The islander newspaper e edition wednesday, dec 6, 2017 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Bridge times reduced. 5

Pier money mapped. 8

DEC. 6, 2017 FREE

VOLUME 26, NO. 6

AsTheWorldTerns sing joyful tunes. 6 Bradenton Beach to fill commission seat. 3 Unidentified dead body found at Egmont Key. 3

Op-Ed

Opinions. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

Meetings

On the government calendar. 9

Happenings

Holiday plans include Privateers parade. 11

Out and about. 12-13 Anna Maria negotiates Bert Harris claims. 14 Church happenings. 16

Obituaries. 17 Downtown holiday open house. 18 Center hosts Lester Family Fun Day. 19

Streetlife. 20 WWII vet recognized for valor. 21 Kayaker paddles for cause. 22 Get in the game. 23 ‘Hardship’ busing continues at AME. 25 Hurricane season is history. 27 Soccer matchup. 28 Good fishing. 29 Businesses collect for holiday giving. 30

Doors open to Waterline. 24

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

www.islander.org

Anna Maria loses FEMA discount, ﬁres building ofﬁcial

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Missteps in reporting to the Federal Emergency Management Agency by the Anna Maria building official got him fired. A unanimous vote of no confidence from Anna Maria commissioners Nov. 30 resulted in the termination of building official Jimmy Strickland’s employment with the city. Murphy In August, another misstep was overlooked and Strickland gained a vote of confidence. At the Nov. 30 commission meeting, however, Strickland the situation revealed by Mayor Dan Murphy was more dire. Murphy said that due to neglect on the

‘

Anna Maria is at the mercy of FEMA. — Mayor Dan Murphy.

’

part of the building official, the city lost its citywide 25 percent discount from FEMA for the National Flood Insurance Program. All property owners in the city have been affected by the loss since late October. Murphy said FEMA representative Craig Carpenter informed him in October that the city would lose its discount due to a lack of information submitted to FEMA on steps taken by the city to mitigate flood risks. The discount is calculated based on FEMA’s community rating system. In December 2016, Strickland was to send FEMA a number of documents detailing efforts the city had made to provide sig-

President voted out of AMI chamber

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter After an almost decade-long stint at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, the president has been dismissed. Deb Wing, who served in various positions, including four years as vice-president prior to two years in the top position, was handed a termination letter Dec. 1 by the chamber board president, Eric Cairns. Wing said she submitted a resignation letter almost a month prior, but was asked to take two weeks to think over her decision. In a letter dated Nov. 8 to the chamber executive board, comprising appointed local business leaders, Wing resigned. “I just wasn’t getting the support I felt I needed,” Wing said about the resignation. She began her chamber career in 2009 as an administrative assistant. Wing said her decision followed months of frustration over issues with the chamber. During that time, she was vocal about issues, such as long hours and shortness of staff. Then came a fray with Anna Maria General Store owner Brian Seymour, an Anna Maria city commissioner, regarding his complaints about Bayfest, a chamber organizedevent held Oct. 21 on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Seymour said he experienced problems

at his business during the festival with the chamber’s alcohol restrictions and its private security firm and he shared his complaint at a city commission meeting. Wing The commission discussion included possible changes needed in the city’s special event permit related to security — private security versus Manatee County sheriff’s deputies, who rouCairns tinely patrol the city. “These issues culminated at Bayfest where commission issues were brought up again and things were said that weren’t true during a commission meeting regarding Bayfest.” Wing said in a Dec. 2 email to The Islander. “I reacted more assertively and displayed my intolerance over comments made about me and the organization I love,” Wing wrote. She also said she may have crossed some boundaries. Upon learning the news that Wing was fired from the chamber, Seymour said, “I’d like to hope that it’s not all over a disagreement about Bayfest security. I’d like to think they had other reasons. I’m sorry to hear that, PLEASE SEE CHAmBeR PAGE 2

nificant investments. However, Strickland failed to provide FEMA with the correct documentation showing those efforts. Over the next 10 months, Carpenter claimed, Strickland either ignored multiple requests for information or responded with inadequate information. Murphy said after he spoke to Carpenter, city staff was given 20 days to come up with the necessary paperwork. Thanks to that effort, the paperwork has been submitted, but the city is “at the mercy of FEMA at this point,” Murphy said. Commission Chair Doug Copeland said it was “shocking” for the city to lose its discount, given the effort Anna Maria put into reducing flood risk. “In the past, building officials have worked hard, and we’ve had a superior discount to Holmes Beach and Bradenton PLEASE SEE FemA PAGE 4

Legal expenses rise in BB Sunshine lawsuit

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Alleged Sunshine Law violations in Bradenton Beach are starting to add up to real money. As of Dec. 1, the city had spent $19,055 on attorneys fees since August, when commissioners voted to join — and spend $10,000 — on a lawsuit filed by ex-Mayor Jack Clarke against several city board members for allegedly discussing city matters at meetings that were not properly noticed. The city owes $14,597 to attorney Robert Watrous and paralegal Michael Barfield, representing Clarke and the city in the suit. Additionally, city attorney Ricinda Perry’s September statement included $4,458 in fees for her input on the matter. Former planning and zoning board member Patty Shay, a defendant in the suit, said Nov. 28 that she could no longer afford her attorney. According to Shay, whose primary income is from Social Security, the October bill from her attorney, Dye Harrison P.A., of Bradenton, was $1,481. “I have decided to go pro se and reprePLEASE SEE lAWSuIt PAGE 2

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CHAmBeR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

I wish her well. I enjoyed working with her for the last several years.” Wing took two week’s leave — as suggested by Cairns — after submitting her resignation letter to the board. Cairns said he told Wing at the time she submitted the resignation letter that he could not “accept or reject the resignation at the time,” as it had to go before the chamber board. Wing said she was surprised by the termination. She said Cairns met her in a parking lot Dec. 1 as she was leaving a personal appointment and handed her the letter, telling her the board had “accepted” her resignation and she was out of a job. The notice came the day she and the chamber staff and volunteers were preparing for the annual holiday tree-lighting event at the chamber office. Cairns said the decision to accept Wing’s resignation was made at a special meeting of the chamber board on the evening of Nov. 30 at the chamber office. Wing said she was unaware of the meeting. Cairns gave a statement via phone to The Islander Dec. 2, clarifying the chambers actions around the dismissal. “After ongoing discussions with the board, we

included as a possible project in the recently amended community redevelopment plan. By joining the suit, the city insulated itself from the allegations, according to Perry. Shay said Nov. 28 since a parking garage violates the city’s comprehensive plan and was never an agenda item before the P&Z board, she and the others did not violate the Sunshine Law when the subject was mentioned at a CNOBB meeting. According to paralegal Michael Barfield, an assistant to attorney Robert Watrous, representing Clarke and the city in the suit, the P&Z board members discussed parking garages and traffic in general, including the amended CRA plan. He said if the city had to

defend against those violations and others — some that Barfield says are being uncovered in the discovery — the cost to the city could reach six figures. “It’s a laborious process and that’s the unintended consequences people don’t think about,” Barfield said Nov. 30. “People say, ‘no harm, no foul,’ but if the city was forced to cure these violations, it could be very expensive.” Shay says she is concerned that if the defendants lose the lawsuit, they will be required to pay the city’s legal fees, as well as their own. “I can only imagine how much the city’s legal fees will be,” Shay said, adding, “I have my car and my trailer and I’m not sure the American Civil Liberties Union would let them take that from me.” Shay said she has not contacted the ACLU yet regarding her situation, but may contact the group with her concerns in the future. She also said she plans to address the commission with her concerns at its next meeting, which will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at city hall.

accepted Debbie’s resignation Nov. 30 — with heavy hearts, we accepted it.” Cairns said. “Please, join us in wishing Deb all the best in her future endeavors. We at the chamber will remain strong and tied to the community as we have been for years,” Cairns continued. “Standing at the helm will be Terri Kinder and Cathy Pizzo, two very capable individuals that we are very fortunate to have until a replacement can be procured,” Cairns said. He added that the search will begin immediately for Wing’s replacement and will be both local and national in scope. “As all our members know, our ongoing commitment to the community remains undaunted,” Cairns said. Cairns tenure as chair of the chamber board is up Dec. 31, when Island Coffee Haus proprietor Beverly Lesnick will take the gavel and head the search for a new chamber president. “I saw an opportunity to elevate the status of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and take it to the next level. I had a lot of plans left undone. The only thing I have to say is that I was always fighting Patty Shay addresses the Bradenton Beach comfor our island, our businesses and our community,” mission during a meeting a year ago at city hall. Wing said. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

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lAWSuIt CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 sent myself in the case,” Shay said. “I just can’t afford the extreme expense something like this causes.” Shay also said she does not understand the city’s objective in joining Clarke’s lawsuit. “We all resigned from our positions on the boards,” Shay said. “Is the intent punishment? What is the solution? No one has said that.” When the commission voted to join the suit in August, city attorney Ricinda Perry said that based on recordings from Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach meetings, P&Z members — also CNOBB members — were talking about matters which might come before them, including a parking garage, which is

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 6, 2017 n 3

Bradenton Beach P&Z member applies for commission seat

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Will it be a card draw? Or musical chairs? A seat on the Bradenton Beach dais is up for appointment and a new applicant has applied while another contender has withdrawn. As of the Dec. 1 application deadline, planning and zoning board vice chair Jim Lynch had applied for the open city commission seat, while former P&Z member Bill Vincent withdrew the application he filed in November. Additionally, former Ward 3 Commissioner Ralph Cole, who lost his seat to Randy White in the Nov. 7 election, also is vying to rejoin the commission. Ward 4 Commissioner John Chappie was elected mayor Nov. 7, opening his seat to appointment by the commission. However, with the passing of charter amendment 1, which replaces the city’s four wards with at-large elections, the seat became open to applicants from any area of the city — not just Ward 4. “I just wanted to give them another option,” Lynch said Nov. 28. “I have the background, desire to help and I see it as an opportunity to offer my availability.” Lynch, a former Hillsborough County attorney for 10 years, now retired, serves as a volunteer ombudsman, helping to resolve concerns between people living in assisted-care facilities — who often have no representation — and administrators. Lynch said as commissioner, he would use his experience as a P&Z member, lawyer and ombudsman to help resolve issues in the city without the need for litigation. He said it is important that issues brought before the city commission receive a “fair and objective hearing,” soliciting the views of all interested parties — residents and business owners. “Local government should be very efficient and responsive to residents and contractors dealing with the city,” Lynch said. “Issues need to be addressed

rationally and in a professional manner.” Vincent, a commission candidate in the 2016 election, former Scenic Waves Partnership Committee member and former P&Z board Cole member, has been actively involved in the city since 2007. However, Vincent currently is a defendant in a lawsuit filed by former Mayor Jack Clarke and joined by the city, alleging he violated Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Laws Lynch as chair of the Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach while also serving on the P&Z board. Vincent said Nov. 27 after grappling with the decision, he could not picture himself “sitting on the dais with two commissioners that voted to sue me and two others that are content to continue with the suit.” He said he would have had to recuse himself from

Dead body found near Egmont Key

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported the body of a white male in his 60s was found near Egmont Key. The state could not confirm the exact whereabouts or his identity as of Islander press time. The body was reported found Dec. 3, according to FWC Officer James Boogaerts. The FWC is investigating, Boogaerts wrote in a Dec. 4 email. He said the release of the man’s identity was pending notification of next of kin. Also, the cause of death was pending a medical examiner’s report, according to Boogaerts. Egmont Key was the destination of miss-

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votes dealing with the suit, which he said would likely continue for at least a year. Additionally, Vincent said, as CNOBB founder and chair, he has been pushing “free and fair elections” and would not feel comfortable being Vincent appointed. “Now we will have three of five commissioners on the dais that either were appointed or ran unopposed,” Vincent said. Vincent said he is supporting Lynch. “We’ve had some good conversations and I can tell he really cares about what’s best for the city,” Vincent said Nov. 27. If the vote for the appointment is split between the mayor and commissioners, the city again will determine the winner by a card draw for the third time in three years. The special meeting to appoint the fifth commissioner will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

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ing boater Fraser Horne. The area was included in a mid-November U.S. Coast Guard search for Horne, 63, of Calgary, Canada, also a winter resident of Cortez. Horne’s wife reported him missing Nov. 17 after he and his dog, Toula, did not return in time. A good Samaritan found Toula the next day at Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County. Coast Guard crews found Horne’s 30-foot boat idling in shallow water near Point Mead, with his wallet, keys and shoes aboard the boat. — Kathy Prucnell

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FemA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Beach,” he said. Strickland sites overload Murphy told commissioners Nov. 30 that Strickland had not informed him there was a problem prior to Carpenter’s letter landing in his hands. When the letter arrived, Murphy said Strickland told him he had not fulfilled the FEMA request due to the massive amount of documentation required. Strickland said it was too much for him to take on himself, according to Murphy. The city needs a flood-plain expert, Strickland told Murphy, to handle day-to-day FEMA documents. Strickland doubled down on his claims when he addressed the commission. “You need a lot of training for the documentation they want and it’s constant work. … We really need the extra position” to keep up with the FEMA workload, he said. Strickland said he had not brought the issue to the attention of the mayor because he didn’t realize FEMA would impose a deadline. “We were still working on things when they came in and said, ‘you’re done,’” Strickland said. Commissioner Brian Seymour asked Strickland why the issue of inadequate staffing had not been brought to the city earlier or to Strickland’s contractual employer, M.T. Causley Inc. Causley offers building, consulting engineering and government department service statewide from offices in Homestead, Florida. The city contracts Causley for building services and Causley selects and provides — upon city approval — a professional, state-licensed official as well as the official’s benefits. Copeland chided Strickland for failing to alert the city to the problem for more than 10 months, pointing out staff was able to gather the documents in 20 days after they were alerted. Copeland also directly asked Strickland whose responsibility it was to gather the documents. In response, Strickland said, “I knew about some of the times and I had been working throughout the period of time.… I think a lot of it is, we were just so sheer busy.” Strickland said if his department had a full-time

How FEMA’s CRS rating affects homeowners

Anna Maria city commissioners look on Nov. 30 as building official Jimmy Strickland explains why he failed to comply with FEMA requirements. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Due to inadequate documentation on the part of the city’s building official, Anna Maria property owners lost their 25 percent flood insurance discount through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s community rating system in late October. The city now has submitted the required documents, according to Mayor Dan Murphy, but must await word from FEMA on whether the discount will be reinstated. However, if FEMA holds firm, property owners will see a significant bump in their flood insurance costs. The community rating system is a voluntary program that encourages municipalities to exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program by providing discounts of up to 45 percent. Property owners in communities that demonstrate investment and effort into reducing flood risk, receive discounts on their flood insurance. The city has participated in the community rating system since 1991. Persistent efforts to address flood risk have resulted in incremental improvements to the citywide discount, previously bringing it to a Class Five. There are 10 classes in the program. Class 10 has no discount, while Class 1 earns the full 45 percent discount. Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach are both Class 6, earning homeowners discounts of 20 percent, according to the FEMA website. — Bianca Benedí

flood-plain manager and he wasn’t obligated to do code enforcement, it wouldn’t happen again. Commissioner Nancy Yetter asked why M.T. Causley appointed Strickland for the position if he lacked the training to do the job. Murphy said past building officials managed the full scope of responsibility without problems. Strickland received a vote of confidence from the commission Aug. 30, after the city learned he inappropriately signed off on a building permit without the necessary documentation. Commissioners voted to retain Strickland, arguing that he had an otherwise-stellar record, but with a caveat that he take a public records course and FEMA training. Seymour asked Strickland Nov. 30 if he had taken or enrolled in either course. Strickland said he had not. “It appears to me from history and the situation we’re in right now, you failed in your responsibility to look out for our city and our people and our rating Call for applicants Murphy put out a request for proposals in Octosystem,” Commissioner Dale Woodland said, adding that he was “disappointed” with Strickland’s perfor- ber seeking applications for a new building official, bypassing the contractual provider for building departmance. ment services, M.T. Causley. He said 30 candidates responded to the application. Of the 30, three were qualified and one appeared to be a good fit for the city. Murphy said he would interview that candidate within the next few weeks. Murphy said he was withholding the name of the candidate at the candidate’s request, to protect the applicant’s current job. Tom Walsh, regional manager at M.T. Causley, told the mayor and commission his firm is prepared to provide a new building official that is trained in flood-plain management. Murphy said he would consider the offer.

Bradenton Beach commissioner sworn for 2nd term

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter “I’ve been involved in the community for a very long time,” Commissioner Jake Spooner said Nov. 27. “It’s important to me to give back to the place where I grew up.” Spooner took the oath of office Nov. 27 to begin his second two-year term. He ran unopposed in 2015 and 2017. He served his first term representing Ward 1 — the area bounded by Second Street and 24th Street North, including Canasta Drive. Formerly, Bradenton Beach was the one municipality on Anna Maria Island that was divided into four wards. This changed Nov. 7 when electors approved a charter amendment that removed the ward system, allowing candidates to seek office at-large. Spooner expects people from his ward will still turn to him for representation. “They know where I live and are welcome as always,” Spooner said. “We are a community of neighbors, working together for the city.” Before being elected Ward 1 commissioner, Spooner served on the Scenic Waves Partnership Committee for 10 years and was a member of the charter revision committee. Since being elected, Spooner said he’s “found his voice” on the dais, speaking up about issues that concern him and his constituents. Spooner cited recently updated policing initiatives in the historic district and anchorage area adjacent to the Historic Bridge Street Pier as an accomplishment of the previous administration. “Efforts to clean up the anchorage have been successful,” Spooner said. “I’d like to see this continue.” Additionally, Spooner said he hopes funds the city

Roadwatch

Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jake Spooner, left, Eyes on the road takes the oath of office Nov. 27. City clerk Terri The Florida Department of Transportation posted Sanclemente is the officiate. Spooner was unable the following advisories for the week of Dec. 4: to attend a Nov. 20 swearing in, when Mayor John State Road 789/Gulf Drive from SR 64/ManaChappie and Commissioner Randy White took office. tee Avenue to SR 684/Cortez Road: Manatee County Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes crews are installing force mains and water mains. For applied for through the state, including funding for additional information about the project, visit the projseagrass mitigation to dredge the channel between the ect website at www.amipipereplacement.com. State Road 789/Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach: pier and the Coquina North Boat Ramp, stormwater projects and intermodal transportation innovations, Crews are installing a sidewalk along Gulf Drive from just south of 13th Street South to the North Coquina will come to fruition. “We have lobbied the state for over $4 million Beach Boat Ramp. Crews are finalizing work and for projects citywide and I will be ecstatic if we are cleaning up the site. Watch for daytime lane closures. The contractor is Ajax Paving Industries of Florida. successful,” Spooner said. Spooner said he is optimistic about the future of Expected completion is late 2017. State Road 684/Cortez Road at 119th Street West Bradenton Beach. “We have been working hard over the last two in Cortez: Crews are working on signals and concrete years on many objectives that I would like to help and medians. Motorists should expect lane closures at see come to fruition,” Spooner said. “We have a great any hour. The contractor is Ajax Paving Industries of team and a lot of momentum to accomplish many of Florida. Expected completion is late 2017. For the latest road watch information, go online the goals set out in my first term and to face the new to www.fl511.com or dial 511. challenges ahead.”

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 6, 2017 n 5

AMI-mainland bridge openings reduced by Coast Guard

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Some people say they don’t mind waiting on the bridge for boats to pass. But if you’re among the people who loathe waiting for the drawbridge, some relief has arrived. The U.S. Coast Guard has reduced the number of bridge openings from three times to twice an hour at the Anna Maria Island and Cortez drawbridges, as well as drawbridges at Stickney Point Road and Siesta Drive in Sarasota County. The Cortez and Anna Maria Island drawbridges will now be limited 6 a.m.-7 p.m. daily to openings on demand from boaters at 15 and 45 minutes after the hour. Both bridges are required to open on signal from boaters from 7 p.m.-6 a.m. daily. David Hutchinson, executive director for the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, notified Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Mayors John Chappie of Bradenton Beach and Bob Johnson of Holmes Beach of the change in a Nov. 27 email. The order as issued by Rear Adm. Peter J. Brown of the Seventh Coast Guard District in Miami is in effect. The MPO and the three island mayors made the request in February to reduce the number of bridge openings, saying the surge of traffic formerly associated with winter-spring tourism is now a year-round consideration. The Florida Department of Transportation, which owns and operates the bridges, also approved the change. “The Coast Guard is modifying the four bridge schedules to provide for the reasonable needs of navigation and those of land transportation,” according to the ruling. The Coast Guard reported receiving 118 comments in favor of the reduction and seven against. The bridges will open twice per hour throughout the year, according to Jennifer Zercher of the Seventh

Coast Guard District Bridge Office in Miami. “Not allowing these bridges to open at least twice an hour would place an undue burden on the marine community,” according to the Coast Guard ruling. The timing of bridge openings means a maximum wait time of 10 minutes for vessels, according to the Coast Guard. Public vessels — those owned and operated by the U.S. government — and tugs with tows may request an opening at any time. Cortez Bridge on State Road 684-Cortez Road spans the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway between Cortez and Bradenton Beach. The bridge has a vertical clearance of 22 feet. Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue West spans the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, connecting Holmes Beach to Perico Island. The bridge has a vertical clearance of 24 feet. The Cortez Bridge bascule opens for a sailboat passing through on the Intracoastal Waterway. Islander File Photo

Surveyors with McKim & Creed of Clearwater take measurements of the Cortez Bridge Nov. 30 from the Bradenton Beach Police Department parking lot, 403 Highland Ave. The surveyors were hired by Florida Department of Transportation to gather baseline data on the existing bridge. The decision as to the new bridge type is still pending, according to DOT communications specialist JoAnn May. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

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Opinion

Our

It’s beginning to look…

Oh, yes. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. And with a cold front dropping down from the north for an island visit this week, it may even feel a bit like Christmas. But for all the newcomers and visitors, don’t expect snow. It’s not in the forecast … ever. Once I traveled back to see family in Illinois and, on approach to the St. Louis airport, I could see snow on the ground. As I made my way to the rental car, I began to dread the drive to Carbondale. The roads were covered with ice. Thankfully, the interstate was clear. But a brisk wind was blowing snow across the road and I couldn’t help but smile at the similarity to home, when a storm blows sand across Gulf Drive. Snow blowing, sandy snowmen on the beach and holiday lights. “Jingle Bell Rock” is floating in the air, along with “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Last Christmas,” “Santa Baby” and all the favorite songs of the season. I love them all. I love my Christmas CDs, ranging from the Beach Boys to Elvis and even Reggae. Anna Maria Island is bursting with Christmas, including holiday events in all three cities. Roser Church offers spiritual events aplenty, including its annual Bethlehem Walk held Dec. 2. There’s much to do from one end of AMI to the other. Of course, we welcome you to visit our neighbors and us Dec. 15 at the AMI Centre shops for a jolly event. We have plenty in store for you, including visits with Santa, snow flurries, libations and treats and, of course, music! And the beginning of the holiday shopping season. I can only tell you what I told my kids when they were young and wanted to strike out on their own to buy gifts: DON’T GO TO THE MALL. There’s nothing at the mall we want, I told them. You need to shop on the island. Shop small. And shop for the items that have meaning. Back then, that meant jewelry for mom at the Sterling Anvil. Flipflops with lightning bolts. Anything with palm trees Bell ringing: embroidered or printed — pot holders for Grandma, a A family affair ball cap for Grandpa. You get the idea. Shop our mom-and-pop stores. And don’t forget Dave Greene and daughter to add some kindness by shopping our Thanksgiving Gigi, a third-grade student at Anna Maria ElemenWish Book for a local charity. tary, enjoy ringing the bell Merry sunny Christmas to y’all. — Bonner Joy Nov. 28 for the Salvation Army holiday kettle drive at the island Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive, DEC. 6, 2017 • Vol. 26, No. 6 Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Karen Riley-Love ▼ Publisher and Editor

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

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Waiting Waits

Tom Waits is pictured on stage and standing outside the Oar House in Bradenton Beach, where in 1978 he performed “Closing Time, “Small Change” and “The Piano Has Been Drinking.” The Oar House band for the night — Nick Danger and the Heat — accompanied the legendary singer-songwriter, who had performed earlier in the evening at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota. Waits recently released a remix of his 2004 album “Real Gone.” This photograph, taken by the late Paul Roat, and many other historical images can be found in “Images of America: Anna Maria Island” by Islander publisher Bonner Joy. Islander Photo Collection

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

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10&20 years ago In the headlines: Dec. 3, 1997

• The Anna Maria Island Art League’s annual two-day Winterfest arts and crafts celebration was expected to draw 40,000 people — 20,000 each day — to the city field in Holmes Beach. The event was in its ninth year. • Holmes Beach commissioners asked the mayor for job descriptions to justify salary increases at city hall. Mayor Bob VanWagoner had recommended raises for department heads but commissioners balked and instead began a review of the salary step plan. • Manatee County Sheriff ’s deputies responded to reports of gunfire from Bean Point in Anna Maria and found 75 people storming the beach and firing weapons. Blanks were used, because the attack was waged by a reserve unit from St. Petersburg that failed to notify the city.

In the headlines: Dec. 5, 2007

• Holmes Beach police were investigating a homicide after the body of Carla Ann Beard was found Dec. 2 in a wooded area near a rental residence at Fifth Avenue and 50th Street. Beard had suffered blunt trauma to the head. • Florida Gov. Charlie Crist froze withdrawals from all State Board of Administration pooled investment accounts because of a number of large withdrawals. The decision froze about $500,000 deposited by the city of Anna Maria. • The Florida Department of Transportation confirmed the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue would be closed for repairs 45 days beginning Sept. 29, 2007.

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DOT names new leader for barrier island traffic study

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The road to improving barrier island traffic flow has hit a speed bump. The Florida Department of Transportation devised 64 options to ease constrictive traffic encircling Anna Maria Island under former project manager Tricia Labud. Labud has left the the barrier island traffic study but the DOT maintains it’s not a setback. Project manager Tanya King has taken over Labud’s responsibilities, along with assistant project manager Nathan Kautz. “We’re approximately 60 percent complete with the study,” King said in an email to The Islander. The study is evaluating island travel patterns, origins and destination points, transit service, parking and bike-pedestrian needs, as well as land development codes related to parking, according to the DOT. Using alternate modes of transportation and realigning parking and intersections are encouraged by the $675,000 study. King said the study is in the brainstorming and data-gathering phase and has not reached the point of making official recommendations. Labud, the original DOT project manager for the study, which began in January, left the agency for a position in the private sector, according to Keith Slater, District 1 traffic operations engineer. One shortfall of the study under Labud was it failed to identify traffic origins from off-island. King said the study is still assembling the trafficorigin information, as Labud had assured the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials it would. Funding will follow once study suggestions are adopted as priority items by the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, King said. The MPO was created in the 1950s to provide a local voice for the state on transportation issues. The DOT was to hold a public information workshop on the traffic study Dec. 5 at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, giving the public a one-week notice. Staff members were to be available to answer questions and displays were planned to illustrate suggestions for improving

A water taxi from Holmes Beach to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach is a long-term suggestion in the barrier island traffic study area by the Florida Department of Transportation. Islander Graphic: Courtesy DOT traffic flow along related island and mainland arteries. The workshop was to be held after press time for The Islander. Frank B. Domingo of Stantec Consulting Services Inc. of Sarasota remains in charge of collecting traffic study data. Domingo referred calls for comment to the DOT. The study area is divided into zones: Anna Maria and Holmes Beach in Zone 1, Bradenton Beach in Zone 2 and Longboat Key, St. Armands Circle and Lido Key in Zone 3. The most expensive idea is stretching a $30 million aerial tramline from Sarasota across Sarasota Bay to Bird Key and St. Armands Circle. Using gondolas would be less expensive and may create a public attraction, according to the study. In Holmes Beach and Anna Maria, short-term suggestions include renting church parking lots during off-hours, developing online parking rental technology and installing an electric cartway to the Anna Maria City Pier. Roundabouts could improve traffic flow at four

Holmes Beach intersections, according to the study: East Bay Drive-Gulf Drive, Gulf Drive-Marina Drive, Palm Drive-Marina Drive at Key Royale Drive-66th Street and Gulf Drive-52nd Street. A water taxi from Holmes Beach to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, establishing a transit-only lane on the roadway and a 10-passenger ferry shuttle between Bradenton Beach and Cortez are long-term suggestions. Other suggestions include charging for Coquina Beach parking to encourage park-and-ride participation, installing eastbound and westbound right-turn lanes on Cortez Road at 75th Street West, installing a roundabout at State Road 789-Gulf of Mexico Drive at Broadway Street on Longboat Key and installing an electronic wayfinding system, which would enable motorists to use off-island parking. The study will be presented to the MPO at its meeting at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at the Holiday InnSarasota Airport, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota. For information, contact King, 863-519-2509, tanya.king@dot.state.fl.us, or Kautz, 863-519-2347, nathan.kautz@dot.state.fl.us.

Anna Maria begins funding process for new city pier

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Anna Maria is working through a list of funding sources to rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier. The total cost of rebuilding the pier, according to updated estimates, is $4.5 million at the high end. At the Nov. 30 commission meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy introduced a more complete funding plan to commissioners, as well as two agreements to cover about 40 percent of the cost to rebuild the pier. At the city meeting, commissioners voted to sign an interlocal agreement with Manatee County to receive $1.5 million in pier funding from the tourist development tax. The agreement was unanimously approved Dec. 4 by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, which met at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. During the TDC meeting, Murphy told council members that the pier rebuild would enable the city to accommodate a water-taxi system, adding that the city also would be employing greener technologies, including solar panels, in the construction. “The pier is iconic … and it’s important that we partner with the city to renovate it,” said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the BACVB, which serves under the TDC. The county will match up to $1.5 million in spending, according to the agreement, which requires the city to pay for the work as it progresses and submit receipts for repayment. The city will need to find money in the budget to make the initial payouts. The cost of rebuilding the pier would be $3.2 million, excluding costs to rebuild the restaurant, which will not be paid by Manatee County due to TDC restrictions. The funding agreement would be in place until

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, right, addresses the commission Nov. 30 with his funding plan to cover costs to rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier. Pictured with Murphy are Commissioners Dale Woodland and Nancy Yetter. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

2020. Commissioners also approved a resolution authorizing Murphy to seek $333,000 from the county beach concession fund to cover another portion of the pier. Murphy will need agreement and signatures from Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie before he can seek the concession funding. Meanwhile, Murphy said, state Rep. Jim Boyd, R-Manatee, agreed to submit legislation asking the state for $750,000 for the pier. The mayor said he was “confident” the request would be approved. Another $200,000 would come from a line item the city made in the 2017-18 budget for pier repairs, and Murphy anticipates a $1,250,000 payment from Federal Emergency Management Agency The remaining $467,000 is unaccounted for, Murphy said, but there are options available.

Murphy said he spoke with Bob Carter, a member of the planning and zoning board and husband of Commissioner Carol Carter. His career includes significant fundraising experience and he recommended the city use corporate sponsorships to cover costs. In addition, Anna Maria resident Sissy Quinn is in the process of creating a GoFundMe campaign for the pier, Murphy said. Finally, the city could create another budget line to cover expenses in fiscal year 2018-19. Sept. 10-11, Hurricane Irma damaged the city pier, which already needed repair. Engineers from the Tampa-based firm Ayres Associates said the pier would take 62-82 weeks to rebuild. Murphy declared the pier “totally destroyed” per the terms of the city’s lease with Mario Schoenfelder, which defines total destruction as repairs, which would take more than 120 days to complete.

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 6, 2017 n 9

Holmes Beach mayor denies license to franchise business

By Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Islander Reporter The moratorium against franchise businesses in Holmes Beach has been invoked for the first time. AMI Plaza co-owner Mike Hynds applied to open Finneganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar & Grill in the plaza he owns that formerly housed Lobstahs Restaurant. Mayor Bob Johnson said research indicated it could be a violation of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temporary moratorium against franchise or â&#x20AC;&#x153;formula businesses.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The alert came up that there was potential it could be a formula business,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There has been nothing else similar since the moratorium.â&#x20AC;? Finneganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has franchises in Florida and Texas, the mayor said. After consulting with city attorney Patricia Petruff and building department officials, Johnson said he gave Hynds a chance to sway his decision. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I went to him and said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Show me this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a formula,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the answer I got was, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll change the name.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Hynds has since withdrawn his application, but is expected to reapply soon, the mayor said. Hynds did not respond to requests for comment. Business owners are required to obtain a license

and pay a business tax in Holmes Beach. . City clerk Stacey Johnstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff reviews new business applications, then advances them to the building department to be reviewed for code compliance. After the former tenant closed Lobstahs June 20, Hynds had 180 days under city ordinance to open a similar business or lose grandfathered parking for the plaza, 5306 Holmes Blvd., according to Petruff. Before the Holmes Beach meeting Oct. 10, with a December deadline approaching, Johnson gave Hynds an extension to renovate and apply for his license. It was a controversial decision. Holmes Beach Commission Chair Judy Titsworth complained the mayor did not have the authority to grant Hynds a four-month extension. She claimed it showed favoritism. The mayor maintains extending the deadline was the right move. The extension pushes the renovation

deadline for Hynds to April 15, 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, I would do it again,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We should have a systemâ&#x20AC;? to give notice. The mayor said he will encourage the commission to update city codes to track nonconforming uses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We leave it up to the individuals to know everything,â&#x20AC;? the mayor said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not good.â&#x20AC;? The moratorium was enacted Sept. 13, 2016, after two new franchise stores opened at the Anna Maria Island Centre on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. In October, the commission extended the temporary moratorium through Feb. 18, 2018, to give the commission time to adopt a formal ordinance. Johnson said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for a vibrant business to fill the void at the plaza left by Lobstahsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; departure â&#x20AC;&#x201D; just not a franchise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken so long with that, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not my issue,â&#x20AC;? he said.

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Meetings Anna maria City â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 6, 10 a.m., city commission. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 6, 1 p.m., citizen of the year committee. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 12, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 14, 6 p.m., city commission. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 28, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 6, 11 a.m., pier team. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 6, 3 p.m., Scenic Waves. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 6, 5 p.m., city commission. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 7, 6 p.m., city commission. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 8, noon, Christmas party. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 13, 9:30 a.m., CRA (master plan). â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 13, 11 a.m., commission (alleys). â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 20, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 21, noon, city commission. CANCELED â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 27, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org.

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Holmes Beach â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 6, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 6, 6 p.m., planning commission. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 12, 6 p.m., city commission. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 13, 1 p.m., FEMA flood risk review. Tentative â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 18, 11 a.m., ad hoc committee. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. West manatee Fire Rescue â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 21, 6 p.m., fire commission. CANCELED WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. manatee County â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 7, 9 a.m., commission (land use). â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 12, 9 a.m., commission. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 19, 9 a.m., county commission/school board joint meeting (hurricane shelters). Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

Of interest â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 25 is Christmas and most government offices, as well as The Islander, will be closed. Most government offices also will be closed Dec. 26. Send notices to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org.

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Island happenings Anna Maria hosts Christmas celebration

The city of Anna Maria will host a Christmas caroling celebration 4-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, in City Pier Park at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard. Santa Claus will arrive on his sleigh, Mayor Dan Murphy said, and children will have the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and share Christmas wishes. In addition to a visit from Santa, Murphy said more than 30 singers from Lakewood Ranch High School acapella and chorale groups will sing carols. The city will serve eggnog and cookies for the event, which will be followed by a citywide holiday walk hosted by the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. From 5:30-8 p.m., visitors will walk Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive in Anna Maria and enjoy light refreshments offered by participating merchants. At 6 p.m., the Roser Memorial Community Church Joyful Noise Children’s Choir will perform at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and Historical Park, 402 Pine Ave. For more information, call city hall at 941708-6130.

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Senior Adventures will depart Friday, Dec. 8, from the Annie Silver Community Center to visit ArtCenter Manatee and enjoy lunch in downtown Bradenton. A shared van ride will be $5. The van will leave at 10 a.m. from Annie Silver, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Plans in December also include a visit Dec. 15 to Sunnyside Village Community Center in Sarasota for a holiday concert. Prepayment of $20 is required. Also, a book sale and potluck lunch at the Annie Silver center will be held 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 22. For more information or to RSVP for activities, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

AMIAL calls artists to ‘Past to Present’

The Anna Maria Island Art League is inviting artists to participate in the “Past to Present” photography exhibit that will open Friday, Jan. 12. An announcement from AMIAL said, “We are looking for artists to submit their artwork featuring film and digital art. All black-and-whites, sepia and color welcome.” Art must be submitted to AMIAL, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday by Monday, Jan. 8. The entry fee is $15 for members per piece and $20 for nonmembers per piece. An artist may submit up to three pieces. A reception will coincide with the monthly art walk in downtown Holmes Beach set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12. The exhibit will close Jan. 31. For more information, call AMIAL at 941-7782099.

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The Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players will meet Wednesday, Dec. 13, for lunch and a program. The gathering will be at 11:30 a.m. at IMG Academy Golf Club, 3450 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. The cost is $16, and lunch will begin at noon. For more information, call president Roe Duncan at 941-932-2798.

Fermentation fun

A class at the Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum learns about fermentation. Jillian Ross aka the Ferment Lady will lead a class on making sauerkraut and mixed fermented vegetables 10 a.m.noon Saturday, Dec. 16. The fee to enroll, required by Dec. 9, is $35. For more information, go online to floridafolkschool.org or call 941-708-6120. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Islander Courtesy Photo

Florida Maritime Museum plans lecture on lighthouses

Florida Maritime Museum will host a lecture on lighthouses Wednesday, Dec. 13. Richard Johnson will talk about lighthouses of the Florida Keys — from Loggerhead Key in the Dry Tortugas to just south of Miami. Johnson is a member of the Egmont Key Alliance, which works to preserve the key and its lighthouse. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more information, call the museum at 941708-6120.

Bread-baking benefits historical society

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society will resume sales of Settlers’ Bread at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at its museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Volunteers bake the bread at home during the winter season and bring loaves to the museum Wednesdays to sell. Bread — $5 a loaf — will be sold 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — or until the day’s supply lasts. After Jan. 1, the museum will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the historical society’s scholarship fund. For more information, call AMIHS at 941778-0492.

Studio raises $6,000 with anniversary auction

The Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria raised $6,175 from sales of art exhibited in 10byTEN, a celebration of the gallery’s 10th anniversary. The Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, reported these details from the exhibit, marked with a reception to open artsHOP in November: 103 10 by 10 pieces donated by 85 artists; 64 10 by 10 pieces sold, 55 5 by 5 pieces donated by 54 young artists; and 15 5 by 5 pieces sold. For more information about the Studio at Gulf and Pine, call 941-778-1906.

Visit www.islander.org for the best news on AMI.

Island happenings Santa Claus steps aboard the Anna Maria Island Privateers boatfloat to greet kids at a past Christmas party at Coquina Beach. This year’s party will follow the annual Christmas Parade, which will step off from Bayfront Park in Anna Maria at “about 10 a.m.” Saturday, Dec. 9, and proceed south to Coquina Beach. Islander File Photo

Privateers to bring holiday joy to AMI Ho, ho! Har, har! Arrgh! The Anna Maria Island Privateers will present their annual Christmas parade Saturday, Dec. 9. The celebration will step off about 10 a.m. — on island time — traveling south from Bayfront Park in Anna Maria to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Entries must be motorized or peddled and should be decorated for the holidays. Golf carts, roller skates and bicycles are accepted. Participants will assemble

on the bayfront at 9:30 a.m. On arrival at Coquina at about 11:30 a.m., the Privateers will host a holiday party, with Santa handing out presents to children and pirates serving lunch and sodas — free to kids and for a donation from adults. To register for the parade, go to amiprivateers. memberlodge.org. For more information, call Cindy “Lady Sinthia” Meeks at 315-529-6507.

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 6, 2017 n 11

Photographer Susan Bokos

Award-winning photographer and new member of the gallery family Susan Bokos is now showing her fine art photography at Island Gallery West. Exquisite portraits of flowers and other natural beauties, as well as sea and city scapes are on display. Stop by the gallery and enjoy. 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach Mon-Sun 10-5 941-778-6648

www.islandgallerywest.com

Perfect Personalized Christmas Gifts! EMBROIDERY! Purses • Bags • Clothing • Towels • Cups • Koozies & Marketing Materials Apparel & Accessory SHOP. Island Shopping Center 5400 Marina Drive at the Holmes Beach laundromat 941-705-4603 • yptapparel.com

And ‘sail’ into Privateers Thieves Market Jan. 13 The Anna Maria Island Privateers first Thieves Jan. 13, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Market of the new year will be 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, An announcement promised “treasures to be found, food to be eaten, fresh veggies to be bought” and pirates to hang with at the beach. Organizers are booking vendor space now. Winterfest art show to open Additional markets will be Saturdays, Feb. 10 and in Holmes Beach city field March 10. Proceeds benefit the youth scholarships and “kids The Anna Maria Island Art League will present the annual Winterfest juried arts and crafts show Saturday and community” programs. For more, call Cindy Meeks at 315-529-6507. and Sunday, Dec. 9-10. The festival will be 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the open city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The festival traditionally features a juried art exhibit, exhibition of children’s art and children’s activity area, food and beverage sales, community booths, raffle of work by participating Winterfest artThe Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and ists and entertainment by Koko Ray. Orchestra will perform its holiday concert Sunday, The festival also traditionally provides a conveDec. 10, at CrossPointe Fellowship in Holmes nient location to await the Anna Maria Island PrivaBeach. teers’ Christmas parade, which begins about 10 a.m. The concert will begin at 2 p.m. and the proDec. 9 in Bayfront Park in Anna Maria and travels gram includes “The Many Moods of Christmas,” south to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. four suites by Robert Shaw. There is no admission fee. The concert will feature some holiday favorites, The nonprofit’s Springfest will be March 10-11, according to information found online at amicco. 2018. org: “Silent Night,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” The art league is at 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes “What Child is This?” “Hark, the Herald Angels Beach. Sing,” “Joy to the World,” “Away in a Manger,” For more information, call 941-778-2099. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly.” The remainder of performances on AMICCO’s 2017-18 calendar will take place in Bradenton: a Click! Broadway-themed concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in 25, at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church and an opera readers’ lives — weddings, anniversaries, births, obituconcert Sunday, March 25, at the Manatee High aries, travels and other events. Submit notices and phoSchool auditorium. tographs with detailed captions — along with complete For more information, call 941-795-2370. contact information — to news@islander.org.

AMICCO to perform holiday concert

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Saturday, Dec. 9 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 30th annual Winterfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts, a beneďŹ t for Anna Maria Island Art League, city ďŹ eld, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7782099. Sunday, Dec. 10 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 30th annual Winterfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts, a beneďŹ t for Anna Maria Island Art League, city ďŹ eld, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7782099. 2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra holiday concert, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-795-2370. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ Throughout December, Maria Sine exhibits her artwork in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Land and Sea,â&#x20AC;? Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. â&#x20AC;˘ Throughout December, Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild Gallery exhibits â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christmas Island,â&#x20AC;? 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6694. â&#x20AC;˘ Through Dec. 23, 10th anniversary celebration at Studio at Gulf and Pine and â&#x20AC;&#x153;10byTenâ&#x20AC;? community exhibit, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906. â&#x20AC;˘ Through Jan. 6, Fernado Solerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acrylic painting exhibit, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aquatic FantaSea,â&#x20AC;? Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Jan. 6, Island Gallery West acrylics demonstration with Lee Mears, Holmes Beach. Jan. 11-28, Island Playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beyond a Joke,â&#x20AC;? Anna Maria. Jan. 28, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. Feb. 18, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. March 8-25, Island Playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Curious Savage,â&#x20AC;?

KIDS & FAMILY

Anna Maria. March 10-11, Anna Maria Island Art League SpringON ANNA MARIA ISLAND fest juried arts and crafts festival, Holmes Beach. March 11, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. March 25, Roser Friday, Dec. 8 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Forty Carrots parenting program meeting, Island Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. May 3-13, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778Playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Inspector Calls,â&#x20AC;? Anna Maria. 6341. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND 4-6 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Santa in the Park, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130 2-4 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Music on the Porch at the Florida Maritime Museum, Saturday, Dec. 9 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Origami crafting session, Island Library, 5701 Marina ONGOING OFF AMI Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. â&#x20AC;˘ Through Dec. 8, ArtCenter Manatee exhibits Sarasota Sumi-e 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade, Society work and Off The Wall, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Infor- from Bayfront Park in Anna Maria to Coquina Beach in Bradenton mation: 941-746-2862. Beach. Information: 239-321-2835. â&#x20AC;˘ Through Dec. 16, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cuban Fishing Ranchos in Tampa Bayâ&#x20AC;? 11:45 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas party and exhibit, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Infor- visits with Santa, Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Information: mation: 941-708-6120. 239-321-2835. â&#x20AC;˘ Through Jan. 21, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aftermath: The Fallout of Warâ&#x20AC;? exhibit fea- Tuesday, Dec. 12 turing work by Lynsey Addario, Jananne Al-Ani, Jennifer Karady, 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Gloriann Liu, Rania Matar, Eman Mohammed, Farah Nosh, Suzanne Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Opton, Michal Rovner, Stephen Dupont, Ben Lowy and Simon Nor2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Martial arts in nature program conducted by Manatee folk, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, County Parks and Natural Resources, Island Library, 5701 Marina Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI

ONGOING ON AMI

Feb. 17-18, 2018, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. Feb. 25, Anna Maria Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra Broadway and Beyond con- 0719. cert, Bradenton. March 25, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, 3:15 p.m., after-school childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choir, Roser Orchestra Opera Concert, Bradenton. Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. â&#x20AC;˘ TerriďŹ c Tuesdays for community and families, 5:30 p.m., Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

Grand Opening 10-6 SATURDAY DEC. 9

LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Dec. 15, Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza holiday party, Holmes Beach.

Tea and company

The Roser Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guild Christmas Tea will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, in the Roser Community Church Fellowship Hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Jill Morris, on the harp, and Phyllis Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keef, on the piano, will entertain with Christmas music. Attendees are asked to bring a gift for an exchange. The tea party will include â&#x20AC;&#x153;delicious confectionsâ&#x20AC;? along with sweet fellowship. For more, call Roser at 941-778-0414. Islander Courtesy Photo

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LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Dec. 15, holiday movie on the Riverwalk, Bradenton.

GAMES, SPORTS & OUTDOORS ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. • Fridays, usually at 1 p.m., mahjong games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • Tuesdays, 12:15 p.m., duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-779-0881. LOOKING AHEAD Jan. 13, Anna Maria Elementary Dolphin Dash 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, Holmes Beach. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND • First and third Wednesdays usually, Roser Memorial Community Church Golﬁng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414. • Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., ACBL Open Pairs Duplicate Bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Fee apples. Information: 941-216-9600. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Feb. 24, 2018, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training home opener, Bradenton. April 4, 2018, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island golf tournament, Bradenton.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, Dec. 6 11 a.m.-4 p.m. — OneBlood blood donation drive, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. 12:45 p.m. — Gulf Coast Writers meeting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Thursday, Dec. 7 2 p.m. — Knit and crochet club meeting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, Dec. 8 10 a.m. — Senior Adventures group visits ArtCenter Manatee and downtown Bradenton for lunch, departing from Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-538-0945. 2 p.m. — Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group meeting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. 5-8 p.m. — Anna Maria Holiday Walk, Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0492. 6 p.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church Children’s Choir performance, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Historic Park and Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0492. Saturday, Dec. 9 9 a.m.-1 p.m. — Holly Berry Bazaar and Food Market, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Sunday, Dec. 10

8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. — Candles and Carols: Service of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, also the Advent Cantata, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941778-0414. Tuesday, Dec. 12 1 p.m. — Roser Women’s Guild Christmas Tea, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 2 p.m. — Tech help offered, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Wednesday, Dec. 13 Noon — Adult coloring club meeting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 11:30 a.m. — Off Stage Ladies meeting and luncheon, IMG Academy and Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-932-2798. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in December and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. after Jan. 1, Anna Maria Island Historical Society sales of Settlers Bread, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941778-0492. • Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Manatee County Veteran Services Divisions counseling and assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. • Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meet to carpool on an adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. • Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. • Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941518-1965. • Second and fourth Tuesdays, Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach general membership meetings, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941730-7715. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Dec. 16, Anna Maria Island Privateers/Drift In Christmas Party, Bradenton Beach. Jan. 11, Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel Series begins, Holmes Beach. Jan. 13, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. Feb. 10, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. Feb. 15-17, Friends of the Island Library annual book sale, Anna Maria. March 3, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Day Festival, Anna

Maria. March 10, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. March 21, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Penny Flower Show, Anna Maria. April 18, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Fashion Show, Anna Maria. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, Dec. 13 3 p.m. — “Lighthouses of the Florida Keys” lecture, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-7086120. ONGOING OFF AMI • Second Wednesdays during season, Off Stage Ladies meeting and luncheon, various venues, Bradenton. Information: 941-9322798.

GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES • Thursday, Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. • Tuesday, Dec. 12, Hanukkah begins. • Thursday, Dec. 21, ﬁrst day of winter. • Sunday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. • Monday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. • Sunday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve. • Monday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.

GOOD DEEDS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Looking for volunteer opportunities on or around Anna Maria Island? These organizations are seeking help: • The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, is seeking volunteers. Information: 941-778-1908. • The Roser Food Bank needs donations of cash and nonperishable food. The pantry is administered by Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7780414. • The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers to serve as docents and in other ways. Information: 813-758-3234. • The Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, seeks volunteers for the gift shop, visitor services, grounds, gardens, building maintenance, classes and more. Information: 941708-6120. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • Manatee Community Concert Band seeks volunteers for its 2017-18 concert season. Information: 260-410-4126. Looking for volunteers for an organization or an event? Email calendar@islander.org with the details. Please include a contact name and phone number.

The Anna Maria Island Art League presents the 30th Annual

“Winterfest” December 9th & 10th, 2017

Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Festival Sat. & Sun.

10am - 4:30pm Holmes Beach, FL City Hall Field

Juried Art Exhibit Live Music (Saturday) with “Koko Ray” Rafﬂe “Young at Art”

Children’s Exhibit & Activity Area

Signature ISLANDER gifts

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

Artwork Courtesy of Angus Macaulay "Circles"

Community Booths Food Court Free Admission & Parking

www.IslandArtLeague.org 941-778-2099

Edward E. & Lillian H.!

Bishop Foundation

14 n DEc. 6, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Bradenton Beach political group closes its books, looks to future

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter As the legend goes, the phoenix rose from the flames, reborn. And, such is the hope for the grass-roots group the Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach, which, according to founder and chair Bill Vincent, will reform in 2018 as a new group with an educational direction. A special meeting was called Nov. 28 to resolve CNOBB’s debt and dissolve the group, following a decision earlier in November that disagreements between members regarding the group’s status as a political or education group could not be settled. CNOBB treasurer John Metz said the group owes $533.87 in legal fees, which needed to be addressed before the group dissolved. Metz said the group spent about $3,600 in attorney’s fees, but only brought in $230 in membership dues. Some members previously made donations to help cover expenses, but there still existed a shortfall. Metz noted the legal expense was necessary to get three charter amendments — all passed by the elector-

The group accepted contributions and paid expenses as it struggled with the city to get the initiatives on the ballot. Members soon determined CNOBB needed to register as a political action committee, according to state statutes. Since filing as a PAC with the city, the group and members of its steering committee were confronted with complaints made by former Mayor Jack Clarke to the Florida Elections Commission. Clarke claims the group did not file its registration and financial paperwork in a timely manner. The complaints follow a lawsuit filed in August by Clarke against six city board members — also CNOBB members — alleging Sunshine Law violations. At the Nov. 28 meeting, several members made CNOBB founder and chair Bill Vincent, left, attends donations and the debt was resolved. a special meeting Nov. 28, as treasurer John Metz Metz said he would pay the remaining balance with reviews the group’s finances. Islander Photo: Chris- the donations and close the CNOBB bank account. Ann Silver Esformes A motion was made to take “whatever actions needed to complete dissolution” and formally dissolve the group. ate — on the Nov. 7 ballot. CNOBB member Mike Harrington said the mem“That’s the thing that’s given CNOBB some status,” Metz said. “Because we were able to do some- bers of the group had good intentions for the community, and he is sad about it. thing.” “But, after the treachery that came our way, the lawsuits and all the other garbage, we don’t have any choice,” Harrington said. was absent with excuse. Vincent said CNOBB’s greatest success was eduHowever, Commissioner Nancy Yetter voted no cating the citizens of Bradenton Beach about governon two other settlement options that were approved ment and he looks forward to continuing this effort as 3-1. a new, educational group. Vose recommended the commission grant a “I think we’ve provided a remarkable civics lesson request for a settlement for an unapproved, restricted to the people in the city,” Vincent said. “There is a covenant on properties at 791 Jacaranda Road and driving need in the city of Bradenton Beach for citizen 789 Jacaranda Road, both owned by 791 Jacaranda representation and education. So the civics lessons will LLC. go on.” Vose said doing so would not hurt the city. Commissioners voted without discussion. Click! Of 112 claims filed against the city since 2016, The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in 89 are settled and 23 are waiting for claimant action, readers’ lives — weddings, anniversaries, births, obituincluding the four offers approved by the commisaries, travels and other events. Submit notices and phosion Nov. 30. tographs with detailed captions — along with complete — Bianca Benedí contact information — to news@islander.org.

Anna Maria negotiates 4 Bert Harris claims

Four more Bert Harris counteroffers are going out from Anna Maria City Hall. Commissioners unanimously voted Nov. 30 to approve a recommendation by city attorney Becky Vose about two claims filed for one property at 513 N. Bay Blvd. Mighty Palm LLC filed two Bert Harris claims for the North Bay address, citing the living-arearatio ordinance and the vacation rental ordinance, which limits the maximum occupancy in short-term vacation rentals to eight people. Vose recommended offering a 14-person maximum and no changes to the LAR for the six-bedroom construction. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the recommendation. Commissioner Carol Carter

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

card? Find a one-of-a-kind gift at Retro Rosie’s Vintage and Antiques. The staff is ready to help you find just the right present to put under the tree — and they’ll Ho, ho, ho! It’s beginning to look like Christmas gift wrap it, too! Don’t know what size to choose? ... and it’s only three weeks away. It’s not too early Gift certificates fit all sizes! Please, “Shop Small” this holiday and support locally owned businesses. for holiday shopping. Community thrift Shop on Manatee Avenue is Tired of giving the same old boring Visa gift

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Shop with a purpose at Scavengers indoor flea market!

Vintage Clothes for All Occasions Beautiful Wedding Gowns and Accessories

10-4 Tue-Sat • 817 Manatee Ave. E. 941-708-0913 • Like us on Facebook!

ready for the holidays with plenty of consignment bargains — from home decor to jewelry, adult and children’s clothing, accessories, books and more. Shabby Chic, beachy/coastal, heirloom home furnishings and decor are in vogue and plentiful at the must-not-miss monthly vintage market, Vintiquity lane, 1540 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota. The Vintage Market will open Dec. 16-17. Kingberry estate Finds in Palmetto offers home furnishings and decor, emphasizing quality, comfort and style at affordable prices. The estate inventory includes items for inside and outside your home. As an added bonus, you’ll find Annie Sloan Chalk Paint exclusively in Manatee County at Kingberry. Please, be sure to tell our friends in the shops, “The Islander sent me.”

Community Thrift Shop Bradenton’s Original Thrift and Consignment Shop

Large selection of Home Decor, Furniture, Collectibles, Fine Jewelry, Clothes for the whole family! Books and more! Accepting quality consignments. Call 792-2253

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THE ISLANDER n DEc. 6, 2017 n 15

Vacation villa OK’d by Holmes Beach commission By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Some days there’s good news at city hall. The owners of six Holmes Beach rental units received good news at the Nov. 21 city commission meeting. They can continue to do business as usual. Spence and Jessie Romine bought the Palm Tree Villas, 207 66th St., in 2012. The Valdosta, Georgia, natives also purchased property in Anna Maria in 2011, the Sunrise Garden Resort, 512 Spring Ave. An investigation began for Palm Tree Villas — in the R-2 residential zone — rental code compliance. It wasn’t always that way. Three platted lots were combined more than

60 years ago into what is now known as Palm Tree Villas. The lots in the West Winds Shore subdivision previously were in the A-1 zoning district, allowing overnight rentals, according to research cited by city attorney Patricia Petruff. Times have changed and so has the designation for Palm Tree Villas, which now is in the seven-day rental-residential zone. Petruff said she could not determine when the designation changed but it was likely done during a land development code revision to be consistent with the comprehensive plan. The building department reports three duplexes, or six units, comprising Palm Tree Villas were built in 1969. The buildings form a U-shape around a pool

Anna Maria meets new, incoming sergeant

Sgt. Russell Schnering is heading out the door, and Sgt. Mike Jones is coming in. Schnering, head of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office substation in Anna Maria, introduced commissioners Nov. 30 to his replacement, Sgt. Mike Jones, who is scheduled to take over the role Dec. 11. Schnering said he is being reassigned to the MCSO Marine unit, while Jones will take over patrolling the streets of Anna Maria. Mayor Dan Murphy thanked Schnering Nov. 30 for his time in the city. “You’ve been a breath of fresh air,” he said. “You’ve really turned things around.” Schnering replied that Murphy taught him much about politics during his time in Anna Maria. Schnering succeeded Sgt. Paul Davis, who was reassigned to a position at MCSO in internal affairs. Jones was reassigned from MCSO’s violent crimes task force. — Bianca Benedí

Sgt. Russell Schnering, head of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria substation, introduces Sgt. Mike Jones Nov. 30 to city commissioners. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

in the front yard. “This informs me that the property was developed via unified site plan as opposed to each duplex being constructed separately on its respective lot,” Petruff wrote in an opinion given to commissioners. Petruff said the city received confirmation from “several owners” that the six units have been used for overnight rentals since construction. The Palm Tree Villas are classified by the state as “transient apartments,” which indicates kitchen facilities are contained in each, Petruff said. Other similarly classified “transient rentals” in Holmes Beach include Haley’s Motel, 8102 Gulf Drive; Island West Resort, 3605 Gulf Drive; Coconuts Beach Resort, 100 73rd St.; and Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages, 2710 Gulf Drive. In July 2008, the city issued a building permit, which specifically stated the Palm Tree Villas property is grandfathered for hotel use, according to Petruff. “Based upon all the information available to the city at this time, it is my opinion that the property was initially constructed to be used as a hotel-motel and during the ensuing years it has been continuously operated for overnight rentals,” Petruff wrote. Petruff advised commissioners to deem the property as nonconforming for the purpose of overnight rentals and allow a business tax receipt to be issued reflecting the ability to continue to rent overnight despite being in a residential zone. “If additional evidence comes to light, which clearly demonstrates the nonconforming use was abandoned for more than 180 days, my opinion could change,” Petruff wrote. “Thus far, the city has found no documentation to support that position.” Holmes Beach commissioners affirmed the grandfathered vacation rental in a 5-0 vote. The Romines did not respond to calls from The Islander for comment. The commission will next meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

16 n DEc. 6, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Gathering

Holly Berry Bazaar at Annunciation The popular Holly Berry Bazaar in 2016. This year’s sale will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The kitchen will open for lunch. Also, there will be raffles for gift baskets and sales of homemade pot pies, baked goods, sweet pickles, crafts, decorations, household items and other goods. For more information, call the church office at 941-778-1638.

Roser to host service of hope

Roser Memorial Community Church will host “Candles and Carols: A service of hope, peace, joy and love” Sunday, Dec. 10. The services will be at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. and feature narrations, candle-lighting and musical performances. Sandy Dahl and Priscilla Seewald will serve as narrators. Candles & Carols is a presentation of the Advent cantata created by Pamela Martin and Mark Hayes and directed by music ministries director Kristen Stanton. The program will feature Phyllis O’Keef playing piano, Mary Deur playing flute, Joy Chatzistamatis playing violin, Isaac Mingus playing cello and John Gunkler playing trumpet. The Roser Cantata Choir and the Joyful Noise Children’s Choir will sing carols. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

The Roser Memorial Community Church choir will perform during special holiday services Sunday, Dec. 10. Islander Courtesy Photo LEFT: Isaac Mingus, right, a cellist and bassist in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, and Joy Chatzistamatis, who began studying the violin at age 3, will perform Sunday, Dec. 10, at Roser Memorial Community Church. Islander Courtesy Photo

Pastor Rosemary Wheeler Backer

WORSHIP WITH US SATURDAY AT 5 PM SUNDAY AT 9:30 AM Fellowship follows Sunday worship 6608 Marina Drive ~ Holmes Beach ~ 941-778-1813 www.gloriadeilutheran.com “All are welcome”

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

300 Church Ave. • Bradenton Beach PO Box 243, Bradenton Beach 34217

2 blocks north of Bridge St. Clock Tower

“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history of the island by Bonner Joy, is available at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Joy is publisher of The Islander newspaper.

COMMUNITY CHURCH PRESENTS

Candles & Carols A service of hope, peace, joy and love

8:30 & 10:00 AM • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 CHOIR: Cantata Choir & Joyful Noise Children’s Choir ORCHESTRA: flute, trumpet, violin, cello, piano AN ADVENT CANTATA • IN THE SANCTUARY A NON�DENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria

Art by Joan Voyles

“A Searching Advent? The Persistent God”

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 6, 2017 n 17

Obituaries

Joanne Marie Bonsall

lene and husband Bob Eanett of Lakeland; nephew calling his representatives and writing letters to the Joanne Marie Bonsall (Lemont), 77, of Walling- Gene Eanett of Lakeland, and nephew Joey and wife editor. He was known for his phenomenal sense of humor, Jill Eanett of Bowie, Maryland. ford and Holmes Beach, died Nov. 23. kindness and intelligence. He loved spending time with Born in Upper Darby and raised in Atlantic City, Sheldon Avery Maskin his grandchildren. New Jersey, she was daughter of the late William and A memorial gathering will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. Marie McDermott Lemont. Sheldon Avery Maskin, 93, of Anna Maria, died 27, 2018, at the St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. She built a home and raised her family in Walling- Nov. 19. ford before retiring to Holmes Beach in 1996. He was born July 9, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Memorial donations After moving to Holmes Beach, she continued to Israel “Mac” Maskin and Anna (Schwarz) Maskin may be made to Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International or the Children’s Guardian Fund of Saraworking part-time for Publix in Holmes Beach for Levy. almost 20 years, until she was forced to retire in 2015 He graduated from Long Beach High School in sota. He is survived by wife Kathy; sons Daniel Maskin due to illness. Long Beach, New York, and served in the U.S. Air and partner Diane Georgeson of Oneonta, New York, Over the years, she enjoyed working at Publix, Force during World War II. and Alan Maskin and partner Brian McLaughlin of sewing, reading and the companionship of her rescue After the war, he received his degree in physical dogs. education from SUNY Cortland, where he met Phyllis Port Townsend, Washington; stepson Jay Miltz, of Most of all she loved it when her four grandchil- Klingman. They married in 1950 and had two sons, Endicott New York; stepdaughter Kristin Kulik and dren would visit Anna Maria Island for family vaca- whom they raised in Long Beach, Plainview, Farm- husband Michael Kulik of Athens, Georgia; grandtions. ingville and Afton, New York. Phyllis died in 1983. children Emily, Jessica, John, Zachary, Christopher A memorial service was Dec. 2, in Aston, PennMr. Maskin worked as a physical education teacher and Katie Kulik; and many nieces, nephews and close sylvania. Memorial donations may be made to the and later as a guidance counselor. He also coached friends. National Kidney Foundation at team.kidney.org. varsity basketball and taught drivers’ education. He She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Lewis met Kathy (Allyn) Miltz while teaching in Endicott, At your service C. III; children Karen Nega and husband Daniel of New York. The two married in 1990. Obituaries are provided as a community serHuntingtown, Maryland, and Kevin and wife Paula of Mr. Maskin enjoyed an active lifestyle, with a vice in The Islander newspaper to residents and Aston, Pennsylvania, and grandchildren Zachary and particular love of playing tennis. He was talented in family of residents, both past and present, as well Matthew Nega and Kevin and Emma. woodworking, making furniture and keepsakes, and as to those people with ties to Anna Maria Island. even building the family house on Afton Lake in New Information may be submitted to news@islander. E. Victor Dashiell Jr. York. org. Paid obituaries are available by calling sales He was passionate about progressive politics, E. Victor Dashiell Jr., a 30-year resident of Anna rep Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978. dedicating large amounts of his time to volunteering, Maria, died Nov. 18. He was born May 11, 1947, in Salisbury, Maryland. His family White wedding moved to Florida when he was 3 Charter Capt. David White and months old. He grew up in the Fort Heather Booth celebrate their marMyers and St. Petersburg areas and riage with their daughter, Layla. The graduated high school from Admiral wedding and celebration were Nov. 2 Farragut Naval Academy. Dashiell at Anna Maria’s Bayfront Park. White He served four years in the U.S. and Booth became engaged on Egmont Navy, where he was stationed in Asmara, Ethiopia. He Key about two years ago. They planned attended the University of South Florida and received a romantic view of Egmont from the a degree in communications. park during their wedding vows, which He worked for Channel 13 in Tampa for 10 years they wrote. Booth’s parents are Anne before starting his career as a freelance camera operaMarie and Christopher Booth of Moore tor, filming mostly sporting events. Haven. White’s mother is Helen Davis In 1987, he moved to Anna Maria, where he purof Danville, Illinois. Stepmother Trisha sued his hobby of photography — taking many pictures and brother JD also were part of the of the beautiful beaches, sunsets and native birds. wedding, with JD serving as a groomsHe was a member of the Bridge Church in Braman. Family attended from the Carolidenton. nas, Pennsylvania and California. The No memorial service is scheduled. White family resides in Cortez. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jayne; Islander Courtesy Photo daughter Kristin, of Bangkok, Thailand; sister Dar-

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ABOVE: Anna Tegan Dahl chats with Santa Dec. 1 about her Christmas wish list at the chamber office, 5312 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Santa was kept busy, lending his ear and handing out treats to kids.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers assist Santa and his reindeer Dec. 1 on his rounds in Holmes Beach. He visited children on his sleigh for that all-important conversation about “naughty or nice,” and heard their Christmas wishes. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi BELOW: Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and wife Denise enjoy the Dec. 1 festivities at the downtown open house and chamber tree-lighting. The mayor said he was pleased to see a crowd and the participation by city businesses.

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Lester Family Fun Day delivers fun to center Santa Claus waves to the crowd Dec. 2 on his arrival to Lester Family Fun Day, as members of the Manatee High School Drum Line lead the holiday elf into the center gym. Islander Photos: Bianca BenedĂ

Santa Claus and center board chair David Zaccagnino present Chuck and Joey Lester Dec. 2 with a thank-you poster made by center kids. The Lesters have hosted the center holiday event for 16 years. Riley Mangiafico, 5, tells Santa Claus her Christmas wishes Dec. 2 at the Lester Family Fun Day at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

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Cops & Court By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Motorcycle chase ends in crash in Holmes Beach

Harrison was later found at his Bradenton apartment, transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton and later released.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office chased a speeding motorcyclist Dec. 1 from Cortez to Holmes Beach, where the driver crashed and fled. The crash occurred in the intersection at East Bay Drive and Manatee Avenue, according to public information director David Bristow, who said charges are forthcoming against the motorcyclist, Jacob Harrison, 25, of Bradenton. Possible charges include fleeing and eluding law enforcement at a high speed, reckless driving, resisting an officer without violence and causing an accident, according to an MCSO report. Prior to the crash at about 9 p.m., the report states Harrison fled MCSO Deputy Andrew Vanover, who had attempted to stop him in the 9000 block of Cortez Road West for speeding. MCSO began a search with a helicopter and K-9 unit, which were to no avail, according to police reports. Witnesses to the crash told the deputy the speeder had fled on foot.

Man pleads guilty, sentenced to jail for road rage

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna maria Nov. 13, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, found property. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy found credit cards and a driver’s license on the Veterans Day parade route. The officer placed the items in safekeeping after no one claimed them at the event. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Bradenton Beach Nov. 21, 70 block of Midge Court, theft. A tag was reported stolen from a boat trailer. Bradenton Beach police determined that because the tag was expired, it couldn’t be entered into the state’s computerized database. A paper report was filed. Nov. 22, 100 block of Sixth Street, South, civil issue. A subcontractor and property owner argued over steel railings. The contractor arrived and settled the matter. Nov. 25, BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., trespass. Causing a disturbance at the bar, a woman told employees she’d get them fired and asked patrons to buy her drinks. The woman was issued a trespass warning and she left.

A Ruskin man arrested for road rage in Holmes Beach in February was sentenced to 364 days in jail. Jeovani Aguila, 24, pleaded guilty Nov. 20 in 12th Circuit Court to aggravated battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and possessing cocaine. Judge Brian Iten accepted the plea and sentenced Aguila to jail with credit for time served. Aguila’s rage was reported to police Feb. 26, after he’d been honked at for erratic driving in the 4300 block of Gulf Drive. Aguila had exited his vehicle and flailed a crowbar at a motorist, who locked his doors. Holmes Beach Police Officer Tom Fraser tracked Aguila to a nearby Publix Super Market, where Aguila attempted to choke the officer during the arrest. Police also found cocaine residue in Aguila’s vehicle. In court, the judge also ordered Aguila’s driver’s license suspended for a year and $1,572 in fines. Nov. 26, 600 Gulf Drive N. and Sixth Street North, license. A Bradenton Beach police officer observed a red pickup truck driving unusually slow, swerving across the road and into the bike lane. The officer pulled the motorist over and a 23-year old Palmetto man jumped out with his hands held in the air. He told the officer his driver’s license was suspended. The man was arrested and transported to Manatee County jail. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez Nov. 17, 11900 block of Cortez Road, domestic disturbance. Manatee County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a couple arguing. The woman told the officers it did not turn physical. The man was not at the scene. Nov. 8, 3900 block of Mariner’s Walk, identity theft. A man reported a $10,000 fraudulent bank transfer. Cortez is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach Nov. 23, Kingfish Boat Ramp, camping ordinance. At about 10 p.m., Holmes Beach police found a man sleeping inside a trash bag under a picnic table. The 41-year-old man told the officer he’d walked from Sarasota and needed a break. The man was issued a notice to appear in court for the violation.

WMFR within a step of ALS startup By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter There’s just one step left before West Manatee Fire Rescue can offer advanced life support. The Manatee Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved WMFR’s application Nov. 28 for a certificate of public convenience and necessity, paving the way for the district to pursue a state license to deliver ALS services. The next step for WMFR is to apply for the state license. Chief Tom Sousa told WMFR commissioners Nov. 16 that he hoped to begin implementing ALS by the new year. The county approved an ordinance in April allowing WMFR to apply for a COPCN. Previously, only Manatee County EMS could hold a certificate. Sousa said Nov. 29 the district is awaiting the delivery of ALS equipment, including a defibrillator/ monitor, and state approval. WMFR has advocated in past years for the ability to offer ALS services, including intubation and paramedic care. Currently, Manatee County firefighters are limited to delivering basic life-support services and must wait PLEASE SEE WmFR, NEXT PAGE

Island watch

In an emergency, call 911. To report information on island crime, call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804. Nov. 24, 200 block of 83rd Street, burglary. An unknown person broke into a residence through a window. A house key and sheets were stolen. Nov. 24, 500 block of 75th Street, suspicious incident. The owner of a personal watercraft reported unknown footprints on the vessel, which wasn’t located where she’d left it. Nov. 25, 400 block of 62nd Street, assist. A relative called police to report her uncle hired an unlicensed contractor for a new roof. Nov. 25, Doctor’s Office bar, 5312 Holmes Blvd., code enforcement. While on patrol, an officer observed people drinking alcohol at an outdoor fire pit and referred the report to code enforcement. Nov. 26, D.Coy Ducks Bar & Grill, 5410 Marina Drive, trespass. Police were called when a drunken person refused to leave. The man was issued a trespass warning and left. Nov. 27, 5900 block of Flotilla Drive, burglary. Tools, including a joiner, planer and hammer drill, as well as $8,000 in cash and checks, were reported missing after the owners returned to find their home burglarized. Some items were taken to the station and processed as evidence. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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Holmes Beach veteran’s valor honored with special quilt By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Alvaro Fernandez did not have an easy time fleeing Hurricane Irma with his wife and daughter. At 98, Fernandez and his family fled Holmes Beach to Daytona Beach, and then on to South Carolina. By the time the family made it to Atlanta a week after the storm, Fernandez and his wife were exhausted. “I had to fly them home from Atlanta,” daughter Margie Fernandez said Nov.29. “They were just wornout.” It ended up being a fateful flight, one of those instances of synchronicity when an old solider received a new gift to honor his service just because he happened to be on that particular plane. One of the flight attendants on the Delta plane bound for Florida — whose name is not known — saw Alvaro Fernandez’s military cap and struck up a conversation. Fernandez served with the Army Air Force in World War II in Europe. He was a member of the WmFR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 the arrival of Manatee County EMS to deliver ALS. However, according to WMFR’s ALS business plan, more than half of Florida districts allow firefighters to supply non-transport ALS services. Five firefighters hold paramedic certificates, Sousa said, and six more are enrolled in training. Sousa said he expects to have 10 licensed paramedics by June 2018. ALS will be rolled out with a specially equipped engine at Station 3, 6001 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, in mid-November. Sousa expects to expand it to Stations 1 and 2, as more firefighters receive their licenses and the district obtains more equipment. WMFR anticipates the capital cost of providing ALS to be more than $200,000, including three engines, supplies and incentive bonuses to firefighters for obtaining a paramedic license.

Alvaro Fernandez’s military portrait is from 1945, when he served during World War II in the 546th Heavy Bombardment Squadron in Europe. Islander Courtesy Photos 546th Heavy Bombardment Squadron in the 384th Bombardment Group and often sports the cap bearing the insignia. After a discussion about Fernandez’s role in the war — he served outside of London at the Royal Air Force Grafton-Underwood station operating telegraphs — the flight attendant asked if he had received a Quilt of Valor. The family said no, and the flight attendant took Fernandez’s name, address and phone number before going about her work. “Then, all of sudden we got this package in the mail the other day,” daughter Margie Fernandez said Nov. 29. The family was surprised when they opened the package and found a handmade red, white and blue quilt from Quilts of Valor. The quilts have their own history. In 2006, Gail Belmont started making patriotic quilts for service members touched by war after a woman said her son asked for a quilt while serving in Iraq. Belmont was a Vietnam era veteran and did not want any warriors to be forgotten. In the years that followed, Belmont found quilters all over the United States who wanted to participate. In 2010, the nonprofit Quilts of Valor Foundation was formed. The mission is to honor active military and veterans with “quilted hugs of gratitude,” giving comfort, love and healing to those who have given so much.

WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK TO PRESERVE NATURE

Alvaro Fernandez shows off the Quilt of Valor he received for his military service in World War II. Margie Fernandez said her father never talks much about his tour of duty during World War II and doesn’t like to watch war movies. “I think he remembers all those guys who flew off his base and that some never came back,” she said. “We used to go to military reunions sometimes but now, at 98, it’s just too hard.” The proud veteran doesn’t seem to mind much. These days, he’s snuggled up in his easy chair in the living room, with the quilt he received as a surprise keeping him cozy. “It was made in Cashiers, North Carolina, is what it says on the back of the certificate that came with it,” Margie Fernandez said. “What a great gift for my dad.” For information about honoring a vet with a Quilt of Valor, go to www.qovf.org.

Every day, Mosaic puts science to work right here in our community. Our team of engineers and other specialists work with regulatory agencies to identify areas of environmental sensitivity that should be preserved and protected. Through its land conservation and reclamation efforts, Mosaic has helped provide over 46,000 acres of natural lands that offer functioning habitats for plant and animal life. Shelley, a senior permitting engineer for Mosaic, works to ensure these preservation areas support a sustainable post-mining landscape that includes wildlife corridors and habitat diversity.

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22 n DEc. 6, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Kayaker takes hearts on long, solo journey By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Camille Richards literally materialized in the turquoise waters off the beach of Anna Maria Island. Her friend Susan Timmons stood waiting, holding a Garmin navigational device in the afternoon sun, squinting to the north, hoping to track her friend’s arrival. “It says she should be here,” Timmons said, scanning the beach. “Maybe she missed us.” Then, right in front of the Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach, a long purple and deep gray kayak appeared, perpendicular to the beach and almost at the shoreline. A woman with an outback sun hat and a smiley-face paddle was making her landing. “Where did you come from?” Timmons laughed. “You were nowhere and suddenly, you are here!” “Out there,” Richards said pointing. “Way out there.” Richards looks up, appearing muscular and quick and wearing a wide smile, as she lands the 19-foot oceangoing, single-seater kayak on the shore and quickly attaches the back wheels to pull it from the surf. She’s apparently had a lot of practice at landing her kayak. Susan Timmons, left, greets longdistance kayaker Camille Richards Nov. 26 on arriving at the Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach.

Camille Richards grins as she paddles her kayak to shore Nov. 26 in Holmes Beach for a respite in her journey to circumnavigate Florida while raising awareness about the Adult Congenital Heart Association. Richards spent a few days on Anna Maria Island before continuing on to Everglades City, the last stop in one leg of her solo trip. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

If things go as planned, she will have a lot more practice. Richards, a nurse for 25 years, is on the third-leg of a 1,515-mile trek on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail around the state. She would be one of only three women to do the entire trail solo. But that’s not the reason she’s paddling. Richards began the journey Nov. 14, 2016 — her 47th birthday — and puts in a 2-4-week leg as time allows from her job as the director for the Adult Congenital Heart program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. She took on the kayaking journey to raise awareness about congenital heart defects and to raise funds for ACHA. Richards became acquainted with the Adult Congenital Heart Association through a patient. She saw the passion the group had for spreading its message and became a member of the board of directors in 2016. On the board, she met Timmons, who offered the kayaker a visit and stopover break for some rest and relaxation on her way to Everglades City. Richards said she loves camping, paddling and the ocean. When kayaking, she generally stays about 8-miles off the coastline. She sees occasional dolphin visitors in the deep water, who entertain her for a few minutes. She has been startled by sea turtles popping up for air, but had yet to see a shark on the paddle toward Everglades City. Her favorite sea dwellers? Rays and skates, which glide soundlessly alongside her vessel on the surface.

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Camille Richards, second from left, stands with wellwishers Nov. 27 alongside her oceangoing kayak at a reception hosted by Susan Timmons and Sean Murphy at the Beach Bistro. Richards spoke briefly and thanked guests for their interest and support in her journey and mission. “They are huge sometimes and so beautiful,” Richards said. “They are definitely what I enjoy seeing most out there.” On Nov. 26, while crossing Tampa Bay and the shipping channel, Richards had more than the occasional aquatic distractions in her path. She also had to keep a watchful eye on the enormous vessels in the shipping lanes. “I came under that huge bridge — the Skyway? That was something else,” Richards said of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. As she did on her visit to Anna Maria Island, Richards seizes upon opportunities to talk about adult congenital heart defects and those who live with the condition. Only about 10 percent of adults with the condition receive specialized care. Richards was the guest of honor at a champagne reception Nov. 27 at the Beach Bistro, owned by Timmons and husband Sean Murphy. Guests at the event queried Richards about her journey and checked out the kayak as sunset filled the sky with hues of orange and red. Richards’ goal is to raise $15,000 for ACHA over the three-year circumnavigation. She has a website documenting the journey — paddlingchik.com, an acronym for Congenital Hearts in a Kayak — and her progress is charted daily during paddles. A “trail angel” — a helper who assists paddlers with accommodations and more — drove three hours south Nov. 27 behind Richards, who left her car in Everglades City, the final destination on the leg. The area “angel” then brought her back to Anna Maria Island. In a matter of days, Richards will reach her destination, pack her gear and head to her home near Jackson, Mississippi. She will check off a 275-mile leg of a monumental challenge and take comfort in having spread word down the southwest coast of Florida about adults living with congenital heart defects. Now that’s a CHIK who can really paddle.

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 6, 2017 n 23

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24 n DEc. 6, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Biz News: Waterline opens, sets high mark in island lodging

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter The waterline is the highest mark on the side of a boat or ship where water touches the vessel. Although fraught with fits and starts — and many changing waterlines through planning, construction and finally opening day — the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, now stands as the high-water mark for Anna Maria Island lodgings. The hotel checked in its first guests Nov. 30. “We have 27 rooms booked next weekend already,” resort host Suzanne Arbanas said on opening day. First announced to the public in a news release Oct. 16, 2015, Joe Collier, president of Mainsail Lodging and Development of Tampa, promised a fall 2016 opening. Mainsail purchased the property, including the site plan and its entitlements, after a false-start by the original developer, Nick Easterling, who planned an old Florida-style timeshare resort, Tidemark Lodge. Touted as the island’s only full-service hotel, Mainsail offers exclusive amenities and opportunities for guests to enjoy the authentic, laidback vibe of Anna Maria Island. Islanders grumbled and scoffed at the project’s size and lack of setbacks, just feet from the seawalls and the proximity to neighboring residential properties, fearing the hotel would signal a losing battle in the war to keep Anna Maria Island “old Florida.” Now, more than two years later, islanders and guests are getting a glimpse of a finished product, a The back of the main building at the new Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club overlooks the pool and offers views to Anna Maria Sound from the thirdfloor catwalk and most of the accommodations.

Julie and Tom Aquila of North Port enjoy dinner Nov. 30 in Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen at the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club. The Aquilas were the first guests to officially register on opening day at the new island hotel. The weekend stay was a gift from their daughter to celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

member of the Marriott line of Autograph Collection Hotels. Developers have continued to downplay the connection to Marriott, saying Waterline only utilizes Marriott’s reservation system. Locals and island visitors wandered in and out of the hotel Nov. 29 and Nov. 30, checking out the views, dining and trying the bar stools at Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen and making themselves at home in the modern, minimalist surroundings. They found muted colors of the ocean and island living — sand shades, soothing blues, watery turquoises — and appointments with an eye for detail from the hotel’s interior designers. The hotel offers guests 37 two-bedroom suites

with gourmet kitchens, washer and dryers, sleeping for eight, living space and private balconies. Waterline offers beachgoers a ride to its sister property, Mainsail Beach Inn, 101 66th St., Holmes Beach, where kayaks and paddleboards, lounge chairs, umbrellas and even beach toys await the guests. For those who would rather take to the water, the marina, alongside the hotel’s front entrance, has ample opportunities for a chartered fishing trip or boat tour. Island residents continue to be split on the Waterline’s arrival on Anna Maria Island, but one person who is glad the wait is over is general manager Sandy Zinck. “Somebody needs to pinch me,” Zinck said Nov. 29, as the final touches were put into place. Zinck has powered through more than a year of delays in construction, with openings pushed back months at a time, sometimes to the ire of customers who booked rooms or wedding receptions that the property was unable to honor, making for vocal social media posts. “There were numerous delays,” Zinck said. “Some on us, some maybe not so much. After Irma — though we didn’t suffer any real damage here — the contractors got behind. If one moving part slows down, the entire process slows down.” Zinck said the slower build did have an unexpected upside. “We were here and able to interact on the local level with businesses and the community. We have come to understand the island better, I think, because of that. I feel like we made the most of the time we had to wait,” she said. Locals Susan and Len Tabicman wandered into the hotel lobby Nov. 29 for a peek around and to try out the new restaurant. We thought we’d come see,” Susan Tabicman said as the pair followed a host to their table.

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Students get reprieve, ride bus through school year

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter It’s a victory for the parents of eight bus-riding students from Anna Maria Elementary, but it comes at a cost — time and possible bus crowding. Manatee County School District Superintendent Diana Greene informed parents of the eight students riding bus No. 668 they would be able to continue the practice until the end of the school year. However, the ride may take an additional 30-45 minutes — an out of season estimate — and require triple-seating. Greene’s reprieve reversed a notice to parents of AME riders Nov. 2, when school officials said Nov. 7 would be the last day of bus service for “hardship” students. “Choice” students, on the other hand, will continue to ride the bus.

Hardship students are typically those with parents who work on the island but live on the mainland. Choice students are those who apply to attend a school different from their zoned school. After a protest by parents, including a vocal show at a school board meeting Nov. 14, hardship students were allowed to ride the bus through Nov. 22. School officials apparently rethought the issue, though the decision to allow the eight AME “hardship” riders may not extend to the 600 or so “hardship” students in the district. Letters dated Nov. 17, began arriving in AME parents’ mailboxes just before the Thanksgiving break. The letters from Greene stipulated that due to consolidating two buses for AME into one, students might have to sit three to a seat. Greene also advised parents additional time would be added to the route and that parents whose children are allowed under the “hardship” exception, must apply for “choice” enrollment March 5-16, 2018, to continue receiving bus service to and from the island. Finally, Greene said, “No bus service will be provided for hardship students in the 2018-19 school year.” “I got my letter the Wednesday before Thanksgiving on Nov. 22,” parent McKenzie Barrow said in a phone interview Nov. 29. Barrow said she would let her second-grader ride the morning bus from the pickup point by Palma Sola Presbyterian on 67th Street West in Bradenton. “But I will continue to pick up my son at the school. I don’t want him on the bus that long. Picking him up is the healthiest decision for my child,” she said. Jocelyn Greene, who has children at two schools and is unrelated to Superintendant Greene, said, “I am personally very, very pleased with the decision. I couldn’t be happier.” Jocelyn Greene said she received assurance from AME students exit a school bus on the mainland Nov. the superintendent in a phone call that her child could 16 at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church on 67th Street ride the bus until the end of the school year. West in Bradenton. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi Other parents are assessing their situations, driving

By Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org

AME calendar

• Wednesday, Dec. 6, full day of school for hurricane makeup. • 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8, author Howard Binkow shares his book with K-2 students in the library. • 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, Dec. 11-15, Holiday Shopper open. • Wednesday, Dec. 13, fourth-grade garden harvest. • Thursday, Dec. 14, fourth-grade luncheon at Eat Here. • Tuesday, Dec. 19, fifth-grade play, dinner 5-6:30 p.m., performance 6:30 p.m. • Thursday, Dec. 21-Sunday, Jan. 7, winter break. • Monday, Jan. 8, classes resume. • Saturday, Jan. 13, AME PTO Dolphin Dash. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-708-5525. to the school or arranging rides with friends. Also, a consolidation plan from two buses to one, which sparked the controversy, has not occurred. Jason Harris of the district transportation department said Nov. 29, studies are still underway and decisions have yet to be made on consolidated routes. Harris said parents would be notified when plans are approved. The uncertainty seems to have little bearing on Barrow’s opinion about sending her child to AME. “I will do whatever I need to do here,” Barrow said. “We are not switching schools under any circumstances. I’ll just keep driving my son myself.”

26 n DEc. 6, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Wildlife Inc. waits out seasonal lull, ‘calm after the storm’ By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Threats are ever-present, but certain times of year mean less danger for wildlife in Manatee County. Sometimes there is calm after the storm. “This is usually the slow time of year for us,” Ed Straight, Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center president. The rescue service has operated at Straight’s home in Bradenton Beach for nearly 31 years, where he and wife Gail, with the help of volunteers, rehabilitate birds, mammals and reptiles rescued in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The center is the largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation operation in the county, according to Ed Straight. Following a surge in animals injured during Hurricane Irma Sept. 10-11, the influx has diminished, Straight said Nov. 29. Wildlife Inc. rescued about 100 baby squirrels and a 100 other various critters within the two weeks after the storm. Things were “pretty much back to normal” by October, according to Straight, a former city commissioner and retired chief of Manatee County Emergency Management Services. “We were prepared,” he said. “We often get a bunch of baby squirrels in during this time of year. So

Ten screech owls perch Nov. 29 in a cage at Wildlife Inc. in Bradenton Beach.

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Ed Straight, president of Wildlife Inc. in Bradenton Beach, observes a rescued pelican Nov. 29 in its cage. The pelican was found snarled in fishing line and is undergoing rehabilitation at the facility. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes we could deal with that.” Currently, Wildlife Inc.’s assemblage includes baby squirrels, raccoons, skunks, tortoises, a monkey and a variety of birds. As the weather cools, vacationers arrive and more anglers take to the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, increasing the risk of entangling birds in fishing line, according to Straight. “Pelican rescue goes up dramatically this time of year,” Straight said. Wildlife Inc. had recently released two pelicans that had recovered from monofilament entanglement. One bird was found with fishing line wrapped around its body with a dead gull hanging in the same line. Another pelican and an anhinga were healing from injuries incurred from fishing line and hooks. Straight said birds roost at night in secluded rook-

eries, where lines on the birds become entangled in tree branches, causing them to be trapped “and die there.” He warned anglers not to cut a line if a bird gets hooked. The best way to remove a hook is with pliers, being careful not to rip out the hook, he said. Additionally, Straight said Wildlife Inc. has been answering calls about weak or lethargic birds. He said this is often due to exhaustion after a long migration. “Sometimes they are just weak and need to rest up after a long trip,” Straight said. “Other times they have been affected by a disease, like botulism, from eating old fish.” Straight said he anticipates a busy winter for Wildlife Inc. “This is a good time of year for us to do things around the facility we don’t otherwise have time to do,” Straight said. “But as the people come, our work will definitely increase.” For more information or to report a sick or injured animal, call Wildlife Inc. at 941-778-6324.

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A baby raccoon nuzzles Hunter, a red-footed tamarind monkey, Nov. 29 at Wildlife Inc. in Bradenton Beach. Male monkeys are caretakers, according to executive director Gail Straight.

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A map from the National Weather Service shows the paths of storms in the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. The season produced Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harvey, Irma, Jose, Katia, Lee, Maria, Nate, Ophelia, Philippe and Rina. The preliminary map does not show the last storm of the season — Rina. Islander Courtesy Image

By Lisa Neff

2017 season makes hurricane history

The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season ended Nov. 30. Did you notice? Or were you busy preparing for the next season on the island? We do have seasons aplenty. When Nov. 30 arrived, I tried to recall and record as much as possible about those days in September when we were preparing for Hurricane Irma, awaiting Irma, dodging the brunt of Irma and cleaning up after Neff Irma. I’ve a good recollection of most “Irma” days, and even have a vivid recollection of how ragged the Anna Maria City Pier looked before Irma’s winds and waves struck the structure and the city deemed it the seemingly redundant “totally destroyed.” I recalled the rumblings and murmurs among coffee drinkers at Ginny’s and Jane E’s at the Old IGA about a possible hurricane threat and how we all ended up at the Publix Super Market in Holmes Beach that day, loading carts with bottled water and beer, canned tuna and anchovies, jars of peanut butter and jelly. I recalled sifting through the papers in my glove compartment to locate my re-entry tag and coming across a lost gift card to Old Navy. I recalled evacuation eve, when my wife and I filled lavender-scented garbage bags with sand at the Bayfront Park pile because the city’s free sandbags were gone. I recalled deciding to evacuate to a friend’s condo in west Bradenton and how strange it felt to lock the apartment door and leave most possessions behind. I recalled hiding out, awaiting the hurricane with my wife and a friend, watching old movies, posting to Facebook, taking calls from worried relatives, eating simply but well. I recalled watching dozens of dolphins take shelter in Palma Sola Bay one night and seeing the bay nearly empty of water two mornings later. I recalled confusion and frustration over the uncertainty of Irma’s track and then, when the power went out, deciding to go to bed. I recall walking around the neighborhood near Palma Sola Bay the day after the storm, stepping over EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT

fallen branches, looking for damage, nodding to other walkers. And oh, do I recall getting the word we could return to the island and our homes. I’ve never minded sitting in traffic on the causeway — there’s so much to see — but I actually delighted in being in traffic that day. And I teared up when a Bradenton police officer waved me on with a “welcome home” and then I found my home welcoming. Minor annoyances followed but neighbors united and communities rallied and it wasn’t long before our attention turned and our hearts were heavy for the suffering in Puerto Rico and elsewhere. Yes, the season was a furious one, with 17 named storms. Based on an index that measures the combined intensity and duration of storms, 2017 was the seventh most active season in the historical record dating to 1851 and the most active season since 2005, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Hurricane Maria was the third-most devastating hurricane to make U.S. landfall this year, after Irma and Harvey, which was the first major hurricane to hit the U.S. since Wilma struck Florida in October 2005. Four other storms hit the United States this year: Cindy in Texas, Emily and Philippe in Florida and Nate in Mississippi. “This was a hurricane season that wouldn’t quit,’ NOAA administrator Timothy Gallaudet said in a news statement. “The season started early, with a storm in April, and the peak of the season featured an onslaught of 10 successive hurricanes.” For so many in the path of a storm, the season’s end does not mean the end of recovery. In fact, people

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in some places devastated by 2017 hurricanes continue to live in disaster zones. I’m thinking of them in this new season of giving, hope and peace.

For the record

The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season produced 17 named storms. There were 10 hurricanes, including six major hurricanes. Hurricane Harvey brought epic flooding to the Houston area. Harvey lasted 117 hours as a named storm after landfall in Texas — a record. Hurricane Irma brought devastation to the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic and made landfall in the Florida Keys as a Category 4 hurricane, pummeling the keys and bringing damage across the state. Irma was the first Category 4 to make landfall in Florida since Charley in 2004. Hurricane Maria, the 10th most intense Atlantic hurricane on record, also brought devastation to the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic. It was the worst natural disaster on record in Dominica and caused catastrophic damage in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Maria was the first Category 4 to make landfall in Puerto Rico since 1932. There were 91.25 storm days and 51.25 hurricane days. The Atlantic season is June 1-Nov. 30. The first forecasts for the 2018 season will be issued Dec. 13.

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Mullet fishers, processors hope cold snap starts ‘cash run’

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Mullet are jumping and swarming in canals and shallow waters, foreshadowing the annual rites of passage — the winter spawn. It’s typical foreplay for the black, also called grey or striped mullet, and silver mullet, percolating in the waters around Cortez and Anna Maria Island. Part of the state’s multi-billion-dollar seafood industry, a successful mullet run can pay off big — a cash run — for fishers and processors alike. Local fish houses in Cortez process and sell mullet and the female’s much-desired egg sack of red roe, consumed like caviar and commanding a high price. Kim McVey, manager of John Banyas’ Cortez fish house, said most mullet is packaged and shipped overseas. Europe is the main market for mullet processed at A.P. Bell Fish Co., according to owner Karen Bell, who owns both the fish house at 4600 124th St. W., Cortez, and Star Fish Co. Market & Restaurant. Bell and Banyas, owner of Swordfish Grill, N.E. Taylor Boatworks and Cortez Bait and Seafood, including the fish house at the 119th Street docks, expect a sustained cold front, usually by mid-December, which typically triggers the mullet runs. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report two mullet migration patterns: 40-100 miles offshore October to January and a southerly migration from the coast in the fall, as water temperatures drop. “Scientists believe that environmental cues, such as falling water temperatures, trigger the start of the spawning trek,” FWC spokeswoman Amanda Nalley wrote in a Nov. 30 email, crediting FWC’s Behzad Mahmoudi. A strong cold front, northwesterly winds and dropping barometric pressure lead the large schools of fish to move offshore. The pace of the mullet run into the Gulf of Mexico

County Tourist Development Council. Chiles serves mullet at his restaurants, and also prepares bottarga, the brined, sun-cured version of red roe from mullet, sliced thin or grated and paired with pasta and salads, fulfilling orders for the Anna Maria Fish Co., headed by Seth Cripe, an island-born entrepreneur who also heads up the Lola wine comPLEASE SEE mullet, PAGE 29

Mullet regulated

Ed Chiles talks Nov. 28 about his passion for promoting sustainable local fisheries — including mullet — in his office next to the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell — bringing local and out-of-town fishers to haul up the 1-3-pound fish with cast nets — makes an economic difference to local fishers and fish houses. Hearty runs provide an economic boost, with females garnering 10 times the price of the male fish. McVey recalled a couple of winters ago when the mullet didn’t run in mass, but spawned slowly over time. Even at a slow pace, Ed Chiles, who owns a trio of waterfront restaurants on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key that can buy directly from local fishers — he possesses the required saltwater product license — said the fishers will bring in mullet, but must work harder to do so. Chiles owns the Mar Vista on Longboat Key, BeachHouse in Bradenton Beach and Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria. He also sits on the Manatee

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates the mullet fishery. Recreational fishers are limited to 50 fish per person Sept. 1-Jan. 31 and 100 fish Feb. 1-Aug. 31. With a commercial license, mullet fishing is unlimited except for the Manatee River upstream from Warner’s Bayou to the Terra Ceia cutoff in Manatee County, where Nov. 1-Jan. 31, 50 mullet per person per day or per vessel, whichever is more restrictive, is the law. Amanda Nalley, FWC public information specialist, said the Manatee River restriction was expanded in 1989 to control crowds of fishers. The minimum size for striped mullet is 11 inches long, measured from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail. Fishing gear is restricted to two cast nets — no more than 14 feet long — and two beach or haul seines per vessel or hook-and-line. FWC rules outlaw spearing mullet. Increased law enforcement, according to FWC spokesman Robert Klepper, monitor the run to ensure mullet are properly caught, iced and stored. Mullet restrictions are designed to prevent over-harvesting and sustain a healthy fishery, Nalley said. — Kathy Prucnell

Championship matchup set in adult soccer

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter With the regular season and playoffs behind them, the adult soccer players at the Center of Anna Maria Island are preparing for their final challenge. Championship Thursday will close out the season Dec. 7. The action gets started at 6 p.m., when the first of three consolation games begins with Mar/ Kis Insurance taking on Ross Built, Moss Builders battling Acqua Aveda at 7 p.m., and Sato Real Estate versus Mulock Flynn Law at 8 p.m. Cassidy The highlight game, the championship match between Slim’s Place and Jiffy Lube, will kick off at 9 p.m. Semifinal action Nov. 30 opened with Jiffy Lube advancing to the championship match by edging Mulock Flynn Law 6-5 behind four goals from Ricky Anderson and a goal and an assist from Eliza Faillace. Chris Klotz added a goal, while Danny Anderson and Chris Culhane each finished with an assist. Goalie Jason Sato helped keep Jiffy Lube in the lead with nine saves in the victory. Jessica Williams scored two goals and Ivan Gaeta added a goal and an assist to lead Mulock Flynn Law, which also received a goal each from Chris Scott and Sarah Green. Aaron Parkin chipped in with an assist and Sean Flynn finished with eight saves in the loss. Slim’s Place advanced to the title game thanks to a 6-4 victory over Sato Real Estate in the evening’s

second semifinal match. Matt Kretzman led the way with four goals, while Kris Yavalar and Angela Wiles scored a goal each. Goalie Dave Green finished with five saves in the victory. Zoran Kolega scored two goals to lead Sato, which also received a goal each from Yunior Guerra and Bobby Troxler. Alisha Keene added an assist and goalie Adam Mott kept Sato in the match with 10 saves in the loss.

to-green game with 29 strokes. Susan VanOrsdale and Janet Razze tied for second with 2-over-par 34s. Marty Clark also pulled off the double win, taking first place in Flight D with a 3-under-par 29 and the tee-to-green game with 31 strokes. Eileen Witzgall took second place with a 1-under-par 31 and Merry Turner was in third place with a 35. Penny Auch had chipins on the holes five and eight, while Cathy Rice chippedin on the sixth hole.

Key Royale golf news Top-flight weather resulted in a full week of golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, starting with a modified Stableford-system match Nov. 27. Peter Lund, Tom Nelson and Jere Rice all carded scores of plus-4 to finish in a three-way tie for first place. The women took to the course Nov. 28 for a ninehole, individual-low-net match in four flights with a side game of total strokes from tee to green. Sue Little won Flight A with a 2-under-par 30, one stroke ahead of second-place finisher Brenda Solleveld. Phyllis Roe was alone in third with a 35, though she did capture the tee-to-green game with 24 strokes. Sue Wheeler won first place in Flight B with a 2-over-par 34 to edge second-place finisher Jana Samuels by two strokes. Deb Richardson won the tee-togreen game with 29 strokes. Carol Patterson pulled off a double win in Flight C, finishing in a tie for first place with Judy Ward on matching 1-over-par 33s, while also winning the tee-

Horseshoe news Two teams earned 3-0 records in pool play and battled for the day’s bragging rights during Nov. 29 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. Turns out it wasn’t much of a battle as Hank Huyghe and John Crawford cruised to a 26-3 victory over Tom Farrington and Art Kingstad. Three teams posted 3-0 records during Dec. 2 horseshoe action. The team of Bob Mason and Dom Livedoti drew the bye into the finals and watched as Steve Doyle and Bob Palmer advanced with a 21-14 victory over Bob Lee and Myles Macleod. MasonLivedoti won the day’s bragging rights with a 22-15 victory over the Doyle-Palmer team. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

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Dec 6 Dec 7 Dec 8 Dec 9 Dec 10 Dec 11 Dec 12 Dec 13

12:05a 12:55a 1:53a 3:05a 4:42a 6:33a 8:11a 9:28a

2.6 2.4 2.2 1.9 1.6 1.4 1.3 1.3

3:43p 4:41p 5:30p 6:12p 6:51p 7:26p 8:00p 8:31p

1.3 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.8 1.9 2.0

LOW

8:03a -0.6 6:23p 1.2 8:57a -0.5 7:34p 1.2 9:51a -0.3 9:12p 1.2 10:46a 0.0 11:04p 1.0 11:40a 0.2 — — 12:42a 0.8 12:31p 0.4 1:57a 0.4 1:18p 0.6 2:54a 0.2 2:00p 0.7

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

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3rd

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 6, 2017 n 29

Pleasant fall weather promises all-around good fishing By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Fishing around Anna Maria Island is as pleasant as the weather. With a light easterly breeze and calm seas, both inshore and offshore adventures are promising. Fishing inshore around the bays and Manatee River is providing good action on spotted seatrout and snook. Redfish — especially around docks and canals — are plentiful. Live bait such as shiners and shrimp — both readily available — are getting the most Stasny attention, although lead-head jigs combined with soft plastics also are producing. Moving offshore, gag grouper are being found around the artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico, where Spanish mackerel, kingfish and bonito also are present. Moving out to about 7 miles, around reefs and ledges, is resulting in action on blackfin tuna, cobia and amberjack. On my Southernaire charters, I’m finding decent action on redfish around bayfront docks and in the canals. Casting select shrimp under the docks is yielding redfish up to 22 inches. Black drum, flounder and sheepshead also are being taken in this fashion. On warm days, fishing the flats for trout and snook is resulting in good action. Most snook being caught are just under slot. As for the trout, slot-size and under-slot fish are mixed together. While targeting the trout, I’m also seeing bluefish, jacks and mackerel on the hook. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishers using shrimp as bait are hooking into a variety of species. Combining the shrimp with a bottom rig and casting it under the pier deck is attracting redfish, black drum and even a few early-season sheepshead. Simply free-lining shrimp and casting them out from the pier is resulting in catches of jack crevalle, mullet continued from page 28 pany. A proponent of naturally sustainable seafood, Chiles views “a trade imbalance” in the overseas mullet market. “Hey look: We have what everybody wants: wild sustainable seafood. Let’s quit selling it as a commodity. “Let’s not sell it in 40,000-pound containers that go to Sardinia and Taiwan at a commodity price. Let’s do it here. We know the fishermen. It’s our heritage. They’re making a gourmet-valued added product,” he said. The $10 product, after being salt-cured in sunshine, comes back at $100, according to Chiles. “They’re getting all the steps — all the valueadded steps by artisanally producing our treasure. Why can’t we do it?” “Who’s got the best bottarga in the world? We do. Why? We have the fishermen. And we’re doing it from fresh.” Chiles also criticized mullet waste, which begins aboard skiffs filled to the brim during a frenzied mullet

Tom Hooker of Tampa shows off a bluefish caught Nov. 25. The fish, caught on a fly, crushed the topwater popper. Hooker was guided by Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters. ladyfish and an occasional pompano. Lastly, using live pinfish and shiners as bait is a good bet for targeting snook, and Malfese says keeper fish are being caught. Capt. Aaron Lowman is following the snook bite as it moves from the beaches and passes to the back bays and rivers and casting live shiners among these fish is triggering a response for his clients. Spotted seatrout are being caught in the bays and rivers on both live shiners and artificials, such as the DOA shrimp. In the deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Lowman is seeing a variety of species, including tripletail, hogfish, gag grouper and mangrove snapper. Capt. Warren Girle is working the nearshore strucrun, when fishers resort to tossing male fish overboard in favor of the female catch and the higher price the red roe fetches. Instead, he advocates a more respectful treatment and consumption of fish. Chiles said the waste is “emblematic of undervaluing that wild, sustainable resource,” adding the males are typically shucked into fertilizer, cat food or thrown away, littering the beaches. “And it makes you want to hurt somebody,” Chiles added, “because I’m running three restaurants and the fish are washing up on the shore and my guests think it’s red tide. And it stinks. And it’s a waste of a Godgiven natural resource that has value. “Feed people. My God. Feed fish!”

ture with good results. By using live bait — pinfish and shiners — Girle’s clients are attracting keeper-size gag grouper to the hook. Also around structure, Girle’s clients are hooking into macks and a few kingfish. On the flats, snook, redfish and spotted seatrout are being taken on live shiners and artificials, such as soft plastics on a jig head. While targeting the trout, Girle also is hooking clients up with bluefish and macks. Capt. Jason Stock is taking advantage of the light breezes from the east and venturing offshore. Fishing around the wrecks in the Gulf is providing good action on kingfish, blackfin tuna, amberjack and cobia. Fishing around ledges and reefs is producing bent rods — especially on gag grouper and some big mangrove snapper. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is finding good action inshore on windy days by fishing canals and docks. Black drum and sheepshead are dominating this bite. Pompano also are being found inshore on deeper grass flats. Jigs tipped with shrimp are the key to success, says White. On the warmer days, White is putting clients on some good snook action, as well as a few redfish and spotted seatrout on the flats. Moving into the Gulf, the reefs and wrecks are proving to be good for gag grouper and kingfish on White’s charter trips. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Roger Danziger shows off his catch at the dock from a day’s fishing, an African pompano and 30-inch gag grouper caught Dec. 2 while fishing 38 miles off Holmes Beach in 128 feet of water.

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The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce celebrates Nov. 29 with business owners Beth Rariden, middle left, and Doug and Michelle Shaw, center, at a ribbon-cutting for the remodel of the Seaside Laundromat and Your Personal Touch boutique in the Island Shopping Center at 5400 Marina Drive. A drawing for free laundry service highlighted the festivities. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Giving is the reason for the season

Local realty collecting for several causes Wagner Realty, 2217 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, has the holiday donation thing all wrapped up for convenience. The real estate company is collecting unwrapped, new toys for Toy for Tots, as well as nonperishable items for the Food Bank of Manatee County and anything dog- or cat-related for the Humane Society of Manatee County. The Toys for Tots drive will end Tuesday, Dec. 19, but the office will continue to collect food and animal needs donations through the end of the year. New restaurant cooks up Italian favorites Isola Bella, tucked under the cell tower at 5904 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, opened Dec. 2. The Italian eatery is in the space under the cell tower formerly occupied by Maria’s Family Restaurant, which shuttered in the spring. The menu promises authentic Italian menu favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Isola Bella is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. For more information, visit the Facebook page at Isola Bella Italian Eatery. Longboat group collecting bikes for kids of military personnel Down on Longboat Key, folks are in the spirit of giving. Century 21 Beggins Enterprises is sponsoring the Beggins Bikes for Tykes drive, which collected more

Beth Rariden, right, owner of Your Personal Touch boutique at the Seaside Laundry, 5400 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, explains embroidery options to guests at the Nov. 29 ribboncutting for Rariden’s shop and the remodeled Seaside Laundromat. The two businesses share space in the Island Shopping Center.

BizCal

than 100 new bikes and helmets for the children of military personnel during last year’s holidays. Bring a new bike and helmet anytime during regular business hours to the Century 21 office, 7000 Gulf Chambers get together for of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. The office is open holidays, collect toys 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. The office will host It’s double the fun for the island chamber. a holiday event, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, as a way of Due to the logjam on the chamber calendar during saying thanks to donors. the holidays, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of ComRoll on over there with a new bike and put a smile merce will hold double events Dec. 13. on a kid’s face this holiday season. The chamber will start Wednesday, Dec. 13, at

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 6, 2017 n 31

Happy holidays!

The women of Mister Roberts Resort Wear, 5330 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, prepare for guests Dec. 1 for the downtown Holmes Beach holiday open house. Participating businesses kept their doors open late with seasonal snacks and specials. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 545 St. Judes Drive, Longboat Key. Join the early-risers crowd at 7:45 a.m. for a special holiday breakfast. Cost is $8 for members and $16 for nonmembers. Then, the AMI chamber will hold a business card exchange at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at The Farm House at Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. The evening will include a chamber ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m. celebrating Mixon’s newest venture, U-Pin-It, an electronic marketing tool and database management system to track where customers are from. Lite bites, libations and holiday fare will be served up at the final AMI chamber networking event of the year. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. The island chamber continues to collect holiday gifts for the annual Toys for Tots drive. Deliver new, unwrapped toys to the chamber office 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Monday-Friday and bring some cheer to a deserving child. The deadline to donate is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more information, go to annamariaislandchamber.org, call 941-778-1541 or visit the chamber office at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will hold its December Business After Hours — BAH — at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 545 St. Judes Drive, Longboat Key. Attendees are asked to bring an ornament that reflects their business or service for the chamber’s Christmas tree. Harry’s will provide complimentary light bites and a there will be a cash bar. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. RSVPs are requested. For more information, call the LBK chamber at 941-383-2466, visit the website at longboatkeychamber.com or the office at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

Chamber lights up downtown

Anthony’s Electric flips the switch on the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce holiday tree Dec. 1 in Holmes Beach. The chamber sponsored an evening of fun and frivolity and many “downtown” businesses held their holiday open house events, offering food, libations, seasonal sweets and giveaways. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

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