The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Jan 10, 2018

Page 1

Planks to fences. 5

Plunging into 2018. 21

JAN. 10, 2018 FREE

VOLUME 26, NO. 11

AsTheWorldTerns look up to heroes. 6 Islanders plot against rental legislation. 3 AM approves new vacation rental fees. 4 Center exceeds fundraising match. 4

Meetings

On the government calendar. 4

Op-Ed

Our opinion. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

On the trail of beach fitness equipment. 8

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 10-11 Save a date. 12-13 MPO sets priorities. 14

Obituaries. 16 Streetlife. 20 PropertyWatch. 20 5K for AME. 25 Thought it was cold? Think again. 26 Top sports stories. 28 Temps cool fishing action. 29

ISL BIZ Back to business in new year. 30

BizCalendar. 31 CLASSIFIEDS. 32

Eagle fights off owl. 24

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

www.islander.org

Holmes Beach captain rescues 5 from capsized canoe

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter A Holmes Beach fishing guide on a Jan. 7 charter saved the lives of three boys and two men after finding their canoe capsized in a choppy, cold Sarasota Bay. Two men, Steven Brubacher, 37, of Sarasota, and Darren Martin, 39, of Ontario, Canada, and their sons, ages 5, 6 and 11, were treated for hypothermic conditions at Cannons Marina, 6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive, after the water rescue, according to Longboat Key Police and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports. The children were air-lifted from Cannons to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg and EMS transported the adults to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. “All were treated and released and everyone is OK,” FWC spokesman James Boogaerts said. To be credited with the rescue is Holmes Beach Capt. Taylor Rahn, 23, also a marketing major in his last year at the University of South Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. The third-generation Anna Maria Island fisher has operated Ultimate Fishing Adventures for three years. Rahn was operating his charter for two Tampa men Jan. 7 — and even confirmed

Fahrenheit temperatures, winds at 20-30 mph and a chop of 1-2 feet. It was about 10:30-11 a.m. when Rahn observed a paddle waving on the water in the distance about 100-150 yards south of his boat. Rahn said no other vessel was in eyeshot. As they got closer, south of Sister Keys, he could see there were five people in water about 10- to 15-feet deep, gripping a canoe. During the rescue, one boy was slipping in and out of consciousness, and the others were crying, screaming and shivering, Rahn said. “We’re going to save their lives,” the charter boat captain said, as he advised his clients on the importance of remaining calm. “We needed to get them immediately One of the rescued men huddles with two lifted out of the water,” he added. boys aboard Capt. Taylor’s Rahn’s boat So Rahn pulled out the children first, Jan. 7 on their way to meet EMS at Cancircled the boat around and lifted out the nons Marina on Longboat Key after Rahn men. plucked them from Sarasota Bay. Islander One of the men said they’d been stranded Photos: Courtesy Taylor Rahn for nearly an hour. PLEASE SEE RESCUE PAGE 2 ahead if they wanted to take the trip despite the cold conditions. They agreed. So the party left Kingfish Boat Ramp at 8 a.m. to face what Rahn called “pretty brutal conditions,” 45-degree

Islanders of the year serve and protect

Hurricane headed our way? Rick Well’s deputies in Anna Evacuate? Maria were on the job. Yes. And city crews returned While a few of the folks we often call to work before residents and “hardcore” islanders — the ones who vow business owners, clearing they will never leave home in fear, run from roads and preparing for our Jones a storm or back off from the pending surge of safe return. water — rode out Hurricane Irma, there are We asked the three many more of us who have seen the damage mayors of the island cities from past storms to know better. during the islandwide Better scurry than be sorry. evacuation in September in Some people stayed home for Hurricane advance of Hurricane Irma Irma in September 2017, but most island- Cosby to recognize the response of ers evacuated. And business owners closed their teams. shop, too. Anna Maria Island became a ghost Here’s what they said town. about our hurricane heroes. All but our local law enforcement, who Anna Maria Mayor Dan were aided by dedicated public works crews Murphy: in advance of the all-clear for residents. Once Hurricane Irma Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach Tokajer had passed, the effort to PLEASE SEE ISLANDERS PAGE 2 police officers and Manatee County Sheriff

Treehouse denied high court review The Islander learned at press time that the U.S. Supreme Court listed the case of Hazen-Tran v. Holmes Beach among the cases denied for hearing Jan. 8. What is next for Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen in their years-long quest to keep the treehouse? See page 3 for more.

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ISLANDERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 restore some semblance of normalcy and security to the lives of our residents began. The “first-in” crew from Anna Maria public works department deployed within two hours of an all clear and were faced with what seemed to be an insurmountable task. Trees were down, major roads were blocked, garbage littered the streets, power lines were left either dangling in the wind or draped across the road for unsuspecting motorists. Adding to this was no electricity to provide lighting, power to tools or communications devices. Under the guidance of manager Dean Jones, the public works crew immediately began to clear the roads, secure potential public safety issues and assist the MCSO deputies in identifying hazards. Their work ranged from picking up garbage strewn in the streets and beach accesses to helping our residents secure their property from further damage. Even though they had damage to their own homes, the public works crew worked 12-14 hour days, seven days a week for three long weeks to restore normalcy to our city in the days following the storm. RESCUE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Rahn sped to the closest port, Cannons Marina on Longboat Key, where emergency crews waited. Once there, medical professionals took over. Rahn said he hopes the fathers and sons return to the area so he can give them a free charter boat ride. The captain said he wants to show them how the water can be safe and fun. Holmes Beach fishing guide, Capt. Taylor Rahn, 23, made a successful rescue of five people in Sarasota Bay about an hour after their canoe capsized. He is pictured here with a blackfin tuna caught just after Christmas.

Then-Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon: The city was fully prepared for Hurricane Irma. Police Lt. John Cosby has for more than 28 years developed the city’s disaster plan. His plan is reviewed and updated yearly with participation from staff and elected officials. He is active with county, state and national disaster agencies and is highly respected. As an emergency management director, Lt. Cosby takes the lead prior to, during and after hurricanes. His direction and decisions were reviewed with limited need by the chief, public works and myself. With “LT’s” leadership, Bradenton Beach led the island in preparation, recovery and FEMA reimbursement. Lt. Cosby can be likened to the maestro leading the orchestra. Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson: The HBPD under the leadership of Chief Bill Tokajer stepped up to the needs of the community dictated by the approach, impact and recovery of Hurricane Irma. Starting with the evacuation phase, members of the force were out in our neighborhoods and business centers advising all of the need to prepare and to leave.

Their patrols continued right up until strike time, when all were required to be off the roads. As the storm passed, the entire city police force mobilized at a mainland-based West Manatee Fire Rescue facility and moved onto the island at first light. They immediately began the process of removing obstructions and assessing damage. Equipped with chain saws, they cut and cleared roadways and sidewalks with expediency, targeted sites for public works and assisted them in the clean up of the more complex obstruction sites, and the placement of temporary barriers where removal was going to require additional assets. Within a matter of hours, the city was able to accommodate the return of residents and businesses anxious to get back to their properties and get them operational. The spirit of action and community by the HBPD was evident in the intensity of their actions and the timely results that they achieved. For our part, as the island’s newspaper of record, getting back to business was crucial. Getting the newspaper delivered was essential. And we also rounded up our crew. We pushed out news and photos during and after the storm via social media and while that was going on, we finalized the paper for the press and on Sept. 12 our crew hit the streets, delivering the news. But before that happened, as any of you may know who returned to Anna Maria Island via the bridge on Manatee Avenue, Chief Tokajer joined other officers at the checkpoint when it opened that morning, waving and welcoming us back. It was the best greeting ever — welcome back home to all the people who love Anna Maria Island. This seemingly small action by Tokajer signaled for us an incredible reassuring feeling for the safe return to our homes and businesses. Please, join us in saying thank you to all the first responders who made a quick, safe return possible after Hurricane Irma. They help make AMI a great community every day. — Bonner Joy

this FRIDAY 45 parking spaces

Iconic Landscape Photographer

Holmes Beach Ar t Walk

NICK DONATELLI

THE ISLANDER n Jan. 10, 2018 n 3

U.S. Supreme Court nixes treehouse review — demolition next?

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson is happy — but taking a conciliatory approach on the future of the treehouse — but the city won the day in the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court denied review of the case Jan. 8 in a 45-page document, under a “certiorari denied” heading among some 600 denials after a closed-door conference in the week prior. “It is what we anticipated and we’re glad,” Johnson said about the win, adding the city is looking for an end to the matter. Treehouse owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen sought the high court review. They built the structure in a towering Australian pine in 2011 without state or city permits, inside a city setback on their residential property, including their four-unit resort, Angelinos Sea Lodge, 103 29th St.

The couple and David Levin, of Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg in Sarasota, Tran and Hazen’s attorney since 2011, brought their petition to the high court in October. They challenged a trial court judge’s order, a rubber stamp of a city-prepared order, on due process grounds, saying it lacked the appearance of fairness. The city denied the owners’ challenge, saying the owners flaunted proper court procedure by failing to bring their federal due process arguments earlier. The city has issued Tran and Hazen orders to remove the treehouse since 2013, including fines now at more than $44,000. As far as enforcing the city’s removal order — and the $50 per day fine — the mayor said the city will initiate discussions with the property owners to “hopefully,” finally get this resolved. The case began in 2013 after Holmes Beach asked the lower court to interpret the city charter allowing

residents to submit petitions for a ballot vote. The city maintained a state law enacted the same year precluded allowing the electorate from voting on what amounts to a development order while the owners contended the treehouse was an accessory. Tran said she expected the high court decision and was not sure what’s next — if she’ll apply for a demolition permit or not. She said Jan. 8 she needs a few days to think. “I’m disappointed. I think there are others disappointed, also,” Tran said. “Do they really, really want to take this thing down?” she asked. The media attention their story has received — spanning the country and overseas — is a “good advertisement for all island businesses,” she said. The Supreme Court receives 7,000-8,000 petitions for writ of certiorari each term and grants and hears oral arguments in about 80 cases.

Islanders plot against state vacation rental legislation

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter He’s baaack, and backing new legislation scary to many Anna Maria Island property owners and elected officials. State Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, has filed Senate Bill 1400 to give the state complete control over vacation rental properties. “The bill would prevent local governments from regulating vacation rental properties,” Holmes Beach Steube lobbyist Cari Roth wrote in a Dec. 29, 2017, email to Mayor Bob Johnson. The issue of regulating vacation rental properties has been hotly debated in recent years with local governments fighting attempts such as Steube’s to shift control to the state. Johnson and the Holmes Beach City Commission

have directed Roth to lobby against HB 1400. Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria also have lobbyists working to preserve home rule, fighting legislation designed to give the state more govRoth erning power. The Florida Vacation Rental Act would grant control of vacation rentals to the state division of hotels and restaurants. SB 1400 was filed Dec. 28. The legislative session opened Jan. 9. Roth said the bill would protect owner rights to use residential properties as vacation rentals. Vacation rentals include single-family homes and condos rented for less than six months, Roth noted. SB 1400 also would require vacation rental property owners to obtain a state license, treat vacation rentals as transient rentals regarding certain tax, land-

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lord and tenant provisions and require the division to inspect vacation rentals in response to emergencies and epidemiological conditions. Steube has been critical of attempts by Florida cities, including Holmes Beach, to regulate short-term rentals, comparing local laws to communism after China suspended home-sharing services. Opponents defeated a similar bill offered by Steube a year ago. In 2017, Steube withdrew his short-term rental bill after numerous amended versions failed to attract support from fellow legislators. It was tabled May 2, 2017, by the Legislature. In 2018, has offered two bills aimed at governing short-term rentals. SB 1400 and SB 1138, filed Dec. 6, 2017, in advance of SB 1400, would regulate public lodging minimum-stay requirements. The bills would become law July 1 if passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor.

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on the same page. Lubore cautioned it is a “potential� opening. Hynds emailed McGuinness a concept drawing for the area previously occupied by Lobstahs and the attached retail stores. He indicated the layout is inexact, but shows intent to reopen. The site plan will be updated in January, Hynds indicated, and the number of retail stores reduced to four from six shown on the site plan. Hynds also asked to meet with McGuinness to discuss his proposal. McGuinness responded he would meet to advise Hynds on permitting, tenant separation and access requirements. Hynds has applied for a transfer of the former Lobstahs restaurant business license, according to the city clerk. His site plan, which calls for the addition of a on paying early and online, which reduced the city’s labor costs. Prices ranged from $500 to $800, Murphy told commissioners Jan. 5. This year, Murphy said the city anticipates minimal expenses, which translates to reduced fees. Current fees cover code enforcement of the vacation rental ordinance and regular web scraping to identify possible violations of the ordinance. “This is not a money-making deal. It’s a breakeven deal that pays for enforcement,� Murphy said. The average occupancy for vacation rentals in Anna Maria is 6.8 people. A six-person unit now will be charged $222.78, and a seven-person rental unit will pay $259.91. Murphy said separate from the vacation license fees, he is interested in pursuing impact fees for vacation rentals and a special assessment. Murphy said the city would pursue in the first quarter of 2018 development of an impact fee to offset the infrastructure impact associated with a high occupancy rentals.

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second floor of residential housing — three vacation rental units — will require approval from the building department and the commission. The restaurant is now allowed 128 indoor seats and 16 outdoor seats, but Hynds’ grandfathered seating privileges could be lost if the application is delayed and an extended April 15 renovation deadline is missed. Hynds has been absent the past two commission meetings when the AMI Plaza site plan was on the agenda for discussion. The commission will next meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Meetings

Anna Maria City • Jan. 11, 6 p.m., commission. • Jan. 25, 6 p.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach • Jan. 10, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. • Jan. 11, 1 p.m., department heads. • Jan. 18, noon, city commission. • Jan. 23, 12:30 p.m., city commission. • Jan. 24, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org.

Center exceeds fundraising goal, readies for 2018

By Bianca BenedĂ­ Islander Reporter The Center of Anna Maria Island exceeded its goals for an end-of-year fundraising challenge to match a $30,000 anonymous donation. Kristen Lessig, executive director, said multiple fundraising efforts between November and December garnered $38,000 from 124 donors, bringing the center $8,000 over the challenge goal. Lessig said the center continued to receive donations in the days after the fundraiser ended Dec. 31, 2017, and said the challenge was one part of a “multiprong fundraising plan.â€? “The outpouring we’ve seen in just the last two months has us all turning to 2018 with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude,â€? she wrote in an email. The center is now making plans for fundraising events in the new year. Volunteer committees are preparing for the murder mystery-dinner with performances Feb. 16-17 and the annual tour of homes March 17, Lessig said, pointing out both events have been popular in the past. Lessig said the center will still seek volunteers

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The oor plan submitted in December — dated May 18, 2017 — to the Holmes Beach building department by owner Mike Hynds for AMI Plaza, 5306 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, may change in January, he said, including a reduction from six to four stores. The site plan is subject to approval by the city commission. Islander Courtesy Graphic 30?0*69 .003 .)1

Anna Maria approves new vacation rental fees

By Bianca BenedĂ­ Islander Reporter Anna Maria city commissioners adopted a new license schedule for owners of short-term rentals. The commission unanimously approved Jan. 5 an annual fee schedule for obtaining the vacation rental license required for short-term rentals. Commissioner Nancy Yetter was absent with excuse. The schedule calculates the fee based on occupancy, with costs ranging from $148.52 for a fourperson occupancy to $668.34 for a rental with an 18-person occupancy. According to city clerk LeAnne Addy, no vacation rental home in Anna Maria is allowed to exceed 18 occupants. The city first collected vacation rental license fees in 2016 had a one-size-fits-all price of $750, which Murphy said covered the required capital expenditures to implement the licensing program. In 2017, the city adopted a sliding-scale fee based

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By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter After being shuttered for six months, the site of a former Holmes Beach restaurant is back on the menu for potential operators. Lobstahs restaurant closed in June 2017 at AMI Plaza, 5306 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach “We are nearly ready to reopen the restaurant at AMI Plaza vacated by Lobstahs,� Hynds emailed Holmes Beach building official James McGuinness in late December. Hynds previously indicated he planned to reopen and operate the restaurant himself. Plans changed after several people approached him at the end of 2017 to discuss a lease, he said. Hynds named one potential new restaurant operator. “Nothing is signed as yet, but I believe Scott Lubore may sign a lease shortly to try and reopen in February,� Hynds emailed the city. Hynds emailed The Islander Jan. 2 to say no one had signed a lease “as of today.� Lubore confirmed his interest in the Holmes Beach site. “That may happen,� Lubore said. He previously ran a similar operation on the island. Lubore said he sold his interest in the Freckled Fin, a restaurant-bar at 101 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, to the property owner in August 2017. An online posting at freckledfin.com touts a planned Feb. 1 opening of Lubore’s Freckled Fin Restaurant & Public House at 5337 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. The business also is referred to as the Freckled Fin Irish Pub and Music Hall and Freckled Fin Irish Pub

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AMI Plaza owner says revamp, tourist rental units pending

to join the murder mystery committee to help with decorations, food and sponsorship. Rehearsals are underway for the performance, titled “Opening Night at the Hard Rock Anna Maria,� a Las Vegas-themed production written by Beth Shaughnessy and daughter Brianna. For the tour, the center is in the process of selecting homes. Those interested in sharing their homes for the tour can contact the center for consideration. In addition, the center is anticipating more fundraising during the Giving Challenge May 1-2. Lessig said the center was awarded a grant from the Michael Saunders Foundation for about $1,000, and is awaiting the results of the Anna Maria Island Trolley Grant awards. She also said there are more “promising grant proposals� to apply for in the coming months. Bingo will be on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. The first session is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave. Also, a lunch-and-learn event themed around a tasting tour of Sicily is scheduled for Jan. 12. For information, call the center at 941-778-1908.

Holmes Beach • Jan. 11, 6 p.m., city commission. • Jan. 22, 1 p.m., ad hoc committee. • Jan. 23, 6 p.m., city commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeach.org. West Manatee Fire Rescue • Jan. 16, 6 p.m., commission. WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. Manatee County • Jan. 11, 9:30 a.m., commission (land use). • Jan. 23, 9 a.m., commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Of interest • Jan. 14, 1 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Anna Maria City Hall. • Jan. 15 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and most government offices will be closed. • Jan. 17, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Bradenton Beach City Hall. • Jan. 26, 9:30 a.m., Florida Department of Transportation steering committee meeting to update the barrier islands traffic study, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. • Jan. 30, 4 p.m., council of governments. Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Send notices to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 10, 2018 n 5

Anna Maria to build fences from pier planks, return others

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter The Anna Maria City Pier planks have a purpose. The engraved planks that will be removed to rebuild the pier will be put to use in a fence on the perimeter of City Pier Park and at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. If those who sponsored a plank want it returned instead, they will have a 20-day window of opportunity to make their request, according to Mayor Dan Murphy The final date to request a plank will be Jan. 26, Murphy said, and requests should be emailed to piermemorialplanks@cityofannamaria.com. The email should include details about the plank engraving and contact information. A pickup date to retrieve planks will be announced after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approves a permit for contractors to begin work, which is expected to start in March. Anna Maria city commissioners approved Murphy’s twofold proposal Jan. 5 to return planks to any sponsors that request them and use the remainder of the 1,100 engraved boards in custom-fencing at City Pier Park at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard and at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum at 402 Pine Ave. Central to the proposal is an offer from islandbased contractor Frank Agnelli, who volunteered to pull up and store the planks at no charge until the fences can be built. Murphy said previous estimates to pull the planks came in at $50,000, adding that the city owes Agnelli a formal thanks for his offer. The project will take about a year, Murphy said, and will cost about $10,000. Other proposals discussed included using the planks in the City Pier Restaurant and bait shop, building furniture for the restaurant or storing and finally,

Island vacationer Sven Heinrich watches Jan. 5 as a crew takes core samples from underneath the Anna Maria City Pier. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

destroying unclaimed planks. Commissioner Doug Copeland said in his experience as a woodworker, he wouldn’t recommend using the planks to build furniture or portions of the restaurant because of their worn condition. “They’re twisted, cracked, split,” he said. “To try to turn them into fine furniture, fine paneling, is really asking for something that might be possible, but the end result certainly would not be worth the money.” Commissioner Carol Carter said even promising to return the planks could be risky because planks could fall apart upon removal. Murphy said the city would not guarantee that the planks could be turned over to their sponsors for that reason. Becky Kieffer, a Ruskin resident, told commissioners her family sponsored two planks and she wants them returned. “I don’t want my dad to be a picnic table. I don’t want my dad to be a chair … I don’t care what shape they’re in, I want them.”

Laurie Sabath, a Bradenton Beach resident who owns property in Anna Maria, asked whether the city would sell scrap wood from the pier. Murphy said the city would consider that as an option. The City Pier Restaurant and The Islander newspaper partnered on the sale of engraved planks for the pier to promote the pier’s centennial celebration in 2011. During that project, some islanders helped themselves to the discarded pier lumber for repurposing. The Sandbar restaurant used planks in its decor, as did Salon Salon on Pine Avenue. The Anna Maria City Pier was declared “totally destroyed” according to the terms of its lease after Hurricane Irma passed Sept. 10-11. Estimates from the contractor, Ayres Associates, allow 62-82 weeks to rebuild. Commissioner Nancy Yetter was absent with excuse from the Jan. 5 meeting.

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Opinion

Our

Islanders honored, remembered

The Islander takes pride in recognizing members of the Anna Maria Island community for their unselfish contributions and for making this slice of paradise an even better place to live. Since the newspaper started up in 1992, its path was to partner with community organizations, report the news of record and tell the tales of people who live and work on AMI. We launched the Islander of the Year award to recognize deserving people. It was presented posthumously to the late Anna Maria Mayor Ernie Cagnina in 1993 and Anna Maria Mayor Ray Simches in 1994. Katie Pierola was the 1995 recipient of The Islander’s annual award. During her six years as mayor of Bradenton Beach, the city underwent a renaissance. She embodied the definition of a public servant in her tireless efforts to improve both her city and Anna Maria Island. W.H. “Snooks” Adams was 1996 Islander of the year. He was born in Cortez, and spent much of his life on Anna Maria Island as a law enforcement officer who used common sense as his guide. Charles Lester and Jo Ann Lester came to the island from Wisconsin and for their generosity to the community center, we honored them as 1997 Islanders of the year. Jim Kronus, retired after 25 years as Anna Maria Elementary School principal, and was named 1998 Islander of the Year. Suzi Fox was recognized for her efforts in organizing volunteers to protect sea turtles in 1999. Nancy Ambrose was named 2000 Islander of the year for initiating the Holmes Beach Butterfly Park. The original keeper of the island’s history, Carolyne Norwood, was Islander of the Year in 2001. Billie Martini, 2002. Her finest achievement while a commissioner for Holmes Beach is the realization of the Grassy Point Preserve. Ilona and Jeff Kenrick were the newspaper’s Islanders of the Year for 2003 for the creation of a successful islandwide blood drive. Jeff Croley, 2004 Islander of the Year, represented all the good qualities we could ask for in a volunteer — he quietly went on his own, delivering aid to those in need in remote areas immediately after Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. And he took vacation time from work to do his good deeds. If there ever was a symbol for Anna Maria Island,

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Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, copy editor Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Terry O’Connor, terryo@islander.org Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Ed Scott, edscott@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, manager Christi Burton accounting@islander.org classifieds@islander.org subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

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it is the sword-wielding, cannon-firing, benevolent crew of the Anna Maria Island Privateers. They were our 2005 choice for Islanders of the Year. Pete Lannon, 2006 Islander of the Year. He brought out the best in the island community. He was a Holmes Beach police officer who mentored our children at Anna Maria Elementary School, where he served as resource officer. He lost a tough battle with cancer that year and he is still missed by many. Following the death of Christine Olson’s 22-yearold daughter, Tiffiany, in a motorcycle crash, Olson found a way to include emergency contact information with driver’s licenses. Olson was named 2007 Islander of the Year. Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, 2008 Islander of the Year. Cheers to the organization that runs the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival and dedicates the proceeds to preserving Cortez. It was an honor for Anna Maria Island to be home to the first lady of Florida, Rhea Chiles. She brought culture and the arts to the Studio at Gulf and Pine and, with the generosity and vision of son Ed Chiles, they were our honorees in 2009. The Geyer family was named our 2010 Islander of the Year. For many years, islanders grew to love Pat Geyer as Miss Duffy. She was known for her quiet humor, as well as her fierce loyalty to family, work, causes, politics and principle. The family was our choice to carry on her legacy as Islander of the year 2010. The Privateers, Islanders of the Year for 2011, are our only repeat winner in 25 years of newsmaking. Much deserved, much applauded and cheered. They brought revelry and excitement to all three cities during 2011, their 40th anniversary year. Arrrrrgh! Here’s to many more years of Privateers. On to 2012, and we came to recognize a crusade

www. islander.org

of sorts by one woman to stock the island pantry. The Roser Church Food Pantry and its chair Pam Leckie — who literally brought the pantry out of a closet to a place of its own — provide significant aid to islanders in need. 2013: Former Anna Maria Commissioner Gene Aubry — a renaissance man. His music, art and architectural talents reach far beyond Anna Maria Island. And for 2014, we honored the effort of one woman — Jeannie Bystrom — to save seabirds and push for better education and protection for wildlife. As we searched for the person who made a difference in our lives in 2015, we came to realize the value of lessons learned from the loss of Sabine MusilBuehler. We pledged to honor her memory and the plight of abused women with the final sunset of the year every year. In 2016, we recognized a grand figure in Moose International and at our local lodge in Bradenton Beach. Ernie Casali made a remarkable difference for the growing lodge and in the lives of islanders through his soft-hearted generosity. For 2017, we recognize the people who made a safe return to Anna Maria Island possible after the evacuation for Hurricane Irma. Please, join us in thanking our “hurricane heroes” and celebrate our choices for past Islanders of the Year. — Bonner Joy

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THE ISLANDER n JAN. 10, 2018 n 7

Writer at work

Author Wyatt Blassingame aka W.B. Rainey moved to Anna Maria in 1936 and, with his wife, raised two daughters. He wrote hundreds of short stories and magazine pieces, as well as four adult novels and nonfiction for young readers. This photo and many other historical images can be found in “Images of America: Anna Maria Island” by Islander publisher Bonner Joy. Islander Courtesy Photo

Romaine’s haunted house and gift shop

The sign introduces the story. The Bradenton Beach house was once home to Romaine’s Gift Shop, which promoted an old ghost story about a young woman who searched after her death for a husband lost at sea. This photo and many other historical images can be found in “Images of America: Anna Maria Island” by Islander publisher Bonner Joy. Islander Courtesy Photo

We’d love to mail you the news!

10&20 years ago In the headlines: Jan. 7, 1998

• Costs to keep the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue in “a safe operating condition” were estimated at $1.1 million by the Florida Department of Transportation. • Ninety-nine percent of the docks on the Cortez waterfront extended over state-owned land and the dock-owners owed the state retroactive to 1991, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

In the headlines: Jan. 9, 2008

• A man checking stone crab traps in Tampa Bay came across a body in the water off Key Royale in Holmes Beach five days after a man from Palm Harbor jumped from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. • An 11-year-old girl was taken by helicopter from Anna Maria to a hospital in St. Petersburg after suffering a head injury during a fall from her skateboard. • Islanders experienced sympathy pains with northern friends and family as daytime temperatures plummeted to the high 30s. The cold snap hit on New Year’s Day and lingered for three days. • Islanders met a December fundraising challenge and, by the end of the year, the Anna Maria Island Community Center collected more than $56,000 for programs. • The Islander classifieds showed island annual rentals of two-bedroom apartments were priced at $900 a month and one-bedroom rentals were leasing for about $750 a month. The issue archives for The Islander can be found online ufdc.ufl.edu. Archived stories can be found online at islander.org.

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Holmes Beach parks committee redoubles dog park efforts

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee is doubling down on efforts to redo the dog park. The committee will double its meeting schedule to twice a month and dedicate its next meeting to finalizing dog park improvement recommendations for the Holmes Beach City Commission. “No more meetings to have meetings,” vowed committee member Joshua Linney. “Meetings to get stuff done.” Committee member Dennis Groh agreed. “We’ve got to come out of that meeting with a plan,” Groh said. “Because if we don’t, we’ll find we’re bogging down.” The Holmes Beach City Commission has allocated $50,000 for dog park improvements in 2018. The committee is collecting estimates for plumbing, canine water stations and landscaping and fencing to expand the park boundaries. The city allocates $5,000 annually for public works maintenance. The dog park on Flotilla Drive, known as Scentral Park, has a pavilion, benches and a water hose. Expanding the park to include more shade trees Pedestrians and cyclists share the Coquina Beach Trail, between Gulf Drive and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, which will soon include 20 new fitness stations. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

contamination concerns. “Personally, I won’t let my dogs drink out of bowls,” she said. Chair Zan Fuller cautioned against a rush to judgment on any dog park improvements while Mayor Bob Johnson is developing a charter for the committee. “I think we need to take baby steps before we do a grandiose plan,” she said. In other action: Fuller and members Groh, Linney, Susan Anderson and Allyson Gillies were joined by Sarah Meaker, who came on board in November as an alternate and was appointed Jan. 3 as a voting member. One alternate slot is open for a mayoral appointment. Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee The committee also is building a base of knowlmember Joshua Linney discusses dog park improvements at the Jan. 3 meeting as chair Zan Fuller and edge with what Groh calls legacy information. “We’re supposedly overseeing the parks,” Groh member Dennis Groh listen. Islander Photo: Terry said. “But do we even know where all the parks O’Connor are?” Groh listed 17 parks under the committee’s purand adding canine activities are suggestions. Linney proposed buying three canine water sta- view, not including the 34-acre Grassy Point Preserve. Some were established as pedestrian pathways, known tions with automatic sensors for filling bowls. “It would be easy to maintain,” Linney said. “It’s as pocket parks. “We don’t have a map of where all the parks are,” very, very low maintenance.” Renee Ferguson expressed reservations by noting Linney said. “I want to map out all the parks.”

Fitness equipment ‘on order’ for Bradenton Beach trail

If you made a new year’s resolution to get fit, you’re in luck. Fitness equipment should finish out the Bradenton Beach Trail in the near future. The project was researched and recommended in 2017 by former members of the Bradenton Beach Scenic WAVES Partnership Committee prior to approval by the city commission. At its Dec. 12 meeting, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved Bradenton Beach’s request for the equipment, not to exceed $15,000. The county will add 20 exercise stations in shaded areas along the bikewalk-run trail that takes a loop from Cortez Beach, through Coquina Beach to Longboat Pass. According to Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, the county

approved and ordered the fitness equipment. In May, the Bradenton Beach commission approved a resolution authorizing then-Mayor Bill Shearon to execute a letter of support and request to the county to provide funds for the fitness equipment. The resolution was required by an interlocal agreement between the island municipalities to obtain funding from an account established by the county from beach concession revenue. Bradenton Beach received signatures from Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson in support of the project. Coquina Beach, including the trail, is regulated and maintained by the county as a public beach. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

BB appoints vice mayor, CRA chair

Having recently filled all the seats on the Bradenton Beach commission, new assignments for commissioners were needed. At the Jan. 4 city meeting, Mayor John Chappie nominated Commissioner Marilyn Maro — starting the second year of her two-year term — for vice mayor, Chappie’s prior title during his term as Ward 4 commissioner. The vice mayor position includes leading city meetings in the absence of the mayor. Chappie said since Maro is a full-time resident and retired, she would be the best choice. “Marilyn has really done a great job this year and she’s around all the time, too,” Chappie said. Maro was approved by the commission to serve as vice mayor. The commission also nominated and

reappointed Commissioner Ralph Cole as community redevelopment agency chair. Cole, who was selected by a commission vote to serve another term as commissioner after losing the November 2017 election to Commissioner Randy White, previously served as CRA chair. Chappie said he wanted Cole to continue the work the CRA started last year, citing the recently updated plan for the historic district. Maro nominated Cole for the position and the vote was unanimous to reappoint him CRA chair. Commissioner Jake Spooner was appointed CRA vice chair. The next commission meeting will be at noon Thursday, Jan. 18, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Bradenton Beach Commissioners Ralph Cole, left, and Marilyn Maro listen Jan. 4 as Mayor John Chappie begins the process of appointing a vice mayor, CRA chair and vice chair. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 10, 2018 n 9

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

Thieves market set for Jan. 13

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will host a Thieves Market 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Vendors will offer unique merchandise and wares and the Privateers will serve food and beverages and a good time. Additional markets will be held Saturdays, Feb. 10 and March 10. Proceeds benefit scholarships for collegebound youth and also the Privateers’ “kids and community” programs. For more information, call Privateer Cindy “Bubbles” Swagger at 941-747-5968.

Travel to center for ‘Taste of Sicily’

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The Center of Anna Maria Island will bring a “Taste of Sicily” to Magnolia Avenue Friday, Jan. 12. The “lunch and learn” program will be 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. An announcement said the presentation will “dig deep into the art, cultural and food history” of Sicily. “The class will discuss traveling on the island, what sites are interesting and view photos of Sicily’s architecture, art and, of course, food.” The speaker will be chef Robert Gaglio of Italian Culinary Tours, a specialty travel company that leads tours of Italy, and Ciao Bella Productions, a catering company. Soprano Joy Leitner, an artist-in-residence with the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, will perform during the program. Registration is required by Wednesday, Jan. 10. The cost is $15 for members and $35 for nonmembers. For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

Center calling bingo

Are you game? The Center of Anna Maria Island will host bingo games the second and fourth Fridays of the month through March. Games will begin at 6 p.m. Jan.12, Jan. 26, Feb. 9, Feb. 23, March 9 and March 23 at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The cost is $10 for 10 cards. The center will be selling and “renting” blotters for $1, as well as offering wine, beer and other refreshments. Center board chair David Zaccagnino will be a guest caller. For more, call the center at 941-778-1908.

Jeff Rodgers of the South Florida Museum will lecture Thursday, Jan. 11, at the Island Library in Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo

Island Library lecture series opens Jan. 11

The Friends of the Island Library will open its annual Travel and Lecture Series Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, with a talk by Jeff Rodgers of the South Florida Museum. The lecture, and others in the series, will be at 2 p.m. Rodgers’ talk is titled “Reinventing the Museum.” He is the provost and chief operating officer of the South Florida Museum in downtown Bradenton and he will lecture on the museum’s “past, present and future.” Other lectures this month include: • Jan. 18, Paul Ferber, “The Prickly Topic — Politics.” • Jan. 25, Sally Snowman, “The Boston Light Keeper.” The library is at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the library at 941-7786341.

Library brings authors to the lobby

The Island Library will host a series of opportunities to meet and greet local authors this month. The first artist event at the library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will be 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, featuring Judy Allen, author of “Around the Bend with Lou,” and Alice Moerk, author of “Ain’s Song.” Sieglinde Martin, author of “Small Feet on the Run,” will visit with library patrons in the lobby 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. Cathy Slusser, author of “From a Heavenly Land,” will be in the lobby Wednesday, Jan. 24, and “Come Home” author Patricia Gussin will be at the library 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25. For more information, call the library at 941-7786341.

Players warm up winter laughter

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Cast members Sylvia Marnie, left, Peter Ruscoe, Jeffrey Steiger, Judi King and Heiko Knipfelberg rehearse a scene from “Beyond a Joke” at the Island Players theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. The play runs Thursday, Jan. 11-Sunday, Jan. 28. The theater is dark Mondays. Tickets are $20. For more information, call the box office at 941-785755. Islander Photo: Courtesy Island Players

Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 10, 2018 n 11

ArtWalks begin Jan. 12

Telling tales

The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez will offer a class in storytelling at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23. Students will learn about types of Florida folklore, including African-American, Florida cracker and Seminole folk tales. Students also will learn the techniques of telling tales. Class registration is required by Tuesday, Jan. 16. The fee is $20. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or visit the museum at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Islander Courtesy Photo

Senior Adventures plan ‘lunch and learn’

Senior Adventures will gather at the Center of Anna Maria Island at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, for a “lunch and learn” program. The topic will be travel to Sicily. For more info, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

Irish Ceili dancers begin winter program

The Anna Maria Irish Ceili dancers will begin their winter dancing socials Tuesday, Jan. 9, at the Sandpiper Mobile Resort, 2601 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. The dancing will take place 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays through the end of March. All — including beginners — are welcome to attend. For more information, call Judy McClarren at 941779-1416.

The Holmes Beach Art District will again feature its annual ArtWalks from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. the second Friday of the month, Jan. 12-April 13. Participating art galleries and retail businesses include Waterline Marina Resort, Restless Natives, Artists’ Guild Gallery, Anna Maria Island Art League, Island Gallery West and SteamDesigns. These locations will feature special exhibits of local art, complimentary refreshments, music and fun for all those who enjoy strolling through downtown Holmes Beach. Friday, Jan. 12, the plans include: Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club Gallery, 5325 Marina Drive, will feature local artists Maro Lorimer, Deborah Webster, Jean Blackburn and Cory Wright offering their interpretations of our local waters in oil, acrylic and mixed-media paintings. Restless Natives, 5416 Marina Drive, will sell gift and home decor items and exhibit the artwork of a number of local artists. Meet and greet local artists Tish Mihelarakis, art glass, and Karen Prunier, pottery, who will demonstrate their skills. Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, 5414 Marina Drive, will exhibit Mariarosa Rockefeller’s watercolors and pastels and Roger Rockefeller’s pen-and-ink, colored pencil and watercolor paintings. The Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., will feature a juried photography show, “Past To Present.” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, will feature Marlane Wurzbach’s newest acrylic paintings in an exhibit entitled “New Horizons” and host musician Chip Ragsdale. SteamDesigns, Suite 600, 5343 Gulf Drive, will feature large format photographic works by photographer Nick Donatelli, a native Floridian. For more information, call IGW at 941-7786648.

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Ann and Bill Walsh offer dance instruction during gatherings of the Anna Maria Irish Ceili dancers in February. Islander Courtesy Photos

Brian Bonner plays the accordion and provides live music during dances.

Join us for OPEN HOUSE 9-4 Friday Jan. 12 and 9-noon Saturday Jan. 13.

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Friday, Jan. 12 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Lunch and Learn: Taste of Sicily, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Registration required. Information: 941-778-1908. Saturday, Jan. 13 10:30 a.m. — Jane Keeling demonstrates painting water birds, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Thursday, Jan. 11 1-3 p.m. — Meet the author with Judy Allen and Alice Moerk, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341. 2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library lecture with Jeff Rodgers of South Florida Museum, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, Jan. 12 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art Walk, downtown Holmes Beach, various venues on Marina and Gulf drives. Information: 941-778-6648. Saturday, Jan. 13 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — 22nd annual Holmes Beach Arts and Crafts Show to beneďŹ t Wildlife Inc. of Bradenton Beach, city ďŹ eld, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Also takes place Sunday, Jan. 14. Information: 941-778-6324 ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Throughout January, Marlane Wurzbach exhibits her artwork in “New Horizons,â€? Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. • Throughout January, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits the work of Mariarosa and Roger Rockefeller, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. • Throughout January, the Anna Maria Island Art League presents “Past to Present Photography,â€? 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-2099. • Jan. 11-28, Island Players present “Beyond a Joke,â€? 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-5755.

Craft market benefits island wildlife center

• Jan. 10-Feb. 4, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island exhibit, Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. “Dialogue of an Artist,â€? Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Saturday, Jan. 13 Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6694. 7 a.m. — Anna Maria Elementary School Dolphin Dash 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Run, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI applies. Information: 941-405-2972. Jan. 28, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, Anna ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Maria. Feb. 18, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. March 8-25, Island Players’ “The Curious Savage,â€? Anna • Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Maria. March 10-11, Anna Maria Island Art League Springfest juried Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: arts and crafts festival, Holmes Beach. March 11, Roser Memorial 941-708-6130. Community Church concert, Anna Maria. March 25, Roser Memorial • Fridays, usually at 1 p.m., mahjong games, Island Library, Community Church concert, Anna Maria. 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Second and fourth Fridays, 6-8 p.m., bingo games, Center ONGOING OFF AMI of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. • Through Jan. 21, “Aftermath: The Fallout of Warâ€? exhibit fea- Information: 941-778-1908. turing work by Lynsey Addario, Jananne Al-Ani, Jennifer Karady, • Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, Gloriann Liu, Rania Matar, Eman Mohammed, Farah Nosh, Suzanne 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Opton, Michal Rovner, Stephen Dupont, Ben Lowy and Simon Nor• Tuesdays, 12:15 p.m., duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church folk, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. 941-779-0881. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Feb. 17-18, 2018, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage’s • First and third Wednesdays usually, Roser Memorial CommuCortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. Feb. 25, Anna Maria nity Church GolďŹ ng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El ConIsland Concert Chorus and Orchestra Broadway and Beyond con- quistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414. cert, Bradenton. March 25, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and • Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., ACBL Open Orchestra Opera Concert, Bradenton. Pairs Duplicate Bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Fee apples. Information: 941-216-9600. KIDS & FAMILY LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI

ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Feb. 24, 2018, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training home opener, Saturday, Jan. 13 Bradenton. April 4, 2018, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island golf 10 a.m. — Origami crafting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, tournament, Bradenton. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. CLUBS & Tuesday, Jan. 16 10 a.m. — Preschool Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina COMMUNITY Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND ONGOING ON AMI Wednesday, Jan. 10 • Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe Noon — Coloring club gathering, Island Library, 5701 Marina Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Tuesdays, 3:15 p.m., after-school children’s choir, Roser Friday, Jan. 12 Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Informa2 p.m. — Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, Island Library, tion: 941-778-0414. 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • TerriďŹ c Tuesdays for community and families, 5:30 p.m., Roser Saturday, Jan. 13 Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Informa8 a.m.-3 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, tion: 941-778-0414. Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-747-5968. GAMES, SPORTS 8-11 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church pancake breakfast, fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: & OUTDOORS 941-778-0414. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

The 22nd annual Holmes Beach Arts and Crafts Show will benefit the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach. The crafts market will take place 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, and Sunday, Jan. 14, at city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Tuesday, Jan. 16 For more information, call Wildlife Inc. at 941- Wednesday, Jan. 10 2 p.m. — Tech help, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes 4 p.m. — Chess club gathering, Island Library, 5701 Marina 778-6324.

Roser to sizzle pancakes, sausage for breakfast

Dick Gilmore, chair of Roser’s trustee board, left, and the Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef, pastor at Roser Memorial Community Church, work the griddle during a 2016 pancake breakfast. Islander Courtesy Photo

The public is invited to Roser Memorial Community Church’s pancake breakfast 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, in the fellowship hall. For $6, diners can enjoy pancakes, syrup, sausage, applesauce, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee or tea. There is no charge for children under the age of 5. Proceeds will go toward upgrading the church’s kitchen equipment. Roser is seeking cooks and servers for its pancake breakfast. People also are needed for cleanup. Also, Roser’s Guild Thrift Shop will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The church is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

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Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Wednesday, Jan. 17 Noon — Anna Maria Island Garden Club meeting, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6758.

breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. • Second Wednesdays during season, Off Stage Ladies meet• Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941- ing and luncheon, various venues, Bradenton. Information: 941-9322798. 518-1965.

ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI

• Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Anna Maria Island Historical Society sales of Settlers Bread, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-0492. • Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m., Anna Maria Irish Ceili social dances, Sandpiper Mobile Resort, 2601 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1416. • Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Manatee County Veteran Services Divisions counseling and assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. • Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. • Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island

Feb. 1, St. Bernard Women’s Guild fashion show, Holmes Beach. Feb. 10, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. Feb. 15-17, Friends of the Island Library annual book sale, Anna Maria. March 3, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Day Festival, Anna Maria. March 10, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. March 21, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Penny Flower Show, Anna Maria. April 18, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Fashion Show, Anna Maria.

Garden club to learn about landscaping for wildlife

Cortez museum opens Sumi-e exhibit

• Monday, Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. • Tuesday, Feb. 13, Fat Tuesday. • Wednesday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. • Monday, Feb. 19, Presidents Day. • Sunday, April 1, Easter.

GET LISTED

OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

pancake breakfasts. Information: 941-778-0414.

The Florida Maritime Museum will exhibit “Sumi-e by the Sea,” featuring works by members of the Sarasota chapter of Sumi-e Society of America Inc. The exhibit will continue through Feb. 22. An opening reception will be 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan.13. The watercolors are maritime-themed. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more information, call Rosalee McDonald at 944-761-7890.

Island Dems to meet for lunch, political talk Jan. 15

The Anna Maria Island Democratic Club will meet at 11:15 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, at the IMG Academy Golf Club Clubhouse, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. The club members will gather for lunch, a meeting and to hear comments by Claire Snyder hall, a political theorist and communications consultant. Her topic will be “Whither Democrats — 2018?” The buffet lunch will be $17 for members and $20 for nonmembers. For more information, call Harry Kamberis at 941779-0564.

Phil Vassar Colton Dixon 7 pm Jan. 14 7:30 pm Jan. 19

FUN FUNFOOD Daily Entertainment The Dennis Lee Show Rock-It the Robot Show-Me Pig Racer

SAVE THE DATES

Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and descripWednesday, Jan. 10 11:30 a.m. — Off Stage Ladies luncheon and program, Elks tion of the event, as well as a phone number for publication. Lodge, 2511 75th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941GOOD DEEDS 932-2798. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Monday, Jan. 15 11:15 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Democratic Club meeting and Looking for volunteer opportunities on or around Anna Maria luncheon, IMG Academy Golf Club Clubhouse, 4350 El Conquista- Island? These organizations are seeking help: dor Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-779-0564. • Roser Memorial Community Church seeks volunteers for its

The Anna Maria Garden Club will meet at noon Wednesday, Jan. 17, in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The program will feature a talk by Craig Huegel about landscaping for wildlife. Special events on the club’s calendar include: • Penny flower show, 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 21. • Fashion show, noon Wednesday, April 18. For more information, call Charlotte Noyes at 941778-6758.

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14 n JAN. 10, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

MPO sets 2018 priorities: island roads, bridges

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The direction of roads and bridges on Anna Maria Island will take a turn to the future in 2018. “It’s our No. 1 priority,� said Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac. “Create more capacity.� Island road and bridge updates were included in a Florida Department of Transportation presentation Dec. 18, 2017, for the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization before roughly 50 people. The meeting lasted nearly three hours. “There are some proposals bubbling through the process,� said David Hutchinson, MPO executive director. “I don’t know if any of them will get legs, as they say. We shall see.� It’s certain, however, a key decision will be made on what kind of bridge will link the island to Cortez and the mainland on Cortez Road West. Although the DOT projected the Cortez Bridge decision would be made by Thanksgiving 2017, DOT spokesman Zachary Burch said it still is not a done deal. “At this point, we do not have a final decision yet,� Burch said in a Dec. 27 email. Cortez Bridge on State Road 684-Cortez Road West spans the Intracoastal Waterway at Bradenton

DOT plans to deliver traffic study phase 2 results

Two phases down, one to go. The Sarasota-Manatee barrier islands study by the Florida Department of Transportation on improving traffic flow and island-to-mainland connections is moving into its final phase. Phase 2 results, which include traffic data, land use and parking studies, will be discussed at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Traffic findings, congestion hot spots and parking evaluations will be discussed by DOT personnel. Comments from the Dec. 5 public meeting also will be presented. Phase 3 will involve final DOT recommendations to improve traffic flow. The DOT presented 64 preliminary suggestions. The study is expected to conclude in the summer. — Terry O’Connor

A dedicated eastbound turn lane from southbound 119th Street West onto Cortez Road West is outlined by protective raised concrete curbs, said Jestin Abraham of the DOT. The five-year DOT work program budget for 201822 for Manatee County is estimated at $441,727,289. Anna Maria Island-related projects include $10 million to start work on the Cortez Bridge, $4.3 million for Longboat Pass Bridge repairs, $2.15 million for a road-repair study from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to North Shore Road on Longboat Key, $1.1 million for a bridge replacement on State Road 789 through Perico Bay Boulevard, $1.1 million for the Anna Maria Island Bridge, $993,771 for an intersection lighting retrofit along 8 miles of Cortez Road Jestin Abraham of the Florida DOT reports Dec. West, and $208,725 for Holmes Beach traffic signal 18 the left turn adjustment at 119th Street West and reimbursement. Cortez Road has been completed. Islander Photo: The MPO was created in the 1950s to provide a Terry O’Connor local voice for the state on transportation issues. “It’s been a very productive year,â€? said HutchinBeach. The 90-foot wide bascule has a vertical clear- son. “We’re looking forward to the year ahead.â€? ance of 22 feet when closed. A joint meeting with the Charlotte County-Punta Three options are possible. Gorda MPO will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. The DOT could repair the 1957-built bridge for an 22, at the Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis estimated $10.7 million and increase its life span 10 Ave., Venice. years. The DOT has expressed its preference for a 65-foot Barrier island trafďŹ c study at a glance The Florida Department of Transportation is conclearance fixed bridge replacement with a projected ducting a three-phase study to improve traffic flow 75-year life span for an estimated $72 million. Many Cortez residents have lobbied DOT to build on the Sarasota/Manatee barrier islands and islanda 35-foot vertical-clearance drawbridge at an estimated to-mainland connections. Here’s where the $675,000 cost of $105 million. It, too, would have a projected study is now: Phase 1: Recommendations from previous studies 75-year life span. The decision and an announcement is expected in evaluated for possible use. Completed. Phase 2: Traffic data and parking studies quantified the first quarter of 2018. The $675,000 barrier island traffic study will con- issues on island roadways. Concluded with 64 recomclude in 2018, too, and already it has provided dozens mendations. Public meeting Jan. 26. Phase 3: Develop transportation management plan of preliminary road-improvement suggestions. Burch said input received at the steering committee and recommendations to improve traffic flow. In progmeeting at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at the Longboat ress. Unique element: Factor in needs of seasonal visiIsland Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat tors. Key, will be taken into account for phase three. Hutchinson said the third and final phase of the traffic study will conclude with a final round of public meetings. One road change was completed in December. The orange barrier cones are gone from the intersection of •• • • Cortez Road West and 119th Street West, and so is the • • • left turn from eastbound Cortez onto northbound 119th Street West. A sign is posted indicating such a turn is now illegal.

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THE ISLANDER n Jan. 10, 2018 n 15

Bradenton Beach LDC amendments in hot seat

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The new year is off and running, and Bradenton Beach commissioners are keeping pace. City officials are wrapping up amendments to the land development code that could help ease problems by regulating vacation rentals. At their Jan. 4 meeting, commissioners and the mayor heard the first readings of several LDC amendments, including a discussion of swimming pool accessories and buffers. Concerns have been raised regarding noise problems caused by people using swimming pools and the associated “accouterments,� including pools slides, diving boards and waterfall features, according to city planner Alan Garrett. The proposed amendment would prohibit constructing new pools with such features. Pool features already in place could be maintained until they are deemed unsafe, at which point permitting for repair or replacement would be prohibited. With the 2016 amendments to the LDC, setbacks for pools in the residential R1 and R2 districts were reduced from 10 feet to 3 feet. However, the 10-foot setbacks were retained in the residential R3 district. The board reached consensus Jan. 4 to change the setbacks back to 10 feet surrounding pools in all three residential districts, with a 3-foot-wide landscape buffer zone. Additionally, the mayor and commissioners discussed whether a pool should be considered an impervious surface, which then would count toward lot coverage for building purposes. Currently, outdoor pools are not included in calculating lot coverage. Garrett clarified that pools already in place would be grandfathered. Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Marilyn Maro and Randy White agreed pools should count as impervious lot coverage, while Commissioners Ralph

Cole and Jake Spooner disagreed. Spooner voiced concerns. “If you make it impervious, some people wouldn’t be able to have a pool,� Spooner said. The change will be submitted for a hearing and final reading at a special meeting at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at city hall. The commission also heard the first reading of a set of amendments to the LDC recommended by the P&Z board, to help with noise, parking and trash issues in the city. The first reading was approved 4-1, with Spooner voting “nay,� again citing concerns with impervious surfaces. Additionally, the commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to establish a mixed-use bridge commercial overlay district, as recommended by the planning and zoning board. The new district will combine the previous Bridge Street, Third Street South and First Street North overlay districts and portions of the Gulf Drive overlay district so properties with decreased setbacks will no longer be non-conforming. Both final readings will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at city hall. In attorney business, the commission unanimously approved the first reading of an extension of the building moratorium. The moratorium, which was approved Nov. 8, 2016, by a supermajority of the electorate, halted permitting and construction for six months for homes containing more than four bedrooms in the city’s R-1 and R-2 residential zones. It has since been extended three times, for three months each time, while the city commission works with the planning and zoning board on land development code amendments — regulations on future construction in the city. If the final reading is approved as planned Jan. 18, the moratorium will expire March 7.

3ATURDAY AND 3UNDAY s *AN

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Perry said Jan. 4 if the final readings of the LDC amendments are approved, the moratorium will “effectively terminate� in February, upon conclusion of the commission’s work on the LDC. “This is kind of the final thing to bring everything together,� Chappie said. “But, we’re there. We’re where we wanted to be on this journey with the moratorium.� The next commission meeting will be at noon Thursday, Jan. 18, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Bradenton Beach hires new clerk

Ruth Stief of Bradenton attends a Bradenton Beach meeting after being hired by the city to succeed Marie Montoya as a deputy clerk. Stief started work Jan. 2. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

County fair opens Jan. 11

The Manatee County Fair opens Thursday, Jan. 11, and continues through Sunday, Jan. 21, in Palmetto. Presents promise “good food, good rides, good times.’ Events will include a cheerleading competition Monday, Jan. 15, a steer show Thursday, Jan. 18, a whip-popping contest Saturday, Jan. 20 and a barbecue contest also Jan. 20. Daily entertainers include the Dennis Lee Show and Rock-It the Robot. Admission will be $8 for those ages 13-54, $5 for children 6-12 and $7 for those 55 and older. The fairgrounds is at 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto. For more information, go online to manateecountyfair.com or call 941-722-8951.

this FRIDAY 6

To benefit Wildlife Inc. Located at the Holmes Beach City Hall Field

1. Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club 5325 Marina Drive 2. Restless Natives 5416 Marina Drive 3. Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island 5414 Marina Drive 4. AMI Art League 5312 Holmes Boulevard 5. Island Gallery West 5368 Gulf Drive 6. SteamDesigns GiclÊe Studio 5343 Gulf Drive 5:30 –7:30

16 n JAN. 10, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Obituaries

GoodDeeds

Mary Elizabeth Adams McGrath

Mary Elizabeth Adams McGrath, 87, of Holmes Beach, died Dec. 23. She was born Jan. 30, 1930, in Tallahassee to Sam and Alice Adams. Her family moved in 1945 to Anna Maria, where they were active in the early days of Roser Church. After graduation in 1947 from Manatee High School, she moved to New McGrath York City where she began her secretarial career and subsequently completed college. She eventually moved with her family to the Milwaukee area, where her two sons were raised. After marriage to Frank in Chicago, where they have a home at Sherwin on the Lake, she held medical secretarial positions. She was a guardian ad litum and was an active supporter of her husband’s various involvements. Since retirement in 2000, they spent most of the year in Holmes Beach, where she resumed close family ties with her large family. She again became a guardian ad litum, supported the work of CITI Ministries and was a regular member of Inquiring Minds. She was always quick to respond to the needs of all she came to know. She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Holmes Beach, where a liturgical service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. A reception will follow. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the church or

At your service

Obituaries are provided as a community service in The Islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to Anna Maria Island. Information may be submitted to news@islander. org. Paid obituaries are available by calling sales rep Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978. Founded 1956

Goodness and goodies from Georgia

Lisa Williams of Moonracer Animal Rescue joins two canine friends, Dolly and Babette, in examining the goodies donated by the dog’s owner, Pam Host of Lilburn, Georgia. The donation to the nonprofit took place at The Islander newspaper office in Holmes Beach, where Williams is the office manager. Islander Photo: Toni Lyon cause of your choice. Condolences may be made online at brownandsonsfuneral.com. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Francis “Frank” McGrath; sons Thomas Condie and wife Nancy of Miami and Christopher Condie of Seattle; brothers John and wife Laurie Adams of Holmes Beach, James and wife Judy Adams of Anna Maria and Rick and wife Peggy Adams of Atlanta; Joan and Jay Pruce of Sarasota; many nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law Madeleine McGrath Grant. Robert G. Taylor, 87, of Anna Maria, died Nov. 2, 2017. A memorial service was held Jan. 6 at GriffithCline Funeral Home in Bradenton. Condolences for may be made online at griffithcline.com.

Roser Memorial Community Church’s JOY/ Just Older Youth group will learn about Port Manatee during a program at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10. The group will host either Port Manatee deputy executive director Dave Sanford or marketing manager Victoria Zimmermann. Attendees are asked to bring a brown-bag lunch to the meeting in the fellowship hall at Roser, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. On Jan. 24, JOY participants will tour the port. For more information, call 941-778-0414.

NOTE: The Islander office has moved to the Anna Maria Island Centre, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Look for us adjacent to Walgreens.

SubmitAll your are community welcomenews to news@islander.org.

Robert G. Taylor

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THE ISLANDER n JAN. 10, 2018 n 17

In memoriam

Many issues of The Islander contain obituaries — notices of the deaths of family, friends, colleagues and neighbors who made a difference in the lives of islanders. Here is a look back at some of the friends and notables who left us in 2017: Laura JoAnn Mattick, 81, Anna Maria, died Jan. 10. She served as an Anna Maria city commissioner 2007-2012. Before even being elected to her first term, she wrote a grant to fund the Anna Maria City Pier boardwalk, gazebos and landscaping, the largest grant in the city’s history. Later, as a commissioner, she participated in the planning and completion of the boardMattick walk. Her goals were to beautify the Historic Anna Maria City Pier in a manner consistent with “old Florida charm” and to ensure a place for older and mobility-challenged people to enjoy Anna Maria’s waterfront vista. Jane Grossman of Holmes Beach died Feb. 21. She was the first policewoman on the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, police force. She was a real estate agent and broker, held an insurance license, owned a beauty parlor, several boutiques, a bakery, several motels and an antique store. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Alabama. She was an activist and, in Grossman the early 1990s, she founded a nonprofit civil rights organization in Sarasota, Friends of Unity in the Community, in Sarasota. She was active in politics and ran 16 political campaigns, including husband Marvin’s successful bid for city commission. Marie Franklin, 76 of Holmes Beach, died Feb. 25. She was born Nov. 2, 1940, in Tampa, to the late Bennie and Antoinette Scanio. She was a longtime resident of Anna Franklin

Maria Island, having moved here with her family at the age of 5. She was the owner of Anna Maria Realty for many years and started working as a broker when the agency was known as Blassingame Realty. Retired U.S. Navy Cdr. James W. “Jim” Kissick Jr., 92, of Bradenton Beach, died Feb. 24. He was born on Terra Ceia Island in 1924 and, after Kissick graduating high school, joined the U.S. Navy, serving in combat in World War II. He had a military career as a flyer and then a corporate career. While living on the island, he twice was elected a commissioner in Bradenton Beach and he was active in many civic groups. Bernard “Rex” Hagen, 89, of Anna Maria, died June 17. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. A self-made business Hagen owner, he started Superior Sample Company in 1957 in Ligonier, Indiana. He was a member of many fraternal organizations, including the Moose, Elks, Shriners, VFW and American Legion, and he was a major supporter of island organizations and causes. Betty Helwig Yanger, 79, of Anna Maria, died Aug. 10. She was a director emeritus of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, serving on the board from 2003 and for a time as the director of its museum on Pine Avenue. She was passionate about protecting the Yanger historical significance of Anna Maria and was an outspoken champion of identifying, preserving and celebrating the unique character and charm of many of its original homes and buildings. Billie Martini died Aug. 20. She had served as a Holmes Beach city commissioner and was a commuMartini nity activist who earned recognition

Open House

The ROD and REEL RESORT

RENOVATION CELEBRATION! THURSDAY, JANUARY 11TH 5:30-8:30 PM

Please join us at the new and luxurious ROD AND REEL RESORT! John and Suzette look forward to thanking our talented and dedicated contractor team whose efforts contributed to this landmark project and also our supportive local community neighborhood at the Rod and Reel Pier. Transportation from Bayfront Park will be provided by the Monkey Bus. All Are Welcome - See You There!

as The Islander’s Islander of the Year in 2002. She moved to Anna Maria in 1944 and lived in Bradenton Beach for 16 years before settling in Holmes Beach. She left her mark as a leader in the campaign against a “megabridge” with Save Anna Maria Inc. Her legacy resulted from her quest to preserve nature at Grassy Point Preserve. Robert W. “Rob” Velardi, 56, of Bradenton, died Aug. 29. He was a 20-year veteran of the Holmes Beach Police Department and served for two years as the school resource officer at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach. He was born in New York, loved sports and was an avid Yankees fan — and a friend to many on his beat. — Lisa Neff Velardi Editor’s Note: I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the April 5 death of my son, Damon J. Presswood. He grew up on Anna Maria Island, attended Anna Maria Elementary School, played every sport they offered at the community center, including tennis lessons with his sister, Kendra. As a kid, he loved visiting the piers. His destiny was to be a chef, starting his career at Harry’s Continental Kitchens at about age 13, and then Ivo’s Fine Dining and 13 years mentoring under chef Augie Morzowski at Cafe L’Europe. Together we opened Ooh La La! Bistro in Holmes Beach, where he left his mark on fine dining with customers who still recall their favorite fare. Presswood He moved to Sysco as head chef for the food industry giant’s Ellenton plant and a career in teaching, innovating and mentoring Sysco customers, Tampa Bay-area restaurants. His final job was at Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Bradenton Beach pier — a homecoming of sorts. It was short-lived, but he was thankful to John Horne for the opportunity. His legacy is his daughter, my granddaughter Josey. — Bonner Joy

18 n Jan. 10, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

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Authorities investigate charges in Anna Maria altercation By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has asked the 12th Circuit State Attorney to file charges against a Palmetto man who allegedly threatened police prior to an officer-involved shooting in Anna Maria. The possible charges stem from a Dec. 30, 2017, altercation between Douglas Schofield, 45, and an MCSO deputy and officers from Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach after law enforcement learned he had threatened to kill himself on Anna Maria Island. Reports indicate a relative of Schofield told authorities about his intentions. David Bristow, MCSO public information director, said Jan. 4 the agency asked the prosecutor to consider aggravated assault charges against Schofield. The state attorney also will receive the findings from an ongoing Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation aimed at determining whether law enforcement committed any criminal violation, accord-

Anna Maria to soften stance on signs Many marketers say “advertising pays.” A-frame sandwich signs at Anna Maria businesses may make a comeback. The city of Anna Maria held a first hearing Jan. 5 on an amendment to the sign ordinance that would permit businesses to use one A-frame outdoor sandwich sign. Commissioner Doug Copeland said in December that multiple business owners requested the ability to advertise on the pop-up signs in order to increase foot traffic to their stores while the Anna Maria City Pier is closed. The pier has been closed since Hurricane Irma passed Sept. 10-11, rendering the pier “totally destroyed” according to the terms of the lease between the city and Mario Schoenfelder. The amendment would be in place for one year or until the pier re-opens, whichever occurs first. A similar resolution was presented for immediate approval. However, at the request of Commissioner Nancy Yetter, who was absent with excuse, the commission tabled the resolution to the next city commission meeting. The resolution and a final hearing and vote on the sign ordinance amendment will be on the agenda at the next city commission meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. — Bianca Benedí

Waste Pro to hike rates in Holmes Beach

Waste Pro of Florida Inc. is raising rates 3.23 percent for commercial service in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach effective Feb. 1. Residential rates will go up between 2-3 percent. Actual prices will vary depending on container size and frequency of service. Customers will soon receive notification letters from Waste Pro. The rates cover solid waste and recycling collection and disposal. Sean Jennings of Waste Pro said the increase follows a change in the Manatee County disposal charge from $36 to $40 per ton, and increases in employee and vehicle-operating expenses. Jennings directed all questions to holmesbeach@wasteprousa.com. — Terry O’Connor

Roadwatch

Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation posted the following notice for the week of Jan. 8: • State Road 789/Gulf Drive from SR 64/Manatee Avenue to SR 684/Cortez Road: Manatee County crews are replacing force mains and water mains. For more information about the project, go online to amipipereplacement.com. For the latest road watch information, go online to www.fl511.com or dial 511.

ing to FDLE spokesman Jeremy Burns. Officers found Schofield at about 7:25 p.m. inside a vehicle in the city parking lot at Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue and police ordered him to exit the vehicle. He allegedly confronted officers with a knife in one hand and a hatchet in another, asking: “Which one of you wants to die tonight?” according to HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer, who had responded to the scene. Tokajer said Schofield turned after the threat toward BBPD Officer Eric Hill, who allegedly shot Schofield in the torso. An MCSO deputy also fired an electronic control weapon. “This happened on the island, but there’s no connection with the island but for the altercation,” Bristow said. EMS transported Schofield to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, where he was treated for the gunshot wound, according to reports. FDLE interviewed Hill Jan. 3 and, according to BBPD Chief Sam Speciale, it went well for him.

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria Dec. 21, Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., property damage. A man valeted his car and the valet reported it was damaged. The owner later claimed it was damaged while in the care of the valet. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Bradenton Beach Dec. 21, Sandpiper Resort Co-op, 2601 Gulf Drive, unlicensed contractor. A contractor was issued a notice to appear in court after a Manatee County code enforcement investigation. Dec. 31, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive, N., domestic disturbance. An argument between a couple visiting from Alabama turned physical when the woman poured a beer over the man’s head. The pair went to their car, where the woman allegedly struck the

PropertyWatch

Island real estate sales

By Jesse Brisson Special to The Islander 212 82nd St., Holmes Beach, a 2,366 sfla / 3,083 sfur 5bed/4bath/2car pool home built in 2016 on a 8,100 sq ft lot was sold 11/16/17, Lalonde to 212 82nd St. LLC for $1,475,000. 645 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, a 2,679 sfla / 3,405 sfur 3bed/2bath/2car bayfront home built in 1968 on a 16,631 sq ft lot was sold 11/09/17, Accardi to Masters for $1,400,000; list $1,400,000. 700 Jacaranda Road, Anna Maria, a 1,924 sfla / 3,704 sfur 4bed/2½bath/2car canalfront pool home built in 1984 on a 7,500 sq ft lot was sold 11/22/17, Thomas to Hrebinko for $1,265,000; list $1,295,000. 106 36th St., Unit 3, Palm Gables, Holmes Beach, a 2,140 sfla / 4,478 sfur 3bed/2½bath/1car Gulffront condo with shared pool built in 2006 was sold 11/20/17, Clifford to Hoffman for $1,150,000; list $1,250,000. 207 70th St., Holmes Beach, a 2,014 sfla / 2,660 sfur 4bed/4bath duplex with pool built in 1966 on a 9,180 sq ft lot was sold 11/14/17, Smitbett LLC to Lamsi LLC for $1,035,000. 210 72nd St., Holmes Beach, a 844 sfla / 1,326 sfur 2bed/1bath home built in 1971 on a 11,340 sq ft lot was sold 11/09/17, Britt to 210 & 212 72nd St. LLC for $1,000,000; list $1,100,000. 2313 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach, a 2,614 sfla / 2,813 sfur 5bed/5bath home built in 1951 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 11/07/17, Espinet to Gordon for $810,000; list $850,000. 229 85th St., Holmes Beach, a 1.136 sfla / 2,060 sfur 2bed/2bath/1car home built in 1959 on a 9,000 sq ft lot was sold 10/30/17, Eslib to Tolerton for $519,000; list $526,000. 1325 Gulf Drive N., Unit 267, Tortuga, Bradenton Beach, a 1,392 sfla / 1,560 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 2006 was sold 12/01/17, Casa Cortez LLC to Bell for $495,000; list $495,000. 1325 Gulf Drive N., Unit 167, Tortuga, Bradenton

Hill was on administrative leave the first week in January and expected to return Jan. 8 to desk duty, the chief said. The last officer-involved shooting on the island was Dec. 5, 2007. Now deceased, former Holmes Beach planning commissioner Sue Normand survived being shot in her Holmes Beach Island Mail & More store. An MCSO deputy found and shot the suspect, Mark Koenigs of Bradenton Beach, in the ankle, leg and groin on the beach in the 300 block of Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach, after he threatened police with a gun. Koenigs was found guilty of aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated assault against law enforcement and sentenced to 25 years for the shooting and 15 years for each aggravated assault count, with some of his sentence running concurrently. He is at the Florida Department of Corrections Northwest Reception Center Annex in Shipley with a 2046 release date, according to the DOC website. man several times in the head, breaking his glasses. Jan. 2, 110 block of Bridge Street, trespass. Bradenton Beach police arrested a 22-year-old from New York and a 23-year-old from New Hampshire for trespassing on the second floor of a building under construction. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez Dec. 21, Cortez Road and 115th Street West, theft. An unknown person stole the tires, rims and wheels valued at $100 from a mountain bike that was left chained at a bus stop. Cortez is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach Dec. 28, 6300 block of Marina Drive, suspended license. Holmes Beach police stopped a man after determining he was driving on a suspended license. He was transported to the HBPD station and later to Manatee County jail. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD.

Beach, a 1,392 sfla / 1,560 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 2006 was sold 11/03/17, Bryant LLP to Morgan for $485,000. 212 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,196 sfla / 1,484 sfur 2bed/2bath home built in 1951 on a 7,540 sq ft lot was sold 11/08/17, Sandmoor LLC to 212 Spring Ave LLC for $480,000; list $480,000. 215 82nd St., Holmes Beach, a 824 sfla / 1,360 sfur 2bed/2bath home built in 1954 on a 8,100 sq ft lot was sold 11/15/17, Angiuli to North Shore Cottage LLC for $475,000; list $489,800. 4255 Gulf Drive, Unit 230, Island Village, Holmes Beach, a 1,254 sfla / 1,482 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1981 was sold 11/02/17, Cass to Pettorini for $407,500; list $435,000. 212 67th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,064 sfla / 1,610 sfur 2bed/1bath/1car home built in 1961 on a 7,875 sq ft lot was sold 11/03/17, Martini to Hohenadel for $401,230. 2208 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach, a 1,241 sfla / 1,313 sfur 2bed/1bath home built in 1959 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 11/17/17, Bachman to Peretz for $378,000. 6250 Holmes Blvd., Unit 24, North Beach Village, Holmes Beach, a 2bed/2½bath/1car condo with shared pool built in 1990 was sold 11/09/17, Pullen to Landers for $350,000; list $399,900. 117 Seventh St. N., Unit 20, Bay View Terrace, Bradenton Beach, a 864 sfla / 912 sfur 2bed/1½bath condo with shared pool built in 1973 sold 11/06/17, McClement to Total Supply LLC for $350,000; list $359,000. 1301 Bay Drive N., Unit 8A, Bay Watch, Bradenton Beach, a 1,079 sfla / 1,225 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1982 was sold 10/31/17, Carson to Winkler for $280,000; list $309,000. 1801 Gulf Drive N., Unit 158, Runaway Bay, Bradenton Beach, a 722 sfla / 782 sfur 1bed/1bath condo with shared pool built in 1978 was sold 11/13/17, Lum to Donahue for $268,000; list $288,900. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria, can be reached at 941-778-7244.

THE ISLANDER n Jan. 10, 2018 n 21

100 swimmers brave Clancy’s Shamrock Shiver for charity

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter What a way to wring in the New Year. Pun intended. Swimmers ran and splashed at noon Jan. 1 into chilly Gulf of Mexico waters in Bradenton Beach for the 10th annual Clancy’s Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge. The water temperature was in the mid 60s. Some swimmers wore costumes for a contest competition, which was won by a bearded “woman” reportedly named “Peggy Garten.” Others wore swimsuits. Many wore grins, others grimaces. “Friends asked us to do it, and we’re from Connecticut, so it isn’t too, too bad,” said Lisa Apicelli of Holmes Beach. “It’s frigid in Connecticut.” It was not a true polar bear plunge, as in some northern states where the mercury fell to double digits below zero on New Year’s Day, but a raw, breezy day with temps in the high 50s probably convinced some fainter hearts to sit this one out. “Typically, it’s not this cold,” said Mel Stowe after gingerly dipping his toe into the surf about 30 minutes before the plunge. Stowe co-owns race organizer Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub & Grill, 6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton Beach, with wife, Rayma. “This is going to hurt,” he said with a smile. Sara Stiles of Bradenton reveals her “Shiver” attire before taking the plunge in the Gulf of Mexico waters Jan. 1 with celebrants from the Irish pub, Clancy’s, on Cortez Road. Islander Photos: Terry O’Connor

Swimmers dove, ran and splashed at noon Jan. 1 into the chilly Gulf of Mexico waters for the 10th annual Clancy’s Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

On a choppy day unfit for small boats, the Shamrock Shiver still attracted roughly 100 people for a brisk New Year’s Day dip. The entry point at the Cortez Beach access is near the Bradenton Beach intersection of Seventh Street South and Gulf Drive. “We have a lot of fun,” said Dennis Goehler of Anna Maria. “We look forward to doing it every year.” The Shamrock Shiver raised $195,911 in its first nine years for Caring for Children Charities, including an estimated $25,000 in 2017. The exact amount of donations this year was not immediately available, but is expected to reach about

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$25,000, according to volunteer Steve Gorin. “Our heart and soul is in it,” Gorin said. “It’s all for needy children.” Caring for Children Charities is a fundraising arm of Florida Winefest & Auction, which helps disadvantaged children in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Mel Stowe said the reason for affiliating his “cause that refreshes” with the Caring for Children Charities remains the same as 10 years ago. “It’s the only charity I know where 100 percent of donations go to the kids,” Stowe said.

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Sea turtle advocate’s legacy found in record-breaking season By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter “He wanted it done right,” Cathy Callen said of her father-in-law Ed Callen, a conservationist who was one of three people to form Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch nearly 35 years ago. A retired New York City firefighter, Ed Callen moved to Anna Maria in 1978. He got involved in saving sea turtles and became executive director of turtle watch in 1985. According to his son Jim, he became passionate about helping sea turtles shortly after witnessing them in the wild. Callen, along with other turtle watch volunteers, would search the beach each morning during nesting season — May-October — looking for tracks indicating a sea turtle nest. Upon discovering a new nest in the sand, Callen and crew often would dig up the eggs and place them in coolers until they hatched. Several years later, regulations and practices changed. The group of sea turtle activists began relocating the eggs in the sand within a large wire cage, about 10 by 10 feet and tall enough to walk in, high up on the beach, for protection from the surf and predators. “He was concerned that the beaches were so shallow and narrow that the eggs were too close to the water and would get washed over with the tides,” Jim Callen said. “That’s why he moved them. He really cared.” When a nest was ready to hatch in the cage, Callen and his associates would activate their “coconut telegraph” to notify people to attend a hatchling release on the beach — another teaching moment. Prior to operating the cages for hatchlings, Callen received permission from then-Mayor Ray Simches to use the old ice-house building at 402 Pine Ave. — now the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum — as a sea turtle nursery. The group installed saltwater tanks in the building

where they raised some of the hatchling loggerheads until they were “the size of dinner plates,” giving them a better chance of survival, according to Jim Callen. Callen would invite children — including his six grandsons — to visit his “turtle house,” where he would share his knowledge of loggerheads. “Children flocked to my dad,” Jim Callen said. “He loved teaching the younger generation to respect wildlife.” However, in the mid-’90s, following the initial beach renourishment on Anna Maria Island, and as

Ed Callen, an Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch founding member, holds a juvenile loggerhead in 1988, before releasing it into the Gulf of Mexico. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jim Callen

more data about sea turtle behavior was collected and analyzed, the FWC determined that people should let nature take its course. Since then, regulations have tightened and sea turtles are rarely handled. Nests are seldom relocated. “The work Callen and the other founders did was ground-breaking to protect turtles, but at the same time, research now has shown that the turtles know best,” said Suzi Fox, AMITW executive director since 1995. “The best thing we can do is provide a clean and dark habitat for nesting mothers and hatchlings and let them be.” Lighting regulations keep the shoreline dark, important for sea turtles, which usually emerge at night — and follow the reflection of the moon and stars on the surface of the water to their home in the Gulf of Mexico after nesting or hatching. Today, when a nest is discovered by turtle watch volunteers on their morning walks, it is staked off for protection from predators and people, and for data collection after hatching. More sea turtle nests — 488 loggerhead nests and five green sea turtle nests — were laid as of Oct. 19 on Anna Maria Island beaches than any previous year on record. With AMITW’s help, more than 25,000 hatchlings found their way to the Gulf of Mexico. Fox attributes the rise in numbers to increased public awareness of the importance of adhering to turtle-friendly regulations. She also thinks the work of Callen and the first volunteers could be a part of the turtles’ success on the island. “It takes a sea turtle about 25-35 years to reach sexual maturity,” Fox said. “The mamas nesting now could be the babies that Ed (Callen) helped out in the beginning. What a legacy.” To reach Fox and volunteer for AMITW, call 941778-5638 or email suzilfox@gmail.com.

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 10, 2018 n 23

10 condos damaged by Irma tangled in bureaucracy

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter It seems the Anna Maria City Pier was not the only structure on the island to suffer major damage from Hurricane Irma. The 10 condos in the south building of the Cayman Cay Villas, 4307 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, damaged by the September 2017 storm are not habitable. Irma ripped the roof off the two-story, 10-unit cinder-block building Sept. 10, 2017, and dumped thousands of gallons of water into the residential units. “It has been four months since the hurricane, and it has become one big mold factory,” said condo owner Thomas Knarr. His neighbor in the building, Michael Yandek, said his condo was to have been his retirement home. He rushed to Holmes Beach from Cleveland, Ohio, after the storm. “We flew down there immediately to see what we could save, and it wasn’t much,” Yandek said. “As soon as I walked in our unit, I threw up from the mold.” Exactly why the repairs haven’t been performed is a matter of contention. A second building in the condo complex was not extensively damaged by the storm. Knarr blames the city for being slow to issue permits. “It’s very frustrating because we’re not getting anywhere with anybody for anything,” Knarr said. “You can’t go in there without a mask. There’s black, black mold everywhere.” The city paper trail tells a different story. “They were given an emergency building permit in September to remove stuff that needed to be removed,” said Mayor Bob Johnson. “In December, they submitted a permit application for all work that needed to be done.” Before Irma, the condos ranged in value between $235,000 and $340,000, according to Zillow.com. A temporary roof is in place, but work on the recovery has been slowed by the failure to act on the Septem-

ber emergency permit, which allowed removal of the damages and mold, but left owners with uncertainty about what insurance policies are in effect. Knarr said the city compounded the condo owners’ losses by refusing to address the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s 50 percent rule. FEMA’s assessment guidelines for structures within the flood zone, as detailed by the Flood Insurance Rate Map for homes built prior to Dec. 31, 1974, often called pre-FIRM — require a building be elevated and brought into code compliance if repair or remodeling costs exceed 50 percent of the structure’s value. Knarr said all information requested by the city has been supplied, but planners keep moving the goal posts and asking for more. “They have had the information required to make that FEMA determination for months,” Knarr said. Building official James McGuinness said the condo owners have been let down by their contractor, Accutech Restoration of Sarasota, who has had permission to work on the condos for nearly four months. “We issued an emergency permit to remove waterdamaged materials Sept. 20,” McGuinness said. “The breakdown was not with this department.” Fries did not return numerous calls for comment. Senior plans examiner Joe Aukstikalnis has run point for the city on the project, Knarr said. “Every time I talk to Joe (Aukstikalnis) in the building department, he reminds me they issued a temp

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Eagle injured at Long Bar Point — fighting for its nest?

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Devon Straight believes a bald eagle was injured in a conflict with great horned owls over the eagles’ nest. Straight, with grandfather Ed Straight, president of Wildlife Inc., went to the eagle’s rescue Dec. 18, 2017, near the future site of a housing development between El Conquistador Parkway and Sarasota Bay, south of the Legends Bay subdivision. The Straights operate the Bradenton Beach nonprofit education and rehabilitation center for birds, mammals and reptiles. They provide rescue services, as well. After tracking the eagle based on the sounds of owls hooting, the Straights assessed the its injury as minor and the bird flew away. The warring birds seem to parallel the embattled 529-acre development site — first called Long Bar Pointe and now Aqua by the Bay — mired in litigation since 2013. Current litigation includes an administrative challenge to a Florida Department of Environmental permit by former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash, nonprofit Suncoast Waterkeeper Inc. and Cortez-based Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage. They’ve challenged the developers’ bid to operate an onsite 260-acre mitigation bank on mostly submerged lands in Sarasota Bay next to a county approved — but not yet built — large-scale subdivision, Aqua by the Bay. Suncoast, McClash, Cortez Capt. Kathe Fannon and neighbors also have filed a lawsuit, challenging the Manatee Board of County Commissioners’ October 2017 approval of Aqua’s rezone and general development plan. County staff considered the two bald eagles’ nests a negative aspect of the high-rise, mixed-use project proposed by Long Bar Pointe, the development com-

A bald eagle with an injured eye perches Dec. 18, 2017, on a tree at the 529-acre site on Sarasota Bay approved for the mixed-use development, Aqua by the Bay. Islander Photos: Courtesy Wildlife Inc./ Devon Straight pany controlled by Carlos Beruff and Larry Lieberman. The nation’s symbol since 1872, the bald eagle was removed from the endangered list in 2007, but is still state and federally protected. The two nests — one near the bay and another closer to El Conquistador Parkway — have been occupied by eagles at various times since 1978, according to Melody Kilborn, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission public information coordinator. The FWC surveys known sites for eagle activity. In the fall of 2016, nearby residents, including Alan Skulsky, say the eagles and their nest in a pine tree about 100 yards from the road was there one day and gone the next. Photographs by George Burtless show the eagles in the nest Aug. 25, 2016, gone a month later and also documents their return. He photographed the rebuilt nest and eagle Oct. 18, 2016. Burtless reports Dec. 16, 2016, was the last day he saw an eagle in the nest, and he was watching for the birds throughout 2017.

Fast forward a year from the last eagle sighting, the Straights responded to a call about the injured eagle from a Legends Bay security guard. The guard reported a crowd of observers formed between the two entrances of the subdivision along El Conquistador Parkway. The Straights spotted the eagle sitting on a branch in one of the trees along the road outside Legends Bay. The bird flew low to the ground and the rescuers followed it through the subdivision. The guard told the Straights of an eagle’s nest disappearing from a tree a day after construction crews came to the site so the rescuers journeyed to that tree. While checking it, Devon Straight said they heard hooting from some great horned owls, “which I knew meant the eagle was there as well.” According to Devon Straight, great horned owls don’t make nests of their own but take over other birds’ nests to raise their young. “That seems to be what’s going down here. And it’s probably why she’s injured. “It’s hard to tell for sure. But it’s my personal opinion she got injured from a fight with the owls,” Straight said. With the ongoing territorial battle, he said, it appeared the injured eagle was confused, hurt and trying to find her nest. Devon Straight went to the site a second time Dec. 18, tracked the injured eagle to a perch in a tree. He climbed another tree about 30 feet away and took photos. Straight says he’s concluded the female eagle should recover from the eye and leg injuries “on her own” with “no need to stress her by trying to catch her, unless her condition worsens.” “We will step up our presence in that area, as well as respond to any calls on her so we can watch her progress,” he said in a Facebook post. Meanwhile, the site is part of two cases, now in 12th Circuit Court and the Division of Administrative Hearings. Judge Gilbert Smith Jr. has been assigned to preside over the neighbors’ court case against Manatee County for failing to give proper notice of the Aqua rezoning and general development plan. A hearing date has not been set. In the DOAH challenge, a decision is expected in 30-60 days on whether a conditional permit issued by the state Department of Environmental Protection to the developers for a mitigation bank passes muster. The administrative judge heard the case Dec. 5-6, 2017. LEFT: A bald eagle shows an injured leg.

A great horned owl stands guard Jan. 4 to the left of what once was an eagle’s nest.

BOTTOM FROM LEFT: Wildlife rescuers Devon and grandfather Ed Straight pause for a photo with a pelican in May 2016 in Anna Maria. The pelican was found tangled in fishing line and rehabbed at Wildlife Inc. in Bradenton Beach. Photographer George Burtless aims his camera in September 2017 from El Conquistador Parkway at a then-empty nest, a year after taking documenting in photos the eagles’ nesting history. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell A rusted BB gun lies near a tree where, at one time, eagles nested.

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 10, 2018 n 25

Attention runners! Lace up those shoes for island race

Calling all runners, young and old. The Anna Maria Elementary Dolphin Dash is Saturday, Jan. 13, with age-group awards and two events — a 5k race and a 1-mile fun run. Registration will get underway at 7 a.m. in the south parking lot of AME, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children. The 5k will begin at 8 a.m. and the 1-mile fun run will follow at 9 a.m. Awards will be presented at AME following the races in age brackets from 0-9-years up to 80-plus. The event, organized by the Bradenton Runners Club and benefiting the AME Parent-Teacher Organization, draws 200-250 participants, according to

race coordinator Bonnie Ferran. “This race is unique because we have some of the oldest runners in the area in the Bradenton Runner Club Series races, which the Dolphin Dash is part of, and the youngest runners with the school kids,” Ferran said. “It gets the kids running. Most do the 1-mile, some with parents, but a few will do the 5k,” she added.

In addition to the race, several local vendors will be on-site, including Kona Ice, and will be returning a portion of their proceeds to the PTO. Runners may register online through Thursday, Jan. 11, or in person at AME Saturday, Jan. 13, before the races. Go online to runsignup.com or runnergirl.com to preregister or for more information about the Dolphin Dash.

By Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org

AME calendar

• 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, runners take your mark at the Parent-Teacher Organization Dolphin Dash at AME. • Monday, Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no school. • Tuesday, Jan. 23, second-grade field trip to Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. • 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, STEM night with Holmes Beach Police Department Chief Bill Tokajer’s Grill Crew and Mad Science presentation in the auditorium. • Saturday, Feb. 24, AME-PTO Fling dinner, dance and auction at 102 48th St., Holmes Beach. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

Runners dart from the starting line for the 2017 Anna Maria Elementary Dolphin Dash 1-mile race. This year’s race will be Saturday, Jan. 13, beginning at the school. Registration for the fun run and 5k gets underway at 7 a.m. Islander Photo: Karen Riley-Love

Student achievements

The Islander loves kudos — so send us your student’s good news for the paper. Share student’s scholastic honors, special achievements You may include photos. Be sure to identify people in the picture with first and last names and the date the photo was taken, along with pertinent information. Submit your news to news@Islander.org.

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26 n JAN. 10, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Observation ‘nest’ to open at Robinson

The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department will host a celebration to mark the opening of its observation “nest” in Robinson Preserve 4-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, including a ribbon-cutting, “nest” tours, nature-themed activities and a peek at the preserve’s expansion in west Bradenton. Islander Courtesy Photo

By Lisa Neff

Brrr, but bring it on

On the fifth day of our winter cold spell, I walked. With daytime temperatures on Anna Maria Island in the 50s and nighttime temperatures in the 40s, I’d been hibernating in my apartment. Just the sight of the thermometer outside my front door sent shivers up my arms and down my back. My new year’s resolutions to walk more, bike more and visit the beach more often were broken without any Neff attempt at keeping them. My northern friends and family showed me no love when I posted a screen shot of my iPhone weather app indicating Anna Maria’s temperature — a frigid 46 degrees. To sum up the response: My brother’s mother-in-law, from her lake house in southeastern Wisconsin, replied on Facebook, “My heart bleeds” and there’s no doubt she was bleeding sarcasm. On the bright side, in the first week of the new year, I told my mom I finally was able to wear the cable-knit Irish sweater she gave me for Christmas 2016. I put on that sweater and a ski cap, zipped my L.L. Bean parka and, on Day Five of the cold spell, took a stroll with a friend along Pine Avenue to Anna Maria’s post office. What pushed me out the door? A desire to verify a news report that it was so cold in Florida that iguanas were falling from trees. A third of the way up Pine, I pulled my hands out of my pockets to check my iPhone: Sunny and 52 degrees. I was certain it was 32 degrees. A few steps on, I was reminiscing about 52 degree winter days back when I was a teen in northern Illinois. I unzipped my coat. “Those were perfect days to ditch school and go skiing. The slope — not plural, as the Midwestern resort where I skied was one hill with a half-dozen runs — would be packed with kids carving up moguls.” I took off my cap. “If the sun was shining and the temperature above 45, we’d be hatless, gloveless and coatless. I remember once it was in the 50s and we were practically skiing on mud.” I was sweating in my sweater and layers as I stepped into the post office. My phone dinged with the arrival of a text message. My brother Mark, who lives in Hamden, Connecticut, was updating the family on the threat from the “bomb cyclone” — a winter storm blasting New Eng-

Tacos

Burgers

Preserves host outings in January

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources will conduct a “Wild Florida 101” program at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, at Perico Preserve. The program is the third in a series and will focus on “smell and taste” in nature. Perico is at 11700 Manatee Ave. on Perico Island. A parks and natural resources talk on Florida scrub jays will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. At Robinson Preserve, sun-spotters will step up to a hydrogen alpha solar telescope 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Robinson is at 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, and the telescope will be set up near the

land that he expected to be even bigger, more brutal than Snowmageddon. “It says it’s 12 degrees out, but I was just out and it doesn’t feel that bad. Tonight and Saturday are going to be super cold,” he texted. I felt ridiculous in my L.L. Bean parka, even if it was unzipped and my hat tucked in a pocket. On the walk back home on Pine Avenue, with the sun in my eyes and the wind at my back, I found the bounce in my step. So when I rounded the corner onto Gulf Drive, I nearly plowed over an acquaintance, a native Michigander who was dressed in NorthFace gear. She was headed for the beach, but prepared to cross a great snow-covered tundra. After hellos and a brief discussion of the weather, she repeated the assertion that our blood thins when we move south and that’s why we’re more sensitive to the cold. Perhaps you’ve heard this claim. Perhaps you’ve used this claim. Well, I searched several databases of scientific studies and couldn’t find any proof our blood thins when we move south or that the thickness of our blood impacts how we experience temperature. However, I did find research supporting the idea that we simply redefine mentally what’s hot and cold. As for iguanas falling from Florida trees due to cold temps, I’m going to keep believing.

main entrance to the park. Perico Preserve will be the site of the “Starry Night Telescope Exploration” 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. A naturalist will provide a guide to the skies and the park, which is typically closed after sunset. The Manatee Audubon Society will lead a birding tour in Perico at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. The preserve, with freshwater ponds and salt marshes, is an oasis for local and migratory species. A naturalist-led wagon tour of Robinson will be offered 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, and a birding tour will be at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30. For more information about county parks and natural resources programs, call 941-742-5923. — Lisa Neff

Mote to offer Marine Science 101 course

Mote Marine Laboratory will launch a new course, Endless Oceans: Marine Science 101, this month. Participants may register for the entire semester or individual classes. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. the day of class for Coffee Connections, when students can meet and mingle. Each class will begin at 9 a.m. The schedule includes: Monday, Jan. 15: Florida Coastal Habitats. Monday, Jan. 22: Florida Marine Invertebrates. Monday, Jan. 29: Sea Turtle Ecology. Monday, Feb. 5: Florida Marine Mammals. Monday, Feb. 12: Florida Sharks & Rays. Monday, Feb. 19: Florida Fish Ecology. Monday, Feb. 26: Red Tide & Environmental Health. Monday, March 5: Coral Reefs & Ocean Acidification. Monday, March 12: Climate Change & Conservation. Registration per class will cost $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. A semester will cost $225 for members and $275 for nonmembers. Mote is at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway on City Island in Sarasota. For more information, call Mote at 941-3884441.

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FWC warns cold water affects manatees, sea turtles

Certain times of year require vigilance by people who devote their time to wildlife. As the temperature in the Gulf of Mexico drops, marine life — including manatees and sea turtles — is affected, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In a Jan. 1 news alert, the FWC asked that “boaters be extra vigilant in watching for manatees in shallow waters, both inland and coastal, and obey all posted manatee speed-zone signs.� When water temperatures drop, manatees gather in warm-water habitats. The alert cautioned the public to avoid areas where large numbers of manatees are gathered, since disturbing the manatees could scare them from the warm water sites. Additionally, the FWC said to watch for lethargic sea turtles floating or bobbing near the surface of the water. Because sea turtles are reptiles, their body temper-

ature varies with the surrounding water. A rapid drop in air and water temperatures can cause sea turtles to become inactive and settle close to the bottom, where they could drown. According to Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director, while most females already have migrated to warmer waters, there is a large population of male and juvenile turtles feeding on seagrass in Tampa Bay. She said juveniles are more likely to be affected by the cold temperatures. Additionally, Fox said when the water temperature lowers, sea turtles instinctively swim south to find warmer water. “This is problematic in bay and inlet areas where ‘south’ may be a wall of land,� Fox said. To report a cold-stunned or stranded turtle, or distressed or dead manatee, contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Skip Coyne, AMITW volunteer, rescues a coldstunned Kemps Ridley sea turtle from Tampa Bay mild cold stress and some blistering on his tail, but not near Holmes Beach in this years old photo. As enough to remove him from the wild. Kemps Ridley turtles rarely are seen in the bay, the Instead, he was relocated to the TECO plant and one pictured may have journeyed south seeking has remained near there since. warmer water. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMITW The Sea to Shore Alliance reported as of Dec. 27 that Ice Cube was “heavily social, spending times Fischer again spotted the manatee on New Year’s in large groups� of manatees that were entertaining Day, hanging out with friends at the TECO plant. themselves and playing with his satellite tracker. — Sandy Ambrogi

Ice Cube the manatee finds his way to chilly waters

Maybe he is just a slow learner. The frolicking Ice Cube has been retrieved again after going south, away from a Tampa Electric Co. plant, and probably just in time. The manatee with the tracker was first picked up Jan. 21, 2015, as a calf critically ill with cold stress in Charlotte Harbor. He was rehabbed at Lowry Park Zoo and the South Florida Museum, then released near the TECO plant in Apollo Beach in March 2017. On Dec. 10, 2017, Ice Cube was frolicking with a group of manatees in Portosueno Park off Palma Sola Bay, where he was spotted in August and where he has spent the majority of the time since. The following day, the group was still at Palma Sola and they had not started the journey to the TECO discharge basin. Manatees gather by the hundreds there when water temps dip below 68 degrees. Researchers with Sea to Shore Alliance, which tracks the tagged manatees, were concerned about the cold forecast in the days ahead and dropping water temperatures, according to organization scientist Melody Fischer. On Dec. 14, Ice Cube was successfully captured in an operation with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, South Florida Museum and Sea to Shore Alliance when they captured him just south of the Sunshine Skyway. He had made a sudden move into Anna Maria Sound and researchers were hopeful he was headed north with his group. However, he was later found alone that day and heading south, and the intervention was deemed necessary. After a vet check, it was determined Ice Cube had

A GPS satellite tracker bobs on the surface as the tagged manatee “Ice Cube� swims with a herd in August 2017 in the Portosueno boat basin off Palma Sola Bay. The Sea to Shore Alliance tagged the manatee before he was released in March after more than two years in rehab, including a stay with Snooty at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

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Top 5 island sports stories of 2017 The countdown of the top sports stories from 2017 continues with youth soccer at the Center of Anna Maria Island, which provides the bulk of the sports content on Anna Maria Island.

soccer for the Lady Hatters. Cornell was a four-year starter at Manatee High School at outside midfield and forward who had an injury-plagued senior season that limited her to two games. Still, she finished her Manatee Hurricanes career with 40 goals and 39 assists. Cornell also got it done in the classroom, as evident by her 3.9 grade-point average and White M Academic awards in 2014 and 2015. Cornell has lived in Holmes Beach for 10 years with mom Denise Brigg and dad Robert Cornell. She also attended Anna Maria Elementary and played a few seasons of soccer in addition to a season of flag football and basketball at the then-named Anna Maria Island Community Center. Cornell plans on majoring in business and then attending graduate school to pursue a degree in health care administration. Congratulations and the best of luck at Stetson to Sydney from The Islander.

5. Truly Nolen wins 8-10 championship The June 6 sports story told of an epic battle between Truly Nolen and Progressive Cabinetry, a 40-minute back-and-forth affair played May 30 that needed a penalty-kick shootout to decide a champion in the 8-10 division of the Center of Anna Maria Cassidy Island youth soccer league. Pakbaz and Rogers scored for Progressive in their first two attempts, as did Ueltschi and Nick Yatros for Truly Nolen. Kieran Cloutier’s penalty shot clanged off the crossbar for Progressive, giving Truly Nolen an opening, but Ewing Cloutier saved Guerrero’s attempt to keep the game tied. Progressive player Jack McCarthy’s penalty kick was saved by Jack Mattick, who then stepped out of the goal to deliver what turned out to be the gamewinner for Truly Nolen. Mattick then made the save on Lily Stringer’s penalty kick to make Truly Nolen a 3-2 winner. 4. Hooke runs up another record Six days after Hurricane Irma raced up the Florida peninsula, longtime Galati Yacht Sales employee and former island resident Mickey Hooke put on his running gear for the 13th annual Sept. 16 Ranch Run in Temple Terrace. His racing achievements were heralded in the Sept. 26 Islander. Hooke, who recently turned 56, maintained a solid, steady pace and ran the 10K in 41:31, giving him first place overall. His finish time was 4 minutes and 12 seconds ahead of his closest competitor and earned him course, masters and grandmasters records. Hooke has set 290 records since he turned 40, 46 which are overall course records. The race attracted 323 runners to the 5k, 10k and 15k races and raised $19,000 for the Florida Sherriffs Youth Ranches and their programs.

Holmes Beach resident Sydney Cornell is all smiles as she signs her letter of intent to play soccer at Stetson University in Deland during a signing ceremony at Manatee High School Feb. 1, 2017. Islander Photo: Courtesy Denise Brigg also was in the race, ironically competing in the same age division as Meneley. And, for the record, Meneley finished 10 minutes ahead of Switzer. Meneley was well represented in Boston. Her husband Fuzz, son M.J. Meneley, along with friends from the Boston area who winter on Anna Maria Island, including Susan and Dan Smith of Natick, Massachusetts and Pam Halsey from New Hampshire. Also in attendance was Meneley’s daughter, Lesley Brainard, of Collierville, Tennessee, competing in the 45-49 age group. She finished 33 out of 1,800 with a time of 3:22. Next up for Meneley is triathlon season, which she prefers because the training is easier on her body. She says the muscle groups used for swimming and bike riding — as opposed to simply going on 20 mile runs in Florida’s stifling heat — are a relief for her.

3. Meneley still on course at 70 As reported in the May 23 Islander, Holmes Beach resident Sandy Meneley ran the 2017 Boston Marathon April 17 and finished in sixth place in her age division with a time of 4 hours, 34 minutes. This was Meneley’s third time running the Boston Marathon, having also run in 2000 and 2009. This race had some significance to Meneley and other women runners as it was the 50th anniversary of women being 2. Islander commits to Stetson soccer entered to run in the Beantown marathon. The Feb. 7 issue of the Islander shined the light on Kathryn Switzer, the first woman to run in Boston Feb. 1 national signing day, which took on an Island flavor when Holmes Beach resident Sydney Cornell signed with Stetson University in Deland to play

1. Island wrestlers get their feet wet The Dec. 19 edition of The Islander highlighted the newly formed wrestling group at the Center of Anna Maria Island. These newcomers to the sport got their first taste of competition in the Manatee Wrestling Club’s I Own Florida youth wrestling championships Dec. 16 at Manatee High School in Bradenton. The wrestling program started up in early November, so expectations were tempered at best by center coaches. Center recreation director and wrestling coach Will Schenerlein told the athletes to be aggressive, stay in the fight and have fun. According to the team standings, the center took it on the chin, but the effort shown in the first competition no doubt made their coaches proud. Maximillion Higgins earned a second-place finish in the fourth-fifth-grade 110-pound division and was the top performer for the center. J.M. Feeney was another wrestler who did well in his first endeavor, finishing third in his division.. Jaxon Henry in the second-third-grade 56-pound division and Jaxon Kagin in the second-third-grade 72-pound division both earned fourth-place finishes, while Stone Smith, Dylan Sato and Harrison Schenerlein finished fifth. Other participants were William Pakbaz, Ethan Sackett, Michael Coleman, Ethan Talucci, Cale Rudacille, Fox Smith, Bam Gartman, Liam Coleman, Caden Quimby, Frankie Coleman and Stone Smith.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Jan 10 Jan 11 Jan 12 Jan 13 Jan 14 Jan 15 Jan 16 Jan 17

AM

4:42a 9:30a 10:42a 11:38a 12:22p 12:55p 1:19p 1:37p

HIGH

PM

HIGH

1.6 6:51p 1.0 7:41p 1.1 8:21p 1.1 8:58p 1.2 9:33p 1.2 10:08p 1.1 10:43p 1.1 11:20p

1.6 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.1

AM

11:40a 2:30a 3:22a 4:07a 4:47a 5:22a 5:54a 6:24a

LOW

0.2 -0.1 -0.3 -0.5 -0.6 -0.6 -0.7 -0.6

PM

LOW

Moon

— — 3rd 1:00p 0.8 1:47p 0.9 2:31p 1.0 3:12p 1.0 3:50p 1.0 4:27p 1.0 5:05p 0.9 New

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

Boating lessons offered

The Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron continues to offer safe-boating lessons and seminars at the squadron building, 1200 71st St. NW, Bradenton. A five-session boating class will be offered beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15. The fee is $55 for individuals and $85 for a couple. Any person born after Jan. 1, 1988, operating a vessel powered by a 10-hp or larger motor must possess a Florida Boating Safety ID card, which can be obtained after passing the course. For fees and the schedule, call the squadron at 941-792-0394. Southernaire Fishing Charters

Wrestler Max Higgins of the Center of Anna Maria Island team has Jack Mentzer of the Green Machine tied up during the Manatee Wrestling Club’s I Own Florida wrestling tournament in December 2017 at Manatee High School in Bradenton. Higgins finished in second place, the top finisher for the center at the tourney. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

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Unseasonable chill cools off fishing action for area anglers By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Due to the recent arctic blast we experienced to start off 2018, there’s really not a lot of fishing going on. With temperatures and the chill factor ranging from the 30s to the 50s, most anglers in our area were staying indoors. Not many folks were venturing out on the water looking for a bite. I did manage to see quite a few mullet fishermen braving the harsh cold and windy conditions, casting Stasny their nets around a big pay check. As for the recreational anglers, this was a good week to take a break and get the gear fine tuned. I pulled my boat out of the water and trailered it home for some needed TLC and maintenance. But, I’ll tell you, staying away from the water for too long never sits well with me. The cold weather sent me off to walk some of the local piers, checking out the action. On one occasion, I ran into a buddy of mine, Jesse Ferguson. He had the week off from work and was determined to fish no matter what the weather predictors had in store. And, sure enough, it paid off for him. As I said “Hi� to him, I glanced over the edge of the pier to see his stringer filled with sheepshead and a hefty redfish. Just goes to show what a little local knowledge and determination can do for you. Good job, Jesse. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says despite the weather and 25-knot winds, some anglers were willing to venture out on the pier to find a bite. Those using live shrimp as bait were catching an occasional sheepshead or black drum. A few flounder also were in the mix for the hearty fishers at the north end. Capt. Aaron Lowman, prior to the cold snap, was fishing nearshore reefs and rock piles with good results. By using live shrimp as bait, Lowman was managing to attract a variety of fish to the hook — sheepshead, mangrove snapper, flounder and Key West grunts. Moving out to offshore structure such as ledges and wrecks, Lowman was putting his clients on hogfish, lane snapper and kingfish. Capt. Warren Girle was working offshore with

Jack Reibel, visiting Anna Maria Island from Charlotte, North Carolina, shows off a 32-inch snook he caught on a live shiner Dec. 29, 2017, while on a charter fishing trip with Capt. David White.

good results for his clients prior to the cold front. Catch-and-release gag grouper were quick to find the bait when fishing in depths of 40-50 feet of water. Also in these areas, Girle’s anglers had hookups on mangrove snapper, Key West grunts and a couple of hogfish. On the flats of Sarasota Bay, Girle was able to muster up a decent spotted seatrout bite by baiting up some live shrimp under a popping cork. On a couple of morning charters, Girle counted as many as 50 trout reeled to the boat. Mixed in with the trout were numerous bluefish and a few pompano. Capt. Jason Stock, prior to the Florida blizzard, was running some great fishing sessions offshore. Amberjack, kingfish and permit were being found around offshore wrecks. Fishing reefs and hard bottom

offshore was resulting in catch-and-release gag grouper, mangrove snapper and goliath grouper. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters was doing well both offshore and on the flats before the cold weather arrived. While offshore, red grouper, mangrove and lane snapper, barracuda and amberjack were in abundance. On the flats, big catch-and-release snook seemed to dominate the bite for White’s clients. While targeting the catch-and-release snook, White’s anglers also managed to put a few nice redfish in the cooler. Lastly, pompano and permit were being found on deep grass flats while using shrimp-tipped jigs for bait. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org. Matt, Morgan, Connie, Stacy and Ken Perkinson, all visiting Anna Maria Island from Atlanta, show off some of their catch from a day of fishing Dec. 26 in Sarasota Bay. They relied on Capt. Warren Girle to guide them to the redfish and bluefish.

TideWatch

Red tide at low levels

Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was detected at low levels in Manatee County for the week ending Jan. 5. For more information about red tide in Florida, go to myfwc.com/redtidestatus.

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

INSHORE RE RedďŹ sh Snook

O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper

LIGHT G TACKLE C • FLY Over 30 years experience in local waters • USCG Licensed Full / Half Day Trips • 941.387.8383 (H) • 941.232.8636 (C) www.captainwarren.com Facebook: Captain Warren

Fishing Charters Wet Slips Fuel Dock Full Service Marine Mechanic Tackle Shop and Water Sports -ARINA $RIVE s (OLMES "EACH WWW +EYES-ARINA COM s

jmsnookykyayakcharters.com 23’ Custom Hanson Bay & Kayak Charters

CAPT. AARON LOWMAN 'ULF "AY &ISHINGs4ARPON 53'! ,ICENSED AND )NSURED

941.465.8932 Offshore boat available for up to 6 clients

727-459-5899

jmsnooky@gmail.com USCG Certified & Insured

AnnaMariaFishing Guide.com

DOCKED AT SEAFOOD SHACK

30 n JAN. 10, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

isl

Al fresco dining at Starfish Co. Dockside Restaurant, 12306 46th Ave. W., Cortez, has been limited by the a week-long cold snap. The restaurant installed patio heaters to keep customers warm. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Baby, it’s cold outside

Only the brave It’s easy to spot the visitors to Anna Maria Island from the far northern climes. They are the ones with the shorts and flip-flips. The locals, meanwhile, are whisking around in parkas and hoodies and waiting for some warmth so winter business can return to brisk. At the Starfish Co. Dockside Restaurant, 12306 46th Ave. W., Cortez, the all dockside dining now includes patio heaters in an attempt to keep customers coming in and warm. “It’s definitely been affecting business,” bar manager Denise Love said Jan. 4. “Today it was a little better, we had a good turn out.” Love said the customers seem to be making the best of the chilly situation. “The snowbirds from Ohio are happy,” Love added. “They’re showing up in shorts.”

Cortez bike rental beefs up, adds location It’s electric, so that helps already. But now the ride to beach is even shorter from the new location of Beach’n Rides at 12208 Cortez Road. W. Owner Jeff Pansiera has operated the Beach’n Rides location down the road at 8607 Cortez Road. W. for three years, and now has expanded with a second closer-to-the-beach location. The shop offers electric bikes, golf carts and streetlegal golf carts for rent and sale. Where is everybody? Repair work will continue to be offered at the At the Bradenton Beach Marina, John DeLeon original location. says he’s seen “hardly anyone” since the cold snap. The new pickup location operates 9 a.m.-5 p.m. “It’s been pretty dead this week,” DeLeon said. Wednesday-Sunday. For more information, call 941“Nobody’s booking” water sports. 251-7916. DeLeon said he has run a few sightseeing tours Stay warm, y’all! from the marina, rented no Jet Ski rentals and boaters Business news are staying away, too. Does your business celebrate achievements? “I did fill up a sunset cruise for Jan. 4, so maybe Maybe you’ve just opened the doors, received an it’s starting to get back to normal,” DeLeon said. award or staff deserves kudos. Submit your inforSeveral other businesses declined to comment mation to news@islander.org. about customer traffic during the cold snap.

BizCal

Chambers get back to business in new year

It’s time to put the holiday lights and decor away and get back to business. To followup the busy schedules for the Christmas and New Year holidays, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has planned January events for its members. The early-riser breakfast will be at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Members and guests network, and introduce themselves and their businesses at the breakfast events. Cost is $8 for members and $16 for nonmembers. The chamber will host a ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at the newly renovated Rod and Reel Resort, 877 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria. Festivities get underway at 5 p.m., with tours, appetizers and refreshments.

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2500 Gulf Drive N Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4201859 $3,250,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 529 Key Royale Drive George Myers 941-224-6021 A4184576 $1,955,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 871 N Shore Drive Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4204189 $1,699,000

BR ADENTON 5016 64th Drive W Debbie Capobianco & Adam Cuffaro 941-704-2394 A4136838 $1,390,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 318 Bay Drive S 7 Ralph & Megg Faillace 941-713-9142 A4178742 $1,170,000

BR ADENTON 10804 Riverbank Terrace Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4169182 $950,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 529 69th Street Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4198504 $779,000

BR ADENTON 330 Compass Point Drive 202 Susan Nemitz & Betsy Hagen 941-237-0045 A4200223 $750,000

CORTEZ 4121 Osprey Harbour Loop Kathryn Sandberg 941-600-2672 A4199658 $529,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 600 Manatee Avenue 224 Susan Nemitz 941-237-0045 A4204610 $355,000

BR ADENTON 5724 8th Avenue Drive W Debbie Capobianco & Kristi Berger 941-704-2394 A4203129 $300,000

BR ADENTON 1905 67th Street W Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4205058 $272,500

BR ADENTON 7840 34th Avenue W 302 Barb Eberhart 941-761-7349 A4191449 $540,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS | RENTAL

OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM

michaelsaunders.com

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 234 Gladiolus Street Deborah Capobianco & Kristi Berger 941-704-2394 A4199942 $675,000

RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 309 65th Street A 3 Bed 2 Bath $2,600

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 10, 2018 n 31

Salt spa opens inside salon

Cindy Thompson celebrates the opening of her new Inhale Salt Spa, 4815 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, Jan. 5, with Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce members, salon employees and friends. Inhale has a space inside the Studio M Salon and Spa. Guests were treated to appetizers, libations, sample services and door prizes. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi The public is invited to see the changes at the motel. TOP LEFT: Cindy Thompson discusses the benefits of salt therapy Jan. 5 at her Inhale Salt Spa inside the On Jan. 24 the Waterline Resort Marina and Beach Studio M Salon and Spa, 4815 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Thompson celebrated her new location — Club will host a 5-7 p.m. mix-and-mingle event, the complete with a custom-built therapy enclosure — with an open house and ribbon-cutting. monthly AMI chamber business-card exchange. This year’s chamber trolley grant awards will be New doughnut shop announced during the event, and a ribbon-cutting honcelebrates opening oring the November 2017 opening of the Waterline will Owner Van Le and family are take place. Appetizers and beverages will be served. joined by representatives of Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. the Anna Maria Island ChamFor more information, call the island chamber at ber of Commerce Jan. 4 to 941-778-1541, visit the office and tourist center at celebrate the grand opening 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, or go to the website of the Donut House Espresso at annamariaislandchamber.org. and More, 3211 Manatee Ave. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will W., Bradenton. Guests were host BAH, its monthly business after-hours mixer, 5-7 treated to beverages and samp.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at Longboat Massage, 5350 ples, including cronuts, a light Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Cost is $5 for doughnut-croissant pastry. members and $10 for nonmembers. The shop also offers breakfast For information about the LBK chamber or ressandwiches, Vietnamese bahn ervations for events, call the chamber at 941-383mi and spring rolls. Islander 2466, visit the website at longboatkeychamber.com Photo: Sandy Ambrogi or the office at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

32 n JAN. 10, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. Established in 1983 Residential and Commercial Full service lawn maintenance Landscaping – Clean-up Hauling tree trimming Licensed & Insured

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

ITEMS FOR SALE

HELP WANTED Continued

JACKET: LEATHER, MEDIUM. New, paid $200, asking $100. 941-932-5595.

PART-TIME OFFICE HELP needed at The Islander. Work two and a half days a week. General office work with some bookkeeping required. Send email inquiry to news@islander.org.

TWO-DRAWER, WICKER TV stand, or diningroom cabinet. Natural finish, $35. Holmes Beach. 973-219-0335. COMPUTER: DELL DUAL core, refurbished, $50. 941-756-6728.

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

CBC 1253471

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS

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

References available • 941-720-7519

Bed: A bargain!

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

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

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

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

TRANSPORTATION WANTED: RELIABLE, CLEAN, low-mileage, inexpensive used sedan or small SUV for grandchild. Call 941-778-7978.

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

SPONSORED BY

PONTOON BOAT RENTAL Create life long memories. Call 941-778-2121 or see boatflorida.net.

ANSWERS TO JAN. 10 PUZZLE

O W L S

W H A M

C L O T

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A G A T E

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F L O P P Y D I S C O

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

R A G T A F E R R A R I N P A R I R T S P A S P S I T A L T H S L A S I I G U E S R O U N D S A N E S E Y S O O B S E S S N E E D A H S T A G S L A K E S U R A N L O P P E A T E L M V E N D A Y I R P I N C O R E

G I S T S A E B T E S F B L L E E D U G E D I U N N E R S I O P N E

F I S T I N U I B A M B T W I C U R A A B E M S A G E T M E L L T A M E O R R O O S A M A

P H O N E N M T E H

F A I R T R A D E

HELP WANTED S T A T S P E O N Y

A N N E

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SERVICES ISLAND COMPUTER GUY, 37 years experience. On-site PC repairs, upgrades, buying assistance and training. Call Bill, 941-778-2535.

U FLY I drive your car anywhere in the USA. Airport runs, anywhere. Office, 941-447-6389. 941-545-6688.

PETS

Rollo is a happy boy! He’s a 3-year-old mixed breed. He has all his shots and he’s in great health. Available to adopt: www.moonraceranimalrescue.com or email moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com Call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander next to Walgreens in Holmes Beach for more …

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.

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

FOUND WALLET: BRADENTON Beach, near Seventh Street and Gulf Drive. Description required to claim. 734-464-6978.

AdoptA-Pet

MY NAME IS AIDAIN, I live in Holmes Beach. I’m available to do any small yard, house chores for a fee. I do dog walking, pet sitting or run small errands. I’m available after school, 4-9 p.m. or all day Saturday and Sunday. I can be reached at 941-243-4473. Text or call. Thank you.

GARAGE SALES

LOST & FOUND

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

T.H.S. CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL vacation rentals. Dependable and detailed. 941-756-4570.

MOVING SALE! 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 13. Take it away! 317 Spring Ave. Anna Maria.

$YDLODEOH $We

REPORTER WANTED: Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

HOUSEKEEPER: PART-TIME at Haley’s Motel. Must have own transportation and speak English. Prior experience required. Haley’s is a nonsmoking property. 941-778-5405. DELIVERY DRIVER/WAREHOUSE man. Work on Anna Maria Island. Part- or full-time. Resume to: annamariaisland@hotmail.com. NOW HIRING: CUSTOMER service representatives. All shifts, flexible schedules. Circle K, 2513 N. Gulf Drive , Bradenton Beach. 941-778-3756 . Stop by or apply online: www.circlek.com.

HELP WANTED: SALES associate. Exit Art is now hiring flexible and motivated sales associates for both of our locations on Longboat Key. Please, call Debbie at 941-387-7395.

POWER WASHING AND windows: Residential, commercial, resort, real estate. Ask about our exterior cleaning. 941-251-5948. AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES: Cleaning, construction, residential, commercial, rentals. Call 941-251-5948. I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941779-6638. Leave message. NEED A RIDE to the airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Call Gary, 863-4095875. Email: gvoness80@gmail.com. TRUEBLUE33 MOBILE COMPUTER Service LLC. In-home and on-site business tech support. Call today, 941-592-7714. PIERLY MAID CLEANING Service: Two former City Pier employees looking to make your home, vacation rental, office spic and span! Please, give us a call, 941-447-2565 or 941-565-0312. BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.

LAWN & GARDEN CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294. ISLAND LAWN SPRINKLER Service: Repairs, installs. Your local sprinkler company since 1997. Call Jeff, 941-778-2581.

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. $55/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770. NATURE’S DESIGN LANDSCAPING. Design and installation. Tropical landscape specialist. Residential and commercial. 35 years experience. 941-448-6336. STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE: Shell, lime rock, palms, river rock, construction demolition, fencing, pressure washing, hauling debris and transport. Shark Mark, 941-301-6067.

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 10, 2018 n 33

RENTALS

VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

WEEKLY/MONTHLY/ANNUAL rentals: wide variety, changes daily. SunCoast Real Estate, 941-779-0202, or 1-800-732-6434. www.suncoastinc.com.

CUSTOM REMODELING EXPERT. All phases of carpentry, repairs and painting. Insured. Meticulous, clean, sober and prompt. Paul Beauregard, 941-730-7479.

SEASONAL RENTAL: NORTHWEST Bradenton. 1BR/1BA open living room, kitchen, washer and dryer in unit. No pets/smoking. $450/weekly, $1,600/monthly. Call 941-792-0258.

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

SEASONAL RENTAL: 2BR/2BA with den sleeps six. Few step to beach. Nice location. Call 703587-4675.

GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, ďŹ ne woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood ooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

ANNUAL RENTAL PERICO Island: 2BR/2BA condo 1,250 sf, new tile throughout, office/den, pool access, exercise room, carport and small storage. $1,400/month. Small pet OK. First, last, security. Water and cable included. Gulf-Bay Realty, 941-778-7244.

JERRY’S HOME REPAIR: Carpentry, handyman, light hauling, pressure washing. Jack of all trades. Call 941-778-6170 or 941-447-2198. ISLE TILE: QUALITY installation floors, counters, backsplashes, showers. Licensed, insured. Call Chris at 941-302-8759.

ANNA MARIA HOME Accents: 20 years experience in building and remodeling. Local, licensed and insured. No job too small. We accept all major credit cards. 786-318-8585. PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES: Prompt and reliable, meticulous, thorough, quality workmanship. Interior/exterior, wallpaper removal. Also minor repairs and carpentry. Free written estimates. Bill Witaszek, 941-3079315. I CAN FIX that! No job too small. 20 years experience. Remodel, new construction. Call Brent, 941-524-6965.

SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. Affordable, timely, within budget. Call Mike, 1-616204-8822. ARTISAN DESIGN TILE and Marble LLC. Quality craftsmanship since 1983. Professional, courteous service at a fair price. Our customers are our top priority! www.ArtisanDesignTileAndMarble.com. Call Don, 941-993-6567.

VACATION RENTALS AVAILABLE for upcoming season. 2BR/2BA canalfront villa, $2,300/ month . 3BR/2BA canalfront home, $4,300/ month. 2BR/2BA condo, heated pool, tennis, lagoon view, $3,400/month. Green Real Estate, 941-778-0455. www.greenreal.com. STILL AVAILABLE FOR winter season: Holmes Beach 1BR/2BA, 750 sf, steps to white sand beach. Call Mike now, 727-999-1011. AVAILABLE WINTER SEASON 2018 and 2019: 2BR/2BA ground-level with carport and patio. 1.5 blocks to Gulf. Updated, must see! Anna Maria. 941-565-2373. ANNUAL RENTAL: THE Palms. Minutes to Benderson Park and UTC. 2BR/2BA, $1,500/month, ground-floor condo with garage. Unfurnished, totally updated and ready to move in! Two swimming pools, exercise room, no pets/no smoking. First, last, security. Keller Williams of Manatee, 941-348-3071. AVAILABLE WINTER SEASON 2018 and 2019: 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.

HOLMES BEACH ANNUAL rental: 2BR/1BA single-story. $1,450/month first, last, security. 941-451-7403.

CLASSIFIED AD ORDER

___________ rg o . r e d n a l ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________.is___________ ___________ ww w t a e n ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ onli ___________ ___________ ___________ s d a d iďŹ e s ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ s a l c e c Pla ____________ ___________

___________

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___________

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

_________

DAN’S RESCREEN INC. POOL CAGES, LANAIS, PORCHES, WINDOWS, DOORS

TOO BIG or TOO SMALL. Free Estimates. Call Dan, 941-713-3108

No Job

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

$YDLODEOH $We 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941.778.7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

CALL THE ISLAND’S FINEST‌ MORE THAN 2,500 LARGE AND SMALL PROJECTS ON AMI SINCE 1988!

We provide design plans~You preview 3-D drawings

WASH FAMILY CONSTRUCTION 941.725.0073

>Ă€Ă€ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ °ĂŠ7>ĂƒÂ…ĂŠUĂŠState Lic. CBC1258250

LOCALLY OWNED AND FAMILY OPERATED SINCE 1988

REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY

.com

941-778-2711

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WE LIKE LIKES

___________

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) _________

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2BR/2BA ANNUAL IN Bradenton Beach. $1,800 a month. 941-527-9416.

TURN THE PAGE for more classifieds...

More ads = more readers in The Islander.

f acebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

WE TWEET TOO

_________ or TFN start date: ______________

Amt. pd _________________ Date _____________ Ck. No.ďż˝ _________ Cash ďż˝ _______ By _________ Credit card payment: ďż˝

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

#CFC1426596

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Family Owned and Operated since 1975

Residential & Commercial

LIC#CBC1253145

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS

CHRISTIE’S PLUMBING

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

@ami_islander

34 n JAN. 10, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

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

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

ANNUAL: CHARMING 1BR/1BA, block to beach, bay and Bridge Street. $950/month. 443-2545736.

REAL ESTATE: BUY, sell, invest. Enjoy. Billi Gartman, Realtor, An Island Place Realty. 941-5458877. www.AnnaMariaLife.com.

NW BRADENTON ANNUAL 3BR/2.5BA, garage. $1,450/month plus utilities. No pets, no smoking. Can be purchased. 941-778-2824.

SLIGHTLY OFF THE Island: 3BR/2BA completely renovated lake house, 5 miles from the beach. No condo/HOA fees, no deed restrictions, no traffic, huge boat/RV storage area, no flood insurance. $319,500. www.6909-32nd.com. For sale by owner. 941-795-5225.

PINE AVENUE BAYOU condo for sale by owner. Steps to shops and city pier. Newly renovated, ground-oor, two-bedroom unit. Great northend location! $320,000. 941-321-5454.

HOLMES BEACH: 2BR/2BA newer duplex, beautifully furnished garage. $1,750/month plus utilities, includes Internet and cable. Available now for season or annual. No pets, no smoking. 941778-2824.

OPEN HOUSE: NOON-3 p.m. Saturday. Beautiful new construction! 4BR/4.5BA. Swimming pool with hot tub, must see! $1,499,000. 420 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria Island.

HOLMES BEACH: GULFFRONT duplex cottage and beach view apartments. Limited weekly openings January-May. Each unit 1BR/1BA with kitchen, living/dining. Pristine and peaceful tropical setting right on beach! Call Alice, 813-2304577.

STARTING FROM THE low $300,000s. Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Avenue, off Village Green Parkway. Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den and two-car garage floor plans. Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickleball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $209/month. Models open daily. Contact us, 941-254-3330. www.MirabellaFlorida.com.

ANNUAL RENTAL WANTED: Retired RN nonsmoker with a dog seeks 1BR/1BA on Anna Maria Island. 859-279-9407.

Brock Real Estate Inc. 941-809-3714 Michelle@MichelleMusto.com www.MichelleMusto.com

Greg Brock

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 1, Longboat Key

REAL ESTATE BROKER

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941-896-8822

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greg@brockrealestateinc.com OVER 20 YEARS OF REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE

DREAM VACATIONS FOR YOUR VACATION DREAMS

3438 Wood Owl Circle, #273, Bradenton. Only 5 miles to Anna Maria Island! 3BR/2BA, water views, 1,592 sf, 1-car carport, pool and spa. Offered at $199,000

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

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

1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5 t 3&"- &45"5& 4"-&4 t 7"$"5*0/ 3&/5"-4

CONTACT US TODAY RENTALS@ISLANDVACATIONPROPERTIES.COM WWW.ISLANDVACATIONPROPERTIES.COM t 3001 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

Mike Norman Realty REDUCED! Your lakefront villa awaits 3PANISH $RIVE 3OUTH ,ONGBOAT +EY $379,000

"EAUTIFULLY REMODELED STAND ALONE VILLA UPDATED KITCHEN IN 'RANITE COUNTERTOPS WOOD CABINETS AND NEW APPLIANCES 5PDATED BATH ROOMS NEW TILE ROOF IN “We Work Hard To Make Your Life Easier!� AND (6!# IN 941-778-8104 Ofc 877-778-0099 Toll Free “We Work Hard To Make Your Life Easier!�

WE ROCK ONLINE

ISLAND MOBILE HOME across from Gulf, 1BR/1BA, 8 by 24-foot deck, adjacent parking, new bath, outdoor shower, turnkey. $92,000, great rental! Mtscc@aol.com. 3BR/3BA 2,668 sf HEATED pool, boat dock, boatlift, new kitchen, open floor plan. Spacious closets, tiled floors. $1,199,000. Priced to sell. Sharon Hightower, RE/MAX Alliance Group, 941330-5054. Call today for showing. PERICO ISLAND: 2BR/2BA condo. Great water views. $279,900. Sharon Hightower, RE/MAX Alliance Group, 941-330-5054. NORTHWEST BRADENTON: 3BR/2.5BA, twocar tandem garage. Newer air conditioning, tile, more. Priced to sell, $169,000. 941-778-2824. MAKE IT YOUR dream home: Key Royale fixerupper. 3BR/2BA, oversized two-car garage. Home features vaulted ceiling in great room with clerestory windows, bright and cheery. Caged swimming pool and spa, boatlift and dock. Nice lot with generous setbacks. $765,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456. VILLAGE GREEN HOME: Completely remodeled, like new, no HOA fees. 2BR/2BA family room/den, two-car garage. $259,000. Real Estate Mart, 941356-1456. EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS 43 Years of Professional Service to Anna Maria Island

HERON’S WATCH 10 minutes to beaches. 4 BR + Den. Excellently maintained, tastefully decorated. No rental limitations. MLS A4142821. $359,000. BAY PALMS 3BR/2BA well-maintained, recent roof and other improvements, garage, pool, spa, private rear yard. $583,500. VACATION/SEASONAL RENTALS GULFFRONT PROPERTIES BOOKING NOW 941-778-0807

tdolly1@yahoo.com • www.tdollyyoungrealestate.com

Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria Inc. Jesse Brisson - Broker Associate, GRI 941-713-4755 800-771-6043 MINUTES TO THE BEACH: This Anna Maria pool home features 5 bedrooms, a spacious game room, ceramic and wood floors, and a light beach decor. Granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances adorn the kitchen. A short walk to the Rod & Reel Pier and local shops. $1,399,000 SWEEPING GULF VIEWS: This 2bed/2bath condo at Anna Maria Island Club has breathtaking Gulf views from the living room and master bedroom. A rare opportunity to own at one of the most soughtafter condo complexes on the Island. $699,000

Call Jesse Brisson • 941-713-4755

104 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

941-778-8104 Ofc 877-778-0099 Toll Free

Come for104aBridge visit, stay for Beach a LIFETIME! Street, Bradenton

#ALL OR EMAIL ,YNN :EMMER LYNN EDGEWATERAMI COM Live in one the most desirable, highly sought-after Northwest Bradenton neighborhoods. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac and Warner’s Bayou East, this beautiful 5BR, 3.5 bath waterfront home has 3,336 square feet and sits on a half acre lot with 114 feet of water frontage. Master wing on first level, 4BRs upstairs, private boat dock and lift. Caged heated pool and spa. Spacious deck for entertaining. Impeccable care and maintenance by original owner. 502 51st St. NW, Bradenton. $749,000.

106 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach

941-778-8104 Toll Free 877-778-0099

www.Edgewatervacationhomes.com www.Edgewaterrealestateami.com

islander.org

Cindy Quinn, PA. Call my cell: 941.780.8000

AMI BEACHES, 5702 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach www.islandannamaria.com

RELEASE DATE: 1/7/2018

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 10, 2018 No. 1231n 35

RING OUT THE OLD, RING IN THE NEW BY JOHN LAMPKIN / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ AC RO SS

1 Have 4 New Deal org. 7 Motley 13 “Dukes” 18 V.I.P. list 20 Lamborghini rival 21 Arctic people 22 Result of a French powdered drink shortage? 24 1959 Ritchie Valens hit, with “La” 25 Hook’s right hand 26 Hägar the Horrible’s hound 27 Short rows 29 Nincompoop 30 Secures at sea 32 Fig. checked during re-tire-ment? 33 Legends in the automotive world 35 List of things said by Siri? 38 1920s-’30s Yankees nickname 41 Deceive 42 Sights at charging stations 44 Thingamajig 45 Softhead 48 What an infielder might field a ball on 50 “Reckon so” 52 “Savvy?” 54 ____ Conference Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, page 32 nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

55 Washington, D.C.? 59 Was beaten by 60 Neighbors of Egyptians 61 Attribute to, in a way 62 Three-foot 1980s sitcom character 65 Grammy winner ____ Elliott 66 Cobbler, at times 68 Cowboy Rogers 69 Giant 71 Not just focused 75 Butting heads 76 Struggling sci-fi writer’s plea for recognition? 78 Blade runner? 81 Hip-hop’s Shakur 82 Attend without a date 83 Country that Menorca is part of 85 If you have it, you might know what this answer is without reading the clue 86 Middle of a simile 88 Quenched 92 “Give me ____” 93 Some 1960s radicals 96 Treat that gives a glowing complexion? 98 Chap 100 Work as a branch manager? 102 Flag 103 Scott of “Happy Days” 104 Nasser’s successor as Egypt’s leader

107 “What’s Opera, Doc?” antagonist 108 Film director ____ C. Kenton 111 Canon competitor 113 Weeklong Irish vacation? 116 Gross 117 Like some turns 118 Chose to take part 119 What if, informally 120 ____ performance 121 Book before Esther: Abbr. 122 Neuron’s ends?

17 Much of a sports recap 19 Good hunting skill 20 Some Guinness Book records 23 Lamp polisher’s surprise? 28 “Quién ____?” 31 Batch of Brownies? 32 Harass incessantly 34 Photog’s bagful? 35 Feature of Devonshire cream 36 Article in Der Spiegel 37 “March comes DOWN in like ____ …” 1 “Wise” sorts 39 Cottonmouth’s 2 “Pow!” warning 3 Result of a haymaker, 40 Targets in “Men in maybe Black,” informally 4 1/20 of a ton: Abbr. 43 Stars 5 Pure 46 Childish retort 6 Couple 47 Indiana’s 7 Torn state flower 8 Dadaist Jean 49 Puts forth 9 Wimbledon surface 51 Historic 10 Archaeological Mesopotamian city treasure trove 53 Wand material 11 “Nessun dorma,” for in the Harry one Potter books 12 Drift 56 Thick and green 13 Statement made while crossing the fingers, 57 Merchandise: Abbr. 58 Artificial silks maybe 59 Grow feathers 14 Like the three men of the 61 Like the French sky “Rub-a-dub-dub” 62 Colorful quartz nursery rhyme 63 ____ position 15 One having trouble 64 Some loose dancing? with basic arithmetic? 65 Godfather after being 16 Neighbor of double-crossed? the talus

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78 Legitimate business practices 79 Last Stuart queen 80 Kind of alphabet 82 Moo goo ____ pan 84 “Sh,” “th” or “ou” 87 1974 C.I.A. spoof 89 Big name in test prep 90 Opposite side 91 Makes a meal of

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106 Eldest member of an organization 107 Falco of “The Sopranos” 109 The Eagles’ “____ Eyes” 110 Forever and ever 112 December 31: Abbr. 114 D.C.-based media giant 115 1st, 2nd, 3rd … ____

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

Everything you’re looking for

www.annamariaislandresorts.net

877.867.8842

36 n Jan. 10, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

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