MANATEE COUNTY – Property owners located in West Manatee Fire Rescue’s district recently received some mail they likely weren’t expecting from the fire department.
District leaders sent out a letter to all property owners in the district, spanning Anna Maria Island, Cortez and unincorporated Manatee County in west Bradenton, notifying them of an upcoming public hearing to discuss increases in assessment rates. The good news for property owners is that unless you own a vacation rental property in the district, your rates won’t increase much.
While most residential property owners will be looking at an average $13 increase in non-ad valorem assessment rates in the coming 2023-24 fiscal year from the fire department, owners of vacation rentals will be looking at a more significant increase to the tune of a few hundred dollars depending on the size of the unit.
The change for vacation rentals comes by way of the Florida Fire Code, which allows for districts like West Manatee to classify vacation rentals as commercial properties operating in residential districts, even if the property is zoned residential. The reason for the change in WMFR’s district is to allow fire inspectors to inspect vacation rental properties – seen as businesses despite their location – for safety and compliance with fire prevention measures such as placement of fire extinguishers, plans for egress and placement of fire alarms. The inspections are slated to begin with the new fiscal year on Oct. 1.
Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said that vacation rental owners should not be concerned about needing high-ticket items such as sprinkler systems. He also said that the district will be working with other organizations already conducting safety inspections, such as the Holmes Beach Code Compliance division, to make sure that efforts are not duplicated.
Changing the classification for the district of vacation rental properties also changes how those properties are taxed for services by the district. While the zoning for the properties is not changing, under the fire code they’re now viewed as commercial rather than residential properties, triggering an increase in rates. The increase in funding allows WMFR to complete the staffing needed for the new inspection program, including the hiring of a new fire inspector and assistant for the Fire Prevention Bureau.
The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. at the district’s administration building, 701 63rd St. N.W. in Bradenton. The public is invited to attend and speak in person or over Zoom.
MANATEE COUNTY – County officials say that new tests confirm the drinking water coming from Lake Manatee is safe.
In a July 18 press release, more than a week after attention was first drawn to the strange odor and taste in local drinking water, county officials said that the compound affecting the water is geosmin, not an algal toxin.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, geosmin is a compound, often related to the cyanobacteria Anabaena, that causes taste and odor issues in water related to blue-green algae outbreaks.
“While certain blue-green algae can produce toxins, it is important to note that not all blue-green algae blooms are toxic,” according to last week’s press release from county Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan.
Logan’s previous press release from the county on July 10 stated that tests showed the presence of blue-green algae at elevated concentrations in drinking water.
The algae bloom in the county reservoir, which provides water for a large part of the county, caused a musty taste and odor that persists, according to the county.
Local environmental advocacy group Suncoast Waterkeeper disputed the water’s safety in a press release on July 12, naming Anabaena as a health risk.
Independent testing done by GreenWater Laboratories showed that a number of cyanotoxins related to blue-green algae were not found in the water, according to the county.
The county is treating the reservoir with activated powdered carbon.
Algae blooms in the county’s drinking water are common, seasonal occurrences, according to the county, which advises the public to use a carbon filter on faucets to minimize the earthy taste of the drinking water.
BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) expects to receive $635,677 in ad valorem property tax revenues during the 2023-24 fiscal year.
City Treasurer Shayne Thompson presented the projected CRA revenues and expenses to CRA board members during the July 18 budget meeting that marked the beginning of the board’s annual budgeting process. Further discussion and decision-making will occur at a future budget meeting before the proposed CRA budget is formally adopted in September.
The city of Bradenton Beach has the only CRA on Anna Maria Island. The property tax revenues the CRA receives are a portion of the property tax revenues collected from residential and commercial property owners in the CRA district that extends from the Cortez Bridge to the southernmost residential property lines along Fifth Street South.
Each year, the CRA also receives a state-mandated transfer of funds from the city’s general fund. For the coming fiscal year, the city will transfer $142,516 from the general fund to the separately controlled CRA fund. The proposed CRA revenues also include $3,000 in interest income, giving the CRA $781,193 in total anticipated revenues for the 2023-24 fiscal year that begins on Oct. 1. Approximately $300,000 from the current fiscal year budget will be carried over into the new fiscal year, giving the CRA approximately $1.1 million to work with for the year. According to Thompson, the CRA has an estimated $711,839 in unallocated funds to spend on projects and improvements within the CRA district.
The proposed budget includes $121,100 in general CRA-related operational expenses and an additional $5,000 for administrative services provided by city staff.
The proposed budget includes $100,769 for the CRA-funded additional policing of the CRA district. This entails patrolling Bridge Street during peak hours and using the police boat to police the liveaboard boats and boaters in the unmanaged anchorage south of the Bradenton Beach Pier. CRA police funding will increase by $17,125 compared to last year.
Police Chief John Cosby said he’s adding Wednesday evenings to the CRA-funded policing that already occurs on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Cosby said Wednesdays have become another busy night on Bridge Street, in part because the AMI Moose Lodge attracts hundreds of people to the area during its Wednesday evening Queen of Hearts drawings.
The proposed budget includes $84,500 for CRA-related salaries and wages for the Public Works personnel who maintain, clean and service the CRA district. During Tuesday’s meeting, CRA member John Chappie said he’d like to discuss increasing that amount at the next budget meeting. Chappie would also like further discussion on once again giving bonuses to city staff members who significantly assist the CRA.
CRA projects
In recent years, the Bradenton Beach CRA has funded several projects to enhance and improve the district for visitors, residents and business owners, including the floating dock expansion project next to the pier that included 13 new finger docks (with 50% matching funds provided by Manatee County), undergrounding most of the utility lines in the CRA district and partially funding the Old Town Tram parking tram shuttle service.
The expanded floating dock funded by the CRA and Manatee County features 13 new finger docks that provide more public dockage. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Smaller-scale CRA-funded pursuits include park improvements, holiday decorations, signs, landscaping and beautification projects, bike racks and financial support for special events.
Undergrounding utility lines has been a CRA priority in recent years and these lines and poles are expected to be removed later this year. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The preliminary budget worksheet Thompson presented for the coming fiscal year lists $72,000 in anticipated CRA-funded projects and capital improvements, $52,000 for Old Town Tram operations and $20,000 for seagrass mitigation required for a previously completed CRA-funded dredging of the navigational canal between the Bradenton Beach Pier and Leffis Key. Thompson said the seagrass mitigation expenses might be more than currently budgeted.
Thompson noted the CRA spent about $10,000 more than it budgeted for the current fiscal year and advised CRA members to hold back $20,000 to $25,000 to cover any unexpected costs, including project costs that run higher than expected. Thompson advised the CRA members to create a list of desired projects for the coming year and task the appropriate staff members to get estimated costs for the proposed projects.
“If there’s something you want to do, add some dollars for it,” Thompson said.
At Chappie’s suggestion, CRA members agreed to include in the budget $30,000 for beautification/facade grants that were previously budgeted for but never used. Chappie said he’s talked to a couple of property owners who have expressed interest in pursuing the grants that would require them to match the funds received from the CRA.
CRA Chair Ralph Cole said he’d like to allocate some money to enhance and possibly widen the walkways that lead to the CRA district.
CRA member David Bell suggested setting aside $200,000 each year for the next five years to purchase small slices of property for CRA enhancements, but that suggestion didn’t garner much support.
The CRA members will better define their list of proposed projects during their next budget meeting.
The city commission and CRA members have expressed support for a paid parking program that would include some or all of the city-owned parking spaces in the CRA district, but the proposed CRA budget doesn’t currently include any anticipated paid parking revenues or expenses. There are still details that need to be worked out before a request for proposals can be issued seeking bids from potential paid parking program vendors.
CORTEZ – The legal filings continue in civil litigation pertaining to residential docks and boat lifts located along the man-made canal surrounding the Hunters Point development.
A preliminary hearing to be conducted by videoconferencing is scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 3:30 p.m. before 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas.
In response to a 2021 dock permitting challenge initiated by MHC Cortez Village LLC, owners of the nearby Cortez Village Marina, Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty’s Cortez Road Investments & Finance Inc. (CRIF) ownership group filed a civil lawsuit on June 3, 2022 that named as defendants canal-side residential property owners Jonathan and Sheila Graham, Wendy and George Kokolis, Mark Ibasfalean, Jacquelyn Shepard, Mary Norman and Timothy Fitzpatrick. Since then, numerous legal filings have occurred but no hearings have been held.
Several residential docks and boat lifts are located across the canal from the western end of the Hunters Point property. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
According to the defendants’ cross notice of hearing recently filed on June 30, “Defendants Jonathan and Sheila Graham hereby provide notice that defendants George and Wendy Kokolis’ motion to dissolve Lis Pendens, or in the alternative require a Lis Pendens bond, will be presented to the court, together with the Graham’s motion to dissolve Lis Pendens or to require bond.”
According to the Jimerson Birr law firm website, “A lis pendens is a common tool used in Florida to put third parties on notice of a pending lawsuit against real estate. Property owners may not be able to sell, obtain financing or obtain title insurance until the lis pendens is removed.”
The lawsuit alleges the defendants are unlawfully maintaining docks and boat lifts in the privately-owned Hunters Point canal without the authorization of the canal owner. The lawsuit alleges many of the docks, boat lifts and other encumbrances located in the western portion of the canal extend more than 25% into the canal, which, if true, would violate Manatee County’s dock regulations.
The defendants deny the allegations and claim their docks and lifts are legally and properly permitted by Manatee County and do not exceed the 25% regulation.
In Aug. 2021, the Kokolis’ received a building permit from Manatee County to install a new boat lift for the residential structure they own at the westernmost end of the canal near the humpback bridge on 127th Street West.
In May 2022, Gobuty’s attorney, Susan Martin, sent a cease and desist letter to the Kokolis’ that said, “This letter is to advise you to immediately cease construction and to remove the works that you have already placed on my client’s private property. If you fail to do so, we will be forced to seek immediate injunctive relief and damages in circuit court.”
Two weeks later, CRIF filed the lawsuit against the Kokolis’ and the other defendants.
On June 12, 2023, the Kokolis’ attorney filed an amended answer and affirmative defense to the CRIF complaint. The affirmative defense document argues the Kokolis’ boat lift is legally permitted by the county. It also argues that in 2018, CRIF recorded a declaration of intent and clarification of rights with Manatee County that entitles the Kokolis’ and others to construct and maintain residential docks and lifts in the canal.
In that same court filing, the Kokolis’ attorney included a countersuit against CRIF that disputes Gobuty’s sole ownership of the canal and claims the Kokolis’ have preexisting property rights that allow a dock and/or boat lift to be installed in the canal.
Existing canal uses
While appearing before the Manatee County Commission in 2018 as part of the initial Hunters Point permitting process, Gobuty and his attorney stated he didn’t intend to restrict canal access for those who already had legally conforming docks and lifts located in the portion of the man-made canal he purchased when he bought the Hunters Point property in 2016.
According to this aerial map presented during the 2022 permit challenge hearing, the portion of the canal highlighted in blue is owned by Marshall Gobuty’s Cortez Road Investments & Finance Inc. – Manatee County Property Appraiser | Submitted
Gobuty later told The Sun he would not have filed the lawsuit against the canal-side property owners had the marina not challenged his dock permit and claimed the canal was too narrow to safely accommodate the Hunters Point docks.
Construction of the Hunters Point homes continues while the appeals process plays out. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Gobuty said he has no desire to restrict anyone’s existing access to the canal as long as their docks, lifts and boats don’t extend more than 25% into the canal, and they don’t negatively impact the construction of the Hunters Points docks that are a key component of the Hunters Point development that includes the ongoing construction of 86 solar powered, energy self-sufficient homes.
Marina lawsuit
On May 26, 2022, CRIF filed a separate civil lawsuit against MHC Cortez Village LLC in response to the marina ownership group’s challenge of the state-issued environmental resource permit needed to install the Hunters Point docks.
When challenging the permit, MHC Cortez Village claimed the Hunters Point docks would impede the marina clients’ navigation of the canal by further narrowing the only direct water access from the marina to the Intracoastal Waterway to the west.
The unresolved lawsuit that CRIF filed against MHC Cortez Village seeks a court order that would prohibit marina clients from using the portion of the canal owned by CRIF, which extends from the edge of the marina’s boat basin to the western edge of the canal near the entrance to the Intracoastal Waterway. To date, no hearings have been scheduled in the CRIF/MHC Cortez Village lawsuit assigned to Manatee County Circuit Court Judge Charles Sniffen.
This aerial photo of the west end of the canal was included as evidence in the 2022 permit challenge hearing requested by MHC Cortez Village LLC. – Submitted
On May 23, 2023, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board adopted a final order pertaining to the permit challenge. That ruling allows the district to issue CRIF the environmental resource permit needed to install 32 new boat slips and replace 17 existing slips along the canal.
On June 22, MHC Cortez Village filed an appeal of the governing board’s ruling and the appeal process could take a year or more to complete. Gobuty said the construction of the Hunters Point docks will remain on hold until the appeal process is completed.
While the appeal process plays out, the canal-side residential property owners remain caught in the ongoing dispute between the developer and the marina owners.
BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) is getting closer to completing several improvements sought for its Bradenton Beach Pier-based restaurant operations.
On July 20, the Bradenton Beach City Commission approved the request made by the AMOB ownership group, We’re Back Inc., to remove and replace several sabal palm and black olive trees currently located in the city-owned pier parking lot.
The AMOB ownership group had hoped to replace the existing trees with taller maypan coconut palm trees, but due to liability concerns, the city commission stipulated no trees from which coconuts could drop are allowed in the public parking lot at the foot of the pier. The commission also stipulated the removed trees must be replanted or replaced in other locations on a one-to-one basis.
This crab trap-themed fence in south Florida inspired the decorative fence desired by the AMOB ownership group. – We’re Back Inc. | Submitted
Building Official Steve Gilbert said the installation of a decorative crab trap-themed fence that will replace the existing chain link fence between the city-owned parking lot and the Pines Trailer Park remains on hold until the fire marshal reviews and approves the potential fire risk posed by the wooden crab trap fence facade.
AMOB’s crab trap-themed fence will replace the existing chain link fence between the parking lot and the Pines Trailer Park. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) previously agreed to contribute $30,000 toward the $60,000 fence installation. The CRA anticipates recouping $15,000 of that contribution from Manatee County as part of the recently completed floating dock expansion project for which the county is providing 50% in matching funds for the total project costs.
Gilbert also said he still needs to review the diagrams needed to issue a conditional use permit previously approved by the city commission. The conditional use permit will allow alcoholic beverages purchased from AMOB to be consumed only on the pier, where alcoholic beverages have historically been prohibited.
The new to-go food kiosk and service bar are ready to go, but were not yet in operation. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The commission-approved to-go food kiosk and service bar recently installed in an adjacent auxiliary building that AMOB leases from the city is ready for use but was not yet in operation at week’s end.
Three umbrella-covered tables are now in place alongside the pier entrance railing. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Three new umbrella-covered tables have been temporarily installed along the pier entrance railing south of the main restaurant building. Those tables will eventually be replaced by permanent tiki hut-covered tables.
AMOB CEO John Horne told The Sun he planned to meet with Mayor John Chappie on Monday, July 24 to further discuss AMOB’s desired improvements and implementation timelines.
BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Privateers and the Drift In raised $2,350 during Saturday’s annual Christmas in July fundraiser.
Saturday evening’s fundraising efforts included two raffles: one raffle for the lotto board that contained a $100 bill surrounded by $400 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets; and another for the liquor basket valued at $300.
Glen Authers won the
lotto board assembled by honorary Privateer Ellen Scott, and Drift In Manager and honorary Privateer Doreen Flynn won the liquor basket.
Glen Authers won the lotto board that bartender Amanda Westrich helped sell raffle tickets for. – Submitted
The fundraising efforts also included food sales. For a $10 donation, folks could enjoy a wide variety of food donated by local restaurants and others.
While standing near the food table, Privateer Carmela O’Driscoll thanked The Freckled Fin, the Palmetto Moose Lodge, Double Deez Chicago Style Hot Dogs, El Sombreros, Cheesecake Cutie, Bolo’s Baked Goods, the Privateers and Flynn for the food and desserts they donated to the cause.
Several local restaurants donated food to the fundraising efforts. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
As the event got underway, Privateer John “Arr” Rutherford said, “We’re raising money for kids at Christmas time. Most of today’s proceeds will go toward the families that have fallen on hard times that we help during Christmas. This is one of our two annual events that we have to help our Christmas families. The Drift In has been great in allowing us to host this annual event here for the past several years. They’re super-supportive of the Privateers.”
Drift In Manager Doreen Flynn, third from left, won the liquor basket. – Submitted
“We hope to raise lots of money for the Privateers,” Flynn said. “We help families every year at Christmas and we also help raise money for the scholarships the Privateers give away in July. The Privateers do so much for the children in our community and that’s what it’s all about.”
Tammi McCoy was among those who posed for a photo with Santa (Greg McCoy). – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Sitting outside in his Adirondack chair, Santa (Greg McCoy) posed for pictures with those who made donations to the Privateers. During the late afternoon musical performance by Dos-Macs and Tommy Balbo, Santa stepped to the mic and said he was already compiling his naughty and nice lists and supporting the Privateers would get you on his nice list.
Concrete Edgar provided live music indoors that evening.
If you’re new to Florida or need a refresher course in the basic practices of ethical angling, the Florida Sea Grant program has just the course for you – the Florida Friendly Angler Program.
With feels-like temperatures in the triple digits every day, this is a good time to prepare for cooler weather in the comfort of your home.
The free course is open to anyone, especially anglers looking to up their game. The course teaches skills and practices that help fish and the environment, a win-win for our fisheries, according to Florida Sea Grant. You will learn about three topics essential for any angler who wants to protect fisheries and the environment:
1. Best Practices for Fish Handling and Release,
2. Environmental Ethics for Anglers and
3. Introduction to Fisheries Management and Giving Back.
The course is self-paced and you can take as long as you need to complete it, but why wait? In just under two hours, you can be a fully certified Florida Friendly Angler. You will receive a certificate and a weatherproof decal if you provide a mailing address. Share this opportunity with friends and on social media using the tag #FloridaFriendlyAngler. After registering, you will be sent a confirmation email with details about how to log on. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email.
Today more than ever, it’s critical that anglers know how to properly handle the fish they catch so that those that don’t come home to dinner with you can grow up and help create the next generation of gamefish. Getting involved in protecting the environment so that future generations of anglers have some of the same opportunities we’ve had is more urgent than ever as the area grows exponentially.
The Florida Friendly Angler Program was created through a partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, UF/IFAS Extension and Florida Sea Grant. For questions about the program, email course administrators Michael Sipos at Sipos624@ufl.edu or Savanna Barry at Savanna.barry@ufl.edu.
ANNA MARIA – After six weeks of adult co-ed flag football games at The Center of Anna Maria Island, team Moss Builders is the victim of the undefeated team Luxury Services. The 40-point loss is uncharacteristic of any Moss Builders team that hits the field.
In the easy win, Luxury’s QB Chase Richardson threw for five touchdowns and took the football into the endzone for six points of his own. Defensively, Richardson contributed with two flag pulls.
The Luxury defense prevented the lethal arm of Ryan Moss from being effective, holding him to just one scoring pass to James Roadman for Moss Builders. Roadman’s catch for six points compliments his defensive interception and stop.
The Moss Builders’ loss was not for the lack of effort by the defense. With 14 recorded flag pulls, the Moss D put the pressure on Richardson, sacking him once and nabbing two interceptions. Isaiah Lambert, for Moss Builders, is credited with the Richardson sack and a flag pull in addition to his single catch.
Peggy Smith, playing as the required female on the team, caught five receptions for positive yardage. Defensively Greg Moss and Nick Cavalluzzi each had four flag pulls, helping to keep the Moss Builders team in the game.
With the victory, Luxury Services’ Tim Holly had the hot hands with seven catches, including one for a TD and a two-point conversion. Holly carried the football into the endzone and had a safety to add points to the scoreboard.
Teammates Alonzo Lemus and Derrick Carey each caught five Richardson passes. Lemus scored two touchdowns, while Cary was hit for one.
Jasmine Muldoon scored six points with a catch and contributed on defense with two flag pulls.
The Cortez Deep Sea Fishing team plays Moss Builders Thursday as the last regular game of the season at 9:00 p.m.
It’s like waking up from a bad dream and realizing it was only a dream and everything is just fine. However, the Florida insurance nightmare isn’t just a bad dream, it’s the new reality, and we keep taking hits.
The latest is Farmers Insurance Company pulling out of Florida, leaving 100,000 policyholders high and dry. They will no longer be writing policies for homeowners, auto and umbrella in the state. They point to storm risk and increased litigation forcing them to reimburse more funds than they feel comfortable doing, meaning they’re not making enough money selling insurance in the state of Florida.
We can’t do anything about the storms and unless Farmers is living in a different dimension, the state has always had the risk of storms. The litigation issue was addressed by the governor and Florida Legislature this past year hoping to reduce the number of lawsuits relative to claims.
As always, homeowners live in fear each renewal that their insurance will be canceled or will go up too much. You always have the option of shopping around before your next renewal in the event you do get canceled, but be careful.
Make sure the company or insurance broker you’re talking to is a real person. There is a National Association of Insurance Commissioners that can help you verify who you’re talking to. My advice, especially for homeowners who live near the water, is to try as hard as possible firstly not to get canceled and if you get an increase, bite the bullet and pay it before shopping for a lower rate.
You can make your home more insurable by changing things that will make the property less risky to insure. Fire alarms and security systems can get you several percentage points off your premium. Hurricane shutters, hurricane-proof windows and fire-resistant siding also will help.
But the elephant in the room in Florida is the age and condition of your roof. Be prepared to get a cancellation or requirement to replace the roof if it is anywhere over 25 years of age, even if there are no leaks and no claims against it. This is also true if you live in a condominium complex where the roofs are the responsibility of the association. Condo owners are getting hit all over the place with special assessments to replace roofs in order to get insurance.
Time to report the June sales statistics in Manatee County released by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.
Single-family homes closed 17.7% more properties from last June. The median sale price was $525,000, down 4.5% from last year, and the average sale price was $678,994, down 1.7% from last year. The time to contract was 37 days compared to six days last year and the month’s supply of available properties is 2.8 months compared to 1.8 months last year.
Condos closed 12.1% more properties from last June. The median sale price was up 3.8% to $370,000, and the average sale price was up 6.6% to $471,003. The time to contract was 34 days compared to seven days last year and the month’s supply of available properties was 3.4 months compared to 1.5 months last year.
Sales are up in both areas of the residential market, keeping in mind most of these transactions were booked at least 30 days ago before the slower season really kicked in. Nevertheless, the news release from the Realtor Association states, “The residential market in Manatee County continues to thrive with strong buyer activity.”
Insurance nightmares or not, Florida is still a great state to live in. Hopefully, we’ll have a moderate storm season and improved litigation laws that will give insurers a reason to come back to Florida. That would be a happy dream
My wife and I have been homeowners in Manatee County for 30 years and permanent residents for about half that time. We now reside full-time on Anna Maria Island, where we built a new home in 2014. It is reasonable in size and it has only one elevated floor, elevated to meet the latest codes. We love this area and settled here by choice after living in three different countries and spending time in 20 others.
I wish to express my feelings about this parking garage which is causing so much frustration and dissatisfaction. Mostly, I would like to present a totally different approach.
Building a multi-floor garage is not the ideal solution. First of all, it will only contain the additional number of cars generated by all the new construction surrounding the Bradenton area for at best a year. What will we do in another year – build a second garage, and then a third, as hundreds of new homes are popping up like mushrooms all around our area?
The land area of Anna Maria is approximately 0.73 square miles or less than 2 square kilometers. During the winter season, there are approximately 6,500 residents on this Island, making it a population density of 8,900 people per square mile. The average population density in the U.S. is 37 people per square kilometer or 96 per square mile. We are therefore already 93 times more populated than the national average.
The problem is that this situation cannot be alleviated by adding more parking capacity. What we need is to create one or more new beaches outside of this small spit of land called Anna Maria Island.
Manatee County, according to Google search and the “Welcome to Manatee County” literature, has nearly 150 miles of “pristine coastline.” However, it seems that practically all the road signs indicating the direction to beaches in Manatee County point only toward Anna Maria Island.
I have heard that the cost of this garage may be as high as $45 million. Even if it should turn out to be half that much, I believe that a lot of vacant land could be acquired in that price range to establish a completely new “beach” area with plenty of parking spaces. This would tremendously reduce the usual gridlock which happens regularly when all the beachgoers guided by all the existing road signs arrive on this already crowded residential island.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On a daily patrol last week, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers were shocked and saddened to find multiple turtle nests that had been trampled on and run over with vehicles.
On its Facebook page, Turtle Watch posted photos of tire tracks and footprints through multiple nests with marker stakes broken and on the ground.
Vehicles are illegal on the beaches of Anna Maria Island.
“We’d like to remind everyone that tampering with, disturbing or harassing any nest, adult or hatchling sea turtle is a federal offense punishable by a fine and/or jail time,” Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said.
Disturbances to nests have the potential to impact their success, she said.
“We don’t know if any of the eggs were broken,” Mazzarella said. “We’ll find that out later in the season.”
Turtle Watch volunteers spent the morning of July 11 reposting nest stakes and documenting disturbances to at least four nests in undisclosed locations in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach.
This is the second time in a week that Turtle Watch volunteers found damaged nests, although Mazzarella said the prior incidents were likely not malicious and due to carelessness.
Mazzarella said multiple issues with nests following the Fourth of July holiday included people knocking over stakes, tearing marker tape, walking across nests, digging in the sand close to nests and putting up tents in nesting areas.
Turtle nests on local beaches are clearly marked with yellow numbered stakes and pink caution tape.
Turtle nesting season runs from May through October.
“I’d like to remind people, if you see something, say something,” Mazzarella said.
Report wildlife violations to the FWC. If your information results in an arrest or citation, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. You can report four ways:
• “FWC Wildlife Alert” app (download from Google Play or Apple Store)
• Text 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” and information about the violation
• Call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922)
ANNA MARIA – Manatee County’s two newly-built water taxis have arrived and negotiations continue between the county and the city of Anna Maria regarding the City Pier being used as a water taxi stop.
On July 13, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione issued a press release regarding the arrival of the two newly-built pontoon catamarans that will serve as the Gulf Island Ferry Service fleet.
“The two 50-foot catamarans, as part of the highly anticipated Gulf Island Ferry Service, have splashed down in Cortez. The water ferry service is set to transport visitors and locals between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. The service is anticipated to launch later this summer,” according to the press release.
The new water taxis were placed in the water at the N.E. Taylor Boatworks in Cortez. – Manatee County | Submitted
“We anticipate families parking in downtown Bradenton, hopping on the ferry at the downtown port located just off the riverwalk near Green Bridge and enjoying a beautiful boat ride out to the Island. At the same time, visitors staying on the Island can enjoy a leisure boat ride to downtown Bradenton to enjoy our amazing restaurants and attractions located on the mainland,” Falcione said in the press release.
This map illustrates the proposed water taxi stops. – Manatee County | Submitted
Traveling on the Manatee River and the Intracoastal Waterway, the Clearwater-based Gulf Island Water Taxi company will operate the Gulf Island Ferry Service. The family-owned parent company, Clearwater Ferry, already runs a water taxi service between Clearwater and Dunedin. The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is part of Manatee County government, is marketing the water taxi service.
Initially operating on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., the county-funded service will include water taxi stops at the city of Bradenton-owned Riverwalk Day Dock near the Green Bridge in downtown Bradenton, the city-owned floating dock next to the Bradenton Beach Pier and the county-owned Coquina South boat ramp in Bradenton Beach, across the street from Coquina Beach.
The county plans to run the water taxi from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. three days a week. – Manatee County | Submitted
The county also proposes using the Anna Maria City Pier as a landing spot but the city of Anna Maria and Manatee County have not yet entered into an interlocal agreement approving the destination.
The county is willing to pay for any improvements needed at the various water taxi docking stops to ensure public safety and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including safety railings. But the county wants each city to pay for the ongoing maintenance of any county-funded water taxi-related improvements made to their docking facilities.
The Bradenton and Bradenton Beach city commissions have already approved their city-specific, water taxi-related interlocal agreements with the county and those two city commissions agreed to pay for the ongoing maintenance of any water taxi-related improvements made by the county.
The recently expanded floating dock next to the Bradenton Beach Pier will be used as a water taxi stop. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When approving the interlocal agreement earlier this year, the Bradenton Beach Commission noted the county’s water taxis are welcome to use the recently expanded floating dock as a landing area on a first-come, first-served basis like other users, but the city is not creating a reserved and designated water taxi landing area on the floating dock.
Negotiations continue
As part of the ongoing interlocal agreement negotiations that began last year, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission would like the county to also pay for the ongoing maintenance of any water taxi-related safety improvements made to the City Pier – a provision the county has not agreed to.
During past discussions, Murphy said the City Pier cannot be used as a water taxi stop without a city commission-approved interlocal agreement with the county.
The county proposes using the existing boat landing near the T-end of the Anna Maria City Pier, with some additional safety improvements potentially needed. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In March, the city sent the county a revised agreement that proposed the county pay for the ongoing maintenance. In June, the city received back from the county a version of the interlocal agreement that contained the following language: “Prior to the commencement of water taxi services to the dock, the county shall ensure that the dock is ADA accessible for water taxi service to the public, including constructing any ADA improvements that may be required. The cost of ADA improvements, permits or required ADA-related improvement studies required for dockage of the water taxi vessel or for related upland property are the responsibility of Manatee County and its contractor. Following installation of ADA improvements and acceptance by the city, subsequent maintenance of the cost thereof for the Pier shall remain the responsibility of the city.”
The proposed agreement discussed in June also says, “The county agrees to provide a detailed plan in advance to the Anna Maria City Commission for approval showing the proposed landing area on the pier and any modifications or improvements required for the dockage and the pier. The city has the right to cancel this agreement if it finds that such modifications or improvements are unsatisfactory to the city.”
At that time, the county had not yet provided city officials with the plan referenced in the proposed agreement.
On July 13, Murphy provided the city commission with a status update on the still unresolved agreement negotiations.
Murphy said City Attorney Becky Vose met with county officials after the city commission’s June discussion and earlier in the week he received the county’s latest proposed agreement.
“I’ve gone through that proposal. There’s still some gaps. Late last night, I received a proposed picture of the landing spot, where they would like this to land. I have not received the ADA improvements that are required nor a cost of those ADA improvements, which we would need,” Murphy said.
Vose said she engaged in lengthy discussions with Falcione and one of the assistant county attorneys.
“They, unfortunately, did not implement my requested changes,” she said.
“In the big picture, we certainly do not want to let small details interfere with this, but I’m putting together a short list of some things that need to be changed in the agreement, particularly having to do with liability issues,” Vose said.
She said the negotiations are more challenging for the city because the Bradenton Beach and Bradenton city commissioners already signed the agreements as proposed by the county.
“They just took what was presented, signed it and sent it back,” Vose said.
The city-owned Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton will serve as a water taxi stop. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Murphy said, “There’s attachments missing and I’m not going to put the city in the position of recommending to you signing a contract with attachments that are blank, or not attached or not filled out. Secondly, I’m not real satisfied with the terms and conditions. I’ll come back with a recommendation one way or the other.
“I’m hoping that we can successfully do this, but if we can’t, we can’t. There’s some things you just need to walk away from and hope that things get better later. The legal issues are going to be escalated to the county attorney himself (Bill Clague) rather than to an assistant attorney. There are legal aspects of this contract that to me seem serious and not something that is in the best interest of the city. Those all have to be ironed out, but I think we need to get this off the table one way or the other in two weeks.”
Commissioner Robert Kingan said, “You would certainly think that the county would have engaged us much earlier in the process and got this sorted out at the beginning.”
“It’s a serious matter. I don’t want to be an obstacle. I don’t want bad will, but our interests have to be looked out for,” Murphy said.
Since the water taxi agreement discussions began in 2022, the mayor and commission have also continually expressed a desire for discounted water taxi fares for the service industry employees and others who work on Anna Maria Island and commute from the mainland. During Thursday’s meeting, Anna Maria Commission Chair Mark Short noted the county’s proposed agreement makes no reference to discounted fares for Island employees.
Murphy said he’ll present a “last, best and final proposal” during the commission’s Thursday, Aug. 3 meeting. At that point, the commission will approve or reject the proposed agreement.
After Thursday’s meeting, Murphy said he also received from the county a diagram that illustrates how the county proposes using the existing landing area near the T-end of the pier as a water taxi landing. That diagram was not shared during Thursday’s meeting and as of press time had not yet been provided to the media due to the city’s pending review of the plans that may require some additional pier improvements.
The water taxi service is also scheduled for discussion at the Tuesday, Aug. 1 Manatee County Council of Governments meeting taking place at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto at 4 p.m.
MANATEE COUNTY – A blue-green algae outbreak reported last week at Lake Manatee, the county’s primary drinking water reservoir, has prompted a local water quality watchdog group to question Manatee County’s claim that the water is safe, despite discoloration and an unusual odor.
In a July 19 press release, Suncoast Waterkeeper members noted that the blue-green algae, known as Anabaena or Microcystin-LR, is a cyanotoxin that may be safe from a regulatory standpoint, but not necessarily from a health standpoint.
Water straight from a faucet in Manatee County shows water that county officials say is “safe” for consumption. Large particles of unknown material came out of the faucet along with the water. – Kristin Swain | Sun
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, elevated levels of cyanotoxins, including Anabaena, can cause health issues in humans ranging from a rash to liver and kidney damage if ingested. The most common health effects in humans include abdominal pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, nausea, dry cough, diarrhea, blistering around the mouth and pneumonia. Continually ingesting drinking water contaminated with elevated levels of the bacteria can lead to liver and kidney damage. Anyone experiencing any of the symptoms after coming into contact with the toxin should seek medical treatment immediately and rinse off with clean water.
The EPA also warns that pets, livestock and other animals also can be adversely affected by coming into contact with contaminated water. Symptoms of cyanotoxin poisoning in animals include excessive salivating, fatigue, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. In some severe cases, exposure can also lead to death.
In the water where the blue-green algae bloom occurs, plant and animal life may also die both during and after the bloom, resulting in fish kills in the county’s primary water supply.
County leaders say they’re treating the water with activated carbon and that anyone who is concerned about the smell or taste of the water should use a carbon filter at home.
To learn more about Anabaena and how it can affect your health, visit www.epa.gov/cyanohabs.
LONGBOAT KEY – The vigilance of three local charter captains has resulted in multiple citations against three men for the alleged poaching of marine life in local waters.
Capt. Joey Sweet, of Sweet Sunset Dolphin Tours, Capt. Katie Scarlett Tupin, of Capt. Katie Scarlett Boat Tours, and Capt. Kathe Fannon, of Capt. Kathe and First-Mate Pup-Pup Charters, had long noticed a depletion of marine life at local sandbars and suspected that poachers were to blame. They reported their suspicions to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), resulting in several citations.
According to FWC incident reports, Linh Ha, 51, of 3401 24th St. W., Bradenton, Loc Nguyen, 55, of 3230 44th Drive E., Bradenton, and Hai Nguyen, 51, of Rockford, Ill., were charged by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers on July 1 at Jewfish Key.
“The three individuals were identified to FWC officers by a vessel passing by stating they were keeping over the bag limit of shellfish,” according to the FWC report. “Upon performing a resource inspection, we found all three suspects to be over the allowable bag limit for marine life species (20 max per person/day) as well as over the bag limit for each species (2 per species/per person per day.) The subjects were in possession of 25 tulip snail, 24 crown conch, 9 fighting conch, 2 lightning whelk and 2 horse conch.”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers photographed what they said were illegal catches of marine life at Jewfish Key on July 1. – Submitted | FWC
Each man was charged with violation of the Florida Administrative Code Pertaining to Southwest Florida Shells-Harvest of Live Shellfish in Manatee County; Permitted Harvest of Shells which states: “A person may not harvest in Manatee County more than two live shellfish of any single species per day or possess in or on the Florida waters within Manatee County that are seaward of the mean high water line more than two live shellfish of any single species.”
They were also charged with Violation of Florida Administrative Code Pertaining to Marine Life-Recreational Bag Limit which states: “A person may not harvest in Manatee County more than two live shellfish of any single species per day.”
The FWC report states that at approximately 5:30 p.m. on July 1, officers were patrolling the area of Jewfish Key and received a report of three men taking excessive marine life from the north end of the sandbar.
“We observed three subjects matching the complainant’s description near a red and white personal watercraft (PWC) wading along the Jewfish Key sandbar,” according to the report. “The subjects had several hand-nets full of various species of marine life and additional marine life in the footwell of the PWC.”
Hai Nguyen was also found to have no saltwater fishing license and was issued a warning.
Since the other two men were licensed, four of the tulip snails, crown conch and fighting conch were returned to Loc Nguyen and Ha. Two lightning whelk and one horse conch were returned to Loc Nguyen, as they fell within bag limits. The remainder of the organisms were returned to state waters alive, according to the FWC.
The three men are required to appear in Manatee County Court on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 9 a.m.
According to an FWC press release, officers have received multiple reports since summer began of individuals harvesting marine organisms near Longboat Pass in the Jewfish Key area of Manatee County.
“Over the course of the Independence Day weekend, FWC officers increased patrols in the area and performed resource inspections on multiple vessels,” the press release states. “The violations included the harvest of more than two live shellfish species per day, harvest of more than 20 individual tropical marine life species per day, the possession of undersized stone crab, the possession of egg-bearing stone crab, the possession of whole-condition stone crab, the possession of stone crab during closed season, and fishing without a valid saltwater fishing license.”
“I feel like we are just scratching the surface,” Sweet said. “We’re still seeing a lot of the same activity. Hopefully, people will take notice. I was told by the FWC that if anyone sees something, they should take down the numbers on the boats and report it.”
Call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922).
ANNA MARIA – City officials are exploring the possibility of using grants and other incentives to attract and retain full-time residents.
City Commissioner Charlie Salem first proposed the idea during the commission’s June 22 budget meeting and he suggested budgeting $75,000 for a feasibility study to help determine what can be done.
Salem proposed possible tax breaks and possible building code allowances for property owners who formally and voluntarily agree to not use their home as a short-term vacation rental. He also proposed marketing Anna Maria as a place for full-time residents to live.
City Attorney Becky Vose said she’d research what can and can’t be legally done before the commission seeks a feasibility study.
On July 13, Vose provided the commission with an update on her initial and ongoing research. She said property tax reductions and rebates are not allowed in Florida.
“The state has preempted the issues having to do with ad valorem taxation, exemptions and assessments. That’s a non-starter, but that does not get rid of the possibility of giving grants to full-time residents or property owners who lease to tenants who are full-time residents,” Vose said.
Vose is still investigating the parameters of a grant program that would include participating property owners voluntarily entering into restrictive covenants that would prohibit their property from being used as a short-term vacation rental for a specific number of years.
Vose said development and building code incentives might also be possible for the construction or redevelopment of dwellings used for full-time residency.
“It’s still being looked into and I’ll come back with a comprehensive report as soon as it’s ready,” Vose said.
Vose said the city can advertise and market Anna Maria as a destination for permanent residents.
According to Mayor Dan Murphy, approximately 70% of the dwellings in Anna Maria are used as short-term vacation rentals.
Salem thanked Vose for her research and analysis and said, “I’m encouraged by the progress that we’re making, even with some changes as to how we might deliver the relief to permanent residents here. It might not be possible to do it through ad valorem (taxes) but there are other avenues we can pursue. The marketing piece is something we can do however we choose to pursue it. That’s something I think we could fast-track if the commission and mayor are interested.”
Regarding a feasibility study, Salem said, “It’s important to do a study because we are in uncharted territory. If we stay focused on the ultimate goal, which is to increase the number of permanent residents we have here and by extension make our community stronger, I think we’ll have something to be proud of.”
Commissioner Robert Kingan asked Vose if she’s aware of any other Florida city using grants to attract full-time residents. Vose said she’s not aware of any other city doing that, but she is aware of cities that use grants to incentivize desired commercial activity. Vose noted that grants, in general, are given to people in the private sector to accomplish the goals of a municipality.
Kingan asked Vose if the state might perceive a grant program as an attempt to circumvent the state’s ad valorem tax restrictions.
“I would not tie the grant to the tax assessments. I think that would be a mistake. There are numerous sources of funds the city receives that are not otherwise obligated,” Vose said.
“I think this is an exciting path to explore. I think it’s a great idea. There are places we can get money to fund a program such as this,” Murphy said.
Vose is still researching whether ad valorem property tax revenues could be used to help fund a grant program.
“It can’t come as a rebate on your property taxes,” Salem clarified.
Vose said that was correct and the incentives would not be related to how much a property owner pays in property taxes.
Salem said he’s aware of ski towns in Colorado that are having trouble finding employees because of the high rent in those areas. He believes grants are being used there to help attract employees and he intends to research that.
Vose said she looked at several grant programs in other states but there aren’t a lot of residential grant programs in Florida.
“It’s a very exciting concept and I’m hoping we’ll be able to be on the cutting edge of this in Florida,” she said.
