The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, June 28, 2017 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Top Notch time. 13 Celebrating freedom. 13

Tracking Eliza Ann. 24 JUNE 28, 2017 FREE

VOLUME 25, NO. 35

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992 AsTheWorldTerns test deck chairs July 4. 6 Top priority: IslandKey traffic study. 3 Community center losses add up. 4

www.islander.org

2nd swimmer in 3 weeks dies in Gulf of Mexico

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

Island police ready to roll for holiday. 8

Meetings

On the government calendar. 8

The Longboat Key Fire-Rescue boat joins in a June 25 search at about 7:20 p.m. at the beach in the area of 47th Street in Holmes Beach for a swimmer who disappeared from a sandbar. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter spotted Michael Angelo Rosario Alvarez, 29, of Haines City, in the Gulf of Mexico shortly after 8:30 p.m. and a marine rescue PWC brought the body to shore. See story, page 2. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

A woman makes frantic calls shortly after 7 p.m. June 25 from the beach as Holmes Beach police officers stand near where Michael Angelo Rosario Alvarez drowned in the surf near the 47th Street. Alvarez was brought ashore by marine rescue after a search lasting almost two hours.

Happenings

Community events, announcements. 10-11 DOT, county agree to realign 119th Street in Cortez. 14

Obituaries. 21

Gathering. 21

Streetlife. 22 Anna Maria bans boats from Bayfront Park. 23

PropertyWatch. 26 Land of the free and green. 27 Sports roundup. 28 Storms put damper on island fishing. 29 Lobstah’s closes, Zota opens. 30 Classifieds. 32

No vacancy? Not really Crowds gather at the beach nightly, weather permitting, when the heat eases up as the sun melts on the horizon. But are there available accommodations for the holiday? Some local lodging establishments display signs letting travelers know when their rooms are full. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter It’s summertime, summertime and the family vacation season is in full swing. So where are the visitors? Some Anna Maria Island lodgings report a full house for the upcoming Fourth of July week. Others are lamenting an upcoming holiday with fewer bookings than normal by Islander press time June 26. Anna May Dehaven of Bluewater Beach

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the next visit when they check out,” Dehaven said. Mark Davis, of the Harrington House Beachfront Bed & Breakfast Inn, 5626 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach said the inn and bungalows are fully booked for the holiday week, as it is most of the rest of the time. Davis reported that after 28 years in business, Harrington House has a large base of repeat guests and that he forecasts a “normal PLEASE SEE NO VACANCY PAGE 3

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Haines City visitor drowns in Gulf For the second time in less than three weeks, a visitor to Anna Maria Island has died in the Gulf of Mexico. At 7:03 p.m. Sunday, June 25, Holmes Beach police and Manatee County Marine Rescue responded to a 911 call about a swimmer who went missing in the Gulf off of 47th Street, north of the Manatee Public Beach at 4000 Gulf Drive. Michael Angelo Rosario Alvarez, 29, of Haines City, was pronounced dead at 8:36 p.m. after he was located about 150 feet offshore, by a U.S. Coast Guard search-and-rescue helicopter. The helicopter crew spotted the submerged body in an area about 50 feet from the search zone. According to Holmes Beach police dispatcher Chris Liotti, Alvarez was visiting Anna Maria Island with a group of friends from the Orlando area. Police believe he was pulled under by a stiff current. A woman told police she had been swimming to a sandbar with Alvarez and, when she turned around, he “had gone underwater and never surfaced,” according to an HBPD report. She swam to shore after being unable to locate Alvarez and called 911, the report also stated. Marine Rescue brought Alvarez ashore to where EMS personnel were waiting on the beach. Lifeguards with snorkeling equipment, marine rescuers on small crafts and the Longboat Key Fire Rescue boat assisted in the search, as did beachgoers who walked in shallow water parallel to the beach in an attempt to locate the man. Another man who entered the water to search for Alvarez was thought to be missing, however, he was located walking back from the beach in Anna Maria where the current had carried him. Earlier in the month, a 25-year-old man from Lakeland, Joseph Teston, died after he was found unconscious off an Anna Maria beach. Swimmers pulled Teston ashore from 20-30 feet in

the Gulf near the beach off Spring Avenue, according to police reports. The cause of death in the Teston case is thought to be drowning related to a medical condition. Another sudden death was reported this past week at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Emergency responders were called to the center at 11 a.m. June 23 for Roger Nigg, of Anna Maria, who apparently suffered a heart attack while playing pickleball in the gym. EMS responded and transported Nigg to Blake Medical Center, where he died later that day, accord- The U.S. Coast Guard helicopter searches near ing to Manatee County Sgt. Russ Schnering. sunset June 25 over the Gulf for the missing swim—Sandy Ambrogi and Kathy Prucnell mer. Islander Photo: Courtesy Debbie Glenfield NO VACANCY? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 summer” for his rentals. Those in the know for multi-unit beach rentals and island destinations are feeling a little differently about the visitors coming to Anna Maria in search of a room. “It’s been a strange summer,” said Bill Annis of Island Vacation Properties, 3001 Gulf Drive. Annis reports that most of the company’s actual beachfront properties are booked for the July 4 week, but non-beachfront units are still unreserved. “We’re about 75 percent booked, but it’s slower than normal. We are also seeing a lot of last-minute bookings, which is not the norm,” Annis said. Longtime Island Real Estate owner Larry Chatt, agrees with Annis. “Business has been good, but we are getting a lot more last-minute reservations than I can recall, Chatt said. “I’m not sure what the reason is, but I have my ideas — Brexit, Zika, the economy in general,” Chatt theorized. Chatt said Europeans tend to book further out on international travel and summer is not really their top travel time, but he believes the rate of foreign travel

to Anna Maria is less than normal this year. “When the economy is good, people who travel seem to navigate toward locations that are perceived as ‘glamorous.’ I haven’t seen the numbers yet, but I’m pretty sure they will show what I’m saying,” Chatt said. As for the lower number of beach visitors from the United States, Chatt has a theory for that also. “Life has gotten much more complicated than it used to be. People have a hard time taking a whole week off to go anywhere. It’s challenging now to get a whole family together,” Chatt said. Chatt had one more observation about the state of tourism on Anna Maria Island — not just for holiday periods but for all year. “I will say,” Chatt said, carefully selecting his words, “that for a number of years now, we provided a perception to visitors that they might not be wanted on Anna Maria. And that can’t be helping.” “Improvements have been made in the last six months and the environment has become more favorable. Hopefully, we can stop talking about this and making negative impressions on the people who stay with us.”

THE ISLANDER n June 28, 2017 n 3

MPO: barrier island traffic study a top priority

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization board made its 180-page list of priority projects official June 19, then took the summer off. The MPO board next meets in late September. Before adjourning, the board adopted its annual transportation and improvement program. State and federal laws mandate the TIP schedule of projects be made public in order to receive federal funding. The TIP lists regionally significant transportation projects in the metro area, including the barrier island mobility study. The TIP adoption by MPO doesn’t make it official. Public hearings will be held later this year by the Florida Department of Transportation. The $675,000 barrier island mobility study that began in May ranked No. 1 on the major improvement project TIP list, which outlines the sequence in which projects should advance in a five-year work cycle. The study also had the No. 1 ranking on the list in 2016. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy represented the three Anna Maria Island cities while attending his first MPO meeting. He said he was “kind of disappointed” in the lack of detail about the study. Project manager Tricia Labud was not at the meeting, although she had been scheduled to speak. David Gwynn, director of transportation for the DOT’s District 1 office in Bartow, gave a brief report on the study. “They kind of glossed over it,” Murphy said. “How big of a priority is it to them when they wouldn’t come equipped to speak on it? Everything else they had was pretty detailed.” Manatee County Commission Chair Betsy Benac was more patient. She’s been to many MPO meetings and knows the process is far from fast. “It was a pretty brief report but we know it’s going forward,” Benac said. “It was encouraging that it’s moving along. I think the DOT has been as responsive

as I’ve ever seen them.” Gwynn said it’s early to expect a lot of answers from the study, which will eventually provide potential solutions as to how infrastructure upgrades could ease the traffic crunch gripping Anna Maria Island. The study began May 15. The state funded 80 percent with the MPO covering 20 percent. The DOT will review travel patterns, destination points, transit, parking, bicycling and pedestrian needs, event operations and land-development codes. Six public meetings are promised by DOT during the study. Murphy said he has high hopes the study will provide answers. “For $675,000, I’m hoping we have all of our problems solved and walk off happy into the sunset,” he said. “If you spend that much money on something, you would think you’re really going to get some solid answers. With this traffic study, I’m optimistic great solutions will be found.” Murphy is not, however, waiting the entire summer to hear those solutions, he said. He will be in regular contact with the MPO. “It’s not my nature to wait,” he said. One other Holmes Beach project ranked highly in the TIP program. The Island SUNTrail loop ranked No. 1 in Manatee County by the Florida Department of Transportation on its list of multi-use trail projects. The AMI loop will run north from the Longboat Pass Bridge to 27th Street North on Gulf Drive/State Road 789 in Bradenton Beach to Holmes Beach, continuing north to the Marina Drive intersection. The SunTrail will consist of two 11-foot wide vehicle lanes with a 3-foot separation on each side for a paved 10-foot wide bike path on one side of Gulf Drive and a 10-foot sidewalk on the other. The trail funding request is not finalized, but it is estimated at $12.9 million by Lynn Burnett, contract engineer to the three island cities and a member of the MPO technical advisory board.

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Skimmers hatch in Holmes Beach

A newly hatched black skimmer chick nestles June 14 next to a mature skimmer — part of a skimmer colony on the beach near 54th Street in Holmes Beach. This year’s colony is the first known in that area. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMITW/Pete Gross

Turtle watch seeks help for post-holiday cleanup

Yes, you can help sea turtles survive in their habitat on Anna Maria Island. In anticipation of a busy Fourth of July, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring is planning a cleanup starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 5, at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. People interested in volunteering for the cleanup should bring gloves and trash bags, said AMITW executive director Suzi Fox For more information about the cleanup, visit AMITW on Facebook or call Fox at 941-778-5638.

4 n JuNE 28, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Anna Maria commission reviews community center relationship

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter “I’ve lost faith.” Anna Maria Commissioner Nancy Yetter is recommending the city re-evaluate its financial relationship with the Center of Anna Maria Island. Yetter attended the June 21 center board meeting and reported June 22 to the commission that the board complained of leaks to the press and public, while promising to improve its financial status and overhaul its budget. A proposed financial oversight committee would include city officials, she said, but the center would require committee members to sign a confidentiality agreement before viewing records. She was concerned that the agreement would conflict with her duty to the city. Yetter had concerns that the center is not sharing information with the public. “They’re saying they want more transparency,” Yetter said. “It’s not happening. Trust me on this.” “I’ve always tried to distance myself from gossip, but when I hear so much … where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” she said. The meeting was a “wake-up call,” Yetter said, adding that “there appears to be a faction” of the board “where egos and arrogance seem to be ruling.” Yetter said the board appears to have a “shroud of secrecy,” and told commissioners she believes if the center is not capable of financially succeeding, a private company might better serve the community.

‘

’

I’ve lost faith.

— Anna Maria Commissioner Nancy Yetter

“I don’t see how it can possibly succeed, quite frankly. I know that’s a doom-and-gloom report, but I’ve lost faith,” she said. Chair Doug Copeland said the city had plans to re-evaluate its role in financing the center for the new fiscal budget, but “it’s my feeling that there’s going to have to be some open honesty before I vote for any increase or any money.” Commissioner Dale Woodland said the center must produce an honest and complete budget of 2016-17 expenditures to allow a review of spending. Commissioner Carol Carter added that her husband, Bob Carter, gave the center thorough recommendations on functioning as a nonprofit in December 2016. In her husband’s role as a board member for the National Aquarium, she said, he made a regular habit of examining every purchase and expense by the CEO. The commission unanimously approved a motion

to enter voluntary mediation with The Islander newspaper, facilitated by the Florida Attorney General’s office, in order to resolve a dispute with the center over a public records request for financial records. Late June 23, Zaccagnino notified The Islander that he would poll the board members to approve participation in the AGO mediation. Islander publisher Bonner Joy told the commissioners June 22 that she had sought advice from the First Amendment Foundation and the Attorney General’s Office open records division for a resolution to the records request. The FAF president, Barbara Peterson, agreed the center should comply with the Sunshine Law, Joy said. “No one wants to do harm to the center,” Joy said, “but we believe the public has a right to know and we hope to rectify the practice of secrecy at the center.” Joy said numerous complaints of misuse of funds, lack of scrutiny by the board and conflicting financial reports led the newspaper to request financial records, including bank statements and credit card accounts. Zaccagnino argued that the center does not meet the criteria for open records and he sought opinions to support his claim. Late Friday, he conceded on the basis of expert advice that supported the newspaper’s claim. As of press time for The Islander on June 26, the records had not been provided. The deadline to notify the AGO and take part in the mediation is June 29.

Center board loses 5 members, delves into budget crisis

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter After a rocky week at the Center of Anna Maria Island, five board members resigned, leaving the board at nine members. Former vice chair/interim chair Patty McBean, Frank Agnelli, Margie Shard, Ed Chiles and Sam Pakbaz had resigned by June 21, some citing concerns for how the board is run. On June 12, based on board chair Bill Shuman’s resignation, vice chair Patty McBean called an emergency meeting. At that meeting, McBean introduced a motion to review the center’s financials and bank statements and treasurer Jim Froeschele resigned and walked out, but later rescinded. Reports indicate members argued the motion,

His

Opinion To Our Community

As I sit here at 1:13 am writing this letter, I wonder what is the meaning of life’s purpose? Is it the safety and well-being of our families? Is it the ability to be a good neighbor? Is it the values and the positive experiences that we share with each other? Is it hard work and accomplishment that makes a place better? Is it the faith and trust we have in our Creator? I believe it is all of these. The Center of Anna Maria is trying with all our might to follow these same principals. Are there issues? Yes, there are. Are they fixable? Yes, they are! I have served the City of Holmes Beach for 9 years and worked on good balanced budgets without raising taxes. I have worked on the city’s police pension board during the great recession and came out with flying colors. I have been a part of Manatee County’s financial oversight committee that diligently looked into over 300 different budgets. For the past 17 years, every day, I have managed and given advice on financial accounts. I am now looking into the Center’s finances. I have direct access to all the credit cards and bank statements for the past year. I can tell you this, the total credit card debt for all cards is $525.00 and we have about $70,000 in the bank. Last month we made about $18,800 over expenses. Did we tap into the unrestricted Foundation account? Yes, we took $100,000 and still have

although some left during the debate, it was approved 10-4, according to McBean’s “high-level notes” from the meeting. Later, former board member Mike Coleman, who was in attendance June 12, offered in a private meeting with McBean to provide a $10,000 donation to the center on the condition that McBean step down. On June 16, an email vote circulated by Froeschele ousted McBean as chair and replaced her with board member and former Holmes Beach Commissioner David Zaccagnino. Zaccagnino joined the board April 26 and the June 12 meeting was his first. McBean resigned before the June 21 meeting, citing concerns about the decision-making abilities of the board, among other reasons. Shard, whose family has a reserved parking spot at the front of the center, turned in her resignation after

four months on the board. In an email June 22, Shard stated, “I truly love the center and wish nothing more than to see it succeed. However, I will not partake in a board of a 501(c)(3) and a community-driven organization utilizing public and donor funds, that tolerates hiding finances and non-transparency.” Agnelli resigned in a letter that stated, “All that is done here I do not agree with, nor will I be convinced that this was the right choice.” He questioned the input at the meeting from Coleman, but Zaccagnino said June 21 that the June 12 meeting was open to the public. However, there was no public notice of the meeting and no media was present. Coleman was the only non-board member in attendance. PLEASE SEE CENTER BOARD, NEXT PAGE

$133,000 coming from that account. We also have $266,000 in the restricted Foundation account, which is not being touched. Is the mortgage paid off? Yes, it is. Then what’s the problem? The problem is that our labor costs and fixed cost have been steady over the last several years but our revenue is down, Meals on Wheels of Manatee County is having the same problem. Our fundraising is down, our grants are down, our donations are down and our government contributions from the cities are down. We are aggressively working on our upcoming budget for 2017-2018 and cutting expenses to address this issue. I think you will be presently surprised on July 19th when it comes out. I encourage all to attend this public meeting at the Center. Our goal is to have a balanced budget without deficit spending and to build a reserve account. We are hiding nothing but need time to go over the almost 4,000 lines of transactions in those statements while our department heads, accountant, and CPA are trying to prepare the budget simultaneously. If we find anything that is out of line in our procedures or Board recommendations, we will take action. There have been many unfounded rumors and misinformation swirling around the island about the Center over the last week and I now find myself in an undesirable and thankless position as Chairman of the Board. I did not seek this position but was voted in 10-4 as per our bylaws. The heavy lifting has begun and we have lost a couple Board members because they did not expect nor sign up for this daunting job. The former Board members have my appreciation and kudos for bringing up very valid points that need to come to light. The current Board members have endured incivility,

threats, harassment, and confidentiality leaks invading their personal privacy, all in the name of trying to make Our Community a better place. Is the Center perfect? No, it is not. Nothing is perfect except Jesus and my mom. Can we improve the finances, communication, and some HR issues? Yes, we are. The Board of Directors is forming an expense oversight committee in which we have invited the cities to participate. The Board is also forming an HR oversight committee to address and correct any questions or concerns regarding employee policies and procedures. Please give the Center some time to laser focus on the budget and address any other issues that are out there. For 17 years, I have sent my kids there, participated, and coached. All I know is the Center has run better and looks better than I have ever seen it in the past 5 years. The space is filled every day with people from 5 years old to 95 years old. It is not just for kids anymore. After all, that is what life is about. Enjoying your time on this earth with people you love, in a safe environment, in a great community, in a great Center. Let us all get there together, harmoniously. Please come visit, see for yourself, and I will give you a personal tour. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. — David Zaccagnino, Chairman of the Board for the Center of Anna Maria Island Editor’s note: Due to objections from the letter writer, this opinion letter has not been edited. A letter from Patty McBean appears on pages 5-7.

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 28, 2017 n 5

Opinion

Her

Island’s greatest asset

I can’t imagine living here without the Center of Anna Maria Island. My family and I use the facilities almost daily, as do many of our friends. I hope to help secure its long-term viability so that the community can always have a place to gather, play and feel at home. I had the opportunity to serve on the center board for 18 months. As I look in the rearview mirror, I regret not having raised a warning flag earlier. We had been operating in the red since I joined the board and, although we had paid off the mortgage, were continued to operate in the red. The board recently approved taking $230K from Vose’s claim on behalf of the city.

Anna Maria Commissioner Nancy Yetter reports June 22 to the commission on the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí CENTER BOARD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Pakbaz resigned after nearly a year on the board, but declined to share his reasons with The Islander. Chiles, citing concerns that his board position would conflict with a business venture, also resigned from the board. McBean’s request for financial statements led to continued debate among board members, with many board members claiming the center has no obligation to share such detailed financial information. According to Anna Maria city attorney Becky Vose, center financial records are covered under Florida’s Sunshine Laws and the center must abide by open meetings and public records laws. However, Zaccagnino said June 21 the center is seeking a legal opinion on the matter. He disputed

Budget overhaul The resignations come as center staff and board members are developing a budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Since the June 12 meeting, Zaccagnino has said the board is revamping its budget and plans to add an executive oversight committee to review spending. However, Zaccagnino said, anyone who is given access to financial information, including government employees and elected representatives, will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement regarding the content of the financials. Staff members apparently were asked to sign confidentiality agreements. This would be to prevent leaks, Zaccagnino said. Anna Maria Commissioner Nancy Yetter, Bradenton Beach Commissioner John Chappie and Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek — in attendance at the June 21 board meeting — indicated it would be difficult or impossible for elected officials to sign such an agreement. The center had total income in May of $112,900,

its endowment fund, the very last of our savings, and we were on a path to potentially burn through those funds only to find ourselves in the red with zero reserves. No business can operate with a long-term net deficit. It was time to take full responsibility for center business outcomes rather than relying on hope and faith that donor dollars would increase, that we may receive an unforeseen grant, or that we would somehow develop new revenue streams. Understanding that we cannot make drastic changes to fixed costs, we should have scrutinized operational expenses and labor costs. Without change, there was a real chance that the center could close. I believed that if we did this with transparency PLEASE SEE McBEAN OPINION, PAGE 7 including nearly $17,000 donated from the city of Anna Maria and $3,000 from the city of Bradenton Beach. Expenses for the month were $94,100. For the year, the center is $226,300 in the red — but the loss is skewed by a $100,000 deposit in the operating funds from the center’s endowment fund. Board treasurer Jim Froeschle said a call to immediately cut $20,000, as McBean’s June 12 motion stated, “would amount to a shutdown,” but the center could make some immediate cuts. Executive director Kristen Lessig identified steps the center has taken to reduce the budget for the 201718 fiscal year, including renegotiating the employee health care plan and eliminating unprofitable or unpopular programs. She also said the center will review incremental price increases for its membership. The budget will be developed June 28, with a presentation scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, after the fiscal year begins. The board announced that a preliminary budget for the month of July will be drafted while the members await a final budget plan for approval.

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6 n JuNE 28, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Yee haw

Here comes the holiday that nearly everyone loves and I have come to loathe. Sorry. Maybe it was a childhood event. I recall attending a fireworks show at the American Legion youth baseball field in Danville, Illinois. We sat on an embankment behind the bleachers and watched as huge mortars filled the sky with light and color. But as the display drifted to the ground and, as I looked up unaware, an ember went in my eye. Still, I didn’t shy away from the thrill of fireworks until one holiday I saw hordes of people on the beach, young and old, firing off their own roadside fireworks all over the beach and into the Gulf of Mexico. The onshore breeze after sunset was blowing sky rockets, smoke bombs and other small explosives back over peoples’ heads and it seemed there was danger hovering everywhere over a solid blanket of people from the waterline to the dunes as far up and down the beach as I could see. In short, it was wild. My friends and I retreated and went over to the open, quiet waters on the bayfront to watch the sky light up from a distance. Soon I became more concerned about how the environment was coping with the Fourth of July than the people who were expressing their “freedom.” I handed garbage bags to people at the beach and one year observed as a woman sat at the shoreline and scooped up trash. She didn’t have to move to reach the mounds of scrap — including metal stems from sparklers — within her reach. Knowing sea turtles, dolphins and other marine life can die from consuming a straw made me cringe. What the heck are we thinking? I was really pleased to see then-Anna Maria Mayor Fran Barford had formed a task force in 2008 to put a halt to bootleg, redneck, dangerous unlicensed fireworks. Law enforcement in all three island cities confiscated mass quantities of illegal fireworks. Yes, most fireworks are illegal. Anything that goes bang or shoots in the air is illegal. It was finally a quiet holiday, barring a few loud displays from back yards and along the beach. In subsequent years, enforcement waned and the beach returned again to the wild, wild west. So, I say, enjoy the barbecue, the sunburn, a fresh fish catch for dinner and a cold adult beverage, but, please, please, don’t blow yourselves up. Watch the big show on TV! — Bonner Joy

JUNE 28, 2017 • Vol. 25, No. 35 ▼ ▼

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Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, copy editor Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Susan Huppert Terry O’Connor, terryo@islander.org Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Ed Scott, edscott@islander.org Contributors Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, ﬁsh@islander.org Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager Janice Dingman 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

What’s right for Holmes Beach?

We, a citizen’s group of Holmes Beach, want to respond to the letter to the editor by the Holmes Beach Commission Chair Judy Titsworth regarding a city manager. We are pleased the commission reached consensus on the appointment of an ad hoc committee to study the feasibility of changing the form of government in Holmes Beach. The only dissenting vote was cast by the commission chair. She states being “…uncomfortable…” with exploring the idea to change Holmes Beach’s governance from the current strong mayor/ commission form to a more efficient city manager/ commission form of government. Perhaps a few very relevant facts may relieve any discomfort throughout our community. First, our group is a diverse group of folks concerned about our city’s future. Our recommendation is not about trying to solve a current acute problem. We are just suggesting our leaders do some forwardlooking strategic planning and not spend endless commission meeting minutes counting parking spaces in a building site plan — the job of city manager and staff. Our research has revealed a city manager-commission form of government is more effective and efficient than the current strong mayor-commission form. Out of 416 Florida cities, 273 have a city manager-commission form of government. Nationwide, the percentage is about the same 65-75 percent. Makes one wonder: What do they know that we do not? Our neighboring island to the south, Longboat Key, has successfully had a town manager-commission form of government for years. Compare the average city manager’s resume with that of a typical mayor: Most city managers possess a master’s degree in public administration, have at least 10 years of experience managing cities and belong to an international city-county manager association that provides enormous amounts of intellectual resources,

including the necessary know how to secure federal and state grant money for our city. Sure, we could, hypothetically get a mayoral candidate with similar education and experience, but a realistic approach for city governance should not be based on a remote political possibility, but on documented training and experience in public administration. This is not about one commissioner’s comfort level. This is about what is best for our complex city. Changes such as these require charter amendments approved by the electorate. A city’s charter represents the desire of its citizens. Upon completion of the committee’s research, recommendations will be made for the commission to consider and act upon. Should the commission decide to place any governance change on the ballot, it is ultimately up to all of us, collectively, to decide what is best for our community. One more thing to ponder: Seems the person who may know the most about managing Holmes Beach City Hall is the one responsible for that very task. Mayor Bob Johnson supports the city manager form of governance. Susan and David Cheshire, Jay Calhoun, Pam and Major Leckie, Renee Ferguson, Jim and Connie Kihm, Harry Kamberis, Nancy Deal, Terry Schaefer and Dan Diggins of Holmes Beach

Presumed innocent

I have always believed people are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Apparently, that is not true in our neck of the woods. In what can only be called a rush to judgment, Nancy Ambrose is being vilified in the press and shunned by many based on stories carried recently by the local press. If you look at the facts the list of “pros” for her far outweighs the list of “cons.” On the “con” side, we have the recent allegations PLEASE SEE OPINION, NEXT PAGE

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 28, 2017 n 7

Summer at the center

Young people, seeking indoor summer fun at Anna Maria Island Community Center in June 1980, play a game of Ping-Pong. Islander Photo: Manatee County Public Library

CENTER McBEAN OPINION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 and worked our hardest to stay within our means, that These individuals are intelligent, generous, care deeply this extraordinary community would step forward to about the center and have careers much more decorated help if needed, as it has done time and time again. than mine. When the chair resigned and I became interim Their backgrounds are varied and they solicit colchair, we agreed as a board to work towards a sustain- orful discussion and a variety of approaches to probable budget and perform a detailed review of expen- lems. I trust that they will listen to the community, ditures. listen to city leadership and act in a manner that will But backroom meetings, bullying, threats, lack of ensure the long-term viability of the center. compliance and a lack of civility were disturbing and Patty McBean, Holmes Beach compromised the board’s integrity. I became uncomfortable being a party to the OPINION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 made in the press. On the “pro” side are thousands of board’s oversight. I resigned. But the part of the center’s vision, to “rebuild con- hours dedicated to nonprofits. That list includes organizations which she gave much to, including one where fidence and trust in the center,” is unfulfilled. I believe that in order to earn the trust of the com- she was No. 1 in the nation. Organizations did not ask munity and local government, the center must be her side of the story, just dropped her as a volunteer accountable and transparent to act with integrity. The immediately. She’s always there for all, in good times and in board must learn from mistakes, readily explain its actions to stakeholders, make available critical data bad, I would cite my own experience. She was there and eliminate conflicts of interest. Furthermore, I for me through my own health problems, as well as my believe there needs to be a higher level of community husband’s death in 2013 and my youngest son’s death and government participation — a buy-in related to in 2015, including giving a beautiful tribute to Barry center governance that is essential to the long-term at his celebration of life. It is time we celebrate Nancy rather than viability of the organization. During my time on the board, I helped to enlist vilify her. Dantia Gould, Bradenton new board members to represent a mix of talents.

We’d love to mail you the news!

10&20 years ago

In the headlines: June 25, 1997

• “Canker detectives” were dispatched to Anna Maria Island to determine whether Asian citrus canker had infected any trees. The canker already had invaded several groves on the mainland. • Holmes Beach Mayor Bob VanWagoner proposed a study of consolidating island governments and services, sparking another debate on a subject as old as island governments.

In the headlines: June 27, 2007

• A study of traffic congestion on the barrier islands in Sarasota and Manatee County said the “northbound capacity of the mini-roundabout” at Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach needs to be increased to alleviate a growing traffic problem. • Anna Maria dismissed building official Kevin Donohue from his job, which paid more than $90,000 a year. Anna Maria’s mayor described the dismissal as a cost-cutting move. • The National Audubon Society reported that five of Florida’s most common birds — the clapper rail, black skimmer, American kestrel, northern bobwhite and American bittern — were experiencing precipitous population declines. • The Manatee County Tourist Development Council announced a proposal to hold the Offshore Super Series boat race at Coquina Beach in the fall of 2008, but wanted to hear from island officials on the idea. • The Anna Maria Island Community Center planned to open the doors to its new facility Aug. 20, which also was the date when public school students were returning to classrooms for a new school year.

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Island police ready to roll for July 4 holiday — are visitors? By Kathy Prucnell Island Reporter No fireworks. No grills. No alcohol. No glass. No pets. Law enforcement agencies on Anna Maria Island — assisted by a flashing, lighted notice on the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office electronic sign near Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach — ask visitors and residents alike to abide by the local rules. Sgt. Russ Schnering, who heads the MCSO substation in Anna Maria, expects the beach, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ parade and the Sandbar Restaurant fireworks to draw crowds. His advice for the holiday weekend: “Fireworks are still illegal. No alcohol, no bikes and no animals of any kind are allowed on the beach.”

Schnering said illegal fireworks will be confiscated and offenders cited. “It’s just the danger factor and to avoid the potential for injury,” he added. More patrols will be seen on the island — including the mounted patrol from the MCSO on Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and on the beach in Holmes Beach. Schnering said June 21 he hopes the winds die down and beach conditions improve for the holiday. “Keep a good eye on your family,” he added, especially on the unguarded beaches. Rough surf was reported June 8 when a 25-yearold Lakeland man, Joseph Teston, was found unconscious in the water 20-30 feet off the beach near Spring Lane in Anna Maria. He died June 9 at Blake Medical

Beachgoers at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach June 22 sit near a posted reminder, “No alcohol on the beach.” Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

Holmes Beach gears up for ‘massive’ holiday influx

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Holidays are crowd magnets in Holmes Beach. More cars carrying more people are expected to generate a lot more garbage this Fourth of July holiday, which typically brings a massive turnout to Holmes Beach sands. Thousands of beachgoers typically stuff or overflow garbage receptacles at Manatee Public Beach and up and down the shoreline at beach access points. It was more intense than usual during the Memorial Day weekend, which Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said has overtaken July 4 as the top beach weekend on Anna Maria Island. “There were twice as many people on the beach this Memorial Day as there was last July Fourth,” Tokajer said. Overflowing refuse bins prompted calls for help to Waste Pro to increase pickups during the Memorial Day gathering. It won’t happen again, vows the waste collection provider for Holmes Beach. City officials and Bob Baublitz, Waste Pro lead operations supervisor, have scheduled three extra garbage-removal days for the Fourth of July. Baublitz met with Commissioner Pat Morton, Tokajer and Mayor Bob Johnson to devise the holiday removal routine, which includes a Sunday collection. Morton, the Homes Beach liaison with Waste Pro, said a lesson was learned from the Memorial Day crowds, which he estimated topped 100,000.

Have your say

The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Anonymous letters will not be printed. Email: news@islander.org. Readers also may comment on stories online where The Islander has 2,500+ registered users. Also, The Islander has an active — 8,500+ likes — Facebook community. To join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Facebook.

“The garbage overflows won’t happen again,” he said. Baublitz said normal beach-end garbage removal June 30, will be followed by a special collection July 2, another beach-end run July 3, and another beach-end cleanup July 5. The normal July 7 pickup will conclude the run of five pickups in seven days. Baublitz said the extra pickups were scheduled after WastePro found beach-end dumpsters were filled with trash over the Memorial Day weekend. “We got special permission to come out on a Sunday to take care of the beach ends because that’s where the big impact always is,” Baublitz said. The plan sounds good to Dave Benton, Holmes Beach public works foreman. “We’ve got a lot of extra dumpsters coming and people working to clean up trash on the beach,” Benton said. “So we should be a little ahead.”

Meetings

Center. District 12 medical examiner Dr. Russell Vega said June 23 the cause of death is pending. It was possibly a drowning with a contributing medical condition, but his ruling awaits toxicology results, he said. Coquina and the Manatee Public Beach, a milelong beach in Bradenton Beach and 400 yards of shoreline in Holmes Beach, respectively, are the only places lifeguards are stationed on the island. Manatee County Marine Rescue Chief Joe Westerman, who heads up the beach lifeguards, believes the recent rough currents, rip tides and waves should subside by the holiday weekend. Lifeguards have performed 25 rescues in the past month on Anna Maria Island, he added. Westerman expects “huge crowds,” as in the past, with the beach peaking July 2. “I expect we’re going to be very crowded,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said, predicting the heaviest turnout in his jurisdiction July 2 and July 4. Tokajer recommended arriving early. He warned people not to bring exploding, launching or projectile fireworks or sky lanterns. HBPD will confiscate them, he said. Tokajer also asks parents “to be mindful” of children if they handle sparklers, snakes or other legal fireworks. “We’re also asking everybody to take their trash with them and to leave the beach the same way they found it,” he added. Bradenton Beach Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said the number of visitors on the holiday “depends on the weather.” He said BBPD’s extra patrols will be on the beach and on Bridge Street. Diaz expects the most people July 1-2. If BBPD officers observe fireworks “that shoot off,” officers will cite the offenders and confiscate them, Diaz said. Diaz warned visitors to park only in a legal space — not on State Road 789/Gulf Drive — because officers will be ticketing. Schnering reminds visitors to park with all vehicle tires off the pavement in Anna Maria. “We never have ample parking,” Tokajer said, advising people to “look in front and behind” a space for no-parking signs before leaving their vehicle. West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Tom Sousa said the district plans to have an engine, boat and extra firefighters on hand for the July 4 fireworks display at the Sandbar Restaurant. All firefighters are emergency medical technicians, able to respond to medical needs, according to WMFR Battalion Chief Chris Kiernan. As far as fireworks in the hands of unlicensed people, Sousa said: “If they fly, they’re illegal. Just be careful. Especially with kids.”

West Manatee Fire Rescue • None announced. Anna Maria City WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. • July 4, 1 p.m., city-sponsored Fourth of July W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. celebration, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue. Manatee County • July 11, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. • July 25, 9 a.m., county commission. • July 13, 6 p.m., city commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., • July 27, 6 p.m., city commission. Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Of interest • July 4, Independence Day, most government Bradenton Beach offices and The Islander office will be closed. • None announced. • July 19, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Elected Officials, Anna Maria City Hall. 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. • Aug. 16, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Bradenton Beach City Hall. Holmes Beach • Aug. 21, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist • June 29, 6 p.m., city commission. Development Council, Manatee Technical College, • July 5, 7 p.m., planning commission. 6305 State Road 70 E., Bradenton. • July 11, 6 p.m., city commission. • Sept. 4, Labor Day, most government offices • July 13, 6 p.m., city commission. and The Islander office will be closed. • July 27, 11:30 a.m., police retirement board. • Sept. 11, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Organization, Anna Maria City Hall. 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. Send notices to news@islander.org.

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ONGOING ON AMI

LOOKING AHEAD

â&#x20AC;˘ Throughout June, Island Gallery West features the work of Maria Sine in the exhibit â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Shape of Things to Come,â&#x20AC;? 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. â&#x20AC;˘ Throughout July, Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, exhibits â&#x20AC;&#x153;Land of the Freeâ&#x20AC;? in a window display. Information: 941-778-6694. â&#x20AC;˘ Throughout July, Brenda Alcorn will display â&#x20AC;&#x153;A School of Fishâ&#x20AC;? at Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. â&#x20AC;˘ Through Aug. 5, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fish Talesâ&#x20AC;? by Linda Heath, Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781906. â&#x20AC;˘ Through Aug. 5, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Native Beautyâ&#x20AC;? by Rusty Chinnis, Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781906.

July 8, Studio at Gulf and Pine artists reception, Anna Maria. Oct. 21, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria.

KIDS & FAMILY

ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ Most second Wednesdays, Think+Drink (Science), 7-9 p.m., South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. LOOKING AHEAD July 8, Florida Maritime Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music on the Porch, Cortez.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Wednesday, June 28 Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Adult coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, June 30 Thursday, June 29 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Quilting activity, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Puppet theater program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Senior Adventures host book sale and potluck Friday, June 30 lunch, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Center of Anna Maria Island/Island Players Beach. Information: 941-778-3106. youth theater production, Island Players theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Wednesday, July 5 Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908. Noon-5 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Island Library blood drive, Island Library, 5701 Saturday, July 1 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Build a Classic Car Shrine, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Tuesday, July 4 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anna Maria Island Privateers Independence Day â&#x20AC;˘ Thursdays, 7 p.m., Overeaters Anonymous meets, the EpisParade, from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to the City Pier copal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. in Anna Maria. Information: 941-780-1668. Information: 813-494-6518. Noon-4 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July â&#x20AC;˘ Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning party and scholarship awards, Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Holmes Beach. Information: 941-780-1668. Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. 1-3 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; City of Anna Maria holiday party, City Pier Park, Pine GOOD TO KNOW Avenue and North Bay Boulevard. Information: 941-708-6130. â&#x20AC;˘ July 4, Independence Day. Sunset â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sandbar restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Fireworks Spectacular: â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 10, Grandparents Day. Fourth of July Celebration, on the beach near the restaurant, 100 â&#x20AC;˘ Sept. 4, Labor Day. Spring Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-8705. â&#x20AC;˘ Sept.11, Patriot Day. â&#x20AC;˘ Sept. 22, ďŹ rst day of autumn. â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Turtle Talks, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-5638. The week of the Fourth of July, the talks will be July 3. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Saturday, July 1 4:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Marauders Independence Day celebration with Marauders baseball and post-game ďŹ reworks, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-747-3031. 5 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Fireworks Festival, Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Information: 941-358-7275. Tuesday, July 4 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Freedom Fest and parade, Bicentennial Park, 500, GAMES, SPORTS Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-2466. & OUTDOORS 6-10 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Waterfront Fourth of July Bash, Riverside Drive, ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Palmetto. Information: 941-729-0616. Sunset â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Fourth of July Fireworks, Manatee Riverfront, Bra- Wednesday, June 28 denton and Palmetto. Information: 941-621-6471. 4 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Chess club meets, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Sunset â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Fireworks Spectacular, Sarasota Bayfront, down- Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. town, Island park and Bayfront Park. Information: 941-487-7904. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, â&#x20AC;˘ Fourth Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Stelliferous Live star exploration, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. 941-708-6130. Information: 941-746-4131. â&#x20AC;˘ Most first Saturdays, Family Night at the South Florida LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. July 8, Manatee Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coastal Cleanup of Coquina Beach/ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teeth Beneath: the Wild World of Gators, Crocs and Cai- LefďŹ s Key, Bradenton Beach. mansâ&#x20AC;? exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

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â&#x20AC;˘ Through Sept. 3, Bradenton Marauders Minor League Baseball games, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee July 22, South Florida Museum celebrates Snootyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday, applies. Information: 877-893-2827. Bradenton. â&#x20AC;˘ Second and fourth Wednesdays, Roser Memorial Community Church GolďŹ ng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El ConGET LISTED quistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-778Send listings to calendar@islander.org. Submissions must 0414. include a contact name and telephone number for publication, â&#x20AC;˘ Through the summer, duplicate bridge games, 1-4 p.m. Tuesas well as the pertinent details of the event: What, when, where days, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, and how much. Longboat Key. Fee applies. Information: 941-383-6493. LOOKING AHEAD

Island happenings

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Gyotaku, the Japanese art form of fish printing, goes local in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fish Talesâ&#x20AC;? by Linda Heath, one of two exhibits showing at the Studio at Gulf and Pine. The exhibit will open June 28 and continue through Aug. 5. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Native Beauty,â&#x20AC;? a photography exhibit by local angler, artist and conservationist Rusty Chinnis, also will be on exhibit. An artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reception will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, â&#x20AC;&#x153;School of Lookdownsâ&#x20AC;? by Linda Heath, who is July 6. The Sandbar Restaurant will serve seafood showing her work in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fish Talesâ&#x20AC;? at the Studio at appetizers. Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria. Islander Courtesy Also, Heath will talk about her work 1-2 p.m. Photo Friday, July 14, and Chinnis will lecture on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fishing Local Watersâ&#x20AC;? at the studio at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 19. Heath is an award-winning, self-taught gyotaku artist. She learned of the traditional Japanese art form of fish rubbing with ink on rice paper while traveling through New China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. She paints each fish with a water-soluble sumi ink and rubs the imprint on delicate rice paper and finishes each piece by painting the white dot in the center of the eye, which some believe gives the fish its soul back. As a diver and angler, Heathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art provides a way to commemorate each catch and the story behind it. Her passion for the variety of salt water species found in local Florida waters is evident in her pieces, which capture the color and unique characteristics of her subjects. Chinnis is an award-winning outdoor photographer, writer and boat captain. His images reveal his love for the outdoor world and reflect the iconic locations and natural diversity of the state. He expresses his vision with realistic images, as well as images that are reimagined to enhance their uniqueness. Chinnis is co-founder of the Sister Keys ConserBrenda Alcorn is a featured artist at Island Gallery vancy and is chairman emeritus of Sarasota Bay Watch, West in Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo an environmental organization he helped to found. These exhibits are part of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Local Waters,â&#x20AC;? a IGW features celebration of the Florida Gulf Coast, hosted by the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A School of Fishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in July Studio at Gulf and Pine. Brenda Alcorn, a retired English teacher from The Studio at Gulf and Pine is at 10101 Gulf Drive, Manatee High School, has become well-known locally Anna Maria. for her mixed-media art that evolves from her love of For more information, call 941-778-1906 or go nature. online to studioatgulfandpine.com. In her exhibit â&#x20AC;&#x153;A School of Fish,â&#x20AC;? featured at Island Gallery West in July, Alcorn will show paintClick! ings she creates using the Japanese gyotaku technique of printing with fish. She also will exhibit watercolors The Islander welcomes news of the milestones and nature photographs. in readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives â&#x20AC;&#x201D; weddings, anniversaries, travels Island Gallery West is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes and other events. Submit notices and photographs Beach. with detailed captions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; along with complete For more information, call the gallery at 941-778contact information to news@islander.org. 6648.

Brenda Alcorn

Our featured artist in July, Brenda has mastered Gyotaku, the Japanese art of fish printing. Her works are impressive and very collectible. She is also a painter and photographer. See her work at the gallery in person and online.

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Curtain to open on center theater camp musical

Young actors will fill the Island Playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stage Friday, June 30, for the Center of Anna Maria Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theater production. The children enrolled in the center drama camp, conducted in collaboration with the Island Players theater troupe, will perform a 30-minute musical that brings life and song to â&#x20AC;&#x153;fairytale folks from an enchanted forest.â&#x20AC;? Admission to the performances â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one at 1 p.m. and an encore presentation at 7 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is free. The theater is at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

Senior adventures to hold book sale

The Senior Adventures of Anna Maria Island will hold a monthly book sale and potluck lunch Friday, June 30. The activities will be at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A book sale and potluck lunch also will be Friday, July 28. And July 7, the group will gather at the center to watch â&#x20AC;&#x153;Out of Time,â&#x20AC;? which was partly filmed in Cortez. For more information, call Kay Bell at 941-5380945.

Cortez folk school continues

The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum continues to conduct classes in July, including a fermentation class at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 8. The fee is $35. Registration and fees are required for all classes on the school calendar, which includes: â&#x20AC;˘ Crocheting, a four-part class that begins at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 11. The fee is $80. â&#x20AC;˘ Basic fermentation, 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 12. The fee is $20. â&#x20AC;˘ Shell flowers, 10 a.m., Saturday, July 22. The fee is $35. â&#x20AC;˘ Sustainable cooking, 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22. The fee is $65. â&#x20AC;˘ Fermenting kimchi, 10 a.m. Saturday, July 29. The fee is $35. Registration also is taking place for a soapmaking class that will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. The fee is $35. Classes take place at the museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. The school supports the mission of the museum to collect, preserve and share traditional knowledge, cultural artifacts, and personal stories specific to Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fishing and maritime heritage. For more information and registration, call FMM at 941-708-6120.

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The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez will offer a class in making soap in August. Islander File Photo

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THE ISLANDER n JuNE 28, 2017 n 13

Parades, fireworks, picnic highlight island Independence Day holiday The Anna Maria Island Privateers launch a daylong Fourth of July celebration with the annual Independence Day Parade. The motorcade of flag-waving, bead-throwing patriots will begin at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach at about 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4 — with an emphasis that the parade departs and travels on “island time.” The parade ends at Anna Maria City Pier at the east end of Pine Avenue. The Privateers invite all to participate in the parade. A call for entries encouraged people to wear red, white and blue and to decorate their rides for the holiday. Because of the length of the parade — about 7 miles — there is no walking, but a variety of vehicles are allowed — automobiles, golf carts, Segways, roller skates, bicycles, scooters and pirate ships on wheels. About 25,000 people watched the parade of about 115 entries in 2016. Staging for the parade will begin at about 8:30 a.m. For more information, go online to amiprivateers. org.

Library sets July calendar

One of the island’s more popular daytime destinations to beat the heat has added another activity to its regular lineup. The Island Library will welcome mahjong enthusiasts for games at 1 p.m. Fridays, July 7, July 14, July 21 and July 28. Also, the library will host a blood drive noon-5 p.m. An announcement said all donors will receive a free Tervis Tumbler, as well as a wellness check for blood pressure, iron count, pulse and cholesterol. A look at other activities and events on the July calendar: • Saturday, July 1, 2 p.m., “build a classic car shrine” activity. • Thursday, July 6, 10 a.m., juggling show; 1 p.m., knitting and crocheting activity. • Saturday, July 8, 10 a.m., origami crafting; 2 p.m., making postage-stamp magnets. • Tuesday, July 8, July 18 and July 25 10 a.m., preschool story time. • Wednesday, July 12, noon, coloring club meets; 4 p.m., chess club meets. • Thursday, July 13, 10 a.m., family program about manatees. • Friday, July 14, 2 p.m., Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group meets. • Saturday, July 15, 2 p.m., building with homemade “tinker toys.” • Thursday, July 20, 10 a.m., family program about hands-on engineering; 1 p.m., knitting and crocheting activity. • Saturday, July 22, 2 p.m., string painting. • Wednesday, July 26, noon, coloring club meets; 4 p.m., chess club meets. • Thursday, July 27, 10 a.m., end of summer dance party for kids. • Friday, July 28, 10 a.m., quilting activity. • Saturday, July 29, 9 a.m., CPR training; 2 p.m., Pokemon crafts. The library is at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the branch at 941-7786341.

The Sandbar Restaurant will celebrate the Fourth of July with a fireworks display after sunset Tuesday, July 4. Crowds will gather on the beach to the north and south of the restaurant at 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria. The restaurant also will host a VIP party. Islander File Photo: Jack Elka Parties on the Fourth At City Pier Park, the city of Anna Maria will celebrate the holiday. From 1-3 p.m., the city will serve hot dogs, apple pie and beverages and organizers promise patriotic songs in the park at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard. For more information, call city hall at 941-7086130. Also, the Privateers will host a party at the Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The celebration — with food, beverage, live entertainment and the presentation of more than $20,000 in scholarships — will be noon-4 p.m. Fireworks Spectacular After sunset, the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, will deliver its 31st Fireworks Spectacular, entertaining a crowd that will gather on the Gulf beach to the north and south of the restaurant. The restaurant also will host a VIP party, with food, beverages, Fourth of July-themed favors and a countdown to the first “boom.” For more information, call the restaurant at 941778-0444.

Off the island An early Independence Day celebration will take place Saturday, July 1, at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. The celebration includes an evening of baseball — the Bradenton Marauders, in patriotic jerseys, take on the Florida Fire Frogs at 6:30 p.m. — followed by a fireworks display. The first 2,000 fans through the gate receive a free T-shirt. For more, go online to bradentonmarauders.com. Longboat Key will celebrate July 4 with a parade and the annual Freedom Fest, presented by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. The celebration will be at Bicentennial Park, 500 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, from 8:30-11 a.m. A short parade will take place at 9 a.m. and registration for the “Hot Diggety Dog” costume contest — for pets — will be at 8:30 a.m. In addition, fireworks displays will take place July 4 on the bayfront in downtown Sarasota and over the Manatee River, with the best viewing on the waterfronts in Bradenton and Palmetto near the Green Bridge. For more information on the holiday events, look online at www.islander.org.

Top notch to begin

The Islander’s Top Notch contest begins anew. The contest celebrates what still is known as the “Kodak moment,” despite the widespread switch from film to digital technology. Look to July 7 for the first deadline, including your July 4 holiday photos. The contest includes six weekly front-page winners. Each receives an Islander “More than a mullet wrapper” T-shirt. One weekly will take the top prize in the Top Notch contest, earning the photographer a cash prize from The Islander and certificates from local merchants. A pet photo winner is the final week. Look online this week for rules and details.

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DOT, county agree to realign 119th Street in Cortez By Kathy Prucnell and Terry O’Connor Islander Reporters One of four options in May is now the choice of the Florida Department of Transportation to solve the 119th Street bottleneck on State Road 684/Cortez Road. DOT District 1 director David Gwynn told the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization board June 19 the state and county are working together to realign the intersection through the Florida Maritime Museum property. The 17-member board reviews and recommends regional transportation plans. The museum property at the intersection’s southeast corner and is owned by Manatee County. The north and south legs of 119th Street intersect the state highway, Cortez Road West, about 200 feet apart, and the configuration is widely blamed for barrier island and beach-destined traffic problems during peak tourist season. “For all involved, it’s the best solution,” said Jane von Hahmann, on hearing Gwynn’s announcement to the MPO. She said it was important for the safety of the fishing village. Von Hahmann is a former Manatee County commissioner and vice president of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage. She lives and owns commercial property on the southwest corner of the intersection. FISH is a 180-member nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the fishing village, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1995. Gwynn said the realignment would take at least two years to build and approval is needed to use the county property. He hopes to receive approval in the next six months. Gwynn previously recommended a Longboat Keybacked option that favored relief for traffic heading to the mainland from the key. Under that plan, signalization would eliminate left turns at 119th Street and provide a continuous flow of eastbound traffic on Cortez Road through the intersection. With the alignment option, Gwynn said the DOT

At the intersection of 119th Street at Cortez Road West, cars turn south toward the waterfront, where a museum, nature preserve, docks, fish houses and restaurants are attractions to the historic village of Cortez. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

will need approval from a state board to use the land for right of way. When the county acquired the property in 1999 with a Florida Communities Trust grant, the state imposed a deed restriction limiting the property’s use to conservation, protection and enhancement of natural and historical resources. “I heard a meeting last week was positive,” Manatee County Commission Chair Betsy Benac said about a meeting between the DOT, the county and the Florida Communities Trust board. The first plan “made a lot of people concerned in the village of Cortez. Hopefully, the strategy will work,” she added. County Commissioner Steve Jonsson, representing Cortez and Anna Maria Island, said the progress was “a good thing from the public-safety standpoint.” “I was really excited to hear today they’ve chosen realignment. I’ve lived here 40 years and go out to Cortez a lot. Their initial proposal was really bad,” he said. After the MPO meeting, Gwynn explained the

BP money won’t fund new Holmes Beach pier

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter It’s been more than eight years since the pier at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach was deemed unsafe and removed. Dave Benton, Holmes Beach public works foreman, said he’s never heard any plans for its replacement. “I started here when they finished demolition on it,” he said. “That would be the county that would do that — if ever.” Mayor Bob Johnson said the pier, as groin, is not needed for erosion control. “Right now it’s pretty much died in terms of the perceived need for it,” Johnson said. “There’s nothing in the wind for it. It’s pretty much a dead issue.” Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, former mayor and commissioner in Holmes Beach, predicted in 2009 it would be difficult to round up consensus to restore the pier. She has proven to be correct, but hasn’t given up. “I made a commitment when we tore it down

Access for people at the Manatee Public Beach Pier was blocked in 2009 prior to demolition. Islander File Photo

that I would do everything in my power to get it back,” Whitmore said. Pounding from storms and waves ruined the structure, according to a 2009 report by Bridge Design Associates Inc. of West Palm Beach, the county’s bridge inspection company. Manatee County Natural Resources Department director Charlie Hunsicker recommended building a new pier rather than repairing the old one for financial reasons. Hunsicker’s options included replacement for $1.495 million or demolition and removal at $670,000. After the removal, support for replacing the pier fizzled. A recent windfall for county coffers renewed hope for the pier’s resurrection in Holmes Beach. The county is due to receive $6.3 million in a disaster relief settlement stemming from the April 10, 2010, Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The BP money comes to the county because of the effect on tourism from the worst oil spill ever in the Gulf of Mexico. Hunsicker said a report by an accounting firm for the county pegged damages in lost tourism revenues at $16.3 million. County beaches were untouched, but some tourists stayed away from vacationing on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Whitmore said the county never applied to use BP funds to restore the pier. “General funds will have to pay for it,” she said. Even if general funds are eventually earmarked for replacing the Holmes Beach pier, she said, it will look much different. For starters, the minimum height would be 15 feet, much taller than the original pier, which was a concrete erosion groin. “It would have to be way taller,” Whitmore said. “The state won’t allow anything shorter because of hurricanes.”

DOT and county representatives went before the state board June 15, and the board decided to consider modifying the deed restriction if it can be shown “there is no other reasonable alternative,” it is “good for safety” and there could be comparable property for the deed restriction to encumber. A county-owned drainage easement, on the east side of the museum property, is being considered for the swap, Gwynn said. Leading up to the decision was a DOT hearing in May attended by more than 150 people, where the alternatives were presented and public comment taken on the project, which is budgeted for $3.7 million. “I think they got enough people saying at the meeting that it’s not just about people going off the island,” von Hahmann said. Views from Cortezians and other mainland residents clashed with those from Longboat Key, including Mayor Terry Gans, who favored the plan that would allow a continuous flow of eastbound traffic. If such an alternative is implemented by DOT, von Hahmann said vehicles would seek other routes through the village and jeopardize their safety and pedestrian safety by turning left at other streets where there are no traffic lights.

Islander adds beat reporter

Veteran journalist Terry O’Connor has joined The Islander staff to cover Holmes Beach government. “Holmes Beach faces a number of critical issues, such as regulating vacation rentals, traffic tie-ups and preserving its unique business climate, to name a few,” O’Connor said. “It’s an intriguing and complex news beat.” O’Connor moved to Florida in 2008 after working six years as executive editor of New Orleans CityBusiness. CityBusiness was twice named the No. 2 business journal in America under O’Connor’s leadership by the national Alliance of Area Business Publishers, including the year after Hurricane Katrina O’Connor struck the Crescent City. Since moving to the Sunshine State, O’Connor served four years as editor of the Gasparilla Gazette and Gasparilla Magazine. The Gazette was named the top small newspaper in Florida in his first year by the Florida Press Association. He spent nearly four years as metro editor for the Bradenton Herald and contributed to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune as a correspondent. O’Connor began his journalism career with the Omaha World-Herald, Nebraska’s largest daily newspaper, before graduating with a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Nebraska. He married his wife, Amy, in 2010 in Boca Grande. His two daughters still live in his hometown of Omaha, where they were born. He has three granddaughters. When not covering the news, O’Connor’s hobbies include cycling, going to the beach, watching movies (all-time favorite: “Casablanca”) and dining out with his wife.

THE ISLANDER n June 28, 2017 n 15

16 n JuNE 28, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

AMI Plaza owner protests parking pinch as Lobstah’s closes By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter A Holmes Beach developer seeking site plan approval from the building department for property at 5306 Holmes Blvd. has yet to provide enough parking to move forward. How the parking equation adds up is in dispute. AMI Plaza owner Mike Hynds maintains he has sufficient parking. City attorney Patricia Petruff, in a letter dated June 21, informed him he does not. The apparent parking shortage developed after Hynds was approved by the Holmes Beach City Commission in an April 25 resolution to add four secondstory residential rental units to the AMI Plaza building once he provides the required parking. The site plan dispute became more critical for Hynds after Lobstah’s restaurant, the AMI Plaza anchor, closed June 20. “We have closed Lobstah’s restaurant on the island this week,” said Hynds. “It has been a very successful concept but we have decided to reduce the squarefootage space and we are currently cleaning, painting and resizing the location.” Hynds could reduce seating by 40 in his new restaurant to gain the necessary parking, Petruff said.

“In order to meet the parking requirements for the new units, other uses need to be modified,” Petruff wrote. “You must provide parking for your tenants.” Hynds said his plans include a smaller “gastro pub” in place of Lobstah’s. Emails underscore Hynds’ impatience with building department officials. An example is an email Hynds sent June 10: “Someone needs to decide how to proceed rather than simply ignoring the issues,” Hynds wrote. “... I have invested tens of thousands of dollars in this project and I am not about to let it fall apart.” Hynds said his frustration stems from a combination of factors, including a perceived lack of communication from city code enforcement officials and preservation of existing parking for the successor to Lobstah’s. Petruff noted occupancies of several nearby retail spaces have changed to restaurants and some retail businesses are staying open longer, which means less parking for Hynds’ businesses. “His space per five seats is being honored for suites 500 and 600 as opposed to the more restrictive one space per three seats,” Petruff said. “There is only so much parking available. He controls the leases but he can’t rent space without parking.” AMI Plaza includes a deli and a mix of retail ten-

City of Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive

Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Holmes Beach Citizens Committee Applications Sought

ants. City clerk Stacey Johnston confirmed commissioners approved the site-plan resolution for Hynds residential project, which allowed the restaurant 140 inside seats and 40 outside seats. The resolution left Hynds unsatisfied, which is why he hasn’t signed or had it recorded yet. “The parking plan and opening hours plan in your resolution is now totally incorrect and contradicts itself,” he emailed the city. “This is a disgrace.” Hynds still needs city permits to move forward with his renovations, but he said construction of smaller retail units and an outdoor restaurant and bar could be completed by February 2018. Hynds said he remains in contact with Holmes Beach to clarify terms set out in the resolution. “We cannot comment further until these meetings are complete,” Hynds wrote in a June 22 email.

Lobstah’s in Holmes Beach is closed while the AMI Plaza owner plans a remodel. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

The City of Holmes Beach is seeking applicants to serve on a Citizens Committee to review the Form of Government of the City and develop recommendations for change as appropriate. The review would examine the full spectrum of options available to the city as to the best form of government to provide stable, responsive, cost effective administrative and operational services to its citizens and ensure progress and continuity as we move through the foreseeable future. The form of government options to be reviewed and evaluated range from the current Mayor/Commission structure on one end of the spectrum to a pure Council/Manager structure on the other end, as well as various merged options between the two. The Citizens Committee will conduct research and have open public discussion to evaluate the advantages/disadvantages of the different options to: • Deal with the dynamics of change; • Deliver responsive, quality city services; • Administer and direct financial, budgetary and operational improvement programs; • Understand and develop ways to mesh local solutions into the general framework of our neighboring municipalities; • Preserve policy making within the legislative body of the city; Based on research efforts and evaluation of the advantages/disadvantages of the various options, the Citizens Committee shall develop a recommendation to be reviewed and discussed with the Commission for their approval, approval as modified, or disapproval. Subsequent Citizen Committee activities could include: • Drafting of charter revisions which would be required to implement changes. • Developing a transition plan, if proposed changes are eventually agreed upon by the public via the ballot. Candidates for the committee • Should have the capacity and desire to objectively consider each and every option on its own merits or lack there-of; • Seek out input from other municipalities and organizations which have experienced other forms of government; • Seek to understand the similarities/differences between those reviewed and the City of Holmes Beach Members of the Committee must be qualified voters of City of Holmes Beach. It is anticipated that the committee could be active for up to 6 months. Citizen Committee activities are subject to Florida Sunshine Law provisions. Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office and should be submitted by Aug. 1, 2017.

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Obituaries

Gathering

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 28, 2017 n 21

By Susan Huppert

Slimmer schedules allow for summer family time

Loretta Hopps was featured in July 2016 in a story about settling into retirement and her passion for a red 1994 Corvette. Islander File Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Loretta Jean Hopps

Loretta Jean Hopps of Anna Maria and Bradenton, died June 12. She was born April 11, 1942, in Harrison, Pennsylvania. She was a longtime island resident and business owner — owning Just Hair, Just Hair 2 and Lor-Ells beauty salons and also Just Tan tanning salon. She had many friends and cusHopps tomers here and from out of state. A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 8, at the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge No. 2188, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. The service is open to all. “Dress comfortable, the way she would want it,” a notice stated. Mrs. Hopps is survived by husband Larry; daughter Winnie; grandson Gared and wife Ashley; step-sons Derek and Marcus Yearwood; and three great-grandchildren. Her son Craig died June 18.

Craig Allan Nicks

Craig Allan Nicks, 55, of Bradenton, having lived most of his life on Anna Maria Island, died June 18. He was a commercial fisherman and a veteran of the U.S. Army. A visitation and service were held June 23 at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, Bradenton. Condolences may be made online at www.brownandNicks sonsfuneral.com. Mr. Nicks is survived by his son, Jared; wife Ashli Steiner of Sutton, West Virginia; father Allan; stepbrothers Bobby of Paducah, Kentucky, and Marcus Yearwood of Bradenton; sister Wendy Quin of Bradenton; and three grandchildren. Obituaries are provided as a community service in The Islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present. Information may be submitted to news@islander.org. Pastor Rosemary Wheeler Backer

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Charles Wade, facilities administrator for Roser Memorial Community Church, opens the door to a visitor at the AID food pantry at the church. Islander Photo: Courtesy Roser Church Summer study groups include men’s Bible study Wednesdays, a women’s Bible study Thursdays and Experiencing Christianity is Thursdays at the church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church St., Bradenton Beach, is an interdenominational church with service Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Bible study is offered at 11 a.m. Thursdays. Longboat Island Chapel, a Christian-based interfaith community church, offers Sunday services of communion and healing at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. at the church, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. St. Bernard Catholic Church celebrates daily Mass at 8:30 a.m. and Sunday Mass at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Saturday Vigil is at 4 p.m. at the church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. ALL ARE WELCOME

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Following the completion of vacation Bible school, CrossPointe Fellowship and other island churches have reduced offerings and lighter schedules for the summer. CrossPointe Fellowship offers Sunday worship at 9 a.m., followed by study and fellowship at 10:30 a.m. in Life Groups for all ages. A weekly men’s group meets at 7 a.m. Wednesdays. The group is studying the book of Hebrews. CrossPointe is at 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Worship at Roser Memorial Community Church is at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel and 10 a.m. in the sanctuary. Church school and a nursery are available during the 10 a.m. service at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The JOY club will meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, to hear about the AID food pantry, which assists people with financial hardships to fill their food cupboards. More than 100 individuals or families benefit from the pantry monthly, according to a Roser news release. Charles Wade, Roser’s facilities administrator, will speak at the JOY meeting. He also is a Stephen’s Minister, and views his involvement with the food pantry as more than a duty. Wade offers a listening ear, encouragement and prayer for those in need. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear his passion for serving the Lord and his stories of transformed lives. The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation worships Sunday at 9 a.m., alternating between Rite I and Rite II. At 9:30 a.m. Thursdays, the public is invited to a shorter Eucharist and healing prayer service at the church, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. A weekly Bible study is open to anyone interested at 9 a.m. Tuesdays in Lowe Hall at the church. Christ Church of Longboat Key holds worship service Sundays at 10 a.m. Sunday school with the Rev. Norman Pritchard is held at 11:15 a.m. in the church choir room following worship, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Other studies include a men’s study Mondays and a home Bible study Tuesdays. There will be no women’s study July 5. Contact the church at 941-3838833 for more information. The Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez, holds Bible study at 10 a.m. Sundays, followed by worship at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Bible study is held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church. All areChurch welcome Gloria Dei Lutheran holds worship 9:30 a.m. Sundays. A traditional service with music and hymns is offered Saturdays at 5 p.m. at the church.

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Cops & Court By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Joel D. Christian of Bradenton was arrested by Holmes Beach police for driving while intoxicated and possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Christian, 43, was traveling eastbound on Manatee Avenue West June 10 when an officer saw his pickup cross the center lines and accelerate to 80 mph, according to an HBPD report. Holmes Beach Police Officer Alan Bores reported Christian’s vehicle maintained a speed of 80 mph in a 35-mph zone in the 700 block of Manatee Avenue as it approached the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The officer pulled the vehicle over in the 12000 block and requested Christian Christian’s license and other documentation. Christian could not find his proof of insurance, according to Bores’ report. Christian allegedly told the officer he was going home from “downtown” and was “looking for my wife.” He also advised Bores he had moved and was no longer at the address on his license. Christian also allegedly told Bores he’d consumed “seven beers.” During the field-sobriety tests, Bores reported that Christian told him he had a bipolar disorder and takes medication. After losing balance while performing the tests, the officer took Christian into custody. Bores searched his truck and allegedly found a plastic bag containing 2.4 grams of marijuana and a pipe with marijuana residue. In addition to the driving impaired and drug charges, Bores issued Christian citations for speeding, failing to drive in a single lane, no proof of insurance, failure to change the address on his driver’s license and a seatbelt violation. Christian was booked at the Manatee County jail, where he refused to provide a breath sample. Christian was released on $1,500 bond, pending an 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, arraignment at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Attorney Chris M. Pratt of Palmetto filed a notguilty plea June 13 on Christian’s behalf. According to the Manatee County website, Christian is an environmental manager for the natural resources department and is responsible for mitigation, water quality, air quality and well permitting.

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Seffner man gets house arrest, probation for theft

The criminal history of a Seffner man factored into a five-year sentence for a theft at Coquina Beach. Joshua Vega, 29, entered a plea June 8 to stealing a beachgoer’s keys and a cooler and 12th Circuit Judge Susan Maulucci sentenced him to two years of community control followed by three years of drug offender probation — concurrent with another sentence. In July 2016, Bradenton Beach police stopped Vega as he drove a car on a beach pathway in the 2100 block of Gulf Drive and found a stolen cooler in the back seat. As a result of the theft, Vega was found guilty of violating a probation for a 2010 burglary and sentenced to community control in Hillsborough County. Assistant Attorney Bill Greiner said he recommended Vega’s sentence based on the value of key fob, the three months he spent in jail for the theft and his probation violation in Tampa. The sentence subjects Vega to a five-year prison term if he violates the terms of his house arrest. Community control or house arrest is often imposed after a defendant violates a court-ordered probation, Greiner said, adding it typically restricts a felon from “just going out,” but allows trips to work, school, church and for grocery shopping. For the 2016 theft, the judge ordered $778 in court costs and fines, including an option for public service work in lieu of court costs at $10 per hour. Vega’s supervision may be transferred to Hillsborough County under the order.

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria June 8, North Bay Boulevard and Jacaranda Road, theft. Woodruff & Sons Inc. of Sarasota reported a portable pump, valued at $1,500, was stolen from a worksite at the intersection. June 8, Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd., domestic disturbance. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a woman’s call for help. The woman had argued with a man about a fish. No physical violence was reported or observed. The woman went home with her mother. June 8, Poinsettia Road and Rose Street, Baker Act. MCSO responded to a call about a disturbance and determined a person needed assistance. The person was transported for medical assistance. June 12, 200 block of Lakeview Drive, criminal damage. A golf cart was found rolled over in a driveSatisfaction Guaranteed!

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way with $200-$300 in damages. June 12, 400 block of Pine Avenue, lost ring. A woman reported a lost wedding ring. June 14, Galati Yacht Sales, 900 S. Bay Blvd., attempted boat theft. Manatee County detectives are looking for three people who broke into a 52-foot Carver cruiser during the early morning hours. The suspects walked down a boat dock, checked other boats, set off an extinguisher and fled north. They were caught on video. The yacht owner reported damage to the boat’s fiberglass, a swim platform and electric pole, as well as $5,000 in damages to a power box. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Bradenton Beach June 15, 2200 block of Avenue B, property damage. A vinyl fence was damaged by a construction truck while a pool was being installed at a neighboring residence. The pool company’s owner said he would replace the damaged post in a timely manner. June 18, Cortez Beach, 800 Gulf Drive S., battery. Dispatched to a call about trouble on the beach, Bradenton Beach police officers arrived to find a man claiming another man tried to drown him. A woman said the man on the beach was her estranged husband, who had tracked her there. A man accompanying the woman said the husband attacked him. The officer issued a request to the state attorney to review a battery charge against the estranged husband. June 18, Circle K, 103 Gulf Drive S., theft. A 24-pack of Bud Light valued at $22.99 was stolen from a store refrigerator. June 19, 2300 Gulf Drive N. and the beach, suspicious circumstances. A North Carolina man reported a body floating in the Gulf at 3:18 p.m. From his balcony 50 yards away, the man told police he saw what appeared to be a person wearing swim trunks, floating face down. Bradenton Beach police, marine rescue and fire personnel searched the water by boat, surfboard and using snorkels, but to no avail. June 21, Circle K, 103 Gulf Drive S., trespass warning. A woman found loitering outside the store was trespassed. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez June 15, 4400 block of 124th Street West, overdose. After waking up to loud noises, a woman saw her son throwing utensils and glasses on the kitchen floor. She called for help as he fell to the floor, unconscious. When emergency medical services arrived, naloxone was administered and the man was revived. He was transported to Blake Medical Center. June 16, Holiday Cove Resort, 11900 Cortez Road, theft. Fishing rods and reels were stolen from a boat at a dock. The suspects are believed to have been on another boat. Cortez is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach June 15, 200 block of 66th Street, theft. A dirt bike was stolen from a locked trailer June 11-15. Holmes Beach is policed by the HBPD.

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 28, 2017 n 23

2 sunken boats removed, 4 derelicts remain in BB anchorage

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach police are angling to clean up the anchorage area next to the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Two boats, including former-Holmes Beach Mayor Carmel Monti’s 46-foot sailboat, were removed in May, the tow paid by the city’s West Coast Inland Navigational District-Manatee County annual allocation. Two sunken boats remain and a third has run aground. Another is an anchored 40-foot white catamaran with holes in the hull and “no numbers at all,” according to BBPD Lt. John Cosby, who has managed the city’s derelict vessel program since 2011. In 2016-17, $25,000 was allocated for boat removals and $9,000 remains. In the 2017-18 fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, $20,000 is expected from the annual program. Instead of using the funds left from its annual allocation, BBPD is holding them until the hurricane season ends Nov. 30. A new regional source may be tapped or the sunken boats might wait until next years’ budget, according to Cosby. City community redevelopment agency-funded patrols are another arm of BBPD’s efforts. Since the beginning of May, the BBPD — with its police boat docked at the Bradenton Beach Marina, — has been running frequent patrols in the anchorage where, at last count, some 35 boats regularly anchor. Twenty-five tickets were written between May 1 and June 16, mostly anchor light and registration violations, according to Cosby. Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said he’s already noticed increased compliance with the anchor light requirements. BBPD’s boat was previously trailered at the station

Bradenton Beach Police Officer Josh Betts inspects a 40-foot catamaran, without registration numbers or documentation, stranded June 16 in the Bradenton Beach anchorage south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

and launched from a Coquina boat ramp, south of the anchorage. “It’s finally something we can do,” Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale said, about quickly launching the boat with CRA patrols. “We’ve wanted to do it for years. We can finally go there,” he added. BBPD not only patrols for registration and safety violations, it will begin checking marine sanitation devices with a tablet to ensure the proper waste disposal, according to Speciale. Another facet of the waterway enforcement is the multi-agency inspection, Speciale said. The new marina location will make it easier for BBPD to continue its coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Floating devices surround a sunken derelict powerboat June 16 in the Bradenton Beach anchorage.

On patrol

BBPD Officer Josh Betts toured vessels in the anchorage June 16 and stressed safety to liveaboards. He warned one boater for a failure to register his boat. The man pleaded he was waiting for payday. Another boater was warned after he could not produce a bill of sale. “The main thing is to get all of them in compliance,” Betts said, because “if, God forbid, a Category 5 storm comes along and we can’t get everyone out safely.” Betts also asked boaters to show compliance to safety equipment rules, including life jackets, fire extinguisher, whistle, visual distress signals and lights. Florida law requires motorized vessels to be titled and registered within 30 days and onboard proof of the purchase date is required. — Kathy Prucnell

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Commission and Manatee County marine patrols. Making it even easier to reach the water — and keep the boat dry when not on patrols — will come sometime after Oct. 1, when a boatlift is built at the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Speciale said the cost will not exceed $50,000 and he’s looking into the bid process. Intersecting with BBPD’s derelict boat efforts is a new Florida law that has eased the required notice to the owner. A series of citations can lead to a court date for an abandoned or listing vessel “at risk of becoming derelict,” Cosby said. “If we have a violator who doesn’t live in the area,” he said, “not being on the boat is not an excuse.” Fines range from $50 to $1,000 for violators.

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the Gulf side of the city because fewer people bring watercrafts to shore on that side of the island. The sergeant said officers “will do a lot of educating on Fourth of July weekend,” rather than citing violations. Commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance. At the same meeting, a first reading and vote for a regular ordinance with the same emergency prohibitions at Bayfront Park also was held. It passed with a 5-0 vote. A final hearing and vote for the ordinance is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, July 13, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. — Bianca Benedí

24 n JuNE 28, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

AMITW volunteers, with help from Waterline Resort and Marina representatives, dig June 20 into sea turtle Eliza Ann’s nest to confirm the clutch of eggs and mark and cage the nest for protection. Close to 100 people gathered on the beach to watch the tagging event. Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Waterline Resort and Marine vice president of operations Tom Haines and Sea Turtle Conservancy technology and research specialist Dan Evans install a tracking device June 20 on Eliza Ann, a loggerhead spotted June 19 on the beach at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

Eliza Ann nests; then tagged, released at Coquina Beach

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter “Now, that’s a loggerhead! That’s a sea turtle!” Dan Evans, technology and research specialist for the Sea Turtle Conservancy exclaimed June 19 about Eliza Ann, a more than 300-pound loggerhead sea turtle that was tagged and released June 20 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring partnered with the Sea Turtle Conservancy to tag and release a nesting female loggerhead sea turtle. The tagging is part of the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 10th annual Tour de Turtles. As part of the tour, sea turtles are tagged and released from beaches in Costa Rica, Panama, Nevis and Florida. The turtles then compete in a “marathon,” a competition for which turtle swims the most miles during the three-month “race.” During the race, the turtles travel to nutrient-rich seagrass beds to replenish weight lost while nesting. The turtle’s migration will be tracked using satellite telemetry. Every time Eliza Ann raises her head above water, the antenna on her tracker will send a signal, letting conservancy research scientists — and visitors to the Tour de Turtles website — know where she is. This could help researchers learn more about the migratory and feeding patterns of sea turtles, according to Evans. He has been researching sea turtles for 17 years. The island’s turtle is nicknamed Eliza Ann for the restaurant at the Waterline Resort and Marina —

With a tracking device atop the female sea turtle’s shell, the loggerhead Eliza Ann makes her way June 20 back into the Gulf of Mexico. Islander

expected to open in August in Holmes Beach. Waterline paid $5,000 to sponsor AMITW in the race. “This is really exciting,” Sandy Zinck, Waterline general manager said June 20. “Educating guests about our amazing island ecology is very important to us.” AMITW volunteers and Waterline representatives assisted Evans in tagging Eliza Ann after she nested, and the release to the Gulf of Mexico. AMITW volunteers were out in force, combing the island beaches after sunset June 19 and it didn’t take long to spot a nesting female. It was located on the beach south of the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach at about 9:45 p.m. She nested and was held on the beach by volunteers. However, at about 10:30 p.m., AMITW executive director Suzi Fox received a call from another volunteer that a large sea turtle was nesting at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Volunteers released the first turtle, then gathered at Coquina Beach to see the chosen turtle — Eliza Ann. AMITW volunteer Dave Ault, the volunteer who found Amie, the 2015 AMITW entry in the race, saw Eliza Ann on the beach as she made her crawl. “She is so big that it took everything we had to hold her back before they got her into the box,” Ault said. “She’s about as big as they get,” Evans said. After she nested, she was placed in a large venti-

Rare sea turtle nests at Coquina

AMITW volunteer Elsa Rohow checks a green sea turtle nest for eggs June 17 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Green turtles rarely nest on Anna Maria Island, with only about 10 reported in the past 20 years, according to AMITW executive director Suzi Fox. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMITW

AMITW sea turtle stats as of June 25: 295 nests and 288 false crawls.

Dan Evans is a Sea Turtle Conservancy technology and research specialist.

lated box by the conservancy staff and held for release in the morning. Evans, with help from Tom Haines, Waterline vice president of operations, prepared the sea turtle’s shell for the tracking device and placed it with epoxy. The epoxy was given about two hours to dry before the release. Evans said the device will perform for six months to two years. The life of the device depends on how fast the sea turtle shell grows, or if the antenna becomes damaged. AMITW volunteers and Waterline staff “baby-sat” the loggerhead until it was time for her release at about 8:30 a.m. June 20. Once the device was placed, about 100 people watched from the shore as Eliza Ann crawled to the Gulf. In 2015, AMITW participated in the Tour de Turtles, but finished in last place with Amie, a loggerhead sea turtle tagged June 23, 2015, at Coquina Beach. The transmitter on Amie named for Anna Maria Island Elementary — was lost Dec. 15, 2015. Before losing the tracker, Amie had traveled 992 miles in the Gulf. “We had really stormy conditions the night we tagged Amie, so that may have contributed to problems with the tracking device,” Fox said. “Not having storms this time really helped, and hopefully Eliza Ann will give us good information.” To track Eliza Ann, visit https://conserveturtles. org/trackingmap/?id=171 For more information on the sea turtle habitat, or to report a sick, injured or dead sea turtle, contact Fox at suzilfox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

THE ISLANDER n June 28, 2017 n 25

July 4 beach activities impact sea turtles, shorebirds

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The beaches of Anna Maria Island are a hot spot for Independence Day, but, this time of year, people must share the beach with sea turtles and endangered shorebirds. Every July Fourth holiday, tourists and residents flock to the island to enjoy the sun and watch the annual fireworks show at the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria. According to restaurant owner Ed Chiles, last year’s July Fourth fireworks show drew about 10,000 spectators. Additionally, island resorts and vacation rentals may be filled to capacity with people celebrating on the beach from morning to night. But keeping the beach dark and quiet at night is a priority for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring during sea turtle nesting

season, which runs through October. Female sea turtles, which mostly nest at night, only leave the water to nest on island beaches. So any distraction on land could lead to a false crawl — a failed nesting attempt. As of June 18, AMITW reported 214 nests — a record-breaking number for Anna Maria Island. This number will steadily increase throughout summer, so long as people remain respectful, AMITW executive director Suzi Fox said. She said bright lights — including flashlights and fireworks — can startle a sea turtle on its way ashore to nest, causing her to false crawl or drop her eggs in the water. “If you’re out on the beach at night, don’t use a flashlight — let your eyes acclimate to the dark,” Fox said June 20. “Also, respect the fireworks ordinance and don’t set them off on our beaches.” Illegal fireworks displays in the three island

Even on a stormy Tuesday, the beach at 73rd Street behind Coconuts Beach Resort in Holmes Beach is teeming June 20 with people — and sea turtle nests. “We are not here to change nature, we’re here to protect nature from us,” AMITW volunteer Denise Gardner said June 20.

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municipalities can result in a $500 violation. AMITW shares educational materials with island resorts and vacation rentals — brochures, stickers, door hangers and a “turtle eye” card that contains a filter, allowing a person to see any light sources visible to sea turtles. Joyce Ware, president of Coconuts Beach Resort, 100 73rd St., Holmes Beach, said she gives AMITW handouts to guests checking in at the resort and verbally warns guests to be careful over the holiday weekend. “Our guests and their kids love the information provided by AMITW and are very willing to follow the guidelines,” Ware said. “It’s absolutely important to respect the local ecology and we all know how the Fourth (of July) can be.” Fox said she also is concerned with people on the beach at night looking for hatchling sea turtles in and around nests. “It’s still too early in the season for hatchlings, so we ask that you please don’t walk around the nests shining your flashlights,” she said. Fourth of July activity on the beach does not just affect sea turtles. Protected shorebirds on AMI beaches — black skimmers and snowy plovers — are nesting and have recently hatched chicks. And, trash left in over-flowing receptacles near the beach or strewn on the beach can draw predators. “Last year’s skimmer population was severely affected by cats and crows drawn by trash,” Fox said. She said AMITW contract several off-duty police officers July 3-4 to guard the beach where a skimmer colony is nesting. “We all need to work together this holiday by picking up trash and turning off unnecessary lights,” Fox said. For more information, contact Fox at suzilfox@ gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

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Chambers take care of biz in mid-summer doldrums

Participants in the “shortest parade in the USA” are asked to assemble by 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot between the SunTrust Bank and Bank of America on Bay Isles Road. Floats may be any motorized vehicle with four wheels. The entry fee is $25. Cannon’s Marina, 6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, is offering a $500 cash prize to the most patriotic business entry, based on a minimum of 10 businesses participants. LBK chamber member The Blue Dolphin Cafe, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, will kick-start the holiday morning by serving Belgian waffles — an American version with red strawberries, white whipped cream and sausage. There will be children’s games and craft stations. The Longboat Key Garden Club will help kids release dozens of butterflies. Not to leave the four-legged family members out, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key is sponsoring the “Hot Diggety Dog” contest. Dress up Lady or Sparky in her/his finest patriotic threads. Prizes will be awarded for the most patriotic dog, most creative costume and best-dressed owner and pooch combo. Contestants in the dog contest should register at the table near SunTrust by 8:30 a.m. to march in the parade. After the Fourth of July celebration, the Longboat

Between the sizzling heat and the almost daily rain, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce are taking care of business and focusing on the fall. On Wednesday, July 5, chamber members and their guests can brush off the holiday sand and meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Feast Restaurant, 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. The following week, early risers can enjoy the AMI chamber breakfast at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, July 12, at the Gulf Drive Cafe and Tiki, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Member cost is $8 and nonmembers pay $16. The island chamber’s annual membership drive is continuing through July 31. Sign up new members and be rewarded with incentives from gift cards to overnight stays on Anna Maria. A grand prize of $225 dues credit for a 2018 membership will be awarded. The chamber has put out a call for sponsorships and volunteers for the 17th annual Bayfest, coming to Anna Maria Saturday, Oct. 21. In addition, nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations receive free booth space with an opportunity to raise awareness and funds. Interested? Contact the chamber for a sponsorship application and more information at 941-778-1541. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is Island real estate sales at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will By Jesse Brisson host its annual Freedom Fest at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July Special to The Islander 4, at Bicentennial Park on Bay Isles Road, Longboat 514 68th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,402 sfla / 2,078 Key, and Uncle Sam will be there to greet the guests. sfur 2bed/2bath/1car canalfront pool home built in Festivities start organizing at 8:30 a.m. and run 1970 on a 7,971 sq ft lot was sold 05/05/17, Steffen to until 11 a.m. Mackey for $550,000; list $599,000. 502 Bayview Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,214 sfla / 1,660 sfur 2bed/2bath canalfront home built in 1958 on a 8,999 sq ft lot was sold 05/09/17, Katz to Schmus for $545,000. 213 58th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,167 sfla / 1,337 sfur 2bed/2bath pool home built in 1960 on a 5,460 sq ft lot sold 05/10/17, Mazier to Leukart for $543,000. NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED! 517 72nd St., Holmes Beach, a 1,911 sfla / 2,658 sfur 3bed/2bath canalfront home built in 1960 on a 10,881 sq ft lot was sold 05/04/17, Yates to Difurio for $540,000; list $595,000. 122 52nd St., Holmes Beach, a 1,000 sfla / 1,076 OPEN 7 DAYS sfur 2bed/1bath half duplex built in 1973 on a 2,331 sq ft lot was sold 04/27/17, Giammatteo to Felix for CATERING – we deliver $430,000; list $449,900. for large parties 901 Gulf Drive S., Unit 6, Pelican Cove Resort, 941.778.6614 Bradenton Beach, a 1,190 sfla 2bed/2bath condo with

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chamber will prepare nominations for its Small Business of the Year awards in four categories. Nominations must be submitted to the chamber by 5 p.m. Friday, June 30. An awards luncheon Thursday, Oct. 19, will be held at the Zota Beach Resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. For more information on Longboat Key chamber events or for a nomination form, call 941-383-2466, visit the website at longboatkeychamber.com or stop by the office at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 102, Longboat Key. This fourlegged friend is ready to take part in the “Hot Diggety Dog” contest and parade on July 4. Islander Courtesy Photo

shared pool built in 1983 was sold 05/02/17, Gulf View Properties of Anna Maria LLC to Buntin for $387,500; list $429,900. 600 Manatee Ave., Unit 115, Westbay Cove, Holmes Beach, a 1,222 sfla / 1,578 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1977 was sold 05/05/17, Gilligan to Faliveno for $330,000; list $339,900. 6200 Flotilla Drive, Unit 243, Westbay Point and Moorings, Holmes Beach, a 1,114 sfla / 1,426 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1979 sold 04/27/17, Fuller to Seragusa for $325,000; list $339,900. 522 Pine Ave., Unit 7B, Bayou, Anna Maria, a 822 sfla / 882 sfur 2bed/1bath condo built in 1973 sold 04/26/17, Hospital to Literski for $325,000; list $330,000. 6500 Flotilla Drive, Unit 163, Westbay Point and Moorings, Holmes Beach, a 1,066 sfla / 1,458 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1978 sold 04/26/17, Croucher to Howison for $320,000; list $329,000. 2601 Gulf Drive N., Unit 519, Sandpiper Resort Co-Op, Bradenton Beach, a 400 sfla 1bed/1bath mobile home with share was sold 04/26/17, King to Frame for $176,000; list $190,000. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria, can be reached at 941-778-7244.

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THE ISLANDER n JuNE 28, 2017 n 27

‘It’s food for thought’

A 1917 poster shows a man and a woman tending a vegetable garden, with Uncle Sam delivering a message, “Garden to cut food costs,” for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Islander Photo: Courtesy Library of Congress

By Lisa Neff

Land of the free and green

For a few months after graduating college in 1986, I traveled in America, driving through every state along the Mississippi and then west of the river to all but Alaska and Hawaii. Sometimes I slept in my car. Some nights I splurged on room at a Motel 6. Most nights I stayed at a youth hostel — there was a small hostel in a lighthouse in northern California and a rambling hostel in an adobe ranch house in New Mexico, where the only other Neff occupants were members of a band called the Famous Motel Cowboys. I wrote ridiculously naïve postcards to my family — a 21-year-old trying on the personalities of a beatnik, cowboy, poet, hippy, punk and rock critic. My passenger seat held cassette tapes — music by Joan Baez, The Band, Jackson Browne, Bruce

Springsteen, Bob Dylan — and books — Woody Guthrie’s “Bound for Glory,” Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road,” Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” and John Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath.” If the collection had a theme, I’d say it was “America.” What do the creators of the music and the books have in common? They were independent, innovative, radical and lovers of the land. They told great stories, including about wild America, nature, the environment. I revisit the books from time to time, and a lot of the music I listened to on that trip is on a playlist titled “This Land is Your Land” on my iPhone. I’m offering to share the playlist, by the way, with “Uncle Sam and Mother Earth: Shaping the Nation’s Environmental Path” by Jake Plante, published in 2015, examines the nation’s environmental laws — how they were enacted and how they’ve been implemented. Plante writes about making environmental and energy policy and about protest. Islander Courtesy Photo

the Anna Maria Island Privateers, as a soundtrack to their Independence Day Parade, which is at 10 a.m. July 4, running the length of the island south to north, from Coquina Beach to the Anna Maria City Pier. I probably have enough versions of “This Land is Your Land” alone to get the Privateers’ Skullywag float-boat through Bradenton Beach. Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land is Your Land” as an answer to “God Bless America,” specifically Kate Smith’s bombastic rendition of the Irving Berlin song. Today there are hundreds of recorded variations — folk, rock, blues, country, punk, hip-hop — of “This Land is Your Land.” I fell in love with the song after hearing Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band sing it as an encore at a concert at Chicago’s Soldier Field in 1985. But these days I’m listening a lot to a 1989 bootleg version by Los Lobos and the Grateful Dead. Whatever your style, put on the earbuds and go roam and ramble on the beach this Independence Day and sing along: This land is your land, this land is my land From California to the New York Island From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf Stream waters This land was made for you and me. Loving America involves caring for our land. Happy Fourth of July.

An egret rests on the rail at the Kingfish Boat Ramp on a late afternoon. The egrets are a member of the heron family and plentiful in the Anna Maria Island area. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

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28 n JuNE 28, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Adult soccer winds down, golf, horseshoes round out week

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter The adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island concluded its regular season June 22, with playoffs starting up June 27. There were some changes to the seedings since last week, but not at the top. Sato Real Estate defeated Anna Maria CrossFit 4-1 June 22 to finish the regular season with a 7-0 record and top seed for the playoffs. The loss dropped Anna Maria CrossFit into a tie for fourth place. Cassidy Mulock Flynn Law rolled to an 8-1 victory over Lancaster Design to improve to 2-4-1 and move up to sixth seed. The loss dropped Lancaster Design to 3-4 — tied for fourth place. Acqua Aveda edged Slim’s Place 3-2 to leapfrog Slim’s to second seed, while Slim’s dropped into third place on the loss. Moss Builders earned its first victory on the season with a 7-4 victory over Ross Built. The win improves Moss to 1-5-1 and seventh seed, while Ross fell to 1-6 and last place. The playoffs started at 6 p.m. June 27 with Cross-

Fit taking on Lancaster Design, followed by Slim’s squaring off against Mulock. Acqua Aveda takes on Moss at 8 p.m., while top-seed Sato faces off against Ross at 9 p.m. Semifinal action is set for Thursday night, June 29, starting at 7 p.m. The third-place and championship games are set for 7 p.m. Thursday, July 6. Leading off with the third-place game. Horseshoe news Three teams emerged from pool play with matching 2-1 records and battled for the day’s supremacy during June 21 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. The team of Tim Sofran and Sam Samuels drew the bye into the finals and watched as Hank Huyghe and Jay Disbrow eliminated Steve Doyle and Roger Nigg by a 22-17 score. Sofran and Samuels won the day’s bragging rights by rolling to a 21-12 victory over Huyghe and Disbrow in the championship game. The June 21 games also had three teams earn 2-1 records, with Doyle earning the bye into the finals. Disbrow walked his way past Sofran and Gary Howcroft 22-15 to set up a battle of walkers. Doyle came

out on top with an easy 23-11 victory over Disbrow. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday 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. Key Royale Golf news Key Royale Club members got back on the course after a week of rain, starting with a modified-Stableford System golf match June 19. Gerry Dahl topped the field with a plus-3. The women took to the course June 20 for a ninehole individual-low-net match in two flights. Penny Williams fired an even-par 32 to win Flight A by one stroke over Fran Barford and Sue Wheeler, sharing second place. Marilyn Niewijk grabbed first place in Flight B with a 1-over-par 33, while Jana Samuels, who had a chipin on the ninth hole was a shot back in second place. The men were back on the course June 22 for a nine-hole scramble, that saw the team of Tom Nelson, Bill Shuman and Ron Vandeman combine on a 4-underpar 28 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day.

Operation Dry Water combats boating under the influence

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reminds boaters, as the holiday weekend approaches, that boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. During Operation Dry Water, starting June 30, boaters can expect to see more law enforcement officers on the water. During this national awareness and enforcement campaign, officers will be educating the public, identifying and deterring operators from boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. “Although the national Operation Dry Water event goes through July 2, FWC law enforcement officers will be extending our efforts through the Independence Day holiday to help everyone have a fun and safe holi-

day weekend on the water,” Maj. Robert Rowe, FWC’s Alcohol use is one of the leading contributing facboating and waterways section leader, stated in a news tors in recreational boater deaths. release. Increased awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence, along with officers focused on identifying impaired operators, aim to drastically reduce the number of accidents and deaths due to impaired boating. Rowe said, “By participating in Operation Dry Water, the FWC joins thousands of law enforcement officers nationwide to decrease the number of accidents, injuries and deaths that come as a result of boaters who choose to drink and boat.” In Florida it is illegal to operate a vessel with a Florida Fish and Wildlife officers on patrol on the blood alcohol content level of 0.08 percent or higher. water. Islander Courtesy Photo

Smartphone app released for reporting red tide

Smartphone users can download a new app to report impacts of Florida red tide algae — Karenia brevis. The Citizen Science Information Collaboration app was released by Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory. Users can report when and where they experience respiratory irritation or see discolored water or dead fish — all potential indications of Florida red tide. This summer, Mote scientists plan to add other reportable conditions beyond red tide impacts. “We’re doing this to obtain new data streams while empowering the public and putting the reporting in their hands,” Dr. Tracy Fanara, manager of Mote’s environmental health program, said in a news release. “We care about public health and enjoyment of Florida’s ecosystems.” Fanara worked with Dr. Vincent Lovko, manager of Mote’s phytoplankton ecology program, and web

We’ve got BAIT!

The Citizen Science Information Collaboration app for reporting on potential impacts of Florida red tide algal blooms. Islander Photo: Mote Marine Laboratory

development contractors at Function on Phones to create the app. The app is available for iPhones and Androids and designed to enhance and complement existing red tide resources for the public. These resources include the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s statewide red tide tools, the National Oceanic

and Atmospheric Administration’s respiratory irritation forecasts, Mote’s twice-daily beach condition updates and the University of South Florida’s three-day forecasts. “We are encouraging people to use the app along the entire Gulf coast — including areas where red tide blooms may occur less frequently, such as the Florida Panhandle,” Lovko stated in the release. “When app users report on current conditions, the presence or absence of red tide indicators helps bloom tracking and ultimately, informs response efforts.” Users need no training to post reports, and they can learn more about Florida red tide through exploring other features of the app. Over time, Mote scientists hope to enhance the app with a system to validate the data and reward users, possibly with points or badges. For questions, concerns, troubleshooting or other feedback about the app, email info@mote.org with “App feedback” in the subject line.

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Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

June 28 June 29 June 30 July 1 July 2 July 3 July 4 July 5

HIGH

5:18a 5:56a 6:35a 7:15a 7:55a 8:34a 9:11a 9:46a

1.6 3:18p 1.7 4:23p 1.8 5:44p 1.9 7:19p 2.1 8:57p 2.2 10:23p 2.3 11:35p 2.4 —

2.3 2.0 1.7 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4 —

9:04a 10:30a 12:02p 12:14a 12:57a 1:41a 2:24a 3:04a

LOW

1.3 10:47p 0.1 1.2 11:30p 0.3 1.1 — — 0.5 1:30p 0.9 0.7 2:46p 0.7 0.9 3:48p 0.5 1.1 4:39p 0.3 1.2 5:23p 0.1

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

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Tropical Storm Cindy puts brief damper on AMI fishing By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Despite daily thunderstorms and frequent windy days caused by Tropical Storm Cindyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northward movement in the Gulf of Mexico, fishing around Anna Maria Island is managing to put smiles on visiting and local anglers alike. Fishing inshore is slightly challenging, although spotted seatrout and catch-and-release snook are producing some decent action. Fishing structure in Tampa Bay south to Sarasota is resulting in mangrove snapper, as Stasny well as numerous juvenile grouper. Flounder also are present in these areas, and are being caught by lucky anglers. Moving offshore, fishing ledges and reefs is proving to be quite good, although due to windy days and rough seas, windows of opportunity to get out to these bites are limited. Reports of African pompano, yellowtail and mangrove snapper are frequent, as well as shark, bonito and permit. On Southernaire charters, the bite has been on and off. On calm days, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m venturing with my anglers out to wrecks and reefs, which is providing a great bite for mangrove snapper and flounder. On windy days, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re staying on the flats, which is proving to be great for catch-and-release snook. Days of 30-40 snook in a two-hour session can be common. As for other fishing on those windy days, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m finding spotted seatrout, although the bite is spotty, and not because the trout have spots. Using smaller shiners is producing the best action when these fish become finicky. Luckily, there Capt. Justin Moore assists Patricia Hendler of Holmes Beach with her June 17 catch, a 100pound tarpon hooked offshore of Coquina Beach. The fish jumped twice during an â&#x20AC;&#x153;epic 30- minute battle,â&#x20AC;? according to Moore.

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Matt Kriser, visiting Anna Maria Island from Highlands Park, Illinois, shows off a keeper gag grouper June 17, the result of an offshore charter fishing trip with Capt. Warren Girle. Kriser also caught and released several permit and numerous snapper.

are jack crevalle, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel present in the same areas to fill the lengthy gap between trout bites. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is working offshore on days when the seas are calm. Using large shiners or pinfish as bait, White is hooking into red grouper, American red snapper, mangrove snapper and African pompano. Also, plus-size jack crevalle are being caught, which are excellent to target on the fly. Moving inshore, White is putting his clients on tarpon in the passes during strong morning tides, where pass crabs are the bait of choice. Fish 80-100 pounds are average, with larger silver kings possible. Capt. Jason Stock is running his charters offshore with good results. On days when the winds are light and Gulf waters calm, Stock is venturing out to depths of 60-100 feet of water to search for variety. Mangrove and yellowtail snapper are predominant around ledges. Small shiners on a bottom rig are enticing these tasty fish to bite. Around artificial reefs and wrecks, Stock is finding goliath grouper and big sharks to keep his clients busy. Moving inshore, Stock is hooking clients up with tarpon along the beaches and passes. Small crabs or threadfin herring are attracting the bite. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finding tarpon in the 80-120 pound range. Capt. Aaron Lowman is working at the nearshore ledges, resulting in good action for his clients. Red grouper up to 10 pounds are being caught on live pinfish combined with a bottom rig. Also present in these areas are mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, bonito and sharks. In the backcountry, Lowman is finding spotted seatrout in areas where the water is clear and the tidal flow is swift. Free-lined live shiners are the bait of choice here. Capt. Warren Girle is taking his anglers to the

nearshore reefs for mangrove snapper and permit. For the snapper, small shiners on a bottom rig are attracting attention from the 12-18 inch snappers. As for the permit, a small pass crab placed in front of the fishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nose is sure to be eaten. Permit in the 10-pound range are average. Moving inshore, Girle is chasing tarpon along the beaches of Anna Maria Island. Some morning excursions are resulting in as many as five or six hookups. Fish in the 120-pound range are average. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing numerous snook cruising in the shallows at the base of the pier as well as along the beach all the way to Bean Point. Most of these fish are schooley-sized, ranging 20-26 inches, although every so often a large female is spotted. For the smaller snook, free-lined live shiners are resulting in hookups. For fish exceeding 30 inches, the same bait will work, although larger baits such as pinfish, mojarras or even small ladyfish will trigger a strike from this catch-and-release fighter. Other action on the R&R includes jack crevalle, redfish and flounder. For the reds and flounder, pier anglers are casting baits along the perimeter of the pier or directly under the boards. As for the jacks, jigs and spoons will do the trick. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

TideWatch

Red tide detected at low levels

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was detected June 22 at low levels in two samples from Manatee County. For more information about red tide in Florida, go to myfwc.com/redtidestatus.

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BY SANDY AMBROGI

Oh, how they come and go

The lobster tank is empty After several months of limping along with evershortening serving hours, Lobstahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, has closed permanently. The management posted a sign on the door, thanking customers and advising them the company is developing a new concept at a location in the Lakewood Ranch area. The sign advises diners to go to speaksclambar. com for information, but only a place to leave an email is found there, along with a mention of another location â&#x20AC;&#x153;to comeâ&#x20AC;? at St. Armands Circle. And people think the rent was high on Anna Maria Island? According to property owner Mike Hynds, plans for the HB property include downsizing and renovating the restaurant space and opening a â&#x20AC;&#x153;gastro pubâ&#x20AC;? concept. No trip to Italy required for this Bella Up in Anna Maria, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a beautiful little boutique with a like name â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by the Sea. As Bellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seventh anniversary approaches, Joanne Lefner says she has always stocked her shop with what she calls â&#x20AC;&#x153;feel-good products.â&#x20AC;? The location at 218C Pine Ave. is home to a collection of one-of-a-kind bags and purses, repurposed from old Army tents and postal bags. Another unique offering at Bella is soaps and bath products made by women residing in a Bronx domestic abuse shelter. The UR line receives its name from the shelterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mantra, you are whatever you believe you are â&#x20AC;&#x201D; beautiful, strong, smart. For the discerning shopper, clothing and accessories by Joules, Nic+Zoe, Nally, Millie and Karen Kane adorn the racks. And Bellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by the Sea is named after Lefnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s English bulldog Bella, not a trip to Italy. Who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

Bellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by the Sea on Anna Mariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pine Avenue is stocked with â&#x20AC;&#x153;feel-good products,â&#x20AC;? according to owner Joanne Lefner. The 7-year-old shop is named for Bella, her English bulldog. Islander Courtesy Photos

the indigenous name of the area, though historians are not quite sure of its origins. This Zota has arisen from the shell of the Hilton Hotel previously on the site, and boasts a contemporary vibe. The resort includes 2,700 square feet of meeting space. A 25 percent off discount is being offered in a grand opening promotion now through Dec. 24. For more information, visit the website at www. zotabeachressort.com or call 855-335-1102. What? Our sunset won an award? Minto Communitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Harbour Isle continues to make the news for its Jimmy Buffett partnership in â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Particular Harborâ&#x20AC;? on Anna Maria Sound. Now Harbour Isle has been named Best Sunset location by ideal-LIVING magazine in its 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best of Bestâ&#x20AC;? awards. According to a news release from Minto, nominations were submitted and the editorial committee researched and chose communities it felt best represented each category. Ideal-LIVING is delivered quarterly to more than 100,000 homes. Anybody who has even seen the sunset at Anna Maria Island already knew that, but thanks for the confirmation that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just island folk who think we have the best sunsets.

love that? Bellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and Sunday by appointment. For more information, call 941-896-4848. New resort rises from rubble Down on Longboat Key, the residents have grown An artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rendering shows the new Zota Beach accustomed to high-rises on the beachside of Gulf of Resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Islander Image: Courtesy Zota Beach Resort Mexico Drive. On June 23, Zota Beach Resort opened with 84 rooms in a new six-story, 84-room tower and more than EXPERIENCE 100 other guest rooms and suites, with water features REPUTATION RESULTS throughout. The property is at 4711 Gulf of Mexico SALES/RENTALS Drive. 43 Years of Professional Service to Anna Maria Island Zota took its name from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Zara Zota,â&#x20AC;? said to be Heronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Watch 10 minutes to beaches. 4 BR + Den. Excellently maintained, tastefully decorated. MLS A4142821. $373,900.

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$2 @

101-103 26th St. W. BUILD NEW with river view, keep historical cottage. $419,000. VACATION/SEASONAL RENTALS GULFFRONT PROPERTIES BOOKING NOW 941-778-0807

tdolly1@yahoo.com â&#x20AC;˘ www.tdollyyoungrealestate.com

ISLAND RESIDENCE

Impeccably maintained 4BR3.5BA elevated residence with Fabulous Bay and Intracoastal Waterway views. Built in 1999 and second-floor addition in 2008, offering 3,600 sf of living area, 2 master suites, new kitchen in 2017, metal roof and deeded shared dock agreement. Convenient quiet location with short walk to beach. Adjacent Bayfront lot is also available. Offered at $979,000.

The Islander 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

2217 GULF DRIVE, BRADENTON BEACH

DIRECT BEACHFRONT HOME PANORAMIC GULF VIEWS 3 BR/2.5 BA / FURNISHED ELEVATOR / HEATED POOL $3,200,000

For details call associates Dave Moynihan 941-7200089, or Miguel Rosa, 941-447-5928.

WE LIKE LIKES

Mel & Barb Neely Realtors 941-809-5565 941-807-6220 cellwithmelandbarb.com

3001 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach 941.778.6849, toll free 800.778.9599

facebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 28, 2017 n 31

No waves? No problem — when you know where to look

Who hasn’t stood on the shore and watched the locals glide up and down on a long board, judging the water and waiting for the perfect swell? Who hasn’t wanted to take their shot at surfing? Now there’s a way to surf just about anywhere, with no concern about the size of waves. Now there are jet-powered surfboards. They are short in length and lightweight, formed from a blend of carbon fiber and kevlar. The jet boards can go 32-36 mph, depending on the setting of a 90 cubic-centimeter, two-stroke gas engine. A new board can set an owner back $10,000$12,000. Lance Shonts is co-owner with his mother, Lora Shonts, of Surf’s Up Watersports FL and they now offer jet board rentals and lessons at the AMI Beach Fun Rentals, 3228 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. “We do a one-hour lesson on the boards, and they can be rented for an additional half-hour,” said Shonts,

who claims the jet boards are easy to ride. “It’s not so much about balance. It’s about finding your throttle and settling. Before I started riding, my background as far as watersports go is this — I lived on a houseboat,” Shonts quipped. Surf’s Up has joined Zegway by the Bay to form a storefront co-op of options at AMI Beach Fun Rentals. Zegway owner Casey Hoffman said it was a nobrainer when Beach Fun Rentals owner Chris Smargisso asked if she was interested in “melding” with his store to offer customers “one-stop shopping.” Hoffman offers guided trips from the Holmes Beach location. “It takes about five minutes and then it becomes effortless,” Hoffman says of learning to ride Segways. “I take them on the tour and teach them about the island,” Hoffman said.

Lance Shonts, left, of Surf’s Up Watersports FL, Eric Irons, Chris Smargisso, owner of AMI Beach Fun Rentals, and Casey Hoffman, owner of Zegway by the Bay, show their wares in front of AMI Beach Fun Rentals, 3228 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. The adventure lovers have joined forces to offer the public a “one-stop shop” on Anna Maria Island for beach fun. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Smargisso is pleased with the merger. Smargisso bought the rental store two years ago, barely two years after buying Slim’s Place in Anna Maria. Now, amid the many beach bikes, golf carts, kayaks, wagons, umbrellas and chairs, jet boards and Segways also have a home base. “Doing business together makes for better relationships. I’m able to offer visitors much more without having to invest in the products,” Smargisso said. “And it’s a win-win for all.”

Lance Shonts, co-owner of Surf’s Up Watersports, displays his agility on a jet-powered surfboard. Islander Photo: Courtesy Lance Shonts

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 306 Gulf Boulevard Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4177531 $2,950,000

B R A D E N TO N 2419 Landings Circle Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4178952 $2,600,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 1710 Gulf Drive N E Tom Bangerter 941-587-6187 A4160661 $1,999,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 532 70th Street George Myers 941-224-6021 A4184561 $1,790,000

B R A D E N TO N 5016 64th Drive W Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4136838 $1,499,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 200 S Harbor Drive 1 Ken Kavanaugh & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943 A4184153 $1,495,000

B R A D E N TO N 3908 Bayside Drive Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4175696 $1,200,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2313 Avenue B George Myers 941-224-6021 A4177927 $850,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 1325 Gulf Drive N 167 Tammy Mast 941-256-6543 A4171678 $525,000

B R A D E N TO N 4910 18th Avenue W Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4168328 $499,000

ANNA MARIA 211 Elm Avenue B George Myers 941-224-6021 A4182863 $479,000

B R A D E N TO N 532 Hillcrest Drive Toni Lyon 941-928-8735 A4170841 $460,000

B R A D E N TO N 3440 77th St W 301 Barb Eberhart 614-204-7687 A4184171 $400,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

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

OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM

michaelsaunders.com

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 413 Bay Palms Drive Ralph & Megg Faillace 713-9142 or 713-9144 A4184679 $725,000

RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2311 Gulf Drive N Unit A 3 Bed 2 Bath $2,000

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

32 n JuNE 28, 2017 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

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS ITEMS FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

DELUXE FUTON: SOLID hardwood, excellent condition, $300, Craftsman router, like new, $50. 941-243-3747.

INSURANCE AGENCY: HOLMES Beach hiring full-time 2-20 or 4-40 licensed insurance customer service representative. Must have at least three years experience with multi-line, independent insurance agency. Please, inquire: brent. moss@greatﬂorida.com or 941-567-6266.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander ofﬁce, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. FOUR OAK OFFICE chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

References available • 941-720-7519

Bed: A bargain!

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING: 7 p.m. Thursday nights at Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. Contact number: 813-494-6518. WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs, XBox, Wii units with games for ministry kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

Island Limousine

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

941-779-0043

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.

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

$YDLODEOH $We

GARAGE SALES 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941.778.7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

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

AdoptA-Pet

MOVING SALE: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 30-July 1. Quilt supplies, fabric collectibles, bedding, antique pictures. 204 77th St., Holmes Beach.

Abby is a 7-year-old mixed-breed dog. She enjoys walks and belly rubs. She’s a sweet and friendly couch potato. She gets along nicely with large dogs, but not a fan of small dogs or cats. She has a tail that never stops, earning her nickname “Wags!” To meet her, please, email moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com or call 941-896-6701. Check out our website at www.moonraceranimalrescue. com or visit The Islander ofﬁce next to Walgreens in Holmes Beach for more … SPONSORED BY

ANSWERS TO JUNE 28 PUZZLE

O L D P A L S

R O O T R O T

A Q U A C A R

R A B I D

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

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

L A R T A Y G I A M P F A E I T R I N G G E T G O O V B E A R L I D T

I V A N I V

A I D E

P I C K M E

C R E E P M O E A D D E E P O O T P S

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

SUPER MOVING SALE: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 30-July 1. Email kmoroz17@ yahoo.com for photos of furniture or call 941779-8091. 507 58th St.. Holmes Beach. MOVING SALE: 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday, June 30-July 1. 18-foot ﬁberglass canoe, good condition. Dryer, dresser, miscellaneous. 529 69th St., Holmes Beach.

PETS PET PAL PET sitting: Short and long term, in your house or mine. 18-year Island resident. 941-7045937. e.davies5937@gmail.com. KITTEN FOSTERS NEEDED! Moonracer Animal Rescue. www.moonraceranimalrescue.com to apply.

T O O R E A L

E M A I L M E

S O L E M N

G O T A C

E C A S H

L A S T S

G U I N E A N

A R M Y A N T

R E S T D A Y

BOATS & BOATING

PART-TIME HELP needed for AMI beach lodging. Computer knowledge required! QuickBooks, Excel, Word experience a definite plus for job position. Excellent customer skills blended with front office duties define most important parameters at resort. Weekend work could be required. Email resume to beckyjhardy@msn.com. REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience or journalism degree required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander ofﬁce, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

HEALTH CARE NEUROPATHY? CALL FOR three complimentary coaching sessions to help. Total Life Care, 303809-4555.

SERVICES I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941779-6638. Leave message. ISLAND COMPUTER GUY, 37 years experience. On-site PC repairs, upgrades, buying assistance and training. Call Bill, 941-778-2535.

CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL and resort. Love what we do, love to work. 941756-4570. PRESSURE WASHING AND windows: Commercial, residential and resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses driveways, paver sealing, etc. 941-2515948. AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES: Cleaning, vacation rentals, resorts, real estate, commercial/residential cleaning. Ask about our other services. Call 941-565-3931.

U FLY I drive your car anywhere in the USA. Airport runs, anywhere. Ofﬁce, 941-447-6389. 941-545-6688. NEED A RIDE to the airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Call Gary, 863-4095875. Email: gvoness80@gmail.com. WILDLIFE REMOVAL AND relocation: Problem solving for all animals, big and small. Call Joe, Westcoast Nuisance Wildlife Service. 941-7204152. DO YOU NEED help with your yard? I cut grass, trim bushes, weed, mulch, plant, rake leaves, etc. $15/hour. Call Richard, 941-405-9372.

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

MARLOW’S MOBILE MECHANICS: Servicing and repairing your vehicle. We come to you. Marlowsmobilemechanics.com. 941-295-9300.

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

$10 DINER MUGS

Place classiﬁed ads online at www.islander.org

@ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 28, 2017 n 33

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

FEMALE CAREGIVER SEEKING employment. Light housekeeping, making meals, running errands. CertiďŹ ed, references. Call Michelle, 801833-8146.

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

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840. BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228.

LAWN & GARDEN CONNIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294. TREES BY BREEZE: Tree trimming, landscapes, maintenance, insured. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s said is good as done.â&#x20AC;? 941-778-2837. ISLAND LAWN SPRINKLER Service: Repairs, installs. Your local sprinkler company since 1997. Call Jeff, 941-778-2581.

GRIFFINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, ďŹ ne woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood ďŹ&#x201A;ooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792. JERRYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOME REPAIR: Carpentry, handyman, light hauling, pressure washing. Jack of all trades. Call 941-778-6170 or 941-447-2198. ISLE TILE: QUALITY installation ďŹ&#x201A;oors, counters, backsplashes, showers. Licensed, insured. Call Chris at 941-302-8759.

ANNA MARIA HOME Accents: 20 years experience in building and remodeling. Local, licensed and insured. No job too small. We accept all major credit cards. 786-318-8585.

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. $55/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, â&#x20AC;&#x153;shell phoneâ&#x20AC;? 941-720-0770. NATUREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DESIGN LANDSCAPING. Design and installation. Tropical landscape specialist. Residential and commercial. 35 years experience. 941-448-6336.

ISLAND GATER RESTORATIONS: Interior/exterior, painting, pressure cleaning, drywall repair, textures, stucco. Danny, 941-720-8116. islandgater@gmail.com.

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE: Shell, lime rock, palms, river rock, construction demolition, fencing, pressure washing, hauling debris and transport. Shark Mark, 941-301-6067.

RENTALS

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

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

WEEKLY, MONTHLY, SEASONAL rentals. Brand new luxury condos. Spectacular views from living, kitchen, master. 3BR/3BA. New, quiet community located on Anna Maria Sound. 727-482-4766.

CUSTOM REMODELING EXPERT. All phases of carpentry, repairs and painting. Insured. Meticulous, clean, sober and prompt. Paul Beauregard, 941-730-7479. LOOKING FOR A GOOD DEAL? You can read Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classiďŹ eds on Tuesday at www. islander.org. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FREE!

RENTAL: 606 KEY Royale, Holmes Beach. Sixmonth rental, available now until January 10, 2018. 3BR/3BA, pool, canal, $3,500 per month. Utilities included. Call Bob, 321-287-1779. TURN THE PAGE for more Islander ads...

____________ ___________

___________

____________ ___________

___________

____________ ___________

___________

____________ ___________

___________

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

The deadline is NOON Monday every week for Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paper. _________

_________

DANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RESCREEN INC. POOL CAGES, LANAIS, PORCHES, WINDOWS, DOORS

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

No Job

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

$YDLODEOH $We 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941.778.7978 â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

CALL THE ISLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FINESTâ&#x20AC;Ś MORE THAN 2,500 LARGE AND SMALL PROJECTS ON AMI SINCE 1988!

We provide design plans~You preview 3-D drawings

WASH FAMILY CONSTRUCTION 941.725.0073

>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; Â°Ă&#x160;7>Ă&#x192;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;State Lic. CBC1258250

LOCALLY OWNED AND FAMILY OPERATED SINCE 1988

REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY

.com

941-778-2711

CLASSIFIED AD ORDER

Run issue date(s) _________

iĂ&#x153;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x2022;VĂ&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;,iÂ&#x201C;Â&#x153;`iÂ?Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} Â?Â?Ă&#x160;*Â&#x2026;>Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160;*Â?Ă&#x2022;Â&#x201C;LÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;,iÂŤ>Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;EĂ&#x160;-iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;Vi Â&#x2122;{ÂŁÂ&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;nÂ&#x2021;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;{Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Â&#x2122;{ÂŁÂ&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;nÂ&#x2021;{{Ă&#x2C6;ÂŁĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;xxĂ¤nĂ&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;>Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;i]Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Â?Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160; i>VÂ&#x2026;

I CAN FIX that! No job too small. 20 years experience. Remodel, new construction. Call Brent, 941-524-6965.

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES: Prompt and reliable, meticulous, thorough, quality workmanship. Interior/exterior, wallpaper removal. Also minor repairs and carpentry. Free written estimates. Bill Witaszek, 941-3079315.

OK<I@FI a "EK<I@FI IFE< a <I@8C a ,KF:B )FJK 8I;J a IF:?LI<J /" ( a ; <J@>E

WE LIKE LIKES f acebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

WE TWEET TOO

_________ or TFN start date: ______________

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

d ďż˝ u No.

_____________________________________________________

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

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

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

#CFC1426596

SERVICES Continued

Family Owned and Operated since 1975

Residential & Commercial

LIC#CBC1253145

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS

CHRISTIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PLUMBING

@ami_islander

34 n JuNE 28, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

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

RENTALS Continued

REAL ESTATE Continued

ANNUAL RENTAL: TROPICAL canalfront home on Key Royale. Pool with spillover spa. 2BR/2BA, two-car garage boatlift, ďŹ re pit, new paint and ďŹ&#x201A;ooring. Unfurnished. $3,250/month, available July 15 or August 1. Call 941-730-1086.

ANNUAL RENTAL: 2BR/2BA remodeled groundlevel home with new appliances, carport and screened back porch. Home is located in Anna Maria, one block from the Gulf Mexico. $2,200/ month. 813-310-9828.

ANNUAL RENTAL: HOLMES Beach: Beautiful 3BR/2BA canalfront house, heated pool, large lanai, garage, dock, new lift. Renovated, single ďŹ&#x201A;oor, expansive water views! $4,000/month. 529 70th St. Diana, 603-591-0604.

ANNUAL: 2BR/1BA downstairs, renovated. No smoking. Block from beach and bay. $1,500/ month plus security. 941-705-4737.

STARTING FROM THE upper $200,000s. Only minutes from the beach, this new, active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Avenue off Village Green Parkway. Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den and two-car garage ďŹ&#x201A;oor plans. Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickleball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $190/month. Models open daily. Contact us, 941-254-3330. www.MirabellaFlorida.com.

PERICO BAY CLUB, AS GOOD AS IT GETS!

"%$ "!4( s SQFT s ,AKEFRONT "AY VIEWS ptional customer service for all your short or long s -ULTITUDE OF AMENITIES lifetime, we$327,900 will help you find your perfect

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

Expansive Gulf Views

Place classiďŹ ed ads online at www.islander.org

REAL ESTATE

2600 Gulf Drive N, 13 Anna Maria Island Club Bradenton Beach, FL

"%$ "!4( s SQFT s ,ARGEST mOOR PLAN IN 0ERICO "AY #LUB s 3UNSET VIEWS $394,500

â&#x20AC;˘ Gated. â&#x20AC;˘ Fenced. â&#x20AC;˘ Open Plan. â&#x20AC;˘ Four Bedrooms, 3 1/2 Baths. â&#x20AC;˘ Six Covered/Open Verandas. â&#x20AC;˘ Pool with Spa. â&#x20AC;˘ Boat Lift. â&#x20AC;˘ Three-car Garage.

Offered at: $849,000

HOLLY SWITOW

$2,499,000.

941.735.3186

Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International RealtyÂŁ and the Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty Logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Call Heather Gioscio 317-750-7998 or email Hgioscio@kw.com

Make Your Life Easier!â&#x20AC;? For the island lifestyle, call

SPECTACULAR BAYFRONT VIEWS!

â&#x20AC;˘ 2 Bed | 2 Bath â&#x20AC;˘ Complete remodel â&#x20AC;˘ Gulf-front covered patio â&#x20AC;˘ Gulf-front master suite

MUST SEE 2BR/2BA Beach Bungalow, just 2 blocks from the Gulf of Mexico, updated with new porcelain tile and fresh paint and new front door. Kitchen features wood cabinets and Corian counters. There's plenty of patio space and a screened-in porch for outdoor living. Turnkey furnished. Just bring your beach bucket and flip-flops. $519,900

ght needâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Ś..buy, rent and finance your piece of

QUESTIONS ABOUT REAL estate? Ask Amy anything about AMI real estate at the Island Coffee Haus, Holmes Beach, every Wednesday all day long. www.islandlivingami.com.

2217 GULF DRIVE, BRADENTON BEACH

Karen Day Fineout 941-518-3682

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

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

Mike Norman Realty

Lynn Zemmer, 941-778-8104.

DREAM VACATIONS FOR YOUR â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Work Hard To Make Your Life Easier!â&#x20AC;? VACATION DREAMS 941-778-8104 Ofc 877-778-0099 Toll Free 104 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

877-778-0099 Toll Free Edgewatervacationhomes.com et, Bradenton Edgewaterrealestateami.com Beach mer Broker/Owner

BEAUTY ON THE CANAL: This 3bed/2bath on a corner lot is surrounded with water. The home features an open plan with, spacious lanai, 2-car garage, pool, tiki hut, boat dock, boat lift, all on a lush tropical large corner lot on sailboat water. $749,900

SOLD

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

vacationhomes.com 104 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach 1lending.com 941-778-8104

Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria Inc. Jesse Brisson - Broker Associate, GRI 941-713-4755 800-771-6043

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WE UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF EVERY DOLLAR. Reach more than 20,000 people weekly with your ad for as little as $12! Call 941.778.7978 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach

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RELEASE DATE: 6/25/2017

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 28, No.2017 0618n 35

SILENT TREATMENT

BY SAM TRABUCCO / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

48 Crop-damaging rodent 1 Chimp relatives 49 “Don’t give up!” 7 Free spot, for short 51 New pony 10 Mouth pieces 53 One following the 14 Pac-12 team dotted lines? 18 Asian plumlike fruit 57 Soup, black bread 19 Rihanna’s 2016 ____ and, for the wealthy, World Tour meat? 21 Puma alternative 62 Neutrogena dandruff 22 QB Tony shampoo 23 Reversals of reversals 66 John or James in sentences? 67 “What nerve!” 25 Ribald 68 ____ Raton, Fla. 26 Making the honor 69 Gear for a hike roll, e.g. 70 Part of E = mc2 27 Org. involved in an annual open house 73 See 37-Across 74 Not quite leaders of 28 Directional suffix the pack 29 Shell containers 75 Social Security fig. 31 Railroad name 76 Based on theoretical starting in 1832 deduction 32 Golf ball’s path 78 Like concrete that’s 33 Result of waves shaped in advance hitting rocks 80 Road-sign silhouette 35 “Don’t worry about 81 Kings and queens me!” bringing their steeds 37 With 73-Across, to a halt? a symbol of 84 Nelson who wrote Massachusetts “The Man With the 38 Laundry unit Golden Arm” 40 Small egg 86 James who 41 Donates shelter to wrote “A Death some beavers? in the Family” 44 Bedding in a horse’s 87 Freddy once stall hailed as 46 Name that’s Hebrew “the next Pelé” for “my God” 88 Husband to 47 Relative of “POW!” Emilia in “Othello” 90 Golfer Ernie Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more 92 Tiny bit Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, 94 Popeye creator page 32 nytimes.com/crosswords E. C. ____ ($39.95 a year). AC RO SS

98 “Excuse me, but my partner’s and my kids go first!” 102 “____, Escher, Bach” (Pulitzerwinning book) 104 Tackle-box item 105 When repeated, “All right, that’s enough!” 106 Up (for), paradoxically 107 Better than normal 110 Gchat notes, e.g. 111 Medical professional on TV 113 Part of a classic diner sign 115 “Listen up, Luis!” 116 WSJ competitor 117 Fantasy game role 118 Icelandic saga 119 Feast consisting entirely of Hawaiian foodstuffs? 122 Flight destination? 123 “Enough!” 124 Word with pink or cow 125 Illinois college town 126 James of R&B 127 Ring ____ 128 Sot’s woe 129 Like elves’ ears DOWN

1 Cronies 2 Plant disease whose two words differ by only one letter 3 Amphibious auto 4 Essence of an idea 5 Powerful winds

6 Lead-in to phonic 7 Greek god depicted on the cover of “The Wind in the Willows” 8 Onetime rap moniker 9 Clothe 10 Tomb raider ____ Croft 11 “The Terrible” czar 12 When repeated, plea to a stage magician 13 Powers to decide 14 Goad 15 “Ugh, that hits close to home!” 16 “Shoot over your response” 17 Very serious 20 Part of las Filipinas 24 Scoundrel 30 Popular rapper with a feline-sounding name 34 Bacteria-battling drug 36 Intoxicating Polynesian drink 39 Cloud’s purpose 42 Hurt 43 No. 1 Presley hit 45 Court orders 47 “Ugh!” 50 Big fashion inits. 52 Follows, as advice 54 One might represent a representative 55 Sleazeball 56 ____ culpa 57 Frothing at the mouth 58 Lyric poem 59 Who has ever won a debate over the internet?

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60 Start of the Marines’ motto 61 Honoring grandly 63 Did so-so at school 64 Digital currency 65 Hangs in there 71 Singer India.____ 72 One of 56 in 1776 74 Some Mardi Gras wear 76 S. Amer. land

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77 Inlets

102 Clear one’s head?

79 Genetic material

95 Native of Conakry 96 Little raider 97 Athlete’s time off 82 “Oh, boohoo!” 83 Gettysburg general 98 Single shot awarded for being 85 Head of an estate fouled while scoring, 88 “Hmm … it’s in basketball lingo escaping me” 99 Straight 89 “If all else fails …” 100 Had because of 91 Exam for future attys. 101 Start of a Spanish count 93 Warehouse

103 Confines due to injury 108 Qualifying words 109 Facsimile, for short 112 It follows epsilon 114 Fuzzes 120 Photo ____ 121 Stat for Lou Gehrig or Manny Ramirez

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36 n JuNE 28, 2017 n THE ISLANDER