Headline News From The Islander

Aaron Burr was a Revolutionary War hero and served as vice president under Thomas Jefferson, but perhaps one of his most famous quotes set an early tone for how the government would operate well into the future.

“Never do today what you can put off till tomorrow,” he said.

Perhaps Burr never realized he may have invented red tape when it comes to the slow process of government, but residents along Eighth Street South in Bradenton Beach don’t likely care, as they have been waiting for almost two years to have the Eighth Street dock replaced.

The old Eighth Street South dock is city-owned and it was essentially condemned by the city about two years ago with a promise that it would be replaced.

Budget issues have left the project out of the city’s priority list ever since, but this past summer, residents on Eighth Street South stepped up to the plate and volunteered to fund a new city dock on their own.

The news was welcomed by the city and efforts began to have a new fishing pier approved by the appropriate agencies that closely monitors development proposals on a barrier island.

Burr’s recommendation of putting something off today to do tomorrow can take on a whole new meaning when it comes to any project on Anna Maria Island.

After working through the red tape of other agencies, building official Steve Gilbert sent the project proposal to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Tampa Regulatory Office more than a month ago, the final step needed to begin construction.

In an email dated Jan. 24, Gilbert asked the corps for an update.

“It has now been over a month, and I’m getting a lot of questions about how long this is going to take,” Gilbert wrote. “Can you give me an idea as to when we can expect approval, so we can proceed?”

Mindy Hogan-Charles, a project manager at the Tampa field office, responded the same day, but not necessarily with good news.

“Unfortunately, the Tampa Regulatory Office has experienced a manpower shortage, which resulted in pending projects being delayed,” she wrote. “In addition, I have been tasked by management to work on a highly controversial and complex project, which is delaying my pending projects.”

Hogan-Charles said the Tampa office has recently hired a project manager from another state, “and the individual is currently being trained on local and state of Florida issues … at this time your project is currently pending.”

Gilbert responded saying he understood that nothing on a barrier island is simple and sympathized with the staff shortage.

“However, this particular project is probably the least problematic as it could get,” he wrote. “We are removing an old dock, which did not meet any kind of standards and replacing it with a fully compliant fishing pier.”

City commissioners approved the project in 2009, but did not fund it. The city accepted bids in August 2012 when Eighth Street South residents volunteered to pay the estimated $12,000 for the pier.

Gilbert said the Florida Department of Environmental Protection approved the project in November, “So it’s been almost two months now. We have contractors waiting on this project, as well as every resident on Eighth Street South.”

Gilbert suggested someone at the Tampa office should take “a few minutes here and there, which would clear up a lot of the little permits,” such as this one.

As of Islander press time, there has been no further response from the Tampa office.

Email communications between the city of Bradenton Beach and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicate one of the final hurdles that have delayed the city’s floating dock repairs may have been cleared.

The dock adjacent to the Historic Bridge Street Pier shut down early in June 2012 due to damaged dock sections caused by wave action against improperly designed hinges. Plans for repairs were set in motion, but the arrival of Tropical Storm Debby that month ensured the dock’s closure for much longer than expected.

Determining how to counter the design flaw and then assess the damage caused by Debby was the easy part. The challenge for city officials has been negotiating the red tape of bureaucracy.

City officials worked directly with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for months following Debby to obtain funding for the city’s modified repair plans.

FEMA approved the project and the city then cleared the scope of work with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection only to learn DEP no longer reviewed permit applications for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

 

Progress?

        As soon as the city learned of yet another governmental layer of red tape, building official Steve Gilbert sent the corps the necessary paperwork in November.

He said late last year that the city didn’t anticipate any problems with getting corps approval, but a problem did arise after the corps misevaluated the scope of work.

Two months after the city submitted the paperwork to the corps, an email dated Jan. 24 from Caitlin Hoch, of the Tampa Regulatory Field Office, notified the city that the corps would have to consult with the National Marine Fisheries Service as part of the city’s permitting review.

Hoch said the consultation would be necessary to study the impacts to the smalltooth sawfish and sea turtles in the area.

Hoch sent the city a checklist of all new information for the city to submit.

“Once the information is received, I will coordinate with NMFS,” she said. “As the request is incomplete, no action will be taken on it until the above requested information is received.”

Hoch went on to write that the city had 30 days to respond or “we will assume you have no further interest in obtaining a Department of the Army permit and the application will be withdrawn.”

Hoch said once withdrawn, the corps would consider it to be “the final action by the Department of the Army.”

Gilbert replied Jan. 25 insisting the corps had misevaluated the city’s intention.

“I’m not certain how this has transitioned from a simple repair project to a full-blown permit,” Gilbert wrote. “This project is for repairs to an existing and permitted floating dock, which proposes to also permanently reduce the size of the already permitted dock.”

Gilbert explained FEMA and DEP have already signed off on the repairs.

“The scope of the project is to bring in a barge, lift each section out of the water; replace damaged floatation cells, and lower them back into the water in the same location,” Gilbert said, while noting three sections have been marked for removal.

“As you can see, this is a simple repair to some sections with no impact to existing seagrass or other habitat,” he said.

Gilbert resubmitted the city’s request.

“Please advise as to your course of action on this project, as we have the funding commitments from FEMA already in place, and there are time constraints on getting the repairs and mitigation done as soon as possible,” he concluded.

Hoch responded later that same day admitting her mistake.

“I talked with my chief and you are correct, there will be no impacts so no reason to coordinate with the National Marine Fisheries Service,” she wrote. “I mistakenly took your simple dock repair for a full in-water work permit. I have written your permit and it is being reviewed right now. I anticipate it being sent out by the end of the week.”

 

Not over yet

        With FEMA and DEP approving the project, and an expected corps approval any day, repairs starting soon are not necessarily a given.

Public frustration over the long-term closure has been mounting for the past few months.

Public works director Tom Woodard noted a spike in complaints beginning in December, but acknowledged they were coming primarily from visitors “who are not up to speed on the project.”

The final obstacle to alleviate public frustration and vindicate the efforts of city staff, who have navigated a proverbial red tape minefield, will be accomplished when FEMA has the funding in place.

FEMA has approved the city’s plan and for all intents and purposes has approved the funding, but has been waiting for DEP and the corps to sign off on the project.

Woodard said in December that as soon as FEMA ends the holding pattern, the city is prepared to begin the repair work.

While FEMA has approved funding, it’s not a guarantee that funding is available. The city will have to first pay for the project and then seek reimbursement from FEMA.

The city wants to ensure funding will be available before proceeding, but there is some concern that Super Storm Sandy’s impact to the Northeast could drain FEMA resources.

An update to the corps approval and FEMA funding could come as early as the city’s next pier team meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at city hall.

Acting Anna Maria Island Community Center executive director Scott Dell told the board of directors that after 2012 revenues and expenses, the center’s $4.5 million mortgage was down to $1.5 million.

On the negative side, Dell said donations and revenue fell by $53,000 in 2012. However, he said, $30,000 of revenue was used to pay interest on the mortgage.

Dell said the center cut back operating expenses by more than $8,000 last year, mostly by staff assuming more duties and responsibilities in lieu of new hires.

He noted the costs of some adult programs were raised a few dollars, but the annual membership fee for teenagers and children remains $30. The fee has not increased in more than five years, he said.

Board member David Teitelbaum said he was disappointed that donations declined, but Dell said the center has seen worse years.

He noted the Lester Challenge to match $25,000 if the center raised $25,000 was met, with the center raising $27,000.

“The donations will come back,” Dell said.

Board president Greg Ross said he hoped so. A major goal of the board this year is to reduce the mortgage with more fundraising events.

Dell said he expects good attendance at an upcoming entertainment event. A Neil Diamond tribute concert was a success, and he expects a Frank Sinatra tribute in February and an Elvis Presley impersonator show in March to do as well or better.

Dell also noted the highly profitable fundraiser, the annual tour of homes, is March 16.

The largest fundraiser is the annual Island Affaire, which will be held in May. That event is expected to raise $200,000 or more, Dell said.

“If it’s good, we’re OK,” Ross said of the event and its potential proceeds. “If it’s not, we’re in trouble.”         Ross also reported that the center received a $90,000 grant toward the purchase of a new $100,000 bus. The center has to put up $10,000, but could then sell the old bus, which was originally donated by the Florida Department of Transportation.

In other business, Steward Moon Jr. and Cindy Thompson were elected to the board. Also, Thompson and Teitelbaum were named to the governance committee. Ross said the governance committee and board must review the center’s by-laws before other elections.

Newly appointed executive director Dawn Stiles, who is expected to assume her duties no later than April 1, joined the meeting via a teleconference call from Portland, Maine. She praised Dell and the board for their hard work and dedication, particularly in fundraising ideas.

The next board meeting will be 8 a.m., Monday, Feb. 25, at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Looking to eliminate private appraisals that regulate rehabs from the city’s land development code, Holmes Beach commissioners directed their city attorney to begin drafting a new ordinance based on Manatee County property appraiser’s values.

    Private appraisals are part of the city’s land development code that implements the Florida building code and Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations, including what is commonly called the 50 percent rule.

    If an owner seeking to remodel a ground-level home chooses not to elevate the first floor of living area, the rule restricts substantial improvements to less than 50 percent per year based on the structure’s value.

    According to city code, value is determined either by an independent certified appraisal, actual cash value or adjusted tax-assessment, as well as the owner’s and contractor affidavits attesting to project costs.

    Though not present at the Jan. 31 work session, city attorney Patricia Petruff advised the commissioners on the issue in a Jan. 30 email.

    She recommended the commission delete the option that allows independent appraisal determinations of market value, “and instead rely upon the property appraiser’s value of the structure plus a percentage in the range of 15-20 percent.”

    For homesteaded properties, Petruff said a county database may be available to rectify artificially low market values due to the 3 percent homestead cap, and suggested the commission consider using “that value for homesteaded structures, plus the agreed upon percentage.”

    Another way to determine market value is by sales price, building inspector Tom O’Brien told commissioners.

    Mayor Carmel Monti said the appraisal issue is relevant to all zones and recommended a uniform process be established.

    The market value determination for rehabs was one of the commission-identified objectives to lift the Residential-2 building moratorium enacted Dec. 25 by the commission, although determining values will be applicable to all districts.

    With the moratorium in place, commissioners plan to revamp city building laws and policies to discourage large homes and encourage old Florida-style development.

    Commissioner Marvin Grossman questioned past rehabs based on independent appraisals, and favored the county appraiser value as a way to achieve a consistency.

    O’Brien agreed, “I think the approach of using another source to determine this — instead of having to argue with someone at the counter — makes our job easier. It makes it more consistent from one person to the next.”

    Since being hired in December, O’Brien has sought to clarify the city’s implementation of rehab rules.

    O’Brien says he disagrees with past building official decisions on substantial improvements. In a December report, he told commissioners that major structural replacements, such as major portions of a roof or exterior walls, are substantial improvements regardless of the cost.

    Commissioner David Zaccagnino agreed with the mayor that a new comprehensive process should be put in place.

    “I have confidence in the building department that they will come up with something so everybody in all districts are on the same page, and that all the builders know,” he said.

    Commissioner Judy Titsworth asked whether the city has the authority to allow people to remodel over a period, referencing a rule that prohibits additional improvements within a calendar year after a remodeling project is permitted.

    “What if the previous owners have maxed out on the 50 percent?” Titsworth asked.

        O’Brien said he’d research that question, adding that, “I believe the city’s policy has been and continues to be a one-year cycle.”

… and works to eliminate duplex divide

By Kathy Prucnell

Islander Reporter

    The Holmes Beach City Commission — with the exception of one commissioner — agreed to direct its planner to begin drafting an ordinance that will eliminate the separation of duplex units by underground footers.

    With city planner Bill Brisson present at their Jan. 31 work session, commissioners discussed changes that will instead require a party wall joining two-family dwellings, as well as related setbacks in the Residential-2 zone.

    Following a lengthy discussion on setbacks — which the commission decided not to change — Commission Chair Jean Peelen directed Brisson to draft an ordinance to stop underground or above ground connections between duplex units and grandfather properties where one of the two units already has been permitted.

    Brisson provided commissioners with a Jan. 18 memorandum on the proposed code changes.

    Peelen asked Brisson to clarify proposed regulations on existing two-family dwellings separated by a footer or other means to eliminate the impression the city will permit them in the future.

    Commissioner David Zaccagnino disagreed with the commission’s direction, saying, “Two separate small buildings are much more attractive than if we force people to put them together.”

    “We’re going to have one massive building instead of two smaller ones that will be landscaped and buffered a lot better. Because of FEMA regulations, they’re going to go up,” he said.

    Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, formerly mayor of the city, told commissioners the interpretation changed to allow the underground separation during her term.

    “(Building official) Bill Saunders started it probably in 2006 just before I left,” she said.

    Whitmore continued, “He met with a local builder here. We all know the person. He’s been around here as long as I can remember. They had a cup of coffee one day. Because the houses were starting to look like big houses, because everyone was trying to get the biggest house possible, this guy decided to go with the single-foundation thing.”

    Whitmore encouraged the city to find ways to allow builders and owners to be creative, and to discourage building larger structures.

    Resident architect Terry Parker suggested staggered front- and rear-yard setbacks to avoid the massive appearance of residential structures.

    Building code and policy changes are expected to continue before the commission lifts the building moratorium, which is set to expire June 25.

        The commission next meets at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

A loud “cluck, cluck, cluck” echoed in the chambers Jan. 31 after Holmes Beach commissioners heard resident Ryan Duncan’s proposal to allow egg-laying hens.

        He asked that the city consider an ordinance — such as one already enacted by the city of Sarasota, and those being considered by the city of Palmetto and Manatee County.

        Commissioner David Zaccagnino said the city has a livestock ordinance because it once had a 300-pound pot-belly pig running loose, while others in the community recall the livestock ban coming before the pig problem.

        Duncan said his family compelled him to plead his case to allow chickens as pets, and he pointed to how it encourages healthy lifestyles and offers opportunities to teach children how to be responsible. He said the laying hens are quiet and will stay put.

        “It’s kind of a national push right now. To be able to control what we put into our bodies a little better. It might tie into your family strategy for permanent residents in Holmes Beach,” he said.

        Commissioner Jean Peelen said she’s been buying fresh eggs. “They’re absolutely different tasting than what you get at the store. They’re just great,” she said.

        Manatee County Commissioner John Chappie said the county is looking at a re-write of its land development code in considering such an ordinance. He didn’t know if it will be adopted by the county board, but agreed with Peelen about the delicious eggs.

        Having grown up in a farm community, Chappie said he liked the idea, adding that chickens aren’t noisy and can be like pets.

        “I love the idea of laying hens,” said Commissioner Judy Titsworth. “Everyone knew I grew up here. And I had hens. As a little girl, I’d walk to the shopping centers carrying my little hens under my arms.”

        She added, “We’re trying to bring family back. We’re going to get people moving here just because we’re cool.”

        After the meeting, Titsworth said there is a consensus among commissioners for legalizing egg-laying chickens, and she expects the issue will go on a future agenda for a vote.

        The next Holmes Beach work session is at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 7.

A 42-year-old Holmes Beach man faces multiple felony drug charges after being arrested for shoplifting at Kmart, 7350 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Michael Fitzpatrick, 4500 block of Gulf Drive, was observed by a loss prevention officer at the store’s jewelry counter taking off his watch and replacing it with a new one.

Fitzpatrick allegedly went to the register to pay for several other items, but attempted to leave the store without paying for the watch. The loss prevention officer had already contacted the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and a deputy was waiting for Fitzpatrick outside the store.

He was placed under arrest for petit theft. The watch was valued at $30.

During a search of Fitzpatrick, the deputy allegedly found a bag containing .07 grams of a powder that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

According to the report, the deputy also found a pill bottle containing 20 morphine pills and 29 doses of oxycodone.

Fitzpatrick allegedly said he had a prescription for the pills, but keeps them in a different bottle to avoid getting robbed. The reports states he then told deputies that he did not know the methamphetamine was in his shorts, saying the shorts he was wearing were not his.

He was booked into the Manatee County jail on misdemeanor petit theft, felony possession of methamphetamine and two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance and held on more than $3,000 bond.

According to jail records, Fitzpatrick posted bond Jan. 29 and was released.

He is scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

ITEMS FOR SALE

TWO GARAGE DOOR openers: Complete, nearly new, $79/each or best offer. 941-778-3920.

DISHWASHER WHITE. $65. Call 941-713-4048.

FOR SALE. QUEEN mattress and box springs with set of sheets. Serta. $50. 941-685-2847.

LUGGAGE SIGNATURE COLLECTION: Floral print, 20-inch roll-on with matching carry-on, $25. Call Marion, 941-761-1415.

FULL SIZE MEMORY foam bed and all accessories, $300 or best offer. 941-778-1912.

FILE CABINET: FOUR-drawer, $25. 941-778-4793.

YELLOW HUMMER KID bike, $60. 941-778-7978.

MARY KAY COSMETICS: Full line at discounted prices. Jenifer, 941-224-1760, 941-739-0792.

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 and one letter-size regular 2 drawer files. 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

GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN Church: All are welcome to come and worship with us! Please call 941-778-1813 or visit us at: www.gloriadeilutheran.com for worship times. 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

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/

BUYING ANTIQUE DOLLS, Steiff teddy bears, holiday items pre-1950. Call Jan, 330-554-1634.

HAITI $$$ DONATIONS to the Ministry of Presence Inc., www.ministryofpresence.org, urgently needed for local representatives to aid homeless children. Info: The Islander, 941-778-7978.

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, Thursday and Friday. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Donation drop-off  9 a.m.-11 a.m. Wednesday. 511 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 941-779-2733.

NEW LOCATION: STEFF’S Stuff Antiques has moved to The Centre Shops on Longboat Key. 5380 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Unit 101. 941-383-1901.

WHITE ELEPHANT AND clothing sale: Special pre-sale, $5 fee, 4-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 (complimentary sundae) and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Bake sale, pickles, soup and sandwich bar. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

GARAGE SALE:  9 a.m.-noon Friday and Saturday Feb. 8-9. Queen sofa bed, dresser, table and chair, two microwaves, miscellaneous. 1902 67th St. W., Bradenton.

LOST & FOUND

LOST RAY BAN sunglasses on Jan. 14 at the beach. 860-930-2181.

BMW CAR KEYS: Lost on North Shore Drive, Anna Maria. Call 901-496-4883, 901-486-0108.

LOST: PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES Jan. 20, Bridge Street festival. Brown frames in brown cloth sack. Call 765-491-9530, if found.

FOUND: BRACELET IN the community center area, near Magnolia, Anna Maria. 616-304-4187.

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.

TRANSPORTATION

2002 CHRYSLER TOWN & Country. $4,499. Always garaged, excellent condition, fully loaded. No accidents, Perfect first car. Brand new brakes, rotors and calipers (cost $2,000). Anna Maria Island. Call 603-778-2526.

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: 20-foot, 50-hp, hard top, recent upholstery and carpet. Extra lines and preservers, $2,500. 941-778-4793.

WAVES BOAT CLUB membership, paid in full through February, 2015. Great opportunity to enjoy boating without the hassle of ownership and without an initiation fee. www.wavesboatclub.com. Call 321-427-4646.

PONTOON BOAT RENTAL: See Anna Maria Island by water! Phone, 941-518-3868. 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

TORTILLA BAY IS hiring motivated team players for all kitchen positions and cashiers. Experience required. 5318 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Please come in for an application.

JOIN THE TEAM: Great location on Bridge Street. Experienced realtors needed to handle walk-ins and Internet leads. Call Lynn, Edgewater Real Estate, 941-778-8104.

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, PETS AND plants: 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.

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: Full care, 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.

ISLAND LIVING CATERING/personal chef for your wedding, home and special events. 941-345-4727.

KEY CLEANERS & LINEN has expanded our services. We now offer residential cleaning. Family owned for 24 years on Longboat Key. Quality and service, now in your home. 941-383-1222.

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

TRUEBLUE33 COMPUTER Repair Service, LLC: Fast and reliable on-site computer repair service with reasonable rates. CompTIA A+ and Network+ certified. Call today! Anthony Mitchell at 941-592-7714.

BOOKKEEPING AND SMALL business consulting services offered. Call Ian, 941-730-1745 or visit me at my shop, The Hive, 199 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Author “Small Business Survival Handbook.”

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

AMI COMPUTER: COMPUTER problems solved at your home or office. Wireless networking, virus removal. 941-301-4726.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER!  BUY one, get one free music lesson. manateemusic.net or 941-741-8832.

I CAN FIX IT. Virus cleanup, system upgrade. Hardware, software and network repair. 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.: 36 years of happy customers. Organizing, laundry, ironing, pet-watch, storm-check, etc. 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. $45/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 shutters. 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.

SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT: Michigan builder, 30 years experience. Affordable, timely, within budget. Call Mike, 1-616-204-8822.

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.

CORTEZ CONCRETE AND Masonry: No job too small. Patios, driveways, stucco, etc. Sills repaired. 716-361-0010.

RENTALS

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

VACATION RENTALS ONLY: Private pool homes, and condo, 1BR/1BA overlooking golf course. Call 941-794-1515 or www.coastalpropertiesrealty.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.

ANNUAL RENTAL: 3BR/2BA home on canal with pool, $2,200/month. Call Sato Real Estate Inc., 941-778-7200 or email: rentals@satorealestate.com.

VACATION HOME RENTAL: 3BR/2BA, minutes to beach, $900/month, $2,500/month. Realtor, 941-356-1456. Real Estate Mart.

PANORAMIC GULFFRONT: 3BR/2BA, huge deck, every room overlooks Gulf. Available January 2014. North Shore Drive, Anna Maria. 813-920-5595.

ANNUAL RENTAL: 2 BR/2BA duplex. One block from beach. Background and credit check. No pets. $1,000/month. First, last and security. Available now. 813-672-1481.

2BR/2BA CONDO: 1,250 sf, new tile throughout, office/den, pool access, exercise room, carport, and small storage.  $1,100/month. Small pet OK.  First, last, security. Water and cable included.  Gulf-Bay Realty, 941-778-7244.

WATERFRONT SEASONAL RENTAL for winter, 2013-14. 3BR/2.5BA home at the end of a canal. Amazing view of Bimini Bay and Key Royale Bridge. Beautiful home with enclosed pool, large covered porch, two-car garage. Fully furnished. $4,750/month. Available November-May. 863-660-8366.

ANNUAL RENTAL: CANAL home, 3BR/3BA, caged pool, kitchen appliances, one-car garage, unfurnished. Available Feb. 1. $2,195/month. 863-660-8366.

HOMES BEACH ANNUAL rental: 3BR/2BA, totally renovated, 2010. Fully applianced, storage facility, great location, pet-friendly, $1,500/month. 603-969-6840.

LAKEFRONT CONDO: 2BR/2BA. Three-month minimum. $2,700 plus resort tax per month. 941-794-5011.

ANNUAL RENTAL OR will sell with owner finance. Waterfront Bayou condo, 2BR/1BA completely remodeled, furnished, granite kitchen and bath professionally decorated, No pets. $1,100 per month. 522 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-778-1410.

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: 146 feet on the beach. 3BR/4.5BA, office recreation room, spa, pool, outdoor kitchen and theater, elevator, turnkey furnished. $3,750,000. Suncoast Real Estate, 941-779-0202 or 941-720-0288.

DIRECT GULFFRONT CONDO: Bradenton Beach. Excellent investment rental income. www.flipkey.com/124227. $269,000. By owner, 941-962-8220.

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.

LOT: 135-FOOT frontage, partial view Palma Sola Bay. Last one, desirable area, underground services. 941-792-8826.

2BR/2BA 2005 JACOBSEN home with share. Patio and deck, possible boat slip. Furnished. Active 55-plus community, beach and bay access. Call 267-266-1101.

FOR SALE BY owner. 2BR/2BA 1,600 sf Anna Maria canal home. 15,000-lb. boat lift. Terrific north end location, walk to beach, boat in your back yard. Call Steve at 813-245-0428.

WATERFRONT LOT: ONE acre, direct access to Manatee River, rare find, boating, fishing, Gulf beaches, $319,000. WebPro Realty. Call Robert, 863-6026414. rharper@webpro-realty.com.

HOUSE FOR SALE: 3BR/3BA canalfront, granite counters, new air conditioning, 2,000 sf. $579,000. By appointment only. 941-778-1620.

PARADISE: 2BR/2BA IN 55-plus community, turnkey, Ellenton. Rent space includes 20-plus amenities. Pet friendly, five heated pools, marina. Two miles to I-75, 15 miles to Gulf! $23,500. Bob, 941-721-4890.

TOWNHOUSE: 2BR/2BA, boat slip, heated pool. $137,500. Fred Flis, realtor, 941-356-1456.

BAYSHORE GARDENS HOUSE: Updated 4BR/2BA, community pool and marina. $89,900. Realtor, 941-356-1456. Real Estate Mart.

CONDOS FOR SALE: 1BR/1BA Furnished, low maintenance, all amenities. $35,000-$38,000. Suzanne at Coastal Properties Realty. 941-794-1515.