CALENDAR

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130 City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 14, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting Oct. 18, 2:30 p.m. – Planning and Zoning meeting Oct. 26, 10 a.m. – Historic Preservation board meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005 City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Oct. 6, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Oct. 7, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Oct. 11, 10 a.m. – Swearing in of new police chief Oct. 20, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting Oct. 21, noon – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800 City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 6, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification committee meeting Oct. 6, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Oct. 12, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Oct. 20, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing Oct. 26, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting Oct. 19, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton Oct. 25, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 6

Ukulele Instruction for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8315406

THURSDAY, OCT. 7

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 2 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/7996412 Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 8

Fore the Environment Charity Golf Tournament with Keep Manatee Beautiful, Rosedale Golf and Country Club, 5100 87th St. E., Bradenton, 7 a.m. registration, $150 for individual players including lunch and awards ceremony. Register online at www.manateebeautiful.com Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7958988 Mahjong Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996690

SATURDAY, OCT. 9

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required. Thrift shop yard sale, Roser Guild Thrift Shop, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8255394 Chickee Hut Jammers, Florida Maritime Museum, 11655 Cortez Road, Cortez, noon to 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCT. 10

Master gardener volunteer mobile plant clinic, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https:// parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac. wsc/search.html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

TUESDAY, OCT. 12

Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tortoise Talks, Robinson Preserve Valentine House, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations are welcome. Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8303015 Mahjong Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996691 Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m. Register online https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/7996154

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 13

Off Stage Ladies luncheon and meeting, Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, 11:45 a.m., $26. Ukulele instruction for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online https://www.manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/7996368 Island Time Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m. with Zoom option. Register online https://www.manateelibrary.libcal. com/event/7996246

THURSDAY, OCT. 14

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. AMI Chamber members luncheon, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m., $18 for members or $30 for prospective members. Reserve to 941-778-1541 Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 15

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve to https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7958989 Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/7996692 20th Annual Bayfest kickoff event, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 5-8 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 16

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required. 20th Annual Bayfest, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Meditation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996389 BardWired: Much Ado About Nothing, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 2 p.m. BardWired: Much Ado About Nothing, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCT. 17

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information. BardWired: Much Ado About Nothing, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 2 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 19

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 10 a.m. Reserve to https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8303016 Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/7996693 Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3-3:30 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996156

Bayfest is back

BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - One of the most anticipated events on the Island is back for 2021. Bayfest will take place Saturday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Pine Avenue. There will be a kick-off event at the City Pier on Friday, Oct. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring food, beer, wine and live music from the Karen & Jimmy Band. 2021 will mark the 20th Bayfest and after a year with nearly no live entertainment, residents and tourists alike are excited to get out and enjoy this event, which is an Island favorite.

“We are so happy Bayfest is back. There have been live events since they eased up on COVID restrictions, but this is the big one,” said Stephanie Spangler of Boone, North Carolina, who is on vacation with her husband until November. The Spanglers come to the Island every year and have attended Bayfest at least four times.

The free, family-friendly event is presented by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and includes delicious food, arts and crafts, vendors, a classic car show, beer, wine, rum, soft drinks and live music all day long. Artists performing this year include: • Mike Sales (emcee) - 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fuse band - 11 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. • Memphis Rub - 1:45 p.m. - 4 p.m. • Jack’d Up - 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. • Dr. Dave Band - 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

After being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, Bayfest in Anna Maria is back and packed with fun, food and entertainment.

Turtle Watch Wednesday raises funds, spirits

After being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Third Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday raised more than $16,000.

BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - After a year off due to COVID-19, the community flocked to the Third Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraising event on Sept. 29 at Hurricane Hanks to show their support for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring's mission.

The not-for-profit group monitors sea turtle and shorebird nesting on AMI, keeping tabs on population trends.

“We collect scientific data for the scientists in the state of Florida to analyze and see how we’re doing with the turtles,” Director Suzi Fox said. “We do a lot, but in essence, we are data collectors.”

The event has been held at Hurricane Hanks since its inception in 2018, but was paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first year, they raised $3,000, with a large increase to $13,000 in 2019 and a grand total of $16,000 at last week's event. Money was raised from a silent auction of more than 80 items donated by local artists and businesses as well as T-shirt sales, a 50-50 raffle, a $1 donation from each food and beverage sale at Hurricane Hanks during the event and a live auction hosted by Bob Slicker that raised thousands of additional dollars.

“This year we came up with a VIP package. It’s a $75 donation, but it’s a 100% donation to Turtle Watch; just another way to add to the fundraising,” said Brian Mathae, owner of Hurricane Hanks. “This organization and the turtles need all the money they can get. This is truly an Anna Maria Island community event. It’s small businesses supporting it by donating all these prizes and the community coming out that makes it successful.”

Proceeds from the Turtle Watch Wednesday event will help purchase a much-needed ATV to help the volunteers move around the beach more efficiently.

The event was well-orchestrated with free parking provided by nearby Hancock Whitney Bank, food and drinks thanks to Hurricane Hanks and great live music by Mike Sales.

Sponsors included A Paradise Realty, Mike Sales Entertainment, J n’J Graphics, Florida Underwater Sports, CabanUp, Harbor Lane Court Vacation Rentals and The Anna Maria Island Sun.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN The Third Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday at Hurricane Hanks brought the community together to benefit sea turtles and shorebirds.

TURTLE TIPS

During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water. • Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night. • Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and can disorient hatchlings. • Fill in the holes you dig in the sand and level sandcastles before leaving the beach; they can obstruct or trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.

• Don’t use wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf. • Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights. • Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid: 421 (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls: 556 Nests hatched: 221 Hatchlings hatched: 15,465 (Record: 35,788 in 2018) Nest disorientations: 33

The Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach is seeking a president as plans are finalized to begin bingo games in January.

BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - The Annie Silver Community Center board met last week for the first time since Oct. 19, 2020, when COVID-19 put a stop to board meetings.

The Sept. 27 meeting would be the last with Linda Yarger as president. Yarger decided to step down, making her official last day Sept. 30. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss who may want to take over as president of the center, a 501(c)3 non-profit overseen by a board consisting of a president (currently vacant), vicepresident (Jim Hassett), treasurer (Dianne Coates) and secretary (Judy Pruitt). Although the center is in need of a new president as soon as possible, since no willing candidate was in attendance, a vote was delayed until at least the next board meeting, which will take place Monday, Nov. 15.

Kaye Bell, Peg Miller and members of Senior Adventures were also on hand to discuss upcoming outings for the group. Annie Silver Community Center works directly with The Center of Anna Maria Island, which provides vans and drivers to assist in getting Senior Adventures members to and from activities. The relationship between the two centers is made possible in large part due to the work of Christopher Culhane, executive director of The Center.

“They’ve gone on trips up to Tampa, Sarasota and Siesta Key; they do a lot of really great stuff,” said Culhane, speaking of Senior Adventures. “Whatever we can do to help facilitate senior programming, we’re here.”

Annie Silver Community Center has served the Bradenton Beach community for more than 65 years and is named for its founder, Annie Silver, whose life and accomplishments adorn the walls of the center in honor of her many contributions to the Island and its residents.

The center can be rented out for just about any event free of charge, although a charitable donation is requested to offset operating costs. Wedding receptions, youth activities and a meeting spot for the AMI Privateers are common at the center.

Island residents will also be happy to hear that bingo will be returning to the center in mid-January. Bingo is not only a favorite pastime in Bradenton Beach, but it is the primary source of income for Annie Silver Community Center. Due to COVID-19, there hasn’t been any bingo for more than a year. More details on exact dates and times will be determined at future meetings.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN The Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach hosts an evening wedding reception.

2021

COVID-19 on the decline in county schools

Anna Maria Elementary remains free of COVID-19 cases among students and staff, and Manatee County reports the fewest cases since the first week of school.

BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - Almost two months into the 2021-22 school year, Anna Maria Elementary School is now reporting three consecutive weeks with no COVID-19 cases among students or staff.

AME is also one of only two schools in Manatee County that has had no staff member test positive for the coronavirus this school year, the other being Jain Middle School. Anna Maria Elementary has reported 13 student cases this school year.

As of Friday, Oct. 1, there were seven students reporting COVID-19 positive tests in Manatee County and no staff cases. In contrast, more than 200 students were positive on Sept. 1. A total of 2,468 students and 358 staff members countywide have tested positive since the start of this school year.

While there is a mask mandate in Manatee County, it offers an opt-out clause that allows students and parents to make the choice to wear masks while in school. This opt-out clause keeps Manatee County in compliance with a Florida law that bans mask mandates without an opt-out clause.

As of Sept. 26, Sarasota County Schools dropped its mask mandate – which had no opt-out clause – due to a decline in students and staff testing positive for COVID-19. Sarasota County saw the positivity rate drop below 8%, but if it rises beyond 10%, the county’s policy calls for mandatory masks to resume. COVID-19 PROCEDURES IN MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • All students and employees who are sick or who have symptoms will be sent home until they are symptom-free. • Temperature checks will be taken daily for all employees and randomly for students. • Reinforce and practice proper handwashing techniques among students and staff. • Provide and encourage the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. • Deep clean and disinfect schools and school buses daily, or in between uses as needed. • Make every effort to social distance as much as possible in schools. • District employees visiting schools, other than their own, must wear masks during the school day. • Provide plastic shields in elementary classrooms and cafeterias where possible. • All employees will answer COVIDrelated questions daily upon arriving at work. • Limit non-essential visitors and volunteers to school campuses. • Everyone eligible is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.

FILE PHOTO Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach has no COVID-19 cases for the third week in a row.

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Guild to hold grand reopening

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island will be holding a grand reopening Friday, Oct. 8 from 6-8 p.m. See the Guild’s newly-renovated gallery, new artists and artwork by local artists. The Guild will also hold its annual fundraiser, during which a 10x10 cradleboard original artwork will be auctioned. The gallery is located at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, contact gallery director Anne C. Abgott at annecabgott@gmail.com.

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AMI Chamber to hold networking luncheon

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking luncheon Thursday, Oct. 14 at Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez. Attendees will enjoy a delicious meal from Slicker’s and a great opportunity to network with business owners and managers. The Chamber encourages businesses to bring a raffle prize donation, and will announce all businesses who make a prize donation. The cost is $18 for Chamber members and $30 for future members. Slicker’s is located at 12012 Cortez Road W. RSVP is required by Monday, Oct. 11 and can be made by calling 941-7781541, or email becky@amichamber.org.

AMI Chamber offering gift certificates

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is offering gift certificates for purchase at the Chamber. All gift certificates will be in $25 increments and include a list of member businesses where they can be redeemed, including business name, address, phone number and website. The gift certificates will be valid for one year from the date of purchase. For more information, call the Chamber at 941-778-1541.

Music on the Porch gets a name change

“Music on the Porch” is now the “Chickee Hut Jammers.” This free music event series is held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month in the Chickee Hut between the Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Cultural Center in Cortez. The jam session begins at noon and continues until 2 pm. Children and adults are welcome. Audience members are encouraged to bring a chair, umbrella and a musical instrument to join in. Park in the museum lot at 4415 119th St. W. and follow the music through the field to the thatched hut.

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compared to August 2020 Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also partially funds tourism-related attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Amounts shown were collected in August and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in September. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http:/www.taxcollector. com/tdt-evader.cfm. Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

Anna Maria 1% Bradenton Beach 8% Holmes Beach 12% Manatee County Total* 35%

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto)

Commission candidates weigh in on noise

The five Holmes Beach commission candidates voice their opinions on noise in residential neighborhoods.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – The November election is almost upon us and five candidates are competing for three seats on the city commission. To help Holmes Beach voters make an informed decision at the polls, The Sun asked each candidate to express their opinion on several issues facing the city. Here, candidates answer the question, “How do you feel about noise in residential neighborhoods?”

RENEE FERGUSON

“Noise continues to be a concern for our city. We have had excellent discussions on this subject in regular commission meetings and work sessions. Our city has been successful in implementing some valuable ideas suggested by both commissioners and residents. We are a resort destination and suffer some of the same pains as other resort cities and can look to them for ideas. I am convinced that as long as we continue to listen to our residents and resort housing managers and work together, we will make further progress on resolving this issue to improve quality of life.”

JOHN MONETTI

“I would preface my response with the recognition that I do not have all the current information available since I currently am not a city commissioner. My feelings on the topics reflect topical knowledge though I do stay abreast of these issues as an interested resident. Noise is an issue that has been divisive for decades. It is a subject that lends itself to having certain folks never being satisfied. I would be more inclined to be centrally positioned. We have codes that can be utilized to create compromise.” PAT MORTON

“Unfortunately, the only issue we are really having is daytime noise of children swimming in pools. These families may someday be our residents. I do not believe in ticketing children in pools. A friendly visit by code compliance seems to do the trick.”

TERRY SCHAEFER

“This subject has been studied for in excess of six months and recently acted upon by passage of an amended ordinance providing the Code Compliance and Police Departments further tools to regulate the issue. In addition, I suggested and the commission unanimously approved retention of our magistrate hearing attorney to research defendable methods utilized by other Florida communities proven to be effective addressing nuisance properties. The results will be submitted to the commission and staff for consideration within the forum of open meetings allowing for public input. Our departments responsible for monitoring and enforcing these measures have done an effective job addressing the issue with a spirit of fairness and protection to neighbors while educating visitors to the rules of conduct required. Excessive and repeating violating properties are well known by staff with additional efforts extended, in order to maintain compliance and hopefully harmony between residents and visitors. When citations and fines are warranted, they are issued.”

CAROL SOUSTEK

“Respect for each other is key. Renters and residents love the Island and just want to be here for as long as they can. Islanders want to show off their paradise and visitors wish they lived here. For the most part, I see a good balance on the noise and we have very good practices and laws in place to handle any overly happy visitors.”Ferguson

Monetti Morton

Schaefer

Soustek