CORTEZ – According to County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, representatives of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will be meeting individually with some county commissioners this week to discuss design options for a fixed span bridge that would replace the existing Cortez Bridge.

On Sunday, Whitmore said she was under the impression that FDOT officials and their consultants were leaning in favor of the largest of three possible options: a fixed span bridge that would allow 65-feet of clearance underneath. Another option would be a new drawbridge that would provide a 35-foot clearance that would allow more vessels to pass through without the need to raise the bridge. The existing bridge provides approximately 21 feet of clearance when not raised.

Whitmore said she will oppose the 65-foot option.

"It doesn't make sense because of the right of way," she said.

Whitmore believes impeding on the existing right of way to accommodate the approach lanes needed for the largest of the proposed bridge designs would significantly impact the village of Cortez and the residences and businesses located along that stretch of Cortez Road.

There are also questions about the right of way impact that would be felt on the other end of the bridge in Bradenton Beach.

"I don't know how they're going to do it, but we'll see," Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon said.

"Without seeing any data, that seems like it would literally kill Cortez. They'd be under the bridge and people would have to go out of their way to get there," he said of the 65-foot option.

Shearon said a bridge update of some sort was expected at Monday's Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting in Anna Maria.

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Police Department has adopted a zero-tolerance policy that resulted in Freckled Fin owner Scott Lubore getting arrested last week for a noise ordinance violation.

Two weeks ago, Lubore was warned that any more violations would result in an arrest, and the repercussions of that arrest are now being felt elsewhere on Bridge Street.

The police report says Officer Steve Masi was in his patrol car at Fourth Street South at 8:23 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, and heard live music that seemed too loud. After determining the Freckled Fin was the source, Masi used a calibrated decibel meter to take a sound measurement while standing across the street in front of the Sandcastle Resort. The meter produced a reading of 81-86 decibels.

A second reading taken at the Freckled Fin's property line produced a reading of 93-98 db. Masi then contacted a supervisor who advised him to make an arrest.

The city's noise ordinance allows a maximum of 75 db. between 7 and 10 p.m. in the commercial district. If a complaint is received, the reading is taken at the point of the complaint. If no complaint is received, the reading is taken at the establishment's property line.

Owner response

Lubore acknowledged the violation, but questioned the arrest.

"In the history of Bradenton Beach, when has any manager or owner been arrested at 8:45 for a noise violation?" he said.

"I've had five citations in two years; that's over 700 days of live music. I think it's insanity. This is a resort town. Basically, you're shutting down live music," he said.

"Don't buy a house near the airport if you don't want to hear planes," he said of previous complaints voiced by residents.

To avoid future violations, Lubore will use more acts that don't feature bass players or drummers, and he is considering having outdoor entertainment from 3-7 p.m. and indoor entertainment from 7-11. He also thinks the city commission needs to reexamine the noise ordinance.

After affects

Friday night, at Island Time Bar and Grill, manager Eric Fleischman used a sound meter on his cell phone to ensure the band stayed below 75 db. He said he was nervous about being arrested even though Island Time has never received a noise citation.

During the band's break, a patron seated at the bar measured the combination of customers talking and house music at 83 db.

Island Time owner Bill Herlihy discussed this on Saturday.

"How can that be right or fair that we don't even get a warning? What happens if the manager goes upstairs and the band turns up? Why wouldn't it be the band and the manager that get arrested?" he said.

"The ambient noise of our customers is 83 db. What are we supposed to do? 75 decibels measured at the property line is obviously way too low. If that's the limit, we're not going to have bands because we'll be over every time. It's apparent the business owners need to come together and address this with the commission," he added.

Police response

Det. Sgt. Lenard Diaz said the department's new policy applies equally to repeat offenders and first-time offenders.

"Right now, there's a zero-tolerance policy on Bridge Street. If the decibel meter reads above what the noise should be, the manager will go to jail. There's no more warnings like we've done in the past," Diaz said.

Police Chief Sam Speciale agreed.

"The police department has been very lenient. We've put it in the press, and we've talked to the owners who are now well-aware of the consequences. What we do for one, we have to do for everyone," Speciale said.

A noise citation results in a $75 fine, but an arrest involves a trip to jail, posting bond and a court appearance before a judge who can levy a fine of up to $500 plus court costs for a misdemeanor offense.

Kids will again hunt for Easter eggs on the beach at the Sandbar restaurant on Saturday, April 15.

The restaurant will serve refreshments, including coffee, starting at 8:30 a.m. and then the kids will migrate to beach, where the Easter Bunny has left a bunch of colorful eggs. This event is sponsored by the Chiles Group and The Sun newspaper. This is the 15th year the Sun newspaper has been a sponsor.

Kids need to bring an Easter basket or bag to hold their eggs. Parking will be available in parking lots at the Sandbar, at adjacent lots on Gulf Drive and at Anna Maria City Hall or at CrossPointe Fellowship at 8605 Gulf Drive. Taking the free trolley is a good way to leave parking hassles at home.

After the hunt, the Easter Bunny will lead everyone to Pine Avenue for an old fashioned Easter with an Easter egg roll, an Easter bonnet contest, egg coloring and face painting. Shooting Star Photography will offer complimentary framed pictures of kids with the Easter Bunny, and John Rinell will provide live music.

At 10:30, judges will look for winning Easter bonnets. Competition is open to kids and grown ups alike. The first place prize for the adult bonnet is a two-night stay at the Anna Maria Guest Houses. There also will be prizes for second and third place. First prize for the best kid's bonnet is a Sandbar lunch for the winner and three friends complete with hot fudge sundaes. There also will be prizes for second and third place.

It's free and fun for the whole family.

HOLMES BEACH – The beauty of the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island's Easter Sunrise Service draws thousands of worshippers from Manatee and Sarasota Counties to Manatee County Public Beach every year. This year's outdoor celebration starts after 6 a.m., when the Manatee Beach Café opens for coffee and the free Island trolleys start their day. Attendees are urged to bring a blanket or beach chair and dress for the weather.

Kiwanis Club members will set up the stage, cross and sound system, and members of all six churches will deliver a Christian service. Bring money for the offertory because the money collected is distributed equally among the churches.

Later in the day, those who slept in will have Easter services to attend at their church of choice. Here's a lineup of services for the week before and Easter.

• CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-778-0719, has a Good Friday, April 14, service at 7 p.m. and an Easter, April 16, service at 9 a.m.

• The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-778-1638, celebrates Maundy Thursday, April 13, at 7 p.m.; Good Friday, April 14, at noon and 7 p.m.; April 15 Great Vigil at 8 p.m. and Easter Sunday, April 16, at 7:30 a.m. with the Rite One, a family Eucharist at 9 a.m. and a Eucharist Festival at 11 a.m. On April 23, regular services change to 8 and 10:30 a.m.

• Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-778-1813, has a Maundy Thursday, April 13, service at 7 p.m. and an Easter Sunday, April 16, Fellowship Brunch at 10:45 a.m.

• Harvey Memorial Church, 300 Church St., Bradenton Beach, 941-779-1912, will have its regular Easter Sunday service at 8 and 10:30 a.m.

• Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 941-778-0414: offers Maundy Thursday Service, April 13, at 7 p.m. The Chancel Choir will sing and communion will be served. Anointing with oil for self or for others for physical, emotional or spiritual healing will be offered There will be a Good Friday Service, April 14, at noon. The purple cloth hanging on the cross in the Chapel will be changed to black as they remember the crucifixion of Christ and worship Him through special music, responsive readings, singing of hymns, and prayer and Easter Sunday services, April 16, at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Everybody is invited to bring a flower to place on the Cross as a symbol of rebirth and resurrection! The Roser Ringer Handbell Choir will ring, the Chancel Choir will sing and a trumpet will play.

• St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, 941-778-4769: offers Holy Week Mass on Wednesday, April 12, at 8:30 a.m.; and Holy Prayer on Wednesday, April 12, at 9:15 a.m.; Mass of the Lord's Supper at 7 p.m. on Holy Thursday, April 13; Passion of Our Lord at 3 p.m. on Good Friday, April 14; blessing of Easter baskets at 3 p.m. and Easter Vigil Mass at 8 p.m. on Holy Saturday, April 15; and Easter Sunday Mass at 8:30 a.m. and two masses at 10:30 a.m., one in the church and one in the hall.

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Privateer John Swager was injured Saturday evening in an accident involving the ceremonial firing of the Privateers' miniature cannon.

Privateer Tim "Hammer" Thompson was on hand when the accident occurred, and Sunday morning he explained what happened.

"We were going out to the beach to do a sunset pirate memorial for longtime member Grant Beer, who passed away. He was cremated, and we we're going to put some ashes in the cannon and fire it off in farewell.
"As John was positioning the cannon to fire it, it went off by accident and got his left hand. It was a pure accident. Big John has fired that cannon hundreds of times," Thompson said.

"As far as the damage goes, to the best of my knowledge, he's going to lose the index finger on his left hand. He went through three hours of surgery last night at Blake.

"His prognosis is good. He has movement in all four remaining fingers, his blood flow is good and more than likely he will require some additional surgery. We estimate he's going to be there for at least three days," he explained.

Thompson was asked if there was anything the Island community could do to help a man who's helped so many others through his volunteer work for the Privateers.

"At this point we haven't talked about anything," Thompson said, noting that a benefit of some sort might be planned later.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale talked to Swager on Sunday and provided some additional clarity on the what happened.

"The cannon fell and he went to grab it, hit the firing pin and it set if off," Speciale said.

Speciale said Swager was in good spirits considering what happened and expected to remain the hospital until later in the week.

ANN MARIA – Recently, three families arrived on the Island to find out the vacation homes in the city of Anna Maria they rented via Craigslist were not for rent.

Manatee County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Russ Schnering said they were informed about those instances, but it's difficult to trace where the rent money went because they were directed to wire it straight to a private account.

"If they had used Pay Pal or another venue, we might be able to find out who received the money," he said. "One family turned around and went back to New York after finding out the rental was not legitimate while another went to the Chamber for help."

Schnering had some suggestions for people looking to rent a vacation home online.

"Don't wire the money because it can't be traced," he said. "Watch for misspelled words or grammatical errors in the ad because the people offering the phony rentals might be in foreign countries, and look for properties through local firms at your destination. Call a property management or real estate firm and get suggestions from the local chamber of commerce."

The Island Chamber has also had to deal with fraudulent rentals recently, according to Chamber President Deb Wing.

"We had one on with a North Shore Drive address that wasn't legit," she said. "When they arrived and called the phone number they were given, the person told them to talk with the manager and hung up on them. When they called back, nobody answered the phone."

Wing said too many times people jump at an offer that looks too good to be true and likely it is.

"The rents on the Island vacation properties are pretty much the same," she said. "The ones on the beach are the most expensive and rarely get reduced, and the ones further from the beach are less expensive."

She said demand is high, so prices tend to stay at the same level. She also said if you do run into a fraudulent situation, call your local police because that's where the fraud was committed and also tell authorities in the location of the property so they know what's going on.

Wing said renters can look up real estate and rental management firms on the internet or call the local chamber for a recommendation.

"Renting a property that really isn't available and finding out you lost your money and don't have a place to stay would be devastating," she said.

ANNA MARIA — There's good news and bad news for The Center of Anna Maria Island.

The good news is the Center nearly broke even in February, ending the month with a $700 shortfall including administration and overhead expenses, according to financial reports presented by Treasurer Jim Froeschle at the April 3 board meeting.

The nonprofit also received its first financial support from one of the three Island cities by way of a $5,000 donation from the city of Bradenton Beach.

While both Anna Maria and Holmes Beach have funds allocated to donate to the Center or other community nonprofits, neither city commission has promised or released any funds to the organization. Anna Maria also helps support the Center by allowing the nonprofit to lease the city-owned parcel of land its building occupies for $1 annually.

The bad news is the Center is going into its slower spring and summer seasons with a $155,800 shortfall for the fiscal year, which ends June 30.

The numbers do not include March, which saw the Center host its annual Tour of Homes and a Rat Pack tribute dinner show.

"We are working every angle to close the gap," Froeschle said.

Center Executive Director Kristen Lessig said she's still hopeful the other two Island cities will come through with some form of financial support for the organization. She's planning on presenting the latest financial figures at upcoming meetings to both city commissions and hopes supporters of the Center will join her.

"We need to show we are providing a community service," she said.

"It's a political problem that needs a political solution," Froeschle said.

Board member Ed Chiles expressed concern about the "narrative" in the community about the center.

"This is the most important nonprofit on the Island," he said. "People need to come to the center to see it for themselves."

Chiles added that board members donate to help decrease the organization's financial shortfall along with $10,000 per year donated by Lessig from her salary.

Event coordinator Lindsay Sauls said the Rat Pack tribute event raised $3,500 with only 100 tickets sold.

On a brighter note, she said the Tour of Homes sold nearly 800 tickets, raising $27,000 for the center. Though the funds didn't quite equal the amount the organization was looking for, a budgeted $35,000, Sauls said it was a positive event.

Lessig said an additional $6,000 was raised from boutique sales and quilt raffle tickets.

Changes are planned for next year's Tour including relocating the boutique to the center to coincide with the food stop. The refreshments available at the center also will be advertised on official Tour transportation. Ticket prices also are planned to increase from $20 to $25 each.

"It's a big event to organize," Lessig said, thanking Sauls and other volunteers for their efforts. "I think it will continue to grow."

The center's next event will be a community crawfish boil and Kentucky Derby viewing party May 6.

Sauls said the event is open to the public and expects about 200 people to attend. The event is sponsored by Christine Hicks, who previously hosted a similar party at her home.

In addition to crawfish, the menu includes jambalaya, red beans and rice, bread and a cash bar. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. and tickets are $40 for adults or $10 for children.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting the center at 941-778-1908, online at www.amicenter.org or in person at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

CORTEZ – On a pleasant, sunny, spring day on Saturday, longtime Cortez residents welcomed newcomers on the Miller dock at the annual Cortez community picnic.

As the mullet, shrimp, hush puppies and guava bars disappeared, students at the Manatee School for the Arts explained how they made the nautical-themed artwork on display, including intaglio – etching fish designs on plexiglass plates, rubbing ink into the crevices and printing them on old navigational charts.

Other artworks included a watercolor of whales and dolphins in a fish bowl, a pastel sea turtle, a painting of Lake Titicaca by a Peruvian student and a print of fish found in the Red Sea. Students discussed what inspired them, such as a visit to an aquarium to see an eel and a music video that featured underwater "monsters."

Kaye Bell, of the Cortez Cultural Center, thanked students for participating again this year in the picnic.

Resident Mary Fulford Green introduced a long-lost cousin and asked neighbors to publicly oppose a 65-foot, fixed bridge to Anna Maria Island that would encroach on Cortez businesses and homes.

The community has banded together successfully to oppose several previous development plans, including a marina and hotel.