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Annie Silver remains without a president

Annie Silver remains without a president

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Annie Silver Community Center members were unable to elect a president at their board meeting on Nov. 15 due to a lack of attendance.

During its first post-COVID-19 meeting on Sept. 27 after a break of more than a year, the board addressed issues including replacing retiring president Linda Yarger, whose last official day was Sept. 30.

Annie Silver, a 501(c)(3) non-profit community center, is overseen by a board consisting of a president (currently vacant), Vice President Jim Hassett, Treasurer Dianne Coates and Secretary Judy Pruitt. Hassett expressed willingness to take over the role of president, which would require some reshuffling to fill the vice president position, but any changes require a vote by members. The vote will have to wait until at least Dec. 6 when the board has its next scheduled meeting.

Although a vote did not take place, members discussed business, including a change in the zoning status of the center. Previously, Annie Silver was designated as residential property. According to Hassett, that is being changed to city commercial status by the Bradenton Beach Building and Planning Department.

“The city commercial status basically means if someone would ever want to buy it and turn it back into residential, it would be up to them to appeal to the city,” said Hassett, who also said this change did not cost the center any money.

Annie Silver Community Center has served the Bradenton Beach community for more than 65 years. It was named for its founder, Annie Silver, whose life and accomplishments adorn the walls of the center in honor of her many contributions to the Island and its residents. The center can be rented out for just about any event free of charge, although a charitable donation is requested to offset operating costs. Wedding receptions, youth activities and meetings of the AMI Privateers are common at the center.

Island residents will also be happy to hear that bingo will be returning to the center in mid-January. Bingo is not only a favorite pastime in Bradenton Beach, but it is the primary source of income for Annie Silver. Due to COVID-19, there hasn’t been any bingo for more than a year. More details on exact dates and times will be determined at future meetings.

The next event will be the center’s bi-annual book sale and potluck which will be held Nov. 26-27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will benefit Senior Adventures.

Castles in the Sand

Global property boom

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

The old adage that all real estate is local for the most part still holds. For instance, properties on Anna Maria Island have significantly different price points than properties in other areas of Manatee County. However, there is a global reset in one area since the entire real estate market around the world after COVID-19 has experienced a property boom.

Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Asian markets are all struggling with the affordability of home prices. In most of these areas, as well as in the United States, the home price to income ratio is at a very high level; in some regions, the highest ever recorded. Governments are at a loss as to whether stepping in will help or hinder the marketplace. In China, efforts to slow down the market have been a failure and the rest of the world has been watching.

Homeowners who purchased their properties prior to the pandemic are substantially richer than they were on closing day. And Anna Maria Island may be the perfect example of what has happened during the last two years.

For several years I did a quarterly review of properties listed and sold over $1 million in the three cities on Anna Maria and Cortez. I’ve decided to change that analysis to every six months to better give a more consistent overall picture of the market. The following statistics are covering sales from May through October of this year, closing at or above $1 million as recorded by the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s office.

The city of Anna Maria closed 56 properties at or over $1 million, averaging slightly over nine properties per month. The highest sales were $6,800,000 and $6,750,000; there were three sales over $4 million; seven sales over $3 million; 13 sales over $2 million and the balance were $1 million or over.

The combined cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach closed 97 properties at or over $1 million, averaging slightly over 16 properties per month. The highest sale was for $5,450,000; there were three sales over $4 million; five sales over $3 million; 29 sales over $2 million and the balance were $1 million or over.

Cortez closed two sales, both over $1 million.

On the market or pending as of this writing in the city of Anna Maria, there are 35 properties $1 million or over. The highest is $16,500,000; there are two over $9 million; one over $6 million; one over $5 million; one over $4 million; six over $3 million; 12 over $2 million and 11 over $1 million.

The combined cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach have 61 properties on the market or pending as of this writing. The highest are $7,995,000 and $7,957,000; one over $6 million; one over $5 million; seven over $3 million; 16 over $2 million and 34 over $1 million.

Cortez has three properties; the highest is $4,750,000, a parcel of land at $1,300,000 and new construction in the Hunters Point development for $1,000,000.

If these numbers don’t blow you away, I don’t know what will. Some economists think it’s best to leave the market alone and let it find its own way, which I agree with. Most economists think that we will not have a 2008-type housing crash that was mostly created from poor lending standards, all of which have been tightened up.

There has been some very minor slowdown in sales in the national market recently, nevertheless, prices aren’t expected to fall significantly. Have a Happy Thanksgiving; we homeowners have much to be thankful for.

FDOT stresses patience during sidewalk replacement project

FDOT stresses patience during sidewalk replacement project

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

BRADENTON BEACH – The Florida Department of Transportation’s installation of a brick paver sidewalk along Gulf Drive North was temporarily complicated by a broken water pipe.

The construction accident occurred on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 21. The broken pipe contributed to the ongoing Gulf Drive traffic delays associated with the FDOT-funded sidewalk replacement project.

The broken water pipe also impacted water pressure for some Bradenton Beach residents. During Thursday afternoon’s Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting, Commissioner Ralph Cole said his residential water service was impacted by the broken pipe.

At 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon, FDOT Community Outreach Manager Barbara Catlin responded to an email inquiry from The Sun.

“The contractor hit a water source and it has been repaired. This can happen in construction environments. Teams were in place to supervise this situation, including FDOT, Manatee County and the city of Bradenton Beach. Water will return to full pressure now,” Catlin stated in her email.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry also expressed concerns about project-related signage impeding sidewalks and bike lanes and she asked that the signs be repositioned accordingly.

FDOT stresses patience during sidewalk replacement project
Concerns have been expressed about project signage impeding sidewalks and bike lanes. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Ongoing concerns

City officials continue to express concerns about FDOT’s sidewalk replacement project. The concerns pertain in part to the use of oversized brick pavers and the manner in which they are being installed along Gulf Drive North, from Ninth Street North to the S-curve near the southern end of Avenue C.

City officials are also concerned about FDOT’s expectation that the city will maintain and repair the brick paver sidewalk after the state-funded installation is completed.
On Wednesday, Oct. 13, Bradenton Beach Public Works Director Tom Woodard shared the city’s concerns with FDOT Construction Project Administrator Christopher McInnis.

In his email, Woodard stated, “I understand the difficulties of your position and with the project environment, but on behalf of the city commission, residents and visitors, I need to again express concerns with the installation of the brick paver sidewalk. In our estimation, there are numerous tripping hazards, uneven surfaces and (we) believe that the asphalt fill on the borders is too thin to last and will ultimately become another hazard for walkers and bikers, as well as a constant maintenance issue/expense for the city.

FDOT stresses patience during sidewalk replacement project
Safety concerns and solutions have been discussed regarding the currently uneven sidewalks. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“I have been informed that the city is not willing to accept the responsibility/liability for the sidewalk if what currently exists is the finished product. For the city to be willing to accept the maintenance and responsibility, FDOT will need to contact the city’s legal department to see if the commission is willing/able to adjust the agreement,” Woodard wrote.

On Thursday, Oct. 14, Woodard received an email response from FDOT Operations Center Engineer Trisha Hartzell.

In her response, Hartzell stated, “Thank you for your email expressing your concerns on the paver project initiated by the city of Bradenton Beach, funded and constructed by the department and maintained by the city of Bradenton Beach. We respectfully ask that you please be patient with us during the construction phases of this project, as no portion within the limits of construction is at 100% final completion. There is still a lot of work left on this project.

“A little education about the installation process: It is being performed in multiple layers and after the pavers are installed they are being tamped down to even them out. The pavers are being installed per standard specifications and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, with no greater than 2% cross slope. However, the existing sidewalk is out of compliance with specs and ADA requirements. Therefore, we will also be replacing sections of the sidewalk to meet the pavers and have a smoother transition back into compliance,” Hartzell wrote.

“In reference to your comment with regards to the asphalt, again this is currently a temporary construction condition and we ask for your patience during the construction process. What you see backfilled in the asphalt is cold patch the contractor will be milling and resurfacing from the edge of the travel lane to the pavers. In the interim, a temporary condition needs to exist for safety. Originally, the Manatee County UWS plans called for their contractor to remove and replace the asphalt from the edge line to the pavers, however, we have been informed that this work was removed before the contract was finalized. Therefore, we will be adding work to this contract to leave it in an acceptable and safe condition,” Hartzell wrote.

“We will have two walk-throughs on this project before a final acceptance and transfer of maintenance takes place. The city will be invited to these walk-throughs and it is imperative that you are in attendance. This project is a partnership between the city of Bradenton Beach and FDOT and I encourage you and your team to reach out to me with any concerns so that we can discuss and address them before shedding a negative light into the community. This paver project was initiated by the city and the department came forward with the means to accomplish it. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: a safer, more efficient product to relieve flooding issues for safety and community success,” Hartzell wrote.

Related coverage

 

FDOT sidewalk project concerns Bradenton Beach officials

FDOT sidewalk project concerns Bradenton Beach officials

FDOT sidewalk project concerns Bradenton Beach officials

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

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials share some lingering concerns about the permeable brick paver sidewalk the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is installing along Gulf Drive.

The concerns include potential safety and tripping hazards and the city’s future liability and maintenance responsibilities.

Funded and supervised by FDOT, the sidewalk project calls for the replacement of the existing concrete sidewalk along Gulf Drive North, from Ninth Street North to the s-curve near the south end of Avenue C.

The larger, permeable pavers being used for the FDOT sidewalk project are approximately a foot thick and are much thicker than standard-sized brick pavers. It’s hoped the thicker pavers will provide greater stability and durability alongside the heavily traveled state road and state-owned right of way.

FDOT sidewalk project concerns Bradenton Beach officials
In May, a comparative example of the larger-sized brick pavers (on the left) was provided to city commission members. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

According to the post-project maintenance agreement with FDOT which Mayor John Chappie, City Clerk Terri Sanclemente and City Attorney Ricinda Perry signed in September 2020, the city will be responsible for the future maintenance of the FDOT-installed sidewalk.

According to the agreement, “It is understood and agreed by the parties that upon completion of the project, the local agency (the city of Bradenton Beach) shall be responsible, at its costs, for maintenance of said project. Maintenance items to be maintained by the local agency shall include, but not be limited to: removal of graffiti, pervious pavers and aesthetic features. The local agency shall maintain pavement surfaces free from residue accumulation, algae, vegetation and other slip or trip hazards. The local agency shall sweep, vacuum, edge and provide weed control along the project corridor from 10th Street to Avenue C, only at the permeable brick paver locations. The local agency shall ensure the safety of the public by repairing shifted pavers and maintaining the permeable brick pavers and any other safety features within the project corridor. The local agency shall maintain and repair the permeable brick pavers at its sole cost and expense, in a good and workmanlike manner and with reasonable care.”

Before entering into the agreement with FDOT, the mayor, city commissioners, public works director and city attorney expressed concerns about the use of the oversized pavers and the ongoing maintenance responsibilities and costs to be incurred by the city.

Chappie addressed the city’s ongoing concerns during the Thursday, Oct. 7 city commission meeting.

“It’s not what we expected. We don’t really have high expectations of how successful it’s going to be. We have put FDOT on notice of our grave concerns with regards to safety, the tripping hazards and how it’s being installed. We don’t want to increase any extra liability on our city for something FDOT is doing,” Chappie told the commission.

“I worry about pavers. You are going to trip on pavers. They can’t be even all the time,” City Commissioner Jan Vosburgh added.

“It’s their right of way, their sidewalk,” Chappie responded.

FDOT sidewalk project concerns Bradenton Beach officials
Mayor John Chappie is among those concerned about the new sidewalk being installed by FDOT. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Chappie noted Public Works Director Tom Woodard had communicated the city’s concerns to FDOT officials. Woodard emailed FDOT Construction Project Administrator Chris McInnis on Monday, Oct. 4.

“I just wanted to touch base with you about the sidewalk replacement/brick installation project, as a few concerns with the installation have been brought to my attention. I just need to be sure that correct installation oversight and inspection is taking place? The brick appears to be wavy with some potential trip hazards. I’m sure the abundant groundwater and with the weight/size of the bricks it makes for a difficult installation, but we need to be sure we get the best end result possible,” Woodard stated in his email.

In the response he sent Woodard that day, McInnis wrote, “The installation of the pavers are being installed per plan and manufacturer specifications. The contractor is doing their best to provide a quality product. The contractor and I have been working close together in making sure that all the concerns of the department, county and Bradenton Beach are mediated. Any and all concerns regarding the safety of the finished product will be addressed.”

After receiving a copy of that email exchange, Chappie sent Woodard an email that said, “Thanks for putting FDOT on notice of our grave safety concerns. This type of design, using blocks, have inherent challenges with installation. Thanks for staying on top of this project.”

- Jason Schaffer | Sun

Annie Silver Community Center seeks new president

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – The Annie Silver Community Center board met last week for the first time since Oct. 19, 2020, when COVID-19 put a stop to board meetings.

The Sept. 27 meeting would be the last with Linda Yarger as president. Yarger decided to step down, making her official last day Sept. 30. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss who may want to take over as president of the center, a 501(c)3 non-profit overseen by a board consisting of a president (currently vacant), vice-president (Jim Hassett), treasurer (Dianne Coates) and secretary (Judy Pruitt). Although the center is in need of a new president as soon as possible, since no willing candidate was in attendance, a vote was delayed until at least the next board meeting, which will take place Monday, Nov. 15. 

Kaye Bell, Peg Miller and members of Senior Adventures were also on hand to discuss upcoming outings for the group. Annie Silver Community Center works directly with The Center of Anna Maria Island, which provides vans and drivers to assist in getting Senior Adventures members to and from activities. The relationship between the two centers is made possible in large part due to the work of Christopher Culhane, executive director of The Center. 

“They’ve gone on trips up to Tampa, Sarasota and Siesta Key; they do a lot of really great stuff,” said Culhane, speaking of Senior Adventures. “Whatever we can do to help facilitate senior programming, we’re here.”

Annie Silver Community Center has served the Bradenton Beach community for more than 65 years and is named for its founder, Annie Silver, whose life and accomplishments adorn the walls of the center in honor of her many contributions to the Island and its residents.

The center can be rented out for just about any event free of charge, although a charitable donation is requested to offset operating costs. Wedding receptions, youth activities and a meeting spot for the AMI Privateers are common at the center.

Island residents will also be happy to hear that bingo will be returning to the center in mid-January. Bingo is not only a favorite pastime in Bradenton Beach, but it is the primary source of income for Annie Silver Community Center. Due to COVID-19, there hasn’t been any bingo for more than a year. More details on exact dates and times will be determined at future meetings.

Boat thief easily caught in Bradenton Beach

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Beach Beat, Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – When Paul Koelkebeck anchored his boat to have dinner at the Gulf Drive Cafe on Saturday, Sept. 5, the last thing he expected to see from his table was his boat driving by.

According to Bradenton Beach police, Koelkebeck and a few friends had anchored the boat just offshore with two anchors, then came up to the Gulf Drive Cafe to eat dinner. During dinner, Koelkebeck saw a man driving away in his boat. The group yelled in hopes of getting the suspect to stop and bring the boat to shore, but it was his lack of knowledge about operating boats that kept him from going very far.

Witnesses said the suspect, Zachary Shattuck, 28, unknowingly sucked an anchor line into the intake grate of the boat, so it wasn’t running the way it should. The man was also dragging the second anchor during the attempted theft and had no idea how to drive the boat, eventually coming so close to shore that Koelkebeck was able to jump on board, at which time the thief jumped off.

As the suspect sat down on the beach, Bradenton Beach police officer Matthew Lincoln arrived at the scene, dispatched in reference to a stolen vehicle.

“By the time I made it to the beach where the incident took place, the defendant was sitting on the beach with a few people standing around him,” Lincoln wrote in his report.

The officer met with some bystanders, who said a man had stolen another man’s boat and had been driving it up and down the beach just offshore.

“I took the boat and I messed up. It’s all my fault,” admitted Shattuck, according to the police report. The suspect also told police he hadn’t slept in days and didn’t really know why he took the boat.

Shattuck was arrested for grand theft motor vehicle and transported to the Manatee County Jail, where he was being held on $7,500 bond.

Mugshot

Man charged with attempted carjackings at Coquina Beach

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Beach Beat, Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – It was a terrifying ordeal for Louise Augustin and her three young children after a drive to Coquina Beach quickly turned into an armed carjacking.

The mother and her three children were sitting in her car when a man armed with a knife approached the vehicle and demanded the keys.

The suspect, later identified as Bradenton resident Steven Lewter, 43, got in the car with his belongings while waving a knife, according to the police report. He attempted to drive away but realized that Augustin didn’t have the car keys, which were with her husband, who had already left the car. The three children were still in the back seat, causing the victim to fear for her family’s life. According to the victim’s statement to Bradenton Beach police, she began screaming and the suspect took off running.

Further down the road, Lewter approached a second victim, Zachary Peel, as he was sitting alone in his car on Coquina Beach. Lewter allegedly pointed his knife at Peel and said, “This is a carjacking” while trying to pull the vehicle’s door open. According to police, Peel got out of the car and prepared to defend himself at which time Lewter swung the knife at him, cutting Peel’s finger in the process. Peel was able to subdue Lewter until officers arrived and took him into custody. The cut on Peel’s hand was minor and didn’t require medical attention.

CB
Coquina Beach, the scene of the recent attempted carjacking.

According to Bradenton Beach Det. Sgt. Lenard Diaz, the suspect appeared to be intoxicated at the time of his arrest and was upset about going through a break-up with his girlfriend. 

“We’re really not sure what the motivation was to steal the car, where he was going to go with it, or anything like that,” said Diaz. 

Lewter has an extensive criminal record and was on probation at the time of the crime, according to police. Because of the severity of the crimes and the probation violations, he is being held at the Manatee County Jail without bond pending his trial. Lewter has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery, assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and two counts of carjacking with a weapon. His trial is set for Oct. 25 with Judge Frederick Mercurio presiding.

Diaz said this was the first carjacking since a man jacked a Corvette about five years ago, crashing it moments later on the Longboat drawbridge. While incidents such as these are rare on Anna Maria Island, police remind everyone to be aware of their surroundings and remember that anywhere a great number of relaxed tourists are present, there is always the possibility of criminals taking advantage of people letting their guard down.

Fourth of July fireworks

July 4 fireworks rules a bit complicated on AMI

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Featured.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Before you stock up on fireworks to celebrate Independence Day in any of the three cities on the Island, it’s important to know the rules and laws, which vary depending on the city.

In April 2020, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 140 into law. The bill allows people 18 and older to buy fireworks to use on three holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Independence Day. The previous law required signing a waiver saying the fireworks were for specific agricultural reasons.

While the new law is clear, local cities and counties have their own rules that supercede what the state allows. Each of the three cities that make up Anna Maria Island has a slightly different approach to how fireworks violations will be enforced, but setting off fireworks of any kind is forbidden on any of AMI’s beaches. Fireworks can disturb nesting shorebirds, sea turtles and other Island wildlife.

Good news: Least terns nesting on AMI
Least terns, a threatened species, are nesting on AMI’s beaches and can be frightened off their nests permanently by fireworks. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Bradenton Beach

The Bradenton Beach police will be enforcing a local ordinance that does not allow fireworks on the three state-designated holidays, and will confiscate fireworks from anyone caught setting them off. It’s also possible to be issued a citation, even on July 4.

Bradenton Beach is home to the popular Coquina Beach.

“Anything that shoots up in the air is illegal: Bottle rockets, roman candles, mortars, they’re all illegal, said Det. Sgt. Lenard Diaz of the Bradenton Beach Police Department. “You’re looking at shooting those things off near a residence, and the residences are so tightly packed together here that the possibility of something catching on fire is very real.”

The Sandbar restaurant will not be hosting a Fourth of July fireworks show this year.

Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach will be taking a different approach to the issue of fireworks for the holiday, only taking action if the fireworks are being used in an unsafe manner that could endanger the public or those setting them off. 

“State law said it’s ok to set them off on the 4th, so we’ll honor that and encourage safety and common sense,” said Police Chief William Tokajer, adding that anyone being reckless or unsafe is still subject to a citation and the risk of having their fireworks confiscated.

Manatee Beach is located in Holmes Beach.

Anna Maria

The city of Anna Maria is patrolled by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The department refers to Manatee County Ordinance 04-27, which covers fireworks rules and laws at length and also echoes other area laws that prohibit individuals from lighting any shell that flies in the air or explodes above the ground without a permit. A spokesman did not directly address whether or not they recognize the state bill that legalizes fireworks on July 4.

Turtle hatchlings expected to hatch in early July could be disoriented by fireworks, and never make it to the Gulf of Mexico. Submitted | AMITW

“Our response to fireworks enforcement has not changed. When deputies respond to complaints involving fireworks, their goal is to obtain voluntary compliance through education,” said Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Randy Warren.

All departments agree that if you choose to light fireworks, you should be aware of your surroundings, not use them in densely populated areas, and not use them on the beach, where wildlife may be at risk.

Related coverage

 

Bird Tips

 

Turtle Tips

Crime

Increased tourism having some effect on crime

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Beach Beat, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While tourism continues to increase due to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, crime is up and down in AMI’s three cities, police officers say.

“We haven’t seen much of an increase in crime as a result of relaxed COVID restrictions, with the exception of some thefts – people stealing lawn chairs off porches, stuff like that,” said Randy Warren, public information officer for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. While Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach have their own police departments, the city of Anna Maria is policed by Manatee County.

“Even though the city of Anna Maria is currently at full occupancy, fortunately, our violent crime numbers have been down,” he said. “Deputies go where the people are. If it’s a good weather day and the beaches are busy, we’ll be out there patrolling. On other days, visitors flock to Pine Avenue and our deputies will concentrate on those shopping areas, providing a good presence while answering a lot of questions.

“We’re also responding to the normal calls for service and doing directed patrols at night,” Warren said. “Deputies are constantly reminding people to lock their cars, secure their valuables, and pay attention to the rules of the beach and the posted parking restrictions.”

In Holmes Beach, it appears the trend is an increase in crime. Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer said the department has seen a rise in crime over the past two months. The department reports four stolen vehicles over that time compared to one stolen vehicle in all of 2020. The chief also said there were three larcenies, two aggravated assaults and one rape in the month of May alone. For reference, there were no reported rapes in 2020. 

“During Memorial Day weekend, we saw 31,000 cars a day cross into Holmes Beach. You have 4,000 of the nicest people in the world here, then on one weekend you add 31,000 cars with two to six people in each car, which means 40,000 or more people in the city, and they are not all welcome guests,” said Tokajer, speaking about visitors that don’t have the best interests of the Island in mind when coming for vacation. 

According to Bradenton Beach Detective Sergeant Lenard Diaz, his department has fallen somewhere in the middle. Bradenton Beach has seen a huge influx of visitors since the relaxing of COVID restrictions but officers are generally pleased with the way visitors are behaving when staying in Bradenton Beach.

“We’ve had two or three stolen cars this year, and we normally don’t have any, so yes, there’s been an increase in that,” Diaz said.

“Burglaries, domestics; I haven’t seen an increase, all of that’s pretty much the same. You can definitely tell when dealing with people that there’s stress in their lives due to all of this, and they’re more likely to go off when we’re dealing with them than before COVID,” said Diaz, adding that his department understands the tension after not being able to travel for a long time. 

All three police departments work hard to remind visitors that most crimes on the Island are crimes of opportunity. Simple precautions such as not bringing valuables to the beach, locking your car and room, walking in groups late at night, carrying flashlights during those walks and using common sense will make for a safe and enjoyable day at the beach.

Expanded outdoor seating extended, live music allowed

Expanded outdoor seating extended, live music allowed

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

BRADENTON BEACH – A new ordinance allows businesses to continue using the expanded outdoor seating areas allowed during the pandemic, with no prohibition on live music in those areas.

On Thursday, June 3, the Bradenton Beach Commission unanimously adopted on second and final reading Ordinance 21-533, which allows previously expanded outdoor business operations to continue until further notice as local businesses continue to recover from the financial losses suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, the commission decided live music would no longer be prohibited in those expanded outdoor areas.

Establishments that wish to continue using their expanded outdoor seating areas must submit a new application to the city building department. If the establishment features live music, the application must show where the live music will be performed.

The new ordinance is an amended version of the original Ordinance 20-516, adopted in May 2020, which allowed the temporary expansion of outdoor dining spaces but prohibited live music in those expanded areas. The live music prohibition was never enforced.

With its approval, the commission reversed its stance on the May 20 first reading of Ordinance 21-533, when it agreed that the live music prohibition contained in the previous ordinance would be enforced if the new ordinance was adopted on second reading.

The live music prohibition did not apply to live music performance areas used before the pandemic struck; the expansion of outdoor seating areas was first allowed in 2020.

Notice of enforcement

On Friday, May 28, Bradenton Beach Building Official Steve Gilbert and members of the Bradenton Beach Police Department crafted a written notice that was distributed to impacted and potentially impacted establishments prior to Thursday’s meeting.

The notice of prohibition stated, “Ordinance 20-516, adopted on May 21, 2020, provided for an expansion of outdoor dining due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ordinance provided for a number of regulations pertaining to the expanded areas allowed. The ordinance also provided for several prohibitions. Section 5 expressly prohibits live entertainment and bands in the expanded outdoor dining areas.”

The notice included an acknowledgment form for the business owner or manager to sign which said, “I hereby acknowledge that I have read this document and agree to cease live entertainment and bands in my expanded outdoor dining area.”

Expanded outdoor seating extended, live music allowed
The Drift In can continue using its expanded seating area for live music. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“The city has received complaints of live entertainment and bands in those expanded outdoor dining areas and is responding to these complaints. Be advised that effective June 4, city police and code enforcement officers will begin enforcement of this prohibition. Violations will result in the loss of any expanded outdoor dining areas,” the city notice stated.

Businesses opposed

The Bridge Tender Inn, the Drift In and the Wicked Cantina feature live music in their expanded outdoor seating areas. During Thursday’s commission meeting, Drift Owner Joe Cuervo, Drift In manager Doreen Flynn and Bridge Tender Inn owner Fred Bartizal asked the commission to reconsider its position on prohibiting live music in the expanded outdoor seating areas.

“It’s nonsense to me that you can’t have a tent and you can’t have a band,” Flynn said. “You guys are the ones that promoted Bridge Street to be a destination of fun and nightlife. Why do you want to take that away from us, and take that away from  Bridge Street? Most people don’t want to sit inside. They want to be outside.”

Expanded outdoor seating extended, live music allowed
Drift In manager Doreen Flynn encouraged the commission to allow live music to continue in the expanded outdoor seating areas. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Cuervo said most of the Drift In’s live music occurs indoors and their outdoor music usually takes place on Saturday afternoons. He said his establishment has never been cited for a noise ordinance violation and the additional outdoor seating is helping him rebuild his bank account.

“I’ve lost over a million and a half dollars in those seven to eight months. I took all my savings out to keep things going. You tell me what I need to do to keep my tents and have my band in the daytime, from two to six. Anything you all can do to help me I would appreciate,” Cuervo said.

Bartizal said he’s loved Bridge Street since 1953 and it’s become a highlight of Anna Maria Island.

“I really don’t appreciate people who move here lately who try to change it. It doesn’t make any sense. The places we put our bands have always been there. They’re going to stay there. We have gone through thick and thin to keep this thing going,” Bartizal said.

During Thursday’s meeting, Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said, “I think we should do everything possible to help our businesses. They’ve gone through a lot.”

Commissioner Ralph Cole said he sees no reason to prohibit live music in the expanded outdoor areas.

Commissioner Jake Spooner noted the city’s noise ordinance still applies to live music.

“I’m all for continuing the expansion of outdoor dining. If there’s a noise ordinance violation, there’s a noise ordinance violation,” he said.

Expanded outdoor seating extended, live music allowed

The Wicked Cantina’s expanded outdoor seating area features umbrellas and temporary fencing. – Joe Hendricks | SunLt. John Cosby said the Bradenton Beach Police Department currently only has two decibel meters, which the officers share. Cosby said the department plans to purchase additional meters so each officer has one.

The only public comment against live music in the expanded outdoor seating areas was at a May 20 meeting, when Old Bridge Village condominium resident Mary Bell expressed opposition to the Bridge Tender Inn continuing its live music in its expanded seating area.

Privateers Fourth of July parade is a go

Privateers Fourth of July parade is a go

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, Family fun, Parades.

HOLMES BEACH – With the support of Holmes Beach city leaders, the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Fourth of July Processional is officially coming back in 2021.

Commissioners voted unanimously during a May 25 meeting to approve the temporary event permit for the parade, giving their stamp of approval for the return of one of the Island’s premier events. This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, July 4, setting sail at 10 a.m. from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and continuing down Gulf Drive, East Bay Drive, Manatee Avenue, Marina Drive, Palm Drive and Pine Avenue to Bayfront Park in Anna Maria. The event is free to participants in the parade who are asked to sign up in advance at www.amiprivateers.org and to the public.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, Privateers President Kim Boyd said that the group is asking all participants with 10 or more people on a float to wear masks and do a temperature check before boarding the float. Also, anyone participating in the parade who gets within 6 feet of parade viewers will need to wear a mask and gloves.

No candy will be allowed to be thrown from floats this year. Participants and parade spectators also are asked to not throw water balloons during the parade.

“We’re trying to do everything we can to promote this as a COVID-safe event,” Boyd said.

She added that city leaders in Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach had already approved the event.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said that she feels that it’s OK to have “a little celebration here and there” to help people forget about COVID-19 and have a good time in an outdoor environment.

Commissioner Jim Kihm said that he feels people should be able to use common sense when celebrating the holiday.

“I am looking forward to this,” he said. “Thank you for doing this for the community.”

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Local artist takes inspiration from Island beaches

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

BRADENTON BEACH – Stroll along any of the beaches on Anna Maria Island and you’re likely to walk past local artist Cory Wright. After falling in love with the Island during regular trips here with her family, Wright, her husband and two teenage children decided to sell their home in Apollo Beach and move to AMI.

“We would come every single weekend with our kids when they were little, and we would get depressed on Sunday when we had to go home. We finally decided to sell our home and everything in it, remodel the condo and move to the beach,” said Wright, who hasn’t regretted that decision in any way. “Normally moving with teenagers to a three-bedroom condo would be tough – it’s a lot less square footage, but a lot bigger backyard, since our backyard is the beach.”

Wright has enjoyed a long career as a professional artist, beginning at age 15 when she began painting murals and faux finishes. She was able to have a successful career lasting more than 25 years, making a living doing what she enjoyed. Wright went on to major in painting at the Rhode Island School of Design and spent a year in Italy as part of an honors program.

“In 2011 I took a workshop in Tuscany with an artist whose work I really admired. He painted ‘en Plein air,‘ which is a French term meaning out in the open,” Wright said, explaining how her love for painting outdoors really began to take off.

Unlike painting in the controlled environment of a studio, light and shadows are constantly changing when painting outdoors. This is the challenge facing any artist who paints in the en Plein air style. Wright says she usually has two hours to complete a painting when she’s working outdoors. The heat and humidity don’t affect oil paints. The reason for the two-hour window to get a beach painting completed is completely due to the changing position of the sun, which will alter light and shadow, as well as water levels rising or receding.

In addition to painting for sale in galleries and commission work, Wright is also an accomplished teacher. She is happy to work with any artist of any skill level.

Local artist takes inspiration from Island beaches
Oil on canvas, by Cory Wright. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

“All you need is interest, and an openness to try something new. Your work may not turn out perfect, but you’d be surprised how many of my first-time students say their work turned out much better than they expected,” said Wright, who offers two-hour lessons on the beach, which includes all supplies. If you’re interested in a lesson with Cory, you can find all the information at her website.

Artwork by Wright is currently on display and for sale at “Cove” on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.

WMFR logo

Commissioners vote to increase fire assessment rates

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

BRADENTON – Property owners in the West Manatee Fire Rescue District in western Manatee County will notice an increase in the fire assessment rate when TRIM notices go out later this year, but it won’t be a big jump in cost.

District commissioners voted 4-1 to increase assessment rates for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The increase will be 4%, slightly less than the allowable increase of 5.64%.

WMFR gets most of its income from special assessment rates paid by property owners in the district. Since the assessments are non-ad valorem, they’re not based on a property’s taxable value. Instead, they are based on the size of the building on the property or set at a flat rate if the property is vacant.

The maximum percentage that the rate can be increased each year is based on personal income growth, or PIG. Though district leaders expected the 2021 number to be much lower, it came in at 6.8% for the state of Florida according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The maximum increase considered by WMFR commissioners during their April mid-year budget workshop was 5.64%.

What this means for district taxpayers, including all property owners on Anna Maria Island, in Cortez and the west side of unincorporated Manatee County, is that what you pay annually for fire service is increasing slightly on your next property tax bill.

A 4% increase will bring the residential property base rate up $7.82 to $203.35 with an increase for properties over 1,000 square feet of $0.0046 to $0.1199 per square foot. For a 2,000-square-foot home, this brings the total rate up from $310.85 to $323.28, a difference of $12.43. The rate for a 3,000-square-foot home would increase from $426.17 to $443.22 and from $541.50 to $563.16 for a 5,000-square-foot home.

Commercial property owners will notice an increase as well, with the commercial base rate increasing from $485.94 to $505.38 and the per-square-foot rate increasing from $0.2104 to $0.2188 for buildings over 1,000 square feet. The 4% increase brings the total rate for a 2,000-square-foot commercial property to $724.23 with a 3,000-square-foot building coming in at $943.08 and the rate for a 4,000-square-foot commercial building increasing to $1,161.92.

Commissioner Al Robinson was the lone vote against raising the assessment rate for the coming year. Robinson has previously been vocal about curbing the department’s spending and lessening the burden of the fire district on property owners.

Despite the increase in assessment rates, WMFR still has one of the lowest rates in Manatee County.

Commissioner David Bishop said the decision to vote whether or not to increase assessment rates is a difficult one. He warned his fellow commissioners that in looking to the future of the district they don’t get too far ahead for the taxpayer base. He said he feels the district could quickly reach a tipping point with costs and that they want to make sure that those costs don’t tip the wrong way, ending up too high to be sustainable.

“It’s a tough vote every year,” Bishop said.

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AMI Princess

Anna Maria Princess offers plenty to laugh at

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Entertainment.

BRADENTON BEACH – Visitors come from all over the world to the white sand beaches of Anna Maria Island, and enjoy the Island’s many amenities. I was recently invited to visit Bradenton Beach to take a ride on one of the area’s most unique attractions, for an evening of laughs aboard the Anna Maria Princess Sunset Comedy Cruise. This trip proved to be simultaneously hilarious, as well as relaxing.

The Anna Maria Princess is the only authentic paddlewheel boat sailing the waters of AMI and Longboat Key. With no supplemental form of propulsion, the boat’s two large paddlewheels offer guests a true riverboat experience, reminiscent of a trip along the Mississippi.

“This 2002 Skipper Liner was purchased in Pickwick, Tennessee. It took us 22 days to get it down here to Bradenton Beach,” said Lexi Deleon, the Princess’s First Mate, and Sun “Readers’ Choice” award-winning bartender. Deleon serves up cocktails from a bar situated in the rear of the lower level of the boat, with a large glass window looking out to the stern, where guests can watch the dual paddle wheels churn up the water.

“Make sure you check out the view from the window behind the bar,” said Mike Bazzy, owner of Bradenton Beach Marina, who invited me to the cruise, which sets sail from the Marina and travels south along the Intracoastal Waterway through Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, returning north along the same route.

The evening I attended, the Comedy Cruise featured three comedians as well as Dick Gordon, who serves as the resident emcee. Guests begin boarding at 5 p.m., and are free to enjoy a cocktail and mingle before the Princess leaves the dock at 6 p.m. The boat has two levels, with the lower level being indoors with ample windows to enjoy the spectacular views, as well as air conditioning and plenty of seating. The comedy show takes place on the upper level, which is open-air, but covered to protect guests from the elements.

First Mate Deleon began the evening by welcoming guests, and posing the question: “Where does a boat go when it gets sick? A dock.” Deleon then introduced Dick Gordon who serves as emcee for the shows. As a former stand-up comic, I know how difficult it can be for the emcee to get the crowd warmed up, but he did an excellent job, and was certainly up to the task. 

As each comedian took the stage, the crowd was attentive, and really looked to be enjoying themselves. It would seem the beautiful mangroves, dolphins jumping out of the water, and other sights would prove distracting, but the talented comics did a great job of working these things into their acts. Emcee, Gordon would often say “Look everybody, a manatee!” and then point out there was in fact, no manatee. Passing boats blow their horns and wave throughout the performance, at which time passengers and comics on the Princess would wave back. This certainly wasn’t like any other comedy club I had ever been in.

“I love it. It’s unique, and the staff does a great job,” said headlining comedian Michael Murillo. It’s not unusual for a venue to have a comedy show, but not keep the focus on the show. Whether it be a distracting television playing a sporting event at the bar, or another event happening within earshot, it can really take the attention away from the performer, something Murillo and I have both experienced many times. This isn’t the case on the Princess. They do a great job arranging the seating and eliminating distractions, which enhances the comedy experience.

Feature comedian Vien Phommachanh (who goes by Vien, because apparently nobody can pronounce his last name) echoed the sentiment that the Princess is not only unique, but an excellent venue in general. Vien is a local ear, nose and throat doctor who caught the comedy bug a few years ago.

“There really aren’t many circumstances where I can work comedy into my everyday life as a doctor; it’s a profession where you have to be serious. However, I can work my job as a doctor into my comedy quite easily,” said Vien. South Florida has a lot of comedic talent, including Nathan Gelardi, the opening act the evening I attended. Originally from Detroit, Gelardi moved to the area a few years ago, and finds it to be great place to pursue a career in comedy.

“I was booked to do a show on the Princess more than a year ago, but it never happened because everything closed due to COVID,” said Gelardi, who was pleased to get the call that things were getting back to normal, and he would be performing on the Princess. People from all walks of life, including comedians and paddleboat captains, have been affected by this pandemic. Everyone I spoke with was very happy that something like attending a comedy show was now, once again, a possibility.

“I think we will no longer take things like getting my hair cut, or a sunset comedy cruise for granted. The pandemic has made me really appreciate things now that I’ve gone without any form of live entertainment for so long,” said Walter Sterling, who attended the show. Everyone I spoke to appeared grateful that getting out and enjoying a show was even an option after the events of the past year. The fact the show was enjoyable, and the staff was so accommodating seemed to be the icing on the cake. 

“I was worried the water would be choppy,” said Beth Scammon, who was attending with eight of her friends and family, celebrating their friend Mari’s 60th birthday. “I love the fact that it was smooth and the staff and crew are amazing. Knowing how accommodating this boat is, I can bring my parents for a future show. They are older, and I was worried it might be too much for them. Certainly not the case.” The ladies even had custom pink shirts made for the event, which the comedians had a good time with.

With a seating capacity of 80, it is recommended you get your tickets in advance. The Sunset Comedy Cruise often sells out. For more information, or to get tickets, visit the website or call 941-778-2288. There is also plenty of free parking.

It should also be noted that this is not an “R” rated show. The crew of the Princess prefers to keep the subject matter a bit less racy in nature than you may experience at a traditional club. Dick Gordon invited this reporter to return to the Princess and tell a few jokes. It’s been a while, but I fully intend to take him up on his offer, and will take the stage in the coming weeks. I look forward to getting back on this beautiful boat.

Lifeguards, law enforcement prepared for busy beach holidays

Lifeguards, law enforcement prepared for busy beach holidays

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Featured.

COQUINA BEACH – This weekend marks the start of the busy holiday beach season that runs through Memorial Day weekend, and local public safety agencies say they are ready.

Public Safety and local law enforcement agencies held a press conference on March 29 to discuss the measures they will take to keep the public safe.

Beach patrol, law enforcement and EMS will be facing new and unique challenges this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Manatee County Public Safety Director Jacob Saur said.

“It’s critical for Manatee County to work in unison with our Island partners and local law enforcement agencies to keep all beachgoers safe so that they have a safe place to enjoy this Island and this community while they’re on break or taking some much-needed downtime from their hectic schedules,” Saur said, reminding residents to expect large crowds during this busy season. 

Manatee County Beach Patrol Chief Joe Westerman spoke about the challenges facing lifeguards and first responders as the busy spring and summer holiday season begins. 

“We ask a few things of everyone that comes out here. One is to always swim in front of a lifeguard, and check with your lifeguard about what the surf and beach conditions are that day. Also, there is no alcohol allowed on any of our beaches. Also, this isn’t a place to bring pets, we don’t allow any pets on our beaches unless it’s a service animal,” Westerman said, adding that a little planning ahead of time will make for a successful day at the beach.

It takes coordination between multiple agencies to keep the public safe at area beaches. Manatee County Emergency Management Chief Steve Litschauer said 13 different agencies or departments are working together, including all law enforcement agencies on the Island, EMS, Code Enforcement, Property Management and Public Works. Litschauer said communication is essential, and the fact that all 13 agencies are able to communicate effectively is a key factor in the event of an emergency.

Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer took to the podium to reiterate the Island’s zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol on the beach. 

“No alcohol, no pets, no glass bottles, no fires and no grills unless you’re in a grilling area that’s assigned. It’s important to remember that you’re vacationing in a residential area, so keep the noise down to a respectable level, and remember that we still have a mask order in place and social distancing,” Tokajer said, stressing that these laws would be enforced. Tokajer also said that anyone caught drinking alcohol would be issued a fine, and anyone underage caught consuming alcohol would be removed from the beach and their parents would be contacted, regardless of their location.

Chief Tokajer also shared some numbers on just how busy the spring season has been so far this year.

“Between March 1st and March 26th, we have had 650,000 vehicles come to Holmes Beach alone, which is 24,700 cars a day. We have limited parking, so if you want a space, you should come early.”

Parking can often be an issue during the busy spring season, but Longboat Key Police Lieutenant Chris Skinner said his department, as well as others, would strictly enforce parking regulations, and if you park outside designated areas, you should expect a citation. Skinner said his department will increase patrol not only on the streets, but on the beaches as well during this busy season.

Almost exactly a year ago, the agencies were working together to close the beaches because they didn’t know what to expect from the pandemic. Now the same agencies are once again working together to prepare for what will likely be larger-than-normal crowds at area beaches. As more and more people are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations and positivity numbers continue to slowly go down, many have their eyes on Gulf beaches for a much-needed getaway. It’s important to remember, however, that COVID-19 is still a genuine threat, and if you can’t social distance – or wish to visit businesses on the Island – masks are still required.