The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

Looking back. 7

campaign aims to halt Bridge Street resort. 8

BB planners check-in on outdoor dining code. 9

mote works off-site on am pier project. 9

Fox: Islander of the year

By Bonner Joy islander Publisher

It’s 4 a.m. and a caller is alerting me that there’s a large turtle stranded on the road across from Bayfront Park in Anna Maria.

The caller — an early morning newspaper delivery person, says the sea turtle appears to be struggling, breathing heavily and moving slowly.

Who you gonna call?

Suzi Fox, of course.

And despite the hour, a legion of volunteers turned up to turn the sea turtle around and direct her back to the waters of Tampa Bay.

locally and by the state environmentalists.

Fox took over when turtle watch was in a conundrum — caught between volunteers who were unwilling to forego old school hatcheries and release methods for hatchlings that had been banned by the state and new guidelines that followed science.

In fact, the permit had been denied the previous leaders, who defiantly continued to maintain two hatcheries — pens where nests were relocated — and hold public releases when nests emerged, with sometimes a hundred people following the hatchlings with flashlights to the shore.

Save the date. 10-11

announcements 11-13

ame makes waves. 13 Obituaries 14

islanders of the Year, 1992-2022. 16-20

BB commissioners take on liaison duties. 20

county reaps tourist tax bounty. 21 Cops&Court 22 RoadWatch 22

cruise passenger rescued off ami. 23

fish farm permit lands in court. 24

top sports stories in 2022. 25-26

Wind, rain, red tide put damper on fishing. 27 TideWatch 27 CLASSIFIEDS. 28-29 MarketWatch 30 NYT puzzle 31

They searched and found her nesting site in the dunes at the north end of Bayfront Park and took note of the porch lights on the homes on North Bay Boulevard — the likely cause of the sea turtle’s distraction from her trek back to the water.

That was about 25 or so years ago, when Fox was just hitting her stride with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch. The volunteers were plentiful and there was much to be learned from the behavior of sea turtles

Fox started attending Florida Department of Environmental Protection permitholders meetings and learning the science behind the decisions that determined how to best protect the habitat and the sea turtles.

And Fox qualified AMITW with the county to manage nesting data related to the funding for beach renourishment.

With the contract came funding for Fox, who was named executive director.

Meanwhile, Fox coordinated volunteers,

Deputy saves sergeant’s life with CPR

By ryan Paice islander reporter

It’s not every day someone who has a heart attack can be called lucky.

But Manatee County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brett Getman is fortunate to be alive following a Dec. 19 heart attack, according to MCSO public information officer Randy Warren.

MCSO Deputy Jared Leggett’s immediate efforts to revive the sergeant using CPR, otherwise known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, were credited by Warren and Holmes Beach Police Department Sgt. Tom Fraser for saving Getman’s life.

“I can tell you without a doubt that Jared Leggett saved that man’s life and I was just happy to be in a position to help out,” Fraser told The Islander Jan. 6. “I can’t give him enough credit.”

The incident began shortly after Getman and Leggett returned to the MCSO-Anna Maria substation following a Dec. 19 trespassing arrest.

Leggett told The Islander Jan. 6 that they had been discussing potential charges for the arrestee when Getman fell from his chair and collapsed without a word.

Leggett ran over to see if Getman was all right, but the sergeant — who Leggett has known since he began working for the MCSO almost 11 years ago — was not responsive and lacked a pulse.

Leggett, who volunteered as a firefighter/

manatee

19,

anna maria island turtle Watch executive director Suzi fox stands by her atV on the beach where she monitored and cared for sea turtles for three decades. fox died Sept. 30, 2022. in recent weeks, am and HB recognized her contributions, naming her citizen of the Year and, in Bradenton Beach, officials proclaimed may 1, the start of sea turtle nesting season, Suzi fox day. more, inside. islander file Photo

Bradenton Beach proclaims Suzi Fox Day

Bradenton Beach will herald the arrival of the 2023 sea turtle nesting season by honoring the woman who for years watched over endangered sea turtles from the island shores.

The city on May 1 will recognize Suzi Fox Day.

Bradenton Beach commissioners Jan. 6 approved a proclamation honoring Fox, the executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring for many years. Fox died Sept 30, 2022.

The proclamation designates May 1, 2023, as Suzi Fox Day, honoring her longterm commitment to the preservation and stewardship of Anna Maria Island’s sea turtle and shorebird populations.

Fox worked with hundreds of volunteers to educate residents, visitors, businesses, officials and law enforcement on protecting sea turtles and shorebirds.

Her interest in the island’s turtles began in 1990 after she found a turtle nest at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria.

paramedic for West Manatee Fire Rescue and an emergency medical technician on an ambulance before his time at the MCSO, immediately began chest compressions.

“It was entirely a mixed emotion. Not only do you get the adrenaline dump, but

She began volunteering for turtle watch and eventually became the nonprofit’s executive director.

Commissioner Ralph Cole motioned to approve the proclamation. Commissioner Jan Vosburgh seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

— robert anderson

county Sheriff’s deputy Jared Leggett displays the automated external defibrillator he used dec.

2022, to help save the life of Sgt. Brett getman, who suffered a heart attack and fell from his chair while the two were completing paperwork in the mcSo-anna maria substation at city hall, 10005 gulf drive.

islander Photo: ryan Paice

activities and sea turtle nesting season.

Fox led putting state-recommended oversight for lighting on the beach and limits for beach gear left overnight with the cities — vastly improving the habitat.

All the while, Fox pursued her passion for sea turtles, never forgetting why she put her heart and soul into the protection of sea turtles on Anna Maria Island.

She did it in spite of catching flak from people over the rules, resistance to lighting regulations and unending discussions over chairs, tents and gear left on the beach overnight from people and vacation rental managers and motel proprietors.

She managed to slim down the volunteer-heavy nesting season routine during the pandemic to improve safety for beachgoers and volunteers.

She helped with beach cleanups, promoted youth education programs and “Turtle Talks” to broaden knowledge about the importance of the endangered sea turtle’s habitat.

She followed the leads of sea turtle watch groups across the Gulf Coast and the state, implementing the best shared ideas for improving her advocacy for sea turtles — including the Tour de Turtles by the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

Back in 1999, when Fox was first named Islander of the Year, she told the newspaper she had a favorite turtle — Sadie.

Sadie had come ashore at Coquina Beach and fell from a rock jettie where she became stranded. Her

MLK holiday closes offices

Most government offices, including island city halls, will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Manatee County schools also will be closed but the Center of Anna Maria Island will host a camp.

Transit services will operate their normal routes.

The holiday will not close parks or disrupt trash collections.

bottom shell had cracked in the fall and she wasn’t given much of a chance.

But Fox and her volunteers wrestled the big, ungainly, raging turtle to a truck and hauled her to Mote Marine Laboratory — and held their collective breath.

After two surgeries, Sadie was mending with a metal plate held in place by pins and a bill from Mote for the plate of about $1,000.

“It was just a grand feeling, watching volunteers keep vigil over her all night. I was so proud to be with people like that,” Fox said then.

And partly at her insistence, the Florida Marine Research Institute made plans to look at armoring on the island beaches.

Fox said the year 2000 looked promising.

“We’ll home in on helping code enforcement officers enforce the lighting ordinances in their cities and the state.”

Meanwhile, she said turtle watch was preparing a website and a newsletter. And they expected to figure

SUNSET CRUISES

TOURS

large at the Sea Turtle Symposium in Orlando as an ideal for other turtle watch programs to aim for.

Altogether, a big year past and a big year ahead for Anna Maria’s chief turtle savior but absolutely undaunting. Fox said of Sadie, “She’s a survivor.”

And we said, “No more than Fox.”

And sadly, her reign as sea turtle savior came to an end in 2022.

She will be remembered at a celebration of life hosted by her family on the Oak Street beach in Anna Maria at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14.

The family is welcoming the community to the event that will include recognition from the cities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach and an announcement that Fox will be honored by Bradenton Beach, which has proclaimed May 1, 2023, as Suzi Fox Day.

Free parking and a shuttle to the event are offered at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

And, in the event of inclement weather, the gathering will be held at the community center.

Suzi fox lovingly carries a juvenile male green sea turtle that had suffered the effects of red tide and was rescued at Boca grande to the beach July 11, 2018, for release at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

islander file Photo

Anna Maria again names 2 for Citizen of the Year award

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Anna Maria’s 2022 Citizen of the Year is to be shared by two people.

The city’s citizen recognition committee members unanimously voted Jan. 5 to select former Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter and the late Suzi Fox, executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, to share the honor.

The award recognizes residents and entities that have existed within Anna Maria for at least two years for their contributions to the community.

Carter became a full-time resident in 2006, was elected to the city commission in 2013 and appointed chair in 2019. Over that time, she frequently contributed to

anna maria citizen recognition committee members — including, clockwise from top, Joan Voyles, Barbara murphy and Kathy donnar meet Jan. 5 with staff member debbie Haynes to discuss the candidates for the city’s 2022 citizen of the Year award. islander

Photo: ryan Paice

Happy Holidays Happy Holidays

the Center of Anna Maria Island and helped create Thanks-Living, an annual community potluck dinner held ahead of the holiday season at City Pier Park.

She attended her last meeting Dec. 15, 2022, and moved the next day from her island home to Sarasota County.

Commission Chair Mark Short, who joined the commission while Carter was chair, nominated Carter for the award.

Fox began volunteering for AMITW in the 1990s before becoming its executive director and led the nonprofit organization in its mission to protect and support sea turtle nesting and shorebird populations on the island for about 25 years.

She died Sept. 30, 2022, from health complications following a May 2022 car crash.

Bonner Joy, owner and editor of The Islander, nominated Fox for this year’s award.

The city of Holmes Beach awarded Fox its 2022 Citizen of the Year award for her efforts with AMITW at a Dec. 13, 2022, commission meeting.

And, Jan. 5, Bradenton Beach commissioners approved a proclamation declaring May 1, 2023 — the official first day of sea turtle nesting season — Suzi Fox Day.

The Anna Maria Citizen Recognition Committee consisted of last year’s two winners — Anna Maria Island Historical Society vice president Barbara Murphy, the mayor’s wife, and Joan Voyles, a founder and past president of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island — and a third member, Kathy Donnar.

The city will present the awards at the next commission meeting, at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at cityofannamaria.com.

Q&A 011123

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

AMI needs a … 27%. Second food market.

9%. Bookstore. 10%. Car wash. 43%. Urgent care. 10%. Other. This week’s question

By Lisa neff

Where do you most want a roundabout?

A. Marina and Gulf drives, Holmes Beach.

B. Manatee and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

C. Cortez Road and Gulf, Bradenton Beach.

D. Pine and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria.

E. Please, no roundabouts.

To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

SerVing fuLL menu 3:30-9 pm 7 daYS

carter fox

you’re working on your sergeant — your friend, your coworker, your colleague — and he’s down,” Leggett said. “When you’re working on that kind of person, it escalates it one step further.”

Leggett said he put out several frantic calls over the radio for help while he completed two rounds of CPR and used the substation’s automated external defibrillator, which was nearby — on the desk where Getman had been sitting.

Fraser arrived during a third round of chest compressions to find Getman lying on the floor “blue” and took over so Leggett could retrieve a bag valve mask — a piece of emergency medical equipment used to help people breathe — from his vehicle outside.

“By the time we got a few breaths into him, I think we were both shocked when he looked up at us,” Leggett said. “It’s still a little unbelievable.”

Fraser said they told Getman, “Welcome back, Brett!” following his revival, and the pair kept Getman awake until West Manatee Fire Rescue paramedics arrived and took over.

Manatee County Emergency Medical Services arrived soon after WMFR and transported Getman to the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton with a police escort from Fraser.

Fraser said that, according to his body camera footage from the day, only 31 minutes passed between when he left the HBPD and arrived at Blake as the EMS escort.

He added that he considers Getman a partner and a friend despite working for different agencies on the island, and said the incident left him emotional.

“This is hard to talk about because, you know, to see someone you treasure laying on the floor, lifeless … I’ve been a police officer for 32 years. I’ve given CPR numerous times. Sometimes people live and sometime people don’t live. That was the first time

I’ve had to give CPR to someone that I actually knew and it was just a completely different animal,” Fraser said.

“I couldn’t sleep when I got home,” Fraser added. “But I came to realize that it just wasn’t Brett’s day to die and that all the stars aligned for him and that he’s going to be OK.”

Leggett said he was lucky to have been at the station in the first place, since he usually completes paperwork from the comfort of his vehicle and a nice shade tree.

“I just happened to come back here,” Leggett said. “I don’t know why.”

Leggett said he was happy he could be there for Getman when his sergeant, who he said was a “great supervisor,” needed him most.

“(Getman) looks out for us. He takes care of us. It was great to be there to be able to take care of him like he takes care of us,” Leggett said.

Warren told The Islander Jan. 6 that Getman was doing “real well” in recovery.

“He’s very thankful for how everything came together,” Warren said. “He considers himself extremely blessed.”

Warren told The Islander Jan. 9 that Getman was recovering at home after being released from the hospital about a week before. He said Getman would return to work when a doctor gives him the all clear.

“He has said repeatedly that he knows he has a reason to still be here and understands the importance of people knowing CPR and having the proper equipment as a matter of life and death,” Warren added.

Leggett also stressed the importance of CPR.

“It’s critical that everybody should learn how to do CPR. Today, it’s down to a two-step process: call 911 and push hard and fast,” Leggett said.

“Don’t be hesitant to jump in there and do it because there is a good chance you can save someone’s life,” Fraser said.

People can learn more about how to perform CPR at the American Heart Association’s website, cpr.heart. org, or check on classes at WMFR.org.

Meetings

Anna Maria City

Jan. 12, 2 p.m., commission.

By Lisa neff

Jan. 19-20, 6 p.m., commission candidate forum.

Jan. 24, 10 a.m., special magistrate.

Jan. 26, 6 p.m., commission.

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-7086130, cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach

Jan. 11, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

Jan. 12, 4 p.m., stormwater forum.

Jan. 17, 9:30 a.m., commission/P&Z.

Jan. 18, 10 a.m., department heads.

Jan. 18, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

Jan. 24, 9:30 a.m., commission.

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

Holmes Beach

Jan. 11, 9 a.m., clean water.

Jan. 12, 9 a.m., stormwater improvements.

Jan. 24, 5 p.m., commission.

Jan. 26, 11:30 a.m., police pension.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

West Manatee Fire Rescue

Jan 17, 6 p.m., commission.

WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

Manatee County

Jan. 17, 9 a.m., commission.

Jan. 31, 9 a.m., commission.

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

Also of interest

Jan. 12, 8:30 a.m., Manatee County Legislative Delegation meeting, Bradenton City Council Chamber, 101 12th St., Bradenton. Information: romant. amanda@flsenate.gov, 941-742-6445.

Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, most government offices will be closed.

Jan. 26, 9:30 a.m., ManaSota League of Cities, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key.

Send notices to calendar@islander.org.

Islander newspaper

Not forgotten

Fifty years ago I came to Anna Maria Island to celebrate the life of my mother.

She died here in 1972 and my first trip to Anna Maria Island was in September that year, on the tail of Hurricane Agnes.

Agnes grazed AMI in June on its way to the Florida Panhandle. I noted significant damage on my beach walks at the newly built Martinique condos, where angry waves had blown out the new swimming pool.

It was a sight to see for someone from the Midwest, especially since every day I spent here was a beautiful beach day, with small lapping waves kissing the shoreline. Every day, I walked northward from the Manatee Public Beach, ankle deep in the soft green shallow waters from the spot my mother had marked for me in a treasured photo: “My beach.”

And sometimes, napping and reading on my towel, just north of the concession stand, I would hear the beat of bongos, and look up to see a young teenager sitting cross-legged on the sand, playing with passion and fury, facing his audience — the shorebirds and sea foam green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

As it turned out, he was at the beach most days. He played from his heart, maybe hoping to scare up some waves for his other passion — surfing.

And so I chatted briefly with him on my way to and from the beach concession stand for a soda, and learned his name was Jimbo and his passion was born on AMI in the sand and the Gulf waters.

Those drums called me back to the beach. Jimbo’s pounding love for the beach and all things nature, called me back to Anna Maria Island for vacations from a high-stress job until, in January 1975, I made the move with two young kids and a U-haul.

And I got to know many of Jimbo’s siblings. In fact, we became good friends. There were 11 of them, after all. And there was “Mom,” working tirelessly, raising 11 kids on her own, helping anyone in need and also volunteering at the youth center.

I say all this for context, because so many islanders now never had the chance to know Jimbo — who once burst through the doors at a popular bar, shouting with fists raised, “I am the islander!”

He died a year ago in January but he is not forgotten.

For me, he will always be “the islander.”

He called me to a great life on AMI.

The family is inviting friends to gather for some “tall tales” noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Cortez Dockside Cottages, 4521 125th St. W., Cortez.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Balance on the Skyway Pier

The Skyway Pier is an important resource in the Tampa Bay area. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, with up to 200,000 visitors annually making it among the most-frequented fishing piers in the state.

Skyway Pier’s height and length allow for angling opportunities that are rarely found in other parts of the state.

Concurrently, there are several important seabird rookeries located near the pier.

Fishing-line entanglement of seabirds, primarily brown pelicans, has been occurring at Skyway Pier for many years.

Despite past actions and educational programs to address the issue, the frequency of entanglements resulting in severe injury or death of seabirds is increasing.

It is the commission’s duty to ensure responsible recreation and enjoyment of Florida’s wildlife and fishery resources while minimizing the likelihood of severe harm these activities may pose to wildlife.

The commission has asked staff to increase stakeholder engagement on this issue and bring draft rules and other actions to the February commission meeting.

FWC staff has been actively working to find the balance between supporting popular recreational fishing activity and reducing severe entanglement and harm to pelicans and other seabirds at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. To bring the best collaborative solution to the commission, it is critical that staff has participation from all interested parties.

Over the next few months, there will be multiple opportunities for input and engagement to determine a suitable course of action that will address this complex issue.

We ask our management partners, anglers, pelican

rescue organizations and other interested stakeholders to come to the table and work together to develop a solution for pelicans and anglers.

Rodney Barreto, chairman, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Your opinion

Correction

In the Jan. 4 issue of The Islander, an article headlined “Annie Silver Community Center election in the works for 2023” contained the wrong time for bingo at the center. Bingo will start at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19. Doors will open at 5 p.m. The center will host bingo games Thursdays throughout the winter season.

Pier plan

a sketch shows planned renovations and new landscaping on Bradenton Beach’s Historic Bridge Street Pier, referred to on the 1995 file as the Bradenton Beach city Pier. islander images: courtesy manatee county Public Library System

In the archives

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to join a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our collection of newspapers, beginning with the first edition in 1992. It took some time but it’s all maintained on the library site. Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Looking back

This way, that way a sign near the intersection of gulf drive and cortez road welcomes people to Bradenton Beach in 1970, directing them to the business district, the beach and fishing piers to the south and restaurants, stores, motels and apartments in both directions.

our theme, “We’re glad You’re Here,” originated in the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on ami. — the islander

10&20 years ago

From the Jan. 10, 2003, issue

• Government Acquisitions Inc. of North Carolina proposed to Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale that it supply four police vehicles to the city for $1 a year per vehicle if the city allowed theme-sponsored advertising on the cars. The company promised two four-wheel-drive Explorers and a Crown Victoria

• University of Florida coastal erosion expert Robert Dean inspected Anna Maria’s Bean Point area at the invitation of the mayor. He was expected to provide the city with reasons and solutions for the disappearance of beach sand.

• An attorney representing the ManaSota-88 environmental group in a lawsuit against the Arvida Corporation’s planned condominium development on Perico Island filed a motion for the court to hear an amended complaint against the city of Bradenton and Arvida Corp.

From the Jan. 9, 2013, issue

• The Islander named its Islander of the Year for 2012 — Pam Leckie, the volunteer chair of the Roser Food Pantry. She brought the pantry from a closet in 2009 to a larger, more effi cient and beneficial facility at the church.

• Manatee County commissioners agreed to submit a $68.6 million claim to the Texas court hearing a lawsuit brought by the five Gulf coast states against BP Oil Co. for the April 20, 2010, oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

• Holmes Beach building department consultant John Fernandez severed contractual ties with the city, leaving no one at city hall to sign permits.

— Lisa neff

Print Your Own Memories

Campaign to halt proposed Bradenton Beach hotel gains traction

By robert anderson islander reporter

It was a busy week for Hunter Jensen, who launched a Change.org petition against a resort proposed at the roundabout on Bridge Street and Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach.

Conceptual development drawings submitted to the city by Luttrell Architectural LLC of Tampa show a 103-room, 206,987-square-foot hotel referred to in the design document as “Bridge St. Hotel.”

The plans include three floors of guest rooms, retail space, a main entry, lobby and lounge, offices, a coffee bar, putt-putt golf facility and gym.

The rooftop will feature a swimming pool and outdoor deck.

The properties involved in the proposed development include: 101 Bridge St., formerly the Freckled Fin restaurant; a rental home at 106 Third St. S.; 105 Bridge St., Apt. 1, previously the Island Time Inn; and 219 Gulf Drive S., all either owned or leased by developer Shawn Kaleta and Najmy Thompson PL. According to Manatee County Property Appraisers records for properties owned by Kaleta, Najmy Thompson PL is listed as a registered agent.

The other properties are 108 Third St. S., 110 Third St. S., Unit W, 112 Third St. S. and 117 Bridge St., all registered to Bridge Street Bazaar Inc., which is owned by Jake Spooner, businessman and city commissioner.

Jensen, a political science student at the University of South Florida, moved to Bradenton just over a year ago. He said he launched the petition to protect the esthetic of the Historic Bridge Street District.

“There’s only two main streets on the island,”

areas outlined in red are properties involved in the possible redevelopment of southwest Bridge Street into a motel.

islander Photo: Screenshot manatee Property appraiser’s office

Jensen said. “If they were to take one of those main streets and turn it into something it’s not, it’s going to hinder the experience for a lot of people who are coming to Anna Maria Island.”

He continued, “For me, Bridge Street is something different. It’s our cultural center. When people come to Anna Maria Island, they are looking to go out to eat, they are looking to shop, they are looking to have fun and they do that all on Bridge Street. By putting a large hotel like that, it’s going to hinder the experience for people.”

Jensen addressed his petition to Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, state Rep. William Robinson, R-Bradenton, and Bay News 9 news director Susan D’Astoli.

Jensen said he contacted Van Ostenbridge and his aide about his concerns.

“He has been very silent in regard to this,” Jensen

said. “He has not reached out to me in email. I think their silence is louder than their words.”

Van Ostenbridge represents the district that includes Anna Maria Island but the commissioner and the county lack jurisdiction on development in the city.

Jensen also contacted the city of Bradenton Beach, including Chappie via email, but received no response as of Jan. 5.

He said he also reached out to Kaleta but had received no response as of Jan. 5.

Jensen launched the petition Dec. 30, 2022, and, as of Jan. 7, he had 1,617 signatures toward a goal of 2,500.

The petition on Change.org, is titled “Save Bridge Street” to preserve the “historic value” of Bridge Street.

Meanwhile Spooner, during a Jan. 5 commission meeting, said he would recuse himself at future meetings that deal with the proposed development.

“In an effort to keep my role as an elected official and this commission free of any concern of the transparency or conflicts and to protect the best interests of the community I live and work in, today I have requested and will be filing a notice with the clerk recusing myself as an elected official on any public meetings/discussions on the improvements proposed on Bridge Street,” Spooner said.

According to Florida statutes “A state public officer may not vote on any matter that the officer knows would inure to his or her special private gain or loss.”

As of Jan, 6, Spooner said he would file the required paperwork Jan. 9.

City officials have said the developer’s proposal is preliminary.

On Dec. 12, 2022, a permit was issued by the city to owners of 219 Gulf Drive S. to demolish the building that had housed Joe’s Eats and Sweets.

On the web

To view the petition, go to Change.org and enter “Manatee Residents and Friends Against a Bridge Street Hotel” in the search prompt.

BB OK’s noisy New Year’s Eve — in Jan. 5 vote

What’s the new year’s lyric about “And never brought to mind?”

Bradenton Beach commissioners voted to extend the cut-off time for New Year’s Eve celebrations on Bridge Street a few days after the hoopla.

The vote Jan. 5 was at the commission’s first meeting of the new year.

“Somehow it slipped through the cracks,” Chappie said. “Usually the merchants come to us for New Year’s Eve. This year they forgot about it.”

Chappie said the decision was made to apply the change — extending the cut-off for noise from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. — and then seek commission approval at the first opportunity.

The commission authorized the extension in its unanimous approval of the consent agenda.

— robert anderson

“Anna Maria Island,” a signed pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at the islander office, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach, or by mail. Visit islander.org or call 941-778-7978. $20 plus postage, if applicable.

Bradenton resident Hunter Jensen is making waves with a change.org petition against a proposed hotel on Historic Bridge Street at gulf drive in Bradenton Beach. islander courtesy Photo

BB planners back code change for outdoor dining

By robert anderson islander reporter

The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board concluded Jan. 4 a revision to the land development code for outdoor dining is needed.

The change relates to an application from Mike Dolan for expansion of outdoor dining at Wicked Cantina Restaurant, 101 Seventh St. N.

Dolan, the restaurant owner, has proposed expanding the patio deck and using parking spaces approved for temporary open-air dining for permanent open-air dining. The change would result in a reduction of the minimum required parking by nine total spaces.

The application is in continuance until a Feb. 16 city commission meeting.

As they reviewed the Wicked Cantina request, P&Z members voted Nov. 16, 2022, to ask the commission for authorization to work with staff on an ordinance to adopt a new interpretation of the LDC regarding setback requirements and compliance issues.

The board wanted to address potential conflicts the Wicked Cantina project might face with language in the LDC that’s been in place since 2016, city planner Luis Serna told The Islander Jan. 5.

The revision is one paragraph: “Open air dining areas located under awnings or roofed structures shall

be subject to the minimum setback requirements for the structure. Uncovered open air dining areas do not need to comply with minimum yard setbacks but shall require a five-foot setback from all property lines.”

P&Z member Bill Marrow motioned Jan. 4 to approve the paragraph and for Serna to draft an ordinance for the commission to consider. Morhaus seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

“The next step,” Serna said. “We will prepare an ordinance and then, based on your recommendation, it will go to the commission.”

To read the LDC, go to cityofbradentonbeach.com

HB moves forward with wind sculpture proposal

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Veterans Park in Holmes Beach may feature a centerpiece.

The city’s parks and beautification committee members voted Jan. 4 to endorse the Anna Maria Island Garden Club’s proposal to partially fund a copper or stainless-steel wind sculpture created by Utah-based artist Lyman Whitaker and Whitaker Studio.

The proposal is part of the club’s efforts to support beautification across AMI by helping to fund the kinetic sculptures, which are wind resistant up to 90 mph, can be removed safe storage, require little maintenance and produce little noise, according to Missouri-based Leopold Gallery, which sells Whitaker wind sculptures.

AMIGC member Pat Short attended the P&B meeting and said the initiative is the club’s “most significant project ever.”

Anna Maria already is onboard. Commissioners voted in October to approve a funding request from the AMIGC to add two wind sculptures alongside the flagpole at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd.

The city paid $12,000 of the $18,000 cost for the sculptures, with the club funding $6,000.

Short told The Islander Jan. 4 that the sculptures were ordered and set to ship in late February.

For Holmes Beach, much has yet to be determined, other than at least a potential location: Veterans Park.

The addition of a wind sculpture could be the cherry on top of several recent improvements for the park, which can be found south of city hall, 5801

Marina Drive.

The P&B committee invested $2,500 of its $10,000 annual budget last year to install 11 plant boxes around the park’s butterfly garden for people to tend.

The community garden has blossomed since.

However, several P&B members have expressed dissatisfaction with the fountain at the center of the park’s garden, which is used as additional planting space since it is nonfunctional.

City engineer Sage Kamiya, who chairs the P&B committee, expressed support for the project but cautioned against using a lot of the committee’s $10,000 annual budget.

Kamiya recommended P&B members and city commissioners determine which sculpture they’d like to add at a later date, then figure out an agreement with the AMIGC.

P&B member Mary Lange suggested the city could explore adding one sculpture this year using a portion of the committee’s $10,000 annual budget, then another in the year following if the AMIGC was willing to contribute more.

AMIGC member Shawn Mayers, who attended the meeting with Short, told P&B members the garden club could likely contribute around $6,000 to a sculpture for the city — the same as Anna Maria.

She said the garden club would want recognition for such a contribution with landscaping, lighting and signage at the base of the wind sculpture.

The P&B committee’s next meeting will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at city hall.

Ready for snowbird season?

Is your business ready for the high season on AMI? Improve your odds of success with

The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking to shop and dine, as well as indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

Bradenton Beach P&Z board members Ken mcdonough, left, Bill marrow and dan morhaus listen at their Jan. 4 meeting as city planner Luis Serna details proposed changes to the land use code.

under the building and planning department link.

The P&Z is a citizen board that recommends landuse policies to the city commission and reviews development proposals.

The next P&Z meeting will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Mote outreach center in off-site development

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Mid-way into January, there isn’t much to show for Mote Marine Laboratory’s educational outreach center on the Anna Maria City Pier.

But work is underway, Mote staff say.

Mote vice president for communications and strategic initiatives Kevin Cooper wrote in a Jan. 6 email to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy that the project was in a “two-pronged phase of both local and off-site prefabrication for the exhibits.”

Mote and its contractor, Sarasota-based Willis Smith Construction, began construction on the outreach center the week beginning Dec. 19, 2022.

Cooper wrote that their teams have completed necessary on-site demolition and preparation work, the first steps in the construction process.

Otherwise, much of the work is happening offsite.

“The exhibit tanks are currently being fabricated by a third-party vendor, off-site, and a number of aesthetic elements are being fabricated here on City Island,” Cooper wrote.

He added that, while that work isn’t open to a viewing by the press, Murphy was “always welcome” to schedule a visit and “get a sense of the visuals we’re preparing.”

“Mote continues to meet the deadlines and press forward in good faith. We have not been given a pass for the holidays, nor did we request one,” Cooper wrote.

Mote has until Friday, March 10, 2023, to apply for a certificate of occupancy in order to meet its next deadline in its lease for the T-end building.

If Mote meets the city’s deadlines, the outreach center should open by Friday, April 7, 2023.

islander Photo: robert anderson

ON AMI

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON AMI

Thursday, Jan. 12

2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library Lecture Series, “A History of Egmont Key,” Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6341. Sunday, Jan. 15

7:30 p.m. — Island Players auditions, “The 39 Steps,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-5755.

ONGOING ON AMI

Jan. 14-15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Anna Maria Art and Craft Show, city field, 5600 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 231-350-8277.

Jan. 12-29, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Island Players present “The Odd Couple,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-5755.

Throughout January, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits Judy Vazquez’s mosaics, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Throughout January, Dawn Gerardot’s “Sensational Silks” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648.

Second Fridays through April, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Art Walk and Shop Stroll, Gulf and Marina drives, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648, 941-778-6694.

Tuesdays through March 7, 6:30 p.m., Anna Maria Movies in the Park, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

Tuesdays through May 9, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Jan. 12-22. Manatee County Fair, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto. Fe applies. Information: www.manateecountyfair.com.

Mondays in January, 6 p.m., Mote Lecture Series, Mote Marine

in the park

anna maria continues its movies in the Park series tuesdays in January at 6:30 p.m. at city Pier Park, 103 n. Bay Blvd. next on the calendar is a Jan. 17 showing of “Singin’ in the rain.” the 1952 musical about Hollywood adapting to “talkies” features gene Kelly, debbie reynolds, donald o’connor and rita moreno. the month also will feature “gone with the Wind” Jan. 24-25 and “gallipoli” Jan. 31. attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs and snacks. for more information, call the city at 941-708-6130. islander courtesy Photo

Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441.

Saturdays through May, 9 a.m-2 p.m., Bradenton Public Market, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-932-9439.

Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

SAVE THE DATE

Jan. 21, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at the Center of Anna Maria Island presents Tommy DeCarlo, Anna Maria. Feb. 18-19, 2023, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez.

Friday, Jan. 13

10 a.m. — 40 Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

6-8 p.m. — Bingo Bonanza, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908. Saturday, Jan. 14

1 p.m. — Library Learning: Geocaching 101, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, Jan. 17

10 a.m. — Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

AROUND AMI

Jan. 12-22, 107th Manatee County Fair, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto. Fee applies. Information: 941-722-1639.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Through March 18, “Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks,” the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ON AMI

Wednesday, Jan. 11

Noon — Off Stage Ladies lunch meeting, the Feast Restaurant, 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941778-1908

6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Thursday, Jan. 12

2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Friday, Jan. 13

2 p.m. — Rock painting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Saturday, Jan. 14

9-11 a.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.

ONGOING ON AMI

Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383.

Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee. org/library, 941-778-6341.

AROUND AMI

Wednesday, Jan. 11

1-2 p.m. — Veterans Canteen welcoming space, Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Second Fridays, 1 p.m., Parkinson’s Combined Support Group, the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

Mondays, 1 p.m., Thinking Out Loud discussions, the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-3836493.

Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 512-944-4177, amirotary.org.

Second Tuesdays, 4 p.m., Cortez Village Historical Society meetings, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 941-840-0590, cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Jan. 19, Annie Silver Community Center bingo nights begin, Bradenton Beach.

Jan. 20, AMI Garden Club lunch and meeting, Anna Maria. Jan. 25, Annie Silver Community Center community supper, Bradenton Beach.

Feb. 8, AMI Garden Club fashion show, Anna Maria.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS

ONGOING ON AMI

Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 703582-7755.

AMI Dragon Boat Team-Paddlers from Paradise practices and meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, mrbradway@gmail.com.

AROUND AMI

Tuesday, Jan. 17

5:30 p.m. — Sunset Shutter Stroll, Neal Preserve, 2301 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Information: 941-742-5923.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Saturdays, 9 a.m., Robinson Runners run, walk stroll, Robinson Preserve NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, crystal.scherer@mymanatee.org, mymanatee.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Jan. 21, Big Bill 5K, Bradenton.

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Feb. 2, Groundhog Day. Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day.

GET LISTED

a dress rehearsal for the island Players next production. the theater group will bring neil Simon’s “the odd couple,” the female version, to the anna maria stage Jan. 12-29. islander courtesy Photo

‘The Odd Couple’ to open Jan. 12 on Anna Maria stage

The Island Players bring Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple,” the female version, to the Anna Maria stage Jan. 12-29.

Preston Boyd is directing the show, coproduced by Offstage Ladies and featuring Laura Morales, Ruth Shaulis, Cathy Hansel-Edgerton, Seva Anthony, Kristin Mazzitelli, Jean Walther, Anuj Naidu and Mike DeMaio.

Performances will take place Tuesday-Saturday

at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The theater is dark Mondays.

Tickets cost $25, with the box office open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, as well as an hour before performances.

Online tickets cost $27.

The theater is at 10009 Gulf Drive.

For more information about the Island Players, call the box office at 941-778-5755.

Casting call for Players

Auditions for The Island Players’ presentation of “The 39 Steps” will be 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

For more, call the box office at 941-778-5755.

Off Stage Ladies to lunch

The Off Stage Ladies, an auxiliary of the Island Players, will meet for lunch at noon Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Feast, 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The group meets the second Wednesday of the month October-May.

The cost to join the group is $20.

People interested in joining Off Stage Ladies can contact Roe Duncan at 941-932-2798.

Artwalk around city center set

the artists’ guild gallery, 5414 marina drive, Holmes Beach, is one stop on this month’s artwalk in the city center. the walk will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. friday, Jan. 13, at the guild gallery, as well as island gallery West, 5368 gulf drive, and other area businesses. agami’s featured artist is Judy Vazquez. igW’s featured artist is dawn gerardot. for more information, call the guild gallery at 941-778-6694 or igW at 941-778-6648.

Island happenings

Friends of the Island Library launch annual lecture series

They’re expecting a full house in the fellowship hall.

The Friends of the Island Library will bring their winter lecture and travel series to Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, beginning Thursday, Jan. 12.

The first lecture will be on the history of Egmont Key, delivered by Richard Sanchez, president of the Egmont Key Alliance.

Programs will begin at 2 p.m. at the church.

The series continues on Thursdays through Feb. 23, featuring:

• Lynn McGinnis, speaking about the Cortez Vil-

lage Historical Society Jan. 19;

• Marcus Alford speaking about ancient Egypt Jan. 26;

• Mike Deal and John Skladany lecturing about coaching college football Feb. 2;

• Tori Chasey lecturing on the Florida Maritime Museum Feb. 9;

• Karen and Chuck Anderson talking about “a day in the life of a sea turtle volunteer” Feb. 16;

• Catherine Randazzo speaking about the Florida Studio Theatre Feb. 23.

For more information, go online to friendsoftheislandlibrary.org or call the library at 941- 778-6341.

Annie Silver sets bingo plans, community dinner date

Bingo night is back at the Annie Silver Community Center.

Bingo will be 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, starting Jan. 19 and running through the spring at the center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach.

Also, the center will host its first community supper of the season — a barbecue meal with a choice

of chicken or ribs for $10. Bigg Dogg BBQ is preparing the dinner.

The date will be Wednesday, Jan. 25, with food served 5-7 p.m.

The center also is organizing dinners for February and March.

For more info, call Jim Hassett at 413-441-6823.

Anna Maria Winter Art and Craft Show set for city field

The Anna Maria Winter Art and Craft Show will take over city field Jan. 14-15.

Hours for the weekend event will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

City field is north of Holmes Beach City Hall in the 5600 block of Marina Drive.

The Blue Ribbon Events show will showcase more than 50 vendors selling paintings, sculptures, jewelry, glasswork, pottery, mixed-media and more.

The menu offerings will include barbecue meals, seafood dishes and hand-squeezed lemonade.

The organizer will be collecting nonperishable donations for the Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria.

Each donor will get a chance at winning art.

For more information, call the organizer at 231350-8277.

Garden club to meet

Work by Sergey cherep and other artists will be featured at the anna maria Winter art and craft Show Jan. 14-15 at city field. islander courtesy Photo

The Anna Maria Island Garden Club will meet at 11:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

In February, the club will meet Friday, Feb. 17, at Roser and hold its fashion show Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

The annual flower show will be Friday, March 17, at the church.

For more information, call Charlotte Noyes at 781983-1937.

Chill boosts birders’ count

One robin.

Two robins.

Three robins.

And, by the end of a local Audubon Society bird count, the tally reached 6,445 American robins.

Volunteers coordinated by Kathy Doddridge conducted the Bradenton Circle Christmas Bird Count Dec. 17, 2022, part of the National Audubon Society’s annual count that involves more than 80,000 people in 2,600 locations.

The Bradenton Circle radiates from downtown and includes parts of west Manatee.

Another count radiating from Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg took place Jan. 2 and included the north end of Anna Maria Island. The numbers from that count were not available as of Islander press time.

Doddridge reported these findings to The Islander:

• 159 species, plus three others during the count week, were logged within the 15-mile diameter circle, including the seldom-seen American avocet, lark sparrow, surf scoter, black scoter, Northern pintail and wild turkey. The 2021 tally was 153 species plus three during the week.

• 44,345 birds were counted, more than the 2021 count of 40,187.

• Colder temps up north pushed birds, including robins and cedar waxwings, south to find better food sources. In 2021, counters saw 31 robins and 29 cedar waxwings. In 2022, they saw “huge” flocks of robins with a total of 6,445 and also 89 cedar waxwings

• Ducks and waterfowl saw larger increases over 2021.

• Shorebirds and “peeps” also saw increases greater than 20%.

• Development along the southwest, north and east sides of the circle eliminated natural habitat for black skimmers, lesser black-backed gulls, Eastern bluebirds, Northern flickers, great crested flycatchers, pine warblers and great horned owls.

The national count, which dates to 1900, along with other bird surveys, helps scientists and conservationists track changes in bird populations and species’ health.

— Lisa neff

Center plans cleanup

The Center of Anna Maria Island will coordinate a beach cleanup Saturday, Jan. 14.

Additional work dates will be Saturdays, Feb. 11, March 11, April 1 and May 6.

Volunteers will meet at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, and walk to the beach.

For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

… puts out bingo call

“B1.”

Be one of the bingo enthusiasts to join the games at the Center of Anna Maria Island beginning Friday, Jan. 13.

The center is calling bingo during the winter season on Jan. 13, Feb. 3 and March 10.

Play will be 6-8 p.m.

Refreshments will be available for donations.

Bingo cards will cost $10 for 10 and blotters will cost $1.

Prizes will include gift cards to local restaurants.

… brings Boston

AME makes waves for 2023

singer

to AMI

Start the debate: Will the encore be “More than a Feeling” or “Don’t Look Back”?

Tommy DeCarlo, the lead singer for the rock band Boston since 2007, will perform the second show in the Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands 2022-23 Concert Series.

The concert will be Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. An opening act takes the stage at 7 p.m. and the headliner goes on at 8 p.m.

The series will continue with Grand Funk Railroad Feb. 25 and The Orchestra, featuring former members of the Electric Light Orchestra, March 21.

Tickets can be purchased at the center 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and online.

For more details, go online to www.centerami.org/ events.

Center plans Senior Adventures trips

The Senior Adventures group at the Center of Anna Maria Island is getting on the road in January.

The group Thursday, Jan. 19, will travel for lunch at Siesta Key Rum Distillery in Sarasota, departing at 9 a.m. from the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

The group will travel to St. Armands Circle for lunch and shopping, Thursday, Jan. 26, also departing from the center.

For reservations and more information, call the center at 941-778-1908.

AmE NEWS

By Brook Morrison

As the students of Anna Maria Elementary prepared to return for a second semester, principal Mike Masiello said he was excited to welcome them back to kick-off a new year of academic success.

“Teachers will begin preparing for another round of training for our Guy Harvey lessons, which will focus on sea stars,” Masiello wrote to The Islander Jan. 3.

“Students will receive these lessons during the third quarter of school.”

This is the first year of the Guy Harvey Academy at AME, a partnership between the artist’s foundation and the School District of Manatee County using a special K-5 curriculum focused on marine sciences, conservation and the arts.

Masiello said he’s confi dent students returning from break are ready to hit the ground running and make the most of the second semester.

The school’s access to the Intracoastal Waterway creates an opportunity for students to participate in estuary studies, and they’ll do so this semester.

“During the month of March, Around the Bend Nature and Discovery Tours will be conducting the

AME Calendar

• Friday, Jan. 14, 3:45 p.m., PTO board meeting.

• Monday, Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no classes.

• Saturday, Jan. 28, winter carnival

• Monday, Feb. 20, Presidents Day, no classes.

• Tuesday, Feb. 21, third-grade play, 6:30 p.m., auditorium; PTO dinner TBD, 5 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 1, early release.

• Thursday, March 9, end of third quarter.

• Friday, March 10, records day, no classes.

• March 13-17, spring break, no classes.

• Friday, April 7, Good Friday, no classes.

Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

estuary study, where students can collect, identify and release small fish, crabs, shrimp, sea stars and sea horses,” Masiello told The Islander.

One change this year by Masiello and the sponsoring parent-teacher organization is the cancellation of the 5K Dolphin Dash and fun run.

“Due to the current road construction and traffic delays occurring on the island, road conditions just won’t be safe for the race in February,” Masiello said.

Before break

anna Maria elementary first-grade students show off their candy houses and ornaments at their holiday party before winter break. Classes at aMe resumed Jan. 10. Islander

Mahjong, canasta classes offered

Need to know the rules of the game?

The Center of Anna Maria Island will offer instruction in mahjong and canasta.

The mahjong class will be 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 17-Feb. 21.

Canasta instruction will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 17-Feb. 21.

Fees and registration are required.

For more information, call the center at 941778-1908.

Photo: Courtesy Margie Messinger

By Lisa neff

LBK chapel begins Bible study

The Longboat Island Chapel will begin a 12-week Bible study program Wednesday, Jan. 11.

Participants can attend the Wednesday studies on the Book of Revelations at the chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, or online.

For more, call 941-383-6491.

Tidings

Roser sets blood drive

Roser Church will host a blood drive 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15.

Donors will receive a T-shirt, $20 eGift card and a wellness checkup for blood pressure, pulse, cholesterol and more.

To make an appointment, go to roserchurch.com. Roser is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more, call the church at 941-778-0414.

Obituaries

Joan Allee

Joan Allee, 93, of Holmes Beach, died Dec. 28, 2022, at Freedom Village in Bradenton.

She was born Oct. 28, 1929, in Moline, Illinois, to Florence and John Siefken Sr. She often kidded that she started the Great Depression the following day.

She was a leader in the classroom and on the tennis courts at East Moline High School, where she met her future husband, Chuck Allee.

The two were inseparable through high school, both graduating in 1947, and both graduating from Augustana College. They married in 1952 and remained inseparable through an amazing 70 years of marriage.

Some of their most wonderful memories were made on Anna Maria Island. They loved the island and enjoyed more than 35 years living here.

Mrs. Allee was an English teacher in East Moline, Illinois, and was honored on her 90th birthday with the key to the city and a plaque that proclaimed her the Matriarch of East Moline.

In early December 2022, Mr. Allee was admitted to HCA Blake Hospital in Bradenton after a fall at home, and Mrs. Allee joined him there a few weeks later, also after a fall at home. Ironically, she was wheeled into her husband’s hospital room Dec. 23, his 93rd birthday, much to his surprise.

They were told this was the first time in the history of Blake that a husband and wife had shared the same room and they spent Christmas together there.

The couple was inseparable right up until her death.

Mrs. Allee was a friend to all. She loved her family, and was the glue that kept family, relatives and friends together. She would always put others ahead of herself.

She is survived by husband Chuck; son Bill; daughter Kyle and husband Jim Feehan; grandchildren Bill and wife Jenn Feehan, John and wife Marie Feehan, Bryan and wife Heather Feehan, Katie and husband Jeremy Dorsey, and Michael; and great grandchildren Allee, Connor, Carter, Collin, Hunter Gunnar, Jasmine, Danielle, Sadie and Avy.

At your service: Obituaries are offered as a free community service to residents and families of residents, past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Send to news@islander.org.

Compiled by Lisa neff

ON AMI

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church.

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org.

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes

Francis S. Cashin

Francis S. Cashin, 95, of Holmes Beach, died peacefully at home Jan. 3.

He was born Aug. 30, 1927, in Kingston, New York, to Francis and Anna (Braun) Cashin.

He grew up in Kingston, graduated Kingston High School in 1944, attended Clarkson College and served in the U.S. Navy 1945-46.

In 1947, Mr. Cashin went to work for IBM in Poughkeepsie, New York. He served a three-year apprenticeship as a tool and diemaker, three years as an instructor, followed by 37 years in various engineering management positions. In retirement, he had an antique business, the Corner Cupboard, for many years in Rhinebeck, New York.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan. 6 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel was in charge of the arrangements. Burial will be at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, East Falmouth, Massachusetts. Memorial donations may be made to St. Bernard Church Women’s Guild or Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34235. Condolences may be made to brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Mr. Cashin is survived by son Mark and wife Mary Lynn of Cary, North Carolina; stepchildren Dr. Christopher Simek and wife Teresa of Lakeland, Laurie Wegryn and husband Mark of Monson, Massachusetts, Robert Simek and wife Donna of Dover, Maryland, John Simek and wife Susan of Kingston; grandson, Mark E. and wife Allison of Garner, North Carolina; step-grandchildren Dr. Shawn Simek and wife Rachel of Gainesville, Jaclyn and husband Brian Landers of Melbourne, Kaitlin, Maria, Billy and Charlie Simek; and great-grandchildren Hailey, Benjamin and Anna.

Additionally, Frank’s family would like to acknowledge the excellent care he received from Dr. Manjesh Lingamurthy and staff, and the compassionate care from the nurses at Blake Outpatient Center and Tidewell Hospice.

Barbara Thackston King

Barbara Thackston King, 85, of Bradenton, died Dec. 30, 2022, with her family by her side.

She was born Oct. 9, 1937, in Miami and moved to Bradenton in 1942. She graduated in 1055 from Manatee High School, where she was involved in the Drill Team, Future Teachers, Mam’Selles, and the Domestic Exchange to Rhode Island, and also learned to sail

Worship With Us At Our Church

Sunday Ser vice 10:00 AM

The Rev. Dr. Nor man Pritchard

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00

Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00

Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch Our 10: 00 AM Ser vice Live: www bit ly/cclbksermons or www christchurchof lbk org (follow YouTube link)

Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com.

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912.

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com.

Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m.

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

Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

OFF AMI

Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-3428.

Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.

SPECIAL DATES & EVENTS

Jan. 15, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Roser Church blood drive.

Jan. 17, 5 p.m., Longboat Island Chapel social hour.

Jan. 21, 8 a.m.-11 a.m., Roser Church Pancake Breakfast. Send listings and photos to calendar@islander.org.

from her future husband, her high school sweetheart, Bill King.

She attended Florida State University and graduated Georgia State University with a degree in psychology. On moving back to Bradenton in 1965, she became active in Entre Nous, including as president, life member and then many years with the Service Club.

King

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church most of her life and the Zacchean Class.

Mrs. King assisted in the organization of her MHS class alumni activities. She was on the board at the YMCA and the Manatee County Public Library Foundation, a volunteer at Easterseals Happiness House and later at the Manatee Village Historical Society.

She helped manage her husband’s dental office and also was involved in all her children’s various activities, including Cub Scouts, as a volunteer at Bradenton Christian School’s library, as well as being a soccer, volleyball and softball team transporter. She volunteered to assist on sailing race committees and as a Girl Scout cookie mom. At the Bradenton Yacht Club, she was involved in the Galley Maids and the women’s sailing races.

She loved to travel the world. Her hobbies included sailboat racing and cruising, reading, supporting football and tennis and working crossword puzzles.

A service and reception were held Jan. 5 at First United Methodist Church in Bradenton. Shannon Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be designated to Bradenton YMCA at ymcaswfl.org or Easterseals Happiness House, 350 Braden Ave., Sarasota, FL 34343. Condolences for the family may be made online at shannonfuneralhomes. com.

Mrs. King is survived by her husband of 65 years, William B.; children Tom and wife Sharon of Anna Maria, David and wife Julie of Bradenton, and Carol Hughes of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren Andrew, Noah, Tyler, and Allison and Landon, Kaelyn and Rebekah Hughes; great-grandchildren Roman, Piper and Theodore King; as well as many nieces, nephews and dear supportive friends.

Roser Church

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM & 10:00 AM

IN PERSON � in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER RoserChurch.com

Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Cashin allee

Remembrances from 2022

The Islander in 2022 helped friends, family and coworkers honor loved ones who lived or worked on AMI with remembrances and tributes in obituaries.

From notices the newspaper received in 2022, we remember:

Joan Allee, 93, of Holmes Beach, died, Dec. 28. Some of her most cherished memories were made on AMI.

Salvatore “Sal” Mannino Jr., 50, of Bradenton Beach, died Dec. 7. He was a dedicated chef at Oma’s Pizza and, when not working, was fixing cars.

David W. Kruger , 78, of Holmes Beach, died Nov. 30. After many career achievements, he retired from Abbott to time on AMI and golf at the KRC.

Edward Dale Powers, 62, of Englewood, died Nov. 29. He had an interest in mechanics and loved motorcycles.

Dr. Andre J. Renard, 82, of Holmes Beach, died Nov. 22. Dr. Renard was a surgeon, painter, dancer, Green Beret, brown belt, equestrian and polo player.

Roberta (Knoll) Augostini, 80, formerly of AMI, died Nov. 16. She worshipped the sun.

Francis “Frank” Hall, 81, of Holmes Beach, died Nov. 16. He had a 32-year career at CVS.

Maxwell Vaughn Kelly , 66, died Nov. 14. He spent his childhood rabblerousing on AMI shores and, later in life, drove an island trolley.

Jon Bruce Holcomb, 74, of Holmes Beach, died Nov. 2. He was an art teacher. coach, businessman.

David Osborn , 75, of AMI, died Oct. 23. The island was one of his favorite places.

Laura E. McGeary, 76, of Bradenton, died Oct. 18. She volunteered many years with the Anna Maria Island Art League.

Robert Truman Barlow, 82, formerly of Anna Maria, died Oct. 3. He was a longtime resident and served as a city commissioner.

Suzi Fox, of Bradenton Beach, died Sept. 30. She was the leader behind turtle watch.

Robert Munroe “Bob” Baker, 94, formerly of Holmes Beach, died Sept. 20. He volunteered financial expertise at Roser Memorial Community Church.

Jack Anthony Abene , 91, of Bradenton, died Sept. 16. He worked at the Island Players theater all the way to his final days.

Arthur Seay “Bo” Hunter, 71, formerly of Anna Maria, died Aug. 29. He enjoyed the water.

Eric V. Davison, formerly of Anna Maria, died Aug. 25. On AMI, he and his wife found tranquility.

Juanita Carter “Nita” Mikles, 96, of Holmes Beach, died Aug. 25. Music and art were passions.

Michael Howe, 68, of Bradenton, died Aug. 24. At St. Bernard, he was a Eucharistic minister.

Charles A. Fuller, 74, of Anna Maria, died Aug. 17. He loved music, bird watching and good food.

Micheal Lloyd Coleman, 74, of Anna Maria, died Aug. 14. He cared deeply about community and was engaged in several projects to enrich the city.

Janice Marie Dingman, 72, formerly of Bradenton Beach, died Aug. 13. She managed the Pines Trailer Park, was a deputy clerk for Bradenton Beach, earned her status as a privateer and worked for The Islander.

Ruby C. Williams, 92, of Bealsville, died Aug. 8. She visited AMI several times, beginning with a sidewalk show, where she sold paintings to benefit Anna

JOY hosts Paddlers from Paradise

aMI Paddlers from Paradise — Mileah Hudgins, Laurie Burton Graham, Denise Gardner, Brenda Basiley, Craig Bradway, nancy Flynn, Michelle Schenk, Lisa Bedinger, Marilene Sheppard, anna Maria Forgetta, Margeaux Ridlehoover, Joan Schuckenbrock and coach Melinda Bradway — after a 2022 race. The Just Older Youth group will hear from Bradway during a meeting at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Roser Church fellowship hall, 512 Pine ave., anna Maria. For more info, call the church at 941-778-0414. Islander

Maria Elementary.

Elaine Chase Jackson, 79, died Aug. 5. She shared dinners, games and walks with her AMI family.

Jack Robert Dietrich, 92, of Anna Maria, died Aug. 1. The retired AME principal often was heard singing and tapping his feet on his porch.

Gabriel Robert Buky Sr ., of Holmes Beach, died July 28. He played pickleball almost every day at the Center of Anna Maria Island unless sailing on “Serendipity.”

Faye Grooms died July 23. She and her husband settled on AMI in 1967, owning automotive repair businesses on the island and in Bradenton.

Carol H. Labash, 84, of Holmes Beach, died July 13. He relished walking the beach with friends.

Richard George Foehrkolb , 90, formerly of Holmes Beach, died July 16. He worked in a hot mill for years and, soon after retirement, came to AMI.

Kimberly Hammonds, 55, of Anna Maria, died June 28. She was a tech leader — only the third woman in 150 years to serve on Deutsche Bank’s board.

Mildred Irene Taylor , 90, died June 25. She opened her home to all.

Dustin Matthew Allen , 41, of Holmes Beach, died June 24. He was an employee of Wash Family Construction.

Teresa Dunn Hogle, 54, of Holmes Beach, died June 19. She loved the beach.

George Robert Tebbetts Jr., 63, died June 17. He grew up on the island as the son of Major League Baseball’s Birdie Tebbetts.

Atsushi Arai, 94, of Holmes Beach, died June 14. His field of work was import-export, which gave him opportunity to meet people from different countries.

Dr. Mary Fulford Green, 96, of Cortez, died June 9. She knew how to lean in and fight to protect Cortez

— from developers, drug smugglers and the DOT.

Irma Linda Yatros, 87, of Holmes Beach, died June 7. She loved time on her porch welcoming visitors to the beach.

Milton Crowe, 81, of Perico Island, died May 31. He had a big smile, heavy Kentucky accent and a dark tan.

Nancy Hume, 89, formerly of Holmes Beach, died May 28. She had a deep love for nature.

John McCullum Stevely, 72, of Bradenton, died May 27. He was known for his efforts to preserve and protect the environment.

Gay Gutierrez Thomas, 86, of Holmes Beach, died May 4. Her passion was people’s happiness.

Chester H. Bell, 89, died May 1. After military service and university, he was called to the family business — A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez.

Sharon Anne Annis, 81, of Holmes Beach, died April 26. She worked many years with her husband in their business, Old Florida Realty.

Sara Baldwin Falk, 87, of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and Holmes Beach, died April 29. She was a fierce advocate of women’s rights.

Judy May Allen, 78, died April 18. She volunteered 20 years at Mote Marine and also volunteered at Tingley Library in Bradenton Beach.

Margaret “Meg” Warner Bossert, 70, of Holmes Beach, died April 18. She was a meditator and teacher.

Robert “Bob” Charles Fluke, 60, formerly of Bradenton Beach, died April 16. His favorite work was the design of nuclear plants and artificial reefs.

Reed Woolford Mapes, 75, formerly of Bradenton Beach, died April 13. He built high-rises, power stations and bridges and volunteered for the city.

Marjorie Higgins, 98, of Anna Maria, died April 12. She always said retiring to AMI felt like a second honeymoon.

Patricia Ann Banyas, 90, of Cortez, died April 5. She was known to the grandchildren she cherished as “Patty Cakes.”

Lois Bowers Debona, 79, formerly of AMI, died March 30. She served on the Anna Maria Island Community Center board.

Beatrice “Bea” Giles Elliott , 101, of Holmes Beach, died March 25. She was long active in the Holmes Beach community.

Judith Grover, 78, of Silver Spring, Maryland, died March 21. She loved AMI for its sunshine and beach.

Marilyn Elizabeth Trevethan, 93, of Bradenton, died March 4. She was known in AMI real estate, connecting buyers with their home in paradise.

Robert “Bob” Wiersema, 68, formerly of AMI, died Feb. 21. He moved to AMI when he was about 4 and his love for the island never left him.

Mary Louise Seine, of Anna Maria, died Feb. 13. Adorned in a safety vest that was lettered, “One Less Car,” she often was seen bicycling the island.

Terry Christopher Bugna, 56, formerly of AMI and Cortez, died Feb. 9. He lived an idyllic young life, growing up on the beach and the water, and later working as a commercial fisher.

Mark Romeo, 68, of Bradenton Beach, died Feb. 7. He operated an irrigation business.

Richard Freeman, 73, of Anna Maria, died Feb. 3. He became a top producer in island property sales.

Rose Quin Bare, 81, formerly of AMI, died Feb. 6. She wrote her obituary, saying she died “to start a new life in heaven.”

Edward John O’Neil, 73, of Bradenton, died Jan. 27. He loved visits to Skinny’s Place in Holmes Beach to meet with friends over a beer and burger.

Georgene “Gigi” “George” Adkins, 66, formerly of AMI, died Jan. 27. She was an artist and lover of sunsets.

Dan D. Magee, 80, of Anna Maria, died Jan. 23. He studied at Ringling College of Art and Design.

James “Jimbo” Lease died Jan. 14. He embodied the “island life,” surfing, fishing, playing sports.

Cynthia Angelic Williams-Venable, 51, of Bradenton, died Jan. 12. She spent a lot of time at the Anchorage Restaurant in Anna Maria, which her mom ran.

Charles “Charlie” Caswell, 88, of Sunapee, New Hampshire, and Holmes Beach, died Jan. 2. He loved sailing and cycling.

Courtesy Photo

anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director Suzi Fox collects data as she excavates a sea turtle nest on the beach on anna Maria Island. Fox, who died in 2022, led the organization of volunteers for decades. Islander File Photo

By Bonner Joy Islander Publisher

The Islander takes pride in recognizing members of the Anna Maria Island community for contributions and concern for making this slice of paradise an even better place to live.

Since the newspaper started in 1992, The Islander has sought to make its path by partnering with organizations and making their goals one and the same, by reporting the news of record and by telling the tales of people who live and work on AMI. If it’s not about the island or the people who live and flourish here, it’s not likely to be read here.

By the end of the first and second years of publishing, we sought a way to say thank you to the people who worked for a better island. And, in 1993, we found a worthy champion and launched an Islander-of-theYear award.

The first award was presented posthumously to Mayor Ernie Cagnina for the year 1993 and the next to Mayor Ray Simches for 1994. Both served as mayors in Anna Maria.

Our third Islander of the Year is still striving for a better way, better bridges — especially a low, bascule bridge replacement for the Cortez-Bradenton Beach link for island-mainland traffic. She now lives on the mainland, but a big slice of her heart is with us in the battles we face to maintain paradise.

She was our pioneer for the long series of beach renourishment projects that began in 1992 — and hopefully continue into the future.

Seldom do we recognize people whose job it is to serve the community — but sometimes that job is done with outstanding integrity and fortitude.

For 2020, we recognized the sacrifices of our neighbors, friends, political leaders — YOU —and all who cam to our community in the pandemic with the goal in mind to preserve wellness and safety for all.

YOU all made a difference in 2020.

We look for those who give from the heart ... and now, a look back at our Islanders of the Year:

Katie pierola, 1995: Katie Pierola had served six years as mayor of Bradenton Beach and her last term had just ended in 1995. She proved to be a bulldog at grant-getting, enacting improvements and bringing about positive change in office, and the city underwent a renaissance under her command.

She embodied the definition of a public servant in caring, tireless efforts to improve her city and the

island.

Pierola fought to achieve the first beach renourishment program for the island and led the first round of the battles to prevent a proposed megabridge to replace the Cortez Bridge — both in the late 1980s, early ’90s.

willis Howard “snooKs” adams, 1996: Adams was born April 24, 1917, to settlers of Cortez and spent much of his life on the island as a police chief who used common sense as his guide.

He was a friend to local children, having started in 1954 an end-of-school party, celebrated now as Snooks Adams Kids Day.

In 1952, Bradenton Beach incorporated and Adams became first assistant chief, then chief of police.

He is credited with helping set up the first Veterans of Foreign Wars post and was commander three times during the 1950s.

In 1956, Adams went to work for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. “My job was to take care of the island,” he said.

From 1962-78, Adams was chief of police in Holmes Beach.

CHarles and Jo ann lester, 1997: Charles Lester and Jo Ann Lester came from Wisconsin, fell in love with the island and, along with it, the Anna Maria Island Community Center, now the Center of Anna Maria Island. They put their money where their

hearts are — here and in Wisconsin.

For this, and for the foresight to establish an endowment fund for the center, for their altruistic, unselfish willingness to put themselves at the foreground of a major fundraising campaign for the center, we honored them as 1997 Islanders of the year.

Jim Kronus, 1998: Jim Kronus, retiring in January 1999 after 25 years as Anna Maria Island Elementary principal, was named 1998 Islander of the Year.

He also was honored with his name on the school auditorium. Twenty-five years worth of admiring students, their parents, family and former and current staff honored him at that event.

suZi foX, 1999: With little funding to support Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, Suzi Fox organized a group of volunteers to protect sea turtles.

A few years earlier, she took over the state permit for protecting nesting sea turtles, mostly loggerheads, and also their hatchlings.

Beach renourishment brought funding and necessary monitoring of turtles to AMITW and Fox, who continued as the group’s executive director, overseeing volunteers who track and monitor turtle activities on the shore.

PLeaSe, See honored, nexT PaGe

Former Bradenton Beach Mayor Katie Pierola fought efforts in the 1990s to keep the state DOT from building a megabridge to anna Maria Island. Islander File Photos

Willis Howard “Snooks” adams won the honor of Islander of the Year for 1996. He was a pioneer in law enforcement on aMI and the founder of what became Snooks adams Kids Day.

nanCy amBrose, 2000: Ambrose brought a passion for butterfl ies and butterfl y gardening to Holmes Beach in a garden at city hall.

Ambrose was later shamed with an arrest and plea agreement after she allegedly stole donations from the butterfl y charity and the park. The park underwent a makeover in recent years as host to the Veterans Memorial Marker.

Carolyne norwood, 2001: With so many people moving to our area daily from everywhere on the planet, our history was at risk of being lost in an avalanche of new faces, homes, businesses, things to do and see.

The keeper of the island’s history became Carolyne Norwood, who died in 2020. She set out on a quest to preserve our history and we think she was a champion at it, so much so that we selected her the Islander of the Year for 2001.

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, its museum and the preservation of the old jail and Belle Haven Cottage all are thanks to her vision.

Billie martini, 2002: Billie Martini was just our cup of tea. She exemplified the charm and character of the island.

Martini came to AMI in 1944, residing 16 years in Bradenton Beach before settling in Holmes Beach.

She held various jobs, including post office clerk, bookkeeper for the water company and teacher’s aide at AME. She retired and rose to president of the grassroots effort that became Save Anna Maria Inc.

She was elected to the Holmes Beach City Commission in 1993 for a two-year term, on the promise to be a voice for the people on the commission.

She sought recreational opportunities for residents, including a public swimming pool. Although that pursuit did not see reality — there is now a skate park, children’s gym and other amenities at the site adjacent to city hall.

Her finest achievement was the realization of the Grassy Point Preserve, fronting on Anna Maria Sound in the 3600 block of East Bay Drive (opposite Walgreens).

Another achievement to her credit is the play pavilion at AME. Martini envisioned the sheltered area and donated the funding to make it a reality.

ilona and Jeff KenriCK, 2003: Ilona and Jeff Kenrick were Islanders of the year for 2003.

The Holmes Beach couple led an anonymous foundation that gave international aid amounting to about

$1 million a year. The foundation’s mission was to “make contributions for religious, educational, charitable and scientific purposes.”

The Kenricks carried out the mission and created a local event that combined donations for a blood bank with a reward for blood donors, a cash payout to the blood donor’s choice of four island charities.

It was a win-win for everyone — although it no longer is held — and we thank them for their positive impact.

Jeff Croley, 2004: Jeff Croley of Holmes Beach symbolized all the good qualities we could ask for in a volunteer — and he symbolized for Anna Maria Island all the good folks who quietly went about doing anything and everything they could to aid those in need after Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne.

Croley, who worked a condo maintenance job on Longboat Key, took vacation days to drive with a cooler, cold drinks and a chain saw to the hurricane devastated areas in East Manatee, DeSoto and Charlotte counties, looking for folks who needed aid.

He came upon The Islander office early the first morning of his good Samaritan journey looking for a big cooler and some ice — and we were pleased to oblige.

It was rewarding for us to know and help a truly selfless human being and proud islander.

anna maria island priVateers, 2005: If there is a symbol for Anna Maria Island, it is the

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are loving the chilly weather. It puts them in the mood to head out on the dusty trail to their favorite thrifts and boutiques.

Cat’s Meow has 7,700 square feet of vintage, unique and repurposed items. You may want to lace up your skates, as this large vintage skating rink has plenty to offer bargain, antique, unique hunters. Plus, there’s a mancave and a cool clothing boutique. You don’t want to miss this vast collection of vendors.

Blue Flamingo is home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local

artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints.

Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to stay and visit — filled with collectibles and work by local artists. The store is at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie. It offers 30-plus vintage, upcycled, shabby chic and artsy vendors. You won’t be disappointed.

Scavengers Marketplace regrets the store in Holmes Beach closed. Please visit the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301, where a portion of your purchase benefits Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue — our favorite pet rescue group. Founder Lisa Williams leads the rescue efforts and also works at The Islander as office manager.

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints.

sword-wielding, cannon-firing, ship-riding krewe, the Anna Maria Island Privateers.

They do good year after year, but 2005 stood out for the extra efforts on behalf of one unfortunate boy.

It only took a phone call to bring the Privateers and their ship to greet a boy with a failing heart on a “wish” trip to the island. And it wasn’t just a greeting for little Tyler and his siblings and parents. They were treated to a tour aboard ship, escorted to dinner and made honorary Privateers.

It was a selfless and remarkable gesture that symbolized hope for Tyler and filled his heart with love for our island. The Privateers gave him many reasons to return — and hope.

The Privateers also came to the rescue with Hurricane Katrina relief, collecting needed items and transporting them to Tampa.

Next, the Privateers managed a memorial scholarship fund for an island teen killed in a car crash. The fund for Bridget Miller was a great addition to the many youth scholarships the Privateers award every year.

They hosted the annual Snooks Adams Kids Day, “thieves markets” in season, blood drives, Fourth of July and Christmas parades and many “captures” and visits to almost every event where their presence is requested.

They did all this and more — despite the death of their president, Greg “Shiprek” Davidson.

Dick Cline, who also died in 2005, aided him, working behind the scenes.

In spite of their losses, the Privateers continued to do great things.

The stated mission of the Anna Maria Island Pri-

10 to 5 Tues-Sat | 941.227.1936 4229 26th St. W. | Bradenton

Your place for fun, funky quirky!

Charles and Jo ann Lester came from Wisconsin, fell in love with the island and, along with it, the anna Maria Island Community Center — now the Center of anna Maria Island. Islander File Photo: Bonner Joy

Billie Martini was named Islander of the Year for 2002. She embodied what it means to be a civic leader, serving as an elected official, an activist and a philanthropist. Islander File Photo

PLeaSe, See honored, nexT PaGe

pete lannon, 2006: If there was one person who touched the fabric of life and brought out the best in the island community in 2006, it was Pete Lannon.

He went far beyond his calling as a Holmes Beach community resource officer to become a mentor for our children, a confidant for those in need and a friendly face that even island visitors came to know as they passed AME, where Lannon was a fixture as a crossing guard for more than five years.

He fought cancer and eventually lost.

He is still missed by many, but the anti-drug program he taught at AME and his ideals live on. His character traits are heralded at the entrance to the school, Lannon Way.

CHristine olson, 2007: Christine Olson’s 22-year-old daughter Tiffiany died in 2005 in a motorcycle crash, after which Olson sought to connect people in emergency situations with loved ones and family members who “need to know.”

The quest led her to our office and then-state Rep. Bill Galvano, who just retired as a state senator.

Galvano led Olson to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which allowed contact information in the existing Driver And Vehicle Information Database and law enforcement agencies to access information by “swiping” a driver’s license.

Registration was added to the DHSMV website in October 2006, and just like that, Tiffiany’s Initiative became reality.

There are now well more than a million registered Florida emergency contact participants.

We thank Olson for making a difference in the lives of many. For information or to register, visit the website at www.toinformfamiliesfirst.org.

FlOriDa inSTiTuTe FOr SalTWaTer heritaGe, 2008: Cheers to the organization that runs the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival and dedicates the proceeds to preserving the village, including the Burton store, the old schoolhouse and the 90-plus acre preserve that provides a buffer for the village from encroaching development.

rHea and ed CHiles, 2009: It was an honor for the island to be home to a first lady of Florida, Rhea Chiles, and to have her return after the death of Gov.

Lawton Chiles.

AMI embraced Rhea. Little did we know she would bring with her culture, education, arts and artists, and a sense of nature and the beauty around us — the Studio at Gulf and Pine.

Combined with the generosity and vision of son Ed Chiles, owner of a trio of landmark restaurants on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, we have a legacy for the future.

tHe Geyers, 2010: The Geyer family was our 2010 Islanders of the Year. You may have known Pat Geyer as mayor or commissioner and, for many years, islanders loved her as Miss Duffy.

Patricia A. Geyer, proprietress of Duffy’s Tavern, died May 1, 2010, at age 79, but she is remembered.

She served 18 years on the city commission and was elected mayor from 1990-94.

Her daughters — and now their families — contributed to community events, fundraisers and the family business. Geyer gave her family and the island a great gift of traditions.

Miss Duffy earned many accolades, but surely none pleased her more than the simple appreciation for her family, political service and burgers.

For those reasons, the Geyers were our choice for Islanders of the year 2010.

tHe priVateers, 2011: The Privateers are our only repeat winner.

They brought revelry and excitement during their 40th anniversary year under the leadership of Roger “Hoodat” Murphree. The captures at city halls were lifetime adventures for the city officials, some who

found themselves shackled to the mast on the Skullywag with ransom to be paid.

It was a very good year for the Privateers, a crew that proved worth its weight in gold — raising more than $40,000 for college scholarships — and continuing service and entertainment on the island.

Arrrrrgh! Here’s to 40-plus years of Privateers.

pam leCKie, 2012: On to 2012, and we came to recognize a crusade of sorts by one woman to fill the island pantry, the Roser Food Pantry.

The food pantry and its chair at the time, Pam Leckie, literally brought the pantry out of a church closet to a place of its own, where the pantry grew in its assistance to islanders.

In 2012, Leckie and other volunteers distributed almost 1,500 bags of staples and gift cards for fresh foods.

Leckie and her volunteers proved they are among the best of the best by coming to the aid with groceries for employees of the Rod & Reel Pier after a fire closed the Anna Maria restaurant.

Gene auBry, 2013: Former Anna Maria Commissioner Gene Aubry is a renaissance man, empowered with seemingly limitless knowledge, embracing a sort of great thinking.

He stepped up to serve the city — many times.

If you haven’t heard him play guitar, you may not recognize his range of talent. If you don’t know of his many architectural achievements, you might doubt this quiet man had reached such heights. If you don’t know of his art — the simple, fine lines and subtle colors that PLeaSe, See honored, nexT PaGe

Pat Geyer addresses an Islander election forum outside the newspaper office in Holmes Beach. Islander File Photos

In naming former anna Maria Commissioner Gene aubry its Islander of the Year for 2013, the newspaper described him as a renaissance man.

capture moments in time like no photograph could — you may not appreciate his refined taste.

He may no longer serve in city government, but he isn’t giving up. Surrender is not in his character.

Jeannie Bystrom, 2014: For 2014, we honored the effort of one woman — Jeannie Bystrom — to make a difference by not only saving seabirds day after day, freeing them from fishing line entanglement and other hazards encountered in their habitat, but more so for pushing for better education and regulations to protect wildlife and our valuable environmental assets.

Sabine Mu S il- b uehler, 2015: As we searched for the person who made a difference in our lives in 2015, we came to realize the value of lessons learned from the loss of Sabine Musil-Buehler and for the closure she provided from her final resting place on the beach.

We pledged to honor her memory with the final sunset of the year.

ernie Casali, 2016: In 2016, we recognized a grand figure in Moose International and at our local lodge in Bradenton Beach, Ernie Casali.

He made a difference for the lodge over the course of years as its manager and in the daily lives of people he helped — both through the Moose and through his own soft-hearted generosity.

You may never know who gave to a needy person or a cause, but it often was Ernie.

HurriCane irma responders, 2017: For 2017, we recognized the people who made a safe return to the island possible after the evacuation for Hurricane Irma.

We saw damage but not devastation from the storm, and our “hurricane heroes” kept order, soothed and swayed our fears and led us back home.

Vern mCGowin, 2018: And for 2018, serving among the heroes in law enforcement with grace, embracing our children in his duties at AME and always putting a caring manner behind the badge, there is Holmes Beach Police Sgt. Vern McGowin.

He was off to relish a much-deserved retirement and an adventure that put family first.

We celebrate Vern and wish him well.

w ildlife i n C . , e d and Gail strai GH t, 2019: Who you gonna call with a wildlife emergency?

Ask an animal-, bird-, wildlife-lover and the answer comes readily: Wildlife Inc.

Gail or Ed Straight are founders and directors of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc., based in their home in Bradenton Beach since 1987.

Ed Straight, president and former Bradenton Beach commissioner, a retired law enforcement officer, started rescuing animals in need as a hobby.

The Straights now manage thousands of rescued birds and animals yearly, from laughing gulls and owls to Key deer, otters, squirrels and many more, caring for their injuries or nursing them when they’re abandoned and returning them to the wild whenever possible.

Thanks to you, Gail and Ed, and to all the Islanders of the Year who came before you.

People step up to a ribbon of ribbons in February 2020 to take part in a COVID-19 memorial on the shore in anna Maria. For 2020, the Islander of the Year was “you” — the people who did their part through a pandemic. Islander File Photo: Connie Wolgast

honored FROM PaGe 18

In 2016, the paper honored a grand figure in Moose International — ernie Casali.

PLeaSe, See honored, nexT PaGe

: You were the Islander of the Year in 2020. You, the person who diligently wore your life-saving mask, repeatedly washed your hands and sanitized and, especially, respected other people’s need for personal space by social distancing for most of the past nine months in order to protect yourself and others, your family and the strangers you encounter, as you go about your essential business.

CorteZ BridGe Battlers Joe mCClasH, Jane Von HaHmann, linda molto and Joe Kane: For 2021, we honored the four who took the challenge to a high bridge on Cortez Road to the courts. They were four crusaders fighting for the preservation of the ambiance and historic character of Cortez and Anna Maria Island as they battled the Florida Department of Transportation’s proposed megabridge to replace the old 1957-built drawbridge connecting Bradenton Beach and the mainland at the fishing village. Their challenge was new. Their battle was decades’ old, as one of the newspaper’s earliest Islander of the Year honorees also battled a megabridge. Hats off to those four heroes.

Bradenton Beach commissioners established their liaison roles for 2023 at their Jan 5 meeting.

Here are the new appointments:

Bradenton Beach vice-mayor: Commissioner Marilyn Maro was nominated by Mayor John Chappie. Commissioner Jan Vosburgh seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

CRA chairman: Ralph Cole will continue to chair the community redevelopment agency. He was nominated by Vosburgh, whose motion was seconded by Chappie. The commission vote was unanimous.

CRA vice chairman: Chappie was nominated by Commissioner Jake Spooner. The motion was seconded by Vosburgh and passed unanimously

Other liaison positions:

• Manasota League of Cities: Chappie;

• Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVES: Chappie;

• Tingley Memorial Library: Maro;

• Bradenton Beach Area Merchants: Spooner;

• Annie Silver Community Center: Vosburgh;

• Center of Anna Maria Island: Cole;

• Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce: Vosburgh;

• Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird

Monitoring: Cole;

• Keep Manatee Beautiful: Chappie;

• Sarasota Bay Estuary Program: Chappie.

All commissioners serve as liaisons to the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center, Sarasota/Bradenton Metropolitan Planning Organization, Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Manatee Council of Governments and Manatee County Tourist Development Commission.

— Robert anderson

HB receives LDC review bids

The Holmes Beach Planning Commission’s upcoming review of the city’s land development code is getting closer to a startup.

Chad Minor, the city’s planning and zoning administrator, told planning commissioners Jan. 4 that the municipality had received two bids from “very qualifi ed” consulting fi rms to assist with the commission’s upcoming LDC review.

The city’s land development code provides specifi c regulations for zoning, development and land use. City planner Bill Brisson has said the LDC needs a “major rewrite” that could take at least a year to complete.

Minor said the city’s request for proposals went out to 725 firms, so to receive only two responses was “a little unfortunate.”

He said staff met Jan. 3 to discuss the two bids and recommend a selection for commission approval.

However, Minor said the matter remained under a cone of silence, so the bids and the recommendation could not be shared with the public.

Minor said the selection committee’s recommendation would be presented to city commissioners at their next meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

If they approve the recommendation, the next step will be to negotiate a contract with the bidder for final approval from the city commission.

“We’ve still got another step to go through,” Minor said.

The planning commission’s next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, at city hall.

— Ryan Paice

County reaps tourist tax bounty in November

By Lisa neff Islander editor

Gobble, gobble, gobble.

November 2022 tourist tax collections registered a 25.51% increase over the prior year.

The Manatee County Tax Collector’s office on Jan. 2 released November 2022 collection numbers for the county tourist tax, also known as the resort or bed tax — it’s the 5% tax collected on overnight rentals of six months or less.

The second month of the 2022-23 fiscal year — with a bustling Thanksgiving holiday on the beaches — showed $1,798,539.82 collected. In 2021-22, the same month’s collections totaled $1,432,990.77.

Holmes Beach topped collections on Anna Maria Island, generating $450,510.83, about 25.05% of the total.

Anna Maria accounted for about 7.2% of the collections, bringing in $129,530.05, and Bradenton Beach generated $78,117.23 or 4.34%.

Some other numbers for November: • Unincorporated Manatee County generated

County fair opens Jan. 12

The fair gates will open and the midway power up Jan. 12.

The Manatee County Fair will run Thursday, Jan. 12, through Sunday, Jan. 22, at the fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto.

Hours and admission prices vary for the fair, which this year follows the theme “What a Sight to See in 2023.”

The fair will feature 4-H livestock shows, musical performances, amusement rides and games, worship sessions, cheerleading and whip-popping competitions, a tribute to military veterans, doughnut-eating and corndog-eating contests and more.

For more information about the county fair, go online to www.manateecountyfair.com or call 941722-1639.

AMI TOURISM:

Endless Season

Tourist tax collections november 2018: $785,050 november 2019: $857,410 november 2020: $972,617 november 2021: $1,432,990 november 2022: $1,798,479

Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

$817,541 or 45,46%.

• Bradenton generated $174,901 or 9.72%;

• Longboat Key generated $142,809 or 7.94%;

• Palmetto generated $5,129 or 0.29%;

The collection fee or commission on the tax is 3%, so the net collection for the Manatee County Tourist Development Council in November was $1,744,583.53.

For 2021-22, the tax generated more than $28 million. This fiscal year, the tax collection could reach $30 million.

The tax dollars are not collected by the municipalities and do not go directly to the locales where tourists visited.

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council recommends how to spend the resort tax revenues to the county commission.

Under state law, the tax dollars must be used to boost and develop tourism, including tourism marketing and funding for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Bradenton Area Convention Center and tourism-related entities such as Realize Bradenton and the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as supporting projects, such as island beach renourishment and construction of the new Anna Maria City Pier.

Island and county elected officials have said a goal is to lobby the Florida Legislature to change how the tax dollars can be used.

The December 2022 numbers will be released in early February.

On the pier

Local musicians Trevor Bystrom on guitar and James Hershey on percussion, entertain Dec. 28, 2022, performing

Taj Mahal’s “Satisfied ’n Tickled Too” at the City Pier Grill on the T-end of the anna Maria City Pier, 101 n. Bay Blvd.

Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Bradenton woman arrested for DUI in Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Beach police Dec. 30, 2022, arrested Bradenton resident Jennifer Lynn Hufton, 58, for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

BBPD Officers Roy Joslin III and Devon Straight were dispatched to a report of an intoxicated driver in the 800 block of Gulf Drive North.

Straight located the vehicle and observed a woman who appeared passed out behind the wheel of the running car. Straight told the woman to place the vehicle in park and remove the keys from the ignition.

Joslin contacted the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which dispatched an MSCO deputy to test Hufton for impairment.

She was arrested and charged with DUI, which carries the possibility of a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, the loss of a driver’s license for six months and 50 hours of community service.

Hufton was released from jail after paying a $120 bond.

Her arraignment is set for 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

— Robert anderson

Escrap collection date set

Start gathering now.

Manatee County will collect household hazardous waste and electronics 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

People can dispose of solvents, paints, pesticides, oil, tanks, bulbs, mercury-containing devices, as well as pool chemicals.

Gasoline and some batteries also will be collected. Alkaline batteries, which can be disposed of with household garbage, will not be collected.

Electronics to be collected include TVs, computers, copiers, video and audio equipment and small household items, such as microwaves, hair dryers, irons, cellphones, cameras and battery chargers.

For more information, call Manatee County Solid Waste at 941-798-6761 or go online to www.mymanatee.org/escrap.

— Lisa neff

Island watch

In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-7088899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

Jan. 3 2000 block of Gulf Drive South, burglary. BBPD officers responded to a call concerning a break-in and theft of items from a lifeguard tower at Coquina Beach. Officers took photos and issued a case number for further investigation.

Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez

Dec. 30, 11000 block of Cortez Road West, burglary. MCSO deputies responded to the burglary of a storage unit. The complainant said someone stole more than $30,000 worth of belongings. The officer assigned a case number.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

Dec. 27, 2022, 200 block of Peacock Lane, motor vehicle accident. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department responded to reports that a woman was run over by her boyfriend. The officer found the woman, who said she fell while trying to exit her boyfriend’s vehicle upon returning home, then he’d driven over her. The woman’s injuries were consistent with a fall, not getting run over or struck by the vehicle, according to the police report. The officer spoke to

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• Holmes Beach contractor crews continue work near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives to include new amenities, resulting in marked detours and closures.

The traffic pattern the week ending Jan. 8: Northbound traffic is moving on Marina Drive. Southbound traffic is routed to Gulf Drive and, at Holmes Boulevard, utilizing 52nd Street.

The traffic patterns can change daily.

For the latest, check the city’s page on Facebook.

• The Manatee County utilities department is working on a force main project along Holmes Boulevard, which can result in some traffic delays and congestion.

For area road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511.

— Lisa Neff

the woman’s boyfriend, who said she fell. Emergency medical services arrived to check the woman’s injuries but determined they were superficial and did not require hospitalization. Neither of the parties told the officer they felt unsafe staying with each other. The officer provided both parties with case cards.

Dec. 28, 2022, 3300 block of East Bay Drive, warrant arrest/suspended license. An officer saw a motorist driving a vehicle without taillights and an expired tag, so he conducted a traffi c stop. The officer smelled marijuana and spoke with the driver, who began to give a fake name before giving his real name. The officer searched the vehicle and found no contraband but there was an arrest warrant for the driver, who also had a suspended license. The officer arrested the driver and issued a criminal traffic citation. The officer transported the man to the Manatee County jail.

Dec. 29, 2022, 100 block of 49th Street, disturbance. An officer responded to reports of a disturbance and found a woman who said she was in a verbal and physical altercation with a man with whom she’d been trying to end a relationship. The woman said the man grabbed her hair, pushed her to the ground and stepped on her before driving away. She said she wanted a restraining order but did not want to press charges against the man. An officer from the Longboat Key Police Department located the man’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The man said he had not hit the woman and that she had been hurt while getting out of his vehicle and falling earlier that day.

Dec. 30, 2022, 300 block of 56th Street, petit theft. A man called the HBPD to report that a traffic cone he’d purchased and placed in front of his house was missing. Two officers searched the area but didn’t find the cone.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

a new traffic pattern began the week ending Jan. 8 at Marina and Gulf drives in Holmes Beach. Islander

Photo: via Facebook

Coast Guard-Station Cortez rescues cruise passenger off AMI

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Crew members from U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez, 4530 124th St. Ct. W., Bradenton, medevaced a 43-year-old British national experiencing a cardiac event Jan. 1 from the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Serenade of the Seas, according to USCG spokesperson Erik Villa.

Villa told The Islander Jan. 5 that the man’s name

was not included on the USCG incident report.

According to the report, cruise ship staff were notified that the man was suffering chest pain around 5:30 p.m. and immediately contacted USCG Sector St. Petersburg.

USCG St. Pete then called USCG Cortez since it was closest to the cruise ship, which was about 17 miles offshore of Anna Maria Island.

USCG Cortez deployed a vessel with a rescue crew and transferred the man off the cruise ship around 8:30 p.m.

The medevac crew brought the man to the Coast Guard-Cortez station, where he was transferred into

the care of West Manatee Fire Rescue paramedics until Manatee County emergency medical services arrived.

WMFR Chief Ben Rigney told The Islander Jan. 5 that district paramedics had little involvement at the scene before Manatee County emergency medical services took over treatment upon arrival, in accordance with the 1986 U.S. Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act.

He said that, while deploying district paramedics to assist in cardiac events is procedure, EMS did not need assistance with treatment since the man was not in need of immediate care.

U.S. Coast Guard crew members transfer a 43-year-old British man experiencing a cardiac event Jan. 1 to West Manatee Fire Rescue paramedics and Manatee County emergency Medical Services for treatment and transportation to HCa Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.

a

crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez, 4530 124th St. Ct. W., Cortez, waits Jan. 1 as their vessel approaches a Royal Caribbean cruise ship — the Serenade of the Seas — to medevac a 43-year-old British man experiencing a cardiac event. Islander

Photos: Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard

By Lisa Neff

Fish farm permit lands in court

Did the big fish drop the hook?

Hawaii-based Ocean Era landed a long-sought permit in June 2022 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, advancing plans for an aquaculture project about 40 miles off the Manatee/Sarasota coast in the Gulf of Mexico.

But the permit faces at least two legal challenges from environmental groups that question whether the EPA gave the proposal the “hard look” required by federal law.

The proposal

Company:

The Velella Beta-test is the world’s first unanchored “drifter” fish pen. Ocean era says the Velella epsilon would continue “this pioneering tradition.” Islander

neff

Ocean Era, in its Velella Epsilon pilot project, proposes raising “a single cohort of fish in a small, demonstration net pen, to be located 40 miles offshore from Sarasota, in the Gulf of Mexico. This project is anticipated to be the first time that cultured fish are grown through to harvest size in Gulf waters.”

The net pen, with a feed barge stationed nearby, would be submerged under 40 feet of water, measure about 17 meters in diameter and hold about 20,000 almaco jack supplied from Mote Marine Laboratory’s research park.

The company needs the EPA National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit to release solid, industrial and biological waste into the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Think about it: 20,000 fish consuming 27,268 pounds of feed a month will produce a lot of waste.

Before the “harvest,” the fish will grow to about 4 pounds each — that’s about 80,000 pounds of fish piled

in a pen 56 feet in diameter and 22 feet in height.

The EPA, in awarding the permit, said pollution “may affect but not likely adversely affect” fish, marine mammals, reptiles and invertebrates and “any adverse effects that might occur … on marine and anadromous fishery resources would be minimal.”

But environmental groups throughout the permitting process challenged the EPA to look more closely at the plan are now plaintiffs in federal suits that raise questions about the federal review, as well as the risks associated with the fish farm.

Petitioners include Sierra Club, Food & Water Watch, Recirculating Farms Coalition, Healthy Gulf and Center for Food Safety and two groups with local

They seek a finding that the EPA failed to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and an order overturning the EPA ruling or an order requiring a harder review.

The firm representing the environmental groups, Eubanks & Associates, issued a statement, “The Velella Epsilon is the first fish farm in federal waters off the contiguous United States and is a pilot project expressly intended to demonstrate the feasibility of commercial offshore aquaculture and spur its further development in federal waters.

“Yet, in issuing the precedent-setting permit, the EPA failed to conduct a rigorous review of the environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of an offshore aquaculture facility.”

Ocean Era plans a short-term pilot project but it isn’t likely to be their last proposal for the Gulf coast.

The federal government has identified nine opportunity areas for aquaculture offshore of Texas, Louisiana and Florida, including sites off Collier, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.

reputations and credibility — Suncoast and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper.

Photo: Courtesy Rick Decker

Top 10 AMI sports names, stories for 2022 — racing into 2023

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

It was another great year of sports on the island and for islanders.

Cassidy

I want to thank contributors: Rusty Wood, Chris Culhane, Tyler Brewer and Tuna McCracken for help with sports stories from the Center of Anna Maria Island; Tom Nelson from Key Royale Club and Jay Disbrow from the AMI Horseshoe Pitchers.

A look back at the year in sports:

No. 1: Mickey Hooke, 62, a former islander and longtime employee of Galati Marine, ran away with the sports story of the year. Hooke competed in three events that found their way into the paper.

We reported in the May 10 issue that Hooke finished third in the eighth annual Judd Jog 5K April 30 at the Polk County Sheriff’s headquarters in Winter Haven. Hooke finished with a time of 20:51, his fastest time in over two years. He shattered the previous Senior Grandmasters (60 and over) record by one minute and 49 seconds.

Hooke’s time was good enough for him to win the Grandmasters division (50 and over).

Hooke was back in The Islander’s Sept. 27 issue for a strong performance in the Chad Chronister Ultimate Run Sept. 17 in Temple Terrace.

He ran the 10K and finished with a time of 46:56, giving him third-place overall and first-place in the Male Masters division. His time also set a Senior Grandmasters record (60+), which was Hooke’s 314th record since 2000.

Hooke finished the year strong when he competed in the 29th Annual Ride and Run with the Stars hosted by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Dec. 3 at Fort Desoto.

Hooke finished first overall with a time of 20:04, setting four course records. He owns the course record, Masters, Grandmasters and Senior Grandmasters records.

Congratulations!

No 2.: Former Islander Izzi Gomez tackled big goals. The Jan. 11 issue featured former islander Izzy Gomez’s transition from stand-up paddleboard surfing to big wave surfing. Gomez was a five-time SUP champion so the move was dramatic.

Gomez, granddaughter of West Coast Surf Shop owners Roni and Jim Brady and daughter of Brandi Brady and Raul Gomez, explained the decision: “I felt like there was a lack of competition and the sport had started to plateau so that played a big part in my decision to strive for something bigger and more challenging.”

Gomez said traditional surfing was in her heart. However, she wasn’t just getting into traditional surf-

ing. Gomez was pursuing a career in big wave surfing, where the surfer gets pulled into the wave by someone driving a Jet-ski and then they’re at the mercy of the wave.

Gomez said, “When you’re in the water at a big wave spot, there’s just so much energy moving around so you just have to surrender to that.

No. 3. Holmes Beach’s surf camp produced lots of rides and fun. The Aug. 2 issue featured the West Coast Surf Shop’s summer youth surf camps, held over three weeks near the shop and south of the Manatee County Public Beach.

Some familiar faces ran the camp, starting with Brandi Brady, daughter of shop owners, along with instructor Charlene Belsito.

A host of young instructors also contributed their expertise, some gleaned as participants in the camps in past years.

About 25-30 kids took part in each camp and everyone from the instructors to the kids had a blast! No 4. Youth champs were crowned in soccer. Youth soccer at center had successful spring and fall

seasons.

The spring league ended in May with semifinal and championship games in the 8-10 and 11-14 divisions.

The 8-10 championship game was a back-andforth affair that saw The Gitt Team prevail 3-2 thanks to a hat trick from Callin Westfall and five saves from Kason Davis.

The 11-14 championship saw Moss Builders live up to their No. 1 seed with a 4-2 victory over Shady Lady behind four goals from Jack Mattick and five saves from Charlie Serra.

Champs crowned in the 10 and under and 14 and under age divisions in fall youth soccer appeared in the Nov. 22 issue.

Top-seeded LaPensee Plumbing edged No. 4 seed Solid Rock Construction 3-2 to win the 10U championship. LaPensee received a goal apiece from TJ Hagey, Preston LaPensee and Luca Rosenkrans while Owen Mahoney made three saves.

The 14U division championship game saw No. 2 seed Progressive Cabinetry defeat No. 1 seed HSH Designs 2-1. Mary Tess Bolognone and Mason Moss scored a goal apiece to lead Progressive Cabinetry, which also received two saves from goalie Charlie Serra.

No 5.: Adult champs were crowned in flag football. The March 22 issue featured St. Patrick’s championship night at the center with semifinal and championship games in the adult flag football.

We The Best Lenders cruised to a 32-12 victory over Moss Builders in the championship game. Dominick Otteni threw for four touchdowns and added a touchdown reception while Brandon Kull finished with five catches including two for touchdowns. Jaret Rojas finished with a touchdown pass, a touchdown catch and an extra point for We The Best Lenders, which also received five catches and an extra point from Tyler Brewer in the victory.

No. 6: Two champs were crowned in youth football. The March 15 issue featured championship night in youth flag football at the center.

Though the championship game lacked the drama of two semifinal games, it was a competitive game that saw Moss Builders outscore Solid Rock Construction 27-15.

Moss Builders was led by the Mason Moss to Austin Guess connection, which produced three touchdowns on the day. Moss also hit Turner Worth for a touchdown and an extra point while Miles Moss finished with two extra points in the victory.

The 11-13 division championship game saw Moss Builders hold on for a 27-25 victory thanks in part to the Mason Moss to Greg Jordan connection, which produced three touchdowns from Jordan who also added a two-point conversion and an extra point. Mason Moss completed the scoring with a touchdown run in the victory.

No. 7: Champions were crowned in adult soccer. The adult coed soccer league at the center had a fun season in the spring and fall.

The spring season saw Moss Builders capture the adult title May 25 by defeating Salty Printing. The championship match was a clash of goalies and defense as Moss Builders and Salty Printing battled to a 0-0 tie through regulation and five minutes of extra time.

The fall adult soccer season ended Dec. 8 when No. 5 seed Gulfview Windows & Doors continued their run of upset victories, scoring a 4-3 victory over No. 2 seed Sato Real Estate.

No. 8.: Competition continued at the pits.

It was a good year of friendly competition at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits where the AMI Pitchers played twice-weekly games.

Some of the more notable events were highlighted in the March 1 issue, as the pitchers hosted a crew from

Mickey Hooke poses with his first-place medals after winning the 29th annual Ride and Run with the Stars 5K run at Fort Desoto. Islander Photo: Courtesy Kathy Johnson

PLeaSe, See sports, nexT PaGe

Izzi Gomez drops in on a 30-foot wave at Pe’ahi, Maui’s biggest surfing break. Islander Photo: Courtesy Fred Pompermayer

Trailer Estates in Bradenton to renew their friendly rivalry.

AMI cruised to a 21 games to 7 games victory.

In looking back at the year that was at the pits, the pitchers do compete.

With weekly blind draws, you never know who will be partnered but, if you drew Tom Farrington or Tim Sofran, you had a pretty good chance of winning.

Farrington was the big winner on the year, being a part of 23 victories for the year, just ahead of Sofran, who garnered 19 victories. Bob Heiger had 14 victories and Steve Doyle and Rod Bussey with 11 victories apiece.

No. 9. Play continued at Holmes Beach’s Key Royale Club.

It was another good year at golf club, with several special events in addition to weekly outings.

The Feb. 15 issue highlighted the annual men’s club championship tournament in a 36-hole, scratch format.

Eric Lawson defended his 2021 championship, carding a 1-over-par 129 to earn his second club championship. Second place went to Steve Pfeil at 13-overpar 141.

The March 1 issue featured a four-ball, match play tournament with 24 two-man teams divided into four flights that concluded with the finals

The team of Herb Clauhs and Steve Pfeil earned a dramatic, come-from-behind victory over Mike Gillie and Al Waal to win the championship. Down two holes with three holes left in the match, Clauhs and Pfeil rallied for a one-up victory.

The women were in the March 15 issue for their three-week, single-elimination match-play tournament to determine the 2022 Ladies Club Champion.

The final came down to the defending champion, Debbie Wohlers playing Jenny Huibers. Huibers rode an eagle on the sixth hole to help her earn a 2-and-1 victory.

The senior club men’s championship was highlighted in the March 29 issue as 23 (75+) male members of Key Royale Club played 18 holes of golf to determine the 2022 club champ. Bill MacMillan fired a 2-under-par 62 to edge second-place finisher Blake Ress by a stroke.

The women were back in the April 19 issue for their annual Doe Day event — “Queens of the Greens.”

Fifty “Queens” participated in the event, where participants played a two-team low-net score. The team of Roxanne Koche and Kathy McCloskey combined on a 7-under-par 25 to edge Helen Pollock and

Meredith Slavin by a stroke for clubhouse bragging rights.

Dressed in their best Halloween costumes, 54 golfers enjoyed beautiful weather at Key Royale Club for the annual SpooKEY Scramble Oct. 28.

The team of Karen and Cliff Lanning and Brenda and Bob O’Brien combined on a 71 to take first place.

No. 10. Champs were crowned in indoor soccer. Championship games in the center’s summer indoor soccer league highlighted the July 26 issue.

Solid Rock Construction captured the U9 division

Shooting for 3 points

championship while Progressive Cabinetry won the U13 division championship.

The U9 championship game saw Solid Rock Construction edge Ugly Grouper by a 4-2 score thanks to a hat trick from Aidan Guess and a goal from Matthew Darak. Turner Worth added an assist in the victory for Solid Rock.

The U13 championship game was a nail-biter that saw Progressive Cabinetry complete an undefeated season with a 4-3 victory over Moss Builders. Barrett Raina led Progressive Cabinetry with three goals while Jackson Wyatt finished with one goal.

Registration open for 5K

The third annual Big Bill Big 5K will be run Jan. 21 in Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton.

The Saturday race will get underway at 8 a.m. to benefit the Big Bill Foundation, created to memorialize Bradenton native and Fit2Run stores cofounder Bill Robinson, who died in 2020 and for whom the preserve is named.

The foundation provides scholarships to survivors of childhood cancer.

Fit2Time is organizing the race.

For more information, go online to fit2run.com or call the Bradenton store at 941-216-6903.

Hey, baseball fans

Pull out the scrapbooks and gather up the recollections because two milestone anniversaries are on the calendar in 2023.

When the Pittsburgh Pirates return in February for spring training, they’ll be marking their 55th season in Bradenton.

Also, the 2023 season will mark the 100th year of professional baseball in Bradenton, which began with play by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1923.

Islanders know Major League Baseball’s local impression hasn’t been limited to the friendly confines of the ballpark at 1611 Ninth St. W.

Want to share your memories of Major Leaguers and their presence on the island?

Email news@islander.org. Please, include a name, contact number and email address.

Participants and instructors in the July 11-15 West Coast Surf Shop surf camp pose at the conclusion of the camp. Islander Photo: Courtesy Kaitlin Kee

Colin Pippel, 13, lets it fly from the 3-point line Dec. 28 while playing a game of HORSe with his grandfather, Holmes Beach resident Larry Pippel, at the hoop outside CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Fishing around Anna Maria Island is requiring strategy as anglers flee the wind and areas of water affected by red tide.

With back-to-back cold fronts blowing strong winds and rain through the area, fishing is challenging. While temperatures aren’t dropping much, the other factors make it difficult to get out on the water. And

with patches of red tide sweeping through our waters, finding the window of when and where to go fishing is difficult.

Many anglers are venturing into the Gulf of Mexico on days when the seas are calm and winds minimal. Getting out past the reaches of red tide provides good results when targeting migratory and bottom species.

On windier days, the key is to find areas both sheltered and free of red tide. Fishing residential canals is producing action on a variety of species, including redfish, sheepshead, snook and black drum. All are responding to live shrimp as bait.

Some areas of open water on the flats are holding fish — as long as the areas have not been exposed to red tide. Spotted seatrout are the most apparent species and are responding to artificials like soft plastics on a jig head.

To sum things up, Anna Maria Island anglers have their work cut out for the days to come. Finding clean water is key and picking days when the weather permits being on the water is also a factor. Lastly, you have to find the fish.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m finding myself venturing into the Gulf of Mexico between fronts.

Finding clean water —free of red tide — is crucial to catching fish and the nearshore ledges and reefs are producing action for my clients on sheepshead, snapper, hogfish, porgies and Key West grunts. Live shrimp on a knocker rig is resulting in plenty of action.

By Lisa neff

Red tide bloom lingers

In Southwest Florida the week ending Jan. 8, the red tide organism K. brevis was observed at background to medium concentrations in Manatee and Sarasota counties, low to medium concentrations in Pinellas County, background concentrations in Charlotte and Lee counties and background to low concentrations in and offshore of Collier County.

Reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received from Manatee County. There also were reports of respiratory irritation from the county, including from AMI.

For more information, go online to myfwc.com.

On windier days, working out of the wind in sheltered canals works well for redfish, spotted seatrout and black drum, with sheepshead mixed in.

Finally, jigging the flats and passes with shrimptipped jigs is leading to pompano.

Capt. Warren Girle is catching a variety of species while working canals and docks throughout Sarasota Bay. Casting live shrimp on a small knocker rig under docks and along seawalls is yielding his clients plenty of redfish, black drum, sheepshead and mangrove snapper. Some snook, as well as a few slot-sized spotted seatrout, are being caught in the canals. To target these fish, Girle is removing the weight from the rig and free-lining the shrimp.

On days when fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is attainable, Girle has his clients working the reefs and ledges with live shrimp. In these areas, sheepshead are the most prevalent and mangrove snapper are mixed in. Hogfish, triggerfish and porgies as well as plenty of juvenile grouper are being caught at the deeper ledges.

Capt. Jason Stock is targeting large amberjack while running offshore into the Gulf. The jacks — some reaching 90 pounds — are being caught on live and artificial baits. Stock reports pinfish are working

Family members andy Bouchard, left, Jeff Daniel, Garrett Daniel and kids everett Bouchard, Oakley Daniel and Wyatt Bouchard, all from Michigan and Longboat Key, fished inshore using shrimp for their catch. They take home a dinner of sheeps and reds. They were guided to the fish by Capt. Warren Girle.

well. As for artificials, a combination of surface plugs or lipped plugs is producing action. While trolling, Stock is putting clients on action on kingfish, blackfin tuna and bonito.

Lastly, Stock reminds us that red grouper and lane snapper are in season, which will provide some worthwhile bottom fishing in the weeks to come.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishing at the north end is slower than normal although that can change in a day if conditions are favorable. As of now, pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are finding sheepshead and black drum to be cooperative, and the occasional redfish is taking a hook, says Malfese.

Capt. David White is fishing nearshore with live shrimp as bait, casting along sandy beaches adjacent to passes or in the Gulf of Mexico and the effort is leading to a mixed bag of species, but black drum and sheepshead are being caught with some frequency.

Pompano are also present, although they can be elusive at times. Large redfish are readily taking live shrimp offerings when fishing the proper tides.

Finally, a mix of ladyfish and jack crevalle can be found on any given day — if you can beat the wind.

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

Izzy Stasny shows off the hogfish she caught on a shrimp while fishing ledges in the Gulf of Mexico Jan. 2 with her dad, reporter and guide, Capt. Danny Stasny of Just Reel Fishing Charters.

Stasny

TideWatch

ITEMS FOR SALE

CHanDeLIer meTaL LIKe-new, $20, chairs, black, soft cushion $15/each and office chair, white, $15. 941-920-2494.SIDe TaBLeS: BroWn with glass top. 2/$25. 941-9202494.

anTIQUe ParTner DeSK: all wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

anTIQUe offICe CHaIrS: Perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from anna maria City Hall. Inquire at The Islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

VICTorIan BaBY CarrIage: Wood/wicker, great photo or theater prop. Benefits moonracer animal rescue. for photos: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. free, one week, must be submitted online. email classifieds@islander. org , fax toll-free 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

ESTATE SALES

THIS IS noT YoUr typical grandmother’s estate sale: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. friday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, noon-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15. 614 and 616 Baronet Lane, Holmes Beach. Two unique homes with large group of asian and african artifacts. new guinea, Tibet, China, Peru, morocco and more. Chinese screens, items from Sea Hagg and ginny’s and Jane e’s. mosaic furniture and yard art, tables, glass, stepping stones, etc. fiestaware, Vitamix, gladiola vases, craft beads and supplies, tools, rock tumblers, glass kiln (used once), birthing stool and chair of life 101, Tibetan altar table, Three Indonesian round marbletop tables, vintage Chinese campaign chair, two Corbusier leather chairs, 20-30 legal bookcases, tropical furniture, two paddle boards (one repaired), three kayaks, one brand new, 11-foot “ocean Kayak” one-two persons, one is “ocean Kayak” one person, one is new “ocean Kayak” green; two yak boards, 16-foot 1980s Sunfish sailboat, Water Wheeler electric paddle boat and canopy, trolling motor replaced, 2021 Star golf and lots more! Pix: www.estatesales.net, Sale by Julie mcClure.

LOST & FOUND

foUnD: SmaLL Drone. Landed on dock near 68th Street, Holmes Beach on Christmas Day. Please call 941-737-0342 to identify.

PETS

HeLP reSCUeD PeTS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! moonracer animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

HELP WANTED Continued

noW HIrIng HanDYman: full-time professional services. $15 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.

rePorTer WanTeD: full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

neeD an aDULT night out? Call maty’s Babysitting Services. I’m 16, love kids and have lots of experience. references upon request. 618-977-9630.

KIDS for HIre ads are free for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

HEALTH CARE

PrIVaTe DUTY: 25 YearS of experience. The abilities and skills for any medical position. Please, contact 941-567-8499.

SERVICES

IS YoUr Home or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.

CLeanIng: VaCaTIon, ConSTrUCTIon, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PreSSUre WaSHIng, PaVer sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed, insured. 941-565-3931.

BICYCLe rePaIrS: Just4fun at 5358 gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

Bella is an 8-year-old mixed-breed lovebug! She’s neutered and has all vaccinations — ready to meet her new family! Call Lisa Williams at 941-3452441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach. And for more about pet adoption, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

TRANSPORTATION

goLf CarT renTaLS: fun for residents and tourists! www.golfCartrentalamI.com.

2001 SaTUrn LW-30 wagon. 126,300 miles. new tires, lifts, air conditioning. $2,350 or best offer. 941-778-4590, 7 a.m-7 p.m.

2003 HonDa oDYSSeY van: $1,995. Pines Trailer Court. Call Larry, 402-223-8068.

BOATS & BOATING

HaVe a BoaT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.

SUnCoaST BoTTom PaInTIng: Professional bottom painting. mobile. Call 941704-9382.

HELP WANTED

WanTeD: WaIT STaff: $12 an hour plus guarantee of at least $150 per shift. great food and drinks. apply at Doctor’s offi ce, 941-213-9926.

WanTeD: BarmaIDS, BarTenDerS apply within. american Legion, 2000 75th St. W., Bradenton. 941-794-3489.

more ads = more readers in The Islander.

ComPanIon/HomemaKer: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. references available and licensed. Call Sherri, 941-592-4969.

aPI’S DrYWaLL rePaIr: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

HanDYman or CLeanIng services: affordable rates. fred, 941-356-1456.

ProfeSSIonaL WInDoW CLeanIng: residential, commercial, free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-852-6163.

marK SCaPeroTTa PreSSUre washing: Houses, roofs, pool cages, decks, docks, driveways mobile homes … anything. Sarasota and manatee County since 2004. 941544-1066. www.markscaperottapressurewashing.com

HangIn’ on amI: We hang artwork, mirrors, TVs, etc. furniture assembly, island lightscapes and security, landscape lighting and home security installation. Quality service by island residents. free quotes. 941-720-3126. hanginonami@gmail.com

BUSIneSS-To-BUSIneSS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

LAWN & GARDEN

ConnIe’S LanDSCaPIng InC. residential and commercial. full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

BarneS LaWn anD Landscape LLC. Design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-705-1444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

CoLLInS LanDSCaPe LIgHTIng: outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. mJC24373@ gmail.com.

SearaY SPrInKLer SerVICeS. repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. 941-920-0775.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Van-go PaInTIng residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

TILe -TILe -TILe. all variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call neil, 941-726-3077.

grIffIn’S Home ImProVemenTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

BLInDS, SHUTTerS, SHaDeS: motorization. 30 years on amI. Call Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.

ISLanD HanDYman: I live here, work here, value your referral. refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. references. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

HanDYman anD PaInTIng. no job too small. most jobs just right. Call richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

SCreenIng SerVICeS: replace your old or ripped window, door or porch screens. many screen types available. retired veteran here to serve our community! free estimates, call Lane, 941-705-5293.

CaLL HYDro CLean. full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

LooKIng for an earLY BIrD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. and it’s free!

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

SaraSoTa InTerIor PaInTIng: We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! owner operated. fully insured/ licensed. call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Instagram: SarasotaInteriorPainting.

DonaLD PerKInS’ aBraCaDaBra Painting LLC. Interior/exterior. 30 years of experience. 941-705-7096.

RENTALS

anna marIa gULf beachfront vacation rentals. one- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

SmaLL eXeCUTIVe offICe available. approximately 550 sf. gulf Drive exposure. Water and electric included, $850/month. $500 deposit. 5386 gulf Drive, Suite 101, Holmes Beach. 941-746-8666.

anna marIa 2Br/2Ba. minimum six-month rental. Just over the bridge, beautiful community of the highly sought-after gated Perico Bay Club. furnished villa with garage, includes water, WIfI, Spectrum, pest control, trash, and lawn care. no pets/no smoking. available april 1. $3,000/month, plus electric. 310-971-7210. VrBo 9422180ha.

SeaSonaL: 4Br/2Ba, pool, large sunroom, garage, laundry, $10,000/month. Walk to beach or cross street to beach. 3Br/2Ba sunroom, porch, garage, washer and dryer. $12,000/month. Call 347-510-8417.

aVaILaBILITY Jan. 1 to Jan. 31, 2023. 3Br/2Ba single-level home located on the canal in the city of anna maria. $4,500 plus taxes and fees. Call anna maria realty Inc., 941-778-2259.

3Br/2Ba gULf VIeW! annual, furnished, elevated Island house, Bradenton Beach. minimum six months, $3,500/month. first, last, security deposit, $1,500. no pets. Send detailed household information to LHB747@ gmail.com or 941-778-1098.

SeaSonaL renTaL: 3Br and 4Br/2Ba, sunroom, swimming pool garage, laundry. $9,000/month. Call 347-510-7417.

2Br/2Ba ConDomInIUm aCroSS street from Holmes Beach, pool, hot tub, garage. available Jan. 28- feb.18. $1,800. 901-3311845.

RENTALS Continued

4Br/2Ba: PooL, SUnroom, garage, laundry. good

to bay and beach, near restaurant, grocery. Call or text, 703587-4675.

PerICo ISLanD PaTIo home for rent. 3Br/2Ba. two-car garage, fully renovated. 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/gate, two miles to amI. #bluerockingchair instagram/ fb. 859-771-6423.

REAL ESTATE

WInnIe mCHaLe, reaLTor, 941-5046146. rosebay International realty Inc. You need an aggressive and experienced realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - making Dreams Come True.”

Check us out! islander.org.

Wednesday, Jan. 11

Noon — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce ribboncutting celebration, Tahini Beach Cafe, 103 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Info: 941-778-1541.

Thursday, Jan. 12

11:30 a.m., AMI Chamber luncheon, Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay, 1414 69th Ave. W., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-1541.

5:30 p.m. — AMI Chamber ribbon-cutting, Anna Maria Mortgages, TBD. Info: 863-244-7745.

SAVE THE DATE

Jan. 24, 5:30 p.m., AMI Chamber ribbon-cutting, Monetti Apparel, Bradenton Beach. Info: 941-743-3947.

Jan. 26, 5 p.m., AMI Chamber Trolley Grant Awards, Seafood Shack, Cortez. Info: 941-778-1541.

Fees generally apply and reservations are required.

MarketWatch

Anna Maria

Median listing: $3.7 million, up 48.1% year over year. Median sold: $2.2 million.

Listings: 60 properties, $699,000-$12.8 million.

Bradenton Beach

Median listing: $679,000, down 24.5% year over year. Median sold: $1.2 million.

Listings: 38 properties, $295,000-$8.5 million.

Holmes Beach

Median listing: $1.7 million, up 28.6% year over year. Median sold: $977,000.

Listings: 96 properties, $250,000-$10 million. Source: realtor.com

PropertyWatch

Chamber to lunch by bay

Time for mingling over a meal.

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay, 1414 69th Ave. W., Bradenton.

The menu offerings include soup, salad, crabcakes, grilled chicken, dessert and beverages.

The cost to attend is $18 for members and $30 for guests.

Reservations are required.

By Carol Bernard

Island real estate sales

No sales reported for this week.

For more information, call the chamber at 941778-1541.

TOO

turnkey furnishings. Great backyard with tropical landscaping and beautiful heated pool. Plenty of parking. $1,950,000

By Lisa neff

Secret Life of Bees,’’ e.g.?

App developer’s target

Place of worship

Cat breed with a shabby-sounding name

Reserved, as seats

One might have three parts, with or without its last letter

Hundred Acre Wood resident who sometimes falls into mouse holes while practicing jumping

Issued an edict, say

Film role played by a terrier named Terry

Animal whose name comes from the Narragansett word for ‘‘twig-eater’’

Actress Aniston, familiarly

I, to Claudius