The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, August 1, 2018 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Summer drama. 17

Organizing at AME. 23

Talking tax hikes. 8-9 The terns dream is real. Real hot. 6

AUG. 1, 2018 FREE

VOLUME 26, NO. 40

BB cell carrier asks, ‘Can you hear me now?’ 4 BB committee makes ballot recommendations. 5

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader opinions. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

Meetings

On the government calendar. 8 Make plans, save a date. 10

Happenings

Community activities, announcements. 11 Trees removed on Palma Sola Causeway. 14 Old pier cottage gets paint, repairs. 14 The ﬁnal straw. 15 Privateers celebrate Christmas in July. 16

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

Anna Maria ‘Rolls-Royce’ pier bids run too high

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Anna Maria had two bids in hand for the construction of a new city pier. However, city commissioners voted July 26 to throw them out and seek new bids. The vote was 5-0 on Mayor Dan Murphy’s recommendation. Speeler and Associates submitted a $3,762,875.60 bid for construction of the new pier, while ICON from Tampa submitted a $4,138,417.60 bid. Requests for bids were issued June 15 and due by July 13. Both bids exceeded the $2.5 million estimate for the project prepared for the city by Ayres Associates out of Tampa. Murphy met with both contractors and said there were some disparities between the estimates — even on the cost of pilings. Murphy said Speeler didn’t use Anna Maria’s unit pricing and instead used its own ﬁgures to reach its bid. The mayor said ICON looked at Anna Maria’s unit pricing for the materials and labor and said transport of materials is an issue. Barges might be needed to move material to the site. Murphy said ICON also noted that city speciﬁcations for the new pier are high qual-

By July 26, the Anna Maria City Pier had vanished from Tampa Bay. The entry sign, picnic areas and a boardwalk overlook remain. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice ity and expensive. estimates, but made only a small impact in “We are building a Rolls-Royce of a the bids. pier,” Murphy said. By throwing out the bids, the city posHe also said tariffs on steel and concrete sibly can get more input, as well as review PLEASE SEE PIER PAGE 2 put material prices beyond the original city

Top Notch HBPD honors dragracing intern. 18

Obituaries. 18 Streetlife. 20 High surf washes over turtle nests. 22 Indoor, outdoor soccer at center. 24 Hooking up around AMI. 25

ISL BIZ Edible bamboo. 26 CLASSIFIEDS. 28

PropertyWatch. 28

www.islander.org

Top Notch: Week 3, In flight

Doreen Steinhauser of Bradenton wins the third week of The Islander’s Top Notch photo contest with this image of an osprey with a fresh catch — a speckled trout. She took the photo in Bradenton. The photograph earns her an Islander “More-than-a mullet-wrapper” T-shirt and a spot as a ﬁnalist in the contest, which offers a grand prize of $100 from The Islander and an assortment of gift certiﬁcates from participating advertisers.

HB mayoral candidate changes story following challenges

By Jennifer Glenﬁeld Islander Reporter The open-book mayoral candidate in Holmes Beach has a shifting past. He went from a soldier serving in the ﬁrst Gulf War (at age 15) to Army service in the Gulf War era. Joshua Linney, a candidate in the Nov. 6 general election, has changed Linney details regarding his accomplishments and failures three times in the biography he submitted to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections to promote his campaign. Following a July 19 interview with The Islander about discrepancies in his bio, Linney replaced “deployed to Iraq” with PLEASE SEE CANDIDATE PAGE 2

2 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Speeler and Associates workers use a boat and a barge to remove the remainder of the Anna Maria City Pier walkway and pilings July 24. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Correction

In reporting discrepancies on biographical information submitted by Joshua Linney, candidate for mayor in Holmes Beach, the Islander erred on Linney’s disability compensation. Linney receives Veterans Disability Compensation, not Social Security. also, shoplifting charges reported as dismissed were withheld for adjudication, meaning rather than a finding of guilt, the person has an opportunity to complete terms, such as probation, set by the judge. Linney also disputes the number of felony charges on his record, while confirmation on various charges in six or more Florida counties is ongoing.

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CANdidAte CONtINueD FROM page 1 “deployed to the Middle east (Saudi arabia, Kuwait, Iraq).” the change appeared July 23 on his SOe candidate page. In that July 23 revision, he went from “I’ve spent my life working to overcome war,” to “I’m a gulf War veteran whose (sic) worked to overcome war.” that reference again changed July 28 after the July 24 Islander story was distributed online and in print. a day later, July 25, the Bradenton Herald published

LEFT: The T-end demolition at the Anna Maria City Pier wrapped up July 12. Islander Photo: Jack Elka PieR CONtINueD FROM page 1 a similar story under the banner: “Holmes Beach may- or revise specifications. Murphy said nine other contractors expressed oral candidate claims he’s a veteran of the first gulf War. He was 15.” the story was repeated in politico interest in the job. He estimated it would take another four months to and Stars and Stripes, a newspaper serving the u.S. complete the bidding. military community. and although the pier was closed and then diminLinney’s July 28 revision: “I’m a veteran of the gulf War period whose (sic) worked to overcome ished to pilings, leaseholder Mario Schoenfelder, whose rent already is suspended, was required to retain war….” according to the Department of Veterans affairs, insurance until the July 26 commission meeting, when for benefit eligibility purposes, the gulf War period commissioners voted 5-0 to waive the insurance. the requirement will remain waived until conis still in effect. “anyone who served on active duty from aug. 2, 1990, to present is considered a gulf War struction of a new pier is completed. Schoenfelder leased the pier in august 2000, and veteran,” according to the online Va benefits page. However, according to Florida state statute, to be his contract expires in December 2020. anna Maria pays the insurance on parking and the considered a “wartime veteran” during the persian gulf War, the veteran must have served aug. 2, 1990-Jan. 2, shoreline property at the city pier. 1992. Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm were aug. 2, 1990-July 31, 1991. pages are only reviewed to ensure the photos include While Linney admittedly did not see combat, he only the candidate and that they do not make negative received a bronze star for his deployment, according comments about an opponent. to his discharge papers. the bronze star indicates his “I only want to be accurate, not misleading. So I’m campaign was Southwest asia Cease-Fire. trying to take this as a learning experience,” Linney Sharon Stief, chief deputy at the Manatee County stated in a July 28 email to the Islander. “I was cerSupervisor of elections, said candidates can change tainly never interested to deceive anyone or pretend to their biographies or photos as often as they like. the be something I’m not.”

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 1, 2018 n 3

Anna Maria gives notice to FEMA on alleged fraud By Ryan paice Islander Reporter anna Maria is reaching out to the Federal emergency Management agency about alleged fraud by a local contractor on the substantial improvement regulations. the issue arose with litigation winding through the 12th Circuit Court in the case of L. Martin and threse Quinn Hurbi v. Wash Family Construction. City attorney Becky Vose learned of the dispute and brought it to Mayor Dan Murphy and the commission in July. the commission voted 4-0 July 12, with Commissioner Brian Seymour abstaining, to approve a resolution directing Murphy to contact FeMa and to investigate the Hurbi permit for 759 N. Shore Drive and others. In the matter of Hurbi v. Wash, Hurbiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney researched 25 jobs that were permitted for improvements under the 50 percent rule by Wash. acting building official Luke Curtis emailed FeMa mitigation specialist Collis Brown July 25 asking for guidance and to report on the Hurbi case. Curtis gave information on the alleged FeMa substantial improvement fraud at multiple anna Maria

Property at 759 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, which is the subject of a homeowner versus contractor dispute, also is getting attention as possible FEMA fraud. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

properties for which Wash allegedly collected fees from property owners based on construction estimates for renovation projects, but submitted lower estimates to the city. Brown replied July 25 in an email to Curtis, acknowledging the city resolution and stating the â&#x20AC;&#x153;issues described will probably require additional information â&#x20AC;Ś and discussion.â&#x20AC;? Steve Martin of the Florida Bureau of Mitigation also wrote to Brown and Curtis July 25, saying he and another staff member would be available to meet in anna Maria aug. 6-10. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We fully support the city taking action to deal with this unfortunate situation,â&#x20AC;? wrote Martin. By reporting lower construction estimates to the city, the contractor could avoid FeMaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50 percent rule to make more improvements to ground-level homes than would otherwise be permitted. Wash then allegedly billed Hurbi for a substantially larger amount than the project permit evaluation. Obtaining a building permit requires submitting costs for labor and materials, which sets an amount the contractor cannot exceed on the project. But Wash submitted permits for a 31 percent remodel, which falls under the 35 percent threshold that would require submission of invoices and receipts to verify actual costs. the FeMa substantial improvement rule, or the 50 percent rule, applies to pre-FIRM buildings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; those built prior to the existence of the Flood Insurance Rate Map in 1975. the rule requires a substantial designation for any project on a pre-FIRM building exceeding 50 percent of the building value for remodeling, renovation or improvement. Building value costs include structural costs, finished materials, flooring, interior finishes and more. permit costs are not included. When a project is deemed a substantial improvement, it is required to comply with the National Flood program, which can result in elevation of a ground-

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Top Notch Islander photo contest week 4 deadline Aug. 3

the Islanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top Notch contest is accepting cover photos. top Notch celebrates what still is known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kodak moment,â&#x20AC;? despite the widespread switch from film to digital technology. Look to aug. 3 to make the next deadline for email photo entries. the contest includes six weekly front-page winners. each will claim an Islander â&#x20AC;&#x153;More than a mullet wrapperâ&#x20AC;? t-shirt or coffee mug. One weekly shot will take the top prize in the top Notch contest, earning the photographer a cash prize from the Islander and certificates from local merchants. a pet photo winner is announced in the final week. Look online this week for complete rules and details. 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 address and phone number for the photographer. More rules â&#x20AC;&#x201D; published online at www. islander.org â&#x20AC;&#x201D; must be observed. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bonner Joy level structure. Vose is awaiting the results of the Hurbi case to guide the city. and city officials hope to get further input from FeMa on the investigation before taking any action.

4 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Bradenton Beach dock ready to ship, city concerns linger By Chrisann Silver esformes Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach has waited more than a year for a new floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street pier. and shipment is pending. In a July 23 email to Bradenton Beach police Chief Sam Speciale, the lead contact on the project and pier team chair, Ryan Miller, chief operating officer for dock contractor technomarine, attached paperwork indicating the dock was to ship July 28 from Spain. It then would take four weeks to arrive at port everglades in Fort Lauderdale. the March 2017 Community Redevelopment agency-technomarine contract provides for completion by Sept. 12. However, city treasurer Shayne thompson noted the bill of lading provided with Miller’s email was unsigned and lacked a shipping date. the contract between technomarine and the Bradenton Beach CRa provides for staged payments, including when the dock ships, but technomarine is requesting a $29,691 payment before shipping takes place, according to thompson. thompson told technomarine representatives the CRa will only issue a check upon receipt of a completed bill of lading. technomarine representative anna Bennett responded by sending another unsigned BOL, indicating the CRa will receive a signed BOL when the dock ships. “that’s just the way it works,” she wrote.

The gangway at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach awaits a floating dock to service tour boats and their patrons and other visitors arriving by boat. Islander File Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

additionally, she suggested the CRa send technomarine a postdated check. thompson responded that the “city is not in the practice of issuing postdated checks,” but would expedite the check once they receive proof of shipment. as of press time for the Islander, technomarine had not responded to thompson. the company received the city’s deposit of $29,995 in april 2017 and two more payments. after the payment of $29,691 is made, the remaining balance on the dock will be $9,288, due to technomarine within 30 days of installation.

the total cost for the dock is $119,980 — half of which was matched by Manatee County tourist development tax dollars. “at this point, we’re still moving forward with hopes this project is soon brought to completion,” Speciale said July 24. the most recent of four delayed schedules from technomarine indicates installation will be carried out by Sept. 12. the next Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment agency meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, aug. 1, at city hall, 107 gulf Drive N.

Repairs made, carrier added to Bradenton Beach cell tower

By Chrisann Silver esformes Islander Reporter at&t wireless customers in Bradenton Beach can hear you now. Nearly five months after plans were announced to install the carrier, at&t antennas were added to the cell tower on Highland avenue in Bradenton Beach. Starting July 13, workers for cell tower owner SBa Communications Corporation used a crane to reach the top of the tower and install six antennas. the location of the antennas near the top of the tower should lead to better reception for at&t customers, according to Bradenton Beach police Chief Sam Speciale. Bradenton Beach leases city land to SBa and Speciale is the contact for the city. after reported 17.9-mph wind gusts July 21 and

July 22 caused some panels on the tower to appear damaged, Bradenton Beach Marina owner Mike Bazzy contacted the city July 23 with concerns that the panels could fall and injure people or damage boats at the marina, which is adjacent to the tower at 402 Church ave. N. “Over the weekend, I tracked wind gusts at 17.9 mph,” Bazzy said July 23. “that’s not even high winds and it looked like it was blowing apart again.” He wrote Bradenton Beach public works director tom Woodard, who emailed SBa representatives about the tower, saying: “We have experienced high winds this weekend and are concerned about the damage that has occurred to the tower.” according to Woodard, workers were repairing panels on the tower July 24. When Hurricane Irma blew by Sept. 10, 2017, the storm took down a 4-by-12-foot section of tower paneling, which landed on a boat in the marina. a reinforced locking system was installed on the tower in February. the tower, constructed in September 2014, provides revenue to the city. at&t was planning to be a provider in 2014, however, according to a spokesperson at the time, at&t’s purchase of DirecttV derailed that plan.

the city received a $320,000 advance payment in June 2014 from the tower’s builder, Florida tower partners of Bradenton. the city receives quarterly payments amounting to 30 percent of SBa’s tower antenna revenues. In 2017, the city received $1,093.48 in cell tower revenue from carriers Cingular, now defunct, and Verizon Wireless, the other carriers on the tower. as of July 27, the city had received $2,134.02 in revenue in 2018. Panels on the Bradenton Beach cell tower appear damaged July 23, following reported winds of 17.9 mph or more July 21 and July 22. Islander Photo: Courtesy Mike Bazzy

Anna Maria to shape landscape ordinance changes

Workers with SBA Communications Corp. repair panels July 24 on the cell tower in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

By Ryan paice Islander Reporter anna Maria commissioners want to reshape their landscaping ordinance, but with the help of an expert. Meeting July 24, commissioners agreed they should consult with an arborist to determine the future of the ordinance. they did, however, discuss some possible changes. City code calls for at least six native trees with a minimum of three species for every platted lot or parcel, but larger buildings leave little room for that number of trees. Commissioners agreed on reducing the requirement but want more information before settling on the specifics. also, Commissioner amy tripp wants to change the ordinance to replace “native” with “Floridafriendly.” Native trees are species that grew in the area or ecosystem before european colonization. Florida-friendly plants are determined by the university of Florida and the Institute of Food and agri-

cultural Sciences extension Florida-Friendly Landscaping program. tripp also wants to address the use of white plastic fences, saying they seem out of place in anna Maria. Commissioners Carol Carter and Brian Seymour agreed. However, Commissioner Dale Woodland raised concerns about enforcement and city attorney Becky Vose said fencing would be better addressed in a separate ordinance. While the meeting was held to explore possibilities before the need arises to pay a consultation, a fee in exchange for expertise might not be necessary. Commissioner Doug Copeland received authority to seek advice from Michelle atkinson, the Floridafriendly landscaping coordinator for Manatee County, who he said “would be obligated to give us information.” We should be able to arrange a meeting to exchange information, he said. “We have our opinions. We have our various degrees of knowledge. and I know this is the year of not trusting experts, but they certainly have a place to at least give us some information,” Copeland said.

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 1, 2018 n 5

BB charter committee wraps up ballot recommendations By Chrisann Silver esformes Islander Reporter It came down to the wire. after nearly 15 hours of meetings over two months, the Bradenton Beach ad hoc charter review committee finalized its recommendations July 23 to the city charter. the committee asked city attorney Ricinda perry to formalize its recommendations in a report for the city commission. the commission determines which recommendations will go before the electorate. any charter amendments must be approved by the commission and submitted to the Manatee County Supervisor of elections Office by aug. 28 in order to appear on the Nov. 6 ballot. the committee — chair Mary Bell, vice chair anne Leister and members Debra Cox, Randy Milton and Dan Morhaus — reviewed consistency for the charter changes approved by voters in 2017, as well as amendments proposed for the Nov. 6 ballot by the political action committee, Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods. the committee’s recommendations include a return to the four-ward system — eliminated in 2017 — with a commissioner from each ward selected in a citywide vote. until a charter amendment in 2017 removed the ward system, the city was divided into four geographic voting wards with about 200 voters per ward. Four wards of equal blocs of voters were established by the city charter and defined by the SOe in 1976, according to the population base at the time. under the 2017 amendment, commissioners can reside anywhere in the city. Commission candidate tjet Martin, who attended the CRC meetings, asked perry what would happen if she and candidate John Metz — who both live in what was Ward 4 — are elected to the two open seats. perry said the rules at the time of election stand, so both candidates would take office.

the recommendation to return to four wards will include an updated distribution of voters defined by the SOe. the CRC also opted to support the weak-mayor form of government over a city manager form of government, which is proposed by KORN for the November ballot. the CRC also considered KORN’s two proposals for land-use matters: a prohibition on multilevel parking garages and elimination of construction — other than stormwater retention — in setbacks. perry and city engineer Lynn Burnett told the committee that land-use matters are better addressed in the comprehensive plan and land development code. the committee reached consensus on the intent of the two proposed amendments, and agreed the changes could be beneficial, but supported keeping the restrictions in the comp plan and LDC. according to the city charter, vacancies on the city commission are filled by appointment. another KORN amendment proposes vacancies be filled by election. perry told the committee that without appointments it would be hard to fill vacancies in office. She said commission seats could remain open until an election, which could be detrimental to the city’s workflow. She added that filling a seat by special election can be costly, and said the last special election cost nearly $10,000. Committee members agreed to retain appointments for open commission seats unless an official decides to resign to run for another position, which would allow for a candidate on the subsequent ballot rather than an appointment. additionally, the committee is recommending that

candidates provide two of four documents for proof of residency — a driver’s license, voter registration card and water or electric bill or similar document — which would be incorporated into an ordinance. Currently, residency is not defined in the charter. the commission will consider perry’s report of the charter review committee recommendations, which would be incorporated into an ordinance with two public hearings and two votes before the aug. 28 SOe deadline.

In-person early voting begins Aug. 18

In-person early voting for the Florida primary will begin aug. 18 in Manatee County the primary will be tuesday, aug. 28, and includes federal and state races, as well as some local contests. Domestic vote by mail ballots for the primary were mailed July 24, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of elections Office. Overseas and military ballots were mailed July 13. early primary voting at select locations will continue through Saturday, aug. 25, but will not be held on the island. the polling place nearest the island will be the county utilities administration office, 4410 66th St. W. Hours will be 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Registration for the Nov. 6 general election will close Oct. 9. Floridians can check their registration status, register to vote or update their registration through the Florida Department of State’s online voter registration website at registertovoteflorida.gov. For more information, go online to votemanatee.com or call the elections office at 941-7413823.

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6 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Hot under the collar

It’s official. We’re proclaiming the Dog Days of Summer are upon us and global warming is making it all worse. For certain, the Old Farmer’s almanac puts the blame for the heat squarely on the Dog Star. It’s named Sirius. Nothing to do with the radio network, but meaning “scorched” in greek. ancient folks thought the rising of Sirius with the Sun caused the august swelter. Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, if you don’t count the Sun. under the right conditions, it can be seen by day — one star in a group that form the constellation Canis Major, meaning “greater Dog.” It’s no surprise, then, that the nickname of this big, bold star is Dog Star. according to the almanac, due to a very slow wobble of earth’s axis, the Dog Star rises later than it did in ancient times. Its ascension no longer coincides with the start of the Nile flood (the river is now controlled by the aswan Dam), but Sirius still makes its appearance on the hottest summer days. across the globe, it’s hotter year by year. So how do we beat the heat? I’m thankful for air conditioning. and shade. I’d rather walk a mile to the store or my front door than park my car in the blazing sun. I walk my dogs at dawn and dusk so they don’t burn the pads on their little feet. this past Friday I watched a young couple leave one of the shops near my office at about 5 p.m. with two shoeless little kids. as they left the sidewalk for the parking lot, the kids began to scream. Really, screaming, their faces turning red. Dad began fussing along with the mom, who yanked the little boy off his feet and I was pretty sure she was gonna smack him before she caught me eyeing them. the boy — about 2 — was writhing. the girl, maybe 4 or 5, was pleading and crying, and dad was taking his time getting in the car. the mom was oblivious, and in no hurry to relieve the kids or put them in the car. they surely developed blisters on their feet. In response to her blank stare, I said, “Your children are crying because their feet are burning.” She Good luck, Doc escalated the heat with her response as I turned to my Dr. John F. Norman, DDS, is retiring. weapon against stupidity. I shot a photo of their auto Who is Doc Norman? tag. BOLO for JKa-I55. He has practiced dentistry on anna Maria Island “Hello, HBpD? I’d like to report child abuse ....” for more than 40 years. I’m still hot under the collar, wishing HBpD could He exhibited a caring and honest attitude toward pour on s anna Maria mayor rejects building official his patients that is difficult to find in the medical procandidates fession today. the search for an anna Maria building official will there was many a time he worked pro bono — for go on, possibly to the end of 2018. fish or stone crab claws. aside from being a genuine human being, he also AUG. 1, 2018 • Vol. 26, No. 40 was a Marine medevac pilot in Vietnam, a generous ▼ Publisher and Editor employer and is a serious dog-lover. Bonner Joy, news@islander.org So, from all the healthy teeth on the island, good ▼ Editorial luck Doc, and thanks for making anna Maria a little We’re campaigning for a friendlier, kinder, gentler Lisa Neff, copy editor attitude toward guests, visitors, vacationers and all Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org bit more special. Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist who come to love Anna Maria Island. “We’re Glad Mark Claire, Holmes Beach Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org You’re Here” originated in the 1980s with a resJack Elka, jack@jackelka.com taurant trade group. We believe Anna Maria Island ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Jennifer Glenﬁeld, jennifer@islander.org needs this type of attitude — one that makes everyRyan Paice, ryan@islander.org one feel welcome. — The Islander

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THE ISLANDER n Aug. 1, 2018 n 7

Class of 19??

The caption for this archival photo is “Mrs. H.H. Higgins class at Anna Maria Elementary School,” but the photo is not dated. Can you help us identify the year and any of the students? Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library Digital Collection

Smooth sailing

A sailboat glides through the bascule opening on the Intracoastal Waterway from the Gulf of Mexico to Sarasota Bay at the Longboat Pass Bridge that traverses from Longboat Key to Bradenton Beach at Coquina Beach. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

10&20 years ago In the headlines: July 29, 1998

• a lawsuit filed against Holmes Beach by gte Mobilnet and Smith Realtors over construction of a cell tower at the Smith building at 5904 Marina Drive ended when a federal judge signed a consent order. the order required the city to not interfere with construction of the tower and issue all permits and approvals to operate the tower. • Bradenton Beach city commissioners agreed to a $1.915 million budget that maintained the city’s ad valorem tax rate at 2.5508, gave $505,000 to operate the city’s police department and increased garbage collection fees by 20 percent. • Holmes Beach police were searching for a man who robbed the First National Bank of Manatee at 5324 gulf Drive of an undisclosed amount of cash during the bank’s afternoon rush hour. the bank teller involved told police the suspect handed her a note saying he had a gun and demanded her cash.

In the headlines: July 30, 2008

• as Hurricane Dolly socked South texas, the storm sent rip currents to anna Maria Island’s gulf coast. Manatee County lifeguards handled more than 20 rescues in a few days. • the anna Maria Island Community Center’s Fishing tournament began with a captain’s meeting at St. Bernard Catholic Church, brought fishers to anna Maria City pier for a day and concluded with a banquet at the center. The weekly archives for The Islander can be found online ufdc.ufl.edu. Archived stories can be found online at islander.org.

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8 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Anna Maria heads toward tax hike By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Anna Maria property taxes are on the rise. City commissioners voted 5-0 July 26 to set the tentative millage rate at 2.05 for the 2018-19 fiscal year. The current ad valorem rate of 2.05 yielded $2,037,798 for the 2017-18 fiscal year. If commissioners keep the millage rate the same, at 2.05 for 201819, estimates project a $2,245,437 yield — a $207,639 increase in revenue and spending. Mayor Dan Murphy recommended the city keep the millage rate at 2.05, at least until the finalization of the budget. Murphy Murphy said if there are excess funds going into the new fiscal year, the city could instead go with the rollback rate of 1.8911. The rollback rate would yield $2,071,388. The rollback rate would generate the same ad valorem revenue as the current year. Millage is the percent of $1,000 of property value used to calculate property taxes. The owner of a property appraised at $400,000 with a 2.05 millage rate would pay $820 in property taxes. The owner of a property appraised at $400,000 with a 1.8911 rollback rate would pay $756.44 in property taxes. The total appraised taxable value of Anna Maria properties is $1,094,718,024, with $19,008,031 in new construction. Murphy said commissioners can always go down in millage, but the rate can not be raised after the tentative millage is set. Murphy reviewed proposed revenues and expenditures. Thanks to funding for the Anna Maria City Pier demolition and construction, total revenue for the new budget year is $7,733,042.66, an increase of $3,548,074.21 from 2017-18. Pier funding, grants, donations and state appropriations account for $2,453,865.80 of that rise. Murphy said he expects the Federal Emergency Management Agency to award the city $1 million for the pier. He requested about $1.8 million. Commissioner Brian Seymour asked if the city could use reserves for pier costs if FEMA did not allocate money in time — or at all. Murphy said reserves could cover costs, but it would be a hit for the $3,497,279 reserve account at the end of the current fiscal year. For the 2018-19 fiscal year, Anna Maria will get $791,665 in total intergovernmental revenue, an increase of 46 percent from $542,725.89 in 201718. Intergovernmental revenue is money from gas and sales taxes, due in part to a half-cent raise in sales tax by Manatee County renewed in 2016. The money raised from the sales tax increase is allocated to roads, parks and other infrastructure. The city projects a 31 percent increase in revAnna Maria budget by the numbers: Revenue 2017-18FY 2018-19FY Fines, Forfeitures $109,446.32 $143,000 Franchise Fees $147,335.52 $157,000 Interest $28,651.97 $35,000 Intergovernmental $542,725.89 $791,665 City Pier $7,750 $3,458,865.80 Miscellaneous $1,294,010.76 $4,330,660.66 /Carryover Donations etc. $25,000 $30,280 Taxes $2,037,798 $2,245,437 Total Revenues $4,184,968.45 $7,733,042.66 Expenses 2017-18FY Administration $597,861.57 Commission $80,568.24 Parks and Recreation $361,297 Public Safety $940,305.84 Public Works $528,224.29 Total Expenses $2,508,256.94

2018-19FY $644,418.98 $81,700 $407,889 $952,656.77 $545,366.44 $2,632,031.19

budget talks

enue from fines and forfeitures — from the current $109,446.32 to $143,000 in 2018-19. Murphy said the estimate was based on the addition of two deputies, who have been effective in assessing fines and tickets. Meanwhile, expenses for sheriff’s services will rise 1 percent, from $940,305.84 to $952,656.77. “Even though we have two more deputies, last year, the number of $940,305 included two deputies for six months,” Murphy said. “This number, $952,656, includes two deputies for the entire year, and yet only a 1 percent increase. “The reason for that is we’re getting younger deputies out here who can run faster and chase bad guys quicker — and don’t get paid as much,” Murphy said. The city will earn an estimated $35,000 in interest revenue, an increase of 22 percent over this year. Meanwhile, total expenses will rise 5 percent — or $124,225.75 — to $2,632,031.19. Parks and recreation expenses will increase $46,592 or 13 percent, the largest spending bump. According to Murphy, the increase is for improvements to city parks and the expansion of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society museum grounds. Operating expenses will increase 6 percent — $5,863.60 — including new software that automates payroll and bookkeeping. Wages for commissioners and the mayor will remain the same at $4,800 and $19,400 a year, respectively. However, some city employees will receive raises. Administrative salaries and wages will increase from $271,548.12 to $281,337.98 to fill a part-time position and cover a 3 percent raise. Public works salaries and wages will increase 5 percent, from $376,904.81 to $393,866.44. Budget meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, and Thursday, Aug. 23 — 30 minutes before regular commission meetings. The first public budget hearing will be 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, with the final public hearing and vote on the budget ordinance at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27.

HB property owners to see tax increase

By Jennifer Glenfield Islander Reporter Spending proposals are up in Holmes Beach along with the taxes to pay for the 2018-19 plans. Commissioners authorized Mayor Bob Johnson July 23 to sign and submit to the Manatee County Property Appraiser two forms that establish a tentative 2.25 millage rate for the 2018-19 fiscal year. The millage rate is a percentage that determines how much property owners pay in taxes based on property values. The rate is the same as last year, but it is a tax increase for property owners. Treasurer Lori Hill said setting the rate at 2.25 mills is a 6.83 percent increase over the rollback Hill rate — the rate that would generate the same amount of property tax revenues collected in the 2017-18 fiscal year. The rollback rate is 2.1062. Establishing the millage rate is the first step in the budget process. In August, the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s office will send property owners a TRIM notice, or the property’s taxable value. Taxes owed are based on the assessed value, less exemptions, times the millage rate of all the districts in the county where the property is located. Commissioner Carol Soustek moved to approve the 2.25 millage rate and Commissioner Rick Hurst seconded the motion. Commissioners approved the rate. Commission Chair Judy Titsworth was absent. Property tax revenue is expected to top $4 million, a 7.8 percent increase from this fiscal year. The city commission is considering a $15,450,809 budget that would begin Oct. 1 if approved. The proposed budget is just over $2 million more than the 2017-18 budget. The additional spending would be on three new staffers, a license plate recognition system for the police department, improvements at city field and insurance policies for employees’ health benefits and policies maintained by the Florida League of cities. The budget, in the form of an ordinance, will have two public hearings and two votes before it becomes final and the new fiscal year begins. Please see HB Budget, Next page

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Meetings

Aug. 28, 6 p.m., city commission. Aug. 30, 6 p.m., city commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

Anna Maria City Aug. 9, 6 p.m., city commission. Aug. 14, 2 p.m., city commission. West Manatee Fire Rescue Aug. 14, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. None announced. Aug. 23, 6 p.m., city commission. WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. Sept. 11, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. Sept. 13, 6 p.m., city commission. Sept. 27, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941- Manatee County Aug. 2, 9 a.m., county commission (land use). 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Aug. 7, 9 a.m., county commission. Aug. 21, 9 a.m., county commission. Bradenton Beach Aug. 23, 9 a.m., county commission (land Aug. 1, 9 a.m., CIP. CANCELED use). Aug. 1, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Aug. 1, 11 a.m., pier team. Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Aug. 1, 2 p.m., Scenic WAVES. Aug. 2, 6 p.m., city commission. Of interest Aug. 7, 10 a.m., city commission. Aug. 20, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist DevelAug. 9, 1 p.m., department heads. opment Council, the Center of Anna Maria Island, Aug. 15, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Aug. 16, noon, city commission. Sept. 3 is Labor Day. Most government offices Aug. 21, 10 a.m., city commission. will be closed, as will The Islander office. Also, govAug. 27, 9 a.m., city commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., ernment-related services, such as waste collection, may be delayed. 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. Sept. 10, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Anna Maria City Hall. Holmes Beach Send notices to calendar@islander.org and Aug. 14, 6 p.m., city commission. news@islander.org. Aug. 16, 6 p.m., city commission.

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 1, 2018 n 9

A crash by an alleged drunk driver June 9 resulted in damage to two HBPD vehicles and the driver’s Lincoln SUV (right). Islander Photos: Courtesy HBPD

HBPD vehicle totaled, chief requests a replacement

HB Budget CONtINueD FROM page 8 the public hearings for the budget ordinance are Driving drunk is bad. Hitting a police vehicle set for 6 p.m. thursday, Sept. 13, and 6 p.m. tuesday, while driving drunk is worse. Sept. 25. Holmes Beach police Chief Bill tokajer requested July 23 city comPaving projects continue missioners reallocate $50,000 from In other city news, ongoing paving and curbing the city’s public works debt service projects have been approved. a revised agreement to the police department to purchase between the city and Superior asphalt and Oneco a new truck. Concrete and asphalt allocates up to $130,208.75 Tokajer the new truck would replace and $67,130 respectively from the current fiscal year a 2014 F-150 police truck that was budget to complete projects that began in 2016. totaled June 9 when an alleged drunk driver rear-ended Holmes Beach city engineer Lynn Burnett said it while officers alan Bores and Josh Betts were conwhile the projects were initially approved in 2016, ducting a routine traffic stop. two police vehicles were the costs were too high to fund in one fiscal year. the on the scene at the time of the accident and, while one revised agreement, approved July 23, is the second was totaled, the other sustained several thousand dolrevision to the original 2016 agreement. lars worth of damages. paving work will be completed on sections of the Florida League of Cities, which insures Flotilla Drive, 54th, 55th, 56th, 79th and 83rd streets, the police vehicles, cut two checks to the city — as well as a maintenance yard near city hall. $24,642.16 for the totaled vehicle and $2,586.70 for New curbing is planned for the south side of 70th damages to the other. the checks were received July Street, east of Marina Drive. 24 and were deposited to the city’s general fund. per the agreement, work must be completed by tokajer said the new vehicle cost is $49,708.09. Sept. 30, before the start of the new fiscal year. tokajer said he hopes to recoup the rest of the the city commission will next meet at 6 p.m. money through the driver’s insurance company and tuesday, aug. 14, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. possible restitution from the driver.

the Holmes Beach police vehicles are leased for four years then purchased for $1 at the end of the lease. the vehicles are kept for eight years. Commissioners passed a first reading of the ordinance that would move the funds. they will hold a final reading and vote at their next regular meeting at 6 p.m. tuesday, aug. 14, at city hall 5801 Marina Drive. — Jennifer Glenfield See related story, “DUI crash injures officer, totals HBPD truck,” page 20.

Correction

In a story about the ongoing search for an anna Maria building official July 25, we reported that Mayor Dan Murphy said he had interviewed and rejected a number of applicants. among those interviewed was Jeffrey L. Massie of Coconut Creek, who says he interviewed twice and the mayor offered him a position that he “respectfully declined.” Murphy said July 30 that Massie’s application was viewed favorably, but no formal offer was made.

Tiki & Kitty’s

Let’s go shopping! tiki and Kitty are busy shopping for great values in their favorite spots. and the summer temps are making the air-conditioned stores inviting. tide & Moon on the Historic Bridge Street pier has a great selection of handmade jewelry by silversmith Laura Shely. also, check out the downtown Bradenton location at 1209 third ave. W., where you can learn to make jewelry, too. Be sure to stop often for the changing array of home decor, furnishings, jewelry, shoes and clothing for the entire family at Community thrift shop on Manatee avenue in Bradenton. It’s the spot for con-

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signment bargains, including books and collectibles. Kingberry estate Finds in palmetto offers home furnishings and decor, emphasizing quality, comfort and style at affordable prices. the estate inventory includes items for inside and outside your home. as an added bonus, you’ll find annie Sloan Chalk paint exclusively in Manatee County at Kingberry. and, be sure to check out scavengers Marketplace every third Friday of the month, from 4-7 p.m., come to the Sip & Shop event to help Moonracer No Kill animal Rescue. Wine, hors d’ oeuvre and savings. How can you lose? Please, be sure to tell our friends in the shops, “The Islander sent me.”

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10 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

ONGOING ON AMI

LOOKING AHEAD OF AMI

Oct. 20, Mote Marine Aquarium’s Night of Fish Fun and Fright, In August, Island Gallery West “Flora, Fins, Feathers and FlowSarasota. ers” window exhibit by Maria Sine, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. GAMES, SPORTS & In August, Artists’ Guild Gallery “It’s All About Water” window OUTDOORS exhibit, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND 6694. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI

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Sept. 20, Island Players 2018-19 season opens with “The Unexpected Guest,” Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941778-5755. Sept. 29, Anna Maria Island Privateers semi-formal “time machine” ball, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 931-6390986. Oct. 20, 18th annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1541. Nov. 10, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra Symphony on the Sand, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941795-2370. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Friday, Aug. 3 5:30-7 p.m. — Florida Maritime Museum reception for “Greek Communities of Tarpon Springs and the Bahamas: An Intertwined History,” 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6121. ONGOING OFF AMI

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Through Nov. 1, “First 5 Years of Art of Our Time,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Also, through Sept. 10, “250 Years of the Circus in Print.” Fee apples. Information: 941-359-5700. Through Aug. 19, “Things Come Apart” exhibit, South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Second Wednesdays, Think + Drink (science), South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m., Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. First Fridays, 6-9 p.m. ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays after the ﬁrst Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. Second Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941708-6120. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Sept. 9-Dec. 2, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s “French Art from the Horvitz Collection,” Sarasota. Sept. 15-Feb. 3, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s “Watercolors from the Permanent Collection,” Sarasota. Sept. 22, various venues, Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day with free admission. Information: smithsonianmag.com/museumday.

KIDS & FAMILY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Friday, Aug. 3 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots — Partners in Play, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesday, Aug. 7 10 a.m. — Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

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Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-7086130. Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (call for times) mahjong games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING OFF AMI First and third Wednesdays usually, Roser Memorial Community Church Golﬁng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414. Through Aug. 26, the Bradenton Marauders play home games at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-747-9442. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Sept. 8, Center of Anna Maria Island LaPensee Bowling Tournament, Bradenton.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Thursday, Aug. 2 2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. Wednesday, Aug. 8 Noon — Adult coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., veterans services assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. Second Fridays, 6 p.m., AMI Resident Community Connections, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-518-1965.

First Saturdays, Family Night at the Museum, South Florida LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: Sept. 28, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s William R. 941-746-4131. Mote Memorial Snook Shindig, Sarasota. Fourth Wednesdays, “Stelliferous Live” star talk, GOOD TO KNOW

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Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 1, 2018 n 11 WATCH BANDS • WATCH BATTERIES • SERVICE/REPAIRS

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August artist

Maria Sine is featured artist in August at Island Gallery West and exhibiting her acrylic paintings in “Flora, Fins, Feathers and Flowers.” Sine also is a retired art teacher. IGW is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the gallery 941-7786648. Islander Courtesy Photo

Tarpon Springs exhibit traveling to Cortez

the Florida Maritime Museum will host a traveling exhibit, “greek Communities of tarpon Springs and the Bahamas: an Intertwined History.” the opening reception will be 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, aug. 3, and feature a 30-minute lecture by exhibit curator tina Bucuvalas, as well as light refreshments. the museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more information or to RSVp for the reception, call the museum at 941-708-6121.

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Tickets available for Privateers semi-formal ball

the anna Maria Island privateers will host the “privateer time travel extravaganza” Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Center of anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria. tickets will cost $48. For tickets, go online to amiprivateers.memberlodge.org or call Kim “Syren” Boyd at 931639-0986.

Shore Thing Weddings

Cortez folk school offers gyotaku lesson

The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum will host “Painting with a Fish,” a twist on gyotaku, a traditional Japanese method of painting fish that was used by fishermen to record their catches. This class includes art instructions, supplies and a carry-out fish print. It will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 10, and the enrollment is $35. For more information or to RSVP, call the museum at 941-7086121. Islander Courtesy Photo

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Monday, Aug. 13, ﬁrst day of class for Manatee County School District students. Monday, Sept. 3, Labor Day. Wednesday, Oct. 31, Halloween. Sunday, Nov. 4, daylight saving time ends. Tuesday, Nov. 6, Election Day. Sunday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Thursday, Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Day. Monday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. Tuesday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Monday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve. Tuesday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.

Send announcements for The Islander calendar to calendar@ islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

GOOD DEEDS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The Roser Food Bank needs donations of cash and nonperishable food. The pantry is administered by Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. Seeking volunteers? Email calendar@islander.org.

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

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12 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Voyeur gets probation, survivors speak at sentencing

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter The victims of a video voyeur took the chance to speak. Ali Flanagan of Sarasota aimed her anger, disgust and distress at Wayne Natt during his July 26 sentencing in a Manatee County courtroom. Another survivor of Nattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victimization pleaded with the judge for a harsh sentence. Natt sat emotionless next to his attorney, avoiding eye contact with others. And although there was some uncertainty, 12th Circuit Judge Brian Iten accepted Nattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plea deal, withheld adjudication in three video voyeurism cases and sentenced the man to three years probation. He also ordered Natt, 56, to serve 11 months and 29 days in the Manatee County jail during the first year of his probation. Longboat Key police had referred the first of three cases to the 12th Circuit State Attorney in September 2017 after a couple who rented Nattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Longboat Key condo, at 623 Cedars Court, found hidden recorders in the unit. Police found microphones and cameras in the ceiling smoke alarms in the master bedroom and living room and, after an investigation of Nattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s computers and storage devices, determined numerous people were recorded without their consent. The victims were women who dated Natt and short-term renters. Natt had leased the unit through Airbnb from November 2014 to September 2017. The case attracted international media attention. Before the judge meted out the sentence, Nattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney, Peter Aiken of Sarasota, told the court the victimsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; images were not placed on the internet. To that, a woman in the courtroom gallery raised her hand and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I beg to differ.â&#x20AC;?

Filkins III, who represented the state in the Natt cases, said the prosecution agreed to the plea because Natt had no prior record. Even if Natt had been found guilty at trial, Filkins said the maximum jail sentence was a year. And asked why Natt wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t designated as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;sexual offender,â&#x20AC;? the prosecutor said the â&#x20AC;&#x153;video voyeurismâ&#x20AC;? statute â&#x20AC;&#x153;doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provide for it.â&#x20AC;?

Wayne Natt, 56, is taken into custody July 26 in a Manatee County courtroom to begin serving 11 months and 29 days in county jail. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

When Iten offered Natt the opportunity to speak, Aiken declined on behalf of his client, saying Natt already entered his agreement to the probation sentence. In addition to jail time, Iten ordered Natt to undergo a sex offender evaluation within 60 days and submit to treatment deemed necessary. The judge also ordered restitution, reserving jurisdiction to determine the amounts, and no contact with victims. He assessed $200 to LBKPD for investigative costs, $100 to the state attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office for the cost of prosecution, in each of the three cases and $151 for the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rape Crisis Fund for each count, a standard fine in sex-related cases. According to the court website, $4,753 is due from Natt. The judge agreed to waive payment at Aikenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anna Maria fills P&Z vacancy request until after Nattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s release from jail, where he Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new member on the Anna Maria Plan- was transported after the hearing to begin serving ning & Zoning Board. time. The Anna Maria City Commission voted 4-to appoint Jeff Rodencal to the planning and zoning board Backstory on sentencing while approving its consent agenda during a July 12 A blip of uncertainty arose as Iten began to impose meeting. Nattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sentence. Commissioner Carol Carter was absent. The judge first stated he found Natt â&#x20AC;&#x153;guiltyâ&#x20AC;? in one Mayor Dan Murphy recommended Rodencal based case, but the state and defense attorneys stopped him on the applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement and familiarity with the short, saying adjudication should be withheld. city. Iten responded he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see it on the plea form, Rodencal lives in the city and has worked 25 years thanked the attorneys for reminding him and changed in the building products industry for companies Tensar his finding to â&#x20AC;&#x153;withhold.â&#x20AC;? and Bekaert. He runs North Shore Consultants, providA â&#x20AC;&#x153;withholdâ&#x20AC;? with a probation sentence spares a ing consultation to offshore companies. defendant from a criminal conviction and typically â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have a lifelong interest in construction,â&#x20AC;? Roden- is offered to first-time offenders to avoid the cost of cal said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just looking for the opportunity to trial. be able to apply some of my experiences to help the Prefacing the sentence, Iten said he was concity.â&#x20AC;? strained by the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scoring system â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that Natt Rodencal said he is excited to take on the position, scored 13.1 and more than 44 points were required having wanted it for almost a year. for a state prison sentence. David Youngs resigned from the board July 6 and Nattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plea to the probation was accepted in June will be moving from the city. by the prosecutor. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ryan Paice After the hearing, Assistant State Attorney Rick

The survivors speak Flanaganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice started softly but grew louder as she described the turmoil Natt caused her. She had dated Natt and he had taken her to his Cedar Court home for sex. She blamed him for causing her trauma â&#x20AC;&#x201D; fears, body shame, flashbacks, severe anxiety, migraines and a stroke. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought I was safe in your home,â&#x20AC;? she said to Natt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.â&#x20AC;Ś The shame, guilt, vulnerability and violations that you brought to me are immeasurable.â&#x20AC;? She condemned Natt for his â&#x20AC;&#x153;calculated manipulation.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was one of 15 identified and there were thousands who werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. All of us have to live with it.â&#x20AC;? Flanagan and another survivor testified to their disbelief at the one-year jail sentence. Natt had been given time to get his affairs in order, sell his business and file bankruptcy, Flanagan said, referring to the time after his plea. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pure injustice of it all,â&#x20AC;? she told the court. Other cases Nattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s criminal cases represent only some of the litigation against him in 12th Circuit Court. In November 2017, LBKPD, with the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval, brought a civil proceeding seeking forfeiture of Nattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cedars Court condo. The city filed the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act claim based on the criminal voyeurism, privacy and non-consensual recording at the residence, but dropped the suit with a settlement requiring $30,000 from Natt by July 20, which was paid, according to Longboat Key finance director Susan Smith. The payment, however, is less than the $43,228.35 the city has spent in legal fees and costs to pursue the case. LBKPD Chief Pete Cumming said the case was meant to send a message that the town wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tolerate illegal businesses, but added â&#x20AC;&#x153;policing for profits, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not.â&#x20AC;? In another case, Jane and John Doe of Texas filed suit in May against Airbnb and Natt for intrusion of privacy and a loss of their marital relations after staying at Nattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condo in May 2016. That case is in discovery. Airbnb filed a motion July 25 objecting to discovery and seeking to postpone litigation. In the court paper, the online short-term rental company signaled its intent to invoke the arbitration clause under its terms of service. No hearing date is set in the tort case.

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Positive message in the sandâ&#x20AC;Ś

A sand and seaweed art installation on the beach near 53rd Street in Holmes Beach July 26 conveys the message, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pass it on, Peace on Earth,â&#x20AC;? encouraging beachgoers to share the positive vibe. Past creations of a similar nature were by master sandcastle builder Jim Shipley. Have you seen him lately? Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Exercise stations will be equipped at various locations on the Coquina Beach Trail in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Fitness trail may soon be fitted at Coquina Beach Guests at the Leadership Florida Jewfish Key luncheon June 16 find shade under umbrellas and dine at tables placed in the water. Islander Photo: Courtesy Anna Maria Oyster Bar

A spit of sand hosts 150 for banquet

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a favorite spit of sand thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long been a stop-over destination on the waterway for boaters, swimmers, canines and those just lollygagging a day away. and now? It will be known for hosting a buffet lunch. a sandbar just east of the Longboat pass Bridge in Sarasota Bay adjacent to Jewfish Key was the venue for a lunch for 150 people June 16, as Leadership Florida celebrated during its annual meeting. Leadership Florida is a statewide organization that brings together emerging and existing leaders from across the state to challenge, prepare and inspire them to build a better Florida.

Island seniors head to Hard Rock in Tampa

Senior adventures will head to the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in tampa Friday, aug. 3. the group will depart at 9 a.m. from the annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Senior adventures is a group of older adults that meet most Fridays for an adventure â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an outing or a gathering at annie Silver Community Center. the van fee is $5 and reservations are required. For more information or to RSVp, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

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the Landside anna Maria Oyster Bar, 6906 14th St. W., Bradenton, catered the event from a floating barge, grilling burgers, hot dogs, chicken and more. a buffet line was set up in the water, as were umbrellas, tents, tables and chairs. guests traded suits and briefcases for swimwear and sun hats at the feast in the shallow-water sandbar alongside the Intracoastal Waterway. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Sandy Ambrogi

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people on anna Maria Island soon will have a new way to exercise at the beach. through the efforts of the Bradenton Beach City Commission and the Scenic WaVeS partnership Committee, Manatee County is adding 20 exercise stations to the Coquina Beach trail in the city. In a July 25 email to tjet Martin, former WaVeS chair, Carmine DeMilio, Manatee County parks and grounds operations manager, wrote that the Florida Department of environmental protection field permit was signed that morning and the equipment was in his office â&#x20AC;&#x153;ready to be installed.â&#x20AC;? He said he would coordinate installation with the vendor. In December 2017, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved Bradenton Beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request for the equipment, not to exceed $15,000. In May 2017, the city commission approved a resolution and then-Mayor Bill Shearon requested the county fund the fitness equipment, which was researched and recommended by WaVeS before city commission approval. the resolution was required by an interlocal agreement between the three island municipalities to obtain funding from the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beach concession revenue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m incredibly excited that this is finally happening,â&#x20AC;? Martin said July 25. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so happy.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

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â&#x20AC;˘ Laundry or carpet cleaning wastewater. â&#x20AC;˘ Improper oil, fuel and radiator flushing disposal â&#x20AC;˘ Yard and animal waste, household hazardous wastes like paint or solvents â&#x20AC;˘ Chlorinated commercial swimming pool discharges Contact Holmes Beach Public Works Department, 941-708-5768 or, after hours call the police department, 941-708-5807, to report possible illicit discharges.

14 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Palma Sola highway utility work displaces ‘scenic’ trees By Jennifer Glenfield Islander Reporter Some of the carefully crafted landscaping along the Palma Sola Scenic Highway has been dug up, carted off and destroyed. The now empty landscaping beds on the southwest and southeast side of the beach were home to six sabal palmettos and a seagrape tree. The landscaping along the scenic highway is a project of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity, maintained by the city of Bradenton and Keep Manatee Beautiful. “I pulled over and asked them, ‘What’s going on here,’” said Ingrid McClellan, co-chair of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway CME. The Palma Sola Scenic Highway is a 4-mile portion of SR 64 that connects the mainland and Manatee Avenue in Bradenton to the entry of Holmes Beach. McClellan said she saw the sabal palms on their sides July 20 as she drove past the work site. She snapped photos of the trees, empty landscaping beds and the name of the contractors removing the trees. She then sent some emails. “We do hope that the sea grapes and 6 sabal palms that have been removed and laying on their sides with the roots balls will be replanted on Palma Sola Causeway. Please let us know,” McClellan wrote in her email to Bradenton public works employees Craig Keys and Ross Peterson. Keys, a Bradenton public works section manager, said the trees were removed to access a failing force main pipeline along the highway and the trees will be replaced after the project is completed. A force main is a pressurized sewer pipe that carries wastewater in situations where gravity sewage

Sabal palmetto trees, also known as cabbage palms, are loaded to a trailer July 20 by workers from T B Landmark Construction Inc. The trees were removed from the southwest end of the causeway beach on the Palma Sola Scenic Highway. Islander Photo: Courtesy Ingrid McClellan flow is not possible. Jim McLellan, Bradenton director of public works and utilities, said the project is to replace an old pipeline that suffered several breaks over the past 10 years. It was approved by the Bradenton City Council in September 2017 and included in the 2017-18 fiscal year budget. Design and permitting took place October 2017-January 2018. Construction began July 9. Most of the 1-mile long pipe, McLellan said, will be removed and replaced with the use of three horizontal directional drills and four entry and exit pits for the drills. The pits will be located at the western and eastern ends of the project limits, with two interior pits on either end of the bridge separating the east and west beach areas. With this approach, he added, the city does not anticipate closing any portions of the beach during construction.

“Substantial completion” of the work is scheduled for the first week of December, with final completion scheduled for Jan. 8, 2019. The cost of the project is $1,023,300 and funded by a low interest loan through the Florida Department of Protection State Revolving Fund. The sabal palm is the state tree and is protected from “indiscriminate trimming” under that designation, according to the Florida Department of State website. Sea grapes are protected from trimming and removal without permission of the landowner under state statute. Both trees are native to Florida and, while sabal palms are prolific across the state, sea grapes are rapidly disappearing. The state statute protecting sea grapes is intended to protect beaches and shoreline from erosion by preserving natural vegetation that binds with the sand, according to language in the statute.

Historical society spruces up old city pier cottage By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter There’s a prominent remnant of the old Anna Maria City Pier in the city of Anna Maria. It’s a cottage on its third life — having once stood on the T-end of the pier — now guiding people into history in a park-like setting along with the old city jail on Pine Avenue. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society announced July 20 it completed repairs and a new coat of paint at Belle Haven Cottage — the last remaining structure from the original pier. The cottage was built on the T-end on the south side of the pier in the early 1920s as a storage building, before being purchased by Charles Roser, a financier credited for creating and selling the Fig Newton recipe. Roser named the cottage and used it as a rental before it sank into the Gulf of Mexico due to faulty pilings in 1926. The cottage was raised and moved ashore in 1926. According to AMIHS, Lyman Christy bought the cottage for $125 and moved it by barge to his property at Palmetto Avenue in Anna Maria. The cottage served as the Christy family home for more than 50 years and then another 25 years as a rental home. AMIHS purchased the building when it learned of a planned demolition in 2000, and raised the funds

Docent Wanda Crummey shows off the inside of the restored Belle Haven Cottage at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society museum grounds, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

to move it to a vacant area of land owned by the city adjacent to the museum — also owned by the city — at 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Over the course of six years, volunteers restored the cottage in keeping with its 1920s origin and islanders donated antiques and family treasures to fill the interior with period-appropriate furnishings. AMIHS used donations from the 2018 Giving Challenge to make the improvements, hiring John Nye,

At Your Door Company carpenter, to counter weatherrelated exposure and wear. Nye pressure-washed the exterior, replaced rotted wood around door frames and windows and built new railings for the stairs and ramp. He finished the job by giving the cottage a new coat of paint. Belle Haven is open for tours at the AMIHS Museum grounds 10 a.m.-1 p.m. weekdays. Belle Haven first opened at AMIHS in 2006.

The Belle Haven Cottage at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum grounds, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, sports new railings for stairs and ramps, as well as a fresh coat of paint. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice The Anna Maria City Pier, circa 1920.

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 1, 2018 n 15

By Lisa Neff

The final straw

the “Skip the Straw” campaign getting so much attention this summer is growing with the aid of children schooled on environmental issues. Kids are watching the films “a plastic Ocean” or “Straws” in their classrooms and discussing plastic pollution. they can be seen in nightly news segments standing in protest lines holding signs that read “Straws Suck” and “plastic toxic.” they are Neff writing their mayors to ask for prohibitions. and they are organizing to have plastic straws removed from school cafeterias. Well, I wondered, when did schools start supplying lunchrooms with plastic straws? and why? What I remember about my earliest years in ele-

Proof #1 Proof #1

A 1974 class photo helped the author approximate the introduction of plastic straws at North Elementary School in Waukegan, Illinois. Her fifth-grade class that year used plastic straws to shoot spitballs in the teacher’s absence. Islander Courtesy Photo

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mentary school is we drank water from fountains and milk from wax-paper cartons. Most of us used paper straws with the milk cartons. Later, by fifth-grade, we were served plastic straws with lunch. I know the grade level because we used the straws to shoot spitballs when our teacher stepped out of the classroom. So maybe the “when” is about 1974 and the “why” probably involves Big Oil’s influence on government purchasing. Worldwatch Institute, a global environmental research group based in D.C., tells an abbreviated history of drinking straws in the united States: In the 1900s, when polio was rampant, rye and paper straws were offered to prevent contact with shared glasses. In the 1950s, fast food restaurants replaced glassware with disposables and drinks-on-the-go, which came with straws. In the 1960s, plastic replaced paper, shifting straws from a renewable to an oil-based product. Most straws today are made from petroleum-based polypropylene, with colorants, plasticizers, antioxidants and ultraviolet light filters added, according to Worldwatch. a straw generally gets used once, for maybe 20 minutes, and then it is becomes trash for the landfill or incinerator or litter. the harmful environmental impact of a plastic straw begins with the extracting and consumption of resources to make and transport the plastic. the after-use focus is on the straw polluting a waterway and being ingested by wildlife — an estimated 71 percent of seabirds and 30 percent of sea turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs, according to the Ocean Conservancy. Lately, with campaigns being waged in school districts and municipalities against the use of plastic straws, I’m hearing conservative versus liberal debates aired over the number of straws that get dispensed each day in the united States. Maybe the number is 500 million, maybe it is less or maybe it is more, but whatever the millions used, the fact is many people do not need to use plastic straws. You’ll notice on anna Maria Island that some island eateries don’t offer plastic straws — they launched their quiet eco-minded efforts even before Strawless in Seattle made the anti-straw movement big news this year. Meanwhile, Starbucks, Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels, IKea, Royal Caribbean, the Walt Disney Co. and other businesses have announced end dates for the general dispensing of plastic straws. Disney, in a news release, estimated it will eliminate 175 million straws annually. However, the corporations are phasing out plastics in 2019 to 2020, which means millions and millions of straws still will be dispensed — unless we don’t take

A graphic from Worldwatch Institute illustrates the environmental impacts of drinking straws. Islander Courtesy Graphic them. We can refuse a straw. as one school kid campaigning against straws told the Seattle times, “Stop sucking.”

16 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Season’s greetings! Privateers celebrate Christmas in July Santa and John “Capt. Barbarossa” Swager greet partiers in the Drift In parking lot. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

People celebrate at the annual Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas in July Party July 21 at the Drift In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Folks line up July 21 for the potluck Christmas buffet, with plates offered for donations and proceeds supporting the Privateers’ Christmas family giveaway. The krewe selects a needy family at Christmas and showers them with gifts and all the fixings for a holiday meal.

A krewe of Anna Maria Island Privateers pose July 21 in the Drift In parking lot during their annual Christmas in July party. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

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Drama campers take manners onstage

The villagers dance as they sing about good manners during the July 20 summer camp production at the Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. “A Quest for Good Manners: A Medieval Adventure” was the culmination of the Island Players two-week summer drama camp in conjunction with the Center of Anna Maria Island. Camp leader Pam Hopkins directed. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi Fire-breathing dragons complain about being bullied by villagers July 20 in a scene from the Center of Anna Maria Island and the Island Players drama camp production of “A Quest for Good Manners: A Medieval Adventure.”

Director Pam Hopkins receives flowers July 20 at the Island Players theater from the cast of “A Quest for Good Manners: A Medieval Adventure.” She directed the play and led the summer camp. Layla Quesenberry adjusts her crown.

“Sorcerer” Allison Moyer, right, stands with her younger brothers and parents outside the Island Players theater after receiving flowers following her performance in the summer camp play.

Troubadour Caraline Berzowski delivers a message.

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18 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Local drag car racer spends summer helping HBPD

By Sandy ambrogi Matching drag cars Islander Reporter wait for the upcomIt’s an unusual hobby for a teenager. ing season of racing But that doesn’t waylay McKenna Kitterman from at the Kitterman her passion for drag racing. the sport has been popular garage. McKenna for decades and there are several local tracks where she Kitterman, a Lakeland and other folks compete. high school student She’s got her heart and her head in the right and drag racer, spent place. part of her summer For part of her summer, McKenna traded in time volunteering with the at the wheel for another pastime. She volunteered at Holmes Beach code the Holmes Beach police Department in code enforceenforcement department, answering the phone, filing papers, making ment. Islander Courspreadsheets and keeping the busy office — and two tesy Photo officers — on track. Having help in the office was enough to get Chief people on the island who want to help out. McKenna program for us.” was such a huge help for us doing projects, tracking the rising senior, who attends george Jenkins Bill tokajer interested in a volunteer program. “It’s something I would like to do. Reach out to VRC’s. What a benefit for the department and the com- High School in Lakeland, has family ties to anna munity,” tokajer said. “I’m thinking about an ongoing Maria Island that led to her choice of the police department for community service hours. It was the final requirement for her Bright Futures scholarship. though only 17, McKenna has “a strong aspiration to become a surgeon in the future.” Bobby Joe Bailey Alliene ‘Terry’ Erickson Jt thomas, code enforcement officer, spoke highly Bobby Joe Bailey, age 71, of Holmes Beach, died alliene “terry” Blanche erickson, 85, died in Braof McKenna’s summer work: “She was awesome. She July 20. denton July 22. He was born to Herman and Jewel (Banes) May She was born March 1, 1933, in aquebogue, New did all kinds of work for us. It helped enormously.” McKenna was equally impressed by the folks at 5, 1947, in Birmingham, alabama. York, to Richard C. and Sara Hill the police department, including thomas’ coworker, He was a 1965 graduate of Southeast terry. High School in Bradenton. She graduated with a degree in Nate Brown. “In working with Jt and Nate in code enforceBobby was united in marriage elementary education from the State ment, not only did I learn an immense amount about to Rita Dacus Oct. 29, 2001, in Key university of New York at Fredonia, the complexity and meticulousness of their occupation, West. where she met her husband Jay. He was a u.S. Navy veteran Erickson During her early marriage, she but also invaluable life lessons about people, relatBailey 1966-70 and started his public service taught elementary school in western ing to them and their needs, and having empathy for career at the Bradenton police Department 1971-76 New York. In 1966, she started traveling overseas with others,” she wrote to the Islander. Her drag racing hobby raises some eyebrows, but and retired in 1999 as a lieutenant after 23 years of the her family when her husband took a job as a professor she has a teaching view of the hobby she calls “more Longboat Key police Department. in afghanistan. Later, the family moved to Nigeria. Please see dRAgsteR, Next page He was a longtime member of the Blue Knights, In 1976, the family moved to anna Maria Island

Obituaries

Bradenton elks Lodge 1511, elks Riders Lodge #1511, Bradenton VFW post 10141, Sons of the Confederacy and a fellow of the Moose Lodge. He spent many years training in the style of Shorin Ryu, elevated to sensei with a second-degree black belt and later became a student of tai Chi Chih. In his spare time, he enjoyed his family, friends, reading about american history and traveling. a memorial service was July 30 in ellenton. Memorial donations may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation. 12902 Magnolia Drive, tampa FL 33612; and project paws alive at projectpawsalive. org/donation-honor-cards. Mr. Bailey is survived by his wife, Rita; son Jeffrey and wife Misty of toano, Virginia; brother Billy Bailey of Homosassa; sister Delaine McFadden of Deltona; as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

and Mrs. erickson joined aauW and several bridge groups. always active, she planned annual trips that included camping in the Smoky Mountains, cruising around the world and other international travel. She always took the time to be available for her family and friends, especially for her grandchildren. She was always positive and celebrated the special events in the lives of those important to her. a memorial service was held July 29 at the Roser Chapel at Roser Memorial Community Church in anna Maria. Memorial donations may be made to the alzheimer’s association Florida gulf Coast Chapter or the american Cancer Society. Mrs. erickson is survived by husband Jay W.; daughters Dawn and husband James and Deborah pate and husband David; son Jay II and wife Jennifer; brothers Douglas, Richard and Frederick terry; sister Jean Davis Cunningham; and eight grandchildren. At your service: Obituaries are offered as a community service in the Islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org.

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Holmes Beach Police Sgt. Vern McGowin presents McKenna Kitterman with an HBPD certificate of appreciation July 2 at city hall. Islander Photo: Courtesy HBPD

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No swimming at Palma Sola south beach

Dragster continued from page 18 unconventional.” McKenna hopes it’s a teaching tool to inspire kids to be whatever they want to be —unconventional or not — and “to never give up on their hopes and dreams.” She brought her race car to Holmes Beach Police National Night Out in October 2017 and plans on doing the same this year. It was showing the race car at the island event that gave McKenna the idea of doing her community service hours at the police department. “I’ll never forget the amazing experiences I had, whether it was going out with JT and Nate on inspections, or simply eating lunch with everyone and listening to the good-hearted banter between officers,” she said.

People playing in Palma Sola Bay were apparently unaware of the July 27 “no-swim advisory” for the south side of the causeway after test results July 23-25 showed an elevated level of a bacteria that increases the risk of infectious disease. The advisory is posted 900 feet from the east end of Palma Sola on the south side of the Palma Sola Causeway. According to Tom Iovino, communications director of the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, if people do enter the water, they should thoroughly rinse off. Islander File Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Roadwatch

Treehouse stalled

Holmes Beach resident Reina Glavan arrives to the beach July 27 from the 29th Street path next to the treehouse owned by Richard and Lynn Tran, 103 29th St., Holmes Beach. Two 12th Circuit Court cases, one seeking a judicial decision on the city’s setback ordinance and another to enforce a magistrate’s ruling to remove the treehouse, are pending. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Eyes on the road

New HBPD officer sworn to duty

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer swears in Alexander Hurt July 27 as the newest member of the force in the city chambers, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Hurt previously served as a police officer in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy HBPD

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The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following notices for the week of July 30: State Road 64/Manatee Avenue from Martinique Drive to 107th Court West on Perico Island: Crews are improving drainage, constructing sidewalk and bicycle lanes and installing new signing and pavement markings. Work occurs off the roadway and does not require lane closures. Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach: Through Aug. 24, crews will proceed with installation of a force main from north of Ninth Street heading south to the north side of Cortez Road before proceeding east on the Cortez Road Bridge embankment. Avenue C in Bradenton Beach: Installation of water services from Gulf Drive north to 26th Street is nearing completion. Crews are working to complete installation of water main crossings at the intersections along Avenue C from 22nd to 26th streets. Palm Drive in Holmes Beach: Crews continue with pipe installation in the eastern right of way along Palm Drive, working north from 74th to 81st streets. 68th Street in Holmes Beach: Installation of a pipe in the southern right of way along 68th Street between Palm Drive and Holmes Boulevard continues. Holmes Boulevard in Holmes Beach: Through Aug. 15, crews will mill asphalt and install a force main in the western/southbound lane of Holmes Boulevard between 68th and 69th streets. Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach: Gulf Drive is closed to northbound traffic at 81st Street, with northbound traffic being detoured onto 81st Street to access Palm Drive.

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20 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court

Lakewood Ranch man gets DUI probation

By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

DUI crash injures officer, totals HBPD truck

a 41-year-old motorist was arrested for driving under the influence after crashing her 2003 Lincoln Navigator into two Holmes Beach police trucks east of the anna Maria Island Bridge. With their vehicles’ emergency lights flashing, the HBpD officers had been conducting a traffic stop on the shoulder of Manatee avenue on perico Island. Purtill Bradenton police arrested Chase purtill of Bradenton following the crash at 4:41 a.m. June 9 in the 12000 block of Manatee avenue. purtill’s SuV rear-ended the vehicle driven by HBpD Officer alan Bores, which was propelled into the HBpD truck by Officer Josh Betts. Bores was in the driver’s seat and Betts was walking toward his vehicle

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria July 5, Island Cabana, 403 pine ave., shoplifting. two females took clothes into a dressing room, but returned nothing to the attendant and made no purchase. they refused to allow the manager to look in their bag and left without paying $463.31 for the clothing. the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. July 9, 100 block of palmetto avenue, lost property. a man reported his white-gold wedding band slipped off his finger while swimming with his wife in the gulf of Mexico. they were unable to locate

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when the crash occurred. Bradenton police reported purtill showed signs of impairment and refused to perform roadside and breath tests at the scene. Bores reported pain and was transported to Blake Medical Center. the officer is at home recovering and expected to return to duty, according to HBpD Chief Bill tokajer July 25. Bores’ 2014 F-150 was totaled, according to a July 23 Holmes Beach report, which also shows the city commission is considering a $50,000 reallocation in the 2017-18 budget for a replacement vehicle. purtill was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for medical clearance because her SuV’s airbags deployed, and then to the Manatee County jail, where she posted $500 bond and was released, according to the police and court reports. Her next court date is at 1:30 p.m. tuesday, aug. 28, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee ave. W., Bradenton.

the ring. July 14, gulf Drive and Magnolia avenue, traffic. at 3:18 a.m., a sheriff’s deputy observed a speeding motorcycle with blue lights and an illegible tag. the deputy pulled over the motorist, an 18-year-old Lakeland man, who told the officer he bent the tag to avoid paying tolls and didn’t know blue lights were illegal. July 15, gulf Drive and Oak avenue, seat belt. a South Carolina motorist was stopped at 11:24 p.m. for not wearing his seat belt. MCSO determined the man was violating a curfew and not carrying proof of insurance. the deputy issued verbal warnings for

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a Lakewood Ranch man was sentenced to 12 months probation after pleading no contest to a charge of driving under the influence. Holmes Beach police arrested Stephen McNeill in august 2017 for DuI after an officer observed his vehicle speeding east on Manatee avenue and pulled McNeill over. after McNeill’s July 2 plea, 12th Circuit Judge Doug Henderson found him guilty and ordered him to complete a DuI program, a victim-impact panel and 50 hours of public service. the judge ordered his vehicle impounded for 10 days and suspended his driver’s license for six months. Henderson’s order left open for McNeill the possibilities of early termination of probation upon successful completion and a buy-out of public service hours. traffic tickets issued to McNeill for failing to display registration and speeding were consolidated into the DuI case. He was assessed $1,741 in court costs and fines.

Island watch

In the event of an emergency, call 911. to report information on island crime, call the MCSO anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804. the infractions and noted the curfew violation for his probation officer. Anna Maria is policed by the MCSO. Bradenton Beach July 18, 100 block of Fifth Street South, drugs. During a traffic stop, a Bradenton Beach police officer noted the odor of cannabis. a passenger first told the officer people in the vehicle had smoked marijuana earlier, but it was gone. upon a search, the passenger acknowledged a bag of marijuana, which weighed 6 grams, was his. the officer issued a notice to appear in court for the drug violation. Please see stReetliFe, Next page EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT

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streetlife continued from page 20 July 23, 100 block of Seventh Street North, stolen bike. A man reported his fat-tire bicycle stolen from his patio. Police found the bike’s steel-cable lock cut, lying on the ground. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez July 12, H&H Marina, 12444 Cortez Road W., burglary. The property manager reported a man carrying a tackle box from a boat. The man told the manager he’d been asked to retrieve it by the boat owner. The man gave the box to the manager and said he’d get the owner. No one came back. July 17, 3700 block of 115th Street West, burglary. A 34-year-old man, with an address at the Bradenton Beach anchorage, was arrested after neighbors alerted authorities he was operating a pressure-washer outside the residence a shouldn’t be there. When deputies arrived, the man said he had the owner’s permission. While they waited for a warrant check, the man ran into a shed. MCSO arrested the man on outstanding warrants and found a pipe, crystal meth and marijuana in his possession. The next day, the resident found personal property out of place and three sets of headphones and a guitar tuner she’d never seen before and the man was arrested for burglary. Nothing was reported taken. Cortez is policed by the MCSO. Holmes Beach July 15, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, license. Holmes Beach police pulled over a 38-year-old Tampa woman at 3:50 a.m. after an officer observed her vehicle crossing the center line. The woman told police she was lost. The officer determined she was driving on a suspended license with four prior convictions. She was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail. July 17, CVS, 611 Manatee Ave., found property. A manager reported finding a discarded crack pipe while cleaning the bathroom. Police retained it for destruction. July 19, Key Royale Club, 700 Key Royale Drive,

trespass. A Holmes Beach officer found three people fishing in the lake after observing their vehicles in the parking lot afterhours. The officer warned them for trespassing. July 20, Dunkin’ Donuts, 3302 E. Bay Drive, theft. A loss prevention director reported employee theft of $1,369.76. The director told police a manager failed to deposit the store’s receipts July 5 and returned the next day to take employee tips. Holmes Beach police requested an arrest through the state attorney. July 21, Ace Hardware, 3352 E. Bay Drive, trespass. A man caused a disturbance after a store clerk refused to cut a lock off his bicycle. The man accused the store of selling him an inoperable lock. July 21, 3200 block of East Bay Drive, warrant. A 25-year-old Bradenton man driving in a 2009 Kia was arrested on a Brevard County warrant for grand theft. July 21, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, trespass. Holmes Beach police were dispatched for a man selling cake without a permit. The man told the officer he was dropped off by his drug recovery group and was selling to repeat customers. The officer warned the man for trespassing. July 21, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, theft. A 39-year-old woman watched the sunset, fell asleep and awoke to find her purse gone even though she tried to prevent a theft by placing her leg through the strap. The Michael Kors purse, containing her wallet, credit and identification cards, car keys and cell phone, valued at $1,430, were reported stolen. Police checked trash cans in the area to no avail. Her vehicle was left in the parking lot overnight and police gave her a ride home. July 22, 200 block of Haverkos Court, construction. A fencing contractor was issued a violation for working on Sunday. July 22, 200 block of 35th Street, trespass. A man was awakened by a noise sounding like someone moving in the house. He investigated and observed a six-foot male with short hair and a strange odor exit

through the back door. Nothing was taken. Police searched the area and found no suspects. July 23, White Sands Beach Resort, fraud. The manager reported a woman failed to pay her rental bill. The woman told the manager she’d stopped payment on her check because she’d lost her remaining checks. The manager reported she owes the resort $1,091. July 23, 4500 Gulf Drive, found property. A cleaning crew found a .380 caliber loaded handgun and holster left by a renter in a nightstand. HBPD placed it for safekeeping and the renter picked up his property the next day. July 23, 600 block of Manatee Avenue, marijuana ordinance. A Holmes Beach police officer reported a Toyota SUV failed to stop for the red traffic signal on Gulf Drive before turning east on Manatee Avenue. An officer pulled over the motorist and noted the odor of marijuana in the vehicle. After a search, HBPD found 1.5 grams of marijuana in the console and issued a citation to a 22-year-old Anna Maria man for violating the ordinance. July 24, 500 block of 77th Street, theft. Two Yeti coolers were reported stolen. July 24, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, trespass. An intoxicated man and his girlfriend were issued trespass warnings after the man caused a disturbance at the bar. The woman told police she disagreed with the trespass. The couple left in an Uber vehicle. July 25, D.Coy Ducks Tavern, 5410 Marina Drive, warrant. A woman was observed at 3:15 a.m. walking in the shopping area. Police asked what she was doing and for her identification. The woman responded she was waiting for a ride and her belongings were at D.Coy Ducks. HBPD determined she was wanted on an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court. She was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

22 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

High tides wash over sea turtle nests, most OK

By Chrisann Silver esformes Islander Reporter Mother Nature is not always kind. High tides and heavy rain July 23 washed over some sea turtle nests that were near the waterline, and seven clutches were lost. However, according to anna Maria Island turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director Suzi Fox, this is just a part of a natural cycle, and most nests that were washed over will still hatch. With 4 nests on anna Maria Island as of July 29, nesting numbers are approaching 2017’s record-breaking total of 488 nests. With 485 nests on anna Maria Island as of July 29, nesting numbers are approaching 2017’s recordbreaking total of 488 nests. additionally, aMItW reported 100 nests on Coquina Beach — an all-time high for one section. Some unmarked nests — stakes lost in the surf — are more reasons not to dig on the beach or stab canopy posts and volleyball poles into the sand. High tide on anna Maria Island was 2 feet higher than normal early July 23 and overnight storms dropped about an inch of rain. people on the beach reported seeing waves lapping over sea turtle nests close to the waterline and were

‘Hands off’ hatchlings

the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises “hands off” for beachgoers who come into contact with hatchling sea turtles. Sea turtles should be viewed from a distance. even well-intended attempts to rescue a hatchling could result in harm to the sea turtle, according to the FWC. tampering with a sea turtle nest or picking up a hatchling for a photo opportunity or “selfie” also are against federal, state and municipal laws. people are asked to call the FWC’s Wildlife hotline, 1-888-404-3922 or *FWC or #FWC from a cellphone, to report hatchlings that are stranded, wandering in a parking lot or road, wandering away from the water, or are dead. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

A nest in Holmes Beach near 53rd Street is close to the waterline July 26 and could take in water during high tide. According to AMITW executive director Suzi Fox, this is Mother Nature at work — and not a cause for concern. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

concerned for the safety of the incubating hatchlings in the clutches. When a storm causes increased rainfall and higher tides, some sea turtle nests lining the beach can be “wash-outs” and eggs and hatchlings inside may not survive, according to Fox. Sea turtle eggs absorb water and the hatchlings can drown before they emerge. “Washed over nests drop the hatch rate,” Fox said July 24. “But this is just part of nature.” She said in the past, turtle watch relocated nests that were found close to the waterline to higher ground if it appeared they could be washed out. Now, aMItW lets nature take its course. Fox said it may seem like a sad event when nests are washed over, but it was the sea turtle’s choice to nest where it did, and it is not up to humans to mess that decision. “Laying the nest low was her choice and science has shown it is not up to us to change that,” Fox said. She added, “We don’t know what we might be harming by moving a nest.” the temperature of the sand where the nest is laid determines whether the hatchlings will be males or females, and relocating nests could be harming the

A sandy hatchling makes its first crawl to the Gulf of Mexico. AMITW reported 5,838 hatchlings to the Gulf as of July 29. natural order, Fox said. additionally, she said even eggs that don’t hatch serve a purpose, as food for other creatures, like ghost crabs and birds. “every egg, whether it hatches or not, is important to the ecosystem of anna Maria Island and keeping things in balance on our beaches,” Fox said. For more information about sea turtles, contact

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AME 2018: new ‘gifted’ teacher, tightened security By Ryan paice Islander Reporter With teachers returning to anna Maria elementary aug. 6 and the first day of classes aug. 13, the new school year is around the corner. the year will bring changes. tammy Mitchell from Seabreeze elementary will succeed Sarah peace as the gifted teacher, working with students deemed gifted for “superior intellectual development.” Mitchell will work four days a week at aMe and one day a week at Ballard elementary School. aMe principal Jackie Featherston said peace transferred to the Manatee School of arts and Sciences after receiving “an offer she couldn’t refuse.” also, Jackie Jordan will take on the Science, technology, engineering and Mathematics program at all levels. SteM classes feature project-based learning, involving science experiments and technological exploration. Featherston said the SteM program will be more of an enhancement to the core classes than a replacement and students will have more opportunities with hands-on experience. as the program is new to aMe, Jordan has been training and speaking to experienced SteM teachers in the county to ready herself for her new role. aMe also will employ new security procedures. Featherston said the school will lock the front door — the main entrance and exit — after school begins. people who want to enter during school hours will speak to the front desk clerk through an intercom system that was installed over the summer.

Cars, buses, kids. Oh my! The first day of classes 2017 following summer vacation for Anna Maria Elementary School starts off with cars, buses and students rolling into the “little school by the bay.” Islander File Photo: Jack Elka “that’ll be new for all of us,” Featherston said, referring to the school’s new lock-down procedure. “It’s probably one of the biggest new changes, as far as school safety at all of the schools, which is a good thing.” Last year, teachers at aMe were keeping classroom doors locked, but the front door remained open. Featherston will hold a session with staff to discuss goals for aMe in the new year. She expects to have a plan drafted by the end of the month. “We’re always excited to see the students come back, because the one thing that’s really cool in education is we come to closure on a school year, and then

Do’s and don’ts for sea turtle nesting season the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends people follow these guidelines for sea turtle safety: • DO turn off or adjust lighting along the beachfront to prevent nesting sea turtles from becoming disoriented and moving toward the glow of light on land, instead of natural light reflecting on the surface of the water. Indoor lights should be turned off, with curtains closed after dark, and outdoor lighting should be turtle-friendly bulbs. use fixtures low to the ground and shielded from view at the shoreline. • DON’t use flashlights or camera flashes on the beach at night. they can distract nesting sea turtles and cause them to return to the water. • DO clear the way at the end of the day. Nesting female sea turtles can become trapped, confused or impeded by gear left on the beach at night. Remove Clip and save.....

items such as boats, tents, rafts and beach furniture and fill in holes or level sand castles before dusk. Holes trap turtles and can injure people. Call code enforcement to report unattended property or large holes on the beach. City of anna Maria code enforcement — 941708-6130, ext. 139 or ext. 129. City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941-778-1005, ext. 280. City of Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941-708-5800, ext. 247. Report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles to the FWC Wildlife alert Hotline, at 1-888404-3922, #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or text tip@MyFWC.com. For more information on nesting season, contact Fox at suzifox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

we have a brand new fresh start,” Featherston said. “a new school year, new students, teachers. Very few jobs offer that, a complete finish and then a whole new start, so that’s kind of exciting for everyone.” By Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

AME calendar • Monday, aug. 6, teachers return. • thursday, aug. 9, 4:30-5:30 p.m., kindergarten to second-grade back to school night. • thursday, aug. 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m., third-grade to fifth-grade back to school night. • Monday, aug. 13, first day of class for students. • Monday, aug. 13, 8:30 a.m., Boohoo Breakfast for parents of kindergartners. anna Maria elementary is at 4700 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-7085525.

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

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24 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Adult soccer action on the field, kids play gym soccer By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter After two weeks of action in the adult coed soccer league on the pitch at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Lancaster Design has surged to the top of the standings with a 2-0 record. Right behind the designers are Moss Builders and Sato Real Estate with matching 1-0 records, while Progressive Cabinetry sits alone in fourth place with a 1-1 record. Bins Be Clean and Mar/Kis Insurance are tied for the fifth spot with matching 0-1-1 records, while Ross Built is still in search of its first Cassidy victory at 0-2. Action kicked off July 26 with Bins Be Clean taking on Progressive Cabinetry. Progressive Cabinetry jumped out on top 2-0 on goals from Ryan Hogan and Damir Glavan on the way to an easy 9-4 victory. Hogan and Glavan finished with two goals each, while Avinaj John paced the squad with three goals. Kris Yavalar added a goal and Hakan Toka completed the scoring with a goal and two assists. William Case and Steve Velliquette combined to make seven saves in goal to help preserve the victory. Rico Beissert scored three goals and Ricky Anderson scored once to lead Bins Be Clean, which also received assists from Nate Welch, Francisco Oliviera and Diego Felipe. Cliff Powell made six saves. The second match of the evening saw Sato Real Estate record a 5-0 shutout victory over Ross Built. Josh Sato led the way to two goals, while Zack Lieb, Cemal Duzgan and Jessica Williams each scored once. Scott Bear made five saves in goal to preserve the shutout. Goalie Ben Sato made seven saves to lead Ross Built in the loss. The last match of the evening saw Lancaster Design outlast Mar/Kis Insurance by an 8-5 score. Robert Armstrong had a hat trick and two assists to Progressive Cabinetry goalie William Case tips the ball over the goal to deny a Bins Be Clean scoring chance during adult soccer action at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Bins Be Clean captain Nate Welch settles the ball as Progressive Cabinetry defender Kris Yavalar applies pressure during adult soccer action July 26 at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Progressive Cabinetry’s Kris Yavalar stretches out to settle the ball July 26 during adult soccer action against Bins Be Clean on the pitch at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photos: Kevin Cassidy

lead Lancaster, which received a goal and an assist from Adam Mott and Murap Akay. Nate Talucci and Steve Oelfke each scored once, while goalie Jordan Demers came through with eight saves and contributed a goal on offense. Mar/Kis Insurance was led by Shay Coleman’s two goals and an assist and two goals from Tony Morales. Joel Sanchez completed the Mar/Kis scoring, while also making four saves between the pipes. High scoring match The youth soccer league at the center completed its second week of indoor action July 24 in the 9-12 age group. The standings are pretty tight for the Ugly Grouper Red and Blue teams, both sporting 1-0 records, while White fell to 0-2 after Tuesday’s action. UG Blue edged UG White 11-10 behind an incredible 10 goals from Jackson Pakbaz and a trio of goal keepers. Michael Coleman, William Pakbaz and Caden

Quimby combined to make 14 saves to help preserve the victory, while Frankie Coleman added a goal and two assists to the Blue offense. Connor Samblis paced the White squad with seven goals and an assist while Riley Lawson added a hat trick and two assists in the loss. Kane Richardson and Victor Albrecht kept White in the game with a combined 12 saves. Key Royale Golf news The women golfers at the Key Royale Club played a nine-hole individual-low-net match in two flights July 24. Carol Duncan was the outright winner in Flight A with a 3-over-par 35. Flight B was captured by Janet Razze with a 2-under-par 30. Sue Wheeler was alone in second place with a 1-over-par 33, while Terry Westby, who had a chipin on the fourth hole was one stroke back in third place in the flight. The men got on the course July 26 for a ninehole scramble. The team of Herb Clauhs, Tom Nelson and Gary Razze combined on a 5-under-par 27 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. Horseshoe news The team of Steve Doyle and Neil Hennessey were the only duo to earn a 3-0 record in pool play and were the day’s outright champs in the July 25 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. Three teams emerged from pool play July 28 with 2-1 records. The team of Doyle and Jerry Disbrow drew the lucky bye into the finals and watched as Gary Howcroft eliminated Jay Disbrow 21-16. Howcroft stayed hot and took out Doyle and Jerry Disbrow by a 21-12 score in the finals. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

TideWatch

No red tide reported

Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not reported for Manatee County the week ending July 27. Red tide was detected elsewhere in the region. For more information about red tide in Florida, go to myfwc.com/redtidestatus.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Aug 1 Aug 2 Aug 3 Aug 4 Aug 5 Aug 6 Aug 7 Aug 8

HIGH

3:40a 4:12a 4:49a 5:31a 6:19a 7:13a 8:12a 9:12a

1.9 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.5 2.6 2.8

3:07p 4:01p 5:06p 6:32p 8:24p 10:20p 11:45p —

HIGH

2.3 8:56a 2.1 9:56a 1.8 11:05a 1.6 12:24p 1.5 1:48p 1.5 12:28a 1.6 1:20a — 2:21a

LOW

1.0 0.9 0.9 0.7 0.6 1.2 1.4 1.5

9:51p 10:26p 11:03p 11:44p — 3:06p 4:13p 5:11p

LOW

Moon

0.5 0.7 0.8 1.1 3rd — 0.3 0.1 -0.1

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

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 1, 2018 n 25

Weather variety results in consistency with varied species By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Fishing around anna Maria Island offers a chance to hook up with a variety of species and also a variety of weather. If you’ve been out in a boat or fished from the shores of anna Maria Island recently, you know what I’m talking about. I’ve seen everything from calm, clear water to rough cloudy water, monsoon-like rainstorms to sunny skies — in the course of a single day. It’s like packing a week’s worth Stasny of weather into a four-hour fishing excursion. as the saying goes on aMI, if you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes. It will change. Despite the weather changes, the fishing has been pretty darn good. Inshore fishing is definitely good for a variety of species, including spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, catch-and-release snook and especially mangrove snapper. With the arrival of hatch bait or small shiners, the snapper have moved into the bays and Intracoastal Waterway. But any rock pile, dock, bridge piling or pier will be holding these delectable fish — they’re even all over the flats. and they love their hatch bait. Scale down your leader size and hook size to target these guys and you’re in business. also, remember that the minimum size is 10 inches and you can keep five per person. On my charters with Southernaire, I’m targeting snapper. these fish put up a good fight on light tackle and they are among the best when breaded and fried. they make a killer ceviche, too. and, with their abundance in our waters, it’s kind of a win-win. good action, good eating. this week I’m seeing limits of these tasty fish being reeled up, with most 12-14 inches. Mixed in with the snapper bite are flounder and juvenile grouper — more tasty table fare. Moving onto the flats, spotted seatrout are the most abundant. Free-lined shiners cast over flats 3-5 feet in depth are being devoured by hungry seatrout. Ladyfish and Spanish mackerel are present, which adds some variety to the bite. Lastly, catch-and-release snook fishing is still going strong around the passes. Snook sessions exceeding 20 fish per hour are common. and, even better, I’m seeing a few redfish mixed in with the bite. Capt. aaron Lowman is targeting spotted seatrout throughout the grass flats of tampa Bay. Clean, moving water is producing good rallies of these popular flats inhabitants. In depths of 3-7 feet, Lowman is finding numerous trout, as well as Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper, jack crevalle and juvenile sharks. using Southernaire Fishing Charters

Mike Surgen of St. Petersburg shows off his catch July 24 — his first time saltwater fishing in Florida. The permit was caught offshore while on a two-boat corporate retreat guided by Capt. Jason Stock.

small free-lined shiners is key to being successful at this bite. When the winds calm down and the gulf is smooth again, Lowman anticipates good action on the artificial reefs and along the beaches. Martha alvarado at the Rod & Reel pier is seeing a variety of fish being reeled up. Mangrove snapper are the highlight of the catches at the pier. Most snapper are being caught by the use of live shrimp as bait. Size ranges vary from 10 to 14 inches. Other catches on live shrimp include black drum and flounder. pier fishers using artificials, such as spoons or jigs are catching numerous Spanish mackerel 15-18 inches. Fishers looking to hook into something big are being rewarded with blacktip sharks. Casting fresh-cut mullet or mackerel chunks out from the pier is resulting in sharks 7-8-feet. Capt. Rick gross of Fishy Business Charters is in pursuit of spotted seatrout, especially around deep grass flats and channel edges. Small, live shiners are attracting a bite. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are interested in these small baits and are being caught while targeting the trout. gross adds that when using hatch bait, you need to down scale your hook size. He likes using an eagle Claw aberdeen hook in a size 1 when targeting trout. When targeting snook and reds, he suggests an eagle Claw O’Shaunnesy hook in a size 2. another piece of advice: use a popping cork to make casting these small baits easier. Lastly, gross is putting clients on limits of snapper by running to the rocks and docks. a small shiner with the addition of a split shot is resulting in a bite. Capt. David White of anna Maria Charters is working the flats of tampa Bay for spotted seatrout. Deep grass flats with good tidal flow are holding many trout, as well as Spanish mackerel and mangrove snap-

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

per. Casting small shiners free-lined or under a cork is resulting in a hookup for his anglers. On shallower flats, White is using the same technique to target catchand-release snook for his sport fishers. Mangrove edges are producing the most action on the linesiders. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Andy Scott of Ashville, North Carolina, holds his snook for a quick trophy photo July 29 before it was released. It was caught at a nearshore reef using live shiners. Capt. Aaron Lowman said Scott and crew boated “a ton of Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper” in addition to hooking up with several big snook.

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26 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

isl

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Manatee grove growing bamboo, changes abound

Waterline appoints new manager general manager Sandy Zinck, who sweated though the November 2017 opening of the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, has gone home to Canada. Her successor began work July 23. Christopher Hunter has had experience with Florida hotel properties, but most recently worked in hotels in Biloxi, Mississippi. He takes over the reins of the all-suite resort property and also will oversee eliza ann’s Coastal Kitchen. Welcome to the island, Chris. A dash of bamboo flavors the oranges Bugs hate it. people will love it for its health benefits. Bamboo has arrived to the groves at Mixon Fruit

Citrus grower Dean Mixon stands by an 8-acre field of organic bamboo at Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton. The Mixons, who live on Anna Maria Island, teamed with an Italian company to grow the crop. Islander Photo: Courtesy Mixon Fruit Farms Farms, 2525 27th St. e., Bradenton. the 79-year-old farm owned by anna Maria Island residents Dean and Janet Mixon has added 8 acres of organic bamboo, teaming up with an Italian company, OnlyMoso, which approached the growers about adding the crop. Bamboo usually takes up to three years to begin producing cones, the edible part of the plant. OnlyMoso touts bamboo as high in antioxidants, and aiding

Vendors wanted for Cortez Nautical Flea Market

the Florida Maritime Museum is lining up vendors for the 21st annual Cortez Nautical Flea Market, which will be 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20. FMM is seeking vendors selling fishing supplies, power boat equipment, diving and sailing gear and more. the cost to vendors with their own tables or tents will be $25 until Oct. 13.

in fighting cancer and heart disease, as well as lowering cholesterol. the Mixons say their bamboo is producing cones after only 18 months and should be ready for the first harvest around November. Janet Mixon says a chef from OnlyMoso will arrive in November to show people how to cook with the bamboo. For more information, call Mixon Fruit Farms at 941-748-5829. Island insurer changes names What’s in a name? everything when it changes. Island anchor Insurance aMI is now goosehead Insurance, tapping into a corporate insurer with headquarters in Dallas, texas. Owners tim Rariden and Heather andrews made the switch in June to expand offerings to clients, according to Rariden. the office at 9805 gulf Drive, anna Maria, writes home, rental, auto, boat and flood umbrella policies. For more information, call 941-757-3715. The long wait for The Shore almost over In May 2016, Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant, 800 Broadway, Longboat Key, was leveled and plans for a new eatery revealed. Well, the wait is almost over as construction nears completion. a concrete building and observation deck are discernible at the site. the new restaurant, the Shore, is expected to open in October, with a menu similar to its sister restaurant, the Shore on St. armands, but offering more seafood. according to co-owner tom Leonard, the eatery will have 185 seats, a dock and an upstairs observation deck. Soon, you can pull up a chair at the shore and start crackin’ crabs.

the late registration fee will be $35. the FMM also is taking donations for the sale at the museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. also, the nearby Cortez Cultural Center will be hosting vendors selling nautical-themed arts and crafts. Biz news: Does your business have an announceFor more info, go online to floridamaritimemu- ment to share? Submit your information to news@ seum.org or call the museum at 941-708-6120. islander.org.

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THE ISLANDER n Aug. 1, 2018 n 27

A “speed networking” exercise July 25 during the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce monthly mixer at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria. Members networked with a different person every five minutes.

Centered on networking

Center of Anna Maria Island board member Karen Harlee greets guests arriving to the center for the July 25 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business mixer. Harllee is the center’s special events coordinator.

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board chair Beverly Leznick flashes a smile at the July 25 monthly business-card mixer in Anna Maria. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

BizCal

BY SANDY AMBROGI

AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Wednesday, Aug. 1 11:30 a.m. — Networking luncheon, Feast Restaurant, 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Members $15, guests $25. Phone: 941-778-1541. Ongoing • Through Aug. 24, chamber Visitors Guide and Business Directory advertising orders accepted from members. Phone: 941-7781541. Email: info@amichamber.org. • Accepting sponsorship and vendor applications for BayFest, Saturday, Oct. 20, Anna Maria. Phone: 941-778-1541. Email: info@ amichamber.org. • Through October, noon, third Thursdays. Lunch and Learn seminars, the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. $10, RSVP required. Phone: 941-778-1541. LONGBOAT KEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Thursday, Aug. 16 11:30 a.m. — Networking @Noon, Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store, 300 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Circle. Members $25, chamber walk-ins $30, guests $35. Phone: 941-387-9000. Thursday, Sept. 20 4:30-7 p.m. — East Meets West Regional Business Expo, Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd. Sarasota. Info: 941-387-9000.

Publix bowls to boost MDA

The island Publix supermarket team — aided by other businesses — raised $1,410 for Muscular Dystrophy Association research and help with medical expenses for a child living with MD. The island grocery placed first in a competition with 10 other Publix stores in Manatee County while raising funds for the cause. The event included a bake sale, business sponsor sales and a July 17 Publix MDA Bowl-athon. Local donors included AMI Beach Fun Rentals, Slim’s Place, The Islander newspaper, Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Coastal Store, Bayshore Eye Care, the Loaded Barrel Tavern, Ken Christy Insurance, IMS Claims Services and Holmes Beach Publix 0681 at 3900 E. Bay Drive. Countywide, the Publix campaign raised more than $7,000. Islander Courtesy Photo

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND 110 7th Street S Judy LaValliere 941-504-3792 A4210751 $1,800,000

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2509 Avenue C A Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4208163 $595,000

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28 n Aug. 1, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

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ITEMS FOR SALE

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MANGOES: TREE-RIPENED and delicious. Several varieties, $1-2 each. 941-3631227.

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

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HOSPITAL BED: AS new. $100 or best offer. Local delivery possible. 941-778-5542. ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander ofﬁce, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. FOUR OAK OFFICE chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classiﬁeds@islander. org, fax toll-free 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer) ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE LIKE LIKES

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

f acebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com. FREE GUN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander ofﬁce, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

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