The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, December 26, 2018 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Final game of season. 16 Astheworldterns look forward to 2019. 6

VOLUME 27, NO. 8

Showtime at amE. 17

‘Constructive’ concert. 22

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year

DEC. 26, 2018 FREE

Coyote forums educate, ease concerns on Longboat Key. 4

Meetings

On the government calendar. 4 Winter arrives, islanders bid good riddance to red tide. 5

Celebrating the Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

Flashback 2018

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 YEarS ago

From the archives. 7

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 10-11

Make plans, save a date. 12-13

Gathering. 20

Obituaries. 20

About 100 people watch June 19 as Bortie, a loggerhead sea turtle with a satellite tracker attached to its shell, makes tracks in the sand on its path to the Gulf of Mexico. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

Remembering an island activist who took challenge to Supreme Court. 21

Streetlife. 25 FISH pulls in funds, spruces up preserve. 26

Palma Sola boat ramp to close for work. 28 Perfect present: Gift of fishing. 29

iSL BiZ Old, new spiffed up. 30 CLASSIFIEDS. 32 NY Times Sunday Crossword. 35

Treehouse owners ﬁle new suit

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter The treehouse saga continues in Holmes Beach with yet another lawsuit. owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen opened a new case Dec. 10 with a sworn petition asking the 12th Circuit Court to end the daily fines against them and prevent the treehouse’s Tran demolition. The petition for a temporary injunction names the city of Holmes Beach and the florida Department of environmental Protection as respondents. The city in 2016 ordered Tran and Hazen PLeASe See TreeHOUSe, PAGe 2

am pier tenant ready to forge new lease

Anna Maria charter committee seated, meets. 26

‘Would you rather’ protect manatees? 27

www.islander.org

Workers in June begin removing engraved planks from the boardwalk of the Anna Maria City Pier walkway before it was demolished. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

Year in review on AMI

Part 1 Compiled by Lisa Neff Islander editor The storm-damaged Anna Maria City Pier came down in 2018 as city officials continued an effort to build a new structure anchored at the east end of Pine Avenue. What did not come down despite a fullcourt press by Holmes Beach city officials? An unpermitted treehouse built years ago on the beachfront. The dispute over the structure remained rooted in the courts, sprouting in new directions. Also in the first half of 2018 — The

Islander will review the second half of the year in the Jan. 2 issue — barrier island officials worked to address traffic congestion, a state transportation department pronounced its support for a high bridge on Cortez Road, Bradenton Beach citizens organized to amend their city charter and Holmes Beach citizens recommended a change in the form of city government. A look back at the first half of 2018: January Supreme Court nixes treehouse PLeASe See FlASHBACK, PAGe 8

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Mutual interest is stirring up prospects for a new Anna Maria City Pier lease with the current tenant. Mayor Dan Murphy wants to begin formal negotiations on a new deal with pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder as soon as possible. Having held the lease for 18 years, Schoenfelder is hopeful about negotiating a new agreement. “The city was fine with the lease (when it was drafted in 2000) and I was fine with the lease at that point in time, but over the years — it’s been 15-20 years now — I have my experience with this contract,” Schoenfelder said in a phone interview Dec. 18. “I know a lot of things happen that are not covered by the contract, and other things that are covered by the contract that never had to be. So I think it is a good idea to start with a new lease.” PLeASe See pier, PAGe 3

2 n DEc. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

TreeHOUSe CoNTINUeD fRoM PAGe 1 to remove the treehouse and comply with the landdevelopment code, imposing a fine of $50 a day, beginning July 22, 2015. The new lawsuit calls the $65,000 in fines that have accumulated “illegally excessive and unfounded.” In support of the injunction, the petition states the couple is likely to be irreparably harmed because, once Dye the treehouse is destroyed, it can’t be rebuilt and that money alone won’t resolve the issue. The suit also claims the dispute threatens the owners’ property rights and no public interest or public policy outweighs their rights. According to the petition, the city and DeP have Titsworth not brought forth evidence of any environmental impact. The filing also states more than 5,000 people, including 330 Holmes Beach residents, signed petitions urging the city to save the treehouse from destruction. Without environmental permits as required by the city and state, the couple built the treehouse in 2011 in a towering Australian pine 20 feet west of 103 29th St., where they live and operate Angelinos Sea Lodge. Tran says city officials advised them no permit was needed before the construction. An anonymous tip led the city to investigate and refer the matter to the DeP, which closed its case in 2014 after the city refused to waive its 50-foot setback. The city was served with the latest suit Dec. 18 and, as of Dec. 19, the DeP had not yet been served. Responses were due 20 days from the date of service, according to the court papers. Tran and Hazen have litigated a variety of cases through attorney David Levin of Icard Merrill of Sarasota, but this one they’re trying on their own. Prior litigation — including appeals of the code

‘

Now I’m practicing what I have learned to seek justice and to save our treehouse, our property and our liberty. — treehouse owner Lynn Tran

The treehouse built in 2011 remains standing Dec. 18 on the beachfront at 103 29th St. in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell enforcement decisions and a bid to allow a citywide vote on the fate of the treehouse to the U.S. Supreme Court that ended with court siding with city. The Supreme Court declined to review the case, allowing a 12th Circuit Court decision to stand. Beside the case initiated in December, there are two pending treehouse actions, one filed by the city to enforce code orders and the other in which the owners are challenging the constitutionality of the city’s setback rule. Tran estimates the treehouse cost $28,000 to

’

build, but says other costs, such as surveys and engineering, pushed the treehouse expenses to $50,000. “Petitioners have exhausted their savings and spent approximately $180,000 to defend coercive code enforcement to remove their treehouse” since 2012, according to the Hazen-Tran’s latest petition. In a Dec. 20 email, Tran wrote about the couple’s decision to take the case pro se: “Since it is said that ignorance of the laws is not an excuse, for the last seven years I have diligently learned from the involved attorneys, read numerous regulations, taking a course via ‘Jurisdictionary How to Win in Court’ and using the online resources from various legal sites as my legal assistants. “Now I’m practicing what I have learned to seek justice and to save our treehouse, our property and our liberty.” Attorney Jim Dye, who has handled the treehouse case for the city and is a partner with city attorney Patricia Petruff at Dye, Harrison, Kirkland, Petruff, Pratt & St. Paul, said he expects to respond to the petition by Jan. 8 and he is confident the city will prevail in the end. Dye said proving there is a “substantial likelihood of prevailing on the merits” — one of the criteria that must be met for an injunction — is a high standard for the owners to meet. In November, Mayor Judy Titsworth said she’d like to see the litigation come to an end. In a text Dec. 20, she noted the owners didn’t appeal the fine when it was imposed, but now are seeking to dismiss it. As of Dec. 19, the city had paid $151,135.42 in costs, special magistrate and attorneys’ fees related to the case.

Dec� th� Walls!

Canvas Prints From

Cellphone, iPad & Camera Shots Area NOAA Maps Original Artwork Reproductions Family Photos & Portraits

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 26, 2018 n 3

The Anna Maria City Pier restaurant and bait shop were gutted, crushed and hauled away on barges by the city’s demolition contractor, Speeler and Associates, by day’s end July 12. See more, page 3. Islander Courtesy Photo: Anna Maria City

pier continued from page 1

He said he submitted a list of terms for a new lease to Murphy, but would not comment, wishing not to disclose his strategy before negotiating. The current lease — which expires December 2020 — covers the pier structure, parking area, restaurant and bait shop for a flat rate payment of $11,900 per month. The tenant is responsible for paying the property tax, utilities, maintenance and liability insurance, and the city is responsible for paying fire, casualty, wind and flood insurance. Commissioners Carol Carter, Doug Copeland and Brian Seymour declined to comment on their ideal terms for a new lease. Commissioner Amy Tripp did not respond in time for The Islander deadline. Commissioner Dale Woodland suggested a term in a call Dec. 18: for the city to be entirely responsible for the pier structure and equipment. Some other considerations for a new lease include shifts in responsibilities, length of the agreement, the monthly payment amount and the premise the lease covers, such as the parking area. “I think the city has learned a lot,” Schoenfelder said. “I have learned a lot and the attorneys have learned a lot, so I’m pretty sure the new lease will very much look different from what we have now. And I think that’s a good thing.” Schoenfelder, who splits his time between Holmes Beach and Germany, began leasing the pier in August 2000, when he signed on for 10 years with two fiveyear options and a payment of $5,000 per month and periodic increases of $500. He said he first found the island by chance, during a visit to Longboat Key in 1995, and soon after bought his home in Holmes Beach. With a new home in the United States, Schoenfelder sought to secure domestic income. He bought the Rod & Reel Pier, 875 N. Shore Drive in Anna Maria and leased the city pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd. “I have enjoyed my time, very much so,” Schoenfelder said. “I have had the opportunity to get to

know a lot of people and make friends with many, many people. I think any other German tourist never would have had the chance to know that many people. I really enjoyed it, and I hope to enjoy it again in the future.” Schoenfelder noted the impact on Pine Avenue businesses of the pier closure in September 2017 and then demolition in July 2018. “I don’t have any statistic to support the feeling that business is not as good as it was while the city pier was still there, but I think it is almost a natural thing,” he said. “If you are a tourist, a stranger in the area, what do you expect to see? The city pier. Now that it’s not there, the area has lost a magnet.” The city’s plans for the new pier include changes from the 1911-built historic pier, including the use of concrete pilings as opposed to wood pilings, Ipe wood — Brazilian Walnut that is harder and denser than most woods — for decking rather than marinegrade lumber planks, and solar roof panels to power the restaurant and bait shop. “At some point, you have to rebuild from the

Celebrate the new year on the water!

Ring in 2019 aboard the Anna Maria Princess on a night cruise on the waters of Anna Maria Sound and Sarasota Bay.

10:30 PM-12:30 AM DEC 31 $50 PER PERSON INCLUDES TWO DRINKS BRING YOUR OWN FOOD WWW.ANNAMARIAPRINCESS.COM 941-778-2288402 CHURCH AVE., BRADENTON BEACH • 941-778-2288 Cruise subject to weather and minimum number of passengers.

‘

’

I think the city has learned a lot. — pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder

start, from zero, to make sure that this attraction will survive the next 70, 80 or 100 years,” Schoenfelder said. “You have to do that, or at least that’s my point of view. I understand other people might say, ‘Well, I loved the old stuff. This was old Florida, and now this is gone and everything’s new and look at all this concrete.’” “I totally understand, but, I’m sorry,” he continued. “The storm hit and you could see from how the building looked after the storm that something had to be done. So I personally don’t think it is a bad idea, not at all.” The mayor, during a meeting earlier this month, asked commissioners to propose their terms for a pier lease by Dec. 31. The next city commission meeting will be 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

4 n DEc. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Coyote forums educate, ease concerns in Longboat Key

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Coyotes that have taken up residence on Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island might be here to stay. To educate locals about the animals, the city of Longboat Key called for staff with the florida fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Southwest Region to hold two public meetings Dec. 17 in Longboat Key. Regional director Thomas Graef opened the meeting, introducing himself and the fWC to about 20 attendees before handing the microphone off to the region’s senior wildlife biologist Angeline Scotten. Scotten, who led the informative presentation, said the notoriety of coyotes is undeserved. Coyotes are not as big as commonly perceived nor as dangerous, she said. florida coyotes average 25-30 pounds, with the largest reaching 40 pounds. Scotten pointed to statistics to provide perspective on how little a risk coyotes pose to humans. Two fatalities caused by coyotes have been reported in the United States and Canada 1960-2006, compared to 181 fatalities caused by domestic dogs 2013-17. An average of 3.5 coyote attacks are reported every year, but U.S. emergency rooms deal with 1,000 people a day seeking treatment for dog bites, she said. Also, island residents don’t need to worry about a large coyote population, according to Scotten. There is a natural limit to the coyote population on Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island due to limited space. There is only enough land and food for a certain number of coyotes, but she couldn’t determine the amount. Coyotes do pose a threat to pets, especially those unsupervised, left outdoors or weighing under 20 pounds, according to Scotten. However, she listed steps to ensure pet safety. for example, cats and dogs should be kept indoors and dogs should be walked on short leashes. People should haze coyotes by making loud noises and waving arms until the animals are completely out of sight, as retreating emboldens coyotes to enter an area without challenge. The goal is to establish a fear of humans in coyotes, according to Scotten, so they learn to avoid people and their spaces. Also, residents should secure garbage and remove pet food or fallen fruit to prevent attracting coyotes. It is against the law in florida to feed a coyote, which Scotten said would teach the animals to rely on humans for food. Coyotes may pose a threat to sea turtles on the barrier islands, but the issue is complex, according to Scotten. Also, Scotten said coyotes may indirectly protect sea turtle nests by controlling the populations of small predators, such as raccoons. She said some scientists believe coyotes balance florida’s ecosystem, which lost a mid-level predator when the red wolf was pushed out of the state. florida’s population of red wolves in the 1600s prevented coyotes from reentering the state, but the

Angeline Scotten, from the Southwest regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, talks about coyotes Dec. 18 at a meeting called by the city of Longboat Key at Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

About coyotes Coyotes are common across the United States and can be found in every state but Hawaii and all 67 counties in florida. The animals are strong swimmers, allowing them to inhabit offshore island, including Key Largo — which the southern-most population of coyotes in the state inhabits. There is fossilized evidence coyotes inhabited florida before the ice age, which drove the animals to the Pacific Coast. wolf population was decimated over hundreds of years of persecution and disease. Coyotes were first spotted again in florida in the Panhandle in the 1960s. Scotten credited the vast range coyotes inhabit to their adaptability. Coyotes are omnivorous and eat almost anything, including mammals, vegetation, insects, nuts and garbage. Scotten presented a picture of a McDonald’s wrapper found inside of a coyote’s stomach, as well as photos of a candy wrapper, mice and roaches. Also, she said coyotes are one of the most intelligent wildlife species the fWC deals with today. The combination of adaptability and intelligence makes coyotes almost impossible to stop. Landowners are legally allowed to remove nuisance coyotes, but removing the animals on a broader scale has proven difficult. Scotten said coyotes are notoriously difficult to capture, with no form of trap — from live cage traps, to snares and steel traps — effectively capturing coyotes on a consistent basis. Additionally, snares and steel traps are nondiscriminatory and can trap other animals, including neighborhood dogs or outdoor cats. The fWC does not recommend using traps unless it is deemed necessary, due to the low chance of successfully removing coyotes from an area. While traps often are ineffective, coyotes also breed to make up for any loss in population. “You might be asking yourself, ‘Well, can’t we just get rid of them? Can’t all the coyotes just go away?’” Scotten said. “The answer is no. Coyotes have proven they are here to stay. eradication efforts for coyotes in other states have dramatically failed.”

Red wolves moved into florida in the 1600s, blocking coyotes from returning to the state. After hundreds of years of facing disease and persecution, the wolves were pushed out of florida, allowing coyotes to return. Coyotes were first spotted again in Florida in the Panhandle in the 1960s. People interested in learning more about coyotes can call the FWC Southwest Regional Office at 863648-3200. — Ryan Paice “for hundreds of years, society has been shooting at them, poisoning them and trapping them and they have expanded in range to every state in the United States,” she continued. “That’s incredible.” After her presentation, Scotten and Graef answered questions from attendees, hoping to address individual concerns about the animals. A couple of island cities have come to the same conclusion as Scotten and the fWC. Holmes Beach and Longboat Key officials decided not to take any action to remove coyotes, if they remain nonviolent. In Anna Maria, a decision is still being made. Public works manager Dean Jones has been researching the city’s options in dealing with coyotes since November and will present his findings at a city commission meeting 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, according to Mayor Dan Murphy.

Meetings

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Anna Maria City 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. Dec. 27, 6 p.m., commission. Jan. 16, 5:30 p.m., special magistrate. Manatee County Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941Jan. 10, 9 a.m., commission (land use). 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Jan. 15, 9 a.m., commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton Beach Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. None announced. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Of interest 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, many government offices, as well as The Islander, will be closed that Holmes Beach day and part of Dec. 31, which is New Year’s eve. Jan. 2, 10 a.m., parks and beautification comJan. 14, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning mittee. organization, Anna Maria City Hall. Jan. 2, 6 p.m., planning commission. Jan. 15, 2 p.m., Barrier Island Elected Officials, Jan. 8, 6 p.m., city commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall. Jan. 22, city commission. Send notices to calendar@islander.org and Jan. 24, police retirement board. news@islander.org.

Tree lights up city ﬁeld

Holmes Beach Commission Chair Jim Kihm, Mayor Judy Titsworth, parks and beautification committee member Dennis Groh, Commissioner Carol Soustek, parks committee chair Zan Fuller and Carole Groh pose Dec. 18 in front of a blue ice cypress tree planted on the edge of the field adjacent to city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Groh donated the tree, which came from New Zealand and had been growing in his yard for 10 years. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 26, 2018 n 5

Winter arrives, islanders bid good riddance to red tide By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Signa Bouziane was wrapping Christmas presents Dec. 19 as rain fell on Holmes Beach. She and her sister own Mister Roberts, a decades-old family-run resort wear. “I’d be the happiest person on the face of the earth if the red tide really does go away,” Bouziane said. “As a business owner, it’s not been good. And not good to see all the tourists disappear. I’m just praying that it stays away and we have a good season here on the island. We all definitely need one after this.” As the snowbirds continue to flock on Anna Maria Island, florida fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission readings on red tide continued to show it had diminished. The only medium count of red tide found by fWC Dec. 17 along the southwest florida coast was found at Palma Sola Bay. The midweek report Dec. 19 showed the only medium and high counts of red tide in Manatee County were still concentrated in Palma Sola Bay. Meanwhile, the Gulf of Mexico coastline remained free from dead fish and red tide. Stephanie Kettle, Mote Marine Laboratory public relations manager, said University of florida satellite imagery maps provided good visual measures of the clearing along the coastline. only broken evidence of the Karenia brevis bloom showed on the Dec. 19 image and it was mostly concentrated offshore, to the south. Kettle said Mote’s phytoplankton ecology program

Click!

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

Satellite imagery from the University of South Florida Optical Oceanography Lab shows the red tide bloom Sept. 19, six weeks after it arrived to the Anna Maria Island coastline. Islander Courtesy Image: USF/Mote Marine Laboratory

Satellite imagery from the University of Florida Dec. 19 shows substantial clearing of the algae bloom. Islander Courtesy Image: USF/Mote Marine Laboratory

indicated Dec. 19 good readings in two sample locations near the lab. The dock samples had zero red tide cells present and samples from the New Pass monitoring station showed background to not present levels. Similar readings were found elsewhere in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The 21-year old has lived by the Gulf of Mexico her entire life and was more than ready for the red tide to dissipate. She was too young to remember the red tide of 2004-05, which has been compared to the current bloom of almost 14 months. “I can’t remember it before, but this one made me sick a couple of times and the smell was pretty bad, ‘Super-dooper happy’ too,” Gordon said. on Gulf Drive at Slim’s Place in Anna Maria, Jes“I’m ready to have our customers back, our fish sica Gordon was serving customers Dec. 19, pouring back and our water back so we can swim again. I’m drinks and answering the phone. so ready for it to be gone.” “I’m super-dooper happy if it’s leaving,” she She’s ready to ring a new year — one without red said. tide.

“At Palma Sola, we got everything we wanted, without the island traffic”

To Beaches

Manatee Ave. W

Palma Sola Bay

Cortez Rd. W

75th St. W

Pa lm

ola

Blv d.

34th Ave. W

To Beaches

2017 AND 2018 PARADE OF HOMES OVERALL WINNER* • Bayfront views just a few miles from Anna Maria Island, Downtown Bradenton and Robinson Preserve • Vibrant community offering luxurious clubhouse, resident events, resort style pool, kayak launch and more, all at an equally attractive price. • The best of island living and lifestyle without all the traffic • Gated, private community for security and peace of mind Models Open: Mon.- Sat. 10 - 5 • Sun. Noon - 5 • 3410 77th St. W., Bradenton, FL, 34209 • 941-256-7577 PalmaSolaBayClub.com *2017 and 2018 Winner in these categories: Best Overall Development; Best Overall - Islamorada; Best Overall Key Largo; Best Master Suite & Best Architectural Detail - Key Largo; Best Kitchen & Best Floor Plan - Islamorada.

6 n DEc. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Renew, refresh, return

If it seems to you like the 2018 calendar presented a roller coaster ride of a year, you’re not alone. Maybe it was the national news … a new folly daily. The late night TV shows, lampooning the news, added to the chaos. I found myself searching the guide and returning to old familiar movies and political-free programing — like the “Thin Man” series, or “father Brown,” “Miss fisher’s Murder Mysteries” and some British shows, like “Jack Taylor,” “Shetland” and “Wallander” — for recreation and cleansing. Yes, skillfully mastered murder mysteries are preferred by me to the pressure from real-life politics. We also were dealt a long, smelly blow from red tide starting in August. The loss of marine life sometimes seemed overwhelming, but we have to remember, it’s a very big Gulf of Mexico and it will recover. Mother Nature has a way of settling its losses. The end is in sight, with winter’s harsh weather — mostly wind — pushing the harmful algal bloom far away from shore. The end of December and the new year may arrive with chilly weather, winds and rain, but who doesn’t prefer that to dead fish and the stench they bring to the island, and the nagging, raspy cough that red tide causes people. The good news? The surf was up for several days around Christmas, granting holiday wishes for surfers. The wind pushed some huge breakers to the shore and boarders were waiting on the crests, rolling with each set of waves in pursuit of a perfect ride. By year’s end, AMI’s own Brady bunch, Jim, Roni, Brandi — were still waiting to reopen West Coast Surf Shop after a devastating fire in April, inching closer to a completed store, and often found hosting outdoor sales to lessen the burden on the bottom line. We were all saddened to see the Anna Maria City Pier demolished — making way for a new pier, but lacking progress by year’s end. If only, we keep thinking, the old pier had been repaired, the employees kept working, and the plans for a new pier perfected before demolition and the loss to so many of a much-loved destination on the waterfront — and the negative impacts on Pine Avenue. If only? We have much to look forward to in 2019, including a new pier, the recovery of the Gulf from red tide, a great tourist season and, even some solutions to the traffic problems created by our “golden goose” — the attraction to our island paradise. Happy new year, y’all. We wish you another great year on AMI, or just hit the “refresh” button. — Bonner Joy

DEC. 26, 2018 • Vol. 27, No. 9 ▼ ▼

▼

▼ ▼

▼

Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, copy editor, lisa@islander.org Steve Albee, steve@islander.org 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 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)

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2018 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 WEBSITE: www.islander.org PHONE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Opinion

Your

Vacation rental IDs

A tourist was not only lost, but had a cellphone with zero battery. Holmes Beach Commissioner Kim Rash happened to be riding on Holmes Boulevard when he saw a need for help. He got the tourist’s phone charged, communicated with contacts to get the name of the vacation rental where she was staying and, with the assistance of deputies Patrick Manning, Dave Wallace and Steve Litschauer at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, he was able to get her to her “home away from home.” A concern that arose from this was that no one could provide an address based on the the catchy name of the rental property. Despite finding the rental website associated with the property name, there was no street address listed. Perhaps those who have the power to do so will be able to remedy this need and use physical addresses on rental websites. Margie Motzer, Holmes Beach

Flashback ’18

Identifying a nuisance

I read the article about the iguanas on Key Royale (The Islander, Nov. 28). I would caution that they may not be as benign as they appear. The iguanas in fort Lauderdale number in the hundreds on the seawalls along the canals. They poop everywhere, spread salmonella, burrow under lawns and pavement and eat the landscape. They are a nuisance. I have always remarked that I was so happy they had not appeared here. If you see one, get rid of it. Deborah Klein, Holmes Beach

A message of peace is conveyed in the sand on the Gulffront near 52nd Street in Holmes Beach. The message was created in mid-February — close to the 60th anniversary of the peace symbol. On Feb. 21, 1958, Gerald Holtom unveiled his design for the first London-Aldermaston march, which mobilized thousands against Britain’s production of the atom bomb. His design — based on the semaphore signals for the letters N and D, representing nuclear disarmament — is universally recognized as the peace symbol Islander Photo: Jack Elka

Anna Maria Write! The Islander welcomes your opinion letters. Submit your opinion along with name, address and a Islander contact phone number to news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 26, 2018 n 7

Flashback ’18

10&20 years ago In the headlines: Dec. 23, 1998

Notice was issued that the official merger between the Anna Maria and West Side fire districts would be delayed by one year due to the enactment of a uniform fire district act detailing a new merger process. The Holmes Beach City Commission voted to honor the city’s first police chief, Willis H. “Snooks” Adams, by naming the new Holmes Beach Police Department building for him. Local authorities were investigating the theft of a sculpture from the old Cortez schoolhouse in the fishing village. The sculpture had been dedicated to longtime Cortezians.

In the headlines: Dec. 24, 2008

Pioneering peace ofﬁcer

Willis H. “Snooks” Adams, the first police chief in Holmes Beach, is pictured at the old Holmes Beach police station in September 1980. Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library Digital Collection

Workers in June began removing 200 engraved planks requested from the 1,000 planks that made up the boardwalk of the Anna Maria City Pier before pier demolition. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

We’d love to mail you the news!

We mail The islander weekly for a nominal $54 per year. We also offer online e-edition subscriptions — a page-by-page view of the weekly news for only $36 per year, but you must sign up online. It’s the best way to stay in touch with what’s happening on Anna Maria Island. We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.” If you don’t live here year-round, use this form to subscribe by (snail) mail for yourself or someone else. (Sorry, we do not suspend mail subscriptions — you get The Islander free while you’re here!)

BULK MAIL U.S. SUBSCRIPTION (allow 2 weeks for every week’s delivery)

❑ 3-6 Months: $36 ❑ 1-3 Months: $24 ❑ 1 year: $54 U.S. FIRST CLASS AND CANADIAN MAIL SUBSCRIPTION ❑ 3-6 Months: $98 ❑ 1-3 Months: $54 ❑ 1 year: $160 ❑ Single Issue: $5 FIRST CLASS MAIL, U.S. ONLY, maximum four weeks

You can peruse The Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in November 1992, at ufdc.uﬂ. edu.

The florida Department of Transportation gave islanders a plethora of choices for replacement of the Anna Maria Island Bridge at a public meeting at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach, including a “no build” option that would keep the current bridge operating for another 10 years. The upper level of a fire-ravaged residential building at Haley’s Motel began to come down, piece by piece, to ready the site for reconstruction. Loggerhead nesting numbers in florida went up in 2008 compared to 2007, but state officials continue to identify a long-term declining trend in nesting. Annually, from about May through october, female loggerhead sea turtles nest on florida’s beaches, including on Anna Maria Island’s shores. The weekly archives for The Islander are online at ufdc.uﬂ.edu. Archived stories are online at islander.org.

YOUR COMPLETE CASUAL FURNITURE STORE

"",Ê- * Ê- t

$100-$500Ê" - Ê"1,Ê 7Ê "",Ê- / Ê Ê Ê ,"1*-

ÀÊÌ iÊ ÊÞ ÕÊÜ> ÌÊoÊ v ÀÊÌ iÊ«À ViÃÊÞ Õ½ Ê "6 t `ÊÜiÊ vviÀÊÌ iÊLÀ> `ÃÊÞ ÕÊ Ûit

MAIL TO: ______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________ CITY ____________________________ STATE __________ ZIP _________________ Credit card: ❏ d

❏ u No. ____________________________________________

Name shown on card: _____________________________ Exp. Date ___________ Credit card billing address: ______________________________________________ MAIL START DATE: _____________________________________________________

We offer Rattan and Wicker tropical-style indoor and outdoor furniture, for island and coastal looks. THE BEST NEWS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND — SINCE 1992 3218 E. Bay Drive • Holmes Beach FL 34217

CHARGE BY PHONE 941.778.7978 ONLINE (secure server) www.islander.org E-MAIL subscriptions@islander.org

UÊ iÀ V> >`iÊ ÕÀ ÌÕÀiÊUÊ ÕÃÌ Ê"À`iÀÃÊ7i V i UÊ6iÌiÀ> Ê"Ü i`ÊEÊ"«iÀ>Ìi`ÊUÊ ` ÀÊEÊ"ÕÌ` ÀÊ7 V iÀ

VISIT OUR 8,000+ SF SHOWROOM 6807 14TH ST. W., BRADENTON (across from Alex Karras Lincoln)

{£ Çxx äÓÎxÊUÊÜÜÜ°yÊ À `> i> `«>Ì °V

8 n DEc. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

FlASHBACK CoNTINUeD fRoM PAGe 1

Flashback ’18

review: The high court denied review of a case involving the Holmes Beach beach treehouse. “It is what we anticipated and we’re glad,” Mayor Bob Johnson said about the win. Treehouse owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen sought the high court review. Anna Maria approves vacation rental fees: The city commission unanimously approved an annual fee schedule for obtaining the license required for shortterm vacation rentals. 3 men in ‘shark drag’ video plead not guilty: Three men appearing in a viral video dragging a shark behind a speeding boat near egmont Key pleaded not guilty to charges of animal cruelty. Bridge Street restaurant, bar get p&Z nod: Six months after hearing requests from representatives of the Bridgetender Dockside Bar and Restaurant, the Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of the restaurant’s change to a major development and a comprehensive plan amendment. FiSH plans heritage trail: The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage announced plans to blaze a Cortez Heritage Trail. County approves ‘green’ mixed development: environmentally friendly tiny homes won favor in Cortez, as well as approval from Manatee County commissioners. The development name, Hunters Point Resort & Marina, harkens back to the origins of Cortez, an area marked on early maps as Hunters Point. Holmes Beach presses for treehouse demolition: The city issued a code enforcement notice directing the owners of the beachfront treehouse to apply for a demolition permit. AMi chamber names new president: After six years on staff and several months as acting president of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Terri Kinder became the new president for the organization. Building moratorium extended in Bradenton Beach: The Bradenton Beach mayor and commissioners unanimously approved the final reading of an extension of the city’s building moratorium. pedestrian dies from Gulf Drive crash: An 80-year-old Canadian woman died after she and her husband were struck by an SUV while crossing Gulf Drive on their way to the beach in Holmes Beach. Holmes Beach debates Gloria Dei parcel purchase: The Holmes Beach City Commission debated a $1 million question at its Jan. 23 meeting. That was the budgeted purchase price for 1.06 acres offered for sale by Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Holmes Beach adds safety signs at S-curves: Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer took steps to improve road safety after the first pedestrian fatality in the city since 2013. The “recommended” speed limit of 25 mph became “mandatory” at the accident site in the 5600 block of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. February Dep sues to remove house built in bay: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection filed a complaint in february asking a judge to order Raymond Guthrie Jr. to take down the house he built on stilts in Sarasota Bay near Cortez. parkland tragedy reverberates on AMi: A day after a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer talked with city leaders about preventative measures at Anna Maria elementary. Anna Maria rehires fired public works employees: Two men fired from the Anna Maria Public Works Department in January were hired back following the revelation that other city employees also took memorabilia, engraved planks and memorial benches from the city pier. Community activist appointed to Anna Maria commission: Amy Tripp was named to serve the remainder of Nancy Yetter’s city commission term in Anna Maria. The commission unanimously selected Tripp from three applicants for the seat, which termed out in November. Holmes Beach sues to force treehouse removal: To force removal of the treehouse, the city of Holmes

Beach filed a new lawsuit in 12th Circuit Court against owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen. “We’re looking for an order that puts the court’s authority behind our orders,” said attorney Jim Dye. Gloria Dei property prospects dim: The Holmes Beach City Commission decided it was not prepared to buy 1.06 acres from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. AMe, HBpD take steps to improve school security: Public schools, including Anna Maria Elementary, ramped up security to address fears and concerns about school shootings. AMe updated its visitor policy, mandating that people visit the front desk upon entering and exiting the building, requiring visitors to receive a new pass on every visit and collecting the passes on departure. HB adopts formula business ban: The Holmes Beach City Commission repeatedly had been warned it would face legal repercussions if it passed a formula business ban but an eleventh-hour amendment appeased opponents and made legal action much less likely. pedestrian injured in hit-and-run on Gulf Drive: David Hargrove of Vermont was struck by a GMC SUV in the 1000 block of Gulf Drive North between Summer Sands condominiums and the Gulf Drive Cafe and Tiki. March Anna Maria selects Kebony pier decking: After A rescued man huddles with two boys aboard Capt. weighing their options, Anna Maria city commissionTaylor’s Rahn’s boat Jan. 7 on their way to meet first ers directed Ayres Associates, the firm hired to engiresponders at Cannons Marina on Longboat Key neer and carry out rebuilding the Anna Maria City Pier, after Rahn rescued the boaters from Sarasota Bay. to use Kebony as the decking material. Islander Courtesy Photo: Taylor Rahn PLeASe See FlASHBACK, PAGe 14 Chef Robert Gaglio of Italian Culinary Tours addresses an audience of 30 people Jan. 12 at the Center of Anna Maria Island’s lunch-andlearn program. Gaglio discussed how history affected the development of Sicilian cuisine. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

Joseph Erickson and Brian Battle dock in Juanuary at the Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach, after gathering soil samples for the Florida Department of Transportation in advance of a planned 65-foot-high fixed-span Anna Maria Island Bridge. The workers were boring in the Intracoastal Waterway to determine pier locations. Islander Photo: Kathy

Phil Cruz, left, laughs as Andrew Fortenberry, middle, explains how the handlebar controls operate on JD White’s new state-of-the-art trike. Friends and acquaintances came together in January to fund the bike and surprise the lifelong islander with a belated Christmas gift. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

47 ࠮ >,,23@ 967 ࠮ ? ࠮ .65, THE ISLANDER n DEc. 26, 2018 n

YEAR END

+ + SALE +

:(=, -a- PALOOZA + <7 ;6+

OFF

3 THURSDAY-SATURDAY DAYS ONLY! DECEMBER 27-29, 2018

semi-annual

INTIMATE

SALE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018-SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2019

FOR

1050

PURCHASE OF

OFF

OR MORE

Sale, regular & clearance merchandise Excludes BEVs & select brands

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019 Use promo code NAUTICAL on BeallsFlorida.com

HOME SALE GOING ON NOW! WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018-SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019

EXCLUSIONS: BEVs (Bealls Extreme Values), Birkenstock®, Cobian®, Columbia, Hook & Tackle®, Huk™, Levi’s®, Life Is Good®, Melissa & Doug®, Natural Life®, Nike®, Pelagic®, Reef®, Sakroots®, Simply Southern®, Under Armour®, Vionic® and additional online exclusions may apply. Valid for one time use on a qualifying merchandise purchase in Bealls Stores, by phone at 800-569-9038, on Click&Find® kiosks and on BeallsFlorida.com only. Bealls Bucks, Coast2Coast Rewards® & dollar-off discounts will be applied prior to percent-off total purchase discounts. Coupon must be presented & surrendered at time of purchase. Limit one (1) coupon per guest per day. Can be used with 50 & Fabulous. Cannot be applied to prior purchases, gift card purchases, existing Bealls Florida credit balances, taxes, or shipping charges and cannot be used with Employee Discount or any other offer. Coupon is applied to qualifying items on a prorated basis; returns will be credited at the return price on your receipt. Not valid at Bealls Outlet. Bealls Stores & BeallsFlorida.com are operated by Bealls Stores, Inc. and Beall’s Westgate Corporation. CP02

Go to BeallsFlorida.com for hours, locations and the latest deals!

*BUY ONE GET ONE DETAILS: Purchase first item at regular price, second item must be of equal or lesser price and in the same category of merchandise. Offer not valid on clearance merchandise or BEVs (Bealls Extreme Values). Sorry, no price adjustments on buy one, get one merchandise. This offer is available in-store & by phone at 800-569-9038; similar savings on BeallsFlorida.com. Not avawilable on Click&Find® kiosks or at Bealls Outlet. OP10 Bealls Stores & BeallsFlorida.com are operated by Bealls Stores, Inc. and Beall’s Westgate Corporation. GE01

Island happenings

10 n DEc. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

A Hair Day Salon & Spa New Year! New You! $40 Facial $50 Massage $25 Gel Manicure

Box ofﬁce to open for ‘I Hate Hamlet’

Must mention ad, not to be combined with any other offers.

MOUNT VERNON PLAZA 9516 CORTEZ RD. W., MM34454

the

941-795-5227

Vintage flea

at G Ginny’s & Jane E’s at the Old in the field across from the shop

IGA

Shop a wonderful array of vintage vendors and local artists. It’s a great treasure-hunting experience!

8 am • Tuesday • Jan. 1 9806 Gulf Drive • Anna Maria

TERRA’S

Handmade Sterling Jewelry

NOW OPEN at our new location! 714 43rd St. W • Bradenton Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-4

941.779.5350

Portraits by the Sea

Janet Razze is the featured artist in January at the Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo

Glimpse into glass at AGAMI

Glass artist Janet Razze will be the featured artist in January at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s Guild Gallery. She also will lead a program, “Glass as an Art Form,” at AGAMI’s first meeting of the new year, which will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The meeting is open to the public, as is a reception for Razze at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at the gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Razze is a second-generation glass artist specializing in stained glass and lampworking. She uses many of the tools that belonged to her father. Many of her pieces incorporate natural artifacts, such as shells or stones, but she also creates Tiffanystyle lamps, glass boxes and mosaics. for more information, call the gallery at 941-7786694.

The box office will open Wednesday, Jan. 2, for tickets to “I Hate Hamlet,” the next stage presentation by the Island Players. The play, written by Paul Rudnick, will run Jan. 10-27 at the Anna Maria playhouse, 10009 Gulf Drive. Performances will take place at 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. The theater is dark Mondays. The box office will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays — except holidays — and an hour before curtain time during the run. Tickets are $20. Preston Boyd is directing the production, which features a cast that includes Carolyn Zaput, Caleb Allen, Katherine Dye, Caroline Cox, James Thaggard and Brian Dewey. For more information, call the box office at 941-778-5755.

Beach House to blast in 2019

fireworks will return to the sky over the Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. The Chiles Group restaurant Dec. 31 offers a fireworks show to usher in the new year. The fireworks —weather permitting — will go off after the New Year’s eve countdown to midnight and the arrival of the new year. Viewing for the fireworks will be on the Gulf shore to the north and south of the restaurant, as well as from the restaurant, as the fireworks show is part of the Beach House New Year’s eve extravaganza. for more information, call the restaurant at 941779-2222.

Flashback ’18

941-778-2711

Gift Certificates AMI Chamber of Commerce 2017 Best Business of the Year Parents and kids explore the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Skullywag June 2 at Snooks Adams Kids Day at City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

full service salon and spa offering… Hair ~ Nails ~ Massage ~ Facials Acupuncture ~ Body Treatments ~ Bikini and Brazilian Waxing ~ 3612 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, 941.778.0400 313 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, 941.778.0500

.

Jim Faltot as Titus, left, Thomas Carson as Samuel, Cathy Hansel-Edgerton as Ethel and Candace Artim as Miss Willie ponder a question March 9 in a scene from the Island Players’ production of “The Curious Savage” at the theater at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Islander Courtesy Photo: Island Players Anna Maria Island Garden Club officers Dusty Crane and Zan Fuller join Anna Maria Elementary students and media specialist Lynn McDonough in the school library for the club’s donation of a children’s book on gardening. The book was presented in memory of Marion Hall, whose daughter, Janet Gaston, attended. Islander Courtesy Photo

Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 26, 2018 n 11

Shamrock Shiver beneﬁts charity

Sue Elliott’s “Basil” will be featured in her exhibit at Island Gallery West in January. Islander Courtesy Photo

‘Companions’ featured at Island Gallery West

Mixed-media artist Sue elliott will be the January featured artist at Island Gallery West. Her exhibit is titled “Companions.” A public reception will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, and feature music by Tanya McCormick, as well as offerings of wine and appetizers. elliott uses metallic leaf and acrylics and also works with resin, pastels and oil paint. “Her love of painting is matched by her love of animals so for this exhibit Sue has brought them together. She has been painting animals her entire life and loves bringing their personality to life on the canvas,” stated a news release from IGW. Island Gallery West is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. for more information, call the gallery at 941-7786648.

The annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge will be 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1, in Bradenton Beach. The plunge into the Gulf of Mexico will be from the beach at Seventh Street South. The fundraising event is sponsored by Clancy’s Irish Pub, which will host a post-plunge party, with raffles, food, beverages and music by the Music Box Live Band. Clancy’s is at 6218 Cortez Road, Bradenton. Participants in the plunge who wear a costume will be judged and could receive a trophy at the party. All who participate in the costume contest will receive a raffle ticket. Plunge participants should be at the beach by 11 a.m. The beneficiary is Caring for Children Charities, an organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged children in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Since 2009, the Shamrock Shiver has raised more than $219,500 for charities. To plunge, pledge or make a donation, contact Jan Crudele at Caring for Children Charities/ florida Winefest at 941-952-1109 or Rayma Stowe at Clancy’s, 941-794-2489.

Shore Thing Weddings Your Anna Maria Island “Toes in the Sand” Beach Wedding Specialist! s )NTIMATE 7EDDINGS s %LOPEMENTS s 6OW 2ENEWALS s $OMESTIC 0ARTNERS Britney Gary – Ofﬁce:

941.226.1080

Online: ShoreThingWeddings.com

“West Coast Reﬂections” by Maro Lorimer was inspired by nightly beach walks. Islander Courtesy Photo

Center fundraising drive banks on Christmas spirit

The Center of Anna Maria Island is counting down to the end of 2018 with one last fundraiser. The center’s annual end-of-year fundraising challenge is back for the holidays. An anonymous donor is promising to match every dollar contributed to the nonprofit through Dec. 31. The nonprofit mailed a letter Dec. 10 to about 2,000 people — including donors, members, contributors and friends — celebrating the holidays and notifying them of the fundraising effort, according to executive director Chris Culhane. “Please give and know you are investing in the future of the center, your community and Anna Maria Island,” the letter reads. “The center continues to provide community support and programs to the island thanks to you.” People interested in donating can visit the center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, the website at www.centerami.org, or mail donations to P.o. Box 253, Anna Maria fL 34216. Donations to the center are tax deductible. For more information, call the nonprofit at 941-778-1908. — Ryan Paice

Artist’s seascapes inspired by life on AMI

28th year.

Saturday Artist Demos Saturday, Jan. 5

Artist Joanna Karpay will demonstrate her techniques in working with pastels at our first art demo of the season. Public is invited. No charge. 10:30-12. Come early.

Take some ami home!

Maro Lorimer says her most recent paintings, which will be presented at Sarasota’s Art Uptown in January, were inspired by life on Anna Maria Island. The exhibit, “In a New Light,” runs Dec. 29-Jan. 25, with an artist’s reception 6-9 p.m. friday, Jan. 4. The gallery is at 1367 Main St., Sarasota. Lorimer moved to Anna Maria Island in 1999 and her focus became mixed-media and acrylics. Her abstract seascapes have been shown in solo and group exhibits along the Gulf Coast. for more information, call Art Uptown Gallery at 941-955-5409.

We have islander coffee mugs! all-cotton ami shopping totes! more-than-a-mullet-wrapper T-shirts! and $2 ami stickers! gET YoUrS @ The islander, 3218 E. Bay drive, Holmes Beach

Get listed

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

Under New Ownership Ali Severson Under Ownership! Under New Ownership! Hair.Skin.Nails.Massage Ali Severson Severson Ali Hair.Skin.Nails.Massage Hair.Skin.Nails.Massage Open 6 days a week Open 6 6 days days aa week Open week

www.acquaaveda.com www.acquaaveda.com www.acquaaveda.com 941.778.5400 941.778.5400 941.778.5400

need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts 317 Pine Ave., Anna Maria • www.emersonshumor.com

5311 Gulf Gulf Drive, Drive, Holmes 5311 Holmes Beach Beach

5311 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

12 n Dec. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI

Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941779-0881.

Jan. 15-Feb. 22, Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society/Art CLUBS & Center Manatee exhibit, Bradenton. COMMUNITY Feb. 16-17, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. Wednesday, Dec. 26 Feb. 17, AMICCO’s opera concert, Bradenton. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND 3:30 p.m. — Survive the Island Escape Room, Island Library, Feb. 22, U.S. Coast Guard exhibit at Florida Maritime Museum, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Wednesday, Dec. 26 Cortez. 6:30 p.m. — City of Anna Maria “Movies in the Park” screening Noon — Adult coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, March 31, AMICCO’s “Diva Wars” concert, Bradenton. of “The Lego Movie,” City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. KIDS & FAMILY Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Thursday, Dec. 27 ONGOING ON AMI 10 a.m. — Seaside Quilters, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Through December, Clara Ricker exhibits “Out of the Blue,” Friday, Dec. 28 Wednesday, Jan. 2 Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots Partners in Play, Island Library, 5701 1 p.m. — Gulf Coast Writers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, 941-778-6648. Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Through December, jewelry artists Ginny Goggins, Lois Manza Monday, Dec. 31 ONGOING ON AMI and Joanne Wilhelm exhibit “Holiday Elegance” at the Artists’ Guild 11:30 p.m. — New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Beach House Resof Anna Maria Island gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. taurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, and nearby on the Wednesdays through March, Anna Maria Island Historical SociInformation: 941-778-6694. beach. Information: 941-779-2222. ety sales of settlers bread, AMIHS museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Through Jan. 5, “Fresh and Locally Sourced” and “For the Love Tuesday, Jan. 1 Maria. Information: 941-778-0492. of Mangroves,” the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Clancy’s 11th annual Shamrock Shiver Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., veterans services assistance, Island Maria. Information: 941-778-1906. New Year’s Day Charity Plunge, Gulf Drive and Seventh Street Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778Throughout January, Sue Elliott exhibits “Companions,” Island South, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-794-2489. 6341. Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning ONGOING ON AMI 6648. Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Throughout January, Janet Razze exhibits her glasswork, ArtWednesdays, 6:30 p.m., City of Anna Maria “Movies in the Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. ists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Park,” City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI ONGOING OFF AMI 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. Second Fridays, 6 p.m., AMI Resident Community ConnecJan. 10-27, Island Players’ “I Hate Hamlet” performances, Anna First Saturdays, Family Night at the Museum, South Florida tions, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Maria. Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: Information: 941-778-1908. Jan. 7-Feb. 9, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island fine art exhibi- 941-746-4131. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breaktion, “The Space Between,” Anna Maria. Fourth Wednesdays, “Stelliferous Live” star talk, South Florida fast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Public Beach, Jan. 11, Art Walk, downtown Holmes Beach. Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Feb. 12, AMICCO’s Jazz Fest, Anna Maria. 941-746-4131. Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., Tech Help, Island Library, 5701 Marina Ongoing OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. GAMES, SPORTS & Tuesdays through May 14, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria FarmOUTDOORS Through Jan. 11, “Women Contemporary Artists” exhibit, Arters Market, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue. Center Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Information: 941-708-6130. 746-2862. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Wednesdays, AMI Dragon Boat Fun and Fitness Club, time Through Jan. 11, “Inspirations” exhibit, ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941depends on tides, 417 63rd St., Holmes Beach. Information: 941Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-746-2862. 518-1965. Through Feb. 2, “The Greek Communities of Tarpon Springs 462-2626. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna and the Bahamas,” Florida Maritime Museum, 4419 119th St. W., Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. Jan. 10, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Suzi Fox, Through Feb. 3, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s 6130. Holmes Beach. Beginning Jan. 17 and through March 28, bingo, Annie Silver “Watercolors from the Permanent Collection,” 5401 Bay Shore Road, Jan. 12, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Thieves Market, BraCommunity Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. denton Beach. Second Wednesdays, Think + Drink (science), South Florida 941-778-3580. Jan. 17, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Max Osceola, Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (call for times) mahjong Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: Holmes Beach. games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Informa941-746-4131. Jan. 18, Annie Silver Community Center dinner, Bradenton Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m., Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime tion: 941-778-6341. Beach. Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. Jan. 24, Jan. 10, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Les First Fridays, 6-9 p.m. ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. McCurdy, Holmes Beach. Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. after the first Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. Second Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, Florida Mari- Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the time Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-7086120. On Anna Maria Island

Flashback ’18

About 70 people fill the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach March 16 for a fish fry. Islander File Photo

Kindergartners Eliana Mesa, Maggie Niedzwick and Zoe Kramer examine small tanks containing sea creatures found April 4 while exploring the estuary.

The Islander Calendar Jan. 21, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Janis Ian, Holmes Beach. Feb. 8-9, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation White Elephant Sale, Holmes Beach. Feb. 8, Annie Silver Community Center dinner, Bradenton Beach. Feb. 9, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. Feb. 13, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island Sale-A-Bration, Holmes Beach. Feb. 21, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Sally Vastola, Holmes Beach. Feb. 28, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Cathy Salustri, Holmes Beach. March 2, Anna Maria Island Historical Society’s Heritage Day Festival, Anna Maria. March 7, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Ronald Smith, Holmes Beach. March 9, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. March 15, Annie Silver Community Center dinner, Bradenton Beach. March 21, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Joe Arena, Holmes Beach. Ongoing off AMI

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 26, 2018 n 13

Flashback ’18

izing, the Paradise Center, Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Fee applies. Information: 941-383-6493. Saturdays through May, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Farmers Market, Old Main, Bradenton. Information: 941- 621-6471. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI March, Mondays, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium lecture series.

GOOD TO KNOW Save the dates Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve. Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.

GOOD DEEDS Volunteer opportunities 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. Anna Maria Island Historical Society museum seeks docents, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0492.

Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Paradise Cafe games, music and social-

Flashback ’18

Anna Maria’s city-sponsored Memorial Day Salute took place May 28 at City Pier Park. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

WEDNESDAYS ARE BACK! ENTIRE FLEA MARKET OPEN 7%$ s &2) s 3!4 s 35. 8AM-4PM

Members from seven chapters celebrate the eighth birthday of the founding of Successful Women Aligning Together Feb. 6. The Anna Maria Island chapter of SWAT meets the third Thursday of each month at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo: SWAT

A model of the Anna Maria City Pier design by Schimberg Group depicts the proposed addition of extended roofing and a trellis facing Tampa Bay at the T-end of the pier. Islander Courtesy Graphic: Schimberg Group

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! $10 OFF ANY PURCHASE OF $3O OR MORE!

Good now thru Jan. 2, 2019. One coupon per person. Not valid on previous purchases. (excludes )

Bring the Family, Spend the Day

s &ARM &RESH 0RODUCE s 0LANTS s #LOTHING s *EWELRY s 'REAT &OOD s 'REAT "ARGAINS &2%% !$-)33)/. !CRES OF &2%% 0!2+).'

“Best Place to Find Anything!” VER VENDORS )NSIDE AND /UT

Entire Flea Market Open 7EDs&RIs3ATs3UN 8-4

1707 1st St. E., Bradenton Where Hwy 41 & 301 meet @ 17th Ave

Mister Roberts Ladies’ and Men’s Resortwear S&S Plaza, Holmes Beach 941-778-4505

941-747-3794

www.redbarnﬂeamarket.com Red Barn Plaza Area OPEN Tuesday-Sunday (SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS)

14 n Dec. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Flashback ’18

Flashback continued from page 8

Cortez fishing fest leaves FISH financially under the weather: Beautiful weather was supposed to help the 36th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival regain its swagger. Instead, receipts fell short of 2017, which was the worst year in the history of the festival. Bradenton Beach puts teeth into marine ordinance: Bradenton Beach officials tightened regulations to deal with derelict or abandoned vessels in the anchorage area at the east end of Bridge Street. PAC forms to pursue changes in Bradenton Beach: Reed Mapes and John Metz, former planning and zoning board members, announced they would register as a political action committee — Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods — to collect signatures in support of changes to the city charter. Madeira Beach ferry company pursues Holmes Beach port: A ferry operator headquartered in Madeira Beach was lobbying to establish a link with a landing spot in Holmes Beach. Dog-park safety issues surface: Some two dozen people attended a meeting of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee, with an agenda focused on dog-park improvements. Safety concerns dominated the discussion. Island mayors request slice from concession pie: The Anna Maria Island mayors agreed it was time to ask for their slice of the money pie. They were seeking shares of funding from the $1.144 million surplus from the Manatee County beach concession revenues. Boater found in bay near Bridge Street pier dies: Despite rescue attempts, a 52-year-old man died after he was found unconscious near the shore in Sarasota Bay south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. Holmes Beach declines money for new pier: The Holmes Beach City Commission unanimously voted against approval for Manatee County to rebuild the 300-foot-long pier on the Gulf of Mexico at the Manatee Public Beach. April New line in sand alters little for island beachgoers: Gov. Rick Scott signed HB631, the Possession of Real Property Act, allowing some property owners to declare as private the portion of their property on the sand to the mean high-tide line. Bradenton Beach pursues underground utilities in historic district: The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency endorsed a plan for the underground conversion of utilities — including electric, telecommunications and cable — along Bridge Street and throughout the CRA district. Surf shop burns, damage up to $250K: A fire

#WhyMeTrainingPerformanceLLC UÊSports and Personal Training UÊAll Sports Performance Training UÊ1-on-1 Training

city manager or adopt a hybrid form of a professionally managed type of government, suggested a committee tasked with reviewing forms of government. Officials debate surveillance camera need: A debate over vehicle surveillance was rumbling through city halls and island meetings, sparked by an April 4 memo from Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer to Mayor Bob Johnson. Anna Maria issues RFP for pier demolition: The city of Anna Maria issued a request for proposals from contractors to demolish the Anna Maria City Pier. The project scope included permitting, demolition, cleanup, restoration, disposal and closeout of the construction site. Holmes Beach police pension fund hits flat spot: The Holmes Beach Municipal Officers’ Pension Trust managed to tread water in the second quarter amid rising interest rates and market volatility. “I expected way worse,” said board chair Dan Hardy.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy presents Commissioner Nancy Yetter with a key to the city at her farewell reception Feb. 8. The commission meeting that followed was Yetter’s final meeting in elected office. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí broke out in the afternoon at the West Coast Surf Shop in Holmes Beach during a squall, causing no injuries but leaving behind hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage. Holmes Beach warned coastal erosion issues are ‘real’: Half of Holmes Beach will be inundated by coastal waters by 2040 if nothing is done to stem the tide through improved stormwater management and other solutions, city engineer Lynn Burnett informed city commissioners. Storm evacuation routes would be swallowed up, too, she warned. Bradenton Beach initiates charter review process: Bradenton Beach was forming a committee to review the city charter and possibly recommend amendments in the November election. DOT: Build a new 65-foot Cortez Bridge: Ignoring public sentiment in its own survey running 3-to-1 in favor of repairing the existing Cortez Bridge, the Florida Department of Transportation endorsed a fixed, 65-foot-clearance bridge. “We’ve got to replace the bridge,” said L.K. Nandam, DOT District 1 secretary. Holmes Beach committee recommends city manager: Holmes Beach should hire a professional

HOW TO RELAX ON AN ISLAND.

Dauntae Johnson, 941-720-4085

Massaging on AMI for more than 17 years. Your place, your convenience. GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

MA#0017550

MASSAGE BY NADIA Call 941.518.8301

ELENI ROMEO, MA

MA89925

941.224.7506

Holistic wellness center and spa

We work with over 30 A rated carriers and shop them all at once and make sure we give you the best coverage for your family at an affordable price!

Now oﬀering yoga and meditation in the ambiance of a healing Himalayan salt wall.

Join our family and come fly with us!

Massage Therapy | Acupuncture | Yoga

9805 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria 941-757-3715 www.goosehead.com/Rariden-Andrews

Tranquility knocks at your door … Massage Therapy

Family owned and operated! * Home * Rental * Auto * Boats/Yachts * Flood * Umbrella * Golf Cart

May State drops 1 of 3 men from ‘shark drag’ case: Thirteenth Circuit State Attorney Andrew Warren dropped the case against Spencer Heintz, 23, of Palmetto, at a May 1 hearing in Tampa “after additional analysis.” Heintz was one of four men on a speedboat used to drag and kill a shark in the water near Egmont Key in June 2017. A.P. Bell sues DEP for title to stilt-house land: Claiming ownership of the “Guthrie Fish Camp,” A.P. Bell Fish Co. sued the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, seeking to gain title in the fish house’s name and stop the state from pursuing the structure’s destruction. Center operations director named new executive director: The Center of Anna Maria Island hired a new executive director. Chris Culhane, a lifelong islander who had served as the center’s operations director since 2015, succeeded interim director Carl Weeks. FEMA raises AM’s rates: The city of Anna Maria did not lose its discount on flood insurance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but property owners were informed they’d see a reduction in their FEMA discount beginning Oct. 1. Mayor hand-delivers AMI $920K concession request: Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson took no chances with the mail. He hand-delivered a letter of support signed by the island mayors and a written request for $923,520 from a $1.144 million allocation from the county beach concession fund. Bradenton Beach P&Z board backs plan for historic district: The mostly new planning and zoning board ratified an amended plan for Bradenton Beach’s historic district. Manatee County sees 7th year of increase in tourism: For 2017, tourism rose 2 percent over 2016, amounting to 3,160,700 visitors to the county. Lodging visitors rose 4 percent and total economic impact from tourists rose 5.5 percent to $1,245,461,300. Please see Flashback, page 15

2219 Gulf Drive N | Bradenton Beach

941.778.8400 | www.alunawellness.com

Available At… . .. AMI CENTRE, 3216 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 26, 2018 n 15

Flashback continued from page 14 Environmental group pushes for Cortez Bridge details: A Cortez Bridge study by the DOT was a sham, alleged ManaSota-88, a nonprofit devoted to public health and environmental issues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It appears they selected the most environmentally damaging and least popular alternative,â&#x20AC;? said ManaSota-88 chairman Glenn Compton. Anna Maria opts for do-over on pier demolition bids: Anna Maria officials voted to reissue a request for proposals for demolition of the pier. During an emergency meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy asked commissioners to reject the submitted bids for the contract and reissue a request for proposals. LBK-BB roundabout debate turns testy: A tense exchange between two mayors spurred Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson, serving as chairman of the meeting of the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, to gavel a quick ending. The discord arose over the roundabout at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach between Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Longboat Key Mayor George Spoll. Cortez stone crab season ends â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a bustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;: The 2017-18 stone crab season for Cortez fishers was the worst in years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Terrible. Absolutely horrible,â&#x20AC;? said Bob Slicker, manager of the Swordfish Grill, 4628 119th Street W., Cortez. BB P&Z recommends parking garage prohibition: The Bradenton Beach P&Z unanimously

approved recommendations for ordinances amending the comprehensive plan and land development code to prohibit multilevel parking garages throughout the city. Center set for $100K in capital improvement projects: Manatee County commissioners released $100,601 in beach concession money for the Center of Anna Maria Island to repair its roof, re-plumb two bathrooms and maintain the athletic field. June BB charter committee convenes: The 2018 charter review committee, which held its first meeting June 8, was tasked with reviewing the charter for consistency with amendments approved by the electorate in 2017 and any new amendments for the charter on the Nov. 6 ballot. DOT completes brainstorming for island traffic upgrades: The DOT announced it would roll out the final edition of the Barrier Island Traffic Study by spring 2019. Pier demolition begins: It was a clear, blue morning and the Anna Maria City Pier was buzzing with activity, as workers removed planks â&#x20AC;&#x201D; demolition of the pier had begun. Anna Maria 6th happiest seaside town in U.S.: Coastal Living magazine released its 2018 rankings for the 10 happiest seaside towns in the United States, placing the city of Anna Maria at No. 6.

LECOM Park wins â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best of Ballparksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; title: LECOM Park was the champ in Ballpark Digestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best of the Ballparksâ&#x20AC;? competition. The baseball stadium in Bradenton â&#x20AC;&#x201D; home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders â&#x20AC;&#x201D; secured the title in a final round of fan voting. Holmes Beach committee advises hiring city manager: Despite consistent opposition from Holmes Beach Commission Chair Judy Titsworth, the eightmember form of government committee stuck to its guns. Summarizing an 18-page report, the ad hoc committee officially advised the commission to hire a city manager. Spring Lake still may be polluted: Spring Lake, between 68th and 70th streets in Holmes Beach, remained an ecological sore spot nearly three years after an â&#x20AC;&#x153;abnormal wastewater spillâ&#x20AC;? fouled its onceclear waters. Surf shop holds fire sale: Jim Brady was defiant about not being put out of business by a fire. He said the planning continued for rebuilding the West Coast Surf Shop in Holmes Beach.

In the Jan. 2, 2019, issue of The Islander, read part 2 of Flashback â&#x20AC;&#x2122;18: The year in review.

" ,&# $ $ $ " ## 1 &$ - $1 (-8 &1 1 4 - $7 18 "(- 1& 1 $ , " 5 - 4-

8 , 1 94, - $ 1 , 4,&"& " -&, , &6 ,- $ $ & 1 ,&#&1 - , &5 - 4" , "1

0 0 0 0 0

7( , $ &4, !$&6" " -1 $ &# &,1 " $5 ,&$# $1 1 1& (,& 4 1-+

3.32 $ 1 5 , $1&$ 2 3: )% '* 33/ '32:

$"8 1 1 " 1&, &, "" 1 $

16 n Dec. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

0)#+ 4(% '!-% 7)..%23 s #/,,%#4 ")' "5#+3 s ! 7)..%2 %6%29 7%%+ s / 7%%+,9 02):%

GET IN THE GAME Laura Bodger of Anna Maria Sorry! Rollover #/.4%34 7)..%2 ??????????????????????????? "5# 3#/2% 7)..%2 ??????????????????????????

S RT

FOOD

Falcons at Buccaneers M

IC US

40% OFF

SP O

WATCH BANDS, BATTERIES SERVICE/REPAIRS

778-9622

ALL pre-owned Ladies Rolex. YOUR CHOICE: $3,495 Cardinals at Seahawks

Your window treatment experts PLANTATION SHUTTERS BLINDS SILHOUETTES & LUMINETT DUETTES MOTORIZATION CUSTOMIZATION STALLATION INSTALLATION

NFL PACKAGE, SEC & BIG 10!

Â?Â?ÂŽ/6Â¨ÂŽOÂŽ[Â˛ÂŽ* /-ÂŽÂŽ -/ÂŽ7 -ÂŽ" ÂŽ Voted BEST Wings, Philly Cheese Steak, & Sports Bar

Dolphins at Bills

OPEN 7 DAYS-LUNCH & DINNER

8110 CORTEZ RD. W.

BARNETT BLINDS

Bengals at Steelers The Island Experts Since 1972 5347 Gulf Drive #4 Holmes Beach Business Center 941-778-9622

9701 Gulf Drive, AM 941-567-4056 slimsplaceami.com

Tue-Fri 10-4, Sat 10-2 941-798-9585

Eagles at Redskins

Call Keith Barnett ett for free in-home me design service e

941.778.3526 941.730.0516 25 years on AMI

YOUR AD HERE

Lions at Packers

WORLDLY CUISINE MADE FROM SCRATCH! Lunch & Dinner BEACHWAY PLAZA 7232 Manatee Ave. W.

Browns at Ravens

Colts at Titans

Call 778.7978 to get in the game!

Bradenton

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;TWEEN PUBLIX & BEALLS

941-896-9422

Raiders at Chiefs

Jaguars at Texans

,5.#(s$)..%2 $!),9 30%#)!,3 #2!&4 "%%23 %8#%04)/.!, 7).%3 -!2).! $2 (/,-%3 "%!#( 941-778-5092

DELIVERING Anna Maria Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Favorite Food, Spirits and MORE! www.islandeats.net info@islandeats.net 941-201-8184

MULLET SALE PARADISE BAGELS CAFE & CATERING Bears at Vikings

S-XL $12 3218 E. BAY DRIVE NEXT TO WALGREENS 941 778-7978 WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

Best-ever bagels, egg-el, muffins, full breakfast, lunch salads & sandwiches, lox platters and more!

Chargers at Broncos

/PEN TO THE PUBLIC

*' !)-8 2051'2 *#3 4*' $'34 #11'4+9'23 (00& 3.0,'& 7+/)3 %0-&'34 $''2 #/& ! "

4ERRA #EIA "AY "LVD

49ers at Rams

3220 E. Bay Drive Anna Maria Centre Shops DROP YOUR ENTRIES HERE!

GiclĂŠe & Large-Format Printing

Jets at Patriots

Panthers at Saints

#2+/# 2+6' :

941-779-1212

5343 Gulf Drive, Suite 600 | Holmes Beach

941.779.9108

* ÂŽ/ ÂŽ7 s 4HE )SLANDER PAYS TO THE PERSON WITH THE MOST COR RECT GAME WINNING PREDICTIONS #OLLECT PRIZE IN PERSON AT 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, or by mail. s %NTRIES MUST BE MAILED OR HAND DELIVERED TO THE NEWS paper office and arrive by noon Saturday every week. s ! WINNER WILL BE DRAWN FROM TYING ENTRIES 4HE DECISION of The Islander football judge is final. s !LL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED ON THE PUBLISHED FORM %N TRIES MUST BE HAND WRITTEN ORIGINAL "E SURE TO INCLUDE NAME address and phone number. s !LL ADVERTISERS MUST BE LISTED TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN

0ALMETTO

,-ÂŽOÂŽ7 ÂŽ[lĂ&#x2021;

s ONLY /.% %.429 PER PERSON, PER WEEK. Winner 1________________ 2________________ 3________________ 4________________ 5________________ 6________________ 7 _______________

'/,& 4%..)3 #,5"

Advertiser ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

$5O BUCS CONTEST

Winner 8________________ 9________________ 10_______________ 11_______________ 12_______________ 13_______________ 14_______________ 15_______________

Advertiser ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

Your correct score prediction for this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Buccaneer game could win you $50. Drawing in the event of a tie. Rollover if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no winner! (no game/no prize) BUCS ________ vs ___________ SCORE

SCORE

Your name ___________________________________ Address/City _____________________________________________ Phone _________________________ Mail or deliver by noon Saturday to 4HE )SLANDER s % "AY $RIVE (OLMES "EACH &, s ).&/

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 26, 2018 n 17

K-kids enjoy show

AME kindergartners pose with Disney characters Dec. 13 after a performance of “Fairy Tale Follies” at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, courtesy of The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. The students also received books and backpacks. Islander Courtesy Photo: Kelly Crawford

5th-grade play celebrates Christmas

Anna Maria Elementary students, led by Santa Claus, perform “SANTA (Disco Santa)” in the fifth-grade stage production of “Santa’s Rockin’ Christmas Eve” Dec. 18 in the school auditorium. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

Anna Maria Elementary fifth-graders, dressed as reindeers, sing “Reindeer Rock” Dec. 18 during “Santa’s Rockin’ Christmas Eve” in the school auditorium.

’Tis showtime in Sarasota for AME kids

By Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

AME calendar • Friday, Jan. 4, winter break, no school. • Monday, Jan. 7, no school for students. • Thursday, Jan. 10, second-quarter report cards go home. Anna Maria elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. for more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

Students and parents eat dinner, prepared and hosted by Paradise Bagels and Cafe, during the PTO event in the Anna Maria Elementary cafeteria Dec. 18.

Paradise Bagels and Cafe owner Jackie Estes, right, and helper Patti Bishop serve dinner to parents and students on behalf of the parent-teacher organization Dec. 18 in the Anna Maria Elementary cafeteria before the fifth-grade play, “Santa’s Rockin’ Christmas Eve.”

Anna Maria Elementary first-graders visit the Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota Dec. 13 for a holiday treat. The field trip took the AME students to a performance of the interactive musical “Deck the Halls: ’Tis the Season.” Islander Photos: Nenita Daguinotas

18 n Dec. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER B5

HAPPY HOUR ON THE PIER â&#x20AC;¢ $4 Select Liquors â&#x20AC;¢ 50Â¢ off Draft Beers & House Wines â&#x20AC;¢ Buy One, Get One 50% off all Appetizers & Oysters

STORE HOURS Open Daily Breakfast Weekend Brunch B ra d e nto n B e a c h

Fo r ot h e r l o c at i o n s , v i s i t O yst e r B a r. n et

Key

Roya

le Pas

3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach 34217

8am - 9pm 8am - 11am 8am - 2pm

Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans

Sailing from 3 locations Anna Maria Island Longboat Key Downtown Sarasota 941-870-4349

www.kathleend.net

USCG Certified to 20 passengers

Tired of embarrassing newsprint smudges? $YDLODEOH $We AMI CENTRE, 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 â&#x20AC;¢ WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

Portraits by the Sea The Original

PHOTOGRAPHY

www.jackelka.com

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Go Sailing!

Get your news online at

Islander.org!

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I recommend The Islanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Everyone loves it! Everyone reads it!

Publishing the best news SINCE 1992

941.778.2711

Interested in reaching the ever-changing tourism market on Anna Maria Island? Call 941-778-7978

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 26, 2018 n 19

As fresh as it gets â&#x20AC;Ś

BESlyT

SERVING GOURMET ICE CREAM SINCE 1984

Phil e chees steak in tee Mana ! County

Coastal Living: One of the 20 best seafood dives of all time.

BEST

Sports Bar, Chicken Wings, Place to watch sports!

â?&#x160; Truly Homemade Ice Cream

(yes, we really make it ourselves)

â?&#x160; 6OTED "EST )CE #REAM â?&#x160; /PEN $AYS A 7EEK

12 TVs! All sports! All the time! LUNCH & DINNER ( OPEN 7 DAYS Bayfront at 12306 46th Ave W., Cortez 941.794.1243

WWW TYLERSICECREAM COM

No Shower HAPPY HOUR 3-5 Mon-Fri

FRESH SEAFOOD MARKET AND DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT

7% ,)+% ,)+%3

9701 Gulf Drive ( Anna Maria ( 941-567-4056 www.slimsplaceami.com A2

7% 47%%4 4//

3/&4 3%26% s 3/2"%4 s 35'!2 &2%% &!4 &2%% -ANATEE !VE TH

AMI?ISLANDER

Come â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meatâ&#x20AC;?Our Subs & Salads!

Established 1952

OLD FLORIDA ORIGINAL

FROSTED MUGS VOTED # 1

TUESDAY-SUNDAY AY-SUNDAY 11-9, CLOSED MONDAY AY-SUND MOND DAY

",+-- %,+) !*!.$$ $!"& 3 /(% ,'0$ 3 +()$- $!"& t B h (f D ' ( B5 941-778-7769 3 111.fl+,'#!-$",$.- "+)

Cortez Bait & Seafood THE REAL DEAL, FRESH DAILY!

Featuring

Yes, we deliver! 308 Pine Avenue | 941-251-4070 941.778.5788

5346 gulf drive, holmes beach

,ONGBOAT #ENTER 3HOPS

EAT IN DINE OUT

GREAT S BURGER 1 # D VOTE

ISLANDER ORG

#ORTEZ TH

Family-owned and operated RETAIL SEAFOOD MARKET

Seafood fresh off the boat or smoked!

12110 Cortez Road W. ~ Downtown Cortez Mon-Sat. 10-6 â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday 10-5 â&#x20AC;˘ 941-794-1547 www.cortezbaitandseafood.com

20 n DEc. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Obituaries

Gathering

Geraldine Grace Cannon

Ethan Struber

10.

ethan Struber, 29, of Holmes Beach, died Nov.

He worked at fun and More Rentals in Holmes Beach. He was a kind, loving, funny, caring person and his family misses him dearly. His parents ask that people pay respects and say goodbye on his faceStruber book page. He is survived by his parents, Sandy and Dave Struber of Bradenton and formerly of Holmes Beach.

JOY rejoices in inspirational tale

The Just older Youth/JoY group met Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Roser Memorial Community Church to pray, sing hymns and hear the continuation of a man’s story about his physical recovery, guided by an angel. The story was told by Andy DeVries, who 16 years ago was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. His story is about miracles and is told in the book, “Common Threads: Passion, Perseverance and Praise.”

Geraldine Grace Cannon (Gentle), 84, of Holmes Beach, died Dec. 17. She was born Dec. 11, 1934, in Chicago, the only child of Robert and Louise Gentle. She was graduate of Chicago’s University of St. francis Leach College of Nursing and dedicated her life to helping others. Her passions included the church, travel, gardening and animals. Cannon She had many friends and was a visible volunteer for island events too numerous to list, but including the Roser Thrift Store, Wildlife Inc., PLeASe See OBiTUArieS, NeXT PAGe

At your service

obituaries, offered as a community service in The Islander, may be submitted to news@islander.org.

Flashback ’18

Gathering plans ONGOING LISTINGS

Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA), 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Sunday service 10 a.m.; men’s Bible study 9 a.m. Monday; women’s Bible study 10 a.m. Wednesday. CrossPointe Fellowship, 8665 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Sunday worship 9 a.m.; Sunday life group 10:30 a.m.; women’s prayer 9:30 a.m. Tuesday; men’s Bible study 7 a.m. Wednesday; fellowship meal 6:15 p.m. Wednesday; Wednesday Night Blast 6:45 p.m. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Sunday Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 8 a.m.; Sunday Holy Eucharist (Rite II) 10:30 a.m.; men’s breakfast 8 a.m. Wednesday. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Saturday service 5 p.m.; Sunday service 9:30 a.m.; Sunday fellowship 10:30 a.m.; prayer partners 11:30 a.m. Wednesday; women’s Bible study 10 a.m. Thursday. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Sunday services 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Sunday service 10 a.m.; fellowship following service. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Sunday chapel worship 8:30 a.m.; Sunday sanctuary worship 10 a.m.; adult Sunday school 8:45 a.m.; Sunday adult book study 9 a.m. Also, ﬁrst and third Wednesdays, Roser Golﬁng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton, and second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m., Just Older Youth/JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Saturday confession 3 p.m.; Saturday Mass 4 p.m.; Sunday Mass 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; weekday Mass 8:30 a.m.

Kathryn Sandberg models a ﬂoral jacket at the Anna Maria Island Garden Club’s annual fashion show April 18. The event was held in the fellowship Steve Gianiotes bangs a pot and pan Jan. 13 outside Roser Memo- hall at Roser Memorial Community rial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, hoping to Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. draw visitors to Roser’s pancake breakfast in the fellowship hall. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí The St. Bernard Catholic Church Women’s Guild hosts about 225 guests, including Monica Gutierrez and Kathy Wewerka, for its annual fashion show and luncheon Feb. 23 in the church activity center in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Nenita Daguinotas

ALL ARE WELCOME

Founded 1956

740

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship Service

simple burials

1,195

The Rev. Bill Friederich Senior Minister

Online arrangements available

6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

Sarasota (941) 312-6371 | Manatee (941) 213-9234

941-383-6491 www.longboatislandchapel.org

The Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Shop

SoundChoiceCremation.com

Hours 9-1, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH

Sunday Service 10:00 AM

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM

Adult Sunday School Follows Service

The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard SERMON: Dr. Fred Finks Preaching

Men’s Bible Study - Mondays: 9:00 AM Women’s Bible Study - Wednesdays: 10:00 AM

Visitors & Residents Welcome • Childcare Available

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (oﬃce)

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service

IN THE SANCTUARY 10:00 AM Nursery & Church School 8:45 AM Adult Sunday School 9:00 AM Adult Book Study

A NON�DENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria

simple cremations

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

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 26, 2018 n 21

Island activist took on U.S. Supreme Court, volunteerism

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Anna Maria Island is missing a force of nature with fiery red hair these days. Geraldine Cannon died Dec. 17. “Keeping mom down was not something you could do,” daughter Mary Cannon Gold told The Islander. “She never saw a volunteer opportunity she didn’t want to do or a pet she didn’t want to adopt,” Gold said, remembering her mother. “I’m still trying to absorb it all.” Cannon also took on the legal system in the 1970s with Cannon v. University of Chicago. She sued the university under Title IX, and the case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where justices ruled in her favor. Cannon died in her sleep after a short bout with a heart issue a week after she turned 84, according to partner Dale Romesburg. Romesburg and Cannon had been together 25 years, making a life commitment to each other in 2000. “We were happy in all ways,” he said. “I’ve been very proud of her and what she did over many, many years.” “I never thought about having to face any of this,” Romesburg said. Cannon’s island activities kept her busy, according to her longtime friend Vicky Dunn. “She kept a schedule younger people couldn’t keep,” Dunn said of Cannon. But it was the foray into law decades ago that defined Geraldine Cannon’s life, and the lives of women who grew up behind her. In 1979, Cannon won her Supreme Court case against the University of Chicago, after asserting she was denied admission to its medical school on the basis of her sex and had cause of action under Title IX. Title IX is a federal law passed in 1972 that bars sex discrimination by federally funded institutions. The university said it denied Cannon’s admission because of her age — 39 at the time — and had a policy of not admitting applicants over 30 without an advanced degree. Cannon’s suit contended the policy had a disparate impact on women. The high court ruled in her favor, determining that Title IX of the Higher Education Act provides an implied cause of action. Cannon was in her 40s by the time the court case was settled and had completed a Obituaries continued from page 20

ushering at concerts and plays, and portraying Annie Silver in island celebrations. Few people realize that she was a major, though largely unsung figure in U.S. jurisprudence during her extensive career in nursing. Her career began with graduation from nursing school, including work as a surgical nurse and culminating in a 20-year career as a visiting community nurse in South Chicago. All this was done while raising her five children and two grandchildren. An early “mommy-track” professional, her ultimate career goal was to become a doctor. When her children were older, she returned to college and took the MCATS, performing well enough to apply to the prestigious University of Chicago Medical School at age of 39. Her application was rejected. Research showed that she had performed well above many male counterparts that were accepted that year, but there was no federal protection against age discrimination. However, her attorney-husband John Cannon understood that her denial had a disparate impact on women who wanted to attend medical school and raise a family, so he filed suit on his wife’s behalf under Title IX on the basis of sex discrimination. The case of Geraldine Cannon v. The University of Chicago School of Medicine advanced to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1979, the court decided the narrow issue whether or not Geraldine Cannon had the right as an individual to sue under Title IX. She won. Her win did not result in the realization of her personal goals, as she was later denied admission once again based on her age—However, Geraldine Cannon’s

Devon Gold, left, poses with grandmother Geraldine Cannon and partner Dale Romesburg, at the couple’s home on Anna Maria Island. Cannon, a wellknown island volunteer and activist, died Dec. 17. Islander Courtesy Photo: Mary Gold Geraldine Cannon, left, and Laura Dunn of SurvJustice stand on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court in April. Cannon was in Washington, D.C., to accept the SurvJustice Legacy Award. Islander Courtesy Photo: Vicky Dunn

nursing degree. But the ruling opened a door for women seeking education. SurvJustice, a national nonprofit that seeks to increase the prospect of justice, honored Cannon in April with its 2018 Legacy Award in Washington, D.C. Vicky Dunn, whose daughter founded the organization, accompanied Cannon on the trip. Dunn said the speech referring to Cannon stated, “Everybody in this room has a job because of you.” “What she did was so important for all women. But legal win paved the way for all subsequent individual causes under Title IX. She didn’t realize the importance of the case until in April, when she was awarded the Legacy Award by SurvJustice in Washington, D.C., a nonprofit devoted to providing legal support to Campus Victims of Sexual Assault. A gathering of more than 200 people, largely attorneys and national women’s rights advocates, gave her and John Cannon, in absentia, a standing ovation. In her acceptance speech, she gave credit to her husband, who had worked so hard on her behalf and all who were under represented in the law. The Cannons did not realize in the late 1970s that the case would become a landmark victory in the cause of women’s rights and of critical importance in the 21st century. That April night, national figures met and congratulated Geri Cannon for her efforts. The highest compliment came from an attorney who, surveyed the packed conference hall and stated that everyone in that room had a job because of her. Gracious, gentle Geri Cannon was a roaring legal cannon. Memorial donations may be made to Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center, 2207 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach FL 34217. She was preceded in death by her first husband, John M. Cannon, and her daughter Jeanne L. Lipsky. She was fortunate enough to find love again in her partner of 25 years, Dale Romesburg, moving from Chicago to Homes Beach in 1998. She was blessed with five children John, Hugh, Mary Gold, Joseph and Jeanne, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

‘

’

I can tell you this: The whole island will miss her. — Kaye Bell

Geri was just a funny, kind, loving women. That’s who she was. I think it was much more of a philosophical win for her.” Helping others and pets — especially birds — occupied Cannon’s time on Anna Maria Island. She volunteered at Wildlife Inc. in Bradenton Beach and had a flock of exotic birds she took in when they couldn’t be placed. “We just took a load of birds down to Punta Gorda Sunday to get them re-homed,” Romesburg said. “She had cockatiels, finches, all kinds of tropical birds — she loved them all.” Cannon volunteered at the Roser Memorial Community Church Food Pantry and the Roser Thrift Store, as well as church activities at St. Bernard Catholic Church. She also was active in the All Island Denominations, Senior Adventures, the Anna Maria Island Democratic Club and the Anna Maria Garden Club. Cannon swam with friends in a Blake Medical Center water class and frequently lunched with friends. The word “gregarious” was repeated by more than one of her friends. Kaye Bell often took Senior Adventures outings with Cannon. They were social friends, attending performances at the Island Players, Manatee and Players theaters and several Sarasota venues. “She had a heart of gold,” Bell said of her friend. “And I can tell you this: The whole island will miss her.”

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a community service in The Islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@ islander.org. Islander obituaries are free, including a photo and posting on the website. Paid obituaries can be discussed with advertising consultant Toni Lyon. Call The Islander at 941778-7978.

22 n DEc. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Twas days before Christmas

A crowd assembled Dec. 17 to watch the first School for Constructive Play Christmas concert, held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Holmes Beach and organized by school supporter and proud mom Mary Catherine Melancon. Islander Photos: Anne Yarbrough

Students at the School for Constructive Play perform in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Christmas concert at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Anna Maria Island.

Luca Tolomei and RJ Shanks giggle during their performance in the School for Constructive Playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas concert Dec. 17 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Holmes Beach. In the background are Grayson Hinckle and Vincent Myers.

Brooklyn Melancon, performing in the role of Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, shakes the hand of Pam Bertrand, School for Constructive Play owner, to congratulate one another for saving Christmas. They performed in the school Christmas concert Dec. 17 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T SAY WE DIDNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T WARN YOUâ&#x20AC;Ś.

1HZ <HDU V (YH .POEBZ %FDFNCFS TU

#SVODI ] BN QN 1SFQBSF GPS /FX :FBS T &WF GFTUJWJUJFT XJUI B IFBSUZ CSVODI /:& %JOOFS ] QN QN *OEVMHF JO B DVSBUFE UISFF DPVSTF NFBM CZ $IFG +BNFT #BTFMJDJ

HAS OFF-SEASON HOURS WED-SAT 11â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 SUNDAY noonâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9

LUNCH & DINNER WE EVEN HAVE A VEGAN MENU!

941.778.6614

3007 GULF DRIVE HOLMES BEACH UĂ&#x160;Â&#x201C;Ă&#x20AC;LÂ&#x153;Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x192;LLÂľÂ°VÂ&#x153;Â&#x201C;

$PDLUBJM 1BSUZ ] QN BN %+ IPST E PFVWSFT EFTTFSU NJEOJHIU DIBNQBHOF UPBTU 3FHJTUSBUJPO SFRVFTUFE

1HZ <HDU V 'D\ 5VFTEBZ +BOVBSZ TU

#SVODI ] BN QN 3FDPWFS GSPN UIF GFTUJWJUJFT UPBTU UP UIF ZFBS BIFBE

Âş/Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x20AC;iĂ&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;Â?Â&#x153;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;ViĂ&#x20AC;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;>Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;Â?Â&#x153;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160;vÂ&#x153;Â&#x153;`Â°ÂťĂ&#x160;pĂ&#x160; Â° Â°Ă&#x160;-Â&#x2026;>Ă&#x153;

WATERLINERESORT.COM/EVENTS | 941.238.6262 Located at Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217

UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;"Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;"ÂŤiÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x2030;ÂŁÂŁ\Ă&#x17D;Ă¤Â&#x2021;Â&#x2122; Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;x{Ă¤Ă&#x2C6;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;>Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Ă&#x192;Â?>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;-Â&#x2026;Â&#x153;ÂŤÂŤÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160; iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC; Â&#x153;Â?Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160; i>VÂ&#x2026;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Â&#x2122;{ÂŁÂ°Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;nÂ°xĂ¤Â&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 26, 2018 n 23

Anna Maria charter review committee holds 1st meeting By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Introductions were the name of the game Dec. 19 at the Anna Maria Charter Review Committee’s first meeting. City clerk Leanne Addy administered the oath of office to five city residents, including former Mayor Fran Barford, Roser Food Pantry chair Jack Brennan, retired accountant John Chambers, preservation activist Sissy Quinn and retired advisory services partner Mark Short. Addy said Mayor Dan Murphy — who recommended the committee members — couldn’t attend the first meeting, but intends to attend future charter review meetings. First order of business: appoint a chair and vice chair. Short nominated Barford, who served as Anna Maria Mayor 2006-10, to serve as chair. Quinn nominated Brennan, who declined the nomination. Barford then was elected to chair by a 5-0 vote. Next, Quinn nominated Brennan for vice chair, and he accepted. Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the appointment. With leadership set, Addy introduced members to their responsibilities. No member had served on a charter review board, so Addy introduced them to Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law and Public Records Act. Brennan asked about the scope of their review, and said it might be helpful to consult past committee members for perspective on the process. City attorney Becky Vose told the committee over speakerphone that the review is to address broad concepts. The committee is not to edit the charter, for example, to change “happy” to “glad,” according to Vose. “We’re here for substantive changes that make a difference.” Vose also suggested some homework. She said

members should read the charter and make notes for discussion. Barford said she wanted to speak with Commission Chair Brian Seymour about his concerns that the committee lacks representation by a local business owner. She also asked for a round table for the members to sit at for the next meeting and for members to return to the next meeting having spoken with residents. Next, members agreed to divvy up communication with city commissioners. Short will communicate with Commissioner Carol Carter, Chambers with Commissioner Dale Woodland, Brennan chose Commissioner Doug Copeland, Bar-

ford with Seymour and Quinn with Commissioner Amy Tripp. Brennan said to complete the charter review as soon as possible, he could meet weekly. Barford said the committee should discuss how often it would like to meet at the next meeting, which will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. The committee is assembled every five years to review the charter, discuss changes and provide the city commission with periodic progress reports. Charter commissioners are not paid and the committee dissolves once the review is completed. Wondering how to view Anna Maria’s charter? Go online to library.municode.com and search for Anna Maria, Florida. The charter, as well as the city code of ordinance, is available there.

Flashback ’18

Anna Maria city clerk Leanne Addy swears former Mayor Fran Barford into service on the charter review committee at its first meeting, Dec. 19 at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, left, remarks on his shock on learning at the April 23 Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting, the DOT plans to build a new 65-foot-clearance bridge to replace the Cortez Bridge. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

24 n DEc. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer shows an AR-15 riﬂe March 22 to Dennis Groh, city commissioners and others on a tour of the department’s facilities. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Flashback ’18

2 men arrested for drugs

Two Bradenton men arrested for drugs smoked cigars as their vehicle windows were tested for dark tinting in the 7200 block of Palm Drive in Holmes Beach. The driver of the vehicle, Daniel Thirtle, 22, was arrested for possessing cocaine, marijuana and paraphernalia. The passenger, Noe Campos, 26, was arrested for possessing marijuana Thirtle and paraphernalia. Both were stopped at 1:21 a.m. Dec. 12 after MCSo Deputy Robert Desch observed dark-tinted windows on their vehicle as they traveled south past him in the parking lot of CrossPointe fellowship, 8600 Gulf Drive. Campos As he exited the lot, Desch encountered Holmes Beach Police Officer Alan Desantis, who provided a tint meter. Desch then pulled the sedan over on Palm Drive, approached the vehicle and observed both men not wearing seatbelts and an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Thirtle and Campos denied having contraband and began smoking cigars as Desch used the tint meter. Desch measured the window tint and advised of a 21 percent tint violation. State law requires the tint must allow at least 28 percent of the light in the side juana pipes were found in the center console and a backpack. windows. Thirtle’s wallet contained 0.4 grams of cocaine. The officers searched the vehicle and Thirtle and Both men were taken into custody and to the ManCampos after noting the odor of marijuana. According to the police report, the officers found atee County jail. Thirtle posted a $2,500 bond and was released. two marijuana buds in Campos’ pocket, as well as Campos was released on his own recognizance. seven burnt marijuana cigarettes in the ashtray. MariThirtle’s arraignment is set for 9 a.m. friday, Jan. Island watch 11. In the event of an emergency, call 911.To report The arraignment for Campos is at 8:30 a.m. Tuesinformation on island crime, call the MCSo Anna Maria day, Jan. 15. substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941Court proceedings are held at the Manatee County 778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804. Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Flames reach the roof April 15 at West Coast Surf Shop, 3902 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo: HBPD/Officer Jason Higgins

Flashback ’18

Roadwatch Eyes on the road

The florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County announced that much of the ongoing roadwork activity would be suspended through Jan. 2, 2019, due to the holidays. for the latest road watch information, go online to www.fl511.com or dial 511.

Rewarding Golf at Every Level Book Your Tee Time Online: imgacademygolfclub.com Golf Shop: 941-758-1464

Join us in the Grille Room on Wednesday nights for our “Two for One” Dinner Specials! 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34210

imgacademygolfclub.com

Signature AMI gifts! Navy mugs, $10 each. All-cotton AMI tote bags, $5. White and tie-dye “More-Than-a-Mullet-Wrapper” T-shirts, $10-$15, and AMI stickers, $2. Come shop at 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

Streetlife

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 26, 2018 n 25

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office crime scene investigators, including Lt. Darin Bankert, left, huddle June 28 with Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer and MCSO Sgt. Mike Jones in the 500 block of 75th Street, where a female resident was injured by a burglar when she returned home to find him in her bedroom. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Flashback ’18

Anna Maria No reports. Anna Maria is policed by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Bradenton Beach Dec. 16, 600 block of Gulf Drive North, Marchman Act. Bradenton Beach police responded to a domestic disturbance and found a 62-year-old woman hiding in the bushes. A police report states she was apparently intoxicated and met the criteria to be taken into custody. A man reported the woman had followed him and a friend home from the beach and began banging on his condo door. The officer transported the woman to a medical facility. Dec. 17, Bradenton Beach police station, 403 Highland Ave., Baker Act. A 32-year-old naked man came into the station and threw a copier on the floor, breaking it to pieces. Police determined he was incapable of helping himself, took him into custody and to Blake Medical Center. BBPD also requested the state attorney charge the man with criminal mischief. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez Dec. 7, H & H Marina, grand theft. A boat trailer valued at $10,000 was stolen. The case is being investigated by the MCSO, which asked that anyone with information about the theft call the sheriff’s office at 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.

Island watch

In the event of an emergency, call 911. To report information on island crime, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

Dec. 18, 4500 block of 123rd Street, vehicle burglary. Unknown suspects pried open the door on a vehicle. No missing items or damage were reported. Cortez is policed by the MCSO. Holmes Beach Dec. 12, 700 block of Manatee Avenue West, license/ICE. While running tags at the Manatee Public Beach, an HBPD officer determined a Bradenton man driving a two-door Toyota was not licensed to drive. Also checking law enforcement databases, the officer found previous arrests and a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement final removal warrant. The identity of the 25-year-old was confirmed with a Honduran ID card and a photograph sent from ICE. HPBD arrested the man for failing to possess a valid driver’s license, transported him to the Manatee County jail. He was released to ICE Dec. 14, according to MCSO booking personnel. Holmes Beach is policed by the Holmes Beach Police Department. Jack Elka captures a bird’s eye view of the roundStreetlife is based on incident reports and narra- about at Gulf Drive and Bridge Street in Bradenton tives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO. Beach east to Sarasota Bay with his drone.

Flashback ’18

FOR FREE HOME DELIVERY OF THE ISLANDER ON Anna Maria ISLAND* — CALL 941-778-7978 Sorry, we cannot deliver single copies to condominium units or mobile homes.

26 n DEc. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

FISH pulls in funds, spruces up preserve

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter An infusion of funds — $126,000 in 2018-19 — has helped the florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage with preserving Cortez. And $10,000 came from The Mosaic Co. At the fISH Christmas party Dec. 6, vice president Jane von Hahmann said while not everyone likes Mosaic — the phosphate company looking to increase mining in DeSoto and Manatee counties — the company has supported the FISH Preserve with a $10,000 grant. The funds may be used to build the preserve’s first bridge, she added, but there’s “no hard, fast decision yet.” The nonprofit requested $30,000 from Mosaic and received a third of its request, according to von Hahmann. Two other preserve projects, with $16,000 and $100,000 budgets funded and managed by the Florida fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, were announced in June — and von Hahmann repeated the announcements at the Christmas party. In November, the FWC completed the $16,000 project, removing “tons of Australian pines ... so invasive that nothing grows under them” from the center of the preserve, land previously known as the Lemasters’ property, von Hahmann said. FISH purchased the 0.5-acres for $185,000 in 2016, completing the nonprofit’s ownership of a long-

Jane von Hahmann, vice president of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, rides by the eastern portion of the FISH Preserve Nov. 30, talking about restoration and funding for the preserve. awaited central parcel of the 100-acre property Corey Anderson, fWC restoration project manager, said Dec. 13 he expects a contractor to be selected for the preserve’s eastern restoration through a bidding process and break ground in the spring 2019. The fISH Preserve Coastal Wetland Restoration and enhancement project aims to remove several acres of Australian pines and Brazilian peppers, leaving a grassy understory, as well as black mangroves, live oaks and other native coastal vegetation, he said. “The project will help out wildlife while there’s public access to it. It will help the bay,” Anderson said

about the restoration plans. fISH bought most of the preserve in 2000-01 from the nonprofit’s annual commercial fishing festival. It is bounded by 119th Street West on the west, Cortez Road on the north and Sarasota Bay on the south. Manatee County took the original 93-acre purchase out of the development pipeline in 2012 with a conservation easement. Scheda ecological Associates of Sarasota designed a multiphased project for the fISH Preserve — with portions of the habitat restoration plan being completed as funds became available. Anderson said the fWC was impressed with the Scheda design and noted it was the top project for funding in the 2018-19 Division of Habitat and Species Conservation budget. After the $100,000 project is completed, Anderson and von Hahmann said additional funding will be needed to finish the preserve. In 2014-15, FISH completed a $250,000 restoration of the western part of the preserve with the Sarasota Bay estuary Program and the Southwest florida Water Management District. The project removed invasive species, created wetlands, improved tidal circulation and re-established hydrological cycles. The florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage board of directors will hold its first meeting of the new year at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at fisherman’s Hall, 4511 124th St. W., Cortez.

Holmes Beach plans for future, capital improvements By ChrisAnn Silver esformes Islander Reporter City engineer Lynn Burnett delivered a lengthy report on projects at the final meeting of 2018 in Holmes Beach. Grassy Point Preserve will include a kayak launch with associated parking adjacent to the preserve. Burnett is working with the florida Department of environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of engineers regarding sea-level rise, with plans to get the project completed by the first week in March 2019. In other environmental matters, the lake in the heart of Holmes Beach Burnett — Spring Lake, a water body between 68th and 70th streets — has been undergoing review to determine the best way to remove the “depth of muck and sewage that has settled to the bottom of Spring Lake,” according to Burnett. She said surveyors must determine how deep the mire runs to give an “accurate proposal” of the cost to clear the lake. “When those materials go out, they’ve got to go somewhere,” Burnett said. “And we have to know the quantity of those materials coming out so we can work with Manatee County to find a suitable location for those materials.” A meeting with the Southwest florida Water Management District was planned at press time for The Islander to determine permitting for improvements. Burnett said she would bring that information to commission at a January 2019 meeting. Stormwater infiltration systems are “getting wrapped up,” she added.

Woodruff and Sons Inc. has been working on systems from Key Royale to 53rd Street, which she said would be done the week of Dec. 26, with maintenance on systems already installed planned for January 2019. Some bike and pedestrian path improvements to Palm Drive are in place. Burnett said notifications were posted and mailed. “We’ve received great feedback so far,” Burnett said. “We’ve met with them and walked the section and just made some minor shifts. Anywhere we can save the vegetation, we’re doing so.” She said the contractor will start work at the southern end of the city and move north, to be completed by the end of March. A flashing crosswalk beacon recently was installed

at the intersection of 58th Street and Gulf Drive and Burnett said the next beacon would be placed at the S-curve at Gulf Drive and Guava Street. Additionally, Burnett said she is going to get quotes to restripe bike lanes in the city in 2019. And, the city will update the skate park in the new year. Sourcewell, a company that designs skate parks around the world, has designed a park that incorporates a plant barrier. The cost for the park, previously approved, will be $150,000, with an option to include a “bowl” — an area similar to a swimming pool in structure — for an additional $100,000 through grant options. “I’m excited. We have a lot going on this year and we are making progress,” Commission Chair Jim Kihm said.

Flashback ’18

Annual AMOB Lśŉıąâǜ Cıǲ 'Żıƭǆ supporting

Manatee Children's Services Select your ornament from the Giving Tree at any of our four locations! FREE Fried Pickle Appetizer to thank you for your donation of an unwrapped gift returned by 12/12

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

LANDSIDE

6906 14th Street West 941.758.7880

CORTEZ

6696 Cortez Road 941.792.0077

ELLENTON

1525 51st Avenue East 941.721.7773

BRIDGE ST. PIER Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662)

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 26, 2018 n 27

Would You Rather? is a popular conversation game. Islander Courtesy Photo

By Lisa Neff

Would you rather?

Games — for two players and parties — were placed under my family’s Christmas trees this year. Among the board sets, puzzles and card games, were variations of Would You Rather?, a conversation game I first played with my niece Pippa when she was about 5 years old. There are family and adult versions of Would You Rather? that pose dilemmas in the form of questions that begin with “would you rather.” Neff A question might offer a choice between two good options, like, “Would you rather have a hot fudge sundae or a chocolate malt?” A question might require choosing one of two unappealing options, like, “Would you rather eat a worm or an ant?” A question might require a theoretical choice, like, “Would you rather have $1 million or world peace?” After playing a couple of rounds, I ask, “Would you rather” questions for days. Would you rather hike or bike through Leffis Key in Bradenton Beach? Would you rather see a sea turtle lay its nest or hatchling turtles emerge from a nest? Would you rather hear a mockingbird or a cardinal sing at dawn? Would you rather protect one grand tree or plant

a dozen palm trees? Would you rather own an electric bike or an electric car? Would you rather see 365 sunsets in a year or a single green flash? Would you rather florida manatees remain a protected species or be deregulated into extinction? That last question may not be in the spirit of the game, but it is a question to ask in the wake of a new report from the endangered Species Coalition listing the West Indian manatee and the loggerhead sea turtle as two species most at risk under proposed federal policies. The coalition report refers to rule changes proposed from a deputy secretary at the Interior Department that would weaken the endangered Species Act. The proposed rules, according to the eSC, would make it more difficult to: • Protect species impacted by climate change. • List a species under the Endangered Species Act.

Skiff restoration to support fest

Tom Buckland and Joe Egolf repair and paint a wooden skiff Nov. 30 at the FISH Boatworks on the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage Preserve in Cortez. After it is varnished and rigged, the skiff will be rafﬂed Feb. 16-17, 2019, at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, an event put on by FISH. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Open New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1. Special … Beef Stroganoff and Glühwein. Happy Holiday!

The Endangered Species Coalition, in a report issued Dec. 18, warns that the Florida manatee is one of 10 species imperiled by proposed rules from the U.S. Interior Department. Islander File Photo • Designate critical habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife. Also, the proposed rules would make it easier to remove species from the protected list. The coalition’s list of species imperiled by the Trump administration policies also includes the Pacific leatherback sea turtle, California condor, Humboldt marten, red wolf, San Bernardino kangaroo rat, rustypatched bumble bee, Western yellow-billed cuckoo, hellbender salamander and giraffe. The week the coalition issued its imperiled species report, the Interior Department denied requests for eSA protections for 13 species, including four species found in the Sunshine State — the Cedar Key mole skink, MacGillivray’s seaside sparrow, striped newt and florida sandhill crane. The Dec. 19 notice from the U.S. fish and Wildlife Service reads, “After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that it is not warranted at this time to list the Cedar Key mole skink, florida sandhill crane, fremont County rockcress, frisco buckwheat, ostler’s peppergrass, frisco clover, MacGillivray’s seaside sparrow, ozark pyrg, pale blue-eyed grass, San Joaquin Valley giant flower-loving fly, striped newt, Tinian monarch and Tippecanoe darter.” Would you rather the fWS issued a different notice?

WE TWEET TOO

Haxen Fri-Sat Nights (reserve ahead) Dinner Monday-Saturday 5-9 941.778.1320 http://schnitzel.house 3246 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach

@ami_islander

Waterfront Dining at Anna Maria Oyster Bar Tableside service with a bayside view on the Bridge Street Pier! Call (941) 778-AMOB (2662) for Beach-to-Pier Shuttle!

Open Daily • 8am-9pm Breakfast 8am-11am • Weekend Brunch 11am-2pm

on the

Pier

200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, FL • OysterBar.net

28 n Dec. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Palma Sola boat ramp to close for 6 months

The Palma Sola boat ramp at 9800 Manatee Ave. The situation can make launching and landing W., Bradenton, will be closed for up to six months for boats difficult, especially during low tides. repairs and minor upgrades. During the project, docks will be lowered and modThe closure will begin Jan. 1. ified to prevent similar sand buildup in the future. A recent Manatee County inspection revealed an Also during the project: increased accumulation of sand at the site, causing • The parking lot will be graded and smoothed. shallow conditions within and at the end of the boat • There will be minor landscaping and cleanup of ramp, according to Alan Lai Hipp, the county’s envi- the grounds. ronmental program manager. • The county will work on a redesign and possible

expansion of the boat ramp. During the Palma Sola ramp’s closure, boaters can use Manatee County’s other boat ramps, including two ramps — north and south — at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and the Kingfish Boat Ramp on Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach. For more information about Manatee County boat ramps and other amenities, go online to www.mymanatee.org/departments/parks___natural_resources.

Flashback ’18

Anna Maria Island horseshoe players show off their medals Feb. 15 from the Gulf Coast Games for Life at G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton. They are, front row, from left, Sam Samuels (gold), Dom Livedoti (gold), John Crawford (bronze), Bob Palmer (gold). Back row, from let, are Neil Hennessey (silver), Jay Disbrow (bronze), Gene Bobeldyke (gold), Gary Howcroft (silver), Bob Rowley. Islander Courtesy Photo: Sam Samuels

Flashback ’18

Swimmers dove, ran and splashed at noon Jan. 1, 2018, into the chilly Gulf of Mexico waters for the 10th annual Clancy’s Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

Cathy Schmidt of the Golf Boot Camp demonstrates putting at the Feb. 28 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business-card exchange. The monthly mixer, held at the Manatee County Golf Course in Bradenton, featured a short lesson, beer and brats. Islander Courtesy Photo: AMI Chamber

Flashback ’18

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Dec 26 Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2

1:04a 2:07a 3:23a 5:00a 6:52a 8:36a 9:59a 11:10a

HIGH

2.3 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.1

4:16p 4:56p 5:36p 6:16p 6:57p 7:37p 8:12p 8:48p

HIGH

1.2 8:55a 1.3 9:45a 1.4 10:35a 1.6 11:24a 1.7 12:42a 1.9 1:59a 2.0 2:59a 2.1 3:51a

LOW

-0.6 -0.3 -0.1 0.2 0.4 0.1 -0.2 -0.4

7:53p 9:27p 11:08p — 12:12p 12:58p 1:38p 2:15p

1.0 0.9 0.7 — 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.9

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

Moon

3rd

RIGHT: Runners January’s Dolphin Dash 5k take $2 @ inThe off from Anna Maria Elementary, weaving through Islander, streets in 3218 Holmes Beach to loop back to the finish Drive, HB. E. Bay line at the school. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

Weatherside is here for you in all kinds of weather!

Windows & Doors UÊ > > Ê V ÃÕÀiÃÊUÊ*>Ì Ê ÀÃ UÊ- ` }Ê ÀÃÊUÊ Ài V Ê ÀÃ

WEATHERSIDE LLC

Since 1949 ~ 29 years on AMI Call Ted: 941.730.5045 CBC 125314531

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

INSHORE RE Redﬁsh Snook

O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper

LIGHT G TACKLE C • FLY Over 30 years experience in local waters • USCG Licensed Full / Half Day Trips • 941.387.8383 (H) • 941.232.8636 (C) www.captainwarren.com Facebook: Captain Warren

Make one stop to shop for the Dock!

marine docktor Sales • Service • Supplies & More

• Jet Ski Lifts & Boat Lifts • Remote Controls • Stainless Motors • Cables and Switches

• Dock Accessories • Piling Cones • Aluminum Ladders

Open Mon-Fri 8-4, Saturday by Appointment 12044 Cortez Rd. W, (941) 792-7657 marinedocktor@msn.com

THE ISLANDER n DEc. 26, 2018 n 29

The gift of fishing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the perfect present for young and old By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter I think Santa Claus gave us an early Christmas present. In my travels throughout the waters of Palma Sola Bay, north to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and out to egmont Key, I did not notice a hint of red tide. The waters looked so pristine it was hard not to be hypnotized by the clear view through to the bottom in most areas. As far as fishing goes, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m seeing a good variety of species come to the boat while working my Southernaire fishing charters. Stasny fishing along the beaches with shrimp-tipped jigs is yielding a few pompano, one of my favorite catches, as they fight hard for their size. Plus, they are great on the grill. Sheepshead are concentrating around rocks and docks and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m even seeing them on the flats, gorging on shrimp and other crustaceans. fishing for spotted seatrout is shaping up. Casting soft plastics on a jighead over deep grass flats where sandy potholes exist is yielding some good numbers. Lastly, catch-and-release redfish are being found around docks and oyster bars. Casting live shrimp to these fish is resulting in a hook up for many anglers. Until next week, Merry Christmas to all and keep those lines tight. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing numerous sheepshead taking up temporary residence under the pier. Pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are

TideWatch

Red tide lingers

Patrick McGinnis of Holmes Beach, shows off a nice gag grouper he caught Dec. 18 while on a guided trip with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters. finding success on these convict-striped fish. While targeting sheepshead, other species â&#x20AC;&#x201D; flounder, catchand-release redfish and a couple of catch-and-release snook â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are coming to the hook. Casting shrimp-tipped jigs is attracting a bite from the passing pompano and jack crevalle at the pier. Capt. Aaron Lowman is trolling deep-diving plugs around structure in Tampa Bay at channel edges, rock piles and artificial reefs, which is proving to be good for gag grouper. fish up to 30 inches are common. enroute from one spot to another, Lowman is keeping his eye out for triple tail, which is paying

off. Keeper-size trips are being found around floating debris in Tampa Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico. To finish out the day, Lowman is using soft plastics on a jig head to target spotted seatrout. Casting jigs along grass edges, where channels intersect the flat, is producing good numbers of these fish for the cooler. Capt. Warren Girle says using live shrimp as bait is yielding a good variety of species. Casting shrimp under or around docks is resulting in numerous sheepshead. Also in these areas, Girle is hooking up sportfishing clients with catch-and-release snook and redfish. Fishing deeper grass flats is producing spotted seatrout, as well as some jack crevalle and ladyfish. Lastly, fishing artificial reefs with live pinfish is attracting an occasional gag grouper. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is working inshore with live shrimp as bait. A wintertime pattern is upon us and White is making the transition. Targeting sheepshead with live shrimp around rocks and docks is producing good action for White and his clients. While targeting sheepies, White is hooking into black drum, mangrove snapper and redfish. Moving to deeper water, White is getting in on the inshore action by trolling for grouper with deep-diving lipped plugs. Live bait offerings, such as pinfish and grunts, also are triggering a response. Capt. Jason Stock is in pursuit of gag grouper in Tampa Bay, where trolling lipped plugs around structure or hard bottom is resulting in many hookups and most catches in keeper-sizes. Stock is using live bait to entice these ferocious groupers. He says anchoring over reefs or wrecks and free-lining live pinfish to the bottom is triggering some amazing strikes for his anglers. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists in Southwest florida but was not observed in Northwest florida or on the east Coast for the week ending Dec. 23. In Southwest florida, K. brevis was observed at very low concentrations in Pinellas County, background to high concentrations in Manatee County, background to low concentrations in Sarasota County, background to very low concentrations in Charlotte County, background to low concentrations in and offshore of Lee County, and background to low concentrations in Collier County. No fish kills were reported for the week. Respiratory irritation was reported in Southwest florida in Manatee, Sarasota and Collier counties. for more information, go online to myfwc. com/redtidestatus. Southernaire Fishing Charters

Michael Bridges, visiting Anna Maria Island from Greenville, South Carolina, shows off a redfish catch Dec. 18. Bridges caught and released several redfish and snook and also caught sheepshead using shrimp as bait. He was guided by Capt. Warren Girle

CAPT. AARON LOWMAN 'ULF "AY &ISHINGs4ARPON

G u l f Cca pat ari n tE r i cCC hh a iag nre t t e r s

Gulfcart Charters INSHORE

NEARSHORE

LICENSED-INSURED

53'! ,ICENSED AND )NSURED

941.465.8932 AnnaMariaFishing Guide.com

DOCKED AT SEAFOOD SHACK

Fishing Charters Wet Slips Fuel Dock Full Service Marine Mechanic Tackle Shop and Water Sports -ARINA $RIVE s (OLMES "EACH WWW +EYES-ARINA COM s

941-807-1221

>ÂŤĂ&#x152;Â°Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;VĂ&#x160; Â&#x2026;>Â&#x2C6;}Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x152;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Â&#x2122;{ÂŁÂ&#x2021;nĂ¤Ă&#x2021;Â&#x2021;ÂŁĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x201C;ÂŁ www.gulfcartcharters.net

30 n DEc. 26, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

isl

biz

BY SandY amBrogi

Old, new, spiﬀed up

Waterfront upgrades are finished Waterfront Restaurant aficionados are happy the eatery is back open at 111 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Almost a week’s work of scrubbing, painting, cleaning and installing new equipment in the backbar area and the kitchen have been completed. Don’t worry, the big blue aquarium is back up and running also, following a deep clean. The Blue Marlin Grill, 121 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, also took a weekend to spruce up, reopening Dec. 17. A sign of things to come There is movement, or at least signage, on the former freckled fin at the southeast corner of the

New signage at 101 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, announces the 101 Bridge Street Sunset Bar & Grill. The building has been closed for more than nine months for remodeling. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi roundabout at Bridge Street and Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. After months of brown paper window coverings and a new exterior paint job, a sign appeared at 101 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. 101 Bridge Street Sunset Bar & Grill is a new incarnation at the property, which previously held fire

and Stone, and more recently, the freckled fin. Attempts to reach the owner were unsuccessful by press time. Ace is the place near Cortez Cortezians will be thankful for a shorter ride to the hardware store. A new Ace Hardware at 9516 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, opened Dec. 15 at the shopping center in front of Mount Vernon. The Crowder-owned Ace is all hardware — for those accustomed to the shopping in the Manatee Avenue Crowder gift store and hardware. Sorry, no gift shop at the Cortez Road location. What you will find is the helpful hardware folks 7:30 a.m-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. for more information, call 941-761-8441. Stay busy, islanders.

Business news

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’re new in business or your staff deserves kudos. Submit your information to news@islander. org. Ugly Grouper servers Megan Maravich and Brian Kunkemoeller show off their Best Bartender Award at the Kokonut Hut Bar Clash, an event at the Gulf Drive Cafe in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

Flashback ’18 Frank and Melissa Williams share a chuckle with their guests at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce mixer held March 28 at their SteamDesigns Studio, 5343 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

GOT STINK?

Are you afraid to go near your trash and recycling bins? Does your garage reek of last month’s dinners? Bins Be Clean can wash it all away, leaving your bins clean, smelling fresh, and bacteria free.

$10 @ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

$2 @ The Islander

The Anna Maria Island Princess paddleboat pulls into port at the Bradenton Beach Marina after a test run March 14. The boat began operating March 19. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

941-778-0020 www.BinsBeClean.com

MONTHLY BIN CLEANING SERVICE • Residential & Commercial

Meowwy Christmas!

Happy Mew Year!

Carpet • Upholstery • Tile • Grout • Cleaning and Stain Control 778-2882 or 387-0607

DECEMBER SPECIAL Fall Car Care Checkup

6999

$20 Savings | Offer Expires 01-02-18

Semi-Synthetic Oil Change, Battery Check, Belts & Hose Inspection, Top off Fluids, Heating System Inspection, 2 New Standard Wiper Blades and Lights Inspection. Ask us about the details. By appointment only! 5608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 941.896.7898

www.FatCatCarpetCleaning.com

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE!

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 26, 2018 n 31

BizCal

Chef Pavel Hasenohrl, left, and wife Tracy welcome guests Gina and Peter Uliano and Joselin Presswood to their Dec. 15 Christmas party to celebrate their restaurant, Cremesh. The couple opened in June in the Beachway Plaza at 7232 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

BY Sandy Ambrogi

AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Wednesday, Jan. 9 7:45 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Early-riser breakfast, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Members $8, guests $16. Information: 941-778-1541, info@amichamber.org. Wednesday, Jan 23 5 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Business-card exchange and trolley grant presentations, Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Members $5, guests $10. Information: 941-7781541, info@amichamber.org. Please, send listings for the BizCal to news@islander.org. Remember to include a phone number for publication.

Business news

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re new in business or your staff deserves kudos. Submit your information to news@islander. org.

Chef Pavelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s buffet brought guests to the table for a Christmas celebration. Chef and wife Tracy Hasenohrl also celebrated six months of success at the new restaurant.

Flashback â&#x20AC;&#x2122;18

ď&#x201A;ˇ Real Estate Sales ď&#x201A;ˇ Vacation Rentals ď&#x201A;ˇ Annual Rentals ď&#x201A;ˇ Property Management ď&#x201A;ˇ Concierge Service Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seriousâ&#x20AC;? about our Customer Service!

Karen Riley-Love, center, accepts the 2018 Tourism Ambassador of the year award from 2017â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner, Greg Campbell, left, and Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Islander File Photo

Slimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place PJ Smargisso and dad, Chris Smargisso, show off a special-order replica of the Vince Lombardi trophy they had made to commemorate the Philadelphia Eaglesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2018 Super Bowl win with the fans who frequent the sports bar at 9701 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Islander Courtesy Photo

Your full service Real Estate Agency providing exceptional customer service for all your short or long G your perfect T I Nfind term goals. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re staying a few days or a lifetime, we will W help L I Syou NE accommodation.

Many thanks for another great year!

One stop shop. We can provide everything you might needâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Ś..buy, rent and finance your piece of paradise.

Finding a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; away from home

The Home Folk Art Gallery in Greensboro, North Carolina, is showing the work of Susan Curry of Cortez. Curry doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exhibit in local galleries, but offers work for sale outside her home each year during the fishing festival. Islander Courtesy Photo

GORGEOUS BAY VIEW BEDROOM BATH FIRST FLOOR CONDO WITH BEAUTIFUL UPDATED KITCHEN AND 4OMMY "AHAMA FURNISHINGS *UST WAITING FOR YOU $214,900. #ALL ,YNN :EMMER

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Work Hard To Make Your Life Easier!â&#x20AC;? 941-809-3714

Michelle@MichelleMusto.com www.MichelleMusto.com Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 1, Longboat Key

KEY WEST-STYLE HOME WEST OF GULF DRIVE: 132 50th St., Holmes Beach, 6BR/4.5BA, new dĂŠcor, large custom pool and spa. Offered at $1,699,000 RUNAWAY BAY 1801 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach. 1BR/1BA, ground ďŹ&#x201A;oor, furnished. Offered at $269,000

For the island lifestyle, call Lynn Zemmer, 941-778-8104.

For Personalized Island Service, Call GAIL TUTEWILER SUNBOW BAY: Beautiful 2BR/2BA fur nished condo with screened lanai. tile throughout. bayfront complex. Fishing pier, tennis, pools, elevator. $309,900.

GULF TO BAY: Updated 2BR/1BA TKF ground-floor â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Work Hard To Make Your Life Easier!â&#x20AC;? condo. Fishing pier, patio on bay, heated pool, clubhouse

941-778-8104 Ofc 877-778-0099 Toll Free and beach. $272,500. 104 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

www.edgewatervacationhomes.com 104 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach 941-778-8104 www.941lending.com 941-778-8104 Ofc 877-778-0099 Toll Free Edgewatervacationhomes.com 104 Bridge Street, Bradenton Edgewaterrealestateami.com Beach Lynn M. Zemmer Broker/Owner

BAYFRONT COMPLEX: Adorable upstairs turnkey 1BR condo with bay and Gulf views from balcony. Bayfront pool & park. $219,900. RIVERSTRAND (At Heritage Harbour): Almost new 3BR/2BA coach home with 2-car garage, tile throughout. Lake and golf course views. Fabulous amenities. Below original cost at $259,900.

Call GAIL TUTEWILER 941-705-0227 GailTuteRE@aol.com www.IslandGail.com

6101 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach

32 n DEc. 26, 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

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

ITEMS FOR SALE

PETS

EARLY CLASSIFIED DEADLINE: The Islander office will be closed to observe New Year’s Eve Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 The classified ad deadline for the Jan. 2 newspaper will be noon Friday, Dec. 28.

WANTED! FOSTERS, VOLUNTEERS to help Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue. Please email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

WOOD CHAIRS AND desk, $10 each. Bessler photo enlarger, $75. 941-356-1456.

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

CBC 1253471

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS

Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

References available • 941-720-7519

Bed: A bargain!

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

PANASONIC MEN’S BIKE: 27-inch Sport 500, $75. Columbia women’s 26-inch, $65, Schwinn Trailway, women’s, $65. Free Spirit Crestwood, women’s 26-inch, $30. 941-4483284. ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. FOUR OAK OFFICE chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941778-7978. FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

WE LIKE LIKES

CHEF VINCENZO NOW open for business from our catering kitchen at the Elks Club, 2511 75th St. W., Bradenton. 5 minutes from the island. Until we open our new location, please, feel free to call me if you need dinners or catering, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Italian Kitchen, 941-896-9754 (same number) or chef’s cell, 941-773-6957. Thank you, Chef Vincenzo.

AdoptA-Pet Smokey and Diamond. Bonded pair, mother and son. 2 and 8 years old. Apply to adopt the pair at wwww. moonraceranimalrescue.com. Call lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The islander next to paradise Cafe in Holmes Beach for more …

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. AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase onli ne: www.jackelka.com.