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Tag: Anna Maria Island

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.

Anna Maria pier demo pile

Pier demolition ahead of schedule

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

ANNA MARIA – A visit to the Anna Maria City Pier late Friday afternoon indicated the demolition process is proceeding at a rapid pace and is ahead of schedule.

Only a short section of pier remained, and when contacted that day, Mayor Dan Murphy said he anticipated the pier demolition to be completed this week – well ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline specified in the contract with Speeler & Associates.

“The pier demolition should be done by Tuesday barring any unplanned events. I’m pleased with the progress,” Murphy said.

Anna Maria pier demo remaining walkway
Only a short section of the main pier walkway remained by the end of Speeler & Associates’ second week of demolition work. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Speeler & Associates began its demolition work on Monday, July 9 and two days later demolished the T-end buildings and began removing the decking. The demolition team has now removed most of the remaining pier walkway and pulled most of the wooden pilings.

As part of the demolition project, the remaining unclaimed engraved pier planks were removed by a crew from Agnelli Pools & Construction. The unclaimed engraved planks will be used later to build memorial walls across the street at City Pier Park and outside the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum on Pine Avenue.

The City Commission’s next order of pier-related business will be to accept or reject the two bids recently received for the construction of a new pier. Speeler & Associates bid $3.72 million to build a new pier and Tampa-based ICON bid $4.13 million.

Murphy will present the commission with the bid rankings and the commission will decide if the mayor is to begin negotiating potential contract terms with the highest-ranked firm. If the commission rejects both bids, a new request for proposals would be issued. The construction bids will be discussed at the commission’s  Thursday, July 26 meeting, which begins at 6 p.m.

Pier planks retrieved

According to Murphy, more than 145 engraved planks had been picked up at city hall as of Friday, July 20. The deadline to retrieve a pre-claimed engraved plank is Tuesday, July 31.

“We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from individuals who are very happy and very pleased to be able to get these planks,” Deputy City Clerk Debbie Haynes said during the July 12 commission meeting. Holmes Beach resident and local charter fishing captain Scott Moore recently retrieved the engraved pier plank bearing his name. He said his family members wanted him to keep it.

“I thought it was very graceful of the city of Anna Maria to go out of the way to make sure the residents and others got their planks. I’d like to thank the city and it will be great to see the new pier rise again when it’s built,” Moore said.

“I’ve traveled all over the United States and when I tell people I live on Anna Maria Island they immediately say that it’s a beautiful island with a beautiful pier at the end of it. I grew up fishing on the Rod & Reel Pier and the City Pier as a kid and I was very fortunate to have those experiences as part of my childhood,” Moore said.

Related coverage

Pier banner vandalism suspect arrested

Pier demolition begins

Pier demolition clarified

Commissioners respond to pier criticism

Center adult soccer league summer

The spirit of the World Cup on the Island

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

On the heels of the excitement of World Cup action, the Island soccer community came together Thursday night to start another season. Representing the countries that made their way to the semi-final round of the sport’s big show, more than 50 adults took to the pitch for a summer season of fun on the field.

Seven teams make up the league for the last-minute added soccer season, as summer adult flag football did not come to fruition for the first time in the league’s history. This shift in interest came at the perfect time, allowing Team Brazil, sponsored by Moss Builders, and Team Croatia, sponsored by Progressive Cabinetry, to set the tone for the night in the first game of the season.

With the co-ed rule of one female player on the field lifted, Erin Felipe represented for the limited girl power this season. Felipe plays on Team Croatia with Damir Glavan, who proudly represents his home country that made it to the finals of the World Cup.

Utilizing other portions of the field at The Center, the slightly wider but shorter field allowed more open play with five and a goalie for each team manning the field.

Progressive Cabinetry’s Ryan Hogan hit the first of his three goals early in the game with the assist by Hakan Toka. Third round pick Toka proved to be a player to watch with his performance week one.

In the fourth minute of play, last season’s sleeper Chris Scott showed why he has to be picked in the first round in the last two drafts with a solid shot after making the moves against Croatia team captain Kris Yavalar.

Aaron Parkin returned to Island soccer this season with a goal of his own less than three minutes later to put Moss Builders up by a goal in what looked to be a close game.

Hogan struck back quick to tie the game against goalkeeper Olaf Krause. Krause guarded the house until the 12th minute of play. Team captain Ryan Moss put on the goalie jersey just in time to stop a ground shot by Glavan.

Moss could not stop the Yavalar-Hogan combination moves, as Hogan solidly placed the ball in the net for a hat trick giving Progressive Cabinetry’s Team Croatia the lead once again.

As the scoreboard showed the score at 3-2, Moss made a beautiful throw to Parkin, taking advantage of the shorter field. Parkin found Ed Moss in perfect position near the Croatia goal. E. Moss’ shot went wide right.

The scoreboard clock showed a little more than two minutes left in the first half of the game when Brazil’s Scott took a shot that was finished by Raymond Gardner, tying the game at 3-3.

Toka scored his second goal of the game to put Progressive Cabinetry up again to finish the first half of play.

Less than two minutes into the next half, Parkin and Scott made easy work of the field taking the score to 4-4.

Nearing the 30th minute of play, E. Moss scored his last goal before his 60th birthday on a play made possible by the long pass of now-goalkeeper Gardner, giving Moss Builders’ Team Brazil the lead.

Yuri Pereira and Krause score goals of their own, putting the Moss team up by three goals.

In the 40th minute of the game, R. Moss found himself in the goal in a one-on-one situation against Toka. Toka’s strike could not be defended, giving Team Croatia a glimmer of hope with plenty of time on the game clock.

Toka narrowed the gap to a one-point lead with another on-target shot before Parkin and Gardner tag teamed goalie Will Case, putting the shot through his legs.

Unselfish play by Parkin gave the soccer ball to Pereira who found Scott open for yet another point on the board.

As the clock ticked down, with four seconds left in regulation play, Scott sealed the deal with a goal ending the game with the score 7-10 and giving Moss Builders’ Team Brazil the first win of the summer season.

Valuing civility

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Editorial, Opinion.

Election season is upon us, and already the gloves are coming off between candidates and between some candidates and the public. The first ballot is months away from being cast, but the first punches have certainly been thrown.

In some races already votes of confidence are coming down to where candidates stand on certain issues. Out of consideration is whether or not the candidates, if elected, would have any influence over those issues. Neighbors are pitting themselves against neighbors, and the political divides are becoming painfully obvious.

Everyone should stand up for what they believe in. Everyone should help create the change they want to see in their community. The trick is to make a positive change in the community in a positive way, without resorting to backstabbing and dirty politics. At this point, all of the current candidates in all three cities are staying in the game for the long haul. It’s now up to everyone else to do their part. Get out there and do your homework before you vote. Research your community’s candidates, what they stand for, what their track records are and what their background is.

At the end of the day, campaign promises often are just ploys to encourage voters to come to a candidate’s side, unless that candidate has the intent and ability to follow through if elected. Part of responsible voting is knowing what you’re endorsing before you go to the polls. While it’s tempting to vote for your friends or vote for someone who makes grand promises, it may not be the best decision for your community and how you want it to be two years from now.

In the meantime, remember that we’re still a community. No matter who ends up in office in any of the three cities, we’re all living on the same seven-mile stretch of sand. Every candidate is a friend, neighbor or a welcoming face that you likely see every day. If elected, they will be less politicians and more public servants who receive precious little compensation for their time and effort.

As we gear up for the election, let’s not forget the real focus – our Island community. It’s still a long road to November. Let’s all try to stay friends and reject the incivility that seems to be spreading throughout this land.

Castles in the Sand

Property values, taxes always hot topics

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

Summer cocktail parties are one of the staples of the nice warm summer months, sometimes too warm. But whether you’re on the beach, on the boat or just hanging by the backyard pool, the conversation at some point will always turn to property values and taxes.

Last week, we talked about the May sales statistics for Manatee County, which continue to go up overall. This week, we have some new property value information from Manatee County, which was submitted to the Florida Department of Revenue.

Construction was up $1.1 billion in market value, which included 2,502 new single-family homes and 398 new condos. County-wide the taxable values increased from $33.3 billion to $36.1 billion, an 8.16 percent increase.

On Anna Maria Island, the city of Anna Maria had the biggest increase in taxable value between 2017 and 2018 by 10.32 percent. This was the largest increase compared to all other Manatee County municipalities. Bradenton Beach’s taxable value increased 9.3 percent and Holmes Beach’s taxable value increased 7.9 percent. Per Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker the fiscal year of 2018 saw a growth of 9.2 percent in the tax base. This means that he does not see the need to increase the property tax rates for the next fiscal year and presented this recommendation to county commissioners.

Last week, we also touched on the new tax overhaul as it related to home equity loans, but here’s a little more detail. Prior law allowed homeowners to deduct interest up to $100,000 of home equity debt to be used for any reason. Under the new tax provision, you will no longer be allowed to take the interest deduction on new or existing home equity loans unless they’re used for home improvements.

The term “home improvements” is broadly defined as anything that adds value to the home such as landscaping or remodeling but not repairs. This can be a definite maybe when calculating your ability to make these deductions and should be discussed with a tax expert.

A lot of homeowners who currently have outstanding home equity loans on their property will not be happy. Note that if you took a home equity loan out 5 years ago to help your daughter purchase a home and have been deducting the interest on this loan for 5 years, you will no longer be able to take this deduction for the 2018 tax year. However, keep in mind that since the standard deduction has increased to $12,000 for single people and $24,000 for married couples with a potential added benefit for filers 65 and older, the loss of the home equity deduction may not be as bad as you think.

In addition, as previously stated, homeowners from high taxed states are seriously on the move. Residents of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Maryland, and Oregon have the highest state and local tax rates in the country, which are now being capped under the provision of the new tax law.

States like Florida are seeing potential buyers from these and other high taxed states looking for property in the Sunshine State with the potential of establishing residency. I haven’t personally seen it yet, but I’m sure some creative real estate professional is marketing the property to out-of-state buyers, pointing out the tax benefits of relocating to Florida.

With property values going up, property taxes not increasing and no state tax, no wonder we’re seeing a huge influx of new residents. The only minor blip on the radar is the home equity tax deduction ruling. At least this summer the cocktail party chatter won’t get boring.

More Castles in the Sand

Where have all the houses gone?

Preparing your home for sale

Anna Maria Pier Vandalism

Pier banner vandalized

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

ANNA MARIA – The city pier restoration project banner was vandalized at some point over the weekend. Located near the foot of the pier that is currently being demolished, the banner featured a rendering that showed what the new pier will look like.

On Sunday morning, July 15, Public Works Manager Dean Jones sent Mayor Dan Murphy an email that said, “Someone slashed the pier picture banners. I am going in to look at video and do a police report. Going to leave the banners like that until I can get there, take photos and get the deputies involved.”

Anna Maria Pier vandal suspect
Police are looking for his man who was photographed near the pier banner that was vandalized. – Submitted | Sun

Later in the day, Jones shared photos taken from the surveillance camera near the pier. According to Murphy, no arrest had been made as of Sunday afternoon. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to call 866-634-8477.

Holmes Beach city budget

Holmes Beach leaders talk new fiscal year budget

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

HOLMES BEACH – After two public budget discussions, the city’s proposed 2018-19 budget will be going before commissioners for a public hearing and a vote after a few modifications are made.

City Treasurer Lori Hill proposed a $15,450,807 budget for the coming fiscal year, $2,027,153 over the adopted budget for the current year. The total budget includes $6,414,078 in assigned and unrestricted reserves.

Total operating expenses are budgeted at $2,326,244 with personnel services at $4,742,941 and capital outlay expenses at $1,818,544. The proposed budget also includes $149,000 for debt services, a cost that the city has not yet incurred. Those funds are estimated and set aside for potential future land acquisition purchases.

In the 2018-19 fiscal year, the proposed budget for the mayor and commission is expected to remain steady at $109,178. The general government budget is expected to increase from $1,152,497 in 2017-18 to $1,343,365 in 2018-19. The primary reasons for increases include increases in employee insurance payments, an increase of $50,000 in legal contingency and the addition of a sixth employee in the city clerk’s office to be shared with the city treasurer. The budget also includes $25,000 for donations to The Center of Anna Maria Island and other community organizations as approved by commissioners.

The Police Department’s proposed budget shows increases from $3,056,439 in 2017-18 to $3,324,163 in 2018-19. Primary increases in the budget are attributed to an increase in overtime payments, allowing for bulletproofing of the department’s lobby area where a dispatcher is posted around the clock and $101,000 for the installation of a five-camera license plate recognition system.

The proposed Code Enforcement Department budget is expected to increase by $81,718 to $211,896 for the coming fiscal year. The increase is due to the proposed addition of a third full-time code enforcement officer and a $26,045 increase in the city’s part of employee insurance payments. The budget also includes $31,000, a one-time fee for setting up Icompass host software for compliance issues.

Commissioner Judy Titsworth said she’s concerned that the vacation rental program is not paying for itself at a cost to rental owners of $150 per unit for a two-year period. Tokajer said increasing the cost at this point could reduce compliance by rental unit owners. Instead, he suggested adding and increasing violation costs to those who violate the vacation rental certificate program. He said an updated schedule of violations will be coming before commissioners for consideration at an upcoming meeting.

The Public Works Department proposed budget is expected to stay close to the approved $1,341,242 in 2017-18 at $1,342,757 in the 2018-19 fiscal year.

In the Building Department, Building Official Jim McGuinness presented an estimated $874,053 budget for the coming fiscal year versus the $773,154 approved in the current year. McGuinness said the increase is due primarily to a plan to add a sixth full-time employee and remodel the department’s lobby to make it more welcoming to the community. The new employee would be stationed in the lobby and able to issue most simple permits while the applicant waits, improving service to the community and speeding up the permitting process.

In addition to the already budgeted items, commissioners agreed to add $50,000 for dog park renovations and $15,000 to the budget for the services of City Planner Bill Brisson from carryover monies.

To make the budget work, Hill recommended a 2.25 millage rate. The millage rate is figured at the number of mills per $1,000 of taxable property value. The adjusted taxable value for all applicable Holmes Beach properties is $1,950,802,312, up from $1,826,165,695, the final gross taxable value in the 2017-18 fiscal year. Though the millage rate stays the same, because of the increase in property values, the city’s income from ad valorem tax is expected to increase from $4,108,873 in the 2017-18 fiscal year to $4,433,170 in the coming fiscal year. To keep the level of income at the same rate as the current fiscal year, commissioners would have to vote to set the millage rate at the rollback rate of 2.1062 mills. Though 2.25 mills is the recommendation, commissioners have not yet voted on the millage rate for the coming year.

Copies of the city’s draft budget are available to the public in the lobby at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Commissioners will vote to set the maximum millage rate for the 2018-19 fiscal year at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24 at City Hall.

Good times

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Editorial, Opinion.

Congratulations to The Anna Maria Island Privateers for staging another great Fourth of July parade, bringing together neighbors and visitors for a wonderful day and chance to celebrate our great country.

It was a fun, well-produced parade that attracted good-sized crowds of people lining the route from Coquina to the Anna Maria City Pier.

There were even groups of empty chairs placed out early along the road to stake out the shady spots, similar to the De Soto Grand Parade in Bradenton.

And it was nice to see everyone pulling together and recognizing we are all on the same team here, despite our differences.

Also deserving plenty of recognition was the city of Anna Maria for its Party in the Park. How many public festivals are there anymore where the food and drinks are free?

What a nice, pleasant gathering in City Pier Park, full of good company and small-town flavor.

As usual, the nighttime drew the fireworks crowd to the beaches and, fortunately, there were no reported injuries from all the pyrotechnics. And there were lots of pyrotechnics.

All in all, a grand old holiday worth savoring and remembering.

Center of Anna Maria Island

Island cities ok Center funding

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

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have agreed to make an $18,500 contribution to The Center of Anna Maria Island.

To be taken from the city’s current fiscal year budget, the money will help support the nonprofit’s youth programs, including summer camp and after-school activities.

Executive Director Chris Culhane presented the budget request to commissioners on Thursday, June 28, after he and board chair David Zaccagnino were told on June 14 their request needed to include more specific details.

Each year the Anna Maria commission budgets taxpayer money to help support the Center, but this year’s contribution was withheld until concerns about the nonprofit’s financial stability and the organization’s willingness to share financial and operational records were addressed.

During last week’s meeting, Commissioner Brian Seymour made an initial motion to give the nonprofit $32,000, but his motion died for the lack of a second. The commission then voted 4-1 in favor of the requested $18,500 contribution, with Seymour voting opposition.

After the meeting, Seymour said, “While $18,500 is a generous donation, it doesn’t amount to anywhere close to what I feel the city should be contributing to the Center on an annual basis to support our youth. Our $18,500 is less than one-half of 1 percent of our annual budget and less than 1.5 percent of the Center’s current budget. I will keep pleading the case for more support in future years, and I hope the other commissioners can get on board.”

The Bradenton Beach Commission recently authorized a $5,000 contribution from its current fiscal year budget to assist with the Senior Adventures program that provides weekly adventures for senior citizens departing from the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach.

The Holmes Beach Commission recently approved a $22,500 contribution to the Center from the city’s current fiscal year budget.

Related coverage

Center board makes plans for the future

Commissioners vote to financially support Center

Center finances hold steady in March