The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Arbor Day arrives. 20

Pitching in for planet. 14

Cycling into 90. 23 MAY 3, 2017 FREE

VOLUME 25, NO. 27

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992 AsTheWorldTerns signal ‘mayday.’ 6

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

Meetings

On the government calendar. 8 Concern for code enforcers as school crossing guards. 8 Options for opening Cortez bottleneck debated. 9 Gap widens in Cortez Bridge discussion. 10 MPO bike trail includes island loop. 11 Save a date. 12

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 13 AM, HB commissions OK center funding. 16 AME welcomes “princesses” for ball. 21

Gathering. 22

Obituaries.. 22 Streetlife. 24 AMITW launches. 26 Protest by the bay. 27 Super Bowl champs crowned. 28 Fishing heats up. 29 Biz, real estate. 30-31 Classifieds. 32

www.islander.org

Protestors chant : ‘No way, Aqua Bay’

‘Time certain’ for Aqua By The Bay at county meeting

the manatee county Board of commissioners has set a time certain — 1:30 p.m. thursday, may 4, at the manatee county commission chambers, 1112 manatee ave. W., Bradenton — to consider the planning department’s recommendations for a rezone and permitting for the development on the Sarasota Bay, aqua By the Bay. See page 4 for more …

Woman dies 10 days after Cortez crash

the north port driver involved in an april 12 head-on crash on the east side of cortez Bridge has died.

Bernadeta Wilkins, 32, died april 22 from injuries suffered in the crash and contributing medical conditions, district 12 medical examiner russell Vega said april 27. the crash occurred in the eastbound apron to the bridge when Wilkins, driving west in an oldsmobile alero, tried to pass a vehicle in a no-passing zone and struck a nissan rogue, carrying a family of four and traveling east, according to dave Bristow, manatee county Sheriff’s office public information director.

Wilkins was extricated from the oldsmobile by West manatee fire rescue. manatee county emergency records show three people sustained injuries in the crash, including a priority-one trauma alert for Wilkins. a priority-one trauma is a medical designation for critically injured persons requiring immediate attention or unstable patients with a potentially life-threatening injury or illness. according to first responder reports after the crash, three adults were transported by ambulance to Blake medical center and the children were not injured.

Wilkins was cited for careless driving and failure to wear a seat belt, according to 12th circuit court records. no other medical information was available for the family members in the nissan.

— Kathy Prucnell

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More than 100 people gather April 29 to protest at the traffic circle at El Conquistador Parkway and 75th Street in unincorporated Manatee County near the proposed 529-acre development site for Aqua By The Bay. Please, see page 4 for more on Aqua By The Bay. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Six Bert Harris Holmes Beach post claims hit Holmes office will close Beach in one day June 30

Bert Harris claims are flying into city hall in Holmes Beach.

Six such claims were served on the city april 27, alleging $2,425,000 in damages as a result of two city ordinances adopted in 2015 and 2016 that introduced, among other restrictions, a maximum six-person occupancy for short-term rentals. the six Bert J. Harris private property rights protection act claims all came from aaron thomas of the law firm najmy thompson, pL, of Bradenton. one claim, submitted on behalf of 302 55th LLc, alleges that the property at 302 55th St. has decreased in value by $655,000, owing to city ordinances that restrict rental properties to no more than two occupants per bedroom, or six persons per house, whichever is greater. according to the claim, the eight-bedroom property has served as a short-term rental that could accommodate up to 20 people. the second claim, submitted on behalf Please see BeRt HARRis PaGe 3

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By Jennifer Sheppard islander reporter the Holmes Beach contract post office is history. the post office and the Lucky Shoppe in the S&S plaza at 5354 gulf drive will close June 30. “the business is going out of business,” Holmes Beach mayor Bob Johnson announced at the april 13 commission meeting. He received a phone call from the u.S. postal Service notifying him of intent to terminate the post office contract. “it’s only been going on since January, apparently,” Johnson said. “We’re looking at options that we may have in front of us, if any, to obtain if possible a contract post office.” the current owners of the Lucky Shoppe and operators of the post office, Julie Quinlivan and Sally Woodward, said april 28 they notified uSpS of their intent to terminate the contract.

“We’ve given the post office our notice,” Please see Post office PaGe 3

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2 n MAy 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

New BB pickleball court underway

Concrete is poured April 27 for a pickleball court in the corner of Lou Barolo Park at the corner of Highland Avenue and Fourth Street North. The court was funded by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency. Islander Photo: Courtesy Tjet Martin

the Southwest florida Water management district governing board declared a phase 1 water shortage for the 16 counties in the district. phase one means water restrictions could be coming. the order also requires local utilities to review and implement procedures for enforcing water conservation restrictions and water shortage measures. the declaration does not change allowable watering schedules, but prohibits “wasteful and unnecessary” water use. florida’s dry season runs october through may and april historically is one of the driest months of the year.

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BeRt HARRis continued from page 1 of Shawn Kaleta for property at 304 65th St., asserts that Kaleta’s five-bedroom property, which previously accommodated 12 guests, was restricted by the same two ordinances. a licensed appraiser’s letter included with the claim alleges the property decreased in value by $275,000. a second claim submitted on Kaleta’s behalf alleges that property at 204 72nd St., an eight-bedroom house, accommodated 18 guests before the city ordinances restricted him to 6 occupants. according to the appraisal, the property has decreased in value by $400,000 as a result of the occupancy restriction. a fourth claim submitted by thomas on behalf of 307 66th LLc, says 307 66th St., unit B, previously accommodated 16 people in the six-bedroom shortterm vacation rental. due to the city’s ordinances, the claimant alleges the property has been restricted to six occupants, reducing its value by $295,000. thomas’s fifth april 27 claim asserts that michael

and ann Hetzner’s vacation rental, 310 58th St., unit a, previously accommodated eight guests in threebedrooms. as a result of the occupancy restriction, their appraisal alleges the property value has decreased by $110,000. thomas’s fina claim of six submitted april 27 is for ami Breeze LLc at 209 54th St., an eight-bedroom property that prior to the passage of city ordinances accommodated 20 or more guests, alleges the home was limited by the city occupancy restrictions and decreased in value by $690,000.

Holmes Beach has 150 days from the day a claim is submitted to respond. the city has thus far issued 13 responses, offering no changes to the claimants. the next response is due in June. after the 150-day period, the recourse if no settlement is reached is for claimants to take their case to court. three such Bert Harris cases are pending in the court against Holmes Beach. the first court case was initiated by Bob and ellen mccaffrey, who filed a two-count complaint in January alleging their property at 7003 Holmes Blvd. decreased in value by $106,000 after the city passed six ordinances that affected their remodeling plans. a second lawsuit was filed against the city by Swackhamer investments Vi owners, Bmeehan investments Vi and Kmeehan investments, alleging $225,000 in damages. the most recent lawsuit, filed april 14 and served to the city april 20, alleges $552,000 in damages for property at 104 75th St. by the trustee of the patricia H. Hutchinson trust, frederick c. Hutchinson ii. a lawsuit filed by property owners Keith carter, emma Stringer and claire daley in november 2016 for property at 306 clark drive alleged $84,600 in damages for an eight-bedroom duplex. carter voluntarily dropped the lawsuit march 6, and march 17 filed Bert Harris claims for 306 clark drive, unit a, and 306 clark drive, unit B. a total of 40 Bert Harris claims have been submitted thus far to the city.

THE ISLANDER n May 3, 2017 n 3

Anna Maria finalizes last of more than 112 Bert Harris offers

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter It’s the light at the end of the tunnel.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy announced April 27 at a city commission meeting that city attorney Becky Vose had successfully drafted initial offers for all 112 Bert Harris claims received in response to its vacation rental ordinance.

The Bert Harris Jr. Private Property Protection Act of 1995 allows property owners to seek relief if they can prove a government action lowered the value of their property.

Claimants must provide appraisals to establish value and settlements, in lieu of cash payments, can either fully or partly restore the rights that existed prior to the prohibitions. The city initially has 150 days to respond to Bert Harris allegations.

Bert Harris claims began coming to Anna Maria after the city’s vacation rental ordinance went into effect April 2016. The ordinance includes an occupancy maximum of eight people, which has prompted the majority of the claims.

The commission approved seven counter offers for property owners who rejected initial offers from the city.

The counter offers include occupancy for 10-14 people per property. For five of the seven counter offers, the city responded by sticking to its previous offers.

To date, the city has settled 59 Bert Harris claims.

Fifty pending claims await action from the claimant and three require a counter offer from the city.

One of the 50 pending claims includes a potential purchase offer. Commissioners authorized an offer April 6 on 801 N. Shore Drive, giving property owners James and Jeanette DePorre the option to accept an occupancy rate of 12 or a purchase offer of $2.27 million.

Vose said there had been no response from the DePorres as of April 27.

Jeannie and Bill Bystrom, Holmes Beach resi-

dents and owners of the Stillshores apartments at 604 N. Shore Drive, approached the commission for a second time April 27 requesting that the city consider exempting their property, and others in Anna Maria like theirs, from the VRO. According to the Bystroms, there are only three properties in Anna Maria that consist of four or more units.

Their four units in the duplex cannot legally be filled by occupants under the current law, said Jeannie Bystrom.

Post Office continued from page 1 Quinlivan said. “We are retiring.”

The issue, Johnson said, is people losing their post office boxes in Holmes Beach.

Johnson said one option would be to pursue a new contract with another business, such as Island Mail & More, 3230 E. Bay Drive.

“They’re going to look into the possibility of if they can bring in that contract,” Johnson said.

The opening also could attract a UPS Store to Holmes Beach.

A March 27 email to Johnson from Robert Wright, who works in UPS Store franchise development, speculates on bringing a UPS Store to the island after the contract office closing.

Wright asked whether the city would consider a UPS Store “differently than most typical chain stores,” due to the current moratorium on franchises.

“We intend to offer full-service 24-hour mailboxes, will sign for all incoming packages regardless of carrier, provide full USPS services, including stamp sales, meter mail and priority mail services,” Wright wrote.

“Being a part of the local community and working with the current residents, vacationers and local business is our sweet spot.”

The city previously faced possible closure of the contract post office in 2015.

“There’s obviously a lot to do,” Johnson said.

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She also pointed out that although current city law would allow the couple to keep the units full if they rent them for a month or more at a time, they rarely find renters looking for a lengthy stay.

Vose said the city could not offer them an exemption from the ordinance outside of a Bert Harris settlement.

Chair Doug Copeland told the Bystroms that, depending on how legislation pending in the Florida House and Senate unfolds, the issue could be moot within the next few weeks.

“And it has to be done in a very short period of time, and we’ll find out soon enough whether that’s even viable or not or whether we go to no post office. That’s kind of where we are, unfortunately.”

Commissioners meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

The Holmes Beach Post Office and the Lucky Shoppe, 5354 Gulf Drive, will close June 30 and along with the closing will go the post office boxes rented to businesses and residents. Islander Photo: Jennifer Sheppard

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Aqua By The Bay development proposal draws ire

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter For about two hours April 29, the traffic-calming roundabout at El Conquistador Parkway and 75th Street in unincorporated Manatee County adjacent to a planned large-scale mixed-use development was anything but calm.

About100 environmentalists, commercial fishers and neighbors — protesting in advance of a May 4 Manatee County Commission meeting — chanted “No Way, Aqua Bay,” waved to cars, which honked in support, and spoke to onlookers about the issues.

The meeting is set for the proposed Aqua By The Bay general development plan and rezone.

In addition to an upland large-scale commercial and residential development on the 529-acre site, developers Carlos Beruff and Larry Lieberman propose to operate 260 acres of submerged lands as a mitigation bank.

Rally organizers Stuart Smith and Andy Mele of Suncoast Waterkeeper Inc. and the local Sierra Club,

and former Manatee County Commissioners Joe McClash and Jane von Hahmann hoped to create a groundswell of opposition and increase attendance at the May 4 meeting.

Other groups and neighborhoods represented included Cortez-based Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage and Fishing for Freedom, Tidy Island, Legends Bay, Harbor Sound, Coral Shores and the Council of the Original Miccosukee Simanolee Nation of Aboriginal Peoples.

Mele summarized some of the issues in a position paper widely distributed before the rally.

“Beruff and his agents show one proposal to the DEP to get the bogus mitigation bank approved, with no mention of the dredged lagoon or upland development, another proposal to Swiftmud for wetlands dredge-and-fill permits, and a third proposal to the county.”

The proposed 2.5-mile lagoon and seawalls to run the length of the development are part of the developers’ applications to the county and the Southwest

Florida Water Management District. However, the proposals are not in front of the DEP. The plan submitted to Swiftmud fails to consider the upland development.

The county will not consider the mitigation bank.

Von Hahmann and McClash compared the developers’ 2013 proposal — which included plans to dredge a canal for an upland marina and hotel complex — to Beruff’s latest iteration.

In 2013, when the developers sought to amend the county’s comp plan, Beruff sued the county, challenging the constitutionality of the county’s coastal rules, and lost. The case was decided in 2016.

McClash called it a “dishonest approach” and von Hahmann said it a “very piecemeal.” Both believe it’s part of his plan to develop an upland marina.

Mele concludes: “In the middle of this shell game is one inalienable fact: Our communities do not want this crooked developer or this level of development on this shoreline and demand that critically important mangrove habitat be left untouched.”

Key players Jane von Hahmann, left, Stu Smith, Judy Johnson and Joe McClash gather at the April 29 protest to rally support in opposition to the proposed Aqua By The Bay development. Islander Photo: The 529-acre parcel fronting Sarasota Bay is being readied for Aqua By The Bay. Islander Photo: Jack Elka Kathy Prucnell

Mangrove fringe cut at Legends Bay development

‘Time certain’ set for Aqua discussion at county meeting

The Manatee County Board of Commissioners has set a time certain — 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at the Manatee County Commission chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton — to consider a development on the Sarasota Bay, Aqua By The Bay. Developer Carlos Beruff and Larry Liebermancontrolled companies, Long Bar Pointe and Cargor Partners VIII, propose a large-scale, mixed-use subdivision between the bay and El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton.

The proposed development is a few miles south and east of Cortez and Anna Maria Island, across from Longboat Key. Proposed are 2,894 homes and 78,000 square feet of commercial space, a 2.5-mile lagoon and seawalls running the length of the site as well as high-rise buildings on the shoreline.

The number of high-rise buildings depends on which Beruff-Lieberman plan they consider.

A county staff report counted two high rises — a 13-story and a five-story building, at 145 feet and 75 feet in height.

The plan submitted to the Southwest Florida Water Management District April 12 depicts 24 shoreline buildings, each 150-feet tall.

The developers are asking the county to rezone 191 acres.

A 260-acre mitigation bank for the submerged lands is pending state and federal permits.

People interested in speaking at the BOC meeting may sign up before the May 4 hearing with Bobbi Roy, Manatee County planning coordinator.

Her email is bobbi.roy@mymanatee.org.

Is a dead mangrove fringe the future for Aqua By The Bay? Mark Coarsey, a Cortez commercial fisherman whose livelihood depends on the bounty of fish in Sarasota Bay, recently reported mangrove trimming on the shore of Legends Bay, a subdivision on Sarasota Bay. It is adjacent to the proposed Aqua By The Bay project.

“It’s only going to get worse,” he said, noting development trends and having seen hacked mangroves April 14.

Sarabay Associates LLLP holds a 2006 DEP mangrove trimming permit for Legends Bay. The subdivision is mostly owned by a Carlos Beruff-controlled entity, Legend Bay Real Estate LLC, which purchased 80 lots in December 2016. Beruff also is a principal in the Aqua development.

Coarsey said he sees “one developer after another” cut mangroves, adding he reported similar mangrove slashing near Tidy Island in the past year.

“Pretty soon we won’t have a tree left,” he added.

Angela Collins, Sea Grant scientist with the University of Florida extension office in Palmetto, helped Coarsey report the occurrence April 24 to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

She agreed with the fisher and called the cutting “really bad.”

Mangrove trees start dying and birds abandon the mangroves when they’re cut, Coarsey said.

A site visit was arranged April 26 by DEP environmental specialist Andrea Grainger.

“We confirmed the activities at the site were in accordance with the permit conditions,” DEP public information officer Dee Ann Miller wrote in an Apri1 28 email.

“While most of the work at the site involved removal of Brazilian pepper, any observed mangrove trimming was found to be in compliance with the general permit,” she added.

— Kathy Prucnell Mangroves were cut within the past few weeks at Legends Bay, a development on Sarasota Bay next to the proposed Aqua By The Bay. Islander Photo: Mark Coarsey

THE ISLANDER n MAy 3, 2017 n 5

Aqua developers in holding pattern for permits

By Kathy prucnell islander reporter manatee county has its jurisdiction. State and federal regulatory agencies have theirs. although the county will soon be called to say yea or nay to aqua By the Bay rezoning and general development plan, developers carlos Beruff and Larry Lieberman await mitigation bank and other approvals for same 529-acre site between el conquistador and Sarasota Bay. michelle Hopkins, head of environmental resource permitting for the Southwest florida Water management district, said april 26 the developers received approvals for the site work performed — the land clearing, three lakes and grading — but construction permits are still pending. also pending are approvals for Beruff’s mitigation bank proposal on 260 acres of mostly submerged lands from state and federal regulators — the florida department of environmental protection and u.S. army corps of engineers. the county has no say-so in the mitigation bank. county attorney Sarah Schenk told plan commissioners april 13 they could not consider it in their review, which ended with a 3-2 decision to send the aqua development to the county commissioners. objectors say Beruff’s plan runs against the purpose of a mitigation bank — to provide degraded areas an ecological lift, restore and enhance natural areas — because the shoreline of Sarasota Bay is pristine.

However, the dep issued a conditional wetland permit for the mitigation bank in april 2016 and again in december 2016. dep’s latest conditional approval allows 18 credits for the mitigation bank, for seagrass-dominated bottomlands, salt marsh, mangrove swamps, trimmed mangrove hedge and coastal freshwater marsh. at a price of $100,000-$200,000 a credit, Beruff would sell the credits to developers — even possibly to himself — as a tradeoff for wetland destruction in

manatee, Sarasota and charlotte counties, if the mitigation bank obtains its federal and state permits. “divide and conquer” is how andy mele, Suncoast Waterkeeper member, described the developers’ strategy at an april 29 rally at 53rd avenue and el conquistador against the project. mele shook his head in disbelief when asked about the different agency permitting. “nobody’s getting the straight story — certainly not the public,” he said. mele, Stu Smith, Jane von Hahmann, former county commissioner and vice-president of cortezbased florida institute for Saltwater Heritage, and former county commissioner Joe mcclash, organized the april 29 rally.

Von Hahmann and mcclash point to the absurdity of the dep allowing credits for seagrasses — especially because the plan calls for 12 signs to be posted in the seagrasses, saying boaters would have to motor through the grass in the shallow water to view the signs. fiSH, Suncoast Waterkeeper and mcclash have challenged the developers’ dep mitigation bank application. a hearing on the matter is set for Sept. 12 before an administrative law judge in Bradenton. the Beruff-Lieberman federal wetlands permit is

under a federal review for a second time following the corps’ denial in September 2016. the corps turned down an almost identical request by denying the first permit application. the federal agency questioned the 2-mile lagoon, a 120-foot gap between two mitigation bank parcels, the ecological lift, mangrove trimming and seagrass restoration. according to corps public information officer nakeir nobles, the agency received about 100 comments in april after developers submitted its second prospectus. fiSH president Kim mcVey provided one of those comments. She wrote to the corps asking that the permit be denied, citing the plan’s threat to 220 species of fish “essential to the continued survival of cortez’ key industry” and “the last remaining pristine mangrove strand.” another set of state and federal wetland permits should be required for aqua’s proposed lagoon dredging, according to mcclash. to that end, the developers secured a Swiftmud permit april 12 but the agency “did not approve the channel for boating or recreational uses,” according to Hopkins.

Mark Coarsey marked this aerial photo, where Aqua By The Bay appears on the left and the Legends Bay development on the right, to show where he observed mangrove trimming — the entire stretch of the Legends Bay shoreline. It was unclear from a DEP contact person if the former property owner’s mangrove-trimming permit had transferred to the new owner, Carlos Beruff. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

6 n MAy 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Mayday, mayday

the month of may seems to have begun to the sound of alarm bells ringing in our community. the center of anna maria island is in deep financial trouble. the post office is closing in Holmes Beach.

Bert Harris claims are pouring into Holmes Beach city Hall like water through a sieve and a franchise business moratorium to protect mom-and-pop shops is apparently a farce. marriott? upS Store?

Whaaaaaat? this all says nothing to the fire-storm of problems circling cortez. cortez is under siege. the residents are facing the likelihood that the florida department of transportation will recommend a 65-foot-clearance mega bridge to link the village to Bradenton Beach. the ramp for the bridge — according to the dot presentation in august 2016 — would cut off access to numerous business and residential properties, requiring a convoluted series of loops and under-ramp connections to reach destinations on the waterfront and nearby. call it what it is: “wipe-out.”

But that’s not all. the dot is placating complaints from Longboat Key and anna maria island about the 119th Street-cortez road intersection by proposing a cutoff for access at the other end of the village by the florida maritime museum.

Yes, it’s a bottleneck, but it’s due to the volume of traffic from the mainland, squeezing from four lanes to two at the traffic signal. a roundabout might send motorists — residents, business patrons and commercial traffic — sailing to the four winds. finally, cortez may not be alone in this battle, but the little fishing village that has overcome years of obstacles to the “fishing way of life” is in the forefront of the fight to ward off the devastation proposed by the owners of waterfront land south of the village on Sarasota Bay. Wait, that devastation is not proposed — it’s ongoing. Just this past week, the same developer of what would be aqua By the Bay hacked the shoreline mangroves of the adjacent development, Legends Bay. it promises to be a fierce battle for the environment vs. aqua By the Bay, starting at the may 4 hearing in the county commission chambers. cortezians of old would have called out to “Send lawyers, guns and money.” i say, “mayday.” — Bonner Joy

MAY 3, 2017 • Vol. 25, No. 27 ▼ ▼

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Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, copy editor Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Susan Huppert Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Ed Scott, edscott@islander.org Jennifer Sheppard, jennifer.s@islander.org Contributors Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager Janice Dingman accounting@islander.org classifieds@islander.org subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2017 • Editorial, sales and production offices: 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 WEBSITE: www.islander.org PHONE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Opinion

Your

Vote against Aqua By The Bay

We understand that the manatee county commission will vote whether to approve the aqua By the Bay proposal at their meeting may 4. there has never been, nor can we conceive of, a single project that would be more detrimental to the citizens of manatee county and to our environment than the proposed aqua By the Bay project. the enormity of it would create gridlock on state and county roads and bridges that are already inadequate for the current traffic. Storm evacuation would become impossible. the beaches would become so overcrowded that tourists will shun them. not only would the skyline be blighted by high-rise buildings, but the ecology of coastal waters would be destroyed forever. as residents of anna maria island, we cannot imagine the amount of damage it would do to the island’s appeal and the way of life it offers residents and visitors. no amount of money is worth approving this proposed project. if it is approved, we can only conclude that the commissioners have total disregard for the safety and welfare of their constituents and that money is their only motivator. there can be no other conclusion. We hope you will do the right thing and disapprove this project.

Tom and Lois Huntington, Holmes Beach

Confident in the DOT

Your obvious bias against and/or distrust of the florida department of transportation might have some basis from the past, but i tend to have confidence that the agency will decide on the option which best serves the overall public good of the area, its residents and businesses, — and its visitors. in fact, i can envision a design that enhances cortez.

Let’s try to keep an open and objective mind.

Garry Metcalf, Bradenton

Destruction by the bay

i have seen the re-transformation of aqua By the Bay. there used to be attractive fields, crops, trees, birds, cows and countless other living creatures. presently, it is a dirt wasteland with no vegetation for an ecosystem to thrive. now, in the far west section, there is a small area fenced off where the visible animals are confined. the tomatoes are plowed under each season and the cows are only there to acquire an agriculture status for property taxes. if this is how developers care and take care of land vegetation and living animals that can be seen, just imagine how they will care for sea vegetation and animals we can not see. i have witnessed Hillsborough county’s land destroyed by developers for their own benefit. that is why i moved to manatee county years ago. i am hoping this can be prevented! the fragile ecosystem of manatee county is already threatened.

Skip St John, Bradenton Beach

Tracking the trolley

my family loves the island trolley.

However, the trolley system needs gpS-tracking capability that includes a smartphone app to allow riders to monitor the progress of the trolleys. the newspaper recently reported the coalition of Barrier island elected officials discussed adding an additional trolley to the system at a cost of $450,000 — not including maintenance and staffing. implementing gpS tracking capability for trolley users is a much less expensive option that solves the issue.

Heavy traffic causes huge delays for the trolley and currently riders wait at a stop with no idea how long Please see oPiNioN, next page

THE ISLANDER n MAy 3, 2017 n 7

Good deeds

10&20 years ago

Perico oyster project needs volunteers

In the headlines: April 30, 1997

the Sarasota Bay estuary program, manatee county parks and natural resources department and around the Bend nature tours will present the “oyster extravaganza” Saturday, may 6. the work project will be 9-11 a.m. at perico preserve, 11700 manatee ave. W., Bradenton. the preserve is located east of the anna maria island Bridge on the north side of manatee avenue/State road 64.

Volunteers will bag shell and tie shell mats and then join in a series of games, followed by lunch at noon. the habitat project is part of the gulf oyster recycling and renewal program. the initiative has many partners, including Start, manatee county parks and natural resources department, uf/ifaS manatee county, the chiles group, the gulf Shellfish institute and the tampa Bay estuary program. this event is appropriate for ages 10 and up with parent/guardian supervision. for more information, go online to sarasotabay. org or call SBep at 941-955-8085.

YoUR oPiNioN continued from page 6 the wait will be. if there was an app whereby riders could track the status of the trolley, they could continue shopping or eating until the trolley was close, rather than spending that time waiting at a trolley stop.

John M. Wright, Holmes Beach

Have your say

the islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). anonymous let-

• mandatory curbside recycling was approved for anna maria. residential customers of Waste management learned on earth day they would be receiving blue containers for their recyclables and a monthly bill increase of $1.39.

• three storms in five days lashed anna maria island, causing moderate damage and flooding.

Bradenton Beach was the hardest hit, as the roofs on two structures blew off, power lines fell and two australian pines toppled onto gulf drive.

• three district appeals judges were deliberating after hearing arguments over a florida department of transportation plan to build a 75-foot, fixed-span bridge to replace the anna maria island Bridge on manatee avenue. the court heard 12 days of testimony.

In the headlines: May 2, 2007

At the playhouse

The Island Players support crew watches as the actors run through a rehearsal in October 1980 at the theater at Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. ters will not be printed. email: news@islander.org. readers also may comment online. also, the islander has an active — 8,500+ likes — facebook community. to join the conversation, “like” the islander on facebook.

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• a crime-fighting park design and heightened police presence were proposed for coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach following a gang-related shooting on easter Sunday. Bradenton Beach police chief Sam Speciale estimated there were 19,000 people on the beach when the shooting occurred and 3,000 people were associated with gangs.

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• a Sarasota man working on a construction crew at a three-story home on north Shore drive in anna maria fell about 30 feet and died.

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8 n May 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Bradenton Beach CRA approves new pier AC, torn on funding

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency approved a bid for engineering and construction for new air conditioners for the restaurant at the Historic Bridge Street Pier, but questions were raised as to who will pay.

The matter of how and what the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, the restaurant tenant that relies on the AC, would be reimbursed for closing during the AC installation and construction was delayed.

In a special meeting April 25, Bradenton Beach public works director Tom Woodard presented a bid for Southern Cross Contracting Inc. to complete the work on the city pier.

The bid, including engineering by Delta Contracting & Inspection Inc. came in at $73,536.89 for construction of two air conditioning decks and the impacted roof area.

Wooden posts and the deck that support the air conditioners are wicking moisture, causing roof damage and leaks in the restaurant.

AMOB is owned by CRA-member John Horne, who recused himself from the bid vote.

CRA-member Bill Shearon said he is concerned that the CRA is under-budgeted for the project at $70,000.

“The proper way to do this would be to have a budget amendment before we spend the money,” Shearon said.

Woodard said about $25,000 of the budgeted amount is for the air conditioners and the $70,000 appropriation was not based on estimates or bids. So the board would need to amend the budget.

Additionally, Woodard said AMOB would need to close for two weeks for the installation, which is planned for September.

CRA-member Ed Chiles asked how much AMOB

Dog-tired conditions spark complaints at HB dog park

By Jennifer Sheppard Islander Reporter A group of dog lovers want to improve the cityowned dog park, with its missing patches of grass and lack of agility obstacles.

Renee Ferguson, “a regular” at the dog park on Flotilla Drive at 62nd Street, told commissioners April 25 the dog park is an embarrassment.

“It’s miserable,” Ferguson said. “It needs some help.”

Ferguson suggested forming a team or ad-hoc committee to give input about the dog park. Potential upgrades could include outdoor gym equipment, pet fountains and an obstacle course.

Parks and beautification committee vice chair Zan Fuller said April 28 she would be interested in discussing improvements at the dog park.

“Certainly, we’d be open to discussing that,” Fuller said. “I think that would be a great thing. Certainly, we would need to get approval from the mayor, but if we have funding and there’s things that need to be done, or they’d like done … it would be a great program.”

Commissioner Marvin Grossman, who serves as commissioner liaison to the parks and beautification committee, said April 28 he likes the social aspect of the park because it creates community.

“I think this is the most ridiculous thing,” Grossman said of the neglect. “This is the park that more people use than any other park.”

Don Anthony and his dog Serendipity, an English golden retriever, routinely visit the dog park.

He is in favor of bringing in St. Augustine grass or artificial turf designed for dog parks, which would cut down on maintenance and muddy paws.

About 50 residents use the park daily, according to a Feb. 7 email from Mike Schenk to Mayor Bob Johnson about the dog park.

Grossman also said he would be in favor of forming an ad-hoc committee to help make suggestions to improve the park.

“We should devote some energy to it,” Grossman said. “What are we afraid of?”

The next parks and beautification committee meeting, the last before a summer hiatus, with be 10 a.m.

Wednesday, May 3, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

More than a dozen dogs and owners congregate at the Holmes Beach dog park April 29. For Neville Clarke, left, the dog park is pretty good as is, but he would like to see announcements and ads for dogrelated services. Islander Photo: Jennifer Sheppard

A wooden deck on the roof of the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, supports the air conditioner that leaks into the Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar. The AC cools the restaurant on the city pier, but it is the property of the city.

Plans to replace the unit will require a two-week restaurant closure. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

pays in rent to the city, to which Horne replied, $8,000 per month.

Chiles said he doesn’t understand why the CRA has to pay for the project if the city collects $8,000 a month rent.

The money from AMOB’s rent goes into the city’s pier fund account, which has “north of $400,000,” according to city treasurer Shane Thompson.

CRA-chair Ralph Cole said the construction on the pier would be “enhancing the building with a new structure,” which is the intent of the CRA. The CRA board budgets tax dollars to enhance the historic district and promote tourism, but does not fund pier maintenance, which falls to the city.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale, who chairs the pier team — a recommending body comprising Speciale, Woodard, Horne and building official Steve Gilbert — said there are two issues to be funded by the two entities — the CRA and the city.

Speciale said since the pier rebuild in 2014 was a CRA project, this structural replacement should be funded by the CRA. However, he said, reimbursement to AMOB should be funded as maintenance.

“Because it’s a city business issue, not a structural issue,” Speciale said.

Thompson reminded the board that since the pier cannot be insured, money in the pier fund serves as a “reserve catastrophic event fund.”

The CRA opted to defer discussion on reimbursing rent or revenue to AMOB to a future meeting.

Shearon said his recommendation would be to turn the project back over to the city.

“Take the CRA right out of it,” Shearon said, citing the complexities associated with determining which body should fund the project.

Shearon motioned to switch the funding source to the city and Chiles seconded the motion.

But the board decided the motion should be amended to include input from city attorney Ricinda Perry.

CRA-vice chair John Chappie suggested they approve the bid from Southern Cross and move forward with the project while Thompson and Perry work out the math.

Shearon withdrew his motion.

Chiles motioned to accept the bid from Southern Cross and to instruct the city attorney to provide the funding instructions.

The motion passed unanimously, with Horne recused from the vote.

The next CRA meeting will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Meetings

• May 25, 6 p.m., city commission.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

Bradenton Beach • May 3, 9:30 a.m., capital improvements.

• May 3, 10 a.m., community redevelopment agency.

• May 3, 11 a.m., pier team.

• May 3, 3 p.m., Scenic Waves.

• May 4, 6 p.m., city commission.

• May 9, 1 p.m., city commission.

• May 11, 1 p.m., department heads.

• May 17, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

• May 18, noon, city commission.

• May 23, 1 p.m., city commission.

• May 24, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org.

Manatee County • May 4, 9 a.m., county board (land use).

• May 9, 9 a.m., county board.

• May 23, 9 a.m., county board.

• May 30, 1:30 p.m., county board (budget presentation).

Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

Anna Maria City • May 9, 4 p.m., planning and zoning.

• May 11, 6 p.m., city commission.

West Manatee Fire Rescue • May 25, 6 p.m., city commission.

• None scheduled.

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

W., Bradenton, wmfr.org.

Of interest • May 9, 5 p.m., Cortez Road improvements hearing, Cortez Road Baptist Church, 4411 100th St. W., Bradenton.

• May 17, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Longboat Key Town Hall.

• May 29, Memorial Day, most government Holmes Beach offices will be closed. The Islander office also will • May 3, 10 a.m., parks and beautification com- be closed. mittee.

• May 9, 6 p.m., city commission.

• May 11, 6 p.m., city commission.

Send notices to calendar@islander.org and • May 23, 6 p.m., city commission. news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n May 3, 2017 n 9

Cortez, Sunny Shores push for long-term traffic solution Bob Slicker, Swordfish Grill general manager, urges state and regional transportation officials at the April 24 meeting of the Sarasota/ Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization Board to consider a longterm plan for Cortez Road.

Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

Comments open to the public

The Florida Department of Transportation will present proposed solutions and take public comment on the Cortez Road Public Safety Improvement Project — including changes to the 119th Street West-Cortez Road intersection — 5 -7 p.m.

Tuesday, May 9, at the Cortez Road Baptist Church at 4411 100th St. W., Bradenton.

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Residents of Cortez and Sunny Shores met April 24 in Sarasota where their concerns merged for a longterm traffic fix for the Cortez Road West stranglehold.

At the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting — including an audience packed with residents — the Florida Department of Transportation presented its newest plans for the Cortez Road Safety Improvement Project with a $3.7 million budget.

DOT recommendations include an interim solution to be in place by the end of 2017.

According to David Gywnn, DOT director of operations, four 119th Street intersection options are under consideration: • Leave as is.

• Remove the signal.

• Modify intersection control to restrict movements.

• Realign 119th Street from a staggered intersection, now with north and south legs separated by 200 feet on Cortez Road, into a “plus” intersection — if the corner at the Florida Maritime Museum property can be used.

Gywnn said the realignment “would probably be the best long-term solution” and predicted construction in the summer of 2019.

He also recommended the interim solution to modify the signal “so it’s not controlling the south leg” and to allow continuous — but for pedestrian option

Manatee County Commissioner Steve Jonsson, one of two county representatives on the MPO board, voices support for a permanent solution to address the 119th Street bottleneck.

— eastbound traffic flow.

Longboat Key Commissioner Jack Daly said the change would be “very, very significant” to help get traffic off Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key in peak season.

Manatee County Commissioner Steve Jonsson thanked the DOT for delaying the process — in apparent reference to the DOT’s backpedal in mid-April on a proposal to eliminate a left-turn signal from Cortez Road West onto the south leg of 119th Street after the plan stirred opposition in Cortez.

Jonsson’s county district includes Cortez and Anna Maria Island.

He was the first to ask for a permanent solution.

“Before we agree to an interim plan,” he said, “I’d like to know what the permanent fix is going to be,” calling it “a mess” for the past 20 years.

With more traffic in Cortez and the future development of Peninsula Bay, “It’s something we should address sooner rather than later,” he added.

Cortez speaks out John Banyas, owner of the Cortez Bait & Seafood, Cortez Kitchen, Swordfish Grill and N.E. Taylor Boatworks at the bay end of 119th Street, said it is “virtually impossible” for trucks — without taking out corners of people’s homes — to make turns on the village streets.

Banyas said 80 trucks — with 53-foot-long refrigeration containers — make the turns weekly in and out of 119th Street along with daily traffic from vehicles of 142 employees, mechanics, customers and others.

“We have a lot more traffic than you’re thinking,” Banyas said.

An April DOT study indicated a one-day count of 60-65 left turns per hour from Cortez Road south onto 119th Street — four times the number of such turns the DOT counted in 2014.

Jane von Hahmann, who lives and owns commercial property at the corner of 119th Street, said the DOT did not approach her about the prior plans.

She presented the MPO with a petition signed by 176 people, including 106 patrons of Cortez Kitchen April 22, who oppose removing a dedicated westbound left turn onto the south leg of 119th Street from Cortez Road.

Deed restriction muddles DOT’s options for Cortez Road

A permanent fix to the 119th Street bottleneck on Cortez Road may depend on whether obtaining a right of way is permissible under a deed restriction for the Florida Maritime Museum.

The property is encumbered by the Florida Community Trust bond that funded 1999-2000 renovations for the 1912 Cortez School — now the museum.

The deed restriction provides the property “shall be managed only for conservation, protection and enhancement of natural and historic resources” and for compatible “passive natural resource-based public outdoor recreation.”

“Folks are looking into it,” David Gwynn, director of operations for the Florida Department of Transportation, said regarding whether the property

can be used for a public safety project.

Gwynn said he’s spoken to a representative of the Manatee County Circuit Clerk’s office, who didn’t think it was an allowable use.

He also spoke with Bradenton Beach Commissioner John Chappie, an FMM board member, Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore and Manatee County’s public works director Ron Schulhofer.

Manatee County Commissioner Jonsson wrote in an April 27 email, “At this point, I have no new information other than the county is in discussions with appropriate parties to reserve the options.”

Gwynn said April 28 he is still waiting for a county or circuit clerk representative to figure out a “legal way” to use the FMM property.

“I like the idea that we’re stepping away from the no-left turn” from Cortez Road south on 119th Street, von Hahmann said, but, she added, she opposes the concept of eliminating 119th Street westbound left turns.

Due to the plan to de-signalize eastbound Cortez Road traffic, she predicted it will force westbound motorists wanting to turn left from the southside of the village onto Cortez Road “to play that shoot-thegap game.”

Bob Slicker, Swordfish Grill general manager, implored the MPO and DOT to look long-term.

“Before you change our roads … in the oldest fishing village in the state of Florida,” Slicker said, planners should look at accurate traffic numbers, pedestrian traffic and the future development build-out.

Sunny Shores resident Vern Palsrok said two crosses have memorialized people who died at the “very dangerous intersection” at 115th Street and Cortez Road.

At that intersection, motorists who want to turn left on Cortez Road from Sunny Shores must cross two lanes in a 45-mph zone.

Palsrok claimed DOT data indicating four fatalities is outdated — that an additional nine people have died at the intersection since 2015. He also said the neighborhood residents feel trapped in the subdivision.

“We’d love an on-demand light,” he added.

Palsrok reminded planners of the future development of Peninsula Bay, “We’re surrounded by the flower farm soon to be developed.”

In October 2016, Manatee County commissioners approved Peninsula Bay, with an expected build out over 12 years.

Developer Whiting Preston, owner of Manatee Fruit Co., plans 1,950 homes and 90,000 square feet of commercial space on 360 acres and access to Cortez Road West at 107th, 115th and 119th streets.

MPO concerns, DOT response Another problem identified by MPO board members is a place where two westbound lanes merge into one on Cortez Road.

Motorists navigate around backed-up traffic in the right-hand merge lane or turn right and travel through neighborhoods to avoid the 119th Street bottleneck, according to Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac, who is an MPO member.

“Basically, they don’t like it that the lane ends,” she said.

Gywnn said the improvements to the “extremely inefficient” 119th intersection should solve the backup and eliminate the line-cutting and neighborhood shortcuts.

Benac also asked whether a roundabout at 119th Street using FMM property had been ruled out as a solution.

“We’ll look at it again,” Gwynn said, “but it may not be the best approach for that intersection.”

NOTE: The Islander office is at 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB, next to Walgreens.

10 n May 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Longtime Cortez residents oppose DOT’s tall bridge plan

By Ed Scott Islander Reporter Opinions about the replacement Cortez Bridge are about as fresh and plentiful as the grouper at Cortez waterfront restaurants.

While no decision has been made, Florida Department of Transportation officials appear ready to recommend replacing the 19-foot drawbridge with a 65-footclearance, fixed-span bridge.

That option has both supporters and detractors.

Supporters believe such a bridge will reduce traffic on Cortez Road and Anna Maria Island. But others are not convinced a bridge with a higher clearance will alleviate traffic problems.

At 56, Bobby Woodson, co-owner with Karen Bell of Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina, 12507 Cortez Road W., Cortez, has been a resident of the fishing village for 54 years. Woodson opposes the taller, fixed span because of how it could affect nearby Anna Maria Island.

“The proposed bridge that they want to put in isn’t creating a solution,” Woodson said. “All it’s doing is trying to put four lanes onto two lanes on Bradenton Beach. They can put as big a bridge as they want to there. They’re not addressing the real problem.”

He continued: “They need to divert some of this traffic from Cortez Road to 53rd Avenue and build a third bridge. It doesn’t make any sense to try to cram all those people onto a four-lane bridge and then drop them into two in Bradenton Beach. It’s just going to bottleneck there. They have to divert some traffic to some other” area “to get people on that island.”

The DOT gets to decide which type of bridge will be constructed. Its foremost options apparently are the

The Cortez Bridge opens for boat traffic. Islander File Photo 65-foot, fixed-span bridge and a 35-foot drawbridge.

DOT spokesman Robin Stublen said recently that the agency has not determined how to proceed. But he allowed that constructing a taller bridge now would benefit the region in the future.

Bell, whose family settled in Cortez in the late 1890s, has business interests in A.P. Bell Fish Company, Star Fish Company, Cortez Cove Marina and Tide Tables. She was born in the area and has lived there since 1988. After studying the alternatives, she

prefers the 35-foot drawbridge. Bell opposes the taller span because of how it could affect Cortez.

If a tall bridge cuts off truck access from Cortez Road to local businesses or to the U.S. Coast Guard station in the village, that’s a problem, she said. If it hinders customers’ abilities to patronize Cortez businesses, that’s a problem, too.

Bell looks sadly at the “mammoth bridge” constructed at Fort Myers Beach and ponders a similar structure in Cortez.

“It’s kind of awful what it did because it makes access to the old core community difficult” in Lee County, she said.

Linda Molto, who has lived in Cortez for 33 years, has been involved in numerous causes. One of the original members of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, she serves on the organization’s board of directors.

Molto supports keeping the existing Cortez Bridge because it’s easy to walk and bicycle across. And some folks fish from there.

“I love this place,” Molto said. “I know it’s not what it was when I moved here. Everybody knew everybody. It’s not like that now, as much. A lot of the old-timers are gone. I loved them; they were wonderful. But it’s still special. It’s not like any other place.

Molto said she cares about preserving Cortez and its listings on the National Register of Historic Places.

“We’ve always tried to protect ourselves from those intrusions,” she said. “I personally would like to see them keep this bridge and just repair it every 10 years. We are a low-rise community. A low bridge “fits in better than anything else could.”

Bradenton Beach residents on opposite sides of Cortez Bridge

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter As the Florida Department of Transportation considers options to repair or replace the Cortez Bridge, Bradenton Beach residents question how they may be affected.

Edward A. Schwartz and wife Mary D. Harrison, 2-year Bradenton Beach residents who have been visiting Anna Maria Island for 20 years, have reasons for concern.

“We don’t want our home to be knocked down,” Harrison said April 27. “Our biggest fear is takeover by eminent domain.”

Schwartz and Harrison own a unit at Bridgeport Condominiums, 501 Gulf Drive N., one of 10 units fronting east on the Intracoastal Waterway that could Jim Lynch face demolition if a new bridge is built.

The property is adjacent to the end of the bridge at Cortez Road and Gulf Drive, and the land where their building sits has been marked by the DOT as a possible location for a proposed “stormwater management facility alternative.”

“We’re concerned that they have money to acquire

KMB moves forward with Manatee Avenue landscaping plans

Gordon Cazella, Woodruf & Sons Inc. safety coordinator, Ingrid McLellan, Keep Manatee Beautiful executive director, and Jerry Konieczny, Woodruf superintendent, review plans to install bollards and conduct landscape improvements along the Palma Sola Scenic Highway on Manatee Avenue adjacent to the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity proposed the installations Feb. 7. More installations are taking place along Perico Bayou Bridge, also on Manatee Avenue. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

land, but then it would sit here for 10 or 20 years before they build the bridge,” Schwartz said.

New Cortez Bridge options being considered include a 21-foot or 35-foot drawbridge and a 65-foot, fixed-span bridge similar to the planned replacement for the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue that links Holmes Beach to Perico Island.

The current Cortez Bridge is a 19-foot-clearance drawbridge.

“We certainly don’t want a 65-foot, fixed-span bridge,” Harrison said. “Where are they all going to go when they get here?”

Harrison said she and her husband feel strongly that a new bridge connecting 53rd Avenue to Longboat Key is the best solution.

She said Bradenton Beach is a pass-through to Longboat Key and the traffic will only increase with future developments on the mainland.

“When we watch the bridge traffic from our home, we see 90 percent of it going south to Longboat Key,” Harrison said April 27. “It can take an hour to get from the Cortez Bridge to Longboat Key. And all this proposed development off of Cortez and 53rd will only make it worse.”

Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board vice chair Jim Lynch said he supports a new fixed-span bridge.

Bradenton Beach residents Edward A. Schwartz and wife Mary D. Harrison pose in their Bridgeport condominium, 501 Gulf Drive N. Islander Courtesy Photo He said he has seen the bridge open without any boats passing through — an unnecessary traffic slowdown.

Additionally, Lynch said he has seen the bridge open for boats that did not require the clearance.

“A fixed-span bridge would alleviate the one-boat problem,” Lynch said April 25.

Lynch said he is not concerned that a fixed-span bridge would increase the traffic flow to the island.

“They’re coming anyway,” He said.

Lynch said he also supports the possibility of another bridge connecting Longboat Key to the mainland.

“If you compare the size and density of Anna Maria Island to Longboat Key, you wonder why they don’t have a bridge connecting to the mainland.” Lynch said.

He believes direct mainland-Longboat Key bridge would dramatically reduce congestion.

“I think it could cut traffic between the island and Longboat Key to 10 percent of what it is now,” Lynch said. “A fixed-span bridge would definitely help, but an additional Longboat Key bridge would just make our area heavenly.”

The DOT will continue to evaluate options for the bridge and will likely hold a public hearing this summer.

THE ISLANDER n May 3, 2017 n 11

MPO’s new bike trail includes AMI loop

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter “We need to be bold.”

More than once April 24, MPO planner Colleen McGue used these words to encourage the Sarasota/ Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization members to adopt a 93-mile connected trail system in eastern and western Manatee and Sarasota counties.

A unanimous board agreed.

The members chose to adopt the route connecting the coastal access of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key to Bradenton and Palmetto and looping into an eastern wilderness trail between Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota.

The decision directs McGue and MPO technical committees to begin ranking plans and zeroing in on funding for bicycle-pedestrian path proposals by local jurisdictions.

Already in the mix are Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach applications, with $5.6 million and

HB commissioner grills chief on code enforcement duties

By Jennifer Sheppard Islander Reporter When code enforcement officers started doubling as school crossing guards in January, it wasn’t supposed to be the norm and Commissioner Jean Peelen said it was inappropriate.

In April, Peelen saw code enforcement officers helping children across the street, which prompted her to write an April 22 email to the mayor and commissioners for discussion at their next meeting.

Peelen expressed her concerns with HBPD using code enforcement officers to do police functions, while managing at least 1,200 vacation rentals for a two-person code enforcement department.

“It is a ridiculous waste of Peelen resources that are badly needed elsewhere,” she wrote.

Peelen requested commissioners consider options for code enforcement perform only code enforcement duties or having code enforcement officers report directly Tokajer to the mayor.

At the April 25 meeting, code enforcement officer JT Thomas said he appreciated Peelen’s concerns, but the code enforcement officers pride themselves on protecting the city and its residents.

“Whenever we listen in on the radio, we just pitch in. It’s just a team effort,” Thomas said.

Police chief Bill Tokajer said the department is running “tremendously short” of people.

The crossing guard duties include 45 minutes assisting students in the morning and afternoon at Anna Maria Elementary, 4700 Gulf Drive.

“It really doesn’t take too much time to suit up get down there and get posted,” Thomas said. “We’re protecting the kids. That’s the whole idea. We just always want to show visibility that we’re protecting the kids.”

Commissioner Pat Morton said the issue is “blown totally out of proportion.” He prefers code enforcement stay in law enforcement.

“This whole thing needs to be put to bed,” Morton said. “They’re down there seeing a lot of things going on that we don’t see. That is a precious thing to have them down there.”

And Mayor Bob Johnson said he has no interest in changing the department.

“The presence of a crossing guard on occasion to me is nothing more than community outreach,” Johnson said.

Commissioner Marvin Grossman said he hopes the practice will be limited. “At first I thought it was bad,” Grossman said. “I would like you to think about something else that we can maybe do.”

No motion was offered regarding crossing guards or code enforcement officers.

$7.089 million projects, respectively, which include 8-10-foot paths on the north and south side, with a 3-foot separation from vehicle use, and four roundabouts possibilities.

Before the vote, board members discussed funding resources and whether to include a preference for the eastern or western trail.

In the end, the board directed the MPO principal planner to replace the prior Route 41-corridor plan with the looped trails.

About the old plan, McGue said, “None of the jurisdictions wanted it,” noting difficulties with obtaining rights of way and the noisy conditions of the thoroughfare.

At the meeting, Ed Goff, a bicycle trail activist on Anna Maria Island, spoke in favor of the plan and encouraged a path to connect Riverview Boulevard with Perico Island.

Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac described Riverview property owners as “contentious” when the county has looked at right-of-way acquisitions in the past.

Fellow commissioner and MPO member Vanessa Baugh said she would love to see both routes but doubts the western path to the islands is realistic.

About the Riverview extension, Goff said, “I’ve had the exact opposite experience. I’ve had people telling me there’s a need for bike trails.”

McGue said the MPO-backed plan is part of a larger Gulf Coast trail between Pinellas and Naples, which has a No. 3 ranking for the state.

“Right now, we’re hoping for funding for construction in 2022, with the Willow-Ellenton extension in fiscal 2019,” McGue said. The county received $511,111 from the Florida Department of Transportation for planning the eastern trail corridor.

After the cities applications are reviewed, ranked,

prioritized and funded, preliminary designs will become part of a feasibility study, with neighborhood visioning and hearings to “give the public plenty of chances to comment,” McCue said.

Lynn Burnett, engineer for the three island cities, was appointed by the Island Transportation Planning Organization to submit the plans for the cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.

The ITPO is chartered under the MPO, with a shared vote on the board, and meets before the MPO to agree on any MPO agenda-related actions.

The island trails — if funded after the ranking and prioritizing — are proposed to run on Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach and on Gulf, East Bay, Marina and Palm drives in Holmes Beach.

An Anna Maria leg — while no application has been filed with the MPO — is also possible, Burnett said.

“I think the two island cities will have a good chance of getting funding in this cycle,” McGue said.

“That’s a good place to be.”

As far as how a new Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue would fit into the plans, she said, “I’m not sure yet how it will work, but we’ll have to plan for that.”

Next up for the MPO board will be a June decision on the scoring of applications.

After the ranking, McGue will take the trail plan to compete with other regional plans across the state for funds, including the Shared Use Non-Motorized Trail $25 million in annual funding.

With no guarantee the SUNTrail program will continue after 2019, Goff says it’s about time the county pushes its bike plans.

“Manatee County has been very laxed at building bike and pedestrian trails. That is about to change.

Finally, fortunately.”

Future AMI bridge aesthetics undergo final review

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Design recommendations for a new Anna Maria Island Bridge are complete, but when it will be built remains to be seen.

The Anna Maria Island Bridge Aesthetics Advisory Committee met April 26 at the Bradenton Public Works Department, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, to finalize draft recommendations for the proposed 65-foot, fixed-span Anna Maria Island Bridge.

The committee began meeting in June 2016 to consider features for the bridge, including color palette, landscaping and design elements.

The committee’s final recommendations include a bridge with mudline footing, panel railing in the shape of a sunset, blue hammerhead piers with sea turtle impressions, and wall impressions of manatees, turtles and pelicans.

The bridge approaches will have native palm trees lining the road in groupings and in rows for a focus on bold landscaping that emphasizes trees over shrubbery, and includes canopy trees, such as silver buttonwood.

A trail for pedestrians and bikers will line both sides of the bridge structure and small pocket parks on both landing ends will feature palm trees and benches.

The committee was formed by the Florida Department of Transportation strictly for aesthetics, without consideration for the bridge budget.

The bridge, which will replace the existing Anna Maria Island Bridge that opened to traffic in 1957, is not yet funded.

A public meeting to present the committee’s recommendations will be scheduled for late 2017 or early 2018, pending more information on when the bridge design will move forward, according to DOT project manager Rick Lilyquist.

Lilyquist said “the official role of the committee is complete,” but the members could be consulted if any questions or difficulties arise.

Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon recommended the committee hold a public meeting during season to reach out to a large number of property owners and snowbirds. “You’ll probably have better participation” if the meeting is scheduled before Easter 2018, Shearon said.

The members of the AAC include Dean Jones, Anna Maria public works manager; Jim McLellan, Bradenton public works director; Shearon; Bob Rosas, Holmes Beach resident; Alan Lai Hipp, Manatee County project manager; Ingrid McClellan, Keep Manatee Beautiful executive director; and Nancy Deal, member of the Save Anna Maria Island organization.

Members of the Anna Maria Island Aesthetics Advisory Committee meet April 26 to review how they will present their recommendations for the Anna Maria Island Bridge in a public meeting. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

12 n MAy 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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We have coffee mugs! All-cotton shopping totes! T-shirts!

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GET YOURS @ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB

Thursday, May 4 Friday, May 5 8 p.m. — Opening night, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and 5 p.m.-midnight — Main Street Live, Old Main Street, downtown Spike,� Island Players theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee Bradenton. Information: 941-621-6471. applies. Information: 941-778-5755.

Saturday, May 6 1-9 p.m. — Pickin’ Picnic with the Applebutter Express, Will Quinlan and the Holy Slow Train, Beartoe, All Day Tuck, Lauris ONGOING ON AMI Vidal and Kristopher James, Riverwalk Pavilion, 452 Third Ave. W., • Throughout May, Island Gallery West features the work of Bradenton. Information: 941-621-6471.

Marlane Wurzbach in the exhibit “Island Dreams,� 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.

ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Throughout May, Artists’ Guild Gallery “Manatee Maniaâ€? window display, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: • Most second Wednesdays, Think+Drink (Science), 7-9 p.m., 941-778-6694.

South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. • May 12-31, “May’s Open Exhibit,â€? Anna Maria Island Art Information: 941-746-4131.

League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778• Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Art After 5, John and Mable Ringling 2099.

Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700.

LOOKING AHEAD • First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m. Village of the Arts Art Walk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also 11 a.m.-4 May 4-14, Island Players “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and p.m.

Spike,� Anna Maria. May 12, Anna Maria Island Art League reception, Holmes Beach.

CLUBS &

KIDS & FAMILY

COMMUNITY

ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Friday, May 5 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots parenting program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Saturday, May 6 5 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island Cajun Festival, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908.

Tuesday, May 9 10 a.m. — Musical Motion, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, May 3 12:45 p.m. — Gulf Coast Writers meet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Thursday, May 4 2 p.m. — Knit and crochet activity, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Saturday, May 6 8:30 a.m. — Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria breakfast and program, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383.

2-4 p.m. — Patron Appreciation Day, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, May 9 Noon — Anna Maria Island Rotary Club gathers for lunch and a program, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach.

Fee applies. Information: 941-462-4016.

Wednesday, May 10 Noon — Adult coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

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• Fourth Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Stelliferous Live star exploration, South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies.

Information: 941-746-4131. • Most first Saturdays, Family Night at the South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. • “Teeth Beneath: the Wild World of Gators, Crocs and Caimansâ€? exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441.

3612 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, 941.778.0400 313 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, 941.778.0500

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• Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, July 22, Snooty’s Birthday Bash, Bradenton.

512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • Thursdays, 7 p.m., Overeaters Anonymous meets, the EpisGAMES, SPORTS copal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. & OUTDOORS Information: 813-494-6518. • Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Saturday, May 6 Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135.

1-3 p.m. — Youth karate championship, Center of Anna Maria • Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Senior Adventures gather for a proIsland, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 727-741-3992. gram or to depart on an adventure. Information: 941-778-3106.

Wednesday, May 10 GOOD TO KNOW 4 p.m. — Chess club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, • May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • May 14, Mother’s Day. • May 20, Armed Forces Day. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • May 29, Memorial Day. • Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, GET LISTED Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: Send listings to calendar@islander.org. Submissions must include a 941-708-6130. • Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the contact name and telephone number for publication, as well as the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941- pertinent details of the event: What, when, where and how much.

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Wednesday, May 3 9 a.m. — Kayaking for ďŹ rst-timers, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-748-4501.

Saturday, May 6 9 a.m. — Oyster Extravaganza work day, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Info: 941-737-2254.

ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Through Sept. 3, Bradenton Marauders Minor League Baseball games, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 877-893-2827. • Second and fourth Wednesdays, Roser Memorial Community Church GolďŹ ng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414..

Florida Folk School offers pasta lessons

the florida folk School at the florida maritime museum is offering instruction in making pasta.

Students will learn how to make ravioli, gnocchi and noodles from folk school teacher Joann mancuso. the class will be at 10 a.m. tuesday, may 23, and registration is required by may 16. the cost to enroll is $35. the museum is at 4415 119th St. W., cortez. for more information, call 941-708-6120.

Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n MAy 3, 2017 n 13 WATCH BANDS • WATCH BATTERIES • SERVICE/REPAIRS

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Ready to open on island stage

Island Players Candace Artim as Cassandra, front row, from left, Patrick Charles Mounce as Spike, Haley Hines as Nina and Susan Belvo portraying Sonia, and back row, from left, Don Sleight as Vanya, and Pamela Hopkins as Masha pose for a Go directly to jail cast photo. They will appear on stage in “Vanya and The Anna Maria Island Historical Society recently Sonia and Masha and Spike.� James Thaggard is opened space next to the old city jail so people can directing the comedy, which will run May 4-14 at see the jail cell and take souvenir photographs. The the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. PerAMIHS museum also instituted its summer hours — formances will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday, and suspended bread 2 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call the box sales until the fall. The museum is at 402 Pine Ave., office at 941-778-5755 or go online to the islandAnna Maria. Islander Courtesy Photo players.org. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

Center registering youth for summer camp

the center of anna maria island is registering children for “Summer my Way� camp programs. the center is offering two main camp programs — one dedicated to “sports� and one dedicated to “discovery.� in the sports program, kids will participate in fitness, sports and games. in the discovery program, kids will be involved in hands-on activities, building, creating and exploring the arts. each week will follow a new theme. camp includes a field trip, breakfast, lunch and snacks for children in kindergarten through sixthgrade. camp runs June 5-aug. 4. Hours will be 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. monday-friday. there will be no camp sessions July 3-4.

Center Cajun festival set for May 6

the center of anna maria island will host a cajun festival at 5 p.m. Saturday, may 6. the festival will feature live entertainment, a screening of the Kentucky derby, movies for children and a feast of crawfish, red beans and rice, jambalaya, bread pudding and other items.

Bayou catering will serve the dinner and the gumbo Boogie Band will perform. the cost to attend will be $40 for adults and $10 for children 11 and under. the festival will benefit the center’s youth programs. the center is at 407 magnolia ave., anna maria. for more, call the center at 941-778-1908.

the center also will offer specialty camps for drama, sailing, fishing and kayaking. drama camp involves the island players and runs June 19-22 and June 26-30, with performances June 30 on the island players stage.

Sailing camp is led by Bimini Bay Sailing, with sessions June 12-15 and July 24-27.

Bimini Bay also will lead the kayaking camp July 10-13. fishing camp will be July 17-20 at the anna maria city pier. Students will learn the basics of catch-and-release fishing.

... and summer sports leagues

the center of anna maria island will offer youth baseball, basketball and indoor soccer this summer. the program will comprise “pick-up� leagues, with team selections each Wednesday to allow for play with everyone — not just a specific team.

Younger children also can take part in clinics. one sport is $40 or three sports cost $100.

Baseball will run may 17-June 7 and the last day to register is may13.

Basketball will run June 14-July 12 and the last day to register is June 10. indoor Soccer will run July 19-aug. 9 and the last day to register is July 15. to register for camp and sports, visit the center at 407 magnolia ave., anna maria, go online to www. centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

Painter and art educator Marie Rice currently is focusing on compositions using vintage glassware and bottles in her still-life works. You’ll see refelection, distortion, color and the play of light in her paintings that draw you into Marie’s works.

They’re on exhibit in the gallery and at our website.

Stop by our office at the AMI Centre Shops, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, for AMI stickers and totes!

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14 n May 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Moose Lodge cleans up Bradenton Beach on Earth Day Bags of trash collected on Earth Day, April 22, by Moose Lodge members during the Anna Maria Island cleanup, await pickup by the city’s waste hauler.

Student efforts provide native trees in Cortez About 35 volunteers assist with planting a large number of potted native plants April 29 at the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage Preserve in Cortez. The effort was spearheaded by John Floersheimer, a sophomore at the Out-of-Door Academy in Sarasota. The volunteers planted two live oaks, 10 slash pines, six Florida privets and about 12 seagrapes. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge members Kathryn Ferrari and Todd Hibberd hold up a sleeping bag found in the rocks April 22 under the Historic Bridge Street Pier during the lodge’s annual Earth Day cleanup. Dozens of volunteers picked up trash on the beach, city streets and at the pier. Islander Courtesy Photos

Sune Venter, a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County volunteering with other students from Sarasota and Manatee counties to enhance the FISH Preserve, digs into a wheelbarrow of mulch April 29 in the area where new native trees are being planted.

Cortez celebrates Earth Day, too Richard Gordon poses next to a royal palm he and his Sunny Shores neighbors planted for Earth Day. Gordon, who said “our Earth matters,” came up with the idea and Manatee Fruit Farms, also a neighbor in Sunny Shores in Cortez, donated and delivered the tree. Gordon, a U.S. Veteran, also donated a flag for the Sunny Shores Clubhouse.

Islander Photos: Courtesy Megan Tully Guenther A donated palm tree is planted for Earth Day at Sunny Shores.

Mark Coarsey directs student volunteers from the Manatee High School Key Club with the April 29 planting effort at the preserve.

John Floersheimer lifts a Florida privit April 29 at the FISH Preserve. Floersheimer, a sophomore at the Out of Door Academy in Sarasota, secured a $950 grant from the Karma for Cara Becker Foundation to purchase the plants.

THE ISLANDER n MAy 3, 2017 n 15

Anna Maria discusses trolley pullovers, city pier, gazebo offer

By Bianca BenedĂ­ islander reporter the company hired by anna maria to engineer repairs to the Historic city pier is not off to a good start, mayor dan murphy informed city commissioners april 27. in february, the commission agreed to hire tampabased engineering firm Wantman group inc. to engineer repairs to the pier, which is in dire need of repair, according to a 2015 study conducted by the city. murphy said he met with representatives of Wgi in early march and with a list of eight topics to address as they move forward with the project, including schedules of when work should be completed, estimated costs for construction, preliminary engineering suggestions for the pier restaurant and steps to obtain permits. in early april, murphy said Wgi came back with

Anna Maria institutes lien research fee

answers for three of the eight topics he requested. murphy imposed a final deadline for Wgi’s reply of may 1, after the islander went to press. “this has gone on way too long,� he told commissioners. in addition, murphy said the engineering firm’s estimate of the costs for planning and permitting are $300,000-$100,000 more than the previously estimated. “We’re in the honeymoon phase, and it’s a rocky start,� murphy said of his relationship with Wgi. in other matters, a proposal for a gazebo was presented to the commission. nancy ambrose, of Bradenton, president of the manasota chapter of the north american Butterfly association, proposed building a 267-square-foot gazebo at city pier park with funds raised for a gazebo at the now-defunct Holmes Beach butterfly park. murphy said the project would require proof of funding before proceeding, and he directed ambrose

to provide financial information for the project before the city could commit to her proposal. chair doug copeland said it would be premature to make any decisions, but he stated his opposition to the design presented by ambrose. also on the agenda was a proposal from copeland that the commission authorize city engineer Lynn Burnett to identify locations along gulf drive where the trolley could pull off the road for to pick up and drop off passengers. the trolleys hold up traffic at the stops on the route, copeland told commissioners april 27. if the three cities developed areas for the trolley to pull over, other vehicles could keep moving, copeland said.

He said Burnett has assured him there are potential locations along gulf drive that can be turned into pullover lanes for trolleys. commissioners unanimously agreed to authorize the study.

A bayside gazebo is proposed for the Anna Maria City Pier Park at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard by Nancy Ambrose of the Manasota chapter of the North American Butterfly Association. Islander Photo: Courtesy Emily Anne Smith

anna maria city commissioners april 27 voted to authorize a fee structure for lien research services. the fee is $75 for research requested in three-five days and $100 for expedited research within one-two days. fees are nonrefundable and due in advance of the research. according to mayor dan murphy, other local municipalities who offer the service charge people for research on whether a property has a lien.

Before the commission authorized the fee structure, anna maria charged residents for the service as a records request, murphy said, bringing in payments of approximately $10 to $15 per request.

Lien research services are required to close sales of properties. the city of Holmes Beach charges $75 for lien research services. neither Bradenton Beach nor Bradenton offer the service. – Bianca Benedí

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16 n May 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach commissioners deny, then OK $10k for center

By Jennifer Sheppard Islander Reporter Operating in the black has been a challenge for the Center of Anna Maria Island.

The nonprofit, 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria, needs the support of the island cities to overcome a six-figure deficit Holmes Beach commissioners heard presentations from center representatives, including executive director Kristen Lessig, at their April 25 meeting.

Lessig and her team explained a number of issues facing the center, which serves as a community gathering place for people of all ages with fitness, education and youth programs.

Jim Froeschle has been serving the center board as treasurer for three years. He provided a year-to-date July 2016-February financial report.

Of the center’s six functional areas, fitness, sports, youth, senior and culture, each operated at a loss totaling $415,500, with fundraising and unallocated expenses of $259,700, amounting to an overall loss of $155,800.

Froeschle, former chief financial officer of Caterpillar Corp., said community centers across the country receive an average of 25 percent of operating support from local governments.

“At best, we’re getting 4 percent,” Froeschle said.

“If we were getting the average that other communities get, we would be operating in the black.”

In order to keep operating, the center reached out to island cities for additional revenue but Holmes Beach commissioners expressed concerns over the center’s transparency.

Lessig, in her plea for commissioners to consider funding, said the center is as lean as can be and she could not think of any organization that benefits all of Anna Maria Island other than the center.

“I’m confused and wanting to know what questions haven’t we answered,” Lessig said. “The community center is very much still a community center.”

For Bill Shuman, chair of the center board and a former Visa executive, said the center can help bring people back to the island. He asked the commission to consider the value the center brings to the community.

“We need your support,” Shuman said. “It’s a gathering place and we’re proud of it. You should be, too.”

Jen Crady, president of AMI Health & Fitness, said she loves the center and doesn’t want to see anything happen to it, but the problem is the vacation rental companies provide tenants free day passes for the center, which takes business away from the other two island fitness centers.

“It’s not fair,” Crady said. “That’s what’s killing us.”

Commission Chair Judy Titsworth said, while she did agree the cities need to contribute to the center, she had been waiting to hear how much funding the center received from vacation rental companies.

“What is that figure?” Titsworth asked.

Lessig said the center has an “informal agreement” with the vacation rental companies, “but there is not a dedicated amount of funding.”

Froeschle said, while he did not have the exact number, rental drop-ins account for less than 5 percent of the center’s total revenue.

“We’re going to lose over $200,000 this year,” he said. “We have lost over $200,000 every year when you take out anomalies.”

As for “community” not being in the center’s name, Froeschle said, “A rose by any other name is still a rose.”

Commissioner Carol Soustek said cities are not just going to hand out money anymore.

“They don’t have it to hand out half the time,” Soustek said. “The money that we spend up here comes from the residents of this city.”

Resident Nancy Deal said people became skeptical about the center after the word “community” was removed from the name.

“The community’s out of it, I guess,” Deal said.

“Some people have some doubts about the sincerity of a commitment to the community.”

Deal said people are objecting to funding the center due to a lack of trust.

Resident Jim Keene questioned the management practices of the “poorly-conceived, over-built and over-staffed” center, adding he is troubled the commission spends public money on the center.

But Bradenton Beach teen Colten Fox spoke about his positive experience at the center. As a teenager, there’s not many things to do on the island, he said.

“It was an amazing experience because I got to see how the kids interacted,” Fox said. “I think it’s a beautiful thing to have on the island.”

Mayor Bob Johnson said the commission has held things off long enough and he recommended the commission approving writing a check for the $45,000 allocated in this year’s budget.

“I think it’s time to realize there’s been an awful lot of waterless flow under the bridge,” Johnson said.

“It’s time to pick up and look forward and quit looking in the rearview mirror, otherwise, we’re going to wreck something.”

Titsworth agreed to the mayor’s recommendation and said it’s time to move on.

“I think it’s to show that we’re all in for community and I think they have a good team in place right now,” Titsworth said.

But the commissioners disagreed.

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Anna Maria is writing a check to the Center of Anna Maria Island for $18,600.

After more than a dozen speakers pleaded on behalf of the center at the April 27 city meeting, the commission unanimously agreed to donate $18,600 — the full amount remaining for charitable donations for the fiscal year — to fund youth programs at the center.

As per an ordinance adopted by Anna Maria in 2016, all requests for donations must be for a specific program.

Center executive director Kristen Lessig asked the city to donate at least as much as it gave last year — to the tune of $18,000 — to benefit youth programming, including sports and the afterschool program.

The center turned to Holmes Beach earlier in the week for funding as well. However, Holmes Beach commissioners and residents spoke about concerns of trust.

At the Anna Maria meeting, Commission Chair Doug Copeland began discussion on funding by asking the audience and commission to consider the request in its own right.

“There’s been issues beyond this program, and I hope we don’t go down a path that leads to bitterness,” he said.

All 12 of those who made public comments endorsed the donation, citing the community support offered by the center.

Center board member and Anna Maria resident Sam Pakbaz said the center provides much-needed socialization for his children.

“I can tell you 100 percent, we would not be in

Commission Marvin Grossman said he did not feel comfortable voting for anything more than $5,000 or $10,000.

“I don’t like to be badgered into doing something,” Grossman said. “I have to be honest. I jut feel badgered.”

Soustek agreed and said “there’s no way” she could vote for $45,000 and would rather see the money go to a specific program.

Commissioner Pat Morton said he was not in favor of putting money behind the center.

Commissioner Jean Peelen said she was not ready to commit $45,000 and cited a lack of confidence in the center’s transparency.

“It’s been like pulling teeth to get information meaningful to us,” Peelen said.

Titsworth said she was disappointed to hear the disapproval of the commission.

“It’s time to heal,” Titsworth said. “I recommend giving what we normally give and look at it again to see if we can up it. Do I have any support on that?”

After commissioners gave Titsworth a collective “no” to her question, the majority of the audience, including the center representatives walked out of the chambers.

Peelen motioned to donate $10,000 and Soustek seconded. Commissioners unanimously approved a $10,000 donation.

The commission will next meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Center responds to Holmes Beach

After the April 25 Holmes Beach city meeting, an April 26 email from Kristen Lessig to Mayor Bob Johnson and commissioners thanked the city for allowing the center to present its case for support and offered some explanations: • The center received $6,830 for day passes from guests of AMI Accommodations and Sato vacation rental companies. “There is no formal agreement or not (sic) exclusivity to their relationship with us, that I am aware of,” Lessig wrote.

• The center’s profit-and-loss statement for youth programs from July 2016 through March 2017 includes a loss of $302,354.06.

• The center could reorganize into a for-profit organization, which would be about the only way the center would “operate in the black,” Lessig wrote. “This is one option or direction that we could move in — and honestly it seems that many members of the community feel very strongly about.”

…while Anna Maria chips in $18,600 for youth programs

this city today if it wasn’t for the center,” he said. “We would be closer to kids. If you want families and kids to live on this island, you’ve got to give them a place to meet.”

Deb Wing, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president, said the chamber has made donations to the center and she encouraged the commission to donate as well.

“They aren’t proposing extravagant things,” she said. “They’re humble needs. I think it’s admirable you have an organization coming to you with such transparency.”

Mark Labriola, a city resident and owner of Harry’s Grill and Restaurant, said he wanted to assure the city the center is in great hands.

“If there’s any stone that needs to be turned, Kristen will find it and turn it to get any revenue she needs to get the center to work,” he said.

Commissioner Nancy Yetter expressed concerns about giving the center the full $18,600, saying they couldn’t know if more requests for charitable donations would be made in the current fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.

Mayor Dan Murphy said he did not know of Bradenton Beach resident Colton Fox, 15, addresses or expect any requests for donations in the coming the Anna Maria City Commission April 27 about months. funding for the Center of Anna Maria Island.

The check, according to city clerk LeAnne Addy, Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí was in the mail April 28.

THE ISLANDER n MAy 3, 2017 n 17

Center plans city funding approval to alleviate year-end gap the organization presented an impact report for the government officials to review that claimed 902 anna maria residents and 784 Holmes Beach residents participated in some manner at the center in the 201617 fiscal year based on data collected from users. approximately 1,500 people live in anna maria and 3,800 people live in Holmes Beach, according to

the 2010 u.S. census. in other news, the center board voted to add four new members: Holmes Beach resident don purvis, who recently played the starring role in the center’s murder mystery fundraiser, Longboat Key resident emma Stringer, frank agnelli of the Holmes Beachbased agnelli pools and construction, and former Holmes Beach commissioner david Zaccagnino. the board currently sits at 17 members. the center also is looking ahead to the summer. along with a crawfish boil and Kentucky derby celebration may 6, the center is registering children for its summer camp. the next center board meeting will be at 6 p.m. monday, may 22, at the center, 407 magnolia ave., anna maria.

Center of Anna Maria Island staff and supporters arrive at Anna Maria City Hall April 27. The center board met April 26, a day after the April 25 Holmes Beach city meeting and a day before the April 27 Anna Maria city meeting where officials discussed funding options for the center. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

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By Bianca Benedí islander reporter the center of anna maria island hopes funding from Holmes Beach and anna maria will decrease the nonprofit’s growing deficit before its fiscal year ends June 30.

However, even maximum city funding is unlikely to cover the majority of the year’s $190,000 deficit for the center. the center board met april 26 to review financial reports for march and discuss programming, as well as summer plans for the community center. according to board treasurer Jim froeschle, the center will be $200,000 or more in the red by June 30. for march, the center brought in $80,900 and spent $110,100, leaving the organization $29,200 in the red for the month. fundraising has been the biggest source of revenue for the center, with $433,200 raised since July 2016. only the sports program has earned income to offset direct expenses. However, the income does not cover overhead or indirect expenses. center staff and supporters appealed to Holmes Beach commissioners april 25 and anna maria commissioners april 27 for city funding.

Holmes Beach contributed $10,000 and the city of anna maria put in $18,600.

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Arbor Day celebrations run through island cities Bradenton Beach Scenic WAVES member Rose Vincent, from left, Mayor Bill Shearon, WAVES chair Tjet Martin, Florida Forest Service supervisor Mike Keegan and senior forester Eric Strickland, WAVES co-chair and Keep Manatee Beautiful executive director Ingrid McClellan and WAVES member Gayden Shell gather April 28 at Lou Barolo Park on Highland Avenue in Bradenton Beach at one of three live oak trees planted for National Arbor Day. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek, left, Commissioner Marvin Grossman, Florida Forest area supervisor Mike Keegan, Mayor Bob Johnson, parks and beautification committee member Sharon Randall, parks and beautification committee vice chair Zan Fuller and Keep Manatee Beautiful executive director Ingrid McClellan attend the National Arbor Day observance. Islander Photos: Jennifer Sheppard

Florida Forest Service forest area supervisor Mike Keegan presents Bradenton Beach Scenic WAVES member Rose Vincent with two seedling pine trees April 28 in celebration of National Arbor Day. Keegan brought 250 longleaf pine and 250 slash pine seedlings to give away throughout the day’s events.

LEFT: Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson observes the lavender-colored blooms on a Texas sage tree as Florida Forest area supervisor Mike Keegan lends a hand to the planting effort for Arbor Day. Keegan said the city made great choices with salt-tolerant silver buttonwoods, which grow to about 30 feet in height and smaller Texas sage trees, which grow to about 8 feet. The city of Holmes Beach celebrated National Arbor Day April 28, planting five buttonwoods and 12 sage trees at the city basketball courts on 62nd Street. The trees were funded by Keep Manatee Beautiful.

Representatives from the city of Anna Maria, Keep Manatee Beautiful and the Florida Forest Service pose beside one of five green buttonwoods the city planted for Arbor Day, celebrated April 28. The trees were donated by the Osceola chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and planted along the beachline of the Anna Maria City Pier parking lot, 100 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

Girls rule Girls big and small form a conga line in the auditorium during the Anna Maria Elementary Princess Ball April 27.

The “princes” watched from the sidelines as the “princesses” pranced in rhythm around the room.

Father Michael Payne towers over his “princess,” daughter Piper Payne, during a slow dance at the Anna Maria Elementary Princess Ball April 27 in the school auditorium. The room was full of “princesses” and their “princes,” where the girls and their dates danced and took part in several conga lines. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

It’s a family affair at the Princess Ball for Sean Sparks, who dances with two daughters, Brianna, left, and little sister Alyssa. The girls enjoyed the evening with Dad, including refreshments and dancing.

THE ISLANDER n MAy 3, 2017 n 21

By Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org

AME school calendar

• 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, may 3, early release.

• 11:00 a.m. thursday, may 4, fourth-grade gardeners take in lunch at the Beach Bistro; third-grade estuary study.

• 9 a.m. friday, may 5, ame speech contest.

• 1 p.m. friday, may 5, april and may birthday book club, media center.

• thursday, may 11, fifth-grade trip to Walt disney World, orlando.

• 6 p.m. friday, may 12, ame-pto Spring gala, Seafood Shack neptune room, 4110 127th St. W., cortez.

• tuesday, may 16, kindergarten play, dinner 5 p.m., performance 6:30 p.m.

• friday, may 19, field day games. K-1 8:45 a.m.9:45 a.m., grades 2-3 10 a.m.-11 a.m., grades 4-5 12:40 p.m.-1:40 p.m.

• 9 a.m. thursday, may 25, awards assembly, auditorium.

• 11 a.m. thursday, may 25, fourth-grade beach trip.

• 12:30 p.m. friday, may 26, early release.

• monday, may 29, no school, memorial day.

• 11:30 a.m. tuesday, may 30, fifth-grade luncheon.

• 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, may 31, early release, last day of school for students. anna maria elementary is at 4700 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. for more information, call 941-7085525.

Kindergartners rolling on new wheels

Students take turns riding the new tricycles recently purchased by the Anna Maria Elementary ParentTeacher Organization for use during recess. Teacher Kelly Crawford said the trikes were a much-needed gift. Islander Courtesy Photo: Kelly Crawford

There’s a ‘Pajama Party coming to AME

the anna maria elementary kindergarten classes will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. tuesday, may 16, for a production of “pajama party” in the school auditorium. the ame-parent teacher organization will host a dinner before the play, beginning at 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria. the columbia restaurant will be serving chicken and yellow rice, black beans, a small 1905 salad, cuban bread and a drink. cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children. desserts provided by pto members will be available for a donation. pre-orders for the dinner must be turned in to the school’s front office by 3 p.m. on monday, may 15, and all pre-orders will be eligible to win one of four $25 gift cards to columbia restaurant. everyone is welcome. ame is at 4700 gulf drive, Holmes Beach.

Ted and Melissa Kerley, right, share breakfast with their adopted grandchildren, Sam Leister, front left, Bryanna Sparks, and Haven Kelly. The pair act as mentors to AME students in the Adopt-a-Grandparent program for youngsters whose grandparents do not live near or are not available.

Robert LaMastro, one of the Anna Maria Elementary adopting grandparents, fills his plate at the buffet breakfast held April 21 in the AME cafeteria. The Adopt-aGrandparent program pairs older adults with students whose grandparents are not available for activities. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

Roger Domme, left, focuses on food as his adopted “grandson” Nolan Stringer enjoys French toast at the Adopt-a-Grandparent breakfast at Anna Maria Elementary.

AME fourth-graders win summer Mote experience

Samantha Tagliente, left, Alayna Lundy, Maggie Yerkes and Kayla Simms from Anna Maria Elementary accept Mote Marine summer scholarships April 24 from Longboat Key Turtle Watch member Lucinda Hathaway, center. All the winners are fourth-graders.

Mote has given 25 scholarships to AME students within the past nine years. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Esformes

AMIHS awards local teen

Jack Heckler, high school senior, stands with Anna Maria Island Historical Society president Lynn Brennan April 26 as she names him the winner of an annual $2,000 scholarship. The money was raised from the seasonal sale of settler’s bread. Jack, who lives in Anna Maria, was accepted to three Florida universities and plans to major in history. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

22 n MAy 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Gathering

By Susan Huppert

Church schedules relax post-season

Sunday worship at roser memorial community church continues at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel and 10 a.m. in the sanctuary. a nursery is available during the 10 a.m. service. adult Sunday school class is at 8:45 a.m. at 512 pine ave., anna maria. the cortez church of christ, 12111 45th ave.

W., cortez, holds Bible study at 10 a.m. on Sundays, followed by worship at 11 a.m. and again at 5 p.m. the church meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday for midweek Bible study.

Obituaries

Wanda P. Fisher

Wanda p. fisher, 90, formerly of anna maria island, died april 18, in fort Worth, texas. She was born feb. 21, 1927, in ann arbor, michigan, the daughter of Henry t. Britten and Wilma o. (Short) Britten.

She attended high school in ann arbor. after graduation, she accepted a secretarial position with the u.S. department of the navy during World War ii and moved to Washington, d.c. in 1950, she became a stewardess for american airlines and was Fisher assigned to fly from chicago to dallas. as was the custom then, she cut her career short upon her marriage to Hal W. fisher of Howell, michigan, in 1952.

She resided in Brighton, michigan, for many years, raising daughter Bari and working for Brighton area Schools until her husband died in 1986.

Pastor Rosemary Wheeler Backer

WORSHIP WITH US SATURDAY AT 5 PM SUNDAY AT 9:30 AM Fellowship follows Sunday worship 6608 Marina Drive ~ Holmes Beach ~ 941-778-1813 www.gloriadeilutheran.com “All are welcome”

gloria dei Lutheran church holds worship at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. Sundays. additional opportunities include a women’s Bible study at 10 a.m. and experiencing christianity at 6:30 p.m. thursdays at 6608 marina drive, Holmes Beach. christ church of Longboat Key holds worship service Sundays at 10 a.m. Weekly Bible studies for men are mondays at 9 a.m. at the presbyterian church at 6400 gulf of mexico drive, Longboat Key. crosspointe fellowship offers Sunday worship at 9 a.m., followed by study and fellowship in Life groups at 10:30 a.m. Sunday Kid’s adventure is at 9 a.m., with life groups at 10:30 a.m. a traditional service with music and hymns is Saturday at 5 p.m. at the church, 8605 gulf drive, Holmes Beach.

Harvey memorial community church, 300 church St., Bradenton Beach, is an interdenominational church that worships Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Bible study is thursdays at 11a.m.

Longboat island chapel, a christian-based interfaith community church, offers Sunday services of communion and Healing at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. at

always looking for adventure, she moved to anna maria island in 1988 to live on the beach. She took up golf, adopted chuck, her long-time furry companion, and sang in the choir at roser memorial community church. after eight years of enjoying island life, she moved to the Villages. While living there until 2013, she enjoyed golfing, going to movies and game night with friends.

Health issues brought her back to texas to live with her daughter and son-in-law. there will be a private service in Howell, michigan. memorial donations may be made to community Hospice of texas/Hospice House downtown fort Worth via chot.org.

She is survived by daughter Bari; son-in-law Bill; grandson Kevin and wife Jendi; and great-grandson carson.

Donald John Jablonski

donald John Jablonski, 82, of anna maria, died april 22. He was born nov. 12, 1934, in essexville, michigan, and was raised in Bay city, michigan.

He also resided in arlington, Virginia, Washington, d.c., and potomac, maryland.

He was a 1953 graduate of Bay city central High School in michigan and a 1959 graduate of Southeastern university in Washington, d.c.

He served in the u.S. navy during the Korean War, assigned to the naval inspector general office in the pentagon.

He served as president and treasurer of the Bethesda-chevy chase, maryland, exchange club for many years.

He also worked an auditor for capital airlines All asare welcome inc., as senior accountant with advanced communications engineering and costs accountant with Selma field engineering Services. He then moved to assistant

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6200 gulf of mexico drive, Longboat Key. St. Bernard catholic church celebrates daily mass at 8:30 a.m. Weekend mass is Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Saturday Vigil is at 4 p.m. 248 S. Harbor drive, Holmes Beach, the episcopal church of the annunciation offers Sunday eucharist rite i service at 8 a.m., followed by rite ii at 10:30 a.m. a eucharist and healing prayer service is thursdays at 9:30 a.m. the church is at 4408 gulf drive, Holmes Beach.

Islander archive 24/7

Some years ago, the islander was invited to take part in a digital newspaper pilot project with the university of florida george a. Smathers Libraries.

We started by sending the electronically produced pdf files from the newspaper to library technicians, who then included the islander — from 2005 forward — in the library’s database. next, we donated our collection of printed newspapers covering from the first edition in 1992 up to the electronic era of 2005. it took a few years, but it’s all on the uoff digital library site now, all searchable by key word, name or date. it’s simple, easy and available 24/7. there’s 24 years, 52 weeks a year, cover to back, the complete collection of the islander, online at ufdc.ufl.edu.

You’ll find the islander at the uoff library among the digital stacks, now and into the future.

Weekly. comptroller with federation of american Societies for experimental Biology, senior associate executive vice president with the american college of cardiology and his final position as the first executive director of american Society of nuclear cardiology. in 1999, he developed Hodgkin’s disease and went through treatments. over the next 17 years, he developed five more cancers. a service will be at 11 a.m. monday, may 8 at Sarasota national cemetery, 9810 State road 72, Sarasota. Brown & Sons funeral Homes and crematory 43rd Street chapel is in charge of arrangements. condolences may be made online at brownandsonsfuneral.com. memorial donations may be made to H. Lee moffitt center and research institute in tampa or a local veterans service organization. mr. Jablonski also asked that memorials be made giving a flower or making a call to a relative or friend.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Hellen “pat;” daughter pamela Jablonski; son tim Jablonski; grandson Lorenzo Whitfield; step-children Bernie neumaster and terry and husband david neumaster; daughter-in-law Shelly; son-in-law Lorenzo H. Whitfield and son-in-law randy Bell.

At your service

obituaries are provided as a community service in The islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to anna maria island. information may be submitted to news@ islander.org. paid obituaries are available by calling sales rep toni Lyon at 941-778-7978.

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THE ISLANDER n May 3, 2017 n 23

Anna Maria resident Mary Seine celebrates her 90th birthday April 22 with a party attended by friends and family at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Happy 90

Cupcakes are arranged to read “90,” alongside flowers and gifts, all for Mary Seine, April 22 at Roser Memorial Community Church. Islander Photos: Courtesy Peggy Nash

RIGHT: Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, left, and Anna Maria Commissioner Dale Woodland, right, present Mary Seine with a plaque declaring April 22 as “Mary Louise Seine Day” in honor of her 90th birthday. Seine has spent years advocating for increased bicycling to keep cars off the road. She often can be spotted biking, wearing a safety vest that reads “One Less Car.”

Mary Seine rides through Anna Maria and Holmes Beach wearing her signature “One Less Car” safety vest.

Islander File Photo

Dems to meet at IMG for lunch, ACLU program

Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players will hold a final meeting of the season at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 10, at IMG Academy Golf Club, 3450 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton.

There will be a buffet lunch and a performance by the State College of Florida Presidential Quartet.

Visitors are always welcome.

For more information and reservations, call Nancy Ambrose at 941-518-4431.

The Anna Maria Island Democratic Club will meet at 11 a.m. Monday, May 15, at the IMG Academy Clubhouse, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton.

There will be a luncheon and a program, with Howard Simon, the Florida director of the American Civil Liberties Union, talking about “The Challenge to Political Rights in 2017.”

For the luncheon, registration was required by May 1.

This will be the club’s final meeting of the winterspring season.

For more information, call Bill McGrath at 941761-4017.

A woman from Tampa claimed April 28 she didn’t know it’s illegal to drive on the beach. The car was towed from the beach between 67th and 68th streets in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Melissa Williams

Holmes Beach Police officers responded to a call about a disabled car on the beach between 67th and 68th streets at 6:30 a.m. the morning of April 28 to find the vehicle stranded in the sand.

The driver, Casandra Gill, 25, of Tampa, said neither she nor her passenger, Erick Santiago, saw the sign prohibiting vehicles on the beach.

HBPD Officer Steve Ogline and Sgt. Vern McGowin investigated. But because the vehicle had a temporary tag, the registration was in another name, and Gill could not provide proof of ownership, a tow vehicle was called.

Tracks showed the vehicle was driven onto the beach at 67th Street and Gill admitted being the driver.

However, because the officers did not see anyone driving the vehicle, Gill received only a citation for violating a city ordinance.

Holmes Beach police confront driver on beach

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Cops & Court

By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

HBPD arrests Bradenton man in stolen vehicle

Shattered windows and a screwdriver in the ignition of a 2005 Dodge Caravan alerted Holmes Beach police to a stolen vehicle.

Richard Wiley II, 28, of Bradenton was arrested April 25 on a felony grand theft charge after HBPD determined the vehicle had been reported stolen in November 2016 from a Manatee County apartment complex Wiley in the 3700 block of Manatee Avenue West.

Wiley was stopped by Officer Jason Higgins at 3:49 p.m. while driving southbound near the East Bay Drive-Gulf Drive intersection.

Wiley told police the owner’s daughter “could A shattered front and rear window and a screwdriver in the ignition of a 2005 Dodge Caravan helped Holmes Beach police determine a van was stolen on a motorist stop on East Bay Drive. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

clear this up.”

According to Higgins’ report, Wiley told police the van had been abandoned in his backyard “for some time” and a neighbor helped him hotwire it so he could get to work.

At the scene, HBPD Detective Sgt. Brian Hall said Higgins “found the guy driving around in it,” noting it was the officer’s second felony grand theft arrest of the week.

The vehicle was towed.

Wilkes was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was booked and posted a $1,500 bond.

His arraignment is set for 9 a.m. Friday, May 26, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

2 boaters arrested for burglary

A couple who live on a vessel named Faith were arrested for burglary.

Ryan Bloesch and Nicole Green, both 35, were arrested April 5 by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for a March burglary at Parrot Cove Marina, 11510 36th Ave. W. Bloesch and Green list their addresses as “Faith,” anchored in Bloesch March and April near Cortez.

According to an MCSO report, Green told authorities she entered into an agreement with a mechanic at the marina to repair her Mercury 3.5 horsepower motor.

The report states the marina was Green burglarized March 20-21 and the only items taken were Green’s outboard motor and the marina’s yellow beach cart.

Witnesses reported having seen Green and Bloesch walking with the motor in the cart on 115th Street near the marina, according to the MCSO report.

A judge issued warrants for their arrests in April and deputies located the suspects and booked them at the Manatee County jail.

According to MCSO, Green confessed to being present during the burglary.

They each posted a $1,500 bond and were released from jail. Arraignment hearings for Bloesch and Green are set at 9 a.m. Friday, May 5, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

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StreetLife from page 24 work as she’d told him. The man came to her workplace and the two argued, but it did not turn physical.

Both parties left on the trolley together.

April 14, Bayfront Park, 202 N. Bay Blvd., larceny. An unknown person took $3 off a table.

Anna Maria is policed by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Bradenton Beach April 23, 2100 block of Avenue B, theft. A 55-inch flat-screen TV was stolen and a pool pump was broken in a rented property. The loss was estimated at $1,300.

April 24, 400 Gulf Drive, leaving scene. At about midnight, a Bradenton motorist crashed into a tree. The driver and a passenger ran away from an accident. Police found them hiding in the backyard in the 100 block of Third Street. The unlicensed driver gave police a sworn statement he crashed his mother’s 1995 BMW into a tree and was advised by others to run. According to his statement, he made a “poor decision.”

April 26, North Boat Ramp, 1400 Gulf Drive S., stolen tag. A woman who left her vehicle and went kayaking came back to find her license plate stolen.

The bolts were found behind the vehicle.

Bradenton Beach is policed by the Bradenton Beach Police Department.

Cortez April 11, 3800 block of 115th Street Court West, found property. A caller found a bicycle on the road, picked it up and put it next to a tree. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded and looked for its owner, but was unsuccessful. The bicycle was taken to a MCSO property locker.

April 14, 11600 block of 36th Avenue West, battery. Manatee County sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic disturbance. A woman alleged a man slapped her, causing her to fall and hit her head. The man denied the allegation, saying the woman fell off a bench. The man was arrested.

April 14, Seafood Shack, defrauding innkeeper. A man docked his boat overnight and left without paying

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Stolen car leads HBPD to meth bust

The wrong tag on a Volkswagen sedan led Holmes Beach police to arrest Nolan Wilkes, 31, of Sarasota, for stealing the vehicle and trafficking meth.

Wilkes was arrested April 20 after Officer Jason Higgins observed a vehicle exiting the parking lot at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, and determined the car, which was previously silver but had been spray-painted black, was stolen from Manatee County.

Wilkes Higgins stopped the vehicle and identified Wilkes as the driver in the 700 block of Manatee Avenue.

The officer learned Wilkes was a habitual offender without a driver’s license, who was wanted on a Manatee County probation violation.

Due to two passengers in the vehicle “acting nervous and fidgety,” the report states, Higgins asked the occupants if there were drugs in the vehicle.

“There’s a red pouch underneath the seat and it may contain meth,” Wilkes responded. “I found it at

the beach,” according to the police report.

Police released the passengers after they told Higgins they didn’t know Wilkes that well.

A search of the vehicle revealed three cellphones, three bags of meth and six syringes in a red pouch, “an extraordinary amount” of plastic bags “consistent with someone selling” drugs, two bags of crystal meth and a small bag of marijuana, according to the police report.

The weight of the meth was 16.1 grams.

Inside the car, police also found a stack of credit cards, rewards cards and identification cards with various names.

The vehicle was stolen from Bayshore on the Lake condominiums in the 2200 block of 38th Avenue West in Bradenton. It was towed from the scene.

Wilkes was taken to Manatee County jail by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

He was assigned a $53,620 bond April 21 at his first court appearance.

Wilkes was in custody April 28, pending a 9 a.m.

Friday, May 19, arraignment at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

the $50 fee to the dock master.

April 15, on Sarasota Bay at 127th and 129th streets, suspicious incident. A man and woman were reported cutting through yards in neighborhood. A pressure washer was found on the shore, processed for fingerprints and taken by MCSO a property locker.

April 17, on Sarasota Bay at 127th and 129th streets, suspicious incident. An anonymous caller told police a man and a woman from an anchored boat offshore loaded a dingy with items, including a bicycle trailer.

Cortez is policed by the MCSO. Holmes Beach April 20, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, probation violation/marijuana possession/child abuse.

Stopped for speeding, a 21-year-old Sarasota man was arrested for violating his probation and misdemeanor

marijuana possession and child abuse. Holmes Beach police found alcohol and 3.7 grams of marijuana in the vehicle and determined one of two minors in the backseat had been drinking from the man’s bottle of rum. The minors were released to their parents. The man also was ticketed for open container.

April 22, 100 block of 52nd Street, theft. An owner reported her I-phone and case stolen from her bag while she went swimming. The phone and case were valued at $1,120.

April 25, 5300 block of Marina Drive, theft. A men’s bicycle, valued at $500, was stolen after it was retrieved five days after it was left locked behind the hardware store.

Holmes Beach is policed by the HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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26 n MAy 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

AMITW preps beachfront for turtle nesting season

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By chrisann Silver esformes islander reporter it’s time for islanders to share the beach. “the goal is for it to be safe for humans and sea turtles,” anna maria island turtle Watch and Shorebird monitoring executive director Suzi fox said april 25.

“You can’t have one without the other.”

Sea turtle nesting season — may 1-oct. 31 — has begun, and fox is ensuring beachfront properties are aware of turtle protection laws, safety practices and fitted with turtle-friendly lighting as nesting females make their way to anna maria island beaches. during nesting season, outdoor lights must be kept low and shielded and curtains and blinds must be closed after dark to keep indoor light from spilling onto the beach, which can distract nesting sea turtles and hatchlings away from their instincts. mature female sea turtles only come ashore for several hours to nest at night, then return to the gulf of mexico. any distractions — often light coming from the wrong direction — can be deadly. the turtles instinctively follow the reflection of light on the water after their nesting attempt.

However, fox also looks out for human safety. “outdoor lights need to shine on the ground so people can see where they are going,” fox said. “people don’t walk on the side of a building, they walk on the ground.”

She met april 24 after dark with staff at Bungalow

Beach resort, 2000 gulf drive n., to make sure their lights were in compliance. the night inspection was the first part of a threephase project to update the resort’s outdoor lighting. fox went back to Bungalow Beach the next morning with fixtures and turtle-friendly bulbs — purchased with grant funds — to help update the property. “i knew this property would be a simple fix,” fox said. “i wanted to use some of the last of what i still

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had from the Bp grant to prove this can be done without spending a lot of money.” the final phase will involve c.J. Hahn of Synergy Lighting, a Bradenton-based lighting company, who will inspect the property with fox to determine what other fixtures, if any, should be installed.

But the work doesn’t stop with changing bulbs and fixtures. resort management is responsible for educating guests at check-in about turtle-friendly practices. guests are asked to turn off lights or shut curtains to block light visible from the shoreline after dark. they also are asked to collect their beach gear at the end of the day, removing any equipment that could become a barrier to nesting sea turtles. and they must fill in holes on the beach that could pose a hazard for turtles and humans. “the people get to play a part in saving sea turtles,” fox said. “and everyone wants to see a sea turtle and the best way to do that is to keep your place dark at night.”

Bungalow Beach resort general manager anastasia tietjen agrees with fox.

“We’re giving them the turtle-watch handouts, but will also be able to have conversations about the sea turtles with our guests,” tietjen said. “it will be great to learn about sea turtles as we educate the public.” for more information about amitW, or to report a sick, injured or dead sea turtle, contact fox at suzilfox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

04/17 Turtle Watch shells out nesting plans 5-8 PM Sea turtle nesting season on anna maria island began may 1 and anna maria island turtle Watch and 04/18 Shorebird monitoring is getting the word out.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch executive director 5-8 PM amitW volunteers are distributing handouts to Suzi Fox points April 25 to the shielded side of an resorts, residents and businesses on the island. outdoor lighting fixture at Bungalow Beach Resort, 04/19 the handouts educate people on turtle-friendly 2000 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Islander practices and include door-hangers, stickers, postcards Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes 5-8 PM and a card that promotes a “turtle eye.” it contains a small filter that when held up to a light source, can help 04/20 determine if a light bulb is sea turtle-friendly. $2 @ The 5-8 PM Islander, all but the turtle’s eye are available to download 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB. at www.islandturtlewatch.com/lighting/.

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THE ISLANDER n MAy 3, 2017 n 27

Artist and enviornmentalist Linda Molto wades in the water to examine marine life among the mangroves at an a area proposed for a development named area Penninsula Bay in Cortez.

Islander File Photo

By Lisa Neff

By the bay

the developer for a mega-development on the coastline of Sarasota Bay maintains dredging a 2.5mile lagoon — 8 feet deep and 150 feet wide — and construction of a seawall behind the lagoon will preserve and protect the mangroves. and pigs will fly, joining the pelicans overhead in a display of aerial acrobatics at aqua By the Bay. regular readers of the islander likely are familiar with reporter Kathy prucnell’s ongoing coverage of the proposal from developers carlos Neff Beruff and Larry Lieberman to build aqua By the Bay, a large-scale, mixed-use project on the shore near el conquistador parkway in Bradenton. the manatee county Board of commissioners will consider a general development plan for aqua By the Bay at 1:30 p.m. thursday, may 4, at their manatee county administrative center chambers, 1112 manatee ave., W., Bradenton. the project — just a few miles from cortez and anna maria island — would involve constructing 2,894 homes, commercial space and 13-story and five-story buildings, in addition to dredging a lagoon and running seawalls the length of the shoreline. also desired by the developers of the buildup — rezoning of 191 acres and establishing a mitigation bank for the submerged lands to take credits from areawide developers for destroying other natural habitat. the aqua By the Bay website attempts to color the development as beneficial to the environment — 98.5 percent of what exists on the coastline will be preserved, “displaced mangroves will be replanted” somewhere and seagrass beds will be improved by decreasing pollutants, removing “nuisance species,” restricting propeller motors and replanting seagrass. oh, and flying pigs provide terrific fertilizer. for good reason, opponents of aqua By the Bay staged a protest april 29, which i noticed coincided with the global people’s climate march for the envi-

ronment. their big-picture concern is aqua By the Bay threatens the mangroves and seagrasses of Long Bar pointe, where avian and aquatic species flourish. not far from the aqua By the Bay site is another project perpetrated by Beruff, Legends Bay, where environmental watchdogs have concerns for the slashing of mangrove trees and a destructive disregard for nature. one of the first lessons i learned about natural florida is mangrove trees stabilize the coastline and their intricate, dense, tangle of roots provides vital habitat for marine and wildlife. the florida department of environmental protection, on its website, says this about the trees: “the relationship between mangroves and their associated marine life cannot be overemphasized. mangroves provide protected nursery areas for fishes, crustaceans and shellfish. they also provide food for a multitude of marine species, such as snook, snapper, tarpon, jack, sheepshead, red drum, oyster and shrimp. …many animals find shelter either in the roots or branches of mangroves. mangrove branches are rookeries, or nesting areas, for beautiful coastal birds, such as brown pelicans and roseate spoonbills.” these trees — protected by state and local regulations — thrive in salty environments because they can obtain freshwater from saltwater. But they face threats — without question, the most severe being human impact — harvesting for hard wood, clearing for agriculture, poisoning with chemicals and destroying for development.

Did you know? the word “mangrove” is derived from “mangue,” the portuguese word for “tree” and the english word “grove.” three of 50 species of the trees are found in florida — the red, black and white mangroves.

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28 n May 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Beach House crowned spring Super Bowl champs at center

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter Beach House Real Estate’s defense kept the normally explosive Tyler’s Ice Cream quarterback Ray Gardner in check and the Beach House offense also came through to earn a 21-2 victory April 27 in the championship game of the adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Beach House quarterback Don Purvis had a solid game, completing 11 passes for 140 yards and a pair of touchdown passes, while also rushCassidy ing for 35 yards and a touchdown.

Jesse Griffin was his favorite target, finishing with five catches for 80 yards, including a touchdown reception and three flag pulls and an interception on defense.

Shawn Kaleta added to the scoring for Beach House with a touchdown reception and an extra-point catch, finishing with 20 receiving yards.

Jon Moss of Beach House added three catches for 40 yards, including an extra point and a 2-point conversion. Jason Mickan helped the defense in the victory with two interceptions to go with two flag pulls.

Gardner was limited to 45 passing yards, 25 rushing yards and was victimized by a pair of costly interceptions, though he did account for the only scoring

by Tyler’s when he got a flag pull in the endzone for a safety. Christina Calvary was the leading receiver for Tyler’s, finishing with three catches for 30 yards.

Beach House Real Estate advanced to the championship showdown thanks to a 33-20 victory over Beach to Bay Construction.

Purvis threw for 170 yards, including a touchdown and 3 extra points, while also rushing for 80 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Jon Moss also had a big game, throwing for 20 yards, running for 40 yards, and adding 20 receiving yards to finish with a pair of touchdowns and an extra point. Kaleta led all receivers with 85 yards and finished with a touchdown reception.

Beach to Bay quarterback Tim Shaughnessy threw for 145 yards, including three touchdown passes and a pair of extra points. Caleb Roberts finished with 45 receiving yards and a pair of touchdown catches. A touchdown reception by Brianna Roberts and a pair of extra point receptions from Jacob Berger completed the Beach to Bay scoring in the loss.

Tyler’s Ice Cream edged Moss Builders 20-19 to

advance to the finale behind Gardner as quarterback.

He threw for 75 yards, a touchdown and an extra point, while also adding 40 rushing and receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. KB Belton was his favorite receiver, finishing with four catches for 40 yards including a touchdown and an extra point. Christina Calvary completed the scoring with an extra-point catch, finishing with 15 receiving yards.

Moss Builders was led by Ryan Moss, who threw for 110 yards, a pair of touchdown passes and an extra point. Lexi Sato finished with 40 receiving yards and a touchdown while Eric Gledhill added a touchdown catch and finished with 20 receiving yards.

An interception return for a touchdown by Scott Rudacille and an extra-point catch by Nick Sato completed the Moss Builders scoring in the loss.

Early standings tight in youth soccer Three out of four teams have the same record in the 8-10 division of the youth recreational soccer league at the center after three weeks of action. The trio is in a tie for second place behind 3-0 Truly Nolen. Slim’s Place, Progressive Cabinetry and Wash Family Construction follow with matching 1-2 records.

While Truly Nolen has an early lead in the standings, the April 29 matchup between Nolen and Progressive Cabinetry hints the season will tighten up.

Truly Nolen won the 6-5 decision on Jack Mattick’s five goals. Lily Kawahata added a goal, while Lincoln Sauls finished with an assist and Victor Albrecht made four saves in goal.

Ewen Cloutier scored three goals and Jackson Pakbaz added two goals to lead the way for Progressive in the loss.

A second game April 29 saw Wash Family Construction outscore Slim’s Place 9-6 behind six goals from Riley Lawson and two goals and an assist from Banks Beukema. Jason McGee added a goal and an assist, while Dalton Fox finished with seven saves.

Five goals from Aiden Templeton and a goal from Gregory Jordan paced Slim’s Place, which also received assists from Bert Vortuba and Gabe Hoover in the loss.

The two-team 11-14 division has Sign-A-Rama on top at 2-1 and Salty Printing on the flip-side at 1-2.

Sign-A-Rama outlasted Salty Printing 3-1 during their April 29 matchup. Jackie Schlossberg scored two goals and Tyler Brewer added one to lead SignWomen golfers at KRC play with a “twist”April 25, employing a 25-inch string to shorten their strokes. Islander Photo: Courtesy Marty Clark

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Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

May 3 May 4 May 5 May 6 May 7 May 8 May 9 May 10

AM

9:22a 9:45a 10:09a 10:32a 10:53a 11:13a 12:24a 1:07a

HIGH

1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1 1.6 1.6

PM

6:19p 8:09p 9:35p 10:42p 11:37p — 11:31a 11:50a

HIGH

1.9 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 — 2.2 2.3

AM

LOW

PM

LOW

Moon

1:06a -0.1 12:34p 1.4 1st 2:07a 0.1 2:29p 1.2 2:59a 0.2 3:41p 0.9 3:42a 0.4 4:34p 0.6 4:18a 0.5 5:17p 0.4 4:48a 0.7 5:54p 0.2 5:14a 0.8 6:29p 0.0 5:36a 0.9 7:02p -0.1 Full

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

Southernaire Fishing Charters

A-Rama to the victory.

Maggie Walejko scored the lone goal for Salty in the loss on an assist from Ava Zink.

Key Royale golf news The Key Royale Club men kicked off the week’s golf action with a nine-hole, modified-Stableford system match April 24.

The trio of Barry Izzard, John Kolojeski and Greg Shorten all posted plus-4s to finish in a three-way tie for first place. The team of Jon Holcomb, Jack Lowery, Wayne Patterson and Dave Richardson combined on a plus-7 to win the team competition.

The women played a nine-hole, individual-low-net match with an added twist in four flights April 25. Each participant had 25 inches of string to improve their shots. A player could, for instance, come up 9 inches short on a putt, cut off 9 inches of string and, poof, the putt is in the cup.

Pam Lowry fired a 5-under-par 27 to edge Andi Saia and Helen Pollock for first place by one stroke.

Saia took second after a card-off broke the tie.

Flight B saw Tootie Wagner, Sharon Tarras and Sue Wheeler all carded 6-under-par 26s, but Wagner got first place via the tiebreaker and Tarras took second place over Wheeler in the second tiebreaker.

Barb Harold was the outright winner of Flight C after posting a 6-under-par 26 to finish a stroke ahead of second place finisher Rita Allen. Jan Turner finished alone in third with a 4-under-par 28.

Janet Razze and Judy Hutton both carded 5-underpar 27s, but Razze took first place in a tiebreaker.

Wendy Holcomb was alone in third place with a 4-under-par 28.

The men were back on the course April 27 for a nine-hole scramble. The team of John Estok, Chet Hutton, Art McMillan and Dan Richardson combined on a 6-under-par 26 to win the day’s clubhouse bragging rights.

Horseshoe news There were two outright winners during last week’s horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. Action April 26 saw Tim Sofran and Bob Lee post the lone 3-0 pool play record, while the April 29 games saw Gene Bobeldyk and Tom Skoloda do the same.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Everyone is welcome.

Don’t miss Kids Karate competition The Center of Anna Maria and Gladiator Dojo will host the Kid’s Karate Island Championship 1-3 p.m.

Saturday, May 6.

The entry fee is $10 for all levels, ages 4-12, and spectators are welcome.

For more information, contact Sensei Omar Schwanzer at gladiatordojo@gmail.com or 727-7413992.

Sign up now for adult soccer The center is open for player registration until May 6 in its adult co-ed soccer league. Cost is $5 for members and $120 for non-members.

Players can register at www.centerami.org or at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Player evaluations will be held at 7 p.m. May 9 and the draft will immediately follow. The season will kick off May 18. Sponsors are welcome.

For more information, contact recreation director Will Schenerlein at will@centerami.org or 941-7781908, ext. 9205.

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THE ISLANDER n MAy 3, 2017 n 29

Inshore, offshore fishing heats up with rising temps

By capt. danny Stasny islander reporter it may not be summer, but it sure is hot. and the fishing is fired up around anna maria island — holding strong in both the backcountry and offshore. flats fishing for catch-and-release snook is pretty darn good as long as the tide is moving. the same can be said for the hunt for spotted seatrout.

Live shiners cast into sandy potholes in areas with deep grass areas are a surefire way to get onto these fish.

Stasny redfish are being caught, although not with the same frequency as the snook and trout. offshore fishing for migratory fish — amberjack, kingfish and cobia — is heating up, although you may have to travel some distance to get to the bite. in the 8- to 10-mile range is a good place to start looking.

Blackfin tuna are being found around wrecks in the 15-20 mile range. on my own fishing excursions with Southernaire charters, i’m staying in the backcountry to target catchand-release snook — the season ended for snook may 1 — as well as spotted seatrout and redfish. i’m seeing an occasional flounder, as well as numerous bluefish, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel and ladyfish. for bait, live shiners are my go-to since pretty much everything we target this time of year will eat them. i’m also using crabs for bait when i come across a finicky redfish that won’t take a shiner. redfish up to 34 inches are coming to the boat.

Lastly, although it’s a little early, i’m starting to see rogue tarpon milling among the deeper grass flats of both tampa and Sarasota bays. most sightings are singles or doubles, which could be targetable to those ever-patient tarpon anglers in the flats boats who are willing to sit all morning at anchor just to get a shot at jumping a silver king. capt. Warren girle is working the flats of Sarasota Bay. Spotted seatrout are the most prominent species being caught by his clients on the deep grass flats with sandy potholes and good tidal flow. these are prime areas to target dinner trout. girle’s choice of bait is live shiners either free-lined or fished under a popping cork. also on the flats, girle is seeing numerous snook. rallies of catch-and-release snook are occurring during morning incoming tides on shallow flats where oyster bars or mangrove shorelines are present. Live, freelined shiners are producing the bite. most catches are running 20-24 inches, with larger fish in the mix. capt. aaron Lowman is putting his anglers to work on the deep grass flats in southern tampa Bay. a variety of species, including Spanish mackerel, bluefish and

Jack Martin of Perico Bay Club shows off a 31-inch bull red he caught while fishing the flats April 20 with Capt. Danny Stasny of Southernaire Fishing Charters. spotted seatrout, are being caught in these areas. Live, free-lined shiners are the bait of choice. Slot-size trout and keeper mackerel are going in the cooler, while the bluefish are quickly released to swim another day. on the shallower flats, Lowman is finding an abundance of catch-and-release snook. free-lined live shiners cast into sandy potholes are quickly being devoured by hungry schooley-sized snook. the 24-inch linesiders are both aggressive and eager to eat a shiner with a hook through its nose. capt. rick gross of fishy Business charters is catching redfish throughout the day-charter range. redfish hotspots include areas where oyster bars are present or some other means of structure exist in the

shallows, whether it be a dock, seawall or mangrove shoreline. to get a bite, gross is casting live free-lined shiners in areas where he can see the fish or where they are likely. Slot-fish in the 18- to 27-inch range are being caught. catch-and-release snook fishing is going well for gross, which is not a surprise. gross is a seasoned snook angler of more than 30 years. many under-slot fish are being caught by clients using shiners as bait.

Slot-size snook are gently released until next season — starting Sept. 1.

Jim malfese at the rod & reel pier is seeing redfish being caught. most catches are occurring on live shrimp, although pinfish or shiners are working, too. all reds being caught are over the maximum size of 27 inches. fish up to 34 inches are not uncommon. catch-and-release snook also are hooking up with anglers at anna maria’s northern-most pier. the bite has really turned on now that snook season is closed. most catches are occurring at night or in the early morning just prior to sunrise. capt. Jason Stock is in pursuit of big game in the nearshore and offshore waters west of anna maria island. cobia are making a showing around wrecks and reefs. amberjack are making their presence known.

Live baits such as shiners, pinfish or cigar minnows are attracting the bite to Stock’s boat. Kingfish also are coming to these baits. permit, Stock’s specialty, are being found on calm days when the gulf is slick. Live crabs sight-cast to these fish are resulting in multiple hookups, with fish up to 30 pounds being caught and released. capt. david White of anna maria charters is spending his days with a fly rod in hand. By use of the well-known clouser minnow patterns, White is teasing some of the schooley snook as well as some big trout and redfish to take the bait. Jack crevalle are another popular species to catch on fly. for one, they bite readily and two, they put up a fantastic fight when hooked. moving offshore, White is live-bait fishing for kingfish, blackfin tuna and catch-and-release gag grouper.

Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

TideWatch

Red tide at background levels

Alison, Drew, Katelyn and Heidi Sawyer from Wisconsin fished April 19 in Sarasota Bay with Capt.

Warren Girle. The used shiners for bait and their catch included trout, flounder and yellowtail jacks.

jmsnookykyayakcharters.com 23’ Custom Hanson Bay & Kayak Charters

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30 n MAy 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

isl

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Tasty temptations meet funky designs on AMI

I spy a pie andrea Spring’s pies are almost legendary. after baking her way to numerous national awards for top tasty pies, Spring has opened her own shop, Mermaid Pies and Produce, 10115 cortez road W., cortez, which previously was connie’s produce. as the name indicates, the storefront offers fresh produce in addition to the pies. Spring’s desserts are known around the island — she baked for the Bradenton country club, the Beach Bistro and Sign of the mermaid in anna maria, which she operated with then-husband, ed Spring. mermaid pies is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. mondaySaturday. for more information, call 941-254-4783.

Funky is as funky does Holmes Beach has another newcomer in funky island essentials, newly opened at 5702 marina drive. the shop specializes in barn doors and also carries hand-painted furniture and accessories, decor, one-of-a-kind art and indoor/outdoor swings. funky island essentials also offers interior design services for an island abode. for more information, call

Holmes Beach RE/MAX Alliance Group co-owner Ron Travis, left, and Peter Crowley, right, present the Florida Region Manager of the Year award to managing broker Jeff Prater. Island Courtesy Photo 941-877-1050 or visit the website at www.funkyisland. com.

It’s going to get smoky in Bradenton Beach though details remain sketchy, a husband/wife team of andy and Heidi Kubes have signed a lease to open AMi smoqehouse at the site of the old island Spice restaurant, 1701 gulf drive, Bradenton Beach. the website states the Smoqehouse, with two locations in minnesota, will open its island doors this summer. the eatery will feature smoked beef, pork, chicken, handcrafted sandwiches, salads, soups and specials. for more information, visit the website at www.smo-

Bill Mergens, left, Mike LaPensee, Lisa Hlywa and Karen LaPensee talk in the shade during the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce outdoor mixer April 26 at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

AMIHS president Lynn Brennan announced the AMIHS scholarship winners at the event. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

qehouse.com.

Kudos.

The Re/MAX Alliance Group was recently awarded a company community citizenship award and total Volume achievement award. the group is co-owned by ron travis of Holmes Beach and peter crowley, with an office at 5316 marina drive, Holmes Beach, in Sarasota, Bradenton and as far south as englewood. the community citizenship award is presented to a re/max brokerage in appreciation of its commitment to community, its efforts to impact the lives of others and its dedication to the re/max organization. the total Volume achievement award recognizes a company and associates for conducting business with pride and making a significant impact on the local market.

Jeff prater, one of the alliance group’s brokers, was named the florida region manager of the Year.

Melissa Williams, left, Frank Williams, Toni Lyons and Sherri Proctor, kneeling, take part in the 2016 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce golf outing. This year’s event will begin with a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 19, at the IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton. Islander File Photo

Bradenton Beach Commissioner John Chappie, left, greets Nancy Ambrose at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce monthly mixer April 26 at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedi

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

EXCELLENCE IS A HABIT

EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS 43 Years of Professional Service to Anna Maria Island

Heron’s Watch 10 minutes to beaches. 4 BR + Den. Excellently maintained, tastefully decorated. MLS A4142821. $373,900.

101-103 26th St. W. BUILD NEW with river view, keep historical cottage. $419,000.

VACATION/SEASONAL RENTALS GULFFRONT PROPERTIES BOOKING NOW 941-778-0807

SALES & RENTALS Solid Reputation All Locals & Family Owned for 38 Years Courteous Personal Service Dependable & Consistent

Mike Norman Realty 800-367-1617 • 941-778-6696 31O1 GULF DR HOLMES BEACH www.mikenormanrealty.com sales@mikenormanrealty.com

INC

Expansive Gulf Views

tdolly1@yahoo.com • www.tdollyyoungrealestate.com

2600 Gulf Drive N, 13 Anna Maria Island Club Bradenton Beach, FL • 2 Bed | 2 Bath • Complete remodel • Gulf-front covered patio • Gulf-front master suite

Offered at: $849,000

HOLLY SWITOW

941.735.3186

Sotheby’s International Realty£ and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

THE ISLANDER n MAy 3, 2017 n 31

BizCal

An opening is again delayed as construction continues at the Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Swinging spring chamber events in May

the may sunrise breakfast for the anna maria island chamber of commerce early birds will start at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, may 10, at Water’s edge of Bradenton Senior Living, 3229 19th St. W., Bradenton. the cost to attend is $8 for members and $16 for perspective members. the ami chamber golf outing begins at 11:30 a.m. friday, may 19, at the img academy golf club, 4350 el conquistador pkwy., Bradenton, with registration and lunch. a new ford mustang convertible is in the offing for anyone lucky enough to drive a hole-in-one during the tournament. dinner and a raffle will round out the evening. for more information, contact the chamber at 941778-1541 or visit the website at annamariaislandchamber.org. the chamber is located at 5313 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. the Longboat Key chamber of commerce may business after-hours “BaH” event will be at 5 p.m.

Real estate transactions thursday, may 11, at Lecolonne restaurant, 22 S.

By Jesse Brisson Boulevard of the presidents, St. armands circle. cost Special to the islander is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. appetiz305 74th St., unit 305, coconut cottages, Holmes ers will be served and a cash bar is available. the LBK chamber may 360 new member and Beach, a 1,676 sfla / 2,231 sfur 3bed/3½bath/1car chamber benefit refresher will be held at the chamber half duplex built in 2016 was sold 04/06/17, poseidon adventures on 75th St. LLc to office 8:30 a.m. tuesday, may 16. a free continental Wells financial LLc for $980,000; breakfast is included, but reservations are required. list $1,049,000. for more information, call 941-383-2466, visit 521 77th St., Holmes Beach, a the website at longboatkeychamber.com or the office 2,399 sfla / 3,155 sfur 3bed/2bath/2car at 5390 gulf of mexico drive, Suite 102, Longboat canalfront pool home built in 1971 on Key. Brisson a 9,580 sq ft lot was sold 04/07/17, Business news Harris to Houlas for $810,000. does your business celebrate achievements?

213 gladiolus St., anna maria, a 1,285 sfla / 2,948 maybe you’ve just opened the doors, received an sfur 2bed/2bath canalfront home built in 1986 on a award or recognition or staff deserves kudos. Submit 7,800 sq ft lot was sold 04/04/17, pontier to ginther your information to news@islander.org. for $692,500; list $749,000.

PropertyWatch

602 gladiolus St., anna maria, a 1,786 sfla / 4,392 sfur 2bed/1bath home built in 1977 on a 10,200 sq ft lot was sold 04/04/17, Hoffmann to Stepan for $555,000; list $600,000.

516 Villa rosa Way, anna maria, a vacant 7,566 sq ft lot was sold 04/12/17, fH anna maria LLc to comer for $535,000.

1301 Bay drive n., unit 4a, Bay Watch, Bradenton Beach, a 1,079 sfla / 1,225 sfur 2bed/2bath bayfront condo built in 1982 was sold 04/05/17, dykstra to Luxmore for $323,000; list $355,000.

1801 gulf drive n., unit 136, runaway Bay, Holmes Beach, a 1,080 sfla / 1,140 sfur 2bed/2bathcondo with shared pool built in 1978 was sold 04/05/17, Jones to mcLennan for $310,000; list $325,000.

3601 e. Bay drive, unit 213, Sandy pointe, Holmes Beach, a 1,003 sfla / 1,019 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1994 was sold 04/03/17, Boyter to Jehle for $264,000; list $268,000.

Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria, can be reached at 941-778-7244.

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 811 N Shore Drive Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4178184 $3,490,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 110 7th Street S Deborah Nelson 941-266-5900 A4184341 $2,200,000

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 524 Villa Rosa Way Kelly Baldwin 941-404-9396 A4173954 $1,395,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 217 Gladiolus Street Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4171119 $1,348,000

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 318 Bay Drive S 7 Ralph & Megg Faillace 713-9142 or 713-9144 A4178742 $1,195,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 615 N Point Drive Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4173388 $1,050,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 511 56th Street Toni Lyon 941-928-8735 A4182652 $895,000

B R A D E N TO N 62 Tidy Island Boulevard 62 Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4175602 $790,000

B R A D E N TO N 8224 8th Terrace NW Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4183622 $540,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 211 Elm Avenue A George Myers 941-224-6021 A4182668 $499,000

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

NEW CONSTRUCTION

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

OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM

michaelsaunders.com

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 516 Loquat Drive Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4176113 $895,000

RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 1003 Gulf Drive S 4 2 Bed 1 Bath $1,300

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

32 n MAy 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

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

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

CBC 1253471

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

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS ITEMS FOR SALE

GARAGE SALES Continued

NEW BEDROOM SUITE: End tables, patio furniture. Must go, best offer. Holmes Beach. 941725-4641.

HUGE DRIVEWAY SALE: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 5-6. Furniture, TVs, clothes, dishes, linens, bedding. Everything must go! 109 13th St. S., Bradenton Beach.

FIVE MID-CENTURY MODERN barstools, new, $100 each. Two used similar dining armchairs.

Excellent, $45 each. 941-778-7400.

BBQ: WEBER, LARGE, propane. Bit rusty, very good condition. Cover. North of Pine Avenue. $100, cash. 818-203 8997.

OFFICE FURNITURE: DESKS, file cabinets, $50 each. 941-356-1456.

References available • 941-720-7519

Bed: A bargain!

King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used.

941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net

COMPUTER: DELL DUAL core, refurbished, $60.

941-756-6728.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000.

See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

FOUR OAK OFFICE chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less.

FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org, fax toll-free 1-866-3629821. (limited time offer)

Island Limousine

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

941-779-0043 $YDLODEOH $We 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941.778.7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING: 7 p.m.

Thursday nights at Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. Contact number: 813-494-6518.

AdoptA-Pet

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.

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

SPONSORED BY

G A L E I N J E S T A C E T A L

M O T E T S S E A L P U P G E L A T O

ANSWERS TO MAY 3 PUZZLE A R I O S I

H O W H I G H T H E M O O N

M I S S E N D L A I T O V A L T I N E

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

C S H T A E R W A R R I D E N E D Y I E T N O T R A U P S E T

C H I N A

YOGA AND SPIRITUAL retreat on AMI. Led

by Erin Geraghty, Yoga therapist and personal coach. Retreat includes yoga and meditation twice a day, a private chef and all meals, spiritual lecture, healing energy work, personal coaching and Frannie Hoffman. For more information, 570497-7801 or info@thriveyogafit.com.

R E S N A P

S I A S U D L E A N E R

U R K E L

S E E T O

T E T

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

A L E B E F F F S U J S I E A S O N N U S I T T I N K E I N S A

M A N G A

A G N U S D M E A I C S U G Z L T I I L S E A S C K I F S U L L

L O U I S A R M S T R O N G

F O I L E D

I N S E T S

E R R A T U M

S A Y Y E S

L A T E L Y

S L E E T S

E L L S

WANTED: YOUR OLD cell phone for recycling.

Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

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.

ESTATE SALES ESTATE SALE: 9:30 am-2 p.m. Friday, May 5.

319 Hardin Ave., Anna Maria. Sofas, bookcases, patio table and chairs, paintings, double-bed set, books, lamps, occasional chairs and tables, kitchenware, linens. Also, Ford Fiesta. Sales conducted by Palma Sola Sales. Numbers given out at 8 a.m.

MOVING SALE: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, May 5.

10308 Kingfisher Road W., Flamingo Cay, Bradenton. Occasional chair, patio furniture, decorative accessories, two craftsman stackable tool boxes, refrigerator freezer, Lawnboy lawnmower, Weber grill, ramps, boating equipment, garden and power tools, bike rack, manatee sculpture, kitchenware, crab traps, ladder, lots more tools.

Sale conducted by Palma Sola Sales. Numbers given out at 8 a.m.

GARAGE SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP and Annex: Open 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Donations preferred on Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941779-2733.

MORE ADS = more readers in The Islander.

LOST & FOUND LOST: PRESCRIPTION TRANSITION glasses.

3200 block of Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, near water. Jon, 972-369-9817.

SUNGLASSES FOUND ON north-end beach, April 22. Call to identify. 813-263-6317.

PETS PET PAL PET sitting: Short and long term, in your house or mine. 18-year Island resident. 941-7045937. e.davies5937@gmail.com.

PLEASE FOSTER A pet! Moonracer Animal Rescue, 941-896-6701. www.moonraceranimalrescue.com.

TRANSPORTATION ISLAND CAR: 2004 Toyota Solara convertible. Red with beige top. Looks and runs great.

124,000 miles. Well-maintained and garage-kept.

Sharp car for only $9,500. 941-779-1801.

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

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

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

1982 16-FOOT HOBIE Cat with trailer. Very good condition. Sails very clean. One owner, $1,700 or best offer. 941-383-2950.

HELP WANTED THE CENTER IS hiring Summer Camp Counselors! Are you looking for a fun, exciting way to spend your summer? Do you love working with kids? Then, why not work at The Center? Send your resume to: Stephanie@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

IF YOU LOVE seniors, want a flexible schedule, have a vehicle, we want you, we have shifts on AMI, Longboat Key, Bradenton. Days, evening, nights, paid orientation. Apply at Homeinstead. com/533 and call 941-739-3050.

REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Newspaper experience or journalism degree required.

Email letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work.

Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

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

ISLAND COMPUTER GUY, 37 years experience.

On-site PC repairs, upgrades, buying assistance and training. Call Bill, 941-778-2535.

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

PRESSURE WASHING AND windows: Commercial, residential and resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses driveways, paver sealing, etc. 941-2515948.

THE ISLANDER n MAy 3, 2017 n 33

LAWN & GARDEN Continued

AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES: Cleaning, vacation rentals, resorts, real estate, commercial/residential cleaning. Ask about our other services. Call 941-565-3931.

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

U FLY I drive your car anywhere in the USA. Airport runs, anywhere. OfďŹ ce, 941-447-6389.

941-545-6688.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

NEED A RIDE to the airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Call Gary, 863-4095875. Email: gvoness@aol.com.

WILDLIFE REMOVAL AND relocation: Problem solving for all animals, big and small. Call Joe, Westcoast Nuisance Wildlife Service. 941-7204152.

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

HOUSECLEANING, COOKING UPON request, opening and closing vacation home, meet and greet repair/service contractors. I will be your eyes and ears in your absence. Insured, bonded, glowing references. Longtime AMI resident. Call Carolyn, 941-932-0214.

DO YOU NEED help with your yard? I cut grass, trim bushes, weed, mulch, plant, rake leaves, etc. $15/hour. Call Richard, 941-405-9372.

TRUEBLUE33 MOBILE COMPUTER Service LLC. In-home and business tech support services. Call today, 941-592-7714.

FEMALE CAREGIVER SEEKING employment.

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

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach.

I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call William 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 19 years on Anna Maria Island. Call today for an appointment, 941-518-8301. 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.

TREES BY BREEZE: Tree trimming, landscapes, maintenance, insured. “What’s said is good as done.� 941-778-2837.

ISLAND LAWN SPRINKLER Service: Repairs, installs. Your local sprinkler company since 1997.

Call Jeff, 941-778-2581.

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. $55/yard.

Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone� 941-720-0770.

NATURE’S DESIGN LANDSCAPING. Design and installation. Tropical landscape specialist.

Residential and commercial. 35 years experience. 941-448-6336.

ISLAND TOTE BAGS: $5, at the Islander!

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.

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

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

DAN’S RESCREEN INC. POOL CAGES, LANAIS, PORCHES, WINDOWS, DOORS

TOO BIG or TOO SMALL. Free Estimates.

Call Dan, 941-713-3108

No Job

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, ďŹ ne woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood ooring. Insured and licensed.

941-722-8792.

JERRY’S HOME REPAIR: Carpentry, handyman, light hauling, pressure washing. Jack of all trades.

Call 941-778-6170 or 941-447-2198.

ISLE TILE: QUALITY installation oors, counters, backsplashes, showers. Licensed, insured. Call Chris at 941-302-8759.

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

#CFC1426596

SERVICES

Family Owned and Operated since 1975

Residential & Commercial

LIC#CBC1253145

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS

CHRISTIE’S PLUMBING

$YDLODEOH $We 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941.778.7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

CALL THE ISLAND’S FINEST‌ MORE THAN 2,500 LARGE AND SMALL PROJECTS ON AMI SINCE 1988!

We provide design plans~You preview 3-D drawings

WASH FAMILY CONSTRUCTION 941.725.0073

>Ă€Ă€ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ °Ê7>ĂƒÂ…ĂŠUĂŠState Lic. CBC1258250

LOCALLY OWNED AND FAMILY OPERATED SINCE 1988 I CAN FIX that! No job too small. 20 years experience. Remodel, new construction. Call Brent, 941-524-6965.

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

REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY

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

SEASONAL RENTAL available: 2BR/2BA all amenities. Ground oor, pool, no pets/smoking. 941363-1227.

SEASONAL RENTAL: 3BR/2BA, one-car garage.

Retro 1960s, pet-friendly, fenced yard, RV/boat parking available. $700/week, $2,500/month.

941-795-7775 or 941-720-0770.

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

2BR/2BA CONDO: ENTER to a breathtaking view of the bay, added enjoyment from the deck. Westbay Point and Moorings, AMI, pool, tennis, ďŹ shing, Wi-Fi, cable, No pets or smoking.

November-February. 407-488-2122.

LOOKING FOR A GOOD DEAL? You can read Wednesday’s classiďŹ eds on Tuesday at www. islander.org. And it’s FREE!

.com

941-778-2711

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

WE LIKE LIKES f acebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

WE TWEET TOO

TURN THE PAGE FOR MORE CLASSIFIEDS...

Place classiďŹ ed ads online at www.islander.org

@ami_islander

34 n MAy 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

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

RENTALS Continued

REAL ESTATE

ANNUAL: LUXURIOUS, TROPICAL Key Royale canalfront house. 2BR/2BA with den, two-car garage. Great pool. 10,000-lb. boatlift. Low maintenance yard. $2,800/month. Available June 1.

941-730-1086.

NORTH PERICO HOME: 3BR/2BA, off-season rate, May 1-Nov. 30. One-month minimum. Community pool, tennis, gym, clubhouse. Furnished, nice! $2,400/month. Just over bridge to Island!

863-206-5644.

AWESOME LITTLE RESORT: Three 1BR/1BA units and one 2BR/2BA unit. Weekly or monthly.

Rent separate or all four for groups. Heated pool, short walk to Gulf. Holmes Beach. 941-761-4507. www.HarborLaneCourt.com.

OFF-SEASON PRICE: 2BR/1.5BA condo. Pool, boat slip. $1,200/month. Real Estate Mart, 941356-1456.

PERICO BAY CLUB, gated community. Custom upgraded 2BR/2BA villa with new deck overlooking water views. Newly renovated kitchen with custom maple cabinetry, Corian countertops, tile ďŹ&#x201A;oor, stainless-steel appliances. Renovated baths new sinks, tile and cabinetry. Separate laundry room with new washer and dryer. Wood ďŹ&#x201A;oors throughout. New water heater and air conditioning. Garage with custom cabinets and workbench. $279,900. Buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agents welcome at three percent contract. Jim Hazelett, 941-254-4415.

ANNUAL RENTAL: 2BR/2BA. $1,500/month, ďŹ rst, last, deposit. Background check. 4519 60th St. Court, W., Bradenton. 910-358-5188.

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

GARAGE RENTAL WANTED: Anywhere on the Island. $200 for four months, May-August. 941343-7135.

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

ANNUAL RENTAL: BEAUTIFUL, 3BR/3BA canalfront home. Perfect location on Oak Avenue, one block to beach, three blocks to stores. Dock with lift. Spacious and light, granite counter tops and stainless-steel appliances. Large garage, private yard. Available June 1. $3,300. 941-321-5454.

ANNUAL RENTAL: HOLMES Beach. EfďŹ ciency with porch. $650/month includes utilities. Security plus references. No pets. Call 941-778-3734.

REAL ESTATE

2BR/2BA SEASIDE GARDENS home in Holmes Beach. Great ďŹ shing, fantastic open water view, affordable. Email Captnse@gmail.com or call 970-846-7394.

MIKE NORMAN REALTY

TWO-SIDED DEEP-water canal lot! Build your dream home. 503 77th St., Holmes Beach. $699,900. Call Julie Weaver, Florida Residential Realty, 941-773-8271.

TRAILER FOR SALE or rent. 2BR furnished.

Walk to beach. $150,000. Sandpiper Resort, Gulf Drive. Unit 729, Seventh St., Bradenton Beach.

Anna Maria Island. Call 413-204-0205.

WATERFRONT TOWNHOUSE: 2BR with boat slip, heated pool. $189,900. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

NOTE: The Islander office is located in the Anna Maria Island Centre, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, next to Walgreens.

EST. 1978

GULFFRONT FOR SALE:

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

WE ROCK ONLINE

Direct Gulffront four-plex with prime Holmes Beach location, fabulous views and walking distance to shopping, restaurants and trolley. All units are spacious 1br-1bath apartments with tropical setting and strong seasonal rental opportunity. Property is in great condition with new metal roof 2015. Offered at $1,999,500 with owner financing for qualified buyer.

For details, call Dave Moynihan, broker-associate, 941-720-0089.

2217 GULF DRIVE, BRADENTON BEACH

DAVE MOYNIHAN, BROKER-ASSOCIATE DAVEMOYNIHAN@AOL.COM 941-720-0089

DREAM VACATIONS FOR YOUR VACATION DREAMS

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

$ON T MISS OUT ON YOUR PIECE OF PARADISE 4RIPLEX UNITS EACH "2 "! 0OOL VIEWS

PARTIAL 'ULF VIEWS AND JUST STEPS TO THE BEACH 3TRONG RENTAL HISTORY AVAILABLE

$785,000

#ALL ,YNN :EMMER

LYNN EDGEWATERAMI COM

islander.org

WE TWEET TOO

BEAUTY ON THE CANAL: This 3bed/2bath on a corner lot is surrounded with water. The home features an open plan with, spacious lanai, 2-car garage, pool, tiki hut, boat dock, boat lift, all on a lush tropical large corner lot on sailboat water. $749,900 SWEEPING GULF VIEWS: This 2bed/2bath condo at Anna Maria Island Club has breathtaking Gulf views from the living room and the master bedroom.

A rare opportunity to own at one of the most soughtafter condo complexes on the Island. $725,000

104 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach

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

www.Edgewatervacationhomes.com www.Edgewaterrealestateami.com

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

@ami_islander

Call Jesse Brisson â&#x20AC;˘ 941-713-4755

RELEASE DATE: 4/30/2017

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

THE ISLANDER n MAyNo. 3, 2017 n 35 0423

A CENTURY OF SONG

BY OLIVIA MITRA FRAMKE / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

Note: When this puzzle is done, draw a line connecting the 11 circled letters, starting and ending in Square 28, so as to spell a phrase related to the puzzle’s theme.

51 Elder Lannister son on “Game of Thrones” 53 Stone Age relics 56 Piñata smasher, maybe 57 “____ parvis magna” (“Greatness from small beginnings”: Lat.) 58 H.S. big shots 60 Talk endlessly to 61 Act like 63 Illustrator software maker 65 Kama ____ 67 For grades 1-12, briefly 68 & 70 Nickname for a celebrated performer born on April 25, 1917 71 Dreary 72 Dog whose tail curls over the back 74 Great Lakes natives 76 Sister of Helios and Selene 77 Polish coin 78 Promising action on a fishing line 79 Picks out of a lineup, informally 81 Letter-shaped fastener 83 Button on the bottom of a multipage form 85 Ring 87 Frank 89 Rapa ____ (locale of many monoliths) Online subscriptions: Today’s 90 Sports team V.I.P.s puzzle and more Answers: 91 Set piece? than 4,000 past puzzles, page 32 nytimes.com/crosswords 93 Natural-history($39.95 a year). museum sights A C RO SS

1 Italian relatives 7 Part of the earth 12 ____ Coast, scenic area near Capri 18 Brutish sort 19 “Dallas” actress ____ J. Wilson 20 Mermaids’ home in Neverland 21 1938 No. 1 hit for 68-/70-Across, which was inspired by a nursery rhyme 23 Listless feelings 24 Many August births 25 Popular pairing with steak au poivre 26 Charm 27 And the following: Abbr.

29 Longbow wood 30 Detached 32 One for the plus column 33 Congestion site 35 Wyatt of the Old West 37 Extremely loud, in music 39 Soft-drink brand 40 Love interest for Anastasia in “Anastasia” 42 ____ Reports 45 Suffix with sheep or hawk 48 Vintner’s cask 49 Old car named for an explorer

96 Turkish title 98 Road offense, for short 99 The hots 100 Bluish shades 103 Green who was a four-time vocal coach on “The Voice” 105 Question asked while extending the hand, maybe 108 Reassuring touch 110 Fixture on a fishing dock 112 One state symbol of Massachusetts 114 Introduces slowly 117 Record label that looks like the name of a radio station 118 Lao-tzu follower 119 Notable quote by 68-/70-Across 121 Set oneself right, in a way 122 Five Pillars of Islam, e.g.

123 “Bonehead” and “numbskull,” e.g.

124 Solitudinarians 125 State representatives?

126 Ride and Field

8 Close again, as a purse 9 “Family Matters” ubernerd 10 Manage 11 Winter celebration abroad 12 Sheltered at sea 13 Japanese comic style 14 Mass recitation 15 Repeated collaborator with 68-/70-Across 16 Thwarted 17 Maps of Alaska and Hawaii, often 18 Big blow 19 Flight attendant 22 Red as ____ 26 Close buds 28 “Enough already!”

31 Be ____ use 34 Unlikely book-club recommendation 36 Edith Piaf’s “Non, Je Ne Regrette ____” 38 Name on a blimp 41 Gets some air 42 ____ Nast (magazine publisher) 43 Good name for an Irish carpenter?

44 Bubs DOWN 45 For laughs 1 Sacred choral works 46 Arctic young ’un 2 Melodic passages 47 Signature tune of 68-/70-Across 3Accidentally hit “reply all” on, say 50 One-named singer with the 2016 No. 1 4 Jan. inits. hit “Cheap Thrills” 5 “Smart” one 52 Slip in a book 6 Skewered 54 Café additive Asian dish 55 Trade jabs (with) 7 Arctic food fish

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

18

11

12

28 33

46

53

35

36

49 55

60

61

67

68 73

78

79

37

63 69

65

76 82

83

84 89

114

95 100

108

109

115

101 110

116

118

119

121

122

123

124

125

126

57 Flavors 59 Approve 62 Hollywood job title 64 Freedom Caucus, e.g.

66 Wrinkly fruit 69 Gossipmonger 73 Portion of a penny 75 Where Nice is en France 77 Tough draws in the game Bananagrams

90

94

99

113

66

77

88

107

59

71

93

106

58

70

81

105

52

64

75

98

112

44 51

87

104

17

39

57

92

97

38

43

56 62

80

91

16

32

50

74

86

31

42

48 54

85

30

41

72

15

26

34

47

14

23

29

40

13

20

25

27

103

10

22

24

96

9

19

21

45

8

102 111

117 120

80 No fun, as a party 82 Vegan staple 84 Van Gogh’s “Le Café de ____” 86 Beverage sponsor of the old “Little Orphan Annie” radio show 87 One in line?

88 Biblical quartet 92 Silence 94 East German secret police

95 Quantity of toys on Santa’s sleigh 96 Perfumer’s liquid 97 Summer piazza treat 99 Near ringer 101 Nowadays 102 Occurrences in the 30s, say 104 Skating champ Brian 106 Sore

107 Setting for a fine meal 109 Polynesian carvings 111 Bracket shapes 113 Takeoff figs.

115 Three-stripers: Abbr.

116 Singer with the 1984 hit “99 Luftballons” 119 Part of T.G.I.F. 120 Cuba or Catalina: Abbr.

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 3, 2017 n THE ISLANDER