The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, August 29, 2018 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Landmark anniversary. 17

Top Notch Honorable mentions. 13 Astheworldterns draw a line for red tide. 6

VOLUME 26, NO. 44

amE teaches STEm. 14

Have a safe and fun Labor Day

AUG. 29, 2018 FREE

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 YEarS ago

Looking back. 7

Meetings

On the government calendar. 8 Bradenton Beach seeks FEMA, Swiftmud money. 9 Make plans, save a date. 10

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 11 Bradenton Beach sends ballot questions to elections office. 12 Pine Avenue businesses maneuver slow season, red tide. 15 People who like to monkey around. 16

Obituaries. 18 Streetlife. 20

Wildlife challenges on shore. 22

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

dolphin, sea turtles perish from red tide

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Except for murky water in the Gulf of Mexico, Aug. 21 looked like a normal beach day on Anna Maria Island. Reports of respiratory irritation from humans had decreased from the week before and after the Manatee County beach tractor cleared the beach that morning, few dead fish washed ashore. However, l2 hours later, the wind started blowing from the west-southwest, bringing high levels of Karenia brevis — the harmful algae bloom known as red tide — to the waters surrounding the island, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission red tide report. The first bottlenose dolphin reported dead in Manatee County since red tide started drifting north toward the island the first week in August was found Aug. 21 on the beach near Sycamore Avenue in Anna Maria. As of Aug. 22, 17 dolphins had died in the waters surrounding Sarasota County, PLEASE SEE PERISH PAGE 2

Ashley Lysaught, left, and Jessica Blackburn, stranding technicians at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, retrieve a dead sub-adult Kemps ridley sea turtle Aug. 22 from the water near Sycamore Avenue in Anna Maria. It was one of 135 dead sea turtles reported as of Aug. 24 to Mote since the Sarasota-Manatee outbreak of red tide began July 20. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter The discussions centered on dollars and red tide. The Center of Anna Maria Island in

Anna Maria served for the first time Aug. 20 as the host site for a Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting. The TDC makes recommendations to the Manatee County Board of Commission-

TdC honors service, struggles with red tide

Working wildlife. 23 Adults and kids on the pitch, plus pitching, putting, paddling. 24 Find clear water to catch the fish. 25

iSL BiZ Good business, good humor. 26 CLASSIFIEDS. 28

PropertyWatch. 28 NYT crossword. 31

www.islander.org

David Teitelbaum, center, smiles at the crowd gathered for the Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting Aug. 20, as BACVB executive director Elliott Falcione, left, speaks of Teitelbaum’s long years of service to the TDC. County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, right, holds a bronze statue presented to Teitelbaum during the meeting, which was held at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

ers on the use of tourist tax revenues. Eric Cairns, owner of Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages in Bradenton Beach, attended his first meeting as a member of the TDC, filling an owner/operator hotel/motel slot. He was introduced to the council by Elliott Falcione, executive direction of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. When asked about red tide and how the BACVB was coping, Falcione was stoic. “You have to know what you can control and what you can’t. My first week in this job, it was the middle of the BP oil spill. If I survived that, I can survive anything,” he said. Before business got underway, a special presentation was made to David Teitelbaum of Bradenton Beach, a longtime member who recently retired his seat on the TDC. Falcione praised Teitelbaum for his commitment to tourism, his years of public service and his support for historic preservation. As County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who chairs the TDC, handed her longtime friend a bronze sculpture of a manatee, PLEASE SEE TDC PAGE 5

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PERISH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Jessica Blackburn, left, according to Gretchen Lovewell, Mote Marine Laboand Ashley Lysaught, ratory stranding investigations program manager. stranding technicians, The adult male dolphin found in Anna Maria was Eliza Nolan, intern, reported to Mote’s stranding hotline and, soon after, and Gretchen Lovewell, representatives took the remains Aug. 22 to a lab for stranding investigations analysis, including brevitoxin levels — the toxin found program manager at in red tide. Mote Marine Laboratory Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies, arrived & Aquarium in Sarasota, at the beach near Sycamore and assisted the Mote team remove a dead bottlenose with the dead dolphin, and also noticed a dead and dolphin Aug. 22 that decomposing sea turtle floating in the water about 40 washed up on the beach feet from shore. near Sycamore Avenue Mote representatives retrieved the turtle, a subin Anna Maria. Islander adult female Kemps ridley, a species rarely found seen Photos: ChrisAnn Silver in the waters around Anna Maria Island. Esforme “Nothing is unusual right now,” Lovewell said Aug. 22. She said loggerheads, greens, Kemps ridleys and even two hawksbills — which she said she had of Gulf Drive North in Bradenton Beach at about the not previously seen in the nine years she’s been with poisoning from red tide. The Kemps ridley, along with a juvenile green sea same time, were buried after collecting data, including Mote — were among the 135 sea turtles reported dead in Manatee and Sarasota counties since July 20 due to turtle found dead in the water near the 1800 block notations on size and species. The decomposed state of the dolphin indicated it had been dead for at least several days, said Lovewell. She added that researchers would take samples from A bottlenose its liver, kidneys and lung and check stomach contents dolphin lays to see what it had eaten. dead Aug. 22 in The dolphin’s dorsal fin was missing, so it could the surf near the not be checked for a freeze-brand — a method used by Sycamore Avenue researchers with a Mote-Sarasota Bay dolphin study to beach access brand and identify local dolphins. The study has been in Anna Maria. ongoing for some 40 years. It was the first Lovewell said its hard to tell where the dolphin reported dolphin came from, since people have been reporting dead dead in Manatee dolphins from as far as 16 miles offshore. County — preShe said geneticists still could determine if the sumably — due animal was related to the resident bottlenose dolphin to red tide. community. “We just try to do the best we can,” Lovewell said. “We are trying to learn as much as we can from all these guys so that we can help the ones that are still out there.”

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County, volunteers clear dead sea life from Palma Sola beaches

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Red tide showed no signs of waning as August came to a close. And neighbors along the Palma Sola Causeway can expect more opportunities to join cleanups along the causeway beaches. The causeway â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which runs along Manatee Avenue from west of 81st Street to the Anna Maria Island Bridge â&#x20AC;&#x201D; showed high concentrations of red tide the week of Aug. 16-23 in testing by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. A county effort boosted by social media and led by Melissa Nell, manager of volunteers for the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, brought volunteers to the causeway Aug. 22. On a half-mile strip of Palma Sola beach, about 40-50 volunteers raked, shoveled and collected dead and decaying sea life â&#x20AC;&#x201D; mostly fish and crabs, victims of the toxic Karenia brevis organism â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for transport to the landfill.

The next day, volunteers were set to comb the mangrove shoreline for dead fish at Perico Preserve on Manatee Avenue east of the Anna Maria Island Bridge, but the cleanup was canceled due to thunderstorms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is very demoralizing to see so much of our ocean die,â&#x20AC;? Nell said Aug. 22. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And nobody had to be here. This is a testament to how many people care,â&#x20AC;? she added. Nell credited volunteers for removing the debris by hand, necessary because a mechanical rake could have damaged the narrow stretch of beach. In addition to the parks and natural resources staff, county public safety and property management departments joined the cleanup effort. Nell said she hoped additional cleanups are not needed but â&#x20AC;&#x153;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very possible there may be more.â&#x20AC;? Testing from the FWC also pointed toward the possibility. Levels of the K. brevis organism at Palma Sola Bay Aug. 23 increased from medium to high levels of concentrationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; more than 1 million cells per liter.

Volunteers rake seaweed Aug. 22 to uncover and remove dead fish from a half-mile beach on the southside of the Palma Sola Causeway, which runs along Manatee Avenue west of 81st Street in Bradenton. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

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The red tide in the bay is part of a 145-mile-long toxic bloom stretching from northern Collier to Pinellas counties, with K. brevis patches 10-50 miles offshore, according to FWC information specialist Jonathan Veach. As the bloom traveled north, he said the counties to the south saw little relief from the red tide, though some areas in Charlotte County showed improvement. The FWC specialist saw no end in sight for red tide in Manatee County as of Aug. 22. For more county volunteer opportunities, go to Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Facebook page as well as the park and natural resources red tide, calendar and event website pages on www. mymanatee.org.

TideWatch

Red tide remains

A bloom of the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persisted in Southwest Florida the week ending Aug. 24. The following are reports on K. brevis testing inshore and alongshore in Manatee County: Background concentrations at the Sunshine Skyway South Fishing Pier, low concentrations at School Key; medium concentrations at the Palma Sola Bay Bridge on the Palma Sola Causeway and at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria; and high concentrations at the boat ramp at Coquina Bayside in Bradenton Beach. FWC continued to receive reports of fish kills from Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. Respiratory irritation also was reported, including at Coquina Beach. For more information about red tide in Florida, go to myfwc.com/redtidestatus.

4 n Aug. 29, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Day-to-day, dealing with red tide on and around AMI

John Banyas, second from left, owner of Swordfish Grill restaurant and other waterfront businesses, is surrounded by employees Erin Dolan, Grego, Lily Banyas, Chrissie Baker and Jan Barnes. Volunteering Aug. 22 at Roser Memorial Com- Banyas, a lifelong commercial fisher, is spearheading a move to munity Church’s thrift store in Anna Maria, include Cortez fishers in the cleanup operation to remove dead Peg Cumming of Holmes Beach, spoke about fish. He said Aug. 22 the water looked cleaner, the dead fish odor the red tide, “We need a storm. It’s a shame. I had abated, and a full moon and winds turning southeasterly ride my bike and swim. I love the Gulf.” would bring improvement. Valerie Hale of Longboat Key walks off Cortez Beach Aug. 21 wearing a bandana for protection against breathing the Karenia brevis organism. At the beach access in Bradenton Beach, she checked the water. “Just looking at the color, it’s still not good. Oh, but it’s improving, I think. I actually saw someone in the water. But I wouldn’t go in.” Red tide has no color and no aroma, but its affects — dead fish and other dead algae — do.

Nicola Hall applies sunblock on son Freddie outside the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, as they prepare for an Aug. 22 visit to the beach. When asked about red tide, Hall said, “Is that why there’s no one here?” The family, visiting from the United Kingdom, chose to ignore the warning signs and headed to the shoreline.

Ron Primo of Bradenton and Larry Adland of Holmes Beach play tennis Aug. 22 at the Holmes Beach public court at 62nd Street and Flotilla Drive. Between points, Adland, 84, said he kayaked Aug. 21 from Holmes Beach to Bradenton, observed people swimming and felt no ill effects of the red tide. Primo noted fewer people on the island. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

County, commercial ﬁshers look for red tide solutions

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter If there’s a red tide problem on the waterfront, the Cortez commercial fishing community and Manatee County want to help. The county put out a call for temporary workers to clean beaches during the red tide outbreak at $12.50 per hour and hired Aptim, a Texas-based company specializing in disaster recovery, to clear residential waterways at an initial cost of $500,000 — causing a

Visit Florida to aid recovery

Bringing tourists to Florida beaches is a top priority with the red tide crisis. Visit Florida, the state’s tourism corporation, recently announced the Red Tide Recovery Marketing Program available to businesses. The program, offered in all counties declared disaster areas by Gov. Rick Scott, involves a sixmonth Visit Florida marketing partnership that includes an enhanced listing on visitflorida.com, the ability to submit content for the site’s social media accounts and website, as well as partner-topartner specials. The program also provides an opportunity to have a presence in state welcome centers with brochures and lobby displays. Opportunities are available through Feb. 28, 2019. Enrollment applications are posted online at visitflorida.org. Visit Florida also created a $500,000 emergency grant program to assist tourist development boards, including Manatee County’s council. The grants will be used to increase tourism when the red tide subsides. — Sandy Ambrogi

furor among local commercial fishers in Cortez. Some fishers already were pitching in. Some were helping residents clean up the waterfront and cordon off areas to stop the dead fish drift. Some were making plans “to get ahead of it” and others were warning it was too late. Commercial fisher John Leiter said other fishers, including Judy Rudd and Charlotte Huntley, were cordoning off canal entryways. Rudd said Aug. 24 she was trying to coordinate an effort to combat any further influx of dead fish. She said the Aptim workers weren’t fully doing their job — just sitting in boats, occasionally scooping fish in black garbage bags and hauling them to a dumpster at Sara Bay Marina for transport to the Lena Road dump. Also, in the “get-ahead” category was a move spearheaded by John Banyas, a Cortez commercial fisherman and owner of Cortez Bait and Seafood and Swordfish Grill restaurant. Banyas proposed a temporary lift of the 1995 statewide gill net ban. Manatee County officials have shown support for his idea. Commission Chair Priscilla Trace wrote Aug. 21 to Eric Sutton, executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, recommending the ban be lifted to allow fishers to harvest fish with nets and fish houses to process healthy fish so dead fish are kept “off canals, shores and home fronts.” “While the impacts of red tide are greatest, we ask the FWC to grant a temporary emergency permit to harvest commercial fish and mullet with mesh-sized nets over two inches in areas within a 5-mile perimeter of red tide,” Trace wrote. FWC spokeswoman Amanda Nalley said Aug. 24 the agency was reviewing the letter. She also welcomed comments at www.myfwc/saltwatercomments.

“Nobody knows the area better” than Cortez fishers, said Adam Sears, a fisherman and manager at the Swordfish Grill, in support of the use of nets. He also said he understands the frustration of outof-work fishers as he sat “in an empty restaurant.” On another front, Sears said he and Banyas were working with other restaurateurs, including Anna Maria Oyster Bar owner John Horne and Ed Chiles of the Sandbar, on an “open for business campaign,” a coordinated marketing push to boost business. “We want everybody involved. No one else is doing anything like this,” Sears said. “We have to promote the reality of the situation. The whole basin is clean and empty of fish,” he added Aug. 23, referring to the Cortez waterfront. Another commercial fisherman, Mark Coarsey, said the county officials should have met with local fishers to utilize their resources. “They could’ve had a lot of this cleaned up already — but not for $12.50 an hour,” Coarsey said. “It’s a slap in the face when you’re using your boat, your gear. It’s a nasty job.” He also said the “get ahead” idea may be too late, because of the enormity of the problem. “Red tide is always there, but we’re feeding it, feeding the baby,” he added. Coarsey said “people laugh” when he’s “preached water quality,” seeking to rein in development projects. “And now here’s our atomic bomb. Now the atomic bomb went off — a full-blown tidal bloom.” Meanwhile, Manatee County officials encouraged residents to use the website at www.mymanatee.org and hotline at 941-749-3547 for information about red tide and to make reports. So when a putrid smell drifted inland Aug. 23, the county had an answer. PLEASE SEE RED TIDE, NExT PAGE

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 29, 2018 n 5

TDC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Falcione remarked, “We thank you for all you have done and look forward to working with you and your expertise for many years to come.” Teitelbaum, a local developer, real estate broker and owner of Anna Maria Island Resorts, four motel operations in Bradenton Beach, retired earlier this year due to health issues. He beamed throughout the presentation and acknowledged his applause. In meeting business, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources director Charlie Hunsicker provided an update on BP Oil proceeds from the 2010 Gulf oil disaster and how the county is using the money. The county earmarked the money for 16 uses, all tied to environmental issues. “It was a more difficult path to take with the proceeds,” Hunsicker said. “But it has enabled us to do more.” The county is using BP money to hire people to assist with removing dead fish from canals and backwaters. Three collection vessels were to be staffed by drivers and teams of two to collect and dispose of dead sea life in residential and commercial areas not included in an ongoing beach cleanup. Hunsicker and others took a helicopter ride Aug. 17 to pinpoint areas to clean.

“We are going to vacuum the carpet,” Hunsicker said. “But there will still be dust in it. This is a strange dance we are doing with Mother Nature.” The TDC approved Falcione’s recommendation to add $500,000 from its reserves to the $500,000 already set aside by the county for the cleanup. Hunsicker also announced a red tide hotline, which operates daily at 941-749-3547. Airport trafﬁc up, tourist dollars increase, too Mark Stuckey, senior vice-president and chief operating officer of the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, reported replacement of loading bridges for passengers, as well as the addition of a visitor’s center and shade coverings to parking lots and rental car areas. Airport traffic was up 23 percent in June and 30 percent in July over last year. Stuckey said he expects to see rapid growth — including a 20 percent increase in airline seats by year’s end.” Walter Klages, of Data Research Services of Tampa, said Manatee County continued its climb in tourist numbers through June. Klages reported a $82,760,300 total economic impact to Manatee County from tourism in June with

RED TIDE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 “It is the red tide,” said Deidra Larkins of the Manatee County help line. Established Aug. 18, the hotline takes calls weekdays during business hours. “Fish are dying, that is creating the smell,” she said. Red tide has no color or aroma. Dead fish from Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico had been piling up and stinking on the shoreline and in canals on Anna Maria Island, Cortez, Coral Shores, Flamingo Cay and the Palma Sola Causeway and the surrounding areas since the first week of August — but Aug. 23 was the first mainland experience as the stench drifted inland.

more than 569,000 visitors pushing a growth rate of 4 percent in June 2017. Lodging occupancy fell 1.6 percent due to an increase of 3 percent in lodging units, Klages said. The average traveler to county destinations was 47 years old with a medium income of $123,796 and spent six nights. First-time visits to the area were up 2.1 percent. Falcione requested $110,000 from the TDC budget be allocated to sports and recreational events. Sixteen additional tournaments, ranging from senior softball at G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton to “Baseball Factory” at Pirate City in east Bradenton have been booked. “These events fill gaps in our season,” Falcione said, “and bring visitors to our doorstep year-round. It’s a win-win.” TDC members in attendance included Cairns, Whitmore, Jack Rynerson, Dale Sconyers, Vernon DeSears, Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland and Jiten Patel. Ed Chiles was out of town, but listened to the proceedings by phone. The next TDC meeting will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the county commission chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Eric Cairns, owner of Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages, 2710 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, listens as Mark Stuckey of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport discusses added flights and carriers at the Aug. 20 TDC meeting at the community center in Anna Maria. It was Cairns first meeting as a voting member of the TDC. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

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Opinion

Our

Red tide, Week 3

It’s the third week of red tide coverage in The Islander. And it’s more than three weeks of worry, labor, hand-wringing, lost business and a huge hit for marine life. It’s as bad as I’ve seen it in 40-plus years of island living. When manatees, dolphins and sea turtles wash up on our shores, we’re seeing the worst. One longtime friend, Doris Silverthorn, who was living on Gulf Drive South in the early 1970s, recalled in our online conversation this weekend having no air conditioning and “red tide was really bad. Had to keep the windows closed and temps were so high. Stink still came in — not good.” Back then, Doris’ husband Phil was a commercial fisherman and chief of police in Bradenton Beach. Most of the marine life we’re seeing wash up dead in the bay and on the beaches have lived here in our waters as long or longer than me. The dolphins are known to researchers of the Sarasota Bay dolphin community. And while hundreds of people work daily to protect sea turtles, it’s crushing to see them suffering from red tide effects. Many of us fondly remember the captive manatee, Snooty, that lived many years at the Parker Manatee Aquarium in Bradenton and relate those feelings to the wild manatees that are suffering. Yes, it’s hitting home. So many of us work hard to protect animals and wildlife and we’re forced to watch this carnage. As we see so many times on postings to our website and social media. It’s too sad. And we also see people looking to place blame. Some misunderstand the science or don’t bother to educate themselves. Some blame the “green goo,” a horrible green algae that developed in Lake Okeechobee. And while we try to press home the facts, it seems there is a void we can’t reach. This red tide isn’t red. It doesn’t smell. And we have no toxic green-blue algae in our waters. We have a red tide known scientifically as Karenia brevis, commonly known as a harmful algal bloom. Doris thinks “this world is crazy.” She noted the kudzu in her yard is growing a foot a day and she worries she may be too slow at her age to escape it. I know the feeling. How do we escape red tide? We may have to wait for a tropical storm to blow it far away, and that’s a hard wish to make. — Bonner Joy

AUG. 29, 2018 • Vol. 26, No. 44 ▼ ▼

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Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, copy editor Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Jennifer Glenfield, jennifer@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@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 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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Opinion

Your

Local politics

We most recently had the opportunity to participate in democracy at its best. In Holmes Beach, there was a proposal for new alternative traffic routes. We felt a piece of this really good plan would be dangerous to users and would compromise our neighborhood. We reached out to our local representatives who know us best and care for us most. Our voices were heard. Our city engineer, Lynn Burnett, and our elected city officials took the time and made the effort to understand our position and re-evaluate the plan. The process was clear, fair and timely. We cannot begin to tell you how impressed we are with this team of officials, how relieved we are with the outcome and how lucky we feel to live in such an exemplary city. Bringing together community, talking out differences, coming to terms with that which is best in the bigger picture and trusting that our government will be representative, responsive and responsible — now that is what we call democracy. Job well done. Deb Sneddon, Holmes Beach

Have your say

The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Email: news@ islander.org. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Readers also may comment on online, where The Islander has 3,000+ registered users. Also, The Islander has an active — 11,800+ likes — Facebook community. To join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Facebook.

Red tides, lost summers

Martin County adopted the term “Lost Summer” in 2013 to describe the disaster caused by discharges from Lake Okeechobee into coastal communities. Posted signs warned against swimming, fishing or otherwise coming in contact with the water that was covered in guacamole-thick algae. The moniker was unfortunately applicable again in 2016 and now again in 2018. On Florida’s west coast, red tide has killed nearly 1,100 manatees over the past 23 years and, because blooms now occur so frequently, they are no longer characterized as “unusual mortality events” for the protected marine mammals. The organism that causes red tide is naturally occurring. The input of human-generated pollution into our coastal waters, which causes that organism to “bloom” and wreak havoc, is far from natural. The same is true for the algae blooms that occurred in the Indian River Lagoon in recent years. Florida’s waters are in crisis and we need leaders who will protect our natural environment. Too many of our decision-makers and residents are in denial about our state’s addiction to growth at any cost and the toll it takes on our environment. Until more citizens engage in their democracy and vote with the future in mind, Floridians can expect continued Lost Summers and lost opportunities to fix our ailing waterways. Katie Tripp, director of science and conservation for the Save the Manatee Club, Maitland

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THE ISLANDER n Aug. 29, 2018 n 7

10&20 years ago

In the headlines: Aug. 26, 1998

Wheelbarrow brigade

A cleanup crew with a wheelbarrow collects dead fish from the beach in Holmes Beach during an outbreak of red tide in July 1971. Islander Photos: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library Digital Collection A dead dolphin drew attention Aug. 24 to the ravages of red tide at the Sycamore beach in Anna Maria. A team from Mote Marine Laboratory on City Island in Sarasota came to collect the dolphin and a sea turtle found nearby. Islander Photo: Courtesy City of Anna Maria

We’d love to mail you the news!

Federal agents, Holmes Beach police and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested an island businessman on federal drug charges following a lengthy investigation. The man was charged with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine. A contingent of Holmes Beach officials, along with a grant writer from the Sarasota Bay National Estuary Program, left for Tallahassee to make a presentation before the Florida Communities Trust for a $715,350 grant to purchase the Grassy Point area for wetlands preservation. Members of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch accused owners of a Holmes Beach resort of killing 96 hatchlings after the turtles headed toward the bright lights of the resort instead of the Gulf of Mexico. The dead hatchlings were found in the resort swimming pool.

In the headlines: Aug. 27, 2008

As Tropical Storm Fay headed west across the northern part of the state, waves headed to Anna Maria Island’s shore — and surfers and bold swimmers hit the breaking surf. West Manatee Fire Rescue officials met with attorneys to discuss Bradenton’s future land-use plans, which indicated an interest in annexing property in unincorporated Manatee County west of 75th Street between Manatee Avenue and Cortez Road. Mike Coleman and Ed Chiles of Pine Avenue Restoration LLC introduced their redevelopment projects for the Anna Maria business district during a neighborhood meeting. The weekly archives for The Islander can be found online ufdc.ufl.edu. Archived stories can be found online at islander.org.

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8 n Aug. 29, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Manatee, marine life fatalities add up

A dead manatee floated up in Anna Maria Sound Aug. 26 to the dock at the Sunrise Lane home of Holmes Beach Commissioner Judy Titsworth. She said there were only a few dead fish on the waterway, but red tide is suspected in the manatee death. She said a team from Mote Marine Laboratory was on its way to collect the manatee. Islander Courtesy Photo: Judy Titsworth

Wildlife rehab prepares to treat birds poisoned by red tide

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter There’s a crisis looming. Anna Maria Island’s wildlife rescue facility is getting ready for more of red tide’s victims. Ed Straight, president of Wildlife Inc., a homebased rescue and rehabilitation facility in Bradenton Beach, was cleaning out cages Aug. 21 in preparation for more birds sickened by red tide. As of Aug. 22, Wildlife Inc. was rehabbing nine laughing gulls, two ospreys, a cormorant, an anhinga and a black skimmer, all exhibiting symptoms indicating red tide exposure. Another anhinga was brought to the facility Aug. 20, but it was too weak and died in the night. For 31 years, Wildlife Inc. has rescued and rehabilitated birds, mammals and reptiles in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The organization is a volunteer-based nonprofit that runs on donations and grants. Straight said the Wildlife Center of Venice, also a rescue and rehab facility, had more than 50 rescued birds since the outbreak started and he’s concerned Manatee County won’t be far behind. “They are about two weeks ahead of us with the red tide down there,” Straight said. “The longer the birds are out there without live food, the more tempting the dead fish will look.” Straight said he received several calls the weekend of Aug. 17 regarding a gathering of about 200 pelicans during low tide on the southwest side of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The birds appeared to be lined up along the flow of the current through the Intracoastal Waterway. “I think they were probably trying to find water that’s not polluted,” Straight said. “The rookeries where they would normally hang out, near Cortez and Galati’s Marina on the north end of the island, are packed with dead fish.” On Aug. 22, the squadron of pelicans had dissipated, with only a handful remaining at low tide, only to return in large numbers on subsequent days. They sometimes numbered 100 or more. Red tide conditions in Manatee County had worsened by Aug. 22, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports, and dead fish were piling up near where the pelicans had gathered. “They’ve probably moved farther north to cleaner water,” Straight said Aug. 22. He said most of the birds cared for the week ending Aug. 24 were weakened from a lack of food, but others suffered from red tide poisoning. “The bottom line is that they will eat dead fish if they are hungry enough,” Straight said. “Unfortunately, that’s when we will get busy.” For more information, or to report a sick or injured animal, call Wildlife Inc. at 941-778-6324.

About 30 pelicans take flight Aug. 21 — part of a large squadron of 100 or more — that were observed on the southwest side of the Anna Maria Island Bridge as dead fish accumulated near the base of the bridge in the northernmost area of Sarasota Bay. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Meetings

Anna Maria City Aug. 31, 10 a.m., city commission. Sept. 11, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. Sept. 13, 6 p.m., city commission. Sept. 27, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach Sept. 6, 5:05 p.m., CRA. Sept. 6, 5:25 p.m., commission. Sept. 13, 5:05 p.m., CRA. Sept. 13, 5:25 p.m., commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org.

Manatee County Sept. 6, 9 a.m., commission (land use). Sept. 11, 9 a.m., commission. Sept. 11, 6 p.m., budget hearing. Sept. 18, 9 a.m., commission. Sept. 18, 6 p.m., budget hearing. Sept. 27, 9 a.m., commission (land use). Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

Of interest Sept. 3 is Labor Day. Most government offices will be closed, as will The Islander office. Also, government-related services, such as waste collection, may be delayed. Sept. 10, 8 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization Bicycle/Pedestrian/Trails Holmes Beach Advisory Committee, MPO, 7631 15th St. E., SaraAug. 30, 6 p.m., city commission. sota. Sept. 5, 6 p.m., planning. Sept. 10, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Sept. 12, 10 a.m., code enforcement magis- Organization, Anna Maria City Hall. trate. Sept. 10, 5 p.m., MPO Citizen Advisory ComSept. 13, 6 p.m., city commission. mittee, 7631 15th St. E., Sarasota. Sept. 25, 6 p.m., city commission. Sept. 24, 8:15 a.m., MPO Public Transportation Sept. 27, 6 p.m., city commission. Task Force, 7631 15th St. E., Sarasota. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m., MPO board, Holiday Inn, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota. Sept. 25, 4 p.m., Council of Governments, BraWest Manatee Fire Rescue denton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., PalNone announced. metto. WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. Send notices to calendar@islander.org and W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 29, 2018 n 9

Designer to create ‘vision’ for Bradenton Beach’s historic district By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach has a vision for its historic district. And the city visionaries agreed Emily Anne Smith has the skills to see it through. At the community redevelopment agency meeting Aug. 16, members approved Smith’s design proposal for the district and authorized moving forward with a contract. Smith, has been a commercial designer for 55 years. A 25-year island resident, she moved to Holmes Beach from Bradenton Beach, where she rented from Mayor John Chappie. Smith designed the clock tower on the Historic Bridge Street Pier and other design elements in the historic district. CRA chair Ralph Cole, also a city commissioner, and city attorney Ricinda Perry met with Smith twice to discuss her $38,333 proposal. The plan includes construction and landscaping, public signage, benches, bike racks, ropes and bollards, lighting and streetscapes on Bridge Street. Additionally, Smith will create a “desired architectural design standards book” for the district to be incorporated into the land development code and used as a guide. Smith plans to incorporate design elements that

Anna Maria building ordinance on hold

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter One size doesn’t fit all. Building construction projects in Anna Maria are required by ordinance to be completed within 12 months of acquiring a local development permit. However, some projects can be finished in short order, but other construction work can take longer than a year, according to acting building official Luke Curtis. So city commissioners are discussing changing the ordinance requirement to 18 months or using a scale to set a timeline based on the scope of the work. Commissioners, meeting Aug. 21, also discussed removing creating a fee schedule. The issue will be addressed again during a meeting at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 31. Before then, city attorney Becky Vose is to communicate with the other representatives in the two island cities about how they handle the issue, while Curtis will determine a sliding scale for timelines. Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach have no set timeframe for building construction projects, only requiring ongoing work. If a property owner has not had an inspection in six months, they are required to apply for an extension, or their permit expires. Commissioner Carol Carter said construction can disrupt a neighborhood and she wouldn’t agree to extend any timeline past 18 months. Mayor Dan Murphy said construction at a property on Hammock Circle has lasted four years and three months, and has been a disruption. The project on Hammock Circle is the longest lasting ongoing work in the city, but three other construction projects began in November 2016. Under the current ordinance, which only began to be enforced recently, every month construction continues past a year, property owners are assessed 10 percent of the cost of the permit. But commissioners voted July 12 to suspend collection of fees and refund any paid fees, after contractors and residents voiced their dissatisfaction with the 12-month requirement. Curtis brought a list of 25 construction projects to the Aug. 21 meeting. Nine projects exceeded 12 months but were not assessed fees. Three owners paid fees that were refunded. Permits for six other projects will expire this year.

Emily Anne Smith, left, owner of Designs of Significance by Emily Anne Smith, and her partner/ manager, LeaAnn Bessonette, attend a meeting Aug. 16 at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

early settlers brought to Bradenton Beach from their native countries. And elements of her prior planning for Bridge Street and the CRA. CRA member John Horne asked if the CRA would own the finished product. Perry said the CRA would own the finished product and could approve or deny any part of Smith’s proposal. “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” CRA member Chappie said. “I’m looking forward to continuing this vision that we created years ago when we created the CRA.” The motion to approve Smith’s proposal passed 6-0, with member Ed Chiles absent with excuse. The next CRA meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Design elements, such as the buttresses and spire atop Sports Lounge, 118 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, and at the Historic Bridge Street Pier and other entities in the historic district are attributed to Emily Anne Smith.

Bradenton Beach applies for FEMA grants, Swiftmud funds By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach is moving forward with plans to improve stormwater collection and harden buildings. The mayor and commissioners unanimously approved July 26 two Federal Emergency Management Agency grant applications and a draft scope of work for a Southwest Florida Water Management District cooperative funding agreement. A motion was unanimously approved to authorize city engineer Lynn Burnett to move forward on an Aug. 6 deadline with a FEMA application for a 75/25 match — FEMA covering the 75 percent portion and the city 25 percent — to harden city hall, the police department and the public works building. If awarded, the funds would help mitigate damage from flood, wind and storm surge to the buildings for a total 2018-19 project cost of $520,000, of which Bradenton Beach would pay $130,000. The commission also unanimously authorized Burnett to seek a FEMA grant for fiscal year 2018-19 for drainage improvements to Church and Highland avenues. The application also had an Aug. 6 deadline and a 75/25 match. The total cost for the project is $450,000 and, if awarded, the city would pay $112,500. Additionally, a motion was unanimously approved to include consideration of a Bridge Street outfall mod-

ification as part of the drainage improvement grant. Plus, Burnett will continue working on a grant request to the Southwest Florida Water Management District for fiscal years 2019-21 for 50/50 funding stormwater infiltration along avenues B and C. The total cost for the three-year project would be $530,930, with the city responsible for $265,465. The application is a draft while the city considers what materials to use to restore the storm drains before the Oct. 1 submittal deadline. The commission also plans to fund restoration for the driveways that were torn up during the Manatee County force main project on Avenue C. The first option for Avenue C considered at the July 26 meeting includes resurfacing the asphalt and covering the 4-foot-wide roadside stormwater infiltration systems with geogrid — a soil stabilization material — and sod. The second option includes restoring the asphalt over 8-16 inches of stone in the road bed with an inverted crown for water storage and a trench in the middle to capture sediment. Both options include restoration of private driveways to their former conditions along the avenue. The city will meet at a future date to finalize plans for the Swiftmud grant application with public input in time for the October deadline. Manatee County sewer line construction along Avenue C in Bradenton Beach soon will be complete and the city is planning to restore the driveways and rights of way torn up in the path of the project. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

10 n Aug. 29, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

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Through August, Island Gallery West exhibits “Flora, Fins, Feathers and Flowers,” 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Through August, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits “It’s All About Water,” 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786694. Through September, Island Gallery West exhibits “Innovations,” 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Through September, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits “Plants, Flowers and Gardens,” 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI

depends on tides, 417 63rd St., Holmes Beach. Information: 941462-2626. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-7086130. Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (call for times) 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. Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING OFF AMI 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.

Sept. 20, Island Players 2018-19 season opens LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI with “The Unexpected Guest,” Anna Maria. Sept. 29, Anna Maria Island Privateers semiSept. 8, Center of Anna Maria Island LaPensee Bowling Tourformal “time machine” ball, Anna Maria. nament, Bradenton. Oct. 20, 18th annual Anna Maria Island ChamCLUBS & ber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria. COMMUNITY Nov. 10, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra Symphony on the Sand, Bradenton Beach. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND ONGOING OFF AMI

Through Sept. 10, “250 Years of the Circus in Print,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee apples. Information: 941-359-5700. Through Nov. 1, “First 5 Years of Art of Our Time,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee apples. Information: 941-359-5700. Through Feb. 2, 2019, “The Greek Communities of Tarpon Springs and the Bahamas,” Florida Maritime Museum, 4419 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. Second Wednesdays, Think + Drink (science), South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m., Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. First Fridays, 6-9 p.m. ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays after the ﬁrst Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. Second Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120.

Thursday, Aug. 30 10 a.m. — Seaside Quilters, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Wednesday, Sept. 5 12:45 p.m. — Gulf Coast Writers Club, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI

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, 9-11 a.m., veterans services 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 meets to carpool on an adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. Second Fridays, 6 p.m., AMI Resident Community ConnecLOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI tions, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Sept. 9-Dec. 2, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s Information: 941-778-1908. “French Art from the Horvitz Collection,” Sarasota. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakSept. 15-Feb. 3, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s fast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Public Beach, “Watercolors from the Permanent Collection,” Sarasota. 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: Sept. 22, various venues, Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day 941-778-1383. with free admission. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 KIDS & FAMILY Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND 941-518-1965. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Friday, Aug. 31 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots — Partners in Play, Island Library, Saturday, Sept. 1 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Noon — Cortez Cultural Center Labor Day Picnic, 11655 Cortez Tuesday, Sept. 4 Road W., Cortez. Information: 941-538-0945. 10 a.m. — Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING OFF AMI

Sept. 22, Scallopalooza gala beneﬁt, Sarasota. Sept. 28, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s William R. First Saturdays, Family Night at the Museum, South Florida Mote Memorial Snook Shindig, Sarasota. Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Fourth Wednesdays, “Stelliferous Live” star talk, South Florida GET LISTED Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: Send announcements for The Islander calendar to calen941-746-4131. dar@islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday LOOKING AHEAD OF AMI before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number Oct. 20, Mote Marine Aquarium’s Night of Fish Fun and Fright, for publication. Sarasota.

GAMES, SPORTS & OUTDOORS ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesdays, AMI Dragon Boat Fun and Fitness Club, time

SEASON CALL

Please, send 2018-19 seasonal calendars to calendar@ islander.org.

Visit www.islander.org

Island happenings

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‘Innovations’ at IGW

Mixed-media artist Carole Dougherty is the featured artist in September at the Island Gallery West co-op, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For the past 10 years, Dougherty has concentrated on water soluble and mixed media, as well as handmade paper collage. For more information, call IGW at 941-7786648. Islander Courtesy Photo

Kiwanis to talk antiques

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meets at 8:30 a.m. most Saturdays at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The meeting Sept. 1 will feature remarks by Peter Ruscoe about the “Antiques Roadshow: Behind the Scenes.” For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Sale beneﬁts art league

September ﬂowers

Marie Garafano’s oil painting is titled “Blue Vase.” The Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits “Plants, Flowers and Gardens” throughout September. The gallery, operated by the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, is at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the gallery at 941-778-6694. Islander Courtesy Photo

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Sandbar to celebrate Labor Day with ﬁreworks

After sunset on Labor Day, the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, will host a fireworks show. The display will begin after sunset Monday, Sept. 3, for the crowd gathered on the beach near the restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria. The Sandbar usually presents a fireworks show on the Fourth of July, but this year’s show fizzled and the restaurant decided to hold a Labor Day celebration. For more information, call the restaurant at 941778-0444.

Cortezians plan holiday picnic

A sale to benefit the nonprofit Anna Maria Island Art League will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1. The event will be at AMIAL’s studio, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Sale items include artwork, supplies and equipment, as well as books and other items. For more information, call AMIAL at 941-7782099.

The Cortez Cultural Center will host a picnic at noon Saturday, Sept. 1. An announcement invited people to enjoy homecooked eats and learn about Cortez’s commercial fishing history. The center is at 11655 Cortez Road, Cortez. For more, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

GOOD TO KNOW

GOOD DEEDS

SAVE THE DATES

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Monday, Sept. 3, Labor Day. Wednesday, Oct. 31, Halloween. Sunday, Nov. 4, daylight saving time ends. Tuesday, Nov. 6, Election Day. Sunday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Thursday, Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Day. Monday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. Tuesday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Monday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve. Tuesday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.

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Looking for volunteer opportunities on or around Anna Maria Island? These organizations are seeking help: 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: 941-778-0414. Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. Seeking volunteers for an organization or an event? Email calendar@islander.org with the details. Please include a contact name and phone number.

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Submit your social news to news@islander.org. Please, include the time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name and phone number for publication. And, thanks for sharing!

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KORN responds to city’s proposed charter amendments

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Soon it will be up to voters. The Bradenton Beach mayor and commissioners approved the final reading of an ordinance Aug. 27 to place seven charter amendment questions on the Nov. 6 municipal ballot. The city made its Aug. 28 deadline for the ballot questions to go to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Labor Day 2015 by Jack Elka

Labor Day brings closings

Most government offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 3, for Labor Day. Also, the collection of garbage, recycling or yard waste that usually takes place Mondays will be postponed to Tuesday, which will push back collections through the week. Parks, preserves and beaches in the area will remain open to the public. The Central Library in downtown Bradenton, the only county library normally open Mondays, will be closed for the holiday.

The first reading of the ordinance, held Aug. 16, and the final reading passed 4-1 with Commissioner Randy White voting “nay” both times. Prior to the commission vote, an ad hoc committee reviewed and made recommendations on the charter amendments approved by voters in 2017, as well as amendments proposed for the November ballot by the political action committee, Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods. In June, the city blocked four amendments proposed by KORN citing insufficiencies. KORN founders Reed Mapes and John Metz are suing the city to get their proposed ballot questions before voters, which will require a special election. The hearing with the city for KORN’s amendments isn’t until Sept. 6, after the SOE deadline for the November ballot. “(The city) should have tried to get the KORN initiatives on the ballot and worked to defeat them,” Mapes said Aug. 22. “Being second, if we have a special election for ours, it is an advantage to us.” KORN’s proposed initiatives would prohibit the construction of a multilevel parking garage anywhere in the city; require city commission vacancies be filled by election; prevent construction within setbacks; and require a certified public manager to serve as chief executive officer. The city’s charter amendment 1 proposes reinstating “at-large voting for all elected officials, including mayor and four neighborhood ward commissioners.” If the electorate approves the ballot question, new wards — similar to the wards ended by the electorate in 2017 — would be established by the SOE. A charter amendment eliminating the four wards in favor of at-large elections was approved last year

by 55 percent of voters. “What makes the city commission smarter than the hundreds of people who voted for no wards?” Mapes asked. “The sole reason to keep wards is to reduce the number of people running. Ward issues are citywide issues.” Proposed city charter amendment 3 asks, “Should the city amend its charter to expressly provide for a balanced commission form of government, with the mayor and commissioners all having equal executive and legislative powers?” Regarding the proposed amendment, Mapes said, “So, number 3 says we have five leaders, not one.” He added, “I can see that being war games in the future.” The ballot question for proposed charter amendment 4 asks if the city commission shall “exclusively” retain hiring and firing powers for city staff. “Of course, even if this passes, and KORN’s (question) goes to a vote and the city manager passes, it will supersede the city’s amendment number 4,” Mapes said. Proposed charter amendment 6 addresses filling commission vacancies. If approved, this section would add a resign-to-run provision, allowing the commission to appoint someone to fill a spot that would remain vacant more than six months until the next general election, when a successor would be elected. KORN is proposing a charter amendment requiring all vacancies be filled by election. “Every one of the city’s proposed amendments is meant to reduce the number of people who will run in order to allow the commission to appoint their cronies,” Mapes said. “They should’ve tried to get ours in with theirs to find out what the people really want.”

Long-sought Bradenton Beach ﬂoating dock arrives, waits at Florida port

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The plot thickens. The floating dock for the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach arrived Aug. 16 at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale from the manufacturer in Spain, Ronautica Quality Marinas, but hasn’t been released by port authorities. According to the bill of lading provided July 31 by contractor Technomarine, the dock left the port in Marin, Spain, July 30 via the cargo ship Atlantic North and transferred Aug. 11 to another cargo ship, MSC Kwangyang. The shipment was due at Port Everglades Aug. 23. However, a call Aug. 24 to Betalink LLC, a freight forwarder and customs provider listed on the BOL, confirmed the dock parts arrived Aug. 16 at Port Everglades — earlier than expected. As of Aug. 27, the dock components appeared to be awaiting Technomarine to clear customs. Technomarine representative Anna Bennett wrote

July 31 when she sent the BOL that the city should add about five days to the arrival date “to get the docks out of the port and on a transport truck” to Bradenton Beach. The contract for the dock was signed by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency with Technomarine in March 2017 and the original schedule indicated installation by September 2017. Based on the most recent of five schedule updates from the contractor, mobilization and dock delivery is due Sept. 13, installation by Sept. 28, and a punch-list and final inspection should be performed by Oct. 4. Technomarine is contractually responsible for the dock installation. According to Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale, the lead for the city on the dock project, “hearsay has been floating around” about the status of the dock due to multiple delays since the contract was signed. “We are contractually bound to Technomarine,” Speciale said Aug. 23. “At the end of the day, all the

city is concerned with is getting the dock put in. And, according to the last schedule, they still have time.” There was no response from Technomarine as of press time Aug. 27. The remaining balance due Technomarine on the dock is $9,288, to be paid within 30 days of installation. The total cost for the dock is $119,980 — half of which is matched by Manatee County tourist development tax dollars. The next Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency meetingB:3.25” will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, at city hall, T:3.25” 2017 Gulf Drive N. S:3”

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Top Notch

Marilia Clark of Holmes Beach took this photo on an island beach in August and titled it â&#x20AC;&#x153;Riding out red tide.â&#x20AC;?

Top Notch runners-up

Bill Shafer documented this scene at sunset near the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The little flower girl was milling around while wedding pictures were being taken.â&#x20AC;?

Christine Kourik of Anna Maria said she took this â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hello!â&#x20AC;? photo in her backyard.

Anna Maria modernizes citation ordinance

Some Anna Maria code violators will start receiving warnings and citations via email. City commissioners voted 5-0 Aug. 23 for an ordinance changing code enforcement rules and allowing officers to issue citations for violations of all city codes, laws and ordinances, as well as sending warnings and citations via email. Code enforcement officers must warn violators, providing an opportunity for them to correct violations. If violators cannot be contacted, officers leave a warning in plain sight at the location of the violation. The new ordinance allows officers to additionally notify violators using email addresses previously provided to the city, whether for vacation rental registration or other purposes. Commissioners also voted 5-0 for a resolution creating a fine schedule for code violations, replacing ordinance-defined fines. Commissioner Carol Carter said by defining fines in a resolution instead of an ordinance, the commission could more readily change the fines.

Fitness equipment installed along trail

One of 20 fitness stations on the Coquina Beach Trail in Bradenton Beach is barricaded Aug. 20, awaiting a safety surface and safety/instructional signage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once that is completed, the caution tape will be removed and the exercise equipment will be open to the public,â&#x20AC;? Carmine Demilio, Manatee County parks and grounds operations manager, who oversaw the installation, wrote Aug. 22. Demilio said the stations should be operational by Aug. 29. Islander Photo: Courtesy Tjet Martin

Holly Avedisian of Bradenton photographed this swallowtail butterfly in mid-July at the Palma Sola Botanical Park in northwest Bradenton. MORE TOP NOTCH Next week: The Top Notch grand prize winner announcement, as well as the pet prize winner. Stay tuned to Sept. 5.

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The Islander has an active Facebook community of more than 11,800 â&#x20AC;&#x153;likes.â&#x20AC;? To join the conversation, become a fan of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Islanderâ&#x20AC;? on Facebook. We provide a direct link to our fan page from www.islander.org. The Islander also has an active Twitter feed where alert readers can comment.

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Getting to know AME’s new STEM program and instructor

By Ryan Paice STEM teacher Islander Reporter Jacqueline Students are getting their first sampling of a new Jordan stands Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics outside her program at Anna Maria Elementary. classroom at Every class at AME spends 45 minutes a day in Anna Maria STEM teacher Jacqueline Jordan’s classroom completElementary ing lessons and activities focused on practical experiin Holmes ence. Beach. Jordan said she’s focused on promoting teambuildIslander ing. Photo: CourIn one activity, students in groups of four stacked tesy Jacquecups into a pyramid using strings and a rubber band. line Jordan In another activity, teams of students raced to construct paper chains. One challenge, Jordan said, has been using conNext for students: learning to design blueprints. sumable materials — construction paper, pipe cleaners Students will design a blueprint, then build out their and string — when what she needs is Legos. design, then revise the blueprint to correct any probAspects of STEM were previously taught at AME: lems. math and science were taught in classrooms, and techLater, students will learn about force and motion. There is a curriculum for the program, but the experiences and activities change for grade levels. Jordan said AME must meet STEM requirements for each grade level, so she must create different lesson plans.

nology was taught in classrooms, the computer lab and media center. However, until now, engineering was not taught at AME. While the STEM program is new to AME, Jordan is not. She’s taught at AME for 11 years and led STEM Night every year. She agreed to teach STEM after discussing the program with other teachers in the district. As a part of Florida’s Deferred Retirement Option Program, Jordan is set to retire in three years, but said she’ll probably end up teaching again. Her new role as STEM teacher might be her last at AME, but she looks forward to setting a foundation for the program.

By Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

Bella Clements, 10, Kieran Cloutier, 10, Ava Baugh, 10, and Axel Hurst, 10, focus on stacking their big red cups. They are students in Mary Miller’s fifthgrade class and study STEM with Jacqueline Jordan.

AME calendar

• Monday, Sept. 3, no school, Labor Day. • Monday, Sept. 10, school picture day. • Wednesday, Sept. 12, district early release, 1:45 p.m. • Friday, Sept. 21, Peace Day. • Friday, Sept 28-Tuesday, Oct. 4, Book Fair. • Wednesday, Oct. 3, Literacy Night, 5 p.m. • Monday, Oct. 8, school advisory council meeting, 3:30 p.m. • Friday, Oct. 12, elementary early release, 1 p.m. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

Peyton Hovda, 8, Ewen Cloutier, 8, and Connor Samblis, 8, react after dropping a cup during the Paper Cup Pyramid Challenge. The Anna Maria Elementary students are in Laura Redeker’s thirdgrade class and study STEM with Jacqueline Jordan. Islander Photos: Courtesy AME/Jacqueline Jordan RIGHT: Charlie Hawkins, 9, Jordan Moore, 9, Cala Ryan, 9, and Alex Teich-DiLorenzo, 9, celebrate the completion of their cup pyramid. They are students in Pidge Barreda’s fourth-grade class and study STEM with Jacqueline Jordan.

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Pine Avenue businesses maneuver slow season, ‘dead tide’

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter It’s been a rough year for people in business on Pine Avenue. With the demolition of the historic Anna Maria City Pier on Tampa Bay at the east end of Pine, the avenue is missing its most popular attraction. Then red tide further thinned the crowds. “Everything’s dead,” Island Charms employee Sara Eagleton said Aug. 21. “I call it the dead tide.” Lauren Collins, owner of Island Charms, 501 Pine Ave., said Aug. 23 that fewer people had passed through the doors at her shop due to the harmful algal bloom. “This week has been our quietest week by far,” Collins said. “Most customers are talking about the red tide. We were wondering if they had blocked off the bridge because it didn’t seem like anybody was on the island.” Cindy Tutterow, owner of the custom bakery Hometown Desserts, 507 Pine Ave., said several cake orders were canceled recently due to red tide. “Just as an example, a family from Tampa had

ordered a birthday cake, and she called and canceled their reservations and canceled the cake, too, because their kids have asthma,” Tutterow said. Tutterow said some customers called to ask about conditions on the island. “I did have a few customers that came in Saturday and said that the island was eerily quiet,” she added. Bridgette Kubin, owner of Three Island Monkeys, a boutique at 314 Pine Ave., said red tide shortened the summer season that usually ends with Labor Day. “I think it scared a lot of folks away,” she said. “And so things got quieter quicker.” Kubin estimated her business was down 40 percent, and the spirit of the community had changed. “The traditional stroll down to the pier on Pine Avenue is not as traditional now that the pier is gone,” she said. She was looking forward to the Sandbar Restaurant’s Labor Day fireworks display to bring more people to the island and her store. The fireworks display will begin after sunset at about 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 3, on the shore at the restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria. Vinny Esposito, owner of the small traditional restaurant and bakery that specializes in take-out meals, Vinny and Cheryl’s Italian Kitchen, 314 Pine Ave., estimated his business was down 70 percent from losing the pier, which closed last September and was demolished this summer. But, Esposito said, red tide seems to be helping drive in business, bringing in people who either wanted to dine at home or were staying away from beachfront

dining. Esposito planned to close for three weeks beginning Aug. 25, while on a trip to see family in Italy. Meanwhile, Allie Sykeny, manager of Poppo’s Taqueria, 212C Pine Ave., said Aug. 21 business was trending up. “I can’t say that red tide or the pier has affected our business,” said Sykeny, adding that Poppo’s is working with a new island food delivery service to maximize its reach. Kubin emphasized the importance of cooperation among business owners. “We’ve all supported each other in times of need and, right now, I think the thing is we’re all suffering. So how do we support each other?” Kubin said. “But we’re not going anywhere. We’re still open for business, and this too shall pass.”

Cindy Tutterow hopes to attract business with a menu board and other signs Aug. 23 at Hometown Desserts, 507 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

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FRESH & SHINE Final days for preschool on Pine

Kellan Oelfke, left, Grayson Hinckle and Luca Tolomei contemplate the workings of a wood fence Aug. 22 on the playground at the School for Constructive Play, 302 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The preschool is preparing to relocate to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Final touches are underway at the new location and owner Pam Bertrand hopes to make the move after Labor Day. Islander Photo: Courtesy SFCP/Pam Bertrand

Bridgette Kubin readies her shop, Three Island Monkeys, 314 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, June 14 for customers. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

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

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Living the Anna Maria Island life: Fun work, good times People like to monkey around on the Monkey Bus

Monkey Bus owner Roque Pastorius dons his Privateers gear in Holmes Beach Aug. 22 for an Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce event. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Like more than one islander, Roque Pastorius came for a short visit and never really left. And, like other islanders before him, he found a way to make a living in paradise — the Island Monkey Bus. The tip-only service carries people around Anna Maria Island, Cortez and outlying areas. In 2013, after refueling race cars at Daytona Beach, Pastorius trekked across the state to visit his parents in Bradenton. Back at his home in Minnesota, the winter weather was looking brutal from Bradenton. So he stayed a few weeks, then took a job in Cortez driving golf carts for “We love helping the community any way we can,” a little company out of St. Petersburg named Island Pastorius said of their dedication. They’re heavy into Beach Monkeys. the Anna Maria Island Privateers, dressing in pirate Months later, wife Kathy was wondering when gear and taking on Privateer responsibilities. Pastorius would return north. They had a business in And, of course, they love moving people, too. Minnesota to tend to, and home and active lives. Late nights often prove interesting. Well, Pastorius went back, but not for long. He One night, after midnight, a young visitor called was itching for sand. “I came across a perfect little bus up there and brought her back to Cortez,” he said. “That was it.” Kathy returned with him. He bought a Cortez golf cart business, painted the bus bright colors with a few comical primates and the Monkey Bus hit the road. Today, there are three buses and five drivers serving customers 365 days a year. The ride is free of charge, with drivers working for tips. The Pastoriuses have sponsors and advertising on the buses that support the company and keep the buses on the road. Like many local business owners, they give back to the community, delivering Christmas gifts to needy families in the area and transporting veterans to service ceremonies.

and said she was locked out of her condominium and wanted to go to Walgreens. At the store, she purchased a snuggle blanket, rode back to her condo and was last seen bedding down on a lounge chair under the stars. Another customer loaded up the bus on the last day of school with her child’s classmates at Anna Maria Elementary to treat them to ice cream. After karaoke was added to the buses, travel on the Monkey Bus became even more interesting. Apparently, some people don’t want to get off. “One couple from Europe stayed on the bus making the loop close to two hours one day, laughing hysterically at the karaoke singers,” Pastorius said. “They had never seen anything like that in their life, and it was more fun than any of the bars they visited,” he added. The Pastoriuses love the connections they make with riders and feel their service bridges a gap between Anna Maria Island, Cortez and the surrounding areas. “If we ever helped one person, it’s all been worth it,” Pastorius said. “We take pride in what we do.” In addition to noon-3 a.m. operations, the Monkey Bus is available by reservation. For more information or to catch a ride, call 941-565-6542. Roque Pastorius, left, daughter Stephanie, wife Kathy and granddaughter Gracie Brown, front, stand by the original Monkey Bus in 2015. Islander Photo: Courtesy Roque Pastorius

AMI Privateers sink putts, mini golf tourney raises $3,000-plus The sold out Anna Maria Island Privateers ship, the Skullywag, drops off around 50 people at D.Coy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, for the sixth hole in the Whitey Horton Mini Put Putt Golf Tournament and Pub Crawl. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Privateers and their guests play the fourth hole at Slim’s Place, 9701 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, in the mini golf event supporting the Whitey Horton Memorial Scholarship for college students. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice Privateers and other event patrons tee up on the grass at the Waterline Marina Resort in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Melissa Williams.

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 29, 2018 n 17

Celebrating Selby: Library imagined by local architect turns 20 By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter “That building is the truth,” architect Gene Aubry said of the Selby Public Library. In 1985, at the height of his career as a sought-after design visionary at Morris Aubry Architects in Houston, a 52-year-old Aubry — who was once referred to as “the man who built Houston” — pushed his chair back from his drafting board and walked away. He came to the southwest coast of Florida, seeking a new life and was told all the “good architects lived in Sarasota,” Aubry said in an interview Aug. 7. “So, I moved to Anna Maria.” It seems the manner of Aubry’s life — a little off the middle, bucking the systems, designing dreams and turning them into concrete reality. Aubry threw up a shingle and opened an office in Sarasota, tooling down Longboat Key to work. It was very different from the skyscrapers and dusty spaces of the Texas he left behind. “That office was in the old Belle Haven building in Sarasota, near the Ritz-Carlton. It’s all boarded up now,” Aubry said, and hesitated. “I’ve built at least 15 libraries around the country — Sarasota; Birmingham; Boulder; Columbia, South Carolina. We went in to rehab a building for a library in Houston, the Julia Ideson Library Building that was decades-old, but had air conditioning added in the 1950s. It was like an Easter egg hunt,” Aubry remembered. “You should have seen the beautiful ceilings and wood we uncovered again (that) they had hidden while installing the air.” Aubry began work on the Selby Library 25 years ago, accounting in the timeline for planning, permitting and zoning, He pulled in Jerry Hoyt as an assistant and Stanley Hole to bring the project to fruition. It wasn’t without controversy.

A sweeping staircase is a centerpiece of the Selby Public Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota. The library marked its 20th birthday Aug. 4. The building was designed by Anna Maria architect Eugene “Gene” Aubry and is the largest library in the Sarasota County system. Islander Photo: Courtesy Selby Public Library

and architectural critic for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Joan Altabe. But when it opened, it was all “ooohs and aaahs.” Even Altabe embraced Aubry’s vision. Aubry’s favorite interior element of the library is the walk-through aquarium in the children’s reading section. “Mote Marine wanted to get involved. We constructed a huge fish tank you can actually stand under and walk through. No walk-up little tanks for us,” Aubry said. He also is proud of an energy-saving feature of the library and wonders aloud why more buildings don’t employee his innovation. “The energy companies charge about half the going rate at night,” Aubry said. “So, we constructed a huge refrigeration system that makes and stores ice all night long. Then that ice is used for cooling the library during the day. The savings are tremendous.” When Aubry began building libraries, wooden card files and elaborate librarian offices gobbled up space. But no more. “Technology changed everything. Used to be everything was done by hand, now it’s all done by technology. The librarian is six blocks down the street. You can just walk out the door with a book and it is checked out and they know who has it,” Aubry marveled. Still, Aubry sees a downside to the tech. “It takes people away from people. It fascinating, but we need to be mindful,” he said.

Editor’s note: Gene Aubry is a former Anna Maria city commissioner and has served on numerous volunThere were critics, including a public outcry against the design and strong criticism from the arts teer boards. He is an artist, author and musician.

An exterior view of the Selby Public Library in Sarasota — the design work of former Anna Maria Commissioner and architect Gene Aubry. The library recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.

ABOVE: Gene Aubry signs his book, “Born on the Island,” in Galveston, Texas, in 2012. It is a collection of his drawings and sketches portraying the historical homes on Galveston Island, published in 2012 by Texas A&M University Press to benefit the Galveston Historical Society. Islander Courtesy Photo

A window on the second floor of the Selby Public Library offers patrons a reflective place to read.

LEFT: The Selby Public Library in Sarasota, designed by Anna Maria architect Gene Aubry, where an arching aquarium coaxes young patrons to a reading room of their own. Library photos courtesy of the Friends of Selby Public Library

18 n Aug. 29, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Long table sponsors, patrons ﬁght red tide, think ‘positive’

Diners gather Aug. 26 on the beach at the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, for a “long table” five-course dinner and to raise money to benefit START/ Solutions To Avoid Red Tide, an organization dedicated to red tide research, and Mote Marine Laboratory. The cooperating businesses also sought to bring awareness to the ongoing spirit of camaraderie and support for employees and small businesses that experience the negative effects of red tide during the slowest months of the year. Sponsors of the event were the Sandbar, Visit Florida, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Darwin Brewing, Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar, Blue Marlin, Dry Dock Grill, Seafood Shack, the Waterfront Restaurant, Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing and the Bradenton Herald. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

Obituary

Singing in September

The Joyful Noise Children’s Choir will begin a new season Tuesday, Sept. 11, at Roser Memorial Community Church. The choir, for children in kindergarten through fifth-grade, rehearses Tuesdays at 3:45 p.m. Kids are taught vocal technique, beginning sight-reading concepts and performance skills under the supervision of music director Kristen Stanton. For more information, call the church at 941-778-0414. Islander Courtesy Photo

James ‘Jim’ M. Meena

The Rev. James “Jim” M. Meena, 89, died Aug. 21, in South Carolina. A graduate of Bob Jones University, he went on to earn master’s and specialist degrees in educational administration from Eastern Michigan University. He was ordained as a minister in 1952. He worked as a teacher for 29 years in Michigan, was a music director at several different churches and a chaplain at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton and for the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. He was pastor at Island Baptist Church before it became Crosspointe Fellowship. He resided in Michigan 1953-86, Holmes Beach 1986-2002 and northwest Bradenton 2002-18. A memorial service was to be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28 at Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Burial was to be private at Rock Hill Memorial Gardens in Rock Hill. Donations may be to Grace Church, 4599A Burbank Road, Wooster OH 44691 or Sovereign Grace Presbyterian Church, 3326 Archdale Drive, Charlotte NC 28210. Condolences may be made online at basscares.com The Rev. Meena is survived by his wife of more than 65 years, Cecelia; children, Roxanne and husband Bob Fetterhoff of Wooster, Ohio; and Bill and wife Lynne of Fort Mill, South Carolina; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

The Rev. Jim Meena, center, leads a July 4 flagraising ceremony at the Key Royale Club in 2008. Meena served the club as chaplain and organized events for members. Islander File Photo

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THE ISLANDER n Aug. 29, 2018 n 19

Sure is hot

Diners on the beach at the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, enjoy sunset and dinner at a fundraiser for red tide research and an effort by the sponsors to bring awareness to businesses on and around Anna Maria Island that are struggling with the effects of red tide and an abrupt loss of business. Sponsors included the Sandbar, Visit Florida, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Darwin Brewing, Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar, Blue Marlin, Dry Dock Grill, Seafood Shack, the Waterfront Restaurant, Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing and the Bradenton Herald. Islander Photo: Courtesy Paul Foster/Ginny’s and Jane E’s at the Old IGA

Fundraiser at Hanks to beneﬁt turtle watch

A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals, in partnership with Hurricane Hanks, will host a benefit for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch. Turtle Watch Wednesday will be 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, at Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. “Red tide has severely affected our beloved sea life and people who rely on the tourism industry for their livelihood,” Proof #1 stated an A Paradise news release. Proof #1 The first 75 to attend will receive a drink ticket. Also, the restaurant will offer discounts of 50 percent on appetizers and donate $1 per food item and drinks sold during the event. Raffles also are planned. For more information, call A Paradise at 941-729-2381 or Hurricane Hanks at 941-778-5788.

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By Sean Murphy Special to The Islander Every year about now I start to play my sure is hot game. Pick a line at the hardware store. About 2 o’clock in the hot afternoon is best. People have ventured out from the air-conditioned boxes they live in and driven in their little air-conditioned boxes on wheels to go into the heat and get something done. They have to go get something done or turn into a plant. Anything — buy a hammer at the hardware store. They have been rewarded for their initiative by blast after blast of hot, steel-hard heat. Now they hate the heat even more because they know the heat is winning. Now they just want to buy their hammer, go home and lay down on the couch in the air conditioning. They live in fear of their air conditioning breaking down. People have been found dead on their couch — succumbed to the heat because their air-conditioning failed. I wait for the right time. They are standing in that line at the hardware store, heads hanging and they are afraid. They loathe the heat. There is fear and loathing in that line. That’s when I say it. Amid the fear and loathing in a moment of perfect stillness. “It sure is hot.” Two days ago a lady just collapsed her arms across the counter and began to weep. The guy behind her said, “Oh for ----’s sake” and walked out without paying for his hammer. I am not proud of what I have done, but I begin to giggle. The heat is getting to me, too. Later that day my brother texted from Halifax. “It is in the 80s and it’s really humid. It sure

is hot.” He is hoping I will send him a drink. He knows that when it gets so hot I can hardly stand it that I give my patrons at the Beach Bistro a free glass if they walk into the bar and say, “Sure is hot”. Maybe I do this out of empathy. Maybe I want to help my fellow man or woman in times of duress. My brother thinks it is because I want to sell a second drink. He may be right, but I don’t care because he is up in Canada where it is cool — I really don’t give a damn what the bonehead thinks. I resent my Canadian brothers this time of year. They complain when their temperature crawls into the eighties. They are up north in their cottages by icy cold lakes complaining about the heat. Try to imagine how little I care. I hope all their extremities fall off from frost bite next winter. I tell my brothers a lot of Canadian jokes this time of year. I was born in Canada so I can tell all the Canadian jokes I want. My favorite is a restaurant joke. What is the difference between a canoe and a canuck…? Canoes tip. Canadians are great at one thing — cold fronts. Next week I am adding three more tons of AC to the Bistro Bar. I am going to sit in the bar with an icy rum drink with a little umbrella and stay there until that Canadian cold front arrives in October. Maybe I will get lucky and it will show up early. Come visit me. Say “Sure is hot” when you come in and I will buy you a cold one. Maybe we can make someone drop to his knees and weep.

Sean Murphy is the proprietor of Beach Bistro, Eat Here and the Doctor’s Office, all in Holmes Beach. This story and some of Murphy’s other commentary, from culinary topics to whimsical tales of his Irish forbears, including notorious Uncle George, can be found on the Beach Bistro website at www.beachbistro.com.

20 n Aug. 29, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court

Man sentenced to year in jail for stealing cars

By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

‘Shark drag’ case pushed to October

Accused shark draggers Michael Wenzel and Robert Benac III have a new court date. At an Aug. 21 hearing, 13th Circuit Judge Mark Wolfe set a 9 a.m. Oct. 15 date for a disposition. Estella Gray, director of communications for the Hillsborough County state attorney’s office, said the hearing likely will be another status hearing and it is unknown if the defendants will appear in court. The men were not present in court Aug. 21. The case stems from a fishing trip last summer when Wenzel, now 22, and Benac, now 29, and two other men were on a boat that dragged a blacktip shark at high speed while the men laughed. A black nose shark also was shot with a gun during the course of the day. A video of the dragging went viral on social media. Wenzel and Benac face one misdemeanor count for spearing a black nose shark and two felony counts

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of aggravated animal cruelty, one for shooting and one for dragging a blacktip shark. In May, the state dropped the charges against another man on the speedboat, Spencer Heintz. In June, Wenzel’s attorney Charles Britt III filed a motion to dismiss the misdemeanor count, alleging a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission publication led a reasonable person to believe spearing for shark is not illegal. The state had not responded to the motion as of Aug. 24. The state attorney chose not to charge a fourth man in the boat, Nicholas Burns Easterling, who cooperated with the state. Easterling grew up on Anna Maria Island. The case was filed by the Hillsborough prosecutor in December 2017 after an FWC investigation and public condemnation of the shark draggers by Gov. Rick Scott, animal rights groups and famed shark hunter, Mark the Shark, to whom Wenzel allegedly bragged about the June 2017 fishing trip.

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria No reports. Anna Maria is policed by the MCSO. Bradenton Beach Aug. 17, Bradenton Beach Marina, 402 Church Ave., property damage. A woman backed a pickup truck into a retaining wall/fence and left. The marina clerk was unsure if the driver was aware of the damage, which he estimated at $50. Bradenton Beach police searched for the vehicle to no avail.

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Aug. 19, 2400 block of Avenue A and Anna Maria Sound, found gun. A vacationing Clermont man brought a loaded gun to the Bradenton Beach police station. He told police he was standing on the dock when he noticed the revolver in the shallow bay water. Police determined the gun, loaded with five rounds, had not been reported lost or stolen. Aug. 19, Circle K, 103 Gulf Drive S., trespass an officer to assist with the warning, saying the man warning. A 41-year-old man and 30-year-old woman and woman had been told not to bring their dog into listing their residence as the Bradenton Beach anchor- the store, but continued to do so. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. age were warned for trespassing. The manager asked Cortez SERVING GOURMET ICE CREAM SINCE 1984 Aug. 15, 3800 block of 118th Street, runaway. A father reported his 16-year-old daughter left his residence. He told the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office ❊ Truly Homemade Ice Cream Please see Streetlife, Next page (yes, we really make it ourselves)

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Eleven months and 29 days in the Manatee County jail with credit for time served. That was the sentence handed Aug. 16 to Jeffrey T. Clarke, 19, of Bradenton by 12th Circuit Judge Charles Sniffen. He has been in the Manatee County jail since his Feb. 17 arrest for fleeing law enforcement, grand theft, child abuse and an invalid driver’s license after leading Holmes Beach police on a chase that exceeded 100 mph. The pursuit ended when Clarke, driving a gold Cadillac with three passengers, one of them 16 years old, crashed into a palm tree at Flamingo Drive and Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton. There were no injuries. Clarke pleaded no contest on all counts. The judge found Clarke guilty of fleeing and the invalid license and withheld adjudication on the other counts. Sniffen also ordered Clarke to 42 months probation and suspended his driver’s license for a year. In addition, on charges stemming from an earlier arrest, Sniffen ordered the same jail and probation sentence be served concurrently. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office had arrested Clarke in December 2017 for stealing a vehicle in an eastside Bradenton Walmart parking lot. Another condition of Clarke’s probation includes a requirement to report within 72 hours of his jail release to a probation officer. Court records show Clarke was assessed $1,052 in the HBPD case. In the MCSO case, the judge assessed $813 in costs and fines and ordered Clarke to pay the victim $763.73.

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THE ISLANDER n Aug. 29, 2018 n 21

State charges man in home burglary, attack

The attacker of a Holmes Beach woman who sparked a weeklong manhunt, remains in jail. The 12th Circuit State Attorney formally charged Mark L. Snyder for a burglary and attack in June on a 71-year-old woman in her Holmes Beach home. The state charged Snyder with three felonies Aug. 14 — burglary with a battery, aggravated battery of a victim 65 years or older and grand theft — upping the initial theft charge after the victim placed a $20,000$100,000 value on jewelry the attacker took from her home in the 500 block of 75th Street. The prosecutor abandoned a third-degree theft charge and filed a new second-degree felony against Snyder. The victim called 911 at 2 p.m. June 28 after she returned home, entered her bedroom and encountered the intruder, who struck her several times and caused her to fall. The intruder fled the home, but was captured on video by a neighbor’s surveillance camera. Holmes Beach police officers and deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office were on the scene within minutes. She was treated, transported to the hospital and later recovered from her injuries. A week after the attack, HBPD arrested Snyder at his Holmes Beach home, where police reported finding a Nissan sedan parked outside. The Nissan

StReetliFe CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 she had texted him but would not say where she was. Cortez is policed by the MCSO. Holmes Beach Aug. 16, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, sexual offender registration. A Holmes Beach police officer stopped a 27-year-old Palmetto man for failing to wear a seat belt and determined he had an outstanding warrant from Michigan that did not require extradition. The officer noted previous arrests for failing to register as a sex offender. The man told the officer another law enforcement officer told him he was not required

matched a car in the surveillance video that showed a man coming and going from the victim’s residence. Police say Snyder confessed July 3 to the attack and burglary, admitting to discarding bags of stolen items in the Manatee River and Bradenton dumpsters, and was transported to Manatee County jail. Snyder posted a $41,620 bond and was released from jail a day later. Another case subsequently was opened against Snyder, but was dropped Aug. 24, according to online court records. In that case, MCSO arrested Snyder July 9, after investigators found numerous items in a storage locker, including a stolen gun, jewelry and a log detailing eBay transactions. Based on a probable cause affidavit from MCSO Detective Christopher DeLuca, the gun was connected to a May 16 burglary in the 100 block of Crescent Drive in Anna Maria and Snyder was arrested for armed burglary. He was assigned a $50,000 bond and returned to jail. But with the Aug. 24 notice from the prosecutor, that case was closed. Snyder remained in jail Aug. 27 on a $2,500 bond set for the new second-degree felony theft charge. His arraignment on the new charge is set for 8:55 a.m. Friday, Sept. 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. to register in Florida. HBPD released the man after ticketing him for violating the seat belt law. Aug. 18, 5600 block of Guava Street, suspicious incidents. A resident returned home to find an outdoor glass table broken. The woman also reported other suspicious incidents, including nails in her vehicle’s tires and construction putty on her vehicle. Aug. 23, 700 Manatee Ave., marijuana ordinance. A Holmes Beach police officer stopped an 18-year-old woman for speeding and noticed the odor of marijuana coming from her vehicle. Police searched the vehicle

Roadwatch Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following notices for the week of Aug. 20: State Road 64/Manatee Avenue on Perico Island, from Martinique Drive to 107th Court West: Crews are improving drainage, constructing sidewalk and bicycle lanes and installing new signing and pavement markings. Work occurs off the roadway and does not require lane closures. Expected completion is in the fall. Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach: Crews are installing a force main in the northbound lanes of Gulf Drive between Ninth Street and north of Cortez Road to proceed eastward down the Cortez Road bridge embankment. One northbound and one southbound travel lane will be kept open during the work, which is expected to continue through midSeptember. Avenue C in Bradenton Beach: Road work continues on Avenue C between Gulf Drive and 26th Street and on 26th Street from Avenue C to Gulf Drive. For more information about the pipeline project, go online to amipipereplacement.com. For the latest road watch information, go online to www.fl511.com or dial 511. and found 6.8 grams of marijuana and a marijuana grinder. Aug. 24, 4000 block of Fifth Avenue, open door. Two officers entered a residence after observing an open door and determining no one was home. They found no problems inside and secured the door. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD.

22 n Aug. 29, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Labor Day, red tide challenge sea turtles, shorebirds, AMITW

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter How will red tide affect the Labor Day weekend turnout on Anna Maria Island beaches? With some mature female sea turtles still nesting and hatchlings emerging by the thousands from nests, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director Suzi Fox says she hopes people are respectful of wildlife during the holiday weekend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is peak hatch time,â&#x20AC;? Fox said Aug. 20. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not peak beach-time.â&#x20AC;? As of Aug. 26, AMITW reported 197 nests remain to hatch of 527 nests in 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a record-breaker for loggerheads nesting on AMI. Ensuring people are aware of turtle-friendly practices is a concern for turtle watch during nesting season, which runs May-October, but, especially on holiday weekends. Female sea turtles only leave the water to nest â&#x20AC;&#x201D; mostly at night â&#x20AC;&#x201D; on island beaches. Any distraction on land could lead to a false crawl â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a failed nesting attempt. Beach furniture, including umbrellas, chairs, canopies and large flotation devices need to be cleared from the beach after sunset, according to sea turtle ordinances in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach. Hatchlings follow the light of the moon and stars reflecting on the surface of the water upon emerging from nests on the beach.

As of Aug. 26: AMITW reported 527 nests, 548 false crawls, 294 hatched nests and approximately 22,550 hatchlings to the sea.

Loads of laughing gulls â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and a handful of beachgoers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; share the shoreline Aug. 21 at the north end of Anna Maria. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes BELOW: A loggerhead hatchling makes its way through shallow water Aug. 13 near 10th Street North in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: AMITW/ Kathy Doddridge Each nest contains about 100 hatchlings that usually hatch all at once and, if lights visible from the beach distract them away from the water, they can disorient, become exhausted and perish from predation or dehydration. Sea turtle regulations in the island cities require exterior lights be in low and shielded fixtures with Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission-approved bulbs, and interior lights must be blocked by blinds or curtains after dark. Additionally, holes dug on the beach can be a trap for hatchlings on their way to the Gulf and also a danger for humans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK for people to have fun at the beach, but they need to fill their holes at the end of the day,â&#x20AC;? Fox warned. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even a small hole can be dangerous to people and turtles if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deep.â&#x20AC;? A fireworks display is planned to take place after sunset Monday, Sept. 3, at the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria. Fox said before the crowds arrive to the beach, AMITW volunteers will pound stakes in deeper and add fluorescent ribbon to the handful of nests in the area, but she remained concerned for shorebirds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The turtles are fine,â&#x20AC;? Fox said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just worried about the shorebirds that are lethargic right now

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because of their depleted and contaminated food source.â&#x20AC;? She said thousands of shorebirds were â&#x20AC;&#x153;restingâ&#x20AC;? Aug. 21 along the shoreline, including laughing gulls, sandwich terns, black skimmers and blue herons, reserving energy diminished from lack of uncontaminated fish due to red tide. Fox said beachgoers should give the birds a wide berth, keeping 10 feet away at least. While the fireworks display at the Sandbar is authorized, Fox said illegal fireworks set off by people attending the event are a concern. In addition to their loud noises and bright lights, illegal fireworks create debris on the beach that can harm wildlife. In the island municipalities, illegal fireworks can result in a $500 fine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Taking care of our wildlife is what we do here on our island,â&#x20AC;? Fox said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not drop the ball this holiday weekend.â&#x20AC;? For more information on AMITW, contact Fox at suzifox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638. To report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles or shorebirds contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

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THE ISLANDER n Aug. 29, 2018 n 23

By Lisa Neff

Work, work all the day

For my niece Pippa’s Christmas a couple of years ago, the aunts and uncles were invited to give her a copy of their favorite book from childhood. I thought this a sweet and novel idea and ordered a copy of “The Adventures of Paddy the Beaver” by Thornton W. Burgess. I read many books when I was a kid, including the stories about Ramona and Beezus and Encyclopedia Brown and the tales by Ray Bradbury and Roald Dahl. But “Paddy” probably was the first novel I read after graduating from picture books and it remains my favorite. The adventures begin when Paddy moves into the Green Forest and Sammy Jay starts complaining Paddy

Two juvenile mourning doves find sanctuary during the day on a patio. Islander Photo: Connie Wolgast is cutting down the trees. Then there’s a chase when Old Man Coyote learns Paddy moved into the Green Forest. I won’t say what happens, other than Paddy and Sammy become best friends. Just recently, I told a good friend about gifting “The Adventures of Paddy the Beaver.” So the story was on my mind the morning two juvenile mourning doves sought sanctuary on my front patio. The doves, disoriented and stumbling about, arrived after red tide resulted in dead fish washing ashore on the Palma Sola Causeway and a newly hired landscaping crew came to work in my community. Maybe the birds were reeling from a herbicide. Maybe the doves suffering ill effects of red tide. Maybe the landscaping crew, a wind gust or the parent dove knocked them from their nest — dove nests are loosely joined sticks and twigs and babies get pushed out at about two weeks old. Whatever the reason, the doves have resided on the patio for going on 10 days. I’ve watched them get all their feathers, fretted about predators and marveled at the speed with which they’ve learned to fly.

The doves were sleeping on a lounge chair this morning at dawn, but they were gone a few hours later. As the days go by, their adventures take them away from the patio for longer periods, and I know the day will come when the doves are gone for good. Wife Connie compared them to college kids who’ll graduate and go off to work — adventures — and we’ll be empty nesters soon enough. But for now, from the kitchen window, I can watch the doves test their wings and feed on scattered seeds. They are working to stay alive and laboring at learning to live. “The Adventures of Paddy the Beaver” begins with a rhyme about labor that Paddy made up as he built his dam in the Green Forest: “Work, work all the night/ While the stars are shining bright;/Work, work all the day;/I have got no time to play.” Others in Paddy’s environment — the Green Forest, on the Green Meadows and in the Smiling Pool — also work, including Jerry Muskrat. Happy Jack Squirrel and Striped Chipmunk. In “The Adventures of Paddy the Beaver” and in the adventures of the mourning doves living outside my window, good work, hard work, can mean a good and long life. But, as the author of my children’s story points out, Paddy’s rhyme is an exaggeration — “Everybody has to rest and sleep. Yes, and everybody has to play a little to be at their best.” So, celebrate good work with a little play. Happy Labor Day. A favorite read, first published in 1917, promotes good work.

Socializing

Boat captain rescues green sea turtle

Capt. Max Huber of Anne’s Calmwater Charters of Anna Maria holds a juvenile green sea turtle he rescued Aug. 24 from the water near Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach when the turtle appeared distressed. Suzi Fox of AMITW said volunteers met Huber at the ramp and brought the turtle, named Sunshine by its rescuer, to Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota for rehabilitation. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMITW

This week: Szegediner Goulash. Pork Goulash with German Sauerkraut over Spätzle, served with a side salad.

The Islander has an active Facebook community with more than 11,800 “likes,” where you can begin sharing your stories and join the conversations we’re having with our fans. If you would like to join us, you need only “like” The Islander on Facebook. We also provide a direct link to our fan page from www.islander. org. The Islander has more than 3,700 registered subscribers on its website, where comments on current stories are welcome. Visit www.islander. org.

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24 n Aug. 29, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Play on … adults, youth take part in sports on AMI By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter With only one regular-season match remaining, Sato Real Estate is looking good for the top seed and the accompanying first-round bye in the quickly approaching playoffs in the adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Sato is currently 5-0 and alone in first place, though second-place Lancaster Design is on their heels with a 4-1 record. Moss Builders follows in third place with a 3-2 record, while Ross Built holds down the fourth seed with a 2-3 record. Progressive Cassidy Cabinetry at 2-4, Mar/Kis Insurance at 1-3-1 and Bins Be Clean at 0-4-1 complete the standings in the adult league. In this week’s regular-season finale, Sato seemingly has the easier path to secure the top seed as they take on sixth place Mar/Kis Insurance, while secondplace Lancaster Design will battle third place Moss Builders for second seed. Ross Built opened action Aug. 23 with an offensive explosion, rolling to a 10-3 victory over Progressive Cabinetry behind four goals from Jake Ross and two goals from Chris Circharo. Greg Ross, Ben Sato, Chris Culhane and Vince Circharo each chipped in with a goal, while Sato made eight saves to help preserve the victory. Ryan Hogan’s hat trick paced Progressive Cabinetry, which also received four saves from Will Case in the loss. In the second match of the evening, Sato cruised to a 7-2 victory over Moss Builders behind two goals and an assist from Josh Sato and Amy Ivin. Zack Lieb added a pair of goals, while Joe Jones chipped in one. Goalie Scott Bear helped preserve the victory with six saves. Matthew Castro scored two goals to lead Moss Builders, which also received an assist in the loss from Aaron Parking and three saves from Olaf Krause. The last match of the night saw Lancaster Design record a 9-4 victory behind three goals from Murat Akay and two goals from Nate Talucci. Robert Armstrong and Adam Mott both added a goal and an assist, while Jake Parsons and Steve Oelfke completed the scoring with a goal each. Jordan Demers came through with seven saves in the victory. Rico Beissert scored two goals, while Brayan Felipe and Nate Welch scored a goal each. Cliff Powell made five saves and Ricky Anderson added an assist in the loss. Youth soccer news The soccer league for younger players completed a fifth week of exciting, end-to-end action in the gym at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Ugly Grouper Blue

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Aug 29 Aug 30 Aug 31 Sept 1 Sept 2 Sept 3 Sept 4 Sept 5

HIGH

2:09a 2:35a 3:07a 3:44a 4:28a 5:22a 6:30a 7:49a

2.1 2:16p 2.2 3:02p 2.3 3:57p 2.4 5:08p 2.4 6:48p 2.5 9:07p 2.6 10:46p 2.6 11:33p

2.4 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.7 1.8

7:54a 8:41a 9:35a 10:40a 11:59a 1:26p 2:48p 1:01a

LOW

0.8 8:34p 0.7 0.7 9:03p 0.9 0.7 9:34p 1.1 0.6 10:07p 1.2 0.6 10:45p 1.4 0.5 11:36p 1.5 0.3 — — 1.6 3:55p 0.2

surged to the top of the standings with an emphatic, 12-3 victory over second-place Ugly Grouper Red. Frankie Coleman scored five goals and had an assist as brother Michael Coleman chipped in with three goals and three saves to lead the Blue squad. Jackson Pakbaz added a pair of goals and five saves while Caden Quimby completed the scoring for the Blues with two goals and an assist. The victory improves the Blue team to 3-1, while the loss dropped Red to 2-2. Ugly Grouper Red received two goals from Gregory Jordan and one goal from Laila Yavalar while Harrison Schenerlein and Peyton Harlan combined to make 10 saves in goal.

cruised into the finals on the strength of a 21-6 thumping of Howcroft. The championship match saw Disbrow and Samuels hold on for a 21-16 victory over Sofran and Hennessey. Play starts 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. Registration opens the 2nd annual Skyway 10K On your mark. Registration for the second annual run across the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge opens at 1 p.m. Sept. 13 and is expected to sell out quickly. The inaugural Skyway 10K raised $560,000 for the Armed Forces Families Foundation, and 100 percent of every registration dollar goes to support the families of service men and women. The inaugural Skyway 10K took place March 4 and was an overwhelming success, with advance registration for the run hitting its limit of 7,000 participants in only five days. The run will be March 3, 2019, beginning on Interstate 275 at the Manatee County rest area just south of the bridge span and ending on the north — Pinellas County — side of the bridge. Anyone interested in volunteering or sponsorship for the Skyway 10K can visit skyway10k.com or email info@skyway10k.com.

Key Royale golf news The men opened the week of golf action at Key Royale Club Aug. 20 with their regular, modified Stableford-system golf match. Bill Koche earned clubhouse bragging rights with a score of plus-3. The women took over the course Aug. 21 for a nine-hole individual-low-net match in two flights. Karen Mitchell was the top golfer in Flight A with a score of 3-under-par 29. Flight B saw Janet Razze and Sue Wheeler both carded 3-under-par 29s to finish in a tie for first place. Wheeler’s round was punctuated with a birdie on the eighth hole. Terry Westby was alone in second place with a 2-under-par 30. The men played a nine-hole scramble Aug. 23, Register now for youth soccer which saw the team of Jon Holcomb, Art McMillan, The last day to register for the summer-fall youth Hoyt Miller and Ron Vandeman combine on a 3-under- soccer league at the center is Saturday, Sept. 1. par 29 to earn top honors for the day. Registration for players 3-17 is ongoing at www. centerami.org or at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Horseshoe news Anna Maria. Two teams emerged from pool play and were left to Cost is $10 for members, and $96 for nonmembattle for supremacy during Aug. 22 horseshoe action bers. at the Anna Maria City hall horseshoe pits. Evaluations will be held at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, The team of Tim Sofran and Norm Good were too Sept. 8, for the 8-10 division, while the 11-13 and good for walker, Gary Howcroft as they cruised to an 14-17 divisions will try out at 7:30 p.m. Team seleceasy 21-7 victory to earn bragging rights for the day. tion follows. Ages 3-7 have no evaluations. The season The Aug. 25 games were a three-horse race after of games will kick off Saturday, Sept. 14. three teams posted 2-1 records in pool play. The team Anyone interested in coaching, sponsoring a team of Jerry Disbrow and Sam Samuels drew the bye into or for more information, contact Will Schenerlein at the finals and watched as Sofran and Neil Hennessey will@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908, ext. 9205.

Paddle hard

AMI Dragon Boat Paddlers Melinda Bradway, Laurie Burton Graham and Claudette Azevedo raced in the 11th IDBF Club Crew World Championships held in July in Szeged, Hungary. The competition included more than 6,000 paddlers from 30 countries. The “Dragonheart VT Senior C Women’s Team — 60 years and older — finished sixth overall in the world and No. 1 from the United States. The island paddlers will resume the 2018 season with practices starting Sept. 13. For more information, call Bradway at 941-4622626. Islander Courtesy Photos

Moon

3rd

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

The Dragonheart VT Senior C Women’s Team finished sixth overall and first for the United States in the IDBF Club Crew World Championships in July in Hungary.

Riverside Tours 941-779-3606 Return To Nature ~ Free From Red Tide

All Aboard!

THE ISLANDER n Aug. 29, 2018 n 25

Find clear, clean water to beat red tide, catch fresh fish By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Fishing around Anna Maria Island remains good despite red tide. There are plenty of fi sh to be caught in areas where red tide doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist. In these areas, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m noticing the water is clean, clear and holding plenty of fish. Whether fishing inshore or slightly offshore, the key is getting to your spot without running through patches of red tide. Avoiding these patches of bad water helps your bait stay alive until you reach your fishing destination. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re successStasny ful at this, you should be successful catching some fish. On my excursions with Southernaire, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m fishing inshore, where areas of clean water are yielding a variety of species. Mangrove snapper seems to be the best-seller around docks. To find these tasty little fish, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking for one clue â&#x20AC;&#x201D; glass minnows. Finding fish, large jack crevalle, catch-and-release snook and an occasional flounder. dense schools of bait fish is a sure sign of snapper. Fishing other structure â&#x20AC;&#x201D; artificial reefs, wrecks And, to tell you the truth, the glass minnows donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only attract snapper. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also putting clients on red- and rock piles â&#x20AC;&#x201D; also is yielding good action. While in Tampa Bay, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m catching Spanish mackerel and snapper. Blue runners and numerous juvenile grouper also are present. So, once again, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be discouraged by the current situation with red tide. In areas where there is clean water, the fishing is quite good â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you just have to be willing to search for good water. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when a scouting trip comes in handy. A quick, early run to your favorite spots will guide you on your fishing trip. Capt. Warren Girle is evading the red tide by working charters offshore. Artificial reefs and ledges in 30-50 feet of water are producing a variety of species on live shiners and pinfish as bait. Dropping baits to the bottom on a weighted rig is yielding mangrove snapper, Key West grunts and even keeper-size red grouper. Fishing baits on the surface on a free-line is attracting macks and blue runners. Capt. Aaron Lowman is doing his best to avoid red tide, which is leading him to a wide-ranging variety of spots. On some days, Lowman is fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Finding ledge and artificial reefs is producing Lewis Whitfield, visiting from Widnes, England, good action for the captain and his anglers. Bottom shows off his Aug. 25 catch â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a nice gag grouper. fishing with live shiners is yielding mangrove snapper, Lewis used a live grunt as bait in about 30 feet of water west of Anna Maria Island. He and his family porgies, flounder and a few grouper. An occasional also were guided by Capt. Aaron Lowman to catches cobia is being hooked, too. Fishing inshore on other days also is producing a of mangrove snapper, spanish mackerel, grunts and bite. In areas less than five minutes from Anna Maria tons of under-sized grouper. Lowman reports the â&#x20AC;&#x153;action nearshore is still real good.â&#x20AC;? Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also been Island, Lowman is targeting catch-and-release snook, spotted seatrout and even a few redfish. working inside Tampa Bay â&#x20AC;&#x153;plenty over the past Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is couple weeks, and there is still plenty of clean water catering to the sport fishers on catch-and-release snook and fish in there.â&#x20AC;? Southernaire Fishing Charters

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

Chris Moore of Mississippi shows off a red grouper caught Aug. 21 about 7 miles offshore using shiners for bait while on a charter with Capt. Warren Girle.

along the beaches where there is no red tide. He is finding black drum in these areas, too. Moving into the Gulf of Mexico, White is targeting Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper around the artificial reefs. Finally, moving to depths of 50 feet and fishing around ledges is producing some action for his anglers on hogfish. Capt. Jason Stock is running offshore to fish his charters around reefs and wrecks. Casting live pass crabs over these areas is attracting some permit weighing 10-15 pounds. Also in these areas are numerous macks, sharks and goliath grouper. Moving inshore, Stock is targeting redfish around clear mangrove shorelines and docks. Lastly, Stock is locating late-season schools of tarpon in Tampa Bay. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishing is a daily occurrence, but catching fish is sporadic. On days with the right winds â&#x20AC;&#x201D; when there is no red tide around the pier â&#x20AC;&#x201D; fishers are having some success. On one such day, a large school of pompano took residence around the pier to escape red tide. Pier fishers lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time enjoyed a couple of hours of nonstop action. They even found a few permit mixed in with the pomps. On other days where there is clean water near the R&R, catch-and-release snook fishing is satisfying sport fishers, while flounder, mangrove snapper and redfish are going in the cooler. Still there are the days when red tide is apparent. These days, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to just walk up the stairs to the restaurant and have a cold beer and a cheeseburger. Neither the toxin nor the smell rise to the upper level. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

CAPT. AARON LOWMAN 'ULF "AY &ISHINGs4ARPON 53'! ,ICENSED AND )NSURED

INSHORE RE RedďŹ sh Snook

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26 n Aug. 29, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

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The owners and staff at Minnie’s Beach Cafe, 5360 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, spoof red tide in a video that had more than 6,300 Facebook views between the posting Aug. 22 and Aug. 24. Islander Photo: Courtesy Facebook/Minnie’s Beach Cafe

biz

BY SandY amBrogi

Businesses coping, keeping good humor

Manatee officials hit island streets, shops It gives new meaning to pounding the pavement. Manatee County officials, led by business resource manager Bruno Kapacinskas, were set to go from business to business on Anna Maria Island, armed with paper copies of applications for loan assistance and information on resources available to locals due to the ongoing red tide crisis. “We will fight the fight,” Kapacinskas told The Islander Aug. 22, in advance of the Aug. 27 initiative to get information to business owners. “Not everyone has a computer or online access,” he said. “We will carry paper copies of applications and everything a business will need to get the process moving,” Kapacinskas said. “We are taking this to the streets. We will get through this.” Slow business gives time for cleanups Many locals have seized the moment, taking advantage of fewer customers to clean it, fix it, paint it. Traditionally, some local businesses close for vacation in September for a week or two or even the month, allowing workers and owners some down time. Other businesses traditionally devote September to making repairs and improvements. This year, some island businesses are keeping plans for September vacations, but others moved up closings and improvements due to red tide. Katy Demick, general manager of Anna Maria

Island Resorts, said her company took advantage of the downturn to deep-clean its four properties in Bradenton Beach. “This is usually a quiet time of year anyway,” Demick said. “Between school starting and the beginning of season, it’s always slow. But not like this. We are trying to keep our employees busy. We have 114 rooms. Some of the smaller hotels are really suffering,” Demick said. “We decided it was a good time to take care of some things we’ve been meaning to do and give employees some work, she added.” Minnie’s staff plays to social media Minnie’s Beach Cafe, 5360 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, became a soundstage for the owners and workers at the cafe, who donned costumes and performed an ode to red tide in the dining room. The Minnie Reefers scored more than 6,300 views for their video on the eatery’s Facebook page as of Aug. 24, just two days after posting. They spoofed Blondie’s

“Tide is High” and made a statement about the staying power of Anna Maria Island business owners. “The tide is red, but we’re holding on. We wanna be your number one, number one.” Islanders still haven’t lost their sense of humor. See the video at Minnie’s Beach Cafe’s Facebook page. And mention the video on your next visit for 10 percent off your guest check. Waffles, burgers and homemade cake, included. Minnie’s is open 7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. For more information, call 941-778-4140. Stay busy, islanders.

Business news

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

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2500 Gulf Drive N Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4201859 $2,995,000

ANNA MARIA 113 N Bay Boulevard Michael Habony 941-920-2494 A4409990 $2,750,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 529 Key Royale Drive Hannah Hillyard 941.744.7358 A4184576 $1,955,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 1710 Gulf Drive N E Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4215055 $1,945,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 505 S Bay Boulevard Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4199179 $1,825,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 110 7th Street S Judy LaValliere 941-504-3792 A4210751 $1,800,000

BR ADENTON 2019 74th Street NW Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4208067 $1,350,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 200 S Harbor Drive 1 Ken Kavanaugh & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943 A4215175 $1,250,000

PA L M E T T O 2715 Terra Ceia Bay Boulevard 704 Toni Lyon 941-928-8735 A4212862 $329,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 3705 E Bay Drive 212 Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4408046 $310,000

PA R R I S H 11764 Shirburn Circle Kristi Berger 941-730-3801 A4411164 $299,000

BR ADENTON 1802 26th Street W Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4402735 $239,900

BR ADENTON 7920 34th Avenue W 102 Barb Eberhart 941-761-7349 A4211012 $405,000

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THE ISLANDER n Aug. 29, 2018 n 27

Pirates raid chamber

Members and guests of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce line up Aug. 22 on the Skullywag, the Anna Maria Island Privateers boatfloat. The Privateers brought food, grog and fun to the chamber office, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, as they hosted the monthly mixer. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

Beth Rariden, owner of Your Personal Touch Boutique in Pineapple Junktion, 425 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, prepares to nosh down Aug 22 on the roasted corn from the Anna Maria Island Privateers grill at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card mixer. The Privateers commandeered the chamber headquarters parking lot at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, grilling burgers, dogs and corn for the crowd, as well as mixing up a batch of pirate’s punch.

BizCal

Bob “Stitch” Dominas, a past president of the Anna Maria Island Privateers, puts on his best cantankerous pirate face Aug. 22 during the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce monthly mixer at the chamber office, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The Privateers hosted the chamber members and guests, grilling and chilling with food and libations.

BY Sandy Ambrogi

AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Wednesday, Sept. 12 7:45 a.m. — September Sunrise Breakfast, Wicked Cantina, 101 Seventh St. N., Bradenton Beach. Members $8, guests $16. Call: 941-778-1541. Email: info@amichamber.org. Wednesday, Sept. 26 5 p.m. — Business Card Exchange, Wagner Realty, 2217 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Members $5, guests $10. Call: 941-778-1541. Email: info@amichamber.org. Ongoing • Through Oct. 8, deadline for nominations for the AMI chamber 2019 Small Business of the Year awards. Call: 941-778-1541. Email: info@amichamber.org. • Into October, sponsor and vendor applications for BayFest, Oct. 20, Anna Maria. Call: 941-7781541. Email: info@amichamber.org. • Through October, noon, third Thursdays. Lunch and Learn seminars, the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. $10. RSVP required. Call: 941-778-1541. LBK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Thursday, Sept. 13 5:45 p.m. — Business after Hours BAH on the Anna Maria Princess, 402 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. $15 members advance, $20 members at dock, $25 guests. Call: 941 387-9000.

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

EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS Professional Service to Anna Maria Island Since 1974

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28 n Aug. 29, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. Established in 1983 Residential and Commercial Full service lawn maintenance Landscaping – Clean-up Hauling tree trimming Licensed & Insured

Paradise Improvements

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Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

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Bed: A bargain!

King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used. 941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net

WE LIKE LIKES f acebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

ANSWERS TO AUG. 29 PUZZLE

A N D H O W

P R O F A N E

A P O L L O I

P I G P E N

G E N O E S E

N O N U P L E

E R N E T H E A L E S S T H A D G O N E H A T S T S I S N C L A K I P C P L E E E D D A P A A M T E

I L Y A

T Y R A F O U R A M L S A T

R A T E O M A X W O N T H S G R O A L A R D O E S N A K Y F E W S R A T E P I T S A A L L R K A I S D E D N O A Y E N N E A D E M I I L O S A T E S T S I V E R T O Y I O N S A

S T E P M O M

L O W E

T I N D T W E C E R B A V S A S T T I E S E L L E

U N G S E A E S T D E M B A Y A M U S L O E O V E L H I S F A E C S A D S P O T T E R O L E G A A K E S R A P R I S I S T A D E X S R E

VACUUM CLEANERS, EXCELLENT condition, $29-39 each. Hospital bed, as new, $100. 941-778-5542.

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

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. Four oak chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

PETS

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

PET PAL PET sitting: Short and long term, in your house or mine. 18-year Island resident. 941-704-5937. e.davies5937@gmail.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS EARLY CLASSIFIED DEADLINE! The Islander office will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3. The deadline to have your classified ad appear in the Sept. 5 edition is 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31. Place your ad at www.islander.org. WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. WANTED: YOUR OLD cellphone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

Island real estate sales

C A J O L E S

B L O T O U T

S A B E R S

I V O R I E S

L A B T E S T

M T O S S A

P A N T S

E P C O T

R E E L S

MOVING SALE: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1. Three leather sofas, wicker, wood dining set. 608 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

PropertyWatch BY JESSE BRISSON