The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, April 24, 2019

lights out. turtle time. 14 Bunny, time. 21 Astheworldterns focus on center ring. 6

talent @ aMe. 26 APRIL 24, 2019 FREE

VOLUME 27, NO. 26

Center concert costs remain unknown. 2 BB recognizes library benefactor. 3 License plate readers activated in HB. 4 BB approves hardening for city buildings. 4

Celebrating the Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

www.islander.org

Good news at sunrise

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 Years ago

From the archives. 7 The Accord back on agendas. 8

Meetings

On the government calendar. 8

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 10-11 Save a date. 12-13 BB initiatives approved for ballot. 16 WMFR debates increasing assessment. 17 FISH reviews, readies for new year. 19

Gathering. 20

Streetlife. 22

Chopper crashes raise questions. 23

Hearts for palm. 27 Spring soccer leagues kick off. 28 Cooler temps don’t cool fishing action. 29 TDC touts tourism numbers. 31

PropertyWatch. 32 CLASSIFIEDS. 32 NYT crossword. 35

Congregants witness the dawn’s first glow on Easter Sunday, April 21, at the 55th annual Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Sunrise Service from the beach at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The island churches pastors and officiates are located on the center stage, alongside a large white cross. For more Easter photos, see page 21. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

aM pier pile-driving done, excitement brews

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Excitement is building in Anna Maria with the new city pier coming into shape.

Mayor Dan Murphy, who visited the site to review progress April 17, said in an interview that i+iconSOUTHEAST finished driving the last pile for the 776-foot-long city pier earlier in the day. He said the next step will be to level and cap the piles. Then the concrete deck will be placed on the T-end and wood bents will be hammered to support the walkway.

Progress on the pier has Pine Avenue businessowners eager for more.

The historic Anna Maria City Pier was built in 1911 and was a critical part of the island’s early growth. It had served as one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and drew a stream of visitors aboard steamers and ferries to Pine Avenue until it was closed in 2017 after sustaining damage from Hurricane Irma.

Commission Chair Brian Seymour, owner of the Anna Maria General Store, 503 Pine Ave., said in an interview April 17 that he noticed a 10% downturn in business at his store after the pier closed. The store has yet

Miosotis Matos, Roberto Rivera, Jorge Nieto and Patrick Mantia work at the Anna Maria City Pier site at the east end of Pine Avenue. Islander Photo: Jack Elka to rebound. on the pier,” Seymour said.

“It’s still impacting us, but we are startHe added that the construction-watching ing to see a little bit of business during the customers give him hope the new pier also day of people coming down, getting a sand- will bring back foot traffic to the avenue. wich or a drink or something, and going Seymour said construction noise during PLEASE SEE PIer, PAGE 2 down and sitting and watching construction

2 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Concert revenue equals spending, costs remain up in air

PIer CONTINuED FROM PAGE 1 the pile-driving was noticeable, but not a disruption.

“I can hear it in my house. … I can hear it outside, but it’s music to my ears,” he said. “I’m extremely excited about the progress.”

Seymour resides at the Historic Green Village on Pine in an apartment adjacent to the store.

The city will issue a request for proposals for the construction of the restaurant and bait shop “any day now,” according to Seymour.

“Everybody wants the pier done yesterday, but we want to make sure it’s done right and that we try to replicate what was there,” he added.

Rebecca Preston, owner of Shiny Fish Emporium, 306 Pine Ave., told The Islander April 17 her business was negatively impacted by the loss of the pier and the foot traffic it brought to Pine.

However, she said business began to ramp up when construction of a new pier began.

Customers have asked about the pier, but she hasn’t heard any complaints about the construction process, or the noise it created.

“It’s the lifeblood of Anna Maria, so we can’t wait for it to be back,” Preston said.

Brigette Kubin, owner of Three Island Monkeys, 314 Pine Ave., said April 17 that business continues to suffer without the pier.

“I sense the disappointment that it’s still not there,” she said. “People are anxious to have it done, and I think it has hurt business.”

She said business this year improved to the level in 2017 before the pier closed.

Collins, BJ Thomas and The Marshall Tucker Band.

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council approved spending for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau of $100,000 in tourist tax revenue to sponsor the concerts, but no expenses were detailed in a final report presented to TDC members.

Janene Amick, chief executive officer of the Manatee Performing Arts Center, presented the report to the On the other hand, Karsen Lonzo, general manager of Island Cabana, 403 Pine Ave., said April 17 the loss of the pier had little to no impact on the store’s sales.

Nevertheless, it remains the talk of the town.

“Everyone asks about it,” she said. “People that haven’t been here for a couple years will ask, ‘Where’s the pier?’ But everyone is happy to see that construction has started.”

“Everybody seems really excited that it’s going to be back,” Lonzo added.

TDC and said the concerts had raised almost $100,000 in ticket sales.

She said the money would be split between MPAC, which hosted the Judy Collins concert and managed the series and box office sales, and the island center, which hosted four concerts.

Center board chair David Zaccagnino and executive director Chris Culhane told The Islander that expense details for the series would be disclosed during Amick’s presentation, but Amick made no mention of expenses in her presentation to the TDC. Apparently, her omission of expenses was by design.

She said in an April 16 interview with The Islander that MPAC’s contracts with the concert performers, as PLEASE SEE concerts, PAGE 3 Janene Amick, CEO of the Manatee Performing Arts Center, presents her report April 15 to the TDC on the BACVBsponsored concerts held at MPAC in Bradenton and at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice LEFT: I+iconSOUTHEAST project manager Larry Thornton, left, pauses April 17 at the construction site for the new Anna Maria City Pier alongside Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and public works manager Dean Jones. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Unique Pet Portraits

Composited images printed to stretched canvas

6HOƓHV Sunsets PRINTS FROM

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter A final report on the concert series at the Center of Anna Maria Island is out.

The costs, however, remain secret.

The series, which ran from February to the start of April, featured The Outlaws, Phil Vassar, Judy

941-447-3149

THE ISLANDER n April 24, 2019 n 3

Bradenton Beach recognizes library benefactor

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Many islanders leave footprints in the sand.

Beulah Tingley left her imprint for all to read in Bradenton Beach.

Bradenton Beach commissioners voted 4-0 April 18 to approve a proclamation recognizing Beulah Tingley as a “Great Citizen� of the city for bequeathing more than $600,000 in 1986 when she died for the construction and operation of a library in the city.

Commissioner Ralph Cole was late to the meeting and missed the vote.

Tingley was a Bradenton Beach resident who served on the Bradenton Beach Library Board. She was an avid reader and noted that the city lacked a dedicated space for a public library.

The current building, 111 Second St. N., was built and opened in 1994 with money from Tingley’s bequeath, which also funds the library’s sole paid position.

Tingley was a political activist and champion of women’s rights and became the first woman to address a Democratic National Convention when she seconded the nomination of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1944.

Tingley also served as chair of the Democratic Party of Florida and was honored by the Florida League of Cities and Florida Department of State as a “Great Floridian� in 2000.

The library held a “Celebration of Life� week April 8-12, honoring Tingley with displays of biographical information, photographs, articles and memorabilia.

concerts continued from page 2 well as the promoter, Rich Engler, would not be disclosed to the public because of the competitive nature of the entertainment industry.

Amick said disclosing the contracts would allow competitors to undermine MPAC’s future negotiations with performers and promoters, but added that the BACVB’s $100,000 went entirely to Engler and the performers.

Amick said in an interview April 10 that MPAC incurred other expenses to stage concerts at the island center, including valet services and sound and lighting system rentals. She added the center also incurred expenditures, including the cost of security, chair rentals and food and beverages.

No such expenses were disclosed to the TDC or to The Islander, despite requests for records under Florida’s Sunshine Laws.

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who chairs the TDC, was absent April 15 due to illness, but later agreed in a phone call with the reasoning for omitting expenses in the report. “It wasn’t paid for with tax money, it was paid for

with tourist tax, not Manatee County residents, unless they stayed in a hotel in Manatee County or a shortterm rental,� she said. “I don’t know who was paid what, what costs what. It really isn’t my business.�

The county tourist tax is a 5% tax on rentals of six months or less.

Whitmore said the TDC funded the series to bring people to the area to help counter the negative effects of red tide in 2018 on local businesses. She said that was accomplished. “I was at The Outlaws concert and I met some guys from England that were in Orlando that saw on the internet that The Outlaws were going to be here, and they downloaded all their songs and listened on the way here and told me about a bunch of songs I didn’t even know,� Whitmore said. “So yeah, there was people from all over, it wasn’t a local thing.� “This ended up being surprisingly successful,� she added.

When asked if there was data backing up the claim that the series brought tourists to the area and nearby businesses, Whitmore responded, “I have no clue.�

SUNSET CRUISES DOLPHIN TOURS

JOIN US on the ANNA MARIA EXPLORER for a romantic sunset cruise or educational dolphin tour!

3 DAILY TOURS! s A M $OLPHIN 4OUR

s P M $OLPHIN 4OUR

s P M 35.3%4 TOUR !DULT +IDS 3ENIORS

or Great f

s!

all age

PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE

Experience our breathtaking waters on a relaxing cruise.

90-minute Sunset Tours are fun for the whole family!

RENT A BOAT AND BE YOUR OWN CAPTAIN! s 0ONTOONS AND $ECKBOATS s &ULL OR (ALF $AY 2ENTALS

CALL OR BOOK ONLINE TODAY! 941-778-2288 www. bradentonbeachmarina.com 402 CHURCH AVE., BRADENTON BEACH

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie reads a proclamation April 18 in chambers — recognition for Beulah Tingley as a “Great Citizen� of the city — alongside Eveann Adams, clerk for the Tingley Memorial Library. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice The Islander submitted a records request March 15 to BACVB executive director Elliott Falcione and Whitmore, but the request remained largely unfulfilled as of April 22.

Some purchase orders and invoices were provided, as well as a spreadsheet related to Jane Seymour’s visit. Other documents await processing.

Whitmore said all Sunshine-liable information already had been disclosed.

At the meeting, Falcione announced the BACVB would ask the county commission to approve the concert sponsorship expense for the next two years.

4 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Legislative session nears close

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The regular 2019 legislative session in Tallahassee is almost over.

And it appears another year will pass without vacation rental regulations being preempted to the state.

“Vacation rentals legislation is on life support,” Holmes Beach lobbyist Cari Roth wrote in an April 10 email to city officials and staff.

Roth is monitoring Senate Bill 824, legislation sponsored by Sen. Manny Diaz, R-Hialeah, and its companion measure, House Bill 987, sponsored by Reps. James Grant, R-Tampa, and Anthony Sabatini, R-Clermont, to give the city oversight Roth of vacation rental regulations.

If approved, SB 824 and HB 987 would override local regulations, including the recently amended Holmes Beach vacation rental ordinance.

SB 824 was on the March 26 agenda for the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee, but was not considered and no vote was taken. The measure was placed on the April 10 agenda for that committee, but a vote was postponed. “unless they call a special meeting in the last three weeks of session, which is very unlikely, any amendment that would try to put vacation rental regulations on another bill would be against the Senate rules and out of order,” Roth wrote.

HB 987 was approved April 10 by the House Commerce Committee. The committee extended its meeting by a half hour and passed the bill 13-11, after several amendments. State Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, voted no, according to Roth.

The lobbyist also is watching House Bill 1383, filed by Grant. The measure would amend the Bert J. Harris Private Property Rights Protection Act, which allows for compensation due to government regulations that diminish the value of private property.

The amended bill was approved April 16 by 15-3

by the House Judiciary Committee.

HB 1383 would require any settlement reached on a Bert Harris claim that involves the issuance of a variance or exception to a regulation be applied across the board to all “similarly situated residential properties” subject to the same regulations.

Its companion measure, Senate Bill 1720, was on the April 1 agenda for the Senate Judiciary Committee, but was temporarily postponed. When it was again placed on the committee’s agenda April 8, it was not considered.

“I think that was the last stop for 1383,” said Commission Chair Jim Kihm, who attended the legislative session March 25 and March 26 as a delegate for the Florida League of Cities. “Now it goes through reconciliation with the bill on the Senate side. They’ve got to mirror one another to be voted on.”

Kihm said he attended FLC meetings with representatives from 225 cities, and all were in favor of maintaining home rule and opposed to preempting property rights to the state.

He said he met with Robinson, Sens. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton and Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, and state Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Bradenton.

“Meeting with them was really effective,” Kihm said. “I think it helped them to understand our local issues.”

Kihm said he’s optimistic about the outcome of the session.

“We’ve still got a shot,” he said.

Kihm “It looks like we could be good — for another year. But this attack on home rule keeps coming back. So we must be vigilant not to let the state preempt regulations and keep reaching out to our local representatives with concerns.”

Bills being considered this session and contact info for legislative committee members can be tracked online at www.flsenate.gov and myfloridahouse.gov.

The legislative session is scheduled to end May 3.

License plate readers activated in Holmes Beach

Smile! You’re on candid camera.

Camera equipment designed to photograph license plates as vehicles drive by in Holmes Beach is up and running.

Trained officers also have hit the road.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said April 17 that the equipment, attached to utility poles, is “up and running.”

Officers and staff are undergoing training through April 30 and the chief is coordinating the process to share tag information with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The system allows HBPD to track and document license plates of vehicles entering and exiting the city for added security, according to Tokajer.

In January, the city commission authorized the equipment purchase from Vetted Security Solutions of St. Petersburg and another contract for software with Vigilant Solutions of Livermore, California.

The city paid Vetted $105,240. And, upon the first completed year of service, the city will pay Vigilant an annual fee of about $2,625.

This cost includes $525 for five cameras from Vetted, which the city owns.

There are two cameras installed on Manatee Avenue, as well as two on Gulf Drive and one on East Bay Drive.

Tokajer said he will report on the results of the security devices at commission meetings.

— ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

… and LPR alerts HBPD on first stolen vehicle

It appears to be working.

A stolen vehicle was identified April 18, less than three hours after new license plate reader equipment went live in Holmes Beach.

A camera installed on Manatee Avenue alerted the HBPD at 7:05 p.m. of the tag on a stolen vehicle from Orlando heading west into Holmes Beach, then alerted again on the south camera on Gulf Drive as the driver headed into Bradenton Beach.

BBPD located the car and the HBPD assisted in the stop near the Gulf Drive Cafe on Gulf Drive, although no arrest was made.

HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer explained that the car was an unreturned rental and, although it was reported stolen Feb. 25, the company was contacted by phone and allowed the renter to extend the contract.

No arrest was made.

Tokajer said his patrol officer was on another call when the alert came into dispatch, but they put out the stolen car report at about 8 p.m., after it was verified.

By 9 a.m. April 20, the HBPD was alerted of another stolen vehicle entering the city.

“This just goes to show that, like I’ve said before, not everyone who comes to Holmes Beach is a wel-

BB approves hardening for city buildings

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter It appears the city of Bradenton Beach has a bird in hand.

With an offer of 75% of storm mitigation costs for city buildings from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Bradenton Beach city commissioners voted 3-0 April 16 on two motions to direct city engineer Lynn Burnett to work with Bradentonbased Whetstone Engineering for wind- and floodproofing Burnett measures for city buildings. The properties include city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., as well as public works and the Bradenton Beach Police Department buildings at 403 Highland Ave. Commissioners Marilyn Maro and Randy White were absent with excuse.

The city faces a list of maintenance needs for the buildings, which also are vulnerable to wind and flooding, according to building official Steve Gilbert. Additionally, the city will incur rising insurance premiums if the buildings aren’t improved.

No mention was made of the city-owned Tingley Memorial Library. The elevated library building was built to post-Hurricane Andrew standards and opened in 1994 with money from Beulah Tingley’s bequeath.

Commissioners approved $130,600 for the materials and labor to install impact-resistant windows graded for hurricane-force winds at city hall, as well as service doors.

Floodproofing city hall will cost $34,000, including 40 feet of Flex Wall, a high-strength flexible wall that can be deployed for flood protection and reinforcement.

Wind- and floodproofing for the police department will cost $170,800, which includes the cost of 70 feet of Flex Wall, hurricane resistant windows and garage doors.

Another $166,060 will be used to stormproof the public works building. The cost includes new windows, garage doors, service doors and flood panels from Flood Risk America.

Gilbert said Whetstone recommended the city use FRA flood panels — custom durable panels for doorways and windows that can be deployed in minutes — instead of Flex Wall.

Burnett said 75% of the costs would be reimbursed by FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The federal government allotted funds to Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Irma.

She said FEMA would take 30-90 days to review the grant request. The deadline for applications was March 31, but the city requested a 30-day extension.

Mayor John Chappie said the city needed to do something about the buildings and should seize the grant opportunity.

Burnett said wind- and floodproofing the buildings would save the city $40,000 a year on insurance premiums.

County hosts hurricane expo

Manatee County Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity Department will host the fourth annual Business Preparedness Expo Thursday, April 25, in Palmetto.

The event will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., according to an invitation to island businesses circulated by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

The HBPD-LPR alert April 18 for a stolen car.

At the expo, business representatives will what to Islander Photo: Courtesy HBPD/Chief Bill Tokajer do if a business suffers physical damage in a storm, the risks of not planning for a hurricane, how reentry come guest,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer to the island works and how Florida Power and Light said. “Someone who steals a car is not intending to restores power after a storm.

For more information about the free forum, call come to the island to go out to dinner.” the county at 941-748-4501, ext. 6218.

— Staff report

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 24, 2019 n 5

Charter reviewers make progress in Holmes Beach

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach Charter Review Commission picked up the pace.

The CRC continued April 18 reviewing the city charter for possible amendments to be placed on the ballot for voter consideration in the next election.

Charter reviewers proposed updated restrictions on how the city could vacate publicly held land, such as beach accesses, and voted on articles 5-9 of the charter.

At the April 11 CRC meeting, Commissioner Sean Murphy suggested wording for an amendment to article 3 of the charter on dispossession of city property.

City attorney Patricia Petruff reviewed Murphy’s proposed language and changed it to read, “Real property and rights of way, including rights of way that provide direct or indirect access to the beach or the bay, that are owned or controlled by the city, cannot be sold, vacated conveyed, transferred or abandoned,” except by an ordinance approved by a super-majority vote of the commission and approval by a referendum of the city’s voters at a general election.

Additionally, “The city may grant a short-term lease or permit of less than five years for use of real property by majority vote of the commission. Nothing described in this section shall be construed to remove any existing private property rights.”

A motion to accept Murphy and Petruff’s wording to clarify that section of the charter was unanimously passed by the CRC. Following the vote, the charter review commissioners moved on to a discussion of the charter officers, in articles 5-9.

Previously, the CRC interviewed city department heads to determine if they were satisfied with the description of their duties in the charter and if they felt their positions should remain in the charter.

After asking city clerk Stacey Johnston if she was OK with her job description, she said she was and the

commissioners unanimously voted to keep article 5, office of the city clerk, unchanged.

City treasurer Lori Hill said the only change to article 6, office of the city treasurer, would be to amend the section that states the treasurer “prepares and presents the audited annual financial statements of the city.” Hill said she does not prepare the audit.

The CRC unanimously approved a motion to delete “prepare and” from that section, leaving the city treasurer as a charter position.

Additionally, the charter reviewers unanimously voted to leave article 7, the office of the city attorney, and article 8, the police department, as provided in the existing charter.

Buonagura suggested to the CRC that the building official/public works director, included in article 9, be struck from the charter.

The previous building official, Jim McGuinness resigned in March, so the position is temporarily held by former city building official John Fernandez.

Buonagura said the state requires the city to have a building official and, therefore, it is not required in the charter.

Petruff agreed.

“We’re going to require what the state’s going to require, regardless,” she said. “In today’s world, its probably too big of a job to be both the building official and the public works director.” She added that the public works director also does not need to be in the charter.

Charter review commissioner Claudia Carlson said most charters she’s reviewed do not list the building official as a charter position.

Commissioner David Zaccagnino said public works was combined with the building official when the charter was amended five years ago, because it was assumed the city could find one person to fill both roles. Since then, he said, the task has proven difficult.

Buonagura said of the five candidates who inter-

A

viewed for the building official job the last time it came available, three people withdrew after they learned they would have to supervise public works.

“They said it just wasn’t possible,” she said.

Murphy said he’s concerned removing the position would give the mayor too much authority to fire the building official.

“When in doubt, let’s go slow,” he said, adding a charter official has job security — an enticement for prospective employees.

Commissioner Nancy Deal said, “At the heart of this for me is the balance of flexibility and appropriate oversight by the legislative and administrative parts of our government. The checks and balances.”

“How can this balance be achieved?” she asked.

Petruff suggested a motion amending article 4 to read that concurrence by the commission shall be required for appointment or removal of all charter officers and appointed boards or commissions, as established by statute or ordinance, and removal of all department heads.

Deal made the motion, which passed 4-1, with Murphy voting “nay.”

The city’s charter review process requires a supermajority vote — at least 4-1 — for a charter amendment to be placed on the ballot for voter consideration.

A motion by Zaccagnino to remove article 9 of the charter, the position of building official/public works director also passed 4-1, with Murphy again opposed.

Additionally, Buonagura said her position also does not belong in the charter, since it is a department head position.

A motion by Carlson to remove article 10 of the charter, listing the scope and responsibilities of the human resources analyst, also passed 4-1, with Murphy voting “nay.”

The Holmes Beach CRC will meet at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 25, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

YOU RE

SEEKING A LIFESTY

LE

OF

TranquilEace?

Do you often find yourself seeking more Tranquility and Peace in your life? You are far from alone, but sometimes being alone with your thoughts is exactly where you’d rather be. There’s a place that’s just perfect for you and it’s called The Preserve at Palma Sola Bay Club. Pleasantly priced new condominiums from the mid $300s to $750K, the lifestyle is far from the ordinary and yet so close to everything you’ve been looking for in a true Florida home. We invite you to make an appointment today for your private personal tour of our quaint community. You’ll find this special place covers your wish list for the tranquil life you deserve.

palmasolabayclub.com 941.304.0860

PSBC TranquilEace Islander Ad.indd 1

2/12/19 2:49 PM

6 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Center ring

Never mind the national political circus.

We have our own three-ring circus on Anna Maria Island and, starring in the center ring, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

It seems the BACVB found success by hosting aging bands that no doubt come at a low cost and ...

SuRPRISE... there’s more to come.

There will be another concert series and a TV crew is on its way to film an episode of the World’s Strongest Man — to attract people to the beach.

There’s also the purchase of a statue at a Bradenton park — a manufactured 7-foot-tall advertising icon — funded with almost $200,000 by the BACVB. Just don’t confuse it with art. It is not.

But who are we kidding? Are these events attracting the sort of family tourism to Anna Maria Island that the community wants?

IMHO, the recent attitude on AMI appears more in favor of stifling tourism at all costs.

Maybe Lakewood Ranch would be a better target.

Is the BACVB, in its zeal to spend a growing coffer of resort tax dollars promoting the beaches, putting the goose that laid the golden egg at risk?

Bringing visitors — and traffic — to night concerts in season isn’t the most productive for AMI. And with increasing numbers of commercial tour boats and recreational rentals, visitors are entertained. And busy.

Lest you don’t know, about 60% of tourist tax revenue is fueled by vacation rentals on the island.

The tax on short-term rentals helps pay for beach renourishment, but does little to improve island amenities, such as boat ramps, playgrounds and parks.

We find ourselves in a dichotomy between chasing tourism and the result it brings — we know the center needs the money — but the BACVB is trying to avoid accountability by sponsoring nonprofits.

Sorry, but nonprofits that take tax dollars must be held accountable, too.

We also need to ask the TDC, do we want to be the center of attraction at a rock music festival or the quiet, old Florida escape that people come to love?

Meanwhile, as they say on the TV news when they shift gears, we have a letter this week from a woman who caused us to stand up and say, “Bravo.”

Lizzie Vann is standing up for her business endeavors in Anna Maria and setting the record straight.

Accolades by the community center were misdirected, and credit should be go where it’s due.

Thank you Lizzie, for standing up for yourself.

And applause for all you do. — Bonner Joy

APRIL 24, 2019 • Vol. 27, No. 26 ▼ ▼

▼

▼ ▼

▼

Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, editor, lisa@islander.org Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@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 Vicki McIntyre accounting@islander.org classifieds@islander.org subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2019 • Editorial, sales and production offices: 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 WEBSITE: www.islander.org PHONE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Opinion

Your

For the record

I understand there was an “award” ceremony recently at the Center of Anna Maria Island. It celebrated two men who allegedly worked on making our island greener. The ceremony also featured a speaker talking about the power of women to make change.

I was not at the event.

I would like to put into the public field a few facts about the Historic Green Village in the 500 block of Pine Avenue in Anna Maria, as I think we may have a case of a man taking credit for a woman’s vision and hard work.

First, the Historic Green Village was created by me. It was my vision to create one of the top 100 green building complexes in the world. I invested my money, set the specifications and directed the contractors. I led a team, including Sissy Quinn, Dan Gagne, Tom Stockebrand, Tom Frascone and Gene and Janet Aubry.

None of us have ever sought or been given an award for this work. We just wanted it to be the jewel that it became.

Second, it is the greenest property on the island.

We acquired and moved two historic buildings onto the site. We then renovated the properties, plus those already there, and built a stunning complex.

I set out to create an energy-efficient village where six businesses and two homes would require no power from Florida Power & Light. We generate $35,000 of photovoltaic electricity each year, have a groundsource heat-transfer system that runs all of the air conditioning and produces all of our hot water from the sun. We use 10,000 gallons of rainwater cisterns to recycle our precious water resource.

Third, I did this despite the advice of those who thought it would be impossible to achieve or was too much work or would not provide enough of a financial payback. They were all wrong.

Fourth, today the village is lauded worldwide and studied by universities in Florida, Colorado and Cali-

fornia for its groundbreaking concept and vision. It has inspired similar work in other states and is solely driven and owned by me, not a man.

I am not asking for accolades. I just want to put the record straight.

Lizzie Vann, owner, Historic Green Village, Anna Maria

Fine or free ride?

The April 10 issue of The Islander contained an article about parking citations given out in Anna Maria March 3-30.

The article said 125 citations were given out. Also, the article said 247 warnings were given for alcohol on the beach Well, I guess the people getting the parking tickets are not pleased because of the $35 fine they will have to pay, while the people given the alcohol warnings get a free ride.

A citation for alcohol on the beach is around $75.

Take that and multiply by 75 and you come up with $18,525. Add that with the parking tickets at $4,375 and you get $22,900.

There are signs at most entrances to the beach stating what is not allowed, but it appears people ignore the warnings or don’t care. Ignorance of the law is no excuse to break the law.

Some of your city leaders make these laws but then do not want them enforced because people complain and may not want to come back.

I believe money from fines could be put to good use for the community center, employee wages, city projects, etc.

This was only for a 27-day period. Imagine what a year would bring.

Dennis Stefaniak, Silver Springs, New York

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 24, 2019 n 7

A first in Holmes Beach

Charlotte Long takes the oath of mayor in Holmes Beach in March 1978. Long served as mayor from 1978 to 1985 and was the first woman to hold the post.

She died June 1, 2007.

Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library Digital Collection

Opinion

Your

Circling the issue

Those guys and gals at the Florida Department of Transportation just love to spend money and tie up traffic.

I’m sure they have lots of statistics to back up why they should do so in Holmes Beach with roundabouts, heaven forbid.

Probably they will want to do the installation at the peak of season traffic, too.

It will be interesting to see who falls for it this time.

When will we figure out the traffic comes from too many cars coming at once and nowhere for them to go?

Send them in circles, park them in paid parking, tell them to park with their wheels off the pavement, let them park on streets blocking emergency vehicles,

make them ride around in lanes with bikes, pedestrians, golf carts, strollers, kiddie cars and go-karts.

Place lots of crosswalks for them to stop and make them run behind the trolleys.

Build them an ugly high-rise parking garage.

Give them tickets.

Don’t give them tickets.

Stop the lunacy.

At the end of the day, the net effect is always the same.

Figure it out people.

Janet Aubry, Holmes Beach

Have your say: The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number. Email: news@ islander.org. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

10&20 years ago

In the headlines: April 21, 1999

Anna Maria Mayor Chuck Shumard and Commissioner Doug Wolfe verbally sparred at a meeting over who should appoint a new city clerk.

Wolfe said the city charter allowed the commission to hire a clerk, while Shumard contended he had 30 days to appoint a clerk.

Bradenton Beach city commissioners were unable to reach a consensus on the installation of parking meters in the city parking lot and at the approach to the Bridge Street pier.

Manatee County Circuit Judge Durand Adams signed a writ requiring Anna Maria city officials to furnish The Islander newspaper with copies of applications for a vacant city clerk’s position or issue a written explanation on why the city could not provide the records. The newspaper sued the city over a Sunshine Law violation.

In the headlines: April 23, 2009

A Florida Department of Transportation project manager told representatives of the Manatee Council of Governments that the DOT recommendation for a fixed, high bridge on Manatee Avenue was not final.

The West Manatee Fire Rescue District was considering increasing its assessment rate by 2%.

The commissioners were discussing a proposed budget of $5.5 million.

A Bradenton Beach advisory committee completed its review of a management plan for the scenic highway — the Gulf Drive corridor within the city limits — that included proposed improvements to the gateways.

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

We’d love to mail you the news!

We mail the Islander weekly for a nominal $54 per year. We also offer online e-edition subscriptions — a page-by-page view of the weekly news for only $36 per year, but you must sign up online. It’s the best way to stay in touch with what’s happening on Anna Maria Island.

We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.”

If you don’t live here year-round, use this form to subscribe by (snail) mail for yourself or someone else. (Sorry, we do not suspend mail subscriptions — you get The Islander free while you’re here!)

BULK MAIL U.S. SUBSCRIPTION (allow 2 weeks for every week’s delivery)

❑ 3-6 Months: $36 ❑ 1-3 Months: $24 ❑ 1 year: $54 U.S. FIRST CLASS AND CANADIAN MAIL SUBSCRIPTION ❑ 3-6 Months: $98 ❑ 1-3 Months: $54 ❑ 1 year: $160 ❑ Single Issue: $5 FIRST CLASS MAIL, U.S. ONLY, maximum four weeks

YOUR COMPLETE CASUAL FURNITURE STORE

"",Ê- * Ê- t

$100-$500Ê" - Ê"1,Ê 7Ê "",Ê- / Ê Ê Ê ,"1*-

ÀÊÌ iÊ ÊÞ ÕÊÜ> ÌÊoÊ v ÀÊÌ iÊ«À ViÃÊÞ Õ½ Ê "6 t `ÊÜiÊ vviÀÊÌ iÊLÀ> `ÃÊÞ ÕÊ Ûit

MAIL TO: ______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________ CITY ____________________________ STATE __________ ZIP _________________ Credit card: ❏ d

❏ u No. ____________________________________________

Name shown on card: _____________________________ Exp. Date ___________ Credit card billing address: ______________________________________________ MAIL START DATE: _____________________________________________________

We offer Rattan and Wicker tropical-style indoor and outdoor furniture, for island and coastal looks.

THE BEST NEWS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND — SINCE 1992 3218 E. Bay Drive • Holmes Beach FL 34217

CHARGE BY PHONE 941.778.7978 ONLINE (secure server) www.islander.org E-MAIL subscriptions@islander.org

UÊ iÀ V> >`iÊ ÕÀ ÌÕÀiÊUÊ ÕÃÌ Ê"À`iÀÃÊ7i V i UÊ6iÌiÀ> Ê"Ü i`ÊEÊ"«iÀ>Ìi`ÊUÊ ` ÀÊEÊ"ÕÌ` ÀÊ7 V iÀ *WITH THIS AD. Not valid with any other offer or prior purchases. Expires 05-01-19

VISIT OUR 8,000+ SF SHOWROOM 6807 14TH ST. W., BRADENTON (across from Alex Karras Lincoln)

{£ Çxx äÓÎxÊUÊÜÜÜ°yÊ À `> i> `«>Ì °V

8 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Cities, officials to determine fate of government Accord

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Manatee County and the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto want to abolish an intergovernmental process that began in 2002 to stem city annexations — such as what is now Harbour Isle on Perico Island — without regional planning.

The mayors of Bradenton and Palmetto brought the matter to the Manatee County Council of Governments meeting April 2 in Palmetto.

COG members speaking to the issue favored the demise of the interlocal agreement known as “The Accord,” which was signed by Manatee County, Manatee County School District and the cities of Bradenton, Palmetto, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria and Longboat Key officials in 2002-03.

Anna Maria Island’s three mayors attended the COG meeting, but none commented on the issue.

After the meeting, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said they were researching the merits of The Accord. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie declined to comment.

Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston said the agreement between the county and cities came at “a very contentious time” but is no longer needed, and the joint planning committee it created is “a waste of time.” The committee has not met for years, he added.

Bradenton Councilman Gene Gallo has been the committee chair since its inception. Asked about how often it met, he said after the COG meeting, “not very many times.”

Also after the meeting, Poston said he and Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant brought up the abolishment of The Accord in favor of less government.

Asked whether there are annexations in the offing, Gallo said, “Not with the city of Bradenton that I know about.”

Bryant added, “Not really.”

“So much of (The Accord) has already been accomplished” Bryant said at the meeting, pointing to state laws on sales tax and dispute resolution.

She also said her representatives returned from meetings saying nothing was accomplished.

The Accord created a five-member committee to meet, review and evaluate future annexations in light of future land use, compatibility, service delivery — and to keep Bradenton and Palmetto within density limits of the Manatee County Comprehensive Plan. under the regional planning document, Manatee County, Manatee County School District and the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto were to send representatives to the JPC, while the cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key were allowed one elected member.

Gallo said the mayor of Longboat Key and representatives from city of Palmetto, school board and county came to the committee meetings, as well as a representative from Anna Maria Island, but he did not recall who attended.

Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac said she attended a 2017 meeting and was confused about how to operate under a “goodwill document.” She also pointed to state laws that control development.

According to Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, The Accord aimed to prevent disputes such as those against St. Joe’s/Arvida development on Perico Island after Bradenton annexed the property, now Harbour Isle, a Minto development.

The agreement brought the cities together to resolve a lawsuit waged after the island cities sued to reduce building heights on Perico Island.

Manatee County land-use regulations limited building heights near the shore to 37 feet, similar to the island cities. Bradenton, however, allowed high rises.

The settlement limited the high rises to the northern-most area of the development, facing Tampa Bay, not Anna Maria Island, and required Arvida to sell the land designated as a conservation zone, now the Perico Preserve, to the county.

The regional planning document served its purpose, Benac said, claiming “the goal was to force charter government.”

Benac and Whitmore said they didn’t favor charter

The interlocal agreement known as “The Accord” was signed by Manatee County, Manatee County School District and the cities of Anna Maria Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key and Palmetto officials in 2002-03. government then or now.

About the proposed charter, Poston said, “Everything the city could do, under the charter, it would have to ask the county to do it.”

Gallo did not mince his words at the COG meeting.

He opposed The Accord. “The joint planning committee meetings we’ve had have been a total joke.”

Former Manatee County Commissioner Joe Holmes Beach Commission Chair Jim Kihm and McClash, now a Bradenton environmentalist and Mayor Judy Titsworth listen April 2 to a conversaonline publisher, said he was “pretty much” respontion between Bradenton and Palmetto mayors talk about eliminating “The Accord” during a Council of sible for The Accord.

It was “very important” to prevent “irresponsibly Governments meeting at the Bradenton Area Conannexed property,” he said. vention Center in Palmetto. Islander Photos: Kathy McClash said the document is still relevant and Prucnell local governments should “work proactively” for the good of the community.

While annexations increase tax revenues to cities, he said they can leave the county holding the ball with the burden to accommodate increased density, including road improvements, fire and emergency services, infrastructure and parks.

McClash called Bradenton and Palmetto “bad actors,” who chase tax dollars and “don’t care about the fire protection, emergency services and transportation part.”

The issue is expected to resurface at the July 30 Council of Governments meeting.

COG Chair Stephen Jonsson, the county commissioner for District 3, including Anna Maria Island and Cortez, directed the county attorney to prepare a docuBradenton Mayor Wayne Poston and Manatee ment to abolish The Accord.

County Commissioner Steve Jonsson, chair of the The next COG meeting will be Tuesday, July 30, council of governments, greet each other before the April 2 meeting of regional mayors and commission- at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. ers.

‘Ugly’ code hearing continued

A special magistrate hearing set for April 18 at Holmes Beach City Hall for code and permitting issues at the Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, and a proposed Ugly Grouper store at 5702 Marina Drive, was continued.

Ugly Grouper attorney Scott Rudacille sought the continuance. The business was issued a stop work order Feb. 21, when owners put merchandise into the store before holding a business tax receipt. The hearing is tentatively set for May 13. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Meetings

4700 Gulf Drive.

May 1, 10 a.m., parks and beautification.

May 1, 6 p.m., planning commission.

Anna Maria city May 2, 10 a.m., charter review.

April 25, 6 p.m., city commission.

May 9, 10 a.m., charter review.

April 26, 9 a.m., Arbor Day celebration, Villa May 14, 6 p.m., city commission.

Rosa Park.

May 16, 19 a.m., charter review.

April 30, 8 a.m., special magistrate.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, May 9, 6 p.m., city commission.

941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

May 14, 4 p.m., planning and zoning.

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941Manatee county 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

May 7, 9 a.m., commission.

May 21, 9 a.m., commission.

Bradenton Beach Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., April 26, noon, Arbor Day planting, Coquina Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

Beach.

Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., of interest 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org.

May 21, 2 p.m., Barrier Island Elected Officials, Holmes Beach City Hall.

Holmes Beach May 27, most government offices will be closed April 25, 10 a.m., charter review.

April 25, 11:30 a.m., police retirement board. for Memorial Day. Send notices to calendar@islander.org.

April 26, Arbor Day celebration, AME campus,

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 24, 2019 n 9

Private island living with a twist Kick back in easy breezy island style

Don’t miss out! waterfront living from the high $400S If you’re seeking a coastal hideaway with the carefree vibe of Margaritaville, you’ll love the waterfront residences at One Particular Harbour. Outfitted in classic island style, these homes offer beautiful sunset views and owner access to private clubhouse amenities and the new marina. Plus, construction is underway on the new Compass

by Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts and Floridays Restaurant & Grill, so you can enjoy even more Margaritaville fun and flavor at your doorstep!

Can’t be in paradise all year? Owners at One Particular Harbour can place their residences in a short-term rental program for a vacation home that works on their schedules.

Only a limited number of residences are still available for quick closings so act fast! SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY!

All the amenities for a “no worries” vibe: MARINA • beach club • resort-style pool and spa • cabana bar fitness center • kayak launch • sky bar • yoga lawn • and Much more!

try the margaritaville lifestyle before you buy! ask about our one particular getaway.

(888) 508-4680 | OPHMintoUSA.com | 12340 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 The facilities and amenities described and depicted are proposed, but not yet constructed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists’ renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. © Minto Communities, LLC 2019. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. One Particular Harbour and the One Particular Harbour logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. 2019. CGC 1519880.

10 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Vacation Home Staging and Redesign

Island happenings Senior Adventures hosts potluck, book sale

Senior Adventures will hold a potluck lunch and book sale Friday, April 26.

The sale will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Lunch will be at noon.

Senior Adventures is a group of older adults that meets most Fridays for an adventure — an outing or a gathering at Annie Silver Community Center.

For more information or to RSVP, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

941-705-2572

‘Golf Goes to the Dogs’ tournament set

Her ‘Life in Shapes’

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

941-778-2711

Signature ISLANDER gifts

NEW! Mugs, $10 each.

All-cotton AMI tote bags, $5. Plus white and tie-dye “More-Than-a-MulletWrapper” T-shirts, $10-$15, and AMI stickers, $2. Come shop at 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, sandwiched between Walgreens and the bagel cafe!

AMI Chamber of Commerce 2017 Best Business of the Year

Braden River High School art teacher William Ferrell poses with senior Melanie Brustad, who was the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s student of the month for April. Melanie plans to attend the Savannah School College of Art and Design in Georgia in the fall. Look for her painting, “My Life in Shapes,” during April at the Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo

Cortez community plans potluck picnic A community picnic will be held in the village of Cortez at noon Saturday, April 27.

An invitation from organizers said, “All friends and neighbors” are welcome to the potluck picnic at the Miller-Few community dock on the bayfront end of 123rd Street West in the fishing village.

A.P. Bell Fish Co. will serve fried fish and diners are asked to bring a dish to share.

Also, organizers will display artwork by Manatee School of the Arts students and host musical entertainers.

For more information, call Kaye Bell at 941538-0945.

De Soto Heritage Festival crew plans big parade

The De Soto Heritage Festival will conclude Saturday, April 27, with a grand parade.

The festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the parade of more than 150 entries departing from Manatee High School.

The parade will turn west on Ninth Avenue West, turn north on 39th Street West, turn east on Manatee Avenue and finish in downtown Bradenton.

The parade is the day after the De Soto Grand Ball, which will be at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.

For more details about the parade and ball, as well as the organization, go online to desotohq.com or call 941-747-1998.

Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue invites players and pet pals to support “Golf Goes to the Dogs,” a golf tournament set for Saturday, April 27.

The event at the Terra Ceia Bay Golf and Tennis Club, 2802 Terra Ceia Bay Blvd., Palmetto, will begin with registration at 7:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.

Fees of $65 per golfer include green fees, a cart, lunch, drink tickets, a gift bag and an awards ceremony.

Lunch-only tickets cost $25 per person.

Moonracer continues to offer sponsorship opportunities.

Moonracer’s founder, Lisa Williams, is The Islander’s office manager, and Toni Lyon, a member of the board of directors, is The Islander’s advertising director.

The Islander is a sponsor for the event.

For more information, call Lyon at 941-9288735.

‘Present Laughter’ to open May 2

The Island Players will open its final production of the season Thursday, May 2.

The satire now in rehearsals is “Present Laughter,” written by Noël Coward and directed by Mike Lusk.

The cast includes Abby Deenik, Cathy HanselEdgerton, Mike Mongold, Caroline Cox, Heiko Knipfelberg, Judy Glynn, Craig Moran, James Thaggard, Peter Ruscoe, Pamela Hopkins and Denise Handley.

The run will continue through May 12, with performances at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, is dark on Mondays.

Tickets are $20.

The box office will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday and an hour before performances.

For more information, call the box office at 941 778-5755.

Beads in Bradenton

full service salon and spa offering…

Hair ~ Nails ~ Massage ~ Facials Acupuncture ~ Body Treatments ~ Bikini and Brazilian Waxing ~ 3612 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, 941.778.0400 313 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, 941.778.0500

.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, left, readies beads to toss from the police patrol boat April 28, 2018, at the DeSoto Grand Parade in Bradenton.

HBPD and guests, including Tokajer’s wife, Thea, rode the trailered boat on the 2.4-mile route. This year’s parade will be Saturday, April 27. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 24, 2019 n 11

Ukulele players share the aloha at island library

Kathleen Reynolds teaches a group of about a dozen people to play the ukulele April 17 at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The class meets at 3 p.m. Wednesdays through May 29, but registration is full. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

WATCH BANDS • WATCH BATTERIES • SERVICE/REPAIRS

40% OFF LADIES & GENTS Pre-owned ROLEX! Limited Quantities 2-year service warranty

Blighty at the beach

Marine Boixiere and sons Alexandre, 7, and Lukas Kairys, 9, of London, fish April 16 from the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Brook Morrison

36 YEARS IN BRADENTON! 8110 CORTEZ RD. W. Tue-Fri 10-4, Sat 10-2 • ATM & CCs • 941-798-9585

A Hair Day Salon & Spa WELCOME TRACY! Color specialist with 30 years experience.

15% OFF OMBRE or BALAYAGE Starts at $100, Med-long hair Must mention ad, can not be combined with other offers.

SHELLEY

Licensed Massage Therapist 10% OFF new clients only. %80)2%3 s --

MOUNT VERNON PLAZA 9516 CORTEZ RD. W., MM34454

941-795-5227

5368 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach

Island Gallery West

C

Look for the Mermaid Mural

ome browse the oldest art gallery on Anna Maria Island.

Twenty-nine award-winning local artists are ready to show you their paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry and gifts.

Choose a great piece of fine art for your home, a new necklace for yourself or loved one, or smaller items such as prints and greeting cards. High quality, affordable art! You will love the friendly atmosphere. Stop by soon and meet one of the artists!

islandgallerywest.com 941-778-6648 Mon-Sat 10-5

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.

And, thanks for sharing!

Quattro Glover, 8, from London, visits Anna Maria Elementary school second-grader Oliver Morrison-Tirpak April 14 at The Sandbar in Anna Maria.

“We are going to build a Minecraft structure in the sand,” Quattro said. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jenni Glover

Under New Ownership Ali Severson

Olson Phelps, 2, visiting Anna Maria Island from London, brought a toy sword and shield to Holmes Beach April 16. Islander Photo: Courtesy Anne Phelps

Under Ownership!

Under New Ownership!

Hair.Skin.Nails.Massage Ali Severson Severson Ali Hair.Skin.Nails.Massage Hair.Skin.Nails.Massage Open 6 days a week Open 6 6 days days aa week Open week

www.acquaaveda.com www.acquaaveda.com www.acquaaveda.com 941.778.5400 941.778.5400 941.778.5400

need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts 317 Pine Ave., Anna Maria • www.emersonshumor.com

5311 Gulf Gulf Drive, Drive, Holmes 5311 Holmes Beach Beach

5311 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

12 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON AMI Throughout April, Donna Grossman exhibits “Every Picture Tells a Story� at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Throughout April, Jerry Patridge’s “Cigar Box Guitars� exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.

Through May 1, John and Margaret Bayalis “Complementary Creations� exhibit, the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906.

LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI May 2-12, Island Players’ present “Present Laughter,� Anna Maria.

ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

coMPiled BY lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

Tuesday, April 30 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

10 a.m. — Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Mondays, AMI Dragon Boat Fun and Fitness Club, time Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. depends on tides, 417 63rd St., Holmes Beach. Information: 941462-2626.

LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Mondays and Thursdays, 1 p.m., mahjong, Center of Anna June 1, Snooks Adams’ Kids Day, Anna Maria.

Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908.

OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Mondays-Saturdays, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Round Robin Tennis, Saturday, April 27 Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee 6:30 p.m. — De Soto Heritage Festival Grande Parade, from applies. Information: 941-778-1908.

Manatee High School west on Ninth Avenue West, north on 39th Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction Street West, east on Manatee Avenue West to downtown, Braden- for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. ton. Information: 941-747-1998.

Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the ONGOING OFF AMI Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941First Saturdays, Family Night at the Museum, the Bishop 779-0881.

Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Fourth Wednesdays, “Stelliferous Live� star talk, the Bishop Saturday, April 27 Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee 7:30 a.m. — Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue Golf Goes to applies. Information: 941-746-4131. the Dogs golf tournament and luncheon, Terra Ceia Bay Golf and GAMES, SPORTS & Tennis Club, 2802 Terra Ceia Bay Blvd., Palmetto. Fee applies.

Information: 941-928-8735.

OUTDOORS 9 a.m. — Manatee County kayak cleanup, Neal Preserve, ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923.

Tuesday, April 30 Tuesday, April 30 9 a.m. — Manatee County kayak trip to Passage Key — for 10 a.m. — Stroller Strolls with Manatee County Parks and experienced paddlers with their own equipment, Bayfront Park, 316 Natural Resources, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Perico N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-742-5757.

Island, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5757.

ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND ONGOING OFF AMI

Through July 15, “National Geographic Photo Ark,� the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Second Wednesdays, Think + Drink (science), the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m., Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120.

First Fridays, 6-9 p.m. ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays after the ďŹ rst Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com.

Second Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708Wednesdays and Mondays, 12:30-3:30 p.m., pickleball, Center 6120. of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies.

Through Dec. 31, “Always Ready� U.S. Coast Guard exhibit, Information: 941-778-1908.

Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., pickleball, 941-708-6120.

Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908.

LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna May 18, Katt Hefner “Last Dance: A Tribute to Donna Summer� Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708concert, Bradenton.

6130.

July 13, Katt Hefner “Sophisticated Lady: The Songbook of Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Natalie Cole� concert, Bradenton.

Legends Tennis, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908.

KIDS & FAMILY Thursdays-Saturdays and Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND pickleball, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908.

Thursday, April 25 Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (call for times) mahjong 4 p.m. — Read, Read, Read: Early Readers Book Club, Island games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. InformaLibrary, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778tion: 941-778-6341.

6341.

Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church,

!"#$%&'(%)*+,-%./%*01*,"*23*%"2%,*-"4*2#"+5%,*6.4*5"278%4*-"72%+24%3.2-#,93#".2 5*#%9-%4*-"72%+%6.,*%:*+9#"/95%+24%/923#".2+5%-1+3*%/.,%).9,%5"/*-#)5*

Various dates and times through Aug. 29, Bradenton Marauders baseball games, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-747-3031.

LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI May 3, Keep Manatee Beautiful Fore the Environment golf tournament, Bradenton.

May 17, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce 20th Annual Golf Outing, Bradenton.

May 17-18, William R. Mote Memorial Snook Shindig, Sarasota Bay.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, April 24 Noon — Coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

12:30-4 p.m. — Blood drive, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Present Laughter

By Noel Coward Directed by Mike Lusk

Matinee idol Garry Essendine, known for both his considerable ego and libido, is besieged by adoring ingenues, suspicious business partners, a crazed playwright, his household staff and his notso-ex wife in this classic British comedy, featuring secret trysts and unexpected twists.

!"##$%&'"($%&$)*+,'-#,$(&-.$*&/0#1/,2%".($',)132$*&2)-#%"%1&2 !"#$%&'("&)"*'+',-./*..0 !"#$%&'()*+%,'-.%/*0) 1(-.*2)'23%45%678#9 :;7#<%878=8;8" >>>?@'-0)-ABC*?@'D 45%&'2)(-@)'(0%5B@ &1&#8"8"!7

!"#$$%&'(#)%&'%*+,-(.$-%)'./%+'01$20-3&#/)%(-*243%+'3*.$&#&2'35 "'36-32-3&$)%$'+#&-(%&'%*-/6-%&,-%+'00.32&2-*%'7%"'/&-89%:33#%;#/2#9% <'$0-*%=-#+,9%=/#(-3&'3%=-#+,9%>'34?'#&%@-)%#3(%AB%=/#(-3&'3%

DELIGHTFUL SATIRE â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026; WHIMSICAL FARCE â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026; BEST OF THE BEST â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026; SHOWTIME 8 P.M., SUNDAY MATINEES 2 P.M.

TICKETS: $20 Box office opens 9-1 M-S and 1 hour before performances

UIFJTMBOEQMBZFST PSH t 10009 Gulf Drive & Pine Avenue, Anna Maria

The Islander Calendar Thursday, April 25 10 a.m. — Seaside Quilters, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Friday, April 26 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Senior Adventures book sale and potluck lunch, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945.

Saturday, April 27 9 a.m. — CPR training, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, May 1 1 p.m. — Gulf Coast Writers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 24, 2019 n 13

Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an Longboat Key. Fee applies. Information: 941-383-6493. adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 Saturdays through May, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Farmers 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945.

Market, Old Main, Bradenton. Information: 941-621-6471.

Second Fridays, 6 p.m., AMI Resident Community ConnecLOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI tions, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

June 6, Florida Maritime Museum’s second annual Coastal Information: 941-778-1908.

Tuesdays through May 14, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farm- Community Celebration, Cortez. ers Market, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue.

GOOD TO KNOW Information: 941-708-6130.

SAVE THE DATES Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

718-0291.

May 12, Mother’s Day. Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., Tech Help, Island Library, 5701 Marina May 27, Memorial Day. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., veterans services assistance, Island GET LISTED Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778May 4, A Night of Warhol/AME spring gala, Holmes Beach.

Send announcements for The Islander calendar to calendar@ 6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Paradise Cafe games, music and social- publication date. Please include the date, time, location and descripTogether meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton izing, the Paradise Center, Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, tion of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135.

Artists’ Guild inspires AME students

Local artist Marie Garafano teaches AME second-graders watercolor techniques April 18 at the Artists’ Guild gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

BELOW: Second-grader Zuleika Zunz shows the necklace she made at the Guild Gallery.

Anna Maria Elementary second-grader Ceegan Cusack drops paint onto yupo paper April 18 during a field trip to the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island Guild Gallery in Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: Brook Morrison

HOW TO RELAX ON AN ISLAND.

MA#0017550

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Holistic wellness center and spa

Now offering yoga and meditation in the ambiance of a healing Himalayan salt wall.

Massage Therapy | Acupuncture | Yoga 2219 Gulf Drive N | Bradenton Beach

941.778.8400 | www.alunawellness.com

i.wed

The Islander Wedding Directory T

MASSAGE BY NADIA Call 941.518.8301 Massaging on AMI for more than 17 years.

Your place, your convenience.

LEFT: Artist Wendell Graham shows her artwork April 18 to the students visiting the Guild Gallery.

ACCOMMODA ATI ACCOMMODATIONS Tortuga Inn Beach & Tradewinds Resorts 90 well-appointed rooms, apts., suites with kitchens. Wi-fi, pools, beach, more! www.tortugainn.com 941-778-6611 www.tradewinds-resort.com Bungalow Beach Resort DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH! Classic 1930s island-style resort.

800-779-3601 bungalow@bungalowbeach.com www.bungalowbeach.com

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT Chuck Caudill Entertainment Beach weddings and events. DJ service, live guitar and more from an experienced island professional.

941-778-5676 • www.chuckcaudill.com Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions.

Call: 941-778-0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com

JEWELRY Bridge Street Jewelers The island’s full-service jewelry store.

129 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach 941-896-7800 PHOTOGRAPHY Jack Elka PhotoGraphics The finest wedding photography since 1980. www.jackelka.com 941-778-2711

TO PROMOTE YOUR WEDDING SERVICES, CONTACT ISLANDER iWED EXPERT

TONI LYON

941.778.7978 OR CELL 941-928-8735 TONI@ISLANDER.ORG

14 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Anna Maria Island prepares for nesting season

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The official start for sea turtle nesting season on Anna Maria Island is May 1.

But the turtles can be expected any day.

The first nest in 2018 was marked May 13 on Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

With mature females making their way to island beaches to deposit their eggs, precautions — for people and turtles — must be taken.

This means lighting visible from the shoreline must be sea turtle-friendly.

A record-breaking number of loggerhead sea turtle nests — 534 — were counted on Anna Maria Island in 2018.

Adult female sea turtles only leave the water to nest. They use their instincts to follow the natural light from the reflection of the moon and stars on the surface of the water to return to the Gulf of Mexico after depositing their clutch of eggs.

The hatchlings follow the same instincts when they emerge from the clutch to the sandy surface — they head to the sparkle of light on the water.

Bright lights visible from the shoreline can distract sea turtles away from the water, increasing the likelihood of death by predation or exhaustion, when they lose sight of the water, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Additionally, beach equipment, including rafts, canopies, volleyball nets and tents, left on the beach overnight, as well as holes dug in the sand, can be impediments to nesting turtles.

During nesting season, which runs through Oct. 31, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring must depend on code enforcement in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach to keep the beaches safe for sea turtles and people.

The state and municipalities have ordinances to deal with sea turtle lighting violations. Additionally, loggerheads are protected by the u.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Florida Marine Turtle Protection Act. Island code enforcement officers and turtle watchers will begin regular lighting inspections the first week of May. However, the cities also have been preparing in the off-season.

In 2018, Anna Maria amended its nuisance ordinance to make large holes on the beach a violation, according to code enforcement officer and turtle watch volunteer Debbie Haynes.

“Holes on the beach are unsafe for people and sea turtles,” Haynes said. “I’m glad something is being done.”

In Bradenton Beach, code enforcement officer Gail Garneau is emailing property owners, rental management companies and other businesses, reminding them to install turtle-friendly light bulbs.

In 2017, the city enacted a fee schedule that includes fines for property left overnight on the beach and lighting violations.

In Holmes Beach, last year, the commission included sea turtle ordinance violations on its notices of violation form and also includes a compliance check as part of the city’s new vacation rental inspections.

Additionally, JT Thomas, Holmes Beach code enforcement supervisor, said his officers — including Robin Evangelisto, recently hired to help with sea turtle season — are checking lighting at new construction for compliance.

Thomas said he and Police Chief Bill Tokajer met April 9 with representatives from Florida Power and Light to identify streetlights needing shielding for nesting season.

Also, some beachfront property owners have pruned back trees and bushes that previously blocked light visible from the shoreline — including lights that are visible through the vegetation from other sources.

“We are being proactive and letting people know that if they trimmed back their shrubs, lights that weren’t visible may be visible now,” Thomas said.

“So we ask them to quickly come into compliance and install turtle-friendly bulbs.”

Suzi Fox, AMITW executive director, said she has

Holmes Beach code enforcement officer Nate Brown, left, and Police Chief Bill Tokajer flank a table April 18 displaying handouts, door-hangers, stickers and a sea turtlefriendly lighting display at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring provided the information.

Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

The house pictured on the left is outfitted with turtle-friendly exterior bulbs and fixtures, while the lighting on the house on the right is not turtle-friendly. Code enforcement in the three island municipalities addresses lighting issues by sending a notice by mail to the property owner, asking them to comply.

Islander File Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes been contacting owners at locations that consistently had lighting problems to provide them with bulbs.

“No one should have to turn out a light,” Fox said.

“That’s not safe. We want people to have bulbs they can leave on year-round.”

She said she hopes to receive grant funding through the Sea Turtle Conservancy to purchase more bulbs.

“People have been really receptive,” Fox said.

“When more funding comes through, we can do even more.”

For more information on nesting season, contact Fox at suzifox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

Visit myfwc.com/seaturtle and click on “Sea Turtles and Lights” or “Wildlife Friendly Lighting” for more information on keeping beaches safe for sea turtles.

To report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles or shorebirds contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

Sea Turtle Conservancy hosts lighting workshop

Its time to get prepared for nesting sea turtles.

At 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, and 1 p.m. Thursday, April 25, the Sea Turtle Conservancy will host presentations on lighting for sea turtle season.

Both workshops will be in the chambers at Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. The April 24 workshop will last about an hour and is for residents and property managers.

On April 25, the workshop will last about 3 hours and will address lighting problems, lighting laws and offer best practices for residential lighting during sea turtle season.

The public is welcome to attend both workshops.

For more details, contact Longboat Key code enforcement at 941-316-1966, ext. 2520.

Do’s and don’ts for sea turtle nesting season The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends people follow these guidelines for sea turtle safety: • DO turn off or adjust lighting along the beachfront to prevent nesting sea turtles from becoming disoriented and moving toward the glow of light on land, instead of natural light reflecting on the surface of the water. Indoor lights should be turned off, with curtains closed after dark, and outdoor lighting should be turtle-friendly bulbs. Use fixtures low to the ground and shielded from view at the shoreline.

• DON’T use flashlights or camera flashes on the beach at night. They can distract nesting sea turtles and cause them to return to the water.

• DO clear the way at the end of the day. Nesting female sea turtles can become trapped, confused or impeded by gear left on the beach at night. Remove Clip and save.....

items such as boats, tents, rafts and beach furniture and fill in holes or level sand castles before dusk.

Holes trap turtles and can injure people.

Call code enforcement to report unattended property or large holes on the beach.

City of Anna Maria code enforcement — 941708-6130, ext. 139 or ext. 129.

City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941-778-1005, ext. 280.

City of Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941-708-5800, ext. 247.

Report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline, at 1-888404-3922, #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or text Tip@MyFWC.com.

For more information on nesting season, contact Fox at suzifox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

✁✁✁✁✁✁✁✁✁

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 24, 2019 n 15

Roser member cycles into No. 92, inspires island party

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Yes, you’re invited.

Mary Seine is celebrating birthday No. 92.

On Saturday, April 27, Seine and her friends will gather 2-5 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, for a potluck party.

The community is welcome, and everyone is requested to bring a dish to share.

Seine is known around Anna Maria Island for the bright yellow safety vest she wears when biking — it contains the words “One Less Car on the Road.” She also has volunteered extensively with Roser Church for a number of years.

“Well, I didn’t have a party last year and everybody said, ‘Have a party, Mary!’ So, we are.”

“We’ve got it all set up with music and more and the mayor is coming, too — just bring a dish. Last time, we had more than 100 people and I can’t buy food for that many people,” Seine said.

Seine first came to Anna Maria Island “about 45 years ago,” following the death of her boyfriend. Her parents were living on the island at the time.

She took a job at Bealls in Bradenton, and later met Joe Seine.

“I married him,” Seine said. When asked what year, she simply replied, “a while ago. I wish he was still here. He was a wonderful traveler, and we had a lot of fun.”

Seine continued to take cruises after her husband’s death and has traveled extensively. But, on her most recent cruise, she was disappointed.

“There was not much entertainment. It was boring,” she said.

Seine is on the third edition of the yellow vest she received when she bought her bicycle.

She was wearing the vest April 16 when she pedaled from her Anna Maria home to the Island Publix on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach.

“A good friend really fussed at me for riding all the way down there,” Seine said, of her grocery store trip. “But I wanted some bread.”

Doug Walker, another friend of Seine’s, is helping plan the party, and told The Islander he asked her what year she was born.

“I don’t remember,” she told him. “We could figure it out, but it would take too long.”

Mary Seine pauses on the sidewalk on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Seine will celebrate her 92nd birthArts Alive to honor arts educators day and everyone is welcome 2-5 p.m. Saturday, The stars will shine for education April 29. art teacher and senior class sponsor at Manatee High April 27, at the Fellowship Hall of Roser Memorial The Manatee Arts Education Council, School Dis- and Bayshore High” and “was involved in many orga- Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. trict of Manatee and Manatee Education Foundation nizations, including Pen Women of Sarasota, Manatee Islander Photo: Courtesy Doug Walker will present “Arts Alive: Manatee’s Celebration of the County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Manatee, Arts” Monday, April 29.

Manatee Riverfront Players Theater, Manatee County The celebration will include MAEC’s first Arts Public Schools Foundation, Manatee Education Execu- director at the Anna Maria playhouse.

Alive Awards, including one to the late Barbara L. tive Committee and many more.” She died in 2016.

The celebration — 6:30-8 p.m. — will include a Turner-Grace, who served as mayor of Bradenton Other awards will go to Dale Jensen, Linda Boone, silent auction, food and beverages and live entertainBeach 1986-87 and also as a Manatee County School Dudley Leigh, Sherry Lawrence, Herbie Rose, Vernon ment — including by “American Idol” finalist Woolf Board member 1992-96.

DeSear, Larry R. Thompson, Sam Woolf and Kelly — at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third MAEC, recognizing Turner-Grace, said in a state- Wynn Woodland. Woodland’s name might be familiar Ave. W., Bradenton. Tickets cost $50 and are being ment on its website, “She spent most of her life as an to Island Players theatergoers, as she is a longtime sold online at www.onthestage.com.

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

T i k i & K i t t y’s Let’s go shopping! tiki and Kitty are eager to share their adventures in shopping. So come along to the shops! sandpiper cottage is a home decor store filled with unique and artistic pieces, as found or repurposed by their talented artist. They take pride in transforming the old and worn out into a new perfectly, imperfect look. They feature a mixture of styles: cottage, coastal, beachy and even a little rustic farmhouse. They also have a great selection of gifts and jewelry.

You never Know thrift has everything you could possibly be looking for: clothes, kitchen utensils, small appliances, furniture, DVDs and autographed sports memorabilia. The inventory is constantly changing. So keep going back. You never know what you will find.

Magnolia Antique Mall is a great little gem in Ellenton where you can find some of the nicest antiques and collectibles. Their vendors have an amazing array of pottery, glass, furniture and more.

30 + VENDORS & LOCAL ARTISTS Wed-Sat 10-5 Thur 10-6 615 59th St. W. Bradenton

941-896-8800

Facebook Blessed & Distressed Vintage Bradenton

Adventures in Shopping …

Antiques, Art-Tiques and Chic Boutiques!

Blessed & Distressed in Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie, offers 30-plus vendors and artists — everything from classic to quirky — including vintage, upcycled, shabby chic, hand-sewn fanciful frocks and local crafts and art. You

won’t be disappointed with this great shop, where the ambiance begs you to take a seat and relax. scavengers Marketplace now has a shop on Anna Maria Island at the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach. Check out the new digs but don’t forget Sip & Shop at the Ellenton location, 4-7 p.m. the third Friday of the month. Wine, hors d’oeuvre and savings. Come help Moonracer Pet Rescue.

Please, be sure to tell our friends in the shops, “The Islander sent me.”

Magnolia Antique Mall You Never Know Thrift Antiques, Collectibles Unique Gift Items

&

3411 US Highway 301 N ~ Ellenton 941.722.5255

The Sandpiper Cottage

R Thrift and Consignment R

You never know what you might find!

☛5529 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton 941-526-9197

2823 301 N Ellenton

Indoor market with 15 vendors & artisans Vintage, Unique & Shabby Chic Furniture Coastal, Nautical & Rustic Home Décor Antiques & Collectibles Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 12-5pm Fri-Sat 10am-7pm Sunday 12pm-5pm

ÜÜÜ°Ã> `« «iÀV ÌÌ>}iy°V

5402 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach 941-900-1552

Coastal Home Decor Repurposed Furniture ÀÌÊUÊ > Ê*> ÌÊ> `Ê Ài°°°

941-212-4705

Island Shopping Center

16 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

BB city-manager vote rejected, others approved for ballot ager lacked the required number of verified signatures, according to the SOE. KORN gathered 76 petition signatures for the initiative last summer, but 13 signatures were invalid, leaving the petition with 63 verified signatures — 10 less than the 73 required to place it on a ballot based on voter turnout during the prior election in 2017.

Signatures are determined invalid if they lack a date, address, birthdate or identification number; the signee is an ineligible voter or registered in a different district; or if the signatures are illegible.

The verification process involves matching the signature and residence information to the voter registration.

The signatures of former Bradenton Beach resident Reed Mapes, who serves as KORN chairman, as well as the signature of his wife Mary, were rejected on all four petitions because they no longer live in the city.

Bradenton Beach discusses Gulf park renovations

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter A prime spot for sunsets in Bradenton Beach on the Gulf of Mexico needs improvement.

But a plan for what to do with Katie Pierola Sunset Park and how to do it has yet to find roots.

Bradenton Beach city commissioners voted 4-0 April 18 to direct Commissioner Marilyn Maro to work with public works manager Tom Woodard and city engineer Lynn Burnett to develop a renovation plan for Pierola Park, 2200 Gulf Drive N. Commissioner Ralph Cole was late to the meeting and missed the vote.

The park is named for former Mayor Katie Pierola, who served 1989-92. Pierola, who now lives in Bradenton, is credited with leading the charge for beach renourishment in the 1990s, as well as halting the replacement of the Cortez Bridge with a mega-bridge, and for leadership in Save Anna Maria Inc., which waged and won a battle against a high-rise bridge on Manatee Avenue in the mid-1990s.

Maro said the park needs cleaning and plant maintenance, as well as additional benches and trees, which is why she brought the issue before the commission.

BEN AND KAREN COOPER PLEASE COME SEE US AT OUR NEW OFFICE NEXT TO THE REGIONS BANK BUILDING AT 4401 MANATEE AVE. W., BRADENTON. "ANK 2ECONCILIATIONS s 0REPARING &INANCIALS #ALCULATING 0AYROLLS s (OMEOWNER !SSOCIATIONS )NDIVIDUAL #ORPORATE 4AX 2ETURNS

941-795-7048 Office 941-795-4878 Fax

Maro said overgrown seagrape trees need to be trimmed or removed and a hole in the ground needs to be filled.

The city last authorized improvements in the park in 2017 — relocating a sign, maintaining plants and replacing ropes and bollards.

The commission will next meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

The proposed amendment prohibiting the construction of a multilevel parking garage received 88 signatures — 75 verified and 13 rejected signatures.

The proposed amendment requiring city commission vacancies be filled by election received 88 signatures, of which 76 were verified.

Eighty-four signatures, 10 of which were rejected, were collected for the third proposed amendment, which would prevent construction other than fences, driveways and storm drains in setbacks.

Bradenton Beach resident John Metz, who serves as KORN treasurer, emailed Mayor John Chappie April 10 seeking a meeting to discuss the SOE’s verification results, which were released April 4.

Chappie wrote in an email to Metz that because litigation was pending, it could not be discussed.

The three initiatives that passed SOE verification will be placed on the city ballot in November.

“We were happy (the initiatives passed), but there were a number of difficulties because the city unlawfully stopped these from being on the 2018 ballot, which resulted in some signatures getting rejected due to changes over time,” Metz said in an April 19 interview.

Metz said KORN would try to collect more signatures and correct the rejected signatures on the fourth initiative before the November election. He added there was a “good chance” KORN would petition for additional initiatives.

Golf event benefits Keep Manatee Beautiful

Keep Manatee Beautiful is registering players for “Fore the Environment,” its annual golf tournament at Tara Golf and Country Club.

The tournament will start with registration at 7:30 a.m. Friday, May 3, at the club, 6602 Drewrys Bluff, Bradenton.

The entry fee is $125 per person or $450 per four-person team.

KMB also is selling sponsorships.

For more information, call the office at 941795-8272.

Katie Pierola Sunset Park, 2200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, is in need of renovation, according to City Commissioner Marilyn Maro. Work could include adding benches and planting trees. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Click!

The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, anniversaries, travels and other events. Send notices and photographs with detailed captions — along with complete contact information to news@islander.org.

CHRISTIE’S PLUMBING

941-713-9190 Cell benacooper@aol.com

·S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

RESIDENTIAL SERVICE Family Owned and Operated Since 1975 Two Florida State-Certified Master Plumbers REPAIRS & REMODELING NEW CONSTRUCTION 7 / ,Ê / ,-ÊUÊ- 7 ,ÊEÊ , Ê

FREE ESTIMATES

941-778-3924 or 941-778-4461 5508-D MARINA DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

IT’S HOT OUTSIDE. KEEP YOUR COOL! 99 79 Performance test, ACUV dye,

AC Tune-Up Special

$

up to 1 pound of freon. EXP 05-01-19 Exp 10-22-14.

$2 OFF

$3 OFF THE WORKS

FRESH & SHINE Full-Service Car Wash, PLUS Sealer Wax, Under Chassis Wash & Air Freshener.

Most vehicles

AMERICAN CAR CARE

Stay cool...

CALL GROOMS! 5608 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach 941.896.7898

941-794-5007

(CFC1426596)

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter A trio of petition initiatives have wound their way to the ballot in Bradenton Beach.

Bradenton Beach commissioners voted 5-0 April 18 to direct city attorney Ricinda Perry to submit three initiatives petitioned by the Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods political action committee to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office for placement on the next municipal ballot.

The KORN-sponsored initiatives are delayed charter amendment questions sought for the 2018 city ballot, including: • Prohibit construction of a multilevel parking garage in the city; • Require city commission vacancies be filled by election; • Prevent construction within setbacks.

A fourth question, to establish a full-time city man-

Must present coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services.

Expires 05-08-19

Full-Service Car Wash, PLUS Polish-N-Wax, Under Chassis Wash, Armor All on Tires & Air Freshener Most Vehicles.

AMERICAN CAR CARE 941-794-5007

Must present coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services.

Expires 05-08-19

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1994 6412 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton 941-794-5007 WWW.AMERICANCARCAREBRADENTON.COM

THE ISLANDER n April 24, 2019 n 17

WMFR debates $1.4 million admin building, assessment increase

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter More than a million dollars in taxpayer money is at stake.

A proposed $1.4 million purchase of a new administration building drew opposing views April 16 from district commissioners during the first meeting on the proposed 2019-20 West Manatee Fire Rescue budget.

Another money issue — about whether and how much to raise WMFR’s assessment — also was met with differing opinions.

WMFR sold its administration building at 6513 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, to eliminate debt, downsize and acquire a facility designed to withstand a hurricane, according to WMFR Chief Tom Sousa.

Rigney The move to headquarters at the Palma Sola Presbyterian Church was billed as temporary.

There will be more talks on both issues after staff research.

Sousa and Battalion Chief Ben Rigney — named incoming chief effective in November — presented Sousa the budget based on an assessment hike of 2%, which Rigney said would bring in an additional $145,000.

The commission will be able to review and adjust the proposal because the budget is not adopted until August, according to Sousa. An increase in the assessment also would need commission approval.

The current assessment brings in $7.26 million for the district that serves almost 20,000 parcels, including properties on Anna Maria Island.

WMFR firefighters Brian Gaskill, Billy Kimbrell, Jonathan Shumaker and Josh Adkins test the hydrant April 8 at Harbour Isle, 12300 Manatee Ave. W., on Perico Island. WMFR annually tests 850 hydrants and paints the tops to correspond with the water available to fight a fire. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

sonnel would relocate to an emergency center in the event of a disaster, including city officials from the island.

“You can always do ‘what ifs’ and you can never do enough. You have to ask what’s practical,” Robinson added.

Sousa summarized the commissioners’ questions for staff research: • What is considered a “hardened” facility?

• What size building is needed?

• How many people will work day-to-day in the building?

• Do we want to be owners or renters?

• In the event of a merger with another district, could it be sold?

• How would the building operate as an emergency center before, during and after a hurricane?

• How would Manatee County emergency operations benefit if the building becomes a westside EOC?

A proposed new building Under a proposal presented April 16, $1.4 million was budgeted for a new “hardened” permanent facility with staff offices, training facilities and meeting rooms that would double as a westside emergency operations center for storm or other disaster situations.

Commissioners debated the need for the capital outlay, with Chair David Bishop leading the discussion by asking Al Robinson, WMFR’s liaison to the island cities, whether he would ask the municipal leaders to consider contributing to the new building.

Robinson, however, changed the discussion to whether a capital outlay was necessary.

“I’m sitting here and it blows my mind that we’re thinking about building another building for $1.4 million. Why do we want to do this?” Robinson asked.

He also spoke in favor of remaining in the temporary offices at the church.

“We’re doing this church a service, helping them survive, keeping money in the community,” he said.

The district is paying $3,500 per month on an annual lease for 3,500 square feet, according to Rigney, who said the district also has the option to vacate during the contract year.

Commissioner George Harris said he’d favor the new building if it was saleable for another use if WMFR merged with another district.

The ability to sell the building is important, Commissioner Larry Jennis agreed, adding that while an administration building could be repurposed, he was uncertain about the market for an EOC. “I think our immediate need is as an administrative office and westside EOC,” Commissioner Randy Cooper said, adding a merger is too speculative.

Important to Bishop is having a facility suitable to protect the computer equipment and other assets.

The consensus among commissioners was it is too early to approach the island cities about a westside EOC. “Really there’s no existing property at any of our three stations,” Sousa said about permanent relocation options.

“I think it’s insane to spend big money for seven people,” Robinson said, referring to the number of current WMFR staff.

Cooper, Harris and Sousa pointed out more per-

The proposed assessment hike Robinson also took a hard line about raising the assessment rate, saying he favored no rate hike despite the 2% increase recommended by staff.

The increase would impact residential and commercial assessments.

According to Rigney, residential customers currently pay $5 per 2,000 square feet, while commercial customers pay $13 for the same area.

Rigney said their research indicates the surrounding fire districts are proposing more of an assessment increase than WMFR. Another consideration is the cost of collective bargaining.

The firefighters’ union and the administration recently negotiated a 3% increase in wages.

Sousa said WMFR may have done “too good of a job” in its negotiations, noting a recent salary comparison of area districts showing WMFR on the low side.

The district should prepare for bargaining that could raise union firefighters’ wages, he said.

By a consensus of commissioners, the staff was directed to provide a budget breakdown based on no increase, and 0.5%, 1.5% and 2% increases.

The district employs 35 firefighters — three inspectors, six paramedics and four administrative personnel, including the fire chief — to serve an 18-square-mile area with 19,824 parcels.

WMFR will meet in a workshop and a regular meeting Tuesday, May 21, at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively, upstairs at the Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter The Gulf Drive Cafe in Bradenton Beach has a few changes lined up.

But the restaurant will have to wait a month for another chance to seek approval from the city planning and zoning board.

P&Z members voted 5-0 April 17 to continue discussion on the application for development to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, May 22, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., after hearing public concerns about the plan.

Requested development at the cafe involves internal renovations, adding a two-story kitchen and storage addition, 86 new dining seats and the addition of a covered, outdoor dining area.

The addition is planned for the northwest corner of the cafe. A 446-square-foot addition to the kitchen would be on the first floor and 886 square feet of storage would be on the second floor.

The plan also details a proposed 887-square-foot covered beachfront dining area off the existing building and deck, but the additional coverage would leave the site in excess of the allowable impervious coverage for a commercial parcel.

The cafe owner, George Kokolis, agreed to create pervious pavement and infiltration for three parking spaces adjacent to the building, but the site still would be 800 feet over the allowed impervious coverage.

City planner Alan Garrett proposed infiltration swells and trenches to mitigate the coverage and said

the proposed deck must be pervious.

The additional 86 dining seats are code compliant.

In March 2016 the city changed its land development code to require restaurants provide one parking space for every four dining seats, plus one parking space for every two employees during the largest shift.

The code previously required restaurants provide one parking space for every three seats.

Garrett recommended stipulating that the maximum number of seats cannot exceed 300, including special event seating.

The city’s concerns for the project were few in contrast with those expressed by members of the public.

Susanna Macomb, vice president of the owners’ association for the Beach House condos, next door to the Gulf Drive Cafe, wrote a letter to the planning and zoning board March 14 on behalf of the 10 owners.

The condo owners are concerned with how trash on the property is handled, as well as with noise caused by construction and traffic and parking issues caused by increasing seating capacity without a similar increase in parking.

“We have watched the Gulf Drive Cafe transform from a sweet neighborhood diner into a behemoth,” Macomb wrote. “However, the current owners have not applied the practices and procedures to maintain the quality of life that is expected on Anna Maria Island. We ask the planning board to consider us, the neighbors of Gulf Drive Cafe, as well as all the visitors who come to Anna Maria Island for a tranquil healthy

getaway.”

Gerald Buck, a resident and director of the HOA at Imperial House, condominiums across Gulf Drive from the restaurant, voiced his community’s concerns.

“We haven’t felt that they have been a good neighbor and so, when they say, ‘Trust us,’ we have a hard time doing that,” he told the planners during public comment.

Buck noted issues with the cafe’s mishandling of garbage, how restaurant guests park on Imperial House property, as well as the use of wait areas at stand-up seat-less tables, which allows the restaurant to serve more customers without providing additional parking.

He asked the planning and zoning board to not allow the cafe to add more outside dining seats until “they prove they can adequately bus their tables and police the area,” because of litter.

The planning and zoning board members said they agreed with concerns from the public about parking on the south end of the property, as well as seating arrangements and the handling of garbage.

“I don’t have enough information (to vote),” board member Fred Bartizal said, regarding how the plans could be adjusted to resolve public concerns. “For me, I would like something more concrete to say, ‘Here’s what we’re going to do with it.’”

Board members Bill Morrow and Andrew Minicieli also said they need more information on how the cafe would address neighbors’ concerns.

Cafe expansion, addition on back burner in Bradenton Beach

18 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

HB parks committee considers beach accesses, adopt-a-spots

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter A volunteer board in Holmes Beach wants to green-up the city.

During their April 4 meeting, parks and beautification committee members discussed ongoing projects, including public areas in need of landscaping and cleaning up sign pollution at beach access points.

Committee member Dennis Groh reported April 4 that the 10-year-old blue ice Cyprus tree he donated to the city that was transplanted in December 2018 from his yard to the western edge of city field, adjacent to city hall, was removed April 2. It had died.

He said he planted the tree in his yard because he “fell in love with it,” unsure if it would grow. However, while in his yard it thrived, and people suggested he donate it to the city as a Christmas tree. unfortunately, the area where it was transplanted was too wet and the roots rotted, according to Groh.

He said perhaps asphalt remnants from an airstrip constructed in 1948 and closed in 1973 in the area that is now city field, might still be underground, causing the ground above it to retain water, and suggested the city carefully consider future plantings in the area.

“If that’s the case, not much else can be planted there,” Groh said. “The moral of the story is that we learned an expensive lesson. So let’s not repeat it.”

Adopt-a-spot Committee member Susan Anderson reported she contacted several landscape companies to sponsor public areas in need of landscaping and maintenance, including along Fourth Avenue and the Third Avenue beach access.

She said Connie’s Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance and Sandy’s Lawn Service, both of Holmes Beach, and Jeff Gilchrist Landscaping of Bradenton, said they were interested and she emailed the businesses about the available spots.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said she received an updated contract application for the adopt-a-spot program from city attorney Patricia Petruff.

Marina Drive and 77th street Committee Chair Zan Fuller said she spoke with Holmes Beach resident Renee Ferguson, who purchased a memorial bench for the corner of 77th Street and Marina Drive and would like to plant a tree near the bench.

Fuller said Ferguson decided to purchase an orange geiger tree from Sweet Bay Nursery, to be picked up and installed by the public works department.

Due to concerns with watering, Fuller said nursery owner Tom Heitzman recommended “gated”

Grassy Point Committee member Carol Hebden said she received a written update on plans for Grassy Point Preserve from Burnett.

Burnett wrote March 20 that a survey of the park was complete and was sent to the environmental and coastal engineering consultants “for preliminary design,” and a pre-application meeting is scheduled with the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The design plan and meeting minutes will be presented to the parks committee and the commission in May, Burnett wrote.

Additionally, Burnett said applications for grant opportunities are due in November for the 2020-21 grant cycle.

Holmes Beach Police Sgt. Brian Copeman displays a “no trespassing” sign April 3 that will be placed near beach entries at condos in the city. drip irrigation with twice-weekly watering by public works until the rainy season starts.

52nd street At its March meeting, the committee heard from a resident of 52nd Street who said she was concerned about the area behind the S&S Plaza. She said when stormwater infiltration was installed, seagrape trees were removed, new plantings are sparse and the dumpster enclosures are in poor condition.

Groh said the new trees — Simpson stoppers — are slow growing and suggested the city remove every other one, to be planted somewhere else in the city and alternate with sea grapes, to recreate a buffer.

Grand canal Fuller said people have noticed the ground is sinking near the seawall on the city-owned T-end of the grand canal and she is concerned with safety as it’s a popular fishing spot.

Titsworth said the area is on a list of locations needing repair, and said she would notify city engineer Lynn Burnett about the holes.

Multiple signs at beach access points, such as this one at 45th Street, have drawn complaints from Holmes Beach residents. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

National Arbor Day celebration set

The Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee will observe National Arbor Day on the campus of Anna Maria Elementary, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

The members of the city advisory committee, representatives from Keep Manatee Beautiful and AME students will gather at 1 p.m. Friday, April 26, outside the school to plant a mersyne cubana, a native tree.

Also, the city of Anna Maria will celebrate National Arbor Day with a tree-planting ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday, April 26, at Villa Rosa Park off South Bay Boulevard in the city.

The city of Bradenton Beach plans to observe Arbor Day with a ceremony at Coquina Beach, where Mayor John Chappie will read a proclamation.

Arbor Day is an annual observance celebrating trees and promoting tree planting and care, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.

As a formal holiday, it was first observed in 1872, in Nebraska, but tree planting festivals are as old as civilization.

Beach access, signage “For quite a while, the city has been irritated by the pollution of signs,” Commissioner Carol Soustek, who attended the meeting as commission liaison to the committee, said April 3. “But you have to have a sign up, according to each law, so you can enforce it.”

She said each time the city passes a new ordinance, another sign goes up.

“We’re trying to condense everything, make it very attractive, but also so it can be enforced,” she said.

Soustek showed the committee a prototype of a beach access sign developed by the mayor, Soustek and city staff, and designed by SteamDesigns of Holmes Beach, and asked for input.

Titsworth said the proposed 3-feet by 4-feet sign would be framed in natural-finish wood to blend in with the environment.

Committee members approved a sign design that includes symbols for non-English speakers and sea turtle nesting season information, but they were concerned with the sign’s size.

“If you could see how many signs are on these accesses, having one sign is going to be such a benefit,” Soustek said.

JT Thomas, code enforcement supervisor who helped develop the sign, said, upon approval and production, the signs initially will be placed at beach accesses with the most sign pollution. He also said new “no trespassing” signs have been created by the city and are being placed at beach entryways at condominiums around Holmes Beach.

The next parks and beautification committee meeting will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

A proposed sign for beach access points in Holmes Beach would consolidate regulations leading to less sign pollution. Islander Courtesy Photo: City of Holmes Beach

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 24, 2019 n 19

FISH elects new board member, retains officers

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Five Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage directors stepped into office April 15.

Their election came by acclamation — a unanimous voice vote of about 20 members attending the annual meeting at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez. Six members voted by absentee ballot, according to vice president Jane von Hahmann.

Susan Buckland was elected to her first term.

Buckland and husband Tom moved to Bradenton from Connecticut a year ago. She told the board she supports her husband, who volunteers at the FISH Boatworks, and she is concerned about the environment and “loves what FISH stands for.”

Mark Coarsey, a commercial fisher, who decided not to run for the board for personal reasons, left the opening for Buckland on the 15-member board of directors. He was elected to the board in 2016.

Buckland expressed her interest in serving to the board nominating committee, comprising von Hahmann and Linda Molto and Angela Collins. Buckland and returning directors Karen Bell, Herman Kruegle, Michael Northfield and Pat Potts, were presented to the membership as a slate before the vote.

FISH, with 210 members, formed in the early 1990s with a mission to promote and preserve Cortez, the commercial fishing way of life and the environment. Cortez was settled between 119th Street and the Cortez Bridge as a village in the 1880s by North Carolina fishers.

The nonprofit owns and manages several properties, including Fishermen’s Hall, the old Cortez Fire

Fishing for Freedom disbanding

Susan Buckland makes an introduction April 15 at the annual meeting of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage. Buckland was elected to a threeyear term on the board of directors. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell Station, a 100-acre preserve and the boatworks. It also operates the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival each February.

Bell did not attend the April 10 meeting due to a dinner engagement, von Hahmann said.

Kruegle, a volunteer for 10 years at the boatworks shop and the festival, and Mike Northfield, FISH treasurer, were re-elected to third terms. Potts was re-elected to a second term, serving about five years,

The nonprofit Manatee chapter of Fishing for Freedom will disband after a year, according to president Mark Coarsey.Coarsey, a Cortez commercial fisher, said April 16 he’s in the process of disbanding the chapter, which he led as president since 2014, spearheading coastal cleanups with Keep Manatee Beautiful.

On behalf of the Manatee chapter, he spoke at the Florida Constitutional Revision Commission in St. Petersburg in 2018, seeking a constitutional amendment to reverse the 1995 gill net ban.

The drive to overturn the net ban failed and FFF/Manatee members dropped out of the group, leading to Coarsey’s decision to disband. He organized the nonprofit to support commercial fishing.

Coarsey plans to continue to support commercial fishers as part of the Tallahassee chapter for Fishing for Freedom.

“I’m just trying to step back a little bit and regroup,” he added. including partial terms, according to von Hahmann.

The other FISH directors are president Kim McVey, Kaye Bell, Plum Taylor, Janet Miller, Tim Caniff, David Cadmus, John Stevely and Rose Lipke.

FISH directors hold office for staggered threeyear terms, resulting in five seats up for election each year.

Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage reports success in 2018-19

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Sound finances. A successful 2019 festival. And, there’s the possibility of keeping some Australian pine trees while restoration continues at the FISH Preserve.

About 20 members of the nonprofit Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage heard the highlights of the past year April 15 at their annual meeting.

FISH, a 210-member group run by a 15-member board of directors, owns and manages several properties in Cortez, including a 100-acre preserve, a boat shop, Fishermen’s Hall and the old Cortez fire station.

The nonprofit formed in 1991 to protect the village settled by commercial fishers in the late 1800s.

“I’m once again very pleased to say that FISH is of a very sound financial position,” treasurer Mike Northfield told the members, adding FISH holds about $161,000 in the bank compared to about $142,000 a year ago.

He also said, “At the same time, we’re reducing our debt load,” from $80,500 to about $74,500.

In addition, FISH paid down the mortgage on the preserve, reducing the debt to $196,000 from about $261,800 the prior year. The mortgage was undertaken in 2016 to purchase three parcels, formerly known as the Lemasters’ property, in the center of the preserve.

FISH netted $30,000 from a May 2018 fundraiser, which helped cover a shortfall from the 2018 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, he said. the FIsH fest Board member Rose Lipke, vice president Jane von Hahmann and president Kim McVey reported on the 2019 festival.

Since 2015, Lipke chaired the festival. She resigned after this year’s fest after taking on full-time work. According to the organizers, the volunteer job is still open for 2020.

McVey thanked the more than 100 volunteers, saying “Without you, we couldn’t have offered such a fun festival.”

Lipke answered questions about why local restaurants don’t participate, saying it was likely due to the strain on local businesses in season.

According to Lipke, traffic gets worse each year, but she said the festival made $17,000 more than in 2018.

Von Hahmann said “the key thing” is to get used to the “new normal” and project $60,000-$80,000 in

Nancy Luse, a resident of Cortez Park, a mobile home park in the village, checks in April 15 at the door of Fishermen’s Hall, 4515 124th St. W., Cortez, for the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage annual meeting. FISH directors Linda Molto and Angela Collins assisted Luse.

Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

Rose Lipke, FISH director and 2019 chair of the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, reports April 15 on the fest to FISH members.

festival income, not $100,000 like prior years.

Preserve projects Also discussed was the status of the ongoing invasive tree removal project in the FISH Preserve and member Mike Norman’s plea to keep Australian pine trees for their aesthetic value. Norman wrote the board, asking for a vote of the membership on the issue.

Herman Kruegle and Rocky von Hahmann agreed with Norman’s assessment.

Jane von Hahmann said while the trees provide shade, nothing grows under them, and under the current plans, some will be removed.

The board could consider keeping some trees on the eastern border and she’d work on a proposal for the membership, she said.

FISH is midway through a phased-in restoration plan, which was created as a multi-phased project by Scheda Ecological Associates of Sarasota and began in 2014 with the support of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission joined the restoration, providing $116,000 and managing two 2018-19 projects.

The first FWC project removed Australian pine trees from the western portion of the preserve.

The FWC will soon move east with a contractor to be chosen in April to work on Phase III, removing several acres of invasive trees, leaving a grassy understory, mangroves, live oaks and other coastal vegetation, as well as adding more native plants.

FWC expects to complete Phase III by October.

FISH needs $200,000-$230,000 to finish the restoration. The FWC and SBEP are looking for funding, she added.

“I think the preserve is going along well,” von Hahmann said, projecting full access in three to five years.

20 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Gathering

Obituary

James A. ‘Jimmy’ Engelsen James A. “Jimmy” Engelsen, 61, died March 11 at home on Anna Maria Island.

He was born June 4, 1957, in Illinois and moved to South Florida, where he spent his growing years and then moved to Manatee County.

He spent many youthful days waterskiing from Key Royale to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and back.

As an adult, he devoted many hardworking years perfecting custom fiberglass techniques for Scarab Jet Boats and on amazing million-dollar yachts at Marlow Marine, where he also cared for many cats.

He was an avid fisherman, a lover of good old Southern rock and a true-hearted island-living man.

His cool walk, raspy voice and good times will be missed.

A private gathering is planned.

Full house turns out for Roser’s thrifty fashion show

Curt Huhn takes a walk around the Roser Memorial Community Church Fellowship Hall, modeling fashions March 12 in the women’s guild style show.

Diane Gladsden models fashions from the Roser Thrift Store during a church fashion showfundraiser March 12.

Islander Photos: Peggy Nash

790

$

simple burials

1,195

$

Online arrangements available Sarasota (941) 312-6371 | Manatee (941) 213-9234

SoundChoiceCremation.com

8:30 AM and 10:00 AM Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service

IN THE SANCTUARY 10:00 AM Nursery 8:45 AM Adult Sunday School

A NONDENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

ONGOING LISTINGS

2 blocks north of Bridge St. Clock Tower

Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Gathering plans

Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA), 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Sunday service 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.; men’s Monday Bible study 9 a.m.; women’s Wednesday Bible study 10 a.m.

Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez.

Sunday Bible study, 10 a.m.; Sunday worship, 11 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m.

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8665 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Sunday worship 9 a.m.; Sunday life group 10:30 a.m.; women’s Tuesday prayer 9:30 a.m.; men’s Wednesday Bible study 7 a.m.; Wednesday fellowship meal 6:15 p.m.; Wednesday Night Blast 6:45 p.m.

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Sunday Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 8 a.m.; Sunday Holy Eucharist (Rite II) 10:30 a.m.; men’s Wednesday breakfast 8 a.m.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Saturday service 5 p.m.; Sunday service 9:30 a.m.; Gathering Sunday fellowship 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday prayer partners Send announcements and listings for Gathering 11:30 a.m.; women’s Thursday Bible study 10 a.m. to news@islander.org. The deadline is the Wednesday Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., prior to the publication date. Please include a contact Bradenton Beach. Sunday services 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 number. a.m.

Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Sunday service 10 a.m.; fellowship afterward.

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Sunday worship 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.; adult Sunday school 8:45 a.m.; Sunday adult book study 9 a.m.; Just Older Youth/JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series second and Pastor fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m.; Terrific Tuesdays 5:30 p.m.

Stephen King St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes 8:30 and 10:15 am Beach.

Saturday confession 3 p.m.; Saturday Mass 4 p.m.; Sunday Services Sunday Mass followed by coffee and doughnuts 8:30 a.m.

300 Church Ave. • Bradenton Beach and 10:30 a.m.; weekday Mass 8:30 a.m.

PO Box 243, Bradenton Beach 34217

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria

simple cremations

Obituaries are offered as a community service in The Islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org.

Islander obituaries are free, including a photo and posting on the website.

Paid obituaries can be discussed with advertising consultant Toni Lyon. Call The Islander at 941-7787978.

Art by Joan Voyles

Ann Bodger shows style and thrift-store fashion March 12 at Roser Memorial Community Church, which welcomed about 125 people to the women’s guild luncheon and style show. Volunteers modeled outfits — from sporty to sophisticated — from the Roser Thrift Store, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, across the street from the church.

At your service

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

Growing in Jesus’ Name Sunday Service 10:00 AM

The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Please join us for

THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER Thursday, May 2 Church Hours: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Men’s Bible Study - Mondays: 9:00 AM Women’s Bible Study - Wednesdays: 10:00 AM Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch our 10:00 AM service live. Log onto our website & follow the YouTube link.

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (office)

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

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

THE ISLANDER n April 24, 2019 n 21

Hopping down the bunny trail in Anna Maria

Special thanks to Mr. Bunny, Jack Elka.

Anna Mariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Easter Bunny leads admirers from the egg hunt (below) at the Sandbar Restaurant to games and festivities on Pine Avenue, hosted by Pine Avenue Restoration.

Kids of all ages gather on Pine Avenue for the Easter bonnet judging.

Islander Photos: Hope Yencho

Kids take turns at the egg roll contest on Pine Avenue.

Lisa Mayer

Jullian M.

A pre-dawn glow envelopes congregants at the Kiwanis Club Easter Sunrise Service at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

22 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Former county commissioner to appeal Long Bar mitigation bank

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter The 1st District Court of Appeal has spoken, but it may not be the last word.

With a one-sentence ruling, a three-judge panel dismissed an appeal of former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash that sought to overturn the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s permit to Long Bar Pointe LLLP for a wetland mitigation bank.

The dismissal comes after a yearlong battle in appellate court, including Long Bar Pointe’s motion that asked the court to order McClash to pay the developers’ attorney fees. By separate order, the court denied that motion.

The court’s April 5 ruling states McClash failed to demonstrate his standing in the case.

In an April 18 email to The Islander, McClash said his “only option” is to appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.

“The decision by the 1st District Court of Appeal is not only a loss for me but for all of us challenging the unwarranted permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,” McClash wrote.

In April 2018, the DEP issued the permit for the mitigation bank to Long Bar Pointe LLLP, operated by developers Larry Lieberman and Carlos Beruff, who is also a president and manager of Medallion Home and Medallion Homes entities, for its 260.80-acre site along a 2-mile stretch of Sarasota Bay coastline. The site is adjacent to the developers’ county-approved, large-scale project, Aqua by the Bay, southeast of Cortez.

Streetlife

By Sandy Ambrogi

Island police blotter

Anna Maria April 12, 400 block of North Bay Boulevard, Bayfront Park, lost or stolen item. A man reported he forgot his camera, placed on a picnic table. When he returned, the camera was gone.

Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Bradenton Beach No reports.

Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. cortez No reports.

Cortez is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach April 16, 5300 block of Gulf Drive, Hancock Bank, marijuana possession less than 20 grams. An officer observed a parked car with heavily tinted windows after midnight in the parking lot and learned the occupants were sleeping inside. When they exited the vehicle, they admitted they had been smoking marijuana. Officers seized paraphernalia and several small bags of marijuana totaling 12 grams. A possession citation was issued and the two subjects were advised

McClash, initially with nonprofits Suncoast Waterkeeper and the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, fought the DEP and developers in a hearing before Department of Administrative Hearings Judge D.R. Alexander in December 2017.

McClash, a boater, environmentalist and Bradenton businessman, appealed the permit decision the next month without an attorney, while FISH and Suncoast Waterkeeper dropped out of the mitigation dispute.

Alexander ruled the challengers failed to prove legal standing to bring the case, saying McClash’s concern for a regional ecosystem that would trade wetland destruction for improperly allocated credits was too speculative.

McClash has maintained that legal precedent supports a forward-looking standard for standing.

The appellate court picked up Alexander’s analysis and precluded McClash’s other arguments — including the DEP’s improper credit scoring, placement of buoys in seagrasses already protected by federal law and excessive mangrove trimming.

Approval from the u.S. Army Corps of Engineers is necessary before the mitigation bank can proceed.

There is no pending application from Long Bar Pointe LLLP, Corps public information officer Nakeir Nobles said in an April 19 email to The Islander. The developers already have been twice denied by the Corps.

Nonetheless, the DEP permit assigns 18.01 credits to the developers to finance preservation and enhancement activities. Mitigation credits, at $100,000$200,000 per credit, are purchased by developers to offset destruction of wetlands elsewhere.

McClash criticized the former Gov. Rick Scott for

failing to protect the environment and Beruff, as a substantial contributor to Scott and other elected officials, for lobbying regulators and failing to protect the “critical wetlands and unique waters of Sarasota Bay.” Sarasota Bay is an Outstanding Florida Waters, one of about 40 waterbodies in the state afforded special protection because of their natural attributes.

“There is only one goal these developers have and that is to profit at any cost,” McClash added.

This is the second loss in 2019 for environmentalists, including McClash.

In a decision against Suncoast Waterkeeper, McClash, Cortez and Legends Bay residents, 12th Circuit Court Judge Gilbert Smith Jr. ruled in January the public can be denied due process rights — notice and a public hearing — after the county approved changes to development plans for Aqua.

Aqua is approved for 2,384 multi-family units, 510 single-family homes, and 78,000 square feet of commercial space, including 16 residential buildings, nine-10 stories, and an unknown number of three- toeight story buildings.

No signs of development, however, were observed the week beginning April 14.

As of press time, Pete Logan, the developer’s representative, did not return emails seeking comment on the 1st District decision or the status of the Aqua development.

The DEP declined to comment on the decision.

Sex offender registers address on Perico Island

A 31-year-old male sex offender registered a temporary address in the 1200 block of Spoonbill Landings Circle on Perico Island.

Convicted of child pornography in September 2017 in Caroline, Maryland, the offender reported the address to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, according to an April 17 email from the agency.

The FDLE registry shows other sex offenders in the area as of April 19: • A 57-year-old male offender in the 4200 block of the 129th Street West in Cortez.

• A 54-year-old male offender in the 100 block of Crescent Avenue in Anna Maria.

• A 60-year-old male offender in the 100 block of Ninth Street North in Bradenton Beach.

Sex offenders must register permanent and temporary addresses as well as transient locations unless otherwise ordered by a court.

they were violating camping regulations. They were released.

April 16, 600 block of Dundee Lane, accidental shooting. Officers responded to a 911 call and found a man who accidently shot himself in the thigh while cleaning his gun. He was transported by EMS with a non-life-threatening injury to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton.

April 17, 600 block of Emerald Lane, fraud. A man went to the HBPD at city hall and reported credit card transactions made in Bradenton on a Discover Card he did not open. Officers collected receipts from stores and surveillance videos of the suspects.

April 17, 3200 E. Bay Drive, Subway, Anna Maria Island Centre plaza, trespass. Officers responded to Island watch a theft in progress after employees saw a man take In the event of an emergency, call 911. To report money from their tip jar. The suspect was found sitting outside the business and admitted he took the money. information on island crime, call the MCSO Anna Maria He returned the cash and no charges were filed. He was substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804. issued a trespassed warning and left the plaza.

Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Oh, that sinking feeling

Manatee County utility workers tackle a sinking problem in Holmes Beach the morning of April 20, responding to a call to repair 52nd Street after the Holmes Beach Police Department received a report of a sinkhole. According to Police Chief Bill Tokajer, the driver of a vehicle traveling on 52nd Street behind the S&S Plaza, said the street opened under the vehicle, causing damage to two tires.

Islander Photo: Courtesy HBPD/Sgt. Mike Pilato

Roadwatch

Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following notices for the week of April 22: Avenue c: Right-of-way restoration continues along Avenue C, including installation of a stormwater infiltration system and driveway restoration. Once restoration is completed, paving will begin. coquina Beach: Manatee County is paving the south end of the Coquina Beach parking lot in Bradenton Beach. The south lot will be closed during the work.

Palma sola causeway on Manatee Avenue/ state road 64 at the boat ramp: The Manatee County Palma Sola boat ramp is closed for construction activity.

For more information about the pipeline replacement projects on the island, go online to amipipereplacement.com.

For the latest road watch information, go online to www.fl511.com or dial 511.

THE ISLANDER n April 24, 2019 n 23

Two recent copter crashes near AMI raise questions

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Watch out below.

Some islanders are asking, how fast and how low should helicopters fly over island waters?

Rookie pilot Josef Bakker miscalculated a turn and ended up nose down in Sarasota Bay near Coquina Beach early April 13.

Pilot Stan Lee had been flying helicopters for more than 30 years when his copter crashed Jan. 2 into the Gulf of Mexico, about a half mile offshore of Anna Maria Island. The crash sent two of the three men onboard to the hospital.

Lee is still recovering from injuries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing better, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been slow healing,â&#x20AC;? he told The Islander April 16.

Asked about the cause of his crash, Lee said a bird strike broke the front window and hit him in the head.

A witness reported to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune he saw the tail go up and then the helicopter nosedived into the water.

Lee was flying a Robinson R44 for a video production company owned by passenger Thomas MacKnight, who was shooting powerboats for a commercial. Peter Bowden was the third man onboard.

MacKnight told the Herald-Tribune after the crash that flying low to film leaves little time to react if something goes wrong.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;

He was low, too low, in my opinion. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Shelly Gilbreath, witness to the April 13 helicopter crash in the bay

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Lee and MacKnight were taken to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton for treatment. Bowden suffered minor injuries and was not hospitalized.

The April 13 crash involved a smaller helicopter, the Robinson R22. The passenger on that low-flying aircraft was shooting photos of boats and personal water craft.

The advertising on the helicopter read BoatPix. com, which, according to its website, is â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest at taking pictures of boats,â&#x20AC;? with â&#x20AC;&#x153;most pictures being taken from helicopters.â&#x20AC;?

Headquartered in West Palm Beach, BoatPix.com has been in business since 1981, according to the website. Calls to headquarters were met with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;no comment.â&#x20AC;?

What is a safe distance from the water for helicopters?

Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s copter was flying 10-15 feet above the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface, when the crash occurred. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was low, too low, in my opinion,â&#x20AC;? witness Shelly Gilbreath told The Islander. She saw the crash from her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boat.

Aerial photography is popular with advertising

agencies, real estate developers, surveying and other entities. Helicopters often are hired for commercial shoots, charging by the hour.

Helicopter pilots use their own discretion concerning speed and altitude when flying for filming.

Anna Maria Island photographer Jack Elka has spent hours shooting photographs from airplanes and helicopters. He also is an FAA licensed drone pilot.

Elka says there are no restrictions on a helicopterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s altitude. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fixed-wing aircraft can fly no lower than 1,000 feet above populated areas,â&#x20AC;? Elka told The Islander. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But with helicopters, they can go low. A good pilot would not go low over populated areas. And flying less than 500 feet â&#x20AC;Ś over water is always risky.â&#x20AC;?

He continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a saying: Altitude is your friend. When you are low, the slightest thing goes wrong and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re down.â&#x20AC;?

Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company, Sarasota Helicopter Services, provides rides for aerial photography, sightseeing, promotions, special events, television and film contracts.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration were contacted about both crashes and an investigation is underway for the April 13 crash.

As for the Jan. 2 incident, the federal agencies had failed to respond to The Islanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inquiries by press time for the newspaper.

" ,&# $ $ $ " ## 1 &$ - $1 (-8 &1 1 4 - $7 18 "(- 1& 1 $ , " 5 - 4-

8 , 1 94, - $ 1 , 4,&"& " -&, , &6 ,- $ $ & 1 ,&#&1 - , &5 - 4" , "1

0 0

0 0 0

7( , $ &4, !$&6" " -1 $ &# &,1 " $5 ,&$# $1 1 1& (,& 4 1-+

3.32 $ 1 5 , $1&$ 2 3: )% '* 33/ '32:

$"8 1 1 " 1&, &, "" 1 $

24 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Hula-hooper spins by AME Hula-hooper Dawn Pliner-Smith is a retired teacher who loves to share the joy of movement.

Pliner-Smith spent April 12 spinning and playing hula-hoop games with Anna Maria Elementary students thanks to teacher Kelly Crawford and physical education teacher Terri Ruise.

“I saw a post on Anna Maria Island Life Facebook page from Dawn saying she planned to bring her hulahoops to the beach this winter,” said Crawford. “So I decided to reach out to her and see if she was willing to visit my classroom for a demonstration.”

Pliner-Smith showed classes — kindergarten, first- and second-grades — how to spin, pass and play games.

“I enjoyed every minute being with the kids at AME and would love to come back,” she said.

The AME Parent-Teacher Organization purchased the hoops for the exercise, as well as a restaurant gift Crawford. card for Pliner-Smith as a thank-you.

As the students wiggled and did their best hula“As a thank-you for being invited to our school, hoop high, Pliner-Smith summed up the day, “Happy Dawn left me a large hula-hoop of my very own,” said hooping. It really does make you happy.”

Anna Maria Elementary kindergartners pose with physical education teacher Terri Ruise and hula-hooper Dawn Pliner-Smith April 12, after spinning on the playground of the Holmes Beach campus.

Islander Photos: Courtesy AME/Kelly Crawford

AME kindergartner Dylan Sato spins his hula-hoop April 12.

By Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

Kason Davis and Daphne Elmore, 6, take their shots at hoop dreams with their classmates thanks to Dawn Pliner-Smith, a retired teacher from Wells, Vermont. She said she “always brings her hulahoops to the island.”

Special … Zwiebelschnitzel. Schnitzel with sautéed onions and brown gravy with spätzle and red cabbage.

SERVING GOURMET ICE CREAM SINCE 1984

Haxen Fri-Sat Nights (reserve ahead) Dinner Monday-Saturday 5-9 941.778.1320 http://schnitzel.house 3246 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach

❊ Truly Homemade Ice Cream

(yes, we really make it ourselves)

❊ Voted Best Ice Cream ❊ Open 7 Days a Week www.tylersicecream.com Manatee Ave & 59th 941-243-3841

Cortez & 119th 941-794-5333

Longboat Center Shops 941-383-6935

Seafood

CRACKER SHRIMP

Cajun Cornmeal Dusted with Chipotle Aioli Live music Friday & Saturday 121 Bridge St. Bradenton Beach 941-896-9737 bluemarlinami.com

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 24, 2019 n 25

By Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

AME calendar

• Thursday, April 25, progress reports.

• Friday, April 26, 9-10 a.m., fourth- and fifthgrade speech contest, auditorium.

• Friday, April 26, second- and third-grade National Arbor Day celebration, time TBD. • Tuesday, April 30, fifth-grade science assessment.

• Wednesday and Thursday, May 1-2, fourthand fifth-grade Florida Standards Assessment reading test.

• Thursday, May 2, 5 p.m., boys night out, school playground.

• Friday, May 3, third-, fourth and fifth-grade FSA math test.

• Saturday, May 4, 6 p.m., AME-PTO spring gala, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

• Monday, May 6, third-, fourth- and fifthgrade FSA math tests.

• May 6-10, Teacher Appreciation Week.

• Thursday, May 30, last day of school for students.

Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

Kudos for kids

Share your student’s good news: Graduations, scholastic honors, special achievements, scholarships for higher education and school choices.

Submit your news to news@islander.org.

AME kindergartners show gratitude to quilters Curiosity paid off in the classroom.

When Anna Maria Elementary kindergarten teacher Kelly Crawford discovered a group of women from Roser Memorial Community Church were meeting at a home adjacent to the school to make quilts for area migrant workers, she was moved with gratitude.

And her curiosity peaked. “I always wondered what was going on in the pink house next to the playground,” Crawford said April 10.

She said when she learned it was a quilting group gathering at the home of one of its members to help people who are less fortunate, she had her students write “thank-you” notes and stick them to the adjoining fence “to see what would transpire.”

As members of the group arrived and discovered the notes on the fence, they beamed, according to Crawford.

“After reading the cards, some of the women came to our classroom and talked to the students about quilting and all the work involved,” she said.

It was a heartfelt lesson for the students and the quilters.

ABOVE: Kindergartner Xyza Bermudez poses with April 10 her grandmother, Frieda Jaworski, in front of the quilt made by her grandmother before she was born. Jaworski is a member of the Roser Church sewing group.

LEFT: Members of the church sewing group chat with students through the fence by the school playground. Islander Photos: Courtesy AME/Kelly Crawford

26 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Fifth-graders Ava Haugh and Ashton Hovda and AME second-grader Zoe Bourgoing dances to the fourth-graders Jordan Moore and Olivia Inda take song “Pink Fluffy Unicorns” with friend Ava Taylor the stage to announce the AME talent show April 17. April 17. Islander Photo: Courtesy Kari Kennedy Islander Photo: Courtesy Kari Kennedy

“Abracadabra, watch the words appear,” says second-grader Colin Bankert ,with fellow second-grade musician Jackson Kennedy April 17 at the school talent show. Islander Photo: Brook Morrison

AME students wow talent show audience with magic, comedy, song, dance

By Brook Morrison Islander Reporter Organizer Jeannine Inda set the tone for the Anna Maria Elementary talent show April 17 by singing Taylor Swift’s song, “Never Grow up.”

A video showing her daughter Olivia dancing on the beach when she was 3-years-old rolled in the background. Emotion ran high while Olivia, now 10, watched her mother dedicate the song to her and other students.

A second later, the first students to perform, kindergartners Camden Rudacille and Dylan Sato, danced to “Rolex” while the audience clapped and cheered.

“So many talented kids signed up this year to perform in the talent show, we had to divide the evening into two acts and add an intermission,” Inda said.

Second-grade magicians Colin Bankert and Jackson Kennedy left the audience wanting more after they made words and colors inside a book appear, and then disappear.

One of the most original acts, called Scrabble, was performed by second-grader Adeline Du Toit, who

used palindrome words.

First-graders Sophia Kerr and Catherine Teich delivered the island vibe and closed the first act playing maracas and drums while Sophia’s dad, Aaron, strummed “upside Down,” by Jack Johnson, on his guitar.

“Everyone did so well,” said second-grader Jesse Zaccagnino. “I can’t wait for the next part.”

Intermission lasted 20 minutes, and then friends, parents and AME students again filled the auditorium.

The announcers, fourth-graders Olivia Inda and Jordan Moore and fifth-graders Ava Haugh and Ashton Hovda, traded the microphone and led the second act with a joke about being there for four hours.

After the lights dimmed, third-grader Peyton Hovda, dressed in black, moved to the beat of “Freedom” by Pharrell Williams. Peyton did several backflips and, as he looked up and lifted his hands to the sky with a smile, moods lifted.

The talent ranged from comedy to song.

Fourth-grader Kate Stembridge belted out “Fix You” by Coldplay and fifth-grader Logan West made everyone laugh when she discussed life as a younger sister and moving to Florida from up north.

Fourth-grade ventriloquist Alexander Teich told superhero jokes before third-grader Piper Payne came out with her list of silly statements.

The evening ended with eight AME students dancing and singing along to “How Long” by Charlie Puth.

Kudos for kids

Share your student’s good news: Graduations, scholastic honors, special achievements, scholarships for higher education and school choices.

Submit your news to news@islander.org.

Looking for the perfect outing?

Look no further …

Kids eat for a

ĊŒŒǜ âǔ ıŒÿNj Sunday thru Thursday EVERY Week!

ρς ıŒÿīĊǗ ƌâʼnǒ âǜ

56¢

LANDSIDE

6906 14th Street West 941.758.7880

CORTEZ

6696 Cortez Road 941.792.0077

ELLENTON

1525 51st Avenue East 941.721.7773

BRIDGE ST. PIER Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662)

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 24, 2019 n 27

By Lisa Neff

Hearts for palm

Look up and around just about anywhere outdoors on Anna Maria Island.

You’ll likely see a sabal palm, as the tree grows in shade or sun, swamp, scrub or sand.

You’ll see the sabal palm on the beachfront and on the bayside.

You’ll see the sabal at stately homes, bungalows, duplexes, condominiums and vacation rentals.

The scruffy, shaggy, casual cabbage palm is everyone’s tree.

Neff You’ll find the sabal palm — our official state tree since 1953 — depicted on the state flags flying outside city halls, in artwork hanging in island galleries, on postcards sold at local boutiques.

But what if someday we only have the depictions of the sabal palm on Anna Maria Island? What if a rising sea level and increased saltwater flooding kills the mature palms and prevents the growth of seedlings?

I follow the reporting from the nonprofit Florida Center for Investigative Reporting, an especially vital resource at a time when so many daily newspapers are

Keep Manatee Beautiful plans post-Earth Day action

Keep Manatee Beautiful will hold a “morning of service” Saturday, April 27, with activities at various locations in Manatee County.

On Anna Maria Island, volunteers will clean up Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

On the mainland, volunteers will replant Palma Sola Park at the corner of 75th Street West and Manatee Avenue in Bradenton, work in the garden at Daughtrey Elementary School and clean up the playground at Glazier Park.

The work will be 9 a.m.-noon, followed by a celebration at Pride Park noon-5 p.m. The park is at 815 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The party will include a visit by Smokey the Bear.

For more information, contact KMB at 941795-8272.

In 1970, the Florida Legislature mandated that the sabal palm replace the cocoa palm on the state seal.

The sabal palm, also known as cabbage palm, was designated the state tree in 1953. Islander Courtesy Graphic cutting back on investigative work.

One FCIR report in particular has stayed with me, the story headlined “With governor and legislators in denial, this tiny Florida town tries to adapt to climate change.” In the story, Amy Green documented how climate change is affecting Yankeetown, a community of about 500 people 130 miles north of Anna Maria Island. Sea level in Yankeetown has been rising 7 inches per century, and the rate is accelerating.

“The signs of change are visible everywhere, most notably in what climate scientists describe as ‘ghost forests,’ the bony remains of inundated forest islands

Manatee Sarasota Sierra Club leads kayak outing

The Manatee Sarasota Sierra Club will lead a kayak outing in west Manatee County Sunday, April 28.

They will travel 4-5 miles on the water.

Participants must have a PFD, a whistle and closed toe shoes and should also bring water, a snack, hat, sunscreen, camera and binoculars.

The cost will be $5.

Kayak rentals will be available for $30-$45.

Reservations are required by 740-352-5021 or emailing her at mw121150@gmail.com.

Also text for details on where the group will meet, which were not available at press time.

that 30 years ago were lush with cabbage palms and red cedars. In some places, the grassy black needle rush of the salt marsh almost completely shrouds the old tree stumps,” Green wrote.

An alarm for sea level rise sounded in Yankeetown decades ago, in the early 1990s, when a landowner notified a University of Florida ecologist about dying sabal palms.

Inspections in the area found massive tree death concentrated near the water, but also inland.

In fact, since 1991, scientists have observed massive die-offs of sabal palms between Cedar Key and Homosassa Springs.

One study on sabal palms examined whether saltwater flooding eliminated regeneration before killing mature trees. The researchers conducted studies in the field and in greenhouses and found salinity played an important role in the ability of sabal palm seedlings to withstand tidal flooding. Plant performance plummeted with higher levels of salinity.

So sea level rise — and saltwater intrusion — is flooding coastal land, drowning the trees and forcing the forests to retreat.

Will the insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals that depend upon the trees for survival be forced into retreat?

Florida’s indigenous peoples valued the sabal palm, using it for food, medicine, tools and construction. So did crackers. So did islanders.

How distressing that the species faces a threat from climate change.

What can one person do?

Planting more trees is one way to preserve what exists and help reverse damage done by climate change, and that’s what we all should do on National Arbor Day, which is observed Friday, April 26.

Also, earlier this year, the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation launched its Time for Trees initiative, a commitment to plant 100 million trees in forests and communities worldwide by 2022 — the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day. As part of the call to action, the foundation set a goal to inspire 5 million tree planters to join the movement by 2022.

Are you one among them?

Did you know?

The sabal palm’s flowers are sweet and edible and can be used to produce a dark honey.

Young leaves on the tree also can be eaten, as can the heart of the palm — the inner core of the terminal bud — though it requires cutting down the tree.

½-Ê t And you’re gonna love it!

UÊ*Ài«>Ài`Ê i> ÃÊv ÀÊ iÊ É/> iÊ"ÕÌ° UÊ À V "Ûi Ê* ââ>ÊUÊ Ã«ÀiÃà ÊUÊ7 i UÊ > i`Ê `ÃÊEÊ*>ÃÌÀ iÃÊUÊ iÃÃiÀÌ

ENJOY BREAKFAST AT

The American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24

SERVING MANATEE COUNTY’S VETERANS SINCE 1919

º/ iÀiÊ ÃÊ Ê ÛiÊà ViÀiÀÊÌ > Ê Ì iÊ ÛiÊ vÊv `°»ÊpÊ ° °Ê- >Ü

8-11:30 Every Sunday

$7 BREAKFAST includes:

Eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits & gravy, grits, potatoes, pancakes, toast and coffee. $2 Bloody Mary or Mimosa

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 2000 75th St. W., Bradenton • 941-794-3489

UÊ iÊ ÊUÊ >ÀÀÞÊ"ÕÌÊUÊ"«i ÊÇÊ >ÞÃÉ££\Îä ÊÊx{äÈÊ >À >Ê À ÛiÊUÊ Ã > `Ê- «« }Ê i ÌiÀ iÃÊ i>V ÊUÊ {£°ÇÇn°xä Ó

Little Italy in the ❤ of Anna Maria Island.

5337 Gulf Drive ~ at the corner of Holmes Boulevard and Gulf Drive

50¢ off

941-896-9754

3-6pm daily!

house wine and draft beer

$4

select liquors

Buy one Get one half-off on select appetizers

BRIDGE STREET PIER Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662)

28 n April 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Adult, youth leagues take over center soccer pitch

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter The adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island kicked off its spring season April 18 with four matches, the first in the 10-team league. The regular season runs until June 13 with playoffs kicking off June 20, culminating in a championship match June 27.

The games got underway with Solid Rock Construction taking on Cassidy Moss Builders. Solid Rock outlasted Moss 4-3 behind a hat trick from Ryan Hogan and a goal from Steve Oelfke. Goalie Ben Sato helped preserve the victory with 15 saves.

Damir Glavan scored two goals and Amy Ivin added a goal in the loss for Moss, which also saw assists from Diego Felipe and Nate Talucci and 15 saves from Scott Bear.

The second match April 18 saw Gulfview Windows & Doors record a 4-1 victory over Beach House Real Estate behind a pair of goals from Jose Urbiola Bolanos and a goal each from Ryan Moss and Ashley Friszman. Goalie Jordan DeMers came through with 12 saves to close out the game.

Adam Bujarski scored the lone goal for Beach House, which also received five saves in the loss by Cliff Powell.

Sato Real Estate and Blalock Walters battled to a 3-3 tie in the third match of the night. Josh Sato scored a hat trick for the tie game. Sato also had an assist from Murap Akay and nine saves from Jason Sato.

Matt Skaggs scored two goals and Stephen Perry added one to lead Blalock Walters, which received eight saves from Scott Rudacille in the draw.

The fourth match of the evening turned into a high-scoring contest as Jiffy Lube outscored Flynn Law 12-7 behind four goals each from Mathew

Dead sea turtle honored with poem

A dead loggerhead sea turtle lays on the shore in Holmes Beach March 25. Christine Arnold, of Georgia, took the photograph and wrote to The Islander April 18, “At first we thought it was alive, as did many others who came running to observe.” Unfortunately, Arnold said, it was dead. Many beachgoers gathered to grieve for the sea turtle. “I, like others, took her photo to remember her,” Arnold said.

Arnold also wrote a poem to memorialize the turtle: “How long has the sea carried you back to this place. Now she brings you to the end. We grieve for you wise one. We stand in honor of you, and we cry over your loss and ours.”

Southernaire Fishing Charters

Stetson and Ricky Anderson. Anil Akbulut added a pair of goals, while Daniel Anderson, with a goal and an assist, and Sean Flynn, who also posted a goal and an assist, completed the scoring for Jiffy Lube.

Kevin Roman and Lexi Sato scored three goals each to lead Flynn Law, which also received a goal in the loss from Olaf Krause and six saves from Josh Bernet.

Youth soccer Youth soccer action at the center kicked off April 16 with Beach House Real Estate earning a 2-0 shutout victory over Ace Hardware in the league’s 8-10 age division. Dennis Gallagher scored both goals, while Cyrus Ryan made three saves in goal.

Jack Zaccagnino and Jack McCarthy each made saves for Ace in the loss.

The second 8-10 division match of the night saw Freckled Fin outscore Ugly Grouper 3-1 score behind two goals from Duncan Cloutier and a goal from Nixon Connor. Taylor June King and Cale Rudacille combined to make three saves to help preserve the victory.

Savanna Coba scored for Ugly Grouper, while John Harrison and Alexander Teich combined to make three saves in the loss.

There also were games in the 11-15 age division, starting with the Lazy Turtle taking on CABB Cleaning, earning a 3-1 victory behind a pair of goals from Jackson Pakbaz and a goal and six saves from Thomas Philpott.

Fox Dalton scored the lone goal for CABB, which also received eight saves from Evan Talucci in the loss.

CABB Cleaning bounced back in the second April 16 match, earning a 4-3 victory over Lancaster Design on a hat trick from JM Feeney and a goal from Sam Leister. Evan Talucci was strong between the pipes, finishing with nine saves to preserve the victory.

Aiden Templeton scored a pair of goals to lead Lancaster, which also received a goal from Kieran Cloutier and seven saves from Mikey Coleman in the loss.

Key Royale golf news The Key Royale Club men celebrated tax day with a nine-hole modified-Stableford system match.

Chuck Patrick lapped the field with a score of plus-7 to win individual honors. The team of Sam Major, Tom McDonnell, Lou Pagano and Alan Tripp combined on a plus-7 to win the team title for the day.

The women took to the course for a nine-hole individual-low-net match in four flights. Phyllis Roe fired a 2-under-par 30 to capture Flight A by three strokes over Pam Lowry, while Helen Pollock took third with a 4-over-par 36.

Meredith Slavin fired a 7-under-par 25, the lownet round of the day to take first place in Flight B. Margrit Layh was alone in second, carding an evenpar 32, while Beth Lindeman was another stroke back in third.

Flight C saw Roxanne Koche and Jan Turner tie for first place after they both carded 3-under-par 29s.

Ellen Boin and Jana Samuels tied for second with matching even-par 32s.

Marty Clark took first place in Flight D with a 3-under-par 29 to earn a three-stroke victory over second-place finisher Terry Westby. Marki Ksiazk was alone in third at 3-over-par 35.

The men were back on the course April 18 for a nine-hole scramble. The team of Bill Brodie, Dean Christensen, Gary Duncan and Marie Taddeo combined on a 4-under-par 28 to earn clubhouse bragging

THE ORIGINAL BAIT BOAT IS BACK!

rights for the day.

Horseshoe news There was no need for playoffs to wrap up the April 17 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. The team of Gary Howcroft and Sam Samuels saw to the win after posting the lone 3-0 record during pool play, earning the day’s bragging rights.

Three teams advanced to the knockout stage during the April 20 games. Steve Doyle drew the bye into the finals and watched as Myles Macleod and Tom Skoloda squeaked out a 21-19 victory over Bob Rowley and Adin Shank. The finals saw Macleod and Skoloda jump out to an early lead and a 22-13 victory over Doyle.

Play gets underway 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.

Want to see what a sea turtle sees?

One simple measure to determine if beachfront lighting is a problem is to walk after dusk to the water’s edge, crouch low near the waterline and look landward. If you see lights, a sea turtle might also see the glow.

When female sea turtles — mostly loggerheads on AMI — come ashore, they have a steely glare and one purpose — to lay their eggs in the sand.

They typically aren’t looking around, but they do feel their way with their flippers, seeking just the right texture and temperature in the sand for their deposit of eggs.

Lights on land can distract the turtle from its goal and, if it nests, can cause the turtle to head towards the light on land rather than the twinkle of the moon and stars on the water.

Keep in mind, this is the only time a sea turtle leaves the familiarity in the water. Males do not come ashore. And once on land, these female turtles are unaccustomed to immovable objects, such as lawn chairs and volleyball posts, canopy poles and benches. These items are obstructions that sea turtles are incapable of maneuvering.

So now that you “think like a sea turtle,” have a little respect. Get busy and keep the beach dark and clear of obstructions.

Mother Nature will thank you. — Bonner Joy

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

LIVE Whitebait & Crabs

On the water at the Kingfish Boat Ramp CALL AHEAD:

941-323-7892

AM

April 24 April 25 April 26 April 27 April 28 April 29 April 30 May 1

2:49p 3:33p 4:35p 10:10a 10:18a 10:33a 10:48a 11:02a

HIGH

2.3 2.2 2.0 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9

PM

— — — 6:13p 8:05p 9:27p 10:30p 11:21p

HIGH

AM

LOW

PM

LOW

— 11:18p -0.1 — — — — — — — — 12:22a 0.0 — — 1.8 1:27a 0.0 12:55p 1.5 1.7 2:25a 0.1 2:44p 1.3 1.7 3:14a 0.2 3:45p 1.0 1.7 3:55a 0.3 4:29p 0.8 1.7 4:29a 0.4 5:07p 0.5

AM City Pier tides; Cortez high tides 7 minutes later — lows 1:06 later

Moon

3rd

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 24, 2019 n 29

Cooler water temps don’t cool down fishing

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter With slightly cooler water temps than normal, the spring fishing is going strong.

Fishing offshore brings a variety of fish — tuna, kingfish, permit, snappers and grouper.

Inshore fishing is host to just about as many species — snook, redfish, trout, Spanish mackerel and flounder.

Stasny Large quantities of bait fish are found both inshore and offshore, the perfect recipe to bring in the predatory fish. Look for diving birds as they feed on the massive amounts of bait. The birds will lead you to the fish.

On my Southernaire charters, we are doing a lot of catch-and-release fishing. Snook fishing is probably the best it can be right now. Seeing 20-40 fish reeled to the boat during a morning charter is common. And since snook are catch-and-release right now, they are all set free.

For fish to eat, I’m targeting spotted seatrout. Most catches are 16-22 inches. For clients looking to take a fish or two home for dinner, the trout fit the bill.

Spanish mackerel is another species we’re catching now that works in the frying pan. Finding the fish schooled up around structure or deep flats is exciting, as they tend to rocket out of the water when feeding on baits. They also put up one heck of a fight on light spinning gear.

Lastly, catch-and-release redfish action is pretty

Catch a memory, earn rewards

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers three programs that reward anglers and encourage them to target a diversity of species, decreasing fishing pressure on the most commonly sought-after catches: • Saltwater Fish Life List: Can you catch all 70 species?

• Saltwater Reel Big Fish: Recognition for extraordinary-sized catches.

• Saltwater Grand Slams: Earn rewards for catching three specific fish in 24 hours.

Anglers also can join the new Triple Threat Club and earn even more prizes — including a long-sleeve performance fishing shirt and a chance to win a weekend getaway — by participating in all three programs.

Anglers must have at least one application approved for each program to qualify.

The FWC also manages the Florida Saltwater Fishing Records program.

For more information, go online to CatchaFloridaMemory.com.

Suzanne and Anton Wilson show off their catch, a kingfish hooked on a shiner April 7 in the nearshore waters with Capt.

Warren Girle. The Wilsons are first responders from Lakewood Ranch and Girle said he thanks them for their service. good. Free-lining live shiners around oyster bars and mangroves is yielding a bite for my clients.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is still seeing sheepshead being reeled up, although he believes it’s the tail end of that bite until next winter. In its place is the immergence of mangrove snapper. The popular fish are starting to take up residence under the pier deck.

When the bait schools are present around the pier, Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle are being caught.

If you plan on targeting jacks, Malfese advises using heavy gear, as these jacks are 15-20 pounds.

Lastly, targeting catch-and-release snook is sporadic at the R&R, but “Fese” says it will steadily improve as summer approaches and the water temps rise.

Capt. Aaron Lowman is finding good action for his clients over hard bottom in Tampa Bay. Big macks and bluefish are lacerating baits as they swim on the surface. Macks and blues hit hard and fight to the end, which is great action on light tackle.

Fishing the flats of Tampa Bay also is proving to be good for Lowman. Catch-and-release snook action is strong, as is the catch-and-release redfish bite. For the linesiders, casting baits up around the mangroves works well. Working a mullet school in the bay is producing the best action on reds.

Finally, spotted seatrout are filling the coolers for Lowman’s clients when working over deep grass flats during higher tides.

Capt. Warren Girle is fishing offshore ledges and other structure when the winds are light and the seas calm. Kingfish are the highlight offshore, with 10-20 pound catches. Free-lining live shiners on a wire rig is attracting the bite. Also while offshore, Girle is bottom fishing, resulting in mangrove snapper, Key West grunts and groupers.

Moving inshore, Girle is mixing catch-and-release snook with catch-and-release redfish. Lastly, spotted seatrout are coming to the hook, which is especially

good for those who want to bring something home for dinner.

Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is working offshore for pelagic species — blackfin tuna, kingfish and bonito. Free-lining cigar minnows and sardines around wrecks and reefs triggers these fish to bite the hook.

Bottom fishing offshore with White is prosperous on mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper and red grouper. For bait, live pinfish and dead sardines work well.

Moving inshore, White is putting sport fishers on numerous catch-and-release snook along the mangroves. Fishing slightly deeper, over grass flats, is yielding spotted seatrout and mackerel.

Capt. Jason Stock is into the action on blackfin tuna. Fishing offshore for these torpedoes is yielding respectable numbers of fish, as well as some goodsized ones.

While targeting tuna, the kingfish bite is beginning to fire up. Kings in the 20-pound range are common.

Fishing wrecks offshore is where to find the elusive permit. Sight-casting live crabs to schooling fish is attracting a bite. Also on the wrecks are goliath grouper. They are catch-and-release, but quite a spectacle when reeled up to the surface.

Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Fishing Charters

CAPT. AARON LOWMAN

Capt. Warren Girle

fishing tip! if you hook a bird, remember: reel, remove and release!

'ULF "AY &ISHINGs4ARPON 53'! ,ICENSED AND )NSURED

INSHORE RE Redfish Snook

O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper

LIGHT G TACKLE C • FLY Over 30 years experience in local waters • USCG Licensed Full / Half Day Trips • 941.387.8383 (H) • 941.232.8636 (C) www.captainwarren.com Facebook: Captain Warren

941.465.8932 AnnaMariaFishing Guide.com

DOCKED AT SEAFOOD SHACK

Licensed

30 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

isl

biz

BY sandY aMBrogi

Time to lend a hand, enjoy paradise

It’s time to dive into reading for a cause John and Amanda Horne, owners of Anna Maria Oyster Bar, put out the call again for folks who love kids and reading.

The Dive into Reading program, which pairs elementary-age students with a mentor for a morning of reading, seeks volunteers for the summer.

In its third year, the program is a partnership of Manatee County School District, Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Manatee County Libraries, Anna Maria Oyster Bar and others.

Mentors must commit to 1.5 hours of training and one session per week for four weeks. Locations will be AMOB Landside and Ellenton, Gecko’s at State Road 70 and the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton.

For more information, contact Amanda Horne at 941-545-3620, ext. 6688, or email amobamanda@ gmail.com.

AMOB goes quack quack The 10th Annual Lucky Ducky Race will be 3 p.m.

Saturday, May 11.

Anna Maria Oyster Bar servers are selling plastic ducks in support of PACE Center for Girls, one of the restaurant’s favorite nonprofits. PACE provides education, counseling, training and advocacy for girls and young women.

Ducks are available individually, in a five-pack or in a flock of 100.

The ducks are released into the Manatee River at Caddy’s at the Pointe, 801 Riverside Drive E., Bra-

denton, and the first duck to cross the finish line will win its owner the use of a new Jeep Wrangler for two years.

A “luckier” duck, according to John Horne, will win dinner for two at AMOB every week for year.

Sorry, no duck on the menu.

For more information, call the PACE Center at 941-751-4566 or visit the website at pacecenter.org.

More online accolades for AMI Exclusive.multibriefs.com, a website that gathers information on travel, sports and fitness, science and technology and more, published a column naming four Florida beaches — two of them on Anna Maria Island — as “America’s best beaches for couples and families in the spring.”

First was Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach, which freelance writer Connie ulman liked for its surf, calmer than East Coast beaches, and its amenities, including the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, gift shop and trolley access. ulman mistakenly reported the next entry, Coquina Beach, on Longboat Key. She placed the Bradenton Beach destination on the list of top best beaches she visited.

An encounter with some local dolphins, the everpresent begging squirrels and parking under shade trees were some of reasons for her choice.

Murder mystery takes over Neptune Room Another whodunnit?

Yes! Bing Bang Burlesque is returning to the Seafood Shack’s Neptune Room, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez, for a night of murder and mayhem, with the audience helping to solve the mystery.

The Neptune Room will be transformed into a speakeasy for the event at 8 p.m., Thursday, April 25.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Doors will open at 7:30 p.m.

A full bar will be available and guests are encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s attire.

For more information, call the Seafood Shack at 941-794-1235 or visit the website at seafoodshack. com.

Stay busy, islanders!

Scholars named

Emma Johnson, left, Gabriela Guardiola, Ava Clinton and Orbilia Matiano receive scholarship awards April 17 at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

All four are graduating Manatee County high school seniors.

Islander Courtesy Photo: Lisa Hlywa

Celebrating Chamber names scholarship years recipients 1949-2019

70

From the largest response of applications for Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce scholarships, four local high-school students have received awards.

Committee members Bev Lesnick, Wendy Webb, Mike Southwick and Amy Tobin selected the recipients, all graduating seniors.

The scholarship recipients seeking four-year degrees include: Emma Johnson, attends Manatee High, where her 4.0 unweighted and 4.7155 weighted GPA placed her No. 1 in the class. She’s served as president of the National Honor Society, as well as a member of Key Club and the marching band. She’s also been a private tutor and after-care teacher. Emma plans to attend Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, to study biology.

Ava Clinton is graduating from the Manatee School for the Arts, where she’s ranked No. 1 in the senior class. While going to school, she’s maintained a 25-30 per week work schedule outside the classroom.

Ava already attends college through an early admission program and will study biology and environmental science at the university of Florida.

Gabriela Guardiola is a student at Bayshore High School, where she’s been involved in Achievement Via Individual Determination, a college-prep program. She was in the top 1% of her class and will attain her associate’s degree with her high school diploma. The first in her family to pursue a post-secondary education, she plans to enroll at Florida Gulf Coast university in Fort Myers.

The chamber also awarded a scholarship to a graduating senior “seeking a focused education through a local institution.” The scholarship is to acquire the skills and trade of a professional, with hopes the recipient will stay in Manatee County after completing the program.

Orbilia Matiano received the“stay, learn and live” award. She is graduating from Bayshore High School, where she achieved an AVID Club 4.0 GPA. She’s been involved in Key Club, the school newspaper and the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. She hopes to obtain an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography at State College of Florida in Bradenton.

Business news

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’re new in business or your staff deserves kudos.

Submit your information to news@islander.org.

BizCal

coMPiled BY sandY aMBrogi

AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WE LIKE LIKES

Wednesday, April 24 5 p.m. — Monthly mixer, Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Members $5, guests $10. Information: 941-778-1541, info@amichamber.org.

Wednesday, May 8 7:45 a.m. — Early-riser breakfast, Olympic Cafe, 6408 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Members $8, guests $16. Information: 941-7781541, info@amichamber.org.

Friday, May 17 11:30 a.m. — Golf tournament, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton.

Information: 941-778-1541, info@amichamber.org.

LONGBOAT KEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Signature AMI gifts! Navy mugs, $10 each. All-cotton AMI tote bags, $5. White and tie-dye “More-Than-a-Mullet-Wrapper” T-shirts, $10-$15, and AMI stickers, $2. Come shop at 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

Wednesday, May 8 11:30 a.m. — Networking luncheon, Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Members $25, guests $35.

Information: 941-383-2466, info@lkbchamber.com.

OTHER EVENTS

facebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

Thursday, April 25 5:30 p.m. — Manatee County Economic Development’s Fourth Annual Business Preparedness Expo, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Information: 941-778-1541, info@ amichamber.org.

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 24, 2019 n 31

TDC touts rising tourism numbers, takes pat on back

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter The numbers look good — and the Manatee County Tourist Development Council is taking at least partial credit for an increase in visitors and dollars to the area.

County tourist tax collections were up 10.6 % in February 2019 over the February 2018 numbers.

January numbers climbed 2.2%.

Walter Klages, of Data Research Klages Services of Tampa, presented his tourism report and, it too, showed gains, despite 2018’s long red tide crisis.

“Our tourism is well and healthy,” Klages said.

The total economic impact for 2018 for the county was up 3.6% Falcione to $1,290.837,300. That number includes spending by day-trippers — those who visit the island and the beaches but do not use lodging facilities.

Resort tax collections were up 7.2% over 2017.

Visitors paid $54.4 million — an increase of 4.0% — in state and local option sales taxes.

Though occupancy fell overall, the average daily rate for lodging grew 0.3%.

Islander archive 24/7

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the university of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries.

We donated our collection of printed newspapers covering from the first edition in 1992 to the digital era of 2005, as well as the digital editions. It took some time, 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.

There’s 27 years, 52 weeks a year, 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.

Find weekly editions of The Islander — 1992 to present — online in the University of Florida Digital Library at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Mike Norman Realty INC

In 2018, Klages reported, couples and families made up 89.3% of visitors, and they stayed 5.7 nights on average. The majority — 53.7% — came by air, and parties traveling together averaged three people. The medium household income of visitors was $119,163.

“It’s good news, really good news,” Klages said.

“We went through a period of time, tornadic in nature, and we’ve come out of it fine.

Tourist tax collections for March 2019 were up 10.60% for Manatee County from March 2018. On Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach led with an 18.7% increase in tourist tax collections. Bradenton Beach taxes increased by 11.9% and Anna Maria increased 6.1%.

Janene Amick, chief executive officer of the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton, gave a limited report on the Bradenton Gulf Coast Concert Series, which took place at MPAC and the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria.

The events were funded with tourist tax dollars through a sponsorship by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, an agency of the TDC. Amick reported the TDC-sponsored events brought in $100,000 in gross ticket sales, and that 2,500 people attended the four island concerts. No expenditures or profit numbers were presented.

Amick also reported a surge in ticket sales at MPAC, noting the venue had widened its circle of events to include not only plays, but also recitals, concerts, speakers and more.

In addition to the music concerts, the MPAC hosted a one-woman show Feb. 2, with Xernona Clayton, and another event, Mary Powers “Women’s Enlightenment Conference,” was postponed.

Kelly Clark, director of communications for the BACVB, gave a winter communication update, discussing several projects.

A promotion with Madison Square Gardens Network in New York — Manatee County’s largest feeder market — resulted in 6 million impressions, according to Clark, and a 321% increase in BACVB website traffic during the promotion. Plans are underway to pair with the network for additional promotions.

The BACVB partnered with Visit Tampa and Visit Florida for a campaign in London to create more awareness in that market.

“Partnering with Visit Tampa and Visit Florida

WE ROCK ONLINE

OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978 www.mikenormanrealty.com 31o1 Gulf Drive, Hholmes Beach 800-367-1617 | 941-778-6696

stretched our dollars in the No. 1 feeder market in Europe that comes to the Bradenton area,” Elliott Falcione, executive director of the BACVB, said. “It’s so important.”

Clark also discussed the Jane Seymour statue funded in January by the BACVB for Riverwalk park in Bradenton, stating that Seymour “intends to have a statue in every state and ours is the first.”

About the statue, Falcione said, “It did exactly what it was supposed to do. It created over 64 million marketplace impressions. If you have a globally recognized artist sculpture in your community, it creates awareness and drives them to the urban core,” Falcione said.

Falcione told the TDC members, “This TDC has to be bold. We need to not fear. We have to take risks when we are challenged. We have to be creative and unique and almost artistic in order to be competitive.

We will do things legally and we will do things ethically.”

Falcione and MPAC recently denied record requests made March 15 for contracts and expenses from the celebrity visit by Seymour and the concerts, although some purchase orders were provided by the county records department.

In other business, Falcione discussed the need for ADA compliance on the BACVB website and asked for a funding recommendation from the TDC. He noted the Premier Sports Campus website would be rolled into the BACVB website, and both will be ADA compliant by Aug. 1. The funding passed unanimously.

Mark Stucky, chief operating officer of the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, gave a construction update and news about carriers and flights.

Carriers added 18 new nonstop destinations with 23 new routes in the past year, and travel at SRQ is up to about 350 takeoffs and landings per day.

Members of the TDC present at the meeting were vice-chairman Vernon DeSear, Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston, Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland, Jack Rynerson and Eric Cairns. TDC chair and County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, Ed Chiles and Jiten Patel were absent.

The TDC makes recommendations to the county commission for projects and spending for tourist development tax revenues. The council consists of nine people appointed to four-year terms.

Discover the 34215 – Cortez NE W

E PRIC

Maria Christenson

4121 Osprey Harbour Loop

REALTOR®

$489,000 | A4208963

941.920.3583

Enjoy this beautiful, three-bedroom villa inside the gates of desirable Harbour Landings!

Nestled in the historic waterfront fishing village of Cortez Walking distance to beach and island dining 1 mile from Anna Maria Island

islander.org

4400 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209 michaelsaunders.com

$2

MariaChristenson@michaelsaunders.com MariaChristenson.michaelsaunders.com

32 n ApRIL 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BOATS & BOATING

WINE COOLER A/C or 12-volt, $50. Minifridge, $40. Chairs, $5 each. 941-3561456.

WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti.

Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941-685-1400.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000.

See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

WANTED: YOUR OLD cellphone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 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.

941-778-7978.

AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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.

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 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

GARAGE SALES

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance.

Landscaping ~ Cleanups 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 • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

AdoptA-Pet

S K O S H S T A T E

ANSWERS TO APRIL 24 PUZZLE P E A S

F A J I C A T A T A D E E A B T M L A P A C A N K S T I H I S A C H

M O L A S S E S

S P I T A T S T N A A N E D I N N Y U P O G O

E X A C T A S

D O E S T N A P B E N

D I N E S

W A D S I N C L E M E N T

A Y D E D S S A S P P I I N N G D L A Y U N E T A S S T S A W S E I E A P

LARGE DIAMOND STONE fell out of ring on trolley or at island shops. $500 reward. 314324-5921.

HELP RESCUED PETS! Golf tournament April 27, Call 941-928-8735 to sign up.

Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION LOW MILEAGE! 2007 Honda Civic twodoor. 51,000 gentle miles, great condition. $5,600. Call or text, 941-713-5448.

2009 YAMAHA 1300 V Star tour motorcycle. Only 35,000 miles. Excellent condition, $3,700. Call 941-725-7349.

GOLF CART-LSV, electric, 2009 E-Z-GO. 4-seat. Runs great. Street legal, titled. $3,500. 941-778-4498.

SPONSORED BY

S I T U A T I O N

GARAGE AND ANNUAL pottery seconds sale. 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 27. New location, good stuff. 521 Kumquat Drive, Anna Maria.

PETS

smokey and Diamond. Bonded pair, mother and son. 2 and 8 years old. Apply to adopt the pair at www. moonraceranimalrescue.com. call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit the Islander next to Paradise cafe in Holmes Beach for more …

A D A P T E D T O

MOVING SALE: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 27. Love seat, twin beds, vintage Marantz, Bose speakers, original artwork, kitchen, garage items, etc. 125 Neptune Lane, Holmes Beach.

LOST AND FOUND

References available • 941-720-7519

G O T O P L E S S

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

D E N S

M I I

C H A I B U T N S M E A S O F S F U C S N U P K B I G A N N A D A D A R T I M Y O A I S Z E N E X C O A R N S M E E T I M O N E N K E N Y E S T E

M O R A S S E S B E N I G N I A D A S

E D A M

C A B O S T A C Y N O I E V D E E O D T K P O I S S I B S R Y C A S C O I K M I A S H H A

I N I T I A T E D

G O T O P R E S S

O N T O E

S T U N S

W A G O N

S N O O D

PropertyWatch

Island real estate sales

By Jesse Brisson Special to The Islander 807 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, a 4,372 sfla / 6,776 sfur 5bed/4½bath/2car Gulffront pool home built in 2014 on a 38,071 sq ft lot was sold 04/09/19, Green Sea Turtle Real Estate LLLP to Wilson AMI LLC for $4,350,000; list $4,749,000.

517 58th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,306 sfla / 2,006 sfur 3bed/2bath/1car canalfront home built in 1957 on a 7,650 sq ft lot was sold 04/12/19, Robbins to Temianka for $775,000; list $849,000.

403 Alamanda Road, Anna Maria, a 1,609 sfla / 3,623 sfur 3bed/3bath/2car home built in 1981 on a 5,150 sq ft lot was sold 04/12/19, Degenhart to Devore for $655,000; list $699,800.

PONTOON BOAT RENTAL Create life long memories. Call 941-778-2121 or see boatflorida.net.

NOT USING YOUR dock/boat slip? Looking to rent dock space.

Contact Clark, 941-809-8160.

HELP WANTED HOUSEKEEPER: 30-40 HOURS per week.

Must know how to handle daily housekeeping operations for a small motel. Must speak English and be a non-smoker. Family owned motel, great place to work. Tom at 941-7785405.

JESSIE’S ISLAND STORE has an immediate opening for a daytime cashier. 5 a.m.-2 p.m. three days a week. See Jimmy or April for more details. 941-778-6903. 5424 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

JESSIE’S ISLAND STORE has an immediate opening for a part-time deli clerk. 15-20 hours per week. See Jimmy or April for more details. 941-778-6903. 5424 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

GROUNDSKEEPER POSITION AVAILABLE now at small beach resort on AMI. General “fix-it” skills along with love of flowers and landscape plants would be a definite “plus” for this primarily outdoor, part-time job!

Sound like the place for you? Send information and/or resume for consideration to beckyjhardy1@msn.com.

REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time.

Print media, newspaper experience required.

Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

SERVICES ISLAND COMPUTER GUY, 37 years experience. On-site PC repairs, upgrades, buying assistance and training. Call Bill, 941-7782535.

CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, vacation, construction, rentals and power washing. 941-744-7983.

U FLY I drive your car anywhere in the USA. Airport runs, anywhere. Office, 941-4476389. 941-545-6688.

406 Bay Palms Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,332 sfla / 1,956 sfur 2bed/2bath home built in 1966 on a 8,015 sq ft lot was sold 04/11/19, McMillan to Shuey for $575,000; list $599,000.

109 Mangrove Ave., Anna Maria, a 880 sfla 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1947 was sold 04/12/19, Turk to Wiery for $550,000; list $579,000.

441 62nd St., Holmes Beach, a 940 sfla / 1,440 sfur 2bed/2bath attached villa built in 1966 on a 2,592 sq ft lot was sold 04/12/19, Dotto to Tremblay for $364,900; list $359,900.

1801 Gulf Drive N., unit 178, Runaway Bay, Bradenton Beach, a 1,080 sfla 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1978 was sold 04/08/19, Reyes to MacKay for $352,000; list $369,900.

Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria, can be reached at 941-7787244.

THE ISLANDER n April 24, 2019 n 33

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S SERVICES Continued

HOME IMPROVEMENT

RENTALS Continued

I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941-779-6638. Leave message.

TILE -TILE -TILE. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Neil, 941-726-3077.

HOLMES BEACH: 2BR/2BA condo. Gorgeous bay views. See: FloridaRentalbyOwners.com. #1106. 207-944-6097.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean.

941-920-3840.

RELAXING MASSAGE IN the convenience of your home or hotel. Massage by Nadia, more than 20 years on Anna Maria Island.

Call today for an appointment, 941-5188301. MA#0017550.MA#0017550.

LAWN & GARDEN CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

ISLAND LAWN SPRINKLER Service: Repairs, installs. Your local sprinkler company since 1997. Call Jeff, 941-778-2581.

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. $55/yard.

Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-7957775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

NATURE’S DESIGN LANDSCAPING. Design and installation. Tropical landscape specialist. Residential and commercial. 35 years experience. 941-448-6336.

JERRY’S HOME REPAIR: Carpentry, handyman, light hauling, pressure washing. Jack of all trades. Call 941-447-2198.

LOOKING FOR AN EARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at www.islander.org. And it’s FREE!

ARTISAN DESIGN TILE and Marble. Building our reputation on excellent service and focused craftsmanship, one job at a time. www.ArtisanDesignTileAndMarble.com. Call Don, 941-993-6567.

TURN THE PAGE for more rentals...

R. A. GONZALEZ CONSTRUCTION: Re-roof and leak specialist. Residential/hotels/commercial. Repairs, shingles, tile, metal, flat.

Quick response. Quality work at reasonable rates. References. Insured/licensed. #CCC1330056. Call Bryan at 727-2779502.

ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint, tile. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References.

Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

RENTALS AVAILABLE RENTAL: APRIL 2019 and October-April 2020. 2BR/2BA ground-level with carport and patio. Charming, plantation shutters. 1.5 blocks to Gulf beaches. Updated, granite countertops, recessed lighting, flatscreen TVs in each room. Must see! Anna Maria. 941-565-2373.

VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

BEAUTIFUL, UPDATED, BEACHY 2BR/ 2BR condo. Two-week minimum rental at Playa Encatada, Holmes Beach. King bed in the master bedroom and two twins in the second bedroom. New appliances, beds and updated everything! Across the street from the beach. 617-633-6360.

CUSTOM REMODELING EXPERT. All phases of carpentry, repairs and painting. Insured.

Meticulous, clean, sober and prompt. Paul Beauregard, 941-730-7479.

HOLMES BEACH DUPLEX: 2BR/2BA beautifully furnished, garage included. No pets, no smoking. 6-8 months. $1,750/month.

941-778-2824.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

CLASSIFIED AD ORDER g ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ nder.or___________

la s i . w w tw ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ e a___________ n i l n o s d ad ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ ___________ ___________ e fi i s s a ce cl ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ Pla___________

___________ ___________ ___________

CLASSIFIED RATES: Minimum $12 for up to 15 WORDS. 16-30 words: $20. 31-45 words: $40.

BOX ad: additional $4. (Phone number is a "word.")

The deadline is NOON Monday every week for Wednesday’s paper.

Run issue date(s) _________

_________

_________

_________ or TFN start date: ______________

Amt. pd _________________ Date _____________ Ck. No.� _________ Cash � _______ By _________ Credit card payment: �

d � u No.

_____________________________________________________

Name shown on card: ____________________________________________card exp. date ______ / ______ House no. or P.O. box no. on cc bill ________________________Billing address zip code ________________ Your e-mail for renewal reminder: ____________________________________________________________

Web site: www.islander.org 3218 E. Bay Drive Holmes Beach FL 34217

E-mail: classifieds@islander.org Fax toll free: 1-866-362-9821 Phone: 941-778-7978

CHRISTIE’S PLUMBING Family Owned and Operated since 1975

Residential -iÀÛ Vi

iÜÊ ÃÌÀÕVÌ ÊUÊ,i `i } Ê* >ÃiÃÊ vÊ* Õ L }Ê,i«> ÀÊEÊ-iÀÛ Vi {£ ÇÇn Î Ó{ÊÊ ÀÊ {£ ÇÇn {{È£ÊUÊxxän Ê >À >Ê À Ûi]Ê iÃÊ i>V

#CFC1426596

B-SAFE-RIDES: Peggy, R.N I live on Anna Maria Island. Airport, casino, cruises, racetrack, golf course and personal rides. Minivan, leather, seats up to 6 people. Don’t risk it! Call or text, 727-902-7784.

GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

HOLMES BEACH: WESTBAY Cove. Second floor, 2BR/2BA, large lanai. Pools, tennis, one block to Gulf beach. July-Oct. 15, $2,400/ month. April 2020, $3,200/month. Thirty-day minimum. terryaposporos@gmail, 941-7788456.

Gone All Summer? Home Unoccupied?

Many Bad Things Can Happen

“Your Eyes Here – While You’re Away” Keeping Homes Safe For 27+ Years!

Protection Property Watch.com Call Jon Kent 941-920-0832

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

LIC#CBC1253145

NEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com.

Bed: A bargain!

King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used.

941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net

Island Limousine

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

941-779-0043

“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history of the island by Bonner Joy, is available at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Joy is publisher of The Islander newspaper, having launched the newspaper in 1992.

p ro fe s s i o n a l

PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEO Advertising Real Estate Resorts Restaurants Web/Social Media

941-778-2711

34 n April 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

i s l a n d e r C L A S S I F I E D S RENTALS Continued

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

FURNISHED 2BR/2BA CONDO: Upgraded annual rental. Holmes Beach. Westbay Point and Moorings. Bottom floor, waterfront. $1,800/month plus electric and cable. Contact 813-362-5881.

STARTING FROM THE low $300,000s. Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Avenue off Village Green Parkway.

Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den and two-car garage floor plans.

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickleball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $209/ month. Models open daily. Contact us, 941254-3330. www.MirabellaFlorida.com.

PERICO BAY CONDO: 2BR/2BA waterview.

840 Audubon Drive. $219,900. Open house 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. 941545-5806.

PERICO BAY CLUB: 2BR/2BA, one-car garage villa. Vacation, updated turnkey furnished. December, $1,500, January 2020, $3,500. Book now. Real Estate Mart, 941356-1456.

Nothing beats the islander! You get the best results from ads in The Islander!

B â&#x20AC;&#x2039; EACH BLOCK! TURNKEY furnished beautifully updated 3BR/2BA classic cottage with pool, only five houses to beach! West of Gulf Drive with great rental. Only $899,000.

Call Kathleen White at 941-773-0165. Island Real Estate. CONFORMING DUPLEX! OVER 2,500 sf of living with 2BR/2BA and 2BR/1BA. Easy walk to beach and room for pool! Now only $699,900. Call Kathleen White at 941773-0165. Island Real Estate. KWhite35@ tampabay.rr.com.

OPEN HOUSE

358 Compass Point Drive #101, Harbour Isle

OPEN HOUSE 1-4 p.m. Sunday, April 28 WATERFRONT home on Anna Maria Sound. This luxurious 2,214 sf Coach Home includes 4 BR/den, 3 BA and sun room, all on one floor! The spacious, open floor plan offers plenty of natural light and gorgeous sunset views. $850,000. Schedule a private showing!

FOR SALE BY owner: Gorgeous Runaway Bay 2BR/2BA condo. Completely upgraded and beautifully furnished, across street from beach. Must be pre-approved for mortgage.

Great income-maker. Booked until August.

This is your dream turnkey vacation condo and/or rental property. Call Kim, 513-3257536 for showing. Â EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS

Jen Sekel 941-518-0346, Teamsekel@gmail.com

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

Professional Service to Anna Maria Island Since 1974

HERONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WATCH 10 minutes to beaches. 4 BR + Den. Excellently maintained, tastefully decorated. No rental limitations. MLS A4142821. $359,000.

MEADOWCROFT 1308 56TH ST. 1BR/1BA enclosed lanai. Turnkey furnished.

Beach cottage decor in living room. Heated pool, tennis, clubhouse. $121,000.

VACATION/SEASONAL RENTALS GULFFRONT PROPERTIES BOOKING NOW 941-778-0807

tdolly1@yahoo.com â&#x20AC;˘ www.tdollyyoungrealestate.com

ď&#x201A;ˇ Real Estate Sales ď&#x201A;ˇ Vacation Rentals ď&#x201A;ˇ Annual Rentals STEPS TO BEACH Adorable 3BR Management with large pool ď&#x201A;ˇ Property located just steps to the beach bay with water views. ď&#x201A;ˇ and Concierge Service $750,000 Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seriousâ&#x20AC;? about our Customer Service!

Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria Inc. Jesse Brisson - Broker Associate, GRI 941-713-4755 800-771-6043

TOUR OF HOMES FEATURE PROPERTY!

Your full service Real Estate Agency providing exceptional customer service for all your short or long term goals. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re staying a few days or a lifetime, we will help you find your perfect accommodation.

OPEN HOUSE: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 27. Own your beach house right across the street from the bay. 2BR/2BA with a lounging pool. Come and see. Refreshments! 311 N. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria. $799,900. Carolyn Spencer, Engel & Voelkers, 941-730-0496.

ISLAND WATERFRONT HOME: 3BR/2BA oversize two-car garage. Caged, heated pool and spa. Boat dock and lift. $719,000.

Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

BAYSHORE GARDENS HOME: 3BR/2BA with community pool and marina. $179,000.

Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

OUT-OF-STATE REAL ESTATE BUY MOUNTAIN LAND now! Just west of Franklin, N.C. Two lots offered: Riverfront lot, 0.85 acre with septic tank for 2BR home. $50,000. Non-waterfront lot, 0.52 acre with septic permit in place. $20,000. Spectacular views, easily accessible. Call Bill, 941518-9300. http://www.vangopainting.net/ NCLand.

Place classified ads online at www.islander.org DREAM VACATIONS FOR YOUR VACATION DREAMS

1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5 t 3&"- &45"5& 4"-&4 t 7"$"5*0/ 3&/5"-4

One stop shop. We can provide everything you might needâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Ś..buy, rent and finance your piece of Come see this custom-built home in Anna paradise.

BAYFRONT 4 BEDROOM Gorgeous views from every room of this unique property tucked away on a waterfront lot with a private drive. Just steps to the beach and historic Bridge Street. New dock, new roof, two new A/C units. $889,500

3BR/2BA OPEN FLOOR plan with caged pool. 218 82nd St., Holmes Beach $725,000.

Can be seen on Zillow. 813-390-5747.

Maria with 4beds/6baths/3car. Short walk to direct beach access.

Over 3,200 sf under air. Pool and spa, privacy, tons of open space, elevator. No rental restrictions. Featured in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community center tour of homes! $1,990,000

CONTACT US TODAY RENTALS@ISLANDVACATIONPROPERTIES.COM WWW.ISLANDVACATIONPROPERTIES.COM t 3001 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

Want the ease of income without the hassle of annual management?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Work Hard To Make Your Life Easier!â&#x20AC;?

knows The Palms of Cortez!

Only 10% Management Fee for the first year!

â&#x20AC;˘ Direct Deposit & Online Access to Your Account SPACIOUS POOL HOME Exceptional 4BR home located on a superior street at the north end of the Island justwww.edgewatervacationhomes.com steps to â&#x20AC;˘ Interactive website for Owners AND Tenants the beach and historic Pine Avenue. Gorgeous saltwater pool in beautifully landscaped setting, garage and elevator. Selling www.941lending.com â&#x20AC;˘ Cutting Edge Property Management 941-778-8104 Ofc 877-778-0099 Toll Free with tasteful â&#x20AC;&#x153;turn-keyâ&#x20AC;? furnishings. $1,399,000 â&#x20AC;˘ Unsurpassed Customer Service 104 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach Lynn M. Zemmer Broker/Owner â&#x20AC;˘ Low Commission Rates â&#x20AC;˘ No Upfront Fees 800-367-1617

Mike Norman Realty INC

941-778-6696 31O1 GULF DR HOLMES BEACH www.mikenormanrealty.com sales@mikenormanrealty.com

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking of renting your home at The Palms of Cortez

GIVE US A CALL NOWâ&#x20AC;Ś At Edgewater Real Estate, we work hard so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to!

106 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach | 941.248.0882 | info@edgewaterami.com

RELEASE DATE: 4/21/2019

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 24, n 35 No.2019 0414

LEFT/RIGHT SYMMETRY

1

BY WILL NEDIGER / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Will Nediger, of London, Ontario, has a Ph.D. in linguistics from the University of Michigan. These days he makes his living by constructing crosswords and writing trivia questions. His quiz-bowl team won the 2016 A.C.F. Nationals and the 2017 Intercollegiate Championship Tournament. The reason for this puzzle’s unusual grid pattern with left-right symmetry will soon be clear. — W.S.

40 Road safety spot, e.g., for short 1 [I don’t believe it!]

5 Time to treat yourself 41 Blueprint details 43 Cryptanalysis org.

10 “The Chosen” novelist Potok 44 Tram part 15 Vaper’s purchase, 45 Enlightens for short 47 Affix with a 19 Performer at a canine thumbtack talent show in 48 Important address “Garfield: The 50 Ermines, in the Movie” summer 20 Water or rust 51 Hits the jackpot 21 “Au contraire …”

53 They’re full of holes 22 Paul of “There 54 Actress Sohn Will Be Blood” of “The Wire” 23 “Toodle-oo!”

55 “Phooey!”

24 Territories 56 Popular girl’s name 25 Mascara mishap any way you look 26 Sort of at it 27 Work with a number 58 Not just words 28 Just fabulous 59 “Curious …”

29 Guest bed when you 61 Father figure? don’t have an actual 63 “Begone!” guest bed 66 What “T” may 30 Mr. ____ (fictional represent sleuth) commercially 31 Grp. that often has its 68 Clarinetist Shaw first meeting in the 69 Bout enders, fall informally 32 Onetime trans73 Samurai swords Atlantic fliers, for 75 Delish short 77 Totally apt 33 Things to skip 79 What you might 36 Major to-do write to someone 38 Thanks for waiting you like 39 Word with “in,” 80 2016 No. 1 Rihanna “on” or “in on” album Online subscriptions: Today’s 82 Peeples person? puzzle and more Answers: 83 Goddess represented than 4,000 past puzzles, wearing a solar disk page 32 nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

84 Artless nickname?

AC RO SS

85 Wreck site 87 Web user 90 Cousin of a martini 92 Blogger’s code 93 Cuzco residents 95 Person with a record 97 Some breads … or a homophone for what bread loaves do 98 Historical records 100 Flower traditionally used to relieve inflammation 102 Airheaded 105 No-nos in many apartment buildings 107 Hook’s helper 108 Junk transporters 112 Get ready for a long auto trip 114 Gaping opening 115 Cook in the news 116 Troy of N.F.L. fame 117 ____ Spumante (wine) 118 Having a high B.M.I., say 120 Seemingly forever 122 Literary character who says, “Cassio’s a proper man” 123 TV’s “____ Is Us” 124 Object of wishful thinking?

125 Home of the 2016 men’s and women’s Olympic marathon winners 126 “Begone!”

127 Pricing word 128 Not bottled, say

129 ____ Park, Colo.

130 Full house, e.g.

DOWN

1 What some carefree beachgoers do 2 Got comfortable with 3 Pickle 4 Samosa ingredients 5 Epitome of slowness 6 Some track bets 7 Takes a few courses?

8 Goes on to say 9 “Right you are!”

10 Longtime broadcaster of the Masters golf tournament 11 Runs perfectly 12 Tasted, quaintly 13 Down 14 Quagmires 15 Dutch cheese 16 “Murder, She Wrote” setting 17 In the club 18 Start printing 32 Treat with utter contempt 33 Imitation 34 Homes in the woods 35 Seaside rental 37 Get hitched 41 Like the legs of a daddy longlegs 42 Laundry setting 46 Tex-Mex dish 49 Must 51 Walletfuls 52 Part of a dark cloud 55 Verb with “thou”

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

31

29

32

39

33

40

45

36 42

59

74

79

80

67 75 81

86

87

92

93 98 103

57

69 77

99

90

91

96

97

100

104

105

106

101

107 115

109

112

113 118

123

124

125

126

127

128

129

130

57 “Ciao!”

60 Sub 62 Roberto of “Life Is Beautiful” 63 Mere smidgen 64 Starfleet Academy attendee 65 Starting lineup 67 Dahlia and Agatha, in the Jeeves novels

by P. G. Wodehouse 68 Dazzle 70 ____-face

114

108

117

119

120

71 How a ballerina might be seen 72 Knocks the socks off 74 Not, to a Scot 76 Early millennium year 78 Next-to-last letter 81 Stormy 83 Unit in a bar graph 86 ABC sitcom about the Johnsons 88 Oceania’s enemy, in “1984”

111

84

89 95

70

78

83

88

110

62

76

94

72

58

68

82

71

44 49 53

61

66

73

85

56

60

65

18

38

43

52

55

64

37

48

51

17

30

47

54

102

35

41

46

50

63

34

16

116 121

89 Probes 91 Slightly salty 94 Rip Van Winkle had a long one 96 Liftoff preceder 99 Sch. from which Lady Gaga and Woody Allen were dropouts 101 15-season show set in Vegas 102 Chihuahua, e.g.

103 Ottoman rank

122

104 Madcap 106 4-0, e.g.

107 Pump up 109 Poker variety 110 Part of an old train 111 Hair net 113 ____ stick 116 Some prosecutors, for short 119 Michael Jackson’s second album 121 Countdown time, for short

Visit www.islander.org for the best news on anna Maria island.

Everything you’re looking for

www.annamariaislandresorts.net

877.867.8842

36 n April 24, 2019 n THE ISLANDER