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Tag: Anna Maria Island

Castles in the Sand

We’re Americans; we borrow

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

Americans are very comfortable with debt, whether its household debt or government debt. And apparently, rising interest rates aren’t making any difference in our enthusiasm for borrowing.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has reported in its quarterly statement that household debts rose by $82 billion in the second quarter of the year. Much of this is because of higher interest rates for mortgages, credit cards, and auto loan balances. Household debt is now nearly 20 percent higher than five years ago and higher than before the financial crisis. Nevertheless, the feds report delinquency rates have been stable for most categories of debt and actually falling for student loans presumably because of the improved labor market.

In an effort to return interest rates to the levels before the financial crisis, the feds have been gradually raising rates since 2015. The average rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage was 4.6 percent a few weeks ago, up from a low of 3.4 percent in 2013. We can expect this to continue possibly influencing marginal buyers from qualifying.

Buyers with lower credit scores may be seeing those scores increase if they had collection accounts removed from their credit reports. The three credit reporting firms have agreed to remove items like collections for gym memberships, library fines and traffic tickets from reports as well as medical debt collections that were ultimately paid by insurance companies.

So how is any of this increased borrowing affecting our real estate markets? These are the statistics for Manatee County for July from the Realtor Association of Sarasota & Manatee.

There were 19.2 percent more single-family homes closed this July compared to last July. The median sale price was $309,500, which is 3.2 percenter higher than last year. The average sale price was $383,398, 2.4 percent higher. Median time to sell was 90 days compared to 92 from last year and the month’s supply dropped to 3.9 percent below the 4 months we’ve been carrying.

Condo sales for July were also up compared to last July at 10.1 percent. The median sale price was $199,250, up 20.8 percent, and the average sale price was $231,836, up 10.3 percent. Median time to sell was 87 days compared to 105 days last year, and the month’s supply of properties was also 3.9 percent.

Our market keeps improving in both number of sales and sales price and is apparently not slowing down because of the increased cost of borrowing. We’re also doing better than the state in all areas but one. Based on the July sales statistics published by the Florida Realtors website under market data, the single-family median sales price was $255,000, up 6.3 percent and the average was $335,055, up 5.7 percent. The number of sales for single-family was also up 3.8 percent.

The state of Florida condo sale median price was $180,000 in July, up 5.3 percent, and the average was $247,413, up 1 percent. The number of closed sales were up 8.5 percent.

The month’s supply of single-family properties for the state was 3.9 percent the same as Manatee County’s. However, the month’s supply of condos was 5.3 percent well over Manatee’s.

If you’re going to have debt, mortgage debt is the easiest to justify. You have to live someplace, so a home of your own where you can build equity is always better than paying rent. Based on our sales statistics buying a property in Manatee County looks like a good investment, and we do love debt. It’s the American way.

More Castles in the Sand

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Are you underinsured?

Management of condominium associations

The fastest way to kill a sale

Red tide sign

Red tide update

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Featured, Outdoors, Red tide.

MANATEE COUNTY – Red tide continues to impact Anna Maria Island beaches and Manatee County waterways.

In water samples tested by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as of Friday, Aug. 24, red tide counts were:

  • High at Rod and Reel Pier
  • High at Palma Sola Bay bridge
  • High at Longboat Pass Boat ramp

Respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee County from Aug. 16-23 at Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach. During that week, Manatee County waters showed minimal change in red tide cell concentrations from the previous week.

Red tide FAQs

What is red tide?

A red tide is a higher-than-normal concentration of a microscopic alga (plantlike organism). In the Gulf of Mexico, it is Karenia brevis, often abbreviated as K. brevis. At high concentrations, the organisms may discolor the water, sometimes red, light or dark green, brown or the water may appear clear.

What causes red tide?

A red tide bloom develops when biology (the organisms), chemistry (natural or man-made nutrients for growth) and physics (tides, winds, currents) work to produce the algal bloom. No one factor causes the development of a red tide bloom.

Where can I check the status of red tide at my local beach?

Mote Marine Laboratory

Are red tides new?

No. Red tides were documented in the Gulf of Mexico as far back as the 1700s and along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1840s. While red tides and other algal blooms occur worldwide, K. brevis is found almost exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico but has been found on the east coast of Florida and off the coast of North Carolina.

How long does a red tide last?

Red tide blooms can last days, weeks or months, and can also change daily due to wind conditions and ocean currents.

Is it safe to swim in water affected by red tide?

While people swim in red tide, some individuals may experience skin irritation and burning eyes. If your skin is easily irritated, avoid red tide water. If you experience irritation, get out of the ocean and thoroughly wash off with fresh water.

Can red tide affect me when I am not on the beach?

People in coastal areas near the shoreline may experience varying degrees of eye, nose, and throat irritation. When a person leaves an area with red tide, symptoms usually go away. If symptoms persist, please seek medical attention.

Are there people who are more sensitive to the toxins caused by red tide?

People with respiratory problems (like asthma, emphysema or bronchitis) should avoid red tide areas, especially when winds are blowing on shore. If you go to the beach and have one of these conditions, you should be very cautious. If you have symptoms, leave the beach and seek air conditioning (A/C). If symptoms persist, please seek medical attention.

What can I do to lessen the effects of red tide?

People usually get relief from respiratory symptoms by being in air-conditioned spaces. This is also true when driving: keep your car windows up and the A/C or heat on. For people without asthma or any other chronic respiratory problems, over-the-counter antihistamines may relieve symptoms. People with chronic lung ailments should be especially vigilant about taking prescribed medications daily. Always seek medical care if your symptoms worsen.

Can red tide affect pets?

Just like people, pets may be affected by red tide. If you live close to the beach, consider bringing outdoor pets inside during a bloom to prevent respiratory irritation. If you are at the beach with your pets, do not allow them to play with dead fish or foam that may accumulate on the beach during or after a red tide. If your pet swims in the red tide, wash them off with fresh water as soon as possible.

Is seafood in the area safe to eat?

Clams and oysters (mollusks) can contain red tide toxins that cause Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning. Check local harvesting status before collecting at FreshFromFlorida.com. Finfish caught live and healthy can be eaten if filleted and rinsed thoroughly. Edible meat of crabs, shrimp and lobsters (shellfish) can be eaten (do not eat the tomalley—the green digestive gland—of shellfish). Do not eat distressed or animals found dead under any circumstances.

Source: Florida Department of Health

Aerial surveys from Pinellas to Charlotte counties, including Manatee, also indicated the presence of offshore blooms of the marine cyanobacterium, Trichodesmium, which is not dangerous to humans or animals.

According to Manatee County’s Friday, Aug. 24 red tide update, the county continues to rake the beaches along the Gulf coast of Anna Maria Island, including Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, Bayfront Park in Anna Maria and Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach, to clean the beaches of fish and other sea life affected by the recent arrival of red tide. 

  • Beaches are open.
  • Coquina Bayside, Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach north to Bean Point are moderate/heavy with fish.
  • Bayfront Park has moderate fish.
  • Coquina North and South Boat Ramps have moderate/heavy fish.
  • Crews are currently running beach rakes up from Coquina Pass and down from Bean Point.
  • Air quality is moderate with occasional coughing and irritation. Water color is tan/brown in some areas and brownish/reddish in others.
  • The county has contracted with a vendor to clean local waterways, beginning with the most affected areas this week.
  • Red Tide signs are posted at affected beaches and will remain until the red tide bloom is over.

“Red tide blooms can last days, weeks, or months and can change daily due to wind conditions and water currents,” according to the county.

When contacted Friday afternoon, county surf rake operator Mark Taylor said, “The water is still reddish, brown and ugly looking. We’re still getting about the same level of (dead) fish each day as well. The occasional tarpon keeps coming up each day also.

“We are expecting a wind change over the weekend, coming more out of the east. Hopefully, it will push some of this back offshore,” Taylor said.

Sarasota County

According to the Sarasota County website, “All beaches are open, but there is a ‘No Swim’ advisory for four area beaches.”

Sarasota County Health Department officials have issued a red tide advisory for several Sarasota County beaches.

“Several beaches have been affected by red tide and high levels of enteric bacteria. ‘NO SWIM’ Advisory for Longboat Key, Lido Casino, Brohard, and Venice Fishing Pier,” the health department website says.

Want to help?

Manatee County is hiring temporary workers to help clean beaches during the red tide bloom for $12.50 an hour. Call Faraja at Ad-VANCE Talent Solutions for more information at 941-739-8883.

For daily red tide conditions updated at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. visit visitbeaches.org.

Manatee County is also operating a Red Tide Hotline at 941-749-3547 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days week.

Canal cleanup services

Manatee County has contracted a vendor to clean local waterways, including those on and around Anna Maria Island.

“Due to the small maneuvering space in the canals, the cleaning must be done with nets and boats by hand. Homeowners and associations may want to continue to work with local fisherman for a more thorough cleaning of any remaining fish,” the county website says. Included at the county website is a list of local fishermen and others who’ve offered to assist with cleaning. Manatee County has not vetted these services. This list is not an endorsement of these businesses.

Contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to report fish or marine life impacted by red tide.

 

– Cindy Lane contributed to this report

 

For more information, visit The Sun’s Red Tide Resources page.

Minnie's cafe staff

Minnie’s crew sings about red tide blues

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Business.

HOLMES BEACH ­– The outbreak of red tide has cut into the profits of almost every business on Anna Maria Island and some business owners are fighting back, offering discounts for their services. Some of the larger Island restaurants banded together to offer a “Save our Shores” buffet Sunday now one of the smaller eateries is fighting back with music. The goal is to not only let people know that Minnie’s Beach Cafe is open for business but to also let them know there’s more to the Island than just the beaches.

The staff got together to dance to the Blondie song “The Tide is High,” sung by cook Mary Doub. Most of the waitresses danced to the music. The group dubbed themselves The Minnie’s Reefers and the video has been viewed by many people, including Maggie Plath, who came in Friday with her husband, Jim, to compliment them and collect a 10 percent discount for mentioning it.

Kathy Smart said they rewrote the lyrics several times.

“We went through it three times before we were satisfied,” she said.

“I thought it was very good,” said Maggie Plath. “After seeing it yesterday, I told my husband we would have to go here for breakfast.”

Smart said they hope people are entertained and come in for a meal.

Minnie's cafe guests
Guests Maggie and Jim Plath peruse the menu options at Minnie’s Beach Cafe. – Tom Vaught | Sun

“It was a lot of fun to make,” she said, “and it was a morale booster.”

Minnie’s Beach Cafe is open daily for breakfast and lunch. It’s located at 5360 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach in the S&S Plaza. The restaurant’s hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The staff’s music video, introducing the stylings of The Minnie’s Reefers, can be viewed on the Minnie’s Facebook page. Check out the video and mention it to your server when dining in at Minnie’s for a 10 percent discount on your next visit.

Red Tide Bradenton Beach Anchorage

TDC votes to recommend more money for red tide cleanup

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County has been busy cleaning up the dead fish left by the current outbreak of red tide and the committee that is charged with bringing in tourism wants to make sure the county doesn’t run out of resources.

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker gave a presentation Monday at the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) on how the county is handling the situation.

“Each day we clean the public parts of the beaches,” he said. “When the red tide came, we extended it to all the beaches.”

“When the dead fish came, it was a public health hazard and we went to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for advice and we took the dead fish to the county landfill,” he said. “We got the fish out of the water.”

Hunsicker said you won’t find that in any of the other counties that have been hit by red tide, including Sarasota.

“We follow a policy of recover, restore and rejuvenate,” he said.

Newly appointed TDC member Eric Cairns, who owns Cedar Cove, a beachfront resort, praised the county for its rapid response to the problem.

“I see it every day,” he said of the cleanup effort.

Elliott Falcione, Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, suggested the TDC vote to set aside up to $500,000 to continue the cleanup efforts and got a positive vote. He said he would write up a proposal to take to the Manatee County Board of Commissioners for approval at a September or October meeting.

Related coverage

Mote working on ozone solution to red tide

County funding shellfish to fight red tide

Manatee County works to clean impacts from red tide

Castles in the Sand

Who’s entitled to title insurance?

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

As discussed last week, everyone needs homeowner’s insurance and an adequate amount. And of course, if you own a vehicle you need insurance on that as well. But what about this title insurance thing on your real estate? Do I need it, must I have it and what exactly does it insure?

When you purchase a property as a part of the closing procedure there will be a title search to verify you have clear title to the property. The title search reviews all the instruments, conveyances, public records and court proceedings to discover any material facts related to the title of a property. The search ensures that the “chain of title” is intact and that all liens, including mortgage liens, are satisfied at closing.

So, if everyone is doing their job why do we need title insurance? Nothing is perfect and there are many ways in which a clear title may not be so clear. Relatives of the previous owner, utility companies, government liens and contractors who may not have known about the sale of the property and did not have an opportunity to file a lien before the sale could all be given consideration after the sale. Even a simple misspelling could reveal a claim against the property.

Because of the unlikely but feasible event of one of these claims popping up after the sale, title insurance was invented in the mid-1800’s. It has since become the dominant method of protection for buyers and lenders and will pay for losses sustained by the new owner or their lender and will kick in to defend any ownership claims against the property.

If your home purchase involves a mortgage, virtually every lender will require you to purchase a title insurance policy just like requiring you to purchase a homeowner’s policy, so their interest is protected. This policy will protect the lender’s financial interest in your property as well as lender legal fees should that be required.

Some lenders also will require you to purchase an “owner’s policy” which you should do even if it’s not required. An owner’s policy is designed to protect the equity in your home as well as legal fees and other losses should the worst happen. For example, let’s assume the courts decide that a long-lost relative is, in fact, the house’s true owner. The lender’s policy will reimburse the lender for what you owe on the mortgage, but you’ll be out the amount of your down payment and other principal payments, not to mention that you will likely have to move out unless you purchased an owner’s policy. In addition, extended coverage policies are available for an additional cost if you and your legal advisor feel this is something you should purchase.

And like all things real estate there are exclusions and exceptions to the rules. A title insurance policy does not cover police power of the government such as zoning, building restrictions, setback requirements, and the rights of eminent domain (the power to take private property for public use by the state). Typically, it does not cover liens or encumbrances attaching to the property after the policy date.

Your attorney or closing agent working on behalf of an attorney will make the title search and title insurance less confusing at the closing table. It’s always important to be prepared beforehand so you know the right questions to ask and to make sure you’re purchasing the best possible insurance to protect your rights and money.

Bottom line, we’re all entitled to title insurance and we should all have it.

More Castles in the Sand

Are you underinsured?

Management of condominium associations

The fastest way to kill a sale

red tide Recovery Meeting

Restaurateurs combat red tide

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Featured, Outdoors, Red tide.

CORTEZ – Local restaurateurs, food and beverage industry professionals and others gathered at the Swordfish Grill last week to discuss the economic impacts of red tide.

The hour-long informal discussion on Tuesday, Aug. 14, included Swordfish Grill general manager Bob Slicker, manager Adam Sears and owner John Banyas, Anna Maria Oyster Bar president John Horne, Chiles Group CEO Robert Baugh, Bunny and Pirates’ owners Elizabeth Shore and Jeffrey O’Connell, Waterfront Restaurant owner Jason Suzor, Cortez Kitchen owner Joe Oelker, Darwin Brewing Company owner/general manager Matt Cornelius, US Foods territory managers Robert DeMino and Nicholas Horne, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker, Congressman Vern Buchanan field representative MarDee Buchman and Sen. Bill Galvano aides Macey Moon and Kathy Galea.

The discussion occurred one day after Gov. Rick Scott issued an executive order that provides $500,000 in Visit Florida emergency grant funds to be divided among seven counties to help promote tourism in southwest Florida.

A main topic of conversation concerned using social media to inform the public that the local businesses remain open. There was also talk of discouraging employees from posting pictures of dead fish and beachgoers wearing breathing masks because those images encourage patrons to visit mainland establishments instead.

Baugh said the decline in business is making it hard for some Chiles Group employees’ ability to pay their bills and Slicker said he’s been forced to reduce the number of employees scheduled per shift.

Banyas, who also owns Killer Bait and Cortez Bait & Seafood, said he’s seeing the upcoming mullet season floating by dead in the water. He also questioned whether the state would issue special permits that would allow local fishermen to harvest fish before the red tide kills them.

DeMino questioned why the state doesn’t treat Florida’s fishing industry with the same sense of urgency it places on the agricultural industry. He also questioned what role Mosaic, as the area’s largest phosphate producer, plays in the red tide crisis.

Slicker said the state’s elected officials need to be constantly reminded about red tide’s economic impacts and be pushed to find long-term solutions.

red tide recovery clean beach
A clean, uncrowded stretch of sand awaits visitors who come to the beaches of Anna Maria. – Chantelle Lewin | Sun

Gatherings of support

Tuesday’s discussion prompted organized gatherings at the BeachHouse restaurant on Wednesday, the Swordfish Grill on Thursday, Bunny and Pirate on Friday, the Anna Maria Oyster Bar in Bradenton Beach on Sunday and Gecko’s Dry Dock in Longboat Key on Monday. A similar gathering was planned for The Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria on Tuesday, Aug. 21, from 4-8 p.m.

The purpose of the gatherings is to use social media to show folks that businesses remain open while the red tide appears to have subsided some since its arrival in early August.

The BeachHouse gathering included Visit Florida President Ken Lawson, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliot Falcione, county commissioners Carol Whitmore and Steve Jonsson and Solutions To Avoid Red Tide (START) Chairman Sandy Gilbert.

“I’m here to make sure we are marketing the area post-red tide and come up with a plan to use the $500,000 the governor allocated for post-red-tide marketing in the right way,” Lawson told The Sun. “We’re going to divvy up the money to the counties in the executive order. We have to communicate what’s open, what’s available and what we should do once we get rid of this red tide.”

Lawson and several others spoke while gathered on the BeachHouse patio.

“The most important area we need to focus on together is the public relations side of it,” Falcione said, stressing the need for accurate messaging by company spokespersons.

“This is an economic issue that’s impacting us, it’s not just some rotting fish in the bay,” Baugh said.

Horne suggested organizing a long table dining event on the beach and Slicker suggested it benefit START.

Jason Sato and Katie O’Connor, from Sato Real Estate, discussed the impact red tide is having on vacation rentals.

“Since Aug. 6, we’ve refunded almost $30,000 in reservation fees,” O’Connor said.

Gilbert said Sarasota Bay is much cleaner than it was 20 years ago, but that doesn’t make it immune to red tide.

He mentioned salinity, water temperatures and other water qualities that impact red tide.

“The only thing that varies is the nutrients. The scientists agree that the thing that really makes red tide come alive is the nutrients. What they don’t agree on is where they come from. We live between the two biggest dumps of nutrients in the world: The Mississippi River and the Caloosahatchee (River). Where do you think the water ends up? It ends up out there,” he said. pointing to the Gulf as he spoke.

Related coverage

Red tide resources

Manatee County works to clean impacts from red tide

Governor declares state of emergency due to red tide

Manatee County EMS ambulance

Changes possible for Manatee County EMS

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

MANATEE COUNTY – Rumors of a pilot program launching in October to reduce the number of ambulances available to Manatee County residents during overnight hours is a long way from correct, according to Public Safety Director Robert Smith.

Smith said the issue has arisen out of budget discussions, however, the reason that ambulances may be reduced isn’t due to budgetary concerns but worries over the health of emergency medical services personnel.

Currently, EMS workers rotate through a schedule of 24 hours on and 48 hours off the clock. The reasonable expectation, Smith said, is that workers will have some downtime to sleep or rest during the 24-hour work period. With increases in call volume, he said workers at some high volume stations are working for 24 hours straight and with mandatory overtime requirements, some workers are going 48 hours without sleep and yet are still expected to provide medical care to Manatee County residents and visitors. All of the wear and tear on employees is leading to the public safety department seeking creative ways to reduce the stress on workers without adversely affecting the quality of care to residents and visitors.

One of the options under consideration is to reduce the number of ambulance units on the road during some overnight hours. During the day, Manatee County has a maximum of 19 ambulances on the road at any given time. At night, that number drops to a maximum of 18. Smith said while some ambulances run 10 to 15 calls or more at night, other units only run two or three. He said department leaders are looking at the number of calls each unit runs at night to determine if call volumes are low enough to take two to four ambulances offline for a few hours and shift the remaining units around the county to cover those areas. Smith said the project is just in the beginning stages and there’s a lot more data to look at before any decision is made, however, he said he’d be surprised if four ambulances could be taken offline at once.

In the event that an ambulance is removed from the area serviced by West Manatee Fire Rescue, Commissioner Randy Cooper said residents and visitors would be well covered by non-transport advanced life support services from EMS-trained firefighters. Chief Tom Sousa said that because of the county discussions, the district’s Cortez Road Station 2 will most likely be the second of the district’s stations to come online with non-transport ALS (advanced life support) service, hopefully as soon as October. The service is now offered at WMFR’s Holmes Beach station.

Another option Smith said the county is looking at is to remove EMS workers from 24-hour shifts, placing them on 12-hour shifts instead. In the proposed fiscal year 2018-19 county budget, that conversion is estimated at $636,234 and is listed as unfunded.

Before any decisions are made, Smith said, “We still have a lot of homework to do and a lot of data to crunch.” He said the process is just beginning, though when it’s nearer completion and a recommendation emerges, a presentation will be made to county commissioners for consideration.

Beach raker Tide Raker Read

Beach raker to the rescue

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County equipment operator Mark Taylor has played a crucial role in the red tide cleanup efforts taking place on the Island’s Gulfside beaches.

Using a tractor to pull a piece of equipment known as a Barber beach rake, Taylor’s recently been working seven days a week, up to 12 hours a day, removing dead fish and other marine life from the beaches.

Taylor has worked for the county for 18 years. His beach raking duties are usually limited to the public beaches, but those county-funded efforts were recently expanded to include the entire Gulfside shoreline after dead fish killed by red tide began washing ashore in early August.

“I’m typically the only beach rake operating. I have got a backup rig and we’ve got an operator in Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach (in Bradenton Beach) that’s been working down there,” Taylor said after his workday ended on Friday.

Pulled behind a tractor, the beach raker gathers up dead fish and seagrass and drops it into a hopper that’s later emptied into a dumpster or the front-end loader recently put into service.

“Basically, I’ve been taking care of Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. It’s a lot of beach to cover and sometimes you have to make multiple passes because the fish are too thick to make a single line. If they’re spread out you’ve got to make two or three or four passes to get them all. When you’ve got this many fish it’s more like damage control. Instead of trying to get the last one up and make it perfect, you’re trying to get 85-90 percent of them off the beach because it’s coming back with the next tide,” Taylor explained.

He said the heaviest concentration of dead fish has typically been between Longboat Pass in Bradenton Beach and the Martinique condominiums in Holmes Beach.

Taylor works in an enclosed cab, and he’s been wearing a facemask and a scarf over his face, but he still feels the burn of the red tide-tainted air.

“It burns my eyes through the day. When you’re out there 12 hours a day breathing that stuff it’s hard on you,” he said.

Taylor was asked if he’s seen red tide this bad before.

“I have. I’ve been here all my life,” the 68-year-old Cortez native and former commercial fisherman said.

Beach Raker Taylor
County employee Mark Taylor has been working seven days a week cleaning up the Island beaches impacted by red tide. – Mark Taylor | Submitted

As for what he’s seeing on the beaches, Taylor said, “We’ve gotten a turtle or two, some tarpon, a tremendous amount of snook, a few grouper and a few jewfish. Most of the volume is grunts, pinfish, catfish, horseshoe crabs and eels – the most eels I’ve ever seen.”

Taylor said he saw less dead fish on Saturday, but the air felt more toxic. He said he saw beached redfish for the first time and also a good-sized dead turtle.

Taylor said the dead fish were light on Sunday as he worked his way from Manatee Public Beach to Bean Point and back.

“Everything looks much better today,” he said that day.

Taylor said conditions were a little better overall Monday morning, but heavier in some places.

“Seems to be worse on the south end of the Island, back to the pass. Lots of horseshoe crabs today,” he said via text, noting that he hadn’t yet headed north.

Taylor said the beach cleanup continues to be a group effort.

“I’m just one of many out here. There are a lot of people in various departments working on this,” he said.

Efforts praised

County Commissioner and Holmes Beach resident Carol Whitmore shared her praise for Taylor and others.

“Mark has led the efforts to clean our beach parks. We can’t thank Mark and the county staff enough for working very long hours to keep up with the red tide fish kill. Carmine DeMilio (Parks Operation Manager) has stepped up and let Mark do what he does best,” Whitmore said.

Anna Maria Public Works Manager Dean Jones also praised Taylor.

“Mark has been working 12-13-hour days on the beaches. His family is one of the original families that settled Cortez. His roots run deep in this community, and he is one of the many stewards of the local environment. He is one of the nicest and kindest guys you will ever meet, and I am proud to know him,” Jones said.

Montana Modderman musician

Local singer sets sights on Nashville

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Local musician Montana Modderman’s first single, “Didn’t Mean To,” is out now and the 21-year-old is ready to take her singer/songwriter style of country music all the way to Nashville.

“I’m super proud of it,” she said of the single, which she describes as “an unexpected love song.”

The song is a delicate, almost melancholy piece with soaring refrains chronicling a story of how love is sometimes found in unexpected places, and featuring Modderman on both vocals and guitar.

With her single now available for purchase on iTunes and to stream on Spotify, Modderman has set her sights on a bigger goal – moving to Nashville and recording an entire album. Once in Nashville, she hopes to collaborate with other artists and hopefully land a record deal to help make her dreams of becoming a country music star a reality.

“I’m so excited to be up there, to be in Music City,” she said. “It’s a big move.”

Modderman said she’s always known that she wants to be a singer. She’s been playing guitar since she was 13 and songwriting since the age of 7. Born in Grand Rapids, her family moved to Bradenton Beach when she was in elementary school. Though she’s now settled in Bradenton, Island residents may know her from her work at local sweet spot Cupcake Delights. Modderman also had small parts in the films “Click Clack Jack” and “Growing Conscience” in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

When she’s not working on her music, Modderman said she loves to come to the Island’s beaches, spend time with her family and friends, work on her writing and travel the globe. After her senior year of high school, she said the opportunity arose for her to travel to Paris for three weeks which she described as a “wonderful experience” that encouraged her to want to travel abroad more. Right now though, her focus is on promoting her music and making the move to Tennessee.

“Even if I move, the Island will always have a special place in my heart,” she said.

Fans can follow Modderman and her music on social media.

Center adult soccer gardner

Brazil and Belgium undefeated: Island soccer’s unbeatable

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

It’s four weeks into the adult soccer season, and two teams are atop the leader’s board with three wins and no losses. Josh Sato’s Team Belgium, sponsored by Sato Real Estate, and Ryan Moss’ Team Brazil, sponsored by Moss Builders, so far this summer season cannot be beaten.

The two teams not only have 3-0 records, but the scores of their victories show they are easily the most dominant teams so far.

After seasons of struggling to put together a strong roster on the pitch, Moss may have a championship team. Sato always has shown his mastery in the draft room by picking teams that not only look good on paper, but that also perform on the field.

Team Brazil faced Team Sweden, sponsored by Bins Be Clean. Team captain Nate Welch was sidelined with a back injury and could not take the field for Bins Be Clean.

The squad representing World Cup quarterfinalist Sweden also played without key players Ricky Anderson who went in the second round of the draft and league newbie Brayan Felipe.

With no players on the bench in the heat of the 6:30 p.m. game, Bins Be Clean just could not hold its own on the Island’s pitch against a speedy and organized Moss Builders.

The stats sheets for Team Brazil clearly show the diversity of the squad. With all but one player scoring goals, Moss’ team may just be the team to beat on the way to the championship.

Team Belgium will not let Brazil maintain the top position without a fight. Sato is no stranger to the top of the heap. With a strong goalie, two former college level female soccer players and undeniable strength on the field by the remaining teammates, Sato Real Estate is likely to be one of the top teams at the end of the regular season.

At the mid-point in the season in a league in which all of the squads made the first round of the playoffs, it is still anyone’s championship. Injuries, game suspensions due to misconduct on the field, the heat of the summer games, and absences because of vacations can make the difference for any of the seven teams.

Only time will tell.

Manatee County seal

County praised for cleanup, but…

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – City officials on Anna Maria Island are praising Manatee County’s response to the red tide crisis, particularly in terms of cleaning up the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico shorelines.

County crews and others, including some volunteers, have been working seven days a week to keep the Island beaches as free of dead fish and marine life as possible.

Regarding the county response, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said Monday morning, “They really rose to the occasion and are doing a great job. I have been impressed not only with their promptness but their thoroughness and care as well. Our city owes them a debt of gratitude for ponying up when we needed them badly. Commissioner Carol Whitmore continues to play a pivotal part in coordinating the county efforts.”

On Sunday, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said, “I was out there this morning, and they were working like crazy. They’re doing a great job cleaning our beaches, and I can’t give them enough praise for what they’re doing.”

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said, “The county’s doing a wonderful job, working very diligently to pick up all the fish that have died and come ashore. Waste Pro is working hand-in-hand with the city, the county, code enforcement and public works to make sure that all the dumpsters are emptied as quickly as possible so there is no lingering smell. It’s been a team effort. Everybody’s pulled their weight and done a great job, and it’s much appreciated.”

County update

On Monday morning, Whitmore forwarded to the three Island mayors a 7:45 a.m. red tide update distributed by Parks Operation Manager Carmine DeMilio and Executive Assistant Marianne Lopata.

“Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach have light amounts of fish. Cortez Beach north to Bean Point has light amounts of fish. We are running one beach rake from Bean Point southward. We are running one beach rake from the Coquina Pass northward,” the update said.

“Bayfront Park is being cleaned by staff. Coquina North Boat Ramp is very light with fish and will be okay shortly. Coquina South Boat Ramp is very light with fish and will be okay shortly. Coquina Bayside is very light with fish and will be okay shortly. Air quality is okay but some minor irritation and coughing. Smell is okay in the county-maintained areas,” the update said.

County contributions

Elliott Falcione serves as executive director of the county-funded Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) that works in unison with the county’s Tourist Development Council (TDC).

“With the recommendation of the TDC, the Board of County Commissioners made the decision to use tourist dollars for this kind of situation,” Falcione said Monday morning.

A significant portion of the county’s resort tax revenues are generated on Anna Maria Island. Falcione encourages vacation rental companies and owners to work with impacted customers in a cooperative manner that encourages the repeat business that’s a staple of the county’s tourism industry.

He said the CVB is monitoring the red tide impacts on a daily basis and providing red tide information to the public at the county tourism website.

“The best thing we can do for our customers is to be totally honest with them. If there’s red tide, we’ll share that. If it’s modest, we’ll share that. If it’s bad, we’ll share that. And if it’s gone, we’ll share that. You have to share the news good and bad, and we urge people to share the good news when it comes,” Falcione said.

Whitmore, who serves as the TDC chair, said the red tide cleanup occurring at Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach, Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach and Bayfront Park in Anna Maria is being funded using state-restricted, county-controlled, TDC-recommended resort tax funds. She said the additional shoreline cleanup is being paid for using the county’s general fund.

Related coverage

Executive order issued for red tide

Cortez fishermen assist with red tide cleanup

Red tide bloom can affect your health

Bradenton Beach stormwater outflow

Stormwater projects reevaluated

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

BRADENTON BEACH – When discussing pending stormwater projects for Avenue C and Avenue B, city commissioners decided they want Avenue C repaved as soon as possible.

Avenue C and the driveways that connect to it have been torn up since Westra Construction began work earlier this year on that section of Manatee County’s force main replacement project.

On Thursday, July 26, the commission unanimously decided to stick with the current plan for Westra to repave Avenue C when their work is done and partially restore the impacted city rights of way with 57 stone. The city will then come through and install vertical infiltration trenches that retain rainwater and filter out waterborne pollutants and sediments.

Commissioner Ralph Cole emphasized the need to get Avenue C restored as soon as possible to end the months of disruption Avenue C residents and property owners have endured as the force main project drags on due to unforeseen delays.

Bradenton Beach stormwater Ave C
City commissioners want Avenue C repaved and restored as soon as possible. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The commission also wants to restore, at the city’s expense, the driveway connections impacted by the county project.

After Avenue C is paved, the city will come through and install vertical infiltration trenches in the partially restored rights of way along both sides of the road. Similar to past projects, the Avenue C trenches will utilize the 57 stone as a filtration component, but unlike past projects, the 57 stone will not be the surface material. Instead, the trenches will be topped with honeycombed plastic permeable grid pavers that can be filled with sod, grass or smaller 89 stone – all of which allow rainwater to drain down into the trenches.

Designed by City Engineer Lynn Burnett, the existing drainage trenches found throughout the city are meant to be driven on and parked on, but in some heavily-used areas the lime rock 57 stone gets crushed and/or compressed. This lessens its drainage capabilities and produces a fine white dust that gets tracked onto streets and into homes and businesses.

The lime rock 57 stone has been the subject of past discussions and during last week’s meeting, Mayor John Chappie said, “No one is happy with what was approved four years ago.”

As he did at the previous stormwater meeting, Chappie said the commission is reviewing, reevaluating and rethinking the city’s one-size-fits-all approach to stormwater and drainage projects.

The commission discussed asking the county to consider not paving Avenue C and instead give the city $71,000 to put toward a road surfaced with porous concrete or pervious pavers, with the drainage elements placed under the street instead of alongside it. Chappie said this might be more aesthetically pleasing but was also the “Cadillac” option in terms of price.

The honeycomb grid has been used on a small scale at the entrance to the public parking lot on First Street North and the rear entrance to the post office.

Additional suggestions

For future projects, Cole suggested installing drainage gutters down the center of streets designed to slope inward rather than outward toward the edges of the road.

The commission also expressed interest in reopening at least one outfall pipe that once drained into the bay but was capped off or became blocked by debris, oysters and sediments.

The commission and Burnett discussed reopening the 12-inch outfall pipe at the end of Bridge Street and equipping it with a one-way WaStop check valve to prevent rising tides from flowing backward into it during high tide.

Burnett said the pipe extends into the bay and is buried under the bay bottom and any work done on state-owned submerged lands would require state permits. Burnett said it might be possible to shorten and elevate the 12-inch pipe, but that would require additional research.

FEMA grants

The commission authorized Burnett to apply for two FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program grants.

The FEMA funds are being managed by the Manatee County Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group that has already pre-approved Bradenton Beach’s funding requests.

The grant program reimburses the applicant for 75 percent of the cost of an approved flood mitigation project. The city expects to receive $337,500 for a $450,000 stormwater and drainage improvement project along Church and Highland Avenues.

The commission also authorized Burnett to apply for and expects to be reimbursed for $390,000 of a $520,000 project to harden and floodproof city hall.

Reel Time: Beat the summer heat

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

Late summer is always a challenging time for local anglers. The bizarre conditions of the last two weeks have complicated things with oppressive heat and strong westerly winds. This morning the weather broke, and a new wave of optimism has me wanting to get back out and explore. Over the years I’ve learned some techniques for optimizing time on the water and increasing the odds of catching fish when the heat is on.

Get out early

The early morning hours provide two opportunities. First, the fish haven’t been pressured by fishermen or run over by boats for hours. In addition, the water is cooler, and it’s a time when fish feed more aggressively. I particularly like fishing topwater in the morning when fish feed in shallow water. Fish can be spooky in the early hours, especially when you have calm conditions with little or no wind. Work topwater plugs slowly and try flies like sliders instead of noisy poppers. Keep an eye out for any movement or wakes on the surface. The wind can be light or non-existent early providing a clue to where fish might be cruising and feeding. While avoiding excess noise is always a good idea, it’s critical when fishing in the early morning hours, particularly in shallow water.

Reel Time beat the heat
Here’s proof that a great catch can be made even in the late summer Florida heat. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

SHHHHH!

Whether you’re early or late, be as quiet as possible. Shoes shuffled on the deck, cooler lids slammed, push poles carelessly bumped into engines or the side of the boat and anchor chains will spook fish, alerting them to your presence. If you’re wading, move slowly, avoid pushing a wake and splashing through the water. If you’re fly fishing don’t rip the line off the water. Make casts with long leaders and flies that land softly.

Get edgy

As the sun gets higher towards mid-morning, target the edges of grass flats, oyster bars and other structures. These transitions from shallow to deeper water are natural feeding lanes for fish that hunt prey pinned to the edges by the tide and the water depth. If possible have your lure or fly move naturally into the tide. Try making a cast into the shallow water, working it over the edge and from the deeper water to the shallow edge. If you see fish feeding try to make a “measured” cast that will come up a bit short of the action. Then make a presentation to the edge of the action avoiding a cast that will “line” feeding fish and spook them.

Be a night owl

Night time is a much more comfortable time of the day for anglers and the fish they pursue. Lighted docks and the lighted bridge fenders in passes attract baitfish, crustaceans and the gamefish that feed on them. When fishing the lights it’s critical to approach them slowly and quietly. Make a note of the tide and the direction of the wind before anchoring to make sure you’ll end up in casting range but not too close to the action. Make casts short and long of the lights themselves and work your way into the margins before casting in the light. Avoid big, heavy and bulky flies and lures and try to “match the hatch,” usually baitfish and small shrimp.

Go low and slow to beat the heat

Deeper water stays cooler than the surface that’s exposed to the sun’s rays. As the day heats up try moving from the flats into deeper water. Look for moving water and fish your offerings low and slow. Use a jig and allow it to hit bottom before starting a slow retrieve. Try heavy flies like a Clouser fished on intermediate and sink tip lines. These sinking fly lines help keep your fly near the bottom. Strip slowly remembering that a strip raises the fly off the bottom.

While the late summer definitely poses some challenges to anglers it also provides some unique opportunities. By employing a few strategies to beat the heat you can open up some excellent fishing opportunities.

More Reel Time

Trade show features fishing gear

Protecting and preserving the Gulf

Sarasota Bay Watch restoring clams

Island loses residents

Island loses two more residents

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

ANNA MARIA – David Youngs and Nate Solomon are the latest permanent residents to leave Anna Maria Island.

Last week, the married couple closed on their new home in The Villages in Central Florida. Tuesday, July 24, was their last day as Anna Maria residents. On Friday, they celebrated their new adventure with friends at D Coy Ducks in Holmes Beach.

“It’s really good to see everybody, and we appreciate it. We love the Island, and we’ll be back. We’ve already rented a place for next summer. We’re not leaving forever, and we’re only two hours away,” Youngs said.

“I feel loved, and I tend to think of it not as goodbye, but just until the next time,” Solomon said.

Anna Maria resident Jeff Hummel will miss his friends.

“Two great guys. They’re fun to be around, and they’re my best friends on the Island. They would do anything for you. They’re going to be missed, but they’re going to enjoy where they’re going, and we’re all going to go visit them,” Hummel said.

“I’ve known them since I moved here about five years ago, and they were some of the first people I met. We’ve always had a great time together,” said Anna Maria resident Charlie Trygg.

“We’re gonna miss them, and they’re welcome back anytime,” Paul Quinn said.

“These guys are the best. I’m really going to miss them,” said Holmes Beach resident Anita Dotterweich.

A new Village

“The Island is expensive and has become a tourist destination instead of a community. It’s a fun place to visit, but not to live,” Youngs said when speaking by phone from their new home last week before returning to the Island.

“We found a place that we like for a lot of the same reasons we like the Island: People are friendly, it’s pretty in a different way and there’s a lot to do.”

Youngs said their home on Willow Avenue was only on the market for two days.

“The Harllees, our neighbors down the street, bought it. This allows us to take a step toward being able to retire eventually because The Villages are more reasonably priced, and now we can float into retirement when we want with no debt,” Youngs said.

Youngs and Solomon own and operate DYNS Services, an information technology company they’ll continue operating from their new location while working toward retirement.

“We’re going to miss our friends. Darcie Duncan’s a great friend. Jeff Hummel is a great friend. Jana Samuels, our neighbor, saved my life when I almost drowned off Egmont Key. We’ve got a lot of friends, and we’ve had people in tears. I didn’t expect that,” Youngs said.

Solomon said he’d miss “the people, the views of the Gulf and the drinking.”

When asked what they’ll miss the least, they both said, “Tourists,” noting the proliferation of vacation rental homes factored heavily in their decision to move.

“We had one right next door. It was tiresome having different visitors every week,” Solomon said.

Youngs agreed and said vacation rentals are more restricted in The Villages, but still present.

“It’s hard to control. It’s an issue there like it is everywhere in Florida,” he said.

“They primarily have issues with rentals in the villas that are more compacted together than where we will be living,” Solomon said.

Gay community

Youngs and Solomon have been a couple since 1992 and they married in 2015.

“Ken Jackson from Green Real Estate married us on the beach at Willow Avenue,” Youngs said, noting he’s aware of only one other married gay couple in Anna Maria.

“We are loved and accepted. Never did we feel discriminated against, and we very much felt a part of the community,” Youngs said.

“I never felt any discrimination or attitude toward us,” Solomon said.

“The Villages has quite a large and active gay community. There’s a Friday morning coffee group and several other events. There’s none of that on the Island or in Manatee County,” Youngs said.

Planning and Zoning

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy recently told city commissioners Youngs was resigning from the Planning and Zoning Board.

“I want to thank David for his contributions to the city over the two and half years that he served,” Murphy said.

Youngs said he learned much about the city while serving as a board member.

“We spent two years reviewing the comprehensive plan, and I learned how important it is in being able to preserve the Island. The comp plan gives you a way to freeze in place a lot of the general oversight, including height restrictions,” Youngs said.

“I learned that with such a small voter base, it’s important to vote and be involved in local issues,” Solomon added.

Youngs said the family that founded The Villages 30 years ago still maintains a great deal of control, so there aren’t a lot of internal politics in those communities. But with a fast-growing population of more than 100,000 residents, The Villages constitutes a significant voting block that prompts frequent campaign stops from local, state and national politicians.

“We’re going to be involved in that,” Youngs said. “The Villages are going through a transition, and it’s not as Republican as it used to be. I looked at the voter rolls, and almost half are either Democratic or Independent.”

Merman Storm returns

Merman makes return visit

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

BRADENTON BEACH – The mythical merman has returned to Bradenton Beach.

Last year, the mysterious male mermaid was photographed near the BeachHouse restaurant, and his picture ran in The Sun, but it was not known who he was or where he came from.

On Friday, July 20, the merman contacted The Sun and shared his tale. Merman Storm, aka Bart Hibbs, is an aeronautical engineer from California who vacations in Bradenton Beach with his non-mermaid wife.

“I swam all the way here. If you hide under the ships, they can’t see you when you swim through the Panama Canal,” he joked.

Hibbs enjoys Florida’s thunderstorms and sunsets.

“That’s why Storm is my merman name,” he said.

His appearances here are often at sunset, when he hopes to see the optical phenomenon known as the green flash.

“I’ve been doing this for about three years now. I got into it when I saw a Mertailor video on TV,” Hibbs said.

Mertailor is the Crystal River-based company that makes tails for adults and kids. The list of clients at TheMertailor.com includes Lady Gaga, Disney and the world-famous mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Hibbs recently bought a new silicone tail from Mertailor for $1,200. He said more expensive tails start at $3,000 and go as high as $10,000 to $20,000.

Becoming merman

“I graduated from Caltech, and I’m interested in flow dynamics. The company I work for, AeroVironment, was founded by Paul MacCready, the father of human-powered flight. I used to talk to him about human-powered things that move through the air and water. I also like to build things like models and pedal-powered boats, and I’m interested in fantasy and science fiction, so those four things converged on me being a merman,” Hibbs explained.

Hibbs was asked about the reactions he gets as a merman.

“A lot of people just ignore the whole thing, they don’t know what to do with it. A lot of kids ask me if I’m a real merman. I say of course I am. Adults normally want to know if they can take a picture of me and where I got the tail.”

His wife has never donned a mermaid’s tail.

“She’s afraid she’ll drown,” Hibbs said.

“I’m not all that great of a swimmer to tell the truth, but it turns out the monofin built into the tails is really powerful when you’re out there swimming around. The silicone tail you’ll see today has a monofin designed mainly for looks. I have a feeling it doesn’t have much propulsion, which is why I’m not going into the choppy water for my first swim in it,” Hibbs said.

In California, Storm sometimes swims at Harbor Cove Beach in Ventura.

“It’s behind the breakwaters and the waves are minor. Then there’s the local community pool. A few days before coming here we had a gathering called ‘Tails and Scales’ at a pool in Southern California – and by the way, many community pools don’t allow tail swimming,” Hibbs said.

“I do it because I enjoy it. If anyone wants to know why a straight, married man would put on a tail and go swimming, the answer is the majority of people who do it are women,” Hibbs said of a hobby that results in time spent with mermaids.

“However, we do have a problem with a group of people known as ‘merverts.’ As soon as you put on one of these tails, some people think you are public property. The only time I’ve been subjected to sexual harassment was when I was wearing the tail. It’s not fun and it really makes you understand what women have to put up with.”

On the beach

Merman Storm was on the beach at the end of Bridge Street Friday evening. Using coconut oil for lubrication, it took him about 10 minutes to squeeze into the tight silicone tail that includes internal ankle straps. Another challenge is covering the short distance between the dry sand and the water.

“You can’t walk, but one way to get there is crab walking: you lift yourself up, support your weight on your heels and arms and move your butt forward as you inch your way to the water,” Hibbs said.

Hibbs received some curious looks when putting on his tail, but once he transformed into Mermaid Storm several women approached him and took his picture – and Staci Santiago, from Kentucky, jokingly straddled him as he laid in the surf.

Merman Storm will swim home on Thursday, July 26, and you can follow his travels on Facebook.