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Repeat noise violations a lingering concern

Repeat noise violations a lingering concern

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

ANNA MARIA – City officials are searching for ways to better address vacation rental-related noise ordinance violations, with a focus on vacation rentals that produce repeat noise complaints.

During the Thursday, Aug. 8, city commission meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy proposed lowering the city’s current $500 fine for a cited noise ordinance violation. He said the current fine is onerous, excessive and the highest in Manatee County.

Murphy noted that the owner of a family home on North Shore Drive has not yet paid a $500 noise violation by a family member in March.

City Attorney Becky Vose said the additional $150 administrative fee levied by Special Magistrate Karla Owens at the appeals hearing in April also remains unpaid. During that hearing, Deputy Matthew Kenyan said the Sheriff’s Office previously responded to noise complaints and issued verbal warnings at that same address – 60 North Shore Drive – in 2015 and in 2017.

Commissioner Doug Copeland asked Vose if the city could put more teeth in its ordinance regarding the failure to pay noise ordinance fines and appeal fees. He said not doing so leaves the city “holding the bag” for those fines and fees.

Vose said the city uses a collection agency to collect on unpaid parking tickets and might consider that for noise ordinance citations too.

Murphy said the city also needs to clarify who gets fined when repeat noise citations are issued for the same address.

Possible solutions

Vose said deputies may be hesitant to issue a $500 citation to a vacationing family. She said warnings are not given before parking tickets are issued and she suggested issuing $35 citations for a deputy’s first noise-related visit. The fines would then increase significantly for additional offenses.

Copeland questioned whether some people might simply consider $35 a reasonable fee to pay in exchange for being noisy.

Vose raised the possibility of also fining the property owner and the property manager. She said this might incentivize owners and managers to avoid noisy guests.

Anna Maria noise violations
An occupant of this home on North Shore Drive was fined $500 for a noise ordinance violation and that fine remains unpaid. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

During public comment, it was noted that fining a property owner for a guest’s violation was previously considered in Holmes Beach but discarded due to concerns about the legality of fining an owner or agent for the actions of a guest. Vose said she would research that.

“I think the owner and the property manager have an obligation to make sure the vacation renters understand what’s allowed and what is not allowed. If they don’t do a good job on that, then they should be hit pretty hard,” Commissioner Dale Woodland said. “I don’t want to penalize the visitor that wasn’t informed, but I damn sure want to put a lot of responsibility on the property manager and/or owner.”

Commissioner Chair Brian Seymour disagreed with Woodland’s assertion that local rental and property management companies are not emphasizing noise ordinance compliance.

“I know most of the intermediate management companies and they are all over it,” Seymour said.

Seymour believes the local companies have stepped up their efforts to inform guests that the Island is a quiet place at night. He also said some guests falsely claim ignorance when confronted with a noise complaint.

Commissioner Carol Carter supports a tiered fine structure for properties that receive repeat noise complaints.

Vose said the city could utilize a “three strikes and you’re out” policy that results in a property being declared a nuisance after three cited offenses – but she’s not aware of any rental properties that have received three $500 noise citations.

Commissioner Amy Tripp asked Sgt. Mike Jones how many noise complaints are resolved with a warning.

“The majority comply once we have a talk with them,” Jones said.

Tripp said she wants to maintain the warning-first approach that seems to be working. She doesn’t like the idea of fining a family $35 for their kids making noise in the pool and she supports lowering the current $500 fine.

Woodland disagreed with Tripp about warnings and fines. He said those who live next to problematic vacation rentals are repeatedly subjected to noise issues that go unpenalized because it’s different guests each week.

“We don’t have a huge problem, but we have a lot of repeat problems at the same addresses,” Woodland said.

Copeland said the incident reports included in the commissioners’ meeting packets indicate many noise complaints pertain to people talking when gathered around a swimming pool at night. The reports indicate most complaints were resolved with a warning.

“I don’t know how draconian we want to get,” Copeland said.

Vose said she would continue to research the possibilities discussed and she was asked to draft proposed noise ordinance language to discuss at the commission’s Thursday, Aug. 22, meeting.

Related coverage

Magistrate rules in city’s favor on noise citation

Commissioner proposes unique solution to noise

No winners in noise battle

Castles in the Sand

How to determine the truth about home flooding

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

Home inspections and seller property disclosures are an intricate part of home buying. You would think a seller’s disclosure is pretty clear cut, but it’s far from that, especially when it comes to flooding.

Flooding is the one thing potential property owners on bodies of water want to know the most about but, in fact, know the least. In Florida, there is a seller’s property disclosure form provided by the Florida Realtors Association. Although this form is provided to sellers when they list their property for sale with a real estate professional in Florida, they have no legal obligation to fill it out and sign it. Sellers and their realtors do, however, have a legal obligation to disclose to the buyer all facts that can materially affect the value of the property. It just doesn’t have to be in writing.

When it comes to the disclosure on previous or present flooding, sellers are only required to disclose what they know. If the house was flooded five years before they purchased and they were not aware of it, there’s nothing to pass on to a new buyer. Essentially sellers are required to disclose material defects to buyers that they know about.

Since most home inspectors cannot determine if a home has been flooded in the past, where do buyers go for a history of the property’s flooding? It’s a good question and one that U.S. lawmakers are just starting to look at. The House Financial Services Committee advanced legislation in June that would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to share information about a property’s flood history. This would be a least a step in the right direction for buyers, but when and how this information is provided could be a long way off.

FEMA has recently released data on all 2.4 million flood damage claims processed since the 1970s. Unfortunately, it’s not a practical reference for individuals because of size and lack of address referencing. FEMA does update federal flood zone maps but again that is geared more for insurance companies and gives no information specific to individual properties.

There are some organizations that are trying to improve flood disclosure information. One of them is First Street which collaborates with Columbia University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology among others. It is building a comprehensive database of homes that have flooded or are at risk of future flooding. It uses satellite imagery, high watermark data and other information, including FEMA data on flood claims, to determine if homes may have been flooded.

This information is not new; it has been available to large real estate owners but was financially out of reach for individuals. First Street claims it will launch its database within a year and it will be free for individuals to access. Sounds great, but there is a big margin of error within some of this information. It goes without saying that the impact on property values could be enormous. Will buyers’ willingness to purchase a property be influenced based on this new, possibly subjective information?

Next week we’ll talk about all the other disclosure requirements in Florida and there are plenty. Purchasing property on or near bodies of water, oceans, rivers and lakes are all susceptible to flooding and are inherently risky. There are no guarantees in life and certainly none in homeownership. Do your due diligence with the information available and hope for the best. Look on the bright side, at least we don’t live with the threat of earthquakes.

More Castles in the Sand:

It’s all about the kitchen

Calming waters

The condo dance

Adult co-ed sports up the challenge

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

As the youth indoor soccer season moves to a close, the adults take to the indoor gridiron for the first time in years at The Center of Anna Maria Island. Meanwhile, the big kids also continue to play the adult co-ed soccer league, playing the third week of the summer season.

The top of the rankings on the gridiron have four of the six teams with tied records of two wins and a single loss. Teams Lancaster Design, Progressive Cabinetry, Moss Builders and Gulfview Windows and Doors share position at the top of the heap with more than half the season still to play.

Team Hasmark Sports lost in a close one against Gulfview, taking its record to 1-2. Still seeking its first win, Team Ugly Grouper played a tough game against another veteran squad in Lancaster Design.

In the game against Team Ugly Grouper, Lancaster Designs’ Anthony Mannino grabbed the catch for three touchdown receptions, along with two touchdowns for teammate Karri Stephens. With his solid hands, Jay Hoffmeister added critical three extra points in the game.

Ugly Grouper’s Anthony McCance and Sirkevius Williams both put points on the scoreboard in the game, but their efforts just were not enough to overcome the other team.

Team captain Ryan Moss threw for four passing touchdowns, as well as caught a touchdown of his own in the second game last Thursday night for Gulfview Windows and Doors. Tyler Lancaster, Brandin Holcomb and Jordan DeMers all had scoring receptions of their own, assisting in their team’s win.

In the loss, Hashmark Sports’ Chase Richardson and Corey Banks put six points on the board, with follow-up point-afters by Octavious Cole.

Ray Gardner led his team to another victory with two passing throws that lead to touchdowns and two end-zone victory dances in Moss Builders’ win against Progressive Cabinetry.

Gardner’s teammates, Mike Gillum and Jon Moss, took the football to the end zone in the game, scoring 32 points between the three of them. The team’s scoring was topped with an extra point conversion by Chad Woods, who had three catches in the game.

Despite the loss, Progressive Cabinetry had three players who put up points – Ben Sato, Skylar Sostack and Jaret Rojas.

Facing the small nets and the boards in the Island’s gymnasium, the adults started the indoor soccer season with six games going head-to-head. With scores that look like American football scores, the fast-paced game had the yellow indoor soccer balls whizzing by the goalies.

Progressive Cabinetry spread the scoring among all six players on the team’s roster. In addition to their goals, Ryley Moore, Diego Felipe and Steve Oelfke had goalie stats of their own with critical saves.

Team captain Keith Mahoney scored five goals for his team, along with scores by Jose Urbiola Bolanos and Jason Chiofalo. Chiofalo had 10 saves in the game in addition to the eight saves by Freddy Lenhert in the team’s effort.

Goalie Robb Marshall’s 14 saves just were not enough for Slim’s Place in its fight against Moss Builders. Lexi Sato, Teddy Louloudes and Jose Casaras put the ball in the net past Moss Builder’s goalie Omar Polar.

Juan Carlos, with five goals for Moss Builders, added to the six total goals by Miguel Ajoy and Anil Akbulut for their team’s win.

Team Ugly Grouper, led by Chris Klotz, squeaked by Sato Real Estate in the final indoor game of the night. Klotz had eight saves and two goals in the night. John Haggerty stopped nine strikes and had a goal of his own.

Grouper’s Olaf Krause took it to the net twice, and Yuri Pereira put on the heat with his four goals and the team’s win.

Josh Sato, Adam Bujarski, Ryan Moss and Mark Rudacille put up a total of seven goals in the game, with four saves by Moss and five by Rudacille to end the night of adult indoor soccer.

With the youth indoor soccer league finishing with the championship games this week, the adults will supply the sports action for the rest of the summer at The Center.

Related coverage

Cloud Pest Control overshadows Solid Rock Construction

Summer sports heat up at The Center

Youth indoor soccer heats up the summer

Mayor proposes maintaining current millage rate

Mayor proposes maintaining current millage rate

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

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy proposes maintaining the longstanding 2.05 millage rate for the 2019-2020 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

When discussing the budget with city commissioners on July 25, Murphy noted Anna Maria has consistently had the lowest millage rate of the three Island cities.

If the millage rate is adopted as proposed, property owners will pay $2.05 for every $1,000 of their property’s assessed value after applying any homestead exemptions and/or other tax exemptions.

Due to increased property values, maintaining the current millage rate will result in ad valorem property tax increases for many property owners, but Homestead exemptions applied to permanent full-time residences limit to 3% (or the annual change in the Consumer Price Index) the annual increase that can be applied to a Homesteaded property’s assessed taxable value.

The city anticipates collecting approximately $2.46 million in ad valorem taxes in the 2019-2020 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. City Treasurer LeAnne Addy said maintaining the current millage rate would provide the city with approximately $214,000 in additional ad valorem tax revenues compared to the current fiscal year.

The city also anticipates collecting $300,503 in vacation rental licensing fees in the coming fiscal year.

The 2019-20 budget remains a work in progress and is scheduled for discussion again at commission’s Thursday, Aug. 8, budget meeting that begins at 6 p.m.

Anna Maria’s 2019-2020 fiscal year budget will be presented for final adoption during two public hearings in September.

Related coverage:

Anna Maria appreciates county, state pier support

County to consider record high tourism budget

Holmes Beach budget talks begin

Pier progressing as planned

Pier progressing as planned

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

ANNA MARIA – The construction of the new city pier remains on schedule, and the city has identified $74,000 in anticipated savings regarding the construction of the pier-based restaurant and bait shop buildings.

On Aug. 1, Mayor Dan Murphy sent a pier status update to Monica Luff. Luff is the executive assistant to the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). The CVB is affiliated with the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) that makes funding recommendations to the Manatee County Commission regarding the use of the county’s 5 percent tourist tax revenues.

In 2018, the TDC and the County Commission supported the city’s request for $1.5 million in tourist tax revenues for the estimated $5 million pier project. The county commission also approved an additional $333,000 in surplus beach concession revenues. The city now seeks an additional $435,000 in tourist tax revenues and that request will be heard by county commissioners on Aug. 20.

The city seeks the additional county funds to help offset the funding shortfall created when Federal Emergency Management Agency reduced the federal funding the city was to receive due to damage the old pier sustained during Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Status update

“Below is the status of the pier as of today,” Murphy wrote the following in his most recent status update:

  • The bent frames (piles, supports and stringers) for the pier walkway are complete and covered temporarily with plywood so that workers have access to the T-end;
  • The concrete top platform base for the T-end is complete;
  • The conduits carrying the utilities are partially in place, and a portion is being rearranged to meet code;
  • The electrical lines for the lighting are being installed this week and will be completed next week;
  • Light post installation on the walkway will begin.

“Beginning Aug. 12, and through the rest of August the following steps are scheduled, weather permitting,” Murphy wrote the following:

  • The small boat landing will be framed;
  • The Ipe decking will be placed on the walkway;
  • The Ipe fascia around the T-end will be installed;
  • The open issue of the fire line to be resolved.

“The pier platform is on schedule for substantial completion by the first week of September. Construction of the restaurant and bait shop is scheduled to begin Sept. 1. We remain on schedule for substantial completion of the restaurant and bait shop building shell by late December,” Murphy’s update concluded.

Cost savings

On July 25, Murphy and the City Commission discussed the cost savings for the construction of the pier buildings.

Murphy said Frank Agnelli’s original bid for his Mason Martin Builders to construct the new pier buildings was $1,041,000. The contract approved by the commission later that night is for $967,000

Murphy noted the commission recently supported Agnelli’s recommendation to use HardiePlank siding instead of Kebony siding on the new buildings, which saves the city $18,000.

Murphy said subsequent discussions with Agnelli and representatives from the i+iconSoutheast construction firm that is building the main pier structure and walkway produced $56,000 in additional savings.

Murphy said the bulk of that $56,000 is the result of a change in Agnelli’s construction deployment plan that originally called for him to rent a barge for a significant period of time. Instead, Murphy and Agnelli worked out an arrangement to transport the construction materials on a barge provided by i+iconSoutheast.

Murphy said that $56,000 also includes savings produced by the sales tax exemption the city receives when purchasing its construction materials directly.

“We’re comfortable with the price. Mr. Agnelli’s comfortable with it,” Murphy said of the contract he sought commission authorization to sign.

“We have a good agreement here,” he added.

Commission Chair Brian Seymour said he appreciated the mayor’s efforts to reduce the Mason Martin Builders’ contract by 7 percent.

“Great job,” Seymour said.

Participating by phone, Commissioner Amy Tripp agreed and she too thanked Murphy. The commission then unanimously authorized Murphy to enter into a contract with Mason Martin Builders.

Related coverage:

Aubry files ADA complaint about pier railings

Pier lease talks gain momentum

Anna Maria appreciates county, state pier support

Center of Anna Maria Island

Center ends year on a high note

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

ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island’s fiscal year ended with cause for celebration. After years of financial struggles, the nonprofit ended another year in the black with $91,479.35 in the bank.

The Center’s fiscal year ended June 30. The end of year financials show net ordinary income from programs and fundraising at $166,222 before $99,743 in capital expenses and $25,000 in capital income from the surplus concession stand fund overseen by Manatee County commissioners, ending the year with $91,479.

For the entire fiscal year, July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, the financials show $1,057,445 in total revenue and $965,965 in total expenses.

Program revenue, before $293,844 in direct expenses, ended the year with $600,938, coming in at 10% over budget. Included in this category are membership fees, Island Fitness membership fees, registration fees, sponsorship donations, merchandise sales and donations from the three Island cities.

Program income, including income from camps, personal training, CrossFit and other specialty programming came in at $307,094.

Fundraising revenue ended the year at $431,507 with $110,817 in direct costs to end the year with $320,690 in income. Changes to the fundraising category for the 2018-19 fiscal year include moving the funds received from the three Island cities, budgeted at $46,000, from the fundraising column to the programs that the cities designated the funds for. Also noted are $130,000 in donations that were budgeted for and not received. Fundraising revenue came in at 14.2% less than the $502,715 budgeted.

The Center’s board of directors hopes to increase fundraising revenue in the 2019-20 fiscal year with the addition of new Director of Development Jim McDaniel. The board is expected to confirm the hiring of a new operations director and event coordinator.

Though the fiscal year ended more than a month ago, the end of year financial statements and a new budget have yet to be reviewed and confirmed by board members. Due to the summer months, the board has not met in two months because a quorum could not be reached. The budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year, which began July 1, and the 2018-19 end of year financials are expected to be discussed at an August board meeting. To view The Center’s financials, visit www.centerami.org.

Related coverage:

Anna Maria provides ongoing Center support

McDaniel joins Center team

Aubry files ADA complaint about pier railings

Aubry files ADA complaint about pier railings

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Former City Commissioner Eugene “Gene” Aubry has filed a complaint with the United States Justice Department regarding the commission’s 2018 decision to not install handrails on the new city pier currently under construction.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division received Aubry’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint on July 29.

Atop the copy of the complaint form sent to Mayor Dan Murphy is a handwritten note that says, “Mayor – For your info,” followed by Aubry’s initials. The complaint lists Aubry’s Palmetto address.

In his handwritten response to the question asking who’s being discriminated against, Aubry wrote, “All future visitors.”

In response to who has discriminated, Aubry wrote, “The mayor and entire city council.”

As for when the alleged discrimination occurred, Aubry wrote, “Present. Under construction.”

He described the discriminatory act as “Refusal to install handrails on pier.”

Chapter 6.4 of the United States Access Board’s ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) says, “Most fishing piers and platforms are fixed structures and must comply with the accessible route requirements in ADAAG. Railings are not required. However, where railings are provided, at least 25 percent of the railings must be 34 inches maximum above the ground or deck surface in order not to interfere with fishing by individuals with disabilities.”

The original pier, built in 1911, had railings that were removed decades ago. Aubry served as a commissioner from 2010 to 2013. During that time, the pier did not have railings.

When demolished in 2018, the pier did not have railings. Instead, it had wooden toe rail curbing that ran the length of the pier walkway and T-end platform. The design for the new pier calls for higher toe rail curbing.

In his complaint, Aubry checked “yes” as to whether efforts were made to resolve this complaint through an internal grievance procedure. As for the grievance status, Aubry wrote: “Was presented to city council by E. Aubry with no response.”

As to whether the complainant intends to file with another agency or court. Aubry checked “Yes” and wrote, “If ADA does not respond.”

In the additional answers space, Aubry wrote: “At the end of the pier, the city will be constructing a restaurant, bait shop, retail and bathrooms – all to be accessed over pier that has no handrails over the water. Where the handicapped (is) concerned, especially the blind, this is a major problem and should not be allowed.”

Aubry’s complaint ends with his suggestion that the engraved planks removed from the old pier be used to build railings on the new pier.

Previous discussion

In February, Aubry made his pitch for pier railings. He told the commission he’s been an architect for 60-plus years and he referenced the ADA but did not claim the new pier would be non-compliant without handrails.

“The original pier had railings on it. The fact that we’re not building handrails is personally beyond my imagination. It has to do with safety and liability,” he said then.

In March 2018, Mayor Dan Murphy and the City Commission discussed whether to include railings on the new pier. Murphy told the commission he received several emails on that topic and public opinion was evenly divided.

City resident and Anna Maria Preservation Trust founder Sissy Quinn told the commission she preferred no railings because that maintains the look pier visitors have become accustomed to over the past 30 years.

The commission voted 5-0 to not include railings. The commission felt the increased height of the toe rail curbing would provide adequate protection for those using strollers, wheelchairs and walkers.

Additional comments

When asked about the complaint, Murphy said he does not expect it to impact the construction of the new pier as planned.

He noted the new pier is designed to maintain its historic use as a place where boats can be docked and said, “Boat docks don’t have to have railings.”

When contacted, Aubry said he never expressed concerns about pier railings while in office because there was no talk then of repairing or replacing the pier.

Aubry said city code requires a railing around a deck that’s more than 18 inches off the ground and he questions why that same standard isn’t applied to a structure built six to eight feet over the water.

Aubry could not cite a specific state or federal law or regulation that requires pier railings, but he fears the commission’s decision exposes the city to potential liability and litigation.

“A toe rail will not keep you from falling off the pier,” Aubry said. “It’s like Disney World out there and adults today do not take control of their kids.”

The ADA website notes that it cannot investigate or litigate every complaint and it can take three months to complete a review.

Related coverage:

Pier lease talks gain momentum

HardiePlank selected for pier building exteriors

Mason Martin Builders selected to build pier restaurant and bait shop

‘SoulJourn’ shakes up Roser services

‘SoulJourn’ shakes up Roser services

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Entertainment.

ANNA MARIA – The pastoral staff at Roser Memorial Community Church is shaking things up, first with the addition of new Praise and Worship Leader Derrick Williams and second with the addition of a new contemporary service on Sunday evenings beginning Oct. 6.

SoulJourn, a casual contemporary service, will be held Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 6, though a preview of the new service will be held in place of the regular 10 a.m. service on Sunday, Sept. 15.

“We’re very excited,” Rev. Neil Crowell said of the new worship service. “This is something that we’ve worked on for two and a half years. I think it’s just a blessing to have Derrick here.”

Williams joins Roser part-time. In addition to his new position, he’s also the host, creative director and musical director of the weekly music television show “The Gospel Voice” on The Christian Television Network and performs on Sunday’s Soulful Supper. He currently holds the title of Best of the Bay winner for Best Vocalist, Pianist, Singer/Songwriter and Jazz Ensemble.

Williams, who lives in Brandon with his wife Julie and daughter Jordan, said that of all the opportunities offered to him, he felt led through prayer by the Lord to come to Roser and help lead the new worship service.

“I prayed a lot about this,” he said, adding that his wife helped him explore the option of working at Roser and supports his decision. “I’ve learned to listen to my wife.”

“I come from the Baptist south where there was a church on every block,” he said, adding that as a preacher’s son he was brought up both in the church and surrounded by musicians. After joining the military, he said he returned and became a family man. Previously, he’s also been a teacher at a Catholic school, award-winning musician and performer. Williams said he’s been entertaining audiences for more than 30 years. One of his favorite ways to teach and to entertain is through his love of music and his talent of playing the piano, something he hopes to bring to the new Roser service with the help of some talented vocalists and musicians in the community.

The music for the service will be led by Williams while the teachings will be done by Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef and associate pastor Crowell.

“Roser has done a spectacular job through the years of celebrating traditional worship and we do a really good job of it and it’s a ministry that reaches a lot of people but we’re aware that a contemporary style of worship would attract a whole ‘nother group of people that we’re not reaching. And so, we wanted to offer that new style at the same time that we’re keeping what has worked so well for us,” O’Keef said. “A lot of churches have made the mistake of abandoning their traditional and going all contemporary. We don’t want to do that. We want to do both. We want to offer both and we want to celebrate both styles. The new style of worship will certainly be dramatically different. One of the things, of course, is the style of music. That’s one of the major differences.”

In addition to well-known hymns, Williams said people can also expect to hear gospel, funk, acoustic, jazz, rock and other types of music. He’s really hoping for horn players to join the musicians at Roser. He said he’s really looking for local musicians who want to come share their gifts with the community.

“I think what we can promise folks who come is a really powerful music experience and a really powerful biblical experience,” O’Keef said. “We’re not going to make the mistake that some churches have made of dumbing down the faith. We want our service to be very biblical and one that is also very contemporary in terms of how we experience God’s presence. I think that’ll be really good stuff.”

Roser is looking for volunteers for the new service including musicians, vocalists and anyone willing to work behind the scenes, such as a stage manager. In a talk with The Sun, Williams said he’s open to anyone who wants to share their gifts with the community, including actors, dancers and other individuals. For more information, call 941-778-0414, email info@roserchurch.com or visit www.roserchurch.com/souljourn. Roser is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Cloud Pest Control overshadows Solid Rock Construction

Cloud Pest Control overshadows Solid Rock Construction

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

The first playoff game of the youth indoor soccer season was last Thursday night, with the winner of the game going on to the semifinal round.

The Long-Roadman family team, along with Emma Raulerson, fought the good fight against Team Cloud Pest Control on the indoor arena at The Center for the final playoff spot.

Team Solid Rock Construction had a strong defensive force well into the first six minutes of play with Stella Long and cousin Eli Roadman on the court.

Cyrus Ryan proved to be a force to be reckoned with on offense for Cloud Pest Control, scoring his first goal near the seventh minute of the game.

With the score 1-0, Long tried to tie up the game 12 minutes into the match-up only to have her shot go just to the right of the post.

Isabella Roadman took her own shot for Team Solid Rock Construction. Ryan made the block to prevent the score.

Isabella made another beautiful scoring attempt that went off the post, as players and spectators gasped in anticipation and disappointment.

Cyrus’ sister, Calla, scored the second goal for Cloud with less than four minutes in the first half, advancing the score to 2-0.

Three minutes into the second half of play, Braelyn Curtis took a hard shot that went off of the foot of a Solid Rock player for an own goal giving Team Cloud Pest Control a three-point lead.

The three-line penalty against Team Cloud Pest Control gave the soccer ball to Solid Rock, which showed great passing on the hard indoor pitch.

Ryan made a shot that went just wide in the 26th minute of play. Cloud’s free-kick a few minutes later was met by a wall of Solid Rock players to prevent their opponent’s fourth goal.

All alone right in front of the net was C. Ryan, who received a beautiful pass from his teammate, giving Cloud Pest Control a 4-0 lead with 10 minutes left in the game.

Isaac Roadman played a fierce second half in front of the goal.

Another great stop by Isaac Roadman was followed by a fantastic goal by Cloud’s Brady Thompson to finish the scoring for his team with a total of five goals.

The Cloud Pest Control crew, including Josiah Hunsader, Riley Koehler and Owen Purcell solidly won their place in the next round of play.

All of the Solid Rock Construction cousins, including Carson Long, finished the season playing strong, learning new skills and having fun at The Center.

Related coverage:

Summer sports heat up at The Center

Youth indoor soccer heats up the summer

Moss Builders shut out Island Vacation Properties

Castles in the Sand

It’s all about the kitchen

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

You may not want to do a kitchen renovation in August, but August is the perfect time to start planning one. Sitting on the patio with your iPad or on the beach with a home decorating magazine is an easy way to start planning that new kitchen. Add a cool coconut drink and you’ll soon forget that it’s 95 degrees.

Kitchen trends change almost as fast as fashion trends. What’s in now will undoubtedly be out in three years. It’s impossible to keep up and most of us don’t even try, but if you’re one of those who must have the latest, here’s where you should be looking:

In spite of the fact that we’re told white kitchen cabinets are out, according to Houzz, it’s still the most popular color at 43% of remodels. Second place is wood cabinets at 25%, followed by gray at 11%.

The trendy colors are now bold – deep blue, red and, ready for this, black. Now over 30 years ago when my sister-in-law was choosing kitchen cabinets for their new home, she picked black. She was always a trendy gal, but at the time I had never seen black kitchen cabinets before and was definitely taken aback. Little did I know she was decades ahead of her time. Today’s black is designed to provide a quiet soulful balance in the kitchen, combining cabinets, matte black appliances and black backsplashes.

Completely the opposite of black, a color that is also new and trending is mint green. Certainly, in my opinion, mint green is a better choice for beach living if you must give up white. Finally, two-tone cabinets, different color uppers and lowers are so in. I expect they’ll be out soon. Nevertheless it is a nice look. If you can’t bear to give up your white cabinets, you can make them trendy with dark lower cabinets.

As far as countertops, stone is and probably always will be the choice of most homeowners. Granite lost its first-place position a long time ago, replaced by quartz, but the trend now is to use concrete counters and natural stone. Backsplashes are also being invaded by natural stone with edges. I wonder how you keep that clean, with it installed right up to the ceiling?

The most popular cabinet style, according to Houzz, is holding with the ubiquitous shaker cabinets chosen by 57% of homeowners. Open shelving instead of all upper cabinets are also trending. They create a more uncluttered feeling, especially with an interesting backsplash. But if you do have upper cabinets, they must go to the ceiling.

And high tech is all over new kitchens – appliances that talk to you and your iPhone and charging stations are a must just as are hoodless ventilation systems. Thankfully rose color hardware and appliances are gone after their 15 minutes of fame.

So is doing an expensive kitchen renovation worth it in dollars? Maybe or maybe not, depending on what you do. Eighty percent of buyers place a nice kitchen in their list of the top three most important spaces in a home. Nationally, the average cost of a kitchen renovation is $35,000 but you could spend three times that.

Most kitchen renovations do add value to a home but most will also not be fully reimbursed in actual dollars. The benefit of a nice kitchen, however, will be in reduced selling time, which is generally reflected in actual dollar savings. Don’t forget, if you’re renovating before putting your home on the market, minor renovations can make a huge difference in appearance and get you the bigger bang for your buck.

It’s easy to dream about your dream kitchen during a hazy summer afternoon, just don’t let the heat and coconut drink give you delusions of grandeur, especially if you’re thinking black cabinets.

More Castles in the Sand:

Calming waters

The condo dance

The suburbs and the millennials

Center of Anna Maria Island

Summer sports heat up at The Center

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

The Center summer sports returns to the gridiron with adult co-ed flag football. With the teams mixing up the rosters and new faces in the league, the games leading to the final championship game are sure to heat up the field.

In the first game of the night last Thursday, Team Ugly Grouper’s captain Matthew Manger saw his team take a beating on the field against a veteran squad.

Team captain Ray Gardner, for Moss Builders, threw for two touchdowns and made a touchdown of his own along with eight receptions.

Mike Gillum and Chad Woods each had touchdown catches to add to the duo of touchdowns by Jon Moss and Lexi Sato.

Game two also ended in a runaway game with underdogs Team Hashmark Sports the victors. With each team playing with four on the field, due to the absence of key player Brianna Roberts for Lancaster Designs.

Karri Stephens, receiver for Lancaster Design, was the lone scorer with two touchdowns.

Hashmark Sports creator and team captain Tim Holly scored a touchdown in the game with teammates Chase Richardson, Matthew Briley and Corey Banks each finding the end zone twice.

The final game put Progressive Cabinetry against Gulfview Windows and Doors. In the closest game of the night, Progressive took the win against team captain Ryan Moss and his squad.

Brandin Holcomb, Dina Calvary and Jordan DeMers each scored touchdowns for Gulfview Windows and Doors. Connor Haughey, Brandon Kull, Vincent Paraspolo and Jaret Rojas took the football to the end zone for Progressive Cabinetry in their victory.

Youth indoor soccer action continued with action in the gym at both the intermediate and advanced levels.

In the intermediate league, Moss Builders took the win against Ugly Grouper with goals for Moss by Dylan Sato, Mason Moss and three by Jackson Titen.

The Zaccagnino siblings, Jack and Jesse, each found the net with two goals by Jesse.

Solid Rock Construction denied Cloud Pest Control a goal. Cousins Isabella Roadman and Carson Long each made a goal for their team.

In the two games at the advanced level, G&G Yardscaping and Ugly Grouper each took the W.

Dalton Fox scored the only goal for AMI Locals, while Hudson Green, Ryan Joseph, and Connor Samblis got the soccer ball past the AMI Locals defense for their team.

AMI Locals had the doubleheader of the night, taking on Ugly Grouper in the last game of the evening. With fresh legs, Angelina Albrecht, Jackson Long, Jayden Sparks and Will Wright each scored a point in the week’s final game.

Related coverage

Youth indoor soccer heats up the summer

Moss Builders shut out Island Vacation Properties

Youth indoor soccer teams battle at The Center

Reel Time: Cameras – catch and release digitally

Reel Time: Cameras – catch and release digitally

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

The world of digital photography and videography continues to evolve, and anglers have never had more options to explore. Whether you’re capturing a picture or a video clip to remind you of your catch, to share with friends and family or to post on social media, digital cameras allow us to capture images of our catches, making a catch and release all that much more rewarding.

Photography has never been easier and anglers can enjoy this amazing technology no matter what their level of expertise. Most digital cameras and most smartphones also come with software or apps that let you enhance the image, crop the size and share the final product in a number of ways. You can send the images via e-mail or as a text straight from a phone, download them, edit, and print them out to frame and display.

Even though taking a picture may be easy, there are a few basic rules that will help you capture a better image:

  • Before ever leaving the dock, be sure you have fresh batteries, a charged phone, memory cards with enough space to record your images, a clean lens and a cleaning cloth.
  • There is almost always a certain amount of chaos associated with a catching a memorable fish, so get an idea in advance of where you’ll compose your image.
  • Check the background through the viewfinder carefully for distracting and cluttered backgrounds. Make sure you don’t have any unwanted objects, like a rod appearing to stick out of someone’s head.
  • Look to capture photographs that aren’t posed, and remember that the sooner you get your picture the more vibrant the colors of a fish will be. First and foremost, fill the frame with the subject, eliminating anything that doesn’t add to the composition.
  • Since you’re filming on the water, check that the horizon is straight. Most cameras and many phones have the option of putting a grid on the screen.
  • Preset your exposure and check it as lighting conditions change.
  • For most shots, I set my camera to aperture (F8) priority.
  • When trying to catch a jumping fish make sure you stop the action with an ISO of at least 1,000th of a second. Many digital cameras can capture up to 10 frames a second, so set the camera for a rapid burst.
  • Many photographs taken on the water are exposed in bright light. A camera’s light meter averages light over the scene, so an angler’s face, especially if shaded by a cap, will often be dark and lack detail. Make sure you expose your shots with fill flash.
  • Take a number of shots from different angles and get the angler excited and talking to you. One of the really great advantages of digital is that you can take lots of pictures and edit them on the go to make sure you have the shot you want.
  • When possible, use a polarizing filter during the daylight hours. It helps cut the glare on the water and saturate colors.
  • If you have photo editing software, like Lightroom or Photoshop, you can lighten the shadows in post-production. This can sometimes eliminate the need for fill flash, if the contrast isn’t too great, and prevents a flash from creating unwanted reflections on fish. Since lighting is almost always challenging, shoot and then review important shots. If you have a more advanced camera, you can bracket important shots in difficult lighting situations. Expose at least three images: one slightly (one-stop) underexposed, one slightly (one-stop) overexposed and one at the setting suggested by the light meter.

There are a lot of excellent digital cameras on the market today. The new generation of Smart Phones can take amazing images, but they have their limitations (lack of a polarizing filter).

If you’re really interested in photography, I would suggest getting a camera that meets your needs. Most come with a trial version of an image editing software like Adobe Elements. There are many cameras on the market from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

Taking the time to capture the moments of life pays dividends that you can continue to relive by sharing them through your images.

For more information on the right camera for you, check with a professional at your local camera shop like Johnson Photo Imaging or go to www.bhphoto.com. Software demos (Check out Lightroom CC 2019) can be downloaded online.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Success – opportunity meets preparedness

Reel Time: Line and leaders

Reel Time: Waterkeeper Alliance holding polluters accountable

Castles in the Sand

Calming waters

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

It’s the end of July, and most of the country is hot, really hot. But if you live near the water as we do, it doesn’t seem so bad. Imagine living in a landlocked state and it’s 95 degrees day after day. Aside from keeping cool, living near the water has many other benefits, according to a book called “Blue Mind.”

Sitting on a beach has always been one of my favorite things to do and I have been fortunate enough my entire life to have quick access to wonderful beaches. It gives me a sense of well being and just staring at the water puts me in a mildly meditative state, a blue mind.

This is exactly what Wallace Nichols a marine biologist talks about in his book “Blue Mind.” He says that merely being close to a body of water, sea, river, ocean or lake can promote mental health and happiness. Further, water lowers stress and anxiety, lowers heart and breathing rate and improves creativity. Sometimes even dreaming or daydreaming about a beautiful beach and crystal water can calm down anxiety.

Nichols’s theory would explain the popularity of Anna Maria Island and the accompanying increase in real estate values. Coastal Living Magazine had a recent list of the happiest seaside towns in the country. Anna Maria came in fifth and the only picture the magazine used in their piece was one of Anna Maria’s iconic cottages on Pine Avenue.

Now it’s time to take a look at the June Manatee County sales statistics reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee:

Single-family homes closed 2.2% fewer properties, however, the median sale price was up 5% to $315,000 and the average sale price was $397,987, which is 8.8% higher than last June. The median percentage of original list price to the final sale price was 96%, about the same as last year. The median time to sell was 102 days this June. Last year it was 90 days and the month’s supply of properties is 3.6 months compared to 4.1 last June.

Condos closed 12.2% fewer properties this June compared to last. Like single-family homes, the median sale price for condos was also up by 3.9% to $199,000. The average sale price was also up 1.6% to $236,307. The median percentage of original list price to the final sale price was 95%, up 1.3 percent from last year. The median time to sell was 101 days this year compared to 111 days last year and the month’s supply of properties is 4.1 months, the same as last June.

With the exception of fewer closings, June’s numbers are all in the green for both single-family and condos. If you have a smaller supply of properties to sell, chances are you will have fewer closings – the good and bad of a great real estate market. In addition, the median percentage of listing to sale price is a good indicator of the health of the market. When you’re getting close to 100% of listing to sale, you know things are good.

This time of year, it’s not easy to find a state that is naturally cool, believe me, I’ve tried. It’s also not easy to find a place where people are not over-connected and over-stimulated, creating a red mind the opposite of a blue mind.

However, we have it right here on Anna Maria and the surrounding areas. Is it worth the extra money for a home on or near the water? Just ask anyone who has one. “Blue Mind,” a perfect name for a cottage on the beach.

More Castles in the Sand:

The condo dance

The suburbs and the millennials

Are you as smart as a private equity firm?

Copeland will not seek reelection

Copeland will not seek re-election

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

ANNA MARIA – City Commissioner Doug Copeland will not next seek re-election in the upcoming city elections that will conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Copeland made this announcement from the dais toward the end of the Thursday, July 25, City Commission meeting.

“Candidate qualifying is the middle of next month, and at this time I’d like to announce that I will not be seeking re-election. I would like to encourage some of our very talented citizens to seek that seat,” Copeland said.

Copeland’s surprise announcement produced a brief period of silence as his fellow commissioners and others in the room processed the news.

While giving his commissioner’s report a few minutes later, commission chair Brian Seymour turned to Copeland and said, “After that bombshell, thank you for your service. You’ve obviously made this decision and you served the city so well for so many years.”

Seymour said he was shocked but happy that Copeland made a decision he feels is right for him at this time.

“Same here, Doug,” Commissioner Carol Carter added.

In addition to serving multiple terms as a city commissioner, Copeland also represents Anna Maria Island on the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. Before becoming a commissioner, Copeland spent two decades as a member of the city’s Planning and Zoning Board.

Carter and Dale Woodland’s current two-year terms also expire in November. Both said they will seek re-election.

Qualifying info

Anna Maria’s two-week candidate qualifying period will open at noon on Monday, Aug. 19 and close at noon on Friday, Aug. 30. Those seeking office must pay a qualifying fee and submit the signatures of 10 registered city voters. They must also sign a candidate’s residency affidavit stating they have been a city resident for at least two years.

For more information, visit www.votemanatee.com, call 941-741-3823 or e-mail info@votemanatee.com.

Pier lease talks gain momentum

Pier lease talks gain momentum

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

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and current city pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder recently reviewed a draft document that includes several potential options for the lease of the new pier.

The construction of the pier walkway and T-end platform are to be completed by the end of August. The new restaurant and bait shop buildings at the new pier’s T-end are expected to open to the public by year’s end.

Schoenfelder’s current pier lease expires in December 2020 and he has expressed interest in entering into a new long-term lease.

The recently developed draft document is not a formal and binding agreement. It merely reflects some of the terms, conditions and options to be considered by the city and Schoenfelder.

The draft lease document presents three options regarding which portions of the new pier could be leased to Schoenfelder or another pier tenant.

Option one is to lease the T-end restaurant, bait shop, bathrooms and breezeway only. Option two is for the entire T-end of the pier, not including the pier walkway and boat landing. Option three is for the entire pier.

Parking option one proposes the city provide adequate marked parking based upon an approved number of seats. Option two proposes the pier tenant lease adequate parking from the city and/or private sources.

The draft lease language states the leased premises will be used solely to operate a restaurant and bait, tackle and gift shop that also serves snacks and beverages.

The lease terms require the tenant’s business operations to be seven days a week 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the tenant having the option to extend, but not decrease, the hours of operation. The proposed lease language states that the tenant shall serve breakfast, lunch and dinner unless otherwise specified by the city.

The proposed lease language states all open areas of the pier, including the breezeway and bathrooms, shall be accessible to the public at all times.

Lease terms

The proposed lease term options include a 10-year lease with two five-year extensions or a seven-year lease with two seven-year extensions.

The draft language proposes the pier tenant contribute $250,000 toward the city’s construction of the new buildings that will house the restaurant, bait shop and restrooms. The language also proposes that the tenant is responsible for interior build-out of those buildings at the tenant’s expense.

“All improvements made to the premises shall become the property of the landlord upon installation,” the draft lease language says.

Maintenance

Pier maintenance options include the tenant being responsible for all maintenance of pier premises, or the city being responsible for all maintenance of premises – except for the maintenance of the operational fixtures purchased by the tenant to operate their businesses.

The lease language proposes the tenant pay an unspecified amount per quarter toward the maintenance of the pier, the approach area and the parking lot.

The draft language includes options for either the tenant or the city to insure the pier and pay the annual property taxes.

The possible lease options include an absolute net lease where the tenant pays the maintenance, insurance, tax, improvements and is responsible for all expenses of the facility rented; a triple net lease where the tenant pays for maintenance, insurance and taxes; a double net lease where the tenant pays the taxes and the insurance or a modified net lease where the tenant pays the taxes only.

The language proposes the tenant pay an unspecified, monthly base rent that includes an annual 3% increase – or a base rent that increases or decreases each year based on the Consumer Price Index.

Another option would be a percentage-based rent that requires the tenant to the pay the city 8% of the total revenues generated by the pier-based business operations.

The proposed lease language requires the tenant to maintain a blanket saltwater fishing license that allows anyone to fish from the pier, including those who do not hold their own fishing licenses.

Related coverage

HardiePlank selected for pier building exteriors

Anna Maria appreciates county, state pier support

Mason Martin Builders selected to build pier restaurant and bait shop