The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Get in the game. 17

Going viral. 19

Seeing seagrapes? 26 SEPT. 13, 2017 FREE

VOLUME 25, NO. 46

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

www.islander.org

AsTheWorldTerns send out SOS reply. 6

Here she comes

Irma strikes with full Cat. 5 force at the Florida Keys as it turned north Sept. 10 toward landfall at about 3:45 p.m. at Marco Island near Naples. Anna Maria Island saw Cat. 2 winds after 9 p.m. Sept. 10 and through the early morning Sept. 11 Meanwhile, islanders stayed connected on social media, looking for answers about their properties. Islander Courtesy Photo

HB planners recommend extending formula business ban. 4 Vacation rental owners may face fines in Holmes Beach. 4

Op-Ed

Opinions. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

Bradenton Beach mayor, commissioners meet in the shade. 8

Meetings

On the government calendar. 8 Charter initiatives ballot-bound in Bradenton Beach. 9 Center reports losses for July. 9 Make plans, save a date. 10

Happenings

Community events and announcements. 11 Anna Maria sets budget hearings. 12

Cops & Court. 14

Obituaries. 18 Turtle season winds down. 20 AME report. 21 Calm before the storm. 23 Reeling in reds. 25 BizCal. 27

Irma arrives, Anna Maria Island spared for most part

Anna Maria Island residents and emergency responders braced for evacuations before Hurricane Irma. And they began Sept. 8. The evacuation became mandatory for people in the A-zone, covering the entire island. Islanders were asked to head to safety on the mainland. Before leaving, residents ran to city halls for sandbags and re-entry passes as some stores ran out of bottled water and pumps ran dry at gas stations. Some stores, including Publix Super Market, were able to re-stock before closing for the storm. Meanwhile, island emergency personnel dealt with situation — and emergencies — armed with information and plans. Watching the weather is a daily part of the job for Manatee County Marine Rescue Chief Joe Westerman, who heads the 14 lifeguards and two paramedics at the milelong Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and 400-yard stretch of Manatee Public Beach. For Irma, he hoped people heeded the evacuation order. Westerman said the marine division — with all responders ready for 24-hour storm rescue — topping off its equipment with fuel and storing food and water for a 24-36 hour response to emergencies and rescues. Westerman called Irma “a massive storm,” “unpredictable,” adding “a few hundred miles” will make a difference in how the island fares. West Manatee Fire Rescue Fire Marshal

Stranded. The Waterbird of Boston takes a break from its mooring Sept. 11 and winds up tied to the fender at the Cortez Bridge post-Irma. Islander Photo: Capt. David White Jim Davis said the agency was preparing for extra shifts, generators, propane, food water and other supplies. “We’re doing what we’ve always done,” Bradenton Beach Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said, waiting and watching the models for the storm as Irma approached Florida. “We put everybody on standby — the officers can be called in at any time,” Diaz said, adding the resources allocated will depend on the hurricane. Holmes Beach dispatcher Robin Evangelisto was a calm and helpful voice Sept. 6 while answering calls to the HBPD.

She said HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer and Detective Sgt. Brian Hall were attending countywide meetings at the Manatee County Emergency Operation Center. Tokajer said Sept. 9 after a briefing at the Manatee County EOC, Irma is a “serious storm, huge.” WMFR and Manatee County’s marine rescue, as well as Sgt. Russ Schnering, who heads the Manatee County Sheriff’s substation in Anna Maria, and BBPD Lt. John Cosby also attended Irma planning meetings. — Staff report

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Holmes Beach residents take no chances with irma needed. Police Chief Bill Tokajer expressed concern about possible damage from high wind, rain and storm surge. He urged vigilance. “Be prepared,” Tokajer said Sept. 6. Mayor Bob Johnson said he was glad to see no complacency among islanders. The Manatee County Emergency Operations Center ordered mandatory evacuations for Zone A of the county emergency map Sept. 8, as tropical-force winds were expected to begin Sept. 9. Manatee County offices closed at noon Sept. 7. County Administrator Ed Hunzeker was to decide Sept. 10 when county offices will reopen. Manatee County schools closed Sept. 8, according to Superintendent Diana Greene, to prepare for use as

Vehicles cue up in line at Citgo, 3015 Gulf Drive N., in Holmes Beach, waiting to fill up their tanks with gas the afternoon of Sept. 7. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

shelters. With island access cut off by due to the evacuation, residents and business owners and employees need passes to return. A steady stream of nearly 500 people visited Holmes Beach city hall Sept. 6-7 to show their IDs and collect passes. Just east of Anna Maria Island, Karen Bell, president of A.P. Bell Fish Co., and owner of Star Fish Co. of Cortez, said hurricane preparations included battening down everything possible and hoping for the best. “Two grouper boats have come in and one is anchoring up in Port Charlotte,” Bell said. “We’re expecting some winds but hoping we miss the worst of it.”

Sun and Surf Resort Wear, 5418 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, was boarded up Sept. 7 ahead of Hurricane Irma. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

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By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Irma forced islanders to prepare. More than 2,000 sandbags were snapped up Sept. 6 by Holmes Beach residents seeking fortification against Hurricane Irma. People were taking no chances. When the city ran out of sandbags, they continued to fill heavy-duty garbage bags with sand from a pile in the front parking lot of Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. More than 100 tons of sand were trucked in and dispersed in Holmes Beach before the storm, according to city estimates. Manatee County commissioners declared a local state of emergency Sept. 6 to enable officials to issue evacuation notices and open hurricane shelters as

THE ISLANDER n Sept. 13, 2017 n 3

Bridge Street Interiors/Mermaid Haven owner Deb Myers acknowledged her fear of Hurricane Irma Sept. 7 as she and husband Matthew helped others. Matthew nailed boards in the windows of neighboring businesses in Bradenton Beach as Deb assisted. The Myers have seen other hurricanes hit the state — but not Mark Hrycyk, a local handyman, and Jimmy Hart, one the size of Irma. an employee for White Egret, 10006 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, board up the store’s windows and doors Business owners get nervous in advance of Irma Sept. 7. The store’s doorway was lined with sandDeb Myers said she was afraid. trust it,” Myers said, adding she raised her store inven- bags in prep for Irma. Hart said the store owners left earlier in the day for a wedding. As many Bridge Street shops wound down and tory off the floor and was going home to prepare. closed Sept. 7, Myers introduced her husband Mat“Hopefully it’s all for naught,” said Amanda Escothew, who was boarding neighboring businesses’ win- bio, as she closed her business for the duration of the Join the conversation dows. storm, as Bridge Street merchants compared their hurThe Islander has an active Facebook commuThe Myers own Bridge Street Interiors/Mermaid ricane plans. nity of almost 9,000 “likes.” To join the conversaHaven. Marieke and Christophe Celis, owners of the tion, visit The Islander on Facebook. The Myers have seen other hurricanes hit the state French Table, 103 Gulf Drive N., said they’d be serving Readers also can comment on the website. — but not one the size of Irma. dinner Sept. 7 and then closing down until the storm To view the page-by-page e-edition on your “It’s 500 miles wide,” she said. passes. computer, a $36 annual subscription is offered. “You just don’t know what could happen. I don’t

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Cortez preps for Irma

Bobby Farmer, Tom Polch and Andy VanHook of N.E. Taylor Boatworks haul out a sailboat at the 119th Street docks in Cortez in preparation for Hurricane Irma. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell Chip Freyman and John Kania, Anna Maria public works employees, prepare sandbags for distribution Sept. 6 at the public works office behind the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

‘nightmare’ helps sway planners to extend formula biz ban

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Barbara Hines had a nightmare in determining whether to extend the temporary moratorium against formula businesses in Holmes Beach. The Holmes Beach Planning Commission member, with Hurricane Irma looming as a threat Sept. 6, asked commissioners to consider what would happen if all island businesses were destroyed by a storm. “In a worst-case scenario, all the business are wiped out and we don’t have a moratorium,” Hines said. Without a moratorium, Hines reasoned, formula businesses would likely fill the void. The planning commissioners voted 4-1 to recommend the Holmes Beach City Commission extend the temporary moratorium a second time. If approved, the moratorium would run through Feb. 18, 2018. Planning commissioner Scott Boyd voted no. Extending the moratorium on formula businesses “ad infinitum” is not consistent with the comprehensive plan, he said. He pointed out he was reluctant to extend the moratorium the first time. “I’m not just being stubborn,” Boyd said. Out of 173 commercial businesses in Holmes Beach, 20 are classified as formula businesses, excluding banks, gas stations, real estate companies, grocery stores, gas stations and legal, medical offices. Holmes Beach businesses are concentrated primarily in two areas, according to Brisson: 110 between Gulf Drive and 52nd Street, and roughly 63 between Manatee Avenue and 30th Street. Brisson said the small number of formula businesses means they are not really consistent with the general character of the city. “Looking at it citywide, this city does not have formula businesses,” he said. “So extending the moratorium, in my opinion, is not inconsistent with the

City planner Bill Brisson, far left, speaks with building official James McGuinness, back to camera, as the Holmes Beach Planning Commission debates extending the formula business moratorium at its Sept. 6 meeting at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Commissioners are Barbara Hines, left, Chair Charles Stealey and Thomas Carlson. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

comp plan.” Commissioner Thomas Carlson tried to abstain from the vote. “You could argue this one way or another,” he said. Commission Chair Charles Stealey and planner Bill Brisson told Carlson he had not stated a reason to abstain, and Carlson voted in favor of the extension. In other action, the commissioners determined the land development code needed to be amended. The reason: Bars aren’t regulated by ordinance. “The code doesn’t mention bars anywhere,” said

If you go

What: Community vision session. When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2. Where: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Why: To formulate a vision statement for the future of Holmes Beach. Information: holmesbeachfl.org.

Stealey. “We’ve got to make them exist. Then we can regulate them.” Bars and nightclubs were added by commissioners as special exception uses requiring site plan approval. The planning commissioners also continued to work on defining a vision statement for what Holmes Beach should look like in the future. Community character, mobility, natural resources, infrastructure, public safety and natural disaster management are topics suggested to be incorporated in the new vision statement. The public is asked to participate. A community vision session will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive if the church is available. The vision statement will serve as a guideline for the comprehensive plan revision. The Holmes Beach comprehensive plan was last overhauled in 2002. The planning commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

$250 per day ﬁnes possible for vacation rental unit owners

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The Oct. 1 deadline to comply with the Holmes Beach vacation rental ordinance is approaching. Property owners who rent units on a weekly basis must comply with the ordinance, which governs all Holmes Beach vacation or short-term rentals. Any owner with units not yet registered or inspected by the deadline will be breaking the law, according to Police Chief Bill Tokajer.

Sept. 12 is the anniversary of the Holmes Beach vacation rental occupancy process, according to the man in charge of enforcing it. “Cooperation regarding the process has been great,” Tokajer said. “There are still some owners who have not registered for the program or had their units inspected.” Being found in violation can be costly. Failure to comply can result in referral to a special magistrate, who can levy fines up to $250 per day for a first-time violator and $500 a day for repeat violations for each day past compliance plus all court costs, vote 2017 attorney fees and administrative costs. The last day to register to vote Complying with the Holmes Beach ordinance is a in the 2017 municipal elections four-step process, according to Tokajer. will be Oct. 10. 1. Rental business tax receipts must be active and Election Day will be Tuescorrect. day, Nov. 7. 2. Unit owners must receive a vacation rental cerFor more info, go online to votemanatee.org.

tificate. 3. Property must be inspected by Holmes Beach code enforcement officials. 4. Once the first three steps have been completed, a certificate decal good for two years is issued for display on the property. Owners of nonconforming properties with a legal and active business tax receipt will not be required to correct the nonconformity to qualify for a vacation rental certificate. Property owners who rent seasonally, annually or monthly are not affected by the ordinance. Copies of the ordinance are available at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, or at holmesbeachfl.org. Call Tokajer with any questions 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays at 941-708-5800, ext. 247, or email codeenforcement@holmesbeachfl.org.

THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 13, 2017 n 5

anna Maria declares state of emergency

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter The city of Anna Maria declared a state of emergency Sept. 6 in advance of Hurricane Irma. The declaration gave the mayor power to impose a curfew, shut down businesses and public areas, suspend or extend deadlines for contracts and documents, prohibit the sale of alcohol, prohibit the sale or transfer of gasoline and utilize up to $10,000 in emergency expenditures to prepare for the storm, among other powers. Anna Maria residents were encouraged to pick up re-entry passes, collect sandbags and stock up on supplies ahead of Hurricane Irma. The city ran out of sandbags Sept. 8 and public works manager Dean Jones said they had not received

Holmes Beach mayor declares

Tom Rulon of Holmes Beach shovels sand into a garstate of local emergency bage bag held Sept. 7 by his nephew, Griffin Love. Rulon said they planned to stay in a Sarasota hotel The approach of Hurricane Irma spurred Holmes until the storm blows over. Islander Photo: Terry Beach Mayor Bob Johnson to declare a state of local O’Connor emergency effective 11:30 a.m. Sept. 9. The move provided emergency management powers in the event Hurricane Irma proves a catastrophic hurricane for Holmes Beach. The city can waive procedures and any formalities related to performing any public works necessary to ensure the health and safety of the community, entering into contracts, incurring obligations, employing workers, using volunteers, renting equipment, acquiring and distributing supplies and spending public funds. The local emergency declaration was to expire in 72 hours. The Holmes Beach City Commission can extend the declaration or terminate it as necessary. A mandatory evacuation was declared Sept. 8 for Anna Maria Island by the Manatee County DepartHolmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer holds a ment of Public Safety Division of Emergency Managestack of 455 re-entry pass applications his staff ment. has taken through Sept. 7. Mayor Bob Johnson did Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency not close city hall as Hurricane Irma approached. Sept. 4 for all 67 Florida counties. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor — Terry O’Connor

more sandbags before the evacuation and city hall closed Sept. 8. Murphy said public works had moved half of its equipment under the cell tower at city hall and the other half to the Holmes Beach public works facility. Commissioner Doug Copeland said, after the hurricane, the city should address the location of public works, which borders Lake LaVista canal and is vulnerable to winds and flooding. “If we do have a direct hit, our public works isn’t going to be much help” if their equipment is blown away, Copeland said. The Center of Anna Maria Island will serve as a post-hurricane shelter for residents whose homes are temporarily unsuitable. On Sept. 8, city hall closed for the mandatory evacuation of Anna Maria Island.

Bradenton Beach battens down hatches

As Bradenton Beach prepared for Hurricane Irma, Vice Mayor John Chappie noted, “This is not our first rodeo.” Bradenton Beach officials and staff held a special meeting Sept. 6 to approve a declaration of emergency from Mayor Bill Shearon as Hurricane Irma drew closer to the tip of Florida. The declaration suspended normal activities, allowing public works and the police department to perform storm preparation tasks. Bradenton Beach Police Lt. John Cosby briefed city officials on the storm status and emergency management plans. He said public works was boarding up buildings and had threaded cable through the dolphin pilings alongside the Historic Bridge Street Pier to prevent rogue vessels from crashing into the structure. “The department heads are all in emergency management mode,” Cosby said. “We’ve done this before.” — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

6 n SEpT. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

post-irma problems

The weather is here, wish you were beautiful, as the twist goes on the old “welcome to Florida” postcard. Hurricane Irma is here, we wish she’d look on us with favor. We thought the hurricane would be far east of us by Sunday morning, tracking up the coast toward Jacksonville, and it just didn’t happen. It’s coming at us. It reminds me of a long ago 3-D movie in a period of 3-D resurrection in 1981. “Comin’ at Ya!” is a Spanish-American 3D western that throws just about everything imaginable at the screen as a man takes vengeance on two wicked men who kidnapped his bride during their wedding. Irma’s wrath was coming at us. Our last serious storm threat was Charley in August 2004. And while all the predictions had Charley aimed at Tampa Bay, the Cat. 4 storm veered toward Punta Gorda and the devastation was huge and widespread. Irma will soon be in the record books. The island was evacuated but, of course, some people remained behind in denial. My gut tells me to at least be nearby to report on the storm. And while I’m not “on” the island, I was hoping to stay at home on Flamingo Cay. I hoped. I was, however, convinced to leave. I’m still safeguarding the main computer that holds the news and graphics for this week’s paper, poised and ready to send the pages electronically to the printing plant in Venice. Then it’s up to them, and just like us, they were in the path of Irma. The printer is part of the Sun Coast Media Group — publisher of the Port Charlotte Sun and Venice Gondolier, among others. It was 2004, post-Charley, that this company really impressed me. In the aftermath, amid great loss to the company and its staff, they formed a recovery program to support business with free advertising, clients or not, to help get people and commerce back on track. If it comes to that, we will try to uphold their standards in our island community. self-serving individual. We need a change I believe we all survive unscathed. Some repairs, We need a major change from those who are ruinsure. But nothing extreme for AMI. And if not, we’ll be John Chappie thinks he should be the mayor. Why ing our city. here all week, working to ensure Anna Maria Island’s would anyone want someone to run our city who has Reed Mapes, Bradenton Beach mom-and-pop shops and restaurants are serving you. done everything in his power to stop citizens from Coming back at you. having fair and democratic elections? Thanks for staying in touch. — Bonner Joy Have your say We need more than one person who can run for an elected office. Why did he and city attorney Ricinda The Islander accepts original letters of up Perry go to such lengths to stop a citizens initiative to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for signed by 114 citizens of our community? grammar and length. Letters must include name, Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach has had address and a contact phone number (for verifito threaten to sue the city to get them to even listen to SEPT. 13, 2017 • Vol. 25, No. 46 cation). Anonymous letters will not be printed. citizens. Would he make a great mayor? I don’t think Email: news@islander.org. ▼ Publisher and Editor so! Readers also may comment on stories Bonner Joy, news@islander.org It is nearly a year now since the last election. ▼ Editorial online where The Islander has 3,500+ registered Lisa Neff, copy editor Chappie and his cronies have done nothing to preusers. Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org vent the commercialization of our neighborhoods. The Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org Also, The Islander has an active — 9,000+ Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist city vision plan is being ignored. The citizens are being likes — Facebook community. To join the conKevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org ignored. Those 450-plus people who signed on for a versation, “like” The Islander on Facebook. Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com moratorium against the commercial invasion of their ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Terry O’Connor, terryo@islander.org neighborhoods are being ignored. Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org What is even more interesting is that his required Ed Scott, edscott@islander.org resignation to run becomes affective after the election ▼ Contributors Jesse Brisson registration period, so no one can run for his soonKaren Riley-Love to-be vacant office. Capt. Danny Stasny, ﬁsh@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director Do you think that may be because if he wins he Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org can then appoint his lackey to his vacant seat? ▼ Office Staff Fair elections are vwhen there is more than one Lisa Williams, manager Signature Christi Burton person running for the position, not someone being ISLANDER gifts accounting@islander.org handpicked by another commissioner when no one classiﬁeds@islander.org NEW! Mugs, $10 each. runs. subscriptions@islander.org All-cotton AMI tote bags, ▼ Distribution I will not vote for this kind of person. They clearly $5. Plus white and tie-dye Urbane Bouchet want to manipulate the system to their favor. This is a Judy Loden Wasco “More-Than-a-Mullet-

Opinion

Your

Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

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THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 13, 2017 n 7

Agnes on AMI

Hurricane Agnes floods the Island Baptist Church (now CrossPointe Fellowship) on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach in June 1972. At the time, Agnes was the costliest hurricane to hit the United States in recorded history. Damages in affected areas were about $2 billion. Islander Photo: Manatee County Library Historical Collection

10&20 years ago

in the headlines: Sept. 10, 1997

• Holmes Beach commissioners were considering a draft ordinance allowing restaurants to serve alcohol outdoors. A request for the rule change was made at city hall by the management of the Marina Bay Restaurant. • The Bradenton Beach Civic Association was pressing for the installation of six crosswalks on Gulf Drive and Cortez Road in Bradenton Beach. • The island cities issued tips for recycling phone books as new books were to be distributed in the next few weeks. Waste Management was urging people not to put phone books in curbside recycling bins.

in the headlines: Sept. 12, 2007

We’re campaigning for a friendlier, kinder, gentler attitude toward guests, visitors, vacationers and all who come to love Anna Maria Island. “We’re Glad Find The Islander online 365 days a year, 24-7, at You’re Here” originated in the 1980s with a restau- ufdc.ufl.edu. rant trade group and we decided it suits the situation that has developed since some island officials began seeking limits on vacation rentals. We believe Anna Maria Island needs a new attitude — one that makes everyone feel welcome even as we try to find ways to limit congestion and retain our old Florida origins WWW.iSLanDeR.oRG and mom-and-pop businesses. — The Islander

We’d love to mail you the news!

• The city of Anna Maria announced the Citizen of the Year award would go to Martha and Sinclair “Bubba” Stewart for their outstanding community service at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, the community center, Roser Memorial Community Church and other institutions and organizations. • Holmes Beach officials were considering foreclosure actions on a property over a $28,000 code enforcement fine. The duplex was in the 3700 block of Gulf Drive and the enforcement issue began in 2003. • Holmes Beach Police Chief Jay Romine said due to limited resources the police department’s ability to continue the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program at Anna Maria Elementary was “up in the air,” as was the assignment of a school resource officer.

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BB commissioners meet ‘in the shade’ to discuss lawsuit By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Shade is comparative darkness and coolness caused by shelter from direct sunlight. Hence, a shade meeting is conducted out of the sunshine — outside public view in an exception to Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law. Bradenton Beach commissioners met in the shade Sept. 6 with attorney Robert Watrous to discuss their lawsuit against six members of two city boards who allegedly violated the Sunshine Law. In advance of the shade portion of the city meeting, Watrous expressed concerns that Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon could have a conflict in the case. Watrous is representing the city in the suit along with co-complainant Jack Clarke, former mayor. The city of Bradenton Beach voted Aug. 7 to be added as a plaintiff in the suit with Clarke. The complaint alleges Sunshine Law violations by some members of the city planning and zoning board and Scenic Waves Partnership Committee. The suit was filed Aug. 11 in the 12th District Circuit Court against P&Z members John Metz, Reed Mapes, Patty Shay and Bill Vincent, along with Scenic Waves chair Tjet Martin and Waves member Rose Vincent. All have since resigned their appointments. Martin and Shearon are domestic partners and Watrous expressed concern Shearon may breach attorney-client privilege if he didn’t recuse himself from the strategy sessions on the case. Additionally, Watrous referred to a June 10 email exchange between Shearon, Mapes and Vincent indicating “Shearon was one of the founding causes and participants in the creation of CNOBB,” according to Watrous. Additionally, Watrous referred to CNOBB as a

“shadow government,” conducting discussions on city matters at unnoticed meetings. Watrous said attorney Morgan Bentley with Bentley and Bruning P.A. of Sarasota, a specialist in ethics cases, wrote a memo recommending Shearon recuse himself. “The most legitimate and reasonable course of action would be for you to recuse yourself at this time,” Watrous said. Watrous said he could not force Shearon to recuse himself. The meeting could still be held, but he wanted it on the record that Shearon refused. “I disagree with your statements,” Shearon said. “We’re here to have a shade meeting. I’m not going to defend myself prior to it.” Because Shearon has low vision, Martin has been known to read his emails aloud for him. Shearon said Sept. 6 he emailed city attorney Ricinda Perry and Watrous that he would require any confidential information in printed form, so Martin wouldn’t see emails. He said he never received a response. Perry said Sept. 6 she would ensure Shearon received hard copies of information about the lawsuit. Additionally, Shearon noted that shade meetings are confidential, so he and the commissioners would not be allowed to discuss the meeting with anyone who didn’t attend. Shearon also said he was not part of the formation of CNOBB and the email with Mapes and Vincent was taken out of context. Shearon insisted that, as mayor, it is his responsibility to be included in the discussion.

Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jake Spooner, left, and Mayor Bill Shearon talk Sept. 6 during a special meeting at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

HB candidate wants to preserve family values

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Meet Holmes Beach City Commission candidate Rick Hurst, who qualified for the Nov. 7 election on the last possible day. Hurst’s platform focuses on keeping Holmes Beach a place where more people want to own a home instead of a rental property. “I will work to restore a sense of community, a lot of which has been lost,” Hurst wrote in an email to The Islander. Other platform planks include working to solve problems with Hurst high-occupancy rental properties, he wrote. Hurst said he will “manage Bert Harris suits to eliminate the potential of tax increases or city bankruptcy.” Home rule also is important to the first-time candidate. “I will campaign against any state legislation that limits home rule and our ability to decide our own destiny,” Hurst wrote. Hurst established full-time residency in 2013. He said several points shape his political priorities. “I have a strong business background with the ability to make common-sense decisions,” Hurst wrote. “I am raising a child on the island, which creates a strong motive to make this a great place to reside.” Hurst said he stepped up to serve the city in order to make a difference. “My only motive is to make this a strong and cohesive community,” he wrote. I’ll be “an outsider to the commission with a new perspective.” Four people, including Hurst, first-time candidate Jim Kihm and incumbents Commissioners Pat Morton and Carol Soustek, have qualified to run for the three two-year commission terms on the ballot. Commissioner Marvin Grossman is running unopposed for a one-year term.

The mayor and commissioners proceeded with the closed portion of the shade meeting. When the commission reconvened in a public meeting, they made several motions to move the case forward. A motion to direct the city’s legal counsel for the suit to respond to a settlement offer from five of the six defendants in the case was unanimously approved. The defendants seeking settlement were not named. Additionally, Vice Mayor John Chappie suggested a motion to remove the $5,000 cap on legal fees for the suit, with weekly reports from Watrous provided to the commission and mayor through Perry. Shearon expressed concern about the cost, considering how much legal aide Mike Barfield, Perry and Watrous have invested in the lawsuit and suggested the attorneys submit their invoices to date. Knowing the cost, he said, would better allow the commission to decide on more spending. A motion to see the invoices was made and carried unanimously. Chappie also asked that the city deny a request from Metz to pay around $600 for copies of records that he was asked to provide in a public records request from the city’s legal counsel. Chappie said according to state statutes, the city shouldn’t have to pay. Shearon said it would cost more in legal fees to fight the request than to pay it. Chappie motioned to deny Metz’s request. The motion passed 4-1, with Shearon voting “nay.”

Meetings

• Sept. 28, 6 p.m., city commission. • Oct. 4, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. • Oct. 26, 11:30 a.m., police retirement board. Anna Maria City Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, • Sept. 14, 6 p.m., city commission (budget 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. hearing). • Sept. 28, 6 p.m., city commission (budget West Manatee Fire Rescue hearing). • None announced. • Oct. 10, 2 p.m., planning and zoning. WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. • Oct. 12, 6 p.m., city commission. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. • Oct. 26, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941Manatee County 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. • Sept. 18, 6 p.m., commission (budget hearing). Bradenton Beach • Sept. 20, 9 a.m., commission (land use). • Sept. 13, 3:30 p.m., neighborhood workshop • Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., commission (budget hear(Herb Dolan Park). • Sept. 13, 4:30 p.m., neighborhood workshop ing). • Sept. 26, 9 a.m., commission. (Annie Silver Community Center). • Sept. 29, 9 a.m., commission (land use if • Sept. 14, 1 p.m., department heads. • Sept. 20, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. CAN- needed). Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., CELED Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. • Sept. 21, noon, city commission. • Sept. 21, 5:05 p.m., CRA budget hearing. • Sept. 21, 5:30 p.m., city budget hearing. Of interest • Sept. 20, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island • Sept. 26, 1 p.m., city commission. Elected Officials, Anna Maria City Hall. • Sept. 27, 9 a.m., CIP committee. • Oct. 9, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Organization, Anna Maria City Hall. 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. Holmes Beach • Sept. 14, 6 p.m., city commission. • Sept. 21, code enforcement (time to be determined). • Sept. 26, 6 p.m., city commission (budget hearing).

Editor’s note: Some meetings this week may be canceled or postponed due to Irma. This listing was current as The Islander went to press Sept. 11. Send notices to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n Sept. 13, 2017 n 9

CNOBB prevails, charter initiatives head for November ballot

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Mission accomplished. Three charter questions proposed by the Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach will be on the November municipal ballot. City commissioners and the mayor unanimously voted Sept. 6 to approve a resolution allowing the charter initiatives to be placed on the Nov. 7 ballot. The grassroots group prepared three ballot initiatives and collected petition signatures from more than 100 Bradenton Beach voters to reach their goal. However, according to state statute, a resolution or ordinance approved by the city commission is required, and the city was hesitant to approve the initiatives due to “insufficiencies” cited by city attorney Ricinda Perry. CNOBB’s three charter amendments — if passed by the electorate — would remove the four-ward representative system and institute at-large representation, amend residency requirements for elected officials from 24 months to 12 months and prohibit changes to the city charter by resolution. If approved in November, a citizen vote to amend the charter would be needed going forward. The commission voted Aug. 28 to place the initiatives on the ballot, but maintained its position on the petition defects. In an Aug. 31 email to the city and CNOBB members, assistant Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington wrote that according to state statutes, a resolution or ordinance by the city is required to put

Center has greater loss than anticipated in July By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter The Center of Anna Maria Island’s first month of a new budget year showed some reigning in of expenses, but producing income remained a problem. In the new fiscal year, which began July 1, the center earned $67,330.10, a $14,810.38 shortfall from the budgeted revenue. The center also brought costs down $6,670, to $91,645.46. The center anticipated a shortfall of $16,200 for the month of July, but the loss was $23,400. Fundraising income was about $1,000 lower than anticipated, according to board treasurer Jim Froeschle, who added it was $27,000 lower than the July 2016fundraising. Senior programs earned no income compared to an anticipated $160, and youth programs brought in $7,100 less than expected. Adult sports brought in almost $5,000 less than anticipated and the fitness center brought $1,600 less than anticipated. Lessig said the center paid the annual license fee of $3,000 for the CrossFit program, which is owned and operated by Shay Coleman. Administrative and indirect expenses were $8,020, down from $32,401 in July 2016. In July, the city of Anna Maria conducted a review of the center’s finances with volunteer and retired CPA John Chambers. His review said the center’s future financial success would depend on sticking to its projected budget if it was to stay open for the 2018-19 fiscal year. “They’re just not going to be here next year,” he said, if budget projections for spending and revenue were not met. Also looming is a $100,000 note due this month to land developer Shawn Kaleta. The note become a point of dispute earlier in the summer. Apparently the gym equipment was thought to be a donation. Instead, the terms of Kaleta’s $100,000 note — which comes due in part on Sept. 30 — provided for payment-free use of the gym equipment for two years. The Sept. 30 payment is $50,000 plus interest. A similar payment is due in September 2018. Kaleta’s lawyer, Louis Najmy, said July 28 that Kaleta has no plans to make any further donations and the payment remains due in full.

ber ballot. During the Sept. 6 meeting, CNOBB member Reed Mapes said he doesn’t understand why the commission is fighting the initiatives. “We will be in court if you say ‘no,’” Mapes said. “If you say ‘yes,’ you’ll let the people decide.” Commissioner Jake Spooner said Sept. 6 he did not understand why CNOBB was rushing to get the initiatives on the ballot when the commission agreed to a charter review and special election. “It’s up to the voters to decide, but do it properly,” Spooner said, citing concerns with the rushed process. To CNOBB members, Spooner said, “You threaten us with lawsuits if we challenge (the petitions), but we Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach member are susceptible to lawsuits if we don’t.” Reed Mapes raises his hand to speak Sept. 6, during The mayor stood up for the electorate. a special commission meeting at Bradenton Beach “Let the voters decide,” Shearon said. “If they read City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Islander Photos: Chris- the ballot and think it’s inaccurate, they’ll say ‘no,’ but Ann Silver Esformes they should have the opportunity.” Vice Mayor John Chappie motioned to approve the initiatives on the ballot. the resolution and his motion passed unanimously. The SOE extended CNOBB’s deadline to Sept. 7 Click! to submit the petitions, ballot summaries and a resoluShare the good news. Submit your announcement tion or ordinance approved by the city. CNOBB members threatened the city with a law- or notice and photographs with details and contact inforsuit if the initiatives were not approved for the Novem- mation to news@islander.org.

Let the magic begin...

ou came to Anna Maria Island to escape, to discover the beaches, the warm breezes and a slower pace, and maybe you fell in love … with sea turtles! Anna Maria Island is sea turtle friendly in nesting season, May through October. We invite you to experience everything we have to oﬀer, especially the thrill of seeing nature in action. Mother turtles lay their nests on our beaches at night, leaving their eggs

to incubate in the warm sand. As the mother turtle leaves, she is guided by her instincts to the Gulf of Mexico by the natural “sparkle” on the water, the reﬂection of the moon and stars. The darker the beach and the surroundings, the better. The same is true for the hatchlings. You can take part in this phenomenon, help sea turtles and discover what islanders already know about the magic of

island life. But you must be stealth. You must be silent and invisible. Never shine a ﬂashlight on sea turtles. And, please, keep lights visible from the shoreline out or shielded by blinds or curtains. Be safe on the beach and carry your ﬂashlight but, please, resist temptation.

LIGHTS OUT for SEA TURTLES!

Sponsored by Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.

10 n Sept. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

On ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Friday, Sept. 15 Wednesday, Sept. 13 8 p.m. — Stand-up comedy and improv show, the Center of 4 p.m. — Chess club meets, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Information: 941-778-1908. Saturday, Sept. 16 9 a.m. — International Coastal Cleanup Kickoff at Coquina ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Beach, Gulfside and Bayside, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941• Throughout September, S. Rush Dean exhibits her artwork 742-5923. in “New Directions,” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. • Throughout September, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits “Weather • Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Forecast,” 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778- Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 6694. 941-708-6130. • Fridays, 1 p.m., mahjong games, Island Library, 5701 Marina LOOKING AHEAD Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Sept. 23, Anna Maria Island Privateers “Talk Like a Pirate Day” OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND party, Bradenton Beach. Sept. 21-Oct. 1, Island Players’ “Happy Birthday,” Anna Maria. Sept. 30, Studio at Gulf and Pine plein air Saturday, Sept. 16 party, Anna Maria. Oct. 21, AMI Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, 8 a.m. — Ecofitness Scavenger Run, Robinson Preserve, 1704 Anna Maria. Nov. 9-19, Island Players’ “The Games Afoot,” Anna 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-745-3723. Maria. Nov. 9-12, Anna Maria Island artsHOP, islandwide. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

• Second and fourth Wednesdays, Roser Memorial Community • Throughout September, “Sunshine State of Mind,” exhibit Church Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquisfeaturing work by Linda Molto, Florida Highwaymen and Natasha tador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414. Joffer, Palmetto Art Center, 907 Fifth St. W., Palmetto. Information: Looking Ahead off AMI 941-518-2109. • Oct. 6-7, William R. Mote Memorial Snook Shindig catch and OFF AMI LOOKING AHEAD release tournament, Sarasota Bay. Oct. 14, Florida Maritime Museum Cortez Nautical Flea Market, CLUBS & Cortez. Feb. 17-18, 2018, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage’s COMMUNITY Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. On ANNA MARIA ISLAND KIDS & FAMILY Wednesday, Sept. 13 Noon — Adult coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Friday, Sept. 15 Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots parenting program, Island Library, Friday, Sept. 15 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 10 a.m. — Senior Adventures gather for a movie and popcorn, Saturday, Sept. 16 Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. 2 p.m. — Lego club meets, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Information: 941-538-0945. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Tuesday, Sept. 19 10 a.m. — Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina • Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. ONGOING ON AMI • Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Manatee County Veteran Services • Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe Divisions counseling and assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778- Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 0719. • Thursdays, 7 p.m., Overeaters Anonymous meets, the Epis• Tuesdays, 3:15 p.m., after-school children’s choir, Roser copal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Informa- Information: 813-494-6518. CANCELED tion: 941-778-0414. • Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. Oct. 31, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Trail of • Fridays, usually about 10 a.m., Senior Adventures meet to Treats, Holmes Beach. Dec. 2, Center of Anna Maria Island Lester carpool on an adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Family Fun Day, Anna Maria. Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538ONGOING OFF AMI 0945. • Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island • “Teeth Beneath: the Wild World of Gators, Crocs and Caimans” breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Holmes Beach. The speaker Sept. 16 will be Melissa Ferlazzon Island, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441. with Junior Achievement of Sarasota/Manatee. Information: 941LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI 778-1383. • Second and fourth Tuesdays, Concerned Neighbors of BraOct. 20, Mote’s Night of Fish, Fun and Fright Halloween party, denton Beach general membership meetings, Annie Silver ComSarasota. Nov. 25, Mote’s Santa Jaws, Sarasota. munity Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941730-7715. On Anna Maria Island

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Looking Ahead Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the Oct. 3, Roser Memorial Community Church’s Terrific Tuesdays publication date. Please include the date, time, location and descrip- resume, Anna Maria. Oct. 3, National Night Out community celebration of the event, as well as a phone number for publication. tion, Holmes Beach. Nov. 4, Episcopal Church of Annunciation Pet Blessing Day, Holmes Beach. Nov. 6, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business awards and banquet, Holmes Beach.

Submit 2017-18 event listings to calendar@islander.org.

OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Saturday, Sept. 16 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Florida Folklife Program, the Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Fee applies. Information: 941-7086120.

‘Springtime’ sensation

Florida Folklife Forum set

The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum will present a program Saturday, Sept. 16 — 10 a.m.-5 pm. — on traditions, folklore and culture in the state. The Folklife Forum will include: • 10 a.m. — “Fieldwork and Oral History Training.” State folklorist Amanda Hardeman will discuss how to identify, document and preserve oral histories and cultural resources. • 11 a.m. — “Circus Arts and Clowning Traditions.” Professional clowns Karen Bell and Robin Eurich of the Circus Arts Conservatory will discuss traditions and history. • 1 p.m. —“Southwest Florida Fieldwork Survey.” Folklorist Eleanor Wachs and tribal oral historian Eric Griffic will discuss the fieldwork they conducted with the Florida Folklife Program. • 2 p.m. —“Seminole Canoe-Making Demonstration.” Seminole tradition bearer Brian Zepeda will present traditional canoe making and usage. • 3 p.m. —“Bharatanayam Workshop.” Shaila Sateesh of the Sai Nrityala Dance Troupe will introduce the history and basic technique of Bharatanatyam, a classic Indian dance form. • 4 p.m. — “Cuban Music.” Celebrated tres musician Renesito Avich will share traditional styles of Cuban music including son, nengon, chanqui and kiriva. Admission to the forum will be $25, including lunch. The forum will be held at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez. To register, go online to floridafolkschool.org. For more information, call the museum at 941708-6120.

GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES • Sept. 22, first day of autumn.

GOOD DEEDS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Looking for volunteer opportunities on or around Anna Maria Island? These organizations are seeking help: • The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, is seeking volunteers. Volunteer orientations take place at noon and 6 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. Information: 941778-1908. • The Roser Food Bank needs donations of cash and nonperishable food. The pantry is administered by Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941778-0414. • The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers to serve as docents and in other ways. Information: 813-758-3234. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • Manatee Community Concert Band seeks volunteers for its 2017-18 concert season. Information: 260-410-4126. Looking for volunteers for an organization or an event? Email calendar@islander.org with the details. Please include a contact name and phone number.

“Springtime in Bryant Park” recently won Anne Abgott the Kanuga award at the Florida Watercolor Society show at the Coral Springs Art Museum. The judge for this year’s show was Ian Stewart. Islander Courtesy Photo

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Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 13, 2017 n 11

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Joy is publisher of The Islander newspaper. She launched the newspaper in 1992, and she is a 42-year islander. $20.

art league hosts ‘Women’s Wellness Series’

The Anna Maria Island Art League will host Casey Hoffman and Laurel Rund presenting a “Women’s Wellness Series.” The first program will be 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, and the suggested donation is $30. The workshop will focus on the mind, body and spirit. Registration is required at 941-778-2099. The art league is at 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach.

EMBROIDERY! Purses • Bags • Clothing • Towels • Cups • Koozies & Marketing Materials Apparel & Accessory SHOP. PLUS we do Wash & Fold and Dry Cleaning Island Shopping Center 5400 Marina Drive at the Holmes Beach laundromat 941-705-4603 • yptapparel.com

Kiwanis to host meetings

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will host the following speakers at its weekly Saturday morning gatherings at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach: • Sept. 16, Melissa Ferlazzon, education program manager for Junior Achievement of Sarasota/Manatee. • Sept. 23, Diana Dill, vice president of development for Meals on Wheels Plus. • Sept. 30, Janene Amick, development director for Manatee Players. Club members gather for breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by the program at 8:30 a.m. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Senior adventures plan popcorn, movie day

The Senior Adventures of Anna Maria Island will gather for popcorn and a movie at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Other plans include: • A tour of the Manatee-Sarasota recycling facility in Sarasota. The group will depart from Annie Silver at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22. • A book sale and potluck lunch at Annie Silver, beginning at about 10 a.m. and continuing to 1 p.m. GET LISTED Friday, Sept. 29. Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ The group meets most Fridays for an outing or islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the social activity. publication date. Please include the date, time, location and descripFor more information or to RSVP for activities, tion of the event, as well as a phone number for publication. call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

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12 n SEpT. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

anna Mariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposed 2017-18 budget by the numbers

By Bianca BenedĂ Islander Reporter The city of Anna Maria will hold the first of two public hearings at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, for the proposed 2017-18 fiscal year budget. A final hearing and vote on the budget ordinance will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. The budget is balanced with income and expenditures at $5,007,069, up about $300,000 from the current year. While the millage rate for ad valorem taxes remains the same, 2.05, it is a tax increase for property owners. The rollback rate, the rate required to produce the same revenue as the current year â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and avoid a tax increase â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is 1.8728. Instead, Anna Maria anticipates a $639,000 increase in ad valorem revenue. Mayor Dan Murphy also proposed increasing the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reserve fund to $3.1 million, 62 percent of the budget, up from $2.4 million in the 2016-17 fiscal

year. Major projects in the new budget include installing sail shades in the City Pier Park on the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard, engineering and repairs to the Anna Maria City Pier, replacing the drainage swale at the entrance of the city with vertical infiltration and stormwater drainage improvements. The city has budgeted $734,000 for capital outlay, including $275,000 for improving the park and $200,000 for pier repairs. Stormwater drainage projects for the 2017-18

2017-18 budget

Total proposed expenditures: $5,007,069. Total proposed revenues: $5,007,069. Reserve fund: $3,105,742.21. Proposed millage rate: 2.05. Rollback rate: 1.8728. Total assessed property value: $989,355,709.

year will cost $661,000, including Palm Avenue, Elm Avenue, the northern portion of North Shore Drive, a portion of road from Alamanda Road to Poinsettia Road and portions of South Bay Boulevard. The city designated approximately $488,000 for the drainage project, while the remainder will come from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contingency fund. The budget also has a $145,000 line item for property acquisition for the purpose of developing green spaces and pocket parks. Attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fees are down across the board due to an anticipated decrease in the flow of Bert Harris claims. The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contract with Manatee County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office is budgeted at $725,677.91, up $33,740.97 from the 2016-17 fiscal year. Revenue and expenses for the building department and code enforcement is $759,835.67. The departments also carried over $115,335.67 in revenue from previous years.

Hurricane irma halts Force Main 5 construction

By Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Islander Reporter Uncertainty surrounding Hurricane Irma halted construction on the $7,427,500 underground waterline replacement project known as Force Main 5. Construction was suspended Sept. 7 until further notice. If Anna Maria Island is relatively unaffected, construction could resume in a matter of days, according to a statement from project spokeswoman Trudy Gerena. Once construction resumes, crews will continue removing underground water, which is necessary before laying pipe and installing force and water mains, according to the release. Before the interruption, crews were installing

correction

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anna Maria votes to retain building officialâ&#x20AC;? story in the Sept. 6 issue of The Islander incorrectly attributed a statement made by Anna Maria Commissioner Nancy Yetter to Commissioner Carol Carter. Yetter, advocating for building official Jimmy Strickland, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having worked very closely with Jimmy, I found him to be personable and honest. People make mistakes and this was a big one. You hate to see somebodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation and career ruined by one instance.â&#x20AC;?

water service in the area of Sixth Avenue from 35th Street to Gulf Drive North and from Gulf Drive North at the beach parking lot to 39th Street, according to Gerena. Motorists can expect temporary single-lane closures and flagging operations, Gerena said. The project involves replacing 50-year-old water and sewer pipes and modifying existing lift station pipelines, according to project manager Jennifer Fehrs of the Manatee County Public Works Department, project management division. Existing pipes were installed in the 1970s. Force Main 5, a pressurized pipeline supplying potable drinking water to the island, will require about 20,000 linear feet of pipe to be installed between Manatee Avenue and Cortez Road.

Project limits extend from State Road 684/Cortez Road West in Bradenton Beach to just north of State Road 64/Manatee Avenue on State Road 789/Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. The primary contractor is Westra Construction of Tampa and Palmetto. Property owners will receive a door hanger informing them of dates the contractor plans to be working nearby. Water shut-offs are not scheduled during daytime hours, but could occur if unforeseen problems are found. The two-year project is expected to be finished in summer 2019. For information, go to amipipereplacement.com or call 941-748-4501.

The $7.4 million Force Main 5 pipe replacement project on Anna Maria Island. Islander Courtesy Photo

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THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 13, 2017 n 13

Young at heart, they call it a ‘Senior adventure’

Betsy Burns paints a kindness rock Aug. 25, during an arts and crafts activity at the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach. The event was organized by Senior Adventures, a group that meets most Fridays for an activity or outing. Islander Courtesy Photos RIGHT: Betsy Burns, clockwise from left, Dottie Mizzi, Rose Vincent, Gerri Cannon, Merle Scribner and Judy Pruitt work on crafts at Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach. The kindness rocks they painted were shared around the island.

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Top Notch goodies

Andrew Fortenberry of Holmes Beach won The Islander’s Top Notch photo contest and recently collected his prizes. Fortenberry, whose parents are Brett and Pam of Holmes Beach, won $100 from The Islander and an assortment of gift certificates from participating advertisers. Islander Photo: Lisa Williams

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The Center of Anna Maria Island plans to host four meet-and-greets through September at the Island Coffee Haus, 5350 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Executive director Kristen Lessig and other center staff members will host “Coffee and Conversations” and the coffee shop is providing complimentary coffee. The sessions will allow guests to ask questions about the center, learn about center programming or a chance to take part in the conversation. All sessions will be unstructured and casual, Lessig said. A chat was held early Sept. 8, but no one attended. With the ongoing threat of Hurricane Irma, Lessig said islanders may have been otherwise occupied. Due to the approach of Hurricane Irma, the chat scheduled for Monday, Sept. 11, was rescheduled for 8-11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 15. Other coffee chats are set for 8-11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22, and 8-11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 25. — Bianca Benedí

Betsy Burns, clockwise from left, Dottie Mizzi, Merle Scriber, Judy Pruitt and Margaret Jenkins paint kindness rocks at the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach.

14 n Sept. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court

BBPD provides security for LBK

By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach woman arrested for BUI

A 16-year-old from Plant City was taken to a juvenile detention facility Sept. 3 after witnesses reported the male brandishing a 9 mm pistol at several people at Coquina Beach. Bradenton Beach police apprehended the juvenile for unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon while at the beach near the 2000 block of Gulf Drive South after he retreated to a vehicle. The juvenile was the only person in the vehicle. The report stated the juvenileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother at the scene consented to a search in which officers found the gun under a seat where her son had been sitting. BBPD checked the warrants and determined the male has a gang member status and, according to the report, the male â&#x20AC;&#x153;openly admitted to gang involvement.â&#x20AC;? The juvenile told police he showed the gun to the others because he was afraid he was going to be jumped.

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria Aug. 19, Bayfront Park, 316 N. Bay Blvd., trespass. A man and woman were found sleeping in a picnic area. They told a Manatee County sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deputy they were homeless. The deputy issued trespass warnings and the couple picked up their belongings and left. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO.

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard arrested a boater in the Intracoastal Waterway near Cortez. Laura A. Wilkes, 55, of Holmes Beach, was arrested for boating under the influence at 5:19 p.m. Aug. 19. According to an FWC report, the Coast Guard boarded Wilkesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vessel and towed it to a dock at the Seafood Shack, where Wilkes performed field sobriety tests. The report states the officer noted Wilkes â&#x20AC;&#x153;enough cluesâ&#x20AC;? to make the BUI arrest and transport her to the Manatee County jail. Wilkes performed breath tests that measured 0.12 and 0.115 blood alcohol content. The legal limit is 0.08. She posted a $500 bond and was released. Her arraignment is set at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Bradenton Beach Sept. 2, Gulf View,104 Gulf Drive S., drug arrest. Bradenton Beach police reported finding a small amount of cocaine and cannabis on a man found passed out outdoors at a condominium complex. After his arrest, an officer transported the man to Manatee County jail. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez No reports. Cortez is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach No reports. 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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Neighbors help neighbors in tough times. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no different when it comes to island police departments. The Bradenton Beach Police Department â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with uniformed officers and squads â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is providing assistance to Longboat Key Police Department as it reels from the double homicide in August at the Zota Beach Resort. The resort is paying the BBPD and LKPD officers for extra security details while it works on employing a new security company, according to Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming. Zota, at 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, is owned and managed by Ocean Properties Ltd. & Affiliates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being a small department, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re leaving it up to our officers if they want to work the Zota details,â&#x20AC;? Cumming said, adding â&#x20AC;&#x153;and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve opened it up to Bradenton Beach officers also.â&#x20AC;? As of Sept. 5, the BBPD officers performed two all-night details and were expected to be called as needed, BBPD Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said. Chief Sam Speciale supports lending the officers to boost the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sense of well-being. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so everyone has a sense of calm â&#x20AC;&#x201D; people want to know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safe there. And we want to do whatever we can to help,â&#x20AC;? Speciale said, adding the offer is open ended. The night manager, Timothy Hurley, 59, of Sarasota, and security guard Kevin Carter, 51, of Bradenton, were fatally shot at 2:41 a.m. Aug. 4 in the lobby of the 187-room hotel. Five days later, Darryl Vaughn Hanna Jr., 29, of Bradenton, was arrested in connection with the shooting. The 12th Circuit State Attorney formally charged Hanna Aug. 25 with two counts of second-degree murder with a firearm and one count of robbery with a deadly weapon. Three cash drawers and a total of $900 were stolen. Authorities say Hanna had worked at Zota as a part-time guard with Victory Security of Florida, the same company that employed Carter. The Manatee County Homicide Task Force investigation continues to collect evidence for Hannaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prosecution, Cumming said. The chief also said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not â&#x20AC;&#x153;closing the doorâ&#x20AC;? to another personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in the crimes. Hanna is being held in Manatee County jail without bond.

THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 13, 2017 n 15

cortez input cited as positive by Sarasota/Manatee Mpo

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Harsh criticism and hard feelings have resulted from recent Florida Department of Transportation decisions involving the Cortez Bridge and the Cortez Road intersection at 119th Street. The DOT prefers a 65-foot vertical clearance fixed bridge — which critics say is much too large — to replace the 61-year-old Cortez Bridge. On another project, the DOT is tweaking the alignment of Cortez Road, which upset some residents and business owners who say access to their homes and businesses could be curtailed. Some critics have expressed exasperation with the DOT, saying its public hearings are all show with little opportunity and even less leverage for public input to impress local leanings on important infrastructure decisions. Holmes Beach resident Nancy Deal, for example, accused the DOT of stacking the deck against local wishes for repairing the 1957-built Cortez Bridge in favor of the department’s desire to build a larger

Mpo at a glance

What: The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization. It was created in 1978. Why: Federal law requires a metropolitan planning organization be designated for transportation planning for each urban area with a population of more than 50,000 people. Where: Responsible for regional transportation planning in 11 jurisdictions: Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Manatee and Sarasota counties, Bradenton, North Port, Palmetto, Sarasota and Venice; as well as Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Venice Municipal Airport, CSx Railway, Seminole-Gulf Railway and Port Manatee. Related organization: The Island Transportation Planning Organization. The ITPO is a chartered organization under the MPO, which seats one Anna Maria Island representative. To participate: Call 941-359-5772 or email mympo@mympo.org.

fixed-span replacement. DOT spokesman Robin Stublen said all citizen and government input is considered when deciding on a specific project design. “Citizen input is crucial during the study and design phase of projects,” Stublen said. The public’s ally in transportation matters involving DOT is the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, which was created in the 1950s to give the public a strong local voice on transportation issues. “We’re mandated by law to involve the public in everything we do at every stage of the planning process,” said Leigh Holt, MPO planning manager. There are 61 Sarasota/Manatee MPO projects on the tentative five-year DOT work program budget worth $309,158,151. The plan is based, in part, upon priorities approved at the March 2016 Sarasota/Manatee MPO meeting. The process provides a means for local and regional interests to be considered in transportation planning, said David Hutchinson, MPO executive director. It stops short of lobbying for local preferences, he said. “Depending on the project, timing, funding sources and possibly other factors, the MPO could adopt a plan or priority list that might serve as a basis for advocacy — but not lobbying,” Henderson wrote in an email to The Islander. “The process by which FDOT determines which alternative to move forward with for a specific project is a different process but there may be some overlap that provides for additional public involvement.” Tentative plans for 2017-22 includes projects critical to Anna Maria Island interests, such as proposed changes at the Cortez Road and 119th Street intersection, which Holt said was revamped after the public spoke loudly. “The public input DOT received on the proposed changes at Cortez and 119th Street have been significant,” Holt said. “I personally, as a transportation planner, was very impressed with DOT’s public response to the comments. Two weeks after a public meeting, plans had changed.” Holt said the plan changed after DOT learned more

about the boats, trailers and trucks used to move goods to and from the fishing village. “They altered the plan to accommodate the volume and the size of the vehicles and boat trailers that need to go in there,” Holt said. Other projects with impact on Anna Maria Island include $8.7 million to start work on replacing the Cortez Bridge, a $2.35 million study on road repairs from Coquina Beach to North Shore Road on Longboat Key, a $1.1 million bridge replacement from State Road 789 through Perico Bay Boulevard, an $874,580 intersection lighting retrofit along 8 miles of Cortez Road West, an $81,000 Anna Maria Island Bridge bascule repair and $9,255 for Holmes Beach traffic signal reimbursement. At a time when DOT public hearings are already attracting attendance from hundreds of Anna Maria Island residents and officials, the Sarasota/Manatee MPO is updating its participation plan used to involve the public in transportation planning, projects and programs. The MPO last updated its public participation plan in 2013 as part of the federal certification process. The public participation plan is reviewed as part of the four-year certification process conducted by the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration. “We take public participation very seriously,” Holt said. “With this plan, we’re trying to incorporate new ways of communicating through social media. We have Twitter now. We’ve never used Twitter in the past. We’re exploring having a Facebook account.” Comments or questions regarding MPO projects or public participation should be received by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, to be included in the federal certification review process. Email comments to public involvement coordinator Corinne Tucker, corinne@mympo.org, or mail them to the MPO, 7632 15th St. E., Sarasota, FL 34243, or call Tucker before noon weekdays at 941-359-5772. The MPO board will meet next at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 25, at the Holiday Inn-Sarasota Airport, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota.

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

Let’s go shopping! Kingberry Estate Finds in Palmetto is a home furnishings and decor store that emphasizes quality, comfort and style at affordable prices. The estate inventory changes frequently, so you never know what you’ll find for inside and outside your home.

As an added bonus, you’ll find Annie Sloan Chalk Paint exclusively in Manatee County at Kingberry. Big changes are coming to Retro Rosie’s Vintage! The Warehouse is under new management — soon to be Rosie’s Cottage! The Cottage will offer newto-you furniture, kitschy kitchen goods, garden decor and even some mantiques — so don’t miss it! New retro styles from Collectif have arrived — perfect for

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Florida. Designed with a coastal theme, these vintage-inspired dresses, capris and tops feature prints with palm trees, sea horses, flamingos, boats and more. Quantities are limited — so don’t wait! Community Thrift Shop on Manatee Avenue is back from summer vacation with new consignment bargains — from home decor to jewelry, adult and children’s clothing and accessories, books and more. Shabby Chic, beachy/coastal, heirloom home furnishings and decor are in vogue and plentiful at the must-not-miss monthly vintage market, Vintiquity Lane, 1540 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota. The Vintage Market will open Sept. 16-17, with all kinds of wonderful treasures. Please, be sure to tell our friends in the shops, “The Islander sent me.”

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16 n SEpT. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

DoaH postpones FiSH v. Dep case

“Because of imminent hurricane conditions,” an administrative law judge canceled a Sept. 12-14 proceeding for the challenge by local environmentalists to a state mitigation bank at Aqua by the Bay. D. R. Alexander, of Florida’s Division of Administrative Hearings, ordered Sept. 7 the hearing’s postponement and for parties to suggest dates in November and December. Suncoast Waterkeeper Inc., a local environmental groups, former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash and the Cortez-based Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage appealed the DEP’s “intent to issue” the mitigation bank permit in January. The permit would give the developers the ability to sell 18.01 credits to maintain wetlands near the proposed mixed-use Aqua development, including 7 credits for sea grass buoys. The bank also must be approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The federal regulator has twice rejected the developers bank proposal. The proposed 260-acre mitigation is part of a 529-acre mixed-use development up for approval at 9 a.m. Sept. 29 at a continuation hearing before the Board of County Commissioners of Manatee County in the commission chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. — Kathy Prucnell

40-foot hazard A 40-foot trimaran is sunk near the Seafood Shack Marina Bar & Grill in Cortez. The vessel apparently began sinking Sept. 2, where, according to Eddy Shorter, dockmaster at the shack, it posed a hazard to vessels preparing for Hurricane Irma. Shorter said Sept. 7 the boat had been towed to the area near the Shack. He reported it to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Manatee County sheriff’s marine unit. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

On an island with Irma

The tree-top view of palm trees at a bayfront home from the top-floor window on Sunrise Lane shows the force of a squall moving through Holmes Beach Monday morning, Sept. 11, on the tail end of Hurricane Irma. Islander Photo: J.C. Martinez

WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

At Mosaic, we’re putting science to work right here in the community. From volunteering at science fairs to providing grants for robotics programs, we work closely with local schools to provide students with innovative learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). We’re dedicated to preparing the next generation for rewarding careers in a 21st century economy. Students at Just For Girls learn valuable programing skills during MOSI’s Robot Roundup, supported by Mosaic.

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Breton; children Jan K. and wife Rebecca, Jesse and wife Laura and their father Jan H.; Nicole and husband The old lighted cross that serves as a beacon atop Joe Vinson; Brian Breton; sister Linda and husband the bell tower at the Roser Chapel at Roser MemoJohn Hare, nieces Holly Hare, Page and husband Mark rial Community Church may be a victim of Irma’s winds. It apparently was topped from its mount Sept- Howard; and granddaughters Samantha, Katie, Kennedy and Elliott. 10-11 during the storm. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff

Old rugged cross

Obituaries

Loretta Jane Sabin

Loretta Jane Sabin died Aug. 28. She was born Oct. 14, 1951, in Mattawanna, Pennsylvania, and when she was young, her family moved to Wilmington, Delaware. The family moved again to mid-Michigan, where she stayed until she relocated to Anna Maria Island in 1997. Sabin She lived the “Gulf life” by enjoying the warm weather, entertaining friends, watching NASCAR and hosting holiday

meals. She loyally and faithfully worked for E.T. MacKenzie Company for nearly 35 years, beginning in Grand Ledge, Michigan, and later opened the Bradenton location. Her work in Bradenton was planned to be for a few months but she was just tickled to be near her sister and moved to the island. Since 1978, she was a member of the National Association of Women in Construction and in 2002 joined the Anna Maria Moose Lodge. She enjoyed life and never took the little things for granted. She would say she’d rather live a full, short life than a long, dull life — and she certainly did. She never met a stranger and was always there to listen and provide the perspective one needed to hear — like it or not. A celebration of life will be 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Bradenton Moose Lodge, 310 44th Ave. E., Bradenton. Memorial donations may be made to any organization that you know she would love, including the NAWIC #157 Scholarship Fund, B. Barbara Strachan, N. Larch St., Lansing MI 48906, or Moose Heart for Children 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart IL 60539. She is survived by her dedicated partner Dan

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.

i.wed

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MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT Chuck Caudill Entertainment Beach weddings and events. DJ service, live guitar and more from an experienced island professional. 941-778-5676 • www.chuckcaudill.com Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions. Call: 941-778-0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com

BRIDAL ATTIRE The Beach Shop 11904 Cortez Road W. Pretty white dresses for an island wedding. Dresses for moms, too! Open daily. 941-792-3366

JEWELRY Bridge Street Jewelers The island’s full-service jewelry store. 129 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach 941-896-7800

Gwendolyn ‘polly Moore’ Senseman

Gwendolyn ‘Polly Moore’ Senseman, 88, of Fairfield, Ohio, died Sept. 7, at West Chester Hospital. She was born May 1, 1929, in Cortez, to John A. and Sally (nee Fulford) Moore. She was born in the house that her grandparents, Capt. William and Sally (nee Adams) Fulford built in Cortez. She grew up on Anna Maria Island, just across the bay from Cortez. “I had the most wonderful childhood on Anna Maria. We roamed all over the island barefoot.” She later returned to live in the house her grandparents built in Cortez and said, “I love living here. I don’t think many people come back to live in the house they were born in.” She was proud of her four daughters and the women they would grow up to be. She had an artist’s touch when it came to decorating. Her homes and gardens were beautiful and she always made people feel welcome. She was married to Kenneth Senseman. She is survived by her daughters Dr. Susan Eacker, Cindy Rodgers, Robin Torbeck and Sally Rodgers; grandchildren Jeremy Eacker, Amy Rodgers-Dryfoos, Rose Rodgers-Dryfoos, Carey McVey, Jody Howard, Leslie Hundley, Caleb Whisman and Sarah Grace McCarthy-Rodgers; seven great-grandchildren; friend and companion Norbert Maynard; and many family members and friends. Donations may be made to the Cortez Village Historical Society, PO Box 663, Cortez FL 34215. Remembrances at muellerfunerals.com.

ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION Curious about the Catholic Church? Desire Baptism? Baptized in another Christian Tradition and desire to become Catholic? Baptized Catholic but never received First Communion and/or Conﬁrmation? Catholic and been away for a while? Thinking about returning home to the Catholic Church? St. Bernard Catholic Church will be offering the RCIA program (“Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults”), beginning this fall. This process welcomes the newly formed faithful into full communion with the Catholic Church through the reception of the three sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Conﬁrmation, and Holy Eucharist.

If you are interested or desire more information, please, contact Matt Nowicki, Director of Faith Formation at 896-4842 or 730-2995 for more information.

TO BE INCLUDED IN IWED, TONI LYON, 941-928-8735, OR toni@islander.org

CONTACT

St. Bernard Catholic Church 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-778-4769

WE UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF EVERY DOLLAR. Reach more than 20,000 people weekly with your ad for as little as $10! Call 941.778.7978 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach

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THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 13, 2017 n 19

the unexpected nature of viral in today’s island news

Professional photographer Erica Johnson caught a photo of this unidentified merman by chance as he rested on the shore in Bradenton Beach.

City Pier and posted it on social media. By the end of the day, Love was watching her video clip on “CBS World News Tonight.” The following day, it aired on “Good Morning America” and Fox News. The moral of the story? It seems “news” may come in all shapes and forms these days, thanks to the power of social media and the ability to spread information instantly. Be careful what is posted and where it is posted. Viral, like it’s root word virus, may be a minute agent that becomes a large infection, bringing humor or inciting indignity in the eyes of those seeing it.

TurtleTime

The same was the case of the elusive Bradenton Beach merman, who appeared on photographer Erica Johnson’s Facebook page July 13. Seems the photographer was shooting a family portrait when the merman showed up for a leisurely romp in the surf. Amused by the man in the sparkling purple tail, she snapped a couple of pictures and posted them on social media. The response was rapid and unexpected. Johnson’s merman photos, which are now reposted, have garnered more than 3,100 shares and more than 800 comments. Another viral story related to the island is a cruel one, centered on a video of four area men dragging a live shark tied to a boat in the boat’s wake to its death. The video appeared on Instagram and other social media, and the reaction was probably not what the perpetrators expected. Outrage at the shark video and other imagery tied to one or more the same men showing local wildlife being harassed and a “dead dog for shark bait” spread as fast as lightening. It quickly became international news. Calls for prosecution are rampant. Death threats have been made. While the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the state attorney’s office continue the investigation, no arrests have taken place. In keeping with the viral nature of news these days, public outrage can turn into action. Information is power. Activists have created an online petition calling for the arrests and jail time for those involved in the shark dragging. As of Aug. 3, a major Tampa news outlet reported 173,504 people had signed that petition. On July 31, as Tropical Storm Emily roared ashore on Anna Maria Island, local real estate agent Margo Love took video of the storm from the Anna Maria

Pastor Rosemary Wheeler Backer

6608 Marina Drive ~ Holmes Beach ~ 941-778-1813 www.gloriadeilutheran.com “All are welcome”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends residents and visitors in Florida’s coastal communities follow these guidelines for sea turtle safety: Hands off hatchlings. Sea turtle hatchlings are emerging from their nests and crawling into the Gulf of Mexico through October. Remember, “hands-off” is the best policy for beachgoers encountering sea turtle hatchlings. Digging into a nest or picking up a hatchling is against the law. Turn out the lights, save a life. Turn off or adjust lighting along the beachfront to prevent nesting sea turtles and hatchlings from becoming disoriented and going toward the glow of light on land, instead of natural light reflecting on the surface of the Gulf. Indoor lights should be turned off with curtains closed after dark, and outdoor lighting should be turtle-friendly bulbs, installed on low fixtures and shielded from view at the shoreline. Clear the way at the end of the day. Nesting mothers and hatchlings can become trapped, confused or impeded by gear left on the beach at night. Remove items such as canopies, tents, rafts and beach furniture at the end of the day and fill in holes or level sand castles before dusk. Report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline, at 1-888404-3922, #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or text Tip@MyFWC.com. Visit myfwc.com/seaturtle and click on “Sea Turtles and Lights” or “Wildlife Friendly Lighting” for more ways to keep the beach safe for wildlife.

simple cremations

Pastor Stephen King

Art by Joan Voyles

WORSHIP WITH US SATURDAY AT 5 PM SUNDAY AT 9:30 AM Fellowship follows Sunday worship

Reminder: Keep beach safe for sea turtles

A female raccoon gave birth in the back seat of a convertible July 12 in Bradenton and, in a matter of days, this photograph, taken by rescuer Devon Straight of Bradenton Beach’s Wildlife Inc., was viewed around the world.

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By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Years ago, if something went viral, it probably meant half the kids in the neighborhood had come down with the chicken pox or some other childhood scourge. Not anymore. If something’s gone viral, it’s a wild, off-beat, shocking or hilarious video or story that catches the collective fancy of internet cruisers and users. It likely is being shared thousands or even millions of times around the globe. From the wacky offbeat sighting of a purple merman to the cruel clip of a live shark being dragged to its death, the island is producing some popular posts. Related to AMI, a string of recent viral posts began with a young raccoon who, for lack of a better place, crawled through a plastic covered window July 12 into a convertible and proceeded to give birth in the back seat. Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc., a Bradenton Beach-based rescue group, was contacted and promptly captured the wayward mom and her cubs and relocated the family to a safe, wooded area. End of story, right? Two days later, calls to Wildlife Inc. for details included a discussion with the National Geographic Channel. From Wildlife Inc.’s Facebook page, the story was initially shared by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune website, a member of the Associated Press. From the AP, the story spread. The convertible birth went viral. By July 15, the Canadian Global News website had carried the story, as had the UK Daily Mail. Dozens of U.S. papers had included the raccoon’s birth story both in print and on social media from the San Luis Obispo Tribune in California to the FOx 23 website in Maine. What the exact draw of a relocated Florida raccoon might have is unclear. But the power of media to move the story as far as Europe is not. People liked the mother raccoon and her cubs. And they shared it.

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

20 n Sept. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Sea turtle season winds down, surprises could be in store

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Sea turtle season is slowing down on Anna Maria Island, but it’s not over until the last nest hatches. And, sometimes, that nest is a surprise. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers take turns each morning during nesting and hatchling season — May 1-Oct. 31 — conducting daily beach-walks to look for the telltale tracks indicating sea turtle nests laid the night before, or hatched nests. New nests are few and far between, but hatches are happening daily. When a nest is discovered, it is marked with stakes and ribbon, for its protection. According to AMITW executive director Suzi Fox, sometimes circumstances can cause nests to be missed or misidentified by volunteers, leading to an unexpected hatched nest later in the season. Since “surprise nests” are not marked, the identifying factors are a hole in the sand with sets of hatchling tracks leading away from it. Fox said there are several factors that could lead to a “surprise” hatch. She said heavy rain can wash away tracks made by nesting females before they are seen by the volunteers the following morning. Additionally, Fox said, sometimes what was thought to be an abandoned nesting attempt has produced a nest. AMITW volunteers collect data when a nest is discovered, noting its GPS coordinates with electronic tablets that store the data on the cloud. The tablets are

A newly hatched loggerhead leaves tracks Aug. 30 as it crawls to the Gulf of Mexico on the beach near Seventh Street North in Bradenton Beach.

Turtle watch volunteer Anne Camp, left, shows Catherine Lafuente, of Bradenton, a loggerhead sea turtle egg Sept. 6. The egg was one of 66 collected from a nest excavated on the beach near 26th Street in Holmes Beach. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers collect data from nests 72 hours after hatching. The data are shared with federal, state and county agencies.

provided to turtle watch volunteers by AMITW with funding from Manatee County. Turtle Watch section 6 coordinator Anne Camp said Sept. 6 that sometimes a surprise hatch will be spotted in an area where a false crawl was marked and by looking at the data she can determine the “false” crawl actually was a nest. “It happens from time to time that we spot a crawl and can’t find the eggs in the clutch when we verify the nest, so it is accidentally marked as a false crawl,” she said. As of Sept. 8, AMITW reported 315 hatched nests and 78 remaining to hatch. If a track that initially was marked as a false crawl turns out to be a surprise nest, it is treated like a marked nest, and is reported as a nest instead of a false crawl, Fox said. “We collect data from the surprise nests by excavating them 72 hours after they’ve hatched, just like the marked ones,” Fox said. Nests are due to hatch through the last week in October, so it is important for people to adhere to regulations regarding turtle-friendly lighting by keeping lights visible from the shoreline low and shielded, said Fox. “People tend to think that just because the nest they saw marked on the beach near their property has hatched, it’s OK to ignore sea turtle regulations,” Fox said. “The thing is, there may still be some out there that we missed, so people need to stay turtle-friendly until season is done.” For more information about sea turtles, contact Fox at suzilfox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director Suzi Fox holds a bucket Aug. 29 containing a loggerhead hatchling awaiting release to the Gulf of Mexico, while volunteers Kathy Noonan, left, Lee Zerkel and Kathy Doddridge assist on the beach near Seventh Street North in Bradenton Beach.

AMITW sea turtle stats as of Sept. 8: 488 nests, 446 false crawls, 315 hatched nests and approximately 24,233 hatchlings to the sea.

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THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 13, 2017 n 21 By Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org

A loggerhead sea turtle nest is marked Aug. 29 near the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. About 78 unhatched nests remain on Anna Maria Island beaches as of Sept. 8.

Sea turtle nest markers warn violators of fines and imprisonment.

Student achievements

The Islander loves kudos — so send us your student’s good news for the paper. Share student’s scholastic honors, special achievements You may include photos. Be sure to identify people in the picture with first and last names and the date the photo was taken, along with pertinent information. Submit your news to news@Islander.org.

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aMe calendar

• 8:45 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22, Peace Day. • Sept. 30-Oct. 5, Scholastic Book Fair. • 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 2-4, book fair. • 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, early release. • 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, Literacy Night. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941708-5525.

Manatee closes schools ahead of irma

Manatee County School District announced there would be no school Sept. 8 in advance of the approaching Hurricane Irma. School also was not in session Sept. 11. Superintendent Diana Green made the announcement during an Emergency Operations Center news conference Sept. 6. She said schools were needed for use as storm shelters. Special needs shelters were organized first, followed by other regular shelters. Twenty-four schools in Manatee are designated as shelters, with three designated pet-friendly. Anna Maria Elementary third-grade students Zoie Wade, Makena Corr and Olivia Inda pitch in after early release from school Sept. 5, filling sand bags for emergency storm protection at Holmes Beach City Hall. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jeannine Inda

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22 n SEpT. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Dep offers ‘consent order’ on cortez house over water

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Will the house built in the water off the docks in Cortez be grandfathered or removed? Those are the possibilities faced by Raymond Guthrie Jr., who built the structure in the water some 300-400 feet from the A.P. Bell docks. In May, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection inspected the site and determined Guthrie violated state law, code and rules by constructing the house — without permits — below the mean-high water line. The house stands on pilings in state-owned submerged lands south of the Cortez Bridge. An Aug. 10 letter from Mary E. Yeargan, DEP Southwest District director, asks Guthrie to sign a consent order within 30 days “if in agreement.” If Guthrie fails to respond, the letter warns the matter may be referred to DEP general counsel for “formal enforcement action.” According to the terms of the proposed order, Guthrie may apply to the DEP for what is known as a Butler Act disclaimer so the agency may determine “whether any authority is needed to use the sovereign lands.” Under Butler Act disclaimers, the DEP allows structures in state submerged land if an applicant shows a permanent improvement before 1957, when the act was repealed. The proposed consent order — sent with the letter to Guthrie’s Cortez address — requires him to apply for the Butler Act disclaimer within 120 days. If Guthrie applies and the DEP denies grandfa-

The house built on stilts in Sarasota Bay is the subject of a proposed Florida Department of Environmental Protection consent order. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

thered status, the order requires the unauthorized structure be removed in 90 days. On the other hand, if the DEP agrees to a Butler Act disclaimer for Guthrie and the structure exceeds 500-square feet, it must be reduced to that size or less, within 60 days. The proposed consent order is part of an administrative case against Guthrie by the DEP and the state board of trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, comprised of the governor and his cabinet. The consent order also prohibits dredging, filling or construction or such other activities on state-owned lands that would need a DEP permit, lease or consent. DEP rules — such as employing a state-approved

He points the way

A guard looks out for sunset in Cortez, perpetually pointing north. The mannequin is a permanent fixture above the sign for the Seafood Shack Marina, Bar & Grill, near the Cortez Bridge at the corner of Cortez Road and 127th Street West. Islander Photo: Chris-Ann Silver Esformes

Gone Fishin’

Harry’s Restaurant & Deli closed for vacation

Starting Aug. 27th • Reopen Sept. 28 Harry’s Corner Store will remain open and Catering Staff is available to plan your Fall & Holiday Parties

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contractor; prohibiting materials to be stored in the wetland; and a required floating turbidity apron — would be imposed in the event of a removal or alteration. An investigator viewed the property from the shore May 25, reviewed historical aerial photographs and permits and performed a title search. The DEP met June 30 with Guthrie and his consultant, Joanne Semmer of Fort Myers. Semmer told the DEP she needed several months to research the history of the structure and file the disclaimer for Guthrie, according to DEP media relations officer Shannon Herbon. Semmer is listed as president of Ostego Bay Environmental Inc. and did not return messages left by The Islander as of press time. Herbon told the newspaper in an Aug. 30 email the proposed consent order “formalizes the agreement between the state and Mr. Guthrie,” made verbally at the June meeting. Neither Guthrie nor Semmer submitted the application or wrote to the DEP as of Aug. 30, Herbon stated. In mid-May, Guthrie, known as “Junior,” and Capt. Tom Mora of Cortez told The Islander they built the structure. Also in May, Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co., said Guthrie told her it was once the site of a net camp in his family. Net camps were wooden structures used at the turn of the century to dry and store nets, but they became obsolete with the popularity of nylon nets. A 1995 hurricane destroyed most of the camps, except one built by Cortez fishers Joe Capo and Curt Johns and recently restored by the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, according to an article by Amara Nash, former supervisor of the Cortez-based Florida Maritime Museum.

French Table The soul of France in the heart of Bradenton Beach

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THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 13, 2017 n 23

An image of Hurricane Irma in the Atlantic, provided by hurricane hunters with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. Islander Courtesy Photo

By Lisa Neff

calm before the storm

“The calm before the storm,” wife Connie Wolgast said as we strolled Sept. 8 on the beach at Palma Sola Bay to see the sunset. We both smiled. So cliché and yet, so true. The bay water was blue and flat, except for the occasional splash from a mullet and the break of water around a pod of dolphins. There were at least 20 dolphins, maybe 30, within sight. A roseate spoonbill flew overhead. The sky was splashed like MonNeff et’s palette — white lead, cadmium yellow, vermilion, cobalt blue. “Still life in paradise,” I’d tell my mom later that night. So cliché, yet so true. Earlier in the day, Connie and I left our home in Anna Maria and evacuated the island for the first time since we arrived 12 years ago. We only went a few miles over the bridge and

across the causeway to Islander reporter Sandy Ambrogi’s place in Pine Bay Forest. But if you live on Anna Maria Island or Perico or in Cortez, you likely know how we’re feeling because you too left your home. It’s a peculiar experience to look at all your possessions and then select the few irreplaceable items to tuck into the hatchback alongside the camping supplies and jugs of water. Among our prized possessions was a painting by folk artist Ruby C. Williams of Bealsville, the historic community outside Plant City established by five families of freed slaves in 1865. We flipped my desk onto our bed beside the flipped television, cleaned the yard, locked the doors, packed some sandbags in the doorways and left. Our preparation for Hurricane Irma began days earlier, the morning after Labor Day. I can even give you the minute: 8:53 a.m. That’s when Connie texted me from Ginnie’s and Jane E’s at the Old IGA, where she’s the baker. “Is AMI being evacuated? That is the story around here,” she wrote. No evacuation had been ordered at that time, but islanders looking at National Hurricane Center storm models and maps over coffee at the cafe made the assessment — and they wound up being correct. That morning I began replenishing storm supplies and I wasn’t alone. Soon, the shelves at Publix and other stores were emptied of water. There were long lines of autos at island gas stations Sept. 6 and then no lines — because the gas was gone.

A sign with a message offering hurricane “relief” is posted Sept. 8 at Hurricane Hanks in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Janae Rudacille

on Specials: Potato Soup with Bacon. Szegediner Pork Gulasch cooked in German Sauerkraut with Spätzle and side Salad. HAXEN FRI-SAT NIGHTS (reserve ahead)

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In Publix, I felt a twist of the paranoia that comes with preparing for the worst. I’d walked away from my cart holding three jugs of water to look for a couple of bottles of wine and had the thought, “What if someone takes my water?” No one did, but Sept. 8 I saw my first looter — a man took all the potting soil bags placed in the doorway at the west Bradenton Kmart. He placed the bags in his Kia SUV — with a “Dad” sticker on the back — and drove away. I hope his behavior is the worst I’ll see. As I write, I’m still experiencing the “calm before the storm.” It is early Sept. 9. Irma remains a threat to Florida, but the hurricane’s track is uncertain. What’s certain is we’ll be strolling Palma Sola beach again to see the sunset, look for dolphins and maybe we’ll catch a glimpse of a spoonbill. Still life in paradise.

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24 n SEpT. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

compliments of irma, Kevin cassidy’s sports report will return Sept. 20.

Send your club, business, fishing, sports, event news and photos to news@islander.org.

Share the fun.

Cassidy Southernaire Fishing Charters

Always fishin’ for news.

www.islander.org

e d i R E FRE

take a ride on aMi … connect to SRQ! the free aMi trolley service connects at coquina Beach to Longboat Key trolley (fee) for service to LBK, St. armands and downtown Sarasota. Schedule info is a public service of

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

HIGH

Sept 13 Sept 14 Sept 15 Sept 16 Sept 17 Sept 18 Sept 19 Sept 20

5:00a 6:16a 7:47a 9:11a 10:19a 12:01a 12:21a 12:39a

2.5 2.5 2.5 2.6 2.6 1.9 2.0 2.1

9:16p 10:32p 11:10p 11:38p — 11:16a 12:06p 12:50p

1.7 1.8 1.8 1.9 — 2.6 2.6 2.5

1:13p 2:35p 1:09a 2:43a :54a 4:49a 5:36a 6:19a

LOW

Moon

0.4 11:24p 1.6 3rd 0.3 — — 1.7 3:42p 0.3 1.6 4:36p 0.3 1.4 5:20p 0.3 1.2 5:57p 0.4 1.0 6:28p 0.6 0.8 6:55p 0.8 NEW

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

THE ISLANDER n Sept. 13, 2017 n 25

Redfish here, there, everywhere and taking the hook By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Despite the threat of Hurricane Irma, fishing around Anna Maria Island is nothing less than exceptional. If you can break away from watching the “weather on the 9s” for a moment, you might discover the redfish have arrived. Although they aren’t as abundant as I think they could be, there are a few nice schools of fish to run out and play with. A lot of these fish are over-sized, so you want to handle them with care. Quickly snap a photo Stasny and place them in the water, taking ample time to revive them before letting them go. Remember, the water is hot, we’re hot, everything’s hot right now and that heat takes its toll on these big reds. So again, handle with care. Spotted seatrout also are worth mentioning. These fish are making a showing — and how. On one of my morning charters this past week, we sat on a grass flat and caught trout after trout for about an hour and a half. I’m talking, every bait. At least, unless the angler was asleep at the reel and missed the bite. Now, most of these trout are coming in right at 14 inches. Yeah, an inch short of being a keeper. But, don’t be discouraged, there’s bigger ones in the mix. Usually enough for a couple of limits to put in the cooler. And frankly, who needs more fish than that for dinner? Snook fishing is hot. I’m fishing mangrove shorelines and even an oyster bar or two, where good tidal

Look at all them spots. Jim Thobe of St. Petersburg shows off the 28-inch redfish he caught Sept. 5 while fishing with Capt. Danny Stasny of Southernaire Fishing Charters.

TideWatch

Red tide not detected

Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not reported in Manatee County the week ending Sept. 10. For more information about red tide in Florida, go to myfwc.com/redtidestatus.

Capt. David White helps Darlene Bartoletta of Tampa with the heavy lifting of her Sept. 3 catch, a red grouper caught 30 miles off of Anna Maria Island.

flow exists. Most of the linesiders I’m seeing reeled up are schooley fish — up to 26 inches — but a few keeper-fish are mixed in there, too. The strong outgoing tides are producing the best action. Lastly, I’m amazed at how many mangrove snapper my clients are catching. And the best part is we’re finding them on the flats. This bite is happening while targeting trout on the deeper flats. Snapper up to 15 inches are being reeled up in this fashion. I think just about anyone would like a mangrove snapper on the plate for dinner over trout — I know I would. Capt. Aaron Lowman is snook fishing throughout the grass flats of southern Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Sound. Mangrove shorelines where good tidal flow occurs are holding exceptional numbers of linesiders. Chumming with live shiners is proving effective to trick the snook into giving up their location. Most catches are falling between 20-26 inches. While targeting snook, Lowman is hooking into redfish. On nearshore structure, Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper are in abundance. Occasionally schools of permit are being spotted. Small live shiners are producing the mangs and macks for his clients. For the permit, live crabs or Doc’s Goofy jigs are a good bet. Capt. Warren Girle is fishing the nearshore reefs for mangrove snapper. Limits of these feisty fish are being caught. Most are falling 12-18 inches. Live shiners dropped to the bottom on a knocker rig are getting the attention. Mixed in with the snapper are flounder, juvenile grouper and Key West grunts. Moving inshore to Sarasota Bay, Girle is finding an abundance of spotted seatrout. Using live shiners as bait is working the best, although Berkley Gulp shrimp on a jig head also are producing numbers of trout. Expect to encounter macks, bluefish and ladyfish in the mix. Capt. Jason Stock is fishing offshore wrecks and reefs for permit. Free-lining live crabs in these areas

is attracting “perms” in the 30-pound range. Also on offshore structure, mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel are showing in good numbers. Shiners are the bait of choice for either of these fish. Moving inshore, Stock is flats fishing for snook and redfish. Keeper-sizes of both are being caught on live shiners and pinfish. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is experiencing a great bite offshore. Red grouper, mangrove snapper and African pompano are White’s main focus. To target these fish, live pinfish or dead shiners on a bottom rig will do the trick. Please see FISHING, Next Page

Capt. Danny Stasny, Islander sportswriter, guided Russel Thomas of Atlanta to this 31-inch linesider during a past snook season. Stasny reminds anglers the season reopened this week. The slot size for keeper snook is between 28 inches and 33 inches total length. Anglers are limited to one harvest per day, while the captain and crew “for hire” are limited to a “zero” harvest. The “catch” season runs to the end of November.

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26 n SEpT. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

not quite cabernet, but seagrapes can be interesting By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Seagrapes are coming into season. They show up in mid to late summer, much like their namesakes, starting as an almost clear sea-glass green lobe, then gradually becoming a rounded burgundy fruit with purple overtones. But it’s not vines of fruit on hillsides ripening in the summer sun. It’s a tropical cousin of the fruit that normally loves cool, rolling hills and a more temperate climate. It’s a seagrape — scientifically known as coccoloba uvifera. A close examination on Anna Maria Island as well as many coastal areas in the more southern areas of Florida and all over the Caribbean turns up the native bushes and trees with seagrapes — only the female plants bear fruit. Seagrapes love the windy dunes where they grow low in the sea breeze and spread out with large flat evergreen leaves. They help to keep beaches from eroding and block out artificial light that can distract nesting sea turtles. They are hardy and fast growing. Florida has named them a protected species, banning removal and restricting trimming in beach areas. In other areas, unattended or away from windy shores, seagrape trees can grow up to three-stories tall. The fruit they produce has been the subject of both love and disdain. Old-timers swear by seagrape jams and bark elixirs that soothe throat ailments. The leaves of the plant are used for medicinal purposes, such as controlling blood sugar levels and kidney stones. Adventurous types ferment seagrapes into wine. Around the Caribbean, the fruit often is considered poisonous, a long-held false label that landed on the lowly seagrape years ago. Historians have speculated some poor sailor ate too many of the green, un-ripened grapes and lived to regret it. The grapes have a sweet tartness that won’t please FISHING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 Inshore, White is catching a variety of fish — redfish, snook, mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel. For the reds and snook, fishing close to mangroves or around oyster beds is proving to be good. As for the macks and snappers, the deeper grass flats are holding plenty of fish. Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is catching more redfish than he knows what to do with. Redfish here, redfish there, redfish everywhere. Even

easy Seagrape Jam

Seagrapes are plentiful on Anna Maria Island, such as these protected trees near the dunes at Bradenton Beach. Seagrapes ripen in clusters on the tree from the glassy green hue they first display to a rich red burgundy late in summer. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi all palates. Beach kids, in addition to munching on the purple ones straight off the bush, also have been known to use the hard, green beginnings of the seagrape for perfect ammunition in a shoreline battle. Unlike table or wine grapes, seagrapes ripen one at a time, not by the bunch, which necessitates shaking the hanging clump to loosen the fruit or plucking them off one at time. So, next time you are strolling on Anna Maria Island and see a seagrape in a non-protected area, give a purple one a whirl. It probably won’t replace your favorite cabernet wine, but it might just be a great taste treat for a late summer day. You can find seagrapes ripening through October on Anna Maria Island. And maybe you’ll find some seagrape jelly at a local church bazaar or gourmet shop. when he’s not trying to catch redfish, he says he’s still catching redfish. Schooling reds are being found around mangrove shorelines, open grass flats and even some docks. For bait, Gross is using live shiners or fresh-cut bait — pinfish and ladyfish. Gross advises to keep a rod rigged with a gold spoon handy for when you spot a school of reds cruising the flats. That way you can make a cast in the moment.

THE WATERFRONT LEADERS JAY TRAVIS & CHRISTY TRAVIS THE TRAVIS GROUP | RE/MAX ALLIANCE GROUP 941-812-7277 WWW.THEWATERFRONTLEADERS.COM DEEDED BOAT SLIP

PENDING

3 cups ripe seagrapes l-1/2 cups water 1 cup sugar Bring the seagrapes and water to a boil and simmer for about 30 minutes, smashing them every so often with a potato smasher or the back of big spoon. The seeds will begin to separate. Simmering is the key. Place a mesh strainer over a large measuring cup or bowl. Strain the juice through the strainer and use a spoon to press some of the pulp through as well. Combine 1 cup of strained juice with pulp and 1 cup sugar in a pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about five minutes. Transfer to a jar. Allow the jam to cool at room temperature and then refrigerate. Source: suwanneerose.com Homegrown in Florida website Seagrape Salad One large handful of seagrapes l small red onion, finely chopped l handful of coriander leaves, finely chopped 1/2 cucumber, chopped or sliced 6 oz. fresh or canned tuna (optional) 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice 4 tbsp coconut cream (optional) salt and pepper to taste Rinse the seagrapes in fresh water for 10 minutes to remove excess salt from the brine and plump them up. Meanwhile, combine vegetables in a bowl. Add seagrapes, lemon juice, coriander and seasonings and gently mix. Top with tuna if desired. Serve room temperature or chilled. Makes 2-4 servings When Gross isn’t catching redfish, he’s targeting spotted seatrout on the deeper grass flats of Tampa Bay. Respectable numbers of trout are being found throughout the flats on incoming tides. Live shiners free-lined or under a cork are keeping anglers busy for hours. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing numerous “bull” reds being caught. If you don’t know what a “bull” red is, it’s a redfish that is way over the top slot of 27 inches. In fact, they don’t really hit “bull” status in these parts until around 35 inches or bigger. For bait, jumbo live shrimp, pinfish, shiners and numerous types of cut bait will work. Other species at the R&R include macks, snapper and snook. Keeper-sizes of all three species are coming to the deck. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

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THE ISLANDER n Sept. 13, 2017 n 27

BizCal

A line dance broke out at a rollicking Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce July business mixer at Pineapple Junktion, 425 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Holly Rae emceed and members also sang. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

September cools off, chambers heat up

The Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, will be the site of the 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, business card exchange for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members and RSVP’s are suggested. The AMI chamber continues to take nominations for small business of the year awards. See the website for details and nomination forms. The chamber also is looking for volunteers for the annual Bayfest Saturday, Oct. 21, from early morning setup through closing at 9 p.m. The festival will be held on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. For more information, go to the website at annamariaislandchamber.org, call 941-778-1541, or visit the office at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will host Networking@Noon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at Tommy Bahama Tropical Café, 300 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Circle. The cost is $25 for members with RSVP, $30 for chamber member walk-ins and $35 for non-members. For more information, call the chamber at 941383-2466, visit the website at longboatkeychamber. com or the office at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. — Sandy Ambrogi

AMI chamber issues special statement on Irma

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, 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.

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce issued a special statement Sept. 6 regarding Hurricane Irma and concerns about its impact on the area. The chamber urged people to follow any mandatory evacuation order. The AMI chamber also urged everyone to stock up on supplies and fill gas tanks and generators. A mandatory evacuation was ordered Sept. 8, so compensation insurance may be in play for the vacation accommodations. Also, some island businesses offered to rebook guests due to arrive with no penalties. The chamber urged people to help neighbors. Community notices, events “This community works best when we all work The Islander welcomes notices of your events and together as we are truly an interdependent business projects on Anna Maria Island and encourages you and residential community,” Deb Wing, AMI chamber to submit both news and photographs on a regular president, said in the statement. basis. Send press releases and photos with detailed capBusiness news tions to news@islander.org. Remember to include Does your business deserve kudos? Maybe you Jesse Brisson’s island real estate complete contact information for more information just opened the doors, received an award or staff is and for publication. sales report will return next week. moving up. Submit your info to news@islander.org.

PropertyWatch

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28 n SEpT. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS

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

HELP WANTED Continued

1983 JOHN DEERE 8820 combine with header. Runs good. Does the job. $9,500 or best offer. Call Thomas for further details at 360-2985082.

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

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

CBC 1253471

ITEMS FOR SALE

Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

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)

References available • 941-720-7519

Bed: A bargain!

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. MOONRACER RESCUE LOOKING for donations of old wooden doors, wood pallets and tennis balls and mufﬁn/cupcake to-go containers for fundraising project! moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com. 941-345-2441. WANTED: YOUR OLD cell phone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com.

$YDLODEOH $We

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.

AMI CENTRE, 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

AdoptA-Pet

LOST & FOUND FOUND: NECKLACE PENDANT near Anna Maria post ofﬁce. Please call 941-773-3182 to identify.

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 …

PETS PET PAL PET sitting: Short and long term, in your house or mine. 18-year Island resident. 941-7045937. e.davies5937@gmail.com. YOU CAN HELP! Foster or volunteer for Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue. www.moonraceranimalrescue.com to apply.

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.