The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, January 9, 2018 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Plunging into 2019. 14 Astheworldterns lament spending on lawsuits. 6

Camp goes to Tampa. 15

Beach blast. 23 JAN. 9, 2019 FREE

VOLUME 27, NO. 11

Holmes Beach seeks to dismiss new treehouse suit. 2 Government shutdown disrupts red tide reports. 4

Meetings

On the government calendar. 4

Celebrating the Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

www.islander.org

Helicopter recovered after Jan. 2 crash near island shore

Parks, paths, plantings on HB agenda. 4 City delays depositions in BB v. citizens suit. 5

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

AM commissioner/businessman hopes to grow City Pier Park events. 8

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 10-11 Make plans, save a date. 12-13

STREET MAP Getting around AMI. 16-17

Gathering. 18

Obituaries. 18-19 Streetlife. 20 Shark tails and ‘crude’ research.’ 22 Sports roundup. 24 Spring-like fishing in January. 25

ISL BIZ

Bortell’s owner plans for 2019. 26 CLASSIFIEDS. 28

Duke Overstreet of Sea Tow, center, who oversaw recovery Jan. 4 of a helicopter that crashed in the Gulf of Mexico Jan. 2, and two other men note damages to the ’copter after it was brought earlier in the morning to the Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp. The helicopter was recovered at about midnight Jan. 3 about a mile offshore of Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Federal investigation of copter crash hits delay

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter The federal government shutdown is reverberating on Anna Maria Island. Answers to why Sarasota pilot Stanley Lee crashed Jan. 2 in the Gulf of Mexico about a mile from the Anna Maria shore — sending Lee and photographer Tom McKnight to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton — appear to be delayed due to the shutdown. As of Jan. 4, Lee was reported in serious condition, improved from a critical status. McKnight, who spoke to The Islander Jan. 6, was treated and released, said he’s feeling very sore but thankful. McKnight was shooting video and stills of a boat for a manufacturer’s promotion, when water rushed into the helicopter. “We were flying close to 50 minutes and had done multiple passes in the bay,” he said. According to Robert Smith, director of Manatee County Public Safety, the helicopter was flying 10-15 feet above the water level before the crash.

“I really don’t know what happened. We were flying normal and then we were not,” McKnight said, adding he then submerged and realized he was hooked on something. “Honestly, I thought that was it,” he added, saying he felt no panic. Somehow he became unhooked, he said, came to the surface and saw the other men who had been in the helicopter also had surfaced. Lee, McKnight and the third man in the chopper, Peter Bowden, boarded the boat they had been filming. as a 911 dispatcher was directing the boaters, the U.S. Coast Guard from station Cortez met them with a 29-foot boat and crew. the coast guard crew rendered first aid and escorted the boat to the Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach. From there, a Manatee County EMS ambulance transported Lee and McKnight to Blake. Bowden, saying he was not badly injured, refused EMS transport. All civil aviation accidents undergo investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation

Administration, according to the NTSB website. However, FAA public affairs officer Gregory Martin wrote in a Jan. 3 email there were no plans to begin an investigation of the helicopter crash. An auto-email response Jan. 3 from Kathleen Bergen, faa public affairs officer for the southern region, states, “Due to the lapse in government funding, I am not working.” A similar message was delivered by an officer with the ntSB who answered the phone, but declined to give his name as a spokesman. meanwhile, local officials were fielding questions about the crash. manatee county Sheriff’s office public information officer randy Warren wrote in Jan. 3-4 emails that the FAA and NTSB were notified but an investigation had not begun, adding the FAA “may or may not follow up.” Sea Tow Bradenton recovered and delivered the 2,500-pound robinson r-44 helicopter, registered to Sarasota Helicopter PLEASE SEE CRASH, PAGE 3

2 n JAN. 9, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach fights suit filed over treehouse fate, fines

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter A new chapter has opened in the long-running saga of the treehouse owners. In this new effort, a petition from the owners dredges up matters already in court or decided at trial and in appeal. That is the Holmes Beach view of the new case opened in 12th circuit court by treehouse owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen, according to motions filed Jan. 3 by attorney Jim dye, of dye, Harrison, Kirkland, Petruff, Pratt & St. Paul, for the city. dye filed motions to dismiss, to request a more definite statement and to strike the owners’ petition for a temporary injunction. dye criticized the owners’ petition in his filing, describing it as “a free-flowing attempt unconnected to a proper lawsuit to enjoin the city from doing undescribed actions.” the owners’ filed the petition pro se — without an attorney — in mid-December, asking the court to end the daily fines and prevent the demolition of the treehouse. It names the city and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as respondents. the dep was served dec. 20, 2018, but had not responded as of Jan. 4. in 2016, the city ordered tran and Hazen to remove the treehouse and comply with the landdevelopment code, imposing a fine of $50 a day as of July 22, 2015. the owners’ petition states that some $65,000 in “illegally excessive and unfounded” fines have accumulated, but they are seeking to halt the fines going forward, not the accrued fine. Asked about whether she will seek to reduce the accumulated fine, tran said Jan. 4 that “for now,” she is not asking to have the fine forgiven. “i will eventually.” tran and Hazen built the treehouse in 2011 without permits required by the city and state for

Supreme Court. The court declined to review the case and allowed the trial court decision to stand. In addition to owners’ new petition, there are two pending treehouse actions in the 12th circuit court. in february 2018, the city filed a case seeking to enforce the 2016 city magistrate order. and a 2013 challenge to the constitutionality of the city’s setback rule was reinvigorated in 2018 by Levin before it was set by the court for dismissal due to inactivity. The opposing motions in the code enforcement case are coming up for a hearing before Judge Lon Arend after press time Jan. 8.

Man dies on beach

Owners of the treehouse built in an Australian pine on their beachfront at 103 29th St. in Holmes Beach have been fighting city hall for eight years to retain the structure. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell the beachfront property 20 feet west of 103 29th St., where they live and operate short-term rentals known as Angelinos Sea Lodge. An anonymous tip to the city about beachfront construction resulted in a referral to the DEP and the city refused to waive its 50-foot setback. Tran and Hazen have brought a number of challenges related to their treehouse through attorney David Levin of Icard Merrill of Sarasota. Prior litigation included city code board appeals as well as a bid to allow a citywide vote on the fate of the treehouse, which the owners took to the U.S.

Just before midnight Jan. 1, police found a deceased 55-year-old man at cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. Authorities believe the Bradenton man killed himself. He was discovered by police in a blood-soaked sheet southwest of the beach walkway in the 800 block of Gulf Drive South. officers found a revolver at his right ear and a second revolver to the left of his head, according to a Bradenton Beach police report. In their investigation, police determined the subject left a package containing letters to family and friends about his decision to end his life. BBPD Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said the man had asked a friend to drive him to the beach. When they arrived, the man exited the vehicle, telling the driver he wanted to be alone and pray. He then walked onto the beach. The driver soon received a call from the subject, who pointed out there was a packet of letters in the backseat. As the driver read one of the letters, the man’s suicide intentions became apparent and the friend called 911. police notified next of kin.

THE ISLANDER n Jan. 9, 2019 n 3

Cortez Coast Guard remains on duty U.S. Coast Guard public information officer David Micallef extended kudos to the Cortez crew that responded to a Jan. 2 helicopter crash in the Gulf of Mexico. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They did an excellent job, coming to the scene within minutes and administering first aid and escorting the crash survivors to shore,â&#x20AC;? he said. And they will continue with this type of work during the federal government shutdown, according to Micallef. Micallef said the federal government considers Coast Guard services essential to provide national security and protect life and property, performing search and rescue, homeland security, law enforcement and environmental responses. The Cortez station employs about 30 officers and other personnel. Petty Officer Christopher Swanson of the Cortez station said Jan. 4 the Coast Guard found funds during the shutdown to issue employees a recent paycheck, but their next paycheck remains uncertain. CRASH continued from page 1 Services, to Coquina Beach Boat Ramp for transport to Jacksonville. Duke Overstreet, owner of Sea Tow Bradenton, said he and a crew, including a diver, found the copter in 25 feet of murky water at about midnight Jan. 3 Found among the retrieved helicopter were a professional video camera, a backpack and wallets. The crash was first reported at 10:53 a.m. by one of the people in the vessel that was being photographed. The boater told the 911 dispatcher, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got multiple injuries. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a guy with his ear torn off. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bad. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got half an ear cut off and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choking blood.â&#x20AC;? The dispatcher advised treatment and directed the

The helicopter that crashed in the Gulf of Mexico Jan. 2 with three people aboard approximately a mile offshore of Anna Maria is readied for transport Jan. 4 at Coquina Beach by Sea Tow Bradenton and Benâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crane Service of Bradenton. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell boater to the boat ramp, remaining on the line until they were met by the Coast Guard vessel. An MCSO Marine unit, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers, and Longboat Key and Sarasota police departments assisted in the rescue. McKnight, a guitarist with a rock band, The Verge, said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not looking at life the same since the crash. Noting he lost his cellphone and video camera, McKnight said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;None of that matters.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;That first gulp of air I took is the same air we all breathe,â&#x20AC;? but, he said, taking a breath again reinforced his belief in peace, love and helping others. There were some reports that four people were aboard the helicopter when it crashed, but McKnight dispelled that rumor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There were three of usâ&#x20AC;? on the chopper, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe the fourth was the angel.â&#x20AC;? McKnight added that his band will play for a celebration of life for the crash survivors Friday, Jan. 18, at Stottlemyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Smokehouse in Sarasota.

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Sea Tow owner Duke Overstreet talks to the media Jan. 4 about his crewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recovery of helicopter wreckage from the Gulf of Mexico. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

4 n JAN. 9, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Red tide threatens, tracking hindered by government shutdown

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter The coming and going of red tide remains as much a mystery as Mother Nature. No solutions have been found. But the cause of people coughing and complaining of scratchy throats on the beaches of Anna Maria Island Jan. 4- 5 was no mystery — red tide was back. “It’s the cough again,” Maria Steffens said by phone Jan. 5. Steffens is night manager at the Anna Maria Island Beach cafe at the manatee public Beach, 4000 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. “The other day I noticed that smell. Now there is no smell, only the dry, hacking cough again. I’ve been coughing since I got to work at 2 p.m.,” Steffens said. “I noticed it yesterday afternoon.” Tiffany LaRocca reported similar conditions in Bradenton Beach at the Beach House restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N. “It’s the itchy throat and the cough,” she told The islander Jan. 5. “We enclosed the outside seating. at least there is no smell.” neither location reported seeing dead fish on the

beach. The federal government shutdown that began Dec. 22, 2018, cut off access to the university of South Florida’s topical oceanography lab, which provides data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. So researchers at Mote Marine Laboratory and other government agencies as of Jan. 7 were relying on first-hand observations and samples to determine red tide’s presence and make forecasts about the harmful algae bloom. According to Mote, a boat captain reported coming across a dense patch of phytoplankton, took a sample and brought it to the Sarasota lab Jan 2. The sample, found about 2 and l/2 miles off the Sarasota County coastline, contained high concentrations of Karenia brevis. Meanwhile, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission concentration readings, which the previous week had been clear for Sarasota County, showed high concentrations of K. brevis near Siesta and Lido Keys. FWC readings in Manatee County remained clear, with no red tide detected in daily samples or in the Jan.

A microscopicsize cell of Karenia brevis, the species responsible for red tide. Islander Photo: Courtesy Mote Marine Laboratory 2 midweek report. Samples showed no K. brevis at Longboat Pass in Bradenton Beach, the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria or the Palma Sola Bay Bridge on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton. Mote’s daily reports on beach conditions showed no signs of red tide Jan. 4 at Coquina Beach or at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. a late december storm, that brought 10-foot waves to the Southwest Florida coastline, apparently broke up part of the K. brevis bloom and swept some of the toxic algae far offshore. Now, however, it appears red tide is creeping back to the coastline.

Parks, paths, plantings considered in Holmes Beach By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Holmes Beach officials are considering the future look of the city as plans for 2019 are implemented. the parks and beautification committee met Jan. 2 at city hall, 5801 marina drive, to continue discussing recommendations. The committee is an advisory board that makes recommendations to the city commission. Committee chair Zan Fuller said plants, irrigation and lighting are in place for medians in the city, with shell ground cover to be installed by the public works department. She said the city hopes funding from the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Trolley Grant program will pay for painting median curbs. Fuller said the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, a nonprofit organization, is partnering with public works on the grant, which are being announced later in January. “So keep your fingers crossed we can get some funding to help purchase some of the paint and defray some of the cost,” she said. Committee member Dennis Groh updated the group on his donation of a blue ice cypress tree, which was planted in december 2018 on the edge of the city field. Groh said Jan. 2 that the tree was still in shock from being transplanted from his property. However, public works staff has been “giving it lots of showers,” with the hope it will thrive in the new location. regarding recent improvements to 77th Street and Marina Drive, a bench purchased by Holmes Beach resident Renee Ferguson was placed on city property and another owner may provide trees to shade the bench. Additionally, Groh gave an update to recommenda-

Mr. Modi and his owner, Floyd Calhoun of Anna Maria, left, along with Daisy and owner Donald Ferguson of Michigan, take a break Jan. 2 at the dog park at city field in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

tions for trees to be planted for the multiuse path along Palm Avenue and other areas in Holmes Beach. He said a challenge is to ensure the plants “will be suitable for the island environment” and, when established, will not interfere with public safety and utilities. Groh suggested planting cabbage palm trees, Florida thatch, old man, Buccaneer, key thatch and foxtail palms. Also, he said buttonwoods, geigers and stoppers would be good choices, as they tolerate salt, wind and drought. Regarding new beach access signs, Commissioner Carol Soustek, who attended the meeting, said public works is “attempting to come up with a plan.” Mayor Judy Titsworth said she has been researching “more attractive” signs that would include more pictures than words, so they are “more friendly and welcoming, with an environmental approach.” The committee also discussed the dog park, which is included in plans to makeover city field. The renovated recreational complex will include relocating the tot lot, an expanded large dog park, a

Meetings

new micro-skate park, shuffleboard, horseshoe and bocce courts and off-street parking. Birdie Tebbetts Field, named for the Major League catcher, manager and baseball executive who lived in Holmes Beach many years before his death in 1999, is part of the multiuse complex and will be modified — not to be used as a formal field, but as a grassy diamond that could be used for a game. Member Carol Hebden asked about the possibility of a splash pad for the dog park and suggested getting a low-cost pad — about $3,000 — that could be moved as needed. Titsworth said her recommendation would be to wait until drainage is installed and not rush the process since the commission plans to move quickly to redesign the park. “We are actually moving now, so I hope everyone can see that and be patient again, so we can actually get the state-of-the-art park that we all are envisioning,” she said. the next parks and beautification committee meeting will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, feb. 6, at city hall, 5801 marina drive.

Anna Maria City West Manatee fire Rescue Jan. 10, 6 p.m., city commission. Jan. 15, 5:30 p.m., commission workshop. Jan. 16, 5:30 p.m., special magistrate. Jan. 15, 6 p.m., commission. Jan. 23, 10 a.m., charter review. WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. Jan. 24, 6 p.m., commission. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. feb. 12, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. feb. 14, 5:30 p.m., citizen of the year award. Manatee County feb. 14, 6 p.m., city commission. Jan. 10, 9 a.m., commission (land use). feb. 20, 5:30 p.m., special magistrate. Jan. 15, 9 a.m., commission. Feb. 28, 6 p.m., city commission. Jan. 29, 9 a.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941feb. 7, 9 a.m., commission (land use). 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. feb. 12, 9 a.m., commission. Feb. 26, 9 a.m., commission. bradenton beach Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Jan. 9, 9:30 a.m., cra. Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Jan. 10, 1 p.m., department heads. Jan. 16, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Of interest Jan. 17, noon, city commission. Jan. 14, 2 p.m., island transportation planning Jan. 22, 10 a.m., city commission. Organization, Anna Maria City Hall. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Jan. 15, 2 p.m., Barrier island elected officials, 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. Bradenton Beach City Hall. Jan. 21, martin Luther King Jr. day, most govHolmes beach ernment offices will be closed. Jan. 22, 6 p.m., city commission. Jan. 29, 4 p.m., Manatee County Council of Jan. 24, 11:30 a.m., police retirement board. Governments, Bradenton Area Convention Center, feb. 6, 10 a.m., parks and beautification com- 1 Haben Blvd., palmetto. mittee. feb. 11, 9 a.m. manatee county tourist develFeb. 6, 6 p.m., planning commission. opment Council, county administration building. feb. 12, 6 p.m., city commission. feb. 18, presidents day, most government offices Feb. 26, 6 p.m., city commission. will be closed. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Send notices to calendar@islander.org and 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 9, 2019 n 5

City delays depositions in Bradenton Beach sunshine suit By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter It looks like the tables have turned. a lawsuit filed in august 2017 by the city of Bradenton Beach alleging six former board members violated Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law is being met with frustration from the defendants, the same former volunteers previously accused by city officials of delaying depositions, failing to provide documents and prolonging the suit. The city now has claimed scheduling delays as the defendants attempt to set depositions for city planner Alan Garrett, city clerk Terri Sanclemente, city attorney Ricinda Perry and ex-mayor Jack Clarke. Clarke initiated the suit that was joined by the city. At past city commission meetings, Mayor John Chappie and Perry accused the defendants of deliberately dragging the matter out but recent scheduling snafus look like a turnabout. The defendants are Reed Mapes, Tjet Martin, John Metz, Patty Shay and Bill and Rose Vincent. The suit alleges violations of the Sunshine Law with regard to unnoticed meetings and emails of a grassroots organization, Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach, between the members, some of whom served on city boards. A deposition scheduled for Jan. 4 for Garrett was canceled the day prior due to scheduling mix-ups by Michael Barfield, the paralegal for attorney Robert Watrous, who is representing Clarke and the city, according to Barfield Jan. 4 during an interview with The Islander. perry’s deposition, originally planned for dec. 17, 2018, has been postponed for medical reasons until midFebruary. Unless another cancellation occurs, Clarke was to be deposed Jan. 7, as the islander went to press, and Sanclemente was to be deposed Jan. 9. All but two of the pretrial interrogatories of the defendants have been conducted by Watrous and thou-

sands of pages of documents have been submitted by the former city board members. defendant mapes was deposed may 30, 2018, martin June 1 and Shay June 5. cnoBB founder Bill Vincent was deposed dec. 12. Metz and Rose Vincent are yet to be deposed. Commissioner Randy White — not a defendant, but a supporter of cnoBB — was deposed nov. 14 allegedly for communication with defendants before and after his election in november 2017. in an august 2018 email from Watrous to the Vincents, who had a vacation planned months in advance of the deposition scheduled by Watrous, the lawyer wrote, “You do not have the automatic right to declare lengthy vacations on a last-minute basis. Indeed this appears to be a delay tactic on your part.” In an interview Jan. 3, Martin said the city has the burden of proof as the plaintiff, but the defendants also have the right to conduct their own discovery. Martin said Chappie and Perry have publicly stated the defendants should admit guilt and settle. “Has it ever occurred to them that we have done

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nothing wrong?” Martin said. “I can’t live my life under this suit that the city has brought against us with no evidence.” Except for Metz, represented by attorney Thomas Shults, the defendants are not represented by attorneys, citing increasing legal expenses as the case crawls along. When the investigation for the lawsuit was approved by the city in 2017, the commission voted to execute a contract with Watrous and Barfield, not to exceed $5,000. Since that vote, the lawsuit has cost the city more than $110,000. At a case management conference Dec. 3, Judge Lon arend of the manatee county 12th Judicial circuit court ordered a nonjury trial the week of march 18. Judge Edward Nicholas is assigned to the case going forward in 2019. Additionally, a hearing for a motion of partial summary judgment for legal fees is planned for Jan. 31 at the manatee county Judicial center, 1051 manatee ave. W., Bradenton.

SAVINGS

Coyote strolls Marina Drive

A coyote saunters along Marina Drive near Key Royale Drive in Holmes Beach Dec. 30, 2018. Coyotes usually are active at night, but daytime sightings on the island have become more common since summer 2018. Rick Scherrer of Anna Maria spotted the coyote while on an afternoon bike ride. “We ride our bikes a lot and were really surprised to see that coyote just standing in the driveway in broad daylight,” Scherrer wrote Jan. 2 in an email to The Islander. “We have spotted him up at our end, but only late at night. He/she is mighty bold!” Islander Photo: Courtesy Rick Scherrer

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6 n JAN. 9, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Is it worth it?

in 2018, the three cities on anna maria island spent money on lawsuits that involved taxpayers and taxpayer money. They mostly lost. And they paid some pretty big attorney bills. The city of Anna Maria, fortunately, had insurance to help pay a $1 million settlement in late 2017 to a contractor who was libeled and prevailed in 2018 in its challenge against another contractor over inflated permit claims. Holmes Beach is still paying to put to rest — and demolish — the treehouse built without permits, encroaching on city and state setbacks. The treehouse owners even made an attempt to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on appeal of a lower court decision that halted their attempt to get the treehouse put to a vote by the city electorate. Now they are representing themselves — have the donations to their cause dried up? — to halt the cityimposed fine and to avoid the demolition order. The local court is likely to spit out an angry order barring them from the courthouse. And what will follow? A lawsuit by the city to recover its costs? The treehouse owners should have come to the city begging for mercy years ago — and maybe their money could have gone toward dismantling the treehouse. They would have had a better shot at starting over and following the proper process. And maybe they’d be lounging in the treetop by now. Worst of all, Bradenton Beach is spending taxpayer money to the tune of more than $100,000 in a fight with its own city residents. The six defendants resigned long ago as volunteer board members, after the city was convinced to join the lawsuit by its attorney, who hid the fact that the lawsuit was initiated by a bitter ex-mayor. The city attorney put blinders on the public during her presentation “for” the lawsuit. I’m just guessing, but maybe the commission majority knew what was going on before they voted to approve funding the lawsuit. Now the depositions eat up more taxpayer money as city employees and officials are paid for time spent in legal offices rather than time on the job. “City sues taxpayers” is a headline that should scare the people who live in a town that tolerates spiteful officials who sue their citizens. those officials should hide in the treetops. And taxpayers on Anna Maria Island should place a higher value on their votes. — Bonner Joy

JAN. 9, 2019 • Vol. 27, No. 11 ▼ ▼

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Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, copy editor, lisa@islander.org Steve Albee, steve@islander.org Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Contributors Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, ﬁsh@islander.org Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager accounting@islander.org classiﬁeds@islander.org subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

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Opinion

Your

Ringing tribute

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island would like to extend a thank you to all of this season’s Salvation Army bell-ringers. Once again, the Salvation Army set up the bell at the Island Publix in Holmes Beach and, this season, rang in more than $9,300 in donations. The Kiwanis Club could never achieve this without the help and support of island residents. As you came around the corner to the entrance of Publix, you could hear the bell twinkling and never know who you might see. there were some familiar faces: mayors, commissioners, police officers, rotary members, elves from the Center of Anna Maria Island and some octogenarian Kiwanis members. Tom Matherson played his ukulele and the Key Club of State College of Florida sang. Brenda O’Brien and her friends dressed as elves. Linda Moore, Nancy Deal and Bev Neville were there as old pros. New this year were members of the Paddlers From Paradise dragon boat racing team. Their enthusiasm spilled over and members vied for the spots still open on the calendar. Thanks to each and every one of you for giving your time and your smiles and for assisting the Salvation Army in making the season happy and blessed for those in need. Robin Kinkopf of the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island

Brenda O’Brien and friends ring the Salvation Army bell outside the Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. The Kiwnanis Club of Anna Maria Island coordinates the local effort. Islander Courtesy Photo

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THE ISLANDER n JAN. 9, 2019 n 7

Mapping AMI

A plat map, dated 1913 and for the Anna Maria Beach Company, shows Anna Maria Beach on Anna Maria Key. Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library Digital Collection

10&20 years ago In the headlines: Jan. 6, 1999

A strong winter storm, coupled with high tides, flooded parts of anna maria island. officials reported no injuries, but islanders disposed of lots of soggy carpets. Qualifying for the regular election opened in Holmes Beach, with three incumbent city commissioners — Luke Courtney, Pat Geyer and Don Maloney — announcing plans to run for re-election in March. Holmes Beach city officials prepared for a new year, planning for the grand opening of a new city hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a gathering of city employees, elected officials and citizens.

In the headlines: Jan. 7, 2009

We’re encouraging a kinder, gentler attitude toward guests, visitors, vacationers and all who come to love Anna Maria Island. Our theme, “We’re Glad You’re Here,” originated in the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on AMI. — The Islander

You can peruse The Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in November 1992, at ufdc. uﬂ.edu.

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We mail the islander weekly for a nominal $54 per year. We also offer online e-edition subscriptions — a page-by-page view of the weekly news for only $36 per year, but you must sign up online. it’s the best way to stay in touch with what’s happening on Anna Maria Island. We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.” if you don’t live here year-round, use this form to subscribe by (snail) mail for yourself or someone else. (Sorry, we do not suspend mail subscriptions — you get The Islander free while you’re here!)

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The Islander newspaper named the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage its Islander of the Year for 2008, proclaiming, “this seagrass-roots group has accomplished tremendous progress since its formation in 1991 on behalf of the laid-back fishing village through its work to halt prospects that challenged its roots and to protect and preserve the historic community from outside threats. Many island accommodation owners and managers reported a merry week between the Christmas and New Year holidays, as rooms were gobbled up. The same level of activity appeared to carry-over to the retail sector. Anna Maria resident Mark Alonso, citing the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, was challenging a notice from the code enforcement officer that signs on his bicycle advertising a local business violated Anna Maria’s sign ordinance.

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Holmes Beach sets wheels in motion for new skate park By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter A new skate park is taking priority in Holmes Beach. While people might assume surfing is the top outdoor sport on a coastal island, skateboarding holds a special place in island culture. But boarders need a place to hone their skills. “Going to the skate park was one place where I could just be myself,” Jack Coleman, 20, an Anna Maria Island lifelong resident and skateboarder, said Dec. 31, 2018. Coleman, along with several other members of the island skateboarding community, has been working with Pivot Custom Skate Parks lead designer Tito Porrata and city engineer Lynn Burnett on an updated skate park along Marina Drive in the 5900 block. The proposed park will be alongside the city’s public works compound between city field and Marina Drive. “Just to see Poratta’s design over the last month is very heartwarming, because I love it,” Coleman said. The original skate park, which was built in 2003 and closed in 2017 for repairs, will reopen in 2019.

Looking back five years to January 2013: Skaters Christian Daniels, left, Nico Calleja, Jack Coleman and Steven Espy take a break at the Holmes Beach skate park. Islander Courtesy Photo

Tito Porrata, left, discusses his plan for an updated skate park Dec. 11, 2018, with skaters Jack Coleman, Matt Bauer, Michael Sabato and Justin McKenzie following a Holmes Beach meeting at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

The budget for the redo, approved by the commission in 2018, will be $150,000. The commission also agreed Dec. 11, 2018, to an option to add a bowl — used for tricks and similar to an empty in-ground pool — if the community can raise $100,000 by the summer. Porrata, a professional skater since 1984, helped design the skate park at Riverwalk, a park in downtown Bradenton. “Most of the municipal parks in Florida, I’ve designed and managed the construction,” Porrata said. “I call myself a translator between our skate culture and life.” He said a new skate park would draw people from around the state, as well as locals. Porrata said the life span of the park would be about 15 years, but could extend beyond that time if it is well maintained. He said the city plans to use shrubbery to create a safety barrier between Marina Drive and the skate park, as the city continues a redesign of city field, the park and recreational complex bordered by Marina and Flotilla drives and 59th Street.

Burnett said an arborist working on the redesign of city field will meet with her and Porrata to ensure the skate park fits the plans for the field. “We want to make sure we do the right kind of plants and the right kind of trees and have it dense enough that it can catch any skateboards that might be flying the wrong way,” Burnett said. “That will be incorporated as part of our overall landscape and the architectural design elements of the park.” “I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the design, Commission Chair Jim Kihm said upon seeing the rendering of plans for the park at the Dec. 11 commission meeting. “I think you’ve given us something that very well integrates with the rest of the area.” Mayor Judy Titsworth agreed. “To me, the skate park is recognizing our local youth,” Titsworth said in an interview Dec. 31. “It is a given that our visitors will enjoy it as well, it is just really important to me that we remember our youth when designing our park amenities. This is still, in my opinion, one of the best places in the country to raise a family and a skate park complements our beach community perfectly.”

Commissioner hopes to boost business, Anna Maria park events By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter The loss of one treasure may have led to the discovery of another amenity’s value. Pine Avenue has become host to a stream of people drawn to City Pier Park, situated at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria, as they take part in such city-sponsored events as weekly winter farmers markets and Movies in the Park. When the historic Anna Maria City Pier was closed in September 2017 due to storm damage, Mayor Dan Murphy proposed a market to draw people to Pine Avenue, one of two main commercial streets in the city, and to create a sense of community. The city commission approved a seasonal Tuesday market and later approved Movies in the Park, a weekly event in which the city screens a familyfriendly film and provides beverages to viewers. The events have been a hit, according to the mayor.

“I look at the Movies in the Park last Wednesday, for example,” he said in an interview Jan. 2. “There were over 80 people there. I’ve only gotten positive feedback for the events, and people seem to be happy that we are successful in building a sense of community in the city.” Commission Chair Brian Seymour said in an interview Jan. 2, “I really do feel that so far the events have been a huge success. The farmers market on Tuesdays is very well attended and the amount of vendors that keep coming back weekly show it’s worth their time.” Karsen Lonzo, manager of Island Cabana, 403 Pine Ave., said events have helped minimize economic losses due to the loss of traffic to the old pier and the effects of red tide. “Having the pier being closed hasn’t really affected us a lot, but I think that might be because they do the events at the park,” she said in an interview Jan. 3. “On Tuesdays, when there is the farmers market, we see tons of people coming in with bags and produce.”

HB planners consider comp plan proposals

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Holmes Beach planners are seeking a guide. The city planning commission met Jan. 2 to continue discussing a state-mandated comprehensive plan review. The comp plan, which must be reviewed every five years, was adopted in 1989 and last amended in 2007. The city is required to get bids before hiring a contract facilitator to guide the review process, based on criteria set forth in a request for proposals. The RFP is to be prepared by the planners and approved by the city commission. Member Scott Boyd, who was appointed in December 2018 by the planners to liaison with staff for the RFP, provided members of the commission with examples of similar documents drafted in other communities.

The commission agreed Boyd would work with Mary Buonagura, the city’s human resources analyst, on the draft RFP. Boyd said the first draft could be presented at the February planning commission meeting. The group agreed that due to Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Laws, members could not discuss the draft proposal outside of a meeting — in emails or otherwise. The planning commission determined it would review Boyd’s examples of RFPs from other cities, and request Buonagura attend the meeting to review and discuss the draft RFP. The city commission has approved $50,000 for the consulting fee. The planning commission will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

In addition to the Lilly Pulitzer women’s clothing sign at the front of the shop, Lonzo said the Island Cabana doubles down on its most recognizable brand to capitalize on Tuesdays’ increased traffic by providing Pulitzer-branded bags to carry away purchases. Seymour, citing the success of ongoing events, wants to see more events in the park, which in addition to the markets and screenings has hosted some holiday events. “I would definitely like to see events continue after the pier is finished,” said Seymour, who has a business on Pine Avenue, the Anna Maria General Store. “They help us build community spirit.” “Some ideas we need to discuss, but I have heard or been asked about looking into musical events in the park, community yard-sale type of events, etc.,” he said. “We are trying to add fiscally responsible events, as setup and cleanup is handled by our city staff, which could get out of control cost-wise if we try and do a lot of events.” Murphy encouraged people to bring communityminded events to the space, like when the Anna Maria Island Privateers hosted Snooks Adams Kids Day at the park in 2018. “I don’t think City Pier Park should ever turn into a commercial venue,” the mayor said. “But I think it is a great venue for nonprofits to have events. Groups or individuals interested in hosting an event in the park must obtain a special event permit from the city, which requires commission approval, payment of a $200 nonrefundable fee and submission of a site plan or drawing for the event, as well as proof of insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 in general liability coverage. “It’s a great venue for community-type events, not just city-sponsored events,” Murphy said. However, he cautioned, “I think you can reach a tipping point, and I don’t want to reach a tipping point, but it’s good to see people back on Pine Avenue now and on Gulf Drive. It’s good to see people back in our city.”

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Island happenings Players stage ‘I Hate Hamlet’

Brian Dewey, left, standing, James Thaggard and Carolyne Zaput, Caroline Cox, seated left, Caleb Allen and Katherine Dye appear in the Island Players production of “I Hate Hamlet,” which runs Jan. 10-27 at the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Performances are 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. The box office is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and one hour before performances. For more information, call 941-778-5755. Islander Photo: Courtesy Island Players

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Garden club to meet

The Anna Maria Island Garden Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, in the fellowship hall at roser memorial community church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The program will feature speakers discussing natural plants on Anna Maria Island and inspiring and educating with photography. For more information, call Charlotte Noyes at 941-778-6758.

Senior Adventures to tour Ringling school

The Senior Adventures group will take a daytrip to Sarasota Wednesday, Jan. 9, to visit the Ringling College of Art and Design. Plans include a tour of a glass collection at the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center at the college. the group will carpool, departing at 9:30 a.m. from the annie Silver community center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Reservations are required. Senior Adventures is a group that plans weekly outings or gatherings — usually Fridays — either off the island or at the Annie Silver Community Center. For more information or reservations, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

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Wednesday dancing set to begin

Anna Maria Irish Ceili and set dancers — both learners and experienced — will make their way around the clubhouse at Sandpiper Mobile Resort Wednesdays through March. the group will begin winter dancing 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9. dancing will be at the clubhouse, 2601 gulf drive N., Bradenton Beach, and is open to the public. for more information, call Judy mcclarren at 941779-1416.

Privateers stage Thieves Market

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will host the first thieves market of the winter season Saturday, Jan. 12. The market will open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. an announcement for the “flea market — pirate style” said, “come one, come all. You’ll be finding trash to treasures.” For more information, call Privateer Kim “Syren” Boyd at 931-639-0986.

Bingo returning on AMI

Be one of the many to attend the first thursday night bingo celebration at the Annie Silver Community Center. the center, 103 23rd St. n., Bradenton Beach, will host winter bingo games 6-9 p.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. 17. Center members will call games and serve refreshments, including cake, coffee and soda pop. also, there will be 50/50 drawings each evening, with proceeds supporting the Bradenton Beach notAnnie Silver dishing up dinner for-profit. Members of the Annie Silver Community Center, for more information, call Linda Yarger at 941103 23rd St. n., Bradenton Beach, will serve the first 778-3580. in the winter series of community dinners Jan. 18. The center volunteers will serve pulled-pork sandStudio to exhibit actress wiches, mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, dessert and Jane Seymour collection beverages 5-7 p.m. friday, Jan. 18. the cost is $8. Anna Maria’s the Studio at Gulf and Pine will The menu for the Friday, Feb. 8, dinner, which will be served 5-7 p.m., includes roasted chicken, mashed exhibit paintings by actress-author-artist Jane Seymour. potatoes, gravy, coleslaw and dessert for $8. the gallery’s website states since 2000, Seyon friday, march 15, 5-7 p.m., the center will host its annual fish fry, with fish, macaroni and cheese, mour’s “intimate world of delicate watercolors, colorful vibrant oil paintings and fine art bronze sculpture coleslaw, hush puppies and dessert for $8. for more information, call Linda Yarger at 941- have been exhibited in numerous galleries and venues across the nation and Canada.” 778-3580. The Studio will show and sell Seymour’s watercolor and oil paintings, as well as sculpture work and Get listed giclee prints Jan. 15-feb. 9. Send announcements for The Islander calenAlso, Seymour will sign art acquisitions at an dar to calendar@islander.org. The deadline for invitation-only event set for 6-8 p.m. friday, Jan. 18. listings is the Wednesday before the publication the Studio at gulf and pine is at 10101 gulf drive, date. Please include the date, time, location and Anna Maria. description of the event, as well as a phone number for more information, call the Studio at 941-778for publication. 1906. The Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players will gather at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, at the elks Lodge, 2511 75th St. W., Bradenton. the cost of the luncheon is $16. The topic for the meeting will be “Travels with Charlene.” For more information, call president Roe Duncan at 941-567-4960.

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

Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 9, 2019 n 11

Find ‘The Space Between’ at the Studio

Wendell Graham’s “Pink Soiree” will be exhibited in “The Space Between,” an Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island juried art show at the Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria. The exhibit will open Wednesday, Jan. 9. Islander Courtesy Photo

Mission accomplished. the 10th annual all-media juried art exhibition presented by the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island will open Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the Studio at gulf and Pine, in Anna Maria, Florida. The public is invited to attend a reception and awards ceremony for the exhibit 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, at the venue, 10101 gulf drive, anna maria. The show will run through Feb. 9. the Studio is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. WednesdaySaturday agami is a 150-member, all-volunteer, nonprofit founded in 1989 by dedicated artists, including the late Genevieve Novicky Alban, an artist and islander. AGAMI’s mission is “to educate, promote and encourage artistic endeavor.” for more information, call 941-778-1906.

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HB Artwalk leads guests to galleries, boutiques Jan. 11

the first artwalk of the 2019 winter season will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. friday, Jan. 11, in downtown Holmes Beach. Artwalks take place monthly during the winter season at various venues in the downtown area of Marina and Gulf drives, where artists and their work are celebrated, entertainment and specials are offered and refreshments are served. Six venues announced plans for the first 2019 artwalk as of the islander’s press time: • Waterline marina resort & Beach club, 5325 Marina Drive, will exhibit Annabel Snyder’s “For the Love of Mangroves,” a collection born out of the art-

ist’s kayaking experiences. • Saltair boutique will display artwork by islander Kim Darnell, whose latest collection features local landmarks. also, Saltair, 5508 marina drive, will hold a drawing for a $100 gift certificate and offer store specials and complimentary samples of Rafa Natural Skincare. • restless natives, 5416 marina drive, will hold an open house and invites people to explore its curated collection of local makers during the “Maker Meet and Greet.” • Steamdesigns Studio, Suite 600 at 5343 gulf Drive, will feature work by Anna Maria-based artist Joyce Lazzara in a collection titled “Lured In.” Lazzara works in many mediums, specializing in vibrant tropical colors and exquisite detail. SteamDesigns supplies Lazzara and other local artists with canvas-stretched, giclée reproductions. • Sue elliott, who uses metallic leaf, acrylics, resin, pastels and oils in her work, will be the featured artist at Island Gallery West during Artwalk. Her exhibit is titled “Companions.” Island Gallery West is at 5368 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. • Janet razze, a second-generation glass artist specializing in stained glass and lampworks, will be featured at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s guild gallery, 5414 marina drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call or visit a participating venue.

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Saturday Artist Demos Saturday, Jan. 12

Artist Jane Keeling will demonstrate her oil painting techniques on Saturday morning, Jan. 12. Seats fill up fast for this free demo. 10:30-12. Come early.

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

Friends of the Island Library lecture series opens with nature talk

Suzi Fox, executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, will launch the Friends of the Island Library Travel and Lecture series with a talk at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10. Her lecture — “The Living Treasures of Anna Maria” — will take place at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Other lecturers in January include Max Osceola, Les McCurdy and Janis Ian. Islander Courtesy Photo: Ben Watkins/Ben Watkins Photography

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The Islander Calendar ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Thursday, Jan. 10 6-8 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Reception and awards for the Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild of Anna Maria Island ďŹ ne art exhibition, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Space Between,â&#x20AC;? Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781906. Friday, Jan. 11 5:30-7:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ArtWalk, various downtown venues, Gulf and Marina drives, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. 5:30-7:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Reception for Sue Elliottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhibit, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Companions,â&#x20AC;? Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. 5:30-7:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Reception for Janet Razzeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glassworks exhibit, Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild of Anna Maria Island gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. ONGOING ON AMI

applies. Information: 941-722-3244. Through Jan. 11, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women Contemporary Artistsâ&#x20AC;? exhibit, ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-7462862. Through Jan. 11, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inspirationsâ&#x20AC;? exhibit, ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-746-2862. Through Feb. 2, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Greek Communities of Tarpon Springs and the Bahamas,â&#x20AC;? Florida Maritime Museum, 4419 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. Through Feb. 3, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Watercolors from the Permanent Collection,â&#x20AC;? 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Second Wednesdays, Think + Drink (science), South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m., Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. First Fridays, 6-9 p.m. ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays after the ďŹ rst Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. Second Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-7086120.

ONGOING ON AMI Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., City of Anna Maria â&#x20AC;&#x153;Movies in the Park,â&#x20AC;? City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

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ONGOING OFF AMI First Saturdays, Family Night at the Museum, South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

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ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, Jan. 9 Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 6:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Thursday, Jan. 10 2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel Series, Suzi Fox, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Living Treasures of Anna Maria Island,â&#x20AC;? Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. Friday, Jan. 11 2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Caregiver Support Group, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Wednesday, Jan. 16 11:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anna Maria Island Garden Club meeting and program, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Natural Island Plant Picks inspiring and educating with photography,â&#x20AC;? Roser Memorial Community Church 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6758. 2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Tour the Digital Library, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

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Wednesdays, AMI Dragon Boat Fun and Fitness Club, time depends on tides, 417 63rd St., Holmes Beach. Information: 941462-2626. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-7086130. Beginning Jan. 17 and through March 28, bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-3580. 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. Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Feb. 16-17, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941Feb. 17, AMICCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opera concert, Bradenton. Feb. 22, U.S. Coast Guard exhibit at Florida Maritime Museum, 779-0881. Cortez. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND March 31, AMICCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Diva Warsâ&#x20AC;? concert, Bradenton. Saturday, Jan. 12 KIDS & FAMILY 6 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sidewalk Astronomy, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-518-8695. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Jan. 15-Feb. 9, Jane Seymourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Up Close and Personalâ&#x20AC;? exhibit, the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1906. Jan. 16-18, Painting Watercolor Sunsets with Joanna Coke, the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1906. Throughout January, Sue Elliott exhibits â&#x20AC;&#x153;Companions,â&#x20AC;? Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786648. Throughout January, Janet Razze exhibits her glasswork, Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild of Anna Maria Island gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Through Feb. 9, Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild of Anna Maria Island ďŹ ne art exhibition, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Space Between,â&#x20AC;? Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Saturday, Jan. 12 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Jan 10-27, Island Players perform â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Hate Hamlet,â&#x20AC;? 10009 Gulf Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 931-639-0986. Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-5755. 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Origami Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Solar viewing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Feb. 12, AMICCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jazz Fest, Anna Maria. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Lego Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Jan. 15-27, various dates and times, â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Improv to Murder,â&#x20AC;? Tuesday, Jan. 15 Powel Crosley Estate, 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Bradenton. Fee 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

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The Islander Calendar Wednesdays through March, Anna Maria Island Historical Society sales of settlers bread, AMIHS museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0492. Wednesdays through March, 1:30 p.m. Anna Maria Island Irish Ceili and Set Dancing, Sandpiper Mobile Resort clubhouse, 2601 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1416. Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., veterans services assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. Second Fridays, 6 p.m., AMI Resident Community Connections, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., Tech Help, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesdays through May 14, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue. Information: 941-708-6130. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941518-1965. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Jan. 17, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Max Osceola, Holmes Beach. Jan. 18, Annie Silver Community Center dinner, Bradenton Beach. Jan. 24, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Les McCurdy, Holmes Beach. Jan. 31, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Janis Ian, Holmes Beach.

Feb. 7, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Katherine McHugh. Feb. 8-9, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation White Elephant Sale, Holmes Beach. Feb. 8, Annie Silver Community Center dinner, Bradenton Beach. Feb. 9, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, Jan. 9 11:30 a.m. — Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players luncheon and meeting, Elks Lodge, 2511 75th St. W, Bradenton. Information: 941-567-4960

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 9, 2019 n 13

GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES Jan. 21, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Feb. 2, Groundhog Day. Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Feb. 18, Presidents Day. March 10, daylight saving time begins. March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. March 20, spring begins.

GOOD DEEDS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Looking for volunteer opportunities on or around Anna Maria Island? These organizations are seeking help: Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Paradise Cafe games, music and socialThe Roser Food Bank needs donations of cash and nonperishizing, the Paradise Center, Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, able food. The pantry is administered by Roser Memorial Community Longboat Key. Fee applies. Information: 941-383-6493. Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Saturdays through May, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Farmers Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and Market, Old Main, Bradenton. Information: 941- 621-6471. forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. Anna Maria Island Historical Society museum seeks docents, LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0492. Feb. 8-9, Manatee River Garden Club Annual Flower Show, GET LISTED Bradenton. March, Mondays, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium lecSend announcements to calendar@islander.org. Please include ture series. the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication. ONGOING OFF AMI

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Shamrock shiver makes splash in Bradenton Beach

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter New Year’s Day proved to be the perfect time for a plunge. With 73-degree weather and clear skies, more than 100 people rushed Jan. 1 into the Gulf of Mexico for Clancy’s 11th annual Shamrock Shiver New Year’s Day Charity Plunge at Seventh Street South and Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. The event began with a costume contest judged by the crowd. Participants included Ron Stout, decked out as “Mr. Red Tide,” and a friend, Paul Devine, who wore a sea turtle blowup raft; Heather Horn, who was made up as a shamrock; and Bill Capobianco, who came as a unicorn that ate a monkey. Outfitted as an Amish couple, Mark Gritz and Robert Nott walked away with the contest’s top prize. At the beach, volunteers collected donations and sold event T-shirts and sand brushes. After the plunge at noon, people returned to Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub, 6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, for an after-party with raffles, live music, food, beverages and awards. Proceeds benefit Caring for Children Charities, the fundraising arm of the Sarasota-based nonprofit organization, Florida Winefest and Auction. Since its inception in 1991, Florida Winefest has

People plungers — some in costumes — charge into the Gulf of Mexico Jan. 1 for Clancy’s 11th annual Shamrock Shiver New Year’s Day Charity Plunge at Seventh Street South and Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice Mark Gritz, left, and Robert Nott, costumed as an Amish couple, win Clancy’s 11th annual Shamrock Shiver New Year’s Day Charity Plunge best costume contest.

donated more than $8.5 million to children’s charities. Clancy’s has helped raise $219,520 with its annual plunge since beginning in 2009. The 2019 plunge raised at least $27,000, with pledges and checks still rolling in as of Jan. 3, according to Jan Crudele of Florida Winefest. To pledge or make a donation, contact Crudele at 941-952-1109.

Bradenton Beach moves to expand pickleball court By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Expansion of a pickleball court in Bradenton Beach is to begin by the end of January. After receiving a $3,575 estimate Dec. 21, 2018, from Oneco Concrete and Asphalt, public works director Tom Woodard confirmed the city would accept the bid and expand the court in Lou Barolo South Park. The court is on the corner of Highland Avenue and Fourth Street North. It will be expanded 10 feet in length on the north end and 4 feet on the east side. The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency voted Dec. 5, 2018, to expand the court if the

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cost was less than $7,000. Woodard said in an interview Dec. 21 he expects the work to take two months. The first step will be site preparation, beginning with public works employees removing the border of an adjacent children’s playground. The court will be given a 2-foot border of crushed shell before the border of the playground is rebuilt. After the concrete expansions cure, the net will be centered and the court will be repainted and restriped. Woodard said the city received numerous complaints about the lack of runover space since the court was built in June 2017. The court meets regulation measurements at 20 by 44 feet and is surrounded by a 2-foot border area of crushed shell, but the USA Pickleball Association recommends a minimum play area of 30 feet by 60 feet to allow for runover space. Players also can use a multipurpose pickleballbasketball court at Herb Dolan Park on 26th Street North and Avenue A.

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Ron Stout, left, is outfitted as “Mr. Red Tide” for Clancy’s 11th annual Shamrock Shiver New Year’s Day Charity Plunge costume contest Jan. 1 in Bradenton Beach. He terrorized his sea turtle friend, Paul Devine, who took it all in fun.

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Center camp kids travel to Tampa museum

Winter-break campers from the Center of Anna Maria Island pose Jan. 4 upon arriving to the Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, for a field trip. Islander Photos: Courtesy Ashley Friszman By Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

AME calendar

â&#x20AC;˘ thursday, Jan. 10, second-quarter report cards go home. â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, Jan. 19, 8 a.m., dolphin dash. â&#x20AC;˘ monday, Jan. 21, martin Luther King Jr. Day, no school. â&#x20AC;˘ tuesday, Jan. 22, 5-7 p.m., Stem night. â&#x20AC;˘ tuesday, feb. 5, 6 p.m., princess Ball. â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday, feb. 6, 1:45 p.m., early release. â&#x20AC;˘ friday, march 8, 1 p.m., early release. anna maria elementary is at 4700 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. for more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

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Aramaic for the “voice of thunder.” QOL’s website, www.qolquartet.com, describes performances as “high-voltage singing, classic music and dramatic artistry.” Additional concerts will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, featuring harpist elizabeth gerberding, and 2 p.m. Sunday, march 17, featuring the florida gulf coast Brass Quintet. The concerts are free and open to the public. the church is at 6400 gulf of mexico drive, Longboat Key. for more information, call the church at 941-3838833.

JOY to learn about wildlife photography

Roser Memorial Community Church’s JOY/Just Older Youth group will hear from wildlife photographer Paul Crook during a session Wednesday, Jan. 9. the group will meet at 11 a.m. in the church fellowship hall, 512 pine ave., anna maria. Garnet R. Atkinson Crook, a resident of Perico Bay Club, photographs garnet r. atkinson, 71, of Bradenton, died dec. shorebirds and waterfowl and the public is invited to 27, 2018. He was born april 10, 1947, in Windsor in attend the program to learn how he uses his cameras, ontario, canada, to m. Harold and irene (Beard). as well as see his work. Mr. Atkinson owned and operated Attendees should bring a brown-bag lunch. his own truck, transporting all types Roser will provide desserts and beverages. of goods across the United States. JOY meets the second and fourth Wednesdays. after retiring in 2003, he worked For more information, go to the church website at at the Manatee County Golf Course. roserchurch.com or call the church office at 941-778a memorial service will be at 11 0414. roser also is on facebook — @roserchurch. Atkinson a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at northwest Baptist church, 7913 ninth ave. NW, Bradenton. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes 43rd Christ Church sets Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial winter concert series contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian project, p.o. Box 758516, topeka KS 66675-8516. (uSa) will begin its winter concert series Sunday, Jan. Condolences may be made to brownandsonsfuneral. 20, with a performance at 2 p.m. by QoL, a Sarasota- com. based quartet of professional singers. Qol is ancient Mr. Atkinson is survived by his wife of 38 years, dolores (Benoit), and son Scot of Holmes Beach.

Obituaries

Gregory T. Burke

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Gregory T. Burke, of Bradenton, died Jan. 2. He was born in Buffalo, New York, and had a long and distinguished career as an executive with Quebecor World, formerly Arcata Graphics. He served the nation proudly, earning multiple commendations as Burke a master chief in the U.S. Navy. Following retirement, he moved to Anna Maria Island, where he discovered his paradise, enjoyed the beautiful sunsets and continued his love of the water and boating.

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“Captain Greg” shared his love of the area through his work as a real estate associate, helping others find their dream homes. He had been an associate at Duncan Real Estate for several years. A celebration of life will be held at noon Saturday, feb. 9, at the Key royale club, 700 Key royale drive, Holmes Beach. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org. Condolences may be made to brownandsonsfuneral.com. He is survived by wife Cindy Jones-Burke; sons Greg Jr. and wife Jeanine Charlton, Kevin and wife Joanne; step-children Martha and Evan Jones; sister Colleen; and grandchildren Aaron, Kevin T., Michael and Kieran.

Albert ‘Al’ John DiCostanzo

Albert “Al” John DiCostanzo, 89, of Bradenton, died dec. 21, 2018. He was born april 27, 1929, in Valatie, New York, in the town of Kinderhook, to John and mary (palazzo). He graduated from Martin H. Glynn High School in 1946, proudly served in the u.S. marine corps until 1948, and remained in the army reserve. He attended Syracuse University, was an athlete on both the boxing and football teams, and graduated in 1954. He was proud to have joined Beta Theta Pi and considered himself a brother for life. in 1962, mr. dicostanzo began his career in the corrugated box industry, employed by Inland container. In DiCostanzo 1969, he moved his family to racine, Wisconsin, where he worked as general manager of Racine Packaging, a division of Great Northern Corporation. Eventually he became president and part owner of the company. He married Karen frances Buzzell in 1982. He retired in 1994 and moved to anna maria island in 1998. He was an avid golfer, eternally pursuing that elusive perfect game. He also enjoyed watching his beloved Green Bay Packers, traveling, reading — especially the subject of history, grilling and spending time with his family, including Beau, their dog. a celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 pine ave., anna maria. memorial donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice of Bradenton at tidewellPLEASE SEE ObituARieS, NExT PAGE

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THE ISLANDER n Jan. 9, 2019 n 19

Obituaries continued from page 18 hospice.org/home/giving/ or Roser Memorial Community Church at roserchurch.com/give/. He is survived by his wife, Karen; son Steven J. and wife Diane of Bridgeport, Connecticut; daughters Lucy A. of New York City and Laura Tracht and husband Bob of Orlando; grandchildren Lily and Oliver, and Benjamin, Madeline and Daniel Tracht; sister, Gloria DiCostanzo-Regan of Windsor, Connecticut; and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara Lee Puryear

Barbara Lee Puryear, 84, of Karlin, Michigan, and Anna Maria Island, died Sept. 16, 2018. She was born April 28, 1934, in Detroit to Everett and Evelyn Barrick. She filled her life with adventure, Puryear as she and her husband hiked the Grand Canyon, snorkeled in Hawaii, canoed Quetico Boundary waters and drove their RV to Alaska. She had fun entertaining kids as Bobby Gooseberry, a professional clown. And she enjoyed bonfires on the beach at home in Michigan, as well as playing card games with friends and family. Until recently, she spent winters on Anna Maria Island, where favorite pastimes included visits to the Rod & Reel Pier and bicycling around her neighborhood. With friends, she spent delightful evenings at the Island Players theater, as well as dancing and singing karaoke at the Moose Lodge. The relaxed atmosphere of island life was a perfect way to spend her retirement. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at Tropical Isles in Palmetto. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Herbert Ladd; daughters Rochelle Day and Stacey; grandchildren Jesse and Justin Zirwes; brother Don Barrick; and sister Karen Murray.

Cassie and husband Mat Zwiebel of Richfield; greatgrandson Noah Zwiebel of Richfield; brother Les and wife Barb Hexum of Deephaven; sister Linda and husband Nick Vangelof of St. Francis; brother Steve Schoolmeisters of Bradenton; step-sister Joan and husband Marty Luhman of Rochester; and step-brothers John and wife Sue Schoolmeisters of Otsego, and Jim and wife Marylin Schoolmeisters of Harris, Minnesota.

Dolores Jenkins Socia

Dolores Jenkins Socia of Holmes Beach died Jan. 3. She was born in Mineral Wells, Texas, Sept. 18, 1930, to George W. and Willie Lea Jenkins. The family is grateful for the many wonderful nurses and caregivers who attended to her needs over the years. They cared for her like family and made sure she was able to make daily excursions and visit loved ones. A private family service was held Jan. 5 in Bradenton. Memorial donations may be made to Anna Maria Socia Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, 2213 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach FL 34217. Condolences may be made online at www.griffithcline.com. She is survived by her husband of more than 40 years, Clarence J. of Holmes Beach; children Linda L. Joseph and husband Mike of Las Vegas, William

Milestone

E. Crenshaw and wife Denise of Lakeland, Sammye D. Simpler and husband Ken of Pensacola and George L. Crenshaw and wife Marti of Holmes Beach; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Patricia Annette Whitfield

Patricia Annette (Millican) Whitfield died Jan. 3. She was born May 27, 1941, in Skene, Mississippi, the fourth child born to Andrew and Sarah Millican. She was married 53 years to Billy Whitfield. She was an elementary educator in Manatee County for more than 30 years and spent 27 years teaching at Anna Maria Elementary School. Whitfield She retired from the Manatee County School District in 2004. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at Fogartyville Cemetery, 4200 Third Ave. NW, Bradenton. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to brownandsonsfuneral.com. She is survived by her children, Ellen Darrice and husband Vic Hoffman, William “Bill” James and wife Kapi, and Jerald “Jerry” Andrew and wife Stacey; grandchildren Wyatt and Dayle Hoffman and Chasten, Caden, Sidney and Isabelle; siblings Cille McCool, Jean Millen and Peggy Sullivan; and many nieces and nephews.

Surprise!

Jack Elka’s wife surprised him in late-2018 with a ruse that drew him to the Mixon Farmhouse in east Bradenton Dec. 8 for a birthday celebration with friends — including entertainer Billy Rice and his band with Jack on keyboard. Elka, longtime island photographer and a shooter for The Islander, is pictured in front — shades and white shirt. Wife Hope is far left. Islander Photo: Jack Elka drone!

Beverly Ann Schauss

Beverly Ann (Hexum) Schauss died Dec. 20, 2018. She was born Jan. 20, 1931, in Rochester, Minnesota. Mrs. Schauss was a 39-year resident of Holmes Beach and served on the Seaside Gardens board. She attended Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, 1949-51. She had Schauss a long career in nursing, earning her degree in May 1982. She worked at Blake Memorial Center, Pinnacle Health and other locations. A celebration of life will be held 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at 464 63rd St., Holmes Beach, the residence of friend and neighbor Sandy Haas-Martens. Memorial donations may be made to Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton FL 34209. She is survived by sons Chuck and wife Kim of Otsego, Minnesota, and Scott and wife Lynda of Red Wing, Minnesota; grandchildren Eric and Owen of Red Wing, Tony and wife Jaimie Samuelson of Shakopee,

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Elaine Nowicki Once upon a time there was a girl named Elaine Nowicki. She was born not too long ago, only 67 years in the Motor City, but soon journeyed north to the Alpine Village of Gaylord, Michigan to build a beautiful life with her Prince Charming, Mark Nowicki. After many years of happiness and struggles that only made her stronger, vicious pancreatic cancer attacked Elaine. But that’s not the important part of her story. Let me tell you about this magical, lovely girl. Elaine met Mark when she was just a little girl and they courted throughout high school. While Mark served his country in the US Army Reserves, Elaine finished her studies at Macomb Community College and became trusted for her cash management skills. Soon the couple wed in the traditional Polish custom. While they had hoped for more children, God blessed them with just one child. That child was me, their daughter. Together my parents, along with my Uncle Matthew and Auntie Janet Nowicki, built a successful and well-respected family business and legacy: M&M Excavating. My parents first dates included street racing on Woodward Avenue and they never really left the race track. Together they made his-

Mark and Elaine Nowicki

tory in the drag racing world, certainly through their extensive achievements with M&M Express but even more so with the deep friendships they fostered. My mom loved. She loved well, and big, and often. She loved through her generous volunteering, her intricate crafting and her abundant gifting, which was the result of 70 documented epic shopping adventures with her “Special Friends”. She lived her life from season to season and from one celebration to the next with a radiant passion for holidays, especially Christmas. My mom loved her family without measured, especially her two grandsons, who were aaaaawesome! While many will mourn her loss, my hope, and surely her request, is for her life to have made a positive impact on our world, especially with those whom survive: her faithful husband: Mark, my husband and I: Erik and Brandie Meisner, grandsons: Ryan and Kevin, her mother: Wanda, her sisters: Evelyn, Janet and Renee, her brothers: Matthew, Henry, Walter and Michael along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. We find joy in the knowledge that she was greeted in Heaven by her father: Henry, along with Mark’s parents: Matthew and Annaliese. And Elaine lived happily ever after, for all of eternity… The visitation takes place at Nelson Funeral Home, Friday, January 4, from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. A Rosary will be offered at the funeral home on Friday January 4, at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday January 5, 2019, at St. Mary Cathedral, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to beloved charities: Food For The Poor or St. Martin de Porres Ministry of Bradenton Beach. Additionally, the family will establish the Elaine Nowicki Awesome Foundation to perpetuate her love for giving. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Service. — By Brandie Nowicki-Meisner

Streetlife

20 n Jan. 9, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Peurifoy posted $120 bond and was released, pending his 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, arraignment at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Cops & Court By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Man arrested for DUI in Holmes Beach

Polite initially and then uncooperative was how Holmes Beach police described a Bradenton man arrested for driving under the influence. Motorist Joshua Peurifoy, 33, was arrested at 12:53 a.m. Dec. 21, 2018, by the HBPD on Gulf Drive at East Bay Drive after an officer observed him swerving and weaving Peurifoy as he traveled south on East Bay. Peurifoy told police he drank one-two beers at D.Coy Ducks Tavern, was sober and on his way to another bar. According to the HBPD report, Peurifoy had poor balance and refused to place his hands behind his back and get into the patrol vehicle. The report also states police â&#x20AC;&#x153;cajoledâ&#x20AC;? Peurifoy into the patrol vehicle and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he refused to provide breath samples for a blood alcohol content test.

Man arrested for DUI, drugs in Holmes Beach

Turning east onto Manatee Avenue from Gulf Drive, a man weaved into a curb and was arrested for impaired driving. Ethan Brannock, 29, of Bradenton, was arrested at 2:53 a.m. Dec.15, 2018, for driving under the influence and possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana. Holmes Beach Police Officer Michael Van Horn stopped Brannock in a 2016 Toyota Tundra in the 700 Brannock block of Manatee Avenue. Brannock jokingly denied driving the vehicle and said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d had nothing to drink, but then changed his story several times to consuming one beer, two beers and six beers. Van Horn noted an odor of marijuana after approaching Brannock and, in a vehicle search, found open beer cans and 2.7 grams of marijuana. Van Horn also ticketed the motorist for an open container. Island watch Brannock was transported to the county jail, In the event of an emergency, call 911.To report where he posted a $620 bond and was released. His information on island crime, call the MCSO Anna Maria arraignment is 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at the substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941- Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. 778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804. W., Bradenton.

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria No reports. Anna Maria is policed by the Manatee County Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office. Bradenton Beach Jan. 1, 135 Bridge St., disorderly conduct. Bradenton Beach police were flagged to a disturbance at the dinghy dock. People at the clock tower near the Historic Bridge Street Pier reported watching the man scream, yell obscenities and drink alcohol. One onlooker signed a complaint and police arrested the man and transported him to the Manatee County jail. Dec. 29, 900 block of Gulf Drive North, criminal mischief. Windows were broken in two parked vehicles. Photography equipment valued at $3,000 was reported stolen from one vehicle. Nothing was reported missing from the second vehicle. Dec. 26, Coquina Beach, 1700 Gulf Drive S., drug violation. Bradenton Beach police observed a man and woman in the front seat of a vehicle in the parking lot after-hours. When they approached the vehicle, the officers saw several needles, lighters and other drug paraphernalia among piles of belongings in the vehicle. The man was issued a citation for possessing paraphernalia. Please, see streetlife, next page

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THE ISLANDER n JAN. 9, 2019 n 21

Roadwatch Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following notices for the week beginning Jan. 7: Gulf Drive in bradenton beach: as part of a pipeline replacement project, crews were working on Gulf Drive between Ninth Street North and Cortez Road. Paving on Gulf Drive from Cortez road to 10th Street will take place this month, during daytime hours. Avenue C in bradenton beach: as part of a pipeline replacement project, right-of-way restoration work is taking place, including paving operations on 23rd, 24th and 25th streets. Gulf Drive in Holmes beach: as part of a pipeline replacement project, Gulf Drive is closed to northbound traffic at 81st Street, with northbound traffic being detoured on 81st Street to access Palm Drive. For more information about the pipeline replacement projects on the island, go online to amipipereplacement.com. For the latest road watch information, go online to www.fl511.com or dial 511.

StReetlife continued from page 20 Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez No reports. Cortez is policed by the MCSO. Holmes beach No reports. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

High-speed, high-priced sports car crash ends in Holmes Beach in DUI arrest

a Bradenton woman fishtailed, spun and crashed into two street signs while driving a 2016 Lamborghini on Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach. the driver, Kiri Stewart, 30, and her passenger, island businessman Shawn Kaleta, exited the vehicle uninjured, according to a Holmes Beach police report. Stewart, 30, was arrested at 1:29 a.m. dec. 29, 2018, for driving under Stewart the influence with property damage by Holmes Beach police. from a parking lot at 4000 gulf drive, officer Michael Van Horn witnessed the Lamborghini travel south on Gulf Drive and take a wide, left turn onto Manatee Avenue at a high rate of speed. According to his report, the motorist accelerated aggressively, swerving off and back on the road, nearly hitting another eastbound vehicle from behind. The Lamborghini braked, passed the vehicle on its right, spun 180 degrees and struck two signs. Van Horn approached the vehicle, determined there were no injuries and observed the passenger exit the vehicle, ignoring requests to remain in the car. Stewart removed her high heels and began per-

forming the field-sobriety test. Kaleta said, “You don’t have to do this,” according to the report. Several times Van Horn told Kaleta to step away and not to interfere with his investigation. Stewart performed poorly on the roadside tests and was taken to the Holmes Beach police station, where she refused to take a blood-alcohol breath test. at the station, Stewart told the officers, “Shawn said we have a get out of jail free card. I guess we don’t.” West Manatee Fire Rescue was called to the scene due to smoke and odor from the vehicle, and disabled the Lamborghini power system. With only 7,000 miles and an estimated $150,000 in damages, the vehicle was towed. The Florida Highway Patrol also responded, reported the crash was due to “inattentive,” careless operation, exceeding the posted speed, running off the road and over-correction. Stewart was transported to the Manatee County jail, where she posted a $500 bond and was released. Her arraignment is set for 8:30 a.m. thursday, Jan. 31, at the manatee county Judicial center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Kiri Stewart, 30, of Bradenton, was arrested by Holmes Beach police for driving under the inﬂuence with property damage at 1:29 a.m. Dec. 29, 2018, after a crash on Manatee Avenue.

22 n JAN. 9, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

remains in the sediment at the bottom of the Gulf. That oil contains heavy metals, such as aluminum, manganese, cobalt, copper, zinc and mercury, which can block sodium and calcium ion channels in olfactory systems. Researchers at FAU sought to quantify the physiological effects of crude on the olfactory function of By Lisa Neff a marine vertebrate — the Atlantic stingray. The research results, published in Scientific reports, confirm that exposure to crude oil in conShark tails and centrations, like those found after the Deepwater spill, ‘crude’ research significantly impaired olfactory function in the atlantic stingray after just 48 hours of exposure. Researchers seeking to understand how sharks The researchers’ findings suggest exposure to move with speed in the water hypothesized they might develop like people, getting stiffer as Sharks bend, swim and maneuver in the ocean much crude oil could detrimentally impact stingray fitness, differently than their bony fish counterparts. Islander lead to premature death and have cascading effects in they age. the Gulf of Mexico. Courtesy Photo: Greg Skomal The hypothesis was wrong. Sharks have mineralized cartilage skeletons instead of bones, allowing insertion and first dorsal fin origin — and posterior them to speed through the water. The region — the second dorsal fin origin and pre-caudal cartilage is lighter and less dense pit. They conducted mechanical tests and evaluated the Neff than bone, so sharks bend, swim and relationship between stiffness and toughness. maneuver differently than bony fish. The assumption that sharks, like humans and many In a study published early in January, scientists other animals, get stiffer and tougher as they reach from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt adulthood, proved incorrect. The youngest sharks were College of Science and the National Marine Fisheries stiffer, able to resist compression, and tougher, able to Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis- absorb more energy. tration examined the cartilage mechanics of sharks. The researchers also found cartilage was stiffer and Elasmobranchs such as the Atlantic stingray have Theorizing that the solid central part of the verte- tougher in the posteriorly-located vertebrae, toward the well-developed sensory systems, which are critical to brae in older sharks would be stiffer and tougher, they back of the shark body. The stiffer and tougher tail alerting them to predators, prey, mates and environmental conditions. Islander Photo: Courtesy Stephen examined infant sharks, immature sharks and mature better enables a shark to move forward. sharks from different species. In another recent study, FAU researchers exam- M. Kajiura/Florida Atlantic University Studying the dusky shark, porbeagle, great white ined the impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill on shark, shortfin mako and common thresher, the research- stingrays. Sky observers plan ers focused on the anterior region — the pectoral fin in the spring of 2010, nearly 5 million barrels of Robinson outing crude oil oozed into the Gulf of Mexico, degrading the marine ecosystem surrounding the spill site and The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers, a directly impacting coastal habitats along 1,100 miles Bradenton/Sarasota group of astronomy enthusiof shoreline. asts, will hold its first Sidewalk astronomy event an estimated 10 million gallons of crude oil of 2019 at robinson preserve. Weather permitting, members of the group will be in robinson 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, to make their high-quality telescopes available for º/ iÀiÊ ÃÊ Ê ÛiÊÃ ViÀiÀÊÌ > Ê public viewing of the night sky. Ì iÊ ÛiÊ vÊv `°»ÊpÊ ° °Ê- >Ü Special … Wiener Schnitzel with melted Brie The event will be in the parking area accessed cheese served with homemade cranberry sauce from Robinson Preserve’s newest entrance at and walnuts over spätzle with a side salad. 10299 ninth ave. nW, Bradenton. Haxen Fri-Sat Nights (reserve ahead) Dinner Monday-Saturday 5-9 An announcement said observing highlights could include a wintertime favorite, the Great 941.778.1320 UÊ iÊ ÊUÊ >ÀÀÞÊ"ÕÌÊUÊ"«i ÊÇÊ >ÞÃÉ££\Îä http://schnitzel.house Nebula in Orion, as well as the planets Mars, 3246 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach ÊÊx{äÈÊ >À >Ê À ÛiÊUÊ Ã > `Ê- «« }Ê i ÌiÀ uranus and neptune. the first quarter moon and iÃÊ i>V ÊUÊ {£°ÇÇn°xä Ó other deep-sky wonders also will be viewed. Sidewalk Astronomy is free of charge and is T-Shirts open to people of all ages. $10 @ The For more information, contact group president Islander, 3218 E. Bay Jonathan Sabin at 941-518-8695 or go online to Drive, HB. lgdso.com.

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THE ISLANDER n JAN. 9, 2019 n 23

Celebrants on the beach enjoy an up-close view of the fireworks show put on by the Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton Beach to welcome the new year. Islander Photos: Dara Caudill / islandphotography.com

Dancers ring in the new year to the music of Chuck Caudill at the Beach House. The Scheuerle family of Holmes Beach and Raleigh, North Carolina, wait for the midnight show of fireworks on the beach in Bradenton Beach.

Danny “the fireworks guy” Jimenez waits on the beach with buckets of rockets for the midnight hour to light the sky.

Snoopy Gates looks forward to 2019 at the Beach House Restaurant New Year’s Eve celebration.

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Disc golf at G.T. Bray offers challenging outing By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter Let’s tee up. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to get a little exercise and have some fun in the new year, then I’ve got a game for you. It’s disc golf. And there’s a course nearby at G.T. Bray Park, 2811 51st St. W., Bradenton. It borders Happy Tails Dog Park, leading to jokes about the 10th hole being a true “dog leg.” Cassidy Disc golf is similar to golf in that it’s played on an expansive outdoor course, but in this game you throw a modified frisbee into baskets made of hanging chains that are designed to slow the disc and catch it, before it drops into the hole, which is a large metal basket. The 18-hole course at Bray winds through the park’s oak tree canopy, creating a challenging course for beginners and experts. Note: “I’m not a beginner, but I’m no expert.” I often join former islander Ken Richards and Bradenton residents Doug Larsson and Jason Morrow at the park for 18-hole matches. The holes are mostly 200-300 feet long with trees being the main hazard for disc golfers. There are a few areas where an errant throw can put a golfer in the water. It takes about an hour to play 18 holes and there is no cost, other than that of a disc, which differs from a regular Whamo Frisbee. The golf disc is smaller in diameter, a little heavier and it’s not made for catching, just throwing. A disc will run about $10, but you can get a starter kit with a driver, mid-range and putter for about $22. Jeff Tomaloff, left, and his brother, visiting Anna Maria Island from Wisconsin, show off a giant amberjack — pushing 80 pounds — that exploded on a Halco popper Jan. 2. The pair also had many others up to 50 pounds. They spent two days fishing, Jan. 1-2, with Capt. Jason Stock, who put the anglers on a big school of amberjack were blasting the surface. Stock said 2019 launched with “beautiful weather and great fishing!”

Jan 9 Jan 10 Jan 11 Jan 12 Jan 13 Jan 14 Jan 15 Jan 16

HIGH

2:42p 1:07a 1:57a 2:54a 4:04a 5:35a 7:25a 9:14a

1.3 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.3 1.1 1.0 1.0

Key Royale golf news The men got together Dec. 31 for their final round of golf in 2018 with a nine-hole modified-Stableford match. Bill Brodie won clubhouse bragging rights with a plus-4 to edge Blake Ress and Earl Ritchie, who were both a point back in a tie for second place. Fifty-three golfers turned out Jan. 3 for a nine-hole scramble. The team of Jon Holcomb, Fred Miller, Bob Reid and Dan Richardson combined on a 4-under-par 28 to match the score carded by Bill Brodie, Blake Ress and Earl Ritchie. Not sure who bought drinks in the clubhouse following the round. The team of Marty Hicks, Bob Longworth, Jack Lowry and Diane Miller was a stroke back in second place. Horseshoe news Three teams kicked off the new year with 3-0 poolplay records and a trip to the knockout stage during Jan. 2 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall Jason Morrow of Bradenton lines up his putt on the horseshoe pits. 15th hole in a game of disc golf at the course at G.T. The team of Neil Hennessey and Tom Skoloda Bray Park in Bradenton. Islander Photos: Kevin P. drew the lucky bye into the finals and watched as Cassidy Myles Macleod and Dom Livedoti advanced to the finals after edging Bob Palmer and Gene Bobeldyk There is a G.T. Bray Disc Golf Facebook page for by a 21-18 score. Hennessey and Skoloda captured the those looking to connect with disc golf enthusiasts and day’s proceedings with a 21-18 victory over Macleod a disc golf website, dgcoursereview.com, where you and Livedoti. The Jan. 5 games saw 91-year-old Fritz Eldrich can find a map of the Bray course as well as others. team up with Palmer to advance to the championship match, but they fell just short, losing 22-18 to Bob Mason and Steve Doyle. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome. Registration opens for adult volleyball The Center of Anna Maria Island invites adult volleyball enthusiasts to sign up for a season of coed volleyball. Players can sign up as a team — a maximum of six players — or as an individual to be assigned to a team. Each team will be required to have a female player on the floor at all times. Cost for the league is $10 for center members and $96 for nonmembers. Matches will be played Tuesdays starting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 29. The last day to register will be Jan. 19. Interested sponsors or those with questions about the league can contact Will Schenerlein at will@centerami.org or 941-778-1908. To register, visit the center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, or centerami.org.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Adult soccer finals finally rescheduled The rained-out adult soccer league championships at the Center of Anna Maria Island — originally scheduled for Dec. 20 — have tentatively been rescheduled to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, according to the center.

11:51p 3:22p 3:51p 4:25p 5:03p 5:43p 6:27p 7:12p

HIGH

2.3 7:10a 1.3 8:32a 1.3 9:07a 1.4 9:45a 1.5 10:24a 1.7 11:06a 1.8 1:00a 1.9 2:08a

LOW

-0.5 -0.3 -0.2 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.1 -0.2

5:28p 8:02p 9:09p 10:23p 11:43p — 11:50a 12:36p

1.2 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.4 — 0.6 0.8

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Spring-like weather early in 2019 displaces winter fishing By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Fishing is exceptional thanks to the spring-like conditions on Anna Maria Island in January. Whether inshore, nearshore or offshore, there are fish to be caught and there is beautiful weather to enjoy. And there was no hint of red tide. The inshore bite for spotted seatrout is quite good when using artificials like soft plastics combined with a jig head. When targeting trout, you will encounter ladyfish and possibly a few pompano. Stasny Fishing structure — inshore and offshore — is yielding a variety of species, with the most prominent being sheepshead. Live shrimp is working well for these convict-striped fish, as well as mangrove snapper, porgies, Key West grunts and hogfish. Fishing along the beaches, especially for whiting and black drum, is proving to be good when baiting with live shrimp. moving offshore, fishing wrecks, reefs and ledges is producing a variety of fish, including amberjack, bonito, hogfish, snappers and goliath grouper. So no matter what type of fisher you are, anna maria island is hosting some great fishing experiences in January. On my Southernaire charters, I’m working inshore and nearshore for a variety of species. Sheepshead by far are the most abundant. i’m finding them around structure in Tampa Bay and along the beaches. Casting live shrimp on a knocker rig is luring these nibblers to the hook. most are 14 inches, although fish up to 18 inches are common. Fishing around wrecks and reefs is yielding mangrove snapper and Key West grunts. Again, live shrimp on a knocker rig is working well, as my clients are reeling up snapper — in the 18-inch range — and an abundance of grunts. Black drum for the cooler and catch-and-release redfish are being caught along beaches and grassy areas. most of the black drum are in the slot of 14-24 inches. as for the catch-and-release redfish, most are 20-26 inches. So if the weather holds, don’t miss the opportunity to get out and do some January fishing. Whether for sport or for dinner, you’re sure to find it rewarding. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is ringing in the new year with good catches of sheepshead and mangrove snapper. Both are being caught by pier anglers on live shrimp as bait. Other species, such as black drum and catch-and-release redfish also are taking live shrimp offerings. Malfese also says that casting shrimp-tipped jigs is producing some action on pompano, although the bite is sporadic. Southernaire Fishing Charters

Zolly Fried, left, and brother-in-law Peter Brandon, both from Canada, along with Jason and Henry Havﬂik of Minnesota show off their rich reward of mangrove snapper tripletail and sheepshead, caught Dec. 29 with shrimp for bait. The men were guided offshore by Capt. Warren Girle. Capt. Aaron Lowman is working nearshore structure with good results. Fishing around ledges and hard bottom is resulting in mangrove snapper, porgies and Key West grunts for his clients. All three species are taking live shrimp on a knocker rig. moving inshore, Lowman is finding action around residential docks on sheepshead and catch-and-release redfish. again, live shrimp works well as bait. Lastly, casting soft plastics over grass flats in Tampa Bay is luring spotted seatrout to the hook — and the fry pan. Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is running nearshore along the Gulf beaches for a variety of species. Finding ledges or other structure is yielding mangrove snapper, sheepshead, porgies and white grunts. this bite is occurring in depths of 30-50 feet of water. Live shrimp are Gross’ bait of choice. moving into depths of 10-20 feet of water is producing action on spotted seatrout and black drum. Capt. Warren Girle is taking charters in the Gulf

of Mexico for a variety of species, including tripletail, which are being found around floating debris and are taking live shrimp offerings. While at anchor in depths of 40-50 feet of water, Girle is finding numerous snapper, grunts, sheepshead and groupers. Again, live shrimp is the bait of choice. While fishing inshore, girle is putting anglers on black drum and sheepshead, as well as catch-and-release redfish around structure in tampa Bay. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is targeting sheepshead around structure in Tampa Bay. Using live shrimp as bait around bridges, docks and rock piles is yielding good numbers of the tasty fish. While targeting sheepies, White is picking up black drum and catch-and-release redfish. Casting jigs around the passes is yielding pompano for White’s anglers. these fish are being caught on deeper grass flats. fly fishing with White is going well, especially at night for catch-and-release snook. casting flies around green underwater dock lights is resulting in good action on the linesiders. capt. Jason Stock is fishing offshore with great results. With any string of calm days, Stock is venturing out to wrecks and other structure offshore for a variety of species. Mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper and hogfish are being caught frequently by Stock’s clients. for fish that pull hard, Stock is putting anglers on amberjack, bonito and goliath grouper. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Capt. Jason Stock led a charter fishing trip Jan. 3 to a hot mangrove snapper bite. Ray Feeney of Illinois shows off just one of the 35 snappers that the anglers kept while on a holiday break on Anna Maria Island with family.

Fishing tip! If you hook a bird: Reel, remove and release!

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26 n JAN. 9, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

isl

Bortellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owner on business future, personal healing

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Launching 2019

Get your SWAT bling going! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time again! The annual Strong Women Aligning Together celebration, Boots and Bling, is set for 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, at Hidden acres Barn, 6004 Willis Road, Palmetto. The womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event will include dancing and a barbecue as SWat names its 2018 award winners. The Anna Maria Island SWAT chapter meets the third thursday of each month at 11:45 a.m. at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 gulf drive S., Bradenton Beach. contact island director Janice teeter at 410382-2257 for information. For more information about SWAT or tickets to Boots and Bling, visit swatnetworking.com or call Deb gerard at 941-223-4144. Sponsors also are welcome. Looking to volunteer? The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers to help at the chamber office and visitor center, 5313 marina drive, Holmes Beach. Volunteers can look forward to greeting and directing folks from around the world, the chamber said. For more information, email info@amichamber. org or call the office at 941-778-1541. Galatiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s views appear in boating publication galati Yacht Sales, 900 S. Bay Blvd., anna maria, has twice won the Boating Industry Dealer of the Year. the distinction sent galati this year to the top 100 Hall of Fame dealers. Boating Industry recently asked Galati and other hall of famers for insight in dealing with a downturn in the boating market. Galati sales vice president Darren Plymale told the trade magazine safeguards exist that were not in place before the last industry crisis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our new vessel inventory is less than half today than at the peak prior to the financial crisis,â&#x20AC;? plymale told Boating Industry. galati marine began in 1970, when michael galati Sr. rebuilt a hurricane-damaged marina on the north end of anna maria island. in 1976, the marina sold its first boat. NEW

NG ISTI

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Islanders were taken by surprise when the doors to Bortellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lounge opened Christmas Eve and the bar filled with friends and family for the first time in eight months. Steve rose had the windows at Bortellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 10002 gulf drive, anna maria, papered in april 2018 with a sign that read â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gone Fishin.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Rose, who with wife Marci Wilhelm owns the lounge, said he had no idea how long that door would stay closed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Behind! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m behind,â&#x20AC;? Rose said with a laugh as he spoke to The Islander Jan. 3. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At least three and half months behind right off the table.â&#x20AC;? Rose had planned to renovate the bar, which has operated since 1978. He also had hoped to reopen by the time Christmas Eve rolled around, but that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t to be. He and Wilhelm were injured in a private plane crash in September 2018 and they did not return to Florida until November. â&#x20AC;&#x153;iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent eight of the past 10 christmas eveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Bortellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. it was so fitting to be there again, after all thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happened,â&#x20AC;? rose said of 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;it was just spur of the moment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for the community.â&#x20AC;? Rose said he began to feel nostalgic and he and Wilhelm decided to open the doors and serve free

drinks and pizza to all. Word spread on social media of the party and it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take long for locals, along with some curious holiday visitors and passersby, to fill the bar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;the old girl definitely needs a redo. i need one of everything and two of something,â&#x20AC;? Rose quipped. Rose plans to strip the structure to the bare walls, including the 1970s wood-tone paneling, but he promises to keep Bortellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s familiar to bar regulars. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The bar will be in the same place, everything will be as much like the old bar as possible, but modernized,â&#x20AC;? Rose said. How long the rehab will take is anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guess, Rose admitted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to be back open by May. Or June. But we all know, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t circle a date on the calendar,â&#x20AC;? he said. rose said anna maria officials have been â&#x20AC;&#x153;nothing but helpfulâ&#x20AC;? getting the process underway. Architects are currently finalizing plans for the redo, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;i would have loved to be finished and back open by now,â&#x20AC;? Rose said. As for the crash, Rose said he and Wilhelm are doing their best to put it behind them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a horrible, tragic event, but we are not going to dwell on any of the negatives. We are very fortunate to have survived. We are healing very well.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now we are focused on recovery.â&#x20AC;? Rose said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to get Bortellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done. After all, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a community meeting place for 40 years.â&#x20AC;?

BizCal

AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gone Fishinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? sign appeared at Bortellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lounge in April 2018. Islander File Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Wednesday, Jan. 9 7:45 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Early-riser breakfast, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Members $8, guests $16. Information: 941-778-1541, info@amichamber.org. Wednesday, Jan 23 5 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Business-card exchange and trolley awards, Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Members $5, guests $10. Information: 941-778-1541, info@ amichamber.org.

LONGBOAT KEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE When Galati Senior died, family members took over for him and grew the business. Today the company has locations in Florida, Thursday, Jan. 17 11:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Networking@Noon, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Mexico and Costa Rica. for more information, call 941-778-0755 or visit Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Members $25, guests $35. Information: 941-387-9000, info@longboatkeychamber.com. galatiyachts.com.

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THE ISLANDER n JAN. 9, 2019 n 27

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28 n JAN. 9, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

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

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

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

Bed: A bargain!

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

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS ITEMS FOR SALE

ESTATE SALES

WOOD CHAIRS AND desk, $10 each. Bessler photo enlarger, $75. 941-356-1456.

ESTATE SALE: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12. 530 72nd St., Anna Maria Island. All coastal furnishings and accessories: pair leather electric recliners, leather sofa, dinette set with six chairs, cherry round table with six chairs and lazy Susan, stressless recliner, two sets of bar chairs, pair of etegares, marble-top wine table, ﬁve pairs of lamps, king bed set, pair of very good trundle beds, LG washer and dryer, patio set, Blu-ray player, tropical armoire, ﬂoor lamps, nice area rugs, coffee table, DVD and VCR player, Penn and other rods and reels, lures, deck chairs, four stools, mermaid, nice tools, shelves, two bikes, lots of accessories, a lot of linens and nice kitchenware. Pix: www.estatesales.net. Sale by Julie McClure.

BEVELED MIRRORS (2) bronze, wood frames, 27-by - 33-inches, $20 each. 614946-5070. SOFA, LOVESEAT AND chair: Great condition, gray, no stains, from smoke-free home, $100. 734-678-5171. R O YA L C R O W N F O R D I R O N S T O N E Staffordshire England pottery jug and bowl. Very good condition. $60. 941-348-3413. BISTRO TABLE, TALL, glass top, two tall chairs, $100. 570-704-8486 or 941-7781264. ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander ofﬁce, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. FOUR OAK OFFICE chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

WE LIKE LIKES f acebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

AdoptA-Pet Smokey and Diamond. bonded pair, mother and son. 2 and 8 years old. Apply to adopt the pair at www. moonraceranimalrescue.com. Call lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit the islander next to Paradise Cafe in Holmes beach for more …

O N L I N E

T W I T C H

J A F A R

U T I C A

G I N U P

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

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

T R I B E C A A M U S T

I O N I Z E S

P E T T A X T I R I L L S L A S T S

M A R T E N S T R O P R O A M R U E

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

B A S E A F O R E S K I R T I S S U E

I C E R

S C R A P

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

T A T R K O T E T H Y L

T H E S E

I M P A C T

N I E C E S

BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunﬁsh, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941-685-1400. PONTOON BOAT RENTAL Create life long memories. Call 941-778-2121 or see boatﬂorida.net.

CHEF VINCENZO NOW open for business from our catering kitchen at the Elks Club, 2511 75th St. W., Bradenton. 5 minutes from the island. Until we open our new location, please, feel free to call me if you need dinners or catering, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Italian Kitchen, 941-896-9754 (same number) or chef’s cell, 941-773-6957. Thank you, Chef Vincenzo.

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

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

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.

A U P T P E

BOATS & BOATING

HELP WANTED

AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase onli ne: www.jackelka.com.

ANSWERS TO JAN. 9 PUZZLE

WANTED! FOSTERS, VOLUNTEERS to help Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue. Please email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail. com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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