The islander newspaper e edition wednesday, jan 31, 2018 ilovepdf compressed by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Salute to SAM. 14

Super Bowl contest. 18-19

JAN. 31, 2018 FREE

VOLUME 26, NO. 14

AsTheWorldTerns drive slow, slower. 6 HB commissioners debate Gloria Dei parcel purchase. 2 AMI SUNTrail on path to state funding. 4

Meetings

On the government calendar. 4

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

HB may miss formula business deadline. 8

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 10-11 Make plans, save a date. 12-13 Trolley ads generate not-for-profit cash. 12 Diving into deep water. 16 Storm recovery begins at Cayman Cay. 17

PropertyWatch. 19 Streetlife. 20 NYT Crossword: Substitutes. 20

Obituaries. 22 24 Football playoffs. 26 Stone crabs perk up. 28 Winter fishing proves productive. 29 Anna Maria ‘happiest’ seaside town? 30

Celebrating STEM. 24

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

www.islander.org

Visitor dies from Gulf Drive crash

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Tragedy struck in Holmes Beach. An 80-year-old Canadian woman died after she and her husband were struck on their way to the beach by an SUV Jan. 24 in the 5600 block of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Marion Timmins died at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, where eMS had transported the couple. Her husband, William Timmins, 78, had surgery and was in stable condition Jan. 26 at Blake, according to Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer. The couple, visiting Anna Maria Island from Thorold, Ontario, was crossing Gulf Drive toward the beach, north of Guava Street, at about 2 p.m., when a motorist in a white 2016 Chevy Suburban traveling south struck both pedestrians, according to the Holmes Beach police report. Holmes Beach Chief William Tokajer called the crash a “tragedy” the evening of the incident. He said Jan. 25 he didn’t expect to charge the driver, Tracey Thompson of Anna Maria, who had a 7-year-old passenger. There were no injuries to either person in the SUV, according to the report.

Thompson told police she saw the couple at the last second, tried to stop and failed. There is no crosswalk in that area. A witness who was sitting on a balcony at 5613 Gulf Drive reported seeing the man “hurry along” his wife as they crossed the street before the SUV struck them both. Authorities estimate the SUV was traveling 30 mph in the 35-mph zone.

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter One of Anna Maria’s city commissioners is stepping down, leaving four officials to temporarily legislate city affairs. Commissioner Nancy Yetter will step down in February. Yetter said she is closing a sale on her home and moving to Tampa. She expects the Feb. Yetter 8 city meeting will be her last, prematurely ending her third two-year term on the commission. The city will host a farewell for Yetter at 5:30 p.m. before the Feb. 8 meeting. She plans to keep in contact with her island friends, but her days of daily living here are over. Looking back on her time in office, Yetter said she kept her promise to priori-

tize residents, citing actions such as adopting the vacation rental and living-area ratio ordinances. Mayor Dan Murphy said he was “sorry to lose” Yetter, adding that she was a big contributor to city politics. Yetter consistently supported residents’ interests in her time in office, Murphy said. Her absence creates a void on the commission “in terms of experience.” Commissioners will nominate and vote on a replacement to serve until the November city election, when Yetter’s term expires. Residents interested in serving on the commission can apply at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, or online at cityofannamaria.com. The qualifying period is through 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16. Commissioners plan to vote at their meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, and a new commissioner may be sworn in that night if all goes according to plan.

Bradenton Police Officer Chris Hutchko assists HBPD with measurements at the Jan. 24 scene of what turned out to be a fatal pedestrian-SUV crash in the 5600 block of Gulf Drive, near a beach access in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy HBPD

Anna Maria commissioner to step down

The recommended speed on the curve, which is banked by a guardrail, is 25 mph. Accident reconstruction experts from the Bradenton Police Department assisted in the investigation, Detective Sgt. Brian Hall said Jan. 26. “The driver was not at fault,” he added. Online at www.islander.org, additional photos and crash diagram.

Ruckus raised over AM pier planks

One of two planks pulled from the Anna Maria City Pier — resulting in two employees losing their jobs — was replaced with a new plank that is visible from the landside of the pier. See page 3. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

2 n JAN. 31, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach debates Gloria Dei parcel purchase

The Rev. Rosemary Backer stands by the sign at the church she serves, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor “We’re not desperate at all,” she said. “We feel as if we’ve been given a good gift and we want to be good stewards of it. We’re just not using the property.” Mayor Bob Johnson requested consent to move forward with acquisition negotiations. He was directed to obtain two more appraisals first — this time applying the same use. Kihm also has questioned whether the city should be involved in land speculation. He noted the raw land would likely require more spending for roads, parking and landscaping. Chair Judy Titsworth listed several concerns: Holmes Beach already has more than a dozen pocket parks, noise from parks can bother neighbors and the city has no plan for the property. “I’d really like to know there’s a use in mind,” Titsworth said. “I don’t think it’s our job to stop development.” Titsworth said she’s lived on the island her entire life and loves the church building.

“It’s a landmark,” she said. “even if the church — down the road — does sell, the building could be used for an art center or something. There could be a use for that landmark in Holmes Beach. “I just want to know there’s a real use, and we’re not just doing it because it would be nice to have.” Commissioner Carol Soustek said Holmes Beach must direct city growth or go down the path of no control. “I don’t have a plan for that land down there,” Soustek said. “The thing is, they don’t make any more land. I’m not buying it to save a church or buy property. I’m buying the future.” Commissioner Rick Hurst was unswayed. “Is it too much to ask to have a plan?” Hurst asked. The mayor said the deal means preserving an asset. Hurst questioned that point of view, too. “I don’t know that I think of it as an asset,” Hurst said. “Because to make it an asset, we’d have to do what we’re trying to avoid.” During public comment, Renee Ferguson, a member of the committee researching the city’s form of government, said the comprehensive plan encourages preservation of open space. Protecting the land from development would allow traffic flow improvements on Key Royale Drive, save “historical” trees on the property and enhance recreational and environmental opportunities. “We could place a park that is visible in the middle of our city,” she said. Nancy Deal, part of a group of private island investors who offered to buy the property in January 2017, said a park is preferable to residential use. She also addressed the elephant in the room. “Purchase of the land does not constitute a bailout,” Deal said. The city commission will next meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

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By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach City Commission debated a $1 million question at its Jan. 23 meeting. That’s the budgeted purchase price for 1.06 acres offered for sale by Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The actual purchase price is still being negotiated. The city has long debated the merits of the purchase, and a 10-year loan to buy the land for $105,000 per year is included in the city budget for fiscal year 2017-18. The deal would take an estimated three months to close if the church and city come to terms. Terms could be elusive, according to city officials. The city obtained two appraisals for the property, which came in $200,000 apart, at least in part because different uses were assessed. Trigg, Catlett & Associates of Tampa appraised the three parcels at $650,000 based on the current use and zoning as church property. Florida Real estate Advisors of Bradenton pegged the property value at $850,000 if the land is converted to residential use, which would amount to five buildable lots. The differing approaches, Commissioner Jim Kihm said, made for an inaccurate appraisal. An earlier appraisal came in at $1.1 million. The Rev. Rosemary Backer of Gloria Dei has said the land sale could provide seed money for an endowment fund to promote church longevity. Two years ago, Gloria Dei had a buyer lined up but the deal fell through when the city commission denied the church’s request to rezone the property as R-2 residential despite advice from city planner Bill Brisson that it was compatible with the city’s comprehensive plan. Backer said the church is not financially compelled to sell the property.

THE ISLANDER n Jan. 31, 2018 n 3

2 Anna Maria workers fired for unauthorized plank removal

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Two Anna Maria public works employees were fired Jan. 25 for removing two planks from the Anna Maria City Pier while on duty Jan. 19. Peter Piir, a 10-year employee of the city, and Taylor Mannhart were dismissed from the public works department by their manager, Dean Jones, for removing planks. Piir, said Jan. 25 that he and Mannhart pulled out planks to satisfy two plank sponsors. Piir said he pulled a plank for Denise Raykov, a longtime friend in Holmes Beach, who lost her son Phillip Guttridge, a former city pier restaurant employee, in 2007 to pneumonia. The plank was purchased by her parents, Braden-

ton Beach residents Richard and Jeanette Langer, and engraved as a memorial to her son. Piir said she was concerned the plank might be thrown out. “I went out to look, saw it right away and pried it up,” he said. Mannhart also removed a plank for an acquaintance, Piir said. Mannhart declined Jan. 28 to comment. Piir said that on Jan. 22 Jones called him to ask if he had taken the plank. Piir said he acknowledged he took the plank and told Jones he’d placed it in Raykov’s front yard. Jones retrieved both Raykov’s plank and the plank taken by Mannhart, according to Piir. On Jan. 24, Piir said he and Mannhart were asked to meet with Jones, deputy clerk Debbie Haynes and

Pier planks, sponsors raise ruckus in Anna Maria

Requests for planks from the Anna Maria City Pier are causing a ruckus at Anna Maria City Hall. More than 25 calls a day have been coming in regarding the planks, Mayor Dan Murphy announced at a city commission meeting Jan. 25. The calls, the result of the city’s temporary offer allowing sponsors of engraved planks to request retrieval of the planks, overwhelmed city administrators before it ended Jan. 26 “We’re trying to get financials done, run reports and it’s a constant interruption of ‘plank-callers.’ I’m glad the program ends Friday,” Murphy said on a Thursday. In their Jan. 5 meeting, commissioners approved the mayor’s proposal to allow sponsors to claim planks and to build a memorial fence with the remainder. Commissioner Doug Copeland thought about 10 percent of plank sponsors might want their planks. The real number is more than double that, Murphy said. The engraved planks were offered as a sponsor-

ship by The Islander newspaper in partnership with pier management for the 2010-11 pier centennial celebration. The influx of plank requests also is complicated by multiple people requesting the same plank. “The daughter from Seattle and the son from Dallas are arguing over who should get the plank. And then the mother-in-law might call from Virginia and say, ‘hold on,’ don’t give it to either one, I paid for it,” Murphy said, adding that the city has no payment records from the sale of the planks. The city is allowing claims on a first-come-firstserved basis, Murphy said at the meeting. Murphy said that considering the volume of work created by the planks, a contract employee may be needed to organize and return the planks — a plank administrator, he said. Copeland said the pier planks appear to have cost the city “a fair amount of money” already, adding that the city should consider implementing an administrative fee for retrieving the sponsor planks. — Bianca Benedí

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assistant public works manager Kevin Schoedel to answer questions about his actions. The next day, Piir and Mannhart received termination notices. Piir’s notice cited misappropriation of city property and exercising poor judgment. Mannhart’s cited misappropriation of city property, exercising poor judgment and an overall unsatisfactory work record. “If I knew this would happen I would have asked, but I figured it wasn’t a big deal because it was going to be torn down,” Piir said. Piir said during the questioning Jan. 24 he was told he had trespassed on the pier, but “it’s not like I was a citizen.” Piir said he and other public works staff routinely worked on the pier. Mayor Dan Murphy said the city views the pier “as sacred territory.” “It’s our responsibility to safeguard those planks because we know people have attached sentimental value to the planks,” he said. Raykov said Jan. 27 that she felt “absolutely terrible” about Piir’s termination. She said she asked him to retrieve the plank because it had “a big crack along the top,” and she was worried it would be destroyed rather than returned. Raykov said her father emailed the city asking for the family’s plank to be returned. However, she said she began “hearing different stories,” including the possibility that some planks would be destroyed. In a letter emailed Jan. 25 to Mayor Dan Murphy and signed by Raykov and her parents, Richard and Jeanette Langer of Bradenton Beach, they asked the city to consider a “less drastic measure” for Piir. The email said Piir “is a stand up guy.… We don’t think he should be penalized in this manner for trying to do a good deed.” “Now I’m worried about my plank because without Pete working there, I don’t know where it is,” Raykov said.

4 n Jan. 31, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

$12.9M island ‘trail’ project takes path to state funding By Terry O’Connor Bicyclists ride the Islander Reporter curve The $12.9 million SUNTrail Loop roadway project Friends on a bicycle excuron Anna Maria Island is now fully competitive for state sion Jan. 23 — trekking from funding. Anna Maria to Longboat Key Engineer Lynn Burnett said the proposed Anna — round the S-curve in the Maria Island leg of the Shared-Use Nonmotorized 4800 block of Gulf Drive in Trail was added Jan. 11 to the Florida Department Holmes Beach. At the head of of Environmental Protection’s Greenways and Trails the pack is Chris Blazer, folCouncil network. lowed by David Hayden, both “It’s huge,” she said. “You have to be in the netof Kentucky. Next is Scott work to access that pot of money.” Millar of North Carolina and, The proposed trail is physically separated from bringing up the rear, David vehicle traffic, which would create some concerns Graham of Owensboro, Kenabout how it will transform the Gulf Drive connectucky. Islander Photo: Kathy tion between Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Prucnell Beach, Bradenton and Longboat Key. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, however, Tokajer said his concern the project might take gave the project a qualified endorsement. work and safety factors from what is proposed, it looks “We have some very dangerous areas and, from as if it will give a true safety buffer from vehicular away from the island ambiance is softened by successful implementations of similar paths elsewhere. what I’ve seen presented by our engineer, from the traffic,” he said. “I believe these trails have been put in other island A drawing illustrates city engineer communities and it seems to work for them,” Tokajer Lynn Burnett’s recommendation to said. “I believe the plan can incorporate safety without utilize the rights of way for divided severe detriment to our island aesthetics.” pedestrian and bicycle paths. The addition to the map means the AMI leg is Vehicular travel lanes would be eligible for a share of $25 million distributed annually reduced from 12 to 11 feet wide, to the network from new vehicle tag revenues. with an 8-foot pedestrian path on David Hutchinson, executive director of the Saraone side of the “trail” and bikers sota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, separated from cars and trucks by said “shovel-ready” projects have a leg up in funding barriers. Islander Graphic: Courdecisions. tesy Lynn Burnett Please see Trail, next page

DOT’s traffic solutions offer little relief

Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The barrier island traffic capacity problem is well known: Too many cars crowding too few miles of roadway. Solutions to the obvious problem are hard to find and fund. The $675,000 Florida Department of Transportation barrier island traffic study has so far identified 19 short-term priority traffic solutions. The quick fixes, however, won’t make a huge difference, cautioned assistant project manager Nathan Kautz at the public steering committee meeting on Longboat Key Jan. 26 to discuss the DOT study. Roughly 50 people attended. “Small operational improvements will only fix 2 percent of the problem,” Kautz said. Most quick fixes are minor tweaks aimed at improving pedestrian-cyclist safety. The most expensive is a $343,000 suggestion to install sidewalks and a mid-block crosswalk with flashing beacon on Gulf Drive to service pedestrian and vehicular traffic for the Coquina Beach boat ramp. The DOT study now lists 73 ideas for improving barrier island traffic flow, including 26 short-term suggestions, 36-mid-term fixes and 11 long-term solutions. The much-ridiculed idea of stretching a $30 million aerial tramline from Sarasota across Sarasota Bay to Bird Key and St. Armands Circle has been scratched as a possibility.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, left, Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer attend the Jan. 26 DOT barrier island traffic study meeting. Islander Photos: Terry O’Connor

Funding will be identified if any of the study recommendations are adopted as priority items by the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization. The MPO was created in the 1950s to provide a local voice to the state on transportation issues. The Island Transportation Planning Organization, which consists of the three island mayors, is monitoring the study. The ITPO consults with the MPO on transportation issues and one member in rotation, this year Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, is a seated member of the local MPO board. Bessie Reina was announced at the meeting as the new project manager for the study, replacing Tricia Labud. Kautz, however, led the meeting. The ITPO will next meet at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at Anna Maria City Hall 10005 Gulf Drive.

Meetings

Barrier island traffic study at a glance

Study zones: Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, Zone 1; Bradenton Beach, Zone 2; and Longboat Key, St. Armands Circle and Lido Key, Zone 3. Florida Department of Transportation personnel: Project manager Bessie Reina, 863-519-2656, or Bessie.Reina@dot.state.fl.us; and assistant project manager Nathan Kautz, 863-519-2347, or nathan. kautz@dot.state.fl.us. Cost: $675,000. Project scope: Evaluate island travel patterns, origins and destination points, transit service, parking and bike-pedestrian needs, land development codes related to parking, alternate modes of transportation and intersections. Expected completion: September. • Feb. 13, 6 p.m., city commission. • Feb. 15, 6 p.m., city commission. • Feb. 27, 6 p.m., city commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

Anna Maria City • Feb. 8, 6 p.m., commission. • Feb. 13, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. • Feb. 22, 6 p.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. West Manatee Fire Rescue • Feb. 20, 6 p.m., commission. Bradenton Beach WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. • Feb. 1, 5 p.m., city commission. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. • Feb. 1, 6 p.m., city commission. • Feb. 6, 1 p.m., city commission. Manatee County • Feb. 7, 9 a.m., capital improvements. •.Feb. 1, 9 a.m., county commission (land use). • Feb. 7, 9:30 a.m., CRA. • Feb. 13, 9 a.m., county commission. • Feb. 7, 11 a.m., pier team. • Feb. 27, 1:30 a.m., county commission and • Feb. 7, 1 p.m., city commission (shade). Longboat Key Town Commission. • Feb. 7, 3 p.m., ScenicWAVES. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., • Feb. 8, 1 p.m., department heads. Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. • Feb. 15, noon, city commission. • Feb. 20, 1 p.m., city commission. Of interest • Feb. 21, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. • Feb. 12, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist DevelBradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., opment Council, county administration building. 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. • Feb. 12, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Anna Maria City Hall. Holmes Beach • Feb. 19 is Presidents Day, when most govern• Feb. 5, 1 p.m., ad hoc committee on form of ment offices will be closed. government. • Feb. 26, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee MPO, • Feb. 6, 10:30 a.m., contractor seminar. Holiday Inn Sarasota-Bradenton International Air• Feb. 7, 10 a.m., 6 p.m., planning commis- port, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota. sion. Send notices to news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 31, 2018 n 5

new transportation projects. The Bradenton Beach portion of the AMI loop ranked No. 2. The Florida SUNTrail network is a statewide system of multi-use trails for bicyclists and pedestrians. The updated plan will guide implementation of the trail system from 2018-22. The original plan, completed in 1998 and adopted by the Florida Legislature in 1999, laid the groundwork for many programs, projects and initiatives. The ITPO will next meet at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

A patron walks Jan. 26 out of Vinny and Cheryl’s Italian Kitchen, 314 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, where an A-frame sign announces the restaurant’s offerings. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

Palma Sola Bay

Manatee Ave. W 34th Ave. W

75th St. W

Burnett said the trail is shovel ready. Rights of way are established, preliminary design cross-sections prepared and corridor surveys have been completed. engineering, design and permitting costs were offset by matching funds from the state Transportation Regional Incentive Program and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Inclusion in the DeP network is a big step forward from June 2017, when the DOT said the trail was not in the five-year work program. The Island Transportation Planning Organization received a SUNTrail loop update at its Jan. 19 meeting at Anna Maria City Hall from Burnett, contract engineer to the three island cities and a member of the Technical Advisory Committee for the SarasotaManatee Metropolitan Planning Organization. The ITPO advises the MPO on island transportation issues. The funding eligibility is not a big surprise. The island trail ranked No. 1 in Manatee County by the Florida Department of Transportation in its list of new multi-use trail projects and No. 1 on the DeP list of

whether the signs pose a problem or not. Jim Collins, who co-owns Island Charms, 501 Pine Ave., said business is definitely down, adding he had to cut employee hours. “Anything this commission could do to help spur business or add benefits would be a huge plus,” he said. At a Dec. 28 commission meeting, Commissioner Doug Copeland said he wanted to allow the previously banned signs to provide relief to businesses that reported seeing business drop in the wake of the longterm closure of the pier.

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TrAil CONTINUeD FROM PAGe 4

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter A-frame signs are making a comeback in Anna Maria. For the next year or until the Anna Maria City Pier reopens, the city will lift the ban on the marketing tools for city businesses. The commission voted unanimously Jan. 25 to approve a resolution, choosing to nix an ordinance to amend the sign ordinance to outright allow A-frame signs. At a first hearing Dec. 28 for the sign ordinance amendment, commissioners agreed to hold off their discussion to allow Commissioner Nancy Yetter, who was absent with excuse, to discuss the proposal. At the commission meeting Jan. 25, Yetter said she hadn’t heard any support from residents about amending the ordinance. In addition, she said, foot traffic on Pine Avenue had picked up since December. “I don’t think it’s necessary,” she said. She supported the moratorium, she said, but not a “knee-jerk” amendment to the ordinance. Commissioner Brian Seymour said businesses are hurting, adding that year over year, his business is down 13 percent from September. Commissioner Carol Carter said trying out the signs for a year would allow the city to evaluate

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Project administrator: Florida Department of environmental Protection. What: Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail loop project for Anna Maria Island. Cost: estimated $12.9 million. Where: Will run from the southern limits of Holmes Beach north to the Marina Drive intersection and from Longboat Pass Bridge to 27th Street North in Bradenton Beach on State Road 789/Cortez. Trail characteristics: Two 11-foot-wide vehicle lanes with a 3-foot separation on each side for a paved 10-foot-wide bike path on one side of Gulf Drive and a 10-foot-wide sidewalk on the other.

A-frame signs get temporary OK in Anna Maria

Pa lm aS

AMI SUNTrail at a glance

Cortez Rd. W

6 n JAN. 31, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Slow the pace, please

Let’s see now, how long ago was it that some islanders were in a tirade over the lower speed limit put into effect by the Holmes Beach chief of police — with approval from the mayor. Well, not me. Although I admit it’s hard to maintain 25 mph for a long distance after years of heading up the road at 35. Maybe if we step down to 30 on the main roads we can achieve the desired goal — saving lives. It’s a proven fact that crashes and injuries increase with speed. But, please, don’t call and write with facts and suggestions for interstate highways, mountain driving, the autobahn or anyplace north of the Manatee River. We’re such a small community, you could almost call our island roads rural or backwoods trails. It doesn’t seem so long ago that we had NO traffic lights — the 1990s — and mostly shell roads. And while the past week’s fatality is not the first, it seems almost avoidable if the curve on Gulf Drive had a lower speed limit and if we were more mindful of aligning the beach accesses with crosswalks. Maybe — dare I suggest — we could employ raised crosswalks like I’ve seen in other island communities where a slower pace is welcome. And we need to be mindful of the pedestrian paths along the road where there’s no sidewalk leading to the beach accesses. Wouldn’t you encourage your kids, house guests, grandparents to walk a block farther for safety sake? It’s something to think about. Our sympathy goes out to the family of the woman who died trying to reach the sandy, white beach with her husband. It was a sad day for them and we only wish Anna Maria Island could be as safe as it is beautiful. It seems paradise has its perils. We would be remiss not to mark the passing of an era with the end of Save Anna Maria Inc. So many people fought for what they believed in — to maintain the island ambiance and its old Florida charm. We owe them all a debt of gratitude. Mostly they After Maria are gone. We cheer for all those who carried on our I have friends from Puerto Rico. causes — especially low bridges — to the end. They had a charming home near the beach and So let’s toast SAM. Let’s get those planks into the hands of the spon- guava tree orchards. It’s all gone. sors. I would really love to see some of them decorate I can’t find them. the walls of the future pier bait shop and restaurant. Perhaps they moved to Orlando or New York. And let’s slow down. — Bonner Joy I felt sorry for San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz when she appeared on TV begging for help from the U.S. government, standing knee deep in water with feces. JAN. 31, 2018 • Vol. 26, No. 14 The response happened slowly after Hurricane Maria. Today Puerto Rico only has 30 percent of power ▼ Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org and water. ▼ Editorial Many have died. Lisa Neff, copy editor Thank God for the American Red Cross and Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org other organizations delivering donations from caring Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist people. Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com Donald Trump tweeted after this horrific event ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org concerning Puerto Rico’s debt. Let’s not forget our Terry O’Connor, terryo@islander.org trillions in debt. Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Ed Scott, edscott@islander.org I hope I’m wrong that this president has a ven▼ Contributors geance against Cruz for her desperate words against Jesse Brisson him. Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org He brags the United States is the largest and richest ▼ Advertising Director power in the world and yet he complains about helping Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org a U.S. territory. ▼ Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager Former Bradenton Beach Mayor Katie Pierola, Christi Burton Bradenton accounting@islander.org

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AMOB being neighborly

For the second year, Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier in Bradenton Beach hosted a “meet, greet and eat” for the Pines Park residents. The friendly, personable owner, John Horne, his wife, family and staff, provided the residents with wonderful food and drinks. There were more than 60 people present, giving us an opportunity to get to know John Horne and his

staff, but also to meet and talk with people new to the park. AMOB on the Pier is a good neighbor and a great asset to the community. Thanks again to John, his family and staff. We appreciate you all. Linda Maerker, Pines Park Tenants Association president, Bradenton Beach

Seeking enlightenment

To Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy: Regarding memorial boards and staff dismissals: We are confused about how returning memorial City Pier planks to families constitutes “appropriation of city property” and why the city would take the boards back from the families. We understood folks had until Jan. 26 to claim the boards. We will appreciate any enlightenment on this. We also would appreciate any information you can provide regarding the appeal process should Pete Piir and Taylor Mannhart decide to do so. Gene Aubry and Sandy Rich, Anna Maria

Have your say

The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Anonymous letters will not be printed. email: news@islander.org. Readers also may comment on stories online, where The Islander has 2,500+ registered users. Also, The Islander has an active — 11,000+ likes — Facebook community. To join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Facebook.

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 31, 2018 n 7

Reynards on a boat ride

Pete and Eleanor Reynard enjoy a boat ride off Anna Maria Island with their pet dachshunds. Pete Reynard’s Yacht Club Restaurant was in Holmes Beach near Marina and Gulf drives. Eleanor still resides in Holmes Beach with husband Tony Tatakis. This photo and many other historical images can be found in “Images of America: Anna Maria Island” by Islander publisher Bonner Joy. Islander Courtesy Photo

In the headlines: Jan. 28, 1998

• Anna Maria Island’s first dinner theater opened at Marina Bay Restaurant with a performance of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” produced by the Sandcastle Players. The restaurant was offering evening performances and Sunday brunch matinees. • Anna Maria residents complained of problems with motorists speeding on city streets, where the limit was 25 mph. The city installed a number of stop signs in an attempt to deal with the issue. • A Bradenton man on a boat that burst into flames at sea was presumed dead but found alive months later. He faced arson and fraud charges.

In the headlines: Jan. 30, 2008

Tear down the treehouse

I read in The Islander that Lynn Tran, owner of the treehouse in Holmes Beach, is still trying to avoid complying with court orders to tear it down. This has gone on long enough. Five years of litigation appears to be evidence of stalling. Tran is making a mockery of the legal system by continuing to try to get her way in spite of even the U.S. Supreme Court ruling against her petitions. She has cost taxpayers an exorbitant amount of money in her selfish pursuit. That must stop. Holmes Beach must enforce its regulations and court orders. And Tran must pay the full per day fine she has been assessed and forced to tear down the treehouse on her property. Dan Gilford, Bradenton Beach

10&20 years ago

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• The owner of property on Key Royale in Holmes Beach was charged with illegal dumping after failing to obtain a permit for dredge-and-fill work on land fronting Anna Maria Sound. • Holmes Beach resident John Monetti, a city commissioner at the time, hosted Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani at a campaign fundraiser at the Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands Circle, which he manages. • Complaints from neighbors of the Anna Maria Island Community Center, now the Center of Anna Maria Island, prompted a city debate over whether special event permits were needed for large activities at the facility. • Anna Maria Elementary School students met a new DARE officer — Holmes Beach Officer Brian Copeman. The position had remained open through the fall semester due to a city hiring freeze.

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Pool slides prohibited, setbacks restored in Bradenton Beach

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Marco! Polo! Efforts to reduce noise problems that emanate from swimming pools at vacation rentals and affect residents in Bradenton Beach have led to some code changes. At a Jan. 23 special meeting, commissioners and the mayor held the final hearing and vote on an ordinance amending the land development code to regulate swimming pool and hot tub accessories and buffers. In a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Jake Spooner voting “nay,” the commission approved changes to the LDC prohibiting new pool slides and restoring setbacks around swimming pools and hot tubs from 3 feet to 10 feet in the residential R1 and R2 districts. According to planner Alan Garrett, work on the ordinance was initiated by concerns that pool slides or similar “accoutrements” are a source of noise in residential districts. However, the first reading of the ordinance was expanded to include buffers and setbacks. The change prohibits the construction of new poolside features. Pool features already in place could be maintained until they are deemed unsafe, at which point permitting for repair or replacement would be prohibited. The first reading of the ordinance proposed a 3-foot-wide landscape buffer for pools. However, commissioners and the mayor agreed Jan. 23 that a landscaping buffer — either inside or outside the required fencing, could be a hassle to maintain and enforce and would not provide sufficient sound buffering. “I don’t think we should require landscaping, especially on the inside of a pool fence area,” Mayor John Chappie said Jan. 23. “It would be a nightmare to keep clean.” The first reading Jan. 4 included discussion of whether pools should be considered pervious when calculating lot coverage. Currently, outdoor pools are not considered in calculating lot coverage.

A vacation rental home in Holmes Beach that came under fire in 2016 from neighbors for a resortstyle slide from a second-story balcony to the pool brought about a prohibition there to pool slides and diving boards. Islander File Photo The commission agreed to include its decision on pools as pervious or impervious as part of a set of LDC amendments set for a final hearing at the Feb. 1 commission meeting. With the 2016 amendments to the LDC, setbacks for pools in the residential R1 and R2 districts were changed from 10 feet to 3 feet. However, the 10-foot setbacks were retained in the residential R3 district. Pools already in place would be grandfathered under the previous code. “I have concern about a 3-foot setback for a pool,” Chappie said. “I think it’s too tight.” Commissioner Ralph Cole asked, “Why in the R1 and R2, but not in the R3?” and said he thinks the 10-foot setback should be consistent throughout the residential zones. Commissioner Randy White agreed and added that the distance would help buffer the noise. Commissioner Jake Spooner disagreed with Chappie, Cole and White, saying the difference between 3 feet and 10 feet will not help buffer the noise from pool areas. “If you already have a solid fence, that’s the buffer,” Spooner said.

“If you’re telling me that a kid screaming ‘Marco Polo’ at 10 feet away versus 3 feet away makes any difference at all …” Spooner added. Chappie said, “It’s the little things that we do that help to minimize the total impact of the transient public lodging establishments that have inundated our R1 and R2 areas, not just here, but throughout the state.” The board agreed Jan. 23, with Spooner opposed, to return the setbacks back to 10 feet surrounding pools in the R1 and R2 districts. The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Bradenton Beach P&Z chair, vice chair switch seats

The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board selected a new chair and vice chair at its Jan. 24 meeting at city hall. In two unanimous votes, with member Fred Bartizal absent with excuse, the past chair and vice chair switched seats. Former P&Z vice chair Jim Lynch was appointed chair and former chair John Burns was appointed vice chair. “Chairmanship should be rotated,” said Burns, who nominated Lynch for the position. “Everyone deserves a chance in the seat. For better or worse it’s a growth experience.” Lynch thanked Burns for his service as chair and said he would like to follow Burns’ lead as someone who listens. “It’s important to me that everyone has the opportunity to have their say,” Lynch said. “I’ll do the best I can to make sure our hearings are fairly and objectively taken care of.” P&Z member Ken McDonough nominated Burns for vice chair. “He has the knowledge to groom the new guys on the proper procedure. It’s the smart thing to do,” McDonough said. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Holmes Beach government committee casts wide info net

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The eight-member Holmes Beach Form of Government Committee is making it hard on itself. And that’s a concern. “I think we’re at the point where too much information can actually be counterproductive,” said committee vice chair Scott Boyd at a recent meeting. Commission Chair Judy Titsworth also acknowl-

Holmes Beach likely to miss formula biz deadline

After spending all of 2017 trying to regulate formula businesses in Holmes Beach, commissioners admitted at the Jan. 23 meeting they will need more time. The Holmes Beach City Commission adopted a temporary moratorium barring formula businesses June 14, 2016, but continues to struggle to enact a legally defensible ordinance. The moratorium was extended twice to allow more time to craft and adopt an ordinance. The latest extension expires Feb. 18. City clerk Stacey Johnston said time is growing short to give public notice for a hearing on a formula business ordinance at a work session. A special session could be scheduled to pass a formula business ordinance, but it also would require public notice. The commission spent much of the year trying to draft a blanket ban despite warnings from city attorney Patricia Petruff and planner Bill Brisson the move would be a loser in court if a business were to sue the city. Brisson is crafting a formula business ban for the commission that he says will be legally defensible. The commission will next meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. — Terry O’Connor

edges the daunting task faced by the committee. She said she is concerned some of its hard work may be misdirected. “They haven’t even asked the commissioners about our concerns about our government yet,” Titsworth said. Titsworth’s concerns rattled the committee, which asked for and received a vote of confidence from the commission at its Jan. 9 meeting. The government committee announced at its two-hours-plus Jan. 22 meeting it will pose 21 survey questions to 30 Florida city clerks, mayors and town managers about various government aspects, including effectiveness. Responses will be distilled and reported to the committee in February. Committee member Nancy Deal brought up Titsworth’s concerns as survey procedures were discussed. “It’s my understanding from Commissioner Titsworth, she would like a lot of people interviewed from

Holmes Beach seminar offers building lessons

Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek asked building official Jim McGuinness if she would be allowed to attend the contractor’s seminar on Florida building codes. Soustek asked because she said she is concerned her presence could amount to a Government-in-the-Sunshine Law violation. McGuinness told Soustek she would be welcome, but it would be a highly technical presentation. The seminar begins at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. “In other words, it’s gonna be a sleeper,” cracked Chair Judy Titsworth at the Jan. 23 commission meeting. McGuinness was credited at the meeting with tightening Holmes Beach building codes. — Terry O’Connor

Holmes Beach,” Deal said. “That’s the city we need to know the most about.” Chair David Cheshire said he envisions at least two working sessions with commissioners in the near future to bring them up to speed. “They need to understand everything we’ve learned,” he said. “Because ultimately they are the ones who are going to be making the decisions.” He said Titsworth was “premature in her concerns.” “It was all in the process,” Cheshire said. The committee has been working since Aug. 24, 2017, to determine whether Holmes Beach should employ a city manager or consider another form of government to recommend to the Holmes Beach City Commission. The Holmes Beach government now operates under an elected mayor and a five-member city commission, which enacts legislation. Revising the Holmes Beach form of government would mean city charter changes, which requires the commission to put any proposal up for voter referendum. The committee would develop a transition plan if voters approve a charter change. At least eight municipal government formats are employed in Florida, according to the Florida League of Cities. A commission and city manager is the most common form of local government statewide, according to the FLC. The committee will next meet at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

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

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Island happenings Roser welcomes friends for library benefit book sale

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Author and nurse Letetia Henley Kirk will lecture Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Island Library about “Taking Care of Elvis.” Islander Courtesy Photo

Lecturer remembers ‘Taking Care of Elvis’

The Friends of the Island Library lecture series continues Thursdays at 2 p.m. in February, beginning with a talk by a nurse to elvis Presley. A look at the schedule: • Feb. 1, Letetia Henley Kirk, “Taking Care of elvis.” Kirk knew elvis Presley, working as his nurse from 1968 to 1977. She recently published her stories of time spent with the King in the book “Taking Care of elvis.” • Feb. 8, Ray Maki, “Making Sense of the Census.” Maki will discuss why the U.S. Census is the most valuable genealogical research tool. He’ll explain the information fields contained on population censuses and why non-population schedules and state counts should not be overlooked. • Feb. 22, Adam Ellis, “The Making of a Restaurateur.” ellis in 2011 opened the Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant in Bradenton Beach and it wasn’t long until his “recipe” for the business proved a success. He’ll share his recipe and some special ingredients. Another lecture, part of the Ringling College Lifelong Learning Series, will take place Wednesday, Feb. 21, with Alex Beavers talking about “Our Digital Future.” Also, meet-the-author opportunities will be offered 1-3 p.m. Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 15, Feb. 21 and Feb. 22 in the lobby. Veterans’ services information will be available Thursdays 9-11 a.m. and the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group will meet at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. Master gardeners will be on hand to provide advice in the lobby 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. Advice on paying for college will be offered 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28. Tech help will be offered 2-4 p.m. Feb. 6, Feb. 13 and Feb. 20. Forty Carrots parenting program will be at 10 a.m. Fridays, Feb. 2. Feb. 9, and Feb. 23. Additionally, preschool storytime will be at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27. Crafters will gather for knit-and-crochet sessions 2-4 p.m. Feb. 2 and Feb. 16; origami at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10; and coloring at noon Wednesdays, Feb. 14, and Feb. 28. The Gulf Coast Writers group will meet at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7. The chess club will assemble at 4 p.m. Feb. 14 and Feb. 28 and mahjong will be played at 1 p.m. Fridays and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. CPR training will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. The library is at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the library at 941778-6341.

The Friends of the Island Library annual book sale will take place Feb. 15-17 at Roser Memorial Community Church. A preview sale will be 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, and is exclusively for those with memberships — which can be purchased at the door to the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The general sale will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. FridaySaturday, Feb. 16-17. Beginning at 1 p.m. Feb. 17, shoppers will be able to fill plastic bags — donated by Publix — for $2. Proceeds from the book sale go toward programs at the library, including the group’s annual lecture series and the purchase of new books. Donations of books — children’s books especially — may be left at the library, 5701 Marina Drive, until Feb. 10. For more information, call the library at 941778-6341.

Wisconsin Day set for Feb. 7

“From up nort? Well, go by St. Bernard Feb. 7.” The annual Wisconsin Day will be Wednesday, Feb. 7, at St. Bernard Catholic Church. The celebration will be in the activity hall, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, beginning with registration at 10 a.m. The event lasts until about 2:30 p.m. Wisconsinites are encouraged to bring a dish to share that could serve eight adults, as well as their own tableware. An announcement said hot dishes are most needed. Plans include live polka music, dancing, door prizes and a 50-50 raffle. The fee to attend is $5. For more information, call Joy Sujecki at 941-7080149.

Historical society members to gather for luncheon

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society’s annual luncheon will be Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the Studio at Gulf and Pine. The luncheon will begin at noon and feature a talk by author J.B. Crawford, who has written three books for young adults, a history of Cortez and a book “about the marijuana days,” according to a news release from AMIHS. Members will elect officers for the next year and hear about AMIHS’s plans. The cost to attend is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. The Studio at Gulf and Pine is at 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. For more information, call the AMIHS museum at 941-778-0492.

IGW offers weekly demos Island Gallery West continues to offer weekly art demonstrations in February. The free events are open to the public and are held Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-noon at the gallery, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. A look at the schedule: • Feb. 3, Sharon Lennox Woelfling, watercolor. • Feb. 10, Joanna Karpay, pastels. • Feb. 17, Judy Saltzman, layering watercolor. • Feb. 24, Graciela Giles, watercolor. For more information, call IGW at 941-7786648.

Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives . Submit notices and photographs with detailed captions — along with complete contact information — to news@islander.org.

Island happenings ‘Sailor valentine’ class offered in Cortez

“Big Blue,” a watercolor painting by Wendell Graham, whose work will be featured in February at the Artists’ Guild Gallery in Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo

Mixed-media artist exhibits at Artists’ Guild Gallery

Local mixed-media artist Wendell Graham will be the featured artist in February at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. “As a mixed-media artist, I love to weave natural materials with different mediums, so my art tells a story, inspires imagination and brings texture, color, fun and a hint of mystery to a Wendell original,” Graham said in a news release. A reception will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, as part of the Holmes Beach Art District ArtWalk. For more information, call the gallery at 941-7786694.

The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum will host JoAnn Mancuso teaching a class in creating sailors’ valentines. The sailors’ valentine legend dates to the 1800s, when a sailor decided to use a collection of seashells to create a mosaic, according to FMM. As the story goes, the sailor found an eight-sided compass case and, using dark and light shells, wrote “To My Valentine.” When the sailor returned home from his voyage, he presented his gift to his love. The class will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb, 9, at the museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. The cost is $35. For more information, call 941-708-6120.

AMIAL presents watercolor workshop

The Anna Maria Island Art League will host Lori Heintz leading a watercolor workshop at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Heintz has fine arts degrees and experience as an art instructor for K-12 Schoolcraft Schools. The cost to attend the class is $50 for nonmembers and $40 for members. AMIAL is at 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-778-2099.

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 31, 2018 n 11

Joanna Karpay

Joanna Karpay’s oil and pastel works are featured in February in an exhibit entitled “The Color of Sunlight.” As part of Holmes Beach Art District ArtWalks, a public reception to meet the artist will be held Feb. 9, 5:30 to 7:30. Music & refreshments will make the event special. 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach Mon-Sun 10-5 941-778-6648

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Artists’ plan Sale-A-Bration Feb. 7 at CrossPointe

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria, in collaboration with Keeton’s Office and Art Supply of Bradenton, will host the yearly Demo-Sale-A-Bration Wednesday, Feb. 7. The event will be 1-4 p.m. at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Keeton’s will offer new and favorite products and AGAMI artists will demonstrate techniques. Admission is free and this is open to the public.

The demonstration schedule includes: 1-2 p.m., Sandy Barry, acrylic painting; 2-3 p.m., Karen Stuart, oil painting; and 3-4 p.m., Roger Rockefeller, watercolor painting. Joan Voyles, Nancy Goff, Sharon Thomas, Marie Garafano, Sandy Nowicki, Leslie Robbins, Val Dwek, Paula Cooper and Chris Collins also will lead demonstrations. For more information, call the Guild Gallery at 941-778-6694.

Game night

Bingo players purchase cards and daubers at the Annie Silver Community Center. Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., through March 29, the center hosts bingo games. The center is at 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. For more information, call 941778-3580.

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12 n JAN. 31, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Art League Springfest juried arts and crafts festival, Holmes Beach. Tuesday, Feb. 6 March 11, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. 10 a.m. — Preschool Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina March 25, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND March 17, Center of Anna Maria Island Tour of Homes, islandwide. ONGOING ON AMI April 13, ArtWalk, Holmes Beach. April 14, Anna Maria Island ChamThursday, Feb. 1 • Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe 1-3 p.m. — Meet the author with M.S. Spencer, Island Library, ber of Commerce Beach ’N Food Truck and Music Festival, BraFellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719. denton Beach. May 3-13, Island Players’ “An Inspector Calls,” Anna 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Tuesdays, 3:15 p.m., after-school children’s choir, Roser 2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library lecture, “Taking Care of Maria. Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. InformaElvis,” by Letetia Henley-Kirk — Elvis Presley’s nurse, Island Library, OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND tion: 941-778-0414. 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Third Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Winter Time Turtle Talks with Anna Friday, Feb. 2 Saturday, Feb. 3 6-9:30 p.m. — Village of the Arts Sweetheart’s Stroll and Art- Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Waterline 10:30 a.m. — Watercolor demonstration with Sharon Lennox Woeﬂing, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. walk, around 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-5638. Information: 919-306-5745. Information: 941-778-6648. • Terriﬁc Tuesdays for community and families, 5:30 p.m., Roser Saturday, Feb. 3 ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND 9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Suncoast Quilt Expo by Manatee Patchwork- Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Informa• Throughout February, Joanna Karpay exhibits her artwork ers, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. tion: 941-778-0414. in “The Color of Sunlight,” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Fee apples. Information: manateepatchworkers.org GAMES, SPORTS 11 a.m.-4 p.m. — Village of the Arts Sweetheart’s Stroll and Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. & OUTDOORS • Throughout February, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits the work Artwalk, around 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND of mixed-media artist Wendell Graham, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Information: 919-306-5745. Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI • Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, • Throughout February, the Anna Maria Island Art League Feb. 17, Manatee Community Concert Band Broadway con- Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: presents “James Pay Exhibit,” 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. cert, Bradenton. Feb. 17-18, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heri- 941-708-6130. Information: 941-778-2099. • Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., through March 29, Annie Silver Com• Through Feb. 4, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island exhibit, tage’s Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. Feb. 21, Florida munity Center bingo games, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Fee “Dialogue of an Artist,” Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Maritime Museum lecture on “Fogartyville,” Cortez. Feb. 25, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra Broadway and Beyond applies. Information: 941-778-3580. Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6694. • Fridays, 1 p.m., and Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games, • Feb. 7-March 3, “A Plein Air Affair,” Studio at Gulf and Pine, concert, Bradenton. March 25, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus Island Library, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. and Orchestra Opera Concert, Bradenton. April 8, Sea to Shore 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6694. • Second and fourth Fridays, 6 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Alliance cocktail party, Bradenton. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Island bingo, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. InformaKIDS & FAMILY tion: 941-778-1908. Feb. 9, ArtWalk, Holmes Beach. Feb. 13, Anna Maria Island ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, Historical Society annual luncheon, Anna Maria. Feb. 16-17, Center 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. of Anna Maria Island Murder Mystery dinner and show, Anna Maria. Friday, Feb. 2 • Tuesdays, 12:15 p.m., duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church Feb. 18, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots parenting program, Island Library, of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: March 8-25, Island Players’ “The Curious Savage,” Anna Maria. 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 941-779-0881. March 9, ArtWalk, Holmes Beach. March 10-11, Anna Maria Island

Organizations reap island trolley advertising rewards

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Anna Maria is a little island with a lot of traffic at times. That began a discussion between David Teitelbaum and ed Hunzeker years ago. It was all about maintaining the fare-free trolley on Anna Maria Island and, after some negotiations involving the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and Manatee County, Teitelbaum set about selling advertising on the trolley to pay the chamber’s monetary commitment to the county that was diverted from the island cities. After the first year, both sides realized the program was a success that the trolley grant program was born.

Now in its sixth year, and $285,000 in excess • Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organiadvertiser funds later, the chamber awarded $54,000 zation. to 14 local nonprofits Jan. 24 at the 2017 trolley grant • Anna Maria Island Historical Society. awards. • Anna Maria Island Privateers. County staff, business owners and grant recipi• Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island. ents filled the ballroom at Waterline Marina Resort • Cultural Connections of Anna Maria Island. and Beach Club in Holmes Beach as members of the • Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria. chamber selection committee announced the awards. • Roser Aid Food Pantry. Chamber board members Karen LaPensee, Bev• Roser Memorial Community Church. erly Lesnick, eric Cairns and Karen Riley-Love com• Rotary Club of Anna Maria. prised the selection committee and reviewed 21 grant • The Center of Anna Maria Island. applications. • West Bradenton Crime Watch. This year’s trolley grant recipients include: • Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center • All Island Denominations. Inc. • Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & OrchesThe chamber did not release the dollar amounts tra. awarded to each group. In 2017, the island fare-free trolleys carried more than 500,000 riders, and 33 business participated in the trolley advertising program. The program generated about $115,000 in 2017, according to chamber president Teri Kinder. Ads vary in cost according to size and location on the trolley.

Winners of the 2017 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce trolley grant awards line up in the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club ballroom Jan. 24 after receiving checks from the chamber for their organizations. The chamber awarded $54,000 to island groups. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

Tami Goudy from the West Bradenton Crime Watch, Holmes Beach Patrol Officer Josh Fleischer, Sgt. Vern McGowan and Chief Bill Tokajer discuss the AMI chamber’s trolley grant award Jan. 24. Goudy plans to use the crime watch proceeds in identification programs at Anna Maria Elementary School.

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 31, 2018 n 13

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

ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI

• First and third Wednesdays usually, Roser Memorial Community Church Golﬁng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Con• Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Anna Maria Island Historical quistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414. Society sales of Settlers Bread, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee • Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., ACBL Open applies. Information: 941-778-0492. Pairs Duplicate Bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico • Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ Drive, Longboat Key. Fee apples. Information: 941-216-9600. JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI • Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Manatee County Veteran Services Feb. 24, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training home opener, Bra- Divisions counseling and assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina denton. April 4, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island golf tournament, Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Bradenton. • Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton CLUBS & Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. COMMUNITY • Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. Friday, Feb. 2 • Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island 2 p.m. — Knitting and crocheting club, Island Library, 5701 breakfast meeting, speaker Lauri Harris on data collection, Anna Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. InformaSaturday, Feb. 3 tion: 941-778-1383. 10:30 a.m. — Ask a Master Gardener opportunity, Island • Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 9416341. 518-1965. Sunday, Feb. 4 • Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m., through March, Anna Maria Island Irish 8:30 a.m.-noon — Big Red Bus blood donation drive, Roser Ceili dance social, Sandpiper Mobile Resort, 2601 Gulf Drive N., Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. InformaBradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1416. tion: 941-778-0414. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI 11 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel Super Bowl party, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. Feb. 9, Annie Silver Community Center chicken dinner, BradenMonday, Feb. 5 ton Beach. Feb. 10, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, 6:30 p.m. — Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island monthly meetBradenton Beach. Feb. 15-17, Friends of the Island Library annual ing, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes book sale, Anna Maria. Feb. 16-17, Episcopal Church of the AnnunBeach. Information: 941-778-6694. ciation white elephant sale, Holmes Beach. Tuesday, Feb. 6 ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2-4 p.m. — Tech help, Island Library, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Second Wednesdays during season, Off Stage Ladies meetWednesday, Feb. 7 ing and luncheon, various venues, Bradenton. Information: 941-93210 a.m. — Wisconsin Day, St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 2798. S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-907-6646. 12:45 p.m. — Gulf Coast Writers club, Island Library, 5701

Feb. 12, Christ Church of Longboat Key Women’s Wellness Day, Longboat Key. SAVE THE DATES • Sunday, Feb. 4, Super Bowl Sunday. • Tuesday, Feb. 13, fat Tuesday. • Wednesday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. • Monday, Feb. 19, Presidents Day. • Sunday, April 1, Easter.

Senior Adventures group sets calendar

The Senior Adventures group will venture to a quilt convention Friday, Feb. 2. The Senior Adventures meets most Fridays for an outing or an activity at the Annie Silver Community Center. For Feb. 2, the group will meet at 10 a.m. at Annie Silver, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, for a van ride to the quilt show at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto. The van ride will be $5. A donation of $7 is suggested at the show. Adventurers also will stop for lunch. Feb. 9, the group will meet at Annie Silver for lunch and to learn about cremation. The group will attend a piano concert Feb. 16, departing from Annie Silver at 9 a.m. for the concert and brunch at Sunnyside Village in Sarasota. The cost is $5 for the ride and $2 for the concert. Feb. 23, the group will hold its monthly book sale and potluck lunch. Lunch will be at noon and the sale will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information or to reserve a van seat, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

Reception for seahorse artists

Siblings Katie Burgess, left, and brother Andrew, two of the younger artists taking part in a public art project in Bradenton Beach, show off their creations Jan. 23 during the artist’s reception. More than 60 local artists’ helped fill the seahorse reception at the Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Restaurant, Bradenton Beach, presented by the Bridge Street Merchants in conjunction with artsHOP. The sea horses will be on display and for sale through Feb. 25. For information go to www.biddingowl.com/ visitbridgestreet. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

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14 n Jan. 31, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

SAM disbands, but legacy remains

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter The David and Goliath story of Save Anna Maria Inc. appears in its last chapter. The engine that drove the nonprofit to battle against the Florida Department of Transportation plans for a megabridge to replace the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue in court — and win — is out of steam. Incorporated Sept. 30, 1993, SAM disbanded with notice filed with the Florida Secretary of State in October 2017. The group distributed its coffers to nonprofits with similar interests, giving the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage $3,621.56; Suncoast Waterkeeper Inc. $2,451.58; and $1,000 to the Manatee County League of Women Voters, according to Nancy Deal, longtime secretary/treasurer of SAM. The funds were accumulated through dues, donations and fundraisers. Deal said each member was polled before the decision and agreed to the dissolution and distribution of funds in the treasury. SAM originally formed to fight megabridges to Anna Maria Island, as proposed by the Florida Department of Transportation in the early 1990s. The group stalled the DOT’s first proposals to rebuild the Cortez Road and Manatee Avenue drawbridges, built in 1957, for 20 years. “I grieve for SAM, will especially miss the people I came to know best, the first members Jim Kissick, Katie Pierola and Billie Martini and, later, Carol Soustek and Ursula Stemm. They brought, and continue to bring, honor to this community. We all know some folks who only bring exploitation and shame,” Deal wrote in a Jan. 18 email to The Islander. Pierola, a SAM pioneer and 1989-92 mayor of Bradenton Beach, reminisced about how the group, when 50 members strong, fought the DOT’s proposals for four bridges. Soustek recognized SAM as dedicated volunteers with great skills who worked hard against an unbending DOT. She recalled an early meeting with the DOT about a plan to block the causeway, construct four lanes and

a second bridge on Manatee Avenue, and DOT representatives trying “to ram it down our throats.” SAM fought the plans, voiced concern about impacts on mangroves, seagrass beds, stormwater discharge and other environmental issues. In 1997, in SAM v. DOT, a state appeals court upheld a Florida Department of Environmental Protection decision to deny DOT a permit for its fixed-span bridge due to concerns for seagrass nurseries and shallow waters surrounding the bridge location. The court affirmed an administrative hearing officer’s conclusion that the DOT had failed to provide “reasonable assurances” to the DEP on turbidity, biological integrity and other environmental elements. Deal credited former members Bunny Garst and her husband, former judge Claflin Garst Jr., for the successful litigation. Other contributors to the fight included former Holmes Beach Mayor Bob van Wagoner, who also sued the DEP and represented himself at the hearings,

and Bea Flanagan and Ann Shaw, who gathered evidence for the hearings. After the bridge fight, SAM evolved as a grassroots organization, supporting environmental education, coastal cleanups and the preservation of Grassy Point for a public nature preserve in Holmes Beach. The DOT returned in the 2000s with new plans for the Anna Maria Island and Cortez bridges with environmental studies, data, public meetings, as well as citizen surveys. SAM resurfaced to speak out against the DOT plans, but was stretched thin, having lost members due to an aging and dwindling island population. Survey results showed favor for an Anna Maria Island Bridge replacement — 66 percent supported a high-level bridge in 2008 and 70 percent preferred the high-level bridge in 2009 — although SAM members criticized the polls as outdated, unscientific and not limited to stakeholders. Deal said she hopes a new governor will stop the DOT’s plans for megabridges. The Anna Maria Island Bridge is planned as a 65-foot high, fixed-span bridge with two travel lanes and two safety lanes. The design plans are expected in 2022, but it is not funded. The DOT has not announced its design for a new Cortez Bridge. Deal views high-level bridges as unnecessary, dangerous to the seagrasses, nurseries, manatees, and the existing drawbridges as repairable and among the last vestiges of old Florida on the island. Deal, Soustek and other former SAM members continue to speak out as community watchdogs and lobby city and county commissions, regulatory agencies and state lawmakers. Former Bradenton Beach Mayor Katie Pierola, who Pierola is seeking petition signatures for a county served during the time when the Florida Department charter, aimed at giving more say-so to citizens. She of Transportation proposed to replace the Cortez and others have spoken out against the Aqua by the and Anna Maria Island bridges with megaspans, Bay development on Sarasota Bay near Cortez. was a dedicated SAM leader. She compiled detailed “The legacy of SAM is grass roots,” Deal said, reports and studies on the bridge proposals, includ- adding there’s no such thing as a lost cause. ing the lawsuit that halted the AMI Bridge, into 12 “If people get together, they can win. SAM beat three-ring binders and three scrapbooks of news the state of Florida,” she added. “If you believe in articles — all available at the Island Library in something you can fight for it — that’s the legacy of Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo: Bonner Joy SAM.”

Bradenton Beach P&Z reviews procedures, protocol

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach is being proactive with its planning and zoning board, attempting to stop problems before they start. In a Jan. 24 meeting, city attorney Ricinda Perry and land planner Alan Garrett met with the board to provide background information and procedural advice on conducting public hearings. Member Fred Bartizal was absent with excuse. In September 2017, the city commission appointed Andrew Mincieli, Bill Morrow, Ken McDonough and Bartizal to the board, which had not met since August due to a lack of a quorum. The newest members succeeded four members who resigned in August 2017, when the city voted to join a lawsuit against them initiated by former Mayor Jack Clarke for allegedly violating Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law. City planner Alan Garrett led the Jan. 24 meeting, introducing Perry, who attended to answer any questions from board members about hearing procedures. “The first job and responsibility in this community is to fairly and objectively take care of city business,” Perry said, adding that in a small city like Bradenton Beach, she knows the difficulty of such a task. Perry said meetings operate under Robert’s Rules of Order, and explained aspects of Robert’s Rules, including point-of-order and tabling a motion. Robert’s Rules is the most widely used manual of parliamentary procedure in the United States. Lynch asked what the board does when a vote is tied. Perry said the board needed to adopt that procedure, and she suggested a tie vote would go to the city commission as “no recommendation.” Perry said the board operates under three docu-

Newly appointed Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board chair Jim Lynch, left, receives the gavel Jan. 24 from former chair John Burns, now the vice chair. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes ments — the charter, comprehensive plan and land development code. She explained the charter takes precedence in any matter, with the comp plan, then LDC following suit. “The charter is our bible,” Perry said. “If anything in the other documents conflicts, it must be laid aside and our charter must be followed.” Next, she explained the difference between a quasijudicial and legislative hearing and said the majority of hearings brought before the board would be quasijudicial. Perry said in quasi-judicial hearings the board sits as the judge, and can only hear evidence presented as part of the hearing, either at the hearing as testimony, or as exhibits provided in backup materials. She added that board members must not visit the site for a personal review or opinion.

“You come in here and make decisions based only on what you hear and learn in the meetings,” Perry said. She explained the dangers of ex parte or one-sided communications and ways to avoid the problem, as well as conflict of interest, recusal and due process. Perry said that communication with an applicant or through someone else to or from an applicant could influence the board’s decision, and if a member has such a communication, he needs to disclose it for public record. “At all costs, when you know something is coming, avoid the appearance of impropriety,” Perry said. Garrett closed the meeting and said the board will continue discussing rules of procedure at the next P&Z meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

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Two years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster, volunteers on a Pensacola beach were cleaning up tar balls and other debris associated with the oil spill. The U.S. Department of Interior announced a plan Jan. 4 to open oil and gas drilling off U.S. coasts. A news release from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management was headlined “Secretary Zinke announces plan for unleashing America’s offshore oil and gas potential.” Islander File Photo

By Lisa Neff

Diving into deep water

“You NIMBYs,” the man shouted from the window of his mammoth SUV, something akin to an oil tanker on wheels. He was driving from Palmetto onto the Green Bridge to Bradenton Jan. 21 past a group of demonstrators protesting the Trump administration’s plan to vastly expand offshore oil and gas leases, opening much of U.S. offshore waters to drilling interests. But NIMBY — as in “not in my Neff backyard” — doesn’t fit, because the protesters don’t want to see more exploration or drilling for fossil fuels anywhere off the coasts — not in the Gulf, Atlantic, Arctic or Pacific oceans. I know this because I asked many of them. Repeatedly referring to the Deepwater Horizon disaster in April 2010, the protesters said they wouldn’t even support a new lease for exploration or drilling off the coast of Palm Beach near the billionaire president’s resort and golf club. I count myself among the NIABYs — the “not in any backyard” activists — on this issue and I thought unfair Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s promise to Florida Gov. Rick Scott that he’d protect Florida from oil interests because the state is heavily reliant on tourism. What coastal state isn’t reliant on tourism? The governors of New Hampshire, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Oregon and Washington certainly think their states merit protection from Zinke and the Interior Department. After an uproar from governors, senators and representatives in other coastal states about partisanship and favoritism, Zinke claimed he based his pledge on Florida’s unique coastal currents. What state doesn’t have some coastal uniqueness? Anyhow, it appears based on testimony at a U.S. House hearing that despite what Zinke said, exploration and drilling still could be expanded in Florida under the proposed 2019-24 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. To be clear, this is what the administration is proposing, in the Interior Department’s own words Jan. 4: “U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke today

announced the next step for responsibly developing the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024, which proposes to make over 90 percent of the total OCS acreage and more than 98 percent of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources in federal offshore areas available to consider for future exploration and development.… In addition, the program proposes the largest number of lease sales in U.S. history.” The program currently in place puts 94 percent of the OCS off limits. So this is a call to NIABYs, NIMBYs and anyone who thinks we should focus on clean, renewable energy in the United States and protect not plunder our waters and national refuges for oil and gas. A first step is to submit a statement to the federal government. The public comment period on the offshore oil and gas proposal is open through March 9 at boem.gov/national-program-comment/. Comment from a NIABY perspective or a NIMBY perspective but please, comment. Second, consider attending one of the public meetings the federal Bureau of Ocean energy Management plans to hold on the proposal. These meetings, to be held around the country, will be in an open-house format — like the Florida Department of Transportation forums on the Anna Maria Island and Cortez bridges — so attendees should prepare to engage in one-on-one conversations and to submit written testimony. Third, organize locally to educate the public, show opposition, make news and move our island officials to adopt resolutions on the issue. Miami commissioners voted Jan. 25 for a resolution opposing drilling for gas and oil off Florida’s coasts. Within six days of the Interior Department announced “plan for unleashing America’s Offshore oil and gas potential,” more than 150 other municipalities and 1,200 elected officials had registered opposition. Let’s grow the number, you NIMBYs and NIABYs — and I mean that in a good way.

Crewmembers assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oak skim oil from the Gulf of Mexico following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. Islander File Photo: U.S. Coast Guard/Jason Radcliffe

Village of the Arts plans Sweetheart’s Stroll

Bradenton’s Village of the Arts will host a twoday Sweetheart’s Stroll in February, the month of Valentine’s Day. Galleries, shops and restaurants will be open 6-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, for the event, part of the village’s First Friday series. The Village of the Arts is Bradenton’s live-work art district. The community bordered by Ninth Avenue West, 14th Street West, 17th Avenue West and Ninth Street West boasts more than 30 businesses. For more information, go online to villageofthearts.com.

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THE ISLANDER n Jan. 31, 2018 n 17

Complicated Cayman Cay condo storm recovery begins

By Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Islander Reporter Your 1,200-square-foot slice of island paradise is a storm-soaked ruin. How do you recover your vacation hideaway or retirement oasis? Go to war. Battle frustration, city hall, red tape and slow-moving insurers and restoration crews. Ten condo owners at Cayman Cay Villas in Holmes Beach faced four months of fighting bureaucracy and incompetency to begin to address damages inflicted as Hurricane Irma passed Sept. 10, 2017. Doubts crept in whether the recovery would ever be cost-effective, but they stayed the course. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, we love the island,â&#x20AC;? said condo owner Michael Yandek. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been here 15 years. But if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to cost me $100,000 when these insurance companies have been paid all these years. â&#x20AC;ŚWeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting short-changed. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frustrating.â&#x20AC;? Before Irma, the 10 condos were valued at $218,000 and up, according to the Manatee County property appraiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. Florida Southern Roofing & Sheet Metal of Sarasota installed a temporary roof two days after the storm. It is still covering the two-story south building at 4307 Gulf Drive. Yet, work on the soggy condos did not really begin until Jan. 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; more than four months after winds ripped the roof off the 10-unit building, allowing rains and humidity to cover the interior in mold. The eightunit north building is undamaged. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a long, frustrating, costly haul for the condo owners, who say they still have no idea what repairs will cost. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to depend on what they find after they get the drywall off,â&#x20AC;? said condo association vice president Thomas Knarr. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to have termite damage. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure those lil beasts had a feast.â&#x20AC;? Condo owners also will be assessed a 3 percent .

A plastic cover protects the roof of the damaged 10-unit building at Cayman Cay Villas, 4307 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

fee to help pay a $45,000 insurance deductible, Knarr said. Dillon Cramer, owner of Cramerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Services LLC of Bradenton, took a break from gutting a condo Jan. 24 to assess the damage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some were a lot worse than others,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gutted three condos in three days, but this one is the worst. Not sure how long this will take to finish.â&#x20AC;? General contractor John Fries of Accutech Restoration of Sarasota hired subcontractor Cramerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Services in January. Holmes Beach building official James McGuinness said the city issued an emergency permit Sept. 20, 2017, which gave Fries permission to remove waterdamaged materials from the condos. Knarr said the city version of events makes no sense. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no way we would have left that building sit there for four months if they had given us the determination when they said they did,â&#x20AC;? Knarr said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Accutech isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to let it sit there because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s costing them money. It just doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make sense. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s costing everybody money to let it sit, unless you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a personal interest in it.â&#x20AC;? Mayor Bob Johnson said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s satisfied the city has done a proper job. Keith Wilking of Holmes Beach Property Manage-

Dillon Cramer, owner of Cramerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Services LLC of Bradenton, said Jan. 24 the storm damage would have been worse without the temporary roof at Cayman Cay Villas, 4307 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. RIGHT: A worker from Cramerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Services guts a condo Jan. 24 at Cayman Cay Villas. Islander Photos: Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

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ment of west Bradenton is the community association manager for Cayman Cay Villas. HBPM has done nothing to aid in the storm recovery despite being paid thousands of dollars, according to Knarrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cayman Cay neighbor, Michael Yandek. After three weeks without returning calls, an unnamed spokeswoman said Wilking has been directed by the HBPM board not to comment. Knarr said Wilking hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t returned calls to any condo owners since the storm. The 18 Cayman Cay owners each pay HBPM a $350 monthly maintenance fee, amounting to $6,300, plus an annual assessment of more than $2,000, according to Yandek. The HOA fee is $1,500 per quarter. Built in 1974, permit issues continue to dog the condo recovery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Still waiting for a reply from you on my question when Perez Tile & Construction can apply for permits to reconstruct the interior of the owner unit at Cayman Cay,â&#x20AC;? wrote Knarr in a Jan. 14 email to McGuinness and Johnson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please, respond ASAP.â&#x20AC;? Knarr claims to have been waiting 10 days for a response from McGuinness. With physical work underway, focus shifts to financial recovery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Universal Casualty Insurance of Fort Lauderdale is not cooperative,â&#x20AC;? Yandek said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Six units are covered by them and they are not responding.â&#x20AC;? Yandek said he is losing $10,000 in annual rental revenue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not much, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It softens the blow.â&#x20AC;? Universal Casualty Insurance is supposed to cover the interior, as well as replacement costs, such as washer, dryer, stove, fridge, flooring and roofing, Yandek said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been doing battle with them,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All interior structures are damaged by saltwater and freshwater. They are responsible for that. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brutal with these people.â&#x20AC;?

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Marylou Kelley, employed with the Bradenton Beach public works department, hauls away cans of paint for disposal. Manatee County Utilities Department and island public works departments organize and help at the event.

Escrap hustle

A team of workers hand off cans of paints and other materials for disposal Jan. 27, during the annual E-Scrap and Hazardous Waste Collection at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. The annual event provides locals with the opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste, as well as unwanted electronics. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff

Manatee County worker Robert Crowton, right, removes electronics from a vehicle at the e-scrap collection Jan. 27 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. A line of vehicles formed 20 minutes before the event opened.

Dawn Birkeland of Clean Harbors, a hazardous waste collection company, prepares fluorescent light tubes for disposal.

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THE ISLANDER n JAN. 31, 2018 n 19

PropertyWatch

Tamanaha retires from Island Library

Carol Cornwell serves slices from a vanilla-and-strawberry â&#x20AC;&#x153;bookâ&#x20AC;? cake Jan. 23 at Inez Tamanahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retirement party at the Island Library. Tamanaha, left, worked 15 years in library services, including the past seven years as supervisor of the Island Library. Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson praised Tamanahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service, saying her â&#x20AC;&#x153;robust programmingâ&#x20AC;? and knowledge bolstered attendance at library events. Islander Photo: Bianca BenedĂ

Island real estate transactions

By Jesse Brisson Special to The Islander 106 Tern Drive, Anna Maria, a 3,649 sfla / 5,953 sfur 4bed/4Â˝bath/3car canalfront pool home built in 2015 on a 7,500 sq ft lot was sold 12/20/17, Gulfside Development LLC to Johnson for $2,300,000; list $2,395,000. 220 N. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, a 3,083 sfla 4bed/4Â˝bath/2car bayfront pool home built in 2017 on a 10,000 sq ft lot was sold 12/22/17, Lott Keel Holdings LLC to AMI Prime Vacation Destination LLC for $2,299,000; list $2,299,000. 105 Tern Drive, Anna Maria, a 1,705 sfla / 1,981 sfur 2bed/2bath/1car canalfront home built in 1976 on a 7,500 sq ft lot was sold 12/21/17, Duffy to Duffer for $895,000. 2312 Canasta Drive, Bradenton Beach, a 1,034 sfla / 2bed/2bath Bayfront home built in 1948 on a 9,650 sq Winter â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Turtle ft lot was sold 12/18/17, Grady to Canasta Cottage LLC Talksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reside for $780,000; list $1,049,000. at resort 528 70th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,460 sfla / 2,476 sfur Suzi Fox, Anna Maria 3bed/2bath/2car canalfront pool home built in 1986 on a Island Turtle Watch 8,840 sq ft lot was sold 12/28/17, Sudnick to Woodside and Shorebird MonitorAmerica LLP for $750,000; list $850,000. ing executive director, 306 67th St., Unit A, 67th Street, Holmes Beach, gives an informational a 1,256 sfla / 1,386 sfur 3bed/2bath land condo with talk Jan. 23 poolside at pool built in 2013 was sold 12/15/17, Bishop to Teter Waterline Marina Resort for $632,500; list $669,000. & Beach Club, 5325 411 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,400 sfla / 1,680 Marina Drive, Holmes sfur 3bed/2bath pool home built in 1935 on a 7,569 sq Beach. Fox said AMITW ft lot was sold 12/19/17, Teston to 441 Spring LLC for will host talks at Water$625,000; list $645,000. line at 10 a.m. the third 302 24th St. N.,Unit A, Summer Getaway Tuesday of the month Condo, Bradenton Beach, a 1,546 sfla / 1,756 sfur through April. Along 2bed/2bath/1car condo built in 1993 was sold 12/20/17, with the guidelines, come interesting facts about nesting sea turtles. The presentation, which lasts about 30 Costanzo to McNamara for $519,000; list $519,000. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Gulf-Bay Realty minutes, consists of video and photo displays and a question-and-answer session. The public is welcome of Anna Maria, can be reached at 941-778-7244. and reservations are not required. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes BESlyT

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The Islander will pay $100 to the person with the correct or closest game-winning score for the Feb. 4 Super Bowl. All entries must be handwritten (original) on the published form or copy of the form. Entry must include name, address and phone number. Only one entry per person. All entries must be delivered to the newspaper office either in person or by mail by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2. In the event of a tie, a winner will be drawn from tying entries. The decision of The Islander football judge is final. Mail or deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. INFO: 941-778-7978

20 n Jan. 31, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court

Anna Maria woman crashes into carport, charges pending

By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach man pleads to disorderly in exposure case

Adjudication was withheld for a Holmes Beach man who pleaded no contest to a disorderly conduct charge in connection with flashing a school bus driver in October 2017. Richard Wheeler, 70, of Holmes Beach, pleaded no contest Jan. 11 to the disorderly charge after Manatee County sheriff’s deputies found him wearing no pants near Bayfront Park in Anna Maria. From early to mid-October 2017, the female bus driver reported Wheeler sitting on a seawall and walking on North Bay Boulevard while wearing no pants as she worked her morning route, picking up students at North Bay and Crescent Drive. The driver reported Wheeler lifted his shirt Oct. 17-18, exposing his genitalia as the bus headlights shined upon him, according to an MCSO probable

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria Jan. 10, 200 block of Magnolia Avenue, abandoned property. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy found a vehicle in the roadway with no tag and a flat tire. The keys were in the ignition. Attempts to contact the vehicle owner were to no avail. The last registered owner told police he’d sold it to someone else. The vehicle was towed. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Bradenton Beach Jan. 15, 2200 block of Avenue C, stolen bike. A renter reported a stolen gray Roadmaster bicycle, which had been provided as part of a vacation rental package. The officer contacted the rental agency and learned it had no paperwork or serial number for the bike. Jan. 21, 1800 Gulf Drive, possession of controlled substance. Bradenton Beach police stopped a 35-yearold Holmes Beach man for failing to drive in a single lane, noticed a strong odor of cannabis and searched the vehicle. Three grams of cannabis and five Alprazolam pills were confiscated. The man was arrested and

RELEASE DATE: 1/28/2018

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

cause affidavit. The next day deputies reported finding Wheeler wearing no pants in the 200 block of North Bay Boulevard. Manatee County Sgt. Russ Schnering, who headed the MCSO substation in Anna Maria at the time, said no student reported seeing Wheeler without his pants, and MCSO requested a warrant for his arrest on exposure of his sexual organs. The 12th Circuit State Attorney filed the formal charge of disorderly conduct in December 2017. As part of Wheeler’s probation, Judge Mark Singer ordered him to undergo a mental health evaluation and perform 25 hours of public service, but allowed for 12 hours of service to be bought out at $8 per hour. Wheeler was assessed $624.25 in court costs and fines, according to the court records.

transported to the Manatee County jail. Jan. 22, 200 Bridge St. anchorage, battery. Two liveaboard boaters became intoxicated on a friend’s boat and a fight ensued. One man poked the eye of another man, who sought treatment at a local hospital. The aggressor was arrested, treated at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton and transported to the Manatee County jail. He remained in custody Jan. 25. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez No reports. Cortez is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach Jan. 11, D.Coy Ducks Bar & Grille, 5410 Marina Drive, disorderly intoxication. A 33-year-old intoxicated man was arrested after arguing and pushing the manager, who had told him to leave the bar. The man was yelling at the manager and others outside the bar when Holmes Beach police arrived. An officer attempted to take the man into custody but, he pulled away, so the officer directed him to the ground. The man was handcuffed and transported to the Manatee

SUBSTITUTES BY VICTOR BAROCAS AND ANDY KRAVIS / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ AC RO SS

1 Enjoy some rays? 6 Skip one’s senior year, say 11 Off-kilter 15 Affectedly quaint 19 Plácido Domingo, for one 20 Was part of a crew 21 Colorful toys with symbols on their bellies 23 Stall 25 They may sit next to sofas 26 “God’s in his heaven — ____ right with the world” 27 Adjudge 28 Make out, at Hogwarts 30 Understand 31 Sounded 33 At risk of being offensive 38 Deputies 40 A pop 41 Oil-rich nation, for short 42 Prefix with -logism 43 Subtle sign from the distressed 47 Wasn’t straight up 49 Holiday poem starter 50 Blade with no sharp edge 51 The “A” in TV’s ALF 53 Director Lee 54 In the vicinity of Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, page 32 nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

55 Tupperware feature 56 Very bad plan 61 Enjoys some rays 62 Auction units 63 Seat of Lewis and Clark County 64 Positive responses 67 “Vacation” band 69 Fake-news items 70 It’s said to cause a smile 71 Bash 72 Cosmic bursts 73 Seasonal cry (remember 43-Across) 77 TV show with the most Primetime Emmy noms 80 Per ____ 81 Lyft alternative 82 Farm refrain 83 Prince Philip’s spouse, for short 84 West Coast law force, for short 85 House whose symbol is a red-and-white rose 87 Recipe that entails a lot of shaking (remember 56-Across) 90 Ben-____ 91 Stick (out) 92 Campus grp. that organizes marches 94 Stay home for dinner 95 Play of Shakespeare (remember 23-Across) 100 Edy’s onetime ice cream partner 103 No. 2 104 Pro ____

105 Computermenu heading 107 Color feature 108 Beethoven’s “Archduke,” e.g. 111 Not safe at home (remember 33-Across) 114 Racetrack display 115 Author Zola 116 Like horses and lions 117 Takes to court 118 Achievements of Henry Kissinger and Martin Luther King Jr., in brief 119 Links link them 120 Ticked off

22 Ballet support 24 Less ordinary 29 It dissolves in H2O 32 River east of Tokyo 34 Home that sounds like two letters of the alphabet 35 Mushrooms, e.g. 36 Derrière 37 Flattens, for short 39 Sights in a Hooverville 43 Goofy drawing? 44 Sch. on the upper Hudson 45 Ancient land where the Olympics began 46 Important body part for a tuba player DOWN 48 “No ifs, ____ or buts” 1 Patron of the 49 They’re charged for Archdiocese of New rides York, briefly 52 Certain Monday night 2 It’s bowed between entertainment the legs 54 Hip-hop 3 Not calmed dance move 4 Scout’s magazine 56 Holding charge 5 Terrier’s warning 57 Chemical source of 6 Horror movie stuff fruit flavor 7 Grainy, in a way 58 “Hollywood Squares” 8 Choice win 9 ____ sleep (a 59 Lose one’s chance to dream) shadow, say 10 1941 siege target 60 Dorm V.I.P.s 11 Leader in a red suit 61 Sounded like R2-D2 12 Actress Jessica 64 Pretense 13 Chicago 65 Quantity of airport code garden tools 14 Nanny around 66 Like two-bed hospital the house? rooms 15 Ex-N.F.L. QB Tim 67 The Castro in 16 Perform a miraculous San Francisco feat and Chelsea in Manhattan 17 Before, poetically 68 Stadium cheer 18 End of days?

Island watch

In an emergency, call 911. To report information on island crime, call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804. County jail. Jan. 15, 4200 block of Gulf Drive, suspicious circumstances. The door to a woman’s vehicle was found open as she left for work. The woman reported items had been moved but nothing was missing and there was no damage. She told officers she heard doors closing about an hour earlier. Officers checked vehicles in the area and did not observe any other disturbances. Jan. 17, 600 block of Manatee Avenue, civil. Police responded to a family dispute over a lock placed on a bedroom door. Officers assisted with finding the key. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.No. 0121 6

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79 Be flat 83 John Wayne movie set in Ireland, with “The” 84 That woman 85 Shoulderless, sleeveless garment 86 Horse color 88 Saw no alternative 89 12 mins., in the N.B.A.

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69 Trickster of Navajo mythology 71 Alum 72 Couleur du café 74 Below 90° 75 Component 76 Pasture 77 Co-star of Harrison Ford in “Blade Runner” 78 Ending with beat or word

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Police are asking the 12th Circuit State Attorney’s Office to assist in charging an Anna Maria woman who crashed her vehicle into a carport on 55th Street at the 5400 Gulf Drive condominiums in Holmes Beach. First to arrive after the 2:21 a.m. Jan. 7 crash was Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy Leana Cudzillo, who found Molly Smith, 38, unconscious, slumped over the steering wheel of her 2006 Cadillac. Noting the car’s motor was runSmith ning and tires were spinning, Cudzillo broke a window to enter the vehicle and put the vehicle in park, according to the reports. HBPD Officer Mike Walker joined Cudzillo on the scene, reported the damage at the crash and began an investigation. According to Walker’s report, the carport collapsed on a parked car that incurred rear-end damage from the crash and there was significant damage to Smith’s Cadillac. Smith was transported to Blake Medical Center by EMS. Please see Crash, Next page

100 106

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91 Marley of “A Christmas Carol” 93 They take 2-10 yrs. to mature 96 Fan publications, informally 97 Sporty car of old 98 Like a candle that’s gone out, maybe 99 “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” singer, 2015

101 Come onstage 102 Very thin 106 Knocks off 108 Rewards card accumulation: Abbr. 109 Debtor’s letters 110 Stadium cheer 112 Old Parlophone parent 113 U.F.C. sport

THE ISLANDER n Jan. 31, 2018 n 21

Crash continued from page 20 In an interview at Blake, the report states Smith told Walker she didn’t know where she was coming from, but fell asleep on her way home. Walker found an open single-serving box of chardonnay in the Cadillac before it was towed. Smith is on court probation for a charge of disorderly intoxication after a November 2017 crash in Holmes Beach in the same block of Gulf Drive. According to court records, she is under a deferred prosecution agreement, which prohibits illegal drug or alcohol use. Walker also ticketed Smith with careless driving and possession of the open alcohol container. Charges are pending results of a prosecutor’s review.

Motorist asleep at wheel arrested for obstruction, DUI

BB officer returns to regular duty after shooting

Bradenton Beach Police Officer Eric Hill is back on the beat after state investigators met with local law enforcement about a Dec. 30, 2017, shooting in Anna Maria. BBPD Police Chief Sam Speciale supported Hill’s return to regular duties the fourth week in January following desk duty that was assigned after the incident, saying a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office video recorded from the sheriff’s helicopter and reviewed at a Jan. 17 meeting with investigators shows no wrongdoing on Hill’s part. Authorities say Hill shot Douglas Schofield, 45, of Palmetto, in the midsection, after Schofield threatened Hill and other law enforcement officers with a U.S. Marine-issued knife and a survivalist hatchet, allegedly saying “Which one of you wants to die tonight,” and then moved aggressively in Hill’s direction. Speciale said Hill used common sense and training to protect others after Schofield’s aggressive moves toward him with the weapons. “It’s going to be great to have him back and I’m proud to have an officer like him on duty,” Speciale said. Florida Department of Law Enforcement opened an investigation after the officer-involved shooting and met Jan. 17 with representatives from BBPD, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the 12th Circuit State Attorney’s Office, according to Speciale. Law enforcement had been alerted by Schofield’s relatives he intended to kill himself on Anna Maria Island. Hill, Manatee County Sheriff’s deputies Amy Leach and Tim Eason, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer and Christine LaBranche were first at the scene — the parking lot at The Studio, 10101 Gulf Drive, on the northwest corner of Pine Avenue and Gulf — and found Schofield inside a vehicle at about 7:25 p.m. They ordered Schofield to exit the vehicle.

Witnesses to a traffic backup at a Holmes Beach intersection Jan. 7 alerted police to a woman passed out at the wheel. Carey Hackett, 35, of Nebraska, was arrested at the scene for driving under the influence after a Michigan couple observed her sleeping in her car at Gulf and East Bay drives and called 911. The couple told Holmes Beach Hackett police they directed Hackett’s vehicle into the lot in front of Mike Norman Realty, 3101 Gulf Drive, and removed the woman’s keys from the ignition, saying she appeared too impaired to drive. Hackett failed to cooperate with law enforcement and EMS, ignoring police demands to stop using a cellphone. HBPD Officer Jason Higgins took away her phone and the woman charged at him, the report states. The report also states Hackett seemed confused by EMS and police requests and, at one point, began crying. She refused to talk to medical personnel or sign paperwork, alleging police and emergency workers were attempting to incriminate her. Police reported finding a cold, empty beer bottle in her vehicle. The vehicle was towed. Hackett was arrested for obstruction and transported to the Manatee County jail. There, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a DUI investigation. At the jail, Hackett first declined a breath test but changed her mind. She next pretended to blow into the equipment, according to the MCSO report. In addition to the DUI, Hackett was cited for possessing an open container of alcohol, an improper stop, expired registration, no proof of insurance and failing to display registration. Hackett posted $1,000 in bonds and was released. Her arraignment is set for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, The lineup in the hallway at the Bradenton Beach Feb. 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 police station is Officer Eric Hill, left, Chief Sam Specialeand Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz. Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

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The Florida Department of Transportation posted the following notice for the week of Jan. 29: • State Road 789/Gulf Drive from SR 64/Manatee Avenue to SR 684/Cortez Road: Manatee County crews are replacing force mains and water mains. For more information about the project, go online to amipipereplacement.com. • SR 789 at the Longboat Key Drawbridge: Crews are working on the bridge. Expect intermittent north and southbound lane closures 9 p.m.-4 a.m. through Thursday, Feb. 1. For the latest road watch information, go online to www.fl511.com or dial 511.

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Simultaneous to Hill shooting Schofield with a gun, Leach tazed the man, Speciale said. Leach went on administrative leave for a couple of days after the incident, according to MCSO Sgt. Mike Jones, who heads the Anna Maria substation. FDLE spokesman Jeremy Burns said the state investigation remains active, with the possibility of more interviews and no timetable for completion. Speciale expects FDLE’s final report by March. The state attorney’s office is reviewing aggravated assault charges against Schofield. After the shooting, EMS transported Schofield to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. Schofield reportedly underwent surgery for the gunshot wound and is now recovering.

22 n JAN. 31, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Jean McLean (Perry) Aldrich

Ralph Lazzara of Anna Maria died Jan. 16. He was born Aug. 14, 1934, in Tampa, to Bennie and Lily, first generation offspring of immigrants from the small mountain village of Santo Stefano, Sicily. They raised him in joyous and loving home. Always a deep and original thinker, he graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1952. In a chance meeting 40 years later, his chemistry teacher recalled him fondly as the smartest student she ever taught, a view echoed repeatedly over the years by those who taught and studied with him. He was a standout two-way end on Hillsborough’s football team. As Lazzara a sophomore in the “Turkey Bowl” Classic against Plant — a tradition dating to the 1920s — he electrified the crowd by intercepting a lateral and running 65 yards for a TD. His skills drew visits from Gator recruiters, however, upon graduation, he enrolled at the University of Chicago, charting a path as the first in the Lazzara clan to attend college. He worked hard but kept his taste for adventure. He once, just for the thrill, hitchhiked home from Chicago in a blizzard for Christmas. In 1959, he married high school classmate Barbara Jolly. They were married 58 years before she died in July 2017. They traveled the world together. They once got separated while crossing the Straits of Messina — Barbara embarked on the train-ferry for Sicily and Ralph waving from the dock, luggage in hand. He loved the beach and the Gulf of Mexico, spending his boyhood summers watching sunsets on Passa-Grille and hitting baseballs into the Australian pines that lined Stingray Stadium. In adulthood, he loved blue crabbing at night along the shores of Manasota Key and later at his home overlooking Tampa Bay, next to the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria. He loved the mountains and was an avid and accomplished skier. He was a boastful and worthy tennis opponent. He loved to make salads and grill steaks, using his secret olive oil, basil and garlic sauce. He loved art and the great art museums of the world, the gelato shops of Italy, college football, Marlon Brando movies, traditional dishes from his Ybor City upbringing and exotic foods from all over the globe. He loved wine and a well-made cocktail. He loved to read, often becoming so engrossed that it was hard Irene Donohue to get back his attention. Most of all he loved celebrations, holidays and just Irene Donohue, 91, of Holmes Beach, and forgood times with his family and the multitude of friends merly of New York City, died Jan 23. he collected throughout life. He possessed an infecShe was born Feb. 23, 1926. A private memorial was planned. The Good earth tious and self-deprecating sense of humor that he often Crematory in Bradenton is in charge of arrange- infused with his sharp intellect and comical expressions to make light of life’s vexations and troubles. ments. Fittingly, he became an expert in the human heart. He began his medical studies at Tulane University School of Medicine, forming a lifelong love affair with New Orleans, following a professional path that

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Roser Memorial Community Church will host health and fitness coach Melissa Merkle of Boomers N Motion leading a five-week series of wellness talks. Sessions will be Fridays at 11 a.m. Feb. 9-March 9 and include “What Healthy Really Means,” “How Many Calories Do I Really Need?” “Choosing the Best Carbs,” “Probiotics and Gut Health” and “Healthy Potluck and Recipe Swap.” The program costs $59. Registration is required by Wednesday, Feb. 7. Roser is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call Boomers N Motion at 330-990-0990.

Longboat chapel offers Super Bowl celebration

The Longboat Island Chapel will host a Super Bowl lunch following the 10 a.m. worship service Sunday, Feb. 4. The party will be in Shook Fellowship Hall at the chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. The menu includes hot dogs and “tailgating treats.” For more information, call the chapel at 941383-6491. would lead him to become iconic in the scientific and academic worlds of cardiac electrophysiology. He left New Orleans for New York, where he refined his focus. He served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, treating patients at the Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver. Returning Florida, he became professor of medicine at the University of Miami, where he lived in a home surrounded by citrus and mango trees. He spent a yearlong sabbatical in Milan, Italy, continuing his research and providing his family with a year in the country of his heritage. For most of his adult life, home was Oklahoma City. There his career reached its pinnacle. For nearly four decades, beginning in 1978, he was professor of medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He was chief of cardiology until 1998, when he co-founded and became medical director of the Oklahoma University College of Medicine’s Heart Rhythm Institute. He served for several years as president of the Washington, D.C.-based Heart Rhythm Society. He was showered with awards. A celebration of life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at Shannon Funeral Home, 5610 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Memorial donations may be made to the Lazzara Lectureship Award at the Heart Rhythm Society at my.hrsonline.org. Online condolences may be made at shannonfuneralhomes.com. He is survived by daughters Melissa and Rosalie; grandson Capt. Jerry Mayer; and granddaughters Melissa and Samantha D’Innella.

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Jean McLean (Perry) Aldrich, 84, of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria, died Jan. 18. She was born July 4, 1933, in Palmetto, and was a descendant of pioneering families who settled there in the late 1870s and early 1880s. Both the McLean and Jones families were involved in farming, citrus growing and shipping. A graduate of Manatee County High School, she was employed at the Bank of Palmetto in the bookkeeping department, married William L. Aldrich Aldrich and then started a family. She was active at Orange Ridge elementary School and served in a number of capacities. When her children were older, she assisted her husband in the family’s floor covering business. After living in Bradenton for a number of years, the family moved to Anna Maria, where Mrs. Aldrich was an active member of Roser Memorial Community Church. She sang in the choir, served as chairman of the music committee and vice president of the women’s guild. When the children were grown, she and her husband returned to Bradenton to live, and joined Westminster Presbyterian Church. The couple enjoyed trips to europe and each of their children had the opportunity to experience some of their journeys. Mrs. Aldrich and her husband also enjoyed several trips to Mexico and Guatemala, as well as several Caribbean cruises. And they were happy to have had a chance to visit Hawaii. They also visited hostels. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to the Palmetto Historical Commission, 515 10th Ave. W., Palmetto FL 34221. Condolences may be made to brownandsonsfuneral.com. She is survived by sons Mason “Mac” McLean and wife Judy and Mark Timothy and wife Michelle; daughter Jeanne C. and husband Jimmy Paulsen; grandchildren O.J. and wife Rachael, Amber and husband Stephen Riley, Rachelle and wife erica Studer-Byrnes and Shelley and husband Justin DeZiel; and greatgrandchildren Anna Jude, Andi McLean, Maverick, Niko James Studer-Byrnes and Amiya Kate Riley.

Ralph Lazzara

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Obituaries

Pastor Stephen King 8:30 and 10:15 am Sunday Services

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THE ISLANDER n JAN. 31, 2018 n 23

Health department: Islanders faring well in cold-ﬂu outbreak

By Sandy Ambrogi Island Reporter It starts with the dreaded sneeze. Or a nagging cough. Then comes the run-over-by-a-truck feeling. Then the stomach turns. It’s influenza season and although the state is now listed with widespread flu activity according to floridahealth.gov., most Anna Maria Islanders have so far, escaped the scourge. Tom Iovino, communications director for the Manatee County Health Department, says the island and all of Manatee County is listed as mild for flu activity. Surrounding areas with higher populations are not faring so well. “Higher populations have higher levels of sickness,” Iovino said in a phone interview Jan. 18. Most widespread in Florida is the A(H3) strain of influenza, but the H3N2 variant is the culprit responsible for most of this year’s flu deaths. So far, two of five pediatric deaths attributed to flu have occurred in Florida, though none locally. The H3N2 strain mutated after this year’s vaccine was created, leaving even those who took the flu shot vulnerable. Most experts believe flu spreads mainly by tiny droplets expelled when those infected cough, sneeze or talk. The virus can also live on surfaces. Symptoms usually occur one to four days after a person is infected. Young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are most prone to severe cases, though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also is reporting large numbers of sickness nationwide in baby boomers. Checking with employers on Anna Maria Island, only isolated cases of sickness were reported here and there, and some cases may not have been “flu” at all, just bad winter colds or a stomach bug. At the Island Library in Holmes Beach, retiring supervisor Inez Tamanaha said only one employee had been sick so far this winter season. “We have a pretty healthy staff overall,” Tamanaha said Jan. 18. Larry Chatt of Island Real estate, also in Holmes

Beach, reported no illness among his office staff. “The flu has not affected us at all,” Chatt said in a phone interview. “I’m not sure about the rental side of things but here in the office, on the real estate side of things, we’re fine.” At Anna Maria elementary School, staff members were holding their breath and hoping the trend of little illness continued in adults and children. School nurse Vicki Dunning said as of Jan. 17, she had not been told by any parents that children were absent because of the flu. “We only had 14 kids absent today out of 265,” or about 5 percent, Dunning reported Jan. 18. Registrar

GoodFriends

Amy Slicker said that’s an average number of absentees at AMe. A spokesperson for ed Chiles, owner of a trio of restaurants, the Sandbar and Beach House restaurants on AMI and Mar Vista Dockside Pub and Restaurant on Longboat Key, said they have not been affected. Iovino had some advice pertaining to the flu epidemic — get a flu shot. “It’s still not too late to get a flu shot. There are more months to come and even though it may only give you partial immunity, it lessens the sickness and duration if you do happen to catch the flu,” Iovina said. Precautions go a long way in fighting off influenza, including washing your hands frequently during the day, using sanitizer, avoiding sick people and staying home if you feel ill. If you catch the flu, antiviral drugs can be used to fight the illness once it is diagnosed, so check with a physician. For more information, about flu or receiving a flu shot, call the Manatee County Health Department at 941-748-0747.

When in the U.S.…

Ettore and Alessandra Caserta, vacationing from Rome, Italy, take a boat ride to Passage Key with cousin Vittorio “Vic” Caserta and wife Kathy of Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo

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

Let’s go shopping! Tiki and Kitty are busy shopping for great values in their favorite shops. Shabby Chic, beachy/coastal, heirloom home furnishings and decor are in vogue and plentiful at the must-not-miss monthly vintage market, Vintiquity

lane, 1540 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota. The Vintage Market will open Feb. 17 and Feb. 18. Open now: The Cottage at retro rosie’s! Formerly known as the Warehouse, the Cottage is under new management and will feature a shabby-chic style emphasis. It will incorporate kitchen and garden decor, a beach-themed area and a special spot for “mantiques.” Check out Retro Rosie’s on Facebook for more infor-

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mation about the grand opening! You won’t want to miss it! Be sure to stop often for the changing array of home decor, furnishings, jewelry, shoes and clothing for the entire family at Community Thrift shop on Manatee Avenue. They are the spot for consignment bargains, including books and collectibles. Kingberry Estate Finds in Palmetto offers home furnishings and decor, emphasizing quality, comfort and style at affordable prices. The estate inventory includes items for inside and outside your home. As an added bonus, you’ll find Annie Sloan Chalk Paint exclusively in Manatee County at Kingberry. Please, be sure to tell our friends in the shops, “The Islander sent me.”

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24 n JAN. 31, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

S+T+E+M=Fun night

“Kinetic” Keairra Trimble, a Mad Scientist, demonstrates the functions of dry ice to Anna Maria Elementary students Jan. 23 at STEM night. The night was highlighted by studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

“Sodium” Sarah Symoniak serves up cotton candy for students at STEM night, explaining how making the confectionery demonstrates how matter changes state.

Third-graders to perform ‘100 Years of Broadway’

Come watch the magic of Broadway unfold in Holmes Beach. The curtain will lift onstage at Anna Maria elementary in February for the third-grade presentation of a musical, “100 Years of Broadway.” The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, in the school auditorium. The musical performance will be preceded by the AMe Parent-Teacher Organization dinner 5-6:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Dinner will be catered by the Anna Maria Oyster Bar.

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Meal options include chicken Marsala and linguine or chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese. Both entrees will be served with a salad and dinner roll, and are available in child and adult portions. The adult dinner costs $8, and the kid’s dinner costs $5. Those who order dinner before Feb. 16 at the school office will be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift certificate from Anna Maria Oyster Bar. The school is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Second-grader Anna Radojcsics examines mosquito larvae Jan. 23 at Anna Maria Elementary STEM night as Mary Geesey, an entomology technician at Manatee County Mosquito Control, explains the life cycle of skeeters. EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT

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Thirdgrader Makena Corr shows off her science project on the solar system Jan. 23 at STEM night.

By Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org

Linda Raines looks on as her granddaughter, fourth-grader Jocelyn Raines, explains to her and second-grader Bella Raines how she planned her science experiment on freezing various substances. Jocelyn’s project was part of the Jan. 23 school science fair at AME STEM night.

Mike Hager helps out as Evie Baugher, 11, peels back the transfer paper on a T-shirt Jan. 23 at AME STEM night. Children could color in designs from Manatee County Water Management, transfer their designs onto a T-shirt and take them home.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, left, Officer Josh Fleischer, Detective Sgt. Brian Hall and Sgt. Vern McGowin stop grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for a “photo op” Jan. 23 at STEM night.

26 n JAN. 31, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Football seedings set for 8-10, 14-17 division playoffs By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter Playoff action kicks off this week for kids playing in the Center of Anna Maria Island’s flag football league, starting with the 8-10 division Jan. 29 — after press time for this week’s Islander — with No. 6 seed Island Charms taking on No. 3 seed Bins Be Clean, followed by No. 5 seed Cortez Pump battling No. 4 Progressive Cabinetry. The first-round playoffs will conclude with No. 7 seed Cloud Pest Control taking on No. 2 seed Truly Nolen Jan. 29. No. 1 seed Beach Bums earned Cassidy a first-round bye and awaits the winner of the Cortez Pump vs. Progressive Cabinetry matchup. The championship game is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, with the third-place game at 5:30 p.m. The 14-17 division playoffs get started at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, when No. 2 seed Salty Printing takes on No. 3 Blalock Walters followed by a matchup between top seed, undefeated Slim’s Place, and No. 4 seed Signarama. The 14-17 third-place and championship games are set for at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, starting with the consolation game, followed by the championship game. The 11-13 division still has some unfinished regular-season business to sort out before its playoffs at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31. Tyler’s Ice Cream is a set as the No. 3 seed, as is USA Fence at No. 4, but Blue Lagoon and Planet Stone each have six victories.

Planet Stone plays Tyler’s Jan. 30, when a victory for Planet Stone earns the No. 1 seed and a match against USA Fence Jan. 31. A loss leaves the Planet Stone team as the No. 2 seed, which would pit them against Tyler’s in the 5:30 p.m. Jan. 31 semifinal game. Stay tuned — or catch the games — to see how it all plays out. 1 unbeaten team remains in adult football After three weeks of action in the adult flag football league at the center, Bins Be Clean is still standing without a loss. They are 3-0, one game ahead of Beach House Real estate, which is alone in second place with a 2-1 record. Beach Bums, Moss Builders, Cabb Cleaning and Lancaster Design all follow in the standings with matching 1-2 records. Beach Bums defeated Lancaster Design 21-13 to open the triple play Jan. 25. Bins Be Clean rolled to a 27-13 victory over Cabb Cleaning in the second game of the night, while Beach House Real estate edged Moss Builders 41-40 in a shootout to close out the adult league action. Horseshoe news Three teams produced 3-0 records in pool play and were left to battle for the day’s supremacy during Jan. 24 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. The team of Bob Mason and Bob Brown drew the bye into the finals and watched as Tim Sofran and Tom Skoloda earned a 24-15 victory over Gene Bobeldyk and Rod Bussey in the semifinals. Sofran and Skoloda stayed hot, earning a 22-18 victory over Mason and

Brown to earn the days championship. Two teams advanced to the knockout stage during Jan. 27 horseshoe action and met in the finals. Bob Mason and Bob Lee rolled to a 23-12 victory over Hank Huyghe and Dom Livedoti. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. Key royale golf news The pleasant weather brought out 46 golfers for the Key Royale Club men’s weekly modified-Stableford system golf match Jan. 24. Gary Razze took top individual honors with a score of plus-4, while John Kolojeski was a point back in second place. The team of Jack Connors, Bob Soos, Terry Tarus and Jim Watt matched the plus-1 carded by the team of Al Carr, Larry Davis, Jon Holcomb and Mike Pritchett for a two-way tie for first place. The women took the course Jan. 23 for a ninehole individual-low-net match in four flights, with Joy Kaiser and Pam Lowry tied in first place in Flight A with 3-under-par 29s. Sharron Tarras recorded a 5-under-par 27 — low round of the day — a five-shot victory in Flight B. Jana Samuels and Janet Razze finished in a tie for first place in Flight C on even-par 32s. . Marty Clark’s even-par 32 was good enough for a one-stroke victory in Flight D. The men’s scramble Jan. 25 drew 43 golfers to the links. The team of Herb Clauhs, Gerry elson, John Kolojeski and Dick Mills combined on a 2-under-par 30 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day.

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THE ISLANDER n JAN. 31, 2018 n 27

Jakob Celes’ jaw falls open as he pets a baby alligator. His kinder class at Anna Maria Elementary went on a field trip Jan. 25 to visit Wildlife Inc. at Mixon Fruit Farms in east Bradenton. BELOW: Kids meet a blonde skunk. Islander Photos: Courtesy Kelly Crawford/AME

AME kids dress up for …

First-graders Grace Faasse, Lily Plummer, Tegan Dahl, Sodia Tolemei, kindergartner Amelia Thiessen, first-grader Adelinie DuToit and kindergartners Sophia Cryer and Siena Suzor show off their tropical attire Jan. 23 as part of the Great Kindness Challenge. The day’s theme was “Ride the wave to kindness.” By Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org

AME calendar

Third-graders Elena Salvatori, Kelsey Elton, Anthony McCormick, Asa Brisson, Brogan Sauls, Lenie Nebra, Cala Ryan and Esabella Walker flash peace signs Jan. 24. Dressed in tie-dye and peace-themed shirts, the students modeled the day’s theme, “Peace, love and kindness.”

• 8:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2, blood drive. • 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, early release. • Monday, Feb. 19, Presidents Day, no school. • Tuesday, Feb. 20, third-grade play and PTO dinner. • Saturday, Feb. 24, AME-PTO Fling dinner, dance and auction, location TBD. Anna Maria elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

Have Fun, Sing, Dance. Come dressed up if you want!

Feb. 3rd & 10th • 5–8 pm

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28 n JAN. 31, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Stone crab season perks up with cold weather

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Talk to crabbers, seafood markets or restaurants depending on waters near Anna Maria Island and Cortez, and you’ll learn the last couple of stone crab seasons have been — in a word — bad. But hope and studies abound. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Ryan Gandy, a researcher with Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, said Dec. 28 there’s been “a slight increase” in the stone crab catch in Tampa Bay — with offshore crabbing better than inshore. John Banyas and Paul Moore agree. Moore captains Banyas’ boat from Cortez to check the harvest from 2,000 crab traps 3-5 miles off shore in the Gulf of Mexico between Venice and Madeira Beach during the Oct. 15-May 15 season. The boat goes out about every 10 days, depending on weather and checks 600-700 of the 2,000 traps, all placed at about a 45-foot depth, according to Banyas. Banyas owns Cortez Bait & Seafood, the fish house and docks at 119th Street, where traps are stored in the off season and crab claws are processed in season, as well as Swordfish Grill, a restaurant that serves the delicacy and Cortez Bait & Seafood Fish Market, 12110 Cortez Road, Cortez, which sells stone crab. Although Banyas said Jan. 17 he hasn’t seen a profit from stone crab this season, he’s hoping to breakeven — especially considering the even-slower year before. “It started out really, really, really, really slow,” Moore said about the 2017-18 season, but he sees it

Capt. Paul Moore gets help unloading his haul of stone crab claws at the Cortez Bait & Seafood dock Jan. 19 after a day of pulling traps in the Gulf of Mexico.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Jan 31 Feb 1 Feb 2 Feb 3 Feb 4 Feb 5 Feb 6 Feb 7

1:17p 1:41p 12:10a 1:02a 1:55a 2:53a 4:05a 5:43a

HIGH

1.2 11:18p 1.2 — 2.2 2:05p 2.0 2:29p 1.7 2:57p 1.4 3:29p 1.2 4:06p 1.0 4:51p

2.3 — 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7

6:06a 6:46a 7:23a 7:58a 8:30a 9:02a 9:35a 10:09a

LOW

Moon

-0.9 4:54p 0.8 -0.8 5:49p 0.7 -0.6 6:45p 0.5 -0.4 7:44p 0.4 -0.1 8:47p 0.3 0.2 9:57p 0.2 0.4 11:16p 0.1 0.6 — —

LOW

Full

3rd

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

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Capt. Paul Moore and dock manager Luis Apolinar look over Moore’s haul — 140-150 pounds of claws pulled from traps Jan. 19 in the Gulf of Mexico. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

improving. Moore began working with Banyas in 2015 after he and his family sold and closed Moore’s Stone Crab, a restaurant on Longboat Key in business for 47 years. Both men say the recent improvement in stone crab landings is thanks to the colder weather. James “Wyre” Lee, manager of Cortez Bait & Seafood Market on Cortez Road, said Jan. 18 the uptick in stone crabs began a couple of weeks earlier. He also says the crab seasons haven’t been good for the past six years. “We haven’t had the really cold weather for years now. We used to get cold. But things are changing,” he added. Too cold is not good either. When the water drops into the 50s, Wyre said, the crabs aren’t as large — and the jumbo claws are his best-seller.

The FWC has kept track of statewide landings and their corresponding wholesale values to retailers averaged across all grades of claws since 1986. “Remember we’re coming off a two-year high,” he said, referring to 2015-16 and 2016-17. At the 2015-16 season’s end, 3.06 million pounds of claw were valued at $33.41 million. Last year, 2.97 million pounds of claws were sold for $31.39 million. The landings bottomed out in 2013-14, at about 1.98 million pounds and $27.8 million value, after the prior season’s 2.16 million pounds and a $23 million market, according to FWC data. “Landings are affected by the market,” Gandy said. When prices are high or there’s an economic downturn, people may choose not to buy, or in good times, there may be more demand, and “that affects what’s harvested each year,” he added. supply and demand FWC, crabbers and processors agree stone crab Gandy acknowledges regional variations but sees landings hit a high in the 2000-01 season. a different market statewide. That year, the harvest soared to 3.55 million pounds that brought $26.56 million to the marketplace, Mote studies stone crabs according to the FWC. Stone crabs have taken a dive since 2000. sustainability and the law Mote Marine Laboratory scientist Phil GraStone crabs live six to eight years and grow large vinese studied Sarasota Bay’s stone crab populaenough to enter the fishery at 2.5 years. tion and, in 2017, published “Ocean acidification With its work and studies, FWC aims to protect impacts the embryonic development and hatching the sustainability of the fishery. success of the Florida stone crab.” By law, crabbers only may harvest claws two-andGravinese said the trend is “definitely downthree-quarters inches long and longer, measured from ward,” considering the number of traps remain the elbow to the immovable portion of the claw. relatively the same. Crabbers are prohibited from taking claws from The scientist’s research measured a 28 percent egg-bearing female crabs, identifiable by orange or reduction in the crabs’ hatching success following brown eggs on the belly. experiments in 2012 on the female crab reproducEach recreational harvester can put up to five stone tive cycle crab traps in the water to harvest 1 gallon of claws per Gravinese points to high acidic pH and low person or 2 gallons per vessel per day. oxygen levels. The likely culprit, he said, is agriAny unused trap should be removed to prevent cultural dumping and fertilizer runoff. ghost fishing, when other critters become trapped. “Local adjustments could help the population Although the crab will regenerate claws, FWC out,” he said. research shows only 13 percent of crabs return to the “And more research.” fi shery after a claw is taken. Also, after one claw is Gravinese also is studying the stone crab’s taken, 40 percent die, and after two claws are hartolerance to red tide and how claw breaks affect vested, 60-70 percent die. reproduction. The state agency tracks the fishery at eight loca— Kathy Prucnell tions, inshore to 15-20 miles offshore, including a trap line in Tampa Bay off Anna Maria, maintained by the agency since 1986, according to Gandy. Researchers count the catch, determine the crab’s sex, assess for injuries, measure claws and get readings on water temperature, salinity and oxygen.

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THE ISLANDER n JAN. 31, 2018 n 29

Wintertime fishing proves productive inshore, offshore By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Fishing around Anna Maria Island continues to follow a wintertime pattern for yet another week. Spring doesn’t arrive until March 20. And as water temperatures both in the bays and in the Gulf of Mexico are striving to reach the upper 50s, fishing may require a little patience. On the calm days, when the waves are a foot or less, venturing out into the Gulf of Mexico can produce great results. Fishing ledges, reefs and wrecks is providing action on porgies, grunts, snappers and hogfish. Stasny Also in the mix: catch-and-release grouper and amberjack. On windier days, staying in the bay and Intracoastal Waterway is the best bet. Casting live shrimp under docks and along canal seawalls is a way to attract sheepshead, black drum and redfish. In some of the deeper canals, free-lining a shrimp can attract large, spotted seatrout and snook. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing the typical wintertime species reeled up on the deck: Sheepshead, black drum, flounder and redfish. Pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are having the most success. Those opting to use artificials, such as small jigs, are hooking up with an occasional jack crevalle. Capt. Aaron Lowman is targeting ledges and rock piles in the Gulf of Mexico when the weather permits. While in these areas, Lowman’s charter clients are reeling up numerous porgies, as well as some hogfish and

The sheepsheads have the week.

Kathy Coleman, visiting Anna Maria Island from Virginia, shows off the sheepshead she caught Jan. 19 on a charter fishing trip with Capt. Warren Girle, son Andy More and husband Sam Coleman. The group also caught redfish in Sarasota Bay using shrimp and were pleased the cold weather didn’t thwart their efforts. mangrove snapper. Live shrimp fished on a 1-ounce knocker rig is producing the bite. Moving inshore, Lowman is targeting sheepshead and redfish around local docks and oyster bars. Capt. Warren Girle is working offshore when

Chase, 12, left, and Fischer Stevens, 10, of Suffield, Connecticut, each with a very large sheepshead, show off their catch, the result of a winter fishing trip under the guidance of their grandfather, Connecticut-snowbird Dick Stevens, on Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dick Stevens said, “Their smiles tell it all.” Islander Courtesy Photo

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

Southernaire Fishing Charters

the winds are light and the seas are calm. By fishing ledges, reefs and wrecks Girle is producing good action for his charter clients on a variety of species. Key West grunts, mangrove snapper and catch-andrelease grouper are in the mix. Fishing inshore also is productive for Girle’s charters. Residential docks and canals are holding redfish, black drum and sheepshead. To lure these fish out from their wintertime haunts, Girle is using live shrimp as bait. Capt. Jason Stock is running charters offshore when the opportunity presents itself and the weather allows. Using live shrimp as bait, Stock’s clients are reeling up numerous grunts, porgies and hogfish. Switching to large baits, especially artificials such as top-water poppers, results in large amberjack. Moving inshore, Stock is fishing shallow flats for gator trout. Artificials, such as Sebile “stick shad” or the DOA CAL jig is producing a bite. Lastly, catchand-release gag grouper action is entertaining Stock’s clients in Tampa Bay. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is dock fishing on the Manatee River and in the Intracoastal Waterway and Sarasota Bay. Casting live shrimp under docks is resulting in sheepshead, black drum and redfish. Fishing shallow flats on the warmer days is producing some schooley snook, as well as spotted seatrout. It’s a great time to go fishing! Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

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30 n JAN. 31, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

isl

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Coastal vibes and, yes, Lobstahs has new tenant

We can win, but you have to vote If you live in Anna Maria, you probably already think it’s one of the happiest seaside towns around. Coastal Living magazine thinks so, too, and named Anna Maria one of the top 10 happiest seaside towns in the United States. Voters will have the final say on the winner through an online contest. Final rankings will be released June 12 and the winning town will be featured in the July/August issue of Coastal Living. You can vote from now through 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6. So get those fingers tapping on the Anna Maria vote square. It’s easy. editors called for nominations on social media, then considered percentage of clear and sunny days, crime rate, wellness index, the standard of living as well as the financial well-being of locals. It also considered the “coastal vibe” among other criteria to

narrow the list. Watch out Sean Murphy, a new Irish is coming! He’s not saying much about it, but Scott Lubore confirmed he signed a lease with Mike Hynds for the old Lobstahs restaurant and bar in Holmes Beach and will open a reincarnated version of his Freckled Fin, previously located in Bradenton Beach. “Yep, I signed it and I am planning on opening March 1,” Lubore said on the phone Jan. 25. Lubore declined to elaborate on plans for the new venture. A Facebook post says the new Freckled Fin Irish Pub and Music Hall will open at 5337 Gulf Drive N.

at the intersection with Holmes Boulevard and boasts the eatery will serve “fresh food in an Irish pub environment.” A full service bar and fun atmosphere also are promised. Meanwhile, Sean Murphy, whose restaurants Beach Bistro, Eat Here and the Doctor’s Office singlehandedly put on the island’s only St. Patrick’s Day parade annually, might want to enlist this pub in the March event. Hailing from Nova Scotia, Murphy cherishes his Irish roots — and he shows it.

Chambers network for February

The first Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce networking lunch of 2018 will kick off at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 — not quite Valentine’s Day, but close — at enRich Bistro, 5629 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The chamber is hosting lunch every other month this year, alternating with a breakfast on the first Wednesday. Cost for the lunch is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers and reservations are requested by phone or email. For more information, call the island chamber at 941-778-1541, visit the office and tourist center at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, or go to the website at annamariaislandchamber.org. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce is seeking 2018 corporate partners. Partnerships provide businesses with increased exposure, credibility and

community recognition through the year, according to president Gail Loefgren. The LBK chamber is offering four categories with varying prices and benefits and includes yearly membership fees. Contact Loefgren at the chamber office for details. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce can be reached at 941-383-2466, longboatkeychamber.com or a visit to 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

Business news

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’ve just opened the doors, received an award or staff deserves kudos. Submit your information to news@islander.org.

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THE ISLANDER n JAN. 31, 2018 n 31

AMI chamber puts out call for festival food trucks, vendors

What’s better than live music, rows of booths and a long line of food trucks in the spring sun? Not much. That’s why the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce put out the call for food trucks and vendors for the third annual Beach’N Food Truck & Music Festival. The event will be 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Food trucks allowed to participate will be limited to 12, so the chamber is urging those interested to sign up early. Arts and craft dealers, tourist services, accommodations, professional services and other businesses are welcome are welcome to join the truck vendors. The chamber also is seeking apparel vendors, photography and fine art dealers and restaurants —

although not allowed to sell food at this event — to set up information booths at the festival. Sponsorships are available for media, a classic car show, drink gardens, stage area and more. Fees are $100–$500. Sponsorship and vendor applications are available on the chamber website at annamariaislandchamber. org. For more information, call the chamber at 941778-1541.

Click!

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, anniversaries, travels and other events. Submit your announcement, photos, description, and contact information to news@islander.org.

More than 200 beautiful hand-selected properties to choose from. Stop by our offices or visit our web-site to book your next vacation in paradise!

Waterline sets sail with ribbon-cutting

Mainsail Lodging and Development president Joe Collier cuts a ribbon stretching between two docked boats in the marina at the new Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club Jan. 24. Guests of Waterline and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce waved sparklers and enjoyed light bites and libations at the grand opening. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

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32 n JAN. 31, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

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QUEEN MATTRESS, AS new, double recliner, nearly new. $100 each. 941-778-5542. NISHIKI TAMARACK BIKE: Bought 1.5 years ago for $299, selling for $98. Call 941-757-7603. 2015 JEEP UNLIMITED soft top, barely used with all hardware and windows, $800. 610-7374410. MAYTAG ELECTRIC DRYER, Neptune Dual Chambers, 73x34x27, $75. Cooleroo shade, 96×96, never used, $50. 217-242-2046.

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Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org, fax toll-free 1-866-3629821. (limited time offer)

annOUnCeMents FREE BOOK PRESENTATION : Manage cancer treatment side effects naturally . More information www.newmedicalfrontiers.com or call 941447-0544. WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. WANTED: YOUR OLD cell phone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

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FREE GUN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

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

rollo is a happy boy! He’s a 3-year-old mixed breed. He has all his shots and he’s in great health. Available to adopt: www.moonraceranimalrescue.com or email moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com Call lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The islander next to Walgreens in Holmes Beach for more …

GARAGE SALE: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. Kayaks, generators, household items, huge staghorn ferns. 614 Ambassador Lane, Holmes Beach. TRASH-TO-TREASURE sale: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb.3. Gulfshore Park, 3710 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.