The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 01, 2020

Page 1

New year’s goals. 3-5, 8

Capitol business. 16

Happy New Year

VOLUME 28, NO. 10

‘Fame’ photos. 23 JAN. 1, 2020 FREE

Astheworldterns use 2020 vision. 6 on the government calendar. 4

Opinions. 6 10-20 YEArs AGo

From the archives. 7

App for Bridge Street food cart wrapped. 8

Happenings Announcements.

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

AM pier tenant meets deadline

Ho ho ho, to the beach we go!

By Phil Colpas Islander Reporter

Save the date. HB bark park nears completion. Coquina Beach parking project to finish in spring.

Streetlife. Mullet on the run, fishers give chase.

Gathering. take 5:00: 23

Obituaries. 23 osprey platform rises in Anna Maria. 26

Keeping track in 2020. 27 Turtle Watch opens 2020 adoption program. 27 In the pits, on the links. 28 Shelter from the wind for hookups. 29

ISL BIZ: Business roundup, dates to remember. 30-31

PropertyWatch. 32 CLASSIFIEDS.

NYTimes puzzle.

ABoVE: Santa and a merry band of Privateers pose on Christmas with the Gulf of Mexico as their backdrop on a visit to the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe and Manatee Public Beach. Islander Photo: AMIP

Celebrity holiday

RIGHT: Alex Michel of Washington, D.C., carries son Leo on his shoulders Dec. 26 at the 50th Street beach. Michel was the first bachelor on season 1 of the reality TV series, “The Bachelor,” in 2002. His family celebrated Christmas in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy Carly Michel

Flashback ’19: Year in review on AMI PART 2

Compiled by Lisa Neff Islander Editor

The Islander cycles into the new year with a recap on the second half of 2019. Sometimes the news proved predictable and the expected happened, as was the case when the Florida Department of Transportation recommended a high, fixed-span bridge to replace the drawbridge on Cortez Road. And sometimes the unexpected happened, as occurred when a barge crashed into the Anna Maria City Pier under construction at the east end of Pine Avenue in Anna Maria and when Anna Maria’s mayor announced to city commissioners that the pier’s T-end

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pitch didn’t match the design. Now, a look back at 2019, from July to the end. July Hepatitis A case confirmed: The Manatee County Health Department confirmed a case of hepatitis A in a food service worker at the Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach. The health department advised anyone who dined at the restaurant in June to consider getting a vaccination. Holmes Beach commission nixes splash pad: The city commission agreed a splash pad was not a good fit for Holmes PLEASE SEE flashback, PAGE 17

The clock was ticking down when pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder delivered his Anna Maria City Pier lease proposal to the city commission. Anna Maria commissioners granted Schoenfelder an extension from Dec. 13 to Dec. 31 to make his final offer for a new lease. Schoenfelder, who also owns the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria, requested the extra time to perform a cost analysis based on the floor plan and equipment that will be needed in the bait shop and restaurant. His city pier lease is set to expire in December 2020, so a new lease is essential to move forward with the improvements. “Mario sent his offer and it will be discussed at a special meeting at a date yet to be determined,” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy wrote in a Dec. 27 email to The Islander. “As to the construction of the pier platform — not the restaurant and bait shop — we have an inspection scheduled with I+Icon for Jan. 9. This should be the final inspection of the pier platform — if all passes.” In the lease proposal, Schoenfelder lists several concerns, including how casualty insurance will be provided and how contractors are hired. According to Schoenfelder’s proposal, on June 19, 2019, he received an email from Murphy stating the city had selected Mason Martin LLC to construct the shells for the restaurant, bait shop and bathrooms at the T-end of the pier. “I expressed my concerns about having the city choose the contractor while I am paying the bills and the lack of competition in my letter to the mayor from July 15, 2019, but I received no response from city hall,” Schoenfelder wrote. On Oct. 23, 2019, Mason Martin declined to bid on building out the interior of the buildings, according to Schoenfelder, and the project architect, Schimberg Group, had to begin anew the bidding process. “Since I have now received the necessary bid that allows me to evaluate my investment, I am ready to present this offer,” PLEASE SEE PIER, PAGE 2

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PIER CoNTINUED FRoM PAGE 1

Schoenfelder wrote. Schoenfelder had the opportunity to discuss with Murphy the details of a new lease and thought they were closer to reaching an agreement, at least on a number of items, he wrote. But “that is not the case when it comes to the rent the city demands.” Murphy had emailed Schoenfelder Sept. 30, 2019, and presented him with two base-payment options for a new lease. The first option included a monthly base payment of $21,600, along with either a 3% annual increase to begin after the first year, or an annual adjustment based on the consumer price index. The second option included a monthly base payment of $18,900, along with the same options for annual increases. While the monthly base payment in the second option is lower than the first option, the second option required Schoenfelder to pay $250,000 upon signing the lease. Schoenfelder countered with his own offer: a monthly rent of $8,000 with the first six months rentfree, CPI-based adjustments kicking in after three years and a 10-year lease with two five-year options. Schoenfelder previously offered a monthly rent of $12,000 based on total build-out and equipment costs of $500,000, he wrote. “I now have received actual

bids for build-out and equipment (through Schimberg Group) adding up to $865,000. Therefore, I had to adjust the rent that I am offering.” According to Schoenfelder, he had offered on several occasions to invest up to $500,000 — now $865,000 — for the restaurant and bait shop build-out and equipment and he is still willing to do so. But he is not willing to meet the $250,000 up-front demand. “Do you, mayor and commissioners of the city of Anna Maria honestly believe and expect the City Pier Restaurant to successfully sell one cheeseburger for $18-$20?” asked Schoenfelder, who states that the market will not rise up to honor price increases of 59% to 82% that the rent demand would cause. Schoenfelder originally signed a 10-year lease with the city in 2000 and exercised two five-year options for a monthly base payment of $5,000, with periodic increases of $500. The monthly payments, which over time increased to $11,500, were discontinued when the historic pier,

which was built in 1911, was closed due to damage from Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The old pier was demolished in 2018 and the city hired I+iconSOUTHEAST to construct the new pier, including the T-end and a replacement restaurant and bait shop. While the new pier remains on track for a February opening for fishing, the dates for the opening of the restaurant and bait shop are not yet determined, Murphy wrote in a Dec. 18 email to The Islander. “Provided the city accepts this offer, I will invest $865,000 in the build-out to make the city pier once again the city’s most valuable and productive asset,” Schoenfelder wrote. If negotiations with Schoenfelder fall through, the city commission has a plan in place to issue a request for proposals seeking a new tenant. Schoenfelder maintains residences in Germany and Holmes Beach. He has been the city pier’s tenant since 2000. I+iconSoUTHEAST workers were installing planks on the Anna Maria City Pier the morning of Sept. 10 before the contractor’s barge, shown here at the T-end, rammed the pier and pushed a row of pilings and about 15-20 feet of walkway out of kilter. Islander File Photo: Jack Elka

New Year’s brings closings

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

Flashback ’19

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JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bradenton Beach officials set sights on 2020 By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Two Bradenton Beach officials say they hope to carry 2019’s momentum into 2020. Others at city hall declined to comment. Last year saw conclusions to a couple of the city’s biggest issues, including the delivery and installation of a floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier and a judgment in the city’s favor in a Sunshine lawsuit against volunteer board members. For 2020, some goals have been set in motion, including moves to improve environmental sustainability, implement a jitney shuttle and create an offroad trail to transport people between Coquina Beach to Bridge Street, and underground utilities on the commercial strip. The Islander asked city officials their goals for 2020. Here are the plans from two respondents: Commissioner Marilyn Maro told The Islander in a Dec. 26 interview that her list of goals for the new year begins with the Bridge Street utility project, which involves burying utilities along the street to provide a cleaner aesthetic. Maro said the project, on hold for months while the city awaits a cost estimate from Florida Power & Light, will allow the city and its community redevelopment agency to move forward with an aesthetic vision for the Maro commercial district. The CRA has tentatively approved several design proposals, including a gazebo outside the post office on Bridge Street, new roadway signs and replacing planters for trees in Bridge Street rights of way. Next on Maro’s list of goals for 2020 is implementing the jitney shuttle, which she said would “be a big asset for our parking.� “I think the residents will like it and the tourists,�

she said. “It’s important to all of us. You can see for yourself how hard it is to find parking here.� The city and CRA are currently planning a pilot program for the shuttle in 2020. Maro said another priority is to improve Katie Pierola Sunset Park, named for the former mayor and located at 220 Gulf Drive N. Maro said she would like to fulfill her campaign promise to improve the park by creating a crosswalk across Gulf Drive, as well as replacing benches and plants. Maro also said she wants to see unity on the city commission and CRA board, which consists of the mayor, city commissioners and two appointees. “We all worked together and I just hope we keep working together, which we usually do,� she said. “Everyone’s got the same priorities: they want things done for the people.� “There’re always going to be challenges out there,� Maro said. “I just hope we can go on to accomplish more.� CRA member Ed Chiles, owner of the Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton Beach and other area businesses, said he is concerned with environmental sustainability in 2020. Chiles said the CRA should continue to promote sustainability by building on projects completed in 2019, specifically, the use of clams to restore local waters. Chiles The CRA learned that a clam filters several gallons of water per day and helps promote seagrass growth and headed a project to add 200,000 mollusks to the waters in March near the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Chiles said the CRA could purchase more clams or add another type of bivalve, such as oysters, to increase biodiversity. “I think our continued challenge is to try to do the multitude of things we need to do in what is now a race

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against time in turning back the clock for our climate,� Chiles told The Islander in a Dec. 18 interview. Other officials Mayor John Chappie declined to speak with The Islander. Commissioner Jan Vosburgh also declined to comment, saying she would like to become more acquainted with city projects before speaking with The Islander. Commissioner Ralph Cole did not respond to two emails sent Dec. 18 and Dec. 24, as well as four phone calls between Dec. 18 and Dec. 26. Commissioner Jake Spooner did not respond to four phone calls between Dec. 18 and Dec. 26, two text messages sent Dec. 19 and Dec. 26, as well as two emails Dec. 18 and Dec. 24. CRA member David Bell did not respond to two emails sent Dec. 18 and Dec. 24.

Roadwatch

Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following for the week of Dec. 30: • Bay Drive South in Bradenton Beach: Manatee County’s AMI Pipeline Replacement project involves work on Bay Drive South continuing north to Bridge Street, shifting to Church Avenue and continuing on Church to Cortez Road. • Longboat Pass Bridge: Repairs to the Longboat Pass Bridge on Gulf Drive between Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key continue. For the latest road watch information, go online to fl511.com and swflroads.com or dial 511. To view traffic conditions, go online to smarttrafficinfo.org.

Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach officials resolve to complete goals in new year By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

“Our job is to keep trying to bring balance,” Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said Dec. 17. “It’s being able to flow with the changes and find ways to make it work.” As people turn to new forms of alternative forms of transportation and the vacation rental market grows, city officials are working on ordinances to regulate these and other developments without violating state laws. The environment remains a concern, as flooding from high tides and storms becomes more common. The Islander asked city officials their goals for 2020. Here are their plans. Mayor Judy Titsworth Overlay maps, timelines and charts for city projects are on Mayor Judy Titsworth’s list of goals for 2020. “I want where we are now — and where we are going to be — clearly defined and available for the public to see,” Titsworth said. As the city engineer and staff take on each phase of stormwater infiltration, including fixing deteriorated pipes and crumbling seawalls, Titsworth plans to place at city hall charts depicting the projects, including the lifespans of existing infrastructure and a schedule for each phase. She also might form a committee to develop a five-year strategic plan for city projects. Such a process would be separate from updating the comprehensive plan, which will start in 2020. “The comp plan work will likely be done before the five-year plan,” she said. “But the two will tie in together.” Commissioner Jim Kihm Commission Chair Jim Kihm said the city must pursue state funding to lessen the economic impact caused by environmental issues. He cited problems caused by high levels of red tide in 2018, and said he hopes the state funds research “to minimize, if not eliminate” red tide and other harmful algae blooms. Kihm also said he wants the city to continue working with the Tampa Bay Resiliency Coalition to plan and implement strategies to mitigate sea level rise. “Working together we can make an impact,” he said. As legislative liaison for the city, Kihm is getting primed for the upcoming session in Tallahassee, which will begin Jan. 14. He said home rule — local regulatory power — again is threatened. “It’s my feeling that local issues should be decided locally,” he said. “We will do what we can to work with the state so we can support one another.”

Titsworth

Morton

Soustek

“Anything we could do to get away from fossil fuel,” she said. Soustek also plans to speak with other commissioners about approaching Florida Power and Light representatives regarding solar power for city buildings. She said she wants city hall meetings broadcast via video or audio, so people who cannot attend meetings can still monitor them. “If more people could see what happens at city hall, it might encourage more community involvement,” Soustek said. Additionally, she said she wants the parks and beautification committee to have an expanded role. “We have some really great people on our city boards,” Soustek said. “We should really use this as an opportunity to let these people help manage our projects with a broader approach.” Commissioner Terry Schaefer Elected in November 2019, Commissioner Terry Schaefer is excited for his first full year on the dais. He said he has been reading the comp plan and is anticipating the upcoming update. “This process will be a first for me,” he said. “I intend to sit in on some of the meetings and glean what I can.” Schaefer, retired from banking management, said he’s preparing to help with consideration of the city’s budget. He also said he hopes the city continues its focus on environmental issues, including sea level rise, and repairing and installing infrastructure that can support stormwater and rising tides. “Doing less could affect property values in the long-run,” Schaefer said. “We must continue to con-

Flashback ’19

Commissioner Carol Soustek Commissioner Carol Soustek said she wants the city to consider greener energy alternatives in 2020.

Meetings

Jan. 9, 10 a.m., police pension board. Jan. 14, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Jan. 15, 10 a.m., special magistrate. Jan. 9, 6 p.m., city commission. Jan. 23, 11:30 a.m., police pension board. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941Jan. 25, 9 a.m., dog park opening, city field. 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Jan. 28, 6 p.m., city commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941Bradenton Beach 708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. Jan. 7, 10 a.m., commission. Jan. 8, 9:30 a.m., CRA. West Manatee Fire Rescue Jan. 9, 6 p.m., commission. None announced. Jan. 15, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. Jan. 16, 11 a.m., pier team. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. Jan. 16, noon, commission. Jan. 21, 10 a.m., commission. Manatee County Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Jan. 9, 9 a.m., county commission (land use). 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. Jan. 14, 9 a.m., county commission. Jan. 28, 9 a.m., county commission. Holmes Beach Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Jan. 8, 6 p.m., planning commission. Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

Kihm

Schaefer

Rash

sider sustainability on a regional basis.” Commissioner Kim Rash Commissioner Kim Rash said one goal is to cut unnecessary spending for a tighter budget. He also said he hopes to see a reduced millage rate for the fiscal year 2020-21. “I just think there are some departments that are overfunded,” Rash said. “I’d like the mayor to look at (the budget) and ask herself, ‘How can I help the residents instead of trying to build more?’” However, Rash said the work Titsworth has done to expand the code compliance department’s duties worked well for the city in 2019, and he looks forward to seeing more benefits to the quality of life for residents through proactive code compliance measures. “My 100% task is taking care of the residents,” he said. “I just like helping people.” Commissioner Pat Morton Commissioner Pat Morton has watched the city evolve in 23 years on the island. “You see the changes coming, but that is just part of the process,” he said. “All you can do is just try to guide the change in the best way for the city.” He said the commission is comprised of “strong, intelligent people who care about the city,” and he looks forward to positive results in 2020. He also said he is concerned with the threat to home rule and hopes the city maintains regulatory power. “We just have to see what comes our way and do our best to work with it,” Morton said. “I just hope, in the coming year, that we can all work together to do what is best for the city.” Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and orchestra members take the stage as patrons take seats on the sand for the seventh annual Symphony on the Sand at Coquina Gulfside Park in Bradenton Beach in November. Islander File Photo: Jack Elka

Of interest Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, most government offices are closed. Jan. 13, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Bradenton Beach City Hall. Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, most government offices are closed. Jan. 22, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Holmes Beach City Hall. Jan. 27, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization with Charlotte-Punta Gorda MPO, Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Feb. 17, Presidents Day, most government offices are closed. Please, send listings for The Islander’s government “Meetings” calendar to calendar@islander. org and news@islander.org. Please include dates, times and locations.

JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria mayor, commissioners look to 2020

This video shows how well we, at the local level, have managed a proliferation of short-term rentals to Anna Maria’s mayor and city commissioners are ensure the health and safety of both visitors and resiplanning to celebrate in 2020. dents. This is something that we firmly believe cannot They’re preparing to open a new pier. be managed from afar, aka Tallahassee. The Islander reached out the week of Dec. 23 to the mayor and commissioners to find out what they are Commissioner Amy Tripp looking forward to and what they think their biggest I am most looking forward to the challenges will be in 2020. completion of the city pier and conHere is what they said. tracting with an excellent vendor to manage the pier restaurant and other Mayor Dan Murphy concessions. In 2020, our city looks most forI welcome the opportunity to continuward to the completion of the historic Tripp ing street and drainage improvements pier project and the opening of the to address rising tides. pier to the public. I think our biggest challenge in 2020 will be Going forward, our biggest chal- defending home rule. lenge in 2020 as an island community Murphy will be safeguarding and expanding Commissioner Mark Short our rights under home rule. In 2020, I am most looking forward to seeing the completion of the Commissioner Carol Carter city pier and the opening of the new I’m really looking forward to the restaurant. opening of the Anna Maria City In addition, I look forward to the Pier. continued growth in the various events Also, I’m excited to bring into Short that bring the residents together. fruition several more “For the Love With respect to challenges for of AMI” community projects and 2020, getting to the finish line for the completion of events. Carter the pier and restaurant are certainly items that have to And I welcome the opportunity to be mentioned. help the city begin planning for adapting to sea level In addition, protecting home rule clearly needs to rise on our barrier island. be top of mind and will continue to be a challenge. As far as biggest challenges go, we must ensure that home rule, particularly with regard to short-term Commissioner Jonathan Crane rentals and vacation rentals, prevails in the 2020 FlorI anticipate that the city will conida legislative session. sider a new approach to combating To that end, the cities of Anna Maria and Holmes the effects of the rising sea level. I Beach have produced a short video, starring six local look forward to participating in those residents and stakeholders, that we will soon distribute efforts, whatever they may be. via a YouTube link to all of our Florida legislators. Crane As always, it is challenging to By Phil Colpas Islander Reporter

maintain an acceptable balance between the old Florida lifestyle needs of the residents and accommodating the needs of our visitors. Commissioner to be named A fifth commission seat previously held by Dale Woodland, had not been filled as of Islander press time. Woodland failed to qualify for reelection in November because he paid the $48 qualifying fee with a personal check. The city is accepting applicants Woodland for the seat, which will be discussed Thursday, Jan. 8, at city hall.

Flashback ’19 A wing and a pin: Connor Bystrom, a veterinarian at Palma Sola and Island Animal Clinics in Bradenton, treats a rescued osprey’s broken wing July 16. Capt. Matt Ercoli, a fishing guide, found the injured bird at his dock in Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo: Courtesy Katherine Dye

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Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Are we making progress?

The answer may depend on your lifestyle, outlook, generation and age. One of my favorite sayings is that everyone wants progress on Anna Maria Island, well, almost everyone, but AMI folks don’t really want change. Well, most people I’ve known in my 45 or so years here, are adamantly opposed to changing anything. I recall when there was only one shell road remaining in Anna Maria, on all of Anna Maria Island — and plenty of people opposed paving Rose Street. There also was the time before 1957 when only one wooden bridge brought people and commerce to the island. People used to joke that new, modern bridges (now defunct, according to the Florida Department of Transportation) brought too much development to the island. In fact, Holmes Beach barely existed before 1950 and the three bridges, two connecting the mainland and one connecting to Longboat Key. A long pier and a small church at the north end anchored a small community of stalwart residents and sea captains in the 1900s. Soon, with opening of the Anna Maria City Pier in 1911, developer prospects came on ferries to the dock in Anna Maria and the sale of beach cottages became brisk. As the north end of the island grew, and the city of Anna Maria incorporated in 1925, Bradenton Beach, which didn’t incorporate until 1951, grew on the south end of the island thanks to the opening in 1921 of the first bridge connecting the island to the fishing village of Cortez and the mainland beyond. Fast forward to 1971 and the introduction of the six-story residential condos, The Martinique. That got the “no change” people stirred up and quickly laws were adopted in the three island cities to limit building heights to three stories. Also, in the mid-70s, the island building profile changed with the introduction of state and federal laws requiring homes be elevated a certain height above sea level. A building rush was on, and homes on stilts began to pop up on nearly every block. So as we face this latest renaissance, changing much of AMI to a vacation paradise and vacation homes in place of small duplexes, how do the remainPiloting into Holmes Beach ing residents reflect on the decades of progress? Are you taking predictions for 2020? 2020 should allow for greater hindsight. I’d bet on one thing: Anna Maria Island’s newest After all, it’s easy to know what’s right after the fact, but hard to predict the future without understand- multimillion dollar residents — the Nashville power couple of Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, who ing what came before. purchased property in Holmes Beach — will find the Here we go, 2-O, 2-O. — Bonner Joy commute to their piece of paradise astounding. Likely flying into Sarasota-Bradenton International on a private jet, they might try driving to Anna Maria Island on the Cortez Bridge. JAN. 1, 2020 • Vol. 28, No. 10 That debacle might get them to test Manatee ▼ Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Avenue. ▼ Editorial I hope someone happens to have a camera rolling Lisa Neff, editor, lisa@islander.org ChrisAnn Allen, chrisann@islander.org during that ride. Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Next, and perhaps on a final try, they might try Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist arriving via Longboat Key. Arthur Brice, arthur@islander.org Sarah Brice, sarah@islander.org It seems odd to drive south to get north, but it Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org might work, even if it adds 15 minutes to the drive. Phil Colpas, phil@islander.org Michael Dunn, michael@islander.org Unless they fly in during the dark of night they Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com have three options. Leslie Lake, leslie@islander.org They can hire a boat to take them from SRQ to the Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Rod & Reel Pier or the marina and keep a golf cart at Mike Tokars, miket@islander.org hand to get them the last quarter mile. ▼ Contributors Or a speed boat to go via the Gulf of Mexico in Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-Love short and thrilling order. Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org Perhaps right to shore. ▼ Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Many a boat I jumped off and swam, or waded, to ▼ Office Staff shore. Lisa Williams, office manager There is nothing else like Anna Maria Island in the Vicki McIntyre, office assistant, reader advocate info@, accounting@, classifieds@, country. subscriptions@islander.org Or, since, it is only money, the new property ▼ Distribution Urbane Bouchet owners could petition for a helipad. Judy Loden Wasco It is Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, after Ross Roberts all. (All others: news@islander.org) I’m not saying this is good or bad, merely the Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. future. ©1992-2020 • Editorial, sales and production offices: 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 With new Nashville will come new demands. WEBSITE: www.islander.org David Reid, Hollywood, California PHoNE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Opinion

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JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Flashback ’19

Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jake Spooner, left, Mayor John Chappie and paralegal Michael Barfield, congratulate each other July 19 as city attorney Ricinda Perry and attorney Robert Watrous embrace on learning the outcome in favor of the city in a lawsuit against six former board members at the Manatee County Judicial Center. Islander File Photo

Fireworks, fun, games fill Fourth of July: Islander Photographer Jack Elka captures fireworks on the beach on July 4. Islander File Photo

10&20 years ago

Islander archives, Dec. 29, 1999

• Members of Anna Maria’s parking committee were divided on a proposal by member Dale Woodland to declare all streets open to parking unless a majority of property owners along their street voted to limit parking to residents. • Holmes Beach commissioners supported an application by Bradenton Beach to the Florida Department of Transportation to designate Gulf Drive/State Road 789 in Holmes Beach a scenic highway. Such a designation would allow for grants for landscaping and other improvements. • West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Andy Price said island officials would monitor the change from 1999 to 2000 — the Y2K effect — on New Year’s Eve but there were no plans to activate the Island Emergency Operation Center, as recommended by the state.

Islander archives, Dec. 30, 2009

Flashback ’19

We’d love to mail you the news!

• The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was searching for a former island woman missing since Oct. 18, 2008. Dawn Marie Viens was last seen leaving work in Los Angeles but her car was left at her workplace. • With a go-ahead from city commissioners, a Bradenton Beach advisory committee planned to open a new effort to improve city gateways. • Pine Avenue Restoration filed three site plans with the Anna Maria building department for retail-office-residential construction on Pine Avenue. • The wife of a man who drowned near Longboat Pass July 4, 2008, filed a wrongful death suit against a contractor working on an artificial reef project for Manatee County. — Lisa Neff

Master of Sunset pictures

Portraits by the Sea

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Ringing in 2020: Island businesses upbeat about new year By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter

Cheers. As 2019 drew to close, island business owners raised a glass to a new year and continued success. Red tide stayed at bay through summer and fall and crowds spent holidays in 2019, spring break and summer vacations packing the beaches perusing island businesses. “It’s been a blessed year,” Chet Zarzycki of Holy Cow Ice Cream, 3234 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, told The Islander. “We just want to continue to make the families and people who come in happy and help them enjoy themselves while they are here,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.” Zarzycki said Dec. 26 a new coffee machine was on order and, when it arrived, iced coffees and lattes would be added to the offerings at Holy Cow. “I think the coffee drinks will make a great addition to the shop,” he said. At Small Town Creamery, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, owner Lindy Gilbert also was thankful for another successful year. She plans to expand non-dairy offerings in 2020, as well as add vegan options. “It’s a newer trend we noticed. I call it treats for ‘special bellies,’” Gilbert said. “We are looking at accommodating everybody we can. We are looking at new candy and gift trends, too.” “I certainly can’t complain. I love what I do,” Chris Smargisso told The Islander Dec. 18. Smargisso owns Beach Fun Rentals, 3228 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, and Slim’s Place, 9701 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, along with son PJ Smargisso. “They are well-oiled machines,” he said of the two family businesses. “At Slim’s, the locals keep us going all year round. We will add new items on the menu. We always change it up now and then,” Smargisso said. He continued, “As for the rental business, I think the newer rental places like Robin Hood Rentals are taking a little away from the existing older ones and

there’s internet sites now, too.” “But we go on,” Smargisso said. “We will be status quo for the upcoming year with both businesses.” Mike Flynn of Bradenton purchased a rental business in November, buying Just 4 Fun Rentals, 5358 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. “We’ve set about adding equipment,” Flynn told The Islander. He also added a deck boat for rent to the hour or day. In 2020, Vinny Esposito said he wants to make his Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, a destination. “I am adding products that can’t be bought anywhere else in this area,” Esposito told The Islander Dec. 18. “We are going to expand on what we have built here in Holmes Beach since the move from Pine Avenue and I just want to make my customers happy,” Esposito added. He said he is looking to improve customer service and overall excellence. Sean Murphy said he is excited about 2020 and his new event space next to the Doctor’s Office, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Weddings, meetings and more are planned for the remodeled facility — or under the trees in the courtyard, where catering will be provided by the Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Also, Murphy said his other Holmes Beach eatery, Eat Here, 5315 Gulf Drive, soon will offer a full bar in addition to wine and beer. So, 2020 will bring a new year and new opportunities for island businesses. Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Terri Kinder said she was looking forward to the new year, kicking off with the awarding of trolley grants at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Waterline Marina and Beach Resort, Holmes Beach, to nonprofits with island operations. “We are excited for the upcoming year and looking forward to an outstanding 2020,” Kinder told The Islander. Stay busy, islanders! And happy new year!

Bridge Street bar owner wraps up food cart application By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Drift In could be a document and a commission vote away from hosting a nighttime food cart. Joe Cuervo, owner of the Drift In, 120 Bridge St., told The Islander in a Dec. 24 interview that he submitted an application seeking a special event permit to allow Steve Ascensios, owner of Uncle Steve’s Mobile Kitchen, to operate on weekend nights at the Drift In, in the bar’s parking lot. However, Cuervo said building official Steve Gilbert asked Cuervo for one additional document: a short paper on why he wants to host the food cart. Cuervo has said the food cart would provide latenight eats that could help sober bargoers and would not compete with other Bridge Street businesses.

Cortez museum loses curator

The Florida Maritime Museum is saying goodbye to curator Casey Wooster. After working in Cortez for two years, Wooster has taken a position in St. Augustine, where she will work at preserving that city’s heritage and culture as the Governor’s House Collections Assistant with the University of Florida’s management of historic properties. FMM supervisor Kristin Sweeting told The Islander the museum has yet to hire a new curator. In the meantime, staff will pick up Wooster’s responsibilities. In other business, the museum will make room in March for a new exhibit. The current exhibit, “Always Ready: Coast Guard in Florida,” explores the stories and people behind the U.S. Coast Guard in the Sunshine State and has been open since February last year. Details on the new exhibit were not announced. The museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, is closed until 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7. — Mike Tokars

Cuervo has pushed for amendments to the city code, seeking to allow special use permits for food carts. However, the issue was tabled in November by the planning and zoning board because of concerns with competition with other businesses and details of the code change. So, city planner Alan Garrett recommended Cuervo seek a special event permit, which would require approval of the city commission, but would allow for a trial operation of the business. His request will go before city commissioners at noon, Thursday, Jan. 16, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., for consideration. If city commissioners approve Cuervo’s application, the food cart will serve hot dogs and kielbasa 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday on a to-be-determined date.

Ugly sweaters gather on ‘Boardwalk’ Ugly sweater contestants gather Dec. 21 in Holmes Beach to await a winner. The contest was held during the “boardwalk business” holiday open house for 421 Sweet Treats, Live Naturally, Vinny’s Italian Kitchen and Freckled Fin. Islander Courtesy Photo: Arnold Caylakyan

AMI Tourism: Endless Season Record number of visitors enjoy sunshine in Florida

At the beginning of 2019, funding for Visit Florida, the state’s tourist marketing machine, appeared in jeopardy. House and Senate negotiators in the 2019 legislative cycle agreed to extend Visit Florida’s funding until June 30, 2020, pushing $50 million into the agency’s coffers. So in a year-end wrap Dec. 23, Visit Florida president and chief executive officer Dana Young made clear the state funding that came through in 2019 was spent well. The state welcomed the most visitors of “any six-month period in the state’s history, with 69.7 million people traveling to the state from January to June 2019,” the news release stated. As state lawmakers prepare for an early session, they again are raising questions about funding for Visit Florida, a not-for-profit corporation created as a public/private partnership in 1996 to maximize the economic impact of tourism to Florida. “We are committed to ensuring that Florida tourism remains strong, so our industry continues to create jobs and raise critical tax revenue that pays for things that are important to Floridians, like transportation, environmental protection and education,” Young stated in the news release — Sandy Ambrogi

Bridge Street building nears completion Work Dec. 27 continues on the 107 Bridge St. property, where Bridge Street Bazaar and a Daiquiri Deck restaurant and bar will operate. The property is owned by Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jake Spooner — who previously said the building would be ready for occupancy in January — and his mother, Debbie Sniadach. They also own the gift shop and the adjacent miniature golf attraction. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Flashback ’19

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Bonnie Narcisi, left, of Holmes Beach, and Marie Meyers, of Longboat Key, strum chords to the song “Day-o (The Banana Boat Song)” along with the rest of the adults in the “Ukulele Class for Beginners” oct. 2 at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo: Sarah Brice

Flashback ’19

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Center of Anna Maria island Bingo returns to Annie Silver tunes into ukulele enthusiasm Community Center The Center of Anna Maria Island will host ukulele lessons beginning this month. Lakewood Ranch High School orchestra director Dan Shafer will lead the lessons, teaching students a new song each date. Lessons will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 10 and April 17. The cost per session will be $50 for members and $60 for nonmembers and includes a ukulele. The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call 941-778-1908.

Be one of the many to attend the first Thursday night bingo celebration at the Annie Silver Community Center. The center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, will host winter bingo games 7-9 p.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. 16. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Center members will call games and serve refreshments, including cake, coffee and sodas. Also, there will be 50/50 drawings each evening, with proceeds supporting the Bradenton Beach notfor-profit. Center calls for bingo players For more information, call Linda Yarger at 941The center is calling bingo three nights during the 778-3580. winter season The center will welcome players 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, as well as Feb. 7 and March 6. Island Players to open Bingo cards will cost $1. ‘Ripcord’ Jan. 9 Prizes will include gift cards to local restaurants. The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The Island Players’ third production of its For more information, call the center at 941-778season — “Ripcord,” written by David Lindsay1908. Abaire, will open Thursday, Jan. 9. Performances will continue through Sunday, Jan. 26. ‘Cognitive fitness’ forum at The cast, directed by James Thaggard, includes Center of Anna Maria Island Cathy Hansel-Edgerton, Laura Morales, Nick CatThe Center of Anna Maria Island will host a Paranzaro, Jennifer Caldwell, Rick Kopp and Matkinson’s Education Forum, presented by the Neuro thew Mayo. Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s. Performances will be 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday The program will be noon-2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday in the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Anna Maria. The theater is dark Mondays. The focus will be on “strategies to improve cogniTickets are $23 each. tive fitness.” With the exception of Jan. 1, the box office Also, the center will be introducing its fitness and will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays yoga instructors, who will share information about through the run, as well as an hour before perfortheir new free pilot programs, including Pedal for mances. Parkinson. For more information, call the box office at The programs will begin Tuesday, Jan. 14. 941 778-5755 or go to www.theislandplayers. For more information, call the center at 941-778org. 1908.

Island happenings

JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Aiden Esformes, left, and ozzy Martinez, both 8 and from Bradenton, take a break July 25, during a scavenger hunt at the Island Library, during the grand finale of the library’s summer reading program. Islander File Photo

Flashback ’19 Artists’ Guild schedules classes at CrossPointe

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is beginning a winter series of classes at CrossPointe Fellowship in Holmes Beach. Classes will begin Monday, Jan. 6, and continue through April. Offerings will include lessons in working with watercolors, colored pencils, oil paints and studies in portraiture, making jewelry, calligraphy, sketching, composition and more. Teachers include AGAMI artists Anne Abgott, Roger Rockefeller, Karen deLeon Stuart, Jinny Goggin, Rick Dziak, Donna Slwasky, Cory Wright, Cheryl Jorgenson, Pat Kness, Holly Sedgwick, Joey Long, Linda Wokoun, Donna Grossman, Gwen Kodad, Wendell Graham and LuAnn Widergren. The cost for three classes will be $90 for AGAMI members and $105 for nonmembers. One-session classes will be priced by the length of time, at different rates for members and nonmembers. More information and supply lists are available at the Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, as well as online at amiartistsguildgallery.com. CrossPointe Fellowship is at 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the gallery at 941-7786694.

Bread sale benefits island historical society

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society will resume sales of Early Settlers’ Bread at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at its museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Volunteers bake the bread at home during the winter season and bring loaves to the museum Wednesdays to sell. Bread will be sold 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — or until the day’s supply lasts. Proceeds benefit the historical society’s scholarship fund. For more information, call AMIHS at 941-7780492.

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Friends to open lecture series

The Friends of the Island Library will open its winter Lecture and Travel Series with a talk by video producer Peter Bentley. Other lecturers lined up for the series include Raymond Young, Tim Berra, Harry Christensen, Paul Ferber, Robert Gaglio and Michael Ivankovich. Additionally, the series will include an introduction to the Circus Arts Conservatory. Here’s the schedule for the programs, held Thursdays at 2 p.m. at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. • Jan. 9, “A Day on a Movie Set,â€? by Bentley, a retired sound-mixer who continues to produce travel videos around the world. • Jan. 16, “Real Monsters from the Prehistoric Pastâ€? by Young, a fossil collector and retired teacher. • Jan,. 23, “Bourbonâ€? by Berra, an executive bourbon steward and member of the Stave and Thief Society, a bourbon certification program. • Jan. 30, “Restaurateurâ€? by Christensen, chef and owner of Harry’s Continental Kitchens on Longboat Key. • Feb. 6, “Why We Hate Politicsâ€? by Ferber, who taught political science. • Feb. 13, a talk about Circus Arts Conservatory, “The “Greatest Little Show on Earth.â€? • Feb. 20, “Sicily: Erupting with Cultureâ€? by Gaglio, a chef lecture and operatic performance. • Feb. 27, “25 Areas Guaranteed to Disappoint When Selling Your Household Stuffâ€? by Ivankovich, a radio host of “What’s it Worth?â€?

Kiwanis to meet Jan. 4

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will meet Saturday, Jan. 4. The meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The program will include remarks by Dr. Mark Fritz, president of New Medical Frontiers, an institution that documents and consults on scientific findings in natural medicine. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Information: 941-359-5700. First Fridays, 6-9 p.m., ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays ONGOING ON AMI after the first Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. Second and fourth Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, Second Fridays, downtown Holmes Beach art walk, various Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: venues. Information: 941-778-6694, 941-778-6648. Throughout January, “See the Light” exhibit, Island Gallery 941-708-6120. West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778Looking Ahead off AMI 6648. Jan. 16-26, Manatee County Fair, Palmetto. Throughout January, “Critters and Creatures” exhibit, Artists’ Jan. 14-Feb. 7, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island 11th annual Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941Fine Art Exhibition, Bradenton. 778-6694. Jan. 16, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island reception for Through Jan. 31, “The Next Chapter” exhibition, paintings by Rolf Hellem, the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Anna Maria. Infor- “Boundaries Erased,” Bradenton. Feb. 8, Bradenton Area River Regatta, Bradenton and Palmation: 941-900-8478. metto. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Feb. 15-16, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. March 7, ArtSlam, Bradenton. Jan. 9, Friends of the Island Library Lecture Series begins, April 3-5, Sarasota Film Festival, Sarasota. Holmes Beach. April 11, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Beach’n Jan. 9-26, Island Players present “Ripcord,” Anna Maria. Food Truck and Music Festival, Bradenton Beach. Jan. 10, “See the Light” artist reception, Holmes Beach. Jan. 10, “Critters and Creatures” artist reception, Holmes Beach. Jan. 23, Center of Anna Maria Island’s concert series presents Starship, Anna Maria. Feb. 4, 17th annual Jazz Fest to benefit Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, Anna Maria. Feb. 13, Center of Anna Maria Island’s concert series presents Danny Seraphine, Anna Maria. Feb. 28-29, Center of Anna Maria Island murder-mystery show, Anna Maria. March 5-22, Island Players’ “Leading Ladies,” Anna Maria. March 10, 10th annual Oldies Beach Dance, Anna Maria. March 19, Center of Anna Maria Island’s concert series presents the Grass Roots, Anna Maria. March 21, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ “One Night in Tortuga” pirate gathering, Cortez. April 30, Island Players’ “Death by Design,” Anna Maria. May 2, Bourbon, Beats and Eats, Holmes Beach. Oct. 17, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria. Ongoing OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

KIDS & FAMILY ON Anna maria Island Wednesday, Jan. 1 11:30 a.m. — 12th annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge, 12th Street South beach, Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-952-1109. Saturday, Jan. 4 1 p.m. — Game Day, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesday, Jan. 7 10 a.m. — Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Looking ahead on AMI March 15, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Holmes Beach. May 30, Anna Maria Island Privateers Kids Day, TBD. ONGOING OFF AMI

For the week Jan. 1-8 Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org Saturday, Jan. 4 10 a.m. — Ask a Master Gardener, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Monday, Jan. 6 Noon — Parkinson’s Education Forum, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908. Wednesday, Jan. 8 Noon — Coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Early Settlers’ Bread sales, Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-0492. Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., veterans services assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist-Inspired Nontheistic Path, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. Second Fridays, 6 p.m., AMI Resident Community Connections, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast and meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-1383. Tuesdays through May 12, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers’ Market, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941718-0291. Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., Tech Help, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Fourth Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Stelliferous Star Talk, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Jan. 9, Friends of the Island Library lecture and travel series Second Saturdays, 4 p.m., IQuest for middle schoolers, the begins, Holmes Beach. Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Jan. 11, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Thieves Market, BraFee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Second and fourth Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. KidSpace, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Through Jan. 5, “Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures,” the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Through Jan. 13, “Tour du Monde,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Through Aug. 1, “Remaking the World: Abstraction from the CLUBS & Permanent Collection,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941COMMUNITY 359-5700. On AMI Second Wednesdays, 12:15 p.m., Lunch and Learn program, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bra- Friday, Jan. 3 denton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. 2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Art After 5, John and Mable Ringling 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies.

Guild’s gift Christopher Culhane, executive director of the Center of Anna Maria Island, accepts a $1,000 contribution from Peggy Nash, center, one of three managers of the Roser Guild Thrift Shop, and Margo Kingsley, treasurer of Roser Memorial Guild. The guild supports 15 other nonprofits, as well as awards scholarships. The money comes from sales at the thrift shop, which is open 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call Roser’s office at 941-778-0414. Islander Courtesy Photo

JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar

denton Beach. Jan. 17, Annie Silver Community Center dinner, Bradenton Beach. Jan. 29, Anna Maria Island Garden Club fashion show, Anna Maria. Feb. 8, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. March 7, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Days, Anna Maria. March 14, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. March 18, Anna Maria Island Garden Club flower show and bake sale, Anna Maria. Looking ahead off ami Feb. 15, Scallopalooza to benefit Sarasota Bay Watch, Sarasota.

GAMES, SPORTS & OUTDOORS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Mondays, AMI Dragon Boat Fun and Fitness Club, time Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Info: ecoevents@mymanatee. depends on tides, 417 63rd St., Holmes Beach. Information: 941- org. 462-2626. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Mondays-Saturdays, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Round Robin Tennis, Jan. 25, Robinson Preserve planting, Bradenton. Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee Feb. 22, first Pirates spring training game, Bradenton. applies. Information: 941-778-1908. March 7, dragon boat festival, Bradenton. Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction April 4, Sidewalk Astronomy at Robinson Preserve. for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. April 9, Bradenton Marauders’ home opener, Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6341. May 8, AMI Chamber of Commerce golf tournament. Tuesdays, 12:15 p.m., duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941Get listed in the calendar 779-0881. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI

org.

Send listings for the calendar to calendar@islander.

Jan. 10, Center of Anna Maria Island bingo, Anna Maria. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before Jan. 16, Annie Silver Community Center’s bingo nights begin, the publication date. Bradenton Beach. Please, include the date, time, location and descripFeb. 7, Center of Anna Maria Island bingo, Anna Maria. tion of the event, as well as a phone number for pubMarch 6, Center of Anna Maria Island bingo, Anna Maria. lication. OFF AMI

Thursday, Jan. 2 Saturday, Jan. 4 9 a.m.-noon — New Year’s Eve Coastal Cleanup, Coquina 8 p.m. — Sidewalk Astronomy at Robinson Preserve, 10299 Beach South Boat Ramp, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-742- Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-518-8695. 5923. Monday, Jan. 6 10 a.m. — Paddling Neal Preserve, Neal Preserve, 12301 ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-7086130. Wednesday and Monday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., pickleball, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Legends Tennis, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., pickleball, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (call for times) mahjong games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturdays, 7:30 a.m., Still I Run running club, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mcfacheris@ gmail.com. Mondays, noon, AMI Bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

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

Fireworks spark the night sky at the Beach House Restaurant.

New Year’s ‘Shiver’ set

The annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge will be 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, in Bradenton Beach. The plunge into the Gulf of Mexico will be from the beach at the access on Gulf Drive 12th Street South. Beach House celebrates The fundraising event is sponsored by Clancy’s Irish Pub, which will host a post-plunge party, with new year with fireworks Fireworks will return to the sky over the Beach raffles, food, beverages and music by Mean Gene’s Party Machine at the bar, 6218 Cortez Road, Braden- House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. The Chiles Group restaurant offers a fireworks ton. Participants in the plunge who wear a costume will show to usher in the new year. The fireworks will go off after the countdown to be judged and could receive a trophy at the party. All who participate in the costume contest will receive a midnight Tuesday, Dec. 31, and the arrival of the new year. raffle ticket. The pyrotechnic display will be visible up and Plunge participants should be at the beach by 11:30 down the beach. a.m. The public fireworks show is part of the restauTo plunge, pledge or make a donation, contact rant’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. Jan Crudele at Caring for Children Charities/Florida Seniors go for sweets For more information, call the restaurant at 941Winefest at 941-952-1109 or Rayma Stowe at Clan779-2222. The Senior Adventures group will journey to Bra- cy’s, 941-794-2489. denton Friday, Jan. 3, to see a demonstration of how SweetBerries — the frozen custard specialists and res!"#$%&'(%)*+,-%./%*01*,"*23*%"2%,*-"4*2#"+5%,*6.4*5"278%4*-"72%+24%3.2-#,93#".28 taurant — makes its frozen custard. 5*#%9-%4*-"72%+%6.,*%:*+9#"/95%+24%/923#".2+5%-1+3*%/.,%).9,%5"/*-#)5* The group will depart for the Manatee Avenue destination at 10 a.m. from Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. The fee for the van ride is $5. For more information, the time of departure, reservations and to pay for the trip, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

Registration ongoing for 2020 elections

Voter registration is underway in advance of the 2020 elec-

tions. The first balloting will be March 17, 2020, when Florida holds its presidential preference primary. The deadline to register to vote in the presidential primary is Feb. 18, 2020. Other election dates in 2020: • Primary election, Aug. 18, with registration closing July 20. • General election, Nov. 3, with registration closing Oct. 5. Candidates for island offices will qualify in June, earlier than in 2019, due to the federal and state balloting. For more information about registering to vote, go online to votemanatee.com.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Dog park nears completion at Holmes Beach’s city field By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Canines and their humans soon will have a new hangout in Holmes Beach. The former ballpark is now a dog park. The grass is growing, waterline trenches have been excavated and seating is constructed for the expanded dog park at city field, the recreational complex adjacent to city hall in the 5800 block of Marina Drive. Throughout the process that started in 2018, Eran Wasserman, Holmes Beach director of development services, and city engineer Lynn Burnett met with dog park users to hear suggestions on amenities for the park. “We did a mix of sand and grass to meet the requests of people who use the park,� Wasserman said. The city also installed seating in the former dugouts at Birdie Tebbetts Field, which was removed to make room for the park, including two styles of seating — some benches facing outward and others facing each other — per requests of park users. Rye and Bermuda grass, which will take several weeks to establish, will be watered on a tight schedule in January to ensure proper growth, according to Wasserman. He said the city reused fencing when possible and, the fencing contractor, Gulf Coast Fence, provided gates at no additional charge. Wasserman also said he received requests from people who use the small dog park, adjacent to the large dog park, for renovations, and those plans will be considered in 2020. “We really hope everyone is satisfied with the changes,� he said. “This has really been a lot of work and we are proud of the results thus far.� Carol Hatz, Holmes Beach parks and beautification member and dog park user, said Dec. 26 she looks forward to the new park. “We are so lucky to have something like this in

Grass is growing and a shaded seating area is ready Dec. 20 for dog watchers at the large dog park at city field in Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Allen

our community,� she said. “I know the city did a lot of research to put this together and I’m excited to experience the new park.� A ribbon-cutting opening for the dog park is planned for 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25.

People interested in an expanded dog park meet Nov. 19 at Holmes Beach City Hall to review a plan with the city’s director of development services, Eran Wasserman. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

Socializing The former baseball field in Holmes Beach was excavated to make way for dogs, and a dugout was expanded to accompany dogwatchers. T-Shirts $10 @ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

The Islander has an active Facebook community of more than 13,900-plus “likes.� To join the conversation, become a fan of “The Islander� on Facebook. The Islander also has an active Twitter feed where alert readers can comment. Online readers can post comments on the website. To view the newspaper online, a $36 annual subscription is required.

71st Season

‘Ripcord’ by David Lindsay-Abaire Directed by James Thaggard Jan. 9-26 When cantankerous Abby is forced to share her assisted-living facility quarters with newly arrived Marilyn, she has no choice but to get rid of the infuriatingly chipper woman by any means necessary. A seemingly harmless bet between the two senior women quickly escalates into a dangerous game of one-upmanship that reveals the determination of these worthy opponents.

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“Images of America: Anna Maria Island,� a pictorial history of the island compiled by Bonner Joy is available at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. It includes many neverbefore-seen photos from Joy’s collection. She is publisher-owner of The Islander newspaper, launched in 1992, and a devoted islander for 45 years.

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

JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

1st phase for Coquina project set to finish in spring 2020 By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Construction in the parking lot at Coquina Beach will continue for a few more months. Manatee County information outreach manager Nicholas Azzara wrote in a Dec. 19 email to The Islander that the first phase of the parking lot drainage improvement project, involving the removal of 103 Australian pine trees and the addition of pervious pavement on the south end of beach parking, is set for completion by March 2020. The project was planned to combat frequent flooding in the parking lot, which is owned and maintained by the county. Azzara said the county contractor is currently pouring pervious pavement and wrote that it “is on schedule and progressing well.� The removal of 103 Australian pine trees — more than 10% of the 991 Australian pines at Coquina — for the first phase was met with opposition from residents and Bradenton Beach officials. Their opposition culminated in a petition with 1,010 signatures against removing the trees. However, because the city had issued a permit for the project and removing Australian pine trees is allowed under the city’s land development code, the permit was irrevocable. Instead, the county replaced the trees with 83 green buttonwood trees, 10 gumbo limbo trees and 10 shady lady black olive trees in the grass near a playground. Discussions on phase two of the project, which could involve removing another 129 Australian pine trees and pouring pervious pavement for the parking lots, won’t be held until phase one is complete, according to Azzara. The second phase will require a vote of approval from county commissioners. “If all goes as planned, that discussion will probably be in early summer,� Azzara wrote. The second phase likely will include a plan to plant more trees than the number that will be removed, as

Pervious pavement dries Dec. 20 at Coquina Beach’s southern parking lot, where 103 Australian pine trees were removed to make way for the first phase of Manatee County’s stormwater drainage improvement project. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

“staff understand the importance of maintaining the aesthetic beauty of the area,� Azzara wrote. In the meantime, construction will continue to impact events at the beach. The Anna Maria Island Privateers rerouted their Christmas Parade from North-South to South-North this year to work around construction and future events planned for the area may need to make the same considerations until phase one is complete next spring. Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency member and local restaurateur Ed Chiles told The Islander in a Dec. 18 interview that he didn’t understand the outrage over the removal of Australian

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The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, anniversaries, travels and other events. Send notices and photographs with detailed captions — along with complete contact information to news@islander.org.

pine trees. “I get that some people like the trees and I get the canopy is beautiful and I don’t want to take that down, but they are exotic and invasive,� Chiles said. Chiles said he supports the removal of Australian pines and suggested using the cut trees to create wood benches for a pavilion at the beach.

Correction

The Islander in the Dec. 18 issue incorrectly reported that Manatee County Commissioner Misty Servia was elected to the county tourist development council. The board of county commissioners voted Dec. 10 to appoint Servia to the TDC and she will serve as TDC chair beginning in January. The TDC opening allocated to an elected official was not been appointed as of press time. According to County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, three mayors and a Bradenton commissioner have applied for the vacancy.

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island officials prep for state struggle, push for environment By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter

Anna Maria Island will have much at stake when the 2020 legislative session begins Jan. 14. As it has been since 2014, when the state gave some regulatory power back to municipalities after limiting local power in 2011, the crux of the citystate battle revolves around the balance between local vacation rental regulations and state preemptions. Additionally, Holmes Beach is looking to the state to help alleviate environmental issues, including damage from flooding as sea levels rise. Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach have hired lobbyists since 2017 to represent the cities during session. Anna Maria’s lobbyist is Chip Case. Bradenton Beach hired Dave Ramba, while Holmes Beach con-

Ramba

Case

Roth

tracted with two lobbyists for the 2020 session — Cari Roth and Ramba. All three lobbyists are based in Tallahassee. Roth is monitoring bills that could threaten home rule — local regulatory power, such as Senate Bill 1128, which would preempt the regulation of vacation rentals to the state, prohibiting a local law, ordinance, or regulation from allowing or requiring inspections or licensing of vacation rentals.

Cut of the Xmas cut-tree sales Chris Culhane, right, executive director of the Center of Anna Maria Island, accepts a contribution of $1,000 from the operators of a Christmas tree lot in west Bradenton. The money came from the Merry Christmas Trees of Bradenton/Yellow Bird sales at the Beachway Plaza lot. It opened in late November and was operated throughout December by Mike and Lynn Dobromil and Kerry and Chrissy Foley, as well as Pat Brogan, not pictured. Islander Courtesy Photo

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“This is just another effort from the state to preempt home rule and be responsible for matters that they just don’t have the resources to control,” Holmes Beach Commissioner Jim Kihm said Dec. 19. “This is why we must stay on top of the legislative session.” The city developed a program in 2016 to regulate occupancy, parking, noise and trash issues at vacation rentals. Ramba was hired to help Holmes Beach secure appropriations, because of his previous successes for Bradenton Beach. In 2019, Ramba acquired $500,000 for seagrass mitigation and $1,500,000 for flood prevention efforts for Bradenton Beach. This year, Holmes Beach is asking for $3 million to fund stormwater flooding reduction measures and to bury utilities. State Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, is sponsoring the bill — HB 3835, Holmes Beach Flood Prevention Improvements — which was filed Nov. 22. If enacted, the measure would entitle the city to a 100% payoff with no requirements for matching funds. But there is another side of the equation. In an effort to show state representatives the effect that the short-term vacation rental industry has had on coastal communities, such as Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, the two cities created a video, that can be found online at holmesbeachfl.org. The Florida League of Cities is sharing the video with state lawmakers. “It’s the same old, same old as far as the fight to preserve our communities from vacation rentals is concerned,” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said Dec. 26. “So we decided to take a new approach, which shows the value of home rule and how we can work together with stakeholders.” Bills being considered this session and contact info for legislative committee members can be tracked online at www.flsenate.gov and myfloridahouse.gov. The legislative session is scheduled to end March 13.

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Flashback ’19

flashback continued from page 1

Beach. “We have a big splash pad out here,” Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton said during a work session on city field. “It’s called the Gulf.” Holmes Beach website back online: Holmes Beach launched a limited version of its website. The city took down the site in March due to concerns about noncompliance with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act. Sunshine suit ends: The July 15-19 trial for the case pitting the city of Bradenton Beach and ex-Mayor Jack Clarke against six former volunteer city board members — alleging violation of Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law — ended with Judge Edward Nicholas ruling in favor of the plaintiffs. Another wave of force main work set: Bradenton Beach commissioners voted to approve Manatee County’s plans to continue a force main replacement project, which involved open-cut excavations and milling and resurfacing portions of Gulf Drive, Sixth Street South, Fifth Street South, Bay Drive South and Church Street North. Holmes Beach grounds e-scooter rentals, bike-share stations: Holmes Beach commissioners discussed a draft ordinance for a pilot program for bike-share stations on private property, but instead decided to prohibit such businesses. Additionally, commissioners agreed to prohibit rentals of small electric scooters — standup scooters sometimes classified as micro-mobility. WMFR approves Cortez station purchase: A unanimous vote by commissioners approved a second amendment to a lease with Pen Bay I LLC, calling for the $285,000 purchase at 10350 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. WMFR votes to buy land, build new building: West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners voted to purchase vacant land in Bradenton to construct an administrative building that could serve as an emergency operations facility. Treehouse owners push case back to circuit court: A month after Holmes Beach removed the case to the U.S. District Court-Middle District of Florida in Tampa, the Gulffront treehouse owners dropped their federal claims and were poised to push the case back to the 12th Circuit Court at the Manatee County Judicial Center. AM commissioner bows out of race: Facing a campaign for another term on the Nov. 5 ballot, Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland announced at a city meeting that he would not seek re-election. AME earns ‘A’: Anna Maria Elementary received its report card in mid-July from the Florida Department of Education. AME moved up a grade, from a B to an A. August Treehouse case dismissed in federal court: U.S. District Judge James S. Moody dismissed treehouse owners’ Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen case against the city of Holmes Beach and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Moody called the owners’ case “impermissibly unclear.” Bradenton Beach approves Coquina cafe expansion: Bradenton Beach city commissioners voted to allow the addition of 20 tables, each with four seats, and a stage area for musicians with 100 chairs in the sand. County staff recommends user fees at boat ramps: At a workshop, Manatee County staff recommended going with paid parking at the county-operated boat ramps, possibly $5 a day. Bradenton Beach dock brings back boaters: A steady stream of people were using the newly opened floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier. John Horne, owner of Anna Maria Oyster Bar and a former community redevelopment agency member, said the dock had brought his restaurant a wave of business. County approves $435K for Anna Maria pier: Manatee County commissioners voted to add $435,000 to a $1.5 million commitment for a new Anna Maria City Pier. The board approved an amendment to the tourist development plan, an interlocal agreement extension and an amendment to fund the additional budget allocation. Anna Maria votes to prohibit A-frame signs: Anna Maria commissioners voted to reinstate a pro-

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, second from left, and Police Chief Bill Tokajer, raise skateboards high in a cheer for reaching the skate bowl fundraising goal with code compliance supervisor JT Thomas and former Commissioner David Zaccagnino Nov. 8 at the site of the future skate park on city field, 5801 Marina Drive. Islander File Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

Flashback ’19 hibition on A-frame sandwich board signs when the city pier opens for business. Commission Chair Brian Seymour opposed the motion. AME to lose teacher to low student enrollment: Due to low enrollment for 2019-20, Anna Maria Elementary announced it would lose a teacher. AME is the smallest elementary school in the district, with 222 students. 4th Anna Maria commission seat opens: At the 11th hour for candidate qualifying for the Nov. 5 election, Vice Mayor Brian Seymour resigned his seat on the commission. Seymour had a year remaining on his term and was not up for re-election in November. September SOE rejects Bradenton Beach ballot initiatives: Four proposed charter amendments petitioned by the Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods political action committee failed to make the Nov. 5 Bradenton Beach ballot under a decision by the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections. Anna Maria pier rammed by barge: A contractor’s barge crashed into the new Anna Maria City Pier, damaging a 15-foot section of the walkway. Anna Maria commissioner fails to qualify: Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett called Commissioner Dale Woodland to inform him that he failed to qualify for re-election because he paid his $48 qualifying fee with a personal check. Last of 4 men in shark-dragging case takes plea: The shark-dragging case that entangled four men in cries of animal cruelty for months on social media concluded. With a court-sanctioned agreement, Robert “Bo” Benac of Bradenton was sentenced to probation,

Flashback ’19

10 days in jail, $2,500 fine, 250 hours of community service. Anna Maria dismisses planner: Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy told commissioners he gave city planner Robin Meyer a 90-day cancellation notice on his contract. Meyer was to remain in the position until December. HB development director resigns: Holmes Beach was seeking a new director of development services after Barney Salmon resigned. He was hired in January to fill the job, shortly after Mayor Judy Titsworth announced she created the position. Stagnant Holmes Beach lake sparks concerns: People who live on Spring Lake in Holmes Beach were concerned about their health and property values. At a city commission meeting, project manager Eran Wasserman reviewed the status of the lake following resident complaints of a stench and dead fish after the activation of an aeration system. County approves record tourism spending: The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau received a record amount of cash to spend in the next budget cycle. Manatee County commissioners approved the spending plan of $6,856,046 in the fiscal year budget for the county, which ends Sept. 30, 2020. October Community center drops to $51K in the red: The Center of Anna Maria Island’s 2019-20 fiscal year was off to a slow start. The center was $51,706 in the red after two months of its fiscal year. DOT calls for new Cortez Bridge: The Florida

Please see flashback, page 18 West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Ben Rigney holds the pike pole Oct. 17 after outgoing Chief Tom Sousa surrendered the ceremonial object to a Manatee County honor guard WMFR Lt. Andrew Lauricella, symbolizing the change of command. Battalion Chief Rich Jasinski presided over the ceremony. Islander File Photo

Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

flashback continued from page 17

Flashback ’19

People gather Oct. 11 at the arbor — an outdoor party venue adjacent to the Doctor’s Office in Holmes Beach — for The Islander’s Popcorn and Politics event. They chatted while awaiting candidates for the Holmes Beach Commission to speak. Islander File Photo: Sarah Brice

Flashback ’19

Department of Transportation released its long-anticipated PDE study and called for a megabridge to replace the drawbridge on Cortez Road between the mainland and Bradenton Beach. Construction begins on city pier restaurant: Work on the T-end building for the new Anna Maria City Pier began, with Holmes Beach-based Mason Martin Builders framing the restaurant and bait shop. Holmes Beach officials say ‘yes’ to raises: Commissioners voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance to increase the mayor and commissioners’ salaries based on an average of the national cost-ofliving increase over the past 10 years. The raise would become effective upon the swearing-in of officials elected Nov. 5. Angler reels in county’s top ag award: Capt. Scott Moore has been fishing and running the waters around Anna Maria Island for more than half a century. In October, the Manatee County Agriculture Hall of Fame named Moore the 2019 hall of fame inductee. Railroad resort sells to Nashville power couple: The coconut telegraph had been buzzing for months with the pending sale of the Layby Resort, 105 White Ave., Holmes Beach, to country-music legends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. The sale was confirmed in mid-October. Weather warnings push Bayfest indoors: Tropical Storm Nestor may have changed the venue of Anna Maria Island’s 19th annual Bayfest, but the change of venue didn’t halt the crowd’s enthusiasm. Vehicles lined the puddled streets of Anna Maria as hundreds of people made their way to the Center of Anna Maria Island for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s festival. Round 1: Opponents launch challenge: A former Manatee County commissioner initiated a legal challenge to the Florida Department of Transportation’s plan to build a 65-foot-clearance fixed span to replace the Cortez Bridge. Storm, dinghy damage new dock: Bradenton Beach public works director Tom Woodard, in a meeting of the city’s community redevelopment agency, said waves resulting from Tropical Storm Nestor damaged the dock, as did a dinghy left at the dock during

Adults visit and children await judging at the annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Trail of Treats Halloween contest Oct. 31 at the chamber office in Holmes Beach. Afterward, the costumed kids and chaperones took to the streets to visit businesses giving out candy and treats to young and old. Islander File Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Flashback ’19 Philippe Cousteau Jr. leans on the stand Nov. 16 as he answers questions following his presentation, “Oceans of Hope.” Islander File Photo

Flashback ’19

Flashback ’19

the storm. Island turtle watch tracks record season: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring closed out a record-breaking season, marking the sixth straight success since 2014. In May-October, 535 loggerhead and nine green sea turtle nests were documented on the island. Modifications required to Anna Maria City Pier’s T-end: Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy met with members of Ayres Engineering and the Schimberg Group, along with Frank Agnelli of Mason Martin Builders and city building official Luke Curtis to discuss a conflict between the designs on the new pier. The pier was angled so stormwater drains from the T-end, but architects from the Schimberg Group designed the restaurant and bait shop for a level surface. November Kihm, Soustek keep seats, newcomer Schaefer eases in: Four people were vying Nov. 5 for three seats on the Holmes Beach dais. And, when all was said and done on Election Day, Commissioners Jim Kihm and Carol Soustek and political newcomer Terry Schaefer were the top vote-getters. Rick Hurst lost his bid. Holmes Beach approves 8 charter amendments: Some changes were coming to the Holmes Beach charter. Electors voted “yes” for eight charter amendments placed on the ballot by the city’s charter review commission. Anna Maria votes in charter changes: The Anna Maria electorate overwhelmingly voted Nov. 5 to approve three changes to the city charter. BB candidates take auto-win: Voters didn’t go to the polls in Bradenton Beach, but there was a change on the city dais. As one of the three city officials who qualified and wound up unopposed, Jan Vosburgh — who term-limited out of office in 2016 — claimed Commissioner Randy White’s post as commissioner from Ward 3. Judge grants Bradenton Beach fees for Sunshine lawsuit: 12th Judicial Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas granted the city’s motion for the defendants to pay attorney’s fees in the case of the city of Bradenton Beach and ex-Mayor Jack Clarke versus six former

Terri Kinder and Mary Ann Brockman, current and past presidents respectively of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, share the 70-year spotlight at the annual award banquet, held in November at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

volunteer city board members for violating Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law. Judge rules for city on treehouse ECL: One of four counts in an ongoing 2013 treehouse case was decided for the city of Holmes Beach. The decision on count three of the complaint from Judge Edward Nicholas applied to the ordinance that established a 50-foot setback from the state erosion control line on the beach, dismissing the owners’ claim that the city’s setback amounts to a taking without compensation. People flood center for ‘Oceans of Hope’ lecture: Hundreds of people packed seats in the center’s gymnasium to support the nonprofit and hear from keynote speaker Philippe Cousteau Jr., grandson of explorer Jacques Cousteau. Dog park plan at Holmes Beach city field unveiled: People turned out for a Holmes Beach commission meeting to provide input and hear the plan for the dog park renovation at the outdoor recreational Please see flashback, page 19

JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

CoNTINUED FRoM PAGE 18

field adjacent to city hall in the 5800 block of Marina Drive. December Fungus killed gulls on Passage Key: Researchers with the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia in Athens informed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Save Our Seabirds that aspergillosis killed birds seagulls found on Passage Key. The fungal infection is common in the warm, moist environs of Florida. Bradenton Beach post office OKs after-hours parking: The post office at 116 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, agreed to open its parking lot to the public for after-hours and weekend use, part of a campaign to add public parking in the commercial district. Anna Maria extends deadline for city pier lease proposal: Anna Maria commissioners voted unanimously to extend the deadline for the current tenant of the Anna Maria City Pier to pitch his final offer for a new lease. Stone crab season ‘fair’: The stone crab season was “fair, same as usual,” according to James “Wyre” Lee, manager of Cortez Bait and Seafood Fish Market in Cortez. The market was offering stone crabs by the pound throughout the season, which began Oct. 15 and continues through May 15. Bradenton Beach CRA members squabble over jitney plans: Not everybody on the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency was onboard with a proposed jitney trail. Before an agency meeting adjourned, member David Bell told members he had reservations with the concept. Anna Maria swears in 2 commissioners, 1 seat remains unfilled: The Anna Maria City Commission made official a four-term veteran’s re-election and welcomed a new commissioner at the Dec. 5 meeting. Carol Carter and Jonathan Crane took their oaths of office.

Children race to hand off their sacks to an adult and then to cross the finish line oct. 1 at National Night out. The event, sponsored by the Holmes Beach Police Department and the city of Holmes Beach at city field, featured giveaways, food, music and games. HBPD staff mingled with the crowd, promoting police-community partnerships. Islander File Photo: Sarah Brice

Flashback ’19

Attendees Nov. 27 at ThanksLiving at City Pier Park in Anna Maria were encouraged to share their thoughts on “I Love AMI Because” on a chalkboard for all to see. Judy Adams of Anna Maria wrote, “I’ve had 57 years of love surrounding me!” Islander File Photo: Sarah Brice

Flashback ’19

Tiki & Kitty’s Let’s go shopping! Tiki and Kitty are ready for 2020 shopping. Blue Flamingo eagerly awaits you to peruse their upcycled and repurposed goods, renewed furniture and decor, antique cameras and garden features, as well as fresh candles and yummy scents, jewelry, trinkets and an eclectic array of work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints. Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — you’ll want to stay and visit — filled with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square around the corner from Winn-Dixie. It offers 30-plus vendors and artists, including vintage, upcycled, shabby chic, fanciful frocks and local crafts and art. You won’t be disappointed.. You Never Know Thrift has everything you could possibly be looking for: clothes, kitchen

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utensils, small appliances, furniture, DVDs and autographed sports memorabilia. The inventory is constantly changing. So keep going back. You never know what you will find. Sandpiper Cottage is a home-decor store filled with unique and artistic works, as found or repurposed by talented artists. They take pride in transforming the old and worn into a new perfectly, imperfect look. They feature a mixture of styles: cottage, coastal, beachy and even a little rustic farmhouse. They also 30 + VENDORS & LOCAL ARTISTS Wed-Sat 10-5 Thur 10-6

Adventures in Shopping … Antiques, Art-Tiques and Chic Boutiques!

have a great selection of gifts and jewelry. Scavengers Marketplace welcomes you to shop at the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach. Check out the island digs, but don’t forget Sip & Shop at the Ellenton location, 4-7 p.m. the third Friday of the month. Wine, hors d’oeuvre and savings. And it benefits Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue. And don’t forget, tell your friendly merchants, “The Islander sent me.”

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island law enforcement sees lower crime rates in future By Leslie Lake Islander Reporter

Island law enforcement officials anticipate a decline in crime rates will continue into 2020. As 2019 came to a close, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said crime rates in the city are at an all-time low, having begun a downward trend in 2014. “Our goal is always to continue to keep Holmes Beach a safe place to reside, conduct business and visit by continuing our efforts to reduce crime through proactive, high visibility policing,” Tokajer said that no new major equipment or staff additions are anticipated in 2020. Bradenton Beach Police Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said the police department is mindful of challenges associated with seasonal visitors. Diaz said the goal of making the area a safe place in 2020 for people will be accomplished by officers maintaining a visible patrol presence in the city, along Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, left, Commission Chair Jim Kihm and Commissioner Carol Soustek watch Aug. 27 as Police Chief Bill Tokajer administers an oath to new Officer Francis Rodriguez during a ceremony at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Islander File Photos: ChrisAnn Allen

with the addition of new equipment and the hiring of another officer. “We are going to be using laser radar,” Diaz said. “We had been using Doppler radar, but with the laser beam we can hit a certain vehicle and drill down on speeders.” Bradenton Beach officers also will be using new communications equipment in 2020. “With these new radios, we will be able to communicate with all the departments in the area, which will be a huge help,” he said. Diaz said that the department is in the process of hiring an additional officer. “We been approved to hire another officer,” he said. “That process is going on now.” Sgt. Mike Jones, head of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office-Anna Maria Substation, is leaving his post Jan. 5. He said the crime rate in Anna Maria also has

Flashback ’19

Streetlife

decreased in recent years. Jones said crime there was down 27% in 2019 from 2018 and down 40% from 2017. “Last year, with the red tide, there was a lower number of people,” Jones said. “This is not scientific, but an observation.” Predicting lower crime numbers in 2020, he cited the MCSO’s pro-active patrolling and high visibility. Sgt. Brett Getman will be heading up the Anna Maria Substation starting in January.

Cortez man charged with DUI By Leslie Lake Islander Reporter

A Cortez man was charged with driving under the influence after a Manatee County sheriff’s patrol deputy reportedly spotted him driving erratically. Shortly after midnight on Dec. 21, the deputy reported he observed a truck driven by Seth Frederick-Stephens, 23, weaving within his lane and nearly hitting curbs on 75th Street in Bradenton. According to reports, the man emitted a strong odor of alcohol and Stephens his eyes were red and glassy. As he stepped out of his truck to perform field sobriety testing, officers say he was swaying and that he needed help to keep from falling to the ground. Frederick-Stephens reportedly refused to submit to field sobriety tests, saying he would “plead the fifth.” He was transported by MCSO to the Manatee County jail and, according to the report, again refused a Breathalizer test. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. His bond was set at $120 and he was given an appearance date of Jan. 23.

By Leslie Lake

Island police blotter

Anna Maria Dec. 18, 9000 block of Gulf Drive, resisting arrest. Manatee County sheriff’s deputies tried to stop two bicyclists who were riding on the wrong side of the road after dark with no lights. The bicyclists rode off in an attempt to resist arrest and were found at a Chilson Avenue residence, where they were taken into custody. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach Dec. 15, 5806 Marina Drive, Domino’s Pizza, fraudulent use of a credit card. Domino’s staff contacted HBPD to report fraudulent credit card use at their location. They subsequently contacted the card-holder in Philadelphia, who had not authorized the purchase. The card had not been stolen, but was being used without authorization. Officers went to the delivery location in the 200 block of Chilson Avenue in Anna Maria, where the person who signed for the delivery was questioned. HBPD says the investigation

is continuing. Dec. 18, 3000 block of Avenue C, stalking. A woman reported to HBPD officers that she was receiving harassing messages from an ex-boyfriend. The woman blocked him on her phone and social media, but complained that he had set up a fake profile to contact her. She also reported receiving a threatening text message from an unknown number. Dec. 21, 3000 block of Gulf Drive, criminal mischief. A resident reported that between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. unknown individuals went onto the property and damaged lawn ornaments. Additionally potted plants were knocked over and a landscape fixture was broken. The resident estimated the damage at less than $200 and said the problem had been ongoing. Dec. 22, 5350 Gulf Drive, Island Coffee Haus, petit theft. Complainant reported an unknown person stole a bank bag. Officers suspected an internal theft and questioned an employee, who denied any role in the theft. Dec. 23, 100 block of 47th Street, trespass warn-

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ing. Officers responded to a request for a property check on a complaint about people squatting. Police found two males inside the residence, along with alcohol, food, clothes and garbage. The property owner was contacted and chose not to press charges. The men were issued trespass warnings and vacated the residence. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Bradenton Beach Dec. 24, 2500 block of Avenue B, grand theft. A resident contacted police to report jewelry missing, including a diamond ring and a diamond necklace. Bradenton Beach is policed by the Bradenton Beach Police Department. Cortez Dec. 16, 10000 block of Cortez Road, stolen bicycle. Deputies responded to a report of a stolen bicycle. Dec. 19, 4531 123rd St. W., Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage, trespass warning. At around noon, deputies issued an individual a trespass warning based on a complaint that the person had trespassed at 123rd Street West, 46th Avenue West, and 124th Street West. Cortez is policed by MCSO. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach police departments and the MCSO.

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JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Mullet on the run, fishers running into rough weather, waters By Mike Tokars Islander Reporter

Fishers were hauling in mullet during the cold fronts that went through Manatee County the week of Dec. 15. The surf was rough and several accidents occurred, according to commercial fishers. The wind coming onshore on Longboat Key Dec. 20 was blowing 30 mph, probably 7-8 knots, and the Gulf of Mexico was turbulent. Mike Brady of Fort Pierce said he and his son, Andrew, witnessed three accidents that day. One involved a fisherman thrown into the water as his vessel collided with a piling. Two others involved boats fighting the current while their nets were caught on the Gulf floor, and a man was pulled into the water, but there were no distress calls to the U.S. Coast Guard. And fishers were catching what mullet they could find in the rough conditions. “We had a little lick today,� Jason Walker, 45, of New Smyrna Beach, said Dec. 18. Walker has worked as a mullet fisherman for 22 years. He called a “lick� a small catch, while a “load� would be a big catch. When there’s a load, the parking lock at the Cortez, Bait & Seafood Retail Market, 12110 Cortez Road W., is full of trucks towing trailers loaded with the commercial fishing boats, which carry the catch on board after a good day on the water. “No loads this year,� said Walker, who still anticipated big catches to come. “Tomorrow will probably be a load day,� he said. He added, “There’s a cold front coming in. We fish the fronts. It’s the only time they let us fish, when they

The parking lot at Cortez Bait & Seafood Market on Cortez Road in Cortez serves Dec. 18 as an offloading sight for mullet fishers, who trailer their day’s catch in their boat, where they unload and ice their mullet into the fish house bins. The bins are then loaded into refrigerated trailers. The market serves as an alternate processing site for the main fish house on the waterfront. Islander Photos: Mike Tokars

come off the flats. There’s another front coming in this weekend.� Walker and his crew fish everywhere from Jacksonville to Naples. Andrew Balasis, 28, of Stewart, also fished the local waters in the December cold front. He told The Islander, “We caught fish for about 24 hours Dec. 18. We caught 2,500 pounds of red roe in the morning and 4,500 pounds more in the afternoon. It was a very short-lived run. I’m back home fishing in Port Salerno, but will come back after Christmas if fish are in the ocean.� Balasis said he has been fishing for mullet since before high school. He brought a few guys with him to help work the run. Balasis said they’re selling their catch to John Banyas, owner of several village businesses, including the waterfront fish house, Cortez, Bait & Seafood, Killer Bait, N.E. Taylor Boatworks, Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar and the Cortez Bait & Seafood Retail Market on Cortez Road. Balasis said thus far, the season had been a poor one for roe. During better seasons, he’s scored roe multiple days in a row. Processors say the red roe — the female eggs — is popular in Europe and Asia and demands the highest price, more money for the fishers than the male mullet, which carry white roe. Fort Pierce’s Mike Brady said: “We caught some fish around Anna Maria. We followed the fish until they got offshore. Some of the other boats went farther. We went about as far as my boat can handle.� Brady said the mullet fishing is still good in Tampa Bay, but he’s waiting on the weather. Bad weather is typical for mullet fishing. When it’s nasty, the mullet get off the flats and “run� to the

A father and son team from the east coast of Florida toss their daily catch of mullet from bins in their truckbed to bins in front of the Cortez, Bait & Seafood fish processing plant at 4628 119th St. W., Cortez.

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Gulf waters to spawn, according to Brady. Catching the mullet before they spawn is the goal. This is when the commercial anglers go into action. Cold fronts with northwesterly winds and a dropping barometric pressure trigger the mullet migration from canals, backwaters and shallows in large schools. According to researcher Ed Matheson of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the male and female mullet congregate during cold fronts and travel some 100 miles to the Continental Shelf to spawn. After a cold front, migration slows and the mullet await the next cold snap to move offshore. When the mullet move offshore, commercial fishers head out on boats to catch the fish with cast- and seine nets. The cold fronts that cause mullet to run sometimes bring bad weather, with big waves and strong currents. But the weather isn’t always bad when fishers pull up roe. Brady said when the wind is 15-20 mph, the fishing is nice off the beach with big “colors� of water where mullet gather. Brady said, as of Dec. 23, they had not seen any good or easy days.

Mullet for sale

Fresh or smoked mullet, as well as delicacies like smoked mullet spread and bottarga — artisanal suncured red roe — can be found for sale at the markets in Cortez, either Cortez Bait and Seafood Market at 12110 Cortez Road W., or Star Fish Co. Market, 12306 46th Ave. W., Cortez.

Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Flashback ’19

Michelle Greene’s dogs Teddy, Buddy and Jake receive blessings oct. 5 from the Rev. Doug Kings of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Holmes Beach during the annual Blessing of the Animals. The blessing, associated with St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, is tied to his feast day of oct. 4. Islander File Photo

Inquiring Minds gathering

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is hosting meetings of the Inquiring Minds Discussion Group. The group is meeting Tuesdays at 4 p.m. at the church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The first session will be Jan. 7. “Each week the group will watch a Great Courses lecture from a series about science and religion, followed by about an hour of discussion,” stated a news release. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call the church at 941-7781813.

Roser hosts forum on ‘caregiver stress’

Roser Memorial Community Church will host a forum at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, on stress experienced by caregivers of people living with dementia. The program in the chapel, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will be led by Catherine McDermott of Gulfside Behavioral Care in Bradenton. McDermott will talk about types of dementia, treatment, care and stress. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Terrific Tuesdays at Roser

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

Fashion show tickets on sale

The annual St. Bernard Catholic Church Women’s Guild Fashion Show and Luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6. The suggested donation for tickets is $25 and none will be sold at the door. The church is at 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call Janet Maze at 813-2206108.

Gathering Send listings, including contact name and phone number, for the church calendar to news@islander.org.

REGULAR WORSHIP

8:30 and 10:15 am Sunday Services

300 Church Ave. • Bradenton Beach PO Box 243, Bradenton Beach 34217

2 blocks north of Bridge St. Clock Tower

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Thursday 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Saturday 4 p.m. — St. Bernard, Holmes Beach. 5 p.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA), 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-8833. 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-7791912. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard, Holmes Beach. 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Holmes Beach. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8665 Gulf Drive, Holmes SPECIAL EVENTS Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. Jan. 6, 1 p.m., Caregiver Stress forum, Roser. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Holmes Beach. Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., Jan. 7-March 31, Terrific Tuesdays dinner 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, and programs, Roser. Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. Tuesdays, 4 p.m., Jan. 7-28, Inquiring Minds Discussion Group, 11 a.m. — Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez. Gloria Dei. Information: 941-216-6286. 5:30 p.m. — SoulJourn casual and music-inspired worship, SAVE THE DATE Roser Church. Jan. 15, travel cruise departs, St. Bernard. ONGOING Jan. 25, pancake breakfast, Roser. Jan. 26, concert, Roser. Wednesday Feb. 6, St. Bernard Women’s Guild Fashion Show, St. Ber7 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, CrossPointe. 7:30 a.m., St. Bernard’s Rosary on the Beach, Manatee Public nard. Feb. 9, concert, Roser. Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Feb. 15, pancake breakfast, Roser. 8 a.m. — Men’s breakfast, Church of the Annunciation. March 1, concert, Roser. 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church. March 21, pancake breakfast, Roser. Send notices to calendar@islander.org. “Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at Obituaries are offered as a community serThe Islander office, 3218 vice by The Islander newspaper to residents and E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Joy is publisher family of residents, both past and present, as well of The Islander newspaas to those people with ties to the island. Submit to per. She came to AMI in news@islander.org. 1975 and launched the Islander obituaries, including photo, are free. newspaper in 1992.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Adult Sunday School Follows Service

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM

Sunday Service 10:00 AM

The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard SERMON: Why Come to Church?

Men’s Bible Study - Mondays: 9:00 AM Women’s Bible Study - Wednesdays: 10:00 AM

Visitors & Residents Welcome • Childcare Available Watch Sunday sermons LIVE at 10:00 am: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church. 11 a.m. — JOY, second and fourth Wednesdays, Roser. 11:30 a.m. — Prayer partners, Gloria Dei. 1 p.m. — Griefshare group, Roser Church. 6:15 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe. 7 p.m. — Bible study, Cortez Church of Christ. Thursday 9:30 a.m. — Roser-robics, Roser. 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Gloria Dei. 10 a.m. — Bible study, Harvey Church. 6:30 p.m. — Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist-Inspired Nontheistic Path, Annunciation. Saturday 3 p.m. — Confession, St. Bernard. Sunday 8:45 a.m. — Adult Sunday school, Roser. 9 a.m. — Adult book study, Roser. 10:15 a.m. — Fellowship, Gloria Dei. 10 a.m. — Bible study, Cortez Church of Christ. 10:30 a.m. — Life group, CrossPointe. 11:30 a.m. — Covered Dish Fellowship, second Sundays, CrossPointe. Tuesday 9:30 a.m. — Women’s prayer, CrossPointe. 9:30 a.m. — Roser-robics, Roser.

At your service

Pastor Stephen King

Art by Joan Voyles

Tidings

941.383.8833 (office)

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

IN THE SANCTUARY

5:30 PM

soulJourn

Food & KidZone afterwards

LOVING CHRIST SHARING HIS GRACE SERVING ALL

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • LIKE us on Facebook @RoserChurch

JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

take 5:00 on break with Michael Dunn

Islander documents the world’s biggest stars

In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes. Those words by the late Andy Warhol still resonate for David McGough, who hung out with the pop artist through the 1970s as they explored — and celebrated — New York’s underground. The two men shared a love of photography that launched them both into the mercurial orbit of celebrity. In fact, McGough still calls Warhol one of his most important mentors. He “was enthralled by stardom,” said McGough. “I used to watch him work. He was an artist who was so focused on culture. He was a pretty amazing guy.” Today, McGough, who lives with wife Lizzie Vann in Anna Maria, remains bewitched by the ecstasies and illusions of celebrity. In 2018, he published a coffee-table collection of his candid celebrity photos. Titled “Fame,” the book is a remarkable who’s-who of famous faces. John Lennon. Sophia Loren. Michael Jackson. Farrah Fawcett. Mick Jagger. Madonna. Donald Trump. Elizabeth Taylor. Cary Grant. Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis. All shot in glorious black-and-white photography. “I like very stark, powerful images,” said McGough. “I think black-and-white imagery plays into that.”

David McGough and the cover of his book, “Fame.” The book is available at amazon. com.

As a child, McGough often carried a Kodak Brownie camera around his neck, a gift from his parents. He became an acclaimed photographer as an adult, working at the New York Post for 25 years and shooting his own celebrity encounters on the side. From the age of 13, he said, he was “obsessed with rock ‘n’ roll,” and when he had a chance to shoot the Rolling Stones after a concert one night, he found a path to follow. He always carried two cameras: One to shoot color, the other for black-and-white. In the heyday of film photography, “the darkroom became my home away from home; a dark cave of creativity,” he notes in the book. “I was only interested in black-and-white photography,” he said. “I fell in love with the process (of developing film). I found it to be relaxing, and magical in a lot of ways.” Twenty-two years ago, he longed for a more temperate magic, so he drove up and down Florida’s west coast until he happened upon Anna Maria Island. “As soon as I got to this island, I knew it was for me,” he said, sitting among a crush of guitars, books and paintings in his Anna Maria home. He laments all the changes he has witnessed over the

past two decades, “all the McMansions that are going up.” “The demographics have really changed (on the island). I like the old Florida vibe.” McGough and his wife also have a home in Woodstock, New York. Vann is known for spearheading the Historic Green Village, a renewable energy complex on Pine Avenue. She also was the founder of Organix, an organic baby food company in England that she eventually sold. She has been honored as a Member of the British Empire. As for McGough, he’ll have another book coming out next summer, titled “Icon.” It, too, will provide a taste of the intoxicating elixir we call fame. “I find the whole concept fascinating,” he said. “I look at stardom like a disease. It always ends terribly,” he said. “The problem with fame is losing it. That is so hard. And it happens to everybody.”

obituary

Ronald G. Edmonds

Ronald G. Edmonds, a longtime resident of Holmes Beach, died Oct. 6. He was born to Eddie and Minnie (Olin) and raised in Hibbing, Minnesota. He was married to Judy (Koslowski) Paul McCartney, Bette Davis, Cary Grant and Diana Ross are reflected in the camera lens of David McGough. Islander Courtesy Photos and Charlene (Wilson). Edmonds He volunteered for more than 20 Remembering entertainer years with Anna Maria Island Turtle A concert Dec. 20 at Bunny & Pirates Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and worked at Publix Bazaar in Cortez was held in rememfor many years. brance of Kyle Shell, who died of A celebration of life will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. heart failure Dec. 3 at his home in 4, at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria. Memorial donaBradenton Beach. The event was tions may be made to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch a fundraiser for Kayla Sage Shell, and Shorebird Monitoring at islandturtlewatch.com/ 17, daughter of the musician. The get-involved/make-a-donation. Arrangements are by concert was hosted by singer June Shannon Funeral Homes Westview Chapel. CondoEysel of the band Blues to Blacklences may be made online at shannonfuneralhomes. street. Another celebration of life for com. Shell to benefit his daughter's college Mr. Edmonds is survived by his wife, Charlene; fund was held Dec. 28 at the Drift In daughter Kim Malone; sons Todd and Chad, Jon on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Hughes and wife Heather; grandchildren Ashlee, Islander Photo: Mike Tokars Chase, Caylyn, Jaden, Judith Jade and Tegan; and five Kyle Shell Inset Photo: Facebook great-grandchildren.

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Privateers deliver a merry Christmas

Two youngsters from one of the three families “adopted” by the AMI Privateers visit with Santa Claus aboard the Privateers sleigh. All of the adopted kids received gifts from their wish lists.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers keep a holiday tradition for the nonprofit and help deliver Christmas gifts to local “adopted” families. The adopted families, who remain anonymous, received presents Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. This year, the Privateers adopted three families. Islander Courtesy Photos

A youngster visits Santa Claus aboard the AMI Privateers sleigh, where she received gifts and good wishes.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers pose for a group photo on their Christmas Eve rounds on their revamped sleigh, which took them to the homes of three families with gifts for the kids.

Flashback ’19

Flashback ’19

Students from Michelle Costanzo and Mary Miller’s fifth-grade classes at AME in Holmes Beach make their way Sept. 12 onto the beach near 45th Street to observe turtle watch volunteers as they excavate a nest and collect data for reports that go to county and state agencies. Islander File Photo

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Buses roll: School buses arrive for the first day of the new school year at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach as students raise the U.S. flag. Islander File Photo: Jack Elka

JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

New to the krewe

Santa is joined by the Privateers, while passing out presents at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo

The Anna Maria Island Privateers make a presentation Dec. 28 at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach, honoring concession owner Mark Enoch and son Tanner, who manages the day-to-day operations at the cafe. Privateers president Kim “Syren” Boyd announced the naming of the Enochs as honorary members of the Privateers, saying, “Tanner and Mark have been very supportive of our club and we need to honor them and pay tribute to that.” Islander Photo: Sarah Brice the school office at

Beads for all, the Privateers called out, as they poured onto the sand at the Manatee Public Beach. Mary "XXXX" XXXX, Kim "Syren" Boyd and an unknown AMI Beach Cafe patron showing off her beads, and Kathy "Giggles" Pastorius posed on the outdoor deck at the cafe on Christmas morning.

AmE NEWS

2019-20 school calendar

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

Flashback ’19

Flashback ’19 Zoie Wade leads a procession of flag carriers and participants in Anna Maria Elementary School’s Sept. 20 Peace Day event at the school. Islander File Photo: Brook Morrison

The Manatee High School band marches in the annual “old Soldiers and Sailors” Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11 in Anna Maria. Islander File Photo: Sarah Brice

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Osprey takes up residence on new Lake LaVista nesting pole By Phil Colpas Islander Reporter

It’s like the bird knew the nest site was a gift. When a Norfolk Island pine tree containing an osprey nest was felled in November, residents of Anna Maria’s Lake LaVista neighborhood worried about the fate of the homeless bird. After the tree was cut down, an osprey stayed in the area and could sometimes be seen perched in another Norfolk Island pine tree. But that tree was on a piece of property slated for construction. Neighbors couldn’t bear to see the osprey lose its home twice, so they decided to take action. Lake LaVista resident Kay Johnson proposed installing an artificial nesting platform near where the tree stood that was removed. The Lake LaVista Homeowners’ Association gave permission to place a pole on the property at the end of Lake LaVista, near the 200 block of Lakeview Drive. The HOA also purchased the nesting platform from Bradenton-based All Steel Fabrication Inc. Dean Jones, who manages Anna Maria’s public works department, offered to dig a hole for the pole and coordinated with Florida Power & Light, which donated a 50-foot pole for the nesting platform. As they erected the pole Dec. 19, workers saw the osprey hovering above. In less than a week, neighbors spotted the osprey in its new artificial home. “It’s so great to see,” said Lake LaVista HOA Workers install the nesting pole, donated by FPL. At member Anna DeAugustine. “What a great way to 50 feet in height, the pole and nest dwarf the surrounding trees. Islander Photos: Phil Colpas start the new year.”

An employee of Volt Power, a subcontractor for Florida Power & Light, secures the Lake LaVista nesting platform to the top of the pole.

Deep-sky observers plan Robinson Preserve outing Deep-sky observers will gather Saturday, Jan. 4, for a night of observing. The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers, a Bradenton/Sarasota group of astronomy enthusiasts, will hold a Sidewalk Astronomy event at the Robinson Preserve expansion. Weather permitting, members of the group will be at Robinson at 6 p.m. to make their high-quality telescopes available for public viewing of the night sky. Sky observers can expect the Orion Nebula, as well as details of the waxing gibbous moon, the waning gibbous Venus and also Uranus and Neptune. The event will be in the parking area accessed from Robinson Preserve’s newest entrance at 10299

Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Sidewalk Astronomy is free of charge and is open to people of all ages. For more information, contact group president Jonathan Sabin at 941-518-8695 or go online to lgdso.com. A sidewalk astronomy event in Holmes Beach in the past drew people to share the Deep Sky observers’ telescopes.

Laura Schulman of Alpharetta, Georgia, captured this photo Dec. 26 of an osprey using the new artificial nest while visiting family for the holidays in Anna Maria’s Lake LaVista neighborhood. Islander Courtesy Photo

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JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Turtle watch opens 2020 nest adoption program By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

By Lisa Neff

Keeping track in 2020

The first gift bag I opened Christmas morning contained an autographed Jack Elka 2020 calendar of the new year. The vivid color photographs celebrate island life. Essential to that life is the natural environment, depicted in Elka’s calendar with bold blue skies, a golden sunrise, a multicolored sunset and the aqua-blue Gulf of Mexico. The unpacking and unwrapping continued Christmas morning. From my dad, I received a “Tampa Neff Bay” datebook with inspirational quotations and dates for regional events. From my mom, I received a journal with blank pages of recycled notepaper. They know me better than anyone other than my wife Connie. They know before the last bagel with lox gets served at our New Year’s Day brunch I’ll have outlined my calendar for 2020 with key dates and I’ll make a journal entry listing at least a few goals and resolutions. I keep a lot of the dates I enter into my calendar. My first entry for 2020 is the New Year’s Coastal Cleanup, which will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. That may conflict with my work schedule, but I’ll certainly make my second entry, a Sidewalk Astronomy gathering with the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Robinson Preserve. Weather permitting, members of the group will be at the expansion park, sharing their high-quality telescopes so we can see the Orion Nebula, as well as details of the waxing gibbous moon, the waning gibbous Venus and also Uranus and Neptune. The astronomy event is on the schedule for the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, a department that hosts an event just about every day of the month at a preserve or park — kayaking, fitness classes, photography outings, birding, hiking, volunteer plantings and cleanups, meditation and more. Other early entries in my planner came from ManaSota-88, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting good health and environmental policies. ManaSota-88 called on environmentalists to be prepared to respond to bills — good and bad — when the Florida Legislature’s session begins Jan. 14. Call to action noted. And, from the National Audubon Society, I mark on my new calendar that the Manatee County group

Sea turtles will not nest on Anna Maria Island until May, but ’tis the season to pre-adopt a nest in support of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. For more than a decade, AMITW has had an “adopt-a-nest” program that provides people with the opportunity to sponsor a sea turtle nest. In 2019, all 544 nests marked on the island were adopted in support of the organization, which collects the funds to purchase bulbs for people and businesses in need of turtle-friendly beachfront lighting. Additionally, the adoption fee goes to AMITW’s educational outreach, which includes printed materials, such as door hangers, stickers and handouts. For a tax-deductible donation of $125, participants receive a handmade plaque at the nesting site. They also receive a letter of appreciation, a certificate and data from their nest. When the nest has hatched and the data is collected, the plaque is sent to the donor. AMITW executive director Suzi Fox said the program has been met with enthusiasm, as plaques are used to commemorate holidays, birthdays, weddings, memorials and other occasions. Bradenton Beach resident Buddy Odom has been adopting nests for about 10 years. He said his interest in turtle watch began when he was walking the beach and became frustrated with the trash he found. “I would walk along moaning and grumbling about will go birding at Perico Preserve on Perico Island at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, and at Robinson Preserve at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15. Also, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count — conducted across North America — continues into the new year, while the count for the Fort DeSoto Circle that includes Anna Maria Island will take place Jan. 5. I’m too late to volunteer for the count, but not too late to report the results in a Sandscript column. As for my new year’s goals and resolutions, they tend to be more difficult to achieve than making a date. So sometimes I recycle my resolutions. I’ve been working on a screenplay about union leader Mother Jones for three years and the novel friends ask about is still in my head, not a word on a page. And, every year I resolve to: • Walk more and drive less. • Recycle more and waste less. • Volunteer more and lounge less. And this year, I’m adding a new goal to experience more close encounters with wildlife. Maybe I’ll finally get to the Keys after 14 years in Florida and see a Key deer or a Florida panther or achieve the holy grail in birding and spot an Ivorybilled woodpecker. Oh, the opportunity in the year ahead.

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all the trash just left on the beach,” he said. “Then, one day, an elderly woman who had been watching me daily asked why I frowned all the time and suggested I do something about the problem if it bothered me so much.” He said that was the turning point. He started collecting trash on his walks and talking with turtle watch volunteers on their dawn patrols for sea turtle activity. “I learned so much from talking with Suzi and her volunteers and watching what they do,” he said. “They have worked so hard to conserve the turtles on our island. I wanted to be a part of that, so I started adopting nests.” So far, Odom has adopted nests for deceased family members, in honor of friends and one year he adopted a nest for Mother Earth. “This is one of our biggest fundraisers,” Fox said. “From this, we fund our lighting program and our public education programs. The introduction of these programs has been the turning point for the protection of our wildlife on Anna Maria Island.” Adoption plaques for the 2020 nesting season will start being placed on the beach in mid-June on a firstcome, first-served basis. To adopt a nest, visit islandturtlewatch.com/getinvolved/adopt-a-nest/.

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

sportsshort

By Kevin P. Cassidy records during Dec. 28 action.

In the pits, on the links

Cassidy

Two teams forged 3-0 pool play records and battled for the day’s supremacy during Christmas Eve horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. The team of Tom Farrington and Hank Huyghe slipped past Neil Hennessey by a 21-19 score to secure the

Dec. 24 title. Four teams emerged from pool play with 3-0

The first semifinal saw Huyghe and Bob Palmer eliminate Bob Mason 21-14, while the other semifinal match saw Gene Bobeldyk and Adin Shank roll to an easy 21-8 victory over Hennessey and Jerry Disbrow. Huyghe and Palmer stayed hot in the finals, rolling to a 21-12 victory over Bobeldyk and Shank to earn the day’s bragging rights. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection.

Southernaire Fishing Charters

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome. It was a light week for golf action at Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. The course closed Dec. 23 for the Christmas holiday and reopened Dec. 26 for the men’s nine-hole scramble. The team of Joe Cassese, John Cassese, Mike Clements and Tom Nelson matched the 3-under-par 29 carded by Brian Comer, Robert Kingan, Ken Nagengast and Bob Reid for a tie for first place. Happy new year to all. Next week: Kevin Cassidy’s top sports stories for the year 2019.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

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

Manatee County Area Transit: Island Trolley

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Take a ride on AMI. Schedule info is a public service of

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

AM

2:44a 3:59a 5:35a 7:21a 8:59a 10:22a 11:31a 12:28p

HIGH

PM

HIGH

1.6 1.3 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.1

5:01p 5:34p 6:08p 6:44p 7:19p 7:56p 8:33p 9:13p

1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 2.0 2.1 2.2

AM

LOW

10:01a 0.0 10:43a 0.2 11:26a 0.4 1:06a 0.3 2:09a 0.0 3:03a -0.2 3:51a -0.5 4:36a -0.7

PM

LOW

10:28p 0.8 11:52p 0.6 — — 12:08p 0.6 12:49p 0.8 1:27p 0.9 2:03p 1.0 2:38p 1.0

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

Moon

1st

JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 29 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Fish canals, docks, out of the wind for winter 2020 hookups By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With numerous windy days, Anna Maria Island anglers are becoming acquainted with fishing residential docks and canals to find a bite. This type of fishing requires a little homework and trial and error, but it sure beats fishing in windy, choppy conditions. And, you’ll find it can be productive. A variety of species will frequent Stasny these areas during the winter. The usual suspects — fish that enjoy being around structure — include redfish, snook, sheepshead, flounder, black drum and small snappers and groupers. Other species you may encounter are jack crevalle, bluefish, spotted seatrout and ladyfish. That’s not a bad line up for the canals. You may not catch all of these in one day, but it is possible. As for bait, I like live shrimp. Every species listed will eat these tasty morsels. And, if shrimp aren’t available, don’t hesitate to cast some artificials. Soft plastics on a jig head work wonders when canal fishing. And the scented ones, such as Berkley Gulp, can be downright deadly. So, now that you know there are fish in the canals, it may help to know why. There is method to this madness. During the winter months, when water temps drop, most fish we target are in search of warmer water. Canals provide such a refuge. Lined on either side with concrete seawalls, canals keep the waters calm and slightly warmer than open waters. When the sun beats down during the day, the walls warm up and heat the water. Even if only slightly, it seems to do the trick.

The Stephen twins, Drew, 14, left, and Jack, right, of Manchester, New Hampshire, pose for a quick photo Dec. 25 with their redfish and Dad, Rob Stephen, before releasing the fish. The trio, while dining outdoors with family at Paradise Bagel Cafe Dec. 27, told The Islander they enjoyed their Christmas charter, which included some keeper fish for dinner at grandfather’s island home.

Also, many canals have dark, muddy bottoms, which help absorb heat from the sun, further raising the water temps. Lastly, the seawalls and dock pilings that over time become encrusted with oysters and barnacles provide an abundant food source for small fish, which attract larger predators. So next time you’re staring at the boat, debating whether to fish in the strong wind, have no fear. Jump in and explore the canals on Anna Maria Island, bait some shrimp and see what you turn up. On my Southernaire charters, I’m hiding from the wind. Catch-and-release redfish are dominating the bite at most docks. Mixed in are some keeper sheepshead and mangrove snapper. Live shrimp on a 1/2ounce knocker rig is working nicely in these areas. The shrimp are drawing reactions from black drum, flounder and ladyfish, too. Moving into the Gulf of Mexico on calmer days Jon Klein, visiting family on Longboat Key from is yielding good action on bonnethead sharks, whitCalifornia for the holidays, fished inshore Dec. 23 ing, ladyfish and a few pompano. The bite is occurring for catch-and-release redfish and snook and found close to shore, so calm waters are a must. success with shrimp as bait with Capt. Warren Girle. On a conservation note, during its December meet-

ing, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission changed the rules effective Feb. 1, for spotted seatrout. Although the new bag limits are in effect, it does not remove the closure due to red tide in southwest Florida. In our area, when seatrout harvest opens May 31, anglers will be allowed a daily bag limit of three spotted seatrout and the slot limit will be 15-19 inches. Also, a fisher may keep only one fish of three over the slot. Capt. Aaron Lowman is targeting the catch-andrelease redfish for sport around residential docks and canals, where he’s also finding keeper sheepshead and mangrove snapper. Casting live shrimp is attracting the bite for Lowman’s anglers. Moving into the passes to the north and south of Anna Maria Island, pompano are being caught on casts of shrimp-tipped jigs. Lowman is finding the pompano while targeting catch-and-release spotted seatrout over the deep grass flats. In these areas, soft plastics combined with a jig head work well. Lastly, venturing to nearshore structure provides action on mangrove snapper and Key West grunts. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is working offshore during the calmer days and red grouper and catch-and-release amberjack are providing action for his clients. White says some of the amberjack are in the 100-pound range, and live sardines and pinfish are working well for the AJs. As for the red grouper, White says frozen sardines work just fine. While targeting amberjack, White’s clients are enjoying the hookups with some blackfin tuna. Moving inshore, White is finding sheepshead, black drum, catch-and-release redfish and some pompano are taking live shrimp as bait for his clients. Capt. Jason Stock is fishing offshore on days when the weather cooperates. He says targeting kingfish around wrecks and reefs is quite good, as limits of these fish are available. Bottom fishing around structure is good for mangrove snapper as well as keeper-size gag grouper. Amberjacks are present around structure for some great catch-and-release action. Capt. Warren Girle is working a good inshore bite. Casting live shrimp under docks and along seawalls is yielding his anglers a variety of species, most notably black drum, sheepshead and catch-and-release redfish. While fishing the docks, the reds are the predominate bite, providing great action for Girle’s sport anglers. Moving into the Gulf of Mexico, Girle is working the artificial reefs. These areas are abundant with species waiting to take the hook. Live shrimp is attracting some tasty lane and mangrove snapper. Gag and red grouper, as well as some keeper-size sheepshead, are intrigued by the shrimp. Jack crevalle and blue runners also are present. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

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Page 30 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

A recently completed design project in Wimauma by Alexandra Pappa. Islander Courtesy Photo

biz

By Sandy Ambrogi

Goodbye 2019, hello 2020

Accolades for the Hornes John and Amanda Horne, owners of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, again collected a trophy for outstanding community involvement. The Manatee County Tiger Bay Club honored the couple Dec. 6 with the inaugural Pat Glass Leadership Award for Business Leadership. The Tiger Bay Club, established in 2009 by Glass, presents programs on a range of topics. Amanda Horne served 10 years ago on the first board of directors. The Hornes add the honor to a list of accolades from 2019, including the Leadership Florida Impact and the Bradenton Kiwanis Foundation Bert South Philanthropic awards. Designer with international air available on island Alexandra Pappa came to Anna Maria Island having studied interior design in Milano, Italy. She first relocated to Argentina, where she spent 34 years designing for a multimedia company, fashioning sets and homes for productions. Pappa has relocated to the area and opened a design studio, with a love of coastal island furnishings and contemporary flair. Pappa “I’m very passionate about my clients,â€? she told The Islander Dec. 26. “I will come to you wherever you are.â€? Pappa’s design work includes kitchen and bath remodels, flooring, cabinets and furnishings. She said her specialty is in contemporary design and she excels in French farm chic, coastal, Italian and Mediterranean styles. For more information, go to alexhomestylist.com

or call Pappa at 813-328-9716. Chiles OK’d for LBK parking The Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board gave the Chiles Group a thumbs up Dec. 17 for a little office with a big parking lot near its Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub. The approval for a 20-by-15-foot office building and a parking lot with 98 spaces cleared the way for work to begin, according to the Longboat Observer. The property fronts 6920 Gulf of Mexico Drive, about 1,800 feet from the Mar Vista at 760 Broadway St. The 1.5-acre lot is bordered by Whitney Beach Plaza on the south and Palm Drive on the rear. Lynn Burnett, owner of LTA Engineers, designed the project. Employees will be required to park in the lot once it is completed and a shuttle will be offered to restaurant patrons who wish to park in the lot, which will have permeable paving, to aid in stormwater runoff. The board set some conditions, including: The lot is limited to parking and use of the office, shuttles must stop running at 11:30 p.m. and the Chiles Group will provide maintenance. Beware! BBB says A recent news release from the West Florida Better

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JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 31 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BizCal

Compiled by Sandy Ambrogi

AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Thursday, Jan. 9 7:30 a.m. — Sunrise breakfast, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. $10 members, $20 guests. Thursday, Jan. 23 5 p.m. — Business card exchange and trolley grant awards, Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Members $5, guests $10. RSVP requested. AMI chamber information or reservations, 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org. LBK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Tuesday, Jan. 14 5 p.m. — Business After Hours, Cariloha Bamboo, 478 John Janet Mixon, standing, co-owner of Mixon Fruit Farms Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Circle, Sarasota. Members $5, guests in east Bradenton with husband Dean, serves home$10. made ambrosia Dec. 12 as she talks with Taylor Fraise LBK chamber information or reservations, 941-383-2466 or of the Pittsburgh Pirates during the Anna Maria Island info@longboatkeychamber.com. Chamber of Commerce lunch held at the farm. The Mixons are residents of Anna Maria Island. Islander Please, send business event listings to news@islander.org. Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Lunch at the grove

Party on the pier Barbara Murphy, of Travel Now and a board member of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, looks over the buffet Dec. 18 at the holiday mixer at the Anna Maria oyster Bar on the Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach.

Flashback ’19

Della Benitez of Domingas Flowers arranges orchids for sale at the oct. 15 launch of the Anna Maria Farmers Market. Islander File Photo: Sarah Brice

Business news

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’re new in business? Or your staff deserves kudos? Submit details to news@islander.org. Please include a contact number and contact name.

FOR FREE HOME DELIVERY OF THE ISLANDER ON Anna Maria ISLAND* — CALL 941-778-7978 Sorry, we cannot deliver single copies to condominium units or mobile homes.

Page 32 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GARAGE SALES

KAYAKS AND BoAT. Two 10-foot Perception Pescador kayaks with 2017 Malone trailer $2,000. 2016 Tahiti Craig Cat, $11,000. Call Cheryl, 863-381-6256.

BUYING ANTIQUES, STERLING flatware, jewelry, coins, military, old toys, any collections. 941-209-2136.

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

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

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. FoUR oAK oFFICE chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

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

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

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

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

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755 CBC 1253471

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet GORGEOUS GIRL! Latte is a 3-year-old mixed-breed dog. She’s shy with people and loves other dogs. Apply to adopt her at www.moonraceranimalrescue.com. Call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach for more about pet adoption. SPoNSoRED BY

P O P T O P

O H I O A R T

S H E L F

T U N E R

ANSWERS TO JAN. 1 PUZZLE B A T S F O R R E E V E

H I D M O U M U D B O X M A I I T S

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

S H U S H

N O P E E K P I I N N G T O S T G E O L A M O S O F P I T R S E

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

S E E I P N I P G O T T R T O A L L Z O O E S M A A N C E S

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

A S H T R A Y

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N O T E S

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M B E S R A R S I A O M

HELP RESCUED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com. TRANSPORTATION T-BIRD FoR SALE: Teal blue, 2002. $21,000. 352-467-0257. BOATS & BOATING BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941-685-1400.

PropertyWatch By Jesse Brisson

PoNTooN BoAT RENTAL Create lifelong memories. Visit boatflorida.net or call 941778-2255.

118 Maple Ave., Anna Maria, a 2,133 sfla /2,438 sfur 4bed/3bath/1car home built in 1946 on a 7,900 sq ft lot was sold 12/10/19, Strine to Mathews for $1,510,000. 2405 Ave. A, Bradenton Beach, a 3,590 sfla / 5,062 sfur 5bed/4bath/2car bayfront pool home built in 1978 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 12/06/19, Garringer to 2405 Ave A LLC for $1,212,500; list $1,299,000. 201 Willow Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,750 sfla / 2,258 sfur 3bed/3bath/1car home built in 1965 on a 11,618 sq ft lot was sold 12/13/19, Smith to Stephens for $885,000. 615 Baronet Lane, Holmes Beach, a 2,012 sfla / 2,852 sfur 3bed/2bath/2car canalfront home built in 1968 on a 11,064 sq ft lot was sold 12/13/18, Burns to Baronet Holdings LLC for $825,000. 515 72nd St., Holmes Beach, a 1,460 sfla / 2,340 sfur 2bed/2½bath/1car canalfront pool home built in 1963 on a 10,881 sq ft lot was sold 12/06/19, Kelly to 515 72nd Street LLC for $815,000; list $825,000. 315 62nd St., Unit A, 62nd Street Coastal Cottages, Holmes Beach, a 1,294 sfla / 1,717 sfur 3bed/2bath condo with private pool built in 2012 was sold 12/09/19, 315 62nd Street LLC to Vincent for $795,000. 616 Foxworth Lane, Holmes Beach, a 2,238 sfla 3bed/2½bath/1car canalfront pool home built in 1971 on a 11,543 sq ft lot was sold 12/06/19, Toscano to Randle for $750,000; list $799,000. 2600 Gulf Drive, Unit 25, Anna Maria Island Club, Bradenton Beach, a 1,179 sfla 2bed/2bath Gulffront condo with shared pool built in 1984 was sold 12/06/19, Braziel to Meyer for $730,000; list $769,000. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Keller Williams on the Water, can be reached at 941-713-4755.

AMI WANNA Go Charters. Sightseeing, snorkeling, and sandbar hopping eco-tours aboard our 24-foot pontoon, ages 6 and up optimal. Call Capt. Judy for information, 941-757-7246.

Island real estate transactions

LICENSED & INSURED

PETS

‘Images of America: Anna Maria Island’

This pictorial history of the island was compiled by Islander publisher-owner Bonner Joy and is available for $20 at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

SToRE YoUR BoAT year-round in Holmes Beach garage. 25-35/foot narrow, no T-top. $16/foot. only 1-2 miles from Manatee public ramp area. Call 3-11 p.m., 610-812-0908. BoAT SLIP FoR rent: Key Royale, AMI. Parking, no bridges, sailboat water. $250/month. 941-518-4281. HELP WANTED DELI PERSoN, PIZZA person wanted. Will train. Inquire in person at Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. WANTED: FULL-TIME server. Paradise Bagels Cafe. 3220 E. Bay Drive, Anna Maria Centre Shops. 941-779-1212. REPoRTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

PLACE CLAssIFIED ADs oNLINE AT WWW.IsLANDEr.orG 2020 Anna Maria Island Calendar

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JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 33 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S KIDS FOR HIRE

LAWN & GARDEN Continued

RENTALS

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.

SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. Office: 941-518-6326. Cell: 720-2991661.

3BR/2BA, FIRST- FLOOR, spacious, beautifully renovated. Westbay Point & Moorings. FloridaRentalbyOwners.com. #1590. Also #1106, 2BR/2BA, sunny, gorgeous bay views, pretty, available monthly, May. Both: kayaks, bikes, beautiful grounds. Sue, 207944-6097.

NEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com. CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-744-7983. PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931. I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941-779-6638. Leave message. KATHY’S CLEANING SERVICE, Professional, responsible, and friendly. I clean residential commercial and offices. Please, call for a free estimate: 941-447-4660. BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840. BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. Call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228. LAWN & GARDEN CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294. LARRY’S BACK! SHELL delivered and spread. $55/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phoneâ€? 941-7200770.

TILE -TILE -TILE. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Neil, 941-726-3077. GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792. BLINDS, SHUTTERS, SHADES: Motorization. 30 years on AMI. Call Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516. ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874. AMI PAINTING: ISLAND resident. Prompt, reliable. Quality workmanship. Interior/exterior. Minor repairs, carpentry. Bill, 941-3079315. ARTISAN DESIGN TILE and Marble: Island resident. Island references. From porcelain to travertine and glass. Quality craftsmanship since 1983. Professional, courteous service at your convenience. Call Don, 941993-6567. www.ArtisanDesignTileAndMarble.com. PAINTING AND HANDYMAN. No job too small. Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-204-1162. HOLLANDS PAINT, DRYWALL and handyman services: Interior/exterior paint, drywall repair, wall/ceiling textures, stucco repair, pressure washing. Over 25 years’ experience. All work guaranteed. References. Licensed/insured. Call Dee, 256-337-5395.

CLASSIFIED AD ORDER

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

___________

___________

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

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.")

The deadline is NOON Monday every week for Wednesday’s paper. Run issue date(s) _________

_________

_________

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

More ads = more readers in The Islander.

____________ ___________

AVAILABLE RENTAL: JANUARY through April 2020. 2BR/2BA ground level with carport and patio. 1.5 blocks to Gulf. Updated, granite countertops, recessed lighting, flat-screen TVs in living room, TV room and bedrooms. Must see! Anna Maria. 941-565-2373.

CHRISTIE’S PLUMBING Family Owned and Operated since 1975

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#CFC1426596

U FLY I DRIVE your car anywhere in the USA. Airport runs, anywhere. Office, 941447-6389. 941-545-6688.

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

ALEX HOME STYLIST | Interior Designer s #ONTEMPORARY s &RENCH &ARM #HIC s #OASTAL s 4RANSITIONAL s 2EAL )TALIAN -EDITERRANEAN

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

ALEX ALEXHOMESTYLIST COM ALEXHOMESTYLIST COM

Landscape Design Lawn Care Cleanups Stone Paths Licensed and Insured

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

LIC#CBC1253145

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Bed: A bargain!

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

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

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

_________ or TFN start date: ______________

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

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_____________________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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Credit card payment: ďż˝

Page 34 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 1, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

RENTALS Continued

REAL ESTATE

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

VACATIoN RENTAL, 2BR/2BA. Canalfront villa in central Holmes Beach. Ground level with two covered parking spaces. Pets considered. $2,400 per month. Call Green Real Estate, 941-778-0455.VACATIoN RENTAL, 3BR/2BA ground-level home, north end of Anna Maria. Short walk to beach and shops. Pet considered. $3,600/month. Call Anna Maria Realty, 941-778-2259.

DoN’T WASTE YoUR time reading this unless you’re looking for one of the most beautiful condos in one of the most prestigious communities in all of Florida. Almost 3,000 sf with private elevator and top-of-theline amenities, including Sub-Zero refrigerator. Surrounded by a protected preserve. For more information, call about 285 Sapphire Lake Drive, unit 202 in Harbour Isle, Perico Island. $899,000. Call Dennis Smith, associate, Keller Williams on the Water, 407-4925587. By appointment only.

1BR/1BA UPSTAIRS APARTMENT for rent. Water and trash included. $975/month, $700 deposit. 108 52nd St., Holmes Beach. 941746-8666.

PLACE CLAssIFIED ADs oNLINE AT WWW.IsLANDEr.orG

EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS Professional Service to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Since 1974

BUYING OR SELLING? CALL DOLLY.

MIKE NORMAN REALTY

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

EST. 1978

941-778-0807

tdolly1@yahoo.com • www.tdollyyoungrealestate.com

Contact Mel Neely FOR DETAILS 941-809-5565

Salty Mermaid Real Estate 5306 Holmes Blvd Holmes Beach, FL 34217

cellwithmel@gmail.com cellwithmelandbarb.com

Call me, your local realtor, for buying, selling, or investing.

'ULF $RIVE s (OLMES "EACH 941.778.6849

941-564-0035 What matters to you, matters to me.

2501 Gulf Drive, Ste 102, Bradenton Beach

dianas@saltymermaidami.com 232 Gladiolus Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216 $829,000 3 bd. 1 ba. Easy conversion for 2nd bath 1,771 sqft For sale by owner Call 941-778-2711 See details on Zillow

BUILDABLE LOT W/ BEACH VIEWS Build the perfect island retreat with views of the beach. Cleared 50 by 100 foot lot located just steps to the Gulf of Mexico. Zoning will allow nightly rentals for maximum rental potential. Architect’s renderings available. $525,000

FOR SALE RETIREMENT / INVESTMENT PROPERTIES ,ISTING AND 3ELLING

Diana Sinisi

SUNBOW BAY Spacious 3BR/2.5 BA townhouse condo in a waterfront complex. Offering turn-key furnishings, private carport, heated pool, tennis and a scenic dock on the Bay. $410,000

Visit www.islander.org for the best news on AMI.

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

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

CT

rA T N o C DEr

uN 4 BEDROOM HOME STEPS TO BEACH Over 2,000 sq.ft., this great island home was designed by acclaimed Island designer Emily Anne Smith with too many quality construction details to list! Located steps to the beach and bay, making this the perfect island home. $699,000$

An original Island home on the quiet, peaceful north end of Anna Maria Island. Easy accessible ground floor (no steps). A short walk to the beautiful white sand beach at Bean Point, Bayfront Park, Pine Avenue shops, Anna Maria City Pier, Sandbar Restaurant and the Center of Anna Maria Island. Winner of the 2002 Anna Maria Island garden club’s home of the year.

Mike Norman Realty INC

800-367-1617 941-778-6696 31O1 GULF DR HOLMES BEACH www.mikenormanrealty.com sales@mikenormanrealty.com

This Home is a Must See!

Mike Norman Realty INC OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978 www.mikenormanrealty.com 31o1 Gulf Drive, Hholmes Beach 800-367-1617 | 941-778-6696

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Ladies Rolex.

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40% OFF

Falcons at Buccaneers M

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Watch for The Islander S FOOD T super Bowl contest Jan. R29 — last chance to win CA$H ALL on thepre-owned 2019-20 season!

WATCH BANDS, BATTERIES SERVICE/REPAIRS

super Bowl LIV will takeBARNETT place Feb. 2 at Hard rock stadium in Miami — with a half-time show byBLINDS Jennifer 778-9622 Your window Lopez and shakira. treatment experts PLANTATION SHUTTERS BLINDS

DOING A DOUBLE TAKE

1

BY CHRISTINA IVERSON AND JEFF CHEN / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

AC RO SS

1 Sandwich with an apostrophe in its name 6 Last-minute eBay bidders 13 ____ Speaker 18 Family written about by Margaret Mitchell 20 Laureate 21 California city whose name translates to “the table” 22 Concise and to the point 23 Improvement 24 Desirous 25 Word with coin or ring 26 Enclosure for a slush pile, for short 28 Salsa and guacamole 30 Foe of the Jedi 31 Boor 32 This puzzle’s subjects, by another name 36 Beats by ____ (audio brand) 37 For now 41 One of 24 42 Group running a celeb’s social media accounts, say 46 “My ____” 47 Fragrant item in a fireplace 49 Doorway 50 What violence might lead to 52 Political figure on whom Snowball is based in “Animal Farm” Online subscriptions: Today’s

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

54 Hitting close to home? 57 Pattern on a barber pole 61 Shade 62 Word before rip or slip 63 F.D.R.’s last veep 66 Boatload 67 Youngest animal in the Hundred Acre Wood 68 Daily cable show that has covered Hollywood since 1991 71 Part of a parade float on New Year’s Day 74 Send over the moon 76 Duties imposed 78 Airer of “Arrow” and “iZombie” 79 Party notifications sent with a click 81 Members of un monastère 82 “Well, golly!” 84 Maximally mannered 85 “None for me, thanks” 87 Brain, slangily 89 Cry just before the birthday guest arrives at a surprise party 92 Juniors, to their fathers 96 Tingling, in a way 100 Tousles, as hair 103 Muscat native 104 Bog growths 107 Bit of off-road equipment 108 Where Orange County is, in brief 109 Something with many variables to consider

110 Chow down on, biblically 112 Judea and Sheba, in the Bible 114 Warehouse stacks 118 Relating to theft on the high seas 122 Some South Africans 127 French schoolteacher 128 Chord known as “the devil in music” on account of its unsettling sound 129 Title role played by Hilary Swank in a 2009 biopic 130 “Alas ...” 131 Good thing to find on a boat 132 Agreeable response to a parental order DOWN

1 Can opener 2 Company that introduced Etch A Sketch 3 Takes the plate in place of 4 World of Warcraft enemies 5 “Boo-____!” 6 “Quiet, you!” 7 Admonishment before Christmas morning 8 Dutch banking giant 9 “____ supuesto!” (Spanish “Of course!”) 10 Presidential time 11 Contributors to “the front page of the internet” 12 Welcome, as a guest 13 ____ tai 14 Tsps. or tbsps.

2

3

4

5

18

Christina Iverson of Ames, Iowa, is a stay-at-home mom with an almost-2-year-old and a child on the way. She started solving puzzles only in the summer of 2018. She found it was an easily interrupted activity when her baby was constantly waking up in the evenings. Also, ‘‘Crosswords met my need for something more intellectually stimulating than reading ‘Goodnight Moon.’ ’’ Soon she made it a goal to have a puzzle published in The Times. Her collaborator, Jeff Chen, is a writer and professional crossword constructor in Seattle. They met through Jeff’s daily column on the website XWord Info. — W.S.

RELEASE DATE: 12/29/2019

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

JAN. 1, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 35 No. 1222 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

15 George W. Bush’s nickname for himself, with “the” 16 Where to set your butts down 17 Pandemonium 19 ____ admin 21 Retro-cool music purchases 27 Producer of bills 29 When repeated, “Cheerio!” 33 The Jets, but not the Giants 34 Lead-in to long 35 Drink with a straw 38 Hatcher of “Lois & Clark” 39 Lawman at the O.K. Corral 40 In the slightest 43 What amber comes from 44 Cleaning up the mess, for short? 45 Texter’s “ciao” 47 Certain bean or horse 48 “____ run!” 51 Levels 53 Provocative poster 54 Keeper of the books? 55 One who fixes flats? 56 One of Chaucer’s pilgrims 58 Hot under the collar 59 Things students take 60 “Whither thou ____ …” 63 Mischievous titter 64 Erupt 65 Fortune 500 category, informally 69 Most sinewy

6 19

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39

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70 Florist’s cutting 72 Weather phenomenon whose double lights were said to represent this puzzle’s subjects 73 Baseball double play, in slang … or a hint to understanding the 12 Across answers that have circles 74 Like a “mwa-ha-ha” laugh 75 Freedom 77 Abbr. on a keyboard key

96

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84 88

108 110

75

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107

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66

82

115

43

58

78

81

17

53

65

72

77

16

30

57 63

15

36 42

51

14

29

41

62

90

13

35

56

68

12

24

47

61

114

10

23

40

50

89

9

27

46

55

8

21

32

37

54

7

20

80 Derrière 82 India’s smallest state 83 Orange Sesame Street monster 86 It’s a start 88 Founder of the Ottoman Empire 89 “That’s odd …” 90 Chits inits. 91 Wet firecracker, e.g. 93 Genre akin to goth 94 ____ fly 95 Finish of three U.S. state names 97 Flash-drive port

98 The big eau 99 Org. that began welcoming girls in 2019 101 California’s ____ National Forest 102 Wiped 105 Seasoning in a yellow-and-blue tin 106 Disgusting, quaintly 111 Picks, with “for” 113 Near impossibilities on par-5 holes 114 Fig. watched by some dieters

115 Bit in a feedbag 116 Some fraternity-row letters 117 G.R.E. administrator 119 Coastal inlet 120 “The pond”: Abbr. 121 Here’s the kicker! 123 Marks out 124 Its seeds whirl to the ground 125 Hit 2011 animated movie 126 Pusher of green eggs and ham

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