The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, April 26, 2017 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Delighting in Disney. 19

Grassy Point glory. 16

Island justice retires. 23 APRIL 26, 2017 FREE

VOLUME 25, NO. 26

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992 AsTheWorldTerns prank nature. 6 HB mulls center funding request. 2

Op-Ed The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

Meetings On the government calendar. 8 San Francesco raised, fate uncertain. 8 Canadian tourism declines. 10 Hearing continues on BB zoning appeal. 11

Happenings Community announcements, activities. 12-13

Save the date. 14-15 Facing AMI climate change. 18 Bond denied for murder suspect. 20

Gathering. 22

Obituaries. 22 Streetlife. 24 Great gators. 27 Adult football finals set. 28 Anglers hook up plenty of fish. 29

ISL BIZ Business roundup. 30 Real estate sales. 31 Classifieds. 32-34

www.islander.org

DOT polls county board on future Cortez Bridge options By Ed Scott Islander Reporter What is your choice for the repair or replacement of the Cortez Bridge? Manatee County Commissioner Robin DiSabatino looks at the prospect of two new bridges linking the mainland to Anna Maria Island from the perspective of a boater who waits for a bridge to open and a motorist who sits idle until it closes. DiSabatino and her husband moved to Manatee County in 2004, attracted to the area as a haven for boaters. They recently sailed the Intracoastal Waterway in their 38-foot Hunter sailboat under both the Cortez Road and Manatee Avenue bridges. “You’re stooging around for a half-hour waiting for the bridge to open,” she said. But she also observed motorists on the bridges waiting for the spans to open and close. “That traffic is inconvenienced by me,” she said. DiSabatino enjoyed the period of time the couple kept their boat docked at Marina Jack in Sarasota, near the fixed-span Ringling Bridge. She empathizes with boaters who prefer a fixed-span replacement Cortez Bridge, because it can be difficult to time the trip from one bridge to another.

At a public hearing held by the DOT in August 2016, people viewed options for renovation of the existing Cortez Bridge, new 21- and 35-foot drawbridges and a 65-foot fixed bridge. Islander File Photo: Bonner Joy “If you get to the bridge one minute after it closes, then you have to wait the full halfhour,” she said. “It’s not fun because you have to battle the current (and) little boats going past you under the bridge” in a narrow channel. Sometime during April, representatives of the Florida Department of Transportation met individually with Manatee County commissioners to report the DOT’s progress on the project development and environment study for the Cortez Bridge.

Public speaks out on BB noise issues By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter “It’s time for everyone to “play nice in the sandbox,” Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon said April 20. However, this sandbox hosts amplified music performances. The quest for a balance between the enjoyment of live music in the commercial district and the right to peace and quiet in nearby residences has reached a crescendo in Bradenton Beach. The gallery in city hall was filled to capacity April 20 for public comment. Musicians, bar owners, their employees and others came to the meeting to share their concerns. Live entertainment at the Freckled Fin Restaurant, 101 Bridge St., led to owner Scott Lubore’s April 5 arrest for a misdemeanor noise violation following multiple warnings from the Bradenton Beach Police Department. The arrest incited a flood of emails to city commissioners, Mayor Bill PLEASE SEE NOISE PAGE 3

ZAGAT “Top Restaurants in America”

941-778-6444 www.BeachBistro.com

Amendments gut state vacation rental bill

Jeff Silver, left, holds a sign April 20 outside Bradenton Beach City Hall as Russell Adams performs Don McLean’s “American Pie,” in protest to the city’s noise ordinance. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Crafted Cocktails

941-213-9926

www.DoctorsOfficeAMI.com

According to the DOT study, Cortez Bridge, built in the 1950s, is “functionally obsolete” due to small shoulders, a 9-inch concrete curb separating the travel lanes from the sidewalk and old-style railings. But the bridge remains structurally sound. According to some members of the county board, the DOT appeared to be floating its plan to build a 65-foot fixed-span to replace the aging Cortez Bridge. Of primary interest for the members of PLEASE SEE BRIDGE PAGE 4

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Amendments made to Senate Bill 188 effectively gutted the state’s ability to prevent municipalities from regulating vacation rentals, according to state Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, who filed the bill. The bill prohibited local ordinances from regulating or restricting vacation rentals and would have stripped Steube local governments of vacation rental regulations adopted after June 2011. As amended, SB 188 specifies local governments still may not prohibit vacation rentals or legislate the frequency or length of stays, the same as the current law. Local ordinances that regulate vacation rentals, including licenses, taxes or restricted building codes and occupancy limits also PLEASE SEE STATE BILL PAGE 2

Florida Trend “Best New” Restaurant

941-778-0411 www.eathereflorida.com

2 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach will revisit community center plea for funds

Expenses outweigh income on the Center of Anna Maria Island’s year-to-date impact report. Islander Courtesy Graphic

as a community gathering place for people of all ages with fitness, education and youth programs. Lessig said the center needs the support of the island cities to overcome a six-figure deficit, with $695,892 in total income and $922,711 in expenses, according to the center’s April 21 year-to-date impact report. The center’s fiscal year begins July 1. On the center’s website April 21 was a call to action to center members and supporters to email pleas for funding to their city commissioners. “The center at this time gets only a lease from the city of Anna Maria but no other funding. The city of

Holmes Beach gives the center no funding. We need your help in telling our area governments that they should help support our center,” the website states. Holmes Beach earmarked $25,000 for the center in its October-September fiscal-year budget, but has yet to distribute any funding to the center. Commission Chair Judy Titsworth suggested in January the city consider funding projects, such as sponsoring youth or senior sports, “where money is going to a specific thing.” The commission will next meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

STATE BILL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 would be allowed. The original bill would have rendered Anna Maria’s 2015 vacation rental ordinance and Holmes Beach’s 2016 vacation rental ordinance obsolete and would have prevented Bradenton Beach from developing a similar vacation rental ordinance. Under the amended language, SB 188 passed through the Senate Community Affairs subcommittee April 17 by a 5-3 vote, the second of three committees that must approve it before it gets sent to the Senate floor for a vote. “Just to be clear,” Steube told the Community Affairs subcommittee April 17, the amended bill allows cities to continue as they currently do. The measure was scheduled to be heard in the Rules subcommittee, the final hurdle, at 2 p.m. April 25, after The Islander went to press. SB 188’s sister bill, HB 425, submitted by state Rep. Mike La Rosa, R-Osceala, also was scheduled to be heard April 25 by the second of three committees. HB 425 also was amended. According to the House bill, regulations may not limit or prohibit the use of vacation rentals, but can regulate the length and duration of vacation rentals, in direct contrast to SB 188. The cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach have all hired lobbyists in response to

the vacation rental bills. In a Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting April 20, city attorney Ricinda Perry said Bradenton Beach will determine whether lobbyist Dave Ramba will need to continue his efforts. However, Perry said the primary bills of concern appear to be dead. Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon said there’s “technically still hope” for the bills’ supporters, but he believes the measures are unlikely to pass. However, he added that he remains concerned that a similar bill could be introduced next year. Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson did not respond to phone calls April 20 and April 21 about how the city will proceed strategically with its lobbyist. Holmes Beach’s contract with Cari Roth calls for a payment of $15,000 between March and April for work through July 31. Anna Maria, the first to hire a lobbyist, recruited Chip Case in January on a $5,000 monthly retainer through June. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said the city would continue lobbying. “It’s not over ’til it’s over,” he said, pointing out that the bills can be amended on the Senate and House floors. The Florida legislative session is scheduled to end May 5. Committee meetings wrapped up April 25.

Unique Pet Portraits

Composited images printed to stretched canvas

Sunsets PRINTS FROM

By Jennifer Sheppard Islander Reporter Prying loose purse strings can be a tough job. Just ask Center of Anna Maria Island executive director Kristen Lessig, who is trying to generate much needed income. Holmes Beach commissioners heard a presentation on finances from Lessig at their Jan. 24 meeting, but still no money was forthcoming from the city. Commissioner Carol Soustek asked for “time to digest all of this.” The commission will again discuss center funding at its April 27 work session. The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria, serves

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 3

Chicks hatch in Holmes Beach

Bridge Street venue gets noise exception Bradenton Beach commissioners unanimously agreed April 20 to a two-hour noise extension for Island Time Bar and Grill, 111 Gulf Drive S. The permitted extension allowed live music to play until midnight April 22. Mayor Bill Shearon said he was concerned that due to recent problems with excessive noise at live music venues the city would be “setting a precedent” by extending the ordinance. He also said the extension would only accommodate Island Time, with no added benefit to the community. But Island Time owner Bill Herlihy said his business affiliation with Blues, Brews & BBQ, an April 22 fundraiser on Bridge Street, would be a benefit to the community. Herlihy also said the city would not set a precedent as this would be the third year for the extension. A motion to extend the ordinance passed with a unanimous vote. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes NOISE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Shearon and city attorney Ricinda Perry, expressing concern with what will happen next. At the April 20 meeting, Perry said she understands businesses with live entertainment are worried about how a crackdown on loud noise could affect their livelihoods. She also said the city’s currently suspended quality of life ordinance would soon be implemented, creating a mechanism for police to enforce noise complaints. She suggested a public workshop with commissioners and stakeholders could be the best way to address the noise problems. Lubore was the first to speak. He said people go to Bridge Street to relax and

A female snowy plover sits next to her chick April 20 on the beach near 81st Street in Holmes Beach. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers have been watching a mating pair and another male on the beach in that area. The chick pictured is one of three that hatched April 19. Islander Photo: Courtesy Pete Gross

enjoy themselves. “We’re just trying to provide a service that people want, and I think all the island cities are spending money to try to bring tourism here,” Lubore said. He said the 75-decibel limit from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. is an unrealistic expectation for live music venues. “What I’d like to find out is what you guys are planning to do about it and how we can be instrumental in changing that,” Lubore said. “Maybe we can find a way to keep the businesses happy, the tourists happy and the residents happy.” Entertainer “Koko” Ray Hansen said the noise restrictions affect his ability to perform. “We do this for a living — this is how we feed our children and pay our mortgages,” Hansen said. “It is a hardship to put a leash on an entertainer if they can’t give an effective show.” Entertainer Melanie Massel said reigning in her performance at Freckled Fin since Lubore’s arrest has led to diminished tips. “It affects our show. We can’t give the energy and

Got Buttah?

energy is not volume,” Massel said. “If they can’t hear us they don’t even know we’re on stage and this has affected our tip jar by nearly 100 percent.” Bill Herlihy, owner of Bridge Street Bistro and Island Time Bar and Grill, 111 Gulf Drive S., said he agrees: A workshop is in order. He said he has measured ambient noise at his establishment at 85 decibels. He suggested the city change the ordinance so decibel readings are taken 100 feet from the property line or at the point of complaint. The commission reached consensus to hold a workshop to address the noise issue. Mayor Bill Shearon said there have been changes on Bridge Street since the citywide noise ordinance was adopted in 2014, with more venues providing live music. Island Time opened in 2011 and the Freckled Fin opened as a live music venue in 2015. “A workshop could help everyone to gain a clear understanding of the rules,” Shearon said.

LOBSTAHS

ENU ~ M H C N NEW LU SANDWICHES ET GOURM D SALADS! AN

OPEN DAILY AT NOON Happy Hour Daily 3-7 including $1 Drafts

HUT

OA SHUFFLEB

POOL

OPEN DAILY AT 5 PM

DARTS VS LARGE T

Tiki Hut Sportstah Bar

5337 Gulf Drive | Anna Maria Island | 941.779.1000

4 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Unclaimed boat problem in BB outweighs derelict vessels By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter “If I touch it, we own it,” Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale said at an April 13 department head meeting, referring to an unclaimed boat tied to the Historic Bridge Street Pier. The city’s ordinance prohibits boats from overnight mooring to the pier, but the city has no mechanism in place to enforce the measure. According to Speciale, the boat is secured to the pier’s dolphin pilings until its registered owner claims it or the city pays to remove the vessel. Speciale said the city sent a return receipt letter to the registered owner, so officials will know when he receives the document, if he signs for it or not. If the owner does not respond, the city will start the abandonment process, which could take time. The boat is registered to Jarette Beebe and the registration is current. The name of the boat has faded, but the letters “COQUI” and a graphic of a frog smoking a cigar and holding a bottle, are visible on the boat’s stern. Additionally, the registration number is “FL 4828 RZ.” Speciale said if the boat was not registered, it could

be declared derelict and removed with Manatee County funding. Since the boat has a registered owner, the city can’t have it removed, or it would become city property and would have to be kept in dry storage, according to Speciale. “This isn’t like towing a car,” Speciale said. “If we have to put it in dry storage it would really cost the city.” Mayor Bill Shearon said the city’s lack of fines BRIDGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 for the violation provides no incentive for the owner the county board are the options for the future of the to claim the boat. bridge. Based on the conversations with commissioners, no one is seriously discussing a no-build repair option or the option to rebuild the existing bridge. The current bridge is a 19-foot-clearance bascule. The DOT’s foremost options are a new 35-foot clearance, mid-level drawbridge, costing approximately $102.6 million, or a 65-foot, fixed-span bridge, costing about $79.8 million. The drawbridge also requires a budget for bridge tenders. The fixed-span structure would require less maintenance and bridge tenders would be eliminated. The fixed-span bridge would take a couple of years to construct and the bascule bridge a little longer. DiSabatino said there are “pros and cons” to both bridge alternatives. She left the meeting with the DOT believing the planners would prefer that the Cortez Bridge be a tall, fixed-span structure, like the Ringling Bridge in Sarasota and the planned replacement for the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue. “That’s what they were showing,” DiSabatino said. “I was there to listen.” But the DOT says the final “recommendation” for banker and El Conquistador resident, was elected in Cortez is pending. November to succeed John Chappie in the district that “We have not come to a definitive conclusion yet includes Cortez and Anna Maria Island. regarding which bridge type to select,” DOT spokesJonsson believes the DOT is leaning toward the man Robin Stublen stated firmly. 65-foot, fixed-span option. When that happens, the DOT will schedule a While declaring himself open-minded, the new public hearing, likely in the summer. “The final stud- commissioner said he would prefer a bridge with ies of everything will be laid out,” Stublen said. The 35-foot clearance because he is concerned about the PD&E study will be completed a few months after the disruption that would result from the ramps for a taller summer public hearing. bridge in Cortez and Bradenton Beach. DOT officials must budget for the bridge and “There’s not a whole lot of land there to work maintain it and, therefore, get to decide what type of with,” he said, adding that the DOT doesn’t think the bridge will be built, although Stublen said the agency new bridge will be built until at least 2032. does consider public input. County Commissioner Carol Whitmore has been “I guess when you are paying for it, you get to involved in discussions about replacing island bridges decide.” But, he added, that’s why the DOT is going since she first took elected office in 1991. to be having a hearing. The former Holmes Beach commissioner and “This bridge is going to be around for 75 years,” mayor says that while a fixed-span bridge on Manatee Stublen said. Avenue “makes sense” because of abundant right of Sometimes new information conveyed at a public way, a fixed-span Cortez Bridge does not. hearing results in changes to the DOT’s plans. But by A tall, fixed-span bridge at Cortez “will destroy the hearing date, the DOT likely will have considered that whole area,” Whitmore said. “It will destroy the all relevant information. character of another part of Anna Maria Island, which Among the considerations are cost and the effects is Cortez.” of each bridge type on flow of traffic and mobility in But if the DOT is “dead set on 65 feet,” Whitmore Cortez. With a fixed-span bridge, conceivably, traffic said, its officials would not have mentioned the 35-foot in Cortez could go under the bridge ramp from one drawbridge option. side of Cortez to the other. DiSabatino says she’s a commissioner who likes Deciding to build a fixed-span bridge would put to see both sides of an issue. the state agency at odds with residents of the Cortez “The Cortezians in general don’t want to change fishing village and other residents of Manatee County. the character of the bridge,” she said. “On the other Many don’t want to see a high bridge over Sarasota hand, sometimes change is scary, but then it’s good. Bay at Cortez Road, even if it alleviates traffic prob- It could make their lives a little easier to get from the lems and congestion that have prevailed for decades. north to the south going under the bridge, versus having County Commissioner Steve Jonsson, a longtime to cross” Cortez Road. “Traffic would not be backed

A boat found adrift in late March in the anchorage at the end of Bridge Street sits tied April 14 to the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

“He’s got a nice secure place, its rent free,” Shearon said. Speciale said the area is within the city’s submerged land lease and the city can regulate activity in there, it just doesn’t have established fees for a violation. Vice Mayor John Chappie said city attorney Ricinda Perry is working on a pier-use ordinance. He suggested she be directed to look into incorporating fines for mooring violations into the draft ordinance. The group agreed with Chappie and Speciale said he would approach Perry with the issue. A display at the 2016 Cortez Bridge PD&E public hearing showed the suggested bridge replacement height alternatives in relation ship to the existing bridge height. Islander File Photo: Bonner Joy

up as much. So there are pluses and minuses.” Commissioner Betsy Benac, chair of the county board, says she was surprised to see a mixed response from her constituents regarding the two options. More residents support a fixed-span bridge than she anticipated, based on survey data the DOT provided to commissioners. And it appears villagers in Cortez will amass to fight any such proposal. While Cortez residents oppose a fixed-span bridge, Benac said, there was some support for the fixed-span option among “beach people” tired of waiting for the span to close as they leave the island. “It’s a very tough decision,” Benac said. According to Stublen, final approval of the bridge project will be made by the DOT in Tallahassee with possible input from the federal government. There may be federal funding if the state builds the 65-foot option. Meanwhile, opponents of a 65-foot span — some local officials, activists and private citizens — have some homework to do before a public hearing is scheduled this the summer. A grassroots effort for a drawbridge option could emerge. “We represent the local community and we need to make sure that their voices are heard and considered,” Benac said. “That’s my goal.” “I think that we can convince them that fixed-span does not make sense,” Whitmore said. “Fixed-span saves a lot of money for repairs throughout the year. I understand that. But they should have thought about that when they first built it.” “The Cortez Bridge is 60 years old,” Stublen said. “Do we want to replace it with the same type bridge that we built 60 years ago? That’s the question.”

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 5

No wind for Mariah’s sails or Sunbow Bay condo owners By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Some may call the wind Mariah, as the song goes, but this particular Mariah hasn’t had wind in her sails for eight months. Instead, the 30-plus foot sailboat wound up jammed into the mangroves, moored to a dock walkway behind the Sunbow Bay condominiums at 3805 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. According to longtime resident and condo board secretary Mel Williams, the group has discussed the boat “numerous times” with local officials since September 2016 to no avail. In Williams’ view, there is “no excuse for no action,” he said from the condominium April 12. “As of this date, nothing has been done except for a sticker applied to the boat in the fall and some items removed from it. That’s it,” Williams said. As with similar situations across Anna Maria Island, derelict boats, and those ending up where they don’t belong, seem like a straightforward problem. But there is no straightforward solution. “It’s not that we don’t want to do anything about it,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said. “It’s just there is not a lot we can do.” Unless the boats are blocking a channel, have sunk in a waterway or are posing an environmental threat, such as leaking fuel, they are basically no one’s responsibility to move, save the boat owner who is ultimately responsible. The weathered notice attached to the Mariah was almost unreadable. One piece of information was clear — the number for Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, which tagged the boat shortly after Hermine. Alan Laihipp is an environmental program manager for the county department. Speaking in a phone interview April 17, Laihipp echoed the Holmes Beach police chief’s statement. “We have spoken to the owner several times. At this

vation,” Williams said. Holmes Beach code enforcement officer Nate Brown admits the boat owners have overstayed their welcome. “They are exploiting the system,” Brown said. “But we want the right resolution to this problem.” But, according to Laihipp, help may just be a wish or, at least, a long time coming. “Until the owner completely walks away from the boat and states they no longer want it, there is really nothing we can do,” Laihipp said. “No clock is ticking.” Meanwhile, Sunbow Bay residents have been watching the clock since September 2016.

New member joins HB beautification committee The sailboat Mariah remains tied to the Sunbow Bay condo dock in Holmes Beach as Maryland visitor Ann Peel takes a morning stroll. The sailboat was swept into the mangroves when Hurricane Hermine passed in the Gulf of Mexico Sept. 2, 2016. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi point, there is nothing we can do,” Laihipp said. “To deem a boat abandoned, it must have no intrinsic value to the owner and they must not want the boat, according to the state statute addressing lost and abandoned vessels. That just is not the case here,” he said. “The owner has expressed a definite desire to keep the boat. They just don’t have the mechanism to move it right now,” Laihipp said. Sunbow Bay residents worry the boat will damage their dock and are becoming increasingly agitated at the failure of several agencies to remove the vessel. “We have talked to the city of Holmes Beach, Bradenton police, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conser-

Holmes Beach commissioners unanimously voted April 11 for Mayor Bob Johnson’s choice for a new voice on the parks and beautification committee. Susan Anderson will fill the unexpired term of Gilbert Anthony, who resigned earlier this year. “I think she’ll be an asset,” Johnson said. He said the committee still needs volunteers to fill two vacant alternate positions. Committee members must be registered voters and two-year residents of Holmes Beach. The committee works to provide educational information to the public regarding landscaping and the island environment. The committee includes Dennis Groh, vice chair Zan Fuller, chair Jerry West and Sharon Randall. For more information, contact city clerk Stacey Johnston at 708-5800, ext. 226. The next parks and beautification committee meeting will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The committee then takes a hiatus until November. — Jennifer Sheppard

6 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Here we go again Last year in August, when the Florida Department of Transportation scheduled a second public hearing to present the results of its project development and environment study and gather local opinion on various options, a 21-, 35- or 65-foot clearance bridge or a renovation of the existing Cortez Bridge, it almost seemed there was an earnest effort by the DOT to collect feedback from the stakeholders. And, if you attended, you saw a fairly complex plan for the 65-foot bridge landing in Cortez, carrying traffic on a ramp past businesses closest to the bridge, while providing a pattern of traffic under the ramp to access places like Tide Tables, Annieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and the Seafood Shack in the shadows of the bridge. I recall being flabbergasted that any public agency would create a transportation plan that would decimate a historic village â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and I flat out dismissed the 65-foot fixed-span bridge. The DOT may be required to offer the option, I thought, but no one in their right mind could find the 65-foot option plausible or proper for either Cortez or Bradenton Beach. Too big. Too overbearing. A 65-foot bridge may be the popular choice to replace the Anna Maria Island Bridge, but it is inappropriate for the Cortez-Bradenton Beach link. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just wrong. Never mind the fact that a mega-bridge is out of character for Anna Maria Island. Even if we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an old Florida-style bridge in these modern tech times, we shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to choke down something that would totally overwhelm residents and businesses in our community. So, while I prefer not to drag the pitchforks out of the barn or lace on the boxing gloves, I hope Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not the only islander willing to fight the DOT for whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for Cortez and Anna Maria Island. You may recall the startup of Save Anna Maria Inc. back in the 1990s, but before that group took up its cause to block the mega-bridge planned for Manatee Avenue, former Bradenton Beach Mayor Katie Pierola and her legions successfully fought off the DOT on a mega-bridge replacement for the Cortez Bridge. The DOT turned its attention to the Anna Maria Morning celebration Island Bridge and SAM grew in strength. On behalf of the Kiwanis of Anna Maria Island, The DOT knock-out fight is chronicled in two we would like to thank all of the churches that took large binders at the Island Library. part in our 53rd annual Easter sunrise service. And thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing like a little history repeating The large attendance along with the perfect weather itself to help push us through the years ahead. added to the event. Maybe â&#x20AC;&#x201D; big maybe â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the DOT will do the right Thank you to Chuck Caudill for providing the thing this go-round. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bonner Joy sound system and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kokoâ&#x20AC;? Ray Hansen and Morgan Lawson for their music performances. Not only did we have our full membership and their families helping, we also had our State College APRIL 26, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Vol. 25, No. 26 of Florida Key Club out in force, assisting where T Publisher and Editor needed. "ONNER *OY NEWS ISLANDER ORG Lastly, a huge â&#x20AC;&#x153;thank youâ&#x20AC;? to the Anna Maria T Editorial ,ISA .EFF COPY EDITOR Island Chamber of Commerce for the trolley grant 3ANDY !MBROGI SANDY ISLANDER ORG funds that offset our costs and allowed us to donate "IANCA "ENEDĂ&#x201C; BIANCA ISLANDER ORG about $1,000 from the collection to each church. *OE "IRD EDITORIAL CARTOONIST +EVIN #ASSIDY KEVIN ISLANDER ORG We look forward to seeing everyone next year. *ACK %LKA JACK JACKELKA COM Happy Easter. #HRIS!NN 3ILVER %SFORMES CHRISANN ISLANDER ORG Sandra K. Haas-Martens, Holmes Beach, secre 3USAN (UPPERT +ATHY 0RUCNELL KATHYP ISLANDER ORG tary of Kiwanis of Anna Maria Island

Opinion

Your

T T T T

%D 3COTT EDSCOTT ISLANDER ORG *ENNIFER 3HEPPARD JENNIFER S ISLANDER ORG Contributors *ESSE "RISSON +AREN 2ILEY ,OVE #APT $ANNY 3TASNY l SH ISLANDER ORG Advertising Director 4ONI ,YON TONI ISLANDER ORG Office Staff ,ISA 7ILLIAMS MANAGER *ANICE $INGMAN ACCOUNTING ISLANDER ORG CLASSIl EDS ISLANDER ORG SUBSCRIPTIONS ISLANDER ORG Distribution 5RBANE "OUCHET *UDY ,ODEN 7ASCO 2OSS 2OBERTS (All others: news@islander.org)

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ÂĽ s %DITORIAL SALES AND PRODUCTION OFl CES % "AY $RIVE (OLMES "EACH &, 7%"3)4% WWW ISLANDER ORG 0(/.% TOLL FREE FAX

on top and beside it is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rightâ&#x20AC;? and shows a bicycle with â&#x20AC;&#x153;onlyâ&#x20AC;? below. What does this mean? Is this for a bicyclist or the driver? At least when you get to the Anna Maria city limits there is a bicycle painted on the right side of the road to show a bike lane. Needless to say, I was not happy receiving a $166 fine for this. I told the officer I thought it was a Mickey Mouse stop and he said thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the rule and he was only enforcing it. My question is what are the rules for the bicyclists? Are they permitted to ride side-by-side in the bike lane? Are they permitted to ride on the wrong side of the traffic flow, as they do? Are they permitted to ride on the sidewalks, as they do? Are they permitted to read their cell messages as they ride, weaving around, as they do? Are they permitted to cross a street riding their bike or must they walk it across a sidewalk? Most ride across. Have you ever seen a bicyclist pulled over for a traffic violation? Probably not. It would be interesting to see what the amount of traffic stops are for bicycles. Rules of the road I believe the bicycle rules should be provided at rental Recently, we were traveling south in Holmes Beach houses to review. I also believe the bike rental comwhen a car stopped in traffic to turn into a driveway. panies should have riders read and sign an acknowlNorthbound traffic would not stop. edgement stating they have read the rules for riding a Surprise, surprise. bicycle on the island. I see these companies drop off As traffic started to back up behind me, I passed bikes and leave. Much more revenue could be derived the car on the right. if they would enforce the rules on bicyclists, making A Holmes Beach police officer sitting in the next traveling conditions better for all. intersection pulled me over. Scott Knisely, Anna Maria property owner I asked him what I did wrong and he said I passed Have your say a car in the bike lane. The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 I said the bike lane was not marked and the sign he pointed to was beyond where I passed the car. The words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a consignage is confusing. Coming into Holmes Beach, there is a sign that tact phone number (for verification). Anonymous letters will not be printed. Email: news@islander.org. shows the end of a bike lane. Further up the road, a sign contains a diamond Readers also may comment online.

Opinion

Your

You’re invited to join the Aqua opposition The last natural coastline on Sarasota Bay is under threat again. Long Bar Pointe contains the bay’s healthiest mangrove and seagrass ecosystem, its finest fishing grounds and a huge bird sanctuary. Carlos Beruff’s new project puts them all at risk. In 2013, Beruff wanted to dredge a channel and build a marina at Long Bar Pointe, but Manatee County said no. He sued in vain. Now, at a development called Aqua by the Bay, Beruff wants to: • Dredge a lagoon 2 1/2 miles long and 8 feet deep behind the mangroves. • Build a seawall behind the lagoon and 2,900 homes above the seawall. • Construct buildings 75 feet and 145 feet tall — four times the legal limit. • Using a state mitigation bank, trim a linear mile of mangroves. • Put dozens of docks along the shore. The lagoon, seawall, mangrove trimming, development and docks would: • Threaten the mangroves and their ecological function. • Conflict with multiple county comprehensive plan policies. • Destroy the character of this peaceful old-Florida shoreline. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stopped allowing lagoons and seawalls behind mangroves 40 years

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

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 7

ago because they ravaged the mangroves by blocking new sediments from lands above. Beruff claims the lagoon will attract adult game fish, but that could devastate the juvenile nursery for which this place is known. Given the almost certain damage, the development would violate the prime comprehensive plan goal for the coast: Protection, preservation and enhancement of natural resources to the highest quality possible. The comprehensive plan also severely restricts dredging and prohibits new seawalls, yet Aqua by the Bay passed review at the county planning commission by a vote of 3-2. The high-rises are a singular slap in the face to this pristine coast, where for 15 miles no building is taller than the tallest tree; and to a local economy that earns millions of dollars from commercial fishing, recreational anglers and environmental tourism thanks to the unspoiled bounty of this shore. Everything about this project jeopardizes this complex and fragile ecosystem. The Manatee County Commission meets May 4 to decide whether to issue a general development plan for Aqua by the Bay. It is the last chance for the public to speak out. The more, the better. To tell the commission to save Long Bar Pointe, write Chair Betsy Benac at betsy.benac@mymanatee. org. A petition against the project is available online at www.ipetitions.com/petition/Save-Longbar-Pointeon-Sarasota-Bay. Stuart Smith, Bradenton, representing Suncoast Waterkeeper and the local Sierra Club

Community notices, events The Islander welcomes notices of area events and projects on Anna Maria Island and encourages you to submit both news and photographs on a regular basis. Submit press releases and photos to news@ islander.org, including complete contact information. Email or call 941-778-7978 for more information.

We’d love to mail you the news!

10&20 years ago In the headlines: April 23, 1997 • Holmes Beach commissioners voted down a proposed “residential rental ordinance” creating restrictions on resort housing. The ordinance would have limited residential rentals to 30 days in the R-1 and R-3 districts and 14 days in the R-2 district. • Bradenton Beach officials released plans for what was described as the next phase of “gentrification” — a streetscape project on Bridge Street that involved adding landscaping, benches and lighting. • The Island Players released their renovation plans for the city-owned theater at Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue. The $80,000 project involved an extension on the south side of the original building, which was brought to the island by barge in the 1920s.

In the headlines: April 25, 2007 • Expecting thousands of people to gather on the beaches to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a Longboat Key commissioner suggested calling out the National Guard. Some island officials suggested creating a paid-parking program or collecting tolls on the bridges. • An Affaire to Remember, the annual blacktie gala benefiting the Anna Maria Island Community Center, raised more than $350,000 for the nonprofit, according to early reports. The event was a highlight on the island’s social calendar. • A Holmes Beach man pleaded not guilty to charges of aiding, abusing and molesting a teenage runaway in a wooded area near Beach Avenue in Anna Maria.

YOUR COMPLETE CASUAL FURNITURE STORE

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)

Q 1 year: $54

Q 3-6 Months: $36

Q 1-3 Months: $24

U.S. FIRST CLASS AND CANADIAN MAIL SUBSCRIPTION Q 3-6 Months: $98 Q 1-3 Months: $54 Q 1 year: $160 Q Single Issue: $5 FIRST CLASS MAIL, U.S. ONLY, maximum four weeks MAIL TO: ______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________ CITY ____________________________ STATE __________ ZIP _________________ Credit card: O d

O u No.

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

UÊ iÀ V> >`iÊ ÕÀ ÌÕÀi UÊ ÕÃÌ Ê"À`iÀÃÊ7i V i UÊ > ÞÊ"Ü i`ÊEÊ"«iÀ>Ìi` UÊ ` ÀÊEÊ"ÕÌ` ÀÊ7 V iÀ

___________________________________________

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

THE BEST NEWS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND — SINCE 1992 ÎÓ£nÊ °Ê >ÞÊ À ÛiÊUÊ iÃÊ i>V Ê ÊÎ{Ó£Ç

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

-* Ê - ,Ê" ,t

$50 OFF > ÞÊ«ÕÀV >ÃiÊ vÊfxääÊ ÀÊ Ài $100 OFF > ÞÊ«ÕÀV >ÃiÊ vÊf£]äääÊ ÀÊ Ài *7 / Ê/ -Ê °Ê ÌÊÛ> `ÊÜ Ì Ê> ÞÊ Ì iÀÊ vviÀ ÀÊ Ê«À ÀÊ«ÕÀV >ÃiÃ°Ê Ý« ÀiÃÊ >ÞÊÎ]ÊÓä£ÇÊ

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 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Troubled schooner changes hands, future uncertain By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter The old saying “three time’s the charm” remains to be seen in Cortez. For the third time in a little more than six months, the Italian schooner built in the 1870s rose again — this time wrapped in tarps and industrial-strength plastic. Local friends and scuba divers James Frederick and Michael Ibasfalean are credited with getting the ship afloat the evening of April 11. Jed Lippincott, chief operating officer at the Seafood Shack Marina, Bar and Grill, is among those holding their breath, hoping this time the San Francesco really is afloat. As the saying goes, the third time you try something, it should work. “It’s been a week and two days,” Lippincott said April 20. “And so far, so good.” The schooner had been the headache of Rick Stewart, who hoped to restore the vessel and use it as an environmental ambassador on waterfront tours. His plans included teaching students about wooden boat restoration in the process. But under increasing financial pressures — estimates were as high as $1 million to raise and restore the ship — and the Seafood Shack’s desire to have the boat moved from its dock, Stewart signed the San Francesco over March 17 to the VanDyke Group, the corporate owners of the restaurant and marina. “We were basically giving him the slip as help for the nonprofit. With the two failed raisings, it became clear we needed some kind of resolution on the boat,” Lippincott said. If the San Francesco remains afloat and dries out, then Lippincott will decide its future. Stewart surprised members of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage March 6 when he abruptly resigned from his director position beginning immediately and the boatworks position as of May l.

The San Francesco sits high if not quite dry — wrapped in tarps — at the Seafood Shack Marina, Bar and Grill, 4110 127th St., Cortez. The restaurant-marina owner took possession of the schooner from Rick Stewart’s nonprofit Cortez Classic Yacht Guild in March and raised the boat April 11 — a third and hopefully final time. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Stewart’s position was volunteer, without pay save some in-kind uses as compensation and, after five years as manager, a move to Duette and a recent marriage, he decided it was time to step down. Stewart had made arrangements with FISH several years before to restore the San Francesco at the preserve if he could get it to the boatworks facility. “We had agreed that we would charge him $25 a week, just like we do everyone else, and that the boat could stay there for work,” Jane von Hahmann, FISH vice president, said. “FISH never had any monetary interest in the schooner at any time,” Von Hahmann reiterated. “And nothing to do with his (Stewart’s) nonprofit. That nonprofit is Cortez Classic Yacht Guild, which Stewart incorporated in 2015 to raise funds for boat restorations for environmental and educational uses. The San Francesco had been obtained prior to the formation, but funds for the work needed for the

WMFR preps for rate increase to meet budget plans By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners issued a recommendation April 20 on their preliminary planning for the district’s 2017-18 fiscal year budget. By June 1, the board of commissioners must agree on a maximum preliminary assessment rate for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The planned assessment rate can be lowered but not raised between June and the finalization of the 2017-18 budget in September. Commissioners agreed to move forward, for now, with Chief Tom Sousa’s recommendations. Sousa recommended increasing the assessment rate 2 percent for private properties, from $0.1063 per square foot to $0.1084, and a 4 percent hike for commercial properties, from $0.1841 per square foot to $0.1915 per square foot. Commissioners Al Robinson and David Bishop questioned the necessity for the rate hikes in light of anticipated grants and plans to sell the administrative building. However, Sousa said the rate hikes would give the board the ability to prepare for the “worst case scenario” of not selling the building or receiving grants, or it could eliminate the need for any rate hikes in the 2018-19 fiscal year. The rate hikes would provide WMFR with $148,849 in additional revenue, enough to cover an expected $140,000 increase in firefighter pensions for the 2017-18 fiscal year. In the past year, Sousa said, WMFR’s service improvements have included adding a fourth person to the rotation on Station 3 in Holmes Beach, which improves the response time for structural fires on the island. In addition, the budget was constructed to take into account ALS services, which Sousa expects WMFR to provide in the coming year. “Bottom line is, we’re adding value to the service we provide to the people,” the chief said. In other news, Sousa told the board the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners was to hold a first hearing on an ordinance granting WMFR the ability to provide advanced life support services Tuesday,

April 25, after The Islander went to press. Sousa said a lot of work went into drafting the ordinance. The WMFR spent much of 2016 in negotiations to offer ALS services. Currently, only Manatee County EMS can provide ALS in the district. However, up to three in four calls the WMFR receives are EMS calls, and Sousa says the district will benefit from ALS service provided by the team that first appears on the scene. The next commission meeting will be 6 p.m. Thursday, May 18, at the WMFR administrative building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.

Meetings

ship were difficult to come by. “We thought the Cortezians might step up and help out,” Stewart said, but the money only trickled in. The CCYG ended 2015 with a $7,400-plus deficit. By March 2016, only $6,000 had been raised, which failed to cover the prior year’s expenses, according to paperwork filed with state. A recent GoFundMe page for the San Francesco failed also and Stewart says he is returning the small amount raised in that campaign. One Cortez man, Bob Larson, has demanded to know where his CCYG donations went and felt FISH had been used to further Stewart’s collections. According to Stewart, donations to CCYG were used in failed schooner- raising attempts, supplies, office expenses and a change of boat registry from Panama to the United States, which required an admiralty attorney. He dismissed the idea that FISH had aided in his efforts to raise funds. “If there had been large donations, it would have made a difference, but it was $200 here, a $1,000 there from individuals and it never added up to very much. If we could have gotten the ship to the boatworks, where people could see it and touch it, it might have been a different outcome.” All the donations were tax exempt ,Stewart said. Stewart said he was putting the schooner and his work in Cortez behind him and moving forward. “The winds of change have been blowing in my life,” Stewart said. Over at the Seafood Shack, the pumps are humming and a new wind is blowing, slowly drying out the San Francesco. • April 27, 6 p.m., city commission. • May 3, 10 a.m., parks and beautification committee. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

Anna Maria City • April 27, 6 p.m., city commission. • May 9, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. • May 11, 6 p.m., city commission. • May 25, 6 p.m., city commission. West Manatee Fire Rescue Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941• None scheduled. 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. Bradenton Beach • April 26, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. CAN- Manatee County CELED • May 1, 2 p.m., county board (work). • May 3, 9:30 a.m., capital improvements. • May 4, 9 a.m., county board (land use). • May 3, 10 a.m., community redevelopment • May 9, 9 a.m., county board. agency. • May 23, 9 a.m., county board. • May 3, 11 a.m., pier team. • May 30, 1:30 p.m., county board (budget pre• May 3, 3 p.m., Scenic Waves. sentation). • May 4, 6 p.m., city commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., • May 9, 1 p.m., city commission. Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. • May 11, 1 p.m., department heads. • May 17, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Of interest • May 18, noon, city commission. • May 17, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island • May 23, 1 p.m., city commission. Elected Officials, Longboat Key Town Hall. • May 24, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. • May 29, Memorial Day, most government Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., offices will be closed. The Islander office also will 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. be closed. Holmes Beach • April 27, 11:30 a.m., police retirement Send notices to calendar@islander.org and board. news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 9

VALENTINES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 PLEASE SEE STREETLIFE, NEXT PAGE

10 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Canadian tourism declines in Manatee County By Ed Scott Islander Reporter What’s the matter with Canada? The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau routinely seeks tourists from Florida, Canada, Europe and three regions of the United States: the Midwest, Northeast and Southeast. Overall, there was a 4.8 percent increase from 2015 to 2016 in tourists from these six regions — plus what the CVB calls “markets of opportunity” — from 661,800 tourists to 693,700. From year to year, there was an increase in tourists from five of the six geographic regions. But Canada was lagging. Some 5.9 percent fewer Canadians visited Manatee County in 2016 than 2015, a decrease from 27,440 tourists to 25,830. The increase in tourists from the Northeast was 131,390 to 141,380, up 7.6 percent. Visitation increased from 62,210 Southeastern tourists to 65,810, up 5.8 percent, and there was a 5.5 percent uptick among tourists from Florida. Some 194,070 Floridians visited Manatee County in 2016, compared with 183,890 in 2015. The number of tourists from the Midwest increased 5.3 percent, year over year, up from 137,440 to 144,680. European tourism was up 0.5 percent, from 90,380 to 90,870, during the same period. The CVB has a theory regarding the cold shoulder from Canadians. “Canadians for many years have loved the allinclusive deals,” CVB executive director Elliott Fal-

Canada-U.S. tourism wanes in 2016. cione told Tourist Development Council members at their April 17 meeting at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. “That’s why they went to Cuba for several years.” Unlike Americans at the time, Canadians were not encumbered by travel restrictions to Cuba. “Quite candidly, Canadians may not want to pay what our prices are in this kind of destination,” Falcione said. “I have a hunch that you may not see those numbers improve for a long time, if ever, so we really need to scrutinize, mainly, Ontario.” Falcione noted there are airlines flying passengers between Canada and Southwest Florida. “There have to be reasons why (airlines) fly to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, so we are going to scrutinize that. We treat them like the 51st state,” he said of Canada, though the CVB’s primary

international targets are the United Kingdom and Central Europe. Falcione indicated that daily expenditures from a Canadian as compared to those from other markets are lower. Some believe there is a groundswell against international tourism in America, called the “Trump Slump.” International tourists who oppose President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, the theory goes, are staying away from U.S. destinations; or at least they tell people they should stay away. “The reprehensible Trump travel ban demands a personal response,” reporter Mark Bulgutch wrote in the Jan. 30 Toronto Star. “As an ordinary citizen there is something you can do. You can tell the president that if he closes the door on people who don’t deserve such callous treatment, we won’t be using the door he has left open for us. We’ll stop visiting the United States.” County Commissioner and TDC Chair Carol Whitmore said for years Manatee depended on Lakeland residents to visit the beach on weekends and Canadian visitors. Who travels here now helps determine how the CVB uses its resort tax funds to market the area later. Advertising dollars and public relations efforts may be shifted to markets that send increasingly more tourists to Manatee County. “You’ve got to pick your poison,” Falcione said. “Who do you want to target?”

Bradenton Beach P&Z members give nod to historic district plans By Chris Ann Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The amended plan for Bradenton Beach’s historic district is one step closer to implementation. Members of the Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board met April 12 and April 19 to review the amended community redevelopment agency plan for consistency with the city comprehensive plan. After a Manatee County review for consistency, the city commission will vote on the plan. The plan outlines the history of the district, progress made since the CRA was established in 1992 and goals for the future, including a 30-year extension of the CRA. The city’s comprehensive plan dictates public policy in terms of transportation, utilities, land use, recreation and housing. City planner Alan Garrett presented the board with his memo regarding the amended CRA plan, which includes a multi-level parking garage. However, according to the comp plan, a parking garage is not allowed in the retail/office/residential or the Bridge Street mixed-commercial zones. “The comp plan would have to be amended to support a parking garage in those areas,” Garrett said. “Otherwise, I find it consistent.”

A Segway tour rolls on Highland Avenue April 20 through the community redevelopment district in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Board member Bill Vincent said he identified another inconsistency in the CRA plan. One section of the plan states the city “shall” update its land development code and comp plan “as appropriate” to support redevelopment consistent with the CRA plan. “Shouldn’t it be the other way around?” Vincent asked. Garrett spoke for the city attorney, who was not present for either P&Z review. He said the clause could be changed from “shall” to “may.”

“‘Shall’ is mandatory, ‘may’ is permissive,” Garrett said April 19. P&Z member Reed Mapes motioned that the board find the amended CRA plan consistent with the comp plan, with the language change and provision noted in Garrett’s memo. The motion was approved April 19 with members Mapes, Metz, Vincent and Patty Shay voting “yea.” Chair John Burns and vice chair Jim Lynch were absent with excuse. Board member John Metz chaired the meeting.

People explore the shops April 20 on Bridge Street, the heart of the Bradenton Beach historic district. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Mayor, friends walk for guide dogs WMFR promotion West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighter Zachary Benshoff displays his promotion certificate while standing with Chief Tom Sousa April 20. Benshoff was promoted from third- to second-class firefighter. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

Dennis Quinn, left, Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon and his guide dog Reese, and Dorthea Quinn participate April 22 in the Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon in Sarasota. Reese was the first chocolate lab to be adopted out by Southeastern Guide Dogs. The Quinns rear puppies for the organization. Islander Photo: Courtesy Tjet Martin

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 11

Hearing continues for Bradenton Beach zoning appeal By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Testimony heard April 17 in a Bradenton Beach zoning appeal will factor into the decision by the presiding special master. John Metz, a member of the city planning and zoning board, contends the city violated its comprehensive plan when building official Steve Gilbert signed off on renovations to a fourplex at 308 Gulf Drive S., adjacent to his home. The property was purchased in September 2014 by George and Wendy Kokolis. Metz also claims the city should have considered the property abandoned, alleging it was vacant during the 18-month renovation. According to Metz, abandonment requires discontinuation of its non-conforming use. Additionally, he said, the city violated the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s rule restricting remodeling to 50 percent of a structure’s assessed value. Metz’s testimony began March 13 before attorney Lisa Gonzalez Moore as special master, and was continued to April 17, when city building official Steve Gilbert and land planner Alan Garrett testified. When questioned April 17 by city attorney Ricinda Perry, Gilbert said the property was grandfathered under the previous code. He said he and Garrett “never considered it nonconforming, just pre-existing.” Additionally, Gilbert said Metz did not file his appeal within the required 30-day time limit. Metz filed the appeal in April 2016, after permits had been issued in June 2015. When questioned regarding whether the property was abandoned for 18 months, Gilbert said it was not. “Our conclusions were from the moment we notified them they needed a permit and they responded with an application, we were on notice they didn’t

Attorney Nelon Kirkland, left, representing John Metz, reviews an exhibit at the podium as attorney Robert Lincoln, right, representing George and Wendy Kokolis, gestures in response during the April 17 continuation of a hearing at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes intend to abandon use,” Gilbert said. Gilbert also said any changes made after the renovations permits were issued were minor. They did not change the footprint of the fourplex and changes to the initial plan are common during renovations. Garrett gave testimony supporting Gilbert’s statements regarding zoning and use of the fourplex. He said he had and Gilbert previously agreed the property conformed to appropriate use within the C-2 district, where it is located. “It’s a permitted conforming use under the underlying zoning district,” Garrett said. “The district allows hotel, motel, time-sharing, bed-and-breakfasts and similar uses.” Being grandfathered, the property is treated as a conforming use, according to Garrett. Metz’s attorney Nelon Kirkland of Harrison &

Kirkland, P.A., in Bradenton, asked Garrett why the property is not considered residential since it comprises four units that could be rented long-term as apartments. This would change the use to a multi-family dwelling unit, which is not permitted in the C-2 zone. Garrett disagreed and again said he was not given information to prove it is a four-unit apartment complex. In re-direct from the Kokolises’ attorney, Robert Lincoln, P.A., of Sarasota, Garrett said he cannot determine the building’s use — residential or commercial — just by looking at the plan. Moore continued the case to May 15 to review documents and receive written closing arguments from the attorneys. Not including the April 17 hearing, the appeal has cost Bradenton Beach $11,486.

We are celebrating our 45th year serving the Island communities! In 1972, Richard Nixon was president, personal computers and cell phones didn’t exist.

NOW OPEN! Funky Island Essentials is new to Anna Maria Island! We provide many services and items! Come check out everything new that we are bringing to AMI! What We Offer: -

Hand-Painted Furniture & Accessories Artisan Crafted Colorful Artwork & Decor Hanging Indoor/Outdoor Swings Interior Design Services And Much More!!

On Vacation? No worries! Everything can be shipped! 5702 Marina Drive, Ste 2, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

(941) 877-1050 www.FunkyIsland.com

Many things have changed during the years but we at West Coast Air Conditioning & Heating have never changed our commitment to quality service and value.

SPECIAL GIFT TO YOU! SERVICE CALL—10% OFF or $100 Off Complete System Call today to make an appointment. This offer will expire on April 30, 2017. *Sorry, discount does not apply to regular routine maintenance visits

12 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

TERRAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Island happenings

Handmade Sterling Jewelry

Museum hosts basket-weaving demo The Florida Maritime Museum will host a demonstration in lightship basketweaving at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13. Weaver D.G. Stern will lead the demonstration and present a history of the craft. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more information, including fees, call the museum at 941708-6120.

NOW OPEN at our new location! 714 43rd St. W â&#x20AC;˘ Bradenton Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-4

941.779.5350

The Islander office is next to Walgreens at AMI Centre Shops, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Come see us! THE

BEACH SHOP Something for everyone

s 5NIQUE #LOTHING 'IFTS FOR -EN 7OMEN #HILDREN s .ATIVE !MERICAN 4URQUOISE s %VERYTHING FOR THE "EACH 3%,%#4 ,!$)%3 #,/4().' 37)-7%!2

/&&

#ORTEZ 2OAD 7 #ORTEZ s OPEN 7 DAYS

www.thebeachshopboutique.com NEXT TO TYLERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ICE CREAM

Take some AMI home! We have Islander coffee mugs! Allcotton AMI shopping totes! Morethan-a-mullet-wrapper T-shirts! And $2 AMI stickers! GET YOURS @ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach AMI Chamber of Commerce 2017 Best Business of the Year

Tea for the Sea set Mote Marine Laboratory will hold its annual Tea for the Sea, which unites women in philanthropy for the pursuit of science. The tea will be 2:30-5 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at the Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. This high tea celebrates womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership in the fields of science and philanthropy and the convergence of the two. There will be remarks by Dr. Kevan Main, Mote senior scientist and program manager for marine and freshwater aquaculture, and Dr. Erinn Muller, Mote staff scientist and program manager for coral health and disease. Tickets to the event are $150 and available at mote. org/tea. For more information, contact Amanda Chandler at 941-388-4441, ext. 352.

Squadron hosts ship talk, supper The Anna Maria Island Sail & Power Squadron will hold a general meeting Thursday, May 4, and feature a talk by Jay Winters on sailing replicas of famous vessels. Winters crewed on the 65-foot Nina, a replica of one of the ships that sailed to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Worldâ&#x20AC;? in the 15th century with Columbus. He also was aboard the 120-foot Lynx, a replica schooner from the War of 1812. Winters heads a consulting and website design business and teaches computer science and related courses at the State College of Florida in Bradenton. He also instructs sailing at Bimini Bay Sailing and for AMISPS. The event will be at the squadron building, 1200 71st St. NW, Bradenton. A potluck dinner will begin at 6 p.m. The talk will be at 7 p.m. For reservations, call 941-792-0394.

Senior Adventures host lunch, book sale The island-based Senior Adventures monthly potluck lunch, crafts session and book sale will take place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. For more information, call Peg Miller at 941-4475076.

Click! full service salon and spa offeringâ&#x20AC;Ś 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

ANNAMARIASALON.COM

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives â&#x20AC;&#x201D; weddings, anniversaries, travels and other events. Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication â&#x20AC;&#x201D; along with contact information â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to news@islander.org.

Island Library holds Patron Appreciation Day The Island Library will celebrate Patron Appreciation Day 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 6. An announcement from the library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, said the celebration will include music by John Perry, as well as face painting, origami crafting, a photo booth, sidewalk chalking and more. Also, the Friends of the Island Library will sponsor beginner knitting classes at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, May 16 and May 23. The class is open to those age 8 or older and materials will be provided. Also on the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar in May: â&#x20AC;˘ 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 2, story time for children. â&#x20AC;˘ 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, Gulf Coast Writers meets. â&#x20AC;˘ 2 p.m. Thursday, May 4, and May 18, knit and crochet activity. â&#x20AC;˘ 10 a.m. Friday, May 5, and May 12, Forty Carrots parenting program. â&#x20AC;˘ 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, Musical Motion for children. â&#x20AC;˘ Noon, Wednesday, May 10, and May 24, adult coloring club meets. â&#x20AC;˘ 4 p.m. May 10 and May 24, chess club meets. â&#x20AC;˘ 2 p.m. Friday, May 12, Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s caregiver support group meets. â&#x20AC;˘ 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13, origami crafting. â&#x20AC;˘ 2 p.m. May 13, Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day tea party and crafting. â&#x20AC;˘ 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, art for children. â&#x20AC;˘ 10:15 a.m. Thursday, May 18, Friends of the Island Library Book Club meets to discuss â&#x20AC;&#x153;West with the Nightâ&#x20AC;? by Beryl Markham. â&#x20AC;˘ 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20, meditation session. â&#x20AC;˘ 2 p.m. May 20, Lego club meets. â&#x20AC;˘ 10 a.m. Thursday, May 25, quilting program. â&#x20AC;˘ 9 a.m. Saturday, May 27, CPR class. For more information, call the library at 941-7786341.

Dems make May meeting plans The Anna Maria Island Democratic Club will meet at 11 a.m. Monday, May 15, at the IMG Academy Clubhouse, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton. There will be a luncheon and a program, with Howard Simon, the Florida director of the American Civil Liberties Union, talking about â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Challenge to Political Rights in 2017.â&#x20AC;? For the luncheon, registration is required by May 1. The cost to attend is $20. This will be the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final meeting of the winter-spring season. For more information, call Bill McGrath at 941-761-4017.

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

Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 13 WATCH BANDS â&#x20AC;˘ WATCH BATTERIES â&#x20AC;˘ SERVICE/REPAIRS

40% OFF

IGW shows â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Island Dreamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Marlane Wurzbachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colorful acrylic paintings will be exhibited in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Island Dreamsâ&#x20AC;? at Island Gallery West in May. Wurzbach lived for many years on Anna Maria Island and paints local scenes. She is a longtime member of the gallery. IGW is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-778-6648. Islander Courtesy Photo

Island Players present final show of 2016-17

AGAMI gets â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Manatee Maniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

The Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild Gallery will create a window theme in May celebrating â&#x20AC;&#x153;Manatee Mania.â&#x20AC;? The Island Players will present their final show of The gallery is at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes the 2016-17 season in May with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vanya and Sonia and Beach, and is operated by the Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild of Anna Masha and Spike.â&#x20AC;? Maria Island. The theater group will perform the comedy by For more information, call 941-778-6694. Christopher Durang May 4-14 at the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Art league issues call to artist and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20. The Anna Maria Island Art League invites local A New York production of the play won the Tony artists to exhibit in its May show. Award for Best Play in 2013. Artists may submit work 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, A news release from the Island Players described Wednesdays and Fridays through May 5. The entry fee the play as wildly funny. is $10. Size is limited to 22 by 34 inches or smaller. The premise is this: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Named after Chekhov charA reception for the open exhibit will be 5:30-7:30 acters by theater-loving parents, middle-aged sib- p.m. Friday, May 12, at AMIAL, 5312 Holmes Blvd., lings Vanya and Sonia share a family home in Buckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holmes Beach. County, Pennsylvania, until their movie star sister The exhibit will continue through May. Masha arrives with her new boy toy Spike and threatFor more, call AMIAL at 941-778-2099. ens to sell the house.â&#x20AC;? The cast includes Sue Belvo, Pamela Hopkins, Center hosts Cajun fest Haley Hines, Don Sleight, Candace Artim and Patrick Son of a gun the center plans to have big fun Charles. on the bayside. James Thaggard is directing. The Center of Anna Maria Island will host a The box office will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. MonCajun festival Saturday, May 6. days-Saturdays and an hour before curtain. The festival will feature live entertainment, For more information, call the box office at 941a screening of the Kentucky Derby, movies for 778-5755 or go online to www.theislandplayers.org. children and a feast of crawfish, red beans and rice, jambalaya, bread pudding and other items. Island Players set Bayou Catering will serve the dinner and the awards banquet Gumbo Boogie Band will provide musical enterThe Island Players theater group will hold its tainment. annual awards banquet Friday, May 19, at the BraThe cost to attend will be $40 for adults and denton Country Club. $10 for children 11 and under. The evening will include cocktails and social hour The center said the festival will serve as a at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. celebration of the late Anna Maria resident Henry For reservations, call Dorothy Eder at 941-792Hicks, who died three years ago and hosted craw8991. fish boils in Tampa and on the island. Hicks, who went to law school at Tulane, Kiwanis club to meet had the crawfish shipped from New Orleans. He The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will also operated CLAWDS, a Tampa restaurant that meet at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29, for breakfast served Cajun-inspired cuisine. and program. The program will feature Ana A center news release said Hicks was a largerGuillermo-Santiago talking about the H2U program than-life personality with a positive outlook on through Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. life. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens The festival will benefit the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth at 941-778-1383. programs. The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Submit your social news, weddings, anniversaries, births, Maria. For more info, call the center at 941-778travel photos, fishing, sports and event news and photos 1908. to news@islander.org.

need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts 0INE !VE !NNA -ARIA s www.emersonshumor.com

All pre-owned ROLEX!

Ladies and Gents -- 2-year service warranty, box and papers

33 YEARS IN BRADENTON! 8110 CORTEZ RD. W. Tue-Fri 10-4, Sat 10-2 â&#x20AC;˘ ATM & CCs â&#x20AC;˘ 941-798-9585

Marlane Wurzbach Marlane Wurzbachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bold & colorful acrylic paintings are featured during May in an exhibit entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Island Dreams.â&#x20AC;? Her work focuses on the natural beauty that surrounds us on the Gulf Coast. The public is welcome.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wings Over Waterâ&#x20AC;?

Under New Ownership! Ali Severson Hair.Skin.Nails.Massage Open 6 days a week www.acquaaveda.com 941.778.5400 5311 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach Submit your social news to news@islander.org. Please, include the time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name and phone number for publication. And, thanks for sharing!

14 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

The Islander Calendar

Compiled by Lisa Neff

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ONGOING ON AMI

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Throughout April, Island Gallery West features the work of • First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m. Village of the Arts Art Walk, 12th photographer Richard Stewart in “Sea & Shore,” 5368 Gulf Drive, Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Noon — Adult coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, the following Saturday. • Throughout April, Artists’ Guild Gallery features the work of Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. pastel artist Nancy Goff and oil painter Karen deLeon Stuart, 5414 Friday, April 28 LOOKING AHEAD Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. 10 a.m. — Quilting activity, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, • Throughout April, #LoveAMI exhibit, Artspace Anna Maria, May 5, Main Street Live!, Bradenton. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 101 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-243-3835. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Senior Adventures book sale and potluck KIDS & FAMILY • Throughout May, Island Gallery West features the work of lunch, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Marlane Wurzbach in the exhibit “Island Dreams,” 5368 Gulf Drive, Beach. Information: 941-778-3106. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Saturday, April 29 • Throughout May, Artists’ Guild Gallery “Manatee Mania” Tuesday, May 2 8:30 a.m. — Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria breakfast and pro10 a.m. — Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes gram, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 window display, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 941-778-6694. Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The program will feature Ana Guillermo• May 12-31, “May’s Open Exhibit,” Anna Maria Island Art Wednesday, May 3 Santiago talking about the H2U program through Blake Medical 5-8 p.m. Center Fun Night. 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Center in Bradenton. Information: 941-778-1383. League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778Information: 941-778-1908. 2099. 9 a.m. — CPR training, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Reservations required. Info: 941-778-6341. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND LOOKING AHEAD Tuesday, May 2 Noon — Anna Maria Island Rotary Club gathers for lunch and a May 4-14, Island Players “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Saturday, April 29 program, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. 6:30 p.m. — De Soto Grand Parade, Manatee High School to Fee applies. Information: 941-462-4016. Spike,” Anna Maria. May 12, Anna Maria Island Art League recepdowntown Bradenton via Manatee Avenue. Info: 941-747-1998. tion, Holmes Beach. Wednesday, May 3 12:45 p.m. — Gulf Coast Writers meet, Island Library, 5701 ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Fourth Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Stelliferous Live star exploration, Friday, April 28 6-8 p.m. — Music and Paws in the Park with the Glass Onion, South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater, 606 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Infor- Information: 941-746-4131. • Most first Saturdays, Family Night at the South Florida mation: 941-621-6471. Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND • “Teeth Beneath: the Wild World of Gators, Crocs and Cai• Through April 28, “The History, Use and Art of Waterfowl mans” exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson ParkDecoys” exhibit, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., way, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441. Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. • Most second Wednesdays, Think+Drink (Science), 7-9 p.m., LOOKING AHEAD South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. May 6, Pickin’ Picnic, Bradenton. July 22, Snooty’s Birthday Information: 941-746-4131. • Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Art After 5, John and Mable Ringling Bash, Bradenton.

Garden club hosts member fashion show

ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Senior Adventures gather for a program or to depart on an adventure. Information: 941-778-3106. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Thursday, April 27 2:30 p.m. — Mote Marine Laboratory Tea for the Sea, Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Fee applies. Reservations Required. Information: 941-388-4441, ext. 352.

Marilyn Shirley, Anna Maria Garden Club member, accompanies the fashions on parade at a club luncheon April 19 as Jeanette Rothberg turns the music sheets. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Beverly Snyder is all smiles as she models a watercolor blouse and black skirt April 19 at the garden club fashion show held in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church. Irene’s Resort Wear provided the ensenbles and Kathy Robuck provided commentary for the fashions.

Center plans fun night

Anna Maria Garden Club member Amy Tripp models a black-and-white ensemble for the club’s first-ever fashion show April 19 at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Garden club member Nancy Englehardt models a pink top, flower-print capris and matching handbag in her fashion show debut.

The Center of Anna Maria Island will host a free “Family Fun Bash” to celebrate the end of the school year — before the end of the school year. The event will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 3. The center will serve hamburgers and hot dogs and provide information about its “Summer My Way” camps. The party will feature a bounce house and other activities. The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. To make reservations to attend, email info@ centerofami.org or call 941-778-1908.

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 15

GAMES, SPORTS & OUTDOORS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, April 26 4 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Chess club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, April 28 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; National Arbor Day celebration, City Pier, 100 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-795-8271. 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; National Arbor Day celebration, basketball courts/ city ďŹ eld, 62nd Street West and Marina Way, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-795-8271. 11 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; National Arbor Day celebration, Lou Barolo Park, Highland Avenue and Fourth Street North, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-795-8271. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Volunteers sought for Perico Preserve project Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be shellfish. Volunteer to help build oyster beds at Perico Preserve on Perico Island. The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department and Around the Bend Nature Tours will present the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oyster Extravaganzaâ&#x20AC;? Saturday, May 6. The work project will be 9-11 a.m. at Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The preserve is located east of the Anna Maria Island Bridge on the north side of Manatee Avenue/State Road 64. Volunteers will bag shell and tie shell mats and

then join in a series of games, followed by lunch at noon. The habitat project is part of the Gulf Oyster Recycling and Renewal Program. The initiative has many partners, including START, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, UF/IFAS Manatee County, the Chiles Group, the Gulf Shellfish Institute and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. This event is appropriate for ages 10 and up with parent/guardian supervision. For more information, go online to sarasotabay. org or call SBEP at 941-955-8085.

Bay Watch receives Disney conservation grant

Volunteers sought for seagrass survey

â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: Sarasota Bay Watch is receiving a $25,000 grant 941-708-6130. from the Disney Conservation Fund to focus on reversâ&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the ing the decline of threatened wildlife. Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941The conservation grant recognizes SBWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts 779-0881. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Saturday, April 29 8 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Seagrass survey with Mote Marine Laboratory and Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota. Information: 941-388-4441. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ Through Sept. 3, Bradenton Marauders Minor League Baseball games, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 877-893-2827. â&#x20AC;˘ Second and fourth Wednesdays, Roser Memorial Community Church GolďŹ ng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414.

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

to restore native bay scallops and clams to Sarasota Bay and its surrounding waters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our area-wide effort to restore shellfish populations to Sarasota Bay is driven by community volunteers and fueled with this generous grant from the Disney Conservation Foundation,â&#x20AC;? Larry Stults, president of Sarasota Bay Watch, said in a news release. Bay scallops went missing from local waters in the 1960s and indigenous clams have been in decline for decades. Restoring scallops and clams will make the water clearer, provide more food for fisheries and strengthen the entire marine ecosystem. The DCF grant will be used to help re-establish self-sustaining scallop and clam populations throughout the bay. Projects were selected to receive awards based on efforts to study wildlife, protect habitats and develop community conservation and education programs in critical ecosystems around the world. Since 1995, DCF has provided about $65 million to support conservation programs.

SPRING FUN SPECIAL

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOT OUTSIDE, STAY COOL $ AC Tune-Up Special

Mote Marine Laboratory is seeking volunteers to join in an annual seagrass survey on Sarasota Bay. The project involves Mote and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. The free, family-friendly event will take place Saturday, April 29, at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota. The survey is a citizen-science event that focuses on increasing awareness of the economic and environmental value of seagrass habitat. Volunteers will take to the waters around Sarasota Bay to count and identify seagrass species. Registered volunteers will start the morning with the survey 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Games, crafts and hands-on activities will be offered 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the squadron building. Volunteers will receive a T-shirt and lunch voucher redeemable at one of the food truck vendors present at the event. Those not registered to volunteer can still enjoy the free activities at the sailing squadron. For more information, go online to mote.org or call 941-388-4441.

10% OFF

ANY 2%.4!,

Performance test, ACUV dye, up to 1 pound of freon.

./4 ).#,5$).' "/!4 2%.4!,

Exp 05-03-17. Exp 10-22-14. CALL GROOMS!

FACEBOOK COM *UST &UN2ENTALS

5608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 941.896.7898

3 3 0LAZA s 'ULF $RIVE s (OLMES "EACH s

CHRISTIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PLUMBING

HOLMES BEACH AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL

$"#- ,%! % '!( *! "% ! ,& #&(" * *! !(*". ! )*!( #+$ !()

F Electr Tune-Ups, Brakes & More

REP / / / 5508 MARINA DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH LOCATED IN THE BACK OF THE BUILDING

(CFC1426596)

778-3924 OR 778-4461

5333 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach at the corner of Gulf & Marina Drives

941-779-0487

PHOTO RESTORATION

Holistic wellness center and spa

Now oďŹ&#x20AC;ering yoga and meditation in the ambiance of a healing Himalayan salt wall.

941-778-2711 2%34/2!4)/. s #/09 s !247/2+ s $/#5-%.43

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

941.778.8400 | www.alunawellness.com

16 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Grassy Point Preserve re-opens with fanfare for nature By Jennifer Sheppard Islander Reporter Fifteen years ago, Billie Martini eyed Grassy Point Preserve from a boat with a vision for the future. Years earlier, she recalled in an April 19 interview, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My husband and I would go out, whenever we had problems, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d go out in our boat and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d just drift over the shallows and look down through the water into that other world. And, you know, all of your problems just disappeared. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d come back and you felt refreshed.â&#x20AC;? Billie and Bob Martini were early settlers in Bradenton Beach, where they worked and volunteered to help make the city a better place. But Billie Martini yearned for a place for others to relax in nature, with no concrete in sight. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has not been improved. It has not been destroyed. Grassy Point is what Anna Maria Island was,â&#x20AC;? Martini said. The preserve re-opened to the public April 19 with a welcome by Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and a letter from Martini, who was unable to attend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We all know that we owe Grassy Point to Billie Martini and a few others,â&#x20AC;? said Holmes Beach resident Nancy Deal, who read the letter from Martini, a former Holmes Beach commissioner. Martini was first elected in 1993 and served four years as a city commissioner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What can we say except thank you to Billie Martini,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know that she is here with us in spirit.â&#x20AC;? Johnson shared his ribbon-cutting duties with Commissioner Carol Soustek and thanked her for being involved in the project and serving as a liaison

Billie Martini collects her thoughts in preparation for an NPR StoryCorps interview about Bradenton Beach with the late Paul Roat in 2006. for the commission. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is quiet, simple, but intended to be a most sincere thank-you gathering from the city of Holmes Beach to all who have contributed to this activity here at Grassy Point and getting it into the shape it is today from what it was, so that it can be enjoyed by all,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are very special people who have done so much for so long and here we are.â&#x20AC;? Johnson also recognized Commission Chair Judy Titsworth and thanked the employees in the public works department. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just fabulous the way you guys have persevered and stuck with this thing and made it happen,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having you as a part of this city is fabulous. Come on out some more. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy it out here.â&#x20AC;? Guests, including Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon, Holmes Beach treasurer Lori Hill and Jay Leverone, scientist at the Sarasota Bay Estuary Pro-

gram, toured the 34-acre preserve, the largest cityowned park, by way of a shell trail and a new boardwalk over the wetlands and mangrove hammocks fronting Anna Maria Sound. Partners from Manatee County, the University of Florida and Anna Maria Island Elementary School also attended. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a bunch of second-graders out here not too long ago doing some planting,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think this is a great facility for education and learning about nature. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very important in our environment.â&#x20AC;? Soustek said there is still work to be done in the preserve, including a boardwalk extension and an observation platform over the sound. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To have it this far after so much time,â&#x20AC;? Soustek said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love it.â&#x20AC;? The preserve was acquired in 2001 by the city with a $359,945.51 grant from Florida Communities Trust, the granting agency monitored by the state Department of Environmental Projection. The city also received grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Southwest Florida Water Management District, to remove exotic and invasive species of plants and trees. SBEP managed the grant projects. Two vacant parcels, 3019 Ave. C and 3021 Ave. C, adjacent to the preserve, were purchased March 2 by the city for $330,000 each, according to the website for the Manatee County Property Appraiser. At their March 28 meeting, commissioners unanimously adopted an ordinance to acquire the lots from Clyde Dickey. After the private opening, Leni Hagen, who lives on Avenue B and has been a resident of Holmes Beach since 2000, visited the park with her daughter, Rachel Neutzling, a Minnesota resident, to celebrate Rachelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I respect this very much,â&#x20AC;? Hagen said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The boardwalk and views are beautiful, well planned, respecting nature and seems like it has always been there.â&#x20AC;?

A portion of the boardwalk and shell paths at Grassy Pointe Preserve take up only a small area of the natural setting in this view looking west toward the Gulf of Mexico. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

Drone photographer Jack Elka pays a visit to Grassy Point prior to the opening to shoot the expanse of trails and walkways in the preserve for The Islander. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Now accepting NEW CLIENTS and REFERRALS!

Nochemicalsinside.com

No More Chemicals Inside your House! Smart Water Technology tied into your Sprinkler System will accomplish this Goal !

37 Years in Business, Family Owned and Operated!

WE ROCK ONLINE

No More Mosquitos, No No-Seeums, No Fireants and many more insects that our Guarantee covers. We will save you appr 75000 Gallon of water per year

Connor Bystrom, DVM, Ashley Gardner Sorice, DVM, and William V. Bystrom, DVM

Island

Animal Clinic

3URGERY s $ENTISTRY s "OARDING s $AY #ARE s "ATHS s &OOD 3UPPLIES (/52 %-%2'%.#9 s $2/0 /&& !.$ 0)#+ 50 (OLMES "USINESS #ENTER 'ULF $RIVE .O - & .OON 7ED WWW ISLANDANIMALCLINIC COM

Inside and Outside Pest Management all done with ONLY ORGANIC Products

Outside Liquid Fertilization for Lawn, Shrubs and Trees all done with ONLY ORGANIC Products Smart Water Technology Controller using latest Technology and will be managed by us

FOR ONE LOW MONTHLY FEE

islander.org

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 17

Welcome back to nature â&#x20AC;¦

Grassy Point Preserve

Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson welcomes guests April 19 to the re-opening of Grassy Point Preserve, located east of the 3200 block of East Bay Drive and fronting Anna Maria Sound. Islander Photos: Jennifer Sheppard

Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek and Mayor Bob Johnson cut the ribbon April 19 to celebrate the reopening of Grassy Point Preserve.

Guests April 19 observe the natural wetlands and mangrove hammocks made possible by new boardwalks at the re-opening of Grassy Point Preserve.

Code enforcement officers Nate Brown, left, and JT Thomas pose for a photo at the re-opening of Grassy Point with Minnesota resident Rachel Neutzling, who visited the park on her birthday with her mother, Leni Hagen, of Holmes Beach. Hagen captured the moment for friends and family who couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attend.

Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon, his service animal Reese and Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek enjoy the view of Grassy Point Bayou from the boardwalk April 19 at the re-opening of Grassy Point Preserve. However, no pets â&#x20AC;&#x201D; only service animals â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are permitted at Grassy Point.

68th

UIFJTMBOEQMBZFST PSH t Season (VMG %SJWF 1JOF "WFOVF "OOB .BSJB

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

$2 OFF HOW TO RELAX ON AN ISLAND.

THE WORKS

Full-Service Car Wash, PLUS Sealer Wax, Under Chassis Wash & Air Freshener. Most vehicles

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

AMERICAN CAR CARE

Must present coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Expires 05-10-17

941-794-5007

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MA#0017550

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

FRESH & SHINE

941-794-5007

MASSAGE BY NADIA Call 941.518.8301 Massaging on AMI for more than 17 years. Your place, your convenience.

$3 OFF

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1994 6412 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton 941-794-5007 WWW.AMERICANCARCAREBRADENTON.COM

CZ $ISJTUPQIFS %VSBOH +BNFT 5IBHHBSE %JSFDUPS

.BZ

/BNFE BGUFS $IFLPW DIBSBDUFST CZ UIFBUFS MPWJOH QBSFOUT NJEEMF BHFE TJCMJOHT 7BOZB BOE 4POJB TIBSF B GBNJMZ IPNF JO 1FOOTZMWBOJB VOUJM UIFJS NPWJF TUBS TJTUFS .BTIB BSSJWFT XJUI IFS OFX CPZ UPZ 4QJLF BOE UISFBUFOT UP TFMM UIF IPVTF 5IJT JT UIF 5POZ "XBSE 8JOOFS GPS #FTU 1MBZ #PY PGmDF PQFOT "QSJM QN 4IPXUJNFT QN .BUJOFFT .BZ #09 0''*$& .0/%": 4"563%":

d 5JDLFUT i UIFJTMBOEQMBZFST PSH t (VMG %SJWF 1JOF "WFOVF "OOB .BSJB

18 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Volunteers and Holmes Beach code enforcement officers Nate Brown and JT Thomas hang a banner April 22 at Kingfish Boat Ramp in support of the Great American Cleanup.

In celebration of Earth Day, the Great American Cleanup by Keep Manatee Beautiful was held April 22, including at Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach, a checkin location for volunteers in this year’s countywide cleanup, where Loretta Esterbooks, a resident of Key Royale, received a trash bag and litter picker from Cris Singer, a member of the board of directors for KMB.

Keeping Anna Maria beautiful ....

w Bradenton residents Trevor Wolford, 11, and Cecil Coleman, 12, pick up and bag trash from the beach April 22. “I think it’s a great way to clean up the island because I know most people throw out trash without thinking about what the animals and the environment have to say about it,” Wolford said. “One of the things that makes me sad is most of the trash is near the trashcans.” Islander Photos: Jennifer Sheppard

Earth Day reminder: Anna Maria Island’s waters are rising By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Global climate change will not spare Anna Maria Island. The island faces a potentially catastrophic future. Anna Maria Island sits about 3-5 feet above sea level, depending on where you’re standing, while current predictions for global sea-level rise expect between 1-4 feet of rise to take place by 2100. Worst case scenario: All of the island’s present land mass, save for the peaks of some sand dunes and Leffis Key, would be underwater. But first the island will experience incremental rise, said Longboat Key resident Lenny Landau. Landau has served Longboat Key as a member of multiple boards. He also has monitored and followed for many years the effect of sea-level rise on the key. Landau said the island will see increased flooding, particularly after storm surges and long rains. This flooding was apparent in the most recent hurricane season. This already is the case for some parts. In late 2016, the city of Anna Maria installed multiple pumps throughout the city to remove water from flooded areas, responding to concerns that slow drainage after Hurricane Hermine left many residents experience water leaking into their home. Landau said the next major sign something is happening to the island will be sunny-day floods that impact low-elevation streets. This signals that rising sea levels are affecting the island’s ability to drain stormwater. According to Landau, this problem has plagued Gulfcoast communities up and down Florida, including his town of Longboat Key and Sarasota to the south. “In Longboat Key, they had some areas where they have the same problem,” he said. “People don’t like wading to their multimillion dollar homes.” Landau also said the decision to install pumps to remove the water “is just a Band-Aid.” Similar actions were taken on Longboat Key and in St. Armands Circle in Sarasota to address flooding but they only tackle a small amount of flooding in a small area. “It works, but it doesn’t solve the problem … over time it’s just going to kill us.” As floods increase in frequency, he said, cities will have to implement permanent solutions. “There’s no question that the Gulf is rising,” he said. “Nobody knows how fast it will continue to go

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this is how Anna Maria Island will look like if the water level rises 4 feet. The brown portion represents land, while the light blue portion represents former land area’s that are underwater. Only slivers of the island remain. Islander Graphic: Courtesy NOAA up, and that’s where you get into deniers that think it’s all a crazy idea, which it’s not.” Bradenton resident and longtime Anna Maria Island daytripper Bruce Mulliken, who ran Green Energy News from 1996 to 2012, says climate changedeniers in government actively work to impede the response to rising sea level. For example, Florida Gov. Rick Scott demanded in 2015 that state employees avoid using the terms “climate change,” “global warming” and “sustainability.” Mulliken said since he began visiting the island in 1992, he’s seen excessive development and the ripping out of trees and the roots that held the ground together. “Florida is good at taking ugly land and making it very pretty, but in the process, they destroy habitats,” he said. “All the houses along canals, that’s all man-made,” he said, pointing out that the development along the coast and the reshaping of the island strains

the land’s ability to hold itself together. According to island engineer Lynn Burnett, the municipalities have a plan of action to help the island: raising it. The three island cities’ plans include building up the streets with asphalt and encouraging property owners to raise their lots and buildings. It is a difficult, multimillion dollar project that will need to be redone every decade or so in order to keep up with the rising tides, Burnett said. However, Mulliken said, “In the long run, they’re going to have to give up.” “I’ve been working on and off in energy and climate change for 20 years,” he said. “As far as I can tell, the rate at which the oceans are rising has accelerated quite a bit.… It’s up to 1 millimeter a year. I don’t think people realize that… it does add up.” Mulliken said people fail to recognize the average beach has a 30/1 slope — for every inch of sea level rise, 30 feet of beach disappears. “You multiply that by a foot, that’s 30 feet,” he said. According to Landau, the north end of Anna Maria and the bay side of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach will be some of the first places on the island to disappear, because they are lower than the Gulf side. Burnett said the bayfront is most vulnerable, while the Gulf side has high sand dunes. Suzi Fox, founder of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, said the loss of the bay beaches will be devastating for the island and the sea turtles that nest there. A longtime coastal resident, Fox said she’s witnessed sea-level rise in recent years on the island. Fox said the rising sea levels will impede progress that turtle watch has made with the local sea turtle population, which grew from less than 50 nests annually since the group was founded to more than 400 nests a year. Fox concurred with Mulliken that over-development leaves the island vulnerable in the face of climate change. “The habitat is so compromised with building that anything else we’re doing to help,” she said, is rendered ineffective. “We have to step up to the plate … we’ve got to start talking about this.” Fox said Anna Maria Island is the only area in the country where bayfront sea turtle nesting occurs. “We’re the only place that has bayside nesting because we’ve kept it so nice,” she said. “Let’s keep it protected.”

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 19

and Cortez, too!

Cortez resident Brent Suduth removes invasive exotic plants such as Brazilian pepper branches and carrotwood trees with a hacksaw from the FISH Preserve April 22.

AMITW takes stake-painting party to Venice High kids for Earth ay

Allen Garner repairs a chainsaw pril 22 at the FISH Preserve. “Each time we do a cleanup, we go a little deeper into he woods and find things,” Garner said. Islander hotos: Jennifer Sheppard

Venice High School zoology club members paint wooden stakes April 22, Earth Day, with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers at Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave., Venice. The stakes and painting were a donation to AMITW from the zoology club, which raises money each year for a nonprofit. AMITW will use the new, longer stakes to mark nests this sea turtle nesting season. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMITW

Tiki & Kitty’s Adventures in Shopping … Antiques, Art-Tiques and Chic Boutiques!

Hello Spring! Who doesn’t love to go SPRING shopping? Kingberry Estate Finds in Palmetto is a home furnishings and decor store that emphasizes quality, comfort and style at affordable prices. The estate inventory changes frequently, so you never know what you’ll find for inside and outside your home. As an added bonus, you’ll find Annie Sloan Chalk Paint exclusively in Manatee County at Kingberry. Tide & Moon jewelry boutique has new pendants designed by owner/jeweler Laura Shely. With

Anna Maria Island a popular wedding destination, Laura has a perfect memento for the happy occasion, a new “Married on Anna Maria Island” pendant. Visit her at the pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Retro Rosie’s is in the swing for spring. Bright colors and perky pastels are popping up like blooms in the shop. The Rosies have been refining and redecorating, showcasing the best vintage décor you’ll find in town. Lilly Pulitzer is being restocked also, and new reproduction vintage clothing is being added daily. Stop in to see what’s new! Community Thrift Shop on Manatee Avenue has new merchandise daily, so come peruse all of the good-

ies, including furnishings and decor. Don’t miss this “must do” in west Bradenton. Shabby Chic, beachy/coastal, heirloom home furnishings and goods are in vogue and plentiful at the must-not-miss monthly vintage market, Vintiquity Lane. Located at 1540 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota, the venue is being restocked for May 20-21. Tiki and Kitty love supporting homeless pets by shopping the treasures of Moonracer Rescue at Vintiquity. Please, tell our friends in the shops, “The Islander sent me.”

7*/5*26*5: Tide and Moon -"/& AMI Flip-Flop Jewelry

MONTHLY

Moonracer Animal Rescue is the official charity of Vintiquity Lane

VINTAGE MARKET MAY 20

& 21

SAT 8:30a-5p & SUN10a-4:30p

vintiquitylane.com 1540 N. Lime Ave. Bay #8, Sarasota

Shop with a purpose at Scavengers indoor flea market!

$29

only at Tide and Moon’s NEW location on the Historic Bridge St. Pier! 200 Bridge St. • Bradenton Beach • 941.778.4050

Historic East Manatee Antiques District

Retro Rosie Vintage Clothes for All Occasions Beautiful Wedding Gowns and Accessories

2100 U.S. 301 N., Palmetto • 941-479-4918

10-4 Tue-Sat • 817 Manatee Ave. E. 941-708-0913 • Like us on Facebook!

Community Thrift Shop Bradenton’s Original Thrift and Consignment Shop

Large selection of Home Decor, Furniture, Collectibles, Fine Jewelry, Clothes for the whole family! Books and more! Accepting quality consignments. Call 792-2253

Mon-Sat 10-4

5704 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Reader’s Choice 2008 Best Consignment Store

20 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Judge denies bond to murder suspect By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Bond denied. Twelfth Circuit Judge Deno Economou denied bond April 19 to Eugene Matthews, 83, jailed since his arrest Jan. 10, when he presumably shot and killed a former Anna Maria Island hairstylist outside his Parrish home. Rebecca Rawson died in the shooting. Matthews also is charged with the attempted murder of her daughter, Kathyrn Rawson, and her brother-in-law Rodney Rawson. Rodney Rawson watched the proceedings in the courtroom gallery with about 35 other people. Rebecca Rawson once lived in Holmes Beach and, for 30 years, was a hairstylist at Head Quarters Salon in Holmes Beach and at an Anna Maria salon, Lor-Ells Hair Design, which closed in June 2016. Kathryn Rawson worked for Island Cabana, a boutique on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Matthews is expected to remain in the Manatee County jail until his trial, now set for May. Economou said his decision was “solely” on the question of bond, “based on the evidence.” Assistant State Attorney Darlene Ragoonanan asked the judge to deny bond in accordance with the “Arthur rule,” a 1980 Florida Supreme Court case, because the evidence met the Arthur standard of “proof of guilt is evident or the presumption great.” She called Manatee County sheriff’s detectives Darryl Davis and Daniel Dickerman to the stand. Davis testified in Matthews’ first phone call from jail, Matthews stated “he shot the car full of holes.” Another recorded jail call indicated he didn’t know who he’d shot, but that the people included a “big guy,” Davis said, in an apparent reference to Rodney Rawson. Dickerman said he walked past a gun belt and holster on the front porch of Matthews’ home before he opened an unlocked door to clear the house. Davis and Dickerman testified the crime scene was

Eugene Matthews, center, is escorted by a Manatee County sheriff’s deputy into his bond hearing April 19. Islander Courtesy Photo: Tiffany Tompkins/Bradenton Herald consistent with Rawsons’ vehicle backing out of the driveway to flee after Matthews came out shooting. Matthews’ attorney, D. Scott Rieth, questioned Davis about the consistency of front-end vehicle damage. Davis responded it’s consistent due to the highspeed crash into the ditch. One of the defense theories is the vehicle crashed through the gate when it came onto the property. Testimony also came from Daniel Alfonso. He testified he owns the vehicle the Rawsons drove to the Matthews’ residence to retrieve Bart, Ed Rawson’s dog. Alfonso also is the father of Kathryn’s fiancé and his family lives on the same street as Matthews. Ed Rawson, a former Holmes Beach resident, died

about a week before Rebecca Rawson. Alfonso said the Rawsons were at Matthews’ residence to retrieve the dog and that they Matthews at his house about the dog two days before the shooting. MCSO Deputy Rodney Norris also testified to a 2007 incident at Matthews’ home, where Matthews yelled at him that he was trespassing. Norris told Matthews to stop moving toward a truck and arrested him when he failed to comply. He later found an AK-47 in the truck. Rieth pointed out the MCSO had arrested Matthews eight times, but he was never convicted. “Can you see why he doesn’t like law enforcement?” Rieth stated. Rieth asked the judge to set “a reasonable bond on all three charges.” He suggested a monitor, saying he is not a flight risk because he “usually stays on his property.” Rieth pointed to “issues about how people gained entry onto the property and into the house,” that the Rawsons arrived “unannounced after dark” and a boot mark on the front door. Rieth has suggested he will present a stand-yourground defense. For the defense, Rieth called Juanita Sills, Matthews’ girlfriend, who lives on Pritchart Road but was at Matthew’s house that night, to testify about the boot mark on the front door. Sills said Rodney Rawson kicked the door and shoved her. On cross, however, Sills said she had opened the door when Rawson knocked. Asked for his take on the proceeding, Rodney Rawson said Sills was “lying through her teeth,” and questioned why Matthews and Sills “wouldn’t want us to have our dog” since they already had two dogs. The next hearing is set for a May 5 docket sounding — a two-week trial period with May 15 as the first possible trial date. Court proceedings are held at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave., W., Bradenton.

$552k Bert Harris suit slapped on Holmes Beach By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Bert Harris suits are beginning to stack up against the city of Holmes Beach. Mayor Bob Johnson was served April 20 with the newest one. The plaintiff is a trustee of the Patricia H. Hutchinson trust, Frederick C. Hutchinson II. On behalf of the owners of 104 75th St., the plaintiff’s allege $552,000 in damages under the Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act. Filed April 14 in the 12th Circuit Court, the complaint states, “The Hutchinson family had always intended to redevelop the property … through maximizing the development potential for sale or similar to the vacation rental uses surrounding it.” It alleges six ordinances enacted between 2013 and 2016 inordinately burdened the plaintiff’s development rights in the R-2 zoning district. Adopted after a public outcry that blamed renters for parking, noise and garbage problems and investment properties for changing the city’s residential charThe Patricia H. Hutchinson trust, owner of 104 75th St., served the city April 20 with a summons and complaint under the Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

acter, the ordinances restrict the number of bedrooms and the building envelope, prohibit underground connections, increase pool setbacks, limit occupancy and impose parking and other restrictions. Fred Hutchinson, a hall-of-famer whose Major League Baseball career was cut short in 1964 when he died of cancer, had moved his wife Patsy and children to the home in the 1950s. Lifetime AMI resident Joe Hutchinson, one of four siblings named in the trust, said he thinks it’s unfair for the city to devalue properties and take away property rights, especially from elderly people. Patsy Hutchinson died in 2016. “My mother was in her 90s when all of this was enacted,” he said, adding, she didn’t have the wherewithal at that time to fight the city. A city action is a spring board to rights under the Bert Harris Act. Hutchinson’s complaint alleges the city denied the variance — precluding a successful building permit application — and includes a letter from building official Jim McGuinness.

McGuinness rejected Hutchinson’s application — including changes to living-area-ratio, bedroom size and number of bedrooms, the location of water features, minimum setbacks for pools and hot tubs and a reduction in dwelling-unit separation — as improper subjects for a variance. The letter also stated the application was incomplete because it did not contain site plans for the existing parcel and the proposed variances. The complaint states the right to develop the property as a rental property compatible with the surrounding properties no longer exists. It concludes the owner is “now permanently unable to obtain investment backed expectations.” An appraisal is attached to the complaint in support of the alleged loss in market value. The plaintiff also alleges the no-change letter sent in response to November 2016 claim is not a “bona fide attempt to reasonably resolve the claim.” Hutchinson said, “It’s not in the best interest of the city not to settle.” “I think they’re going to lose these lawsuits,” he added. Two other Bert Harris lawsuits are pending against the city in the 12th Circuit Court. Hutchinson’s residence is neighbored by properties owned by limited liability companies. One such company, Swackhamer Investments, Bmeehan Investments and Kmeehan Investments, filed a complaint in March, alleging $225,000 in damages. Another pending Bert Harris suit is from Bob and Ellen McCaffrey, owners of 7003 Holmes Blvd., who have alleged $106,000 in damages. In March, the McCaffreys fought off a city dismissal motion. Some 37 claims against the city have yet to mature into lawsuits. The city has a 150-day period to respond to claims with a settlement offer, which in the case of Holmes Beach have been offers of no change in government action for 13 pending claims. The next city response is due in June.

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 21

Holmes Beach discusses beach concession funding, projects By Jennifer Sheppard Islander Reporter It’s time to start looking for projects to benefit Anna Maria Island. There’s more than a $1 million in available funding, but there’s no project list for the surplus of concession revenues from Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. “Any projects that we propose should be focused on improving life here for residents and visitors,” Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen said during an April 13 city work session. Manatee County oversees the Coquina and Manatee beach facilities, which it leases to United Parks Service of St. Petersburg for food, beverage and beach shop concessions. The franchise agreement was approved for five years in 2010 and renewed in 2017 for two additional 5-year terms, ending in 2022 and 2027. A county resolution sets forth guidelines for how the board intends to use the monthly concession revenues, with 11 percent of sales considered as rent payments to the county and 1.5 percent allotted for county capital improvement projects. Holmes Beach commissioners discussed April 13 ideas to put the $1 million surplus to work on projects that serve a valid public purpose and benefit not one entity but all of Anna Maria Island.

Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson provided a sample list and starting point for projects in Holmes Beach that would benefit the island, including skateboard park upgrades, creation of a kayak launch area and a public awareness campaign for bike trail use. “This is purely a work-in-progress document,” Johnson said. “We haven’t had any internal discussions yet. This is kind of where the ideas have been flown right now.” The intergovernmental projects would be selected by a written request from the island city or cities with details of the reason for the project and a description of the matching funds to be provided by the cities undertaking the project. The interlocal agreement also would provide for the county’s funding of the project on a reimbursement basis. Peelen said she was troubled the money has been sitting there and none of the cities have applied to use the funds. “Next year that could disappear in a minute,” she said. “This kind of money can just disappear overnight and I think time is of the essence to get stuff in.” Peelen suggested a project utilizing portable and removable mats similar to the ones installed at Siesta Beach for roll-out beach access for pedestrians and users of wheelchairs, strollers and beach carts. Another option from Commission Chair Judy Tits-

worth would be to expand dockage at Kingfish Boat Ramp for passenger or tour boats to bring more people to the island. “What we need is dockage,” Titsworth said. “There’s deep water there … it’s convenient to the beach. It’s a straight shot to Manatee Beach and we’re looking for ways to park some of these ferries, and it just seems like that’s a great central location for it. It’s a county park going to a county park.” Manatee County also maintains Kingfish Boat Ramp. Commissioner Marvin Grossman proposed a mobile phone app for the trolley. “If everybody had that, they could easily know when the trolley is coming and I think more people would use it,” Grossman said. “It’s very inexpensive and the app puts it on Google Maps.” Johnson said Manatee County is already looking at installing GPS software on the trolleys. “It’s in the mill,” Johnson said. “I don’t know when, but it’s in the mill.” Commissioners directed Johnson on their top three projects to benefit the island — the Coquina Beach exercise trail in Bradenton Beach, the skateboard park in Holmes Beach and providing beach mats for improved accessibility — to be presented at the next meeting of Barrier Island Elected Officials. Anna Maria Elementary firstgraders fist pump during a rendition of “Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious” April 18 in the school auditorium. The play featured popular songs from Walt Disney movies. Islander Photos: Karen Riley-Love

Channel your inner Jedi for AME spring gala First-graders Anna Radojcsics left, and Angela Monetti perform. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

It is a small world after all! Anna Maria Elementary first-graders took to the stage April 18 to present a tribute to Walt Disney and songs from his movies, which have been woven into life over the years. A rousing rendition of “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” and “Under the Sea” with crab hats and fish and the theme from the original Mickey Mouse Club were among the numbers performed by the first-graders. And a Disney tribute is incomplete without “It’s a Small World.” Family and friends exited singing out loud following the “Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious” show. Payton Hovda addresses the audience April 18 during the AME firstgrade play, a tribute to favorite Walt Disney movie songs.

Channel your inner Jedi and head to the Neptune Room at the Seafood Marina, Bar and Grill, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez for the Anna Maria Elementary-Parent Teacher Organization spring gala. The annual event will be at 6 p.m. Friday, May 12, and the AME-PTO has announced this year’s gala has a “Star Wars” theme. Tickets are $65 and include a buffet dinner and desserts, complimentary wine and spirits, music and dancing and live and silent auctions. A cash bar also will be available. Tickets are on sale at the AME front desk, and tables of six, eight or 10 are available. The AME-PTO is asking area businesses to donate items to the silent and live auctions. The PTO also is seeking sponsors for the gala, which is the largest fundraiser of the year. To donate items or services, call the school office at 941-708-5525, visit the PTO online at www.amepto. org or contact Lindsay Sauls at lindsaymsauls@yahoo. com or call 512-968-6084.

By Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org

AME school calendar • 6 p.m. Thursday, April 27, Princess Ball. • 9:15 a.m. Friday, April 28, students field trip to Astro Skate and Fun Center, Bradenton. • Tuesday, May 2, teacher appreciation day; second-grade estuary study. • 1:15 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, early release. • 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 4, fourth-grade gardeners to Beach Bistro for lunch; third-grade estuary study. • 9 a.m Friday, May 5, AME speech contest. • 1 p.m. Friday, May 5, April and May birthday book club, media center. • Thursday, May 11, fifth-grade trip to Walt Disney World, Orlando. • 6 p.m. Friday, May 12, AME-PTO Spring Gala, Seafood Shack Marina, Bar and Grill, Neptune Room, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-7085525.

Waterfront donates AME dinner proceeds Matt Shafer, left, chef Justin Hibberts and wife Ali Hibberts from the Waterfront Restaurant, 111 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, pause April 18 at Anna Maria Elementary, where they served dinner to guests before the first-grade play. Jason Suzor, restaurant owner, donated 100 percent of the evening’s proceeds from the spaghetti dinner to the AME Parent-Teacher Organization. Islander Courtesy Photo

22 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

By Susan Huppert

Roser continues Golfing for God Golfers are invited to the IMG Academy Golf Club Wednesday, May 3, for a selection of options organized by Roser Memorial Community Church. Option 1 includes dinner and Bible study lead by the Rev. Dr. Bob Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keef at 5:30 p.m. for $20. Option 2 includes a golf clinic, taught by golf professionals, dinner and Bible study at 4:15 p.m. for $40. Option 3 includes a nine-hole scramble golf game, dinner and Bible study. The third option tees off at 2:45 p.m. and the cost is $35. Proper attire is required. For questions, call the church office at 941-778-0414.

Cannon misfire injures Privateer president

simple cremations

740

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Johnâ&#x20AC;? Swager, president of the Anna Maria Island Privateers, recuperates April 20 at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. Islander Photo: Courtesy Cindy Shealy-Swager it means a lot to him,â&#x20AC;? Shealy-Swager said. While known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Johnâ&#x20AC;? the privateer name Swager took years ago was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Redbeard.â&#x20AC;? Swager now jokes that he needs to change it to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greybeardâ&#x20AC;? as his red hair fades with age. Swager has served on the Privateer board for more than two decades. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just want to thank the community, the Privateers, our friends and our families for all the help and support we have had going through this. It really means a lot to us,â&#x20AC;? Shealy-Swager said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And thank you to all the wonderful staff at Blake for taking such good care of John.â&#x20AC;? Over the weekend, Cindy Swager said Big John was expected to leave the hospital April 23 and he fully expects to keep his date with her for the DeSoto Ball. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sandy Ambrogi

simple burials

1,195

Online arrangements available

(941) 312-6371 SoundChoiceCremation.com

WORSHIP WITH US SATURDAY AT 5 PM SUNDAY AT 9:30 AM Fellowship follows Sunday worship 6608 Marina Drive ~ Holmes Beach ~ 941-778-1813 www.gloriadeilutheran.com â&#x20AC;&#x153;All are welcomeâ&#x20AC;?

COMMUNITY CHURCH

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM AND 10:00 AM IN THE SANCTUARY

10:00 AM Nursery & Church School 8:45 AM Adult Bible Study 9:00 AM Book Study A NON-DENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service

Obituaries

Duane R. Benedict

Duane R. Benedict, 82, of Holmes Beach, died April 21. Born in Columbus, Ohio, he moved to Holmes Beach in 1997 from Gahanna, Ohio. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and active in the Boy Scouts in his youth. He also was a member of Lanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cruizin to the Hops. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Benedict Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice Inc. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janet; son Richard Todd Benedict of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; daughter Michele and husband Marc McMurphy of Henniker, New Hampshire; sister Beverly Reed of Bradenton; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Edward Lawrence Mihm Edward Lawrence Mihm, 96, of Bradenton Beach, died April 20. He was born in Philadelphia Nov. 28, 1920. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Ashtabula as a ship fitter. He was wounded and received the Purple Heart. After the war, he worked for the Navy as a civilian until his retirement in 1976, when he moved to Bradenton Beach. During his retirement years, he and his wife loved to travel and spent their summers in Chama, New Mexico. Graveside services with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 4, at Sarasota National Cemetery. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral. com. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Elaine Hoover; sons Edward of Lewes, Delaware, and William of Palmetto.

Pastor Rosemary Wheeler Backer

Wednesday, April 26 11:00 AM JOY (Just Older Youth) Brown Bag lecture series: roserchurch.com/joy

It was an instant just like hundreds of other times the replica cannon had been fired. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Johnâ&#x20AC;? Swager, president of the Anna Maria Island Privateers was preparing for a memorial cannon shot on the beach April 8 when the replica cannon shifted from its position and began to fall. Swager grabbed for it, fearing it might fire and hit bystanders. Instead, he was hit. When the cannon fired, Swager suffered extensive damage to his left hand and has spent days in and out of surgeries and ICU at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. He had a third surgery, eight hours long, April 17 to exchange blood vessels and veins from his thigh for the ones blown away in the accident. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The cannon fired between Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left thumb and his index finger. It blew the index finger completely off and his thumb was barely hanging there,â&#x20AC;? Swagerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife, Cindy Shealy-Swager, said in a phone interview April 20. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The doctors did miracles saving that thumb and the rest of his hand,â&#x20AC;? Shealy-Swager said of the efforts at Blake. A plan to sew Swagerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left hand into a skin pouch on his thigh to promote healing following the second surgery was abandoned, and grafts were instead performed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The doctors are really happy with how he is healing,â&#x20AC;? his wife said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is to be out of the hospital and to take part in the DeSoto Ball presentation April 28. This is his last year as president of the Privateers and

Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church St., Bradenton Beach, is an interdenominational church that worships Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Bible study is Thursdays at 11a.m. Longboat Island Chapel, a Christian-based interfaith community church, offers Sunday services of Communion and Healing at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. St. Bernard Catholic Church celebrates daily Mass at 8:30 a.m. Weekend Mass is Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Saturday Vigil is at 4 p.m. 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation offers Sunday Eucharist Rite I service at 8 a.m., followed by Rite II at 10:30 a.m. A Eucharist and healing prayer service is Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. The church is at 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

" !!! " !!!

Art by Joan Voyles

Gathering

Sunday worship at Roser is at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the sanctuary. A nursery is available during the 10 a.m. service. Adult Sunday school class is at 8:45 a.m. at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez, holds Bible study at 10 a.m. on Sundays, followed by worship at 11 a.m. and again at 5 p.m. The church meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday for midweek Bible study. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church holds worship at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. Sundays. Additional opportunities include a womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bible study at 10 a.m. and Experiencing Christianity at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Christ Church of Longboat Key holds worship service Sundays at 10 a.m. Weekly Bible studies for men are Mondays at 9 a.m. at the Presbyterian church at 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. CrossPointe Fellowship offers Sunday worship at 9 a.m., followed by study and fellowship in Life Groups at 10:30 a.m. Sunday Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Adventure is at 9 a.m., with life groups at 10:30 a.m. A traditional service with music and hymns is Saturday at 5 p.m. at the church, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Pastor Stephen King 8:30 and 10 am Sunday Services 300 Church Ave. â&#x20AC;˘ Bradenton Beach PO Box 243, Bradenton Beach 34217

2 blocks north of Bridge St. Clock Tower

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Only Just Begunâ&#x20AC;?

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 23

Anna Maria Island judge winds down â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;great careerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a great career in retrospect,â&#x20AC;? she said. Anna Maria Island resident Janette Dunnigan announced she will retire Aug. 31 after 23 years on the bench. From typist to judge, Dunnigan â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who moved to the island â&#x20AC;&#x153;the day after she graduated law schoolâ&#x20AC;? in 1980 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; looked back on her career April 18 with The Islander. A former prosecutor and assistant public defender, Dunnigan began as a family law judge in the 12th Circuit Court and, after presiding over criminal felony, civil, drug court and juvenile/dependency cases, is back in family court. Dunnigan also rotates as a judge at first appearances. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken small parts of at least two notable island cases â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Robert Coronaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arraignments after he was caught joyriding in Sabine Musil-Buehlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car in Nov. 6, 2008, which led to William Cumberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrest, confession and conviction for Musil-Buehlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s murder; and, in January, the first appearance for Eugene Matthews, charged with the second-degree murder of an island hairdresser, Rebecca Rawson. Dunnigan wrote the September 2014 opinion upholding the decision of the code enforcement board of the city of Holmes Beach against Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran for constructing a beachfront treehouse on their property in violation of a 50-foot setback. Her decision was affirmed. Dunnigan recalls the treehouse owners came to her door, collecting petition signatures to place the issue on the ballot. She said the owners were â&#x20AC;&#x153;very nice,â&#x20AC;? but she turned them away, saying she couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sign â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not saying why but seeing recognition in Tranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes, thinking she probably knew. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I never know who Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be seeing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken babies away from, whose kids Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve put in prison or them in prison,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen it all,â&#x20AC;? Dunnigan said, adding â&#x20AC;&#x153;so far people have been really nice.â&#x20AC;? She said she was in the drug court before the opioid epidemic, which she called a â&#x20AC;&#x153;horrible crisis.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;More frequently than not,â&#x20AC;? she continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had people come up to thank me for saving their lives

Retiring 12th Circuit Judge Janette Dunnigan presides April 19 in courtroom 2-A at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell by putting them in prison.â&#x20AC;? Born in New Jersey, Dunniganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family moved to North Carolina and then Zephyrhills in 1960, where she graduated high school, married her high-school sweetheart and began work as a legal secretary. After her marriage ended, Dunnigan, a single mother, worked through college and law school. She moved to 52nd Street in Holmes Beach â&#x20AC;&#x201D; behind the former Augieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza and near the office of dentist John Norman â&#x20AC;&#x201D; after graduating cum laude from Florida State University of Law. She bought her island home in 1995, â&#x20AC;&#x153;literally 15 minutes before the boom,â&#x20AC;? she said. Dunnigan began her legal career in Sarasota â&#x20AC;&#x201D; asked by former Public Defender Elliott Metcalfe Jr. to graduate early. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I crammedâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and in 1981, became the first full-time misdemeanor assistant public defender in Bradenton. Though Dunnigan says she â&#x20AC;&#x153;didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel itâ&#x20AC;? in her office in the 1980s, she recalls an â&#x20AC;&#x153;unsaid, unconscious biasâ&#x20AC;? against women attorneys.

BEN AND KAREN COOPER

Bathroom Remodeling

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 OfďŹ ce 941-795-4878 Fax

941-713-9190 Cell benacooper@aol.com Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue

1985 Mercedes 280 SL Mileage 41,000

In the event that 150 tickets are not sold, the raffle will become a 50/50 raffle

Drawing - April 25, 2017 Tickets available at moonraceranimalrescue.com MOONRACER NO KILL ANIMAL RESCUE, INC. IS A 501(C)3 ORGANIZATION FEDERAL TAX I.D. #45-1995123. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AS ALLOWED BY LAW. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION #CH42097 AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA OR BY ACCESSING THEIR WEBSITE AT: FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM

She stepped out of public service for about four years, taking her talents to a small commercial litigation firm in Sarasota. Another consideration in her career was a young daughter at Anna Maria Elementary School, prompting her to steer clear of private law firms that required 60-70 billable hours a week. In 1989, she became an assistant state attorney at former State Attorney Earl Morelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s urging. Gov. Lawton Chiles appointed Dunnigan to the 12th Circuit Court in 1994 and, while other women had been elected as circuit judges, she was the first woman recommended by the nominating commission. Beyond the day-to-day judicial responsibilities, Dunnigan helped design the Manatee County Judicial Center and has mentored younger attorneys. She helped establish the juvenile drug court after an adult drug court formed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time,â&#x20AC;? she said about her retirement and 18 months remaining on her term. She noted an emerging new generation of judges, â&#x20AC;&#x153;all young, good and hardworking.â&#x20AC;? Dunnigan teaches advanced legal writing as an adjunct professor at the Thomas Cooley School of Law in Tampa. She likes teaching, especially when she sees promise â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;one good student is worth the driveâ&#x20AC;? to Tampa and back home, she says. Dunnigan hopes to continue teaching, but looks forward to time off. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To be flippant, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m healthy, wealthy and wise, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see what lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like without deadlines.â&#x20AC;? At an April 19 first appearance, a woman pleaded with Dunnigan not to reduce the bond of her daughter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You saved me 20 years ago,â&#x20AC;? the woman said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please, save my daughter like you saved me. This is my daughter, who I will love until my last dying breath,â&#x20AC;? the woman said. Dunnigan smiled kindly, thanked the woman and said it couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been only her actions. Still, she upheld the bond and the womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter went back to jail. Another day, another defendant, in Judge Dunniganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great career.

â&#x2014;&#x2020; 25 Years Experience

L I F E A U T O H O M E B O AT B U S I N E S S

â&#x2014;&#x2020; Local, Licensed and Insured â&#x2014;&#x2020; Fast, Clean, High Quality

! " "

Call 786.318.8585

24 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach ‘hostage-taker’ pleads to misdemeanors The man who held some 40 police at bay for four hours outside a Key Royale home nearly a year ago pleaded no contest April 10 to two misdemeanors — exhibition of a firearm and assault. Gerald Harles II, 32, of Holmes Beach, was found guilty of the reduced charges. Twelfth Circuit Judge Susan Maulucci sentenced Harles to a 12-month probation on the firearm charge and a consecutive six months probation for the assault. The plea stems from Harles’ arrest after 911 calls brought officers from the Holmes Beach Police Department and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to the 500 block of 68th Street in May 2016. The 911-callers told police they were afraid of their son, who was drunk and tearing up their house. According to police reports, after HBPD officers came to their doorstep, Harles cocked a rifle behind his mother as she answered the door and the officers took cover behind their patrol vehicles. Prior to his plea, Harles faced two felony aggravated assault charges, for threatening his parents and a police officer with a firearm. In prior proceedings, Peter Lombardo, Harles’ attorney, told the court his client was asleep during most of the standoff. “I was happy I was able to convince the state that this man was overcharged,” Lombardo said about the plea deal. Harles was facing at least three years in prison, he said, adding his mother never wanted to pursue the charges. The court order requires Harles to undergo an alcohol evaluation, complete an anger management course

and perform 50 hours of public service. “Given the costs that were paid and the sanctions we were looking for — the anger management and investigative costs — we do think the resolution was an appropriate one,” Assistant State Attorney Darlene Ragoonanan said. She said the judge decided Harles could opt to “buy out” 25 hours at $10 per hour. Harles was fined $575 in court costs, $50 for the cost of prosecution and investigative costs — $865.88 for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and $925.21 for the HBPD. HBPD Detective Sgt. Brian Hall said he was glad to hear Harles will pay restitution due to the extra manpower expended. According to MCSO director of public information Dave Bristow, the $865 payment will reimburse MCSO for salaries. A $50,000 cash bond was posted in the case. Lombardo said the fines should be paid out of the cash bond. Lombardo filed April 17 to modify Harles’ probation to excuse him from checking in with his probation officer before leaving Manatee County for work. Lombardo also said he hopes the state will stipulate to the modification so Harles can occasionally perform real estate work out of the county. Ragoonanan said April 21 the state had not made a decision on the proposed modification.

BBPD arrests Bradenton man for restaurant theft A Bradenton Beach restaurant employee is accused of “thousands of dollars” in credit card thefts. John McKee, 48, of Bradenton, was arrested April 13 for grand theft after Island Time Bar and Grill owner Bill Herlihy and another employee filed a complaint

You can read it all online at www.islander.org

against the waiter with the Bradenton Beach Police Department. According to a BBPD probable cause report, McKee manipulated the restaurant-bar’s credit card chip reader and added tips to bills paid by McKee credit cards between December 2016 and February. McKee stole “thousands of dollars by keeping and adding tips,” the report stated. BBPD Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said McKee had worked for Island Time, 111 Gulf Drive S., for four years. Herlihy began noticing shortages on bank statements since Island Time started using the chip reader in December, Diaz said. McKee was fired and trespassed from the restaurant, according to Diaz. He posted a $1,500 bond after being booked at the Manatee County jail. His arraignment is set for 9 a.m. Friday, May 12, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Streetlife

Island police blotter

Anna Maria April 2, Bayfront Park, 316 North Bay Blvd., trespass. A man and woman sleeping on a beach were trespassed upon an affidavit signed by the director of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. The sheriff’s deputy determined the pair had no such prior warnings. They left the park. April 7, Palm Avenue and Gulf Boulevard, stolen/ recovered property. Three bikes reported stolen were found and returned to their owners in less than an hour. They were found at 6300 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, at a place where other stolen bikes had been located. April 12, 200 block of Iris Street, domestic disturbance. A couple argued about who would go shopping. A cup of tea was thrown. No injuries were reported. April 17, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, graffiti. Graffiti was found on the building. It consisted of a few names, was not gang-related and was removed by pressure washing. Anna Maria is policed by the MCSO. Bradenton Beach PLEASE SEE STREETLIFE, NEXT PAGE

º/ iÀiÊ ÃÊ Ê ÛiÊÃ ViÀiÀÊÌ > Ê Ì iÊ ÛiÊ vÊv `°»ÊpÊ ° °Ê- >Ü

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

SPECIAL SUNDAY BRUNCH Tues-Fri 11-9 | Sat 5-9 | Sunday Brunch 10:30-2 Closed Monday. Catering. Private room. 5629 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton Reservations appreciated: 941-792-O99O

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 25

STREETLIFE FROM PAGE 24 April 1, 400 block of Second Street North, public urination. A couple reported a man who lives on a boat in the anchorage area came ashore, urinated in Sarasota Bay and rode away on a bicycle. Bradenton Beach Police Department sent a request to the prosecutor to review the case. April 11, Coquina Beach/Cortez Beach, trespass. Officers found a 69-year-old woman sleeping next to a bus stop at 1 a.m. The officers told her to leave because the park closed at midnight, but she ignored the officers. BBPD called emergency medical services to determine if she was having a medical issue. She refused treatment. A female sheriff’s deputy was called to search the woman and she was transported to Manatee County jail. Bradenton Beach is policed by the BBPD. Cortez April 5, 127th and 128th streets and Sarasota Bay, suspicious circumstances. A neighbor reported seeing vehicles park by the bay and a woman taking pictures. The neighbor checked the shoreline and found a Visine bottle with clear liquid she thought to be heroin. Suspecting drug activity, the neighbor took photos of the vehicles and gave the photos and Visine to the sheriff. The MCSO reported the substance in the bottle did not appear to be heroin. The bottle was emptied and placed into an evidence locker. Cortez is policed by the MCSO. Holmes Beach April 18, 200 block of 72nd Street, noise. Holmes Beach police issued a noise citation after midnight to a 45-year-old visitor from New York after two people complained about the noise level. An officer responded, heard loud talking, music and laughing and measured the noise level at 55-67 decibels. April 18, 300 block of 60th Street, Baker Act. A woman was found throwing furniture from a balcony. Her son reported she had destroyed his property after cutting herself. EMS checked her after she faked passing out. She was taken into custody. April 19, D.Coy Ducks Tavern, 5410 Marina

“Best Restaurant in Florida” 4.9 out of 5 ZAGAT stars

941-778-6444 www.BeachBistro.com

Holmes Beach police arrest 2 on drug charges Two people from Hillsborough County were arrested April 17 after police found them sleeping in a vehicle in the Manatee Public Beach parking lot in possession of eight hypodermic needles, two glass pipes and 6.7 grams of Spice, a synthetic drug. Jonathan Scrocco, 27, of Brandon was arrested on nine counts of possessing drug paraphernalia. Selena Terwilliger, 20, of Valrico, was arrested on a paraphernalia charge. According to Holmes Beach Scrocco police reports, HBPD Officer Alan Bores observed Scrocco in the driver’s seat with keys in the ignition and the vehicle running and Terwilliger passed out in the passenger seat. Bores reported Scrocco had fresh track marks and Terwilliger attempted Terwilliger to hide a bag of Spice. Spice or XLR1, known as “fake marijuana,” is an illegal schedule-one narcotic. The officer allegedly found eight hypodermic needles containing fluid, a glass pipe, white residue in a clear bag and an open bottle of vodka in the vehicle search, according to police reports. The report stated Scrocco consented to the search. Scrocco also was ticketed for an open alcohol container. Both were transported to the Manatee County jail, where Scrocco was released after posting a $4,500 bond. Terwilliger posted $500 bond and was released. Drive, Marchman Act. Police found a woman passed out in a booth. Officers were unable to wake her due to extreme intoxication. She was taken into custody and transported to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. Holmes Beach is policed by the HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Both are pending arraignments at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

HBPD continues crackdown on alcohol violations Holmes Beach Police Department continues to ticket visitors for consuming alcohol in public — on the beaches and streets. A first-time alcohol violation is a $75 ticket, but violators can face up to a $250 fine if contested. Holmes Beach police report 30 alcohol violations in March, down from 55 in March 2016. The HBPD alcohol ticketing continued in April. On April 14, HBPD cited a 69-year-old Bradenton man for drinking a beer at the bus stop in the 600 block of Manatee Avenue West. The officer observed the man drinking beer and placing the empty bottle in a six-pack container with other bottles. More citations were issued April 16. Three females from Hillsborough County were cited after officers saw them drink beer from glass bottles on the beach near the 4900 block of Gulf Drive. The officers also issued them verbal warnings not to bring glass on the beach and warned one female for underage drinking. Holmes Beach police also cited a 32-year-old Kissimmee woman on the beach with beer and a grill. The officers warned her about the prohibition on fires on the beach and cited her for the alcohol violation. Patrolling the beach in the 5100 block of Gulf Drive, police observed two men drinking beer. The visitors from Celebration and Georgia were ticketed for the violation. On April 19, a 49-year-old Inverness man was cited for violating the city’s ordinance against public alcohol consumption after walking in the 5000 block of Gulf Drive drinking alcohol from a container in a brown paper bag. — Kathy Prucnell

Craft cocktail bar serving creative bar fare

The bistro’s little sidekick … Florida Trend’s “Best New Restaurant”

941-213-9926

941-778-0411 www.eathereflorida.com

www.DoctorsOfficeAMI.com

26 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Holes on the beach pose danger to walkers, sea turtles By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter â&#x20AC;&#x153;These arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the kind of holes a parent digs with their kid for fun,â&#x20AC;? Mark Taylor, beach cleanup tractor driver for Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, said April 18. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These can be up to 8 feet across and 5 feet deep.â&#x20AC;? Taylor, who rakes the beach with a tractor five days a week, said he has seen a lot of large holes left unfilled on the beach following the spring break flurry and some of these holes appeared to be dug with large, adult-sized shovels. Holes on the beach are a danger for beachwalkers and, as sea turtle nesting season approaches, can become traps for sea turtles, which must make their way on land to accomplish nesting. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the only time they leave the water and its unfamiliar terrain. During the period when female sea turtles nest and babies hatch, May 1-Oct. 31, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers walk a designated 1 mile stretch of beach each morning just after sunrise, looking for signs of nesting activity the night before and, later in the season, for hatchlings to emerge. AMITW executive director Suzi Fox said volunteers have been injured on morning walks by falling into holes on the shoreline. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a volunteer break her wrist and another fall then develop a blood clot, as a result,â&#x20AC;? Fox said. 9 said the strip of beach between 66th and 73rd Fox ; in Holmes Beach is a problematic area. streets : are more holes there because it is in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;There wider@ part of the island and draws more people,â&#x20AC;? Fox said.A Some including Panama Beach City, 1 cities, have adopted ordinances banning metal tools on the C beach. Violators in Panama City Beach receive a verbal 1 warning 0 and a $25 fine. None of the three island municipalities have an

about safety when he sees them digging. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our responsibility to keep the beach safe,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just do the best we can to strike a balance with people.â&#x20AC;? Taylor says the large holes often are adjacent to large sandcastles. He said he leaves the sandcastles up as long as he can for people to enjoy, but inevitably uses the sand to fill the hole. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to discourage people from having fun at the beach,â&#x20AC;? Taylor said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just want people to clean up after themselves and fill in holes when they are done.â&#x20AC;? To report a large hole on the beach or for assistance or other possible code violations, please contact code enforcement for the appropriate city. For more information about AMITW, or to report a sick, injured or dead sea turtle, contact Fox at suzilfox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638. Mark Taylor, beach cleanup tractor driver with the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, takes a break April 18 from raking the shoreline near 65th Street in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes ordinance in place prohibiting metal tools on the beach, but according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, no large equipment is allowed on the beach during sea turtle season. Taylor is the only DEP permitted beach tractor driver in the state during sea turtle season, according 9 to Fox. Fox says she asks management;at beachfront hotels to remind their guests to fill in their : holes at the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end. @ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to them because they want to ensure A their guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; safety as well,â&#x20AC;? Fox said. 1 on the beach Taylor said he speaks with people

$2 @ The

Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

@ 4 A 2 > 5 /,,/5 #2 .,+.' /1 ,, ( "*' 3. @UglyGrouper /UglyGrouper ? - @ ! 8 8 # 8 ! $ #! 8 ! 8 !" ! # ? CLOSED FOR ASomething

EASTERFun Every Day! :

$ "!

! % " " $ #

! ! % #

9 ; : @ A 1 C 1 0 @ 4 A 2 > 5 ? @ ? A :

%1+.% 1+4' 7 7 &/- #),6 1/30'1

C 1 0 @ 4 A 2 > 5 ? @ ? A :

â&#x20AC;˘ DO turn off or adjust lighting along the beachfront to prevent nesting sea turtles from becoming disoriented. â&#x20AC;˘ DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T release sky lanterns or balloons. â&#x20AC;˘ DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T use flashlights or camera flashes on the beach at night. â&#x20AC;˘ DO clear the way at the end of the day. Remove items such as boats, tents, rafts and beach furniture and fill in holes or flatten sand castles before dusk. City of Anna Maria: 941-708-6130, ext. 139 or ext. 129. City of Bradenton Beach: 941-778-1005, ext. 280. City of Holmes Beach: 941-708-5800, ext. 247.

!!% Best Brunch Every Day! # & Landmark ! %

A Longboat Key

Harryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deli = DELICIOUS

Party Specialists for your entertaining

RESTAURA DELI CATERING CORNER STORE RE

5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive â&#x20AC;˘ Longboat Key, FL

941.383.0777 â&#x20AC;˘ h harryskitchen.com

! % $

$ ! % " " $ ! %

On the beach

$ # &

9 ; : @ A 1 C 1 0 @ 4

A 2 > 5 Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Brunch ? May 14th, 2017 @ 12:30 - Sunday, $25.95++ per person @ for full menu ?Visit www.imgacademygolfclub.com A :

$ " " !

Reservations Required: 941-758-1467

4350 El Conquistador Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34210

imgacademygolfclub.com

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 27

An American alligator. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises that as temperatures warm, alligators may be more visible and more active. Islander Courtesy Photo: FWC

By Lisa Neff

Great gators Would you rather wade into a pond where there might be alligators or would you rather swim where there might be sharks? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Would you rather?â&#x20AC;? is a widely popular game in my family and, as an islander whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hosted at least a dozen visiting kids over a dozen years, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard variations of this question more than a dozen times. I always answer, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wade with an alligatorâ&#x20AC;? because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a much better walker â&#x20AC;&#x201D; even moving backward â&#x20AC;&#x201D; than swimmer. Neff But on a recent tour at a wildlife refuge in east Manatee, I learned I just might be better off swimming with a shark than an alligator. Both animals might bite. Both might be aggressive. But the shark is more likely to release me than the gator. The American alligator is usually docile but dangerous when surprised, approached too closely or threatened in any way. The alligator will bite, pull you down and go into what experts call â&#x20AC;&#x153;the death roll.â&#x20AC;? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently released its annual spring advisory about alligators â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;tips for living with alligatorsâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which include: â&#x20AC;˘ Swim during daylight hours. â&#x20AC;˘ Keep pets on a leash and away from water. â&#x20AC;˘ Do not feed an alligator. â&#x20AC;˘ Keep your distance. In the spring, when temperatures rise, alligators become more active. Although alligator incidents are rare, the FWC recommends â&#x20AC;&#x153;taking precautions when having fun in and around the water.â&#x20AC;? This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a reference to the waters of Anna Maria Island, because alligators generally arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t found in salt water â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they tolerate salt water but only for a few hours, maybe a couple of days. Alligators do inhabit all 67 counties in Florida and can be found anywhere there is standing water â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ponds, swamps, rivers, marshes, canals, ditches, swimming pools. The reptile controls its body temperature by basking in the sun, so gators also are found out of water â&#x20AC;&#x201D; on shorelines, culverts, patios, porches, and who hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen videos of them crawling along Interstate

75 and lumbering across a golf course? The FWC estimates the state is home to about 1.3 million alligators but that was not always the case. You know the history or probably can guess. American alligators â&#x20AC;&#x201D; having survived on the earth for 200 million years â&#x20AC;&#x201D; were depleted from many parts of the Southeast throughout their range as a result of hunting and habitat destruction in the 1900s. Populations reached all-time lows in the 1950s and the species was listed as â&#x20AC;&#x153;endangeredâ&#x20AC;? in 1967 under the federal law that was the precursor to the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The American alligator was in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Federal legislation prohibited the hunting of alligators, allowing the species to rebound in many locations, and the FWS declared the species recovered in 1987. However, the FWS continues to protect the alligator under the Endangered Species Act as â&#x20AC;&#x153;threatened due to similarity of appearanceâ&#x20AC;? to several species of

caimans and crocodiles that are threatened with extinction. Today the FWC characterizes Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alligator population as healthy and stable â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a conservation success story. Would you rather read any other tale? Or would you rather dine on farm-raised alligator tail?

American alligator, alligator mississippiensis.

Island to celebrate National Arbor Day People are invited Friday, April 28, to tree plantings to celebrate National Arbor Day. People also are invited to plant a free tree in their yard to celebrate the holiday. Local plans for Arbor Day include: â&#x20AC;˘ At 9 a.m., the city of Anna Maria will plant five green buttonwoods near the City Pier, 100 N. Bay Blvd. The trees were provided by Keep Manatee Beautiful and the Osceola Chapter NSDAR. â&#x20AC;˘ At 10 a.m., the city of Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee will celebrate the planting of five silver buttonwoods and 12 Texas sage trees near the basketball courts at 62nd Street West and Marina Way. Keep Manatee Beautiful funded the project. â&#x20AC;˘ At 11 a.m., the city of Bradenton Beach will plant three live oaks at Lou Barolo Park on Highland Avenue at Fourth Street North. The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is funding the project. â&#x20AC;˘ At noon, Manatee County government will plant

three Southern red cedars near the entrance to Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Plantings also will take place near the Perico Bridge on the Palma Sola Scenic Highway/Manatee Avenue. Keep Manatee Beautiful said the causeway project includes planting three sand oaks, one Jamaican dogwood, three sea grapes, three green buttonwoods, five varnish leafs, two pigeon plums, three saffron plums, five red mangroves and several native shrubs. Also, grading and shelling of the shoreline will take place, made possible by the Bradenton Tree Fund, the Eaton Fund, Keep Manatee Beautiful, the Florida Native Plant Society, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, SMR Aggregates Inc. and Woodruff & Sons. Throughout the day at the tree celebrations, the Florida Forest Service will give away 250 longleaf pine seedlings and 250 slash pine seedlings. For more information, go online to manateebeautiful.com or call KMB at 941-795-8271.

SERVING GOURMET ICE CREAM SINCE 1984

$100 OFF Any Size Pizza FREE DELIVERY!

â?&#x160; Truly Homemade Ice Cream

(yes, we really make it ourselves)

OMA PIZZA

â?&#x160; Voted Best Ice Cream â?&#x160; Open 7 Days a Week

& ITALIAN RESTAURANT

' " $"-"% "% $ . !" # % . ")! . )* Makers of the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Pizza Makers of the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Pizza ' % ,) . *& " %" !* +$ ( . ( %*&% ! &(

Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x160;Ă&#x192;iiĂ&#x160;Ă&#x153;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x153;iĂ&#x160;Ă&#x153;iĂ&#x20AC;iĂ&#x160;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x153;Ă&#x152;i`Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;i

www.tylersicecream.com Manatee Ave & 59th 941-243-3841

Cortez & 119th 941-794-5333

HAXEN FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS (Please call to reserve ahead)

Chicken â&#x20AC;&#x153;Paprikash.â&#x20AC;? Grilled Chicken over Hungarian Paprika Sauce with SpĂ¤tzle and Side Salad. Mon-Sat 5-9 941.778.1320 http://schnitzel.house 3246 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach

Longboat Center Shops 941-383-6935

ALL MONTH LONG

LUCKY DUCKY RACE FOR PACE Adopt a Duckâ&#x20AC;Ś Help a Girl! irl! PACE Center For Girls 8th Annual Lucky Ducky Race â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 13th! Get Your Ducks Here!

Stop by any day this month and buy a duck for your chance to win a new Chevy Cruze (2-year lease or $6,000) sponsored by Cox Chevrolet! Ă&#x203A;>Â&#x2C6;Â?>LÂ?iĂ&#x160;>Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;>Â?Â?Ă&#x160;{Ă&#x160;Â?Â&#x153;V>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;t

PIER 941.778.AMOB (2662)Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; - Ă&#x160;Â&#x2122;{ÂŁÂ°Ă&#x2021;xnÂ°Ă&#x2021;nnĂ¤Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; ",/ <Ă&#x160;Â&#x2122;{ÂŁÂ°Ă&#x2021;Â&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Â°Ă¤Ă¤Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; /" Ă&#x160;Â&#x2122;{ÂŁÂ°Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x201C;ÂŁÂ°Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x17D;

28 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Adult football league: And then there were 4 By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter First-round playoff action in the adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island produced no surprises as the fifth, sixth and seventh seeds were eliminated during playoff action April 20. A champion will be crowned Thursday, April 27, when semifinal action narrows the field to two teams that will battle for the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bragging rights in the championship game that kicks off at 8:30 p.m. Beach to Bay Construction Cassidy edged Mason Martin Construction 30-25 behind the all-around play of quarterback Tim Shauhnessy. Shaughnessy threw for 80 yards and three touchdown passes, while also running for 36 yards and catching a 60-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Roberts. Roberts chipped in with 25 receiving yards and a touchdown reception, while Brianna Roberts and Joe Ball each contributed a touchdown reception. Quarterback Charles Buky helped keep Mason Martin by completing13 of 22 passes for 140 yards and three touchdown passes. Frank Agnelli was the leading receiver, finishing with 80 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns, while David Dunham posted a touchdown reception and a 50-yard touchdown pass. Chad Woods completed the scoring in the loss with a touchdown reception and finished with 70 receiving yards. Tylerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ice Cream rolled to a 38-19 victory over Progressive Cabinetry in the second playoff matchup behind the play of Zach Shield. Shield completed 10 passes for 150 yards, two touchdown passes and two

Center to host youth karate championship A youth karate championship will take place 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Sensei Omar Schwanzer, who has been teaching youth karate since 2013 and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-defense since 2014, will present the tournament. The fee for competitors will be $10. There is no admission fee for the audience. Competition will include contests in karate forms, karate weapons and board breaking. The competition is for all levels, from white belt to black belt, and is open to children ages 4-12. Schwanzer is an instructor in karate, kali silat and kickboxing at Dojo Martial Arts in Bradenton, as well as a self-defense instructor at AMI Fitness in Holmes Beach. He also teaches childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s karate at the center. For more information call Schwanzer at 727741-3992. Established 2008

extra points, while adding an interception return for a touchdown on defense. Tyler Lancaster also had a big game, finishing with 70 rushing yards and 40 receiving yards, including a touchdown reception and extra point. KD Belton finished with 50 receiving yards and a touchdown reception, while also picking off two passes and taking them both to the end zone. Christina Calvary completed the scoring for Tylerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with a touchdown and an extra point and finished with 35 receiving yards. Progressive Cabinetry received three touchdown passes and a 120 passing yards from quarterback Jason Sato and touchdown receptions from Chris Sullins, Greg Ross and Sean McCarthy, who finished with a team-high 50 receiving yards in the loss. Youth soccer completes second week of action Youth soccer at the center completed three games in its second week, starting with a pair of games April 21 in the 8-10 division. Progressive Cabinetry outscored Wash Family Construction 6-4 behind four goals from Jackson Pakbaz and a goal and three assists from Ewan Cloutier. Jack McCarthy scored a goal to complete the scoring for Progressive. Riley Lawson was the main story for Wash Family Construction, scoring all four goals. Banks Beukema added an assist, while Dalton Fox helped keep Wash in the game with 11 saves between the pipes. The second game of the evening saw Truly Nolen roll to a 4-2 victory over Slimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place behind four goals from Jack Mattick and an assist from Nick Yatros. Victor Albrecht and Lily Kawahata each made four saves in goal to help preserve the victory. Aiden Templeton and Gregory Jordan scored a goal each, while Gabe Hoover added an assist in the loss. Salty Printing outlasted Sign-A-Rama 7-6 April 22 to even up the standings in the two-team 11-14 division. Thomas Heckler led the way with three goals and an assist, while also making four saves in goal. David Daigle added a goal and an assist and Javier Rivera finished with two goals and three saves in the victory for Salty Printing. German Rivera led Sign-A-Rama with three goals and an assist and Tyler Brewer finished with three goals. Tuna McCracken racked up five saves and Connor Ludwig made three saves for Sign-A-Rama in the loss. Key Royale golf news Lex Halakan, Ron Buck, Mike Gillie and Quentin Talbert all posted impressive plus-4 scores to finish in a four-way tie for first place during an April 17 quota-points match at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. Halakan also was part of the winning team of Dian Miller, Larry Pippel and Blake Ress on a combined plus-6, earning clubhouse bragging rights for the day. The women of KRC took the course April 18 for a nine-hole individual-low-net match in four flights.

12:50a 1:46a 2:46a 3:56a 5:26a 3:28p 4:38p 9:22a

HIGH

1.8 12:07p 1.7 12:38p 1.6 1:12p 1.4 1:51p 1.3 2:35p 2.4 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2.1 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1.6 6:19p

2.3 2.5 2.6 2.6 2.5 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1.9

LOW

AM City Pier tides; Cortez high tides 7 minutes later â&#x20AC;&#x201D; lows 1:06 later

Always fishinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for news.

Moon

-0.3 New -0.4 -0.4 -0.4 -0.3 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1.4 1st

O OFFSHORE ' )) * *(-) *

LIGHT G T Y C . * 1 *+ 0) *# ' #' %( % / , *+ 3 # '+ Full / Half Day T*#)+ 3 3 www ), #'/ ** ' (& (($ ), #' arren

941-962-8675

6:03a 0.7 7:04p 6:31a 0.9 7:54p 6:58a 1.0 8:47p 7:23a 1.2 9:46p 7:47a 1.2 10:50p 11:58p -0.2 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1:06a -0.1 12:34p

Send sports and fishing news, photos to news@islander.org

INSHORE RE 2sh '(($

Anna Maria Island Tides April 26 April27 April28 April29 April30 May1 May2 May3

Sign up underway for adult soccer The center is now registering adult players for a spring soccer league. Cost is $5 for center members and $120 for non-members. Players can register online until May 6 at www.centerami.org or by visting the center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Player evaluations will be at 7 p.m. May 9 and a draft will follow that evening. The season action kicks off May 18. Anyone interested in sponsoring a team or for more information, contact recreation director Will Schenerlein at will@centerami.org or 941-778-1908, ext. 9205.

Capt. Warren Girle

Clancyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boat Detailing

Date

Horseshoe news Dom Livedoti and Karl Thomas were the undisputed champions during April 19 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits after posting the only 3-0 pool-play record. Two teams emerged from pool play during April 22 action that saw Livedoti again earn a trip to the winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circle. This time, Livedoti â&#x20AC;&#x153;walkedâ&#x20AC;? to the winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circle by destroying Steve Doyle and Bob Demont 25-4. 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.

Fishing Charters

Insured

Specializing in boats under 34â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ClancyBD@yahoo.com

Phyllis Roe rode a closest-to-the-pin shot of 18 feet 6 inches to the best low-gross round of the day with a 35. Her low-net score of 5-under-par 27 gave her the win in Flight A by two strokes over Helen Pollock. Marcia Helgeson was alone in third with a 2-under-par 30. Beatrice Friebeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7-under-par 25 was the low-net score of the day and gave her first place in Flight B by three strokes over Sharon Tarras and Connie Livanos. Beth Lindeman carded a 4-under-par 28 to win Flight C with Jan Turner and Barb Harold both two strokes back. Flight D went to Terry Westby, who fired a 4-underpar 28 to outpace second-place finisher Beverly Nevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2-under-par 30. The men were back on the course April 19 for the annual Spring Stag Day that saw 43 golfers. Dave Richardson posted the best low-gross score with a 2-over-par 34, while Chet Hutton and Paul Phillips tied for the best low-net score on matching 4-under-par 28s. The team of John Kolojeski, Phillips, Gino DiClemente and Vince Mercadante combined on a 4-underpar 124 to win the team low-net competition. Ron Vandeman won the closest-to-the-pin contest on number 16.

www.islander.org

Southernaire Fishing Charters

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 29

Inshore, nearshore anglers hook up fish aplenty By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Despite an abundance of boaters throughout our region — just like traffic on the roads — the waterways also see increased use in high season and fishing around Anna Maria Island is putting smiles on anglers’ faces. The inshore bite on snook and spotted seatrout is especially good, with daily limits on trout and plenty of rallies on snook. Offshore, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, cobia, permit, amberjack Stasny and blackfin tuna are being reported. These fish are being found around wrecks and reefs and areas where hard bottom and ledges exist. My results on Southernaire fishing charters include snook, redfish and trout — to name a few. I’m also seeing an occasional flounder, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and shark. For the snook and redfish, I’m targeting shallow grass flats during the incoming tides. Mangrove shorelines are usually present, although a little structure, such as oyster bars or seawalls, can be a great addition. The spotted seatrout I’m catching are hanging on the deeper flats — 7-10 feet in depth. Mixed in with these trout are bluefish, mackerel and an occasional blacktip shark. Capt. Aaron Lowman is working the flats of Anna Maria Sound and Sarasota Bay, where he is encountering spotted seatrout, as well as Spanish mackerel and bluefish. This bite is occurring on deep grass flats while using live shiners as bait. On shallower flats, Lowman reports snook are ferociously responding to free-lined shiners cast along mangrove shorelines. On his ventures into the Gulf of Mexico, where limestone ledges make up the terrain on the bottom, Lowman is finding mangrove snapper, mackerel, bonito and catch-and-release grouper. Capt. Jason Stock is running clients offshore with good results. Live free-lined shiners, threadfin herring and cigar minnows are attracting the attention of many predators, including cobia, kingfish and amberjack. These fish are turning up around offshore wrecks and reefs. Also found in these areas: the elusive permit. To lure these “garbage can lids” to the hook, Stock is sight-casting live crabs into schooling fish, resulting in permit up to 30 pounds. Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is putting clients on fish on the flats of southern Tampa Bay and beyond. By casting live shiners along mangrove shorelines during the higher stages of the tide, Gross is leading clients to a variety of species. The snook, redfish and spotted seatrout hiding in these areas and are not safe with Fishy Business in the vicinity. Also in Tampa Bay, Gross is hooking up with a

jmsnookykyayakcharters.com 23’ Custom Hanson Bay & Kayak Charters

cies. Kingfish, Spanish mackerel and blackfin tuna are White’s focus while working in the Gulf of Mexico. Live shiners as bait, as well as an array of cigar minnows, threadfin herring and even pinfish, are getting the job done. Moving inshore, White is enjoying seeing spotted seatrout, snook and redfish being reeled to his boat. Capt. Warren Girle is catching some fine fish on his runs in the Gulf of Mexico. By targeting structure — reefs and wrecks — Girle is hooking up clients with plenty of mangrove snapper and grouper. Kingfish, Spanish mackerel and an occasional cobia are showing up in these areas, too. Moving inshore, Girle is finding an abundance of spotted seatrout throughout the deeper grass flats of Sarasota Bay, where shallower areas adjacent to mangrove shorelines or oyster bars are providing action on redfish and snook. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org. Bud Sienkiewicz of West Seneca, New York, shows off the tuna he landed April 17 on a free-lined pinfish while drifting in 63 feet of water off Anna Maria with Bill DiMenna of Holmes Beach on his boat. mix of flounder, barracuda, bluefish and Spanish mackerel. All of these fish are being caught via live shiners as bait. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is hunting offshore reefs and wrecks for a variety of spe-

Boating course offered The Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron is offering the America’s Boating Course starting April 24. The classes will run for five sessions at 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the squadron building, 1200 71st St. NW, Bradenton. The course, administered by AMISPS and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, teaches the skills and knowledge to safely operate a boat. Students will learn state and federal rules and regulations governing boating, as well as about equipment, nautical terms, anchoring, trailering, aids to navigation, VHF radio use and personal watercraft operation. Any person born after Jan. 1, 1988, who operates a vessel powered by a 10-hp or more motor must take this coarse to earn a Florida Boating Safety Identification Card. The cost is $55 or $85 for two people. Registration is required. To register, call the squadron at 941-7920394.

Glenn Hoffert of Washington, D.C., shows off the 36-inch snook he caught — and “promptly revived and released” — while on an April 17 charter with Capt. Aaron Lowman. The linesider was hooked on a live shiner along a mangrove shoreline on 10-poundtest line. Hoffert and his kids also caught a mess of seatrout and a few redfish, according to Lowman.

Red tide in low concentrations A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, remains in in background to low concentrations in Manatee County, according to surveys reported April 20. For more information about red tide in Florida, go to myfwc.com/redtidestatus.

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

941.465.8932 Offshore boat available for up to 6 clients

727-459-5899

jmsnooky@gmail.com USCG Certified & Insured

AnnaMariaFishing Guide.com

DOCKED AT SEAFOOD SHACK > ÌÊUÊ/>V iÊUÊ ViÊUÊ >À iÊ Õi ÀiÊÞ ÕÊÀi>`ÞÊv ÀÊÃ«À }ÊwÊÃ }¶Ê

7iÊ >ÛiÊ Ü >ÌÊÞ ÕÊ ii`° IN-HOUSE PROFESSIONAL ROD REPAIR

ISLAND DISCOUNT TACKLE 5503 MARINA DRIVE at KEYES MARINA, HB

Open Daily 7AM 941-779-2838

941-778-2711

Major Credit Cards Accepted

Visit us at … www.IslandDiscountTackle.com

30 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

isl

Earthmovers and cranes have started work at Harbour Isle, 12300 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, in preparation for a new marina at the residential development. Work began in earnest the week of April 17. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

What’s up in business? What kind of crane is that? The towering crane on Perico Island at the Harbour Isle development is hard to miss. But it wasn’t a sandhill crane sauntering on the shoreline, rather a crane of the metal type, readying the site for the new Harbour Isle Marina — 119 boat slips and adjoining restaurant. The Minto development has a variety of residences, from two-story townhomes to coach homes and midlevel condos for sale, some overlooking Anna Maria Sound and, soon, a marina and waterfront dining. Which came first, the doughnut or the hole? If you’ve ventured up and down Anna Maria’s Pine Avenue, chances are you might have stopped in for a doughnut at the Donut Experiment, 210c Pine Ave. For the husband-wife team of Cecilia and Shawn Wampole, it’s been a very successful experiment. Five years ago, the couple and their young children came to Anna Maria for vacation from outside Philadelphia and, as the familiar old story goes, they were smitten with the island. The Wampoles went north, packed up and returned, laser-focused on opening a doughnut shop, which they found lacking on Anna Maria Island. Fast forward to 2017, and the Donut Experiment is set to open its fourth franchise in Clearwater Beach in May. Other locations — franchise shops — can be found on Siesta Key and in Cocoa Beach. Tourists and locals alike can be found lined up mornings at the Pine Avenue doughnut haven, munching on cake doughnuts topped with Key lime, maple

bacon and caramel sea salt. Everything is made to order, so pick your icing and toppings. In this case, the hole — the missing doughnut shop — came before the Wampoles. Beach House renovations completed After a four-year, four-phase renovation, the Chiles Group has completed the Beach House Restaurant transformation at 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. “Casual waterfront dining at its best, that was our goal,” owner Ed Chiles said in a news release April 19. “We wanted it to be a world-class location.” The outside deck now is an all-weather venue with vinyl curtains, heaters and misters so diners are able to sit outside and enjoy the ocean-view in all types of weather. A state-of-the-art retractable awning allows for total sunlight or complete shade. The sought-after “toes in the sand” tables are still available, as is indoor seating. The Beach House also added a new outside deck, a bold new outside bar and extensive native landscaping with a sustainable water system. A separate wedding venue has been portioned off

WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

from the regular dining area and a private sitting room and suite for the bride have been added.

BizCal

Chambers crank up spring calendar

This is the final week for Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce scholarship applications. Four local seniors will be named for the college awards. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Friday, April 28. Winners will be notified in mid-May. May will be ushered in with the monthly chamber luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, at the Freckled Fin, 101 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. The coffee will start flowing for the May sunrise breakfast at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 10, at Water’s Edge of Bradenton Senior Living, 3229 19th St. W., Bradenton. The cost to attend is $8 for members and PLEASE SEE CHAMBER, NEXT PAGE

Every day, Mosaic puts science to work right here in our community. Our reclamation team and ecologists use the latest technology and scientific methods to reclaim formerly mined lands, creating natural corridors for native wildlife and even reviving streams that haven’t existed for over a century. As a global leader in reclamation ecology, Mosaic is pioneering new environmental approaches to create vital habitats and land uses for future generations — both ours and nature’s. Ashlee, a Mosaic ecologist, works to reclaim land like the 500-acre wetland located at the north fork of the Manatee River. This freshwater marsh has become a sanctuary for various plant and wildlife species. To learn more about Mosaic’s leadership in reclamation ecology, visit MosaicCo.com/Florida.

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 31

CHAMBER FROM PAGE 30 $16 for perspective members. On your mark! Get your clubs ready for the annual shotgun start of the AMI chamber golf outing at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 19, at the IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton. A hole-in-one contest will feature a new Ford Mustang convertible. Dinner and a raffle will finish the day and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just for members. The public is invited to participate. For more information, contact the chamber at 941778-1541 or visit the website at annamariaislandchamber.org. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is located at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will hold its May â&#x20AC;&#x153;BAHâ&#x20AC;? event, business after-hours, at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 11, at LeColonne Restaurant, 22 S. Boulevard of the Presidents, St. Armands Circle. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Appetizers will be served and a cash bar will include happy hour prices. The LBK chamber May 360 new member and refresher will be held at the chamber office 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 16. A tour of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;members onlyâ&#x20AC;? section of the chamber website will demonstrate how the chamber can benefit a business. A free continental breakfast is included, but reservations are required. For more information, call 941-383-2466, visit the website at longboatkeychamber.com or the office at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 102, Longboat Key.

PropertyWatch

Real estate transactions

By Jesse Brisson Special to The Islander 517 Villa Rosa Way, Anna Maria, a 3,100 sfla 3bed/4bath/3car canalfront pool home built in 2016 on a 7,884 sq ft lot was sold 03/31/17, Carden to Parker for $1,900,000; list $2,049,000. 705 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, a 2,421 sfla / 4,448 sfur 3bed/3Â˝bath/2car pool home built in 2001 on a 5,100 sq ft lot was sold 03/30/17, Black to Yellowbird Anna Maria LLC for $1,685,000. Brisson 623 Foxworth Lane, Holmes Beach, a 2,110 sfla / 2,700 sfur 4bed/4bath/2car canalfront pool home built in 1970 on a 11,543 sq ft lot was sold 03/27/17, Hemmert to Clements for $900,000; list $975,000. 231 Chilson Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,290 sfla / 1,684 sfur 2bed/2bath canalfront pool home built in 1971 on a 8,362 sq ft lot was sold 03/30/17, Oliver to Jackson for $836,000; list $869,000. Business news 612 Baronet Lane, Holmes Beach, a 2,109 sfla / Does your business celebrate achievements? 2,752 sfur 3bed/2bath/1car canalfront pool home built in 1966 on a 11,456 sq ft lot was sold 03/31/17, Wurz- Maybe youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just opened the doors, received an award or recognition or staff deserves kudos. Submit bach to Herbst for $780,000; list $849,900. 304 66th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,428 sfla / 1,816 your information to news@islander.org.

Brock Real Estate Inc.

EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS

Greg Brock

43 Years of Professional Service to Anna Maria Island

REAL ESTATE BROKER

Heronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Watch 10 minutes to beaches. 4 BR + Den. Excellently maintained, tastefully decorated. MLS A4142821. $373,900.

941-896-8822

101-103 26th St. W. BUILD NEW with river view, keep historical cottage. $419,000. VACATION/SEASONAL RENTALS GULFFRONT PROPERTIES BOOKING NOW 941-778-0807

.tdollyyoungrealestate.com

sfur 3bed/2bath/1car home built in 1965 on a 8,160 sq ft lot was sold 04/04/17, Ress to Berg for $623,000. 207 84th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,648 sfla / 2,326 sfur 3bed/2bath/2car pool home built in 1971 on a 9,000 sq ft lot was sold 03/29/17, Turner Leathem to Stucky for $600,000; list $629,000. 668 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,717 sfla / 2,865 sfur 3bed/2bath/2car canalfront home built in 1971 on a 11,151 sq ft lot was sold 03/28/17, Reichl to Idle Realty LLC for $550,000; list $599,000. 306 74th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,402 sfla / 2,264 sfur 3bed/2bath/2car home built in 1973 on a 8,500 sq ft lot was sold 03/30/17, Relyea to 306 74th LLC for $485,000. 6327 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,206 sfla / 2,045 sfur 3bed/2bath/2car condo with shared pool built in 1988 was sold Wahl to Forsthoffer for $470,000; list $549,000. 201 17th St. N., Bradenton Beach, a vacant 7,411 sq ft lot was sold 04/04/17, Lott Keel Holdings LLC to 201 17th LLC for $465,000. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria, can be reached at 941-778-7244.

(941) 778-6066 WWW.CALLTHE ISLANDERS.COM

JOHN@CALLTHEISLANDERS.COM

Serving Anna Maria Island, Bradenton and Manatee County brockrealestatein.com

greg@brockrealestateinc.com

John van Zandt 6101 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, FL 34217

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Old Florida with a New Twistâ&#x20AC;? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Â°>Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2DC;>Â&#x201C;>Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;>Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Â?>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x20AC;i>Â?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;Â°VÂ&#x153;Â&#x201C;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Â&#x2122;{ÂŁÂ°xĂ&#x2C6;Ă&#x2021;Â°xĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;{ xĂ&#x2021;Ă¤Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;>Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;i]Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Â?Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160; i>VÂ&#x2026; -/Ă&#x160;-iÂ?iVĂ&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160;New Construction Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; \Ă&#x160;"* Ă&#x160; "1- Ă&#x160;ÂŁÂ&#x2021;{Ă&#x160;ÂŤÂ&#x201C;Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;`>Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160; ÂŤĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x160;Ă&#x17D;Ă¤

RENTAL HOME OWNERS Why pay more than 15% commission for great quality and outstanding service? 727 HOLLY ROAD, ANNA MARIA $1,149,000 3 BEDROOMS/ 2.5 BATHS SQFT 2,321 CHARMING! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect word to describe this Key West-style home at the desirable north end of the island. Quaint backyard with tropical landscaping, private dock and plenty of room for a pool!

313 HARDIN AVE., ANNA MARIA $1,245,000 3 BEDROOMS / 3 BATHS SQFT 2,039 Elevated canal home with dock and boat lift on a quiet street in Anna Maria. Close to the beaches, shops and restaurants on Pine Avenue. Private backyard, large heated pool and spa and lots of outdoor living space for family gatherings!

Benefit from our state-of-the art tools: Responsive website, online booking, travel insurance, safe credit card processing, 24/7 inquiry responder, keyless, every day check-in. Family owned and managed: Enjoy the personal touch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be treated as a VIP and not like a number. Get in touch with us. Let us detail our favorable conditions for renting and managing your rental. We also serve you in German, French, Italian and Spanish.

More than 200 beautiful hand-selected properties to choose from.

!"#$%&'()*+,*#'' -).*/&*0'1*",'2&3"3*'4#5$*#'' Visit us: Florida Dreams Realty of AMI Inc.

Stop by our offices or visit our web-site to book your next vacation in paradise!

Ă&#x17D;ÂŁxĂ&#x160;*Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x160; Ă&#x203A;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x2022;iĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2DC;>Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;> 941-779-0733 www.annamariaparadise.com

3340 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 Office 941-462-4016 Cell 941-779-5700 Email: info@florida-dreams.com www.florida-dreams.com

Download our FREE APP

32 n APRIL 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

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

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

ITEMS FOR SALE

BOATS & BOATING

FREEZER: 5.5-BY-2.5 feet, commercial, heavy duty with lock. $50. 941-778-3106.

BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941685-1400.

HENRY LINK WICKER bedroom set. King headboard, entertainment center, $350. Excellent. 941-383-2269. COMPUTER: DELL DUAL core, refurbished, $60. 941-756-6728.

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

CBC 1253471

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS

Residential & Condo Renovations vice

Bed: A bargain!

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

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. FOUR OAK OFFICE chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org, fax toll-free 1-866-3629821. (limited time offer)

ANNOUNCEMENTS YOGA AND SPIRITUAL retreat on AMI. Led by Erin Geraghty, Yoga therapist and personal coach. Retreat includes yoga and meditation twice a day, a private chef and all meals, spiritual lecture, healing energy work, personal coaching and Frannie Hoffman. For more information, 570-497-7801 or info@thriveyogafit.com.

Island Limousine

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

941-779-0043

N E A R

ANSWERS TO APRIL 26 PUZZLE A L L A H

F L I P A C R I O P R I M A N A R T S

L O R E

B A D B E T

C L A U D E

L Y I N

T E S T R I D E S

O R G I E C S E L E T T I C C H

A N T B S I D E S

C O C A S U R G E R Y

B A T H R O B E B E E R Y

I M H O K L A N

P R I E S S T M D T E V A N E R M I T P L S S E O G O D

G E E K

A X H E A I D O T S A H S O W S N G A R K I E M M S L K O W T H

I D E A C A R D S U M A N T S B A R P P A E A R L A L A L O N E S I L V W S O I I Z W A G A L N P O W S N A P G I R P I L E B A D U T A H A D O N U T S I N T O S O U R

E Z O R M A S S

F R E T S A W

O A R S

G E T L S I T O O N S P A

G O N G

G R A N P M A E N G D O E E L S L O C O M O T E D

O N O N E H A N D

O R D E A L

S O O T H E

E M M A

R E S T

S T T O U T D O L C E

H E E D

THE CENTER IS hiring Summer Camp Counselors! Are you looking for a fun, exciting way to spend your summer? Do you love working with kids? Then, why not work at The Center? Send your resume to: Stephanie@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908. IF YOU LOVE seniors, want a flexible schedule, have a vehicle, we want you, we have shifts on AMI, Longboat Key, Bradenton. Days, evening, nights, paid orientation. Apply at Homeinstead. com/533 and call 941-739-3050. REPORTER WANTED: Full-to-part-time. Print media, newspaper experience or journalism degree required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

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.

SERVICES

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. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be sorry, be safe.

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

LOST & FOUND LOST: PRESCRIPTION TRANSITION glasses. 3200 block of Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, near water. Jon, 972-369-9817.

30/.3/2%$ "9

HELP WANTED

KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com.

Abby is a 7-year-old mixed-breed dog. She enjoys walks and belly rubs. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sweet and friendly couch potato. She gets along nicely with large dogs, but not a fan of small dogs or cats. She has a tail that never stops, earning her nickname â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wags!â&#x20AC;? To meet her, please, email moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com or call 941-896-6701. Check out our website at www.moonraceranimalrescue. com or visit The Islander ofďŹ ce next to Walgreens in Holmes Beach for more â&#x20AC;Ś

2004 SAILFISH 2100 bay boat: Anna Maria. Engine hours, 150, ProFish package, two 160quart fish boxes, raw water wash down, remote fill (four-stroke) dual battery switch, Bimini top. Maintained, clean. $24,000. John, 941-809-5889.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING: 7 p.m. Thursday nights at Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. Contact number: 813-494-6518.

WANTED: YOUR OLD cell phone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

AdoptA-Pet

PONTOON BOAT RENTAL Create life long memories. Call 941-778-2121 or see boatflorida.net.

SUNGLASSES FOUND ON north end beach, April 22. Call to identify. 813-263-6317.

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

TRANSPORTATION GARAGE FOR RENT: Holmes Beach. $300 for April 25-Oct. 25. 941-779-0807. WIN THIS CAR! 1985 Mercedes Benz 280 SL. Raffle to benefit Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue in May. $100 donation. www.moonraceranimalrescue.com for photo and details.

I DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941779-6638. Leave message. ISLAND COMPUTER GUY, 37 years experience. On-site PC repairs, upgrades, buying assistance and training. Call Bill, 941-778-2535.

#,%!.).' 2%3)$%.4)!, #/--%2#)!, AND RESORT ,OVE WHAT WE DO LOVE TO WORK PRESSURE WASHING AND windows: Commercial, residential and resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses driveways, paver sealing, etc. 941-2515948. AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES: Cleaning, vacation rentals, resorts, real estate, commercial/residential cleaning. Ask about our other services. Call 941-565-3931.

5 &,9 ) DRIVE YOUR CAR ANYWHERE IN THE 53! !IRPORT RUNS ANYWHERE /Fl CE NEED A RIDE to the airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Call Gary, 863-4095875. Email: gvoness@aol.com. WILDLIFE REMOVAL AND relocation: Problem solving for all animals, big and small. Call Joe, Westcoast Nuisance Wildlife Service. 941-7204152. QUESTIONS ABOUT REAL estate? Now you can get answers with no strings attached. Ask Amy anything about AMI real estate. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be at the Holmes Beach Island Coffee Haus every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. to answer your questions. www.islandlivingami.com. NOT THE CHEAPEST, but the best. Call Carolyn for housecleaning, regular and deep, cooking upon request, opening and closing vacation home, greet repair/service contractors. I will be your eyes and ears in your absence. Insured, bonded, glowing references. Longtime AMI resident. 941-932-0214.

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, 2017 n 33

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

DO YOU NEED help with your yard? I cut grass, trim bushes, weed, mulch, plant, rake leaves, etc. $15/hour. Call Richard, 941-405-9372

ISLE TILE: QUALITY installation floors, counters, backsplashes, showers. Licensed, insured. Call Chris at 941-302-8759.

FEMALE CAREGIVER SEEKING employment. Light housekeeping, making meals, running errands. Certified, references. Call Michelle, 801833-8146.

!..! -!2)! (/-% !CCENTS YEARS EXPERIENCE IN BUILDING AND REMODELING ,OCAL LICENSED AND INSURED .O JOB TOO SMALL 7E ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840. BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call William Eller, 941795-7411. CAC184228. ANYONE CAN TAKE a picture. A professional creates a portrait. I want to be at your wedding! www. jackelka.com. 941-778-2711. RELAXING MASSAGE IN the convenience of your home or hotel. Massage by Nadia, more than 19 years on Anna Maria Island. Call today for an appointment, 941-518-8301. MA#0017550. MA#0017550.

LAWN & GARDEN CONNIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294. TREES BY BREEZE: Tree trimming, landscapes, maintenance, insured. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s said is good as done.â&#x20AC;? 941-778-2837. ISLAND LAWN SPRINKLER Service: Repairs, installs. Your local sprinkler company since 1997. Call Jeff, 941-778-2581.

3(%,, $%,)6%2%$ !.$ SPREAD YARD (AULING ALL KINDS OF GRAVEL MULCH TOP SOIL WITH FREE ESTIMATES #ALL ,ARRY AT hSHELL PHONEv .!452% 3 $%3)'. ,!.$3#!0).' $ESIGN AND INSTALLATION 4ROPICAL LANDSCAPE SPECIALIST 2ESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL YEARS EXPERI ENCE STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE: Shell, lime rock, palms, river rock, construction demolition, fencing, pressure washing, hauling debris and transport. Shark Mark, 941-301-6067. YARD WORK, MOWING, BUSH trimming, weeding. Year-round resident. Cheap but neat. 941778-6172.

HOME IMPROVEMENT VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net. CUSTOM REMODELING EXPERT. All phases of carpentry, repairs and painting. Insured. Meticulous, clean, sober and prompt. Paul Beauregard, 941-730-7479.

4),% 4),% 4),% !LL VARIATIONS OF CERAMIC TILE SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED 1UALITY WORKMANSHIP PROMPT RELIABLE MANY )SLAND REFERENCES #ALL .EIL '2)&&). 3 (/-% )-02/6%-%.43 )NC (ANDYMAN l NE WOODWORK COUNTERTOPS CABI NETS AND WOOD m OORING )NSURED AND LICENSED JERRYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOME REPAIR: Carpentry, handyman, light hauling, pressure washing. Jack of all trades. Call 941-778-6170 or 941-447-2198.

02/&%33)/.!, 0!).4).' 3%26)#%3 0ROMPT AND RELIABLE METICULOUS THOROUGH QUALITY WORKMANSHIP )NTERIOR EXTERIOR WALLPA PER REMOVAL !LSO MINOR REPAIRS AND CARPENTRY &REE WRITTEN ESTIMATES "ILL 7ITASZEK 9315. I CAN FIX that! No job too small. 20 years experience. Remodel, new construction. Call Brent, 941-524-6965. ISLAND GATER RESTORATIONS: Interior/exterior, painting, pressure cleaning, drywall repair, textures, stucco. Danny, 941-720-8116. islandgater@gmail.com.

iĂ&#x153;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x2022;VĂ&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;,iÂ&#x201C;Â&#x153;`iÂ?Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} Â?Â?Ă&#x160;*Â&#x2026;>Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160;*Â?Ă&#x2022;Â&#x201C;LÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;,iÂŤ>Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;EĂ&#x160;-iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;Vi Â&#x2122;{ÂŁÂ&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;nÂ&#x2021;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;{Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Â&#x2122;{ÂŁÂ&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;nÂ&#x2021;{{Ă&#x2C6;ÂŁĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;xxĂ¤nĂ&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;>Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;i]Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Â?Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160; i>VÂ&#x2026;

DANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RESCREEN INC. POOL CAGES, LANAIS, PORCHES, WINDOWS, DOORS

TOO BIG or TOO SMALL. Free Estimates.

>Â?Â?Ă&#x160; >Â&#x2DC;]Ă&#x160;Â&#x2122;{ÂŁÂ&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;ÂŁĂ&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Ă&#x17D;ÂŁĂ¤n

No Job

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

$YDLODEOH $We

RENTALS 7%%+,9 -/.4(,9 !..5!, RENTALS WIDE VARIETY CHANGES DAILY 3UN#OAST 2EAL %STATE OR WWW SUN coastinc.com. SEASONAL RENTAL available: 2BR/2BA all amenities. Ground floor, pool, no pets/smoking. 941-363-1227. SEASONAL RENTAL: 3BR/2BA, one-car garage. Retro 1960s, pet-friendly, fenced yard, RV/boat parking available. $700/week, $2,500/month. 941795-7775 or 941-720-0770. WEEKLY, MONTHLY, SEASONAL rentals. Brand new luxury condos. Spectacular views from living, kitchen, master. 3BR/3BA. New, quiet community located on Anna Maria Sound. 727-482-4766.

#CFC1426596

SERVICES Continued

Family Owned and Operated since 1975

Residential & Commercial

LIC#CBC1253145

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS

CHRISTIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PLUMBING

3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941.778.7978 â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

CALL THE ISLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FINESTâ&#x20AC;Ś MORE THAN 2,500 LARGE AND SMALL PROJECTS ON AMI SINCE 1988!

We provide design plans~You preview 3-D drawings

WASH FAMILY CONSTRUCTION 941.725.0073

>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; Â°Ă&#x160;7>Ă&#x192;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;State Lic. CBC1258250

LOCALLY OWNED AND FAMILY OPERATED SINCE 1988

REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY

2BR/2BA CONDO: ENTER to a breathtaking view of the bay, added enjoyment from the deck. Westbay Point and Moorings, AMI, pool, tennis, fishing, Wi-Fi, cable, No pets or smoking. NovemberFebruary. 407-488-2122. ANNUAL: LUXURIOUS, TROPICAL Key Royale canalfront house. 2BR/2BA with den, two-car garage. Great pool. 10,000-lb. boatlift. Low maintenance yard. $2,800/month. Available June 1. 941-730-1086. FULL-TIME WORKING female looking for rental. Private room, studio, in-law suite, trailer. Clean, quiet. Karyn, 941-779-8678. AWESOME LITTLE RESORT: Three 1BR/1BA units and one 2BR/2BA unit. Weekly or monthly. Rent separate or all four for groups. Heated pool, short walk to Gulf. Holmes Beach. 941-761-4507. www.HarborLaneCourt.com. ANNUAL RENTAL: 2BR/2BA. $1,500/month, first, last, deposit. Background check. 4519 60th St. Court, W., Bradenton. 910-358-5188. GARAGE RENTAL WANTED: Anywhere on the Island. $200 for four months, May-August. 941343-7135. HOUSE IN HOLMES Beach: 2BR/2BA half block from beach. June 1-Jan. 1. Possibility to extend. $2,000/month plus utilities. 941-778-8299.

.com

941-778-2711

OK<I@FI a "EK<I@FI IFE< a <I@8C a ,KF:B )FJK 8I;J a IF:?LI<J /" ( a ; <J@>E

WE LIKE LIKES f acebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

WE TWEET TOO

TURN THE PAGE for more Islander classifieds.

Place classified ads online at www.islander.org

@ami_islander

34 n APRIL 26, 2017 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

HOLMES BEACH: 2BR/2BA beautifully furnished Westbay Point and Moorings condo. Full bay views. No smoking/pets. Available through December. $1,650/month. 847-530-8833.

REAL ESTATE: BUY, sell, invest. Enjoy. Billi Gartman, Realtor, An Island Place Realty. 941-5458877. www.AnnaMariaLife.com.

PERICO BAY CLUB, gated community. Custom upgraded 2BR/2BA villa with new deck overlooking water views. Newly renovated kitchen with custom maple cabinetry, Corian countertops, tile floor, stainless-steel appliances. Renovated baths new sinks, tile and cabinetry. Separate laundry room with new washer and dryer. Wood floors throughout. New water heater and air conditioning. Garage with custom cabinets and workbench. $279,900. Buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agents welcome at three percent contract. Jim Hazelett, 941-254-4415.

REALLY NICE, LARGE 2BR/2BA, garage, washer and dryer. Available May 1-Nov. 1. $1,600/month plus utilities. 513-582-6452, leave message. More ads = more readers in The Islander.

GULFFRONT FOR SALE:

Direct Gulffront four-plex with prime Holmes Beach location, fabulous views and walking distance to shopping, restaurants and trolley. All units are spacious 1br-1bath apartments with tropical setting and strong seasonal rental opportunity. Property is in great condition with new metal roof 2015. Offered at $1,999,500 with owner financing for qualified buyer.

STARTING FROM THE upper $200,000s. 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 $190/month. Models open daily. Contact us, 941-254-3330. www.MirabellaFlorida.com. 2BR/2BA SEASIDE GARDENS home in Holmes Beach. Great fishing fantastic open water view, affordable. Email Captnse@gmail.com or call 970-846-7394. LOOKING FOR A GOOD DEAL? You can read Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classifieds on Tuesday at www. islander.org. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FREE!

For details, call Dave Moynihan, broker-associate, 941-720-0089.

2217 GULF DRIVE, BRADENTON BEACH

DAVE MOYNIHAN, BROKER-ASSOCIATE DAVEMOYNIHAN@AOL.COM 941-720-0089

Perico Bay Club â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as good as it gets!

Place classified ads online at www.islander.org

OWNER MUST SELL: Family illness, Harbour Isles development, adjoining Anna Maria Island. Eleven-room coach home, beautiful water and park views. Built 2014, 2,960 sf. Lots of amenities, minutes to beach. Owner financing available, furnishing separate agreement. Reduced $104,000 to $795,000. Tremendous value. 941-383-5244. TWO-SIDED DEEP-water canal lot! Build your dream home. 503 77th St., Holmes Beach. $699,900. Call Julie Weaver, Florida Residential Realty, 941-773-8271.

NOTE: The Islander office is located in the Anna Maria Island Centre, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, next to Walgreens.

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

!UDUBON $RIVE $224,900 "2 "! SQFT

HOU OPEN

4 S SE 1-

RI Y AP UNDA

L 30

PALMA SOLA TRACE Desirable location to live in West Bradenton. Very spacious 1,627 sf, three-bedroom townhouse design with garage and screened lanai. Complex offers large pool, fitness center and immaculately kept grounds. Located just a short drive to the beaches of Anna Maria Island. $174,900.

For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island. Marianne Norman-Ellis. 941.778.6696

Mike Norman Realty DREAM VACATIONS FOR YOUR VACATION DREAMS

3ANDPIPER #IRCLE $189,900 "2 "! SQFT

BEACHFRONT CONDO Beautiful vistas overlooking the Gulf of Mexico from this 2BR/2BA condo. This updated unit is 1,169 sf, offers a secured entrance, elevator, large heated pool, 1-car garage, private storage, tennis court and spectacular sunsets! $699,000

1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5 t 3&"- &45"5& 4"-&4 t 7"$"5*0/ 3&/5"-4

%DGEWATER #IRCLE $394,500 "2 "! SQFT Call Lynn Zemmer, 941-778-8104.

POOL HOME WEST OF GULF DRIVE Exceptional 3BR/3BA pool home located just one block to the beach. Open floor plan and cathedral ceiling. Large, open deck and additional covered patio. Beautiful, tropically landscaped, fenced yard. Two-car garage with a separate workshop/ storage room. $760,000.

104 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach

941-778-8104

Edgewatervacationhomes.com Edgewaterrealestateami.com

Mike Norman Realty INC

800-367-1617 941-778-6696 31O1 GULF DR HOLMES BEACH www.mikenormanrealty.com sales@mikenormanrealty.com

Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria Inc. Jesse Brisson - Broker Associate, GRI 941-713-4755 800-771-6043 BEAUTY ON THE CANAL: This 3bed/2bath on a corner lot is surrounded with water. The home features an open plan with, spacious lanai, 2-car garage, pool, tiki hut, boat dock, boat lift, all on a lush tropical large corner lot on sailboat water. $749,900 SWEEPING GULF VIEWS: This 2bed/2bath condo at Anna Maria Island Club has breathtaking Gulf views from the living room and the master bedroom. A rare opportunity to own at one of the most soughtafter condo complexes on the Island. $725,000

Call Jesse Brisson â&#x20AC;¢ 941-713-4755

RELEASE DATE: 4/23/2017

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

THE ISLANDER n APRIL 26, No.2017 0416n 35

SADDLE UP!

BY TIMOTHY POLIN / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

47 Asked a lot of questions, say 1 Tripartite commerce pact 48 Vittles 6 Nickname for Angel 50 Figure seen Stadium, with “the” on [circled letters below] 10 Inspiration 14 They might pop up in 55 Homes by churches the morning 19 “Juno” actress Page 57 “I’ll pass” 58 Detroit-area stadium 20 Visa alternatives that hosted Super 22 Figure seen Bowl XVI on [circled 59 Down in front? letters below] 61 Disseminate 23 Most wanted 63 “Evidently” 24 1976 blaxploitation 64 French greeting film that 68 Part of a set was a sequel to “Dolemite” 70 & 72 “If ever, oh ever a ____ 26 Fascinated there ____” (classic 27 Is overcome with song lyric) emotion, with “up” 73 Exam with a reading28 It has two poles comprehension sect. 29 Shelter 74 Figure seen 31 Tinder, for one on [circled 33 Boor letters below] 34 “Poppycock!” 77 Hoedown partner 35 Figure seen 79 Pester on [circled 81 Setting off letters below] 83 [Right in the kisser!] 38 Marquis’s 85 Lament of subordinate the defeated 41 Like flowers’ 90 Job-search stamens time, maybe 42 Made-for-TV western 91 Go postal co-starring Travis 93 Figure seen Tritt on [circled 44 ____ king letters below] 45 Moriarty, 94 Dreyer’s ice to Holmes cream partner 95 Go on a run? Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more 96 Brownie, e.g. Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, 98 Emails discreetly page 32 nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). 101 Check A CR O SS

102 Overdo the criticism, say 103 It may be brown or blond 104 Santa Fe summer hrs. 106 Many a Wall St. recruit 108 Like a goner 110 Figure seen on [circled letters below] 114 Many a B.Y.U. attendee 117 “Pick me! Pick me!” 119 Rich breakfast item 121 Played out 122 Fiat 123 Collides hard with 124 48th vice president 125 Modern-day problem solvers 126 Meyers of late-night 127 In a foul mood 128 Interjected DO WN

1 Close 2 Prayer figure 3 Decide somehow by chance 4 Offers at motorcycle dealerships 5 Pharaoh ____ 6 Luxury-hotel amenity 7 “Here’s what I think,” briefly 8 Poindexter 9 Something getting stuck in a trunk? 10 Answer to “Are you …?”

11 Grayish 12 “Hairspray” matriarch 13 Kind of plane 14 Vox co-founder Klein and others 15 Signal for dinner 16 White-bearded sort 17 Hell week, e.g. 18 Assuage 21 Point of transition 25 Meditation syllables 27 South American cash crop 30 Cuts on the back? 32 Wedding rings? 36 Group lampooned in “Django Unchained” 37 Is Greek? 39 Arnold Schwarzenegger’s middle name 40 Needed resupplying 41 Pea nut? 42 Phonograph stat 43 Inits. in some portfolios 45 Woodworking tool 46 Crew crew 49 Evince 51 Aquafina rival 52 Attends 53 Austen matchmaker 54 Breather 56 It may leave you in stitches 60 Drunk 62 Top secret? 64 Creative field 65 It’s passed down 66 “____ Eyes” (Eagles hit) 67 Bacchanalia

31 36

56 59 66

61 69

62 70

72 78

79 84

106 112

85 92

123

125

126

86 93

113

107

108

114

115

109

116

120

122

102

105

119

101

111

69 Mass leader 71 Electrocutes 75 Hymn starter 76 Wind this way and that 78 Repeated part of a five-mile hike? 80 Aggravates 82 Either of a pair of brothers in folklore

77 82

104

103

110

57 60

100

14 22

27 29

117

118

121 124 127

84 Act like a baby, maybe 86 Moved, jocularly 87 How you can count things up to five 88 “Rugrats” father 89 Rug rat 92 One looking to grab a bite? 97 Sphinx, in part

98 Probable money loser 99 Composer Debussy 100 Boston athlete 101 Philatelist’s collection 102 Vernacular 104 Satisfies 105 TiVo, for one 107 Amigos 109 Sweetly, on a score

128

111 Mark indelibly 112 River through ancient Nubia 113 Casino opening 115 365 giorni 116 Native Rwandan 118 Mind 120 Electric-bill unit: Abbr. 121 Place for a bachelorette party

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 26, 2017 n THE ISLANDER