The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 08, 2020

Page 1

Almost ready to roll. 3

So long 2019. 15

Pantry power. 24 JAN. 8, 2020 FREE

VOLUME 28, NO. 11 Astheworldterns celebrate wildlife heroes. 6 County readies for beach renourishment. 4

Meetings. 4 AM takes up pier lease proposal. 5

Opinions. 6

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

Meet 2019’s Islanders of the year

islander.org

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

opponents of Cortez megabridge appeal to court. 8

Happenings Announcements.

Save the date.

Ed Straight, left, holds a sick gull. Gail Straight feeds a juvenile raccoon. The Straight’s grandson, Devon Straight, with a rescued eagle. Gail with a pair of cormorants. And Ed with odie, a rescue-facility resident screech owl. Islander File Photos

FISH readies Cortez festival.

But the real winner is wildlife

Islanders honored.

Ask just about anyone who has lived on Anna Maria Island more than a few months, a student at Anna Maria Elementary School, a cop, the volunteers who take calls at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Ask an animal-, bird-, wildlife-lover, and the answer comes readily. Who you gonna call with a wildlife emergency? Wildlife Inc. When you call the Wildlife rescue number, you likely reach either Gail or Ed Straight, founders and directors of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, based in their home in Bradenton Beach since 1987. Ed Straight, president and former Bra-

Street map.

Streetlife. Gathering. Obituaries. 23 Chamber to award trolley grants. 25

A wild holiday chase. 26 Island’s top sports stories in 2019. 27

By Bonner Joy Islander Publisher

denton Beach city commissioner and law enforcement officer, started rescuing and rehabbing animals in need as a hobby after finding a duckling alone in a lake, rejected by its mother. They now manage thousands of rescued birds and animals yearly, from laughing gulls and owls to Key deer and otters and many more, caring for their injuries or nursing them when they’re abandoned, and returning them to the wild when possible. They also raised their grandson, Devon, who continues to help while serving in law enforcement in Bradenton Beach. They had a slow start, but the number of animals the nonprofit cared for grew as development encroached on habitat, accord-

Hundreds plunge into 2020

ing to Ed Straight. He told The Islander that Wildlife Inc. cared for around 2,500 injured or abandoned animals in 2018 and received many more rescue calls. Ed Straight and Wildlife Inc. volunteers take screech owl Odie and other animals to local schools and island events to teach people about wildlife. It is the only wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Manatee County. They answer calls at all hours and they don’t ask for much, just help feeding the thousands of critters in their care. It’s a big feed bill. They are Islanders of the Year. And they deserve our help. Call Wildlife Inc. at 941-778-6324. And thank them for all they do.

AMI anglers take on winter action. 29

ISL BIZ Resorts swap owners. 30

PropertyWatch. 30 Tourist tax collections rise. 31 CLASSIFIEDS.

NYTimes puzzle.

People — some in costume — rush Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, into the Gulf of Mexico for Clancy’s 12th annual fundraising event, the Shamrock Shiver New Year’s Day Charity Plunge at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. More, page 2. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

EatHereFlorida.com (941) 778-0411 5315 Gulf Drive • Holmes Beach

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Hundreds take 2020 Gulf plunge

Bradenton resident Dana Rothgery, right, organizes her family, costumed in a Pac Man-theme, for the Shamrock Shiver best costume contest held Jan. 1. The “Pac Man family” won the award for best costumes, having earned the loudest and most applause. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

What better way to start 2020 than to plunge into the Gulf of Mexico? The air was a crisp 64 degrees when hundreds of people rushed Jan. 1 into the Gulf of Mexico for Clancy’s 12th annual Shamrock Shiver New Year’s Day Charity Plunge at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. About 500 people attended the event, according to Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub employee Daniel Cassidy. Nearly half of the attendees took the plunge. Before the run to the Gulf, the crowd judged a costume contest. Sarasota Participants included Paul Devine, who dressed resident as a sea turtle. Bill Capobianco and Paul Halvorsen Mike were costumed as Pacific Islanders. Steve Theroux Gustow is was dressed as Spock from “Star Trek.” And a group dressed as arrived costumed in a Pac Man-theme. a fisherThe “Pac Man family,” led by Bradenton resident man with Dana Rothgery, won the top prize. a merAt the parking lot, volunteers collected donations maid, wife and sold event T-shirts. Bonnie, as After the plunge at noon, people went to Clancy’s, his catch 6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, for an after-party at the with raffles, live music, food, beverages and awards. Shamrock Proceeds benefit Caring for Children Charities, Shiver the fundraising arm of the Sarasota-based nonprofit costume organization, Florida Winefest and Auction. contest, Clancy’s has helped raised $246,876 since beginJan. 1 in ning its annual plunge in 2009. Bradenton The 2019 plunge raised about $27,000. Beach. The 2020 plunge raised $25,537 as of Jan. 5, according to Rayma Stowe of Clancy’s. To pledge or donate to the campaign, contact Jan Crudele of Florida Winefest at 941-952-1109. To reach Stowe, call 941-720-4072.

Bradenton resident Paul Devine, costumed as a sea turtle, dangles a smaller sea turtle from a string in his hand Jan. 1, during the Shamrock Shiver best costume contest in Bradenton Beach.

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JAN. 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

City grinds out skateboard park

Stacey Johnston, Holmes Beach city clerk, left, Robin Evangelisto, code compliance officer, and JT Thomas, code compliance director, check out the skate bowl Jan. 2 at the new park in Holmes Beach. The concrete is dry and the skate park is set for completion by the end of January. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Allen

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

“It’s great for the kids,� Logan Bystrom of Holmes Beach said Jan. 2. “We’ve missed it.� Bystrom, a Holmes Beach native, was referring to the original skate park, built in 2003 and closed in 2017 for repairs at city field, adjacent to city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. He said his 4-year-old son Hayes is excited to skate at the park with his dad. “I’m so excited for us to have that experience together — it’s so cool we have this here,� Bystrom said, referring to the new park. The park includes ramps and a skate bowl designed by American Ramp Co. ARC representative Tito Porrata said the life span of the park would be about 15 years, but could extend beyond that time if it is well-maintained. In addition to the bowl, the skatepark design includes rails, steps, pyramids and pipes. While working on plans for the skate park, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, Mayor Judy Titsworth and other city officials learned they lacked funding and approached community members to add the skate bowl – similar to a swimming pool, about 4 feet deep, reinforced with steel and covered with sprayed concrete — for an additional $100,000. Their plea was met in less than a week. As the skateboarding feature nears completion, the city is determining the paint colors for the bowl and Tyler Landscaping is installing a “green� safety buffer of about 16 feet along Marina Drive as a barrier to traffic. “We were amazed at how much support we got from the members of our community,� Titsworth said. “It really was heart-warming to see so many people come through for something that makes our city so special.�

Roadwatch

eyes on the road

A rendering shows possible colors for the features in the skate park, which will open soon adjacent to Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Islander Photo: Courtesy Holmes Beach

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The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following for the week of Jan. 6: • Longboat Pass Bridge: Work on the Longboat Pass Bridge on Gulf Drive between Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key continue. Southern Road & Bridge, the contractor, is completing final checks and delays are not expected. For the latest road watch information, go online to fl511.com and swflroads.com or dial 511.

Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County readies for beach renourishment in 2020 By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Anna Maria Island’s beaches wouldn’t be so impressive without a little bit of help. The sandy shores people know and love in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach are the product of a noisy necessity: beach renourishment. Charlie Hunsicker, director of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, said nothing can be done to abate the noise caused by equipment — which he described as akin to the sound of a waterfall — but the benefits outweigh the costs. “If we forego our beach renourishment programming because it’s too noisy, we’d end up with no beach at all,” he said in an interview Jan. 2 with The Islander. Beach renourishment is the practice of replacing sand lost through erosion, often by jetting a slushie of oceanwater and sand from an offshore seabed to the beach via a pipeline. Renourishment restores beaches property values from damage caused by erosion. and prevents erosion from damaging coastal infrastrucHunsicker said the island shoreline suffers from ture. 10-12 feet of erosion every year, which must be counRenourishment is intended to save property and tered with renourishment. Three projects are planned this year to rebuild the beaches from 79th Street in Holmes Beach southward Renourishment funding to Longboat Pass. Minor repair to Coquina Hunsicker said the Army Corps of Engineers is Total cost: $6,400,000 taking bids for the first stage of their project, which County funding: $3,750,000 involves putting a small amount of sand at Coquina FEMA funding: $2,650,000 Beach in Bradenton Beach, to be funded by the county Central Beach Project and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (79th Street in Holmes Beach to Fifth Street Work could begin as early as March, but the timeSouth in Bradenton Beach) line is dependent on the Army Corps, according to Total cost: $20,500,000 Hunsicker. Army Corps of Engineers funding: The second project — funded by the county, state $11,600,000 and Army Corps — will replenish sand from 79th County funding: $4,450,000 Street in Holmes Beach to Fifth Street South in BraState funding: $4,450,000 denton Beach. Coquina Beach Project Work will then progress south until reaching Long(Fifth Street South in Bradenton Beach to boat Pass for the third project, which will be funded Longboat Pass) by the county and state. Total cost: $6,200,000 More than 700,000 cubic yards of sand for the County funding: $3,100,000 latter two projects will be excavated and pipelined to State funding: $3,100,000 the beach from 4,000 feet offshore near Passage Key

Game time for new year Players watch as the serve goes up during a Jan. 2 beach volleyball game at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The beach remained crowded and warm late into the day, with people up and down the shore enjoying chamber of commerce weather. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Meetings

website.

Anna Maria City Holmes Beach Jan. 9, 6 p.m., city commission. Jan. 8, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. Jan. 10, 10 a.m., city commission (pier lease). Jan. 8, 6 p.m., planning commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941Jan. 9, 10 a.m., police pension board. 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Jan. 14, 6 p.m., city commission. Jan. 15, 10 a.m., special magistrate. CANBradenton Beach CELED Jan. 8, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Jan. 23, 11:30 a.m., police pension board. Jan. 9, 6 p.m., commission. Jan. 25, 9 a.m., dog park opening, city field. Jan. 15, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941Jan. 16, 11 a.m., pier team. 708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. Jan. 16, noon, commission. Jan. 21, 10 a.m., commission. West Manatee Fire Rescue Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Jan. 21, 6 p.m., commission. 941-778-1005. The city does not have a functional WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave.

A bulldozer moves sand in on Anna Maria Island in April 2011, near the end of a beach renourishment effort. Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff

in the Gulf of Mexico. The same contractor will be used for both projects to minimize mobilization costs. Hunsicker said noise from the projects will be the waterfall-like sounds caused by constantly jetting a slushie of oceanwater and sand ashore, as well as mechanical sounds — heavy equipment and operators who move bulldozers to spread sand. While work is set to stretch across island beaches day and night for months, Hunsicker said any given location along the beach will be within earshot of the projects for only three days — one day as work approaches, another as it reaches the location, and on the third day as it moves south. “It’s like a slow-moving river of work in front of a property,” Hunsicker said. “It’s a 24/7 operation because it’s near impossible to operate only during the day because the sand has to keep flowing through the pipeline.” When the projects begin, the county will post a page on the its website, mymanatee.org, so people can track where renourishment work is occurring. While renourishment noise may prove to be an inconvenience for some, local restaurateur Ed Chiles — owner of the Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach — is excited for work to begin. “It’s music to my ears,” Chiles told The Islander in a Jan. 2 interview. “You’ve got to be willing to take a little bit of inconvenience to have these gorgeous beaches. I don’t think it’s too much to ask. I’d say it’s a pretty great bargain.” Chiles said he has experienced multiple renourishment projects as the work passes by his island restaurants — including the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria — and they have only negligibly impacted the businesses. He credited Hunsicker for his involvement in leading the county renourishment programs. “I’ll never forget the first time they rolled by,” Chiles said. “You know the old adage about land and how they aren’t making any more of it? Well this is where you actually see them making land.” “It’s like the greatest sandbox you’ve ever seen,” he continued. “And you see people become frozen all the time while watching it because it’s just so interesting to see.”

W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. Manatee County Jan. 9, 9 a.m., county commission (land use). Jan. 14, 9 a.m., county commission. Jan. 28, 9 a.m., county commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Of interest 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. Send listings to news@islander.org.

JAN. 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria to take up city pier lease terms, tenant offer By Phil Colpas Islander Reporter

Two key puzzle pieces may be coming together as Anna Maria takes steps to open a new city pier. First up, Mario Schoenfelder, pier tenant since 2000, met the city’s deadline extension of Dec. 31, 2019, with his final pier lease proposal. A special city meeting to discuss Schoenfelder’s offer is slated for 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Second, the vacant position of pier liaison may soon be filled. The responsibility previously fell to Dale Woodland, who served seven two-year terms as a city commissioner but failed to qualify for re-election in November 2019. Woodland erroneously paid the $48 qualifying fee with a personal check instead of the required campaign account. The commission agreed to accept applications for Woodland’s vacant seat through Jan. 8. Woodland told The Islander in a Jan. 5 email that he hopes to be appointed to serve another two years. He wrote: “I am a public servant, always have been and always will be, I have no agenda but to serve. Our residents and visitors alike are welcome and a benefit to our city.” He also wrote, “I work in our city and am blessed to have people talk to me every day; their input drives me. When we are not always on the same page, our differences are respected and I have to make a decision, that’s my job.” He thanked everyone who has supported him in his effort to regain his seat on the dais. Filling the empty commission chair will be discussed by the commission at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9. Lease negotiations Schoenfelder began his final lease proposal to the city commission with this statement: “Before presenting my offer, I would like to address a matter that in my view is critical to every future tenant who is

willing to invest considerable funds for the buildout and equipment of the new city pier restaurant and bait shop and is willing to lease the premises. That matter is insurance.” Schoenfelder said he understands the tenant is responsible for liability and contents insurance, and the city plans to assume casualty coverage. “I am asking the city to explain how sufficient insurance coverage would be provided and how a sufficient degree of financial safety for the tenant would be established,” Schoenfelder wrote. According to the terms of the current lease agreement, expiring December 2020, the tenant is responsible for maintaining general liability and property insurance, protecting against personal injury, death or property damage at the leased premises. The agreement also requires the landlord — the city — to maintain fire and casualty insurance equal to the full insurable value of the improvements to the leased premises. Rent is abated from the date of a casualty until the premises are substantially restored and the leased property is returned to the tenant. Schoenfelder’s monthly lease payments, which over time increased to $11,500, were discontinued when the historic pier, originally built in 1911, was closed after damages by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The pier was demolished in 2018 and the city hired I+iconSOUTHEAST to construct the new pier. The other major sticking point of the negotiations concerns rent and a down payment, first reported in the Jan. 1 issue of The Islander. Mayor Dan Murphy had emailed Schoenfelder Sept. 30, 2019, and presented him with two base-payment options for a new lease. The first option offered by Murphy included a monthly base payment of $21,600, along with either a 3% annual increase after the first year, or an annual adjustment based on the consumer price index. The second option included a monthly base pay-

ment of $18,900, 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 would require Schoenfelder pay a $250,000 lump sum upon signing the lease. Schoenfelder countered: A 10-year lease with two five-year options, monthly payments of $8,000 with the first six months rent-free, and CPI-based adjustments kicking in after three years. If negotiations with Schoenfelder fall through, the city commission has a plan in place to issue a request for proposals seeking a new tenant. Construction progress Murphy provided an update on pier construction in a Jan. 2 email to The Islander: “Siding is being placed on the building. The fireline is complete and pending final inspection,” Murphy wrote. “The final platform inspection is scheduled for Jan. 9.” 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 set. The commission in December delayed voting on a city pier ordinance that would clarify the rights and jurisdiction of the pier lessee.

Workers on the T-end of the Anna Maria City Pier Jan. 2 address exterior finishes. Islander Photo: Phil Colpas

Veterans Tribute Evening

Restless Heart 7:30 pm Jan. 17

FUN

Unspoken 7 pm, Jan. 19

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LOADS O F EXHIBITS

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6-8 pm Jan. 21 Special Appearances: Darryl Worley & Jessica Lynch

Tony Jackson 7:30 pm, Jan. 24

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Scheduled Events: Rabbit Showmanship-5 pm, Jan. 17 Restless Heart 7:30 pm, Jan 17 Swine Sale 1 pm, Jan. 18 2nd Annual Doggy Pageant-1 pm, Jan. 18 5th Annual Corn Dog-Eating Contest 5 pm, Jan. 18 Unspoken 7 pm, Jan. 19 1st Annual Cinnamon Roll-Eating Contest 5 pm, Jan. 20 Goat Show 6 pm, Jan. 21

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Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Islanders for AMI

Some people see a need and know just what to do about it. So when Gail and Ed Straight saw a lone duckling in a lake, and no sign of the hen or a flock, they stepped up. They took the duckling home and nurtured it. That was 1986. The Straights were living in a small cottage in Bradenton Beach and Ed was working in law enforcement. He later served the city as a commissioner. After the duckling, came other small animal rescues and rehabs and a hobby for the couple. They were volunteering for Wildlife Rescue Service of Florida, which had taken custody of the duckling. The experience inspired the pair to pursue careers in animal care. They acquired permits from state and federal agencies and founded Wildlife Inc., a volunteer-based nonprofit at their residence in January 1987. And thanks to the influx of people and development in Manatee County, there is no shortage of need for their services. They branched out by partnering with Mixon Fruit Farm in east county on a wildlife refuge to maintain animals that can’t be released to the wild. They’re looking for property and funding to expand and avoid future evacuations from their island home, but for now, they have mouths to feed. And they need volunteers to feed the wildlife that pass in and out of their rehab facility. We’ve seen the success of turtle watch on Anna Maria Island, but they don’t feed or maintain sea turtles. Years past, Suzi Fox, would ask her turtle watch volunteers to bring gifts for Wildlife Inc. to their annual celebration. She knows the Straights have great needs and people are willing to donate, if not to turtle watch, which is funded by the state and county government and beach renourishment, to other wildlife. I’m not sure about your needs, but I’ve found injured birds in my yard and a possum or two that crawled up, seemingly looking for help, and a call to Ed and Gail brings quick results. They don’t ask for donations — they hope. Maybe you can help them and help the small abandoned and injured critters and birds in their care. Someday you may need them. We are humbled by their work and their sacri- Fighting a battle against greed fices. This paradise called Anna Maria Island is slowing You can reach the Straights at 941-778-6324 or being spoiled by special interests driven by greed. wildlifeinc.org. Politicians, lawyers, developers and limited liability corporations have pretty much taken over the island. Drive down about any street and you will see JAN. 8, 2020 • Vol. 28, No. 11 another old Florida home being destroyed to make ▼ Publisher and Editor room for an eight-bedroom party house. Bonner Joy, news@islander.org The cities have tried to control the occupancy levels ▼ Editorial Lisa Neff, editor, lisa@islander.org and are challenged every day by the greedy LLCs and ChrisAnn Allen, chrisann@islander.org their lawyers in the courts of Manatee County using Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org the Bert Harris Act to bilk thousands of dollars out of Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Arthur Brice, arthur@islander.org the island cities. Sarah Brice, sarah@islander.org We are fighting a losing battle because, if the Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Phil Colpas, phil@islander.org greedy politicians prevail in taking homes away from Michael Dunn, michael@islander.org us, it will be “Katy bar the door.” Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com First to go will be the restrictions on occupancy, Leslie Lake, leslie@islander.org Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org effectively turning homes into dormitories with as Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org many people as they can pack in. Mike Tokars, miket@islander.org Next go the restrictions on building heights. ▼ Contributors Jesse Brisson Then you will see 15-story high rises on the Karen Riley-Love coast. Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director I recall a statement made by the editor of a local Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org newspaper saying, “We have to strike a balance ▼ Office Staff between vacation and residential properties. We can’t Lisa Williams, office manager Vicki McIntyre, office assistant, reader advocate kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.” info@, accounting@, classifieds@, News flash. subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution There is no balance and that goose is now laying urbane Bouchet rotten eggs. Judy Loden Wasco The developers call this progress. Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org) I call it rape. Enjoy the few years we have left to call this paraSingle copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2020 • Editorial, sales and production offices: dise. 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 It is fast becoming a tourist trap. WEBSITE: www.islander.org PHoNE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821 Jerald Bailey, Holmes Beach

Opinion

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letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number. Email: news@ islander.org. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Find weekly editions of The Islander — 1992 to present — online in the university of Florida Digital Library at ufdc.ufl.edu.

JAN. 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Soft ride on Bridge Street Cars drive in the sand on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, circa 1947. The large building on the right has a sign that reads, “Recreation Center,” and behind the building is a service station. Islander Courtesy Photos: Manatee County Public Library System

Registering to vote on AMI A man completes his voter registration in Anna Maria. The photo in the county archival collection is not dated but the calendar on the wall indicates the year is 1965.

10&20 years ago

Islander archives, Jan. 5, 2000

• Holmes Beach Police Chief Jay Romine said there were no suspects in the armed robbery of a Cortez man at Nations Bank on Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach. The customer was attempting to make a night deposit when he was confronted by a gunman, who took the night deposit bag and fled the scene. • Anna Maria city commissioners were forced to re-advertise for bids on reconstruction of the city pier because the proposed specifications overlooked the cost to demolish and rebuild the restaurant and restrooms. According to the bids received, however, it would cost the city $600,000-$800,000 to replace the decking and pilings. • The Holmes Beach Police Department announced a forum on drugs and drug abuse Jan. 6 at Holmes Beach City Hall and invited community members to attend. The forum came in the wake of parents claiming teenage drug abuse was rampant on the island.

Islander archives, Jan. 6, 2010

• The Islander named island businessman Ed Chiles and his mother, Rhea, a first lady of Florida, as the Islanders of the Year for their devotion to promoting AMI community, the arts and the wellbeing of those less fortunate than themselves. • A Bradenton man traveling east on Manatee Avenue swerved into oncoming traffic and died from injuries suffered in a collision on the Palma Sola Causeway. • The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board was reviewing a Manatee County proposal to build a marine rescue headquarters on the east side of the Coquina Beach park. — Lisa Neff

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Master of Sunset pictures

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

Cortez megabridge opponents take fight to appeal court

The Cortez Bridge, first opened to traffic over the Intracoastal Waterway in 1957, faces replacement by the DoT with a high-rise bridge. Residents of Cortez and Anna Maria Island oppose the plan. Islander Photo: Sarah Brice

Bridge Battle

By Arthur Brice Islander Reporter

The fight over the planned Cortez megabridge is headed to the Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal. Joe McClash, who petitioned for a hearing in opposition of the Florida Department of Transportation’s plan to build a 65-foot-clearance fixed span to replace the current drawbridge, filed notice Jan. 3 of his intent to appeal the DOT denial of a hearing to the district court. He must file a brief within 70 days. The DOT has denied two efforts by McClash to gain an administrative hearing to challenge 25 instances in which he says the agency erred in its decision to build the high bridge. “The DOT is playing the judge without any evidentiary hearing,” McClash McClash told The Islander in a Dec. 19 interview. The DOT announced Oct. 10 it had approved a 6-year project development and environment study and was proceeding with a $6.2 million design plan to replace the 62-year-old drawbridge that links Cortez to Bradenton Beach. McClash filed a petition Oct. 29 for a formal administrative hearing. The DOT rejected McClash’s petition Nov. 13, stating in its “order of dismissal without prejudice” that the matter is under federal jurisdiction, not state. The DOT maintains it is taking action on behalf of the federal government and not as a state agency. “Since the complaint is regarding federal law, a federal judge needs to hear the complaint, not a state permit administrative hearing officer,” DOT spokesman Brian R. Rick wrote in a Dec. 19 email to The Islander. McClash filed an appeal Nov. 22, and the DOT rejected it Dec. 10. “This ruling defies logic and, most of all, allows a state agency to dictate to our community the type of megabridge or other road projects without recourse

provided by our state’s rules,” McClash wrote in a Dec. 18 email to reporters. The case before the appeals court would challenge the DOT’s rejection of the administrative hearing. “It would have nothing to do with the merits of the case,” McClash said in December. The bridge, located on Cortez Road, spans the Intracoastal Waterway, providing one of two links for Anna Maria Island to the mainland. The drawbridge, with a clearance height of about 17 feet, had major repairs done in 1996, 2010 and 2015. The DOT says it has outlived its usefulness. Megabridge opponents say it would change the character of Cortez, a fishing village designated a federal historic district in 1995. Many residents of Cortez have been fighting the high bridge since the DOT revealed a previous replacement plan in 1989 — and retracted it. McClash, a Manatee County commissioner 19902012 and an environmentalist, filed the legal petitions on behalf of himself and several Cortez residents and organizations. Jane von Hahmann, a 43-year Cortez resident who served on the county commission 2001-08, is one of the petitioners. Linda Molto, another petitioner, has lived in Cortez 34 years. Joe Kane, also a petitioner, has lived in Cortez for more than two decades. Other petitioners are the environmental group ManaSota-88 and two other nonprofits, the Florida

Institute for Saltwater Heritage and the Cortez Village Historical Society. The Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue, which also connects the island to the mainland and was built the same year as the Cortez Bridge, also is slated to be replaced by a 65-foot-clearance fixed span. Its design schedule is further along than the Cortez Bridge because the DOT approved it first.

The DOT-Cortez megabridge plan

The DOT plans to spend $8 million by 2025 for right-of-way acquisition for the new bridge. The DOT’s tentative 5-year work program for fiscal years 2021-25, released Oct. 21, says the agency wants to spend about $3.9 million in fiscal 2020-21, about $1 million in fiscal 2023-24 and $3.1 million in fiscal 2024-25 to acquire property to make way for the bridge. The state’s fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30. None of the proposed expenditures has been budgeted. Amounts and time frames often change by the time the fiscal year budget is allocated. Construction costs also have not been budgeted, but the DOT says it expects the new bridge to cost at least $72 million. The new bridge is not expected to be completed for another 10 years or so. “It’s not going to happen immediately,” DOT spokesman Rick told The Islander in August.

Drug case gets tossed, but Bradenton man remains jailed for assault By Leslie Lake Islander Reporter

David Nichols remains in jail on $150,000 bond following a November 2019 arrest for assault with a deadly weapon after dragging another man under his truck. But he has one less legal issue to worry about as charges in a March 2019 drug and tampering case against him were dropped by the state attorney’s office due to an improper search of his vehicle. According to the Manatee County Nichols Sheriff’s Office reports, a deputy stopped Nichols for failing to stop at a stop sign March 27, 2019. Nichols, 57, of Bradenton, and the passenger exited a pickup truck, and the deputy observed a “white rolled-up cigarette joint” on the passenger floor board. The deputy stated that, based on his training and experience, he “recognized it to be consistent with possible narcotics.” The deputy asked Nichols what it was and he replied it was a “rollie cigarette.” The deputy told Nichols to break up the cigarette to show it was tobacco and Nichols responded by crumpling it. In an arrest affidavit, the deputy said he recognized marijuana in the crumpled pieces. The substance tested positive for marijuana and Nichol’s reportedly told a

deputy that it was “only a little marijuana.” That testing and statement by Nichols precipitated a search of his vehicle and yielded 28.31 grams of methamphetamine, three marijuana cigarettes and five buprenorphine pills — a schedule 3 narcotic. Nichols was charged with possession of a controlled substance, trafficking in amphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering/destroying physical evidence and possession of cannabis not more than 20 grams. On July 8, 2019, the first three charges were dropped. At Nichols’ discovery deposition, the deputy stated he didn’t see or smell any marijuana or any other narcotics prior to the crumpled cigarette. A Dec. 3, 2019, decline memo from the SAO stated, “In Carr v. State, 353 So.2d 958 (2nd DCA 1978), the 2nd District ruled a search on similar facts was improper.” In that case, two suspected marijuana cigarettes inside a truck were seized, but the law enforcement officer could not actually see or smell marijuana because their ends were twisted shut. “Given the above facts and circumstances, the state will nolle pros (not prosecute) the case” against Nichols. The charges of possession of cannabis and tampering/destroying physical evidence were dropped. Nichols is charged with aggravated battery and leaving the scene of a crash with bodily injury follow-

ing a verbal altercation that turned violent the night of Nov. 18. He stands accused of hitting and dragging 61-yearold Fred Gilliland underneath his vehicle for nearly a block. Police reported that Gilliland sustained severe lifethreatening injuries, including several open fractures and significant head trauma. A verbal dispute ensued outside a residence between Gilliland and Nichols. As Gilliland left on foot, walking southbound on 101st Street West, police said Nichols struck him with his vehicle. Gilliland is still being treated at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. According to Gilliland’s longtime friend, James “Wyre” Lee, he remains hospitalized at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. “He’s hanging in,” Lee said. “He’s in the burn unit, where he’s being treated for all the road rash. He goes in for debridements every day or two.” Lee said that fundraisers are being planned to help support Gilliland. Nichols is set for a Jan. 9 case management conference at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices and photographs, along with a contact to news@islander.org.

JAN. 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... WATCH BANDS • WATCH BATTERIES • SERVICE/REPAIRS

The country band Restless Heart will perform Friday, Jan. 17, at the 2020 Manatee County Fair. The fair is at 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto. For more information, call 941722-8951.

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The Manatee County Fair will open Thursday, The fairgrounds is at 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto. Jan. 16, and continue through Sunday, Jan. 26, in PalFor more information and a detailed schedule, metto. go online to manateecountyfair.com or call 941-722Events will include a dog pageant Jan. 18, a corn- 8951. dog eating contest Jan. 18, a cinnamon roll-eating contest Jan. 20 and a goat show Jan. 21. Friends present season’s Daily entertainers include the Dennis Lee Show, 1st lecture at Island library Rock-It the Robot, Paul Bunyan’s Lumberjack Show and Danny Grant’s Cowboy Circus. The Friends of the Island Library will open Headline entertainment will include Restless Hart its winter Lecture and Travel Series with a talk by Jan. 17, Unspoken Jan. 19 and Tony Jackson Jan. 24. video producer Peter Bentley. Admission varies depending on age. Bentley, born in the Netherlands, relocated to Canada to work for the Canadian Broadcasting Co. and operate a recording studio. sunny shores serving He later relocated to the United States, where pancake breakfasts he was a sound mixer for film and TV and also produced music videos. The sunny servers promise, “All you can eat.” Bentley has retired, but still produces travel The Sunny Shores community in Cortez will serve clips. “all-you-can-eat” pancake breakfasts on three dates His talk is titled “A Day on a Movie Set.” this winter. The program will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, The breakfasts will be 8-11 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes 11, Feb. 8 and March 14, in the Sunny Shores clubBeach. house, 115th Street West, Cortez. For more information, call the library at 941The cost is $5. 778-6341. For more information, contact Bob Hoffman at 941-795-7944.

Artists offer lessons at CrossPointe Fellowship

Members of an island art guild are conducting classes at CrossPointe Fellowship this winter. Sessions with Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island artists began Monday, Jan. 6, and will continue through April. Offerings include lessons in working with watercolors, colored pencils, oils 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. More information about registration and costs, as well as 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.

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The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will meet Saturday, Jan. 11. 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. A board meeting will be held and there is no guest speaker. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Island art group presents ‘Boundaries erased’

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island will cross the boundary between the island and the mainland to stage “Boundaries Erased.” AGAMI will hold its annual juried art exhibition Jan. 14-Feb. 7 at ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. A reception and awards ceremony will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. For more information, call the Artists’ Guild Gallery in Holmes Beach at 941-778-6694.

AGAMI hosts art reception

Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island member Sandy Staley will be the featured guest at a reception for her “Critters and Creatures: Serengeti to Sarasota” exhibit. The reception will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at the Artists’ Guild Gallery in the Island Shopping Center, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the gallery at 941778-6694.

Island Gallery West hosts ‘see The light’ reception

Island Gallery West will host a reception 5:307:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, for Jane Keeling’s “See The Light” exhibit. The gallery is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The gallery also is hosting Saturday art demos. For more, call IGW at 941-778-6648.

Island happenings

JAN. 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Onstage in Anna Maria The Island Players cast for “Ripcord� — opening Thursday, Jan. 9, at the island theater, 10009 Gulf 1911008 Islander | Live Naturally Drive, Anna Maria 3.25 x 3� | 4-C — includes Cathy Scale 1:1 Hansel-Edgerton, Laura Morales, Nick Catanzaro, Jennifer Caldwell, Rick Kopp and Matthew Mayo. Islander Courtesy Photo

Privateers stage 1st market

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are rustling up the first in a series of Thieves Market. The dates of the Saturday markets are Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 14. The markets will be at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, according to a calendar on the organization’s website at amiprivateers.memberlodge.org. Vendors will sell flea market-style merchandise and lunch items, including hamburger, hot dogs, chili and cheese, tacos, corn on the cob and baked goods. For more information, including details to become a vendor, call Privateer Kim “Syren� Boyd at 931-6390986.

senior Adventures group makes plans for winter

The Senior Adventures group released its calendar of events for January and February. The group will visit a retirement community in Sarasota Friday, Jan. 10, departing at 10 a.m. from Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. At Sunny Side Retirement, the adventurers will attend a classical piano concert and have brunch. The fee for the van ride is $5, while the meal and concert cost $3. Other plans include a community dinner at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at Annie Silver; a coffee and travel presentation at the center at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24; and a book sale and potluck lunch at the center 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31. In February, participants will attend a concert at Sunny Side, visit the James Museum in St. Petersburg and hold a book sale and potluck lunch at Annie Silver. For more information, call Kaye Bell at 941538-0945.

Center puts out bingo call

“B1.� Be one of the bingo enthusiasts to join the games at the Center of Anna Maria Island Friday, Jan. 10. The center is calling bingo three nights during the winter season, welcoming players 6-8 p.m. Jan. 10, as well as Feb. 7 and March 6. Bingo cards will cost $1. Prizes will include gift cards to local restaurants. The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call the center at 941778-1908.

Museum booking ‘behind scenes’ tour of Cortez The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum is taking reservations for a “Behind the Scenes Tour� in the fishing village of Cortez. The tour set for Thursday, Jan. 16, and other dates this season, will begin at the museum, 4415 119th St. W., where participants will learn about the history of Cortez. The guide will then lead participants on a walking tour to the A.P. Bell Fish House, where owner and fourth-generation Cortezian Karen Bell will take people behind the scenes at the commercial fishing venture. The tour is open to the public and will be offered at 10 a.m. the third Thursday of the month through April. The fee is $28 per person. Registration online is required. To sign up, go to floridafolkschool.org. For more information, call the museum at 941708-6120.

Cortez museum hosts ‘Music on the Porch’

Acoustic play is on deck for Cortez. the music or bring an instrument and make music of The Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. your own.� W., Cortez, will host “Music on the Porch� 2-4 p.m. Also, a “Round Robin Jam� will be 1-4 p.m. SatSaturday, Jan. 11. urday, Jan. 25. An announcement invited people to “come enjoy For more, call the museum at 941-708-6120.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Thursday, Jan. 9 2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel Series, Peter Bentley, “A Day on a Movie Set,” Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, Jan. 10 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Island Gallery West reception for Jane Keeling’s “See the Light,” 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Artists’ Guild Gallery reception for Sandy Staley’s “Critters and Creatures,” 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Saturday, Jan. 11 8 a.m.-3 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 931-639-0986. ONGOING ON AMI Through Jan. 26, Island Players present “Ripcord,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-5755. Second Fridays, downtown Holmes Beach art walk, various venues. Information: 941-778-6694, 941-778-6648. Throughout January, “See the Light” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786648. Throughout January, “Critters and Creatures” exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6694. Through Jan. 31, “The Next Chapter” exhibition, paintings by Rolf Hellem, the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Anna Maria. Information: 941-900-8478. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI 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. OFF AMI Saturday, Jan. 11 1 p.m. — Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120.

For the week Jan. 8-15 Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

Wednesday, Jan. 15 ONGOING OFF AMI 6 p.m. — Florida Maritime Museum lecture, “Tales of Reef Fourth Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Stelliferous Star Talk, the Bishop Fish Behavior After Catch and Release,” 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee Information: 941-708-6120. applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Ongoing OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Second Saturdays, 4 p.m., IQuest for middle schoolers, the Through Jan. 13, “Tour du Monde,” John and Mable Ringling Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Infor- Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Second and fourth Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. KidSpace, the Bishop mation: 941-359-5700. Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee Through Feb. 7, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s “Boundaries Erased” exhibit, ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Anna applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Maria. Information: 941-746-2862. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Through Aug. 1, “Remaking the World: Abstraction from the April 11, DeSoto Bottle Boat Regatta, Brade3nton. Permanent Collection,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, April 25, DeSoto Grand Parade, Bradenton. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941359-5700. CLUBS & Second Wednesdays, 12:15 p.m., Lunch and Learn program, COMMUNITY the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. On AMI Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Art After 5, John and Mable Ringling Wednesday, Jan. 8 Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Noon — Coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Information: 941-359-5700. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. First Fridays, 6-9 p.m., ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around 6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. after the first Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. Friday, Jan. 9 Second and fourth Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, 2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers: Knit and Crochet Extra, Island Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778941-708-6120. 6341. Looking Ahead off AMI Friday, Jan. 10 10 a.m. — Senior Adventures activity — brunch and concert Jan. 16-26, Manatee County Fair, Palmetto. in Sarasota, carpool from Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd Jan. 14-Feb. 7, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island 11th annual St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1908. Fine Art Exhibition, Bradenton. Tuesday, Jan. 14 Jan. 16, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island reception for 2 p.m. — Intro to Alexa, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, “Boundaries Erased,” Bradenton. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Feb. 8, Bradenton Area River Regatta, Bradenton and PalWednesday, Jan. 15 metto. 1:45 p.m. — Beginner Ukulele class, Island Library, 5701 Feb. 15-16, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. March 7, ArtSlam, Bradenton. 3 p.m. — Ukulele class, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, April 3-5, Sarasota Film Festival, Sarasota. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. April 11, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Beach’n 6 p.m. — Mind in the Making workshop, Island Library, 5701 Food Truck and Music Festival, Bradenton Beach. Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

KIDS & FAMILY On AMI

Friday, Jan. 10 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturday, Jan. 11 10 a.m. — Origami club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesday, Jan. 14 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 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.

“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 neverpublished photos. Joy is publisher-owner of The Islander newspaper, launched in 1992, and a devoted islander for 45 years.

JAN. 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar

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. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI 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. OFF AMI Saturday, Jan. 11 8-11 a.m. — Sunny Shores Pancake Breakfast, Sunny Shores Clubhouse, 115th St. W., Cortez. Fee applies. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI sota.

Feb. 15, Scallopalooza to benefit Sarasota Bay Watch, Sara-

ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

LOOKING AHEAD AMI

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. Mondays, AMI Dragon Boat Fun and Fitness Club, time depends on tides, 417 63rd St., Holmes Beach. Information: 941462-2626. Mondays-Saturdays, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Round Robin Tennis, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesdays, 12:15 p.m., duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941779-0881.

Jan. 16, Annie Silver Community Center’s bingo nights begin, Bradenton Beach. Feb. 7, Center of Anna Maria Island bingo, Anna Maria. March 6, Center of Anna Maria Island bingo, Anna Maria.

Book discussion at Gloria Dei

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is hosting a book group. Sessions will begin Tuesday, Jan. 14, and continue ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND for six weeks. Meetings are at 10:30 a.m. and open to Friday, Jan. 10 the public. 6-8 p.m. — Bingo games, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 The group will be discussing Richard Rohr’s Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908. “Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See.” Rohr, a Franciscan priest, founded the Center Stop by The Islander office in the for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Centre, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Mexico, in 1986. He is the author of more than 20 books and contributing writer to Sojourners and Tikkun Beach, for AMI stickers and Tees! magazines. For more information, call the church at 941-778Master of Sunset pictures 1813.

GAMES, SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Portraits by the Sea

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

LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI

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Jan. 25, Robinson Preserve planting, Bradenton. Feb. 22, first Pirates spring training game, Bradenton. March 7, dragon boat festival, Bradenton. April 4, Sidewalk Astronomy at Robinson Preserve, Braden-

April 9, Bradenton Marauders’ home opener, Bradenton. May 8, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce golf tournament, Bradenton. Send announcements for The Islander calendar to calendar@ islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

Paradise Center offers free ‘brain health’ screenings

The Paradise Center will offer free memory and lifestyle screenings noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8. The Center for Brain Health will conduct the screenings, providing one-on-one assessments. Additionally, the center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, offers regular fitness programs, including yoga, stretch, strength and Zumba classes. For reservations or more information, call the center at 941-383-6493.

Garden club to stage runway fashion show

The Anna Maria Island Garden Club will stage a fashion show at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Irene’s Resort Wear in Holmes Beach will coordinate the “lovely fashions,” according to a news release. The afternoon will include a luncheon and raffle of baskets filled with gifts and treasures. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call Deanie Sebring at 813857-4881.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

FIsH planning underway for 38th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival By Mike Tokars Islander Reporter

The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage has five weeks to finish planning the 38th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. FISH will host the festival in the historic Cortez fishing village Feb. 15-16. FISH produces a commemorative T-shirt for the festival and this year decided to revamp its biggest seller, produced in 2010, featuring a pelican. The text on the new T-shirt reads: “10 Years Later, Holding Steady, Cortez Is Still White Boot Ready,� a reference to the white rubber boots worn by Cortez fishers. “We have a lot of people who colVon Hahmann lect the T-shirts, who buy them every year,� Jane von Hahmann, vice president of FISH, told The Islander. Von Hahmann said the festival committee is now coordinating with food vendors, artists and volunteers for the two-day event. At least 178 volunteers are needed. Among them will be John Banyas, owner of several businesses on the waterfront in the 4000 block of 119th Street West — the site of the festival. “The fishing festival is for FISH,� Banyas told The Islander. “I just donate the property for the festival, but

they have the festival. It works out pretty good. They have a lot of volunteers, beer and food from vendors they’ve had for years.� He said his Swordfish Grill will be open. And he plans to sell drinks at a festival booth, including Rum Punch, Ron Cortez rum, fresh juices and ingredients mixed into a punch and served in fresh coconuts. As organizers plan for 2020, they need to account for some increased festival costs. “We’ve had around a 30%-40% increase in security costs,� said Von Hahmann, who must hire off-duty deputies to patrol the festival. The festival benefits FISH’s efforts to restore 93 acres of open habitat at the FISH Preserve, 4523 123rd St. Court W., Cortez. Von Hahmann compared the vision for the FISH Preserve to what Manatee County residents enjoy at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. During previous restoration efforts, the development of two new waterways divided the preserve in half, making public access difficult. But those new waterways restored the natural flow, creating environmental support for the habitat. Von Hahmann said 86% of local fish and sea life spend some part of their life in the mangrove roots and grass flats that grow along the shorelines in places like the FISH Preserve.

“We look forward to completing the restoration and providing full access to the public through new bridges and trails,� she said. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is engaged in the third phase of restoration in the preserve. And von Hahmann is working on grant opportunities to complete the final phase. “We actually see a light at the end of the very long restoration tunnel we have traveled,� she said. The festival isn’t the product of FISH’s efforts alone. Another group, Florida Sea Grant — from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences — is working with FISH. FSG is an organization that supports research, education, and extension to conserve coastal resources and enhance economic opportunities. Angela Collins, regional extension agent for Florida Sea Grant, said FSG has been involved since the first festival. “The festival is a true party with a purpose. FISH represents conservation of critical coastal habitat,� she said.

Sailboat stranded by the Gulf shore A double-masted sailboat is grounded on a sandbar Jan. 2 near South Bay Boulevard and Loquat Drive in Anna Maria. Residents reported the stranded and abandoned vessel to The Islander Dec. 31. “We have reached out to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and our Marine Patrol unit,� said Sgt. Mike Jones of the Manatee County Sheriff’s office Anna Maria substation. “They are investigating and trying to locate an owner. I hope to have an update soon on a time frame for removal.� Islander Photo: Phil Colpas

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The design for the 2020 Commercial Fishing Festival T-shirt is a repeat with an update on Cortez. Islander Courtesy Image

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JAN. 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

So long 2019, hello 2020 Fireworks flash Jan. 1 in the sky over the Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, as the restaurant leads a celebration for the new year. The pyrotechnic display was visible up and down the beach. Islander Photo: Dara Caudill/islandphotography.org

Sandy salute to 2020 on Anna Maria Island, many marked the first day of a new year — and a new decade — by engaging in a favorite pastime — beach time. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

Entertainer Chuck Caudill tips his hat to the new year at the Beach House Restaurant New Year’s Eve celebration. Guests received food, libations and music — Caudill on guitar and vocals. Islander Photo: Dara Caudill/islandphotography.org 3, 2, 1 ‌ A crowd gathers on New Year’s Eve at the Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton Beach to usher in 2020. Islander Photo: Dara Caudill/islandphotography.org

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Islanders honored, remembered, 1992-2019 By Bonner Joy

The Islander takes pride in recognizing members of the Anna Maria Island community for their unselfish contributions and genuine concern for making this slice of paradise an even better place to live. Since the newspaper started in 1992, a reincarnation of a former publication that sold to a national media group and eventually failed, The Islander has sought to make its path by partnering with community organizations and making its goals one and the same, by reporting the news of record and by telling the tales of people who live and work on AMI. If it’s not about Anna Maria Island or the people who live and flourish here, it’s not likely to be read here. At the end of the first and second year of publishing, we hadn’t yet found a way to say thank you to the people who worked tirelessly for a better Island. But, in 1993, we found a worthy champion and launched an Islander-of-the-Year award to publish recognition for deserving people who bettered our world, much like the effort of Time magazine, although in our own small way. Meanwhile, our third Islander of the Year is still striving for a better way, better bridges — especially a low, bascule bridge replacement for the Cortez-Bradenton Beach link for island-mainland traffic. She now lives on the mainland, but a big slice of her heart is with us in the battles we face to maintain paradise.

Former Holmes Beach Police Chief W.H. Snooks Adams poses at the door to the police department at the new city hall, dedicated in 1999 in his honor. He served as chief for 25 years until retirement in 1975. Adams was named 1996 Islander of the year by The Islander newspaper. Islander File Photo

ground of a major fundraising campaign for the center, Haven Cottage all are thanks to the vision of Carolyne we honored them as 1997 Islanders of the year. Norwood.

Jim Kronus, 1998 Islander of the Year Jim Kronus, retiring in January 1999 after 25 years as Anna Maria Island Elementary School principal, was the 1998 Islander of the Year. He was later honored with his name on the school auditorium. Twenty-five years worth of admiring stuKatie Pierola, 1995 Islander of the Year dents, their parents, family and former and current staff She was the third recipient of The Islander’s annual honored him at that event. award, which was presented posthumously to the late Ernie Cagnina for the year 1993 and to Ray Simches Suzi Fox, 1999 Islander of the Year for 1994. Both served as mayors in Anna Maria. With little funding to support the Anna Maria Pierola had served six years as mayor of Bradenton Island Turtle Watch, The Islander recognized Suzi Fox Beach, her last term just ended, and she proved to be a for her efforts in organizing a group of volunteers to bulldog in getting grants and bringing about positive protect sea turtles. change while in office. The city underwent a renaisShe took over a few years earlier the state permit sance under her command. for protecting nesting mother sea turtles, mostly logShe embodied the definition of a public servant in gerheads on Anna Maria Island, and protecting the her caring, tireless efforts to improve both her city and hatchlings. Anna Maria Island. Beach renourishment brought funding and necesPierola fought tirelessly to achieve the first beach sary monitoring of protected sea turtles to AMITW renourishment program for the island and she led the and Fox, and continues as the group’s executive direcfirst round of the battles to prevent a proposed mega- tor, overseeing teams of volunteers and coordinators bridge to replace the Cortez Bridge — both in the late who track and monitor turtle activities on the island 1980s. shore. Willis Howard “Snooks” Adams, 1996 Islander of the Year Adams was born April 24, 1917, to early settlers of Cortez, but spent much of his life on Anna Maria Island as a police chief who used common sense as his guide. He was a friend to Island children, having started in 1954 an end-of-school party just for kids, providing hot dogs, sodas and games at the beach, celebrated now as Snooks Adams Kids Day. The Anna Maria Island Privateers are now host to the party annually for large numbers of children at the beginning of summer. In 1952, Bradenton Beach incorporated and Adams became first assistant chief, then chief of police. He is credited with helping set up the first Veterans of Foreign Wars post just after World War II and was commander three times during the 1950s. In 1956, Adams went to work for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. “My job was to take care of the island,” he said. From 1962-78, Adams was chief of police in Holmes Beach. Charles and Jo Ann Lester, 1997 Islanders of the Year Charles Lester and Jo Ann Lester came from Wisconsin and fell in love with Anna Maria Island and, along with it, the Anna Maria Island Community Center. They put their money where their hearts are, both here and in the small towns in Wisconsin where they also reside half the year. For this, and for the foresight to establish a permanent endowment fund for the community center, now the Center of Anna Maria Island, for their altruistic, unselfish willingness to put themselves at the fore-

Nancy Ambrose, 2000 Islander of the year She was a relative newcomer to Anna Maria Island, having moved here three years earlier from Atlanta, when she earned the honor. Ambrose brought with her a passion for butterflies and butterfly gardening, but discovered things were different here. She then found others who shared her butterfly interests and a peaceful retreat for butterflies and people was established between Holmes Beach City Hall and the Island Branch Library. The park underwent a makeover with new plantings and was recognized as a memorial park as host to the island’s official Veterans Memorial Marker.

Billie Martini, 2002 Islander of the Year Billie Martini was just our cup of tea. She exemplified the charm and character of Anna Maria Island, the place that we’ve all come to love. Martini came to the island in 1944 and resided in Bradenton Beach for 16 years. After college, she married and, with her husband, opened the first motor court on the island. She held various jobs, including clerk in charge of the city’s post office, bookkeeper of the island water company, as a billing clerk and teacher’s aide at Anna Maria Elementary School. She retired and rose to president of the grass-roots effort that became Save Anna Maria Inc. Bunny Garst, who led the crusade with members of SAM against the 1990s Anna Maria “megabridge” plan, said Martini was “in it from the beginning. She went to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection — it’s really how we got them on our side.” She was elected to the Holmes Beach City Commission in 1993 for a two-year term, on the promise to be a voice for the people on the commission. She sought numerous recreational opportunities for city and island residents, including plans for a park on Holmes Beach city property that included trees and shaded areas with park benches for relaxation, a playground, and a public swimming pool along Flotilla Drive. Although those pursuits did not see reality — don’t count them out, she’d tell you. Finally, we see a skate park with a “bowl” adjacent to city hall, along with other recreational amenities. However, her finest achievement is the realization of the Grassy Point Preserve. Located on the bayfront on Anna Maria Sound in the 3600 block of East Bay Drive (opposite Walgreens), the undeveloped area was first eyed by Martini for preservation. It is a pristine mangrove area with a small canal that can handle canoes from the bay, said Martini at the time. The project became her “baby.” Martini enlisted help from the Manatee County Trails Committee and the city — and anyone who would listen to her pleas to preserve the property. Another achievement to her credit is the play pavilion at the Anna Maria Elementary School. Martini envisioned the sheltered play area and donated the funding to make that a reality as well. Martini was recognized in 1997 with a “Pride in Community” award from the Holmes Beach Civic Association. Thanks, Billie Martini. Thanks for your love of Anna Maria Island. It wouldn’t be the same without you.

Carolyne Norwood, 2001 Islander of the Year One of the greatest challenges facing Floridians is the development of a sense of community, a sense of place. With hundreds of people moving to our area daily from everywhere on the planet, our history was at risk of being lost in the avalanche of new faces, new homes, new businesses, new things to do and see. Where we have been, what we have done, who helped shape and form the place we now call home is often forgotten. History is important — if only so it does not have to be relived. The keeper of the island’s history became Carolyne Norwood. She set out on a quest to preserve our Ilona and Jeff Kenricks, 2003 Islanders of the history and we think she’s been a champion at it, so Year much so that we selected her the Islander of the Year Ilona and Jeff Kenrick were The Islander newspafor 2001. per’s Islanders of the year for 2003. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, its The Holmes Beach couple then were facilitaplease, see islanders, Next page museum and the preservation of the old jail and Belle

JAN. 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

IslAnDeRs CoNTINuED FRoM PAGE 16

tors for an anonymous foundation, based in the city, whose international aide amounted to about $1 million a year. The foundation’s mission statement called for it to “make contributions for religious, educational, charitable and scientific purposes.â€? The Kenricks carried out that mission and created a local event that combined much needed donations for a local blood bank with a reward for successful blood donors, a cash payout to the blood donor’s choice of four island charities. It was a win-win for everyone — although it no longer is held — and we thank them for their positive impact here and beyond. Jeff Croley, 2004 Islander of the Year Jeff Croley of Holmes Beach symbolized all the good qualities we could ask for in a volunteer — and he symbolized for Anna Maria Island all the good folks who quietly went about doing anything and everything they could to aid those in need after Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. Croley, who then worked a condo maintenance job on Longboat Key, took vacation days to drive with a cooler, cold drinks and a chain saw to the hurricane devastated areas in East Manatee, DeSoto and Charlotte counties, looking for folks who needed aid. He came upon The Islander office early the first morning of his good Samaritan journey looking for a big cooler and some ice ‌ and we were pleased to oblige. It was rewarding for us to know and help Jeff, a truly selfless human being and proud islander. Anna Maria Island Privateers, 2005 Islanders of the year If there is a symbol for Anna Maria Island, it is the sword-wielding, cannon-firing, ship-riding crew of the Anna Maria Island Privateers. For all the good they do year after year, but this year stood out for their extra efforts on behalf of one unfortunate little boy. It only took a phone call to bring the Privateers and their ship to greet a young boy with a failing heart on a “wishâ€? trip to Anna Maria Island. And it wasn’t just a greeting for little Tyler and his siblings and parents. They were treated to an island tour aboard ship,

escorted to dinner, and made honorary Privateers — and “Captain� Tyler was invited to return and again take over the ship. It was a selfless and remarkable gesture that symbolized hope for Tyler and filled his little heart with love for our Island paradise. They helped give him so many reasons to return — and hope. The Privateers also came to the rescue with Hurricane Katrina relief, collecting needed items and transporting them to Tampa. Next, the Privateers agreed to manage a memorial scholarship fund for an island teen who was tragically killed in a car crash. The fund for Bridget Miller was a great addition to the many youth scholarships the Privateers award every year in July. Their annual Snooks Adams Kids Day event at the end of the school year; monthly “thieves markets� in season; blood drives; the Fourth of July parade and picnic; the Christmas parade and Santa visits; and the many, many “captures� and visits to almost every event where their presence is requested throughout the year. They did all this and more — despite the sudden illness and death of their president, Greg “Shiprek� Davidson. Dick Cline, who also died in 2005, aided him, working tirelessly behind the scenes. In spite of their losses, the Privateers continued to do great things. The stated mission of the Anna Maria Island Privateers is “Pirates for children and community.�

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They fulfill their mission and more, and we are all better for it. They were our 2005 choice for Islanders of the Year — that year and every year. Pete Lannon, 2006 Islander of the Year If there was one person who touched the fabric of life that brought out the best in the Anna Maria Island community in 2006, it was Pete Lannon. He was more than a Holmes Beach community resource officer, he was a mentor for our children, a confidant for those in need and a friendly face that even island visitors came to know as they passed Anna Maria Elementary School, where Lannon was a fixture as the school’s crossing guard for more than five years. He was on leave in the fall, fighting a battle with cancer that he later lost. And he is still missed by many, but the anti-drug program he taught at the school and his ideals live on. His character traits are heralded at the entrance to the school, Lannon Way. Christine Olson, 2007 Islander of the Year Christine Olson’s 22-year-old daughter Tiffiany was riding a motorcycle with her boyfriend, Dustin Wilder, Dec. 7, 2005, when the worst happened. A crash. Tiffiany’s injuries were immediately fatal. Dustin was rushed by helicopter to a hospital and died hours later — before his family could be reached. PLEASE, SEE islanders, PAGE 20

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

IslAnDeRs CoNTINuED FRoM PAGE 17

Olson began to seek a way to connect people in emergency situations with the loved ones and family members who “need to know.” A crusade to allow emergency contact information to be available to law enforcement began with Olson. The quest led her to our office in search of signatures on a petition to enact some sort of “notice” for families. We sent her to meet then-state Rep. Bill Galvano, now our state senator. There were many tearful exchanges along the way. But Galvano led Olson to an almost immediate solution at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Neither a law nor the Legislature’s or a governor’s decree was needed to make Olson’s goal a reality. The DHSMV already possessed the means to resolve the problem of finding loved ones in dire emergencies — they just needed the urging of Olson and Galvano. The contact information would be included in the existing Driver And Vehicle Information Database, a secure system that Florida law enforcement agencies use to access information from their patrol-car computers simply by “swiping” a driver’s license. The opportunity to register was added to the DHSMV website in October 2006 and ... just like that, Tiffiany’s Initiative became reality. There are now well more than a million registered Florida emergency contact participants. “Everyone has embraced it,” Galvano said at the time. “It’s impacted almost a million people and it’s all thanks to Olson. She turned tragedy into a positive for the entire United States.” We thank Olson for making a difference in the lives of many, and for taking her quest to other states and the federal government. For information or to register, visit her Web site: www.toinformfamiliesfirst. org. Following the death of Christine Olson’s 22-yearold daughter, Tiffiany, in a motorcycle crash, Olson

sought to connect people in emergencies with loved ones and family members who “need to know.” Her quest to allow emergency contact information be included with driver’s licenses was a success. We thank Olson for making a difference in the lives of many, and for taking her initiative to other states and the federal government. Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, 2008 Islanders of the Year. Cheers to the organization that runs the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival and dedicates the proceeds to preserving Cortez, including the Burton store, the old schoolhouse and the 90-plus acres that provide a buffer to the village from encroaching development. They now also maintain the old firehouse and Fishermen’s Hall. Rhea and Ed Chiles, 2009 Islanders of the Year It was an honor for Anna Maria Island to be home to the first lady of Florida, Rhea Chiles, and to have her return after the death of Gov. Lawton Chiles. AMI embraced Rhea. Little did we know she would bring with her culture, education, arts and artists, and a sense of nature and the beauty around us — the Studio at Gulf and Pine. Combined with the generosity and vision of son Ed Chiles, owner of a trio of landmark restaurants on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, we have a legacy for the future. The Geyers, 2010 Islanders of the Year The Geyer family was our 2010 Islanders of the Year. You may have known Pat Geyer as mayor or commissioner, or maybe Mom, but for many years, hundreds, if not thousands of islanders grew to love her as Miss Duffy. Patricia A. Geyer, proprietress of Duffy’s Tavern, died May 1, 2010, at age 79, but she is remembered still. She served 18 years on the city commission and was elected mayor from 1990-94. During her public service, she demonstrated her courage and conviction,

and her willingness to always listen to the voters. And listen she did. She had an ear — and respect — for all opinions that came across the bar at Duffy’s Tavern, the quaint and quirky hamburger joint she ran for more than 35 years. But it wasn’t just Miss Duffy who did the island proud. She had loads of help from husband Ed, who kept a pot of bean soup at the ready and held calls about politics at bay. They raised five girls, who all put in service at the counter. Pat Geyer was known for her quiet humor, as well as her fierce loyalty to family, work, causes, politics and principle. And they — and now their families, too —contribute to community events, fundraisers and the family business. Miss Duffy earned many accolades, but surely none pleased her more than the simple appreciation for her family, her political service and her food. Pat Geyer gave her family and Anna Maria Island a great gift — and they carry on her traditions. For those reasons, the Geyers were our choice for Islanders of the year 2010. The Privateers, 2011 Islanders of the Year The Privateers are our only repeat winner in 28 years of news-making. Much deserved, much applauded and cheered. They brought revelry and excitement to all three cities during their 40th anniversary year under the leadership of Roger “Hoodat” Murphree. The captures at all three city halls were lifetime adventures for the city officials, particularly the mayors, some who found themselves shackled to the mast on the Skullywag — the Privateers float/boat — with ransom to be paid by staff and citizens before their release. It was a very good year for the Privateers, a crew that proved both worth its weight in gold — raising more than $40,000 for kids and community in a year — and their continuing service and entertainment on Anna Maria Island. Arrrrrgh! Here’s to 40-plus years of Privateers … and many more. Pam Leckie, 2012 Islander of the Year On to 2012, and we came to recognize a crusade of sorts by one woman to fill the island pantry, the Roser Church Food Pantry.

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islanders continued from page 20

While we don’t all see the benefits, the food pantry and its chair at the time, Pam Leckie, literally brought the pantry out of a church closet to a place of its own at the church, where the pantry grew in its assistance to islanders. In 2012, Leckie and her fellow volunteers distributed almost 1,500 bags of food and gift cards for fresh foods. Leckie and her volunteers, packers and beggars for donations, proved they are among the best of the best by coming to the aid with groceries for employees of the Rod & Reel Pier after a fire closed the pier restaurant. Gene Aubry, 2013 Islander of the Year Former Anna Maria Commissioner Gene Aubry is a renaissance man. He’s empowered with seemingly limitless knowledge, embracing the sort of great thinking that we so seldom see, so much so that less accomplished people often fail to recognize his significance. If you haven’t heard him play guitar, you may not recognize his range of talent. If you don’t know of his many architectural achievements, you might doubt this quiet man had reached such heights. If you don’t know of his art — the simple, fine lines and subtle colors that capture moments in time like no photograph could — you may not appreciate his refined taste. He may no longer serve in city government, but he isn’t giving up. Surrender is not in his character.

AMI law enforcers report smooth transition to new year By Leslie Lake Islander Reporter

Throngs of revelers flocked to Anna Maria Island on New Year’s Eve but, from a law enforcement perspective, the year-to-year transition Dec. 31 to Jan. 1 was smooth. “There were no issues, thank goodness,” said Bradenton Beach Police Det. Sgt. Lenard Diaz. Bradenton Beach saw a large crowd for a midnight fireworks disDiaz play on the beach at the Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N. Diaz said the traffic going over the Cortez Bridge was heavy before and after midnight. “People realized it was going to take them a little longer to get here and then home,” he said. Tokajer BBPD added a few officers to handle the influx of people and traffic. “We had a few officers on special detail at Beach

House,” he said. Diaz said the orderly behavior is typical for New Year’s Eve at the restaurant and up and down the beach. “This really is just a nice family event,” he said. He also noted the Island Monkey Bus and free trolley service probably kept some partiers from driving. “Those forms of getting around the island can be a blessing for people who know they will be drinking and shouldn’t drive,” he said. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the island’s largest city had no issues on New Year’s Eve. “There were no arrests or issues — everyone behaved themselves,” he said. Tokajer said the HBPD did not have additional officers on duty. The chief did not estimate how many people crossed into the city on Manatee Avenue, where the HBPD has license tag cameras. He did note that for the large volume of visitors, he was pleased there were no law enforcement issues.

Temporary restriction The city of Holmes Beach placed seven “no parking” signs along the road adjacent to the recently installed stormwater infiltration system in the 3800 block of Fourth Avenue. The signs are temporary until construction is completed, according to Mayor Judy Titsworth. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

Jeannie Bystrom, 2014 Islander of the Year For 2014, we honored the effort of one woman — Jeannie Bystrom — to make a difference by not only saving seabirds day after day, more so for pushing for better education and regulations to protect a valuable environmental asset. Sabine Musil-Buehler, 2015 Islander of the Year As we searched for the person who made a difference in out lives in 2015, we came to realize the value of lessons learned from the loss of Sabine MusilBuehler and for the closure she provided from her final resting place on the beach. We pledged to honor her memory with the final sunset of the year. Ernie Casali, 2016 Islander of the Year In 2016, we recognized a grand figure in Moose International and at our local lodge in Bradenton By Leslie Lake Beach, Ernie Casali. He made a difference for the lodge as its manager and in the daily lives of people he helped both through Island police blotter the Moose and through his own soft-hearted generos- Anna Maria ity. Dec. 23, Peppertree Lane beach, damaged ManaYou may never know who gave to a needy person tee County sheriff’s property. While the Anna Maria or a cause, but it often was Ernie. sheriff’s deputies were traveling south on the beach, their vehicle hit a sand ridge, causing damage to the Hurricane Irma responders, 2017 Islanders of the windshield. Year Dec. 30, 600 block of North Shore Drive, domestic For 2017, we recognized the people who made disturbance. MCSO deputies responded to a residence a safe return to Anna Maria Island possible after the around midnight, following a complaint from neighevacuation for Hurricane Irma. bors about an argument. Deputies spoke to a couple We saw damage but not devastation from the visiting from Missouri and determined they were storm, and our “hurricane heroes” kept order, soothed intoxicated. The couple denied physical contact and and swayed our fears and led us back home. no arrest was made. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Vern McGowin, 2018 Islander of the Year Bradenton Beach And for 2018, serving among the heroes in law Dec. 28, 103 Gulf Drive S., Circle K, trespass enforcement with grace and a firm love for his job, warning. A homeless man sleeping under the buildembracing our children in his duties at Anna Maria ing found two other homeless men sleeping there and Elementary and with compassion for families and an altercation ensued as to who had the right to sleep his fellow public servants, always putting a thought- there. Just one of the men remained when officers ful, caring manner behind the badge, there is Holmes arrived. He left without incident. Beach Police Sgt. Vern McGowin. Bradenton Beach is policed by the Bradenton He was off to relish a much-deserved retirement Beach Police Department. and an adventure that put family first. Cortez Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer reported No reports. Jan. 4 that Vern and his family are living in Arkansas Cortez is policed by MCSO. and “doing well.” Holmes Beach We celebrate Vern and wish him well as we welNo reports. come Wildlife Inc. and Gail and Ed Straight to the club Holmes Beach is policed by the Holmes Beach of people and organizations who work hard to make Police Department. Anna Maria Island a community. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narraWe thank them all for their contributions, espe- tives from the Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach cially our dear friends who are no longer with us. police departments and the MCSO.

Streetlife

Jacksonville man gets probation for DUI

A Jacksonville Beach man arrested in August 2019 for driving under the influence after leaving a Bradenton Beach bar was sentenced to a year of probation. Lonson Becker, 32, was arrested Aug. 17 in the parking lot at 116 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, by a Manatee County sheriff’s deputy called to assist Bradenton Beach police. Becker appeared Nov. 20, 2019, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, with his attorney Richard Eisenberg and pleaded no contest to the charge of driving under the influence. As part of a Bridge Street patrol, BBPD Officer Eric Hill checked on The Lighthouse bar, located on the second level of the Hynds Commercial building at 119 Bridge St., and noticed Becker appeared intoxicated, with slurred speech and trouble standing. A police report states Hill advised Becker to leave but not to drive and that Becker said he would call someone to drive him home. Hill later observed Becker driving a vehicle at Bridge Street and Bay Drive. The driver ran a stop sign and traveled the wrong way around the traffic circle. An MCSO deputy arrived, tested Becker for signs of impairment and made the DUI arrest. Becker refused to provide breath samples on the scene and at the Manatee County jail, where he was booked. Becker also was ticketed for running a stop sign and traveling the wrong way at the roundabout on Bay Drive. Those charges were dismissed.

Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tidings

Gathering

Information: 941-216-6286. 5:30 p.m. — SoulJourn casual and music-inspired worship, Roser Church.

REGULAR WORSHIP

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 Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Holmes Beach. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. 11 a.m. — Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez.

ONGOING

Wednesday 7 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, CrossPointe. 7:30 a.m., St. Bernard’s Rosary on the Beach, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. 8 a.m. — Men’s breakfast, Church of the Annunciation. 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church. 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. Roser Memorial Community Church will be one Tuesday 9:30 a.m. — Women’s prayer, CrossPointe. of 60 locations to webcast “Calvin University presents 9:30 a.m. — Roser-robics, Roser. The January Series” this month.

Roser welcomes 2 to staff

Roser Memorial Community Church has welcomed a director of music ministries and associate director of music ministries. Craig Ramberger is the director of the music ministries and Brandon Kouri is the new associate director. They began their work Dec. 26, 2019, at Roser, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Ramberger, with nearly 30 years experience, worked at conducting the Ramberger chancel and handbell choirs at Faith United Methodist in Bradenton. He earned a master’s degree in music, specializing in choral conducting at Colorado State University. He moved to Bradenton from Colorado, where he worked in Colorado Springs at Sand Creek High School. Kouri Kouri also previously worked at Faith United in Bradenton — as accompanist. He earned a bachelor’s in music from the Uni- Roser to host ‘January series’ versity of Colorado at Boulder and, like Ramberger, worked at Sand Creek High. “Craig Ramberger and Brandon Kouri have worked closely together for the last nine years and we The church will webcast the lecture and culture SPECIAL EVENTS look forward to all the experience and talent this duo arts series at 12:30 p.m. weekdays, Jan. 8-28, in its Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., through March 31, Terrific Tuesdays will bring to Roser Church,” read a press statement sanctuary, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. from the church. The series “cultivates deep thought and conver- dinner and programs, Roser. Tuesdays, 4 p.m., through Jan. 28, Inquiring Minds Discussion sations about important issues of the day in order to inspire cultural renewal and make us global citizens Group, Gloria Dei. ALL ARE WELCOME Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., book discussion group, Gloria Dei. in God’s world,” a news release stated. Weekdays, 12:30 p.m., through Jan. 28, “Calvin University The 2020 edition features best-selling authors, Sunday 10 a.m. presents The January Series,” Roser. chart-topping musicians, award-winning journalists Worship Service and more. SAVE THE DATE Attendance is free. The Rev. Bill Friederich Jan. 15, travel cruise departs, St. Bernard. For more information, call the church office at Senior Minister Jan. 25, pancake breakfast, Roser. 941-778-0414 or go online to roserchurch.com. Founded 1956

6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

Gathering Send listings, including contact

941-383-6491 www.longboatislandchapel.org

The Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Shop

name and phone number to news@islander.org.

Hours 9-noon, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Growing in Jesus’ Name Sunday Service 10:00 AM

T-Shirts $10 @ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

Adult Sunday School Follows Service

The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard SERMON: Why Sing in 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

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SUNDAY

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Qol Qol has united with the common aim of bringing a diverse array of vocal arts to the community on an intimate level. Ranging from Classical to Contemporary, Oratorio and Opera to Musical Theater, these four artists breathe freshness into some of the most beloved vocal repertoire. Now residing in Sarasota, the members of Qol seek to bring their experience and artistry to venues all across the state of Florida, as well as throughout the United States.

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Jan. 26, concert, Roser. Feb. 6, St. Bernard Women’s Guild Fashion Show, St. Bernard. Feb. 9, concert, Roser. Feb. 15, pancake breakfast, Roser. March 1, concert, Roser. March 21, pancake breakfast, Roser. Please, send notices — or changes in schedules — to calendar@islander.org or news@islander.org.

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

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM IN THE SANCTUARY

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LOVING CHRIST SHARING HIS GRACE SERVING ALL

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JAN. 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Let go my Lego, matey! Graham Stevens, 8, makes use of a Lego pirate ship and figures while attending the Island Library’s Game Day For All Ages Jan. 4. Graham was visiting Anna Maria Island while on holiday from Norfolk, Virginia. The library is at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Obituary

Stormy skies outside Jan. 4 failed to deter a grand pirate adventure by holiday visitor Graham Stevens, 8, who showed up for the Island Library’s Game Day For All Ages event in the Walker-Swift Meeting Room. Graham, visiting grandparents on Anna Maria Island while on holiday from Norfolk, Virginia, had his pick of Lego blocks and board games, all provided by the library. Islander Photos: Sarah Brice

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a community service by The Islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org. Islander obituaries, including photo, are free.

Good deeds

Volunteer opportunities

Looking for volunteer opportunities on and off Anna Maria Island? These are ways to help: • The Roser Food Bank needs cash and nonperishable food donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414. • The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce seeks volunteers to assist at the office and visitor information center. Information: 941-7781541. • The Anna Maria Island Historical Society seeks museum docents, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0492. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, seeks volunteers for its educational programming and community outreach. Information: 941-708-6120. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Take 5:00 on break with Michael Dunn Editor’s note: Take 5:00 is taking five this week.

Bill Robinson

Bill Robinson, 70, the namesake of Robinson Preserve, died Jan. 2 in Houston. His son, state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, announced his father’s death on social media: “Dad passed away peacefully this morning. As many of you know, dad courageously battled acute myeloid leukemia for over 508 days. We are very sad with his passing but thankful for his life and all the joy he Robinson brought to us and to all of his friends and family.” State Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, issued a statement Jan. 2 via Twitter: “Very sorry to hear about the passing of Bill Robinson, a lifelong family friend and mentor. Bradenton has certainly lost a pillar of our community. Our prayers are with Bill’s wife, Peggy, @ will-robinsonjr and the entire family during this most difficult time.” U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, also issued a statement via Twitter, which read, in part, “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bill Robinson, an extraordinary individual whose legacy will not be forgotten.” Bill Robinson’s father, H.L. Robinson, founded Robby’s Sporting Goods in Bradenton in the 1960s. The family business grew and had expanded to 49 stores by 1988, when it was sold. Bill Robinson ran the business as Champs Sports for several years. Upon exiting that venture, he launched a tree farm, built a commercial real estate career and then, in 2006, with his son Parks, started Fit2Run, a “runner’s superstore.” He also was involved with Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, serving on the board of the organization that manages the Nathan Benderson Park in east Manatee County.

Manatee County officials and Robinson family members, including Bill Robinson, center with scissors, celebrate the grand opening of Robinson Preserve in west Bradenton during a ceremony in July 2008. Robinson died Jan. 2 in Texas. Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff

In west Manatee County, Bill Robinson played a critical role in the establishment in 2008 of Robinson Preserve. Hundreds of acres of farmland once owned by the Robinsons was “rehabilitated” into a nature preserve, creating native habitat for wildlife and sea life and a recreational destination for people. The preserve is bordered by Tampa Bay, the Manatee River and Perico Bayou, but for years the property had been used as farmland, with nature’s flow of water blocked by dikes to protect crops. Plans to develop the land for housing and a golf course were presented to Manatee County government in 1999 but, through negotiations involving the county and the Robinson family, 487 acres were reserved for a preserve. The county purchased the land for a discounted $10 million, with $6.4 million of the expense paid with Florida Communities Trust money and the remaining cost covered by county taxpayer funds dedicated to preservation. At a ceremony opening the preserve in July 2008, Bill Robinson called the land “perfect,” according to Islander archives. “I am so proud. …It’s really a perfect piece of property,” he said. Jane von Hahmann of Cortez, then the chair of the Manatee County Board of Commissioners, said at the grand opening, “I am so grateful to the Robinsons.” Will Robinson, writing on Facebook Jan. 2, said his dad gave him one final fatherly lesson. He continued, “Treat every day as a gift and live that day the very best you can.” Mr. Robinson is survived by his wife, Peggy; three sons, Will, Parks and wife Kate, and Wesley; two grandchildren, Parker and Genevieve; and brother John. Arrangements at Islander press time had not been finalized but a Mass will be celebrated at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 3100 26th St. W., Bradenton.

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Food pantry helps islanders in times of need By Phil Colpas Islander Reporter

Conventional wisdom suggests that residents of Anna Maria Island must be financially well off, but that is not the case. Islanders, too, can fall on hard times. They run into health problems, lose jobs, lose spouses. Perhaps they bought their home long ago and its value increased to a point they can no longer afford the insurance and property taxes. Whatever the situation, island residents and those connected to the island who experience financial hardship can go to the Roser Food Pantry, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, for free groceries. Assisted by donations from concerned individuals, island churches and civic organizations, a corps of volunteers and church staff members gather, sort and distribute more than a hundred bags of groceries a month. And for those who may let pride get in the way of asking for help, a program at the pantry allows recipients to remain anonymous and receive Publix gift cards for food. Most items stocked at the pantry are canned or boxed because they have a longer shelf life and don’t require refrigeration. “Many of our customers don’t have refrigeration,” said Jack Brennan, who has chaired the Roser Food Pantry for four years and volunteered at the pantry for seven. “Some live on boats in Bradenton Beach, where people buy old boats, anchor them there and then rent them out to the homeless for almost nothing.” Another core group comprises those who have simply fallen on hard times. Last year, a renewed marketing push, a slight relaxation of policy and some fresh ideas helped the pantry more than double its previous best year of donations. And the momentum is continuing. While The Islander was interviewing Brennan Jan. 2, a man stopped in to donate $40. “This year is going very, very well,” said Brennan, who has seen the number of volunteers increase from 17 to 24. The pantry program was previously restricted to island residents, but volunteers never turn anyone away. And the program has expanded to include those who work on the island or those with demonstrable ties to the island. When it comes to preferred donations, cash is king because it allows Brennan to buy what is needed. For example, he tries to buy pop-top cans, because beneficiaries may not have access to can openers. For years, collected food donations were stored in a closet near the pastor’s office at Roser Church. Then Pam and Major Leckie led the charge to expand the pantry and move it to a converted garage across the street from the church. More than 500 volunteer hours and $6,100 in donations later, the new Roser Food Pantry opened in May 2010. The Leckies were instrumental in expanding the

Most items stocked at the pantry are canned or boxed because they have a longer shelf life.

Jack Brennan, chair of the Roser Food Pantry, sorts through donations Jan. 2. Islander Photo: Phil Colpas

A challenge is to get the rest of the churches to set up a task force like Roser did, to anonymously determine where the needs are and what is needed. “It’s nice to do things like this,” Brennan said. “You can’t buy that kind of assistance. I’d like all the churches to be doing this.” Here’s how to help and get help: The pantry provides groceries to people in need with Anna Maria Island addresses or verified island connections. Call the Roser office at 941-778-0414 to schedule an appointment. Monetary donations to the Roser Food Pantry are used to purchase gift cards and items that have not been donated. People can place donations in the basket in the Roser Church Narthex Sundays or in the shopping cart in the office hallway during business hours. For other donations, call the church office at 941778-0414. The pantry requests the following items: cereal, soup, canned meat and fish, peanut butter, jelly, rice, canned or dried potatoes, pasta, cans of vegetables, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti and sauces, cans or jars of fruit, fruit juices, cans or boxes of milk, cocoa, tea, instant coffee, pudding, Jello, small containers of dish detergent, soap and toilet paper. The pantry does not routinely stock fresh milk, bread, perishable foods, baby food, formula, pampers, personal hygiene items or cleaning supplies.

pantry. “They went to every lodging facility and asked if they could put boxes in lobbies for donations,” Brennan said. The Leckies also reached out to island clubs, including the garden club, church women’s guilds and Roser’s Just Older Youth church group, to name a few. “They went to the people who know the people who are in need,” Brennan said. The Leckies further developed a relationship with All Island Denominations, which includes all the churches on Anna Maria Island. Brennan continues to work closely with Cornelia Zanetti, president of AID. He utilized this connection to foster anonymous sponsorships in a program launched eight months ago. “A person can come to me and say, ‘I know of a person in need,’” Brennan said. “We’ll pair them up with someone from a church to create an anonymous sponsorship.” Anonymous recipients may receive a Publix gift card for $200 initially and then $100 per month for a period determined by need, on a case-by-case basis. “Only two beneficiaries are on the forever list,” Brennan said. “The rest are on very specific time frames.” As the proverb states, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride can get in the way of people asking for the help they need. That’s why the anonymity of the program is so Sue Porter has been volunteering at the Roser Food important. “A lot of times, people need to be given help before Pantry for four years. Islander Courtesy Photo: Roser Food Pantry they’ll accept it,” Brennan said.

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local nonproďŹ ts to reap rewards from sale of trolley ads By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter

The fare-free trolleys that can help alleviate Anna Maria Island traffic jams also can deliver big rewards for local nonprofits. Eight years ago, the fare-free trolley running on the island was keeping some passenger vehicles off the congested streets, but government money became tight when subsidies to operate the service were threatened. Manatee County asked the island cities to pay toward the trolley’s operational costs. David Teitelbaum, a local resort owner and member of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board, had the moneymaking idea: sell ads on the trolleys to help pay the island’s share for the service. After negotiations involving chamber reps, Manatee County administrator Ed Hunzeker and Manatee County commissioners, Teitelbaum set about selling ads to keep the fare-free trolleys running. The program proved a success and generated excess ad revenues. So the county and the chamber decided to award some of the money in the form of grants to local nonprofits for island projects. The trolley grant program was born. At 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, the chamber will present the 2019 Trolley Grant Awards at the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. “We are very excited to be awarding trolley grants again in January,� chamber president Terri Kinder told The Islander Dec. 30. Kinder said 20 applications were submitted for the awards. She declined to reveal how many grants would be awarded, as recipients have not been notified. the school office at

AmE NEWS

2019-20 school calendar

• Tuesday, Jan. 14, 5-7 p.m., STEM night. • Monday, Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no school. • Saturday, Feb. 8, 8 am., Dolphin Dash 5k and 1-mile fun run to benefit AME-PTO. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-708-5525.

Advertising is sold on the fare-free Anna Maria Island trolleys. Excess funds from ad sales are awarded to island nonprofits as grants by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. This year’s winners will be named at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Waterline Marina and Beach Club Resort, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Also, monetary awards will vary, according to amounts requested by each nonprofit. Kinder said more than $45,000 would be awarded. Since the trolley grants began in 2012, about $318,000 has been awarded to local nonprofits. The figure does not include funds to be dispersed Jan. 23. “The project must be a benefit to the island or the Cortez community,� Kinder said. The chamber contributes 45%-50% of collected advertising money to the county for trolley operations, according to Kinder. That’s about $60,000 a year average for the last several years, according to Ryan Suarez, planning manager with the Manatee County Transit Division. He said the trolley costs just over $1 million a year to operate. These costs include salaries, fuel, cleanings, insurance and maintenance Money to operate also is paid through a dollar per dollar grant from the Florida Department of Transportation’s urban corridor grant program. In addition, Suarez confirmed about $12,000 a year in private donations to the trolley program, as has been the case for the past several years. “I think the trolley program is working very well,� Suarez told The Islander Jan. 2. “It’s a win, win, win for Manatee County, the businesses on the island and the folks who live and work there. And, the nonprofits win, too.� Manatee County has added a sixth trolley to the island fleet. Now three trolleys run at a time and, with the addi-

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Mote presents lecture series

By Lisa Neff

On a wild holiday chase

I joined a wild “goose chase.” “Hi, you’ve been invited to participate in the upcoming Neff Birds! GooseChase scavenger hunt,” the invitation in my email box read. With two nieces visiting the week of the New Year’s holiday, I needed to entertain and the scavenger hunt provided a unique way to get outdoors, show off Anna Maria Island and its surrounds and talk with kids about our “wild” life. We found the clues to the Neff Neff Birds! hunt on a smartphone app, GooseChase — free to install and also free to use, provided you engage in one hunt at a time with a limited number of players. Our team, nicknamed DuckDuck, consisted of siblings Georgie Neff, 6, and Pippa Neff, 11, visiting from Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, along with myself and my wife, Connie Wolgast. We completed the steps in our bird-themed scavenger hunt in a few hours, delayed mostly by holidayweek traffic on Gulf Drive, and ended the game with 1,003,400 points, generously awarded by my sister-in-

The GooseChase app is available for download to smartphones and scavenger hunts can be organized online at goosechase. com. other scavenger hunt apps also are available for outdoor adventures on the island and beyond. Islander Photo: Screenshot

Sisters Pippa Neff, 11, and Georgie, 6, find a pink flamingo at Scavengers Marketplace AMI in Holmes Beach with assistance from their aunt, Connie Wolgast, of Bradenton, as part of a New Year’s holiday scavenger hunt they joined on and around Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff

law, Giovanna Guerrero Medina, who organized the game. Here, I’ll share her clues: • You hold the key: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are across Sarasota Bay from this key. What’s the name of the key? • These birds fly south of the border: What do you get when you combine the theme of this goose chase with the nickname of the wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson? The answer is a taco restaurant in Bradenton. • V is for vacation: Geese know that when winter arrives, it’s time to hit the skies for warmer weather. And when they fly, they do so in style. To get your next clue, while on Anna Maria, take a picture of a group of five people in this particular migratory formation and post it on social media #NeffBirds. • At this Anna Maria Island store, you might strike up a conversation with some feathered friends. Take a picture with one of the birds at this store and post it on social media #NeffBirds. • Pretty in pink flamingos: We know you can find pink flamingos by the dozens on Anna Maria Island. So what are you waiting for? Go find one and take a silly picture. Don’t forget to tag it on social media #NeffBirds. • Paradisiacal parakeets: When Connie and Lisa go from their home to have all-you-can-eat pancakes at the beach, they pass through this island, which is the Spanish name for parakeet. • You’re so vain: These ostentatious birds like

Mote Marine Aquarium will host a series of lectures Mondays in January. The lectures will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the WAVE Center at the aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway on City Island in Sarasota. The schedule includes: • Jan. 13, Kerri Scolardi, “The Wild Side of Manatee Research,” about how science and policy can save the species. • Jan. 20, Randall S. Wells, “Insights into the Lives of Sarasota Bay’s Bottlenose Dolphins,” about 50 years of research. • Jan. 27, Robert Hueter, “The Great White Shark in the Great White North,” about the pursuit of the great white in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Tickets cost $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. For more information, go online to mote.org or call the aquarium at 941-388-4441. to show off their beauty but make the most horrible noises. Go to the site where these birds gather and enter the GPS coordinates. Bonus points if you can get a picture of one of them and post it on social media #NeffBirds. Here are our answers: Bird Key. Birdrock Taco Shack. “V” formation. Sun and Surf Beach Shop in Holmes Beach. Our pink flamingo was found outside Scavengers Marketplace AMI in the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach. Perico Island. Peacocks on Longboat Key at 27.437993 N, -82.681861 W. And here is an invitation to share via social media at #NeffBirds and #IslanderNews some of your own bird-themed clues for a wild goose chase on and around AMI.

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Georgie Neff, 6, and sister Pippa, 11, of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, complete a clue on an AMI scavenger hunt. They found “feathered friends” outside the Sun and Surf Beach Shop in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff

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2019 flies by, island’s top sports stories recalled By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

My how the time flies. It’s hard to believe another year has passed and it’s time to share another top 10 in sports for the year! This year’s top 10 is impressive, especially for our adult competitors. Oh, there were the usual assortment of adult sports submissions, including action on the golf course from the Cassidy Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, the horseshoe pitchers from the Anna Maria City Hall pits and all of the adult sports leagues at the Center of Anna Maria Island, but island residents put themselves out there to compete and that’s ultimately what sports are about: Competition. The center sports programing provides the bulk of my stories and youth sports has been a passion for me for many years. However, I place more weight on sports stories where islanders put themselves out there against the rest of the world and this year there were many. I want to thank Tim Holly, Connor Haughey and the rest of the center staff for help with my weekly sports stories, as well as weekly contributors Jay Disbrow from the horseshoe crew and Tom Nelson from at Key Royale Club. Most of all, I want to wish the readers a happy new year! And now, the top stories for 2019.

Brady of San Clemente, California, and Raul Gomez of Naples went into the event leading the world rankings and knew a victory in Barbados would clinch her record fifth title ahead of the World Tour Finals in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Dec. 11-18. The victory, her 12th, broke a tie with Kai Lenny for most APP victories. For the season, Gomez has been dominant, taking second place at Sunset and garnering wins in New York and Barbados — and she’s only 19. In addition to competing on the APP tour, Gomez hopes to qualify in shortboard and paddleboard surfing 1. Izzy Gomez wins 5th APP world title Island-raised Izzy Gomez appeared in the news for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, when the Nov. 26 after winning her fifth Association of Paddle- games kick off July 24, 2020. surf Professionals world title Nov. 17 in Bathsheba, 2. Meneley and family run Fort Worth Marathon Barbados. Holmes Beach resident Sandy Menely graced the Gomez, granddaughter of West Coast Surf Shop owners Ronny and Jim Brady and daughter of Brandy pages of the Nov. 26 edition of The Islander. Meneley, daughter Jamey Briscoe and granddaughter Bailey Briscoe ran the Fort Worth Marathon Nov. 10 in Texas. Bailey, a high school senior, ran cross country for her high school team, but had never tackled such a long race. Jamey and Sandy were excited to experience the Fort Worth Marathon with the third generation of the Meneley family. For the race record book, at age 72, Sandy was the oldest female runner and 17-year-old Bailey was the

Izzy Gomez appeared in the Nov. 26 edition on a championship ride during a contest in Barbados. She went on to win her fifth world title. Islander Photo: Courtesy appworldtour.com

youngest. The average time for the women was 4 hours, 38 minutes. Sandy and Jamey crossed the finish line together in 4 hours, 14 minutes, while Bailey finished the race in just over five hours. Prior to the race, Sandy was overheard saying it would be her last full marathon, but the joy of running with daughter and granddaughter might mean another family marathon in the future. 3. Hooke conquers Skyway Bridge The second annual Skyway 10K took place March 3 under sunny skies, no wind and a pleasant temperature of 65 degrees for the 6,679 participants who somehow managed to snag entries for the event — a sellout in a mere 18 minutes. Longtime Galati Yacht Sales employee Mickey Hooke was one of the almost 7,000 runners that managed to get into the race and he entered with one goal in mind: To better his time from last year’s inaugural race. Though not feeling on top of his game, Hooke pushed through and reached the top of the bridge in 25:37. He crossed the finish line in 42:57 — good enough for 29th place overall and second in the male 55-64 age group of 501 runners. Hooke lowered his time from 2018 by 1:38 and betPlease see sports review, Next page

Hafthor Julius Bjornsson of Iceland and “Game of Thrones” TV fame was in the June 18 Islander competing in the Tachi Palace World’s Strongest man finals June 16 at Manatee Public Beach. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy Jamey and Bailey Briscoe of Celina, Texas, and Sandy Meneley of Holmes Beach were in the Nov. 26 issue of The Islander after running the Fort Worth Marathon Nov. 10 in Fort Worth, Texas. Islander Photo: Courtesy Fritz Meneley

$2

Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The 2019 fall youth soccer league Nov. 12 championship game at the Center of Anna Maria Island played out in the Nov. 19 issue of the Islander. What makes this story special is the fact that eventual 8-10 division champion, West Coast Surf Shop, didn’t win a game in the regular season. The 8-10 championship game, which pitted the No. 3 seed Ugly Grouper versus the No. 4 West Coast Surf Shop, meant there would be an unlikely champion based on regular season records regardless of which team won. West Coast came out on top thanks to a game-winning penalty kick by Dylan Phillips that set up the 3-2 penalty-kick shootout victory.

Gulfview Windows and Doors midfielder PJ Smargisso goes high to head the ball during semifinal action June 26 in the adult soccer league at the center. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy sports review continued from page 27

tered his hill climb of 7:44 in 2018 to 7:04 in 2019. Other notable participants were my sisters, Mo Cassidy who made it look like a walk in the park — because she walked — and Theresa Cassidy Collins, who ran the bridge for a second time. 4. Worlds strongest men compete on AMI The Tachi Palace World’s Strongest Man contest made it into the June 18 issue of The Islander. The event started June 13 in downtown Bradenton with 25 competitors in five groups. There were five events over three days held in downtown Bradenton, at Coquina Beach and the Manatee Public Beach, with competitors hoping to make it to the final 10 and a TV show in the fall. After three days of grueling competition in some serious Florida heat, the finals at the Manatee Public Beach was down to 10 competitors. They battled it out for the title of world’s strongest man in five events. The competition brought around 1,000 enthusiastic and curious people to each venue, though getting a good look at the action was difficult. Some folks adapted and found other ways to get a view, including several folks who brought stepladders to see over the crowd. 5. Champs crowned in youth soccer league ACE Hardware player Johnny Monetti tries to negotiate his way through the Freckled Fin defense led by William Pakbaz and Duncan Cloutier during 8-10 division soccer action at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Southernaire Fishing Charters

SportsShort

By Kevin P. Cassidy

Registration underway for adult winter sports

The Center of Anna Maria Island has opened registration for adults in two winter sports offerings. Adult flag football kicks off Jan. 23 with games played starting at 6 p.m. Thursday nights. Cost is $10 for members and $106 for nonmembers. The last day to register is Wednesday, Jan. 15. Player evaluations are scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, with a draft to follow. Adult volleyball registration also is open. Cost for the volleyball league is $10 for members and $96 for nonmembers. The last date to register is Jan. 16. Games will be played starting at 6:30 p.m. Monday nights and the schedule gets going Jan. 27. There are no player evaluations as this is a “bringyour-own team” league. For more information, contact sports programing coordinator Tim Holly at timothy@centerami.org or 941-778-1908, ext. 217.

6. Island wrestlers bring home hardware The center’s youth wrestling team made it to the pages of the Jan. 15 issue, after a good showing in the Brandon Wrestling Tournament at Brandon High School Jan. 11. RJ Phelan and Andre Harwood won first place in their respective age and weight divisions, while William Pakbaz, Jay Harrison and Savanna Phelan brought home third-pace medals. Riley Karecki, Bam Gartman, Victoria Phelan, Clancy Cusack and Ceegan Cusack competitive matches in the 8-10 and 11-15 divisions. earned fourth-place medals. The 8-10 championship game May 20 saw two Congratulations to the center’s wrestlers and famigoals by Dennis Gallagher to help Beach House Real lies. Estate overcome a 1-0 deficit and prevail by a 2-1 margin over Freckled Fin. 7. Island horseshoe pitchers expand horizons Duncan Cloutier scored the lone goal for Freckled The Anna Maria Island horseshoers took the game — normally played Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Fin, which also received 11 saves from Cale Rudacille Anna Maria City Hall pits — to another level in 2019. in the loss. The 11-15 championship game was another nailThey ventured across the bridge to the mainland Jan. 16 to take on the Trailer Estates horseshoe com- biter, as the teams went to a 0-0 draw. CABB Cleaning petitors in a friendly tournament that made the pages in prevailed 4-2 in the penalty kick shootout behind goals the Jan. 22 issue. The Trailer Estates group came out on from JM Feeney, Connor Samblis, Sam Liester and Travis Bates, who notched the game winner. top by an 18-14 score in a fun and competitive day. The team of Hank Huyghe and Tom Farrington were the top AMI team, posting an unbeaten record on 9. Blalock Walters cruises to No. 1 in adult soccer Championship night in the adult coed soccer league the day. at the center played out in December. The game, which The March 5 issue saw the Trailer Estates horseshoe pitchers on the island Feb. 25 for a rematch against took place Dec. 19, validated the regular season standings and seedings, as Blalock Walters completed an the AMI pitchers with more than 40 participants. The locals successfully defended their home turf, undefeated season with a 5-1 victory over Vintage er, clay, opening up an early lead and holding to win Beach. Luis Pichardo had two goals to lead Blalock Walthe daylong challenge by a 33-15 score. The AMI pitchers also were in the Feb. 26 Islander ters, which also received goals from Matt Skaggs, Greg for their exploits in the Gulf Coast Games for Life at DeMuse and Robbie Fellowes, while Luke Grady finished with nine saves in the victory. G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton. Joey Hutchinson notched the lone goal for Vintage Bob Palmer, Gene Bobeldyk and Gary Howcroft won gold medals, while Al Booker Myles Macleod, Jay Beach. Disbrow, Tom Farrington and Jim Waller earned silver medals. Sam Samuels, Dom Livedoti, John Crawford 10. Gulfview Windows and Doors takes title Championship night in the spring adult soccer and Bill Fox brought home bronze. league at the center was reported in the July 2 edition and there was drama in both semifinal matches. 8. Champs crowned in spring soccer On June 27, Gulfview and Jiffy Lube battled to a The spring youth soccer league championship saw 6-6 tie in regulation play in their semifinal match, sending it to penalty kicks, where Gulfview prevailed 4-2. The second semifinal match of the night saw Flynn Law and Beach House Real Estate battle to a 2-2 tie, sending it to penalties. In the penalty kick shootout, Beach House Real Estate prevailed 4-3, thanks to successful spot kicks from Kris Yavalar, Adam Bujarski, Nick Bouchard and David Greene. The championship match lacked the drama of the semifinals, but nobody on Gulfview will complain about their 5-3 win over Beach House Real Estate. Aaron Parkin and Keith Mahoney scored two goals each, while Ashley Friszman added one goal. Jordan DeMers came through with 10 saves to help preserve the victory.

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Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10 Jan 11 Jan 12 Jan 13 Jan 14 Jan 15

AM

12:28p 1:14p 1:50p 2:19p 2:45p 12:21a 1:17a 2:21a

HIGH

1.1 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.1 2.3 2.1 1.9

PM

9:13p 9:55p 10:40p 11:29p — 3:11p 3:39p 4:10p

HIGH

AM

LOW

PM

2.2 2.4 2.4 2.4 — 1.1 1.2 1.3

4:36a 5:18a 6:00a 6:42a 7:24a 8:06a 8:49a 9:31a

-0.7 -0.8 -0.9 -1.0 -0.9 -0.8 -0.5 -0.3

2:38p 3:15p 3:59p 4:50p 5:48p 6:53p 8:07p 9:30p

LOW

Moon

1.0 1.1 1.0 Full 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.5

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

JAN. 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 29 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

New year turns on typical winter action for AMI-area anglers By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

The first week of the new year provided the typical wintertime action we’ve come to expect in January around Anna Maria Island — and the trend continues. Starting with the inshore bite, casting shrimp around residential docks and seawalls is resulting in a variety of species. Black drum, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, flounder Stasny and catch-and-release redfish are rounding out the bite. Fishing the deep inshore flats is producing action — especially on ladyfish, jack crevalle and bluefish. Mixed in the grassy areas are pompano and catch-andrelease spotted seatrout. Moving deeper into the Gulf, the offshore captains are finding plenty to keep clients busy. Bottom fishing is resulting in red grouper, hogfish and a variety of snappers and grunts, while fishing baits toward the surface is luring many migratory fish to the hook. Amberjack — now catch-and-release — are in abundance and anglers also are hooking into kingfish, bonito and blackfin tuna. On my Southernaire charters, I’m fishing along the beaches, which is resulting in pompano and numerous ladyfish and bonnethead sharks. Moving inshore over the deeper grass areas is yielding my clients good action on mackerel, jacks, ladyfish and catch-and-release spotted seatrout. Lastly, fishing around docks and canals is providing action on some typical winter targets, black drum, sheepshead and catch-and-release redfish. Capt. Aaron Lowman is working over rocks and along the shoreline docks on the windier days. Casting live shrimp in these areas is yielding sheepshead, mangrove snapper and some catch-and-release redfish. Fishing the inlets and passes also is providing action for Lowman’s clients. Deep grass areas in close vicinity to passes are Noah Breuer, 15, visiting Anna Maria Island from Lake of the ozarks, Missouri, shows off his Dec. 29 catch, a red grouper caught on a dead sardine in the Gulf of Mexico, 25 miles offshore of Holmes Beach, while on a guided fishing trip with Anna Maria Charters. The Gulf waters were a little rough, but the winter fishing trip was rewarding for the family of Missourians.

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

Sam Hart and brother Nick, visiting Anna Maria Island from Wisconsin, show off two of their pompano catches — hooked on shrimp — while fishing inshore with Capt. Warren Girle.

producing pompano and catch-and-release trout. To target these fish, Lowman is rigging pompano jigs tipped with shrimp. Lastly, nearshore structure is holding lots of Key West grunts and some mangrove snapper. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is working offshore when the winds allow. Bottom fishing is going well, with typical catches of red grouper, almaco jacks and mangrove and yellowtail snapper. White’s clients are hooking into the blackfin tuna action with free-lined baits on the surface. Moving inshore, sheepshead and black drum are providing action for anglers looking to take something home for dinner. Other action while inshore fishing with White is coming from catch-and-release snook and redfish. Capt. Jason Stock is finding great catch-and-release

action on amberjack while fishing wrecks and hard bottom in the Gulf. AJs up to 100 pounds are being caught by free-lining live baits and artificials, such as surface poppers. Other migratory species taking the hook include kingfish, bonito and blackfin tuna. Bottom fishing over ledges and hard bottom is a good bet on a Stock charter. Catches being reeled up include hogfish, red grouper and mangrove snapper. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing a variety of fish reeled up by anglers visiting the pier. Catches occurring on live shrimp include sheepshead, black drum and catch-and-release redfish. Anglers casting jigs from the pier are finding action on Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle in the 6-pound range. Lastly, a few catch-and-release snook are being hooked by patient anglers who are soaking large baits under the pier deck. Capt. Warren Girle is finding a variety of species to take the hook on shrimp-tipped jigs cast over deep grass flats. By placing a small piece of fresh-cut shrimp on the hook of a jig and then drifting and casting to cover a lot of water, Girle is leading his clients to bluefish, macks, jack crevalle, ladyfish and numerous catch-and-release spotted seatrout. The bite is consistent, providing great action on light spinning tackle. Fishing artificial reefs in the Gulf also is producing a bite. While bottom fishing with live shrimp, Girle’s anglers are consistently hooking up on sheepshead, mangrove snapper, Key West grunts and juvenile grouper. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

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

INSHORE RE Redfish Snook

O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper

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

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DOCKED AT SEAFOOD SHACK

licensed

Page 30 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

Pair of resorts sell in Bradenton Beach

biz

The Gulf front Seaside Beach Resort, 2200 Gulf Drive, was one of two Bradenton Beach properties purchased by a group of investors in December. The Tropic Isle Beach Resort, 101 22nd St. N., also was purchased Dec. 18, 2019, by the group, which includes Court Zoller and George and Louis Najmy. They have owned the Anna Maria Island Inn in Bradenton Beach since 2004. Islander Courtesy Photo: Court Zoller

By Sandy Ambrogi

Beach resorts change hands

Two Bradenton Beach motel mainstays have changed hands — and management. The Seaside Beach Resort, 2200 Gulf Drive, and Tropic Isle Beach Resort, 101 22nd St. N., were purchased Dec. 18, 2019, by an investors group including Court Zoller and George and Louis Najmy. Zoller runs the Anna Maria Island Inn, 2218 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, and spoke to The Islander from the motel Jan. 3. The investors purchased that property in 2004. “The group is almost one campus now,� Zoller said of the purchase. “They are a block — a block-and-ahalf — away from one another.� Zoller said the investors were “in the mood� to expand their holdings and the two lodgings — although not on the public market — were a perfect fit. Zoller said the group was pleased with the condition of the properties and no major renovations were required. “They were basically turnkey,� Zoller said. “They were run very well by Anna Maria Island Resorts and well-maintained. Barbara and her group did a great job with them.� Barbara Baker, general manager at AMI Resorts, the former management company for the two properties, declined to comment to The Islander. “For all intents and purposes, it’s just a matter of ownership and management change,� Zoller said. “We will now manage by virtue of the sale and we will bring in our own people to work at the properties. George Najmy said he plans to be onsite at the properties one to two times a week. According to property records posted at the Manatee County Property Appraiser Office, the sale price for the two bundled properties was $5.85 million. For more information, call 941-778-3053 or visit the website at amiinn.com.

PropertyWatch By Jesse Brisson Island real estate transactions

2200 Gulf Drive and 101 22nd St. N., Bradenton Beach, two hotels consisting of 10,641 sfla units / 10,860 sfur and 24 units total were sold 12/18/19, Seaside Resort Holdings LLC to Tristar Seaside Tropic LLC for $5,850,000. 520 Kumquat Drive, Anna Maria, a 3,928 sfla / 5,075 sfur 4bed/4½bath/3car canalfront pool home built in 2017 on a 10,575 sq ft lot was sold 12/16/19, AMI Considerations LLC to Munro for $2,550,000; list $2,750,000. 112 46th St., Unit B, 26th Street Coastal Cottages, Holmes Beach, a 2,526 sfla / 3,686 sfur 4bed/3½bath/2car land condo with pool built in 2012 was sold 12/20/19, Doescher to 231 Paradise Village LLC for $1,350,000; list $1,499,000. 217 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,485 sfla / 3,639 sfur 2bed/2bath/2car pool home built in 1974 on a 11,354 sq ft lot was sold 12/16/19, Miles to Wolfe for $1,050,000; list $1,195,000. 111 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,584 sfla / 3,216 sfur 3bed/3bath home built in 1987 on a 4,750 sq ft lot

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was sold 12/16/19, White to Santana for $890,000; list $999,999. 407 74th St., Unit B, Bay Breeze Condominiums of Holmes Beach, Holmes Beach, a 2,098 sfla / 3,459 sfur 3bed/2½bath/2car land condo with pool built in 2005 was sold 12/16/19, Ikk to Hill for $875,000; list $899,000. 305 Poinsettia Road, Anna Maria, a 1,296 sfla 3bed/2bath/2car pool home built in 1980 on a 5,880 sq ft lot was sold 12/13/19, Cote to Bayles for $759,000; list $819,000. 307 59th St., Unit 1, 59th Street Beach Club, Holmes Beach, a 1,484 sfla 3bed/2bath/2car condo with pool built in 2005 was sold 12/16/19, Mitchell to Fritz for $725,000, list $769,000. 603 Concord Lane, Holmes Beach, a 1,841 sfla 3bed/3bath/2car canalfront pool home built in 1965 on a 10,846 sq ft lot was sold 12/17/19, Nystrom to Werner for $560,000; list $650,000. 301 61st St., Holmes Beach, a 1,760 sfla / 2,594 sfur 4bed/2bath duplex built in 1950 on a 9,000 sq ft lot was sold 12/18/19, Dujardin to Marvin for $515,000. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Keller Williams on the Water, can be reached at 941-713-4755.

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Chantelle Lewin Broker Associate Licensed since 1983 941.713.1449

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JAN. 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 31 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Businesses thankful for november tax collections

AMI TOURISM: Endless Season

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter

Giving thanks is a November theme that extended to those who benefit from the tourist tax coffers in Manatee County. The November collections increased more than $70,000 over those for the same month in 2018. The Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office reported $831,688.02 in tourism development taxes were collected in November 2019, up from $761,498.76 in 2018, after the 3% tax office collection fee is deducted. The tax rate is 5% and the tax, also known as the bed tax or resort tax, is collected on overnight rentals of six months or less. The rise follows a November trend in increases over the past six years. On Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach led the pack with collections of $183,437.50 or 22.06% of the total tourist tax collected. Anna Maria followed with $99,528.50, with 11.97% of the county total. Bradenton Beach rang in at $50,057.30, or 6.02% of tourist taxes for the month. Overall, unincorporated Manatee County led the

Bed tax collection continues upward climb • November 2014, $534,624.23. • November 2015, $594,078.77. • November 2016, $660,565,44. • November 2017, $698,988.44. • November 2018, $761,498.76. • November 2019, $831,688.02. Source: Manatee County Tax Collector’s office

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. way with 39.65% collected and a $329,767.01 total. Thursday, Jan. 23 5 p.m. — Business card exchange and trolley grant awards, Bradenton’s collections totaled $77,400.32 — Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, 9.31% — and Palmetto rounded out the list with Holmes Beach. Members $5, guests $10. RSVP requested. $1,755.43 or .21% of the county’s total tourist tax. AMI chamber information or reservations, 941-778-1541 or Fiscal year-to-date totals increased by $179,393.96, info@amichamber.org. from $1,435,429.58 to $1,614,823.54.

Tourist tax money is collected by the state and then LBK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE funded back to the county. State law requires using resort tax funds for tour- Tuesday, Jan. 14 5 p.m. — Business After Hours, Cariloha Bamboo, 478 John ism-related projects only.

Chamber adds to member roster

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce welcomed eight members to the roster in December 2019. New members are: • Bender Vacations, Nick Bender, Little River, South Carolina. • Breakbox Studio, Daniel Peacocke, Holmes Beach. • BRG Suncoast Real Estate, Brie Bender, Bradenton. • CM Properties, Anna Maria.

Expenditures of the tourist tax dollars are set by the Manatee County Board of Commissioners as recommended by the tourist development council, a group of nine individuals, including business people and local officials, appointed to four-year terms. Tourist tax collections are reported in arrears and November numbers were released Jan. 3. The fiscal year runs Oct. 1-Sept. 30. — Sandy Ambrogi

ton.

• Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay, Braden-

• Green & Associates CPAs LLC, Gregory C. Green, Bradenton. • RBM Renovations by Mike, Michael Micciche, Bradenton. • The Tides RV Resort, Alison Schulz, Palmetto. For information about membership opportunities, contact the chamber at 941-778-1541 or email tina@amichamber.org.

Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Circle, Sarasota. Members $5, guests $10. Tuesday, Jan. 21 11:30 a.m. — Longboat Chamber of Commerce 61st Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon, Zota Beach Resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Members $35.00, guests $45. RSVP required. LBK chamber information or reservations, 941-383-2466 or info@longboatkeychamber.com. Please, send business event listings to news@islander.org.

Business news

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

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

MARINA ISLES 8017 Marina Isles Lane Kate Enis & Stacy Haas 941-330-6068 A4439646 $4,300,000

R I V E RV I E W L A N D I N G S 2415 Landings Circle Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies 941-685-6767 A4452193 $3,650,000

B AY PA L M S 528 74th Street Victoria Sperounes 941-960-3773 A4446368 $2,625,000

S H O R E AC R E S 867 N Shore Drive Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943 A4454292 $1,850,000

N O R T H L O N G B OAT K E Y 811 Jungle Queen Way Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4438987 $1,495,000

HARBOUR LANDINGS 12325 Baypointe Terrace Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4442408 $1,375,000

E D G E WAT E R 334 Castaway Cay Drive 201 Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4446481 $769,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H 101 66th Street 6 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452260 $600,000

E D G E WAT E R 343 Compass Point Drive 201 Betsy Hagen 941-216-0721 A4450924 $559,900

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

SUMMER SANDS 1007 Gulf Drive N 111 Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4443268 $525,000

PA L M A S O L A B AY 7710 34th Avenue W 302 Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4449791 $455,000

C AY M A N C AY 4307 Gulf Drive 209 Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4452656 $349,000

W E S T B AY P O I N T 6200 Flotilla Drive 267 Jaymie Carter 941-920-4573 A4445800 $340,000

PA L M A S O L A B AY 3431 79th Street Circle W 303 Brittany Clemen 941-761-7349 A4447851 $695,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

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Page 32 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BOATS & BOATING Continued

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

BuYING ANTIQuES, STERLING flatware, jewelry, coins, military, old toys, any collections. 941-209-2136.

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

FouR ANTIQuE oFFICE chairs from Anna Maria city hall dais 1950-90.: Perfect for eclectic dining set. $400 each, The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

SuNNY SHoRES PANCAKE Breakfast: All you can eat, $5. 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at the clubhouse. (off Cortez Road) 115th St. West, Bradenton.

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.

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.

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

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

LooKING FoR AN EARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at www.islander.org. And it’s FREE!

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

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

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

Paradise Improvements

GARAGE SALES

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

P A S T E

O M A H A

O N A J A G

H O M A G E

ANSWERS TO JAN. 8 PUZZLE

R O G E R F E D E R E R

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

L A I R

E L C A P R I E T M A N P A B I O R Y S M F O A R T T O N S

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

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

HELP RESCuED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

BOATS & BOATING BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941-685-1400.

Place classified ads online at www.islander.org

N O R E A S O N

A B S C I S S A

W E E K D A Y S

D E L I V E R Y R O O M

G E S T E

O K A Y S

F O N D U E

S N E E R S

HELP WANTED NEED DELI PERSoN, pizza person. Will train. Inquire in person at Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. WANTED: FuLL-TIME server. Paradise Bagels Cafe. 3220 E. Bay Drive, Anna Maria Centre Shops. 941-779-1212. REPoRTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org. KIDS FOR HIRE KIDS FoR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. SERVICES

2004 VW GoLF TDI: 144,000 miles, one owner. 38+ mpg. Hatchback, gray. $2,999 or best offer. 860-424-7379.

SPoNSoRED BY

D E L O U S E D

PETS

T-BIRD FOR SALE: Teal blue, 2002. $21,000. 352-467-0257.

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 ofďŹ ce in Holmes Beach for more about pet adoption.

C R U L L E R S

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.

TRANSPORTATION

AdoptA-Pet

L O M B A R D I

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.

BoAT SLIP FoR rent: Key Royale, AMI. Parking, no bridges, sailboat water. $250/month. 941-518-4281.

‘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 ofďŹ ce, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

u FLY I drive your car anywhere in the uSA. Airport runs, anywhere. office, 941-4476389. 941-545-6688. NEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com. 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. News is essential for residents and visitors. Check out our website, islander.org.

PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT WWW.ISLANDER.ORG 2020 Anna Maria Island Calendar

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JAN. 8, 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 SERVICES Continued

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

RENTALS Continued

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

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

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.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228. ANYONE CAN TAKE a picture. A professional creates a portrait. I want to be at your wedding! www.jackelka.com. 941-778-2711. LAWN & GARDEN

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.

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

CHRISTIE’S PLUMBING Family Owned and Operated since 1975

Residential -iĂ€Ă›ÂˆVi

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

CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

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

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 phone� 941-7200770.

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.

ALEX ALEXHOMESTYLIST COM ALEXHOMESTYLIST COM

RENTALS

PROMPT, COURTEOUS SERVICE AIRPORT PERMITTED & LIVERY INSURED

SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. Office: 941-518-6326. Cell: 720-2991661. HOME IMPROVEMENT VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net. TILE -TILE -TILE. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Neil, 941-726-3077.

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. FIRST FLOOR, SPACIOUS 3BR/2BA, beautiful. Westbay Point & Moorings. Available April, monthly, FloridaRentalbyOwners.com. #1590. Also, #1106, 2BR/2BA, gorgeous bay views, available May, monthly. Kayaks and bikes included. Sue, 207-944-6097.

More ads = more readers in The Islander.

___________ 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) _________

_________

_________

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

Island Limousine

IslandLimo.net

941-779-0043

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

Bed: A bargain!

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

$YDLODEOH $We

CLASSIFIED AD ORDER

____________ ___________

#CFC1426596

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

BLINDS, SHUTTERS, SHADES: Motorization. 30 years on AMI. Call Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.

LIC#CBC1253145

KATHY’S CLEANING SERVICE, Professional, responsible, and friendly. I clean residential commercial and offices. Please, call for a free estimate: 941-447-4660.

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 _________

d ďż˝ u No.

_____________________________________________________

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

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

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

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

317924

Credit card payment: ďż˝

Page 34 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

REAL ESTATE

HouSE oN SPACIouS one-third acre lot. 2BR/1.5BA. Large carport, laundry, storage. $1,400/month plus utilities. 941-266-0439.

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.

CANAL HouSE: 2BR/1.5BA, screened porch, private boat slip, direct Palma Sola Bay access. Large lot, room for RV/trailer parking. Picnic area. Close to island. $1,625/ month plus utilities. 941-266-0439. THE ISLANDER oFFERS the best results for your classified advertising dollar. We really work for you! Submit your ad no later than noon Monday on the website, www.islander.org. For Monday holidays, the deadline is Friday.

PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT WWW.ISLANDER.ORG Diana Sinisi

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

BuILDING LoT FoR sale by owner. South Bay Boulevard near ocean Star/Galati Marine. Beautiful location, across street from bay. Extra-large lot, 70 by 100 feet. Build your dream house! 941-321-5454.

$2 ‘We are THE island.’

$2

New Location Same Great Service

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

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

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

REAL ESTATE

SINCE 1957

Full Service Property Management & Sales Dina Franklin (owner) Licensed Sales Associate & Property Manager

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

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.

This Home is a Must See!

Free list with pictures of available homes with no money down*, under $1,300/month. www.AspireHasTheBuyers.com Or FREE recorded message: 1-866-304-8838 ID#1051

THE ISLANDER oFFERS the best results for your classified advertising dollar. We really work for you! Submit your ad no later than noon Monday on the website, www.islander.org. For Monday holidays, the deadline is Friday.

EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS

EST. 1978

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

Mike Norman Realty

Help ’em out!

Call 778-7978 to learn how to get the best results for your ad dollars.

Professional Service to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Since 1974

BUYING OR SELLING? CALL DOLLY.

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

tdolly1@yahoo.com • www.tdollyyoungrealestate.com

MIKE NORMAN REALTY

TOURISTS MAY BE LOOKING FOR YOU ! THE “BEST NEWS” SINCE 1992 WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

All real estate advertising herein is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination Familial status includes children under age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HuD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777 or for the hearing impaired, call 0-800-543-8294.

Why rent when you can own?

EXP REALTY

UNDE

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

FIRST-TIME BUYERS

*CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS APPLY

ACT R T N O RC

BEAuTIFuL FuRNISHED 3BR/2BA home in gated community with pool. Short stroll over bridge to beach. 2,068 sf, not including two large ground-floor rooms. Lovely landscaping. Big garage. Elevator. Private. 4122 osprey Harbour Loop, Cortez. 513 461-1951. Below market price of $479,900. Brokers protected.

2501 Gulf Drive, Ste 102, Bradenton Beach

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

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

WE ROCK ONLINE Your Ad Here!

islander.org

DOWN FOR THE COUNT BY LAURA TAYLOR KINNEL / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Laura Taylor Kinnel, of Newtown, Pa., teaches math and is the director of studies at a Friends boarding school near Philadelphia. She got her interest in crosswords at a young age through her grandmother, who used to solve the Sunday Times puzzle and ask for Laura’s ‘‘help.’’ The first crossword Laura made was a year-in-review puzzle for a 2018 Christmas letter. This puzzle is her debut in The Times. — W.S.

AC RO SS

RELEASE DATE: 1/5/2020

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

JAN. 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 35 No. 1229 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

1 TV-screen inits. 4 Steinful 7 Cut (off) 10 “Nope” 13 Lucky strikes? 15 Massage target 17 Capital of Belarus 19 Spa amenity 20 1/x, for x 24 Top type 25 Hay-fever irritant 26 Online payment option 27 Record holder for the most Indianapolis 500 laps led (644) 29 Lowly workers 30 Mythical being depicted in bronze in Copenhagen Harbor 31 Followers of dos 32 Home of the N.C.A.A.’s Rhody the Ram, for short 34 Director DuVernay 36 Govt. org. often impersonated on scam calls 37 Picked a card 39 Abstainers … or the central column’s answers vis-à-vis 20-, 39-, 74- and 101-Across, respectively 44 One in a pocketful 45 Has finished 47 Speed that would enable a 23-minute D.C.-to-L.A. flight Online subscriptions: Today’s

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

48 Where fans are often placed on high? 50 Org. whose academy’s motto in English is “The sea yields to knowledge” 52 One who might give you a shot 53 Miss 54 Food that Marge Simpson once served with “a whisper of MSG” 58 Big name in denim 59 Collected $200, say 63 “Te ____” 64 Former superstore chain selling diapers and strollers 67 “Egads!” 68 Quite a tale 70 Spirit 71 Charitable offering 73 Film character who says, “Kiss me as if it were the last time” 74 It postulates a spacetime fabric 80 Congressional budget directives 81 San Francisco’s ____ Valley 82 Radio medium 83 Renaissance-themed festival 84 Tears to pieces 86 Who once had all 10 of the top 10 Billboard hits simultaneously 87 “The Gift of the Magi” author 89 “Seriously?” 91 Gobbles (down) 94 Doze (off) 95 Mr. Incredible’s actual surname

96 College town of George Washington Carver 98 Hither’s partner 99 “Absolutely!” 101 Little Richard hit with “the most inspired rock lyric ever recorded,” per Rolling Stone 104 Sea eagle 105 Many-time N.H.L. All-Star Jagr 107 Sheepish 108 Fashionable 110 Nonbinary identity 111 Focus of an egoist’s gaze 112 Magazine with annual Women of the Year Awards 113 President Ford and others 114 Traditional, if bulky, presents in Santa’s bag 115 Opening words?

11 The 1 in (1,2), in math 12 Work times, typically 14 Phaser setting 15 Admiral Graf ____ (German W.W. II ship) 16 Leaf (through) 17 Bearing 18 One might be taken in protest 19 Longtime NPR host Diane 21 Satellite inhabited continuously since 2000: Abbr. 22 Complement of turtledoves in a Christmas song 23 Obsolescent TV companion 28 Paris’s ____ La Fayette 30 Disfigure 33 ____ sleep 35 Perturb 38 “The Caine Mutiny” author 39 End of some school names, for short DOWN 40 Orbicularis ____ 1 Super Bowl trophy (eyelid-closing eponym muscle) 2 Deep-fried doughy 41 “We ____ Kings” treats 42 What fools might 3 Picked nits make of themselves 4 ____ tear (athlete’s 43 “Je ne ____ quoi” injury) 44 Joint winner of 5 Thieves’ place FIFA’s Player of the Century award in 6 Yosemite attraction 2000 7 Hides one’s true nature 46 Top-level foreign8 Group with the 2012 policy grp. chart-topping album 49 Monopoly quartet: “Up All Night,” to Abbr. fans 51 Fold 9 It’s pitchfork-shaped 53 Fuel line 10 “Why do you ask?” 54 Wallop response

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69 Universal self, in Hinduism 70 Preserves something? 72 Houston A.L.’ers 73 Trump who wrote 2017’s “Raising Trump” 75 Tiny margin of victory 76 When one usually goes through customs 77 Purple pool ball 78 Brushed up on 79 Lucky-ticket-holder’s cry

98 103

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55 1935 Triple Crown winner 56 Top-ranked professional tennis player for a record 237 consecutive weeks 57 Ark contents 59 ____ fast one 60 Labor-day setting? 61 “Beau ____” 62 Signs off on 65 “I tell ya!” 66 Charlotte of “The Facts of Life”

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84 Famed Chicago steakhouse 85 A couple of Bible books 87 Completely unrestrained 88 Tribute 89 Swollen, as a lip 90 Drain, as blood 92 Swiss dish 93 Derisive expressions 95 Runs smoothly 97 They can’t do without does

104 109

100 Prefix for a polygon with 140° interior angles 101 Headed for overtime 102 A short rest, so to speak 103 He: Lat. 104 Top female baby name of 2014-18 106 Year that Michelangelo’s “The Crucifixion of St. Peter” was completed 109 Things the Energizer bunny may need

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

NEW YEAR, HOME, &

Luxury Condominiums in Bradenton, Florida

PRICES!

SAVE UP TO $90,000 ON SELECT MOVE-IN READY INVENTORY HOMES

FOR A LIMITED TIME! BUILDING 2 - #203 OLD PRICE - $455,000

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Subject to availability, prices may vary.

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THIS IS JUST A SAMPLE OF OUR HOMES-MORE ARE AVAILABLE!

OLD PRICE - $444,000

Page 36 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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