Your Comments
The purpose of this site is to encourage comments by Sun readers on topics of the day, especially those affecting Anna Maria Island. We welcome any and all viewpoints and hope to stimulate intelligent discussions. Personal attacks and abusive or vulgar language, however, will not be tolerated. Such comments will be determined by Sun management, then pulled from the site and the posters may be blocked from further use.
Name: David Summers
Date: 2013-05-15 20:10:28
Subject: Tree House
Comments: I don't live in Florida but I may in the near future. I live in Columbus Ohio. If I were to walk along the beach and I saw this, I would look at it as a work of art. It doesn't have plumbing or electricty or bathrooms. But It is a treehouse and a cool one. Don't allow any others but leave this one. The city allready said it was ok. It was done well and is no way and eyesore. As a neighbor I would like it.
Name: Alex Sokolow
Date: 2013-05-08 18:19:28
Subject: Letter to Editor--National Security and the National Debt
Comments: Dear Editor,
Nuclear threats made by North Korea—followed by terrorism in Boston--demonstrate the need for a strong defense. If we let the national debt get to the point where all revenue is consumed by interest payments and entitlements, we will be at the mercy of such nations as North Korea and Iran, (maybe eventually China.) We will also be more vulnerable to terrorists getting nukes, as we would no longer have the deterrent of being able to trace such weapons to their country of origin. We must write to our elected officials about all this.
We should urge them to stop deficit spending, and adopt budgets that will pay down the national debt and looming entitlement shortages. It would help if we sell rainforest owners the expertise for harvesting the rainforests much more profitably and sustainably (perhaps for a lease or share, at least for some term.) This is discussed at www.rain-tree.com/facts.htm. (For subsistence farmers, see www.rainforestsaver.org. And the need for firewood can be reduced by working with Solar Cookers International.)
Sincerely, Alex Sokolow
Name: Ron Hamish
Date: 2013-05-06 17:54:16
Subject: Tree House
Comments: If the owners actually received a waiver from the city, they should publish it on their website. If they merely gave the previous official a verbal summary of their plans, and received a non-official verbal "sounds okay to me" in return, they should stop misrepresenting this as a "city approval". That previous city employee was notorious for looking the other way and that is why he was forced out of his position. Oftentimes, the old saw that "it is easier to beg forgiveness than to seek permission" is true....BUT NOT ALWAYS....as these folks are finding out. They are in the same situation as the many immigrants who came to this country illegally and now, after the fact, want to receive amnesty. All this does is denigrate the efforts of the 99% of our neighbors who seriously attempt to follow the law and behave responsibly.
Name: anton rappold
Date: 2013-05-02 18:57:45
Subject: Noise Root Causes
Comments: Further the notes to the Anna maria newspapers about "Noise" I wanted to relay the results of several conversations between three or four families (two from overseas) overheard while waiting for trolley recently.What may have precipitated the discussion was a noisy medium sized truck carrying deli products without a muffler and diesel truck sporting oversized tires spewing out black unburned carbon exhaust. Upon reflecting on these folks' comments and concerns we should look at the root causes of "noise & pollution." The thought occurred to me that if Florida had mandatory "emissions and control checks" on all transportation vehicles every other year as other states do, then it would get some of the noisy vehicles and dirty polluters off the road- by having faulty mufflers & polluting engines repaired. I believe Anna Maria island's environment would benefit by having a procedure put in place that will identify offenders even if the state of Florida is lacking a statewide roll-out of a comprehensive emission control program. With an ever inceasing number of large vehicles this approach would benefit all those of us that live here and are not passing through to have access to cleaner air not only in the select few streets that are congested and overused on AMI but also in the inner residential areas. A simple test suggested by the French chap in the group in the trolley stop discussion that day (it made a believer out of me) was to run a wad of moist paper towel across my Florida room window screens proved to me that our island had not grayed but become soiled with black pollutants. On a brighter note, I remember my father tellig me that when pointing a finger at some one, one must realize that three fingers point back at you and or others.
.Anton Rappold - Anna Maria island
Name: Gary McMullen
Date: 2013-05-01 08:02:27
Subject: Tree House
Comments: It should be abundantly clear that Building Official Tom O'Brien has his own vindictive agenda concerning the tree house. Of course it doesn't conform to the Florida Building Code! It is a tree house! It is used for personal use. How can O'Brien say that it is an accessory to a public accommodation just because the owners own rental property ? Leave the owners alone. Clearly the residents like it. No one objects to it. O'Brien's continuing agenda paints the city officials as petulant and vindictive. Zaccagino said there must be a way. Find it.
Name: Edna Erven
Date: 2013-04-29 06:19:30
Subject: Tree House
Comments: Leave the Treehouse alone!!!A tree grew in that spot (not knowing what HB set backs were at the time)...after many years Richard and Lynn created a beautiful piece of artwork for all to enjoy while strolling along the beach..Thank you ....
Name: Larry Zimmer
Date: 2013-04-28 10:41:59
Subject: Necciai letter
Comments: I was pleased and surprised to see a letter published in both Island papers that so hit the nail on the head re; Anna Maria City. Never thought I'd see that. Then I found out that Mr. Necciai, in 1952,while playing pro-baseball struck out 27 batters in 9 innings, a miracle never repeated. I think he should be on the City Commission. They need a clear thinker and a miracle. In reality PAR would be buying back the parcel on Pine. PAR held the option on it but after they realized trying to build a hotel there would cause a fire storm they talked the city into buying it. Soon, when they have enough Commissioners to change the zoning, they'll buy it back for what we paid for it; 400k over valuation and we'll only be stuck with the interest. Then the kingdom will be completed !!
Name: Robert Jay
Date: 2013-04-27 17:34:38
Subject: Tree House
Comments: Gosh, these people received an approval from a city official whom they had reason to believe was properly schooled on the subject. After the house was built,late-arriving bureaucrats felt duty-bound to chime in. The house is attractive, distinctive, and appears to be well-built. If it needs a few safety features added, have the owners go to work. Otherwise, stop harassing them.
Name: arrymak
Date: 2013-04-26 05:27:16
Subject: missing irene obrian
Comments: hello-we know that irene a hotelier on your isle went missing we also heard the mafia has no time for scousers--dear irene was a social worker from surrey---attempting to make good in florida--please-what is the latest-
Name: cissy blevins
Date: 2013-04-23 13:02:32
Subject: tree house
Comments: how sad to read of the demolition plans for the treehouse on holmes beach. we are seasonal rentors, and "visited" the tree house this winter. it was so clever,so fun, and looked like it was on private property. a real jewel for holmes beach! it's a shame that this misunderstanding paints the city officials to be non tolerant and petulant yet they tolerate and approve of the large box houses! so sad that something that brings visual pleasure and a giggle or two has turned into such a standoff!
Name: m.bucci
Date: 2013-04-18 12:59:25
Subject: mike carleton
Comments: He still owes me 0 from a deposit he did not return. Have spoke to Det. Hall in Holmes beach. Would like to know if he has been located and arrested for his actions.
Name: m.bucci
Date: 2013-04-18 12:58:48
Subject: mike carleton
Comments: He still owes me 0 from a deposit he did not return. Have spoke to Det. Hall in Holmes beach. Would like to know if he has been located and arrested for his actions.
Name: Pam Buttocovla
Date: 2013-04-18 07:14:03
Subject: Preserving Perico
Comments: This island of birds concern me, as we have coyotes running killing every animal in site. I have lost 3 cats to these wild animals. One coyote has been seen running on the island, and one in Village Green at 9:30am. They are hungry and there is nothing stopping them. Why would they not make their way out to "fantastic wading bird habitat" seems like we are putting the cart before the horse. Get rid of these predictors to protect our bird life.
Name: ross boraker
Date: 2013-04-17 12:52:36
Subject: rotten ralphs
Comments: as a once resident and soon to be again I have been reading and talking to friends and family on the island. I was talking to them the other day and I made the comment that it seemed like the city attorney seemed almost vindictive about the whole situation and only wanted to see the restaurant to go away. my friend then said to me well didn't you know that the city attorney is also Ed chiles attorney? I don't think she would ever do anything illegal but it sure looks like a conflict of interest to me!
Name: Gary McMullen
Date: 2013-04-17 07:42:31
Subject: Parking
Comments: Our city administration in Anna Maria claim that they are resident friendly but their actions speak otherwise. They have allowed Pine to be destroyed by the proliferation of the stores and restaurants that provide insufficient parking. Now they support making 15 parking spaces in the six lots at Pine and Bay boulevard north where they promised would not be used for parking when the lots were purchased. Instead of making the tenant of the Anna Maria City Pier adhere to his lease requirements, our mayor wants to get funding from the TDC. The tenant promises to 'reconsider' allowing a water taxi to dock if 15 parking spaces are put in at the lots. Coincidence? It doesn't look like it. If tourist funds can help pay for reinforcements at the pier, fine:but it is not an excuse for the tenant not to adhere to his lease. It looks like the powerful get their way and the will of the residents are ignored. Is this going to be another rubber stamp like the beach access at the Sandbar? Holmes Beach commissioners finally said no to Mainsail. Bradenton Beach said no to Rotten Ralph's. Anna Maria doesn't let ordinary residents flaunt the rules. Just ask Shaun Kaleta. Wake up and serve your constituents.
Prev. Next
Date: 2013-05-15 20:10:28
Subject: Tree House
Comments: I don't live in Florida but I may in the near future. I live in Columbus Ohio. If I were to walk along the beach and I saw this, I would look at it as a work of art. It doesn't have plumbing or electricty or bathrooms. But It is a treehouse and a cool one. Don't allow any others but leave this one. The city allready said it was ok. It was done well and is no way and eyesore. As a neighbor I would like it.
Name: Alex Sokolow
Date: 2013-05-08 18:19:28
Subject: Letter to Editor--National Security and the National Debt
Comments: Dear Editor,
Nuclear threats made by North Korea—followed by terrorism in Boston--demonstrate the need for a strong defense. If we let the national debt get to the point where all revenue is consumed by interest payments and entitlements, we will be at the mercy of such nations as North Korea and Iran, (maybe eventually China.) We will also be more vulnerable to terrorists getting nukes, as we would no longer have the deterrent of being able to trace such weapons to their country of origin. We must write to our elected officials about all this.
We should urge them to stop deficit spending, and adopt budgets that will pay down the national debt and looming entitlement shortages. It would help if we sell rainforest owners the expertise for harvesting the rainforests much more profitably and sustainably (perhaps for a lease or share, at least for some term.) This is discussed at www.rain-tree.com/facts.htm. (For subsistence farmers, see www.rainforestsaver.org. And the need for firewood can be reduced by working with Solar Cookers International.)
Sincerely, Alex Sokolow
Name: Ron Hamish
Date: 2013-05-06 17:54:16
Subject: Tree House
Comments: If the owners actually received a waiver from the city, they should publish it on their website. If they merely gave the previous official a verbal summary of their plans, and received a non-official verbal "sounds okay to me" in return, they should stop misrepresenting this as a "city approval". That previous city employee was notorious for looking the other way and that is why he was forced out of his position. Oftentimes, the old saw that "it is easier to beg forgiveness than to seek permission" is true....BUT NOT ALWAYS....as these folks are finding out. They are in the same situation as the many immigrants who came to this country illegally and now, after the fact, want to receive amnesty. All this does is denigrate the efforts of the 99% of our neighbors who seriously attempt to follow the law and behave responsibly.
Name: anton rappold
Date: 2013-05-02 18:57:45
Subject: Noise Root Causes
Comments: Further the notes to the Anna maria newspapers about "Noise" I wanted to relay the results of several conversations between three or four families (two from overseas) overheard while waiting for trolley recently.What may have precipitated the discussion was a noisy medium sized truck carrying deli products without a muffler and diesel truck sporting oversized tires spewing out black unburned carbon exhaust. Upon reflecting on these folks' comments and concerns we should look at the root causes of "noise & pollution." The thought occurred to me that if Florida had mandatory "emissions and control checks" on all transportation vehicles every other year as other states do, then it would get some of the noisy vehicles and dirty polluters off the road- by having faulty mufflers & polluting engines repaired. I believe Anna Maria island's environment would benefit by having a procedure put in place that will identify offenders even if the state of Florida is lacking a statewide roll-out of a comprehensive emission control program. With an ever inceasing number of large vehicles this approach would benefit all those of us that live here and are not passing through to have access to cleaner air not only in the select few streets that are congested and overused on AMI but also in the inner residential areas. A simple test suggested by the French chap in the group in the trolley stop discussion that day (it made a believer out of me) was to run a wad of moist paper towel across my Florida room window screens proved to me that our island had not grayed but become soiled with black pollutants. On a brighter note, I remember my father tellig me that when pointing a finger at some one, one must realize that three fingers point back at you and or others.
.Anton Rappold - Anna Maria island
Name: Gary McMullen
Date: 2013-05-01 08:02:27
Subject: Tree House
Comments: It should be abundantly clear that Building Official Tom O'Brien has his own vindictive agenda concerning the tree house. Of course it doesn't conform to the Florida Building Code! It is a tree house! It is used for personal use. How can O'Brien say that it is an accessory to a public accommodation just because the owners own rental property ? Leave the owners alone. Clearly the residents like it. No one objects to it. O'Brien's continuing agenda paints the city officials as petulant and vindictive. Zaccagino said there must be a way. Find it.
Name: Edna Erven
Date: 2013-04-29 06:19:30
Subject: Tree House
Comments: Leave the Treehouse alone!!!A tree grew in that spot (not knowing what HB set backs were at the time)...after many years Richard and Lynn created a beautiful piece of artwork for all to enjoy while strolling along the beach..Thank you ....
Name: Larry Zimmer
Date: 2013-04-28 10:41:59
Subject: Necciai letter
Comments: I was pleased and surprised to see a letter published in both Island papers that so hit the nail on the head re; Anna Maria City. Never thought I'd see that. Then I found out that Mr. Necciai, in 1952,while playing pro-baseball struck out 27 batters in 9 innings, a miracle never repeated. I think he should be on the City Commission. They need a clear thinker and a miracle. In reality PAR would be buying back the parcel on Pine. PAR held the option on it but after they realized trying to build a hotel there would cause a fire storm they talked the city into buying it. Soon, when they have enough Commissioners to change the zoning, they'll buy it back for what we paid for it; 400k over valuation and we'll only be stuck with the interest. Then the kingdom will be completed !!
Name: Robert Jay
Date: 2013-04-27 17:34:38
Subject: Tree House
Comments: Gosh, these people received an approval from a city official whom they had reason to believe was properly schooled on the subject. After the house was built,late-arriving bureaucrats felt duty-bound to chime in. The house is attractive, distinctive, and appears to be well-built. If it needs a few safety features added, have the owners go to work. Otherwise, stop harassing them.
Name: arrymak
Date: 2013-04-26 05:27:16
Subject: missing irene obrian
Comments: hello-we know that irene a hotelier on your isle went missing we also heard the mafia has no time for scousers--dear irene was a social worker from surrey---attempting to make good in florida--please-what is the latest-
Name: cissy blevins
Date: 2013-04-23 13:02:32
Subject: tree house
Comments: how sad to read of the demolition plans for the treehouse on holmes beach. we are seasonal rentors, and "visited" the tree house this winter. it was so clever,so fun, and looked like it was on private property. a real jewel for holmes beach! it's a shame that this misunderstanding paints the city officials to be non tolerant and petulant yet they tolerate and approve of the large box houses! so sad that something that brings visual pleasure and a giggle or two has turned into such a standoff!
Name: m.bucci
Date: 2013-04-18 12:59:25
Subject: mike carleton
Comments: He still owes me 0 from a deposit he did not return. Have spoke to Det. Hall in Holmes beach. Would like to know if he has been located and arrested for his actions.
Name: m.bucci
Date: 2013-04-18 12:58:48
Subject: mike carleton
Comments: He still owes me 0 from a deposit he did not return. Have spoke to Det. Hall in Holmes beach. Would like to know if he has been located and arrested for his actions.
Name: Pam Buttocovla
Date: 2013-04-18 07:14:03
Subject: Preserving Perico
Comments: This island of birds concern me, as we have coyotes running killing every animal in site. I have lost 3 cats to these wild animals. One coyote has been seen running on the island, and one in Village Green at 9:30am. They are hungry and there is nothing stopping them. Why would they not make their way out to "fantastic wading bird habitat" seems like we are putting the cart before the horse. Get rid of these predictors to protect our bird life.
Name: ross boraker
Date: 2013-04-17 12:52:36
Subject: rotten ralphs
Comments: as a once resident and soon to be again I have been reading and talking to friends and family on the island. I was talking to them the other day and I made the comment that it seemed like the city attorney seemed almost vindictive about the whole situation and only wanted to see the restaurant to go away. my friend then said to me well didn't you know that the city attorney is also Ed chiles attorney? I don't think she would ever do anything illegal but it sure looks like a conflict of interest to me!
Name: Gary McMullen
Date: 2013-04-17 07:42:31
Subject: Parking
Comments: Our city administration in Anna Maria claim that they are resident friendly but their actions speak otherwise. They have allowed Pine to be destroyed by the proliferation of the stores and restaurants that provide insufficient parking. Now they support making 15 parking spaces in the six lots at Pine and Bay boulevard north where they promised would not be used for parking when the lots were purchased. Instead of making the tenant of the Anna Maria City Pier adhere to his lease requirements, our mayor wants to get funding from the TDC. The tenant promises to 'reconsider' allowing a water taxi to dock if 15 parking spaces are put in at the lots. Coincidence? It doesn't look like it. If tourist funds can help pay for reinforcements at the pier, fine:but it is not an excuse for the tenant not to adhere to his lease. It looks like the powerful get their way and the will of the residents are ignored. Is this going to be another rubber stamp like the beach access at the Sandbar? Holmes Beach commissioners finally said no to Mainsail. Bradenton Beach said no to Rotten Ralph's. Anna Maria doesn't let ordinary residents flaunt the rules. Just ask Shaun Kaleta. Wake up and serve your constituents.
Prev. Next
