Vol. 11 No. 44 - August 17, 2011

news

City to buy lots for $2.8 million Anna Maria Island Sun News Story

Commissioners last week voted to purchase six lots at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard for $2.8 million with a financing option offered by BB&T Bank.

Prior to discussion, Mayor Mike Selby said he had received a complaint from a resident regarding the rapid pace at which the sale was proceeding. However, Selby pointed out that the commission began discussions on the possible purchase in April. More...

Anna Maria Island Sun News StoryScallops a scarcity in annual search

LONGBOAT KEY – More than 125 people on 35 boats found only 10 scallops in Sarasota Bay on Saturday morning during the 2011 Annual Sarasota Bay Watch Scallop Search.

The event, in its fourth year, was not a disappointment to organizers, however, who said that scallop populations – like fish populations – vary, even when water quality is good. Scallops are one of the first species to be affected by pollution carried by runoff. They almost disappeared from the bay in the early 1970s. More...

Crowd shows support for police

BRADENTON BEACH – It was noticed as a meeting to discuss the police department budget. But the word on the street was city officials might consider disbanding the department and replacing the officers with sheriff's deputies.

It was standing room only by the time the work meeting started, and judging by what was attendees said, they would pay more in taxes to keep their law enforcement local. More...

Grassy Point to get grant money

BRADENTON –Holmes Beach's Grassy Point Preserve will receive thousands of dollars in grant funds from several agencies, two members of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway group announced last week.

The 35 acres of environmentally sensitive wetland is located along the east side of Gulf Drive across from Publix and the Anna Maria Island Center. It includes red and black mangroves, tidal flats, oyster bars, a tidal estuarine creek and seagrass beds. More...

Trolleys delayed

The trolleys are in and will be on the streets soon, but not as soon as previously predicted.

According to Bradenton Beach businessman David Teitelbaum, who is spearheading the trolley advertising campaign with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, the first two trolleys are at the Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) shop where the interior and exterior ads are being applied. Radios are being installed this week, also. More...

Water testing could be shut off

Funds may be drying up for water testing at three sites on Anna Maria Island and the Palma Sola Causeway.

Manatee Public Beach, Bayfront Park and Palma Sola Bay are listed among 58 locations statewide where testing may be reduced due to budget cuts, according to the Florida Department of Health. More...

Budget revised based on 2.05 millage rate

ANNA MARIA – Finance Director Diane Percycoe presented a revised budget based on the 2.05 millage approved at the last commission meeting in July. The revised millage rate would generate $90,118 more in revenue than the current one.

Commissioner Dale Woodland said expenses included a 4.5 percent increase for employees and noted, "The economy isn't that great, and it's hard to justify." More...

Summer tourism strong, bucks economic doldrums

During these dog days of summer, Anna Maria Island tourism businesses often take an unwanted breather until the next influx of visitors arrives; some even close for a month or more.

But this year, tourism has not slowed to the usual summer crawl, according to Walter Klages, a consultant for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). More...



features

Anna Maria Island Sun News Story

Dogs just want to have fun

LONGBOAT KEY – A Longboat Key dog owner has started a movement to allow dogs on the beach, drawing more than 100 supportive e-mails in less than a month.

"We have a beautiful public beach that is not being used by a large part of the population who have dogs and who would like to enjoy a stroll on the beach with their dogs," Nelson Goldner wrote in a July 12 letter to Longboat Key Commissioner David Brenner. More...



OUTDOORS

Dog days strategy

The name "dog days" comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, in close proximity to the sun, was responsible for hot summer weather. Dog days is a common term among fishermen signifying the long hot days of August and September, when fish can be hard to find and catch. While there's no doubt that late summer days are long and often intensely hot and uncomfortable, they can also yield some surprising results for savvy anglers. By employing a change of strategy and tailoring their efforts to maximize comfort and opportunities, anglers can catch fish in relative comfort. More...


real estate

Interest rate mysteries

To some people, gambling is a harmless past-time; to others it's an addiction that can be costly and compulsive. But whether you consider yourself a gambler or not, just by virtue of the fact that you're part of the United States economy makes you a gambler by default. More...



business

Tortuga seeks to expand services

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Resorts owner and manager David Teitelbaum will be seeking city permission this month to expand services at Tortuga Inn Beach Resort to include food, storage and laundry space and construct a chickee hut on the beach across the street. More...

Anna Maria Island Sun News Story

Trying to see the forest through the trees

Investment Corner

There are times when it is difficult to be optimistic, and there is no shortage of clichés to remind us that, at least so far, it has paid to look on the bright side of the future and not bet on doom and gloom. Silver linings in dark clouds, the glass being half full rather than half empty and the sun coming up tomorrow all seem a bit silly when there's not much good news around, but have always been good advice at the end of the day. More...



SPORTS

Anna Maria Island Sun News Story Saints go marching into Super Bowl against Dolphins

AMICC Adult Co-Ed Flag Football

The MartiniVille Saints go marching into the Super Bowl after defeating the Tyler's Ice Cream Steelers 30 to 15. There they will face the red hot offense of the Agnelli Pools & Spa Dolphins, who defeated the Island Sun Panthers 48 to 22.

The Saints combined a well balanced attack on offense with a solid defense. The Saint's defense had five interceptions against the Steelers and two where returned for touchdowns. One was returned by Ryan Moss and one by Jonathan Moss. On offense, Ryan Moss threw for three TDs. Two TD passes were to his brother Jonathan and one TD to Nate Talucci. The entire team gets involved on offense as Ed Moss, Emily Moss, Rich Bell and Amy Talucci all touch the ball. More...

The importance of injury prevention

Feasting on Fitness

If you happened to brave the heat this week and were at Manatee County Public Beach, you may have seen the Manatee High School Girls Cross Country Team doing their boot camp. Boot camp is the new fitness phrase often used to mean some kind of program that challenges participants to ramp it up. More...


AMISUN ~ The Island's Award-Winning Newspaper