The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, September 20, 2017

SEPT. 20, 2017 FREE

VOLUME 25, NO. 47

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

www.islander.org

Irma spares Anna Maria Island, Cortez

AsTheWorldTerns get educated by Irma. 6

From evacuation to re-entry to impacts and restoration, islanders and Cortezians pull together... turn the pages.

Anna Maria Island: These are a few of your favorite things …

Some fared well, some suffered damage and some saw minor impact. Overall, Anna Maria Island and Cortez residents and businesses are counting themselves as very lucky to have been spared the brunt of Hurricane Irma. The storm meandered east in the hours before heading north overnight Sept. 10 from landfall at about 3:35 p.m. at Marco Island in Collier County with wind gusts of 130 mph. Anna Maria Island authorities reported wind gusts of about 90 mph, trees down and power out to all but a few areas in the three cities.

Anna Maria faces challenges in Irma recovery. 2 Relief surges in Bradenton Beach following the storm. 3 Holmes Beach focus post-Irma: Restoring power. 4 Irma leaves Cortez villagers shaken, not stirred. 5

Jack Elka

Op-Ed

Our opinion. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

Resort works toward occupancy permits. 8 Pinellas business pitches Egmont-Holmes Beach ferry. 8

Jack Elka

Jack Elka

Anna Maria holds 1st budget hearing. 9 Calendar, community announcements. 10-11

Streetlife. 14 Get in the game. 15 Tree house owners prepare appeal. 18 Drone catches ospreysteeple view. 19

Jack Elka

Michael Stahr

Wildlife check. 20 Back to school. 21 Island real estate. 22 Lessons learned in Irma. 23 Eerie fish tale. 24 Lost business. 26

Kathy Prucnell

Michael Stahr

Michael Stahr

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2 n SEpT. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Anna Maria faces challenges in irma recovery

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Irma blew hard in Anna Maria — leaving most of the city without power for days and damaging the 1911-built city pier.

Anna Maria commissioners met Sept. 13 and Sept.

14 to review recovery after Hurricane Irma and set the city on schedule.

Commissioners held an emergency meeting Sept.

13 to extend the local state of emergency to Sept. 20 and review the city’s status.

Mayor Dan Murphy made the decision Sept. 13 to purchase a generator for city hall, which was still without power during the emergency meeting.

The cost of the equipment was $9,500 and city

clerk LeAnne Addy made the round-trip to Wisconsin to purchase the generator.

However, as she arrived Sept. 14, power came on at city hall, Murphy said.

By Sept. 14, power was restored to about 88 percent of Anna Maria residents, Murphy said, with FPL hindered by remaining downed lines and trees and damaged equipment in bringing power to some customers.

Murphy said regular trash service resumed Sept.

14 and yard waste was to resume Sept. 18, as The Islander went to press.

He said two-thirds of full-time residents had returned to the island as of Sept. 14.

The city was going to wait some weeks before

bringing in a service to remove large debris — “all in one go.”

He said the city would review its plans to repair the Anna Maria City Pier, because planks and roofing were ripped off in the storm.

“We have to restore it to the point where it was” when leaseholder Mario Schoenfelder began renting the pier, Murphy said.

“Anna Maria has to be restored and we’re going to get it done as quickly as possible,” Murphy said.

“We are responsible for ourselves out here. I’ll try to follow the system as best I can, but I’m not going to let things go to hell in a hand basket while we’re waiting” for FEMA and the county to address problems, he added.

On a tour of Anna Maria Island Sept. 12, photographer Jack Elka — armed with his cameras and a drone — snapped a photo of the broken FPL pole on South Bay Boulevard. The pole was described by FPL spokesman Dave McDer- Florida Power and Light employees replace the broken power pole Sept. 13 on mitt as a major feeder for the area, and its replacement brought power back to a South Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria. The utility pole snapped Sept. 10 in high winds from Hurricane Irma. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí majority of its customers in Anna Maria.

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THE ISLANDER n Sept. 20, 2017 n 3

Relief surges in Bradenton Beach following Irma’s passage

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter “This is the first time I’ve ever evacuated for a storm,” Paul Paradis, a homeowner in Bradenton Beach and third generation Floridian, said Sept. 11 following Hurricane Irma’s glancing blow to Anna Maria Island the night before.

Paradis owns a cottage across Gulf Drive from Cortez Beach. “This time was scary,” Paradis said. “I was afraid all we’d be left with was water where the house used to be.”

He wasn’t alone in his concerns.

Susan Rendell, an owner and year-round resident in Pines Trailer Park, fronting Sarasota Bay in Bradenton Beach, said, “When we came back over the (Cortez) bridge after the storm, everyone in the car started crying with relief when we saw the row of trailers still standing.”

Bradenton Beach residents weren’t the only ones relieved to cross the bridge to an island intact. Business owners were ready and waiting to open as soon as power was restored.

Delanie Herlihy, Island Time Bar and Grill owner Bill Herlihy’s daughter, said her family was ecstatic to return and find no damage to their business.

“We took more precautions than we needed to, but we figured better safe than sorry,” Herlihy said.

As Hurricane Irma grew in size Sept. 9 and became a Category 5 storm for the second time, when making landfall on the northern edge of Cuba, locals started to prepare for the worstcase scenario.

However, Irma took a slight eastward turn Sept. 10, skimming the island with David Marshall and Delanie maximum sustained Herlihy embrace Sept. 11. winds of 49 mph and

Steve and Lisa Paradis share their relief Sept. 11 from the porch of their cottage on Gulf Drive near 12th Street South in Bradenton Beach. They were among hundreds of residents in the city who were pleased to find minimal damage on their return following Hurricane Irma. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes 70 mph gusts early Sept. 11.

While Irma was not catastrophic for Bradenton Beach, the evacuation and storm cleanup required a plan extending beyond what Manatee County, the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Power and Light contractors could provide the city.

“Lt. John Cosby was the maestro of this orchestra,” Mayor Bill Shearon said Sept. 13, during a special city commission meeting to discuss Hurricane Irma’s impact on the city and remove the emergency declaration for storm operations. “He had a plan and followed it. Words can’t express the job he did.”

As head of emergency operations for the city, Cosby communicated with the county and worked with Police Chief Sam Speciale and public works director Tom Woodard to ensure Bradenton Beach was prepared beforehand and ready to get back in the game follow-

ing Irma.

During the meeting, Speciale said over the years that he and Cosby have been with the police department they learned to work with the county, but plan for the city.

“The county’s effort is focused on the entire county, not us out here,” Speciale said. “We need to be able to take care of ourselves.”

Cosby said Woodard and the public works employees were in the city for the “first push” at 7:30 a.m. Sept.

11, the morning after the storm, “without a squeak or a complaint,” clearing the roads of debris in preparation for the DOT and FPL. “Our roads were clear by noon,” Cosby said.

While structural damage was minimal, Cosby said the city would be issuing desk permits to people who can show photographic evidence of storm damage.

“As long as its related to the storm, bring photos, and a permit will be issued immediately,” Cosby said.

Cosby thanked business owners for boarding up before evacuating their structures, and residents for leaving when they were told to evacuate. He said in the past, people have ignored the mandatory evacuation and stayed on the island during hurricanes.

“As far as I know, only six people didn’t evacuate and the businesses boarded up and got out,” Cosby said.

A motion was made to lift the emergency declaration, which commissioners and Shearon unanimously Quinn approved.

During the meeting, Pines Trailer Park manager Brian Quinn thanked the city for the “phenomenal job” they did with storm preparation.

Quinn, his voice cracking with emotion, said, “I commend the police department for quickly getting the island to a point where we could come back to our homes. We got really, really lucky this time, didn’t we?”

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4 n Sept. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach focus post-Irma: Restoring power

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The management team from Hurricane Hanks in Holmes Beach was hanging outdoors Sept. 12, munching lunch on a sunny mid-afternoon.

They weren’t working.

They were waiting.

Waiting for Florida Power & Light Co. to plug their business into the electric grid.

The casual Holmes Beach pub, 5346 Gulf Drive, was without power two days post-Hurricane Irma, as was a great deal of the island at the time. FPL reported Sept. 15 it had restored power to most island customers.

Owner Brian Mathae said Irma blew out the lights at Hurricane Hanks about 3:30 p.m. Sept. 10. He smiled even while relating all food in the walk-in cooler and freezer had been lost.

“We’ll reopen as soon as power is restored,” Mathae said. “We’ll restock with next-day delivery.”

Hurricane Hanks reopened Sept. 13 The rest of the group sitting around the table shared their storm stories.

“Never lost power at my house,” said co-manager Ben Conlon.

Shingles torn from his roof resulted in a minor leak inside, he said.

Liquor store employee Jay Alexander said his evacuation to Orlando was “easy, breezy.” His hotel even had room service.

Co-manager Mary Ellen Murray evacuated to Gainesville. When she returned, her home was dark.

A large area of the white roof at Dara and Chuck Caudill’s home in the 5800 block of Holmes Boulevard is covered by a tree that fell Sept. 10 during the high winds that resulted from Irma. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

ABOVE: Motorists cue up Sept.

12 for the re-opening of the Anna Maria Island Bridge, linking the mainland to Holmes Beach on Manatee Avenue, and the admission of residents after Irma.

Islander Photo: Michael Stahr RIGHT: The Holmes Beach Public Works Department is advising residents to hold on to their sandbags through hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30. A makeshift sign advises against returning sandbags. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

At Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, power was out Sept. 12 at both the restaurant and liquor store. Owner Brian Mathae, left, manager Ben Conlon, liquor store employee Jay Alexander, manager Mary Ellen Murray and Martin Annis gather outdoors.

Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor “It took five hours to reach Gainesville and the line was moving the whole time,” she said. “There was gas all along Interstate 75.”

Martin Annis, a friend who helped board up Hanks before the storm, said he evacuated to northwest Bradenton, but his haven lost power. His own home apparently never lost power.

“I should have stayed,” he said.

Overall, Holmes Beach did not sustain a great deal of damage, according to Police Chief Bill Tokajer.

Some homes have structural problems, some trees and power lines are down, too, he said.

“If trees are in the roads, it’s not because we haven’t gotten to it yet,” he said two days after the storm. “It’s because they are tangled with power lines and need to be professionally removed.”

A tree was uprooted at the Starfish Shack vacation condos, 7504 Gulf Drive, but did no damage as it fell.

Not so at 121 49th St., where three palm trees fell like dominoes on a roof.

By Sept. 13, Tokajer said the recovery was making progress. Power had been restored at Holmes Beach City Hall and the police department after being out three days.

“We are working to get everything working,” Tokajer said.

City clerk Stacey Johnston said Sept. 13 issuing permits will be slower than usual until internet access is restored.

“We can’t do receipts and don’t have the internet for web mail,” she said. “We’re just putting stuff back together and working through it.”

By Sept. 14, city hall was back online.

Tokajer praised islanders for dealing with the storm’s stresses.

“I think people did very well,” he said. “They left when they were told to.”

FPL’s power problems on Anna Maria Island and elsewhere had no fast solutions because of the magnitude of the outage.

FPL estimated 5 million customers lost power Sept. 10 when Hurricane Irma blew through. Five days later, FPL reported lights were back on for 3.2 million customers.

FPL services 184,900 meters in Manatee County and 263,800 in Sarasota County. FPL did not have numbers available for Anna Maria Island meters.

The utility company employed a record workforce of 21,00 to restore its infrastructure.

Eric Silogy, FPL president and CEO, said all 27,000 square miles and 35 counties it services were affected by Irma’s devastation.

Restoring power to hospitals, police and fire stations, communication facilities, water treatment plants, transportation providers and shelters were the top FPL priority.

By Sept. 15, five days after the storm, FPL reported power had been restored to more than 97 percent of all high-priority facilities, including all hospitals, emergency operations centers, air and seaports, correctional facilities and military installations.

Priority No. 2 was powering all supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations and community services.

Infrastructure serving smaller numbers, such as Anna Maria Island, was done next.

“I think they are doing a fine job,” said Tokajer, who noted his home was still dark three days after the storm. “They are out there working. I also know there’s a lot of impatience going on.”

The chief advised keeping perspective on the recovery.

“We expected a Category 3 or 4 hurricane,” he said. “As a community, I believe we were truly blessed compared with the Keys or Naples. Losing power for a few days is not as traumatic as it is for other people who are just hours from us.”

THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 20, 2017 n 5

irma leaves Cortez villagers shaken, not stirred

By Sandy Ambrogi and Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporters Irma blew in and left her mark in Cortez.

Storefront canopies and awnings were ripped down. Signs broke in pieces and debris littered parking lots and yards.

The historic net camp on the waterfront has roof damage.

The Seafood Shack mannequin, sitting high in a lifeguard chair at the corner of 127th Street West and Cortez Road, disappeared in the storm.

“He blew away,” Liza Kubik of the Shack said in a text Sept.13. “He’s gone on a walk-about.”

The Seafood Shack, which sustained some roof damage and was without power, was closed Sept. 13.

Also, near the Seafood Shack, the San Francesco schooner made another trip to the sound bottom but remained tied to its moorings.

On the opposite side of the road, James “Wyre” Lee and workers from the Cortez Bait and Seafood Market, 12110 Cortez Road W., unscrewed plywood from the storefront in the plaza, recovered a fallen sign and cleaned up the parking lot.

Owner John Banyas said the worst damage to his properties occurred at the plaza that also houses the Cortez Cafe and the post office.

“Other than that, we fared pretty good,” Banyas said Sept. 12, as assessments were beginning.

In addition to his fishing fleet and waterfront fish house, Banyas owns the Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar, the Cortez Kitchen, Killer Bait and N.E. Taylor Boatworks, all on the Cortez peninsula at the bayfront end of 119th Street West.

“My mom had a big tree down in her yard, which she didn’t like, but, all the boats stayed put,” Banyas said.

Banyas said he was concerned about the electric outages because of the amount of fish in his freezers.

“I hope it doesn’t last too long,” Banyas said, “Or I will lose a lot of product.”

The sidewalk overhang and signs for Cortez Cafe, Cortez Bait and Seafood Market, the post office and barbershop in the 12100 block of Cortez Road West were taken down to the plaza parking lot by Irma.

Islander Photo: Jack Elka At Tide Tables, only the storage unit suffered On the southwest end of the village, Karen Bell said A.P. Bell & Fish Co. lost power to the freezer for damage and the large outdoor bar survived the kick from Hurricane Irma. a couple of days.

Louie Mora, fish cleaner, bartender, owner and “Florida Power and Light was awesome about getserver, said the restaurant was up and running the afterting us back online,” she texted Sept. 14. noon of Sept. 13 and a normal crowd had arrived to the waterfront eatery at the base of the Cortez Bridge.

On 119th Street, residents reported power outages Sept. 11 while assessing damage the day after the storm.

Cortezian Terry Schock adjusted a downed cable television line.

Jane von Hahmann returned after evacuating to Lakewood Ranch and shared stories with neighbor Gail Roberts.

Von Hahmann remarked on her old, worn fence, a planned teardown project. She smiled and said Irma saved her the work.

Roberts reported two fallen trees — one on a house on 119th Street and another on 121st Street — but otherwise little damage considering what the once CatThe historic net camp on the Cortez waterfront egory 5 could have done. shows some damage from Irma. It is maintained by She credited the “triangle” of Indian burial grounds local residents but no longer used to store fish nets around Cortez for protecting the village. or gear. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell.

6 n SEpT. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Lasting impact

Spared.

That’s the hometown headline.

Anna Maria Island, Cortez and the Tampa Bay area are spared again from what could have been the devastating impact of a major hurricane.

It was evident there was enough panic after Harvey devastated Houston to send islanders packing. There were lines for gas on the island five days ahead of Irma’s landfall — albeit we have only three gas stations. Publix was out of bottled water before noon Sept. 6 and, thankfully, the store restocked.

Obviously islanders were tuned into the devastation a category 4 or 5 storm could bring to our shore.

It was a good outcome as far as practice runs go.

Irma only glazed our coastline and our infrastructure remains intact. No significant damage.

There were days for many without electricity and water. Some lost utilities for a day, some for five days.

But with almost all homes and roads spared, and businesses slowly coming back — Publix was open and serving customers as they returned — there’s little to complain about.

We don’t yet know when the Anna Maria City Pier will reopen and that’s a great loss, but with a new roof and planks on the T-end, we hope it will be soon.

A few homes have tree damage. And falling trees seem to result in the most damage. Will we ever learn to manage the growth of Australian pines to lessen their impact?

It’s a sorry sight to see such large trees, sometimes a hundred years or more old, toppled in the wind.

It’s a sad day when we drive away and say goodbye to a home, business and the island for what might be the last time.

So welcome back Anna Maria Island. Welcome home, islanders.

Now that we’re back, what will you do to prepare for the next storm? Will you invest in that muchneeded generator? Will you stock up on the things you wished you had when you left home for Irma?

Will you organize a hurricane kit with lights, batteries, charger packs and copies of important papers?

Do you have a plan?

And what are the odds you will choose a safer place to evacuate next time without traveling through several states and hundreds of miles?

Will you pack less and worry less when you close the door and head away from home next time. Will it be easier to focus on what’s important in your life?

Practice makes perfect, as they say.

Prepare.

SEPT. 20, 2017 • Vol. 25, No. 47 ▼ ▼

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

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

put the blame on irma

We’re not surprised people didn’t have the opportunity to write letters to the editor before The Islander’s press deadline for the Sept. 20 issue.

We were evacuating the island, returning to the island, boiling water, reconnecting with friends, searching for working electrical outlets, clearing debris, patching roofs and doing what we could to assist those in Hurricane Irma’s path who suffered serious loss.

So, this week, instead of letters, The Islander offers a few memes collected from social media.

THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 20, 2017 n 7

10&20 years ago

in the headlines: Sept. 17, 1997

Dannie and Linda Raines of the Sandpiper Resort mobile home park in Bradenton Beach hosted park residents for a “We Survived Irma” party Sept. 16 at their home. Patty Shay attended and said, “The ‘survival’ stories were awesome.” Residents reported little to no damage from Irma. Islander Photo: Patty Shay

After the 1921 storm

The docks in the fishing village of Cortez were destroyed when the hurricane of 1921 hit the Tampa Bay region. The major hurricane, also known as the 1921 Tarpon Springs hurricane, had maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. Islander Photo: Manatee County Library Historical Collection

We’d love to mail you the news!

• The Page 1 headline read, “Cell tower to rise in Holmes Beach.” With the chamber at city hall packed to capacity, the Holmes Beach commission overrode the mayor’s veto on the construction of a cell tower in the 5900 block of Marina Drive.

• “Citizens say NO! to Anna Maria pipeline,” read the headline on a story about a group of residents opposing a pipeline drainage plan for an area between Pine and Magnolia avenues.

• “Bradenton man still missing after boat fire.”

A Bradenton man was not found after his boat caught fire about 2 miles offshore from Holmes Beach in the Gulf of Mexico. The man had taken his power boat out after watching “Monday Night Football.”

in the headlines: Sept. 19, 2007

• The top Page 1 headline read, “Tax deferment draws ire of mortgage holder.” Sabine Musil-Buehler and husband Tom Buehler, owners of Haley’s Motel in Holmes Beach, wanted to take advantage of the county ordinance allowing people to defer a portion of their property taxes.

However, they received a threat from their mortgage holder that they would face foreclosure if they didn’t pay their taxes, raising questions about the usefulness of the ordinance.

• Volunteers with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program removed rubble from the shoreline of Herb Dolan Park in Bradenton Beach to clear the way for a restoration project. The plan included planted saltmarsh cordgrass along the shoreline.

• The Historic Bridge Street Pier was due to reopen to the public after repairs of storm damage in 2004.

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8 n Sept. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Pinellas marine business pitches Egmont-Holmes Beach ferry

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Capt. Mark Hubbard of Tampa Bay Ferry & Taxi is ready to establish ferryboat service between Holmes Beach and DeSoto Park in Pinellas County.

But he needs an ordinance enacted in Holmes Beach to do so.

“It’s got to start somewhere,” he said. “Someone’s got to step up.”

Four generations of Hubbards have operated a party boat, private charter boats and dolphin watching tours out of Hubbard’s Marina at John’s Pass in Madiera Beach since 1928.

According to their website, their ferry boat operates from the Fort De Soto pier in Pinellas County daily in the spring and summer and nearly every day in the fall and winter, depending on weather. The ride from De Soto to Egmont is about 25-30 minutes.

Corey Hubbard, the captain’s daughter, is proposing to bring their 46-foot vessel to the Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club to shuttle passengers between Holmes Beach, Fort De Soto Park and Egmont Key. She brought along a draft ordinance developed

by Pinellas County transportation experts for Holmes Beach to use as a template in addressing waterborne transportation regulations.

“In contrast to our last proposal with the city in 2016, we no longer need access to Keyes Marina, nor do we need any (pilings) removed,” wrote Hubbard in an email to Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and Commissioner Carol Soustek.

Johnson said he’s not sure the plan is feasible, adding that parking is an issue.

“Feasibility was being determined before the hurricane,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he expected the issue to be on the Holmes Beach City Commission agenda soon.

Tampa Bay Ferry & Taxi operator Capt. Mark Hubbard is asking Holmes Beach to adopt an ordinance to allow ferry service to the Waterline Resort.

Islander Courtesy Photo Holmes Beach is being asked to waive parking requirements for waterborne transportation, as the ferry will service guests of the resort and passengers who arrive by car or trolley.

“We want to make it clear this operation is not a park-and-ride, but is a walk-up access point,” Corey Hubbard wrote.

The Hubbards propose a pilot program, boarding up to 15 people at $30 each at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays in Holmes Beach, arriving at Fort DeSoto an hour later, then embarking for Egmont Key. The ferry would return to Holmes Beach at 4 p.m.

“If met well with community leaders, Holmes Beach businesses and residents, and it’s a successful route, we would add routes,” said Mark Hubbard.

Hubbard said he tried to establish ferry service to

Anna Maria, but parking was an insurmountable issue there.

“They just can’t seem to figure out how to do it,” Hubbard said. “So, I went to the next port down and talked with them last year and some of the commissioners were interested in having a ferry come in.”

Hubbard said he has been trying since 2013 to establish ferry service to Anna Maria Island after being encouraged by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and island officials.

Meanwhile, another new ferry is expected to start service soon to Bradenton Beach. Sherman Baldwin of Paradise Boat Tours plans to run a ferry from the Historic Bridge Street Pier to downtown Sarasota starting in November.

If Holmes Beach adopts an ordinance, how quickly could ferry service begin to Egmont Key? “Next Saturday,” Hubbard said. “We can get across the bay in 20 minutes.”

Tampa ferry service at a glance

Who: Mark and Corey Hubbard of Tampa Bay Ferry & Taxi.

What: Ferryboat service connecting Holmes Beach to Egmont Key and Fort DeSoto.

Passengers: 15 people per trip.

How much: Tentatively $30.

Hours of operation: 9 a.m. pickups Wednesday and Saturday in Holmes Beach, arriving to Fort DeSoto at 10 a.m. before embarking to Egmont Key. Returns to Holmes Beach at 4 p.m.

Key: An ordinance allowing the service is needed before operating in Holmes Beach.

Information: tampabayferry.com.

Waterline Resort still seeks Holmes Beach permits, approval

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The construction site was unscathed during Hurricane Irma but final inspection approvals and certificates of occupancy remain elusive for the muchdelayed opening of the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

General manager Sandy Zinck said she feels fortunate after Hurricane Irma veered east Sept. 10 and did no damage to the construction site.

“We were actually incredibly lucky,” Zinck said.

“No damage at all. We’re counting our blessings and feeling very lucky.”

Permit application revisions and resubmittals are piling up for the resort, which has undergone “hundreds of inspections,” according to building official James McGuinness.

Mainsail Development of Tampa is building the resort. Mainsail development partner Brian Check had said he expected to qualify for a certificate of occupancy in mid-September.

That is not happening.

“Right now, they are still building,” McGuinness said. “They don’t have final inspection approval or certificates of occupancy yet.”

The stack of documents required to open the $29 million resort now reaches more than 2 feet high and fills a storage bin at the building department.

The latest round of permit approvals was issued Aug. 14 for 10 kitchen hoods.

McGuinness and his inspectors have been helping the project advance by giving in-progress inspections. For example, inspections were conducted on a floor-by-floor basis for Building B and the main lodge, instead of after all three floors were completed.

“It helps speed the process,” McGuinness said.

The resort will include a waterfront hotel with 37 two-bedroom units and kitchens, 2,000 square feet of meeting space, a restaurant, swimming pool and a 50-slip marina.

After twice previously taking reservations and having to reschedule them at other facilities, Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club is taking reservations online for dates starting Oct. 1. Room rates range from $300 per night to $700.

Construction is ongoing Sept. 14 at the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

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. 28, 6 p.m., city commission (budget 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. hearing).

• Oct. 10, 4 p.m., planning and zoning.

West Manatee Fire Rescue • Oct. 12, 6 p.m., city commission.

• None announced.

• Oct. 26, 6 p.m., city commission.

WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941W., Bradenton, wmfr.org.

708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach • Sept. 20, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. CANCELED • Sept. 21, noon, city commission.

• Sept. 21, 5:05 p.m., CRA budget hearing.

• Sept. 21, 5:30 p.m., city budget hearing.

• Sept. 26, 1 p.m., city commission.

• Sept. 27, 9 a.m., CIP committee.

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

Manatee County • Sept. 20, 9 a.m., commission (land use).

• Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., commission (budget hearing).

• Sept. 26, 9 a.m., commission.

• Sept. 29, 9 a.m., commission (land use if needed).

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

Of interest • Sept. 20, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Holmes Beach Elected Officials, Anna Maria City Hall.

• Sept. 21, special magistrate (time to be deter• Oct. 9, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning mined).

• Sept. 26, 6 p.m., city commission (budget Organization, Anna Maria City Hall.

Send notices to calendar@islander.org and hearing). news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n Sept. 20, 2017 n 9

Amendments to Anna Maria budget considered at 1st hearing

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter In the first of two hearings for Anna Maria’s 201718 budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, commissioners debated making adjustments.

Resident Dusty Crane read a statement on behalf of Amy Tripp regarding a multi-use bike path that commissioners voted down during a budget workshop.

Tripp asked commissioners to reconsider constructing only vertical infiltration in the existing drainage swale that runs along Gulf Drive at the city entrance.

Her statement said a plan to build both vertical infiltration and a large multi-use path would improve safety, adding “the installment of this path will never be less expensive than when it is tied in to the work already approved.”

Commissioners Doug Copeland and Woodland said the project should go forward. Commissioners Brian Seymour, Carol Carter and Nancy Yetter said it shouldn’t.

Carter said infrastructure and existing laws, when adequately enforced, do enough to keep the entrance safe.

Copeland suggested the commission revisit the issue Sept. 28, at the final hearing.

Woodland also addressed the city’s stormwater drainage improvement projects, suggesting the city should prioritize the 400 and 500 blocks of Spring Avenue and Magnolia Avenue.

Anna Maria’s 2017-18 budget at a glance

Total proposed expenditures: $5,007,069.

Total proposed revenues: $5,007,069.

Reserve fund: $3,105,742.21.

Proposed millage rate, tax increase: 2.05.

Rollback rate: 1.8728.

Total assessed property value: $989,355,709.

Murphy said the city had a priority list of streets with drainage problems, adding the area Woodland referred to was low on the list.

“Our current plan … is going to be a stretch with resources the way they are. If we’re going to do more things we should follow the priority plan laid out that says north end comes first,” he said.

Seymour suggested the city revisit Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Russell Schnering’s request for two new deputies.

He said the city should consider hiring the officers in March 2018, budgeting $110,000 for six months, and

adding the $220,000 addition to the 2018-19 budget.

Commissioners unanimously voted to approve hiring the new officers for the second half of the 201718 fiscal year.

Woodland also proposed the city increase its annual loan payments from $100,000 to $200,000, using reserve funds, in order to save on interest. Murphy said he would return Sept. 28 with information on how much money the city could save.

The final hearing and vote on the budget will be 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Anna Maria commissioners and Mayor Dan Murphy, right, gather Sept. 13 at city hall for an emergency commission meeting despite having no electrical power at city hall. The commission voted to extend the local state of emergency another week, to Sept. 20. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

Let the magic begin...

AM returns to normal, but pier plan needs overhaul

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Anna Maria commissioners met as scheduled Sept.

14, with power restored after Hurricane Irma.

At the start of the meeting, resident and businessman Mike Coleman offered a commendation for the city’s efforts during Hurricane Irma.

“Even those of us who’ve disagreed many times over the years on one topic or another” have no doubt, Coleman said, that city staff and commissioners were working diligently for the safety of the city.

Commissioners then held a final hearing and unanimous vote to approve a new ordinance banning overnight camping on public beaches.

Mayor Dan Murphy told commissioners that he would have to delay examining the bids from a request for qualifications for engineering services to the Sept.

28 city commission meeting. The deadline has passed, he said, and two bids were submitted. However, he needs more time to evaluate the bids and rank them.

Murphy also told commissioners the city must overhaul its plans for the Anna Maria City Pier, which was damaged during Hurricane Irma.

The pier had planks and roofing ripped off.

Murphy said in the middle of the pier walkway, at least one cross beam was broken and others were found broken and pilings that were not connected. The fire-suppression system also was damaged.

“I can’t get an estimate yet on how long the pier will be closed,” Murphy said Sept. 14. “This is pretty significant damage. It’s going to take some time. It’s premature to speculate at this point until we get a report.”

The commission authorized the mayor to spend up to $35,000 for ARIS Engineering to assess the pier structure, develop a list of needed repairs and an estimate of how long the pier must be closed.

The mayor met with a structural engineer from ARIS Engineering Sept. 15 to survey the damage and develop a plan.

Murphy said then that he couldn’t speculate on the final cost of rehabilitating the pier.

Y

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. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

GAMES, SPORTS & OUTDOOR

ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

On ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, Sept. 27 4 p.m. — Chess club meets, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

theislandplayers.org thei th eisl ei sllandp aSeason ndp ndp • 941.778.5755

Saturday, Sept. 23 1-7 p.m. — Talk Like A Pirate Day with the Anna Maria Island Privateers, Drift-In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-545-7871.

8 p.m. — Opening night for the Island Players’ production of “Happy Birthday,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-5755.

Sunday, Sept. 24 7:30 p.m. — Auditions for the Island Players’ production of “The Game’s Afoot,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies.

Information: 941-778-5755.

10009 10 000 0 9 Gu Gulf ulff Drive & Pine Avenue, Anna Maria

ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Pam McMillen

Jeweler and basket artist, Pam McMillen is showing her new Kauai collection of bead embroidery pendants.

Each one-of-a-kind piece takes thousands of beads and numerous hours to complete, creating a unique piece of art jewelry that makes a perfect gift. See her work at the gallery.

69th 69t 69

OPEN AUDITION: 7:30 p.m. Sunday Sept. 24 4 women, 4 men for The Game’s Afoot

by Ken Ludwig Preston Boyd, Director Play runs Nov.9-19 theislandplayers.org • 941.778.5755 10009 Gulf Drive & Pine Avenue, Anna Maria

ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

• Fridays, 1 p.m., mahjong games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

• Throughout September, S. Rush Dean exhibits her artwork in “New Directions,” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.

• Throughout September, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits “Weather Forecast,” 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786694.

• Sept. 21-Oct. 1, Island Players production of “Happy Birthday,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-7785755.

Friday, Sept. 22 8:30 a.m. — National Estuaries Week: Know and Grow, Perico Plant Pull, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island.

Information: 941-742-5757.

6:30 p.m. — Starlight Paddle, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-745-3723.

Saturday, Sept. 23 8:30 a.m. — National Estuaries Week: Know and Grow: Robinson Expansion Planting, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-745-3723.

LOOKING AHEAD

ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

• Second and fourth Wednesdays, Roser Memorial Community Sept. 30, Studio at Gulf and Pine plein air party, Anna Maria.

Church Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El ConquisOct. 21, AMI Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria. Nov. 9-19, Island Players’ “The Games Afoot,” Anna Maria. Nov. 9-12, tador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414.

Anna Maria Island artsHOP, islandwide.

Looking Ahead off AMI ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Signature ISLANDER gifts

NEW! Mugs, $10 each.

All-cotton AMI tote bags, $5. Plus white and tie-dye “More-Than-a-MulletWrapper” T-shirts, $10-$15, and AMI stickers, $2. Come shop at 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, sandwiched between Walgreens and the bagel cafe!

Stop by The Islander at the AMI Centre Shops, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB, for AMI stickers and totes!

AMI Chamber of Commerce 2017 Best Business of the Year

full service salon and spa offering…

Hair ~ Nails ~ Massage ~ Facials Acupuncture ~ Body Treatments ~ Bikini and Brazilian Waxing ~ 3612 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, 941.778.0400 313 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, 941.778.0500

.

• Oct. 6-7, William R. Mote Memorial Snook Shindig catch and release tournament, Sarasota Bay. • Throughout September, “Sunshine State of Mind,” exhibit featuring work by Linda Molto, Florida Highwaymen and Natasha CLUBS & Joffer, Palmetto Art Center, 907 Fifth St. W., Palmetto. Information: COMMUNITY 941-518-2109.

On ANNA MARIA ISLAND OFF AMI LOOKING AHEAD Oct. 14, Florida Maritime Museum Cortez Nautical Flea Market, Thursday, Sept. 21 1 p.m. — Knitting and crocheting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Cortez. Feb. 17-18, 2018, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage’s Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez.

Friday, Sept. 22 KIDS & FAMILY 9 a.m. — Senior Adventures will tour the Manatee-Sarasota recycling center, meeting for departure at Annie Silver Community On Anna Maria Island Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538Friday, Sept. 22 0945.

10 a.m. — Forty Carrots parenting program, Island Library, Wednesday, Sept. 27 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Noon — Adult coloring club meets, Island Library, 5701 Marina Saturday, Sept. 23 Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

2 p.m. — Kids’ crafting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, Sept. 26 • Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ 10 a.m. — Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

10 a.m. — Library Learning: Burrowing Owls program by Mana• Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Manatee County Veteran Services tee County, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941- Divisions counseling and assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina 778-6341.

Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

• Thursdays, 7 p.m., Overeaters Anonymous meets, the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

ONGOING ON AMI Information: 813-494-6518. CANCELED • Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe • Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778- Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton 0719.

Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135.

• Tuesdays, 3:15 p.m., after-school children’s choir, Roser • Fridays, usually about 10 a.m., Senior Adventures meet to Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Informa- carpool on an adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community tion: 941-778-0414.

Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538Looking Ahead ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND 0945.

• Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Oct. 31, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Trail of breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Treats, Holmes Beach. Dec. 2, Center of Anna Maria Island Lester Holmes Beach. The speaker Sept. 23 will be Diana Dill with Meals Family Fun Day, Anna Maria. on Wheels Plus. Information: 941-778-1383.

ONGOING OFF AMI • Second and fourth Tuesdays, Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach general membership meetings, Annie Silver Com• “Teeth Beneath: the Wild World of Gators, Crocs and Caimans” munity Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City 730-7715.

Island, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441.

Looking Ahead LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Oct. 3, Roser Memorial Community Church’s Terrific Tuesdays

Oct. 20, Mote’s Night of Fish, Fun and Fright Halloween party, resume, Anna Maria. Oct. 3, National Night Out community celebraSarasota. Nov. 25, Mote’s Santa Jaws, Sarasota. tion, Holmes Beach. Nov. 4, Episcopal Church of Annunciation Pet Blessing Day, Holmes Beach.

privateers say: Let’s talk, matey!

Celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day with the Anna Maria Island Privateers.

The celebration will be 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

23, outside the Drift-In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach.

An announcement said the Privateers will host a pirate-style chili cook-off and a “grog-off.”

The family-friendly event also will include children’s games, raffles, live entertainment and sales of burgers, hot dogs and corn on the cob.

For more information, call Kelly Sparkman at 941545-7871.

HOW TO RELAX ON AN ISLAND. MASSAGE BY NADIA Call 941.518.8301 Massaging on AMI for more than 17 years.

Your place, your convenience.

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.

Dinner benefit pushed back

Three restaurants will be featured in the rescheduled Taste Magazine progressive dinner to benefit the families of two employees killed Aug. 4 during a robbery at Zota Beach Resort.

The benefit, postponed by Hurricane Irma from Sept. 13, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, starts at the Chart House, 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. A portion of benefit proceeds will go to the families of murdered Zota employees Timothy Hurley and Kevin Carter.

Senior Adventures to tour The other restaurants on the Longboat dining tour via chartered trolley are Zota Beach Resort, 4711 GMD recycling center and the Lazy Lobster, 5350 GMD. The Senior Adventures of Anna Maria Island will Tickets are $85. RSVP at 941-366-7950 or email tour the Manatee-Sarasota recycling facility Friday, finelli@tasteweb.net.

Sept. 22, in Sarasota.

The group will meet at 9 a.m. for the tour and Aluna Wellness offers free depart from the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 post-irma classes 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach.

Also, a book sale at Annie Silver, beginning at Aluna Wellness Center & Spa, 2219 Gulf Drive N., about 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29, will include a lunchtime Bradenton Beach, is offering free classes in the wake potluck meal lasting until about 1 p.m. of Hurricane Irma.

The group meets most Fridays for an outing or “We felt compelled to do something to help our social activity. amazing community,” wrote Dr. Tricia Graziano in a For more information or to RSVP for activities, news release. call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

The free classes are designed to help residents who may be tired, stressed or in pain from the preparation and cleanup associated with Hurricane Irma.

A basic hatha yoga class will be offered from 9-10 OFF AMI LOOKING AHEAD a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. The class is open to all levels Oct. 7, Manatee County Extension Service Master Gardener of practice and abilities.

Plant Fair, Palmetto. Nov. 3-4, Manatee River Garden Club Flower A stretch and calm class will be offered 10:30Show, Bradenton. Oct. 26, Mote Oceanic Evening black-tie fundrais- 11:45 a.m. Sept. 23. ing gala, Sarasota.

A yoga nidra class will be offered Sunday, Sept.

24. Yoga nidra means “yogic sleep.”

GOOD TO KNOW Reservations recommended for all classes. Call SAVE THE DATES 941-778-8400 or go to alunawellness.com.

• Sept. 22, first day of autumn.

GOOD DEEDS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • 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

Kiwanis to host Meals on Wheels talk

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. 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.

MA#0017550

Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 20, 2017 n 11

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

68th

Season theislandplayers.org • 941.778.5755

10009 Gulf Drive & Pine Avenue, Anna Maria

Happy Birthday

by Marc Camoletti, adapted by Beverly Cross Directed by Mike Lusk In this sequel to BOEING-BOEING, Bernard asks his new mistress to his home on her birthday despite the fact that his wife and best friend also will be there. Soon identities and bedrooms are exchanged with increasing confusion.

New opening date: Sept. 23-Oct. 1 SHOWTIMES 8 pm Matinees 2 pm Sept. 24, Oct. 1 d TICKETS: $20

i

Season tickets available. Box office: 9-1 theislandplayers.org • 941.778.5755 10009 Gulf Drive & Pine Avenue, Anna Maria

Under New Ownership!

Ali Severson Hair.Skin.Nails.Massage Open 6 days a week www.acquaaveda.com 941.778.5400

need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts 317 Pine Ave., Anna Maria • www.emersonshumor.com

5311 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

12 n SEpT. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Bradenton Beach boaters weather irma, pier spared

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Relief and appreciation were common reactions post-Hurricane Irma for Bradenton Beach authorities and liveaboards alike.

Mark Peterson pointed to his boats Sept. 11 in the anchorage south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier, saying how grateful he was the boats and people survived Irma.

Though he lost a dinghy in the storm, Peterson said he was glad to see his sailboat, Falcor the Luck

Dragon, just the way he left it.

Peterson’s two boats the day after the storm were among about 18 anchored south of the pier — down from the 35-40 boats typically in the anchorage due to the impending major storm.

Irma skirted Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay, including the anchorage, trekked north and east and weakened into a Category 2 hurricane after slamming into the Florida Keys and Naples.

“We were extremely lucky,” Peterson said.

Before the storm’s northern turn, Bradenton Beach Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz predicted a boat would hit the pier — a magnet for storms in the past.

Nine boats crashed into the pier during Tropical Storm Debby in 2012.

The pier reopened in 2015 after a $1.4 million renovation only to weather T.S. Colin in June 2016, which sent boats, including a houseboat that broke anchor creating a domino effect, crashing into and near the pier.

But, with Irma: “Nothing came loose, nothing went crashing,” Diaz said Sept. 11. “We were very,

very fortunate.”

Mayor Bill Shearon called it a “weird storm,” with a reversed storm surge as water was drawn from the bay. Instead of boats breaking anchor, “they were sitting on the ground” after the storm partially emptied Sarasota Bay. The mayor also credited citywide preparedness, including law enforcement officers who “went out before the storm on the police boat and talked to all the boaters,” recommending they prepare their boats and evacuate.

To protect against boats hitting the pier, Shearon said cables went up on dolphin pilings a couple of days before the storm.

Peterson’s vessels and the others, however, held their anchors during the storm.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport measured winds at 49 mph hour with 70 mph gusts, according to the Weather underground — though Diaz reports he heard gusts on the island reached 92 mph.

Winds and the expected storm surge sent boaters PLEASE SEE BOAteRs, NEXT PAGE The Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, including the AMOB restaurant at the landing out to the T-end, appear to be without damage following Hurricane Irma. Islander Photos: Jack Elka

Mark Peterson, who lives aboard a boat and owns other boats in the Bradenton Beach anchorage, checks his vessels Sept. 11 from the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. He evacuated in advance of Hurricane Irma. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

BB cell tower loses skin to irma’s game The crew at the Bradenton Beach Marina found a section of cell tower debris on a boat in the marina after Hurricane Irma blew by, causing minor damage to the vessel.

The damaged section is about 12-feet tall and 4-feet wide and weighs more than 60 pounds. Marina owner Mike Bazzy said this is not the first time a portion of the tower — adjacent to the marina — has fallen, and he’s investigating a solution to the risk.

“The cell tower poses an unacceptable safety hazard to my property and the neighboring properties,” Bazzy wrote in a Sept. 12 email to Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon.

Bazzy continued, “The cell tower owner must re-engineer the method for securing the panels to the tower structure. I strongly encourage the city of Bra- ring.”

Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon said Sept. 15 denton Beach to review the cell tower’s design and that the city is not liable for the tower. The city owns construction to identify why this problem is recurthe land the tower is on, but leases the land to cell Irma sent Bradenton Beach cell tower debris onto a tower owner, SBA Communications Corporation. boat at the Bradenton Beach Marina, where employBazzy said Sept. 15 he spoke with an SBA repees Cory Bullard, left, John DeLeon and Cody resentative who assured him that the company would Camphausen demonstrate the size Sept. 12. Islander equip the tower with a new “locking system” that is Photo: Courtesy Mike Bazzy sturdy under windy conditions.

Holistic wellness center and spa

Now offering yoga and meditation in the ambiance of a healing Himalayan salt wall.

Massage Therapy | Acupuncture | Yoga 2219 Gulf Drive N | Bradenton Beach

941.778.8400 | www.alunawellness.com

941-778-2711

THE ISLANDER n Sept. 20, 2017 n 13

Boaters continued from page 12 into nearby canals and mangroves to tie up and ride out the storm.

Peterson left for mainland shelter after three days of packing, securing his possessions and tying his dinghy to the Bradenton Beach dinghy dock.

Also before the winds hit, liveaboards May and Jeremy Thomas and friend Pete Wilcox took five boats into the canals in Palma Sola Bay. The trio of friends described how the water got sucked out from the canal during the evening of Sept.

10.

May said their boats went from floating in 4-6 feet of water “to flat on the ground.� Overnight, she added, the tide came in and the water depth slowly returned to a 6-foot level.

John Maguire, who lives aboard a 39.9-foot Pearson sailboat near the Cortez Bridge, said he took his cast nets, fishing gear and nine batteries off his boat, double anchored it and stayed with his friend in Coral Shores, just east of Cortez.

Maguire sold bait off the Bridge Street pier in 2016, but now partners with Chris “Nelly� Nelson of Cracker Seafood & Bait to sell bait from a boat near the Cortez Bridge.

The morning after the storm, Maguire found his boat near the canal entrance to the same subdivision.

The bait boat also was pulled from its anchor, he said, and later was found near Tidy Island. “Adversity is how I roll,� Maguire said.

Irma pushes Island Players opening night

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter The show must go on — even if it goes on a little later than scheduled because of a hurricane named Irma.

The opening production of the Island Players 69th season, “Happy Birthday,� was moved to Saturday, Sept. 23, from its scheduled premier of Thursday, Sept.

21.

Director Mike Lusk made the decision to push the opening due to issues with Hurricane Irma, which left the Island Players’ theater temporarily without power.

Rehearsals were impacted and Lusk made the call to give actors and volunteers time for recovery.

Peg Farrup, president of Island Players, said patrons with season tickets for Thursday-Friday, Sept. 21-22, were notified by telephone Sept. 15 of date changes.

Single ticket sales resumed Sept. 15.

Written by Marc Camoletti and adopted by Beverley Cross, “Happy Birthday� is the sequel to “Boeing Boeing,� which was staged two years ago at the island theater.

Bernard, played by Travis Rogers, reprising his role from “Boeing Boeing,� asks his mistress to his home on her birthday, despite the fact his wife and best friend also will be there.

Jennifer Eddy, in the role of Jaqueline, also is returning to her role in “Boeing Boeing.�

Former state Rep. Mark Flanagan stops his car Sept.

11 to take a picture of the damage to the Shell station at the Circle K, 2513 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. The facility was damaged from high winds during Hurricane Irma.

Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson, left, Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon and Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy meet Sept. 13 at Bradenton Beach City Hall to discuss the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Representatives from Florida Power and Light also attended to update the progress to restore power on Anna Maria Island.

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The opening for Island Players production “Happy Birthday� is postponed from Sept.

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Identities and bedrooms are exchanged in this funfilled farce with increasing confusion as the evening progresses.

Also appearing in the cast are James Thaggard as Robert, Sue Belvo as Brigit 1 and Jennifer Caldwell as Brigit 2.

Performances will be Sept. 23-Oct. 1 at 8 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The theater is dark Mondays.

Season tickets are $92.50 for five productions and single tickets are $20 each.

The box office is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. MondaySaturday and an hour before curtain.

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14 n Sept. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Streetlife

Come on back

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, right, coordinates reentry at 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 with a Bradenton police officer following the evacuation for Hurricane Irma.

Islander Photo: Michael Stahr

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria Sept. 11, City Pier Restaurant, Anna Maria City Pier, 100 N. Bay Blvd., criminal damage. Manatee County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a smashed window. No missing items were reported.

Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Bradenton Beach No reports.

Bradenton Beach is policed by Bradenton Beach Police Department.

Cortez No reports.

Cortez is policed by MCSO. San Francesco sinks Holmes Beach again Sept.

3, 200 block of Haverkos Court, marijuana Hurricane Irma proved possession.

A Holmes Beach officer arrested a motortoo much for the 147-year ist with 6.5 grams of marijuana in his vehicle. The old Italian schooner San officer stopped the Riverview man driving a blue Fransceco, moored to the Ford SUV after determining the vehicle owner had seawall between the Seafood Shack Marina, Bar and a suspended driver’s license. Noticing a strong odor of burnt marijuana, the officer searched it, found the Grill and Annie’s Bait and Tackle on 127th Street West cannabis and arrested the man.

Sept. 4, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, in Cortez. The schooner had disturbance.

Two groups of women with children sunk and then been raised argued over who could play at an area of the shoreseveral times at the Shack line where a hole had been dug. The women were dock before local scuba divers did a plastic wrap on yelling racial slurs and threatening to make the fight physical in front of the children. The disturbance conthe ship April 11 and kept tinued into the parking lot, where one of the women it afloat. Islander Photo: stood behind the other’s vehicle as it was leaving Michael Stahr and kicked the auto. Police ran the driver’s license of the vehicle being driven by the woman who left, determined it was suspended and issued a request for her arrest with the state attorney.

Sept. 8, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, warrant. Responding to a noise complaint, an officer arrested a man on the swing set listening to his truck stereo for an outstanding warrant from Minnesota.

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

Here’s looking at you

Photographer Michael Stahr of Stahr Sound & Light in Holmes Beach made the rounds of Anna Maria Island and Cortez looking for impacts from Irma. He found an osprey clinging for almost 45 minutes to the mast of a sunken trimaran in the waters fronting the Seafood Shack Marina in Cortez. Stahr said, the osprey “appeared in a daze, hung to the mast for the entire 45 minutes I was shooting. This osprey seemed a ‘Lucky Bird’ at the end of the rainbow� that covered the Cortez waterfront Sept. 11.

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• The Islander pays $50 to the person with the most correct game-winning predictions. Collect prize in person at 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, or by mail. • Entries must be mailed or hand-delivered to the newspaper office and arrive by noon Saturday every week. • A winner will be drawn from tying entries. The decision of The Islander football judge is final. • All entries must be submitted on the published form. Entries must be hand-written original. Be sure to include name, address and phone number. • All advertisers must be listed to be eligible to win.

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16 n Sept. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

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18 n SEpT. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

treehouse facing demolition, appeal to high court readied

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Will the treehouse owners in Holmes Beach remove the structure?

The week of Sept. 11, the owners, Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen, faced another city deadline to remove the beachfront structure in a large Australian pine at their home and four-unit resort at 103 29th St. And it comes after their attorney David Levin of Icard Merrill of Sarasota has filed a petition to be docketed no sooner than the first Monday in October with the u.S. Supreme Court.

Tran said the high court petition attacks a lack of due process afforded her case, which aims to let the voters decide the fate of the treehouse on a city ballot.

It also seeks to overturn the last trial court proceeding, which ended in an order that rubber-stamped a proposed order submitted by the city.

For the city, attorney Jim Dye of the law firm representing the city, Dye, Deitrich, Petruff & St. Paul, said the owners’ petition for writ of certiorari asks the high court to review the 2nd District Court of Appeal refusal to hear the case.

Dye stressed the owners’ latest appeal “doesn’t have anything to do with” the city’s code board order, which imposed a fine and required the treehouse removed.

Mayor Bob Johnson asked the owners to submit an application for demolition permit by Aug. 10 in a July 26 letter and then extended the deadline to Sept.

11 and Sept. 18.

Tran said she filled out the document for a demolition permit after Johnson granted the last extension, but now was “rethinking it.”

“It doesn’t make much sense to file for the permit while appealing, now does it?”

In an Aug. 25 letter, Johnson warned if “removal of the treehouse does not proceed ahead in good faith, the city reserves the right to seek enforcement through all options it has.”

Dye and Johnson declined to say what enforcement actions were being considered, but Dye said a court order would be needed for the city to forcibly

Built by Hazen and Tran in 2011, the treehouse came to the city’s attention in November of that year, after an anonymous complaint. The owners maintain city officials verbally told them no permits were needed before they built it as a place where they could read and relax.

The code board, however, ruled July 30, 2013, the structure violated the city’s land development code, including a 50-foot setback from the erosion control line and for failing to obtain permits. The code board ruling led to the owners’ appeal to the 12th Circuit Court.

In September 2016, the owners filed for an afterthe-fact permit, which the city denied, citing its location within 30 feet of the erosion control line.

Leading to the latest appeal, Tran and Hazen in 2013 submitted petitions asking the city to invoke the initiative provision of its charter allowing the citywide vote.

The city has thus far won in court and city proceedings.

According to Tran, the legal battles have cost the couple $125,000 — plus a daily fine, now at more than $36,000, still accumulating as a result of the July 2013 code board order.

As of July 31, the city has paid $103,553.56 in costs and attorneys’ fees related to the case.

Owner Richard Hazen removes window protection Sept. 11 at Angelinos Sea Lodge, 103 29th St., Holmes Beach, landward of the treehouse. The beachfront structure in the Australian pine has resulted in four years of city, state and judicial attention. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

remove the treehouse.

Meanwhile, Tran and Hazen evacuated in advance of Hurricane Irma.

They returned Sept. 11 and reported minimal damage and no structural damage to the treehouse although a large branch broke off the Australian pine that helps support the structure.

Their residence at the four-unit Angelinos Sea Lodge also withstood the storm with “no leaking,” Holmes Beach sets up fast Tran said.

Hazen and Tran said they removed some of the track for repair permits windows on the treehouse before evacuating, so the The Holmes Beach building department is issuing wind would flow. The windows are 3/8-inch tempered The Australian pine that helps supports the treehouse lost a large branch in the storm. over-the-counter emergency building permits to repair glass, according to documents filed with the city. hurricane damages.

Property owners need to return within 10 days of Only 1 Irma receiving an emergency permit with building plans and Irma Yatros specifications. The immediate permits are designed to pauses Sept. 9 on protect lives and property, according to building offiher way off the cial James McGuinness. island in advance The emergency permits were suggested by permit of Hurricane supervisor Angie Birdwell and permit technician Irma for a laugh Brenda Wynn. next to the warn“It makes it so much easier,” Birdwell said. ing sign coverThe department also advises residents to hold on ing the windows to sandbags through the hurricane season, which ends at one of her Nov. 30. favorite spots in Holmes Beach supplied residents with more Holmes Beach, than 100 tons of sand before the storm but ran out of Hurricane sandbags Sept. 6 — four days before Hurricane Irma Hanks. Islander arrived.

Photo: Gy Yatros — Terry O’Connor

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THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 20, 2017 n 19

Cecil Southerland uses his drone at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, to photograph an empty osprey nest on the church steeple.

A sign at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, was blown to the ground by Hurricane Irma. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

Hurricane irma damage minor at Cortez museum

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez reopened Sept. 14 four days after sustaining minor damage from Hurricane Irma. “The staff at the Florida Maritime Museum made it a goal to reopen our doors to the public as quickly as possible,� said Kristin Sweeting, museum supervisor. “We wanted the community to know that the Florida maritime history and artifacts that we preserve here are safe and secure for future generations.�

All buildings came through with no damage, including the 1912 Cortez Schoolhouse, Pillsbury Boat Shop and the Burton/Bratton Store. “During the storm we sustained some minor flooding, a fallen palm tree, a broken road sign and other debris,� Sweeting said.

The museum road sign was still on the ground the day it reopened but most damage was cleaned up by museum staff and Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court personnel, Sweeting said.

The museum was open Sept. 14-15 for its normal hours, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., before closing Sept. 16 to allow staffers time off, Sweeting said. Admission is free.

Programming for the museum and the Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum was suspended but will be rescheduled, Sweeting said.

Sweeting said she expected the museum to return to its normal hours, events and classes Sept. 19.

The Florida Maritime 4415 119th St. W., All areMuseum, welcome Cortez, can be reached at 941-708-6121 or online at floridamaritimemuseum.org.

Drone catches osprey-eye view atop church steeple

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Ever wonder what the landscape looks like from the top of a church steeple? Been envious of a bird and its view of our world from up there?

The congregation at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church has discussed these questions in recent years, thanks to the pair of ospreys who built a nest on the church steeple. With ospreys, it’s all about location. The taller, the better.

Ospreys are protected under the u.S. Migratory Bird Treaty, and nests only can be removed with a permit if a nest is inactive.

The congregation at Gloria Dei was not interested in moving the nest, but it was interested in seeing if any damage was occurring to the structural integrity of the steeple.

Then the drone idea took shape.

Church council member Jay Poppe came up with a suggestion to use a drone to check the steeple.

Congregation member John Quam did research and learned that such a flyby of an osprey nest is not in violation of the law if the next is empty.

They waited until this year’s chick had flown off and the osprey couple had parted ways for the winter.

All are welcome

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simple burials

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The Rev. Bill Friederich Senior Minister

simple cremations

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Loving Christ •Sharing His Grace •Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Dr. Bruce Porter Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service

8:30 AM in the Chapel 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary Nursery & Church School

8:45 AM Adult Bible Study

A NON�DENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

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Founded 1956

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Episcopal Church of the Annunciation Sunday services 9 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II with Music Thursday service 9:30 am Holy Eucharist and Healing

Enter Cecil Southerland and his drone. Southerland was friend and neighbor of Poppe, who recruited him to do the flyby.

Aug. 24, the drone got close-up shots of the nest and the structure.

The images will help the council decide what action should be taken regarding the steeple.

Ospreys mate for life, though they spend the nonnesting period of the year apart, returning to raise chicks together year after year. Females leave the nest first, after the chicks have fledged. The males then migrate separately.

The empty osprey nest was left resting at the foot of the large cross adorning the steeple, waiting for the next osprey nesting season.

Epilogue: Despite hurricane force winds from Irma Sept. 10, the nest was still semi-intact following the storm Sept. 11. The Rev. Rosemary Backer said Sept.

13 the nest remained on the steeple with the little tree growing up out of it.

Those ospreys are master builders.

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20 n Sept. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

A rare event for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch — a green sea turtle hatchling crawls to the Gulf of Mexico Sept.

7 on Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

Green turtles are a threatened species.

Islander Photos: AMITW/Amy Waterbury

Green turtle nest hatches before Irma hits

Turtle watch volunteer Jennifer Scott excavates a green sea turtle nest Sept. 7 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. The nest was one of five green turtle nests on the island. The excavation revealed 109 hatched eggs and two live hatchlings, which were released to the Gulf of Mexico.

Sea turtle nests survive high surf from Hurricane Irma

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter “We are extremely lucky,” Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director, said Sept. 12. “This storm was child’s play for us, really. And, many of our nests still may hatch.”

Hurricane Irma made landfall in the United States over the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm, then a second U.S. landfall in Naples Sept. 10. By 1 a.m.

Sept. 11, Manatee County and other areas were getting hit with hurricane-force winds.

A slight turn to the east as the storm approached

AMITW sea turtle stats as of Sept. 17: 488 nests, 446 false crawls, 319 hatched nests and approximately 24,434 hatchlings to the sea.

Tampa Bay saved the area from potentially catastrophic damage. Since the storm passed east of Anna Maria Island, storm surge was minimal.

Fox said turtle watch received calls from supporters around the globe, concerned about the loggerhead nests on the island.

“We got calls from around the country and other parts of the world asking how our loggerhead nests weathered the storm,” Fox said. “People were really scared.”

As of Sept. 17, AMITW reported 319 hatched nests and 37 nests remaining to hatch on the island.

Fox said 22 nests were lost during the storm.

Additionally, she said there could still be “surprise hatches” from nests that had stakes washed away in the storm.

“We lost stakes to 22 nests but believe eggs from half of those are still in the ground and unmarked at this time,” Fox said.

She emphasized the importance of staying compliant with sea turtle regulations for lighting and said if anyone lost turtle-friendly bulbs in the storm, turtle

watch could replace them at no cost.

“If you bring us a broken bulb, we’ll replace it for you,” Fox said.

She advised since nests are still hatching out and could be unmarked, people need to keep lights visible from the shoreline low and shielded and, if not turtlefriendly, exterior lights should be turned off at night.

Artificial light can disorient hatchlings away from the water, exposing them to death by predation or dehydration.

“At this point, leaving a porch light on could do more harm than the storm did,” Fox said.

Fox said walkers will continue to conduct daily beach surveys, checking for hatched nests until season ends Oct. 31.

Fox said AMITW is required to monitor the nesting beaches as part of their agreement with Manatee County. And, the volunteers are “enthusiastic” to keep walking.

“You cannot keep a good energetic volunteer group down that is for sure,” Fox said. “We’ve still got a job to do.”

Wildlife Inc. prevails through storm damage, evacuation

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter No animal left behind, no matter the circumstances.

When it appeared Sept. 9 that Hurricane Irma

Ed Straight, president of Wildlife Inc., shares the walkway at his home Sept. 12 with some of the 30 carriers used to evacuate wildlife Sept. 9 ahead of Hurricane Irma. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

could hit Anna Maria Island as a Category 4 storm, more than 80 rescued animals were evacuated from Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach to the mainland, according to Wildlife Inc. president Ed Straight.

As the storm approached, Manatee County issued a mandatory evacuation for flood zone A, which includes the entire island. And, all of the rescued animals at Wildlife Inc. The largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in the county, the 30-year-old nonprofit runs on donations, grants and volunteers.

Straight said volunteers were an essential part of Wildlife Inc.’s evacuation.

The wildlife menagerie — squirrels, raccoons, three tortoises, a skunk and birds — was loaded into 30 carriers and transported to several residences in west Bradenton, where evacuation was not mandatory.

“It was quite a job loading up the tortoises as they each weigh about 100 pounds,” Straight said Sept.

14.

Straight, a former Manatee County sheriff employee and city commissioner, said he and wife Gail, who heads up the wildlife operations, brought three cats, two dogs, a monkey and a bobcat with them when they evacuated to Palma Sola.

The bobcat has seizures and is a permanent resident at the Wildlife Inc. educational center at Mixon Fruit Farm in east Bradenton.

“The bobcat is very tame and played with the dog, but the monkey was a little scared of them,” Straight said.

He said they never lost power at their storm haven in Palma Sola. However, they returned Sept. 11 to a mess at home in Bradenton Beach.

“We had to cut our way through the debris with a

Aiden Esformes, 6, of Palma Sola, says “hello” to a baby squirrel at Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach. chain saw to get inside,” Straight said.

Storm damages to the wildlife area at the Straight home was minimal, with mostly cleanup required.

However, for several days following Irma, Wildlife Inc. was without electricity.

Straight said they ran three generators to keep the animals’ food from spoiling.

Additionally, without power, they could not receive rescue calls. Straight said people were bringing animals to the facility in spite of the outage.

Since the storm passed, Straight said Wildlife Inc. has rescued several laughing gulls, a baby heron, a duck, a screech owl and an injured raccoon.

“We expect we’ll be rescuing animals with storm injuries for days to come,” Straight said. “Times like this is why we’re here.”

Wildlife Inc. can be reached at 941-778-6324.

THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 20, 2017 n 21

By Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org

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.

• Friday, Oct. 13, no school.

• 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, conference night.

• 12:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, early release.

Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941708-5525.

Adult skimmer and chicks. Islander File Photo: AMITW/Pete Gross

Skimmers stay put for irma

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring reported Sept. 12 about 53 adult black skimmers and about 40 juveniles remained in their colony on the beach some 200 feet north of the condos in the 5400 block of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

The stakes for the buffer zone were removed in preparation for Hurricane Irma.

According to Fox, the birds were sluggish and she advised people to exercise caution when walking the beach near the colony. Juveniles may be resting in the wrack line.

— ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

reading challenge for grades 3, 4, 5 begins

Anna Maria Elementary students in third-fifth grades are engaging in a battle this year.

This challenge involves reading and the “Battle of Books.”

AME media specialist Lynne McDonough oversees the program, which has students reading books and being rewarded with charms after passing quizzes about their book list.

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AMe fares well in irma

An unexpected vacation

Anna Maria Elementary students head into school Sept. 1. Hurricane Irma hit the state, closing school from Sept. 8-Sept. 15. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi Students who earn eight or more charms during the year also receive a reading T-shirt and a chance to participate in the final “Battle of the Books.”

McDonough said information about this year’s challenge will be sent home with students later in September.

Battle-on AME!

The little school by the bay stands strong.

Anna Maria Elementary School principal Jackie Featherston reported to campus Sept. 14 to assess any damage to the building and grounds and was happy to report very little impact from Irma.

“Everything is fine at AME. We had some minor leaks and lots and lots of yard trash,” Featherston wrote in an email.

She said district food service staff reported Sept.

14 and disposed of food and ice. Power had been restored and checked over and the air conditioning also was checked.

Fallen signs and trees were to be cleared by district workers and the AME custodial staff removed yard debris, cleared sidewalks and checked for any leaks.

Featherston said the school building had power but two portable classrooms had outages as of Sept. 15.

Classes were to resume Sept. 18, as The Islander went to press.

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22 n Sept. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighters Andrew Powers, left, James Leigh and Jeff Phillips in gray and Adam Baggett, second from the right, stand Sept. 12 with Immokalee Fire Rescue officers James Langlois, Tom Manning and Curtis Summeralls. The WMFR firefighters were deployed to Collier County to aid in Hurricane Irma recovery efforts. Islander Photo: Courtesy Meghan Miller West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighter Andrew Powers and an Immokalee Fire Rescue firefighter examine damage on a roof Sept. 12 in Collier in future hurricane preparation plans.

WMFR took trucks off the road at 6:30 p.m. Sept. County left by Hurricane Irma.

10 but then responded to two more 911 calls. After arriving and discovering that neither were emergencies, WMFR handles influx of he said WMFR asked dispatch to send contact informaIrma-related calls tion from all requests to WMFR, which screened the West Manatee Fire Rescue received an influx of calls and provided remote aid. Sousa said no calls that calls just before and after Hurricane Irma, Chief Tom came in throughout the night were emergencies.

Sousa said WMFR sent a strike team of five Sousa reported Sept. 15.

Between Sept. 9 through the early hours of Sept. engines and two team leaders to North Collier, which left 9 a.m. Sept. 10 and returned Sept. 15. Sousa said 15, 91 calls were made for WMFR services. Of those the team was helping restore the North Collier area. calls, 23 were from locations on Anna Maria Island.

Calls to the fire department ranged from alarms Commissioner David Bishop commended WMFR going off across the West Manatee area to citizen comemployees for their response to the hurricane.

“We have well-staffed, qualified people making plaints to a carbon monoxide incident detected in Anna good, rational decisions on behalf of the safety of our Maria at approximately 4 a.m. Sept. 15.

Roughly 60 percent of the calls consisted of people and the public,” he said. “Kudos to you.”

Chair George Harris concurred: “From everything rescue and emergency or hazardous condition calls, I saw and heard … (Sousa) and staff did an excellent with “good intent” making up another 18 percent and 9 percent were false alarms. job.”

— Bianca Benedí A planning workshop is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 19, at the WMFR administrative building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. A commission Post-Irma aerial photo tour meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19.

WMFR approves budget, reviews Irma response

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Without comment, the West Manatee Fire Rescue board approved the 2017-18 budget for the new fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

The budget anticipates $7,460,000 in revenue and $7,492,000 in expenditures, with spending up about $550,000 from 2016-17.

In addition to approving the budget, WMFR commissioners confirmed the 2017 fire assessment certification, which was first approved in May. The commission voted to increase the assessment rate 2 percent for private properties, from $0.1063 per square foot to $0.1084, and 4 percent for commercial properties, from $0.1841 per square foot to $0.1915 per square foot.

The budget includes an anticipated revenue increase of about $150,000.

Chief Tom Sousa, during the meeting in Bradenton, also reviewed WMFR’s response during Hurricane Irma.

Sousa said the staff created a Facebook page for families to receive updates on firefighters’ activities and locations. He said such a page would be included

helps promote healing

Irma’s rays

People take in the sunset Sept. 11 at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach, following Hurricane Irma’s passing. Molecules and small particles in the atmosphere change the direction of light rays, causing them to scatter, which produces the sunset colors. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Pot of gold

Brian Finelli returned Sept. 11 to his Runaway Bay condo in Bradenton Beach at the perfect moment to photograph a full rainbow greeting him above the building. He also found no damage from Irma’s overnight visit Sept.

10. Finelli, a longtime resident, is now serving customers at the Holmes Beach Barber Shop.

By Jack Elka Islander Photographer Immediately after Hurricane Irma passed, I decided to get into a plane and fly the Southwest coast of Florida to see and photograph any damage.

I knew people would want to see their properties — whether damaged or safe.

Even before the storm, I received emails from owners wanting drone shots of their properties.

I flew the drone over Anna Maria Island and took photographs of the piers and local scenes that showed very little damage.

We were OK. The photographs were posted on The Islander website and the newspaper’s Facebook page.

Soon after, I received calls from people thanking me for showing their properties still existed and their roofs had not blown off.

I thought that this could be bigger than I ever imagined. So I purchased the domain names for hurricaneirmapictures.com and hurricaneirmaphotos.com.

Then Sept. 16, I went up in a small plane and flew the west coast from Anna Maria Island to Marco Island. I shot everything in sight. I was surprised to see very little damage visible from 1,500 feet, traveling at 120 knots.

You can zoom in and see much more detail.

I remember flying after Hurricane Charley and seeing large numbers of blue tarps and flipped boats.

I hope the pictures help give people peace of mind or insight into the impacts. We were very lucky this storm spared our area.

THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 20, 2017 n 23

Safe and still sound

Photographer Jack Elka shot this aerial photograph of the north end of Anna Maria Island after the storm, showing no severe damage from Irma. Elka’s images, shared by many on The Islander’s Facebook page, provided comfort to islanders, especially from afar. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

By Lisa Neff

Lessons learned in irma

The afternoon of Sept. 9, with Hurricane Irma approaching Florida, I thought, I really do need a weather forecaster to tell me which way the wind will blow.

We now know Hurricane Irma’s worst did not strike Anna Maria Island and we know there’s much to do to help those hit hard by the storm.

And I know, despite having pulled together about a dozen of The Islander’s special sections on hurricane preNeff paredness, that I was not prepared for a major storm.

Items in my hurricane kit had been consumed or were scattered — used for a camping trip, a cookout, a backyard party, a candlelight dinner. I have some restocking to do.

The spaghetti models for Hurricane Irma confused me, as did the images of swirling whirls of currents and weather systems that looked like digital imitations of Van Gogh’s works. I have some studying to do.

People were deciding to evacuate the island well in advance of the storm, but how did they know where to go?

A meme that popped up on social media the day

Irma made u.S. landfall on the Keys has stayed with me, because I still can’t get over the uncertainty in forecasting the track. Here’s the text of the meme, with a few changes to punctuation: “Hurricane update from Florida: We are now certain that there is a hurricane. It is somewhere between cat 1 and cat 5. We are sure it may or may not bring rain to all or some areas totaling 0.01 to 10 feet. We also know it will be impacting none or all of Florida, coming ashore on the east, northeast, center, west, northwest or Alabama side of the state sometime on Saturday, Sunday or Monday but still not ruling out Tuesday. We have also downloaded an app to our phones allowing us to use them as walkie-talkies that may or may not work. In short, we are prepared for all of the above and we will be just fine.”

As I went about putting my home back in order and picking up branches and limbs of trees and someone else’s roof shingles in my yard, I made a mental checklist for “next time.”

I also thought about lessons learned during the storm.

In no order of importance, here they are: • Prepare for the worst, expect the best, because optimism carries people through disasters.

• Islander publisher Bonner Joy makes a tasty rum punch.

• Twelve hours after the electric goes out, a water heater can still provide water warm enough to make French-press coffee — three pots even.

• Expect friends and family in distant locations, with their fears stoked by national news reports, to assume you are in the direct path of the hurricane.

• Expect friends and family to repeatedly secondguess your decisions not to evacuate to the other coast, out of state, across the Atlantic.

• One cannot own enough portable power packs.

• Power packs should be kept on chargers when and if there is electricity throughout the storm event.

• Don’t wait until an emergency to learn how an emergency app on the smartphone works.

• Too many tree limbs are branching into too many utility lines in Anna Maria.

• Fallen leaves make for nice groundcover, but they really do clog stormwater drains in a storm.

• “Nonperishable” is too vague on a disaster supply list. I returned home with pickles, peanut butter, canned tuna and crackers.

• Island households should receive an annual supply of eight bags for sand.

• Chocolate is a necessity in a hurricane event.

• I don’t need a shower every day, or even every three days.

• Candles do not provide enough light to read.

• Florida Gov. Rick Scott speaks pretty good Spanish — I think.

• Weathering a storm is exhilarating, exhausting and extremely boring.

• The “experience of Irma” brought my neighbors, my co-workers and my community closer together.

• Returning to Anna Maria Island following an evacuation and storm is more emotional than the evacuation.

Driving west on Manatee Avenue from the mainland Sept. 11, I slowed at the first checkpoint east of the Palma Sola beaches so a Bradenton officer could see my Anna Maria re-entry tag.

I waved.

He waved.

And then he said, “Welcome home.”

And I cried a little, just a little.

Welcome home.

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24 n SEpT. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Thunderstorm, snook, old fisher: My night at AMCP

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter It was nearing 6 o’clock in the evening as I steered the boat toward the Mainsail Marina. My clients sat in front of me, talking about how many fish they had caught and enjoying the warm air that was blowing over the hull as we traveled at 20 mph over the flat.

It was fall and the sun was getting low in the sky. We were nearing a low tide, which was apparent by the wading birds standing along the edges of the channel looking for Stasny shrimp and small fish to eat. upon arrival at the dock, I tied up the boat and instructed my clients to hop out and wait by the fillet table if they wanted to watch me clean their fish. I grabbed my fillet knife, sharpened it and put a couple gallon-size plastic bags in my pocket before I unloaded two limits of spotted seatrout and one hefty redfish, placing the fish in a bucket before making my way to the fillet table. After filleting the fish, rinsing them and bagging the meat, my clients grabbed their dinner makings, paid me and headed toward their car.

Now, was time for the fun part. It was nearing 7 p.m. as I began to hose down the boat. I filled a bucket with water and added my normal dose of Dawn soap.

After a good scrub and rinse, I wound up the hose, gathered up my rods and nets, turned off the battery switch and headed to my truck.

At that moment, Capt. Mac Gregory pulled into the parking lot. “You wanna go for a beer?� he asked.

I thought for a moment — my wife and daughter had left to go out of town that morning, so I was on my own for the next couple of days. “Heck ya,� I replied. “Bekka and Izzy are out of town, so why not.� “OK,� said Mac. “I’ll see you there.�

Rather than just place my rods in the bed of my truck I put them in the cab, where they could be secured and locked away. No need to leave $1,000 with of tackle just laying out in the open for anyone and everyone to see.

Luckily, I had a clean shirt in the truck. I changed, locked the truck and wandered across Marina Drive toward D.Coy Ducks Tavern.

The woman working at Sun & Surf Resortwear was wheeling in the parrots as I passed by. I gave a wolf whistle to the African gray and it quickly responded with the same.

I hadn’t been to a bar in quite a while. Family life will do that to you. As I opened the door to Ducks, I was overcome by a cloud of cigarette smoke. “Some things never change,� I thought to myself.

I saw Mac perched at the end of the bar and took a Southernaire Fishing Charters

seat next to him. Within seconds, Lisa, the bartender, had an ice-cold Coors Light on the bar in front of me.

I was impressed that she remembered what I drank, even though I hadn’t been there in ages.

So we sat and drank beer, talked about fishing and boats and whatever else. We even managed to chug down a couple Yaeger bombs in the process. It was getting dark outside and I was getting buzzed.

I decided to make my way home. I bid Mac farewell and stumbled out the door, but rather than go to the truck, I ventured to Jessie’s Island Store — just in back of Ducks — to buy a 12-pack of beer and a fresh pack of Camels.

I was feeling pretty good, so I decided to drink another beer on my boat and listen to the radio. Soon enough, after three beers, I realized I needed to stop if I was going to drive home.

Just then, the trolley pulled up on its route to the Anna Maria City Pier.

I had an idea.

A trolley ride and a walk on the pier was just what I needed to sober up before heading home. I put the remainder of my 12-pack in a bag and boarded the trolley. The trolley was practically empty despite a couple of tourist families getting a ride home after dining at a restaurant. By now it was almost 10 p.m.

Where had the time gone?

We arrived at the city pier and, as I exited, the driver instructed me, “This is my last run.� “OK,� I replied, “Have a good night.�

So there I was at the foot of the pier. Stranded.

With nothing but some beer and smokes. I suddenly realized my predicament.

Then I remembered my buddy, Rodney — a bartender at the Waterfront Restaurant across South Bay Boulevard from the pier.

If he’s working, I tell myself, I can catch a ride

Stormy weather at the Anna Maria City Pier.

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with him when he gets off.

I called him on my cellphone and a sigh of relief fell over me when he answered. unfortunately, the feeling was short-lived. He wasn’t working.

He offered to come get me, but I told him, “Don’t bother. There’s always Bruce’s Taxi.�

Well, I thought, I’m here. Might as well see what’s biting at the pier.

I walked through the darkness, seeing the restaurant lights and the gold lights of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the background of Tampa Bay. The pier was empty except for a couple fishermen here and there and I noticed the bait shop and restaurant were empty and locked up. Closed for the night.

I started my walk around the perimeter of the pier ,looking over the edges to see if any snook were around. I saw schools of shiners gathered along the edges of the pier, where the light shines on the water.

There were a few snook milling around in the shadows, waiting for prime time to ambush bait.

The tide was coming in, so I took seat to watch the snook feed. I cracked a beer and sat patiently as the snook nosed into the current.

The water was calm and clear. The air was warm and stagnant. No breeze whatsoever. Then I heard a pop. A snook had risen to the surface to strike a bait.

My heart rate increased with anticipation as I scanned the water’s surface to see where the commotion had occurred.

Suddenly, another pop.

I managed to see this one. A large snook shot out of the shadows and burst through a school of shiners. I saw the glow of the light reflected in his big eye as he turned sideways on the surface, the black lateral line was clearly visible as the fish breached the surface of the water before swimming back into the depths under a huge swirling splash. Now my heart was really racing and I wished I had a rod.

I waited for another blast.

Suddenly without notice, a cool breeze pressed against me. I looked up from my gaze at the water to feel the fresh air and noticed the yellow arches of the Skyway were no longer visible. The breeze grew into a cold wind and I realized a fast-moving thunderstorm was closing in on the pier.

Within minutes I felt the first raindrops and then a cloudburst.

The rain was so heavy, I grabbed my beer and ducked into the covered breezeway between the restaurant and the bait shop.

I was alone. Alone in the rain.

It rained so hard I only could see a little way down the walkway of the pier. No land in sight except for the faint glimmer of street lights on Pine Avenue.

Holding true to a typical Florida thunderstorm, the rain ended about 20 minutes later.

The breeze stopped.

The air grew warm and muggy and I began to sweat again.

Now I was ready to find a way home. It was just PLEASE SEE FIsHING, PAGE 25

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

INSHORE RE RedďŹ sh Snook

O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper

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Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

AM

Sept 20 Sept 21 Sept 22 Sept 23 Sept 24 Sept 25 Sept 26 Sept 27

12:39a 12:57a 1:17a 1:40a 2:06a 2:38a 3:15a 4:01a

HIGH

PM

HIGH

2.1 12:50p 2.2 1:32p 2.3 2:13p 2.4 2:56p 2.4 3:46p 2.5 4:49p 2.4 6:18p 2.4 8:15p

2.5 2.4 2.2 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.7

AM

6:19a 6:59a 7:39a 8:21a 9:06a 9:58a 10:59a 12:11p

LOW

PM

0.8 6:55p 0.7 7:20p 0.6 7:44p 0.5 8:09p 0.5 8:36p 0.5 9:05p 0.6 9:42p 0.6 10:44p

LOW

Moon

0.8 NEW 0.9 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.6 1.6

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

THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 20, 2017 n 25

FIsHING CONTINuED FROM PAGE 24 past midnight and I was tired and wet. I stood up and began to walk toward land. As I rounded the corner of the restaurant, I was startled to see I wasn’t alone. I froze where I was for a moment, looking at an old man.

He had a New York Yankees ball cap, which covered a head of wavy gray hair.

He looked at me through his thick black-rimmed glasses and took a sip of coffee from a Styrofoam cup.

Then he put a toothpick in the corner of his mouth.

“Nice little shower we had, huh?” he said. upon hearing his voice, I realized I knew him.

The shadow on the pier was Vic. I had known Vic since I was a kid. He was one of the old-timers who fished the pier at night. A real snook hunter.

“Hey Vic, I haven’t seen you in forever.”

“You haven’t been out here in forever,” he replied.

Vic is a legend in these parts. Like I said, he’d been fishing these parts for probably 30 years. He knew these fish better than anyone. He caught some of the biggest snook I’d ever seen and he was a “no muss, no fuss” snook fisherman. You could tell just by the gear he used. A 7-foot boat rod combined with a 6/0 Penn reel spooled with 100-pound mono. And for bait, he only went big, whether it was a pinfish or ladyfish or even a ballyhoo. His method of fishing was “old-school.”

Nothing like the sporty stuff we use nowadays.

We sat and talked for a while. And it was like it always was. We never talked about anything but fishing. Heck, I’d known Vic practically my whole life and still don’t know his last name. He was pleased to hear that I had become a charter captain, although he scoffed at the notion of taking tourists fishing. To him, being a good fisherman was something you learned, not something for hire.

We sat and watched his pole, anticipating a bite, where it sat in a hole drilled into the deck. Suddenly, the rod bent over double, pointing toward the water. Vic quickly jumped up and pulled the rod from the holder.

It swayed to the left and right as Vic held on with every ounce of his strength. I could hear the fish splashing under the pier trying to shake the hook.

“Keep him out of the pilings!” I shouted. upon hearing that, Vic reeled down, pointing the rod tip toward the water, and with one quick lift he hoisted the big snook onto the deck. The fish thrashed and flipped around the dock eagerly trying to find water. Scales covered the area surrounding the fish.

Then blood. Vic slit the throat to bleed the fish, which is believed to make it taste better.

It was a slot-fish measuring 32 inches. We stood there a moment admiring the catch.

“I knew that ladyfish would catch him,” Vic said as he panted.

He was still slightly worn out from the battle.

“Yeah, that sure is a nice snook,” I said congratulating him.

“If anybody is going to catch a keeper out here, it’s you.”

He smiled and sat on a bench, taking a sip of his coffee.

“Well I suppose I’ll take him home and fillet him,” said Vic. “I’ll see you, Danny.”

“Good to see you, Vic. It’s been too long.”

Vic grabbed his rod and 5-gallon bucket — his tackle box — in one hand. He bent down and slipped his fingers under the gills of the snook with the other hand and headed down the pier.

I stood there, pleased that I had gotten to see him again. And was pleased that I got to see he was still going strong after all these years.

After all the excitement, I figured I would sit and drink one more beer before calling a taxi.

CAPT. AARON LOWMAN 'ULF "AY &ISHINGs4ARPON 53'! ,ICENSED AND )NSURED

irma 1, sports 0

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc all over the state last week, uprooting trees, families and sports teams.

Area schools serving as shelters were bursting at the seems with evacuees who fled their homes for safety.

Meanwhile major league teams like the Tampa Bay Rays played three games as the “home” team at Cassidy Citi Bank Field in New York, while the Jacksonville Jaguars were forced to stay the week in Houston after their Sept. 10 game there because the weather in Jacksonville was deteriorating.

Add in the cancellation of games by the state colleges and rescheduling of the opening game of the NFL season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Miami Dolphins and you can start to see the disruption to our sporting routine.

The storm also disrupted local sporting events and high school football and youth sports all across the state. The united Soccer Association had two weekends of games interrupted as some areas weren’t as lucky as others with respect to Irma’s impact.

All sports at the Center of Anna Maria Island were canceled for Irma and have yet to be reschedIt was late and I wanted to just sit in silence and remember the days when I was a boy fishing at the pier. I sat in the northwest corner and stared toward Egmont Key and watched as the lighthouse flashed its beacon over the water. Every 11 seconds it would flash.

I watched it and counted. Another flash. Another 11 seconds. Another flash. Another 11 seconds. Flash.

“Danny! Danny!”

I awoke to someone yelling my name. I must’ve fallen asleep watching the lighthouse. I sat up and looked around the pier but saw no one.

“Danny! Over here!”

The sound was coming from the water. To my surprise it was Capt. Aaron Lowman in his Carolina Skiff, there to catch bait for his morning charter.

“What are you doing out here?” he exclaimed.

“Waiting for you to give me a ride back to the marina. What else?” I replied.

It was still dark but I could see Lowman at the helm.

He pulled the bow of the boat up to the edge of the pier.

“Hop in, Bubba!” he chuckled. “What the hell are you doing out here?”

I explained my evening to him and he just shook his head and laughed. “I guess I have to tell your wife she’s not allowed to go out of town anymore.”

We both laughed as I sat there holding my head, feeling a headache coming on. Still, I offered to throw the net for bait in trade for him running me back to Mainsail Marina.

After a couple of throws we were baited up and started heading back and the sun was just peeping over the horizon. We arrived at my boat and I thanked him for the lift. He just laughed and shook his head.

“Go home and get some sleep,” he chuckled, and off I went.

A couple of weeks passed. My family was home and we decided to take a walk on the Anna Maria City Pier. We enjoy talking with the fisherman and visiting Dave Sork, the manager of the City Pier Restaurant.

Dave is a friend of the family and we were due to “catch up” a little bit. Plus, I wanted to tell him I saw Vic.

uled. The youth soccer league looks to get the fall season started Sept. 23, while championship night in the adult flag football league hopes to kick off Sept.

21, but a final decision had not been made at press time.

West Bradenton and the island definitely dodged the proverbial bullet thanks to Irma’s last-minute jog to the east, and the time spent hunkered down with family and friends serves as a reminder for what is really important and valued.

Next up is Hurricane Maria, forecast to hit the already devastated islands of Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis and Montserrat. By the middle of the week, Maria will eye the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

It’s too early to judge whether Florida will be impacted by Maria, but I wouldn’t put all the sandbags, plywood and batteries away just yet. Lee is just behind Maria in the Atlantic.

There were no horseshoes pitched Sept. 9 or Sept. 13 due to Hurricane Irma, but the players managed to get in some action Sept. 16.

Walker Neil Hennessey posted the only 3-0 poolplay record and was the day’s outright champion.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Dave and Vic had been buddies for as long as I could remember.

We made our way to the pier and began our walk.

As we started, we noticed the seagulls and pelicans were ferociously diving into vast schools of bait fish that gathered all around the pier. Spanish mackerel could be seen skyrocketing through the bay amidst the diving birds. Eager fishermen were casting spoons and jigs quickly retrieving them in hopes of hooking one of these hard-fighting fish.

“Hey Dave,” I said.

He was happy to see us. We sat and talked for a while and then I mentioned seeing Vic. But Dave had a confused look on his face.

“Vic?” He asked.

“Yeah,” I said. “I watched him catch a big snook.”

I continue to comment on Vic and how he still looked the same as always. The New York Yankees hat, toothpick, coffee and thick black-rimmed glasses.

“You must’ve seen someone else,” said Dave.

“No it was him,” I said.

He looked me square in the eye and said, “Well the problem is Vic passed away a few years ago, Danny.”

My jaw dropped.

I know what I saw. We had a conversation.

All of a sudden I was feeling uncomfortable. I agreed I must’ve seen someone else. For the sake of not sounding crazy, I let it go.

I look back at the incident and I’m thankful that I got to spend a night snook fishing on the pier with Vic. He was one of the best fisherman I’ve ever known and I’ll never forget him.

Maybe another night and another thunderstorm, I’ll venture to the pier and check on Vic. I have to thank him for inspiring me to fish and to teach others.

Send your high-resolution photos and fish tales to fish@islander.org.

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26 n SEpT. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

isl

James “Wyre” Lee, left, manager of Cortez Bait and Seafood Market, 12110 Cortez Road. W., Cortez, removes plywood from the front of the market. The shopping center, which includes Cortez Cafe and the Cortez post office, suffered facade and roof damage from Irma. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Esformes

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Irma results in lost business, little damage

Bagels were paradise for first responders Before and after the storm, bagels and coffee were being handed out to first responders on Anna Maria Island, courtesy of a longtime shopkeeper.

Jackie Estes opened Paradise Bagels, 3210 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, Sept. 9, for the first responders in place for approaching Hurricane Irma.

On Sept. 11, when the storm had barely pushed into the northern Florida counties, Estes again opened for workers, providing food and coffee in the restaurant powered by a generator she rounded up post-storm.

Estes has owned Paradise Bagels for the past 22 years.

Thanks Jackie.

Shack gets a little shook up The Seafood Shack Marina, Bar and Grill management had boats and a two-story restaurant on Anna Maria Sound in Cortez to worry about.

An email from Liza Kubik, director of marketing, said the Shack sustained some damage, including a hole in the roof that was patched even before power was restored early Sept. 14. Refrigerators and freezers likewise had to be cleared and restocked.

“We had to wait until the power came on to let vendors know they can start delivering fresh seafoods, produce, etc., again,” Kubik said.

The Seafood Shack resumed business with a limited menu Sept. 15.

Boats fared well under dockmaster Eddy Shorter’s care, but the 150-year Italian schooner San Francesco

sank again while tied to the seawall near the property.

End of story.

Starfish takes a hiatus after Irma The Star Fish Company seized the post-Irma period for its annual paint-up, cleanup, fix-up gig.

Savannah Bell said the Cortez restaurant at A.P. Bell Fish House, 12306 46th Ave. W., Cortez, usually takes a several weeks in the fall for maintenance and deep cleaning.

“We escaped the hurricane in really good shape,” Bell said. “This is just our time to clean as usual every year.

Never fear. The peel-and-eats, grouper sandwiches, cheesy grits and hush puppies will return soon, as will the lines at the order window.

Sandbar earns its name in wake of big blow The Sandbar looked like its namesake after Irma blew inches of sand over the outdoor deck at the eatery at 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria.

It took a village to clear the deck, as restaurant staff broomed, scraped and shoveled and prepared to greet patrons. The Sandbar reopened Sept. 14.

Another of Ed Chiles’ restaurants, the renovated Beach House, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, fared well and no damage was sustained to the new deck that opened in August.

Mar Vista on Longboat Key — the third Chiles property in the area — had little damage, but large tree branches came down around the building.

Beach TV brought to you by bistro The beach cam at Sean Murphy’s Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, gave viewers a realtime look at the approaching Hurricane Irma until a Wi-Fi outage took it down Sept. 10.

When the cam came back online Sept. 11, viewers saw the beach and the shredded window screen from the rental unit next door blowing in the wind. Someone joked that you could just hand a drink right through the window from the Bistro.

Murphy had the Doctor’s Office, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, open for cocktail hour Sept.

11, 24 hours after Irma passed through, but, without power, HBPD insisted they close after dark. The landPLEASE SEE IsL BIZ, NEXT PAGE

THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 20, 2017 n 27

IsL BIZ CONTINuED FROM PAGE 26 mark, fine-dining benchmark Beach Bistro opened for dinner Sept. 12.

Eat Here, 5315 Gulf Drive, reopened Sept.13.

All three of Murphy’s Holmes Beach eateries were unscathed, except for cleanup and restocking.

“My staff did a phenomenal job getting the places open,” Murphy said.

Meanwhile, the cam at the Moose Lodge,110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, which was closed for the storm, continued to broadcast throughout Irma.

Let’s face it islanders, we really made out well on this one.

And, as usual, friends and co-workers pitched in and got down to the business of cleaning up paradise and moving on in the sunshine.

Send your business information and stories to Sandy Ambrogi at sandy@islander.org.

BizCal

Chambers provide Irma info, new event schedules

Who ya gonna call?

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is running at full speed, informing business owners on how and where to apply for aid from the impact of Hurricane Irma.

In a news release Sept. 13, the chamber advised it was working with Manatee County Emergency Management to provide information about business needs for electricity, cleanup and other essential services.

If a business sustained damage, the chamber advised owners to visit Florida’s Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center. This is the portal for the private sector prep, damage assessments and recovery and forms are at www.flvbeoc.org.

The chamber also advised using the Small Business Administration’s Electronic Loan Application at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

The deadline to file applications for property

John Tarulio of Cleaning Butlers addresses the guests at the Sept.

6 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce lunch at the Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

The next chamber event will be a mixer at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members.

Islander Photo: AMICofC/Cathy Pizzo damage is Nov. 9 and the deadline to file an economic injury application is June 11, 2018.

The AMI chamber was updating its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/amichamber.

The monthly AMI chamber business card mixer is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members.

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 advised business owners to visit the FVBEOC to begin paperwork requirements.

The LBK chamber also said individuals may register online at disasterassistance.gov for FEMA assistance.

The East Meets West Expo set for Thursday, Sept.

21, at Robarts Arena in Sarasota was postponed. The arena was being used as a staging area for FPL and other power crews assisting after the hurricane.

The LBK chamber will host a Chamber 360 new member and refresher breakfast 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the chamber office, 5390 Gulf of Mexico

Drive, Longboat Key. There is no charge for the event, but it is limited to 20 participants due to space. Register online or call the chamber to RSVP. 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. Find weekly editions of The Islander — 1992 to present — online in the University of Florida Digital Library at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Business news

Does your business deserve kudos? Maybe you just opened the doors, received an award or staff is moving up. Submit your info to news@islander.org.

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 110 7th Street S Deborah Nelson 941-266-5900 A4185869 $2,000,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 529 Key Royale Drive George Myers 941-224-6021 A4184576 $1,975,000

BR ADENTON 5016 64th Drive W Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4136838 $1,390,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 200 S Harbor Drive 1 Ken Kavanaugh & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943 A4184153 $1,349,999

BR ADENTON 10804 Riverbank Terrace Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4169182 $999,999

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 201 73rd Street Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4184962 $995,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 231 85th Street Ralph & Megg Faillace 941-713-9142 A4190203 $890,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2907 Avenue C Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4191229 $799,000

BR ADENTON 8224 8th Terrace NW Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4183622 $529,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 211 Elm Avenue A George Myers 941-224-6021 A4182668 $479,000

BR ADENTON 532 Hillcrest Drive Toni Lyon 941-928-8735 A4170841 $449,900

BR ADENTON 2705 Oxford Drive W Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4193609 $239,999

BR ADENTON 7740 34th Ave W 103 3 Bed 2.5 Bath $365,000

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND 413 Bay Palms Drive Ralph & Megg Faillace 941-713-9142 A4184679 $725,000

RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 1003 Gulf Drive S 5 2 Bed 1.5 Bath $1,350

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

28 n SEpT. 20, 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

FRONTGATE BALEARES five-piece white sectional lounger with canopy. Blue cushions, four throw pillows. Good condition. New $2,000, asking $200. Holmes Beach. 309-472-2849.

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.

OFFICE FURNITURE: DESKS, file cabinets, $35 each. Above-stove microwave, $75, and more.

941-356-1456.

KIDS FOR HIRE

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.

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

CBC 1253471

ITEMS FOR SALE

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

References available • 941-720-7519

Bed: A bargain!

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

941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net

ISLAND COMPUTER GUY, 37 years experience.

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

T.H.S. CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL vacation rentals. Dependable and detailed. 941756-4570.

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

MOONRACER RESCUE LOOKING for donations of old wooden doors, wood pallets and tennis balls, muffin/cupcake to-go containers for project! moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com. 941345-2441.

WANTED: YOUR OLD cell phone for recycling.

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

FREE GUN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department.

Pick up at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

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

AdoptA-Pet

LOST & FOUND LOST CAT: SMOKEY WAS lost in Anna Maria during Hurricane Irma. Large gray male cat, 15 lbs., long tail. Please, call 941-920-2329.

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 …

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

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.

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A F E R A M T I C C L E E Y T E L A O I M A A P C C W E H I R S T P R O T A L S T O B I A A R T V R E A I E N T S X I A U L T M I E S S E X

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

O R S S T A N A I V E I N S T

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

VOLKSWAGEN BUG, YELLOW, 1998. 159,000 miles. Standard, runs well. No A/C. $1,000. 941666-8822.

A T T I C

R E A D Y

I N L E A G U E

N A Y S A Y S

T E N S E

E G A D

SERVICES

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

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

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)

$YDLODEOH $We

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

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

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

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

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

941-545-6688.

POWER WASHING AND windows: Residential, commercial, resort, real estate. Ask about our exterior cleaning. 941-251-5948.

AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES: Cleaning, construction, residential, commercial, rentals. Call 941-251-5948.

NEED A RIDE to the airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Call Gary, 863-4095875. Email: gvoness80@gmail.com.

CAREGIVER: DEPENDABLE, HONEST, loving.

Great references. Call Barbara, 941-685-4163.

NO WORRIES! THE one you can trust. Rides and errands. Level 2 background check plus. RN, licensed, senior care, baby and pet sitting. Call Peggy, 727-902-7784.

FEMALE CAREGIVER SEEKING employment.

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

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

I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228.

ANYONE CAN TAKE a picture. A professional creates a portrait. I want to be at your wedding! www.jackelka.com. 941-778-2711.

RELAXING MASSAGE IN the convenience of your home or hotel. Massage by Nadia, more than 19 years on Anna Maria Island. Call today for an appointment, 941-518-8301. MA#0017550.

MA#0017550.

LAWN & GARDEN CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured.

941-778-5294.

$10 DINER MUGS

HELP WANTED HOUSEKEEPER: PART-TIME at Haley’s Motel.

Must have own transportation and speak English. Prior experience required. Haley’s is a nonsmoking property. 941-778-5405.

NOW HIRING-Part to-full time screen printer in small island business. Will train, starting at $10.

Call 941-778-6541 for appointment.

@ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB

THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 20, 2017 n 29

LAWN & GARDEN Continued

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

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

Call Jeff, 941-778-2581.

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES: Prompt and reliable, meticulous, thorough, quality workmanship. Interior/exterior, wallpaper removal. Also minor repairs and carpentry.

Free written estimates. Bill Witaszek, 941-3079315.

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

RENTALS

DAN’S RESCREEN INC.

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

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

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

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

PERICO BAY CLUB: January 2018 available.

Vacation rental 2BR/2BA villa, ground oor with garage. $3,400. Real Estate Mart, 941-3561456.

Windows & Doors

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REAL ESTATE

WEATHERSIDE LLC

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

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

CUSTOM REMODELING EXPERT. All phases of carpentry, repairs and painting. Insured. Meticulous, clean, sober and prompt. Paul Beauregard, 941-730-7479.

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

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

941-722-8792.

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

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

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

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

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

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

NO IRMA DAMAGE here on nice, quiet street.

Come see, open house Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24. 55-plus, 2BR/2BA, upgrades. $204,900. 708 67th St. W., Bradenton, Village Green. Carolyn Spencer, 941-730-0496. Engel & Voelkers Realty.

BE SAFE: NO flood zone. Remodeled West Bradenton home. 2BR/2BA family room, den, screened lanai, two-car garage and no HOA fees. $249,900. Exclusive, Real Estate Mart, 941-3561456.

THE ISLANDER moved to the Anna Maria Island Centre — between Dollar Tree and Walgreens, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Come ďŹ nd us!

CLASSIFIED AD ORDER ____________ ___________

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CLASSIFIED RATES: Minimum $12 for up to 15 WORDS. 16-30 words: $20. 31-45 words: $40.

BOX ad: additional $4. (Phone number is a "word.")

The deadline is NOON Monday every week for Wednesday’s paper. _________

_________

TOO BIG or TOO SMALL. Free Estimates.

Call Dan, 941-713-3108

No Job

HURRICANE

941-730-5045

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

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

We provide design plans~You preview 3-D drawings

WASH FAMILY CONSTRUCTION 941.725.0073

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

LOCALLY OWNED AND FAMILY OPERATED SINCE 1988

REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY

ISLAND CONDO: UPGRADED 2BR/2BA nicely furnished. Heated pool, 150 feet to beach. $330,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456 for easy showing.

Place classiďŹ eds online: islander.org

Run issue date(s) _________

POOL CAGES, LANAIS, PORCHES, WINDOWS, DOORS

.com

941-778-2711

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WE LIKE LIKES f acebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

WE TWEET TOO

_________ or TFN start date: ______________

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

d ďż˝ u No.

_____________________________________________________

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

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

LIC#CBC1253145

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. $55/yard.

Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, â&#x20AC;&#x153;shell phoneâ&#x20AC;? 941-720-0770.

Family Owned and Operated since 1975

Residential & Commercial #CFC1426596

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS

CHRISTIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PLUMBING

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

@ami_islander

30 n Sept. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Irmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BackPage

Irma batters billboards:

Wind from Hurricane Irma leaves billboards ripped to shreds along Cortez Road West, including a Bridge Street Merchantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sign pointing motorists to Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Wild surf! A pair of youngsters brave the topsy-turvy surf of the Gulf of Mexico at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach Sept. 11 after Irma. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

The line for sandbags at G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton leading up to Irma.

Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

COME TO VISIT, STAY A LIFETIME

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PropertyWatch

Island real estate sales

By Jesse Brisson Special to The Islander 242 Chilson Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,989 sfla / 2,910 sfur 3bed/3bath/1car canalfront pool home built in 1973 on a 11,985 sq ft lot was sold 08/18/17, Campisi to Lepore for $1,620,000; list $1,695,000.

109 Oak Ave., Anna Maria, a 2,760 sfla / 5,040 sfur 5bed/3bath pool home built in 1999 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 08/18/17, Lillibridge to Cammarata for $1,328,000; list $1,695,000.

ptional customer service for all your short or long lifetime, we will help you find your perfect

DREAM VACATIONS FOR YOUR VACATION DREAMS

The Sandbar in Anna Maria lives up to its name as the deck is buried under sand brought onshore

by Hurricane Irma winds. The restaurant staff worked all afternoon Sept. 13 to clear debris and ready the eatery to reopen. Islander Courtesy Photo 513 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,464 sfla 3,096 sfur 4bed/3bath/1car pool home built in 1985 on a 7,482 sq ft lot was sold 08/22/17, Agnelli to Pifer for $1,180,000; list $1,295,000.

403 75th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,420 sfla / 1,945 sfur 3bed/2½bath pool home built in 1955 on a 8,500 sq ft lot was sold 08/18/17, Auman to Blair for $725,000; list $745,000.

108 Eighth St. S., Bradenton Beach, a 1,188 sfla / 3,380 sfur 2bed/2bath pool home built in 1920 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 08/23/17, Crino to Lamb for $570,000; list $589,000.

421 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, a vacant 7,540 sq ft lot was sold 08/25/17, Franklin to 421 Spring LLC for $465,000.

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

ght needâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Ś..buy, rent and finance your piece of EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS 1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5 t 3&"- &45"5& 4"-&4 t 7"$"5*0/ 3&/5"-4

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

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Make Your Life Easier!â&#x20AC;?

For the island lifestyle, call

Lynn Zemmer, 941-778-8104.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Work Hard To Make Your Life Easier!â&#x20AC;?

941-778-8104 Ofc 877-778-0099 Toll Free 104 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

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

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

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

MINUTES TO THE BEACH: This Anna Maria pool home features 5 bedrooms, a spacious game room, ceramic and wood floors, and a light beach decor.

Granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances adorn the kitchen. A short walk to the Rod & Reel Pier and local shops. $1,399,000 SWEEPING GULF VIEWS: This 2bed/2bath condo at Anna Maria Island Club has breathtaking Gulf views from the living room and master bedroom.

A rare opportunity to own at one of the most soughtafter condo complexes on the Island. $699,000

Call Jesse Brisson â&#x20AC;˘ 941-713-4755

43 Years of Professional Service to Anna Maria Island

Heronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Watch 10 minutes to beaches. 4 BR + Den. Excellently maintained, tastefully decorated. MLS A4142821. $373,900.

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

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

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

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island.

Marianne Norman-Ellis.

941.778.6696

Mike Norman Realty

RELEASE DATE: 9/17/2017

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

THE ISLANDER n SEpT. 20, 2017 n 31 No. 0910

SIZE MATTERS

BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

50 Storms that don’t offend?

1 “Watch yourself out there” 53 Actress Christina 55 God, to Hebrews 7 Comic Sweeney 57 Staple of Hawaiian 12 ____ All-Star Race cuisine (annual event since 1985) 58 Mammals with webbed feet 18 Getaway for 60 Business with a guest meditation book 19 Rub oil on 62 French 101 verb 21 Fruit dessert 63 Appropriate rhyme 22 Spin-class activity? for “cache” 24 City with one of the 65 Robust SUNY schools 66 RC, for one 25 That craft 67 Left college athletics, 26 TV host Gibbons maybe 27 What Siri runs on 69 Lesley of CBS News 29 SC Johnson product 71 Nonsense with a lightning bolt 73 Second hand: Abbr. in its logo 74 Loads 30 Wireless-data-andmessaging company 76 2016 Disney hit 78 George who founded 32 Number of Industrial Light & appearances in a Magic grain holder?

79 “____-hoo!”

38 ____ Tomé (African 80 Position on a capital) steamship 39 Stuck at a ski lodge, 82 Schedule inits. say 83 Europe’s largest lake 41 Wallops 84 Region of ancient 42 Like long chances Egypt 44 River near the start of 86 Makes a quick map an alphabetical list of an Egyptian 45 Primordial universe peninsula? matter 89 Very, in Veracruz 47 What people sing 90 Sequel to a sequel to when they don’t a sequel to a sequel know the words 92 Action at a bris 49 Au courant, once 93 Popular website that explains the news Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more 94 Lille women: Abbr.

Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, 95 Not debut page 28 nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

97 Mint AC RO SS

99 War su ____ (boneless chicken dish) 100 Opening performers that are all mimes?

104 Orchestra tuner 107 Brand with a rabbit symbol 108 “____ little confused” 109 It has a lock, stock and barrel 111 Take in 113 Citroën competitor 116 Rod-and-reel event in old Vietnam?

121 North and South Korea, e.g.

122 Nurse’s outfit 123 Indian appetizer 124 Prince Edward’s earldom 125 Belief 126 High as a kite

11 Common female middle name 12 Smoking or ____ 13 Black church inits.

14 Spot on a fern frond 15 TBS late-night show 16 Room with a slanted roof 17 All systems go 20 Cry to kick off the weekend 21 “Down goes Frazier!” sportscaster 23 Relating to the abdominal cavity 28 Surg. locales 31 Nonstandard verb from Popeye 33 Pastoral poet 34 “____ & Stitch” 35 Common opening bid in bridge 36 Argument 37 Fruit with greenishyellow rinds DOWN 40 TV’s “Tales From the 1 Big party ____” 2 Photorealist painter 42 Suddenly start, as in Richard fright 3 Order to a pool hustler 43 Strands, as a base to suck up some runner broth?

44 German lament 4 “So vast is ____, so narrow human wit”: 46 Workplaces with a need for speed Alexander Pope 48 Government group on 5 Do not offspring?

6 Run the show 7 Rapper with the music- 50 Felon, to a cop 51 Drink holders streaming service Tidal 52 Greyhound stop: Abbr.

8 Take out, as wine bottles 54 Plotting (with) 56 Alicia of “Urban 9 “Haha” Legend,” 1998 10 Due east on an old 59 Ex-isle of exile clock dial

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61 Denies 63 Play alone 64 Jerry Lewis, notably 66 “Oh, fudge” 68 Snare-drum sound 70 Rebel in “Henry IV, Part 1” 72 Jai ____ 75 Green-lit 77 Green 80 Tornado warning

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83 88

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81 Raised, as a flag 83 Laissez-faire 85 Pre-practice tests?

87 Lush’s favorite radio station?

88 Drowse 91 Santa makes millions of them every Christmas 94 French month 96 Ingredient in an Aunt Agatha

126

98 Blinking light 99 Attacks 100 Cast about 101 Chemistry Nobelist Joliot-Curie 102 Understudy’s study 103 Ticket 105 Ignorance, so they say 106 Nerve-racking

110 Think tank, e.g.: Abbr.

112 “Heavens!”

114 It may be pulled after a wrong turn 115 Old law 117 Do something 118 Heat 119 Heater 120 H.R. offering for employees

Visit WWW.ISLANDER.ORG for the best news on Anna Maria Island.

Everything you’re looking for

www.annamariaislandresorts.net

877.867.8842

32 n Sept. 20, 2017 n THE ISLANDER