Island candidates talk about themselves and their goals

Residents in all three Island cities will go to the polls on Nov. 3.

In Anna Maria, voters will elect three of five candidates for commisson seats. Incumbents John Quam, Chris Tollette and Dale Woodland are being challenged by David Gryboski and Harry Stoltzfus

In Holmes Beach five candidates also are viying for three commission seats. Incumbents Pat Geyer, Pat Morton and David Zaccagnino are being challenged by Al Robinson and Andy Sheirdan.

In Bradenton Beach, incumbent Mayor Michael Pierce is being challenged by former commissoner Bill Shearon. Click for Candidate Profiles

Authorities thwart attempted boat theft

ANNA MARIA – A 30-foot Grady White boat was stolen from the owner’s dock behind his house late Saturday night, but authorities were able to recover it after two suspects in the boat jumped overboard in Tampa Bay with the throttle at full speed, according to Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer Scott Logan. He said law enforcement authorities shot out one of the motors to slow the boat down. More...

Candidate forum this week

Just a reminder that The Sun candidate forum for the Nov. 3 city commission election in Anna Maria is this week on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. This will be one of the final opportunities for voters to hear the views and positions of those running for the commission.

The forum will begin with a meet and greet session at 6:30 p.m. Candidates will respond to questions submitted in advance beginning at 7 p.m. For more information, call The Sun at 778-3986. More...

Dogs to rule this weekend

g good time when The Sun presents its Seventh Annual Dog Costume Contest this Saturday, Oct. 24, starting at 1 p.m. in Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria.

But time is running out - registration ends Thursday, Oct. 22, and only 50 dogs will be allowed to compete. Prizes and trophies will be awarded to the winners and there is no charge to enter. Sign in is at 12:30 p.m.

So come on out and let Bowser raise the "woof" and strut his stuff this scary season. More...

Building professionals: Code needs clarifying

ANNA MARIA — An ambiguity in the code at the state, county and local level has led to a move to clarify what profession should review plans for commercial space.

The matter arose in the city when Robert and Nicky Hunt questioned the legality of allowing the two existing Pine Avenue Restoration structures to be built without an architect’s seal and signature. More...

Updated tourist logo will reflect islands

As snowbirds begin their annual migration to Anna Maria Island, county tourism officials learned Monday about new efforts to keep them and year-round visitors coming back.

A new county tourism logo and Web site design will emphasize simplicity and authenticity, qualities that visitors crave in complex economic times, according to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau marketing experts. More...

Back yard structures cause concern

HOLMES BEACH – Although it has generated complaints, Holmes Beach Building Inspector Bob Shaffer said a back yard structure called a parvis is not illegal.

A parvis is defined as a court or enclosed space before a building. At last week’s commission meeting, Ron Robinson spoke about one in his neighborhood. More...

EVERYBODY LOVES BAYFEST

ANNA MARIA – After spending hours working on this year’s event, Bayfest organizer Cindy Thompson had to go home Saturday morning after coming down with the flu.

It looks like she did a good job organizing it because it went off without a hitch.

The two-day bash began Friday evening, just as a long awaited cold front started through the area. More...

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Snook shindig highlights Mote’s restocking efforts

Mote Marine’s Snook Shindig Research Tournament, an event intended to showcase Mote fisheries' enhancement research is being held this weekend, Oct. 16 and 17. The tournament, now in its 11th year, aims to get the public involved in snook restocking efforts.

This year, the shindig added a Hook Kids on Fishing event on Oct. 10 at the Mote Aquaculture Research Park on Fruitville Road in Sarasota. The event was intended as a kick-off for the snook shindig and was a resounding success, as over 100 children from the age of 6 through 15 participated in the free outing. Every participant received a free rod, reel and tackle box. More...

Earth is the best investment

'The best investment on earth is earth.” Based on the performance of the real estate market during the past three years, this quotation may seem a little inaccurate. But historically, investing in real estate has brought not only financial gains but also emotional stability to our society, something that we are very much in need of at this time. More...

Looking ahead after seven up months

In my last article, I mentioned the fact the stock market had risen for seven months straight, and while this was not a rare event, investors should be ready for a pause in this upward trend at some time in the near future. The main theme of that article was not to start to put all of your sideline cash to work after such an impressive run, but to be methodical in making new investments if you find yourself being cash heavy today. More...

Two teams remain perfect as season winds down

Ross Built and Sandbar continued to pull ahead of the competition in their respective divisions after impressive wins this past week. With three weeks left in the regular season, these two teams aim to keep playing strong as the postseason approaches. Ross Built managed to hold on for a 3-2 win against Mr. Bones early in the week and then cruised to a 6-1 victory over Wash Family Construction on Thursday to stay undefeated. Sandbar shut-out Sparks Steel Art in its first game of the week, but couldn’t pick up the win in a tie game against Panoramic. For up-to-date scores, standings and stats, visit www.islandcommunitycenter.com. More...

Center prepares for tennis tourney

The Anna Maria Island Community Center has partnered with local tennis expert Gabriel Ferrer to host the Tapes Tennis Afterschool Program. This program consists of unique training and instruction for tennis enthusiasts ages 5-14 of varying skill levels. More...