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Tag: Anna Maria Island

Bradenton Anna Maria Island Longboat Key

New tourism marketing campaign in the works

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

BRADENTON – A new marketing campaign aims at attracting potential visitors to Anna Maria Island and Manatee County with the cure for what ails them.

The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is working on the 2019-20 Cure Campaign with an eye to what visitors want, marketing spokesman John Fisher told the Manatee County Tourist Development Council on Monday morning.

Got fam-nesia? Come to the Bradenton Area and spend time with your family. Got pale-a-tosis? Get to the beach and get a tan.

These and several other ailments will require beach therapy, retail therapy, and other cures in a game format on the county’s tourism website, he said.

Participants will be able to select their symptoms and the game will generate a prescription for certain accommodations, restaurant dishes, and activities. Prospective visitors can share the prescription with friends on social media, which will enter them into a contest for a chance to win their prescription. The game also will generate a sick note for a visitor’s boss when they share some personal information.

“It’s all about engaging people to get interested in the destination while having fun,” Fisher said.

The time has come for a new style of marketing campaign, CVB Director Elliott Falcione said.

“We have to be bold and catch their eye,” he said. “Once we’ve got them, 94 percent of the time they will come back.”

Until now, the county has been using marketing campaigns based on slogans, such as the current “Craft Your Own Vacation,” and the previous “Our Little Secret,” “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “Pure Florida, Nothing Artificial” and “Real. Authentic. Florida.”

To better target visitors with new marketing efforts, the CVB has launched a partnership with Adara, a data-gathering business that works with airlines, hotels and vacation rental websites to identify people looking for information on travel and persuade them to book flights and accommodations while gathering information about them for future marketing efforts, the TDC learned. The company describes itself as an “anonymized, real-time search, purchase and loyalty data-gathering co-op.”

Tourism update

The first quarter of the year is the most active tourist season on Anna Maria Island and the rest of Manatee County, culminating in the height of the season in March.

In the first quarter of 2018, the number of visitors countywide was up 4.9 percent to 233,400. In March alone, visitation was up 7.3 percent over March 2017, according to Walter Klages, of Research Data Services, the county’s tourism consultant.

First quarter occupancy was down 1.4 percent from the first quarter of 2017 to 84.1 percent. In March alone, occupancy was down 1.9 percent.

Occupancy decreased because lodging units have increased, especially transient lodging establishments, Klages said, noting a “significant increase in inventory causing people to switch from older product to newer product.” Airbnb is the “gorilla in the room,” Falcione added.

The traditional end of the season – Easter – was early this year, on April 1, also significantly impacting visitation, Klages said.

Direct expenditures were up 9.1 percent to nearly $283 million in the first quarter.

Room rates were up 1.7 percent to $203 a night in the first quarter. In March alone, room rates were up 2.4 percent countywide, and 3.5 percent on Anna Maria Island.

The top five U.S. feeder markets to the county in the first quarter were New York, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Boston and Tampa/St. Petersburg.

April saw a significant gain in the European market, which grew by 22.7 percent from April 2017, Klages said, adding that nearly half of April visitors were couples.

A non-stop flight is expected soon from Dallas to Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport, Falcione said, predicting “a big impact” on the Latino market.

Sarasota Bay Watch restoring clams

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

Sarasota Bay Watch conducted its fourth large-scale planting of Southern hard-shell clams Saturday, June 16. Over 30,000 clams were transported from Pine Island Sound and loaded onto a barge provided by volunteer Larry Beggs of Reef Innovations. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner Mike Sole and his wife, Jeannie, attended the event to learn about the innovative approach that aims to replenish depleted local stocks while helping to clean the waters of Sarasota Bay.

Adult native clams were collected locally to obtain spawn for the restoration effort. Once plentiful in local waters, the clams proved difficult to locate. Sarasota Bay Watch has a partnership with a professional shellfish hatchery in Terra Ceia Bay on the southern shore of Tampa Bay. Bay Shellfish Company conditioned and spawned the native adult clams in late 2016.

On March 1, 2017, Sarasota Bay Watch purchased, at cost, 330,000 seed clams, each about the size of a little fingernail. A commercial clam farmer was hired to do the first round of what is called grow out in fine mesh bags anchored to the bay bottom. The clam farmer used seagrass beds on submerged land leased from the state of Florida in Charlotte Harbor. This clam farmer grew the seed clams for 70 days in fine mesh bags until they were transferred to larger mesh bags, dispersed on the bottom and overlaid with a protective cover net.

Reel Time clam restoration
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner Mike Sole pitches in to load clams on the deployment barge while talking to clam farming partner Dr. Aaron Welch. – John Ryan | Submitted

In May 2017, the seed clams were transferred to another clam farmer who maintains a lease in Pine Island Sound. There they grew for 12 months until they reached what is known as top neck size, approximately 2.5 inches or larger. The farmer, Carter Davis, is conducting a series of seven harvests over the summer, with a delivery of each harvest to Sarasota Bay Watch at his dock on Pine Island. Each harvest is about 3,000 pounds of clams totaling around 32,000 clams. The clams come out of the water at about 9 a.m., get transferred to a SBW rental truck at 10 a.m., and are driven to the Sarasota Sailing Squadron where they arrive at noon. Then they get transferred to a Reef Innovations work barge. Volunteers have them back in the water in Sarasota Bay by noon.

The whole program took Sarasota Bay Watch and scientific partner Mote Marine Laboratory approximately 18 months to complete and cost $20,000. Mote Marine Senior Scientist and Benthic Ecology Program Manager Jim Culter has created a series of experimental plots alongside SBW’s clam release areas to test a range of variables including hand planting of the clams versus dropping them on the bottom without planting, cover netting versus none, soft sand bottom versus hard packed sediment, and grassy versus sandy bottoms. From these experiments, the partners hope to learn how to make future restoration cycles more successful.

Sarasota Bay Watch Co-President Larry Stults hopes to scale up the operation in the future and may even grow more than they need, selling the excess in a profit-sharing arrangement with clam farmers. Ultimately, it is Sarasota Bay Watch’s hope that the program can become self-funding.

At the conclusion of Saturday’s restoration, a sustainable seafood lunch was held at the Mar Vista Dockside restaurant on Longboat Key. Attendees included FWC Commissioner Mike Sole and his wife, Jeannie; Dr. Aaron Welch, clam farmer and adjunct professor at the University of Miami; Dr. Bruce Barber, professor at Eckerd College and executive director of the Gulf Shellfish Institute; John Ryan, a SBW founder and Sarasota County natural resources expert; Dr. Larry Stults, co-president of Sarasota Bay Watch, board member of Gulf Shellfish Institute, Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida and START; Ed Chiles, Mar Vista owner and board member of Gulf Shellfish and START; and Courtland Hunt, SBW volunteer and videographer.

Chef Erik Walker prepared a delicious medley of local seafood including locally grown hard shell clams, mullet with an olive and white grape tapenade, frog legs and stuffed and fried squash blossoms. The meal was topped off with an organic blueberry cheesecake.

During the lunch, there was a wide-ranging discussion of restoration efforts, clam farming, sustainability and other conservation issues. WWSB Channel 40 in Sarasota aired coverage of the restoration before and after the event on the evening news.

Sarasota Bay Watch is planning three more clam plantings over the summer. To volunteer or donate to the cause, go to their website.

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Holmes Beach planning policy change

Changes proposed for flood prevention policy

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

HOLMES BEACH – Planning commissioners are hoping members of the public will step up to voice their opinions before a vote is taken to move policy changes forward that would help protect the city from rising water but also may increase the cost of homeownership.

City Planner Bill Brisson brought five recommended policy changes to planning commissioners for consideration. The move is in reaction to new requirements from the state to address sea level rise. City Engineer Lynn Burnett gave planning commissioners a presentation on sea level rise and the potential ramifications to Anna Maria Island, specifically Holmes Beach where large amounts of currently buildable land on the bay side of the city could be underwater by 2060 if no action is taken over the next several years.

If approved first by planning and city commissioners, the five policies will alter the intergovernmental coordination section of the comprehensive plan. The policies cover requiring the city to pursue funding sources for required work, develop city-wide processes and plans to implement, incorporate regional, state and national sea level rise adaptation recommendations into local plans, coordinate efforts with other governmental agencies and require the city to submit applications for any relevant funding sources.

During Burnett’s presentation, she recommended several strategies, including requiring homes to be raised, adding at least one-foot caps on sea walls, raising streets several inches over the course of the next two decades or more and installing stormwater mitigation systems on residential lots. She said the best Island residents in the future can hope for is to keep stormwater and tidal flooding at current levels with all currently buildable lots still above water in 2060. Though the five recommended policies don’t outline exactly what strategies will be implemented, planning commissioners worried that adopting the policy changes might open the door to city leaders now and in the future putting redevelopment requirements on residents that make homeownership cost prohibitive.

Brisson said the matter is being brought up now because Burnett has received a grant to do some of the preliminary work on the project which requires work to be done by October.

“It’s strictly a matter of funding,” Brisson said. While the state does require it, Brisson said punishment from the state wouldn’t be likely if the policies aren’t found consistent and adopted into the comprehensive plan.

Planning Commissioner Charles Stealey said he has reservations about agreeing with the policies because he feels that parts of Burnett’s plan are too ambitious and cost prohibitive for homeowners.

“I find half of this to be just fine. It protects us. I find half of it to be ridiculous,” he said. Stealey added that he finds some aspects of the plan to keep stormwater and seawater off the Island to be “costly and impractical.” He said he’d like to get a second set of scientific data to look at other than what was provided by Burnett before making a decision.

“I’ve only been given one choice and I don’t like it,” he said, adding that he views the potential consequences of adopting the policies and plans that may come along with them as “worse than water in the streets.”

Planning Commissioner Barbara Hines agreed with Burnett’s assessment of the threat rising tides and stormwater pose to the Island in the future, noting that when developing her recommendation for a mitigation plan, Burnett chose a “middle of the road” approach to lessen the impact to property owners.

“What she did was sound,” Hines said. “I’m happy to have someone qualified who’s on top of things.”

Alternate Planning Commissioner Tom Carlson said if the policies don’t get approved now, he worries the city will miss out on much-need funding opportunities.

Planning Commissioner Scott Boyd said sea level rising is just one of the many benefits versus risk elements property owners consider when moving to a barrier island.

“If your street is 6 feet above sea level and if you know the sea level is going to rise 15 feet in 120 years you’re going to be underwater,” he said.

“We are nothing but a sandbar,” Hines said. “It’s not going to take much for us to just disappear.”

Boyd said before planning commissioners make a recommendation to city leaders, he hopes community members will come to the group’s next meeting to provide input and guidance.

Planning commissioners next meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 11 at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Related Coverage

Protecting Holmes Beach from rising tides

Anna Maria July 4 park

Fourth of July festivities planned

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Featured.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Anna Maria Island Privateers will host their annual Fourth of July parade on Wednesday, July 4.

The parade will begin at Coquina Beach at 10 a.m. and travel north to the city of Anna Maria, passing through Holmes Beach along the way. Those who wish to participate in the parade must fill out a registration form at the Privateers’ website.

“It’s free; we just need everybody registered,” Privateer Tim “Hammer” Thompson said.

The city of Anna Maria will hold a Fourth of July celebration at City Pier Park from 12:30-2 p.m. that day. The event will include patriotic music and free hot dogs, chips and beverages.

The Fourth of July festivities in Anna Maria will resume later that night during the Sandbar restaurant’s 32nd annual beachfront fireworks display. The fireworks show is free, open to the public and weather dependent. Parking for the public beach areas near the Sandbar is limited and the free trolley is one way to avoid the parking hassle.

Located at 100 Spring Ave., the Sandbar’s Independence Day celebrations will include a party under the special events pavilion starting at 6 p.m. VIP packages are available and include prime beach seating for the fireworks show. For more information contact Molly at 941-778-8709.

West Coast Surf Shop fire

Community events planned to help local business

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

Updated June 13, 2018

When the iconic West Coast Surf Shop suffered damage from an electrical fire April 15, community members began searching for ways to help owners Jim and Ronee Brady recover and reopen the oldest surf shop on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Now two events are scheduled to help the community rally around two of their own.

On Thursday, June 21, from 5 to 9 p.m., Acqua Aveda Salon and Spa is hosting a solstice party with 20 percent of sales going to support the Bradys and the West Coast Surf Shop. The event will feature raffle prizes, light bites from The Blue Marlin and The Island Fresh Market. AMI Spirits will be providing rum samples and the Bowled Life Food Truck will be on site for the event. Salon specials also will be available for attendees.

For more information, contact the salon at 941-778-5400. Acqua Aveda is located in the Waterline Shoppes at 5311 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

Community members also are invited to come out and support the Bradys at a Hawaiian-style luau hosted by several friends of the couple at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The event takes place Saturday, June 30, from 3 to 7 p.m. and will feature food and drinks from local businesses along with a raffle and silent auction.

Local musicians offering their talents for the event include Trevor Bystrom, Terry Helm, Marco Ciceron and Natural Vibes, Chuck Caudill, Koko Ray and Barbara Allen.  All proceeds will benefit the Bradys and the West Coast Surf Shop.

Anyone who would like to volunteer for the event is invited to contact Susanne Arbanas at 941-330-5388. For more information, contact Brandi Brady at 561-267-0847. The Center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. No reservations are necessary to attend.

Related Coverage

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A simple gesture

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

It was a small reminder, really.

A simple gesture, intended to make us think about something unthinkable and remember that which we might rather forget.

Bradenton couple Paul and Ellen Devine had that in mind when they adopted a turtle nest on Anna Maria Island to commemorate the victims of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. (See our Page 1 story in this edition.)

The Valentine’s Day massacre left 17 students and teachers dead and 17 more wounded.

Senseless. Unbelievable. And right here in our state.

The Devines used the Adopt-a-Nest program established by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring to get their message across.

The couple lived not far from the school for 20 years. Paul Devine’s two nephews attended the school.

The Devines remember.

So does Turtle Watch volunteer Brianna Villegas Vindiola, who went to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High as a senior. Her two brothers still attend and were there during the shooting.

When she saw the Adopt-a-Nest plaque, she remembered. When the nest hatches, Vindiola plans to deliver to the high school one of the two plaques marking the nest.

“It ties you to something bigger than yourself,” she said.

Never forget. Always remember. And pause to consider simple gestures.

Castles in the Sand

Let the sunshine in

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

The Broadway musical “Hair” broke many barriers with its revolutionary nude scene and treatment of sexuality and drugs in 1968. But what I remember most about the show is the music, particularly “Aquarius” and its stirring “Let the sunshine in” finale.

In Florida we know about the sun and so does California, which has taken a major step to harness the sun’s energy. Early last month, California became the first state to require solar panels on almost all new homes including single-family homes starting in 2020.

Nationally, solar power makes up less than 2 percent of the country’s electricity output according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And the combination of wind and solar power account for about 8 percent of the power generated in 2017, up only 1 percent in a decade.

The elephant in the room in California, and I’m sure in every other state, is what exactly will this new mandate cost homeowners? According to California’s regulators, the panels will increase the cost of construction to the average home by $9,500, however, the average nationwide cost of installing a rooftop solar panel system is $18,840.

There is a 30 percent renewable energy tax credit available, assuming Congress keeps extending it, but the panels require annual maintenance and possible repairs. There is, however, a saving in utility costs estimated in California at $80 a month, but coming up with a hard dollar figure in savings is difficult. Nevertheless, finding ways to switch to renewable energy should be a goal.

We are seeing more and more new construction communities building eco-friendly features. The LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is sought after by developers. In order to be certified, buildings have to be designed, built and maintained using best practice strategies for green building and energy efficiency. Some of this includes improving energy performance and indoor air quality, using locally-sourced sustainable products, reducing potable water usage and building on sustainable sites to minimize environmental pollution.

Locally we have several LEED builders who are following the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards. LEED certified does add additional cost to the initial building, but developers indicate that the extra cost pays for itself, not only in energy savings but also in promoting an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

In Cortez, there is a new community of coastal cottages already approved that has been working with the Florida Solar Energy Center in its design. Not only will the community be an eco-friendly community but will also be zero energy ready, producing more energy than it consumes.

Florida is certainly one of the country’s prime states to use solar power, but unless and until the technology can make financial sense, it’s unlikely that both homeowners and developers will move forward at any substantial pace. Perhaps California’s mandate will provide the incentive for the solar industry to find ways to provide more affordable and convenient solar energy to individual homes.

I’m always a little suspicious of government mandates, but I’m more than willing to have California take the lead and become the solar power laboratory for the rest of the states. Hopefully, it will result in less expensive and more innovative technology. This could be the dawning of a new age of Aquarius, so let the sunshine in; it’s free.

Castles in the Sand

Taxes and second homes

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

By now, every homeowner should have had time to assess their tax position based on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 effective Jan. 1. If you haven’t, you have a lot of catching up to do, especially if you already own a second home or are in the market to purchase one. So, here’s a little review.

The interest on second homes is still tax-deductible as long as the total of the combined interest on both first and second homes does not exceed $750,000. The change for high-end buyers is that the deductible amount previously was a combined interest amount of $1 million.

The other change under the new tax regulations that could affect the second home buying market are changes to home equity loans and homeowners’ ability to deduct the interest on these loans. Previously, homeowners did not need to declare how the proceeds from a home equity line were being used. Frequently, homeowners would use the proceeds from these loans to fund the purchase of a second home. Now, however, the proceeds from a home equity loan or line of credit are mandated to be used to substantially improve the home that secures the line of credit or home equity loan in order to deduct the interest on the loan. Usually, it’s the primary home that is being borrowed against to fund the second home, which historically many Florida second home buyers did.

Despite this tax regulation, buyers may still decide to use a home equity line of credit or loan to purchase a second home, even though the interest will not be deductible. It may be to the benefit of the second home buyers to fund the property this way rather than liquidating financial accounts or obtaining another mortgage for the second home, which could put them over the $750,000 cap.

Depending on the size of the mortgage, a separate mortgage will probably work better for most buyers based on the new tax structure, especially considering that interest rates are still very low even for second homes. Naturally, cash has many benefits in a real estate transaction, especially since there is no mortgage contingency and properties can close faster. You always have the option of putting a mortgage on the second home down the road, which also would qualify you for a home equity loan on the second home at some point, all of which will be tax-deductible as long as you stay within the $750,000 limit.

We are, of course, talking here about high-end buyers with cash and the availability of other funds. With Anna Maria’s sales prices breaking into the $1 million dollar mark every day, we have a lot of second home buyers wanting to buy on the Island who are in this category.

This is something I wrote about several months ago when the tax bill was first signed, but I think it’s worth mentioning. There are economists that believe that reducing some of the tax subsidies for homeowners may actually increase the supply of homes that the market is struggling with.

The theory is if the demand for second homes goes down since there is less of an incentive to benefit from a tax write off, builders will start building more primary homes. In addition, they argue that some current second home owners might decide it’s more cost-effective just to make their second home their primary home, freeing up properties that will now be available on the market.

If you are in any one of these situations, you need to consult a tax expert and someone who is very familiar with second home mortgaging. My job is to make you aware of what could impact your decision to purchase a second home, and I hope I’ve done it.

Center board update awning

Center board makes plans for the future

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Center of Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Changes are coming to The Center of Anna Maria with the hopes of drawing more community members back to the nonprofit’s campus.

One of the most visible changes, if approved by Anna Maria City Commissioners, would be the addition of a covered area at the front of the building. The proposed metal awning would cover the walkway from the west parking area and the main entrance. Board member Mike Thrasher, who designed the concept for the awning, said if approved, the steel and canopy structure will not take up any of The Center’s parking.

After being told that people find the entrance to The Center “unattractive and uninviting,” Thrasher said he created a “scribble that turned into a plan” with the design for the awning. He suggested the space also could be used for events.

Before the awning structure can be built it must first be approved by the city’s Planning and Zoning Board before going to commissioners because it would be partially located within required setbacks.

Thrasher and board Chair David Zaccagnino said they want to find out if the plan is feasible before moving forward with getting quotes or seeking out local businesses to volunteer materials and labor.

“The object is to make it look more inviting to come in,” Zaccagnino said of the project.

For a list of already-planned capital improvement projects including roofing repair, field maintenance, plumbing for two bathrooms and the purchase of exercise equipment, Manatee County commissioners voted unanimously May 22 to honor a request from the three Island cities to donate $100,000 from the county-managed excess concession fund. County commissioners also granted a transportation request from The Center board by donating up to an additional $22,500 from the concession funds for the purchase of a new van for the nonprofit.

New Executive Director Chris Culhane said he’s very thankful for the support from the local and county governments.

Board treasurer Christine Hicks said The Center fell $25,000 short in April, closing out the month with a $14,635 loss for the fiscal year to date. She estimates the organization will close out the fiscal year at the end of June $5,141 in the black. Zaccagnino said ending the year $5,141 in a positive position would show significant progress from the -$171,000 closing of the 2016-17 fiscal year. Hicks said so far this year The Center’s finances are within 2 percent of meeting budget and 35 percent over this time last year.

To help bring in more people and raise money for The Center, board member Karen Harllee said several events are already in the works for the coming fiscal year. The planned events include the annual Murder Mystery, bowling tournament, Lester Family Fun Day, golf tournament and the Tour of Homes. A new event making its debut in 2019 is a fashion show.

Harllee said a search is ongoing for volunteers and committee members to help plan and orchestrate the community and fundraising events. Anyone who would like to volunteer can email events@centerami.org.

“We’re planning a year in advance versus one month in advance,” she said.

Related Coverage

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AMI Chamber

Kinder ready to guide Chamber

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Business.

HOLMES BEACH – When Deb Wing resigned as Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce last year, Vice President Terri Kinder and assistant Cathy Pizzo were promoted to acting president and vice president by the board of directors.

Last week, the board officially named the two to their positions permanently.

Kinder said last week she’s ready to assume the role and the board seemed to agree, as members did not interview anyone else for the position.

Originally from Ohio, Kinder has a varied background in the business world. In Dayton, she was a technical consultant for a large company and an education consultant with another. She and her husband moved to Sarasota where he had a job waiting for him. They moved around some more and ended up in Jacksonville. Finally, they returned to the Gulf Coast where she helped her husband establish his business. In her spare time, she volunteered for the Chamber.

“I enjoyed the people, and when they looked for someone to become vice president, they chose me,” she said. “I was very honored to help Deb Wing serve the businesses community.”

She said she is excited that Pizzo is continuing to serve as vice president.

What are her plans for the Chamber?

“I want to bring a new initiative to serve members,” she said. “I want to expand the ambassador program and to make an educational series for the members.”

She also said she wants to bring speakers in to talk about things important to the business community with an eye on new trends and opportunities for the businesses to succeed.

Rare daylight turtle nesting recorded

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Featured, Outdoors, Sea turtles.

This loggerhead sea turtle provided a memorable experience to beachgoers on Memorial Day, with a rare nesting in broad daylight as Subtropical Storm Alberto headed north away from Anna Maria Island.

Turtles are nesting unusually high on the beach, in the dry sand of the dune line, since the storm produced high tides that left wet sand halfway up the beach on some areas of the Island.

- Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring | Submitted

- Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring | Submitted

- Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring | Submitted

- Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring | Submitted

- Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring | Submitted

- Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring | Submitted

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Turtle Tips

Nesting News

Get in the game

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Guest column, Opinion.

By Jack Clarke

Can you name your city commissioners? Have you made the effort to speak in person to any of them?

Many of your elected officials are open to your ideas and thoughts, many less so. This is not exclusive to Bradenton Beach or our other Island cities, but as famous congressman Tip O’ Neill once said, “All politics is local.”

I am a resident and recovering politician in Bradenton Beach. It was my honor and privilege to serve as commissioner, vice mayor and, briefly, as the mayor of the city.

Island politics are tumultuous at best. But for a person who really wants to make a difference – that over-used phrase – 2018 is the year. There is little reward for the many hours of hard work commissioners do, except for the feeling of accomplishment and the satisfaction of service to community and neighbors.

City commissioners make many decisions that impact daily life Bradenton Beach, including how torn up driveways will look after the county’s force main project is completed, how your tax dollars are used and which projects will be pursued using those funds.

I’m not flying any flag, supporting any candidate or asking for your vote. I’m only asking that you vote, know the issues and consider placing your own name on the ballot. With the recent elimination of ward boundaries, you are eligible to run for a commission seat regardless of where you live in the city, as long as you’ve been a city resident for at least one year. Details on how to qualify as a commission candidate are available at the three city clerks’ offices or at the Supervisor of Elections Office website, www.votemanatee.com.
If you stay on the sidelines, your voice will not be heard.

Bradenton Beach resident Jack Clarke served as vice mayor and mayor of Bradenton Beach from 2013-2015.

Castles in the Sand

A bridge too far?

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

What now? After more than two decades of discussions about the pros and cons of a tall, fixed-span bridge connecting the mainland with Anna Maria Island, we’re now getting not just one bridge, but two.

The Florida Department of Transportation has finally made its decision after multiple meetings, surveys and pushback from Cortez residents regarding the correct bridge design and height to build. As we now know, the decision is a 65-foot, fixed-span bridge to replace the existing Cortez drawbridge, matching the planned and previously approved Anna Maria Island Bridge.

As of now we don’t have any time frame on when these bridges may be built. The Anna Maria Island Bridge has been in the design stage since 2015 and, of course, the Cortez Bridge design stage hasn’t even started. The funding for both bridges is still in the unfunded status on FDOT’s websites.

My guess is that although we all may be concerned with how tall bridges will change the face and style of Anna Maria Island, Cortez and the western edge of the mainland, probably what most homeowners are really concerned about is how such a massive change to our lifestyle will affect their property values.

As much as it pains me to say this, the face of Anna Maria Island and surrounding areas has already been transformed substantially in the 20 years I’ve been living here and frankly, I don’t see any way to stop further change. When I look out my window and see tour boats, paddleboards and jet skies buzzing by every few minutes it breaks my heart, but has it changed my property value? The answer is no; nor do I believe a tall bridge will degrade property values either.

Before you start writing your letter to the editor, hear me out. Granted there will be an impact to the historic Cortez village and also to residents on the north side of Cortez Road, but after attending FDOT’s August meeting I was reasonably satisfied that access for residents and visitors on both sides of Cortez Road has been accommodated. Details are available here on the Cortez Bridge project.

Nothing is perfect, not the least of which is the traffic on Cortez Road going westbound and sometimes backing up beyond 86th Street. On more than one occasion, I’ve thought, what do potential buyers think if they’re considering a purchase on either side of Cortez Road or Anna Maria Island? Most of this season and frequently off-season traffic jams are caused by bridge openings every 30 minutes, especially when it takes at least 15 minutes to get moving again after the bridge is closed.

As far as property values in the three cities on Anna Maria Island, let me refer you to my May 2 analysis of $1 million and over properties, both recently sold and currently listed. Will a pair of tall bridges that have the potential to move traffic faster on and off the Island eliminate our million and multi-million-dollar properties? Not likely.

This may be a good time to take a step back and breath deeply before assuming that property values are going to be negatively affected by either one of these bridges. And as far as changing the character and charm of the area, that’s already been altered and continues to be in flux for a variety of reasons.

I don’t like what has happened to Anna Maria Island either, I miss the small town beachy feel driving along Gulf Drive that I discovered 25 years ago. However, it is indeed a paradise and always will be. Tall bridge or no tall bridge we’re still fortunate to call it home.

reel time Casting For Recovery

Casting for recovery

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

The cool air along the Chattahoochee River mingled with the mid-morning sun created a magical backdrop for the female fly fishers as they worked their way along the stream with their guides.

I had arrived in the North Georgia mountains the previous afternoon and was honored to be included with a number of journalists covering a Casting For Recovery Retreat.

The event had started a day prior to my arrival on a Friday afternoon at Smithgall Woods State Park near Helen, Ga. That Saturday, the participants were taught the basics of fly casting, fly fishing and had the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed day in the Blue Ridge foothills.

Casting for Recovery was founded in 1996 in Manchester, Vermont, by a breast reconstruction surgeon and a professional fly-fisher. Awarded 501(c)(3) non-profit status in 1998, Casting for Recovery’s innovative program focuses on improving the quality of life for women with breast cancer, and has garnered endorsements from medical experts nationwide.

I learned about the event from Jimmy Harris, owner of Unicoi Outfitters, a major sponsor of the two-and-a-half-day event. The women were fishing a private stretch of the Chattahoochee managed by Unicoi Outfitters, a favorite fly fishing haunt of mine. Harris, his wife Kathy, his staff of local fly fishing guides and area volunteers were working up and down the river with the participants, exploring the many runs, riffles and pools that hold some trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout.

As I photographed the anglers and their guides, I was struck by the good humor, the spirit and resilience of a group of women who were recovering from one of life’s most devastating challenges. Whether they were strong enough to wade the swift currents or needed to sit in a chair at the water’s edge, these indomitable women were embracing their lives and the camaraderie of their fellow fly fishers on this halcyon day.

At the end of the day’s fishing, everyone had experienced the thrill of hooking, fighting and landing one of the river’s beautiful trout. That afternoon they returned to Smithgall Woods for lunch, an awards ceremony and a slide show highlighting the weekend’s activities.

Casting For Recovery depends on the support and goodwill of business owners like Jimmy Harris, medical professionals and the volunteers that are so critical to the program’s success. They offer 60 retreats across the country, host 800 women each year and have served over 8,000 women to date. The program is free of charge to participants. To learn how you can help, donate or shop in their online store.

Center soccer clinic Beach Bums

A community of soccer on the Island

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

For years, the Island’s community center has met the many needs of the community. This community reaches far beyond the outline of the barrier island and it is strongly exemplified with the game of soccer.

With Island soccer, the feeling of being a part of a community is fulfilled. From the youth soccer league to the adult co-ed league, the field is occupied by players, friends and family who look forward to the weekly games and fellowship that goes along with the events.

The international game of soccer has proved to be a game for all ages at the community center. This season the players are as young as 3 years old and as seasoned as 78-year-old Lyn Clarke.

The love of the game and the community spirit is what keeps Clarke and other veteran players on the pitch every season.

This passion for soccer spills over to the youth soccer clinics lead by parent volunteers. Two of the coaches also play in the adult soccer league. These clinics not only allow for the adults to give back to the community, but also spend precious time with their own children.

Danny Anderson and Sean Flynn take one of the small fields, making it into the training ground for future players. The Flip Flop Shop sponsors the 3- to 5-year-old clinic, which allows the youngest to learn the simplest of soccer skills while still having fun and gaining a sense of accomplishment.

Center soccer Flip Flop Shop
The youngest soccer players listen to the coach’s instructions during the soccer clinic sponsored by The Flip Flop Shop. – Monica Simpson | Sun

The 6- to 7-year-old clinic, sponsored by Beach Bums, works on basic soccer skills and takes those skills to the field in scrimmage games.

These young players have goal scoring and fun games to look forward to as seen by the kids on the big field this week. While all of the individuals contribute to the team and outcome of each game, this week had some solid standouts – Riley Lawson, with three goals, and Kendall Rice, with three saves as keeper for Signarama. The team also had five saves by Beckham Factor on Saturday.
Team Progressive Cabinetry had three goal makers with five soccer balls in the net. Gregory Jordan lead his team with a hat trick. Ewen Cloutier and Lily Kawahata each had a goal of their own. Two saves by Liam Coleman helped the team finish the week with a win and a tie. Inheriting natural goalie instincts and talents, Evan Talucci had 10 big saves for Planet Stone this week. Nick Yatros and Aiden Templeton were given statistical credit for one goal each for their team.

Team Salty Printing was led by Jack Mattick within the net and Frankie Coleman followed with a single score. Jackson Pakbaz nailed three shots for points for Team Bins Be Clean. In their only game of the week, Victor Albrecht was noted to have five great saves giving Bins Be Clean a win.

The adults took the field Thursday night. In the first game of the night Ross Built Construction lost to Legler Flynn Law. Ryan Hogan and Chris Culhane scored for Ross Built. With two goals each, Diego Felipe and Chris LeClainche pushed past their opponent, topped with a score by Shay Coleman.

MAR/Kis Insurance won its first game of the season against Sato Real Estate. Manoj Poudel, Joel Sanchez and Tony Morales each had a goal for MAR/Kis Insurance. Eliza Fallace was the lone scorer for her team.

The 8 p.m. game put Moss Builders against Lancaster Design. Lancaster Design finished with single goals by brothers Danny Anderson and Ricky Anderson, as well as Sumiko Chipman. Robert Armstrong eluded the goalie twice. Jessica Williams scored the solo point for Moss Builders.

Slim’s Place won the last game of the night over Acqua Aveda with a hat trick by Rico Beissert and goal scoring shots by PJ Smargisso and Nate Welch. Jake Parsons had three goals of his own for Team Acqua Aveda, with a contributing score by Shea Yates.

With one week of regular season play, the youth soccer season comes to a close with the championship game on Wednesday, May 23 at 7 p.m.

The adults continue on the field through the month of June. The big winner will be named on Thursday, June 14 at 8 p.m.