The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Smiles at the library. 18

5-star school lunch. 14

Cajun cookin’ at center. 19

Happy Mother’s Day

VOLUME 25, NO. 28

MAY 10, 2017 FREE

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992 AsTheWorldTerns cherish moms, too. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

BB-Sarasota water taxi on track. 8

Meetings

On the government calendar. 8 Concerns surface about HB post office. 8

Make plans, save a date. 10

Happenings

Community events, announcements. 11

9 Bert Harris claims filed against HB. 12 Turtle watch welcomes season. 15 Bay studies. 16-17

Gathering. 18 Onstage in Anna Maria. 19

Streetlife. 21 Spring has sprung at Wildlife Inc. 22

Celebrating defiance on Mother’s Day. 23 Karate at center court. 24 May brings action on the water. 25 More than cheeseburgers in our paradise. 26

PropertyWatch. 27 Classifieds. 28

www.islander.org

AMI’s spring revelers better behaved than past years

By Sandy ambrogi islander reporter it sends locals off to hide their heads in the sand. it leaves bar and restaurant owners smiling, counting their money. it’s often downright loud and frisky. in the three cities of anna maria island, three different attitudes emerge when it comes to dealing with the yearly onslaught of college students and high-school beachgoers performing their annual rite-of-passage. Spring Break. While Holmes Beach police cruised manatee public Beach and surrounding sandy shores writing dozens of alcohol citations, parking violations and responding at night to noise complaints and pool parties, the officers in the cities to the north and south took a more laid-back approach. exact statistics for april are still being tallied, but Holmes Beach issued three times the alcohol citations during march alone — 30 in all — than the city of anna maria registered through the “spring break period” that traditionally ends on easter, for a total

of nine citations. However, HBpd chief Bill tokajer noted, “all in all, they were well-behaved,” when it came to the spring-breakers. though HBpd citations out-numbered the surrounding cities, tallies for this year were lower than in past years. “We had less alcohol on the beach violations, less parking tickets and we feel that is

By Kathy prucnell islander reporter Looking short-term and down the road, the florida department of transportation wants to fix the Cortez Road-119th Street West bottleneck. cortezians and other concerned residents are expected at a May 9 meeting at the cortez road Baptist church, 4411 100th Street W., Bradenton — held after press time for the islander. “We’re expecting a crowd,” said david gywnn, dot director of operations. the dot will host an open house beginning at 5 p.m., make a presentation about the options at about 6 p.m., and allow public comment. the dot will take written comments on its plans until Friday, May 19. The traffic problem lies at the doorstep of the village of Cortez — at 119th Street West, the eastern edge of the commercial fishing village that fronts Sarasota Bay on the south. it also impacts the north side of cortez road West, including Harbour Landings, Sunny Shores and Sagamore estates. Sunny Shores and Sagamore estates include about 250 homes with a single access

at 115th Street West. January-april, it is difficult — if not deadly — to turn east from 115th Street onto cortez road, according to david Brown, spokesman for the subdivisions’ homeowner association. Brown said his group has contacted DOT officials and Manatee County Commissioner Steve Jonsson about the problem and, while they’ve promised to look into it, Brown says there isn’t anything in the current plans to help 115th Street. Brown hopes for a traffic light and slower speed limits as well as “no-blocking” signs and better law enforcement. He predicts peninsula Bay, an approved development of 1,950 homes to be built over the next 12 years, “will really make the issues worse.” “this area has been a problem for years with multiple fatalities and accidents,” Brown wrote in a may 3 email to the islander, saying he wants an aggressive response by county and DOT officials. “they need a sense of urgency as folks are getting injured and killed,” he added. gywnn said there is no “direct” improvepLeaSe See BottleneCK page 2

Spring break is evidenced by crowds on the sand and a few folks in the Gulf of Mexico at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

DOT takes comment on Cortez bottleneck

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in part because of the active and proactive education given to those who come to our beaches. they know we enforce the rules here,” tokajer said. By april 17, the island had noticeably cleared of the college emblem-clad co-eds and teenie bikinis. “i don’t think it was any worse than any pLeaSe See ReveleRs page 3

Bad news times 2 for Aqua developer — Feds turn down developer’s mitigation bank — again. — County board sends Aqua back to planners. See stories, page 4-5.

The developer’s ongoing site work at Aqua By The Bay includes a lagoon. The future plans include high-rise buildings, seawalls and docks. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

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Surveyors Spencer Henline and Mike Hire, on the north leg of 119th Street, measure and coordinate with Jed Peel at Cortez Road West May 3, as part of the Florida Department of Transportation Cortez Road Safety Improvements Project. The surveyors are from DRMP Inc. of Chipley. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

ment planned for 115th Street, but making the 119th Street intersection work more efficiently should clear the backup. the dot expects the peninsula Bay developer to provide a new traffic signal. gywnn said the following plans to relieve the 119th Street backup will be presented at the May 9 meeting: • Leave the signal as is. • Remove the signal. • A third option would take out left turns from 119th Street — eliminating westbound traffic onto cortez road West from the south leg, and eliminating eastbound turns from the north leg. all other movements currently available at the intersection would remain. gywnn said the dot is looking at the third option as an interim as well as a possible final option. “if it doesn’t work the way we think it can,” it can

be changed, he said. the fourth option is to realign the south leg of 115th Street West to match the north leg by re-routing traffic through county-owned property at the Florida maritime museum. “it’s a little more complicated than they thought it was,” gywnn said about the realignment, due to a deed restriction on the florida maritime museum property. The Manatee County Circuit Clerk’s Office is “still trying to work on that with the state,” and the dot is “staying out of it,” he said, adding he plans to meet with the museum board in a couple of weeks. the third option, “if we decide to go with it,” will include curbing, medians and new signalization, which could be in place before the end of the year to move island traffic onto the mainland in a continuous stream, albeit stops for pedestrian movement, gwynn said. the realignment, however, is preferable to the

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BottleneCK continued from page 1

dot because it keeps all movements and would “operate a lot more efficiently.” other dot improvements budgeted for $3.7 million in the project area from 86th Street West and 123rd Street West include bike lanes, a high-friction surface to reduce skidding and u.S. american with disabilities act requirements, such as improved curb ramps. at a may 1 meeting of the cortez-based florida institute for Saltwater Heritage, vice president Jane von Hahmann, who lives and owns commercial property at the 119th Street West-Cortez Road intersection, announced the May 9 DOT meeting to the directors. “the one good thing is that they dropped the closure into the village,” said von Hahmann. the dot originally proposed eliminating the westbound turn lane onto 119th Street. Von Hahmann joined fiSH president Kim mcVey in objecting to the plan to eliminate the westbound turn. She also said the dot is proposing an additional eastbound lane on cortez road between 121st and 123rd streets. as far as the possible realignment, even in spite of the deed restriction at the museum, von Hahmann said, “I firmly believe when FDOT with its almighty power wants something done, it’ll be done.” after the dot comment period, engineers will review the concerns submitted and announce a decision by June on both the long-term and interim solutions, according to gwynn. Written comments can be submitted to david Wheeler, 801 n. Broadway, Bartow fL 33830, or via email at david.wheeler@dot.state.fl.us.

THE ISLANDER n May 10, 2017 n 3

County looks for 4 applicants for TDC

2 local events mark National Tourism Week As part of National Tourism Week, the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will host two events Friday, May 12. The CVB will host a celebration — complete with its annual Tourism Ambassador Awards — 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Larry R. Thompson, president of the Sarasotabased Ringling College of Art and Design, will serve as keynote speaker, with Visit Florida president and CEO Ken Lawson serving as guest speaker. Keeping in line with the overall “Crafting the Perfect Destination” theme, the event will feature local craft beers and food trucks representing area cuisine, as well as games. Tickets are on sale for $25 at Eventbrite.com. Revelers continued from page 1

other year,” Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz of the Bradenton Beach Police Department said. “It felt a lot busier in the bars, on the sidewalks and on the beach. We had some noise- and alcohol-related issues, but all in all, it was pretty normal for tourist season. A fairly well-behaved crowd.” When asked about alcohol citations, Diaz took a realistic attitude toward the issue of alcohol on the area beaches. “We know that alcohol is going to be on the beach. As long as you don’t draw attention to yourself, well, we don’t go around asking what’s in the cup,” Diaz said. Sgt. Russell Schnering, who heads the Anna Maria Manatee County Sheriff’s Office substation, said the worst problem occurring for him was the theft of two vehicles, which were recovered. “We had more significant crimes this year with burglaries and the stolen vehicles, but the alcohol on the beaches and noise issues? No more, not less than usual,” Schnering said. Other mischief included stealing unsecured bicy-

For more information, call 617-285-0771. During a media-only event, the CVB plans to share Manatee County tourism statistics from 2016 and take a look at emerging feeder markets for the Bradenton area. The CVB also will discuss future plans and review tourism statistics from the first quarter of 2017. The CVB will preview a video of the convention center hotel proposed for a site in Palmetto near the convention center and share a look at 360degree renderings of the structure. Hotel developers and Palmetto city representatives also will be on hand to discuss the latest news related to the hotel and comment on its expected impact on the city and county. — Ed Scott cles from beach accesses — five of the six taken were found — unlocked vehicles being rummaged through overnight, and street signs taken down, which were found outside Anna Maria City Hall the next morning and reposted. “Parking citations were down compared to last year,” Schnering said. A large number of spring-break visitors congregate daily at the Manatee Public Beach. Patrols cruise the beach and lifeguards are sometimes told of people drinking by other beachgoers. In March 2016, 55 citations for alcohol were handed out in Holmes Beach compared with 30 in 2017. HBPD Detective Sgt. Brian Hall said his general impression was that of a well-behaved spring break crowd this year, with fewer citations than last year. — Tokajer said he keeps the focus the same all the time — a family-friendly atmosphere year-round. At any rate, locals, it’s safe to go back in the water now.

Got Buttah?

The terms of four members of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council are expiring. The TDC is a citizens advisory committee that makes recommendations to the Manatee County Commission on the expenditures of tourist tax revenues. Members whose terms expire June 30 include hotel-accommodation affiliates Jiten Patel, Ed Chiles, David Teitelbaum and Dale Sconyers. Current members may reapply. Both Chiles and Teitelbaum own vacation accommodations and reside on Anna Maria Island. The TDC comprises nine members who make spending recommendations to the Manatee County Board of Commissioners on projects in the tourist development plan. Eligible applicants for the four expiring terms must be owners, operators or general managers of a motel, hotel, recreational vehicle park or other tourist accommodations in the county and subject to the 5 percent resort tax in Manatee County. Applicants also must be registered voters in Manatee County. Applications are due June 1 and may be found online at mymanatee.org/advisory_boards. The TDC meets on the third Monday of every other month at 9 a.m. at various government offices in Manatee County. Terms are for four years. For more information, call Monica Luff at the BACVB, 941-729-9177, ext. 3944, or e-mail monica. luff@mymanatee.org. — Ed Scott

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County board sends development plans back to planners

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter A mistake in a staff report has sparked a second round of county hearings for Aqua By The Bay. The Manatee County Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 May 4 to return the proposed large-scale, mixed-use development on Sarasota Bay to the planning commission. The planning commission had approved the Aqua project April 13 and now must reconsider the request for a 191-acre rezone and 529-acre general development plan. Aqua developers Long Bar Pointe LLLP and Cargor Partners VIII propose 2,894 homes and 78,000 square feet of commercial space, with a 2.5-mile-long lagoon with retaining wall and a separate mitigation bank, pending state and federal permits. An estimated crowd of 250 people, including prehearing protestors who held signs asking motorists on Manatee Avenue to support their cause, “Save Our Bay,” “Stop Beruff” and more, packed the chambers and spilled into two overflow rooms. At the start of the hearing, the rooms filled and people packed the hallway, where televisions were tuned into the hearing, but some people left. After about an hour, the mistake — a staff error identifying only two proposed high-rises, one 75-foot five-story and another 145-foot 13-story building possibly relied upon by plan commissioners — was called out by Chair Betsy Benac, but the hearing continued until 7:30 p.m., with staff and developer presentations, commissioners’ questions and testimony. Benac asked attorney Ed Vogler to clarify this, and Vogler confirmed the developers’ intent was to request two types of buildings, but declined to say how many buildings were planned. Planner Stephanie Moreland said someone — she didn’t remember who — told her about the error two days before the BOC hearing. Former County Commissioner Joe McClash sent commissioners a Southwest Florida Water Management District map from the developers’ permit application April 29, showing 24 10-story buildings over

Protestors wave signs and gather outside the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, before a May 4 hearing on Aqua By The Bay, a proposed largescale mixed-use development on Sarasota Bay in unincorporated Manatee County. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

two-story parking decks. No one flagged the mistake for the planning commission, which voted 3-2 to recommend the Aqua development plan to the BOC based on the staff report. Thirteen of the 82 people signed up to speak — including representatives of Cortez-based Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, Audubon Florida, Tidy Island Homeowners Association, and Suncoast Waterkeeper — spoke in opposition to the project. The remaining 69 people on the list did not get a chance to speak. Barbara Walker of Audubon, with chapters from Naples to Cedar Key, told the crowd to imagine 9,000 people standing behind her. She warned once the Longbar ecosystem is destroyed, “It’s gone.” Three representatives from Tidy Island explained how storm surge could destroy access to the mainland. Opponents voiced concerns about the mangroves, submerged lands, the proposed lagoon, dredging and docks. Developer Carlos Beruff took the podium to answer questions from Benac. He explained how mangroves can grow on a retaining wall and pointed to another

development, the Inlets, as an example. He testified a homeowners’ association or community development district would be responsible for the lagoon. Beruff also confirmed his intent for more than two buildings. With the vote, the commissioners asked the developers to provide how many, how high and where the buildings are planned, as well as information needed to support a variance from the county’s 35-foot height restriction. Vogler agreed with the direction back to the planning commission — but asked to be treated in the same way as other similar developments. Commissioner Carol Whitmore abstained from voting due to a possible conflict and outstanding ethics complaint relating to her son-in-law, Scott Rudacille, one of the attorneys representing the Aqua developers. After the hearing, FISH vice president Jane von Hahmann said, “I think that there’s a big screw up.” She was glad Benac mentioned the 22 extra buildings “and I didn’t have to go there.” Von Hahmann is concerned about the proposed lagoon “islandizing” the Please see Development, Next page

Feds turn down developer’s mitigation bank — again

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has denied Long Bar Pointe LLLP a wetland mitigation bank permit for the second time. Donald W. Kinard, chief of the Corps’ Jacksonville regulatory division, turned down the second attempt in a May 5 letter with concerns about the adjacent Aqua By The Bay, the proposed development, seagrasses, mangroves, oyster beds and a need to uphold the goal of mitigation banks to provide an ecological lift. Kinard also disputed the assertion that without the mitigation bank, the natural areas of Sarasota Bay are

threatened by more intense development. The mitigation is proposed for 263 acres of mostly pristine wetlands adjacent to Aqua, the Carlos BeruffLarry Lieberman proposed development of 2,894 homes and 78,000 square feet of commercial space. Mitigation banks are permitted by state and federal agencies to enhance and preserve natural areas and financed by selling “credits” to developers, who are then allowed to destroy wetlands elsewhere. Credits are valued at $100,000-$200,000. Applicants must obtain wetland permits from the Corps and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to operate a mitigation bank. In the May 5 letter, Kinard stated the developerapplicant “did not adequately address” the Corps’ concerns from its prior review, including “the potential adverse effects” the adjacent development “may have on the aquatic environment.” Beruff-Lieberman requested 18 credits to allegedly preserve and enhance: • 4.3 acres of salt marsh. . • 120.8 acres of mangrove swamp. • 110.1 acres of marine seagrass meadow. • 18 acres of shrub swamp. • 9.7 acres of upland forest. In the cover letter to the applicant’s January prospectus, Alec D. Hoffner, of Eco Consultants Inc., stated that without the proposed mitigation bank and conservation easement, the mangroves and submerged lands are threatened by 56 docks, boardwalks and fishing piers, structures totaling 112,000 square feet, and Capt. Kathe Fannon of Cortez told commission7,504 pilings, which are allowable at Aqua. ers: “There’s got to be something going on with this Kinard disagreed. He countered that permits will when so many people have gathered in one spot protect essential fish habitats and, though managed by to ask you: ‘Please, don’t take the only thing we the DEP, they fall under the Corps’ purview. have left.’” A day earlier, Fannon joined Suncoast “Furthermore, projects of this type would be Waterkeeper in the challenge to a Swiftmud permit excluded if they are located in a real estate parcel that that would allow the Aqua developers to remove wet- is substantially submerged and covered by seagrasses,” lands and construct a lagoon — which has already Kinard wrote. been dug out. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell Kinard reiterated the Corps’ concerns about the

Beruff-Lieberman plan to trim 30 percent of the mangrove wetlands, predicting a “loss of ecological function,” contradictory to the environmental goals of mitigation banks. He also pointed to a lack of assurances an oyster reef would be protected. A Sarasota Bay Estuary Program 1.9-acre oyster-reef restoration project lies within the 100-foot gap left between two parcels, he wrote. More information is needed to ensure there are no adverse impacts to two archeological sites, Kinard added. Kinard invited the developer to submit a third proposal that “fully addresses” the Corps’ concerns. “We must have confidence that a proposed mitigation bank has the potential to provide additional environmental benefit over the existing condition,” he wrote. The Corps’ denial comes on the heels of the Manatee County Board of Commissioners’ decision to send the Aqua development back before the planning commission to specify its building plans. In a May 5 email, Suncoast Waterkeeper and Sierra Club member Stuart Smith said Manatee County should question whether the development plans comply with its comp plan and land development code, considering the Corps’ concerns about the wetlands. Andy Mele, of Suncoast Waterkeeper, cited concerns for the adjacent development. “The Corps received the same basic proposal the FDEP approved — that showed no development whatsoever adjacent to the mangroves,” Mele said. “It seems that the Corps took a dim view of being conned by Beruff, once they learned of the development plan,” he added. In December 2016, the DEP issued a conditional approval to the same mitigation bank plan. The conditional approval is being challenged by former County Commissioner Joe McClash, Suncoast Waterkeeper and the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, resulting in a Sept. 12-14 hearing before an administrative law judge in Bradenton.

THE ISLANDER n MAy 10, 2017 n 5

Long Bar Pointe LLLP and Cargor Partners VIII principal Carlos Beruff testifies May 4 while one of his attorneys, Ed Vogler, stands at his side.

Manatee County Board of Commission Chair Betsy Benac glares from the dais with disappointment as witnesses for the applicant testify May 4.

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore listens to testimony May 4 at the Aqua By The Bay hearing.

Development continued from page 4 mangroves. “that lagoon is going to destroy the mangrove system — that’s why manatee county put the 50-foot wetland buffer in place,” von Hahmann said. “it really does need to go right back to planning. it was a close vote. one of those guys might’ve gone the other way had it not been for the two buildings.” former Bradenton Beach mayor Katie pierola, now of Bradenton, held the no. 40 spot on the speaker’s list. “they made a mistake. We’ll have to start over,” she said, adding, “i’m scared now he knows the mistakes he made.” Beruff asked commissioners to expedite the proposal before the planning commission. the next possible date for aqua to return before the planning commission would be June 8, and notice will be published, according to nichole Knapp, plan- People pack the Manatee County commission chambers in advance of the start of the daylong May 4 hearing on Aqua By The Bay. ning section manager.

6 n MAy 10, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Celebrating Mother’s Day

Long, long ago, I used to send my mother flowers on my birthday — just a small thank you. While growing up, we celebrated mother’s day, mostly with a family dinner at a nice restaurant, like the danville elk’s club or a country club by some name i don’t recall. i still remember the delicious food at the elk’s club and a tiny sip of mom’s pink daiquiri. My mom died suddenly in June 1972 after having moved to Bradenton just six months earlier. and for many, many years i put aside my sadness on mother’s day and made the best of it for my kids — and brunch at a nice restaurant was our custom. i can recall gifts of roses, gardenias and other mementoes, but time shared at brunch was the best. recent years, we haven’t been close. no brunch, cards, or gifts. no time together. But i was lucky at christmas to have a call for help from my son. We got closer, shared time together and weathered a crisis. there were many get-togethers in the short time span of december to april 5, including a treat for christmas — Beef Wellington prepared by chef damon. a taste of ooh La La! Bistro. We dined together often and had good conversations, many laughs about the past, a few serious talks about how to move forward and there was precious time shared with his daughter, Josey, too. We were finally settling back into a good relationship and i readily recall his afternoon phone call to me in which he noted we hadn’t seen each other for about a week. “i miss seeing you,” he said. and i told him i’d been thinking the same thing. We made plans for dinner. now i miss him every day. i was completely unaware of his demons. His life came crashing to an end april 5 and he was found dead by his daughter at his apartment. it will be many months before we have a full report on why or how it happened. He wasn’t without serious health issues, but he dearly loved and cherished his daughter and he was devoted to a happy, deaf dog named Ziggy. While mother’s day won’t be the same for me this year, i still have a wonderful granddaughter for whom i’m profoundly grateful, and proud of her courage. damon always said “i love you” at the end of our phone calls ... and the tribute from friends at his celebration of life is what i have to remember — a lasting peace. it’s a cherished gift for mother’s day. and maybe brunch. — Bonner Joy

MAY 10, 2017 • Vol. 25, No. 28 ▼ ▼

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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 Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Ed Scott, edscott@islander.org Jennifer Sheppard, jennifer.s@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

Special delivery

We were surprised and concerned to read a recent article in the islander regarding a potential upS store leasing the location of the contract postal station in Holmes Beach since that location will be closing June 30. mayor Bob Johnson approached island mail & more a few weeks ago to see if our pack-and-ship store would be able to take over the uSpS contract. We were fully prepared to investigate taking over the contract, but uSpS said it could not consider us unless we were willing to sever our contract with fedex and upS. Since there is very little profit in u.S. mail, it would not be a wise business decision to limit our shipping options for our customers. While eric and i are saddened that the contract station is closing, there are other solutions for the post office boxes — move some to the Bridge Street post office, some to Anna Maria post office, start home delivery for some or rent a mail box at island mail & more. upS made it seem they would be able to come in and take over the contract but they would not be approved by the postal Service and a upS store would not be a viable option to save the mail boxes. they would simply offer mail service and private mail boxes, as we do. While we understand the need for S&S plaza to rent its space, the leasing manager said he has had many inquiries for that location. We are confident there is another business that can move into that spot that would not cannibalize our business. island mail & more has been in operation for almost 17 years and we have owned it almost four years. We are not afraid of competition, but there is not enough business on the island to support two pack-

and-ship stores. We chose to move from Baltimore and purchase a business on the island due to the family feel and momand-pop business environment. We believe that since we already offer upS as a service, a franchise store would be unnecessary and redundant. We are respectfully asking that the mayor and commissioners uphold the current moratorium on formula businesses and prevent a franchise upS store from moving to the island. We expect to be a part of the island community for many years to come and look forward to a resolution to this matter. Rebecca St. Jean, Island Mail & More, Holmes Beach

A Cortez crossing

the cortez road connection to anna maria island does not have to be a bridge. i think there is a much better alternative. In approximately 1956, the Florida Department of transportation needed a replacement crossing at the new river in fort Lauderdale. What it chose to do was to build a path for the road under the river. the resulting underpass took 865 days to complete — 864 feet of tunnel for $6.5 million in 1960. the resulting four-lane underpass has been a great success. Adjusted for inflation, the cost would be $52 million in 2015 dollars. using advances in construction technology since 1960, the build cost and time should be reduced substantially. Short low-level bridge structures would be required to connect the underpass to the island and mainland. as the river is wider and deeper than the intracpLeaSe See opInIon, next page

THE ISLANDER n MAy 10, 2017 n 7

Opinion

Your

oastal Waterway, there should be no fundamental con- every coastline on planet earth. struction issues. this is irreversible. time to try some “new” old ideas. the damage has already been done. William Follmer, Bradenton We are warming. this is not crazy science. So, dear editor, it is time to open our eyes and shift Rising tides the focus of our coastline future toward retreat. thanks for your many articles on coastal trafthe florida department of transportation knows fic, bridges, developers and the other pains of our bridges will last for 50 years, if maintained, until growth, but we have a bigger problem to deal with. we abandon and then dismantle them. noaa’s 2017 forecast for a sea level rise of 3 feet today’s coastal homes and the soon-to-be-built in 50 years puts cortez likely awash at high tide by housing developments will surely be abandoned in 2070. shambles. anna maria island will have lost it’s beach and We must think clearly today. succumbed. this will be much the same up and down Tom Matheson, Bradenton

Good deeds

Postal employees conduct food drive

Letter carriers will be looking for special deliveries may 13. Saturday, may 13, is the date of the national association of Letter carrier’s annual Stamp out Hunger food drive. the drive is the largest one-day food collection in the nation and the biggest community service effort by a union affiliate of the AFL-CIO. on anna maria island, supporters can drop off non-perishable food items inside post offices in Anna maria, 101 S. Bay Blvd., and Bradenton Beach, 116 Bridge St. additionally, those who receive mail delivery at their homes or businesses can leave non-perishable items at or by their mailboxes for pickup. the top requested non-perishables include cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, as well as canned meats and fish, juice, peanut butter

and boxed meals, like mac-and-cheese dinners. organizers request that people not donate items in glass jars or that are prepared at home. the union settled on the second Saturday of may for the drive because donations to food banks tend to wane after the winter holidays. this decline is particularly troublesome since the hunger problem is usually at its most critical during the summer, when school may not be in session and students lack access to breakfast and lunch programs. Donations on the island will benefit local food pantries. for more information, inquire at a local post office.

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10&20 years ago In the headlines: May 7, 1997

• “Palmetto,” the movie starring Woody Harrelson, made arrangements to shoot in the area, including the anna maria city pier and the adjacent parking lot. The filming would require closing both locations to the public. • The city of Bradenton Beach negotiated a contract renewal and expansion for the restaurant and tackle shop on what was named the Bradenton Beach fishing pier. the agreement was to extend the hours to 7 a.m.-10 p.m. • Key Royale residents were concerned with the remodel of a home in the 600 block of Key royale drive, which they alleged exceeded a rule prohibiting renovations of ground-level structures more than 50 percent.

In the headlines: May 9, 2007

• The Florida Department of Transportation announced a massive rehabilitation project for the anna maria island Bridge on manatee avenue that connected Holmes Beach to perico island. estimates put the rehab at more than $10 million. • Bradenton Beach officials learned improvements to the Historic Bridge Street pier would cost at least $1.8 million. plans included the construction of a restaurant building, as well as a dockmaster office and bait shop. The pier had been damaged in 2005 by Hurricane frances. • Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch marked the first loggerhead sea turtle nest of the 2007 nesting season may 6. the nest was due to hatch about June 29. The Holmes Beach nest was the second of the season on the entire florida gulf coast.

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Paradise water-taxi on track for Bradenton Beach-Sarasota launch By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Capt. Sherman Baldwin, owner of Paradise Boat Tours in Bradenton Beach, has been working for two years on a plan to connect Bradenton Beach and Sarasota via water taxi. Having secured a dock for arrivals and departures near downtown Sarasota — the 10th Street Boat Basin in Centennial Park — Baldwin is planning to launch his service in September. Baldwin Baldwin said the next step is to secure permits for mooring bollards, cleats and a fender system at the Sarasota launch. He said he plans to use Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift of Sarasota for the work. “They’ve worked with Bradenton Beach before, so I feel comfortable with the choice,” Baldwin said May 3. “After that, we’re off to the races.” In January, Bradenton Beach commissioners unanimously agreed to support the service, although

Baldwin does not require city approval to load and unload at the city pier. Docking at the pier is on a first-come first-serve basis based on terms of a city lease with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Baldwin plans to run a 149-passenger high-speed catamaran starting at 8 a.m. daily from the Historic

By Jennifer Sheppard Islander Reporter Reducing cars on island roads is a goal for the businesses pitching a water-taxi service to Holmes Beach. It’s possible, even if the direction is not yet clear, that moving people on the waterways could accomplish reducing cars on the roads. But the city lacks guidelines for what it needs from the prospective water-taxi operators. Commissioner Carol Soustek brought the topic up for discussion at the April 27 work session. “It’s a new thing for a lot of cities,” Soustek said. “They’re not asking the city for money.” Businesses such as Bradenton Beach-based Adventure Away want procedures on operating a water-taxi service “so they can establish pickup and drop-off

points within the city,” Soustek said. Walter Loos of Adventure Away told commissioners the company’s water-taxi program is designed to encourage alternative transportation. Loos said they’ve been trying to identify docking opportunities close to the trolley stations, including a “key location” at the Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive. “I’ve been trying to find answers and they’re just hard to get,” Loos said. “The demand out there, quite honestly, is big.” Loos is just one of a few entrepreneurs looking to establish a water-taxi service. He also would provide options for passengers on his 20-person vessel with a northern loop with to Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County and Egmont Key. A southern loop is planned to connect to Bayfront Park

A high-speed 149-passenger catamaran is being considered to shuttle passengers between downtown Sarasota and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. Islander Courtesy Graphic

Bridge Street Pier and arriving in Sarasota about 31 minutes later. The boat would loop on a 45 minute schedule until the final trip returns at about 10:15 p.m. to Bradenton Beach. Tevatan LLC of Sarasota is the principal investor for the $1.2 million boat. Baldwin expects round-trip tickets to run $12.50 and offer some discounts as incentives to commuters and employees of Bradenton Beach businesses, including the AMOB on the Pier restaurant. Baldwin says the boat is “super environmentally friendly,” with Fiat Chrysler turbo-diesel engines that “go twice as fast and burn half the fuel” of some other boats he considered. “Our carbon footprint will be much less because of less cars on the road,” Baldwin said. Baldwin said if the startup is successful, he will offer stopovers in downtown Bradenton. “This is really being promoted as a service for area commuters,” Baldwin said May 3. “I think it really opens up a lot of opportunities for locals to live in one city and work in another, without the traffic.”

while another service launches Holmes Beach water-taxi discussion

on Longboat Key. Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson said there are places to park vehicles to the south, including Coquina Beach, but no large parking lots exist in Holmes Beach. Commissioner Marvin Grossman said he did not want to vote to create a monster and the scarcity of parking already is a concern. “How are we going to mitigate the parking problem?” Grossman asked. Commissioners discussed whether the water-taxi service really would take cars off the road. Loos said he plans to encourage people to ride bicycles or the trolley to his pickup locations. Johnson directed Loos to come back with a plan. Commissioners will meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Concerns, rumors fly over Holmes Beach post office June closure

By Jennifer Sheppard Islander Reporter Closing the Holmes Beach contract post office would be a blow to the residents of Holmes Beach, according to resident Judy McClarren. “Dealing with the irritating people at the Bradenton Beach Post Office is no fun,” she wrote to The Islander among the online comments. “They close for an hour for lunch, and they close on Saturday. How do they get away with this?” The parking at the post office in Bradenton Beach, 116 Bridge St., also is ridiculous, McClarren wrote. “We should have the big post office on the island because we have the most residents,” she added. But it’s a done deal. The post office, currently sharing commercial space with the Lucky Shoppe, 5354 Gulf Drive, will close June 30. Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson said April 13 at a city commission meeting that he received a phone call from the U.S. Postal Service notifying him the current contractors, Julie Quinlivan and Sally Woodward, intend to terminate the post office contract. “We’re not commenting anymore,” Woodward said May 5. Johnson said he had discussed options for a new contract post office with other businesses, such as Island Mail & More, 3230 E. Bay Drive, and a representative for UPS Store franchises. Rebecca St. Jean, co-owner with husband Eric of Island Mail & More, said May 5 her main concern is the island lacks the business needed to support two pack-and-ship stores. Island Mail & More offers UPS, FedEx, DHL and postal services and is located 1.4 miles from the current contract post office, according to St. Jean, who also commented on islander.org. The store has plenty of private mail boxes to offer the customers now receiving mail at the post office, St. Jean wrote. “There is a solution other than bringing in another competing business which would cannibalize ours,” St. Jean wrote. Commissioner Jean Peelen said May 5 the city’s

moratorium on formula retail establishments prohibits new permits and business tax receipts for chain stores. Peelen said she doubts the commission would allow an exception after extending the Feb. 14 moratorium to Oct. 31. “We’ve never been in this situation before,” Peelen said. “On the other hand, I know when we passed it, we were thinking more about restaurants.” A March 27 email from Robert Wright to Johnson discussed the possibility of bringing the UPS Store franchise on the island. Wright, who works in franchise development for the UPS Store, asked the city to consider a UPS Store “differently than most typical chain stores.” A May 5 call to Wright was not returned. Nevin Thomas, S&S Plaza manager, said he’s done his best to retain the post office in the plaza, according to his posted comment on islander.org.

Meetings

Unfortunately, Thomas wrote, the post office “keeps lowering its payments to its vendors to the point where it is not economically viable as a business, which is a great loss to the island. “It is our opinion the best option to keeping the mail box rentals and other postal services available to the residents, businesses and tourists is to have the UPS Store in S&S Plaza,” Thomas wrote. He added that commissioners should allow the UPS Store to move forward with its lease agreement. “Finding a replacement tenant will be easy,” Thomas wrote. But St. Jean said the UPS Store can’t operate the post office contract since the post office limits competing business from UPS. St. Jean said she planned to attend the May 9 city meeting to urge the commission to uphold the franchise moratorium in favor of mom-and-pop businesses. 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

Anna Maria City West Manatee Fire Rescue • May 11, 6 p.m., city commission. • None scheduled. • May 25, 6 p.m., city commission. WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941- W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Manatee County Bradenton Beach • May 23, 9 a.m., county board. • May 11, 1 p.m., department heads. • May 30, 1:30 p.m., county board (budget pre• May 17, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. sentation). • May 18, noon, city commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., • May 23, 1 p.m., city commission. Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. • May 24, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Of interest 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. • May 17, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Longboat Key Town Hall. Holmes Beach • May 29, Memorial Day, most government • May 11, 6 p.m., city commission. offices will be closed. The Islander office also will • May 23, 6 p.m., city commission. be closed. • May 25, 6 p.m., city commission. Send notices to calendar@islander.org and Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, news@islander.org.

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Friday, May 12 Saturday, May 13 5:30-7:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Open exhibit featuring local artists, Anna 2-4 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Infor- 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. mation: 941-778-2099. 7 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sarasota Music and Comedy Fest featuring islander Jack Elka and beneďŹ ting the Sarasota Bethesda House for AIDS, Primo! Ristorante, 8076 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Fee applies. ONGOING ON AMI Information: 941-359-3690. â&#x20AC;˘ Throughout May, Island Gallery West features the work of Marlane Wurzbach in the exhibit â&#x20AC;&#x153;Island Dreams,â&#x20AC;? 5368 Gulf Drive, ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. â&#x20AC;˘ Throughout May, Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild Gallery â&#x20AC;&#x153;Manatee Maniaâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Most second Wednesdays, Think+Drink (Science), 7-9 p.m., window display, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. 941-778-6694. Information: 941-746-4131. â&#x20AC;˘ May 12-31, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open Exhibit,â&#x20AC;? Anna Maria Island Art â&#x20AC;˘ Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Art After 5, John and Mable Ringling League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Infon: 941-778-2099. Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Inforâ&#x20AC;˘ Through May 14, Island Players present â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vanya and Sonia mation: 941-359-5700. and Masha and Spike,â&#x20AC;? 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: CLUBS & 941-778-5755.

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Wednesday, May 10 Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Adult coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, May 12 2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Caregiver Support Group, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturday, May 13 8:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria breakfast and program, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Sunday, May 14 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Roser Memorial Community Church worship service and tribute, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7780414. Tuesday, May 16 Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anna Maria Island Rotary Club gathers for lunch and a program, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-462-4016.

Friday, May 12 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Forty Carrots parenting program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturday, May 13 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Origami crafting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Tea Party and crafting for families, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341. Wednesday, May 17 3:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Art for Kids, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

â&#x20AC;˘ Fourth Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Stelliferous Live star exploration, South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ Most first Saturdays, Family Night at the South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: â&#x20AC;˘ Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ 941-746-4131. JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teeth Beneath: the Wild World of Gators, Crocs and Cai- 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. mansâ&#x20AC;? exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkâ&#x20AC;˘ Thursdays, 7 p.m., Overeaters Anonymous meets, the Episway, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441. copal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 813-494-6518. LOOKING AHEAD â&#x20AC;˘ Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton July 22, Snootyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday Bash, Bradenton. Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. â&#x20AC;˘ Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Senior Adventures gather for a proGAMES, SPORTS gram or to depart on an adventure. Information: 941-778-3106.

& OUTDOORS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Wednesday, May 10 4 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Chess club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941779-0881. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Saturday, May 13 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sun-spotting with a solar telescope, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-748-4501. 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 applies. Information: 877-893-2827. â&#x20AC;˘ Second and fourth Wednesdays, Roser Memorial Community Church GolďŹ ng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414. LOOKING AHEAD May 19, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Bradenton.

GOOD TO KNOW â&#x20AC;˘ May 14, Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. â&#x20AC;˘ May 20, Armed Forces Day. â&#x20AC;˘ May 29, Memorial Day. â&#x20AC;˘ June 14, Flag Day. â&#x20AC;˘ June 18, Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. â&#x20AC;˘ June 21, ďŹ rst day of summer. â&#x20AC;˘ July 4, Independence Day. â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 10, Grandparents Day. â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 20, Rosh Hashanah. â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 29, Yom Kippur. â&#x20AC;˘ Sept. 4, Labor Day. â&#x20AC;˘ Sept.11, Patriot Day. â&#x20AC;˘ Sept. 22, ďŹ rst day of autumn.

Sudsy study

The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum will offer a lesson in making soap at 10 a.m. Friday, May 26. JoAnn Mancuso will lead the class, which costs $35. Registration is required by May 19. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more information, call FMM at 941-708-6120. Islander Courtesy Photo

Island happenings

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Islander to take stage in music, comedy fest

Attention grabbing ‘Bad Hair Day’

Anne Abgott recently won the Holbein Award at the Southern Watercolor Society show in Panama City for her painting “Bad Hair Day.” She was one of three local artists winning prizes. The others were Cheryl Jorgenson and Kathy Simmons McDonald, both island residents. Islander Courtesy Image

islander Jack elka will perform in the Sarasota music and comedy fest Saturday, may 13, in Sarasota. the festival at primo! ristorante, 8076 n. tamiami trail, will raise money for the Sarasota Bethesda House for aidS. Showtime will be 7 p.m. an announcement said, “enjoy a wonderful evening out to see some of Elka Sarasota’s finest.” the entertainment lineup includes “Sir Jack elka” and a guest, Willie thompson, Katt Hefner and robin Savage. elka, a photographer who works for the islander, is an island icon, well known for his aerial photography. He said he will perform songs from the great american Songbook. for more information about the benefit or the Bethesda House for AIDS, call the restaurant at 941359-3690.

Fermenting classes offered in Cortez the folk School at the florida maritime museum will host Jillian ross teaching about lacto fermentation, a traditional way that food has been preserved for centuries. in the basic fermentation class, ross will go over the science and methods of how to properly ferment foods and beverages of all kinds. She also will discuss how to source the products needed to use ferments in the home. the class will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 3, at the museum. there is a registration fee of $20, which is required

Art league hosts artist reception, opens May show

the anna maria island art League is featuring local artists in its may exhibit and celebrating the show with a reception. the open house for the “open exhibit” will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. friday, may 12, at amiaL, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. the exhibit will continue through may. For more information, call AMIAL at 941-7782099.

by may 27. an advanced class will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 17. the fee is $35 and registration is required by June 10. the museum will offer a lesson in making soap at 10 a.m. friday, may 26. Joann mancuso will lead the class, which costs $35. registration is required by May 19. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more information, call FMM at 941-7086120.

Darkroom demo offered

the anna maria island art League will host a demonstration, “introduction to print processing in the darkroom,” by christine galanopoulos. galanopoulos has taught many classes at amiaL. the demonstration will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, may 13, at amiaL, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. the session is limited to four students. To register, call AMIAL at 941-778-2099.

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

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the anna maria island art League will present a “fun with mosaics” workshop taught by Lori Heintz. the session will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, may 13, at the amiaL studio in Holmes Beach. the cost is $55 for member and $65 for non-members.

Alcorn to teach gyotaku workshop

the anna maria island art League will host artist Brenda alcorn teaching a gyotaku printmaking workshop at noon friday, May 19. the fee for the class is $45 for members and $65 for nonmembers. Gyotaku is the traditional method of Japanese fish printing dated from the mid-1800s. this form of nature printing may have been used by fishermen to record their catches, but also has become an art form of its own. the class is limited to eight students.

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Holmes Beach sees another 9 Bert Harris claims

By Bianca BenedĂ Islander Reporter The claims are piling up in Holmes Beach. Nine new Bert Harris claims were filed May 1 against Holmes Beach, alleging more than $15 million in damages. All but one was prompted by city ordinances that restrict the occupancy of rentals. The nine claims were filed by attorney Aaron Thomas of the law firm Najmy Thompson, PL, of Bradenton. The first claim, on behalf of 212 N. Harbor LLC, alleges a four-bedroom property at 212 N. Harbor Drive previously could accommodate 15 guests. However, after 2015 and 2016 ordinances restricting vacation rental occupancy to no more than two per bedroom or six people total were adopted, the property depreciated by $355,000, according to the property appraisal. The second claim was filed on behalf of Nathan and Catherine Tillman, alleging the Tillmansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; threebedroom property at 4104 Sixth Ave. depreciated by $104,000 after ordinances restricted them from 10 guests to six. The third claim, for 302 55th LLC, alleges property at 5501 Holmes Blvd., an eight-bedroom property

that previously could accommodate 20 guests, depreciated in value by $670,000 after ordinances restricted occupancy to six. A claim on behalf of Mike and Emma Stringer for property at 207 65th St. states their four-bedroom property could accommodate 18 before city ordinances restricted them to six people, depreciating the property by $355,000. Another claim on behalf of 105 34th St. LLC alleges a four-bedroom home at 105 34th St. could previously accommodate 18, but was restricted by the city to six people, causing a property depreciation of $175,000. Two Bert Harris claims were filed on behalf of AMI 105 39th LLC. The first alleges 105 39th St. had its value depreciated by occupancy restrictions, limiting the 14-bedroom duplex to six guests instead of the 32 it claimed to accommodate, dropping the value to $3,180,000. The second claim for 105 39th St. alleges the property was further depreciated by ordinances that restrict the propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s habitable area, footprint, pool size and parking, causing it to depreciate an additional $2,055,000. An eighth claim filed by Thomas on behalf of

David and Derelle Schaefer and Thomas and Marcia Edwards alleges their four-bedroom property at 204 54th St. depreciated by $210,000 after ordinances restricted the property from 12 guests to six. A claim for 210 N. Harbor Drive, on behalf of 210 N. Harbor LLC, says the four-bedroom property previously could accommodate 15 people. Ordinances restricting vacation rentals to six guests allegedly caused the property to depreciate by $355,000. The final claim of nine filed May 1 is for property at 105 34th St. on behalf of 105 34th St. LLC, alleging its four-bedroom occupancy was decreased from 12 to six by city ordinances, causing it to depreciate by $175,000. To date, 49 Bert Harris claims have been filed against the city. Holmes Beach has 150 days from the date a claim is submitted to respond. The city has thus far issued 13 responses, but has offered no changes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; no monetary settlements and no occupancy changes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to the claimants. The next response is due in June. After the 150-day period, the recourse if no settlement is reached is for claimants to take their case to court. Three lawsuits are pending against Holmes Beach.

Holmes Beach parks committee wraps up work until October

By Jennifer Sheppard Islander Reporter Extra chairs came out May 3 for the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee meeting for residents who showed up in support of improving the city dog park. Joan Haiss presented a drawing of Scentral Park at Flotilla Drive and 62nd Street. She suggested increasing the size of the small park, where she sees 20 or 30 little dogs at peak times. The park is currently separated into areas for large and small dogs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not big enough,â&#x20AC;? Haiss said of the area allocated to small dogs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not by a lot, but by a little. It makes a difference.â&#x20AC;? Moving two or three sections of fence would give the small dog area an extra 16-24 feet, she suggested. Other residents voiced ideas to improve high-traffic areas that are worn around the shelter where dog owners congregate. Don Anthony said different types of grass that grow year-round or artificial turf designed for dog park use would cut down on maintenance and muddy paws. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are plenty of ideas, trust me,â&#x20AC;? Anthony told committee members. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The problem has been, even if we have a voice, where do we take it?â&#x20AC;? Commissioner Marvin Grossman, who serves as a commission liaison to the committee, said the dog park discussion is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;little premature,â&#x20AC;? and suggested

the residents create an informal committee that would not be subject to Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sunshine Laws, but could make suggestions to the committee. Then the parks committee could present ideas to the city commission for consideration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a whole area of expertise in terms of dog parks and information around the country,â&#x20AC;? Grossman said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody knows the park is used more by the citizens than any other park we have. The problem has always been, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a mess.â&#x20AC;? Chair Jerry West said the committee is responsible for all parks, but it would be good if the dog-park users formed a group to speak as one voice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never taken the initiative except to let the dog park people give us guidance on what they wanted,â&#x20AC;? West said. Resident Renee Ferguson said dog owners need some authority if they are to accomplish goals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need some kind of permission so that our voice can be heard,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to need some money if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to make improvements.â&#x20AC;? Vice chair Zan Fuller suggested residents work together and come up with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;loose-knit plan.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bring us a plan versus bringing us a problem,â&#x20AC;? Fuller said. Haiss offered to trade phone numbers among the interested dog owners and get organized before the next meeting. Grossman guaranteed he would bring the ideas to

the commission. In other business, West asked for an update on the improvements to the memorial garden at Holmes Beach City Hall. Public works foreman Dave Benton said everything is in place, but some of the plants â&#x20AC;&#x153;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to take off yet.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re been really pumping water to it,â&#x20AC;? Benton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re putting extra water on them every day.â&#x20AC;? Fuller questioned why the fountain in the garden is not running. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would look a lot prettier if it was running,â&#x20AC;? she said. Benton said the fountain runs but not every day, and he plants to utilize a timer to get it running more frequently. Committee members commended Grossmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demonstration project at the 72nd Street beach access that re-introduced native plants. Grossman said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s looking for another location, but the project requires access to water from an adjacent property owner, which would be minimal for a controlled drip system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I doubt it will be $50 bucks for the year,â&#x20AC;? Grossman said. The committee also discussed projects that havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been completed, including securing sponsors for the Adopt-A-Spot program, improvements to Spring Lake Park and an educational program at Grassy Point Preserve. Members reached a consensus to revisit their projects in the fall. The next parks and beautification committee meeting will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. 68th

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THE ISLANDER n May 10, 2017 n 13

Bradenton Beach crafts funding plan for pier restaurant AC replacement

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach is mulling sources to fund a project on the Historic Bridge Street Pier. The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency approved a $73,536.89 bid April 25 for engineering and construction to place new air conditioners and construct a new rooftop deck for the Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurant on the pier. City commissioners and the mayor launched discussions May 4 with the pier restaurant owner about reimbursing expenses during a recommended twoweek closure. AMOB is owned by CRA-member John Horne, who recused himself from the bid vote. The approved contractor, Southern Cross Contracting Inc., recommended the restaurant close during the construction, which is being planned for September. The project is located within CRA boundaries and

it is being funded by the CRA. However, AMOB leases the facility from the city, and questions were raised as to which entity should reimburse the restaurant â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the city or the CRA. The restaurant pays $8,000 a month, according to its contract. Before the May 3 CRA meeting, city attorney Ricinda Perry emailed the board saying the project must be funded through the CRA, but rent abatement and any other reimbursements to AMOB could be funded by the city. The money from AMOBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lease goes to the city coffers in a dedicated pier account, which currently has more than $400,000. During a pier team meeting May 3, Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale, who chairs the pier team â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a recommending body comprising Speciale, public works director Tom Woodard, Horne and building official Steve Gilbert â&#x20AC;&#x201D; asked Horne about the matter.

Horne said he is â&#x20AC;&#x153;working on the numbers to determine reimbursement.â&#x20AC;? He also said AMOB cannot close longer than the projected 14 days. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I could lose personnel,â&#x20AC;? Horne said. Additionally, Speciale said allowing people on the pier during construction is a liability concern, and the city may need to close the pier. The pier team reached consensus to recommend AMOB close for two weeks and the city reimburse the restaurant through its pier fund. At their May 4 meeting, city commissioners approved Speciale to liaison with Horne on reimbursement. The results are expected at the next city commission meeting, which will be at noon Thursday, May 18, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Anna Maria moves forward to engineer pier repairs

By Bianca BenedĂ Islander Reporter WGI and Anna Maria are on track again. After telling the Anna Maria City Commission April 27 that the initial relationship had a rocky start, Bradenton Beach Scenic Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said May 2 that engiWAVES partnership comneering firm Wantman Group Inc. has responded with mittee member Gayden eight key pieces of information he requested in early Shell poses May 3 next to March. a planter on Bridge Street WGI is an engineering and consulting firm with that she recently filled with headquarters in West Palm Beach. The firm covers native plantings, taking the multiple disciplines including civil, municipal and initiative in advance of the transportation engineering. committee plans to enhance A 2015 study done by the city determined the Histhe planters on Bridge toric Anna Maria City Pier is badly in need of repair. Street. Islander Photo: After issuing a request for proposals to engineer ChrisAnn Silver Esformes repairs, the city hired WGI in late February. Murphy, in an initial meeting, requested eight pieces of information necessary to begin the project, including cost estimates for permitting and engineering Thief steals fish, and the predicted timetable for completing the work. reward offered WGI provided all eight key pieces of information A rendering of a trophy- May 2. Included in the information is a timetable for sized marlin hung on the engineering repairs and how much the permitting prooutside wall of a resicess and engineering would cost. dence at 217 Pine Ave., Although the city estimated and budgeted $200,000 Anna Maria, before it for engineering, WGI estimated the initial cost will be went missing April 23. $350,670, nearly twice what was expected. The Manatee County WGI also said engineering and permits should take Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office is looking about 12 months. for a young male with Construction and repairs will take place after the a slight build, observed engineering is complete. on surveillance video Murphy said he will present the information to the at 4:30 a.m. April 23 city commission for a go-ahead to begin negotiating a running with the artwork contract with the company. near the residence. Owner Frankie Gonzalez hopes someone will return the marlin she commissioned from The next city commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. local artist Max Anderson and she is offering a reward. Anyone with information or a security camera near Thursday, May 11, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. the corner of Pine Avenue and North Shore Boulevard is asked to call Gonzalez at 813-239-5900 or Deputy Manny Hernandez at the Anna Maria-MCSO substation at 941-747-3011. Anonymous tips can be called into CrimeStoppers at 866-634-8477. Islander Photo: Courtesy Frankie Gonzalez ď&#x20AC; ď&#x20AC;&#x201A;ď&#x20AC;&#x192;ď&#x20AC;&#x201E;ď&#x20AC;&#x2026;ď&#x20AC;&#x2020;ď&#x20AC;&#x2021;ď&#x20AC;&#x2C6;ď&#x20AC;&#x2026;ď&#x20AC;&#x2020;ď&#x20AC;&#x2030;ď&#x20AC;&#x2021;ď&#x20AC;&#x160;ď&#x20AC;&#x2030;ď&#x20AC;&#x192;ď&#x20AC;&#x2039;ď&#x20AC;&#x152;ď&#x20AC;?

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Before the table comes the harvest 5-star lunch delights 4th-grade class

The Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, known for its 4.9 Zagat rating, surfside views and impeccable service, took on a new class of customers at lunch May 4. The fourth-grade classes from Anna Maria Elementary poured off the island trolley and into the elegant dining room, where the students were treated to a meal prepared by the Beach Bistro chefs using the vegetables and herbs they nurtured between January and May 3 in their â&#x20AC;&#x153;Edible Garden.â&#x20AC;? The project, begun years ago by bistro co-owner Susan Timmons, teaches students to grow fresh vegetables and herbs under the watchful eyes of a handful of volunteer gardeners. Timmons and husband Sean Murphy own the Beach Bistro and Eat Here, also in Holmes Beach, where a more casual student-assisted meal is presented after the fall harvest. Students learn about cultivating and harvesting during the growing period, then about using their bounty in salads and entrees. Lessons on herbs, preparation and etiquette are woven into Timmons presentations between dining courses. An arrangement of herbs served as table centerpieces.

Brad McDonald, left, and Alayna Lundy carefully unearth baby carrots during the May 3 harvest of the AME â&#x20AC;&#x153;Edible Garden,â&#x20AC;? The produce, grown by students with lessons from local gardeners, are incorporated into the May 4 meal served to the fourth-graders at Beach Bistro. The meal highlights the farm-to-fork experience and exposure to new foods, as well as tips on dining etiquette. Fourthgrader Landgon Bell clips Swiss chard from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Edible Gardenâ&#x20AC;? container at Anna Maria Elementary May 3 in preparation for the annual luncheon at the Bistro Bistro in Holmes Beach.

The first course, the amuse-bouche, was a bite of chocolate chip ice cream infused with fresh mint with a rosemaryshortbread cookie. The garden salad â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with a variety of garden-grown lettuces, tomatoes, carrot strips, green pepper strips and spring onions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; was served with a roma vinaigrette. Alongside, served family-style, kale chips were a surprising treat. Students asked for more. Strips of lightly fried eggplant drizzled with honey preceded the entree. Students were then presented with the entree of grilled chicken breast, mashed potatoes with roasted white turnips and sautĂŠed rainbow chard with bok choy. And to complete the Beach Bistro meal â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Praline Alexandra, a goblet of vanilla bean ice cream, crushed pralines and fresh whipped cream. It was a much-anticipated ending to a culinary adventure for the fourth-graders. When questioned about the meal, Max Higgins replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marvelous! I give it five stars and it was very tender on my teeth.â&#x20AC;? Tablemate Brad McDonald gave it a thumbs up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was 100 percent million good,â&#x20AC;? Brad said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the kale was good, too.â&#x20AC;?

Each student received a printed menu that detailed the courses served at the May 4 fourth-grade â&#x20AC;&#x153;Edible Gardenâ&#x20AC;? luncheon at the Beach Bistro.

Anna Maria Elementary fourth-graders Cassie Calvert, left, Brenna Heckler and Michael Bowes read the menu May 4 for the luncheon at the Beach Bistro, created using vegetables and herbs from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Edible Garden.â&#x20AC;? The harvest, is prepared by the bistro chefs and served in courses to the students, with lessons on ingredients and taste. Islander Photos: Karen Riley-Love

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THE ISLANDER n May 10, 2017 n 15

Turtle watch anticipates record-breaking nesting season By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter “This is the calm before the storm,” Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director Suzi Fox said May 2. Sea turtle nesting season officially began May 1, so mature females soon will be making their way to Anna Maria Island beaches to deposit their eggs. AMITW is working with code enforcement in the three island municipalities to ensure turtle-friendly beaches for nesting sea turtles. More than 400 nests were counted on Anna Maria Island in 2016 — a record-breaking number for the island. And, with increased public awareness and turtlefriendly safety practices, the number could increase, according to Fox. Fox, who has been monitoring sea turtles for 27 years, said the beginning of nesting season is marked by consistency. “The beginning of nesting season doesn’t vary a lot,” Fox said May 2. “Temperature is the main factor and that doesn’t change very much from year to year.” She said since the spring kickoff for the season is more predictable than later in the summer, when storms become a factor, she develops a strategy that builds on previous years. Planning for nesting season includes working with code enforcement officers in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach to ensure the island beaches are turtle-friendly. This means making sure people know to remove beach equipment at the end of the day. Female sea turtles only come ashore to nest, so any objects in their path can distract them and lead to a failed nesting attempt — a false crawl. Or worse — a sea turtle can become trapped in beach chairs or canopies, which can be a potentially deadly incident. Holmes Beach code enforcement officer JT Thomas said he works hand-in-hand with the public to educate people about turtle-friendly practices. He said he invites people to join him at the end of

Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director, and Bradenton Beach code enforcement officer Gail Garneau look May 4 through turtle-eye cards, a tool used to determine if lighting is sea turtle-friendly. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes his workday as he patrols the beach, checking for code compliance. “(AMITW) shows people the science behind the turtles, while we teach them about turtle-friendly behavior,” Thomas said. “We’ve got to give the island back to the turtles at night — that’s our campaign.” Sea turtles — mostly loggerheads on AMI — use their instincts to follow the natural light from the reflection of the moon and stars on the surface of the water back to the Gulf of Mexico after nesting.

The hatchlings follow the same instincts when they emerge from the clutch to the sandy surface, and head to the water. Bright lights close to the shoreline can distract sea turtles away from the water, increasing the likelihood of death by predation or exhaustion, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Bradenton Beach code enforcement officer Gail Garneau said May 2 that she has sent 68 emails to property owners, management companies and other businesses in Bradenton Beach, reminding them to turn off or shield lights from sunset to sunrise, from the beach. One simple measure to determine if beachfront lighting is a problem is to walk after dusk to the water’s edge and crouch near the waterline. If you see lights, so will a sea turtle. AMITW is distributing “turtle eye” cards containing a small filter that when held up to a light source, can help determine if a light bulb is sea turtle-friendly, according to Fox. Additionally, Garneau is performing lighting inspections with Fox to ensure properties with past lighting issues are compliant this year. “I also hand-delivered literature to several streetfront businesses along the Gulf Drive corridor,” Garneau said May 2. Bradenton Beach also recently enacted a fee schedule that includes fines for property left overnight on the beach as well as for lighting violations. Fox said direct communication about turtlefriendly practices is key. “They love our handouts, but it is through directly speaking with the public that they gain the most awareness,” Fox said. “The goal is to create a harmony where the turtles can do what Mother Nature intended, while the public learns about these amazing creatures.” For more information on nesting season, or to report a sick, injured or dead sea turtle, contact Fox at suzifox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

First crawl, false crawl

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteer Debbie Basilius, left, looks on May 5 as AMITW executive director Suzi Fox and volunteer Skip Coyne stake one of the first false crawls of sea turtle nesting season on the beach near 71st Street in Holmes Beach. Another other false crawl was verified on the beach near Oak Street in Anna Maria, also May 5. AMITW marked the area so beachgoers could see a false crawl before the tide claimed it. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

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16 n MAy 10, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Travel for a cause

Joselin Presswood, AME and Manatee High grad, visits Haiti, assisting a group of doctors and nurses who conduct health clinics in partnership with the Ministry of Presence in Duval Roche, a village just east of Port-auPrince. Presswood, granddaughter of Islander publisher Bonner Joy, is continuing a project she started while at King Middle School that collected shoes from AME and King for distribution in Haiti. More info can be found on Facebook at ShoesforHaiti. Islander Courtesy Photo

Holmes Beach UofF graduate commissioned in U.S. Army

Retired Col. Dave Pate and his son, Army 2nd Lt. Christopher Pate of Holmes Beach, celebrate achievements in April. On April 30, Christopher Pate graduated from the University of Florida Warrenton Business College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration. On April 28, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and assigned to the aviation branch. He was sworn in by his father. Chris will spend the summer training future ROTC cadets at Fort Knox in Kentucky, followed by assignment to Fort Rucker in Alabama for the Army Aviation Basic Officer Leadership Course and Army Rotary Wing Aviation flight training. Islander Courtesy Photo

By Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org

AME school calendar

• Thursday, May 11, fifth-grade trip to Walt disney World, orlando. • 6 p.m. Friday, May 12, Anna Maria Elementary-parent-teacher association Spring gala, Seafood Shack neptune room, 4110 127th St. W., cortez. • Tuesday, May 16, pre-play Columbia Restaurant dinner 5 p.m., kindergarten play 6:30 p.m. • Friday, May 19, field day games. K-1 8:45 a.m.-9:45 a.m., grades 2-3 10 a.m.-11 a.m., grades 4-5 12:40 p.m.-1:40 p.m. • 9 a.m. Thursday, May 25, awards assembly, auditorium. • 11 a.m. Thursday, May 25, fourth-grade beach trip. • 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 26, early release. • Monday, May 29, no school, Memorial day. • 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 30, fifth-grade luncheon. • 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, early release, last day of school for students. • Classes will resume at AME Thursday, Aug. 10. anna maria elementary is at 4700 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941708-5525.

Tiki & Kitty’s Adventures in Shopping … Antiques, Art-Tiques and Chic Boutiques!

Spring is sprung! Who doesn’t love to go Spring shopping? tide & moon jewelry boutique has new pendants designed by owner/jeweler Laura Shely. With anna maria island a popular wedding destination, Laura has a perfect memento for the occasion — a new “married on anna maria island” pendant. Visit Shely at the pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Retro Rosie’s is in the swing for spring. Bright

colors and perky pastels are popping up like blooms in the shop. The Rosies have been refining and redecorating, showcasing the best vintage décor you’ll find in town. Lilly pulitzer is being restocked also, and new reproduction vintage clothing is being added daily. Stop in to see what’s new! Community thrift shop on manatee avenue has new merchandise daily, so come peruse all of the goodies, including furnishings and decor. don’t miss this “must do” in west Bradenton. Shabby chic, beachy/coastal, heirloom home furnishings and goods are in vogue and plentiful at the must-not-miss monthly vintage market, vintiquity

lane. Located at 1540 n. Lime ave., Sarasota, the venue is being restocked for may 20-21. tiki and Kitty love supporting homeless pets by shopping the treasures of moonracer rescue at Vintiquity. Kingberry estate Finds in palmetto is a home furnishings and decor store that emphasizes quality, comfort and style at affordable prices. the estate inventory changes frequently, so you never know what you’ll find for inside and outside your home. As an added bonus, you’ll find Annie Sloan Chalk paint exclusively in manatee county at Kingberry. Please, tell our friends in the shops, “The Islander sent me.”

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THE ISLANDER n MAy 10, 2017 n 17 By Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org

Students and their nets form silhouettes against the bay backdrop as Anna Maria Elementary second- and third-graders take part in estuary studies May 3. The hand-on activities included catching, examining, categorizing and releasing marine creatures in the Anna Maria Sound on the campus at AME. Islander Courtesy Photos

Gabriella Gilbert looks with surprise as she shows her net full of grasses and creatures to Axel Hurst during estuary studies May 3 at Anna Maria Elementary. The second- and third-graders took part in the hands-on learning activity organized by Around the Bend Nature Tours of Sarasota May 2 and May 3 on the school’s waterfront shoreline.

It promises to be the cutest play of the year

the anna maria elementary kindergartners will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. tuesday, may 16, for “pajama party” in the school auditorium. prior to the play, beginning at 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria, the columbia restaurant, 411 St. armands circle, Sarasota, will furnish a meal of chicken and yellow rice, black beans, a small 1905 salad and Cuban bread. the dinner is a fundraiser for the ame-parent-teacher organization. cost is $8 for adults and $5 for

children. desserts contributed from the pto members will be available for a small donation. pre-orders for the dinner must be turned into the school office by 3 p.m. monday, may 15. all preorders will be eligible to win one of four $25 gift cards to any columbia restaurant. the community is welcome. for more information, call the school at 941-708-5525 or visit AME at 4700 gulf drive, Holmes Beach.

WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK TODAY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW.

Students wade in for bay critter studies

anna maria elementary second- and third-graders took a dip on the wild side may 2 and may 3 with around the Bend nature tours of Sarasota. the tour guides visited ame with buckets, nets and knowledge, helping students scoop up common bay creatures, such as the crabs, shrimp and other animals that live in the shallow bay waters of anna maria Sound behind the school. Students classified and discussed their catches before releasing them back into the sound. a tree study also was included in the hands-on nature activities. School parents assisted teachers and helped supervise the waders.

Every day, Mosaic puts science to work right here in our community. By applying innovative techniques, we’re improving processes and limiting our impact on the environment. We’re reducing freshwater consumption through cogeneration and planting hundreds of thousands of trees each year. This assures everyone has clean water to drink and fresh air to breathe. Josh, an environmental services chemist at Mosaic’s South Pierce processing lab, works to ensure that water quality across Mosaic’s operations meets strict environmental standards.

To learn more about Mosaic’s leadership in reclamation ecology, visit Science.MosaicCo.com.

18 n MAy 10, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Gathering

Center celebrates Cajun Fest

By Susan Huppert

David Bilyeu, Cajun Hut catering employee, drops a large load of freshly cooked crawfish on a table May 6 at the Center of Anna Maria Island’s Cajun Fest on the center field, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

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bell choir. mothers will receive a carnation. the roser JoY group will meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday, may 10. the featured guest will be Betty dimmick and her three aKc champion dachshunds. dimmick, the handler and owner, will discuss her dogs’ achievements. Join the event by bringing a bag lunch for yourself. drinks are provided. also, roser is registering children for vacation Bible school, which will be held June 5-9. St. Bernard catholic church celebrates daily mass at 8:30 a.m. and Sundays 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. the episcopal church of the annunciation offers Sunday eucharist rite i service at 8 a.m., followed by rite ii at 10:30 a.m. a eucharist and healing prayer service is Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. The church is at 4408 gulf drive, Holmes Beach.

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Anna Maria resident Evan Ancker places a gopher tortoise found on North Shore Drive in a box for transport to its habitat after wife Jan Ancker spotted the slow-moving critter near Newton Lane. The Anckers released the tortoise in the nearby brush and observed it for several minutes. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the threatened gopher tortoise can frequently be found crossing roads, especially this time of year. Individuals who find a tortoise on the road should allow it time to reach its destination or help it along in the direction it was headed. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jan Ancker

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LEFT: Guests chow down at a table full of freshly boiled crawfish at the center’s Cajun Fest.

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Women’s Bible study at christ church of Longboat Key will feature an 11-week video study with evangelist, author and Bible teacher Beth moore. the series will begin 10 a.m., Wednesday, may 10. moore is the founder of Living proof ministries, a Bible-based women’s organization in Houston. for a listening guide book, contact Vivian chester at vivianchester10@yahoo.com or call the church office at 941-383-8833. christ church holds worship service Sundays at 10 a.m. each week, the rev. norman pritchard follows his sermon series with a study on the book of acts. all interested are welcome to attend. no previous Bible study experience is needed. the class begins at 11:15 a.m. in the choir room at the presbyterian church at 6400 gulf of mexico drive. 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 again at 5 p.m. the church meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays for midweek Bible study. gloria dei Lutheran church holds worship at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. Sundays. an additional study opportunity includes a Women’s Bible Study at 10 a.m. thursdays, 6608 marina drive, Holmes Beach. crosspointe fellowship offers Sunday worship at 9 a.m., followed by study and fellowship in Life groups at 10:30 a.m. Kid’s adventure is offered at 9 a.m. Sunday. A traditional service with music and hymns is celebrated at 5 p.m. Saturdays at the church, 8605 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. Harvey memorial community church, 300 church St., Bradenton Beach, is an interdenominational church that worships 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 worship at 10 a.m. at 6200 gulf of mexico drive, Longboat Key. Sunday worship at roser is at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel and 10 a.m. in the sanctuary. a nursery is available during the 10 a.m. service. adult Sunday school class is at 8:45 a.m. at 512 pine ave., anna maria. on Sunday, may 14, the church will host a special mother’s day service at 10 a.m., featuring the Joyful noise children’s choir and the roser ringers Hand-

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THE ISLANDER n MAy 10, 2017 n 19

Final season show brings bawdy humor to island theater By Sandy ambrogi islander reporter it’s an old adage — sometimes the kids steal the show. However, in the case of the Island Players’ final production of the 68th season, “Vanya and Sonia and masha and Spike,” it’s none of the namesakes who capture the audience. it’s candace artim as cassandra, the not-quiteright self-proclaimed psychic housekeeper, who steals this show. With her proclamations of gloom and disaster and her physical energy on the stage, artim’s cassandra takes charge of every scene she enters. Between “clearing” the house with a feathered contraption or sticking a voodoo doll of masha with chopsticks from her hairdo, artim had the audience in rowdy laughter throughout the production. Likewise, the bawdy Spike, portrayed by patrick charles mounce, did his share of scene-stealing. Several times, it was hard not to blush. from a strip tease for a swim in the pond to his grinding and bumping moves on manager/girlfriend masha, his presence was impossible to ignore. An imposing figure — well over 6-and-half feet, excellent projection and practiced body language, mounce has a promising career onstage. Brother Vanya and adopted sister Sonia, played by don Sleight and Susan Belvo, bring a melancholy tone to the stage as they languish in the family home, chasing 60. after spending the best years of their lives caring for aging parents who have since passed, they find themselves with little future. Sonia spends her days dreaming of a better, more

The cast gathers for Island Players’ last production of the season “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” with director James Thaggard, back right. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

exciting life, while Vanya reads the classics and writes and waits daily for a blue heron to arrive at the pond. He clocks time by the bird’s comings and goings. Sister masha, on the other hand, left home early and made a place in her world as an actress, though now, as the play unfolds, an aging one. She has been footing the bills at home for years via her acting career, and now, she flamboyantly reappears at the house with Spike in tow. She tries to capture her youth, and husband no. 6, perhaps with the young Spike, decades her junior, but, in the end, Spike prefers masha’s assistant, who is much more his contemporary. masha’s decision to sell the only home her brother and sister have ever known is the glue that holds these very different characters together and drives the dia-

logue. neighbor nina, played by manatee High School senior Haley Hines, is a breath of fresh air in her scenes. She is poised and professional. “Vanya and Sonia and masha and Spike” is directed by James thaggard and features newcomers to the island player’s stage, including Sleight, a recent transplant from maine; artim, a retired theatre arts teacher; and mounce, who recently graduated from the university of central florida and relocated from chicago. the play will run through may 14 at the island Players theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, with performances at 8 p.m. tuesday-Saturday and a Sunday-mother’s day matinee at 2 p.m. for more information, call 941-778-5755.

Library fun day

Beverly Beaver, right, shows Addie Neri, 10, how to construct an origami design May 6 during Patron Appreciation Day at the island library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Center celebrates Family Fun Bash

Carolina Salinas enjoys a shaved ice with children Joshua Salinas, 8, and Emily Salinas, 5, April 3 at the Center of Anna Maria Island’s Family Fun Bash.

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20 n MAy 10, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Bradenton woman gets probation on drug charges

a 12-month probation was handed down to a Bradenton woman arrested for possessing marijuana and paraphernalia. Melanie Erickson, 29, pleaded no contest April 17 to the drug charges and a charge of driving on a suspended license. twelfth circuit Judge robert farrance withheld adjudication on the marijuana charge and found her guilty on two misdemeanors. Holmes Beach police stopped erickson in June 2016 for not wearing a seat belt and dark window tint and determined erickson did not have a valid license. a vehicle search turned up marijuana, needles, a pipe, rolling papers and tHc candy, according to police reports. erickson was sentenced to 75 hours of public service, with an option to buy out 50 hours. She was assessed $1,024 in court costs and fines. adjudication on the seat belt violation was withheld. the window tint case was dismissed.

Holmes Beach woman diverted to drug court

four cases against a Holmes Beach woman — including a recent arrest for carrying 23 pills without a prescription — were transferred to the manatee county drug court. Kelly Keiter, 49, was arrested for theft in 2015, shoplifting and drug possession in 2016 and, most recently, in march for violating probation, driving on a suspended license and possessing oxycodone and alprazolam. twelth circuit chief Judge andrew d. owens Jr. accepted Keiter into the drug-court program. the program requires defendants to waive their speedy trial rights, appear for an intake assessment and mandatory court dates and enter a plea. the program ties drug treatment to judicial supervision with frequent drug testing, praise or sanctions, including arrest warrants and jail. The county program began in 1997 to reduce drug use and related criminal acts. Keiter was released from jail on her own recognizance april 20 and ordered to begin the program april 24.

Bradenton man gets probation for ‘wet reckless’

a plea bargain to a “wet reckless” charge ended a 20-month case for a Bradenton man accused of driving under the influence. Sean phillips, 28, pleaded no contest april 24 to reckless driving in 12th circuit court, after the prosecutor amended the charge. “Wet reckless” is a type of plea bargain that includes dui school as a condition of probation. phillips was arrested by Holmes Beach police in September 2015 after a witness reported his vehicle

swerving near 66th and 62nd streets on marina drive in Holmes Beach. He was stopped at 5346 gulf drive and refused to take a test for blood alcohol level, according to HBpd reports. Judge douglas Henderson sentenced phillips to 12 months probation, including dui school, a victimimpact panel and 50 hours of public service, which can be converted to a court cost. His order also provided for the possibility of early termination. The court assessed $1,761 in fines and costs.

State drops sex offender case

The 12th Circuit State Attorney Office has dropped a case against a man accused of failing to register as a sex offender. the Holmes Beach police department arrested Brian edward owens for failing to register in July 2016, when he was living in Holmes Beach. the state decided not to prosecute in January due to evidence that came to light after the charges were brought. the defense provided the state with a 2011 court order from Indiana, which “specifically states that the defendant is not required to register because his conviction predated the registry,” assistant State attorney Shanna Sue Hourihan wrote in the memo. Owens, now 57, had been convicted of a 1985 attempted rape in indiana, the memo states. the florida department of Law enforcement reported in may that owens was a transient in anna maria, with his last registration in march. HBpd arrested owens July 27 after a tip about an unregistered sex offender residing at a residence on the 2700 block of avenue c. While the state determined owens’ case was an exception, state law requires sex offenders to register within 48 hours of moving to a permanent or temporary residence or every 30 days if transient. the fdLe registry also lists the following sex offenders in the area: • a 58-year-old male offender in the 100 block of ninth Street north in Bradenton Beach. • a 55-year-old male offender in the 4200 block of the 129th Street West in Cortez. • a 52-year-old male offender in the 100 block of crescent avenue in anna maria. Island watch: In an emergency, call 911. To report information on island crime, call the manatee county Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

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THE ISLANDER n May 10, 2017 n 21

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria April 14, 9000 Gulf Drive, seized tag. A Manatee County Sheriff’s deputy seized a tag from a vehicle after stopping the motorist for speeding. The woman told the deputy she’d purchased the vehicle in 2017 and put an old tag on the auto. Anna Maria is policed by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Bradenton Beach April 28, 1000 block of Gulf Drive South, warrant arrest. Bradenton Beach police arrested a Bradenton man on a warrant issued by a Sarasota County court. April 29, Coquina Park South Boat Ramp, 2650 Gulf Drive S., warrant arrest. A Bradenton Beach man was arrested on a Lee County warrant after the MCSO Marine unit alerted BBPD. April 28, Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., battery. A complainant reported a man struck his head, knocking his glasses into the water. Police were called, the aggressor fled and the victim signed a complaint. The officer filed a request for the state to review and issue a charge. May 1, Cortez Beach, 900 Gulf Drive S., recovered stolen vehicle. Officer Roy Joslin observed a 2016 Chevy Silverado backed into a parking space after EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT

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hours. He ran the tag and found the MCSO reported it stolen. The officer checked for prints and ordered a tow. While being towed, the driver pushed the vehicle into a tree, causing damage to the tailgate and bumper. Bradenton Beach is policed by the Bradenton Beach Police Department. Cortez April 20, 4000 block of 115th Street West, suspicious incident. A deputy stopped a man driving a 1997 Chevy Suburban on a suspended license. The pickup was pulling a boat on a trailer without a tag. Ownership of the boat and trailer could not be verified so the deputy ordered a tow. The deputy seized the man’s license and issued him a notice to appear in court. April 20-21, 3800 block of 118th Street, criminal mischief. Three palm trees, a cactus and a sign post were painted purple. Neighbors suspected the vandalism might relate to the anniversary of the death of Prince. He died April 21, 2016. Prints were taken from the scene. April 21, 4300 block of 127th Street West, burglary. A boat owner reported his boat had been broken into several times in the past few months. Stolen were a stereo sound bar, refrigerator and microwave, valued at $510. Cortez is policed by the MCSO. Holmes Beach May 1, 400 block of Bay Palms Drive, civil dis-

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22 n MAy 10, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Spring has sprung at Wildlife Inc. in Bradenton Beach By chrisann Silver esformes islander reporter “it’s springtime and for us that means babies,” said ed Straight, president of Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation inc. in Bradenton Beach. fawns, chicks and baby raccoons, otters and opossums recently joined the stable of animals being cared for at Wildlife inc. according to Straight, the number of juvenile rescues has grown as development in the area continues to swell. “Increased development and traffic is definitely affecting the wildlife,” Straight said may 1. Wildlife inc. rescues and rehabilitates birds, mammals and reptiles from around manatee and Sarasota counties. it is the largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in manatee county. Wildlife Inc. opened its doors in 1987 and celebrated its 30th anniversary in January. the organization is a volunteer-based nonprofit that runs on donations and grant funding. as of may 1, Wildlife inc. had four fawns, all less than two weeks old, at their facility. the fawns were abandoned by their mothers in east manatee county, so volunteers at Wildlife inc. are bottle-feeding them goat’s milk, which will be followed by fruits, vegetables and hay, until they are old enough to be released. Straight said they should be ready for release by September, when they will be taken to a deer preserve in central florida. the mother deer were likely scared by dogs or humans, causing them to run the opposite direction of the fawns, or the mother may have been hit by a car, according to Straight. “When we get a call about deer, we like to watch and wait to see if the mother comes back before we rescue the fawn,” Straight said, citing five other instances this year where a mother did return after Wildlife inc. received the call. He said about six years ago, the number of fawns

as spring heats up, Straight says he expects more rescue calls. and this is encouraged. Straight said the internet is loaded with misinformation on how to deal with wildlife. “if you see an animal that looks out of place — a baby songbird on the ground — it may not be safe and you should call us,” Straight said. “Leave it where it’s at and let us make the judgment call on whether it should be moved or not.” for more information or to report a sick or injured animal, call Wildlife Inc. at 941-778-6324.

Two fawns take bottles May 1 at Wildlife Inc.

Wildlife Inc. hosts Malaysia visitors

Ed Straight, president of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc., bottle-feeds three fawns May 1 at his home-based facility, 2207 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes rescued jumped from one or two each spring to eight to 10. as of may 1, Wildlife inc. was caring for 85 baby opossums, “up significantly from last year,” Straight said. He said the mothers were likely hit by cars. Straight also said baby opossums cling to their mothers’ backs and, if the mother was scared and running fast, the baby could fall off and become separated from her. $2 stickers @ The Islander 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

members of the Sabah Wildlife department: rescue unit in malaysia toured Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation inc. in Bradenton Beach in april as a part of a wildlife management and conservation project arranged by the u.S. department of State. the group, which included veterinarian pakeeyaraj nagalingam, Benjamin Kotiu and Jibius dausip, visited several rescue and rehabilitation facilities around the country to network and compare conservation practices. ed Straight, president of Wildlife inc., said the meeting was “an amazing visit.” “We treat different species, but we are doing the same work, so it’s really great to connect,” Straight said.

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THE ISLANDER n MAy 10, 2017 n 23

Hands Across the Sand participants line up on the shore in June 2010 near the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria, Islander File Photo: Jack Elka

By Lisa Neff

Defiant mothers have their days

this is the time of year when we devote a day to celebrating our moms or those who mothered us from infant to toddler, kid to teen and onward. i’ve many good memories of mom right up to the present, some recollections are more vivid than others. they involve mom being caring, charitable, clever, fun, playful, cool and also defiant. She’s won a lot of good fights over the years. the same woman who served as Neff my youth baseball team’s coach also chained herself to a tractor to prevent the destruction of dunes on the shore of Lake michigan. She earned a lot of credit in the 1970s for bringing nature and recreation back to my hometown’s lakefront, which had been spoiled by polluting industries. She’s as true an environmentalist now as she was then. i noticed recently on her facebook page that she still proudly identifies herself as “former Northern Illinois Hands across the Sand project coordinator.” Hands across the Sand began in 2010 in florida to protest efforts by the Legislature and u.S. congress to expand offshore oil opportunities in the near and offshore waters of the state. in June 2010, in response to the deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster in the gulf of mexico, an international Hands across the Sand took place. this is the first one my mom — who lives six months in Madeira Beach and six months in chicagoland — helped coordinate. at the time, the global Hands across the Sand protest was the largest ever gathering of people united against expanding offshore oil drilling and championing clean energy and renewables. many hands were held across the sand on anna maria island as part of this campaign, the largest gathering taking place on the shore near the Sandbar restaurant in anna maria. now Hands across the Sand annually takes place the third Saturday in may, bringing people together on

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shorelines all around the world to say “no” to fossil fuel and “yes” to clean energy. this year’s rain-or-shine action, set for 11 a.m. Saturday, may 20, took on greater urgency april 28, when the president signed the “implementing an americafirst offshore energy Strategy” executive order. the order repeals the ban on drilling in large parts of the arctic ocean and orders interior Secretary ryan Zinke to consider drilling opportunities in the arctic and atlantic regions, as well as to review and revise the plan for offshore drilling lease sales up to 2022.

meanwhile, the interior department recently announced it will offer 73 million acres offshore from florida, alabama, Louisiana, mississippi and texas for oil and gas exploration and development. the sale of these leases is set for aug. 16. currently, in this region, Hands across the Sand actions are planned for indian rocks Beach, treasure island and casey Key Beach. But i expect the number of locations to grow and wouldn’t be surprised to see hands joined in anna maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. and i wouldn’t be surprised to see my mom change her status from “former” to current coordinator for a Hands across the Sand action. Happy Mother’s Day to all the defiant woman out there holding hands across the sand. on the web to read more about Hands across the Sand or become a coordinator, go online to handsacrossthesand.org.

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Mary Neff, center, celebrates in June 2010 after a successful Hands Across the Sand demonstration in Illinois. Islander Courtesy Photo

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24 n May 10, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Karate takes center court, KRC travels to Plantation

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter The Center of Anna Maria Island hosted the Gladiator Dojo Kid’s Karate Island Championship May 6, allowing students of the Dojo to show off their competitive skills and disciplines. The student competitors ranged in age from 4 to 12 and competed in empty-handed katas or forms, weapons forms and breaking color coded pro-force boards — colored according to the force needed to break them. Results and winners were not Cassidy provided by press time, but while not all students had competitors, they were all passionate about the competition. Sensei Omar Schwanzer leads about 13 students at the center. Schwanzer also holds kids classes at AMI Fitness in Holmes Beach, as well as self-defense courses for women and seniors. For more information about Gladiator Dojo, call Schwanzer at 727-741-3992 or email gladiatordojo@ gmail.com. Key Royale golf news Golf action at the Key Royale Club got started May 1 with the men playing a nine-hole modifiedStableford system match. Mark Kimball had a big day, carding a plus-5 to win individual honors by a point over Jack Connors at plus-4. Kimball and Connors were part of a team that included John Purcell and Gary Silke that combined on a plus-11 to lap the field in the team competition. The women took to the Key Royale course May 2 for a nine-hole individual-low-net match in four flights. Phyllis Roe rode birdies the second and sixth holes to a 7-under-par 25 to take first place in Flight A by

Grandmaster Kevin Bergquist and Sensei Omar Schwanzer and students pose on the stage in the Center of Anna Maria Island gym prior to the start of the Gladiator Dojo Kid’s Karate Championship May 6. Islander Photo: Kevin Cassidy two strokes over Helen Pollock and Heather Pritchard, who also had a pair of birdies on three and six. Debbie Richardson’s chip-in birdie on the second hole helped propel her to a 5-under-par 27 and a firstplace finish in Flight B. Sue Wheeler was two shots back in second place, while Pam Alvord’s 1-under-par 31 gave her third place. Beth Lindeman fired a 2-under-par 30 to take first place in Flight C by one stroke over Terry Westby and Jan Turner. Sally York’s 3-under-par 29 gave her an easy victory in Flight D. Maryanne Kaemmerlen took second place with a 3-over-par 35, while Trish Kruger was another shot back in third place. The men changed locales May 3-4 as a contingent of 27 Key Royale regulars traveled to Crystal River for the annual Spring Talbert Golf Outing on the Champion Course at Plantation Inn. The men played an 18-hole modified Stablefordsystem match that saw Larry Pippel fire an impressive plus-17 to take home individual honors. Pippel also was part of the winning team of Ron

Buck, Art McMillan and Tom Nelson, who put together a score of plus-21. The men were back on the Plantation Inn course the following day for an 18-hole scramble that saw the team of Bill Koche, Gary Razze and Quentin Talbert combine on a 6-under-par 66 and claim clubhouse bragging rights for the day. Horseshoe news Two teams emerged from pool play to battle for the day’s supremacy May 3 in horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. The team of Rod Bussey and Tim Sofran slipped past walker Dom Livedoti by a 21-19 score to earn the day’s bragging rights. Action May 6 saw walker Roger Nigg earn the day’s outright title after posting the only 3-0 record during pool play. 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.

Manatee County BOCC approves ALS for WMFR

The West Manatee Fire Rescue District likely offer advanced life support services in 2018. WMFR includes Anna Maria Island and portions of northwest unincorporated Manatee County. The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved an ordinance April 25 that grants WMFR the ability to apply to the county for a certificate of public convenience and necessity, necessary by state law to perform advanced life support services. Previously, county ordinances only allowed the county EMS to hold a certificate. Currently, firefighters responding to calls for emergency medical services can provide basic life support and must wait for an EMS ambulance to provide advanced life support. Approving WMFR’s certificate could allow the fire district first responders to retrofit fire engines with necessary equipment and enable firefighters to perform life-saving measures. According to WMFR Chief Tom Sousa, several Established 2008

Insured

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

HIGH

1:07a 1:47a 2:27a 3:09a 3:56a 4:52a 5:55a 6:58a

1.6 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.5

11:50a 12:11p 12:36p 1:05p 1:39p 2:18p 3:03p 4:00p

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LOW

2.3 2.4 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.1

5:36a 5:56a 6:16a 6:39a 7:06a 7:40a 8:30a 9:50a

0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.4

7:02p 7:36p 8:11p 8:49p 9:31p 10:18p 11:10p —

LOW

Moon

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Fishing Charters INSHORE RE Redﬁsh Snook

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Date

Fiona McCarthy breaks three pro-force boards with her elbow during the Gladiator Dojo Kid’s Karate Championship held May 6 at The Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photos: Kevin P. Cassidy

Capt. Warren Girle

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steps remain before the fire district begins implementing ALS, including administrative, finance and county preparation. Capital expenses to implement ALS likely will exceed $200,000, Sousa said in November 2016, including the purchase of defibrillators and other medical equipment and a $6,000 pay incentive per firefighter for attending paramedical school. The fire chief provided rate hike recommendations to the WMFR board of commissioners April 20 that include funding ALS services in the 2017-18 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. Sousa said five WMFR firefighters are trained as paramedics, necessary to administer ALS services, and five more are enrolled in paramedic school, which takes a year to complete. “We should have a few more signing up for school in August,” Sousa said, adding that the goal is to have 12 trained paramedics on staff. – Bianca Benedí

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THE ISLANDER n MAy 10, 2017 n 25

May brings heat, hot fishing action inshore, near AMI

By capt. danny Stasny islander reporter fishing around anna maria island heated up as we slid into may. now the anticipation of the elusive silver king is the buzz among most local anglers. a few tarpon sightings along the beaches are being reported. i’m seeing groups of threefour fish scattered throughout the flats of southern Tampa Bay south to Sarasota. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, we should see the schools of silver kings increasing. Stasny the silver king — one of the most popular sport fish in Florida — is known for its large size, drag-screaming action and its capability of jumping up to 10 feet out of the water while rattling its gills like an angry diamondback rattler attracts anglers to our waters each may. On my recent fishing trips with Southernaire, I’m fishing the shallow grass flats of Tampa Bay. Mangrove shorelines where ample tidal flow exists are holding respectable numbers of snook. although the linesiders are catch-and-release now, they remain one of my favorite targets. most catches are falling 20-26 inches, with larger fish mixed in. I’m also finding a decent number of redfish while targeting snook. Slot and over-slot reds are being caught, with the largest this past week coming in at 31 inches — caught by Joy Legasse of Harbor isles. Lastly, spotted seatrout are fairly abundant in areas with clear water and deep grass. in depths of 4-8 feet, I’m finding slot trout, as well as mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle. Schools of bluefish are present at times, which can really add to the excitement of the bite. capt. Warren girle is finding some mangrove snapper while fishing nearshore structure. Live shiners dropped to the bottom on a knocker rig are attracting mangrove snapper 12-15 inches for his clients. mixed in with the snapper are juvenile grouper, Spanish mackerel and flounder. On the flats, Girle is putting anglers on numerous spotted seatrout. Mixed in with the trout are bluefish, Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle. all species are being caught on live shiners free-lined or under a popping cork. Lastly, redfish and snook are being caught with some regularity. catch-and-release snook being the prominent bite, are being caught on shallow grass flats adjacent to mangrove shorelines. add an oyster bar to the equation to find the redfish. capt. aaron Lowman is targeting catch-andrelease snook along the mangrove shorelines of southern tampa Bay. Live shiners, free-lined in areas where numerous sandy potholes exist, is resulting in respectable numbers of fish. Most catches are 20-26 inches

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Nick and Allie Almerico of Tarpon Springs celebrate hitting “His-n-Her Slots” April 22 — prior to the snook closure May 1 — at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria. Nick’s 32-inch slot snook, left, came in on the south side of the pier on a cut mullet in the afternoon. Allie’s 27-inch slot red was hooked on a cigar minnow on the north side of the pier in the late afternoon. The minnows were hooked at the pier using a sabiki rig. with a few larger fish mixed in. An occasional redfish is being hooked while targeting snook. On the deeper grass flats in Tampa Bay, Lowman is catching a variety of inshore species. Spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel and bluefish are the dominant species with an occasional jack crevalle or ladyfish in the mix. finding clean, clear water is key to locating this bite, according to Lowman. capt. Jason Stock is working nearshore and offshore structure on days when the winds are light. freelining live crabs in these areas is resulting in permit varying in size from 10-30 pounds. Switching baits to either live shiners, cigar minnows or pinfish is attracting migratory fish — amberjack, kingfish and black fin tuna. Last, and definitely not least, Stock is using jack crevalle as bait to catch and release goliath grouper. capt. rick gross of fishy Business charters is hunting on the flats of southern Tampa Bay south to Sarasota. in his travels, he is leading his clients to numerous catch-and-release snook. Shallow flats, along mangrove shorelines are proving best for finding linesiders as well as some redfish. On the deeper grass, gross is catching spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says pier fishers using live shiners and shrimp as bait are catching an occasional redfish. Catch-and-release snook are being caught in this fashion, too. pier anglers using lures, such as silver spoons, jigs or gotcha plugs, are hooking into blue runners, Spanish mackerel and ladyfish. capt. david White of anna maria charters is spending his mornings on the flats of Tampa Bay. To

escape the winds, White is tucking close to mangrove shorelines. in these areas, he’s chumming up spotted seatrout, as well as redfish and catch-and-release snook for his clients. Snapper fishing in the bay also is providing action for White’s charters. Rock piles around artificial reefs are host to the snapper, as well as some catch-andrelease gag grouper and numerous Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Joy Legasse of Harbor Isles on Perico Island shows off her first redfish, caught with a shiner on a charter with Capt. Danny Stasny.

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26 n MAy 10, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

isl

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

More than cheeseburgers in our paradise

Wedding planners say “I do” to sweet treats. Judy owens sure knows how to draw a crowd. give them cupcakes. Wedding professionals from around the island and the mainland attended owens’ may 1 “mingle and taste” showcase at cupcakes delights, 3324 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach, noshing on a variety of bakery delights, along with hors d’oeuvre and beverages. the bakery also presented several wedding cakes with island themes. Speaking of island themes, among the crowd were relative newcomers Summer and Becky Whittington, beach wedding photographers who recently relocated from maui to anna maria island. “We traded one paradise for another,” Summer quipped. For those who like to eat big. it’s not exactly on the island, but the feast restaurant 5406 marina drive, Holmes Beach and enrich Bistro, now serving at 5629 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, are taking part in Bradenton’s “Big feast” at 7 p.m. friday, may 12. the event, hosted by taste dining and travel, is at the beer garden at motorworks Brewing,1014 ninth St. W., Bradenton, and each participating restaurant — three other local dining spots are included — will prepare a course. Wines and craft beers from motorworks also will be served. this feast has good cause for celebration, as the evening will benefit the Mayor’s Feed the Hungry initiative. tickets are $100 and reservations are a must. Call 941-366-7950 or email at finelli@tasteweb.net. Real estate group celebrates first island anniversary. michael Saunders & company, 6000 marina Drive, is celebrating the first anniversary of its Anna Maria Island office in May. growth on the island has been “exceptional,” according to a news release from the company, with the addition of 10 residential agents and one rental agent to the team. Sales volume from transactions closed in the three island cities increased by 25 percent with more than $23 million in residential sales in the past year. michael Saunders, founder and ceo, said, “in

just one short year, these agents have formed a passionate and talented team that has increased our brand strength and service to buyers and sellers in manatee county.” for more information, call 888-552-5228 or visit the website at www.michaelsaunders.com. Holmes Beach resort pushes back completion. those hoping for a week in the anna maria sunshine before spring fades and the summer doldrums set in will have to search out other accommodations

if they were eyeing the new Waterline marina resort & Beach club, 5325 marina drive, Holmes Beach. the completion date has been pushed back to midsummer, with the first available reservations beginning mid-July 2017. the hotel is a marriott autograph collection property, with reservations through the marriott website. after an october 2015 groundbreaking, the resort was originally scheduled for opening in the fall of 2016, according to hospitality.net.

BizCal

Chamber to announce scholarship winners

Founder and CEO Michael Saunders and managing broker Linda Formella celebrate at the one-year anniversary of Michael Saunders & Company’s Anna Maria Island office, 6000 Marina Drive, Suite 113. Islander Courtesy Photo

the anna maria island chamber of commerce will name four 2017 scholarship winners at the 5 p.m. may 24 business-card exchange at the new Waterline marina resort and Beach club, 5325 marina drive, Holmes Beach. cost to attend the mixer is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. For more information, call the chamber at 941778-1541 or visit annamariaislandchamber.org. the chamber is at 5313 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. the Longboat Key chamber of commerce will hold its member benefit refresher at the chamber office at 8:30 a.m. tuesday, may 16. a free continental breakpLeaSe See CHAmBeR, next page Jordan OliveiraHeller, left, assistant event coordinator for the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, chats with Cupcake Delights owner Judy Owens May 1 at the bakery’s “Mingle and Taste” event for wedding professionals. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

Brock Real Estate Inc. Greg Brock

Cupcake Delights owner Judy Owens smiles about the turnout at her May 1 “Mingle and Taste” event to showcase the bakery’s offerings for local wedding professionals and media. Owens tempted attendees with hors d’oeuvre and samplings of wedding cakes and cupcakes.

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Cupcake Delights owner Judy Owens displays a beach-themed wedding cake at the bakery’s May 1 “Mingle and Taste” event for local wedding professionals.

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THE ISLANDER n May 10, 2017 n 27

Vickie Barts, right, of Tidewell Hospice, visits with Christine Kourick from Duncan Real Estate during the May 3 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce luncheon at The Freckled Fin, 101 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

New ride prize

The Anna Maria Island Chamber has a cool new ride waiting for the lucky driver who shoots the first hole-in-one Friday, May 19, at the annual chamber golf outing at IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. To sign up, contact the chamber at 941 778-1541, stop by at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Chamber from page 30 fast is included and reservations are required. The Longboat Key chamber May Networking at Noon will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 18, at the Chart House, 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Cost is $25 for member reservations, $30 for chamber walk-ins and $35 for non-members. For more information, call 941-383-2466, visit the website at longboatkeychamber.com or the office at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 102, Longboat Key.

Business news

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’ve just opened the doors, received an award or recognition or staff deserves kudos. Submit your information to news@islander.org.

David Teitelbaum, president of Anna Maria Island Resorts, smiles and listens to introductions by coworker Katy Demick, left, at the May 3 chamber of lunch at Freckled Fin in Bradenton Beach.

PropertyWatch

Real estate transactions

By Jesse Brisson Special to The Islander 2302 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, a 2,734 sfla / 4,225 sfur 5bed/5½bath/2car Gulffront pool home built in 2016 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 04/07/17, Poseidon Adventures II LLC to Tarpon LLC for $$3,495,000; list $3,995,000. 513 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, a 2,145 sfla / 3,547 sfur 3bed/2½bath/2car bayfront pool home built in 1966 on a 10,411 sq ft lot was Brisson sold 04/10/17, Roscoe to Coombs for $1,100,000; list $1,225,000. 5610 Gulf Drive, Unit C, Hidden Cove, Holmes Beach, a 1,456 sfla / 2,678 sfur 2bed/2½bath Gulffront condo with shared pool built in 1996 was sold 04/13/17, Hobbs to Jasper for $771,754. 628 Dundee Lane, Holmes Beach, a 1,772 sfla / 2,628 sfur 3bed/3bath/2car canalfront home built in

1967 on a 10,890 sq ft lot was sold 04/18/17, Slomba to Mathews for $710,000. 507 68th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,269 sfla / 2,101 sfur 2bed/2bath/2car canalfront home built in 1971 on an 8,160 sq ft lot was sold 04/10/17, Casa Anna Maria LLC to Rudolph for $665,000; list $674,900. 781 Jacaranda Road, Anna Maria, a 2,286 sfla / 2,656 sfur 2bed/2bath pool home built in 1959 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 04/14/17, Schaubert to Morton for $650,000. 116 79th St., Holmes Beach, a 864 sfla / 1,205 sfur 2bed/1bath/1car home built in 1944 on a 5,120 sq ft lot was sold 04/13/17, Rosenbrook to BDK Futures LLC for $600,000. 3601 E. Bay Drive, Unit 113, Sandy Pointe, Holmes Beach, a 931 sfla / 1,019 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1994 was sold 04/06/17, Anslow to Kettering for $235,000; list $259,995. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria, can be reached at 941-778-7244.

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28 n MAy 10, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

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Bed: A bargain!

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

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TRANSPORTATION Continued

ADULT TRICYCLES, BRAND new single and sixspeed three-wheelers available, big seat, large basket, easy to ride, local delivery available! Starting at $275. Please, call 941-212-1742.

WIN THIS CAR! 1985 Mercedes Benz 280 SL. Raffle to benefit Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue in May. $100 donation. www.moonraceranimalrescue.com for photo and details.

ANTIQUE DINING ROOM table with six chairs. $500 or best offer. 941-302-2285.

BOATS & BOATING

COMPUTER: DELL DUAL core, refurbished, $60. 941-756-6728. 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 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 YOGA AND SPIRITUAL retreat on AMI. Led by Erin Geraghty, Yoga therapist and personal coach. Retreat includes yoga and meditation twice a day, a private chef and all meals, spiritual lecture, healing energy work, personal coaching and Frannie Hoffman. For more information, 570497-7801 or info@thriveyogafit.com.

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OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING: 7 p.m. Thursday nights at Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. Contact number: 813-494-6518.

BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941685-1400. PONTOON BOAT RENTAL Create life long memories. Call 941-778-2121 or see boatflorida.net. FOR SALE: HONDA Aquatrax R-12 Jet Ski with trailer, $2,000. Only 90 hours. 941-812-6324.

HELP WANTED HOUSEKEEPER: PART-TIME at Haley’s Motel. Must have own transportation and speak English. Prior experience required. Haley’s is a nonsmoking property. 941-778-5405. 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.

SERVICES I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941779-6638. Leave message.

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

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

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

CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL and resort. Love what we do, love to work. 941756-4570.

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 …

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.

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