the sun - may 7 2014

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Anna Maria Island, Florida The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com VOL 14 No. 28 FREE May 7, 2014 INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION 6 SUN SURVEY 7 OUTDOORS 18-19 TROLLEY MAP 20-21 COAST LINES 22 REAL ESTATE 26-31 POLICE REPORTS 32 TARPON provide one of fishing’s greatest challenges. 18 FOOD and Wine on Pine is rained out, but will return. 3 New plan calls for changes in Island traffic patterns. 4 Wedding day The weather made showcasing the Island a breeze for organizers of this year’s annual Wedding Festival. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected] HOLMES BEACH – After organiz- ers called off the Food and Wine on Pine celebration for last Saturday due to impending bad weather, the ques- tion was whether the Seventh An- nual Wedding Festival scheduled for Sunday would be held. There were likely some who de- cided not to come, but the forecast held true and Sunday was bright and sunny with cool breezes. Those who gave up on the Wedding Festival lost a lot as the event went on TOM VAUGHT | SUN Above, a crowd watches the mock wedding at the Gulf Drive Cafe and Tiki, where earlier Jewel Martinez, above right, modeled in the fashion show. SEE WEDDING, PAGE 35 Mayor’s race: Monti won’t run; Zaccagnino will Nesting season begins; beach holes pose threat Qualifying for the mayor’ seat and two commission positions is June 16 through 20. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected] HOLMES BEACH – Just as Mayor Carmel Monti announced that he is not running for of- fice again, Commissioner David Zaccagnino said he plans to give up his seat to run for mayor. “I will not run for mayor again,” Monti said Friday. “It’s not worth the effort I’ve expended for what comes back in return.” Monti said he has lost money on his business BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected] Digging holes in the sand may be a rite of passage, but it could be a funeral rite for a nesting or hatching sea turtle. People are digging more holes on the beach than ever before, posing a risk for sea turtles, which will be nesting any night now, said Suzi Fox, director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. The holes will be an even bigger danger for tiny SEE MAYOR PAGE 35 SEE TURTLES PAGE 13 Monti Zaccagnino

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Page 1: THE SUN - May 7 2014

Anna Maria Island, Florida The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

VOL 14 No. 28 FREE May 7, 2014

INSIDENEWS 4OPINION 6SuN SurvEy 7OuTdOOrS 18-19TrOllEy maP 20-21COaST lINES 22rEal ESTaTE 26-31POlICE rEPOrTS 32

TARpON provide one of fishing’s greatest challenges. 18

FOOD and Wine on Pine is rained out, but will return. 3

New plan calls for changes in Island traffic patterns. 4

Wedding day

The weather madeshowcasing the Island a breeze for organizers of this year’s annual Wedding Festival.BY TOM VAUGHTSuN STaFF WrITEr | [email protected]

HOLMES BEACH – After organiz-ers called off the Food and Wine on Pine celebration for last Saturday due to impending bad weather, the ques-tion was whether the Seventh An-nual Wedding Festival scheduled for Sunday would be held.

There were likely some who de-cided not to come, but the forecast held true and Sunday was bright and sunny with cool breezes.

Those who gave up on the Wedding Festival lost a lot as the event went on TOM VAUGHT | SUN

above, a crowd watches the mock wedding at the Gulf drive Cafe and Tiki, where earlier Jewel martinez, above right, modeled in the fashion show.See wedding, pAGe 35

Mayor’s race: Monti won’t run; Zaccagnino will

Nesting season begins; beach holes pose threat

Qualifying for the mayor’ seat and two commission positions is June 16 through 20. BY PAT COPELAND SuN STaFF WrITEr | [email protected]

HOLMES BEACH – Just as Mayor Carmel Monti announced that he is not running for of-fice again, Commissioner David Zaccagnino said

he plans to give up his seat to run for mayor.

“I will not run for mayor again,” Monti said Friday. “It’s not worth the effort I’ve expended for what comes back in return.”

Monti said he has lost money on his business

BY CINDY LANESuN STaFF WrITEr | [email protected]

Digging holes in the sand may be a rite of passage, but it could be a funeral rite for a nesting or hatching sea turtle.

People are digging more holes on the beach than ever before, posing a risk for sea turtles, which will be nesting any night now, said Suzi Fox, director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.

The holes will be an even bigger danger for tiny

See MAYOR pAGe 35 See TURTLeS pAGe 13

MontiZaccagnino

Page 2: THE SUN - May 7 2014

2 THE SUN www.amisun.com MAY 7, 2014

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Page 3: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 3

Food and Wine canceled due to weatherOrganizers said they hope to be able to continue Food and Wine on Pine next year.BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected]

ANNA MARIA – The much anticipated Food and Wine on Pine event set for Satur-day was canceled Friday due to a mass of heavy thunderstorms that moved through the area on Friday and Saturday.

“I am very sorry to say that due to the weather forecast and to ensure the safety of our vendors, guests and volunteers, we have decided to cancel this year's Food and Wine on Pine,” said event coordinator Caryn Hodge. “We regret having to make this decision, but it is unavoidable.

Event sponsor Ed Chiles added, “We were disappointed to have had to cancel the 4th Annual Food and Wine on Pine event. Our primary concern is always the safety and well being of everyone involved.

“We appreciate Caryn Hodge along with her organizing committee chairs for all the countless hour of time they dedicated. We also are very grateful for the support of our sponsors and our many volunteers.

"It would have been logistically impos-sible for us to reschedule due to permitting

issues and the unavailability of many of our vendors.

"We look forward to continuing our ef-forts to share our area's finest in food, art, music and performances on the greenest little main street in America."

Dorothy Blum, who was in charge of the musicians along with her husband, Scott, said, “The musicians are disappointed because they wanted to show their talent and be part of a wonderful event that also benefits charities.

“I don’t know another event in the area like Food and Wine on Pine because it en-compasses everything in the community. It’s the spirit and excitement around this

event that makes it so special.”

Positive sidePastor Ed Moss, of CrossPointe Fel-

lowship, which sponsored the children’s games, said, “Its like everything in life. There’s the negative and the positive.

“I feel bad for everyone who will suffer significant financial loss and for the people who spent so much time organizing the event.”

However, he said he could think of several good things that came out of the experience.

“The volunteers, the teams that planned this event and the relationships that were built through these planning sessions is a huge benefit to our community,” he pointed out.

“The leaders that were developed grow the character of the community. Money matters, but the character side is im-portant. It betters us. We are incredibly blessed.”

Actor/street performer chair Diane Phinney said she had 35 actors planning to portray Island historical figures that would walk the street and tell about their lives.

“It’s really disappointing,” she said. “It’s a risk. It was a hard decision to make – do you go forward or cancel?”

Art coordinator Joyce Karp said, “It’s a shame. Everybody was looking forward to it and excited about a fun event.

“I would love to see it rescheduled, but there are so many moving parts that you could never get the whole thing back together.”

The art work of children who submitted pieces for the Young at Art show as part of Food and Wine on Pine will be on display at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, from May 7 through 10.

Participating elementary schools include Tara, Sea Breeze, Gullett, Moody, Williams, Bashaw, Just for Girls, Blackburn and Oneco.

The Community Center is located at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, and hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon-day through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Children’s art to be on display at Center

It’s the spirit and excitement

around this event that makes

it so special.”

dorothy Blum Music coordinator

Page 4: THE SUN - May 7 2014

Learn about St, StephensSaint Stephen’s Episcopal School has an-

nounced college acceptances for the Class of 2014, which continues the school’s 100-percent college placement tradition.

Some of the schools where graduates have been accepted include Princeton University, University of Oxford, UK, Ringling College of Art and Design, the University of Florida and Stetson University.

Saint Stephens will host a Meet and Greet ses-sion at The Studio at Gulf and Pine on Tuesday, May 13, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. E-mail Linda Lutz at [email protected] to RSVP.

Music on the Porch SaturdayBring an instrument, raise your voice or tap

your feet at the Music on the Porch jam session at the Florida Maritime Museum on Saturday, May 10, from 2-5 p.m. Children and adults are welcome at this free event, which celebrates the rich musical heritage of Cortez. The Florida Maritime Museum is at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez. For more information, call 941-708-6120.

Two sunset events at RobinsonThe Robinson Preserve covered wagon rolls at

sunset on Tuesday, May 13, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. A naturalist guide will explain the preserve’s history, resident wildlife and flowers and de-scribe preserve highlights. The 60-minute trip is suitable for all ages. Please arrive 15 minutes in advance, as seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

A sunset full moon paddle is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, from 7-9 p.m. at the pre-serve.

Robinson Preserve’s main entrance is at the western end of 17th Avenue Northwest off 75th Street West in Bradenton.

Museum fundraiserThe Florida Maritime Museum is holding an

online fundraiser to renovate the interior of the historic Burton store from Tuesday, May 6 until Wednesday, May 7 at noon.

The Burton store was the first commercial building in Cortez. It housed a small general store, post office and guest rooms and later became the Albion Inn. The Cortez Village His-torical Society saved the building and moved it to the museum grounds. The first phase of the renovation was completed in 2009.

Visit www.givingpartnerchallenge.org and search for the Florida Maritime Museum. A con-tribution of $25 or more could help the museum qualify for matching and incentive funds.

4 THE SUN ISLAND NEWS MAY 7, 2014

IN brIEf

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

Committee to present traffic plan

PAT COPELAND | SUN

Buffers on each side of the traffic island would stop the traffic traveling southbound on Gulf Drive out of Anna Maria from going onto Marina Drive and force the traffic traveling northbound on Gulf Drive to Anna Maria to turn left at 81st Street in order to continue north.

The plan would split northbound and southbound traffic at Gulf and Palm drives.BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected]

HOLMES BEACH – Congestion committee members agreed to sup-port a plan offered by City Com-missioner Marvin Grossman to split traffic at the intersection of Gulf and Palm drives.

“Part of the problem is that all the cars going to Anna Maria have to go and come back through Hol-mes Beach,” Grossman pointed out. “Rather than making it one way, we split the traffic.”

He suggested urging drivers going north to use Marina and Palm drives and those going south to use Gulf Drive. However, the streets would not be one way except at the traffic island at the intersection of Palm and Gulf drives, where the southbound lane of Marina and the northbound lane of Gulf Drive would be blocked.

Chief Bill Tokajer said there would have to be buffers on each side of the traffic island to stop the traffic travel-ing southbound on Gulf Drive from Anna Maria from going onto Marina Drive and forcing the traffic traveling northbound on Gulf Drive to Anna Maria to turn right at 81st Street in order to continue north.

Southbound drivers on Gulf Drive would have to go past the intersection to cross over on a side street to get to Marina Drive. Aside from the intersection, drivers could

go both ways on both roads and could cross over on side streets.

Grossman asked Tokajer if the idea is feasible, and Tokajer said Grossman would have to bring it to a city com-mission work session for discussion. Grossman said he would like to do a trial from June 15 to July 15.

“Everything is a trial,” Chair Carol Soustek said. “If it doesn’t work, you try something else. This is what this committee started out to do ¬– find things that are feasible and in our control.”

Grossman asked the committee to spearhead the proposal. Soustek said the committee would meet at 9:30 a.m. on May 13 to finalize a presenta-tion to the city commission at its May 15 work session.

Bike and PedeSTRian PaThwayGrossman also proposed making a

bicycle and pedestrian pathway along Marina and Palm drives by moving the street over to one side and having a 12- to 14-foot pathway on the other side. He also said the speed limit should be reduced to 25 mph.

Soustek said it would be safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. Member Jayne Christenson said it would keep bicyclists out of the neighborhoods.

Grossman said rather than having another committee on developing a bike route, this committee could take on that role. He suggested having a special meeting on bike issues. Soustek agreed and said when he has more information, she’ll call a pubic meeting.

City Commissioner Jean Peelen

asked the group for a letter of support urging county officials to provide per-sonnel for traffic control at the Island’s four stop signals during tourist season.

PaRking agReeMenTSThe group finalized a parking

agreement with Hancock Bank to allow beachgoers to park in its park-ing lot on weekends and holidays. Soustek said the city commission must approve the agreement, and she hopes to have it in place for Memorial Day weekend, May 24 through 26.

Grossman suggested looking at the right of way area along Sixth Avenue behind Publix for parking. Soustek said the committee would, however she also noted, “We’re trying to pull people away from the residential streets. It helps visitors to put them in a safe parking lot.”

Christenson said she has con-tacted school officials about using the elementary school parking lot, but they are not receptive to the idea because of garbage, liability and property damage.

“This school gets so much support from this community,” Peelen said. “Now this community is asking for something. I’m annoyed at the bu-reaucracy making the decisions.”

Christenson suggested making the request at a School Board meeting. Soustek said they could have a trial period to see if any problems arise.

Soustek said she has had conver-sations with officials at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, and it could be a possible trolley parking area.

Page 5: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 5

Events can be one or two days with any one group allowed a maximum of three events per year.BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected]

HOLMES BEACH – After hearing a staff report on use of the city field at a recent work session, city commission-ers agreed to put limits on its use.

Human Resources Analyst Mary Buonagura gave a summary of the field’s use from 2011 to 2015. Days of use were: 2011, 16; 2012, 26; 2013, 22; and 2014, 16; and so far signed up for 2015, 12.

Commissioner Jean Peelen said some groups, such as Wildlife Inc. and the Butterfly Garden, keep repeating.

“They get almost 100 percent of their funds from the city field,” Buonagura explained. “I talked to the beneficia-ries, and they said they couldn’t survive without the shows in the field.”

“I’m not sure it’s our job to 100 percent support any non-profit.” Peelen pointed out. ‘Every charity

out there has to raise money to sup-port themselves.”

At a previous meeting, Deborah Barker, of Niki’s Island Treasures, told the board that weekend festivals hurt her business.

“We have noticed a big decline in weekend business,” she said. “When people go to a festival, they don’t want to shop in the stores.

“I ask you to limit the number of festivals we have and to keep outsid-

ers out. We have no problem with local festivals.”

Commissioner Marvin Gross-man suggested limiting events to two per month, and Chair Judy Titsworth suggested allowing three in March and April and not allow-ing music on Sunday.

Peelen suggested limiting a group to once or twice a year because one group could book all the events.

After discussion, they agreed on two events per month of one or two days with any one group allowed a maximum of three events per year, and no music would be allowed on Sundays. Groups must be charitable organizations.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff pointed out that there is a difference between a not for profit corporation and a charity and noted, “Some may not be a 501 (c) 3, so by being strict, you may inadver-tently exclude some groups.”

She said she would draft the ordi-nance to allow some discretion.

Use of city field to be limited

FILE PHOTO

A classic car show was part of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce City Fest, one of the most recent events in the field.

Page 6: THE SUN - May 7 2014

6 THE SUN OPINION MAY 7, 2014

Mike Field, editor and CEOMike & Maggie Field, publishers

Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189Phone: (941) 778-3986

e-mail: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]

EDITORIALGoodbye,

Mr. Marshall

The Anna Maria Island Sun is free. Six copies or more are 25 cents each.Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.

The Sun StaffRicardo Fonseca, layout; Pat Copeland, Cindy Lane, Tom Vaught, reporters;

Louise Bolger, columnist; Rusty Chinnis, Outdoors editor; Chantelle Lewin, advertising director; Chris Boniberger, advertising assistant; Bob Alexander, clas-sified advertising; Elaine Stroili, Jocelyn V. Greene, Ricardo Fonseca, graphics; John Reitz, accounting; Bob Alexander, Keith Isner, Tony McNulty, distribution.

ContributorsSteve Borggren, Tom

Breiter, Scott Dell, Troy Morgan, Joe Hendricks.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Ban the leaf blowers?This is in response to a letter last

week calling for a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. Is it too noisy for you? Ban the leaf blowers? I worked for seven summers here on Anna Maria Island doing landscaping. It is a hard, hot, miserable job. You have no idea the amount of dead palms, tree trim-mings, etc., that is cleared out every day. Do you think that all the land-scaping companies can afford to throw away all their gas-powered equipment and buy new electrical equipment? Of course not.

So why don’t you quit whining and suck it up a little bit. Or buy earplugs. Or better yet, move back to Marin County.

George Cameron Wilson, Jr.Anna Maria

Ban everythingFrom leaf blowers to guitars, and

weed whackers to swimming pools. Those darn birds have been out of control lately, too. I can't even go to the beach without them causing a ruckus. Let's spend millions of dollars on tour-ism, build a cable car to the Island and knock down every last bit of charac-ter the Island has left. We can build a

seawall around the entire perimeter, fill it with asphalt and solve all of our parking problems. The manatees and turtles could be set on timers when we want them to swim around.

All outdoor dining should be elimi-nated – actually, all outdoor activities period. No bikes, no surfing, no fish-ing, no swimming. We need to regulate the amount of people who attend the sunset as well. Every time I go, ev-erybody is in the way of my postcard picture. Another problem. The wind. It seems that every time I want to go to the beach lately, that problematic wind starts to blow out of the west. Why can't it blow from the east?

The sandwich board signs are an on-going problem. The real estate signs are not the proper height. The street lights are too bright. The Waterfront Restaurant's menu is printed on paper that is too large! And their chicken and waffles plate is too big for code. The library is too quiet. The Barefoot Tiki Bar is too much fun. The Blue Marlin is too blue and their shrimp and grits is too flavorful. The sand is too white. Please consider mentioning these is-sues at the next appropriate gathering of the buffoons.

Will CorrBradenton

Parking plan fair, reasonableOn April 22, Holmes Beach Commis-

sioner David Zaccagnino came up with a proposal for Island-wide paid park-ing, which includes, in brief;

• A $24 annual parking permit for all Manatee County residents, $120 for those who come from other areas. These permits would be to park in the rights of way and where free parking is currently allowed.

• Manatee and Coquina beaches would remain free and, when lots are full, they are full.

• No new parking garages.• Revenue would be divided among

the three AMI cities.Unlike other proposals, it seems to

me this is simple, fair and addresses most of the concerns that have divided us. I encourage all commissioners (Is-land and county) to take this seriously as the basis for going forward and to come to an Island-wide solution. Not mentioned was how visitors without a permit would access the right of way parking. That, however, can be worked out. Thank you for that, Commissioner Zaccagnino.

Phil MooreBradenton

David Marshall is leaving Anna Maria Elementary after three years to take on a new posi-

tion at Witt Elementary School, east of Bradenton.

In the three years he was here, he left his mark in a few new after-school events such as the mother-son ice cream social and the father-daughter dance.

He always pointed out that events like those bring families together for interaction and fun.

He also initiated the "Battle of the Books," which introduced the older students to high-level reading material. That's a bonus to a school that already benefits from the Rotary Reader pro-gram that encourages kids to pick up a book instead of a smart phone or pad.

During his tenure at AME, the school district went through a major financial crisis and he was there when the PTO tried to save Eric Boso's job as physical education coach. The attempt failed, due to school district rules, but he backed the parents' desire and brought in a school district manager to explain how it might be accomplished.

Jackie Featherston will replace Mar-shall next school year. She spent the last 18 years at Stewart Elementary, in Northwest Bradenton not far from the Island. She seemed anxious to make the change and it gives her a reason to come to the Island every day. She and her husband love to boat and she'll no doubt take the time in her work day to peek out of the media room window at Sarasota Bay, beyond the school's back yard.

As the demographics of the Island change, Anna Maria Elementary School remains a jewel in the school district's crown. Lots of parent and community involvement have enabled the students there to get the kind of education many parents pay good money for, and it keeps up the high level of excellence year after year.

It has often been said that you don't transfer from Anna Maria Elementary, you retire from it.

So long Mr. Marshall, we will miss you. Hello Mrs. Featherston, welcome to the Island.

Page 7: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 7

mark your calendar

on the agendathe sun survey

Do you favor the plan to charge all county and Island residents $24 annually, and nonresidents $120,

to park on any Island right of way or beach access?

• Yes,it'sareason-ableandaffordablecompromisetotheparkingdilemma.

• No,parkingalwayshasbeenandal-waysshouldbe,freeontheIsland.

• ItmightbeOKbutIneedtohearmoreofthedetails.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

to vote, gotowww.amisun.comorscanthiscodetovotebysmart-phone.Butdon'tjustvote–letusknowwhatelseyouthink.Sendyourcommentsaboutthisweek'stopictonews@amisun.comorposttheminthecommentssectionofourwebsite.Results are printed on this page every week in the Anna Maria Island Sun.

AnnA MARIA10005GulfDrIve

5/7:CityCommissionworksession,6p.m.

For information, call 708-6130.

BRAdenton BeAch107GulfDrIveN..

5/7:CapitalImprovementProjects,10:30a.m.

5/7:PierTeam,11a.m.5/8:CityCommission/De-partmentheadmeeting,1p.m.

5/9:BudgetCommittee,10:30a.m.

5/14:PlanningandZoningBoard,3p.m.

For information, call 778-1005.

holMeS BeAch5801MarINaDrIve

5/7:CharterreviewCommis-sion,9a.m.

5/7:ParksandBeautificationadvisoryBoard,5p.m.

5/13:CityCommissionmeet-ing,7p.m.

5/15:CityCommissionworksession,7p.m.

For information, call 708-5800.

letters

NOTe:eveNTSarefreeuNleSS

INDICaTeD.

WedneSdAyMaY7

tween Book club, IslandBranchlibrary,5701MarinaDrive,HolmesBeach,6p.m.

thuRSdAyMaY8

lifelong learning program on“eastMeetsWest,”IslandBranchlibrary,5701MarinaDrive,HolmesBeach,2p.m.

FRIdAyMaY9

Forty carrots program forbabiesandchildrentoage5,IslandBranchlibrary,5701MarinaDrive,HolmesBeach,10a.m.

Alzheimer’s caregiver’s Group, IslandBranchlibrary,5701MarinaDrive,HolmesBeach,2p.m.

SAtuRdAyMaY10

united Way Walk-A-thon, robinsonPreserve,99thStreetNorthwestand17thavenueNorthwest,Bradenton,registration,7to7:50a.m.;walk,8to11a.m.registeratwww.manateemiles.com.

Master Gardener tour, riverviewPointePreserve,endof75thStreet,Braden-ton,9to11a.m.reserveto941-722-4524.

origami class, Island Branchlibrary,5701MarinaDrive,HolmesBeach,10a.m.

Music on the porch,floridaMaritimeMuseum,Cortezroadand119thStreetWest,Cortez,2to5p.m.

SundAyMaY11

Beach Market, coquina Beach,BradentonBeach,10a.m.to4p.m.

MondAyMaY12

chair yoga, Anna MariaIslandartleague,5312Hol-mesBlvd.,HolmesBeach,1to1:[email protected].

tueSdAyMaY13

children’s story time, IslandBranchlibrary,5701MarinaDrive,HolmesBeach,10a.m.

yoga with lucy, aMIartleague,5312HolmesBlvd,HolmesBeach,10:30to11:30a.m.,$6.Bringamat.

Sunset wagon tour, robin-sonPreserve,99thStreetNorthwestand17thavenueNorthwest,Bradenton,7:30to8:30p.m.registerat941-748-4501,ext.6039.

WedneSdAyMaY14

Program on “everyday essentialOils:Morethanjustaromatherapy,”IslandBranchlibrary,5701MarinaDrive,HolmesBeach,2p.m.

Sunset full moon paddle,robinsonPreserve,99thStreetNorthwestand17thavenueNorthwest,Bradenton,7to9p.m.bringyouownkayakandsafetyequipment.reserveto941-742-5757,ext.7.

FRoM PAGe 6

More cushions neededI live near the west end of Key Royale

Drive just about where eastbound traf-fic is getting up to (over)speed. I'd very much like to see another speed cushion installed at my end of the street. The cushion installed near the bridge seems to be helping down there - for people coming from the East. The cushions are very mild and it's easy to go over them at 25 mph. In the UK it's common for a series of much sharper bumps to be put in at 100 foot intervals but we shouldn't need to go to that extreme to calm things down.

tom StockebrandHolmesBeach

31% No, leave them in - they force motorists to slow down.

67% Yes, they're just a nuisance and don't work.

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: ShouldHolmesBeachremovethespeedcushionsonKeyroyaleDrive?

2% Take them out and replace them with Whoopee cushions.

hoW to Send uS A letteR to the edItoR

Gotanopinion,acomplaintoracompliment?Istheresomethingyouneedtogetoffyourchest?Sendusalettertotheeditorandhaveyoursay.Thereareseveralwaystomakeyouropinionknown.

visitourwebsiteatwww.amisun.comandclickonthe“contactus”linkatthetopofthehomepage.Or,e-mailTheSundirectlyatnews@amisun.com.Ifyouprefertheold-fashionedwayyoucanmailalettertousatTheannaMariaIslandSun,IslandSunPlaza,P.O.Box1189,annaMaria,fl34216.

lettersshouldbekeptto300wordsorlessandshouldcontainyournameandthecityinwhichyoureside.Personalattacksandobscenelanguagewillnotbeprinted.lettersalsomaybeeditedforlengthandcontent.

Page 8: THE SUN - May 7 2014

8 THE SUN www.amisun.com MAY 7, 2014

Recent debate about replacing the city’s e-mail administrator has created tension between the mayor and some city commissioners. BY JOE HENDRICKSSUN CORRESPONDENT

BRADENTON BEACH – Emotionally-charged comments made by Mayor Bill Shearon at Thursday’s commission meet-ing left some wondering if the mayor had resigned after he gaveled the meeting to an abrupt end.

“My hands are tied. If this commission wants to make a decision on everything, so be it. I’m sorry, but I can’t do it anymore without your support,” he said.

Shearon was angry about the lack of support received from Commissioners Jack Clarke, Jan Vosburgh and Ed Straight pertaining to recent requests to implement a new e-mail system and administrator.

Philosophical differences included e-mail security and administration, budget expen-ditures, honoring an existing contract and department head authority.

As he left the dais, Shearon said, “If you

guys want to have a meeting, you have to call the city attorney. I’m done.”

When asked if he had resigned, Shearon said, “I will never resign, but it’s going to be a long year and a half around here. I don’t have any authority to do anything.”

Request deniedIn March, commissioners approved a

$2,840 payment to former Commissioner Ric Gatehouse for an additional year of website and e-mail hosting and administration.

In April, City Clerk Jamie Anderson purchased a $4,700 cloud-based Microsoft Office 365 software package without the commission’s consent. The software was bought using funds left over from savings produced by the use of a state contract used to purchase hardware upgrades approved by the commission in February. That approval, however, included no discussion about 365 software.

During the April 29 commission work-shop, Shearon and City Clerk Jamie Anderson were denied majority consensus to switch from Gatehouse’s locally-hosted e-mail system to a 365 system administered by Friendly Computer Services and hosted in an unknown location.

Clarke expressed concerns about the

software purchase, the desire to replace Gatehouse and the security of a cloud-based e-mail system in regard to police department communications and unauthorized access.

Police Chief Sam Speciale shared Clarke’s security concerns, but said he did not know enough about Cloud technology to offer an opinion.

Shearon and Vice Mayor Janie Robertson said security was less of a concern, because commission e-mails are public record.

Anderson and Shearon said important e-mails were not being received or delivered, while junk e-mails were bogging down the system. Clarke and Vosburgh said they had not experienced e-mail issues.

Anderson expressed concerns about com-missioners using personal e-mail accounts to conduct city business. She said the 365 system would allow commissioners to access their city e-mail accounts from afar, which they cannot currently do, while providing her with archiving and retrieval capabilities vital to fulfilling public records requests and complying with state laws.

Anderson agreed with Shearon that reliev-ing Gatehouse of his e-mail duties would give him more time to work on the outdated city website.

Shearon surprised Vosburgh when he said

the 365 software was already purchased. “That was a decision Jamie, Sheila (Dal-

ton) and I made; and if I’m wrong, I’ll take the heat,” he said, offering support for the clerk and treasurer.

“I think you did the wrong thing mayor; we should have been consulted,” Vosburgh countered, while expressing support for Gatehouse.

“We’re not supposed to be micromanaging, but we are responsible for the city’s money,” Straight added.

“It was a left-handed way of getting around the commission’s authorization. It’s still money that wasn’t budgeted in the 2014 budget,” Clarke said.

“It would have been nice if somebody came to us and said we saved $4,700 and want to buy another piece of equipment,” he said later in the week.

Shearon took offense to Clarke’s left-handed comment and unsuccessfully sought consensus granting Anderson the authority to resolve the matter as she saw fit.

When that failed, Clarke requested a solu-tion involving the continued use of Gate-house.

“Make it work with him, at least for now,”

SEE email, PAGE 32

E-mail issues divide city commission

Page 9: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 9

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OUR CUSTOMERS ARE #1 WITH US!

Bills on rental regulation, flood insurance and helium balloon releases were considered.

BY CINDY LANESUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected]

The Florida Legislative session ended Friday night, producing several bills of interest to Anna Maria Island that are awaiting the signature of Gov. Rick Scott.

The vacation rental bill, SB 356, officially known as “Regulation of Public Lodging Establishments and Public Food Service Establishments,” passed on May 1, and becomes effective July 1 with the governor’s signature.

Under the bill, local governments cannot limit the frequency or duraton of rentals unless they had such regulations on the books on or before June 1, 2011.

“We can regulate other aspects of rentals, particularly health and safety aspects,” Holmes Beach Commis-sioner Jean Peelen wrote constituents in an e-mail.

The bill, which does not apply to condominium and homeowner as-sociations, gives local officials more

control than they had under the 2011 state vacation rental law that prohib-ited nearly all municipal regulation of rentals.

Officials supporting the bill cited as their primary reasons noise, parking and trash problems at vacation rental properties and the state’s intrusion into home rule.

Flood insuranceSB 542 was passed, encouraging

private flood insurers to compete with FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program policies in Florida.

The bill, a response to policyhold-ers’ complaints about huge increases in federal flood premiums, is intended to produce lower rates. Policyholders complained that rates were affecting their ability to remain in their homes and businesses. Rate increases also slowed real estate sales.

Congress passed a law in March scaling back the increases.

environmental victoryThe environment won a victory

with the failure of an amendment to HB 955 that would have weakened Florida’s restrictions on the release of helium balloons.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring was

among the environmental groups opposed to the amendment, which would have allowed up to 100 balloons to be released at a time at funerals, memorials or non-profit, faith-based events – 10 times more than the current law allows.

Studies have shown that sea turtles eat plastic refuse, which can kill them.

SB 320 passed, regulating com-mercial parasailing. The bill requires liability insurance, $1 million per occurrence and $2 million annual ag-gregate, a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed operator and an onboard VHF marine transceiver and a separate electronic device capable of providing access to National Weather Service forecasts.

It prohibits parasailing in more than 20 mph winds or if gusts are 25 mph or more, if rain or heavy fog results in reduced visibility of less than a half mile, or if a lightning storm comes within 7 miles of the parasailing area. Violations are a second degree misdemeanor.

SB 1150, a bill to require state tourism officials to market Florida internationally as a medical tourism destination, died in the House and was not revived.

Legislative session ends,impacting Island

SUBMITTED

Derby duoJess, left, and Kim Mineo sport their own versions of derby bonnets at Bortell's Lounge Saturday evening as they cheer for their favorite horse, California Chrome, as he crosses the finish line in first place at the Kentucky Derby.

Page 10: THE SUN - May 7 2014

10 THE SUN www.amisun.com MAY 7, 2014

Upbeat speech a winnerThe winner will compete against other Manatee County schools in the 4H/Tropicana Public Speaking Contest on Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m. at the Manatee Agricultural Center in Palmetto.

BY TOM VAUGHTSUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected]

HOLMES BEACH – Once again, the fourth and fifth graders at Anna Maria Elemen-tary School held their Manatee County 4H/Tropicana Public Speaking Contest and once again, there were a variety of subjects relevant to kids their age.

Not only were the subjects graded; the kids were also judged on their public speaking ability. Volunteer Charlene Doll and former AME principals James Kronus and Tom Levengood were judges.

The winning speech was an upbeat ap-proach to a not-so-upbeat subject. Kolby Keenan, who made his speech from memory, won with “Lessons Learned from Losing.”

Keenan talked about his love of wrestling, although he hasn’t done well yet.

“Every time I lose, I get better,” he said. “Losing is about opportunity.”

Keenan is hopeful of winning the speech finals next weekend.

“We certainly wish him well,” said AME Principal David Marshall.

Gianna Sparks came in second with her speech about being an only child.

“People think only children are greedy because it’s always about me,” she said. “I never had to share anything.”

Sparks said being an only child sometimes raises everybody’s expectations, and they are often labeled as spoiled.

Mary Grace Cucci came in third with her speech called “Got Wi-Fi?” She talked about the cordless communication devices

that have spelled the end to pay phones and pagers. As she notes, according to worldwide statistics, “More people have cell phones than flushing toilets.”

Other contestants and their speeches were: “Are You Still Lovin’ It?” by David Daigle about unhealthy fast foods; “Fashion Mistakes in History,” by Bella Love; Mag-gie Carter spoke of “The African Bush Elephant,” the largest land mammal in the world, and she warned, “We must do our best to save this animal.”

Thomas Heckler’s “Bat Boy” was about the time he got to serve as a bat boy at a Pittsburgh Pirates spring training game; Cai-lyn Connor spoke about “Crazy Laws” that are still on the books; Ariana Cooper’s “The Trouble with Puppies” pointed out that they “Chew everything.”

Lila Bowers’ “How to Annoy Your Parents” was a speech everyone’s parents should hear; Randy Carter spoke of “Just Say No to GMOs,” which are genetically modified foods, saying about the ingredients in some food, “If you can’t pronounce it, it’s probably bad for you.”

Finally, Cole Pearson presented “Live, Love, Skate,” about his love of skateboarding and how he thinks the International Olympic Committee might include skateboarding in the summer games some day.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Kolby Keenan will compete with other school winners next week for the district title.

Page 11: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 11

The city commission will hold a second reading on a special exception for businesses that need the sandwich board signs on Thursday, May 22.BY TOM VAUGHTSUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected]

ANNA MARIA – The ban on sand-wich board, or A-frame, signs still stands after a hastily called meet-ing to delay its enforcement until a special exception portion of the law is passed. The exception would give businesses an opportunity to prove they need the signs.

However, Mayor SueLynn said she found out she has the power to delay enforcing the ban.

“I found out the city commission passes the laws, and I am charged with enforcing them and in this case, I’m

going to not enforce it until we pass the special exception provision,” she said.

Commissioner Dale Woodland called the emergency meeting Friday afternoon with Commission Chair Chuck Webb and Commissioner Carol Carter absent with an excuse. Com-missioner Doug Copeland bowed to the mayor’s decision.

“At the last meeting, I moved to delay the enforcement, but it died for a second, and we voted 3-1 to enforce the ban,” he said. “I could probably get a 2-1 vote to delay the ban today, but I decided I wouldn't do that even before I heard the mayor because it would be bad policy."

Several business owners spoke about the ban. Deborah Webster, who owns Artspace above the post office, said she did not put out her sandwich sign Thursday and the only person who came into her shop was a girlfriend.

Victoria Sweeney, who owns Island Scooter Rentals, called the sandwich board signs an effective marketing tool.

Michelle Shipman, of Harry’s Grill, said they lose customers because when they close the front doors to keep air conditioning inside, people cannot see in through the tinted win-dows, and she would like to get a sign like the one the city is banning.

Todd Shely, who spoke for his wife, Laura, who owns Tide and Moon jew-elry, said people can’t see inside their shop windows for the same reason, and they will need a special exception.

Commissioner Nancy Yetter said it was not the commission’s intention to harm anybody’s business. She said they got complaints about the signs and acted on them.

The commissioners plan to act on the ordinance with the special excep-tion provision on May 22.

Sandwich signs can stand

Page 12: THE SUN - May 7 2014

12 THE SUN www.amisun.com MAY 7, 2014

Police chief reflects on first year on the jobChief Tokajer hasdistinguished himself by walking the streets of the city and bringing the face of the office to the people.BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected]

HOLMES BEACH – Police Chief Bill Tokajer celebrated his first year on the job on April 10 and said, “I love coming to work and walking the community and meet-ing and talking to people. I have truly enjoyed myself.”

Tokajer has distinguished himself by walking the streets of the city to meet citizens, business owners and tourists and bringing the face of the office to the people. In addition, he has attended every city commission meeting and work session as well as most city and ad hoc committee meetings unless he was out of town.

He said that during this first year, “The department has worked hard to enhance safety through enforcement activity, which translates into a lower crime rate. The officers are more visible, and people see them and know we’ll enforce the laws.

“We have increased pubic safety through enforcement of parking regulations, helped pedestrians and bicyclists by not allowing people to park on sidewalks and in bike lanes and increased pedes-trian safety through the addition of crosswalks and more visible signage.”

Tokajer changed the depart-ment’s manpower allocations in order to have more officers on

each shift and no less than two on a shift. He increased patrol man-power by eliminating the deputy chief’s position and making it a patrol officer position and adding two road patrol supervisors.

“I have attended almost every event in Homes Beach,” he said, “getting to know the residents, visitors and business owners and to do what I promised by being a very visible and accessible chief.”

Bringing in fundsTokajer is working with Manatee

County and the School Board to get additional funding for beach patrol and a school resource of-ficer, which he said would “add money in the budget without tax-ing the citizens.”

Aggressive department “Click

it or Ticket” campaigns have resulted in $30,000 in grant money for equipment and sending letters to people who have not paid park-ing tickets has brought in more than $3,000 since last fall.

He also has worked to bring the city’s codes up to date to make them more enforceable, updated officer equipment, increased officer training to include joint training with the Sheriff’s Office, worked with Anna Maria Elemen-tary School on lock down pro-cedures and drills and made the department’s phone number more recognizable.

“We have made great strides in overall department morale,” he said. “When I arrived, there was

pAT copElANd | SUN

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer celebrated his first year on the job April 10.

SEE chief, pAgE 24

Page 13: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 13

FROM PAGE 1hatchlings when they try to make their way to the Gulf later this summer.

Tourists are bringing snow shovels two or three feet wide from up north to the beach and digging holes, said Mark Taylor, who rakes Anna Maria Island’s beaches for Manatee County. He can easily fill in small holes, he said, but some are six feet deep and pose a threat not only to turtles but to the county’s beach rake tractor and Turtle Watch ATVs used to quickly respond to nesting and hatching events.

The newly-renourished beach is soft and makes it easier than ever to dig deep holes.

But during sea turtle season, May 1 to Oct. 31, digging deep holes in the sand is especially bad, Fox said.

While Turtle Watch volunteers comb the beaches every morning at dawn for turtle tracks to locate and mark all nests, occasionally, because of tides or rain washing over tracks, a nest goes undiscovered. Digging into an un-marked nest easily could kill the eggs.

Fox said that investors who own rental property on the beaches and rental agents for those properties need to inform renters about digging holes and other conduct dangerous to sea turtles, much of which is codified in city and county ordinances and state and federal law and is available in The Sun’s Flippers and Feathers column.

Flippers and FeathersHere are some easy but important

rules to follow during turtle nesting season.

• Turn off outdoor lights visible from the beach from sundown to sunrise, and close drapes and blinds; lights can fatally disorient nesting and hatching sea turtles.

• Do not aim camera flashes or cell phone cameras at sea turtles.

• Do not use flashlights or fishing lights on the beach at night.

• Do not trim or remove trees and plants that shield the beach from lights.

• Remove chairs, umbrellas, sand an-chors, tents, grills, boats and all objects from the beach from sundown to sun-rise, and remove anchor buoys or rafts from the water. They can keep nesting sea turtles from hatching and keep hatchlings from reaching the water.

• Fill in holes dug in the sand; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles.

• If you see sea turtles nesting or hatching, keep silent and still and watch from a distance. Never touch a sea turtle.

• On a boat or personal watercraft, watch for sea turtles and manatees; if you spot them, slow down and veer away.

• Stay away from staked bird nesting areas to avoid frightening the parents off the nests and leaving the eggs vul-nerable to heat and predators. If birds are agitated, you are too close.

• Do not chase or herd birds; they need their energy for nesting.

• Do not feed birds; it can lead to malnourishment, illness and aggression, and scraps can attract predators.

• Dispose of fishing line, hooks, nets, six-pack holders, plastic bags and other trash; it can entangle and injure sea turtles and birds.

• Don’t release fireworks, helium balloons or sky lanterns from the beach; the debris is dangerous to sea turtles, birds and other wildlife.

• To protect sea turtle habitat, don’t use fertilizer from June 1 to Sept. 30.

• For sea turtle and bird emergencies, call Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring at 941-778-5638, or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Con-servation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on your cell phone or text [email protected].

nesting news Sea turtlesNests laid: 0False crawls: 0Nests hatched: 0Hatchlings to Gulf: 0Nest disorientations: 0

Black skimmersNests laid: 0Chicks hatched: 0

Least ternsNests laid: 17Chicks hatched: 0

Snowy ploversNests laid: 1Chicks hatched: 0

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

tuRtlEs: Beach holes pose threat to wildlife

CINDY LANE | SUN

A hole left on the beach in Bradenton Beach left overnight could have trapped a nesting sea turtle.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Sanderling snacktimeA sanderling looks for a snack in the surf off Holmes Beach.

Page 14: THE SUN - May 7 2014

14 THE SUN BUSINESS MAY 7, 2014

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In the last two months there has been a big change in how investors are viewing investing in technology com-

panies. For most of 2013 and the first month or so of 2014 investors couldn’t get enough of what I like to call “new” technology companies. These are com-panies like Amazon, Twitter, Netflix, Facebook and others. In a way they aren’t really even technology compa-nies other than the fact they use the internet to facilitate consumer com-merce and communications.

Investor excitement about these fast growing firms drove them to very high prices and extreme valuations. It was a bit reminiscent of the 1999 to 2000 period where technology and dot.com companies were bid up to stratospheric valuations, which ultimately culminat-ed with the NASDAQ market declining 80% in value when the bubble burst.

What seems different this time around is that the overvaluation seems to be confined to these new technology companies and is not widespread. Old technology companies even appear to be reasonably valued and some are making new 52 week highs, while the new tech companies are down 20 to 30 percent, or even more in some cases.

For example, the big three old tech-nology companies - Apple, Intel and Microsoft trade at price to earnings ratios of 14, 14, and 15 respectively, while paying dividend yields of 2.3, 3.4,

and 2.8 percent respectively. Amazon trades at a PE Ratio of 450 and Netflix at 160. Neither company pays a divi-dend to shareholders.

The problem with companies that trade at very high valuations is they need to continue to grow at very high rates so that the earnings of the compa-ny can justify such a lofty stock price. The reality of the situation is that grow-ing at very high rates for many years just isn’t that easy. When the inevitable mistakes are made by management or the economy takes a turn for the worse, investors don’t hesitate to dump these high flying stocks. Prices can easily decline by more than 50%, a process which now appears to now be unfolding for the new tech sector.

The old tech companies can also decline in price in a general market correction, but with valuations much

more modest, the floor would ap-pear to be closer than for some of the high fliers. The payment of the cash dividend is also supportive of higher prices in the long run because most old tech companies are raising their dividend on a regular basis, just as Apple recently announced.

I think the time is right to own the older technology companies which continue to grow and pay rising divi-dends, rather than the over-valued new technology sectors.

Tom Breiter is president of Breiter Capital Man-agement, Inc., an Anna Maria based investment advisor. He can be reached at 778-1900. Some of the investment concepts highlighted in this column may carry the risk of loss of principal, and investors should determine appropriateness for their personal situation before investing. www.breitercapital.com

Old tech is better bet than new techInvestmentCorner

TOM BREITER

The Anna Maria Elementary School Golf Tournament has been rescheduled to noon on Saturday, June 7. Tournament coordinator Dave Johnston said he wants to make sure everyone can enjoy all of the wonderful events scheduled for that weekend and participate in the golf tournament.

The PTO is looking for golfers, at $150 per person or $540 for a four-some. That price includes golf, beer and water and the dinner. Johnston also is looking for hole sponsors at $150 each. For more information, call Johnston at 941-730-9392.

AME tourney reset Money for CenterOfficers of the Roser Guild, Margo Kingsley, Mary Seine and Peggy Nash, present a check for $1,000 to Dawn Stiles of the AMI Community Center. Donations to and sales at the Roser Guild Thrift Shop make it possible for the Guild to support more than 12 local charities, in addi-tion to giving eight college scholar-ships this year.

SUBMITTED

Page 15: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 15

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The participants will meet again at The Studio at Gulf and Pine on Wednesday, May 14, at 1 p.m. and everyone is welcome.BY TOM VAUGHTSUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected]

ANNA MARIA – It’s a grassroots group that wants to ensure Anna Maria Island keeps its grassroots, and the first meeting brought out more than 30 people who feel the same way.

Sissy Quinn, the head of the Anna Maria Island Preservation Trust, formed the group because while some of the older buildings on the Island are staying put, many long-time residents are moving off the Island for a number of reasons.

“When I formed Preservation Trust, it was all about saving cottages, but we’re losing something more important – the people that live in them,” Quinn said. “We want to reverse that.”

Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn is vice presi-dent of the Preserva-tion Trust, Marianne Can is the secretary and board members include Mady Iseman, former Anna Maria Mayor Fran Barford and her husband, George.

Fran Barford talked about the Preserva-tion Trust, which was started to recognize and try to save historic structures on the Island.

“As soon as I left being mayor, I joined the Preservation Trust,” she said. “We have money to put where our mouth is.”

She said the group’s new direction is excit-ing.

SueLynn said the times are changing for the friendly cities of Anna Maria Island, which many described as being like May-berry, the town on the popular sitcom “The Andy Griffith Show.”

“It’s hit us in the last three years what’s happening,” she said. “People are leaving

here who we never thought would. I used to have permanent neighbors, but now they change every week.”

SueLynn said she hopes to make deeper connections than the casual ones some people have. She said some of the blocks in Anna Maria now have only one or two homes that have permanent residents. “We’re going to have to pull together,” she added. “We need to be connected, if not to the person next door, then it will have to be with the person on another block.”

She said, hopefully, things will turn around and more people will buy a home here to live in full time.

“We need you here to stay and to pass your home to your next generation,” she said.

Ideas circulated including having a hotline or using the Internet to communicate. There

was a suggestion to use a website that everyone in the city could read to con-tribute to, but there was also a lighter side when Quinn said meetings shouldn’t all be about what they need to do. They should also have fun.

“I remember when people used to have soirees with little sip-pies and munchies,” she said. “We might ask a restaurant to have a night for locals during the off-season, where we could buy our own drinks and food and communi-cate.”

She suggested the Key Royale Clubhouse, for instance.

SueLynn had the attendees break down into groups to come up with ideas. Com-ments ranged from the change in Island demographics to dealing with neighboring rental houses with loud children.

After more communication, the group agreed to meet again May 14, at 1 p.m. at the same location in hopes of bringing back a sense of community to three rapidly chang-ing cities.

New direction for Preservation Trust

People are leaving

here who we never

thought would. I used

to have permanent

neighbors, but now

they change every

week."

SueLynnAnna Maria mayor

Page 16: THE SUN - May 7 2014

16 THE SUN www.amisun.com MAY 7, 2014

Page 17: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 17

The Anna Maria Island Privateers carry on the tradi-tion of Snooks Adams Day on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Bayfront Park, 310 North Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Bring the kids for free fun and games including a pirate cos-tume party, pirate stories, crafts, and pizza, hot dogs and soda.

Snooks Adams Kids Day began in 1954 when the popular Island police chief took a bunch

of boys to Coquina Beach in his Jeep for a day of fun to cele-brate the end of the school year. He later included the girls and soon it became a tradition.

Later, as Adams aged, the Privateers took over the event, and after he passed away, they vowed to continue the tradition. The food is free for the kids, and there will be collection jars for the adults to make dona-tions if they want lunch.

Snooks Adams Kids Day setRelay For Life of Anna

Maria Island team and committee members met at Coquina Beach Gulf-side on April 29 to go over logistics for the upcoming relay to be held on May 17 and 18. The community is invited to come and enjoy the event, which raises money for cancer research and raises the spirits of cancer survivors and those

who lose friends and loved ones from cancer.

They will have a DJ to provide music, the teams will be doing fun laps and there will be activities, contests, silent auctions and chance drawings. The teams will be selling unique items and food.

The public is welcome to come for a snack or dinner. After dark the very emo-

tional luminaria event will be held. The community is invited to come and go as they like from 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17, to 6 a.m. Sunday, May 18, at Co-quina Beach Gulfside Park. Just look for all the tents and Relay signs. There are currently 17 teams involved, and there is room for more.

Cancer fighters prepare

Page 18: THE SUN - May 7 2014

18 THE SUN OUTDOORS MAY 7, 2014

Tarpon season is poised to get off to an early start this year as anglers start pursuing one of fishing’s great-

est challenges. At this time of the year the action can be almost non-existent one day and extremely productive the next. I spent a day on the water with my longtime friend Captain Rick Grassett last week looking for some early season tarpon, and although we spent five hours on the water and had only one cast at a school of about 20 fish, it was a beautiful day on the water. It was time spent with a friend, recollecting other trips of memorable fights and bites. We knew when we went that it was possible we wouldn’t see any fish. Then again it would have been possible to have shots and bites from scores of fish. That’s tarpon fishing!

If you've experienced the thrill of tarpon fishing, you’ll know why guides call it the “the apex of angling.” The best way to experience tarpon fishing is to

engage the services of a local guide who knows the ways of tarpon and the Gulf waters. You don't have to hire a profes-sional to catch a tarpon, but a guided trip will be the best investment you've ever made if you’re new to the sport.

Hooking a tarpon isn’t necessarily dif-ficult; catching is another story. Realize that you'll be throwing bait, lures or flies at one of the most powerful gamefish that swim coastal waters. Not being pre-pared or aware of what you're doing can be dangerous to you and a tarpon.

First, you need to match your tackle to the task. Unless you plan on just getting a few jumps and letting them get away,

you'll need a minimum of 20-pound test tackle, with 30-pound being even better. While many anglers seem convinced that you need live bait for any degree of success, tarpon will readily take a well presented artificial lure or fly. It's a lot less hassle to tie on a lure than to deal with live bait.

I would recommend starting with a quality 30-pound spinning outfit spooled to capacity with 20- to 30-pound line. Double the standing line using a Spider Hitch or a Bimini Twist and tie on a two-foot section of 70-pound fluorocarbon leader.

A favorite lure of mine is a DOA red and white Baitbuster(deep runner troll-ing model). Another favorite is the 1/2 ounce DOA Nite Glow Shrimp. The hook that comes with the shrimp doesn't leave a very big gap, so try replacing it with an Owner Aki 3/0 or 4/0.

Tarpon – one of fishing's greatest challenges

rUSTY cHiNNiS | SUN

Tarpon provide heart stopping action when they leap from the Gulf waters.

ReelTime

RUSTY CHINNIS

SEE Reel TIme, pAgE 19

Page 19: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 19

FROM PAGE 18If you have a favorite lure use it, because the most important choice when it comes to any lure is your confidence in it. I haven't found tarpon to be particularly picky as long as it's presented correctly and they're in the mood to feed. One caveat, the hook must be sharp and stout.

Once you're rigged and ready, you need to find the fish. Any given day you'll see boats that are hunting tarpon cruising up and down the beach. Some hardly ever stop. Personally, I like to find an area where tarpon travel, like the edge of a bar and just wait for them to come to me. It's OK to move around a bit, but anglers that have patience invariably do better than those who can't sit still. When the water is clear and the sun is out, tarpon are easy to spot. On cloudy days you have to look for fish coming to the surface for a breath of air.

Tarpon are occasionally hooked by an-glers that do everything wrong, but that's the exception and not the rule. When you spot schools of moving fish, get well ahead of them, establish their track and cut your outboard at least 50 yards ahead.

If you're casting a lure or a fly the pre-sentation has to be nearly perfect, moving away from or across their path. Another important factor is getting the presenta-tion down to the tarpon's level. They will seldom go even a foot or two out of their way to take bait or lure.

Hooking a tarpon is a feat in itself as they have incredibly hard mouths. You have to have very sharp hooks. When you hook a tarpon, fight them with maximum pressure from the hook set until you have them at the boat. Lots of beginners lose fish by not applying enough pressure, hoping, mostly in vain, that it will keep them from breaking off. Experience has

shown that the longer you fight them, the better chance you have of losing them.

When you go tarpon fishing it is OKto pay attention to other more experienced anglers, but never intrude on a boat that's stalking a school. Circle wide of other anglers and go farther down the beach and line up for a turn. It's rude and ruins the fishing for everyone when you run up on a school of fish after anglers are in position to intercept them. Tarpon fishing should be fun and not a shouting match. If someone ruins your fishing try explaining the rules to them. In most cases they don't even know what they're doing.

Tarpon are one of the sport's greatest challenges and a test of your angling mettle. Now is the time to try your hand either on your own or with a guide. Get a recommendation or look for an ad on a nearby page. And don't forget to show a little respect to other anglers.

REEl tiME: Take the tarpon challenge

Day Date A.M. HighTime Feet

A.M. LowTime Feet

P.M. HighTime Feet

P.M. LowTime Feet

SunRise Set Day Date A.M. High

Time FeetA.M. LowTime Feet

P.M. HighTime Feet

P.M. LowTime Feet

SunRise Set

Wed 5/7 7:34a 1.53 12:32a 0.28 5:50p 1.7712:21p 1.22 6:47-8:07 Sun 5/11

9:28a 2.07 3:30a 0.77 10:45p 1.63 4:31p 0.276:44-8:10

Thu 5/8 8:11a 1.65 1:25a 0.39 7:19p 1.67 1:46p 1.04 6:46-8:08 Mon 5/12 9:52a 2.24 4:02a 0.90 11:36p 1.62 5:13p 0.04 6:43-8:10

Fri 5/9 8:40a 1.78 2:12a 0.51 8:41p 1.63 2:53p 0.806:45-8:09

Tue 5/13 10:18a 2.40 4:32a 1.02 5:55p -0.156:43-8:11

Sat 5/10 9:04a 1.92 2:53a 0.64 9:49p 1.63 3:46p 0.536:45-8:09

Wed 5/14 10:48a 2.55 5:00a 1.12 10:48a 2.55 6:38p -0.306:42-8:12

tide chart for anna maria city pier may 7-14

SUbMiTTEd

Tuna timeDrs. Roger and Debbie Danziger caught two blackfin tuna –19 and 24 pounds – 30 miles offshore of Holmes Beach in 100 feet of water. Of course, Debbie caught the bigger one.

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20 MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com MAY 7, 2014 21

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22 THE SUN www.amisun.com MAY 7, 2014

If you think Florida Gulf coast beach-es are shark free, take a parasail ride and think again.There they are, those scary shad-

ows that we vainly hope are dolphins holding their breath for a really, really, long time.

But the small sharks that swim within sight of the beach, like the 9-foot hammerhead caught from the shoreline of Bradenton Beach a few years back, are nothing compared to several April reports of seriously big sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.

On April 10, a boater caught a 668-pound mako off Destin, where Jaws II was filmed.

On April 15, an 800-pound, 11-foot mako was caught by a fisherman standing on a beach in the Florida Panhandle.

On April 23, closer to home, a 692-pound mako was caught 25 miles offshore off Longboat Pass in 100 feet of water, the second big mako caught by charter guests of Capt. Nicholas Froelich this year.

But that mako – so big that the crew had to travel to Cortez to find a fish house with a scale big enough to weigh it – was merely half the size of the 1,400 pound Betsy, a 12-foot 7-inch

great white shark spotted with a satel-lite tagging system on April 25 some 63 miles off Boca Grande, about 75 miles due south of Anna Maria Island, as the shark swims. Betsy is part of a tagging program that located bull shark Sabrina (8 feet 6 inches long) in June last year inside – yes, inside – Charlotte Harbor at Boca Grande, and bull shark Gina (8 feet 2 inches long) near the mouth of Charlotte Harbor in July, near where a record 14.5-foot, 1,262-pound great hammerhead was caught in 2006 and weighed at Cortez.

The day after Betsy’s tag was pinged on April 26, divers about 80 miles off Sanibel Island, about 130 miles south of Anna Maria Island, encountered a 14-foot great white, and took a video to prove it (“Ay, ay, iz a gade whyd,” one shouts, muffled by his regulator).

Great whites are nothing new around here either.

Froelich, of Sarasota, said his crew released a great white on Feb. 17.

At the end of North Shore Road

on Longboat Key, a marker com-memorates a fisherman landing a 17-foot great white in 1937, esti-mated at one ton.

But, as evidenced by April’s news, shark reports seem to be coming more frequently.

Did BP oil and dispersant con-tamination drive big sharks closer to shore? Are fisheries management programs working, as evidenced by flourishing top predators? Or has the water always been teeming with, or infested by, sharks, and we’re just get-ting better at finding these denizens of the deep?

Betsy was satellite tagged on the

M/V OCEARCH research vessel by a team including scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, who insist they never said, “We’re going to need a bigger boat.”

At www.ocearch.org, you can track Betsy and other really big sharks off the Gulf coast of Florida and world-wide, so you can either get in a boat and go diving with them or choose a beach far, far away.

But in case you think high tech tags will fully protect you, remember that great white off Sanibel videotaped less than two weeks ago?

It didn’t have one.

If it’s Monday, that must be a mako

BY CINDY LANE

CINDY LANE | SUN

A hammerhead caught off Bradenton Beach.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Sharks feeding off Holmes Beach last year.

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MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 23

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24 THE SUN www.amisun.com MAY 7, 2014

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An advertisement for a house to rent in Anna Maria brings up the question of what constitutes a duplex.BY TOM VAUGHTSUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected]

ANNA MARIA – Is a kitchen a kitchen if the only cooking device sits on a counter?

The question asked at city hall after an ad for a home at 246 Gladi-olus was found to be advertised as two units.

The headline in the ad on VBRO (Vacation Rental By Owner) says, “New, custom built incredible 1/1 guest house with shared pool, steps to bay – sleeps 4.”

At the meeting on April 24, Com-missioner Doug Copeland questioned

the interpretation of a living unit by Building Official Bob Welch and Planner Alan Garret.

Garrett read the definition of a dwelling unit from the building code. It says, “Dwelling unit means a sin-gle housing unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one housekeeping unit, including perma-nent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.”

Copeland said Welch and Garrett have said a dwelling must have a stove to be considered a living unit. Copeland said he disagreed with their interpretation.

Garrett said the definition is weak.SueLynn made the same assess-

ment.The issue will be discussed at a

work session on Wednesday, May 14, at 6 p.m.

Commission to address dwelling units

FROM PAGE 12

the fear of the unknown.“Now the officers are

happy and enjoy what they’re doing. Keeping of-ficer morale high increas-es public safety because when you enjoy coming to work, you do a better job.”

He said in the future, he hopes to increase man-power by one officer and look for grant funding for future personal as well as technology upgrades.

“I’m proud of the agen-cy and all the employees – the administration, the dispatchers, the officers,” he concluded. “They im-mediately came on board with my philosophy of how I wanted the depart-ment to be a customer service agency, helping citizens in any and every way we can and making Holmes Beach a very safe community to live in, do business in and visit.”

Tokajer and his wife, Thea, have two daughters and four grandchildren.

CHIEF: First year on job

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MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 25

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26 THE SUN REAL ESTATE MAY 7, 2014

The definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing over and over again. So why do we torture ourselves

every month and look at the real estate performance statistics? I guess we really are insane. This month, though, the news continues to be good, at least for Florida.

Nationally, economists have been disap-pointed by a string of weaker than expected home sales reports. Sales of existing homes dropped in March all over the country, but especially in areas that were hit by the extremely cold winter weather. Sales of previously owned homes were down 7.5 percent from a year earlier, the fifth straight month in which sales have fallen below the year-earlier level.

As far as sale prices are concerned, even though the market has leveled off, tradi-tional sellers have been slow to list their homes. Because of this, inventories are low and pushing prices up, which is good for sellers, but bad for buyers. In addition, the

National Association of Realtors indicated it will probably lower its sales forecast of existing homes.

Its economists are expecting a slower than anticipated housing sector blamed partly on incomes that have not kept pace with house price increases and an uptick in the 30-year, fixed mortgage rates. Although mortgage rates are still on average below 4.5 percent the increase does affect purchas-ing power.

The weather also is being blamed for the decline in new home sales dropping 14.5 percent from February to March of this year. Harsh winter weather closed down con-

struction sites, affecting both the housing and labor markets also having an affect on the continuation of the low inventory.

Here in Florida, we’re not affected by the weather or anything else it appears, since our sale prices keep going up according to the Manatee Associations of Realtors: Median single family home sales increased from $200,000 to $225,950 from last March 13.4 percent. The average single family sale price increased 19.6 percent from $249,877 to $298,967.

Pending inventory was down 23.7 percent from 1133 to 865. Townhouse and Condo sales also were up, but not nearly as much as single family. The median sale price was up 2 percent from $127,000 to $129,500 and the average increased 7.3 percent from $155,609 to $166,917. Pending inventory was also down 9 percent from 377 to 343.

Statewide, the numbers were similar just not as impressive, with median single family sales up 7.1 percent from $161,500 to

$173,000 and average sales increasing 6.3 percent from $222,827 to $260,145. Pending inventory also was down by 12.3 percent from 53,755 to 47,169. Median townhouse and condo sales statewide were up 16.7 per-cent from $120,000 to 140,000, and average sales were up 16.1 percent from $196,568 to $228,167. Pending inventory was also down 18.4 percent from 26,967 to 22,005.

Another interesting number is the decline in cash sales, which have been very strong. Statewide cash sales are down between 6.5 percent and 13.1 percent, probably because of fewer investors in the market place pick-ing up the smaller pool of foreclosures.

I think I’m just a little insane since I don’t actually look at the stats on the Manatee As-sociation of Realtors website every month. But so far, those months when I do peruse the numbers and report them to you, I’m generally happy to do so. A nice by-product of this job.

Florida real estate continues comebackCastles inthe Sand

Louise BoLger

Page 27: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 27

DEP seeks Grassy Point updateThe 32-acre environmental preserve located along Anna Maria Sound opened in October 2012.BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected]

HOLMES BEACH – The city received a letter from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on April 24 seeking information regarding the Grassy Point preserve.

The letter from Denise Rach, of Florida Communities Trust, said DEP staff visited the preserve in February and said while “the city has made good progress in the development and man-agement of the project site” some items required additional attention.

Rach said the exotic removal requires follow-up treatment, the city must provide an as-built master site plan and it should install a directional sign on the main road to alert the public to the existence and location of the park.

According to Rach, “The following facilities, boardwalk, observations platform, fishing pier and canoe/kayak launch are facilities required by the grant award agreement. Please indi-cate when the city intends to construct

these facilities to meet the conditions of the grant.”

Human Resources Analyst Mary Buonagura replied to Rach pointing out that the city’s records regarding Grassy Point appear to be incomplete and asked for further information includ-ing the date and amount of the grant, a copy of the grant agreement and the city’s reporting schedule on the project.

Buonagura has been working with citizen volunteers to seek technical and beatification grants for the preserve.

EnvironmEntal prEsErvEOpened in October of 2012, the 32-

acre environmental preserve located along Anna Maria Sound includes a 1,000-foot nature trail around the upland portion, three picnic tables, an

informational kiosk, a bicycle rack and four parking spaces.

It is located along the east side of Gulf Drive across from Publix and the Anna Maria Island Center. It is ac-cessed via Avenue C. It will be open only during daylight hours.

The project began in 1999, when the city received state funding to acquire the land and completed the purchase in 2002 with plans to provide passive recreational and educational opportu-nities, as well as water quality improve-ment.

According to an article in The Sun dated Nov. 1, 2000, the project’s pro-jected costs and funding sources at that time were:

• City of Holmes Beach – $15,500 to install a sign, survey vegetation, remove and monitor exotics, install a parking lot and bicycle rack and mark boundaries;

• Sarasota Bay Estuary Program – $13,000 for educational materials and plants;

• Southwest Florida Water Manage-ment District – $25,00 to remove exot-ics and install a parking lot;

• DEP – $50,000 to remove exotics and install boardwalks, an observation pier and a nature trail.

FilE pHoTo

The nature trail around the upland portion of Grassy Point is lined with the trunks of trees.

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28 THE SUN www.amisun.com MAY 7, 2014

BY CINDY LANESUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected]

Fans of preserves in west Manatee County have a lot to look forward to at the Robinson expansion, Perico Preserve, Ungarelli Preserve and Neal Preserve.

Neal Preserve opened last month on Manatee Avenue just east of the bridge to Anna Maria Island, featuring a recreated cemetery mound and trash mid-den in the same places as the original ones used by prehistoric Indians.

A little-known component of Neal Preserve is a mangrove island to the southwest, with no access except for wildlife, according to Damon Moore, the county’s environmental program manager, who addressed the Manatee Fish and Game Asso-ciation last week at Palma Sola Botanical Park.

Ungarelli Preserve, on the west side of Palma Sola Boulevard just off Cortez Road behind Ace’s, is

not open yet, as workers plow through years of trash at the former illegal dump site. The site may be opened when a driveway is completed, but trails are a long way down the road, he said.

Perico Preserve, on the north side of Manatee Avenue between the bridge to the Island and the Palma Sola Causeway, also remains unopened and under construction.

The county created freshwa-ter wetlands and built a nesting island to attract birds. As soon as the dead Australian pines removed from the site were “planted” on the island, ospreys took them over as perches, he said, adding that eventually, man-groves will surround the island and become oyster habitat and a juvenile fish nursery.

East of Robinson Preserve, the unopened Robinson expansion is under development, includ-ing high quality upland habitat that’s rare in the west part of the county, Moore said.

Plans for a lake were scrapped

when clay was discovered on site, which would cloud a lake. Mangroves will be planted that eventually will form a mangrove tunnel, popular with kayakers, he said.

On Tuesday, May 6, after press time, the Manatee County Com-mission was scheduled to approve an agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to spend $200,000 in county funds matched by $200,000 in state funds to develop shell trails and bridges at the Robinson expansion.

Manatee County formerly was able to procure funding for the acquisition of conservation lands with an environmental millage tax, which sunsetted in 2008-09, said Max Dersch, manager of the county’s Resource Management Division.

“The future, without a lot of support, is a little bleak,” he said.

The county applied for com-pensation from the BP oil spill fund, but is still waiting, Moore said.

CINDY LANE | SUN

A shady boardwalk at Neal Preserve, which opened last month.

Preserve plans discussed

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MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 29

Principal David Marshall will move to Witt Elementary School in east Bradenton.BY TOM VAUGHTSUN STAFF WRITER | [email protected]

HOLMES BEACH – As the school enters its final phase, changes loom for the little school on the bay. Anna Maria Elementary School Principal David Marshall will transfer to Witt Elementary, east of Bradenton, for the next school year.

“Anna Maria Elementary is a great school,” he said of the position he’s leaving. “Witt is like AME. It’s an A rated school and they have great sup-port from parents and the community as well.”

Marshall’s replacement is Jackie Featherston from Stewart Elementary in northwest Bradenton, not far from the Island.

“I’m so excited about coming to the Island,” she said. “I have a great love of the water and look forward to meeting the staff and parents at Anna Maria Elementary.”

Featherston has been principal at Stewart for 18 years. She said she has met AME Guidance Coun-selor Cindi Harrison and teacher Betsy Kern, but there aren’t many AME staff she knows and she looks forward to meeting and working with all of them.

In his three years at AME, Marshall made some changes and instituted events that brought parents and their children together. The school will have the second annual Mother-Son Ice Cream Social and it has held dances for fathers and their daughters. He also started the “Battle of the Books” where third-, fourth- and fifth-graders com-peted at reading high-level books.

Featherston said she hopes to meet with staff and parents in the near future.

AME gets new principal

Marshall

Featherston

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island welcomes three new members - Paula Hawkins, Ron LeVene and Geor-gana LeVene, all from Bradenton.

Hawkins specializes in watercolor, oil painting and photographic art, includ-ing enhancing and retouching photo-graphs. She is the owner of Hawkins Studio in Bradenton.

Georgana LeVene specializes in oil painting and Ron LeVene specializes in dichroic glass jewelry and gift items. Dichroic glass pieces are multi-layered

glass, each with a beautiful colored fin-ish that changes constantly in the light.

The Artists’ Guild is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Its mission is to educate, promote and encour-age artistic endeavor in all the arts. The Artists’ Guild Gallery is located at 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. Membership meetings are held the first Monday of each month and are open to the public from October to May. For more information, call 941-778-6694 or visit www.amiartistsguildgallery.com.

Guild gets new members

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30 THE SUN www.amisun.com MAY 7, 2014

Learn about Southeast AsiaDr. Jack Winberg, an award-

winning professional photographer who has extensive travel, teaching and exhibition experience, will present “Culture and Travel: East Meets West,” on Thursday, May 8, at 2 p.m. at the Island Branch Li-brary, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Winberg’s presentation will be a travelog of photos and video focusing on Vietnam, Laos, Myan-mar (Burma), and Thailand. The president of Digital Photo Artists, Winberg had his first darkroom at the age of nine and has studied with Ansel Adams and Dianne Arbus, among others.

The program is free and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more infor-mation, call the library at 778-6341.

Explore Alaska’s parksAnne Castellina will provide an

overview of the national parks and preserves in Alaska that make up over half of the total acreage in America’s national park system at Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Group’s general meeting on Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at the Sarasota Gar-den Club, 1131 Blvd. of the Arts. Castellina served as superinten-dent of Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Seward, Alaska, from 1988 to 2004 and was privileged to make visits to all of the Alaska parks during her time there.

Join the Sierra Club and bring a snack to share at the social after-wards.

Program for kids and parentsThe Island Branch Library, 5701

Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will host Forty Carrots, a parenting program based in Sarasota, on Friday, May 9, at 10 a.m. This is a program where kids from mobile babies to five year olds and their parents experience new activities, join in circle time fun, spend time with other families and get valu-able parenting information.

The program is free and you can get a ticket for this session at the library desk. Space is limited to 12 families. For more information, call the library at 778-3986

Alzheimer’s care givers meetSue Fox, a representative of

the Sarasota Chapter of the Al-zheimer’s Association, will host a program for caregivers of people

with memory problems, including Alzheimer’s disease, on Friday, May 9, at 2 p.m. at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The program is free. Call 778-64341 for more infor-mation.

Dinner and nutrition talkAnnie Silver Community Cen-

ter, 23rd St., Bradenton Beach hosts “The Power of a Plant-Based Diet,” by Alec Grae, certified nutri-tion educator and life coach, on Friday, May 9, at 6 p.m.

Join in the discussion on how a plant-based diet can help you on your path to wellness. Whether you are trying to lose weight, reverse chronic health problems, improve immunity, increase longevity or just feel your best, a plant based diet can help you achieve your goals.

The talk will follow a dinner featuring an array of healthy dishes including chicken, vegetar-ian and vegan. A $10 donation is suggested. Proceeds to benefit WSLR Community Radio. Call 941-779-0556.

Fundraiser at RobinsonHelp Manatee County staff raise

money for charity while enjoying a nature walk through Robinson Pre-serve at the Fourth Annual United Way Walk-A-Thon on Saturday, May 10, from 8 to 11 a.m. You can walk as a team or as an individual during this event and all ages can enter.

First Watch will be handing out free muffins, fresh fruit and drinks during the walk. The first 200 registrations receive a free stuffed koozie. The registration runs from 7 to 7:50 a.m. and the walk begins at 8 a. m. The entry fee is $25 for adults, $10 for kids 7-17 years old. To register, visit www.mana-teemiles.com.

Folding fun at libraryJudy Pruitt presents her origami

class at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn this ancient Japa-nese art of paper folding. The class is free. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

Take mom shoppingCelebrate mom with a trip to the

Beach Market at Coquina Beach, where she will find many unique special gifts. As you stroll under the pines, listen to Larry Wilhelm sing and enjoy the beautiful sur-roundings under the trees. Shop

for fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry, local artists, apparel, pot-tery, purses, collectibles, health and beauty items and more.

On vacation and looking for a souvenir of your trip to Anna Maria Island? You’ll find many items at the Beach Market. Enjoy the white sand beach, relax on the new deck overlooking the Gulf and get some food at the Coquina Café.

The Beach Market is at 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach at the trolley stop, concession stand area. Shop every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through July 27.

Manatee County does not allow dogs anywhere in the Coquina Park. The market is stroller, walker and wheelchair accessible. Vendors or anyone wanting more informa-tion contact Nancy Ambrose at 941-518-4431.

Story time for kidsToddlers up to five years old

are invited to listen to story from children’s librarian Misty Wright on Tuesday, May 13, at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, in Holmes Beach, starting at 10 a.m. Parents are also welcome. Call 778-6341 for more information.

Explore Robinson by night

See what goes on at sunset at Robinson Preserve on Tuesday, May 13, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the Sunset Wagon Tour. Watch the preserve’s nightlife under a full moon (weather permitting) as naturalist Melissa leads the search for owls, bats, fireflies and more. Check out the summer constella-tions in the sky.

This program is suitable for all ages. Space is extremely limited and reservations are required. Register by calling 941-748-4501 ext. 6039.

Kayak Robinson PreserveJoin the Manatee-Sarasota Sierra

Club on Sunday, May 18, at 10 a.m. for a paddle through Robinson Preserve for approximately 3 1/2 hrs. This event is suitable for those with basic paddling skills.

The trip will take kayakers from Palma Sola Bay into Perico Bayou. From there they will enter Rob-inson Preserve through a short mangrove tunnel and explore the canals of the preserve, which will include climbing the tower for great views of the area.

Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, bug spray and a donation to Sierra Club. Reserve with Mike Lehner at 941-365-1073 or [email protected].

TOWN CRIER

Page 31: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 31

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Page 32: THE SUN - May 7 2014

32 THE SUN www.amisun.com MAY 7, 2014

FROM PAGE 8

Clarke said. The commission directed

Shearon, Anderson and Dalton to work with Gatehouse to resolve e-mail issues.

MORE dEbAtEOn Wednesday morning, Ander-

son e-mailed Gatehouse, request-ing that he assist Friendly Services in getting e-mail moved to a new

server for use with the 365 soft-ware.

Gatehouse told Anderson she misinterpreted the results of Tuesday’s meeting and her request conflicted with commission con-sensus.

“I will be happy to make changes the commission wants or decides. As custodian of this domain, however, I will not make changes based solely on the orders of the mayor or you,” he wrote, noting

that he would be happy to dem-onstrate how his system could be reconfigured to meet the city’s needs.

Thursday night, Shearon sought a motion allowing the city attor-ney to send a letter to Gatehouse requesting that he forfeit e-mail hosting responsibilities.

“This is literally crippling the city,” he said.

Robertson said former City Clerk Nora Idso was allowed to replace

vendors that failed to meet expec-tations. She then made the motion requested by Shearon, but it died without a second from another commissioner, prompting the mayor ’s emotional exit.

Friday morning, Anderson asked Gatehouse to submit a proposal for services similar to the 365 system.

EMAIL: Issues dividing city commission

Grace Shaeffer Atkins

Grace Shaeffer Atkins, in her 100th year, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her home in Chelsea, Mich., on April 29, 2014.

She was born at her family home on the banks on the Manatee River in Ellenton, Florida on Oct. 3, 1914. Her parents, Charlie and Hattie Shaeffer, were pioneers in that region. Her father discovered and man-aged a Fullers earth clay mine, then used in the refinement of gasoline. Gracie, as her family called her, was the youngest of five siblings: Lenore, Elizabeth, Francis, and Charlie. The family later moved to Bainbridge, Ga., where she completed high school and then earned a degree in studio art from Huntington College in Montgomery, Ala.

On Nov. 15, 1941, she married Lt. Daniel Ewell Atkins, Jr. in Milled-geville, Ga. Within the year, Ewell was called to active duty in World War II in the South Pacific for almost four years. Shortly after he left, their first son, Daniel Ewell Atkins, III, was born. While waiting for her husband’s return, she was a mother, supported the war effort and lived with family members in various parts of the South. United with Ewell on Christmas 1945, they moved to Marietta, Ga. where her second son, Edwin Charles Atkins was born. In 1950 the family moved to Wheaton, Md., where Ewell had a career with the Veterans Administration in Washing-ton, D.C.

Grace nurtured her family and friends, taught kindergarten and was active in her church. She was a role model for dignity, love and honesty. Ev-ery Christmas she painted a seasonal mural on the glass storm door of their home that was widely admired.

After retirement, Grace and Ewell

moved south – first to Greenwood, S. C., and then to Holmes Beach, Fla. In 2005 she moved to the United Method-ist Chelsea Retirement Community for a decade of inspiring living among friends and four generations of family in nearby Ann Arbor and New York City. She continued a passion for base-ball, moving her allegiance from the Atlanta Braves to the Detroit Tigers.

Grace is survived by sons Daniel (Monica, Ann Arbor), Edwin (New York City); grandson Thomas Atkins (Leticia Valdez, Ann Arbor); and granddaughter Susan Atkins (Michael Fainter, Ann Arbor). Grams, as she is affectionately known, has five great grand children, Owen, Lucas, and Tessa Grace Fainter, and Felix and Maximo Atkins. She leaves many de-voted friends. A memorial service, with a reception following, will he held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2014, in the Chapel at the Chelsea Retirement Com-munity, 801 West Middle St., Chelsea, Mich. She will be buried next to her husband of 58 years at the Bonaven-ture Cemetery, Savannah, Ga. In lieu of flowers, send contributions to the United Methodist Retirement Center (UMRC) Foundation, Development Of-fice, 805 West Middle Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

Nida Anela-Mary baltrusaitsNida Anela-Mary Baltrusaits,

7-weeks-old, daughter of Darius & Kay (Glogovsky) Baltrusaitis, of Holmes Beach, passed away peacefully at home after suffering complications from Trisomy 18. The sweet angel went to heaven on divine mercy Sunday, April 27, 2014.

To remember and celebrate Nida’s life, a mass was held on Monday, May 5, 2014, at Saints Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church, Bradenton. There was a lunch following the mass at 11 a.m. in the Moretti Center on the south side of the church. A private burial followed the lunch at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Clearwater, Fla. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Trisomy 18

organization or to CareNet Manasota Pregnancy Center, 5111 26th St. W., Bradenton, Fla.

John Joseph PetruffJohn J. Petruff, 92, Bradenton, Fla.,

formerly of Miami, Fla., died on May 03, 2014 in Bradenton, Fla.

Johnny was born Nov. 14, 1921, in Paterson, N.J. to Anna and Stephen J. Petruff. He served as a technician 5th grade in the U.S. Army during World War II and was stationed in Australia. After the war, he met his loving wife Laurene (d. 12/26/04). They married in 1948 and moved to Miami in 1949. Johnny is survived by his three children and their families, John Petruff, of Suffolk Va., Patricia A. Petruff, of Bradenton, Fla., and Laurie Delimon, of San Jose, Calif. He also leaves behind several nephews and nieces.

Always a tinkerer, Johnny worked for Westinghouse as an X-ray techni-cian. In the 1960s, he opened his own electronics repair business in Miami. Petruff Electronics grew from TV/radio repair, to include installation of master antennas, satellite dishes, cable TV, security cameras, alarm systems and controlled access systems at many pri-vate homes, hotels and condominium complexes all over the Miami area.

Johnny was a pilot, and over the years he owned a number of small planes as well as a sign towing busi-ness. Johnny was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and was an active member of North Miami Elks Lodge # 1835.

Johnny loved music and was self taught on the electric keyboard. He was an avid dancer and enjoyed treat-ing all the ladies to a turn on the dance floor. The family would like to extend their love and appreciation to Mary E. Schulte, of Coral Gables, who has been Johnny’s friend, companion and danc-ing partner since 2005.

Interment will be private at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southeastern Guide Dog School. Con-dolences for the family may be made

online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com

brent L. thompsonBrent L. Thompson was born Feb. 11,

1949, in Syracuse, Kan., to Vernon and Betty Mae Thompson. He served his country with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He had a sense of hu-mor that would brighten anyone’s day.

He worked in the street department with the city of Amarillo, as well as, the cities of Bradenton and Anna Maria. He was known to be a good cook, and while in Bradenton, he also worked for some restaurants, honing his skills. He was a huge sports fan, but especially enjoyed boxing, football and racing. He, at one time, had also worked as a CNA, using his humor to win the respect of his patients. He loved his dogs and people. He developed good friendships with those he worked with and never met a stranger. He will be re-membered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Heath Grimes and by a daughter-in-law, Lesli Grimes. Brent was survived by his wife, Em-ily Thompson; children, Jerry Lynn Decrocker and husband Jeff, Michelle Helm and husband Micael, Ami Ficco and husband Mark, Joseph Grimes, Christina Phillips and husband Ronnie, Shelley Goodson and husband Chris, Delaney Grimes and wife Kelley, Daniel Grimes, and April Grimes; three broth-ers, Larry Thompson and wife Linda, Dave Thompson and wife Sandy, and Laney Thompson and wife Susie; and numerous grandchildren, great grand-children, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, May 10, 2014, in Hillside Christian West Chapel, 6100 S. Soncy, with Rev. Mike Nuthman of-ficiating. Sign the online guest book at www.coxfuneralhomeamarillo.com.

Obituaries

Page 33: THE SUN - May 7 2014

Across1 Carve in stone5 “Nana” novelist Émile9 Diagnostic aids14 Scott of “Happy Days”15 Red-wrapped cheese16 One of the archangels17 State secrets?18 Disreputable guy19 Capone cohort Frank20 Agreement in a Mas-sachusetts city?23 “That’s awesome!”24 Charlemagne’s realm: Abbr.25 Highland refusal26 Adobe dwelling in a Colorado city?32 Wanted poster abbr.33 Go right or left34 Do figure-eights, say38 Likely to mouth off40 Slap a sale price on43 Go bonkers

44 Gelatin garnish46 Attention-calling type: Abbr.48 See 60-Down49 Hanging sculpture in an Alabama city?53 1977 Steely Dan album56 “Scream” director Craven57 Noise detector58 Bovine in a New York city?64 Take up a hem, say65 __ fide66 NATO alphabet ender68 Pasture69 Baldwin or Guinness70 Earns with difficulty, with “out”71 Bakery pastries72 Thorny bloom73 Light-tube gas

Down1 Recede2 Bath powder mineral3 Italian “Toodle-oo!”4 Rub elbows (with)5 Moment of attack6 Sign to take out the trash7 Praise highly8 Don of “Cocoon”9 Roads under rivers10 Songwriter Clapton11 Use, as a chair12 Tri- plus one13 Lose traction21 Stable youngster22 Sun or moon, to a poet26 Dada27 They’re played at luaus28 Wyatt of the Wild West29 Post- opposite30 Up to31 Signs off on35 Not a supporter36 Cow’s fly swatter37 Swordplay sword39 Boy in “A Christmas Carol”41 Devoured42 Competitive look45 Fraidy-cats47 Rye buy50 Ger. neighbor51 Atmospheric pressure line52 Impudent

53 Sternward54 Roberts of “Pretty Woman”55 On the trail of59 Traditional Stetson

material60 With 48-Across, West-ern neckwear61 Quelques-__: a few, in French

62 Gospel writer63 Butter look-alike67 Org. with SEALs

Answers to04-30-14

Crossword Puzzle.

MAY 7, 2014 FUN IN THE SUN THE SUN 33

Page 34: THE SUN - May 7 2014

34 THE SUN SPORTS MAY 7, 2014

BY SCOTT DELLSPECIAL TO THE SUN

The Sun sports game of the week was the opening game of the 2014 AMICC adult co-ed spring soccer season. The opening contest featured the Agnelli Pool & Spas team versus the Jessie’s Island Store team.

The league this year seems to have a lot of new faces, and being the first game of the year, prior scouting of teams showed signs of unexpected play. This game started that way with both teams getting a good feel for each other before things opened up.

Thirteen minutes into the game, veteran player Aaron Parkin scored the first goal of the year. He found a loose ball on the right side. He turned and ripped a long hard bender into the opposite corner of the goal and gave the Jessie’s Island Store team the lead 1-0.

The Jessie’s team wasted little time and one minute later scored again. Danny Bur-ton intercepted a pass deep in the Agnelli Pool & Spas team end. He dribbled in one-on-one with the goalie and finished the easy goal. Just like that Jessie’s Island Store took a 2-0 lead and carried that through until halftime.

Two minutes into the second half, Burton scored his second goal of the game for Jes-sie’s. He took the ball coast to coast down the right sideline past all defenders and found the back of the net that gave his team the commanding 3-0 lead.

The Agnelli Pool & Spas team finally regrouped one minute later. Matt Kretzman received a pass at midfield. He dribbled in closer and then blasted a low right shot that went in for their first goal and made the score 3-1.

Eight minutes into the second half, the Agnelli team started to put the offensive pressure on Jessie’s. Alisha Keene fought her way into the box area and shot low left for the goal. This made the score 3-2 with plenty of time left, and you could see the momentum start to shift towards the Agnelli team.

With five minutes left in the game, Kretzman made a nice crossing pass through defenders to the right side of the goal. Keene was there waiting and one-timed it into the back of the net for the tying Agnelli teams goal. The score was now 3 to 3 and Agnelli had battled its way back to the tie.

One minute later, B.J Grant scored the winning goal for the Jessie’s team. He found himself in front of the goal with the ball and made a nice low shot to the left and into the net. This gave his team the lead and

eventually the win for Jessie’s Island Store 4-3.

It was a very close and well-played game by both teams and a great way to start the spring adult soccer season.

To see more pictures of this game or to pur-chase them, please visit www.amisun.com.

Adult Co-Ed SoCCEr rESultSJessie’s Island Store 4 Agnelli Pool & Spas 3

Ross Built Construction 3 LaPensee Plumbing & Pools 2

Island Pest Control 7 Slim’s Place 2

Sato Real Estate 6 Beach to Bay Construction 1

Adult Co-Ed SoCCEr SChEdulEMay 8, Thursday, 6 p.m. – Ross Built Construction vs. Slim’s Place May 8, Thursday, 7 p.m. – Jessie’s Is-land Store vs. Island Pest ControlMay 8, Thursday, 8 p.m. – LaPensee Plumbing & Pools vs. Beach to Bay ConstructionMay 8, Thursday, 9 p.m. – Sato Real Estate vs. Agnelli Pool & Spas

Adult BASkEtBAll SChEdulEMay 6, Tuesday, 7 p.m. – The Feast Res-taurant vs. The Island SunMay 6, Tuesday, 8 p.m. – Gator Man Pools vs. Island Gourmet May 6, Tuesday, 9 p.m. – Duncan Real Estate vs. Bug Guys

Adult Co-Ed kiCkBAll SChEdulEMay 7, Wednesday, 7 p.m. – Tyler’s Ice Cream vs. Southern GreensMay 7, Wednesday, 8 p.m. – Beach To Bay Construction vs. Tyler’s Ice CreamMay 7, Wednesday, 9 p.m. – Florida Discount Signs & Wraps vs. Beach To Bay Construction

Youth BASEBAll SChEdulEMay 7, Wednesday, 5:15 p.m. – Signara-ma vs. Miller ElectricMay 9, Friday, 6:15 p.m. – AMI Ham-merheads vs. Air & Energy May 12, Monday, 6 p.m. – Miller Elec-tric vs. SignaramaMay 12, Monday, 7:15 p.m. – Air & Energy vs. AMI Hammerheads

Youth BASkEtBAll SChEdulE5-7 Year OldsMay 10, Saturday, 9 a.m. – Palmetto Lodge #110 F & A.M vs. DoJo Martial ArtsMay 12, Monday, 6 p.m. – DoJo Martial Arts vs. Palmetto Lodge #110 F & A.M

8-10-Year-OldsMay 7, Wednesday, 6 p.m. – Beach Bums vs. Island Real EstateMay 10, Saturday, 11 a.m. – Island Real estate vs. Beach Bums

11-13-Year-OldsMay 9, Friday, 6 p.m. – Bridge Tender Inn vs. Eat HereMay 10, Saturday, 10 a.m. – Sandbar restaurant vs. Bridge Tender InnMay 10, Saturday, 12 p.m. – Eat Here vs. Sandbar restaurantMay 12, Monday, 7 p.m. – Bridge Ten-der Inn vs. Eat Here

14-17-Year-OldsMay 9, Friday, 7 p.m. – Beach Bistro vs. Walter & AssociatesMay 9, Friday, 8 p.m. – Dips Ice Cream vs. West Coast Air & HeatingMay 10, Saturday, 1 p.m. – West Coast Air & Heating vs. Beach BistroMay 10, Saturday, 2 p.m. – Dips Ice Cream vs. Heritage Paper CompanyMay 12, Monday, 8 p.m. – Walter & As-sociates vs. Heritage Paper CompanyMay 13, Tuesday, 6 p.m. – West Coast Air & Heating vs. Heritage Paper Com-pany

Soccer season opens

ScoTT dEll | SUbMiTTEd

Matt Kretzman, of the Agnelli Pool & Spas team, takes the direct kick during the season opener of the AMICC 2014 adult co-ed spring soccer season.

Page 35: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 35

FROM PAGE 1as planned, pairing potential brides and grooms and/or their families with wed-ding providers, enablers and caterers.

After signing in at the big tent in the parking lot of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, participants jumped on trolleys to visit the five loca-tions housing wedding professionals who were showing their wares and services.

At the tent, Chamber Board member and Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages owner Eric Cairns was serving cham-pagne to make mimosas with the fresh orange juice supplied by Mixon Fruit Farm. He was also serving small key lime pies.

“We had a lot of people who signed up this morning and jumped on the trolleys,” he said. “They looked like they were ready to go.”

There were booths set up at the BeachHouse restaurant and some breakfast rolls for the early birds who got there shortly after the festival be-gan at 11 a.m.

“A lot of the people I met were getting married in the fall,” said vendor An-gella Cisco-Ferreira, from The Perfect Settings Floral and Event Design. “Not many were from this area, and there were some from other countries.”

Visitors to the Bridge Street Bistro enjoyed the second-store, air-con-ditioned dining room where several vendors were set up. The Bistro also had some nice snacks.

“I’ve worked here at the Bridge Street Bistro before, and this is a beautiful location,” said Beach Breeze Weddings officiant and planner Alan Zuckerman.

“I love what I do, and it’s the most ful-filling thing I’ve ever done.”

The Gulf Drive Café and Tiki hosted two fashion shows, sponsored by Something Blue and Serendipity Bou-tiques and Mary Kay. At the Mary Kay booth following the first show, Leslie Segeal and Lois Fallon were planning for their weddings. Fallon was planning on getting married in April while Fallon was planning for October of 2015. They both thought a beach wedding was the way to go, and they were eyeing the Harrington House. The group was from Bradenton. The snacks at the Gulf Drive Café included shrimp, chicken wings and healthy fruit and veggies.

The Tortuga Inn pergola on the

beach housed vendors including Mister Bones, who served ribs, beans, rice and cole slaw, and a live performance by Bil Bowdish, of local favorite band Gulf Drive. In the corner, Island Photogra-pher Dara Caudill was talking to Audra Fulton and her mother, Cindy Pace, from Arlington, Texas, about her wed-ding on Aug. 8, 2015.

Fulton said her fiancé, Logan, was not there helping make arrangements.

“He told me he’d be there at the wed-ding,” she said. “He said for me to do what I have to do.”

They chose Anna Maria Island because Audra’s grandparents used to bring them down on vacations. Her mom broke down when she said the

grandparents were no longer alive.“I just though about how they would

love to know their granddaughter is getting married here,” she said. “They loved it here.”

At the Harrington House, two tents were set up on the pool deck with the Gulf of Mexico in the background. There was a table with items for sale and some furnishings. The Harrington House, a bed and breakfast, also serves meals for customers and they show-cased their cooking inside the kitchen, where there were many treats.

Brad Tater and Jamie Hall were there. Residents of Bradenton, they are scheduled to get married on Oct. 25 on the mainland.

“We’re bringing in a lot of people and we thought some might want to stay on the Island,” Tater said.

Following the day’s activities, the attendees gathered at the Gulf Drive Café and tiki for a mock wedding and drawings for the gift baskets.

Taylor Cole and Donna Meier with young Cade Cole joining the “wedding party” in front of Liz Codola, who per-formed the ceremony with bare feet. When it was time to kiss the “bride,” the two actors who were married but not to each other, traded a peck, caus-ing the audience to laugh.

After the mock wedding, five baskets were awarded to lucky raffle contestants.

Lynn Hine won the basket valued at $2,600, Diana Crum won the $3,000 basket, Katherine Harrison won the $3,700 basket, Andrea Oxford won the $4,800 basket and Rich Canal won the $9,800 basket.

wEddinG: Brides, grooms and providers come together

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

From left to right: Leslie Segeal,Jessica Spiros, Lisa Marie Hints, Lois Fallon and Jamie McKinley, from Bradenton, talk weddings at the Mary Kay booth under the tiki hut at the Gulf Drive Cafe and Tiki during the Seventh Annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Wedding Festival.

FROM PAGE 1

while attending to the duties of mayor and that he plans to spend time pursu-ing and expanding his business as well as pursuing other opportunities.

“I have run three businesses and never have been attacked like I have in this job,” he said. “I am saddened by the fact that this country has lost the basic values of respect that I was taught by my father.

“Whether you agree with someone or not, you let them have their say. Some-how, that’s not important in this city. It’s just not worth it.”

Monti said he is proud of the fact that the current commission worked hard to “correct the mess we inherited that was created by decisions made by the build-ing department” to allow big rental houses to be built.

“We also have worked hard on con-gestion, parking, etc. Even though not

all agree with the suggestions made, they have been made with the best interest of the Island in mind.

“The problems that face us are not easy to solve and not uni-dimensional. They are intertwined with many com-plicated facets.

“There are no easy answers, but most people want to complain with no suggestions as to how to solve the problems. Give solutions, not com-plaints.”

ZAccAGninOZaccagnino announced his bid for

mayor last week also.“I’ve been asked by a lot of long-term

citizens to step up and restore common sense to the mayor’s seat,” he said. “I’ve talked to my wife, Mauri, and my office, and they are supportive.

“I think I have the background to do the job. I have relationships with other city and county officials and the

citizens. City and county officials have asked me to step up.”

As for giving up his vote to serve in the administrative position of mayor as opposed to the legislative position of city commissioner, Zaccagnino said,

“It’s the right thing to do right now.”Zaccagnino, who is a financial plan-

ner with Ameriprise Financial in Sara-sota, has been on the city commission for nine years.

“I’m always up for a good election,” he said. “All my campaigns have been self-funded because I think it’s too much of a small town and (taking con-tributions) can give the wrong impres-sion.”

Zaccagnino is active in the commu-nity serving as past board member and current member of the Rotary Club of AMI and a member of the Anna Maria Elementary School PTO, the AMI Chamber of Commerce and St. Ber-nard Church. He serves on the city’s police pension board and as commis-sion liaison to the elementary school and the AMI Community Center.

Zaccagnino has three children, Sela, 12; Jack, 4; and Jesse, 3.

MAYOR: Monti not running again; Zaccagnino is

I have run three

businesses and never

been attacked like I have

in this job."

carmel MontiHolmes Beach mayor

Page 36: THE SUN - May 7 2014

36 THE SUN classified MAY 7, 2014

Call us today! 941-778-3986

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CAPT GREG BURKE, Duncan Real Estate Need listings, all inventory sold or pending Call 941-592-8373 email - [email protected] VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at AMICC. Help your commu-nity by giving of yourself. Various positions available. Call Sandee 941-778-1908 ext 0

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Dusty at 941-779-7688.

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perish-able food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

OUR DAILY BREAD of Bradenton is looking for volunteer servers 9am-noon. Ask for Penny 941-745-2992

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE

2004 INFINITI G35 SEDAN 153,000 miles in great condition and runs great $5,700 Call 941-448-5207

FORD MUSTANG 2011 V6. 63,500 miles. Excellent condition. $13,700 Call 941-795-2676

BABY SITTER

BABY SITTER. Honor stu-dent with own transporta-tion. Experienced, Refer-ences available. Call or text Amanda at 941-713-3219

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES

BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088 BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well. Want to sell yours? “Big or Small, We Sell Then All.” www.islandboat-sales.net We also Buy Boats. 941-228-3489.

AMI BOATERS SELLING or BUYING, call Captain Dave! World Class Yacht Sales 877-901-BOAT. [email protected] Bringing buyers and sellers together!

THOROUGH BOAT CLEANING. Scrubbed, Sanitized, Stainless Polished, Spotless! Scheduled Cleanings & Absentee Maintenance Too. Island Boat Sales. 941-228-3489}

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

HOME BASED BUSINESS - be your own boss. Full or part time. Earn up to six figures, first year. Serious inquires only please www.waynejohnson.myunicity.net

CARPET CLEANING

QUALITY COUNTS. CAR-PET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-756-1082

CLEANING SERVICE

C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates. Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-962-2512

CLEANING: RESIDEN-TIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-756-4570

PRESSURE WASHING AND WINDOWS resi-dential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways etc. Call 941-251-5948

COMMERCIAL SALES/LEASES/RENTALS

OFFICE SPACE in Hol-mes Beach. $375 to $875.month. STORAGE SPACE $95 to $195/month. Call 941-737-1121

ANNA MARIA CITY Gulf Drive Frontage Commercial 2 Lots - 104x120 Real Estate only $1,200,000. Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216

RESTAURANT/OFFICE/RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Gal-letto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216

COMPUTER SERVICES

EMPIRE COMPUTER SER-VICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendli-est service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

MATH COACH- Retired College Professor now has openings for basic math through pre-calculus. Call Myra 941-313-0528

EMPLOYMENT

EXPERIENCED NAIL TECH - manicures, pedicures, gels, acrylics. Must be patient, friendly, and reliable. Excel-lent income opportunity at upscale LBK salon Call 941-387-9807.

PART-TIME SALES Clerk. Evenings & weekends. Re-tiree's welcome. Gift shop on Anna Maria Island. Call 727-244-5906

RECEPTIONIST NEEDED FOR a Real Estate Office in Long Boat Key. Com-puter knowledge a plus. Please fax your resume to 813-658-1339 or email to [email protected]

PERSONAL CARE ASSIS-TANT needed (female), on Anna Maria, Mondays through Friday and oc-casional weekends. Light housekeeping, cooking, errands, assisting with showers. CNA preferred. References. Call 941-518-1957.

AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN here - Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician training. Hous-ing and Financial Aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Main-tenance 877-741-9260 www.FixJets.com

HVAC ACCELERATED HANDS on Training School. National Certifications With Immediate Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible! 877-994-9904

NOW HIRING! PROPERTY damage inspectors needed no experience necessary. Will train. Full-time & part-time. 877-207-6716 www.aaronspa.biz/nowhiring

FOR SALE

COASTAL BISTRO SET. Wood and Wicker 4 stools, table 36"high, 42" diam-eter. Sell this week $400 Call 941-778-4593

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE

& YARD SALES

SALE! NIKI’S GIFTS & ANTIQUE SHOP 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. Select Sterling & Gold jewelry 50% to 60% off. Select gifts, collectables, glass-ware, Henry Link Wicker bedroom set, art, Bric-Brac, pewter miniature animals 40% to 80% off. Dealer Space Available. 941-962-1954 Open 7 days 9:30-5.

ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open Tuesday. and Thursday. 9:30am - 2pm and Sat. 10am - 1pm. Donations preferred on Wednesdays 9 - 11 am. 511 Pine Ave Anna Maria Call 941-779-2733

YARD SALE 5611B Guava, Holmes Beach 8am-? May 10 Saturday. Numerous large items. Kayak trailer, aquarium supplies, tools, kitchen appliances, golf clubs.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

TILE! TILE! TILE! All varia-tions of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island ref-erences. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077

RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. State License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-504-2222 www.kernconstructioninc.com

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Re-models & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194.

PAINTING INTERIOR/EX-TERIOR. Clean professional service. Free Estimates. Call Wayne Lewin 941-726-8414

“HONEY DO" HOME Re-pairs & Handyman Services. 35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com

ASAP REPAIRS. Electrical, power washing, carpentry, Air conditioning/Heating. Free estimates. No service charge. No job too small. Engineer turned Handy-man. Call 941-448-7806

HOME SERVICES

HEADED BACK HOME? I'll keep an eye on your seasonal home for you until you get back. Weekly or Monthly in-spections. Email reports after each visit. www.amivhc.com or Call 941-685-8999

GENERAL BELLE PRESSURE Cleaning & Sealing. Inside/outside. Tile, grout, pool cages, patios, driveways, etc. Commercial & Resi-dential. Call 352-223-1134 DRAIN CLEANING James VanFossen A.K.A. “RIP” Call 941-301-6077

INTERIOR DESIGN

THE HOME STYLIST Interior decorating. Vacation Homes & Rentals. Great packages that meet your budget. Call to schedule consultation. Deb-bie Wagner 941-518-8783

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

STRAIGHT SHOT LAND-SCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, pa-tios, pool decks. Free esti-mates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

TOP NOTCH LAWN CARE For all your land-scaping needs. Commer-cial and Residential Call 941-932-6600

ELI’S IRRIGATION New in-stall/repair. Pumps, pools, irrigation, landscape light-ing and pressure washing. Call 941-580-2054

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Haul-ing all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

LOCKSMITH

ISLAND LOCKSMITH, “Lock Around the Clock”. Licensed/bonded/insured. Call 941-778-1661 or 941-713-4414

LOST & FOUND

LOST CAT “SISSY” Gray short-hair (looks like Russian Blue) white spot on chest. 13 years old. Around 6th St & Gulf Dr, Bradenton Beach. Call 941-567-6535

LOST CAT Orange & white. 17 years old. 500 block of 67th St, Holmes Beach. Approximately on April 23. Call 941-773-2274

LOST CAT. Gray Tiger with white paws. No tail. 56th St, Holmes Beach. Call Roe 941-524-0465

LOST GOLD PINKY ring with amethyst stone vicinity of Cortez Kitchen and Swordfish Grill. Call 941-778-8359

LOST SET of KEYS in Holmes Beach February 19th. Call 941-778-3330. Please leave message

LOST CAMERA in Bradenton Beach on Sunday February 8. Call 217-841-0007. REWARD. Valuable pictures.

LOST PANDORA BRACELET many charms. Great senti-mental value. Call 518-365-2702

MISSING 18 INCH GOLD chain with diamond drop, sterling silver seed bracelet , location Blue Water Beach Club between 9/12 & 9/13/2013 heartbroken was gift from husband 45 years ago REWARD please call 863-668-8566 no questions asked MOVING & STORAGE

MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Of-fering dependable, com-petitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.

TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www.twomen.com Call 941-359-1904. We sell boxes!

Page 37: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 classified THE SUN 37Call us today! 941-778-3986

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 16 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure clean-ing, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941-794-0455

WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/resi-dential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.com

PERSONAL SERVICES

SMALL ODD JOBS, yard work, walk dog etc. Call George 941-773-5518

CHUCK'S MOBILE UPHOLSTERY Island resi-dent. Call 941-565-1867

THE TINT GUY." Com-mercial, residential, automotive, marine. Free estimates. All work guaranteed. Over 25 years experience. Mobile service available. Call 941-201-2649

PET SITTING

ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available. Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496

PHOTOGRAPHY

NEW AERIAL AMI PHOTOS. PhotosFromTheAir.com. email: [email protected] or Call 941-773-9834

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SER-VICE. Anna Maria Island & West Bradenton. Certified pool operator. Residential/commercial. Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

"PERSONAL TRAINER" A.M.I. Fitness. Blake Fors-berg ACE-certified. Special deals this month includ-ing no membership fee if you work with me. Call 360-271-8439 [email protected]

AMI VALET LLC Professional parking services. Restau-rants, weddings, any & all special events. Insured & Licensed. Years of experi-ence. Call 941-565-0137 [email protected]

AT YOUR SERVICE Personal & Professional assistant. Great rates. References available "Let me do what you are un-willing or unable to do." Call Cindy 941-812-2238 [email protected]

REAL ESTATE HOMES &

CONDOS FOR SALE

SPACIOUS 3BR/3BA Condominium rarely available in wonderful bay front complex with pool and tennis courts. Tastefully renovated to include newly tiled kitch-en & family room with a peak of the bay and a split bedroom plan. Cen-trally located in Holmes Beach, with a short walk to shops. Ground-floor unit with covered park-ing and private storage. Family oriented and pet friendly. Offered at $450,000. Call Green Real Estate @ 941-778-0455

DIRECT GULF FRONT Condo. Bradenton Beach. Solid 10% Investment rental income. $299,000. By Owner. flipkey.com/124227. Call 941-962-8220

PERICO BAY CLUB CON-DO for sale. LOWEST PRICE IN COMMUNITY. Light & Bright with Vault-ed Ceilings…in beautiful condition…$173,000!! Call today! Kathleen White 941-773-0165 Island Real Estate.

BRING YOUR BOAT! Canal villa with no bridges to ICW. 2/2 with carport. 23 foot dock. Open plan, Update kitchen & baths. $259,900 Katharine Pep-per, RoseBay Interna-tional 941-755-2100 or 941-792-9459

VILLAGE GREEN 2BR/2BA 2 car garage condo. "D" model has 2154 sq ft of liv-ing space. Open floor plan lends itself to easy enter-taining. Inside utility room has space for an office. Many upgrades, move in condition. Enjoy the pleas-ant pond & waterfowl from your front patio. $204,000. Call Barbara Edwards 941-792-2363 Scholfield Realty, Inc.

LOANS FOR LANDLORDS! We Finance From 5-500 Units As Low As 5.5 %. 1-4 Family, Townhome, Condos OK. Contact B2R: 855-940-0227 www.B2RFinance.com

4BR/3BA HOUSE on 71.5 acres with 18 stall horse barn in Parrish, Florida. Call Steve Geor-gie 941-321-6253 at Keller Williams Realty

REAL ESTATE: LOTS FOR SALE

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME West of Gulf Drive, QUIET Street, Beach Close, 64’x80’ Lot at 112-79th Street, Holmes Beach, $659,000, 941-778-6364

RENTALS: ANNUAL

2BR/2BA Perico Bay Club, new tile, ground level, lake view, pool, tennis, workout room. Washer/Dryer carport. Secured entry. 1.5 miles to island. condo applica-tion required $100 Avail-able May 1. $1350 first & last / $1350 security deposit. 2BR/2BA Perico Bay Club lake & estuary view, pool, tennis, work-out room. Wash/Dryer carport. Secured entry. 1.5 miles to island. con-do application required $100 Available ASAP. $1300 / $1300 security deposit. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com

ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Associa-tion management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact [email protected] – 941-345-1295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. RENTALS: SEASONAL

& VACATION

TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$750/wk Redekercondos.com 941-778-1915 VACATION RENTALS – BRADENTON, houses or condos. Weekly or monthly. Call 941-794-1515. WWW. Coastalpropertiesrealty.com Suzanne Wilson, PA, Broker

WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Re-servierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendo-mizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!

RENTAL INVENTORY NEEDED!! Help us fill our waiting list for 2015.Call Tracy or Amberly at 941-778-4800 A Paradise Vacation Rentals

OFF-SEASON 2BR/2BA CONDO all inclusive $1800/mo. Call Suzanne at Coastal Properties Re-alty, 941-794-1515.

RENTAL WANTED

FULL-TIME WORKING STUDENT searching for studio apt or room to rent. Non-smoker, friendly and quiet. Contact 941-565-1430, Email [email protected]

"PERFECT RENTER" Single Male. Retired Minister seeking a one bedroom apartment or efficiency to rent on or near Island. Excellent References. Call 863-698-2555.

REAL ESTATE: OUT OF AREA

RETIRE TO KENTUCKY’S Bluegrass Country! Enjoy maintenance free living! Brand new luxury homes Beautiful 3 BR/3BA, 1,800 sf, from the low $200’s. Lowest price per sq ft in the area! Mild climate, low taxes, minutes to shopping, dining, medical & Keenel-and Horse Racing. Perfect for retirement/2nd home. Call now for details: 877-333-2412, x 121 SugarTree-Homes.com

SEAFOOD

"DAY BOAT CAUGHT SEAFOOD” Cap't Anthony's Seafood, LLC. 107 Spring Ave. 941-778-2141 Fresh grouper, Red Snapper, Mullet, Stone Crab, Octopus, our FAMOUS "Manali Dip" a must have!!! These fish were sleeping in the gulf last night and prepared to be on your table today! CAUGHT & PROCESSED LOCALLY BY CAPT ANTHONY MANALI, AN ISLAND LOCAL FOR OVER 50 YEARS!!

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-call-cards accepted. Airport services: Tampa $85, Sara-sota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. [email protected], www.amitaxi.com

TOWN CAR SERVICES, All airports served. Local and Long distance services available. Call Glen 941-225-0072

TRAVEL

"TO ITALY WITH LOVE TOURS" small private/personalized groups to Enchanting Sperlonga on The Mediterranean. 13 Nights at "Marconi's Charming B&B". Relaxed Day Trips: Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Positano, quaint villages. Great Price, all-inclusive approx. $4,500 - $5,500 with airfare. June Morrocco, Owner/Guide. Call 541-474-3541. www.toitalywithlovetours.com

AMISUN.COMFREE HOMEDELIVERY!

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38 THE SUN classified MAY 7, 2014

Call us today! 941-778-3986

Page 39: THE SUN - May 7 2014

MAY 7, 2014 www.amisun.com THE SUN 39

business & service directory Call today to place your ad:941-778-3986

computer service

home improvement

home improvement

movers

interior Designs

painting

transportation

home services

home sitting / pet sitting

Page 40: THE SUN - May 7 2014

40 THE SUN www.amisun.com MAY 7, 2014