‘I Spy AMI’ fun for the whole family

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - A West Bradenton couple has written a unique book about Anna Maria Island that at first glance may appear to be a children’s book, but which offers fun for the entire family in the form of a hunt for the things that make the Island truly unique.

“I Spy AMI” features various things found on the Island. Each page has a picture, a description and a box where readers can make a note when they ers will explore; the book challenges readers to find transitory things such as thunderstorms and sunrises. Other items include a mural, a trolley and a dinghy. For nature lovers, the book also provides plenty of plants and animals found on the Island to complete the challenge.

“The idea is to get kids writing about their adventures, but we intended it to be something people of all ages could use to learn about the Island and where they’re spending their vacation,” said Melissa Toye, co-author of the book with her fiancé, Michael Gray. “We wanted people to know more about why it’s important to take care of the water, the turtles and all of the animals on the Island.

Toye said Gray was born deaf and had to rely on visual input, the source of his love for photography, something successful photography business, Gray

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Melissa Toye and Michael Gray are authors of the new book, ‘I Spy AMI,’ which offers children and their parents an opportunity to learn about many things they’ll find on Anna Maria Island.

Photography, and took all the photos in the book.

“We have both been doing photog- raphy since high school, and being born deaf, Michael’s need for visual interpretation of the world around him made this art form a perfect fit,” Toye said. “He had cochlear implants seven years ago, so that just opened up the world around him through sound.”

Toye said the couple began working together in 2019, and they both have an area they prefer. While Michael specializes in nature and landscape photography, Melissa leans toward portrait and business photography. While they have been successful, they are also serious about becoming a multifaceted Island business. Toye says there are more books in the future; possibly Longboat Key, St. Armands and even a followup to “I Spy AMI” featuring more things to find on the Island.

“I Spy AMI” is available on Amazon in paperback. For more information, email grayphotographyfl@gmail.com.

Artists’ Guild wins Trolley Grant Award

SUBMITTED of “The Odd Couple” and a 50/50 raffle. Raffle winners Joseph and Debra Pascarella donated their winnings back to the theater to help fund the effort.

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island was one of the recipients of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Trolley Grant Awards. From left, Janet Razze, Guild president, and Karen Eddy, treasurer, attended the Chamber’s awards event on Jan. 23. The Guild will use the grant for restroom renovations and the replacement of swinging doors in the back of the gallery. The Guild gallery will participate in the February Art Walk on Friday, Feb. 10 from 5-7:30 p.m. February is “Paint the Town" month at the gallery with demonstrations, events for families, gallery contests and more.

Murder mystery coming to AMI Center

The Center of Anna Maria Island will host a Murder Mystery Dinner on Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. A sneak peek on Friday begins at 6:15 p.m. with a cash bar. The price is $35 for an individual ticket. The Saturday show will offer dinner included in the price, a cash bar, a costume contest and a raffle. Doors open at 6 p.m. There also will be VIP and bottle service available. The price for this night is $85 per person or $600 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets, visit centerami.org/events/.

Movies in the Park presents ‘Cutting Edge’

This week’s Classic Movies in the Park at City Pier Park in Anna Maria is “The Cutting Edge.” The free event begins on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Bring a blanket, chair and refreshments and enjoy a classic film next to the bay. All showings are subject to cancellation due to adverse weather conditions.