Headline News From The Islander

Holmes Beach police allege that a 54-year-old Holmes Beach man stole more than $5,000 while working as a cashier for Jessie’s Island BP, 5424 Marina Drive.

James Driscoll is alleged to have stolen the money over a three-month period dating back to Feb. 1.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Driscoll rang up customers for their merchandise, but hit the “no sale” button at the end of the transaction.

Police say this allowed the transaction to be canceled, but still opened the cash register. The report states Driscoll would charge the customers, cancel the transaction and keep the money.

An internal audit of the business revealed a total loss of $5,684 had been taken Feb. 1-May 1.

Driscoll allegedly told police he owed $5,000 to a bookie to settle a gambling debt. According to the report, the storeowner gave Driscoll three days to pay the money back.

However, Driscoll did not show up or return calls to the owner and Driscoll was arrested at his home May 15 for felony grand theft.

He was booked into the Manatee County jail and held on $1,500 bond. According to the jail website, Driscoll posted bond later that day and was released.

Driscoll is scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Friday, June 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

A 29-year-old Holmes Beach man was arrested May 8 after being charged with felony possession of heroin.

Holmes Beach police arrested Kristopher Smith of 309 57th St., Holmes Beach.

According to the arrest report, police indicated probable cause in searching Smith’s vehicle in the 5600 block of Flotilla Drive at about 2:15 a.m.

During the search, police found a pink plastic bag containing a brown, powdery substance on the handle of the driver’s side door.

The substance field-tested positive for heroin.

During the search, police also discovered two syringes and charged Smith with misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was booked into the Manatee County jail and held on $2,000 bond. According to the jail website, Smith posted bond May 9 and was released.

His arraignment information was not available as of Islander press time.

ITEMS FOR SALE

DELL V715W PRINTER: Wireless, scanner and fax. Very good condition. $45. 941-751-4777.

TWIN BED: BOUGHT this January, used two months, perfect, $100.

Call 607-227-5335.

SLEEP SOFA as new condition, $99. Wingback recliner, $49. Call 941-778-3920.

WESTPOINTE RADIATOR heater, $20. Wireless router, $15. HP printer/fax/copier, $40. All excellent. 941-779-9781.

BAMBOO LOVE SEAT, like new, $50. Twin air mattreses, new Coleman, $15 ea. 941-730-0444.

FREE FIREWOOD: Pickup in Holmes Beach. 941-778-9474.

COFFEE TABLE: HARDWOOD, beautiful, $90. 941-778-3920.

ANTIQUE COPPER POTS and bowls, collection $350. Burl-wood Top of Form

Bottom of Form

rocker, oak office chairs, collectibles. View at The Islander store, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

FOR SALE: One legal two-drawer file. Various office supplies. Also selling antique wood office chairs, Haitian art, collectible art, some framed. Many local artists. Home decor. 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org, fax toll-free 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE ISLANDER will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. Classified ads for the May 29 edition of the newspaper are due at the office by 2 p.m. Friday, May 24. Please, have a safe and happy holiday, and remember those military service women and men who sacrificed for your freedoms.

THE HIVE: GIFTS and arts. Locally handmade and imported silver jewelry, Buddha art, artifacts, artistic T-shirts, cards, hot sauces, South African handmade arts, specialty candies, more. 119 B Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. http://thehivegiftsandarts.com/

WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence summer camp in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

TERRY HAYES, REALTOR. Premier Sothebys. 941-302-3100. Terry.hayes@sothebysrealty.com. Discoverannamaria.com.

SELECT SOCCER CAMP: Summer soccer training, two mornings per week, call Joey, Division 1 collegiate player. 941-504-8303.

WANTED: YOUR OLD cell phone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

FISHING GEAR WANTED: The Privateers and The Islander are collecting new or used, repairable fishing poles and reels, nets, tackle, buckets, etc. to give to children. Donate your gear at The Islander newspaper office, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

FREE GUN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander office, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

GARAGE SALES

ROSER THRIFT SHOP: Open 9:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Donations, 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-779-2733.

STEFF’S STUFF ANTIQUES: The Centre Shops on Longboat Key. 5380 Gulf of Mexico Drive. 941-383-1901.

ESTATE/GARAGE SALE Sat., Sun. May 25-26, 8-2. Antique Mahogany corner china cabinet, antique goose-arm rocking chair, roll-top desk with matching end tables, etc. 209 84th St., Holmes Beach.

GARAGE SALE Sat., May 25, 8 A.M. Treadmill, exec. desk chair, books, pretty nice stuff. 515 67th Street, Holmes Beach.

FOURTH ANNUAL “Pottery Seconds” and Garage Sale. Sat. May 25, 8:30 – 12:30. 321 Hardin Ave., Anna Maria.

HUGE SALE!! Monday –  Friday, 9-4. Furniture, antiques, unique items, artwork, office furniture. The Islander office, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

LOST & FOUND

PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES. Lost Sat., May 18, Sandbar Restaurant. Call George 941-201-5327.

LOST PHONE ON trolley. Please, call 941-704-4452, if found.

PETS

PARENTS NEEDED for loving homes to foster puppies and kittens until they are old enough for adoption. All food and medical provided. Julie, 941-720-1411.

WELL-MANNERED RESCUED dogs (and kittens!) are looking for great new homes or fosters. Please, call for information, 941-896-6701.

BOATS & BOATING

BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941-685-1400.

PONTOON BOAT RENTAL Create life-long memories, call 941-518-3868 or see boatflorida.weebly.com.

POWER NOLES CUSTOM 11.5-foot fiberglass tunnel hull with bass seats. Very stable! Great for fishing-stand on the side without tipping, go in really shallow waters. Very fun boat for anyone who wants to get on the water!
 2001 25-hp Mercury 2-stroke, plus a trolling motor with battery. Must see! $2,150 obo. Call Toni, 941-928-8735.

HELP WANTED

PART-TIME SALES position: Gift shop located on Anna Maria. Must be available weekends and evenings. Retirees welcome. 941-840-4235.

PERSONAL CARE AND companionship needed for elderly woman evenings, in facility private care at The Towers. Medical background either nursing assistant or nursing required. Need work hours to start approx 3-4:00 p.m.. Please email your contact information with a summary of background to: reid3444@sbcglobal.net.

PART OR FULL-time customer service rep for real estate office. Experience with Microsoft Word, Internet, marketing, social media. Call AMI Beaches Real Estate, 941-799-9096.

SALES ASSOCIATE: MOTIVATED, experienced real estate licensee for busy Island office. Please call Jesse or Robin at 941-778-7244.

THE ISLANDER will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. Classified ads for the May 29 edition of the newspaper are due at the office by 2 p.m. Friday, May 24. Please, have a safe and happy holiday, and remember those military service women and men who sacrificed for your freedoms.

KIDS FOR HIRE

LOCAL ISLAND STUDENT babysitter available. CPR and first aid-certified, early childhood development major. Emily, 941-567-9276.

RED CROSS-CERTIFIED babysitter and dog sitter. Reasonable rates for both. Call 941-527-5051.

BABIES AND PETS: Responsible, trustworthy, reliable, fun 17-year-old college student. Own transportation. 941-447-9658.

NICOLE AND HALLIE’S babysitting, pet sitting and pet walking. Red Cross certified, good with animals. Hallie, 941-773-6317, Nicole, 941-370-7981.

AREA TEEN AVAILABLE for babysitting. Evenings, weekends. Have car, CPR-certified, currently enrolled in child development courses, honor student volunteering at Blake Hospital. AMI or N.W. Bradenton. Brittany, 941-465-6748.

KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

HEALTH CARE                                                            

CAREGIVER FOR ELDERLY: Light duties around home, appointments, hygiene care, experience in all phases. References, 30 years experience. Call between 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. 941-545-7114.

SERVICES

TOASTED COMPUTER SERVICES. Your home and business specialist. On-site service, virus/spyware, cleanup, system setup, upgrades, diagnosis and repair, internet/wireless networking, custom system design. 941-224-1069.

I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning  service since 1999. 941-779-6638. Leave message.

ISLANDER HANDYMAN SERVICE: 23-year Island resident, references. The Flying Dutchman LLC. We do all repair, interior and exterior, carpentry and more. Peter, 941-447-6747.

CLEANING BY LAURA offers everything on your list from kitchen and bath cleaning to dusting and emptying wastebaskets. 941-539-6891.

U FLY I drive your car anywhere in the USA. Airport runs, anywhere. 941-746-5651, 941-545-6688.

ALL AROUND PAINTING: Quality work. Free estimates. Licensed, insured. Call native islander Jim Weaver, 813-727-1959.

ISLAND COMPUTER GUY, 37 years experience. On-site PC repairs, upgrades, buying assistance and training. Call Bill, 941-778-2535.

TRANSPORT SERVICE: LET me drive you to the airport or anywhere in Florida. Flat rates. Reasonable. Call Mike, 941-567-6634.

PRESSURE WASHING: RESIDENTIAL, commercial, resorts, roof, lanai, etc. Also windows, lawn services, also. 941-565-3935.

CLEANING RESIDENTAL, COMMERCIAL and resort. Love what we do, love to work. 941-756-4570.

PROFESSIONAL CLEANER FOR hire: Reliable, trustworthy and honest with reasonable non-hourly rate. 813-295-5000 please, leave message.

JUST THAT CLEANING service: We will clean your home like our own. We offer organic cleaning products. Free estimate. Call Jenise, 941-730-6773.

PC REPAIR: WIRELESS/wired network set up, data transfer, hardware/software installation. Henry Lewis, 941-704-2658.

ALEXIS COX JAZZ: Music to blend an ear. Private parties, clubs, local nursing homes/assisted living, for all occasions. Highly recommended. 727-282-4834.

COMPUTER SERVICES: I can fix it. Virus cleanup, system upgrade. Hardware, software and network repair. FBI virus cleaned and removed. Cell phone repair, support. Replace broken camera, screen, etc. Give islander Socko a call: 941-799-1169.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

ISLAND MERMAIDS CLEANING and Co.: 38-year Islanders. Rentals our specialty. 941-778-3046.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call William Eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228.

ANYONE CAN TAKE a picture. A professional creates a portrait. I want to be at your wedding! www.jackelka.com. 941-778-2711.

RELAXING MASSAGE IN the convenience of your home or hotel. Massage by Nadia, more than 19 years on Anna Maria Island. Call today for an appointment, 941-518-8301. MA#0017550.MA#0017550.

LAWN & GARDEN

CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

ISLAND LAWN SPRINKLERS repairs and installations, watering the island for 15 years. Jeff, 941-778-2581.

JR’S LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE Lawns, native plants, mulching, trimming, hauling, cleanups. Island resident 25 years. Call 941-807-1015.

LANDSCAPING

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in old Florida seashell driveways and scapes. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark, 941-301-6067.

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. $50/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

TOP NOTCH LAWN Care: Residential and commercial. For all your landscaping needs. 941-932-6600.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

TILE -TILE -TILE. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Neil, 941-726-3077.

CUSTOM REMODELING EXPERT. All phases of carpentry, repairs and painting. Insured. Meticulous, clean, sober and prompt. Paul Beauregard, 941-730-7479.

GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed, 941-748-4711.

JERRY’S HOME REPAIR: Carpentry, handyman, light hauling, pressure washing. Jack of all trades. Call 941-778-6170 or 941-447-2198.

SOUTHBAY HOME REPAIRS: If it’s broken, stuck, loose, leaks, needs paint, etc. I’ll fix it. Affordable quality work. 941-720-2906.

THE FLYING DUTCHMAN LLC: Professional tile roof restoration. Call Peter for free estimate. 23-year Island resident, references, insured. 941-447-6747.

METRO DOOR & SUPPLY, INC.: Home, condo, office. Primary doors and glass inserts, custom prep/cut downs, sliding doors, windows, doors for commercial properties, fiberglass, aluminum, steel, vinyl. Installation available. Free estimates. 941-726-2280 or 941-722-7507.

SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. Affordable, timely, within budget. Call Mike, 1-616-204-8822.

RANDY’S PAINT AND Drywall: Carpentry, screens and all your household maintenance. 941-465-2062.

THE ISLANDER will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. Classified ads for the May 29 edition of the newspaper are due at the office by 2 p.m. Friday, May 24. Please, have a safe and happy holiday, and remember those military service women and men who sacrificed for your freedoms.

RENTALS

WEEKLY/MONTHLY/ANNUAL rentals: wide variety, changes daily. SunCoast Real Estate, 941-779-0202, or 1-800-732-6434. www.suncoastinc.com.

CUTE VACATION EFFICIENCY: Screened porch, near boat ramp, many other area amenities, cable, WiFi. 941-779-6638.

3BR/2BA: CANAL FURNISHED. Internet, May-June. 407-927-1304. dvanworm@earthlink.net.

ADORABLE GULFFRONT COTTAGE: 100 feet from Gulf. 2BR/1 large bath. Seasonal rental, three-day minimum. Call for further information, 863-660-3509 or email: mememersh@aol.com.

1BR/1BA GROUND FLOOR, Gulf to bay condo, heated pool, fishing pier. Over 55. $1,600/month, $1,100/month annual. 813-393-6002.

OFFICE: RETAIL PROFESSIONAL space. 8811 Cortez Road, near Dive Adventures. 500 sf. next to Jose’s Real Cuban Food, 8799 Cortez Road, Bradenton. Call 1-800-952-1206.

2BR WATERFRONT TOWNHOUSE with boat slip. Palma Sola Bay. Pool, patio, cable, washer and dryer. No pets. Six months plus. $950/month, furnished, $1,050/month, unfurnished. Call 941-720-7519.

ANNUAL RENTAL: NORTHWEST Bradenton: 3BR/2BA private home with a heated pool and fenced backyard. Tile and carpet, granite counter tops, two-car garage, covered patio, lake views, washer/dryer hookups. Lawn and pool care provided. Small dog considered. Close to Robinson Preserve. $1,600/month. First, last, security. Gulf Bay Realty, 941-778-7244.

PERICO ISLAND MONTHLY vacation rental: 3BR/3BA private pool, community facilities. 941-795-3778. www.pericoholidayvilla.co.uk

2BR/2BA HOLMES BEACH waterfront condo: Fully furnished with views, pools, Jacuzzi, tennis, boat dock. Seasonal, November. Call 818-620-0901.

CLIMATE-CONTROLLED AND non-climate units available starting at $65/month. For additional information, call Anna Maria Storage, 941-779-0820.

WATERFRONT CONDO: FLAMINGO by the Bay, near beaches and shopping, 2BR/2BA, Jacuzzi, marble floors throughout, $900/month. 941-720-4475.

ANNUAL RENTAL: HISTORIC 4BR/3BA house, west of Gulf Drive. $2,400/month. 107 Beach Ave., Anna Maria. 941-794-8202.

WINTER 2013-14: 2BR/2BA ground level with carport and patio. 1.5 blocks to Gulf. Luxurious, updated, must see! Anna Maria. 941-565-2373.

SEASONAL OR WEEKLY cottage-style rentals. 1BR/1BA or 1BR/1BA with loft with pool. Walk to beach, shops or dining! 941-778-3426. Web site: www.spinnakerscottages.com.

ANNUAL RENTAL 3BR/3BA on canal. Boat dock, community pool. $3000/mo. Furnished or unfurnished. Sato Real Estate Inc. 941-778-7200 or email rentals@satorealestate.com.

SIX-MONTH RENTAL on the North end of Anna Maria Island. 2BR/2BA, available July 1, 2013 to Jan. 1, 2014. Call for more information. An Island Place Realty, 941-779-9320.

REAL ESTATE

DIRECT GULFFRONT CONDO: Bradenton Beach 2BR/1BA Beautifully updated, fabulous views. $395,000, by owner. 941-779-0101.

PLEASE CALL ME if you are interested in selling. I am looking to purchase a home close to the beach or on the beach. 941-779-6158. No Realtors.

WE’RE LOW, LISTINGS needed. Are you curious as to how much your home could be worth? Call us for a free professional consultation. Call Lynn at Edgewater Real Estate, 941-778-8104.

FLAMINGO CAY IN Waterbird Way. On canal with boat and lift. One level, 2BR/2BA, pool access, remodeled, furnished. $210,000. 573-216-0572.

RUNAWAY BAY CONDO for sale: 2BR/2BA #252, fully furnished, $325,000, by owner. 941-778-4579.

 

They came from as far as Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Canada.

And many more future brides and grooms came from Tampa and Orlando for the sixth annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Wedding Festival held May 5.

May 4 was the first registration day and 47 people took advantage of the chamber’s Saturday office opening, said chamber vice president Deb Wing.

“After signing up, many of them headed toward the Food and Wine on Pine in Anna Maria,” she said.

“We thought it was a perfect tie-in for our Sunday event and many attendees came for the weekend. We definitely put some heads in beds. And the future brides really did some spending.”

“We had 250 people attend and last year we had 300, but this year’s attendees were not just looking, they were buying their total wedding from the vendors,” Wing said.

Many of those at the festival came in groups of 10-14 people, Wing said, and a vendor was able to present products and services to them all at same time. At previous festivals, a lot of brides and couples would come just for a look, but often found long lines at a vendor site.

Not so this year, Wing said.

Attendees in their private vehicles, the island trolley, walking or taking a golf cart worked well to keep people flowing smoothly from one site to another, she said.

“Everybody kept moving from one venue to another in large groups and we had no backed up lines waiting to get to the vendor.

Wing did not have final figures, but estimated about 40 couples booked their wedding at the festival.

One vendor called Wing to thank her and the chamber for a great job and wanted on the vendor list for the 2014 festival.

“I probably have had 20 vendors call me last week asking about space for next year’s festival, Wing said, adding that one vendor said it was the “best ever” and he’d been a vendor at every festival.

The grand finale was at the Tortuga Inn Beach Resort in Bradenton Beach, with owner David Teitelbaum as host.

“That also was wonderful,” Wing said. “David did an amazing job of putting finale party together,” and more than $20,000 worth of wedding-related prizes were won by many of the couples.

The grand-prize winner was Laura Clements of Childstown, Ind. The Clements party flew from Ohio for the weekend, never dreaming that fortune would smile on them.

Wing said it was Clements’ sister, Heather Gioscio, who is the maid-of-honor for the planned October 2014 wedding, whose name was drawn for the grand prize. She promptly gave the $6,400 wedding package to her sister.

Clements said she and her future husband will be returning with a party of more than 100 people for their beach wedding.

“That’s what I call putting heads in beds,” Wing said.

What the heck is holding up the turtle girls from nesting?

To answer this we pulled out some dusty old files, going back to 1980. The past year’s first nest arrived on May 5. In 2011, we had a surprise with the first nest found April 27. But back in 1988, the girls were running late, and the first nest didn’t appear here until June 8.

We’ve learned over the years that with sea turtles, it’s all about water temperature.

From the time in April when the lady turtles are winking at the guy turtles to when the egg bearing females climb from their home in the water to our sandy shore, everything has to do with temperature.

The nesting female looks for a nesting spot by checking the warmth of that sand. It must be perfect — to her liking — to coddle her eggs and ensure the proper development of the hatchlings.

The females are just off shore, where they’re waiting for the Gulf of Mexico waters to reach 80 degrees or higher. And the sandy beach on Anna Maria Island must be warm enough to incubate their clutch of eggs for 50-70 days.

We start monitoring  AMI’s nesting beaches every year on April 1 — running north and south on the beach by ATV. This fulfills the federal permit conditions for AMI’s beach renourishment projects.

Our staff — the world’s best volunteers — start patrolling the beach on foot May 1.

In years past, I have driven the ATV wearing full foul-weather gear, short-sleeve T-shirts, sweatshirts and sometimes a raincoat. Last year, my first day was spent in short sleeves, this year it was a sweatshirt…. Some days hood up, some day’s hood down.

I recently received a memo from Allen Foley, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission coordinator of sick and injured sea turtles. His staff has been rescuing a high number of young, lethargic green turtles. He believes the early warming trend a month ago, followed by a sharp cold snap a week ago, brought on a shock to our coastal sea turtle population.

Our nesters go by water temperature, and I go by my own unscientific test.

When I get up at 5 a.m., the first thing I do is open the back door in Bradenton Beach and let my pack of dogs out to do their duty. When my bare tootsies touch the patio tile, it’s either “brrrrr” or “ahhhh.”

Mother’s Day morning was still a little “brrrrr.” And still no nest on the beach.

But Monday? The tootsies felt a bit warmer, but, more interestingly, the sand around the new nest felt warmer than the air.

Happy turtle days and a great summer to you all.

— Suzi Fox, executive director, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

 

A 30-day extension to resolve an outstanding debt to the city of Bradenton Beach by Rotten Ralph’s concessionaire Dave Russell to keep the restaurant open was not successful.

Commissioners granted the extension April 4 after earlier revealing that Russell had failed to pay rent since June 2012 following Tropical Storm Debby’s damage to the Historic Bridge Street Pier where the restaurant is a tenant, and adjacent floating dock.

Russell said the pier and long-term dock closure led to the restaurant falling behind on its $9,000 a month rent.

He said business picked back up in the ensuing months and he could afford the rent, but that the city refused to accept partial payment and the debt continued to mount.

Russell said he should have been putting each month’s rent into an escrow account, “but that was my mistake.”

Over the course of several weeks, the exact amount of money owed to the city has jumped from $54,000 to $256,000. Commissioners voted April 4 to terminate the lease with Russell and close the restaurant, but voted April 18 to delay the eviction for 30 days in hopes to negotiate a settlement with Russell.

Commissioner Ric Gatehouse has been the lone supporter on the commission of keeping the restaurant open.

On May 2, Russell presented four options to the city. He would pay the city $5,000 and turn over some of his restaurant equipment and end his lease; pay the city $15,000 and end the lease; pay $65,000 and renegotiate the lease; or simply walk away.

After much debate, commissioners voted May 2 to accept the $15,000 offer with a condition that Russell also pay his Waste Pro debt of $14,000.

Russell disputes that $14,000 bill, however, saying Waste Pro is paid a yearly fee and since his restaurant is closing this month, he does not owe the rest of the year’s bill.

In an email from city attorney Ricinda Perry dated May 5 to Russell’s attorney, William Kaklis, the agreement to accept the $15,000 and end the lease amicably and expeditiously with Russell was tentatively agreed upon.

Perry wrote that payment should be received by May 18 and the restaurant vacated by May 20.

Russell confirmed May 8 that his time on the pier was ending, and he would likely vacate the premises before the deadline.

“I’m not real happy, especially with some of the things that have been said through this process,” said Russell. “The mayor said he didn’t feel I was negotiating in good faith, and I don’t think that’s the case.”

Russell said he feels he made the city a fair offer and that the various amounts of money that was said to be owed left him confused.

“They can’t figure it out from week to week,” he said. “I don’t even know where they are coming up with those numbers.”

Russell said what the city has not shared with the public is that he also was being asked to pay 40 percent of the pier repairs and upcoming renovation project.

“So I’m paying $9,000 a month, paying the city maintenance fees and I’m supposed to pay 40 percent of the pier repairs?” he asked. “There was a comment made that people will be lining up to be the next pier concessionaire. I don’t see that happening. It would surprise me.”

Russell said the negotiations fell apart at the point of having to pay for 40 percent of pier repairs, while the pier is owned by the city, in addition to his monthly rent and maintenance fees.

The restaurant employs about 20 people. Russell said he has no immediate business plans pending, but won’t say “never.”

“My only focus right now is to end this situation with the city,” he said. “I can’t really think beyond that at this point.”

Perry’s email to Kaklis indicated the agreement between the city and Russell would be on the next city commission agenda.

However, the city has scheduled a special meeting at 9 a.m. Friday, May 17, at 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, whose district is Manatee and Sarasota counties, hosted what he calls a town hall “listening meeting” May 11 at Holmes Beach City Hall.

Buchanan listened and answered a number of questions from the 60-some people in attendance.

The primary concern of those at the meeting appeared to be health care and how Obamacare would affect their health insurance or Medicare and Medicaid.

Other concerns discussed were immigration, the growing federal deficit, gun control and foreign aid to countries that are not U.S. allies.

Buchanan said he is opposed to amnesty for undocumented immigrants, but agreed something has to be done to accommodate the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants now in the country.

He also was adamant that defense spending should not be cut. He would halt the $2 billion annual aid package to Egypt and some other foreign countries and use that money to solve the sequester issue in Congress, which is only about $800 million, he said.

Buchanan’s main concern is the growing national debt, which was $7 trillion when he entered Congress in 2006. In the past five years, the debt has grown to $16 trillion, and the national budget is short $1 trillion.

At the present rate of federal borrowing, the national debt will exceed the government’s annual income around 2025, according to a chart Buchanan presented.

Buchanan drew a round of applause from the audience for his stance that no offshore drilling be permitted along the Florida coastline, but he favors the pipeline from Canada to Texas.

He said while the long-term impact of Obamacare is unknown, he does know the entire medical and pharmaceutical industries need reform.

Buchanan said he regularly sends constituents emails and letters to get their views on topics of interest and he values the opinions of voters.

He is co-chair of the Florida delegation to Congress that includes both Democrats and Republicans and, Buchanan said, they have compromised on many issues for the benefit of Florida.

Buchanan said it’s his wish the entire Congress would be so comprising.

According to a Holmes Beach Police Department report, Mayor Carmel Monti is the victim of a vehicle burglary that resulted in the theft of a .38 caliber handgun from his 2001 Toyota SUV.

The theft was reported April 22.

Monti told police the $700 revolver was between his car seats and covered with a cloth.

He later said it was in a compartment.

According to the HBPD report, the mayor “did not notice the gun was taken.” He said it could have been stolen anytime between Feb. 1 and when he discovered it missing.

A 26-year-old Sarasota man was arrested May 6 for felony domestic battery by strangulation, felony tampering with a witness and misdemeanor criminal mischief.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Zavian Benson was with his girlfriend in the 300 block of 10th Avenue in Bradenton Beach when a man called the woman’s phone.

Police say Benson accused the woman of cheating on him and placed his forearm against her throat, cutting off her air supply.

When he let go, the woman said she was going to call police, at which time Benson allegedly punched her phone, causing it to break. The phone was valued at $300.

Police were called and officers observed red marks and scratches to the woman’s neck. Benson was taken into custody, booked into the Manatee County jail and held on $8,000 bond.

He is scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Friday, May 31, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

A 41-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman face felony charges after a May 7 bar fight at the Anchor Inn Bar, 3007 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Richard Hasbrouck was the aggressor in a scuffle with another man at the bar.

While Hasbrouck was physically engaged with another patron, Kristi Kovaleski allegedly hit a third man with a bar stool, causing swelling and bleeding to the victim’s hand.

During a search of Hasbrouck following his arrest for misdemeanor battery, police allegedly found 1.3 grams of cocaine in his pocket.

According to the report, Hasbrouck said, “You would have never found the cocaine if I wasn’t being arrested for battery.”

Hasbrouck was arrested for misdemeanor battery and felony possession of cocaine. He was booked into the Manatee County jail on $2,000 bond and, as of Islander press time, he remained in custody.

Kovaleski was arrested on a felony battery charge. She was booked into the jail and held on $1,500 bond. As of Islander press time, she remained in custody.

Both Hasbrouck and Kovaleski were scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Friday, May 31, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

An 18-year-old man was arrested May 1 for allegedly having sex with a 13-year-old girl.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Brandon Lee Rivera met the victim at a friend’s house in Bradenton Beach April 13 and began to engage her in a sexual conversation.

The victim told police she did not want to have sex with Rivera. The two walked outside of the residence, at which time Rivera is alleged to have had sex with her.

The victim said she was in shock and did not know what to do, but eventually told Rivera to stop and, she said, he complied with her request.

According to the report, Rivera admitted to police that he had sex with the victim and was aware of her age.

Rivera was booked into the Manatee County jail and initially held on $10,000 bond, which was reduced to $7,500. According to the jail website, Rivera posted bond and was released May 5.

He is scheduled to be arraigned at the Manatee County Judicial Center at 9 a.m. Friday, May 24.

Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn was not surprised to learn that the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau announced May 8 that tourism was up for 2012 and, for 2013, already ahead of last year’s pace.

“We know tourism is growing because we see the growth of cars on the streets, the number of pedestrians and reports from retail shops and restaurants,” she said.

What she and Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Mary Ann Brockman would like to see is more of the resort tax money — the 5 percent resort tax collected in Manatee County from accommodation rentals of six months or less — coming back to island cities to help with infrastructure needs to accommodate visitors.

The barrier islands generated 62 percent of $8 million collected in Manatee County resort tax funds for fiscal year 2011-12, but the four barrier island cities receive no direct funding from the county to help accommodate visitors, SueLynn said.

“We have to provide good roads, not just for 1,600 residents, but the thousands and thousands of visitor vehicles that travel our streets every day. We have to pay for that upkeep,” the mayor said.

Additionally Anna Maria has to provide adequate public restroom facilities for the 5,000-plus people who might travel to the city on a high-season weekend.

“We also have to provide parking for the visitors, yet we get nothing back, except the resort tax funds the county’s share of beach renourishment,” she said.

SueLynn and Bradenton Beach Mayor John Shaughnessy have been lobbying county Commissioners John Chappie, whose district includes the islands, and Carol Whitmore, whose district is countywide, to discuss the issue at a county meeting.

Chappie and Whitmore are both island residents and should understand the problems, SueLynn said.

“I just don’t think the other commissioners realize what we have to do to provide for the visitors,” SueLynn said.

“We’d like to get a little help out here,” she added.

SueLynn has found a sympathetic ear: BACVB executive director Elliott Falcione, who inspected the Anna Maria City Pier with her recently and agreed it is in need of repairs. “(Falcione) said its condition was unacceptable,” SueLynn said, and he would look into what funds might be available for pier repairs.

SueLynn said county administrator Ed Hunzeker also was going to look at the condition of the pier, which is consistently a top tourist attraction.

All the BACVB international marketing and bringing sporting events to the county is great, but what people come for is the “old Florida atmosphere” found on Anna Maria Island, SueLynn said.

“Tourists can now find this island without any marketing scheme that costs millions of dollars,” the mayor said.

“We are the engine that drives the county economy,” Brockman added.

SueLynn said she sometimes thinks other county commissioners don’t pay enough attention to the island’s tourism-related problems.

“Just let them drive out here every day during the high season and come to Anna Maria and the city pier. They’ll soon know what it’s like to live through high tourist season,” SueLynn said.

The mayor made it clear she is not criticizing the work of the BACVB, just the distribution of resort tax funds. The bed tax money also supports the BACVB budget, its staff and the Bradenton Convention Center.

The state measure that established the resort tax allows the funding to go toward pier repairs and improvements, SueLynn said.

Before asking for assistance, the mayor wants a new marina and pier ordinance establishing a marina zone that is approved by Tallahassee, along with an agreement with the pier leaseholder to allow the city to repair the pier in exchange for a higher monthly payment.

The current leaseholder pays the city about $9,000 per month to rent the pier, bait shop and restaurant.

The TDC will next meet at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at the county administration building in downtown Bradenton.

 

TDC 2012-13 fiscal-year budget

• Tax collector commissions, 3.0 percent, $196,482.

• Marketing plan, 49.2percent,       $3,159,073. (advertising, promotion)

• Administration, 12.5 percent, $803,307.

• South Florida Museum, 0.5 percent, $30,000. (second manatee)

• City of Bradenton /Pittsburgh Pirates spring training facility, 6.2 percent, $400,000.

• Bradenton area convention center, 9.3 percent, $600,000.

• Transfer for tourism-related projects, 7.8 percent, $500,000.

• Beach renourishment project,11.5 percent, $737,623.

Does not include transfers to reserves for disaster recovery, future projects, contingencies, and salary adjustments.

Bradenton Beach developer and hotelier David Teitelbaum was named the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Tourism Partner of the Year for 2012.

Teitelbaum received the award May 8 at the BACVB’s National Tourism Week awards luncheon at the Bradenton Convention Center in Palmetto.

Teitelbaum said he was shocked but honored when his name was called.

“It was a total surprise. There are a lot of people in our industry deserving of this award, and I’m honored that I was chosen. I couldn’t have gotten this without a wonderful, great staff at the resorts,” he said.

Teitelbaum owns and operates four resorts in Bradenton Beach, including the Tortuga Inn Beach Resort, Tradewinds, Seaside and the Tropic Isle resorts.

BACVB executive director Elliott Falcione presented Teitelbaum with the award, saying, Teitelbaum “has created a unique hotel brand on Anna Maria Island that has personified our brand to a T.”

Falcione said the award is presented annually to a person, persons or company in the area restaurant, lodging or attractions industry that shows economic impact, does its own marketing and works with the BACVB on promotions.

Also honored at the luncheon: Paul Blackketter, the chief operating officer of the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Association, received the title of “tourism catalyst” for his work to expand tourism through developing the international sport of rowing and a host park for the sport.

The park is in contention to host the 2017 World Rowing Championships, hoped to draw athletes and coaches from 62 countries and pump about $13 million in direct spending into the Manatee-Sarasota economy.

Frederick “Rick” Piccolo, president of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, was honored with the tourism outreach award for his work to maintain airlines and flights serving the airport. In 2012, both airport and tourism officials worked to bring back United Airlines daily nonstop service from Sarasota-Bradenton to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

That deal followed the loss of AirTran Airways in August 2012.

ITEMS FOR SALE

TWO-DRAWER LATERAL wood file credenza, computer stand, printer stand, swivel office chair, whirlygigs, bicycles, Expandacraft 12-foot boat. 941-243-3765.

COFFEE TABLE: HARDWOOD, beautiful, $90. 941-778-3920.

DRYER: KENMORE, WHITE. Good condition, $75, 30 wood pallets, $1 each. 941-779-9781.

GAS PUSH MOWER, Briggs & Stratton, used one season, $75. 941-387-8485.

PAIR COMFY OVERSTUFFED chairs, beach print. $99 each. 941-779-0881.

ANTIQUE COPPER POTS and bowls, collection $350. Burl-wood Top of Form

Bottom of Form

rocker, oak office chairs, collectibles. View at The Islander store, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

FOR SALE: One legal two-drawer file. Various office supplies. Also selling antique wood office chairs, Haitian art, collectible art, some framed. Many local artists. Home decor. 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org, fax toll-free 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE HIVE: GIFTS and arts. Locally handmade and imported silver jewelry, Buddha art, artifacts, artistic T-shirts, cards, hot sauces, South African handmade arts, specialty candies, more. 119 B Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. http://thehivegiftsandarts.com/

WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence summer camp in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

TERRY HAYES, REALTOR. Premier Sothebys. 941-302-3100. Terry.hayes@sothebysrealty.com. Discoverannamaria.com.

WANTED: YOUR OLD cell phone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

MANATEE SAFETY SIGNS exclusively for boaters. Available at the Islander, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

FISHING GEAR WANTED: The Privateers and The Islander are collecting new or used, repairable fishing poles and reels, nets, tackle, buckets, etc. to give to children. Donate your gear at The Islander newspaper office, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

FREE GUN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander office, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

GARAGE SALES

ROSER THRIFT SHOP: Open 9:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Donations, 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-779-2733.

STEFF’S STUFF ANTIQUES: The Centre Shops on Longboat Key. 5380 Gulf of Mexico Drive. 941-383-1901.

GARAGE SALE: 8 a.m.-noon Friday, May 17. Furniture, household items. 209 Archer Way, Anna Maria.

HUGE SALE!! 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 17-18. Furniture, antiques, unique items, artwork, office furniture. The Islander office, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

LOST & FOUND

LOST PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES at Hurricane Hank’s April 18. Please, call 508-308-8547. 

FOUND: PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES. Found around 66th Street, Holmes Beach. Claim at The Islander newspaper, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

CAR KEY FOUND on Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, with automatic door opener button. 941-779-9320.

LOST: MARINE-LIFE tracking device. 7-inch long, black torpedo-shaped device with antenna, pinging from 84th Street area of Holmes Beach. If found, call Dr. Hueter at Mote, director of shark research. Office 941-388-1827.

LOST PHONE ON trolley. Please, call 941-704-4452, if found.

PETS

PARENTS NEEDED for loving homes to foster puppies and kittens until they are old enough for adoption. All food and medical provided. Julie, 941-720-1411.

WELL-MANNERED RESCUED dogs (and kittens!) are looking for great new homes or fosters. Please, call for information, 941-896-6701.

BOATS & BOATING

BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941-685-1400.

PONTOON BOAT RENTAL Create life-long memories, call 941-518-3868 or see boatflorida.weebly.com.

POWER NOLES CUSTOM 11.5-foot fiberglass tunnel hull with bass seats. Very stable! Great for fishing-stand on the side without tipping, go in really shallow waters. Very fun boat for anyone who wants to get on the water!
 2001 25-hp Mercury 2-stroke, plus a trolling motor with battery. Must see! $2,150 obo. Call Toni, 941-928-8735.

HELP WANTED

PART OR FULL-time customer service rep for real estate office. Experience with Microsoft Word, Internet, marketing, social media. Call AMI Beaches Real Estate, 941-799-9096.

PART-TIME PERSONAL assistant with Microsoft Word skills for Island company. Call 941-704-2714.

SALES ASSOCIATE: MOTIVATED, experienced real estate licensee for busy Island office. Please call Jesse or Robin at 941-778-7244.

KIDS FOR HIRE

LOCAL ISLAND STUDENT babysitter available. CPR and first aid-certified, early childhood development major. Emily, 941-567-9276.

RED CROSS-CERTIFIED babysitter and dog sitter. Reasonable rates for both. Call 941-527-5051.

BABIES AND PETS: Responsible, trustworthy, reliable, fun 17-year-old college student. Own transportation. 941-447-9658.

NICOLE AND HALLIE’S babysitting, pet sitting and pet walking. Red Cross certified, good with animals. Hallie, 941-773-6317, Nicole, 941-370-7981.

AREA TEEN AVAILABLE for babysitting. Evenings, weekends. Have car, CPR-certified, currently enrolled in child development courses, honor student volunteering at Blake Hospital. AMI or N.W. Bradenton. Brittany, 941-465-6748.

KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

HEALTH CARE                                                            

CAREGIVER FOR ELDERLY: Light duties around home, appointments, hygiene care, experience in all phases. References, 30 years experience. Call between 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. 941-545-7114.

NURSE SPECIALIZING IN diabetes and dementia available for private care. Sixth generation from this area. 941-504-4000.

SERVICES

TOASTED COMPUTER SERVICES. Your home and business specialist. On-site service, virus/spyware, cleanup, system setup, upgrades, diagnosis and repair, internet/wireless networking, custom system design. 941-224-1069.

I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning  service since 1999. 941-779-6638. Leave message.

ISLANDER HANDYMAN SERVICE: 23-year Island resident, references. The Flying Dutchman LLC. We do all repair, interior and exterior, carpentry and more. Peter, 941-447-6747.

CLEANING BY LAURA offers everything on your list from kitchen and bath cleaning to dusting and emptying wastebaskets. 941-539-6891.

U FLY I drive your car anywhere in the USA. Airport runs, anywhere. 941-746-5651, 941-545-6688.

ALL AROUND PAINTING: Quality work. Free estimates. Licensed, insured. Call native islander Jim Weaver, 813-727-1959.

ISLAND COMPUTER GUY, 37 years experience. On-site PC repairs, upgrades, buying assistance and training. Call Bill, 941-778-2535.

TRANSPORT SERVICE: LET me drive you to the airport or anywhere in Florida. Flat rates. Reasonable. Call Mike, 941-567-6634.

PRESSURE WASHING: RESIDENTIAL, commercial, resorts, roof, lanai, etc. Also windows, lawn services, also. 941-565-3935.

CLEANING RESIDENTAL, COMMERCIAL and resort. Love what we do, love to work. 941-756-4570.

PROFESSIONAL CLEANER FOR hire: Reliable, trustworthy and honest with reasonable non-hourly rate. 813-295-5000 please, leave message.

JUST THAT CLEANING service: We will clean your home like our own. We offer organic cleaning products. Free estimate. Call Jenise, 941-730-6773.

PC REPAIR: WIRELESS/wired network set up, data transfer, hardware/software installation. Henry Lewis, 941-704-2658.

JUNIOR’S FUN FAST face painting and balloon twisting. 941-545-2832. On Facebook: www.facebook.com/juniorsmakeupandfacepaint

CARING SERVICES BY Joanne: Ride anywhere! Also organize and de-clutter, detailed cleaning projects, one room at a time. Refrigerators, closets, cupboards, drawers, etc. 941-721-7725.

ALEXIS COX JAZZ: Music to blend an ear. Private parties, clubs, local nursing homes/assisted living, for all occasions. Highly recommended. 727-282-4834.

COMPUTER SERVICES: I can fix it. Virus cleanup, system upgrade. Hardware, software and network repair. FBI virus cleaned and removed. Cell phone repair, support. Replace broken camera, screen, etc. Give islander Socko a call: 941-799-1169.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

ISLAND MERMAIDS CLEANING and Co.: 38-year Islanders. Rentals our specialty. 941-778-3046.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call William Eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228.

ANYONE CAN TAKE a picture. A professional creates a portrait. I want to be at your wedding! www.jackelka.com. 941-778-2711.

RELAXING MASSAGE IN the convenience of your home or hotel. Massage by Nadia, more than 19 years on Anna Maria Island. Call today for an appointment, 941-518-8301. MA#0017550.MA#0017550.

LAWN & GARDEN

CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

ISLAND LAWN SPRINKLERS repairs and installations, watering the island for 15 years. Jeff, 941-778-2581.

JR’S LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE Lawns, native plants, mulching, trimming, hauling, cleanups. Island resident 25 years. Call 941-807-1015.

LANDSCAPING

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in old Florida seashell driveways and scapes. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark, 941-301-6067.

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. $50/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

NATURE’S DESIGN LANDSCAPING. Design and installation. Tropical landscape specialist. Residential and commercial. 30 years experience. 941-729-9381, 941-448-6336.

TOP NOTCH LAWN Care: Residential and commercial. For all your landscaping needs. 941-932-6600.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

TILE -TILE -TILE. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Neil, 941-726-3077.

CUSTOM REMODELING EXPERT. All phases of carpentry, repairs and painting. Insured. Meticulous, clean, sober and prompt. Paul Beauregard, 941-730-7479.

GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed, 941-748-4711.

JERRY’S HOME REPAIR: Carpentry, handyman, light hauling, pressure washing. Jack of all trades. Call 941-778-6170 or 941-447-2198.

SOUTHBAY HOME REPAIRS: If it’s broken, stuck, loose, leaks, needs paint, etc. I’ll fix it. Affordable quality work. 941-720-2906.

THE FLYING DUTCHMAN LLC: Professional tile roof restoration. Call Peter for free estimate. 23-year Island resident, references, insured. 941-447-6747.

METRO DOOR & SUPPLY, INC.: Home, condo, office. Primary doors and glass inserts, custom prep/cut downs, sliding doors, windows, doors for commercial properties, fiberglass, aluminum, steel, vinyl. Installation available. Free estimates. 941-726-2280 or 941-722-7507.

SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. Affordable, timely, within budget. Call Mike, 1-616-204-8822.

RANDY’S PAINT AND Drywall: Carpentry, screens and all your household maintenance. 941-465-2062.

RENTALS

WEEKLY/MONTHLY/ANNUAL rentals: wide variety, changes daily. SunCoast Real Estate, 941-779-0202, or 1-800-732-6434. www.suncoastinc.com.

1BR/1BA GROUND FLOOR, Gulf to bay condo, heated pool, fishing pier. Over 55. $1,600/month, $1,100/month annual. 813-393-6002.

CUTE VACATION EFFICIENCY: Screened porch, near boat ramp, many other area amenities, cable, WiFi. 941-779-6638.

3BR/2BA: CANAL FURNISHED. Internet, May-June. 407-927-1304. dvanworm@earthlink.net.

ADORABLE GULFFRONT COTTAGE: 100 feet from Gulf. 2BR/1 large bath. Seasonal rental, three-day minimum. Call for further information, 863-660-3509 or email: mememersh@aol.com.

OFFICE: RETAIL PROFESSIONAL space. 8811 Cortez Road, near Dive Adventures. 500 sf. next to Jose’s Real Cuban Food, 8799 Cortez Road, Bradenton. Call 1-800-952-1206.

2BR WATERFRONT TOWNHOUSE with boat slip. Palma Sola Bay. Pool, patio, cable, washer and dryer. No pets. Six months plus. $950/month, furnished, $1,050/month, unfurnished. Call 941-720-7519.

ANNUAL RENTAL: NORTHWEST Bradenton: 3BR/2BA private home with a heated pool and fenced backyard. Tile and carpet, granite counter tops, two-car garage, covered patio, lake views, washer/dryer hookups. Lawn and pool care provided. Small dog considered. Close to Robinson Preserve. $1,600/month. First, last, security. Gulf Bay Realty, 941-778-7244.

PERICO ISLAND MONTHLY vacation rental: 3BR/3BA private pool, community facilities. 941-795-3778. www.pericoholidayvilla.co.uk

2BR/2BA HOLMES BEACH waterfront condo: Fully furnished with views, pools, Jacuzzi, tennis, boat dock. Seasonal, November. Call 818-620-0901.

CLIMATE-CONTROLLED AND non-climate units available starting at $65/month. For additional information, call Anna Maria Storage, 941-779-0820.

PRIVATE ROOM FOR one! North Longboat Key, washer and dryer, utilities included, $130/weekly. 941-383-4856.

WATERFRONT CONDO: FLAMINGO by the Bay, near beaches and shopping, 2BR/2BA, Jacuzzi, marble floors throughout, $900/month. 941-720-4475.

SEASONAL RENTAL: NORTH Holmes Beach, December-March. 2BR/2BA, modern kitchen, private patio, walk to Gulf beach, washer and dryer, utilities included. $1,950/month plus resort tax. 941-778-5338 or 516-526-5628.

ANNUAL RENTAL: HISTORIC 4BR/3BA house, west of Gulf Drive. $2,400/month. 107 Beach Ave., Anna Maria. 941-794-8202.

SEASONAL OR WEEKLY cottage-style rentals. 1BR/1BA or 1BR/1BA with loft with pool. Walk to beach, shops or dining! 941-778-3426. Web site: www.spinnakerscottages.com.

REAL ESTATE

DIRECT GULFFRONT CONDO: Bradenton Beach 2BR/1BA Beautifully updated, fabulous views. $395,000, by owner. 941-779-0101.

PLEASE CALL ME if you are interested in selling. I am looking to purchase a home close to the beach or on the beach. 941-779-6158. No Realtors.

WE’RE LOW, LISTINGS needed. Are you curious as to how much your home could be worth? Call us for a free professional consultation. Call Lynn at Edgewater Real Estate, 941-778-8104.

FLAMINGO CAY IN Waterbird Way. On canal with boat and lift. One level, 2BR/2BA, pool access, remodeled, furnished. $210,000. 573-216-0572.

CASH BUYER: COUPLE from Germany is looking for 3-4BR house with pool on the canal. Please call our agent, Helmer at 941-592-8853.

 

Kathy Doddridge never imagined her first day as an official Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring volunteer would result in finding the island’s first nesting activity.

Doddridge has been involved with AMITW in the past, helping when asked, but on her first walk of the season along Coquina Beach May 2, a clearly visible turtle track appeared on the sand, leading from the Gulf of Mexico, up the beach to a dune, with a turnaround crawl heading back into the water.

It was appropriate that Doddridge was the first to discover a crawl for the 2013 season. Just before last year’s nesting season was disrupted by Tropical Storm Debby, Doddridge’s husband died.

She wanted to become an official AMITW volunteer because she finds the early morning walks on the beaches of AMI healing. She says she has developed a profound connection between the recovery of the beach after the tropical storm and her own journey of healing.

“The beach and I will heal together,” she said. “It also helps being involved with AMITW because they are a nice group of people.”

Fox said she first became involved with the turtle watch organization 30 years ago for similar reasons.

“My mom had just died,” said Fox. “I was looking for something to do to find that kind of healing purpose and I found turtle watch. A lot of things have changed over the years, but one thing that hasn’t is the quality of people who are involved with this organization. It seems this kind of activity draws the kindest and softest people.”

Doddridge said she was incredibly excited to discover the crawl in her section on her first walk as an official volunteer.

According to Fox, the female turtle made her way onto the beach on the night of May 1, the first official day of the nesting season, which runs through the end of October.

“She came in after it stopped raining last night around 8 p.m.,” said Fox. “Because it rained, the crawl is very clear and tells us a lot.”

The nest was determined to be a false crawl, but Fox and AMITW coordinators Lee and Marvin Zerkel wanted to be sure. It was difficult to tell because the turtle climbed up the dune into a patch of thick sea oats.

Marvin checked the grass to see if it had been flattened from the crawl or pulled out by the turtle digging with its hind flippers. He dug down into the area just to be sure, and Fox was confident at that point that it was a false crawl.

“We are going to mark it and check back in 45 days just to be sure,” she said.

Raccoon tracks were scattered throughout the area, but the animals apparently had not attempted to dig into the suspected nest site. Fox said it was another indication that the turtle had returned to the water without laying her eggs.

Raccoons are a problem in the Coquina Beach section of AMI. Two years ago, AMITW began to place cages over nest sites, which has resulted in zero eggs and hatchlings lost to predators.

After a record 2012 nesting season, Fox and her small army of AMITW volunteers have been bracing for another busy season of turtle activity.

Leatherneck season on the east coast of Florida began early, an indication that the loggerhead season also may begin early.

A loggerhead turtle laid her eggs on the shoreline of Longboat Key April 30, and Fox said the season is already underway up and down the Gulf coast.

“We were expecting a big year so there has been a lot of anticipation that we would see some early activity,” said Fox. “We’ve made sure that we have extra equipment this year and I’ve asked my volunteers to plan their vacations differently this year.”

Beach renourishment is expected to begin in late summer and AMITW will need to relocate all nests laid south of 78th Street in Holmes Beach.

Early nests may not have to be moved because they should hatch before work begins on the beach.

Fox said she is already holding meetings with Manatee County engineers to keep them up to date on nesting activity and she’ll be reporting any “hot spots” of nesting activity to the county.

An exact start date for the renourishment project has not been determined, but it is expected to begin in August. Fox said the relocation effort will depend on the start date, but expects any nests due to hatch through July should be able to stay “where the mother put them,” she said.

 

 

Best practices for sea turtle nesting season

It is against the law to disturb sea turtles, hatchlings or their nests. Sea turtles are protected by both the Federal Endangered Species Act and the Florida Marine Protection Act.

• If you see an injured or dead sea turtle, report the incident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-FWCC.

• Avoid going to the beach at night during sea turtle nesting season. If you do, avoid using flashlights and never use flash photography.

• If you see a mother turtle coming onshore, give her complete right-of-way. Steer clear of her and remain as far away as possible.

• Residents near the beach are reminded to keep outside lights off, use motion sensors for lighting on walkways and stairs, and shield interior lights by closing drapes and blinds.

• Respect nesting sites that are clearly marked and do not disturb the nesting areas. While cleaning up after your beach visit is always important, it is especially important during nesting season. Pick up your litter and dispose of it properly.

• Do not erect canopies or put stakes in the beach in nesting areas. Remove all beach gear, chairs, canopies and tents before nightfall.

• If you see anyone disturbing a nest or harassing a turtle, contact the FWC immediately.

Islanders also can call AMITW executive director Suzi Fox at 941-778-5638 to report sea turtles in distress.

Bradenton Beach city attorney Ricinda Perry presented at the May 2 city commission meeting an offer to dismiss the lawsuit from Holmes Beach city attorney Patricia Petruff.

The saga began with a 2008 Bradenton Beach quitclaim deed to the Sandpiper Resort mobile home park. The property is on the northern border of the two cities.

Holmes Beach initially objected to the quitclaim, but took no action until 2011, when the resort installed fences, locked gates and posted private property signs at its border with Holmes Beach on 27th Street.

Holmes Beach filed a lawsuit to nullify the quitclaim, but initial court rulings did not go in its favor.

The November 2012 election swept in new Holmes Beach officials, who, along with Commissioner Jean Peelen, pledged to end the dispute.

At various meetings in both cities, the mayors made tentative announcements that the suit was coming to an end, but negotiations continued as new obstacles surfaced at every turn.

The two cities were prepared to end the suit early this year, but Bradenton Beach wanted it dismissed with prejudice, meaning legal action over the disputed property could never be taken again.

Perry said Petruff could not agree to that for her client Holmes Beach.

“I know this commission was concerned about finality,” said Perry. “This says without prejudice. That means at some time in the future, this could be filed again.”

Before asking for direction from the commission, Perry thanked Mayor John Shaughnessy for his tireless work even before he took office to amicably resolve the situation.

Perry said Shaughnessy singlehandedly made more progress than the two city attorneys did in resolving the dispute.

Shaughnessy thanked Holmes Beach Mayor Carmel Monti in particular for his efforts on the other side of the fence to help resolve the matter.

“We’ve been working on this for a long time with the past and present commission of Holmes Beach,” said Shaughnessy. “It’s been a struggle.”

Shaughnessy said he is pleased to see the matter coming to a close.

“Mayor Monti and I have met on several occasions and have come to terms, and then legal counsel from Holmes Beach always seemed to raise more concerns,” said Shaughnessy. “The only change Holmes Beach legal would not agree to is the permanent finality. I will agree to this document as presented so we can move on.”

Shaughnessy and Commissioner Gay Breuler had to recuse themselves from the vote, but Shaughnessy continued attempts to resolve the matter.

“Sandpiper will agree to this, too,” he said. “I appreciate the efforts of all those in the city who worked to resolve this and the candor of Mayor Monti and the Holmes Beach commission.”

Commissioner Ric Gatehouse moved to approve the agreement to dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice. It passed 3-0.

In other matters, commissioners voted 4-1 to accept a proposal from Arthur K. Peters of Gainesville to become the city’s telecommunications consultant.

The city parted ways with Lawrence “Rusty” Monroe after failed negotiations to retain him as the consultant, and after months of challenging Monroe’s ordinance.

The matter became contentious at times with Gatehouse saying the ordinance provided too much power and financial control to Monroe.

The city amended its ordinance to meet its own needs last month after officially parting ways with Monroe.

Peters was the only one to respond to the RFP and Vosburgh said she was not comfortable with hiring the only bidder. “I don’t like the idea that we only had one,” she said.

His bid includes a fee of $150 an hour, capped at eight hours a day, but also includes $75 for travel.

Breuler moved to accept the RFP with Gatehouse seconding the motion. The motion passed 4-1 with Vosburgh voting “nay.”

Negotiations between Rotten Ralph’s Restaurant on the Historic Bridge Street Pier and the city of Bradenton Beach are not off to a good start.

The restaurant has been falling further into debt after failing to make rent in June 2012. The last month concessionaire Dave Russell made a payment to the city was May 2012.

Tropical Storm Debby’s closure of the adjacent day dock used by boaters is being blamed for the lack of business to the restaurant, but Russell said once he fell behind, it was impossible to catch up with the $9,000 a month rent.

Russell said once the initial fall off in business had passed, he had the money to pay the rent, but the city would not take a partial payment.

Almost a year later, there is a dispute in the amount of money owed to the city. It initially started at $54,000, jumped to $256,000 when late fees and penalties were added and, at a May 2 city commission meeting, city attorney Ricinda Perry said the recalculated amount owed is $115,000.

Perry said in the spirit of finding a solution, some of late fees and attorney fees were removed from the bill.

Commissioners voted April 4 to terminate the lease with Rotten Ralph’s and begin the eviction process, but on April 18, the city delayed eviction for 30 days in order to make a final attempt to resolve the debt.

In the two weeks since voting to delay the eviction, Perry said Russell provided a series of options.

Perry said the restaurant has offered to pay the city a flat fee of $15,000 and will agree not to fight the eviction and leave amicably. A second offer was to pay the city $5,000 and turn over some of the restaurant equipment, and terminate the lease.

The third option was to pay up to date $65,000, what Russell feels he owes the city, but renegotiate the lease to guarantee his business will remain on the pier for the next 15 years.

The fourth option was for Russell to simply walk away from it all and not pay the city anything. Russell and his attorney were not present at the May 2 meeting.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said the restaurant also owes Waste Pro $14,000 and that if Russell walks away, the city would be liable for the debt.

Commissioner Ric Gatehouse suggested taking the $65,000 offer, and for Perry to negotiate a shorter lease term than requested by Russell.

Commissioner Gay Breuler, outspoken against further negotiations with the restaurant, said,         “We’ve given them time and time again. Any other landlord who did not get rent for almost a year would not have this discussion. I think we should go right ahead with the eviction.”

Perry said it was only a first offer and that the city could counter the offer at its discretion.

Breuler wasn’t in the mood for negotiation.

“Why are we having this discussion? There is no more time to give and no more money to be wasting,” she said. “Why are we negotiating anything? Kick them out and sue them for what they owe us. I think we have been more than kind for a long time. This is not fair to the taxpayers.”

Perry said the problem with taking that route is that contains only the corporate name.

“I don’t see anywhere in the agreement that they signed individually,” she said. “They could go defunct and the city will get nothing.”

Vosburgh said she would agree to take $15,000 and let Russell walk away from the lease, and Brueler backed off and agreed with Vosburgh’s suggestion.

Gatehouse said his vote would remain to accept $65,000 and renegotiate the lease.

“We have a tenant there,” he said. “It’s not going to sit empty for six or eight months and we’ve recouped some of our money. To me, this serves the taxpayers better.”

Mayor John Shaughnessy said he does not believe negotiations will move forward in good faith.

“I met with Mr. Russell and his attorney and I hear a lot of talk from his attorney like I heard from Mr. Russell, but I don’t see any paperwork,” said Shaughnessy. “At the April 4 meeting, he said he would show up with a check and he showed up with an attorney instead. I think these figures they are offering are an insult to the city.”

Continued discussion took place on a counter offer. Vosburgh said the city should ask for the $15,000, as well as an additional $14,000 to pay Waste Pro, and end the lease.

Vice Mayor Ed Straight sided with Gatehouse, but Breuler moved to deliver Vosburgh’s recommendation as the city’s counter offer.

Vosburgh, Shaughnessy and Breuler voted “aye” while Gatehouse and Straight voted “nay,” but Shaughnessy was not happy with the direction the discussion took.

“Why does it feel like we are on the defensive here?” he asked.

The 30-day eviction extension ends May 18 and the commissioners next meet at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., at which time a final determination of the restaurant’s future will be made..

March 2013 marked the 23rd month of the past 24 that resort tax collections by the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office exceeded the same month’s collections the previous year.

The resort tax is the 5 percent paid to Manatee County by property owners on rentals of six months or less.

Sue Sinquefield of the resort tax collections division reported $1.492 million was collected in March 2013, a 12.06 percent climb from the $1.344 million in March 2012. The tax is paid one month in arrears.

March collections also brought the year-to-date resort tax collected to $5.040 million, an 11 percent hike from the $4.537 million collected during the first six months of the 2011-12 fiscal year.

A record for resort tax collections of $8.1 million was set in 2011-12 fiscal year. With six months remaining for collections in the 2012-13 fiscal year, Sinquefield said it’s possible to surpass the record.

However, she emphasized division agents “aren’t trying to set records, just see that everyone pays what have they have to pay.”

“They seem to be doing a good job,” Sinquefield added. “It’s been a wonderful season” for the resort tax division.

Sinquefield did not identify any specific municipality but she said some taxes have come from barrier island property owners who were previously unregistered.

Once discovered for not paying the resort tax, a property owner not only must obtain the required licenses and may have to pay back resort and sales taxes.

Agents from the resort tax collections office occasionally conduct sweeps of accommodation rentals, looking for properties and owners that are not complying with the law.

For the barrier islands, Holmes Beach leads the way in bed tax collections with $391,239, followed by Longboat Key with $244,744, Anna Maria at $181,562 and Bradenton Beach with $147,611.

In March 2013, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key together collected $965,156 in resort taxes, 64.7 percent of the total collected. The average of resort tax collections from the two barrier islands the past 24 months is approximately 62 percent of the total collected.

The 12.6 percent increase in March collections likely means tourism to the Bradenton area is up around 6.3 percent from the March 2012. For the past 24 months, tourism has increased at a pace about half of the resort tax percentage increase.

The resort tax is used to fund the county’s share of beach renourishment projects, the Bradenton Area Convention Center and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, McKechnie Field, the Crosley Estate and other attractions, as well as advertising and promoting the area.

“We came here to get opinions, not give them,” said Brian Williams of the Florida Department of Transportation.

Williams was speaking at the DOT’s April 30 public hearing at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6101 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, where the DOT took comments and suggestions on what to do with the aging Cortez Bridge from the estimated 200 people that came during the three-hour meeting.

Attendees first filled out a questionnaire on whether they prefer replacing the bridge or continuing rehabilitation projects.

For those wanting a new bridge, the choices included a “high-level fixed bridge,” a choice that was withdrawn by the DOT in 1992 after opposition from Cortez and Bradenton Beach residents and local elected officials.

Other choices were a mid-level drawbridge, a low-level bascule, similar to what exists and “other.”

A comments section also was included on the survey form.

The DOT was careful to state the survey was only the first step — the project, development and environment study phase — of the Cortez Bridge review.

Williams said the PD&E will take about two years to complete and include an environmental impact study of all the bridge options.

When the PD&E is finished, the DOT will present its findings and recommendations at another public hearing.

But already those who fought against a new bridge in the past were adamant that the only sensible thing for the DOT to do is to rehabilitate the bridge.

“If they can rehabilitate the Anna Maria Island Bridge, they can rehabilitate this,” said former Bradenton Beach Mayor Katie Pierola at the meeting.

Linda Molto opposed the previous DOT effort to build a new bridge and hasn’t changed her stance.

“The only sensible thing is rehabilitate,” she said.

Cortez is a federally recognized historic site and the DOT could not take any land from Cortez that’s within the site boundary, Molto said.

But that leaves open the north side of Cortez Road West for the bridge approach if the DOT were to eventually build a larger bridge with wider approaches, said Mariners Cove resident Jim Reschenberger.

Mariners Cove condominiums are on 127th Street West, about 0.4 mile north of the intersection with Cortez Road and the base of the bridge.

“We would definitely fight any attempt at taking our land or nearby land,” he said. “But I’ll probably be long gone by the time they get around to building a new bridge.”

Also at the meeting was Newell Freeman of Mariners Cove. He agreed it would take about 10 years of study and more study, then financing, if a high-rise bridge were to be built.

“Thankfully, I probably won’t be around to see it. The only thing that makes sense is rehabilitation,” Freeman said.
But Pierola said there is an alternative.

She harkened back to a 20-year-old study that said a bridge could be built from the mainland to Coquina Beach by extending 53rd Avenue West to Tidy Island.

“Have an exit at Tidy Island, then continue on to Coquina Beach. It’s the only place in those waters where there’s no seagrasses to worry about,” Pierola said.

Ed Chiles, who owns the BeachHouse Restaurant about 100 yards south of the Cortez Road/Gulf Drive intersection, said he might agree with Pierola if either of his first two preferences were not the one recommended by the DOT in its PD&E.

Chiles, said his restaurant would be severely impacted by construction of a high-rise bridge.

But a new, high bridge — one that doesn’t require a bascule — is still his preference. However, he doesn’t see how the DOT could acquire enough land on the island side for the approaches, so he is more receptive to a mid-level bridge built high enough to allow a majority of boats in the area under the bridge without raising the draw. Failing that, maybe the DOT could extend 53rd Avenue West to Coquina Beach, he suggested.

The entire issue is about traffic, said Molto.

Pierola pointed out that Longboat Key residents must use either the Cortez Bridge or the New Pass Bridge in an evacuation.

Even without that nightmare, she said traffic in Bradenton Beach during the winter visitor season is almost too much for the two-lanes of Gulf Drive and the two-lane Cortez Bridge, which has no emergency lanes.

“So, we’re back to adding a third bridge to the island at Coquina Beach,” Pierola said.

The third bridge concept is favored by Jim Kissick, a Manatee County native and longtime Bradenton Beach resident.

“I’ve got the answer right here,” he said at the meeting, “but they never listen to me.”

Williams, however, was noncommittal about any of the options, including a replacement bridge or a third bridge to another island location.

“We’ve got a long way to go before we start thinking along those lines. We have to see first what the people want,” he said.

An informal survey of around 20 people found about half favored rehabilitation, while others wanted a replacement bridge, either mid-level or low-level. There was little sentiment found for a high-rise bridge.

Even if a new Cortez Bridge is built, Pierola, Chiles, and Freeman claim there’s no way the DOT can close it for two years or even two months without creating a massive traffic problem for Bradenton Beach.

Pierola said closing the Cortez Bridge occurred around 1999 during a rehabilitation project.

“The DOT said it would close Cortez Bridge for a month, but it ended up being two months and it was a mess. Do you think we can trust what they say?” she asked.

Even after the PD&E study, the DOT must address funding the bridge. At present, there are no funds in its five-year plan for design, right of way acquisition or construction. Williams declined to comment on how much each type of bridge would cost.

The DOT’s recommendation for a high-rise bridge to replace the Anna Maria Island Bridge on State Road 64 also has not been funded more than two years after the recommendation was announced.

“This meeting is all for show,” Pierola said.

“At the end of the day,” added Molto, “the DOT will do what it wants and we’ll have to fight all over again.”

Freeman and Reschenberger agreed.

“A rehab would only give us another 10 years of use and eventually a new bridge will be needed. The DOT will do what it wants and it wants to get away from drawbridges,” Reschenberger said.

“I just hope there’s not a big fight when this study is finished,” Freeman said.

Williams said the DOT plans a $4 million maintenance project on the bridge in mid-2014 to keep it operational until a decision is reached on whether it should be replaced or undergo a more thorough rehabilitation.

One of the DOT chart’s at the meeting showed survey results gathered at the February Cortez Commercial

Fishing Festival where 49 percent favored replacement and 48 percent wanted rehabilitation. Three percent were unsure. A total of 355 votes were taken in the survey in February.

The PD&E study is limited to 0.9 mile from 123rd Street in Cortez to the Cortez Road/Gulf Drive/State Road 789 intersection in Bradenton Beach.

The deadline for comments is May 10. Comments may be mailed to the DOT at P.O. Box 1249, Bartow, FL, 33831, or telephoned to 863-519-2304.

Holmes Beach selected Steven M. “Steve” Seibert at an April 30 special meeting to serve as special master to preside over the city’s dispute with Mainsail.

Attorney Robert Lincoln, on behalf of Mainsail, served the city with a petition for relief April 18 after the commission voted 3-2 March 26 to revoke Mainsail’s site plan for a project on Marina Drive to build a lodge, restaurant and other amenities.

As part of the process, the city was required to send its options for a special master.

Commissioners approved three recommendations of Seibert, Carlos Alvarez and Dennis Stotts, but Mainsail objected to Stotts, a senior attorney at Lewis, Longman & Walker. Stotts has performed mediation work in the city of Anna Maria, and Petruff previously noted that Stotts had little experience in a proceeding like the one before the city.

Mainsail did not object to Seibert or Alvarez, leaving the city the right to choose from two attorneys.

“They are both highly qualified, both are acceptable to Mainsail and myself,” said Petruff. “Both also quoted the same price of $300 an hour.”

Commissioners were initially divided in their recommendation. Commission Chair Jean Peelen and Commissioner Judy Titsworth agreed that Seibert had the most experience.

Commissioners Pat Morton and Marvin Grossman said either recommendation would be a good pick, and relented from recommending Alvarez to give Petruff a unanimous consensus to notify Seibert that he has the job.

“Tomorrow I will send a copy of the petition information and the city’s response to Mr. Seibert, requesting him to be the special master,” said Petruff.

Seibert is the founding member of TriSect LLC, a strategy consulting firm focusing on civic innovation in both the public and private sectors.

He was selected by former Gov. Jeb Bush in 1996 to lead Florida’s Department of Community Affairs. During his service, Bush called Seibert an “Outstanding public servant.”

He went on to serve in various capacities for the state.

He also has been a Florida Supreme Court certified mediator for 20 years. He is a recipient of the Excellence in Mediation award, among his accomplishments.