The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, August 15, 2017 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Back to class. 22

Staff delivers Aqua blow. 2

Eclipse enthusiasm. 19 AUG. 16, 2017 FREE

VOLUME 25, NO. 42 The Aug. 21 eclipse Could cause wildlife confusion!

I heard it’s not nearly as bad as turning green. Let’s grab our shades!

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992 AsTheWorldTerns await Aug. 21 totality. 6

www.islander.org

Arrest made in Longboat resort homicides

Public hearing narrows Cortez Bridge options. 4

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader opinion. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

AM candidate qualifying begins. 8

Meetings

Community announcements, activities. 10-11 Bradenton Beach steps closer to VRO. 14 City budgeting continues. 15

Obituaries. 19 Streetlife. 20

Turtle disorientation rate drops. 24

Tear down or Supreme Court?

Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming announces an arrest in the Aug. 14 double homicide at the Zota Beach Resort at an Aug. 10 news conference at town hall. Cumming said more information and witnesses are being sought in the continuing investigation. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter “We will do everything to see justice is done here,” Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming said Aug. 10 at a news conference at town hall. Darryl Vaughn Hanna Jr., 29, was arrested for the fatal shooting of two men

Aug. 4 in the lobby of a Longboat Key resort at 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The investigation continues into the double homicide at the Zota Beach Resort following the arrest of the Bradenton man, Cumming said. He also acknowledged the investigation PLEASE SEE HOMICIDE PAGE 5

Top Notch

Witnesses for wildlife. 25

Former six-month Bradenton Beach Mayor Jack Clarke has ﬁled a lawsuit that alleges Sunshine Law violations against members of two city boards at “Neighbor” meetings. Islander File Photo

ISL BIZ Manatee chamber awards, retailer blogs on life’s journey. 27

Former BB mayor, city sue board members

Sports roundup. 28 Braving the heat for hookups. 29 AMI chamber welcomes new summer members. 30 Real estate sales. 31 Classiﬁeds. 32

The ﬁght to retain the beachfront tree house built in 2011 without permits at Angelinos Sea Lodge in Holmes Beach may go to the U.S. Supreme Court — if the owners have their wish. Story page 3. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Aerial acrobatics tops Top Notch, Week 5

John Lafferty of Holmes Beach wins the fifth week of The Islander’s Top Notch photo contest with this image of skimmers taken at the shore in Bradenton Beach. Lafferty will receive an Islander “More than a mullet wrapper” T-shirt and his photo becomes a finalist in the contest, which offers a grand prize of $100 from The Islander and an assortment of gift certificates from participating advertisers. See page 5 for more.

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By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The city of Bradenton Beach has joined forces with a Sarasota legal team representing a former Bradenton Beach ofﬁcial who is alleging Sunshine Law violations by some members of the city’s planning and zoning board and Scenic Waves Partnership ComPLEASE SEE LAWSUIT PAGE 3

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2 n Aug. 16, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Manatee County planning commissioners Tim Rhoades and Matt Bower vote Aug. 10 to deny recommending the Aqua by the Bay development plan. The commission voted 3-1, concluding a five-hour public hearing. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

County planners, staff deny Aqua, board vote expected Aug. 16 In the new report, the staff concluded the plan was inconsistent with the county land-development code and comprehensive plan due to an unknown number of buildings and the lack of a 50-foot wetland buffer. The new staff report is based on a revised report from the county’s environmental consultant and testimony at the planning commission hearing. The county contracted in July with the consultant Rummel, Klepper & Kahl of Lakeland. Special approvals for variances over the county’s 35-foot height ordinance also were denied. The project included four 145-foot buildings and 12 buildings with a maximum 95-foot height. However, the developers left open how many 35- to 75-foot buildings were planned, saying the number would be market driven. Environmentalists calculated as many as 32 additional high-rise buildings based on the development’s proposed density. In the new report, staff said its “best guesstimate” was 10 additional buildings but acknowledged it lacked expertise to make the determination. Staff also pointed to the developers’ failure to provide “site specific conditions or physical restraints that would prevent a 50-foot buffer,” a comp plan policy

limiting the use of a variable buffer. The developers had proposed a variable buffer no less than 15-feet wide on Aqua’s 2.5 mile-boundary with Sarasota Bay. The project also proposes a 12-foot wall and 8-foot deep lagoon running the length of the bayside boundary that environmentalists criticize as posing dangers to wildlife, fish nurseries, mangroves and seagrass. “I don’t know about you, but for me this is a huge hallelujah praise the Lord for me,” wrote Jane von Hahmann, vice president of the nonprofit florida institute for Saltwater Heritage, which, along with Suncoast Waterkeeper and Sierra Club, has opposed different iterations of the developers’ plans since 2013. Pete Logan, president of Medallion Homes and spokesman for the developers, called the county consultant’s revised report a “surprise.” Allison Aubuchon, of Allison Aubuchon Communications LLC, for the developers, relayed Logan’s comments in an Aug. 12 email to The Islander. “We are working to ensure Aqua by the Bay is a neighborhood that will benefit the entire community and the environment. And we remain positive that, in the end, it will be a point of pride for Manatee County,” Logan said.

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By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter The stage is set for a showdown between developers and the county at an Aug. 16 land-use meeting. Manatee County planners — previously recommending a large-scale, mixed-use project with an undetermined number of high-rises — flipped their position on Aqua By The Bay to denial four days before the expected vote by the county board of commissioners. manatee county commissioners have the final say on a 191-acre rezoning and general development plan for 2,894 residential units and 78,000 square feet of commercial space on 529 acres southeast of Cortez. The development is proposed by Long Bar Pointe LLLP and Cargor Partners VIII, controlled by developers Carlos Beruff and Larry Lieberman. The vote is expected at a hearing at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, in the commission chambers at 1112 Manatee Ave. W. A new staff report was published Aug. 12 by principal planner Stephanie Moreland two days after a 3-1 planning commission vote recommending the project’s denial. Planning commissioners Matt Bower, Tim Rhoades and Albert Horrigan Jr. voted for the denial. John DeLesline voted in favor.

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 16, 2017 n 3

Treehouse gets city ‘boot,’ owners stall, look to high court

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter A letter from Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson giving the treehouse “the boot” was met with yet another step of litigation. But the tree house still stood tall on the beach this week. “It is now your duty to comply with the code enforcement board order of July 30, 2013, requiring complete removal of the treehouse,” Johnson wrote in a letter hand delivered July 28 to owners Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran. The owners’ attorney, David Levin, of Icard Merrill, Cullis, Tim, Furen & Ginsburg, responded by letter dated Aug. 10, saying he was preparing a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court. The mayor’s letter states the owners are expected to apply for a demolition permit by Aug. 10. But Levin’s response states the demand is prema-

Lawsuit continued from page 1 mittee. Jack Clarke, former mayor and commissioner, filed suit Aug. 11 in the 12th District Circuit Court against planning and zoning board member John Metz and then-P&Z members Reed Mapes, Patty Shay and Bill Vincent, along with Scenic Waves chair Tjet Martin and waves member Rose Vincent. At an Aug. 7 city meeting continued from Aug. 3, commissioners voted 3-1 for Mayor Bill Shearon to execute a contract with Sarasota attorney Bill Watrous for the investigation into the alleged violations. The cost to the city was not to exceed $5,000. Shearon voted “nay” and Commissioner Marilyn Maro was absent with excuse from that portion of the meeting. City attorney Ricinda Perry told commissioners Aug. 7 that Clarke is the complainant in the case. Clarke’s involvement in the case was not announced at the Aug. 3 meeting and vote. Metz lost a lawsuit to Clarke during a contentious

ture “under the circumstances.” Tran and Hazen built the two-story beachfront treehouse in an Australian pine tree in 2011 at 103 29th St., Holmes Beach, where they reside and operate Angelinos Sea Lodge. Since an anonymous complaint reported the elaborate structure, built without permits, the treehouse has gone before the city code board, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the courts, including two cases that went up to the state 2nd District Court of Appeal. The last legal foray ended with the 2nd DCA denying a request for a rehearing and written opinion requested July 17 by attorney David Levin, of Icard Merrill of Sarasota, for Tran and Hazen. They had hoped to bring the fate of the structure to a citywide vote but their effort was denied by the court. “They have a long, long, long road,” said attorney

Jim Dye Aug. 11. Dye of Dye, Deitrich, Petruff and St. Paul has handled the ongoing tree house cases. The owners have 90 days to file an appeal, which is limited to appealing the 2nd DCA’s one-sentence denial, according to Dye. “I don’t think any lawyer would have expected” a U.S. Supreme Court appeal of a state court decision that said simply the appellate judges declined to hear or consider it, Dye said. Throughout proceedings, the city has maintained the structure violates its land-development code, including a setback for the state erosion control line — a winning argument in the 2014 court decision, which the 2nd DCA affirmed in 2015. The July 2013 code board removal order included a fine of $50 per day starting July 22, 2015. The fine is still accumulating. Johnson’s letter also states the fine continues to accrue.

city recall election that saw Clarke take the seat from Shearon in May 2015. Shearon then retook the mayor’s seat in the November 2015 election. Mapes, Metz, Shay and Vincent were steering committee members of the new grassroots group, Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach. Mapes, Metz and Shay resigned from the CNOBB after the Aug. 3 vote. Vincent is chair and founder of CNOBB. Perry said according to CNOBB meeting recordings, P&Z members were talking about a parking garage, which is included as a possible project in the updated community redevelopment plan. However, Martin claims the parking garage discussion was focused on petitioning to eliminate parking garages from the land-development code, not a P&Z related issue. Perry said land-use issues are prohibited discussion for board members outside of a city meeting. The suit includes Martin and Rose Vincent for allegedly discussing unresolved matters that are being

considered by Scenic Waves. Perry recommended the city take action to prevent it from being “exposed to litigation.” Mapes, Shay and Vincent resigned from the P&Z following the Aug. 3 meeting. As of Aug. 11, the P&Z board lacks a quorum. Metz remains on P&Z. At the Aug. 7 meeting, Shearon said he “could not support the motion,” citing $350-per-hour attorney’s fees. “I think this has been blown way out of proportion, especially with the associated fees,” Shearon said. Chappie disagreed with Shearon, saying the problems with the P&Z board extend beyond this incident and need to be corrected. “There has been a cloud over (P&Z) for the past year and we need to know if there’s been a violation,” Chappie said. “It’s part of our responsibility to the city to get a ruling from the judge.” The next city commission meeting will be at noon Thursday, Aug. 17, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

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4 n Aug. 16, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Some Cortez Bridge options, including rehab, eliminated by DOT

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter the florida department of transportation is down to three options involving the 61-year-old Cortez Bridge and a final decision will be made in october. the dot will hold its final public hearing to gather public input at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6110 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Bridge designs will be on display and DOT representatives will answer questions, according to Jerri McCants of DOT. A formal hearing, which includes a video presentation on the available options, will begin at 6 p.m., “We’re expecting a pretty good turnout,” said Zachary Burch, dot public information officer. Public comment will be accepted at the meeting and until Sept. 12. the dot will make its final decision roughly a month later, Burch said. Options include repairing the 1957-built span, building a 35-foot vertical-clearance drawbridge or building a 65-foot vertical-clearance fixed bridge, according to the DOT. “Each of the three options has its own advantages and disadvantages,” said Burch. Three options have been eliminated: a rehabilitation expected to last 25 years and a 21- or 45-foot vertical clearance drawbridge. “A leading alternative will be presented at the public meeting,” Burch said. “But we haven’t made a decision.” Burch said the DOT will make its decision after the meeting. The favored option will be forwarded to the office of environmental management for approval, he said. “If they agree, it becomes the selected alternative,” he said. a $1.5 million dot options study covered a 1-mile stretch of Cortez Road,/State Road 684 from

The Florida Department of Transportation began planning Cortez Bridge repair or replacement options in 2013. Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach to 123rd Street West to $72 million for the fixed bridge and $105 million in Cortez. for the drawbridge. estimated costs range from $4.5 million for repair A new bridge would be designed to last up to 75 years, or until 2100, according to the DOT. A repair would last 10 years. If you go “The repair option is by far the cheapest,” Burch Who: Open to the public. What: Public hearing on Cortez Bridge replace- said. “The downside is replacement options have 75-year-service lives versus a 10-year service life.” ment options. The repair estimate does not include maintenance When: 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31. or bridge tender costs, which replacement bridge estiWhere: Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6101 mates do, he said. This could drive up the actual costs Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Why: To discuss options and gather public of a repair, he said. “If you’re constantly repairing a bridge it gets comment on replacement or repair options for the pricey,” Burch said. “Historic, iconic bridges require Cortez Bridge. How: Draft project reports are available at the tons of maintenance and constant monitoring.” Work on the repair option would likely begin in Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes 2025. A repair project completed in March 2015 is Beach, and Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6101 expected to last until then. Cortez Road W., Bradenton. The DOT study noted several reservations about Project manager: Marlon Bizerra, marlon.bizrepairing Cortez Bridge. It is too narrow with no erra@dot.state.fl.us, 863-519-2250. shoulders and substandard curbs, is vulnerable to ship Website: cortezbridge.com. impact and storm surge and does not reduce bridge openings or delays. Repairing Cortez Bridge would also mean closing it for nine weeks for construction and using a detour via Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach on the Anna Maria Island Bridge or to Sarasota’s Ringling Bridge. The replacement drawbridge is the most costly option, according to Burch. “It will have higher maintenance costs because it’s moveable and breakable, and you have to pay a bridge tender,” Burch said. “It still has to open and will still stop traffic.” the fixed bridge exacts a greater toll on the environment but will reduce time lost to bridge openings, he said. the fixed bridge also is the least popular with Cortez residents and business owners who have complained its large footprint will make it harder to reach their homes and businesses. Temporary fencing with a beach scene softens the Bridge inspections between 2008 and 2012 deterlook of a staging area in the parking lot at the mined the two-lane Cortez Bridge is functional but Manatee Public Beach at 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes structurally obsolete. Beach. Trucks, excavators, piping and piles of rock and sand have been staged for work on a two-year, DOt Cortez Road-119th street improvements $7.4 million pipeline repair. Island Photo: Terry interim traffic signal improvements along cortez O’Connor Road should be operational by the end of the year,

Work begins on $7.4M AMI pipeline project

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter construction is underway on a $7,427,500 underground waterline replacement project known as force Main 5. A temporary fence depicting beach scenery softens the look of a staging area at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach, where trucks, heavy equipment, pipes and piles of rock and sand are stored. despite being sited as one of the most high-traffic areas on the island, there has been little effect so far on anna maria island traffic along gulf drive and associated side streets. That will change, said project spokeswoman Trudy Gerena of community outreach with Manatee County government. Motorists can expect temporary delays, daytime lane closures, flagging operations and detours, Gerena said. The project includes replacing 50-year-old water and sewer pipes and modifying lift-station pipelines, according to project manager Jennifer fehrs of the project management division of Manatee County Public Works Department. Existing project pipelines were installed in the 1970s. force main 5, a pressurized pipeline supplying potable drinking water to the island, will require installing about 20,000 linear feet of pipelines. Project limits extend from State Road 684/Cortez Road West in Bradenton Beach to just north of State Road 64/Manatee Avenue on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. The primary contractor is Westra Construction of Tampa and Palmetto. Westra is paying Manatee county $15,000 to use the staging area for 730 days, according to a letter to fehrs from Westra president Mike Beukema. Construction will take place 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained during construction, according to Westra. In August, Westra will conduct water main drills on 39th Street continuing along fourth avenue to Sixth avenue. force main work will take place on avenue E and then south to 29th Street.

Property owners will receive a door hanger notice informing them of dates the contractor plans to be working nearby. Water shut-offs are not scheduled during daytime hours, but could occur if unforeseen pipeline problems are found. The two-year project is expected to finish in summer 2019. Once completed, Westra will restore all disturbed areas in the staging area to existing or better conditions. for more information, go to amipipereplacement. com or call 941-748-4501.

Click!

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

according to John Kubler, DOT director of transportation development. the eastbound traffic signal at 119th Street West soon will be activated only by pedestrians to allow free flow of traffic off anna maria island, according to Kubler. A stop sign will be installed on the south leg of 119th Street West allowing vehicles to turn onto Cortez Road without waiting for a signal. The signal for westbound Cortez Road will remain to accommodate 119th Street West traffic moving from southbound to eastbound, according to Kubler. The DOT also is pursuing permanent realignment of the intersection through the adjacent florida Maritime Museum property. The realignment option received the most support from attendees at the May 9 public hearing, according to Kubler. Medians are not planned for the road west of 119th Street West as part of the permanent improvements, Kubler said.

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 16, 2017 n 5

HOMiCiDE continued from page 1 won’t bring back victims Timothy Hurley, 59, of Sarasota, and Kevin Carter, 51, of Bradenton, but hoped it brings closure for their families. Hurley was a night manager and Carter a security guard at the resort. The resort opened in May at the site of the former Hilton hotel. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Hanna Aug. 9 at an east Bradenton residence on two charges of second-degree murder and a charge of armed robbery. Bond was denied Aug. 11 and Hanna remains in custody. Cumming credited the homicide task force, working with the state attorney’s office, with following tips, interviews and gathering evidence. The chief said license plate recognition cameras at each end of Longboat Key had been “valuable” to the investigation. “We’re not done with the investigation,” he added. Questions as to whether Hanna acted alone and what was meant by a throat-slashing motion seen on video are unanswered, according to the police chief. Portions of the video released by authorities show a person in a mask walking into an area where the victims were found, making the motion across the throat, and another of a person walking out with a cash box. Hanna had been a part-time employee of Victory Security of florida, the same company that employed Carter, according to police reports. Cumming said Hanna targeted the resort and was familiar with the location of the safe and cash. The chief called Hanna “a violent criminal,” having a robbery motive. He also noted that the incident was “isolated.” The last homicide in the village was in June 2000. three cash drawers and $900 were stolen. Cumming also said Hanna may have been disgruntled. He last worked at the resort Aug. 2 and told his supervisor at Victory he had taken a job as a cook in a

nursing home, according to police reports. Investigators also learned Hanna had complained to a co-worker and his supervisor about not making enough money and wanting more hours. Hanna’s supervisor told police Hanna’s response to a fellow employee being killed was: “How many times did they get shot?” Cumming wouldn’t rule out another person’s involvement or that the slashing motion observed on the video might have been a signal to an accomplice. The arrest report states 10 phone calls were made from Hanna’s cellphone between 2:01 a.m. and 2:47 a.m. the morning of the shootings. According to police reports, the killer entered the resort at 2:39 a.m. and the shooting occurred at 2:41 a.m. However, the shots were apparently not heard and were not reported. A guest found Carter at 3:20 a.m. and Longboat police responded at 3:26 a.m. on Hanna’s facebook account, according to the probable cause report, investigators found a photo of a firearm with notes it was a .380 but “i have a 9 as well.” In January, Hanna was arrested in Sarasota on a theft of gift cards. He pleaded no contest in May and his adjudication was withheld. In 2008, he was arrested in Manatee County for resisting arrest. At the news conference, Cumming declined comment on a suspicious incident at the Zota resort two weeks before the homicides. According to an Aug. 10 report in the Longboat Observer, Carter, who was on duty, reported a woman in an idling white car in the resort parking lot who told him that she had registered online. A man was leaning on a wall nearby, the report stated. Carter went into the hotel to check the registration and call police, the Observer reported, and the people outside left. A reward handled by the Manatee County crimeStoppers and gold Star club — now at $50,000

— is being offered for information on the homicide case, Cumming said. At press time, Hanna was being held in the Manatee County jail without bond. a court date is set for 9 a.m. friday, Sept. 8, in the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Top Notch Islander photo contest ends, final deadline Aug. 18

The Islander’s Top Notch contest is underway. The contest celebrates what still is known as the “Kodak moment,” despite the widespread switch from film to digital technology. Look now to Aug. 18 for the final week’s deadline. The contest includes six weekly front-page winners. Each receives an Islander “More than a mullet wrapper” T-shirt. One weekly photo will take the top prize in the Top Notch contest, earning the photographer $100 from the islander and an array of gifts and gift cards from local merchants. A pet photo winner and pet prize is announced in the final week. Look online for complete rules and details. Please, note, each photo must be included in a single email to topnotch@islander.org with the name of the photographer; date the photo was taken; location and description, names of recognizable people; and address and phone number for the photographer. the official rules — published online at www. islander.org — must be observed. — Bonner Joy

6 n Aug. 16, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Moondance

On Aug. 21, we can witness a rare phenomenon as the sun disappears behind the moon and the moon’s shadow crosses the United States from coast The Aug. 21 eclipse Could to coast. cause wildlife confusion! Of course, many of us are familiar with the ritual of the sun’s disappearance on the Gulf of Mexico horizon. the orange ball of fire throws a light show across the sky — sometimes, rarely, creating a flash of green on the horizon at sunset. this is the first total solar eclipse visible across the states since 1918. It is causing excitement. And it’s not without danger. Looking directly at the sun is not just uncomfortable, it can cause damage to I heard it’s not nearly the retina. Dr. Don Bucklin, regional medical director as bad as turning green. for U.S. Healthworks, said in a statement, “You could Let’s grab our shades! be blinded in about a minute.” “If you’re in that total eclipse, you can look at the sun when it’s totally hidden by the moon. If you’re not in that area, well then, looking at the sun will damage your eyes. We’re talking about ultraviolet radiation.” according to naSa, florida will have partial coverage, with about 80 percent of the sun covered during the event. And you can view it in real time on NASA’s website. If you choose to watch the sun disappear, you must have proper eyewear — and Ray-Bans will not suffice. according to experts, regular shades, even darks shades, absolutely will not protect your eyes from the magnified light hitting the back of your eyes. Eclipse glasses have special solar filters, like Mylar, and wearing them will decrease a million fold the light that reaches your retina. NASA advises looking for glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard. And wear them any time you look at the sun, even if only a sliver of the sun appears visible. And what will you look for as the moon covers the sun? Just before totality, there will be one bright bead on the edge of the sun called the diamond effect — like a diamond ring. And then — in the 70-mile wide swath of totality — the sun will be completely covered, revealing the corona. magnitude as presented by commissioners — nor was One science writer called it spiritual. Awe-inspir- Concerned Neighbors an ally the information the commission was provided all coring. An “ooooooohm” moment. in Bradenton Beach rect. if it’s anything like a flash of green, i’m in. The mistakes have been corrected. Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach is neiNow, quick, order up shades for everyone in your ther an adversary of the city of Bradenton Beach nor We ask that our city commissioners accept our watch group. organization as an ally. its commissioners. — Bonner Joy Michael Harrington, Bradenton Beach It is actually an organization to assist the commission by making it aware of issues that are of importance to the residents. A comment was made at a commission meeting: Why haven’t these items been brought to us before? AUG. 9, 2017 • Vol. 25, No. 41 The fact is, requests and concerns have been ▼ Publisher and Editor brought before the commission but seem to fall on Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial deaf ears. The serious concerns of the residents do not Lisa Neff, copy editor get attention. Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org The moratorium issue had to be put on the ballot Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist in order to get action yet, almost a year later, nothing Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org has been done. Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com Another important issue is the anchorage/mooring ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Terry O’Connor, terryo@islander.org field. nine years ago, i was on a committee to address Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org this issue. And I am aware that it has been an issue a lot Ed Scott, edscott@islander.org ▼ Contributors longer than that and still nothing being done. Sewage You can find The Islander archived online at www.ufdc. Jesse Brisson from these boats is being discharged into the bay. This ufl.edu. Karen Riley-Love is not only a blighted area but could also be a serious Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director health issue. Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org CNOBB was to let the commission know constituHave your say ▼ Office Staff ents’ desires and help get the message out regarding Lisa Williams, manager The Islander accepts original letters of up Christi Burton these desires. to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for Janice Dingman Looking back over accomplishments of the comaccounting@islander.org grammar and length. Letters must include name, classifieds@islander.org mission, there are only decisions regarding the busiaddress and a contact phone number (for verifisubscriptions@islander.org ness community and emergencies, such as damaged ▼ Distribution cation). Anonymous letters will not be printed. day dock, etc. The issues that are of importance to Urbane Bouchet Email: news@islander.org. Judy Loden Wasco the residents consistently get tabled or are not on the Readers also may comment on stories Ross Roberts agenda. (All others: news@islander.org) online, where The Islander has 2,500+ registered There are a lot of organizations like ours throughusers. Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. out the country and a lot of them are endorsed by the Also, The Islander has an active — 8,500+ ©1992-2017 • Editorial, sales and production offices: city councils/commissions and even some draw city 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 likes — facebook community. to join the confinancing. WEBSITE: www.islander.org versation, “like” the islander on facebook. PHONE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821 We made start-up mistakes but they are not of the

watch out for sudden darkness -- eeeeeeclipse

Opinion

Your

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 16, 2017 n 7

10&20 years ago

In the headlines: Aug. 13, 1997

• Bradenton Beach and anna maria officials responded with “no” to an invitation that they contract for police services from the Holmes Beach Police Department. “I personally believe they’re looking for somebody to bail them out,” said Bradenton Beach Vice Mayor Charlie Grace. • anna maria mayor chuck Shumard announced the city qualified for a $500,000 grant to address community redevelopment needs, especially those of low- and moderate-income families. The city planned to use some money for drainage and sidewalks. • Bradenton Beach commissioners unanimously voted to raise building permit fees by 137 percent. the fee was to go from $30 for a permit and $8 for every $1,000 of new construction to $50 per permit and $19 for every $1,000 of new construction.

Back to class

In the headlines: Aug. 15, 2007

Families gather in September 1980 at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo: Manatee County Public Library System We’re campaigning for a friendlier, kinder, gentler attitude toward guests, visitors, vacationers and all who come to love Anna Maria Island. “We’re Glad You’re Here” originated in the 1980s with a restaurant trade group and we decided it suits the situation that has developed since some island officials began seeking limits on vacation rentals. We believe Anna Maria Island needs a new attitude — one that makes everyone feel welcome even as we try to find ways to limit congestion and retain our old Florida origins and mom-and-pop businesses. — The Islander

We’d love to mail you the news!

• anna maria elementary students were preparing to head back to class and principal Tom Levengood welcomed the staff back with a pancake breakfast. • ami fitness in Holmes Beach closed its doors and directed members to use fusion fitness in Bradenton. The owner of the gym announced plans to financially reorganize and reopen. • the citgo convenience store northeast of the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue closed without notice. The building had been purchased several years earlier by the St. Joe Company as part of retail plans to complement the SevenShores condominium development on Perico Island.

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8 n Aug. 16, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Election season underway: Woodland lays out platform for re-election

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Qualifying began this week for those seeking to run for office in the non-partisan city election in Anna Maria. The 10-day candidate qualifying period opened at noon Monday, Aug. 14, and Commissioner Dale Woodland was already all in. He sent in qualifying papers Aug. 11 and was the first candidate registered when qualifying opened. Woodland has served as commissioner for 14 years. He announced Aug. 1 he is running for re-election — Woodland and two other commissioners are coming to the end of their two-year terms in November. Woodland Commissioner Doug Copeland said he hasn’t decided whether he will seek re-election. Commissioner Carol Carter said she is “90 percent sure” she will, but has not decided on a platform or agenda. Both have served since 2014. Woodland says he doesn’t have a campaign agenda — he just wants to promote civil discussion. “When I started, one of the things I promised myself was I would be civil, respectful and honest,”

he said. “That’s what it’s all about to me.” Woodland said his goal is to continue as a public servant. “I don’t have a political bone in my body,” he said. He said during his time in office, he’s enjoyed having dialogues and debates to work through disagreements. He added that in a small community, “people are much more vocal Carter … because they can make a difference, and that’s healthy.” “As long as you have dialogue, at least we’re working together,” he said. One of the major issues affecting the city, Woodland said, is the debate Copeland about the Center of Anna Maria Island, which is located on city property on Magnolia Avenue. Woodland said he has no immediate solution to the center’s financial woes, but he’s heard in debates and private discussions that “everyone wants the community center to succeed.” “I’m sure there’ll be some issues that come up in the election process,” Woodland said. “If I disagree, I’m going to be vocal.”

People who want to run for city commission must either obtain signatures from 1 percent of registered voters in the last general election or pay a qualifying fee. Anna Maria had 1,167 registered voters in the November 2016 election, so 12 signatures are needed. Candidates also must have resided in Anna Maria for two years. In Anna Maria, where elections are nonpartisan, commission candidates must pay a fee of 4 percent of the annual salary, totaling $192. To register, a person must open a campaign account and select a campaign treasurer before submitting qualifying materials. Candidates also must submit an oath of loyalty, a statement of candidacy and a statement of financial interests to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office. The statement of candidacy must be filed within 10 days of opening the campaign account. A candidate must publicly declare candidacy via newspaper, radio or television. The qualification period ends at noon, Friday, Aug. 25. The election is Nov. 7. Candidates must complete and submit qualifying materials to the SOE, 600 301 Blvd. W., Suite 108, Bradenton.

3 of 4 Holmes Beach incumbents confirm re-election plans

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Four positions on the Holmes Beach City Commission will be up for grabs in the Nov. 7 election, and at least three incumbents will run for re-election. Terms expire in November for Commissioners Marvin Grossman, Jean Peelen, Pat Morton and Carol Soustek. Morton, Soustek and Grossman have confirmed they will run again. Peelen said she is undecided. Candidate qualifying starts at noon Monday, Aug. 28, and ends at noon Friday, Sept. 1. Three seats are for two-year terms, while one seat is for a year. The top votegetter among candidates for the three two-year terms, as well as for the one-year seat — separate choices on the ballot — will take office.

Election qualifying begins Aug. 28 in Bradenton Beach

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The city of Bradenton Beach will have three seats on the ballot in the November municipal election. Candidate qualifying starts at noon Monday, Aug. 28, and ends at noon Friday, Sept. 1. Ward 3 Commissioner Ralph Cole and Ward 1 Commissioner Jake Spooner will come to the end of their first two-year terms. Also, Mayor Bill Shearon will have served three-and-a-half years in office. The three incumbents are eligible for re-election, but have not yet committed to a campaign to retain office. A former city commissioner, Shearon was elected to his first mayoral term in November 2013. He served a partial first term due to a lost recall election in May 2015 and was re-elected six months later by a tie vote and a card draw in November 2015. Commissioners receive a $400 monthly stipend and the mayor is compensated $800 per month. Bradenton Beach is the only city on the island with a four-ward structure, organized geographically. Commission candidates must live in the ward they plan to represent, except the mayoral candidate. Additionally, candidates must be registered voters who have lived in Bradenton Beach for a minimum of two years as of the qualifying date. The qualifying fee for commission candidates is $48 and is $96 for mayoral candidates, and must be paid from a campaign checking account. Candidates must submit qualifying paperwork and fees to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton. The final day to register to vote in the election is Oct. 10. The city election will be Nov. 7. Of 755 registered voters in Bradenton Beach, 600 people voted in the November 2016 general election.

Grossman said he would run for the shorter term to atone for a mistake made during qualifying in 2015. Grossman was appointed to his seat by the commission after missing the deadline to run for office in the previous election cycle, which is why his term is one year. “I’m going for the one-year term,” Grossman said. “I caused the problem.” Grossman was elected in November 2012, reelected in November 2014 and his one-year term now expires in November. Morton is a commission veteran, having been first elected in November 2003 and re-elected six times. He’s ready to run again. “I’ve already picked up my packet and am just waiting for the qualifying period,” Morton said. “I feel like I’m serving a purpose and I’ll keep running until

the purpose is served.” Soustek said she’s running because she is encouraged with what the commission has done in balancing the rights of residents versus more commercial interests, such as short-term vacation rentals. “Yes, I plan on running again,” Soustek said. “I hear people are OK with the job we’re doing so I want to continue to go along that vein, addressing the issues working toward a fair and balanced city as much as possible.” One commissioner is on the fence about her election plans. “I do not yet know if I’m running,” Peelen said July 31. “I’ve not yet decided.” All commission seats are nonpartisan and represent the citywide electorate. Holmes Beach had 2,819 registered voters as of June.

Meetings Anna Maria City • Through Aug. 18, Aug. 21-Aug. 25, election qualifying. • Aug. 24, 6 p.m., city commission. • Sept. 12, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. • Sept. 14, 6 p.m., city commission (budget hearing). • Sept. 28, 6 p.m., city commission (budget hearing). Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

West Manatee Fire Rescue • Aug. 17, 6 p.m., commission (budget hearing) WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org.

Manatee County • Aug. 16, 9 a.m., commission (land use). • Aug. 22, 9 a.m., commission. • Aug. 23, 9 a.m., commission (land use if needed). • Aug. 24, 9 a.m., commission (budget and tranBradenton Beach sit). • Aug. 16, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. • Sept. 7, 9 a.m., commission (land use). • Aug. 17, noon, city commission. • Sept. 12, 9 a.m., commission. • Aug. 21, noon, city commission. • Sept. 18, 6 p.m., commission (budget hear• Aug. 22, 1 p.m., city commission (working). shop). • Sept. 20, 9 a.m., commission (land use). Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., • Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., commission (budget hear941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. ing). • Sept. 26, 9 a.m., commission. Holmes Beach Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., • Aug. 21, 11:30 a.m., police retirement. Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. • Aug. 22, 6 p.m., city commission. • Aug. 24, 6 p.m., city commission. Of interest • Aug. 28-Sept. 1, noon-noon, election qualify• Aug. 21, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist ing period. Development Council, Manatee Technical College, • Sept. 6, 6 p.m., planning commission. 6305 State Road 70 E., Bradenton. • Sept. 12, 6 p.m., city commission (budget • Sept. 4, Labor Day, most government offices hearing). and The Islander office will be closed. • Sept. 14, 6 p.m., city commission. Sept. 5, 5:45 p.m., School Board of Manatee • Sept. 26, 6 p.m., city commission (budget County (budget hearing), school support center, 215 hearing). Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. • Sept. 28, 6 p.m., city commission. • Sept. 11, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Organization, Anna Maria City Hall. 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. Send notices to news@islander.org.

Let the magic begin...

ou came to Anna Maria Island to escape, to discover the beaches, the warm breezes and a slower pace, and maybe you fell in love … with sea turtles! Anna Maria Island is sea turtle friendly in nesting season, May through October. We invite you to experience everything we have to oﬀer, especially the thrill of seeing nature in action. Mother turtles lay their nests on our beaches at night, leaving their eggs

to incubate in the warm sand. As the mother turtle leaves, she is guided by her instincts to the Gulf of Mexico by the natural “sparkle” on the water, the reﬂection of the moon and stars. The darker the beach and the surroundings, the better. The same is true for the hatchlings. You can take part in this phenomenon, help sea turtles and discover what islanders already know about the magic of

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 16, 2017 n 9

island life. But you must be stealth. You must be silent and invisible. Never shine a ﬂashlight on sea turtles. And, please, keep lights visible from the shoreline out or shielded by blinds or curtains. Be safe on the beach and carry your ﬂashlight but, please, resist temptation.

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10 n Aug. 16, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Thursday, Aug. 17 10 a.m. — Friends of the Island Library book club meeting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341. 1 p.m. — Knit and crochet activity, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, Aug. 18 LOOKING AHEAD 10 a.m. — Senior Adventures tour of Historic Spanish Point Sept. 21-Oct. 1, Island Players’ “Happy Birthday,” Anna Maria. and lunch in Osprey, departing from Annie Silver Community Center, Oct. 21, AMI Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria. 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. Tuesday, Aug. 22 OFF AMI LOOKING AHEAD 6:30 p.m. — Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach general Oct. 14, Florida Maritime Museum Cortez Nautical Flea Market, membership meeting, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. Cortez. Feb. 17-18, 2018, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941730-7715. Cortez. Wednesday, Aug. 23 Noon — Adult coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, KIDS & FAMILY Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Saturday, Aug. 19 • Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ 6-8 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island Community Cookout, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778- JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 1908. • Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton ONGOING ON AMI Beach steering committee meeting, Pines Park Clubhouse, 103 • Fourth Wednesdays, 7 p.m., “Stelliferous Live” star explo- Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941730-7715. • Thursdays, 7 p.m., Overeaters Anonymous meets, the Episration, South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee copal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Information: 813-494-6518. CANCELED • Most first Saturdays, Family Night at the South Florida • Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee. Info: 941-746-4131. Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton • “Teeth Beneath: the Wild World of Gators, Crocs and Caimans” Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City • Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Island, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441. breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, GAMES, SPORTS & Holmes Beach. The club is on summer schedule and only meeting OUTDOORS Aug. 12 and Aug. 26 this month. Information: 941-778-1383. • Throughout August, Patrick O’Neill exhibits his acrylic paintings in “Wild and Wonderful,” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. • Throughout August, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits “Sunrise/ Sunset,” 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786694.

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LOOKING AHEAD

Sept. 5, Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach general Friday, Aug. 18 11 a.m. — Mahjong games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, membership meeting, Bradenton Beach. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. GOOD TO KNOW Wednesday, Aug. 23 SAVE THE DATES 4 p.m. — Chess club meeting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Sept. 4, Labor Day. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Sept.11, Patriot Day. • Sept. 22, ﬁrst day of autumn. • Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: GOOD DEEDS 941-708-6130. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Looking for volunteer opportunities on or around Anna Maria • Through Sept. 3, Bradenton Marauders Minor League BaseIsland? These organizations are seeking help: ball games, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee • The Center of Anna Maria Island seeks volunteers. Informaapplies. Information: 877-893-2827. tion: 941-778-1908. • Second and fourth Wednesdays, Roser Memorial Community • The Roser Food Bank needs donations of cash and nonChurch Golﬁng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquisperishable food. The pantry is administered by Roser Memorial tador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414. Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941• Through the summer, intermediate bridge, 10:30 a.m. Fridays, 778-0414. Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, • The Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Longboat Key. Fee applies. Information: 941-383-6493. Beach, seeks volunteers to assist during the summer months. InforLOOKING AHEAD mation: 941-779-1208. • The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Aug. 26, Sarasota Bay Watch Great Scallop Search, SaraMaria, seeks volunteers to serve as docents and in other ways. sota. Information: 813-758-3234. • Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department seeks volunteers to help create oyster mats and oyster gardens at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, during open hours. Information: 941-742-5923, ext. 6035.

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The Florida Maritime Museum is seeking donations and vendors for its 20th annual Cortez Nautical Flea Market Oct. 14. FMM is accepting vendors for a $25 fee until Sept. 30. FMM is accepting donations of nautical supplies for the sale on the museum grounds, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more information, call 941-708-6121. Islander Courtesy Photo

Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 16, 2017 n 11 WATCH BANDS • WATCH BATTERIES • SERVICE/REPAIRS

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Family of island homesteader visit island museum By Valerie H. Wilson Special to The Islander family of Samuel claude cobb, grandson of one of the first island homesteaders, recently gathered at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum to celebrate cobb’s life and for final internment on the island of his youth. Marcia Cobb shared pictures, details of the Cobb family’s genealogy and stories about her late husband, who was named for his grandfather. in 1895, the first Samuel claude cobb homesteaded 160 acres in what is now Holmes Beach and in 1907 he established the island’s first business — Cobb’s Marine Ways — which built and repaired boats into the 1970s. in 1902, the first island post office was established in his house. “Cobb’s Corner” — at the site of what’s now a cluster of condos behind A Paradise Realty — included the Cobb house, the business, a bayou, a harbor, a natural channel to the bay and a dock. Some genealogy: The Cobb family has six generations of males with “Samuel” as a first or middle name. Samuel claude cobb — the first cobb on the island — had two children, Louis Samuel and Anna maria, who was the first child born on the island. Louis Cobb had two children: Samuel Claude Cobb and Louis Melvin “Humbug” Cobb. Cobb relatives who visited the museum in Anna Maria included Susan Carol Cobb Hlavinka of Springfield, Kentucky. She’s the daughter of the second S.c. cobb and his first wife, charleen austin, also from the island. Hlavinka was the only bloodline Cobb descendant to attend.

Sea to Shore Alliance plans Sarasota benefit

the Sea to Shore alliance is organizing a benefit featuring a presentation by Dr. Randall Wells, director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program. the “fins, flippers and friends” benefit will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island, Sarasota. The afternoon will include “delicious food and drinks.” tickets are $75 and available online or at the door. Sea to Shore Alliance works to protect manatees, sea turtles and North Atlantic right whales. The organization’s 2016 benefit took place in Bradenton Beach at the Blue Marlin. for more information, email events@sea2shore. org or call Vic Caserta at 941-209-8609.

Season call

It is not too early to share with The Islander an organization’s plans for the 2017-18 season. Please send your event listings or seasonal calendar to news@islander.org and calendar@islander. org. Please include a contact name and phone number for publication and details of events: who, what, where, when and how much. Also, we welcome high-resolution images for event announcements and calendar listings. for more information, email calendar@islander. org.

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Cobb family members gather recently at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society in Anna Maria to learn about the island’s history and share stories about early island residents. Islander Courtesy Photo Others in the family to visit the museum included Daryl Osburn, Dawn Marie Cordero, Tracy Ann Carter, Timothy Carter, Vidal Cordero, Carmen and Emma Cordero, Justin Harold and Aaron “Bubba” Carter. Those who attended shared stories about family life on the island — when Esther Williams was making a movie, the wooden bridge between Cortez and what is now Bradenton Beach, the old Cobb post office with stone walls and a little grocery store. Editor’s note: Valerie H. Wilson is publicity director for the Anna Maria Island Historical Society.

Senior Adventures travel south to Spanish Point

The Senior Adventures group of Anna Maria Island will take a trip to Historic Spanish Point in Osprey friday, aug. 18. The group will gather at 10 a.m. at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, to depart for the day. Also on the August schedule is a book sale and potluck lunch at the center friday, aug. 25. for more information, call Kay Belle at 941-5380945.

Center of Anna Maria Island calls community to cookout

The Center of Anna Maria Island will host a community cookout 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. An announcement said, “The cookout is a chance for the community to come together, meet new people and have some fun and food.” Hamburgers and hot dogs will cost $5 for center members and $10 for non-members. children 12 and under eat free. Staff from Harry’s Grill and Bistro of Anna Maria will be at the grill, which will be provided by Waste Pro. The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. for more information, call the center at 941778-1908.

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12 n Aug. 16, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

FISH determines pricey hall roof not needed afterall

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Lightning flashed and a soft summer rain sometimes accelerated into a downpour Aug. 7 as protection from the elements took center stage during a florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage Board meeting. The board considered three bids to replace the roof at 86-year-old fishermen’s Hall, 4511 124th St. W., cortez. fishermen’s Hall is the main meeting place for fiSH, which acquired the former church building in 2009 for $240,000. The board decided to try a roof repair instead of replacement. The roof on the circa 1921 facility is more than 20 years old and the board determined it needed replacement given structural damage developing on the interior. Closer inspection revealed the roof is sound and in need of minor patching. The inside damage was deemed minor, too. “The roof does not need to be redone,” said board member David Cadmus. “I see no water damage anywhere except a small issue. It’s very inexpensive, maybe $500. We don’t need to spend the money on this roof.” The board solicited bids in anticipation of the larger project. richardson-Stinton roofing of Bradenton submit-

FISH board members, vice president Jane von Hahmann, left, president Kim McVey and treasurer Mike Northfield, prepare for an Aug. 7 meeting at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor ted the low bid of $11,500, followed by a $14,500 bid from Weller roofing and aluminum of Bradenton and $16,880 from otis Joiner roofing contractor inc. of Palmetto. Action on the bids was tabled in lieu of repairs. In other board discussion, board member Karen

Bell reported commercial fishing improved recently. It’s been a slow year so far, she said. “We’ve been catching the last five or six days,” she said. mullet have finally shown up, she said. “I don’t know where they’ve been at,” said Bell, owner of Star fish co. market & restaurant and a.p. Bell fish co. “they haven’t been here.” Baitfish are on the rebound and grouper remains steady, according to Bell. there’s been no progress reviving the fiSH Boatworks repair program, Cadmus and Tim Canniff confirmed. three candidates to run Boatworks have emerged for consideration but a selection is not imminent. Vice president Jane von Hahmann, a former Manatee County commissioner, indicated there’s some question as to whether Boatworks would reopen. “If we’re not, we need to have a discussion with what we’re going to do with it,” she said. Boatworks offered boat-building, restoration and repair services at 4404 116th Street West, Cortez, under former manager Rick Stewart, who resigned in May. fiSH supports the cortez Village Historical Society; the Cortez Cultural Center, a 95-acre preserve; the Boatworks program; and legal protests involving developments that impact the fishery, including aqua By the Bay.

Historic Burton-Bratton store makes way for fall folk classes

Kristin Sweeting surveys the second floor of the BurtonBratton store on the Florida Maritime Museum campus, where historical collections will be stored. An end-ofAugust or September completion date for renovations is expected. Then, according to Sweeting, the museum will close for a month to finalize the move-in.

The Burton-Bratton store on the Florida Maritime Museum campus in Cortez is closed while renovations are ongoing. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

Kevin Wallace of West Coast Electrical Contractors connects wiring in the newly remodeled BurtonBratton store at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4515 119th St., Cortez. The building housed a post office and general store in the 1890s, when Cortez was called Hunter’s Point. The first floor of the “store” will be used for Folk School classes at Florida Maritime Museum.

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THE ISLANDER n Aug. 16, 2017 n 13

Holmes Beach won’t lift stop-work order despite pressure

By Terry O’Connor Building official James McGuinness remains Islander Reporter unyielding. A pool contractor is pressuring the Holmes Beach He said the stop-work order issued July 7 will building department to lift a stop-work order at a stand until the property is brought into compliance, beachfront home at 102 77th St. including a “revegetation cure,” with florida department of Environmental Protection requirements. Holmes Beach contractor frank agnelli of agnelli Pools & Construction LLC, 6000 Marina Drive, said a stop-work order should never have been placed on The Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club is still the site, where plans call for demolition of a residence pulling it together for opening day, which is delayed and construction of a new home. “He red-tagged a job for lack of knowledge and from the planned soft opening in August. Holmes Beach building official James mcguin- now, even after the findings, won’t remove it,” agnelli ness told Brian Check, managing partner of Mainsail said. The red tag posted on-site commands work be susLodging and Development of Tampa, in an Aug. 11 pended, citing destruction of a dune system and failure email that time was running out. “Much work remains to be completed prior to the to comply with the DEP permit. After an onsite investigation, the DEP ruled no safe occupancy of the project by people,” McGuinness dune destruction took place at the Holmes Beach propemailed. “With only five working days left before your erty. target date of Aug. 16, the possibility of the project’s Property owner Shawn Kaleta said his legal advisreadiness for a temporary certificate of occupancy by that date seems remote at best.” Waterline had projected a soft opening for Aug. 16, but the job site remains a work in progress. Materials are still strewn about the unpaved project, including windows, insulation and doors. The building and units are mostly empty shells. temporary certificates of occupancy are being sought for four new Waterline buildings, including the central lodge and restaurant. The builder’s risk insurance was to expire Aug. 15. Check said that without an extension of the deadline or certificates of occupancy, the company would be in default with its lender. the $29 million resort at 5325 marina drive, Holmes Beach, will include a waterfront hotel with 37 two-bedroom suites with kitchens, 2,000 square feet of meeting space, Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen restaurant, a swimming pool and a 50-slip marina. — Terry O’Connor

Waterline resort work remains, opening delayed

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ers termed the failure to lift the stop-work order “arbitrary and capricious.” “there is no justification for their keeping the work order in place when the claim of dune destruction was completely false from the start,” Kaleta wrote in an email to The Islander. The DEP did require replacement of protected sea oats and seagrape trees and gave until Aug. 23 for the job site to come into compliance. McGuinness said another issue is clearance for the beachfront pool exceeded the 1,200-square-foot permit allowance by 6,300 square feet or 6.25 times the authorized area. “The applicant cleared an area 87 feet by 87 feet,” McGuiness reported to Mayor Bob Johnson and Holmes Beach Commission Chair Judy Titsworth. Agnelli has requested a meeting with Johnson and a city commissioner regarding the permit. The 1,398-square-foot home built in 1950 last sold in 2016 for $2.2 million. the initial state permit expires July 6, 2019.

Hook a shark, catch a crowd An unidentified man catches a 4-foot shark off the Anna Maria City Pier the evening of Aug 10. A crowd of nearly 100 people watched as he pulled the shark to shore and then released the animal back into the bay. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

At Mosaic, we’re putting science to work right here in the community. From volunteering at science fairs to providing grants for robotics programs, we work closely with local schools to provide students with innovative learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). We’re dedicated to preparing the next generation for rewarding careers in a 21st century economy. Students at Just For Girls learn valuable programing skills during MOSI’s Robot Roundup, supported by Mosaic.

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maintaining the current stipulation. Vice Mayor John Chappie suggested an increased setback with vegetation for swimming pools to buffer sound. Garrett said he and Gilbert are working on an ordinance that will include buffering for pools and regulations for associated equipment, including pool slides. He said they also are working on a calculation for parking and lot coverage. Commissioners agreed to remove the LDC clause that allows for reductions in impervious lot coverage for using semi-permeable materials, including pavers, stone and pea gravel. Garrett said these materials need to be maintained to retain permeability, and this is not Bradenton Beach commissioners, mayor and staff guaranteed. meet Aug. 8 in a workshop at city hall, 107 Gulf Garrett said removal of the reduction clause may Drive N. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes require a resolution and the commission directed him to speak to Perry about the matter. the aug. 8 workshop was the first in a planned limit than the city allows for the property. Licensed vacation rentals will be distinguished series of workshops to discuss the P&Z board’s recomby placement of a coded exterior label that police mendations for changes to the LDC. and code enforcement can use to access information, including an emergency contact. Commissioners extend moratorium the first reading of the QoL ordinance passed with Bradenton Beach commissioners voted unania unanimous vote. mously Aug. 3 to extend the building moratorium for “Thank God,” Mayor Bill Shearon said. “It’s been another three months to November. a long year.” The moratorium was enacted in November 2016. the final reading and vote will be at a special city This is the second three-month extension of the commission meeting, at noon Monday, Aug. 21, at city original six-month moratorium, which prohibits the hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. review of applications and issuance of permits for the first reading of the associated fee schedule is structures containing more than four bedrooms or planned for the next city commission meeting, at noon rooms that could be used for sleeping in the residenThursday, Aug. 17, at city hall. tial-1 and R-2 zoning districts. The moratorium was enacted to stop the construcVRO leads to possible LDC changes tion of large short-term rental homes while the city Along with considering changes to behavioral addresses regulating rentals and licensing. regulations for short-term rentals, commissioners dissected the land development code to determine if it could be amended to cut down on construction of large vacation rentals. Commissioners met in an Aug. 8 workshop with building official Steve gilbert and land planner alan Garrett to discuss changes to the LDC. Garrett presented suggestions for LDC changes that would be less likely to trigger Bert Harris claims. Commissioners opted not to change maximum lot coverage. Additionally, the commission agreed not to include swimming pools as impervious coverage,

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By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach is moving forward with plans to regulate short-term vacation rentals. At its Aug. 7 meeting, the city commission approved the first reading of the amended quality-oflife ordinance. The QOL ordinance — enacted in 2015 — was suspended while commissioners and the planning and zoning board discussed recommendations for changes. The ordinance, similar to vacation rental ordinances in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, was amended to allow for enforcement of trash, noise and parking regulations at vacation homes, with a focus on avoiding Bert Harris Jr. claims — demands for compensation due to government regulations that diminish the value of private property. At the Aug. 7 meeting, city attorney Ricinda Perry presented the amended ordinance, which included points agreed upon at a february workshop with commissioners and planning and zoning board members, as well as regulations stipulated by the commission. The previous QOL ordinance restricted the number of people who can stay overnight in a rental — two guests per bedroom plus two people — but it did not include a mechanism for enforcement. following building official Steve gilbert’s recommendation, Perry amended the occupancy clause to one based on a state-regulated calculation that relates to the structure’s air conditioning load. Gilbert said the calculation usually — but not always — provides an occupancy limit “within one person” of the 2-plus-2 occupancy configuration. “We’re not taking anything away, just applying state law,” Perry said. The commission reached consensus on the change. Additionally, the mayor and commissioners agreed to require side-yard trash pickup at vacation rentals. The amended ordinance eliminated inspections of newly licensed vacation rentals. However, inspections can occur in the event there are complaints. Also included is a “false advertising” section, prohibiting people from advertising a higher occupancy

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 16, 2017 n 15

HBPD chief seeks more officers, help paying for city policing

By Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach Police Department needs more officers, according to police chief Bill tokajer. It also needs a fairer shake in tourism funding, he said. HBPD has the proper amount of personnel to police a city population of 3,873, Tokajer said. The problem is, HBPD falls far short of the numbers needed to ensure safety in a tourist mecca, Tokajer said. Tokajer He said the beaches, accommodations and fresh seafood available in Holmes Beach are advertised globally by tourism officials, which increases pressure exponentially on city resources. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right now, we have the police department that is perfect-sized for the residents of Holmes Beach,â&#x20AC;? Tokajer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do not have the police department we should have for the 10,000 to 15,000 people who come here every day, the 20,000 to 30,000 people who come every weekend and the 50,000 or more who come here on holidays.â&#x20AC;? Tokajer said HBPD should be compensated by funding from the county bed tax or tourism development to augment its city budget. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at other ways to fund the police department,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lobbying legislators to receive some money from the bed tax. A lot does not come back for needed infrastructure to take care of all these people who come in response to state advertis-

ing.â&#x20AC;? The Manatee County Tourist Development Council last December recommended pushing for legislative change after House Bill 7099 was passed, which allows three Panhandle counties to use up to 10 percent of tourist development tax funds for public safety, including emergency medical services and law enforcement for tourism. Bay, Okaloosa and Walton counties gained the exception. Manatee County can reimburse law enforcement for public safety costs using tourist development taxes only on a per-event basis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our tourism is not event-driven,â&#x20AC;? Tokajer said. Trying to recoup a greater percentage of bed tax revenues has been tried before, said city treasurer Lori Hill. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been trying for years and years and years,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whether it will happen for this budget, I will say no.â&#x20AC;? the HBpd consumes nearly a quarter of the $12.4 million city budget. Tokajer is requesting a 7.5 percent budget increase of $212,911 to $3,064,188 for the 2017-18 fiscal year

Island law enforcement budgets

City 2016-17 2017-18 anna maria $688,235 $738,540 Bradenton Beach $1,064,591 $1,126364 Holmes Beach $2,851,277 $3,064,188 Note: Anna Maria contracts law enforcement services with Manatee County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office.

from $2,851,277 in his current budget. He also is asking for two more police officers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to start increasing the size of our manpower to take care of the city and keep it safe,â&#x20AC;? he said. The proposed Holmes Beach police salary budget is up $114,505, or 8.9 percent, from $1,285,236. the police budget proposal includes $1,399,741 in wages for 17 officers and seven clerical dispatchers. the average HBpd wage would be $58,322. the average HBpd salary last fiscal year was $58,419. The Holmes Beach police compensation average includes tokajerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $96,678 salary. The HBPD officer at the bottom of the scale makes $46,104, ranging up to $61,349 with 11 years service. the average police officer compensation in Bradenton is $50,268 and, in Sarasota, is $50,695, according to salary.com, which last updated its information Aug. 3. Those numbers include compensation only for police officers. Tokajer reduced his proposed overtime budget 20 percent to $40,000 from $50,000 in anticipation of having two more officers. Other police compensation proposals include $10,000 in part-time wages and $15,240 in incentive pay. two more ford trucks will push the police lease budget up $24,000 to $103,100. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The only way they are going to continue to have a vibrant vacation area is if we are able to keep this area safe,â&#x20AC;? Tokajer said.

Anna Maria finalizes draft of 2017-18 city budget

By Bianca BenedĂ Islander Reporter Anna Maria wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t construct a wider bike path along Gulf Drive at the entrance of the city, but it will replace the drainage swale with a vertical infiltration system. That was one of the decisions made Aug. 10 when city commissioners finalized a spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins oct. 1. Hearings and a final vote on the budget will take place in September. Commissioners Nancy Yetter and Carol Carter expressed hesitation around the proposal to build a 10-foot path along Gulf Drive from the city limit to Willow avenue due to the $171,000 cost. Without the bike path, the project to replace the swale with vertical infiltration will cost about $101,000. the remaining $70,000 will be added to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contingency fund, Mayor Dan Murphy said. Commissioners also decided against a proposal from Manatee County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sgt. Russell Schnering to add two patrol deputies to the city squad, which would have added an additional $200,000 to the city contract with MCSO. Schnering, who heads the substation in Anna Maria, said adding two deputies would help with scheduling issues, including increasing night patrols.

Commissioners agreed there is greater need for beach patrol and Murphy plans to explore options to address beach security by february, the start of winter season 2018. The city also approved a plan for stormwater improvements. for $661,800, commissioners approved work on Palm Avenue, Elm Avenue, the northern end of North Shore Drive, a portion of road from Alamanda to Poinsettia and portions of South Bay Boulevard. the city will hold two hearings to approve the final 2017-18 proposed budget total proposed expenditures: $5,007,069. total proposed revenues: $5,007,069. reserve fund: $3,105,742.21. Proposed millage rate: 2.05. Rollback rate: 1.8728. total assessed property value: $989,355,709. 2016-17 budget total expenditures: $3,531,338.53. total revenues: $4,558,212.30. reserve fund: $2,415,449. Millage rate: 2.05. Rollback rate: 1.8664. total assessed property value: $949,309,689.

budget ordinance. the first is scheduled for 6 p.m. thursday, Sept. 14, and the final hearing and vote is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28.

Anna Maria sends out another Bert Harris offer

Anna Maria city commissioners approved another offer on a Bert Harris claim Aug. 10. By the recommendation of city attorney Becky Vose, commissioners agreed 4-1 to offer the Phyllis c. grey family trust a maximum occupancy of six or 10 people for 507 Spring Ave. According to the terms of the agreement, the property can house six guests as it exists or 10 guests based on the proposed construction of new bedrooms. the claim was filed against the city of anna maria in November 2016 alleging that the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vacation rental ordinance, which went into effect April 2016, lowered the value of the property by $210,000. Commissioner Nancy Yetter voted against the settlement offer. The Bert Harris Jr. Private Property Protection Act of 1995 allows property owners to seek relief if they can prove a government action lowered the value of their property. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bianca BenedĂ

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16 n Aug. 16, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Manatee County reinforces storm communications

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Print, digital and TV news crews all converged July 28 at the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center. There was no emergency. The event was preparation for the possibility of a crisis, which always is a consideration during hurricane season, June 1-nov. 30, in florida.

Sherilyn Burris, chief of emergency management for Manatee County, demonstrates command center communication functions July 28 at an open house at the Manatee County Public Safety Center, 2101 47th Terrace E., Bradenton. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

“Let’s never do this again,” cracked a member of the press. The gallows humor was clear: Only during times of severe weather or other threats to public safety is the EOC fully activated. The EOC is the nerve center for communications and emergency response coordination during a crisis in the county. The EOC is in the two-story Manatee County Public Safety Center, 2101 47th Terrace E., Bradenton. The center is a 100,3777-square-foot fortress capable of withstanding 200-mph winds. Its steel frame supports concrete decks covered by a reinforced concreteand-brick skin. Critical systems, including chillers, generator fuel tanks, a radio tower, antennas, satellite dishes and utility transformer, which are further protected by a 12-foot structural wall in the equipment yard. Two 1,000-kilowatt diesel-fueled generators can power seven days of stand-alone operation. In 2016, the EOC was fully activated twice by named florida storms. Hurricane Hermine hit in September and Hurricane Matthew made landfall Oct. 6-7. The storms combined to inflict roughly $1.6 billion in damages statewide, according to the state Division of Emergency Management. Manatee County went to full activation for those storms. During times of full activation, the EOC is staffed by up to 250 personnel from city and county police and fire departments, and partners in the private sector, such as florida power & Light. Emergency management chief Sherilyn Burris said all hurricane evacuation maps have been updated for this year’s storm season.

“Right now, it’s been a little quiet,” Burris said. “Please don’t wait to prepare until a storm is on its way.” If a storm targets Manatee County, it’s possible residents will be forced to leave by county decree. “If you are in an evacuation area that’s been issued an order, you have to leave,” Burris said. “It’s not a decision. You can’t stay.” Burris said she called the July 28 meeting to refamiliarize the press with all the means to alert the public during a crisis. Public safety director Robert Smith said communication is the key to everyone successfully weathering a storm. “We try to hit the gamut of communications,” Smith said. the county is relying on facebook and twitter to update residents during severe weather, said information outreach manager Nick Azzara. He urged people to connect with manatee county on twitter and facebook, as well as using the more traditional print, TV and radio news outlets.

Manatee Public Safety Center at a glance

Address: 2101 47th Terrace E., Bradenton. Size: 100,377 square feet under roof. Site: 22.55 acres. power: feeds from u.S. 301 to the east and Manasota Industrial Park to the west, providing redundancy for communications and power. Strength: Can withstand 200-mph winds. What’s next: 4,200-square-foot traffic management center scheduled to come online in 2019.

Anna Maria encounters engineering snag, prepares bids for services

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter The city of Anna Maria is issuing a request for qualifications for an engineer after city attorney Becky Vose brought a wrinkle to the city’s attention. for several years, the city has contracted services with LTA Engineering. the firm is operated by Lynn Burnett, who serves all three island cities. Murphy rejected a master agreement with LTA issued in 2016 based Burnett on concerns he had with the terms, while the cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach signed on with Burnett. Anna Maria instead maintained “an informal agreement” with Burnett, Murphy said. In July, Burnett’s company offered the city another version of the contract.

Murphy reviewed the contract again and sent it to Vose for input. Vose then informed Murphy that florida statutes prohibit signing the contract with Lta Engineering. instead, the city must first issue an rfQ and allow companies to bid on engineering services to the city. murphy said he invited Burnett to bid on the rfQ once it was issued. Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon said his city reviewed the contract as recently as february in order to add additional services to the agreement. “As far as I know, everything should be up to snuff…. I know that state statutes are stated in it. I think we’re probably all right,” he said. Holmes Beach city clerk Stacy Johnston said she was unaware of any issues with the city’s contract with LTA Engineering. Mayor Bob Johnson is on vacation and unavailable for comment. In other business, Murphy said the city is preparing

its request for proposals to repair the Anna Maria City Pier. The city moved through and rejected negotiations with all three applicants from a previous rfp that was limited to engineering and permitting services. Two applicants were rejected for coming in with bids two to three times greater than the city had budgeted, and another was rejected for failing to respond to city requests for information. the new rfp, with a greater scope for engineering and building the pier is expected to attract more bids, according to Murphy. Murphy also sought and received consensus on a request to draft a new ordinance banning sleeping on the beach. Murphy said there is no ordinance explicitly banning overnight stays on beaches in the city. Commissioners unanimously agreed to move forward with an ordinance.

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THE ISLANDER n Aug. 16, 2017 n 17

Mangrove trimming on Perico Island shoreline permitted

Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Cindy McClure of Bradenton was boating by Harbour Isle marina construction in early August. She was shocked. “I was astonished at the half- to three-quarters mile long shoreline cutting of the mangroves,” McClure told the Islander, identifying the cut area from the marina’s “high and dry project” to the point of Perico Bay. And the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has permitted it. Mangrove trimming on 7.92 acres is allowed under an October 2013 permit granted to Pat Neal’s land trust. The trust holds 40 acres of mostly submerged lands along Perico Island’s western shore. The trimming began this spring and “was recently completed,” according to Neal’s environmental specialist Alec Hoffner of Eco Consultants. It’s been an annual event since 2014, he added. Neal said he’s contractually obligated to Minto Communities “to maintain the views they’ve sold.” Minto is the developer of a 353-acre adjacent Harbour Isle, a Bradenton development about half builtout. The development includes a marina, One Particular Harbour, which is slated for 2018 completion with 55 wet slips and 128 dry slips. Much of Perico Island is surrounded by large swaths of mangrove forests, mostly on the east side of Perico Island. Neal’s contractors began cutting through mangroves in April, according to Harbour Isle resident Debbie Wilcox. She complained in an email to the DEP April 29

A hedge of mangroves is visible Aug. 5 on the western shore of Perico Island between a marina under construction at One Particular Harbour and the Harbour Isle Beach Club — alongside Harbor Sound, a Pat Neal four-home development site pending a federal wetland permit. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell about “excessive trimming” on Neal’s trust property behind her home. The 2013 permit authorizes Neal to trim to a 10-foot height and prohibits mangroves cut more than 8-inches thick and more than 25 percent annually. Wilcox observed and photographed the 8-inch diameter cuts. “They’ve butchered them for crying out loud,” she added. The Corps supported her observation but deferred jurisdiction to the state. “Based on your observations, the authorized activity went beyond which was authorized,” Bobby Halpert, U.S. Corps of Engineers, enforcement chief regulatory division, wrote Wilcox in May. He suggested the DOT conduct a site visit. The DEP visited the site May 17 and determined

Mangroves protect Perico Island in 2015 as the Harbour Isles development, in its fifth year, continues to build. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

no violations occurred. Mangrove trimmings are permitted under the DEP permit, which expires in October 2018. Meanwhile McClure is disappointed. “Mature trees that were a thick forest are gone with a few select ones now nicely pruned in lovely shapes for the residents,” she said. “It was the most blatant elimination of mangroves that I have ever seen in my 30 years here,” she said.

Harbor Sound stalemate continues

Neal Communities’ developers Pat and son Michael Neal still plan to build a 3.46-acre fourhome family compound called Harbor Sound. “Michael Neal and his mother have designed a gorgeous house. I think everybody’s going to love it,” Pat Neal said Aug. 11. The project, which broke ground in 2015 and successfully fought off environmentalist lawsuits, is currently stalled. It is pending a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit to build in about an acre of wetland. COE public information officer Nakeir Nobles reported Aug. 10 the Corps was reviewing the project under a “least environmentally damaging practicable alternative” analysis to determine if options exist to destroying wetlands and mangroves. She said the Corps is awaiting a Neal response. Neal said he hopes to build and live in harmony with the mangroves and wetland.

What’s up with mangrove cutting?

Perico Island is surrounded in May by mangroves. Islander Courtesy Photo

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By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter The state law governing mangroves is in its 21st year. The Mangrove Trimming & Preservation Act of 1996 recognized 555,000 acres of mangroves with an “important ecological role,” and of that number, 80 percent were “set aside for preservation or conservation purposes.” At last count, according to Wikipedia, Florida has about 280,000 acres in government control. Mangroves protect marine and wildlife habitat, stabilize the shoreline, protect against storms and benefit water quality, according to the statute. The act also states: “Scientific studies have shown that mangroves are amenable to standard horticultural treatments,” and that waterfront property owners can “live in harmony” with mangroves as long as they are trimmed by “professional mangrove trimmers.” However, according to some environmentalists, to compare mangroves to ornamental garden plants is ecologically indefensible because mature mangroves will die if cut to 6 feet. Without a permit, Randy Edwards of the Nature Conservatory points out the Florida Department of Environmental Protection allows mangroves to be cut to 6-feet by a professional mangrove trimmer. State law points to a list of 54 licensed mangrove trimmers in Southwest Florida. The DEP does step in and require permits when a stretch of mangroves is more than 150-feet wide. After that point, 65 percent cutting restrictions are imposed,

he said. Edwards also laments the act is preemptive and local municipalities cannot impose more stringent restrictions. If trimmers amputate branches and alter hydrologic conditions, mangroves can die and destroy nesting, shade and nursery sanctuaries for wildlife. “The mangroves provide so much ecological function—nursery grounds for fish, shrimp, crab, fish, birds that nest in them. And they stabilize shoreline in the event of hurricanes,” Edwards said.

Fish school in the mangrove roots along a waterway at Grassy Point Preserve in Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo: Bonner Joy

18 n Aug. 16, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

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The Islander archive is included in the digital newspaper collection of the university of florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We started by sending 2005-current pdf editions to library technicians, who included The Islander in the library’s database. Next, we donated our collection of printed newspapers covering from the first edition in 1992 up to the electronic era of 2005. It took a few years, but it’s all on the uoff site now, all searchable by key word, name or date. It’s simple, easy and available 24/7. There’s 25 years, 52 weeks a year, cover to back, the complete collection of The Islander, online at ufdc.ufl.edu. You’ll find the islander at the uoff library among the digital stacks, now and into the future.

Mid-summer tour in Middle East

Richard and Joanne Brown of Holmes Beach recently toured the Middle East, including a visit to Jerusalem. Islander Courtesy Photo

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THE ISLANDER n Aug. 16, 2017 n 19

Island therapist to celebrate birthday in totality By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter It’s been billed as the largest celestial event of the decade, and it’s been 99 years since one crossed the entire continental United States. It’s the solar eclipse Aug. 21, and the 70-mile wide path takes the total eclipse of the sun from Oregon to the South Carolina. Aug. 21 also is Nadia Tryciecky’s birthday.

Roser brings vocal soloist to worship services

Roser Memorial Community Church will host vocal soloist Katherine Herbert during its worship services Sunday, Aug. 20. Worship will be at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel and 10 a.m. in the sanctuary at the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. In May, Katherine performed at the Sarasota festival of Vocal arts. The Sarasota high school senior has Herbert been active in the Sarasota Youth Opera for eight years, performing in seven opera productions and singing as the principal artist in two. She also has performed in two musicals — as Hodel in “fiddler on the roof” in a manatee players production and as Dorothy in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at Manatee School for the Arts. for more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Obituary

Robert Charles Duvall

Tryciecky is a professional massage therapist operating “Massage by Nadia” on Anna Maria Island for more than 20 years. You bet she’s seizing the moment when the moon gets directly between the earth and sun and midday darkens. “On my birthday, I will make the sun disappear for two minutes and 40 seconds, ha, ha,” Tryciecky quipped. “It’s totally awesome that this is happening on my birthday.” To celebrate, the owner of Massage by Nadia is traveling with fiancé ronnie reed and two dogs, molly and Mila, to Orangeburg, South Carolina. It’s one of the last places on the total eclipse’s path and a perfect spot for her to witness the event. What started out as a fleeting idea about going to the eclipse on her birthday was solidified when tryciecky learned Orangeburg was is in the path. “go figure. my baby brother, alex, lives there — well, he’s 43 actually — and my mother Vera lives right down the street from him. It’s all Trycieckys in Orangeburg for the eclipse,” she said. “I was born Aug. 21 and, on my next birthday, I’m going to make the sun disappear” is just one of the slogans she had imprinted on shirts for family members and friends. “My brother’s a teacher, and they are even closing schools that day — for the eclipse, not my birthday,” Tryciecky teased. for those staying on anna maria island, a partial eclipse will occur beginning at 1:18 p.m. and ending at 4:14 p.m. The maximum eclipse view will be at 2:50 p.m. with about 80 percent of the sun obscured. Remember, special solar glasses will be necessary to observe the phenomenon here, too. The next date to view a total solar eclipse in the

Robert Charles Duvall, 74, of Anna Maria, died July 7. He was born dec. 9, 1942, in flint, michigan, to robert and frieda (ruppel). Mr. Duvall received his MBA from Michigan State University and worked as a CPA in the Detroit area. He was affiliated with Wampum Hardware Co. in New Galilee, Pennsylvania, before his retirement to Duvall Tampa and Anna Maria. He was an avid golfer for many years and more recently enjoyed woodworking with friends in the Bradenton/Sarasota area. A private family service will be held at a later date. memorial donations may be made to the florida Chapter of the ALS Association and Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Judith (Davis); children Christopher of Anna Maria, Matthew and wife Margret of Evanston, Illinois, Andrew of new York city and francisco Becerril of tehucan, At your service Mexico; grandchildren Eva and Julian of Evanston; Obituaries are provided as a community service sisters Sharon Brewer of Bad Axe Michigan, Mary Brinkman and husband William of Decatur, Alabama, in The Islander newspaper to residents and family of and Barbara Duvall of Largo; and many extended residents, both past and present. Information may be submitted to news@islander.org. family members and friends. Pastor Rosemary Wheeler Backer

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Nadia Tryciecky, left, and fiancé Ronnie Reed show off their solar eclipse shirts ahead of Tryciecky’s birthday celebration. They are traveling to Orangeburg, South Carolina, to view the eclipse with family. Islander Courtesy Photo United States is April 8, 2024, when the celestial event will be seen from Texas through the Midwest and in parts of the northeast. And what will those people do in 2024 to celebrate their birthday? Maybe they can check with Tryciecky! When the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun Aug. 21, it will cast a 70-mile wide shadow on Earth. People inside that shadow will see a rare total solar eclipse. Moon phases are the result of the Moon's own shadow — like Earth — which allows only one half of the body to be lit at a time. Islander Courtesy

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20 n Aug. 16, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court

State charges butterfly advocate with fraud

By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Neighbor, complaints erupt in Holmes Beach

A Holmes Beach resident wants to quiet his neighbors and be heard on the matter. In an Aug. 9 letter, Richard Motzer asks the mayor and commissioners several questions: “Is it quiet around your house? Are you able to go out and sit on your deck, patio or balcony and enjoy a cup of coffee, beverage, read a book or just relax?” After more similarly themed queries, Motzer states: “If you can answer yes to any of the above, I would like to know why my wife and I cannot do the same in Holmes Beach.” Motzer wrote that despite the commissioners’ March 30 direction to the Holmes Beach chief of police that a letter be drafted to tenants, rental units and the rental management company, he’s received no news on the letter and no relief. “June and July have been two of the worst months on record for us,” he stated. The latest political maelstrom comes after a July 2 incident in which the Holmes Beach Police Department identified Motzer as a suspect in an assault case. According to the HBPD, Motzer, a resident in the 300 block of 56th Street, called the HBPD at 2:14 p.m. about kids playing in a nearby pool and a possible noise violation. On a recorded line, Motzer threatened to sue the city, the police chief and officers, the reports state. Motzer complained about the police department’s lack of response to his calls. “The noise is over the top, tell them to do something,” Motzer allegedly told the dispatcher. Dick Motzer displays a wood carving he created in 2004. Islander File Photo

Island watch: In an emergency, call 911. To report information on island crime, call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria substation, 941-7088899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

Roadwatch

Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation posted the following advisory for the week of Aug. 14: • State Road 789/Gulf Drive from State Road 64/ Manatee Avenue to State Road 684/Cortez Road: Manatee County is installing new force mains and water mains. The project is expected to continue through summer 2019. For additional information about the project, go online to amipipereplacement.com. For the latest road watch information, go online to www.fl511.com or dial 511.

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The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, anniversaries, travels and other events. Submit your announcements and photos with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander.org.

A report by Sgt. Mike Pilato states Motzer said, “You are going to need to bring over body bags because I am fed up with it.” Pilato reported Motzer “made a viable threat to cause death to the families and the children.” When officers responded, they found the renters standing in their driveway, heading toward the beach. Officer Jason Higgins reported no disruptive noises and Pilato’s report stated he heard no screaming, yelling or noise violation. The renters told police their neighbor, apparently referring to Motzer, “hid behind the screened upper porch and began yelling on a bull horn at the children playing in the pool” and “the kids were terrified” because he “began cursing at the kids,” according to Pilato’s report. “The family insisted they were being harassed by the neighbor,” according to Higgins’ report. Pilato asked the renters to fill out affidavits. Motzer, whose year-round residence is adjacent to the vacation home, first complained to the city about the home when it was under construction in 201415. He’s been active at city hall, attending meetings and offering comment on rental issues, questioning the multiplex development, according to The Islander archives. While an HBPD report labels Motzer a suspect and the alleged offense as an assault, it contains no indication charges were or would be filed. HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer said Aug. 10 the July 2 reports were forwarded to the state attorney to determine if criminal charges are warranted. In Motzer’s most recent letter, he criticizes the HBPD, the chief and code enforcement for failing to enforce the city’s ordinance and for not using a decibel reader. Tokajer responded, “We respond to every noise complaint and review it on a case by case basis in accordance with guidance from the mayor and commissioners.” The chief also said he’s put together a flyer which, on approval from the mayor, will be handed out by patrol officers.

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria No reports. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Bradenton Beach Aug. 2, 100 block of 12th Street North, domestic. Bradenton Beach police responded to a call about a man hitting a mirror on his wife’s vehicle. The man told police they had argued. Aug. 5, Coquina Park, 2650 Gulf Drive S., theft. Upon returning from the beach, a woman found clothes she’d left in bag on a picnic table strewn in a bathhouse. An officer helped her search the area for her ID, credit cards and an iPod, but to no avail. Aug. 6, Cortez Beach, 1000 Gulf Drive S., theft. A woman was sitting on the beach when a man approached her, took her bag and, when, confronted by a witness, the man ran off. The bag contained her cellphone and sandals. The witness identified the man from a photo lineup but an attempt to find him proved unsuccessful. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez July 29, 12100 block of 45th Avenue, vehicle burglary. Various items were reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle. Cortez is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach July 29, Haley’s Motel, 8102 Gulf Drive, assist. Manatee County sheriff’s deputy helped track down

Formal charges of unlawful practices related to a charity were filed Aug. 10 against butterfly park organizer Nancy Ambrose in the 12th Circuit Court. The state has filed two felony counts: failure to file charitable registration and unlawful solicitation of charitable funds for her activities between October 2014 and January. The charges allege Ambrose failed to register and solicited contributions on behalf of a local chapter of the North American Butterfly Association without authorization. Registration is required by the Florida Agricultural and Consumer Services. Ambrose, 58, of Bradenton and Holmes Beach, turned herself into authorities in May after Holmes Beach Detective Sgt. Brian Hall informed her of her pending arrest. Assistant State Attorney Andrew Van Sickle, handling white-collar, animal and elderly crimes for the state, said the charges were brought after going through bank records with Hall. Van Sickle said he decided not to pursue a scheme to defraud as originally alleged by the HBPD, saying the alleged misrepresentation is covered in the solicitation charge. The allegations relate to Ambrose’s 2008 agreement with the city of Holmes Beach to landscape and maintain the Anna Maria Island Butterfly Park adjacent to city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Hall said the investigation began in 2015 when complaints surfaced about Ambrose’s failure to maintain the park and from people who said they purchased memorial bricks in the garden that were not delivered. In February 2016, the city took the garden back. The park was initiated by Ambrose and Connie Hodsdon of Bradenton in 1999. Part of their effort included fundraising by the sale of engraved bricks for $50-$60. Since at least February 2010, Ambrose allegedly organized three fundraising events a year, including craft shows at the Holmes Beach city field and in Bradenton Beach, to raise money for Anna Maria Island nonprofits. Ambrose was the sole authorized signatory on a SunTrust account opened in August 2007, according to Hall’s investigation. Hall discovered charges on a credit card account that are alleged to be personal expenses. For the past 30 years, Ambrose has been known for volunteering for various causes and organizations on Anna Maria Island, including the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Island Players and the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra. She was employed by The Islander 2003-09. a woman who had texted a friend that she intended to kill herself. Police found the woman unconscious and EMS transported her to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. Aug. 3, 6200 block of Holmes Boulevard, theft. Two rental bicycles were stolen. One bicycle was found next door, where a juvenile told police another juvenile had taken both bikes. Still missing was a lime green beach cruiser valued at $400. Aug. 5, 4000 Gulf Drive, sex. Two people were having sex on the beach next to an open bottle of rum and incense candle. They were cited with an alcohol violation. Holmes Beach police reported the couple was intoxicated and they called for a ride home. Aug. 6, 100 block of 78th Street, seagrapes. A five-man landscaping crew was reported working on Sunday in violation of a city ordinance. Police forwarded the matter to code enforcement to determine if any environmental violations occurred due to the crew trimming seagrapes beyond a seawall. Aug. 6, 4700 block of Gulf Drive on the beach, noise/alcohol. Loud music blasted from a large speaker on the beach near a woman with a beer. Police issued her a citation for the alcohol and a warning for the noise violation. She turned off the music and dumped out the beer. Holmes Beach is policed by the HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 16, 2017 n 21

Kaleta, Anna Maria prepare for federal trial in ‘blackball’ lawsuit By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Almost daily filings remind court-watchers of the federal case of Shawn Kaleta and Beach to Bay Construction LLC versus the city of Anna Maria. For the past two months, attorneys for both sides have filed a steady stream of papers aimed at gaining an edge in the litigation first filed in February 2016. The developer alleges the city has blackballed him to the tune of $12 million in lost permits and profits. The case is set for a trial at the year’s end in U.S. District Court in Tampa. Najmy In a move July 10 to end the case before a trial, the city filed motions for summary judgment and to strike the plaintiffs’ experts. The developer’s case rests on constitutional claims, including a First Amendment argument the city Kaleta deterred his free speech and rights to petition by restricting his projects, making false public statements and filing an “unsubstantiated” business complaint. Kaleta-Beach to Bay also bring a discrimination claim under the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Kaleta and his company are represented by Bradenton attorneys Najmy and Thompson, P.A., including Louis Najmy and Aaron Thomas. With a June 19 appearance, a Lakewood Ranch attorney, Brian P. Kopp, joined the developer’s legal team. Defending the city is the Orlando firm of Dean, Ringers, Morgan & Lawton, including attorney John T. Conner, hired by the city’s insurer, a Florida League of Cities’ affiliate. In a summary judgment motion, Conner asks the court to end the case because of a lack of a genuine dispute as to any material fact. It contends the plaintiffs have failed to: 1) show

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Developer Shawn Kaleta and Beach to Bay Construction LLC allege the city of Anna Maria issued a 2015 red tag order shutting off power to a remodeled home at 9802 Gulf Drive in ongoing litigation in U.S. District Court in Tampa. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

applied facts and unhelpful due to their conflicting opinions. Thomas responds the city’s causation argument is misplaced because the experts are qualified to show the plaintiff’s damages were related to, and not proximately caused by the city. He called the city’s attempt to strike the experts “a blunderbuss” of a motion “easily put aside in the final analysis.” In May, Kaleta filed the expert report of Matthew Clark of Kentucky and Lewis Olds of Arizona, estimating damages due to the city’s blackball against Kaleta and his company. The experts’ joint report calculated developer losses based on an estimated 38 permits that would have been issued since 2015 but for the city’s discriminatory acts. According to the report, the developer’s lost profits to 2020 were projected at $12,339,055 and lost earnings at $11,441,885. By October, the court is expected to rule on the outstanding motions, according to Najmy. A pretrial hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6, before Judge James D. Whittemore, in the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse in Tampa.

disparate treatment, 2) exhaust administrative remedies and obtain a final city decision; 3) offer evidence of a perceived ban against the developer and 4) show they engaged in speech or conduct protected by the First Amendment. In the Kaleta-Beach to Bay response, Thomas contends the record indicates similarly situated properties and developers, evidence of a ban and a clear claim of chilling effects as a result of targeted actions against the plaintiffs. No exhaustion of administrative remedies is required, he wrote. Thomas also labels the dispositive motion “nothing more than a desperate attempt to avoid trial on the merits,” which paints a false narrative and mischaracterizes the record. The city also seeks to disarm the $12 million damages claim, attempting to strike Kaleta’s experts under a court rule that limits expert testimony to that which Developer Shawn Kaleta and his company allege is reliable, qualified and helpful. The city points to plaintiffs’ co-experts as unquali- lost profits from homes, including 881 N. Shore fied causation witnesses, unreliable because they mis- Drive, due to the city’s alleged blackballing.

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They’re back! Kids, energy fill AME

Cars line up in the Anna Maria Elementary dropoff, pickup loop and the school buses roll in as classes get underway Aug. 10 for the 2017-18 school year. AME officials are estimating about 265 students will attend the elementary school this year. Islander Photo: Jack Elka A little exciting, a little nerve-racking, a lot of work. A line of buses and a caravan of cars poured onto the campus of Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach as the 2017-18 school year got underway Aug. 10. Parents breathed a sigh of relief — though some also shed tears — as K-5 classes settled in at the “little school by the bay.” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer and the school’s resource officer, HBPD patrol officer Josh Fleischer, greeted parents and students. AME staff also greeted students, distributing arm bands indicating dismissal instructions, answered questions and gave directions. When the first chime sounded, most everyone seemed to be where they belonged. Kindergarten and new AME parents and caregivers retreated to the school auditorium for the “Boo-Hoo Breakfast,” sponsored by the AME-Parent-Teacher Organization. Principal Jackie Featherston mingled with other staff at the welcome event, and the new school year was underway. — Sandy Ambrogi

Incoming kindergartner Toby Phung gets a jumpstart on reading Aug. 10 while waiting for class to start on his first day of school.

Holmes Beach Police Officer Josh Fleischer, AME’s school resource officer, leads the first busload of students Aug. 10 into the school for the first day of class.

Keegan Shard waits with his mother Aug. 10 in the lobby at Anna Maria Elementary for the first day of the 2017-18 school year to get underway. Keegan is in Toni Lashway’s first-grade class. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

Lillian Palmer clings to dad Matt Palmer Aug. 10 in the hallway as a younger brother watches on her first day of kindergarten at Anna Maria Elementary.

Kindergartner Vincent Gollamudi poses with Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer Aug. 10 before class on Vincent’s first day of school. Tokajer greeted students, parents and caregivers as the first morning got underway. Vincent will be in Bridget Querrard’s class. Islander Courtesy Photo

THE ISLANDER  AUG. 16, 2017  23

Students preview AME at back-to-school night It’s time! Fill up those backpacks and head to Anna Maria Elementary for another year of learning and fun. The island school held its annual back-to-school night Aug. 8. Students, along with parents and caregivers, filled the hallways as old friends were encountered and new friends were timidly introduced. Children visited their assigned classrooms to find their desks and meet teachers, while adults signed up for the Parent-Teacher Organization; picked up bus schedules and lesson plans, and visited with old friends. School administrative staff stood by to answer questions and explain policies, and Holmes Beach Police Officer Josh Fleischer, who serves as the AME resource officer greeted students at the door and gave out a few hugs, along beside HB Chief Bill Tokajer.

Manatee school district approves bus ‘loan’ for center By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Working parents and their kids can breathe a sigh of relief. The Center of Anna Maria Island has a bus to transport kids to its after-school care program for the 2017-18 school year. Manatee County School Board members voted Aug. 8 to loan the center a surplus bus suitable for the once-a-day 2-mile trip from Anna Maria Elementary, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, to the center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The vote was 4-1, with Dave Miner opposed. According to the terms of the contract, the bus only can be used for the center’s after-school care program, and the bus must be returned to the district if the center discontinues the program. The center will be responsible for maintaining the vehicle. The bus is valued at $2,600-$3,500, according to the board. Miner protested that the vote to donate the bus was unprecedented. “You need to have some justiﬁcation for that special occasion,” he said, arguing the center is in need of assistance due to its ﬁscal irresponsibility. “Other providers of after-school services provide their own transportation,” Miner added. Board members Scott Hopes and Gina Messenger said the county is preparing to open three new schools and they asked whether the bus was designated as surplus before or after the district was made aware of the center’s need. Ron Ciranna, deputy superintendent of business services and operations, said the bus already had been

declared unsafe for long-distances or travel at high speeds. “This is a bus that has a limited life expectancy,” he said. He added that the bus needs repairs, which it was still undergoing, before it would be ready for the center. Ciranna also disputed Miner’s claim that the move was unprecedented. He said the board donated 20 buses to private charter schools in 2016 with terms similar to those negotiated with the center, including the stipulation the buses be returned should the programs end. During an internal audit in February, the Florida Department of Transportation discovered that it had incorrectly awarded a grant to the center for a bus. The grant was to beneﬁt senior programs, but the center had applied for a bus for its after-school care program. The center returned the bus to the DOT in late February and has been using a van to shuttle children over multiple trips from the school to the center.

Angela Monetti mugs for the camera as her mother, left, Rejane Monetti, hugs kindergarten teacher Kelly Crawford Aug. 8 at tje AME back-to-school event. Angela is a ﬁrst-grader at AME this year. By Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org

On the rocks

AME calendar

• 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, mobile blood donations at AME. • Monday, Sept. 4, no school, Labor Day. • Reminder: spring testing scores are now available at the AME front ofﬁce. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941708-5525.

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Manatee County School District board member Dave Miner, during a meeting Aug. 8, debates the merits of donating a bus to the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Screen shot

A newly abandoned sailboat in Cortez may be deemed derelict, according to Manatee County environmental program manager Alan Lai Hipp. A tropical storm might have stranded it, but Hipp reported Aug. 11 a for-sale sign is visible on the vessel. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Estormes

24 n Aug. 16, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Sea turtle nests hatching nightly on AMI beaches

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter A record-breaking sea turtle nesting season has led to flotillas of hatchlings emerging nightly from nests on Anna Maria Island beaches. As of Aug. 13, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring reported 165 hatched nests with about 11,745 hatchlings making their way to the Gulf of Mexico. With each nest containing about 100 eggs, turtle watch volunteers are staying busy collecting data from the hatched nests. Volunteers with AMITW walk the beach each morning just after sunrise to search for tracks left the night before by nesting female sea turtles or hatchlings. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, when a nest is determined hatched, AMITW volunteers must wait 72 hours to excavate or dig into the nest to determine how many eggs hatched, didn’t hatch, or if there are live hatchlings remaining in the nest. Turtle watch then ensures the remaining hatchlings make their way to the Gulf. Excavations usually take place around sunrise or sunset, when the risk of dehydration or predation is lower for any hatchlings that may be discovered in the nest. The public is invited to observe excavations and ask the volunteers questions about their work with

sea turtles. “It’s a great opportunity for people to see what we do and learn about the turtles,” Annie Camp, AMITW section 6 coordinator, said Aug. 9. Since the beginning of August, the moon has been bright and low over the Gulf, attracting hatchling sea turtles to their home in the water, according to Suzi Fox, AMITW executive director. After nesting or hatching, adult and hatchling sea turtles are drawn by their instincts to the Gulf of Mexico by the reflection of light on the water’s surface. Disorientations can occur when lights visible from the shoreline attract turtles away from the water, making them vulnerable to predators, exhaustion or dehydration. Fox is concerned that when the moon’s light starts to wane toward the end of the month, hatchlings may disorient away from the water. “As soon as that moon is gone, they may head inland, because the brightest light visible from the shoreline will be upland,” Fox said Aug. 7. Fox works with code enforcement in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach to ensure beachfront lighting is turtle-friendly and beach furniture is removed at the end of the day. Fox said people have been doing a great job keeping the beach clean and complying with lighting regulations. “The beach has been looking great,” Fox said. “This month is peak hatchling season. So, now is the

most important time to make sure you’re beachfront lights are compliant and beach trash is picked up.” For more information about AMITW, contact executive director Suzi Fox at suzilfox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

Sea turtle disorientation rate drops in Holmes Beach

With 477 nests as of Aug. 13, Holmes Beach has the highest number of sea turtle nests of the three cities on Anna Maria Island. More nests means more hatchlings, and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch executive director Suzi Fox was concerned with a rising number of disorientations as nests started hatching in Holmes Beach in July. Fox has been working with Holmes Beach code enforcement to bring lights into compliance with sea turtle regulations and inform people of turtle-friendly practices. As of Aug. 6, no new disorientations — which typically occur when lights visible from the shoreline attract turtles away from the water — were reported by turtle watch in Holmes Beach. “We are very happy that no new disorientations have been reported in Holmes Beach,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said Aug. 8. “We are working with turtle watch to ensure everyone is in compliance with lighting and knows to remove beach furniture at the end of the day.” — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes LEFT: Amy Waterbury, front left, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteer, is assisted by section 6 coordinator Annie Camp Aug. 9 with an excavation on the beach near 33rd Street in Holmes Beach. BOTTOM LEFT: Three hatchlings race Aug. 9 to the Gulf of Mexico after being released on the beach near 33rd Street in Holmes Beach. The hatchlings were found in a nest that hatched three days prior to being excavated for data collection by turtle watch volunteers. BELOW: Turtle watch volunteer Alice Schubert shows a loggerhead egg Aug. 10 to beachgoers Tyler Trejo, 12, of Bremen, Ohio, and Linda Collins, of Bradenton, during a nest excavation at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

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Images show the rescue of Key deer in Monroe County. A Monroe County sheriff’s deputy who stopped a motorist for a broken taillight discovered three endangered deer bound with heavy twine in the trunk of a car earlier this summer. Islander Photo: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

By Lisa Neff

Standing by

On a Sunday morning in mid-July, a Monroe County sheriff’s deputy pulled over a motorist in a car with a broken taillight. Inside the vehicle, the deputy found three Key deer bound with heavy twine. Two endangered deer, hogtied, were struggling in the back seat of the vehicle. A third animal was in the trunk. The deer were released back into the wild after officers with florida fish and Wildlife conservation comNeff mission and the u.S. fish and Wildlife Service gathered evidence and evaluated the condition of the deer. Two men were arrested on multiple charges, including felonies and misdemeanors for injuring an endangered species and animal cruelty. Such incidents are found in what can be described as the fWc police blotter, weekly reports from the division of law enforcement. The most recent 11-page report contained 50 incidents, including cases of trespassing, littering and boating while intoxicated. However, the majority of the incidents directly involved wildlife. People were poaching alligators, taking under-sized fish, exceeding fish limits, hunting deer and harvesting stone crab out of season, trapping raccoons and leaving them to die, filleting dolphins and harassing gopher tortoises. i began following the fWc reports after the video surfaced of four local men dragging a shark behind a speeding boat.

Since that video went viral, putting Bradenton in the dateline of newspapers around the world, additional videos and photographs have surfaced showing some of these men committing other acts of violence against animals. The governor issued a statement condemning the cruelty and calling for strong regulations and enforcement. Petition drives demand arrests. The fWc continues its investigation. On the island, we are talking, engaging in conversations about observing past crimes and transgressions against wildlife, as well as discussions about motive — whether cruel or kindhearted, actions cause harm. We’re also watching, and perhaps we’ll become even better witnesses, calling on law enforcement when we see people interacting and petting manatees in the Gulf, harassing nesting and hatchling sea turtles, packing up illegal catches of fish at the boat ramp, stirring nesting shorebirds on the beach, maiming rays and sharks for photographs or seeing video of “friends” shooting a shark with a pistol.

to coast in the United States in 99 years. Locally, we’ll see a partial eclipse — about 83-85 percent — with the greatest coverage of the sun at about 2:50 p.m. for anna maria island, the eclipse will begin at about 1:18 p.m. and end about 4:14 p.m. Scientists and health experts recommend eye protection for viewing the eclipse. Beginning Thursday, Aug. 17, libraries in the Manatee County system will be distributing a limited number of solar-filtering glasses. to find dealers selling the glasses, go online to the American Astronomical Society at aas.org. Also, for histories, facts, maps, souvenir posters and much more, go online to NASA’s Eclipse Across America website at eclipse2017.nasa.gov. Solar-filtering shades should be worn when viewing a solar eclipse.

Eclipse across America

A total solar eclipse will take place Aug. 21, with the path of totality crossing the continental United States. this will be the first total solar eclipse visible coast

A great Happy Hour Just Got Better!

Crispy Wings $5

Coconut Shrimp Salad $10

Sliders with Sautéed Onions $10

Our new Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday, 11:30 until 5. 2-4-1 Domestic drafts, House wines, Signature cocktails, and Well drinks. Plus, we have some great lunches starting at under $8. And, there’s plenty of fresh shrimp, ﬁsh, clams, burgers, salads and a cuban sandwich that’ll rock your taste buds. Come by, grab a drink, have a bite, relax on our new, all-weather deck and enjoy the view.

Gulf front dining just south of the Cortez bridge BeachHouseDining.com

26 n Aug. 16, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Turtle watch continues free beach talks in August

A turtle-eye view

People attending an Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Turtle Talk and lighting workshop Aug. 12 at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, look through a special turtle-eye filter mounted on a card, a tool used to determine if lighting is sea turtlefriendly, Islander Photo: Courtesy AMITW

We’re tallking about sharing the beach habitat with wildlife, especially sea turtles. As sea turtle hatchling season peaks, it becomes more and more important for visitors and residents to understand turtle-friendly practices. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring will host informational talks and turtlefriendly lighting workshops at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 and Aug. 26, starting at the picnic tables near the south end of the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and progressing on the beachfront, where there are numerous nests. AMITW volunteers will talk about “a day in the life” of a turtle watch volunteer, offering tips and giveaways. Additionally, turtle watch volunteers will provide a display and workshop on proper lighting during sea turtle nesting and hatchling season, which runs through October. During August, sea turtle hatchlings are emerging from nests on island beaches, and lighting visible from the shoreline can disorient them away from the water. Through events like weekly Turtle Talks, AMITW is informing people about how to prevent disorientations and how to take part in an eco-friendly vacation on Anna Maria Island. for more information about the turtle talk and lighting workshop, visit amitW on facebook or call fox at 941-778-5638.

AMITW sea turtle stats as of Aug. 13: 477 nests, 451 false crawls, 165 hatched nests and approximately 11,745 hatchlings to the sea. A previously reported false crawl hatched within the past week, altering the numbers. Islander File Photo

Sea turtle with tracker may have laid 4th nest on AMI

A screenshot from the internet Aug. 8 shows the path in the Gulf of Mexico taken by Eliza Ann, who may have laid a fourth nest on Anna Maria Island. According to Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director, a crawl with large tracks was found Aug. 6 on the beach near Maple Avenue in Anna Maria. The tracking map also indicates the more than 300-pound loggerhead may have come ashore that night. Since no one saw the nest being laid, Fox said she can’t be certain. Eliza Ann has been wearing a satellite tracking device since it nested June 20 and was tagged by AMITW and the Sea Turtle Conservancy, as part of the 10th annual Tour de Turtles. The tagged turtles compete in a “marathon” to see which turtle swims the farthest during a three-month survey. To track Eliza Ann, visit https://conserveturtles. org/trackingmap/?id=171.

Call 941.795.2132 • www.lucky-frog.com 4625 Cortez Road W. [next to Publix] Lunch: Tuesday to Saturday 11– 3 Dinner: Monday to Saturday 5 –8:30 Monday XL Vienna Pork Schnitzel w/ home fries $11.90 Wednesday Live Music Thursday Happy Hour 5 – 7 pm TUESDAY Purchase 2 dinner entrees and 2 beverages and receive the second dinner entree 50% off. (1 per Table, not valid with other offers, expires 8/31/17) Show coupon with your order.

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isl

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 16, 2017 n 27

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Island shop owner shares journey to help others

The 38th Annual Manatee Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award winners named Aug. 11 are: seated, Beth Deyo, left, Williams Wealth Management Group Inc.; Amy Wick Mavis, PACE Center for Girls. Back left, Emily Akers, Arts & Eats Restaurant and Gallery; Johnathan Fleece, Blalock Walters, P.A.; Lynn Walker, Arts & Eats Restaurant and Gallery. Awards were presented during a chamber luncheon in the Fete Ballroom at the Polo Bar and Grill in Lakewood Ranch. Islander Courtesy Photo

Manatee chamber fills Polo ballroom for awards

More than 400 members and guests of the Manatee chamber of commerce filled the fete Ballroom at the Polo Bar and Grill in Lakewood Ranch Aug. 11, as the 2017 winners were named for 38th annual Small Business Awards. Lynn Walker and Emily Akers accepted the award for Arts & Eats Restaurant and Gallery for the Category 1 businesses with revenues of less than $250,000. Donna Slawsky and Jim Copening own the eatery in the downtown Bradenton Village of the Arts. Beth Deyo of Williams Wealth Management Group Inc. accepted the trophy for the medium business with revenues of $250,000 to $1 million. deyo is partners in the management firm with derek Williams. Johnathan fleece and a large crowd from the firmtook the stage to accept the award for businesses with revenues of more than $1 million. He also donated a $500 monetary award to pace center for girls. The PACE Center for Girls, founded by Amy Wick mavis, was named nonprofit organization of the year by the Manatee chamber. The model conceived by Mavis to intervene in at-risk teenage girls’ lives that started in Bradenton now has spread to 20 florida locations and other states.

Specials: French Onion Soup and Beef Stroganoff with Spätzle and salad.

She is a retailer who deals in fair trade merchandise and she has a 10-year track record of success. Simultaneously, island shop owner Chrystal Carpenter is caring for a chronically ill son. She shuffles home and work duties at her stores. She’s the owner of The Hive Creations at 3216 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, and a second location at 6682 Cortez Road, Bradenton. Her 15-year old son Blake has faced a lifetime of seizures, surgeries and now a little-known disease named Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis. The illness is an autoimmune one, where anti-bodies attack healthy cells instead of diseased ones. Carpenter, a single mother, has powered through years of hospital stays, surgeries, diagnosis and treatments. Now she is sharing that journey in blog called Son Dark. Blake was born healthy, but suffered from meningoencephalitis three weeks after his birth. It left him with epilepsy and cerebral palsy. In 2015, he underwent surgery to remove the portion of his brain — the majority of the right side — where doctors believed the seizures were originating. He recovered and went home quickly. Just a week later, Blake was in the neuro ICU unit of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, where all of his treatment from birth had occurred. He was suffering from excruciating pain. Blake was diagnosed with Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis in September 2015, but not before experiencing hallucinations, speech deterioration and wild, unpredictable and sometimes violent behavior. “At one point,” Carpenter said, “Blake was in the ‘no place’ — no person, place or thing. He didn’t even know who I was, where he was or what was happening,” she said in an interview Aug. 9. On her blog she wrote, “I pray that his lack of memory about this time is a blessing.” Two years into this newest chapter of her life with Blake, carpenter is finding it helpful to share experiences and information about the disease. “Before the Anti-NMDA, Blake was functioning on a seventh-grade level. All of a sudden, he was back

Chrystal Carpenter and son Blake. to prekindergarten and I had to teach him everything all over again,” Carpenter shared in the interview. “I know there are people out there struggling for answers, looking for information. I know I was. Maybe someone will find the blog and be helped,” carpenter said. As far as running her stores and life with Blake, Carpenter praises her employees’ dedication and support. “It’s not easy. Luckily, I have amazing people who work for me and love my family, too. They help me out a whole lot,” Carpenter said. As for Blake, he headed off to school Aug. 10 for the first time in several years. Carpenter continues to keep her faith in Blake and the treatments he receives, that it will eventually help his body to make the correct anti-bodies and halt the Anti-AMDA. The Son Dark blog is named after Blake’s term for sundown. Carpenter said it’s already spreading online in Canada, South Africa and the United States. You can find it at www.thehivecreation.com/son-dark.

French Table The soul of France in the heart of Bradenton Beach

Traditional French dining experience … featuring entrees of mussels, shrimp, grouper, duck, pasta carbonara, chicken, beef and a slow-cooked duck casserole. 103 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach

941.779.1930

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HAXEN FRI-SAT NIGHTS (reserve ahead) Dinner Monday-Saturday 5-9 941.778.1320 http://schnitzel.house 3246 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach

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28 n Aug. 16, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Adult flag football action continues, horseshoes, golf, too

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter The adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island logged its third week of action with three games played Aug. 10. Mason Martin Construction, Beach House Real Estate and Talucci Construction all are boasting 3-0 league records and sharing first place. Beach Bums is 1-2, followed by Moss Builders and Avis Car Rentals, which are both 1-3. Truly Nolen rounds out the standings at 0-4. Cassidy Moss Builders got its first win on the season via forfeit after an illness swept through the Avis Car Rental roster. Talucci Construction won the past week’s game in convincing fashion, rolling past Beach Bums 28-6 behind 130 passing yards and four touchdown passes from quarterback Ray Gardner. David Dunham was his top receiver, finishing with 55 receiving yards and a pair of touchdown catches. Kevin Roman added four catches for 30 yards, including two touchdowns and 2 extra points, while John DellaTorre with 30 receiving yards and an extra point and Christina Calvary with an extra point catch completed the scoring for Talucci. Beach Bums received 95 passing yards and one touchdown pass from quarterback Chuck Buky, which went to Karri Stephens. Stephens finished with five catches for 40 yards in the loss, while Geoff Evans added two catches for 40 yards. Beach House Real Estate ran past Truly Nolen by a 27-0 score in the final game of the evening behind a combined 135 rushing yards. Emily Argeros led the way with a 60-yard touchdown run, while quarterback Don Purvis passed for 35 yards and a touchdown, ran for 55 yards and two touchdowns while also adding a 40-yard reception. Jason Mickan finished with three catches for 20 yards, including a touchdown and a pair of extra points while Mike Gillum added two catches for 20 yards and an extra point in the victory. Pat Harrington threw for 110 yards in the loss and Ben Sato finished with six catches for 90 yards to lead Truly Nolen, which also received two catches for 35 yards from Monica Simpson.

day’s outright champs during horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. Two teams emerged from pool play during the Aug. 12 games and battled for the championship. Huyghe and partner Gary Howcroft outlasted walker Neil Hennessey by a 23-9 score with Huyghe emphatically ending the match with a double ringer. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome. Key Royale golf news The Key Royale Club links recovered from the deluge of Tropical Storm Emily and the golfers returned for some competitions, starting Aug. 7 with a modified-Stableford system match among the men. Hoyt Miller and John Kolojeski both carded plus-1s to finish in a tie for first place. The women took to the course Aug. 8 for a ninehole individual-low-net match in two flights. Penny Williams fired an even-par 32 to win Flight A by one stroke over second-place finisher Fran Barford. Flight B saw Janet Razze and Peggy Clauhs card matching 1-under-par 31s to finish in a tie for first place. Phyllis Roe managed a birdie on the ninth hole while Barford, Marilyn Niewjik and Anne Klein all had chipins during their rounds. The men were back on the course Aug. 10 for a nine-hole scramble. The team of Mike Gillie, Mark Kimball, Art McMillan and Bill Shuman combined on a 3-under-par 29 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day.

Registration underway for center soccer Registration for the fall youth soccer season at the center is underway. The cost for league play, starting Sept. 9, is $10 for members and $126 for non-members. All games will be played Tuesdays and Saturdays and the deadline to register is Aug. 26. The instructional division for ages 3-5 will have weekly clinics and games, but no evaluations. Mandatory player evaluations are scheduled for remaining divisions at the following dates and times: Aug. 29: 6 p.m. ages 6-7 Aug. 29: 7 p.m. ages 8-10 Aug. 30: 6 p.m. ages 11-13 Aug. 30: 7 p.m. ages 14-17 Registration can be made online at www.centerami.org or at the Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call 941-778-1908 or email will@centerami.org. And MAYSO’s fall season starts up Online registration is taking place for players ages 4-18 in the Manatee Area Youth Soccer Organization fall season at mayso.org. Cost is $125, including jersey, shorts and socks. There is an additional $20 volunteer fee for MAYSO players that is reimbursed if the player volunteers for two hours. Games get started Oct. 7 at G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton, but player evaluations start up in August at Bray: Aug. 28 for U6 players, Aug. 29 for U8, Aug. 30 for U10 players and Aug. 31 for U12 and up. Check in for all evaluations start at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact a MAYSO administrator at info@mayso.org or go online to mayso.org. Terry Shockley and grandson Jaden, visiting Anna Maria from Longmont, Colorado, show off their Aug. 8 permit catch. They were guided by Capt. Danny Stasny of Southernaire Fishing Charters.

Horseshoe news The team of Hank Huyghe and Steve Doyle posted the only 3-0 pool-play record Aug. 9 and were the Visiting Anna Maria Island from the Netherlands, Lars Wygers, left, Meike Van Donk, Renata Pauwelse, Tjomas, Sjoerd, Jasper and Adrian VanDonk combined a day of offshore and nearshore fishing Aug. 10 and caught their limit of snapper along with several keeper spotted seatrout. The trip was guided by Capt. Warren Girle.

Southernaire Fishing Charters

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Aug 16 Aug 17 Aug 18 Aug 19 Aug 20 Aug 21 Aug 22 Aug 23

6:49a 7:58a 9:06a 12:18a 12:50a 1:16a 1:37a 1:58a

HIGH

2.5 2.6 2.7 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.9

10:18p 11:33p — 10:10a 11:07a 11:59a 12:47p 1:32p

HIGH

1.6 12:01a 1.6 1:02a — 2:16a 2.8 3:28a 2.8 4:30a 2.8 5:25a 2.7 6:15a 2.6 7:03a

LOW

1.3 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.0

2:49p 4:00p 4:58p 5:47p 6:29p 7:06p 7:38p 8:08p

LOW

Moon

0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 New 0.3 0.5

AM City Pier tides; Cortez high tides 7 minutes later — lows 1:06 later

$YDLODEOH $We AMI CENTRE, 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 16, 2017 n 29

Brave the heat for hookups in-, near- and offshore of AMI By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter If you can deal with the heat, there is some great fishing waiting in the waters around Anna Maria Island. Venturing offshore is resulting in numerous yellowtail and mangrove snappers. Keeper gag and red grouper are being caught with some consistency. And, if you’re staying inshore or nearshore, the list goes on. Spotted seatrout are in abundance around most deeper grass flats. Also inhabiting these areas Stasny are a variety of rod-benders, including bluefish, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle. Fishing structure inshore, which includes rocks, docks and artificial reefs, is producing a good mangrove snapper bite, as well as some flounder. Lastly, catchand-release snook action along mangrove shorelines is proving to be at its best. On my Southernaire fishing adventures, I’m experiencing a great bite. Mangrove snapper is proving to be a winner, especially for clients looking to take a couple of fish home for dinner. An added bonus, an occasional flounder is taking the bait. In the areas I’m catching the snapper and flounder, there are numerous Spanish mackerel to catch on surface baits, which adds a nice mix to the bite. There are plenty of blacktip sharks in Tampa Bay, which is a great way to make use of the abundance of Spanish mackerel we’re catching. Palm-sized chunks of these oily fish cast among schooling blacktips aren’t lasting more than a minute or two before they are sniffed out and devoured. The shark bite is from blacktips that range 4-6 feet. Finally, on the grass flats of Tampa Bay I’m finding ample amounts of spotted seatrout. Most catches are running just under slot, but we’re still managing to find enough keepers for a trout dinner. Mixed in with these trout are jack crevalle, ladyfish, mackerel, mangrove snapper and juvenile grouper. Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is seeing nothing less than exceptional fishing for August. Fishing the artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico and in Tampa Bay is resulting in limits of mangrove snapper. Small shiners either free-lined over structure or dropped to the bottom around the structure are like candy for a hungry snapper. Moving to shallower water or deep grass flats is producing a range of species for Gross’ anglers. Finding bait schools on the edges of these grassy areas also is leading to spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and small sharks. Finally, redfish and catch-and-release snook are being caught with some regularity. For the snook, fishing around the passes with good tidal flow is resulting in linesiders up to 30 inches. As for the reds, casting free-lined shiners around oyster bars or under hanging mangroves is deadly. Capt. Warren Girle is fishing offshore for mangrove snapper. Fishing artificial reefs and ledges is resulting in limits of snapper for Girle. Also present are

Chris Galati Jr., left, and Dylan Brennan of Team Galati show off Brennan’s catch, two swordfish hooked up 120 miles offshore of Anna Maria Aug. 4. Team Galati also included Chris Galati Sr., Chris Raible, Mike Julian and Dan Cain. The team fished the catch-and-release billfish division of the Sarasota Slam tournament, taking second-place swordfish and the wahoo division. Spanish mackerel. Free-lined shiners on a long shank hook are attracting some of the high-speed predators to bite. Moving inshore, Girle is finding exceptional numbers of spotted seatrout throughout the lush grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Most catches are 12-20 inches. Freelined shiners or shiners under a cork are Girle’s plan of attack for these fish. Mixed in are Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are hooking into black drum, mangrove snapper and flounder. All of these fish are being caught by casting bait under or around the pier pilings. Large, over-slot redfish and snook also are making their presence known at the Rod & Reel. For both species, live pinfish are producing a bite. Stout gear with leaders of at least 50-pound test are a must if one

expects to pull one of these big fish from under the barnacle-encrusted pier. Spanish mackerel are making a showing at the pier due to the vast amounts of schooling scaled sardines. Small jigs, silver spoons or Gotcha plugs can entice these toothy fish to bite. Capt. Aaron Lowman is putting clients on numerous Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper around nearshore and inshore structure. Chumming heavily with small shiners is getting the fish fired up, resulting in good action. Also around structure, Lowman is finding permit accommodating. Casting a live crab or jig to these fish is triggering a strike. On the flats, catch-and-release snook fishing is proving to be stellar for Lowman. Some morning fishing charters are resulting in up to 50 snook to the boat. During these rallies, Lowman is finding an occasional redfish in the mix. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is cruising the bait schools along the beaches for bonito, macks and an occasional kingfish. For some pure adrenalinepumping, drag-screaming action, the kings fit the bill. Casting live free-lined baits to frenzied schools of ravenous fish is resulting in immediate hookups. Around structure offshore, White is finding mangrove and yellowtail snapper. Chumming with small, dead shiners and placing one on a hook is resulting in success. Every so often, a keeper-size gag is getting in the chum and wreaking havoc on unsuspecting anglers. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Amanda Paige Winters, of Millington, Tennessee, shows off the a nice platter-size permit she caught on a live crab Aug. 8 in the Gulf of Mexico while on a charter with her family. The group, guided by Capt. Aaron Lowman, also caught mangrove snapper, mackerel, blacktips, seatrout, snook and redfish.

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30 n Aug. 16, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

BizCal

Island chamber adds new members to roster

Business accolades, expos fill chamber schedules

As kids return to school and summer vacations end, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its annual Small Business of the Year awards. Businesses will be named in November in three categories based on the number of employees. Qualifying is easy — chamber members may nominate themselves or another member in good standing. They must have been in business three years. Applications are on the chamber website and the deadline is Friday, Oct. 6. Visit the website at annamariaislandchamber.org or call 941-778-1541 for more information. The office is at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance will host the East Meets West Regional Business Expo, Tuesday Sept. 19, 4:30-7 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Chamber members may exhibit or sponsor at the expo. Cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. For more information, call the chamber at 941383-2466 or visit longboatkeychamber.com. The office is at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

It was a win-win for everyone. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce added 27 companies to its roster of member businesses during its summer membership drive and those who recruited also received incentives. New members of the AMI chamber are: • As You Wish Parties & Gifts. • Barnett Blinds, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. • Beach House Real Estate, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. • Carol Wilson/Duncan Real Estate. • Danny’s Pizzeria, 7220 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. • Energy Transformations with Shea. • Fidelity Bank, Village Green, 7051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. • Fidelity Bank, Mount Vernon, 9819 Cortez Road, Bradenton. • Flip Flop Shop & Candy Stop, 315 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. • Flooring AMI, 3637 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. • Florida Department of Health, Manatee County, 410 Sixth Ave. E., Bradenton. • Happy Beach Toes AMI. • Island Investment Realty LLC, 315 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. • Island Ocean Star, 902 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria.

• Mackey Law Group, 5306 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. • Motorworks Brewing, 101 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. • Patti Reed Portraits, 3722 45th St. E., Bradenton. • Ryan Brantley Fernandez/Keller Williams on the Water. • Seaside Laundromat and More, 5400 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. • Seminole Wind Airboat Tours, 9700 SW Riverview Circle, Lake Suzy. • Serve to Protect LLC, 1330 Main St., Sarasota. • Sign of the Mermaid, 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. • Smoqehouse AMI, 1701 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. •The Hive Creations, 3216 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. • U-PIN-IT, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. • Where’s My Dolphin. • White House Vacation Apartments, 110 Eighth St. S., Bradenton Beach.

Business news

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

Brock Real Estate Inc. Greg Brock

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

REAL ESTATE BROKER

JOHN@CALLTHEISLANDERS.COM

EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS 43 Years of Professional Service to Anna Maria Island

Heron’s Watch 10 minutes to beaches. 4 BR + Den. Excellently maintained, tastefully decorated. MLS A4142821. $373,900.

941-896-8822

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

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

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

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tdolly1@yahoo.com • www.tdollyyoungrealestate.com

Welcome new members of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce! And thank you to everyone, longtime members and supporters, for a great summer Membership Drive.

As You Wish Parties & Gifts Manatee & Sarasota Counties

Flip Flop Shop & Candy Stop 315 Pine Ave, Anna Maria

Patti Reed Portraits 3722 45th St. E., Bradenton

The Hive Creations 3216 E. Bay Drive, HB

Barnett Blinds 315-G 58th St., HB

Flooring AMI 3637 Cortez Road W., Brd.

U-PIN-IT 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton

Beach House Real Estate 5337 Gulf Drive, HB

Florida Department of HealthManatee County, 410 Sixth Ave. E., Bradenton

Ryan Brantley Fernandez/ KW on the Water AMI & Surrounding Areas

Carole Wilson/Duncan Real Estate, AMI/Manatee/ Sarasota

Happy Beach Toes, AMI Paradise

Danny’s Pizzeria 7220 Manatee Ave. W, Brd.

Island Investment Realty LLC 315 Pine Ave, Anna Maria

Energy Transformations with Shea, AMI & Manatee

Island Ocean Star 902 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria

Fidelity Bank-Mt. Vernon 9819 Cortez Road W., Brd.

Mackey Law Group PA 5306 Holmes Blvd., HB

Fidelity Bank-Village Green 7051 Manatee Ave W, Brd.

Motorworks Brewing 101 Ninth St. W., Bradenton

Seaside Laundromat and More 5400B Marina Drive, HB Seminole Wind Airboat Tours 9700 SW Riverview Circle, Lake Suzy

Where’s My Dolphin Manatee-Sarasota Counties White House Vacation Apartments, 110 Eighth St. S., BB

Serve to Protect LLC 1330 Main St., FL 2, Sarasota Sign of the Mermaid 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria Smoqehouse 1701 Gulf Drive N., BB