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Adult sports head into the playoffs at The Center

Adult sports head into the playoffs at The Center

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

As the second week of September comes and goes, the adult athletes at The Center of Anna Maria Island take the competitive action to the next level on the football field and indoor soccer court, progressing toward the leagues’ championship games.

In adult flag football, four teams matched up on the gridiron, while the top two teams had a bye week, giving second seed Gulfview Windows and Doors and the regular season top finishers Progressive Cabinetry a break.

Before suffering an injury, Moss Builders’ team captain had 11 receptions, including three touchdowns and two extra points from passes by Jon Moss. Moss had four passing touchdowns in the game. The game’s MVP, despite her team’s loss, was Lexi Sato for Moss Builders.

Sato had 12 catches in the game, getting into the end zone three times with two touchdowns and a point after conversion reception. Her biggest play was a run after the catch, taking the football more than halfway down the field and getting past three defenders.

With the game’s win, Tim Shaughnessy, captain for Lancaster Designs, had five scoring throws, finding Anthony Mannino for 14 catches. Mannino’s catches included two touchdowns and two extra points, adding to the three touchdown catches by Jay Hoffmeister.

In the second wildcard game of the night, both teams used the teams’ rosters for another close game.

Team Ugly Grouper could not capture the victory despite spirited play by the team lead by Matthew Manger. Strong defensive play by Manger with a sack against the Hashmark Sports QB and the interception by Bradley Coleman just was not enough.

Getting into the end zone, Cooper Rosier, Sirkevius Williams and Corey Jakes scored touchdowns, with extra points by Anthony McCance, Cooper Rosier, Williams and Jakes, put 35-points on the scoreboard for Ugly Grouper.

Hashmark Sports earned one more week of play with scoring passes by Chase Richardson, Octavious Cole and Tim Holly. Richardson, Holly, Corey Banks, Zach Holder and Kate Simpson put the points up and helped their team to win the head-to-head against Ugly Grouper.

Semifinal match-ups start at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, with Progressive Cabinetry facing off against Lancaster Design and Gulfview Windows and Doors playing Hashmark Sports for the second final game position. The four remaining teams fight to the end looking to secure a slot in the championship adult flag football game at 9 p.m. Thursday night.

In indoor soccer action, team captain and high scorer, Slim’s Place’s Joey Hutchinson put the soccer ball into the net nine times in his game against Moss Builders. Hutchison’s teammate Jose Casaras had five goals, while Clancey Vaughn got past the goalkeeper twice.

Staying busy by the net, Robb Marshall had 20 saves in the game, only to be topped by Sato Real Estate’s Mark Rudacille with 24 saves and Ugly Grouper’s John Haggerty getting to the soccer ball 27 times.

Kevin Roman’s Progressive Cabinetry squad won another one in the second indoor game of the week. Roman had four goals, adding to the scores by Diego Felipe, Steve Oelfke, Murat Akay and Jessica Williams.

Despite the loss, Gulfview Windows and Doors’ Jose Bolanos, Freddy Lenhert and captain Keith Mahoney managed to put eight points on the scoreboard.

In the battle of the goalies and the lowest-scoring game of the night, Sato Real Estate took the win against Ugly Grouper. Ben Sato and Adam Bujarski led the Sato Real Estate team in the win with four and three goals for each player, with an additional goal by Jason Sato and Ryan Moss.

Ugly Grouper’s loss was hard-fought. Connor Bystrom got his hat trick in the game with three goals in addition to the single goal by Olaf Krause and a pair by Yuri Pereira.

Going into playoffs, Progressive Cabinetry topped the ranking as the first seed team, followed by Moss Builders, earning the teams a bye week. This week’s playoff games put Gulfview and Sato Real Estate on the indoor court for the first championship game slot.

At 7:30 p.m. Ugly Grouper and Slim’s Place go against each other for the final place in the playoff bracket for the final game of the season to be played on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 9 p.m.

Related coverage

Family and friends on the gridiron: Gulfview bests Moss Builders

Bowlers escape the heat as they support The Center

Progressive Cabinetry shatters Gulfview Windows and Doors

All-ladies cast performs ‘Steel Magnolias’

All-female cast performs ‘Steel Magnolias’

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

The Island Players version of “Steel Magnolias,” by Robert Harling, has an all-female cast, unlike the 1989 movie where Tom Skerrit tried to shoo birds from a tree in his yard with a shotgun. The cast also includes a mother-daughter pair of actresses playing a mother and her daughter.

This comedic drama is set in a beauty salon in a small Louisiana town where the women come to mingle, share gossip and help each other through life’s ups and downs.

Director Mike Lusk, assisted by Priscilla Boyd, directs an accomplished group of actresses: Jennifer Kwiatkowski as Truvy Jones, Tahlia Chinault (first week) and Caitlin Ellis (second week) as Annnelle Dupuy-Desoto, Cathy Hansel-Edgerton as Clairee Belcher, Corinne Woodland as Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, Kelly Wynn Woodland as M’Lynn Eatenton and Sue Belvo as Ouiser Boudreaux.

“Steel Magnolias” graces the Island Players stage from Sept. 19-29 nightly Tuesday through Sunday with a matinee on Sundays. The stage is dark on Mondays.

Tickets are $23 and the box office is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, see the Island Players’ website or call the box office at 941-778-5755. Island Players Theater is located at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

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Honors presented at Island Players banquet

Expect comic mayhem at next Island Players show

WMFR approves budget, assessment rate

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

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) has an approved budget and an approved assessment rate increase for the 2019-20 fiscal year.

Commissioners met at the district’s administrative offices Sept. 10 to host a public hearing for both the budget and the assessment rate. No members of the public chose to speak during the public hearing. Commissioners voted unanimously to certify the district’s tax roll, approve the budget and increase the fire assessment for both residential and commercial properties.

Residential property owners can expect to see a 1.65% increase, a $3.09 increase in the base rate bringing it to $190.57 for the first 1,000 square feet of a home. The rate for square footage over 1,000 square feet is being raised from $0.1106 to $0.1124. The total assessment rate for a 2,000 square foot home is increasing from $298.08 to $303, a difference of $1.92.

Residential homes make up the majority of the properties in WMFR’s district, which stretches from the Gulf of Mexico on the west, Tampa Bay to the north, Longboat Key to the south and city of Bradenton to the east. The district includes unincorporated Manatee County, Palma Sola, Cortez, Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach.

Commercial property assessment rates will be increasing 5% to help the district come in line with the rates charged by other surrounding fire districts. The base rate for commercial properties is increasing from $451.07 to $473.62 for the first 1,000 square feet of the building. The remaining square footage will be charged at a rate of $0.2051, totaling a $32.32 increase for a 2,000 square foot commercial building.

The increased assessment rates are estimated to bring in around $144,203 in increased revenue for the district. The funds are planned to be used to assist in launching the district’s non-transport advanced life support service at all three stations, purchase a new fire engine and begin work on the district’s new permanent administration building.

The district’s proposed total revenue for the coming fiscal year, beginning Oct. 1, is $7,660,461 with $74,900 used in impact fees and $1,910,873 used of reserves to total $9,646,234 in expenses with $4,329,953 left in reserves.

An expense carried to the district’s next board meeting is the matter of offering an honorarium to the chaplain. Commissioner David Bishop brought up the idea a month after the district’s new chaplain was sworn in during the August board meeting. After not having a chaplain for 12 years, he said he thinks an honorarium would be appropriate to demonstrate the importance of the position to district staff and firefighters.

“I think it’s a valuable resource,” he said. “I just think it’s the right thing to do.

Commissioner George Harris agreed, saying, “The chaplain’s role is essential,” to the district staff.

Commissioner Al Robinson suggested offering $100 per month. A decision is expected during the October board meeting.

Commissioners are also considering how they want to handle a new cancer bill that was recently passed by the state legislature and went into effect July 1, 2019. Under the new bill, any firefighter who is diagnosed with one of 21 different kinds of cancer within 10 years of leaving the fire service is eligible for a $25,000 cash payout and for their out of pocket treatment expenses to be covered by their fire district.

Commissioners discussed purchasing insurance at a cost of $70 per firefighter, totaling $3,000 annually, to cover any of the $25,000 payouts that the district might be required to pay. They also discussed extending the program to recent retirees, something that is not specified in the legislation. In order to qualify for benefits, firefighters must have served in the fire service for at least five years prior to diagnosis.

The discussion is expected to continue at the Oct. 15 board meeting.

Related coverage

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WMFR 2019-20 assessment rates set

WMFR board considers building construction

Anna Maria liquor ordinance explained

Anna Maria liquor ordinance explained

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

ANNA MARIA – A memo City Attorney Becky Vose sent Mayor Dan Murphy clarifies the city commission’s recent decision to not amend the city’s liquor ordinance.

The potential amendment drafted by Vose and discussed at a special commission meeting on Thursday, Aug. 29, could have paved the way for Brian Seymour to open a takeout package liquor store next to his Anna Maria General Store.

City ordinance currently prohibits liquor sales within 2,500 feet of a church. The draft ordinance language Vose drafted provided the commission the means to allow liquor sales within 2,500 feet of the Roser Memorial Community Church if it wished to do so.

Located across the street from the church on Pine Avenue, Seymour’s general store already sells takeout beer and wine for off-site consumption.

Anna Maria liquor ordinance
A liquor store will not be allowed at this Pine Avenue property that also houses the newly remodeled Island Charms retail store. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Seymour planned to open his package liquor store next door to his general store in one side of the newly divided two-unit retail space that also houses the Island Charms retail store. Island Charms plans to reopen this week in the other side of the recently reconfigured retail space.

Vose opinion

Vose sent Murphy her memo to Murphy on Tuesday, Aug. 27, but the legal opinions contained in that memo were not discussed in detail during the special meeting held later that week.

Vose’s legal opinion contrasted the opinion City Planner Robin Meyer provided Seymour via email on Monday, Aug. 26. In that email, Meyer stated his opinion that the sale of alcohol to be consumed off-premises is a normal retail sale and is not covered by the city ordinance. Citing Florida Statute 563.02, Meyer’s email also said state law clearly states that licensing is different for establishments that sell alcohol for off-premise consumption.

“It is my interpretation of this section that the city must treat any business selling alcohol for consumption off-premises as a normal retail use, and we are banned by state law from placing any other restrictions on them,” Meyer’s email said.

Meyer included a copy of the state statute law he referenced but failed to note that it applied to beer and malt beverages only.

In her memo, Vose addressed Meyer’s email to Seymour.

“I have reviewed the following email from the city planner and have researched the applicable city code provisions and Florida Statutes. The opinion rendered in the email is incorrect. The Florida Statute quoted in the city planner’s opinion only and exclusively refers to the sales of beer and malt beverages. Chapter 563 of the Florida Statutes deals exclusively with beer and malt beverages, not liquor as dealt with in other portions of the Florida Statutes,” she wrote.

“The correct answer to Mr. Seymour’s question is that the package sale of liquor is currently not permitted within 2,500 feet of a church in the city of Anna Maria due to the legally enforceable provision of the Anna Maria city code,” Vose’s memo concluded.

During the Aug. 29 special commission meeting, it was noted an exception for onsite liquor consumption was previously granted to the Waterfront restaurant. It was also noted Bortell’s Lounge – which remains closed – was grandfathered in and allowed to continue serving and selling liquor because it predates the ordinance adopted in the late 1980s.

After commissioners Carol Carter, Doug Copeland, Amy Tripp and Dale Woodland rendered their unanimous decision, Seymour was later able to get out of his contractual obligations regarding the purchase of a liquor license and the long-term lease of the additional retail space.

Citing the need to focus more time on his business ventures and his personal life, Seymour also resigned from the city commission after three years of service.

Related coverage

Anna Maria Commission will need to fill two seats

Seymour resigns from city commission

Commission clarifies pier lease parameters

Castles in the Sand

The fun and not-so-fun of selling a home

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

Last week we talked about the fun and not-so-much fun of buying a home. This week we’ll talk a little about selling your home, choosing the perfect realtor and not necessarily one you’re related to. But before we do that, let’s review the June and July Manatee County sales statistics as reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

In June, Manatee County closed 2.2% fewer homes than last year, not surprising for this time of year. In spite of that the median sale price, half above and half below, increased by 5% from last year to $315,000. The average sale price was $397,987, up 8.8%, and the month’s supply of properties is down to 3.6 months.

June’s condo sales increased for the number of sales by 6.1%, the median sale price was $210,000, up 14.3%, and the average sale price was $246,381, up 5.2%, all impressive numbers. The month’s supply of properties was 4.2%.

July single-family sales were down slightly by 1.8%, but the median sale price broke a record at $325,000 up 5% from last year. This is the highest median price since the housing crisis more than a decade ago and near historic levels. The average single-family home price was $391,049, up 2%, and the month’s supply of properties was down to 3.4%.

Condo sales were up by 8.7% with a median sale price of $191,000, down 4.1%. The average sale price for condos was $216,523, down 6.6% from last year and the month’s supply of properties was 3.7%.

Do these numbers give you incentive to find that perfect realtor and consider selling? Maybe, but remember statistics are only a snapshot in time and, although our sales and appreciation rates continue to go up every month, it could change in a heartbeat.

But just in case you’re ready to cash in, here are a few tips for choosing a realtor:

Although there are many questions you should ask a real estate professional before you turn over what may be your biggest asset to them, the two that are most important to me are how long have you been in residential real estate sales and what is your specific marketing plan?

Much of real estate experience is an on-the-job learning experience but choosing an agent who has accumulated a few designations or certifications shows a commitment to his/her profession. Certainly, you should ask if real estate sales are their full-time job. There are sales agents who get into the field thinking it’s a part-time job they can fit around their children’s school schedule. Trust me you don’t want this person.

As far as a marketing plan, the agent should be prepared to show you a written plan involving print advertising, open houses and digital participation. They may also include a pricing schedule suggesting a step-down pricing recommendation for 30, 60 or 90 days in the event offers are not coming in. As part of this plan, your agent should advise how frequently he/she will be in touch with you regarding showings and feedback.

It is also important for you to know how long homes in your area are taking to sell and the variation between the listing and final sales prices. I frequently note these statistics in my monthly updates for Manatee County because they are so important to the overall picture of the market.

Finally, giving your listing to a relative may look appealing since you already have a relationship and he/she may offer to reduce commission for you. However, it takes away the business aspect of the transaction and gets into the emotional aspect. My advice is don’t do it.

I’m looking forward to receiving the August Manatee County real estate numbers and hope you have a fun selling experience with a qualified broker.

More Castles in the Sand:

The fun and not-so-fun of buying a home

The challenges of inheriting a house

Uncovering a home’s defects

Anna Maria Commission will need to fill two seats

Anna Maria Commission will need to fill two seats

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

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria must fill two city commission seats by appointment – one this month and one in November.

On Thursday, Sept. 26, the commission hopes to appoint someone to serve the remainder of former commission Chair Brian Seymour’s two-year term that expires in November 2020. Seymour resigned from the commission last month. The deadline to submit an application to fill his seat is 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

In November, the commission will need to appoint someone to fill the commission seat currently held by unopposed Commissioner Dale Woodland.

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett called Woodland and told him he was disqualified from the 2019 city elections because he paid his $48 qualifying fee with a personal check instead of with a check drawn from a designated campaign account.

This means Woodland is not eligible for re-election in the upcoming city elections that will conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 5. When contacted that afternoon, Woodland said he wants to serve another term in office and he hopes he’ll be reappointed in November.

Woodland said Bennett was very polite when delivering the news Wednesday morning.

“The law’s the law,” Woodland said.

Anna Maria Commission will need to fill two seats
Longtime Commissioner Dale Woodland will seek reappointment in November after failing to qualify for the upcoming city elections. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Woodland said he paid his qualifying fee on the first day of the two-week qualifying period and assumed the elections office would contact him if there were any problems with his qualifying papers or fee payment.

Woodland’s disqualification leaves incumbent Commissioner Carol Carter and Planning and Zoning Board Chairman Jon Crane as the only two candidates running unopposed for the three commission three seats open to election this fall.

Carter now serves as the commission chair in the wake of Seymour’s resignation on Friday, Aug. 30.

Commissioners receive an annual salary of $4,800 and are subject to the Florida Sunshine Law during their time in office.

Appointment process

Application forms for those seeking Seymour’s vacated seat can be downloaded at the city website, obtained by email or mail from the city clerk’s office or picked up in person at city hall. To contact the clerk’s office, email amclerk@cityofannamaria.com or call 941-708-6130.

Applicants must be city residents who have lived in Anna Maria for at least two years. They must also be registered city voters, legal residents of Manatee County and on their applications, list three reasons why they wish to be considered for a commission seat.

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the Anna Maria Commission held a special meeting to discuss the process for appointing Seymour’s replacement. Woodland’s disqualification was not discussed.

At the suggestion of Mayor Dan Murphy and City Attorney Becky Vose, the commission agreed to utilize the same appointment process utilized when Commissioner Nancy Yetter resigned in early 2018.

During that process, the commissioners ranked the three candidates in order of their personal preference. The applicant receiving the lowest total score – Amy Tripp – earned the appointment.

The application forms received from those seeking Seymour’s vacated seat will be provided to the four sitting commissioners in advance. During the Thursday, Sept. 26 commission meeting, the commissioners will then fill out a form in which they rank the applicants as their first, second and additional choices, depending on the number of applications received.

A commissioner’s top choice receives one point, a commissioner’s second choice receives two points and so forth. Each commissioner’s rankings will be revealed during the appointment process.

If the first set of rankings produces a tie, the commissioners will rank the candidates again. If the second round also produces a tie, the winner will be determined by cutting cards, drawing straws, throwing dice or some similar game of chance.

A similar appointment process will then take place in mid-November to fill the seat vacated by Woodland after the city elections conclude.

Potential implications

During last week’s meeting, Carter asked what happens if a replacement for Seymour is not found. Murphy said the city could put out another call for candidates and could operate as a four-member commission until a fifth member is appointed.

Anna Maria Commission will need to fill two seats
Commissioner Carol Carter now chairs the Anna Maria City Commission. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Murphy said he would prefer not to have a four-person commission because that creates the potential for 2-2 tied votes at a time when the city budget must be adopted and decisions about the new City Pier must be made.

Related coverage

Seymour resigns from city commission

 

Carter, Crane and Woodland running unopposed

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

Updated Sept. 6, 2019 | ANNA MARIA – Running unopposed in the 2019 city election, incumbent Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter will serve an additional two-year term in office.

Incumbent Commissioner Dale Woodland, also unopposed, was disqualified on Sept. 4 because he paid his qualifying fee with a personal check instead of a check issued from a campaign account. He will now seek reappointment by the city commission that will determine who fills that seat for the next two years. Other candidates also will be able to apply for consideration.

In November, commission newcomer and current Planning and Zoning Board Chairman Jonathan Crane will join the board.

Carter, Crane and Woodland were the only three candidates to qualify in the city’s two-week qualifying period that ended Friday afternoon.

The current commission must soon appoint someone to serve the remaining year-plus of Brian Seymour’s two-year term as a result of Seymour’s surprise resignation last week.

Commissioner Amy Tripp is in the first year of her two-year term in office. Longtime Commissioner Doug Copeland did not seek re-election, and his time in office will come to an end after the November elections.

Carol Carter

Carol Carter

Jonathan Crane

Jonathan Crane

Dale Woodland

Dale Woodland

 

Anna Maria prepared for Hurricane Dorian and beyond

Anna Maria prepares for Hurricane Dorian and beyond

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Hurricane Dorian’s threat has decreased, but the city of Anna Maria is prepared and applying lessons learned from Hurricane Irma in 2017.

As a precautionary measure, the city commission on Thursday, Aug. 29 adopted a resolution declaring a local state of emergency due to the approaching storm.

When presenting the resolution by telephone, City Attorney Becky Vose said, “I suggested to the mayor that we adopt this resolution. If we’re lucky and dodge the bullet then we won’t need to use it, but we will need it if the storm hits the Island.”

Declaring a state of local emergency provides the mayor with temporary additional powers to address storm-related situations that may arise. Anna Maria’s declaration is in effect for seven days and can be extended if needed.

The resolution authorizes the mayor – or the commission chair in the mayor’s absence – to take all actions necessary and appropriate to protect human life and property within the lawful authority of federal, state, county and city laws.

“We’re so much more prepared than we were for Hurricane Irma and if something else comes our way during this hurricane season we’ll be ready.”
– Dan Murphy, Anna Maria Mayor

The resolution empowers the mayor to establish curfews, prohibit pedestrian and vehicular movement, prohibit the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages, limit the hours of operation for business establishments and take other actions deemed necessary.

Bridge concerns

During Thursday’s meeting, Murphy expressed concerns about the bridge openings that occurred in 2017 after Hurricane Irma passed.

Because an evacuation order was issued, city and county law enforcement officials initially limited bridge access to those trying to return to the Island. At one point that day, the Cortez Bridge opened to the public while access through the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach remained controlled.

Anna Maria prepared for Hurricane Dorian and beyond
The Cortez Bridge remained closed immediately after Hurricane Irma passed in 2017 but opened to the public later that day. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Murphy said this resulted in people coming into Anna Maria when there were still trees and wires down.

“It was a dangerous situation. I went to put up a road barricade to keep people from coming in and the Sheriff’s Office would not allow me because they said these are county roads. These are not county roads; these are the city of Anna Maria’s roads. The city got the roads from Manatee County many years ago,” Murphy said.

“I would ask Lt. Johnson to look through that resolution at what the mayor can do in case of an emergency,” Murphy said in reference to Lt. Brad Johnson, who was filling in for Sgt. Mike Jones, who heads the Sheriff’s Office’s Anna Maria unit.

“We’re on our own, we need to take care of ourselves here,” Murphy added.

Commissioner Doug Copeland noted initial access to the Island after Hurricane Irma was not limited to Island residents.

“They allowed anyone,” he said.

“Hopefully that won’t happen again. I called it to the attention of the new chief of emergency operations,” Murphy said.

“People with bad intentions will be out,” Johnson said of the criminal activities sometimes associated with hurricanes. “Residents need to do their very best to protect their homes and we’re going to do our very best to assist them.”

Copeland asked if access to the city could be limited to those who have city-issued resident tags.

Johnson said he and Murphy would review the resolution and clarify the mayor’s emergency powers.

Anna Maria prepared for Hurricane Dorian and beyond
Anna Maria’s John Deere tractor is equipped with a grappling arm that can remove fallen trees and other storm debris. – City of Anna Maria | Submitted

Additional measures

After the meeting, Murphy noted the city has the ability to deploy portable pumps to flooded areas as needed.

The portable pumps are also used to reduce flooding during particularly high tides, including king tides, which were also anticipated in some areas of Florida during the weekend.

“The tides look pretty favorable,” Murphy said of local tidal predictions.

Anna Maria prepared for Hurricane Dorian and beyond
These portable pumps can be deployed to remove storm-related flood waters.- City of Anna Maria | Submitted

The city also has a large generator that City Clerk LeAnne Addy helped locate during the 2017 hurricane season.

“We’re so much more prepared than we were for Hurricane Irma and if something else comes our way during this hurricane season we’ll be ready,” Murphy said.

Earlier that day, the city clerk’s office posted a notice at the city’s Facebook page stating free, self-filled sandbags were available at the north end of Bayfront Park, near the corner of North Shore Drive and North Bay Boulevard.

Anna Maria prepared for Hurricane Dorian and beyond
Sandbags are available at the north end of Bayfront Park in Anna Maria. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Progressive Cabinetry shuts the door on Moss Builders

Progressive Cabinetry shuts the door on Moss Builders

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

In week three of the adult indoor soccer season at The Center, Kevin Roman’s Progressive Cabinetry team continues to dominate the league along with Keith Mahoney’s Ugly Grouper squad, both with 3-0 records.

Progressive faced off against the Moss-less Moss Builders team in the second game of the night in a passionately played game. Miguel Ajoy started off the scoring for the Moss Builders’ team in the first minute of the game.

Roman followed up with the first of seven goals in the game only seconds later.

With the score tied 1-1, the game would continue to be a battle of the defenses and hotshots.

Jessica Williams, for Progressive Cabinetry, took her first shot at point-blank range. Moss’ Omar Polar, playing goalkeeper, made one of many miraculous saves.

Juan Carlos scored his first goal in the fourth minute of the game, giving Moss Builders the lead once again with the score at 2-1.

Lyn Clarke put the soccer ball in the net with a ricochet shot only to be followed by a goal for Progressive’s Murat Akay.

In the seventh minute of play, Williams got the ball to the feet of Diego Felipe. With his head up, seeing the field, Felipe found Roman in the perfect position for the tying goal.

Akay helped his team take the lead four minutes later with another goal, advancing the score to 3-4.

With Moss Builder’s keeper David Greene out of position, Roman had the opportunity for a shot and easy goal.

Carlos responded by putting the soccer ball in the net after the Moss Builders’ offense drew Felipe, now working as the keeper, out of position.

Working with a one-point lead, Progressive worked on defense but could not stop Polar, who tied the game once again with the score 5-5.

Two minutes later, Roman found the net once again.

The back and forth game continued until the half. Carlos got a shot off with the last seconds of the first half of play quickly ticking off the scoreboard clock. Diego just could not stop Carlos’ shot, once again tying the game at 6-6 to end the half.

To start the final 20 minutes of the game, Roman snuck the soccer ball past goalie Greene after a beautiful long pass by Akay.

With a one-point lead, Williams quickly took advantage of her team’s scoring momentum with a shot of her own that could not be stopped, moving the score to 6-8.

Scoring his second goal of the game, Moss Builders’ Ajoy was finally given the ball after a long series of passes by both teams.

Williams scored her second goal after a cross by teammate Roman. The roles were soon reversed a minute later with a Williams’ assist to Roman to change the score to 7-10.

Moss Builders scored a goal of its own four minutes later. Polar put the ball in the goal with a header 15 seconds later, closing the scoring gap to 9-10.

The back and forth goal scoring kept the game exciting for the next two minutes of the game. Missile shots Steve Oelfke, Akay and Felipe were matched by a Moss Builders’ goal by Carlos.

Scoring ceased momentarily with the score at 10-13 and Progressive Cabinetry leading by three goals. Carlos scored once again in the 32nd minute.

Neither team tiring, the last five minutes of the match-up would prove to be a scoring feast for the spectators to enjoy.

Williams made a gorgeous cross-court pass to Roman, who found Akay all by himself at the net, giving the Progressive Cabinetry team its 14th goal of the game.

Moss Builders’ Carlos hit his last goal of the night, pushing the score to 14-12.

Back-to-back scoring by Progressive’s Felipe, with the last net and one minute left in the game, gave his team a four-point lead.

To end the game with amazing saves by keeper Oelfke, Moss’ Polar scored his final goal with only 17 seconds on the clock to end the game with the score 13-16.

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Anna Maria taking new approach to noise violations

Anna Maria taking new approach to noise violations

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

ANNA MARIA – City officials are working on an amended noise ordinance that if adopted on final reading next month will result in $35 citations being issued for a first noise ordinance violation.

Repeat noise violations will result in significantly higher fines. If the noise violations occur at a vacation rental, the property owner and the property manager or rental agent will be notified and may be subject to future fines.

As a followup to the Anna Maria commission’s Aug. 8 discussion, these proposed changes were discussed in greater detail at the Thursday, Aug. 22 meeting.

When the amended ordinance is adopted on second reading next month, deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit will no longer issue warnings if they determine a noise ordinance violation has occurred. They will instead issue a $35 ticket.

“It’s similar to parking tickets. We don’t give warnings on parking tickets. That option is taken away. If in fact, you decide it’s a violation, we want you to issue a $35 citation,” Mayor Dan Murphy told the commission.

If the violator is a vacation rental guest, the property owner and the property manager or rental will be notified.

Anna Maria noise ordinance
Sheriff’s deputies recently responded to a noise complaint at this vacation rental at 820 North Shore Drive – Submitted

If the same guest commits a second noise violation, a citation carrying a $200 fine will be issued, and similar $200 citations could be issued to the property owner and the property manager or rental agent.

If a third violation occurs, the violator would be issued a citation carrying a $500 fine, and similar citations would be issued to the property owner and the property manager or rental agent.

The current noise ordinance includes a $500 fine for the first violation. City Attorney Becky Vose has expressed her opinion that a $500 fine for a first offense makes deputies reluctant to issue citations.

The new fine amounts will be addressed in a yet-to-be-adopted city resolution because they can be more easily adjusted, as needed, than fines set forth in an ordinance.

Fining multiple parties

Regarding the city’s ability to fine property owners, property managers and rental agents, Vose said he spoke to Holmes Beach City Attorney Patricia Petruff about this.

The Holmes Beach commission previously considered fining a property owner for the actions of his vacation rental guests, but it was determined that wasn’t legal because the property owner wasn’t aware of his guests’ actions.

Vose said notifying property owners, manager and rental agents of a guests’ first noise ordinance citation will put them on notice and subject them to potential citations and fines as well.

“If these same renters do the same thing over again, I think it might very well be appropriate to also fine the owner because the owner obviously was not strong enough with the renter. And that would be particularly true with a third violation,” Vose said.

Vose said the enforcement cycle will begin again with each new set of guests.

At the Aug. 8 meeting, Vose said a property cited three times for a violation could be deemed a public nuisance. She’s previously stated a property deemed a public nuisance could lose its ability to function as a vacation rental.

Sheriff’s Office support

Sgt. Mike Jones previously told the commission most of the city’s noise complaints are resolved with a warning, but last week he said he supports this new approach.

“I think the $35 fine is a good way to start the process. I like the idea. I support it,” he told the commission.

Jones said this also will make it easier to track where the noise violations occur.

Commissioner Doug Copeland asked if deputies would still have some discretion as to what constitutes a violation.

Jones said kids playing in a swimming pool at 5 p.m. would probably not rise to the level of a noise violation, but people jumping off the balcony at 10:30 p.m. probably would.

The reports included in last week’s meeting packet noted deputies issued verbal warnings for noise complaints made at 804, 819 and 820 North Shore Drive, 228 Willow Ave., 420 and 422 Magnolia Drive, 207 and 214 Spring Ave. and 204 Oak Ave. All but one of those properties are vacation rentals.

Related coverage

Repeat noise violations a lingering concern

Magistrate rules in city’s favor on noise citation

No winners in noise battle

Castles in the Sand

The challenges of inheriting a house

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

No one wants to see a loved one pass away, but it’s inevitable that we all will have that experience and along with the grief comes the distribution of personal items and property. As emotional as sifting through your family’s papers and clothing is, the real challenge at this time of your life will be selling their property.

The important thing to be clarified before death is if there is a will or trust in place. Dying without a will causes the estate to default to the statutes of the state to determine who the legal heirs are. Needless to say, that will be a time-consuming and possibly costly process involving probate. Even a will needs to go through a probate process, however, living trusts will avoid probate. These are all legal issues which will need a legal opinion.

If there is a home to be sold and there is a legal will or trust, that responsibility will fall to the executor of the estate. The executor has the power to make all decisions but should certainly confer with all other beneficiaries to the sale of the house.

As in all property sales, decisions need to be made starting with a reasonable selling price. More than one estimate of value should be obtained from real estate professionals and a licensed appraiser should also be considered, especially if there are multiple heirs, to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

Whoever is handling the sale of the property should be prepared to spend some money before the home is sold. Property taxes, utility bills, lawn maintenance and unforeseen repairs all have to be considered prior to sale.

In addition, the property needs to be cleaned out of personal items and, based on the recommendation of a real estate professional, the furniture removed. There are companies that take care of this and any furniture not sold at an estate sale is removed by the estate person for a fee. However, the family will still need to decide which items will go into the sale, which will be passed along to other family members and which will get destroyed – not an easy process.

Then, of course, as in any property sale, decide whether renovations and/or cosmetic fixes should be made. Most professionals will tell you that this is not the time for major renovations. If necessary, cosmetic fixes would be a better choice. Cleaning, painting, yard and garage clean up is probably the most practical and least expensive way to go. Here again, the advice of a competent and experienced real estate professional is essential to understanding the local market.

Heirs who are in a tight financial position and need to sell quickly could consider one of the quick-sale companies as long as they are willing to take a discounted price. The heir’s tax consequences should also be considered before any money is spent and sale offers are considered, especially if the property has been in the deceased’s name for a long time.

Here in Florida it’s very common for parents to pass away and leave property in their estate to be sold by their heirs. This is a little more of a problem if the beneficiaries are out of state, but again because it’s common in Florida, there are several companies to assist heirs in the disposal of personal property and furniture.

Selling a family home is always emotional and more so on the heels of a loved one’s death. Ask for help during this time; it’s out there.

More Castles in the Sand:

Uncovering a home’s defects

How to determine the truth about home flooding

It’s all about the kitchen

Commission clarifies pier lease parameters

Commission clarifies pier lease parameters

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

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission have established which portions of the new Anna Maria City Pier will be leased to the current and/or future pier tenant.

On Thursday, Aug. 22, the commission unanimously agreed the city will only lease the new restaurant and bait shop buildings to current pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder – or to a new tenant if a new long-term lease can’t be negotiated with Schoenfelder.

The commission decided the pier’s T-end bathrooms and the T-end decking will be common area shared by the city and its tenant. A contracted property management company will maintain the new pier and the maintenance costs for the shared common areas will be shared by the city and the pier tenant on a pro-rated basis.

The commission also decided the new pier lease will be a triple-net lease that requires the tenant to pay rent, share maintenance costs and pay the insurance and taxes on the leased premises.

On Friday, Mayor Dan Murphy sent Schoenfelder a letter regarding the commission decisions. Schoenfelder has until Sept. 6 to respond as to whether he wishes to continue the lease negotiations based on these new parameters.

“There’s very little value moving forward with discussions on a new lease that would start in December 2020 if Mr. Schoenfelder’s not in agreement with these two issues. These two items are the foundation of a lease,” Murphy told the commission, regarding the premises to be leased and the maintenance of the pier.

Schoenfelder’s current lease expires in December 2020. His lease payments were suspended after the old pier was closed in 2017 due to damage sustained during Hurricane Irma. Schoenfelder’s current lease required him to maintain the entire pier.

The construction of the new pier buildings will begin in September and be completed by year’s end. The interior buildout of the new buildings is expected to take an additional 60 to 90 days.

Murphy was asked later in the week if Schoenfelder can occupy the new buildings until his current lease expires if a new lease is not negotiated. Murphy said there are several possible options to consider, but he’s not ready to discuss them yet.

Schoenfelder lives in Germany and occasionally visits Anna Maria Island. He has not attended a city commission meeting since the old pier was closed.

Commission discussion

During last week’s meeting, Murphy and the commission discussed a July 17 letter Schoenfelder sent Murphy detailing his proposed lease terms. Schoenfelder’s letter was in response to a letter he received from Murphy.

“He feels he should pay $12,000 rent (per month). Secondly, he feels he should have the first six months free,” Murphy said. “He’d like to rent the entire T-end, including the boat landing, but he doesn’t feel he wants to maintain that. He feels parking should be included.”

Murphy noted the city has proposed a $500,000 contribution from the pier tenant, which includes the interior buildout of the restaurant and bait shop. Murphy said Schoenfelder proposes a $250,000 contribution toward the interior buildout.

“The other quarter-million he feels is for his equipment. Our offer does not include equipment. He already had equipment – we helped him carry it off the pier. The equipment is something the restauranteur takes with him if they leave, so I don’t believe the taxpayers should be purchasing $250,000 worth of restaurant equipment,” Murphy said.

Murphy said he needed commission decisions on which portions of the pier premises would be leased to the pier tenant and who would be responsible for the maintenance of the leased and non-leased premises.

“It’s fruitless to go on with conversations unless we can settle those two issues,” Murphy said. “Once you’ve defined the premises and who’s going to maintain the premises you can zero in on what the rent should be, you can zero in on the parking issue, you can come to an agreement on the insurance issues.”

When discussing whether the T-end bathrooms would be leased to the pier tenant, Commissioner Doug Copeland noted they need to remain open 24 hours day.

“I want the city to control as much of the space as possible,” Copeland said.

Murphy said the crew that cleans the City Pier Park restrooms could also clean the pier bathrooms, with the city and the tenant sharing those costs on a pro-rated basis.

In response a question city resident Alan Ward posed during public comment, Murphy said the old bathrooms were open 24 hours a day and maintained by the tenant.

Commissioner Amy Tripp said the past bathroom conditions were “terrible.”

“He failed miserably,” Copeland added.

Regarding maintenance of the pier in general, Copeland said, “I’m not here to bad-mouth Mario, but he’s proven in the past that he’s not good at maintenance.”

“That’s the beauty of the third-party property management; it’ll get done and it’ll be done right,” Murphy said.

Commissioner Dale Woodland agrees that a contracted property management company has the experience and expertise needed to properly maintain the pier and pier buildings – something he said the city and the pier tenant do not possess.

Related coverage

Pier opening discussed

Pier progressing as planned

Aubry files ADA complaint about pier railings

Score a strike at the LaPensee Bowling Tournament

Score a strike at the LaPensee Bowling Tournament

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Archives.

The LaPensee Bowling Tournament, supporting The Center of Anna Maria Island, returns to Bowlero Bradenton for a night of fun competition on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m.

The annual event is a fundraiser for The Center with presenting sponsor LaPensee Plumbing, Pools & Air. The Sun is the media sponsor for the event.

Each year the bowling tournament brings people together for an evening of fun and a little friendly competition on the lanes. In addition to bowling, this year’s tournament features a raffle, prizes for best costumes and awards for the best and worst male, female and kid bowlers.

Last year’s event brought out around 300 bowlers playing on 52 sponsored lanes and raised more than $15,000 for the nonprofit. This year’s goal is to sell out the bowling alley.

Tickets are $30 per person and include three games of bowling, a shoe rental and a choice of either pizza or wings. If you have a team, you can sponsor a whole lane. The cost is $150 to sponsor a lane with a logo displayed on your lane and at check-in. Lane sponsors with players, a team of up to five members, is $200 with a logo displayed at check-in and on the lane.

Signature lane sponsors, at $500 per lane, can have a team of up to five players per lane with a logo displayed at the lane and at check-in. Signature lane sponsors receive a pitcher of beer at their lane, and each player receives a Yeti and Center fishing shirt with a business logo on it. Kids’ lanes also are available.

And don’t forget the costume contest. Each player is encouraged to participate in the costume contest by dressing up solo or as a team.

For more information or to register, visit The Center online at or call 941-778-1908. Bowlero Bradenton is at 4208 Cortez Road.

Related coverage

Center fans rock the lanes at bowling tournament

LaPensee Bowling Tournament to benefit Center

‘Miracle Baby’ needs help

‘Miracle Baby’ needs help

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

ANNA MARIA – A child born three months premature on April 19, 2016, to Roser Community Church Facilities Administrator Charles Wade and his wife, Brenda, still faces a rocky future. Her parents and Roser officials are asking the Island community for help in the form of prayer and money.

Arianna Wade weighed only 11 ounces when she was born and, at that time, she was the smallest ever born at Sarasota Hospital. She became known as the “Miracle Baby” and on Dec. 19, 2016, Arianna came home from the hospital. She was considered to a great Christmas present for Charles and Brenda. On Dec. 12, 2018, Arianna played the part of Baby Jesus in the annual Roser Walk to Bethlehem.

Miracle Baby Arianna Wade
‘Miracle Baby’ Arianna Wade is now three years old.

Arianna has been undergoing ongoing treatment at St. Petersburg Children’s Hospital, and when she recently went in for a routine procedure to open up her airway, doctors discovered there was nothing more they could do for her. They referred her to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

Once again, the church and family are asking for help in the form of prayers and money. Those wishing to help with the upcoming expenses may go to www.roserchurch.com/give to donate online (use the Arianna Miracle Fund line item) or make checks payable to Roser Church and note “For Arianna” on the memo line. Donations can be dropped off at the church office or mailed to Roser Church, PO Box 247, Anna Maria, FL 34216. The money that comes in will be distributed to Charles Wade on a monthly basis.

Pier opening discussed

Pier opening discussed

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

ANNA MARIA – Commission Chairman Brian Seymour asked Mayor Dan Murphy if the new City Pier will be opened to the public before the interior buildout of the T-end buildings is complete.

“I’ve been getting a lot of questions about it,” Seymour said during the City Commission’s Thursday, Aug. 8, meeting.

“When can they actually, physically walk on the pier?” Seymour asked.

“That’s a complex question,” Murphy responded. “As soon as we possibly can.”

Murphy said the pier opening depends on who the city’s pier tenant is, what the tenant’s plans are and how much of the city-owned pier is leased to current pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder or some other pier tenant.

“As soon as that shell’s finished it would be great to open it up – that’s what’s in the back of my mind,” Murphy said.

“The buildout can go on inside the building. It shouldn’t be too disruptive to have people on the pier fishing and doing whatever. That would be the ideal situation, but it would only be fair to let the tenant weigh in on that,” he added.

Seymour asked if the city’s position was to allow people back on the pier once the main construction of pier-end buildings is complete.

Murphy said if he can reach an agreement with Schoenfelder this week, the city would like to allow people back on the pier while the interior buildout takes place – a process Murphy said could take 60 to 90 days to complete once the exterior shell is finished.

“We want access to the pier,” Murphy said.

Murphy said the public restrooms for the pier-end buildings must be completed before the pier can be opened to the public and the pier tenant is responsible for the bathroom fixtures.

The main pier structure is scheduled for completion during the first week of September. Frank Agnelli’s Mason Martin Builders will then begin constructing the restaurant and bait shop buildings. That work is expected to be completed by year’s end.

Related coverage

Pier progressing as planned

Aubry files ADA complaint about pier railings

Pier lease talks gain momentum