Setting the record straight

From Cathy Stoltzfus;

For the record: about three years ago, we contacted Nancy Brown the owner of the vacant lot in the 400 block of Pine Avenue and asked permission to park our commercial boat on the lot from time to time. Prior to the Brown's ownership the lot had been used by the Island Marina as spillover parking for boats and trailers. She said absolutely we could, thanked us for asking and declined our offer of compensation. We parked on the lot over the next three plus years. Each year a little longer as work in the area increased. Brenda and Milt Boyd, who own the adjoining property, kindly offered the use of their water to rinse the boat as needed. Each year we sent the Browns a note and a gift certificate to The Bonefish Grill. We also sent the Boyds a gift Certificate which she returned to us explaining "we can't take a gift for being a good neighbor". Ask Brenda about it.. The Browns live in Tampa and have a rental property in the 100 block of Pine.

Recently a "no parking" sign was placed on the property. We contacted Mrs. Brown and she informed us the city of Anna Maria had sent her and her husband a letter saying the lot could not be used as a parking lot. We thanked her for allowing us the use of her lot and found another spot. This evening it came to my attention some in the community thought we had parked on the Pine Avenue lot illegally and were forced off the lot. It was further claimed that we knew it was illegal. They had heard this at a forum and of course took it as gospel. Well folks, it is not gospel. For almost 3 and one half years we used that lot, no problem, no fuss, no complaints, ever! I even asked the Sheriff's department to peek in the lot occasionally. They knew the boat was ours. On occasion we parked the boat in front of our home, to charge the batteries, no complaints from neighbors, ever! Ask code enforcement. So, why is this coming out now...? Oh yeah, Harry is running for a seat on The City Commission of Anna Maria. But, I'm not so, I take this twisted tale especially personally, like an elephant. Next?

Cathy Stoltzfus