The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024

Welcome back, AME

Treehouse demolition delayed

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The controversial Holmes Beach treehouse remains intact more than a month after a court-ordered deadline for its demolition.

But the owners are not facing legal repercussions for the delay — yet.

Top Notch

12th Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas said during an Aug. 8 compliance status conference that he would not impose penalties on the treehouse owners, Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran-Hazen, despite its delayed demolition at their home at 2818 Ave. E., where they operate Angelinos Sea Lodge.

The beachfront treehouse was built in 2011 and has been the center of litigation since 2013, when the city issued code violations for the structure.

The Hazens filed litigation in defense

Recovery effort follows Debby

islander Staff report

Swift recovery efforts followed Tropical Storm Debby’s slow passage in the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm, passing Anna Maria Island about 130 miles west at its closest, brought high winds and rainfall Aug. 4-5.

For most on the island, the storm left debris in yards and floodwaters on roads, but some properties flooded.

Much of the mess left behind in Anna Maria was mopped up within a week.

Mayor Dan Murphy said Aug. 8 that most recovery efforts were completed, with only street sweeping and some pockets of standing water left to be addressed.

Pine Avenue was without power following the storm but Murphy credited state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, for help in coordinating the deployment of Florida Power &

and

from islander advertisers. there is one weekly winner to come.

2024 elections

To the polls

manatee county voters will head to the polls tuesday, Aug. 20, to cast primary ballots.

Polling will be 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Voters at the polls must present a valid photo id. for more information, including polling places, go to page 8.

PLeASe,

Students and parents raise the American flag Aug. 12 to start the 2024-25 school year at Anna maria elementary School. islander Photo: Jacob merrifield

Top Notch

Photo contest nears end

The Islander’s Top Notch contest has one more week of weekly front-page winners. Entries are due by Friday, Aug. 16.

Then one weekly shot will take the grand prize in the contest, earning the photographer a $100 prize from The Islander and certificates from local merchants.

There also is a pet photo contest for weekly submissions and a winner announced in the final weeks. Look online for the rules and other details.

— Bonner Joy

the treehouse on the beachfront at the home richard and Lynn tran-Hazen share at Angelinos Sea Lodge, 2818 Ave. e, Holmes Beach, remains standing Aug. 8 — more than a month after a courtordered July 3 demolition deadline. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Hb TReeHOUSe continued from PAge 1

of the structure but Nicholas ruled in February that it must be demolished.

Nicholas’ order allowed the city to demolish the structure at the expense of the owners after 72 hours’ notice if they did not remove it by July 3.

On July 30, the city issued a $205.88 permit to the owners to demolish the structure but it had not received a demolition schedule as of Aug. 7, according to city planning and zoning administrator Chad Minor.

Attorney Fred Moore of the Bradenton-based Blalock Walters law firm represented the property owners during the compliance status conference.

Moore said that a contractor was gearing up for the demolition but was delayed by Tropical Storm Debby. He added that he had not yet received an update on the demo schedule.

Nicholas asked if there were any issues with deadlines for the permits issued to remove the structure.

Moore said the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s permit expired July 31 but was extended through the end of September.

The city’s permit will expire six months after issuance, according to Minor.

Attorney Randy Mora of the Clearwater-based Trask Daigneault law firm, who represents the city on the treehouse matter, acknowledged the property owners’ good faith efforts to bring the matter to a resolution.

Nevertheless, he said the city was “initiating the process” of handling the demolition.

“As it stands here now, nearly 120 days post your order, we do not have compliance,” Mora said. “The city had hoped at this stage to avoid the need — for a number of reasons — to incur that cost and effort,

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but we are prepared to do so and have begun those machinations.”

“We hope the good faith assurances will move forward,” he added.

Nicholas said that the treehouse owners displayed good faith efforts to remove the structure, so he would not move forward with contempt of court proceedings against them.

“I’m not in a position to be able to suggest that the respondents have been unwilling to comply with my order,” he said. “It seems to me that we are getting closer to the point of compliance.”

Nicholas added that he would not schedule another compliance status conference, but he asked Mora to contact the court to schedule a hearing to discuss potential sanctions if the property owners remained noncompliant.

“I’m satisfied that sufficient steps have been undertaken, albeit somewhat slowly and after some delay … that suggest to me that demolition is imminent,” he said.

There were no upcoming court hearings scheduled for the case as of Aug. 9, according to online records.

richard and Lynn-tran Hazen in court in 2019. islander file Photo

DOT authorizes next step for long-awaited Pine improvements

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The state gave its blessing to the city of Anna Maria to work on a contract to improve a block of Pine Avenue.

Mayor Dan Murphy said Aug. 8 that the Florida Department of Transportation granted the city authorization to hold a fact-finding meeting with a potential contractor, Longboat Key-based Eason Builders Group.

The city has been working to improve Pine Avenue for the past two years but has rejected the results of four previous requests for proposals due to a lack of competitive bids.

The municipality has since pursued piecemeal improvements, resulting in RFPs for block-by-block phases — beginning with a stretch of Pine Avenue from Gulf Drive to North Shore Drive.

Improvements will include the installation of pervious brick pavers over Pine Avenue’s existing meandering sidewalks.

Eason submitted a $233,704.73 bid to complete the first phase of improvements, the least expensive of three proposals.

City commissioners voted in July to authorize Murphy to begin the fact-finding process for a contract with Eason.

However, Murphy said that step — as well as several others moving forward — required DOT authorization.

With the state’s authorization, Murphy said he was set to meet Aug. 12 with Eason to begin the factfinding process. He added that he believed the two sides quickly could develop a contract acceptable for both parties.

After a contract is developed, it will be presented

Teen injured diving off Anna Maria City Pier

A 14-year-old male was injured Aug. 10 diving from the Anna Maria City Pier, 100 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria.

The teen hit the bay bottom, according to West Manatee Fire Rescue marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski Aug. 10.

WMFR, Manatee County Emergency Medical Services and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, according to an Aug. 11 report shared with The Islander.

After assessing the youth’s condition, an aeromedical transport helicopter was dispatched to city field in Holmes Beach to transport the teen to Tampa General Hospital in Tampa.

He is reported to have non-life threatening injuries and has since been released from the hospital.

to the city commission for consideration.

If approved, the contract will be sent back to the DOT for authorization to proceed.

Next, the city, Eason and DOT representatives will hold a pre-construction meeting, according to Murphy.

Murphy said the time it took to repeatedly obtain DOT authorization was frustrating. He added that he did not know when work on the first phase of Pine Avenue improvements could begin due to that approval process.

The city originally planned to complete work on Phase 1 by the end of October.

There was no public comment.

The city commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.

By Lisa neff

The Islander poll

Last week’s question on the radio, i listen mostly to … 9%. News. 6%. Sports. 65%. Music. 9%. Talk. 11%. Don’t use. This week’s question it’s back -to-school for local kids! When’s the last time you purchased writing paper?

A. This past month.

B. This past year.

C. Can’t even remember.

To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

To suggest a question, email lisa@islander.org.

—robert Anderson

islander file Photo: Jack elka

Bradenton Beach faces empty seats on CRA

By robert Anderson islander reporter

Bradenton Beach is grappling with unfilled seats on its community redevelopment agency, prompting a reevaluation of how the board will manage the district’s efforts.

The CRA is a special district of the city. City Commissioner Ralph Cole chairs the CRA board, which includes the other commissioners, Mayor John Chappie and, until this year, a district business owner and resident.

However, resident member David Bell resigned from the CRA in March and business owner Ed Chiles announced the sale of his restaurant properties Aug. 1, including the Beach House, which means he’s ineligible to serve, leaving the CRA without two appointed members.

Add the ongoing absence of Commissioner Marilyn Maro, who, minus a few virtual meeting attendances, has been absent from the functions of her elected office since 2023, leaving the CRA with only four active members.

As a result, on Aug. 7, a scheduled CRA meeting was opened and closed due to a lack of quorum.

Mayor John Chappie spoke to The Islander after the short Aug. 7 meeting closed.

“One of the agenda items at our next commission meeting will be dealing with vacancies on the CRA,” Chappie said.

He said the commission would consider how best to replace Bell and Chiles or if the CRA could run with the five elected officers.

Maro, in her fourth two-year term after being reelected in 2022 as Ward 2 commissioner, did not run for her seat in the Nov. 5 election and will be succeeded by Scott Bear, who ran unopposed for her seat.

Under the city’s code of ordinances, the CRA was conceived as “a five-member board of commissioners of the agency for the city.”

However, the ordinance also states that “the mayor and city commission may, within their discretion through the above-referenced resolution establishing the governing body as the agency, appoint up to two additional persons to act as members of the community redevelopment agency.”

This is not the first time the city has dealt with questions about CRA membership.

Chiles became a representative member in 2009 during a citizen expansion of the CRA.

Also in 2009, according to Islander archives, the CRA expanded to include a resident member, with an appointment by the commission going to former Mayor Connie Drescher. The expansion was made at the request of the ScenicWAVES advisory committee.

The CRA board reverted back to a city commission-based five-member board in 2010, according to archives.

Then Chiles and John Horne, owner of Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the city pier, were appointed Nov. 17, 2016, in a unanimous vote by the city commission.

The next commission meeting, when members are expected to take up the issue of the CRA composition, will be 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept 5, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N

About the CRA

The CRA oversees and approves budgets and grant expenditures for projects within the CRA district.

Established in 1992, the CRA funds public projects with financial assistance from the City.

The CRA district is bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South, and the Gulf of Mexico. The area was designated as blighted in 1992 and the designation allowed for incremental tax revenue to support restoration, growth, and tourism.

Meetings

By Lisa neff

ANNA MARIA CITY

Aug. 21, 9 a.m., planning and zoning. Aug. 22, 5 p.m., commission, budget. Aug. 22, 6 p.m., commission. 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

BRADENTON BEACH

Aug. 15, noon, commission. Aug. 21, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

Aug. 28, 10 a.m., pier team. 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

HOLMES BEACH

Aug. 14, 10 a.m., code compliance workshop, short-term rentals.

Aug. 16, 11:30 a.m., police pension. Aug. 27, 11 a.m., code compliance. Aug. 27, 2 p.m., commission. 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

Aug. 20, 6 p.m., commission. 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

MANATEE COUNTY

Aug. 13, 9 a.m., commission.

Aug. 19, 9:30 a.m., tourist development council, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Aug. 22, 9 a.m., commission, land use. Aug. 27, 9 a.m., commission. 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.

ALSO OF INTEREST

Sept. 2, Labor Day, most government offices will be closed. Sept. 9, 2 p.m., ITPO, Anna Maria City Hall. Sept. 23, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee MPO, Doubletree by Hilton, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota.

Please, send meeting notices to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org.

the State and County level We need America First Republicans to lead the Republican Party--and YOU can make it happen when you choose an America First State Committeewoman: VOTE JACQUELINE HEISSE on August 20.

chiles Bell

Bradenton Beach closes down Beach-to-Bay paid parking lots

By robert Anderson islander reporter Park here.

Don’t park here.

Bradenton Beach set a deadline for developer Shawn Kaleta to comply with stipulations that would allow him to gain revenue from parking fees at several vacant lots he owns in the downtown-historic area of Bridge Street.

But Kaleta failed to meet the terms of a temporary permit, according to the city.

In an Aug. 1 notice of shut down hand-delivered by city building official Darin Cushing to Beach to Bay LLC — owned by Kaleta — Cushing identified paid parking lots at 101 Bridge St., 206 Bay Drive N., 207 Church Ave. and 103 Third St. N. as noncompliant.

In the letter, Cushing stated Beach to Bay built and began operation of the lots without application to the city. Once the city took issue with the lots, Beach to Bay made application.

The lot at 101 Bridge St. also has an issue with an adjoining lot at 219 Gulf Drive S., which has an artesian well that is not permanently capped and thus is leaking water on Third Street, where it empties into Sarasota Bay.

In an Aug. 8 text, Sam Negrin, spokesman for Beach to Bay, told The Islander that no specific date was set for completion of the project but efforts were underway.

He added, “With respect to the status of the temporary use permits, we are working closely with the city on a daily basis to meet all of their requirements. We look forward to being in good standing with them regarding our parking lots.”

In the city notice, Cushing listed issues Beach to Bay needed to correct to avoid a shutdown of operations.

“Under normal circumstances, the applicant for a TUP is required to provide a site plan, prepared by a licensed design professional, at the time of application,” Cushing wrote. “Since we did not receive these at the time of application, the city commission made the production of a site plan for each lot a stipulation of approval, along with a list of other items that were to be completed on the individual lots.”

The stipulations were provided during Feb. 15 and March 21 commission meetings.

“To date, very few, if any, of these stipulations have been met, first and foremost, the presentation of professionally designed site plans in order to demonstrate that all of the other stipulations are being adhered to,” Cushing wrote Aug. 1.

During an Aug. 7 interview, Cushing said Beach to Bay, just that day, delivered site plans for the lots and an update on the well at 101 Bridge St.

Cushing said that although site plans were submitted, many of the requirements are not met.

The commission approved Kaleta’s temporary use permits on the condition that the building official would approve administrative site plans. However, the permits have not been finalized.

Furthermore, according to Cushing, the parking lots have been in operation since February — illegally — as they have never been approved by the planning and zoning board.

So on Aug. 9, Cushing closed each of the paid parking lots owned by Kaleta and Beach to Bay.

He taped and barricaded entrances and covered and taped Beach to Bay payment kiosks.

About an hour later, Cushing said he was approached at one of the parking lots by two people who identified as employees of Kaleta’s and said they were instructed to remove the barricades and tape.

Cushing advised them not to do so.

Later, city public works employees observed two men removing city barricades at Beach to Bay’s lot at Church and Bay Drive.

Cushing put the barricades back in place, this time calling city attorney Ricinda Perry and BB Police Chief John Cosby.

Cushing said he asked Cosby to have patrol officers watch the lots and violate anyone who tampers with the barricades or attempts to park in the lots.

Kaleta’s attorney, Louis Najmy, of the Najmy Thompson Law firm, texted The Islander: “This was much ado about nothing. It was resolved in less than five hours. There must have been a miscommunication between departments at the city because we’ve been working with them.

“City leaders confirmed the goal is to continue working together to get these much needed improvements and operations in place and Mr. Kaleta is generously investing in them for the city’s benefit. As just one example, the allowance of significantly discounted parking he offers every Thursday to the merchants on Bridge Street.

“Although Mr. Kaleta suffered some financial loss from this error, he is working it out, once again to the city’s benefit. He appreciates their cooperation so far on this matter.”

Anna Maria mayor’s budget ready for prime time hearings

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The city of Anna Maria’s fiscal 2024-25 budget ordinance is two votes from adoption.

Mayor Dan Murphy presented Aug. 8 the finalized version of the city’s $21,240,929 proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

The budget is based on a tentative 1.65 millage rate and the resulting $3,855,638 in ad valorem taxes.

The millage rate is the amount per $1,000 of property value used to calculate property taxes.

The city set a 1.65 maximum millage rate in July, guaranteeing at least a 19.52% reduction from its current rate of 2.05 mills.

The owner of a property appraised at $500,000 would pay $825 in property taxes under the 1.65 millage rate.

Murphy once again congratulated city commissioners for implementing a tax reduction by setting the 1.65 maximum millage rate.

“What you did is remarkable,” he said.

One of the city’s largest planned expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year is $3,654,059 to improve the Pine Avenue corridor, including Spring and Magnolia

avenues, funded with almost $2.7 million in outstanding state appropriations and $1 million in lump sum carryover.

The municipality also received more than $2 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to repair stormwater drainage infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Idalia last summer.

Despite the tax reduction, the city’s $5,827,300 of proposed operating expenses are 5% more than its end of year estimate for fiscal 2023-24 due to a 5% salary increase across the board for municipal employees.

Another reason for the increased operating expenses is a 14% increase in public safety costs due to a $184,042 contract increase for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to police the municipality.

There was no public comment.

The city will hold a first reading and public hearing for its final budget ordinance at 5:01 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

A second reading and final public hearing for the budget will be at 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, also at city hall.

Directions to attend via Zoom are on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.

Another close call

In all my years on and around Anna Maria Island, I’ve seen a few close calls.

I’ve seen storms in the past that were similar to Debby, with minimal impacts on Anna Maria Island but flooding in the rivers days later.

You can see how strong bottom bands, wrapping around the eye of the storm and pushing wind and surf westward, can push water up the rivers after the high waves and tides on the beach.

But it doesn’t always happen that way.

This time, the area of Parrish, a community that barely existed except as farms and groves and the people who worked the crops when I moved here, was flooded and shocked.

I had been surprised last year when I drove through Parrish for the first time in many years and saw all the housing projects and shopping centers where farms once stood.

In some places, those homes were surrounded by 2-3 feet of stormwater. It was much worse than our usual street flooding. And unlike the wind and surf that soon lays down when a storm passes by the coast, it was slow to recede in Parrish and beyond.

A former employee, islander and animal “friend” lives in Duette and operates a rescue farm, taking in — yes! — unwanted farm animals.

I was touched by a photo of Valentine, now an adult cow but once a calf, a surprise born to an abandoned cow that Kelly McCormick had taken in, standing in a pasture surrounded by nothing but water.

McCormick, the farm’s owner/operator, wrote: “Captured in a moment of calm during the recent flooding, our beloved cow Valentine was spotted wading at sunset, her nose gently touching her reflection in the water. This serene image is a beautiful reminder of the resilience and grace our animals possess, even in challenging times.

“We’re grateful every day to be able to care for animals like Valentine and to share these peaceful moments with you.”

So if you don’t have a lot of Debby damage, maybe you can visit Florida Rescue Farm on Facebook or in Duette and pitch in. Lend a hand or a bale of hay.

OpinionYour Opinion

On behalf of the cows, goats, chickens, geese, bunnies and domestic pets that live there, the owners will be most grateful.

Their pasture was under water and they need about six months worth of hay — at a minimum — to survive. Sometimes we have to reach out and help due to Mother Nature, and this is one of those times.

Here you go: info@floridarescuefarm.org.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Take note

The city of Holmes Beach and the Holmes Beach Police Department will be hosting the Mayor’s Back to School Supply Drive to help Manatee County Students in need.

Donations will be accepted until Aug. 30 and can be dropped off at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Supplies needed:

• Crayons;

• Markers;

Skimming online

Website: islander.org

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Connections, AMI & beyond

AUG. 14, 2024 • Vol. 32, No. 43

▼ Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org

robert Anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org

masha dolgoff, masha@islander.org

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com

robyn murrell, robyn@islander.org

ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Karen riley-Love

Jacob merrifield

capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

▼ Advertising Sales

debbie tucker, debbie@islander.org

▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell

▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams

info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org

▼ Distribution

urbane Bouchet

ross roberts

• Paper;

• Pencils;

• Notebooks;

• Binders;

Judy Loden Wasco

All others: news@islander.org

• Folders;

• Backpacks;

• Glue;

• Scissors;

• Rulers;

• Calculators;

• Cleaning supplies;

• Sanitizer.

City and HBPD staff

Letters to the editor

The Islander welcomes your opinion letters Submit your opinion along with name, address and a contact phone number to news@islander.org.

Anna Maria: Mayor Dan Murphy, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com, ammayor@cityofannamaria. com.

Bradenton Beach : Mayor John Chappie, 941778-1005, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941-7085800, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.

Manatee County : Republican Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, 941-745-3705, kevin.vanostenbridge@mymanatee.org.

Florida Senate: Republican Jim Boyd, 941-7426445, boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov.

Florida House : Republican William Cloud “Will” Robinson Jr., 941-708-4968, will.robinson@myfloridahouse.gov.

Florida Governor : Republican Ron DeSantis, 850-717-9337, flgov.com.

U.S. House : Republican Vern Buchanan, 941951-6643, rep.vern.buchanan@mail.house.gov.

U.S. Senate: Republican Marco Rubio, 305-5964224; Republican Rick Scott, 786-501-7141.

President: Democrat Joe Biden, 202-456-1111, whitehouse.gov/contact.

Check The Islander archives

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated the collection of newspapers beginning with the first issue in 1992 and they’re all there for you to explore. Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Debby 2012

from toP Left: A boat slams against the floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach June 24, 2012, following passage of tropical Storm debby. Another boat rocks next to the pier. A family wades through floodwaters on marina drive in Holmes Beach. An awning is downed at the timesaver store in Holmes Beach. People collect shells near the Anna maria island moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach. islander file Photos

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10, 20, 30 years ago

From the Aug. 11, 1994, issue

• An Anna Maria Charter Review Committee recommended two ballot questions, one to expand the powers of the mayor and another to allow voters to amend city laws by referendum.

• Manatee County, responding to requests from beachgoers, said it didn’t have the budget to pave the parking lot at Manatee Public Beach or add landscaping but a proposed annual budget included money to rake seven miles of island shoreline.

From the Aug. 11, 2004, issue

• Bradenton Beach commissioners were considering collecting a $100 annual stormwater improvement fee from most developed residential properties and $150 from commercial properties.

• Manatee County announced an eight-week closure of the Cafe on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach for renovations, resulting in layoffs for 40 employees.

• Anna Maria Elementary began a new school year with a celebration that included an open house and giveaways from the Publix Super Market in Holmes Beach.

From the Aug. 13, 2014, issue

• A Holmes Beach parking committee was discussing a proposed ban on streetside parking in some residential areas, with concerns about meeting parking requirements to qualify for beach renourishment funds.

• The city of Holmes Beach began accepting credit cards for various payments at city hall and added a 3.5% transaction fee to the cost of doing business.

— Lisa neff

Commissioners battle over District 7 seat

By Lisa neff islander editor

To get to the final race, Manatee County Commissioners George Kruse and Kevin Van Ostenbridge must win their semifinal — the Republican primary set for Aug. 20.

Kruse is the incumbent in the contest for the District 7 at-large seat on the board of county commissioners.

Van Ostenbridge, who holds the seat on the commission representing District 3, is the challenger in the closed GOP primary.

Van Ostenbridge was seeking reelection in District 3, the west Manatee County area that includes Anna Maria Island, but in late May he switched things up and filed to run against Kruse.

The winner Aug. 20 will face Democrat Sari Lindroos-Valimaki and write-in candidate Nathan Meyer in the Nov. 5 general election.

Van Ostenbridge’s campaign, at kvo2024.com, describes the candidate as a third-generation Floridian who “has lived, worked and volunteered in west Bradenton for most of his life.”

He’s worked in real estate, owned an excursion

company and coached football at Manatee High School.

District 3 voters elected Van Ostenbridge to the commission in 2020 and, on AMI, he became well known for picking a fight with Holmes Beach officials over public parking and his determination to see a parking garage built at Manatee Public Beach despite city regulations that prohibit such a structure.

Now Van Ostenbridge is seeking election to a countywide seat, campaigning under the banner “Principled. Conservative. Leadership” and with about $238,344 in political contributions.

Kruse also is campaigning as a conservative leader but with a lot less cash — his political contributions, at $65,539, don’t come close to Van Ostenbridge’s money, which largely comes from developers and support from PACs.

Kruse, also elected in 2020, has lived in the area since the mid-1980s and in Manatee County since 2008.

His career is in commercial real estate finance.

At his campaign website, votekruse.com, Kruse pledges to “continue to bring a private sector business approach to solving challenges like smart growth and responsible budgeting to the county commission. We need to bring common sense conservative policies and a public voice back to our board.”

On the primary ballots for AMI, west Manatee

Anna Maria Island voters — Republicans, Democrats and independents — have two shared races on their Aug. 20 primary ballots.

One open race is the District 3 contest for Manatee County School Board between Charles A. Kennedy, Jonathan Lynch and Perri Ann Parkman.

The other is the open Republican primary for county property appraiser between incumbent Charles E. Hackney and Darin C. George.

Who else is on the ballot?

For Republicans, the ballot includes closed primary contests for:

• U.S. Senate, between incumbent Rick Scott, John S. Columbus and Keith Gross;

• U.S. House, District 16, between incumbent

Vern Buchanan and Eddie Speir;

• County supervisor of elections, between appointee James Satcher and Scott Farrington;

• County commissioner, District 3, between Talha “Tal” Siddique and April Culbreath;

• County commissioner, District 7, between incumbent George W. Kruse and Kevin C. Van Ostenbridge;

For Democrats, the primary includes contests for:

• U.S. Senate, between Stanley Campbell, Rod Joseph, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and Brian Rush.

• U.S. House, District 16, between Jan Schneider and Trent Miller.

— Lisa neff

Take The Islander’s endorsements to the polls

For the Aug. 20 primary, The Islander endorsed Scott Farrington for Manatee County supervisor of elections, Talha “Tal” Siddique in the District 3 Manatee County commission race and George Kruse in the District 7 Manatee County commission race.

Election 2024

Early voting continues

The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office will hold early voting hours for the Tuesday, Aug. 20, primary through Saturday, Aug. 17. Early voting will be daily 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. at eight locations in the county.

The location nearest Anna Maria Island is G. T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. W., Bradenton.

Voters must present a valid photo and signature ID.

Heading to the polls

Manatee County voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 20, to cast primary election ballots.

Anna Maria Island has three precincts — based on municipal boundaries — and three polling locations.

Anna Maria voters — precinct 301 — cast ballots at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave. There are 831 active voters in the city, including 194 registered Democrats and 437 registered Republicans.

Holmes Beach voters — precinct 305 — cast ballots at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive. There are 2,438 active voters in Holmes Beach, including 484 registered Democrats and 1,379 registered Republicans.

Bradenton Beach voters — precinct 307 — cast ballots at the old fire hall, 201 Second St. N. There are 586 active voters in the city, including 132 registered Democrats and 297 registered Republicans.

Polling will be 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office will post results as they are reported for precincts.

For more information, go to the SEO website at votemanatee.com or call 941-741-3823.

Looking ahead

Voter registration for the Aug. 20 primary closed in July but people can register to vote for the Nov. 5 general election until 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24. Early voting will be Monday, Oct. 21-Saturday, Nov. 2.

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit your story with contact information to news@islander.org.

the Anna maria island Privateers want you! the pirates are looking for new blood to join them in their pursuit of good deeds for kids and community. call AmiP president maryAnn “maz” Zala at 941-6508673 or information laision Valerie “dallas” mabry, 941-896-0797.

Advertising sponsor:

Van ostenbridge

Kruse

GOP primary to determine District 3 county commission race

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Which Republican candidate will make it to the Nov. 5 general election ballot?

Republicans April Culbreath and Talha “Tal” Siddique will compete in the Aug. 20 primary election for a spot in the race for the District 3 seat on the Manatee Board of County Commissioners.

District 3 covers the western side of the county, including all of Anna Maria Island, Cortez and the portion of Longboat Key.

The seat is currently held by Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who fi led for reelection in District 3 but redesignated his campaign to run for the

District 7 at-large commission seat — opening the door for a nonincumbent candidate.

Siddique, who joined the D3 race before Van Ostenbridge flip-flopped, has worked as a civilian employee for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Veteran Affairs.

He currently works as an executive at a software company and has called for new blood in the county’s conservative leadership.

Culbreath originally filed to run for the District 7 seat but redesignated her campaign along with Van Ostenbridge’s switch.

She was a longtime employee of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office who retired in 2023, but had 12 complaints of employee misconduct sustained against her, resulting in 808.4 total hours of suspension without pay.

Culbreath currently serves as chair of the Manatee

County Republican Executive Committee. She leads the race in both campaign contributions and expenditures.

Through July 26, Culbreath raised $78,763 in contributions, $5,000 in in-kind contributions and spent $62,830.92 on campaign-related expenditures, according to votemanatee.com records.

Siddique reported $57,548 in campaign contributions, $2,460.86 of in-kind contributions and $40,059.48 in expenditures through the same date.

The winner of the Aug. 20 Republican primary will face Democrat Diana Shoemaker and write-in candidate Jeffrey Gray in the Nov. 5 general election.

Manatee County commissioners earn a $98,743 annual salary and serve four-year terms.

More Culbreath misconduct complaints: 2 alleged DUIs

By ryan Paice islander reporter

April Culbreath was suspended 808.4 hours during her time as a Manatee County sheriff’s employee for 12 sustained complaints of employee misconduct.

But her history of alleged misconduct doesn’t end there.

Culbreath, who retired from the MCSO in 2023, has been the subject of 19 unsustained complaints without repercussions for one reason or another.

Culbreath is one of two Republican candidates running for the District 3 seat on the board of county commissioners.

A pair of complaints against Culbreath alleged she has driven under the influence of alcohol.

Once case involves claims Culbreath was driving under the influence of alcohol when she crashed her patrol vehicle, but the complaint was not upheld despite what the investigator found “troubling.”

The case was sparked by an Oct. 26, 2005, anonymous letter from “A concern (sic) deputy” who claimed there had been “a big cover up” of an alleged July 10, 2005, drunk driving incident involving Culbreath.

On the date of the incident, Culbreath — whose last name was Dugan at the time — was responding to a request from Deputy Greg Bass to bring him dinner at his location, while he was working an off-duty security detail.

Culbreath told Chief Inspector Ed Judy that she dropped her cellphone while driving in heavy rain and lost control of her truck when she reached down to retrieve the phone.

Her vehicle “spun out of control and flipped four times,” but she was able to exit and walk to a nearby residence from which 911 was called.

Deputy Brent Smith responded first to the scene — where Culbreath was found covered in mud — and was followed by Bass and Deputy Chris Folds, which Smith found “odd.”

In an interview with Judy, Bass reported to have searched the scene for alcoholic beverages “in case someone ‘…would say that you know, she was drink-

ing….’”

Bass also told Judy, “I didn’t cover anything up. I just got here, I’m not covering anything up,” according to Judy’s investigative report.

Bass and Culbreath later admitted to a consensual sexual relationship from 2003-06, which resulted in two sustained counts of employee misconduct and a 129-hour unpaid suspension for Culbreath.

A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was dispatched to investigate the crash, but Culbreath left in Folds’ vehicle without telling Smith before FHP’s arrival.

Bass told Smith that Folds was taking Culbreath to the hospital, but Folds reported that she requested a ride to his residence to “wash and clean up.”

While there, Culbreath “asked for a beer to calm her nerves,” according to Folds.

FHP Trooper Todd Bergman reported that he was “upset” when Culbreath was not present at the scene of the crash upon his arrival and that she declined to return when he contacted her.

Bergman said he responded to Folds’ residence to complete his report and cited her for careless driving.

“The trooper felt she might have been drinking but this was not pursued,” Judy wrote.

Judy noted in his report that the facts that Culbreath left the scene before the FHP trooper arrived and later requested a beer were troubling.

“As all experienced law enforcement officers know, if a traffic accident driver has an alcoholic beverage after the accident, it makes it difficult to positively ascertain the sobriety of the driver at the time

of the accident,” he wrote.

However, Judy concluded that the responding deputies provided “no evidence” that Culbreath was intoxicated at the time of the accident and found the complaint unsustained.

Another complaint against Culbreath — who was still named Dugan but had become a detective — was filed May 11, 2010, by Shannon Culbreath, who was then married to April’s current husband, Duane Culbreath.

Beyond reporting Culbreath/Dugan’s affair with her then-husband, Shannon Culbreath alleged that in November 2009 the detective drove her and her husband home from a Bradenton bar using a police vehicle despite Culbreath being intoxicated.

She said Culbreath/Dugan’s vehicle sustained a flat tire during the drive, but the detective ignored the damage and continued driving.

While Inspector Sgt. Monique DeCesare found evidence backing Shannon Culbreath’s claim that Culbreath/Dugan’s vehicle had sustained a flat tire, she found there was insufficient evidence to sustain the complaint that the detective drove while intoxicated.

“There are no witnesses or evidence to substantiate the claim that Detective Dugan was impaired when the damage to her tire occurred,” DeCesare wrote.

Culbreath has not responded to multiple attempts by The Islander to contact her regarding her history of alleged misconduct or her campaign.

Editor’s note: “Candidate’s cop career marred by misconduct,” published July 24 in The Islander.

Siddique culbreath

Shoemaker

MARKETS & SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

Third Thursdays, 4 p.m., Sundown Get Down with the Bridge Street Merchants, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941778-8565.

islandturtlewatch.com, info@islandturtlewatch.com, 941-3018434.

SPORTS & FITNESS

ONGOING ON AMI

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Monday, Aug. 19

2 p.m. — Digital Sketchbooking, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com.

• Second and fourth Saturdays, 2 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org.

• Through August, Artists’ Guild Gallery window show, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

• Through August, Island Gallery and Studios “Anna Maria Island Life Through the Eyes of the Artists,” 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.

• Through Aug. 31, Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m., 9 p.m., Laser Light Nights, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

• Through August, by appointment, Cortez Cultural Center Museum, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 941-8400590, cvhs2016@aol.com.

Through Sept. 15, Selby Gardens’ “The Florida Highway Men: Interstate Connections,” 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.

• Through Oct. 20, “Reimagining Nature: Dali’s Floral Fantasies,” the Dali Museum, 1 Dali Boulevard St., St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 727-823-3767, thedali.org.

SAVE THE DATES

Sept. 19-29, Island Players’ “Crimes of the Heart,” Anna Maria.

Oct. 8, Manatee Performing Arts Center’s Tribute Tuesday concert series begins, Bradenton.

Oct. 19, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest, Anna Maria.

Nov. 14-24, Island Players’ “A Doublewide, Texas Christmas,” Anna Maria.

Submit social news to news@islander.org. Please, include time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name and phone number for publication. And, thanks for sharing!

SAVE THE DATES

Oct. 5, Bradenton Market opens, Bradenton.

KIDS & FAMILY ON

AMI

Wednesday, Aug. 14

10 a.m. — Preschool yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, Aug. 20

10 a.m. — Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, Aug. 21

10:15 a.m. — Island Morning Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• First Wednesdays, SOAR in 4 family night, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

• Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

• Second Saturdays, Quest for Kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, Aug. 15

1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Friday, Aug. 16

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

ONGOING ON AMI

• Second Mondays, 2 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island Adult Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908.

SAVE THE DATES

Aug. 31, Florida Maritime Museum Planting Party, Cortez. Sept. 14, Center of Anna Maria Island Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament, Bradenton.

LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI

Wednesday, Aug. 21

2 p.m. — Making Sense of Medicare & Medicare Enrollment, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Tuesdays through August, 10 a.m., Anna Maria Island and Shorebird Monitoring Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information:

• Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.

• Mondays, 10 a.m., morning yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

• Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Through Sept. 1, Bradenton Marauders home games, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee apples. Information: 941-7473031.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

Wednesday, Aug. 21

OFF AMI

8 a.m.-noon — Oyster drilling, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

SAVE THE DATES

Aug. 28, Robinson Preserve oyster drilling, Bradenton. CALENDAR

NOTES

KEEP THE DATES

Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out! Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season. Be prepared! Aug. 26, Women’s Equality Day.

Aug. 30, Jimmy Buffett Day.

Sept. 2, Labor Day.

Sept. 8, National Grandparents Day. Sept. 11, Patriot Day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GET LISTED!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Island Players selling season subscriptions

The Island Players are selling subscriptions for the 76th season, with forms available at theislandplayers. org.

Subscription sales will close Sept. 1, when the theater group will begin single ticket sales for the season.

The season will open at the Anna Maria playhouse, 10009 Gulf Drive, with “Crimes of the Heart,” Sept. 19-29.

Other shows in the lineup include “A Doublewide, Texas Christmas” Nov. 14-24, “Birthday Suite” Jan. 9-26, 2025; “Death by Design” March 13-30, 2025; and “Grace and Glorie” May 8-18, 2025.

For more information, leave a message at the box office at 941-778-5755 or go to theislandplayers.org.

ATTENTION RENTAL OWNERS!

We meet all your linen and cleaning needs with 5-star service. 18-plus years serving AMI. Our fleet will pick up/drop off daily.

www.allin1home.com

Island happenings

Final summer camp days center of Anna maria island Adventure time teen camp members pause for a photo during a July 16 trip to Arts A Blaze Studio, 8111 Lakewood main St., #107, Bradenton. islander

Photos: courtesy center of Anna maria island

Library books blood drive

The Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will host a blood drive with OneBlood 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday Aug. 16.

The blood drive will be in the library parking lot.

Appointments are not needed.

OneBlood, on its website at oneblood.org, said there is an increased need for type O and type O-negative donations.

For more information, call the library at 941-7786341.

2nd Sundown Get Down set

The Bradenton Beach Merchants Association will continue its Sundown Get Down event series with a street party at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15.

The theme will be “Pirate Powerboat Plunder.”

The events include “family-friendly activities, musical entertainment and discounts and specials at local businesses.

For more information, go online to sundowngetdown.com or contact marketing manager Jill McGarry at 941.448.7808 or jill@mcgarrymarketing.com.

ABoVe Left: Summer my Way campers hold up certificates Aug. 1 they received for participating in a talent show. ABoVe rigHt: Summer campers with the center of Anna maria island hold a banner they created July 30 as part of a scavenger hunt during “challenge Week.” one of the challenges the campers tackled was to create a team name and banner.

Wesley Bekkerus, 10, from the center of Anna maria island’s Summer my Way camp jumps Aug. 2 into a foam pit at evo Athletics, 7188 e. 15th St., Sarasota. the campers traveled to the gym as a field trip during its final week.

islander

Photos: courtesy center of Anna maria island

Submit social news to news@islander.org. Please, include time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name and phone number for publication. And, thanks for sharing!

Summer my Way campers try July 31 to eat a doughnut off a string without using their hands. the activity was one of the challenges campers tackled during “challenge Week.”

Thumbs-up for AME 2024-25

chris Klotz, left, and Pat cole, right, met again at back-to-school night Aug. 8, having both attended Ame in the 1990s. now their daughters will be together in Kiley flynn’s kindergarten class.

BeLoW: People wait Aug. 8 in the school lobby before the second session of the back-to-school night at Ame. the group went upstairs to meet with third- through fifth-grade teachers.

AME students, families attend back-to-school night

Anna maria elementary third-grader robert Bradford gives principal Katie fradley a thumbs-up Aug. 8 while attending back-to-school night with parents Brian and trisha at Anna maria elementary, 4700 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. islander Photos: robyn murrell

Ame kindergarten teacher

Kiley flynn greets Amy taylor of cortez and her son Kye Aug. 8. Kye attended voluntary pre-kindergarten at Ame and his mother said he’s excited to move up to kindergarten, where he will use his first desk.

BeLoW: Kye is all smiles Aug. 8 after finding his desk and putting away his workbooks and crayons.

marissa Brink, left, and erica nielsen, right, of the center of Anna maria island, pose Aug. 8 during Anna maria elementary’s back-to-school night. they sold Ame Pto merch, featuring a new mascot and signed up students for sports and other activities at the center.

Bradenton Beach wildlife rescue heroes tend flood of animals with Debby

By robert Anderson islander reporter

Following Tropical Storm Debby, which brought more than 18 inches of rain and wind to Anna Maria Island Aug. 3-5, Bradenton Beach-based Wildlife Inc. saw an increase in rescues.

Center staff said the increase in injured and displaced wildlife strained the already busy operation at the home-based facility at 2207 Avenue B.

Volunteer Krista Carpenter told The Islander Aug. 6 that the rescue received more than 52 animals in the 48 hours following the storm, including squirrels, rabbits, possums and birds.

Consider that for the month of August in 2023 there were 40 intakes at the rescue, according to Carpenter, who said high winds and flooding caused the most recent rescues.

“Most of them are babies or young juveniles that were too little to be away from their parents,” Carpenter said. “But they were separated, falling out of a nest

A juvenile rabbit displaced from a nest during tropical Storm debby rests Aug. 6 in the hands of a rescuer, who took the animal to Wildlife inc. in Bradenton Beach. islander

Photo: courtesy Jordan Betti

or pushed from a rabbit hutch by flood waters.”

“The first thing to do with any of those animals is just to get them warm, give them fluids to feed them and then raise them big enough to be released,” Car-

penter added.

She said people who follow the rescue’s Facebook page — @WildlifeInc — donated puppy pads, dog food, heating pads and Pedialyte.

Founded in 1987 by Gail and Ed Straight, the wildlife rehabilitation center operates out of the Straights’ home. The nonprofit relies on community support and donations.

Gail Straight, speaking with The Islander Aug. 6, said people who find a wild animal in need of help should contact the rescue by calling 941- 778-6324 rather than attempt to rehabilitate or care for the animal.

“Anything native to Florida you need a permit to nurse or raise,” Straight said. “Too many people think they know how to raise a baby animal, but they try to do it themselves, feed it wrong or want to make a pet out of a wild animal.”

For more info, call 941-778-6324 or visit wildlifeinc.org.

AME continues excellence, earns another A grade

By robyn murrell

Anna Maria Elementary received an A grade, according to a July 30 Florida Department of Education 2023-24 report.

The ranking marks the school’s third consecutive A grade.

The grading scale is A, 62% or greater; B, 54%-61%; C, 41%-53%; D, 32%-40%; and F, 31%.

Grades provide a way to measure the performance of a school. Parents and the general public can use a grade to understand how each school is serving students, according to the DOE.

The grade is based on 12 components, including, English Language Arts, Grade 3, Mathematics, Science and learning gains in ELA and math.

The components measure student performance on the Florida Assessment of Thinking, comprehensive assessment and end-of-course assessments. They determine the percentage of full-year enrolled students who achieved passing scores.

Additionally, schools that get an A grade receive bonus money from the DOE.

However, dollar awards were not announced.

AME grade: 574/800 = A.

Breaking down the scores, AME received ELA proficiency, 79%; math proficiency, 77%; science, 74%; ELA learning gains, 76%; math learning gains, 70%.

Additionally, the lowest quartile saw learning gains of 58% in ELA and Math.

“We are excited to announce that our school has once again been rated as a high-performing A school this year! In addition to Proficiency, the state has included Learning Gains in determining our school grade,” AME principal Katie Fradley wrote in an email to The Islander Aug. 9. “As we look forward to the new school year, our focus will remain on student achievement and ensuring that our students receive exceptional instruction.”

Submit school news to news@islander.org. Please, include time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name and number for publication. And, thanks for sharing!

need a good laugh? visit the NEW emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts. NEW LOCATION: HB Post Office, 5354 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach • emersonshumor.com

• Monday, Sept. 2, Labor Day, no school.

• Friday, Sept. 20, Peace Day.

• Monday, Oct. 14, record day, no school.

• Saturday, Oct. 26, PTO Fall Fest, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

AME has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, earning either A or B grades 1999-2024. The exception was in 2021, when AME and other Manatee County schools did not receive a grade because the DOE allowed them to opt out due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The school earned B grades in 2018, 2001 and 1999, while achieving A grades in other years.

For more, go online to www.fldoe.org.

HB collects school supplies

The city of Holmes Beach is collecting school supplies for the 2024-25 academic year, which began Aug. 12, for Manatee County public schools.

Donors can drop supplies at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, including crayons, markers, paper, pencils, notebooks, binders, folders, backpacks, glue, scissors and rulers, through Aug. 30.

Gathering

By Lisa neff

Christ Church hosts concert

Christ Church of Longboat Key will host Paul Groen in the Summer Music Magic concert.

The program will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at the church, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The church bulletin described Groen as a “famous versatile singing artist.”

Pianist Julia Chou will accompany Groen.

A free will offering will be collected.

For more information, call the church at 941-3838833.

Chapel conducts sock drive

The Longboat Island Chapel’s charitable outreach committee this month is collecting kids’ socks, shoelaces and shoes for Turning Points in Bradenton.

A notice for “Sock It To ’Em and Tie ’Em Up” said gift cards also will be collected during the group’s social at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

For more information, call 941-383-6491.

CrossPointe offers ‘Blast’

CrossPointe Fellowship is hosting the Wednesday Night Blast with dinner, ministry and socializing.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a family dinner.

Programs begin at 6:45 p.m.

CrossPointe is at 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0719.

Tidings

compiled by Lisa neff

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, Aug. 14

1 p.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church Grief Share healing support, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7780414.

SAVE THE DATES

Aug. 22, Christ Church of Longboat Key Book Study, Longboat Key.

Aug. 22, Christ Church of Longboat Key fish fry, Longboat Key.

Aug. 24, Christ Church of Longboat Key Summer Music Magic concert, Longboat Key.

Aug. 27, Longboat Island Chapel Gather and Give social, Longboat Key.

Sept. 18, Roser Church Golfing for God, Bradenton. Oct. 23, Christ Church book club resumes, Longboat Key.

ONGOING ON AMI

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719.

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m., Wednesday Night Blasts; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org.

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

Ongoing: Most Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s breakfast; Mondays, 1 p.m., book club.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com.

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship.

Ongoing: First Sundays, food bank collections; Wednesdays,

Gathering

Gathering is the religion section. Please, send announcements, calendar listings and photos to Lisa Neff at lisa@islander.org. Please include a contact phone number and email address.

Good deeds, needs after a storm

After a storm strikes, people in disaster zones can find help while people outside disaster zones can lend aid using the following resources:

• Florida’s official volunteer portal, volunteerflorida.org.

• National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, www.nvoad.org.

• Florida’s donation site, www.volunteerflorida.

org/donatefdf or text DISASTER to 20222.

Before collecting supplies to donate, people should connect with organizations in an affected area to identify what is needed, how much is needed and when it is needed.

Often, donating cash can be the best way to help after a disaster.

— Lisa neff

Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00 Watch Our 10:00 AM Ser vice Li ve: / or www.christchurchof (

9:30 a.m., women’s social gathering. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912.

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com.

Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Tuesdays, 2 p.m., women’s book study.

St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc. org.

Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m.; Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurchoflbk.org.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., women’s Bible study; first Sundays, 11:30 a.m., Connection Conversations; Mondays, 9 a.m., men’s Bible study.

Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Pastor’s Bible Study; Thursdays, Shifting Sands group.

Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-3428.

Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. GET LISTED, CHANGE LISTINGS

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

GoodDeeds

By Lisa neff

Assistance sought on AMI

• Tingley Memorial Library in Bradenton Beach seeks volunteers for morning and afternoon shifts in the “fun and friendly” atmosphere. Info: 941-7791208, bradentonbeachlibrary@gmail.com.

• The Anna Maria Island Privateers group seeks members and an indoor port for their boat-float. Info: 941-896-0797.

• Wildlife Inc. rescue and rehabilitation in Bradenton Beach seeks help tending to injured and sick animals. Info: 941-778-6342.

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@ islander.org. Obituaries are provided free — a service of your community newspaper. Paid obituaries can be discussed with our advertising consultant at 941-778-7978.

• Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry supported by All Island Denominations. Info: 941-778-0414.

Assistance offered on AMI

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live, work or attend school on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.

• AID offers financial help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Info: 941-725-2433.

Get listed

Do you work with a nonprofit in need of assistance on Anna Maria Island? Are you looking ahead to lining up volunteers for a new season on the island? Do you offer free services to islanders or on AMI and want to increase use? Email listings to Lisa Neff at lisa@ islander.org.

demand,

Dvorak, Brahms, Vaugh Williams and George Herbert, from

Opera House

continued from PAge 1

Light to return power.

Building department manager Dean Jones said the storm left most roads flooded. To mitigate the flooding, city staff cleared drains and pumped water from several locations.

Jones said roadways were cleared of water less than 36 hours after the storm.

Debby also loosened a handful of planks on the landing of the city pier but the damaged boards were replaced with new Ipe wood planks by Aug. 7, according to Jones.

The city had no estimate for how many private properties took on water but sent emails to people who signed up for alerts on the municipality’s website, cityofannamaria.com, asking owners to report damage so the city could pursue funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

As of Aug. 8, no one had responded, according to Murphy.

Wellington-based Jet Hauling was set to pick up large, unbundled yard debris left curbside Aug. 13.

Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby, who heads up emergency management, said there was damage to the floating docks at the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St.

Also, some flooding occurred in the city during the tropical storm.

“We had, at present count, five residential homes that had water inundation and that was at Avenue A and one at the Sandpiper trailer park,” Cosby said.

On the roads, public works cleared debris to restore access Aug. 5.

Crews also checked for damage to city infrastructure.

One boat found adrift by a Manatee County marine unit was towed to the pier, where it sank, according to Cosby, who was working with the county to expedite removal.

Mayor John Chappie said five newly planted coconut palms fell on Bridge Street. The palms were part of a public-private partnership with developer Shawn

Kaleta. The palms were removed and will not be replanted.

Holmes Beach

It didn’t take long for Holmes Beach to get back to normal following Debby.

Public works superintendent Sage Kamiya told The Islander Aug. 7 that there were some low-lying areas where standing water remained but most flooding had dissipated.

Debby also felled a few trees, spread plant debris, left drains clogged and displaced sediment.

Kamiya said city staff had picked up debris, cleared drains and had begun street-sweeping.

Hurricane Idalia left extensive debris in its wake last summer. So much so that the city collected the debris in a pile at city field and collected FEMA reimbursement for its removal.

But Kamiya said the debris following Debby was not on the same level and curbside yard waste would be removed by Waste Pro, the city’s waste removal contractor.

“We’re pretty much back to normal,” he added. “We’re going to have our work cut out for us for another week or so doing some cleanup, but it’s not significant and not stuff that we can’t handle.”

Cortez

Debby’s impact was felt in the Cortez fishing village, where, according to Karen Bell, owner of the A.P. Bell Fish Co. Inc., 4600 124th St. Court W., two fishing boats encountered difficulties.

One netting vessel sank at a dock and another fleet vessel became disabled at sea after an anchor line damaged its propeller. The crew spent the storm adrift and then was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

“Literally, they floated around out there from 3 p.m. Sunday, which was the worst of it, until Monday at noon, when it started to lay down a little bit,” Bell said.

She said all hands onboard were able to ride out the storm.

“I will be forever grateful to Cortez station and St. Pete station Coast Guard,” Bell said. “They went above and beyond.”

Capt. Katie Tupin, a Cortez resident and owner of Captain Katie Scarlet Boat Tours, described limited flooding.

“In Idalia, (the water) was barely an inch from entering and flooding into my house and the road was under almost a foot of water,” Tupin said.

“I was so relieved when I woke up after high tide and just half the road was flooded,” she said, referring to Tropical Storm Debby.

Part-time pre-storm baggers

chuck Hollowell, left, and mark Hurley, residents of 75th Street in Holmes Beach, arrived by LSV Aug. 2 at the city sand bagging setup by the pickleball courts on 63rd Street and flotilla drive to bag sand and load up their vehicle. However, the pair said they might wait to fortify their homes and the homes of several others who need help with storm prep in their neighborhood until Aug. 3. islander Photos: Bonner Joy

A sunken boat is tied Aug. 5 at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. the vessel was towed to the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach by a manatee county marine patrol unit after the vessel’s owner reported a bilge pump failed. the county tied it to the pier but the vessel sank while moored there. islander Photo: robert Anderson

Longboat Key

People on Longboat Key’s north end also experienced flooding.

“Every storm is different,” Isaac Brownman, public works director, wrote in an Aug. 9 email to The Islander. “The impacts we experienced were an extremely wet rain event with some minor storm surge on the back end.”

“Many neighborhoods on Longboat Key did well and drained off quickly,” he wrote. “More pronounced and prolonged flooding was observed in our lowest low-lying areas, including but not limited to, the Village, Sleepy Lagoon, Buttonwood and St. Jude’s Drive.”

“We also had significant flooding along Gulf of Mexico Drive from about the 4600 block near Casa Del Mar and Zota Resort to about the 5300 block.”

Brownman said sections of Longboat Key beaches had varying degrees of erosion and they were being evaluated, a process taking place along much of the coastline.

“The north end beach at Greer Island/Beer Can did fairly well,” he said.

Areawide

Across Manatee, Debby disrupted travel, closed businesses for one or two days, caused sewage discharges, knocked out some utilities, forced a water release from Lake Manatee and shut down government offices and services.

Manatee County, as of Aug. 7, reported an estimated $24 million in residential damages and $98 million in commercial damages but assessments were continuing and totals expected to rise.

While cleanup efforts were quickly completed in many locations, other parts of the area continued to deal with flooding through the week.

In hard-hit areas east county, disaster aid distribution centers were set up, including at the Myakka Community Center, where the Florida National Guard was stationed.

Meanwhile, the county animal welfare service said it was awash in stray pets. Through Aug. 8, 129 stray animals were brought to facilities, where staff worked to expedite reunification and waived fees associated with reclaims.

Get help

Manatee County set up a webpage for people to seek help. Go to mymanatee.org/debbyhelp.

Robert Anderson, Lisa Neff and Ryan Paice contributed to this report,

Streetlife

Island police reports

Compiled by Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice Anna Maria

Aug. 3, 400 block of North Bay Boulevard, vandalism. A Manatee County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a call concerning vandalism resulting in property loss. The complainant said someone threw their kayak into the water, resulting in damage to their phone and the loss of equipment. An incident report was filed.

Aug. 5, 700 block of North Shore Drive, reckless drivers. A resident reported motorists driving on flooded roads during Tropical Storm Debby. The complainant said the vehicles were causing wakes that were entering nearby properties and damaging homes.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach

Aug. 4, 200 block of Gulf Drive South, Marchman Act. MCSO deputies and Bradenton Beach police officers responded to a call about a woman struggling in the water near the Sandcastle Beach Club. The woman was removed from the water. During an interview with police, she struck her head repeatedly against the patrol car. She was placed in protective custody and transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital under the Marchman Act.

Aug. 5, 2000 block of Gulf Drive North, fire call. The Bradenton Beach Police Department, West Manatee Fire Rescue, MCSO and other emergency services were dispatched to a report of structure fire at the Bungalow Beach resort in Bradenton Beach. First responders determined the fire was actually an electrical box that was sparking. Florida Power and Light was notified and electricity to the building was

Bradenton man arrested for fleeing police

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Kevin Roberts, 55, of Bradenton, Aug. 3 on two third-degree felony charges for allegedly fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer and driving with a permanently revoked license.

Roberts also faces a charge of second-degree misdemeanor for reckless driving.

An officer saw Roberts driving a motor scooter in the bicycle lane on Gulf Drive around 10 p.m. and, when he attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the man accelerated, driving through the parking lot of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, swerving between traffic cones blocking the lot.

The offi cer activated his emergency lights and sirens and took chase. He saw Roberts drive off the road to pass another motorist and drive through a stop sign at 45th Street and Second Avenue.

Roberts eventually came to a stop, stepped off his

turned off for repairs.

Aug. 6, 200 Bridge St., Historic Bridge Street Pier, marine accident. A BBPD officer was dispatched to a call of a sinking vessel. The officer contacted the owner, who said they could not salvage the boat and agreed to turn the vessel over for removal.

The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

July 30, 5600 block of Marina Drive, marijuana. A Holmes Beach police officer saw a motorist with a

scooter and apologized to the officer, who handcuffed Roberts.

During a search, the officer found 0.6 grams of marijuana, bags containing brownies that smelled of marijuana and a pipe. Roberts did not have a license for the marijuana.

The officer also determined Roberts’ license had been permanently revoked.

Roberts was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $5,150 bond.

If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony charge include up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000.

Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor charge include up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

passenger leaning out a vehicle window and conducted a traffic stop. The officer smelled marijuana and asked if the driver or his passengers had a medical marijuana license. They did not. The officer searched the vehicle and found a bag and bottle containing marijuana. The officer issued court summons to two passengers found in possession of the marijuana.

Aug. 1, 500 block 69th Street, trespass/criminal mischief. An officer spoke with a woman who said a contractor damaged her dock while loading materials onto a barge. She said she contacted the contractor to discuss fixing the damage but also wanted to report

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• City center in Holmes Beach: Manatee County’s final work is ongoing on a force main project on Holmes Boulevard, Marina Drive and side streets. The contractor is completing punch-list items and cleanup. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io. Did you know?

Before departing for a destination, travelers can check traffic cameras at many area locations, including on the Cortez and Anna Maria Island Bridges.

To view the road cameras, go to fl511.com.

For area road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511

— Lisa Neff

STREETLIFE FROM PAgE 18

the incident to police. The officer photographed the dock.

Aug. 1, 3500 block of Sixth Avenue, welfare check. A woman called the Holmes Beach Police Department to request a welfare check for a woman who had told others she was contemplating suicide. An officer responded to the given address, but no one answered the door. The officer searched the beach for the woman to no avail. He waited at the residence but, when the woman returned, she did not want to speak with police and said she was not intending to harm herself. The officer determined the woman did not meet criteria for detainment under the Baker Act.

Aug. 3, 100 block of 28th Street, marijuana/drug possession. An officer saw a motorist parked with all tires on the roadway and spoke to the driver. The officer smelled marijuana from inside the vehicle and determined the driver lacked a medical marijuana license. The driver handed over a bag containing marijuana and the vehicle contained marijuana gummies and pill bottles. The officer issued a court summons to the man and filed a capias request to the state attorney’s office for possession of a synthetic cannabinoid.

HB man on probation for cocaine, marijuana possession

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach resident Sean Dugan, 33, is on probation through April 2026 following a ruling on two criminal charges he was facing for drug possession.

Dugan was arrested Dec. 8, 2023, after a Holmes Beach police officer found him around 1:30 a.m. inside a parked vehicle near the beach access on 30th Street.

The officer smelled the odor of burnt marijuana from inside the vehicle, so he asked if Dugan had a medical marijuana license.

While he did not have a license, Dugan handed over a container of 1.1 grams of marijuana and said it was his.

The officer searched Dugan and found a bag containing 0.3 grams of cocaine, as well as a white powder-like substance “smeared” into the floorboard of the driver’s seat.

Dugan was arrested and charged with a thirddegree felony for possession of cocaine and a firstdegree misdemeanor for possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana.

He pleaded no contest to both charges in April,

Aug. 5, 3000 block of Avenue C, assault/threat of violence. Two officers responded to reports of a disturbance and spoke with a man who said his ex-girlfriend was staying at his place and had threatened to punch another woman who was helping him clean up following Tropical Storm Debby. The man provided video footage and asked for the woman to be trespassed. The woman who was allegedly threatened wanted to press charges against the ex-girlfriend and completed a complaint. The ex-girlfriend was issued her a trespass warning and the offi cer fi led a capias request for a simple assault charge against her.

The HBPD polices the city.

Streetlife is based on reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Island watch In an emergency, call 911. To report info, call the MCSO Anna Maria, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

when Judge Stephen Whyte of the 12th Circuit Court ruled to withhold adjudication against Dugan for the two charges. Withholding adjudication allows a sentence to be imposed without a formal criminal conviction.

Whyte sentenced Dugan to complete 24 months of supervised probation for both charges, to be served concurrently, as well as 100 hours of public service. He also must complete a substance abuse and mental health evaluation, attend an Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meeting per week and adhere to a 10 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew.

7-11 WED., AUG. 14, ROCK & ROLL TRIVIA with STEVE ARVEY 7:30-11:30 THURS., AUG. 15, ERIC VON 7:30-11:30 FRI., AUG. 16, TREVOR BYSTROM 7:30-11:30 SAT., AUG 17, BRI RIVERA 7-11 SUN., AUG 18, TONY TYLER 7:30-11:30 MON., AUG. 19, KARAOKE with FITZ

Debby’s wrath: North Shore Drive in Anna Maria remains flooded Aug. 6 following Tropical Storm Debby’s passage in the gulf of Mexico. Islander

Photo: Ryan Paice

Center transitions to fall soccer, KRC rainout,

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

The football countdown on AMI has begun. With only a week remaining in the regular season of the adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Fishing With Salty and Floridian Mortgage are locked in a battle for No. 1 with matching 5-1 records.

Salty Printing holds down third place with a 4-2 record, just ahead of fourth-place Solid Rock Electrical at 3-3. Moss Builders, Prosper Bradenton and Solid Rock Air Conditioning follow with matching 2-4 records, while Slim’s Place is alone in last place at 1-5.

The first game Aug. 8 wasn’t a game, as Prosper Bradenton couldn’t field a team, giving Fishing With Salty a victory by forfeit.

Salty Printing then held on for a 27-26 victory over Solid Rock Air Conditioning behind three touchdown passes and five receptions from Tuna McCracken. Christian Hampton led all receivers with three touchdowns and a 2-point conversion on five receptions, while Matt Manger added a touchdown pass. Blake Balais completed the scoring for Salty Printing with a touchdown catch and an extra point.

Angelie Collazo helped Solid Rock Air Conditioning with a TD reception and an interception return for a touchdown on defense. Dominick Otteni and Zaon Williams each threw a touchdown pass and Karri Stephens added a TD reception for Solid Rock Air Conditioning in the loss.

The third scheduled game of the evening saw Floridian Mortgage cruise to a 34-6 victory over Slim’s Place behind five TD passes from Chase Richardson, increasing his league-leading total to 26. Tim Holly and Rex Kesten each finished with two TD receptions, while Zach Wyrick added a TD in the victory.

Cruz Rodriguez threw a TD pass to Jaden Grant for Slim’s Place, which also received six catches each from Anthony Mannino and Roman Perez in the loss.

Finally, Ryan Moss threw six TD passes, including four to Greg Moss to lead Moss Builders to a 37-14 victory over Solid Rock Electrical. Shawn Balvin and James Roadman both added TD catches, while Zachary Blakeney completed the scoring with an extrapoint catch in the victory.

Jonathan Moss threw a TD pass to Luke Johnson and Zachary Long had an interception return for a touchdown to go along with a 2-point conversion in the Moss win.

Time for soccer

The center soon will transition to fall soccer. There’s still time to sign up, with youth league registration closing Aug. 16, and player evaluations and the team drafts as follows:

• Ages 11-14, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19;

• Ages 8-10, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20;

There will be no evaluations for 3-4 or 5-7 age divisions.

Play will begin Sept. 16, with matches played Mondays and Tuesdays.

The youth registration fee is $20 for members and $150 for nonmembers.

The center also is taking registration for its adult league, with matches set to begin Thursday, Sept. 19.

The deadline to register for the adult soccer is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, which also is when evaluations and drafts will take place.

Matches will be played Thursdays.

Registration costs $20 for members and $130 for nonmembers.

To register, visit the center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, call 941-778-1908 or go online to centerami.org.

To volunteer as a sports coach or sponsor a team at the center, contact Tuna McCracken, sports program manager, at 941-778-1908, ext. 207, or sports@centerami.org.

Key Royale news

Most of the regularly scheduled golf action at Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach were washed out by Tropical Storm Debby.

But the maintenance crew got the course cleaned up for members to play a scramble Aug. 8 that saw the team of Debbie and Dave Richardson, Terry Schaefer and Bill Shuman combine on a 4-under-par 28 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the week.

And, thank you to the greens crew.

Horseshoe news

Two teams advanced from pool play with 3-0 records and settled things in a playoff during Aug. 7 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits.

The team of Tom Farrington and Gersey Fernandes cruised to a 23-4 victory over Dom Livedoti and Steve Doyle and took a trip to the winner’s circle.

Action Aug. 10 saw two teams advance to the knockout stage. In this competition, the team of Bob Heiger and Tim Sofran held on for a 22-13 victory over Farrington and Jamie Thomas to earn the day’s bragging rights.

The action gets started at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.

June Presswood, almost 2, gets situated for her first-ever boat ride July 25 at the Bradenton Riverwalk dock, where she hopped on the gulf Coast Islands Ferry destined for Bradenton Beach.

Cassidy

Tom Farrington and gersey Fernandes teamed up Aug. 7 and won the day’s horseshoe challenge with a 23-4 victory over Dom Livedoti and Steve Doyle at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMI Pitchers

June’s first ferry ride July 25 — celebratory event in advance of turning 2 on Aug. 20 — culminated with lunch at the BridgeTender Inn Dockside, including live music — another first — with her mom, Josey Presswood, and her abuela, Catalina uribe.

Islander Photos: Bonner Joy — June’s great-grandmother and host for the roundtrip ferry ride.

TS Debby drops record rainfall, changes AMI fishing patterns

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

There was record-breaking rainfall and prolonged effects of Tropical Storm Debby as it passed Manatee County on its trek to becoming a category 1 hurricane with landfall near Steinhatchee at the Big Bend region at 7 a.m. Aug 5.

Post-storm, Anna Maria Island anglers were sporadically making their way back on the water to find a bite.

With mass volumes of freshwater pouring out of the Manatee River into Anna Maria Sound, you can bet the patterns we were working prior to Debby dramatically changed.

For most anglers, the day begins with catching bait but when extreme conditions, such as tropical storms and hurricanes, occur offshore of AMI, finding bait can become a dilemma.

The mass schools of bait typically move offshore in such instances, making them tough to find and tougher to catch.

Of course, there are always alternatives, such as buying live shrimp or using artificials, but we all know that live bait fishing with shiners is as good as it gets.

So, let’s be optimistic about finding bait and say that the process of elimination begins with where to find the fish. Most anglers will probably re-run their last pattern of spots they fished before the blow, which is a logical choice. You always want to go where you

Scarlett, 10, left, dad Jeff Ake, and Deacon, 5, visiting Anna Maria Island from golden, Colorado, show off a post-Tropical Storm

Debby redfish caught Aug. 9 in Tampa Bay on a live pinfish while on a guided fishing trip with Capt. David White. The family fishers kept two redfish for dinner and released the rest.

This is where the angler’s “know-how” is put to the test. Trying to find fish starting with a blank slate isn’t always easy but, with determination and a luck, you may get some action.

If you don’t find anything, don’t be discouraged because the fishing and bait should rebound, the waters will get back to normal and a pattern will be found, resulting in successful days on the water.

And, being anglers, we are skilled at adapting to the surroundings and at taking the good with the bad.

Capt. David White was one of the few managing to get out on the water soon after the blow. White showed his angling savvy by switching tactics to find success for his clients.

He was taking charters night fishing around residential docks and canals, resulting in hookups with catch-and-release snook and juvenile tarpon, as well as a few redfish.

White was fly fishing, which is by far the stealthiest way to target the fi sh and it also eliminates the dilemma of having to get bait.

Prior to the storm, Capt. Johnny Mattay said mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel were being caught frequently while fishing the passes and the artificial reefs. A variety of other species, such as juvenile groupers and grunts, were also prevalent in the areas.

caught fish the last time you were out. If these spots work, good for you. But if they don’t, it’s back to the old post-storm drawing board.

As the Downtown Princess got underway

July 25, June was slightly apprehensive, but the “sparkle water” — boat spray — perked her up and she was busy for the rest of the ride with counting boats.

Fishing deep grass flats for spotted seatrout was also pretty good, reported Mattay, and free-lined shiners were his bait of choice. Lastly, targeting snook along the beaches and passes was fairly good on moving tides.

He was hoping things would get back to normal for this week’s charters.

Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Stasny

Kade Twining, 16, of Muskegon, Michigan, shows off a 23-inch redfish he caught Aug. 9 while on a charter fishing trip with Capt. Danny Stasny of Just Reel Fishing Charters.

LEFT and ABOVE: June and her mom, Josey Presswood, check out a horseshoe crab in the touch tank, and June checks out the interactive exhibits at Mote Marine Science Education & Outreach Center on the Anna Maria City Pier.

Nesting notes

By Masha Dolgoff

Surveying Debby’s impacts

Tropical Storm Debby moved past Anna Maria Island Aug. 4-5, delivering high surf and waves to the beaches where hundreds of sea turtle nests were incubating and a least tern colony was flourishing.

As of Aug. 9, Kristin Mazzarella, executive director of Anna Maria Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, said 227 nests remained staked, 44 were restaked, 169 were washed out and 39 nests needed to be assessed.

Also, because of beach erosion, AMITW was planning to walk some sections to conduct nest surveys.

“It’s heartbreaking to see it happen,” Mazzarella said in an Islander interview Aug. 6. “But we were very happy to see more nests that we actually found today.”

That day, AMITW found 10 hatched nests among those they inventoried.

Mazzarella said the storm also may have altered incubation temperatures, which can factor into the sex ratio of the hatchlings.

“For the nests that have survived, it definitely will cool down the nests.” Cooler sand can produce more males — or “it could’ve drowned the eggs,” she said.

Kathy Doddridge, shorebird coordinator for AMITW, said she was surprised by the resilience of the least terns on the beach.

On Aug. 5, Doddridge saw no birds at the colony near the 27th Street North beach access in Bradenton Beach.

“I had initially called it abandoned,” she said.

However, Doddridge went back Aug. 6 and saw 16 least terns.

“One of them was calling as if it were calling a chick and bringing in food,” Doddridge said. “So now I’m not so sure what’s going on with these birds. I was quite delighted to see them still around.”

Before the storm, the colony had fledged nine

From the director’s report

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch was unable to patrol the beaches on Aug. 4 and Aug. 5 due to the high tides, heavy rain and thunderstorms associated with Tropical Storm Debby. Turtle patrol was back out on the beach Aug. 6 to assess the damages.

Stakes knocked down during TS Debby are removed Aug. 6.

Islander Photo: AMITW

chicks and there was one remaining chick, the youngest, that had not started to fly. Doddridge said because it liked to wander, there’s a possibility the chick hid in the dunes and survived.

Even with the disruption from the storm, Doddridge said she considers this year’s least tern colony an improvement from past years.

“Anything more than the two chicks that fledged three years ago, I would consider a success,” she said. “That’s nine more birds into the population.”

Doddridge attributes the success of the colony to increased awareness of predation problems. In 2021, a least tern colony disbanded at the same location because of cat predation.

This year, AMITW captured photos of feral cats attacking least tern chicks and worked to relocate them. They also obtained crow decoys from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more effective than the artificial effigies that stopped working after a few weeks.

The fact that the least terns continue to come to the spot in Bradenton Beach left Doddridge hopeful.

“It’s obvious that they felt secure in that location and hopefully they come back next year,” she said.

As of Aug. 9, there were 683 nests., 832 false crawls and 220 hatched nests producing 16,074 hatchlings.

We knew we were going to lose some nests but we were happy to report that we documented many hatched nests on Aug. 4, before the storm, and a couple more hatches were reported by the public on the days we were unable to survey.

There may be even more hatches that we don’t know about. So we are glad to know that those hatchlings got out!

At the time of the storm, about 479 nests were still incubating. Over the past four days, we have been determining the fate of each of these nests, fi xing stakes and restaking some nests that we believe are still viable.

We also have been collecting more than 1,000 nest stakes that washed up after the storm.

AMITW would like to express our gratitude to those who placed our stakes in piles at the dunes for us to find them.

Here’s our preliminary assessment as of Aug. 9:

• 227 remained staked and are believed to be viable;

• 44 have been restaked and are believed to be viable;

• 169 have been confirmed as washouts;

• 39 nests still need to be assessed.

At this time in the season, nesting is slowing down and hatching is picking up.

We continue to conduct daily patrols looking for new crawls, documenting new hatches and any disturbances to nests and inventorying nests that have hatched or reached an overdue date.

While we are saddened by the loss of so many nests, we are encouraged by the number of nests still left on the beach.

AMITW can be reached at 941-301-8434.

— Kristen Mazzarella, AMITW executive director

Mazzarella

Dolgoff

By Lisa Neff

Wake up, slow down

I love to eavesdrop in the line at the supermarket.

It’s a good reason to choose the line with the live cashier over the self-checkout.

Two days after Tropical Storm Debby passed Anna Maria Island in the Gulf of Mexico as it churned toward hurricane strength before landfall in the Big Bend area, I overhead a customer and cashier talking about a “no wake” message on an electronic message board.

The customer was offended. She thought “no wake” was ”anti-woke” messaging.

“No, no, they love woke on the island,” the cashier answered. I don’t know how she reached that conclusion, but OK. “No wake just means slow down in floodwaters,” the cashier added.

Yes, it does, I thought.

I didn’t understand the first “no wake” sign I saw on AMI nearly two decades ago. And I foolishly maneuvered my Saturn through high water near the elementary school in Holmes Beach.

That Saturn’s life, by the way, ended prematurely when the transmission failed.

So Aug. 5, when driving to The Islander office in the dark, with heavy rain associated with Debby still falling, I reduced my speed to 5 mph and prepared to turn around if I encountered flooded roads.

I don’t want to endanger myself or harm my vehicle and I’m also now aware that vehicles can send water into homes and businesses along flooded roadways.

When I lived on the island’s north end, motorists taking the corner at Gulf Drive and Coconut would send waves of water into a neighbor’s porch even during a routine thunderstorm — and despite the low-

Kids’ cleanup push continues in Holmes Beach

Islanders 4 Clean Water is conducting a contest to encourage kids to help clean up beaches. Islanders 4 Clean Water encourages kids to:

• Collect litter in a 5-gallon bucket at any beach;

• Share on social media a photo of collected litter and tag @cityofholmesbeach;

• Stop by Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, to get a backpack for participating;

• Participants are entered into a raffle for a half-day inshore fi shing trip with Capt. Logan Bystrom.

The contest will run through Aug. 31. For more info, call city hall at 941-7085800.

— Lisa Neff

A news conference Aug. 6 at the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center includes u.S. Sen. Rick Scott, Sheriff Rick Wells, Commission Chair Mike Rahn and other local leaders, providing an update on recovery from Debby’s inundating rains.

RIgHT: u.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, addresses a news conference about storm recovery. Islander Photos: Courtesy Manatee County/Bill Logan

speed limit.

With TS Debby filling roadways and yards with water, the city of Anna Maria on Aug. 4-5 closed its border at Holmes Beach to motorists without reason to enter.

The city of Holmes Beach also encouraged people to stay off the roads as much as possible and to go slow if they needed to travel.

At the county level, there also was an effort to deter so-called “disaster tourists,” who by driving around could interfere with emergency operations and contribute to another emergency.

So please, wake up to the message and heed the “no wake” signs when you see them.

And it’s a good idea not to wade through those fl oodwaters because you don’t know what’s on the ground and you might not want to know what’s in the water.

Helping hands

Isaiah Bragg, 9, of Perico Island, cares for a yellow belly turtle rescued after Tropical Storm Debby passed Aug. 4-5 in the gulf. Isaiah returned the land turtle to its natural habitat. Islander Photo: Courtesy Abigail Bragg

My inbox during and after Debby’s passage was filled with notices, alerts and news releases, including warnings about raw sewage discharged into the Manatee River, as well as lift stations going offline due to flooding and power outages.

It might look like fun, paddleboarding along Marina Drive after a tropical storm but there’s a good chance the fl oodwater will be polluted with poop, litter, oils, solvents, herbicides and pesticides. Floodwater isn’t fresh water. It’s ugly.

By Lisa Neff

Water quality issues reported

The nonprofit Suncoast Waterkeeper, for the week ending Aug. 11, issued a swim caution following the passage of Tropical Storm Debby.

The caution was based on a report from Bradenton’s water reclamation facility of an overflow bypass that resulted in 3.5 million gallons of untreated sewage discharging into the Manatee River during the storm.

The concern was for pollution, including enterococci bacteria, which lives in the intestinal tracts of warm-blood animals and causes illness.

For more information, go to suncoastwaterkeeper. org.

Meanwhile, the Florida Healthy Beaches Program reported poor water quality at several local locations, including Bayfront Park in Anna Maria and the Palma Sola Causeway South beach in Bradenton.

For more information, go online to floridahealth. gov.

About fecal pollution

Enterococci are enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of the bacteria in water can indicate fecal pollution, which might come from stormwater runoff, animals and human sewage.

If present in high concentrations, the bacteria can be ingested or enter the skin through a cut or sore, causing human disease, infections or rashes.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency says enterococci have a greater correlation with swimmingassociated gastrointestinal illness in marine and fresh waters than other bacterial indicator organisms and are less likely to die off in saltwater.

Neff

TideWatch

ITEMS FOR SALE

BOSu HOME gYM, $35, exercise ball, $25, side tables, round, glass top, 2/$19, black chairs, soft leather 2/$20. 941-920-2494.

ANTIQuE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander. org. (limited time offer).

LOST & FOUND

MISSINg CAT: HOLMES BEACH. Male, Cinnamon. Don’t attempt to catch, do feed. If seen, call Mel, 941-592-2551.

TRANSPORTATION

g OLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.golfCartRentalAMI.com

LOOKINg FOR AN EARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FREE!

TRANSPORTATION Continued

2018 CLuB CAR: street-legal, high-speed gear box to 25 mph, LED lights with nearly new batteries, bluetooth sound system, rolldown canvas rain protection. In excellent condition. 303-944-8300.

BOATS & BOATING

HAVE A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.

S u NCOAST BOTTOM PAINTIN g : Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382.

CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. u SC g , retired. 772-486-8085.

WELCOME ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.

HELP WANTED

NOW HIRINg HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.

REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

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, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

SERVICES

IS YOuR HOME or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.

CLEANINg: VACATION, CONSTRuCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PRESS u RE WASHIN g , PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

SERVICES Continued

CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes

SARASOTA PAINTINg: INTERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.

u PLuS ME LLC: Provides quality coatings for pool decks, driveways, garage floors, patios. Don’t miss out on our pro polishing services, concrete, terrazzo, travertine. 727623-5050.

RIDEEASY 247 YOuR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.

LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. give us a call, 941-250-8548.

LOOKINg FOR SOMEONE who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. Looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-704-9948.

WINDOW CLEANINg: COMMERCIAL/residential. Free estimates/insured. We want to earn your business! 207-852-6163.

OuR SERVICES: CLEANINg, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941-4049163.

IS YOuR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call u Plus Me LLC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com

B u SINESS-TO-B u SINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. Call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411. CAC184228.

LAWN & GARDEN

CONNIE’S LANDSCAPINg INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.

COLLINS LANDSCAPE LIgHTINg: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VAN-gO PAINTINg residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

g RIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

LANE’S SCREENIN g SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.

LOOKIN g FOR ANY home improvement?

JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.

TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Robert, 941-726-3077.

DONALD PERKINS PAINTIN g LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

g ORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. give us a call at 941-286-0607.

CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

A.R.E. RENOVATION’S: WHOLESALE kitchen cabinets, direct remodel, bathrooms, trim, doors, flooring, tile. License # CRC.1334176. 941-465-3045.

ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

RENTALS

ANNA MARIA gu LF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

AVAILABLE NOW and season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com Special rates available. 941-807-1405.

ANNuAL RENTAL: VILLA home in Perico Bay Club, Bradenton. gated and 24-hour security. 2BR/2BA, updated. updated kitchen, screened deck and two-car garage. unfurnished. Text 908-875-0299 for information.

RENTALS Continued

FOR RENT: Anna Maria Island condo. great value, beautiful upgraded 2BR/2BR. Incredible water view. Pool, tennis, walk to beach. Private carport. Excellent rental terms. Owner/renter. Call/email for pictures, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com

FLAMINgO BY THE Bay condo for rent on Palma Sola Bay. Second floor with a view. 1BR/1BA with boat dock. Annual rental, $1,800/month. 941-224-0836.

SEASONAL RENTAL: Bradenton 55-plus community. Large 2BR/2BA condo on bay, exceptional views. Elevator and five minutes to bridge. No smoking, No pets. $4,650/month. Three-month minimum. Photos at https://barbaragillespie.wixsite. com/47872024. 732-748-0759

SEASONAL RENTAL IN Holmes Beach available January-April 2025. Elevated townhouse 2BR/1.5BA. Three-month minimum. $4,100/ month plus tax, fees. Call Anna Maria Realty, 941-778-2259 or email dina@annamariareal. com

CONDO TO RENT in gated community (five miles from Anna Maria). Available July until end November, all included! 704-9930288. www.floridarentals.com/10943/

2025 SEASONAL RENTAL: Just one block from the beach, single-story 2BR/2BA private residence, screened patio. No smoking/ no pets. Monthly. January-April. 64th Street, Holmes Beach. Call 813-833-4926.

2BR/1BA ANNuAL LEASE: Electric/ac/heat all included. $2,975/month. Looking for 1 or 2 quiet adults with no pets or smoking. Steps to gulf. Owner-occupied duplex. Owner, 508496-8480. williamshomes@yahoo.com

JANuARY 2025 AVAILABLE: Snowbird special! Perico Island patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage. Call or text Alison, 859-7716423. www.pericoislandrental.com.

REAL ESTATE

WINNIE MCHALE, REALTOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”

2BR/2BA HOME for sale. 3,000 sfur. 1,100 sf garage. Steps to beach. $1,449,000. 941518-6329.

CONDO FOR SALE or lease. 2BR/2BA at the west end of Bradenton Riverwalk. Downtown walk-a-bout community features library, performing art center, creative art center and galleries. Shoppes, fine and casual dining. $280,000. Florida Suncoast Real Estate, geri Kenyon, 941-725-4374.

PRIVATE SALE: THE perfect VRBO or private vacation home. Beautiful beachside bungalow direct marina front with peek-a-boo views of Palma Sola Bay. Private boat docks are available. Just off the SR 64 causeway at Palma Sola Bay in the highly sought-after community of Palma Sola Park. This beautiful 2BR/2BA, sleeps 8 with heated salt pool and large tiki bar. $1,200,000. Contact owner, 941-661-6196.

REAL ESTATE

MOuNT VERNON uPDATED villa for sale. 2BR/2BA. 1,246 sf. $309,000. 55-plus vibrant community, heated pool, clubhouse, pickleball, kayak launch, plus more! Boat docks available: $25 application, $10 yearly. 9407 Andover Circle, Bradenton. Keller Williams on the Water, Cathy Roberson, 239-8989123.

ISLAND ALTERNATIVE: NORTHWEST Bradenton. Minutes to Anna Maria. Custom built 2BR/2BA, two-car garage with deluxe appointments. Private yard and garden, community pool, spa, clubhouse and boat docks. $795,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-7207519 or 941-356-1456.

1BR/1BA MOBILE HOME with lanai. Appliances including washer and dryer, patio, awning, park amenities. Sarasota Bay RV Park, 55-plus. $20,000, firm. Five or sixmonth occupancy fee includes storage, all utilities. 765-265-5469.

MORE BANg FOR YOuR BuCK? It’s an old saying, but it’s still true for The Islander. Look for more online at islander.org.

By Bonner Joy

Bienvenue …

Staff from Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 gulf Drive, Anna Maria, including chef Alex Valladares, manager Veronica Afonzo, Ivany Valladares and Lorena Rincon, assist in hosting an Aug. 8 lunch mixer for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce at the restaurant and bakery. Islander Courtesy Photos: AMICofC

No real estate sales were available for the week.

Finally, progress

Work on the unit that houses Raders Reef, 5508 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, by Decker Concrete begins Aug. 9. The unit was damaged April 20 by a motorist who crashed into the store, causing a fire. The owner of the multi-unit building is Marina Dr. Rentals LLC, which is owned by Dennis Christie, who maintains an office and storage there for Christie Plumbing. Another business in the building was not impacted. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

BizCal

AMICofC members and guests gather Aug. 8 at Mademoiselle Paris in Anna Maria for lunch and networking, including Kevin Blankenship of AV-WAVES, Brian Sharkey of Compass Insurance Partners, Renitia Bertoluzzi and Kathy Morgan of AMI garden Club, Ramon Cantera of Mighty Dog Roofing, John Petkanas of Re/max, Logan Nichols of Island Real Estate Vacations and Deborah Skorupski of Bamboo Dreams Photography.

By Lisa Neff

SAVE THE DATES

Aug. 22, 5-7 p.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange, Anna Maria Island Real Estate with Islanders 4 Clean Water, the Chateau, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., AMI Chamber Bayfest, Anna Maria. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Business news Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’re new in business or your staff deserves kudos. Submit your information to news@islander.org.

And maybe

returned to the lobby.