The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, April 19, 2017 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Cleanup 4 Earth. 16

ArtWalk ﬁnale. 13

Sunrise celebration. 22 APRIL 19, 2017 FREE

VOLUME 25, NO. 25

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992 AsTheWorldTerns preview Grassy Point. 6 New Bert Harris claim hits HB city hall. 3 DOT announces plans to relieve Cortez Road bottleneck. 4 BB approves DOT’s Gulf Drive project. 5

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

Remember when? 7

Loud noise raises concerns in BB. 8

Meetings

On the government calendar. 8 County planners back mega development. 10

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 12

Make plans. 14-15 Eco-education. 21

www.islander.org

Future bridge plans divulged

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter The future of the bridge linking Cortez to Bradenton Beach is coming into focus. Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage vice president Jane von Hahmann reported April 10 on Florida Department of Transportation plans with potentially dire consequences to the village that was first settled in the late 1880s and on the National Register of Places since 1995. The two DoT moves include: • A plan aimed at solving the 119th Street bottleneck on Cortez Road West. • Apparent DOT leaning toward a 65-foot fixed-span Cortez Bridge. The road project and direction on the Cortez Bridge replacement also were announced by Manatee County Commissioner Steve Jonsson at the April 8 annual Cortez community picnic. Von Hahmann told FISH members at their annual election meeting that what was proposed as “safety improvements” at 119th Street could “literally shut down the village.” FISH is a 180-plus member nonprofit with a mission to protect its commercial fishing culture and the environment. As of April 14, DoT engineers say they PLeASe See DOT plans PAGe 4

Sgt. Robert Spurlock of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office investigates the April 12 crash on the south side of the Cortez Bridge as firefighter Tyler MacDonald stands by the West Manatee Fire Rescue engine. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Cortez Bridge head-on crash injures 3

No life-threatening injuries were reported in an April 12 head-on crash where the ramp meets the east side of Cortez Bridge. West Manatee Fire Rescue Lt. Nate Bergbom said emergency medical services took five people to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. A family of four from Connecticut in a Nissan Rogue was traveling east over the bridge when an oldsmobile sedan attempted to pass another vehicle and struck the Nissan head-on, according to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office public information director Dave Bristow. Bernadeta Wilkins, 32, of North Port, was ticketed for careless driving, passing in a no-passing zone and wearing no seat belt after WMFR firefighters extricated her from

Grassy Point re-opens April 19

Gathering. 22

Streetlife.

Holmes Beach recognizes officers. 24 Give Earth a chance. 27 Football playoffs. 28 Clear waters, tough fishing. 29

ISL BIZ

Business news, real estate sales. 30

Holmes Beach city officials will officially reopen Grassy Point Preserve, including new walkways leading to a scenic overlook of Anna Maria Sound, to the public at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19. Everyone is welcome. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

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the Oldsmobile, according to first responder reports. Bristow said three adults were injured but “nothing life-threatening.” The two children in the Nissan were not hurt, according to the MCSo report. Bradenton Beach Police Department controlled vehicle traffic at the bridge for about two hours. After the impact, the oldsmobile Alero pointed west in the eastbound lane and the Nissan Rogue faced east, also in the eastbound lane. — Kathy Prucnell

Turtle Watch hits the beach By ChrisAnn Silver esformes Islander Reporter “You all are the first responders, the ambassadors,” Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director, said April 11 to more than 80 AMITW volunteers. The group was gathered at CrossPointe Fellowship in Holmes Beach for “Turtle Watch Spring Training,” a meeting led by Fox to prepare new volunteers and update veterans on new policies for the 2017 nesting season. During sea turtle nesting and hatchling season, which runs May 1-oct. 31, AMITW volunteers walk a designated 1-mile stretch of beach just after sunrise, looking for signs of nesting activity the night before and, later in the season, for hatchlings to emerge. When nests are discovered, they are staked for protection and monitored for data PLeASe See TUrTlEs PAGe 2

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Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers gather April 11 to pick up materials before a meeting at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

MORE: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch partners with high school for Earth Day project. Page 26 this season is comparable to the 2016 nesting season, there will be a lot of nests and verifying obvious nests would be a waste of time. “If you approach an area and can tell it’s definitely a nest, you don’t need to verify it,” Fox said. “We are going to have a lot of nests this year and need to focus on locating them.” Following the April 11 meeting, AMITW volunteer Bev Lesnick said she can’t wait to get started. Last season, her first as a volunteer, Lesnick saw a female loggerhead sea turtle nesting on a beach at sunrise, a rare experience. “Last year was truly amazing,” Lesnick said. “I can’t wait to see what this year holds.” For more information about AMITW, or to report a sick, injured or dead sea turtle, contact Fox at suzilfox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

Anna Maria Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteer Paula Clark, left, and executive director Suzi Fox prepare materials April 11 for turtle watch volunteers before a meeting at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

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TUrTlEs CoNTINueD FRoM PAGe 1 which goes to Manatee County and the state to track population and behavior trends. Fox kicked off the April 11 meeting and said volunteers would begin walking the beach April 15. She said the warmer winter may mean early nesting. “It’s all about temperature,” Fox said. “It just depends on how warm the water is.” Fox said there are some changes to the morning walk protocol this season. She said nests will be marked with three stakes instead of four and the stakes will be longer. Longer stakes are easier to locate and fewer stakes mean not as many to recover after a storm event, according to Fox. Fox also said volunteers are not to deal with possible code violations including unattended items or large holes on the beach. She said walkers should let her know so she can contact code enforcement officers to deal with the matter. Nesting sea turtles can become entangled in trash left on the beach or trapped under beach furniture and can fall into large holes. Adult female sea turtles only come ashore to nest then must return quickly to the water. Any impedance could be deadly. In the past, volunteers have taken time out of their morning survey walks to deal with issues that are the responsibility of city governments, according to Fox. “No more code work, nothing,” Fox said. “We are out there to look for nests, 100 percent.” She said 99 percent of the nests on the island are made by loggerhead sea turtles. However, occasionally other species, including green turtles, nest on island beaches. “After your first year, I expect you to know which species make which tracks, even if they are mostly loggerheads,” Fox told volunteers. “We do sometimes get green turtles here.” Additionally, Fox said volunteers are no longer required to verify nests, in most cases. Volunteers verify possible nests by digging into them to make sure there are eggs, before staking off the area. She said if

THE ISLANDER n April 19, 2017 n 3

New Bert Harris claim lands at city hall in Holmes Beach

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Add one more to the three dozen Bert Harris claims against the city of Holmes Beach alleging more than $14 million in damages. Filed April 11, the latest Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act claim comes from John and Suzette Buchan of Caledonia, Michigan. According to the claim, 7201 Gulf Drive has operated as a city-approved short-term rental and that, in 2015-16, the city changed the playing field by adopting ordinances limiting rental property to no more than two occupants per bedroom or a total of six, whichever is greater. The city adopted the ordinances in response to an outcry from residents blaming rental properties on problems, such as parking, noise, garbage and a change in the city’s residential character. The Buchans’ claim asserts $445,000 in damages, alleging the ordinances restrict their seven-bedroom rental accommodation, planned for 20 guests, to a lower occupancy. The claim attaches an appraisal from a licensed appraiser “demonstrating the loss from the actions of the city of Holmes Beach,” according to the Buchans’ attorney, Aaron Thomas of Najmy Thompson PL of The most recent Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act claim is filed by John and Suzette Buchan, owners of this home at 7201 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Bradenton, who wrote the April 11 claim letter to the city. The city has 150 days from the date a claim is filed to respond, which, according to state statute, can be “no changes to the action of the governmental entity.” The city has responded to 12 Bert Harris pending claims and offered no changes. The next response letter is due in June. If not settled after the 150-day period, claimants can sue the city. Two Bert Harris court cases are pending against Holmes Beach. Longtime residents and owners of 7003 Holmes

Blvd., Bob and Ellen McCaffrey, filed a two-count complaint in January. The homeowners allege $106,000 in damages from six ordinances. They filed their claim after the city turned down their remodel plans. In March, the McCaffreys fought off a city dismissal motion. In the most recent case filed against Holmes Beach, the corporate owners of Swackhamer Investments VI, Bmeehan Investments VI and Kmeehan Investments allege $225,000 damages, citing inordinate burdens from six ordinances, including new building restrictions, enacted 2013-16.

Anna Maria residents discuss Florida bills

An April 6 Anna Maria City Commission meeting saw residents and commissioners discuss the future of two bills that could void the city’s vacation rental ordinance. House Bill 425 is in the last of three committees it needs to pass before reaching the House floor. Senate Bill 188 is in the Community Affairs committee, the second committee of three before reaching the Senate floor. The Senate bill was amended, but the change is not likely to affect Anna Maria, according to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy. On March 28, the bill was clarified as to the prohibition on legislating vacation rentals by ordinance adopted before June 2011, except to amend those laws to be less restrictive. Both bills were to be heard by committees Tuesday, April 18, after The Islander goes to print. Anna Maria residents Amy and Alan Tripp recently traveled to Tallahassee to lobby against the bills. Amy Tripp has led a grassroots campaign, collecting more than 500 signatures on a petition opposing the measure. The pair met with various legislative aides in Tallahassee. Tripp said she did not address the Senate Com-

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munity Affairs committee April 3 because senators ran out the clock, postponing further discussion on the bill. Alan Tripp said senators did this to avoid voting on the bill. “This was described by every office as a hot bill,” he said. “Most of the senators seemed uninterested in making a statement.” Amy Tripp encouraged people to continue calling lawmakers to oppose the bills. – Bianca Benedí Anna Maria resident Alan Tripp addresses the commission April 6 with wife Amy Tripp. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

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DOT announces plans for Cortez Road West bottleneck

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter What began a year ago as a request from the four island mayors to solve the off-island traffic bottleneck at 119th Street and Cortez Road West — which frequently backs up vehicles to and from the beaches during season — turned into an evolving story the week before Easter. The bottom line is the Florida Department of Transportation will present options for what is labeled Cortez Road Safety Improvements at a public hearing 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at the Cortez Road Baptist Church, 4411 100th St. W., Bradenton. Mayors from Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key drafted a letter in March 2016 to officials of the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, the DOT, Manatee County and other key agencies, requesting “low-hanging fruit” traffic solutions. David Gwynn, DOT director of operations, said April 14, in furtherance of that request, the department made an April 5 scenic highway joint presentation in Bradenton Beach, calling for elimination of the left turn onto 119th Street West from Cortez Road West. But 119th Street West provides access for two busy restaurants, the fishhouse docks and a boat repair business as well as the Florida Maritime Museum on the south side of Cortez Road. Gwynn called the April 5 plan “most likely unworkable” based on new data gathered the week of April 10. DOT officials also spoke to business proprietors on 119th Street West. Last week’s traffic study indicated a one-day count of 60 left turns from Cortez Road south onto 119th Street — four times the turns counted in 2014. “So, we have to look at that again,” Gwynn said, adding “a second thing that’s occurred.” The county is determining if it can convert the

A proposed realignment of 119th Street at Cortez Road West would veer through the county-owned Florida Maritime Museum property. Islander Graphic: Courtesy Jane von Hahmann

from 86th Street West to 123rd Street West. He said a median between 119th and 123rd streets would provide “lots of left turn options,” a pedestrian crossing and additional bike lanes. According to an April 14 Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization news release, the project is “generating controversy in the Cortez community.” The 119th Street options will be presented at the MPO board meeting at 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 24, at the Holiday Inn Sarasota/Bradenton, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota.

New FISH directors elected

Jane von Hahmann, vice president of FISH, floats her ideas on the proposed realignment of 119th Street April 10 at the annual meeting. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell county-owned Florida Maritime Museum property into a right of way, he said. “Then what we would do is tie in a “plus (+) intersection,” Gwynn added. DOT’s backpedaling began soon after Manatee County Commissioner Steve Jonsson relayed the scenic highway presentation to Cortezians — attendees at the April 8 Cortez community picnic. Jonsson said, “I thought, this is a dumb idea,” adding he wanted to see what his Cortez constituents thought. He went to the event, where the picnickers agreed, “it’s not going to solve the problem, but make the problem worse.” Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage vice president Jane von Hahmann predicted an end to Cortez businesses April 10 if such a plan is carried out. Von Hahmann sketched her idea on a Google Earth aerial, aligning 119th Street through the Florida Maritime Museum property and presented it April 10 at the FISH meeting. Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore picked up on the Cortez controversy from David Zaccagnino, who distributed the von Hahmann plan from the Cortez meeting to some of his contacts. Whitmore said April 13 she had relayed it to county public works director Ron Schulhofer. April 10 the three options on the table were: • Leave the signal as is. • Remove the signal and restripe the roadway from the 119th south leg to the existing median east of the intersection as a two-way left turn lane. • Modify the signal to only control the northern leg. Upon completion of the south leg of 119th Street, turning would be restricted to right in/right out. The north leg would be designed to restrict to left out and right in/right out. Gwynn said the DOT has a $3.7 million budget for safety improvements in the Cortez Road West corridor

DOT plans continued from page 1 are looking several plans to remedy the staggered intersection — one proposed by Hahmann. To the members, and to DOT officials Chris Sella and David Wheeler after the meeting, Von Hahmann floated a plan to align 119th Street into a T-intersection by relocating the south leg through the Florida Maritime Museum county-owned property. “If it was set as a standard intersection with a dedicated right turn to go toward town,” von Hahmann wrote, “then the light could remain green for eastbound traffic until it was triggered” by a vehicle turning left, increasing time for traffic coming off the beach. Von Hahmann also spoke on the DOT leaning toward a 65-foot fixed span Cortez Bridge. “It’s our understanding that regardless of what we all thought was the No. 1 choice, the 35-foot bascule bridge —which seemed to be the voice of reason — they’re now going for a 65-foot fixed span,” she said. Von Hahmann predicted a loss of homes, busi-

nesses and the village if the larger bridge is constructed. DOT representatives presented drawings and spoke to each Manatee County commissioner individually the first two weeks of April. Faced with a proposal for a new Cortez Bridge in 1995, community leaders, including Mary Green, secured a place on the National Register of Historic Places for the village. Green was one of the founding members of FISH, which now supports the Cortez Village Historical Society and its cultural center on its 95-acre preserve, including restored uplands and saltern marsh. Cortez’ historic designation mandates federal oversight if federal funds are used in the district. According to the designation, 97 buildings are part of the district. Florida Department of Transportation operations director David Gwynn said the 119th Street/Cortez Road West are not part of the district. “I’m not sure on the bridge project,” he added.

FISH directors give it up for Cortez. Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage members April 10 voted in new members Tim Caniff and David Cadmus, and re-elected John Stevely, Rose Lipke and Linda Molto to the 15-member volunteer board. Stevely is a former University of Florida Sea Grant scientist, who organizes Dock Talks at the FISH-organized Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. Lipke and Molto are artists and festival organizers. Caniff is a prior board member, beekeeper and 30-year fisher. Cadmus is a Cortez property owner. Both have volunteered for the fishing festival, according to board vice president Jane von Hahmann. The annual festival attracts thousands to the Cortez docks and boatyards in February for seafood, music and coastal educational activities. FISH holds annual elections for directors who serve staggered three-year terms. Treasurer Michael Northfield motioned the new directors’ acceptance. Plum Taylor seconded. A unanimous voice vote approved the motion. Cortez — a village with homes and businesses on waterfront between 119th Street and the Cortez Bridge — was settled in the 1880s by North Carolina fishers and their families. FISH supports the Cortez Village Historical Society and the Cortez Cultural Center, a 95-acre preserve, a boatworks program and legal efforts against developments, such as Aqua By the Bay and the Long Bar Pointe mitigation bank.

Longboat Key-Coquina shuttle launches

An on-call shuttle to bring Longboat Key residents to and from Anna Maria launched April 15. The service replaced the Longboat Key trolley and operates between Bay Isles on Longboat Key and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Manatee County Area Transit and Sarasota County Area Transit are collaborating on the service The one-way fare is $1.50. The shuttle will collect passengers from transit stops between Bay Isles and Coquina Beach and riders also can call to request what transit officials described as “curb-to-curb” service. “The Longboat Key Shuttle was developed in response to the desires of residents of Longboat Key,” MCAT division manager William P. Steele said in a news release. “Many residents voiced a desire for a more personalized on-demand, curbto-curb service that is more accessible for those who are elderly or have limited mobility. These sentiments were expressed in a meeting organized by the Aging in Paradise organization in January of 2016.” To use the service, passengers call 941-7452317 to reserve a trip by 5 p.m. the day before planned travel. A shuttle service vehicle will pick up and drop off passengers within the Longboat Key Shuttle service area. Multiple trips also can be arranged and prepaid fare cards can be purchased. At the Coquina Beach drop off, shuttle riders can connect with Anna Maria Island’s fare-free trolley and other transit services. SCAT will continue to operate Route 18 hourly between Bay Isles and downtown Sarasota.

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 19, 2017 n 5

Bradenton Beach approves DOT improvements application

By ChrisAnn Silver esformes Islander Reporter A proposed multi-modal trail — shared roadway — in Bradenton Beach could help with ongoing drainage issues. At their April 6 meeting, Bradenton Beach commissioners and Mayor Bill Shearon approved submission of an application for funding to the Florida Department of Transportation for improvements on State Road 789 in Bradenton Beach. The commission unanimously approved a motion to accept and submit the application during an April 5 capital improvements meeting and put it on the consent agenda for its April 6 commission meeting. DoT-funded drainage and street improvements and plans for the multi-use bike-pedestrian-vehicle

DOT: New Cortez Bridge plans undetermined

For the Florida Department of Transportation, much work precedes the decision for which type of bridge to build. “Lochner can design any bridge that we ask them to design,” DoT spokesman Robin Stublen. “We do that all the time.” A Chicago-based company, Lochner, was hired by the DoT in March to design a replacement for the Cortez Bridge. Stublen says there are three options right now for the bridge. one option is a 35-foot drawbridge. Another option is a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span bridge. The third option is to refurbish the bridge. Considering the bridge’s age — it opened in 1957 — that’s probably not an option, Stublen said. But it’s one that they always have to include. A public hearing regarding a new Cortez Bridge has not yet been scheduled, Stublen said, but likely will be held in late summer. — Ed Scott

shared roadway also are underway in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach. The project would include drainage improvements on SR 789/Gulf Drive from the city border with Holmes Beach at 27th Street North to Longboat Pass. In the DoT application, city engineer Lynn Burnett wrote that improvements are necessary for the health, safety and welfare of people. The road is the evacuation route for Bradenton Beach and some areas flood during storm events, making certain areas of the corridor “virtually impassable” for cars and hazardous for cyclists and pedestrians, she wrote. It will accomplish the “foundation and framework” for the proposed multi-modal trail. “FDoT has said this project is their priority, the commitment is there,” Burnett said. The project includes installation of drainage infiltration systems along the east side of SR 789/Gulf Drive South from 13th Street North to the S-curve at Avenue C, along with a drainage project from eighth Street South to the S-curve. Additionally, the application includes concrete

aprons at the intersections of SR 789/Gulf Drive and 23rd Street North to 26th Street North. “These areas are shovel-ready,” Burnett said. Commissioner Ralph Cole said he is concerned about safety issues with a multi-use road. He said he would like separation between the lanes. Burnett said while these prioritized projects are ready to begin, other components will include public input. “If the bike trail is going to go on one side or two sides —those kinds of details in terms of the actual configuration of the corridor will be looked at in great detail once we get down the line,” Burnett said. She said the priority for the city is to get on the DoT funding calendar for the october 2017-September 2018 fiscal year. Cole thanked Burnett and said he now knows how to respond to his constituents’ concerns. “Just good to know it’s not written in stone,” Cole said. “Because they have had some definite worries.” The next city commission meeting will be at noon Thursday, April 20, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Traffic circles the roundabout at the intersection of State Road 789/ Gulf Drive and Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

6 n ApRIL 19, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Good news, bad news

There almost always is a little bit of good news to go with the bad news. This week, we are elated to see the gates opening to Grassy Point Preserve in Holmes Beach. The improvements, added shell trails and a wood boardwalk that skips under the mangrove canopy to reach out over the lush, green waters of Anna Maria Sound, are long awaited. We hope the gates will never close to this vast strand of public land that is so rich with wildlife and marine life that even an oldtimer on Anna Maria Island might have forgotten it existed. The final stretch of boardwalk crosses above the murky, rich waters with hanging branches and red mangrove roots planted in muck, opening up in the last 30 feet or so to the shallow waters of Anna Maria Sound, rich with swirling schools of mullet and the nursery for many species of marine life. It’s a vista that author John D. MacDonald often described in his novels, but few of his mystery admirers and dreamers experience. My first visit to Grassy Point instantly reminded me of MacDonald’s prose — the rich words and strong demands he wove into his novels to save the real Florida from developers. In books like “Flash of Green,” “Deep Blue Goodbye,” “Barrier Island” and 70 or more titles, he detailed places in Florida I could only yearn to visit. And he yearned to save Florida. He was a vigorous critic with a stinging opinion of developers — the type we see now hoping to ravage the shoreline of Sarasota Bay. MacDonald would have sunk his teeth into the plot that has evolved around Longbar Point like a dog with a bone. He wouldn’t let this area of the bay go down without a fight. Find yourself a copy of “Flash of Green.” More than the sunset phenomenon, it’s a story of small town corruption, greed and scoundrels trying to turn an area of beauty on the bayfront into piles of money. So when you walk out to the tip of the boardwalk at Grassy Point and admire the morning sunrise or the fish jumping or the shade of the mangrove canopy, think about how Longbar Point — now named Aqua By The Bay and destined for shoreline destruction — can be saved. It’s not unreasonable to expect a win for the environment — if we want something to remain of the real Florida for our children and grandchildren. Keep the gates open. — Bonner Joy

APRIL 19, 2017 • Vol. 25, No. 25 ▼ ▼

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Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, copy editor Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Susan Huppert Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Ed Scott, edscott@islander.org Jennifer Sheppard, jennifer.s@islander.org Contributors Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, ﬁsh@islander.org Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager Janice Dingman accounting@islander.org classiﬁeds@islander.org subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

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Opinion

Your

Stoppers for the birds

I read with interest Lisa Neff’s column about the noticeable decline of mockingbirds on the island (The Islander, March 22). I think I have the solution: Plant stoppers in every Anna Maria Island yard. Stoppers — myrcianthes fragrans — are graceful native shrubs with small leaves, fragrant flowers and berries that are coveted by mockingbirds. Native Americans marketed the berries to manage diarrhea — hence the euphemistic name “stopper.” once the stopper shrubs next to our patio bore fruit, a mockingbird couple promptly arrived on-site to supervise the plants. Right before the berries on the stopper bushes reached perfect ripeness, the birds impolitely asked us to vacate the chairs next to the bushes. I was pleased my husband rather than I underwent extreme vetting by the birds and was the first to be deported. Cowering inside the house, we watched the mockingbirds harvest the entire crop of berries in a few days. We look forward to watching them harvest the next crop of berries and are taking appropriate precautions, since we are already on the mockingbird security watchlist. We encourage others to replace even a few nonnative plants with the wonderful salt-tolerant stoppers. The mockingbirds will soon be paying you a visit. Claudia Carlson, Holmes Beach

Boutique benefits

on behalf of the Women’s Resource Center, I would like to thank the wonderful island women who donated clothing, shoes, sweaters, jewelry, etc., March 11 at Duffy’s Tavern in Holmes Beach. I salute you. We collected so much in four hours for the Career Closet — for women looking for jobs — and the

A stopper bush attracts mockingbirds. Islander Courtesy Photo unique Boutique — which sells a lot of the clothes to benefit the WRC programs to help women in need in Manatee County. Grateful thanks to Duffy’s, which gave us the space on a very busy day — and does so each year. Denise Johnson, Holmes Beach

Music behind walls

Many thanks to Bradenton Beach Police Officer Steven Masi for his much-needed help with the Bridge Street loud music problem. This is basically a residential neighborhood and a very expensive neighborhood. on April 2 at 6 p.m. I heard what sounded like engines starting up. When the roaring continued, I went to investigate. The noise was a musician at Island Time Bar and Grill with amplifiers that could be heard three blocks away. Please, keep the music indoors. Island Time, build walls. Bridge Street doesn’t need this image. Eileen Suhre, Bradenton Beach

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 19, 2017 n 7

‘It was this big’

Jim Gray III shows the snook he caught in local waters June 13, 1980. One record referred to the fish as 811 pounds and another record referred to the snook as 81 pounds, which would top today’s world record for snook. Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library

The sounds of our city

Recently I had the not so wonderful experience of being awakened by the unrelenting partying of the tourists next door. This happened at 1:30 a.m. I have impact thermopane windows and other items in my bedroom that should block out all noise outside of my bedroom. I’m now supposed to call the police and complain? I don’t want to do this because I know it will mean I will not sleep the rest of the night, it will merely exacerbate my current anger. How do I deal with this very emotional reoccurring situation? All the next week my mind runs on how the city can deal with this issue. Why, I just finished helping to rewrite a portion of the land development code to prevent some of this problem. It’s not going to help very much. I sat at my bedroom window, open and closed, for

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hours this week with a decibel meter. The code says you can’t have sound greater than 65 decibels cross your property line after 10 p.m. — there is no daytime rating. My neighbor’s home and screened porch is about 25 feet from my bedroom window. Normal conversation is at times above 65 decibels. The average being 71 decibels. Add the swimming pool, which is 18 feet away from my bedroom window and 3 feet from the property line, and even a quiet discussion below 65 decibels is enough to put you in the middle of the conversation. So for me to have any privacy, I must live with my windows closed. Reed Mapes, Bradenton Beach Editor’s note: To read the full version of this letter, please, go online to islander.org.

Archived online

All editions of the newspaper — since 1992 — can be found online in the university of Florida Digital Newspaper Collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

We’d love to mail you the news!

10&20 years ago

In the headlines: April 16, 1997

• The Anna Maria Island Community Center’s An Affair to Remember raised a record $62,675 for the nonprofit. • Mote Marine Laboratory was involved in the release of 7,500 hatchery-raised juvenile snook to enhance the population in Sarasota Bay. The release took place as Mote issued a call for people on the water to report if they caught one of the tagged fish. • A 12-year-old boy riding his unlighted bicycle home at night was stopped for the third time by a deputy in Anna Maria. This time the boy was given a $26 traffic ticket — and fingerprinted. Two other kids in Anna Maria were ticketed and fingerprinted for “illegal towing” — which involved kids riding on bike handlebars.

In the headlines: April 18, 2007

• Law enforcement officials were meeting to discuss how to keep the peace on the beaches on Cinco de Mayo after gang-related shootings took place at Coquina Beach on easter Sunday. • Anna Maria residents told their city commissions they opposed a proposal to purchase property at 703 N. Shore Drive for a botanical garden and pocket park. They complained that the park would bring more traffic, more crime and destroy the “old Florida” character of their neighborhood. • Holmes Beach officials were reviewing ordinances for compliance with state regulations protecting the live-aboard lifestyle. Holmes Beach Mayor Rich Bohnenberger, referring to the city ordinance prohibiting people from living on their boats, said, “We have an ordinance we can’t enforce.”

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8 n ApRIL 19, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Bradenton Beach noise raises questions, call to action

By ChrisAnn Silver esformes Islander Reporter Live music is playing to an audience in Bradenton Beach that is a driving force for change. Recently, noise concerns in the city have escalated and the city commission has added a discussion of the noise ordinance to the agenda for its April 20 meeting. Live entertainment at the Freckled Fin Restaurant, 101 Bridge St., resulted in nine complaints to the city from April 2016 through March 21, 2017. The most recent complaint, April 5, led to owner Scott Lubore’s arrest for a misdemeanor noise violation — the first known in the history of the city. “The establishment had been warned verbally, given numerous violations and warned again that we would arrest the person in charge the next time this happened,” Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale said during an April 13 department head meeting. “We have the right within our ordinance to do this and enough was enough.” A call to action posted April 14 on Facebook by Freckled Fin co-owner eileen Lubore reads, “If the noise ordinance is not modified and they continue to arrest managers and/or owners as has been stated, unfortunately outdoor music in BB will cease to exist.” earlier in April, Bradenton Beach resident eileen Suhre, who resides on Church Avenue, adjacent to the live music venues on Bridge Street, spoke at a commission meeting about excessive volume. She said the assigned decibel limits for the city, per the noise ordinance, are not sufficient. “Let’s get rid of that and create our own control,”

Bradenton Beach resident Eileen Suhre addresses city commissioners April 6 at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Suhre said. When asked about the flexibility within the ordinance to amend the accepted decibel limits, Speciale responded in an April 13 email, “It’s set by the city and the city can change it.” Speciale said owners of live music venues on Bridge Street recently expressed concerns with decibel limits in the ordinance. He said he told them the ordinance was adopted in 2013 and the city has not

had many problems with it, until now. The city also is considering tackling the issue through changes to its land development code. Amendments proposed by the Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board would increase space between homes and limit structure size for new construction, limiting the number of people a structure can hold. P&Z member Reed Mapes said he does not know if the proposed changes will make a difference. “We’ve got a noise problem and there isn’t a damn thing we can do about it,” Mapes said April 12. He said changes to the LDC will help, smaller houses will lead to less people, but the responsibility rests with the owners and rental agents to make sure people know their vacation rentals are adjacent to residents’ homes. He said the agents could threaten fines or place limits on pool time to persuade guests to keep it down. Mapes said he has multiple noise-blocking sound machines in his bedroom, but noise frequently exceeds decibel levels through his soundproof windows. “It’s not our job to police the area,” Mapes said. Speciale agrees. Speciale said he wants people to call the BBPD when they hear excessive noise. “We want to be the ones dealing with it, not the angry neighbors,” Speciale said April 13. “The people causing problems aren’t going to mess with us and create bigger problems.” The city commission will be discussing the noise ordinance during its next meeting at noon Thursday, April 20, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Holmes Beach imposes timeline on Ugly Grouper improvements By Jennifer Sheppard Islander Reporter When Holmes Beach commissioners approved a revised site plan for the ugly Grouper in February, there was no time frame for the restaurant to complete its proposed improvements. “I think we made a mistake,” Commission Chair Judy Titsworth said April 13 at a work session. “There’s no deadlines.” When commissioners voted Feb. 14 to approve a revised site plan for the restaurant at 5704 Marina Drive, they included two special exceptions, one for off-site shared parking and the other for limited amplified outdoor music. The special exception for outdoor amplified music included conditions for an outdoor stage equipped with noise-attenuating features and an automatic sound cutoff to control the amplified music, according to the resolution adopted Feb. 16. However, Titsworth said the city should have put these conditions on a timeline. “We didn’t even think about the fact that … they could take their merry old time,” Titsworth said. City attorney Patricia Petruff told commissioners to decide how strict they’re going to enforce their resolution. “Arguably, anything that’s happening over there that’s not in compliance with this resolution is a matter for code enforcement,” Petruff said. A letter from restaurant owner Mike Ross received by the city April 13 lists conditions to be met, including an additional 45 days before applying for the permit to relocate the soundstage. “The design of the new stage is underway and we expect it to be submitted for a building permit within the next 45 days,” the letter states. “once that permit is issued, we will complete the work in earnest and demolish the old stage.” Petruff said the commission has the option of giving the restaurant owners a grace period to complete the remaining conditions. “I think you can say if you don’t do all of this by whatever date you choose … then we will start issuing citations through the code enforcement process,” Petruff said. “If the music’s too loud, then it’s a violation.” Building official Jim McGuinness said he thought PLeASe See UGlY GrOUpEr, NexT PAGe

Improvements to the Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, must be completed 60 days from April 13. Plans call for an outdoor soundstage equipped with noiseattenuating features and an automatic cutoff over certain sound levels to control intrusive amplified music. Islander Photo: Jennifer Sheppard

Meetings

West Manatee fire rescue • April 20, 6 p.m., commission. WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org.

anna Maria City • April 27, 6 p.m., city commission. • May 9, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. • May 11, 6 p.m., city commission. Manatee County • May 25, 6 p.m., city commission. • April 25, 9 a.m., county board. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941• May 1, 2 p.m., county board (work). 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. • May 4, 9 a.m., county board (land use). • May 9, 9 a.m., county board. Bradenton Beach • May 23, 9 a.m., county board. • April 19, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. • May 30, 1:30 p.m., county board (budget pre• April 20, noon, city commission. sentation). • April 25, 1 p.m., city commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., • April 26, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. CAN- Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. CeLeD Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Of interest 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. • April 19, Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Holmes Beach City Hall. Holmes Beach •April 24, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metro• April 25, 6 p.m., city commission. politan Planning organization, Holiday Inn Saraso• April 27, 11:30 a.m., police retirement ta-Bradenton International Airport, 8009 15th St. e., board. Sarasota. • April 27, 6 p.m., city commission. • May 17, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island • May 3, 10 a.m., parks and beautification com- Elected Officials, Longboat Key Town Hall. mittee. • May 29, Memorial Day, most government Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, offices will be closed. The Islander office also will 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. be closed. Send notices to news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 19, 2017 n 9

Hop, hop, hop ... the Easter Bunny hops into Anna Maria …

Islander Photo: Hope Yencho

A crowd of young and old follow the Easter Bunny. Islander Photo: Hope Yencho

The April 15 parade on Pine Avenue led by the Easter Bunny takes the crowd from the Sandbar Restaurant on Spring Avenue to an Easter egg roll, Easter bonnet contest, games, coloring and face-painting. Islander Courtesy Photo

Kids and parents line up on the beachfront April 15 to participate in Sandbar Restaurant’s 31st annual Easter egg hunt at 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria. Islander Photos: Courtesy Sandbar Restaurant

Key Club helps with Kiwanis Sunrise Service

UGlY GrOUpEr CoNTINueD FRoM PAGe 8 the design of the stage was in progress and he expected to see the soundstage permit application long before now. Code enforcement officer JT Thomas said once the commission decides what action to take, he would try to visit the restaurant every other day to keep an eye on the improvements. “Whenever we show presence, they seem to listen,” Thomas said. “Whenever we step back and we wait, they’re falling into violations. I don’t want to back them into a violation.” Thomas said he tried to take a decibel reading before the April 13 meeting and the ambient noise was louder than the music. “As soon as we’re there and they see our presence,

they stay right where they need to be,” he said. Commissioners unanimously reached a consensus on a 45-day deadline for the soundstage, based on McGuinness’ recommendations, and 60 days to complete the improvements. “The stage is conceptually designed and if you’re motivated, you can get a lot done,” McGuinness said. Commissioners directed McGuinness to draft a letter with Mayor Bob Johnson’s approval for a specific timeline to complete the improvements, after which code enforcement would begin enforcement. The commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

LEFT and ABOVE: Students from the State College of Florida Collegiate Key Club gather early at the Manatee Public Beach to assist with the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island’s 53rd annual Easter Sunrise Service. Key Club members walked the crowd with donation buckets after the service. The donations from the Easter service — more than $7,000 this year — are divided equally by the Kiwanis Club among the island’s churches. Islander Photos: Jack Elka

10 n April 19, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Bayfront mega project gets county planners’ nod

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Manatee County planning commissioners voted 3-2 April 13 to recommend a large-scale mixed-use development along more than 2 miles of Sarasota Bay shoreline southeast of Cortez and Anna Maria Island. The action moves approval of Aqua By The Bay — 2,894 homes, 78,000 square feet of commercial space, 13- and five-story buildings, a 2-mile lagoon and seawalls — to the county commission. The county board will consider the Long Bar Pointe LLLP and Cargor Partners VIII general development plan and a 191-acre rezone at its land use meeting at 9 a.m. May 4. As part of the 529-acre site, the Carlos BeruffLarry Lieberman entities hope to run a 260-acre mitigation bank that needs state and federal permits — but county attorney Sarah Schenk told commissioners they were not to consider the bank. Thirteen people spoke against the plan, including Cortez-based Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage directors Jane von Hahmann, Linda Molto and John Stevely, Capt. Kathe Fannon, and Fishing for Freedom members Thomas Reynolds and Mark Coarsey. Fannon spoke of the seahorses, starfish, conch and other marine life she sees in the bay near the proposed development and implored commissioners to reject the plan, saying, “Let’s stand up for old Florida.” “Nobody has once asked me to take them to see a high-rise,” she said. Von Hahmann warned, “Sea rise is happening.” The 50-foot wetland buffers should be retained and potential impacts of tidal exchange, flow and storm surge determined, she said. She called the 145-foot building height “beyond comprehension.” Von Hahmann asked the development be held to the same standards as Peninsula Bay and Lakewood Ranch and called for denial “until we fully understand

Cortez Capt. Kathe Fannon urges plan commissioners to deny developer Carlos Beruff his bid to develop amid marine life on the mangrove-lined shores of Sarasota Bay.

Anna Maria approves dredge work, looks ahead

Anna Maria commissioners approved April 7 a contract for dredging the Lake LaVista canal. The total project cost is estimated at $150,610. According to city engineer Lynn Burnett, the canal has not been dredged for at least two years. Under the agreement, West Coast Inland Navigation District will dredge the canal by “piggybacking” off a 2013 bid for work in Fort Lauderdale. Florida laws allows companies that bid successfully for one municipality to bypass the process in another municipality. The work will be done at the end of June. In other business, Mayor Dan Murphy said he is seeking project estimates from Wantman Group Inc., the winning bidder for and engineering study on the city pier. Murphy said he still needs a timeline for the project and an estimated cost. Murphy said he will meet with WGI representatives April 13. — Bianca Benedí

Flanked by Medallion Home president Pete Logan and his attorney, Ed Vogler, developer Carlos Beruff watches the April 13 planning commission hearing on his application for Aqua By The Bay. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

all the impacts.” Molto pleaded with commissioners to save the scenic beauty of the bay. As commercial fishermen, Reynolds asked for the commissioners to consider “all those little fish,” their migration and nurturing, and Coarsey called the pristine mangrove-lined shoreline “our last stand.” Also registering comments against Aqua By The Bay were representatives from the Sierra Club, Manatee-Sarasota Group, Suncoast Waterkeepers and the League of Women Voters of Manatee County. Only one comment favored the development. A woman who failed to sign a speaker card asked commissioners to consider jobs, employment and taxes. “Large projects are never perfect,” Commissioner Tim Rhoades said before the vote. He credited the developers for making changes, trusted the plan because “many reputations were at stake” and didn’t object to its compatibility. Commissioner Matt Bower questioned the 145foot and 75-foot building heights. Bower criticized planner Stephanie Moreland’s comparison of Aqua’s height “compatibility” with the approved Lake Flores plan’s 95-foot-tall buildings. “Correct me if I’m wrong,” but no buildings in Lake Flores “are on the coastline.” And “they’re closer to Cortez Road,” Bower said. Commissioner Albert Horrigan Jr. asked about dredging and docks with regard to the gaping 100foot stretch of untouched shoreline. Dredging is prohibited under the Manatee County Comprehensive Plan. “Why would you want docks if you can’t dredge?” Horrigan questioned. The county attorney said the county can’t force them not to plan or request docks. Planning Commissioner Mike Rahn motioned for Aqua’s approval and it received a second by Commissioner John DeLesline. Rahn, DeLesline and Rhoades voted yes. Bower and Horrigan voted no. Absent for the planning commission vote were William Conerly and Paul Rutledge.

Plan approval was contingent on county staff stipulations, including a requirement state permits be obtained before development is commenced and the submittal of “overall layouts for the entire project” with future site plans. The rezoning request includes 39 acres from single-family to planned development, 22 acres from agricultural to planned development and 130 acres from planned development and agricultural to mixed use. For the developers, attorney Scott Rudacille of Blalock Walters said the plan was compliant with the land development code and comp plan. The developers’ team touted the benefits of engineering stormwater runoff, only 13 acres of wetland impacts and the need for permits. Developer attorney Ed Vogler predicted a 20-year build-out. He disputed the hundreds of comments made in opposition to the plan. Stevely, a retired University of Florida Sea Grant scientist, told the commissioners: “You can’t dismiss the comments as misperceptions.” “There’s real problems with this plan,” he added, both with the hydrology and ecology.

Stuart Smith, representing the Sierra Club and Suncoast Waterkeepers, hands off a petition signed by more than 1,000 people opposing Aqua By The Bay.

ITPO previews MPO transportation plans

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter The Island Transportation Planning Organization heard a proposal April 10 to remedy traffic issues on Cortez Road at 119th Street West. The Florida Department of Transportation determined recently the intersection is a hazard, and proposed a redesign. The proposal includes the addition of bike lanes, a median running between 119th and 121st streets, Americans with Disabilities Act modifications and a high-friction treatment to the street asphalt to prevent skidding. However, the DOT’s plan has produced controversy in Cortez. (See related story, page 4.) At the ITPO meeting, DOT project manager David Jones said the goal is to reduce crashes and accidents on Cortez Road. According to the DOT, 77 crashes, primarily rear-end crashes, have occurred on Cortez Road in five years. In addition, he said, the DOT has received complaints about the intersection and requests for the organization to take action for several years. Jones said by changing the intersection and adding

a median, the DOT could reduce crashes and improve traffic flow. Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon commended the DOT for taking action that the island community had been requesting for years. “It’s not working now,” he said. “I strongly believe we need to do something. … I commend you for not only looking at it, but doing something about it.” Bradenton Beach Commissioner John Chappie raised concerns about the median, pointing out the DOT was relying on 3-year-old data. Jones said a public hearing on the project is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at Cortez Road Baptist Church, 4411 100th St. W., Bradenton. At the ITPO meeting, DOT representative Jesten Abraham also delivered an update on a barrier island traffic study with Stantec. Abraham said the cost will be $942,405, just under the $945,000 cost announced at a March 13 meeting. Abraham said phase 2 of the study began in January and will be completed in mid-2018, however, “we could be finishing phase 2 at the end of the year,” Abraham said.

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Island happenings State College of Florida presents Spring Fling

Music students at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota will give their annual Spring Fling concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at the outdoor performance pavilion, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Down Through the Decadesâ&#x20AC;? in a salute to SCFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 60th anniversary and the many popular styles of music from 1957 to the present. Featured ensembles will include the chamber and concert choirs under the direction of Melodie Dickerson, the jazz big band and jazz combo under the direction of Dr. Pete Carney, the symphonic band under the direction of Dr. Robyn Bell and the guitar ensemble under the direction of Rex Willis. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets but no coolers are allowed. General admission is $8. For more information, call the campus box office at 941-752-5252.

Senior Adventures plan â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lunch and learnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

The island-based Senior Adventures group will meet at 10 a.m. Friday, April 21, at the Center of Anna Maria Island for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;lunch and learnâ&#x20AC;? program. The groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monthly potluck lunch, crafts session and book sale will take place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. For more information, call Peg Miller at 941-4475076.

Yoga continues at art league

The Anna Maria Island Art League continues to offer â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gentle Chair Yogaâ&#x20AC;? with instructor Cindy Phillips of Island Yoga Space Mondays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at noon. The classes began in January and ends for the season May 22. The program combines breathing with postures to improve strength, flexibility, balance and tranquility. The cost per session is $12. For more information, call AMIAL at 941-7782099.

Resource center presents â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;brainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; workshop

The Aging in Paradise Resource Center on Longboat Key will host a â&#x20AC;&#x153;brain health forumâ&#x20AC;? at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 10. The program, which includes lunch, is sponsored by Alderman oaks Retirement Center and the fee to attend is $10 per person. The program will include remarks by Dr. Alan Grindal, a neurologist with the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Memory Clinic; Dr. Cheryl Brandi, an educator and researcher with the Roskamp Institute; Dr. Jack Warren, a partner with the Silverstein Institute; and Nicci Kobritz, president of the Center for Brain Health. Reservations are required by Friday, May 5. The center is on the second floor of the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. For more information, call the center at 941383-6493.

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Garden club to stage fashion show

The Anna Maria Garden Club will stage a fashion show noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Ireneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resort Wear is providing the fashions for models. The afternoon will include piano music and a luncheon. Tickets can be purchased for $10 at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call Charlotte Noyes at 941-778-6758.

Boat tour to benefit maritime museum

A boat tour on Sarasota Bay will raise money for the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez. The ride, sponsored by Paradise Boat Tours, will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 11, departing from the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. An announcement promised a 90-minute adventure, with a strong likelihood of seeing dolphins and possibly manatees and rays. The announcement also promised the tour will feature stories of old Cortez. The cost is $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $20 for children under 12. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks aboard. For more information, call the museum in Cortez at 941-708-6120.

Island Players set 2017-18 season

How do you know the winter-spring season is coming to an end? Because local arts and entertainment venues begin announcing the next winter-spring season. The Island Players recently announced productions for the 2017-18 season at the playhouse at Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. The schedule includes: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happy Birthdayâ&#x20AC;? by Marc Camoletti, Sept. 21-oct. 10, with auditions Aug. 13. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Games A Footâ&#x20AC;? by Ken Ludwig, Nov. 9-19, with auditions Sept. 24. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beyond a Jokeâ&#x20AC;? by Derek Benfield, Jan. 11-28, 2018, with auditions Nov. 12. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Curious Savageâ&#x20AC;? by John Patrick, March 8-25, with auditions Jan. 14, 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Inspector Callsâ&#x20AC;? by J.B. Priestley, May 3-13, 2018, with auditions March 11, 2018. For more information, go online to www.theislandplayers.org or call the box office at 941 778-5755.

Box office to open for Island Players performance

The Island Players will open the box office Monday, April 24, for tickets to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.â&#x20AC;? The theater group will perform the comedy by Christopher Durang May 4-14 at the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20. The box office will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and an hour before curtain. A New York production of the play won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2013. The cast includes Sue Belvo, Pamela Hopkins, Haley Hines, Don Sleight, Candace Artim and Patrick Charles. James Thaggard is directing. For more information, call the box office at 941778-5755 or go online to www.theislandplayers.org.

Visit www.islander.org for the best news on AMI.

Island happenings ArtWalk wraps up season in Holmes Beach

The final ArtWalk of the season was held April 14 at galleries and shops in the downtown Holmes Beach art district. A crowd of people strolled Gulf and Marina drives as visitors for the easter holiday joined locals wandering in and out of participating locations, sipping on wine and noshing on appetizers on a picture-perfect beach evening. ArtWalk takes place in Holmes Beach at from December-April on the second Friday night of each month. November traditionally has an ArtWalk as part of the broader ArtsHoP event in all three island cities.

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Landscape photographer Nick Donatelli is the featured artist for April at Frank and Melissa Williams’ SteamDesigns Studio, 5343 Gulf Drive, Suite 600. Donatelli displayed a variety of giclee prints of local Anna Maria landmarks and island scenes. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

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Find us in Holmes Beach, near Minnies and the post office. Online: www.islandgallerywest.com

Painter Rolando Rodriguez discusses his work with visitors to the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., during the April 14 ArtWalk. Rodriguez said he had been working on the piece for more than two years, saying it contemplates present and past time. He hopes to complete the work within a month.

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Sue Elliott, an English transplant to the island area, displays wares for the first time at ArtWalk outside Restless Natives, 5416 Marina Drive. Elliott displayed hand-painted plates, brightly colored wildlife paintings and handmade cards and prints.

5311 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach Submit your social news to news@islander.org. Please, include the time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name and phone number for publication.

Jennifer Westerbrook makes an aromatherapy necklace during a demonstration April 14 at the final ArtWalk of the season. Westerbrook’s company, Meaningful Wears, specializes in handmade jewelry — beads, braids, metal and aromainfused pieces.

Holmes Beach invites public to improved preserve

Grassy Point Preserve is scheduled for a private, invitation-only opening 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, followed by a public grand opening to which everyone is welcome at 12:30 p.m. The pre-opening will include a ribbon-cutting and welcome by Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and a tour of the preserve, east of the 3200 block of east Bay Drive (opposite Walgreens) and fronting Anna Maria Sound. Access to the preserve is at the north end of

Avenue C. The early opening serves as a “thank you” for those organizations and people who participated in getting Grassy Point back in shape, said Mary Buonagura, the city human resources analyst who helped coordinate the project. New features of the 34-acre preserve, the largest city-owned property, include a shell pathway and a wooden boardwalk extending to Anna Maria Sound.

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14 n ApRIL 19, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

The Islander Calendar

Compiled by Lisa Neff

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

KIDS & FAMILY

ON AMI

South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Information: 941-746-4131. Sunday, April 23 â&#x20AC;˘ Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Art After 5, John and Mable Ringling Tuesday, April 25 4 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ring Sarasota Handbell Ensemble Concert, Roser Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Infor10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Donation mation: 941-359-5700. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. suggested. Information: 941-778-0414. â&#x20AC;˘ First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m. Village of the Arts Art Walk, 12th ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also 11 a.m.-4 p.m. ONGOING ON AMI the following Saturday. â&#x20AC;˘ Fourth Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Stelliferous Live star exploration, â&#x20AC;˘ Throughout April, Island Gallery West features the work of South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. LOOKING AHEAD photographer Richard Stewart in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sea & Shore,â&#x20AC;? 5368 Gulf Drive, Information: 941-746-4131. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. â&#x20AC;˘ Most first Saturdays, Family Night at the South Florida May 5, Main Street Live!, Bradenton. â&#x20AC;˘ Throughout April, Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild Gallery features the work of Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: pastel artist Nancy Goff and oil painter Karen deLeon Stuart, 5414 941-746-4131. Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teeth Beneath: the Wild World of Gators, Crocs and Caiâ&#x20AC;˘ Throughout April, #LoveAMI exhibit, Artspace Anna Maria, mansâ&#x20AC;? exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Park101 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-243-3835. way, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441. LOOKING AHEAD

LOOKING AHEAD

May, Marlane Wurzbach exhibit, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Island Dreams, Holmes Beach. May 4-14, Island Players â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,â&#x20AC;? Anna Maria.

April 29, De Soto Heritage Festival Grand Parade, Bradenton. May 6, Pickinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Picnic, Bradenton. July 22, Snootyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday Bash, Bradenton.

OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

GOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ Through April 28, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The History, Use and Art of Waterfowl Decoysâ&#x20AC;? exhibit, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. â&#x20AC;˘ Through April 21, annual Member Shows, ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-746-2862. â&#x20AC;˘ Most second Wednesdays, Think+Drink (Science), 7-9 p.m.,

Earth Day is celebrated around the world Saturday, April 22. Locally, volunteers mark the day by participating in the Keep Manatee Beautiful Great American Cleanup. Islander Courtesy Photo

The Music and Paws in the Park concert at 6 p.m. Friday, April 21, will feature Ari and the Alibis. The event will be at the Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater, 606 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Islander Courtesy Photo

GOOD TO KNOW â&#x20AC;˘ April 22, Earth Day. â&#x20AC;˘ April 28, National Arbor Day. â&#x20AC;˘ May 5, Cinco de Mayo. â&#x20AC;˘ May 13, Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. â&#x20AC;˘ May 20, Armed Forces Day. â&#x20AC;˘ May 29, Memorial Day.

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CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, April 19 Noon — Anna Maria Garden Club fashion show and luncheon, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-7786758. 2 p.m. — Computer class, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Thursday, April 20 10:15 a.m. — Friends of the Island Library Book Club discusses “The Secret Chord,” 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 2 p.m. — Knitting and crocheting activity, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, April 21 10 a.m. — Senior Adventures “Lunch and Learn” program, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-447-5076. 2 p.m. — Computer class, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturday, April 22 8:30 a.m. — Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria breakfast and program, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The program will feature Ana GuillermoSantiago talking about the H2U program through Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. Information: 941-778-1383. Tuesday, April 25 Noon — Anna Maria Island Rotary Club gathers for lunch and a program, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-462-4016. The Friends of the Island Library Book Club will delve into a discussion of Geraldine Brooks’ “The Secret Chord” Thursday, April 20. Islander Courtesy Photo

Wednesday, April 26 Noon — Adult coloring club, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

GAMES, SPORTS & OUTDOORS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Saturday, April 22 9 a.m. — Keep Manatee Beautiful Great American Cleanup, various locations in Manatee County. Information: 941-795-8272. • Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Anna Maria Island Historical Wednesday, April 26 Society sells Settlers’ Bread, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-7784 p.m. — Chess club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, 0492. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • Thursdays, 7 p.m., Overeaters Anonymous meets, the Epis• Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, copal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: Information: 813-494-6518. 941-708-6130. • Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning • Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. 779-0881. • Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Senior Adventures gather for a program or to depart on an adventure. Information: 941-447-5076. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

• Through Sept. 3, Bradenton Marauders Minor League Baseball games, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee • Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Farmers Market, Old applies. Information: 877-893-2827. Main Street downtown, Bradenton. Information: 941-621-6471. • Second and fourth Wednesdays, Roser Memorial Community Send listings to calendar@islander.org. Submissions must Church Golﬁng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Coninclude a contact name and telephone number for publication, as quistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-778well as the pertinent details. 0414. • Third Thursdays, Manatee County Audubon Society meeting, Hope Lutheran Church, 4635 26th St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-729-2222. • Most Saturdays, 8 a.m., Felts Audubon Preserve open house, 4600 24th Ave. E., Palmetto. Information: 941-729-2222. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

LOOKING AHEAD May 19, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Bradenton.

GET LISTED: Send listings to The Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will welcome calendar@islander.org. Submissions must include a contact name chess players — and students of the game — Wednesday, April 26. and telephone number for publication, as well as the pertinent details Islander Courtesy Photo of the event: What, when, where and how much.

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Cortez fishers, volunteers clean up the bay

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Forty-one volunteers came to the Kitchen to take out the trash. The Kitchen is what locals call the natural shoreline near Cortez, where, among the mangroves, fish and shellfish feed and breed. on April 8, Fishing for Freedom of Manatee County Inc., a group Cortez commercial fishermen, donated their time and boats and took cleanup crews to the mangrove shores between the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue to 28th Street in Holmes Beach. Three hours later, they returned from the 1-mile stretch with fishing boats chock full of garbage. Plastic bags were so plentiful volunteer Rose Lipke vowed she’d never use one again. Among the junk that filled a 20-yard dumpster, there was plastic of all sorts, old clothing, a mattress, enough wood for a dock or two, as well as a 20-foot rubberized pole the fishers theorized must have come from a bridge repair. Mark Coarsey, president of the nonprofit, organized the event, now in its third year, with the help of Keep Manatee Beautiful. “The commercial fishermen are environmentalists,” Coarsey said. “A lot of the wood out there is a hazard to navigation.” And the mangroves, he added, “are our groceries.” Fishing for Freedom volunteer Julie Guthrie and 10-year-old Rachel McGrath agree people might think more about where their trash goes after seeing so much in the bay. “It’s not just garbage off boats. It’s off docks and from vehicles, over bridges,” Coarsey said. There’s another environmental lesson to learn from the cleanup: Reuse, repurpose and recycle. Artists, like Lipke, will repurpose wood for art. And the 20-foot rubberized bridge pole? Coarsey paused a moment and said, “a bumper, possibly.”

A crew of volunteers, including Rachel McGrath, front, Lee Coarsey at the wheel, Mariah Albert, Rose Lipke, Rob McGrath and Shawn Flourney, return to Cortez April 8 with garbage collected from the shoreline between the Anna Maria Island Bridge and 28th Street in Holmes Beach. The FFF president wears another hat in Cortez as a director of the nonprofit Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, which is dedicated to the commercial fishing culture and the environment it depends upon. Coarsey also is spearheading an encore cleanup. Assisted by KMB, and part of the Great American Cleanup, an earth Day FISH cleanup will aim at removing invasive species, including Brazilian pepper trees, from the trap yard and FISH Preserve east of the village. Volunteers are invited to the land-based, FISH cleanup at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at the 119th Street waterfront. Mark Coarsey, president of Fishing for Freedom of For more info, go online at the Fishing for Freedom Manatee County, steers to shore April 8 with a boat Facebook page or call Coarsey at 941-737-9990. full of boards and garbage for proper disposal.

Volunteers Conner Allday and Betsy Capone lift garbage April 8 from boats to docks to awaiting dumpsters at 119th Street on the Cortez waterfront.

Fishing for Freedom organizer Julie Guthrie offers food and water to volunteers taking part in the April 8 cleanup. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

VISITORS MAY BE LOOKING FOR YOU ! Don’t miss your opportunity to market to our Island visitors. We offer more circulation weekly than the dailies on AMI, greater readership than any publication circulating on AMI, a solid reputation for success and the top award for BEST community news from the Florida Press Association! We have more than 24 years of service to the Island community, and readers are still flocking to The Islander. Call Toni Lyon for marketing tips, special deals and the “best news on Anna Maria Island” … call 941-778-7978.

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Earth Day simple solution: Refuse a straw, save an ocean By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter If this Islander newspaper being read right now is dropped into the nearby Gulf of Mexico, in six weeks it will have degraded and disappeared. The Styrofoam go-box carried from the restaurant may remain in the water for 80 years. The bottled water in your hand? Four hundred years from now, that bottle may be bobbing in the ocean or littering a beach, fairly intact. And yes, that straw sticking out of that frozen rum concoction is one of 300 million straws a day being used worldwide, according to the 5Gyres Institute in Los Angeles, California. Plastics were hailed as a great leap forward in the early 1900s. It was not until late in the 20th century that scientists and environmentalists began sounding the alarm about the glut of plastics floating in oceans and clogging landfills. The Plastic oceans Foundation states more than 300 million tons of new plastic is produced in the world every year. Half of that amount is for one-time use. Moreover, that one-time use averages less than 12 minutes. Here on Anna Maria Island, local companies have taken up an effort to help eliminate plastics from our beaches and waters. Greg Grosser, manager at the Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria, says his was one of the earliest establishments on the island to embrace environmentally friendly options. owner Jason Suzor opened the Waterfront in 2001 with strong recycling practices, including paper straws and, more recently, biodegradable items such as go-boxes made of corn-infused products. At Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach, the fancy frozen drinks don’t come with a straw. Neither does sweet tea or soda. Tanner enoch, who has managed the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe for six years, said he has never used straws or Styrofoam at the concession. Ditto for the Coquina Beach Cafe in Bradenton Beach. “We have done our best to try to use as little plastic as possible,” enoch said “We offer souvenir glasses in hopes that guests will bring them back and use them again.” enoch said the no straws impetus was simple. “The beach-cleaning vehicles have difficulty pick-

ing up something as small as a straw,” enoch said. We partnered with Manatee County to alleviate the problem” of straw removal. The Chiles Restaurant Group, three waterfront restaurants, is making a “dramatic decrease in the use of plastic straws, foam containers, cracker wrappers and other non-biodegradable products normally associated with food service operations” according to its blog. They plan to introduce a line of eco-friendly takeout containers and reusable packing crates for produce and seafood. Many people are familiar with the great Pacific Trash Pile, but don’t realize there are trash patches all around the globe, including one in the Gulf of Mexico. These patches are caused by currents and so-called gyres, where water moves in a swirling pattern, trap-

ping debris. According to Dianna Parker of the National oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, most of the trash patches are made of tiny micro plastics. “Plastics never really go away,” Parker said in a recent NoAA discussion broadcast, “they just break down over and over and over again.” Parker points out scientists know that birds, fish and even some larger marine mammals eat the plastic. Seabirds and turtles are common victims. The Plastic oceans Foundation estimates more than 600 species of marine life suffer from plastics. In our area, turtles are found entangled in plastic bags and fishing line. Birds consume plastic and choke, starve, when their stomachs are full of tiny plastic pieces. It is estimated that more than 90 percent of seabirds have some plastic in their stomachs. Volunteers and residents routinely scour Anna Maria Island beaches, picking up garbage and beach trash, abandoned coolers and plastic buckets, water bottles, grocery sacks. “Marine debris is absolutely a solvable problem, because it comes from us humans and our everyday practices,” Parker laments. Changing those everyday practices is now a necessity, not a choice, to keep the oceans and wildlife from further environmental damage. even if it is just one straw at a time.

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By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Almost every neighborhood has an area needing some attention — roadside litter, discarded beach trash. on earth Day, which is Saturday, April 22, Keep Manatee Beautiful, in conjunction with the 19th annual Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup, will launch a countywide effort with a “keep it close to home” theme: Clean your block party.

Penelope, the pup, escorts his cleanup crew to the Cortez dock April 8.

Residents are encouraged to clean around their homes, to build a sense of community and contribute to making a positive impact block by block. Volunteers also are needed for the countywide cleanup that collected 25,092 pounds of debris last year and almost 10,000 pounds of items for reuse or recycling in Manatee County. For Anna Maria Island and Cortez, volunteers can meet at 9 a.m. at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive; Kingfish Boat Ramp on State Road 64 just west of the Anna Maria Island Bridge in Holmes Beach; or at the FISH Preserve, 11601 Cortez Road W., Cortez. The Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will host a party for volunteers in the earth Day cleanup. Countywide volunteers should arrive at 9 a.m. at any of the cleanup block party locations posted at www. manateebeautiful.com. And they should bring gloves, sunscreen and wear closed-toed shoes. Trash bags, drinks and thank-you gifts will be provided. Suggested activities and resources to help conduct a cleanup can be obtained by emailing keep@manateebeautiful. com or calling 941-795-8272.

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20 n ApRIL 19, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Candy sale makes sweet money for cancer research

Jeana Schmidt, left, a senior market manager for the American Cancer Society, accepts a check April 23 from the Anna Maria Elementary K-kids. Pictured are, front row, from left, Kylie Hoffman, Tyler Kosmider and Jonathan Swift. Back row, from left, Matthew Speidel, Jason Gross, Destiny Duffy, Bryanna Sparks, Payton Murphy, Cara Carter and counselor Susan Tabicman. The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island-sponsored club raised $615.59 during its February candy sale. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

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THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 19, 2017 n 21 By Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org

Mary Miller’s “big fifth-graders” join Kelly Crawford’s kindergarten students April 13 for an Easter celebration at Anna Maria Elementary School. The BFGs hid eggs, did a word exercise and read to their little buddies. Islander Courtesy Photo: Kelly Crawford

AME fifth-graders, kinder kids share Easter fun

There’s nothing like an older mentor showing you the ropes when you are young. Mary Miller’s fifth-grade class at Anna Maria elementary has been doing that very thing all year — helping Kelly Crawford’s kindergarten students with educational projects and holiday celebrations. The big fifth-graders, BFGs, as they are called, guide the younger students in reading, craft projects and other activities. This week, they helped make easter baskets and hid more than 100 eggs with sight words inside. Each kindergartner had to find five eggs, then write sentences using the words inside the eggs. And they had help from their BFGs. each fifth-grader was presented with a basket and two candy-filled eggs and each kindergartner got a book to take home after their big buddy read to them. A hoppin’ good time was had by all.

Author teaches 3 R’s to AME students

Jack Proctor, left, looks April 13 at the Easter basket being finished by partner Jackson Kennedy for an egg hunt. The “big fifthgraders” from Mary Miller’s class joined Kelly Crawford’s kindergartners for the seasonal celebration at AME, complete with the egg hunt, candy and story reading. Islander Photo: Courtesy Kelly Crawford

Anna Maria Elementary principal Jackie Featherston looks over 2016 auction items at the Parent-Teacher Organization spring gala. This year’s event will be Friday, May 12, at the Seafood Shack Marina, Bar and Grill, 4110 127th St., W., Cortez. Islander File Photo

AME-PTO seeks spring auction donations

The Anna Maria elementary annual spring gala will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, May 12, and organizers hope the community kicks in with silent and live auction items for the fundraiser. This year’s gala again will be in the Neptune Room at the Seafood Marina, Bar and Grill, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez. To donate items, contact Lindsay Sauls at lindsaymsauls@yahoo.com or call 512-968-6084.

AME school calendar

• 9 a.m. Friday, April 21, adopt-a-grandparent breakfast. • 6 p.m. Thursday, April 27, Princess Ball. • Thursday, May 11, fifth-grade field trip to Walt Disney World in orlando. • 6 p.m. Friday, May 12, AME-PTO Spring Gala, Neptune Room, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez. Anna Maria elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more info, call 941-708-5525. Kindergarten students dance with author Jennifer Kopelman in the media center April 5 at Anna Maria Elementary. Kopelman read from her book “Jambo’s Journey” and engaged the students in a singand-dance-along with an Earth Day message. Islander Photo: Courtesy Lynn McDonough

Decades ago, the three R’s were reading, writing and arithmetic, even though only one actually started with an r. A new century mantra has shifted the three to something else altogether — the basis for helping to clean and maintain the earth’s environment. Reduce, reuse and recycle was the lesson kindergarten students were taught April 5 by author Jennifer Kopelman, who visited Anna Maria elementary in Holmes Beach. Kopelman read aloud from her book “Jambo’s Journey” to students in the media center and reinforced her message with singing and dancing. Jambo’s stories are designed to promote harmony between children and the world around them, according to the author. Kopelman will return in May to work with third- the planet. She also reinforced the importance of reducing For more information and activities, visit jambosthe human footprint, reusing and recycling when pos- grade students to create puppets from other continents as students learn about saving endangered animals and journey.com. sible.

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22 n ApRIL 19, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Gathering

By Susan Huppert

Gulf Coast hand bell ensemble presents at Roser Church

The Ring Sarasota hand bell ensemble will present “We’ve Got Rhythm” at 4 p.m., Sunday, April 23, in the Roser Community Church sanctuary. The doors will open at 3 p.m. A free-will offering will be collected. The group uses more than 200 bells and performs selections ranging from Glenn Miller to the Beatles. Roser’s own Phyllis o’Keef is a member of Ring Sarasota. The wife of the Rev. Dr. Bob o’Keef, Phyllis is a music educator and church musician. She enjoys every aspect of making music. She was introduced to hand bells as a child. Ring Sarasota is in its seventh season. Visit ringsarasota.org for additional biographical information of members, past repertoire and other hand bell information. Sunday worship at Roser is at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the sanctuary. A nursery is available during services. Adult Sunday school class is at 8:45 a.m. at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez, is studying the book of Hebrews during Sunday Bible study at 10 a.m. followed by worship at 11 a.m. and again at 5 p.m. The church meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday for midweek Bible study. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church holds worship at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. Sundays. Additional Thursday study opportunities include a women’s Bible Study at 10 a.m. and experiencing Christianity at 6:30 p.m. Gloria Dei is 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Christ Church of Longboat Key holds worship service Sunday at 10 a.m. Weekly Bible studies for men are at 9 a.m. Mondays and women’s studies are at 10 a.m. Wednesdays at the Presbyterian church at 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. CrossPointe Fellowship offers Sunday worship at 9 a.m., followed by study and fellowship in Life Groups at 10:30 a.m. Sunday Kid’s Adventure is at 9 a.m., with life groups at 10:30 a.m. Sunday Night Live, a traditional service with music and hymns, is at 5 p.m. at the church, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church St., Bradenton Beach, is an interdenominational church that worships Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. The Rev. Willie Tabor leads Bible study

A crowd gathers at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach on Easter Sunday, April 16, for the annual sunrise service organized by the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island. Representatives from the island churches are involved in the celebration that takes as the sun rises in the east. Islander Photos: Jack Elka

The Ring Sarasota hand bell ensemble will present “We’ve Got Rhythm” at 4 p.m., Sunday, April 23, in the Roser Community Church sanctuary. Islander Courtesy Photo

at 11a.m. Thursdays at the church. Longboat Island Chapel, a Christian-based interfaith community church, offers Sunday service at 10 a.m. at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, celebrates Mass Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Mass also is celebrated weekdays at

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THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 19, 2017 n 23

Local musicians Morgan Lawson and Koko Ray Hanson, right, perform for the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island’s Easter Sunrise Service at Manatee Public Beach. Presenting on the podium are the representatives from the island churches, the Rev. Stephen King of Harvey Memorial Community Church; the Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef of Roser Memorial Community Church; the Rev. Ed Moss of CrossPointe Fellowship; Robyn Mary Kinkopf and Dave Miner of the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island; and the Rev. Rosemary Backer of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Not pictured are the Rev. Matthew Grunfield of Episcopal Church of the Annunciation; and Mathew Nowicki, director of faith formation at St. Bernard Catholic Church. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

Obituaries

Charles M. ‘Mel’ Bennett,

Charles M. “Mel” Bennett, 85, Bradenton, died April 8. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all he met. He was born oct. 20, 1931, in Heaters, West Virginia, to the late Alva Robinson and Mamie Gay (Singleton) Bennett. He was married to Nancy Rae Carter Bennett, who died in 2014. He served in the u.S. Navy. Following his military service, he worked as an automotive mechanic. He was a long-time resident of Anna Maria Island. Memorial donations may be made to Tracey Vita’s School of Dance for Scholarships, 4181 Ninth Ave. W., Bradenton FL 34205. Condolences may be made at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com. He is survived by son Robert and wife Teri; daughters Lezlie and husband Jeff Nance and Kelly and husband Dale Stephenson; grandchildren Jeremy and wife Shawna, Kymberli, Alison, Abigail and Anabellel; great-grandchildren Carter and Lyla; sister-in-law Deloris “Butch” and husband Jim Carden; brotherin-law Richard and wife Gale Carter; niece Shirley and husband Clint Bradford Daniels and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Robert Dale Raisch

Robert Dale Raisch, 90, of Bradenton, formerly Holmes Beach, died. All are welcome He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, Nov. 21, 1926, to Alvin L. and Gertrude (Maschmidt). He met Laverne Daume at S.e. Missouri State

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College in September 1946 and they married Dec. 21, 1947, in Jennings, Missouri. They celebrated 69 years of marriage in December 2016 at Freedom Village in Bradenton. He was in the u.S. Navy in World War II, serving in the Pacific. He Raisch trained as a radioman and was aboard the u.S.S. Fon du Lac, an attack transport that was on its way to Japan. He would have been in the invasion, but for the dropping of the atomic bomb. He attended S.e. Missouri State College and the university of Missouri, receiving a bachelor’s degree in forestry in 1950. The summer before his senior year, he worked as a ranger in the Nez Perce National Forest in Idaho. He lived in an observation fire tower and was responsible for reporting and extinguishing any fires. He once saw lightning strike a tree miles in the distance and he had to go put it out before it spread to other trees. He worked for the Missouri Conservation Commission as a farm forester. In 1957, the family moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where he received a master’s degree in landscape architecture from Kansas State university while working as an assistant professor and a forester with both the Kansas State extension Service and the Kansas Department of Forestry. He and the family moved in 1962 to Indianapolis, where he went to work as state forester. In 1968, he went to work for the u. S. Forest Service as director of state and private forestry and the family moved to Springfield, Virginia. This position required him to travel extensively throughout the country. ALL ARE WELCOME

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In 1972, the u. S. Forest Service transferred him to Swarthmore, Pennsylvania In 1980, he went to work as director of the South east Region in Atlanta, a post he held until he retired in 1982. upon retirement, he and Forest Service retiree Jim Sabin started “Turf and Tree.” He fully retired in 1992 and in 2004 moved with Laverne to Anna Maria Island, where they had spent winters. He enjoyed walking the beach, playing golf and tennis, was active in Kiwanis on the island and Roser Memorial Community Church, where he served as a deacon. He also loved to draw and paint and published articles in several Gulf Coast Writer’s books. He moved to Freedom Village in June 2016. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 21, in the auditorium at Freedom Village, 6410 21st Ave. W., Bradenton. Memorial donations may be made to TideWell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota FL 34238. Condolences may be made online at www. shannonfuneralhomes.com. He is survived by wife Laverne; children Nancy Acton and husband Dick, Steve and wife Kay, Janie Hulbert and Rebecca Smith and husband Scott; grandchildren emily Steinbraker and husband George, Holly Acton, Brad Acton, Robert Smith and wife Michelle and Amy Smith; and great-grandchildren Casey and Riley Steinbraker.

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24 n April 19, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Bicyclist injured, witnesses sought

An experienced Canadian bicyclist sustained lifethreatening injuries while riding on Longboat Key on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Longboat Key police and the family of Mike MacCormick of Halifax, Nova Scotia, are seeking anyone who witnessed the 2 p.m. April 2 crash at 4949 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Authorities received one report from a witness across the street. The witness saw a white, small mid-1990s pickup truck pass the bicyclist as he heard a thud and then someone yell, “Oh shit,” according to the report. The Longboat Key Police Department report also stated the witness saw the bicyclist lying on the grass “but didn’t see the actual contact” because the vehicle

No-contest plea leads to DUI probation

A Georgia man was sentenced to 12 months probation in connection with an arrest a year ago for driving impaired in Holmes Beach. Twelfth Circuit Judge Charles Sniffin April 10 ordered Thomas B. Cannon, 29, of Savanah, Georgia, to complete a DUI program, receive evaluation and treatment, if necessary, and attend a victim impact panel. The judge also suspended Cannon’s driver’s license for six months, impounded his vehicle for 10 days and ordered Cannon to serve 50 hours of public service work or pay $500. The order allows Cannon to report to his probation officer by mail and early termination upon completion. According to the court website, Cannon paid $1,961 in court fines and costs.

obstructed his view. “That’s just it. The person couldn’t tell us that the truck hit him. We’re trying to find a witness who saw it,” LBKPD Detective Sgt. Robert Bourque said. Bourque said police also are looking for a lightcolored small “S-10-style” pickup truck. Vacationing with friends, Mike MacCormick was riding ahead of his wife, who wasn’t within sight of the crash, according to police and the victim’s son, Matthew MacCormick, of Calgary. The crash occurred mid-key, south of the Longboat Key police station. Authorities are pursuing leads, including video from Gulf of Mexico Drive, Bourque said. “We’ve gotten a few, but we’re looking for more from cameras pointed at the street,” he added. Matthew MacCormick said April 11 his father underwent surgery at Blake Medical Center and his condition was improving. Mike MacCormick does not recall what happened, according to police and his son. According to Matthew MacCormick, police have different theories about what happened, including “he could’ve fallen first and then the truck run him over.” “Still, one way or the other, it is a hit-and-run,” he added. His son hopes “to get the word out to the public and get a potentially dangerous driver off the road,” and for another reason: “We’d really appreciate knowing what happened.” Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Bourque at 941-316-1973. To make anonymous tips, call CrimeStoppers at 866-634TIPS.

Streetlife

Island police blotter

Anna Maria March 31, 700 block of North Shore Drive, suspicious incident. Wooden boards were found atop a chair that had been moved behind a residence. Police reported it looked like a makeshift ladder. No entry was made to the second-floor balcony. April 1, 100 block of South Bay Boulevard, theft. While parked at the city pier, a motorist reported the tag was taken off a vehicle. April 2, 300 block of Pine Avenue, underage alcohol possession. Deputies responded to a complaint of a man sitting in a vehicle with its engine running and found a man with slurred speech, several bottles of alcohol and a substance suspected to be marijuana. He was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail. April 3, North Shore Drive and North Bay Boulevard, theft. A rented beach cruiser bicycle valued at $100 was stolen from the beach access. Anna Maria is policed by the MCSO. Bradenton Beach No reports available. Cortez April 1, 12000 block of Cortez Road West, information. As a woman put her vehicle in park, a child on a bicycle ran into her fender. The child appeared unhurt and rode off. The vehicle dent was 4-inches long. April 2, Holiday Cove RV Resort, 11900 Cortez Road, battery. A couple who had been drinking began arguing. The woman struck the man in the face. A deputy arrested the woman and transported her to jail. She was assigned a $500 bond. Cortez is policed by the MCSO. Holmes Beach April 6, 3900 E. Bay Drive, transit-fare evasion. A man took a taxi from Sarasota to Holmes Beach. He failed to pay the driver on arrival at Publix Super Market. The taxi driver called police after the man told the driver he had $8 cash. The fare was $80. April 9, 400 block of Manatee Avenue, driving Please see POLICE, Next page

Holmes Beach retires, commends police officers By Jennifer Sheppard Islander Reporter The community is in good hands. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer recognized officer Henry “Chip” Frappier for his retirement after 22 years of service. Frappier, a lifelong Manatee County resident and graduate of Palmetto High School, joined the Holmes Beach Police Department in 1995 after 10 years with the Palmetto Police Department. Tokajer said Frappier received many praises during his time on the force, the most recent from a resident who commended the officer for his calming presence, compassion and patience. Frappier, accompanied by wife Beth, was awarded a plaque by Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and received a standing ovation from commissioners and the gallery. Tokajer also recognized Officers Mike Walker and Alan Bores for responding April 2 to a call about a Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson recognizes Officer Henry “Chip” Frappier for his retirement after 22 years of service in the Holmes Beach Police Department. Frappier was accompanied by wife Beth and received a standing ovation from commissioners at their April 11 meeting. Islander Photos: Jennifer Sheppard

home intruder. According to an April 4 email from Cindi Harrison to Tokajer, the intruder broke through a locked screen door and entered the catwalk area just outside a second-story bedroom at her residence. “I immediately called 911 for assistance and, as I was calling, was shocked to see a pair of legs hanging outside my living room window,” Harrison wrote. The police arrived within minutes and apprehended the suspect. “It just means so much when we actually catch something in progress like this,” Tokajer told commissioners April 11. “Officer Bores and Officer Walker did a great job, and we just want to recognize them for the apprehension.” Bores, who works nights and did not attend the meeting, also was named as the department’s Officer of the Year for 2016 for enhanced DUI enforcement in the city. He is one of only a few drug recognition experts in Manatee County.

He also was nominated by Tokajer for Manatee County Officer of the Year. Harrison also commended Tokajer for leading a squad that “obviously is well-trained and works together for the benefit of our Holmes Beach community.” “You and they deserve far more thanks than any of us who live here can offer and this is my small way of letting you know how personally grateful I am,” Harrison wrote.

Holmes Beach Police Officer Mike Walker receives an award April 11 for his professionalism when apprehending a home intruder April 2. Officer Alan Bores also was recognized with an award but did not attend the meeting.

THE ISLANDER n April 19, 2017 n 25

HB mayor proclaims Child Abuse Prevention Month

WMFR responds on Cortez Bridge

West Manatee Fire Rescue responded to a head-on collision mid-afternoon April 12 on the Cortez Bridge. Two fire engines, one battalion engine and three EMS units responded to the call. WMFR said firefighters from both engines worked to remove a trapped passenger. Five people, including two in critical medical condition, were transported to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. Islander Photo: Courtesy WMFR

StreetLife from page 24 on a suspended license/habitual traffic offender. After calling in a suspicious tag, Holmes Beach Police Officer Mike Pilato stopped the vehicle. The attached tag was not assigned to the auto, the sticker had been altered and the driver had 22 prior suspensions and was deemed a habitual traffic offender in April 2016. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Manatee County jail and assigned a $1,500 bond. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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Maybe you noticed some whimsical blue-andsilver pinwheels decorating island gardens? It’s part of a national Pinwheels for Prevention campaign to celebrate healthy children and bring awareness to child abuse prevention. Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson issued a proclamation April 11 certifying April 2017 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. “I’m glad that we can participate in this,” Johnson told commissioners April 11. “This community touches a lot of places, and I think it’s very important.” “Florida’s future prosperity depends on nurturing the healthy development of over 19.5 million (Florida total) children currently living, growing and learning within our many diverse communities,” the proclamation states. The pinwheel was introduced in 2008 as a symbol for child abuse prevention, according to preventchildabuse.org. Melinda Thompson, CEO of Manatee Children’s Services, accepted the proclamation and told the commission she was thankful for the staff she works with to eradicate child abuse and neglect. She also said people can obtain pinwheels for their home or business at Manatee Children’s Services, 1227 Ninth Ave. W., Bradenton.

In addition, the organization is hosting an open house 4-6 p.m. Friday, April 28, to celebrate its 40th year in Manatee County. “I can’t say enough about the giving to children, not the tangible giving but the intangible giving and the nourishing of them and helping them grow,” Johnson said. “It’s very, very important.” To join in the pinwheel campaign, contact Amalie Flores at Manatee Children’s Services at 941-3451200, ext. 140. — Jennifer Sheppard

Roadwatch

Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation posted the following advisory: SR 789 at the Longboat Pass Bridge: Crews are working on the bridge. Expect overnight intermittent lane closures controlled by flaggers 9 p.m.-4 a.m. Sunday, April 23, through Thursday, April 27. Use caution and expect possible delays. A blue and silver pinwheel garden is planted at city For the latest road watch information, go online to hall to commemorate April as Child Abuse Prevenwww.fl511.com or dial 511. tion Month. Islander Photo: Jennifer Sheppard

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Turtle Watch partners with Venice High School for Earth Day

By ChrisAnn Silver esformes Islander Reporter earth Day is a time when people unite to support the environment and its custodians. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring was offered a $1,000 donation by the Venice High School zoology club to fund conservation efforts. Additionally, club members volunteered time on earth Day, which is Saturday, April 22, to help AMITW prepare materials for sea turtle nesting season, which starts May 1. The club, which has about 35 high school students as members, held several car washes to raise the funds. Club representatives contacted AMITW executive director Suzi Fox in early April to offer the contribution. each year, the club raises money and votes on a nonprofit organization for the donation. This year, the group chose AMITW. “We used the internet to try and find local organizations to donate to and we stumbled across their website,” said Samantha Anderson, vice president of the zoology club. “The kids in this club are just crazy about sea turtles,” Fox said April 11. “This is the first high school group we’ve ever partnered with and we are over the moon excited.” AMITW recently purchased 1,500 stakes to mark off nests. The stakes, which at 48 inches are longer than those previously used by AMITW, are now required by the state for safety reasons, according to Fox. Fox said the donation mostly will cover the cost of the stakes and students offered to help AMITW paint them yellow to be more visible. Fox and AMITW volunteers will take the stakes to Venice High School on earth Day for a “painting party.” “Two groups coming together on earth Day to help our turtles,” Fox said. “How perfect is that?”

The Venice High School zoology club meets April 4 at Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave., Venice, to discuss partnering with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMITW

Loggerhead turtle rehabbed, released in Tampa Bay Mike, an adult female loggerhead sea turtle, is released April 10 into Tampa Bay by Mote Marine Laboratory representatives at Bayfront Park, 301 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Mike was struggling in the water near Longboat Key, weakened by exposure to red tide, and was rescued Jan. 23. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

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islander.org

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 19, 2017 n 27

By Lisa Neff

Give Earth a chance

Will Georgie see a manatee? Will her twin brother Gavin spot a dolphin? I was thinking about the arrival of family and a family friend for the week following easter. We planned beach time, of course, along with visits to the three piers, a walk in Leffis Key and celebrating sunset at the drum circle at Manatee Public Beach. Heck, even the planned indoor activities had an environmental theme — a stop to see Snooty the Manatee at the South Florida Museum, an afterNeff noon at a wildlife center and a party to decorate shells. When you live here, you live an outdoor lifestyle. “The environment” is your surroundings. Will Pippa go kayaking? Will her best friend Camille walk the shore looking for sea turtle tracks? And hey, what time is the April 22 flight home? Can the kids pitch-in with the Great American Cleanup on earth Day? They know about earth Day, and for sure know about litter. Says Pippa, 8, “I think earth Day means like when there’s garbage around you, you should pick it up and

Earth Day is celebrated April 22. The first Earth Day celebration took place in 1970. Islander PHOTO: NASA recycle it. And I think it means a lot to set garbage cans everywhere so you can put it in.” Camille says, “It’s a day to take care of the earth and pick up the garbage you see and do kind stuff to the earth. And don’t like litter.” Gavin, 4, explains, “When you got garbage all around, you need a whole garbage can. A whole garbage can.” Georgie stayed silent when her mom asked her about earth Day, giving it some thought, but she might be the first one on the beach to collect for the cleanup. I was a grade school kid when the first Earth Day was celebrated.

Pippa Neff, left, Camille DeLost and twins Georgie and Gavin Neff play on the Gulf beach in Anna Maria while on spring break from the Pleasant Prairie/Kenosha area in Wisconsin. Islander Photo: Erin Rogers Neff

The eco-holiday was pioneered by a liberal u.S. senator from Wisconsin — Democrat Gaylord Nelson — who in 1969 vowed to organize a nationwide series of actions on the environment in the spring of 1970. “I am convinced that the same concern the youth of this nation took in changing this nation’s priorities on the war in Vietnam and on civil rights can be shown for the problems of the environment,” Nelson told those gathered in Seattle for a meeting of the Washington environmental Council. “That is why I plan to see to it that a national teach-in is held.” Nelson, who died in 2005, pushed for an annual observance to encourage people to protect the planet’s species and spaces by recycling, reusing, reducing and, yes, regulating. When the first Earth Day took place, Americans were burning leaded gas in massive V8 engines. Factories belched smoke and sludge. We dumped contaminants in waterways and coated plants in poisons. But with the work of politicians such as Nelson, scientists such as Rachel Carson and a growing network of activists, there was an emerging consciousness about caring for the environment. Consider the advancements in 1970: The National environmental Policy Act requiring federal agencies to analyze the environmental impact of federal projects became law. A group of young lawyers launched the Natural Resources Defense Council. An extension of the 1963 Clean Air Act became law. President Richard Nixon established the environmental Protection Agency by executive order. Now we’re threatened by efforts to roll back clean air regulations, relax clean water rules, mute scientists and ignore the realities of climate change. But we can’t let that happen. We won’t let that happen. And also, we should like, you know, pick up garbage.

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28 n April 19, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Matchups set at Center of AMI for adult football playoffs

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter The regular season of the adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island concluded April 13 with two games and a pair of forfeit losses by Progressive Cabinetry, which clinched a 0-7 season record to take last place. Beach House Real Estate rolled to a 40-14 victory over Mason Martin Construction to clinch the top seed and a bye into the semifinal round of playoffs. Beach House will play the winner of the Beach to Bay ConstrucCassidy tion versus Mason Martin playoff game that kicks off April 20. Tyler’s Ice Cream nailed down the second seed and will take on winless Progressive Cabinetry in the 7:30 p.m. game. Moss Builders will take on sixth-seed Smoothie King in the 8:30 game. The playoffs conclude with semifinals at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 27, followed by the championship game at 8:30 p.m. In the past week, Beach House rolled past Mason Martin 40-14 behind a huge game from quarterback Don Purvis. Purvis completed 13 of 17 passes for 225 yards, including five touchdown passes and four extra points. Jon Moss was Purvis’ favorite target, finishing with 90 receiving yards, including four touchdown receptions and an extra point. Jay Hoffmeister added 70 receiving yards, including a touchdown and an extra point, while Jesse Griffin and Jason Mickan both added extra points in the victory. Mickan came through on the defensive side of the ball with two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown, while Leah Purvis and Moss both

added quarterback sacks in the win. Charles Buky threw for 165 yards and two touchdown passes and a pair of extra points, but he was hurt by two interceptions. Chad Woods was on the receiving end of both of Buky’s touchdown passes and finished with a team-high 65 receiving yards. Frank Agnelli finished with 40 receiving yards and an extra point, while Tara Stutts added 50 receiving yards in the loss. Tyler’s Ice Cream defeated Beach to Bay Construction 27-14 to clinch the second seed behind the all-around play of quarterback Ray Gardner. Gardner threw for 105 yards, including a pair of touchdown passes and three extra points, while also rushing for 90 yards and adding 40 receiving yards and a touchdown reception. Zach Schield also played a big role in the victory, finishing with two touchdown passes on his only two passing attempts. He also ran for 40 yards, while also adding 65 receiving yards for two touchdown receptions and an extra point. KD Belton completed the Tyler’s scoring with a touchdown and a pair of extra points to go along with 25 receiving yards. Beach to Bay Construction was led by Tim Shaughnessy’s 100 yards passing, including two touchdown passes and an extra point. Jacob Berger was his leading receiver with 65 yards, including a pair of touchdown receptions in the loss.

Richardson and Bob Soos won the team title with a combined score of plus 5. The women of Key Royale Club took to the course on April 11 for a nine-hole, individual-low-net match with a side game of fewest putts in four flights. Phyllis Roe carded an even-par 32 to take first place in Flight A, while Karen Mitchell had the fewest putts with 14. Roxanne Koche fired a 5-under-par 27 for the lownet round of the day and a first place finish in Flight B. Sue Christenson and Debbie Richardson both had 14 putts during the round, finishing in a tie for the fewest putts. Jan Turner rode a chipin birdie to a 3-under-par 29 for the low score in Flight C, while Sally Martin won fewest putts with 15 in her round. Marty Clark owned Flight D, winning low-net honors with a 4-under-par 28, while also winning low putts in the flight with 18. Barb Harold also had a chipin birdie to punctuate her round of golf for the day. The men took over the course April 13 for a ninehole scramble. The team of John Estok, Mark Kimball and Diane Miller posted a 2-under-par 30 to take first place. Second place went to the team of Mike Gillie, Fred Miller, Art McMillan and Dan Richardson and the team of Mike Brakefield, Karen Mitchell, Scott Mitchell and Greg Shorten after both teams carded matching 1-under-par 31s.

Key Royale golf news Golf action at Key Royale Club got started April 10 with a nine-hole, modified Stableford-system match. Bill Shuman and Buddy Foy both carded plus-5 to finish first in a tie. The team of Barry Izzard, Chuck Patrick, Dave

Horseshoe news Rod Bussey and Tom Skoloda posted the lone 3-0 record during pool play and were the outright champs April 12 at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. Three teams advanced to the knockout stage during April 15 action. Bob Lee and Roger Nigg drew the bye into the finals and watched as Myles Macleod and Adin Shank took out Steve Doyle by a 21-7 score. The finals saw Lee and Nigg outlast Macleod and Shank for a 23-13 victory and bragging rights for the day. Play gets under way at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

For the birds …

Two fuzzy, young great horned owlets wait in their nest Feb. 20 atop a platform in Seville Park, near the intersection of Palma Sola Boulevard and Seville Circle in Palma Sola Park. Islander Photos: Courtesy Mike Kluiber

An adult female great horned owl keeps watch over two owlets Feb. 20 in a pine tree near the intersection of Seville Circle and Mallorca Drive in Palma Sola Park.

Sign up now for adult soccer The Center of Anna Maria Island is accepting registrations for its spring adult co-ed soccer league. Cost is $5 for members and $120 for non-members. Players can register online until May 6 at www.centerami.org or by visting rhe center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Player evaluations will be May 9 at 7 p.m. and a draft will follow that evening. The season kicks off May 18. Anyone with questions about the league or seeking sponsorship opportunities, contact recreation director Will Schenerlein at 941-778-1908, ext. 9205, or will@ centerami.org.

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Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

April 19 April 20 April 21 April 22 April 23 April 24 April 25 April 26

9:21a 9:48a 10:11a 10:32a 10:54a 11:16a 11:40a 12:50a

HIGH

1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.9 2.0 2.2 1.8

5:42p 7:18p 8:46p 9:58p 10:59p 11:55p — 12:07p

HIGH

1.9 12:55a 1.8 1:58a 1.8 2:53a 1.9 3:41a 1.9 4:22a 1.9 4:59a — 5:32a 2.3 6:03a

LOW

0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.7

11:46a 1:45p 3:02p 3:59p 4:46p 5:31p 6:17p 7:04p

LOW

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1.3 3rd 1.3 1.1 0.8 0.5 0.2 0.0 -0.3 New

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THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 19, 2017 n 29

Clear waters, perfect weather results in opposite reaction

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Although the weather is beautiful and the waters are clear, fishing around Anna Maria Island is challenging. Some blame it on the recent cold front, others blame it on the full moon. Well, whatever it is, a good catch was tough to come by in the past week. That said, the weather pattern we are experiencing is encouraging. Temperatures in the mid-80s every day with lows in the high 60s at night is Stasny the perfect recipe to get the fish back in the mood to take the bait from our hooks. everyday Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m seeing the water temps creep up a degree or two and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m seeing the bite improve as well. on my own Southernaire charters, we are mainly targeting snook and spotted seatrout, and the outgoing tides seem to be producing the best action for both species. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m finding many snook along mangrove shorelines with water depths of 2-3 feet. Most of the fish are schooley-sized, ranging 20-26 inches. These fish provide great action, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do much for those who want a fish dinner. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where the spotted seatrout come into play. Fishing sandy potholes during outgoing tides is yielding some beautiful trout for my clients. Many fish 18-22 inches are being caught on free-lined shiners cast into the potholes. Limits of trout are attainable, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m moving from one pothole to the next to keep the bite going. All in all, these tasty fish provide great action for visiting anglers and local fishers alike. And they give the angler the benefit of an afternoon on the water with a fine meal to follow. Capt. Warren Girle is working offshore for a variety of species. Bottom fishing around reefs and other structures is proving to be good for mangrove snapper. A knocker rig combined with a live shiner on the bottom is resulting in mangos up to 16 inches. Fishing the surface with free-lined shiners also is attracting a bite from king and Spanish mackerel. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re readily taking baits in water depths of 40-50 feet. Moving inshore, Girleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s targeting spotted seatrout. Slot-size trout 15-20 inches are being caught with some regularity. Mixed in with the trout are macks, bluefish and jack crevalle. Snook are being caught inshore on the shallow flats of Sarasota Bay. Capt. Aaron Lowman is fishing the flats of southern Tampa Bay, where live shiners free-lined or under a popping cork are resulting in numerous spotted seatrout. Mixed in with the trout are an occasional mackerel or jack crevalle. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s snook fishing thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keeping Lowmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

CAPT. AARON LOWMAN 'ULF "AY &ISHINGs4ARPON 53'! ,ICENSED AND )NSURED

Carter Foerster, 7, of Quantico, Maryland, shows off the redfish he caught April 13 with Capt. Danny Stasny of Southernaire Fishing Charters.

clients busy. Free-lined shiners during outgoing tides around mangrove shorelines are resulting in many snook 20-26 inches. The occasional slot fish is being caught and quickly put on ice. Capt. Jason Stock is taking his anglers offshore for permit. Live pass crabs sight-cast to schooling permit are quickly being devoured, resulting in permit up to 30 pounds. King mackerel and blackfin tuna also are being caught while offshore. Live shiners, cigar minnows or threadfins are Stockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baits of choice for these fish.

Boating course offered

The Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron will offer the Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boating Course starting April 24. The classes will run for five sessions at 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the squadron building, 1200 71st St. NW, Bradenton. The course, administered by AMISPS and approved by the u.S. Coast Guard, teaches the skills and knowledge to safely operate a boat. Students will learn state and federal rules and regulations governing boating, as well as about equipment, nautical terms, anchoring, trailering, aids to navigation, VHF radio use and personal watercraft operation. Any person born after Jan. 1, 1988, who operates a vessel powered by a 10 hp or more motor must possess a Florida Boating Safety Identification Card. Passing the course qualifies a person for this card. The cost for the course is $55 for an individual or $85 for two people. Registration is required. To register, call the squadron at 941-792-0394.

Moving inshore, Stock is targeting big snook on the flats. Live, free-lined shiners or pinfish are resulting in slot and over-slot fish. Redfish and flounder also are being found on the flats. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is patrolling the beaches of Anna Maria Island for king and Spanish mackerel. Long shank hooks combined with live shiners are resulting in numerous hookups with the voracious fish. Also along the beaches and passes, White is finding cooperative permit. Live freelined crabs are Whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bait of choice to catch these elusive fish, although, when crabs arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t available, White is confident in Docâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Goofy jigs. On the flats, spotted seatrout are dominating the bite for White. Live shiners under a popping cork are working well as bait. Big trout in the 20-plus inch range are coming to the hook from the deep grass areas. Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is fishing the flats of southern Tampa Bay for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout. While targeting snook, Gross is casting free-lined shiners along the edges of mangrove shorelines during outgoing tides. Most catches in these areas are 20-26 inches. Bigger, slot-size snook are being found in the same areas, although they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t biting as frequently as the smaller fish. For the reds, the same scenario applies. Pull up to an oyster bar and the picture is complete. Reds up to 30 inches are being caught in these areas. For the spotted seatrout, Gross is working deep grass flats on the incoming tides. Live shiners under a Cajun Thunder cork are producing a bite. Slot fish â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 15-20 inches â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are the norm. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

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30 n ApRIL 19, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

isl

The AMI chamber celebrates the grand opening April 13 of Egmont Key Adventures, 5500 Marina Drive, Suite 2, Holmes Beach, with a ribboncutting. The adventure charter company has four boats docked at Waterline Marina in its fleet, and is owned by Mike and Susan Brinson. Island Courtesy Photo: AMICofC

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

AMOB wants to get you quackin’

Anna Maria oyster Bar continues its anniversary giving back promotion in May by donating special drink proceeds to the PACe Center for Girls in Bradenton. The birthday cake cocktail, concocted for the yearlong AMoB 20th anniversary, and Dos equis draft proceeds from all locations, are going to Pace in May. In addition, through May 12, AMoB is selling ducks for PACe’s eighth annual Lucky Ducky Race for Pace. The race will feature toy ducks racing for prizes on the Manatee River in Bradenton, including a two-year lease on a new car courtesy of Cox Chevrolet or $6,000 for the winner. Pace has set a goal of 15,000 adopted ducks for the event. This year’s race is Saturday, May 13. The ducks will be launched from near the Tarpon Pointe Marina at approximately 5 p.m. Ducks can be purchased at any AMOB, including a Quack Pack of five ducks for $20, or a flock of 30 ducks for $100, and AMOB includes a gift with any ducky purchase. Corporate Ducks are available for $350 — a duck with a VID (very important duck) logo and its own VID race. The Pace Center for Girls, 3508 26th St. W., Bradenton, provides a safe environment for middle and high school at-risk girls. Shoppers peruse some of the items offered by vendors at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach N Food Truck and Music Festival at Coquina Beach. Arts and crafts booths and food trucks enjoyed brisk sales and large crowds at the April 8 event. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

The Good Friday holiday packs the shoreline April 14 at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Perfect weather, temps in the 80s and calm waters in the Gulf of Mexico aided tourism to AMI. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Esformes

Chambers plan spring events, deadlines

The April Chamber of Commerce business mixer will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. The society is at 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, and AMIHS scholarships will be awarded during the event. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. The deadline to submit chamber scholarship applications is 5 p.m. Friday, April 28. Winners will be notified in mid-May. May will be ushered in with the monthly chamber luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, at the Freckled Fin, 101 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. For more information, contact the chamber at 941778-1541 or visit the website at annamariaislandchamber.org. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is located at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly business mixer at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at The Terrace at the Coastal Surf Shack Kitchen, 326 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Circle. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Appetizers are included with a cash bar. For more information, call 941-387-9000, or visit the website at longboatkeychamber.com or the office at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 102, Longboat Key.

Perfect spring weather brings crowds to festival

The smiles on people’s faces, the children playing, the cars sparkling, great music and watching a community come out and play for a day. That’s how Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Deb Wing described her impressions of the second annual Beach N Food Truck and Music Festival April 8 at Coquina Beach. The crystal-clear day brought in enormous crowds with long lines at the food trucks. Some sold out, according to Wing, and some called for reinforcements and continued to cook. Vendors reported brisk sales and music filled the beach air from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. closing time. “Watching the community come out, hearing the great music, the delicious food was worth every minute of planning and executing this festival — and the tender feet that accompanied it,” Wing said. Final estimate of funds raised from the festival are still being tallied, but Wing said the set goal was definitely reached. “We set a goal of $15,000 in revenues for this festival and we reached that. A portion goes to our scholarship funds and a portion is reinvested into marketing and logistics for future fundraising events and festivals and other beneficial community-oriented AMI chamber initiatives,” Wing said. “We love doing these events and are grateful to the island cities and Manatee County for working with us and their continued support in making them possible,” Wing added.

PropertyWatch

Real estate transactions

By Jesse Brisson Special to The Islander 204 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach, a 1,736 sfla / 2,688 sfur 4bed/3bath/2car pool home built in 1983 on a 5,100 sq ft lot was sold 03/21/17, Thornton to Roman for $770,000; list $774,000. 308 60th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,960 sfla / 3,780 sfur 4bed/4bath duplex built in 1980 on a 9,000 sq ft lot was sold 03/29/17, Wize to Calhoun for $525,000. 100 73rd St., unit 202, Coconuts, Brisson Holmes Beach, a 898 sfla / 1,106 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1972 was sold 03/22/17 Ksiazek to Spurgeon for $395,000; $459,900. 204 65th St., unit B, Gulf Breeze, Holmes Beach, a 542 sfla / 743 sfur 2bed/2bath condo built in 1963 was sold 03/28/17, Guinta to Burkett for $390,000. 401 63rd St., Holmes Beach, a 2,223 sfla / 2,231 sfur 4bed/4bath duplex built in 1971 on a 10,600 sq ft lot was sold 03/28/17, Negro to Baker for $374,600. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria, can be reached at 941-778-7244.

Business news

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’ve just opened the doors, received an award or special recognition or staff deserves kudos. Submit your information to news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 19, 2017 n 31

Islander archive 24/7

Several years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a digital newspaper pilot project with the university of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We started by sending all the electronically produced copies of the newspaper to library technicians, who then included The Islander — from 2005 forward — in the library’s database. Next, we donated our collection of printed newspapers covering from the first edition in 1992 up to the electronic era of 2005. It took a few years, but it’s all on the uofF digital library site now, all searchable by key word, name or date. It’s simple, easy and available 24/7. The next step in our quest to be the “best” news on Anna Maria Island is a digital photo library. Soon, you’ll be able to find archived photos going back to the first editions of The Islander preserved on the state’s website, Floridamemory.com. Kids at school, news photos, pictures from events and the hallmarks in the lives of islanders. As for now, there’s 24 years, 52 weeks a year, cover to back, the complete collection of The Islander, online at ufdc.ufl.edu. You’ll find The Islander at the UofF library among the digital stacks, now and into the future. Weekly.

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS ITEMS FOR SALE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MICROWAVE: ABOVE-STOVE, like new, $75. Photo enlarger, Beseler model 230, $100. 941356-1456.

YOGA AND SPIRITUAL retreat on AMI. Led by Erin Geraghty, Yoga therapist and personal coach. Retreat includes yoga and meditation twice a day, a private chef and all meals, spiritual lecture, healing energy work, personal coaching and Frannie Hoffman. For more information, 570497-7801 or info@thriveyogaﬁt.com.

COMPUTER: DELL DUAL core, refurbished, $60. 941-756-6728. ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander ofﬁce, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. FOUR OAK OFFICE chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. PATIO TABLE & CHAIRS: Black metal. Good condition. $100. 941-778-7978.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classiﬁeds@islander.org, fax toll-free 1-866-3629821. (limited time offer) ONLINE SERVICE: Did you know you can place classified ads and subscribe online with our secure server? Check it out at www.islander. org.

FREE GUN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander ofﬁce, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe. TURN THE PAGE for more classiﬁeds …

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greg@brockrealestateinc.com

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY CO N N E C T E D.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 306 Gulf Boulevard Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4177531 $2,950,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 206 Spring Lane Nora Johnson 941-809-1700 A4157421 $2,849,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 113 Los Cedros Drive Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4176324 $1,379,500

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 8710 Gulf Drive Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4160253 $1,050,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 211 Elm Avenue A & B George Myers 941-224-6021 A4181524 $959,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 516 Loquat Drive Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4176113 $939,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 101 66th Street 9 Ken Kavanaugh & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943/941-685-6459 A4178549 $720,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 111 8th Street S George Myers 941-224-6021 A4162212 $599,000

B R A D E N TO N 4910 18th Avenue W Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4168328 $499,000

B R A D E N TO N 532 Hillcrest Drive Toni Lyon 941-928-8735 A4170841 $485,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 5400 Gulf Drive 21 Jason Hrnak 941-773-6572 A4181244 $394,900

B R A D E N TO N 913 63rd Street W Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4173350 $239,999

B R A D E N TO N 3440 77th Street W 102 Barb Eberhart 941-761-7349 A4174104 $370,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS | RENTAL

OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM

michaelsaunders.com

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 1325 Gulf Drive N 167 Tammy Mast 941-256-6543 A4171678 $525,000

RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 1003 Gulf Drive S 1 2 Bed 1 Bath $1,300

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

32 n ApRIL 19, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Sandyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lawn Service Inc. Established in 1983 Residential and Commercial Full service lawn maintenance Landscaping â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Clean-up Hauling tree trimming Licensed & Insured

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

CBC 1253471

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens â&#x20AC;˘ Bath â&#x20AC;˘ Design Service Carpentry â&#x20AC;˘ Flooring â&#x20AC;˘ Painting Commercial & Residential

References available â&#x20AC;˘ 941-720-7519

Bed: A bargain!

King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used. 941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS GARAGE SALES

SERVICES

ROSER THRIFT SHOP and Annex: Open 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Donations preferred on Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-779-2733.

I DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941779-6638. Leave message.

MOVING SALE: 8 a.m-2 p.m. Friday, April 21. Furniture and house wares. 208 55th St., Holmes Beach. HOME FURNISHINGS FOR sale: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 22. TVs, furniture, complete kitchen, patio stuff, beds, complete home interior. 705 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria.

PETS PET PAL PET sitting: Short and long term, in your house or mine. 18-year Island resident. 941-7045937. e.davies5937@gmail.com. PLEASE FOSTER A pet! Moonracer Animal Rescue, 941-896-6701. www.moonraceranimalrescue.com.

TRANSPORTATION GARAGE FOR RENT: Holmes Beach. $300 for April 25-Oct. 25. 941-779-0807. WIN THIS CAR! 1985 Mercedes Benz 280 SL. RafďŹ&#x201A;e to beneďŹ t Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue in April. $100 donation. www.moonraceranimalrescue.com for photo and details.

Island Limousine

PROMPT, COURTEOUS SERVICE AIRPORT PERMITTED & LIVERY INSURED IslandLimo.net

BOATS & BOATING

941-779-0043 $YDLODEOH $We 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941.778.7978 â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.ISLANDER.ORG