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AMI Happenings
Where’s Tuna Street? 16-17
The National Hurricane Center was forecasting early Aug. 28 that Idalia would approach Florida and strengthen to a category 3 hurricane. See page 5 for more.
Consolidation is back on the table for Anna Maria Island’s three cities.
State Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, and Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, emailed a letter Aug. 21 to the three island mayors threatening to call up a Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability study into “combining the three municipalities.”
OPPAGA is a research Robinson 2023 elections
1st responders ready for Labor Day work
Law enforcement and emergency services will be on the job the long Labor Day weekend to create a safe atmosphere on Anna Maria Island — especially on roadways and beaches.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Offi ce and municipal police departments are taking part through Sept. 4 in a federal initiative — Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over — to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities due to impaired driving, MCSO public information officer Randy Warren told The Islander Aug. 24.
He said the MCSO traffic unit will be conducting a DUI saturation patrol Friday, Sept. 1. A saturation or blanket patrol increases the number of officers on the lookout in an area for impaired driving behavior.
Warren said there also will be an increase in marine and mounted patrols for the holi-
Cosby Tokajer
day. The horseback patrol will concentrate on Bradenton Beach’s Coquina Beach Sept. 2 and Sept. 4.
The MCSO will be working with the Bradenton Beach Police Department, Holmes Beach Police Department and within Anna Maria with added deputies. Anna Maria contracts the MCSO for law enforcement needs.
In Holmes Beach, Police Chief Bill Tokajer said, “Drive sober, be smart, use an Uber or something like that. We are watching the roadways for impaired drivers and there are no breaks. Anyone who is pulled over for DUI that shows signs of impairment will be arrested and will be criminally charged.”
Extra officers also will be on the beach and, the chief said, “We will be watching
just as we always do for any alcohol on the beach.”
Tokajer reminded people to be patient as they traverse the island and when parking their vehicles.
“We want everyone to pay attention to the signage as you drive on the island,” he said. “It’s very clearly marked to parallel park with all four tires off the road where permitted.”
In Bradenton Beach, Police Chief John Cosby told The Islander Aug. 23 that the department also will increase patrols for the holiday.
“Bridge Street has become a very popular place for people to come to and with it being a long weekend our resorts are pretty full,” Cosby said. “So we are expecting a lot of people out on the street. We’ll be concentrating on that. We want to keep all that under control and people will also be staying later at the beach because it’s a holiday so we
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Artist’s labor of love: Painting AMI footpaths
The Mayo Clinic at Jacksonville is adding to its art collection a series of seven mixed-media paintings inspired by Anna Maria Island and donated by Holmes Beach artist Maro Lorimer.
“It was a great honor to have my art accepted by Mayo’s team of curators since their “healing art” collection includes works by celebrated artists such as Norman Rockwell, Joan Miró, Robert Rauschenberg, Romare Bearden, Alexander Calder, and Andy Warhol, to name a few,” Lorimer said in a news release.
Lorimer
“I appreciate the excellence with which Mayo does everything, including their museum-like presentation of art, to add to the healing experience,” the artist added.
The series celebrates the wild beauty of
AMI’s footpaths to the Gulf and was first exhibited in 2010 by Rhea Chiles at her Anna Maria gallery, the Studio at Gulf and Pine. Chiles, who died in 2015, was first lady of Florida, married to Gov. Lawton Chiles. Each path painting by Lorimer leads the eye to a view of the Gulf.
In a related way, Lorimer said she moved in the same direction with her art: “From
painting the intimate beauty of the paths, I emerged onto the beach, to create peaceful vistas of infinite horizons.”
The artist has been creating, showing and selling large abstract seascapes for the past 13 years.
“With all my work, I have aimed to create a sense of serenity and I can think
Maro Lorimer spent her childhood on the bay, barrier islands and beaches of Bellport on the south shore of eastern Long Island, New York.
She graduated magna cum laude from Brown University and moved to Vail, Colorado, where she wrote for magazines and hosted and produced radio programs.
At the same time, she studied watercolors. Moving to Florida in 1999, Maro studied for five years in the studio of Douglas H. Teller.
She fi rst explored the coastal environment through beach path collages, which celebrated the wildness of the natural paths of Anna Maria Island.
She has had solo exhibitions at the Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria, the Palmetto Art Center, Art Uptown in Sarasota and also the Sarasota Orchestra Harmony Gallery at Holley Hall. For more information about the artist, go online to marolorimer.com.
ARTIST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
of no place I would rather share that feeling than at a revered medical center that is helping people who are struggling with serious diagnoses,” she said. “I hope my art depicting the beauty of our island will bring comfort.”
Lorimer’s art is inspired by her 23-year tradition of walking along the Gulf in the evening, just before sunset.
“Fortunately, the naturalness of our beach access points has remained unchanged over many years,” she said.
And she didn’t shy from addressing the threat to the beach: “Unfortunately, the preciousness and integrity of this old Florida feeling is about to be destroyed by Manatee County commissioners.”
The board of county commissioners is pursuing a plan to build a parking garage at the county-maintained Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach despite layers
arm of the Florida Legislature that supports lawmakers by providing data, research and analysis for budget and policy deliberations.
Robinson proposed such a study at a Manatee Legislative Delegation meeting in January, when he questioned the number of municipalities needed to govern the island.
He motioned to commission an OPPAGA study on the island’s governing structure and to present options to the delegation for its 2024 legislative delegation session.
The delegation unanimously approved Robinson’s motion.
However, legislators tabled the proposed study in February and requested the island mayors discuss options for limited consolidation among themselves.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy reported meeting a couple of times with other island mayors but progress
Artist Maro Lorimer, right, with the late Rhea Chiles at the January 2010 opening for “Beach Paths” at Chiles’ the Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria. Islander Courtesy Photo
of regulations in the city prohibiting such a structure. The commission, Lorimer said, is pushing forward “despite the fact that island residents and visitors love this island for its natural beauty and simplicity.”
on the discussions slowed.
Boyd and Robinson’s Aug. 21 letter called for the mayors’ feedback on options for limited consolidation.
“We tabled the OPPAGA study in good faith to allow you the time to find better ways of coordination and present such to the delegation. Unfortunately, we have not received any major update so far,” they wrote.
The legislators blamed the mayors’ lack of progress on Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, writing “We understand the mayor of Holmes Beach does not want to participate in the coordination talks, given it will be seen as a first step toward consolidation of the three island cities.”
The letter requests feedback before a delegation meeting Thursday, Oct. 5, or “we will move forward with our request to OPAGGA.”
Murphy said at an Aug. 24 city commission meeting that the letter was not a “surprise” and, in light of the mayors’ lack of progress on the matter, they unanimously agreed to “embrace” the study.
“If this study can in fact reduce our taxes … and if it can also enhance and improve the scope of services to the residents of this island, we’re all in. All three of us are in complete lockstep,” he said.
However, Murphy said they wanted to clarify the scope of the study to explore consolidation of services not municipalities.
“The scope should not be the consolidation or elimination or de-annexation of three municipalities on this island,” he said. “There are three distinct cultures on this island.”
Murphy added that the mayors would explore options for a formalized response to the legislators and the city’s lobbyist was “dialed in” on the matter. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie was present and expressed agreement with Murphy during public comment.
“I am here as a sign of unity. We are one island community and three distinct, individual cities,” Chap-
CONSOLIDATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 pie said. “We work together. We live here together. We’re neighbors.”
“We embrace the opportunity to help us possibly — like the mayor said — lower our taxes, help improve our services. Whatever we can do to better improve the quality of life for our residents and for our visitors,” he added.
Tal Siddique, president of Speak Out Manatee, an activist group, also spoke during public comment.
“There’s a lot of support for maintaining the history of the island and the duly elected government,” Siddique said.
Titsworth told The Islander Aug. 24 that she wasn’t able to attend the meeting because her daughter was giving birth. She confirmed she had met with the other mayors that morning and was onboard.
“We are not in favor of consolidation of cities but it’ll be interesting to see what the OPPAGA study pushes out as far as things that can be done to save taxpayers’ money,” she said. “We would just like to
be a part of it.”
Titsworth said she was not surprised Robinson and Boyd’s letter put the blame on her for a lack of response to consolidating services in the cities.
Tensions between Titsworth and the county, as well as its legislators, has run high for years due to disagreements over Holmes Beach’s park-by-permit system.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they blamed me for global warming at this point,” she said. “I did not call off discussions. … I don’t know where that came from because I was the one who hosted the meetings.”
Last week’s question
Do you work on Labor Day?
18%. Yes.
13%. A little.
69%. Not at all.
This week’s question
Summer on AMI ends …
A. On Labor Day.
B. On the fall equinox.
C. When school starts.
D. When businesses reopen after vacation.
E. When Island Players open a new season. To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.
Labor Day will be observed Monday, Sept. 4. The holiday on the first Monday in September was created by the U.S. labor movement and is dedicated to achievements of American workers.
Most government offices will be closed, including city halls in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.
The fare-free island trolley will operate as normal
Susan “Tootie” Patrick of Anna Maria is the winner of The Islander’s 2023 Top Notch Pet Photo Contest for her image of “Blue” taking a pause in a January walk near the Anna Maria City Pier. Patrick says the bayfront walk is a daily routine for her and the dog. The photographer and her dog win a gift bag of pet goodies donated by Pets Life Naturally of Palmetto.
but Manatee County Area Transit buses will not operate other fixed-route services or the Handy Bus service.
Residential trash or recycling pickups regularly scheduled for Mondays will be pushed to Tuesdays, and collection services may be pushed back through the week.
Manatee County parks, preserves and beaches will be open to the public.
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
This election season will be the sixth consecutive year without a contest in the city of Anna Maria.
Two incumbents, Jonathan Crane and Charlie Salem, qualifi ed unopposed for reelection to the city commission with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office by the close of qualifying, Aug. 25.
Crane was elected to the commission in 2019 and will serve his third term on the board.
Salem is the commission’s most recent addition. He was appointed by the city commission in January to fill a commission seat vacated by Carol Carter, who moved from the city after serving nine years on the board.
Salem was appointed in January and will begin his first full two-year term on the board when the new term begins in November.
Without a candidate to fill Commissioner Robert Kingan’s seat when it expires in November, the vacancy will be addressed by the remaining commissioners.
But Kingan’s absence won’t be the only shortfall.
Commissioner Deanie Sebring told The Islander Aug. 24 she will leave the board and move to Biron in southwest France by Oct. 7.
1ST RESPONDERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
will be concentrating efforts on that as well.”
Cosby said roadwork will be shut down for the holiday.
With county parking projects at Coquina Beach near completion, parking is not expected to be as big an issue as it was last Labor Day. However, some parking remains unavailable at Cortez Beach due to a county sewer project.
Cosby said people visiting the island should remember it will be crowded and patience is key.
“Come early to get your spot and be nice to every-
Sebring, who was appointed by the commission in November 2020 and reelected without opposition last year, will attend her final meeting in September before vacating the remainder of her term.
She said she was “very frustrated” with her time on the commission since she was unable to accomplish her goal of replacing parallel parking on Pine Avenue with bicycle lanes on both sides of the roadway.
The two vacant seats will be filled by commission appointment.
The city has appointed many newcomers over the past six years and it explored a new process in January, when Salem was appointed.
The city previously fi lled commission vacancies by allowing applicants to introduce themselves with five-minute speeches, then voting to appoint a new commissioner at the same meeting.
The new process involves collecting questions from the public, then holding a workshop for the candidates to introduce themselves and answer questions and, lastly, a commission meeting to vote on a winner.
At an Aug. 24 commission meeting, Crane called for the board to start considering the appointment process.
“I just noticed that we’re losing a bunch of commissioners and nobody seems to be signing up to get elected,” Crane said. “So we’re going to have to do our procedure of dragging people in and having an inhouse election, and I just think we ought to be thinking about that fairly soon.”
Anna Maria commissioners receive a $4,800 annual salary.
body,” he said.
Parking in the right of way can result in a $75 fine and a vehicle can be towed for blocking emergency services in the city.
On the beaches, Capt. Marshall Greene of Manatee County Beach Patrol said lifeguards were ready for the three-day holiday.
“We will be fully staffed and have every lifeguard tower open,” he said. “That includes Manatee, Cortez and Coquina Beach.”
Greene said lifeguards would be present Sept. 2-4 until 6:20 p.m. in lifeguard towers and available in offices until 7 p.m.
The window to qualify to run for an official position with the city of Holmes Beach is open — and won’t stay open long.
That window opened Aug. 28 and will close at noon, Friday, Sept. 1.
This year, three seats are up for grabs on the city commission.
Incumbents Pat Morton, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek have already submitted candidacy forms to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office to run for reelection to retain their commission seats. There were no challengers as of Aug. 25, according to the SOE’s website, votemanatee.com.
City commissioners will receive a $8,080 annual salary in the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.
In addition to the commission seats, five positions on a charter review board are up for grabs.
The city charter is akin to a constitution for a municipal government.
A board is elected to review the document and review potential changes every five years. They are not paid. The last charter review board was formed in 2018.
The CRC is sworn in at the first commission meeting following the election, and it serves until the amendments and/or revisions to the charter, if any, are incorporated into an ordinance the ballot by the city commission for the next general city election.
If there are any contests, the city’s voters will decide the victors on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 7.
— Ryan PaiceThe seats held by Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Jake Spooner and Jan Vosburgh are up for election in November.
Spooner represents Ward 1 and Vosburgh represents Ward 3. Qualifying began at noon Aug. 28 and closes at noon Friday, Sept. 1.
As of Aug. 25, no candidates/ incumbents had submitted forms to the Manatee Supervisor of Elections Office for the Nov. 7 election.
Candidates for office must be registered voters and reside in Bradenton Beach for 12 calendar months prior to the date of qualifying.
Candidates also must file paperwork with the supervisor of elections, specifying a campaign account, a treasurer, as well as proof of residency and pay 4% of one year’s salary of the office sought.
Commissioners receive $400 a month, and the mayor receives $800. Bradenton Beach has 644 registered voters.
Islander Staff Report
Idalia intensified Aug. 28 and an evacuation order was issued for Anna Maria Island.
Manatee County declared a state of emergency Aug. 28 and public safety officials announced plans for evacuations, beginning with a mandatory level A evacuation — including all of Anna Maria Island — and a voluntary level B evacuation at 2 p.m., which was after The Islander went to press.
“We’re expecting significant storm surge along the barrier islands and coastal communities for Idalia, with the earliest arrival predicted for Tuesday,” said Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske. “This is a very dangerous track that we all need to be aware of.”
Early Aug. 28, the National Hurricane Center was forecasting Idalia would become a major hurricane before it reached Florida.
“The risk continues to increase for life-threatening storm surge and dangerous hurricane-force winds along portions of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle beginning as early as late Tuesday,” the NHC said.
Tracking Aug. 28 showed landfall likely early Aug. 30 in the Panhandle.
Idalia, as of mid-morning Aug. 28, was a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph as it approached western Cuba.
At that time, all of Manatee County came under
hurricane and storm surge warnings.
Storm surge for Tampa Bay could be 4-7 feet, according to the NHC, with the deepest water occurring along the immediate coast in areas of onshore winds.
Area rainfall associated with the storm could be 4-8 inches Tuesday-Thursday.
The worst weather locally was forecast later Aug.
29 into Aug. 30 but high tides were expected to cause some coastal road flooding even earlier.
The county commission met in Bradenton at 10 a.m. Aug. 28 and board members urged people to be vigilant.
In addition to announcing the evacuations, staff said transit operations would be suspended Aug. 29 once high winds hit and that bridges could be closed and water shut off to the island if deemed necessary.
The county was opening three public shelters Aug. 28 — Mills Elementary in Palmetto and Miller and Freedom elementary schools in Bradenton.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth told The Islander she would sign a declaration of emergency Aug. 28.
Anna Maria commissioners met that morning and declared an emergency. Bradenton Beach and the West Manatee Fire Rescue District commissioners were due to meet at 1 p.m. Aug. 28.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a declaration Aug. 26 for 33 counties, including Manatee.
Meanwhile, sandbag stations opened Aug. 28, including at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach, Bayfront Park in Anna Maria and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.
For more local information, go online to mymanatee.org/manateeready or call 311.
For more storm information, go online to hurricanes.gov.
Work on a water main that carries potable water from the mainland to Holmes Beach is about to get underway again, about a month after work stopped.
However, the line that juts from the Intracoastal Waterway just past the bascule on the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue and runs along the sidewalk to where the bridge meets land won’t be moved soon.
The pipeline on the western half of the bridge’s south sidewalk will remain for about two years.
An Aug. 23 news release from the county stated, “further work to repair” the water main along the bridge would begin Wednesday, Sept. 6, and take twothree weeks to complete.
But Manatee County chief utilities engineer Jim Renneberg wrote in an Aug. 24 email to The Islander that the temporary pipeline on the bridge will remain until it is replaced with a subaqueous pipe in advance of a new bridge to be built by the Florida Department of Transportation.
About 1,000 feet of the bridge’s 16-inch water main, which was installed in 1982, collapsed June 19 into Anna Maria Sound due to corrosion and failed support hangers.
Bradenton-based Woodruff & Sons installed a portion of a new pipeline across the bridge and then June
bridge, closing the pathway from the bridge’s midway point to Holmes Beach.
The original pipeline remains on the underside of the bridge running from the bascule eastward.
Plans to replace the temporary water main with a subaqueous pipeline are “accelerated,” according to Renneberg.
He wrote, “The project is being accelerated but it takes time for design and permitting to occur.”
In the meantime, daily lane closures and periodic one-way traffic can be expected 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. for two-three weeks as Bradenton-based Lovin Contracting completes the final phase of repairs in early September.
The repairs will include installing about 90 additional pipeline support hangers on the remainder of the water main on the east undercarriage of the bridge.
The Aug. 23 news release stated repair work cannot be completed at night due to safety concerns.
“Specific information on any future closures will be provided as needed. Motorists who want to avoid the work zone should consider accessing Anna Maria Island via the Cortez Bridge,” the release stated.
The work is not expected to result in any water service interruptions, according to Renneberg.
People can learn more on the Manatee County government website, mymanatee.org or by calling 941-748-4501.
Cowboys, pirates and drug smugglers never sit with their backs to the door — just in case someone comes looking for them with bad intent.
But I hadn’t thought until now that islanders would need to be vigilant for the next shot from behind.
County offi cials continue to squabble over the availability of parking spaces on Anna Maria Island when the real devil is traffic.
Meanwhile, the county’s plan to spend $39,000 or so per parking space to net 494 parking spaces at the Manatee Beach reeks of frivolous spending.
It’s evident from an Aug. 21 letter sent on Florida Senate letterhead to the three island mayors by state Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and Sen. Jim Boyd that our legislators are doing the county’s bidding in what must be considered an escalating battle, leading the way for the county takeover of Anna Maria Island.
Back in January, the Manatee Legislative Delegation approved a request for a study by the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to report on the “potential benefits” of consolidating or de-annexing the three island cities.
The island mayors asked in January and were granted time to present options to the Legislature before the study was undertaken.
Boyd and Robinson go so far as to state that it’s their “understanding,” Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth was unwilling to participate in talks on tax saving benefits for the cities because it would be seen as a first step toward consolidation.
The Manatee Legislative Delegation and the authors of the Aug. 21 letter say they haven’t made a decision and they await the mayors’ response.
Well, they got one, and it seems the mayors are in agreement to proceed with the study — if it focuses on taxpayer savings and benefits for the cities over consolidation or elimination.
And they were wrong about Titsworth, because she not only participated, she hosted the mayors’ meetings that reached the compromise decision.
And it’s a good compromise. Having a proper analysis of how taxes are spent in the island cities could only benefit the mayors’ constituents and it promises to improve government not demolish it.
But we think the state study should be broadened to provide oversight of all the cities and the county and how spending overlaps. There was, after all, a time in the past when the island cities won a lawsuit against the county for double taxation.
Islanders are known to fight obsolescence.
— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
We are very concerned about the proposed parking garage plans for Manatee Beach.
We own a condo in Sandy Point — across the street from Publix.
The plans to build a parking garage are completely contrary to the vibe and lifestyle of folks living on Anna Maria Island.
As you already know, Anna Maria is a tropical paradise that must remain so.
This parking garage proposal is a disgrace and we are against this wholeheartedly.
▼ Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
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Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org
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Please let us know if there is a petition to sign or a website to email to share our rejection of this project.
This is a nightmare scenario and is an exact quote from a song we all know “they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”
Please, don’t let his happen.
Charles and Megan Blatz, Holmes Beach
Drone views of Manatee County water bodies were shown at a recent county meeting on decreasing wetland barriers.
The shots were alarming, as the photos from the first week of August showed that Lyngbya is prolific, seagrass is dying and sea life is deteriorating.
Meanwhile, many times a year the Palma Sola Causeway Beach is closed to swimming and the declining water quality has been evident on a regular basis.
How will water quality be impacted by the proposed parking garage that the county commission just
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moved forward for design?
We need studies to answer questions.
Curiously, needed studies were noted in agenda materials for the county’s garage discussion, but not mentioned on the dais.
Shouldn’t studies precede the design?
And there were several red flags for the wetland barrier issue, including that the planning commission did not recommend it.
Also, there were 389 pages of public comment submitted prior to the county commission meeting and, during the meeting, there were about 30 well-prepared public contributors.
If only someone would listen.
Only one of the seven commissioners voted in alignment with those who spoke — Commissioner George Kruse.
Please, remember this when you vote at the polls.
RichardMotzer, Holmes Beach
As a strong advocate for clean water, the city of Holmes Beach took a blow Aug. 17 with the Manatee County Board of Commissioner’s approval to transmit amendments to the comprehensive plan that reduce wetland buffer zones.
As we continue to experience declining water quality in Anna Maria Sound, Sarasota and Tampa bays, it is discouraging when leaders do not see the importance of protecting this vital resource.
It is more important than ever for citizens to lend Mother Nature a hand in our efforts to turn back the damage that development, phosphate mining, etc., has inflicted on our waters.
Please, continue to pledge to do better in reducing your own impacts on our waters and to conserve drinking water. Please, visit islanders4cleanwater.com for helpful tips and actions that can reduce your impact.
The island cities have been greatly impacted by legislation that continues to erode home rule.
As a reminder, it was in January that we were threatened by the consolidation or elimination of our cities by state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton.
As the three island cities continue to work together, we are also greatly aware of the value in each other’s charters and comprehensive plans.
We value the density and height restrictions that are loved and embraced by our residents and guests and made us an award-winning beach. These same restrictions are undoubtably burdensome to developers and leaders who see a potential windfall in revenue.
I am thankful that our city continues to have
engaged citizens who give their time to serve on our many boards.
Although we have been given a reprieve from the threat of the potential elimination of our cities this year, the actions at the county and state level continue to be a threat to home rule.
We have been made aware of the enormous infrastructure needs and wants of the county.
We also are aware of what that means to the tax bill.
In recent years, staff has worked with a heightened effort to obtain high-dollar resiliency and infrastructure grants and look to the Manatee County tourist development tax revenue for public safety improvements, thus alleviating this burden from our property owners.
Although these revenue sources increase the bottom line of our budget in the tune of millions, it is not a burden on the taxpayer of the city.
You can be assured that when value and efficiencies can be obtained in consolidating services and initiatives, the cities have and will continue to collaborate.
Despite the challenges in front us, I am happy to share that the city of Holmes Beach will be celebrating Florida City Government Week Oct. 16-22.
This is a weeklong annual event when cities celebrate, showcase and engage citizens in the work of municipal governments.
Please, be on the lookout for our invite and the many activities that we will have for citizens to get to know our wonderful staff and the work they do in touching the lives of our community.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy TitsworthWe mail The Islander weekly for a nominal $54 per year. We also offer online e-edition subscriptions — a page-by-page view of the weekly news for only $36 per year, but you must sign up online. It’s the best way to stay in touch with what’s happening on Anna Maria Island.
We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.”
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From the Aug. 27, 2003, issue
• Bradenton Beach commissioners approved sending voters a referendum “to do away with multifamily R-3 density in perpetuity.” Former Mayor Katie Pierola introduced the proposal to commissioners saying she feared the city would soon be overdeveloped unless the R-3 zone was removed.
• The Manatee County Tourist Development Council voted 4-2 to recommend to county commissioners that the tourist development tax be increased from 3%-4%. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce opposed the increase.
• Developer Jim Toomey, owner of the Bayview Plaza in Anna Maria, agreed to turn off the shopping plaza’s outdoor lights at sunset after the lights caused emerging sea turtle hatchlings to become disoriented.
From the Aug. 28, 2013, issue
• Creating a permitted parking system in Holmes Beach was one of the top ideas being pursued by the newly formed Committee on Traffic Congestion and Parking.
• Church leaders at the Longboat Island Chapel on Longboat Key were seeking the return of a statue stolen from the church garden.
• Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn said the efforts to enforce a number of city codes were not a “crackdown” but a “campaign” to keep the city clean, safe and free of blight.
— Lisa NeffLook for The Islander archives in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl. edu.
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The city of Anna Maria has a tentative budget ready for fiscal 2023-24.
Now, a finalized budget will have to pass through two public hearings before it is adopted.
Mayor Dan Murphy presented a summary Aug. 24 of the city’s tentative $14,626,014.44 budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.
City officials already have met three times to discuss different sections of the proposed budget — the city’s capital plan, revenues and expenses.
The Aug. 24 meeting was the first time the proposed budget was presented in its entirety.
The proposed $5,548,172.08 increase over the current year’s spending plan can be attributed to a few sizable changes.
The biggest change is an almost $3 million increase to the city’s public works budget, from $736,652.98 this year to $3,674,634.46 in fiscal 2023-24.
That increase is due to $3,349,634.46 for the city’s “reimagining” Pine Avenue project.
The funding includes $1,939,634.46 for a fi rst phase of improvements, which will include the installation of pervious paver meandering sidewalks, as well as crosswalks additions and enhancements and street lighting.
The first phase will be largely funded with a $1,288,440 state appropriation granted to the city last year and $283,412.96 from the U.S. American Rescue Plan Act.
Pine Avenue funding also includes $1,410,000 for a second phase of improvements along the corridors of Magnolia and Spring avenues, which will be funded by a state appropriation for the same amount that was approved this year.
The city will put $367,781.50 into the project using revenues from ad valorem taxes and impact fees, as well as carryover funds.
The remaining $325,000 of the proposed public works expenses for fiscal 2023-24 are for road paving.
Other contributing factors to the $5 million increase in capital expenses are a more than $500,000 increase in stormwater expenses and an extensive
Total taxable property value: $1,732,339,169
Ad valorem revenue: $3,575,651
Total budget: $9,077,842.36
Total operating expenses: $6,071,790.47
Total capital expenses: $3,006,051.89 2023-24 proposed budget
Total taxable property value: $2,050,108,891
Ad valorem revenue: $4,202,723
Total budget: $14,626,014.44
Total operating expenses: $6,594,523.80
Total capital expenses: $8,031,490.64
$1,877,258.24 capital outlay plan.
The proposed capital outlay plan will include $500,000 for public restroom facilities, $500,000 to extend a multiuse path, $275,000 to fund a study to determine a permanent solution for the Lake La Vista channel and $200,000 for city hall and annex improvements.
It also contains $306,058.24 for shade sails, including $156,486.24 to cover the playground at City Pier Park, $79,660 to expand existing shade sails at the park, as well as $69,912 for the picnic area at the city pier T-end.
While capital expenses are set to skyrocket, operating expenses will increase by $522,733.33 over this year, which makes up the remainder of the $5.5 million difference from this year’s budget.
That increase is fueled primarily by two proposed changes:
• A 6% raise in salaries and wages across the board for city employees, including a 3% base salary raise and a 3% lump sum payment to be provided Oct. 1, as well as an increase in the city’s coverage of employee health care costs, from 85% to 95%;
• A $212,646 increase in cost for contracted law enforcement services from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
There was no public comment.
The city also has proposed a 2.0500 millage rate, resulting in a tax increase for property owners.
The millage rate is the amount per $1,000 of property value used to calculate property taxes. The owner of a property appraised at $500,000 with a 2.05 millage rate will pay $1,025 in property taxes.
While the millage has remained the same in recent years, maintaining it would result in a $627,072 increase in ad valorem revenue, from $3,575,651 this year to $4,202,723 in 2023-24.
That increase is due to a $317,769,722 spike in total taxable property value over last year, up to $2,050,108,891, according to the Manatee County property appraiser.
To avoid a tax increase, the city would need to adopt a 1.7441 rollback rate, which would result in the same ad valorem income as the current year.
Under the rollback rate, the owner of a property appraised at $500,000 would pay $872.05 in property taxes.
The city’s fi rst public hearing on the proposed budget and millage rate will be at 5:01 p.m. Thursday Sept. 7, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
The city will hold a second hearing to discuss and potentially adopt a budget and millage rate at 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, also at city hall.
Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.
Holmes Beach officials met Aug. 22 for a special shade meeting to discuss a settlement offer from developer Shawn Kaleta, according to city attorney Erica Augello.
Kaleta, who owns motel and vacation rental properties in the city and across the island, filed a lawsuit last October alleging the city has an “anti-Kaleta” policy in which the municipality discriminates against him.
The suit is an amended version of a complaint filed Dec. 31, 2021, but voluntarily dismissed by the developer.
This case may have some staying power. Judge Charlene Honeywell of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida denied in June a motion from the city to dismiss the new lawsuit.
If the case continues without a resolution, a jury trial will be scheduled for July 1, 2024.
Augello declined to provide further comment on the shade meeting during an Aug. 23 call with The Islander.
Attorney Louis Najmy, from the Bradenton-based Najmy-Thompson law firm, did not respond to an Aug. 25 call from The Islander.
— Ryan PaiceWe have been a new and used GEM dealer for 20 years. We welcome our long-time friends and encourage new patrons from Anna Maria Island to shop here!
The Freckled Fin is going “all in” for a fundraiser to help a friend with pancreatic cancer — Mathew Shannon — brother of Fin manager Steve.
We’re trying to help Matt cover medical bills and wages lost from being out of work for a few months.
In steps the Freckled Fin with a day to toast Mathew. Drink specials! A 50/50 raffle prize and a silent auction.
Steve hopes Fin customers, old and new, show up to give Matt a lift in spirit, adding, “We thank everyone wholeheartedly for their help in any way possible.”
One contractor’s premature work nearly resulted in almost $30,000 in penalties.
Anna Maria commissioners unanimously voted Aug. 24 to reduce a proposed penalty from $29,331.40 to $2,500 against Longboat Key-based Eason Builders Group for starting work at 226 Periwinkle Plaza before receiving a permit.
Bradenton-based 226 Periwinkle Plaza LLC purchased the property for $1,100,000 last December.
Eason was hired to demolish a single-family home that was on the lot later that month, leaving the property vacant.
The city issued EBG a stop work order and requested an after-the-fact permit Aug. 2 after staff learned a temporary power pole had been installed at the lot, according to city planner Ashley Austin.
Temporary power poles are installed at construction sites to provide electricity during construction.
Austin said a silt fence and portable toilet also had been set up prematurely on the lot.
The city assesses after-the-fact fees at double the normal fee, on top of the original fee, resulting in a “triple fee.”
Before the stop work order was issued, EBG had been pursuing a $9,777 permit that included the installation of a temporary power pole.
The city used that permit as the basis for its triple after-the-fact fee, raising it to $29,331.40.
Austin said the fee must be paid or otherwise resolved before an after-the-fact permit can be issued and work can proceed.
However, EBG owner Scott Eason wrote an Aug. 8 letter to the city requesting it waive the fee and lift the stop work order.
Eason wrote that the temporary power pole had been removed and the inspection was “mistakenly requested and not completed.”
Eason attended the Aug. 24 meeting and said no
power was connected to the temporary power pole ahead of the mistaken inspection request and the contractor had not intended to circumvent city code.
He said EGB was almost three months into the permitting process and had spent about $2,500 “on the high end” to set up the temporary power pole, as well as keep a portable toilet and silt fence on site.
Eason called the city’s triple fee “excessive” and asked the commission to waive or reduce it.
He added that he had addressed the issue with the project manager, his father, who mistakenly requested the inspection.
Bradenton-based attorney Jason Miller spoke during public comment on behalf of Eason. He said the contractor had made a “simple mistake.”
Miller added that the nearly monthlong delay already had financially penalized the contractor.
Mayor Dan Murphy said the matter was brought
before the commission because city code does not allow the mayor to alter fees, such as after-the-fact permit fees.
Commissioner Jonathan Crane said he didn’t believe the city’s permitting process should be ignored but agreed the fee was excessive.
“I’d like the fine to be big enough to send a message not to screw with Anna Maria codes,” Crane said. “I don’t really care about the amount, other than there should be one.”
Commission Chair Mark Short said he didn’t want fee reductions to become “standard operating procedure” but added that he felt the violation was not purposeful.
Crane moved to reduce the fees to $2,500, on top of the original permit fee.
Commissioner Robert Kingan seconded the motion, which passed.
In other matters…
Commissioners also:
• Unanimously approved a variance for 783 N. Shore Drive to allow a generator within a setback to power an elevator;
• Unanimously approved the renewal of the city’s employee insurance policy for fiscal 2023-24;
• Reached consensus to approve $90,000 for public works to purchase a Bobcat tractor;
• Held a first reading for an ordinance that would reduce the city’s historic preservation board from five to three members, and a quorum from three to two;
• Held a first reading for an ordinance that would revise city code regarding shoreline stabilization, marinas and docks, to implement housekeeping changes. The commission will meet next at 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, for a public hearing on the municipal budget for fiscal 2023-24, which will be followed by a regular meeting.
Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.
Throughout August, Artists’ Guild Gallery “Beautiful Gulf Coast Beaches” exhibit, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6694.
Throughout September, Island Gallery and Studios “Expressions of Anna Maria Island Sunsets: A Retrospective,” 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.
Through Sept. 2, Thursday-Saturday, Laser Light Nights musical shows, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-7464131.
Through Sept. 3, “Eco Engineers” exhibit, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience. org.
Through Sept. 4, “Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling. org.
Through Sept. 17, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ “John Pirman: Diving into Nature” exhibit, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.
Through Oct. 15, “Lorna Bieber: Natural World,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.
Through June 23, 2024, “Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.
“Caught in the Storm: 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes” exhibit, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org.
First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com.
Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum. org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.
Sept. 10, Anna Maria’s Centennial Celebration at City Pier Park, Anna Mark.
Sept. 13, Island Library’s Time Book Club discusses Deanna Raybourn’s “Killers of a Certain Age,” Holmes Beach.
Sept. 14-24, Island Players’ “Farce of Nature,” Anna Maria.
Oct. 3-May 7, Anna Maria Farmers Market, Anna Maria.
Oct. 7, Florida Maritime Museum Cortez Nautical Flea Market, Cortez.
Oct. 11, Island Library’s Time Book Club discusses Glennon Doyle’s “Untamed,” Holmes Beach.
Oct. 22, Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Fall Plants and More Sale, Bradenton.
Nov. 2-12, Island Players’ “Later Life,” Anna Maria.
Nov. 3-4, Village of the Arts’ Dia de los Muertos, Bradenton.
Nov. 4, Bash at the Bishop: A Celestial Affair, Bradenton.
Nov. 8, Island Library’s Island Time Book Club discusses Curtis Sittenfeld’s “Romantic Comedy,” Holmes Beach.
Dec. 1-2, Bradenton Blues Festival, Bradenton.
ON
mation: 941-778-1383.
Sept. 9, Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament to benefit the Center of Anna Maria Island, Bradenton.
Sept. 12, Cortez Village Historical Society/Cortez Cultural Center coffee, Cortez.
Sept. 18, Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club kickoff meeting, Holmes Beach.
Nov. 3, FISH Preserve ribbon-cutting ceremony, Cortez.
AMI Dragon Boat Team-Paddlers from Paradise practices and meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, mrbradway@gmail.com.
Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.
Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.
Mondays beginning Sept. 18, morning yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING OFF AMI
Friday, Sept. 1
10 a.m. — Forty Carrots program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
10 a.m. — Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
Select Thursdays — Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 16, Dec. 14 — Shark Pups and Grownups preschool program, Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center on Anna Maria City Pier, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: mote.org.
First Wednesdays, “SOAR in 4” family night, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.
Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.
Second Saturdays, Quest for kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.
SAVE THE DATE
Oct. 21, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest, Anna Maria.
Thursday, Aug. 31
10 a.m. — Seaside Quilters, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-718-5583.
SAVE THE DATE
Saturdays, starting Sept. 9, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Infor-
Through Sept. 3, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-7473031.
SAVE THE DATE
Dec. 9, DeSoto Cornhole Tournament, Bradenton.
Feb. 24, 2024, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training opens, Bradenton.
SAVE THE DATE
Sept. 11, Island Library’s “Medicare 101 with AARP,” Holmes Beach.
Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 15, Island Library/Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Holocaust Speaker Series, Holmes Beach.
ONGOING OFF AMI
Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.
KEEP THE DATES
Sept. 4, Labor Day.
Sept. 10, Grandparents Day.
Sept. 11, Patriot Day.
Sept. 23, fall equinox.
Oct. 9, Columbus Day.
Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out. Oct. 31, Halloween.
Nov. 5, daylight saving time ends.
Nov. 7, Election Day.
Get listed early and reach The Islander’s audience weekly.
Please, send notices for the 2023-24 seasonal calendar to Lisa Neff at calendar@islander.org.
Be sure to include a contact name, as well as a phone number for publication in the calendar and announcements.
Island Gallery and Studios throughout September is displaying an island-focused exhibit — “Expressions of Anna Maria Island Sunsets: A Retrospective” — by artist Larry Paul.
Paul began work on the series of sunset drawings in 2017.
“Personal, yet open and outwardly expressive, the series presents an abstract expressionistic quality with an overlapping and abutting color technique that contrasts and brings the movements together at the same time,” states a news release from the gallery, formerly Island Gallery West in Holmes Beach.
The notice continues, “There is a rather ‘angry’ application method in creating these artworks as noted in some frenzy of the pencil strokes, yet anger and calm can be appreciated together. The art observer is encouraged to identify his/her own horizon point and to self-interpret each composition based on his/her own feelings.”
Paul uses Prismacolor pencils, inks and graphite and his body of work includes multiple series and subseries of numbered “experiments” embracing impressionistic realism and abstract expressionism drawing styles.
The gallery, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton, will host an opportunity to meet the artist 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.
For more information, go online to www.islandgalleryandstudios.org or call the gallery at 941-7786648.
The Anna Maria Island Historical Society is seeking government funds to hire an executive director.
“Our museum preserves the history of this island and all three of its island cities,” AMIHS vice president Barbara Murphy told Bradenton Beach commissioners Aug. 17. “We want our museum to thrive and grow just as we want our cities to survive and grow, unfortunately our museum shares many of the same woes that our three cities do.”
Such woes include a declining number of full-time residents, straining the museum’s volunteer team.
AMIHS seeks to hire a part-time director to manage operations at the museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, and received a grant from Manatee County for a onetime amount intended to cover a first year’s salary.
“We strongly believe this position is crucial for our museum’s continued success,” Murphy said. “On
Before the curtain opens on the Island Players’ 75th season, the box office will begin sales of individual tickets.
The first production of the new season at the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, will be “Farce of Nature,” written by Jones, Hope and Wooten and directed by Mike Lusk.
The play will open Thursday, Sept. 14.
Performances will continue through Sunday, Sept. 24, with the cast taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
The theater is dark Mondays.
The season’s lineup also includes A.R. Gurney’s “Later Life” Nov. 2-12, Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” Jan. 11-28, Alan Ayckbourn’s “Communicating Doors” March 7-24 and “The Woman in Black” by Susan Hill and Stephen Mallatratt.
The theater group was selling season tickets through Sept. 1 and then shifting to individual ticket sales — $25-$30 — Tuesday, Sept. 5.
The box office will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays Sept. 5-23 and also an hour before curtain.
For more information about tickets, go online to www.theislandplayers.org or leave a message at the box office at 941-778-5755.
The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island will resume weekly meetings at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach.
After that first meeting, the club will meet at noon most Tuesdays in the Sunset Room at the restaurant.
Also, the club plans to hold a social at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez.
For more information, call 941-718-5583.
behalf of our board of directors, I am asking you to make a commitment to the AMI historical museum.”
AMIHS asked the city of Holmes Beach for $25,000 and Murphy requested the same from Bradenton Beach.
She said the city of Anna Maria also helps support AMIHS, leasing the museum building and grounds for $1 a year. Murphy’s husband is Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said the commission would review the funding request.
— Robert Anderson
Anna Maria Elementary students, staff and families got together Aug. 20 for a back-to-school social at Holmes Beach city field.
“Despite the rain shower at the beginning, about 60 kids and their families joined us at the park,” AMEPTO president Jen Serra wrote Aug. 22 in an email to The Islander.
Students tie-dyed T-shirts, painted rocks and sand dollars, as well as played soccer and whiffle ball.
“Special thanks goes out to community members Cheryl Arena and Kelly Hunt, who donated their time and talent leading our craft stations,” Serra said.
She also said how nice it was to see new school families in attendance and, “We hope to see more at our monthly socials throughout the year.”
The next PTO social will be 3-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at the Holmes Beach Skate Park, adjacent to the city field and Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
— Brook Morrison
The Islander wishes you a safe and happy Labor Day … and, in the meantime, keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Anna Maria Elementary students and staff prepare to celebrate their first break from the classroom — Labor Day — Monday, Sept. 4.
Looking ahead, AME will celebrate International Peace Day Tuesday, Sept. 21.
International Day of Peace, established in 1981 under the United Nations, is observed around the world each Sept. 21 to strengthen the ideals of peace.
The island school began celebrating Peace Day following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
The community and school families are welcome to attend the ceremony, where students will carry flags that symbolize world peace, sing and give speeches.
• Monday, Sept. 4, Labor Day, no school.
• Monday, Sept. 11, 3:45 p.m., PTO member meeting, cafeteria.
• Thursday, Sept. 21, 9 a.m., Peace Day celebration, playground.
• Friday, Sept. 22, 6-8 p.m., PTO family social, Holmes Beach skate park, 5800 block of Marina Drive.
• Thursday, Sept. 28, 3:45 p.m., SAC meeting, Guy Harvey classroom.
• Oct. 2-5, Fire Safety Week.
• Monday, Oct. 9, 3:45 p.m., PTO board meeting, Guy Harvey classroom.
• Thursday, Oct. 12, end of first quarter.
• Friday, Oct. 13, record day, no school.
• Saturday, Oct. 28, Fall Festival.
Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.
Sept. 7, 5 p.m., commission (budget).
Sept. 21, 5 p.m., commission (budget).
Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.
Through Sept. 1, election qualifying.
Sept. 6, 9:30 a.m., CRA.
Sept. 6, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.
Sept. 7, 5:05 p.m., CRA (budget).
Sept. 7, 5:30 p.m., commission (budget).
Sept. 7, 6 p.m., commission.
Sept. 14, 5:05 p.m., CRA (budget).
Sept. 14, 5:30 p.m., commission (budget).
Sept. 20, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.
Sept. 21, noon, commission.
Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.
Through Sept. 1, election qualifying.
Sept. 6, 5 p.m., planning.
Sept. 13, 9 a.m., clean water ad hoc committee.
Sept. 14, 5 p.m., commission (budget).
Sept. 26, 10 a.m., special magistrate.
Sept. 26, 5 p.m., commission (budget). Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800,
holmesbeachfl.org.
WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE
Sept, 12, 6 p.m., commission.
WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.
Sept. 7, 9 a.m., commission (land use).
Sept. 12, 9 a.m., commission.
Sept. 12, 6 p.m., commission (budget).
Sept. 19, 9 a.m., commission (work session).
Sept. 19, 6 p.m., commission (budget).
Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Commissioner George Kruse town hall, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.
Oct. 18, 6 p.m. Commissioner Jason Bearden town hall, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.
County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.
ALSO OF INTEREST
Labor Day, a federal holiday, is Sept. 4. Most government offices will be closed.
Sept. 18, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Anna Maria City Hall.
Please, send meeting notices to news@islander.org.
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CrossPointe Fellowship is hosting Wednesday Night Blast with dinner, ministry and socializing.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a family dinner — for donations of $3 per person and $10 per family.
Programs begin at 6:45 p.m. and include a kids club.
The school-year program begins with a kickoff party at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, CrossPointe is at 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0719.
Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. Send notices to calendar@islander.org.
Jeff W. George, 58, of Anna Maria, died Aug. 8.
Mr. George was born Nov. 10, 1964, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to William and Marilyn (Richard).
He graduated high school in 1982 in Urbana, Illinois, and earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering in 1986 from the University of Illinois.
Compiled by Lisa Neff
ON AMI
CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church.
Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m., followed by life group.
Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast supper and 6:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.
Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org.
Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 9:15 a.m.
Ongoing: Most Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s breakfast.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com.
Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship.
Ongoing: First Sundays, food bank collections; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., women’s social gathering.
Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912.
Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.
Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com.
Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m.
Ongoing: Wednesdays through Aug. 30, 1 p.m., GriefShare; Tuesdays, 2 p.m., women’s book study.
St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes
• The Anna Maria Island Art League seeks volunteers to help organize the Springfest Fine Arts Festival March 16-17 in Holmes Beach. Info: 419-450-4824.
• The Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization seeks sponsors for the 2023-24 academic year. Info: amepto@gmail.com, 941-708-5525, amepto.org/ame-sponsor.
Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc. org.
Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
Ongoing: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m., Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession.
Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurchoflbk.org.
Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.
Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Women’s Bible Study; Mondays, 9 a.m., Men’s Bible Study.
Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org.
Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.
Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-3428.
Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.
Sept. 15, Rosh Hashanah.
Sept. 24, Yom Kippur.
Please, send listings and/or changes in worship calendars and other events to calendar@islander.org.
• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers to become docents and, beginning this fall, bake bread. Info: 941778-0492, amihs.org.
• The Friends of the Island Library welcomes members to support the Holmes Beach branch, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, friendsoftheislandlibrary.org.
He married Susan Shaw in Urbana and the couple moved to Plano, Texas, where he worked for Frito-Lay. He received a master of business administration from Southern Methodist University in 1990.
The family moved to Anna Maria in 1997.
Mr. George worked for Tropicana in Bradenton until 2004, when he transferred to Cary, Illinois, where he was vice president of Quaker Foods and Snacks until 2010. He then worked for Hillshire Brands as senior vice president of research and development.
In 2014, the George family moved to Haddonfield, New Jersey, where he was vice president of research and development for Campbell Soup Co.
In 2018, Mr. George retired and returned to Anna Maria. He consulted for and then became the senior vice president, head of research and development for Hain Celestial in Lake Success, New York, before again retiring in 2022.
He was on the board of directors of the Soulfull Project, the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences and was on the advisory board for the University of Illinois Professional Science Master Program.
He also was a volunteer for Mote Marine Science Education & Outreach Center.
He loved to spend time sailing on his boat with family and friends.
A celebration of life is being planned for September. Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at lls.org or Mote Marine Laboratory at mote.org
Mr. George is survived by wife Susan; daughters Lindsey and Lauren; parents William and Marilyn George of Anna Maria; and sister Debbie Frizzell.
• The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island welcomes members to support the gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and also the nonprofit’s educational mission. Info: amiartistsguildgallery.com, 941778-6694.
• The Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, seeks volunteers — onstage and off — for the 75th season of shows. Info: theislandplayers.org, 941941 778-5755.
• Wildlife Inc. rescue and rehabilitation in Bradenton Beach seeks help tending to injured animals. Info: 941-778-6342.
• Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Info: 941-778-0414.
• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941778-0414.
• AID offers financial help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Info: 941-725-2433.
— Lisa Neff
GoodDeeds notices: To list an organization, email lisa@islander.org with details.
Metal detectorist Mike Pomatto of Bradenton poses Aug. 23 with an antique bottle recovered while diving for a bracelet lost by an Anna Maria Oyster Bar customer at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. Pomatto, using an air compressor, dove into the pier waters in Sarasota Bay for several hours with a submersible metal detector in search of the bracelet. The search didn’t uncover the bracelet but did turn up silverware, coins and the bottle. Pomatto said he was contacted by the woman who lost the heirloom and he volunteered to try to recover it. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson
Worship With Us At Our Church
Editor’s note: The following is part three of a sixpart series about the 1921 hurricane. The report, by June Alder, first appeared in print in 1993. It has been edited for content and style.
From The Islander archives
It was dawn Oct. 25, 1921, the day after the hurricane.
Jack Leffingwell found himself marooned on the rooftop of the little Club House hotel in Cortez, within sight of the bridge he had built to Anna Maria Island.
Everywhere he looked was water.
This was how the world must have looked to Noah after the Great Flood, Leffingwell thought.
The familiar outlines of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and the Cortez peninsula had been changed almost beyond recognition.
It was hard to figure out where the waterways stopped and the land began.
Instead of one Longboat Pass, there were two or three.
There was a void where Cortez had been — its wharves were gone.
And Anna Maria looked like a vast swamp where green mounds of cedar trees seemed to float like sponges among the stick-like, headless palms.
The derrick was gone.
The steel draw, at least, was where he had left it. But he couldn’t tell about the rest of the bridge.
The hot morning sun had begun to beat down on the hotel roof, and Leffi ngwell, thirsty and getting light-headed, was longing mightily to escape from his perch.
His motorboat, the Chiquita, which he thought he had tied up safely the night before, was nowhere to be seen.
So he was greatly relieved to hear a shout from the rear of the building. A fisherman of his acquaintance had come in a motorboat to rescue him.
“I collected my engineering instruments and the bridge plans and we started for dry land,” Leffingwell wrote in his memoir of the storm. “Our boat finally grounded at about Joe Black’s place on the Cortez Road. There I was told that everyone except little me had been evacuated before the storm reached its height. Cortez was a shambles but nothing was known of the fate of my pet bridge.”
Someone took Leffingwell to Bradentown, where
he was amazed to find the storm had done almost no damage at all.
But as he learned later, all the coastal communities were hit.
He wrote: “Sarasota had severe damage. The docks on the waterfront were wrecked and the big Ringling yacht Zambrota was blown a quarter of a mile inland. St. Petersburg suffered considerable damage but Tampa was the worst off, as most of the water in Tampa Bay was blown into the city, forming a tidal wave. Bayshore Boulevard in that city was under 18 feet of water; people along the bay shore had to be rescued from second-story windows. Davis Island was totally submerged, a large schooner was on top of the Mallory Docks, other ships were sunk and Dr. Helm’s Sanitorium, which was located on the bay shore, was totally destroyed.”
Next issue, look for “How the island fared.”
The Albion Inn in Cortez is damaged from the 1921 hurricane. Islander Photos: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library Systems archives
On Oct. 25, 1921, the Tampa Bay area suffered the most destructive hurricane to hit the region since 1848.
A storm surge of up to 11 feet damaged and destroyed a significant amount of the structures along coastal locations from Pasco County south through southwest Florida. The highest surge inundated areas in downtown Tampa and Tarpon Springs.
In Manatee County, the fishing village of Cortez was hardest hit.
The storm smashed boats into docks and seawalls, waves and wind battered buildings and washed away structures. Power poles and trees fell. Windows were blown out.
Across the area, winds destroyed crop fields and the surge caused salt water intrusion into the soil that prevented crops from returning for seasons.
There were eight confirmed fatalities, nearly half due to drowning as the storm surge inundated near shore locations, and others from the hazards of the fallen debris like live wires.
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Holmes Beach’s plan to use tourist tax revenues to improve biking and walking opportunities didn’t get a “go” from the Manatee County Tourist Development Council.
But the project didn’t get derailed, either.
The TDC, meeting Aug. 21 at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, requested that city engineer Sage Kamiya provide more details for consideration at a council meeting at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16, at the county administration building in Bradenton.
The TDC is an advisory board that reviews projects and recommends funding from the tourist development tax, the 5% tax collected on overnight rentals of six months or less.
Kamiya, at the Aug. 21 meeting, asked the TDC to recommend using $733,948 in TDT money for phase 1 of the city’s multimodal path program, which involves lengthening the path on Marina Drive and creating a path on Gulf Drive, as well as improving connections to beach access paths.
The project also involves installing nature-focused educational signs and improving some beach access paths, as well as installing an educational kiosk at the waterfront park near city field.
Additionally, the city wants to place rapid-flashing beacons at three midblock crosswalks.
The total project costs include:
• Gulf Drive multiuse path, $1.29 million;
• Marina Drive multiuse path improvements, $239,489;
• Rapid-flashing beacons, $60,000;
• Signage, $594,000;
• Engineering design, $250,000.
But the project is divided into phases and the city only asked the TDC to help with phase 1, projected to cost $1,133,401, with the TDC’s share at $733,948.
Phase 1 includes multiuse paths on Gulf Drive from Holmes Boulevard to 66th Street and on Marina
A diagram and map show the city of Holmes Beach’s plan for multimodal paths along Marina and Gulf drives. A city request to partially fund the program with tourist development tax revenues did not get a thumbs up or a thumbs down from the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. Instead, the council asked Aug. 21 for more information.
Islander Courtesy Image
from 56th Street to 66th Street, one flashing beacon, signage and pervious pavers at the beach access at 65th Street and engineering.
Holmes Beach Commissioner Greg Kerchner introduced the effort as a safety program, informing the TDC that a pedestrian was killed by a motorist in May and a bicyclist was killed this summer.
Kerchner said the “life and death” issue has “got to supersede squabbles,” a reference to the dispute between the city and county over beach parking.
Then Kamiya described the project, stressing the safety value and also a goal of reducing motor-vehicle congestion.
James Satcher, the county commissioner who chairs the TDC, repeatedly asked whether Holmes Beach would take away parking to build the paths.
Kamiya said the city was not taking parking for the
project and Satcher replied, “Would we have it in writing that it will not go over parking? I would definitely want that in writing.”
Satcher, referring to Holmes Beach’s decision to remove some beach parking on residential streets, also asked about using tourist development tax dollars for new projects in those neighborhoods.
“We can’t have enclaves,” he said. “And we can’t fund enclaves. We do have private neighborhoods in the county … with gated access. … In those neighborhoods, the county does not pay for the sidewalks.”
TDC member and Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said he liked the city’s concept but wanted more details, including a timeline and more specifics about funding partners.
“I just can’t support this right now, given where we are at with a lot of ifs,” Brown said. “I don’t think the plan is totally laid out yet.”
TDC member and Palmetto Mayor Shirley Bryant motioned to request the city of Holmes Beach bring back a presentation in October and gained a second. The vote for the motion was unanimous, with two members — Rahul Patel and Ed Chiles — absent from the meeting.
The TDC’s determination in October would go to the county commission for consideration later in the fall.
Also during the meeting, the TDC heard from Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, who thanked members for backing the Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center, which opened on the Anna Maria City Pier in May, and a TDC grant to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, which operates a museum in the city.
Murphy also said he planned to return to the TDC to request funding to extend a multimodal path along Gulf Drive and to build a comfort station for beachgoers.
Satcher told Murphy, “I absolutely love you looking for solutions. … I am onboard 100%. Anything you need from us.”
And the wait goes on.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy told city commissioners Aug. 24 that earlier in the week he received Manatee County’s revised plans for the Gulf Islands Ferry service at the city pier.
However, Murphy said he didn’t have time to review the plans, suggesting commissioners should wait to discuss the plans at their next meeting.
The city and county have been negotiating an interlocal agreement for about a year to allow the ferry service to use the pier as a stop.
Despite reservations with previous versions of the county’s proposed agreement, Murphy endorsed a revised version at an Aug. 3 commission meeting.
Murphy also reinforced his endorsement of the ferry service at an Aug. 21 Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting at the Center of Anna
Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. Anna Maria.
At the meeting, Murphy addressed the council and exchanged remarks on the water taxi plans with Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“We want the water taxi within the city of Anna Maria,” Murphy said. “I think it’s a must have.”
Murphy and Falcione joked about media coverage of the delayed launch and Anna Maria’s push for changes to the agreement.
Murphy also repeated the city’s interest in creating a ferry service that transports island workers.
“It’s just a no-brainer,” the mayor said.
Falcione said an option might be to create two express shuttles dedicated to workers — one shuttle in the morning and another later in the evening.
Despite Murphy’s endorsement, the city is still waiting for the county’s plans to accommodate the ferry before it approves the revised agreement.
SUNDAY SEPT. 10th
The county’s initial proposal included installing a floating dock perpendicular to the pier’s existing boat landing, with railing along the edge of the T-end.
The proposed floating dock would be anchored with wooden piles and access would be through a gate.
Murphy called the plans “unacceptable” and requested a new proposal.
The county’s revised proposal “looks encouraging so far,” according to Murphy.
“On the surface, it looks as though they have eliminated the pilings and the floating dock and are going to utilize a ramp — like a gangway — to exit the boat,” he said.
However, Murphy noted that the proposal lacked plans for signage on the pier, so he hoped to return to commissioners with that by their next meeting, when they would revisit the item.
There was no public comment.
The commission meets next at 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
The meeting will begin with a hearing on the city’s 2023-24 budget, followed by a regular meeting.
Directions to attend via Zoom can be found the on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.
Islander editor Lisa Neff contributed to this report.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy announced Aug. 24 that the city pier will close for maintenance Sept. 11-12.
The pier’s decking is ipe wood and was stained before the structure reopened to the public in 2020.
Murphy said maintenance would involve completing electrical work and re-staining the wood decking for long-term use.
— Ryan Paice
It’ll be a while longer before a trial begins over a third-degree felony charge against Palmetto resident Michael Fitzgerald.
Jury trial was set to begin Oct. 16 but was continued after Fitzgerald’s counsel, Sarasota-based attorney Thomas Hudson, filed a notice of unavailability.
Fitzgerald faces a third-degree felony charge for driving under the influence following a Nov. 29, 2021, crash in Holmes Beach that left Anna Maria resident Jana Samuels, who was 79 at the time, hospitalized.
Fitzgerald — who was 59 at the time of the crash and a delivery driver for New Port Richey-based Trulieve Inc., a chain of medical marijuana dispensaries — allegedly swerved into oncoming traffic in the 6800 block of Palm Drive and crashed into Samuels’ golf cart with a company vehicle.
Samuels was hospitalized in critical condition in Bradenton, where she remained in an intensive care unit into February 2022. The crash left Samuels with multiple fractures in her right hand, right leg and back. She also suffered internal bleeding, head trauma and damage to her spleen, according to court documents.
Fitzgerald displayed signs of impairment during the incident, according to police, and he allowed them to draw his blood for testing during medical treatment.
A Feb. 7, 2022, state lab report found Fitzgerald tested positive for THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, and Alprazolam, a benzodi-
Streetlife
azepine drug.
He was arrested in April 2022 and released the same day after posting a $1,500 bond.
Punishment for a third-degree felony includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a $5,000 fine.
Fitzgerald has pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial, which was scheduled to begin in June pushed to October.
And now that the October date has been continued.
Another trial date was not set as of Aug. 22, according to the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court.
Fitzgerald already has settled a civil lawsuit with Samuels.
Samuels’ representation, Tampa-based attorney Crosby Crane, sued in December 2021 seeking $30,000 in damages from Fitzgerald and his then-employer, Trulieve, under claims of negligence, dangerous instrumentality and vicarious liability.
Crane filed an amended complaint March 16 to seek punitive damages for gross negligence from Fitzgerald and Trulieve after Judge Charles Sniffen of the 12th Judicial Circuit acknowledged the evidence provided “a reasonable basis for recovery of punitive damages,” in a Dec. 7, 2022, order.
On March 23, a mediation report was filed to show an undisclosed “full settlement” was agreed to between parties after more than four hours of discussion.
Sniffen issued an order June 30 dismissing the civil case.
By Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice
Anna Maria
Aug. 17, 100 block of Cedar Avenue, trespass. A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a call concerning an individual at a residence. A complainant said two individuals were seen on security cameras damaging an outdoor refrigerator. The subjects were no longer on the premises when deputies arrived. A case number was issued.
The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach
Aug. 30, 2600 block of Gulf Drive South at Coquina Beach, larceny. An MCSO deputy responded to a call about the theft of a backpack. The complainant said he discovered a bag missing after stepping away from a picnic table. The deputy filed a case number.
Aug. 24, 2600 block Gulf Drive South at Coquina Beach, trespass. A Bradenton Beach Police officer was
Holmes Beach police arrested Duane Pipkin, 52, of Bradenton Aug. 20 on a third-degree felony charge for habitually driving with a revoked license.
An officer was driving of Gulf Drive around 2 a.m. when a motorist veered into his lane on an S-curve and almost struck his vehicle.
The officer conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block of Manatee Avenue and found the driver, Pipkin, was on probation and had a revoked license. He had been designated a habitual traffic offender.
Driving with a suspended license can result in a fine or misdemeanor, but becomes a third-degree felony if the person is a habitual traffic offender.
The officer arrested Pipkin and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody as of Aug. 24 under $1,500 bond.
If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony charge includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.
— Ryan PaiceDrive, battery. An officer responded to reports of a physical disturbance involving a manager who was “drunk and tearing the place up.” An employee said the manager pushed and grabbed him by the throat before breaking items. The manager, who appeared intoxicated, was arrested and taken to the county jail.
dispatched to a call for the trespass of a man creating a disturbance. A Manatee County Area Transit driver requested the man be trespassed after creating a disturbance on a bus. The man became irate and attempted to board the bus after being trespassed. He was peppersprayed, arrested and transported to the county jail.
The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez
No new reports.
The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach
Aug. 19, Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive, alcohol. An offi cer from the Holmes Beach Police Department responded to reports of trespassers and found two men outside the store with open beer cans. The officer spoke to the pair, issued court summons and trespassed them from the property.
Aug. 19, Island Discount Tackle, 5505 Marina
Aug. 20, Dunkin’, 3302 E. Bay Drive, disturbance. Two offi cers responded to reports of a disturbance involving two employees. A manager said an argument turned physical after an employee began to prepare a cigar inside. Neither employee wanted to pursue charges and one clocked out so they could separate.
Aug. 20, Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., arrest warrant/domestic battery. The HBPD received a be-on-the-lookout request from the MCSO regarding a suspect who left the scene of an alleged domestic disturbance in Anna Maria. An officer pursued a motorist with a vehicle matching the description until the motorist pulled off the side of the road, parked and exited the vehicle. The officer approached the man and found a warrant out of Sarasota County for his arrest. The man was detained until an MCSO deputy arrived to him and take him to the jail.
HBPD polices Holmes Beach.
Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.
Holmes Beach police arrested four people over the course of 72 hours, from Aug. 19-21, for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Those arrested include Michael Boyd, 54, Chad Clifford, 43, and David Garcia, 42, all of Bradenton, and Sebring resident Paul Tertan, 52.
All but Tertan — who was charged with a firstdegree misdemeanor since it was his third DUI charge in 10 years — received second-degree misdemeanor charges.
All four will be arraigned at 8:55 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
If convicted, punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor includes up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000.
Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.
Boyd’s arrest
Holmes Beach Police received reports around midnight Aug. 19 that an apparently intoxicated motorist was driving westward over the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue.
Two offi cers located and stopped the motorist, Boyd, in the 100 block of 18th Street.
Boyd had slurred speech and “watery, glassy, dilated” eyes, as well as exaggerated body movements, according to a report.
Also, offi cers smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage.
They asked Boyd to perform field sobriety exercises but he refused, and he was arrested.
They brought Boyd back to the HBPD for processing, where he refused to provide a breath sample.
Boyd was taken to the Manatee County jail and released the same day after posting $120 bond.
Clifford’s arrest
An officer clocked a motorist driving 48 mph in a 35-mph zone and swerving over traffic lines around 3 a.m. Aug. 19, and a traffic stop was conducted.
The officer spoke with the driver, Clifford.
Clifford’s breath smelled of an alcoholic beverage, his eyes were “watery and glassy” and he did not know the speed limit or the speed at which he was traveling, according to the police report.
Clifford said he had just left an island bar and had
two alcoholic drinks before driving.
The officer asked Clifford to perform field sobriety exercises, which he consented to and failed.
The officer arrested Clifford and transported him to the HBPD for processing, where he refused to provide a breath sample.
An officer then transported Clifford to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $120 bond.
Garcia’s arrest
An officer saw a motorist driving a pickup west on Manatee Avenue around 2 a.m. Aug. 21 with a “large tree branch hanging off the bed of the truck and dragging down the road.”
The officer followed the motorist to a residence where, once parked, he spoke with the driver, Garcia, who had exited the vehicle and started yelling profanities.
Garcia was swaying to the point of almost falling over while standing and admitted to “having drank and being drunk prior to driving,” according to a report.
The officer asked Garcia to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed.
The officer transported Garcia to the HBPD, where he provided a breath sample of 0.191 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. He refused to provide a second sample.
The state’s legal blood alcohol level limit for driving under the influence is 0.08.
Garcia was taken to the jail. He was released the same day after posting $120 bond.
The average DUI costs $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more.
And, on Anna Maria Island, a DUI citation is recorded and reported in The Islander newspaper.
People who see a drunk driver, can call 911.
The HBPD received a request from the Bradenton Police Department around 4 p.m. Aug. 20 to assist in a DUI investigation on the Palma Sola Causeway in the 8400 block of Manatee Avenue.
A BPD officer had witnessed a crash involving Tertan, who seemed confused and had “constricted pupils and slow movements.”
Tertan failed field sobriety exercises, so the HBPD officer arrested him and transported him to the HBPD for processing.
There, he refused to provide a breath sample.
An officer transported Tertan to the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton for medical treatment. He was transported Aug. 21 to the Manatee County jail, where he was released later that day after posting $15,000 bond.
Tertan was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor since it was his third DUI arrest in 10 years, as well as two other first-degree misdemeanors for DUI property damage.
Notice an increased Bradenton Police Department presence on the roads “in town”?
The BPD is participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving campaign.
The high-visibility enforcement campaign during the Labor Day holiday period, including the end of summertime and the busy holiday weekend, is a coordinated effort of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and law enforcement agencies across the county.
According to NHTSA, 13,384 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2021 in the United States. That’s one person every 39 minutes.
And during the 2021 Labor Day holiday period, there were 531 crash fatalities nationwide — 41% involved a drunk driver, and more than a quarter involved drivers whose blood-alcohol level was almost
twice the legal limit.
The BPD also has increased its presence on the Palma Sola Causeway/Manatee Avenue to enforce Palma Sola Causeway Park hours of 6 a.m.-midnight, as well as to assist the city code enforcement department, which this month and into September is cracking down on illegal signs and illegal commercial activity in the rights of way.
Per the code enforcement department — signs and banners are not permitted but motor vehicle wraps and decals are allowed — on the causeway, part of the scenic highway that extends into Holmes Beach. Also, vendors can operate on the causeway but they cannot make transactions onsite. Commercial transactions, such as booking a personal watercraft, must be made online.
— Lisa Neff
A dog attack Aug. 9 involving an unleashed English mastiff at a bar in Bradenton Beach was not an isolated incident, according to witness reports.
A second attack involving the same animal was reported to The Islander Aug. 21 and the mastiff was said to be involved in at least two incidents prior to Aug. 9.
On Aug. 9, Deanna Quinn-McCollian of Illinois stopped with her sister’s dog, a 9-month-old maltipoo named Teddy, at Island Time Restaurant and Bar, 111 Gulf Drive S., to pick up dinner. Quinn-McCollian was on the island to petsit the dog.
She recounted the attack to The Islander Aug. 22.
“I paid for my salad and was waiting for my food to come out. I had Teddy on a leash next to me,” QuinnMcCollian said. “Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the dog and an individual walking out and I immediately kind of started pulling Teddy closer to me because he’s so small.”
She said the mastiff was unleashed, walking next to a man.
“The next thing I know, the dog was attacking Teddy and I could hear Teddy yelping,” Quinn-Mc -
Collian said.
She picked up Teddy and raised him over her head.
“From what I am told, the dog kind of tackled both Teddy and I and threw us back about 10 feet or so,” Quinn-McCollian continued.
Then the mastiff wrestled Teddy from her hands.
In the struggle, Quinn-McCollian was bitten by the mastiff on her left calf.
Teddy escaped the mastiff’s jaws and started to run, with the mastiff in pursuit.
The mastiff’s owner, identified by Bradenton Beach police as Anthony Santamauro of Holmes Beach, caught up to his dog and, in the attempt to control it, suffered a separated shoulder.
Police Officer Thomas Ferrara was on patrol and heard Quinn-McCollian’s screams. He called paramedics and then, along with BBPD Sgt. Steve Masi, investigated.
Santamauro was cited for violating the city’s animal control law and Manatee County Animal Welfare Services was alerted to the attack for further investigation.
“Teddy seemed to be OK initially,” said QuinnMcCollian, who sought medical care while friends watched the dog.
After receiving treatment, she learned Teddy died.
“If I had known there was any chance there was an unleashed, 100-plus pound dog in that bar, I never would have gone there,” Quinn-McCollian said. “I wouldn’t have gone there myself and I wouldn’t have gone there with an animal.”
And she had concerns with information she received from animal welfare officers.
“I was told by them that this is the third interaction they have had with him in two years,” she said.
Twelve days after the attack at Island Time, the mastiff was involved in another attack in Holmes Beach, according to Evalena Leedy of Holmes Beach.
She said was walking her toy poodle, Alonso, outside her condo at Westbay Cove South, where Santamauro also resides, according to the BBPD report.
“There’s a wooded area on either side of the entrance and there was some rustling in the woods and my dog actually paused to stop,” Leedy said.
She picked up Alonso and, as she looked back to the woods, she was met with a shock, she said.
“I turned back to look and here comes an unleashed mastiff, running toward us,” Leedy said.
Leedy ran to a vehicle and threw her dog on its roof.
She said the mastiff lunged and bit her arm but her
Teddy, a maltipoo. The dog was killed Aug. 9 by another dog at Island Time Restaurant and Bar, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach.
dog was not injured.
Hearing screams, the mastiff’s owner came out and moved the dog behind the gate of a lanai.
Leedy said she and Santamauro were speaking when the mastiff broke out again and charged at her. The dog was intercepted by Santamauro.
Leedy left to seek medical treatment at HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton for two lacerations on her right forearm. On the way to the hospital, she called 911.
“They put us in touch with animal control,” she said, adding, “I was so lucky to have survived this. This owner is clearly irresponsible.”
Leedy said she intended to make a report with the Holmes Beach Police Department.
HBPD Sgt. Brian Hall told The Islander Aug. 25 the department would have issued Santamauro a citation for violation of a city ordinance but, upon their arrival, he was no longer in residence at Westbay Cove South.
Hall said the HBPD filed an incident report and turned over any subsequent investigation to Manatee County Animal Welfare.
The Islander reached out to Santamauro by phone but the number was no longer in service.
The Islander also reached out to animal welfare officer Kevin Mitchell and Chief Sarah Brown Aug. 23 and Aug. 24 but, as of Islander press time, there was no response.
The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander.org.
The state attorney’s office is moving forward with two misdemeanor charges against island developer Shawn Kaleta.
Assistant state attorney Christine Neilson filed a second-degree misdemeanor Aug. 11 against Kaleta for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and a first-degree misdemeanor for allegedly resisting a law enforcement officer without violence.
Kaleta owns or co-owns numerous properties on Anna Maria Island, including Bali Hai Beachfront Resort, Anna Maria Beach Resort, Coconuts Beach Resort and Islands West Resort, as well as numerous vacation rental units across the island.
He was arrested June 15 by Holmes Beach police after an officer saw him allegedly drifting off the road and almost hitting a sign.
Kaleta was asked to perform field sobriety exercises and refused.
When the officer tried to arrest Kaleta, he refused to comply and became “aggressive,” according to a report.
Kaleta was taken into custody and brought to the HBPD station, where he refused to provide breath samples.
Kaleta requested a medical evaluation, so he was taken to the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton, where he refused to provide a blood sample or formal interview to police.
An officer then transported Kaleta to the Manatee County jail, where he was released June 16 after posting $620 bond.
Kaleta still faces arraignment on the misdemeanor charges.
The court has scheduled a pretrial conference for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
If convicted, punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor includes up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000.
Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.
• Anna Maria Island Bridge on State Road 64/ Manatee Avenue: Single-lane closures can be expected 7 p.m.-6 a.m. through December. The Florida Department of Transportation is repairing the drawbridge due to the “harsh marine environment.” For more, go to www.swflroads.com/project/440237-1.
• City center in Holmes Beach: Work on the city’s project near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives is not concluded. Traffic patterns can change. For the latest, check the city’s page on Facebook. Manatee County’s work on a force main project is ongoing and traffic patterns can change. As of the week ending Aug. 27, the contractor was working on road-
way patching and testing the sanitary sewer system. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.
• Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach : Manatee County is relocating and replacing sewer lines. Through late August, northbound and southbound lanes on Gulf Drive South between 11th Street South and 13th Street South will be shifted west to route traffic around the project construction zone. The contractor will be installing new gravity sewer pipe across Gulf Drive at 12th Street South and along the east side of Gulf Drive a few hundred feet south of 12th Street South. The contractor also will install a gravity sewer pipeline on 12th Street South. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.
For area road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511
— Lisa Neff
By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter
There was a full week of golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach and the end of the week brought out a record.
The exclamation on the week of golf at KRC came Aug. 24 with a nine-hole scramble and a whopping record for the par-32 nine-hole private course. The team of Ken Nagengast and Deb and Dave Richardson teed up and combined on a 9-under-par 23 to win the day’s proceedings and set a new KRC course record. Second place went to the team of Jim Bailey, Ed Harrell, Peter Maasmann and Rich Salzburg with a 1-under-par 31.
The week got started Aug. 21 with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match. Cliff Lanning and Terry Schaefer both carded plus-3s to finish in a tie for first place, while Rich Salzburg was a point back in second at plus-2.
The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match Aug. 22 that saw Jana Samuels earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day on carding a 1-over-par 33. Samuels took first place by two strokes. Terry Westby was alone in second with a 3-over-par 35, while Betsy Meyers was another stroke back in third place.
Next up, the Anna Maria horseshoe pitchers assembled in the shade in the morning hours to beat the heat at the Anna Maria City Hall pits Aug. 23 and Aug. 26.
Two teams emerged from pool play with 3-0 records and settled things in a playoff during Aug. 23 action. Rod Bussey and Tim Sofran cruised past Bob Baker and Bob Heiger to earn bragging rights for the day.
Action Aug. 26 saw four teams advance to the knockout stage. Baker and Sofran again teamed up and cruised to a 21-8 victory over Heiger and a player identified as Katrina W., while Bussey and Bob Hawks advanced with a 22-13 victory over Tom Farrington and Gary Howcroft.
The championship match was all Baker-Sofran as they rolled to a 21-8 victory over Bussey and Hawks to win the day’s championship.
Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.
There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.
Chris Smargisso, owner of Slim’s Place, Anna Maria Island’s self-proclaimed No. 1 sports bar, 9701 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, was sprucing up the restaurant sign and uncovered an old sign for earlier anchor businesses at Powers Plaza, named for former owners Marcia and Dale Powers. He said the photo, posted on Facebook, produced a lot of memories from customers — going back to the 1970s when “the Tip” was a popular breakfast-lunch joint with an oval counter for seating in the room where now there is a bar and servers work from the center to keep customers happy. Islander Courtesy Photo
The Center of Anna Maria Island is hosting a Pedaling for Parkinson’s Stationary Cycling Class at 1 p.m. Tuesdays Sept. 5-Nov. 22.
The hourlong class is designed to provide people living with Parkinson’s disease “a strenuous and rewarding group workout option,” according to a news release.
Class size is limited to 12 people. For more information or registration, contact the center at culture@centerami.org or 941- 778-1908.
The Tampa Bay Rays are still swinging bats — swinging them hard.
The Bradenton Marauders are still playing under the lights at LECOM Park.
Lionel Messi is notching goals for Miami, scoring in every game played thus far in the MLS season.
But plenty of sports fans are ready for football.
And The Islander is getting ready to launch its popular weekly football contest — Get in the Game.
Watch for the entry forms weekly beginning with the Sept. 6 issue.
There are two contests, one for the person who enters the most correct game-winning predictions for a $50 prize.
In the second contest, the correct score of the Bucs’ game wins $50 and the weekly prize rolls over if there’s no winner — thanks to the community sponsors who make it all possible.
Logan Heather of Pittsburgh shows off a big red snapper he caught Aug. 15 in 130 feet of water on a live pinfish while fishing with family. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters led him to the fish.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the 2023 Gulf red snapper recreational fall season was extended by 17 days. Florida’s red snapper recreational season will reopen Sept. 1 for three-day weekends — Friday, Saturday and Sunday — through November, including Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day.
For federally permitted charter fishing guides, the regular red snapper season went from JuneAug. 25.
For more information, go online to myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers/.
Hordes of mangrove snapper are invading the inshore and nearshore waters surrounding Anna Maria Island and you can bet many anglers are filling their coolers, bringing home limits of the tasty fish.
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Fishing in the passes during the slower stages of the tide will help achieve your limit of five fish per person per day.
Bottom rigs baited with live shiners seem to be the most effective method of attack, although chumming also helps. Chumming the waters attracts mangrove snapper to the boat and other species — Spanish mackerel, bonito and ladyfish — also fall victim to the attraction.
And don’t be surprised to encounter a cobia while chumming, as curiosity can get the best of them, too.
With snapper fishing so good, you might find yourself limiting out quickly, which leaves you wondering what to seek with a morning of fishing planned.
Spotted seatrout are your next best bet. Many deep grass flats of Tampa and Sarasota bays hold schools of trout. The size of the trout depends on what flats you fish and what schools of fish are gathered. You might find some flats loaded with trout 15-16 inches, while other grass is holding fish in the 12-inch range.
That said, some perseverance is required to find the bigger fish unless you luck into the right school.
Lastly, it’s time to keep your eyes peeled for schools of redfish gathering on the shallow grass flats. Once spotted, the fish can be spooky. So be gentle in your approach.
Using artificials such as gold spoons can be a great option, as the lures can be cast a distance, enabling
Storm systems passing by in the Gulf of Mexico haven’t caused widespread damage in recent years on Anna Maria Island.
But even thunderstorms can damage boats and any nearby docks and piers.
Some tips and cautions for boaters in hurricane season:
• If an anchorage/mooring plan calls for moving vessels and there is sufficient notice, a boater should relocate at least 48-72 hours before a storm is forecast to strike.
• Boating experts recommend having at least two storm anchors, with extra long nylon line and chain.
• Replace smaller, two-hole cleats with larger fourhole cleats backed with aluminum, stainless steel or marine plywood plates.
• Make sure fuel tanks are full, fuel filters are clean, batteries are charged, bilges are clean, cockpit drains are clear, fire-fighting equipment is working and lifesaving equipment is in good condition.
• Remove or secure deck gear, portable gear, radio antennas, outriggers, chairs, benches, deck boxes, bimini tops and canvas/curtains, sails, boom, extra halyards, canister rafts and dinghies. Make sure hatches, ports, doors, lazarettes and sailboat rudder are secure.
• If a vessel is moored at a dock or a canal, in a river or in a marina near the Gulf, it is possible that with an additional 5-10 feet or greater storm surge, the vessel can pound against the dock or crash into pilings.
anglers to maintain stealth. The schools have potential to hold some large fish in the upper-slot range, as well as over-slot fish. So be prepared for a battle.
Capt. David White is working inshore during the westerly winds, which can makes offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico challenging.
While inshore, White is leading clients to mangrove snapper while fishing in the passes and around structure in Tampa Bay. Bottom fishing with live shiners as bait results in limits of the tasty fish.
On some occasions, chumming works to lure the snapper to the surface, in which case, White’s clients can free-line baits to the snapper.
Spotted seatrout are being caught during morning fishing trips, when fishing over deep grass flats is yielding acceptable numbers of the popular fish.
Lastly, targeting catch-and-release snook is producing good action for angers wanting to catch larger fish.
Capt. Warren Girle says mangrove snapper are a mainstay on his charters. Whether fishing the reefs in the Gulf of Mexico or fishing select deep grass flats in Sarasota Bay, mangrove snapper are apparent.
When fishing structure, Girle is using bottom rigs to get his bait down to the reef, where the snapper dwell. This method yields snapper measuring 12-16 inches. While on the fl ats in Sarasota Bay, Girle is free-lining shiners, which also is yielding snappers, although they are slightly smaller.
In the bay or on deep grass flats, Girle is encountering spotted seatrout and ladyfish mixed in with the snapper. On the shallower flats in Sarasota Bay Girle is finding redfish and catch-and-release snook.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says mangrove snapper are the primary catch for another week at the northernmost pier on Anna Maria Island. Pier anglers using live shrimp as bait are catching limits of the fish. Most catches are 1-12 inches, with some larger fish being caught. When bait schools are present, pier fishers are opting to cast artificials — jigs and silver spoons — which is yielding mackerel as well as ladyfish and jack crevalle from the Tampa Bay waters.
Lastly, using larger live bait such as pinfi sh or ladyfish is resulting in catch-and-release snook. The fish can range 20-40 inches. So stout tackle is recommended.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
An excavator shifts sand for removal Aug. 21 from the east side of Beer Can Island on Longboat Key. The town is relocating sand that accumulated at Longboat Pass and in the 1A canal to the west side of Beer Can Island where it has accrued to the Longboat beach. LBK assistant public works director Charlie Mopps told The Islander Aug. 21 that people can expect portions of Beer Can to be closed until early September. Islander
• Canals may be a good choice for storing a boat in a storm. However, using east-west canals can bring disaster when a hurricane approaches across the Gulf of Mexico traveling east to the mainland. If a boat breaks loose, a domino effect can result in a pile up.
• Lifts and davits are not recommended for boat storage during a storm.
• The best offshore mooring to ride out a storm is in the center of a canal or narrow river where at least doubled mooring lines can be secured to both shores, port and starboard, fore and aft.
• Do not raft vessels together at moorings or docks, especially if larger and smaller vessels are involved. The probability of damage to the vessels is greater than
if they are moored singly.
• If the vessel must remain dockside at a private dock or marina, heavy-duty fender boards should be used on a bare-wood center piling. Lines should be doubled and even tripled in length where necessary to hold a vessel in the center of a berth or off seawall or dock pilings.
• If moving a boat, be sure to get going before bridges are locked down.
• Do not stay aboard a vessel during a storm.
Sources: National Hurricane Center, Florida Division of Emergency Management, American Boating Association.
Get news alerts at www.islander.org.
The federal government this summer proposed designating about 8,850 acres of beaches and nearly 428,000 square miles of coastal waters as protected critical habitat for six populations of green sea turtles.
The proposed rule is a response to an agreement reached by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries with environmental groups that sued in 2020, including the Center for Biological Diversity, Sea Turtle Oversight Protection and Turtle Island Restoration Network.
“These graceful marine turtles have come a long way but healthy habitats will be key to their survival,” Elise Bennett, CBD’s Florida and Caribbean director, said in a news release. “The global climate crisis and sea level rise are already harming these turtles’ nesting and feeding areas and we can expect those threats to get worse. These ancient reptiles are legally entitled to our help and the federal government needs to give it to them.”
• For Pacific green sea turtles, proposed terrestrial habitat includes about 2,233 acres of nesting and basking beaches in the main Hawaiian Islands, 95 acres in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, 242 acres in American Samoa, 125 acres in Guam and 179 acres in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Proposed marine habitat includes nearshore waters off Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam and the Mariana Islands.
• For Atlantic green sea turtles, proposed marine critical habitat includes nearshore waters up to 20 meters deep around all of Florida, parts of Puerto Rico and parts of the U.S. Virgin Islands in areas the turtles use for reproduction, migration, foraging and resting. Habitat also includes sargassum habitat in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.
Proposed critical habitat on land includes 250 acres in Puerto Rico, 117 acres in Vieques and the U.S. Virgin Islands and about 5,725 acres of nesting
beaches in Florida, including at Siesta Key.
CBD said FWS and NOAA Fisheries had determined that climate change and threats from sea level rise meant the turtles still needed U.S. Endangered Species Act protection but despite recognizing those threats — particularly to low-lying nesting beaches — the agencies failed to protect the turtle’s critical habitat.
Federal experts have found that green sea turtles should be considered 11 distinct populations or distinct population segments.
Some sea turtle populations, like those in Florida, are improving due to federal Endangered Species Act’s protections but other populations continue to struggle. The Mediterranean, Central South Pacific and Central West Pacific populations remain in danger of extinction and remain listed as endangered.
The FWS and NOAA Fisheries are taking comments on the critical habitat proposals online at regulations.gov through Oct. 17. To file a comment, search for the docket for NOAA-NMFS-2023-0087.
Meanwhile, on AMI, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring is reporting a record number of green sea turtle nests this season.
The Islander connected with Kristen Mazzarella, AMITW’s executive director, to talk about greens and their nesting on the island.
The Islander: AMITW reported another green sea turtle nest in mid-August. Is the number of greens higher than usual this season?
Kristen Mazzarella: Yes, we have had a record number of green turtle nests this year.
We currently have 11 nests and our previous record was nine.
Green turtles nest every two years. So it is not uncommon to have a high year like this year, followed by a low year of 0-1 green turtle nests.
The Islander: You can identify a green’s nest by its tracks? And the nest markings?
KM: Yes, green turtles use both pairs of flippers at the same time to traverse the beach. This leaves tracks with flipper marks directly across from each other.
Loggerheads alternate their flippers and thus their flipper marks are alternating.
In addition, green turtles often leave large craters in the sand — this is from using their very long flippers to dig out sand to cover their nests.
The Islander: Do greens nest for about the same period, May through October?
KM: Loggerheads usually nest between April and August while greens arrive a little later in the season than loggerheads — nesting between the end of May and early September.
The Islander: Are they also susceptible to lighting disorientations?
KM: Yes, all sea turtles use light to orient themselves to the water in the dark, so all are susceptible to disorientation from artificial lighting.
The Islander: AMITW has reported loggerhead and green nests this season. It’s not likely to see other species nesting on AMI beaches?
KM: We have never seen any other species on AMI beaches, although we are always hoping to find a Kemp’s ridley or leatherback nest as they do nest on the Gulf coast occasionally.
For more information about AMITW, call the nonprofit at 941-301-3484, email info@islandturtlewatch. com or go online to islandturtlewatch.com.
I began August “back home” in Illinois celebrating a family milestone — my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary.
In mid-August, I marked another anniversary —my wedding, which took place more than two decades after the “marriage” began because we had to wait for the demise of discriminatory laws.
And I’m ending August planning to celebrate another anniversary — my move to Anna Maria Island on Labor Day weekend 2005.
I drove down to Anna Maria from Chicago with my wife in a Saturn loaded with three cats, a bucket of fish and assorted items too precious for transport in a moving van.
I remember pulling into the parking lot at the Gulf Drive duplex late on a Friday afternoon and calling our new landlord to inquire about getting into the apartment.
He said he was out on the beach and we should walk over.
So we did, stepping onto an Anna Maria beach for the first time.
We met him near the Sycamore Avenue access, where he handed us a key and an old envelope with the terms of the annual rental written on the front.
Later that evening and many evenings after, we walked down that same access to the beach.
I moved from the island several years ago to buy affordable “permanent” housing.
So I’m grateful for the opportunity the past several years to housesit in Anna Maria in late August and early September, bringing me back home just in time for my Florida anniversary.
I’m on AMI now and I’m fi nding that in some ways, it’s tough to come home again.
It’s tough to have lost the “islander” identity.
It’s tough to have lost so many old friends to other locations.
And it’s tough to see the changes taking place in the island cities.
You know, people seem fixated on a singular building project — the proposed construction by the county of a parking garage at the Manatee Public Beach — but there’s excavation and construction taking place all over the island, as old friends’ cottages and apartments come down to make way for strangers’ mansions.
Where AMI cherished quaint just a decade ago, new AMI is working at being posh.
But what’s not tough is returning to the beach.
At the beach, living in Florida makes sense.
This holiday weekend, I’ll mark the anniversary of my move to Florida by repeating that first day living on AMI.
I’ll walk out on the beach that’s just steps from my old apartment to look for coquinas, sea turtle tracks, seabirds and shorebirds, manatees and dolphins.
Goliath grouper, an ecologically vital species, has experienced population declines since 2013, according to newly published data in the journal Fishes.
The study, led by James Locascio, manager of the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Fisheries Habitat Ecology and Acoustics Research Program, involved monitoring six spawning aggregation sites in Jupiter. The science indicated that Goliath grouper abundance declined at all but one of six sites between 2013 and 2022.
Having almost reached extinction in the 1980s as a result of overfishing, state and federal agencies prohibited commercial and recreational harvest of the species in an effort to protect and rebuild the population.
Given the data collected at multiple spawning sites in 2013 to monitor population changes, the species was showing signs of recovery.
And earlier this year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a limited recreational harvest of 200 Goliath grouper a year in state waters.
However, as part of his National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-funded study, Locascio found significantly lower numbers of Goliath grouper at most of the same historical spawning sites where previous population estimates were made.
In addition to the original spawning aggregation sites off Jupiter in the Atlantic Ocean, three additional sites off the Gulf of Mexico coast of Sarasota were identified by Locascio as spawning sites.
Mote, in an Aug. 23 news release, said it was seeking support to use the sites to create a long-term monitoring program to track changes in the species’ abundance.
Goliath grouper. A new study authored by a Mote Marine scientist found that Goliath grouper abundance has declined between 2013 and 2022.
I’ll walk from the west end of Pine Avenue to the east end and back, maybe stopping for ice cream and taking a seat on a bench at the best destination on the island after the beach, the Anna Maria City Pier.
I’ll walk to dinner at a beachfront restaurant and then walk again out to the water’s edge for sunset viewing.
And I’ll toast my Florida anniversary.
The Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles hard-shell marathon began Aug. 1 with 12 sea turtles being tracked using satellite telemetry to boost science, research and education. Anna Maria Island’s entry, Suzi, is a loggerhead tagged and released June 27 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Suzi’s distance as of Aug. 28 in the Tour de Turtles: 625 miles. Suzi’s ranking in the Tour de Turtles: Sixth. People can follow Suzi’s journey at tourdeturtles.org.
EARLY CLASSIFIED DEADLINE! The Islander office will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4. The deadline to have your classified ad appear in the Sept. 6 edition is 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1. Place your ad at www.islander.org.
TWO TRAILER TIRES: 15-inches, five-bolt tires and rim, $20 each. 941-778-5542.
PANINNI MAKER: CUISINART, stainlesssteel, like new, $45. 941-920-2494.
SPICE RACK, THREE-tier clear plastic, $20, side tables, brown with glass top, 2/$20. 941-920-2494. 941-920-2494.
ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire with The Islander, 941-778-7978.
LOOKING FOR AN EARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FREE!
Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600
Bella is an 8-year-old mixed-breed lovebug!
She’s neutered and has all vaccinations — ready to meet her new family! Call Lisa Williams at 941-3452441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach. And for more about pet adoption, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.
SPONSORED BY
Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander. org, fax toll-free 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)
EARLY CLASSIFIED DEADLINE! The Islander office will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4. The deadline to have your classified ad appear in the Sept. 6 edition is 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1. Place your ad at www.islander.org.
LOST: WALLET NEAR Judy’s Restaurant, 9516 Cortez Road, Bradenton. Reward. Please, call 313-310-3290.
HELP RESCUED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.
GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! www.GolfCartRentalAMI.com.
HONDA RUCKUS SCOOTER. 2022 with 199 miles. $2,500. Call 941-713-3277.
FOR SALE: 2000 electric Gem car. New batteries, new motor, seat covers, new tires and wheels. Asking $2,800., Call 813-758-3762. Come see it, we know you’ll like it.
HAVE A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.
SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382.
FISHING
FUN AND FISH: Skiff rental. 24-foot Carolina skiff. Live bait and fi shing equipment included upon request. Call 941-704-9382.
BOOTH STAFF AND parasail mate needed for local business. Fun job, great environment, good pay. Must be able to pass drug test. 518- 243-9465. parasailnationsouth@ gmail.com
SMUGGLER’S COVE/GULFSTREAM beach resort. Receptionist/activity person needed. Three days during the week and Saturday, 30-36 hours per week. Please, call 941-7792804 for more details.
NOW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.
REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.
The Islander website offers essential news for residents and visitors. Check it out: islander.org.
NEED AN ADULT night out? Call Maty’s Babysitting Services. I’m 16, love kids and have lots of experience. References upon request. 618-977-9630.
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, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.
IS YOUR HOME or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.
CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.
PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.
BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.
COMPANION/HOMEMAKER: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. References available and licensed. Call Sherri, 941-592-4969.
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.
AIRPORT RIDES: SARASOTA, St. Pete, Tampa. Call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555.
RIDES NEAR AND Far, car transport. Based in Palmetto. 715-292-8692.
CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.
RIDEEASY247: a local ride service providing a professional car service to all local airports and venues. References on request. Eamonn Fortune, 941-447-7737.
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.
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, 941-720-7411. CAC184228.
CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.
COLLINS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com.
SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770.
MP LAWN MAINTENANCE now accepting new clients. Call Dante, 941-730-9199. mp@ mplawnmaintenance.com.
VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.
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, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.
ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.
HANDYMAN AND PAINTING. No job too small. Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.
SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your old or ripped window, door or porch screens. Many screen types available. Retired veteran here to serve our community! Free estimates, call Lane, 941-705-5293.
CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.
SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING: We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! Owner operated. Fully insured/ licensed. Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Instagram: SarasotaInteriorPainting.
ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.
PERICO ISLAND PATIO home for rent. 3BR/2BA, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to AMI. January, 2024 available. Call or text, 859-771-6423.
BEAUTIFULLY FURNISHED, ANNUAL rental in Beach Harbor Club, Longboat Key. 2BR/2BA with views of the bay, laundry and condo amenities include pool, grill, with both bay and beach access. $200 application required. $3,800 month plus first and last month’s rent and $1,000 deposit. Call Mike Norman Realty, 941-778-6696. 3101 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.
ANNA MARIA 3BR/1BA historic cottage, half block to Gulf beach and one block to Pine Avenue shopping and restaurants. Available November, $3,400/month. 941-7788456. terryaposporos@gmail.com
2BR/2BA LONGBOAT KEY annual rental. Penthouse with jaw-dropping view of the bay. Completely upgraded and elegantly decorated. Fully equipped and all amenities are included. $5,500/month plus tax, first and last month’s rent and $1,000 deposit. Available now. 407-451-7179. Luznava@ bellsouth.net
WINTER SEASON RENTAL: Available December-May. 2BR/1.5BA elevated townhouse, sleeps four. Located in Holmes Beach, only two blocks to the beach. No pets. $5,000/month plus tax and fees. Call Anna Maria Realty, 941-778-2259. Dina@ annamariareal.com
LOVELY SECOND-FLOOR duplex for rent: 3BR/2BA partially furnished, can accommodate your needs. Washer/dryer. Five minutes to AMI, quiet, safe. Rent includes all utilities except electric. Annual $2,800/month. Will consider three-month, six-month. No smoking, Call Kelly, 941-301-9938.
BEAUTIFULLY REFURBISHED
1BR/1BA coastal vintage-style vacation rental less than three-minute walk to the beach. One week minimum. Available Aug. 16. Late summer/fall special rates. Available January, February, March 2024. 941-8071405 or carlesvacationrentals@gmail.com.
MONTHLY RENTALS: TURNKEY furnished. Wildwood Springs. Upgraded 2BR/2BA, 90-day minimum. $2,000/month. September-December. Deluxe Perico Bay villa, 2BR/2BA, one-car garage. November or December. $4,000/month, January 2024, $5,500. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
ANNUAL: HOLMES BEACH elevated 2BR/2BA. Lanai, garage, nice quiet area. $2,200month. Call 970-331-1042 for rental application.
FURNISHED ANNUAL: $3,300/month: Rent includes internet, cable, power, water and electric. First and last month rent, $1,000 deposit. Historic 3BR/1BA Cortez Village home. Home features three bedrooms, one bath, a sleeping loft with balcony views, large living room, office space, kitchen and a wrap-around front porch. The main bathroom is located inside the master bedroom on the bottom floor and is shared with other guests. Parking is limited to three vehicles. 4507 123rd St. W., Cortez Road, FL, 34215. Mike Norman Realty 941-778-6696.
HOLMES BEACH: FURNISHED 2BR/1BA, updated kitchen. Waterfront. Five-minute walk to Gulf. Annual rental, $3,800/month plus electric. Cable/internet/water/sewer/ garbage included. 201-988-6625.
“Anna Maria Island,” a signed pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at The Islander office, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach, or by mail. Visit islander.org or call 941-778-7978. $20 plus postage, if mail order.
WINNIE MCHALE, REALTOR, 941-5046146. Rosebay International Realty Inc. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”
EARLY CLASSIFIED DEADLINE! The Islander office will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4. The deadline to have your classified ad appear in the Sept. 6 edition is 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1. Place your ad at www.islander.org.
Manatee County continues to chart rising tourist numbers and tourism industry revenues.
“We’re still seeing significant growth,” Anne Wittine of Research Data Services told the county tourist development council Aug. 21, during a meeting at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
The TDC contracts with RDS to research and analyze the “state of tourism,” focusing on visitor trends and visitor economic impact.
For June, the estimated number of visitors to Manatee was 98,200, up 0.8% over the 97,400 estimated in 2022.
The number of room nights in June was 197,000, down from 197,900 in June 2022.
Wittine said the numbers suggest the county is seeing an increase in party size — “larger groups coming and staying together.”
“Also,” she said, “I’m hearing from properties that they are starting to see some rate pushback.”
The economic impact in June was $138,837,200, up 2.9% over June 2022, when tourism’s impact was
at $134,863,700.
Looking at visitor origins — where people visiting Manatee came from — the Florida market that ballooned when travel restrictions and cautions were in place during the coronavirus pandemic remained strong in June.
An estimated 53,520 Floridians visited the county in June, up 7.5% from June 2022 and up 143.5% from 2019.
The European market was up 13% but the visits from the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest and Canada were down in June compared to June 2022.
Wittine also reviewed an “occupancy barometer,” which consists of comments from property managers providing accommodations.
Managers said:
• “Down in occupancy, up in ADR” — an ADR is the average daily rate, a measurement of the average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day.
• “Very busy.”
• Not as much travel for the Fourth of July with it being on a Tuesday.”
• “ADR is dropping.”
• “Transient travel is down.”
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce launched its annual membership drive Aug. 15, a campaign that continues through Oct. 15. The nonprofit’s current members can win an entry into a drawing for a free 2024 membership as well as entry into prize drawings.
Also, members who bring in new recruits gain marketing perks with the chamber.
For more, call the chamber at 941-778-1541 or go online to annamariaislandchamber.org.
SAVE THE DATE
Sept. 7, AMI breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., AMI Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria.
Send calendar listings to calendar@ islander.org.
PropertyWatch By Carol Bernard
522 Pine Ave., #2D, Anna Maria, a 822 sq ft 2BR/2BA Bayou condo built in 1973 sold 8/4/2023 by Meitz to AM Pine Co Trust for $610,000, list price $659,000.
402 Bay Blvd., Anna Maria a 1,953 sq ft 3BR/2BA home on a 5,100 sq ft lot built in 1952 sold 8/7/2023 by Aqua Blue Prop LLC to JunkerspropertiesFL3 LLC for $3,375,000, list price $3,500,000.
1603 Gulf Drive, #33, Bradenton Beach, a 380 sq ft 1BR/1BA Tradewinds condo built in 1971 sold 8/2/2023 by Beach Dreams Vacation LLC to Mullins for $387,000, list price $399,000.
448 63rd St., Holmes Beach, a 740 sq ft 1BR/1BA Seaside Gardens Villa on a 1,655 sq ft lot built in 1962 sold 8/4/2023 by Ancker to Casinghino for $510,000, list price $540,000.
5300 Gulf Drive, #104, Holmes Beach, a 834 sq ft 1BR/2BA Martinique Apts North condo built in 1971 sold 8/8/2023 by Boydston to Perez Trust for $760,000, list price $775,000.
523 70th St., Holmes Beach, a 2,090 sq ft 3BR/3BA pool home on a 8,838 sq ft lot built in 1965 sold 8/1/2023 by VanVelzen Trust to Myers for $1,500,000, list price $1,799,000.
132 49th St., Holmes Beach, a 2,709 sq ft 4BR/3BA pool home on a 10,001 sq ft lot built in 1969 sold 8/7/2023 by Christenson to F Plus 3LS Invest LLC for $2,350,000, list price $2,500,000.
Compiled by Island Real Estate staff. IRE can be reached at 941-778-6066, islandreal.com.
