The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday Dec 20 2017 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

From rom winter harvest ... to table fare. 14-15. VOLUME 26, NO. 8

AsTheWorldTerns wish everyone a merry Christmas. 6

Merry

Motel revival. 30

Christmas

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

DEC. 20, 2017 FREE

www.islander.org

FEMA’s flood risk update nearly done. 2 Treehouse owners to Supreme Court: Give us a chance. 3 County planners go ‘green’ for Cortez development. 4

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 4

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

Holmes Beach advised to soften formula business ban. 8

Meetings

On the government calendar. 8 Bradenton Beach seeks equal city funding. 9

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 10 Make plans, save a date. 12-13 Christmas worship. 16

Obituaries. 17 Streetlife. 20 Fundraiser for former city pier employees underway. 21 Major League lesson. 24 Gearing up. 26 Cosmic calendar. 27 Wrestlers compete. 28 Windy fishing. 29 Classifieds. 32

The Manatee High School Drum Line poses with a bear in a blizzard. Page 15

Santa hears a child’s wish at the Moose Lodge. Page 14

Investigation nets 3 arrests for ‘shark drag’ abuse

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Three men have been arrested for animal cruelty, resulting from a shark-dragging video that drew widespread public outrage this summer. And there is new, emerging information from the investigation. Robert Benac III, 28, of Sarasota, and Michael Wenzel, 21, and Spencer Heintz, 23, both of Palmetto, were arrested Dec. 12. They each face two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty against a blacktip shark June 26 in the waters near Egmont Key in Hillsborough County. Benac and Wenzel also were charged with a misdemeanor for breaking a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission This collage includes a still photo from the video that depicts the shark-dragging and three of the four participants.

rule against spearing a blacknose shark. The three men turned themselves into authorities in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and were released. Benac and Wenzel posted $4,250 in bonds and Heintz posted a $4,000 bond. A fourth man on the fishing trip, Nicholas Burns Easterling, was not charged. “The fourth individual in the video provided information and cooperated with investigators and is not being charged in this case,” FWC spokesman Rob Klepper said in a Dec. 13 email. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission began investigating July 24 after complaints poured in about animal abuse videos and photos posted on Instagram and Facebook, including the viral 10-second

video of a blacktip shark being dragged behind a vessel at a high rate of speed. Manatee County prosecutors worked with the FWC to gain access to social media accounts with search warrants. In October, the 13th Circuit State Attorney became involved when investigators determined the alleged offenses occurred in Hillsborough County. Assistant State Attorney Christine Shiver Brown filed formal charges Dec. 11 against the trio. FWC investigator George McCorkle provided a probable cause affidavit to support the arrests. According to McCorkle’s affidavit, photographs, videos and texts revealed Wenzel shot the blacktip shark before dragging it behind his boat near Egmont Key in Hillsborough County. The FWC and 13th Circuit prosecutor’s office determined shooting the blacktip shark and then dragging it at high speed warranted two charges of animal cruelty. The trio, along with Easterling of Palmetto, formerly of Holmes Beach, left Wenzel’s home, also in Palmetto, for the June 26 fishing trip. Benac allegedly impaled a blacknose shark with a spear gun at 3:08 p.m. Thirteen minutes later, Wenzel recorded Benac, Easterling and Heintz dancing on the bow PLEASE SEE SHARK PAGE 2

2 n DEc. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

FEMA’s 5-year Gulf Coast ﬂood risk update nearly done

SHARK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

of the boat. Benac then hooked the 6-foot blacktip shark near Egmont Key and, at 5:08 p.m., Heintz recorded Benac as he attempted to bring the blacktip closer to the boat, where Wenzel shot the shark in its head with a handgun, Benac according to the affidavit. “Blood is immediately seen exiting the shark,” the affidavit states. “Despite being shot, the shark takes an aggressive turn in an attempt to retreat. The men are heard celebratHeintz ing by laughing, while Heintz yells, “Get it again, get it again,” the affidavit continues. Heintz recorded Benac’s fight with the blacktip shark. Wenzel recorded the shark lying over the gunnel at 5:14 p.m., showing Wenzel the shark’s tail roped, according to the PCA. The report also cites three scientists, who concluded there was a “high probability” the shark was alive when it was dragged behind the boat. Gov. Rick Scott wrote letters in July announcing

“I understand it, but it’s not easy to take,” Chappie said. Put simply, FEMA’s coastal analysis and mapping will dictate what can and cannot be built along the island coastline. Long gone, Chappie said, are the one-story cottages that used to house much of the island populace. Mark Vieira, senior civil engineer for FEMA, said the flood-risk map was overdue for a change. It had not been updated since 1977-79. “Congress said our maps are out of date,” Vieira

zero tolerance for such abuse and calling for tougher legislation. As far as tougher legislation in the hopper, the FWC continues “to move forward with the governor’s suggestion to review and strengthen regulations as necessary to help deter this type of behavior in the future,” Klepper said in Dec. 14 email. After hearing of the charges, the governor released the following statement: “Florida has no tolerance for this mistreatment, and I am proud of the hard work of FWC law enforcement during this investigation to hold these individuals accountable for their horrific actions.” Sport fishers, guides and animal rights activists have condemned the men’s actions, signed petitions and sought their prosecution. Some called for the men to lose their fishing licenses for life. Paula Moore, senior writer for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Foundation, in a Dec. 14 email to The Islander, said: “If any good can come of the outcry over the sickening shark-dragging video, perhaps it’s that more people will understand that animals aren’t for us to use and abuse — and leave them in peace.” Wenzel has a commercial saltwater fishing license. Benac and Heintz are recreational fishers.

said. “We said we know that.” The flood-risk update has been five years in the making. The first FEMA meeting for it was held in January 2013, followed by a review in September 2013. Storm-surge analysis and flood-risk review are just now concluding, Vieira said. Preliminary maps are expected to be available by mid-2018, he said. “Nowadays, we say everybody on Anna Maria Island is in the floodplain,” he said. “The risk varies.” Flood risk changes over time, which is why the study is being updated. Study components include elevation, climatological data and geographical information. FEMA is working with state agencies, two water management districts and other regional entities, including contractors and communities, to update coastal flood hazard information and produce new digital flood insurance rate maps in the Southeastern United States. In Florida, the new engineering analyses performed as part of the coastal flood-risk study will affect 37 counties in eight study areas, including five along the Gulf of Mexico, and three along the Atlantic Ocean. Nearly three dozen people attended the meeting, mostly engineers for the county and nearby cities. Most questions centered on when results would be available. Holmes Beach building official James McGuinness was more upbeat than Chappie after the meeting. He said he welcomed the opportunity to make residents aware of the flood-risk update and the need for flood protection. “It could reduce flood-insurance rates,” McGuinness said. The new maps will be digitized, Vieira said. Working maps can be viewed at southeastcoastalmaps.com.

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By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie was shaking his head Dec. 13 as he left the flood risk review meeting at Holmes Beach City Hall. The meeting was an update by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on its coastal hazard analysis, which helps determine flood insurance rates and federal building requirements. Chappie, a 44-year Anna Maria Island resident, said FEMA’s statisticians are driving up the cost of living on the island.

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 20, 2017 n 3

Treehouse owners U.S. Supreme Court plea: Give us a chance

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter “It is hard enough for a citizen to literally fight city hall,” is how the treehouse owners’ U.S. Supreme Court plea begins. It ends with attorney David Levin asking the high court to review the case and, in the alternative, for a redo — to vacate a 2nd District Court of Appeal decision that left a lower court order in place. The owners ask to have the case sent back to the trial court. The high court is set to consider their request at a Jan. 5 conference. Treehouse owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen reached the highest court after taking on and losing to the city of Holmes Beach, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida courts. Their petition for writ of certiorari challenges the 12th Circuit Judge Don T. Hall’s order, adopting a city’s proposed order verbatim, on due process grounds. The couple built an elaborate treehouse with two aboveground decks in 2011 around an Australian pine tree, steps from the owner’s home at Angelinos Sea Lodge, 103 29th St., a four-unit short term rental property. They built it for their personal use, a place to read and relax, without obtaining permits from the city or state. Throughout the proceedings, Tran said, they’ve followed the rules and believe Holmes Beach officials led them astray with verbal assurances the city code didn’t apply to a treehouse. “It’s just frustrating,” Tran said, criticizing how the rules have changed — being told no permit was needed. She claims the city backtracked on the permit and again on city charter, after they gathered and submitted signatures for a ballot question, only to be told the charter rule didn’t apply. Levin, of Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg in Sarasota, Tran and Hazen’s attorney

The sun sets on the treehouse in Holmes Beach in this photo from 2012 of the beachfront at Angelino’s Sea Lodge, taken by owner Lynn Tran early in the process of treehouse complaints and court cases. The owners’ writ of certiorari is on the U.S. Supreme Court’s conference calendar in January.

since 2011, brought their Supreme Court petition for writ of certiorari forward in October. The petition challenges a trial court order that was upheld by the 2nd DCA. The order was prepared by attorney Jim Dye, a principal in city attorney Patricia Petruff’s firm, Dye Harrison, after Hall asked both sides to submit proposed orders to conclude a July 2016 hearing. Hall’s order adopted the city’s order, including its position that a 2013 state law against development orders nullified the owners’ charter initiative. Levin has maintained that the law does not pertain to accessory uses, such as the treehouse. In the reply brief filed Dec. 5, Levin attacks Hall’s verbatim adoption of Dye’s proposed order as “no clearer example” of a litigant’s due process rights under the 14th Amendment. “To allow this error to stand uncorrected will seriously affect the fairness, integrity or public reputation of judicial,” Levin wrote in the reply brief. Tampa attorney Richard A. Harrison, special coun-

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sel for the city of Holmes Beach, contends the treehouse owners had opportunities to raise the federal due process arguments earlier, but failed to do so. In the reply brief, Levin cries foul. “To deny a citizen’s access to the U.S. Supreme Court because pleadings before lower state courts failed to mention the 14th Amendment in connection with its claim of denial of due process, as argued by the respondent, would also be unjust,” he wrote. While the owners await word from the Supreme Court, Tran said they’re still using the treehouse as they intended. “We built it in the beginning because we wanted to enjoy the view as a getaway,” Tran said. “You’re trying to do something nice on your property, and then this. You almost feel like a criminal. “Now it’s almost a prison instead of a getaway,” she added. Turning back to possibility of the high court hearing their case, she said, “We’re thinking we’ll get a fair hearing.”

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County planning board goes green for Cortez development

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Green all the way. Manatee County Planning Commissioners weren’t swayed by concerns over density, traffic, mangroves, transient housing or even the possibility of the development plan being upended by the plans for a new Cortez Bridge. The commission voted unanimously Dec. 14 to recommend Hunters Point Resort & Marina onto its next step in the development process — finding it consistent with the Manatee County Comprehensive Plan. The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is expected to vote on the Hunters Point plan Jan. 11, 2018. Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. will be seeking approvals from the BOCC for a preliminary site plan and to rezone 6.31 acres of the 18.73-acre site at the northeast base of the bridge in the 12400 block of Cortez Road. The rezoning would alter 5.01 acres of submerged canals, now zoned as residential duplex, and 1.3 acres currently general commercial to a “mixed-use” designation, according to the county staff report. As presented to the planning commission, the staff report included walkability and green transportation solutions as positive aspects. Negative, according to staff, is the location in the coastal evacuation and highhazard zones. At the hearing, developer Marshall Gobuty, who also heads up Mirabella Homes in Bradenton, attorney Caleb Grimes, of Grimes Goebel Grimes Hawkins Gladfelter & Galvano, as well as the project’s traffic engineer, senior planner and the architect introduced a “net-zero” design. The plan calls for 86 cottages, 62 lodging rooms in five buildings, 11,100 square feet of commercial space, including the five lodges, a clubhouse, restaurant and a marina with 48 boat slips in canals that horseshoe the property. Each home and building will produce as much if not more energy than it consumes, according to Gobuty. The property owners’ association, according to the developer’s plans, would likely own the canals. Planner Darenda Marvin highlighted walking trails and a water-taxi dock to help keep lodgers off Cortez

Jason Coates, civil engineer, and Hunters Point investors Brad Meeks, Marshall Gobuty and Pete Hoyt, gather in the hallway outside the Manatee County chambers Dec. 12 after the planning commissioners’ unanimous vote to recommend the project. Road. No changes are proposed to the canals or mangroves, she said. “The neighbors will have the exact same view as they do today,” Marvin added. The 484 square-foot one-story residences will be prefabricated and built to code. The lodging units will feature 800 interior square feet. Beth McDougal of McDougal Architects in Boston introduced herself as a Florida native and described the solar panels, airflow and built-in features, including a dining table, desk and beds. To be marketed as Pearl Homes, the developer will pursue green and sustainable certifications, including the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the U.S. Environment Protection Agency’s Energy Star, Indoor airPlus, WaterSense and the Living Future Institute net-zero energy programs. Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. will collaborate with Tesla, the U.S. Department of Energy and the Florida Solar Energy Center on the LEEDcertified homes. “What the world doesn’t need — this county and this state — is another vertical developer,” Gobuty said, adding he’s built 104 LEED-certified platinum homes, reducing homeowners’ monthly power bills

from $175 to $35-$60. “What’s amazing about this opportunity is that these homes will require no power at all,” Gobuty said. Cortez resident and former Manatee County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann applauded the green design but warned that the residences could become vacation rentals without restrictions. Prior plans were focused on a vacation rental community with restrictions on permanent residency. Caleb told the planning board Dec. 15, however, the cottages will be sold in fee simple, which allows for permanent residents and overnight rentals. The county’s lead planner, Margaret Tusing, said she’d like to meet with the developer to clarify the rental issue. Von Hahmann also wondered about the precedent set if the county reduces setbacks on the waterfront, sidewalks and roadway and approves what she considers “very small lots.” The former commissioner also questioned giving vested rights to the developer, considering how a new Cortez Bridge could impact the development. She showed commissioners the proposed frontage road on the site if the 65-foot bridge plans are implemented by the Florida Department of Transportation. Jonathan Graham of Cortez criticized the plan for encouraging boat traffic, putting in 86 homes for transients and non-residents and disturbing the quiet canals. “Elbow to elbow” was Rex Taylor’s description of how people would live in the proposed development. Karen Osterby questioned how new boat slips could be constructed without interfering with the mangroves that line the canal. Asked about the bridge before the hearing, Gobuty said he believes whatever bridge the DOT chooses won’t stop his development, and even in what he called “the worse-case scenario, a 65-foot bridge … we will still be able to build a community.” According to Gobuty, he hasn’t begun to work with the DOT. After the meeting and with the planning commission’s approval, Gobuty said, “I’m ecstatic.” Hunters Point is set for a BOCC hearing and possibly a vote at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, at the Manatee County Administrative Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Center receives clean audit, 2 board members retire By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter The Center of Anna Maria Island received an unmodified opinion and a clean audit for its 2016-17 fiscal year, which ended June 30. Auditor Eric Troyer from Kerkering, Barberio and Co., Certified Public Accountants, presented an audit review Dec. 13 to the center board of directors. The center did not release copies of the audit. Troyer said 88 percent of the center’s 2016-17 expenses were program expenses, while 5 percent went to management and 7 percent went to fundraising. Board chair David Zaccagnino said those numbers were “very good Lessig for a nonprofit.” After the audit review, board members dove into their financial report for the month of November. The center lost about $17,000 in November, but board members say Zaccagnino there is evidence of improvement, particularly in program funding. Since the July 1 beginning of its fiscal year, the center has lost $126,811. Jim Froeschle, board treasurer, said the center is “still trying to get over the hump” — the time before season kicks in. The most notable part, he said, is center programs “are making money this year.” Froeschle said net program income, after direct costs that include paying for coaches and equipment, is $35,253 year-to-date. The budget anticipated that the center would have

a net income of $53,893 for November. However, Froeschle said, the budget numbers were not calculated to account for seasonality, and the board remains hopeful snowbirds will Froeschle boost the numbers in the second half of the fiscal year. The center also fell below expectations in fundraising, bringing in $64,727 year-to-date. Executive director Kristen Lessig said the center earned half what she had hoped for with the golf tournaShuman ment Oct. 21, bringing in $14,000, and lost an opportunity to earn income from a comedy show due to scheduling conflicts after Hurricane Irma. In addition, the Giving Challenge hosted in the winter last year was moved to May 2018, which means the center can not expect those donations until the end of the fiscal year. Lester Family Fun Day brought in an additional $4,500, although Lessig said the event is not marketed as a fundraiser. Board members said there is “marked improvement” in the center’s ability to keep programs above water. “The community has asked us to run it like a business ... and in the past five months, I’ve think we’ve done it,” Zaccagnino said. Lessig said the center began an appeal for donations in December to match an anonymous $30,000 contribution and had received $13,800 in donations

toward the challenge. In addition, the center raised $3,100 from the Giving Tuesday internet event Nov. 28. Also during the meeting, Lessig said board members Froeschle and Bill Shuman would step down at the end of December after serving on the board for three years. Both Shuman and Foreschle resigned and rescinded their resignations in June during an upheaval of the board. Lessig and Zaccagnino thanked Froeschle and Shuman for their service, and said they were seeking potential new board members. Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore told board members other nonprofits in Manatee also are struggling to close funding gaps. She said Meals on Wheels PLUS in Manatee County almost closed its doors earlier this year. Froeschle made a final plea to government officials to meet the center’s goal of $70,000 in government funding for the year. Whitmore and Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek were in attendance, but Anna Maria Commissioner Nancy Yetter and Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, who serve as liaisons to the board, were absent. Despite financial woes, Whitmore said the center should avoid rehashing old complaints and has a number of positives, including its ability to operate on a limited staff and provide robust programming. “Other community centers in Manatee should look at what you’ve done,” she said. The center is hoping to raise funds from Bingo Bonanza, scheduled to begin Jan. 9, and the annual tour of homes in March.

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 20, 2017 n 5

New Bradenton Beach commission meets, recognizes old

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter There’s old and new business at nearly every city meeting, and this occasion was no different. Bradenton Beach held its first meeting with a new commissioner on board and, after recognizing out-going Mayor Bill Shearon, they got right down to business. The commission, with recently elected Commissioner Randy White and former commissioner now Mayor John Chappie, approved several ordinances at its Dec. 7 meeting. The final reading of an ordinance modifying parking times in city-owned lots was heard and unanimously passed by the mayor and commission.

Previously, public parking was not allowed in the city hall lot until 5 p.m., even though city hall closes at 4 p.m. With the approval of the ordinance, signage will be changed to allow parking after 4 p.m., unless signs are posted a city meeting is taking place. Additionally, vehicles are prohibited from parking midnight-7 a.m. at city hall. The final reading of an ordinance to increase the parking violation fee from $35 to $50 also passed with a unanimous vote. Additionally, commissioners unanimously approved the final reading of an ordinance to enact the three charter amendments approved by the electorate

and certified Nov. 7 by the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections. The charter amendments replaced the city’s four wards with at-large commissioners, amended residency requirements to a 12-month minimum and prohibited changes to the city charter by resolution. City attorney Ricinda Perry said even though the amendments were certified Nov. 7, an ordinance of the city is required, per the city charter. The vote was unanimous and there was no discussion. The next regular commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Mayor John Chappie shakes hands with former Mayor Bill Shearon Dec. 7 on presenting Shearon with a certificate of appreciation for his service. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Anna Maria business takes parking woes to city hall

Anna Maria Rocks wants better parking for its customers. Robert Abrunzo, an employee at Anna Maria Rocks, a souvenir store at 9908 Gulf Drive in the old post office plaza, addressed commissioners Nov. 30, raising complaints about its parking situation. The store’s entrance is on Spring Avenue, unlike the other businesses in the plaza that face Gulf Drive. Abrunzo said the situation leaves customers confused about where to park to access the store. Lorenzo suggested adding signs on Spring Avenue that allow parking on the grass. He also asked if the city would consider instituting one-hour parking on Spring Avenue. “Now more than ever, our local businesses are going to need help from the city to continue to thrive,” Abrunzo said. “The loss of the city pier … has been and is going to be a continuing hardship for many business owners here in town.” He asked the city for “any help it could offer.” Commissioners had no response. — Bianca Benedí

People in the gallery of the Katie Pierola Chambers at Bradenton Beach City Hall give former Mayor Bill Shearon a standing ovation Dec. 7. Shearon was recognized for his service with a certificate of appreciation during the meeting for the new commission.

6 n DEc. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

The best Christmas?

I’d say the best Christmas is one when you and your family can gather on the beach, taking in the sun, splashing in small waves and listening to carols while dinner cooks in the oven at home. Everyone has a viewpoint on the best of things, so there is no right or wrong answer. But as island Christmases go, there’s a sweet Hawaiian song made popular by Bing Crosby with lyrics that sum up my feelings to a “T.” “Mele Kalikimaka.” It goes like this … Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day. That’s the island greeting that we send to you From the land where palm trees sway. Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright. The sun will shine by day and all the stars at night. Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way to say Merry Christmas to you. For me, enjoying a sunny day and the glow of the moon and stars on the Gulf of Mexico by night is the best gift. And many more in the new year. And by this time in life, the other “best” gift is a kind word. Silly, but true. There are few gifts that mean as much as kindness. There’s joy in giving, too. And giving to people less fortunate at this time of year is especially rewarding. I’m a big believer in Christmas belonging to kids, so I try to focus on families who need help providing for their kids — especially the young children who still believe in Santa Claus and the miracle of Christmas. I also like to spread a little sunshine to others and this year, my 101-year-old uncle and cousins in Churchland, Virginia, are enjoying fresh oranges every morning. I hear it’s chilly up there. If you still need some ideas for your holiday giving, try looking online at The Islander Wish Book. It’s filled with wish lists from the area organizations that strive to make life better on Anna Maria Island. And little things, like pencils, copy paper and dog and Batting for wooden city pier cat food can go a long way. A case of peanut butter for the Roser Food Pantry always is appreciated. I am an Englishman who has had the good fortune There’s much to do for the holidays. Places to go to have owned a house just a cricket ball throw from and people to see. your glorious Anna Maria City Pier since 2010. We wish you a great holiday on Anna Maria Island, I would just like to make two points. where the sun shines by day and the stars at night. First, when the Japanese had a terrible tsunami Merry Christmas, y’all! — Bonner Joy a few years ago, they managed to rebuild highways, overpasses, bridges, etc., in a matter of weeks. I see no action at all so far on the pier. Second, as a visitor to your fabulous island, I can tell you what attracts your thousands of tourists: the old Florida charm. It’s the lack of high-rise buildings DEC. 20, 2017 • Vol. 26, No. 8 and the quaint and authentic locations, like the city ▼ Publisher and Editor pier, Rod & Reel Pier, Annie’s Bait, the Star Fish Co., Bonner Joy, news@islander.org and more. ▼ Editorial Lisa Neff, copy editor Can we please have the pier restored to its former Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org charm in wood? Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Nobody wants to see a stainless steel and concrete Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org monstrosity. Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com Jon Webber, Anna Maria ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org

Opinion

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Single copies free. Quantities of ﬁve or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2017 • Editorial, sales and production offices: 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 WEBSITE: www.islander.org PHONE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Winner!

Supporting Night Out

To Bonner Joy and friends at The Islander newspaper, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous support of the Holmes Beach Police Department’s second annual National Night Out event held Oct. 3. Without your generosity, this islandwide event would not have been so successful. Your donation, along with the assistance you provided onstage, were extremely important to the event and we are honored to say that your willingness to support this event was a vital link in its success. Your support of National Night Out and the HBPD is greatly appreciated. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude and appreciation for your support. We look forward to your partnering with us again next year to make National Night Out 2018 bigger and better than this year. So mark your calendar for Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. Holmes Beach Police Chief William L. Tokajer, Sgt. Vern McGowin and Officer Josh Fleischer

Have your say

The winner of the Dec. 15 bicycle raffle held during the Midtown Holiday Open House at the Anna Maria Island Centre plaza, is Jocelyn Raines, 10, a student at AME. Please, come collect your prize at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Anonymous letters will not be printed. Email: news@islander.org. Readers also may comment on stories online where The Islander has 3,700+ registered users. Also, The Islander has an active — 10,880+ likes — Facebook community. To join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Facebook.

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 20, 2017 n 7

Pine Avenue then

A group walks on Pine Avenue toward the Gulf of Mexico in the 1920s. Lacking bridges to the island, steamers arrived from the mainland and daytrippers disembarked at the Anna Maria City Pier. This photo and many other historical images can be found in “Images of America: Anna Maria Island” by Islander publisher Bonner Joy. Islander Courtesy Photo

Christmas Day. There will be no fixed route, Handy Bus, paratransit or Longboat Key Shuttle service Dec. 31 or Jan. 1, but the island trolley and beach express will operate. On New Year’s Eve, the island trolley will extend its Anna Maria to Coquina Beach route until 1 a.m. The Islander will be closed Dec. 23-25 for Christmas and Dec. 30-Jan. 1 for New Year’s.

Wish Book wishes to fill

Doing some last-minute shopping? Remember the organizations and wishes shared in The Islander’s Wish Book. Each year, the newspaper publishes a Wish Book containing items local groups need and want. A copy of the Wish Book can be found on the newspaper’s website at islander.org and print copies can be found at the newspaper’s office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

We’d love to mail you the news!

In the headlines: Dec. 17, 1997

• Holmes Beach city officials sought to halt a petition campaign for a referendum against a commission-approved cell tower, saying the referendum process did not apply to resolutions. • More than 500 residents in northern Cortez were protesting the proposed rezone of a large portion of their waterfront. The proposal involved rezoning Sunny Shores Marina residential property to planned development waterfront. • About 6 inches of rain fell on Anna Maria Island over the course of a weekend crowded with events of the holiday season, forcing postponements and cancellations.

In the headlines: Dec. 19, 2007

Government offices close, holiday service delays

Most government offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26, in observance of Christmas. Most government offices also will be closed Monday, Jan. 1, which is New Year’s Day. Garbage, yard waste and recycling collection will be suspended on Christmas and New Year’s Day and collection services are pushed back a day through the week. Public parks, preserves and beaches remain open on the holidays, but Manatee County public libraries will be closed Dec. 24-26. All libraries also will be closed New Year’s Day. Manatee County Area Transit will cease running its fixed route and Handy Bus on Christmas Eve. The Island Trolley will halt service at 7 p.m. Dec. 24. On Christmas Day, there will be no fixed route, Handy Bus or Longboat Key Shuttle service. The trolley and beach express will run regular service on

10&20 years ago

• Property owners at Perico Bay Club on Perico Island learned they were being classified as Zone 2 on the hurricane hazard map for insurance purposes, resulting in an increase in annual insurance premiums. • Pine Avenue Restoration investors purchased the first of seven properties on the east-west street in Anna Maria for their “old Florida”-style development. • Tons of sand was deposited along the Palma Sola Causeway in a renourishment effort to be followed with a landscaping campaign involving the planting of hundreds of trees. The issue 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 Dec. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach advised to soften formula business ban

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Planner Bill Brisson finally drew a deep line in the Holmes Beach sand. The Holmes Beach City Commission is overstepping legal bounds in its attempt to regulate formula businesses, he said. And he won’t back the commissioners in court if they insist upon overreaching against his advice and end up getting sued, as he suggests is likely. “I won’t be able to support it,” Brisson said. “Because I know what I will be asked at trial.” That was the theme of six pages of recommendations given by Brisson at the Dec. 12 Holmes Beach City Commission working session. “We don’t have the character citywide with regard to commerce to install a blanket formula business moratorium,” Brisson said. “I do believe we have a shot of doing downtown.” Brisson said having only one formula business, a Domino’s Pizza at 5606 Marina Drive, gives the downtown a “character” composed of local storefronts where a chain ban might be able to stand up in court. Brisson’s legal concerns about a blanket formula business ban were buttressed by city attorney Patricia

How Anna Maria banned formula businesses

Anna Maria city commissioners took a stand Aug. 24 by enacting a moratorium on formula businesses. It has yet to be challenged in court. Anna Maria first enacted a temporary formula retail moratorium in 2016 after chain stores Smoothie King and Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins qualified for storefronts on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. Holmes Beach adopted a temporary moratorium June 14, 2016, before Anna Maria, but is still struggling to enact a legally defensible permanent ordinance. Anna Maria defined a formula retail business as one with three or more locations with a similar color scheme, trademark and merchandise. Formula retail establishments were targeted in order to preserve Anna Maria’s “old Florida” feel. Businesses begun in Anna Maria are exempt, unless the owners seek more business licenses within the city. Anna Maria extended the temporary moratorium twice in the past year before adopting a permanent ban. The Bradenton Beach comprehensive plan prohibits “multi-unit business using a common brand name, i.e., franchise or chain-type stores.”

Alexander Stewart, an aide to Holmes Beach city attorney Patricia Petruff, cites examples of cautionary case law involving formula business bans in Florida. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

Petruff. “It’s when we get sued. Not if,” Petruff said. Petruff introduced a legal aide from her office, Alexander Stewart, who cited seven examples of case law offering cautionary tales of cities that tried with varying degrees of success to ban formula businesses. The case of Islamorada involves similarity to Holmes Beach, Stewart said. Islamorada argued it wanted to preserve a unique and natural small town with certain characteristics. The court found against the Islamorada ban because it already had a number of formula retail businesses and no historic district, according to Stewart. The court ruled preserving a small town’s character is a legitimate purpose but disagreed Islamorada had shown it had any small-town character to preserve. The court ruled Islamorada’s ordinance was discriminatory and invalidated it. Once formula businesses establish a foothold anywhere in a city, it becomes problematic to try to ban them, according to Stewart. “Do the courts not let you wake up?” Commissioner Rick Hurst asked. The commission directed Brisson to draft a blanket franchise business moratorium covering Holmes Beach at its Oct. 12 meeting. Brisson did as requested with misgivings, he said, then decided it was time to stop pretending a blanket formula business ban would work for Holmes Beach. “I have steadfastly tried to subtly persuade you that I could find little that would permit me to support limiting formula businesses in the Benderson Plaza area in the event of a legal challenge,” Brisson wrote in his recommendations. The commission is on a deadline to finish this task. A temporary moratorium on formula businesses was enacted in 2016, after two franchise stores began operating at the Anna Maria Island Centre on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach, also known as Benderson Plaza.

New sergeant patrols Anna Maria By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Sgt. Mike Jones knows Anna Maria. He’s brought his boat to Bean Point and worked as a member of a special response team covering events. But now he will command the sheriff’s office substation in Anna Maria, which means he’ll be coming to the island a lot. Born and raised in the St. Petersburg area, Jones came to the county in 1998 to begin his career with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. His career runs the gamut — from patrol officer to children’s crime investigator to the violent crimes task force. But he recently decided he wanted a change of pace. The violent crimes task force was primarily a nighttime shift, he said, and he was looking for a return to daytime patrolling. Jones and wife Jennifer are in the process of adopting four foster children, he said. The transition would allow him better family time. In Anna Maria, Jones said, the pace is bound to be different than when he worked on the mainland in violent crimes. “The name says it all. This is a patrol position,” he said. Jones said he hopes to continue the example set

by Sgt. Russell Schnering once he settles into leading the six deputies at the Anna Maria sub-station.

The moratorium was later extended twice, the last time through Feb. 18, 2018, to allow more time to adopt a formal ordinance. Brisson said he modeled his approach after the tactics Sanibel has used successfully over the past 40 years. Brisson’s preferred proposal would divide the city into six business zones, each with differing levels of tolerance for formula businesses. A zoned approach would allow more formula businesses in the plaza than in the downtown shopping zone and is more defensible legally in case of a lawsuit from a banned business, he said. Holmes Beach Commission Chair Judy Titsworth said the city must do its best to negotiate the legal minefield. “I think if we lay off Benderson Plaza and protect the other areas, we might be doing the best we can,” Titsworth said. Todd Mathes, director of development for Benderson Development Co., has given Petruff notice Benderson will challenge the formula business ordinance if adopted. Out of 173 commercial businesses in Holmes Beach, 20 are classified as formula businesses, excluding banks, gas stations, real estate offices, grocery stores, gas stations, legal and medical offices. The commission will meet in regular session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Meetings Anna Maria City • Dec. 28, 6 p.m., city commission. • Jan. 9, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach • Dec. 20, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. • Dec. 21, noon, city commission. CANCELED • Dec. 27, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. Holmes Beach • Jan. 3, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. • Jan. 3, 6 p.m., planning commission. • Jan. 9, 6 p.m., city commission. • Jan. 11, 6 p.m., city commission. • Jan. 23, 6 p.m., city commission. • Jan. 25, 6 p.m., city commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. West Manatee Fire Rescue • Dec. 21, 6 p.m., fire commission. CANCELED WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. Manatee County • Jan. 9, 9 a.m., commission. • Jan. 11, 9:30 a.m., commission (land use). • Jan. 23, 9 a.m., commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

MCSO Sgt. Mike Jones stands alongside his patrol vehicle Dec. 12 at Anna Maria City Hall. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

Of interest • Dec. 25 is Christmas and most government offices, as well as The Islander, will be closed. Most government offices also will be closed Dec. 26. • Jan. 1 is New Year’s Day and most government offices, as well as The Islander, will be closed. • Jan. 8, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Anna Maria City Hall. • Jan. 30, 4 p.m., council of governments. TBD. Send notices to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 20, 2017 n 9

Surplus concession fund considered in Bradenton Beach

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Manatee County’s surplus beach concession revenue is up for grabs and Bradenton Beach wants an equal piece of the pie. During a Dec. 7 commission meeting, Mayor John Chappie explained the fund, which is nearly $900,000, is allocated by the county for capital improvement projects recommended by the three island municipalities — Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach — to benefit the public. The fund is the result of payments from the con-

Coquina Beach fitness equipment on hold

During a Dec. 7 Bradenton Beach commission meeting, former Commissioner Janie Robertson asked about the request from the city, under the previous commission, to install fitness equipment along the Coquina Beach Trail, at a cost not to exceed $15,000. Chappie said a representative from the county told him the equipment could be twice the requested amount. He said liability also is a concern for the county, so strict safety guidelines are required for the equipment, including manufacturer installation and regular inspections. “It’s not as easy as you or I would think it would be,” Chappie said. Chappie said he would check the project status with Charlie Hunsicker, the director of Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources and the county contact for the project. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

cessionaire, United Park Services Inc., over and above the budgeted lease income, which includes a percentage of profits. Chappie said he met with Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson to discuss a list of projects and costs compiled by Lynn Burnett, city engineer for the three municipalities. According to the current project list for the fund, Anna Maria is requesting $475,125, Holmes Beach is asking for $297,075 and Bradenton Beach comes in at $107,845 for proposed concession fund projects. Chappie said the three cities should split the fund equally. In a Dec. 13 workshop with Burnett, the commissioners and mayor discussed the money. Burnett said Anna Maria and Holmes Beach included lists of improvements to a planned multimodal path that would extend across the island for their portions of the fund. She said Bradenton Beach’s list only included striping and signage along Avenue C, for its component of the trail. It did not include paths, sidewalks or landscaping. She presented the commission with three options for enhancements. The first option would be to add a 5-foot-wide sidewalk along the east side of Avenue C. Another option would be to add a 6-foot-wide sidewalk along the east side of the street, with 6-footwide bike lanes and landscaping along each side. The third option she presented would add landscaping and 8-foot-wide multi-use paths along both sides of Avenue C. All options included adding streetlights to existing utility poles. Burnett requested that the commission reconsider its request and “bump it up” to be one-third of the total fund, so the money would be earmarked for Bradenton

Beach to complete Avenue C. Chappie agreed. “In my opinion, we really need to reconsider what we presented as our portion,” Chappie said. “I don’t care how great the projects are, and some are really great, but, I think there should be some equal distribution of the funds.” Chappie suggested another meeting to provide the public an opportunity to weigh in on options for enhancements to the trail. The commission reached consensus to direct the city clerk to schedule an evening meeting to allow public input on the funding in January.

has yet to approve the permit. “They plan now to expand the building,” McGuinness said. “So, as a result, they are going to have to come back with a new site plan, or an amended site plan, because they wish to build something other than what was approved. “To my knowledge, they want to wait and do it all at once,” McGuinness said. Commissioner Rick Hurst questioned McGuinness, saying he had a different understanding of the Ugly Grouper’s intent. “Are we certain of that?” Hurst asked. “One of the owners mentioned to me that they are still waiting for approval. They said they’ve been waiting.” Titsworth said the stage revision application should be approved now because it fits within a site plan approved by the commission. “I don’t think the commission wants to wait to do it all at once because right now that band is playing every day at a substandard stage,” she said. Lewis said the plan is to rebuild the stage facing the Ugly Grouper bar. He said he had once hoped to finish the project in August.

Lewis said McGuinness was unavailable Dec. 13, the day after the commission meeting, when he visited the building department to ask about the permit. “We have no hard feelings,” Lewis said. “We just want to get it done.” In other action: The commission adopted an ordinance allocating $50,000 for the dog park from contingency funds. The commission also adopted a related ordinance to update the capital improvements schedule. Also, McGuinness reported a stop-work order issued July 7 has been removed from a job site at 102 77th St., Holmes Beach. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection approved a revised construction application Oct. 25. The DEP ruled the project will result in no significant impact to dunes, beach or adjacent properties and is “appropriately designed” under Florida law. McGuinness said the stop-work order was removed as soon as he received confirmation of the DEP approval. The commission will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Walkers, runners and bicyclists traverse the Coquina Beach Trail between Gulf Drive and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Islander File Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

HB commission orders permit issued to Ugly Grouper

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Building official Jim McGuinness received an order from the Holmes Beach City Commission to issue a building permit to the Ugly Grouper. “At this point, if it meets building code, I think the permit needs to be issued so they can get it built correctly,” said commission Chair Judy Titsworth. “I agree,” said Commissioner Jim Kihm. “Very good,” McGuinness said. “We will do so.” The Ugly Grouper bar and restaurant, 5704 Marina Drive, plans to revise its outdoor stage configuration to limit sound carrying into the residential area. Ugly Grouper personnel say McGuinness has been sitting on the permit application for weeks. “As far as we know, we’re waiting on his signature so we can get started,” said operations manager Aaron Lewis. “We check with the building department twice a week. Our hands are kind of tied.” Kihm asked about the Ugly Grouper’s permit application at a Dec. 12 commission meeting. McGuinness said the stage modification is now going to be part of a larger project, which is why he

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Clancy’s to plunge into 2018

The 10th annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge, a fundraiser for at-risk children, will be at noon Monday, Jan. 1, in Bradenton Beach. The plunge will launch from the Gulf of Mexico near Gulf Drive and Seventh Street South. The event is sponsored by Clancy’s Irish Pub, which will host a post-plunge party, with door prizes, food, beverages and live music. Clancy’s is at 6218 Cortez Road, Bradenton. Participants in the plunge who wear a costume will be judged and could receive a trophy at the party. All who participate in the costume contest will receive a

Kiwanis exchanges ornaments

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will gather Saturday, Dec. 23, to exchange Christmas ornaments. The celebration will be at 8:30 a.m.at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Club members and guests will gather for breakfast at 8 a.m. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Senior Adventures to hold book sale, potluck lunch Senior Adventures will gather for a book sale and potluck lunch Friday, Dec. 22, at the Annie Silver Community Center. The sale and lunch will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for local charities, including personal hygiene items, socks and underwear, towels and detergent and nonperishable food items. The center is at 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. For more info, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

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Christ Church sets winter concert dates

Christ Church of Longboat Key will host the Florida Brass Quartet at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, in the first of three winter concerts. Founded in 1986, the Florida Brass Quintet has established itself as one of the best-known ensembles on the west coast of Florida. Concerts feature a mix of standard quintet literature and pops selections. From the clarion sounds of the Baroque to contemporary jazz, the Florida Brass Quintet offers entertaining programs of great variety. Also, Christ Church will present soprano Ewa Nowakowski in concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Her concerts feature the music of the masters — from Schubert to Strauss and everywhere in between. The third concert will feature cellist Lorraine Wallace, and pianist Chris Westfall at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 11. Wallace and Westfall will perform a recital of music from the Baroque period through the 20th century, including works by Bach, Handel, Schubert, Saint-Saens and Morriconne. The Presbyterian church is at 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. For more information, call 941-383-8833.

“B1!” Be one of the many who will attend the first Thursday night bingo celebration at Annie Silver Community Center. The center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, will host bingo games 6-9 p.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. Center benefits from challenge The Center of Anna Maria Island is seeking dona18. Center members will call games and serve refreshtions to match an anonymous pledge of $30,000. ments throughout the night. The matching offer ends Dec. 31. Also, there will be community dinners at the center For more information, call the center at 941-778Jan. 19, Feb. 9 and March 16. 1908 or visit at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more, call Linda Yarger at 941-778-3580.

Island happenings

Artist Sue Elliott

Cortez museum sets winter lecture series

The Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez will offer a series of lectures this winter. The talks will be at 3 p.m. in the main gallery of the Florida Maritime Museum Wednesdays, Jan. 17, Feb. 21 and March 21. The lectures will explore the history of the Manatee River Pram Fleet, the community of Fogartyville and awareness of local sea turtle and shorebird species. A closer look at the schedule: Manatee River Pram Fleet, 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, with Merab-Michal Favorite, who will talk about the origins of the Manatee River Pram Fleet. The institution has offered sailing classes to children since the 1940s. The fleet is made up of Optimist Prams, or Optis, which are considered to be the world’s largest class of one-design boats. Fogartyville Revisited, 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, with a discussion about one of the original settlements in Manatee County — Fogartyville. Originally settled by the Fogarty family of Key West, the area has seen many changes since the late 1800s. Bob Pitt, a local boatbuilder and a present day resident of Fogartyville, will provide the history. Sea Turtles and Shorebirds and Snowbirds, Oh My! 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, with Suzi Fox, the executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, talking about turtles, shorebirds and snowbirds. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more information, call FMM at 941-7086120.

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 20, 2017 n 11

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Bob Pitt will deliver a lecture as part of the winter series at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez. Islander Courtesy Photo

Donate to ‘Friends’ now

The Friends of the Island Library announced the annual book sale will take place Feb. 15-17 at Roser Memorial Community Church. Until then, the friends are looking to increase their sales by collecting books, with proceeds going to proDe Soto National Memorial grams and improvements at the island branch of the county library. offers fishing clinic Books can be donated at the library, 5701 Marina The De Soto National Memorial will offer kids Drive, Holmes Beach, through Feb. 10. a “ranchero fishing clinic” Dec. 27 and also March For more information, call the library at 941-77826-28. 6341. These ranger-led clinics will be limited to 10 participants — excluding parents or guardians — and provide an introduction to saltwater fishing in southwest Florida. Participants will be picked by lottery. A parent or guardian must accompany a child under 13 to the clinic. Each camp will start with a basic introduction to fishing rods, reels, lines and lures. Participants will refine their casting technique by snagging backyard bass on the grounds. Then participants will learn to identify native fish species and get a lesson in Florida rules and regulations. Park staff will then assist kids in fishing — rods and bait will be provided. For more information about the clinics or entering the lottery, call the ranger office at 941-792-0458. The national memorial is at 8300 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton.

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in readers’ lives . Submit notices and photographs with Children participate in a fishing clinic at the De Soto detailed captions — along with complete contact National Memorial in Bradenton. Islander Courtesy information — to news@islander.org. Photo

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

â&#x20AC;˘ Throughout December, Maria Sine exhibits her artwork in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Land and Sea,â&#x20AC;? Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. â&#x20AC;˘ Throughout December, Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild Gallery exhibits â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christmas Island,â&#x20AC;? 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6694. â&#x20AC;˘ Through Dec. 23, 10th anniversary celebration at Studio at Gulf and Pine and â&#x20AC;&#x153;10byTenâ&#x20AC;? community exhibit, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906. â&#x20AC;˘ Through Jan. 6, Fernado Solerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acrylic painting exhibit, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aquatic FantaSea,â&#x20AC;? Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906.

KIDS & FAMILY ONGOING ON AMI

â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7780719. â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, 3:15 p.m., after-school childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choir, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. â&#x20AC;˘ TerriďŹ c Tuesdays for community and families, 5:30 p.m., Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

GAMES, SPORTS & OUTDOORS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI

Drive, Longboat Key. Fee apples. Information: 941-216-9600. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Feb. 24, 2018, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training home opener, Bradenton. April 4, 2018, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island golf tournament, Bradenton.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, Dec. 20 Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anna Maria Island Garden Club meeting, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6758. Thursday, Dec. 21 10:15 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Friends of the Island Library Book Club discusses â&#x20AC;&#x153;Somebody I Used to Know,â&#x20AC;? Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Knit and crochet club meeting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, Dec. 22 10 a.m.-1 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Senior Adventures book sale and pot luck lunch, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. Saturday, Dec. 23 8:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting and ornament exchange, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Wednesday, Dec. 27 Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, Dec. 27 4 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Chess club meeting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Jan. 6, Island Gallery West acrylics demonstration with Lee Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Mears, Holmes Beach. Jan. 11-28, Island Playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beyond a Joke,â&#x20AC;? ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Anna Maria. Jan. 28, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. Feb. 18, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria. March 8-25, Island Playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Curious Savage,â&#x20AC;? Anna Maria. March 10-11, Anna Maria Island Art League Spring- Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: fest juried arts and crafts festival, Holmes Beach. March 11, Roser 941-708-6130. â&#x20AC;˘ Fridays, usually at 1 p.m., mahjong games, Island Library, Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. March 25, Roser 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. May 3-13, Island â&#x20AC;˘ Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, Playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Inspector Calls,â&#x20AC;? Anna Maria. 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND ONGOING OFF AMI â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, 12:15 p.m., duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in December and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. â&#x20AC;˘ Through Jan. 21, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aftermath: The Fallout of Warâ&#x20AC;? exhibit fea- of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: after Jan. 1, Anna Maria Island Historical Society sales of Settlers turing work by Lynsey Addario, Jananne Al-Ani, Jennifer Karady, 941-779-0881. Bread, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941LOOKING AHEAD Gloriann Liu, Rania Matar, Eman Mohammed, Farah Nosh, Suzanne 778-0492. Opton, Michal Rovner, Stephen Dupont, Ben Lowy and Simon Norâ&#x20AC;˘ Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ Jan. 13, Anna Maria Elementary Dolphin Dash 5K and 1 Mile folk, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, Fun Run, Holmes Beach. Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI â&#x20AC;˘ Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Manatee County Veteran Services Divisions counseling and assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina â&#x20AC;˘ First and third Wednesdays usually, Roser Memorial CommuFeb. 17-18, 2018, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. nity Church GolďŹ ng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El ConCortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. Feb. 25, Anna Maria â&#x20AC;˘ Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning quistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414. Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra Broadway and Beyond conâ&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., ACBL Open Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton cert, Bradenton. March 25, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Pairs Duplicate Bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. Orchestra Opera Concert, Bradenton.

Roser hosts Bethlehem Walk

Jill and Mark Morris, portraying Mary and Joseph, clutch Alexander Hopkins, their baby Jesus for the night of the Bethlehem walk. Islander Photos: Courtesy Roser Church

Steven and Leslie Atkins, dressed as shepherds, smile Dec. 2 on the steps of Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, as they prepare to embark on the walk in Anna Maria.

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• Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. • Second Wednesdays during season, Off Stage Ladies meet• Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island ing and luncheon, various venues, Bradenton. Information: 941-932breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, 2798. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. GOOD TO KNOW • Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge SAVE THE DATES Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941518-1965. • Thursday, Dec. 21, ﬁrst day of winter. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI • Sunday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. • Monday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Jan. 11, Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel • Sunday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve. Series begins, Holmes Beach. Jan. 13, Anna Maria Island Priva• Monday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day. teers Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. Feb. 10, Anna Maria Island • Monday, Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. Feb. 15-17, Friends • Tuesday, Feb. 13, Fat Tuesday. of the Island Library annual book sale, Anna Maria. March 3, Anna • Wednesday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Day Festival, Anna Maria. • Monday, Feb. 19, Presidents Day. March 10, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton • Sunday, April 1, Easter. Beach. March 21, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Penny Flower Show, Anna Maria. April 18, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Fashion GET LISTED Show, Anna Maria. Send announcements for The Islander’s 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.

Andrew McCarrick shows off his personal lighted Christmas display Dec. 12 at The Islander office. McCarrick said he got the idea from Facebook and added to it. “I just get attention everywhere I go,” McCarrick said, adding that people stop him for pictures. McCarrick said he’s thinking about ways to continue the tradition for future holidays. “February is coming,” he said. “There might be a sequel.” Islander Photo: Lisa Williams

GOOD DEEDS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Looking for volunteer opportunities on or around Anna Maria Island? These organizations are seeking help: • The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, is seeking volunteers. Volunteer orientations take place at noon and 6 p.m. the ﬁrst Thursday of each month. Information: 941778-1908. • 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: 941-7780414. • The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers to serve as docents and in other ways. Information: 813-758-3234. • The Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, seeks volunteers for the gift shop, visitor services, grounds, gardens, building maintenance, classes and more. Information: 941708-6120. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. Looking for volunteers for an organization or an event? Email calendar@islander.org with the details. Please include a contact name and phone number.

Holiday light fantastic

Mike Harrington stands Dec. 14 on the porch of his home, aglow with Christmas lights, on Second Street North in the Pines Trailer Park in Bradenton Beach. Harrington spent the summer programming a light show that flashes in time with holiday music. He encourages people to swing by and check out the show, which cycles every 23 minutes, 6-7:45 p.m., through Jan 1, 2018. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

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need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts 317 Pine Ave., Anna Maria • www.emersonshumor.com

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MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions. Call: 941.778.0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com

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14 n Dec. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Moose women host merry Christmas celebration — just for kids Ross Dobrin, 17, reads “The Night Before Christmas” to a group of children Dec. 16 during the Christmas party put on by Women of Moose at the lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach.

Santa listens Dec. 16 as Jaylan Nelson, 4, sits in his lap and tells him her Christmas wishes at the Moose Lodge Christmas party for kids.

Sophia Light, 16, and Amari Capozi, 15, smile for a picture Dec. 16 with cookies to pass out to guests at the Women of Moose Lodge Christmas party for kids.

Ariah Taylor, 2, smiles in Rudolph’s arms Dec. 16 at the Christmas party for kids organized by the Women of the Moose at the Bradenton Beach lodge for kids.

Delaney Dunlap, 5, Harper Meyer, 4, Carter Dunlap, 10, and Bodie Dunlap, 7, busy themselves during lunch Dec. 16 at the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge No. 2188 in Bradenton Beach Christmas celebration for kids organized by Women of the Moose. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

The Privateers Christmas celebration cruises to Bridge Street

Santa prompts two children to ponder the popular holiday question, “Have you Santa and sleigh arrive Dec. 16 to a holiday crowd in the 100 block of Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. been naught or nice?” aboard the Privateers Christmas sleigh. Alice Lau, 3, of Milwaukee, looks up after face painter Winter Darling of Family Fun Entertainment and Attractions puts on the finishing touch. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

A 1967 Ford Galaxy XL convertible is decked with holiday trim while parked at the Drift In during the Privateers’ Dec. 16 holiday potluck.

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 20, 2017 n 15

Midtown AMI Centre party rocks Ho Ho Holmes Beach

Privateers Butch Pastorius, left, Butch’s son, Roque Pastorius, and Roque’s wife Kathy Pastorius join Mrs. Claus, Santa, Jazzy Sparks, 6, of Holmes Beach, and Butch’s wife Privateer Dee Pastorius on Santa’s sled outside The Islander office Dec. 15 during the Midtown Holiday Party in Holmes Beach.

Can it be snowing on the island? Revelers — and a giant stuffed bear — find out Dec. 15 during the Midtown Holiday Party at the Anna Maria Island Centre and Walgreens Plaza on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. Mark Swift, a seasonal Holmes Beach resident, holds a hot dog and chips from Ace Hardware as he takes a raffle ticket from Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton, an Ace employee, during the Midtown Holiday Party.

People line up outside Paradise Cafe Dec. 15 for samples of the restaurant’s chili and chicken orzo soup during the Midtown Holiday Party at the Anna Maria Island Centre on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach.

Musicians Dupes, left, and Pearpey, of St. Lucia, serenade Ginny Harlan, of Holmes Beach, and her 11-month-old daughter Sophia Dec. 15 during the Midtown Holiday Party at the Anna Maria Island Centre plaza on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Prize winner! Jocelyn Raines

A crowd lines the sidewalk at the Anna Maria Island Centre in Holmes Beach Dec. 15 to watch the Manatee High School Drumline perfrom during the Midtown Holiday Party. People bustle on the sidewalk at the Anna Maria Island Centre shops, where Paradise Cafe served soup and chili, The Islander hosted the Anna Maria Island Privateers with their sleigh -- and Santa arrived at the beckoning of the cafe. The Islander also produced a snow storm to the delight of young and old, and held a raffle for a new bicycle from Ace Hardware. The winner of the bicycle raffle held during the Midtown Holiday Open House at the Anna Maria Island Centre plaza, is Jocelyn Raines, 10, a student at AME. Please, come collect your prize at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

16 n DEc. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Island churches celebrate Christmas The island churches will celebrate Christmas with singing, sermons and candlelight services. There are six churches on the island. Here’s a look at their plans for the holiday: • CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will offer a Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24. For more information, call 941-778-0719. • Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will host an advent Eucharist service at 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, as well as a 4:30 p.m. carol sing, a 5 p.m. Holy Eucharist service, a 10:30 p.m. carol sing and an 11 p.m. Solemn High Holy Eucharist service. On Christmas Day, which is Monday, Dec. 25, the church will offer a Holy Eucharist service at 9 a.m. For more information, call 941-778-1638. • Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will hold a worship service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, followed by fellowship at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 941-778-1813. • Harvey Memorial Community Church is at 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. For more information about Harvey’s services, call 941-779-1912. • Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will hold regular worship at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, as well as two Christmas Eve candlelight services. The 5:30 p.m. service will feature a children’s nativity pageant and music by the Joyful Noise Children’s Choir. The 9 p.m. traditional service will feature music by violinist Alicia Doudna and flutist Mary Deur, as well as the Chancel Founded 1956

ALL ARE WELCOME

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Sunday Dec. 24 10 a.m. Worship Service 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Service Guest musicians: Christine Rudacille, Violin, and Lorraine English, Cello, Kim Johnson and Kyle Miller Wallace, Hand Bell Ringers

The Rev. Bill Friederich Senior Minister 941.383.6491 www.longboatislandchapel.org

A nativity pageant takes place as Roser Memorial Community Church celebrates Christmas. Islander Courtesy Photos

BELOW: Alicia Doudna will play the violin during a Christmas Eve service at Roser Memorial Community Church. Choir. For more information, call 941-778-0414. • St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, will hold Mass at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, and Christmas vigil Mass at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Mass on Christmas Day will be at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 941-778-4769. On Longboat Key, the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, will hold a Christmas Eve service at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, as well as a worship service at 10 a.m. The Christmas Eve program will feature music by violinist Christine Rudacille, cellist Lorraine English and bell ringers Kim Johnson and Kyle Miller. For more information, call 941-383-6491. Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, will hold a Sunday service at 10 a.m. Dec. 24, as well as a Christmas Eve candlelight service featuring a brass quartet at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome For more information, call 941-383-8833.

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation Join Us to Celebrate Christmas

Sunday, Dec. 24, One Advent Eucharist service at 9 am 4:30 pm Carol Sing 5 pm Family Holy Eucharist 10:30 pm Carol Sing 11 pm Solemn High Holy Eucharist with incense 9 am Monday, Dec. 25, Holy Eucharist

All Angels presents ‘Blue’ Christmas

All Angels By the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, will present the “Blue” Christmas Quiet Eucharist at noon Thursday, Dec. 21. “The Christmas season can be difficult for many who don’t have ‘joyful feelings’ but rather ‘blue’ emotions of sadness,” stated an announcement from the church. “All Angels offers a reflective service to seek God’s healing through prayers and the Sacrament of Eucharist.” For more information, call the church at 941383-8161. “ALL ARE WELCOME” Pastor Rosemary Wheeler Backer

The Rev. Matthew Grunfeld 4408 Gulf Drive ~ Holmes Beach

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

941-778-1638 ~ www.episcopalchurchoftheannunciation.com

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Christmas Carols Dr. Bob O’Keef will bring us the message of Good News! The services end with the singing of Silent Night and the Passing of the Light.

5:30 PM FAMILY SERVICE This service features a

Nativity Pageant in which all children are invited to participate. Special music by the Joyful Noise Children’s Choir. All children will receive a gift.

9:00 PM TRADITIONAL SERVICE Hear the beautiful sounds of Alicia Doudna playing the violin, Mary Deur playing the flute and the Chancel Choir singing.

A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier] 941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

Obituaries

Arthur Nile ‘Ted’ Baird

Arthur Nile “Ted” Baird, 81, of Bradenton Beach, died Oct. 21, in Wilmington, Delaware. He was born Feb. 5, 1936, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Roland and Edna Hayes. His childhood was spent in various towns in Idaho and Utah. He graduated in 1954 from Butte High School in Arco, Idaho. He enlisted in Baird the U.S. Navy and served 20 years during the Cold War on five submarines. He retired from the Navy in 1974 as a master chief. He attended college at Idaho State College in Pocatello on a Phillips Petroleum scholarship, pursuing a degree in electronic engineering. He worked for Westinghouse as a nuclear engineer and spent seven years in South Korea as site manager of the Kori Nuclear Power facility. He moved to Millville, New Jersey, in 1987 and retired from Westinghouse in 1996. After retirement, he and wife Luanne found a love for ballroom and country-line dancing, and he enjoyed playing the organ. He was a talented artist and published author. He was a member of the American Legion and Moose Lodge. Memorial donations may be made to the Roser Food Pantry, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Condolences may be made online at chandlerfuneralhome.com. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Luanne; children Roye and wife Cyndie of DeFuniak, Brian and wife Cheri Baird of Tucson, Arizona, KC and wife Nanette of Clearfield, Utah, John and wife Christine of Idaho Falls, Kathy and husband Oscar Crober of Lockhart, Texas, Reginald and husband Bill Murphy of San Francisco, Regan and wife Cindy Kos of Marlton, New Jersey, Hart and husband David Rossmeisl of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, Hayes and wife Mindy Courier of Clearwater; Myles and wife Melissa Cavazos of Dallas, Patti and husband Albert Marcacci Schmid of Vineland, New Jersey, Michelle Ernst of Vineland, New Jersey, Mark and wife Amy Ernst of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Lisa and husband Joe Bybel of Millville, New Jersey, Marlene and husband Curtis Cassotis of Kernersville, North Carolina, Lynn and husband Matt Hanna of Wilmington, Delaware, and Eric Ernst of Vineland, New Jersey; siblings Bruce and wife Harlene of Mud Lake, Idaho; Charlotte of La Verkin, Utah, Mike and wife Patsy of Idaho Falls, Rick and wife Karen of Tremonton, Utah; 19 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 20, 2017 n 17

Charles H. Lohmeier

Charles H. Lohmeier, 90, of Holmes Beach and formerly of Stuart, Florida, and Maryland, died Dec. 7. He loved his family, particularly his grandchildren. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Donations may be made to either the 1220-17 Research Foundation or to St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marilyn; sons Brenden and wife Arlette and Terry and wife Margaret; brother Jim; daughter Linda Joy; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Joseph Nolan

Accounting Firms International in New York City and Washington, D.C., from 1966 until his retirement in 1994, fostering professional development among noncompeting CPA firms in the United States, Canada and England for nearly 30 years. His passion for accounting was matched by his enthusiasm for and prowess in racket sports, including badminton, squash, tennis, racquetball and, eventually, pickleball in Anna Maria. He was a curious learner, and he could and would engage in lively conversations about all topics, from politics to sports and beyond. He also was a wonderful singer and an amazing whistler, carrying tunes in perfect pitch. A memorial will be held at the Griffith-Cline Funeral Home, 720 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. A reception will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice in Mr. Taylor’s name. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marian; children Kathleen, Bob and Marsha and husband Kurt; grandsons Alex and Luke Trumble; granddaughter Taylor Trumble; brother Bill and wife Fran; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Art by Joan Voyles

Joseph Nolan, O.D., 93, of Holmes Beach, died Dec. 8. He practiced optometry in Illinois for more than 40 years, piloted in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and was a band leader, trumpeter and singer among so many other accomplishments. Nolan He was married to Helen Louise Kane for 69 years. He was a wonderful man who will be missed by all. A memorial Mass was celebrated Dec. 16 at St. Eyes on the road Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach. Memorial The Florida Department of Transportation posted donations can be made to St. Bernard, 248 S. Harbor the following advisories for the week of Dec. 18: Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217. State Road 789/Gulf Drive from SR 64/ManaHe is survived by three children, six grandchildren, 9.5 great-grandchildren and many relatives and tee Avenue to SR 684/Cortez Road: Manatee County crews are installing force mains and water mains. For friends. more information about the project, go online to amipiRobert George Taylor pereplacement.com. Robert George Taylor died Nov. 2 in Bradenton. State Road 684/Cortez Road at 119th Street West He was born Jan. 27, 1930, to in Cortez: Crews are working on signals and concrete Joseph and Kay. He was born and medians. Motorists should expect lane closures at any raised in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. hour. Expected completion is late 2017. After a brief and honorable service For the latest road watch information, go online with the Royal Canadian Air Force to www.fl511.com or dial 511. in 1955, he received his bachelor’s Taylor degree in business administration from the University of Western Ontario in 1956. The quintessential go-getter, he left his Canadian home for the graduate school of business at the University of Chicago, where he received his MBA and then his Ph.D. in 1963. While pursuing his academic goals, he made the At your service time to commute 400 miles on weekends from Chicago Obituaries are provided as a community service to London, Ontario, to court his future wife, Marian in The Islander newspaper to residents and family of M. Volanski. They married Sept. 6, 1958, and soon moved to residents, both past and present. Information may be South Bend, Indiana, where Mr. Taylor took a teachsubmitted to news@islander.org. ing position at the University of Notre Dame, and then moved to Boston, where he directed the development of the new graduate school of accounting at Northeastern University. The next year, he launched and served as the Pastor executive director and then president of Associated

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AME kids harvest winter garden greens

Chris Ueltschi harvests a carrot Dec. 13. ABOVE: Tracie Troxler of Sunshine Community Compost shows fourth-graders Paris Kostohryz and Chris Ueltschi how to pick carrots without damaging the vegetable Dec. 13. Fourth-grade students at Anna Maria Elementary harvested their winter garden — sponsored by Beach Bistro/Eat Here restaurant owners Sean Murphy and Susan Timmins — in advance of a luncheon and lesson on enjoying their harvest at Eat Here Dec. 14. RIGHT: Tracie Toxler tells students in Becky Demo’s fourth-grade class Dec. 13 how discarded greens from their garden harvest will be used for compost to fertilize their garden soil. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Karaline Berzowski and Laura Damm compare radishes harvested from the Anna Maria Elementary vegetable garden.

Marion Kuster, a volunteer at AME, weighs Andrew Kunkmoeller’s harvest of turnip greens Dec. 13.

FOR FREE HOME DELIVERY ON Anna Maria ISLAND* — CALL 941-778-7978 or email info@islander.org Sorry, we cannot deliver single copies to condominium units or mobile homes.

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AME fourth-graders chow down on school-raised garden goods

Fourthgraders Jack Mattick and Christopher Ueltschi enjoy their root beer float desserts, as Gregory Jordan sticks his head in the photo Dec. 14 at Eat Here Restaurant in Holmes Beach.

Jocelyn Raines, center, gives a thumbs up Dec. 14 as she, Madison Ferrari, left, and Jadyn Lamison enjoy their lettuce, spinach, radish, carrot and beet salads — made with vegetables they harvested the day before. Fourth-grade students at Anna Maria Elementary enjoyed a full menu at Eat Here Restaurant in Holmes Beach made from their school garden. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Fourth-graders Gabriella Gilbert, Ava Harlan, Miley Feeney, Fiona McCarthy, Natalie Talucci and Karaline Berzowski react Dec. 14 to their garden salad, made of produce grown in the fourth-grade garden at Anna Maria Elementary.

Eat Here chefmanager Ian Fairweather gives AME fourth-graders a demonstration on how to make salad dressing using carrots and other ingredients freshly picked from their garden.

AME PTO hosts pop-up holiday shop Ava Larson, second-grader, browses the goods available Dec. 12 at Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization’s Holiday Shopper event. The shop allows children to bring cash from home to purchase gifts at school for their family members. Students can then have the presents gift-wrapped before taking them home. Ava said she was looking for gifts for her parents and sister. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Adeline Du Toit, and Fox Smith, second-graders, examine a coffee mug filled with goodies Dec. 12. Spoiler alert: Adeline said she might purchase the mug for her mother.

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Cops & Court

Holmes Beach police arrest habitual offender

Woman arrested for DUI in Holmes Beach puts up fight

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria Nov. 30, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., theft. A Bradenton woman reported medication stolen from a vial in her purse that she left in a room while attending a funeral service. After the service, she discovered someone had removed 49 pills. Anna Maria is policed by Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Bradenton Beach Nov. 30, Anna Maria Island Resort, 115 Third St.

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keeping. Officers ordered Hagele to exit her vehicle more than 20 times, but Hagele refused. She also refused to a perform field sobriety tests and a breath test, the report states. Police removed her from the vehicle and she allegedly became argumentative, insulting and combative as she was transported and on arriving at the Manatee County jail. Hagele also refused a DUI test in 2007, according to the police report. Bores issued her citations for driving under the influence, refusal to submit to DUI testing and resisting arrest without violence. Two days later, Hagele’s $1,500 bond was posted and she was released. Her arraignment is set for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Island watch

In an emergency, call 911. To report information on island crime, call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804. S., battery. Two women signed affidavits at the Bradenton Beach police station to press charges against a third woman. One woman alleged the aggressor pushed her, resulting in a neck injury. The other woman alleged the aggressor poked her finger into her shoulder several times. Bradenton Beach police issued a request to the 12th Circuit Court for the aggressor’s arrest. Dec. 9, 1600 block of Gulf Drive South, warrant arrest. A 52-year-old Bradenton man was arrested on a Manatee County warrant. At 2:05 a.m., a Bradenton Beach police officer observed a white Ford truck with one headlight out, made the traffic stop and confirmed the outstanding warrant. The truck and a vessel being

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towed on a trailer were towed. Dec. 9, 106 Bridge St., domestic battery. A 51-yearold Bradenton man, matching the description of a man who allegedly struck a woman earlier in the evening, was arrested on the east side of the Cortez Bridge by Bradenton Beach police. A witness reported seeing the woman struck twice in the head near the BridgeWalk Resort. A surveillance video confirmed the beating. The man was carrying a handgun, which was taken from him during the arrest. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez Dec. 4, 3800 block of 116th Street Court West, battery. A former roommate picked up a woman after PLEASE SEE STREETLIFE, NEXT PAGE

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A Bradenton woman who approached a Holmes Beach police officer and asked for help with an identity theft was arrested for driving impaired — and when the police focus switched to her, she put up a fight. Lorie Hagele, 55, pulled her vehicle next to a Holmes Beach patrol squad in the 5200 block of Gulf Drive at about 1:15 a.m. Nov. 26 and told Hagele Officer Alan Bores she’d come from the Drift-In lounge-package bar in Bradenton Beach, where she’d been the victim of identity theft, according to the police report. Bores asked how much alcohol she had consumed after observing signs of impairment. Hagele responded: “Honestly, too much,” the report states. Hagele told Officer Mike Walker, who arrived as backup, she had a gun. He found a loaded handgun in her purse. The gun was seized and secured for safe-

A charge of driving under the influence may become a felony on the fourth or subsequent conviction for one Holmes Beach offender. The Holmes Beach Police Department has recommended the 12th Circuit State Attorney levy the felony against Thomas Behlendorf, 69, of Bradenton, following his arrest for DUI in a parking lot. Officer Mike Walker conducted a traffic stop on Behlendorf at 10:30 p.m. Dec. 5, for driving his vehicle without headlights at 3602 E. Bay Behlendorf Drive. Behlendorf told police he was parked, listening to music, not driving. The report states Walker took Behlendorf into custody as a habitual offender for driving with a suspended license and transported him to the Holmes Beach police station. Officer Alan Bores had Behlendorf perform field sobriety tests at the station, reporting he appeared impaired. Behlendorf provided breath samples measuring 0.193 and 0.199 blood alcohol content. The legal BAC limit is 0.08. At his first court appearance, Behlendorf was assigned a $50,000 bond and supervised release. He was in custody Dec. 11, with an arraignment set for 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

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By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 20, 2017 n 21

Fundraising for former city pier employees underway

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter ’Tis the season for giving. And there are ways to help needy locals during the holidays. And since Hurricane Irma struck in September, closing the Anna Maria City Pier, there are plenty of families among the pier “family” of employees hoping for a merry Christmas. Those searching for ways to help out-of-work Anna Maria City Pier employees now have a fundraiser they can donate to that will help pay bills. The Anna Maria City Pier Restaurant has been closed 15 weeks. Most of the restaurant’s 35 employees have found work to varying degrees in other restaurants, bars and businesses on and around Anna Maria Island, and some are trying to start up businesses to

STREETLIFE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 work. While driving her home, the roommate allegedly grabbed her neck and hit and punched her several times for no apparent reason. Dec. 5, 3800 block of 118th Street West, domestic disturbance. Coffee spilled to the floor and an argument erupted. The couple denied any physical violence. No injuries were reported. Cortez is policed by Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office. Holmes Beach Dec. 8, 200 block of 78th Street, lost/found person. Holmes Beach police helped MCSO deputies search for an intoxicated woman. Her husband had left the woman at a bus bench near the 8500 block of Gulf Drive, expecting her to walk back to their condo in the 7100 block. Four hours later, the wife contacted the husband from her cellphone. She later returned home. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

support their families. However, most will say when asked they haven’t found a job they love nearly as much or for nearly the same pay. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy told general manager Dave Sork in September to advise his employees “not to stick around,” given engineering firm Ayres Associate’s prediction that the pier would be closed 62-82 weeks. But former bait shop employee Brian Blaine maintains he and the other pier employees are a family, and they’d rather return home. Blaine said the team was not transient, as he says they’ve been characterized, but people who have stuck around searching for ways to stay afloat — and stay connected. In an effort to help his struggling family, Blaine put together a fundraiser that could provide some relief over the holidays. He started a GoFundMe page Dec. 2 for city pier restaurant employees, and he hopes islanders and lovers of the pier will help him reach a goal of $5,000. As of Dec. 18, nine people have donated $575, including a $100 starter donation from Blaine. Former pier employees are increasingly realizing “what a great place it was,” Blaine said, adding that customers who returned to the pier year after year also are devastated by the loss of the iconic pier. Blaine and Sork both frequently posted early morning sunrise Facebook photos taken from the pier, exclaiming their great fortune to work in the surroundings of Tampa Bay. Sork said Dec. 15 that many employees were still reeling from the loss of the pier. “I think there’s still a good number of us who are not fully adjusted to the abrupt ending of our time there,” he said. “We all knew that at some point the pier would be repaired,” he said, but we also assumed we would know in advance. “If things had turned out a little bit different, we’d

WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK TO PRESERVE NATURE

Dave Sork, former general manager of the Anna Maria City Pier Restaurant, left, peers from the outdoor service window with Brian Blaine, a former pier employee. Islander Photo: Courtesy Brian Blaine all be going to work today in that neat little place,” he said. Sork said he fears “the ship has sailed” on quickly repairing and reopening the pier. But he appreciates Blaine’s fundraiser and all the efforts Blaine put into maintaining touch with the “pier family.” “I fully support anything that helps out anybody that works there. It’s been a hard landing for a lot of folks,” he said. Blaine said pier employees can do little more than “anticipate movement from the powers-that-be,” but in the meantime, he’s going to fund raise for his family. “We’re all optimistic,” he said. How to help: To donate to the fundraiser, go to gofundme.com, search for “pier family,” and click on the fundraiser with an image of the city pier. Your donation will benefit those who worked at the Anna Maria City Pier.

Every day, Mosaic puts science to work right here in our community. Our team of engineers and other specialists work with regulatory agencies to identify areas of environmental sensitivity that should be preserved and protected. Through its land conservation and reclamation efforts, Mosaic has helped provide over 46,000 acres of natural lands that offer functioning habitats for plant and animal life. Shelley, a senior permitting engineer for Mosaic, works to ensure these preservation areas support a sustainable post-mining landscape that includes wildlife corridors and habitat diversity.

To learn more about Mosaic’s preservation techniques, visit Science.MosaicCo.com.

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22 n Dec. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Migratory shorebirds threatened elsewhere, protected on AMI

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter “When land is stressed, so are the people and birds that depend on it,” John W. Fitzpatrick, director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology wrote in a Nov. 15 fundraising appeal. According to Fitpatrick’s email, the population of the 20 native species of shorebirds living inland and on the Florida coastline collectively have declined 70 percent since 1973. Fitzpatrick cited loss of shoreline and wetlands as a major factor. However, in Manatee County, protected shorebird species that migrate to renourished beaches — including black skimmers, lease terns and snowy plovers — are stewarded by Anna Maria Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, with data reported to the county and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. According to AMITW executive director Suzi Fox, the population of nesting shorebirds decreased with past development on the island, but migratory shorebird numbers are strong on renourished island beaches. “Lucky us, Manatee County government and stakeholders that own land here on AMI are very good

Two mature black skimmers take flight Aug. 30, while two birds remain on the beach near the 5400 block of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

stewards of the nesting and resting shorebirds,” Fox said Nov. 15. Additionally, Fox said mindfulness, including not chasing birds and picking up trash from the beach are contributing to the success of the island shorebird population. “Residents and visitors are becoming more mind-

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ful of good practices to protect all wildlife and share the beach instead of taking it over and pushing the resting migrating birds off AMI Shorelines,” Fox said. “We celebrate them.” For more information about shorebirds or to report a sick or injured shorebird, contact Fox at suzilfox@ gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

Ramping up at Coquina Beach

Cortez crabbers Chris Barnes and Jake Reeder say blue crabs are plentiful — the best season they’ve had in years — while preparing their traps Dec. 12 at the 119th Street West dock adjacent to the Cortez Bait and Seafood fishhouse. Scott Mora and Shelley Yates box fish for distribution at the Cortez Bait & Seafood fish house dock.

Coquina boat ramp improvements to be turtle-friendly

Stephen Blenker, with Quality Marine Construction, left; Suzi Fox, AMITW executive director; Debra Leavenworth, construction coordinator with Manatee County; and Gail Garneau, Bradenton Beach code enforcement officer; check out a turtle-friendly LED lamp fixture Dec. 13, to be installed at the Coquina North Boat Ramp, 2652 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. Six lights will be installed at the location. According to Fox, the lighting appears bright to people, but is not visible to sea turtles. The boat ramp is under construction, with expected completion in March 2018. Sea turtle nesting season will begin May 1. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Talkin’ turtles

Winter Turtle Talks at Waterline

White pelicans float nearby as crabbers clean their vessel at the end of 119th Street West in Cortez. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director, gives an informational talk Dec. 13, poolside at the new Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Fox said AMITW will schedule more talks at the resort in January 2018. She encouraged people to visit the AMITW Facebook page and check The Islander for dates. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMITW

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 20, 2017 n 23

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Quinton O’Conner, left, and Isaiah Mondon show off their ornaments Dec. 8 during a visit from Major League pitcher Mark Melancon. Melancon spoke Dec. 8 to kindergartners and their fifth-grade “big buddies,” and helped them create baseball Christmas ornaments. Melancon brought the baseballs and signed one for each student.

Major Leaguer brings baseballs, lessons to AME

It was a lesson in staying in school and the importance of sportsmanship, finished off with a holiday baseball art project. What? Yes. That’s what transpired when Major League Baseball pitcher Mark Melancon visited Anna Maria Elementary Dec. 8 with a box full of baseballs and a few lessons in his glove. Melancon, who pitches for the San Francisco Giants, has a daughter in Kelly Crawford’s kindergarten class. The kinders, and their big-fifth grade buddies, listened as the athlete spoke about good sportsmanship and the importance of staying in school. Melancon also shared some baseball skills, showing the kids how to hold the ball for a variety of pitches. He gave out baseballs and signed each one, then helped the kids make Christmas baseball ornaments. Teachers said the fifth-graders were especially excited to meet the baseball player, as many of them are into baseball.

AME ‘Fling’ trades spring for winter, location, too

Not too long after the winter holidays, it will be time for the hula skirts and flowered shirts to come out. The Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization has backed up the annual Fling from May to Saturday, Feb. 24, hoping to remove conflicts that have plagued the event the past several years. A new venue also is set, taking advantage of the island’s scenic beauty. This year’s fling will be “in the neighborhood” at 102 48th St., Holmes Beach. Shawn Kaleta owns the beachfront property with a large Tiki bar and patio to the sand. Organizers have decided on a luau-themed evening. “We have this beautiful beach here. We thought why not take advantage of what we have right here across from the school. Mr. Kaleta offered the venue to us at no charge. We’re excited about this change,” PTO president Nicole Teisch said. The catered event and festivities will get underway with appetizers, followed by a buffet dinner. As in the past, there will be prize auctions, live music and dancing — this year under the stars. Committees are being formed for the gala. Any volunteers are asked to contact Emily Wettstein at 941224-9781 or Emma Stringer at 941-993-3526. More details will follow after the new year, when ticket sales will begin.

Mark Melancon, a Major League pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, talks to students Dec. 8 at Anna Maria Elementary, where his daughter is a student in Kelly Crawford’s class. The kinder kids and fifth-graders were attentive to Melancon’s talk about baseball and life. Islander Photos: Courtesy AME/Kelly Crawford

AME calendar

• Thursday, Dec. 21-Sunday, Jan. 7, winter break. • Monday, Jan. 8, classes resume. • 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, Dolphin Dash at AME. • 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, STEM night, featuring HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer’s Grill Crew and Mad Science. • Saturday, Feb. 24, AME-PTO Fling. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-708-5525.

By Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org

Student achievements: Send us your student’s news. Share scholastic honors, special achievements at news@islander.org.

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AME kids enjoy holiday lunch with adopted grandparents RIGHT: Fifth-grader Cassie Calvert and Kiwanis Club member Claudette Welch color Christmas-themed bookmarks Dec. 15 during the Kiwanis Club-Anna Maria Elementary holiday lunch for kids and foster grandparents. FAR RIGHT: Fifthgrader J.M. Feeney laughs in conversation with Marti Katterhenry Dec. 15 during the holiday lunch with his Kiwanis Club foster grandparent.

Fifth-grader Alyssa Sparks dines with foster grandparent Ted Kerley Dec. 15. Kerley is part of the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foster grandparent program at AME.

Samantha Tagliente holds a stuffed animal Dec. 15, a gift from Charlene Doll, an AME media center volunteer and Kiwanis Club foster grandparent. Islander Photos: Bianca BenedĂ

26 n DEc. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Gear up for ‘Sport Fish Restoration’

By Melissa Crouch Special to The Islander I grew up fishing in Florida’s coastal waters. My dad often would take me on his pre-fishing shopping trips to stock up on tackle and fishing equipment. There was such a huge variety to choose from, I always wondered how he knew what to purchase. The day before our fishing adventure we would gas up the boat and make final preparations. I was too excited to fall asleep on those nights and in the morning, I readied myself before the sun came up for what was sure to be a memorable day. I became hooked on the sport. Today, I engage my children in the same perpetual cycle of strolling through tackle shops, fueling-up the boat, fishing, cleaning, rinsing and repeating. While this cycle helps re-energize my soul and introduces my children to the water, it is also part of an even bigger cycle known as the Sport Fish Restoration Program. By purchasing gear, motorboat fuel and a license, I’m participating in a cycle of success that not only leaves me feeling good, but provides fishing opportunities to all who enjoy and appreciate the sport. A quick history lesson on this important program: Back in 1950, Congress enacted the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (also known as the Dingell-Johnson Act) to collect a 10 percent fee on the purchase of fishing rods, reels, creels, lures, flies and artificial baits for projects to improve recreational fishing opportunities. In 1984, funds from the sale of motorboat fuels and additional fishing equipment, as well as import duties

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on boats and fishing tackle, were included as part of the Wallop-Breaux amendment. These revenues are transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which distributes funds to the states for recreational sport fishing enhancement projects. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission receives about $13 million annually from SFR, of which $3 million to $4 million supports saltwater sport fish projects and 15 percent funds the creation and maintenance of boating-access points. Over the years, SFR has provided nearly $500 million to the states for thousands of individual projects. All because you bought tackle, fueled-up your boat and purchased a fishing license. Projects supported by SFR in Florida include: Marine and freshwater fisheries research. Stock enhancement. Angler and boater outreach. Aquatic resource education. Artificial reefs. Boating-access improvements. Using SFR funding, the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Outreach and Education subsection travels throughout Florida to offer a variety of engaging programs for recreational anglers and participates in numerous public events. Through their efforts, the public can learn more about some of Florida’s most important marine resources. Just a few of these activities include Women’s Fishing Clinics, Kids’ Fishing Clinics, displays at fishing expos and boat shows, presentations to fishing clubs and Saltwater Angler Recognition programs. Staff also disseminates a variety of SFR-funded publications including a “Boating and Angling Guide” series for coastal areas, saltwater fish identification posters, “Fishing Lines: An Angler’s Guide to Florida’s Marine Resources,” “Fishing Florida” youth activity books, saltwater habitat brochures, catch-and-release brochures, “Sea Stats” for saltwater species, and bro-

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Tackle and gear purchases can help raise money to provide fishing opportunities to all who enjoy and appreciate the sport. Islander Courtesy Photo

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By Lisa Neff

Cosmic calendar

“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” a neighbor once grumbled from across the fence after listening to an enthusiastic conversation about seeing the super supermoon the night before. I knew his aggravation, having missed a good many spectacular sights in the sky over the years. An astronomy buff told me there’s something fascinating to see every night in the sky. So I suppose I miss at least 363 interesting occurrences a year. Among the missed opportunities Neff were this month’s Geminid meteor showers, said to be among the best showers in years. People around the globe reported seeing as many as 60 meteors “falling” per hour. I remembered to look just before sunrise Dec. 13, but already the sky was too light. Same for Dec. 14. Then I heard a radio report that I should have checked early Dec. 15. Oh bother. So I made a mental note to check for the dates of the next meteor shower, which will be the Ursid meteors, peak the nights of Dec. 23-24.

A supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit is closest to Earth at the same time it is full. Islander Photo: Courtesy NASA/Bill Ingalls Here are some other highlights on the cosmic calendar, with details provided by NASA and timeanddate.com: Jan. 2, 2018: Supermoon. The full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth — perigee. A supermoon looks 12-14 percent larger than the micro-moon. Jan. 3: Earth at perihelion. The Earth will be at its closest point to the sun in its yearly orbit. Jan. 3-4: Quadrantids meteors. The first meteor shower of the new year will peak the night of Jan. 3 and early Jan. 4.

Researchers: 5 scenarios for 2018 storm season

Researchers at Colorado State University issued their early outlook for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season and provided five scenarios. The report, issued Dec. 13 and prepared by the team at CSU’s department of atmospheric science, said majors question are what will happen with the current weak La Niña and how El Niño-Southern Oscillation will trend. “There is considerable model disagreement as to what the phase of ENSO will look like for the summer and fall of 2018,” the report stated. The five scenarios: • Atlantic multi-decadal oscillation — AMO — becomes very strong and no El Niño occurs, resulting in an active season with 14-17 named storms, nine-11 hurricanes. The chance of this is 25 percent. • AMO is above average and no El Niño occurs,

resulting in a season that could see 12-15 named storms, including six-eight hurricanes. The chance of this is 35 percent. • AMO is above average and El Niño develops, resulting in a season with eight-11 named storms, including three-five hurricanes. The chance is of this is 20 percent. • AMO is below average and no El Niño occurs, resulting in a season with eight-11 named storms, including three-five hurricanes. The chance of this is 15 percent. • AMO is below average and El Niño develops, resulting in a season with five-seven named storms, including two-three hurricanes. The chance of this is 5 percent. The researchers’ first “quantitative forecast” will be issued April 5, 2018.

Jan. 31: Total lunar eclipse. The total lunar eclipse, also known as a blood moon, will be visible in parts of the United States, as well as northeastern Europe, Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific and Australia. This also is January’s second full moon, or blue moon. February: The month will not have a full moon. Feb. 15: Partial solar eclipse. April 22-23: Lyrid meteor shower. March 31: Blue moon. March’s second full moon rises this night. May 10-11: Eta Aquarid meteors. July 6: Earth at Aphelion. The Earth will be at its farthest point from the sun in its yearly orbit. July 13: Partial solar eclipse. July 27-28: Total lunar eclipse. July 27: Micro-moon. This will be the smallest full moon of the year. July 31: Mars makes its closest path to Earth in its orbit. Aug. 11: Partial solar eclipse. Aug. 12-13: Perseid meteors. These are considered the most active and brightest meteor showers of the year. Sept. 24-25: Harvest moon. The full moon closest to the September Equinox is called the harvest moon. In the Northern Hemisphere, the time between successive moonrises will be shorter around this period. Oct. 8: Draconid meteor shower. The best time to see the shooting stars will be just before nightfall. Oct. 21-22: Orion meteor shower. The best time to see the meteors will be just after midnight and just before the sun rises. Hope you save some dates to check the sky in 2018. If not, maybe you’ll at least want to remember in January and March to make use of an old saying. “Once in a blue moon …”

Caution issued for Palma Sola

The Florida Department of Health-Manatee County Dec. 15 issued a “No Skin Contact” advisory for the Palma Sola Bay waters as a precaution after a spill from the Manatee County wastewater system. Palma Sola Bay lies between Manatee Avenue West and Cortez Road West The advisory indicates water contact may pose an increased risk of infectious diseases to humans. The health department warned against fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding or any other activity involving possible contact with or ingestion of water. Information about the wastewater spill is available 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. from Manatee County Utilities at 941792-8811, ext. 5268 or 5345.

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28 n Dec. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Island wrestlers get their feet wet at local tourney By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter Members of the newly formed wrestling club at the Center of Anna Maria Island got their first taste of competitive wrestling at the I Own Florida youth wrestling championships Dec. 16, sponsored by the Manatee Wrestling Club at Manatee High School. The center’s program started up its season in November, so expectations were tempered at best by the coaches. Center wrestling coach Will Schenerlein, also the center’s sports Cassidy programming director, told his athletes prior to their first matches to be aggressive, stay in the fight and have fun. Schenerlein wrestled at West Liberty University and was a four-time state championship coach at Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He has a team of coaches at the center who have strong wrestling resumes, including Billy Hermaneau, a fourtime state finisher in high school, and Ivan Gaeta, a four-year letterman at Central Iowa University. Another coach, Eric Tomayo, was a four-year letterman at Wisconsin Whitewater. The island wrestlers have coaches showing them the way but, after the Dec. 16 match, they have some experience to draw on. According to the tourney standings, the center took it on the chin, but their efforts in their first competition no doubt made their coaches proud. Maximillion Higgins earned a second-place finish in the fourth- to fifth-grade 110-pound division and was the top performer for the center. He battled to the end before finally getting pinned by first-place finisher Robert Schmidt of Riverdale at the 2:28 mark. Higgins pinned his first two opponents, Jack Mentzer of Green Machine at the 2:39 mark and Venice Take Downs’ Sara Horrocks at the 0:29 mark. J.M. Feeney also fared well on his first endeavor. He was pinned by eventual champion Derrick Baker of the Naples Titans Wrestling Club at the 1:48 mark in his first match, but was leading the match before a mistake put him on his back. He battled back to earn an 11-5 decision over Manatee Wrestling Club’s Brody Hall before getting pinned by second-place finisher Alejandro Fonseca from the Naples Bears in his final match of the day. Jaxon Henry in the second- to third-grade 56-pound division and Jaxon Kagin in the second- to third-grade

Island wrestler J.M. Feeney is locked up in his match with eventual champion Derrick Baker of the Naples Titans during the I Own Florida wrestling tournament in Bradenton.

Key Royale golf news Another beautiful week of mild temperatures drew the members to the links at Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. The men played their regular modified-Stableford system match Dec. 11. Peter Lund, Dennis Schavey and Bob Soos all posted plus-3s to finish in a three-way tie for first place. Lund’s score helped his team of Al Carr, Dale Hudson and Jere Rice to a score of plus-5 to win the team competition. The women jumped on the course Dec. 12 for a nine-hole individual-low-net match in four flights. Joy Kaiser and Brenda Solleveld both carded 2-under-par 30s to finish in a tie for first place in Flight A. Margrit Layh was one stroke back in second place, while Phyllis Roe took third with an even-par 32. Sue Wheeler fired a 1-under-par 31 to take first place in Flight B. Barbara Estok and Penny Williams Jaxon Kagin, who earned a fourth-place finish for had matching even-par 32s to tie for second place, the Center of Anna Maria Island, is locked in a battle while Tootie Wagner took third on a 3-over-par 35. with Manatee Wrestling Club’s Brian Beckerleg Jan Turner’s 1-under-par 31 gave her first place in Dec. 16 at the I Own Florida wrestling tournament Flight C, one stroke better than second-place finisher hosted by the Manatee Wrestling Club in Bradenton. Susan VanOrsdel. Markie Ksiazek finished in third Islander Photos: Kevin P. Cassidy place with a 4-over-par 36. Cathy Rice’s 5-under-par 27 was the low-net round 72-pound division both earned fourth-place finishes, of the day and gave her first place in Flight D. Willa while Stone Smith, Dylan Sato and Harrison Schen- Barkley, at 1-under-par 31 and Marilyn Niewijk with erlein earned fifth-place finishes. a 1-over-par 33 completed the standings in Flight D. Other participants are William Pakbaz, Ethan Sackett, Michael Coleman, Ethan Talucci, Cale Rudacille, Horseshoe news Fox Smith, Bam Gartman, Liam Coleman, Caden No teams managed 3-0 pool play records during Quimby, Frankie Coleman and Stone Smith. Dec. 13 horseshoe action, creating a seven-team battle Next up for the island wrestlers is a Dec. 30 tour- for the day’s bragging rights during horseshoe action nament at Brandon High School. at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. Dom Livedoti and Jerry Disbrow drew the bye Youth flag football underway at the Center into the second round and watched as Rod Bussey and Youth flag football season is up and running the Gene Bobeldyk defeated Tom Farrington and Jay Disfield at the center with most games played Tuesday brow 21-16. Hank Huyghe and Tom Skoloda edged through Thursday nights. Bob Palmer and Neil Hennessey 21-19 and Tim Sofran The season kicked off Dec. 5 and runs through the and Jim Kleiner advanced with a 23-18 victory over championships Feb. 7. Steve Hooper and Bob Lee. The 8-10 division has seven teams led by 2-0 Truly Semifinal action saw Livedoti and Jerry Disbrow Nolen and 1-0 Bins Be Clean. Beach Bums, Cortez earn a 21-13 victory over Bussey and Bobeldyk while Pump and Island Charms follow with 1-1 records, Huyghe and Skoloda stayed alive with a 22-3 victory while Progressive Cabinetry (0-1) and Cloud Pest over Sofran and Kleiner. Livedoti and Jerry Disbrow Control at 0-2 complete the league. earned the day’s bragging rights with a 22-15 victory Planet Stone and Blue Lagoon lead the 11-13 divi- over Huyghe and Skoloda. sion with 2-0 records, while USA Fence and Tyler’s Three teams advanced with 3-0 pool play records Ice Cream are both 0-2. during Dec. 16 action. Livedoti and Jay Disbrow drew There are four teams in the 14-17 division as well, the bye into the finals and watched as Skoloda and led by Salty Printing and Slim’s Place with 2-0 records. Palmer rolled past Huyghe and Gary Howcroft 21-10. Blalock Walters and Signarama complete the standings Skoloda and Palmer stayed hot to roll past Livedoti and with 0-2 records. Jay Disbrow by a 21-12 score. 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. Island wrestler William Pakbaz tries to escape the hold of Gavin Bunn of the Green Machine during the Dec. 16 wrestling tournament at MHS.

Center wrestler Max Higgins has the Green Machine’s Jack Mentzer tied up during the I Own Florida wrestling tourney. Higgins, who finished in second place, was the top finisher for the center. Southernaire Fishing Charters

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

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Dec 20 Dec 21 Dec 22 Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27

2:28p 12:02a 12:44a 1:31a 2:27a 3:35a 5:00a 6:39a

HIGH

1.3 2.2 2.1 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.3 1.2

— 2:57p 3:29p 4:05p 4:44p 5:24p 6:06p 6:48p

HIGH

— 7:12a 1.3 7:47a 1.3 8:24a 1.4 9:03a 1.5 9:46a 1.6 10:32a 1.7 11:21a 1.8 12:44a

LOW

-0.5 -0.4 -0.4 -0.2 -0.1 0.1 0.2 0.4

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1.0 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.6 — 0.4

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

Moon

1st

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 20, 2017 n 29

A string of windy days puts damper on fishing By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Fishing around Anna Maria Island is challenging with back-to-back windy days. Finding sheltered areas on these days is the real test if you’re trying to bend a rod. One good place to look is the canals, where numerous docks harbor fish. Casting live shrimp around pilings and under docks is a good way to attract interest from redfish, drum, sheepshead or flounder. Try fishing the back bays where mangroves are growing adjacent to Stasny deep water, such as a channel. Lots of

Don Woody of the Washington, D.C., area shows off the nice redfish caught on a charter fishing trip with Capt. Aaron Lowman just after a cold front Dec. 13. Woody caught a few redfish around some schools of mullet on the flats, a mess of trout up to 22 inches and a handful of snook, all on live shiners.

times this deeper water keeps a slightly more consistent temperature, which can attract fish — especially snook. Try a free-lined select shrimp in an area like this and see what happens. Lastly, jigging the passes for pompano should start producing a bite. You will encounter other fish, such as bluefish, ladyfish and jack crevalle, which can provide a fun morning for just about any angler. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing the usual suspects being reeled up by wintertime anglers. Live shrimp as bait is attracting sheepshead, black drum, redfish and flounder. Despite some rough waters and windy days, Malfese is seeing a few Spanish mackerel being caught, but only when schools of baitfish are present. Capt. Aaron Lowman is taking charters to fish around nearshore reefs when the winds are light and the seas calm. When using shiners as bait, Lowman is encountering kingfish, macks and bonito. Fishing around ledges and hard bottom also is producing a bite for Lowman. Using shrimp as bait in these areas is resulting in mangrove snapper, hogfish, gag grouper and flounder. Capt. Warren Girle is fishing the flats of Sarasota Bay for redfish. Slot and over-slot reds are being caught on shallow grass flats where oyster bars and sandy potholes are present. For bait, either live shiners or freshcut pieces of ladyfish are working. On deeper grass flats in the middle of the bay, Girle is putting clients on spotted seatrout, as well as a variety of other fish, including jack crevalle, ladyfish and bluefish. These fish are being caught on shiners and artificials, including Berkley Gulp shrimp on a jig head. Capt. Jason Stock is working offshore on the calm days. Venturing offshore to reefs, wrecks and hard bottom is producing kingfish, amberjack and gag grouper for his clients. For the kings and AJs, Stock is using artificials, such as surface poppers, to attract a bite. As for the gags, a live pinfish dropped to the bottom on a weighted rig is deadly. Moving inshore to

Red tide at background levels

Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was detected at very low concentrations in three samples from Manatee County for the week ending Dec. 15. For more information about red tide in Florida, go to myfwc.com/redtidestatus.

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the flats, Stock is putting charter fishers on gator trout on top-water plugs and soft plastics combined with a jig head. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is dock fishing along the Intracoastal Waterway and the connecting bays and rivers. Casting shrimp under docks and other structure is resulting in black drum, sheepshead and mangrove snapper. Using pinfish around the channel edges and bridges is producing a few gag grouper for White’s anglers. Lastly, casting jigs along the edges of grass flats is triggering a pompano bite here and there. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org. Mathew Gritter of Michigan, visiting his dad, Doug Gritter of Bradenton, fished Sarasota Bay the afternoon of Dec. 16 and caught trout, blue fish and flounder using shrimp for bait. He was guided by Capt. Warren Girle.

TideWatch

Capt. Warren Girle

Nick Cinelli of Bradenton shows off a Tampa Bay gag grouper caught Dec. 15 on a live pinfish while on a guided fishing trip with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

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Suzette Buchan, owner of the Rod and Reel Resort, 877 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, stands Dec. 8 in a doorway that looks out to the pier and the bay. “Who wouldn’t love this view?” she asked. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Anna Maria waterfront motel rises from rubble

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter It’s been a long time since demolition workers at the north end motel ripped the doors and windows off the ramshackle old building, leaving only the walls. The Rod and Reel Resort, also once known as Emerald by the Sea, has been in a state of change since the first strike of a sledgehammer in late fall 2015. At long last, Suzette Buchan’s vision is complete, and guests will begin checking in Friday, Dec. 22. “The entire property is rented to one group for

Suzette Buchan stands in a room Dec. 8 at the Rod and Reel Resort in Anna Maria. The re-build resulted in a motel true to the original 1940s footprint, but with modern amenities and decor.

Christmas,” Suzette said during an interview Dec. 8. “What a way to start!” What a way indeed. Two years have passed since the project began — Suzette and husband John purchased the motel in November 2015 for $2.68 million. But it was not their first foray into vacation rentals. They remodeled the old Sandy Toes Resort in Bradenton Beach in 2013 and own several other rental properties in the area. With fits and starts for permitting, rainy seasons, an occasional tropical storm or hurricane, and attention to craftsmanship and detail, this was a slow redo. And it shows. Built in the L-shaped mode of 1948, the motel adjoins the Rod & Reel Pier, which was built in 1947. Throughout the remainder of the 20th century, couples and families by the carload rented the modest rooms for vacations and lollygagged around Anna Maria, dining at the pier or wading in the bayside waters. In the evenings, guests would stroll “downtown.” As the years progressed, time took its toll. Vacationers demanded amenities and more “lux” lodgings. The original Rod and Reel Motel had lost its glamour,

though customers still came to stay by the bay. Leaving only the frame of the structure, Suzette designed the Rod and Reel in her vision — an homage to its vintage beach heritage and details usually found in larger, more opulent properties. A kidney-shaped swimming pool fills a onceempty concrete courtyard. The contractor remarked he had never hauled so much concrete from a property when he removed the old patio. A spa is now tucked in by the bay and lush tropical greenery and large palms encircle the pool. Suzette’s plans reduced the number of rooms at the resort, down to eight from 11 to form two-bedroom suites with a central living and kitchen area, for the families the couple hopes to entice. The decor is bright and tropical with unique colors in each room and Jack Elka photographs of island landmarks and life. Total occupancy tops out at 30. At the end of the L-shaped building, a large “gathering room” overlooks the bay and the pier. Sofas and a dining table fill the space, where glass doors lead out to a patio and a sweeping view of Tampa Bay. PLEASE SEE MOTEL, PAGE 31

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THE ISLANDER  DEC. 20, 2017  31

A vintage view of the Rod & Reel Motel is featured on this 1948 postcard, the year the motel opened adjoining the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Courtesy Melissa Williams/ SteamDesigns. com

MOTEL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 “I wanted things done a particular way, to a particular standard,” Suzette said. “It took time.” Several vintages pieces of art showing the motel’s evolution are displayed, and Suzette has a postcard from the original opening she plans to feature. “I have amazing subcontractors.” Suzette said. “Top-quality stonework, finishes. All rooms have porcelain ﬂoors and marble in the baths and gathering spaces. They had the same vision I had. There was a lot of tweaking. With renos, there are always surprises.” EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS 43 Years of Professional Service to Anna Maria Island

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Joe Landolfi, left, of Manson Roofing, Dan Alderson of Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream, Cindi Werts of Points of Balance and Peg Pluto of Wicker Inn mingle as the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce holiday breakfast gets underway Dec. 13 at Harry’s Continental Kitchens on Longboat Key. The first guests — who rented the motel for a Islander Photo: Courtesy AMITW family gathering — check in Dec. 22. Suzette is hoping to lure corporate groups, family ing. It’s the result of a team, not one person. It’s top reunions and weddings to the property — already sev- shelf. We wanted to create something unique and speeral weddings are booked for 2018. She also sees a cial for Anna Maria Island.” A grand-opening celebration and Anna Maria market for locals from the surrounding area. Booking for the Rod and Reel Resort is being Island Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting will handled by Anna Maria Vacations. For information take place 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at the Resort. The call 941-251-4740 or go to www.rodreelresort.com. Buchans will thank all contractors involved and share “The renovation has been challenging on many the “new” resort with islanders and friends. All are fronts,” Suzette admitted, “but also extremely reward- welcome.

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32 n DEc. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

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

T E P E E

HOUSEKEEPER: PART-TIME at Haley’s Motel. Must have own transportation and speak English. Prior experience required. Haley’s is a nonsmoking property. 941-778-5405.

annOUnCeMents EARLY DEADLINE! THE Islander office will be closed to observe Christmas Monday, Dec. 25! The classified ad deadline for the Dec. 27 newspaper will be noon Friday, Dec. 22.

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

WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

KIDs FOR HIRe

LOST: WEST MARINE dinghy 10-foot, 2.3 Honda grey motor. Broke loose during storm. May be southbound towards Sarasota Bay from Historical Pier. Cortez Coast Guard, 941-794-1607, or Capt. Thomas, 941-718-2329.

PET PAL PET sitting: Short and long term, in your house or mine. 18-year Island resident. 941-7045937. e.davies5937@gmail.com. YOU CAN HELP! Fosters, volunteers, retailtype help needed for Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue. Please email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

MY NAME IS AIDAIN, I live in Holmes Beach I’m available to do any small yard, house chores for a fee. I do dog walking, pet sitting or run small errands. I’m available after school, 4-9 p.m. or all day Saturday and Sunday. I can be reached at 941-243-4473. Text or call. Thank you. KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

seRVICes ISLAND COMPUTER GUY, 37 years experience. On-site PC repairs, upgrades, buying assistance and training. Call Bill, 941-778-2535. T.H.S. CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL vacation rentals. Dependable and detailed. 941756-4570.

U FLY I drive your car anywhere in the USA. Airport runs, anywhere. Office, 941-447-6389. 941-545-6688. POWER WASHING AND windows: Residential, commercial, resort, real estate. Ask about our exterior cleaning. 941-251-5948. AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES: Cleaning, construction, residential, commercial, rentals. Call 941-251-5948. I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941779-6638. Leave message. NEED A RIDE to the airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Call Gary, 863-4095875. Email: gvoness80@gmail.com.

$10 DINER MUGS

PIERLY MAID CLEANING Service: Two former City Pier employees looking to make your home, vacation rental, office spic and span! Please, give us a call, 941-447-2565 or 941-565-0312.

@ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB

Place classiﬁed ads online at www.islander.org

H A T S A R S

HelP WanteD

DELIVERY DRIVER/WAREHOUSE man. Work on Anna Maria Island. Part- or full-time. Resume to: annamariaisland@hotmail.com.

lOst & FOUnD

O R B

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

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.

E S T E E

WANTED: RELIABLE, CLEAN, low-mileage, inexpensive used sedan or small SUV. Call 941-7787978.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

Pets

ANSWERS TO DEC. 20 PUZZLE K S H I T A S E V S T A R C HEAD L E A V M O I R C O I L A N CHEST A T D E N Z B O S T A N H E M E I E V A N P H S A L N A R T S G O N E S I G N

2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 in very good condition, 150,000 miles, 4x4, 8-cylinder engine, 8.1L, automatic. $2,000. Call 863-8880545.

GaRaGe sales