

Watrous also produced copies of documents Metz signed in 2014 and 2017 acknowledging his participation in mandatory Sunshine Law training and his promise to comply with city resolution 09-757.

The resolution serves as the city’s written and electronic communication policy. It references the Florida Public Records Law and states all correspondence pertaining to official city business is public record and shall be produced upon request.

Watrous referenced an email Mapes sent Metz after the lawsuit was filed. That email provided Metz with time sequences for a recording of the July 25, 2017 CNOBB discussion about a charter initiative that could have prohibited parking garages citywide.

Metz said he used the time sequences to refresh his memory of what he said that day.

“Why did you not provide that email through discovery request? We did not receive it,” Watrous said.

Metz said he didn’t remember the records request or when Mapes sent that email.

Watrous asked Metz if he attended an informal meeting shortly after the lawsuit was filed at which the defendants discussed their response strategies to case-related records requests.

“I don’t recall any discussion about withholding, destroying or not turning over any documents,” Metz said.

On Aug. 8, 2017, Martin sent an email to Metz, Mapes, Shay and Bill Vincent that included the header “Barfield.”

“I was advised not to give him anything, not a single thing,” Martin wrote.

Earlier that day, Barfield sent Martin his initial records request.

CNOBB webmaster Michael Harrington’s January deposition revealed Mapes asked Harrington to delete emails that referenced a parking garage. Harrington produced those emails, Mapes did not.

“I would request that nothing be deleted from that computer because we may seek an emergency motion to do a forensic (investigation) on that computer,” Watrous said of Metz’s computer.

On Monday, Barfield said Watrous would seek a court order to inspect Metz’s computer.

CNOBB discussions

Watrous referenced a June 12, 2017 email Mapes sent to Bill Vincent about Metz joining CNOBB.

“I spoke to John. He is concerned about Sunshine issues,” Mapes wrote.

“I was pointing out that we have to be aware of the Sunshine Law; I wasn’t saying I was concerned about it,” Metz told Watrous.

Metz said he did not recall attending a CNOBB meeting that included discussion about Bill Vincent’s July 19, 2017 inquiry to the Florida Commission on Ethics regarding city advisory board members participating in CNOBB meetings.

The audio recording of the Aug. 3, 2017 CNOBB meeting confirms Metz was present when Martin read aloud the Ethics Commission response that stated it does not have jurisdiction over Sunshine Law compliance. That response recommended Vincent visit the Attorney General’s website or consult with private counsel.

Metz said he was not aware of anyone from CNOBB contacting private counsel regarding the Ethics Commission response.

Constitutional challenge

In 2017, Metz’s attorney, Thomas Shults, filed an affirmative defense questioning the constitutionality of the Sunshine Law.

“Do you believe the Florida Sunshine Law is unconstitutional?” Watrous asked Metz.

“Yes,” Metz replied. “I think it’s extremely vague. I believe it chills free speech and association and the right to assemble and petition.”

Metz expressed his belief that his “direct democracy” rights regarding petition initiatives allowed him to participate in the CNOBB discussions about potential petition initiatives. Metz also expressed his belief that petition initiatives pursued according to state law do not require Planning and Zoning Board review.

Metz, a former attorney, agreed with Watrous’ statement that one’s constitutional rights can be voluntarily waived by signing a document – such as a sworn oath of office.

Past disputes

Watrous reviewed Metz’s past disputes with the city and its residents. These include a still-pending 2016 lawsuit Metz filed against the city challenging a permitting decision made by the building official; the unsuccessful 2015 lawsuit Metz filed against mayoral candidate Jack Clarke; Metz’s unsuccessful efforts in 2016 to prevent Commissioner Ralph Cole from operating the Coastal Watersports beach rental business he opened with city commission approval in 2001; and the successful 2018 lawsuit the Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods political action committee filed against the city regarding ballot initiatives.

Watrous asked Metz if these disputes have decreased his quality of life in Bradenton Beach.

“This litigation certainly has decreased my enjoyment – financially, reputation-wise, etc. – more than any of these other disputes,” Metz said.

Metz said he anticipates living in Bradenton Beach for the rest of his life.

Related coverage

Commission considers, rejects three Sunshine lawsuit settlements

City prevails in preliminary Sunshine case hearing

Sunshine defendants make offers to compromise

Breanne crowned karaoke champ

Breanne crowned karaoke champ

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

BRADENTON – Cortez Kitchen employee and Bradenton resident Shannon Breanne recently won the Suncoast Entertainment Karaoke Contest.

The seven-week contest took place at the Joyland Country Music Night Club in Bradenton.

The four weekly qualifying rounds began May 8, followed by two weeks of semi-finals on June 5 and June 12. The singing contest concluded with the finals on Wednesday, June 26.

Breanne sang in one qualifying round and one semifinal round on her way to the finals.

At the finals, she sang Aretha Franklin’s “A Natural Woman” and Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet” to claim the top prize.

Lance Biddle led the proceedings and Carl Hunsinger, Kevin Kalley and Kari Rae judged the qualifying and semi-final rounds. Del Couch, Billy Rice and Kristen Lee then joined the judges’ panel to help evaluate the top 10 finalists.

Breanne’s victory earned her $1,200 cash, a Joyland black card, the opportunity to record with Couch – director of the Del Couch Music Education Foundation – and the opportunity to perform with the Daisy Dukes Band at one of their shows.

“It was a very exciting and nerve-wracking experience for me, as until recently I never sang in front of people,” Breanne said.

Breanne’s boyfriend, Adam Sears, accompanied her to the contests and assisted her in a variety of ways.

Tide Tables bartender Staci Wilkinson attended the finals and was among those providing Breanne with emotional support.

“It was a wonderful evening and another great example of watching our little community come together to support one another. We are so proud of her,” Wilkinson said of her friend’s prize-winning performance.

Reel Time: Waterkeeper Alliance holding polluters accountable

Reel Time: Waterkeeper Alliance holding polluters accountable

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

The Waterkeeper Alliance is the largest and fastest growing nonprofit that is exclusively focused on clean water. The Alliance works to preserve and protect water by uniting local Waterkeeper organizations and affiliates worldwide. Their goal is to assure drinkable, fishable and swimmable water for everyone.

The organization was created by a band of commercial fishermen on New York’s Hudson River in 1966 to hold industrial polluters accountable for destroying their way of life. Their brand of hard-hitting, grassroots activism sparked a miraculous recovery of the river and inspired others to launch Waterkeeper groups around the world. There are now more than 300 Waterkeeper organizations and affiliates on the frontlines of the global water crisis. With their volunteers, they are guarding and defending more than 2.5 million square miles of rivers, lakes and coastal waterways on six continents.

Today Florida’s Gulf Coast is one of those critically endangered frontlines faced with devastating red tide events and blue-green algae outbreaks, sewage spills and willful discharges into impaired waters that are feeding unprecedented amount of nitrogen and other pollutants into local waters. Our area is fortunate to be under the auspices of Suncoast Waterkeeper. The Suncoast Waterkeeper organization focuses its efforts in an area that includes the coastal waters of Manatee and Sarasota counties, a watershed that includes all of the Sarasota Bay Estuary, the southern reaches of Tampa Bay (lower Tampa Bay and Terra Ceia Bay) and the Manatee River.

Suncoast Waterkeeper’s former Executive Director and Founder Justin Bloom is an environmental lawyer who believes in the organization’s mission statement: “To protect and restore the Florida Suncoast’s waterways through enforcement, fieldwork, advocacy, and environmental education for the benefit of the communities that rely upon these precious coastal resources.”

According to Bloom, they are more aggressive than other groups in that they are likely to litigate against those corporations, organizations and individuals that threaten water quality. Waterkeepers in general and Suncoast Waterkeepers, in particular, are small but streamlined and able to act quickly. Maybe most importantly they follow through on what they say and persevere.

“It can be personally frustrating,” says Bloom. “People have the misconception that we have unlimited resources and time. The reality is that we are tiny in comparison to the challenges we face and operate on a shoestring.”

Having said that, Bloom reiterates that the organization has been able to accomplish a lot. While he wants to see Suncoast Waterkeeper grow, he embraces the model of a small but active group that relies on volunteers and contributors.  Bloom worked for the Hudson Riverkeeper, the original and archetype Waterkeeper organization when he was in New York. One of the signature characteristics of a Waterkeeper group comes from the Hudson Riverkeeper.

The current Interim Director of Suncoast Waterkeeper Andy Mele started his environmental career in New York’s Hudson Valley with the group known as Hudson River Sloop Clearwater that was formed by Pete Seeger, the famous folk singer and social activist. There he inherited a 30-year battle with General Electric, which was responsible for dumping over a million pounds of carcinogenic PCBs into the Hudson at two GE plants.  Mele helped develop the strategy that led to the EPA forcing GE to sign a consent decree for the cleanup.

Mele sees many similarities between the way GE avoided its environmental liabilities and local municipalities and corporations like Mosaic that mine phosphate on Florida’s west coast. Mele and other partners were instrumental in preventing Mosaic from mining in the Charlotte Harbor watershed.

Mele relates, “When Suncoast Waterkeeper joined with two national groups to sue St. Petersburg and Gulfport and won, we did more to remove nutrients from coastal waters than the entire state legislature.”

Suncoast Waterkeeper recently presented a notice of intent to sue directed at Sarasota County, which they accuse of releasing hundreds of millions of gallons of partially-treated, nutrient-rich wastewater into Sarasota Bay over almost a decade.

According to Mele, “this is important because, despite the federal and state statutes that are supposed to be protective of the environment and human health, politics and special interests intervene and enforcement lags. That’s exactly what happened when former Governor Rick Scott fired most of the state’s environmental enforcement staff within the first month of his tenure. The ferocious episodes of red tide and thick mats of toxic cyanobacteria have been the predictable result.”

Suncoast Waterkeeper depends on volunteers and contributions from local communities to do its important work. This is a critical juncture for the nation, Florida, and west coast communities like Anna Maria Island. Our way of life and an economy that depends on clean water is at stake.

To lend your physical and financial support, contact Suncoast Waterkeeper at P.O. Box 1028, Sarasota, FL 34230. The organization also can be reached by phone at 941-275-2922, by email at jbloom@suncoastwaterkeeper.org and amele@suncoastwaterkeeper.org, or visit the website.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Dog days strategies

Reel Time: Tarpon primer

Reel Time: The morning run

Youth indoor soccer teams battle at The Center

Youth indoor soccer teams battle at The Center

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

Getting out of the heat of the summer, The Center’s gym is filled with soccer enthusiasts to play and watch indoor soccer Island style. With the Ross Built Construction boards up and the stage occupied by fans and players, the fuzzy yellow soccer ball whizzed across the court last Tuesday night.

Team Ugly Grouper matched up against Team AMI Locals in a game that ended in a tie after 40 minutes of fast-paced action.

The scoring started with a goal by Savanah Coba for AMI Locals just one minute into play. The team quickly took possession of the soccer ball to put another shot into the net, giving AMI Locals a two-point lead.

Without goalies in the game, the defense in the indoor soccer league has to play tough to protect its house. Both teams effectively utilized one player as a quasi-goalie, unable to use their hands in play.

Jayden Sparks scored a goal for Ugly Grouper putting the score to 2-1.

Coba took a nice shot only to be stopped by Jack Whiteside, Ugly Grouper’s goalie.

Newly added player Carsyn Deligans, visiting the Island for the season, showed the players and spectators she is a force to be reckoned with on the indoor soccer arena with the first of three goals in the game.

Utilizing their feet, heads and the walls, the two advanced teams fought hard for possession and position. The score moved closer after an own goal for AMI Locals.

With the score 3-2, a one-point lead for AMI Locals, the game headed into half time.

AMI Locals started the second half of play with a kickback to a defensive teammate. Evan Talucci, with Team AMI Locals, showed why he was named Goalie of the Year in the previous soccer season – this time playing without the use of his hands.

Will Wright scored his first goal of the game with Talucci just a little too far away from the net.

An accidental handball by Team Ugly Grouper allowed a direct penalty kick by Jack Harrison to hit the net and tie the game at 4-4.

Deligans scored another goal, once again giving her team the lead. Angelina Albrecht tried to close the gap with a shot saved by Talucci.

With 10 minutes left on the scoreboard clock, Albrecht took another shot, this time against Deligans who blocked the shot.

A minute later, Ugly Grouper tied it back up. Dalton Fox took the soccer ball down the court until there was one man to beat. Fox took the shot and scored for AMI Locals.

Jackson Long brought the game back to an even score, getting a strike past Talucci.

Albrecht and Long worked together, using the boards to move the ball into scoring position. Victor Albrecht took his own shot that went just right of the post.

Hoping to regain the lead and end the game with a win, Deligans showed an incomparable hustle and skilled footwork.

Deligans’ first shot sailed right of the post. Her next shot was blocked by Whiteside. As the clocked ticked down, Whiteside maintained the tie for his team with another save on the Deligans strike, ending the game with the score 6-6.

Related coverage

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Jiffy Lube dominates on the pitch

Rain delays season’s end, adult soccer on schedule

Castles in the Sand

Are you as smart as a private equity firm?

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

The phrase, “follow the money,” goes back to the Watergate era as a method to shed light on corrupt activities by looking at money transfers. But following the money does not always lead to corruption. It could lead to some really good business advice.

Last week we reported the May real estate sales statistics in both Manatee and Sarasota counties being up substantially to the point of registering the highest numbers post-recession. Manatee County’s median single-family home sale prices were up 4.9% from last year continuing the $300,000 or above median sales price for most of the past year and a half. How much of this increase in selling price is fueled by investors, we have no sure way of knowing. What we do know is investors are totally into the U.S. real estate market.

Based on data released by CoreLogic, Inc., last month more than 11% of U.S. home purchases in 2018 were made by investors. This is a record high of investors, the highest recorded and nearly twice the levels before the 2008 housing crash. Investors are purchasing to flip properties or turn them into single-family rentals. The investor profile is everything from big private-equity firms to real estate speculators and individuals who want to get in on the action.

Investors swooped into the housing market in 2011 and 2012, buying with all cash when prices were low and mortgage credit was difficult to get for the average buyer. Economists gave them credit for helping to stabilize the market but expected the investors to slow down when prices started climbing after everything returned to normal. However, that hasn’t happened, partly because of strong rental demand.

Unfortunately, much of the rental demand is coming from first-time buyers, specifically millennials who are competing with investors that are buying up the low end of the real estate market with all cash transactions. According to the CoreLogic survey, investors purchased one in five homes in the bottom third price range in 2018, exactly where first-time buyers generally start at.

Complicating things further for first-time buyers is technology. The internet has made it easier for smaller investors and foreign buyers to purchase properties sight unseen. A few weeks ago, I talked about iBuyer companies, such as Opendoor, Zillow and Redfin that offer cash to homeowners who want a quick deal, avoiding the stress of putting their homes on the market.

These properties are either flipped or sold to investors for potential rentals. CoreLogic further reported that investors bought about half of the starter homes in Philadelphia last year and about 40% of the lower end of the market in Detroit. Again, first-time buyers are being run over by cash investors and technology.

Investors are also banking on renting vs. buying being a double-edged sword. Owning their home has always been the goal of Americans and many feel that renting is inherently wrong and a waste of money. Now, however, first-time buyers are rethinking that calculation. Mobility for job advancement is important to millennials who understand that about five years is the break-even point between owning and renting and may opt to rent until their careers are stabilized.

Renting instead of buying is a conversation that doesn’t make me happy. I still believe that owning your own home has more benefits than renting and should not be entirely a business decision. My opinion – follow the money straight to your new home.

More Castles in the Sand:

Real independence

The buyer’s best buddy

Real estate selling for the smartphone generation

An AMI Fourth of July

Century old Ford still parading

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Community News, History, Transportation.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – It was 1919 and the world was recovering from its first world war and planting the seeds for a second. In Pittsburgh, radio station KDKA was the first to receive a limited commercial license to broadcast. In Detroit, a Ford Model T was assembled and sold – the same one that drove in the Anna Maria Privateers’ Fourth of July Parade. For owners Sissy and Tom Quinn the classic four-door convertible almost didn’t make it.

While traveling toward Coquina Beach and the parade staging area, there was a loud boom and the passenger side front tire’s tube started making flapping sounds. They pulled into the Duffy’s Tavern parking lot and stopped. A motorist behind them, David Cassese, also stopped to see if he could help. He moved on after he surmised they were okay.

Don’t give up

The Quinns weighed the possibility of changing the tire; the spare was in good shape and full of air, thanks to Tom’s maintenance, but it was time consuming.

“I’ve never changed a tire with the jack,“ he said.

Things have changed over the last hundred years although the Quinns had the original jack and tools to do it. They called Sissy’s twin brother, Vinny Giorgio and his wife, Dottie, who joined them. They were approached by Holmes Beach Public Works employees offering help, but Tom Quinn and his brother-in-law, Vinny, got out the jack and started to separate the wheel from the car. The sun was out, but heat wasn’t a factor since it was still morning. The two men applied themselves and soon the new tire was on. Tom started up the 12.1-horsepower four-cylinder engine and moved the car under the shade of the car wash structure next door.

Tom and Sissy said they wanted to thank all those who offered help to get the centurion sedan going. Sissy Quinn believes in preserving history as she is director of the Anna Maia Historic Preservation Trust, a group that is trying to preserve some of the Island’s historic buildings.

The Model T goes Island

The Quinns got the car in 2001. It is mostly original and any upgrades, such as Rocky Mountain brakes for better stopping power and an electric starter, are factory approved.

Tom Quinn said the car could hit 35 mph although it’s happier at 25 mph, about the top speed of the golf carts that use the streets of Anna Maria Island. It is likely the old Model T would probably not get as many impatient drivers honking their horns at it. They would more likely get a short beep and a friendly wave.

Home sweet shell

Home sweet shell

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Outdoors, Seashells.

Seashells are fun to find, but should you take them home?

It’s actually illegal to take some shells, and it may be bad for the beach to take shells that are legal.Coast Lines logo - border

In Manatee County, which includes Anna Maria Island, it’s illegal to take more than two shells per day containing living organisms of any single species, and you must have a Florida recreational saltwater fishing license in order to take them, even from the shoreline, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The two-shell limit applies to shells with animals living inside, like hermit crabs, as well as sand dollars and starfish, which are animals themselves.

It’s easy to tell if you have a live sand dollar – live ones are brown and fuzzy; white and smooth ones have gone on to the big beach in the sky. Live starfish have flexible arms; dead starfish don’t. You can often find dead sand dollars and starfish where there are live ones; take those, and let the living ones propagate.

Home sweet shell
Starfish – Cindy Lane | Sun

The two-shell limit does not apply to oysters and hard clams, but they have bag limits and are subject to regulations on closed seasons, size limits and approved harvesting areas.

The two-shell limit also does not apply to sunray venus clams or coquinas. But wherever there are live coquinas, look nearby for empty coquina shells, which look like butterfly wings – you may not have to take live ones. And keep in mind that the color of coquinas, like most other live shells, will fade when the animal is no longer in residence.

It’s also illegal to take Bahama starfish, live bay scallops or queen conch, but you can take empty queen conch shells as long as you didn’t kill or remove living queen conch to make them empty.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvySeLNOeBA[/embedyt]

The law allows taking a shell “if the shell does not contain a live shellfish at the time of harvest and a live shellfish is not killed, mutilated, or removed from the shell prior to the harvest of the shell.”

But even when it’s legal, it may not be wise to take shells from the beach, according to a 2014 study on the effects of tourism on seashell loss.

Shell collecting causes beach erosion because shells help stabilize the beach, according to the study, led by Michael Kowalewski of the University of Florida’s Florida Museum of Natural History and the University of Barcelona.

The study says that shell collecting also negatively impacts birds and invertebrates that live on the beach because birds use shells as nest-building material, and marine organisms use shells to hide from predators.

Some countries recognize the negative effects of shell removal, including the Bahamas, which limits the quantity of shells tourists can export without special permits, the study says.

The study suggests that all shells on the beach should be left where nature intended.

So legal or not, living or not, free or not, please don’t take bagfuls of shells home; they’re better off on the beach than in the basement.

Blue-green algae warning signs coming

Blue-green algae warning signs coming

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

BRADENTON – The Florida Department of Health plans to post caution signs at the boat ramp on the Braden River at State Road 64 warning people, “Blue-green algae may be in these waters. There may be toxins.”

While toxins were not detected in water samples taken in the area by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on Tuesday, July 2, the signs are necessary “to help educate folks utilizing the county facilities of the current algae bloom and steps they can take to assure they are not impacted from this event,” Tom Larkin, environmental manager for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, wrote Charlie Hunsicker, head of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department in an email today.

The signs advise people to avoid swimming and eating shellfish from the area, to keep water out of their eyes, nose and mouth, and to keep pets away from the water, Hunsicker said, noting the irony that the tests show no toxins.

“We are dealing with causes that are stressful and sometimes fatal to fish. But it should not deter anyone from enjoying Robinson Preserve or any preserve, because toxins have not been detected.” – Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department

Fish stressed

Fish were gasping for air in the mouth of the Manatee River today like koi in a pond, but not because of blue-green algae, he said, attributing the behavior to low dissolved oxygen in the water caused by high water temperatures and sunlight.

The county took six water samples around Robinson and Perico preserves for testing but the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute will not have results for at least a week, he said.

“In general, it looks like fish were stressed and dying within the preserves and more severely in upper reaches like the boat ramp and tidal nodes, near the fishing pier,” wrote Damon Moore, the division manager of the Ecological and Marine Resources division of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department in an email to Hunsicker today.

Blue-green algae warning signs coming
Dead and dying fish at the Robinson Preserve kayak launch today. – Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department | Submitted

Algae caused a fish kill in the Lower Manatee River, Perico Bayou and Perico Preserve last month, according to the Manatee County Environmental Protection Department. Booms were deployed to help keep algae mats out of the preserve.

“We are dealing with causes that are stressful and sometimes fatal to fish,” Hunsicker said. “But it should not deter anyone from enjoying Robinson Preserve or any preserve, because toxins have not been detected.”

Swimming and wade fishing are not allowed in county preserves, Hunsicker reminds visitors.

Today’s reports

Three of nine samples taken statewide the first week of July showed non-toxic algae blooms, according to the Friday, July 5 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) report, including the July 2 sample in the Braden River and another showing “mixed algae” in Perico Bayou.

“The Manatee River conditions have improved with no new reports. DEP staff report that conditions look much better except in the Bradenton area,” according to the report.

No samples were taken in waters off Anna Maria Island this week. DEP’s jurisdiction is primarily freshwater, Hunsicker said, so the agency is concentrating on local rivers.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has jurisdiction over saltwater, he said. Red tide was not present in water samples taken in Manatee County last week by the FWC, according to its Friday, July 5 report.

Blue-green algae called Filamentous cyanobacteria (Lyngbya-like) was first detected on May 9 in Anna Maria Sound at Key Royale, in the Intracoastal Waterway south of Grassy Point, and in Palma Sola Bay near San Remo Shores.

The algae found in Manatee County waters are not the same species that has plagued Lake Okeechobee, the toxic Microcystis aeruginosa, according to DEP.

Blue-green algae can be blue, green, brown or red and emit a foul, rotten egg odor caused by the production of hydrogen sulfide gas, according to DEP, which advises staying out of water where algae are visible as specks, mats or water is discolored pea-green, blue-green or brownish-red. Additionally, pets or livestock should not come into contact with the algal bloom-impacted water, or the algal bloom material or fish on the shoreline.

Even non-toxic blooms can harm the environment by depleting oxygen levels in the water column and reducing the amount of light that reaches submerged plants, according to DEP.

The growth of blue-green algae typically increases in the spring and summer months when water temperatures and daylight hours increase.

To help keep algae growth at bay, Florida law bans the use of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers during the rainy season, June 1 through Sept. 30.

Report algae blooms to DEP at 855-305-3903. Report fish kills to FWC at 800-636-0511.

Surprise - more fireworks tonight!

Surprise – more fireworks tonight!

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Archives.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Don’t pack up those American flag swim trunks and those red, white and blue beach chairs yet – the Fourth of July on Anna Maria Island is not over ’til it’s over!

The Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria will set off a second, unplanned fireworks display tonight, July 5, since there was a glitch with last night’s display, said Ed Chiles, of The Chiles Group, who is celebrating his 40th year with the restaurant.

According to a statement on The Sandbar’s Facebook page: “The Sandbar restaurant and our team is so proud to be a part of the Anna Maria community that it hurts us deeply when we disappoint you. And we know that our fireworks show disappointed many last night. It disappointed us as well. Tonight, July 5th at 9 p.m., we will make it right with what will, hopefully, be our best fireworks show ever.”

U.S. flag

An AMI Fourth of July

An AMI Fourth of July

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured, Holiday.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On the Fourth of July on AMI, there was plenty of action – watching the parade, enjoying hot dogs at the Anna Maria City Pier Park, hearing country artist Eric Von, a hot dog eating contest, watching the fireworks at the Sandbar, and – of course – going to the beach!

 

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- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

The 100-year-old Model T belonging to Dr. Thomas and Sissy Quinn got a flat tire on the way to the parade. Tom and his brother-in-law, Vinnie Giorgio, replaced it with the spare. - Tom Vaught | Sun

The 100-year-old Model T belonging to Dr. Thomas and Sissy Quinn got a flat tire on the way to the parade. Tom and his brother-in-law, Vinnie Giorgio, replaced it with the spare. - Tom Vaught | Sun

The 100-year-old Model T belonging to Dr. Thomas and Sissy Quinn got a flat tire on the way to the parade. Tom and his brother-in-law, Vinnie Giorgio, replaced it with the spare. - Tom Vaught | Sun

The 100-year-old Model T belonging to Dr. Thomas and Sissy Quinn got a flat tire on the way to the parade. Tom and his brother-in-law, Vinnie Giorgio, replaced it with the spare. - Tom Vaught | Sun

- Kristin Swain | Sun

- Kristin Swain | Sun

- Kristin Swain | Sun

- Kristin Swain | Sun

- Kristin Swain | Sun

- Kristin Swain | Sun

Casey "Where's My Food Belly?" Hentz (black shirt) won the Swordfish Grill's sixth annual Fourth of July hot dog eating contest by eating a new record - 11 3/4 hot dogs. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Casey "Where's My Food Belly?" Hentz (black shirt) won the Swordfish Grill's sixth annual Fourth of July hot dog eating contest by eating a new record - 11 3/4 hot dogs. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Eric Von is playing at the Freckled Fin today. - Mike Field | Sun

Eric Von is playing at the Freckled Fin today. - Mike Field | Sun

The Fourth of July, AMI-style. - Tom Vaught | Sun

The Fourth of July, AMI-style. - Tom Vaught | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

- Cindy Lane | Sun

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJlIiu2k90s[/embedyt]

Ugly Grouper worker carried Hepatitis A

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Health.

Updated July 5 – HOLMES BEACH – The Manatee County Health Department has identified a case of Hepatitis A in a food service worker in Holmes Beach.

Following laboratory confirmation on July 1, the department immediately began conducting an epidemiological investigation and determined that the individual worked at The Ugly Grouper restaurant, 5704 Marina Drive, while infectious.

The worker is recovering, The Ugly Grouper General Manager Thad Treadwell said, adding, “He thought he had the flu,” but tested positive at the hospital.

“With the outbreak that’s going on, you could get it anywhere,” he said.

Another case of Hepatitis A was confirmed by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in a food service worker at Sandpiper Grille in Sun City Center in March.

Since January 2019, 1718 cases of Hepatitis A have been reported in Florida, an increase reflecting national trends, with more than 20,000 cases identified nationwide, according to DOH, which recommends vaccination as the best protection.

Fewer than 5% of Hepatitis A cases are food service workers, and no cases of Hepatitis A transmission from a food worker to a restaurant patron have been documented, according to DOH.

The Manatee County Health Department offers free vaccines, with the next vaccine clinic on Saturday, July 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the main office, 410 Sixth Ave. E. in Bradenton. Beginning next week, the vaccine will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the health department.

Ugly Grouper statement

The Ugly Grouper released this statement on Friday, July 5:

“On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 2nd 2019, The Ugly Grouper was notified by the Manatee County Health Department of a positive test of Hepatitis A in a member of our serving staff. Thankfully, that team member has been treated and we wish them a speedy recovery at home. At The Ugly Grouper, we take food safety very seriously. As a precautionary measure, on that same evening, we instituted a 12-hour deep cleaning process of the entire restaurant.  The following morning at 10 a.m., the Health Department confirmed our current practices meet all cleanliness and operational compliance standards. Vaccinations were also offered to the entire staff by the Health Department, which were accepted by all to ensure the continued safety of our staff and patrons… The Ugly Grouper on average serves over 750 customers daily, and would like to thank all of the loyal fans of The Ugly Grouper who understand our commitment to high quality and superior service. With everyone’s support, we will continue to be one of the fastest growing and best destinations for tourists and locals on Anna Maria Island.  If there are any follow up questions, please direct them to our general manager, Thad Treadwell, at ttreadwell@uglygrouper.com.”

Ugly Grouper worker carried Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccines were given Friday at Anna Maria Elementary School. – Bob Alexander | Sun

What to do if you are exposed

The Manatee County Health Department advises anyone who patronized The Ugly Grouper prior to June 22 and had not previously been vaccinated for Hepatitis A to consider being vaccinated at the Manatee County Health Department or primary care physician’s office. You will receive the first dose of the vaccine, with a second dose being administered six months later. If you have previously received the Hepatitis A vaccine, you do not need to take additional action.

The health department offers free vaccines, with the next vaccine clinic on Saturday, July 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the main office, 410 Sixth Ave. E. in Bradenton. Beginning next week, the vaccine will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the health department.

The Hepatitis A vaccine may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure. Patrons should monitor for symptoms of Hepatitis A infection which include sudden onset of abdominal discomfort, dark urine, fever, diarrhea, pale white stools and yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

A hotline has been set up for people who have questions about Hepatitis A at 941-708-5951.

People who should be vaccinated include:

  • All children at age one year
  • People who are homeless
  • Users of recreational drugs, whether injected or not
  • Men who have sexual encounters with other men
  • People with direct contact with others who have Hepatitis A
  • Travelers to countries where Hepatitis A is common
  • People with chronic or long-term liver disease, including Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
  • People with clotting-factor disorders
  • Family and caregivers of adoptees from countries where Hepatitis A is common

Hepatitis A treatment, prevention

Besides vaccination, practicing good hand hygiene plays an important role in preventing the spread of Hepatitis A, according to the health department.

Wash hands after using the bathroom — alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill the Hepatitis A virus. Use soap and running water and wash for at least 20 seconds, wash hands after changing a diaper or caring for a person, and wash hands before preparing, serving or eating food.

No medicines can cure the disease once symptoms appear. People with Hepatitis A symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

Most people get better over time but may need to be hospitalized.

Previous infection with Hepatitis A provides immunity for the rest of a person’s life.

People who are exposed to Hepatitis A may be given vaccine or immune globulin within 14 days of exposure to prevent infection.

How Hepatitis A is investigated

After a case of Hepatitis A has been reported to the health department by a health care provider, a county health department epidemiologist will interview the individual and collect information regarding the timeline of their past 50 days, including travel, occupation, food history and more. The epidemiologist will then identify all close contacts of the ill person who should receive the Hepatitis A vaccine to prevent any possible spread of the illness.

The majority of cases are close contacts of persons who are experiencing homelessness, or persons who use injected or non-injected drugs.

Island Fourth of July 101

Island Independence Day 101

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Archives.

Independence Day comes when things are slow on Anna Maria Island. Those who have not experienced this holiday on the Island would be wise to plan ahead because it’s going to be packed, it’s going to be hot, and at times, it’s going to be loud.

As for getting around, try not to have to get on or off the Island after the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ parade begins or after the Sandbar Restaurant fireworks show ends.

Manatee County Area Transit is beefing up its fleet of buses and trolleys, adding free rides to and from the Island on Manatee Avenue to 75th Street in Bradenton to help alleviate traffic jams, and it might, if people plan ahead.

The parade

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will start things off with their annual parade that runs north out of Coquina Park Bayside in Bradenton Beach around 10 a.m. For those who want to get some good pictures, Gulf Drive is wide and open up to the roundabout, south of Cortez, where it gets more crowded. The Privateers have banned the use of water balloons. The parade rolls through Holmes Beach and up to Anna Maria where it turns right on Pine Avenue and stops at South Bay Drive. That’s where the city of Anna Maria will be holding its Fourth of July celebration at City Pier Park from noon to 1:30 p.m., featuring patriotic music, hot dogs and chips.

One might want to grab a bite and refreshments at a place that offers music or entertainment. Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, at 5325 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, will have a barbecue from 1 to 4 p.m.; local country star Eric Von plays at Freckled Fin Irish Pub, at 5337 Gulf Drive at 2 p.m.; Harry’s Grill, at 9903 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria, offers specials and entertainment all afternoon; and the Swordfish Grill and Tiki, at 4628 119th St., in Cortez, will start its hot dog eating contest at 1 p.m.

The fireworks

Those who didn’t get tickets for the dinner at the Sandbar can catch some food at a number of restaurants offering outside or air-conditioned eating. People need to plan where they can get a good view of the fireworks from the beach and should not drive their vehicles if possible. A perfect place would be within walking distance of their vacation rentals or residences. Those who plan on spending time on the beach will need sunscreen, mosquito repellent and bottled water.

Fireworks that explode or fly are illegal and even though law enforcement officers will be outnumbered, one never knows when there’s one around and they can confiscate fireworks.

Most importantly, stay under the legal limit for drinking because law enforcement will be looking for drunk drivers who will be putting themselves and others in peril.

More changes proposed for VRC program

More changes proposed for VRC program

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

HOLMES BEACH – At their June 27 work session, commissioners continued the discussion on how to amend the city’s vacation rental certificate program ordinance, ending the discussion with some decisions made and other still up for consideration.

In previous discussions, commissioners agreed to raise the amount of vacation rental certificate initial applications and renewals from $150 to $600. During their June 27 work session, commissioners agreed to a new recommendation from city staff to lower that amount to $440. Mayor Judy Titsworth said that the new amount should cover the costs of the program without overcharging rental agents and owners. Chief Bill Tokajer said that the number was the product of updated calculations by staff and that he felt confident that with the number of rental units in the city that charging $440 per application and every two years for renewals would cover the costs incurred by the city to manage the program.

Tokajer also suggested changing the amount charged for different violations of the vacation rental program to reflect the seriousness of some violations.

For lesser violations, commissioners agreed to charge $150 for a first violation for advertising that violates city codes or ordinances, failure to list the VRC number on all advertising, failure to list the number of parking spaces on all advertising, failing to register any new rental agent with the city within 15 business days, failure to schedule an inspection within 30 days of application and failure to schedule a re-inspection within 30 days of an inspection failure, all of which offer 48 hours to come into compliance before a second citation is issued.

Also incurring a $150 first violation fine is the improper placement of a short-term rental sign on the property, which gives 24 hours to comply with city codes before a second violation and fine are issued.

Renting a property for an improper length of stay and failure to comply with any advertising requirement, including statements concerning noise in residential areas, also incur a $150 first violation.

Renting a property without a valid VRC issued by the city will incur a $500 first violation fine.

Exceeding maximum occupancy limits, advertising without a valid VRC, advertising that does not specifically state a seven-day minimum and advertising exceeding the maximum occupancy all incur a $250 first violation.

Commissioners also agreed to move forward with language suggested by Commissioner Kim Rash to better explain the city’s stance on noise in residential areas. Rash suggested putting examples on the city’s pamphlets and in the VRC ordinance required language to be posted in rental units to help visitors better understand what the different noise levels are and what is and is not permitted in residential areas.

Talks on changes to the VRC program are expected to continue when commissioners meet July 9.

HardiePlank selected for pier building exteriors

HardiePlank selected for pier building exteriors

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

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have decided the exteriors of the new pier restaurant and bait shop buildings will be covered with HardiePlank lap siding instead of Kebony hardwood siding.

HardiePlank is a non-wood material made with cement fibers.

The commission’s unanimous decision on June 27 reverses a previous 3-2 decision made in April 2018 in favor of Kebony siding. At that time, commissioners Carol Carter, Amy Tripp and Dale Woodland voted in favor of Kebony siding. Commissioners Doug Copeland and Brian Seymour opposed the Kebony and expressed their preferences for HardiePlank instead.

The pier walkway is being built with Ipe decking made of Brazilian hardwood.

After noting the commission previously favored Kebony, Mayor Dan Murphy said the city’s contractor for the new pier buildings, Frank Agnelli, recommends HardiePlank.

Murphy said using HardiePlank would reduce the pier project costs by $18,000. He also said HardiePlank is fireproof, has a very long life and he concurs with the contractor’s recommendation.

Copeland said HardiePlank comes with a 30-year warranty and is available in different colors, which will also save the city the expense of painting it. The commission did not discuss color choices last week. During past discussions, it’s been stated that the pier and pier buildings would have greyish tone that fades over time and resembles the old pier.

“I didn’t vote for the Kebony to begin with,” Commission chair Brian Seymour noted.

“I didn’t either,” Copeland added.

Tripp made the motion to use HardiePlank and the commission unanimously supported that motion.

Related coverage

Anna Maria appreciates county, state pier support

Mason Martin Builders selected to build pier restaurant and bait shop

Pier building bids received but not revealed