The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME

AUG. 18, 2021 Free

NO. 42

The Best news on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

COVID spikes, govs ramp up

Astheworldterns. 6 FISH casts for support in bridge battle. 2

Q&A 081821

islander.org

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Anna Maria to host vaccine pop-up. 4

Some local governments are ramping up COVID-19 countermeasures again as the number of confirmed cases crescendo, marking the largest wave yet in the state. Manatee County closed its six public libraries Aug. 12-22 in an effort to quash an outbreak that began at its downtown Central Library, according to administrator Scott Hopes during an Aug. 13 news conference. Hopes said the outbreak began the week beginning Aug. 9 with six confirmed cases and had resulted in 17 additional cases by the news conference. “The source may have been an IT worker in neighborhood services, which goes to all of our libraries,” Hopes said. “To ensure that our libraries were not going to be a source of COVID infections to the public, those libraries will be closed for approximately 10 days, allowing us to determine that we have cleared the outbreak in the library system.”

Anna Maria eyes increased spending. 5

Meetings. 4 Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

election qualifying begins. 8

Save the date. 10

Happenings Community activities. 11

TuRn To Covid, PAge 4

School district reinstates CoVId protocols. 13 Where’s Tuna Street.

14-15

Gathering. 16 Obituaries. 16 Streetlife. 17 Anna Maria greenlights Bayfest. 17

NESTING NOTES. 18 disorientations equal losses.

Red tide resources. 19 Beach Bums take soccer crown. 20 go north for clear water, fishing success. 21

TideWatch. 21 ISL BIZ: up, down, ’round AMI. 22 CLASSIFIEDS. 24

PropertyWatch. 26

NYT puzzle. 27

Bridge Battle By Kane Kaiman

AME is back ... Back on the bus, back on campus! Bus attendant Susan nye, left, and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, right, help Anna Maria elementary School students off their bus Aug. 10 for the first day of the 2021-22 school year. The day marked the first day of the school year for 64 Manatee County schools, which welcomed back 50,953 students, 6,631 employees, as well as 3,595 teachers and paraprofessionals. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

That’s all folks! Marilia Clark of Holmes Beach captured this eye-catching image of a “perched ﬂamingo” in her hometown July 2. The photographer is the winner of the final week of the The Islander’s 2021 Top notch photo contest and a “Morethan-a-mullet wrapper” T-shirt, as well as entry into the finals, which offers a grand prize of $100 from The Islander and gift certificates from Islander advertisers. Look to the Aug. 25 issue for the announcement of our grand-prize winner. And then, honorable mentions and the winner of the pet photo contest.

Top Notch Week 6 finale: In the pink

Mediation next milestone in Cortez Bridge battle By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Will the DOT settle down? Legal representation for a group of five complainants — including the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, a Cortez nonprofit — and the Florida Department of Transportation will meet with mediator Stephen Tabano, a Tampa attorney, Aug. 25 to attempt to resolve a legal dispute related to the size of a replacement for the Cortez Bridge. FISH joined the suit Aug. 13 with four complainants, former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash, former County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann — a Cortez resident and FISH treasurer — and Cortez residents Linda Molto and Joe Kane, to challenge the DOT’s decision to replace the 17-foot-clearance Cortez drawbridge with a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span structure in 2026-27. The anti-megabridge coalition advocates for the construction of a 35-foot-clearance

TuRn To bridge, PAge 3

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FISH casts for support at anti-megabridge meeting

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

They’re hoping to reel in a monster. More than 30 people gathered Aug. 12 at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez to hear an anti-megabridge presentation from former Manatee County Commissioners Jane von Hahmann and Joe McClash. Attendees were greeted at the door by a TV screen showing a Florida Department of Transportation YouTube animated video depicting the 65-foot-clearance fixed-span replacement Cortez Bridge the agency plans to build in 2026-27. Von Hahmann, a Cortez resident, and McClash are the leading forces behind a group of five complainants challenging the Florida Department of Transportation’s 2019 decision to replace the 17-foot-clearance Cortez drawbridge with the high bridge. The core group — which also includes Cortez residents Joe Kane and Linda Molto— lodged their initial complaint in federal court in March 2019 and are gearing up for an Aug. 25 mediation conference with the DOT. The Cortez nonprofit Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage joined the complainants Aug. 2. They are advocating a 35-foot-clearance replacement bridge. If the DOT refuses to compromise on the size of the bridge at mediation, the matter could be settled by a federal magistrate in October. Von Hahmann, treasurer of FISH, kicked off the presentation, telling the audience that the approximately 130-year-old fishing village of Cortez — listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1995 — is in yet another fight to preserve its heritage. She juxtaposed images on a screen of the 65-footclearance Tierra Verde replacement bridge — which connects the island communities of Tierra Verde and Isla del Sol in Pinellas County and opened to traffic in February — and the 27-foot-clearance John’s Pass drawbridge in Madeira Beach, completed in 2010.

Former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash addresses attendees at an Aug. 12 anti-megabridge informational meeting arranged by FISH at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

Von Hahmann then cited DOT public comment data gathered between 2013-17 that indicated approximately 70% of all respondents to agency questions about bridge replacement favored rehabilitating the current drawbridge or building a mid-level bridge. She wrapped up her presentation with images of the retaining walls for the proposed bridge — about 20-feet-high at their peak in Cortez. McClash spoke about the status of the lawsuit and the strength of the complainants’ case. When the DOT greenlighted the high bridge over the mid-level bridge, they did so under outdated legal conditions and failed to choose the structure that least impacts the floodplain, he said. McClash estimated that the megabridge fighters’ chances of winning the lawsuit are 50% or better. A discussion followed the presentation. Gloria Weir, a board member of the Cortez Park homeowners association, described the impact the high bridge would have on the mobile home community. The park overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and the Cortez Bridge.

If the megabridge is built, the park would lose two access points — including its main entrance off Cortez Road — and income-generating RV sites, Weir said. The park leases Tide Tables restaurant to Bobby Woodson and Karen Bell, and the high bridge could strain the arrangement, she said. Flamingo Cay resident Barb Stubbers thanked the complainants for spearheading the effort — which drew a round of applause — and asked what could be done to help. McClash encouraged people to donate to the complainants’ legal fund by visiting the “Stop the Mega Bridge from devastating Cortez” page on gofundme. com and to write letters to DOT District 1 Secretary L.K. Nandam and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Bridge-fighter Joe Kane made the final comment, saying he was hopeful about the outcome of the case. “I’m hopelessly optimistic that we can do it. The crazier it gets, the easier it gets, and the 65-foot bridge is an absurdity,” he said.

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bridge continued from page 1

drawbridge and will be represented at mediation by Matthew Farmer, a criminal defense and plaintiff’s rights attorney based in Tampa. According to McClash, the dispute hinges on whether the DOT followed federal guidelines during the bridge selection process. During mediation, Tabano will assess the strength of each side’s case and make recommendations about how the issue can be resolved before the final phase of the lawsuit — summary judgment, in which a federal magistrate will have the final say. At a Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting Aug. 5, McClash outlined two “major winning points” the anti-megabridge coalition uncovered while reviewing the administrative record — a document detailing how the DOT came to its decision to build the high bridge. First, the DOT approved the bridge in 2019 under a “type 2 categorical exclusion” one year after the legal conditions under which the exclusion could be used were changed. He said the DOT broke the law by using the exclusion even though the high bridge would require a bridge permit, encroach into the floodplain, require changes in access control and necessitate more than a minor amount of right-of-way acquisition. “If you have a smoking gun, or a straw that breaks the camel’s back, this might be the issue,” McClash said. McClash’s other “major winning point” was the DOT’s decision to build the high bridge, which would impact the floodplain, despite having the option to build the 35-foot bridge, which would not impact the floodplain. According to McClash, the DOT was required to choose the option that least impacts the floodplain. “It doesn’t take a whole lot of common sense to figure out that if you put a new ramp with a wall 20 feet high in the middle of Cortez, 300 feet into it, impacting the floodplain, it’s not the alternative that has the least impact,” he said.

McClash told The Islander Aug. 10 he hopes Tabano will see things the same way and advise the DOT to settle the suit by constructing the 35-foot bridge. If the DOT refuses to settle, the department risks losing the case at summary judgment, which would prompt the agency to repeat bridge selection procedures, processes that could take two years and still result in the selection of a 35-foot bridge, McClash said. Of note, Bradenton Beach declined to join the antimegabridge suit, although the city adopted a resolution against the construction of the high bridge in late 2019. City commissioners unanimously voted to join the suit in March, but reversed course in April after city attorney Ricinda Perry reported legal fees could rise to six figures and that the DOT had reached out to enter settlement negotiations. According to Perry, the agency rejected her $4.8 million proposal in June to provide underground utilities on Gulf Drive near the bridge. Commissioners directed Perry to scale back the utility request July 1. At the Aug. 5 city commission meeting, McClash and von Hahmann entreated the city to formally join the suit before the Aug. 15 mediation deadline. Commissioners reached a 3-2 decision to avoid the suit and continue discussions with the DOT. Mayor John Chappie said the city needed more time to negotiate with the DOT and cited budget constraints and a lack of support from the county, which had not been asked to join the bridge lawsuit. Despite missing the deadline to join the suit, Bradenton Beach still has bargaining chips in its negotiations with the DOT, Perry said Aug. 10, because the city can provide monetary or legal aid to the antimegabridge complainants. Bradenton Beach was the only Anna Maria Island city to pass a resolution against the high bridge, though Mayor Dan Murphy of Anna Maria and Mayor Judy Titsworth of Holmes Beach maintain the megabridge

is a bad fit for the adjoining communities. McClash said he didn’t ask Anna Maria or Holmes Beach to join the suit because it would have been difficult for the municipalities to prove they had legal standing. According to McClash, Farmer estimates the cost of the case through summary judgment will be approximately $25,000. The anti-megabridge coalition recently created a fundraising campaign, including “Stop the Mega Bridge from devastating Cortez” gofundme.com page, to offset legal fees. As of early Aug. 16, the group had raised $7,015 of its $25,000 goal.

For more about the bridge project

For Florida Department of Transportation information about the planned replacement of the Cortez Bridge, go online to www.cortezbridge.com. The site includes a project description and schedule, as well as information about the design process.

Q&A 081821

The Islander poll Last week’s question

Dog days of August! Where’s the best place for island dogs to play? 33%. Scentral Park in Holmes Beach. 31%. My yard. 19%. Palma Sola Causeway Beach. 14%. Happy Trails at G.T. Bray in Bradenton. 2%. Herb Dolan Park in Bradenton Beach. This week’s question

What island saying is in your speech? A. Git er done. B. Welcome to paradise. C. Well, bless your heart. D. Oh boy. E. All of the above. To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 18, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria eyes golf cart abuses, safety reminders... By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Golf carts and low-speed vehicles have become the bane of many islanders’ existence. Anna Maria residents have voiced concerns about seeing golf carts overloaded with passengers, children without seat belts or seated on laps, motorists driving too slow and children at the wheel. Mayor Dan Murphy told city commissioners Aug. 12 that he met with the operators of rental businesses in Anna Maria — Robin Hood Rentals, Beach Bums and Lazy Turtle Shack Rentals — to cooperatively address concerns. An option the group came up with would be to list four rules on a sticker or decal with the Manatee County Sheriff’s logo affixed to cart windshields: • Wear seat belts; • Children under 5 must be in an approved restraining device; • No underage/unlicensed drivers; • No overloading of golf carts. Covid continued from page 1

Overall, Hopes reported 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 47 potential exposures among county employees over the past week, including some from an outbreak among county utilities staffers. Hopes added that 45% of the employees who tested positive over the past week were fully vaccinated. So far, three county employees have died from COVID-19, according to Hopes. The outbreaks correspond with a recent rise in confirmed cases across the state that resulted in a third wave that has bested predecessors. On a national level, the third wave pales in comparison to the second, which peaked Jan. 8 with 300,777 new cases across the country, almost doubling the 186,840 new cases recorded Aug. 13, according to The New York Times. However, the number of newly confirmed cases in Florida hit an all-time peak Aug. 13 at 49,745, toppling the state’s previous record of 19,530 from Jan. 8, according to The NYT. The Jan. 8 figure marked the peak of the state’s second wave. The state’s first wave peaked with 13,965 new cases July 16, 2020. The Florida Department of Health stopped publishing daily COVID-19 case and death reports in June, switching to weekly reports at the request of

“I saw something last night that blew my mind. It was an adult woman sitting on an adult man’s lap as they drove the golf cart on Pine Avenue,” Murphy told commissioners. “I have to say, I’ve never seen anything like that in my life.” Commissioner Doug Copeland suggested adding a line to the sticker indicating a minimum fine and Commission Chair Carol Carter suggested a reminder that “this is a car, this is not a toy.” “People come here and they think it’s Disney World and that they’re all private streets and you can just do whatever you want. Well it’s a living and breathing city and it’s insanity to think otherwise,” Murphy said. Commissioner Deanie Sebring suggested businesses require cart and LSV renters initialize “one sheet, large letters,” listing the bullet points. Murphy said he told the rental agency owners he “really didn’t want to come to the commission and impose more and more restraints. Yet.” Manatee County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brett Getman told The Islander Aug. 13 that deputies previously tried to educate drivers but verbal warnings didn’t work. So

deputies are issuing citations for infractions, especially for child safety. “People have got to understand this isn’t Disney World, they’re operating a motor vehicle on city roads and they have to observe the same laws, including child restraints, as they would in their personal vehicle,” Getman said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis. The DOH report for the week of Aug. 6-12 marked 151,415 new cases, which is even higher than the 148,705 new cases reported by the Times for the same period. As of Aug. 14, the third wave had yet to crest in Florida. At the end of the news conference, County Commissioner Misty Servia encouraged unvaccinated people to get vaccinated, as well as called for people to wear face masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. For more information about vaccination against the coronavirus, go to mymanatee.org.

without a mask. Commission Chair Jim Kihm paused the discussion to notify the man that he must wear a mask in city hall or leave, and the man left. Titsworth said she wanted to coordinate with businesses to encourage the use of face masks. City commissioners reached consensus during a work session Aug. 10 to direct Titsworth to craft a resolution asking businesses to encourage masks. Titsworth told The Islander Aug. 13 that the resolution would be brought before commissioners for approval at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at city hall.

Holmes Beach Meanwhile, masks are back at Holmes Beach City Hall. Mayor Judy Titsworth announced at an Aug. 10 meeting that people were once again required to wear face masks in city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, regardless of vaccination status. “We’re back to wearing masks,” Titsworth said. “You can take off your mask if you’re alone in an office, but if someone walks in, we’re requiring everyone to put the masks back on.” The procedure was put into practice almost immediately when a man entered the commission chambers

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In other matters • Code enforcement manager Debbie Haynes introduced the city’s newest employee, Sandy Olson. Olson started at the end of July as assistant code enforcement manager. • Commissioner Jonathan Crane raised concerns about a resurgence of the coronavirus and questioned if the city should reimpose face mask requirements in city buildings. Commissioners agreed to monitor the situation but did not reinstate face mask requirements. • As part of a unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda, Bob Carter was reappointed to the planning and zoning board.

Anna Maria to host DOH vaccine pop-up

As the Delta variant of the coronavirus sweeps the nation, Anna Maria is working with the Florida Department of Health to host a free vaccine pop-up event. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, a free COVID-19 vaccine will be available on a firstcome, first-vaccinated basis to people age 12 and older at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. The vaccine likely will be Pfizer-BioNTech, though some Johnson & Johnson vaccines may be available, code enforcement manager Debbie Haynes said Aug. 12. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is a two-dose vaccine, though only one dose will be administered at the Aug. 20 pop-up. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a single-dose shot. The city will gift a souvenir to all who are vaccinated at the event, Haynes said. For more information, call the clerk’s office at 941-708-6130. — Amy V.T. Moriarty

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Anna Maria prepares to increase taxes, spending for 2021-22 By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Anna Maria commissioners learned Aug. 12 a net spending increase of about $187,692.99 is more than covered by increased revenues from property taxes. And yet, at 2.05%, Anna Maria has the “lowest ad valorem rate of any in the county,” with Palmetto topping the chart at 5.967%, Mayor Dan Murphy told commissioners at a brief Aug. 12 budget meeting when proposed expenditures for fiscal year 2021-22 were outlined. Among the estimated spending hikes, Murphy noted $22,000 is due to costs associated with the addition of a Mote Marine outreach center at the T-end of the Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd. The estimate couldn’t be more precise because the city and Mote are finalizing a lease agreement and Mote likely won’t open on the pier before December.

Other increases to proposed expenditures Murphy said include a $32,817.04 or 3% increase to the contract with the Manatee County sheriff’s office for law enforcement, which he said was essentially a cost-ofliving adjustment. A $17,043.06 or 4% increase to the city public works salary budget also reflects a COLA increase, the mayor said. Murphy also said commissioners are among the lowest paid in the county and suggested they consider giving themselves a raise. The Aug. 12 meeting was compartmentalized to reflect only the estimated expenditures for the next fiscal year. The capital budget meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19. Anna Maria City Hall is at 10005 Gulf Drive. For more information, call the clerk’s office at 941708-6130.

... as Holmes Beach gears up to ban golf cart rentals By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach is close to calling a halt to new entrepreneurs hoping to cash in on golf cart and lowspeed vehicle rentals. Commissioners unanimously voted Aug. 10 to send a moratorium ordinance on new golf cart and LSV rental businesses to a second public hearing and final vote. If licensed with the state, LSVs are allowed on roadways with speed limits of 35 mph or less under state chapter 316. The use of golf carts on roadways is prohibited by state law unless a municipality allows for their operation. Holmes Beach city code allows people to operate golf carts on any streets with a speed limit of 25 mph or lower, as well as requires all golf cart and LSV drivers to possess a driver’s license. However, Commissioner Jayne Christenson, who proposed the moratorium July 27, has said the city’s regulations don’t do enough to mitigate the issues caused by the slow-moving vehicles. Her proposed moratorium would prohibit the issuance of a business licenses to any new golf cart/LSV rental company for six months so commissioners could explore potential regulations. The moratorium would not impact existing businesses or any business that applied for a license with the city by the date of the initial discussion, July 27. Christenson said she spoke with Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Commissioner Carol Carter to encourage cooperation in the northern city. “We need to partner up better and work with our island cities,” Christenson said. Resident Nancy Deal supported exploring additional regulations for golf carts and LSVs, claiming the vehicles create safety concerns and traffic congestion. She asked commissioners to limit their use to roadways with a 25-mph maximum speed limit.

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“Something needs to be done about golf carts traveling our streets,” Deal said. “It’s pretty irritating to get stuck behind a golf cart going 17 miles per hour.” She also recommended the city explore creating a joint committee with Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach to identify problems and solutions associated with golf carts and low-speed vehicles. Commissioner Kim Rash moved to send the moratorium to a second reading. Commissioner Terry Schaefer seconded the motion, which passed. The next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Meetings

Anna Maria City Aug. 19, 2 p.m., “Reimagining Pine Ave.” Aug. 26, 9 a.m., special magistrate. Aug. 26, 5:30 p.m., commission. Through Aug. 27, noon, candidate qualifying. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach Aug. 18, 10 a.m., commission (budget). Aug. 19, 9:30, CRA (budget). Aug. 19, noon, commission. Aug. 23, noon, candidate qualifying opens. Aug. 27, noon, candidate qualifying closes. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach Aug. 18, 10 a.m., code enforcement. Aug. 23, noon, candidate qualifying opens. Aug. 24, 5 p.m., commission.

Anna Maria year-to-year budget 2021-22 proposed budget 2020-21 budget Total spending: $4,409,997.99 $4,222,305 Total revenues: $7,977,280.19 $6,825,721.99 Reserve spending: not available Millage rate: 2.0500 2.0500 Rollback rate: 1.8427 Maximum allowed millage: 2.1167 Property value: $1,511,830,337 $1,440,796,383 Budget hearings: First public hearing and reading of the city’s budget ordinance will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 gulf drive. The final hearing reading and will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23.

RoadWatch Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation posted the following notice: • SR 684 Cortez Road at 119th Street: Crews are installing landscaping on the west corner of the intersection. Occasional shoulder and lane closures may be required. Estimated completion is in October. The contractor is Superior Lawn and Landscaping. For the latest road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511. To check traffic via road cameras, go to fl511. com. And, a reminder, a fare-free trolley operates daily on Anna Maria Island. — Lisa neff

Aug. 27, noon, candidate qualifying closes. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. Manatee County Aug. 19, 1 p.m., commission (land use). Aug. 24, 9 a.m., commission. Aug. 25, 1 p.m., commission (work session). Aug. 31, 9 a.m., commission (work session). County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org. Also of interest Aug. 16, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, county administration building. Sept. 6, Labor Day, most government offices will be closed. — Lisa neff

Please, send meeting notices to calendar@ islander.org and news@islander.org.

Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 18, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Doug, Fred, Grace, Nelly?

Long, long ago there was a small slice of a long day that came to have more meaning as life progressed. It was a day of home care for my two small kids — maybe the snow in Urbana was 2 feet deep — and a sense of frustration grew as I was called from one room to the other, problem-solving and avoiding requests to go outside. Mom! Mom! Mom, c’m ’ere! Mom this, Mom that. While trying to get dinner on the table, I turned around to see the kids looking at me with their big doe eyes, wanting something more. I was tired of being “mom’d, which prompted me to announce, “I’m going to change my name.” And 2-year-old Damon looked up through big tears to ask, “What will we call you? How will we know your name?” OK, I conceded, I won’t change my name. After all, Mom was the best name of all time. But fast forward, and what’s in a name? That grown up little boy had a child of his own and named her after me — albeit my childhood nickname of Bonnie. Not Bonner. Now, a year and a half into the coronavirus scourge, scientists have stumbled with a naming method for the many, many variants. Maybe they should take a gander at the hurricane naming methods established by the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. WMO chooses hurricane names several years in advance and, if a hurricane is particularly deadly or costly, then its name is “retired” and replaced on the sometimes recurring list of names into the future. Meanwhile, scientists began assigning variants awkward combinations of letters and numbers and bird species — pelican and mockingbird — but the focus now is on the Greek alphabet. Sound familiar? They just need to look forward. Establish order by creating a worldwide list of names for the next variant and so on ... until they exhaust the list of names. And when it comes to preparing, we think ignoring the possible arrival of a major storm — whether the odds of impact to the Tampa Bay area be small or large — is a mistake. Each time we have a “false alarm,” we have a chance to accomplish a few more steps in our preparation — in the event “the big one” comes. So charge your batteries and USB devices and check your bins of supplies and gear. There won’t be rain or a tidal surge every time, but it’s good to know you’re prepared for Henri, Ida, Julian and Kate ... and on through the alphabet. And, did I forget? Be safe — get vaccinated. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Your

Opinion

Unnatural in nature

I enjoy reading The Islander and, because of that, I am writing to point out a problematic, political perspective included in the article titled “Country rakes red tide detritus HB monitors canals.” The second graph refers to the algae bloom as “naturally occurring.” The science is debated and this offhand language has no place in an article in a news section — as opposed to an editorial. Jeffrey Steiger, Holmes Beach

Seeking help AUG. 18, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 42 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Johann Bertram Karen Riley-Love Samara Paice Capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell ▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet Ross Roberts Judy Loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2021 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: 315 58th St., Suite J, Holmes Beach FL 34217 WeBSITe: islander.org Text or call: 941-778-7978

We need the community’s support to help fund our legal battle against the Florida Department of Transportation’s irresponsible decision to replace the Cortez Bridge with a 65-foot megastructure that would severely impact the historic village of Cortez and change our environment forever. There is another choice: a 35-foot drawbridge that could be built within the existing footprint not requiring a giant wall of concrete extending several hundred feet into Cortez. The an option would dramatically reduce the visual impact of a new bridge. Your funds would assist in paying the legal cost of mandated mediation and insuring we provide the best legal argument to win. More than 70% of the community rejected the megabridge. The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage recently voted to join the legal challenge. FISH is a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of Cortez. Now an attorney has been retained, which will cost around $25,000. You can donate on GoFundMe or mail donations to the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, P.O. Box 606, Cortez, FL 34215.

Skimming online …

Web (register for free news alerts) islander.org Facebook @islandernewspaper Twitter @ami_islander Instagram @theislanderami Pinterest @islandernewspaper E-edition For $36 a year, e-edition subscribers have access to the weekly e-edition with page-by-page views of all the news, photos, columns, community announcements and advertisements. And subscribers receive breaking news notices. To subscribe online, visit islander.org. For other subscriber services, call our newspaper office at 941-778-7978. I hate asking for money but we need help. Any amount would be appreciated. Joe McClash, Bradenton

Wag the dog

The tail wagging the dog? Ruff! The bed tax on visitors to Manatee County is largely from rentals on Anna Maria Island. If it were not for the island, Bradenton would be Wauchula. David Reid, Hollywood, California

Have your say: Submit letters to the editor to news@islander.org.

Aug. 18, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Onshore work in Anna Maria

10&20 years ago

Men drag fishing nets on the beach at Anna Maria Island’s north end. The photo in the archives is broadly dated to the 1960s. Islander Photos: Manatee County Public Library System

In the Aug. 16, 2001, issue

Share from your archives

Got old photographs of AMI? Write a recollection and share at news@ islander.org.

Read our archives

Onstage work in Cortez The Sunshine express Cloggers perform in February 1995 at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival in the historic village.

Take a trip back in time in our digital newspaper collection. There’s a complete library of The Islander online at ufdc.ufl.edu.

• Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch director Suzi Fox said she would contact local legislators, county officials and other Florida turtle watch groups after she discovered a turtle nest in the 100 block of Gulf Drive North in Bradenton Beach had almost washed away when the manager of the Gulf View condominiums drained the pool at the beachfront complex into the Gulf of Mexico. • After Anna Maria commissioners adopted a resolution requiring meetings to end at 9 p.m., the commission voted to extend the meeting beyond the deadline to hear a proposal for a cell tower on city property. • Holmes Beach property owners on 38th Street sued the city, alleging that a city-approved beautification project on Second Avenue ruined their view of the Gulf of Mexico and lowered their property values.

In the Aug. 17, 2011, issue

• A U.S. District Court jury found a Holmes Beach commercial fisherman guilty of two charges in connection with grouper fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. He vowed to appeal — as high as the Supreme Court, if necessary. • Anna Maria commissioners voted to authorize Mayor Mike Selby to enter into a $2.8 million purchase agreement with Blackhawk Bank of Iowa for six undeveloped lots at the northwest corner of Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard. • The state informed the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Committee that it needed to rework an application to extend the route in Holmes Beach on Manatee Avenue and on East Bay Drive. — Lisa neff

We’d love to mail you the news!

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annually during a two-year term. paign treasurer with the county supervisor of elections If no more than three candidates toss their hats office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton. SEO chief deputy in the ring, all who qualified will automatically win a Sharon Stief told The Islander Aug. seat and there would be no municipal election for Anna 5 that a candidate can be their own Maria’s 1,025 voters. campaign treasurer. If a third candidate does not step forward, the comFrom there, candidates open a mission must appoint a fi fth commissioner after the campaign bank account, obtain sigCandidate qualifying gets election date. natures from 10 registered voters, underway in Anna Maria As of Aug. 16, only Carter had picked up qualify- Spooner submit an affidavit of residency and ing materials. Stief said the qualifying packets were pay a $48 qualifying fee. Look for their petitions. The fee is 1% of the $4,800 salary Anna Maria residents can qualify to run for a seat sent to city hall to make it easier on candidates. For more information about qualifying, go online commissioners earn annually during on the city commission through noon, Friday, Aug. 27. a two-year term. Qualifying opened at noon Aug. 16, as The Islander to votemanatee.com. — Amy V.T. Moriarty The mayoral qualifying fee is $96, went to press. or 1% of the annual $9,600 salary. Three of five commission seats are up for election Vosburgh Galuszka served 12 years on activeNov. 2. Incumbent Commissioners Carol Carter and Bradenton Beach challenger duty then eight years in the Oregon Air National Guard Jonathan Crane are seeking reelection and as an Air Force reservist in California. In both but a third incumbent, Doug Cope- emerges for mayoral seat Bradenton Beach retiree David Galuszka plans to states he worked as an air traffic manager for the Fedland, is not running for office. Copeland offered to fill the seat challenge John Chappie in November for the mayor’s eral Aviation Administration. Galuszka’s love for Anna Maria Island began when vacated by Joe Muscatello in July and seat. Galuszka, born in Michigan and raised in Las he briefly lived in Holmes Beach before joining the was the only candidate considered by Vegas, has lived in Bradenton Beach since May 31, military and he visited the island often before moving the commission. Carter Copeland, who previously 2019, when he retired from the U.S. Air Force after to Bradenton Beach. A love for the island combined with a love for served on the commission through serving 20 years. Chappie, from Ohio, has lived politics and public administration led his mother to tell 2019, including as commission chair in Bradenton Beach for more than him, “I think you should run for mayor” shortly after 2015-18, and previously on the plan40 years and served the public for Galuszka settled on AMI, he told The Islander Aug. ning board, announced he would not most of those years on county or city 13. seek the seat in November. Friends echoed his mom’s suggestion and July 12 boards and commissions. To qualify, candidates must first Copeland Neither Galuszka nor Chappie Galuszka said he filed some paperwork with the Manafile financial disclosure forms and are official candidates, as qualifying tee County Supervisor of Elections office to start the name a campaign treasurer with the Chappie for office won’t begin until noon, qualifying process. county supervisor of elections office, Citing a passion for a job well done, Galuszka Monday, Aug. 23. Qualifying ends 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton. said once he starts a project, he’s “all in” and if elected at noon, Friday, Aug. 27. SEO chief deputy Sharon Stief Also up with the November elec- would bring that same dedication to the office. told The Islander Aug. 5 that a candiBut as third-term hopeful on this round in the mayCrane tion are the two-year terms of Comdate can be the campaign treasurer. missioners Jan Vosburgh and Jake or’s office, Chappie is a stalwart figure in Bradenton For the next step in the process, Spooner, who plan to seek reelec- Beach. candidates must open a campaign bank account and galuszka If reelected this year, Chappie will term out as tion. then obtain signatures from 10 registered voters, submit To begin the qualifying process, candidates must mayor in 2023. an affidavit of residency and pay a $48 qualifying fee. PLeASe, See eLeCTioN, neXT PAge The fee is 1% of the $4,800 salary commissioners earn first file financial disclosure forms and name a cam-

2021 city elections

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Chappie was first elected to the commission in 1997, serving until he was elected mayor in 2001. He term-limited as mayor in 2007 and was elected as a county commissioner in 2008. In 2011, he resigned from the county board and again won a commission seat. He termed out as commissioner and retook the mayor’s seat in 2017. A call from The Islander to Chappie was not returned Aug. 13. Galuszka recognizes that one of his biggest challenges to winning is the sitting mayor’s longevity and familiarity with Bradenton Beach residents and issues. “But he had a first time, too,” Galuszka said of Chappie. Among the issues Galuszka wants to address: parking and traffic, increasing city revenue and parity in housing prices — especially for longtime renters priced out by landlords seeking higher income with vacation rentals. “If I’m not successful, this is a good learning experience” and a good opportunity to be involved, Galuszka said. — Amy V.T. Moriarty

Election qualification set to begin in Holmes Beach

Kihm

Schaefer

Three incumbents want to reclaim their city commission seats in Holmes Beach in November. Will they have challengers? The answer to the question will come during the city’s five-day candidate qualifying period, which will begin at noon Monday, Aug. 23, and end at noon Friday, Aug. 27. Over that time, potential candidates must file forms that detail a campaign bank account and appoint a campaign treasurer with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections

Pre-pandemic get-together A group of friends chat over their fish dinners in March 2019 at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. n., Bradenton Beach. The Friday night fish fry wrapped up the monthly dinners at the center for the 2019 season — and as it turned out — for the 2020 season as well.

Director-organizer-driver sought for senior group You can do it. For years, the Senior Adventurers group has taken daytrips to area attractions and dined out for lunch, as well as assembled for programs and meals at island community centers. The pandemic interrupted the outings, along with activities at the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach and the Center of Anna Maria Office. Potential candidates also must obtain 10 signatures from registered voters in the city, submit an affidavit of residency and pay the $76.90 qualifying fee — 1% of the $7,690 Soustek annual pay for Holmes Beach commissioners. Commissioners Jim Kihm, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek — whose terms expire in November — have told The Islander they will seek reelection. Lacking a challenger, they would automatically retain their seats.

Island. Now, looking to add events and programs to the 2021-22 calendar and with coordinators Peg Miller and Kaye Bell wanting to step aside, the adventurers seek a volunteer senior activity director, as well as a van driver for Friday outings. For more information, contact Peg Miller at 941447-5076 or pm3h@yahoo.com.

If more than three candidates qualify to run, the city’s 2,829 voters — the number of people registered as of July 1 — will decide the Nov. 2 race. In the event of a four-way or more challenge, the top three votegetters will take office. SEO assistant supervisor Scott Farrington told The Islander that no one had begun the qualification process for a commission seat as of Aug. 12. The deadline for voter registration is Monday, Oct. 4. For more information, go online to www.votemanatee.com. — Ryan Paice

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 18, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON AMI

Through Sept. 26, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ “We Dream A World, African American Landscape Painters of Mid-Century Florida, The Highwaymen,” 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731. Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Soupy and his Band, Florida Maritime Museum outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: cvhs2016@aol.com.

Compiled by Lisa neff, email calendar@islander.org.

Attention seasonal planners Submit listings for season preview

Local groups preparing for 2021-22 season

Throughout August, are encouraged to send their events calendars to “Live Colorfully” membership The Islander, which is preparing for its preview exhibit, Island Gallery West, of the season. 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Please, email events calendars, as well as AHEAD OFF AMI Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. notices of regular meetings and photographs, to Aug. 26, Paradise Center’s “The United States vs. Billie HoliThrough Sept. 1, Island Players season ticket sales. Informacalendar@islander.org and news@islander.org. day” screening, Longboat Key. tion: 941-778-5755. And please, remember to include a Sept. 6-12, Ringling Museum’s EcoPerformance Week, Saracontact name and phone number that can be pubAHEAD ON AMI sota. lished. September, Selby Garden’s “Seeing the Invisible,” Sarasota. Aug. 28, Kilts on Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Sept. 11, Florida Maritime Museum “American Scrimshaw” Sept. 16-26, Island Players’ perforlecture and demo, Cortez. Bradenton Beach. mance of “The Savannah Sipping SociOct. 23, Cortez Nautical Flea Market, Cortez. Nov. 6, Keep Manatee Beautiful’s Manatee Public Beach ety,” Anna Maria. Nov. 13, Anna Maria Island Privateers Black Tie Fundraising cleanup, Holmes Beach. Oct. 15, Anna Maria Island ChamGala to beneﬁt the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Nov. 17, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Plant Sale, Anna ber of Commerce Bayfest kickoff, Anna Bradenton. Maria. Maria. Dec. 4, Keep Manatee Beautiful’s Coquina Beach cleanup, Oct. 16, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, KIDS & FAMILY Bradenton Beach. Anna Maria. ON AMI Nov. 4-14, Island Players’ Same Time, Next Year,” Anna ONGOING OFF AMI Maria. Tuesday, Aug. 24 Wednesdays, 3 p.m., The Longboat Key Paradise Center for 10 a.m. — Family story time, OFF AMI Healthy Living “Grieve Not Alone: Peer Support Group,” 546 Bay Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493. Saturday, Aug. 21 Holmes Beach. Registration: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Selby Gardens “The Highwaymen Art Fair mymanatee.org/library. Information: OUTDOORS & and Sale Weekend,” 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Infor941-778-6341. SPORTS mation: 941-366-5731. CLUBS & Sunday, Aug. 22 ONGOING OFF AMI 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Selby Gardens “The Highwaymen Art Fair COMMUNITY Through the summer, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM and Sale Weekend,” 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. InforPark, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941ON AMI mation: 941-366-5731. 747-3031, bradentonmarauders.com. Thursday, Aug. 19 ONGOING OFF AMI Saturdays, 8 a.m., Robinson Run2 p.m. — “Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, ners running club, Robinson Preserve Through Sept. 26, “Skyway 20/21: A Contemporary Collabo- 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Registration: mymanatee.org/ expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. ration,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore library. Information: 941-778-6341. CANCELED Information: 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Saturday, Aug. 21 Saturdays, 9 a.m., Saturday Morn11 a.m. — Meditation session, Island Library, 5701 Marina ings at the NEST nature exploration, Drive, Holmes Beach. Registration: mymanatee.org/library. InformaRobinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Infortion: 941-778-6341. CANCELED mation: 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. Saturday, Aug. 21 6-9 p.m. — Center for Anna Maria Island beneﬁt for Capt. Aaron GOOD TO KNOW Lowman and Family, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: KEEP THE DATES 941-778-1908. Monday, Sept. 6, Labor Day. ONGOING ON AMI Tuesday, Sept. 7, autumnal equinox. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meetSaturday, Sept. 11, Patriot Day/911 Remembrance Day. ing, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Sunday, Sept. 12, Grandparent’s Day. Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. Sunday, Oct. 31, Halloween. Sunday, Nov. 7, daylight saving time ends. AHEAD ON AMI Thursday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Sept. 11, Bradenton Beach Moose Lodge Coastal Cleanup, Tuesday, Dec. 21, winter solstice. Saturday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Friday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve.

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

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Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

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Island happenings

Aug. 18, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Community center plans fundraiser for local guide Capt. Aaron Lowman celebrates a trophy (photo) catch in 2016.

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island is mobilizing its fundraising apparatus to benefit an islander in need. The center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, will host a “family-friendly” event 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, to raise money for lifelong islander Aaron Lowman and his family, according to an Aug. 9 email from executive director Chris Culhane. Lowman, who captains fishing charters, experienced a brain aneurism in June, only five weeks after the birth of his son in May. The center announced an anonymous donor will match up to $100,000 in event proceeds. “He may or may not be able to resume his

career on the water,” Culhane wrote. “Obviously, no one knows the future, but it could take quite a while to iron out where he and his family go from here.” “During that time, the family will surely need some financial help with medical expenses, mortgage payments, newborn expenses, household expenditures, boat and vehicle costs,” he added. The event will feature food and beverages, a full bar, live music, raffles and auctions. Auction items will include a helicopter tour, sunset cruise, fishing guide package and a vacation stay in Asheville, North Carolina. People interested in donating can do so online via a link posted Aug. 12 to the community center’s Facebook page.

Florida Highwaymen landscapes offered at Selby

Sarasota’s Selby Gardens will host a two-day sale of landscape paintings by several Florida Highwaymen artists. The art fair will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 21-22 at the gardens, 1534 Mound St. The sale coincides with an exhibit, “Dream a World: African American Landscape Painters of MidCentury Florida, The Highwaymen,” which concludes Sept. 26.

The Highwaymen, a group of African-American artists, employed a unique painting style as a way to assert their economic independence and agency during and after the segregation era in Florida. In addition to art sales Aug. 21-22, the Selby will host Kandie Ingram, daughter of painter Mary Ann Carroll. The Selby also will host painters Isaac Knight, Curtis Arnett and others. Proceeds from the event will benefit the artists. Admission to the fair is included with the admisClick! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones sion fare to the grounds. For more, call the Selby Gardens ticket office at in readers’ lives. Send notices — along with contact 941-366-5731 or go online to selby.org. info and photos — to news@islander.org.

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Center resumes after-school programs

When the last bell rings at Anna Maria Elementary, the crew readies for kids’ arrival at the Center of Anna Maria Island. The center resumed the Beyond the Classroom after-school programming in early August, when students in Manatee County began the 2021-22 school year. “The program is to promote enrichment activities for our youth everyday while providing a fun, safe and social environment for them,” read an announcement from the center. The program operates weekdays, except for holidays, from after school until 6 p.m. The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information about fees, call the center at 941- 778-1908 or go online to centerami.org.

Libraries to close until Aug. 22

Manatee County closed its public libraries Aug. 12 and they were to remain closed until at least Aug. 22 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, according to an Aug. 12 news release. County administrator Scott Hopes said a significant spike in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks prompted the closure of the libraries. Many library materials are available online at www.mymanatee.org/library. For more information, call the county at 941-7453771. You can peruse The Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in november 1992, at ufdc. uﬂ.edu.

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1st day of 2021-22 arrives at AME

AmE NEWS

Anna Maria elementary School physical education teacher gary Wooten squirts hand sanitizer Aug. 10 into the hands of students arriving for the first day of school as principal Michael Massielo and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer look on. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

By By Ryan Ryan Paice Paice

AMe students walk Aug. 10 from the student drop-off loop to check in for their first day at school.

Anna Maria elementary School students raise an American ﬂag Aug. 10 before the first day of the 2021-22 school year begins.

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Manatee school district reinstates COVID-19 protocols

1st day for 5-yearold ballerina wannabe Layla White, 5, of Palma Sola, marks her first day of class Aug. 10 at the School for Constructive Play. The preschool operates at gloria dei Lutheran Church in Holmes Beach. Layla, the daughter of charter fishing guide Capt. david White and wife Heather, aspires to be a ballerina. Islander Photo: Courtesy SCP

Some of the 2020-21 school year’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies are returning for 2021-22. The School District of Manatee County announced Aug. 12 that it reestablished procedures from the previous year — two days after the new year began. The reestablished mitigation procedures include: • Sending home students and employees who display symptoms of the illness until they are symptom free; • Taking daily temperature checks for employees and randomly for students; • Providing and encouraging the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol; • Deep cleaning and disinfecting schools and school buses daily or in-between uses as needed; • Making “every effort” to social distance in schools “as much possible;” • Providing plastic shields in elementary classrooms and cafeterias; • Limiting nonessential visitors and volunteers to school campuses. The school district also “strongly” encourages the use of face masks indoors and vaccinations for those who are eligible.

Academic achievements

The Islander welcomes announcements of scholastic achievements. Share honors, stories and photographs by emailing news@islander.org.

No Anna Maria Elementary students or employees had tested positive for COVID-19 as of Aug. 12, according to the daily exposure reports from the district office. However, other schools in the district haven’t been so lucky. Masiello There were 76 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students and employees in the district as of Aug. 12 — up from nine confirmed cases Aug. 10, when the school year began. The district planned to start reporting confirmed cases online at https://www.manateeschools.net. — Ryan Paice

AME Calendar

Sept. 6, Labor Day, no school. Sept. 13, PTO membership meeting. Oct. 7, end of quarter. Oct. 8, record day, no school. Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school. Nov. 22-26, Thanksgiving break. Dec. 21, end of semester. Dec. 22-31, winter break. Anna Maria Elementary School is at 4700 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-708-5525.

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 18, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Churches continue with streaming worship services

CrossPointe Fellowship hosts summer blast

CrossPointe Fellowship will host a party for kids Wednesday, Aug. 18, at Bayfront Park, 310 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. The Wednesday Night Blast End of Summer Party is 5-8 p.m., with CrossPointe serving burgers, hot dogs, chips and beverages. The church, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, also will hold a registration night in its fellowship hall Wednesday, Aug. 25, for its Wednesday Night youth programs. Registration will be 6:15-7:45 pm. For more information, call the church office at 941-778-0719.

Yes, you can worship from home. Anna Maria Island’s churches continue to offer remote worship opportunities as well as in-person services 17 months into the coronavirus pandemic. Remote worship options can be found on YouTube, Facebook and websites, depending on the church. Some services are recorded and broadcast later, while others stream live. To worship remotely at Roser Memorial Community Church, go online to roserchurch.com. To watch recorded services at CrossPointe, go online to crosspointefellowship.church. To worship remotely at Gloria Dei Lutheran, go to

Tidings

the church’s Facebook page. The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation livestreams services via Boxcast. For a link, go online to amiannunciation.org/worship. The Catholic Church continues to offer televised Mass from Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles in Bradenton. A link is on St. Bernard Catholic Church’s homepage at stbernardcc.org. Harvey Memorial Community Church also offers remote worship via its Facebook page. On Longboat Key, Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA streams services live. The link can be found at christchurchoflbk.org.

9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. REGULAR WORSHIP 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9004903. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Saturdays ONGOING EVENTS 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Thursdays, 7 p.m., Roser Church chancel choir rehearsals. Sundays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. SAVE THE DATES 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Sept. 6-7, Rosh Hashanah. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Sept. 13, Yom Kippur. Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Oct. 9, ECA potluck supper. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Dr. Robert LaMastro, 84, died July 30 at his home Nov. 6, Roser Holiday Craft Fair. Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. on Perico Island. Dec. 4, ECA Holly Berry Bazaar. 9:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church He was born in 1937 in Brooklyn, Dec. 12, Roser Church blood drive. Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. New York. Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org. 9:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. He graduated from New York

Obituaries

Robert LaMastro

University and attended the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago. LaMastro He served with honor as captain of the U.S. Air Force in the SAC unit at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. He practiced internal medicine in Rockville Centre, New York, for 35 years and retired to Bradenton, where he enjoyed the sun and surf of the Gulf waters. He was a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island, where he organized the fostera-grandparent program at Anna Maria Elementary School and facilitated the Salvation Army Christmas bell ringing campaign. Also, “Dr. Bob” was a mentor for seven years with the Take Stock in Children program, which provides a unique opportunity for low-income youth to advance and pursue their collegiate dreams. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to him. He loved swimming, coloring and collecting solar dancing trinkets that provided an uncanny amount of happiness to his day. His true passions were history, stamp collecting and traveling the world. His pleasant personality was contagious and he lighted a room with his storytelling and laughter. He had a Pollyanna spirit, a smile for everyone and a wicked sense of humor. A celebration of life is being planned. The family asks memorials to a local food pantry. Mr. LaMastro is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sue; six children; and six grandchildren.

Robin Mary Rhodes

Family will host a celebration of life for Robin Mary Rhodes 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Island Players theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Ms. Rhodes, of Anna Maria, was the first lady of island theater to many of those she shared the stage

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414. • Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks volunteers for cleanups and other efforts. Information: 941-7958272.

with and many who sat in the audience. She died June 19 at the age of 63. Her theatrical resume spanned decades and a range of genres. Rhodes She was born Aug. 21, 1957, in Massachusetts and grew up in Sudbury where she attended Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. She was a devout Christian. She was married several years to David McCarthy

COMMUNITY CHURCH IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church

Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer & meditation

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— Lisa neff

Send listings for GoodDeeds to calendar@islander.

Director-driver sought for senior adventurers group

Have van, but will it travel? For years, the Senior Adventurers group has taken daytrips to area attractions and dined out for lunch, as well as programs and community meals. The pandemic interrupted the groups’ activities and other plans at the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach and the Center of Anna Maria Assistance offered on AMI Island. • The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants Now, looking to add events and programs to the who live and/or work on 2021-22 calendar and with coordinators Peg Miller and Anna Maria Island for food Kaye Bell wanting to step aside, the adventurers are assistance, Roser Church, seeking a volunteer senior activity director, as well as 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. a van driver for Friday outings. Information: 941-778-0414. For more information, contact Peg Miller at 941• AID offers help to those who live on the island, 447-5076 or pm3h@yahoo.com.

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and had a daughter, Maegen McCarthy. She came to Anna Maria to escape the harsh winters of New England. Ms. Rhodes is survived by daughter Maegen McCarthy; sister Jan Carlson of Florida; nephews Kevin, Michael and Jack Manning of Massachusetts; niece Jennifer Moulton of North Carolina; and Buddy, “the friendliest little dog you could ever meet.”

At your service

Local obituaries are offered as a community service by The Islander. Submit your information to news@ islander.org.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

DISCIPLINES

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Aug. 18, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria Aug. 9, 500 block of Pine Avenue, noise. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office dispatched a deputy at 1:23 a.m. for a complaint of shouting and sounds of a pool party. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the noise ordinance. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach No new reports. The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach Aug. 4, Waterline Marine Resort, 5325 Marina Drive, recovered property. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department responded to reports of an abandoned vehicle. The officer identified the vehicle as stolen and had it towed. Aug. 5, HBPD, 5801 Marina Drive, Baker Act. A man called the HBPD to report a motorist following his vehicle. Police directed the caller to the HBPD parking lot, where officers spoke with both motorists. Officers determined the man following the caller was impaired by medications and transported him to a treatment facility in Bradenton. Aug. 6, 110 block of 46th Street, noise. An officer responded to reports of a noisy vacation rental tenant around 1:05 a.m. The officer heard music loud enough to disrupt nearby residents and issued a citation to the tenant. Aug. 7, 5300 block of Gulf Drive, battery. A man called the HBPD to report that someone shot BB guns at him and his friend from a vehicle that was driving by. An officer identified the vehicle using camera footage and found it in Anna Maria, where a group of juveniles were seen entering the vehicle. On questioning, a juvenile admitted to shooting a BB gun at the victim and the parents of the juveniles were called. The juveniles were issued a criminal referral the weapon was confiscated. Aug. 8, 5600 block of Gulf Drive, noise. An officer responded to reports of a noisy vacation rental tenant around 11 p.m. and found loud music emanating from the home. The officer measured the sound with a decibel reader, which showed the noise in violation of city code. The officer issued a citation. Aug. 9, Anna Maria Island Resort, 105 39th St., burglary. An officer was flagged down by resort

Anna Maria commissioners greenlight Bayfest By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Bayfest is back! Probably. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce received a unanimously approved special event permit Aug. 12 from the Anna Maria City Commission. But there’s a caveat for the Oct. 15-16 festivities. In a motion to approve the permit, Commissioner Deanie Sebring added an asterisk: The commission can revisit event approval in light of a public health emergency. Commissioner Doug Copeland seconded the motion.

Bayfest 2019: A Jack elka drone photo shows the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce festival from end to end on Pine Avenue.

employees who reported equipment stolen from a locked storage closet. The officer collected bolt cutters believed to be used to break the lock but found no fingerprints. Aug. 9, Anchor Inn, 3007 Gulf Drive, theft/fraud. A man visited the HBPD to report that purchases were being made from a credit card he left at the bar. The man provided a sworn statement and screenshots of the transactions. Aug. 10, 3200 block of East Bay Drive, trespass warning. An officer responded to reports of a man who refused to wear a mask while riding Manatee County

½-Ê t

Commissioner Jonathan Crane had raised his concern due to the pandemic when he asked chamber president Terri Kinder what plans would be in place to protect public health and safety. Kinder said that as with all chamber events since the March 2020 start of the pandemic in Florida, attendees would be encouraged to maintain social distancing, frequently wash hands or use hand-sanitizer and wear face masks. Kinder said she just received from the county 4,000 “Mask up Manatee” masks to distribute at the event. So on the third Saturday of October, the chamber plans to continue a tradition and take over Anna Maria City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., and most of Pine Avenue between Gulf Drive and the city pier with food, entertainment, a classic car show and arts and crafts vendors. For 19 years, Bayfest was the chamber’s biggest fundraiser and most popular event. What would have been the 20th annual Bayfest was canceled in 2019, when Tropical Storm Nestor ripped its way up the Gulf coast. And what would have been a second chance at the 20th annual event in 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic. Now, the chamber hopes a third time will be the charm. Kinder reported more than 50 arts and crafts vendors had signed up and paid participation fees. She said the response shows how eager people are for the event. And the chamber relies on the revenue produced by vendor fees and alcohol sales. For more information, go online to www.annamariaislandchamber.org or call the chamber at 941778-1541. Area Transit’s island trolleys and was loitering at bus stops. The officer issued a trespass warning to the man, who left the scene. Aug. 10, 300 block of 66th Street, noise. An officer responded to reports of a noisy vacation rental tenant around 10 p.m. and heard loud music and yelling. The officer used a decibel reader to determine the noise violated city code. The officer issued a citation to the tenant. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 18, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Nesting notes By Samara Paice

Disorientations equal losses

House lights, flashlights, holes and furniture on the beach can cause disorientation for sea turtle hatchlings as they try to go from nest to water. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers Birgit Kremer and Hans Duerr told The Islander Aug. 9 that they located two hatched sea turtle nests in the 1100 and 1300 blocks of Gulf Drive South and one near the 2300 block of Gulf Drive North in Bradenton Beach but tracks indicated the turtles wandered toward land, away from the Gulf of Mexico. It is likely that artificial lights — from houses, flashlights or cellphones — created confusion for the hatchlings as they tried to make their way to the water, according to the AMITW volunteers. Nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings are drawn

by instinct to the brightest light source. If artificial lights are brighter than the moon’s reflection on the water, sea turtles can be lead in the direction of the artificial light, which could result in death. The AMITW volunteers located five hatchlings in the dunes and released them at the water’s edge. However, loggerhead turtle nests contain 100 to 126 eggs on average so the discovery of only five was disheartening. Lights are not the only factor contributing to disorientation. Chairs, cabanas and holes in the sand can interfere with nesting and hatching. AMITW volunteers Kathy Doddridge and Carla Boehme discovered a hole Aug. 8 near the 600 block of Gulf Drive North in Bradenton Beach. The hole — between the nest and the Gulf — was nearly 4 feet deep. Newly hatched sea turtles would not be capable of climbing out of a hole that deep and neither are the adult females that only come ashore to deposit their eggs in the sand. So, the AMITW volunteers called for people to help by filling in holes, covering windows, turning off outside lights or using turtle-friendly lighting, avoiding the use of flashlights on the beach and removing beach furniture and trash.

About AMITW AMITW is a nonprofit focused on preserving sea turtles and their habitat on AMI . The group also monitors shorebird nesting. For more information, call Suzi Fox, executive director, 941-232-1405, or go to islandturtlewatch. com.

Feeding shorebirds: A losing proposition

The shorebird breeding season is all but over on Anna Maria Island. Now the focus turns to education. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteer Kathy Doddridge told The Islander Aug. 9 that a concern for the nonprofit is people harming shorebirds by feeding them food meant for human consumption. The “people food” does not provide birds with proper nutritional value. Also, feeding birds contributes to them creating a nuisance for beachgoers. Doddridge recommended letting birds forage for themselves. It is important they learn how to survive and search for food at the water’s edge. For more information on shorebirds, visit the Laughing gulls scurry at the water’s edge Aug. 9 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission near Fir Avenue in Anna Maria as the sun begins to website at www.myfwc.com. rise. Islander Photo: Samara Paice

A hole created by beachgoers Aug. 9 near the 600 block of gulf drive north in Bradenton Beach poses a threat to sea turtles and walkers. Islander Photo: Courtesy Hans duerr/AMITW

As of Aug. 15, AMITW had identified 416 nests, 559 false crawls and 70 hatched nests on AMI.

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Aug. 18, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

In the ‘red tide’ toolbox

“Florida Gulf beaches are closed,” one erroneous Facebook comment read. Another made the false claim that “the Gulf is blood-red with red tide.” What next? Communist scientists manufactured and released K. brevis from a lab in China? Red tide can be a menace, deadly to aquatic and avian life, harmful to human life, creating environmental and economic crises. neff But misinformation about red tide abounds on social media and elsewhere in the digisphere. So it’s important for islanders to know where to turn to learn about the quality of our waters and the health of our beaches. And, if you want to be an islander who does good, you can share knowledge and resources with vacationers and confused would-be visitors inquiring on that blasted Facebook platform about crimson waves washing over our island paradise. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission maintains the go-to resource page for red tide at myfwc.com/research/redtide. There people can find links to a map indicating K. brevis concentrations, weekly reports, forecasts and a fish kill database. The fish kill database — useful to anyone heading out with a tackle box or wondering what’s floating in the canal — can be searched by county, date and “probable cause.” From the phone, people can call 866-300-9399 and get an FWC red tide status report. For months, the status has been: “A patchy bloom of the red tide organism Karenia brevis persists …” For those wondering if a scratchy throat is red-tide related, a useful resource is visitbeaches.org, maintained by Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota to provide beach conditions for many Florida destinations. According to visitbeaches.org, the following conditions were observed Aug. 10 at Manatee Public Beach Find The Islander dating to november 1992 online at the uofF digital newspaper Collection at ufdc.uﬂ. edu.

A map shows locations covered in the Red Tide Respiratory Forecast, a near real-time prediction of whether beachgoers can expect red tide conditions on individual beaches at three-hour increments throughout the day. Islander Courtesy Image

in Holmes Beach: calm surf, no crowds, no drift algae, slight respiratory irritation and “many” dead fish. The same day at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach there were crowds, “some” dead fish and slight respiratory irritation. The federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also offers a variety of tools for monitoring red tide, including a new Red Tide Respiratory Forecast that provides a near real-time prediction of whether beachgoers can expect red tide conditions on individual beaches at three-hour increments throughout the day. Call up the forecast map at habforecast.gcoos.org to see information for the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria, as well as Cortez Beach and the Coquina Beach boat ramps in Bradenton Beach. The risk for respiratory irritation for 5 p.m. Aug.

12? Forecasted at “moderate” at all three locations, but there could be days and times when the forecast would differ from one island location to the next. “Red tide impacts can be really variable because of wind patterns,” said Dr. Barbara Kirkpatrick, an environmental health scientist who conducted the first studies documenting the impacts of Florida red tide blooms on human health. Kirkpatrick added, “There are very few days when all beaches will be affected by red tide and often your favorite beach is only affected for part of the day.” So the respiratory forecast lets people see which beaches might be impacted by red tide and at what time of the day, allowing them to plan beach walks and other outdoor activities. We recommend you use this tool and others to inform and guide. As for facts about red tide, I’m partial to university webpages, including the University of Florida’s hot topics page at ifas.ufl.edu, which explains: • Red tides are caused by a massive growth of tiny, microscopic algae. • In Florida, microscopic algae named Karenia brevis often cause red tides. • Karenia brevis is always present in the waters, usually in small numbers, and forms red tides when conditions are just right for growth. • Red tides often begin in late summer or early fall and can last for days to months. • Red tides move and change shape with tides, currents and winds. • Karenia brevis is a fragile algae and in rough conditions — like surf — it will break into small pieces and release noxious particles and chemicals into the air in wind-blown aerosols. • Karenia brevis produces chemicals called brevetoxins, which acts on the nervous system. Brevetoxins can cause large fish kills by paralyzing fish and preventing them from breathing. And brevetoxins in wind-blown aerosols can impact breathing in people and their pets.

Health department issues water quality advisory The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County issued an advisory Aug. 12, notifying the public of traces of red tide on the north and south ends of Anna Maria Island and at Palma Sola Bay. “People should use caution when visiting the beaches,” the health department advised. “Some people may have mild and short-lived respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation similar to cold symptoms. Some individuals with breathing problems, such as asthma, might experience more severe symptoms.”

The department recommended people in locations where red tide is present: • Not swim around dead fish; • Not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish and distressed or dead fish; • Keep pets away from water, sea foam and dead sea life. Also, residents living in impacted beach areas should close windows and run the air conditioner and people with chronic respiratory illnesses should avoid locations where red tide is present.

PLEASE, TAKE NOTE!

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The Islander has moved! The “best news on AMI” has purchased and relocated to a condo ofﬁce. We’re now across from HB City Hall and behind the Ugly Grouper. You’ll ﬁnd us at 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. So stop by and check out our new, groovy digs. We’re ready to serve you! Same phone and email. The island’s best news for 29 years! 941.778.7978 news@islander.org

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 18, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Beach Bums takes 8-11 soccer crown, golfers mostly rained out By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

As summer wanes, the kids return to school and the youth sports program winds up for fall. The summer soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island came to a close Aug. 10 with semifinal and championship matches in the 8-11 age division. The summer league is an indoor competition, with fast action from end to end in the center gym. The younger Cassidy division doesn’t keep scores and the 11-14 division lacked a sufficient number of players for competitive play. Beach Bums players were awarded championship medals after defeating Moss Builders 4-1 in the title game. Savannah Coba led the way for the “Bums” with two goals, while Brandon and Dylan Sato each added a goal. Cyrus Ryan helped preserve the victory with seven saves. Gabrielle Bodnar scored the lone goal for Moss Builders, which received a yeoman’s effort from goalie Austin Guess. Guess made an astounding 15 saves to help keep the Moss team in the game. Prior to the championship match the same night, Beach Bums advanced to the title playoff with a 4-2 victory over Shady Lady behind four goals from Coba. Dylan Sato added an assist and Ryan made nine saves in goal. Jesse Zaccagnino scored two goals to lead Shady Lady, which also received 13 saves from Jack Zaccagnino in the loss. Moss Builders advanced to the playoff on the strength of a 5-3 victory over Solid Rock Construction. Mason Moss scored four goals to lead Moss, which also received a goal from Jack Schneider and five saves from Austin Guess in the victory. Chad Nunez notched a hat trick to lead Solid Rock, which also received seven saves from Isaac Roadman in the loss. The outdoor adult flag football league hopes to get back on the center field in the coming week — barring tropical storms passing in the Gulf of Mexico and more rain. Key Royale golf news Golf action last week at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach was limited to an Aug. 9 mixed modified-Stableford match with the rest of the week a washout due to rain. Jana Samuels took it to the men with a score of plus-4 to take first place. Jon Holcomb and Tom Nelson were a point back in second with matching plus-3s. Southernaire Fishing Charters

Beach Bums: 8-11 Indoor Soccer Champs Savannah Coba, Lily Worth, Turner Worth, Cyrus Ryan, Brandon Sato, Beau Canup and Dylan Sato show off their championship medals with coaches Josh Sato and Jason Sato. Islander Photo: Courtesy CofAMI

Horseshoe news Four teams compiled 2-1 records and battled for the day’s championship during Aug. 11 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. The first semifinal match saw the team of Steve Doyle and Neil Hennessey slip past Gary Howcroft and Bud Meyers, while Norm Good and Steve Kriebel cruised to a 26-12 victory over Jerry Disbrow and Bob Heiger in the second semifinal match. Kriebel and Good were too “good” in the cham-

SportsShort

pionship match, earning a 21-14 victory and the day’s bragging rights over Doyle and Hennessey. Disbrow and Doyle bounced back from their semifinal disappointment Aug. 11 by teaming up and taking the lone 3-0 pool play record in the Aug. 14 games. They earned the day’s outright championship. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the city hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Marauders calendar extends to September The Bradenton Marauders minor league team still has more than four weeks of baseball to play, including homestands at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. The regular season closes Sept. 8 in Clearwater and the last regular season homestand will be Sept. 1-5 against the Tampa Tarpons. Sept. 1-4 games will be played at 6:05 p.m. and the final Sunday game of the regular season will be at 1:05 p.m. In August home games, the Marauders will play the Clearwater Threshers through Aug. 22 and the Tarpons Tuesday, Aug. 31. The Marauders are a Low-A Affiliate of the Pitts-

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burgh Pirates. For more information about tickets, go online to milb.com/bradenton or call the park box office at 941747-3031.

Baseball World Cup postponed

The U-18 Baseball World Cup that was set to take place in September was postponed until 2022. USA Baseball, in partnership with the SarasotaBradenton Local Organizing Committee and the World Baseball Softball Confederation, announced the postponement due to the continued impact of the coronavirus pandemic domestically and internationally. The event was set to take place Sept. 10-19 at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota and LECOM Park in Bradenton. New dates in 2022 will be announced at a later time, according to USA Baseball. For more information, go online to sarasotabradenton2021.com. — Lisa Neff

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Aug. 18, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Venture north for clean, clear water and fishing success By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With the waters of Tampa Bay clearing of the red tide toxin, most anglers from Anna Maria Island are venturing to the north in search of action. Unfortunately, the fishers who regularly target the waters of Sarasota Bay are not finding the situation to be as fortunate. Red tide blooms and fish kills from the south have creeped through the Intracoastal Waterway into Palma Sola Bay, so Stasny any productive fishing is occurring from the Manatee River north to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. In these areas, catch-and-release species — snook, redfish and spotted seatrout — are finding refuge from the toxic waters to the south. This scenario is providing great fishing despite the circumstances. Mangrove snapper are flourishing in this clean red tide-free water. In certain areas, limits of these tasty fish are being caught just by fishing the flats. Moving offshore to clear blue waters, red grouper are to be the most apparent catch. Limits are being reported on most offshore fishing excursions. Yellowtail snapper are worth mentioning, as they are being caught quite frequently as well. And since amberjack are back in season as of Aug. 1, they again are being targeted. These fish are entertaining on heavy spinning gear and known for their unrelenting strength on the hook. On my charters, I’m finding plenty of catch-andrelease action on snook and spotted seatrout in Tampa Bay. While targeting the snook against the mangroves, I’m seeing some catch-and-release reds being caught, too. Fishing areas of slightly deeper grass is yielding many mangrove snapper, a welcome sight for clients who like to have a fresh fish dinner. Limits of the snapper are being caught as a bycatch. Capt. David White is bottom fishing offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. The primary bite — red grouper — is occurring over hard bottom areas in depths of 80-100 feet. Live pinfish as bait are working well, although frozen bait — sardines — are an option. While fishing this bite, limits of red grouper are being caught. Yellowtail snapper are being caught while offshore. And, with the opening of amberjack season, White is focusing on this species.

TideWatch

Martin Beerman, visiting AMI from Fairway, Kansas, shows off a shiny snook he caught — and released — Aug. 10 using a pinfish for bait on a guided fishing trip with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

Moving inshore, catch-and-release snook are the most productive fish out there. While targeting the snook, a few catch-and-release redfish are taking the hook. Lastly, inshore mangrove snapper fishing is quite good for anglers looking to take home fresh fish for dinner. Capt. Jason Stock is finding permit fishing over offshore wrecks and reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. Casting free-lined live pass crabs in these areas is resulting in permit 15-20 pounds. While offshore, Stock is finding plenty of red grouper over hard bottom areas. Yellowtail snapper are being found in these areas, which are a nice addition to the cooler. And, although American red snapper season is closed, Stock is seeing some large ones being reeled up while his clients are targeting grouper. And, for yet another week, goliath grouper are the highlight for their size and strength. Capt. Warren Girle is targeting his efforts at the nearshore structure in the Gulf, such as artificial reefs and ledges. Bottom fishing in these areas with live shiners is producing a variety of species, including mangrove snapper. Limits of the tasty fish measuring 12-14 inches are being reeled up. Girle also is seeing Key West grunts, flounder and some juvenile grouper. Moving northward to the flats, Girle is finding

Red tide persists in local waters

A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists on the coast. Over the past week, K. brevis was detected in 67 samples. Bloom concentrations greater than 100,000 cells per liter were observed in Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. In Southwest Florida, K. brevis was observed at background to high concentrations in and offshore of Manatee County, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Pinellas County, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Sarasota County, background to low concentrations in Charlotte County and very low to low concentrations in Lee County.

K. brevis also was observed in Pasco County. Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Manatee, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Charlotte counties. In Manatee County, dead marine life was reported along Sarasota Bay in Cortez, along the Gulf in Holmes Beach, in Palma Sola Bay and in Bradenton along Sarasota Bay. Losses include pinfish, red drum, mullet, bass, catfish, tilapia, eel, crabs and clams. Respiratory irritation due to red tide was reported in Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota and Charlotte counties. For more, go to myfwc.com/research/redtide.

action in southern Tampa Bay for clients. Catch-andrelease snook are the most frequent catches, with a few reds in the mix. Also spotted sea trout are taking the bait from Girle’s anglers. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says on days when the red tide clears he’s seeing catch-and-release snook taking the hook from pier anglers. These fish are measuring 20-40 inches, so be prepared. Light spinning gear is useless against a large linesider when structure, such as pier pilings, are present. Other catches include mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel and a few redfish. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

FWC extends Tampa Bay catch-and-release measures

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission extended measures making snook, redfish and spotted seatrout catch-and-release only in Tampa Bay through Oct. 11. These changes went into effect earlier this summer due to impacts from red tide. The FWC decided to keep the measures in place until they can be reevaluated at the next commission meeting in early October, according to an Aug. 10 news release. Under the limits, snook, redfish and spotted seatrout are catch-and-release in all waters in Manatee County north of State Road 64/Manatee Avenue, Hillsborough County and in Pinellas County. The Braden River and all tributaries of the Manatee River are included but not Palma Sola Bay and the Anclote River.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Aug 18 Aug 19 Aug 20 Aug 21 Aug 22 Aug 23 Aug 24 Aug 25

8:04a 9:16a 10:21a 1:40a 1:51a 2:01a 2:13a 2:27a

HIGH

2.7 2.8 2.9 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.9

— — — 11:19a 12:11p 12:57p 1:42p 2:26p

HIGH

LOW

— — — 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.4

4:35p 5:30p 6:15p 4:34a 5:32a 6:24a 7:11a 7:58a

-0.1 -0.1 -0.1 1.5 1.3 1.2 1.0 0.9

— — — 6:53p 7:25p 7:54p 8:20p 8:44p

LOW

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

Licensed

Moon

— — — 0.0 0.1 Full 0.3 0.5 0.7

Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 18, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz

By Kane Kaiman

Up, down, ’round AMI

From the mountains of Colombia Good coffee is in their blood. Growing up in Colombia, sisters Veronica and Nubia Betancourt — owners of Tintos Colombian Coffee Shop, 119 Bridge St., Suite 130, Bradenton Beach — were surrounded by coffee. “We would get out of the house and just see the mountains filled with coffee,” Veronica Betancourt said Kaiman Aug. 1. After immigrating to the United States, the sisters missed something they’d had all their lives in South America: access to high-quality coffee at a reasonable price. They opened Tintos in November 2020 to fill that void. As you’d expect, the shop’s coffee is 100% Colombian — sourced from the Juan Valdez brand of the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation. In addition to cupsProof of bona #1 fide South American Joe, Tintos offers sandwiches, salads, bakery items and a Colombian favorite — empanadas. “We wanted to represent the flavors of our country,” Veronica Betancourt said. For more information, visit Tintos Colombian

decision in the next 90 days, said Hembree & Associates Realtor Michael Hollander. But it won’t be another bank — according to Hollander, the property cannot be used as a financial institution for two years. Light at the end of the pizza oven The restaurant business is tough. Restaurant operators are tougher. After a more than two-year saga that included an area of the restaurant falling into a sinkhole and owner Peter Ross suffering fractured ribs and a pierced lung from a fall during a camera installation in the parking lot — Fire & Stone Pizza, 10519 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, may reopen in as few as 90 days, Ross said Aug. 10. When it does, the restaurant will feature a new outdoor seating area and full bar. And, for the first time in the establishment’s 13-year history, they’ll be taking credit card payments. Peter Ross — who owns the buffet-style eatery with wife Radka — said they’ve also considered partnering with online delivery services. nubia Betancourt, left, and her sister, Veronica, For updates, visit the Fire & Stone Pizza page on proprietors of Tintos Colombian Coffee Shop, 119 Facebook. Bridge St., Suite 130, Bradenton Beach, pose Aug. There’s no ‘I’ in team 1 with a sign indicating the distance — 1,546 miles But there is a “me.” — between Tantos and their hometown of Medellín, In late July, the Christine Kourik real estate team Colombia. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman — at RE/MAX Alliance Group — was awarded the Coffee Shop & Bakery on Facebook or call the shop distinguished RE/MAX Chairman’s Club Team Award for 2020. at 941-254-4156. The thing is, Christine Kourik is the team — and Bank goes for more than 3 million clams PLeASe, See iSL biZ, PAge 23 Island real estate is steaming hot. ABC Family — a property management company based in Greenville, North Carolina — purchased the former Wells Fargo Bank property in downtown COMPILED BY KANE KAIMAN Holmes Beach in late July. AMI CHAMBER According to JLL Realtor Paul Rutledge, who represented the bank, the property, 5327 Gulf Drive, was Save the dates “hotly contested” and “bid up significantly over the Aug. 26, business card exchange with the Longboat Key Chamasking price” of $2.4 million. ber of Commerce at the Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar, Braden“That it was available is what’s shocking,” he ton Beach. said. Sept. 9, sunrise breakfast, Wicked Cantina, Bradenton ABC Family paid more than $3 million for the Beach. property, which went on the market in early March. Sept. 23, business card exchange, Compass Hotel, Perico Now the buyers are deciding between renting or Island. developing the space and hope to come closer to a Oct. 14, member luncheon, Slicker’s Eatery, Cortez.

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Oct. 15-16, Bayfest, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Oct. 28, business card exchange, partnering with the Anna Maria Island Privateers, Location TBA. Fees may apply for events. RSVP for the networking events by contacting the chamber at 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org. LBK CHAMBER

Save the dates Sept. 14, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce East Meets West Regional Business Expo, Robarts Arena, Sarasota. Fees may apply for events. For more information, go online to eastmeetswestexpo.com or contact the chamber at 941-383-2466.

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Don’t forget! You can read it all online at islander.org

Aug. 18, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

iSL biZ FRoM PAge 22

has been the team since pandemic in early 2020. She has flown solo ever since and attributes her success to maintaining customer satisfaction, international marketing efforts and going the extra mile to show off her properties — and surrounding neighborhoods — in drone video tours. Kourik, who operates out of the RE/MAX Alliance office at 5316 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, can be reached at 941-538-7414 or home@christysproperties. com. Vacations, renovations and vaccinations Oh my! The Beach Bistro, which made headlines this summer when it began requiring patrons be vaccinated, closed Aug. 10 for staff vacations and renovations. The restaurant will reopen Aug. 24. Owner Sean Murphy told The Islander Aug. 12 the time-share resort where the restaurant is located, Resort Sixty-Six, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, is being fitted with a new sprinkler system. Murphy confirmed the eatery will continue the vaccination requirement with dining reservations when the establishment reopens. For more information, visit beachbistro.com or call 941-778-6444. And as always… …Got biz news? Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@ islander.org or call The Islander office at 941-7787978.

Business news

Planning new services? New in business? Celebrating achievements? Staff deserves kudos? Submit to news@islander.org. Please, remember to include a contact number and name.

AMI TOURISM: Endless Season

By Amy V. T. Moriarty

TDC reschedules meet

Getting the groove at the grill Beach Vibes — plus an impromptu appearance by Brooklyn of Tampa — entertain a Saturday evening crowd Aug. 7 at the City Pier grill on the Anna Maria City Pier, 100 n. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. The grill operates 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and regularly hosts musical entertainment. Islander Photo: Courtesy Susanne Arbanas/AMI Concierge Services

I’M A LIFELONG NATIVE OF AMI. I’m straightforward, down to earth, and proud to be at Michael Saunders & Co., where we hold ourselves to a higher standard of service and ethics. — Johann Bertram, Realtor

For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island. Marianne Norman-Ellis. 941.778.6696

Decades of island experience … Buying! Selling! Building! Consulting! Call Mark, 941-518-6329 morganlewisrealty@gmail.com

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The Manatee County Tourist Development Council will meet Sept. 13 after postponing an Aug. 16 meeting. Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said delaying the meeting better aligned with the bureau’s midsummer plans and would not impact the regularly scheduled Oct. 18 meeting. The BACVB is the marketing arm of the TDC and, along with other industry experts, presents tourism reports at the meetings. The meeting will be at 9 a.m. at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The TDC, appointed by the county commission, directs funds raised from the 5% bed tax on accommodations of six months or less for the development of tourism. For more information, contact Monica Luff at 941-729-9177 or monica.luff@bacvb.com.

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I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

eLeCTRonIC LoCK FoR front door. Vacation rentals, $150-$190. orinocomarketing@outlook. com.

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 tollfree 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

gAMe TABLe: CenTeR board flips from chess/checkers to backgammon. Two drawers, two chairs and all game pieces and dice. $300. excellent condition! email for pictures: debbie.driscoll@icloud.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS WAnTed: WoRKouT dVds with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. deliver to The Islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

PeT CARRIeR: oVeR the shoulder sling, heavy duty. 10-by-19 inches. excellent condition. $20. 321-408-6148.

WAnTed: YouR oLd cellphone for recycling. deliver to The Islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

CHAndeLIeR: BRoWn MeTAL, hardware, $45, dell keyboards, $10, two bar stools, black/ brown leather seat, stainless-steel, $45, 941920-2494.

FRee gun LoCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police department. Pick up at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. don’t be sorry, be safe.

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BouTIQue CAReeR oPPoRTunITY on Anna Maria Island. Full and part-time positions available, part-time positions starting at $15 an hour. Full-time experienced salesperson position starting at $18, depending on experience. Please, text or call 941-773-2482 to set up an interview. dIReCToR-dRIVeR SougHT for senior’s at the Annie Silver Community Center and Center of Anna Maria Island. Seeking volunteer senior activity director and van driver for Friday outings. Contact Peg Miller, 941-447-5076 or pm3h@ yahoo.com.

Bobby is a 3-monthold male pup and he’s as precious as can be! He’s looking for a loving family. To meet this cutie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander ofﬁce in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption or to adopt Bobby, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

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FuLL-TIMe LABoReR to accept, catalog, and deliver materials, assist with projects, and site clean-up. Reliable, dL. Send resume to info@ coastalife.com A/C SeRVICe TeCH: experience required. Must have own tools. Full-time with benefits. drug Free Workplace. West Coast AC, 941-778-9622. 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 dePendABLe, ReSPonSIBLe, Fun babysitter for hire. 13 years old, island local. Available in June. 941-526-9090. 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.

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