The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019

Page 1

Retirement ahead. 16 VOLUME 28, NO. 9 Astheworldterns wish you a Merry Christmas. 6

Santa goes to school. 24

Merry Christmas, y’all

AME kids in concert. 25 DEC. 25, 2019 FREE

AM pier might open to fishing in February. 3 BB jitney talk leaves county commission wanting more. 4

Meetings. 5 Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

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DOT says analysis unwarranted for hotel traffic on Perico Island

Bridge Battle

From the archives. 7

Happenings

DOT rejects Cortez Bridge hearing

Announcements.

By Arthur Brice Islander Reporter

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The 123-room Compass hotel, right, at the entrance to the one Particular Harbor and Harbour Isles communities on Perico Island, is scheduled to open in spring 2020. Will it add to traffic woes on Manatee Avenue West/State Road 64? Islander Photo: Jack Elka By Arthur Brice Islander Reporter

tigating? The DOT answer: “Based upon the information contained in the previously approved access permit for this development, which took into account both the development and future build-out traffic, the department does not believe additional analysis is warranted at this time.� The study, however, was performed in 2011 and the scope and size of the development has grown significantly in eight years.

Holmes Beach’s Spring lake shows improvement. 26

All the parties involved say ask the Florida Department of Transportation. The DOT says the issue has been studied and everything is OK. The issue: Will completion of the Compass hotel and Floridays restaurant in the Harbour Isle development on Perico Island in a few months add significantly to the often-choked traffic on Manatee Avenue? And another question: Is the DOT inves-

‘Stocking stuffers.’ 27

Flashback ’19: Year in review on AMI

Center names 2 champions, 2 leagues. 28

Compiled by lisa neff Islander Editor

Final week for football challenge.

Gathering. take 5:00: Dragonboat enthusiast. 23

Merry Christmas wishes: tight lines, good weather. 29

ISL BIZ: looking back on 2019. 30-31

PropertyWatch. 32 CLASSIFIEDS.

NYTimes puzzle.

PART 1

After the old, damaged city pier came down in 2018, much of the focus at Anna Maria City Hall in 2019 was on building a new pier to anchor the east end of Pine Avenue. Also in the first half of the year — The Islander will review the second half in the Jan. 1 issue — businesspeople and beachgoers bade farewell to a bad bloom of red tide. Holmes Beach officials tussled with the owners of an unpermitted beachfront treehouse. Bradenton Beach officials went to court in a Sunshine suit against volunteer

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board members and Cortezians weathered the worst stone crab season in memory. A look back at the first half of 2019: January Red tide exits area waters: The red tide bloom of 2018 had dissipated along the Southwest Florida coastline, just in time to ring in 2019. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission readings showed no presence of Karenia brevis, the algae known as red tide. Manatee County, developers prevail: Twelfth Circuit Judge Gilbert A. Smith Jr. ruled against environmentalists, upholding PlEASE SEE flashback, PAGE 8

Scoring update: Florida Department of Transportation 2, Joe McClash 0. For the second time since mid-November, the DOT has rejected a legal challenge from McClash to the agency’s plan to replace the Cortez Bridge with a 65-foot-clearance fixed span. “Not the Christmas present we were wishing to receive,� McClash said in a Dec. 18 email blast. “This is a disappointing decision, but not unexpected,� he wrote. “FDOT wants to dictate without a legal review of its action as a state agency.� At issue is whether the DOT has jurisdiction over the items listed in the hearing request. The DOT maintains it does not, saying it is taking action on behalf of the federal government and not as a state agency. “This ruling defies logic and, most of all, allows a state agency to dictate to our community the type of megabridge or other road projects without recourse provided by our state’s rules,� McClash wrote in his email. The DOT contends the matter must be settled in federal court. “Pursuant to federal law, the department assumed Federal Highway Administration’s responsibilities on the Cortez Bridge,� DOT spokesman Brian R. Rick wrote in a Dec. 19 email to The Islander. “In short,� he said, “where FHWA was previously identified as the lead federal agency, this function is now served by the department. Since the complaint is regarding federal law, a federal judge needs to hear the complaint, not a state permit administrative hearing officer.� The DOT announced Oct. 10 it had approved a 6-year project development and environment study and was going ahead with design work for the megabridge to replace the 62-year-old Cortez drawbridge. McClash filed a petition Oct. 29 for a PlEASE SEE briDGE, PAGE 2

Page 2 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Roadwatch

The Cortez Bridge opens at 15 minutes and 45 minutes after the hour when a boat needs higher clearance to pass. The DoT wants to replace the drawbridge with a 65-footclearance fixed span. Islander Photo: Arthur Brice

Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following for the week of Dec. 25: • Bay Drive South in Bradenton Beach: Manatee County’s AMI Pipeline Replacement project involves work on Bay Drive South continuing north to Bridge Street, shifting to Church Avenue and continuing on Church to Cortez Road. Construction is expected to conclude this month but could be disrupted by the holidays. • Longboat Pass Bridge: Repairs to the Longboat Pass Bridge on Gulf Drive between Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key continue, with completion expected at the end of the month but could be disrupted by the holidays. For the latest road watch information, go online to fl511.com and swflroads.com or dial 511. To view traffic conditions, go online to smarttrafficinfo.org.

New Year’s brings closings

New Year’s Eve is celebrated Tuesday, Dec. 31. Most government offices will close early and remain closed on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, including city halls in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach. The fare-free island trolley and the Beach Express will operate Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, but Manatee County Area Transit will not operate other fixed-route services or the Handy Bus service Jan. 1. Residential trash or recycling pickups regularly scheduled for Wednesdays will be delayed, and collection services may be pushed back through the week. Manatee County parks, preserves and beaches will be open to the public.

BRIDGE ConTInuED FRoM PAGE 1

formal administrative hearing, citing 25 instances in which he says the DOT acted wrongly. The DOT rejected McClash’s initial petition Nov. 13. He filed the appeal Nov. 22. McClash said he is unlikely to make a final decision on what steps to take next until Jan. 10. But he told The Islander in a Dec. 19 phone interview he is “definitely leaning toward an appeal.” The legal action, which he said he would take to the Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal, would challenge the DOT’s rejection of an administrative hearing. “It would have nothing to do with the merits of the case,” he said. McClash said he is also considering a challenge in federal court. The bridge, located on Cortez Road, spans the Intracoastal Waterway and links the mainland to Anna Maria Island. The drawbridge, with a clearance height of about 17 feet, had major repairs done in 1996, 2010 and 2015, and the DOT says it has outlived its lifespan. Megabridge opponents say it would change the

character of the fishing village of Cortez, designated a historic district in 1995. Many residents have been fighting the high bridge since the DOT revealed a plan for it in 1989. McClash, a former Manatee County commissioner, filed the legal petitions on behalf of himself and several other Cortez residents and organizations. Joe Kane, one of the petitioners, has lived in Cortez for more than two decades. Linda Molto, another petitioner, has lived in Cortez 34 years. Jane von Hahmann, a 43-year Cortez resident who served on the county commission 2001-08, also is a petitioner in the legal challenge. Others are the environmental group ManaSota-88 and two other nonprofits, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage and Cortez Village Historical Society. The Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue, which also connects the island to the mainland and built the same year as the Cortez Bridge, also is slated to be replaced by a 65-foot-clearance fixed span. Its design schedule is further along than the Cortez Bridge because the DOT approved it first.

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Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

City pier set to open in February, but restaurant to come later By Phil Colpas Islander Reporter

Big piles

The good news: Anna Maria is on track to open its city pier in February 2020. The bad news: The restaurant and bait shop being constructed on the T-end will not open until mid-2020 — or later. The old pier was closed after it was damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. It was demolished by the city in 2018. While the new pier remains on track for a February opening for fishing, the dates for the opening of the restaurant and bait shop are not determined, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy wrote in a Dec. 18 email to The Islander. The delay is due in part to ongoing contract negotiations with current city pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder, who also owns the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria. Anna Maria commissioners voted unanimously Nov. 26 to grant Schoenfelder, whose current lease expires in December 2020, an extension from Dec. 13 to Dec. 31 on his final offer deadline for a new lease. Schoenfelder requested the extra time to perform a cost analysis based on the floor plan and equipment that will be needed in the bait shop and restaurant. As of Dec. 20, he had not submitted his final offer. If negotiations with Schoenfelder fall through, the

Anna Maria announces holiday light contest winners

The city of Anna Maria named the winners of its first Bright Holiday Lights competition Dec. 13. In the residential category the winner is the Craft family home, 265 Gladiolus St. In the business category, the winner is Duncan Real Estate, 310 Pine Ave. The winners were announced Dec. 13, during the city’s Holiday Carols at City Pier Park.

Flashback ’19

city commission intends to issue a request for proposals to attract a new tenant. “If he submits his proposal by Dec. 31, the commission needs adequate time to do analysis of his offer, maybe 10-12 days,� Murphy said. If rejected, the city commission would post the RFP within a few days. “The plan as it stands now, barring any further unexpected delays, is to have the pier open for visitors and fishing by the end of February,� Murphy said. “The finished bathrooms will be required at that time. The restaurant and bait shop will open once a tenant has been selected and the interior build-out is completed. That could potentially occur as early as mid-2020.� Mason Martin, the contractor hired by the city to construct the buildings at the T-end, continued work the week of Dec. 16, framing and installing windows and siding. The bait shop and restaurant building shells should be completed by the first week of 2020, Frank Agnelli, owner of Mason Martin, told The Islander Dec. 12.

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Piling on the work: Work installing the first pilings for the new Anna Maria City Pier begins in earnest Feb. 2. Contractor Icon planned to pound and jet 200 pilings by August 2019 before beginning on the decking. Islander File Photos: Jack Elka

Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Jitney discussion leaves county board wanting more By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Plans for a jitney shuttle in Bradenton Beach rolled to the Manatee County administration building. Bradenton Beach officials went before county commissioners Dec. 17 at the administration building in Bradenton to discuss a shuttle that would transport people on a multiuse trail stretching alongside Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach to Bridge Street and then the Bradenton Beach Marina. The shuttle would operate on a 20-minute cycle, the same as the fare-free island trolley operated by Manatee County Area Transit, but operate outside of vehicle traffic. In November, Bradenton Beach commissioners approved an interlocal agreement between the county, the CRA and the city to allow the CRA to reconfigure a section of Coquina Beach, as well as parking along Cortez Beach, to accommodate the trail. Both beaches are owned and maintained by the county. Modifications include changing Cortez Beach parking to prevent drivers from backing onto Gulf Drive/State Road 789 without reducing the amount of parking at the beach. The first phase of work on the trail, a pilot program to test the concept, would be funded by the CRA. If county commissioners approve the interlocal agreement and the CRA completes the first phase, the CRA would work with the DOT’s Office of Greenways and Trails’ SUN Trail program to subsidize additional improvements. Dec. 17, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Burnett took turns introducing county commissioners to the project and answering questions. “I have a lot of friends that are supporting this project, but I have a lot of questions to ask because I also represent the entire county and those people who want to come out there to the beach and find a parking spot,” Commissioner Carol Whitmore said. “You’ll have a pull-in for the tram, so to me you’re giving up parking spaces to do that.” Burnett said the project would not result in a net loss of parking spaces at Coquina or Cortez beaches. ‘Devil is going to be in the details’ “Just looking at this white paper, it did kind of raise concerns,” Commission Chair Betsy Benac said. “If there is one thing I have learned over the past years, people hate change. Especially at the beach, so it makes me very nervous when we start talking about making significant changes.” “So, the devil is going to be in the details, and we don’t have a lot of details,” Benac continued. Several people attended the meeting to support the project, including CRA member Ed Chiles, Commissioner Jake Spooner, Bradenton Beach Police Lt. John Cosby, West Manatee Fire Rescue Fire Marshall Rodney Kwiatowski, Bradenton Beach Marina owner Mike Bazzy and Bradenton Beach Area Merchants president Sherman Baldwin.

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie addresses Manatee County commissioners Dec. 17 at the county commission chambers about allowing a jitney shuttle. Islander Photo: Manatee County Government YouTube Channel

CRA member David Bell, who spoke against the jitney at a Dec. 4 meeting and said he might speak in opposition to the county commission, did not attend the work session. Cosby said peak parking hours in the locations are staggered, with the beach busiest from dawn to 4 p.m., when people then migrate to Bridge Street. Because of the staggered peak hours, parking on either of the two ends would remain available. Baldwin, who owns Paradise Boat Tours, which operates from the floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier, said the jitney is needed to bring people to the east end of Bridge Street. He said the only MCAT trolley stop in the area is near the west end of Bridge Street, so older people might not be able to access the pier and the east end. Chiles told county commissioners the jitney would address Bridge Street’s biggest issue: parking. “What this is about is: Where is the surplus of parking? … We have 1,800 parking spots (at Coquina Beach) that are never filled up — hardly,” he said. Coquina Beach does have the largest collection of parking spaces in the city, but an analysis in the

Barrier Islands Traffic Study found the beach had a shortfall of around 250 parking spots during peak business hours. Chiles said the multiuse trail for the shuttle also would provide a walkway for pedestrians. “This is a concrete step to get people out of their cars. It is a concrete step for connectivity and for improving what is the crown jewel of the island,” Chiles said, referring to the beach. He continued, “How many times can you say you’re going to get something fabulous that you don’t have to put any money into?” Discussion then went back to the dais. “I sit here, and I think that we have to do something to relieve congestion and that we have to make our streets safer,” County Commissioner Misty Servia said. She continued, “Sometimes we get really caught up thinking about the parking spots that might not be available next weekend, but we’ve really got to start thinking more globally about this. So I appreciate the presentation and I’m excited about the next steps. Commissioner Stephen Jonsson, who represents District 3, which includes the island, said, “I think it’s great we’re finally starting to look at stuff seriously out there. We’ve spent a lot of time talking. We’ve got to try something. We talk and we talk and we talk, and we’re great at talking, but maybe some point we can start doing something and see what it takes to actually solve those traffic problems.” Jonsson has previously discussed implementing paid parking at Coquina. No action was to be taken on the item during the work session, and no county commissioners spoke in opposition to the project. The proposed interlocal agreement with the county will be the next topic of discussion. For now, the city and CRA will move forward with planning a pilot program to test the shuttle. If the county commission approves the interlocal agreement, the city also will move forward with plans to reconfigure Coquina and Cortez beach parking.

Bradenton Beach dock open, but final adjustment needed

The floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier is open for business, but there’s work to come. Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency members reached a consensus to purchase rollers —mechanisms that connect the dock sections to pilings, allowing for tidal movement — from Fort Myers-based Golden Marine Systems, but only if the contractor modified the dock’s railings and ladders. Golden finished modifications the week of Dec. 9. However, public works director Tom Woodard wrote in a Dec. 17 text message to The Islander that the CRA will wait until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, for a final vote on purchasing the rollers. The CRA will “wait for a vote based on the opinion about the modifications.” Golden modified the railings and ladders to con-

nect at the corner to the end of the gangway and utilize the dock’s track system designed by Technomarine Construction, the original designer and manufacturer for the dock. The new rollers will replace rollers used by Hecker Construction that did not adhere to Technomarine’s design and were damaged by storm waves during Tropical Storm Nestor. The dock, now open to the public, allows boaters to tie up and access the pier, 200 Bridge St., which houses the Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurant and Paradise Boat Tours, which launches boat tours from the dock. City officials first opened the dock Aug. 2 to replace one damaged by storms and removed in 2017. — Ryan Paice

Bradenton Beach official touts jitney progress, clam seeding in 2019 By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Some issues in Bradenton Beach remain the same heading into 2020. However, one city official will remember 2019 for the municipality’s attempts to tackle what he believes are its biggest problems: parking and environmental degradation. Community redevelopment agency member Ed Chiles, a local restaurateur, told The Islander in a Dec. 19 interview that he is proudest of the agency’s progress in advancing a jitney trail, as well as seeding nearly 200,000 clams in Sarasota Bay near the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Chiles listed the CRA’s progress on the trail as the agency’s single greatest accomplishment of 2019 “by far.” The passenger shuttle, operating alongside Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach to Bridge Street, remains in the planning stage but is closer to fruition than ever. “The biggest problem in Bradenton Beach, in any survey over the last 10-15 years, has been clearly recognized as parking in the downtown area and now we

can try to help people get out of their cars in a meaningful way,” Chiles said. “I think it’s going to make a real impression on people and add to the crown jewel of the county.” Chiles said protecting the environment is another important challenge to face, one that became more apparent in 2019 after struggles with red tide. He said the CRA pioneered a restorative solution involving the use of clams, as each mollusk filters several gallons of water every day. Chiles said brood stock clams are too large for farmers to sell for food, but are nearly predator-proof and filter more water than younger, smaller clams. So by purchasing the larger clams, the CRA helped a farmer and achieved its purpose of lining the bay bottom with a self-sustaining method to filter water. “For the guy whose clams are getting too big, we’re recognizing that those clams are more valuable to the citizens of the state of Florida as a brood stock restoration clam than it is for sale in my restaurants,” Chiles said, noting the Legislature may consider a bill in 2020 recognizing the use of clams for seagrass miti-

Flashback ’19 A batch of clams, purchased by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, line the dock at the South Coquina Boat Ramp March 9. They were loaded on a boat for and dropped in Sarasota Bay near the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria mayor, city commissioners look back on 2019 By Phil Colpas Islander Reporter

As the end of another year approaches, The Islander reached out the week of Dec. 16 to Anna Maria’s mayor and city commissioners to find out their biggest accomplishments and challenges of 2019. Here is what they said: Mayor Dan Murphy: During 2019, the city brought together our residents, fellow islanders and visitors for over 70 events held in City Pier Park under the shade-sail. These social gatherings helped to establish a sense of community among all of us. They offered an Murphy opportunity to socialize, sometimes welcome newcomers and visitors or simply get reacquainted with our neighbors. “Happenings,” such as the farmers markets, movies in the park, Veterans Day parade, Fourth of July hot dogs in the park, Thanks-Living Celebration, our Patriotic Symphony Salute, Holiday Carols in the Park and more all served to bring islanders together as a community. By far, our biggest challenge during 2019 has been the rebuilding of Anna Maria’s historic city pier. City Commissioner Carol Carter: I am most proud of assisting the city to bring in Peter Kageyama for a town hall meeting to help us focus on how to create community among our residents. From this gathering, “For the Carter Love of Cities,” I established a volunteer task force to generate ideas for communitybuilding programs and activities. Our inaugural event was Thanks-Living Nov. 27. This event was even more successful than we dared hope, with many residents asking us to make this an annual event, which we plan to do.

Flashback ’19

My biggest challenge was making the right decisions on the rebuilding of the Anna Maria City Pier and acquiring the necessary funds to build a structure that will be true to the original concept, will stand the test of time and weather and will meet current safety standards. Another challenge has been assuring residents that we were moving as quickly as possible with the pier, considering all the various federal, state and county agencies who need to weigh in on this massive project. City Commissioner Amy Tripp: A big accomplishment was launching our community building programs, including “For the Love of Cities” with Peter

Meetings

Kageyama, “High Tide on Main Street” with John Englander, “Old Soldiers and Sailors” honoring our community’s veterans, farmers market, Thanks-Living, Holiday Carols in the Park and the Fourth of July cookout. I am proud of completing the city’s multiple-use path, staying on time and budget for the pier project and defending home rule and our Tripp city’s right to self govern. The biggest challenge of 2019 was the building of a new city pier, a huge project for a city of our size. I believe our team of city leadership and contracting partners have done an amazing job. Commissioners Jonathan Crane and Mark Short declined to participate because they were just recently sworn into office. Jan. 14, 9 a.m., county commission. Jan. 28, 9 a.m., county commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

Anna Maria City Jan. 9, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941- Of interest 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Dec. 25, Christmas, most government offices are closed. Holmes Beach Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, most government offices Jan. 8, 6 p.m., planning commission. are closed. Jan. 9, 10 a.m., police pension board. Jan. 13, 1 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Jan. 14, 6 p.m., city commission. Organization, Bradenton Beach City Hall. Jan. 15, 10 a.m., special magistrate. Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, most govJan. 23, 11:30 a.m., police pension board. ernment offices are closed. Jan. 25, TBD, dog park opening, city field. Jan. 22, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Jan. 28, 6 p.m., city commission. Elected Officials, Holmes Beach City Hall. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Jan. 27, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metro941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. politan Planning Organization with Charlotte-Punta Gorda MPO, Charlotte Harbor Event and ConferManatee County ence Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Jan. 9, 9 a.m., county commission (land use). Send listings to news@islander.org.

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Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Singalong holiday jingle

In the holiday spirit, The Islander offers its 12 days of an Anna Maria Island Christmas. The “12 days” in the original song, with heavy religious symbolism, refers to the days from the first day of Christmas, Dec. 25, to the eve of the epiphany. But sing when you will, sing with us, merrily and loudly with the adapted words to this familiar jingle (by Lisa Neff): On the first day of Christmas, my true love showed to me, a parrot in a palm tree. On the second day of Christmas, my true love showed to me, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the third day of Christmas, my true love showed to me, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love showed to me, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love showed to me, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love showed to me, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love showed to me, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love showed to me, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, our beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.

DEC. 25, 2019 • Vol. 28, No. 9 Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial lisa neff, editor, lisa@islander.org ChrisAnn Allen, chrisann@islander.org Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Arthur Brice, arthur@islander.org Sarah Brice, sarah@islander.org Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Phil Colpas, phil@islander.org Michael Dunn, michael@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com leslie lake, leslie@islander.org Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Mike Tokars, miket@islander.org ▼ Contributors Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director Toni lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Office Staff lisa Williams, office manager Vicki McIntyre, office assistant, reader advocate info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet Judy loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

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MERRY CHRISTMAS! On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love showed to me, nine birds a-skimming, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.

On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love showed to me, 10 dudes a-surfing, nine birds a-skimming, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the 11th day of Christmas, my true love showed to me,

11 dolphins diving, 10 dudes a-surfing, nine birds a-skimming, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love showed to me, 12 islanders lounging, 11 dolphins diving, 10 dudes a-surfing, nine birds a-skimming, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.

We wish you “Peace on Earth” and the happiest Christmas. — The Islander crew

Opinion

Your

For the record

Thank you to the editor of this publication for publishing my story, “Plight of AMI,” Nov. 20. I would like to correct some issues that were presented in my historical account. There were four bridges planned to Anna Maria Island in the late 1980s and 1990s. I didn’t include the formation of the island elected officials coalition. We did this because there was a controversy about consolidating the three cities. I never knew the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce was established in 1949. I don’t remember that Longboat Key ever expressed that the town wanted its own roundabout. Infamous builders have always wanted to change

land use and zoning and build high-rise buildings, like the Martinique. Finally, I apologize that a lot of readers may not have the time to read such a long article. Katie Pierola, Bradenton

Have your say

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). Email: news@islander.org. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Flashback ’19

Stars stream to AMI

Power chord in Cortez: The Eric Von Band, with Tim Chandler, left, Eric Von, Randy neubert and Rudy Ramos, strikes a chord for the audience Feb. 16 at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

Find weekly editions of The Islander — 1992 to present — online in the university of Florida Digital library at ufdc.ufl.edu.

we’d love to mail you the news!

Janis Ian tunes her guitar Jan. 31, during a Friends of the Island library lecture/ concert at Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club. Islander File Photo: ChrisAnn Allen Jane Seymour gets emotional Jan. 18, during her talk to gallery guests at the Studio at Gulf and Pine. Seymour’s display of watercolors, oils, sculptures and other artwork were for sale at the Anna Maria gallery. Islander File Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

10&20 years ago

Islander archives, Dec. 22, 1999

• The Anna Maria City Commission voted to cancel a Southwest Florida Water Management District drainage improvement project and accompanying Florida Department of Transportation bike path and return nearly $750,000 in funding for the projects. The move cost the city about $200,000 spent on contracts that had to be honored. • Fifteen Anna Maria residents qualified to run for four seats on the city commission up for election in February, including four who would seek the mayor’s position after incumbent Chuck Shumard said he would not seek another term. • Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach officials planned a joint meeting with Florida Department of Transportation officials to discuss how the cities could apply for all or part of $246,000 in bike path funds that Anna Maria had rejected.

Islander archives, Dec. 23, 2009

• Early-morning burglars targeted retail stores near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives in Holmes Beach, taking cash and merchandise. The owner of the Tide and Moon jewelry store said the loss of merchandise was devastating to her business. • The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and managers of lodging establishments reported no vacancies on Anna Maria Island the week of Christmas and in early January. • A Sarasota teenager was sentenced to nine months in jail and four years for probation after pleading guilty to 12 local burglaries, including one at the Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria. — lisa neff

Master of Sunset pictures

Portraits by the Sea

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Cortez case in court: Raymond “Junior” Guthrie Jr. sits Feb. 5 with Karen Bell of Cortez-based A.P. Bell Fish Co. before a hearing in the Manatee County courthouse. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection brought the case against Guthrie for his failure to remove a house on stilts he built without permits in Sarasota Bay. Islander File Photo: Kathy Prucnell

flashback continued from page 1

the decision of the Manatee Board of County Commissioners to approve a general development plan and rezoning for a large-scale, mixed-use development on 529 acres southeast of Cortez and north of IMG Academy. HBPD sergeant retires: Sgt. Vern McGowin — a two-time officer of the year and 21-year employee — retired from the Holmes Beach Police Department. The Islander named him the Islander of the Year for going above and beyond in his job. Judge sets treehouse case for conference: “It goes on and on and on.” That was Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth’s reaction as she stepped out of a court hearing on the treehouse that ended with another court date set for later in the year. Chiles named Anna Maria Citizen of the Year: Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy announced the citizen-of-the-year committee chose to honor restaurateur Ed Chiles. He was honored for his charitable contributions and community involvement. Holmes Beach passes permit-to-permit remodel moratorium: A moratorium on permit-to-permit construction on some structures, with a three-year “cumulative substantial improvement period” for each building permit and one year for “substantial damage,” was unanimously approved by a vote of 4-0 of the Holmes Beach City Commission. License-plate reader contracts approved: The city commission authorized Mayor Judy Titsworth to execute an agreement for license-plate reader equipment from contractor Vetted Security Solutions of St. Petersburg. New owners start work on lots near FISH Preserve: Three lots adjacent to a preserve in Cortez were in new hands — with the addition of new fill to the property. The lots sold for $95,000. Contractor moves into position to work on pier: Clearwater-based contractor i+iconSOUTHEAST began mobilizing for work with the installation of a construction trailer in a fenced-off area of the Anna Maria City Pier parking lot. Don’t worry, be happy: The Bradenton-SarasotaNorth Port area was named No. 4 overall on Southern Living magazine’s happiest and healthiest beach communities in the United States. Manatee County extends funding for Cortez museum: A $180,000 county reimbursement program for the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum was extended to the end of the year. February KORN prevails over Bradenton Beach: In a final order, Judge Lon Arend determined four initiatives proposed by a political action committee, Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods, must be submitted by the city of Bradenton Beach to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office for verification for a future ballot. Bicyclist dies in hospital after fall: A Colorado man died after falling from his bicycle in Bradenton Beach. Carl Wetzig, a Colorado Springs ophthalmologist, was cycling when he fell face down on Gulf Drive North between the Longboat Pass Bridge and Manatee County Marine Rescue headquarters. Judge rules for DEP, but Cortez fish camp gets stay: Raymond Guthrie Jr. didn’t need to dismantle and remove the stilt house he built in Sarasota Bay near the Cortez-based A.P. Bell Fish Co. or pay fines for ignoring a Florida Department of Environmental Protection order. While a judge entered summary judgment in favor of the DEP and against Guthrie, the judge also stayed the order’s execution. Timeline pushed back for traffic study completion: The original timetable for completion of the Barrier Islands Traffic Study was 2018, but changes to phase 3 meant a public presentation on the multiyear study wouldn’t take place for another year. Tourism impact nears $1 billion: Despite the fits and starts of tourism in 2018, Manatee County tallied up nearly $1 billion in economic impact from visitors, according to data released in February. “One billion. Yes, almost $1 billion in impact in 2018, despite all the issues of the year,” said Walter Klages of Research Data Services. Email supports claim of city pressure on inspec-

Pier progress: Seventy pilings for the T-end of the new Anna Maria City Pier pierce the water’s surface in Tampa Bay March 1, while a work barge makes its way back from Hillsborough County loaded with 60 piles for the pier walkway. Islander File Photo: Jack Elka

Flashback ’19

tors: An ousted Anna Maria code enforcement officer alleged that Bureau Veritas, a contracted inspection agency, was pressured into passing inspections without certification. A copy of a Feb. 23, 2018, email — obtained by The Islander through a public record request — between Bureau Veritas manager Matthew Rush and city clerk Leanne Addy lent credibility to the claim. Skate park contract approved: The Holmes Beach City Commission approved an updated contract with American Ramp Co. to replace the skate park in the recreational complex at city field, adjacent to city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. T-end pilings set, walkway pile-driving to begin: Work driving T-end pilings for the Anna Maria City Pier finished Feb. 21, with work on walkway pilings soon to follow. Bradenton Beach takes up ballot plans: In a unanimous vote, the Bradenton Beach mayor and commissioners chose not to appeal a judge’s ruling and instead hold a work meeting to determine the ballot language for four initiatives proposed by the political action committee Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods. Anna Maria approves new vacation rental fees: City commissioners approved vacation rental fees for 2018-19, including charging registered vacation rentals $36.37 per occupant — a 76-cent decrease from the occupant fee charged in 2018. An inspection fee increased from $50 to $55. WMFR, firefighters union agree to contract: The West Manatee Fire Rescue Commission and the Suncoast Professional Firefighters and Paramedics banged out a 2% increase in wages for the district’s 32 firefighters over the next three years. Boat captain takes deal in shark-dragging case: A crime that sparked an outcry from animal rights activists ended with a whimper for one defendant, who took a plea deal in a bay-area courtroom. Michael Wenzel, 22, of Palmetto, pleaded guilty in Hillsborough County Circuit Court to a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty and using an illegal method to catch

Artist Jo Anne Curtain works Feb. 13 on a watercolor auctioned at the Artists’ Guild Sale-A-Bration at CrossPointe Fellowship in Holmes Beach.

a shark. March Judge rules for city in treehouse owners’ case: The city of Holmes Beach took home a win as a judge dismissed the owners’ petition to halt the destruction of their treehouse. The judge also granted the city’s dismissal motion. Sunshine suit defendants offer ‘compromise’: At a Bradenton Beach commission meeting, the mayor and commissioners unanimously voted to set a deadline for the defendants to respond to a settlement offer by the city in the lawsuit initiated by ex-Mayor Jack Clarke and joined by the city against six former city board members. BB pier’s floating dock comes together: Floats for Bradenton Beach’s floating dock — the last missing parts in the project— were delivered to a laydown yard in Gibsonton, where parts were being assembled before delivery to Bradenton Beach. Community radio hopes to broadcast to Cortez: David Beaton, a manager with WBPV at 100.1 FM, asked the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage board to provide space for the low-powered station to resume coverage to Cortez, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Ousted code officer alleges toxic workplace in Anna Maria: An employee fired from the city of Anna Maria alleged she endured a toxic work environment. Hometown hire — WMFR names next chief: WMFR commissioners voted 5-0 to appoint Ben Rigney as the next fire chief when Tom Sousa retired Oct. 17, pending contract negotiations by Commission Chair David Bishop. Bradenton Beach commissioners divide voters into new wards: City commissioners voted 5-0 to reinstate four wards based on voter numbers and neighborhoods recommended and approved by the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office and revised by the commission. Please see flashback, page 14

Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Looking back: Holmes Beach officials reflect on 2019 By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

“It was quite a year,” Holmes Beach Commission Chair Jim Kihm said Dec. 17. “We accomplished much to be proud of for our city.” In 2019, the city commission passed more ordinances, including updated vacation rental and permitting regulations, than any previous year, according to city clerk Stacey Johnston. The Islander surveyed officials, inviting them to look back on 2019. Here’s what they said:

Flashback ’19

ity and how it relates to our city,” he said. “It is vital that we keep moving forward with plans to combat rising sea levels.” In December, Schaefer motioned to raise the stormwater fee from $1.68 per 100 square feet to $4.40, to help with infrastructure repairs. When the motion failed, he proposed a compromise, $2.95 per hundred square feet, which passed 4-0. “You don’t hit a home run every time at the plate,” Schaefer said. “But we reached a compromise, which was certainly the right thing to do.”

that restricts consecutive permits seeking to improve Federal Emergency Management Agency-rated preFIRM homes. FEMA established standards for home elevations in 1975 known as FIRM — the Flood Insurance Rate Map — and restricts remodeling to 50 percent of a preFIRM structure’s assessed value. Some people have tried to supersede the rule by applying for back-to-back permits. Additionally, Kihm praised the charter review Commissioner Kim Rash Mayor Judy Titsworth Commissioner Kim Rash also said compromise Renovations to city field, including new dog and commission, which worked for six months and proskate parks, should be completed by the end of the posed 11 ordinances, all of which were passed by the was key in 2019. electorate in November. “I listen to the residents and carry their message year. Titsworth said she was impressed with the finanto city hall at every meeting,” he said. “It’s not about Commissioner Carol Soustek cial support from the community. us, it’s about them.” Commissioner Carol Soustek said a challenge was “Considering it’s been so many years since we’ve In 2019, he said he helped amend language in a recently approved ordinance to protect residents had community support, financially, it was amazing,” handling stormwater issues without overspending. The commission recently approved an ordinance against excessive noise generated by party houses. she said, citing more than $100,000 in donations gathRash also said a proposed splash park at city field ered over three days in November to fund a skate bowl to increase the stormwater fee to repair aging infraat the park. “They did it for the kids, and that is won- structure. did not appear well received by many residents, so he “It’s our job, as commissioners, to find the balance dissented and the project was dismissed. derful.” She also said recently installed waterlines at city- between throwing money at a problem and fixing it “I think the fact that I stood up and spoke against owned T-end docks between 72nd and 77th streets, within reasonable boundaries,” she said. “I think we it, led others to follow suit,” he said. with slips available for rent by residents, was a long- are accomplishing that.” Soustek also said approval and installation of Commissioner Pat Morton awaited improvement. “Many of those docks have sat unused for years license plate readers, a system that alerts the police Commissioner Pat Morton, the longest seated because there was no water for people to rinse their department to vehicles that could be stolen or driven commissioner with 17 years under his belt, said he’s boat motors,” Titsworth said. “This should help get by someone with a revoked or suspended license, was pleased with improved striping on bike paths and an accomplishment. them rented.” expanded sidewalks. “The technology has proved to be very helpful for “I’ve been complaining about that path for six our officers,” she said. “The numbers don’t lie.” Commissioner Jim Kihm years, so I am very pleased something has been done,” Kihm cited updated vacation rental regs, which he said. now include inspections for monthly rentals, as a posi- Commissioner Terry Schaefer He credits the commissioners for working together Commissioner Terry Schaefer, the newest member in 2019. “There are so many problems we’ve gotten tive change. “It’s a good ordinance that protects our visitors of the commission, said his concerns rest with how straightened out in the last year,” Morton said. “I just changes in the environment affect infrastructure. and renters and is fair for everyone,” he said. hope my fellow commissioners keep working for the “I’ve been learning a lot about regional sustainabil- betterment of the city, and its citizens.” He also mentioned an ordinance passed in June

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Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

the

Vintage flea

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IGA

Holiday bike winner: poodle and friend

Shop a wonderful array of vintage vendors and local artists. It’s a great treasure-hunting experience!

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ART CLASSES

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Susan Frazier of Anna Maria Island and her poodle came to The Islander newspaper office Dec. 17 to claim their prize from the raffle drawing — an adult bicycle — offered during the Midtown Holiday Party at the Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza. Merchants in the center pooled prizes and donated to the drawing that also included gift baskets and a plethora of gift cards. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

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The box office will open Monday, Dec. 30, for tickets to the Island Players’ third production of the season — “Ripcord,” written by Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire. The comedy will open Thursday, Jan. 9, and continue through Sunday, Jan. 26. The cast, directed by James Thaggard, includes Cathy Hansel-Edgerton, Laura Morales, Nick Catanzaro, Jennifer Caldwell, Rick Kopp and Matthew Mayo. Performances will be 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. The theater is dark Mondays. Tickets are $23 each. With the exception of Jan. 1, the box office will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays through the run, as well as an hour before performances. For more information, call the box office at 941 778-5755 or go to www.theislandplayers.org.

‘See the Light’ at IGW Jane Keeling is Island Gallery West’s featured artist in January, displaying paintings — large and small — in “See The light.” A news release said, “This display is all about the wonders of light on land and water. An ordinary object can become extraordinary with dramatic lighting.” A reception will be 5:307:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at IGW, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo

Shamrock Shiver benefits children’s charity

NOW OPEN at our new location! 714 43rd St. W • Bradenton Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-4

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The annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge will be 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, in Bradenton Beach. The plunge into the Gulf of Mexico will be from the beach at the access on Gulf Drive at 12th Street South. The fundraising event is sponsored by Clancy’s Irish Pub, which will host a post-plunge party, with raffles, food, beverages and music by Mean Gene’s Party Machine at the bar, 6218 Cortez Road, Bradenton. Participants in the plunge who wear a costume will be judged and could receive a trophy at the party. All

Flashback ’19

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who participate in the costume contest will receive a raffle ticket. Plunge participants should be at the beach by 11:30 a.m. The beneficiary is Caring for Children Charities, an organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged children in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Since 2009, the Shamrock Shiver has raised more than $246,000 for charities. To plunge, pledge or make a donation, contact Jan Crudele at Caring for Children Charities/Florida Winefest at 941-952-1109 or Rayma Stowe at Clancy’s, 941-794-2489. Shivering in 2019: People — some in costumes — charge into the Gulf of Mexico Jan. 1 for Clancy’s 11th annual Shamrock Shiver new Year’s Day Charity Plunge at Seventh Street South and Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

Get listed in the calendar List your happenings in The Islander calendar. Send listings to calendar@islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date.

Island happenings

Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Feast’s bounty of toys ‌ for tots

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Joey Dale, left, and brother Chris, along with Chris’ wife, Adrianne leporati, display toys purchased for Toys for Tots. They donated the toys in the name of the Feast, 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, which recently celebrated its 10th year on Anna Maria Island. Islander Courtesy Photo

Sky observers plan Robinson Preserve outing

Deep-sky observers will gather Saturday, Jan. 4, for a night of observing. The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers, a Bradenton/Sarasota group of astronomy enthusiasts, will hold a Sidewalk Astronomy event at Robinson Preserve expansion. Weather permitting, members of the group will be at Robinson 7:15-10:15 p.m. to make their telescopes available for public viewing of the night sky. Sky observers can expect to see the ringed planet of Saturn and the first quarter moon. The event will be in the parking area accessed from Robinson Preserve’s newest entrance at 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Sidewalk Astronomy is free of charge and is open to people of all ages. For more information, contact group president Jonathan Sabin at 941-518-8695 or go online to lgdso. ‘Critters and Creatures’ at guild com.

Flashback ’19

B-I-n-G-o spells fun in Bradenton Beach: Jean Hightower raises her hand as she bingos her card Jan. 17 at the Annie Silver Community Center during the first bingo session of the season. Hightower and friends were visiting Anna Maria Island from Maryland. Islander File Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Artist Sandy Staley shows a safari painting. Staley’s work will be exhibited throughout January in “Critters and Creatures: Serengeti to Sarasota� at the Artists’ Guild Gallery in the Island Shopping Center, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The display will include paintings of animals inspired by a recent safari in Africa and also local adventures. A reception will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at the gallery. Islander Courtesy Photo

Beach House booms into 2020

Fireworks will return to the sky over the Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. The Chiles Group restaurant offers a fireworks show to usher in the new year. The fireworks will go off after the countdown to midnight Tuesday, Dec. 31, and the arrival of the new year. The pyrotechnical display will be visible up and down the beach. The public fireworks show is part of the restaurant’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. For more information, call the restaurant at 941779-2222.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar

For the week Dec. 25-Jan. 1 Compiled by lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

12th Street South beach, Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-952-1109.

ONGOING ON AMI

LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI

Throughout December, “Buy Your Sweetie Some Beautiful Jewelry” display, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Throughout December, “Blue and Beyond” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786648. Second Fridays, downtown Holmes Beach art walk, various venues. Information: 941-778-6694, 941-778-6648. Throughout January, “See the Light” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786648. Throughout January, “Critters and Creatures” exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6694. Through Jan. 31, “The Next Chapter” exhibition, paintings by Rolf Hellem, the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Anna Maria. Information: 941-900-8478.

March 15, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Holmes Beach. May 30, Anna Maria Island Privateers Kids Day, TBD. ONGOING OFF AMI

Tuesday, Dec. 31, countdown to 2020 at the Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. The restaurant will host a fireworks display at midnight on new Year’s Eve. Islander File Photo

359-5700. Second Wednesdays, 12:15 p.m., Lunch and Learn program, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Art After 5, John and Mable Ringling Jan. 9, Friends of the Island Library Lecture Series begins, Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-359-5700. Jan. 9-26, Island Players present “Ripcord,” Anna Maria. First Fridays, 6-9 p.m., ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around Jan. 10, “See the Light” artist reception, Holmes Beach. 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays Jan. 10, “Critters and Creatures” artist reception, Holmes after the first Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. Beach. Second and fourth Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, Jan. 23, Center of Anna Maria Island’s concert series presents Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: Starship, Anna Maria. 941-708-6120. Feb. 4, 17th annual Jazz Fest to benefit Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, Anna Maria. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Feb. 13, Center of Anna Maria Island’s concert series presents Jan. 16-26, Manatee County Fair, Palmetto. Danny Seraphine, Anna Maria. Jan. 14-Feb. 7, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island 11th annual Feb. 28-29, Center of Anna Maria Island murder-mystery show, Fine Art Exhibition, Bradenton. Anna Maria. Jan. 16, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island reception for March 5-22, Island Players’ “Leading Ladies,” Anna Maria. “Boundaries Erased,” Bradenton. March 10, 10th annual Oldies Beach Dance, Anna Maria. Feb. 8, Bradenton Area River Regatta, Bradenton and PalMarch 19, Center of Anna Maria Island’s concert series presmetto. ents the Grass Roots, Anna Maria. Feb. 15-16, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. March 21, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ “One Night in Tortuga” March 7, ArtSlam, Bradenton. pirate gathering, Cortez. April 3-5, Sarasota Film Festival, Sarasota. April 30, Island Players’ “Death by Design,” Anna Maria. April 11, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Beach’n May 2, Bourbon, Beats and Eats, Holmes Beach. Food Truck and Music Festival, Bradenton Beach. Oct. 17, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria. KIDS & FAMILY ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Through Dec. 31, “Always Ready” U.S. Coast Guard exhibit, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. Through Jan. 5, “Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures,” the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Through Jan. 13, “Tour du Monde,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Through Aug. 1, “Remaking the World: Abstraction from the Permanent Collection,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-

Saturday, Dec. 28 1-3:30 p.m. — All-Ages Game Day, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesday, Dec. 31 10 a.m. — Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 11:55 p.m. — Countdown to 2020 and New Year’s Eve fireworks, the Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-2222. Wednesday, Jan. 1 11:30 a.m. — 12th annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge,

Island

Pack & Ship Design & Print

Mail & Print

Fourth Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Stelliferous Star Talk, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Second Saturdays, 4 p.m., IQuest for middle schoolers, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Second and fourth Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. KidSpace, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI April 11, DeSoto Bottle Boat Regatta, Bradenton. April 25, DeSoto Grand Parade, Bradenton.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ONGOING ON AMI Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., veterans services assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist-Inspired Nontheistic Path, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. Second Fridays, 6 p.m., AMI Resident Community Connections, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast and meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-1383. CANCELED Tuesdays through May 12, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers’ Market, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941718-0291. Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., Tech Help, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Jan. 6, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Parkinson’s Education Forum, Anna Maria. Jan. 8, Anna Maria Island Historical Society bread sales begin, Anna Maria. Jan. 9, Friends of the Island Library lecture and travel series begins, Holmes Beach. Jan. 11, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. Jan. 17, Annie Silver Community Center dinner, Bradenton

Flashback ’19

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Florida folk show: The AMI String Band performs at Heritage Day, presented by the Anna Maria Island Historical Society March 2 in the AMIHS Historical Park, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Islander File Photo: Karen Riley-love

Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar

Get listed in The Islander calendar. Email calendar@islander.org.

LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI GOOD TO KNOW Beach. Jan. 29, Anna Maria Island Garden Club fashion show, Anna Jan. 4, Sidewalk Astronomy at Robinson Preserve, BradenSAVE THE DATES Maria. ton. Through Dec. 30, Hanukkah. Feb. 8, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Thieves Market, BradenJan. 25, Robinson Preserve planting, Bradenton. Dec. 25, Christmas. ton Beach. Feb. 22, first Pirates spring training game, Bradenton. Dec. 26, Kwanzaa. March 7, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Days, March 7, dragon boat festival, Bradenton. Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve. Anna Maria. April 4, Sidewalk Astronomy at Robinson Preserve, BradenMarch 14, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Thieves Market, Bra- ton. GET LISTED denton Beach. April 9, Bradenton Marauders’ home opener, Bradenton. Send announcements for The Islander calendar to calendar@ March 18, Anna Maria Island Garden Club flower show and May 8, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce golf tourna- islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the bake sale, Anna Maria. ment, Bradenton. publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication. GAMES, SPORTS

& OUTDOORS ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

French farce: The cast of “A Flea in Her Ear” takes a bow March 7 at the Island Players theater. Islander File Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-7086130. Wednesday and Monday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., pickleball, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Legends Tennis, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., pickleball, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (call for times) mahjong games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturdays, 7:30 a.m., Still I Run running club, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mcfacheris@ gmail.com. Mondays, noon, AMI Bridge, Roser Memorial Community Get listed in Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. the calendar Mondays, AMI Dragon Boat Fun and Fitness Club, time Send listings for depends on tides, 417 63rd St., Holmes Beach. Information: 941the calendar to calen462-2626. dar@islander.org. Mondays-Saturdays, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Round Robin Tennis, The deadline for Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee listings is the Wednesapplies. Information: 941-778-1908. day before the publiMost Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction cation date. for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Please include Information: 941-778-6341. the date, time, locaTuesdays, 12:15 p.m., duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of tion and description the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941of the event, as well 779-0881. as a phone number for People with ties to Wisconsin gather Feb. 6 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in publication. Holmes Beach to celebrate Wisconsin Day with live music, a potluck lunch and LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI a raffle. Islander File Photo: ChrisAnn Allen Jan. 16, Annie Silver Community Center’s bingo nights begin, !"#$%&'(%)*+,-%./%*01*,"*23*%"2%,*-"4*2#"+5%,*6.4*5"278%4*-"72%+24%3.2-#,93#".28 Bradenton Beach.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

flashback continued from page 8 Petition for pines: Bradenton Beach resident Mike Norman June 6 holds a stack of 1,010 signatures collected for a petition opposing Manatee County’s plan to remove Australian pine trees from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Islander File Photo: Courtesy Marlin Ellis This parade’s for you: A team of Budweiser Clydesdale horses arrive March 19 to Holmes Beach by city hall. The horse-and-wagon showpiece paraded through the downtown area on a busy Friday afternoon. Islander File Photo: ChrisAnn Allen Truckin’ at Coquina: Jamie Mason leans out the window of the Scott’s Deli food truck April 13 at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach ’n Food Truck and Music Festival at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. The one-day festival featured food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, a classic car exhibit and live music.

Flashback ’19

Beachfront motel granted alcohol sales by Holmes Beach: Cedar Cove Resort, 2710 Gulf Drive, received approval from special magistrate Michael Connelly to sell alcoholic beverages at its snack bar. Connelly is an attorney appointed by the city to hear such matters. Treehouse owners file new case in federal court: Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen opened a new front for the treehouse in federal court. The Holmes Beach couple filed a six-count federal lawsuit, naming the city of Holmes Beach, mayors, commissioners, building and code enforcement officials and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, as well as DEP officials. Anna Maria funds Pine Avenue pedestrian improvements: City commissioners voted 5-0 for a resolution to use $6,000 from the city’s contingency fund to pay for the first phase of short-term solutions for vehicular and pedestrian safety on Pine. April HB charter reviewers fail city manager vote: The Holmes Beach Charter Review Commission unanimously voted to approve the first proposed charter amendment for the November ballot. However, the members were split 3-2 on the topic of a city manager versus the current strong-mayor form of government. City pier pile-driving continues: Construction of the new Anna Maria City Pier walkway and T-end was chugging away. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said i+iconSOUTHEAST had driven 154 pilings — more than three-quarters of the 201 pilings planned for the 776-foot-long pier. Bradenton Beach approves beacon for Gulf Drive-27th St. crosswalk: Bradenton Beach City Hall was packed with Sandpiper Resort residents and they applauded as city commissioners approved a contract with Bradenton-based MSB Services to install lighted signage at a crosswalk on Gulf Drive near 27th Street North and the Sandpiper mobile home community. Center concerts generate $50K, costs unknown: Rock ’n’ roll took center stage. And the money rolled in. But the numbers for a series of concerts at the

Bortie Too’s trek begins: With a satellite tracking device affixed to its carapace, a loggerhead sea turtle — named Bortie Too for sponsor Bortell’s Lounge in Anna Maria — makes its way June 21 from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to the Gulf of Mexico as part of the 12th Annual Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles. Islander File Photo: Jack Elka

Center of Anna Maria Island lacked details. Island officials strike paid parking at beaches, boat ramps: Beachgoers and boaters shouldn’t pay to park at Manatee County amenities was the consensus at a Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting. Bradenton Beach approves $100K to finish floating dock: The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency members voted 6-0 to approve Hecker Construction’s $105,754 proposal to complete the remaining work on the floating dock at the city pier, including the assembly of floats, delivery to the city and installation at the pier. Atlantic storm forecast — slightly-below normal: An early forecast for the Atlantic hurricane season predicted 13 named storms and a “slightlybelow normal” Atlantic hurricane season. BB approves hardening for city buildings: With an offer of 75% of storm mitigation costs from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Bradenton Beach commissioners voted 3-0 to move forward with preparing to wind- and floodproof city buildings. License plate readers activated in Holmes Beach: Smile! You’re on candid camera. Camera equipment designed to photograph license plates on vehicles drive in Holmes Beach was up and running in time for spring break. Jury convicts man for killing girlfriend’s toddler: A jury found David Vickers guilty of seconddegree murder and child neglect in the August 2017 death of a Holmes Beach toddler. Luca Sholey was 17 months old Aug. 23, 2017, when he died from a lack of oxygen after suffering four broken ribs and other injuries. May Anna Maria Historic Preservation Board meets: The Anna Maria Historic Preservation Board held its first meeting May 1, after city clerk Leanne Addy swore five people — Jack Brennan, Sissy Quinn, Pat Copeland, Gary McMullen and Thomas Wagner — onto the board. Cheers, discontent accompany first loggerhead nest on AMI: Tracks on the beach May 1 pointed to a

sea turtle nest. But the nest was found next to a hole in the sand measuring about 5 feet in diameter — large enough to possibly trap or deter a nesting female. Center in black as fiscal year winds down: The Center of Anna Maria Island was close to finishing its fiscal year in the black. Without a development, sports or operations director, program, administration and fundraising expenses fell under budget. Anna Maria City Pier construction on track: Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said i+iconSOUTHEAST was installing bolts on pilings, which would be topped with concrete caps. The caps would connect piles with wood bents, beams to support stringers and the ipe decking for the walkway. Lift drops, injures two: The elevator dropped from the upper level at the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge with two men inside. The men “were hospitalized and surgery was required” as a result of the elevator fall. BBPD arrests Bradenton woman for coin, jewelry thefts: Ten counts of pawning rare coins and jewelry valued at more than $80,000 landed a woman in Manatee County jail. Icon set to install T-end deck: The new Anna Maria City Pier was taking shape as i+iconSOUTHEAST finished installing pile bents and went to work installing stringers, vertically set support planks laid the length of the walkway, as well as utility lines for communication, water, gas and electricity between the planks. Anna Maria issues RFP to close gap in multiuse path: Anna Maria city commissioners voted to authorize Mayor Dan Murphy and city staff to issue a request for proposals to add to the multiuse path stretching from Archer Way to the southern city limits. The extension would connect with Holmes Beach’s path when both are complete. Cortez stone crab season — one of the worst: The 2018-19 stone crab season was one of the worst in Florida history and “a lot of it is due to the red tide.” That was Fish and Wildlife Research Institute researcher Ryan Gandy’s assessment. BB steps in to halt pine tree removal at Coquina Beach: Bradenton Beach commissioners voted to Please see flashback, next page

Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Business installs center’s mini reefs in Bradenton Beach By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The first mini reefs purchased through the Center of Anna Maria Island have been installed. Ocean Habitats president David Wolff and his son, David Jr., installed four mini reefs Dec. 20 under the dock at the Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar on Sarasota Bay at 135 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Fred Bartizal, owner of the Bridge Tender, purchased six mini reefs — four for the restaurant’s dock and two for his home dock — through the center. The small structures are placed underwater to cultivate sea life and promote clean water. The purchase is one of the first in a center program that offers a mini reef for $350, with $150 of each sale benefitting the nonprofit. The program is a part of the nonprofit’s “Go Green” nonprofit and the island community more environmencampaign, a series of initiatives aimed at making the tally friendly. Other initiatives include incorporating environmentally friendly LED lightbulbs in fixtures and a prohibition of single-use plastic water bottles. Development director Jim McDaniel wrote in a Dec. 19 email to The Islander that the center had sold 52 mini reefs as of Dec. 20, raising $7,800. Ocean Habitats will have installed 47 reefs by the end of the year. The reefs can filter more than 1.4 million gallons of water daily and help cultivate around 20,000 fish and crabs, according to Wolff. By spring 2020, the center hopes to have a GPS map of the reef locations and that Mote Marine Lab$

A pair of mini reef ocean Habitats sit ready for installation Dec. 20 at the dock at the Bridge Tender Inn.

Flashback ’19

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write to Manatee County administrator Cheri Coryea protesting the county’s plan to remove Australian pine trees at Coquina Beach to make way for a drainage improvement project. Anna Maria approves new restaurant-residence on Pine: The Anna Maria City Hall gallery was overflowing with people as city commissioners voted to approve a site-plan application with stipulations for a second-floor residence and 45-seat ground-level restaurant at 415 Pine Ave., where presently there is a twostory residence. June Locals win bid to build AM pier restaurant, bait shop: A local builder hooked a big job. The contractor to build the amenities at the Anna Maria City Pier was decided — Mason Martin LLC, locally owned by Frank Agnelli and Jake Martin. Repairs begin on bridge linking Bradenton Beach, LBK: A contractor with the Florida Department of Transportation began major repairs on the Longboat Pass Bridge linking Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key on State Road 789. AMOB shuts down breakfast griddle: The Anna Maria Oyster Bar at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach went on break from breakfast. Owner John Horne stepped into the kitchen to cook during the restaurant’s final day of breakfast. ‘Bortie Too’ tagged, tracked in race for research: Bortie Too, a female loggerhead, was tagged and released as part of the 12th Annual Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles, a sea turtle marathon that officially started Aug. 1. County votes to remove, replace 97 trees at Coquina: Manatee County commissioners authorized the removal of more than 10% of the 991 Australian pine trees at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach for the first phase of its parking lot drainage improvement project. The fate of another 13% or 129 of the Australian pine trees at Coquina remained undetermined. TDC OKs more money for AM pier: Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy found a receptive audience for his video clip of construction progress on the new Anna Maria City Pier. He received a unanimous recommendation from the Manatee County Tourist Development Council for $435,000 more toward completion of the construction project. WMFR green lights new fire chief: With a unanimous vote, West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners approved a five-year contract for the incoming district fire chief — Ben Rigney. Trolley ridership continues to climb: A Manatee County Area Transit report stated, “The AMI trolley is the most productive route in terms of total ridership operated by Manatee County government.” Ridership on the fare-free island trolley in 2018-19 continued to exceed ridership in 2017-18. Pallets of fireworks found, removed at Cortez residence: More than 697 cases of improperly stored fireworks were discovered in a garage in Cortez by West Manatee Fire District and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. In the Jan. 1 issue, the second part of The Islander’s flashback to 2019.

David Wolff Jr. of ocean Habitats installs mini reefs Dec. 20 below the dock on the bayfront at the Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar in Bradenton Beach. Fred Bartizal, owner of the restaurant and bayfront dock, purchased the reefs through the Center of Anna Maria Island as a part of the nonprofit’s “Go Green” campaign. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

oratory & Aquarium will use the information for research. Proceeds from the program are being allocated to the center’s end-of-year fundraiser, where a donor matched up to $100,000 in donations to the nonprofit until Jan. 15, 2020. However, McDaniel wrote, “The center is poised to go crashing beyond its $100,000 match ahead of schedule and, with this news, our match donor has extended (his/her) match total to $130,000.” People can donate to the center by calling 941778-1908, at centerami.org, or in person at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Attorney known for island counseling, prepares to retire, fish By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Jim Dye said he hopes to have more time to fish in retirement. This catch — a bonita — was made on an offshore fishing trip to the 3-mile reef in 2016.

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the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Act of 1985, which required local governments to enact comp plans to ensure consistency with state and regional plans. Dye worked on elements of the county plan, including land use, transportation, environmental issues and infrastructure. He said this came at the start of a boom in the state population. “There was a perception that local governments needed to get prepared to deal with it, since it was inevitable,” he said of the influx of people. “It was a very valuable process to be a part of as a young attorney, because I got to be in the middle of discussions on policy and see a multidisciplinary process taking place. Everybody’s voice was heard.” Dye carried that experience with him when he started working as city attorney for Anna Maria and contracted counsel for Holmes Beach. As Anna Maria city attorney, Dye helped guide policy decisions made by the mayor and city commission, as well as land use matters, including the original Anna Maria City Pier lease. Dye handled code enforcement disputes and lawsuits in Holmes Beach, including the city’s ongoing conflict with a beachfront treehouse that began in 2013 and made it to the U.S. Supreme Court. JT Thomas, Holmes Beach code compliance supervisor, credited Dye with revising the city’s method of dealing with code violations. Thomas said Dye guided the transition from a code enforcement board to special magistrate hearings in 2015. Satisfaction Guaranteed!

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Environmental law became his focus in law school. And when he returned to Bradenton to practice, he was able to apply that knowledge to his subsequent work with county and city government. “He’s such a sharp and professional individual,” Thomas said Dec. 13. “He educated me on the special magistrate process and we now have an excellent system to follow from now on.” Starting in the early 1980s, Dye helped guide policy in the two cities, including the preservation of home rule — the power for local governments to make legislative decisions. He said, through much of his career, he saw the Legislature chipping away at home rule. “This made it much harder for the local elected officials to solve the problems that occur locally,” he said. He said the state preemption in 2011 that limited local governments’ ability to regulate short-term rentals was a “punch in the nose,” threatening coastal communities that wanted a quieter way of life. He said the preemption changed the tone of advice given to Anna Maria and Holmes Beach officials. “We were forced to see how far we could take ordinances, without violating the preemption law,” Dye said, adding there was no case law yet, as the change was so fresh. He said the Bert J. Harris Private Property Rights Protection Act, which allows demands for compensation due to government regulations that diminish the value of private property, is an example of how local governments “had some tools taken out of their toolboxes.” Since Holmes Beach tightened rental regulations in 2016, more than 80 property owners invoked the Bert Harris law against the city. However, Dye said Bert Harris only addresses property issues, and many of the problems derived from short-term rentals deal with behavior, including trash, noise and occupancy, which is still in the hands of local government, but more difficult to address. He predicted 30 years from now there will be more short-term rentals on the island, along with a core group of residents that will help determine local regulations through their voting power. “It will be much the same as it is now, but perhaps more polarized,” he said. Dye might be retiring, but the law is in his blood. “It’s hard to turn it off sometimes,” he said, referring to his career. “I can look at a large new house and say, “That’s a nice looking house,” but at the same time, I see all the economic forces driving that kind of construction. And what those economic forces mean for what the island used to be.”

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Attorney Jim Dye is heading back to his roots. With a retirement plan in sight at the end of 2019, Dye, a partner in Dye, Harrison, Kirkland, Petruff, Pratt & St. Paul of Bradenton, said he looks forward to spending time on Anna Maria Island with a fishing pole in hand. He grew up in Bradenton and, in his younger years, he spent summers fishing on the Rod & Reel and the Anna Maria City piers in Anna Maria. “We ran all up and down the north side of the island, learning the nuances of fishing,” Dye said Dec. 9. “It was a great kind of Huck Finn way to spend the summers.” Upon graduating from Manatee High School in 1972, Dye joined the U.S Coast Guard and served in Miami and Alaska, then received his merchant mariner credentials. However, there was a recession at the time and finding a job was difficult. So Dye returned to Florida and attended college at the University of Tampa, followed by law school at Florida State University. He said his desire to practice law “was probably genetic,” as his father, grandfather and great uncle also were attorneys. He said environmental law became his focus in law school. And when Dye returned to Bradenton to practice, he was able to apply that knowledge to his subsequent work with county and city governments. At about that time, the Florida Legislature enacted

Attorney Jim Dye gives a presentation in January at Holmes Beach City Hall. Islander File Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

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Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

When the Anna Maria Island Bridge is raised, traffic on Manatee Avenue can back up to the mainland. Islander Photo: Sarah Brice

traffic continued from page 1

Taking shape on Perico The hotel and restaurant are being built on the northern bayfront on Perico Island about a half-mile east of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The area is already home to Harbour Isle on Anna Maria Sound, and its three residential developments: • Mangrove Walk, 132 coach homes. • Edgewater Walk, 147 coach homes. • One Particular Harbour, 132 condos. That brings the total to 411 residences. The development has been approved for 686. The six-story Compass hotel will have 113 guest rooms and 10 two-room suites, said Angus Rogers, president and CEO of Floridays Development Co. The hotel will have a resort-sized pool situated between the hotel and the restaurant, all wrapping around the bayfront docks. The restaurant is slated for 250-275 seats, depending on the arrangement, Rogers told The Islander earlier this month. Both are scheduled to open in the spring, he said. The area where the hotel and restaurant are being built is zoned commercial and was originally planned to be a strip shopping center. Minto Communities, under its Latitude Margaritaville Division, is developing the residential segments of Harbour Isle. Floridays Development Company is heading up the Compass by Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts and the restaurant in partnership with Margaritaville Holdings. Margaritaville Holdings sold the marina — now Safe Harbor Pier 77 — with 55 wet slips and 128 indoor racks earlier this year to Safe Harbor Marinas, the world’s largest owner and operator of marinas. Traffic analysis dates to 2011 None of the development entities publicly addressed traffic issues, said William Bullock, president of Minto’s Latitude Margaritaville Division. “We have no comment on traffic planning as that is a local government and FDOT issue,” Bullock wrote in a Dec. 9 email to The Islander. “Harbour Isle has complied with all traffic requirements to date.” Mike Belmont, president of Minto Communities, downplayed any traffic concerns in an interview with a Bradenton newspaper in March. “I don’t think it will be a noticeable thing,” Belmont was quoted as saying in the Bradenton Herald. “We already have about 300 residents who have been living here, and I don’t think it’s made a difference.” The DOT says traffic on Manatee Avenue, part of State Road 64, has been addressed. “This development was reviewed and permitted by the department in 2011,” DOT spokesman Brian R. Rick said in a November email to The Islander. “The submittal included a traffic study analyzing project traffic and access to SR 64.” But aspects of the development have grown since the December 2011 transportation analysis by Tampabased Lincks & Associates. For example, the Lincks study noted that the “exact uses within the commercial portion are unknown at this point,” so analysts projected 16,000 square feet for restaurant space and 14,000 square feet for retail.

Meanwhile, Minto obtained an amendment from the city of Bradenton in 2018 that allowed a larger commercial footprint. Subsequently, the development was approved for two hotel buildings with 70,000 square feet of space and a 4,500-square-foot ground-level restaurant. Thus, the commercial aspect grew from a projected 30,000 square feet to 74,500 square feet. More growth could occur in the future. “There will be a second, significantly smaller building sometime in the future,” Rogers said. He said there are “no plans at this time” for the second hotel building or how many rooms it will have. The marina also grew in size and scope. The 2011 study envisioned a 114-slip marina. Today, the marina has space for 183 vessels at wet slips and in dry storage. A previous owner obtained permission to expand the wet slips in Anna Maria Sound, but there are no plans from the developer for expansion of the marina. But larger structures mean more people and, of course, more traffic. Estimating traffic The DOT calculated that average annual daily traffic on Manatee Avenue between Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach and Flamingo Drive on Flamingo Cay was 16,500 vehicles in 2018, the last year for which figures are available. The average annual daily traffic was 16,700 in

raised, westbound traffic to Anna Maria Island on Manatee Avenue can back up to the mainland and eastbound traffic often experiences gridlock in Holmes Beach. The DOT says it has no intentions of upgrading the Compass-Harbour Isle intersection. “There are no plans for a roundabout at this intersection,” Rick told The Islander. “Based upon a traffic study performed in 2011, a signal was not warranted.” Bradenton annexed the portion of Perico Island in the early 2000s that became the Minto Communities development. Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston said traffic issues there are outside his purview. “I understood from the beginning any trafficlight decision is an FDOT decision,” Poston told The Islander in late November. “It’s a state road, so we have no jurisdiction at all.” And, Poston said, he has not talked with anyone from Harbour Isle about traffic. Residents wait and see Catherine Hartley, Bradenton’s community development director, says she understands the limitations. “A roundabout would make so much sense, but it takes so much right of way,” she said in a November phone interview. “A roundabout is a good option, but an expensive one.” But just because Manatee Avenue is a state road, that doesn’t mean local officials can’t get involved, said Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac. “The city has every right to impose safety requirements,” Benac said in a November interview. “We frequently work with the state to make sure safety requirements are met. “We hope they’re working together.” Part of that difficulty is that governmental oversight has diminished in recent years, said David Hutchinson, executive director of the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization. “The Legislature has eliminated some reviews of major projects that were previously required,” he said in a Nov. 18 interview. “Growth management, as it was known, is pretty much gone today.” Some Harbour Isle residents are taking a wait-andsee attitude. “As it stands today, there’s easy access to get in and out,” said Debbie Wilcox, a resident for the past five years. “It’s not dangerous to turn left. “But if you fast forward a few years, a lot of the Looking from the marina, an artist’s drawing depicts the Compass hotel, pool and a portion of Floridays restaurant, right. Manatee Avenue is in the background Islander Photo: Courtesy Compass

2017 and 14,500 in 2014. For the stretch of Manatee Avenue from Flamingo Drive to 75th Street West on the mainland, the average annual daily traffic was 18,500 in 2018 and 19,700 in 2017. The figure was 17,300 in 2014, the DOT said. The 2011 traffic study estimated there would be 1,889 daily trip ends to Harbour Isle. That translates to 689,485 trip ends — trips culminating at Harbour Isle — each year. There is a west-bound right turn lane from Manatee Avenue into the development’s main driveway, Martinique Drive, so traffic should not be impeded by west-bound motorists turning into Harbour Isle. Eastbound traffic turning left into the development has use of a two-way center-of-the-road turn lane. But east-bound vehicles leaving the development must merge with traffic in a 45-mph speed zone. And when the Anna Maria Island drawbridge is

people here are wondering what is going to happen with the traffic situation.” Poston wonders what will happen after the DOT finishes the megabridge the agency plans to construct within a decade to replace the drawbridge. “Where is it going to come down?” he asked about the bridge ramp on Perico Island. Traffic is part of the local equation, the mayor said. “We have a difficult time getting people on the island and off the island during season anyway,” he said. “It’s part of what happens when we live here.” That’s not to say that officials should not plan as best they can. For Wilcox, it winds down to whether the DOT should be relying on an 8-year-old study. “It doesn’t surprise me,” she said. “But I am disappointed.”

Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria welcomes new neighborhood cop, sergeant By Phil Colpas Islander Reporter

Sgt. Mike Jones is moving on from overseeing the Manatee County sheriff’s Anna Maria substation, a position he held for two years. Jones began his law enforcement career in 1998. Prior to working in Anna Maria, he served in several divisions and units within the MCSO, including the patrol division, crimes against children unit, special investigations division, criminal investigations division and the violent crimes task force. Jones Jones began heading up the Anna Maria unit in December 2017. “I’m most proud of serving the residents and visitors in the best tradition of law enforcement and working with Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy,” he told The Islander Dec. 17. Jones said he took pride in the fact that the MCSO had the faith to put him in charge of the Anna Maria substation.

He considers the Anna Maria post “the best sergeant’s position in the agency,” and said that leaving the island is like “leaving paradise.” Jones’ biggest challenge working on Anna Maria was learning and navigating the intricacies of local government. He offered some advice for his replacement: “Enjoy how special Anna Maria Island really is.” Jones is headed back to patrol, which will allow him to spend more time with his four children and wife. “I’m only a few years away from retirement and the children are growing up fast,” he said. Sgt. Brett Getman takes over the Anna Maria unit Jan. 5, 2020. Born and raised in Sarasota, Getman started his career in 1997, working in the patrol, K-9 and traffic divisions. In 2007, he was transferred to the detective bureau/crimes against children unit. Getman was promoted to sergeant in July 2010. He spent a year back on the road, then transferred to the violent crimes task force in October 2011. In 2013, Getman transferred to the detective bureau/

persons unit, which investigates crimes against persons, including shootings, stabbings, sexual assault and missing persons. “As I begin my 23rd year here at the MCSO next March, I look forward to coming out to Anna Maria Island and leading the great deputies that have served the island for many years,” Getman told The Islander Dec. 8. “My goal is to bring fresh and new ideas to the comGetman munity and make sure the island residents know they can depend on the sheriff’s office to keep them safe.” The MCSO Anna Maria substation is located at 10005 Gulf Drive. To reach the Anna Maria station, call 941-7473011.

Island enforcement officials reflect on 2019 Law enforcement officials reflected on 2019, with one saying crime on Anna Maria Island is at an all-time low. “As of this date, we have had a reduction of our UCR crime every year since 2014,” Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer said, referring to the uniform crime reports. “Our goal is in reducing crime that is already at an all-time low.” Tokajer, chief for more than five Tokajer years, said his work involves managing 17 law enforcement officers, five dispatchers and four code enforcement employees “One of the biggest accomplishments has been the Implementation of the license plate recognition system,” he said. License plate recognition is used by police to

determine such things as whether or not a vehicle is registered. The chief also said the National Night Out celebration, held Oct. 1 at city field, was a success. In Bradenton Beach, Sgt. Lenard Diaz reflected on the influx of seasonal visitors and said the police department’s goal is to maintain a safe place to live and visit. “We expect more and more visitors. We’re not a quiet little island anymore,” Diaz said Dec. 19. “Our Diaz goal is the continued safety of the residents and visitors.” Anna Maria is policed by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. A representative had not responded to The Islander’s request for comment as of press time. — Leslie Lake

Flashback ’19 Guilty as charged: David Vickers testifies in his defense April 25 on charges in the death of a 17-month-old boy. A jury found Vickers, who lived at the time of the murder in Holmes Beach, guilty of in less than two hours of deliberations. Islander File Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Charges downgraded for man accused of striking Cortez man with truck By Leslie Lake Islander Reporter

A Bradenton man arrested for allegedly striking and dragging another man with a truck was charged with aggravated battery with great bodily harm and deadly weapon and leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury. The charges against David Nichols in the alleged assault against Cortez worker Fred Gilliland were downgraded since November, when Nichols was arrested and accused of attempted murder. Nichols, 56, of Bradenton, as of Dec. 23, was being held on $150,000 bond in the Manatee County jail. According to an arrest affidavit, Nichols and Gil-

Streetlife

liland were in a “heated verbal argument” outside a residence in the 4600 block of 101st Street West on the mainland. A witness attempted to quell the argument, leading to Gilliland, 61, walking away on 101st Street West toward 46th Avenue West. The witness then went inside a home and heard tires squealing, the sound of an impact and Gilliland’s cries for help. A call to 911 brought paramedics and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. An investigation determined that Gilliland was dragged about 284 feet and “sustained a multitude of life-threatening injuries which included the removal of his spleen, a lacerated liver, multiple rib fractures, collapsed left lung, right arm

amputation and numerous facial sutures,” according to the arrest report. Gilliland was taken to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, where his condition was unknown at press time Dec. 23. Gilliland’s longtime friend and employer at Cortez Bait and Seafood in Cortez, James “Wyre” Lee, described Gilliland’s condition Dec. 13: “The last time I saw him he was sharp and he’s getting frustrated with being in the hospital. He’s got a strong will to live.” Gilliland has received an outpouring of community support. As of Dec. 23, a GoFundMe page called Friends for Freddy had raised more than $6,000. Nichols is represented by public defender Mark Adams, who was not available for comment Dec. 19.

Bradenton Beach is policed by Bradenton Beach Police Department Holmes Beach Dec. 17, 3260 E. Bay Drive, Dollar Tree, petit theft. A man was charged with theft after taking a package of salami. An employee who observed the 39-year-old man take the salami contacted HBPD. Police reported the 39-year-old man said he stole the salami because he was hungry. He was taken into custody after police were advised the store was willing to prosecute. According to a police report, the man is homeless. Dec. 14, 5000 block of Gulf Drive, possession of alcohol on a public beach. At 4:20 p.m., police were dispatched to the area on a complaint of three men drinking on the beach. Three men had beer in their possession and police said they were cooperative. They were issued an ordinance violations for the possession of alcohol on a public beach. Dec. 13, 37th Street and the beach, Holmes Beach access, possession of alcohol on public beach. At 1:10 a.m., an officer saw a vehicle parked at the beach access that contained an open container of alcohol.

The officer walked to the beach and saw a man and a woman sitting on a towel with two open beer cans next to the man. Police issued the man an ordinance violation for possession of alcohol on a public beach. Holmes Beach is policed by Holmes Beach Police Department. Cortez Dec. 12, 12000 block of Cortez Road West, operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license. At 2:12 p.m., the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office observed a motorist cross over the yellow lines to pass a bus. A traffic stop was conducted and it was discovered that the man did not have a valid driver’s license and also had an extraditable warrant out of Indiana for failure to appear. He was transported without incident to the Manatee County jail. He was charged with operating a motor vehicle without a valid license. His bond was set at $120 and he was given a court date of Jan. 14. Cortez is policed by MCSO. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach police departments and the MCSO.

By Leslie Lake

Island Police Blotter

Anna Maria No new reports. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Bradenton Beach Dec. 10, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach anchorage, abandoned boat. While on patrol, police observed an anchored boat exposed to the elements via an open rear cabin door. The sailboat had no means of propulsion or steering and no attached engine. The boat had a partial, tattered sail. Police said the boat was not seaworthy and a hazard to navigation. Attempts to contact the boat’s owner were unsuccessful. Dec. 13, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach anchorage area, abandoned boat. Police observed an anchored boat that appeared to be in poor condition. Upon inspection, police determined the sailboat had broken side windows, exposing the boat to the elements. There was no means of propulsion or steering, nor was there a propeller. Due to the condition of the boat, police said it was not seaworthy and was a hazard to navigation. Attempts to contact the boat owner were unsuccessful.

Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Flashback ’19

Discussion group to meet

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church will again host meetings of the Inquiring Minds Discussion Group. The group will meet Tuesdays at 4 p.m. at the church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The first session will be Jan. 7. “Each week the group will watch a Great Courses lecture from a series about science and religion, followed by about an hour of discussion,” stated a news Roser serving pancake release. All are welcome to attend. breakfasts in season For more information, call the church at 941-778Roser Memorial Community Church will open 1813. its fellowship hall three Saturdays during the winterspring season for pancake breakfasts. Fashion show tickets on sale Church members will be cooking and serving The annual St. Bernard Catholic Church Women’s breakfast 8-11 a.m. Jan. 25, Feb. 15 and March 21. The menu will include pancakes, sausage, syrup, Guild Fashion Show and Luncheon will be at 11:30 melted butter, applesauce, biscuits and gravy, juice, a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6. coffee and tea. The theme is “Let’s shake, rattle and roll.” The cost per diner is $6. There is no charge for The suggested donation for tickets is $25 and none children under the age of 5. will be sold at the door. The church is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The church is at 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes For more information, call the church office at Beach. For more information, call Janet Maze at 813-220- 941-778-0414. 6108.

Tidings

Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Holmes Beach. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, REGULAR WORSHIP Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. Monday-Friday 11 a.m. — Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Information: 941-216-6286. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. 5:30 p.m. — SoulJourn worship, Roser Church. Thursday ONGOING 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Wednesday Saturday 7 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, CrossPointe. 4 p.m. — St. Bernard, Holmes Beach. 7:30 a.m., St. Bernard’s Rosary on the Beach, Manatee Public 5 p.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. 8 a.m. — Men’s breakfast, Church of the Annunciation. Sunday 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church. 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Pres9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church. byterian (USA), 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Informa11 a.m. — JOY, second and fourth Wednesdays, Roser. tion: 941-383-8833. 11:30 a.m. — Prayer partners, Gloria Dei. 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 1 p.m. — Griefshare group, Roser Church. 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 6:15 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe. 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community 7 p.m. — Bible study, Cortez Church of Christ. Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779- Thursday 1912. 9:30 a.m. — Roser-robics, Roser. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard, Holmes Beach. 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Gloria Dei. 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 10 a.m. — Bible study, Harvey Church. Holmes Beach. 6:30 p.m. — Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist-Inspired Nontheistic 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8665 Gulf Drive, Holmes Path, Annunciation. Saturday Founded ALL ARE WELCOME 3 p.m. — Confession, St. Bernard. 1956 Sunday Sunday 10 a.m. 8:45 a.m. — Adult Sunday school, Roser. Worship Service 9 a.m. — Adult book study, Roser. 10:15 a.m. — Fellowship, Gloria Dei. The Rev. Bill Friederich 10 a.m. — Bible study, Cortez Church of Christ. Senior Minister 10:30 a.m. — Life group, CrossPointe. 11:30 a.m. — Covered Dish, second Sundays, CrossPointe. 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key 941-383-6491 www.longboatislandchapel.org Tuesday The Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Shop 9:30 a.m. — Women’s prayer, CrossPointe. Hours 9-noon, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Roser Memorial Community Church will host Terrific Tuesday dinners and programming beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays from Jan. 7 to March 31. Terrific Tuesdays will feature programs for children and adults that will begin about 6:15 p.m. Roser Church is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call the church office at 941-778-0414.

9:30 a.m. — Roser-robics, Roser. SAVE THE DATE Jan. 6, Caregiver stress program, Roser. Jan. 7, Inquiring Minds discussion group begins, Gloria Dei. Send listings to news@islander.org.

‘Heart’ for holidays Members of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation filled bags with gifts to be provided to Bradenton children through the Manatee County School District’s Project Heart program. The Holmes Beach church elves worked from a list from Project Heart containing names and ages of children, along with their holiday wishes. Islander Courtesy Photo EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Adult Sunday School Follows Service

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM

The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard SERMON: Dr. Fred Finks Preaching

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The Rev. neil Crowell, of Roser Memorial Community Church, along with the Rev. Matthew Grunfeld and deacon Kathy Gilpin, both of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, celebrate the Pentecost with the Rt. Rev. Michael Garrison, assisting bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida. All Island Denominations held a worship service June 9 at Annunciation in Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo: Courtesy Peggy nash

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Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Rickard “Rick” Jensen of Holmes Beach was presented with an award for his energetic volunteer work. Islander Photo: Michael Dunn

take 5:00 on break with Michael Dunn

Holmes Beach man discovers dragon-boat racing and wins

The ancient Chinese sport of dragon-boat racing is surging in popularity across the country. Yes, this country. Festivals and tournaments seem to be popping up wherever there’s enough water to stage a race. Now, it’s our turn. The first Anna Maria Island Dragon Boat Festival is planned for March 7, 2020. It will be held along the Palma Sola Causeway and is expected to draw paddlers from throughout Florida. Rickard Jensen of Holmes Beach loves the idea. He fell in love with the dragon-boat racing two years ago when he began volunteering at Sarasota’s Nathan Benderson Park. Last month, he was presented the Above and Beyond Award for his work with the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates Inc., the nonprofit organization that manages the park. “Getting this award means a lot to me,” he said. “I feel very grateful. It means they appreciate my efforts.” Jensen, 67, was nominated for the award by Meghan Farrell, the park’s program manager. The award was presented Nov. 11 at the park’s annual appreciation night. “I loved the look on Rick’s face. Total shock,” Farrell said. “He about fell out of his chair.” Jensen, who grew up in Minnesota, moved to Holmes Beach three years ago with his wife, Cerise. He is a retired U.S. Army veteran. He was looking for something to do when he discovered the NBP Dragons, a competitive dragon-boat team based at Nathan Benderson Park. Dragon-boat teams typically consist of 22 members. There are 20 paddlers, a drummer who keeps the pace with a rhythmic beat and a person who steers. Dragon boats are believed to have originated 2,500 years ago in the Pearl River Delta region of southern

China. Modern dragon-boat racing started in Hong Kong in the 1970s and quickly caught on across the globe. Nathan Benderson Park hosts several dragon-boat teams. Jensen finds the sport exhilarating. It’s harder than you might imagine, he said. “The whole team has to be synchronized,” he said. “If everyone’s synchronized — boom, boom, boom — you’re off and running. The main thing is to have fun.” Jensen certainly found the right place for his enthusiasm. Nathan Benderson Park is rapidly becoming one of the nation’s premier locations for dragon boat and

Time for Take 5:00

Friends, neighbors, coworkers, do you know someone The Islander readers should know? Recommend a person for a Take 5:00 interview with Michael Dunn. Send details to news@islander.org or call The Islander newspaper office at 941-778-7978. competitive rowing events. A growing number of national and international tournaments have been held at the park over the past four years. Next year, the park will host the 2020 Olympic rowing trials. And in 2022, the park will host the International Dragon Boat Federation’s Club Crew World Championships, which is organized by the sport’s global governing body. It is a mammoth event that is expected to draw more than 6,000 athletes from around the world. The 600-acre park is establishing a reputation as “a paradise for these kinds of events,” Farrell said. “It has just snowballed,” noted Douglas Jessmer, the park’s communications manager. “It has been phenomenal.” The Anna Maria Island Dragon Boat Festival is another opportunity for local paddlers to get their feet wet. It is being organized by Paddlers From Paradise, the host dragon boat team from Anna Maria Island. The team is working with The Food Bank of Manatee, along with other organizations and local businesses, to stage the event. Should be a lot of fun. For more information about dragon boat racing, go online to www.panamdragonboat.com/races. The nBP Dragons are based at nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. Islander Photo: Courtesy nathan Benderson Park.

HO! HO! HO! Kids meet Santa, Privateer helper CloCKWISE, FRoM ToP lEFT: Ava Hebert, 7, of Anna Maria, asks Santa Claus for a kitten at the Anna Maria Island Privateers party Dec. 14 at City Pier Park in Anna Maria following the Christmas parade that led participants through the city of Bradenton Beach to Holmes Beach and, finally, to the Anna Maria park. noah Gutschow, 7, of Bradenton, tells Santa Claus he’d like a barbecue grill for Christmas at the Privateers party. Privateer Jennifer “Mermaid” Price, left, and Santa Claus listen to the Christmas wishes of Aelish Carter, 2, and sibling Ronan, 4, of Bradenton, at the post-parade party Dec. 14. Ronan wished for Hot Wheels and Aelish shared her brother’s wish. Riley Bort, 2, of longboat Key, smiles from Santa’s lap at the kids party Dec. 14 following the Privateers Christmas Processional. Riley asked Santa for “a lot of presents.” Max Anderson, 6, right, and sister Molly, 9, visiting from Wisconsin, tell Santa Claus their Christmas wishes Dec. 14 alongside Privateer Jennifer “Mermaid” Price. Max asked Santa for a guitar amplifier, but Molly was unsure of her wishes. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island preschool stages Christmas concert

Ho ho ho! Santa visits tykes & toddlers

Ella Melancon, 4, and Charley Mathews, also 4, lead in singing “Away in the Manger” during the School for Constructive Play’s Christmas concert. Islander Photo: Anne Yarbrough

Santa makes an appearance Dec. 20 at the School for Constructive Play in Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: Courtesy Jessica nock

Santa Claus hugs preschoolers Dec. 20 at the School for Constructive Play, which is based at Gloria Dei lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Toddlers enrolled at Holmes Beach’s School for Constructive Play sing the “Reindeer Pokey” during the preschool’s Christmas concert. Islander Photo: Anne Yarbrough

Islanders fulfill preschool need By Brook Morrison Islander Reporter

Island resident Mary Catherine Melancon took notice of an aging picnic table at an island preschool and wondered what could be done. “The School for Constructive Play had been using the same picnic table for 30 years,” Melancon said. Melancon approached Pam Bertrand, owner of the preschool, with an idea for new tables for Christmas. Melancon’s family business, Diamond Turf, donated the materials, enough for two tables. Shawn Hollman, owner of STH

Ella Bennett, 9, Ashton Bennett, 6, Kason Davies, 6, and Stryder Pettit, 5, students in the after-school program at the School for Constructive Play in Holmes Beach, perform “Joy to the World” for the school’s Christmas Concert. Islander Photo: Courtesy Anne Yarbrough

Carpentry, asked Bertrand for the table dimensions to suit the students. “We feel so blessed to be gifted these wonderful picnic tables,” Bertrand said. “Our other one was from 1989 and it had a lot of love from little ones and these will too.” Hollman worked with carpenter Kevin Banks to build two tables — lower to the ground than a typical picnic table for kids’ comfort. On Dec. 19, the tables were unloaded and the preschoolers had a new spot to enjoy lunch and snacks. Perhaps for another 30 years. STH Carpentry owner Shawn Hollman, left, and carpenter Kevin Banks deliver their custom kid-size tables Dec. 19 to the School for Constructive Play. Materials for two tables were donated by Diamond Turf. Islander Photo: Courtesy Mary Catherine Melancon

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Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AME 5th-graders take journey to North Pole

AME attends Nutcracker Dancers perform in “The nutcracker” Dec. 17 at Manatee High School with third-graders from AME in the audience. “The dancers were great,” said AME third-grade student Amashya Jurek. “I really loved the music too.”

Anna Maria Elementary fifth-graders pose backstage Dec. 17, before their performance of “The north Pole Musical” in the auditorium, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jeannine Inda AME kindergarten teacher Kelly Crawford helps fifth-grader lainie Sabath secure her hair Dec. 17 before the fifth-grade play, “The north Pole Musical.” Islander Photo: Courtesy Carmel Walsh

Anna Maria Elementary thirdgrade students show off Christmas crafts made Dec. 20 in Bridget Querrard’s classroom. AME’s winter break began the next day. Islander Photo: Courtesy Bridget Querrard

Local author reads to students Holmes Beach resident and children’s book author nina Monte reads Dec. 12 from her book, “Trooper Earl,” to Anna Maria Elementary second-grade students gathered in the school’s media room.

Flashback ’19

the school office at

AmE NEWS

2019-20 school calendar

Counting up 100 days: Anna Maria Elementary kindergarten teacher Kelly Crawford’s class poses Jan. 25 for a picture on the 100th day of school, alongside fifth-grade teacher Mary Miller’s class. Islander File Photo: Courtesy Kelly Crawford

• Through Jan. 6, winter break, no school. • Jan. 7, classes resume. • Tuesday, Jan. 14, 5-7 p.m., STEM night. • Monday, Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Day, no school. • Saturday, Feb. 8, Dolphin Dash run to benefit AME-PTo. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-708-5525.

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach’s Spring Lake shows continued improvement By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

It might not be white sand, but the bottom of Spring Lake in Holmes Beach is visible for the first time in months — if not years. The lake, surrounded by homes between 68th and 70th streets, has been undergoing aeration since September from a pump system that increases oxygen circulation, balancing the salt and freshwater in the brackish system. “You can tell by the clarity that the lake is improving,” Eran Wasserman, the city’s director of development services, said Dec. 18. “It could be other factors in addition to the system, but it appears to be working.” The city’s decision to install the system sprung from complaints by lakeside residents who say the water quality never recovered following a sewage spill in October 2015, when about 22,000 gallons of waste leaked from a broken Manatee County sewer line. The county closed its investigation in November

2015, when water tests showed lake contaminants within “normal range.” Upon activation of the system, the lake became murky, smelly and more than 1,000 fish died, prompting complaints. However, several weeks after the city started running the system 24/7, the lake started to clear and the smell dissipated. Mark Kennedy has owned property on Spring Lake for more than two years, but has been visiting the area for 10 years. He said, following the 2015 spill, the lake was “noticeably damaged,” but now it looks better than it has in longer than he can remember. “I think we are seeing a resurgence of life in there,” he said Dec. 17. “I look forward to the day I can put a chicken wing on a string and pull up a blue crab and feel safe about eating it. I think that day is coming.” The city will conduct water quality tests in January 2020 to determine the extent of water quality improvement.

Holmes Beach Commissioner Kim Rash observes Dec. 19 as Eran Wasserman, the city’s director of development services, measures the distance to the bottom of Spring lake.

Holmes Beach: Vacant property avoids code violation, skirts abandonment By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

A Holmes Beach house unoccupied for nearly a decade is creating concerns for neighbors. And the city’s hands are tied — for now. The property in the 2900 block of Gulf Drive has had no residents and no electrical service since the owner died in 2011 and a family member inherited the property, according to neighbors Tom and Lois Huntington. “They could have rented it all these years,” Tom Huntington said Dec. 16. “But apparently they have no interest in doing that.” Instead, the house has deteriorated, with plants growing in the rain gutters, overgrown fruit trees in the backyard and rodents scurrying along the fence separating the residence from the Huntingtons’ home on 30th Street. While the house has no working power, the lawn is maintained and there is running water. Additionally, the current owner recently paid the back property taxes since 2011, which kept it from being auctioned by Manatee County. “Is she going to play this game for the next 10 years?” Lois Huntington rhetorically asked of the property owner. “The fact that we do not have homeless people in there is nothing short of a miracle.” Lois Huntington said she contacted the city code

A home in the 2900 block of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach is a concern for neighbors, who say the structure, unoccupied since 2011, attracts rats and other vermin. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

department, which said that since the lawn is mowed and the utilities are being paid, there is nothing the city could do to rectify the situation. JT Thomas, Holmes Beach code compliance director, said Dec. 17 that the current use does not constitute abandonment, but the building department is setting up a program in 2020 to deal with neglected properties. “We’ve had that house on our radar,” he said. “We check it to ensure it is secure, has running water and the lawn is maintained, which means it meets the minimal standards for compliance with our department. For

now that is all we can do.” The building and code departments, pending commission approval, plan in 2020 to enact a program for “minimum property maintenance standards,” which Thomas said will tighten requirements for properties to be considered compliant, including checking windows, seawalls and driveways. He said the new program would allow his department to work with building official Neal Schwartz to assess the structure and determine safety hazards. He said the proposed program would ensure houses in Holmes Beach are “livable,” and that they do not depreciate the value of neighboring properties. “We know where there is smoke, there is fire,” Thomas said. “We want to be able to step in and fix these gray-area situations.”

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Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

Sandscript ‘stocking stuffers’

’Tis the time to clear out, clean up and prepare for a new year. So I thought as I lifted my folder containing clips from newspapers, notebook pages and napkin notes — ideas for all the Sandscript columns I didn’t write in 2019. The folder contains what reporters call a “tickler,” a collection of thoughts and notes and leads for future stories, usually time-sensitive but apparently not so much in my neff case. The outside of my folder is marked up with a list of words, each the seed that might grow a column. I borrowed the idea from author Ray Bradbury, who teaches in “Zen in the Art of Writing” about the value of making lists that serve as provocations for titles, short stories, novels and more. My Sandscript word list includes: Holidays. Birding basics. Plump songbirds. Migration. Butterfly big year. Wildlife crossings. Taylor Oil Spill. Extinct heron. Property buyouts. Fish kills. Sand. Manatee mortality. Not wanting to toss anything without making use of it — a good resolution for all in 2020 — I’ll capsulize the essence of my column concepts. Call them stocking stuffers. Holidays: In the United States, we produce 25% more waste during the Thanksgiving-Christmas holidays than during the rest of the year. To stay off the naughty list, recycle flattened cardboard, catalogs, paper boxes, paper cards, envelopes, as well as clean

Flashback ’19

Coyote encounter: A coyote saunters along Marina Drive near Key Royale Drive in Holmes Beach. Coyotes usually are active at night, but daytime sightings on the island became more common in 2019. Rick Scherrer of Anna Maria spotted the coyote while on an afternoon bike ride. Islander File Photo: Courtesy Rick Scherrer

plastic, aluminum, tin and glass. Plump songbirds: For small migrating songbirds, large geographic barriers such as the Gulf of Mexico pose a threat to their survival. Researchers at the University of Illinois studied the migration of Swainson’s thrushes and they found “the fatter the bird and the stronger the tailwind, the greater the probability of survival.” Birding basics: My impulse when I go birding is to do it on a hike, but resisting the inclination to walk and waiting for a bird in its habitat is a birding basic. Earlier this month, the tactic resulted in my seeing an endangered red-cockaded woodpecker in Punta Gorda. A big day. Butterfly big year: Many people know about the Big Year for birding. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also promotes a Big Year for butterfly counts. Who knew? Those who submit a checklist to myfwc.com by the end of the year receive a Wings Over Florida Big Year certificate. Wildlife crossings: My stomach turns and I’m saddened when I see a dead animal in the road. The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles estimates a vehicle collision with wildlife occurs every 39 minutes in the state, 84% of collisions occur in good weather on dry roads and 89% of collisions occur on roads with two lanes. As traffic intensifies along State Road 64/ Manatee Avenue, with nature preserves to the north and south on Perico Island, are we considering wildlife crossings? Taylor Oil Spill: The Taylor Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico began in 2004, when Hurricane Ivan sank a oil platform off the coast of Louisiana. The spill has continued since, releasing an estimated 108 barrels of oil a day into the Gulf, according to Florida State University. Extinct heron: Volunteers at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville found the bones of an ancient heron, a previously unknown bird now named Taphophayx hodgei for landowner Eddie Hodge. The excavation site in Levy County has yielded more than 35,000 fossils, including from other extinct species. Property buyouts: A study of flood damage in Florida by scientists at the University of California at Santa Cruz and the nonprofit Nature Conservancy recommended prioritizing property buyouts based on

Coastal cleanup: More than 100 people volunteered March 16 to spruce up the Anna Maria Island Moose lodge during the Great American Cleanup. Islander File Photo

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flood risk, ecological value and socioeconomic conditions. The study looked at 15,000 repetitive loss claims for properties in the state where owners filed more than 40,000 claims under the National Flood Insurance Program. Fish kills: When the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports a “fish kill,” there’s more detail than what may be shared by news outlets. For those who want to know the location and probable cause, the FWC keeps a database at myfwc.com/ research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/. Manatee mortality: New data from the FWC shows boat strikes to be the leading cause of manatee deaths in 2019, with 120 deaths as of Nov. 22. The 5-year average for boat-related deaths is 91. Five of 17 manatees to die in Manatee County in 2019 were killed by watercraft. Sand: The nonfiction book “The World in a Grain: The Story of Sand and How it Transformed Civilization” by Vince Beiser is at the top of my reading list. Maybe I will make it a merry Christmas present to me and, along with an empty folder, start the new year on the right foot. Happy holidays.

Flashback ’19

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A Florida manatee. Fewer manatees have died from natural causes in 2019 than in 2018, but the number of dead manatees from boat strikes is on the rise. Through nov. 22, 120 manatee deaths by watercraft strikes exceeded 124, the number of boat-related deaths in 2018. Islander File Photo

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Championship week: Adult soccer, basketball titles finalized By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Championship night Dec. 19 for the adult coed soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island validated the regular season standings as Blalock Walters cruised to a 5-1 victory over Vintage Beach. Blalock Walters wasted little time in taking control when, at the 3:21 mark of the first half, Neil Fellowes found Matt Staggs at the back post Cassidy and crossed the ball from the right. Staggs headed the ball back to the middle, where Greg DeMuse kneed it into the goal for a 1-0 lead. Five minutes later, Staggs headed home a nice cross from Luis Pichardo to give Blalock Walters a 2-0 lead. Vintage Beach finally broke through with six minutes left in the half when, leading scorer, Joey Hutchinson, finally found some space. Hutch juked two defenders and finished with his left foot to halve the score. Blalock Walters quickly erased any momentum Vintage Beach had when, after a nice buildup, Matt Plummer passed forward to Brooke Capperelli. Capperelli patiently held the ball before passing back to Robbie Fellowes at the top of the box, where he hit a nice shot that beat Vintage goalie Jason Sato to the lower corner for a 3-1 lead. Vintage Beach had one last chance when Zach Reda got fouled just past midfield. He took the ensuing free kick and blasted a rocket that sailed — just barely — over the crossbar as the half came to an end. Five minutes into the second half, Blalock Walters almost extended its lead when Robbie Fellowes intercepted a pass and carried the ball forward, but his left-footed shot was deftly saved by Sato. Vintage Beach kept battling and came close to scoring in the 34th minute, when Reda had a nice shot from the right side saved by goalie Luke Grady resulting in a corner kick. Hutchinson then hit a nice volley off the corner, but it skimmed over the crossbar. Blalock Walters essentially put the game away in the 37th minute when Pichardo headed in a long throw in for a 4-1 lead. Pichardo completed the scoring five minutes later, when he finished off a nice cross from Capperelli for a 5-1 lead that held up over the final nine minutes. Pichardo had two goals to lead Blalock Walters, which also received goals from Staggs, DeMuse and Robbie Fellowes, while Grady finished with nine saves in the victory. Hutchinson notched the lone goal for Vintage Strongmen on the shore: A shot-for-TV strongman contest June 16 takes up the north end of the Manatee Public Beach, with spectators clamoring for a glimpse of the 25 contestants. Islander File Photo: Jack Elka

Flashback ’19

Southernaire Fishing Charters

Blalock Walters teammates Matt Staggs, Luke Grady, Brooke Capperelli, Neil Fellowes, Luis Pichardo, Blaine Schlossberg, Matt Plummer, Greg DeMuse and Robbie Fellowes pose with the Paul Heyward Championship Cup on their win in the adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Beach, while Sato had eight saves in the loss. Vintage Beach advanced to the title game thanks to a 7-6 victory over Sato Real Estate Dec. 18 that saw Zach Reda lead the way with three goals, while Joey Hutchinson added a goal and two assists. Clancy Vaughn and Cody Wright each added a goal and Jason Sato made eight saves in the victory. Race Aranda scored four goals to lead Sato Real Estate, which also received a goal and three assists from Josh Sato and a goal from Amy Ivin in the loss. Blalock Walters advanced with an easy 7-2 victory over Flynn Law behind hat tricks from Luis Pichardo and Matt Staggs. Brooke Capperelli added a goal and Robbie Fellowes chipped in with two assists, while Luke Grady made eight saves in the victory. Daniel Anderson scored both goals to lead Flynn Law, which also received an assist from Chris Scott and eight saves from Robb Marshall in the loss.

Terman and 7 points each from Kevin Mulcahy and Drew Taylor in the loss.

Horseshoe news Two teams advanced to the knockout stage and battled for the day’s championship during Dec. 18 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. The team of Neil Hennessey and Bob Lee cruised to a 23-14 victory over Steve Hooper and Bob Palmer to earn the day’s bragging rights. Three teams were in the mix for the Dec. 21 title at the conclusion of pool play. Dom Livedoti and Jim Kleiner drew the lucky bye into the finals and watched as Tom Farrington and Jerry Disbrow edged Tom Skoloda by a 23-18 score in the semifinal match. Livedoti and Kleiner took the day’s championship with a 22-17 victory over Farrington and Disbrow. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups Gulfview takes basketball title begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selecGulfview Windows and Doors captured the adult tion. basketball championship Dec. 17 at the Center of Anna There is no charge to play and everyone is welMaria Island with a dominating 59-44 victory over come. Ugly Grouper. JB Shuck paced Gulfview with 21 points, while Key Royale news Jordan DeMers added 19 points. Ray Gardner chipped Golf action at Key Royale Club teed off Dec. 18 in 10 points, while Ryan Moss’ 6 points and 2 points with the men playing a nine-hole, modified-Stableford each from Jon Moss and Shawn Hollman completed system match that saw Jon Holcomb earn clubhouse the scoring for Gulfview Windows and Doors. bragging rights on a score of plus-3. Dominick Otteni scored 15 points to lead Ugly Ken Butler, Fred Miller and Ken Nagengast comGrouper, which also received 10 points from Andrew bined on a plus-2 to win the team challenge. The women played a nine-hole, individual-low-net match in four flights Dec. 19. Phyllis Roe and Helen Pollock finished in a tie for first place in Flight A with matching 3-under-par 29s. Flight B also saw a tie for first, as Jana Samuels and Carol Patterson both carded 5-under-par 27s for the low-net rounds of the day. Margrit Layh was alone in second place with a 1-under-par 31. Jan Turner took the top spot in Flight C with a 3-under-par 29, while Penny Williams finished in second place with an even-par 32. Terry Westby fired a 2-under-par 30 to take first place in Flight D by a stroke over Susan VanOrsdel. Amy Tripp and Laurie Hicks tied for third at par. The men were back on the course Dec. 21 for a nine-hole scramble. The team of Larry Davis, Rick Hendler, Sam Major and Tom Nelson combined on a 5-under-par 27 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day.

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Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1

AM

1:10p 1:55p 2:32p 3:01p 12:11a 12:55a 1:44a 2:44a

HIGH

1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.6

PM

10:16p 10:53p 11:30p — 3:28p 3:55p 4:25p 5:01p

HIGH

AM

2.4 5:33a 2.4 6:13a 2.3 6:51a — 7:27a 1.2 8:03a 1.2 8:40a 1.3 9:18a 1.4 10:01a

LOW

PM

-0.8 -0.8 -0.7 -0.7 -0.5 -0.4 -0.2 0.0

3:43p 4:17p 4:57p 5:45p 6:42p 7:48p 9:03p 10:28p

LOW

Moon

1.1 1.1 New 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.8

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

Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 29 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Merry Christmas wishes: Tight lines, good weather in 2020 By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Fishing around Anna Maria Island is starting to settle into a true wintertime pattern and we’re easing into another fishing season. At winter’s start Dec. 21, water temps were lingering in the mid 60s and a change was occurring in the location of the fish we target and also a change in their habits. It’s time to start scouting the resiStasny dential canals, docks, small back bays and creek mouths for a bite. These areas — typically a few degrees warmer than the open waters — host a lot of species, including black drum, sheepshead and flounder. And don’t forget about catch-and-release snook, redfish and spotted seatrout. They seek refuge from the cold, too. And avoiding a cold wind in the shelter of mangroves and canals also is good for us fishers. As for bait, live shrimp are your best bet for winter fishing. Not only are live shrimp readily available, they seem to work better during the cooler months. Plus, they open the door to classes of species that primarily feed on shrimp — pompano, sheepshead and black drum. On a conservation note, during its December meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission changed the rules to allow anglers to catch and keep spotted seatrout effective Feb. 1, 2020. In our area, you will be allowed a daily bag limit of three spotted seatrout and the slot limit will be 15-19 inches. You may keep one fish of your three over the slot. On my Southernaire charters, I’ve made the switch with my anglers to live shrimp as bait and it’s working well. We’re finding numerous catch-and-release redfish around docks and seawalls. Mixed in are some keepers: black drum, flounder and a few sheepshead. In the afternoons, casting live shrimp over deep grass areas and in deep canals is producing action on spotted seatrout and jack crevalle.

Chip Peabody, a former island resident now living in Fairview, north Carolina, hoists his catch for a photo, a big red grouper caught Dec. 16 on a dead sardine in 90 feet of water offshore while on a fishing trip with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

Lastly, casting shrimp-tipped jigs along the beaches is producing hookups on pompano and whiting. Capt. Aaron Lowman is using live shrimp as bait while fishing ledges and hard bottom in the Gulf of Mexico. Bottom fishing in these areas is leading his clients to a quick bite on mangrove snapper, Key West grunts, porgies and hogfish. Moving inshore, targeting sheepshead, black drum and catch-and-release redfish around rocks and docks is again becoming familiar as winter settles in. Targeting gag grouper inside Tampa Bay is producing action around artificial reefs and the edges of the shipping channel. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico on calm days — between cold fronts. On these days, White is putting clients on limits of red grouper while fishing hard bottom in depths of 100 feet or more. Using live pinfish or dead sardines as bait is luring these fish to the hook. While targeting red grouper, White is seeing many large mangrove snapper reeled up. Fishing the surface with live shiners as bait is producing action,

John Sullivan of Tahoe, California, and longboat Key, fished inshore Dec.17 with Capt. Warren Girle, hooking up with several red fish using live shiners as bait. All fish were released.

especially on blackfin tuna and smoker kingfish. Moving inshore, catch-and-release redfish are being targeted, as well as catch-and-release spotted seatrout and jack crevalle. Capt. Jason Stock is targeting migratory species — blackfin tuna and kingfish — while working offshore around wrecks and hardbottom areas. Chumming with live shiners is working well to get these migratory fish whipped into a frenzy around the boat. For the kings and tunas, free-lined baits are producing the best action. On days when the fish are especially motivated, Stock is casting top-water plugs, which in turn causes some explosive strikes on the surface, which is appealing for his anglers. Also being caught offshore are amberjack and some large goliath grouper. Hamilton Brown at the Rod & Reel Pier says pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are having good results. Casting baits under the pier deck is yielding action on black drum, flounder, sheepshead and a few catch-and-release redfish. Keeper-sizes of the black drum, flounder and sheepies are being caught, while most of the catch-andrelease redfish bite is from undersize fish. Although water temps are dropping, Brown says an occasional catch-and-release snook takes the hook at the R&R. Capt. Warren Girle is fishing docks and canals for a variety of species, including black drum, sheepshead and catch-and-release redfish. Casting live shrimp under the dock is attracting a bite. Although difficult to come by, Girle is finding some live shiners to use as bait. Fishing these shiners over deep grass areas is yielding spotted seatrout, jack crevalle and ladyfish. And, on warm afternoon tides, the free-lined shiners are producing a few catch-and-release snook. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

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Page 30 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz

By Sandy Ambrogi

Changes go with the tide

There were highs and lows in the business world on Anna Maria Island in 2019. The final year of the decade brought newcomers to the mix and saw stalwarts depart, leaving behind a feeling of inevitable change to the island. Overall, business owners were happy after the red tide scourge of 2018 that had wreaked havoc on revenues and customer traffic finally ended and life returned to near normal on Anna Maria Island. “I feel so lucky,� Lindy Gilbert told The Islander Dec. 18. “It just keeps getting better and better,� Gilbert said of her 3-year-old venture, Small Town Creamery, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, in the Island Shopping Center. “We’re very fortunate, we’ve grown. I know some other small businesses have had a tough year again,� Gilbert said. Many island businesses suffered through a downturn in 2018, brought about by the long red tide outbreak. A clear 2019 was a welcome reprieve, as visitors returned, stores and restaurants saw increased traffic and rentals booked up. Gilbert runs a “mom and pop� establishment. So does Dan Alderson and family, who own Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream with its original shop in Cortez — the flagship store — and a shop on Longboat Key where they work in conjunction with the Lazy Lobster next door. “I closed the Manatee Avenue store in September,� Alderson told The Islander Dec. 12. “It was basically a staffing issue. Finding good people is difficult.� Alderson said the two remaining stores did well in 2019. Chris and son PJ Smargisso have been chawing with the locals in Anna Maria at Slim’s Place, 9701

Flashback ’19 Getting around AMI: Bill Finan of Ayer, Massachusetts, looks at an area map Feb. 28 at the information kiosk at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Manatee County approved an agreement Feb. 26 with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce to place a representative at the kiosk seven days a week during peak tourism months. Islander File Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Gulf Drive, for more than six years, and Chris reports sales again were up at the neighborhood sports bar. “It’s been a really good year,� he told The Islander Dec. 17. “The traffic flow seems to continuously increase up here — we are getting big parties of 10-12 now regularly. I think it’s from the larger rental homes.� Smargisso said the larger groups resulted in changes to the way Slim’s does business — they recently added more large-screen TVs — and indeed has changed the way most of the island does business. He also pointed out the loss of several mainstays in Anna Maria, which could have contributed to his good year. “The Sign of the Mermaid, Bortell’s and the City Pier Restaurant are all closed down,� he pointed out. Sign of the Mermaid had been serving patrons in one incarnation or another for decades, but shuttered

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mid-summer. Owner Steve Rose covered the windows at Bortell’s, 10002 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, in April 2018 and put a sign in the window simply saying “Gone Fishin.� Rose said he had no idea how long the bar would stay closed. Rose told The Islander last January he hoped to be open by Christmas Eve 2019, but, so far, no word on any remodeling or a reopening. The news might be better for an eatery on the Anna Maria City Pier. Contract negotiations with the current pier tenant, Mario Schoenfelder, are underway, though no deal was struck at press time. David Sork lost his job as general manager of the pier restaurant when the old pier was shut down due to damages from Hurricane Irma in 2017. But he has a whole new outlook on life. “Wow!� Sork told The Islander Dec. 18. “It’s been a great year to be David and to be appreciated on so many different fronts.� Sork is reveling in his job as manager at the Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and wishes all those returning to the pier the best of luck. “I spent 30-plus years of my life on that pier,� he said. “Now it’s time for someone else to make some memories out there.� Relocation, new owners in 2019 Vinny Esposito of Vinny’s Italian Kitchen lost his longtime locale on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria when a new property owner terminated his lease. Esposito said he was “wandering� for seven months until he landed at 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and reopened. The new eatery and market feature Esposito’s homemade pastas and pizzas and desserts. About 80% of all market products are imported from Italy, including a selection of family vineyard wines and cheeses. Esposito hopes to make his Italian Kitchen a destination, not just a pizza stop. “We are doing great here,� Esposito told The Islander Dec. 19. “This was a good move.� In March, Joe Varner was zooming around his new Anna Maria Beach Resort with workers and a punch list of items from city inspectors. He opened the property March 15, but had hoped for an earlier opening of the ambitious 18-month remodel of the 50-plus-year old Blue Water Beach Club, 6306 Gulf Drive. Varner took the Blue Water down to the studs. He filled in the old swimming pool and replaced it with a PlEASE SEE biZ, nExT PAGE

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Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 31 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Accolades for HB eatery

Chamber cheer on the pier John Horne, top, is surrounded by smiles Dec. 18 at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce holiday mixer at his Anna Maria Island oyster Bar on the Pier in Bradenton Beach from Susanne Arbanas, left, Beverly Kilpatrick, right, owner of Island Coffee Haus and board chair, and chamber vice president Cathy Pizzo. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi BIZ ConTInuED FRoM PAGE 30

super-sized “resort” pool, as well as enhanced rooms with a coastal navy, sea foam and white decor. The makeover came at a cost and resulted in rates higher than the previous owner charged. Varner said the new rates range from $200 to $600 a night, according to unit size and view as well as the season. “We are pricing this property by our institutional knowledge of the island and how it feels. There is nothing else like this on Anna Maria,” Varner has said. He reported in December that since opening, occupancy rates at the resort have been mostly ahead of what he had anticipated at opening. Not long after the Blue Water changeover, developer Shawn Kaleta purchased the Bali Hai Resort at 6900 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Kaleta caught flack for clearing greenery but set about remodeling rooms and painting. A new spa by Acqua Aveda is coming soon, according to the balihairbeachresort.com website, and extra rooms can be found at Kaleta’s AMI Locals rental management com-

A culinary gem in Holmes Beach, the Beach Bistro, added an award to its list of accolades. The restaurant at 6600 Gulf Drive — owned by Sean Murphy and his wife, Susan Timmins — was again named a Golden Spoon and Hall of Fame award winner by Florida Trend. Florida Trend is a magazine covering business and regional news, executive lifestyles, travel, food, technology and personal finance. The magazine began awarding top restaurants a Golden Spoon 50 years ago to guide executives traveling in Florida. Repeat Golden Spoon winners are named to the Hall of Fame. Florida Trend, on its website, said winners are chosen by editors who consider “carefully sourced ingredients, prepared with imagination and authenticity.” Murphy said, “It’s still a thrill to win a Golden Spoon. I think we have 30 or so. When we won the first one, I went out whooping down the beach.” On Longboat Key, Euphemia Haye, 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, and Maison Blanche, 2605 Gulf of Mexico Drive, also received Golden Spoon Hall of Fame awards. pany if the resort is booked. Bali Hai was one of two businesses tied to the Bouziane family on Anna Maria Island for decades. The other business, Mister Roberts Resort Wear, sold after 53 years on the island in the same family. Sisters Signa Bouziane and Linda Clayton sold Mister Roberts to Nathan Faira, who owns the Island Trader in the same S&S Plaza as Mister Roberts at 5336 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. “It’s bittersweet,” she said. “We didn’t tell anyone until the sale closed,” Clayton told The Islander Dec 4. With the resort sold and the shop now of the family’s hands, Clayton said the family no longer has any business interests left on the island after more than a

BizCal

Compiled by Sandy Ambrogi

AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Thursday, Jan. 9 7:30 a.m. — Sunrise breakfast, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. $10 members, $20 guests. Thursday, Jan. 23 5 p.m. — Business card exchange and trolley grant awards, Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Members $5, guests $10. RSVP. AMI chamber information or reservations, 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org. LBK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Tuesday, Jan. 14 5 p.m. — Business After Hours, Cariloha Bamboo, 478 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Circle, Sarasota. Members $5, guests $10. LBK chamber information or reservations, 941-383-2466 or info@longboatkeychamber.com.

Business news Does your

business celebrate achievements? Submit your information to news@islander.org.

half century. And so it goes. Diners continue to reserve coveted tables at Sean Murphy’s Beach Bistro, beachgoers gobble Skinny’s Place burgers just like they did 17 years ago and shoppers browse the stores on Pine Avenue for the perfect purchase. Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Terri Kinder said, all-in-all, 2019 “was a good year and membership rolls remained steady.” “We are looking forward to an outstanding 2020,” Kinder said.

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B AY I S L E S 3371 Bayou Sound Bill Anderson 941-313-4059 A4452233 $1,595,000

B AY PA L M S 523 67th Street Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4447854 $899,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 107 66th Street 12 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452254 $875,000

K E Y R OYA L E 602 Baronet Lane Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4447974 $779,000

H O L M E S B E AC H 6403 Holmes Boulevard A & B Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4451978 $725,000

E D G E WAT E R 322 Compass Point Drive 202 Betsy Hagen 941-216-0721 A4453037 $669,000

M A R I N E R S C OV E 3905 Mariners Walk 821 Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4446691 $635,000

L O N G B OAT B E AC H H O U S E 4311 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 204 Sandi Layfield 941-914-2807 A4435114 $624,900

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 304 29th Street A & B Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4435660 $525,000

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

ANNOUNCEMENTS Continued

BEEFSTEAK ToMAToES, 99 cents. Thompson’s Produce of Cortez, Home of the “Best Tomatoes” in Manatee County. 941-8966027.

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

FREE Gun loCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GARAGE SALES

BuYInG AnTIQuES, STERlInG flatware, jewelry, coins, military, old toys, any collections. 941-209-2136.

RoSER THRIFT SHoP and annex open 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Donations preferred 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Wednesday. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-779-2733.

BIKE RACK, $70, brown shelf, 36in x 10in, $10, wine decanters $15, like new. 941-9202494. KAYAKS AnD BoAT. Two 10-foot Perception Pescador kayaks with 2017 Malone trailer $2,000. 2016 Tahiti Craig Cat, $11,000. Call Cheryl, 863-381-6256.

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.

BRAnD nEW ElECTRIC boat trailer winch. $90. 941-356-1456. AnTIQuE PARTnER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

WAnTED: YouR olD cellphone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

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ANSWERS TO DEC. 25 PUZZLE

J A B B E R

A F R A M E

R E E L E D

I N K E R S

N A R N I A

A D I D A S

O J I B W A S

P A L E A L E

S C U L L E R

A S C W K E L E Z I N E I I N D O R G E S D T I R N I N E S E C S I A G E S T E N W O D O L I M A E F E M X V I A W E E Z O B R I I V U S N U G A L L U N E A M I S S P A

A S S N

A T H E I S M B E S I E G E D

P O S E S H D E O O R Z E I G E E N S T U S R A P S A S S S E

A T R I A

B R E A D B D I I N R N T O I N R E I V N E G R

Y O D A

O V I D

B O T U L Y C A P E T O O Y Z N E A G M U S B E H I I A T E N W S E W R V E E E R N E N T H E R E N A R E L E

U F F D I E Z I I T Y B E L M D O P L H Y D S S T E E X P A

AERIAl PHoToS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com.

T E A T I M E

E T H E N E S

S A D D E N S

C O N W A Y

K L E I N E

O Z Z I E S

P E Y O T E

C R E S T S

A S S E N T

3018 Ave. C, Holmes Beach, a 2,838 sfla / 4,476 sfur 5bed/4bath/2car pool home built in 2013 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 12/05/19, Florida Gulf Coast Vacation Homes LLC to Kappitt for $1,275,000. 5605 Carissa St., Unit A, Carissa Street Bungalows, Holmes Beach, a 1,390 sfla / 1,558 sfur 3bed/2bath/1car condo with pool built in 2013 was sold 11/27/19, 231 Paradise Village LLC to Hopkins for $887,500. 519 71st St., Holmes Beach, a 1,998 sfla / 2,746 sfur 3bed/3bath/2car canalfront pool home built in 1961 on a 12,900 sq ft lot was sold 12/04/19, Kane to Ross for $835,000; list $879,000. 502 68th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,567 sfla / 1,889 sfur 2bed/2½bath/1car canalfront pool home built in 1969 on a 9,078 sq ft lot was sold 11/14/18, Heslop to Marquette for $810,000; list $849,000. 218 Coconut Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,680 sfla / 2,274 sfur 4bed/2bath duplex built in 1971 on a 7,900 sq ft lot was sold 12/06/19, Pinkham to Godfrey for $725,000. 503 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, a 984 sfla 2bed/2bath/2car home built in 1983 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 12/05/19, Dawson to Kotouc for $725,000; list $739,000. 5300 Gulf Drive, Unit 107, Martinique North, Holmes Beach, a 1,057 sfla / 1,169 sfur 2bed/2bath Gulffront condo with shared pool built in 1971 was sold 11/18/19, Grove to Clinton for $600,000. 7000 Gulf Drive, Unit 105, Tiffany Place, Holmes Beach, a 1,259 sfla / 1,395 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1978 was sold 12/04/19, Webb to Vani for $600,000. 209 72nd St., Holmes Beach, a 1,422 sfla / 1,790 sfur 2bed/2bath home built in 1971 on a 6,825 sq ft lot was sold 12/02/19, Schon to Blowfish Island LLC for $600,000; list $699,900. 506 70th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,235 sfla / 1,806 sfur 2bed/2bath/1car home built in 1968 on a 9,690 sq ft lot was sold 11/15/19, Meaker to Bellamy for $455,000; list $499,000. 5200 Gulf Drive, Martinique South, Holmes Beach, a 1,169 sfla 2bed/2bath Gulfront condo with shared pool built in 1970 was sold 12/12/19, Hightower to Moll for $435,000; list $470,000. 2901 Ave. C, Holmes Beach, a 1,188 sfla / 1,782 sfur 4bed/2bath duplex built in 1968 on a 10,500 sq ft lot was sold 12/04/19, Esser to Mincieli for $400,000. 3805 E. Bay Drive, Unit 205, Sunbow Bay, Holmes Beach, a 1,226 sfla 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1979 was sold 11/14/19, Gonyer to Pergola for $370,000; list $389,900. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Keller Williams on the Water, can be reached at 941-713-4755.

PETS HElP RESCuED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com. BOATS & BOATING BIMInI BAY SAIlInG: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941-685-1400. PonToon BoAT REnTAl Create lifelong memories. Visit boatflorida.net or call 941778-2255. AMI WAnnA Go Charters. Sightseeing, snorkeling, and sandbar hopping eco-tours aboard our 24-foot pontoon, ages 6 and up optimal. Call Capt. Judy for information, 941-757-7246. SToRE YouR BoAT year-round in Holmes Beach garage. 25-35/foot narrow, no T-top. $16/foot. only 1-2 miles from Manatee public ramp area. Call 3-11 p.m., 610-812-0908. BoAT SlIP FoR rent: Key Royale, AMI. Parking, no bridges, sailboat water. $250/month. 941-518-4281. WAnTED: DoCK To rent long term for sailboat, shoal draft, but needs some water. 941-962-0232, HELP WANTED nEED DElI PERSon, pizza person. Will train. Inquire in person at Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. WAnTED: Full-TIME server. Paradise Bagels Cafe. 3220 E. Bay Drive, Anna Maria Centre Shops. 941-779-1212. REPoRTER WAnTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org. KIDS FOR HIRE KIDS FoR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. SERVICES u FlY I drive your car anywhere in the uSA. Airport runs, anywhere. office, 941-4476389. 941-545-6688. nEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com. The Islander: news for residents and visitors. Check out the website, islander.org.

Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 33 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S SERVICES Continued

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

RENTALS Continued

CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-744-7983.

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

ANNUAL RENTAL: 2BR/2BA, two-car garage, boat lift, indoor laundry room, newly remodeled, Key Royale, Holmes Beach. $2,800/ month. 813-624-2664.

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

WESTBAY COVE, 2BR/2BA waterfront unit for rent. April 15-May 15, 2020. $3,700/ month. 973-208-0020.

KATHY’S CLEANING SERVICE, Professional, responsible, and friendly. I clean residential commercial and offices. Please, call for a free estimate: 941-447-4660. BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840. BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228. ANYONE CAN TAKE a picture. A professional creates a portrait. I want to be at your wedding! www.jackelka.com. 941-778-2711. LAWN & GARDEN CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294. LARRY’S BACK! SHELL delivered and spread. $55/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phoneâ€? 941-7200770. SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. Office: 941-518-6326. Cell: 720-2991661. HOME IMPROVEMENT VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

BLINDS, SHUTTERS, SHADES: Motorization. 30 years on AMI. Call Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516. ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

TOWNHOUSE JANUARY 2020. Available now. 2/BR, heated pool, boat dock. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

AMI PAINTING: ISLAND resident. Prompt, reliable. Quality workmanship. Interior/exterior. Minor repairs, carpentry. Bill, 941-3079315.

VACATION RENTAL, 3BR/2BA ground-level home, north end of Anna Maria. Short walk to beach, shops. Pet considered. $3,600/month. Call Anna Maria Realty, 941-778-2259.

CHRISTIE’S PLUMBING

PAINTING AND HANDYMAN. No job too small. Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

iĂœĂŠ ÂœÂ˜ĂƒĂŒĂ€Ă•VĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠUĂŠ,i“œ`iÂ?ˆ˜} Â?Â?ĂŠ*Â…>ĂƒiĂƒĂŠÂœvĂŠ*Â?ՓLˆ˜}ĂŠ,iÂŤ>ÂˆĂ€ĂŠEĂŠ-iĂ€Ă›ÂˆVi ™{£‡ÇÇn‡Î™Ó{ĂŠĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠÂ™{£‡ÇÇn‡{{ĂˆÂŁĂŠUĂŠxxän‡ ĂŠ >Ă€ÂˆÂ˜>ĂŠ Ă€ÂˆĂ›i]ĂŠ ÂœÂ?“iĂƒĂŠ i>VÂ…

RENTALS 3BR/2BA, FIRST- FLOOR, spacious, beautifully renovated. Westbay Point & Moorings. FloridaRentalbyOwners.com. #1590. Also #1106, 2BR/2BA, sunny, gorgeous bay views, pretty, available monthly, May. Both: kayaks, bikes, beautiful grounds. Sue, 207944-6097. AVAILABLE RENTAL: DECEMBER 2019 through April 2020. 2BR/2BA ground level with carport and patio. 1.5 blocks to Gulf. Updated, granite countertops, recessed lighting, flat-screen TVs in living room, TV room and bedrooms. Must see! Anna Maria. 941-565-2373. The Islander: news for residents and visitors. Check out the website, islander.org.

___________

___________

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

The deadline is NOON Monday every week for Wednesday’s paper. _________

_________

Residential -iĂ€Ă›ÂˆVi

ALEX HOME STYLIST | Interior Designer

CLASSIFIED RATES: Minimum $12 for up to 15 WORDS. 16-30 words: $20. 31-45 words: $40. BOX ad: additional $4. (Phone number is a "word.")

Run issue date(s) _________

TURN THE PAGE for more classifieds.

Family Owned and Operated since 1975

___________ rg o . r e d n a sl ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ .i___________ w w w t a e nlin ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ ___________ ___________ o s d a ified ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ s s ____________ ___________ a l c Place ___________

JANUARY SPECIAL: UPDATED 2BR/1BA half-duplex. Pool, hot tub, close to beach. $1,000/week. Eileen, 732-492-6946. www. palmperch.com. palmperch@gmail.com.

ARTISAN DESIGN TILE and Marble: Island resident. Island references. From porcelain to travertine and glass. Quality craftsmanship since 1983. Professional, courteous service at your convenience. Call Don, 941993-6567. www.ArtisanDesignTileAndMarble.com.

CLASSIFIED AD ORDER

____________ ___________

VACATION RENTAL, 2BR/2BA. Canalfront villa in central Holmes Beach. Ground level with two covered parking spaces. Pets considered. $2,400 per month. Call Green Real Estate, 941-778-0455.

#CFC1426596

I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941-779-6638. Leave message.

s #ONTEMPORARY s &RENCH &ARM #HIC s #OASTAL s 4RANSITIONAL s 2EAL )TALIAN -EDITERRANEAN

3ERVICES INCLUDE INTERIOR DESIGN SPACE DESIGN LAYOUT NEW HOME CONSULTING KITCHEN BATH RENOVATIONS

ALEX ALEXHOMESTYLIST COM ALEXHOMESTYLIST COM

Island Limousine

PROMPT, COURTEOUS SERVICE AIRPORT PERMITTED & LIVERY INSURED IslandLimo.net

941-779-0043

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

LIC#CBC1253145

PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

Bed: A bargain!

King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used. 941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net

IMPROVE YOUR CURB APPEAL! Horticultural Design Services | Landscape Construction Landscape Maintenance | Irrigation Installation & Repair Brick & Stone Pavers | Walls, Gates, Fences | Tree Trimming Low Volt Outdoor Lighting Repair & Installation

_________ or TFN start date: ______________

Amt. pd _________________ Date _____________ Ck. No.ďż˝ _________ Cash ďż˝ _______ By _________

d ďż˝ u No.

_____________________________________________________

Name shown on card: ____________________________________________card exp. date ______ / ______ House no. or P.O. box no. on cc bill ________________________Billing address zip code ________________ Your e-mail for renewal reminder: ____________________________________________________________

Web site: www.islander.org 3218 E. Bay Drive Holmes Beach FL 34217

E-mail: classifieds@islander.org Fax toll free: 1-866-362-9821 Phone: 941-778-7978

FOR MORE INFO 941.704.9025 ShadyLadyFL.com OUR BEST PRACTICES PROMISE IS APPLIED TO RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE.

317924

Credit card payment: ďż˝

Page 34 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S REAL ESTATE FoR SAlE BY owner: 3BR/1BA, 1,771 sf. An original Island home on the quiet, peaceful north end of Anna Maria Island. Easily accessible ground floor (no steps). A short walk to the beautiful white sand beach at Bean Point, Bayfront Park, Pine Avenue shops, Anna Maria City Pier, the Sandbar Restaurant. Winner of the Anna Maria Island Garden

Club home of the year. $880,000. 232 Gladiolus Drive, Anna Maria. Call 941-778-2711. Don’T WASTE YouR time reading this unless you’re looking for one of the most beautiful condos in one of the most prestigious communities in all of Florida. Almost 3,000 sf with private elevator and top-of-theline amenities, including Sub-Zero refrigerator. Surrounded by a protected preserve. For

‘We are THE island.’ New Location Same Great Service Full Service Property Management & Sales Dina Franklin (owner) Licensed Sales Associate & Property Manager

SINCE 1957

9906 Gulf Drive www.annamariareal.com 941 778-2259 dina@annamariareal.com

223 84th Street, Holmes Beach

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

more information, call about 285 Sapphire lake Drive, unit 202 in Harbour Isle, Perico Island. $899,000. Call Dennis Smith, associate, Keller Williams on the Water, 407-4925587. By appointment only. MoBIlE HoME 2BR/2BA, double-wide, gated community and amenities. $25,900. By owner, ask for JB, 941-356-1456. ToWnHouSE 2/BR, heated pool, dock. Easy rental income. $199,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

Visit www.islander.org EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS Professional Service to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Since 1974

BUYING OR SELLING? CALL DOLLY.

VACATION/SEASONAL RENTALS GULFFRONT PROPERTIES BOOKING NOW ANNUAL RENTALS AVAILABLE AT HERON’S WATCH AND IN HOLMES BEACH 941-778-0807

For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island. Marianne Norman-Ellis. 941.778.6696

JUST MINUTES TO THE BEACH. This spacious split-plan home offers an open floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a bonus room. Gorgeous wood flooring and ceramic tile throughout. The outdoor area is spectacular, featuring lush landscaping and custom lighting. Wood decking surrounds the heated pool and spa, which leads into outdoor areas, including a tiki hut with seating for 10 and a fire pit and even a koi pond. Not a detail has been missed!! $750,000

Tanya McCormick

Sales Associate An Island Place Realty 9908 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria

941.545.3582

Mike Norman Realty

Christine Kourik

$2 @ The Islander 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

tdolly1@yahoo.com • www.tdollyyoungrealestate.com

2501 Gulf Drive, Ste 102, Bradenton Beach

DREAM CONDO Everything is new in this direct Gulffront dream condo! Sweeping views all the way to Bean Point! Huge swiming pool on the Gulf, covered parking, storage, elevator and much more. Well maintained complex. Come see all that Anna Maria Island Club has to offer. $769,000. SURF SIDE New 4bed/4.5 bath/2car pool home with partial Gulf views, rooftop sundeck, incredible pool and spa area. This amazing home was built with the details in mind, and the rental potential is through the roof. Call today. 941.713.4755

Jesse Brisson, Broker Associate, GRI 941-713-4755, jbrisson@kw.com

A postcard to my friends...

ors,

Dear Friends and Neighb chosen back working in my

I’m I’m hoping that career, real estate, and ng or buying a if you’re considering selli k forward I loo home, you will call me. hip and putting to building our relations u! for yo my experience to work

RENTAL HOME OWNERS

q Why paying more than 15 % commission for great quality and outstanding service? q Benefit from our state-of-the art tools: responsive website, online booking, travel insurance, safe credit card processing, 24/7 inquiry responder, key-less check-in q Family owned and managed: Enjoy the personal touch - be treated as a VIP and not like a number

Chantelle Lewin 83 Licensed since 19

Chantelle Lewin, Broker 49

Associate

! 941.713.14

P.S. Call me first

OM ELLELEWIN.C WWW.CHANT `i Ì Ê i>V À> Ê ÊU Ûi Ó£ÇÊ Õ vÊ À ÊÓ ÊU ÌÞ > ,i ÀÊ 7>} i

KAUF – VERKAUF – VERMIETUNG q Get in touch with us and check out our favorable conditions for

319 Hardin Ave. Anna Maria, FL 34216

Einzige deutsch sprachige Immobilien-Agentur q We also serve you in German, French, Italian & Spanish auf Anna Maria Island

View on Zillow.com Realtor.com

renting out and managing your rental

Visit us :

Wir beraten Sie umfassend und Florida Dreams Realty of AMI, Inc. 3340 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 kompetent – in Ihrer Sprache! Wir freuenMarkus Siegler uns auf Ihren Anruf Licensed Real Estate Broker oder Ihren Besuch bei uns Office +1 941 462 4016 Cell +1 941 779 5700 im Büro.

3 bd 3 ba 1,700 sqft

Email: info@florida-dreams.com

Markuswww.florida-dreams.com Siegler, Broker

Florida Dreams Realty of AMI 3340 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach Office: 941-462-4016 info@florida-dreams.com www.florida-dreams.com

RENTAL HOME OWNERS

$1,595,000 Deep water canal no bridges Completely remodeled in the heart of Anna Maria

Buyers Brokers Welcome

Call 941-778-0509

RELEASE DATE: 12/22/2019

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

Dec. 25, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 35 No. 1215 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

‘LOOKIN’ GOOD!’

1

BY EMILY CARROLL / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

1 Unpleasantly surprise 4 Music-licensing org. 9 Big brother? 14 Some Pac-12 athletes 18 Three or four, say 20 Ashton Kutcher’s role on “That ’70s Show” 21 “Cross my heart” 22 Ingredient in spanakopita 23 Carefree quality 25 Synopsis 26 Saudi king before Abdullah 27 Popular Asian honeymoon destination 29 Ready for publication 31 Comes into view 32 Was given no other option 35 Online publication 36 Funny Foxx 37 Rant 41 Top musical group of the 1990s, per Billboard 43 51 past 44 Patronize, in a way 45 Slow start? 46 Momentarily 50 Supporting, with “up” 52 “I messed up,” in slang 54 Comaneci of gymnastics Online subscriptions: Today’s

puzzle and more Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords page 32 ($39.95 a year).

55 One shouting, “Get off my lawn!” 56 PC port 58 Clothing designer Marc 62 “S.N.L.” alum who co-starred in 2016’s “Ghostbusters” 64 Classic soft drink 65 Response to a funny meme 66 Stopping point 67 Lead-in to meter 68 Manage 70 Follower of Sam or will. 72 Pince-____ glasses 73 Iranian currency with a 75-Across on its bills 75 See 73-Across 77 Game console introduced in 2006 80 It’s often included with an R.S.V.P. card 81 Like most Italian singular nouns finishing in -a: Abbr. 82 Scatters about 83 United way? 84 The most recent Pope Benedict 86 Like some “#@&!” language 88 “Actually, I do” 89 Photo ____ 92 “Buddy Holly” band, 1994 94 Braced (oneself) 96 New York social reformer whose name is on a Manhattan housing project

98 Amenable sort 99 Pet lovers’ org. 103 Phrase on a candy heart 104 Impertinent sorts 106 Birds or wasps 108 Caviar source 110 Good-looking … or a phonetic hint to a feature found five times in this puzzle 114 What may follow fire or stone 115 Pulmonologist’s expertise 118 Give too much light 119 One way to turn a ship 120 Members of une sororité 121 National currency that, if you drop its second letter and read the result backward, spells another national currency 122 Memo header 123 Knights’ titles in “A Game of Thrones” 124 Heart topper, in bridge 125 “Someone Like You” hitmaker, 2011 126 Jokey suffix with most DOWN

1 Prattle 2 Triangular construction 3 Was taken aback 4 Unable to move well 5 Submits

3

18

Emily Carroll, of New York City, is a 2016 medical-school graduate who just finished her residency. She is applying for fellowships and expects to get news (fingers crossed!) around the time this crossword is published. The genesis of the puzzle was 41-Across, with its unusual letter pattern. Part of that pattern led her to think of 110-Across, which became the puzzle’s ‘‘revealer’’ entry. This is Emily’s 10th crossword for The Times and her second Sunday. — W.S.

AC RO SS

2

6 Former TV psychic Miss ____ 7 The “A” of W.N.B.A.: Abbr. 8 Ask 9 Parts of hearts 10 Wonderful receptacle? 11 Tampa Bay N.F.L.er 12 Rock-____ (jukebox brand) 13 Romantic preference 14 Where to see Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” 15 Three or four, say 16 Colorless gases 17 Turns blue? 19 “Well, that’s quite a coincidence …” 24 Sudden turn 28 Ewe or sow 30 One with superhuman powers 33 Spanish or Portuguese 34 “____ Como Va” (Santana hit) 38 Make alterations to 39 State of disbelief 40 Humdinger 42 Lusaka native 43 “Swell!” 44 NNE or SSW 46 Tattoo artists 47 Fictional land of books and film 48 “Impossible Is Nothing” sloganeer 49 Family nickname 51 University officials 53 ____ canto

4 19

23

5

6

7

8

9

20 24

27

28

31

32

36

37

38

39

47

48

50

54

29 33

84 91

96

52

58

71

78

101

102

72 79

83 88 94

97

95

98

99

105 110

106

108

109

114

115

119

120

121

123

124

125

116

59

65

87

104

61

53

57

70

77

93

103

60

35

82 86

92

17

30

64

85

16

45

69

76

15

42

51

81

90

34

41

68 75

80

89

26

63

74

14 22

56

67

73

13

25

55

62

12

44

49

66

11

21

40

43 46

10

117

111

112

100

107

113

118

76 New York Mets epithet 78 Quaint contraction 59 Washington’s 79 West Coast brew, for Kellyanne or George short 60 Little: Ger. 82 France’s Boulogne61 Smith and Nelson ____-Mer 85 Disney’s Herbie, for 63 Teacher one 64 Emphatic denial 87 Under attack 69 Arduous 88 Visitors’ 71 Degree for a research announcement scientist 89 “The Song of Hiawatha” tribe 74 Latin law 55 Part of a short race 57 Draws back

90 Sierra Nevada, e.g. 91 Oar 93 Frozen Wasser 95 Counterpart of dorsal 97 Immature eggs 98 Doofus 99 First part in an instruction manual 100 Hallucinogen sometimes called a “divine messenger” 101 Parts of waves 102 Give the green light

122 126

105 No longer in style 107 Reason for a TV-MA rating, perhaps 109 “Say it ain’t so!” 111 Jedi guru 112 Poet who wrote, “Jupiter from on high laughs at lovers’ perjuries” 113 World’s rarest goose 116 A count manager 117 Vardalos of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”

Visit WWW.ISLANDER.ORG for the best news on Anna Maria Island.

Everything you’re looking for

www.annamariaislandresorts.net

877.867.8842

Page 36 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 25, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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