The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Page 1

Where’s Tuna Street? 18

Astheworldterns worry about brown algae. 6

Honor Flight takes off. 21 Time capsule unearthed. 23

MAY 15, 2019 FREE

VOLUME 27, NO. 29

BBPD makes arrest in rare coin thefts. 2 Icon set to install T-end deck at AM City Pier. 3 Legislative session ends, island money. 4 Transportation experts survey public. 5

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

AM drops fines against Airbnb. 8

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

www.islander.org

Brown ‘gumbo’ algae invades island

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter “People call it gumbo,” lifelong resident Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said May 9. At the end of April and beginning of May, pad-like algal blooms pushed into waters around Anna Maria Island, hung around for about a week and receded. But then the unwanted visitor came back

strong and stinky. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection began testing May 9 in Holmes Beach to determine the toxicity of the large brownish oblong algae mats. The DEP collected samples from two Holmes Beach locations — bayside at 26th Street and the canal north of Westbay Point & Moorings, 6500 Flotilla Drive. Also May 9, DEP spokeswoman Weesam

Khoury would not speculate on why the bloom was occurring and did not know when testing results would be made available. The samples will be analyzed in Tallahassee for toxicity and algal type. Similar testing from Lake Okeechobee, along the Calaloosahatchee River to Fort Myers, has been performed in the past month. And, in places, whitish mold has grown on PLEASE SEE ALGAE, PAGE 8

Bistro delights AME kids with ‘amuse-bouche’ and more

Meetings

“I just heard one of the students say it felt like a party in her mouth,” says Susan Timmins, left, who, along with husband Sean Murphy owns the Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach. She entertained questions from students at a luncheon at the restaurant. For more about the garden lunch, see page 24.

On the government calendar. 9 New rules to speed BB derelict boat removal. 9 Save a date. 10-11

Happenings Make plans. 11

AM seeks bids to extend multiuse path. 13 HB engineer reviews city field changes. 14 Sentencing set for man convicted of killing HB toddler. 16

Streetlife. 16 Magistrate levies fines in AM. 17

AME fourth-graders depart Beach Bistro with full bellies May 8 after thank you’s to the chefs, staff and owners of the restaurant, ready to ride the trolley back to school. Islander Photos: Brook Morrison

Gathering. 20 . 22-24 Sea turtle season crawls forward. 26 Rare fruit, common trees. 27 Sports. 28 Fishing. 29 Biz News. 30 CLASSIFIEDS. 32 NYT crossword. 35

Trial date set for final suspect in shark-dragging case

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter A judge’s denial of defense motions sets the stage for a shark dragger’s trial. Robert Lee Benac, 30, was in a courtroom in the 13th Circuit Court May 9 with attorney Justin Petredis, asking that his case be dismissed for lack of facts supporting a felony animal cruelty charge. Alternatively,

they sought to sever the state’s prosecution of a misdemeanor charge for shooting a shark with a firearm. Benac is the last defendant in the shark dragging case stemming from a video that appalled animal rights activists and state officials — up to the governor’s office — the summer of 2017. Judge Mark Wolfe denied the defense

motions during an hourlong hearing, according to public information officer Mike Moore. The judge confirmed a previously set June 24 trial and set a pretrial for June 18. The case arose from the video showing the men laughing and dragging a shark off the back of a boat at high speed. PLEASE SEE SHARK, PAGE 2


2 n MAy 15, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

BBPD arrests Bradenton woman for coin, jewelry thefts By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Ten counts of pawning rare coins and jewelry valued at more than $80,000 landed a woman in Manatee County jail May 6. Rene Lee of Bradenton was arrested at her residence in the 10600 block of Cortez Road West on five counts of dealing in stolen property and five counts of giving false information to a pawn broker. She posted a $10,500 bond two days later and was released from jail. Bradenton Beach Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said Lee stole and pawned vintage coins — silver dollars, half dollars and a 1964 proof set of dimes, nickels and

pennies — and jewelry, including gold and diamond rings, earrings, necklaces and pendants. The items were stolen from her former employer’s condo at Runaway Bay, 1801 gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. The owner reported the items missing in April. The rare items, including “large bags of coins” and jewelry, have been difficult to value, “but the best we’ve Lee been able to come up with is more than $80,000,” Diaz said. Lee told police the rare items were given to her as gifts from her employer.

According to Diaz, Lee was given a key to the condo so she could clean the residence and her boyfriend could work there for a week. By November 2018, “the defendant no longer had permission to be in her condo,” but items began to disappear, including $50,000 in rare coins taken from the victim’s safe. The affidavit states Lee received $4,200 for the victim’s property at Maddog and Buccaneer Pawn in Bradenton in March and April. Only some of the victim’s property has been returned, Diaz said. Lee’s arraignment is set for 9 a.m. Friday, June 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

SHaRK CONTINUED FROM PAgE 1

Benac, Michael Wenzel, Spencer Heintz and Screenshots Nicholas Easterling, were on the boat and fishing near from the Egmont Key in June 2017, where viral video other videos showed them spearing of a sharkand shooting sharks. dragging Wenzel, the boat’s captain, that occurred pleaded guilty in February to a misnear Egmont demeanor charge of animal cruelty Key in June Benac and using an illegal method to catch 2017 show the a shark. He was sentenced to 10 days fishermen as in jail, 11 months probation, includthey watched ing 100 hours of community service, the shark and fined $2,500. Wenzel also lost his being dragged commercial fishing license for five behind their years. boat. Islander Wenzel In May 2018, Wolfe dismissed File Photo charges against Heintz after prosecutors agreed his actions were not criminal. Easterling, who grew up on Anna Maria Island and in 2018 letters to the FWC the state had zero tolerance day, June 18. cooperated with authorities, was not charged. His trial is scheduled at 8:30 a.m., Monday, June, for animal abuse. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation ComBenac is the son of Manatee County Commis- 24. mission assisted in the investigation. All proceedings will be held at 401 N. Jefferson sioner Betsy Benac. Former gov. Rick Scott gov. Rick Scott announced Robert Benac’s pretrial is set for 8:30 a.m. Tues- St., Tampa.

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Icon set to install T-end deck at Anna Maria City Pier By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter The new Anna Maria City Pier is taking shape. Mayor Dan Murphy told city commissioners May 9 that i+iconSOUTHEAST finished installing pile bents — wood beams attached to each pair of walkway piles via concrete caps — earlier in the week. Murphy said Icon will spend one-two weeks installing stringers, vertically set support planks laid the length of the walkway, as well as utility lines for communication, water, gas and electricity between the planks. The utility lines will be secured to the stringers with stainless steel straps and covered with ipe wood decking once complete. Murphy displayed a picture of the damaged old pier, remarking that the city dealt with frequent maintenance issues with the old utility lines because of movement due to tides. Next, he showed a photo of the progress on the new walkway, with bents set and stringers and utility lines being laid. The mayor said the new stainless steel straps would limit the movement of the utility lines, securing them from damage. “It’s a vast improvement from where we were,� Murphy said. Remaining materials, including the concrete decking for the T-end and ipe decking for the walkway, will be delivered to the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach in the next couple of weeks. From there, the materials will be loaded onto Icon’s barge.

‘

’

It’s a vast improvement from where we were. — Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy on pier improvements

After delivery and the setting of stringers and utility lines, Icon will install the concrete decking at the T-end. Murphy said the work will involve setting large blocks of concrete and installing a junction box in the base of the decking for the restaurant and bait shop to use to access utility lines. The city issued a request for proposals to construct the restaurant and bait shop at the T-end after Icon finishes constructing the walkway and T-end structure.

An i+iconSOUTHEAST employee works May 9 on installing stringers that will support the walkway and carry utility lines for the new Anna Maria City Pier. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

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Florida legislative session ends, home rule threats fail By Ryan Paice and ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporters You could call it a dud. Anna Maria Island officials breathed a collective sigh of relief with the end of the 2019 Florida legislative session. Each of the three island cities lobbied to oppose two sets of bills seen as threats to home rule, including Senate Bill 824 and House Bill 987, as well as House Bill 1383 and Senate Bill 1720. The four bills failed by the time session ended May 4. And Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach could receive funding from the state, if the cities’ requested budget items are signed by the governor. Anna Maria requested $285,000 from the state toward the construction of the Anna Maria City Pier. Carter said the city requested funding to help make up for money promised but not delivered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The city requested $1,829,903 from FEMA under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for the new pier, but city commissioners voted in August 2018 to accept a $1,372,427.50 offer from FEMA. Carter The act provides a means for municipalities to request federal natural disaster assistance, including money for the repair, restoration or replacement of damaged facilities. Anna Maria’s request was pending the governor’s approval as of May 9. Three Bradenton Beach appropriations projects, totaling $5,694,248, also made the final cuts in the state legislative budget. Pending the governor’s signature, the city will receive $500,000 for seagrass mitigation, $2,694,248 for flood prevention efforts and $2,000,000 for a transportation program. Home rule, vacation rentals HB 987 would have revised application requirements for vacation rental licensure, as well as require the Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to post license information on its website. Following approval from several subcommittees, the bill was placed on the calendar for consideration April 17, but died for lack of action May 3. Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter said in a May 8 interview with The Islander that state Rep. Will

The Florida Capitol Complex in Tallahassee. Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach hired lobbyists to protect their home-rule authority and officials expect to have to do the same in 2020. Islander File Photo: Bonner Joy Robinson, R-Bradenton, helped muster opposition to the bill, while state Sens. Joe gruters, R-Sarasota, and Senate President Bill galvano, R-Bradenton, opposed the companion legislation. HB 987’s companion bill, SB 824, was filed by state Sen. Manny Diaz, R-Haileah, and referred to the Committee of Innovation, Industry and Technology in February, but was not considered during the committee’s March 26 meeting. Diaz’ measure would have required vacation rental owners to apply for licensing through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Kihm The bill died May 3 after its committee failed to consider the legislation at meetings March 26 and April 10. “We’re lucky, but the Florida League of Cities people tell us that anti-home rule bills will be brought forward again in 2020, and we need to go on the offense, even early on, before the session starts,” Carter said. “So, we’re trying to come up with some strategies to be offensive players.

“It’s a tad frustrating (to deal with opposing the same efforts repeatedly) but we’re gathering more and more momentum,” Carter continued. The other set of bills each of the island cities lobbied to oppose included HB 1383, which was filed by grant and would have amended the Bert J. Harris Private Property Rights Protection Act, which allows demands for compensation due to government regulations that diminish the value of private property. HB 1383 would have required across the board application of any settlement reached on a Bert Harris claim that involves the issuance of a variance or exception to a regulation to all “similarly situated residential properties.” However, “similarly situated” was not defined in the bill, which appeared to be granting the exception as the norm. The bill also would have reduced the period for a government entity to respond to Bert Harris claims from 150 days to 90 days. HB 1383 was placed on the calendar for consideration after passing through the Judiciary Committee April 16 on a 15-3 vote, but no further action was taken and it died May 3. Its companion bill, SB 1720, which was filed by state Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, was referred to the Judiciary and Community Affairs committees, but was not considered for a vote at meetings April 1 and April 8, and died May 3. “The fact that these bills were not passed is very good for the citizens of island cities like ours that are caught in a constant struggle for home rule,” Holmes Beach Commission Chair Jim Kihm said May 9. “We are the ones that deal with this every day and know what is best for our cities, not the legislators.”

Island Democrats to talk ‘home rule’

The Anna Maria Island Democratic Club will hold its monthly meeting at 11:15 a.m. Monday, May 20, at the IMg Academy golf Clubhouse, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. The club will host Holmes Beach Commission Chair Jim Kihm talking about home-rule authority and the Florida Legislature. A buffet lunch will be served. The cost is $17 for members and $20 for nonmembers. For more information, call Harry Kamberis at 941-779-0564.

Legislature produces no new state regulations for plastic bags, straws

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The 2019 legislative session in Tallahassee has ended and some decisions could be of concern to environmentalists on Anna Maria Island. Senate Bill 694, authorizing coastal municipalities to establish pilot programs to regulate or ban disposable plastic bags and collect data and complete a report by April 1, 2022, about the effectiveness of the ban, failed to pass legislative review. On the other side of the equation, legislators approved House Bill 771, a regulation prohibiting local government entities from adopting or enforcing ordinances and regulations relating to single-use plastic straws. Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director, expressed disappointment with the results of the bills. “Sometimes people will only do the right thing if they are forced by law. In this case, ‘we the people’ will have to take matters into our own hands by skipping the straw and making sure we do not accept plastic bags with our purchases,” she said May 8. “Each item is an easy fix as we can take in the mission to help wildlife and the Earth we live on.” More than 1 million marine animals perish each year due to plastics in the ocean, according to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, a sea turtle research and conserva-

An image taken from a video that went viral in 2015 shows a sea turtle with a straw embedded in its nose. The video, which indicates more than 31 million views on Youtube.com, helped drive Last Straw campaigns around the world. Islander Courtesy Photo

tion nonprofit organization in Gainesville. Plastic bags look like jellyfish, a staple of the sea turtle diet. A video that went viral in 2015 of a sea turtle with a straw embedded in its nose now has more than 31 million views on Youtube.com and prompted such organizations as Starbucks and American Airlines only to provide customers with plastic straws upon request. Some Florida companies are creating fixes for the

problem of plastic debris. In 2018, Saltwater Brewery of Delray Beach began selling its beer in “eco-six-pack rings” made of wheat and barley, which can be digested by marine life. The rings also are biodegradable on land and in sea. “The more companies that do their best to remove plastics from their products, the more benefits we will see,” Fox said. “Let’s hope this is a trend that continues.”

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THE ISLANDER n MAy 15, 2019 n 5

Transportation experts surveying public on long-range plans By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

The fare-free trolley Beep. operated by Manatee Beep. County Area Transit Transportation experts compiling a long-range stops at the Manatee plan know a survey of the general public will define Public Beach in midproblems. April for people to catch They also hope people who complete the online a ride north. Transsurvey can shape solutions. portation planners are The regional Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Plancirculating surveys for ning Organization in collaboration with the Florida long-range planning Department of Transportation and a host of committees among transit riders, is making 25-year plans in “Transform Tomorrow.” motorists, bikers and The MPO must revise the document every five more. Islander Photo: years to include a list of transportation improvements, Lisa Neff reflect changing priorities, trends and technologies and also address safety, infrastructure, congestion, economics and environmental sustainability. Technicians, consultants, government administra• How important is transportation to your • Will you take public transit? tors and elected officials are shaping the plan, as are family? • Do you use Uber or Lyft? public comments via a survey on the MPO’s homepage • Have you missed work due to a lack of transpor• Do you walk, run or jog to a destination? at www.mympo.org. tation? “They really want the public to participate,” Lynn The survey begins with basic questions: • Do you drive a car? Burnett of LTA Engineers, the contracted city engineer • What is your primary mode of transportation? • Do you ride a bicycle? in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, said May 6. “The goal is to have 4,500 people participate in this survey.” Burnett commented at Bradenton Beach City Hall during a meeting of the Island Transportation Planning from gulf Drive to Fourth Avenue; Fourth Avenue Organization, which consists of the island mayors and from 39th to 35th streets; 35th Street from Fourth Eyes on the road meets prior to the MPO board meeting. The May 6 Avenue to Sixth Avenue; Avenue E from gulf Drive meeting lasted less than 15 minutes. The Florida Department of Transportation posted to 28th Street; 28th Street from Avenue E to gulf the following notices for the week of May 13: Drive; 26th Street from gulf Drive to Avenue C; and about the MPO Cortez Bridge: Maintenance on the bridge on Avenue C from 26th to gulf Drive. The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Cortez Road was taking place overnight with a flagCoquina Beach: Manatee County is paving the Organization, established by interlocal agreements, is ging operation. Additional maintenance will be May south end of the Coquina Beach parking lot in Brathe regional transportation planning entity for Sarasota 19-23. denton Beach. The south lot will be closed during and Manatee counties. A 17-member board governs anna Maria Island: Milling and paving con- the work. the MPO. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, as tinues the week of May 13, with work planned on For the latest road watch information, go online the current chair of the Island Transportation Planning 10th Street North east of gulf Drive; 39th Street to www.fl511.com or dial 511. Organization, is a member.

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Opinion

Our

Misery

Misery can come in all colors. It comes this week in brown. And it has a stinky smell. It follows months of skeptic optimism — since January — that red tide would avoid us in the future, so we can be grateful the brown algae (apparently) is unrelated to Karenia brevis. However, less is known, apparently, locally about this unwelcome algal bloom. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has identified it as Lyngbya wollei, a large diameter filamentous cyanobacteria with the same thick sheath and dense mats, in Sarasota County. In the past week or two, comments on Facebook from Fort Myers indicated a large bloom there, too. The photos showed brown algae in the surf, pushing onto the beach and people indicated it brought a horrible stench. Lyngbya blooms are known to degrade water quality, damage the aesthetics along beaches and shorelines, clog drainage systems and impair habitat and food webs, according to a source at the DEP. For humans, it can cause skin irritation. The DEP also noted Lyngbya reduces biodiversity — bringing eventual ecological changes. Along with possible damage to the food web model — depleted stocks of fish, declining marine mammal populations — we’re left to wonder what harm this influx, unfairly known as “gumbo,” will do to Anna Maria Island. What can we do but fret and wish it away? I can easily say I’ve seen it many years in short, small outbreaks. And someone seems to call the newspaper once a year or so to report “sewage” in the water or blame a neighbor with an RV. Once again, we shall have to wait out the tide. Meanwhile, we’re left wondering if, when the shark-dragging case — the June 2017 incident in Tampa Bay waters that went viral on YouTube — finally goes to trial, will the outrage of so many be satisfied by a guilty verdict and punishment? The trial is expected in June in Tampa. Better confirm your courtroom seat reservation now. And, once again, as the school year comes to a close on Anna Maria Island at the “little school by the bay,” we have some reminiscing to do. After all, we were around for the burial of a time capsule 25 years ago at AME and we’re excited to see the outcome when they unveil the contents May 20. So as they say on the TV news shows, stay tuned! — Bonner Joy

MAY 15, 2019 • Vol. 27, No. 29 ▼ ▼

▼ ▼

Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, editor, lisa@islander.org Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Contributors Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager Vicki McIntyre 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

You lost your vote

We are disappointed that the Holmes Beach Charter Review Commission will not allow our citizens to decide the optimum form of government for the city. The year of careful research and analysis by the nine-member ad hoc committee, appointed by the city commission to study all forms of city government, and their unanimous recommendation of a professional manager with an education in public administration, actual city work experience and productive relationships with other cities to address shared issues and solutions will now sit on the shelf. We have missed a golden opportunity to allow our citizens to consider and decide the best form of government to provide highly efficient operating and administrative management — and stability while addressing inevitable change — to our city with its 50-plus staff and $15.8 million annual budget. Another important advantage is apolitical — no vote or veto — professional support to our elected volunteer commissioners as they establish the city’s vision, priorities, policies and ordinances. This is about the optimum form of government for Holmes Beach’s future, not a criticism of our prior and current mayors who brought certain useful skills and experience that exceeded the minimal requirements to run for office. Each of us can cite examples where a poorly qualified elected official has caused chaos and division until his or her removal. We sincerely hope that Holmes Beach, with its reduced and aging population, can avoid this by having at least one well qualified — and ideally two – candidates for future open positions. If not, we’ll need to dust off the ad hoc recommendation. David Cheshire and Terry Schaefer, Holmes Beach

Noisy paradise

As another April vacation in paradise ended, we prepared for our trip back north. We will miss the endless days of listening to leaf blowers and other such engine-powered tools and breathing the rich exhaust fumes. We have enjoyed having any possibility of conversation drowned out by the incessant noise. I wonder why the island cities don’t require battery-powered equipment or at least require landscapers to restrict their work to certain neighborhoods on certain days of the week. I won’t even get into the little pools surrounded by plastic fences, which seem to amplify noise made by screaming kids at least tenfold. So much for another pleasant month spent in paradise. Remind me to pack hearing protection next time. Ted Earle, unknown

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THE ISLANDER  MAY 15, 2019  7

Yee haw

10&20 years ago

Children at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach present a “Hee Haw Show” in September 1980. Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library Digital Collection

In the headlines: May 12, 1999

More of our opinion...

It’s at the heart of the matter. This week we continue the story about the January-April music concerts at the Center of Anna Maria Island and the special celebrity appearance that resulted in the purchase of a costly advertising icon. And, yes, we have been critical in the past of the expenses and the cost of promoting the events. It’s not that we don’t believe, as many of you have noted, that the center doesn’t need the money. It does. After all, it’s our community center, too. But the center and the Tourist Development Council and it’s promotion tool, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, need to accountable. They need to share the expenses with the public and, thus far, they are avoiding accountability. We should know what it cost to host these concerts and how they will move forward with any similar plans, especially in light of the arrest for DUI of the concert promoter in Anna Maria. — Bonner Joy

Holmes Beach seeks volunteers

Bradenton Beach city clerk Alice Baird resigned after 15 years with the city. Baird said she was moving to Oregon and recommended deputy city clerk Pat Grizzle for the clerk’s position. Manatee County commissioners discussed an islandwide beach renourishment project that would begin in 2001, but only include a portion of Anna Maria’s shoreline because nine property owners refused to sign easements to allow access by construction vehicles to the beach. In a 3-2 vote, Bradenton Beach commissioners agreed to hire Roger Titus of Winter Haven as the city’s building official to succeed Bill Sanders, who resigned because of problems dealing with city officials.

The city of Holmes Beach is seeking volunteers to serve on the parks and beautification committee and the planning commission. The parks committee has two openings for terms of two years. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month October through May and is responsible for recommending beautification projects and securing sponsors for adopt-a-spot locations. The planning commission has two openings for terms of three years. The commission meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. and is responsible for reviewing proposed land development regulations, land development codes or amendments and making recommendations to the city commission. For more information, call the city clerk’s office at 941-708-5800 or email the clerk’s office at asstdeputyclerk@holmesbeachfl.org. Applications are due by 3 p.m. Friday, June 14.

We’d love to mail you the news!

In the headlines: May 13, 2009

Bradenton Beach signaled interest in allowing the construction of a cell tower near the police station. Ridan Industries proposed the tower. A man was evacuated by medical helicopter to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg following a two-car crash in Bradenton Beach. Manatee County moved forward with plans for a marine rescue headquarters south of Leffis Key in Bradenton Beach. More than 300 people filed applications for a part-time city administrative post in Anna Maria. The mayor narrowed the pool to five to be interviewed for the job. The weekly archives for The Islander are online at ufdc.ufl.edu. Some archived stories also are online at islander.org.

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8 n May 15, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Anna Maria drops fines against Airbnb upon case review By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Anna Maria’s “screen-scraping” efforts coughed up another alleged violator. However, one phone call resolved everything. “Screen-scraping” is the process of finding unregistered vacation rental properties by searching websites such as Airbnb and HomeAway, prime spots for people offering vacation homes to potential vacationers. The city contracted a screen-scraping firm to conduct the searches once a month. City clerk Leanne Addy declined to name the firm for strategic purposes. Property at 302 N. Shore Drive is advertised on Airbnb as the “best deal on the island,” with a “charming and comfortable home 302 steps to the sandy beaches” that can host up to seven guests for $97 per night. A second Airbnb listing for the property describes a pending remodeling effort, with Nov. 1 as the first available booking date in a house that can accommodate “20+++” people. The listing mentions “perhaps the largest private pool on the island … this is not the typical sip and dip bathtub sized pool!!!” The property is not registered with the city as a vacation rental, but the city now agrees it doesn’t need to register because the owners live there. Anna Maria’s ordinance Anna Maria requires vacation rentals to register and pay a fee determined by maximum occupancy, which is based on the number of bedrooms. There are 606 vacation rentals currently registered in the city, according to Addy. She said more than 40 rentals were identified as unregistered thus far

A listing on Airbnb for 302 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Screenshot for 2019, and all but the rental at 302 N. Shore Drive complied with the city after receiving notices for a special magistrate hearing. At such a hearing April 30, special magistrate Karla Owens gave the corporate owner at 302 N. Shore Drive, DLVAMI 302 North Shore LLC, until the end of the day to register the rental with the city and pay $587 in registraAddy tion fees, as well as pay an additional $150 administrative fee at the hearing to cover hearing costs. The city had said the property owner owed the city the $297 registration fee for 2018 and a $290 registra-

tion fee for 2019, according to Addy. Special magistrate hearings serve as a supplemental code enforcement process, where the magistrate deals with code enforcement and citation cases within the city. Owens ruled that if the conditions were not met April 30, a $250 fine would be assessed every day until the owner paid the fines and registered the property. Later, city attorney Becky Vose said the fines could become a lien on the property if left unpaid and, if the amount continued to grow, the city could foreclose. But the city dropped all fines against the property May 11 after Floyd Calhoun, listed on the Florida Division of Corporations website as a registered agent for three of four LLCs that were incorporated and dissolved at the address, made a phone call to city hall the morning of May 10. Mayor Dan Murphy said in a May 10 interview with The Islander that Calhoun said the owners of the property live there and manage the rental units, and are not required to register the property as a vacation rental with the city. Anna Maria’s vacation rental ordinance specifies that rental units with on-site management are not required Murphy to register. The city made the exception to encourage active management of vacation rental properties. So the issue with 302 N. Shore Drive is resolved, according to Murphy. Magistrate hearings are held monthly as needed. Addy said the next session was scheduled for May 22, but was canceled because seven violators complied after receiving notices.

Algae stagnates May 9 in the 66th Street canal in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

algae continued from page 1 the brown pads. As to why sites were chosen, she said there were several reports from Charlotte County to Manatee County that prompted testing for six types of “microcystins,” including toxic cyanobacteria, known as the blue-green algae, and three other toxins. “Residents and visitors are always advised to avoid coming into contact with algae and to stay out of the water where a visible bloom is present,” Khoury said in a May 9 email, adding the DEP will monitor and retest persistent blooms. In Sarasota County, the DEP identified Lyngbya wollei, a large diameter cyanobacteria with the same thick sheath and dense mats, according to Stephannie Kettle, of Mote Marine Laboratory. Lyngbya nuisance blooms are known to degrade water quality, damage beaches and shorelines, cause skin irritation, reduce biodiversity and impair habitat and food webs. “Mote doesn’t work with this type of algae,” Kettle said. Mote, as well as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, research and monitor another algae, Karenia brevis, also known as red tide, which pushed into southwest Florida in high concentrations between August 2017 and January 2019, causing massive fish kills and deaths of manatees, dolphins and other marine animals and birds in the hundreds. The current algae is not red tide. Also testing the water in May was the Florida Fish

A closeup May 9 shows the fiberous sheath of oblong-shaped algae at 66th Street. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell and Wildlife Research Institute, a branch of the FWC. Spokeswoman Kelly Richmond said volunteers sampled locations at the Rod & Reel Pier May 6 and School Key, known as Key Royale, May 1. Results from the FWRI testing showed no harmful algal blooms, she said. Volunteers will continue sampling the water and may add other test locations. Although the stench improved and no HABs were identified on Anna Maria Island the second week of May, some people living near the algal blooms expressed their disgust. “Last week, after it sat in the sun, it was really strong. Like sewage. Even inside our house,” Holmes Beach resident Christine Wright said May 9. Titsworth agreed, “People are hating it.” She has asked Barney Salmon, the city director of development services, to research the outbreak. “I firmly believe it comes from too much nutrients,” the mayor said, adding “It happens a lot.” Reporting blooms The DEP encourages the reporting of alga blooms to its hotline at 855-305-3903 or online at https://floridadep.gov/dear/algal-bloom. Brown algae: any of a class (Phaeophyceae, division Chromophycota) of large, photosynthetic, marine thallophytic algae, including kelp and fucus, having a brown pigment that obscures the green color of chlorophyll.

Brown algae blankets the Key Royale canal at 65th Street during the last week of March and first week of May. Islander Photo: Christine Wright


THE ISLANDER n MAy 15, 2019 n 9

New rules to speed Bradenton Beach derelict boat removal

Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Derelict vessels create hazards, but new rules shorten the waiting time for their removal. Cracked, leaking and abandoned vessels impede navigation, pollute the waterways and, in storms, damage docks and piers. Not only do residents and businesses complain about unsightly vessels, so does the cruising, boating community. “From our perspective, derelict vessels are a problem — as are the parked ones that often become derelict,” said Kim Russo, president of the great Loop Cruisers Association, with more than 4,000 members, many who winter in Florida. Vessels without occupants crowd the available space for boaters who wish to anchor for the night, legally empty their tanks and move on, she added. To combat the problems, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission drafted new policies, which were disseminated at an April 18 meeting targeted for law enforcement interested in the issue, including the Bradenton Beach Police Department. “Each municipality has their own unique set of issues … and is determining what’s best for them,” said Justin McBride, West Coast Inland Navigation District executive director. The biggest change in current FWC recommended procedure would reduce a 45-day waiting period to 21 days, Bradenton Beach Police Lt. John Cosby said after attending the WCIND meeting in Venice. Cosby heads the abandoned and derelict vessel removal program in Bradenton Beach, overseeing the removal of about 40 boats since 2011 from the anchorage south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier. The anchorage currently contains about 45 boats, many of which have no occupants. Under the current ordinance, Bradenton Beach police must send certified mail for derelict boats, where ownership is known, and owners have 21 days to ask for a hearing. If no hearing is requested, they have 45 days to remove the vessel. Vessels with no registered owner are classified as abandoned, tagged and owners must claim their boats within five days, after which the city can begin the removal process. Cosby wants to expedite the derelict vessel process and believes the shortened waiting period will help, but first the city must enact changes to its current ordinance. In addition to the local ordinance, BBPD officers may suggest charges under state law. Cosby said while patrols, citations and reports will continue, BBPD won’t tag vessels for removal until the city ordinance aligns with the new FWC recommended procedures. Bradenton Beach City attorney Ricinda Perry, who is preparing a draft ordinance, said May 8 she is not sure when the proposed ordinance will be ready for commission review. Meanwhile, two boats in the anchorage that have been lingering “for a long time” — a white catamaran known as the ghost ship and a yellow cabin cruiser, “the largest one out there” — will be handled by the FWC, Cosby said, sparing the city the costs.

Coastal restoration workshop set at maritime museum

The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum will host the Coastal Restoration Workshop in collaboration with the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department. The program will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, and feature information about restoration work at local preserves, as well as tips to make habitat improvements to residential yards. The cost to attend is $13. Registration is being conducted online at floridafolkschool.org. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more information, call 941-708-6121.

Bradenton Beach Police Lt. John Cosby and Officer Eric Hill discuss the anchorage area in Sarasota Bay and policing policies May 3 from the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

A vessel belonging to John Avery of Bradenton lists in the water in the Bradenton Beach anchorage in Sarasota Bay. Authorities cited Avery for an open vessel taking on water without means to dewater and also for failing to maintain necessary lights.

Two men head back to court for derelict vessels

Two vessel owners face more enforcement in Bradenton Beach. Bradenton Beach Police Officer Eric Hill issued John Avery and Jeremy Thomas citations for derelict vessels March 26 and their cases are winding their way through the courthouse. State law prohibits any person to store, leave or abandon a vessel that is wrecked, junked or dismantled on state waters. A year ago, 12th Circuit Judge Renee Inman found Avery guilty for failing to register a boat and leaving a derelict boat in Sarasota Bay south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Three months later, she found him in compliance. The city receives annual funding to remove abandoned and derelict vessels from West Coast Inland Navigation District through a partnership with Manatee County. As of May 10, the city had $34,800 in its coffers for removal operations. Although Cosby expects

Meetings

In the latest case, BBPD alleges Avery’s 22-foot 1984 Tanzer sailboat has no lights and is taking on water. He was notified payment of a $220 fine is required by June 1, according to court records. Thomas was cited for violating the derelict statute because his 30-foot 1977 cabin cruiser has no means of propulsion. In a letter to the court, Thomas contested his March 26 citation, saying Hill gave him 30-plus tickets in 2017 and harasses him on the water and on the land. Hill denies the harassment allegation. A 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, hearing is set in the Thomas case. an additional $25,000 in October, he doesn’t like to deplete the budget before June 1 — the official beginning for hurricane season. In the past, N.E. Taylor Boatworks of Cortez has towed, dismantled and disposed of the vessels at an average cost of $5,000 per boat. WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org.

anna Maria City May 23, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941- Manatee County May 21, 9 a.m., commission. 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. May 28, 1:30 p.m., commission (budget presentation). Bradenton Beach May 30, 9 a.m., commission (budget workMay 16, 11 a.m., pier team. shop). May 16, noon, commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., May 21, 10 a.m., commission. Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. May 22, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Of interest 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. May 20, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization board, Bayfront CommuHolmes Beach nity Center, 803 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. May 28, 6 p.m., city commission. May 21, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island May 30, 6 p.m., city commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Elected Officials, Holmes Beach City Hall. May 27, most government offices will be closed 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. for Memorial Day. West Manatee Fire Rescue Send notices to calendar@islander.org and May 21, 5 p.m., commission (workshop). news@islander.org. May 21, 6 p.m., commission.


10 n MAy 15, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Vacation Home Staging and Redesign

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Thursday, May 16 5:30-7:30 p.m. — “Sharing Our Shores” reception and exhibit involving Anna Maria Elementary students, the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906. Saturday, May 18 6-9 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Rum-Tasting Party, the Doctor’s Office, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-780-1668. ONGOING ON AMI

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Throughout May, Joanna Karpay exhibits “Land and Sea, Artscapes of Florida,” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Throughout May, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits a Mother’s Day window, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786694. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Oct. 19, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

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Through July 15, “National Geographic Photo Ark,” the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Second Wednesdays, Think + Drink (science), the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Second and fourth Thursdays, 2-4 p.m., Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. First Fridays, 6-9 p.m. ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays after the first Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. Second and fourth Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. Through Dec. 31, “Always Ready” U.S. Coast Guard exhibit, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120.

KIDS & FAMILY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, May 15 6-8 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island “School is Over” Summer Kickoff Bash, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908. Thursday, May 16 4 p.m. — Early readers book club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesday, May 21 10 a.m. — Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI June 1, Snooks Adams’ Kids Day, Anna Maria. ONGOING OFF AMI First Saturdays, Family Night at the Museum, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Fourth Wednesdays, “Stelliferous Live” star talk, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI

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Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., pickleball, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-7781908. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Legends Tennis, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Thursdays-Saturdays and Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., pickleball, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (call for times) mahjong games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Mondays, AMI Dragon Boat Fun and Fitness Club, time depends on tides, 417 63rd St., Holmes Beach. Information: 941462-2626. Mondays and Thursdays, 1 p.m., mahjong, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908. Mondays-Saturdays, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Round Robin Tennis, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Friday, May 17 11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce annual Golf Outing, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1541. Sunday, May 19 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Rare Fruit Tree Sale benefiting the Manatee Rare Fruit Council, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Information: 941-685-6257. ONGOING OFF AMI Various dates and times through Aug. 29, Bradenton Marauders baseball games, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-747-3031.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, May 15 11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Garden Club general meeting, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6758. Thursday, May 16 10:15 a.m. — Friends of the Island Library Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. 2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. Friday, May 17 10 a.m. — Cuba travel presentation, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-5380945 Saturday, May 18 11 a.m. — Meditation session, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Wednesday, May 22 Noon — Coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI

Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., veterans services assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Together meets, Bridge Street Wednesdays and Mondays, 12:30-3:30 p.m., pickleball, Center Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. Information: 941-778-1908. Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets

GAMES, SPORTS & OUTDOORS


Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n MAy 15, 2019 n 11

Making space for monarchs

Gardening to support the monarch butterfly population is a discussion topic for the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, which will meet at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call Charlotte Noyes at 941778-6758. Islander Courtesy Photo

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Privateers prescribe Doctor’s Office visit, host rum-tasting Fifteen bottles of rum on the wall — and the Anna Maria Island Privateers will sample them all Saturday, May 18. The Anna Maria Island Privateers and the Doctor’s Office will host a rum-tasting 6-9 p.m. at the cocktail lounge, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. AMIP is selling 60 tickets to the event, where 15

“of the finest rums” will be tasted for “a measly donation of $49.99,” according to a news release from the nonprofit. Proceeds from the event will go toward the nonprofit’s mission of supporting kids and community. For reservations, call Jennifer “Mermaid” Price at 585-645-8975.

Fruit tree sale set for May 19 in Palmetto

Cuba travel talk topic for Senior Adventures

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The Manatee Rare Fruit Tree Council will sell rare fruit trees May 19. The council also will sell plenty of fruit trees common to the region at the annual sale set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. The council’s news release stated the sale would feature citrus trees, tropical fruit trees, bushes, vines, herbs and vegetables. For more, call Joshua Starry at 941-685-6257.

The Senior Adventures group will hear from member Nancy Luse about her travel to Cuba at 10 a.m. Friday, May 17. The group will meet at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Senior Adventures is a group that plans weekly outings or gatherings — usually Fridays — either off the island or at the Annie Silver Community Center. For more information, call Kaye Bell at 941-5380945.

to carpool on an adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-5380945. Second Fridays, 6 p.m., AMI Resident Community Connections, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908. Tuesdays through May 14, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue. Information: 941-708-6130. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941718-0291. Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., Tech Help, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

GOOD TO KNOW

The Islander Calendar

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May 27, Memorial Day. June 14, Flag Day. June 16, Father’s Day. June 21, first day of summer. July 4, Independence Day. Sept. 2, Labor Day. Sept. 8, Grandparents Day. Sept. 11, Patriot Day. Sept. 23, first day of autumn. Sept. 29, Rosh Hashanah.

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June 9, All Island Denominations Pentecostal Service, Holmes Send announcements for The Islander calendar to calendar@ Beach. islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and descripOFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND tion of the event, as well as a phone number for publication. Monday, May 20 11:15 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Democratic Club program on CHANGE LISTING? home rule authority and the Florida Legislature and a luncheon, IMG With the change of season, please let The Islander know Academy Golf Club clubhouse, 4350 El Conquistador, Bradenton. of changes in your group’s listings. And, readers, please help us Fee applies. Information: 941-779-0564. manage the calendar. Let us know if a listing needs adjustment at calendar@islander.org.

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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12 n MAy 15, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

County provides a peek at concert costs, misses big picture

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter After a 45-day wait, something arrived. But the public records request returned to The Islander April 30 was lacking in the requested information and supporting attachments and void of requested emails concerning the planning and execution of two high-dollar tourist tax projects. More than two dozen files with hundreds of pages were provided by Debbie Scaccianoce, Manatee County public records division manager. The newspaper first made the information request March 15. Included in the records were total ticket sales for a series of concerts sponsored by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau that took place Feb.8April 1. The BACVB spent $100,000 to sponsor the the series, which featured four concerts at the Center of Anna Maria Island and one show at the Manatee Center for Performing Arts in downtown Bradenton. Though MCPA chief executive officer Janene Amick had promised an in-depth accounting for costs and profits from the shows at the Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting April 10, only an estimate of “around $50,000” in ticket sales revenue was earmarked for the split between the island community center and MPAC. Amick stated the concerts raised “about $94,000” in ticket sales. She also stated the $100,000 sponsorship money was paid to the producer, Pittsburgh music promoter Rich Engler. Public records provided April 30 revealed the following totals for the island center’s ticket sales: The Outlaws, $26,888; B.J. Thomas, $21,063 and $35,582 for the Marshall Tucker Band. An estimated total for Phil Vassar was $11,224.80, putting total ticket sales at the center at $94,757.80. Judy Collins ticket sales at MPAC were discussed, and $25,211.00 was the largest total sales for those tickets found among the records submitted. Specific costs for bands hired, including added

riders on contracts and expenses such as meals and hotel stays, were mentioned in emails, but attachments listed in the emails were not provided to The Islander. Entertainment contracts also were missing from emails provided. No contractual information was provided regarding Engler, although emails indicate he was pushing to increase ticket sales. Despite a request for records of expenditures for holding the concerts at the center, only minimum discussion was included, such as chair availability, an electrician visit, lighting needs from MPAC and sound requirements. No invoices, estimates or actual costs were furnished in the records request. As for documentation for the art icon purchased from celebrity Jane Seymour for the Bradenton Riverwalk — unveiled Jan. 18 — and the accompanying events — a private art show and reception at the Studio at gulf and Pine and an afternoon program at MPAC featuring Seymour and her son — only minimal documents were supplied to The Islander, despite specific requests for emails from county employees known to have been involved with planning the events. Less than a dozen emails were dated before Jan. 1, despite the mid-January events, and no documentation, not even the partial expenditure report The Islander had previously been furnished by County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, was provided. Also present in the files was an email from Scaccianoce advising that no information should be given directly to the newspaper and all requests for information should go through her. When contacted by email May 8 with a further request for records, Scaccianoce emailed that “all documents in the possession of the Manatee County BOCC relevant to the concert series and the Jane Seymour Statue” had been received by The Islander. She advised the paper to contact Realize Bradenton and MPAC for the balance of the information “as we are not the custodian of those records.” $10 each @ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB

In a May 8 exchange with The Islander, Scaccianoce stated, “With regard to emails, I would need the names of the Manatee County employees involved in the email exchanges. Once I have the names, I will conduct the search and provide you with the records, or a cost estimate if it requires extensive use of staff time.” Record requests For the record, The Islander first placed a public records request with Manatee County March 15. The request was clarified March 26 with a list of names, events and any references to events from August 2018 forward. On April 11, The Islander received a series of documents, all of which had been previously sourced by the newspaper’s reporters. In response to the lack of pertinent information received April 11, The Islander publisher and owner Bonner Joy, in an email dated April 16, further inquired about the lack of documentation and records between MPAC, the Center of Anna Maria Island, the entertainers or the promoter since taxpayer money was spent to put on the events. The only record of costs for Manatee County for which documentation was received was a county purchase order dated Feb. 11, with MPAC listed as the vendor and BACVB listed as “ship to” for $190,000. Included was $100,000 detailed as concert series sponsorship and $45,000 as sponsorship for Jane Seymour “Up Close and Personal: The Open Heart Philosophy and Open Heart Monumental Sculpture on Jan. 19.” Several calls and followup emails from The Islander to the county records department have gone unanswered. For the record The state of Florida has a broad public records law. It provides information on public records, including policies, inspection, examination and duplication of records, according to stateofflorida.com. Florida’s government-in-the-Sunshine Law assists the public and governmental agencies in understanding the requirements and exemptions to Florida’s open government laws. It was designed to guarantee that the public has access to the public records of governmental bodies in Florida.

Center to kick off camps with festivities

Summer will begin early with a bash at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Food, including hamburgers and hot dogs from the Freckled Fin, 5337 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will be served at the Summer Kickoff Bash 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, to launch the children’s summer camp. The gym will be open for play and the youth soccer championship matches and awards ceremony will be underway on the field. Staff will be available to answer questions about the nonprofit’s summer programs, administrative director Aris Thompson wrote in a May 7 email to The Islander. “It will be an event for the community to hang out, eat and learn about what’s going on this summer at the center,” Thompson wrote. guests also will be able to register for camp programs. For more information, email info@centerami.org or call the center at 941778-1908. — Ryan Paice

Maritime museum to celebrate Oceans Day

Put on your dress blues. Or just a casual blue T-shirt. The Florida Maritime Museum will hold its second annual Coastal Community Celebration to kick-off World Oceans Day. The celebration will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 6. The museum will host vendors, including those selling mullet, a Cortez favorite, as well as provide space for arts and crafts displays. Also, the museum will show “Images from the gulf” outdoors and welcome visitors indoors to see “Always Ready: United States Coast guard in Florida.” A news release stated guests are encouraged to wear a blue shirt to show unity for the World Oceans Day theme of “Together We Can.” The museum is at 4415 119th Street W., Cortez. For more information, call FMM at 941-708-6120 or visit floridamaritimemuseum.org.

About World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day takes place annually in June, usually June 8. The celebration originated in 1992, proposed by Canada’s International Center for Ocean Development and the Ocean Institute of Canada at the Earth Summit — UN Conference on Environment and Development in Brazil.


THE ISLANDER n MAy 15, 2019 n 13

Anna Maria issues RFP to construct, close gap on multiuse path By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Anna Maria is collecting bids to construct another multiuse path segment to bridge the gap to the Holmes Beach pathway. Anna Maria city commissioners voted 5-0 May 9 to authorize Mayor Dan Murphy and city staff to issue a request for proposals to add to the multiuse path stretching from Archer Way to the southern city limits. The extension would connect with Holmes Beach’s path when both are complete. Commissioner Amy Tripp said there is a missing link between Anna Maria’s and Holmes Beach’s paths, requiring both cities to extend the current paths to the shared city line. “Our city has gotten a lot of positive feedback and support for our multiuse path,” Tripp said of the path along the east side of gulf Drive from Willow Avenue to Archer Way, the first road north of CrossPointe Fellowship. The city limit is 3 feet south of the CrossPointe’s southernmost driveway. The extension is the second of several segments of pathways planned for the city, which will stretch north through the city when finished. Murphy said he met with Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth about bridging the gap. She told him Holmes Beach’s connector path will not be addressed this year, but might be built in 2020. Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland said construction of the city’s multiuse path set a precedent that Holmes Beach followed, and Anna Maria can lead again by extending its portion of the path. Murphy said the city could construct a 5-foot-wide path from Archer Way to the city limits for an estimated $50,000. The cost, however, does not include vertical storm drain filtration needed for four catch basins present along the right of way. He said the city can’t construct a wider path or include vertical infiltration without purchasing right of

Anna Maria Commissioner Amy Tripp, right, and others, take a bike ride Oct. 3, 2018, on the first completed segment of the multiuse path. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

way from the church, but the path could take bicycles off gulf Drive despite being a foot or two narrower than the existing path. “In the scheme of things, it’s not much money,” Tripp said. “For $50,000 we can finish something we began.” “To me, when I’m looking at the numbers, it’s a miniscule cost,” Commissioner Dale Woodland said. Murphy said his only reservation would be in the event construction of the Anna Maria City Pier requires more reserve funding. He noted the city’s fiscal year will begin in October, and suggested the city budget funding to extend

the path in the 2019-20 fiscal year. Commissioner Brian Seymour said the path should be addressed early in the next fiscal year. Copeland said, “$50,000 is not going to keep us from finishing the pier.” He instead suggested the city issue a request for proposals and collect bids so commissioners can make an informed decision. He motioned for the city to do so, and Tripp seconded the motion. After the motion passed, Murphy said he would update commissioners on the status of the RFP at the commission meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at city hall, 10005 gulf Drive.

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14 n May 15, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach engineer calms dog park anxieties

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter By the time the dog days of summer arrive, some canines and their caretakers will see changes at the Holmes Beach dog park. Others won’t see the physical changes until the fall, when they return from summers up north. Concerns arose at a May 1 parks and beautification committee meeting — the last meeting planned for the committee until October — when city engineer Lynn Burnett was not in attendance to present updated information on plans for the city field makeover, including an expansion plan for the large dog area at the park. To address questions before seasonal residents departed and construction begins this summer, the committee held a special meeting May 8 with Burnett regarding renovations for the outdoor recreational complex on Marina Drive adjacent to city hall. The approved plan includes relocating the tot lot, expanding the large dog park, installing a new skate park, shuffleboard, horseshoe and bocce courts and improving off-street parking. Burnett said during June-August, the city will grade and slope surfaces in the field and install the next phase of stormwater drainage improvements along with the new skate park and dog park. Fencing and amenities for the large dog park will be installed in late summer. “The very last piece of this will be the amenities and fencing,” she said. Burnett and the people who attended the meeting reviewed a diagram of the proposed plan for city field, and agreed upon the locations for four entrances to the large dog park. Additionally, they discussed shifting the fence bordering the small dog park to separate it more from the large dog area. Parks member Carol Hebden asked about a dogactivated splash pad for the park. At previous meetings, she suggested getting a low-cost pad — about $3,000. Burnett’s project manager, Eran Wasserman, said health regulations concerning water quality would be a consideration. Burnett said more than one dog watering station will be installed in the park, but she’s not sure what form that will take or where the stations will be located. “We’ll revisit some of these things for sure, once

Holmes Beach city engineer Lynn Burnett, left, observes as project manager Eran Wasserman draws May 8 on a diagram of city field during a parks and beautification committee meeting at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes we know where everything is at,” she said. Burnett also asked attendees if they would prefer grass or sand in the dog parks. The decision was split, so she suggested using sand in play areas and grass for the run. She said the large dog park will be closed for about 45 days in August or September, when the grading and fencing are installed. Holmes Beach resident Terry Green asked when the updated plan for city field will go before the com-

mission. Burnett said the plan will be discussed with the rest of the capital improvement projects in July, when the commission holds a budget meeting for the upcoming fiscal year, which is October-September. “I think we made some real progress,” Green said and thanked Burnett for her presentation. “It’s just a little bit of tweaking,” Holmes Beach resident Renee Ferguson said. “But it’s really important tweaking.”

Holmes Beach plans to renovate city field, the recreational complex adjacent to city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, starting this summer.

Holmes Beach charter reviewers wrap up sessions, recommendations By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The final report is approved and ready to go the city commission. During their May 8 meeting, Charter Review Commissioners Sean Murphy, David Zaccagnino and Chair Edward Upshaw, approved 3-0 Upshaw’s third draft of a final report on the commission’s conclusions. Commissioners Claudia Carlson and Nancy Deal were absent with excuse. Attorney Thomas Thanus attended the meeting as an alternate for city attorney Patricia Petruff. After approving past meeting minutes, the commissioners reviewed Deal’s suggestions for minor typographical changes to the charter, including the addition or deletion of commas and apostrophes. A motion to accept the agreed upon changes passed 3-0. Upon reviewing the previously approved ordinance containing the proposed charter amendments, Murphy said language in the section dealing with tighter restrictions for vacations of city-owned property was only amended to include rights of way with “direct or indirect access to the beach or to the bay,” when the language that was approved included all cityowned rights of way. Upshaw suggested the city attorney revise the amendment to state, “Real property and rights of way, including rights of way that provide direct or indirect access to the beach…” Thanus said changing the language would mean revising it to include what was already approved, and the rewording could be done by Petruff and without another vote.

Attorney Thomas Thanus, Holmes Beach charter review Commissioner Sean Murphy, Chair Edward Upshaw and Commissioner David Zaccagnino engage in discussion May 8. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Commissioners also agreed to remove three of 10 proposed ballot questions — one approving consolidation of city-owned property legal descriptions and two amendments to delete redundant language. “It could confuse voters and it’s just housekeeping on something already voted on,” Upshaw said. Thanus said he would check with Petruff to determine if the ordinance must retain the three amendments or the city commission could vote on the matters. When the CRC last considered the matter of retaining its strong-mayor status or allowing a city manager, the vote was split with Carlson, Deal and Upshaw supporting a ballot question on the city manager form of government and Murphy and Zaccagnino opposing the ballot measure. The charter requires a supermajority vote — at least 4-1 — to place an amendment on the ballot for voter consideration. Because of the split 3-2 vote, the matter will not be on the Nov. 5 municipal ballot. Carlson and Murphy provided majority and minor-

ity reports, which the CRC approved as appendices to its final report. “I’m happy that this commission has come to an agreement,” Zaccagnino said May 8. “I think all these are important and it’s good that there’s not any dispute up here on the approved charter amendments.” However, there was dispute when it came to including the voter’s choice for a city manager, which was blocked by Murphy and Zaccagnino. Charter changes approved in April by a supermajority of the committee will be submitted to the city commission as an ordinance, and then sent to the Manatee County Supervision of Elections for a citywide vote on the November ballot. Upshaw will present the committee’s report to the city commission during a work session at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at city hall. The first reading of the ordinance will be held during the city meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, also at city hall.


THE ISLANDER n MAy 15, 2019 n 15

BB again offers settlement in Sunshine lawsuit, citizens decline By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The case of Bradenton Beach ex-Mayor Jack Clarke and the city versus six former board members is headed to trial mid-July. But the city is looking to settle. The lawsuit alleges the defendants violated Florida’s government-in-the-Sunshine Law. Defendant John Metz, a former planning and zoning board member, and the only defendant who has an attorney, filed four motions heard May 3 by Judge Edward Nicholas of the Manatee County 12th Judicial Circuit Court. Metz The motions were to compel completion of a deposition by city attorney Ricinda Perry to disqualify her as co-counsel in the lawsuit, to compel answers to interrogatories and for award of attorneys’ fees, as well as Clarke a motion for production of documents from the city. “Mr. Metz filed four motions, all of which were denied. It is significant, we think, that the judge made a finding that at least two of the motions were not ‘welltaken and not even a close call,’” Michael Barfield, paralegal for Clarke and the city in the lawsuit, said May 4. “That determination by the judge has a legal consequence that Mr. Metz, as an attorney, certainly knows about.” But Metz disagrees. He said that initially the plaintiffs denied more deposition time with Perry. Without the motion, the plaintiffs would not have granted the continuation of Perry’s deposition. “The city only offered the additional three hours because we filed the motion,” Metz said. “So we did not lose everything. We achieved something; it was just a little harder than it should have been. What they are doing is stonewalling until after the work has been done and the money has been paid.” Metz added that “none of this matters” when the case gets to trial. “This is going to look totally different when it gets to trial,” Metz said. Both sides have attempted to settle. In March, the city made an offer that would have required the defendants — Metz, Reed Mapes, Tjet Martin, Patty Shay and Bill and Rose Vincent — to each pay fines of $500 and admit they violated the Sunshine Law during meetings of the grass-roots group Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach, of which the defendants were members while also serving on volunteer city boards. The defendants responded with an “offer to compromise,” to donate $10,000 to the Annie Silver Com-

We did not lose everything. We achieved something; it was just a little harder than it should have been. — John Metz

munity Center and exclude any admission of guilt and the $500 per-person fine. The offer was declined by the city. Then, in April, the city came back with another offer — this time, the case would be closed without an admission of guilt from the defendants — if they pay the court costs incurred by taxpayers totaling more than $200,000 as of May 10. “I can tell you that the combined attorneys’ fees for the defendants is in the same magnitude as the city,” Metz said. “So, you’re talking about six retired people, who just to maintain their innocence, have had to put out a significant amount of money. And, when this goes to trial, the costs will vastly increase.” In light of rising costs for both sides, the city has encouraged the defendants to reconsider previous settlement offers. According to Perry, both offers still stand, even though the city previously gave the defendants deadlines — since expired — to respond. “By my calculation, Mr. Metz’s actions (May 3) wasted approximately $15,000 of attorney time and taxpayer funds, and three hours of court time in his ongoing feud to attack the city attorney and avoid responsibility for his actions,” Barfield said. “Not-

Depositions canceled

Another one bites the dust. The discovery in a lawsuit filed August 2017 by Bradenton Beach ex-Mayor Jack Clarke and the city of Bradenton Beach against six former city board members has involved multiple depositions, with more to come before a mid-July trial. Defendant Rose Vincent and witness Michael Bazzy’s depositions, set for May 8, were canceled May 6 by the plaintiffs — the city and Clarke — apparently due to health issues. This was the fourth consecutive cancelation by the plaintiffs of Rose Vincent’s deposition. Defendant Tjet Martin, a former member of Scenic Waves, said she is frustrated with the plaintiff’s repeated cancellations. “They have accused us of slowing this down, but they have been the ones canceling,” Martin said May 8. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes withstanding, the city continues to urge the defendants to give due consideration to the favorable settlement offers made in this case.” As of May 8, the defendants, who met privately to arrive at a collective decision, did not intend to accept either settlement agreement. “When you change your offer from $500 to $200,000, now we know what it’s really about,” Metz said. “If they lose, they will also have to pay our attorney’s fees. They stand to be out a great deal of money in this case. And we still have a long ways to go.”

Reading, reviews, refreshments

The newly established Island Time Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and all are welcome. Callie Hutchison, adult programming librarian, oversees the club, which is reading “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgernstern. The group will gather to discuss the book at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12. Islander Courtesy Photo

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16 n MAy 15, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Sentencing set for man convicted in toddler’s murder

Streetlife

By Sandy Ambrogi

Island police reports

anna Maria May 2, 875 N. Shore Drive, Rod & Reel Pier, theft. A taxi driver took a passenger from Walmart on Cortez Road in Bradenton to the Rod & Reel Pier. The passenger said he lost his debit card and had no way to pay the $80 tab. May 4, 600 block of South Bay Boulevard, felony criminal mischief, $1,000 or more. A man reported the back window of his vehicle was intentionally broken. The estimated repair cost was $2,500. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Bradenton Beach April 28, 200 Bridge St., anchorage, grand theft less than $5,000. A man went to the police station to

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In the event of an emergency, call 911. To report information on island crime, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

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Vickers lived with girlfriend Melissa Wolfe, the mother of Luca and his 3-year-old sister, in her father’s Holmes Beach apartment. He was the caretaker for the children at the time of Luca’s death. Vickers testified that on Aug. 21, 2017, he took fentanyl, fell asleep and woke up several minutes later on top of Luca, who was purple and not breathing. The jury took less than two hours to return guilty verdicts on both counts. At Vickers’ sentencing, victim impact statements are expected from the state, according to Assistant

State Attorney Dawn Buff. No one will testify for the defense, said attorney Joe Campoli, the appointed regional public defender for Vickers, in a May 8 email to The Islander. The state plans to seek life in prison for Vickers based on state re-offender release laws. Vickers was released from state prison in May 2017 after serving two and a half years for trafficking in stolen property in Hillsborough County. Twelfth Circuit Judge Lon Arend will preside at the May 20 sentencing hearing in courtroom 4A at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

report his anchoring system stolen from his sailboat. He said he knew the name of the man who stole the system, reported it and said the man had gone to Key West. May 1, 100 block of Fourth Street South, burglary to a vehicle. A woman reported two backpacks taken from a vehicle at her home contained $700 cash, a passport, immigration documents, clothes and two pairs of sunglasses, all worth $950. Both backpacks with all contents were later found nearby in the water. May 1, 100 block of Seventh Street South, burglary to a vehicle. A woman reported a vehicle in her carport was burglarized after she left for work. She reported cash envelopes with $62 and shift reports for work were missing. May 1, 2513 gulf Drive N., Circle K, trespass warning. A man attempted to get one employee to send a second employee to the parking lot to talk to him. Due to a prior domestic dispute, the employee requested the man be trespassed from the store and parking lot. A BBPD officer trespassed the man. May 2, 117 Bridge St., the Fish Hole, suspicious circumstances. An officer was dispatched to the Fish Hole for a possible robbery in progress after an employee who was emptying the trash outdoors said a man told him to empty the cash register and leave the money in the trash can. The employee went inside and called 911. The man left the area. Police searched but did not locate the man. May 2, 118 Bridge St., Sports Lounge, assault. A man who appeared intoxicated made derogatory comments toward customers and threw ice at a person. He was asked to leave by the bartender/manager and called her derogatory names as he went out. He returned, saying he should get a gun and shoot up the bar, and

was sent outside, where he tried to put his foot through a window to gain entry. He eventually passed out. The bartender filed a criminal complaint against the man and also requested a trespass warning be filed against him if he returned. May 8, 100 block of Second Street North, domestic battery. A woman went to a man’s residence to retrieve some personal items and a verbal argument ensued. The woman said the man opened her car door and struck her in the face with his right hand. The man’s father was present and said he stepped between the car and his son. The woman filed a criminal complaint. May 3, 2200 block of gulf Drive North, arrest. A car was idling with keys in the ignition on gulf Drive North. The tag returned a capias from an earlier assault and alerted that the suspect was considered a safety threat. A man, who approached carrying a can of gasoline and saying he was out of gas, was identified as the suspect and turned over to the MCSO. He was transported to the Manatee County jail. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez No new reports. Cortez is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach April 28, 5400 Marina Drive, Seaside Laundromat and More, theft. A man said that while he was doing laundry, a woman took his key ring and keys. April 30, 3400 block of Sixth Avenue, theft. A man reported a black bicycle and a red Igloo cooler stolen from his carport. He valued the property at $200. April 30, 3900 E. Bay Drive, Publix Super Market, theft. A woman reported her unlocked bicycle stolen from the bike rack while she shopped. The bicycle was valued at $200. May 4, 200 block of 72nd Street, noise ordinance. A man complained of a loud party at another residence behind his home. Officers took decibel readings, notified the renters of the noise ordinance and issued a citation. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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

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By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter The sentencing of David Vickers is set for 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 20. A jury found Vickers guilty April 26 of second-degree murder and neglect in the August 2017 death of 17-month-old Luca Sholey after a five-day trial in Manatee County. Trial testimony connected Vickers to Luca’s death by asphyxiation and Vickers the toddler’s prior injuries, including numerous broken ribs and chest and head injuries.


THE ISLANDER n May 15, 2019 n 17

Anna Maria magistrate levies fines for parking, noise violations By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Shirking city code doesn’t pay in Anna Maria. In three hearings held April 30 at city hall, special magistrate Karla Owens ruled in the city’s favor in each case. Special magistrate hearings serve as a supplemental code enforcement process, where the magistrate deals with code enforcement and some cases within the city. The process allows for a resolution without going through the court system. Two hearings pertained to parking violations, with two Bradenton residents appealing their $50 fines.

Kathy Brooks-Rock received a fine for parking in the opposite direction of traffic flow alongside Rose Street, which Owens ordered her to pay at the hearing. Stephen Ierardi was assessed a $50 fine for parking within 20 feet of the crosswalk at the intersection of Palm Avenue and Gulf Drive. Owens ordered Ierardi to pay the fine, as well as an additional $150 administrative fee. Owens upheld the fine for a noise ordinance violation committed by a Tampa resident and college student, Conor Lynch, who stated he was staying at his parents’ vacation home at 60 N. Shore Drive. Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputies Matthew Kenyan and Robert Desch visited the property at 2

Holmes Beach man convicted of DUI Two months after his arrest for driving under the influence, a 36-year-old Holmes Beach man pleaded no contest and was fined more than $2,800. Lucas Andrews pleaded no contest April 23 to a DUI charge stemming from his February arrest in the 9900 block of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Accepting his plea, 12th Circuit Judge Renee Inman found Andrews guilty and sentenced him to 12 months probation, including a DUI school, a victim-impact panel, 50 hours of public service and

a 10-day vehicle impoundment. The judge also ordered an alcohol measurement ignition device installed in Andrews’ vehicle. Holmes Beach police pulled over Andrews Feb. 24, after following him for 14 blocks with lights, horns and sirens. Blood-alcohol tests showed he was driving at more than twice the legal limit. Andrews was assessed $2,826 in court costs and fines.

a.m. March 15 in response to a noise complaint. There, Kenyan witnessed Lynch and others speaking loudly outdoors on a balcony. The deputies asked Lynch to quiet down and warned him that a repeat visit would result in a $500 citation. The deputies responded 45 minutes later to a second noise complaint at the property. Kenyan and Desch stood at different distances from the house and still could hear talking, as well as music, coming from the property. Therefore, the pair issued the citation to Lynch. Kenyan said additional noise complaints had been filed at the same location in 2015 and 2017, with verbal warnings issued each time. Lynch’s father, Fred, attended the hearing to express his concerns about harassment by a neighbor and how law enforcement handled the complaint situation. He claimed the deputies used “inappropriate� words and he showed Owens a video that he claimed disproved Kenyan’s and Desch’s ability to hear music from the property at their listed distances. Owens allowed the video to be shown, but said it was not relevant to the case. She ordered Conor Lynch to pay the fine, as well as a $150 administrative fee. Special magistrate hearings in Anna Maria are held monthly as needed.

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Gathering

The Rev. Michael Mullins of St. Bernard Catholic Church blesses the statue of the Virgin Mary May 12 in the newly completed grotto at the church, as a young congregant stands by with holy water. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

St. Bernard Grotto dedication held on Mother’s Day

Frank Cashin, left applauds mason John Fara, right, May 12, at the dedication of the new grotto they constructed at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. The monthslong project replaced a deteriorating structure with new marble, tile, a larger niche for the statue of the Virgin Mary and seating for contemplation. At your service: Obituaries are offered as a community service in The Islander newspaper to islanders, both past and present, and family as well as people with ties to the island. Submit to news@ islander.org.

Frank Cashin places a wreath of flowers on the statue of the Virgin Mary May 12 in honor of the Blessed Mother and Mother’s Day.

Gathering plans

LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI

June 9, All Island Denominations Pentecostal Service, Holmes Beach. ONGOING LISTINGS

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Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA), 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Sunday service 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.; men’s Monday Bible study 9 a.m.; women’s Wednesday Bible study 10 a.m. Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez. Sunday Bible study, 10 a.m.; Sunday worship, 11 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. CrossPointe Fellowship, 8665 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Sunday worship 9 a.m.; Sunday life group 10:30 a.m.; women’s Tuesday prayer 9:30 a.m.; men’s Wednesday Bible study 7 a.m.

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship Service

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Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Sunday Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 8 a.m.; Sunday Holy Eucharist (Rite II) 10:30 a.m.; men’s Wednesday breakfast 8 a.m. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Saturday service 5 p.m.; Sunday service 9:30 a.m.; Sunday fellowship 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday prayer partners 11:30 a.m.; women’s Thursday Bible study 10 a.m. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Sunday services 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Sunday service 10 a.m.; fellowship afterward. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Sunday worship 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.; adult Sunday school 8:45 a.m.; Sunday adult book study 9 a.m.; Just Older Youth/JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m.; Terrific Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Saturday confession 3 p.m.; Saturday Mass 4 p.m.; Sunday Mass 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; weekday Mass 8:30 a.m. Please, send listings and changes to listings to calendar@ islander.org. Calendar keepers: Do you have schedule changes in the offseason? Please email calendar@islander.org.

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Anna Maria Elementary students Lilly Plummer, left, and Matthew Winsper wait with the crowd on Mother’s Day for the blessing of a statue of the Virgin Mary at St. Bernard Catholic Church.

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Islander tours war memorials, reflects on military service

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter “I couldn’t believe all the people who came to meet us,” Major Leckie said of the late-night crowd May 4 at the Southwest International Airport in Fort Myers. Leckie’s eyes twinkled as he described the greeters, bagpipers and soldiers with crossed sabers and the long salute that welcomed the return flight bringing happy service people and their “guardians” home after a day in Washington, D.C. Leckie was one of 186 people who took the Honor Flight, a program pairing a veteran with an escort, called “guardians,” and paying for their one-day trip to see the sights in and around Washington. “It had been a long time since I was there,” Leckie said of his trip to the capital. “And some of the things were not there before.” The group traveled from the airport by bus to the National Mall, touring the National World War II Memorial, the World War I Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Leckie and his guardian made the walk to the far end of the Mall to see the Lincoln Memorial. “I was taken by his hands,” Leckie said of the memorial to the 16th president. “One was grabbing the chair. The other seemed opened. I never noticed that before.” The tour also included a trip to Arlington National Cemetery and an opportunity to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “I’ve never seen a bigger crowd,” Leckie said of the gathering at the tomb. “And it was silent, just silent.” The Air Force Memorial was next on the list, followed by a visit to the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. “That one, should have been built a long time ago,” Leckie said. Tops on his list of Honor Flights sights? Probably the U. S. Marine Corps War Memorial, better known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, depicting the raising of the U.S. flag. “It was bigger than I ever imagined. It was really something,” Leckie said. Leckie said his guardian for the day, Natacha Delince, was making her first trip to Washington. She spent eight years in the service. guardians volunteer their time for Honor Flights. Leckie, along with wife Pam, came to Anna Maria Island about 15 years ago. Many years before that, he had traveled the world, thanks to an enlistment in the U.S. Navy. Leckie spent three years aboard the hospital ship USS Haven during the Korean War. He was a hospital corpsman, working as a surgical assistant. Following his enlistment, Leckie returned to his home state of Michigan, where he attended the University of Michigan. He and his wife will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary in November. He is one in a line of Leckie men to serve his country. His father served as a corpsman in the Navy during World War I. His older brother served as a lieutenant

Major Leckie, left, of Holmes Beach, stands May 4 with fellow Honor Flight serviceman Randy Robinson in the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C. The vets were treated to a day of touring military sights in the nation’s capital. The group visited the National Mall, touring the National World War II Memorial, the World War I Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Islander Courtesy Photo: Major Leckie Honor Flights People interested in booking an Honor Flight can contact Ann Marie McEvoy at the Southwest Florida Hub 7 of the Honor Flight Network at 941-6130919. Honor Flights are available all over the United States. For more information about the Honor Flight Network, go to the website at honorflight.org. in the Navy during WWII. His first-born grandson kept the tradition alive, serving in the U.S. Marine Air Corps during the gulf War in Iraq. “My family has a history of service to our country,” Leckie said. “They call that patriot.” Pam Leckie had read an Islander article about Publix Super Market greeter Louie Strickland’s Honor Flight, saved the information and arranged for her husband to take the flight. “I’m betting there are other veterans on the island who would love to go,” she said. “I’m so glad I saw the information and called. Major really had a great time. It was good for him to have some time with the military guys.” Major Leckie, left, and Honor Flight guardian Natacha Delince are all smiles May 4 after boarding a bus in Washington, D.C., for a day of sightseeing. Islander Courtesy Photo: Major Leckie

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22 n MAy 15, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Good Deeds

Milestone

Paddlers produce nonperishables

The AMI Paddlers from Paradise, a competitive racing team, conducted a food drive the first week of May, collecting items for the Manatee County Food Bank. For information about AMI Paddlers from Paradise, go online to paddlersfromparadise.com. Islander Courtesy Photo

Anna Maria sets Memorial Day salute

The city of Anna Maria is organizing an event for Memorial Day, a Patriotic Symphony Salute at City Pier Park. The program will be at 10 a.m. Monday, May 27, in the park at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard. The event will be 90 minutes and include a per-

formance by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, as well as a presentation of colors, recognition of military veterans and their spouses and the placement of a memorial wreath to honor those who died in service to the country. For more information, call city hall at 941-7086130.

‘Daydreams’ in mixed-media

Bayshore High School sophomore Arasely Leon, the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s student of the month for May, celebrates the achievement with her teacher, Sadge King. Throughout May, look for Arasely’s mixed-media work, “Daydreams,� at the Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Also in May, the gallery exhibits a Mother’s Daythemed window display. Islander Courtesy Photo

Kudos for kids Share your student’s

good news: graduations, scholastic honors, special achievements, scholarships and school choices. Submit your news to news@islander.org.

Wheely fun: AME students celebrate Bike to School Day

National Bike to School Day

National Bike to School Day is observed annually in May. Built on the popularity of National Walk to School Day — celebrated each October — Bike to School Day provides an opportunity for schools across the nation to join together to celebrate the energy of National Bike Month.

By Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

AME students cycle May 8 on Bike to School Day from St. Bernard Catholic Church on Harbor Drive to Anna Maria Elementary. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jeannine Inda

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Anna Maria Elementary parent Heather Hill arrives May 8 to the Holmes Beach school with her fourthgrade daughter, Camille, for Bike to School Day. Islander Photo: Brook Morrison AME fourthgraders Olivia Inda, left, and Heidi Querrard cycle together May 8 on Bike to School Day. The event encourages students to practice safe cycling and exercise. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jeannine Inda


THE ISLANDER n MAy 15, 2019 n 23

Anna Maria Elementary staff get thanks from the Plummer family cookie-cake style May 8 during Staff Appreciation Week. Islander Photo: Courtesy AME

They found it! They found it!

Students, parents, PTO cater to AME staff

The Anna Maria Elementary community celebrated teachers and staff with a week of school lunches — catered lunches. Asked why he thought the teachers and staff at AME deserved to be thanked, second-grader Kyler Hood said, “Because they are the best in the world. They always know what to do, and they like helping kids.” The cafeteria and teachers lounge looked and sounded like a roaring party during lunch periods in the midst of Staff Appreciation Week. The AME Parent-Teacher Organization served a lunch provided by the Waterfront May 6. The next day, kindergarten and fifth-grade class parents brought in Mexican-themed food. AME parent Mandy Elmore brought 46 Taco Bell tacos, while Kristen Lessig brought “Mexican lasagna.” “What a beautiful array of salads,” school registrar Amy Slicker said May 8 about the soup-and-salad bar provided by first- and third-grade families. “They look like a tasty rainbow,” she added. On May 9, AME second- and fourth-grade families served Italian fare. “Between the tortellini salad, quiche Lorraine and Italian skewers, I don’t know where to start,” said third-grade teacher Laura Redeker. AME Staff Appreciation Week gives parents, students and the PTO an opportunity to shower teachers and staff with thank you’s, compliments, hugs and lunches. By Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

AME calendar

• Thursday, May 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m., student artwork reception, the Studio at gulf and Pine, 10101 gulf Drive, Anna Maria. • Friday, May 17, field day. • May 20-24, second- and third-grade English language assessments. • Monday, May 20, 9:30 a.m., time capsule ceremony. • Tuesday, May 21, 5-6:30 p.m., kindergarten play and PTO dinner hosted by the Feast. • Wednesday, May 22, fifth-grade trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando. • Wednesday, May 22, third-grade field trip to Island Library, Holmes Beach. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

Anna Maria Elementary staff and grounds people congregate in front of the auditorium May 10 to dig for treasure — a time capsule buried 3 feet underground 25 years ago — and they hit pay dirt. The capsule was unearthed for examination. The 1994 contents will be revealed May 20. Islander Photo (top): Brook Morrison. Islander Photo (right): Courtesy HBPD/Officer Josh Fleischer

AME time capsule opening set for May 20

A plaque for a time capsule at Anna Maria Elementary instructs school staff to open it 25 years after burial. AME third-grade teacher Karen Paul was the school’s teacher of the year in 1994, the year the capsule was buried. “Sorry, I don’t remember 25 years ago what my class put inside,” she said. Paul, along with other staff and students, will gather on the school grounds at 9:30 a.m., Monday, May 20, for a once-in-a-lifetime walk down memory lane. That morning, the contents of the time capsule

will be disclosed. Principal Jackie Featherston said May 8 that the capsule was thought to be between the wishing well and auditorium. Several months ago it was believed the capsule had been located with a metal detector. But the hunt continued until May 10, when it was found. “Memories and artifacts from 1994 are sure to conjure emotions,” said AME administrator Sheila Zink. The capsule was buried in 1994 to mark Anna Maria Island’s centennial celebration. AME fourth-grade student Sarah Thomas, center, and principal Jim Kronus, right, watch as school staff bury a time capsule in May 1994 to celebrate Anna Maria Island’s centennial. Islander Archive Photo

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Student-grown, bistro-prepared: AME kids feast at island’s finest

“Who knows what the word amuse-bouche means?” Susan Timmins asked May 8. She was addressing a dining room full of Anna Maria Elementary fourth-graders. Timmins and husband Sean Murphy have operated the Beach Bistro on Anna Maria Island for 32 years, and they’ve made a tradition of serving AME students a lunch prepared with the school’s spring harvest. The restaurant does not open for lunch but, for the past 13 years, the owners and staff have opened the Bistro to serve AME fourth-graders a luncheon made with vegetables grown in their garden at school. “When my daughter went to school at Anna Maria

Elementary, we wanted to do something special for the students,” Timmins said. “And, one day I was talking to a teacher when a gardener passed by and the idea of kids eating lunch at our restaurant with food from the school garden popped into my head.” The Bistro helped acquire the needs for an expanded garden and also “seed” the project yearly. After an island trolley ride from school, AME students entered the plush Bistro dining room, where By Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

AME fourth-graders file out of the island trolley May 8 upon arriving to the Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Students experienced fine-dining dishes made from produce they grew in the school garden.

Anna Maria Elementary fourth-grade teacher Paige Barreda, a master gardener, smiles behind bouquets of celery May 8 at the Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach. Celery proved a bumper crop for the fourthgrade gardeners.

AME fourth-grader Noah Lewis gives a thumbs-up May 8 when asked what he thinks about his lunch at the Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

fabric billows from the ceiling and the tables are adorned with white cloths. Timmins shared cooking knowledge about the courses served to students. She equated cooking to science. The day’s amuse-bouche — meaning “funny in your mouth” — was a variety of fruit freeze-dried using dry ice. Celery, kale, zucchini, broccoli, potatoes and turnip grown at AME were on every plate and, for dessert, the Bistro served garden strawberries over vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.

AME principal Jackie Featherston, left, guidance counselor Susan Tabicman and student support specialist Ivory Graham enjoy lunch May 8 with fourth-graders at the Beach Bistro,

“We always try to make food with vegetables because they are so good for you,” said chef Joey Eagan of the Beach Bistro. Eagan prepared lunch for AME fourth-graders using herbs and vegetables grown in the class garden.

Vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce and freshpicked strawberries from the AME garden merged in the dessert May 8 at the fourth-grade luncheon hosted at the Beach Bistro. AME fourth-graders Brogan Sauls, left, Jaxon Kagin and Clancy Cusack dine May 8 at the Beach Bistro. Islander Photos: Brook Morrison


THE ISLANDER n May 15, 2019 n 25


26 n MAy 15, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Sea turtle season crawls forward on Anna Maria Island By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Ready? Set? You bet. “We pretty much have a set routine now to prepare for the sea turtles,� Marty Hollar, manager of the Anna Maria Island Dream Inn in Bradenton Beach, said May 8 about preparations for sea turtle nesting season. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring documented the first nest of the season May 1, near the south end of the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. The season runs May-October. As of May 12, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring had identified 9 nests and 15 false crawls on the island. Last year, AMITW saw a record-breaking nesting season, with 534 loggerhead sea turtle nests. By the start of the season, AMITW and officials in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach expect beachfront businesses and residents to comply with federal, state and municipal sea turtle regulations, which include proper lighting and removing beach gear before sunset, such as tents, canopies, chairs and rafts. Hollar said AMITW executive director Suzi Fox provided her with handouts, door hangers and stickers detailing the rules and regulations to share with guests. Hollar said she and her daughters, who work at the hotel, change lightbulbs in Gulf-facing fixtures to amber-colored, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission compliant bulbs and ensure staff removes beach furniture before sunset. During nesting and after hatching, sea turtles are drawn by their instincts to the gulf of Mexico by the reflection of the moon and stars on the water’s surface. Disorientations can occur when lights visible from the shoreline attract the sea turtles away from the water, making them vulnerable to predators, exhaustion or death by dehydration. Additionally, sea turtles only leave the water to nest, so obstructions on the beach can lead to a failed nesting attempt, injury or death by drowning if the sea turtle becomes trapped underneath a chair and it washes into the water. “guests are asking, ‘When will we get to see the sea turtles?’ Hollar said. “We let them know there are no guarantees.� Fox said if someone is lucky enough to see a nesting sea turtle, they should observe from a distance of at least 50 feet. She said a person approached her May 2 on the beach to show her a photo he took the night before of a loggerhead that had emerged from the gulf. When AMITW checked the area where the photo was taken, there were no eggs. Fox said, judging from the picture, the person was too close to the turtle and

‘

We work together as a team with turtle watch, business owners, residents and visitors. It’s all about education and communication with the public to keep the sea turtles safe. — HB code supervisor JT Thomas

’

streetlights that could have caused disorientations. Thomas said keeping the beaches clean, flat and properly lit for sea turtles and people requires a unified front. “We work together as a team with turtle watch, business owners, residents and visitors,� Thomas said. “It’s all about education and communication with the public to keep the sea turtles safe.�

Marty Hollar, manager of the Anna Maria Island Dream Inn, 2502 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, sits with her granddaughter, Lorelei Myers, 4, who displays a rack card with tips for protecting coastal wildlife. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

As of May 12, AMITW counted 9 sea turtle nests and 15 false crawls. possibly frightened it back into the gulf. “I understand people are excited, but the mama turtles are here to do a job,� Fox said. “They need their space to nest.� Fox said people are doing well with turtle-friendly beachfront lighting, but some spots need to come into compliance. She said she is working with code enforcement in the island cities to get lighting up to speed. Holmes Beach code enforcement supervisor JT Thomas said officers conduct nighttime lighting inspections, then, the next day, communicate with tenants and owners about problem areas. Additionally, Thomas and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer recently worked with representatives from Florida Power and Light to shield some

Info and aid For more information on nesting season, contact Fox at suzifox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638. Visit myfwc.com/seaturtle and click on “Sea Turtles and Lights� for more on keeping beaches safe for sea turtles. To report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles contact the FWC at 888-404-3922.

Mote spots ‘extremely rare’ leatherback sea turtle nests

It’s been nearly 20 years since they were last documented on gulf of Mexico beaches. As of May 8, two “extremely rare� leatherback sea turtle nests were spotted on Siesta Key and Venice beaches, according to Mote Marine Laboratory of Sarasota. “Leatherback sea turtles rarely nest on gulf of Mexico beaches. The only leatherback nest documented by Mote Marine Laboratory in our area was in 2001,� stated a release issued May 8 in advance of a news conference that day. Leatherback sea turtles, which predominantly nest on Florida’s East Coast, are the largest of the seven sea turtle species, growing to more than 6.5 feet in length and weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Leatherbacks venture into deeper waters and migrate further than other sea turtle species, according to Mote’s release. In its 38th year, Mote’s sea turtle conservation and research program monitors 35 miles of beaches, from Longboat Key to Venice, for nesting activity. For more information on leatherback sea turtles, visit myfwc.com. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

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THE ISLANDER n MAy 15, 2019 n 27

Citrus and more on sale

Shoppers will find citrus trees for sale at the Manatee Rare Fruit Tree Sale set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. They’ll also find dozens of other types of fruit trees, as well as herbs, vegetables and flowers. Islander Courtesy Photo

By Lisa Neff

Producing public produce

The wagons, hitches and 4H volunteers arrive May 19 to the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto. No, the rodeo isn’t in town. Neither is the county fair. The Manatee Rare Fruit Tree Sale, presented by the Manatee Rare Fruit Council, takes place 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the center, 1 Haben Blvd. The first year I attended, I learned to bring cash. I also learned to clear out my Neff car trunk, prepare to get hands dirty, dress to get soil smeared on my knees and expect to be overwhelmed by an abundance of plants — and an abundance of people seeking to buy them. One more lesson from that first year at the Manatee Rare Fruit Tree Sale — don’t take “rare” literally. Vendors will be offering more than 5,000 plants, some that could be characterized as rare or unusual but many will be like the citrus trees you’ve coveted in your neighbor’s backyard.

Plants and trees on the market’s list include apple, avocado, banana, blackberry, blueberry, cashew, coconut, fig, grape, jackfruit, lychee, mango, mulberry, papaya, passion fruit, pineapple, plantain, peach, pear, plum, raspberry and star fruit, as well as lemon, lime, key lime, grapefruit and orange. My first spree at the fruit tree sale, I returned to Anna Maria Island with two knee-high lemon trees for my side yard and a third lemon tree for my neighbor’s yard. I considered bringing back a citrus tree to donate for the right of way near the southern border to Anna Maria, where a resident had called out the sheriff’s office because two kids took oranges from her yard. I understand the low-hanging fruit belonged to the homeowner and was not for the kids’ taking, but the complaint got me thinking about public plantings on the island, specifically food-producing trees. Near my sister’s home in northern Illinois, mulberry, apple, pear and cherry trees line the trail of a county preserve. In the summer, when I visit, we take evening walks and sample whatever’s in season. In the alley behind my former apartment on Chicago’s North Side, raspberry bushes produce fruit for anyone to pick.

In southeastern Wisconsin, where I reported environmental stories for a decade, public park orchards produce sweet, natural treats. In Anna Maria, I know beachgoers who munch on a sea grape or two as they follow an access path near Coconut Avenue to the gulf. But what if the island featured an oasis of fruitand nut-bearing trees in its parks or the setbacks along pedestrian paths, avenues and similar locations? I mentioned the concept to garden enthusiasts on Anna Maria Island, who endorsed the idea but wondered who would care for the public trees. I replied, we the people could care for the trees. Friends showed interest but worried fruit trees would draw creepy crawly critters. I replied that fruit trees already grow on the island, but they are beyond the public’s reach. A few fretted over people taking more than they could eat or more than their share. I heard: “People will abuse the system.” “What if people take it and sell it?” “How much fruit per person?” I replied that they can take until they have their fill, of course. But the concept has yet to take root. So May 19, I’ll look for an olive tree for my patio and maybe a star fruit for a neighbor.

Survival of the species

A Hawksbill sea turtle swims underwater. A hard-hitting report for the United Nations finds that nearly a million species are at risk of becoming extinct within decades. Nature is declining globally at unprecedented rates, the report stated. Islander Courtesy Photo: Andrey Armyagov

Sarah Klass, Mote Marine Laboratory volunteer, lays on the sand April 26 across leatherback sea turtle tracks in Venice, as volunteer Lucy Litton, left, looks on and Kathy Klingensmith stretches her arms across the tracks in the sand. Islander Photo: Courtesy Mote Marine Laboratory

Special … Beef Stroganoff made with Filet Mignon over Spätzle

½-Ê t And you’re gonna love it!

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28 n May 15, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Seedings set for youth soccer, KRC chips into summer

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter The regular season of the youth soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island has concluded and the matchups are set for the playoff games. The top seeds will enter the playoffs with confidence based off their regular season success, the rest of the teams set out anew. Lancaster Design earned top seed Cassidy and the accompanying bye into the finals of the 11-15 division on a 4-3-1 record. CABB Cleaning earned second seed with a 4-4 record, just ahead of 3-4-1 Lazy Turtle. CABB will take on Lazy Turtle in semifinal action at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 13. The winner of the Monday match will kick off against Lancaster Design for the title at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15. Action last week in the 11-15 division got started May 7 when Lazy Turtle earned a 4-0 victory over CABB Cleaning behind two goals and an assist from Thomas Philpott and a pair of goals from Jackson Pakbaz and Max Higgins. Victor Albrecht came through with 13 saves for Lazy Turtle in the victory.

Evan Talucci made eight saves to lead CABB Cleaning in the loss. The second match of the night saw Lancaster Design earn a 3-0 victory over CABB Cleaning behind two goals and an assist from Frank Coleman and a goal from Caden Quimby. Mikey Coleman came through with 10 saves in goal to help preserve the victory. Talucci was strong in net for CABB Cleaning, finishing with 10 saves in the loss. Action in the 11-15 division continued May 8 with an upset victory for Lazy Turtle, scoring 3-2 over Lancaster Design behind a pair of goals from Pakbaz. Higgins added a goal while Albrecht came through with 11 saves in the victory. Frank Coleman scored two goals to lead Lancaster Design, which received nine saves from Mikey Coleman and Aiden Templeton in the loss. The late match saw CABB Cleaning bounce back to earn a 4-1 victory over Lazy Turtle behind two goals from Connor Samblis and a goal each from Fox Dalton and JM Feeney. Talucci again helped preserve the win with eight saves. Pakbaz scored the lone goal for Lazy Turtle, which received 14 saves from Albrecht in the loss. The 8-10 division playoff matchups are set as well, with 4-1-1 Beach House Real Estate earning the top seed, just ahead of second place Freckled Fin at 3-1-2. Ace Hardware was just behind them in third with a 3-2-1 record, while Ugly Grouper holds down the cellar with an 0-6 mark. Semifinal action kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 13, as Freckled Fin takes on Ace Hardware, followed by Ugly Grouper battling Beach House Real Estate at 6:30 p.m. Action in the 8-10 division kicked off May 7 with Ace Hardware rolling to a 7-4 victory over Beach House Real Estate behind a hat trick and three assists from Johnny Monetti and a second hat trick from Jack McCarthy. Mason Moss chipped in with a goal, while Jack Zaccagnino made nine saves in the victory. Dennis Gallagher paced Beach House with two goals, while Magness Rollins and Cyrus Ryan each scored a goal. The second match of the night saw Freckled Fin earn a 3-0 victory over Ugly Grouper behind goals from Duncan Cloutier, Taylor June King and Connor Nixon. Cale Rudacille helped preserve the victory with seven saves. Alexander Teich and Clancy Cusack combined for nine saves to lead Ugly Grouper in the loss. Islander wins tournament The action resumed May 8 with Beach House Mark Malinowski of Bradenton Beach wins the top Real Estate earning a 2-0 victory over Freckled fin level 5.5 Division Tournament of the Bradenton/ behind a goal each from Dennis Gallagher and Julia Sarasota region. The tournament was May 5 at Baugher, while Magness Rollins made six saves in University Park Country Club, where Malinowski the victory. defeated Sarasota resident Thiago Domingues in Cale Rudacille and Taylor June King combined the final. Malinowski credited practice with local for eight saves to lead Beach House in the loss. players for getting him fine-tuned for the final. “I Ace Hardware finished the regular season on a high am lucky to hit once a week with the Manatee High note with a 2-1 victory over Ugly Grouper behind a School tennis teams and also once a week with Yury Bettoni, who was the hitting partner for Roger goal each from Mason Moss and Johnny Monetti. Moss combined with Jack Zaccagnino for seven saves. Federer as a teenager in Switzerland, they were Sterling Holiday notched the lone goal for Ugly excellent preparation,” said Malinowski. The athlete and author of eight tennis books, trains regularly at Make one stop to shop for the Dock! the public courts in Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo

marine docktor

Grouper, which received 11 saves from Cusack and Teich in the loss. Go to www.islander.org for reporting on the adult soccer league at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Key Royale golf news Summer golf is underway at Key Royale Club, as many members have departed for their northern dwellings, meaning matches have fewer players. The men got out May 6 for a nine-hole modifiedStableford system match. Bill MacMillan, Larry Pippel, Steve Pfeil and Earl Ritchie all carded plus-4s for a four-way tie for first place. Not sure who picked up the tab for the post-match beverages in the clubhouse. MacMillan was part of the winning team with plus-3, along with Brian Comer, Scott Hill and Gary Razze. The women played a nine-hole individual-lownet match in two flights May 7. Connie Livanos fired a 4-under-par 28 to edge Pam Lowry by one stroke in Flight A. Sharon Tarras was alone in third with a 2-under-par 30. Terry Westby carded a 4-under-par 28 to grab first place in Flight B. Roxanne Koche was alone in second place with a 2-under-par 30, while Ellen Boin, Laurie Hicks, Amy Tripp and Sue Wheeler finished in a four-way tie for third place with matching 1-underpar 31s.

Horseshoe news Two teams advanced to the knockout stage and battled for the day’s bragging rights during May 8 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. The championship match saw Norm Good walk his way to a 15-5 lead, but the team of Rod Bussey and Neil Hennessey rallied for a 21-18 victory and the claim to the day’s title, Bussey’s third straight victory. Three teams emerged from pool play during the May 11 games. Dom Lividoti and Bob Heiger drew the bye into the final and watched as Hennessey strolled into the finals with a 21-4 victory over Hank Huyghe and Jerry Disbrow. Hennessey earned his second championship of the week, earning a 21-14 victory over Lividoti and Heiger. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Ramp repairs

Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 at the boat ramp: The Manatee County Palma Sola Boat Ramp is closed for repairs and maintenance. Southernaire Fishing Charters

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2.0 2.2 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.4 2.6

PM

11:01p — 11:13a 11:38a 12:05p 12:34p 1:05p —

HIGH

1.8 — 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.6 —

AM

LOW

3:51a 0.4 4:27a 0.6 4:56a 0.8 5:21a 1.0 5:42a 1.1 6:01a 1.2 6:19a 1.3 9:53p -0.2

PM

4:41p 5:31p 6:17p 7:00p 7:43p 8:25p 9:08p —

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


THE ISLANDER n MAy 15, 2019 n 29

Inshore slam — snook, redfish, trout — catch-and-release

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter If you haven’t heard yet, I’m going to tell you now: Due to the large quantities of fish killed during the red tide bloom of 2018, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission put a mandatory closure of snook, redfish and spotted seatrout into effect May 11 and it will remain through May 2020. Yes, its official, and I believe this Stasny is historic. I can’t recall a closure of these three species all at once. And for a whole year. Do I think it’s a good policy? Yes, especially if we want to preserve our little hidden gem in west central Florida. Anna Maria Island and its surrounding waters are host to some of the best fishing on the Gulf coast of Florida and we want to keep it that way. If conservation and stricter limits are the way to accomplish a healthy fishery, then so be it. There are plenty of other fish to catch for dinner. Mangrove snapper quickly comes to mind as these fish are inshore and offshore favorites and there are good numbers. Spanish mackerel are another candidate. Bleed them and ice them and they are fine-eating fish. Their fridge life is narrower than other fish, which means you need to cook and eat them the day you catch them, but hey, things could be worse. And don’t forget about flounder, one of the finesteating fish that swims. I’d take a big flounder over a snook fillet any day. Just saying. So I guess what I’m trying to get to is don’t look at the closure as bleak. Look at it as an opportunity to give our snook, redfish and trout fisheries a chance to rejuvenate. We can still catch them, and that’s the most fun anyway. On my own Southernaire charters, I just can’t escape the back country. The catch-and-release snook bite is exceptional, with 30-40 fish per trip coming to the hook. There are catch-and-release redfish mixed in, which adds variety. Spotted seatrout are being caught and released, too. I’m finding these fish on deeper grass flats during strong incoming tides. While targeting trout, my clients are reeling in keeper mackerel and a few flounder. Capt. Warren Girle is fishing offshore structure with good results. Free-lining live shiners combined with a long shank hook is working well for his clients. Casting these baits over ledges, reefs and wrecks is luring hungry macks to the surface. Along with the macks, they’re finding bonito and jack crevalle. Bottom fishing in these areas is yielding results, especially on mangrove snapper, Key West grunts and flounder. Moving inshore, girle is keeping anglers busy catching and releasing snook. Shallow grass flats

ledges is yielding red grouper, mangrove and yellowtail snapper. Live bait offerings, such as shiners, work well. Fishing on the surface while offshore also is producing catches, especially on blackfin tuna, amberjack and permit. Moving inshore, White is hooking the catchand-release trio — snook, redfish and trout. Linesiders are the predominant bite, although the numbers of redfish and trout being caught are respectable. Lastly, White is hooking into the beginning of the tarpon season with fish ranging 20-100 pounds. Back offshore, Capt. Jason Stock is in hot pursuit of blackfin tuna. Fish in the 20-pound range are being caught regularly, with bigger fish in the mix. Targeting the blackfin results in some action for Stock’s anglers on kingfish and bonito. Bottom fishing offshore is producing cooler-worthy catches, especially yellowtail and mangrove snapper. Lastly, on clear, calm days, Stock taking clients Bob Dale of Bradenton Beach shows the American red snapper he caught in 2018 on a live pinfish. The sight-casting for permit over offshore reefs and wrecks. Live crabs expertly placed in front of these elusive fish season for federally permitted charter vessels for are being devoured. American reds will open June 1. Islander Courtesy Remember, the name of the inshore game on Photo snook, redfish and trout is “catch and release.” Catch, weigh, release. Catch, photograph, release. during swift tides produce the best action. Send your high-resolution photos and fishing Catch-and-release spotted seatrout are taking the hook as girle’s anglers work the deep grass areas reports to fish@islander.org. during the higher stages of the tide. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is excited to see Spanish mackerel making a showing at the pier. On days when the bait schools are present, you can expect to find the macks, as well as the usual suspects — ladyfish, jack crevalle and blue runners. Casting small white or pink jigs around the perimeters of the bait is a wise choice. Combine this with a quick retrieve and let the action begin. Using live shrimp also yields results. Sheepshead are being caught, as well as some catch-and-release redfish and shiners and pinfish are attracting some catch-and-release snook to the hook. Capt. Aaron Lowman is working the pristine waters of southern Tampa Bay for a variety of back country favorites. Catch-and-release snook are by far the most dominant bite, with rallies amounting to 30 or more fish in a morning session. While targeting snook, Lowman also is putting clients on some catch-andrelease redfish. Fishing deeper grass areas is resulting in spotted seatrout, as well as some mackerel and ladyfish. In preparation for the opening of the gag grouper fishery in June, Lowman is patrolling inshore and nearshore rockpiles. By using live bait, such as pinfish and shin- Willi Ranft of Germany is a longtime visitor to Anna ers, Lowman is pulling gags in the 10-pound range. Maria Island. While fishing May 7 at the Rod & Reel Numerous juvenile gag grouper are in the mix, as well Pier in Anna Maria, he reeled in a redfish measuring as some mangrove snapper. approximately 45 inches. “My biggest catch yet,” Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is he wrote in an email to the “dear ladies and gentlefishing offshore for variety and bottom fishing around men” at The Islander. Islander Courtesy Photo

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30 n MAy 15, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

isl

biz

bY SandY ambrogi

Moving, music top biz news

a sandwich and a coffee anyone? Beverly Lesnick of Island Coffee Haus, 5350 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and Jamie Mason of Scott’s Deli confirmed the news. Scott’s Deli, currently located across gulf Drive in the Freckled Fin building, will move in and share space at the Coffee Haus. Lesnick said Scott’s should relocate by June 1. “I think it’s going to be a great idea,” Lesnick told The Islander in a text May 8. Mason concurred. “We were looking at new options, and it seemed like a perfect fit,” Mason said. Business hours will be 7 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.

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Compass construction

The foundation rises May 8 on the Compass Hotel at One Particular Harbour on Perico Island, 12340 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The hotel will feature 131 rooms in two buildings, a resort-style pool and also a restaurant — to be announced — from the Margaritaville Holdings line. Construction will continue into 2020. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell Yes! A tall stacked Scott’s Deli sandwich and a cup Sales said the album also will be available from of joe! You can have it all. online music sites, including Pandora and Spotify. local entertainer ready for album release Mike Sales emcees lots of events on Anna Maria Island and he routinely entertains crowds Friday nights at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe. On Tuesday, May 21, Sales will entertain a crowd at his album-release party at Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. There, he will perform acoustic selections from “Mike Sales Sings Volume One.” The album, featuring songs written and performed by Sales, will be available for sale at the event. The musician said the public is invited to celebrate the milestone with him. “Everyone is welcome,” he told The Islander. “The party is poolside, including light bites and a cash bar.” The launch party — sponsored by The Islander and the resort — will get underway at 5:30 p.m. Let’s show some local love and stop by.

longboat Key to hold hurricane seminar Mark the calendar! At 3:15 p.m. Thursday, May 30, the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will host the 17th Annual Disaster Preparedness Seminar at the Resort at Longboat Key Club Harbourside Ballroom. The keynote speaker will be Joby Smith, the emergency management director for Bay County in the Panhandle, where Hurricane Michael went ashore as a Category 5 hurricane. Tabletop exhibit spaces and sponsorships are available. For more information about the seminar or to become an exhibitor or sponsor, contact gail Loefgren at 941-383-2466 or email info@lbkchamber.com. Stay busy, islanders! Got business news Contact Sandy Ambrogi at sandy@islander.org or call 941-778-7978.

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

B R A D E N T O N B E AC H C L U B 1710 Gulf Drive N E Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4215055 $1,799,000

K E Y R OYA L E 605 Key Royale Drive Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4427418 $1,499,999

A N N A M A R I A B E AC H 111 Spring Avenue Kristi Berger 941-730-3801 A4421014 $1,125,000

EAST BR ADENTON 2701 9th Street E Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4420352 $949,000

ILEXHURST 2307 Avenue C Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4430021 $935,000

C O R T E Z B E AC H 103 8th Street S Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4423553 $780,000

MARTINIQUE 5300 Gulf Drive 605 Nicole Ryskamp 941-807-1766 A4426664 $735,000

H O L M E S B E AC H 5708 Holmes Boulevard Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4418675 $670,000

MARTINIQUE 5300 Gulf Drive 306 Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4400024 $599,900

B AY PA L M S 503 70th Street Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4406584 $599,000

W I S T E R I A PA R K 8842 17th Avenue Circle NW Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4421632 $535,000

M A R I N E R S C OV E 3840 Mariners Way 524A Mark Boehmig & Joanne Jenkins 941-807-6936 A4433572 $500,000

PA LM A SO L A BAY GA R D E N S 1619 Palma Sola Boulevard Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4211601 $495,000

SHORELANDS 8004 2nd Avenue W Jaymie Carter 941-920-4573 A4434439 $389,900

PA L M A S O L A B AY C LU B 7920 34th Avenue W 203 Barb Eberhart & Rich Sporl 614-204-7687 A4426864 $475,000

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THE ISLANDER n May 15, 2019 n 31

Pancakes, camaraderie

Aaron Enholm of Servpro of Bradenton describes the company’s business offerings May 8 at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce early-riser breakfast at Olympic Cafe, 6408 Manatee Ave W., Bradenton. Members and guests enjoyed breakfast and networked. The next chamber mixer will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, at Hancock Whitney Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photos: AMICofC/Lisa Hlywa

BizCal

compiled bY Sandy Ambrogi

AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Friday, May 17 11:30 a.m. — 20th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Information: 941-778-1541, info@amichamber.org. Wednesday, May 22 5 p.m. — Business mixer, Hancock Whitney Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Members $5, guests $10. RSVPs requested. Information: 941-778-1541, info@amichamber.org. LONGBOAT KEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Tuesday, May 21 5:30 p.m. — Business After Hours Mini Golf Tournament, The Fish Hole, 117 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Members $5, guests $10. Information: 941-383-2466, info@lbkchamber.com. Thursday, May 30 3:15 p.m. — 17th Annual Disaster Preparedness Seminar, Harbourside Ballroom, The Resort at Longboat Key Club, 3000 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-2466. 358 Compass Point Drive #101, Harbour Isle

OPEN HOUSE 1-4 Sunday, May 19

WATERFRONT home on Anna Maria Sound. This luxurious 2,214 sf Coach Home includes 4 BR/den, 3 BA and sun room, all on one floor! The spacious, open floor plan offers plenty of natural light and gorgeous sunset views. $850,000. Schedule a private showing!

Judy Lukacs, standing, of Trustco Bank, addresses attendees May 8 at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce early-riser breakfast at the Olympic Cafe, 6408 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

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32 n MAy 15, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

TRANSPORTATION

COUPON: SAVE $5 on the only patented sandless beach blanket. Use AMI5@sandkessblanket.com or purchase at the Beach Hut across from Ginny’s and Jane E’s old IGA on Gulf Drive or call 855-686-sand.

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

2001 GEM CAR for sale. Batteries recently replaced. Delivered to Island, price $5,000. Contact, 863-838-2649.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

MURPHY BED: NEED guest room? With matching office desk suite, $995. 303-9125637. WINE COOLER A/C or 12-volt, $50. Minifridge, $40. Chairs, $5 each. 941-3561456.

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.

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

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

ANTIQUE WOOD OFFICE chairs on casters: Perfect for eclectic dining set or home office. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

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

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

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

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755 CBC 1253471

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

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet

A N K A R A

L O O K E R

I T H I N K

S H A M U

P H I L I P

C A T E R T O

A M A T E U R

L I K E A S O R E T H U M B

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

T E E M S

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

T H I S

H E A T O A N Y E M A I Y S E F E F E R D E U T D O F A F T E F E

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

S L M A I V L Y A S W E E R D J F O L A A N W N S W X A O R X P

A H O R A E E L

M O R N S C O M T E

HOUSEKEEPER: 30-40 HOURS per week. Must know how to handle daily housekeeping operations for a small motel. Must speak English and be a non-smoker. Family owned motel, great place to work. Tom at 941-7785405.

COMMUNITY “TREASURE” SALE: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Huge sale, several homes. South Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. behind St. Bernard’s church.

SEEKING ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Excellent communication and computer skills. Full-time plus benefits. Info@amichamber.org. 941-778-1541.

LOST AND FOUND

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

FOUND KEYS: ON Sunday, May 5. 85th Street, Holmes Beach, across from Crosspoint Fellowship church. Pick up at Holmes Beach Police Department.

PETS HELP RESCUED PETS! Volunteer, foster, have fun! Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

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 ISLAND COMPUTER GUY, 37 years experience. On-site PC repairs, upgrades, buying assistance and training. Call Bill, 941-7782535. CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, vacation, construction, rentals and power washing. 941-744-7983.

SPONSORED BY

ANSWERS TO MAY 15 PUZZLE

HELP WANTED

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

LOST EASTER SUNDAY: Black Samsung Galaxy tablet. Seaside Gardens, 62nd and 63rd streets. 941-778-1750. Priceless photos!

RaRINg TO gO! Franklin is a 5-year old english bulldog. He’s ready to find his forever family! apply to adopt him at www.moonraceranimalrescue.com. Call lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach for more about pet adoption.

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

JOB FAIR AT the Waterline 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, May 15. Seeking: housekeeping, front desk hosts full-and part-time, bartenders full-and part-time, servers full-and part-time, banquet team part-time, food and beverage supervisor, front desk host supervisor, stewards full-time. Business casual, bring resume. 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

GARAGE SALES

LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

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.

BOATS & BOATING

Hospitality Job Fair

B E Y O N D A L L D O U B T

C R A C K E R

B A L K A N S

A I O L I S

S A T E D

T R O P I C

W A L L E T

O B S E S S

Wednesday, May 15 10:00am - 6:00pm Plimsoll Ballroom

Opportunities available in: Housekeeping Food & Beverage Culinary Recreation Front Desk Maintenance

Benefits Overview: Medical, Dental, Vision 401K Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay Marriott Discounted Rates Gas Allowance Free Meal During Your Shift

View all open positions & apply online at: mainsailhotels.com/careers

Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club 5325 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217 waterlineresort.com

|

941-342-6262

U FLY I drive your car anywhere in the USA. Airport runs, anywhere. Office, 941-4476389. 941-545-6688. I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941-779-6638. Leave message. NEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com. MORE ADS = more readers in The Islander.

Place classified ads online at www.islander.org


THE ISLANDER n May 15, 2019 n 33

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

RENTALS Continued

B-SAFE-RIDES: Peggy, R.N I live on Anna Maria Island. Airport, casino, cruises, racetrack, golf course and personal rides. Minivan, leather, seats up to 6 people. Don’t risk it! Call or text, 727-902-7784. Unavailable May 22 until June 15.

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

WATERFRONT CONDO AT Westbay Cove. Monthly rental at off-season rates under $3,000. 973-208-0020 or paulreed46@msn. com.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. Call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228. ANYONE CAN TAKE a picture. A professional creates a portrait. I want to be at your wedding! www.jackelka.com. 941-778-2711. RELAXING MASSAGE IN the convenience of your home or hotel. Massage by Nadia, more than 20 years on Anna Maria Island. Call today for an appointment, 941-5188301. MA#0017550.MA#0017550. LAWN & GARDEN CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294. SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. $55/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-7957775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770. HOME IMPROVEMENT VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net. CUSTOM REMODELING EXPERT. All phases of carpentry, repairs and painting. Insured. Meticulous, clean, sober and prompt. Paul Beauregard, 941-730-7479.

R. A. GONZALEZ CONSTRUCTION: Re-roof and leak specialist. Residential/hotels/commercial. Repairs, shingles, tile, metal, flat. Quick response. Quality work at reasonable rates. References. Insured/licensed. #CCC1330056. Call Bryan at 727-2779502. ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint, tile. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

ANNUAL 2BR/2BA: HOLMES Beach. Large deck, walk to beach. $1,400/month. 941778-7980. ANNUAL: LUXURY, COMPLETELY remodeled rental, 4BR/3BA condo on the bay in Holmes Beach. Five-minute walk to the beach. Two decks furnished or not furnished. Consider six-month rental, furnished only. Heated pool, tennis, fishing dock, kayak launch with storage rack. Owner pays water, basic cable and garbage. $3,400 per month. 352-875-6094. TURN THE PAGE for more rentals...

RENTALS AVAILABLE RENTAL: APRIL 2019 and October-April 2020. 2BR/2BA ground-level with carport and patio. Charming, plantation shutters. 1.5 blocks to Gulf beaches. Updated, granite countertops, recessed lighting, flatscreen TVs in each room. Must see! Anna Maria. 941-565-2373. HOLMES BEACH DUPLEX: 2BR/2BA beautifully furnished, garage included. No pets, no smoking. $1,750/month. 941-778-2824.

CHRISTIE’S PLUMBING Family Owned and Operated since 1975

iÜÊ ÃÌÀÕVÌ ÊUÊ,i `i } Ê* >ÃiÃÊ vÊ* Õ L }Ê,i«> ÀÊEÊ-iÀÛ Vi {£ ÇÇn Î Ó{ÊÊ ÀÊ {£ ÇÇn {{È£ÊUÊxxän Ê >À >Ê À Ûi]Ê iÃÊ i>V

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

Bed: A bargain!

FURNISHED 2BR/2BA CONDO: Upgraded annual rental. Holmes Beach. Westbay Point and Moorings. Bottom floor, waterfront. $1,800/month plus electric and cable. Contact 813-362-5881. PERICO BAY CLUB: 2BR/2BA, one-car garage villa. Vacation, updated turnkey furnished. December, $1,500, January 2020, $3,500. Book now. Real Estate Mart, 941356-1456.

Residential -iÀÛ Vi #CFC1426596

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

JERRY’S HOME REPAIR: Carpentry, handyman, light hauling, pressure washing. Jack of all trades. Call 941-447-2198.

ONE BEDROOM CONDO: Beautifully furnished. Bradenton Beach. Semi or annual. Big pool, small complex, one block to beach. Includes electric, water, cable, Wi-Fi. $1,550/ month. No pets. 941-447-3071.

LIC#CBC1253145

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED PRIVATE caregivers available 24/7. Reasonable rates, everything from running errands to personal care. Stephanie, 941-592-8850, Sherry, 763-2422960.

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

ANNUAL 2BR/2BA CONDO on second floor with bay views. Pool, tennis, cable and water included. $1,750/month. 941-778-1000.

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

Island Limousine

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

941-779-0043

EARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds Tuesday at www.islander.org.

CLASSIFIED AD ORDER g ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ nder.or___________

la s i . w w tw ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ e a___________ n i l n o s d ad ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ ___________ ___________ e fi i s s a ce cl ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ Pla___________

___________ ___________ ___________

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

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

_________

_________

_________ or TFN start date: ______________

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

d � u No.

_____________________________________________________

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

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

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

$10 Diner Mugs

@ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB

p ro fe s s i o n a l

PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEO Advertising Real Estate Resorts Restaurants Web/Social Media

941-778-2711


34 n MAy 15, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

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

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

FURNISHED CONDO: 1BR/.5BA. Five minutes from Holmes Beach. First floor, $1,200/ month. 941-812-7216.

CONFORMING DUPLEX! OVER 2,500 sf of living with 2BR/2BA and 2BR/1BA. Easy walk to beach and room for pool! Now only $699,900. Call Kathleen White at 941773-0165. Island Real Estate. KWhite35@ tampabay.rr.com.

FOR SALE BY owner: Gorgeous Runaway Bay 2BR/2BA condo. Completely upgraded and beautifully furnished, across street from beach. Must be pre-approved for mortgage. Great income-maker. Booked until August. This is your dream turnkey vacation condo and/or rental property. Call Kim, 513-3257536 for showing.

REAL ESTATE BEACH BLOCK! TURNKEY furnished beautifully updated 3BR/2BA classic cottage with pool, only five houses to beach! West of Gulf Drive with great rental. Only $899,000. Call Kathleen White at 941-773-0165. Island Real Estate. BAYSHORE GARDENS HOME: 3BR/2BA with community pool and marina. $179,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

ISLAND WATERFRONT HOME: 3BR/2BA oversize two-car garage. Caged, heated pool and spa. Boat dock and lift. $719,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456. The Islander is Anna Maria Island’s longest running publication. Check out the website, islander.org.

‘We are THE island.’

EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS

New Location Same Great Service

Professional Service to Anna Maria Island Since 1974

BUYING OR SELLING? CALL DOLLY. (Many of my clients become good friends.)

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

SINCE 1957

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

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

941-778-0807

tdolly1@yahoo.com • www.tdollyyoungrealestate.com

$2 @

D C E D U E R

The Islander 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

OUT-OF-STATE REAL ESTATE BUY MOUNTAIN LAND now! Just west of Franklin, N.C. Two lots offered: Riverfront lot, 0.85 acre with septic tank for 2BR home. $50,000. Non-waterfront lot, 0.52 acre with septic permit in place. $20,000. Spectacular views, easily accessible. Call Bill, 941518-9300. http://www.vangopainting.net/ NCLand. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising herein is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination Familial status includes children under age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777 or for the hearing impaired, call 0-800-543-8294.

DREAM VACATIONS FOR YOUR VACATION DREAMS

ELEGANCE AND QUALITY ABOUND IN THIS PROFESSION

ALLY DESIGNED EXCEPTIONAL HOME 3TEP THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR AND EXPERIENCE THE OPENNESS CREATED BY THE NEW mOOR PLAN 9OU LL APPRECIATE THE QUALITY OF EACH ROOM BEGINNING WITH THE MAGNIlCENCE OF THE LIGHTED CUSTOM HAND  Real Estate Sales CRAFTED KITCHEN CABINETS  Vacation Rentals WRAPPED WITH AN )TAL  Annual Rentals IAN TILE BACKSPLASH ˆ AN  Property Management ELEMENT THAT IS REPEATED  Concierge Service IN THE ELEGANT MASTER We’re “Seriousâ€? about our Customer Service! SHOWER 4HE COMPLETELY REDESIGNED KITCHEN WILL PLEASE THE MOST SOPHISTI Your full service Real Estate Agency providing exceptional customer service for all your short or long erm goals. Whether you’re staying a few days or a lifetime, we will help youCATED CHEF !LONG WITH THE find your perfect ccommodation. SUMPTUOUS MASTER SUITE THE LUXURIOUS EN SUITE BATH One stop shop. We can provide everything you might need‌‌..buy, rent and finance your piece of INCLUDES CUSTOM CABINET paradise. MIRRORS SPECIAL LIGHTING WALK IN CLOSET AND SPE CIALLY DESIGNED SHOWER ˆ ALL DESIGNED FOR THE MOST DISCRIMINATING 9OU LL WANT TO CALL THIS EXCEPTIONAL HOME YOURS $450,000

“We Work Hard To Make Your Life Easier!�

“We Work Hard To Make Your Life Toll Easier!� 941-778-8104 Ofc 877-778-0099 Free #ALL ,YNN :EMMER 104 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach OR EMAIL LYNN EDGEWATERAMI COM

We LiKe LiKes

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

CONTACT US TODAY RENTALS@ISLANDVACATIONPROPERTIES.COM WWW.ISLANDVACATIONPROPERTIES.COM t 3001 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

We rOCK OnLine islander.org

facebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

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

Mike Norman Realty

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

TOUR OF HOMES FEATURE PROPERTY!

We TWeeT TOO

104 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach

941-778-8104 Toll Free 877-778-0099

www.edgewatervacationhomes.com www.Edgewatervacationhomes.com www.941lending.com www.Edgewaterrealestateami.com 941-778-8104 Ofc 877-778-0099 Toll Free 104 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

Come see this custom-built home in Anna Maria with 4beds/6baths/3car. Short walk to direct beach access. Over 3,200 sf under air. Pool and spa, privacy, tons of open space, elevator. No rental restrictions. Featured in this year’s community center tour of homes! $1,990,000

@ami_islander


RELEASE DATE: 5/12/2019

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

THE ISLANDER n MAy 15, 2019 n 35 No. 0505

WORDS OF INTRODUCTION BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Brendan Emmett Quigley is a professional puzzle maker in Brookline, Mass. He says he’ll make puzzles for pretty much any market that will cut him a check — ‘‘not to mention a few others that still owe me money.’’ Brendan sold his first crossword to The Times in 1996, when he was a senior at the University of New Hampshire. This is his 182nd puzzle for the paper. — W.S. AC RO SS 41 Data for auto 81 ____ Zion Church 10 2002 or 2019 Super

1 Thieves often go by them 8 Do well 14 Rhyme scheme of “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” 18 A little 19 Didn’t strictly follow one’s diet, say 20 The Princess of Power, in cartoons 21 KIND words? 23 Steadfast 24 Pulitzer-winning playwright Zoë 25 Ranking 50th among all states, say 26 Simon & Garfunkel song about emotional detachment 28 Home to the Triple-A Aces 29 Sports org. based in Indianapolis 30 Porridge ingredients 33 Wife of Jared Kushner 34 Craft measured in cubits 35 HAS words? 38 Retreat 39 Need for a restricted area 40 Needs for some touring bands Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, page 32 nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

aficionados

82 ROOT words? 43 Tributary of the 84 A brace Missouri 87 Ink 45 Title in the House of 90 Render null and void Saud 91 Some early-January 47 Stand in a boardroom curbside pickups 49 English counties 92 ____ Nebula, part of 50 Modern-day flood the constellation Taurus 52 Along with 93 Port on many laptops 55 Path finder 56 Leaves ’em rolling in 95 Doesn’t really know the aisles 97 Noted Scottish exports 57 Read between the lines 98 Moses’ father-in-law 58 Sábado or domingo 99 SAFE words? 59 Goose Island 103 Ticklish area products 104 Just imagine 60 BIG words? 105 Military excursions 62 Of no relevance 106 Spheres 63 Wartime stat 107 Like some credit cards 64 Bring up to date, say 108 Sees coming 65S ign up for 66 Watt-second DOWN 67 The nouveau riche 1 World capital said to 69 Stink have been founded 70 “I ____” (what the by King Midas Latin “veto” means) 2 Attractive person, 71 Energy informally 72 Latin word on a dollar 3 Opinion piece? bill 4 ____ acid 73 Ways of looking at 5 Earns a bronze? things 6 Prefix with toxicology 74 Spanish meat 7 “The Price Is Right” 76 Teacups at an prize amusement park, e.g. 8 “What’s ____?!” 78 Ones who can’t 9 Charlie of “Stranger change large bills? Things”

Bowl player

11 “How was ____ know?” 12 Game meat 13 Work that includes the Skáldskaparmál 14 Now, in Nogales 15 BAD words? 16 What Polly wants 17 1990s war locale 19 Bank posting 20 Macedonian, e.g. 22 Howard ____, “The Fountainhead” protagonist 27 “Cool” sum 29 Pest control targets 31 Motrin competitor 32 Bolshevik’s foe 35 Unceasing critic 36 Mate’s affirmative 37 Employs as 39 Whittles (down) 41 Belgian river to the North Sea 42 Fish that can swim backward 43 Queen Elizabeth’s husband 44 LAST words? 46 Cause of a paper jam 48 Gobsmacked 49 Old SeaWorld attraction 50 Colonial merchant Samuel after whom a famous island is named

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

18

9

21

12

13

14

22

30

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31

44

45 50

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82 88

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91 95

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103

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51 Chief 52 Theme of many heavy metal songs 53 Some fish sauces 54 Full 56 Transparent, informally 57 Mad about 60 Bit of dinner impoliteness 61 Completely 62 A.M.s 64 Hit town

86

66

69

75

85

58 62

65

68

81

48

61

64

67

42

52

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63

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38 41

46

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39 43

16

23 26

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28

87

11

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24

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10

100

96

97

101

66 National chain selling crafts and fabrics 68 Lot 69 Influential thinker known for his ego? 70 Imperfections 72 Have way too much of 73 Eight-time Best Director nominee who has won only once 74 Target, as a specific audience 75 Mickey Mouse

102

77 Not yet born 79 Ruffle feathers, say 80 Having a function 82 Florida governor DeSantis 83 Sticky sweet 84 It circles the Earth 85 Card carrier? 86 Fixate 88 Overflows (with) 89 Airport whose name is also a big brand of nail polish

92 Dumas’s “Le ____ de Monte-Cristo”

94 Basic cable channel owned by Disney

96 Strauss’s “____ Alpensinfonie”

97 Record defect 100 Attractive person, informally

101 Explosives org. 102 Tic-tac-toe loser

Visit WWW.iSlander.org for the best news on anna maria island.

Everything you’re looking for

www.annamariaislandresorts.net

877.867.8842


36 n May 15, 2019 n THE ISLANDER


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