The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, August 4, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

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NO. 41

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992 Astheworldterns. 6

RoadWatch. 2

Q&A 080421

Top Notch

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WEEK 4: NIGHT GLOW AT THE PIER

Bridge lawsuit deadline looms By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Cortezian alters stilthouse. 3

State your case. The deadline for the city of Bradenton Beach to join the Cortez Bridge lawsuit is Aug. 15. Meetings. 4 Anti-megabridge coalition leader Joe About red tide. 5 McClash plans to make another sales pitch for the city to join his lawsuit before the HB gears up for ban on window closes. golf cart rentals. 5 At a Bradenton Beach Opinions. 6 City Commission meeting scheduled for Aug. 5, McClash is slated to give 10-20 YEARS AGO a presentation on the negaLooking back. 7 Bill Shafer of Anna Maria captured the island nightlife at the Anna Maria City Pier in tive impacts of the Florida McClash May. The photographer wins The Islander’s 2021 weekly Top Notch photo contest and Department of TransportaHB hears pleas for tougher noise regs. 8 a “More-than-a-mullet wrapper” T-shirt, as well as entry into the finals, which offers a tion’s plan to replace the grand prize of $100 from The Islander and gift certificates from Islander advertisers. 17-foot-clearance Cortez drawbridge with BB switches engineers on a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span bridge in drainage project. 9 2026-27. McClash, a former Manatee County commissioner, planned to speak to the city Save the date. 10 officials July 29, but the presentation was By Ryan Paice reaches the shores and canals. delayed a week. Happenings Islander Reporter The move is one of many steps the He is one of four complainants chalCommunity activities. 11 The return of red tide to Anna Maria county has taken to reduce the impact of red lenging the DOT’s decision to build the high Island was met with a wave of countermea- tide so far this summer. bridge in federal court. Privateers take us to the sures the week beginning July 26. Red tide is a type of harmful algal bloom TuRN TO BRIDGE, PAgE 2 ballpark. 12 Manatee County commissioners that produces toxins that discolor water, kill approved $500,000 in tourist development marine life and irritate respiratory systems. taxes July 27 to fund measures countering Last week, county staff began raking the AME readies for class. 13 the naturally occurring harmful algal bloom, island’s beaches to remove red tide-related such as paying local shrimp boat captains debris from the shores, collecting the debris Who wants shots? Gathering. 14 to remove red tide-related detritus before it and biomass in dumpsters at the Manatee The city of Holmes Beach will host Obituaries. 14 a Florida Department of Health mobile Public Beach and Coquina Beach. Both beaches are managed by the COVID-19 vaccination event 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where’s Tuna Wednesday, Aug. 4, at city hall, 5801 Marina county. Street. Despite detecting “high concentrations” Drive. 16-17 The site will offer people 18 years and of red tide along the island, the county is keeping the beaches open as red tide has older the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna Streetlife. 20 yet to cause widespread respiratory issues, vaccines. Trolley driver shines. 21 The site also will provide Pfizer vaccines according to a July 30 update from county for children who are at least 12 years old administrator Scott Hopes. NESTING NOTES. 22 “Here in Manatee County, our primary who arrive with supervision. The event will mark the fifth time the focus has been mitigation,” Hopes said. “We are approaching an attack on red tide from city has hosted a mobile vaccine site, the Clamoring for clams. 23 first since June, when it provided shots from land, sea and air.” Hopes said the county is using drones a tent at the Manatee Public Beach. Punt, pass, pitch. 24 According to the U.S. Centers for Disto scan waters for concentrations of red tide Offshore bite flourishes. and dead fish and attempting debris removal ease Control and Prevention, the rate of 25 those fully vaccinated in Manatee County vessels before reaching the shore. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer is 46.5%. TideWatch. 25 COVID-19 testing volume, as well as praised the county response to the red tide County reappoints hotethe positivity rating and hospital admissions outbreak. liers to TDC. 26 “The county is taking care of the coast- were on the rise in Manatee County the week ISL BIZ has limits. 27 line and they’ve been doing a very good ending Aug. 1, with new hospital admissions People walk at the Manatee Public Beach, job,” Tokajer said in a July 29 interview with up 78.8% from the week prior. CLASSIFIEDS. 28 4000 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, where For more information about vaccinations The Islander. “The beach rake people are out signs July 29 warned beachgoers of the against the coronavirus, go to mymanatee. there every day … keeping it clean for our PropertyWatch. 30 presence of red tide in the water. Islander org. residents and visitors alike.” AM homeowners fight beach construction. 4

County rakes red tide detritus, HB monitors canals

HB set to host COVID-19 vaccination event

NYT puzzle. 31

Photo: Ryan Paice

TuRN TO RED TIDE, PAgE 2

— Ryan Paice

Award-Winning Surfside Dining Call For Reservations: (941) 778 - 6444

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BRIDGE CONTINuED FROM PAgE 1

The coalition advocates for the construction of a 35-foot-clearance drawbridge replacement, which they maintain will have less of an impact on the communities of Cortez and Bradenton Beach at the span’s landfalls. Bradenton Beach commissioners directed city attorney Ricinda Perry March 18 to coordinate outside counsel for the city to join the suit and allocated up to $15,000 in costs. However, in April, the commission reduced the allocation to $5,000 and Perry began one-on-one negotiations with the DOT for dispensations, including: • Funding for undergrounding utilities on streets near the high bridge; • The construction a sidewalk between the Beach House Restaurant and the Gulf Drive Cafe on Gulf Drive; • Modifications to the multiuse path that runs between Bridgeport condominiums and the bridge, and continuing under the bridge. In June, Perry told commissioners the DOT indicated funding was not available for buried utilities or

RoadWatch Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation posted the following notice: • SR 684 Cortez Road at 119th Street: Crews are installing landscaping on the west corner of the intersection, which may require occasional shoulder and lane closures. Estimated completion is October 2021. The contractor is Superior Lawn and Landscaping. For the latest road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511. To check traffic via road cameras, go to fl511. com. And, a reminder, a fare-free trolley operates daily on Anna Maria Island. — Lisa Neff

the sidewalk — projects Perry estimated would cost the agency $4.8 million. According to Perry, DOT representatives also said the city would need to demonstrate a “clear nexus that the bridge is causing the problems we’re asking them to solve” for the projects to be funded under the megabridge initiative. Commissioners then directed Perry to scale back the requests and continue negotiations with the DOT. No mention was made of joining the coalition lawsuit. Despite multiple attempts July 12, July 15, July 19, July 26 and July 29 by phone and text, Perry could not be reached for comment by The Islander’s press time Aug. 2. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie did not respond to a July 29 phone call from The Islander. McClash’s presentation will mark the third time an anti-megabridge coalition representative has attempted to bring the city into the fold. High-bridge fighter Jane von Hahmann, a Cortez resident and also a former county commissioner, The 17-foot-clearance Cortez Bridge could be entreated the city to join the suit at commission meet- replaced with a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span bridge ings March 4 and May 6. in 2026-27 by the Florida Department of Transportation. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

RED TIDE CONTINuED FROM PAgE 1

Tokajer said the county raked the island beaches during past red tide outbreaks but the smell from the rotting biomass in the dumpsters lingered as an issue. However, this time around, county staff are removing the dumpsters every day to prevent the smell from building up. Tokajer said red tide had caused only minor issues so far for the city, including small fish kills in canals and some respiratory irritation for police officers patrolling the beaches. He cautioned people with respiratory issues from visiting the beach while red tide persists. In the meantime, Matt McDonough, the city’s public works administrator, told The Islander July 29 that staff is reviewing the canals “several times a

day.” However, the city has had it easy so far, according to McDonough. “There has not been a whole lot of issues,” McDonough said. “We’re getting some fish that are pushing up, but not much. The county, with the rake, is doing a really good job.” He said city staff will clean up small red tide-related messes but would need to seek professionals to help if it worsens. “When it does hit, it’s strong,” McDonough said. “So I think we’ve just been lucking out with the tides and wind carrying it away from us.” People interested in learning more about local red tide or the response can visit www.mymanatee.org/ redtide.

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Cortezian alters, defends rogue house built over state water By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Ramada-fied. Raymond “Junior” Guthrie removed second-story railings and a staircase the week of July 26 from a ramada on the deck of the house he built without permits over the water in 2017. The ramada addition has a solid shade cover, as opposed to a pergola, with open rafters. “I took it down. I can’t have anything that I want to have. You all dictate to me what I can have and cannot have, so it’s gone,” he said July 28. “The railing’s gone. The stairs are gone. It’s just a sunshade sitting out there.” The deck addition appeared sometime in July, weeks after Guthrie said he transferred ownership of the house to Cortez Core Inc., a nonprofit under the direction of A.P. Bell-Star fish companies owner Karen Bell. “I didn’t know he had added on to it until recently. I told him to take it down,” Bell wrote in a July 27 text message to The Islander. A ramada — now minus the staircase and rooftop railings present most of July — covers the deck of Sarasota Bay stilt-house July 28. The house was built without permits by Raymond “Junior” Guthrie. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

Guthrie said the addition was meant to give shade to people working outdoors on cast nets. “It took me one day to build a platform that is a sunshade, so you can get out on the back deck. But the camp is no larger. The footprint has not increased. There aren’t two stories. It’s a sunshade,” he said. Guthrie built the stilt-house on what he said are ancestral pilings just yards from the A.P. Bell Fish Co. docks in Cortez in 2017. In 2018, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection sued Guthrie for building the structure without permits and lacking a lease for the state-owned submerged land — and won. A series of extensions on a court order that the stilt-house be removed from the bay have allowed the structure to remain standing, and support letters sent in April from Manatee County commissioners and state legislators laid out a plan for preserving the house. Guthrie and Bell maintain the structure is a net camp, but historic net camps were barren shacks built to store cotton fishing nets in the 19th century. Guthrie said his family and other members of the

community weave and mend cast nets there. “This is a modern-day net camp that has been in my family for generations. And I don’t understand what the big deal about the camp is. I have rebuilt it three times in my lifetime,” he said. “It was a net camp, and then it turned into a clam camp — we raised clams out there — and now it’s an old net camp that we utilize for our own pleasure and anybody else that wants to use it,” Guthrie said July 28. Several cast nets were hanging from the ramada July 24, along with a hammock. Multiple boats were moored there that day, and people could be seen fishing and swimming. When asked about recreation at the stilt-house, Guthrie said: “We’re not allowed to use it? Why not?” “For us not to be able to utilize something we built, we paid for … it’s nobody else’s business,” he said.

Q&A 080421

The Islander poll Last week’s question

The problem with island traffic is… 41%. Too many motorists. 0%. Too many pedestrians. 1%. Too many bicyclists. 48%. Too much everything. 10%. Who says there’s a problem?

This week’s question

It’s time for students to return to class. What was — or is — your favorite school supply? A. Crayons! B. Glue! C. Ruler! D. Pencil! E. Watercolors! To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

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AM homeowners press on against beach construction By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

An Anna Maria couple is pressing on with a campaign to end construction seaward of the coastal construction control line. Building seaward of the coastal construction control line is not prohibited, but property owners must adhere to additional design, lot siting and building rules — controls — to go vertical. Securing a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is one hurdle, municipal approval is another hurdle. For a DEP permit to build seaward of the CCCL, the DEP determines the impact of construction on protected coastal lands. A letter of no objection from the city to the DEP is pro forma, in compliance with a state requirement without indicating a city’s position on the project. Other DEP regulations exceed the standard building code. And a DEP permit does not guarantee construction will be allowed, as local permits are required, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy told The Islander July 29. In the case of the undeveloped beach property owned by Fedora Campbell at 105 Elm Ave., there is not yet an application for a building permit. Campbell’s property is in the city’s Conservation-1 zone, which is intended to “limit development in areas considered vital to the maintenance of water resources” and other areas of “environmental or ecological importance,” according to the city’s comp plan. The C-1 boundary runs along the Gulffront from Peppertree Avenue to Bean Point, Murphy said. In 2011, when Mike Selby was mayor, Anna Maria amended its comprehensive plan to restrict C-1 development to 16 platted-but-vacant lots that include Campbell’s property. Minutes of an Aug. 3, 2010, planning and zoning hearing on the amendment read: “There are homes and private property holdings in the conservation area. Based on the city’s review of the record, it is not believed that the area should have been deemed as a no development (zone) and it has been felt that the change was an administrative oversight.” A requirement of property owners to commission an ecological impact study was a stipulation to the city’s comp plan amendment. Two ecological impact studies for Campbell’s DEP permit application were concluded in 2020.

A DEP map indicates the coastal construction control line in red. The property outlined in blue is 105 Elm Ave., owned by Fedora Campbell. A DEP CCCL permit issued June 2020 for the Campbell property is the subject of a campaign to stop new construction seaward of the CCCL. Islander Image: Courtesy DEP

from the driveway at 107 Elm Ave., owned by Wendy and Robert Jordan, although the platted right of way continues to the high waterline. A beach access path begins where the pavement ends. The Jordans purchased their home April 1 and are concerned that Campbell will build west of their property and that the structure would block their view and construction could destroy dunes, vegetation and wildlife habitat. The Jordans have purchased the lot seaward of Campbell’s property at 103 Elm, seeking to prevent new construction, but the sale has yet to be recorded. They also claim an offer to buy Campbell’s lot for $2 million was declined. In a July 29 text to The Islander, Wendy Jordan vowed to “keep this fight until the last developers gives up!” Earlier in July, the couple began a petition drive against new beach construction and a campaign under the name preserveAMI.com. The campaign addresses a June ruling by an administrative court judge upholding the 2020 DEP construction permit issued to Campbell. The DEP granted Campbell’s permit after determining, based on the ecological impact studies, that a structure could be built without disrupting the conservation land. The Jordans and others hoped their campaign End of the road would persuade DEP interim Secretary Shawn HamThe paved portion of Elm Avenue ends a few feet ilton to rescind the permit, but, on July 20, Hamilton upheld the decision.

Meetings

Anna Maria City Aug. 12, 2 p.m., commission. Aug. 16, noon, candidate qualifying opens. Aug. 26, 5:30 p.m., commission. Aug. 27, noon, candidate qualifying closes. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach Aug. 4, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Aug. 4, 2 p.m., ScenicWaves. Aug. 5, 6 p.m., commission. Aug. 18, 10 a.m., commission (budget). Aug. 19, 9:30, commission (budget). Aug. 19, noon, commission. Aug. 23, noon, candidate qualifying opens. Aug. 27, noon, candidate qualifying closes. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach Aug. 4, 6 p.m., planning commission. Aug. 10, 5 p.m., commission. Aug. 18, 10 a.m., code enforcement. Aug. 23, noon, candidate qualifying opens. Aug. 27, noon, candidate qualifying closes. Sept. 1, 6 p.m., planning commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive,

941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. West Manatee Fire Rescue None announced. WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County Aug. 5, 9 a.m., commission (land use). Aug. 10, 9 a.m., commission. Aug. 11, 1 p.m., commission (work session). Aug. 17, 9 a.m., commission (budget). Aug. 19, 1 p.m., commission (land use). Aug. 24, 9 a.m., commission. Aug. 25, 1 p.m., commission (work session). Aug. 31, 9 a.m., commission (work session). County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org. Also of interest Aug. 11, 2 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity, Bradenton Public Works, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Aug. 16, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, county administration building. — Lisa Neff

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

The next hurdle is at city hall. City building official Luke Curtis wrote to Murphy in a July 6 email: “Prior to any building permit being accepted by the building department, a development permit along with a site plan, including but not limited to: access to the property, sewer, water and electric utilities will need to (be) considered and approved by city commission.” Access would require extending the paved portion of Elm Avenue to Campbell’s property, which would “probably require” a city environmental impact study and a DEP construction permit, because “the city can’t go in there and do what a private owner can’t do,” Murphy said. Murphy initially said the city commission would have to approve a road extension. Issuing Campbell a building permit also would require consideration by commissioners and, Murphy pointed out, as of July 29, Campbell had not submitted a building application. Holding the line When the Jordans purchased 107 Elm Ave. they registered ownership as a corporation, WAJ Rustic Vacations LLC. Within days, the couple decided to make the property their primary residence and changed the registration from the LLC to their names, Wendy Jordan told The Islander July 28.

Lines in the sand

About the CCCL The Florida Coastal Construction Control Line Program regulates structures and activities that can cause beach erosion, destabilize dunes, damage upland properties or interfere with public access to the coast. The CCCL is a coastal management tool. Construction is not prohibited seaward of the CCCL but the CCCL establishes an area of jurisdiction in which special siting and design criteria are applied for construction and home-building related activities. The standards may be more stringent than those already applied in the rest of the coastal building zone because of the greater forces expected to occur in the more seaward beach zone during a storm event. An interactive map for CCCLs as well as more information about the program can be found at floridadep.gov/rcp/coastal-construction-control-line. About the ECL Florida statutes require a separation line — an erosion control line — be located prior to beach renourishment funded with public money. Sand placed landward of the ECL remains in ownership of the upland landowner. Sand placed seaward of the remainder is the property of the state and cannot be built upon, except structures needed for erosion control. Map it The Manatee County property appraiser and Zillow.com offer maps of platted lots and sales.

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Opinion

Guest

A timeline from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program examines the correlation between the discharge of polluted water from the defunct Piney Point phosphorous plant, an intense harmful algal bloom and fish kills in Tampa Bay and beyond. Islander Courtesy Image

About Piney Point and red tide

There have been discussions about the timing of red tide along our coast, particularly as it relates to various events. Please, consider that the reason why there might be differences in reaching a scientific consensus on the impacts of Piney Point is because the nutrient load from that event is a very different type of nutrient load than what we are used to seeing and modeling and Tomasko using for predictions. Most nitrogen loads come from runoff, where the concentrations are much lower and the amount of nitrogen in less available forms is much higher. Piney Point delivered a nitrogen load with 10 times the concentration of our lowest performing wastewater treatment plants, basically in the form of liquid fertilizer. In Tampa Bay, the “hold-the-line” strategy for water quality maintenance is that they seek to offset 17 tons of nitrogen loads a year to accommodate population growth in the watershed. This was more than 200 tons in 10 days. Basically, a decade’s worth of nitrogen was added in 10 days in the form of liquid fertilizer. You can see why we are concerned about its impacts not only to Tampa Bay, but also to the adjacent and hydrologically linked waters of Sarasota Bay. Because the nitrogen load was delivered in such a high concentration, a substantial amount of dilution might not be enough. The concentration of nitrogen in the discharges was so high that even huge amounts of dilution leave you with the ability to create an algal bloom. That is why there’s the belief that the influence of Piney Point is able to cause problems far away from its point of discharge and for a long time. As far as timing, red tide did not reach high levels in Tampa Bay until June. That is about two months after the Piney Point discharges. But those nutrient loads already had been causing problems in our local waters — we had “traditional” phytoplankton blooms in Lower Tampa Bay in April and May and we had massive cyanobacteria blooms in Anna Maria Sound in late April to mid-May. It is believed that the nitrogen load from Piney Point — which occurred in a time without much stormwater runoff — has been “cycling” through various types of pools — traditional phytoplankton, cyanobacteria and now red tide. According to the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, the University of South Florida model suggests that only about half of the water discharged into Tampa Bay has left the system, which means that it’s impacts will continue for some time still. David Tomasko, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program executive director

Storm ready?

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Piney Point, red tide topics for Council of Governments Local officials were set to convene Aug. 3 as the Manatee Council of Governments take up at least two topical and connected concerns: red tide and the closure of the Piney Point plant. Scientists and environmentalists maintain the stateauthorized discharge of millions of gallons of polluted wastewater from the defunct Piney Point phosphate plant fueled the intense harmful algal bloom that caused fish kills and respiratory irritation for humans in the region in July. Both topics were on the agenda for the council, a gathering of local elected officials chaired Aug. 3 by

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and scheduled to take place after The Islander went to press. The agenda also included discussion on “hot topics” in Bradenton Beach and affordable housing in the county, along with a presentation by island businessman and environmentalist Ed Chiles on using clams to restore and revitalize bay estuaries. The meeting was to take place at 4 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, as well as set for broadcast online at mymanatee.org. — Lisa Neff

HB gears up for moratorium on golf cart rentals By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach is staging a crackdown on golf carts in the city. Commissioners voted 4-1 July 27 to direct city attorney Patricia Petruff to draft a six-month moratorium on golf cart and low-speed vehicle rentals. Commission Chair Jim Kihm voted “no,” calling a moratorium “premature.” Commissioner Jayne Christenson opened the discussion during commissioner comments, saying she’d seen a golf cart on roads with passengers, including children, who were not wearing seat belts. She said she had no problem with responsible residents owning and using golf carts to travel short distances but vacationers renting the vehicles to use as toys is too common. Christenson said the abundance of golf carts on roads increases congestion and poses safety issues. She called for the commission to issue a moratorium on new golf cart rental businesses so the city could research code revisions. The moratorium would prohibit the permitting of any new golf cart and low-speed vehicle rental companies for six months. It would not impact existing businesses or those that applied for a business permit with the city by the date of the discussion, July 27. Kihm asked if potential regulations for the vehicles, including a moratorium, should be discussed at

a work meeting. Kihm said, “I think we need to delay any action until we get to a work session where we can get the benefit of having some staff research on the subject.” However, Christenson moved to draft a moratorium and Commissioner Kim Rash seconded the motion, and the conversation continued. Commissioner Terry Schaefer called the conversation “timely” and proposed expanding it to cover all golf carts and low-speed vehicles, not just rentals. He supported moving forward with drafting a moratorium but said the commission should plan to discuss the entirety of the golf cart issue at the same time. “The moratorium is part and parcel of the broader question, and I’m interested in that broader question,” Schaefer said. Commissioner Carol Soustek asked city staff to research the moratorium and potential golf cart regulations. After the motion passed, Kihm noted that commissioners had spent more than an hour discussing an item that wasn’t on the agenda. He asked commissioners to contact him about discussion items so they could be included on the agenda and researched by staff. “This isn’t the way I prefer to do business,” Kihm said. There was no public comment.

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Opinion

Our

This one’s a doozy

You may not want to believe this doozy. Years ago, on a vacation to Las Vegas, I toured a car museum in the parking garage at the Bally’s Hotel and Casino. Among a hundred or so cars, I recall a car customized for Liberace with a chandelier on the hood, the car that chauffeured Nikita Khrushchev in NYC and an area dedicated to Duesenbergs, a luxury vehicle — sometimes referred to as a “Duesy” — from the early 1900s. The cars were a doozy — meaning extraordinary — but doozy was an alteration of “daisy,” the flower, according to Google, that originated before the Duesenberg as slang for splendid in 18th-century England. We learned this week that a doozy of a swamp sale is brewing on Anna Maria Island. It’s the sale of undeveloped land on the beachfront, where beach renourishment has provided a “comfort zone” — a wide expanse of land running from the line of existing homes to the Gulf of Mexico. These vacant, dune-laden lots appear ripe for development and, based on some recent sales and speculation, there is something here to watch. As we delved into the issues brought to the city of Anna Maria by a couple who bought a beachfront home and — in their worst nightmare — learned the lot west of their dream home may be built on in the future, blocking their $4 million view. While the couple turned to fighting governmental regulations that allow building on the beachfront — which is how their home came to be built in 2010 — we got wind of other, similar lot sales. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of similar platted lots seaward of the existing line of homes on Anna Maria Island. They are not submerged lots — but for many years have been thought to be “unbuildable.” But unbuildable to the state and even the property appraiser’s office is not a hard line in the sand. It becomes buildable when the beach stabilizes, grows and all the hoops and hurdles are cleared. The coastal construction control line is not a prohibition — the program has more criteria, rules and government “controls” for building seaward of the line. It is not undoable. And the lots may no longer be unbuildable. Yes, the thinking has changed. With money, lawyers and persistence, it seems the unthinkable is now, maybe, doable, at least for some. What will it mean for Anna Maria? “It’s already a frenzy.” One builder-developer noted that Gulf-facing lots in Anna Maria are selling for $50k to $2M and, the developer says, if they’re buildable, they’re worth $4M. The speculation is building. And this doozy is not exclusive to Anna Maria. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

AUG. 4, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 41 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial Editor Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Johann Bertram Karen Riley-Love Samara Paice Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell ▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet Ross Roberts Judy Loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

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Your

Opinion

Who we are …

Skimming online …

Mike Coleman asks in his June 21 letter to the Web (register for free news alerts) editor, “Who and where do you think you are?” islander.org We are proud parents and grandparents. Facebook We are a hard-working couple that has been God @islandernewspaper blessed with success in our careers, creating more Twitter than 1,000 good paying jobs. @ami_islander We looked at many places in this country and Instagram others to find our perfect spot to spend the rest of our @theislanderami lives. Pinterest My wife, a native Floridian, told me about beauti@islandernewspaper ful Anna Maria Island. We came, met many wonderE-edition ful people and fell in love. For $36 a year or $99 for a lifetime, e-edition After finding our dream home, we learned there subscribers have access to the weekly e-edition was a court battle regarding building seaward of the with page-by-page views of all the news, photos, coastal construction control line. So we put contincolumns, community announcements and advergencies on our house offer. tisements. And they get breaking news notices. After falling even more in love with AMI, we To subscribe online, visit islander.org. took the contingencies off and bought the house. For other subscriber services, call our newsIf just one residence is allowed seaward of the paper office at 941-778-7978. line it opens up many lots (for development) on the beach. Developing these would cause great harm to the dunes and turtle habitat. So my wife formed a group of supporters that now have a petition with over 1,000 signatures at preserveami.com. Mike Coleman decided to take the low road in his letter by telling us to leave the island and take our millions. I am advising him not to hold his breath because we aren’t going anywhere and we will not apologize for being successful or for trying to protect AMI. Also, we couldn’t care less about his self-important opinion. Robert Jordan IV and Wendy Jordan, Anna Maria Our theme, “We’re glad You’re Here,” originated in

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on AMI. — The Islander

Aug. 4, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Scoping for science

10&20 years ago

A researcher works on a red tide project in September 1978 at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. That month, a red tide outbreak caused a “mass mortality” of invertebrates on gulf coast beaches.

In the Aug. 2, 2001, issue

Share from your archives

Got old photographs of AMI? Write a recollection and share at news@ islander.org.

Read our archives

Cleanup crew A group collects dead fish from an island beach in July 1971, cleaning up during a red tide outbreak. The New York Times, reporting on the outbreak that summer, headlined a story, “Red tide plagues Tampa Bay area.” The story said, “Hundreds of city and volunteer workers on the shore, seven shrimp trawlers using huge nets, 25 Florida marine patrol boats and dozens of small privately owned craft have collected 1,600 tons of dead fish off St. Petersburg in the last 17 days.” Islander Photos: Manatee County Public Library System

Take a trip back in time in our digital newspaper collection. There’s a complete library of The Islander online at ufdc.ufl.edu.

• Anna Maria City Commissioners Jay Hill and Tom Skoloda got into a shouting match with Mayor Gary Deffenbaugh at a city meeting after the mayor denied he’d spent $10,000 to purchase flapper valves for drainage control. • Holmes Beach city commissioners approved a record $5 million budget and set the ad valorem tax rate at 2.25 mils, but exceeding the rollback rate for a tax increase over the previous year. The operating budget was $3.5 million, with $1.5 million in the city’s reserve account. • Anna Maria commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance that required meetings to end at 9 p.m. unless the commission declared an emergency. City clerk Alice Baird suggested the ordinance after many commission meetings lasted past midnight, resulting in overtime pay to staff.

In the Aug. 3, 2011, issue

• Holly Elaine Connelly, rallying support for disaster relief in Haiti, earned a reputation as a dogooder. But in late July 2011, the bookkeeper was arrested for fraud, accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Key Royale Club. • Smoke drifting for blocks brought police and firefighters to 59th Street in Holmes Beach to deal with an early morning fire at a single-story home. • Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore asked for a staff report on whether the pier removed at the Manatee Public Beach had helped control erosion. Whitmore reminded other commissioners that the county had vowed to replace the structure. — Lisa Neff

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2 HB commissioners push for stricter noise ordinance

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach is caught somewhere between sleepy “Old Florida” and a “party house” tourist destination. And city commissioners are trying to sort through a complication that comes with tourism: Noise. City commissioners reached consensus during a July 27 work session to set a first reading and public hearing for an amended noise ordinance that would allow police officers to cite people for “plainly audible” noise at night from a distance of 100 feet. The discussion began in March, when Commissioner Kim Rash pushed the commission to pursue changes to its code to better prevent and handle noise violations. Commissioners agreed to direct city staff to research the implemenRash tation of a “plainly audible” clause, which resulted in the proposed ordinance. The city currently issues $135 fines for firsttime noncommercial noise violators — those found making noise above 65 decibels during the daytime and 50 decibels at night — and $175 and $300 fines for second- and third-time offenders within a year of the first violation. Violators who commit subsequent noise violations within a year of the first may receive $500 fines. If an officer determines that a noise violator is vacationing in the city for less than six months, then fines change to $75 for a first offense, $150 for a second offense, $500 for a third and $750 for each subsequent fine. The city issues $300 fines for first-time commercial noise violators, with $400 and $500 fines for secondand third-time violations. Four violations “shall result in revocation of the occupational license,” according to city code. The city only issues fines to the people who cre-

Place portrait photo here

ated the offending noise, so property owners and managers are not cited if a tenant is at fault. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the city hadn’t yet implemented a “plainly audible” clause, but he directed officers in January to use Christenson their discretion to cite people producing enough noise on their arrival to “have caused (a person) to have woken up or to be disturbed at your personal residence.” Tokajer said the directive achieved the same goal as the proposed code changes, rendering them unnecessary. He added that HBPD officers were instructed to knock on doors of properties referred to in any noise complaint to encourage cooperation regardless of whether the noise discovered at the location warranted a citation. Tokajer said the city has a “model policy” that other municipalities emulate due to its legal viability and changes are not necessary. “Our noise ordinance as it is currently is working,” Tokajer said. However, city attorney Patricia Petruff said the clause would give the city another tool. “To me, putting this in the ordinance is just another piece of silverware in the drawer. Another tool in the toolshed, so to speak,” Petruff said. “It does give something that can be written in a report.” Rash suggested changing the clause so officers could cite noise violators at any hour by citing plainly audible noise at the location from the property line at night and from 100 feet during the day. “I think, for our protection, we need this,” Rash said. Rash was served with a written warning for a noise violation in May, when his neighbor in the duplex where he resides filed a complaint that the commissioner had left loud music playing for several days.

Tokajer questioned whether Rash’s suggested changes would be legally justifiable. Increased noise during the day should be expected and it isn’t fair to cite someone who is quiet but “plainly audible” from their Tokajer property line. Petruff said expanding the clause to apply to daytime violations would be problematic. She said such a change could allow the city to cite landscapers mowing lawns or people speaking to each other on their patios. Commissioner Carol Soustek said reducing the distance at which noise is measured wouldn’t solve the city’s problems with vacation rentals being used as party houses. “We’re after the violators who are causing disruptions in neighborhoods,” Soustek said. “We’re not after the person who’s sitting on their back porch. … If you limit this down too far, you’re getting down into muddy waters.” “I think what we’re looking to do is go for the griefers — the people that are really making a hell of a lot of noise and it wouldn’t make a difference if it was measured at 50 or 200 feet,” Commission Chair Jim Kihm said. Both of Rash’s suggestions were shot down by the commission on 2-3 votes, with Christenson and Rash voting for the measures, and Kihm, Schaefer and Soustek voting against. Christenson also proposed additions to the existing ordinance, including: • A provision citing either the property owners and/or rental management companies for noise violations at their properties, in addition to the renters/noise makers; • A provision requiring property owners and renters to face sound amplification devices and equipment, such as speakers, toward the property; PLEASE, SEE NOISE, NEXT PAgE

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HB explores new construction tax to offset costs By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

It’s the time of year that city’s look for funding to avoid rising costs of operating and a reluctance to raise taxes. But beware, the cost of new construction in Holmes Beach could increase down the road. City commissioners July 27 discussed implementing impact fees — also known as a tax — to offset the costs of growing infrastructure needs due to new construction. Commissioner Kim Rash requested the conversation. Impact fees are payments required by municipalities for new development to offset the cost of providing public amenities and infrastructure to serve the new NOISE FROM PAgE 8

development. “We’re one of the only cities around that don’t have impact fees to help,” Rash said. Anna Maria imposed impact fees in August 2020. The city collects $1.15 per square foot of interior building space for new residential developments or expansions, as well as $0.73 per square foot of interior building space for all new developments and expansions. Bradenton Beach does not impose impact fees. Commission Chair Jim Kihm noted Anna Maria commissioned a study last year to determine impact fees and suggested Holmes Beach take a look. “The basic problem is we’ve got failing infrastructure,” Kihm said. “Our roads are failing. Our drainage is failing. … We need to develop a plan to address that and how we go about it. These impact fees? Maybe that’s a part of it.” City attorney Patricia Petruff said the city would need to issue a request for proposals to conduct a study, the price of which could exceed the revenue collected with the fees. She suggested spending more time to research the costs of a study before committing to one. Commissioner Terry Schaefer supported moving forward with drafting an RFP for the study to determine costs. He said the city’s land development code allows for impact fees but the city never pursued implementing them. “There has been no discussion, but there may now be thanks to our commission,” Schaefer said. Kihm said he would reach out to Anna Maria officials before taking any action to learn more about the city’s impact fees, as well as speak with Mayor Judy Titsworth about budgeting funds for a study.

• Producing or designing signs for rental properties to post in backyards reminding people of the noise ordinance. Petruff said, in response to Christenson’s first suggestion, the city used to cite property owners and rental management companies but lost in court when the code was challenged. Petruff added, however, because the measure failed to hold up to a previous challenge doesn’t mean it would fail in every case. However, Christenson withdrew her suggestion. Commissioners unanimously voted to add Christenson’s suggestion to face speakers toward the property, not the neighbors, to the noise ordinance and the city’s vacation rental certificate program. Commissioners agreed to continue discussion on the proposed signage for backyards and pool areas for inclusion in the city’s VRC. There was no public comment. Click! The Islander welcomes news of the The next commission meeting will be 5 p.m. Tues- milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices — day, Aug. 10, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. along with contact info — to news@islander.org.

BB taps new engineer for drainage improvements By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach city commissioners replaced city engineer Lynn Burnett’s LTA Engineers LLC firm July 29 to complete an ongoing drainage improvement project. Colliers Engineering & Design was selected to perform $36,000 in additional engineering work needed to complete the state-funded $2.1 million flood prevention and drainage improvements project. At the end of a three and a half-hour meeting, the commission unanimously voted for Commissioner Jake Spooner’s motion — seconded by Commissioner Jan Vosburgh — to authorize Colliers E&D and Utility Consultants of Florida to design the remaining stormwater resiliency project on Avenue B from 22nd Street North to Runaway Bay. Burnett and a Colliers’ engineer, Gregory Stevens, presented recommendations for how to efficiently complete the stormwater project. The main differences between the project proposals are in the materials used and some technical aspects, such as depths of pipes and stormwater filtration methods. LTA’s plan utilizes a trench-filtration system and Colliers’ uses a perforated pipe to filter and remove stormwater from the city streets. “We want the water off the island as quickly as possible,” Stevens said. Colliers did not have the benefit of starting the project but rather “joined it mid-stream, was asked to make it better, make it stronger,” city attorney Ricinda Perry said. Perry said commissioners had to decide if they wanted Colliers to take over the scope of work Burnett’s company was doing on the project. She added that “their thought process” was different.

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Thursday, Aug. 5 4 p.m. — Check-in time for the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Return to Tortuga: A Pirate Invasion Weekend. Fee applies. Information: 931-639-0986. Friday, Aug. 6 4 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Return to Tortuga: A Pirate Invasion Weekend continues with a kickoff party and pub crawl. Fee applies. Information: 931639-0986. Saturday, Aug. 7 Throughout the day — Anna Maria Island Privateers Return to Tortuga: A Pirate Invasion Weekend continues with a scavenger hunt and pirate party. Fee applies. Information: 931-639-0986. Sunday, Aug. 8 Throughout the day — Anna Maria Island Privateers Return to Tortuga: A Pirate Invasion Weekend continues with Breakfast with the Pirates and a cruise on Sarasota Bay. Fee applies. Information: 931-639-0986.

Compiled by Lisa Neff, email calendar@islander.org. 941-778-6341. Saturday, Aug. 7 10 a.m. — Photo-scanning sessions, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Registration: mymanatee.org/library. Information: 941-778-6341. Wednesday, Aug. 11 6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Registration: mymanatee.org/library. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI Saturdays, Aug. 14 and Aug. 28, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. ONGOING OFF AMI Wednesdays, 3 p.m., The Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy Living “Grieve Not Alone: Peer Support Group,” 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

‘Live Colorfully’ continues at IGW

OUTDOORS & SPORTS

“Sunrise, Sarasota Bay” by Shirley Rush Dean is featured in “Live Colorfully,” through August at ONGOING OFF AMI Island gallery West, 5368 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Throughout July and August, “Live Colorfully” membership Through the summer, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Infor- For more information, call the gallery at 941-778Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 9416648. Islander Courtesy Photo mation: 941-778-6648. 747-3031, bradentonmarauders.com. Through Sept. 1, Island Players season ticket sales. InformaSaturdays, 8 a.m., Robinson Runners running club, Robinson ONGOING OFF AMI tion: 941-778-5755. Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941Through Sept. 26, “Skyway 20/21: A Contemporary Collabo- 742-5923, ext. 6047. AHEAD ON AMI ration,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Sept. 16-26, Island Players’ performance of “The Savannah Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. PLEASE, SEE CALENDAR, NEXT PAgE Sipping Society,” Anna Maria. Through Sept. 26, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ “We Dream A World, African American Landscape Painters of Mid-Century FlorOFF AMI ida, The Highwaymen,” 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Thursday, July 29 Information: 941-366-5731. 1 p.m. — “Green Book” ﬁlm screening, the Longboat Key ParaSecond and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Soupy and his Band, dise Center for Healthy Living, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Florida Maritime Museum outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. InforThe Anna Maria Island Privateers will navigate to Fee applies. Information: 941-383-6493. mation: cvhs2016@aol.com. The Compass. ONGOING ON AMI

Pirates to invade islands

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Saturday, Aug. 7 2 p.m. — Tie Dye with Sharpies, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Registration: mymanatee.org/library. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesday, Aug. 10 10 a.m. — Family story time, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Registration: mymanatee.org/library. Information: 941-778-6341.

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And from the hotel on Perico Island, the nonprofit that raises money for kids and charities will stage a series of invasions against Anna Maria Island. The four-day siege — “Return to Tortuga: A Pirate Invasion Weekend” — takes place Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 5-8, with the Compass by Margaritaville Hotel serving as headquarters. The weekend will begin with a registration at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, followed by a “Bilge Rat Derby.” Plans Friday, Aug. 6, include a kickoff party at the hotel at 6 p.m., followed by an island pub crawl. A scavenger hunt will take place Saturday, Aug. 7, along with a pirate party — cocktails, dancing and “heavy hors d’oeuvres” — at the Seafood Shack in Cortez. On Sunday, Aug. 8, plans include “Breakfast with the Pirates” at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe in Holmes Beach and a cruise on the Princess out of Bradenton Beach. The weekend package is $225 and includes the hotel stay but individual tickets to some events also can be purchased. For more information, contact Kim “Syren” Boyd at 931-639-0986 or go online to amiprivateers.org.

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Island happenings

Aug. 4, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Ho, ho, ho, merry Christmas … in July

Privateers Hank “Fluffy” Phillips, left, Valerie “Dallas” Mabry, and Tammy “Clueless” Lancaster, right, smile July 24 with Harbor Isles resident Krista Nurnberger and Manistree, Michigan, resident Karen Sundeck, who were vacationing on Anna Maria Island.

Stars and stripes salute: Penny Frick was a Top Notch contest winner in 2009.

Enter The Islander’s Top Notch photo contest

ABOVE LEFT: Privateers Lil John “Arr” Rutherford, left, and Adam “Duck” Cross, right, raise a pint alongside Santa. ABOVE RIgHT: Privateers cheer with Santa Claus as they celebrate Christmas in July at the Drift In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. The event featured a potluck dinner and raffles to sponsor the annual Christmas Family in December,. Islander Photos: Courtesy Valeria Mabry

The Islander’s Top Notch contest is underway. The contest celebrates what still is known as the “Kodak moment,” despite Kodak’s downfall in the switch from film to digital technology. Look to noon this Friday for the next deadline. The contest includes six weekly front-page winners. Each will claim an Islander “More than a mullet wrapper” T-shirt. One weekly shot will take the grand prize in the contest, earning the photographer a cash prize from The Islander and certificates from local merchants. A pet photo winner will be announced in the final week. Please, note, each original JPG must be included in a single email with the name of the photographer; date the photo was taken; location and description; names of recognizable people; and the address and phone number of the photographer. More rules are online at www.islander.org. — Bonner Joy

CALENDAR FROM PAgE 10 Saturdays, 9 a.m., Saturday Mornings at the NEST nature GET LISTED exploration, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, BraSend announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ denton. Information: 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. islander.org and news@islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publicaGOOD TO KNOW tion date but the earlier a listing arrives, the sooner a listing can be added to the calendar. KEEP THE DATES Please include the date, time, location and description of the Monday, Sept. 6, Labor Day. event, as well as a phone number for publication. Tuesday, Sept. 7, autumnal equinox.

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Arrrrrr! Take me out to the ballpark!

Scholarship winner Eryn LaLonde, left, poses July 31 with Anna Maria Island Privateer Hank “Fluffy” Phillips scholarship winner Aaliyah Everette, Privateer Jen “Baby Shark” Schrader, Pam “Half Pint” Henrich, Marty the Marauder and scholarship recipients Hannah Vreman and Ivelina Kioutchoukova at LECOM Park in Bradenton before the Marauders vs. Dunedin Blue Jays game. Islander Photos: Amy V.T. Moriarty The Anna Maria Islander Privateers’ float-boat Skullywag docks July 31 at LECOM Park in Bradenton. The AMIP were at the game to celebrate their 50th anniversary and award scholarships.

Marty the Marauder leads the charge July 31 as the Anna Maria Island Privateers “capture” LECOM Park in Bradenton. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMIP Valerie “Dallas” Mabry

Meet this year’s Anna Maria Island Privateers’ scholars

Throughout the year, with pub crawls, putt-putt golf contests, silent auctions and prize raffles, the Anna Maria Island Privateers raise dollars to help area students pursue degrees in higher education. This year’s AMIP scholars include: Aaliyah Everette, who graduated from Southeast High School and is attending the University of South Florida. Aaliyah is majoring in accounting and planning to graduate next spring. “My goal is to obtain a master’s degree in accounting and work for a public firm in the Tampa Bay area,” Aaliyah says. The Privateers presented Aaliyah with a $1,500 scholarship. Hannah Vreman, who graduated from Bradenton Christian School in 2018 and is a senior at Atlantic University-Palm Beach. Hannah is studying nursing and received the $2,000 Sandpiper Scholarship from the Privateers. Ivelina Kioutchoukova, who graduated from Southeast High School and is a college senior, planning to graduate from the University of Florida next

spring. Ivelina is majoring in biology, with minors in anthropology and pathogenesis. The Privateers presented Ivelina with the $2,500 Whitey Horton Scholarship. Eryn Grace LaLonde, who graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s of science degree. Now Eryn’s preparing for a fourth semester of graduate school at UCF and pursing a master’s in health care administration. Next fall, Eryn hopes to begin her doctorate. She received the $2,000 Shipwreck Scholarship. Dylan Joseph, who graduated from Manatee High School and is a college sophomore. Dylan attended State College of Florida and is transferring to the University of South Florida with a focus on criminal justice and law enforcement. Dylan received the $1,500 Drift-In Scholarship. Arthur Bellamy, who graduated from Palmetto High School and is a junior at State College of Florida, studying business management. Arthur received a $1,500 Drift-In Scholarship.

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AME Calendar AmE NEWS

Aug. 5, back-to-school-night. Aug. 10, ﬁrst day of classes. Aug. 16, PTO board meeting. Sept. 6, Labor Day, no school. Sept. 13, PTO membership meeting. Oct. 7, end of quarter. Oct. 8, record day, no school. Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school. Nov. 22-26, Thanksgiving break. Dec. 21, end of semester. Dec. 22-31, winter break. Anna Maria Elementary School is at 4700 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-708-5525.

By Ryan Paice

AME preps for back to class, back to school By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The 2021-22 school year is just around the corner at Anna Maria Elementary. Staff are preparing to welcome 195 students when doors open for the new fall semester at 8:25 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, AME’s new principal, Michael Masiello, wrote in a July 29 email to The Islander The low enrollment number continues a downward trend seen over the past few years. The 2021-22 enrollment is a far cry from the approximate 260 students enrolled for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years. Enrollment at Masiello the start of 2020-21 was 202 students, including 54 e-learners. Of the 195 students enrolled this year, 96 reside on Anna Maria Island and 99 enrolled through the school choice program or by hardship requests, according to Masiello. In the Manatee County School District, students can enroll in the school for their zone, which is determined by residential address, or enroll in the school of their choice, either during open enrollment in the spring or by submitting a hardship request. Masiello said classes — which will run 8:25 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Mondays-Fridays — will be socially distanced “when possible,” while face masks will be optional for students, staff and visitors. The school board repealed a districtwide mask mandate in May,

Sugar Canes fundraise on AMI for NYC performance

The Manatee High School Sugar Canes dance team is putting together plans to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But before performing in New York City in November, the Canes want to perform on AMI this summer and fall. The dance team needs to raise money for the trip. “We are willing to dance, volunteer, help to clean and hold garage sales with island residents in exchange for donations,” said Pilar Komishane, Canes fundraising coordinator and the mother of a senior on the squad. For more information, contact Komishane at 941914-2793 or mapiyes@yahoo.com.

Academic achievements

The Islander welcomes announcements of scholastic achievements. Share honors, stories and photographs by emailing news@islander.org.

Holmes Beach Police Officer Josh Fleischer leads students into AME Aug. 10, 2017, for the first day of class. Islander File Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

at the end of the 2020-21 year. AME will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch to students — a policy implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to support struggling families. Masiello did not indicate when meals would no longer be free. The new school year also will bring some new faces. Masiello said AME hired several new staff members to replace some employees who retired or resigned. New hires include: • First-grade teacher Maggie VanWormer; • Fourth-grade teacher Nicole O’Neill; • Fifth-grade teacher Stephanie Davis; • Guidance counselor Regena Vanover; • Permanent substitute teacher Julie Westcott. Masiello indicated he would announce one more hire — a new kindergarten teacher — sometime down the line. Parents can call the school at 941-708-5525 to find their children’s classroom assignments or attend Backto-School Night, which is Thursday Aug. 5. The event will open from 4-5:15 p.m. for students enrolled in kindergarten to second-grade, then from 5:15-6 p.m. for students in third-fifth grades. AME also will host a meet-and-greet for new student families at 8:40 a.m. in the school auditorium on the first day of school. Bus assignments are posted online to the FOCUS parent portal at www.manateeschools.net/focus, but people with questions can contact the transportation department at 941-782-1287. AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

P�in� You� Ow� Memorie�

AME fourth-grader Jackson Kennedy, kindergartner Luke Plummer, and his sister, fourthgrader Lily, pose Aug. 17, 2020, in front of the AME sign for the first day of school. Luke and Lily’s mom, Nicole Plummer, is the president of the AME PTO for 2021-22 and mom Kari Kennedy is PTO secretary. Islander File Photo: Courtesy Kari Kennedy

PTO ofﬁcers for 2021-22

Anna Maria Elementary PTO officers for the 2021-22 school year took their oaths of office in May. The officers include: • Nicole Plummer, president; • Alana Fleisher, vice president; • Brook Morrison, co-treasurer; • Jen Serra, co-treasurer; • Kari Kennedy secretary. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 4, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tidings

Gathering

St. Bernard presents weekly ‘Rosary on the Beach’

St. Bernard Catholic Church hosts “Rosary on the Beach” at 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays. The prayers take place at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the church at 941-7784769.

Roser continues to tee up

Roser Memorial Community Church continues its Golfing for God outings through the summer, including Wednesdays, Aug. 4 and Aug. 18. Play, followed by dinner and Bible study, takes place at IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton. There are fees for golf, which begins about 2:45 p.m., and for dinner, which is about 5:30 p.m. For dates — golfers usually tee off twice a month — contact the church office at 941-778-0414.

Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. REGULAR WORSHIP 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, Monday-Friday 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9008:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, 4903. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Thursdays Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. OTHER EVENTS Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Wednesday, Aug. 4, 10 a.m., Episcopal Church of the AnnunSundays ciation Episcopal Church Women meeting. Reservations required. 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. ONGOING EVENTS 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Thursdays, 7 p.m., Roser Church chancel choir rehearsals. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. SAVE THE DATES 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Sept. 6-7, Rosh Hashanah. Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. Sept. 13, Yom Kippur. 9:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Oct. 9, ECA potluck supper. Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. Nov. 6, Roser Church Holiday Craft Fair. 9:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. Dec. 4, ECA Holly Berry Bazaar. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Dec. 12, Roser Church blood drive.

Milestones

Gathering

Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. We welcome news from local places of worship, as well as photos. We also welcome listings for the Tidings calendar. Please, submit to news@islander.org and calendar@islander.org.

Obituary

Clarke Darrell Williams

Clarke Darrell Williams, 84, of Bradenton, died July 18. He was born in Bloomington, Illinois, to Walter and Lora and moved to Manatee County in 1975 from Champaign, Illinois. He was a U.S. Army veteran during peacetime. Williams He attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington and the University of Illinois in Champaign. He was in the automobile business and later real estate sales and investments, including on Anna Maria Island for many years. Services will be at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made online to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol R.; daughter Tonia A. of Tampa; son Steven M. and wife Marifran of Santa Maria, California; and several nieces and nephews.

The Rev. Dirk W. Rodgers baptizes Jake Chandler gordon, 1, of germantown, Tennessee, in the chapel at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. His family joined in the ceremony July 28. Jake’s sister, Anna Maria, was baptized at the church, and his parents, Brittney and Anthony, married in the chapel. Islander Photo: Courtesy Emily glasscock

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna About obituaries Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Obituaries are offered as a free service to residents Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414. and families of residents, both past and present, as well • Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks volunteers for as to people with ties to the island. cleanups and other efforts. Information: 941-795Submit to news@islander.org. 8272.

SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

COMMUNITY CHURCH IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER www.RoserChurch.com Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer & meditation

Essential

Assistance offered on AMI

• The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • AID offers help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Information: 941-725-2433. — Lisa Neff

Send listings for GoodDeeds to calendar@islander. org. Please include a phone number for publication.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

SHARING OUR FAITH

941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Masks Are Optional Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live:

DISCIPLINES LEARN HOW!

Worship With Us at Our Church

www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link)

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (oﬃce)

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

Back to School

Aug. 4, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria Realty 941.778.2259 www.annamariareal.com

Terra’s Handmade Sterling Jewelry

714 43rd St. W., Bradenton • 941.779.5350

Minnie’s Beach Cafe

The Feast Restaurant

Cremesh European Restaurant

West Coast Air Conditioning & Heating

LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air

Tyler’s Ice Cream

5360 Gulf Drive • S&S Plaza Holmes Beach • 941.778.4140

7232 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton 941.896.9422 • cremeshrestaurant.com

401 Manatee Ave., HB • 941.778.5622

Tradewinds Tile & Stone 5917 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton 941.896.9640

Coastal Life Design

8615 Cortez Rd. W. • 941.242.2926 www.coastalifedesign.com

Nancy’s Pet Boutique 10111 Cortez Road W., Bradenton 941.794.3943

Florida Underwater Sports 5352 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach 941.870.4461 FloridaUnderwaterSports.com

The Bungalow of Bradenton

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Cheesecake Cutie

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5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 941.778.5092 • TheFeastRestaurant.com

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Grooms Motors & Automotive

5708 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 941.896.7898

Cindy Jones, Realtor

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Slim’s Place

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Flowers By Edie

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Salt & Scissors

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AMI Beach and Dogs 313c Pine Ave., Anna Maria 941.713.8970 amibeachndog.com

School starts Aug. 10. Please, watch out for our kids! As you hurry to and from work and appointments, kids are scurrying to and from school. Please, keep an eye out for youngsters waiting for buses, walking to and from school and riding the trolley. Remember to observe school-zone speed limits. And, please, thank our sponsors for this reminder…

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 4, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Aug. 4, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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AMI Islander Full Page Ad : 1O” x 15.75” : APPROVED REPRO FILE 7.3O.21 Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 4, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Don’t Let Anna Maria Island Get Washed Away!

Don’t let a sea of mismanagement by the Florida Department of

Environmental Protection (DEP) allowing construction on currently designated unbuildable lots on Anna Maria Island to wash away our precious dunes forever. Don’t let the tide go out another day without standing up for the protection of our land, vegetation, turtles, sea birds and all of the wildlife indigenous to the pristine beaches of Anna Maria Island, where we live in harmony with AMI nature every day.

We are Anna Maria Island, not Miami Beach!

Remember, we are an island; unlike most other beaches in Florida. We are a narrow strip of sand that needs vegetation to hold it together. AMI is a fragile island. Over development will start washing our AMI out to sea.

On July 22, 2021, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection did not do the right thing! A rogue ruling was made by interim FDEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. His controversial ruling now opens the door to the over development of AMI. It could start a destructive domino effect to destroy our beloved beaches, dunes, history, wildlife and tradition forever. We’re calling on all of our local elected leaders of the City of Anna Maria and Anna Maria Island. It’s now up to you to Protect and Preserve AMI from all of the over developers wanting to scrape away our dunes and amazing AMI way of life...“Enough Is Enough!

THOUSANDS ARE NOW WATCHING Visit www.PreserveAMI.com to learn more, sign our petition and send your message.

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Aug. 4, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Community center awaits county funding for concerts By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Show us the money. This year’s Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series ended a month ago, but it could be another month before there are complete financial results. The concerts were held at the Center of Anna Maria Island on the field and in the gym at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The four-concert series began May 13 with a performance by the Marshall Tucker Band and ended with The Grass Roots concert July 2. The center is a nonprofit that provides recreational, and wellness programming for the island community. The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau launched the concert series in 2019 as a way to boost tourism to the island and bolster local businesses with revenue. However, Chris Culhane, the center’s executive director, wrote in a July 30 email to The Islander that the nonprofit had yet to receive funding and reimbursement of costs from the BACVB for “the last few concerts” in the series. According to documents The Islander obtained via a public records request, the center requested $100,000 from the BACVB in November 2020 to host and market up to four concerts this year. So far, the BACVB has received three invoices from the center for reimbursement totaling $75,000, including: • $25,000 for event planning and marketing; • $16,666.67 for the first concert, the Marshall Tucker Band; • $33,333.33 for the next two concerts — Simon Kirke from Bad Company and Steve Augeri from Journey. The center also hosted The Grass Roots, but an invoice for that concert was not included in the documents obtained by The Islander. The center reported $9,560 in ticket sales for both

the Kirke and Augeri concerts, as well as $38,420 for the Marshall Tucker Band. The BACVB and the center worked with the producer of the 2020 concerts, Rich Engler of Pittsburgh, who receives a share of revenues. With only the first reimbursement for $25,000 marked in the documents as “paid” and lacking one invoice, around $75,000 remains unpaid. “It now appears that we will not receive these funds until mid-August,” Culhane said. He did not detail how the delayed reimbursements may impact the center’s bottom line for its 2020-21 fiscal year, which ended June 30, but added that he hopes to tell “a great story about how the center fought

through adversity and COVID shutdowns” and still managed to “end the year in the black.” The center budget was $26,290 in the black at the end of May, a month during which fundraising spiked, thanks to a matching challenge for donations and the beginning of ticket sales for the concerts. The center’s $194,823.10 in fundraising revenue in May was the largest month of the year by more than double. It’s unclear how much revenue was from ticket sales and sponsorship fees and the center hadn’t released its own finances for hosting the series as of July 31. “We are still currently paying expenses and collecting revenue from the shows,” Culhane wrote. Steve Augeri, former lead singer for Journey, performs “Stone in Love” June 17 with his band at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria. The concert was the third in a series of four sponsored by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 4, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Arizona man found dead in Holmes Beach

Pizza party for HB-Waste Pro workers

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police officers found the body of a 34-year-old Arizona resident July 22 seated on a bench in the 200 block of 35th Street after his legal guardians reported him missing earlier that day. The guardians, who were visiting Anna Maria Island from Springfield, Arizona, called the Holmes Beach Police Department around 7 p.m. to report the man missing, describing him as “mentally challenged.” They said he had asked to go to the beach before he went missing. They provided a photo of the missing man and HBPD began a search. An officer found the man on a bench four blocks south of his guardians’ location in less than a half hour and awaited paramedics, who declared the man dead at 7:25 p.m. There were no obvious signs of injury or trauma, according to the police report. HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander July 28 that medical issues might have led to the man’s death. A couple told police they saw the man listening to music over earphones while resting on the bench earlier that day. An officer met with the guardians and notified them of his death. Also, police returned Stewart’s personal items.

Sarasota man found dead at Coquina Beach

As the sun set on his 50th birthday July 28, a Sarasota man fatally shot himself at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. The body was discovered at a lifeguard tower shortly after 9 p.m. by people who were walking the beach, Bradenton Beach Police Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz told The Islander July 29. When the group approached to check on the man, they noticed blood and called 911, Diaz said. Emergency crews determined the man died of a gunshot wound. Investigators did not find indication of foul play and an autopsy confirmed the death was a suicide, Diaz said. Additionally, Diaz said the man left letters at his home explaining his decision to end his life. — Amy V.T. Moriarty

Holmes Beach officials, including Commissioners Jayne Christenson, Jim Kihm and Kim Rash, mingle July 27 with Waste Pro employees. The city held a lunchtime pizza party to show appreciation for the Waste Pro team. Islander Photo: Courtesy Holmes Beach/JT Thomas

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria July 21, 200 block of Magnolia Avenue, noise. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office dispatched a deputy at 10:55 p.m. regarding loud partiers. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the noise ordinance. July 23, 100 block of Maple Avenue, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy at 2:39 a.m. regarding loud music. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the noise ordinance. July 27, 600 block of Fern Street, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy at 10:01 p.m. for a complaint of loud noise. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the noise ordinance. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach No new reports. The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach July 21, Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, petit theft. The pub manager called the Holmes Beach Police Department to report that two people left without paying their bills. He provided photos and a video. July 24, 100 block of 49th Street, trespass. An officer saw a man sleeping on a beach with an open bottle of wine. The man had been warned not to trespass. So the officer arrested him and transported him to the Manatee County jail. July 27, 5300 block of Gulf Drive, alcohol and marijuana. An officer saw a group of people, including juveniles, loitering in a parking lot with open alcohol containers. He approached the group, whose members admitted to drinking and also produced a bag of marijuana and paraphernalia. The officer issued citations and called the juveniles’ parents for transport home. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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Aug. 4, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island trolley driver named employee of the month By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Patricia Adams has a perfect record as a county employee. But showing up on time and having a flawless driving record as a 15-year transit driver aren’t the reasons she was named Manatee County Employee of the Month at the July 27 county board of commissioners meeting. Kindness and the willingness to do the right thing for the right reasons put Adams on top. Kevin Sheerin, Manatee County Area Transit operations superintendent, told county commissioners about a phone call from a county sheriff’s deputy July 5 that began, “I just witnessed an incredible act of kindness.” Sheerin said the deputy described witnessing Adams sit with a nonverbal, noncommunicative, scared “special needs missing person” who had been separated from family the night before. While driving her trolley route, Adams recognized the person was distressed and stopped the trolley to stay with the person until family arrived. “She’s got a heart of gold, she’s a helper,” Sheerin

said before telling commissioners another story of Adams’ compassion. As Hurricane Elsa was bearing down on AMI, Adams noticed a longtime trolley rider who had rented a home on the island sleeping at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. She asked if he was OK and when she learned he’d lost his rental, she invited him to stay at her house, where he remained nearly a month later. And in January 2019, Adams was hailed as a hero for reuniting a New Jersey girl with her favorite stuffed animal, a buffalo named Rudolph. “She does these things,” Sheerin said. And she’s humble, he observed, as supervisors only find out about Adams’ acts of kindness from others. “I looooove my job,” Adams told commissioners. “It is those small acts of kindness that are really big things,” Commissioner Misty Servia told Adams. “I hope that you inspire others.” Each commissioner heaped praise on Adams for what Commissioner Reggie Bellamy said, “Seems that’s just part of your character.” Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, whose

Patricia Adams at the wheel of an island trolley in January 2019. Islander File Photo: Courtesy MCAT

district includes AMI, told Adams, “I’m so happy that you’re on the island. …You’re an asset.” Adams began her career with MCAT driving handicap-accessible transit vehicles before switching to the trolley division “a few years ago,” public works transit division director William Steele said. In 2013, Adams was named Manatee County Paratransit Operator of the Year and, in 2019, she was runner-up transit operator of the year. “So she’s very accomplished,” Steele said.

County adjusts deadlines, agreements for erosion study, estuary program Changes to funding and deadlines for beach and estuary programs met no resistance at a Manatee County commission meeting July 27. The county parks and natural resources department sought amendments for two beach repair programs and an update to a Tampa Bay Estuary Program interlocal agreement. An agreement between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the county dated July 24, 2018, established a study on the repair, replacement or removal of 18 erosion control structures along Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. The agreement set the study’s due date at Dec. 31. The approved amendment extended the due date three months to March 31, 2022, to allow the DEP time for additional erosion control and inlet management analysis. The commission also extended the contract deadline for the DEP to close out and determine the nonfederal share of costs to repair beach and dune erosion caused by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The contract was to end Dec. 31 but will now end Dec. 31, 2022. The Florida Legislature provided assistance funding in 2018 to the county. And in 2019, the county commission enacted the Anna Maria Island-Hurricane Irma Recovery Project to design and construct repairs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency project concluded earlier this year, but DEP personnel have yet to prepare FEMA reimbursement requests and determine the non-federal share of the project costs. The commission also approved an update to a

1998 interlocal agreement with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to adjust funding contributions from the 15 TBEP’s member agencies. The outdated agreement contained old population numbers. TBEP, created in 1991 as one of 28 estuary programs established under the U.S. Clean Water Act, seeks to ensure the bay “remains a vibrant part of the region’s environmental and economic landscape” through preservation and enhancement. Per the 1998 agreement, the 15 member entities contribute funding based on population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The agreement requires a review every five years

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AMITW volunteers put two sea turtle hatchlings found remaining in a hatched nest July 31 in a bucket for release at Bean Point in Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Samara Paice

Nesting notes

About nesting on AMI AMITW is a nonprofit funded by beach renourishment contracts and focused on collecting data on sea turtles, which is listed as threatened or endangered in Florida, depending on the species. For more information, go online to islandturtlewatch.com.

Samara Paice

Red tide’s impact on hatchlings?

As Manatee County measures harmful algal bloom impacts, it appears Anna Maria Island’s sea turtle nesting is unaffected by red tide. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteer Bob Haynes told The Islander July 31 that the red tide event in 2018 was much worse than the outbreak now in the region. He said, out of the approximately 30,000 hatchlings observed on the island, AMITW was not aware of any impacted by red tide. Sea turtle hatchlings encounter many obstacles in their journey to the Gulf waters, but most are due to lighting and disorientations. This summer, volunteers worried an outbreak of red tide would present an obstacle. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission monitors red tide and reported the week ending Aug. 1 that a bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persisted on the Gulf Coast and in Tampa Bay. The FWC noted medium concentrations of red tide in the waters on the north end of Anna Maria and at the south end of Bradenton Beach, while very low concentrations were detected in Holmes Beach waters. Fish kills can result from red tide and some turtle watchers worried that recently hatched sea turtles would be similarly impacted. However, red tide has had a very limited effect on sea turtle hatchlings, according to Dr. Allen Foley, wildlife biologist at the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife

shore and may experience some respiratory irritation but, at present, we do not have any indication that this causes any noticeable effects on their survival.” For more information about red tide, go to www. myfwc.com.

Research Institute. Foley found there was no increase in hatchlings discovered dead or washed back to shore during red tide outbreaks. Hatchlings survive off their yolk for a week or more. So by the time that nutritional source runs dry, they have usually moved from a red tide affected area. The FWRI told The Islander July 31: “We have conducted searches for post-hatchling sea turtles in areas offshore of southwest Florida during periods of red tide and have found them behaving normally. Hatchlings could be exposed to brevetoxin — the toxin produced by red tide — in aerosols as they swim off-

AMITW volunteer Bob Haynes reviews a sea turtle nest July 31 near the White Avenue Beach to determine how many eggs hatched, and found two turtles waiting to be released. Islander Photo: Samara Paice

A least tern chick sports a new silver band July 30 on the shores of Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy Kathy Doddridge

AMI’s least tern population grows by 2

Anna Maria Island’s least tern population is growing but not by much. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteer Kathy Doddridge wrote in a July 28 email to The Islander that 64 least tern nests monitored on the island produced 30 chicks — but only two lived. Beth Forys, who holds a master banding permit, supervised the banding and identification of the surviving chicks. The chicks — named 3A and 3B — were fitted with bands that will allow AMITW and the Florida Shorebirds Alliance to track movement and monitor their survival. Chick 3A sports four colored bands — white over silver and orange over yellow — but chick 3B was too small and fitted with one silver band. People who see banded birds are encouraged to take a photo and send the image with a description, including time, date and location, to the Florida Banded Birds Resightings page on Facebook. — Samara Paice

As of Aug. 1, AMITW had identified 402 nests, 547 false crawls and 35 hatched nests on AMI.

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Aug. 4, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

Clamoring for clams

An island restaurateur is pitching clams — not to plate at his Gulffront tables but to plant in bays. Ed Chiles, owner of several island eateries and other food-related businesses in the region, is at the helm of an effort to restore estuaries and grow coastal economies. This clamoring for clams developed into a campaign with a catchy name: All Clams on Deck. Chiles was set to introduce All Clams on Deck in Palmetto Aug. 3 to a meetNeff ing of the Manatee County Council of Governments and he hyped the clam campaign in late July to Anna Maria commissioners. To date, the clam campaigners include Solutions to Avoid Red Tide CEO Sandy Gilbert, Gulf Shellfish Institute president Curtis Hemmel, Sea Chiles and Shoreline Aquatic Restoration partner-president Carter Henne, University of Florida extension agent Angela Collins, Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Program executive director Jennifer Hecker and Chiles’ former Manatee County Tourist Development Council colleague Barbara Baker. Baker is retired from the Bradenton Beach-based Anna Maria Island Resorts, where she had a waterfront office and looked out to appreciate Sarasota Bay’s daily beauty. She said she heard a Chiles clam pitch to the TDC, got inspired, offered to help and is working to recruit All Clams on Deck converts. “Clams are the muscle,” Baker said. The effort includes work to secure federal funding for a model project and enact state legislation to promote clams to restore and revitalize Florida waters. The federal funds — an estimated $15 million —

Resources for storm info: Twitter • The National Hurricane Center: @NWSNHC and @NHC_Atlantic. • The National Weather Service: @NWS, @ NWSTampaBay. On the web • County emergency management: mymanatee.org. • State emergency man-

agement: floridadisaster.org. •FEMA: fema.gov. • National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov. In print • The Islander, Bradenton Herald and Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Volunteer Jeanette Marks surfaces May 5, 2018, in Sarasota Bay with blades of seagrass for a survey by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Volunteers checked 140 survey points. Islander File Photo: Courtesy Sarasota County

Clams purchased by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency line the dock at the South Coquina Boat Ramp March 9, 2019, ready to be loaded on a boat for seeding in Sarasota Bay near the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Purchased for $36,000, the 200,000 clams were expected to filter several gallons of water a day and placed in the first phase in the CRA’s plans for a living shoreline, complete with oysters and reef balls. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

would support a multiyear model project to: • Restore 650 acres of seagrass by planting nursery-grown seagrass in denuded areas; • Create 30 clam restoration sites capable of annually producing trillions and trillions of fertilized eggs; • Monitor the project for benefits. The legislative drive involves lobbying lawmakers and the governor on a bill — being drafted now — that would certify bivalves for mitigation credits. Already, the state allows mangroves and seagrass for mitigation but research also supports clams for mitigation. Such research includes a study published this spring that involved scientists at the Duke University Marine Lab and other North Carolina schools. Examining the effectiveness of seagrass restoration, the researchers found that two-thirds of restoration efforts fail but adding clams to seagrass seed beds significantly enhanced plant biomass and patch size. A couple of research notes from the study:

• Clam addition to seed patches was associated with significantly greater seagrass shoot length and patch expansion; • Seagrass seed patches with clams expanded on average 500% from the initial area. A draft action plan from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program also addresses the environmental value of clams: “Preliminary research suggests that hard clams can improve water quality and clarity through filter feeding and transferring nutrients to sediments. These actions may also promote seagrass growth but require further study.” And touting clams capabilities, the University of Florida says they can sequester carbon from the atmosphere, filter coastal waters and remove nitrogen. Consider these facts: • Clams convert carbon into calcium carbonate shell. The carbonate used by clams is primarily derived from atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolved in seawater. • As clams feed, they move water in and out and, in the process, filter phytoplankton, microorganisms and detritus. Clams improve water clarity by reducing sediment loads and turbidity and removing excess nutrients from inshore coastal waters. Clams might may even help to prevent harmful algal blooms. So, are you on deck? For more on clams Baker said a website will launch soon. But for now, contact her at 941-962-2538 for more information about All Clams on Deck. Also, websites of interest include: Solutions to Avoid Red Tide, start1.org; Gulf Shellfish Institute, gulfshellfishinstitute.org; Sea and Shoreline Aquatic Restoration, seaandshoreline.com; and Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Program, chnep.org.

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Action at the center: soccer and football, golf, horseshoes, too

lead TMT in the loss. The last game of the evening saw TBT crush We The Best Lending 40-12 behind four touchdown passes from Matt Briley and three touchdown receptions from Octavious Cole. Brandon Kull added a touchdown pass, a pick-six and three conversion points, while Jesse Kunc finished with two TD receptions in the victory. Dom Otteni and Cory Banks both had TD passes to lead We The Best Lending, which also received touchdown catches from Tim Holly and Jasmine Muldoon in the loss. The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

After two weeks of action, the standings are pretty tight in the adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Catalyst, TBT and Cortez Deep Sea Fishing are tied at 2-0 atop the standings. Ray’s Ramblings and We the Best Lending are tied 1-1 in second, while TMT, Sandbar Restaurant and Beach Bums are in search of Cassidy their first victories. Action last week kicked off with Cortez Deep Sea Fishing cruising past Beach Bums July 29 by a 42-6 score behind the arm of quarterback Tuna McCracken, who threw five touchdown passes. Three of McCracken’s passes went to Cole Carter, who also managed a 2-point conversion. Connor Ludwig finished with two TD catches and a pair of extra points, while Kevin Roman completed the scoring with a touchdown catch. JB Shuck threw a touchdown pass to Elizabeth Wilson to complete the scoring for Beach Bums in the loss. The second game of the night was a barnburner that saw Catalyst hold on for a 28-26 victory over Sandbar Restaurant. Jon Moss threw three touchdown passes, while Brent Moss added a touchdown pass and two touchdown receptions. Evelyn and Zach Long both added TDs and Zach Long also chipped in with an extra point and a 2-point conversion in the victory. Anthony Mannino had a strong all-around game with a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown to go along with 10 receptions — one for a TD. Matt Manger threw for two touchdowns, while Dina DeJesus and Brandin Holcomb both added touchdown catches in the loss. Next up on the center field, Ray’s Ramblings blew out TMT 47-12 behind five touchdown passes from Ryan Moss and 10 catches and a pair of touchdowns from Jesse Griffin. Griffin also added a touchdown

Catalyst receiver Brent Moss eyes the approaching football as Beach Bums Anthony McCance defends during July 29 flag football action at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Courtesy CofAMI

pass for Ray’s Ramblings, which received two touchdown catches and a pick-six from Jordan DeMers and a touchdown catch from Kari Stephens in the victory. Cole Brantley threw a touchdown pass to Osmel Fuentes and Connor Haughey ran for a touchdown to

Soccer keeps kicking After five weeks of indoor soccer action in the center gym, it looks like either Moss Builders or Beach Bums will rule the pitch for the youth league. Moss Builders is in first place with a 3-0-1 record, just ahead of Beach Bums at 3-1-1. Shady Lady follows with a 2-2-1 record, while Solid Rock Construction is still looking for victory. Action July 27 kicked off with Beach Bums earning a 4-2 victory over Solid Rock Construction behind a hat trick from Savannah Coba and a goal from Brandon Sato. Cyrus Ryan helped preserve the win with 10 saves between the pipes. Matthew Winsper and Chad Nunez each scored goals to lead Solid Rock, which also received 12 combined saves from Isaac Roadman and Liam Nunez in the loss. The second match of the night saw Moss Builders and Shady Lady battle to a 3-3 tie. Mason Moss scored two and Myles Moss added a goal to lead Moss Builders, which also received an assist from Aiden Guess and seven saves from Austin Guess in the tie. Cale Rudacille scored and made four saves to lead Shady Lady, which received a goal each from Amelia Blunkall and Jack McCarthy. Jack Zaccagnino made seven saves to help keep the score level for Shady Lady. Key Royale news Golf action at Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach teed off with the men playing their weekly modifiedStableford system match July 28. It was the only organized golf outing of the week due to rain. Tom Nelson, who faithfully sends in golf news from the club, earned a come-from-behind victory thanks to a birdie on the last hole. Nelson finished with a plus-4 to edge a trio of golfers, including Ken Nagengast, Quentin Talbert and Steve Vasbindrer — all at plus-3.

Summer games

Makenna Fritz, front left, Raylen Ellison, back left, Brylee Ellison, middle, and TJ Fritz, right, vacationing from Tennessee, balance a seesaw July 16 at Coquina Beach. Islander Photos: Kelsey Mako

Horseshoe news Horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits was short and sweet last week. The July 28 games were rained out while the July 31 games saw Jerry Disbrow and Bob Hawks forge the lone 3-0 record in pool play for the day’s championship. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

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Fishing tip! If you hook a bird, remember: Reel, remove, release!

Aug. 4, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Red tide inshore renders inconsistent bite, offshore flourishes By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Anglers around Anna Maria Island are seeing good days and bad days. With blooms of red tide erupting in waters north and south of AMI, finding consistency when it comes to fishing is challenging. Finding areas where there is no red tide is key to finding a bite. And, even the fish in these areas can be finicky. If you choose to fish, I’d plan Stasny on burning some gas, as you may be moving the boat frequently. While fishing inshore, you’ll want to bring patience as you may find the bite to be challenging. Targeting catch-and-release species — snook, redfish and trout — is attainable, but be prepared for a slower bite. Mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel might make a better target, as these fish are slightly more cooperative. Better fishing is occurring offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. The red tide bloom we are experiencing is an inshore bloom, which means the waters offshore are not being affected. In fact, the bite offshore is flourishing. American red snapper are coming to the hook, as are many red and gag grouper. Yellowtail and mangrove snapper also are a good bet to target. Lastly, numerous sharks are on patrol offshore — looking to snatch your catch. Although the sharks can be a nuisance, they are sporty when on the end of your lure. Capt. Warren Girle is catching a variety of species while working nearshore ledges and hard bottom in the Gulf, where bottom fishing with live shiners in 40-50 feet of water is yielding mangrove snapper and Key West grunts — both excellent for a fish fry. Other species being caught include juvenile groupers and some flounder. Fishing baits toward the surface is

TideWatch

Anna Maria Island Tides

Aug 4 Aug 5 Aug 6 Aug 7 Aug 8 Aug 9 Aug 10 Aug 11

8:50a 8:58a 12:08a 1:19a 10:38a 11:15a 11:54a 3:43a

HIGH

2.5 — 2.3 — 1.4 9:30a 1.5 10:04a 2.6 — 2.7 — 2.7 — 1.5 12:35p

HIGH

attracting macks and bonito to the hook. These fish are fierce fighters on light tackle and can be a handful on the hook. Capt. David White is seeing red while hunting the bite offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Yes, red grouper and American red snapper are dominating the bite on White’s charter trips. Limits of all species are being caught on most offshore trips. Bottom fishing with live or frozen baits is attracting the fish to bite. Also, while offshore, White is hooking into many mangrove and yellowtail snappers and he’s boasting on his catches of some large scamp grouper. Lastly, White warns of an abundance of sharks offshore. Bull and tiger shark are on the prowl, so reel quickly before your catch gets eaten by a hungry shark. Capt. Jason Stock is finding good action on American red snapper while working offshore in the Gulf, where he says limits are being caught on both live

Red tide remains in local waters

A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists on the Gulf and bay waters. Still, water quality conditions remain improved in most areas of Tampa Bay relative to prior weeks. Over the past week, bloom concentrations greater than 100,000 cells/liter were observed in 59 samples, including in Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. K. brevis was observed at background to high concentrations in Manatee, as well as background to high concentrations in Pinellas, background to medium concentrations in Hillsborough, background to high concentrations in and offshore of

Date

Curtis Artrip, left, Owen Artrip, 7, Ryan Salmons and Grant Naught, all from Ohio, show off their July 20 keepers from the nearshore waters of Anna Maria. The group, guided by Capt. Warren Girle, used shiners to catch a variety of species.

LOW

Moon

— 5:07p 0.1 — — — 2:15a 1.2 4:44p 0.2 2.4 2:45a 1.3 5:30p 0.0 2.5 3:10a 1.4 6:11p -0.1 — 6:49p -0.2 — — — 7:25p -0.3 — — — 7:59p -0.3 — — New 2.7 5:35a 1.4 8:34p -0.2

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

Sarasota, background to high concentrations in Charlotte, background to medium concentrations in and offshore of Lee and background to very low concentrations in Collier. Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee. In Manatee, dead fish were found at Coquina Beach and around Longboat Pass. Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported in Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Lee. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide.

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and frozen bait offerings. Yellowtail snapper are being caught in good numbers, too. Bottom fishing for gag grouper is going well, with live pinfish working to get the gags to take the hook. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria says despite small doses of red tide, fishing is good at the island’s northernmost pier, where the tides are good. Catch-and-release snook are being caught from time to time. Live bait offerings — such as shrimp or pinfish — are tricking the linesiders into biting. Catch-and-release redfish and black drum also are showing interest, especially on the live shrimp. Casting silver spoons works for the anglers targeting macks in the Tampa Bay waters and this method also is attracting jack crevalle and ladyfish. Lastly, targeting mangrove snapper with live shrimp is a good bet for those hoping to catch something for dinner at the northernmost pier. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org. Local Mike Brinson shows off a nice red snapper hooked July 30 on a live pinfish. He was guided by Capt. David White.

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County commission reappoints hoteliers to tourist council By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

The reappointment of four hoteliers to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council July 27 was a drama in four votes. Of the nine seats on the council appointed by county commissioners, four are allocated to owners or general managers of short-term accommodations. The hoteliers whose four-year terms expired June 30 — Ed Chiles of Waterline Hotel in Holmes Beach, Eric Carnes of Cedar Cove in Holmes Beach, Rahul Patel of Red Roof Inn in Ellenton and Jiten Patel of Holiday Inn SRQ in Sarasota — applied for reappointment. France Langan of the Compass Hotel by Margaritaville on Perico Island, Marlene Masson of Anna Maria Island Resorts in Bradenton Beach and Michael Wilcox of Casa Coconut AMI in Holmes Beach also applied for seats on the TDC, which directs funds raised from the 5% bed tax on accommodations of six months or less for related tourism projects and programs. When county commissioners met July 27 after a six-week hiatus, without hesitation they unanimously voted to reappoint Chiles, who also owns three local restaurants and other enterprises, to a sixth term.

AMI TOURISM: Endless Season But when it came to the remaining seats, commissioners were not in lockstep. For the second seat, Commissioners Carol Whitmore and Misty Servia backed reappointing Cairns, but Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge nominated Wilcox and Commissioners James Satcher and Reggie Bellamy nominated Rahul Patel. Amid a flurry of back and forth comments that had Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh calling for order, Van Ostenbridge called Wilcox “a good conservative Republican” who shared his opinion regarding restoring public parking in Holmes Beach to pre-pandemic levels — an issue that has escalated between county and city officials since Van Ostenbridge took office in November 2020. Servia, who also serves as TDC chair, cut through the debate to say she intended to back reappointment of the incumbents, adding that all had done excellent work on the council.

Satcher withdrew his nomination for Rahul Patel and Cairns was appointed to a second term by a show of hands by all commissioners except Van Ostenbridge. For the third seat, Rahul Patel was nominated and appointed by unanimous vote to serve his first full term as an appointed board member, having taken over in January after Barbara Baker retired as general manager of Anna Maria Island Resorts in Bradenton Beach. When it came time for the fourth appointment, Van Ostenbridge renewed his nomination for Wilcox, which was backed by Commissioner George Kruse. However, Servia nominated Jiten Patel, who was reappointed by a majority vote. After the votes, Satcher suggested commissioners consider adding two additional hotelier seats to the TDC. The matter will be discussed at an undetermined date.

On the calendar The TDC will meet at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16, at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave., W., Bradenton. The TDC includes Servia, vice-chair Vernon DeSear, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown, Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, Jack Rynerson, Chiles, Cairns, Jiten Patel and Rahul Patel. For more about the TDC, contact Monica Luff at out a call in February, seeking suggestions for uses of 941-729-9177 or monica.luff@bacvb.com. the larger of the pier buildings. Mote’s outreach and education center emerged as the favored option. COMPILED BY KANE KAIMAN In March, Murphy and Mote CEO Dr. Michael AMI Chamber Crosby signed a memorandum of understanding. Murphy requested $500,000 funding from the SAVE THE DATES Manatee County Tourist Development Council, which Aug. 12, networking luncheon, Boneﬁsh Grill, Bradenton. recommends spending for funds raised from a 5% bed Aug. 26, business card exchange, Bridge Tender Inn & Docktax on accommodations of six months or less. side Bar, Bradenton Beach. County commissioners approved the budget item Sept. 9, sunrise breakfast, Wicked Cantina, Bradenton June 8. Beach. Murphy signed an interlocal agreement for the Sept. 23, business card exchange, Compass Hotel, Perico funding July 8 and, in August, county commissioners Island. are expected to vote on the document.

AM Pier-Mote operation could open in December The path is paved for Mote Marine to ring in 2022 on the Anna Maria City Pier with a possible December or January opening of an education center. The next step is for Mote officials and Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy to negotiate a lease and plan the buildout for the 1,800 square-foot building at the T-end of the pier at 100 S. Bay Blvd. Murphy told The Islander July 29 that negotiations are underway and “we’re looking for a completion date of December or January.” After negotiations to bring a sit-down restaurant to the pier failed, Murphy and city commissioners put

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·S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

2ESIDENTIAL #OMMERCIAL 6ACATION (OME #LEANING

SAVE THE DATE Sept. 14, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce East Meets West Regional Business Expo, Robarts Arena, Sarasota. Fees may apply for events. For more information, go online to eastmeetswestexpo.com or contact the chamber at 941-383-2466.

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#ALL 6ERUSHKA AT OR E MAIL 6ERUSHKA ALLIN HOME COM WWW ALLIN HOME COM

Same location for 47 years!

360195-1

During July and August get $20 back via prepaid Visa card with qualifying purchase of NAPA Batteries, Starters and Alternators, after rebate if you wish, give back a portion up to its entirety, to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund Valid at both NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores and participating NAPA AutoCare Centers. Offer valid July 1- August 31, 2021. Claim ONLINE ONLY at NAPARebates.com by September 15, 2021. This offer is only valid to US residents. Limit of two (2) Battery rebates and a limit of one (1) Starter and Alternator rebate per customer or household/address. *Cards issued by Bank of America, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa Inc.These cards are not credit cards and expire six (6) months from issue and have no value after that date. See your cardholder agreement and associated materials for details.Void where prohibited.

5608 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, 34217

(NEXT TO DOMINOS PIZZA) 941-896-7898 • GROOMSAUTO.COM

Don’t forget! You can read it all online at islander.org

Aug. 4, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz

Kane Kaiman

AMI biz has limits

Exclusive ‘vaccess’ No vaccine — no service. Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, is requiring patrons be vaccinated for COVID-19. You’re on the honor system, though. Due to a Florida prohibition against government entities and businesses requesting concrete proof of vaccination, Beach Bistro staff cannot Kaiman demand to see your papers. However, according to owner Sean Murphy, they can ask if you’ve been vaccinated when you call to make a reservation. And you’ll need to answer in the affirmative to get a time slot, Murphy said. Otherwise, no soup for you! For more information, visit beachbistro.com or call 941-778-6444. ‘Sandbarred’ from entry You can dine at The Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria — but it’s got to be on the deck. The eatery reopened in May 2020 after the pandemic lockdown but the dining room stayed closed. Sandbar representatives did not respond to calls by The Islander’s press time Aug. 2. We’ll sweat it out until we know more. For more information, visit sandbardining.com or call 941-778-0444. The 2 Rs of real estate

Salty Buddha Paddle & Yoga Co. owners Rachael Croll, left, and Andrea Miller show off their new studio space July 30 at 119 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. They will hold a grand opening Aug. 8.

Location’s great, but reliability and relationships are the key to business, according to Darcie Duncan, owner of Duncan Real Estate in Anna Maria. Her company celebrated its 20-year anniversary July 13 — an achievement she chalks up to knowing the business, knowing the island like the back of her hand and working with ethics and integrity. Duncan said she’s looking to another 20 years of delivering on her promises and building personal bonds — two things that never go out of style. For more information, visit the office at 310 Pine Ave., email info@teamduncan.com or call 941-7790304. Nama-stay limber

$2 @ The Islander 315 58th St., HB.

Chantelle Lewin

With class offerings for all skill levels, a new Anna Maria Island yoga studio is poised to demonstrate its flexibility. Salty Buddha Paddle & Yoga Co. is hosting a grand opening celebration — with live music, food and libations — 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at its new studio, 119 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Salty Buddha, offering beach and paddleboard yoga since 2017, has found a home, said owners Rachael Croll and Andrea Miller. “When we walked into the space, we knew immediately this was it. It had the right vibe,” Miller said. Yoga does more than loosen up the body, Croll and Miller said — it prompts people to slow down, be deliberate and switch off “autopilot” mode. To begin aligning your chakras, visit saltybuddhaco.com or call 941-209-8848. Meal in a time capsule The Porch Restaurant is a time machine. Artifacts and hundred-year-old documents adorn the walls and the historic building — delivered to Anna Maria Island by barge in 1912 — elicits memories of a simpler time, a sweatier, more dangerous time — before AC and anti-venom — when the island was “nothing but palm trees, sand and rattlesnakes,” according to Porch proprietor Paul Foster. But the eatery, 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, provides more than a taste of history. The menu — which includes steaks and dry-aged pork — is turf over surf, and every dish is made from scratch. History buffs and foodies alike can enjoy what The Porch has to offer — all in a cool, comfortable, atmosphere — original stone fireplace and all. For more information, go to theporchami.com or call 941-782-8683. Welcome We join the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce in welcoming four new members in July: Brookdale Palma Sola of Bradenton, AV-Waves of Oldsmar, Jennifer Wilcox/Preferred Shore Realty of Sarasota and North Shore Cafe of Anna Maria. For more information, go to annamariaislandchamber.org or call 941-778-1541. And as always… …Got biz news? Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@ islander.org or call The Islander at 941-778-7978.

When it comes to buying or selling your home, Please, CALL ME FIRST! LISTING INVENTORY IS LOW! Let my 30-plus years of experience work for you.

Broker Associate Licensed since 1983

—

Chantelle

941.713.1449

WWW.CHANTELLELEWIN.COM

Darcie Duncan, front, second from left, founder of Duncan Real Estate, celebrates the company’s 20-year anniversary with her team July 13 at The Doctor’s Office in Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photos

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0REMIER 3OTHEBY S )NTERNATIONAL 2EALTY\ "ROOK 3T 3UITE \!SHEVILLE .# CELL \ SARAH THOMAS MOORE PREMIERSIR COM SARAHTHOMAS MOORE PREMIERSOTHEBYSREALTY COM

Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 4, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

HELP WANTED

BEAuTIFuL NEW HICKORY chair, sofa and loveseat with washable slipcovers. Neutral color. Foam core with feather down, optimal wearability. Sofa, 80-inch, length loveseat, 72-inch, length. $650. 941-704-3633

ANTIQuE OFFICE CHAIRS: Perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from Anna Maria City Hall. Inquire at The Islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

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

CHANDELIER: BROWN METAL, hardware, $50, black car roof rack for bikes, kayaks, $45, keyboards, $10. 941-920-2494.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE INDIVIDuALS MAY PLACE one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander. org, fax toll-free 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

ELECTRONIC LOCK FOR front door. Vacation rentals, $150-$190. orinocomarketing@ outlook.com. CHILD’S BEgINNERS 12-inch wheel Huffy bike, $10, graco stroller, $15. 321-4086148.

ANNOUNCEMENTS WANTED: WORKOuT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

ANTIQuE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. More ads = more readers in The Islander.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance. Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming. LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FREE guN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe. GARAGE SALES

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

CBC 1253471

WANTED: YOuR OLD cellphone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

MOVINg SALE: 9 a.m. - noon Friday, Aug. 6. Appliances, furniture and art. 827 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria. LOST & FOUND

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet

LOST gOLD WEDDINg band. Beer Can Island, south of first rock groin shallows. Reward. 941-504-0526. PETS HELP RESCuED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

Bobby is a 3-monthold, male pup and he’s as precious as can be! He’s looking for a loving family. To meet this cutie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander ofﬁce in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption or to adopt Bobby, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

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

PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT ISLANDER.ORG

KIDS FOR HIRE DEPENDABLE, RESPONSIBLE, FuN babysitter for hire. 13 years old, island local. Available in June. 941-526-9090. KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. SERVICES NEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com. IS YOuR HOME or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461. CLEANINg: VACATION, CONSTRuCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-744-7983. PRESSuRE WASHINg, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931. ISLAND PHOTOSHOOTS WITH gemma. Family, children, engagement, commercial. Instagram: @silvernestphoto. 805-5701415. NANNY, BABY/PETSITTINg, cleaning, organizing, errands, assistance. 20 years’ experience. Reliable and trustworthy, local. 805570-1415. BuSINESS-TO-BuSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840. BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228. The Islander is essential news for residents and visitors. Check out the website, islander. org.