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Reel Time New dimensions in trolling motors

Reel Time: New dimensions in trolling motors

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

Most anglers I’ve talked to have a love-hate relationship with their trolling motors. Some have sworn off electrics altogether, using a push pole exclusively. My first electric trolling motor was mounted on the bow of my first flats boat. That motor proved as unreliable as it was unwieldy. When it was working properly, which wasn’t often, it was cumbersome and constantly shedding paint from the lower unit.

Next, I graduated to two trolling motors complete with air switches, the current latest technology, mounted on the stern. The upgrade allowed me to keep my hands free for fishing but resulted in twice the number of problems and a whole lot more complexity.

Freshwater boats, particularly bass boats, have been equipped with trolling motors for years and featured foot pedals that left the angler’s hands free for casting. When motors were adapted for saltwater use it was destined to be a learning experience for manufacturers and anglers alike. The first saltwater motors suffered from the corrosive environment and were unreliable at best. For many fly anglers, they weren’t worth the trouble.

Over the past few years, manufacturers have focused their research and development on creating saltwater trolling motors that are reliable and incorporate technological innovations that make them more user-friendly for anglers. The new generation of motors has been redesigned to handle the rigors of saltwater. The list of innovations that followed allowed saltwater anglers more reliability as well as allowing them to control their boat hands-free.

This was a welcome innovation, as there are times when a push pole just can’t take the place of a trolling motor. Most fly anglers have shied away from electrics because they want their fishing to be uncomplicated. The new generation of saltwater trolling motors is digital, far more reliable, easier to control and don’t require a degree in electronics to keep running.

Minn Kota, one of the major players in the field, was the first to encapsulate its electronics in urethane, a giant step towards reliability in the saltwater environment. Its Riptide (saltwater) line combined carefully proportioned materials and a patented sacrificial zinc anode to protect motor components from galvanic corrosion.

The Minn Kota line evolved with the innovation of an autopilot system, the Copilot, followed by a 3X tiller design. The first AutoPilot systems operated via a foot pedal and compass system, allowing a course to be set based on a landmark or heading. Once set, the motor continuously made adjustments to keep a boat moving in the desired direction. This innovation allowed anglers to concentrate on their casting, freeing them from the foot pedal. The next generation of trolling motors came with more innovations. Minn Kota’s i-Pilot used an internal motor compass to keep your boat on the chosen heading. Now you can also record a track and run it automatically with GPS while you fish. There is Bluetooth technology, mobile apps and a whole lot more. One of the latest advances allows anglers to remotely deploy and retract the motor, eliminating a major hassle. Other manufacturers, including Motor Guide, are also worth a look when you’re deciding on a trolling motor.

Today’s trolling motors have a lot more to offer anglers. Competition and innovative digital technology have produced a quantum leap in reliability. The available brands, with their array of options, should appeal to every angler’s needs. It’s just a matter of matching your trolling motor system to your fishing style.

When choosing a motor remember to consider the placement of batteries as they can affect the trim of today’s super light skiffs. Make sure you have a mounting system that suits your needs as well. Mounts are available that can be easily removed should you want to keep the bow open when fly fishing and push polling. Finally, make sure you have a shaft length that fits your needs. A bow mounted motor intended to be operated in the open ocean or Gulf will need to be long to avoid cavitation. Take your time, analyze the available options and enjoy the fish catching potential of trolling motors.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Clams restored to Manatee County waters

Reel Time: Push poles – a must in skinny water

Reel Time: A new direction for Florida’s marine environment

Historical society readies for busy season

Historical society readies for busy season

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

ANNA MARIA – A record 8,000 people visited the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum last year, according to Society President Lynn Brennan. She spoke at the group’s Feb. 5 luncheon, her last as president.

Brennan pointed out improvements to the Belle Haven Cottage, such as replacing windows and trim on the historic building in preparation for tourist season, and told members visitors likely will exceed last year’s count.

At the meeting, members installed society co-founder Pat Copeland as their new president, Liz Hager as vice president, Barbara Murphy as recording secretary, Evelyn Hoskins as corresponding secretary and George McKay as treasurer. Board members installed include Brennan, Arlene Clark, Caryn Hodge and Valerie Wilson.

AMI Historical Society book
Peggy Donoho holds her book, “Miguel’s Bay,” at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society luncheon. – Tom Vaught | Sun

Guest speaker Peggy Donoho, of Bradenton, spoke about her book, “Miguel’s Bay,” that she co-authored with Tampa Bay Times newspaper reporter Ron Prouty. The book is about Miguel and Frederica Guerrero, two of the earliest settlers on Terra Ceia Island, a barrier island west of Palmetto. Donoho is a descendant of Guerrero and while researching the book, she learned Prouty was a descendant of the settlers, too.

Donoho sold autographed copies of her book after the meeting. The book is also for sale at the museum, 402 Pine Ave.

Castles in the Sand

Why is the housing market declining?

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

It’s a curious situation the national economy is in right now. In spite of the stock market having a fit in December, not only did it make a strong comeback, but the employment statistics have remained strong. So why isn’t the housing market living up to the rest of the economy?

According to the chief economist at Freddie Mac, “We’re in a mental recession,” meaning bad news like the government shutdown, the stock market vulnerability in December, higher interest rates and international financial markets in a flux start to snowball, making buyers nervous. This is especially true for first-time buyers who are nervous to begin with and second home buyers who have the luxury to wait and see.

According to the National Association of Realtors, December was the weakest month for home sales in three years. December 2018 sales fell 6.4 percent from November of 2018, and 10.3 percent from December of 2017. Not unexpected, when the number of sales declines, the sale prices can’t be far behind.  The National Association of Realtors reports the median sale price for an existing home in December grew 2.9 percent from a year earlier, however, it was the smallest increase since March 2012.

Even the top two brokers on Anna Maria report that there were no significant price increases in 2018 and that the market appears to be stabilizing and leveling off in 2019.

Mortgage rates have come down in recent weeks and are now back to about 4.45 percent for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, down from 5 percent two months ago. The Federal Reserve has also sent signals that it is carefully monitoring the interest rates as they relate to housing and the broader economy. This means to me that the rates will likely stay pretty much where they are for a while.

Stabilized interest rates and a slow-down in sale prices are not all bad news, especially for the first-time buyers that the market always needs to keep the ball rolling. One of the very real problems that first-time buyers face is the monthly payment on student debt, which may keep them from qualifying for a home or at least is making them concerned about keeping up payments, even if they do qualify. Student debt is now at $1.5 trillion, exceeding credit card debt and car loans, making a sizeable impact on the economy.

The Federal Reserve Bank indicates that homeownership among people ages 24 to 32 fell 9 percentage points to 36 percent from 45 percent between 2005 and 2014. As a comparison, almost 79 percent of people age 65 and older are homeowners; for ages 35 to 44, 59 percent are homeowners; and of all ages, 64 percent are homeowners. This is unfortunate because we desperately need these young buyers.

The Fed said that although many factors contribute to homeownership, 2 percentage points or about a fifth of the decline was tied directly to student debt. This represents 400,000 buyers who did not make a home purchase because of student debt. The Federal Reserve report finally gives us a better understanding of why the housing recovery has been weaker than other segments of the economy.

A strong real estate market is the driver of the economy in many areas since homeownership involves the purchase of goods and services needed to maintain the property. Hopefully, the country will get out of its mental recession soon, but don’t let that stop you from having a happy Valentine’s Day.

More Castles in the Sand:

Selling your home – it should show like a model

Sunshine State population growth

2019 tax nightmare

Red tide stays away

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Outdoors, Red tide.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – No red tide is predicted for Manatee County waters through Monday, Feb. 11, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Manatee County waters were clear of the toxic algae and no red tide-related fish kills were reported locally over the past week.

However, respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee County, according to the report. Red tide can be carried by winds to areas where the water is clear of the algae.

Statewide, background concentrations were found in four water samples in Southwest Florida, where the bloom began in October 2017.

Red tide has been in Anna Maria Island waters on and off since Aug. 3.

Florida red tide, or Karenia brevis, is a type of microalgae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to marine life, red tide also can make shellfish unfit to eat and can cause respiratory irritation in people.

Scientists say that salinity, currents, temperature and light play a part in the formation of blooms, as do nutrients from Florida’s natural phosphate deposits, the Loop Current, which brings Caribbean seawater to Florida’s west coast, the Mississippi River, iron-rich Saharan dust blown across the Atlantic Ocean to Florida’s waters, and fertilizer and animal waste runoff.

Island Charms takes the win

Island Charms takes the win

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

Heading into the second half of the youth flag football season, the four teams in the 11- to 14-year-old league took to the field at The Center of Anna Maria Island. In the first game of the night, Coach Jim Collins lead his Island Charms team to a big win last Wednesday night against Groom’s Automotive, coached by Tom Baugher.

The battle on the football field was a good one with the two teams each making key plays and keeping the opponent on their toes.

Team Island Charms started on defense with a strong stand against Team Groom’s Automotive offense. Three snaps and out, along with an impressive flag pull by Jackson Pakbaz, gave the football to Island Charms.

Isaiah Mondon started the play for Island Charms, taking the football just short of the midfield line. Payton Harlan was the team’s QB’s next target. Harlan moved the ball to the Groom’s three-yard line. Despite the march down the field, Island Charms could not cross the goal line, leaving the score 0-0.

On the second possession, Kieran Cloutier gained 15 yards before the flag pull by Evan Talucci. Groom’s continued to gain critical yardage on the second down with a touchdown pass on the third snap of the possession.

Nicholas Yatros caught the extra point pass giving Groom’s a seven-point lead.

On the fourth play of the series, Island Charms scored its first touchdown, shrinking the Groom’s lead with the score at 7-6.

With six seconds left on the scoreboard for the first half of the game, Groom’s began working on offense, but could not make it to midfield. Mondon ended the possession with a near interception.

Mondon, on offense, made a first down play for Island Charms on the first snap. Teammate Julian Lazzara followed up with a nice run taking the game to the one-minute warning.

Island Charms’ late penalty and a short run by Mondon ended the half without putting points on the board.

Looking to increase its lead, Island Charms started the final half of the game with a nice play by Talucci that took the football just short of the first down line. After gaining the first down, Yatros’s flag pull stopped the play before his opponent entered the end zone.

At the quarterback position, Harlan showed great patience, allowing Mondon to break away from the defense with a beautiful reception at the back of the field for the touchdown, pushing the score to 12-7 with Island Charms in the lead.

Brilliantly reading the play, Island Charms’ Harrison Schenerlein nabbed the pass by Yatros for a pick six, scoring the final points of the game.

Despite strong efforts by both teams, neither team could find its way into the end zone, ending the game with the score of 18-7 and a victory for Island Charms.

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Strong weekend for island wrestlers

Pulitzer Prize-winning author to speak

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

There has never been a more important time for residents of our Gulf coast region to understand the importance of the resource that brought us to the area and that fuels both our passion and our economy. This March, we’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history of our coast, the forces that shaped it and the threats that have transformed it from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jack Davis.

Jack Davis’s new novel, “The Gulf, The Making of An American Sea” is the grand, sweeping history of the whole Gulf of Mexico that can give insight into the need to protect the natural bounty we are surrounded by. Davis, a history professor at the University of Florida, won the Pulitzer Prize for history in 2018 and will be on hand at The Seafood Shack on Thursday, March 14 at 6 p.m. for a Fishing for Our Future fundraising event for the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author to speak
Participants at the Seafood Shack fundraising event will get a chance to meet the Pulitzer Prize-winning author while supporting the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez. – Submitted

The dinner and author talk are a tremendous opportunity to learn from and ask questions of one of the most engaging authors I’ve read in many years. As I mentioned in a book review in a prior column, I have been captivated with the beauty and the fish that surround us and reading “Gulf” has expanded my vision of the coastal resources we are blessed with and given me the insight to see it with new eyes. For me reading “The Gulf” shined a brighter light on what we have, what we’ve lost and the importance of protecting it.

From the geological beginnings to the present day, we learn the history of the nearly 8 million acres and the native Americans that first inhabited it, followed by the Spanish explorers, the French, British and Cubans. The descriptions of the vast schools of fish and flocks of birds that would blacken the sky hint at the incredible diversity and density of marine life and wildlife that once inhabited the Gulf and its estuaries.

Davis recounts how the tarpon, not warm weather and white sand beaches, brought the first tourists to Florida. The great silver fish was the impetus that introduced wealthy adventurers, artists and, indirectly, a wave of tourists to the Gulf coast. The influx of humans into the Gulf region in the 1800s began a period of intense exploitation that continues to this day.

Davis recounts records of armed passenger tourists on the Ocklawaha River that shot birds and wildlife indiscriminately for sport. At the same time, the plume trade was responsible for the killing of huge numbers of birds Gulf-wide. During this same period, the harvesting of eggs from seabird nests exacerbated the decline of the once-vast flocks of birds. Davis paints a picture with words that makes it hard to overstate the effects of this dark period. Fortunately, the resulting outcry from conservationists and birders resulted in the creation of 51 bird sanctuaries and the founding of the National Audubon Society. Passage Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay is one of those sanctuaries.

As the history of the Gulf unfolded, the exploitation moved from birds to oil and then chemicals that devastated the coastal estuaries of Louisiana and Mississippi. Davis recounts the effects of pulp mills, oil spills and hurricanes before the rush of development that resulted in massive dredge and fill operations. “The Gulf” serves as a cautionary tale of the importance of protecting, preserving and enhancing the place we call home. The opportunity to meet Davis in person is one not to be missed.

For sponsorship and ticket information, visit The Florida Maritime Museum online. Ticket prices start at $45 and all proceeds up to $34,000 will be matched and benefit The Florida Maritime Museum.

More Real Time:

Reel Time: Clams restored to Manatee County waters

Reel Time: Push poles – a must in skinny water

Reel Time: A new direction for Florida’s marine environment

JazzFest coming to Island next week

JazzFest coming to Island next week

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Entertainment, Festivals, Music.

ANNA MARIA – The 16th Annual JazzFest will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 3-5 p.m. at the Sandbar restaurant, 100 Spring Ave.

JazzFest features the Gulf Drive Duo, with Bil Bowdish on flute, sax and vocals and Karen Jones on vocals, along with guest artists Mark “Guitar” Miller and Koko Ray Hansen. While the duo performs in various styles at numerous locations in the area, this presentation will focus on pieces with a jazz flavor.

JazzFest Gulf Drive Duo
Performers for the jazz fest include the Gulf Drive Duo of Bil Bowdish and Karen Jones. – Submitted

Special guest star Miller is known as a guitar player’s guitar player and one of the best blues artists around. He is scheduled to perform during the first set, followed by local Island favorite Hansen in the second set playing two saxophones at the same time – harmony on one and melody on the other.

Sponsors are The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra (AMICCO), Gulf Drive Duo, Sandbar restaurant and The Anna Maria Island Sun. After expenses, all proceeds from JazzFest go directly to AMICCO to ensure future concerts for the community.

Tickets to JazzFest are on a first-come, first-served basis and are available for purchase at the Anna Maria Island Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, or online. Tickets are $10 per person before noon Feb. 12 and $15 at the door, if there are any available. The Sandbar will provide refreshments for an additional charge.

One Particular Harbour marina opens to the public

One Particular Harbour marina opens

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

The new marina at One Particular Harbour Margaritaville will have a grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 9 from noon to 4 p.m.

The opening of the deep-water marina will include a number of festivities, including live bands, aerial artists, a water ski show, hors d’oeuvres and stilt walkers. Attendees also will be invited to tour the marina, model homes and the Harbour Isle Beach Club. Boats from Cannons Marina, Erickson Marina, Galati Yacht Sales and MarineMax will be on display.

The new marina features a Ship’s Store, 55 wet slips for boats up to 45 feet and an enclosed dry dock facility capable of holding 128 vessels up to 42 feet. Additionally, the marina has a floating fuel dock, detailing services, dockside water and electricity, air-conditioned restrooms, showers and laundry facilities.

The marina is adjacent to the Harbour Isle residences and the residences at One Particular Harbour Margaritaville. A 131-room hotel and Floridays Restaurant and Grill are still in the development phase for the location.

One Particular Harbour is being developed as a joint venture between Minto Communities and Margaritaville Holdings.

Related coverage:

One Particular Harbour’s marina is on the market

New hotel coming to One Particular Harbour

New hotel approved for Margaritaville site

Castles in the Sand

Selling your home – it should show like a model

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

Every year around this time I try and remind homeowners what potential buyers are looking for. Even though our market remains brisk, we are on the brink of the busy selling season, which will get in full swing as more and more visitors return to the Island with an eye to purchasing their paradise home.

Let’s start with the old chestnuts of getting your house ready for sale. Since cleanliness is next to you-know-what, every inch of your house needs to be spotless. On an island where there are more sand and salt than the average Northerner sees in a lifetime, it’s always a challenge to get it out of our homes and off our windows. But out it must go; not a speck of sand on the floors and not a grain of salt on any of the glass.

Island living also means that mold grows on any damp surface faster than McDonald’s cranks out Big Macs. Scrutinize every inch of bathrooms, kitchens, grout and outdoor furniture looking for mold or the beginning of mold. Remember mold and dampness smell. You don’t want your home smelling like a high school locker room.

Clear off countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, especially if you have really nice hard surface ones. Organize and declutter closets, the kid’s toys and the laundry room. If you’re lucky enough to have a garage, clean it out to make room for an actual vehicle, not just bikes, lawnmowers and old paint cans.

You also might consider storing away any collectibles you may have on display, including family photos that could become a distraction to buyers touring your home. The object is to make everything look larger than it might really be and keeping the buyer’s eye on the ball, not your daughter’s wedding.

Make sure all systems like heat and air conditioning and appliances are in working order and there is no peeling paint. When buyers pull up to your home, they want a reason to get out of the car, so give them one. Make sure there’s nice landscaping, the weeds are pulled and walkways cleared. How about another old chestnut, painting the front door a jazzy color. They say red is good luck.

You can’t totally remake your property before sale, but you can keep it as neutral as possible.

A little paint goes a long way, so consider painting some of the walls where needed in a light gray color, which is very much in vogue right now. Even removing some heavy dark furniture will give a feeling of more space, as well as a lighter, more open impression.

You may not be able to create high ceilings overnight, but you can make sure the ceilings don’t have any cobwebs dangling from them. And in a hurricane-prone area like ours, owning a generator that can be passed on to a new owner could be just the right touch.

Finally, anything just a little off about your property could raise a red flag to buyers who may already be guarded during their house hunting experience. Don’t make them think that you’re not a responsible homeowner because you missed something as minor as a cracked bathroom tile or broken doorknob.

If you’re putting your property on the market this season, good luck. Everything is pointing to the Island being busy and the real estate market being equally busy. Let the sun shine through those windows.

More Castles in the Sand:

Sunshine State population growth

2019 tax nightmare

Is a piece better than the whole pie?

Manatee waters free of red tide

Manatee waters free of red tide

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Outdoors, Red tide.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Local waters remained free of red tide last week, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

No trace of the toxic algae was found in water samples at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria or at the Palma Sola Bay bridge in Bradenton on Jan. 28, and only background concentrations were found at the Longboat Pass boat ramp in Bradenton Beach.

However, respiratory irritation was reported on Jan. 24-25 and Jan. 28-29 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and on Jan. 23-24 and Jan. 26 at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach, according to the report.

Blooms of Florida red tide can be patchy, with varying concentrations of the toxin it produces, causing effects to be noticeable on one beach but not on a nearby beach. Red tide also can be carried by winds to areas where the water is clear of the algae.

One red tide-related fish kill was reported 30 miles off Longboat Pass on Jan. 30.

The bloom began in Southwest Florida in October 2017 and arrived in Anna Maria Island waters on Aug. 3.

Florida red tide, or Karenia brevis, is a type of microalgae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to marine life, red tide also can make shellfish unfit to eat and can cause respiratory irritation in people.

Scientists say that salinity, currents, temperature and light play a part in the formation of blooms, as do nutrients from these sources:

  • Florida’s natural phosphate deposits
  • The Loop Current, which brings Caribbean seawater to Florida’s west coast
  • The Mississippi River
  • Saharan dust blown across the Atlantic Ocean to Florida’s waters
  • Fertilizers and animal waste
Red tide cells
Karenia brevis (red tide) cells – Mote Marine | Submitted
Fire district merger talks off the table – for now

Fire district merger talks off the table – for now

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

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said the crowd assembled for the Council of Governments meeting was the largest she’s ever seen.

The reason for that crowd was one agenda item, the possibility of merging all the county’s fire districts into one, an item brought to the table by Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac.

“I have no pre-determined agenda,” Benac said, opening the conversation.

With the population and construction growth over the past few years and with what’s expected to come in the future, Benac said she wants to make sure the fire districts still feel that individually they’re up to the task of meeting the safety needs of residents, visitors and businesses.

Representatives from eight of the county’s 10 fire districts were on hand for the discussion – North River, Parrish, Cedar Hammock, Southern Manatee, East Manatee, West Manatee, Myakka City and Trailer Estates Fire Control District. Bradenton Fire Department and Longboat Key Fire Rescue also are located in Manatee County.

“We’re a very popular place for people to come,” Benac said. “The number one priority in the county is public safety.”

She added that in talks with representatives from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and EMS workers she’s gotten the impression that keeping up with the growth is becoming an issue and a strain on resources, including creating a quality of life issue for rescue workers, who regularly work 24-hour shifts. Benac said she wanted to hear from the fire district representatives whether there is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Though taxpayer monies go to fund the fire districts, she said the districts are possibly the part of government that people know the least about; they just expect rescue workers to arrive on-scene quickly when needed. One of her goals with the discussion, Benac said, is that she wants to increase communication between the county and the fire districts and increase the communication from the fire districts to the public.

Fire districts often work together through memorandums of understanding and mutual aid agreements, some of which will be before county commissioners during their first February meeting for informational purposes.

Talking about a merger

Though a merger was on the agenda, county leadership cannot force the fire districts to merge and Benac said she has no plans to add fire department administration to the already difficult task of county officials. She cited two feasibility studies, one from 1980 and another from 1992, that both discussed the possibility of a Manatee County-helmed single fire district. The benefit of a single district, she said, would be standardization of training, service and communication, something she feels the individual districts have accomplished on their own.

Each of Manatee County’s fire districts is an independent district. Residents of each district pay a tax or assessment, depending on the district and its policies, that appears on TRIM (Truth in Millage) notices received in the fall. Districts are responsible for their own oversight, management and the services they provide to residents. Each fire district was created using enabling legislation from the Florida state government and, in order to merge, the districts would have to share a border, they both must agree, pay for an independent feasibility study, and get the approval of the majority of residents in each affected district before a merge can happen.

The topic of a merger came up in 2018 when WMFR Commissioner George Harris broached the subject during that board’s meeting. With Chief Tom Sousa retiring in October and the district in the process of selling its administration building, Harris said he felt it was the perfect time to consider merging with the neighboring Cedar Hammock Fire District and Southern Manatee Fire District, which shares a border with Cedar Hammock but not WMFR. Southern Manatee commissioners stated during a meeting that they were not inclined to consider a merger at that time. Talks between WMFR and Cedar Hammock leadership fizzled out at the point of obtaining the feasibility study. After the Jan. 29 meeting, WMFR Commissioner Randy Cooper said the district’s leadership is still open to discussing a merger.

What happens next

While a county-wide merge into one fire district is unlikely at this point, some representatives from the Manatee County fire districts present during the meeting expressed their intent to keep county leadership and the public more informed in the future.

East Manatee Fire Commissioner Garry Lawson agreed that he wants better communication, suggesting a monthly meeting between the districts and a county representative or a regular newsletter to keep all parties informed about the district’s activities.

Chief Brian Gorski from Southern Manatee said the communication among districts is happening, but he feels the weakness might be in getting the information out to the public.

Chief Stacey Bailey of the Parrish Fire District said he feels the fire districts “represent Manatee County in an efficient manner. Our services are second to none.”

Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh applauded the fire district representatives and the work done to keep the public safe. She said in her experience the fire districts all work well together and support each other’s efforts. About a merger, she said, “The fire districts should decide. It’s up to them. Each fire district knows their district better than the others, better than the commission.”

“The bottom line is our top priority is public safety. These districts have figured it out,” she added. “I think we need to leave well enough alone. If one thing in our government is working, it’s our fire districts.”

Baugh encouraged her fellow commissioners to visit the fire departments in their districts, take a tour of the facilities and remain engaged to get a better understanding of how the fire service works.

“I’m very proud of the fire districts,” she said. “You guys just rock.”

Related coverage

WMFR merger just talk for now

WMFR commissioners address merger concerns

Reel Time: Clams restored to Manatee County waters

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

Sarasota Bay Watch capped a two-year clam restoration effort in January. Despite windy conditions and a choppy bay, board members and volunteers placed 7,000 pounds, or about 52,000 clams, at two sites in Manatee County. This brings the total to just over 250,000 clams placed as a part of the restoration project.

At one of the sites, the water was crystal clear and Al Jeffrey and diver Ian Kayea, an underwater videographer and Scuba Quest employee, got excellent footage of the clams in their new home.

Sarasota Bay Watch has a second round of about 750,000 clams growing as we speak under the watchful eye of Curt at the Bay Shellfish hatchery.

While much of the restoration has been focused on sites in Sarasota County, SBW President Steve Martin made it clear that the nonprofit is dedicated to restoring clams to all the waters of Sarasota Bay.

“Sarasota Bay extends to all of Manatee County’s bay waters from mid-Longboat Key to Tampa Bay. In 2019, we’ll be introducing more clams to Manatee County waters and holding events there like the Sister Keys clean up and island invasive plant control in conjunction with Longboat Key Public Works,” Martin said.

“Sarasota Bay Watch is a grassroots, nonprofit, citizen-based organization dedicated to preserving and restoring Sarasota Bay’s ecosystem through education and citizen participation. SBW would like to thank Reef Innovations, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, and their many wonderful volunteers for making the restoration effort possible,” he added.

Sarasota Bay Watch works with a set of core values to guide their activities. Their goal is to initiate innovative and effective action grounded in selfless and comprehensive planning to assure the sustainability of Sarasota Bay, its stakeholders and all its inhabitants.

Action

It is our objective to establish collaborative relationships with other environmental organizations, scientists and NGOs. We strive to forge partnerships that allow Sarasota Bay Watch to accomplish its goals while enhancing the effectiveness of every person and group that benefits from the natural assets of the Bay system.

Commitment

We are committed to accomplishing our mission because of a shared love of the estuarine environment, knowing full well that it supports our economy, our health and an ineffable legacy for future generations. It is our belief that sustainable ecosystems are essential for the well-being of human communities, and that our goals can be accomplished through citizen action that is guided by sound science.

Integrity

Sarasota Bay Watch is committed to openness and honesty, fostering a culture of sincerity and trust. We strive to attain tangible and measurable results through relationships and methods that hold to the highest ethical and financial standards.

Respect

We vow to respect the opinions of our members, volunteers, donors and co-workers.  We will also respect the views of those with whom we may disagree, and strive to reach consensus through dialogue, transparency and collaboration.

Sustainability

We believe a sustainable ecosystem to be one that most closely resembles its natural state absent of human influences and, to the greatest extent possible, one that maintains its balance of species and habitat quality in harmony with human communities. This requires both the education and active stewardship of our human communities.

You can become an active participant by joining as a member and volunteering in Sarasota Bay Watch’s on-going effort to protect and restore this valuable natural resource. Donate your time or help fund our efforts at our website.

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Adult gridiron action at the Center

Adult gridiron action at the Center

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

The second week of adult co-ed flag football action on the Island took place last Thursday now that the adult soccer finally came to a close last week.

Gulfview Windows, a new sponsor in the league represented by a veteran team led by Ryan Moss, took the field by storm against Hashmark Sports. Young new team captain Tim Holly for Hashmark Sports started his team on offense in the second game of the night.

Moss quickly showed the members of the Hashmark Sports team how things are done in the adult league with an interception on the first snap of the ball. The pick-six put Gulfview Windows in the early lead.

Missing the point after, Moss’s team once again took the defensive field position. Hashmark Sports Joey Carder gained short yardage on first down. On third down, Moss grabbed the pass and took it to the end zone.

Going for two points, Tyler Lancaster returned to the league with a nice catch for the two-point conversion and 14-point lead for Gulfview Windows.

Taking the field with possession of the football, Hashmark Sports answered back with a bomb to Chris Smith and touchdown by Carder.

Jordan DeMers became Moss’ favorite go-to guy in the game reception with a long run to score six points. Going for two points, Moss was diligently chased by Carder causing the incomplete pass.

Claudia Perez had her first reception opportunity in the game, but the Hashmark Sports quarterback could not quite get the ball to her hands. Her team gained a critical first down on second down and took advantage of the momentum taking the football downtown for another touchdown.

Both teams had unsuccessful offensive series until the scoreboard showed 55 seconds left in the half. Lancaster made a first down reception that set up another long ball to DeMers and touchdown. With the score 26-12, Holly sacked Moss on the point after attempt.

The quick effort by Holly’s team came up short as Gulfview Windows’ Joe Ball knocked down the ball right in front of the intended receiver to end the half.

The last 25 minutes of the game started with a touchdown catch by Lancaster, followed by an extra point, advancing the score to 33-12.

Three snaps and out for Hashmark Sports gave the football back to Gulfview Windows. The DeMers-Moss combination gave their team another touchdown and two-point conversion with an on the run pass by Moss to Lancaster.

With a 30-point lead, the Gulfview defense could not rush the Hashmark quarterback Matteo Ferris. After an incomplete pass, Ferris hit his receiver with a bomb, putting him into the end zone, shrinking the point spread to 24 points.

Moss’s next target was Eliza Faillace. The pass was long and out of the reach of the soccer powerhouse. A turnover by Gulfview Windows gave Hashmark a scoring opportunity. With the extra point, the score moved to 42-24, keeping the game open for anyone to win.

The first play in the Gulfview series allowed Moss to run the football all the way to the end of the field, putting six more points on the board.

After the Perez reception and Faillace flag pull, DeMers made an interception. Stopping another touchdown, Holly chased the Gulfview Windows game MVP to prevent another score.

Ed Moss made the next catch of the night with the stop by Smith. The rolling game clock sparked a strong defensive effort by Hashmark Sports.

Ferris sacked R. Moss on third down to put the football back into his team’s hands. Trying to close the gap before the end of the game, Ferris hit Smith for yardage and then threw an uncatchable pass to Carder.

In the final end zone toss-up, Gulfview Window’s Ball knocked down the football to end the game.

Thursday night, Gulfview Windows faces Ray Gardner’s Progressive Cabinetry at 6:30 p.m. In the second game of the night, Hashmark Sports goes against Tim Shaughnessy’s Lancaster Design team. The late game puts Team Ugly Grouper, lead by Charles Buky, on the field with Beach House Real Estate in the third week of flag football action at The Center.

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Janis Ian in demand for library appearance

Janis Ian in demand for library appearance

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Archives.

HOLMES BEACH – When Janis Ian makes her appearance for the Island Branch Library’s Friends’ Lecture and Travel Series Thursday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m., she will likely do so before the largest audience in series history.

The library has enlisted the aid of Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, located nearby at 5325 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, to handle the large crowd. To attend, you will have to get a free ticket at Waterline at 11:30 a.m. on the day of her appearance.

Ian will sing, read and talk about her life and career. Her appearance at Waterline will be live streamed to the library so more people can watch. Afterward, she will sign copies of her book for attendees.

Ian broke into the popular music world at the age of 16 with “Society’s Child,” a ballad about interracial dating in the socially conscious mid-1960s. She followed up in the 1970s with “At Seventeen,” a Grammy award-winning song about the importance of looks among young females.

She won a second Grammy in 2013 for Best Spoken Word Album, for her autobiography, “Society’s Child,” with a total of 10 nominations in eight different categories.

Janis Ian currently lives in Nashville with her wife, Patricia. The couple has visited Anna Maria Island in the past and is trying to engineer a move to the Island. Ian is familiar with the Island Branch Library but has not previously taken part in the popular lecture series.

“That’s why I said yes when they asked me to be a speaker in the lecture series,” she said. “I love what they do there and I’m a big supporter.”

Ian, who continues to write music, said she kept busy after “At Seventeen.”

“I went on the road from 1978 to 1982 and explored some things, but I was and am always writing,” she said.

“I look forward to my appearance for the library and I’m expecting to meet some nice people,” Ian said.

Sato and Duncan county’s top Realtors

Sato and Duncan county’s top Realtors

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business, Real estate | Development.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Jason Sato was Manatee County’s top Realtor for the fourth consecutive year and Darcie Duncan was the county’s number two Realtor in 2018.

The sales and listing figures are contained in the 2018 Agent Market Share Report, compiled by the My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service and shared by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

In 2018, Sato totaled 70 transactions, with 36 properties sold and 34 properties listed for a total reported value of $71.6 million and an average sales price of $1.06 million.

Duncan totaled 57 transactions, with 23 properties sold and 34 properties listed for a total reported value of $54.9 million and an average sale price of $963,000.

Sato and his mother, Barbara Sato, own Sato Real Estate at 519 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. Duncan owns Duncan Real Estate at 310 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

Sato’s observations

Sato attributes his success to the comfort level and familiarity he has with the Island and its real estate market.

“I grew up here, I live here, and my office is here. I do stuff off-Island for friends and people I know, but my focus is Anna Maria Island,” he said.

He said new construction and newer homes remain the most popular, but there’s also a market for renovated homes and a price point of desirability for historic bungalows.

“The Island’s got something for everyone, which is great. And the vibe is different in all three cities,” Sato said.

He’s seeing an increase in the construction of custom homes designed as permanent residences, and he’s not seeing as many vacation rental homes being built.

He said the Island’s real estate inventory is strong and it spikes at the beginning of the year because more people list their homes during season.

Sato didn’t see significant home price increases in 2018 and he attributes that partially to the knowledge available to buyers using websites like Zillow.com and Realtor.com.

Sato said the red tide had some impact on home sales, but 2019 is off to a busy start and he sees that as a good sign.

He said red tide affected the real estate market by bringing fewer people to the Island. This impacts sales because vacationers often turn into potential homebuyers when they discover the Island’s magic.

“We need people here to sell real estate,” Sato said of the relationship between vacationers and homebuyers.

Duncan’s insight

“2018 was fantastic,” Duncan said.

Darcie Duncan
Realtor Darcie Duncan came in as the second-highest local realtor for 2018.

She said the red tide impacted her vacation rentals, but she didn’t lose a single home sale because of it, and her sales figures were up from 2017.

“I attribute my success to hard work, working with integrity and giving back to my community. Seventy-five percent of my business is from past client referrals and my sphere of influence,” she said, noting that 70 percent of her sales are on the Island.

“Not as many people that I worked with this past year were laser-focused on rental income. They were looking more at living here and retiring here. I think it’s important that people know that,” she said.

Duncan believes the housing market is stabilizing, and prices are going to level off some in 2019. She said she’s already seeing some price reductions.

She agrees the Island’s real estate inventory is strong and there’s still much new construction taking place. She said the $500,000 to $800,000 price range is the most-desired right now, but some of the Gulffront homes and others are selling for $1.5 million and up.