The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, July 05, 2023

Top Notch

Go Suzi, go

A loggerhead tagged on AMI and named for Suzi Fox heads to the Gulf for Tour de Turtles educational effort. More pages 9, 18. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield

Phase 1: County restores water line, 2-way traffic on AMI Bridge

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Both lanes of the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue are open following repairs to a collapsed water main on the underside of the bridge.

But the work is not done.

Additional repairs will require more lane closures in the coming weeks.

Manatee County information outreach manager Bill Logan wrote in a June 30 email to The Islander that Bradenton-based Wood-

Bradenton man, 71, drowns at Gulf beach

ruff & Sons installed a new pipeline across the bridge during the first phase of repairs.

About 1,000 feet of the 16-inch water main, which was installed in 1982, fell June 19 into Anna Maria Sound after the hangers holding it along the east end of the bridge failed.

The pipeline is supplementary to a 24-inch water main across Cortez Bridge. After a short cut-off of about an hour June 19, water service was restored but a drop in water pressure continued until county utility crews capped the line later that day.

Woodruff & Sons began repair work June 26 by putting together a new pipeline segment by segment in the right of way leading to the bridge across the street from the Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach.

Repair work required closing the eastbound lane of the bridge, resulting in alternating one-way traffic for a week.

That lane closure led to traffic gridlock, including more than hourlong delays, until June 29 when the lane reopened.

Bridge waits June 26 for a boat to pass through the open bascule and for workers to allow vehicles to cross. islander

Manatee County Area Transit interim manager Chris DeAnnuntis told The Islander June 30 that travel delays fell to 20-30 minutes for MCAT services after June 26.

Nevertheless, DeAnnuntis said the lane closure posed an unavoidable obstacle for MCAT services since there are only two MCAT-accessible roads to the barrier island,

A 71-year-old Bradenton man drowned June 26 in the Gulf of Mexico in Bradenton Beach.

Benjamin Warren Griffith was found floating in the water at the north end of Cortez Beach by a beachgoer.

Eyewitnesses observed Griffi th swim out between shore and the “no motor craft” buoy, according to a Bradenton Beach Police Department report.

Griffi th was staying with friends at a vacation house on Fourth Street in Bradenton Beach and he and Kimberly Lampercht, a resident of Bradenton Beach, had walked to the beach.

Lampercht saw Griffith floating face down and entered the water. She brought him to shore, where she initiated CPR until emergency service personnel arrived.

Manatee County Beach Patrol and Manatee Emergency Medical Services, as well as West Manatee Fire Rescue responded to a 911 call.

EMS transported Griffith to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton, where he was pronounced deceased.

Lt. Lenard Diaz of the BBPD confirmed June 30 that Griffith’s death was ruled a drowning.

— robert anderson

independence day was to be observed with a July 4 parade on ami. Have a great, safe holiday.

including the AMI Bridge.

“It’s impacted us pretty significantly,” he said. “There’s not a lot of alternatives. We’re stuck in the same traffic as the regular cars are.”

By June 30, the contractor finished installing the new pipeline across the bridge and both lanes of traffic were reopened ahead of the July 4 holiday.

Logan wrote that there were no lane closures scheduled for the week of July 3 but additional closures were “expected” during phase 2 of repairs.

Phase 2 will involve securing additional hangers to support the new pipeline along the east side of the bridge, where the pipeline fell in the bay.

However, work on that phase was “not expected to start for several weeks due to material availability,” according to Logan.

DeAnnuntis said that, ahead of phase 2, MCAT would notify passengers of potential lane closures and delays.

“I think just getting information out to the passengers to let them know about the delays — that’s about

the extent of what we can do,” DeAnnuntis said.

Woodruff & Sons’ equipment will remain on-site with a goal to remove the fallen water main from Anna Maria Sound.

“This work — which may begin as early as the week of July 10 — is not expected to require lane closures,” Logan wrote.

Blame game

In the meantime, one Holmes Beach commissioner voiced criticism of the maintenance.

The bridge is inspected every three months by the Florida Department of Transportation and after every major storm by the county.

Commissioner Dan Diggins, who investigated aircraft accidents before he retired, said June 27 that the pipeline’s collapse was “totally preventable.”

Diggins said he went into the water near the bridge to get a closer look and saw many failed hangers that had rusted over, leaving them compromised and unreliable.

“The design is what we used to call a ‘single-point

1st nest of sea turtle hatchlings emerge

The first loggerhead hatchlings of the 2023 nesting season on Anna Maria Island emerged overnight June 29-30.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring reported the milestone. As of July 3, AMITW did not report how many hatchlings emerged from the nest.

Volunteers with AMITW came across the hatched nest during their morning patrol on the bayside of the island.

Meanwhile, AMITW said, the first nest laid in the season — documented April 18 on the shore in Holmes Beach — did not hatch as expected.

“We were pleased that we had our first hatch today, the first of more than 250 current nests that will hatch on AMI beaches,” AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella said in a June 30 news release. “With hatching now underway, there are important reminders for residents and visitors. Most importantly is to make sure that lights are in compliance with local ordinances. Sea turtle hatchlings cue to the bright horizon of the night sky but can be drawn away from reaching the Gulf by artificial lights visible from the beach.”

Mazzarella also said, “Our volunteers have been working long, arduous hours on the beach documenting and marking the nests currently in place. We want to see that hard work rewarded with good hatches and lots of hatchlings making it to the water.”

failure,’” Diggins said. “If one hanger fails, within seconds — it’s like a zipper effect — they all fail. … All they had to do was inspect it. If they inspected it, they could see the rust.”

“This was totally preventable and it has inconvenienced all of us and it should have never happened,” he added.

Bradenton-based Woodruff & Sons works June 29 to repair a collapsed water main that runs on the underside of the anna maria island Bridge on manatee avenue. islander Photo: Jacob merrifield

Top Notch

Riding out the rain

Peter Kazmier of Holmes Beach won the first week of the islander’s photo contest in 2017 with a refreshing image of kids at play in Holmes Beach.

He took the photo of Laith Kazmier, 8, Laila Kazmier, 6, left, audrey Bourdo, 7, Hannah Kazmier, 11, and Sofia Bourdo, 10, “enjoying the rainy season” in June 2017.

Work begins on library mural

Palmetto-based artist

matt mcallister paints the dorsal fin of a fish June 28, part of an aquatic mural on the west wall of the island Library, 5701 marina drive, Holmes Beach. the mural will cost $8,000-$10,000 and is funded by the friends of the island Library. island Library supervisor aileen Valdes told the islander June 28 that mcallister was projected to finish the mural over the week of July 3. “it is amazing,” Valdes said. “everyone is thrilled.” islander Photo: ryan Paice

Enter Islander photo contest

The Islander’s Top Notch contest begins anew.

Look to July 6 for the first of a series of weekly deadlines and don’t forget July 4 holiday photos.

The contest includes six weekly front-page winners.

Each will claim an Islander “More than a mullet wrapper” T-shirt and each will be entered in the competition for the grand prize.

One weekly shot will take the grand prize in the contest, earning the photographer a $100 prize from The Islander and certificates from partner merchants.

There also is a pet photo contest with a prize-winner announced in the final week and we’ll shout out the honorable mentions as well.

Look online for complete rules and details.

Note, each JPG must be included in a single email with the name of the photographer, date the photo was taken, location and description, names of recognizable people and the address/ phone number of the photographer.

Entries should be sent to topnotch@islander.org.

— Bonner Joy

Q&A 070523

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa neff

About Fourth of July fireworks …

28%. Go to a display every year.

44%. Sometimes catch a show

5%. Set off on our own.

24%. Don’t like.

This week’s question

Where do you park at the beach?

A. Public beach space.

B. Side street space.

C. Nearby business.

D. Walk or bike over.

E. Trolley over.

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

HB preparing challenge against HB 947, parking garage law

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The city of Holmes Beach is organizing a new fight against a new Florida law authorizing Manatee County to trump municipal home rule and build a parking garage at the beach.

titsworth

City attorney Erica Augello told commissioners June 27 that she is exploring legal challenges against House Bill 947, a measure fi led by state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, at the urging of Manatee County commissioners that allows county government to build a parking garage within city limits.

augello

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law June 23, so the onus to pursue construction of a parking garage in Holmes Beach now falls to the county.

The law allows a parking struc-

ture on county-owned property within the municipality — such as Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive — without city permits.

The county has presented a concept for a $45 million parking garage that would be funded by tourist taxes and provide 1,500-1,700 paid parking spaces in place of the existing 400-space parking lot at the beach.

While the law allows the county to move forward without a city-issued permit, which should expedite the process, the bill was signed during the board of county commissioners’ summer recess, which began June 19 and will end July 21.

The county board will not meet until 9 a.m. Monday, July 24, at the county administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

In the meantime, the city will explore its options.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said she directed Augello to determine a legal challenge to HB 947 and to bring it to her and the city commission at a future meeting if she found the city had a “strong case.”

“I am prepared to draft that petition,” Augello said. “Time is of the essence. So I will do that as quickly as I can.”

Augello called for others to join in a potential lawsuit.

“There have been lawsuits in the past challenging state statutes or special laws where other groups besides local governments have gotten involved,” she said. “So if there are any groups out there who do have lawyers that would like to have legal recourse and like to join in the cities efforts — should they be taken — I strongly encourage them to do so.”

Augello said she would attend the annual Florida Municipal Attorneys Association conference the week of July 10 and discuss with Florida League of Cities representatives the organization’s potential involvement.

The city’s next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

People also can watch a live stream of the meeting on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.

Holmes Beach approves rezone request for former bank

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The city of Holmes Beach’s C-1 commercial zoning district just got one lot smaller.

City commissioners voted 4-1 June 27 after a longer than two-hour hearing to approve an ordinance to rezone property at 699 Manatee Ave. from C-1 to C-2, a more lenient commercial zone.

Commissioner Greg Kerchner voted “no,” stating the ordinance was not consistent with the city comprehensive plan or development patterns in adjacent zoning districts.

Bob Bolus of Bolus Truck Parts and Towing Services purchased the then-vacant property from Bank of America in 2019 for $1,025,600, and the building has stayed vacant.

The property was zoned for the commercial 1 district, which allows for low-intensity commercial uses such as office spaces.

The commercial-2 zone allows for higher-intensity uses, such as retail spaces or restaurants, in addition to the same uses allowed in C-1 districts.

Rezoning requests have been a hotly contested matter in the city over recent years.

City commissioners voted 3-2 vote last year to approve a similar request for a defunct Regions Bank at 503 Manatee Ave., which was rezoned from C-1 to C-2 to allow for a Publix Super Market pharmacy and liquor store.

The commission also voted 3-2 in January to approve a first reading for Bolus’ request, sending it forward to the planning commission for review.

Commissioners Dan Diggins and Terry Schaefer voted “no.”

The planning commission voted 3-2 in June not to recommend city commission approval.

Chad Minor, the city’s planning and zoning administrator, has said that Bolus’ request complied with the comprehensive plan and met all criteria required to rezone the property, thus city staff recommended its approval.

City attorney Erica Augello said that since the hearing was a quasi-judicial proceeding, city commissioners would need to provide their reasons that the ordinance did not meet the criteria for rezoning.

A couple of residents spoke in opposition to the rezoning request during public comment.

John Glezen spoke on behalf of the owners of Westbay Cove, a condominium across Manatee Avenue from Bolus’ property. He said there used to be a natural barrier of trees between their neighborhood and the property but several trees had fallen as a result of Hurricane Ian, reducing their buffer.

Glezen said they were concerned about increased noise and traffic in the area due to the potential for high intensity use at the property.

“The property is one of two surrounded by over 100 residential units,” he said. “We oppose the rezoning change that may allow businesses such as bars, restaurants or other venues that could cause excessive noise or traffic next to our neighborhood and have a direct impact on our neighbors and property values.”

Resident Margie Motzer said there are already issues with traffic and pedestrian safety in the area, which would be worsened with C-2 use at the property.

“The data can be very technical but your residents live here and see issues at this intersection daily. We see the near-miss accidents that never get put into the statistics,” Motzer said. “One thing is certain: a rezone change from C-1 to C-2 opens the door for increased intensity while simultaneously closing the door to financial feasibility for C-1 type occupancy.”

She added that she would like the city to work with Bolus to turn the property into a park or conservation area.

“That may seem over the top but perhaps Mr. Bolus and the city could sit down and work out terms to make that happen,” Motzer said. “This is an opportunity for Mr. Bolus to provide the city with a wonderful legacy.”

There were no public comments in support of the ordinance.

Commissioner Greg Kerchner said he didn’t believe the rezoning request met the city’s criteria because it was not consistent with development patterns in adjacent zoning districts, two of which are residential, or the comp plan.

He also expressed concern with traffic but didn’t factor it into his claims that the ordinance didn’t comply with the city’s criteria.

“I can’t prove it other than what I feel,” Kerchner said.

Commission Chair Carol Soustek said she believed the former bank building at 699 manatee ave., Holmes Beach, was rezoned June 27 from c-1 to c-2 by city commissioners. islander

the staff’s determination that the ordinance complied with the comp plan and the city’s rezoning criteria.

“Our little city is such a mixture that you can’t change something that isn’t adjacent to a residential area,” Soustek said. “We’re all in this little pot. … I don’t like some of this stuff that’s going on but that has no credibility to what’s been presented here.”

“The evidence that has been presented in front of us has met the comprehensive plan, in my opinion,” she added.

Diggins moved to approve the rezone request.

Kerchner seconded the motion, which passed.

The city commission’s next regular meeting will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

People can watch a live stream of the meeting on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.

Meetings By Lisa neff

ANNA MARIA CITY

July 13, 2 p.m., commission.

July 27, 6 p.m., commission.

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

BRADENTON BEACH

July 5, 9:30 a.m., CRA. CANCELED

July 5, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. CANCELED

July 6, commission. CANCELED

July 19, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

July 20, noon, commission.

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

HOLMES BEACH

July 5, 5 p.m., planning.

July 11, 9 a.m., commission (budget).

July 18, 9 a.m., commission (budget).

July 18, 5 p.m., commission.

July 19, 5 p.m., planning.

July 25, 10 a.m., code enforcement.

July 27, 11:30 a.m., police pension.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

MANATEE COUNTY

July 24, 9 a.m., commission (workshop).

July 25, 9 a.m., commission.

July 27, 9 a.m., commission (budget).

July 31, 1:30 p.m., commission (with school board).

Aug. 21, 9:30 a.m., tourist development council, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

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

ALSO OF INTEREST

Independence Day, a federal holiday, is July 4. Most government offices will be closed.

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

Photo: ryan Paice

Holmes Beach celebrates 20 years of concrete surfing

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The Holmes Beach Skate Park has been around now for two decades.

Mayor Judy Titsworth told The Islander June 22 that the skate park, at 5901 Marina Drive, has become a staple of the city’s recreational offerings.

The original skate park opened June 28, 2003, and closed in 2017 for repairs.

However, the city instead budgeted $150,000 to redesign and expand the skate park with the help of professional skater Tito Porrata, designer of the skate park at Riverwalk in Bradenton.

The city also raised about $100,000 to fund the addition of a skate bowl — similar to an empty inground pool — at the park.

The park was redesigned to provide a beginnerintermediate experience featuring rails, pyramids, steps, a quarter pipe and the bowl.

The city opened the revamped park in 2020.

Titsworth’s office at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, overlooks the skate park. She said she sees people every day enjoying their time at the park.

“It’s probably the most-used amenity we have at city field,” Titsworth said. “It’s used a ton and it’s just been loved by everybody.”

2023 elections AMI qualifying ahead

Qualifying for elected office in Anna Maria Island’s cities will take place in August.

This year’s elections include:

• Anna Maria: Three city commission seats;

• Bradenton Beach: Mayor and two commission seats — Ward 1 and Ward 3;

• Holmes Beach: Three commission seats.

Qualifying will be noon Aug. 14-noon Aug. 25 in Anna Maria; and noon Aug. 28-noon Sept. 1 in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

For more information, go to votemanatee.com.

Also on the calendar

The League of Women Voters of Manatee County, with active members on AMI, will hold a “Coffee, Conversation and Defending Democracy” meetup at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 12, at Panera Bread Co., 6351 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

The league also will host a Zoom session on making “public comment” at government meetings at 4:30 p.m. Monday, July 24.

For more information, go online to lwvmanatee. org or email info@lwvmanatee.org.

— Lisa neff

Send announcements and listings to calendar@ islander.org.

“I’m just so happy people get so much enjoyment out of it,” she added.

Titsworth said there have been few issues at the park — such as some occasional graffiti— during her time as mayor, which began in November 2018.

“Everybody’s been behaving really well,” she said. “The kids have really respected the park.”

Titsworth said the city has no future improvement or expansion plans for the park but would consider them if people came to the city with requests.

Bradenton resident John Huff, who was skate-

boarding at the park, told The Islander June 28 that he’s skated on both versions of the park and was impressed by the improvements.

“It was very small, tight and compact, with a lot of smaller obstacles,” Huff said. “I actually just came back here last week, so I was pretty hyped to see the difference. … It’s a lot better now.”

Huff said the skate park has a “chill vibe” that he prefers to other skate parks in the area, like Riverwalk or G.T. Bray Park.

“This has been my favorite now,” he said. “It is a really good setup.”

Bradenton resident Matt Zakrzewski told The Islander June 30 that he prefers some of the other skate parks in the area but appreciates the laid-back nature of the Holmes Beach Skate Park.

“I’ve been coming to this one for the last couple of years and enjoying it,” Zakrzewski said. “It’s a good park. It’s a little bit kiddy-level but that’s OK because I’m rusty. I’ve got plenty of pins that don’t need to be broken.”

He said the park is safer than others in the area since it is rarely crowded with skaters, who can pose the biggest obstacle to other skaters.

“It’s nice. Less people, more open, less concern about having your stuff stolen,” Zakrzewski said.

Huff and Zakrzewski had few recommendations for additional improvements at the park. Both said they’d like to see the city expand the set of the quarter pipe so skaters can have a safe ledge for the drop off.

The existing quarter pipe has a thin set — the ledge at the top of the slope — which drops off in the back.

Zakrzewski also said the fence separating the skate park from the city’s public works is too close and dangerous for skaters due to the sharp ends at the top of the fence.

He displayed a scar on his collarbone that he said was from falling onto the fence after attempting a trick off an obstacle at the park.

Flags for 4th Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach is ready June 28 for independence day with u.S. flags on display throughout the commercial district. decorations along Bridge Street are budgeted by the Bradenton Beach community redevelopment agency. islander

Make the most of summer

Is your business making the most of the summer season?

Improve your odds of success with The Islander readers looking to shop and dine, as well as seeking indoor and outdoor fun.

For ad info, call or text 941-778-7978.

Photo: robert anderson

John Huff of Bradenton launches June 28 onto a rail at the Holmes Beach Skate Park, 5901 marina drive. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Bam! Boom! Sizzle!

Wow. The calendar says Fourth of July.

And judging from the heat — it’s summer. But another Fourth of July? It sure crept up on us this year. With everything going on — and by everything, I mean the threat of a parking garage rising to cover the Manatee Public Beach — we almost forgot the holiday.

We’ve been dragged through an almost 10-month construction project — which was promised in September 2022 to wind up at Christmas — to improve the roads in the city center in Holmes Beach.

Simultaneously, a county road project tangled traffic as the force main was replaced in Holmes Beach. Now another county project has traffic on the south end in Bradenton Beach tangled up along the narrow stretch of Gulf Drive that fronts Cortez Beach — with no alternate north-south route.

Top that with a “catastrophic” water main collapse and it seems like rough going.

This year, the island planned to celebrate Independence Day in a quieter manner — slightly more sensitive environmentally. The holiday was to be marked minus a traffic-jamming, beach-crowding commercial fireworks display.

This eliminated some of the dangers — especially wildlife and marinelife hazards — that we traditionally face with the holiday.

But we still expected to see rebel-rousers shooting off their own supply of fireworks and the resulting emergency calls for injuries and fires.

We expected plenty of that to go around in spite of the best efforts of law enforcement to “tone it down.”

Each year on the holiday it’s every one fending for themselves on the beach, where hundreds upon hundreds of people shoot off illegal sprays of rockets, darting, whizzing, erupting mortars and zooming, screeching, flying spirals that go boom in the sky.

I liken the illegal tradition to amateur hour. And, much like the folks who say they don’t boat and don’t fish during big outdoor holidays like Fourth of July, I just don’t take part.

But a parade? I love a parade. And the Anna Maria Island Privateers do a grand parade — and the participants in their decorated golf carts, convertibles and trucks towing boats with people riding waving, throwing candy and beads — and spraying everyone with water guns — makes it a blast.

This Fourth, the Privateers promised an epic water gun battle, calling people to fuel up with H20.

And happy Fourth of July to y’all!

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Friends of Holmes Beach

Thank you for the 1,000s of letters and signed petitions in opposition to the parking garage and the even bigger threat of the potential elimination of our cities.

Our island is one of a few that has not given way to over-development and has held on to its quaint coastal charm. Because of that we are a popular destination for people from all over the world.

Skimming online

Website: islander.org

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Connections, AMI & beyond

▼ Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org

robert anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com

Brook morrison, brook@islander.org

ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

Contributors

▼

Karen riley-Love

Jacob merrifield

capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

nicole Quigley

▼ Advertising Director

toni Lyon, toni@islander.org

▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell

▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org

▼ Distribution

urbane Bouchet ross roberts

Judy Loden Wasco

(All others: news@islander.org)

I am proud of the thousands of citizens, guests and business owners who have continued to fight for the future of our cities.

We live where everyone wants to vacation.

Does this mean we will continue to be threatened?

You can count on it.

Is a fight worth it?

Anything worth having will always be worth fighting for and nothing will be achieved without effort.

If you find you are feeling defeated, please keep in mind that there is no other community that has embraced quality of life as much as our city.

Our comprehensive plan has allowed us the opportunity to legislate responsibly.

We value our residents, business owners, guests, and our natural resources.

Keep up the good fight, we are right by your side.

Letters to the editor

Anna Maria: Mayor Dan Murphy, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com, ammayor@cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach : Mayor John Chappie, 941778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941-7085800, holmesbeachfl.org, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.

Manatee County : Republican Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, 941-745-3705, kevin.vanostenbridge@mymanatee.org.

Florida Governor : Republican Ron DeSantis, 850-717-9337 for staff, flgov.com for email, @GovRonDeSantis via Twitter.

Florida Senate: Republican Jim Boyd, 941-7426445, boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov, flsenate.gov, @JimBoydFL via Twitter.

Florida House : Republican Rep. William Cloud “Will” Robinson Jr., 941-708-4968, will.robinson@myfloridahouse.gov, myfloridahouse. gov, @will_robinsonjr via Twitter.

We welcome opinion letters. You can submit your comments along with a name, city of residence and phone number for verification to news@islander.org. Also, please, limit letters to 250 words.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth

titsworth

Looking back

Postcard-perfect pier

anglers gather on the historic anna maria city Pier in a postcard image circa 1913. the pier was repaired many times after its construction in 1911 and torn down and replaced after suffering damage in 2017 by Hurricane irma. islander Photo: manatee county Public Library System

a postcard from the historic anna maria city Pier is dated 1955-61. the back of the card reads, “anna maria island, florida. city Pier, popular fishing spot for Bradenton and Sarasota residents and visitors.”

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10&20 years ago

From the July 2, 2003, issue

• A Sarasota man drowned off Bean Point in Anna Maria. He took a swim off his uncle’s boat and swift currents pulled him underwater.

• A thunderstorm caused severe damage to the roof of the Beachhouse Restaurant and the Seaside Motel in Bradenton Beach. The storm forced a wedding party of about 200 at the Beachhouse to move indoors.

• Holmes Beach police arrested a man for allegedly burglarizing the Barefoot Trader bike shop on Marina Drive. A detective said police, acting on a tip, learned the man was selling bicycles and sunglasses from his apartment in the city.

From the July 3, 2013, issue

• After weeks of meetings between an Anna Maria cell tower committee and three prospective tower providers, the city commission voted to negotiate with Ridan Industries.

• Frustration turned to celebration at an Anna Maria meeting when commissioners voted to accept a park design for the six vacant lots on Pine Avenue at Bay Boulevard after months of stalled discussion.

• State lawmaker Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, defended to the Anna Maria City Commission his vote to pass a bill restricting local government’s ability to regulate vacation rental units. Boyd said, “I had folks from this island tell me their property has been in their family for 50 years and the only way they could keep it is to let them rent it how and when they wanted.”

— Lisa neff

Peruse The Islander archive at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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Tourism bureau readies shipshape ferry service for market

By Lisa neff islander editor

When they launch the boats, tourists certainly will ride.

But the operators of the Gulf Islands Ferry to AMI also want to see locals, especially commuters, among the passengers.

They emphasize the transit value of a service that boasts obvious tourist appeal.

“Fun.”

“Fast.”

“Reliable.”

Such service is what passengers on Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry — the long-pursued water taxi service between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island — can expect, according to Trish Rodriguez, an owner of Gulf Coast Water Taxi.

The Clearwater company will operate the ferry. Rodriguez on June 27 attended “Don’t Miss the Boat,” an event hosted by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at the Manatee Performing Arts Center to share promotional opportunities on the ferries.

At the downtown Bradenton venue, people mostly mingled, sipped margaritas served by Anna Maria Oyster Bar and collected materials about the Gulf Islands Ferry.

That same afternoon, motorists traveling to and from Anna Maria Island on Manatee Avenue and Cortez Road were slowed due to heavy beach traffic and a lane closure on the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The traffic and roadwork delayed Manatee County Area Transit’s buses on Manatee Avenue more than

Promotional materials for the gulf islands ferry, expected to launch later this summer and operate between downtown Bradenton and the island.

30 minutes.

The ferry would have been operating on schedule, according to Rodriguez.

“We leave on time and get there on time,” she said.

The ferry service, funded with county tourist tax dollars, is expected to launch later this summer, perhaps before Labor Day, with initial stops on the Bradenton riverfront and the City Pier in Anna Maria and then also the Historic Bridge Street Pier and Coquina Beach Bayside in Bradenton Beach.

The one-way trip is expected to take 35 minutes.

Rodriguez said Gulf Coast Water Taxi could take possession of the boats early this month but crews and captains still need to be hired and there will be training sessions and sea trials.

Additionally, the process of inking interlocal agreements between the county and participating cities needs to be completed and any improvements and adjustments to docking areas need to be finished.

Other details to attend, include launching a website and selling ads, which was part of the reason for the “Don’t Miss the Boat” event.

Through July, annual rates for ads are $800-$500 per boat, depending on location, and monthly special advertising will run $200-$400.

The ferry, at the start, will operate 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, with an adult one-way fare at $8, lower rates for people 55 and older and 12 and under and plans to offer a special rate to island workers.

In the cashless system, people will purchase tickets

olivia Sawdy and Kelly clark of the BacVB smile for coworker Britney mcfarlin during their “don’t miss the Boat” event held June 27 in Bradenton.

People gather June 27 in the lobby at the manatee Performing arts center in Bradenton for a “don’t miss the Boat” promotion by the Bradenton area convention and Visitors Bureau. BacVB staff hosted the event and shared advertising opportunities on the Bradenton-anna maria island ferry.

via an app or on the ferry’s website.

Tourist development tax dollars will support the service in the first year and paid for the construction of the two 49-passenger ferries.

islander

Photos: Lisa neff

John Horne of the anna maria oyster Bar talks with Bradenton mayor gene Brown during a Bradenton area convention and Visitors Bureau event to share information about the gulf islands ferry. downtown Bradenton and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, where an amoB restaurant is a fixture, are stops for the water taxi.

nesting notes

By Lisa Neff

Suzi swims for science

Suzi the loggerhead went swimming from the shore in Bradenton Beach June 27 sporting an accessory — a lapis blue tag that tracks the sea turtle’s travels.

Suzi made the trek from the beach to the Gulf of Mexico to the cheers and applause of a crowd of cameraclicking onlookers.

The loggerhead name was fitting — she’s named for Suzi Fox, who died Sept. 30, 2022. Fox dedicated her life to aiding sea turtles and preserving their habitat.

The nonprofit Sea Turtle Conservancy, partnering with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Waterline Villas and Marina and Coastal Wildlife Club, tagged Suzi after the turtle nested overnight June 26-27.

The public can follow Suzi’s path in STC’s Tour de Turtles — which officially begins Aug. 1 — at conserveturtles.org.

In the first three days after the tagging, Suzi swam about 16 miles — northwest, then southwest, then northeast.

The Islander asked AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella about the interest in Suzi and the value of tracking sea turtles.

The Islander: There was a good-sized crowd June 27 to see the release of AMI’s entry in Tour de Turtles. When the “race” begins, what would you, as a scientist, like to find out?

Kristen Mazzarella: Yes, Suzi’s release had an excellent turnout and we are excited to see where she goes.

There are so many things we can learn from her journey!

• If she nests again on Anna Maria Island;

• Where she spends her time between laying nests this season;

• The route she takes to get to her foraging grounds, where she will live and feed until she returns to nest again;

• Where she lives … and how long she stays there before returning to nest.

The Islander: As director of AMITW, what other information from Suzi’s travels might be useful?

KM: Sea turtles may nest on the beach. However, they spend the majority of their lives in the ocean.

AMITW does our best to protect sea turtles when they are on land but we also want to do our part to protect their ocean habitat. Identifying areas in the ocean that are important to sea turtles is the first step to conserving sea turtles in the water.

In addition, this race is an educational opportunity.

Each of these turtles are racing for a cause — to bring attention to the threats to sea turtles and how humans can help reduce them.

Suzi’s cause is light pollution! This was one of Suzi Fox’s biggest causes.

By educating the public and working with beachfront properties and local code enforcement for so many years, Suzi made AMI a more turtle-friendly beach habitat by reducing light pollution on the island.

Less light pollution means more hatchlings make it successfully and directly to the water, which in turn means helping to ensure that more generations of sea turtles will continue to nest on AMI.

The Islander: A “turtle race” makes me think about the story of the turtle and the hare. I know we’re talking about a different kind of turtle. But just how fast are loggerheads?

KM: Loggerheads are known to swim relatively slow — 1-5 mph — but can swim faster — up to 22 mph — when in danger.

The Islander: We just heard about hatchlings emerging from the earliest nest of the season!

KM: Yes, it’s so exciting to see the fruits of our labor in those tiny hatchling tracks heading to the water. We encourage the public to do what they can to reduce artifi cial light visible from the nesting beach: Close your blinds, use turtle-friendly lighting, shield or turn off your lights and do not use lights on the beach.

For more information about AMITW, call the nonprofit at 941-301-3484, email info@islandturtlewatch. com or go online to islandturtlewatch.com.

For more on nesting season and the Tour de Turtles, see page 18.

Suzi fox, center, gives a lesson in 2017 on the beach to passersby as amitW conducts a nest excavation to determine how many hatchlings made it from the nest to the shore and the gulf of mexico. islander file Photo

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Wednesday, July 12

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

ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout July, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibit, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Last Saturdays through Aug. 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Downtown Bradenton Public Market, Old Main Street. Information: 941-3018445.

Through Sept. 2, Thursday-Saturday, Laser Light Nights musical shows, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Through Sept. 3, “Eco Engineers” exhibit, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

Through Sept. 4, “Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling. org.

Through Oct. 15, “Lorna Bieber: Natural World,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

“Caught in the Storm: 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes” exhibit, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org.

First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com.

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

SAVE THE DATE

Oct. 3-May 7, Anna Maria Farmers Market, Anna Maria. Oct. 7, Florida Maritime Museum Cortez Nautical Flea Market, Cortez.

Nov. 4, the Bash at the Bishop: A Celestial Affair, Bradenton.

Library book club to meet

The Island Time Book Club will discuss Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends with Us” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 12.

Hoover is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of 24 novels and novellas that fall into the “new adult” and “young adult” contemporary romance categories, as well as psychological thrillers.

The author’s website describes “It Ends With Us” as a “standalone contemporary romance novel.”

The library is at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the branch at 941-7786341.

KIDS & FAMILY

ON AMI

Thursday, July 6

10 a.m. — “Bubble Show with Big Idea Entertainment” special program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Friday, July 7

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

Saturday, July 8

10 a.m. — Origami Club Festival, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

First Wednesdays, “SOAR in 4” family night, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

Second Saturdays, Quest for kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Oct. 21, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest, Anna Maria.

LESSONS & LEARNING

ON AMI

Wednesday, July 12

2 p.m. — Journal writing class, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ON AMI

Thursday, July 6

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

ONGOING ON AMI

Saturday — July 29, Aug. 26 in the summer — 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATE

July 17, Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club meeting, Holmes Beach.

July 22, Anna Maria Island Privateers-Drift In Christmas in July party, Bradenton Beach.

July 26, Suncoast Waterkeeper’s World Mangrove Day Celebration and Happy Hour, Perico Island.

SPORTS & GAMES

ONGOING ON AMI

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

Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Through Sept. 3, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-7473031.

Saturdays, 7 a.m., Robinson Runners run, walk stroll, Robinson Preserve NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, crystal.scherer@ mymanatee.org, mymanatee.org.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

ONGOING ON AMI

Fourth Wednesdays through August, 7 a.m., Manatee Audubon Society “Birds and Breakfast,” at various locations. Information: 941592-7622.

OFF AMI

Saturday, July 8

9 a.m. — Solar Astronomy at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

Monday, July 10

6:30 p.m. — Sunset Tai Chi at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

Aug. 26, Women’s Equality Day.

Sept. 4, Labor Day.

Sept. 10, Grandparents Day.

Sept. 11, Patriot Day.

Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out. Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season. Be prepared.

GET LISTED

Send listings for the calendar and announcements for Island Happenings to calendar@islander.org.

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

Island happenings

Movie matinee

“mrs. Harris goes to Paris” will entertain attendees of the Summer movie program at 1 p.m. monday, July 10, at the Paradise center for Healthy Living. admission is free for members and $15 for guests. the center is at 546 Bay isles road, Longboat Key. for more, call 941-383-6493. islander courtesy Photo

Community center summer camps, classes continue in July

Stage set for drama camp

As kids’ summer vacation enters a final act, the Center of Anna Maria Island’s drama camp begins.

Camp dates are July 17-20 and July 24-27, followed by performances at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 27, and 6 p.m. Friday, July 28.

Kids must be registered by Thursday, July 13.

Camp, taught by Brianna Shaughnessy, is open to kids as young as kindergarten up to the sixth-grade for the 2023-24 school year.

Campers will learn about film and theater acting, as well as the auditioning process.

The cost to attend is $260 for members, $275 for nonmembers.

Robot camp returns

Center campers will learn about robots, coding and more during the mBot Robot Camp to be held 9 a.m.-noon July 17-20.

The camp is for kids ages third- through fi fthgrade.

For those with robots, the cost to attend is $115 for members, $140 for nonmembers.

For those also purchasing a robot, the cost is $265 for members, $305 for nonmembers.

Registration for the camp is required by Thursday, July 13.

One-day babysitting camp offered

The center also is offering a babysitting class as a one-day summer camp.

An announcement from the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, said campers ages 11-17 will learn “everything they need to know for safe and successful babysitting — from getting started with a business to

Remember: July 4 parade

The Anna Maria Island Privateers annual July 4 parade was set to begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, after The Islander went to press.

The parade was to travel north on the island to City Pier Park in Anna Maria.

Also, there were no permitted fireworks displays planned in AMI for the holiday.

For coverage of the parade, turn to The Islander’s July 12 issue.

Waterkeeper celebrating World Mangrove Day

working with parents and children to key safe, caregiving.”

The class will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, July 19.

The cost is $85 for members and $100 for nonmembers. Registration is required by Thursday, July 13.

Campers to go to the net

Get skilled to bump, set, spike.

The center’s volleyball camp will run July 24-27 in the gym.

Camp is open to kids in fifth- to ninth-grades.

The cost for camp is $100 for members and $125 for nonmembers.

Registration is required by Thursday, July 20.

Fishing camp: July 24-27

The center’s annual fishing camp will be July 24-27 at island fishing piers, with separate programs for two age groups.

The age groups are kindergarten to second-grade and third- to fifth-grade.

The cost for the camp is $70 for members and $90 for nonmembers.

The center offers reduced fees for some campers.

Registration is required by Thursday, July 20. For more information about summer camps, call the center at 941-778-1908.

KMB plans tree giveaway

Keep Manatee Beautiful plans to give trees away to AMI residents Monday-Tuesday July 17-18. The event — when people can collect a pigeon plum, thatch palm or silver buttonwood for planting — will be at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach. Hours will be noon-5 p.m. July 17 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 18.

For more, call KMB at 941-795-8272.

Odd Duck Designs Shop

Suncoast Waterkeeper will toast the benefits of mangroves during a happy hour near the shore of Anna Maria Sound.

The nonprofit will celebrate World Mangrove Day 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, at Floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar, 12332 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island.

The event will include remarks about training, Suncoast Waterkeeper’s mission to monitor and promote water quality, music and raffles.

For reservations, email executivedirector@ suncoastwaterkeeper.org.

For more information about the organization, go online to suncoastwaterkeeper.org or call 239222-2243.

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander.org.

CLOSING IN JULY.

Island happenings

Privateers award $7,50 in scholarships

Some local students were batting 500 June 30 at LECOM Park in Bradenton.

During a Minor League Baseball game between the Bradenton Marauders and the Clearwater Threshers, the Anna Maria Island Privateers presented the 2023-24 scholarship awards.

Each year around July 4, the nonprofit dedicated to “kids and community” presents scholarships to college-bound students.

The past couple of years, the scholars took the field during “Crewe Night” at the ballpark.

For 2023-24, the Privateers awarded $7,500 in scholarships, including:

• $500 each to new scholars Demi Lance, Jessica Burdette and Isabella Pasquale of Bradenton and Laila Singer of Holmes Beach. Lance, Burdette and Pasquale will attend the University of Florida and Singer will attend the University of North Florida.

Summer show

• $750 each to renewed scholars Carissa Bailey of Bradenton, Keile O’Dell of Palmetto and Gabe French of Parrish.

29 to the anna maria theater, 10009 gulf drive, for a documentary about the nonprofit group, the theater building and florida history. the evening included two screenings of the film by grey matter Studio, a reception and raffle prizes. islander Photos:

mark Shoemaker with the island Players

Players doc gets premiere, goes live

Two audiences attended June 29 screenings of a documentary about the history of the Island Players theater and group from seats in the community playhouse in Anna Maria.

Now people also can view “The Anna Maria Island Players,” created by Grey Matters Studios, from any location with an internet connection.

The documentary directed by Lucas Piety and filmed by Derin George can be watched at greymattersfilm.com and on the GreyMatterStudios channel on YouTube.

Bailey received the Theresa Kunze Sandpiper Memorial Scholarship and attends the University of Florida.

O’Dell received the Drift In/AMI Scholarship and attends Southeastern University.

French also received a Drift In Scholarship and attends the University of Central Florida.

• “First Responders” scholarships of $500 went to Courtney Bauer of Parrish, planning a career in medicine and studying at the University of South Florida; and Sarah Tillman of Bradenton, planning a career in nursing and studying at the State College of Florida.

The nonprofit also awarded $500 to Manatee Technical College for fire training and $500 for police training and $1,250 to the Early Learning Coalition.

The Privateers host fundraisers throughout the year to boost their scholarship awards, including one July event in Bradenton Beach.

The Privateers will celebrate Christmas in July with Santa Claus and supper.

The nonprofit will gather at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 22, at the Drift In lounge, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach.

Plans include a raffle for a $300 liquor basket, a lotto and a “sampler buffet” supper and visits with Santa.

The cost per person for supper will be $10.

For more information, call the bar at 941-7789088.

— Lisa neff

an island Players audience gathers in the anna maria community theater June 29 for a screening of a documentary about the nonprofit and the playhouse. the film was featured earlier this year at the Sarasota film festival.

welcomes people June

Lisa neff

Laura morales, left, of the island Players and ellen devine of the offstage Ladies of the island Players distribute playbills and sell raffle tickets June 29 at the “premiere” of a documentary about the theater.

Lucas Piety, left, and derin george of grey matter Studios answer questions about the island Players documentary they made.

AME PTO launches 2023-24 sponsorships, fundraising drive

The Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization is banking on former students still striving to earn their stars — or starfish.

Through Aug. 1, the PTO is seeking sponsors for the new academic year, which begins Aug. 10 for students.

“It is our hope that this new program streamlines our donation requests for area businesses so we are not asking for donations multiple times per school year,” read an appeal from the PTO.

Sponsors, depending on their commitment, earn dolphins, starfish and turtles.

In past years, the PTO raised funds for celebrations and programs, as well as to buy supplies, furniture and equipment and pay for student field trips.

PTO contributions are tax-deductible.

Sponsorship levels are:

• Dolphin, above $5,000;

‘Fly little birdie’

teacher Kelly Stewart, center, shares a moment at the School for constructive Play, 6608 marina drive, Holmes Beach, with kids and teacher gracie Lewis. Stewart’s relocating in early July to california. about Stewart’s move, ScP owner Pam Bertrand told the islander June 30: “i have had her since she was a baby. it’s like having one my own children move very far away. We want to wish the best but always know this is home and door is always open! fly little birdie.” islander courtesy

• Starfish, $2,500-$5,000;

• Turtle, $500-$2,500.

AME PTO president Jen Serra said the campaign helps the PTO fund efforts with only one ask for funding but also provides “more robust opportunities” for businesses to be highlighted at events.

The organization also seeks in-kind contributions, especially to help with organizing a breakfast welcoming new families at the school and the annual fall festival, as well as teacher appreciation week and student read-a-thons and walk-a-thons.

To become a sponsor, go online to amepto.org/ ame-sponsor.

For more information, contact the PTO at amepto@ gmail.com, go online to amepto.org or call the school at 941-708-5525.

AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

— Lisa neff

On the board for 2023-24

Officers for the 2023-24 Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization board were sworn in May 10 at the final board meeting of the 2022-23 school year.

The board includes: AME-PTO president Jen Serra, vice president Caroline Liebfried, secretary Morgan Blackburn and treasurer Jamie Hinckle. They begin their duties this month.

The PTO website is at amepto.org.

the sponsorship chart. What businesses will achieve dolphin, starfish and turtle status? islander Screenshot

AME Calendar

• Wednesday, Aug. 2, teacher workday.

• Thursday, Aug. 10, first day of 2023-24 for students.

• Monday, Sept. 4, Labor Day, no school.

AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

Photo

Gathering

By Lisa neff

Gloria Dei reads ‘Holy Envy’

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church’s next book discussion — held via Zoom — will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 17.

The discussion will focus on Barbara Brown Taylor’s “Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others.”

Taylor is a writer, Episcopal priest and retired college teacher.

For more information about participating in the discussion, go online to gloriadeilutheran.com.

For more information about the church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, call 941-778-1813.

GDL collects shoes

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church launched its annual shoe collection for Project Heart, providing kids with shoes for the new school year.

New shoes can be donated mornings, SundayThursday, this month.

A notice from the church read, “This collection of new shoes gives kids facing housing transition a chance to put a good foot forward in the upcoming school year. All sizes are needed, especially teens.”

For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-1813.

Off-season hours set at store

The Lord’s Warehouse operated by the Longboat Island Chapel is on “off-season” hours.

The thrift store, 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, is open 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Wednesday and Saturday through August.

For more information, call the shop at 941-3834738.

Tidings compiled by Lisa

ON AMI

neff

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

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m., followed by life group.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Youth Summer activities; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

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

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

Ongoing: Most Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s breakfast.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com.

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship.

Ongoing: First Sundays, food bank collections; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., women’s social gathering.

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

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

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

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 2:45 p.m., July 21, Aug. 9, Golfing for God, Bradenton; Wednesdays through Aug. 30, 1 p.m., GriefShare; Tuesdays, 2 p.m., women’s book study.

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

GoodDeeds

AMI families invited to backpack giveaway

A local church is holding a back-to-school special.

Island families and the families of those in the island workforce are invited to join in a backpack giveaway 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

The backpacks, offered to families who need support, will be stuffed with school supplies donated by church and community members.

Also, some footwear will be handed out and organizations offering family-oriented services will have representatives at the event, including Turning Points, Project Heart, Our Father’s House, the Early Learning Coalition and Pace for Girls.

For more information, contact Pat Fraser at pfraser@cecb.church or 941-747-3709.

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

Ongoing: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m., Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession.

OFF AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Women’s Bible Study; Mondays, 9 a.m., Men’s Bible Study.

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

SPECIAL DATES & EVENTS

July 17, 10:30 a.m., Gloria Dei book discussion via Zoom.

Sept. 15, Rosh Hashanah.

Sept. 24, Yom Kippur.

GET LISTED, CHANGE LISTINGS

Seasons change and so do schedules. Please, send listings and/or changes in worship calendars and other events to calendar@ islander.org.

Assistance offered on AMI

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

• AID offers help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Information: 941-725-2433.

Assistance sought on AMI

• Wildlife Inc. rescue and rehab in Bradenton Beach seeks help feeding and tending to injured animals. Information: 941-778-6342.

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals, as well as assist with technology. Info: 941-345-2441. — Lisa neff

Local wildlife rehabilitator gaining strength at home for next hurdle

By robert anderson islander reporter

Bradenton Beach wildlife rescuer Ed Straight is back home and recovering after a lengthy medical rehabilitation.

Straight spent five weeks in the hospital after going to Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton with complaints of difficulty breathing. He was found in need of a pacemaker, a course of dialysis and a heart-valve replacement.

Wife Gail Straight told The Islander June 28 that her husband had been home for a few days after doctors extended his rehabilitation at HCA Florida Blake Hospital Inpatient Rehabilitation facility to make sure his kidneys were functioning better.

After an infusion of blood, Straight’s hematocrit levels were back to acceptable levels and he went home.

He is now recovering enough strength for valve-

replacement surgery this month.

“I am getting my strength back,” Ed Straight told The Islander June 28. “I don’t want to overdo it. Every day I try to do a little more.”

The Straights are known in Manatee and surrounding counties for their work running Wildlife Inc. from their home in Bradenton Beach. Founded in 1987, Wildlife Inc. is the largest rehabilitation and rescue center in Manatee County.

Ed Straight, after a career with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, also has been active in local politics, including serving as a Bradenton Beach commissioner.

And while he rehabs, the work goes on.

Wildlife Inc. volunteer Krista Carpenter said the rescue has seen a higher number of animals this year than year’s previous, with more than 1,624 animals as of June 26.

That day the rescue was housing six deer, several

yellow-crowned night herons, a kettle of hawks, baby wood storks and other wildlife.

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events.

Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander.org.

Stray cat struggle

By ryan Paice

islander reporter

Islanders address rising stray cat population

An explosion has occurred on Anna Maria Island.

But this explosion is less like “boom” and more like “prrrrrrrr.”

Some islanders, including Holmes Beach residents Katie Mae Hart and Amy Tobin, as well as Anna Maria resident Binky Rogers, told The Islander they’ve been doing their best to address a growing issue: an “exploding” stray cat population.

Their efforts recently involved the rescue of two strays, one of which gave birth to a six-kitten litter and remained in Hart’s care as of June 23.

Rogers rescued the first stray, a male named Tom Tom and an unnamed female that were found living under a property along Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach.

Rogers had been looking after the cats for more than a year by feeding them and getting them fixed.

However, when the property they lived under became a vacation rental unit, increased activity there led the cats to journey out more frequently, according to Rogers.

She brought them to Hart April 30 due to concerns they could be hit by traffic on Gulf Drive.

While the female cat escaped Hart’s lanai — where she keeps the rescued cats since she has six indoor cats — Tom Tom was joined by another not soon after.

Tobin told The Islander June 14 that she saw a Facebook post by a Flamingo Cay resident about a kitten and its mother up for adoption, with the adult cat pregnant for a second time.

Tobin adopted the kitten, the only kitten from the mother’s first litter to survive before they were rescued, and brought the mother to Hart May 1.

Hart named the mother Loose Lucy and supervised as Loose Lucy gave birth May 3 to six kittens. Tobin looked after them for about seven weeks before bringing them to the Humane Society of Manatee County, 2515 14th St. W., Bradenton.

Hart told The Islander June 23 that she had hoped to supervise the kittens’ adoption but Loose Lucy was getting too thin to nurse them, so she brought them to the Humane Society.

Hart recently found someone to adopt Tom Tom. So, as of June 23, Lucy was the only rescue that remained in her care.

She said she hoped Loose Lucy would be adopted to a loving home.

“She’s a wonderful cat,” Hart said. “She needs a home. … I just want someone to love her.”

People can contact Hart about adopting Loose Lucy by calling 941-705-7179.

Tom Tom and Loose Lucy’s rescues are only a microcosm of the issue, according to Hart and Tobin.

Tobin, who moved to the area in 2011, said she’s never seen more cats and kittens on the island than she has this year.

“There are so many kittens! Every time I turn around, I feel like there’s another kitten somebody found or tried to help. … I don’t remember this on the island. It’s like an outbreak. And all it takes is a few

Cleanup volunteers called

The city of Holmes Beach will keep a July 4 holiday tradition — and coordinate a post-holiday cleanup Wednesday, July 5.

The city seeks volunteers for a beach cleanup beginning at 9 a.m. at the beach access at 52nd Street, where a cleanup canopy and city staff will welcome people to join the effort.

For more info, call city hall at 941-708-5800.

feral cats.”

Cats reach sexual maturity when they turn four months old, have a gestation period — a successful pregnancy — of two months and have birthed litters of up to 19 kittens at once.

Their rapid breeding cycle can lead to sharp increases in population growth if they are allowed to reproduce without control.

Despite the apparent increase in stray cats on the island, they aren’t exactly welcomed upon arrival, according to Hart.

She said local development and construction was pushing some stray cats and kittens from their shelters and exposing them to vehicle traffic and predators, such as raccoons and coyotes.

Hart said she’d recently found a dead kitten that appeared to have been hit by a motorist and left on a roadway.

a kitten sticks its tongue out while wrestling June 8 with one of five siblings. Some islanders — Holmes Beach residents Katie mae Hart and amy tobin and anna maria resident Binky rogers — say they’ve been doing their best to address a growing issue: an “exploding” stray cat population. People interested in joining the tnr efforts can request a Havahart animal trap, which can be rented from cat depot, 2542 17th St., Sarasota. islander Photos: ryan Paice

“As we have more and more construction, the kittens and momma cats have nowhere to hide, while tom cats aren’t getting fixed,” Hart said.

Hart and Tobin called for island residents to join the Facebook group, “Anna Maria Island Friends,” so they could organize a community-wide trap, neuter and return — “TNR” — program to manage the island’s stray cat population.

Tobin said she participated in such a program when she lived in the village of Cortez, which at one point struggled with stray cats after someone released 11 unfixed cats in the area.

She said a group of neighbors combined efforts to TNR all but one of the cats, which kept the oncegrowing population to a minimum.

“We don’t have this problem that I’m now seeing on the island everywhere,” Tobin said. “I just feel like the people out here have to do something. … Even if you can’t take the cat into your home, we can at least stop them from multiplying.”

Hart recommended people interested in joining their TNR efforts get a Havahart animal trap, which can be rented from Cat Depot, 2542 17th St., Sarasota.

The traps can be baited with food and automatically close when an animal, such as a stray cat, takes the bait.

People can then take the animals to the Humane Society of Manatee County, Cat Depot, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Lakeland and the Gulf Shore Animal League in Bradenton to get the animals dewormed, vaccinated and spayed/neutered.

four kittens from a litter of six scramble June 8 on a cat tree at a home on ami

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Go Suzi, go

By robert anderson islander reporter

It was a turtle crawl for science.

Cheers of hundreds of people rang out June 27 as members of the Sea Turtle Conservancy, working with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, released a female loggerhead sea turtle at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

Onlookers lined the sand in a V shape to guide the turtle to the water.

“This is my very first time seeing it,” said Bradenton resident Rachael Thurmond. “It was just so beautiful and so magical.”

The turtle had nested overnight and was then outfitted with a satellite transmitter to collect migratory data.

“Suzi,” as the turtle was nicknamed, was released to hurrahs from hundreds of people who went to the beach to observe.

The turtle’s crawl to the Gulf took close to five minutes.

“I think it was awesome, seeing the turtle go out,” said Caleb Jameson, a volunteer for Longboat Key Turtle Watch who attended the event. “They really only tag one a year. So getting the opportunity to come over here and see it go out is kind of a special and unique opportunity.”

The turtle is named Suzi in honor of the late AMITW director Suzi Fox, who died Sept. 30, 2022.

“We’re definitely excited to dedicate this to Suzi’s memory,” Kristen Mazzarella, executive director of AMITW, said at the event. “She’s a pretty big girl and we’re excited to see whether or not she will come back to lay at this beach.”

AMITW has coordinated conservation efforts for more than 30 years along the Manatee County shoreline. In three decades, the group has monitored more than 7,300 turtles, according to the AMITW website.

The STC, a nonprofit founded in 1959 by Joshua Powers, is a conservation group headquartered in Gainesville that promotes the protection of sea turtles around the world through research and educational events.

Dan Evans, senior research biologist for STC, said Suzi nested at Coquina the night before the tagging.

“After she was done nesting, we captured her,” Evans said. “This morning we have attached a satellite transmitter and the idea is to find out were she’s going to find food.”

Evans said the data from the transmitter will establish migratory pathways sea turtles use to get to foraging grounds.

“Every year we add new individuals to that data set so we can look at areas that need to be protected or international areas that we need an agreement with to try and protect their feeding grounds,” Evans said.

According to the STC website, loggerheads live their life in the water and only come ashore to nest.

They are highly migratory, often traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles between the beaches where they lay their eggs and the feeding grounds where they spend much of their time.

Suzi’s tracker will relay data to scientists as part of the STC’s Tour de Turtles.

The research initiative, started in 2008, is a data study of the science, research and geography of sea turtle migration using satellite telemetry.

Scheduled to begin Aug. 1, Tour de Turtles will track individual sea turtles for approximately three months as they leave their respective nesting beaches and race to complete a “turtle” marathon.

Educational migration maps will show the turtle movements and locations, allowing people to observe as researchers discover where Suzi nests on land and swims in water.

The STC is locally sponsored by nonprofit Coastal Wildlife Club and Waterline Villas & Marina in Holmes Beach.

To follow Suzi, go online to tourdeturtles.org and click on the link for “Turtle Tracker.”

For more information on Sea Turtle Conservancy, go online to conserveturtles.org

For more information on AMITW, go online to islandturtlewatch.com.

onlookers June 27 cheer and record videos and photos of Suzi as the loggerhead returns to the water after nesting and a night of observation and science — prep for the marathon tour de turtles. the release was at 8:30 a.m. at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

Sea turtle Suzi treks toward the gulf among a cheering crowd.

Left: Layla, 6, an ame student, attends the turtle release with her dad, capt. david White, a fishing guide, who has rescued a few sea turtles in his time on the water. as the turtle reached them in the crowd, it raised its head, almost as if to look toward Layla, and as Suzi passed, Layla told her dad (amid giggles), “Look at the tiny tail!” He told Layla that’s how he knows a female from a male sea turtle. females have a tiny tail. the fishing captain said Layla, the oldest of three daughters, was the happiest he’d ever seen her, bringing tears to his eyes. His video of the event can be viewed at islander.org. islander Photos: david White

rigHt: Sea turtle Suzi is tagged and awaits release.

Suzi reaches her goal, the gulf of mexico. islander Photos: robert anderson

islander Photos: robert anderson

Trespasser arrested, found possessing meth

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Englewood resident David Laskowski, 54, June 24 on a third-degree felony for allegedly possessing methamphetamine, a controlled substance.

Laskowski also was charged with two first-degree misdemeanors for trespassing after a warning and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana.

An officer found Laskowski walking around the concession area at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, at about 4 a.m. — after closing hours — looking into the windows of closed businesses.

The officer approached Laskowski, who said he was looking for a water fountain but “was acting very strange and suspicious,” according to a police report.

The offi cer issued a verbal trespass warning to Laskowski, who left the area without an issue.

However, at about 10:43 p.m. later June 24, the officer responded to a Manatee County parks employee’s call about an intoxicated man sitting on a countyowned all-terrain vehicle and refusing to leave.

The officer found the complainant, who provided a sworn statement and pointed to the intoxicated man, identified as Laskowski.

The offi cer arrested Laskowski for trespassing at the beach after receiving a warning and searched the man, finding two plastic bags containing a white crystal substance and one bag containing a green leafy substance.

The officer transported Laskowski to the Holmes Beach Police Department for processing.

There, the offi cer tested the substances, which tested positive for meth and marijuana. The substances were placed in HBPD storage.

The officer then transported Laskowski to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody under $2,500 bond as of June 29.

If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony charge includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000.

Punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor includes up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Assistant public defender Vanessa Ayala filed a not guilty plea and demanded a jury trial June 27 on behalf of Laskowski.

An arraignment will be at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

By robert anderson and ryan Paice

Island police reports

Anna Maria

June 21, 500 block of North Shore Drive, burglary. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint from a homeowner who alleged someone attempted to break into their unoccupied home. The complainant said he found a back gate open and the lock to a door broken. A case number was assigned and an incident report filed.

June 28, 100 block of Mangrove Avenue, stolen vehicle. An MCSO deputy responded to a complaint from a homeowner who said someone stole a motorcycle from their residence. A case number was assigned and an incident report filed.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach

June 24, 2650 Gulf Drive South, Coquina Beach Cafe, trespass. MCSO deputies responded to a call concerning a trespass. A complainant said a woman was attempting to camp near the restaurant bathroom. Deputies contacted the woman and issued a trespass warning. An incident report was filed.

June 25, 1900 block of Gulf Drive South, indecent exposure. An officer from the Bradenton Beach Police Department was dispatched to a call concerning the inappropriate touching of a minor by a woman who exposed herself at Coquina Beach. The officer contacted the complainants, who wanted to press charges. The woman denied the allegations. A capias request was filed and the woman was trespassed from Cortez and Coquina beaches.

The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach

June 21, 400 block of 80th Street, disturbance. Two officers from the Holmes Beach Police Department responded to reports of a domestic disturbance involving a woman who locked herself and her daughter inside a room in fear of her fiance. The officers detained the fiance and entered to escort out the caller. She told police they had gotten into an argument and he had yelled at her but did not threaten her or physically harm her. The officers issued case cards to both parties and stayed while the caller collected her belongings so she and her daughter could stay with a friend.

June 22, 6400 block of Flotilla Drive, criminal mischief. An officer met with a complainant who said someone keyed his vehicle, causing about $4,000 in

damage. The complainant suspected the vandalism may be related to harassment from elderly residents in his complex. The officer advised seeking legal counsel.

June 23, 3200 block of East Bay Drive, marijuana/ paraphernalia. An officer conducted a traffic stop on a motorist driving a vehicle with an expired registration. The officer spoke to the vehicle’s occupants, smelled marijuana inside and saw a medical marijuana container in a cup holder. A passenger said he had a medical marijuana license but the officer learned via databases that he did not. The officer detained the passenger and searched the vehicle, finding a pipe and empty THC prescription gel package, in addition to the container he’d spotted earlier, which contained marijuana. The officer cited the passenger with possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and possession of prescription medication without a prescription. He issued a court summons.

June 23, 300 block of 66th Street, 0.02 violation. An officer used his radar to clock a motorist driving 45 mph in a 25-mph zone and conducted a traffic stop. On speaking to the 18-year-old female driver, the officer could smell alcohol from inside the vehicle. The driver said she’d had a couple of drinks before driving. The officer asked for breath samples, which she agreed to provide, that resulted in readings of 0.053 and 0.048 grams of alcohol per milliliter of blood. The officer issued the driver an 0.02 violation and citation for speeding, and her father responded to the scene to drive her home.

June 24, 3900 block of Sixth Avenue, 0.02 violation. An officer saw a motorist ahead swerve over double yellow lines between traffic lanes, then begin driving over the speed limit. The officer conducted a traffic stop and smelled alcohol from inside the vehicle. The 19-year-old male driver had glassy eyes, a slow response time and said he may have had a drink before driving, so the officer asked for him to complete field sobriety exercises. The driver completed the exercises but the officer couldn’t determine if he was impaired, so he asked for breath samples. The driver provided two samples with readings of 0.168 and 0.172 grams of alcohol per milliliter of blood. The officer issued the driver an 0.02 violation and a citation for failing to maintain a traffic lane. A family friend responded to take the driver home.

The HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

HBPD arrests Bradenton resident on 5 felonies

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Anthony Gibson, 27, of Bradenton, June 26 on three second-degree felony charges for possession of a concealed firearm while committing a felony, possession of a concealed firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm by convicted felon.

Gibson also was charged with two third-second felony charges for possession of a concealed firearm and possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana.

Two officers were stationed in the parking lot of Walgreens, 3200 E. Bay Drive, around 10 p.m. and saw a motorist enter the lot, park and turn off the vehicle’s lights.

The officers smelled “the strong odor of fresh marijuana” and, since the motorist was the only other one in the parking lot, they began driving toward the motorist, according to a police report.

The motorist started to drive away but the officers conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the vehicle’s occupants, including a driver and two passengers, with Gibson in the backseat.

The officers asked about the marijuana odor and the

New patrol power

the Bradenton Beach Police department’s new Pathfinder patrol boat is trailered June 27 at the station. the 24-foot center console, outfitted with a 250-horsepower Yamaha, is the same model as used locally by the florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission patrol officers. BBPd’s patrol boat was in service for almost 30 years, including policing the derelict vessel removal program. due to the age of the boat, the BBPd pursued and received a $120,000 grant from the West coast inland navigation district.

occupants said they had recently smoked a “blunt.”

Gibson and an officer had walked to the police vehicle so the officer could confirm his information, when the other officer saw a large bag containing a leafy green substance on the ground outside the vehicle. The substance tested positive as marijuana.

An officer detained Gibson, who “had just walked right through the area where the marijuana was located,” and confi rmed that he had a medical marijuana card but no active prescription for the substance.

Gibson told police the marijuana was not his and the driver had tossed the bag out of the window when they were stopped. The vehicle’s other two occupants said the marijuana was Gibson’s.

One of the occupants said Gibson, who did not have a concealed weapons license, had given her a handgun and told her to hide it before the police approached the vehicle.

She said she hid the gun under the front passenger seat, where the officers found the firearm on a second search.

Gibson told police the gun belonged to the accuser.

The officers arrested Gibson and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $25,500 bond.

If convicted, punishment for a second-degree felony charge includes up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation and a fine of up to $10,000.

Punishment for a third-degree felony charge includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000.

An arraignment will be at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Island trolley involved in Bradenton Beach crash

Three people were injured and a Manatee County Area Transit driver cited in connection with a crash at 10:53 p.m. June 22 that involved a trolley and passenger car in Bradenton Beach.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Cortez Road West in Bradenton Beach.

An MCAT driver was going south on Gulf Drive and a Ford Focus motorist was traveling north on Gulf Drive to the intersection with Cortez Road, according to a Bradenton Beach Police Department.

The Focus driver proceeded into the intersection under a solid green light, according to BBPD Lt. Lenard Diaz, who said the trolley driver began a left turn onto Cortez Road, into the path of the Focus. BBPD and Manatee County Emergency Medical Services responded to the crash.

Three people in the Focus were injured and transported by EMS to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.

On the trolley, neither the driver nor two passengers were injured, according to Diaz.

The trolley driver was cited for failing to yield.

The status of the passengers in the Focus was not known June 30.

— robert anderson

islander Photo: robert anderson

Work slows on Cortez preserve improvement timeline

By robert anderson islander reporter

High contractor demand forced an extended timeline for improvements to the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage Preserve in Cortez.

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program staff scientist Jay Leverone told The Islander June 29 that the project will not be completed until this month or in August, as opposed to an original timeline of June.

“There was a slow-down for a couple of weeks here,” Leverone said.

He said the project slowed as the contractor, EarthBalance, juggled multiple projects.

The initial phases involved removing and disposing of unwanted vegetative matter from underground, such as stumps, roots, buried logs and other debris on the preserve, which serves as a buffer to development for the Cortez fishing village and a conservation of environmentally sensitive land for Sarasota Bay.

“They’ve completed all the grubbing and clearing,” Leverone said of the work crews, which now are focused on surveying and grading the land, as well as removing the dirt excavated during creation of a new wetland area.

Once the surveying and grading is completed, con-

Washed up, tipsy near the bridge a vessel leans June 26, tethered to the shore between tide tables restaurant, 12507 cortez road W., cortez, and the cortez Bridge. florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission personnel helped secure the boat after it slipped its anchor and ran aground. islander

tractors will plant marsh plants and complete a connection for the wetland to flow into the bay.

Leverone said mangroves would naturally fill the area within a year.

FISH, which owns and manages the property, is a nonprofit formed in 1991 for the promotion, education and preservation of Cortez.

SBEP and FISH also are partnering with the Southwest Florida Water Management District to mitigate

Heavy equipment works in the background June 26 near a sign marking a florida institute for Saltwater Heritage Preserve project funded by the federal Bipartisan infrastructure Law. the project at 11655 cortez road W., cortez, is being overseen by the Sarasota Bay estuary Program. islander

drainage and filtration issues from neighboring Sarasota Bay RV Park, 10777 Cortez Road W., Bradenton.

Plans for water from the RV park to run through the wetland of mangroves will create natural filtration and keep pollutant-rich water from the bay, according to Leverone.

He said in the past rainwater from the park overflowed and went across a parking lot directly into the bay.

“I’m hoping they will be done by the end of July, certainly by the end of August,” Leverone said.

The SBEP focuses on improving water quality, increasing wildlife habitat and enhancing natural resources of the area for use by the public.

The preserve project is funded by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is providing $8.3 billion for reclamation water, infrastructure projects over five years to advance drought resilience and expand access to clean water in the United States.

Leverone said 28 estuary programs around the country are utilizing money from the act for environmental projects.

The FISH project is the first in the nation to be constructed with the BIL funds, Leverone said.

Leverone said a ribbon-cutting ceremony is being planned for November to open the new wetland portion of the preserve.

Photo: robert anderson

Photo: courtesy Brad Young

Holmes Beach resets planning commission seats

By ryan Paice islander reporter

A couple of new faces are joining the Holmes Beach planning commission.

City commissioners unanimously voted June 27 to reappoint planning commissioners Gale Tedhams and Lisa Pierce, as well as assign alternate commissioner Steven Oelfke to a full-time role on the board.

The city commission also voted to appoint residents James Harrison and Joseph Ireland as alternates on the seven-member advisory board that reviews proposed ordinances for consistency with the city comprehensive plan.

The board recently finished reviewing the plan and has begun updating the municipality’s land development code.

Four planning commissioners’ three-year terms were set to expire July 1, including the seats held by Tedhams, Pierce and Dana Krupa, as well as alternate commissioner Deb Sneddon.

Tedhams and Pierce applied for reappointment but Krupa informed the city he would not seek reappoint-

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• City center in Holmes Beach: Work on the city’s project near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives is not concluded. Traffic patterns can change. For the latest, check the city’s page on Facebook.

Also, Manatee County’s work on a force main project continues in the city center area. As of July 1, the status was “The contractor is preparing to lay new asphalt just north of the business district.” For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

• Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach : Manatee County is relocating and replacing sewer lines along Gulf Drive from Sixth Street South to 11th Street South, as well as on side streets. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

— Lisa neff

ment after four years on the board in a June 23 email to city clerk Stacey Johnston.

Sneddon applied for reappointment but asked city commissioners to consider other applicants in a May 30 email.

“I would be happy to continue with my appointment if there is no one more qualified to serve,” Sneddon wrote. “However, as much as I do love Holmes Beach (and that is a lot of love), I would be remiss in not stepping aside to make space for someone who has the background to fully participate in a way that Holmes Beach deserves.”

Three residents applied to join the planning commission, including Harrison, a retired police detective; Ireland, a retired information systems professional; and also Mark Hebden, a retired architect.

Commission Chair Carol Soustek, who serves as a liaison to the planning commission, recommended reappointing Tedhams and Pierce. She also recommended they promote Oelfke from alternate to full-

time due to his display of commitment to the board.

Commissioners agreed and unanimously voted on motions to approve her recommendations.

Next, commissioners nominated candidates to fill the two open alternate spots.

Harrison received nominations from three commissioners, the most of any applicant, and was automatically voted to serve the planning commission as the first alternate.

Ireland and Sneddon received two nominations each, while Hebdon only one. So commissioners took a vote to decide which of Ireland or Sneddon would be second alternate.

Commissioners voted 4-1 to appoint Ireland as the second alternate.

Soustek voted in support of Sneddon.

The planning commission will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

People can watch a live stream of the meeting on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.

Screening for ice cream

“We’re gearing up for the fourth,” island Scoops employee erin mcaleer says June 29 as she takes a photo of an ice cream sundae for a post on the store’s social media accounts. mcaleer has worked on social media for island Scoops, 103B gulf drive n., and island donuts, 110 Bridge St., for four years. Both stores are owned by Walter Loos. islander Photo: robert anderson

Look online for the islander at the uoff florida newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Football, soccer, golf and horseshoes top end of June on AMI

By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

After three weeks of action in the adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Luxury Services stands on top with a perfect 3-0 record, just ahead of Moss Builders, Salty Printing and Sandbar Restaurant — all at 2-1.

cassidy

Cortez Deep Sea Fishing, Gulf Drive Cafe and Solid Rock Construction follow at 1-2, while Banks Home Lending is in search of a victory.

Action June 29 kicked off with Cortez Deep Sea Fishing taking on Gulf Drive Cafe. After a slow offensive start for both teams — the score was 7-7 with 6:59 left to play in the first half — the floodgates opened. Cortez Fishing went on to win 41-39 behind six touchdown passes from Matt Manger, including three to Anthony Mannino who had a game-high 19 receptions. Anthony McCance and Ava Zink each added a pair of touchdown grabs and an extra point for Cortez Fishing, which also received a pair of extra points from Cole Carter in the victory.

Dominick Otteni threw five touchdown passes to lead Gulf Drive Cafe, which also received a touchdown pass from Steven Pavina. Pavina, Kiatrell Zach-

ary and Dallas Buchholz each finished with a pair of touchdown catches in the loss.

The second game of the night saw Salty Printing cruise to a 39-18 victory over Banks Home Lending behind a strong all-around game from Zaon Williams. Williams ran for three TDs while also adding a TD pass and a TD reception. Bobby McMillan added a TD pass while Brandon Rolland chipped in a touchdown grab, an extra point and a pick six on defense in the victory.

Cruz Rodriguez paced Banks Home Lending with three touchdown passes, including two to Sequiel Marintez. Melissa Acevedo completed the scoring in the loss for Banks with a touchdown catch.

The third game of the night produced an uncommon result — a shutout! Sandbar Restaurant demolished Moss Builders 29-0 behind three touchdown passes by Zachary Routh. Routh connected with Jonathan Soultatos seven times, including two for TDs and also found Ramon Guerrero IV for a TD and an extra point. Cody Allen added a 2-point conversion, while Brad Coleman came through with a sack for a safety

on defense.

The last game of the night saw Luxury Services edge Solid Rock Construction 21-19 behind two touchdown passes and a touchdown run from Chase Richardson. Derrick Carey had an extra-point catch and Alonzo Lemus added a 2-point conversion to complete the scoring in the victory.

Tuna McCracken paced Solid Rock with three touchdown passes, including two to Tyler Brewer. Zachary Long added a touchdown catch and an extra point to complete the scoring for Solid Rock.

Indoor soccer action

After three weeks of action in the youth indoor soccer league at the center, it looks to be a two-horse race in the 8-10 division with Solid Rock Construction on top with a 3-0 record, closely followed by Progressive Cabinetry at 2-1. AMI Dolphin Tours and Intentional Resilient Intuitive follow with matching 0-2-1 records.

The 11-14 division is tightly packed with Coastline West on top at 2-0-1, while Solid Rock Construction is right behind at 1-1-1. Island Vacation Properties and Moss Builders are another point back with 1-2 records.

Action in the 11-14 division got started with Solid Rock outscoring Island Vacation 5-4 behind a hat trick from Wes Saxon. Ryk Kesten added a goal and two assists, while Renan Kesten finished with a goal. Austin Guess helped preserve the victory with 10 saves between the pipes.

Chandler McRae led Island Vacation with two goals and also made seven saves in goal. Alonso Valle also pulled double duty and finished with a goal and seven saves, while Jimmy Melichar completed the scoring with a goal.

Action in the 8-10 division June 28 saw Progressive Cabinetry cruise to an 11-2 victory over Intentional Resilient Intuitive behind five goals and an assist from Max McMaster and three goals and an assist from Kason Price, who also finished with six saves. Rafa Price added two goals and three assists, while Wesley Bekkerus completed the scoring with a goal and an assist in the victory.

Paul ten Haaf scored a pair of goals to lead Intentional Resilient Intuitive, which received an assist from Olivia Wyatt and six saves from Luke Willing.

The last match of the night saw Solid Rock edge AMI Dolphin Tours 4-1 behind Matthew Darak’s two goals and two assists. Samule Raulerson added a pair of goals and Isaac Roadman finished with eight saves in the loss.

Parker Svoboda notched the lone goal for Dolphin Tours, which also received a combined 12 saves from Gunnar Maize and Charlee Maize in the loss.

Key Royale news

Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started June 26 with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match. First place went to Rod Hammonds on a plus-6, one point more than

gulf drive cafe’s Steven Pavina avoids the flag pull of cortez fishing defender anthony mannino June 29 during football action at the center. islander Photo: Kevin P. cassidy

cortez deep Sea fishing’s anthony mannino goes high June 29 in an attempt to catch the ball during adult flag football action at the center of anna maria island. islander Photo: Kevin P. cassidy

PLeaSe, See SPOrtS, neXt Page

July brings heat, mangrove snapper and bullies

By capt. danny Stasny islander reporter

Anna Maria Island anglers are bracing for the heat of summer as they glide into July.

Typically, mangrove snapper capture the spotlight in July. The fish can be found in the Gulf of Mexico around artificial reefs and throughout Tampa Bay and the waters to the south, as they school up around bridges, fishing piers and docks.

You might ask what makes the snapper so popular?

The answers are easy.

For one, they make excellent tablefare.

Secondly, in July they become very targetable, which makes them accessible to most anglers.

And they are fierce adversaries on medium to light spinning gear.

If you can find a fish that’s excellent to eat, caught readily and is super fun to catch, it’s the perfect recipe for an angler.

When targeting snapper, a variety of baits will bring the fi sh to the hook. The abundance of hatch bait —young shiners — is a good option, as mangrove snapper love the small, bite-size morsels.

If you’re not skilled at throwing a cast net to collect the shiners, don’t fret — mangrove snapper will take other offerings.

Live shrimp are a good option. Just plan on carrying a lot of shrimp, as there are many other species — such as pinfish and grunts— that are skilled at nibbling your bait off the hook in seconds.

If you’re fishing nearshore or offshore structure, frozen bait will work. Small pieces of frozen sardines or threadfin herring will attract the snapper to the hook, especially if you add a lot of chum to the water.

As far as rigging goes, you’ll want to experiment with leader and hook sizes to see which will bring on the best action. Mangrove snapper have excellent eyesight and are quite curious. So stealth and rigging is imperative.

SPOrtS from Page 24

second-place finisher Robert Kingan. Jeff Jump took third at plus-3.

The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match June 27 and Helen Pollock had quite the day.

alexa Blosser of noblesville, indiana, is excited over getting a photo with her June 28 catch — a big bull shark she hooked on a chunk of bonita. Blosser is a marine science major who visits anna maria island every year and takes in a fishing trip with capt. david White of anna maria charters.

This is especially important when fishing in the clear shallow waters of the bays and Intracoastal Waterway. You may find instances where you’re scaling down your fluorocarbon leader size as low as 10-pound test. This may seem really light, but sometimes that’s what it takes to properly present a bait without spooking the fish. Combine this with a No. 4 or No. 6 hook when getting down to the nitty-gritty.

If you’re fishing deeper water in the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll probably want to start with fluorocar-

She had a chipin for par on the third hole and followed that up with a chipin birdie on No. 6 on the way to a 3-under-par 29 and a first-place finish.

Jenny Huibers and Terry Westby tied for second place with matching 1-under-par 31s, while Sue Wheeler was another shot back in third.

Members were on the course June 29 for a ninehole scramble. The team of Dave Enick, Jerry Martinek, Terry Schaefer and Bill Shuman matched the 4-under-par 28 carded by the team of Mike Clements, Mike Gillie, Ken Nagengast and Gary Razze to finish in a tie for first place.

bon leader in the 20-pound class, as you may encounter other species, such as juvenile grouper and mackerel.

Also, remember, mangrove snapper must be a minimum of 10 inches in total length to harvest and each angler is allowed a daily bag limit of five fish.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m enjoying targeting catch-and-release snook in the back country. On average, I’m seeing 20-30 snook caught per morning charter.

While targeting the snook, I’m seeing redfish go into the cooler.

Fishing deeper grass flats in the bays is yielding spotted seatrout up to 20 inches, as well as catches of mackerel and jack crevalle. And, finally, we’re picking up a handful of mangrove snapper on our trips.

Capt. David White says he’s catching plenty of mangrove snapper inshore and some larger fish are being caught on the offshore trips.

Targeting catch-and-release snook remains consistent while working in Tampa Bay, where White says casting live shiners along mangroves and sandy beaches is attracting the fish to the hook. Fishing along the beaches also is producing action on sharks — the most frequently caught species being bull sharks. They are being caught on fresh-cut chunks of mackerel.

Lastly, White is seeing action on wahoo while working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. And he is seeing plenty of American red snapper and mangrove snapper while offshore.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria says he’s seeing numerous catch-and-release snook being caught. Baits are varied, although live shrimp, pinfish or mojarras are working. He says it all depends on the day and Tampa Bay.

Mangrove snapper are being caught by anglers using live shrimp as bait.

Finally, Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle are being caught on live shiners and silver spoons at the northernmost pier on Anna Maria Island.

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

News from the AM pits

Neither the heat nor the competition could hold back Tim Sofran and Bob Heiger June 28 at the horseshoe pits in Anna Maria. The duo teamed up to defeat Dom Livedoti and Tom Farrington 22-3 in a playoff to earn the day’s bragging rights.

By chance, Sofran and Heiger were teamed up again for the July 1 games and posted the lone 3-0 record in pool play to again be champs.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.

Play is free and everyone is welcome.

Stasny

tim Softan, left, and Bob Heiger are two for two on the week, making two trips to the winner’s circle — June 28 then again July 1 — at the ami horseshoe competition.

Turtle, trip hazard

a hole several feet deep is left on the shoreline in Holmes Beach, discovered June 20 by Bradenton Beach resident colleen Hallinger. Holes left by beachgoers can harm sea turtles and their hatchlings, which can become stuck and suffer dehydration. they also can pose hazards for people and safety vehicles. Holmes Beach Police chief Bill tokajer told the islander June 28 that beachgoers

should fill in holes they dig on the beach. the chief also said people who find holes on the beach can report them to the city code enforcement department by calling 941778-0331. islander Photo: courtesy colleen Hallinger

By Lisa Neff

Buzz about malaria

Catch the big buzz about locally acquired malaria in the area?

The national story is the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention June 26 issued a health advisory and medical guidance following the confirmation of five locally acquired malaria cases — four in Florida and one in Texas.

Locally acquired malaria — which means the patient contracted malaria in the local area rather than during travel elsewhere — had not occurred in the United States since 2003, when eight cases were identified in Palm Beach County.

The regional story is that the four locally acquired malaria cases in Florida were in Sarasota County.

The local story — and The Islander is all about the local — is that islanders don’t really need to worry about locally acquired malaria on AMI.

“We really don’t think this is going to be transmitted on Anna Maria island or Longboat Key,” Christopher Lesser, director of the Manatee County Mosquito Control District, said June 28.

Oh, there are plenty of mosquitoes on the island but they’re a different type than the species that transmits malaria.

To me and maybe to you, one skeeter looks and

an anopheles freeborni mosquito “pumping blood.” islander Photo: courtesy cdc

bites like another. But the mosquito control team knows an Aedes aegypti from an Anopheles mosquito, the malaria mosquito, which breeds in fresh waters, like swamps, ponds and lakes.

“The mosquito that carries malaria is not one that you are going to see very often on Anna Maria,” Lesser said.

He and his team have fi elded a lot of calls and questions since late spring, when the health department in Manatee issued a warning after confirming the area’s first locally acquired malaria case, involving a patient who lived near the Sarasota-Manatee border, in decades.

Plus, it’s summertime and the start of the rainy season, a period when mosquito control sees an uptick in service requests. “We are getting an increasing number of calls of complaints for mosquitoes out on the island,” Lesser said.

The agency usually dispatches an inspector to a property within 24 hours.

The morning of June 28, one inspector checked five island properties and Lesser said someone probably would be back on AMI the next day.

“For Aedes aegypti, it’s very effective going doorto-door,” Lesser said, in part because the inspector can

a rice’s whale, one of the most endangered whales in the world, surfaces in the gulf. the u.S. government estimates fewer than 100 of the whales remain.

Did you know?

Malaria symptoms include fever, chills, headache, myalgias and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea also may occur.

For most people, symptoms begin 10 days to four weeks after infection, although a person may feel ill as early as seven days or as late as a year after infection.

If not treated promptly, malaria can progress to severe disease — a life-threatening stage, in which mental status changes, seizures, renal failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome and coma may occur.

People suspected of having malaria should be urgently evaluated in a facility that is able to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment within 24 hours of presentation, the CDC said.

The CDC says people should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and control mosquitoes at home.

For more information about precautions and prevention, go online to www.floridahealth.gov.

educate the property owner about ways to reduce mosquito breeding — No. 1 being the removal of anything outdoors that holds water.

Back to the bigger story bringing eyes of the nation on Sarasota-Manatee: The CDC is collaborating on “investigations of locally acquired mosquito-transmitted Plasmodium vivax malaria cases.”

The CDC and state and local partners are monitoring for additional patient cases and mosquito surveillance and control measures have been implemented.

Lesser said the Manatee agency is seeing the species capable of transmitting malaria, mostly in the southwestern part of the county.

In certain areas, they are spraying insecticides to kill adult mosquitoes and larvae.

New rules for Rice’s whale?

a petition is under review at the national oceanic and atmospheric administration, including a proposal to establish vessel speed restrictions to protect the species.

a 2019 map shows the core distribution area for the rice’s whale, which is protected under the u.S. endangered Species act and the marine mammal Protection act. the federal government is reviewing a petition to establish a vessel slowdown zone — 10 knots from Pensacola to south of tampa — and other rules to protect the whale. to read and comment on the proposed rule in the federal register, go online to federalregister.gov and search for 88 fr 20846. islander image: courtesy noaa fisheries

And they are setting traps and aggressively looking for the mosquito but, as of June 28, none of the trapped mosquitoes collected tested positive for malaria.

Request mosquito control

People can request a property check and possible treatment for mosquitoes from the Manatee County Mosquito Control District by going online to www. manateemosquito.com.

‘No Swim’ advisory lifted for causeway beach

The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County lifted June 29 an advisory against swimming at Palma Sola South, the beach on the south side of the Palma Sola Causeway/Manatee Avenue.

Such advisories are issued when contact with the water at a site could make beachgoers sick.

The DOH-Manatee received test results from samples taken June 19 and June 22 that showed elevated levels of enterococci bacteria, which can result in human disease, infections and rashes.

The advisory, issued June 26, remained in effect until the water met federal Environmental Protection Agency safety guidelines.

Other beaches located in Manatee County were not under advisory.

For more, call the health department at 941-7147593 or go online to www.floridahealth.gov.

ITEMS FOR SALE

noritaKe SQuireWood cHina. 12-piece place setting, many extras. $300 or best offer. Like-new. text, 816-721-5525.

Vintage Wedding dreSS and veil for $99. ivory, size 3. text, 816-721-5524.

Piano: BeautifuL VerL wood from england. antique, plays, needs tuning. text, 816721-5524 for picture and price.

crafting BooKS: 15 for $20. 941-7828381, after 2 p.m.

uSed PooL fiLter system, Pentair, core fi lter, $49, beautiful faux fi replace, $49 or best offer, 941-778-5542.

cHair: BLacK, Soft cushion $15/ each and office chair, white, $10. Side tables, brown with glass top. 2/$20. 941920-2494.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc.

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

AdoptA-Pet

Oh, those eyes!

Bella is an 8-year-old mixed-breed lovebug!

She’s neutered and has all vaccinations — ready to meet her new family! Call Lisa Williams at 941-3452441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach. And for more about pet adoption, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

SPonSored BY

ANSWERS TO JULY 5 PUZZLE

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

Paninni maKer: cuiSinart, stainlesssteel, like new, $45. 941-920-2494.

antiQue Partner deSK: all wood, $500. inquire at the islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPeciaLiZing in BacHeLorette parties. call michael Sue Scott. intuitive reader. 941726-1234. www.michaelsuescott.com

PETS

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

TRANSPORTATION

goLf cart rentaLS: fun for residents and tourists! www.golfcartrentalami.com.

BOATS & BOATING

HaVe a Boat and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. captain chris, 941-896-2915.

SuncoaSt Bottom Painting: Professional bottom painting. mobile. call 941704-9382.

tWo KaYaKS for sale: epic V6 tourer (siton-top kayak) that’s fast and stable; 16-feet long, 23-inches wide and only 35.3 lbs. with a rudder to improve tracking. also includes Werner Kalliste carbon paddle (very light), kayak stand and cart, $2,000. necky manitou (sit-inside kayak) thats stable; 14.4-feet long, 24-inches wide and 49 lbs. with a retractable skeg to improve tracking. also includes Werner Kalliste carbon paddle (very light), kayak stand and cart. $500. call tom, 941-779-1957.

FISHING

fun and fiSH: Skiff rental. 24-foot carolina skiff. Live bait and fi shing equipment included upon request. call 941-704-9382.

HELP WANTED

Part-time retaiL position. unique compensation can be discussed. easy working environment. employee discount. email us at workonpine@gmail.com.

SeeKing candidate intereSted in sales of health and wellness, high-technology equipment. excellent commission, training. residual income potential. full or parttime. retirees welcomed to respond. call or text, 724-290-9800.

noW Hiring HandYman: full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. call JayPros, 941962-2874.

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

need an aduLt night out? call maty’s Babysitting Services. i’m 16, love kids and have lots of experience. references upon request. 618-977-9630.

KidS for Hire ads are free for up to three weeks for island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at the islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

SERVICES

iS Your Home or office in need of some cleaning? Well, i’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.

cLeaning: Vacation, conStruction, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570. PreSSure WaSHing, PaVer sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

BicYcLe rePairS: Just4fun at 5358 gulf drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

comPanion/HomemaKer: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. references available and licensed. call Sherri, 941-592-4969.

aPi’S drYWaLL rePair: i look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

ProfeSSionaL WindoW cLeaning: residential, commercial, free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-8526163.

airPort rideS: SaraSota, St. Pete, tampa. call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555.

Hangin’ on ami: We hang artwork, mirrors, tVs, etc. furniture assembly. Local references available. 941-720-3126.

iSLand LigHtScaPeS & SecuritY: Landscape lighting and home security installation. Quality service by island residents. 941-7203126.

eXtra HeLP at home or on vacation. organization, cleaning, sitting, errands. very competent. gemma, 805-570-1415.

rainY daY at the beach? Sunburned? Have fun inside. tarot card reading for individuals or groups. Phone or video by St. Louis’ top psychic, cBS radio’s #1 fortune teller. as seen on mtV and nickelodeon. $50 for 15 minutes. call or text, Julia gordonBramer, 314-517-0158.

PrioritY gueSt HoSting By Bettina. excellent five-star ratings for over five years. Vacation rental hosting. call me, 240-4645898.

rideS near and far, car transport. Based in Palmetto. 715-292-8692.

cLean tecH moBiLe detailing. at your location. cars, boats, rVs. call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

SERVICES Continued

BuSineSS-to-BuSineSS Jd’s Window cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. i make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

BeacH SerVice air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving manatee county and the island since 1987. for dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill eller, 941-795-7411. cac184228.

LAWN & GARDEN

connie’S LandScaPing inc. residential and commercial. full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! insured. 941-778-5294.

BarneS LaWn and Landscape LLc. design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-705-1444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

coLLinS LandScaPe LigHting: outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. mJc24373@ gmail.com.

SHeLL deLiVered and spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

mP LaWn maintenance now accepting new clients. call dante, 941-730-9199. mp@ mplawnmaintenance.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Van-go Painting residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

tiLe -tiLe -tiLe. all variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many island references. call neil, 941-726-3077.

griffin’S Home imProVementS inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

iSLand HandYman: i live here, work here, value your referral. refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. references. call Jay, 941-962-2874.

HandYman and Painting. no job too small. most jobs just right. call richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT ISLANDER.ORG

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

Screening SerViceS: replace your old or ripped window, door or porch screens. many screen types available. retired veteran here to serve our community! free estimates, call Lane, 941-705-5293.

caLL HYdro cLean. full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

SaraSota interior Painting: We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! owner operated. fully insured/ licensed. call or text don, 941-900-9398. instagram: SarasotainteriorPainting.

RENTALS

anna maria guLf beachfront vacation rentals. one- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

Perico iSLand Patio home for rent. 3Br/2Ba, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to ami. call or text, 859771-6423.

BeautifuLLY furniSHed, annuaL rental in Beach Harbor club, Longboat Key. 2Br/2Ba with views of the bay, laundry and condo amenities include pool, grill, with both bay and beach access. $200 application required. $3,800 month plus fi rst and last month’s rent and $1,000 deposit. call mike norman realty, 941-778-6696. 3101 gulf drive, Holmes Beach, fL 34217.

SeaSonaL rentaL: HoLmeS Beach. one room studio. Large bathroom, kitchen, bed alcove. Private patio and parking. dec. 15-april 15. no pets, no smoking. total, $8,400. 908-914-1182.

BeacH Life! 55-plus park: 1Br/1Ba. Beach just across the street! furnished, pool, parking, six-month or annual rental. $1,550 month. Vetted by office. no pets. 831-2122606.

WeStBaY Point: Second floor 2Br/2Ba furnished condo. full bay views. no pets, no smoking. $3,200/month, six-month minimum. 847-530-8833.

SHort-term furniSHed condos. West Bradenton. 2Br/1Ba. $1,300/month. 2Br/2Ba, $1,800/month. real estate mart, 941-356-1456.

LoVeLY, Second fLoor duplex for rent: 3Br/2Ba partially furnished, can accommodate your needs. Washer/dryer. five minutes to ami, quiet, safe. rent includes all utilities except electric. annual, $2,800/month. Will consider three-month, six-month. no smoking, call Kelly, 941-301-9938.

You can read it all online at islander.org

Free ... The Islander newspaper is Free at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind staff you’d like the serveyourself community news returned to the lobby.

Winnie mcHaLe, reaLtor, 941-5046146. rosebay international realty inc. You need an aggressive and experienced realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - making dreams come true.”

cLaSSic goLf courSe home: Panoramic views on a private half-acre lot. House features high ceilings, caged pool, circle drive. minutes to beaches and airport. $659,000. real estate mart, 941-356-1456.

PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT ISLANDER.ORG

Wake up and network

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is bringing its monthly morning mixer to Breakfast at Victoria’s in Holmes Beach.

For the chamber staff, attending is just around the corner from their office. Breakfast at Victoria’s is at 5315 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The event will be 7:30-9 a.m. Thursday, July 6.

Menu options include a ham-and-cheese croissant, veggie frittata, waffles, pancakes or French toast.

The cost to attend is $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers.

Reservations are required.

For more, go to the chamber website at amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541.

New to the chamber

The Islander joins the chamber in welcoming two members to the roster in June — Ilan and Lynn Dahan of Beach Sounds Apparel at 5319 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach; and Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center at the Anna Maria City Pier.

Saying good-bye

Linda and Dean Brown of LD’s Jewelry at 8110 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, established their jewelry store and watch repair business in 1983.

It’s been a treat to peruse the jewelry, estate jewelry and consignments while updating watch batteries, but soon the owners will retire.

Depending on how their sale goes, they could be gone soon. So hurry by the shop.

They’ve been faithful, regular advertisers in The

MarketWatch

Anna Maria

By Lisa neff

Median listing: $3 million, trending down 15.4% year-over-year.

Median sold: $2 million.

Listings: 80 properties, $659,000-$19 million. Bradenton Beach

Median listing: $899, trending down 30.7%.

Median sold: $535,000.

Listings: 56 properties, $375,000-$8.5 million. Holmes Beach

Median listing: $1.6 million, down 18.2%.

Median sold: $1.1 million.

Listings: 134 properties, $575,000-$22.5 million.

Source: realtor.com

Once Upon A Beach

owners of Ld’s Jewelry, a longtime advertiser, are closing the store and retiring.

Islander for many — 30? — years, and we will miss them!

— Bonner Joy

BizCal

Thursday, July 6

By Lisa neff

THIS WEEK

7:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast mixer at Breakfast at Victoria’s, 5315 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Info and reservations: 941-778-1541.

Wednesday, July 12

11:30 a.m. — Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s Headliners luncheon with Sarasota Bradenton International Airport execs, Peridia Golf and Country Club, 4950 Peridia Blvd., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info and reservation: 941-748-3411.

SAVE THE DATE

July 13, 11:30 a.m., AMI Chamber’s luncheon at Pesto Bistro & Wine Bar, Bradenton.

July 27, 5 p.m., AMI Chamber’s business-card exchange at the office with Your CBD Store, Holmes Beach.

Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., AMI Chamber Bayfest, Anna Maria. Send calendar listings to calendar@islander.org.

Between the Tides

Check out the newto-market discount at BetweentheTides-AMI.

For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island.