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Bradenton Anna Maria Island Longboat Key

CVB tracks red tide’s influence on tourism

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Business, Tourism.

Red tide caused Manatee County to lose 17.5 percent in economic activity in August, according to a report by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

The number translates to a reduction of nearly $4.4 million in direct visitor spending and a $6.9 million economic impact deficit, according to the report.

More than 79 percent of vacation rental property owners interviewed reported that their reservations for the next three months have decreased compared to this time last year, and that September business continues to be impacted by red tide.

The report also describes in detail how visitors in major feeder markets perceive red tide in Manatee County, based on media coverage of the bloom in their locations.

U.S. market

From June 1 to Sept. 14, about 1,200 stories were published related to red tide and Manatee County, the report states, with most coverage in the Tampa/St. Petersburg market (289 mentions) and more than 70 national media mentions.

Coverage peaked on Aug. 13 following the publication of an Associated Press article headlined “Devastating toxic algae bloom plagues Florida’s Gulf Coast,” according to the report, which notes other major media reporting on the bloom, including CNN, The New York Times, ABC News, The Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post.

Another spike in coverage occurred Aug. 22-23 with more than 100 stories, many related to an Associated Press story headlined, “Florida red tide: Wildlife advocate stunned by toll on fish,” the report states.

By Sept. 1, media interest in red tide had waned significantly. Since then, roughly 100 mentions have been tallied, with about 75 percent running in the Tampa/St. Petersburg market, according to the report. Only four national stories ran from Sept. 1-14.

The decrease in stories since Sept. 1 suggests that visitors perceive that red tide has receded, and affected areas are by and large “back to normal,” according to the report.

“Provided conditions remain the same or improve, little red tide coverage is expected, though ‘Coast is Clear’ initiatives and messaging in the upcoming months will aid in efforts to steer this conversation,” the report states.

United Kingdom market

The red tide on the west coast of Florida hit the UK news mostly during August, the report states. The impact on marine life and beach conditions were the main issues covered, and it was widely reported that the algae is a naturally-occurring phenomenon.

During August, a small number of UK tour operators contacted the CVB for an update on red tide conditions, and some said that visitors were cancelling or changing their vacation dates, as the beach was a main factor in their holiday plans, according to the report.

From Sept. 4-14, the CVB noted no UK media coverage of red tide. “Unless the situation worsens, we don’t anticipate further coverage and we don’t anticipate it being a lasting memory in people’s minds,” the report states.

Central Europe market

The CVB’s German office asked Central European tour operators how the red tide on Florida’s Gulf coast influenced their clients’ travel to Florida.

Top tour operators that sell the Bradenton Area said they had a few customer complaints from guests in the destination who wanted to change their booking to a different location, but the majority said there was not a large negative impact on bookings, the report stated. Many said that they have more customers planning to visit the area compared to last year.

Visitors expressed more concerns about hurricane activity since last year’s Hurricane Irma, according to the report.

Renewed marketing

The CVB launched marketing promotions this week aimed at attracting couples to Manatee County.

“Relax & Connect” touts romantic beach accommodations, shopping, a spa visit and a gourmet meal on Anna Maria Island for a few days or a week.

“A great night for a date night” offers a romantic evening for two at Pier 22 in Bradenton, a sunset cruise with Kathleen D. Charters and a stop at The Doctor’s Office on Anna Maria Island for cocktails.

“Popping the question in paradise” suggests five locations as engagement destinations, from restaurants to preserves.

“Six ridiculously romantic places to say ‘I do’ ” sells six locations in the area as wedding destinations, from elegant to offbeat.

Related coverage

Red tide up

County approves $500,000 more for red tide beach cleanup

Red tide assistance available for businesses

Red tide map

Red tide lessening

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

Today’s report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) shows that red tide decreased in waters off Anna Maria Island during the past week.

Forecasters predict medium to high concentrations of red tide in Island waters through at least Oct. 1.

The Sept. 28 report shows that Manatee County red tide levels are from 5 percent to 25 percent lower than the previous week. High concentrations were found in water samples on Sept. 24 at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria. Medium concentrations were found on Sept. 24 at Longboat Pass and Cortez Beach, both in Bradenton Beach, with none at the Palma Sola Bay bridge.

Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Low levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels can cause all of the above, plus water discoloration.

Respiratory irritation was reported from Sept. 20 and Sept. 22-26 at Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and Sept. 20-21, Sept. 23 and Sept. 25-26 at Manatee Beach (Holmes Beach).

Fish kills also were reported in Manatee County over the past week.

Red tide is a type of algae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and shorebirds that feed on affected fish, red tide makes shellfish unfit to eat, and can cause respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or other respiratory diseases.

Weather sets mood for Island Players’ ‘Guest’

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Entertainment, Theater.

ANNA MARIA – It was a dark and stormy night as the Island Players performed “The Unexpected Guest,” a murder mystery from the pen of Agatha Christie, on Thursday, Sept. 20.

Flashes of lightning and the booms and crackles of thunder from a storm outside permeated the performance, adding to the murder mystery ambiance. At one time, the power failed and the lights went out briefly as emergency lights on both sides of the stage replaced them.

And what a show it was as they opened the 70th season of Manatee County’s oldest dramatic troupe. The first show was well paced and well played by the cast.

Director Heiko Knipfelberg also had a lead part in the play as Michael Starkwedder, a traveler who drove off the road during a heavy fog and entered the home of Richard Warwick, played by Jack Abene, who sat in his wheelchair dead from a bullet. His wife, Laura, played by Island Players President Sylvia Marnie, told Starkwedder she had murdered her abusive husband, a hunter who liked to shoot at wild animals and pets that strayed onto his property. Knipfelberg and Marnie worked well together, setting the stage for the rest of the story. Both are talented veterans of the Island Players’ stage and their performances were flawless.

After hearing a dazed Laura Warwick’s story, Starkwedder went to work, planting items in the room and wiping some items of fingerprints so the detectives would be persuaded to shift the blame to one of the other characters living in the house in Britain. He said he did it because he didn’t want to see a pretty woman go to prison.

A note about the play’s British heritage – every one of the characters had believable accents. There’s nothing more distracting than listening to a performer drop his or her accent.

Enter Inspector Thomas, played by Daniel Coppinger. He was great as a veteran investigator who pushed for answers. He was upstaged at times by Kristin Mazzitelli, who played Sergeant Cadwaller. She was hilarious as his aide, taking notes and answering the phone.

Valerie Lipscomb as Miss Bennett, Colin Brady as Henry Angell and Caroline Cox as Mrs. Warwick played their roles well, and Mark Shoemaker, who entered late, was great as a romantic interest.

There was one performance that outshined them all. Jeffrey Steiger played Jan Warwick, the deceased son who had “special” mental needs. His performance was real, and real scary at times. It alone is worth the price of a ticket.

There is a surprise ending, of course, but you’ll have to see it yourself.

On that magical night as the Island Players’ 70th season began, “The Unexpected Guest,” co-produced by Bortells Lounge, is an example of why people keep coming back to the little playhouse on the Island.

For tickets, call the ticket office at 941-778-5755, or go online.

Castles in the Sand

In real estate, cash rules

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

“Never count on making a good sale. Have the purchase price be so attractive that even a mediocre sale gives good results.”

Warren Buffett said this in 1963 in an era when not everyone considered the bottom line the most important thing. Now, however, not only are the sale and the sale price the most important things, cash is also becoming one of the most important elements of a real estate transaction.

It’s true that real estate transactions go more smoothly when homebuyers are paying with all cash. Closing times are shorter, and there is less stress for both buyers and sellers waiting for the inevitable shoe to drop. Loan applications take longer than expected, the one last piece of documentation is not readily available and interest rates are going up, forcing a reevaluation of qualifications. But cash avoids a lot of those issues, making a cash buyer extremely attractive.

According to the National Association of Realtors Economist’s Outlook, the share of cash buyers dropped to just 21 percent in 2017. That compares with a national average of 31 percent between 2011 and 2013 and as high as 57 percent in Florida in 2012.

Well, Florida is still humming with cash buyers, at least in our area. The July sales statistics for single family homes bought with all cash was up 22.7 percent from last July and for condos up 17.5 percent from last July. For the month of August, however, the cash buyers were off for single family homes down 8.1 percent but for condos they were up 20.8 percent.

And in an interesting article I recently read, Detroit is finally digging out of their deep depression and starting to sell real estate. The median home price as of this writing in Detroit is $32,428, the medial home price nationwide is $234,000. The percentage of homes bought in Detroit for cash as of this writing was 87 percent and nationwide was 28 percent. Obviously, the historic low prices in Detroit is generating all cash offers many from investors and flippers. Flippers may be just what Detroit needs where many homes have permit issues and condition problems preventing buyers from applying for a conventional mortgage.

But let’s see what’s happening in Manatee County for the month of August: Closings were up for both single family (0.2 percent) and for condos (26.9 percent). The single family median sale price was $296,000, up 3.2 percent from last August, and the condo median was $190,000, up 3.8 percent. The average single family sold for $393,126, up 4 percent, and the average for condos was $222,249, up 2.8 percent. The median time to sell for single family was 94 days and for condos 93 days, and the months’ supply of single-family homes was 3.9 percent and for condos, only 3.6 percent.

Nationally, the number of sales is holding steady, down just 1.5 percent for August, prompting Lawrence Yun from the National Board of Realtors to comment that the housing market is heading to an equilibrium, more good news for the economy. The August median national single-family sales price was $264,800, with a 4.3 monthly supply of properties.

Essentially what we have here is good news for Manatee County and the country generally, with some regions doing better than others, and inventory is still down all over, pushing selling prices up. In Manatee County, not only is cash king but condos are also king, with soaring sales and prices.

Everyone loves cash and always will, but don’t let it scare you away from jumping into the pool. You can avoid the sharks by keeping your credit clean and saving your pennies, so you’ll look as good as king cash.

Red tide fish kill

New red tide funding for ‘weapons’

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

CITY ISLAND – Nearly $2.2 million in newly-allocated state funds will be used to develop weapons to fight red tide, not just study it, Mote Marine Laboratory CEO Dr. Michael Crosby announced today.

It’s the first initiative to do something other than monitor and research the Karenia brevis algae that causes red tide, Crosby said.

Red tide is an algae bloom that produces neurotoxins deadly to marine life and shorebirds. It also poisons shellfish and causes respiratory irritation in people. Florida has been under a state of emergency due to red tide since August, with the bloom affecting tourism and residents along the southwest coast of Florida from Englewood to St. Petersburg, beginning last fall.

The new funds will be used to test and launch new weapons against red tide, including clay and ozone, Crosby said.

Mote will work with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the University of South Florida and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to conduct new field tests of an improved clay technology focused on killing red tide, different from previous, unsuccessful clay experiments, he said.

Laboratory tests on clay will begin within days, and small field experiments will begin in about six weeks, FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton said, explaining that the results of the experiments will dictate when and if it can be used on a large-scale basis.

Mote already is testing ozone in canals in Boca Grande where it is successfully removing the Karenia brevis algae that causes red tide. Red tide water is pumped into an ozone conductor, where the ozone kills the red tide and re-oxygenates the water without releasing ozone into the environment, according to Mote Senior Scientist Dr. Richard Pierce.

“One thing we have to be careful of is to do no harm,” Crosby said, explaining that many things kill red tide, but also kill marine life. When red tide dies, it releases any remaining toxin it holds, he said, adding, “We don’t want to make matters worse.”

One day, Crosby said, “We should be able to forecast red tide events the same way we forecast hurricanes.” While hurricane forecasts focus on physical forces, red tide forecasting also includes chemical and biological factors, making it more complex, he said.

Nutrients worsen red tide

Red tide has been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1500s. While its causes are natural, Crosby said that nutrients can affect its duration and intensity.

“As much as we all would like to be able to point our finger at one or two or three particular things, red tide is just not that simple,” he said.

Coastal waters are naturally nutrient-rich whether there are human beings living there or not, Crosby said.

However, “each and every one of us every day in our life is contributing to nutrients flowing from the terrestrial environmental into the coastal environment,” he said. “Each of us can decrease the amount of nutrients in our own yards, planting more native vegetation. Each and every one of us does have a role to play in this.”

Related coverage

Red tide up

County approves $500,000 more for red tide beach cleanup

CVB tracks red tide’s influence on tourism

Red tide assistance available for businesses

Red tide resources

sunset

FWC: Red tide up

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

Today’s report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) shows that red tide increased in waters off Anna Maria Island during the week ending Friday, Sept. 21.

Forecasters predict medium concentrations of red tide on the north end of the Island and high concentrations on the rest of the Island through at least Monday, Sept. 24.

Red tide forecast
Anna Maria Island is predicted to have high or medium levels of red tide through at least Monday.

The Sept. 21 report shows that Manatee County red tide levels are from 5 percent to 25 percent higher than the previous week. High concentrations were found in water samples on Sept. 17 at Longboat Pass and Cortez Beach, both in Bradenton Beach. Medium concentrations were found on that date at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria and at the Palma Sola Bay bridge.

Manatee red tide death toll climbs

At least 149 manatees have died during the red tide bloom that has plagued Southwest Florida since October 2017, and which reached Anna Maria Island on Aug. 3.

To date, 56 dead manatees tested positive for red tide, and red tide is suspected in 93 manatee deaths, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Nine manatee deaths have been recorded in Manatee County so far this year, six in Anna Maria Sound and Sarasota Bay; none are confirmed from red tide.

So far this year, 638 manatees have died in state waters, compared to 538 in all of 2017.

Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Low levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels can cause all of the above, plus water discoloration, which was reported on Sept. 14.

Respiratory irritation was reported from Sept. 14-19 at Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and from Sept. 13-20 at Manatee Beach (Holmes Beach).

The last officially reported fish kill in Manatee County was on Sept. 14 on the Manatee River at Bishop’s Point.

Red tide is a type of algae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and shorebirds that feed on affected fish, red tide makes shellfish unfit to eat, and can cause respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or other respiratory diseases.

Related coverage

Red tide resources

County approves $500,000 more for red tide beach cleanup

Red tide assistance available for businesses

Holmes Beach mayoral candidates

Mayoral candidates speak out

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

HOLMES BEACH – Mayoral candidates Joshua Linney and Judy Titsworth are ready for the November election. The two took to the dais at city hall to answer questions from Sun readers during the 2018 candidate forum held Sept. 19.

Abbreviated answers to some questions from the forum are below but, to hear all the questions, answers and rebuttals, visit The Sun’s social media page.

In your opinion, what is the job of the mayor?

Linney: “The job of the mayor is to dutifully execute the will of the commission and represent the city in a legal capacity. I think that I am pretty much trying to mimic that now without even having been elected.”

Titsworth: “The mayor is the chief executive officer of the city and he’s administrator of all the city affairs as it relates to our city charter. He’s a leader and it’s important that he’s a responsive leader and that he speaks with the residents, the businesses, embraces the commission and their legislative duties and administrates the staff effectively.”

How do you think the three Island mayors can work together to better address common issues?

Linney: “Well I think it’s very important that we work together.”

Titsworth: “I’ve seen a lot of improvement and I want to thank them all for that… I think consolidation on the loss of home rule and things that we’re all dealing with together, consolidating ideas, consolidating solutions, sharing things, but I don’t think it’s just our only three Island cities, I think we need to reach out farther.”

What do you think is the biggest issue facing the city today and how would you approach dealing with it?

Linney: “There’s a number of them. First, there’s management. Nothing matters if you don’t do it right and if all we keep doing is changing the problem or shifting the problem or not actually addressing the problem we’re not going to get anything done. I think the management of the city is key and that’s number one.”

Titsworth: “The biggest challenge is water rise and stormwater management because we’re a barrier island… An issue is the loss of home rule. Our hands are tied on so many avenues that we used to be able to use to effectively police our communities.”

How would you help reduce the effects of red tide on the community?

Linney: “Shifting the algae into the ocean isn’t a solution, it’s just a different pileup… why haven’t they found a solution to redistribute the algae onto the land, letting the water run through and then taking the product that is the result which is nutrient rich because it’s blooming and use it to fertilize the cane fields it’s coming off of. It seems like solutions like this would be easier than pumping it all the way over 300 miles to the west just so we can push all the other algae north. It just doesn’t make sense.”

Titsworth: “As mayor get to Tallahassee. As mayor get to Vern Buchanan. As mayor just get the word out as best as possible about the amount of loss from our restaurants, from our motels, from our resort housing. Yes, we’re all enjoying the no one on the streets right now but we had to pay a really hefty price for that and that’s not right. We have to find a solution.”

How would you describe your city today to a stranger?

Linney: “Paradise. I don’t care what you say or where you go, all the things the city’s been through in the 43 years I’ve been here it’s still paradise.”

Titsworth: “It’s home. Period.”

Related coverage

Commission candidates speak out on the issues

Holmes Beach commission candidates

Commission candidates speak out on the issues

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

HOLMES BEACH – It’s getting closer to November and the day when residents will go out to the polls to cast their vote for who will take the two available seats on the city commission.

To help voters make their decision, The Sun hosted its 2018 candidate forum Sept. 19 at Holmes Beach City Hall with candidates Pat Morton, Don Purvis and Kim Rash. Candidate answers to some of the top questions asked are below. To hear the entire forum, visit The Sun Facebook page.

What, in your opinion, is the job of a commissioner?

Morton: “My theory of being a commissioner for a few years now is that I talk with the citizens and with the community. If they come to me with something, I work with them to try to get the best for each.”

Purvis: “I believe the responsibility of the job is truly to represent all the residents here and I think that requires somebody who is moving in multiple different circles, knows a lot of different people, is involved in different aspects of our community and whether that’s understanding what’s going on with small business or what’s going on right now in R-2, in R-1, what’s going on, all of those things matter.”

Rash: “To represent the residents of Holmes Beach. To listen to them and see what their needs are as a resident.”

If elected, what are your top three priorities to tackle?

Morton: “My big thing is infrastructure. It was let go for so many years. Now we’re in the process of getting it processed through. The second, my biggest thing is bicycle and pedestrian safety… the life safety of the Island. We need to get beach accesses opened up, so they can go to pick somebody up.”

Purvis: “Well I would say for me that number one is, as we look at the impact tourism has had on our city for all of us, where that is, where it’s been, where it is now, and, most importantly, where that’s headed and how to responsibly move forward in that manner. Number two, right now for me is infrastructure… third for me is pedestrian/cyclist safety.”

Rash: “Again, I think the top three things all have to do with residents. One, I’ve been out walking and talking and what I’ve been hearing the past couple weeks is all about property taxes. How their property taxes just keep going up and if they don’t raise the millage their property value goes up so they’re writing a larger check this year than they did last year…The other thing is a peaceful way of life for the residents… the third thing is I think we need tighter restrictions for the demo of properties and the building of new houses to make sure they’re built right and they’re not inconveniencing the whole neighborhood while they’re building them.”

What do you see as the hardest task the city has to deal with right now?

Morton: “I would say the rental program, getting that up to where it needs to be.”

Purvis: “I would say the biggest challenge… is cooperation.”

Rash: “I think keeping residents is the hardest task the city has to deal with right now.”

Are there issues that you think the city isn’t handling effectively? How do you propose to improve the city’s approach?

Morton: “We’re working things through, but it takes time to get there.”

Purvis: “Well, you know, the issue that probably jumps out biggest to me and this is once again, not a knock against anybody, it’s just that in my business every day I see vacation renters, I see people come in to purchase property, wanting, having the same dream we did of having the opportunity to live here one day and I realize that the best way to get a lot of these people who come to our city to understand what is expected of them is to get ahold of them before they get here.”

Rash: “The biggest things they have to deal with is the traffic.”

How would you describe your city to a stranger?

Morton: “I think we have a very friendly city here. The people here are very into what’s going on and I think we’re in tune to what’s going on.”

Purvis: “It’s paradise. There’s a reason why when we stumbled upon it we made sure to find a way to make this where we would end up.”

Rash: “We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world right here. It’s just an unbelievable place to relax, unwind and breathe in the salt air. It’s just a great place to call home.”

Related coverage

Mayoral candidates speak out

four remain soccer

After the rain, four remain

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

The daily rains got the best of the island pitch for the originally scheduled first-round adult co-ed soccer playoff games. A week later, after three games, four teams remain in contention for the Paul “Ace” Hayward cup.

With Sato Real Estate off the schedule with a bye week as the number one ranked team at the end of the regular season, the remaining six teams went into head-to-head single elimination matches Thursday night.

All three games were a great matchup, making it anyone’s game to win. Team Russia, sponsored by Ross Built Construction, started off the action against Team Croatia. The team sponsored by Progressive Cabinetry looked strong on the field and carried the lead for a good portion of the game.

Team captain Greg Ross sealed the deal for his team with a rocket shot low and powerful in the last five minutes of the game for Team Russia. Teammate Maxim Panchenko nailed the Progressive Cabinetry coffin shut with the final goal of the game, moving Ross Built Construction to the semi-final round of the season.

Third-ranked Moss Builders struggled in the second game to put it together on the field against MAR/Kis Insurance. The feisty Team Uruguay, sponsored by MAR/Kis Insurance, was called early for a foul when Omar Polar was caught pulling the arm of Team Brazil’s Aaron Parkin.

Tony Morales later got into it with Parkin with Moss Builders team captain Ryan Moss holding Parkin back to keep him in the game. With a zero-tolerance policy, either player could have been ejected out of the game for fighting had the incident escalated.

Moss relieved Olaf Krause of his goalkeeping duties, taking him off the field action. Meanwhile, David Greene started in goal for Team Uruguay until Mario Primo arrived in scrubs to protect his net.

All four of MAR/Kis’ goals were scored in the first half of the game with two goals for Miguel Ajoy, and Joel Sanchez and team captain Jeremias Gramajo with a single goal each.

Moss Builders tried to make a comeback in the last 23 minutes of the game. Team high scorer Chris Scott was the only Team Brazil player to score in what would be its last game of the season.

In the last game of the night, last place Bins Be Clean took advantage of Lancaster Design’s roster. Missing one of its key players, Robert Armstrong, Team England, sponsored by Lancaster Design fell short of victory Thursday night.

Bins Be Clean’s Team Sweden played smart soccer in its first win of the season. Team captain Nate Welch was on fire with a hat-trick. Additional goals by Ricky Anderson and Francisco Oliviera gave Team Sweden the goals needed to progress to the second round of the playoffs.

Despite the efforts of Team England, and the breadth of talent on the squad, the goals by Adam Mott, Jake Parsons, Steve Oelfke and Nate Talucci just were not enough.

The semi-final action starts at 7 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 20, with the bottom two teams, MAR/Kis Insurance and Bins Be Clean, matching up. Sato Real Estate gets back on the field after weeks off at 8 p.m. against Ross Built Construction.

Related Coverage

Ugly Grouper Red Team champions

Domination on the pitch: Sato Real Estate undefeated

Brazil and Belgium undefeated: Island soccer’s unbeatable

catch and release moore

Local captains support catch-and-release order

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Local charter fishing captains support the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) executive order that temporarily imposes catch-and-release restrictions on snook and redfish because of red tide.

Issued by the FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton on August 30, the executive order applies from the northernmost point of Anna Maria Island in Manatee County to Gordon Pass in Naples and Collier County.

Sutton’s order is scheduled for review and additional discussion at the FWC Commission’s Sept. 26 meeting.

“I support Eric Sutton’s decision to implement the executive order as we continue to manage this world-class fishery for future generations. We will continue working with our partners and will evaluate next steps at our commission meeting,” FWC Chairman Bo Rivard said in the FWC news release.

“We’ve seen the devastation of redfish and snook populations in southwest Florida and we support the catch-and-release initiative taken by FWC,” said Brian Gorski, executive director of the Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA).

“We’ve heard support from members and guides throughout the state who also understand the need for such a change to ensure that generations to come can enjoy the thrill of catching one of these iconic species.”

Local reaction

Holmes Beach resident charter fishing Captain Scott Moore has been fishing the local waters near Anna Maria Island for more than 40 years, and he supports the catch-and-release order.

“If they limit snook and redfish to catch-and-release for one season, that will give those fish a chance to rebound and it won’t hurt anybody economically. There’s plenty of other fish to eat. We’ve got mackerel, beautiful mangrove snapper, trout and other fish that are eatable. With my customers, we’ll go catch and release a few snooks and then we’ll go catch some snapper and Spanish mackerel to take home to eat,” Moore said.

“From Tampa Bay south, the reoccurring red tide has really knocked down the population of snook and redfish. What we want to do is give them a break and preserve what’s out there so they can spawn,” he said.

“Snooks, from here south, had significant brood stock snook killed because of the time of the year we had the red tide. In June, they had horrific red tides south of here and it killed those fish that were spawning in the passes. Right now, redfish are going out in the Gulf to spawn, which I’m very concerned about. Redfish spawn in September, October and into November. If that red tide is lying offshore it will kill the brood stock,” Moore said.

Local charter Captain Nate Weismann supports the catch-and-release order.

“I do not allow clients to harvest snook, and starting about nine months ago, I stopped keeping redfish as well. I just don’t feel good killing these fish given the number of them here locally. Redfish stocks have seemed to decline sharply in the last several years. I would’ve loved to see the FWC extend the emergency closure to trout as well,” he said.

Weissman said he’s seen a 75 percent decline in business in August and September due to the red tide.

“It literally happened overnight,” he said.

Local charter Captain Carson Wooten supports the catch-and-release order.

“It’s a positive thing for the fishery in our area. For me, it doesn’t really make a difference as far as it being closed on those two species. I always encourage catch-and-release on my charters anyways, but if they want to keep a couple fish, there are plenty of other fish to keep such as trout, snapper, mackerel and flounder,” he said.

Captain Lance Plowman said the catch-and-release order does not impact Cortez Deep Sea Fishing and others whose fishing excursions go much further out in the Gulf.

“You’ll see redfish sometimes at three miles out, but snook you don’t really catch past the beach. They go out deep and spawn, but you don’t really catch them out there.”

When asked how the red tide is impacting the local deep sea fishing industry, Plowman said, “Other than people not being here, it’s not affecting us at all.”

Holmes Beach Jessie's exterior

Jessie’s Island Store looks to expand

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

HOLMES BEACH – A resolution to amend the site plan for Jessie’s Island Store is moving forward to a vote in November after commissioners approved the proposal for expansion during a September work session.

Building Official Jim McGuinness, along with City Planner Bill Brisson, presented the site plan amendment to commissioners. McGuinness said the business has outgrown the current 1,400 square foot structure at 5424 Marina Drive and the owners hope to add 1,025 of additional space behind the current building to allow for more retail and storage space.

His only concern with the project, he said, is that the owners of the business, Atco, Inc., provide adequate screening along the western side of the property to protect the nearby residential residents. Currently, he said, there is a dilapidated chain link fence that the property owner proposes to replace with a six-foot opaque fence which McGuinness said would bring the property into compliance with current building codes.

Appearing on behalf of the property owners were engineers Matt Morris and Camden Mills, of Morris Engineering.

Mills said the project proposes to improve stormwater drainage and parking on the Jessie’s Island Store site, provide two additional parking spaces to bring the total number of spaces to 12, including one compact space, and replace shell on the lot with sod. Mills said the cooler currently located behind the existing building would be incorporated into the expansion, bringing it into compliance with local ordinances.

Once the site plan amendment passes a commission vote, the property owners will have 180 days from the approval to apply for permits with the building department. Morris said the intent is to begin work on the project as quickly as possible.

“This was the easiest site plan we’ve ever had to look at,” Commissioner Judy Titsworth said.

“They did a good job with it,” Brisson added.

Castles in the Sand

Honesty is the best policy – especially in real estate

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

Good old Benjamin Franklin had it right well over 200 years ago – when you’re dealing with people the best course of action is to be honest. And when you’re selling real estate, it’s more than a good idea, it’s legally imperative.

Traditionally, let the buyer beware was the principle most real estate transactions lived by. It was the buyer who was responsible to inspect the home and discover whether there were any unacceptable conditions or defects before closing. That’s why home inspectors became so important when purchasing a property.

However, in an ever-increasing number of states, courts and lawmakers have held that sellers are in the best position to know all material facts relating to their properties, particularly those that are not visible to the naked eye, and should disclose these to the buyer or face legal liability.

Florida is one of those states that is holding sellers responsible to disclose defects before closing. Since 1985, Florida law has provided that, with some exceptions, the seller must disclose any facts or conditions about the property that may have a substantial impact on the value or desirability of the property that may not be visibly obvious.

To assist sellers in making all relevant disclosures, the Florida Association of Realtors provides a standard form which covers many common property characteristics about which buyers want to know. Although sellers are not required to complete and sign this form, they are still required to disclose all relevant information to buyers, even when they may not be obvious. This can be done either in writing or orally, but to protect their statements sellers should have a written document as proof.

Some of the items contained on the seller’s disclosure form are potential claims, or court proceedings; nature of condominium or HOA association rules; boundary issues; status of any sinkholes; any environmental hazards such as asbestos, lead paint, mold, Chinese drywall; damage from wood destroying organisms; flooding or ground leaks; disclosure of condition of major systems such as central air and heat, plumbing and electrical systems and brands and condition of appliances.

This may be intimidating to homeowners who may be worried about problems they’re not aware of. The law states that you will not be expected to know or learn about or disclose property defects which you have no actual knowledge of. If in the future the buyer of your property discovers a problem after closing, the onus is on him/her to prove that you knew about the defect and did not disclose it. They also would have to justify that the defect has had a substantial impact on the value of the property and that the defect would not have been easy for the buyer to detect. Essentially Florida homeowners are required to disclose only those property defects of which they have actual knowledge.

There are a few facts that do not need to be disclosed to buyers. One is that the property has been inhabited by a person infected with HIV or AIDS or that a murder or suicide has occurred or is suspected to have occurred on the property.

And even if you’re selling your property in an as-is condition, that does not dismiss you from the requirement of full disclosure. You will have to disclose any material defects that you are aware of.

I would encourage sellers to prepare a written disclosure statement to protect them and instill confidence in buyers. Honesty and transparency is the proper way to sell a property, even in those few cases when it may not be required. “Honesty is the best policy” are words to live by.

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symphony on the sand 2017

Symphony on the Sand preparations underway

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

BRADENTON BEACH – Tickets are on sale for the Sixth Annual Symphony on the Sand concert and gourmet food event at Coquina Beach on Saturday, Nov. 10. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available.

Taking place at Coquina Gulfside Park, 2650 Gulf Dr. in Bradenton Beach, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., the open-air symphony concert on the beach will feature the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra (AMICCO) and vocal soloists Michelle Giglio, Ashley Thunder, Russell Andrade, and Daniel Hoffman.

“This year we’re going to do some great uplifting pieces. We’re going to do a bit of Mama Mia, and then we’re going to do some disco dance tunes, so there’ll be a lot of dancing. And we always have the patriotic pieces for our warriors, which we celebrate because it is Veterans Day weekend,” event chair Jeanie Pickwick said.

Regarding the dress code, Pickwick said, “You can dress up if you want, and a lot of people do but wear flip-flops because we are right on the beach in the sand. The tables and chairs and the general admission area where you bring your own chairs are right in the sand, so wear something you’ll be comfortable walking in.”

Those who purchase $125 tickets will be treated to salad, small plate entrée selections provided by participating restaurants, dessert, and complimentary fine wine and select beers.

The Beach|House, The Lazy Lobster of Longboat, Harry’s Continental Kitchens, Hometown Desserts and the Coquina Cafe at Coquina Beach are this year’s featured restaurants.

Tickets for this rain or shine event can be purchased online at www.SymphonyOnTheSand.com, and Pickwick advises folks to purchase their tickets early. Online tickets will be available until noon on Friday, Nov. 9. If not sold out, tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the event.

Those with $50 tickets receive a chair for the concert and two drink vouchers, but no food. Those with $20 tickets can bring their own chairs or blankets and sit in the roped-off area near the stage. Attendees with $50 or $20 tickets can purchase concessionaire food and purchase drinks at the cash bar. Bringing your own alcohol onto the beach is prohibited.

There will be plenty of free parking at Coquina Beach, and the free Island-wide trolleys will be running before and after the concert.

Pickwick began serving as the Symphony on the Sand event chair prior to the second annual outdoor concert.

“I really believe in it. I had been the executive director for AMICCO for over 10 years. I stepped down from that position, but I still handle this one event for the organization.

“It’s such a great event and we love doing it. It brings a lot of attention to the talent that we have in our area and it’s a great community outreach. It’s an honor to do it,” Pickwick said.

Manatee County is contributing $30,000 to help cover the costs of the stage, sound, and lighting, and what’s left will help pay the musicians’ stipends. Proceeds from the event will benefit AIMCCO’s youth and outreach programs.

Pickwick is still seeking additional event sponsors. Interested sponsors or those seeking additional event information can contact her by email at info@amicco.org or call 941-795-2370.

Holmes Beach coyotes Wooten

Coyotes are here to stay

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

After an increasing number of coyote sightings in West Bradenton and on the Island, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is cautioning residents to treat the canines with caution.

And to get used to them.

“In the past, we had no coyotes in Florida,” said Angeline Scotten, senior wildlife assistance biologist with FWC, who spoke to about 30 people at a special meeting last week at Palma Sola Botanical Park.

“We had red and gray wolves, but their numbers declined as farmers moved in and so did coyotes,” she said, adding that FWC  fielded about 900 reports of coyotes statewide last year.

Scotten said agricultural areas offered coyotes food, protection from the elements and space to breed. She said as time went on and the county built bridges to the Island, some coyotes walked from the mainland while others probably swam.

Meanwhile, coyote sightings on Anna Maria Island have increased in recent months. Residents have reported seeing coyotes in all three Island cities, in and around Cortez and in the Perico Island housing developments.

Recently, a coyote was spotted in Anna Maria near the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Tarpon Street, while another was seen crossing the humpback bridge, also in Anna Maria.

Sgt. Mike Jones, who heads the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office substation, said they have had numerous calls from people saying they have seen coyotes in residential areas, both during the day and at night.

Jones said one coyote was spotted by a deputy on the beach.

“It was near Bean Point, and my deputies saw it,” he said. “At first, they thought it was a dog, but they identified it as a coyote, and it left on its own.”

Ed Straight, of the Bradenton Beach-based Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center said they recently had a report of a coyote near St. Bernard Church, and they scared it off. It was last seen headed toward West Bay Cove.

He added that coyotes are extremely hard to capture because they are so smart and that most standard animal traps simply don’t work.

Cats are a favorite food of these wild animals, according to Straight.

“We have a habit of leaving feral cats alone,” he said. “All that does is attract coyotes.”

Straight told The Sun in July that residents should take care with their small pets.

“I don’t think they (coyotes) are dangerous to people unless somebody starts feeding them,” he said. “They’re afraid of people and usually run the other way. If you value your cats and little dogs don’t put them out at night. They definitely like cats and they can jump a pretty high fence. We’ve always felt like it’s a matter of time before they’re out here because they’re everywhere else in Manatee County,”

“Coyotes are omnivores, which means they’ll eat practically anything,” Scotten added. “The more people there are around, the more opportunities for food.”

Scotten said FWC examined the foods found in the stomachs of dead coyotes and found a varied diet.

“There was dog food, cooked human food, vegetation, trash, small mice and insects,” she said. “If you don’t want to attract coyotes, keep pet and human edibles away from the outdoors.”

Conversely, there are pluses for having coyotes around, according to Scotten.

“They control some of the smaller predators like mice and raccoons that hunt birds,” she said. “They don’t compete with endangered species like Florida panthers and bobcats because they live in separate areas.”

Coyotes have undesirable habits though, like going after sea turtles and shorebirds, as well as cats and small dogs.

If a person does encounter a coyote, Scotten said to scare it off by making some noise either by yelling or using a noise-making device like an air horn. She also said to keep dogs on a short leash when taking them for a walk and to make sure all garbage is secured in a bin with a lid.

holmes beach city field proposal

New concept emerges for city field remodel

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

HOLMES BEACH – City Engineer Lynn Burnett has a new plan for city field and it’s one that commissioners are more willing to get behind.

Burnett said her new plan takes into account the history of city field and the many residents who have donated to the project and the dedicated trees and equipment in the complex. In the hopes of meeting both the requirements of the city’s comprehensive plan and providing the amenities residents and visitors are looking for, Burnett suggests creating a large parking area on the western side of the property along Marina Drive, relocating the skate park and large dog park nearer to the city-owned basketball courts, realigning the baseball field and moving the tot lot next to the existing gazebo.

She suggested building shuffleboard and horseshoe courts near the skate park with bocce ball courts near the dog park. She suggested using the existing skate park area as a staging area for city contractors and public works projects.

By moving the skate park and the dog park, Burnett said the two potentially loudest noisemakers in the complex would be relocated as far as possible from residential neighbors. By placing parking along Marina Drive, she added the park would have a focal entrance point and the city would be able to provide more on-site parking for large events.

She recommended a slight realignment of the baseball field to close to the center of the complex and leaving the outfield without a fence to allow for more space for special events in the park. Ultimately, she said a walking/jogging track could be added with some exercise stations around the perimeter of the park with little additional cost to the city.

Burnett presented commissioners with an estimate of costs, not including the creation of the off-street parking facility, of $300,600 to be divided evenly over the 2018-19 and 2019-20 fiscal years.

While commissioners were primarily in favor of the project, City Attorney Patricia Petruff suggested that Burnett may have overlooked one important item – overflow parking for the nearby city boat ramp.

Commissioner Pat Morton agreed, saying that during season he sees several boats parked in the lot adjacent to the city basketball courts, where Burnett proposes to relocate the large dog park. To resolve the issue, Commissioner Rick Hurst suggested swapping the location of the small and large dog parks with the proposed parking area on Marina Drive. He said the location would allow for dogs to be kept away from where they may disturb residents, there already are a large number of trees in the area and part of the enlarged parking area could be designated for overflow boat ramp parking when needed.

Commissioner Judy Titsworth said she liked the ideas presented by Burnett but that the project needs public input from local stakeholders. She also suggested Burnett develop a map of where memorial trees, benches, and other items will be placed so that donors can see where their items are located in the complex.

“I like it,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said of the new concept. She agreed that there are changes that may need to be made to the proposal but that the project should be presented to the public for comment and review before commissioners vote to take action.

Burnett agreed to work with the city’s parks and beautification committee to reach out to local stakeholders and set up a public workshop.

Once work begins, she said it would take about two weeks to relocate the tot lot, four to five months to work on the dog parks, and if a design is approved by commissioners by February 2019, construction could take place May through September of 2019, allowing the park to open just in time for season. If commissioners vote to approve the plan when it comes before them in a regular meeting, she said some projects could be done in conjunction with the public input phase, such as the demolition of the existing skate park.

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