The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, June 6, 2018 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

5 fawns rescued. 15 AsTheWorldTerns take Margaritaville detour. 6

Seagrass science. 24

‘Kids Day’ delivers. 29 JUNE 6, 2018 FREE

VOLUME 26, NO. 32

Anna Maria amasses $2.83 million for new pier. 3 City candidates posture, emerge. 4-5

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

Anna Maria negotiates $685K pier demo contract

Op-Ed

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

DOT proposes quick fixes to traffic woes. 8

Meetings

On the government calendar. 8 Make plans, save a date. 10

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 11 Turtle nesting surges post-Alberto. 14 Center to see $100K for improvements. 16 Storm soaks island holiday. 18

Obituaries. 20

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Anna Maria has a demolition contract for the Anna Maria City Pier. The terms are to be determined. The start date also is unknown. Sully’s Quality Projects, a Venice-based firm, was the top candidate according to a ranking system that measured skill, experience, references, location of contractors, work plan and adherence to specifications of the project. Commissioners voted 4-0 May 29 to authorize murphy to negotiate with Sully’s during a meeting to review the bids. Commissioner Dale Woodland was absent. The mayor made the offer. The bottom line is more than $685,000 and the city is willing to pay, but mayor dan Murphy said he needs further commission authorization to proceed, particularly for a requested advance payment. In an email reply June 1, Sean Sullivan of Sully’s requested the city alter the terms of the contract for the pier demo to include

Streetlife.

When the rain comes. 25 Adult soccer playoffs set at center. 26 Rain? The fish don’t mind. 27 Real estate transactions. 28

ISL BIZ Island insurance icon sells. Biz roundup. 30 CLASSIFIEDS. 32

A pelican perches May 31 atop the Anna Maria City Pier. The pier has been closed since Sept. 11, 2017, following damage by Hurricane Irma. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

a down payment by June 7 of $53,882. The commission was to hold a special meeting at 2 p.m. June 4, after the islander went to press, to discuss Sully’s counter offer.

resulted in three bids the city deemed either too expensive — two bids came in at more than $750,000 — or from companies deemed too inexperienced. The revised RFP included a new ranking system that de-emphasized locality and rfP redo emphasized cost and experience for the conThe commission had voted May 18 to tractor, and required completion by the end re-issue a request for proposals and accept of august. another round of bids after the first round Five companies submitted bids by the May 25 deadline. three firms — Sully’s, Speeler and PLEASE SEE Pier PAGE 3 By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Life means life. Andrew Helderman, 28, was sentenced to life in prison May 31 after his second manatee county trial for a 2014 stabbing in Holmes Beach. The four-man, two-woman jury deliberated just under two hours and found Helderman guilty on one count of first-degree attempted murder with a weapon. two days of courtroom proceedings included testimony from the female victim, her doctor, two minors who lived nearby at the time, a Holmes Beach police investigator, a manatee county Sheriff’s office crime technician and an EMT who treated the victim at the scene March 14, 2014, according to lead prosecutor assistant State attorney dickey Hough. Fireworks to blame? Helderman’s case went to trial once Neighbors on Hampshire Lane watch as WMFR tackles a fire that broke out before. in december 2015, a judge declared a in a garage shortly after 6 p.m. June 1 mistrial, finding him incompetent following in Holmes Beach. No one was hurt, but a second day in court where he took on his the home had approximately $300K in own defense and questioned Holmes Beach damages. For story, see page 2. Islander PLEASE SEE life PAGE 2 Photo: Courtesy Sgt. Mike Pilato/HBPD

Life sentence ends 2014 HB stabbing case

Sisters search for angel in fight against cancer. 21

Andrew Helderman, shackled and guarded, enters a Manatee County courtroom for a February hearing. He was sentenced May 31 after a jury found him guilty of attempted murder in the stabbing of his former roommate in Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo: Kathy Prucnell

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2 n JuNE 6, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Fireworks blamed for Key Royale house fire

life continued from page 1

officers who took the stand. After the jury returned the May 31 verdict, 12th circuit Judge edward nicholas meted out the sentence to Helderman based on the state’s reoffender law. Helderman was previously conHelderman victed in 2008 in connection with a glades county juvenile facility escape, including an aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He was released from prison in november 2012, according to the Florida Department of Corrections website. Helderman’s life sentence will not be impacted by gaintime for good behavior. “Life means life,” Hough said in a June 1 email. nicholas was required to impose the life sentence,

pierce reported West manatee fire rescue firefighters were at the home when he arrived. He also reported the homeowners returned and helped direct the crew to a second dog in the house. Both pets were unharmed. the fire was extinguished in about 15 minutes with

The Galati house at 628 Hampshire Lane is boarded June 4 and a crew is at work mediating the June 1 fire damages. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

a crew of 16 firefighters responding on four engines, according to Wmfr fire marshal Jim davis. Chris Galati Jr., the couple’s 20-year-old-son, informed pierce that he was in the garage earlier in the day and had attempted to set off a bottle rocket that failed to ignite. He soon left to go boating, galati Jr. told the HBpd, leaving the garage door open. galati Jr. said the fireworks may have ignited after he left, triggering the blaze in the garage. davis said wind blowing into the garage, where flammable materials were stored, fed the flames. no injuries were reported, although the fire left the garage blackened, climbed into the attic and burned areas of the roof. Smoke traveled inside through the home’s ventilation system. damage was estimated at close to or more than $300,000, Davis said. davis said the family will “have some rebuilding to do” before the house is habitable. He also said the investigation will continue. Davis noted that the proper way to dispose of a firework that fails to ignite is to drop it into water.

according to Hough, because the crime was committed within three years of Helderman’s release. after the sentencing, the victim thanked friends on facebook for their support and expressed relief, saying, “Finally, after four years, I can put this to rest.” Leading up to the may trial, Helderman attempted to take on his own defense, become a co-counsel and disqualify the judge for bias. the judge denied Helderman’s motions. Before the jury was sworn, prosecutors dropped an aggravated assault charge they had filed against Helderman for threatening a witness with a knife. Hough said the charge could not be proven because the witness was unavailable to testify. Helderman’s court-appointed attorney, Charles Lykes Jr., presented a stand-your-ground defense,

which the judge rejected based on evidence the stabbing was not an act of self-defense. Helderman’s case began with his arrest after authorities were called to an apartment in the 300 block of clark drive and found Helderman straddling the victim in a bathtub. She was covered in blood with a knife protruding from her neck. three 12th circuit felony cases against Helderman are pending and set for trial in July. one case charges Helderman for illegally possessing weapons as a felon. the others stem from resisting an officer and possessing “shanks,” a homemade weapon, in the Manatee County jail. Helderman has 30 days to appeal from the May 31 sentencing, according to Hough. He was in Manatee County jail at press time.

Unique Pet Portraits

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By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Fireworks may have been the cause of a house fire June 1 that left chris and Kellie galati’s home blackened and smoky at the end of Hampshire Lane. at about 6:20 p.m. June 1, neighbors reported a loud noise — similar to fireworks, according to a report by Holmes Beach police officer Joel pierce — and smoke coming from the garage at 628 Hampshire Lane, owned by Chris and Kellie Galati. The Galatis are partners in Galati Marine-Galati Yacht Sales in Anna Maria. Karen mitchell and her husband Scott, vacationing from Germany at 626 Hampshire Lane, reported the fire, according to pierce. Karen Mitchell told Pierce they “heard a loud noise, possibly fireworks,” and when they looked outside, they “noticed the garage door open and smoke coming from the front, left side of the garage.” another vacationer, Steffin Zens, arrived, entered the house and rescued a small dog before the fire grew in size.

THE ISLANDER n June 6, 2018 n 3

Anna Maria amasses $2.83M for new pier construction

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Anna Maria is more than halfway to its goal to fund a new Anna Maria City Pier. The city has secured $2.83 million in funding from multiple sources, including city, county and state money, according to an update delivered May 18 by Mayor Dan Murphy. Murphy Another $1.71 million in funding is pending for a total of $4.531 million. The project is estimated to cost $4.5 million on the high end, including completing the structure of the restaurant, bait shop and restrooms. The city secured $1.5 million in matching funds from Manatee County’s tourist development tax in December 2017. The state also passed legislation allocating $750,000 in funding for the pier project. Plus, the city obtained $333,000 from the Manatee County beach concession fund. Pier continued from page 1

Associates and Under Construction Contractors — applied in both rounds for the demolition contract and two additional companies — Kelly Brothers and Shoreline Foundation — bid in the second round. Sully’s received the most points, 79.3 out of 100, with a $685,530 bid, offering completion by Aug. 16. According to the terms of a draft contract sent by the mayor to Sully’s May 31, the company must mobilize at the pier no later than June 24. Speeler’s and Associates received 78.3 for its $732,000 bid to finish the project by Aug. 31. Shoreline Foundation received 70 points for a $642,908 bid with no specified end date. Under Construction received 68 points for its

Another $250,000 dedicated to the pier in the city budget comes from an allocation for repairs based on an earlier survey made prior to the storm damage. Additional funding options include a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for $2.1 million for pier damage incurred as a result of Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Murphy anticipates receiving at least $1.1 million from FEMA, as well as $300,000 or more in grants

Anna Maria City Pier demolition bids:

Category Score Kelly Shoreline Experience 20 18 17.7 References 5 5 5 Price 30 27 22.3 Adherence 30 14.33 24 Work plan 10 0 0 Location 5 1.7 1 Total 100 66 70 Current Bid $406,418 $642,908 Original bid Completion date October N/A

$495,000 bid to finish the project in 120 days and Kelly Brothers received 66 points for a $406,417.92 bid to complete the project by October. Commissioner Brian Seymour said Speeler received higher points in the categories most important to the city: experience, references, adherence to specifications and a detailed work plan. He asked if the city was bound to follow the chart ranking set out for negotiation. Murphy said he considers the rankings binding, as the city included them in its RFP. Ignoring the ranking system would be unfair to the bidders, he said. Sully’s original bid was $780,730. Murphy said he was satisfied with the outcome of the second-round

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from the Florida Division of Historical Resources and another $300,000 in the 2018-19 city budget, pending commission approval. He also included about $10,000 from a GoFundMe account started by Anna Maria resident Sissy Quinn, president of the Anna Maria Island Preservation Trust, which identifies historical properties on Anna Maria Island. Quinn had raised $3,400 as of June 1.

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Speeler 19.7 5 15 26.3 10 2.3 78.3 $732,000 $853,000 Aug. 31

Sully’s 15 3.3 21.3 25.3 9.3 5 79.3 $685,530 $780,730 Aug. 16

Under C. 7.7 3.3 24.7 19.3 8.3 4.7 68 $495,000 $289,000 120 days

bids, saying it saved the city about $90,000. Murphy’s original estimate for the cost of the demolition was $300,000-$500,000. The entire projected is expected to cost up to $4.5 million. The city anticipates the new pier walkway and platform will be completed by December 2019. The restaurant, bait shop and facilities will follow. Engraved memorial planks on the pier walkway should be ready for distribution in the first week of July to some 200 people who previously requested them. Remaining planks will be used to construct memorial fences in City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., and behind Belhaven Cottage at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave.

4 n June 6, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Committee says historic blunder triggered lean to city manager

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Allowing weekly rentals in residential Holmes Beach zones was a monumental blunder that led to the city considering the need to hire a manager today, according to an ad hoc committee that studied possible remedies. “It’s obviously one of the biggest screw-ups in the history of Holmes Beach,” said chairman David Cheshire at the May 30 meeting of the Holmes Beach Form of Government Committee. An ordinance adopted in 2013 allowed minimum seven-day rentals in residential-2 zones, which led to significant population loss, grandfathered mega-rentals and prompted $25 million in Bert Harris lawsuits, according to a statement by the committee. “If you would have had a city manager at the time, this would not have happened,” said committee vice chair Scott Boyd, who bought his home in 2011. In an effort to restore balance in neighborhoods and between the interests of residential homeowners and owners of short-term rental properties, the commission adopted an ordinance in 2016 restricting vacation rentals to two visitors per bedroom. The ordinance hasn’t worked as planned. A wave of litigation resulted from owners claiming the city government damaged their property values, although the surge of small home and duplex conversions to large short-term rental properties slowed. Hiring a city manager is the next step in retaining city character, according to Cheshire. Hiring a manager does not guarantee success, the committee cautions. Concerns include possible commission reluctance to share power, making a hiring mistake and the natural human resistance to change, according to a committee statement. All committee members say hiring a city manager is the right move but agreement was not unanimous as to how to do so. The committee voted 7-1 in April to recommend changing to a weak mayor-city manager form of government with Boyd in opposition. Boyd pushed to hire an interim city manager for a

test period. Cheshire said a temporary hire is not allowed under the city charter. City attorney Patricia Petruff confirmed Cheshire’s understanding. “It is my opinion, the city charter would need to be amended to insert the role of administrator into the charter, and clarify the relationship between the administrator and other charter officers,” Petruff wrote. She recommended a review of other city charters that use a strong city-manager model. Boyd was unsatisfied with what he called Petruff’s vague written opinion. “If this letter was intended to clarify, it didn’t,” Boyd said. Boyd’s minority dissent became moot as other members, including Cheshire, Jay Calhoun, Pam Leckie, Ellen Prince, Renee Ferguson and Terry Schaefer, preferred hiring a city manager without a tryout. Critics, including city commission Chair Judy Titsworth, a likely mayoral candidate, have said the committee was predetermined to recommending a city

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Two candidates have emerged in the race for five seats on the Holmes Beach City Charter Commission. A third person, however, failed to qualify. Terry Schaefer, a member of the Holmes Beach Form of Government Committee, said May 30 he falls just a few days short of meeting the residency requirement. Five seats on the charter review committee will be up for grabs on the Nov. 6 municipal ballot. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, registered voters in Manatee County and city residents for two years before qualifying, according to city clerk Stacey Johnston, the city’s election official. David Cheshire, now chair of the ad hoc committee, and Major Leckie, whose wife Pam served on the most recent charter commission in 2014, are presumed candidates in the charter race. Charter review commissioners could pave the way for hiring a city manager. Cheshire’s committee has agreed to recommend changing the city government to a weak mayor-city manager structure by hiring a

professional city manager. And changing the government structure to include a city manager would require amending the charter. The charter, considered the bible for the city, is required of all state municipalities by the Florida Constitution. The statement of governmental duties and citizen powers must be reviewed every five years. Charter commission members serve until their amendments or revisions to the charter, if any, are incorporated into a city ordinance by the city commission for placement on the ballot for the next election. City commissioners can give input to during charter review meetings because it’s too late to do so once any amendments or revisions are proposed by the independent body. “The city commission cannot do anything with regard to a recommendation except process it,” said Mayor Bob Johnson. “There’s no allowance for commissioners to add, change or delete.” The last city charter commission in 2014 included Johnson, prior to being elected mayor, Cheshire, Pam Leckie, David Lester and James Plath.

Chairman David Cheshire, top, conducts the final meeting May 30 of the Holmes Beach Form of Government ad hoc committee. Committee members joining Cheshire include, clockwise, Terry Schaefer, Ellen Prince, Pam Leckie, Renee Ferguson and vice chair Scott Boyd. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor manager. Committee members rejected the notion during their last meeting. “I’m telling you that is not true,” said Schaefer. “It’s incorrect.” “We did the right thing,” said Ferguson. The committee was convened Aug. 24, 2017, to advise the city commission to adopt another form of government, hire a city manager or maintain status quo. Hiring a city manager would cost an estimated $120,000 or so in annual salary plus benefits, according to the committee. Cities already employing a city manager, such as the town of Longboat Key, say an administrator saves the government more than the expense of a salary. Holmes Beach has employed a strong mayor-commission form of government since incorporation in 1950. A five-member commission establishes policies and adopts ordinances. The committee will make its official recommendation to the city commission at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

2 charter commission candidates emerge, 3rd fails to qualify

WMFR delays sale of administrative building

The packers and movers have a short reprieve. West Manatee Fire Rescue has a contract to sell its administrative building, but the offices will be staying put for another six months. The fire district board approved a request for a 180-day extension from June 4 to conduct due diligence on a closing deadline to sell the administrative building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, to Oasis Middle School for $1.675 million. The agreement also includes a 30-day extension to secure financing. Representatives from Oasis informed WMFR commissioners May 30 that a delay in receiving a special permit from Manatee County to rezone the property required them to request the extension. Paul Blucher, the attorney for Oasis, said the

county told the school it may take six months to complete the process of approving a special permit to move the school to the administrative building. “We anticipate that everything will go fine,” Blucher said. “This is where Oasis Middle School wants to be.” The school also requires final site-plan approval from the county, Blucher said. WMFR Commissioner Al Robinson asked if Oasis could secure financing earlier than the 180-day deadline, requesting the 30-day limit for securing financing. “There ought to be something to put pressure on the financing,” he said, adding that if a bank is aware it has a six-month extension, “they’ll take it.” — Bianca Benedí

3 ways to change HB city charter:

Citizen petition approved at referendum, or City commissioners by ordinance and referendum, or City charter review commission proposes an amendment or revision to the city commission, which places it on the next scheduled ballot for voter approval. Johnson, after serving as mayor and viewing first hand the administrative challenges for the city, favors a city manager. He has not ruled out another term on the commission, but said he would prefer five other candidates qualify. “I would quite honestly like to see the citizenry of the city step up,” Johnson said. Johnson said the charter commission is critical in preserving Holmes Beach as a community. “We must take action to defeat state ongoing efforts to pre-empt home rule within our cities,” Johnson said. “We must make critical changes to our structure of government to ensure qualified city management and leadership continuity and stability.” Members of the charter review commission are not paid, and time demands can be significant. “We essentially met every week,” Johnson said. “There’s a lot of discussion stuff that goes on.” Any proposed changes must be approved by the city commission and adopted by referendum vote. “Who really changes the charter?” Johnson asked. “It’s citizens, by vote.” There is no assessment fee for charter commission candidates. Candidates must collect 15 petition signatures from voters living in the city and file a candidate residency affidavit among other criteria. Before opening a campaign bank account or accepting or spending funds, candidates must appoint a treasurer and establish a bank account. Candidate qualifying will open at noon Monday, June 18, and close at noon Friday, June 22.

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 6, 2018 n 5

Bradenton Beach officials warm up to fall election

ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach has two commission seats on the november municipal ballot and at least one incumbent is ready to jump into the race. commissioner marilyn maro confirmed may 24 she will run for a two-year term. She was appointed to her current term in 2016. “i’d like to see us keep moving forward and keep Bradenton Beach great,” maro said. “there are so many things i want to see finished.” Maro was appointed to the Ward 2 commission seat, which was Maro vacated when Vice mayor ed Straight finished his third term in november 2016. Straight had planned to run for a fourth term, but

Election 11-06-18

Voter registration open, qualifying dates set

Voter registration is open for the state’s primary, which will be tuesday, aug. 28. registration will close July 30. registration for the general election, which will be tuesday, nov. 6, will close oct. 9. Qualifying for municipal elections, which take place nov. 6, will be in June — noon June 18 to noon June 22 in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach. Anna maria’s qualification will begin at noon June 11 and end at noon June 22. in early may, the county reported 102,547 registered republican voters, 72,134 registered democratic voters and 62,556 other voters for a total of 237,237 registered voters. for more information, go online to votemanatee. com or call the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office at 941-741-3823.

To Beaches

Manatee Ave. W

Palma Sola Bay

Cortez Rd. W To Beaches

75th St. W

Pa lm

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34th Ave. W

Bradenton Beach residents voted during the august primary election to retain a three-term limit for office holders. Voters also eliminated the ward seats, opting for citywide representation by the four commissioners. Maro’s appointment followed two deadlocked commission votes and a card draw. She drew the ace of spades to win the seat over Anne Leister. as commissioner, she supported the building moratorium on large vacation rentals and proposed moratorium extensions while the planning and zoning board worked on code amendments and supported noise, trash and parking regulations. “I think we took the moratorium as far as we could, but there is still more to work on,” Maro said. “We still need to see how effective the new regulations are with party houses.” As liaison to the Scenic Waves Partnership Committee, maro served on a committee planning park improvements and investigating grant funding for park enhancements. maro also cited among her concerns stormwater drainage improvements to the avenues and the commission’s promise to restore driveways for property owners affected by the recent Manatee County Force Main 5 water and sewer line replacement project. “I hope that ace of spades stays on my side,” Maro said with a laugh. Additionally, Commissioner Ralph Cole will close out a one-year term in november. after serving a twoyear term — having been elected by popular vote in 2105 — cole lost his race for re-election in 2017. He was, however, appointed by the commission to fill the remainder of John Chappie’s term. Chappie was elected mayor in 2017. Cole picked up a candidate packet from the Manatee county Supervisor of elections office, but had not confirmed his intent by press time for the islander. planning and zoning chair Jim Lynch and former p&Z member Bill Vincent picked up election packets

at city hall, but also have not said if they plan to throw their hats into the ring. Vincent ran in 2016 and was defeated. Bradenton Beach is the only Cole city on Anna Maria Island with term limits, restricting commissioners and the mayor to three consecutive two-year terms. candidates must be registered voters who have lived in Bradenton Beach for a minimum 12 months as of the qualifying date. the qualifying period starts at noon monday, June 18, and ends at noon friday, June 22. the qualifying fee for commission candidates is $48 and must be paid from a campaign checking account. candidates must submit qualifying paperwork and fees to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton. the final day to register to vote is oct. 9. the election will be nov. 6. of 744 registered voters in Bradenton Beach, 387 voted in the november 2017 municipal election.

Marilyn Maro wins a card draw in 2016 for her seat on the Bradenton Beach Commission. Islander File Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

6 n JuNE 6, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

No reason, nor rhyme

It’s a blur. My hundreds of visits to Key West over many years started 43 years ago. the times aren’t as much blurred as they were blurry. i traveled the old route to the keys down u.S. 41 through everglades city and Homestead to a1a often with only a few 8-tracks — a short list of well memorized tunes. it was a long, lonely cruise, er, drive. i made friends, including one born and raised in Key West, a lobster fisher, and experienced Key West like a native. There were many years of laid-back visits that featured Yellow Runners (Miller beer) and Etta James’ “do right man” cutting through the heat of day from the jukebox at Sloppy Joes. there was cuban coffee and conversation at Fisherman’s Cafe in the morning and an experience of a lifetime — pulling lobster traps by day and dining on fresh crustaceans on board as we aimed back to port under the stars. It was before Mallory Square became a place to go and just as Jimmy Buffett was soaring beyond the Bull and Whistle bar on Duval Street. “A1A” made it to no. 25 on the Billboard chart in 1974. now Buffett is an enterprise. Big business. Huge, in fact. So big, he’s filtered into our lives on anna maria Island. Just when you thought the island couldn’t possibly expand further or accommodate more people and — the real crux — more traffic, here comes Jimmy. And here come the Parrotheads. The Buffett-infused development on Perico Island known as one particular Harbor, aptly named for one of Buffett’s hits, is more than condos and a marina. There’s more to come. We recently learned there will be a 130-room hotel named Compass and at least one of Buffett’s three trademark restaurants, LandShark Bar and Grill, a sports-themed establishment, is included. there also will be retail stores fronting manatee Avenue and, possibly, another Buffett restaurant. What does all this mean? i think we could all be content, living and dying in three-quarter time, chasing the “nautical Wheelers.” But for the glass-half-full folks, maybe people will be distracted while searching for their lost shaker of salt, and lessen the tourism load on Anna Maria Island. glass half empty? more people will seek out ami and its amenities and adventures. Will compass and opH shine a beacon or signal a detour? — Bonner Joy

JUNE 6, 2018 • Vol. 26, No. 32 ▼ ▼

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

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

Opinion

Your

Round 2 on roundabout

i am appalled by the rude comments of Longboat Key mayor george Spoll regarding the Bridge Street roundabout in Bradenton Beach. the safety of pedestrians depends on this configuration and if it is an “abomination in the eyes of the town of Longboat Key,” then i would suggest a megabridge from the mainland to Longboat Key might be in order. gulf drive is not an expressway for the convenience of Longboat Key residents and i respectfully recommend — if getting off Longboat Key is a “burning issue” — they can drive south to avoid our beautiful island city. get a life, mayor Spoll, we’re living on island time. Carol Findlay, Bradenton Beach

Congrats to chamber execs

A word of appreciation to the Anna Maria Island chamber of commerce board of directors’ good judgment in selecting terry Kinder as president and cathy Pizzo as vice president. I have volunteered with the chamber for five years and it has proven to be a positive experience. i’ve observed these two women work at a high standard of professional excellence each and every day. Their continued dedication should allow community businesses to flourish even more. our business community is fortunate to have their leadership. congratulations to both women. Angela Smith Lester, Holmes Beach

Share the love

This summer, plank removal and demolition is planned at the Anna Maria City Pier at the bay end of Pine Avenue. The work will clear the way for construction of a new pier. The Islander invites readers to share their favorite images of the city pier — photographs, paintings, sketches, scribbles — on our social media using #LoveAMCityPier. We’re @ami_islander on Twitter and www.facebook. com/Islandernewspaper on Facebook. Islander File Photo

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 6, 2018 n 7

Going for groceries in Anna Maria

10&20 years ago

The type states the photograph shows “Frank McDonald’s grocery store … and Anna Maria Community Hall looking toward the North Point” in 1924. Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library digital collection

In the headlines: June 3, 1998

Tarpon by the reins

• a business owner was set to appear before the Bradenton Beach City Commission to discuss the possible transfer of ownership of the Bradenton Beach Marina to the city. • a flamingo was photographed on passage Key off the northern tip of Anna Maria Island. A spokeswoman for the Jungle gardens in Sarasota said the flamingo likely had escaped from the park’s flock. • anna maria property owners along the shore were being asked to sign easements to allow beach renourishment to extend as far north as Bean point. Residents had voted to request inclusion in renourishment.

In the headlines: June 4, 2008

Two children take a bareback ride on a freshly caught tarpon at the Anna Maria City Pier. The photo is dated 191520. Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library digital collection

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

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• the anna maria island chamber of commerce hosted a “ready, set, go” storm seminar featuring panelists from the Holmes Beach police Department and West Manatee Fire Rescue. • the federal government released its forecast for the atlantic hurricane season, calling for a “near normal/above normal” season with a 70 percent chance of 12-16 storms. • organizers of the anna maria island relay for Life at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach raised more than $35,000 for the local American Cancer Society chapter. You can peruse The Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in November 1992, at ufdc.uﬂ. edu.

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8 n JuNE 6, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

DOT proposes fast fixes for barrier island traffic woes

terry o’connor Islander Reporter BIFF. It was an app, it could be “Barrier Island fast fix.” While not an app, the Florida Department of transportation is recommending solutions and proposing to spend roughly $1 million on quick fixes for island traffic troubles. “We are nearing the end of phase 2 of the project,” said dot spokesman Zachary Burch. “We have spent the last few months making observations, collecting and analyzing traffic data, reviewing land use, conducting a parking study and drafting potential recommendations.” The $675,000 Sarasota/Manatee barrier island traffic study, expected to be concluded in 2019, identified problems and proposed solutions for issues involving vehicles, parking, bicycles and pedestrians on the barrier islands from Anna Maria south to St. Armands and Lido keys. mid- and long-term traffic improvements will likely be more expensive than the quick fixes, including $5 million on a counter-flow proposal on the ringling Bridge connecting Sarasota and Bird Key. frank domingo of Stantec consulting Services inc., Sarasota, is collecting the traffic study data for the dot. He said not all ideas to surface during what he called the brainstorming phase will become recommendations. the quick fixes all can be done much more quickly than the more expensive ideas, according to the dot. the most expensive quick fix is a $210,000 proposal to extend the eastbound, westbound and northbound left-turn lanes off Cortez Road at 75th Avenue West. the Bradenton intersection heavily influences cortez and island traffic. add $15,000 to improve traffic signal phasing at the intersection, the dot recommends. one pedestrian safety proposal involves a low-cost upgrade: finish adding warning surfaces at all barrier island curb ramps to increase pedestrian safety. Cost is $500 per intersection but the number of intersections was not posted. three unfinished sidewalk sections also could be connected to increase pedestrian safety on Gulf Drive/ State Road 789 from 130 feet south of 13th Street South to Longboat pass Bridge, cost $200,000; at gulf drive starting from 275 feet east of marina drive to 52nd Street, cost $15,000; and from gulf drive/Sr 789 from 22nd Street to Avenue C in Holmes Beach for $20,000, according to BitS. roadway upgrade proposals also include: a message board at cortez road and 75th Street northwest in Bradenton to reflect bridge openings; and better pedestrian road-access management near the cortez road/gulf drive intersection to encourage crossings

Roadwatch

Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation and manatee county posted the following notices for the week of June 4: • avenue c: manatee county crews are replacing force mains. installation of a 6-inch water main is underway along avenue c from 24th to 26th streets north. crews are installing water services across avenue C. Intermediate road closures will take place. • gulf drive, between avenue c and cortez road: continuing through June 29, directional drilling and open-cut installation of a force main is underway. Traffic on gulf drive will be shifted to the west to allow for construction activities. For more information about the project, go online to amipipereplacement.com. • Sr 64/manatee avenue on perico island from Martinique Drive to 107th Court West: Crews are improving drainage, constructing sidewalk and bicycle lanes and installing new signage and pavement markings. Work occurs off the roadway and does not require lane closures. Florida Safety Contractors Inc. is the contractor. expected completion is fall 2018. for the latest road watch information, go online to www.fl511.com or dial 511.

The barrier island traffic study area is divided by the Florida Department of Transportation into zones: Anna Maria and Holmes Beach in Zone 1, Bradenton Beach in Zone 2 and Longboat Key, St. Armands Circle and Lido Key in Zone 3. Islander Graphic: Courtesy DOT

at side streets, costs to be determined. BitS project manager Bessie reina will detail proposed improvements at a June 8 meeting in Holmes Beach. the BitS proposals can be found at swflroads. com/sarasotamanateebarrierislands/assets/shortmidlong.pdf. any dot proposal adopted as a priority by the Sarasota/manatee metropolitan planning organization will receive funding consideration. the mpo was created in the 1950s to provide a local voice for the state

on transportation issues. “As we move into Phase 3, the recommendation list will be further refined,” Burch said. “We hope everyone gets a chance to review the document and we look forward to receiving comments from the public.” the dot will make formal recommendations during phase 3, Burch said. the dot’s next public meeting on the study is at 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 8, at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Holmes Beach seeks seawall repair bids

Holmes Beach is looking for a contractor to quickly perform repairs to seawalls on city property. the work consists of installing new seawalls or seawall caps at various locations. To be considered, emailed bids must be sent by June 14 to Lynn Burnett at cityengineer@holmesbeachfl.org. project details, locations and specifica-

Meetings

tions are available by email request. Bids will be opened at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. no bid may be withdrawn for 60 days after the bid opening without consent of the city, which reserves the right to reject bids or waive informalities in the bidding. — Terry O’Connor • June 26, 6 p.m., city commission. • June 28, 6 p.m., city commission. canCELED Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org.

anna Maria City • June 11, noon, election qualifying opens. • June 12, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. • June 14, 6 p.m., commission (special meet- West Manatee fire rescue ing) • June 19, 6 p.m., commission. • June 22, noon, election qualifying ends. WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. • June 28, 6 p.m., commission. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Manatee County • June 5, 9 a.m., budget session. bradenton beach • June 6, 1:30 p.m., budget session. • June 6, 9:30 a.m., community redevelopment • June 7, 9 a.m., commission (land use). agency. • June 12, 9 a.m., commission. • June 6, 11 a.m., pier team. • June 13, 9 a.m., budget session. • June 6, 2 p.m., Scenic WaVeS. canceLed • June 13, 6 p.m., budget hearing. • June 7, 6 p.m., city commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., • June 8, 1 p.m., charter review committee. Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. • June 12, 10 a.m., city commission. • June 14, 1 p.m., department heads. Of interest • June 20, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. • June 8, 9:30 a.m., florida department of trans• June 18, noon, election qualifying opens. portation public meeting on Barrier island traffic • June 21, 9:30 a.m., charter review commit- Study, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, tee. Holmes Beach. • June 21, noon, city commission. • June 18, 9 a.m., manatee county tourist devel• June 22, noon, election qualifying ends. opment Council, Manatee County Administration • June 26, 10 a.m., city commission. Building. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., • June 18, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/manatee transpor941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. tation planning organization, Holiday inn Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, 8009 15th St. E., Holmes beach Sarasota. • June 12, 6 p.m., city commission. can• June 20, 1 p.m., coalition of Barrier island CELED elected officials, Longboat Key town Hall, 501 Bay • June 14, 6 p.m., planning commission. isles road, Longboat Key. • June 14, 6 p.m., city commission. can• July 4 is independence day, when most governCELED ment offices will be closed. the islander office also • June 18, noon, election qualifying opens. will be closed. • June 22, noon, election qualifying ends. Send notices to news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n June 6, 2018 n 9

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

• First and third Wednesdays usually, Roser Memorial Community Church Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414. ONGOING OFF AMI • Through Aug. 26, the Bradenton Marauders play home games • June 7-17, Cirque Italia “Paranormal Cirque,” 102 Riviera at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-747-9442. Dunes Way, Palmetto. Fee applies. Information: 941-704-8572. • Through June 15, “Sea Debris: Awareness Through Art” CLUBS & exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City COMMUNITY Island, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Through Aug. 19, “Things Come Apart” exhibit, South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: Thursday, June 7 941-746-4131. 2 p.m. — Knitting and crocheting, Island Library, 5701 Marina • Second Wednesdays, Think + Drink (science), South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, June 8 941-746-4131. 2 p.m. — Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, Island Library, Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m., Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. • First Fridays, 6-9 p.m. ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around Sunday, June 10 4-6 p.m. — “Puttin’ on the Ritz, New York, New York” fashion 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays show to benefit the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry campaign, Center of after the first Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee apples. • Second Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Info: 941-708-6120. Information: 941-350-6075. Wednesday, June 13 KIDS & FAMILY Noon — Adult coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Thursday, June 7 10 a.m. — “Didgeridoo Down Under with Darren Liebman” • Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ puppet show, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, Information: 941-778-6341. 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Friday, June 8 • Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., veterans services assistance, Island 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots: Partners in Play, Island Library, 5701 Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Saturday, June 9 Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton 10 a.m. — Origami crafting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an 2 p.m. —Lego Day and DIY Music Shakers, Island Library, adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. Tuesday, June 12 • Second Fridays, 6 p.m., AMI Resident Community Connec10 am. — Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina tions, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Information: 941-778-1908. • Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Public • Through July 28, Libraries Rock! Summer Reading Program, Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1383. Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941• Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge 778-6341. Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941518-1965. LOOKING AHEAD ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND • July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers Independence Day Parade and Scholarship Party. Sunday, June 10 1-4 p.m. — Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue dine-in benefit ONGOING OFF AMI and jewelry show, Jewelry to the rescue, Blu Mangrove Grill, 102 • First Saturdays, Family Night at the Museum, South Florida Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto. Information: 941-479-7827. Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: GOOD TO KNOW 941-746-4131. • Fourth Wednesdays, “Stelliferous Live” star talk, South Florida SAVE THE DATES Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: • Thursday, June 14, Flag Day. 941-746-4131. • Sunday, June 17, Father’s Day. GAMES, SPORTS & • Wednesday, July 4, Independence Day. OUTDOORS • Monday, Aug. 13, first day of class for Manatee County School District students. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Monday, Sept. 3, Labor Day. • Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, • Wednesday, Oct. 31, Halloween. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: • Sunday, Nov. 4, daylight saving time ends. 941-708-6130. GET LISTED • Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (call for times) mahjong Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Informa- islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the tion: 941-778-6341. publication date. Please include the date, time, location and descrip• Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, tion of the event, as well as a phone number for publication. 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. GOOD DEEDS • Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Information: 941-778-6341. Looking for volunteer opportunities on or around Anna Maria OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

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Saturday, June 9 9 a.m.-noon — World Oceans Day celebration with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department and local environmental groups, Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto. Information: 941-748-4501. 7 p.m. — Robinson Preserve Sunset, Starlight Paddle, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5757.

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Island? These organizations are seeking help: • The Roser Food Bank needs donations of cash and nonperishable food. The pantry is administered by Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7780414. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. Seeking volunteers for an organization or an event? Email calendar@islander.org with the details. Please include a contact name and phone number.

Island happenings Manatee County hosts World Oceans Day Festival

manatee county’s parks and natural resources Department will host its second annual World oceans day festival Saturday, June 9, at emerson Point Preserve. The free festival will kick off at 9 a.m. and continue until noon. the World oceans day festival is a familyfriendly event celebrating the salty seas. A variety of free ocean-themed activities will be available for participants to learn about World oceans day. the county is inviting people to “dip nets into the waters of the Manatee River and discover the creatures hiding beneath the waves. Learn amazing facts about our large marine wildlife — like sea turtles. play oyster games and explore the history of fishing in manatee county. participants will even get a chance to … paddle in a kayak.” World oceans day is a partnership between the county, Sarasota Bay estuary program, anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, ifaS extension Sea grant of manatee county, Florida Maritime Museum, WayneAdventures, florida public archaeology network and the Manatee County Environmental Protection and ecological and marine Services divisions. The festival will take place at Emerson Point Preserve, a 365-acre preserve at 5801 17th St W, Palmetto.

County offers outings at Robinson, Coquina

manatee county’s parks and natural resources department will offer neSt nature days 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, June 9, and June 23, in the Mosaic center for nature, exploration, Science and technology at the robinson preserve expansion. people will visit the neSt, walk the grounds, explore the canopy boardwalk and more. the expansion is at 99th Street northwest and ninth avenue northwest in Bradenton. Later, the county will host a Sunset, Starlight paddle in robinson preserve, 1704 99th St. nW, Bradenton. participants need their own gear to participate. a class in tai chi — there is a $5 fee to attend — will be offered at the neSt at 6 p.m. tuesday, June 12, and at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 14, a science and service book club will meet at the center. also, a family trivia night will take place in the neSt at 6 p.m. tuesday, June 26. on anna maria island, the natural resources department is involved in coordinating a coastal cleanup at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 16, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. also, experienced paddlers are invited to participate in a kayak outing from anna maria to passage Key. the adventurers will depart from Bayfront park on north Bay Boulevard at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 20. For more, call county at 941-742-5923.

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Center to host monthly socials

The Center of Anna Maria Island will host AMI Resident Community Connections for monthly socials. the gatherings will be at 6 p.m. the second friday of the month, starting June 8. An announcement said community members are invited to “meet local residents, mingle and discuss current topics.” attendees also will learn “what’s going on at the center.” participants can bring a small appetizer, snack or dessert to share, as well as BYoB. the center will provide some light refreshments, wine and paper/plastic products. the center is at 407 magnolia ave., anna maria. For more information, contact the center at 941778-1908.

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Paradise Center offers classes in June

the paradise resource center on Longboat Key continues to offer programming in the summer. the center offers yoga and meditation classes tuesdays at 10 a.m., Zumba and mat pilates classes at 10 a.m. thursdays and an intermediate bridge class at 10:30 a.m. Fridays. The fees per class are $10 and reservations are required. The center is now at 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, at temple Beth israel. For more information, call the center at 941383-6493.

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Senior Adventures plan day-trip to downtown

the Senior adventures group will meet at 10 a.m. Friday, June 8, at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. n., Bradenton Beach, to depart for the art Center of Manatee in Bradenton, where the Southern Watercolor Society is exhibiting member works. after the tour, the group will visit the manatee Riverfront and dine at the Acapulco Tropical’s restaurant. For more information or to RSVP, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

‘Paranormal Cirque’ comes to Palmetto

under the “stunning black-and-red big top tent” on Riviera Dunes Way in Palmetto, fun-seekers will find “paranormal cirque.” cirque italia promises theater, cabaret and acrobatic entertainment during performances June 7-June 17. Performance times will vary. An ad in this week’s The Islander provides a discount code. for more details, call 941-704-8572 or go online to paranormalcirque.com.

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

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Seniors on tour

Fashion show to benefit Mayors’ Feed the Hungry

The Senior Adventures group takes a wagon tour of Robinson Preserve, including the expansion part of the park in west Bradenton. The June 1 visit also included a tour of the NEST, a nature center completed earlier this year by the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department. Senior Adventures is a group that meets most Fridays for an outing or an activity. Islander Courtesy Photos: Amy Talucci

area officials will share the fashion show “runway” Sunday, June 10, to raise money for the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry campaign. the benefit will be 4-6 p.m. at the center of anna Maria Island. The fashion show will feature professional models, representatives from nonprofits and other businesses and also local elected officials and law enforcement representatives. Models will include Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson, Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer. the evening will include dinner. the menu calls for shrimp cocktail, fresh fruit, garden salad, chicken marsala, beef tips, garlic-mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and chocolate cake. An announcement said the presenters include Strength in action, mount carmel resource center and mayors’ feed the Hungry. tickets to the “putting’ on the ritz, new York, new York” fashion Show and Silent auction are $50 per person of $400 for a table for eight. Tickets can be purchased online at mayorsfeedthehungry.org. Sponsorship opportunities also exist. for more information about the benefit or the campaign, call Scott Biehler, executive director of mayors’ feed the Hungry, at 941-350-6075.

Members of the island-based Senior Adventures group gather June 1 for a photograph outside of the NEST in the Robinson Preserve. The group toured the nature center and preserve, guided by Melissa Nell, manager of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources programming, volunteer and education division.

‘Jewelry to the Rescue’ benefits Moonracer

moonracer no Kill animal rescue is the beneficiary of “Jewelry to the Rescue” 1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 10, in Palmetto. the event will be at the Blu mangrove grill, 102 riviera dunes Way, and the suggested donation to attend will be $5. attendees are encouraged to bring “unwanted jewelry” to donate, to be refashioned and sold to benefit the animal rescue group. the benefit will include jewelry sales and attendees are encouraged to join the nonprofit for “happyhour” dining and cocktails. Moonracer’s founder, Lisa Williams, is The Islander’s office manager, and toni Lyon, a member of the board of directors, is the islander’s advertising director. For more information, call the restaurant at 941479-7827.

South Florida Museum exhibits ‘Things’

“things come apart” is on exhibit at the South florida museum through aug. 19. the Smithsonian institution traveling exhibition Service show features the works of creative photographer and tinkerer todd mcLellan and examines the evolutions of the smartphone and other “things” used daily by many. the exhibit features 40 photographs, videos and objects. The museum is at 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, and there is an admission fee. For more information, call the museum at 941748-4131.

Kiwanis to meet June 13

Location: Anna Maria Island Community Center 407 Magnolia Ave Date: June 10, 2018

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The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will gather Saturday, June 13. details of the program were not provided. The club will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. club members and guests will gather for breakfast at 8 a.m. Also in June, the club will hear Saturday, June 16, from anna maria mayor dan murphy speaking on the topic of a law enforcement surveillance system recognizing license plates. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 6, 2018 n 13

Center prepares summer camp programs for kids By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter School’s out, and it’s time for vacation. At the center of anna maria island, employees are finalizing arrangements to launch a summer camp program Monday, June 11. executive director chris culhane said June 1 that the center is finalizing its roster of camp counselors. He said several counselors and Anna Maria Elementary teachers who took part in past camps will return to the summer program. for kids entering kindergarten through sixth-grade, camp runs 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. monday through friday. Weekly themes include aloha Summer, Beach olympics and Safari Week, among others. Enrollment is weekly, no later than Tuesday before the camp startup. The cost is $140 per week for center members and $165 for nonmembers.

Audition call for kids

calling all young drama queens and kings. perhaps your kids could benefit from indulging their dramatic tendencies at the Island Players’ Summer Drama Camp. The camp will be July 9-12 and July 16-19 9 a.m.noon with performance day July 20. it is open to ages 6-13. The camp is held at the theater, at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, in conjunction with the Center of Anna Maria Island. At the conclusion of the camp, students will present two performances of “A Quest for Good Manners: A Medieval Adventure,” Friday, July 20. The performances are open to the public. Pam Sikkema will direct. the camp cost is $240 per child and organizers note the number of participants is limited. For more information, contact Lisa Coba, youth program coordinator, at lisa@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908, ext. 207.

there also is a $25 registration fee for campers not already enrolled in the center’s Procare system. camp for students entering seventh- to 10th-grade includes twice-weekly trips beginning June 12 to theme parks and sporting events. the cost is $100 per week. a minimum number of teens must sign up for the Tuesday/Thursday trips to take place. two specialty summer camps, sailing and drama, also are planned. Sailing camp, for ages 8-14, runs for two sessions: 9 a.m.-noon Monday, June 11-Thursday, June 14, and Monday, June 18-Thursday, June 21, at Bimini Bay

Sailing, 840 S. Bay Blvd., anna maria. the cost is $175 per week. Drama camp is conducted by the Island Players at the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Kids in drama camp will take part in two public performances Friday, July 20. Camp space is limited, and center staff say specialty camps fill up faster than weekly camps. camp fees must be paid in full to reserve a spot. For more information or reservations, call the center at 941-778-1908 or visit at 407 magnolia ave., Anna Maria.

Island Players name new officers, next season’s plays

the island players are preparing for the 2018-19 season — the 70th season — at the anna maria playhouse. at the may 16 annual meeting, officers were elected for the organization. Serving for the 2018-19 year are Sylvia marnie, president; peg faarup, first vice-president; marilyn moroni, second vice-president; Linda frank, recording secretary; cathy Hansel-edgerton, corresponding secretary; and connie Camboni, treasurer. the following board members were elected: Dorothy Elder, Donna Grant, Barbara Gusie, Denise Handley, John Hedinger, rita Lamoreux, Laura morales, diane phinney, miriam ring and ruth Stevens. next season’s plays September-may will be: • “the unexpected guest” by agatha christie, Sept. 20-30. • “Baggage” by Sam Bobrick, nov. 8-18. • “i Hate Hamlet” by paul rednick, Jan. 10-27, 2019. • “a flea in Her ear” by georges feydeau, March 7-24, 2019. • “present Laughter” by noel coward, may 2-12, 2019.

The Island Players marquee announces the 70th season at the playhouse at 10009 Gulf Drive, Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi Season tickets for 2018-19 are available by calling faarup at 941-778-7374. the box office will open in September. For more information, visit the website at theislandplayers.org.

14 n June 6, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

AMI sea turtle nesting surge follows tropical storm Newly marked loggerhead nests are scattered across the sand May 29 in Holmes Beach, following Subtropical Storm Alberto. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

rescue are the only people allowed to touch federally protected sea turtle eggs. She said if people see eggs in the sand or surf during or after a storm, they should call turtle watch. “Always call turtle watch first,” she said. “Then we will direct you.”

AMITW resumes turtle talks, LBK-Mote lead walks on beach

Sea turtle season has begun and, with it, come precautions to protect the animals and their habitat. To learn guidelines and some sea turtle factoids, join Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring for Turtle Talks at 10 a.m. Tuesdays in June and July at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The presentations, which last about 35 minutes, consist of video and photos, a question-and-answer session and interactive activities. Attendees receive promotional materials, such as stickers, door hangers, temporary tattoos and flyers. For more information, contact AMITW executive

director Suzi Fox at suzilfox@gmail.com or 941-7785638. Additionally, Longboat Key Turtle Watch, along with Mote Marine Laboratory, is hosting turtle walks led by Mote-trained volunteers on sea turtle patrol. Volunteers will scout for signs of nesting, and share tips on wildlife history and habitats. The walks, which may be up to a mile and a half, begin at 6:45 a.m. Saturdays in June and July and depart from the public beach access at 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Walks are rain or shine, but volunteers do not walk in thunderstorms.

Morgan Parks, an FWC shorebird biologist, leads a shorebird predation workshop May 30 for about 15 AMITW shorebird monitoring volunteers at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. The shorebird volunteers will walk island beaches once a month looking for signs — tracks from fish crows, raccoons and ants — of predators that contribute to the demise of shorebird colonies. The data collected will be reported to the FWC. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMITW

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When a storm causes increased rainfall and higher-than-normal tides, sea turtle nests lining the beach can become “wash-outs,” inundated with water. The standing water can diminish the survival chances for the hatchlings inside the eggs, said Fox. Sea turtle eggs absorb water and hatchlings can drown before they emerge. “Cross your flippers, I did see many nests that were OK,” Fox wrote in a May 27 email to volunteers. “And, we have loads of nesting to come to replace whatever we lost.” By May 29, there were 21 additional loggerhead nests on island beaches. “Early storms leading to washed over nests are pretty much an inevitability,” Fox said May 25. “It’s good we got this one so early, so there is still going to be a lot of nesting to come.” She said after a storm, new nests often are laid higher up in the dune area. With sea turtles nesting farther from the water, it is important to remove beach gear, including chairs, canopies and inflatables at the end of the day. Female sea turtles only come ashore to nest, so any objects in their path can distract them and lead to a failed nesting attempt — a false crawl. Additionally, a sea turtle can become trapped in beach chairs and canopies, which can be a deadly hazard. Fox said since Alberto’s passage, temperatures and humidity have increased, providing a good nesting environment for the turtles. “The moist, tropical heat is here now,” Fox said. “The turtles will be nesting in force, so this is the time to really keep up with best beach practices.” For more information on nesting season, contact Fox at suzifox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638. Visit myfwc.com/seaturtle and click on “Sea Turtles and Lights” or “Wildlife Friendly Lighting” for more information on keeping beaches safe for sea turtles.

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By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Surprise. Tropical Storm Alberto arrived ahead of hurricane season, which began June 1. It brought plenty of wind and rain to Anna Maria Island over the three-day Memorial Day holiday. And a flotilla of female sea turtles. According to Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird monitoring executive director, there often is an increase in nesting after a storm, and the numbers don’t lie. As of May 31, there were 83 loggerhead nests on the island — three more nests than the same day in 2017. Fox The first named storm of nesting season passed in the Gulf of Mexico 165 miles west of the island May 26-27, causing high tides to completely wash out two nests and partially wash over three nests, leaving the eggs exposed, Fox said. Fox said she relocated the three nests with exposed eggs higher in the dunes, where they may still incubate and hatch. Fox said turtle watch volunteers and marine

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THE ISLANDER n JuNE 6, 2018 n 15

Wildlife Inc. hosts 5 rescued fawns in Bradenton Beach

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter deer on anna maria island? While not found among the resident wildlife on the island, there are five rescued fawns at the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach. “This is the time of year we usually see baby deer from construction out east,” ed Straight, president of Wildlife inc., said may 31. “as we get into June, we might get more.” Wildlife Inc. rescues and rehabilitates birds, mammals and reptiles in Manatee and Sarasota counties. performing more wildlife rescues and rehabilitations in Manatee County than other facilities, the 31-yearold nonprofit runs on donations, grants and volunteer help. the abandoned fawns must be bottle-fed goat’s milk, which will be followed by fruits, vegetables and hay, until they are old enough to be forage. according to Straight, one fawn was found near the edge of a lake in east Sarasota county with a hoof stuck in the muck. He said the mother deer likely was frightened by dogs or humans and ran away. The second fawn was found in an unusual circumstance, Straight said. the mother jumped a tall backyard fence, gave birth to the fawn in the yard, then hopped back over the fence and ran away, leaving the fawn behind. The third fawn they rescued was spotted in a fenced in playground at gene Witt elementary School in east Manatee County. “as soon as i picked it up, it started licking my face,” Straight said. “that made everyone happy.” Another, just a few days old, was found on the front steps of a home in a new development near the east end of university parkway in manatee county. the fifth fawn was seen walking through a yard

Ed Straight, president of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc., tends to two of five rescued fawns May 29 at his home-based rehabilitation facility, 2207 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

in Myakka City with its mother when the pair was chased by a dog, causing the mother to run off without the fawn. Straight said the people who found the fawn kept it a few days and fed it cow’s milk — a big no-no,

according to Straight. “deer cannot digest cow’s milk, so it can really make them sick,” he said. Straight said people who see fawns should not disturb them — unless the fawns are in danger — but should call Wildlife Inc. He said the mother may return to the fawn after the perceived danger has passed. “We got about five other calls this month about fawns and we told them all to wait and see if the mother came back and she did in each of those cases,” Straight said. “If the baby is where the mom left it, leave it there and call us.” He said the number of fawns rescued jumped from one or two each spring to 10 in 2015, then eight in 2016 and six in 2017. He said he hopes the downward trend continues, though it is not likely as development increases and the population rises. Straight said the five fawns should be ready for release by September to a deer preserve in central Florida. “it’s good to know they will be released into a really safe area,” Straight said. For more information or to report a sick or injured animal, call Straight at 941-778-6324. Five fawns, rescued in May, rest up and gain strength May 29 at Wildlife Inc. in Bradenton Beach. When they are old enough, the fawns will be released to a deer preserve in central Florida.

Three fawns stroll August 2017 through an enclosure in a preserve in Lakeland. They were among six rehabbed fawns that were rehabbed and released last year by Wildlife Inc. Islander Photo: Courtesy Wildlife Inc.

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Depositions ongoing in Bradenton Beach Sunshine lawsuit

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The first two depositions were taken in the case of Jack Clarke and Bradenton Beach versus six former city board members. Former planning and zoning board member Reed Mapes was deposed May 30 and former Scenic Waves Partnership Committee chair Tjet Martin was deposed June 1. The other defendants, former P&Z members John Metz, Patty Shay and Bill Vincent, and Waves member Rose Vincent were not deposed as of press time for The Islander. Attorney Robert Watrous, counsel for Clarke and the city, performed both depositions at Vincent M. Lucentes & Associates Court Reporters, 526 12th St. W., Bradenton. The depositions were heard for a suit initiated in August 2017 by ex-Mayor Clarke and joined by the city against the six now-former board members. It alleges the defendants violated Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Governmentin-the-Sunshine Laws by discussing city matters â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including the community redevelopment agency plan â&#x20AC;&#x201D; at meetings of the now-defunct grass-roots group Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach. CNOBB discussions allegedly violated Sunshine Laws regarding open meetings.

Additionally, the city is alleging several of the defendants exchanged emails regarding city and CRA matters that might have been brought before them as board members. Mapesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attorney Jim Dye, along with Metz and his attorney Tom Shults, Shay, Rose and Bill Vincent, Martin and Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s companion former Mayor Bill Shearon, attended Mapesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; deposition. Plaintiff Jack Clarke and Michael Barfield, paralegal for Watrous, also were in attendance. Attorney Jodi Ruberg sat in for Shults at Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deposition and Shay was not present. During the hourslong deposition, Watrous asked Mapes why CNOBB was formed, to which Mapes responded, â&#x20AC;&#x153;To help educate the citizens of Bradenton Beach on city matters.â&#x20AC;? Watrous asked Mapes why he felt there was a need to educate the citizens of Bradenton Beach. Mapes said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the time CNOBB was formed, there was a lot of discourse between city council and the citizens regarding what our city was supposed to be and that was what most of our discussion was about.â&#x20AC;? Mapes said the city is not following its 2002 Vision Plan, a cause for concern among some citizens. During Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deposition, Watrous asked Martin if, as Waves chair, she ever reviewed projects included in the CRA plan. Martin said she had, but just as small

Center set for $100K in capital improvement projects

By Bianca BenedĂ Islander Reporter Manatee County commissioners released more than $1 million from the beach concession fund May 22, and $100,601 is going to the Center of Anna Maria Island. The center requested funding for gym equipment, as well as money to repair the roof, re-plumb two bathrooms and maintain the athletic field. The funding is restricted to infrastructure spending. Executive director Chris Culhane said June 1 the funding likely would be incorporated into the coming fiscal year budget, which begins July 1. He said the center is scheduling repairs and purchases. Roofing repairs will take place within four

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projects before the plan was approved by the city commission. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was waiting for it,â&#x20AC;? Martin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I never saw it while I was there.â&#x20AC;? City engineer Lynn Burnett presented the CRA plan to Waves at its March meeting, seven months after Martin resigned as chair. However, the city does not require approval from Waves â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a recommending body â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to move forward with the plan. Burnett closed the March presentation asking members to, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Send any ideas (her) way.â&#x20AC;? Near the end of Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deposition, Watrous asked her if she had discussed the lawsuit with Shearon. She said they discussed her â&#x20AC;&#x153;disappointment with the city.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I put a lot of hard work into this city, a lot of my time and a lot of my life. And this is what they do to us? Really?â&#x20AC;? Martin said with emotion. The depositions will continue throughout the summer, with a trial date anticipated for early fall. As of May 11, the lawsuit has cost the city $56,318, based on invoices through January. The city commission is yet to see invoices from Watrous and Barfield for February, March, April and May.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Depositions are only a pieceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; says Sunshine defendant

John Metz, a former Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board member who is now a defendant in a lawsuit led by the city alleging he and five other now-former board members violated the Governmentin-the-Sunshine Law, said May 30 that people must remember the depositions are â&#x20AC;&#x153;a piece of the puzzle,â&#x20AC;? and the final order will come from the judge. Following a denied motion by Metz to deny attendance at depositions to other witnesses and interested parties â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including the press â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the process remained open to the public. Metz, a retired attorney, said he is concerned people will take statements made during the depositions â&#x20AC;&#x153;out of context.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not the trial,â&#x20AC;? Metz said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is just a small sliver of the case. It is up to the judge to determine if anything actually happened.â&#x20AC;?

months, he said. Culhane said the center will have to fund the projects out of pocket, with the county reimbursing the costs. Along with the submitted $100,601 in restricted and capital improvement projects, the center also is exploring the possibility of adding an awning to the entry at the front of the building. Board member Mike Thrasher said May 21 that some visitors say the outside of the building is â&#x20AC;&#x153;uninviting.â&#x20AC;? An awning, he said, would provide shade and create a gathering place, an attraction for passersby. Culhane said the center is still in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;imagination stageâ&#x20AC;? on the awning plan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plausible and possible, then we will move forward with trying to get a sponsor or local builders Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones to donate material and timeâ&#x20AC;? to construct the awning, in readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives. Submit notices and photographs with detailed information to news@islander.org. he said.

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THE ISLANDER n June 6, 2018 n 17

Renovation proceeds after halt by Holmes Beach official

By Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Islander Reporter Hammers are pounding nails again despite a shortlived impasse between the city and a homeownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contractor. The contractor maintains Holmes Beach needlessly stopped him from his work on a home renovation. The top city building official said the contractor made a â&#x20AC;&#x153;significant error,â&#x20AC;? not his department. Work resumed at the site after being idled nearly two months, according to Darrin Wash of Wash Family Construction of Holmes McGuinness Beach. â&#x20AC;&#x153;None of this had to happen,â&#x20AC;? said Wash. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All it did was give me a headache for no reason.â&#x20AC;?

Wash, the contractor for homeowner Michael Flanagan, 502 74th St., Holmes Beach, said building official Jim McGuinness bungled the permit process. Wash suggested it was because McGuinness is overwhelmed by his duties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too busy,â&#x20AC;? Wash said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not communicating with anybody. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trying to communicate through his other employees.â&#x20AC;? McGuinness said he issued the stop-work order after a city investigation showed work done beyond the scope of the permit. McGuinness said he lifted the stop-work order May 22 after the project was reappraised and the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scope reduced. Wash communicated his complaints to city hall. He said in a May 16 email the red tag was improperly applied. McGuinness said in a responding email the fault lies with Wash.

A crew member from Wash Family Construction is at work on the roof May 31 at 502 74th St., Holmes Beach, after the city lifted a shortlived stop-work order. Islander Photos: Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The stop-work order was rightfully placed because you clearly performed work beyond the scope of the permit and approved plans,â&#x20AC;? McGuinness stated. McGuinness said unauthorized work included removal of a major portion of the roof and exposure of the interior to the elements. Wash said McGuinness approved the roof removal, then red-tagged it. The 1,984-square-foot home, built in 1959, last sold for $650,000 April 20, 2017, according to the Manatee County Property Appraiser website. The home was built before Holmes Beach enacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map in 1975. A building constructed pre-FIRM is eligible for subsidized flood insurance as long as a renovation does not exceed 50 percent of the market valuation of the structure â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not including the land. McGuinness said he worked with Wash to get the project back on track. Wash maintains the project should never have been derailed as the value of the renovation always has been substantially below FEMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50-50 requirement. Work permitted by the city was valued at $116,744. McGuinness agreed the value of the work did not exceed the FEMA limit, but said the project went beyond the scope of work allowed by the permit, which covered an addition and remodel of a singlefamily home. The permit fee was $3,693. A $500 fine for the contractor exceeding permit allowances was paid by the homeowner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It all could have been handled in three days with proper communication,â&#x20AC;? Wash said. McGuinness said FEMA could have required demolition or elevation of the home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is what we are working to prevent,â&#x20AC;? McGuinness said.

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TS Alberto delivers soaker to AMI Memorial Day festivities

By Sandy ambrogi Islander Reporter The weather Memorial Day fluttered up and down. The sun only peeked between clouds and downpours. Rental bikes stayed parked and bodyboards remained stacked, as did most lounge chairs and umbrellas along the 7 miles of beach on anna maria island as tropical Storm alberto â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the first named storm of the 2018 atlantic hurricane season â&#x20AC;&#x201D; chugged northward in the gulf of mexico. The storm stayed clear of the west Florida coastline by about 160 miles, but brought clouds, gusty winds, intermittent rain and high surf and tides. the storm made landfall west of Panama City midafternoon May 28 on the holiday set aside to honor and remember those who died serving in the armed forces. consequently, the long holiday weekend was a washout for many beachgoers, who flocked to the sand when the sun came out and ran for cover with each band of rain. no traffic. no parking problems. no beer on the beach. Local law enforcement reported no issues or problems on the island over the three-day weekend. detective Sgt. Lenard diaz of the Bradenton Beach Police Department said May 28, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had no major issues all weekend. I think the rain and wind

There is nothing quite like Smurf-blue ice cream to wash down a rainy day, says mom Jenny Roach as she holds daughter Rosalie May 28 in Anna Maria. The pair were visiting Roachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents, who live on Anna Maria Island.

Looking south May 27 from Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach to Longboat Key, salt spray rises from the surf and beachgoers take advantage of breaks between bands of rain from Tropical Storm Alberto. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi kept people away.â&#x20AC;? Sgt. mike Jones, of the manatee county Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office in anna maria, agreed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very quiet. itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going well.â&#x20AC;? Holmes Beach Police Department dispatcher Patty Duck chuckled when asked how the holiday weekend had gone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a darn thing going on here. And I hope it stays that way,â&#x20AC;? she said midday on the Monday holiday. It was a different story on the water. Lt. Karl Payne of Manatee County Rescue said there were â&#x20AC;&#x153;lots of rip current problems and multiple rescuesâ&#x20AC;? over the holiday weekend. While paramedics administered to people on the shore, no transport was needed, he added. In another incident, a personal watercraft escaped from a pair of teens at Coquina Beach. They swam ashore, unharmed, but the watercraft continued to circle until a Marine Rescue employee apprehended it and delivered it to the boat ramp at Coquina Bayside. as the wind blew and showers pushed through, many sought retail therapy. at pink and navy, 216 pine ave., anna maria, amy fleece said the clothing shop had a â&#x20AC;&#x153;good weekendâ&#x20AC;? with lots of customers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; most of the time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the sun came out, it slowed down. When it went away, the shop got busy. it was coming and going all weekendâ&#x20AC;? she said. At the Waterfront Restaurant, Jill Jay and Merisa Bainbridge from northern Virginia were eating lunch may 26 after shopping. they had planned to stay on

the island for the long weekend, as they traveled down the west coast of Florida to Captiva Island, but decided to eat and run. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were going to stay for several days, but we PLEASE SEE albertO PAGE 19

Jill Jay, left, and Merisa Bainbridge enjoy lunch May 26 at the Waterfront Restaurant, 111 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. The pair â&#x20AC;&#x201D; on a road trip down the west coast of Florida to Captiva Island â&#x20AC;&#x201D; said they were disappointed in the weather but remarked the island was â&#x20AC;&#x153;still beautiful,â&#x20AC;? even in the rain on the Memorial Day weekend.

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“The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun.” — Phil Edwards Dustin von Hahmann takes his ride “off the lip” in Bradenton Beach May 28 while taking advantage of big surf brought to shore by Tropical Storm Alberto as it churned northward in the Gulf of Mexico. Islander Photo: Courtesy Colleen Fordvan Hahmann Patrons bear down against wind on the planks at the Rod & Reel Pier, 875 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi albertO continued from page 18 are leaving later this afternoon. Hopefully, we can run out of this rain,” Bainbridge said. “it’s beautiful here, though,” Jay said, looking through the clear pulldowns keeping the rain off diners. “We just have to come back now.” The storm disrupted more than visits. The Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird monitoring relocated several washed-out nests, moving eggs behind dunes. nest markers and stakes fell in wind gusts. and around 5 p.m. may 28, a loggerhead female came ashore at the north end of anna Maria, crawled around and returned to the water, stunning onlookers. old glory flew in many locations and the city of Anna Maria held a Memorial Day Salute in the City pier park. the may 28 ceremony was the only official island event marking the holiday. anna maria mayor dan murphy recognized veterans and Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson helped to place a memorial wreath during the ceremony along with anna maria resident george Barfield. murphy and Johnson both served in the u.S. army and Barfield is a retired navy veteran.

Members of the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra perform May 28 at Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Salute at City Pier Park in a tribute to fallen military service members. A veteran himself, Mayor Dan Murphy recognized local veterans who attended. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedi

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

Let’s go shopping! it’s almost summer — time for vacations and time to go sailing. Well, sale-ing! tiki and Kitty are busy shopping for great values in their favorite shops. tide & Moon on the Historic Bridge Street pier has a great selection of handmade jewelry by sil-

versmith Laura Shely. Also, check out the downtown Bradenton location at 1209 Third Ave. W., where you can learn to make jewelry, too. Be sure to stop often for the changing array of home decor, furnishings, jewelry, shoes and clothing for the entire family at Community thrift shop on Manatee avenue in Bradenton. it’s the spot for consignment bargains, including books and collectibles. Kingberry estate finds in Palmetto offers home

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furnishings and decor, emphasizing quality, comfort and style at affordable prices. The estate inventory includes items for inside and outside your home. As an added bonus, you’ll find annie Sloan chalk paint exclusively in manatee county at Kingberry. And, be sure to check out scavengers Marketplace every third Friday of the month, from 4-7 p.m., come to the Sip & Shop event to help Moonracer no Kill animal rescue. Wine, hors d’ oeuvre and savings. How can you lose? Please, be sure to tell our friends in the shops, “The Islander sent me.”

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Obituaries

CrossPointe kids splash at end-of-school bash Kids swing ropes and bounce off trampolines into the water May 30 at the beach at Bayfront Park during CrossPointe Fellowship’s final Wednesday Night Blast to commemorate the end of the school year.

Geza E. Bankuty

Geza E. Bankuty, 91, of Holmes Beach and formerly of Budapest, Hungary, died may 24. arrangements were by griffith-cline funeral Home in Bradenton.

Wayne L. Nield II

Wayne L. nield ii, of canaan, new Hampshire, died April 20. The only child of Wayne L. and Frances (Murray) nield, he was born nov. 19, 1947, in Baltimore. A visual artist and historic preservationist, he held a bachelor’s degree in english and art from towson State university and a master’s degree in american art history, with an emphasis on architecture, from the american university. From 1978 to 1983 he was an instructor in the historic preservation program at goucher college in Baltimore, teaching american architectural history and historic preservation. He also served as a field historian and preservation planning consultant for numerous clients. many of his architectural photography projects from the 1980s, such as “Downtown My-town Comin’ Down All Around” (about the demolition of Baltimore’s architectural history), were incorporated into art installations that included sound, lighting, found objects and large, hand-colored photographs. His creative approach to conservation issues led to signifi cant artistic accomplishments, including “the Twins Aria and Soraya Casciani, 1, splash and explore at the water’s edge irish Shrine,” an homage to Baltimore’s irish immiPaisley Smelt, 14, left, Graceson Jankovich, 13, Maggie Carter, May 30 during CrossPointe’s Wednes- grants. In the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, he spent his 14, Morgan West, 13 and Mara Dunn, 13, gather in the pavilion day Night Blast at Bayfront Park in time in florida, documenting the history of the threatat Anna Maria’s Bayfront Park May 30 during CrossPointe Fel- Anna Maria. Islander Photos: Bianca ened commercial fishing village of cortez. thanks to lowship’s Wednesday Night Blast — a celebration to cap off the Benedí funding from a variety of sources, including the florschool year. ida Humanities Council, this documentation resulted in the comprehensive multi-media project, “Vanishing CrossPointe registering Cultures.” Practitioner kids for VBS He also spent time on other creative projects. gives practical By 2005, after fighting what he eventually came crosspointe fellowship is registering students for advice to consider a lost war (with a few victorious battles) its “more than amazing” vacation Bible school. in his efforts to preserve his Baltimore neighborhood, Classes will be 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday, he settled into solitude in tioga, pennsylvania, a rural June 18-22, at the church, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes place in the appalachian mountains. there, he began Beach. to concentrate solely on painting. the program offers activities, lessons and games. When the fracking industry started to encroach it is free and open to children as young as age 4 and upon the environment in which he was living, he through the fifth-grade. decided in 2011 to visit friends in the upper Valley. for more information or to register, call the church among other places, he discovered aVa gallery and at 941-778-0719. Kathryn “Cass” Robertson, an islander and retired art center in Lebanon, new Hampshire, where he was nurse practitioner, will lead a discussion on toxins taken by the juxtaposition of a former factory building and how they impact health during a gathering of turned into a facility for contemporary art. In 2012, in the JOY/Just Older Youth group at 11 a.m. Wednesorder to be closer to what AVA had to offer, he moved day, June 13, in the fellowship hall at Roser Memo- to canaan, new Hampshire. rial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. in Spring 2014, a memorable exhibition of paintRobertson also will talk about natural health remings from his “Wall of the reliquary” series was feaedies. Attendees should plan to bring a brown-bag tured at AVA. lunch. The church provides beverages and desserts. A celebration of Wayne’s life will take place in For more information, call the church at 941-778PLEASE SEE Obituaries, neXt page 0414. Islander Courtesy Photo

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3 island sisters search for angel in fight against cancer

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Three sisters spent their summers on Anna Maria Island doing what girls do — swimming, sunbathing, teasing boys and hanging out with their grandparents. They lived the island life. Now they fight as one against cancer. The little Florida blockhouse of their childhood on 72nd Street in Holmes Beach is gone, replaced by a two-story that would twice- swallow the much-loved island home. It was home to the girls and their father, Westwood “Wes” Fletcher III, when they were younger. Their grandparents, Audrey and Westwood Fletcher Jr., had purchased the property in 1973 and made it their residence after years of moving around the country. The elder Fletcher represented the island and northwest Bradenton on the Manatee County Board of Commissioners and he and wife Audrey settled into life on the island. Time went by. Young Wes grew up, married and had three daughters — Lauren, Heather and Jordan. The sisters loved the beach as much as their father and grandparents, but after the elder Fletcher’s death in 2011, the family sold the house on 72nd Street and moved to Bradenton. “We couldn’t afford it and all. The taxes were skyhigh,” Lauren Bilan said. “Sometimes, we just go by there and look at that big house and remember what it was like before, when we were kids. We take our own kids to the same beach and they know it’s ‘our’ beach” and why that is.” But life did not get easier, not for Lauren and not for the sisters who love her. In August 2014, Bilan and her husband, Andrew, were expecting their second child. By October, two months after a healthy baby boy arrived, Bilan was not feeling well. After several rounds of tests, the diagnosis was worse than she ever expected. At 25, she had cervical cancer. After several minimally invasive treatments proved unsuccessful, a radical hysterectomy was performed in February 2015, along with removal of lateral lymph nodes as a precaution. For 15 months, all was deemed well. Bilan said her primary care physician chose not to rescan her regularly, despite repeated requests for scans to be certain the cancer was at bay. “I asked and asked,” Bilan said. “It didn’t seem right to me that no one was checking to be sure the cancer had not come back.”

Jordan Lococo, left, snuggles big sister Lauren Bilan at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa in March 2017. Along with older sister Heather Robuck, the siblings are waging war on Bilan’s cervical cancer. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jordan Lococo

When urinary tract problems arose, she said her doctor prescribed antibiotics for an infection and sent her on her way. The infections became more frequent and worsened, resulting in several hospitalizations. Finally, angry and frustrated, she released her primary care physician and consulted an urologist. New tests confirmed her nagging fear. The cancer had returned, and it was widespread. At 28, she had more than two dozen small tumors and one the size of a grapefruit. Surgery was followed by chemotherapy and radiation at Tampa’s Moffitt Cancer Center. Sickened by the chemo, Bilan forged on and, by Feb. 13, she and her family were again celebrating a year of no cancer. The sisters, serving as cheerleaders, babysitters and appointment drivers for Bilan and her kids, breathed another sigh of relief. Then came bad news in March. Bilan is facing another round of treatment, but the new tumor is so deep, her options are limited. Obituaries continued from page 20 “My number No. 1 choice is a LEER-ICRT surCanaan June 30. Memorial donations may be made gery,” she said. It’s not common and places that do it the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to are limited to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, MD AnderAnimals or to a local humane society. son Cancer Center in Houston and Memorial SloanHe is survived by several cousins in Baltimore; by his beloved dog, Tink; and by close friends.

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Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. LEER — laterally extended endopelvic resection — is a way to treat cervical cancer that has spread. It includes pelvic sidewall removal, taking a similar surgery, known as pelvic exenteration, a step further. These two procedures, or regular chemotherapy, are all the options that remain, according to Bilan. Untreated, the prognosis is less than a year before she succumbs to the disease. “That’s not an option for me. I have two small children. I chose the LEER-ICRT surgery for my kids. Otherwise, I won’t see them grow and be awkward. I won’t see them go out on their first date,” Bilan said May 24. The family has been working to get Bilan on the surgical list at the Jacksonville Mayo Clinic, but they have now unearthed another nightmare: the red tape that throttles health care in the United States. Bilan has no health insurance. With income from her husband’s job, she’s eligible for a Medicaid program known as Medically Needy Share of Cost. No family income would have resulted in more assistance. The program calculates the amount exceeding what a person could realistically pay, then calculates real health care costs monthly against the “cost of care” in a deductible-type set up. The assistance only kicks in when the cost of care exceeds the out of pocket amount — and it is recalculated monthly. Bilan, with help from her sisters, has applied three times for charity medical care at Mayo and has been rejected three times, she said. The hospital will not comment due to HIPPA regulations. After raising a $5,000 deposit required by Mayo for a consultation, she was turned away when the family could not verify they could cover the $250,000 in surgical costs and out-of-pocket costs for recovery visits. She is exhausted. Her family is emotionally drained. Bilan’s advice to others: Don’t let a doctor tell you “no” if you want something done. “If your primary care doctor is not listening to you, find a new one. I knew better. I was too trusting. I waited too long to demand,” she said. For now, she is researching other options and hoping for a miracle. “ I used to give to charity funds,” she said in a phone interview May 30. “Now that I need it or I’ll die, no one seems to be able to find the right charity to help me.” Bilan hopes someone has answers for her, or that there is an angel somewhere on the sands of Anna Maria Island or beyond. To offer a helping hand or for more information, call sisters Jordan Lococo at 941-527-7787 or Heather Robuck at 941-580-0270.

22 n JuNE 6, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

anna Maria May 18, 110 Tern Drive, runaway juvenile. Following reports of a missing 17-year-old male, manatee county deputies working with a K9 found the missing teen on the east side of Bradenton. the juvenile was charged with violating a court-imposed curfew for seven nights, taken to a hospital for a dog bite and then to a juvenile facility. may 21, 8600 block of gulf drive, drugs. a deputy observed a taillight out on a vehicle and stopped the motorist. noting the odor of marijuana, the officer searched the vehicle and found a jar of marijuana and plastic bags labeled “purple chaser” and “star fruit.” The 21-year-old Bradenton driver was issued a notice to appear for possessing less than 20 grams of mari-

Bradenton man gets probation for marijuana possession

A Bradenton man found with marijuana in Bradenton Beach pleaded no contest may 21 to illegally possessing the drug. HBPD responds Josh Burls, 22, was sentenced to 18 months probato DWLS tion by 12th circuit Judge charles Sniffen, who also Holmes Beach Police withheld Burls’ adjudication. Officer Tom Fraser Bradenton Beach police arrested Burls in Decemspeaks to Officer Chrisber 2017 after an officer observed smoke wafting from tine LaBranche while a vehicle at the Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp and she checks on a driver’s found Burls with a marijuana cigarette in his mouth. license in the S&S Plaza Burls told the officer he had a “little bit of weed parking lot. LaBranche in the car” and police found 27 grams in the vehicle. pulled over a 23-year-old illegal possession of more than 20 grams of the Bradenton man May 29 drug elevates the marijuana charge to a third-degree for not wearing a seat belt felony, punishable by five years in prison. and determined his license Burls’ sentence also requires he perform 25 hours was suspended. His vehicle of public service work. was towed. Islander Photo: He was assessed $863 in costs and fines and Kathy Prucnell required to report to his probation officer within 72 hours.

juana and ticketed for the equipment violation, after which he called his father for a ride home. may 24, Bayfront park, 316 n. Bay Blvd., illegal fishing/ trespass. found illegally netting fish, two males were issued notices to appear in court by a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer. a manatee county deputy warned the fishers for trespassing. Anna Maria is policed by the MCSO. bradenton beach may 25, 400 block of north Shore road, towed vehicle. on patrol, a Bradenton Beach police officer stopped the driver of a 2000 Honda civic for speeding and called for backup after a passenger began cursing at the officer. the officer was advised the five women in the civic are gang members, known for stealing vehicles. The driver had a suspended driver’s license and the vehicle was towed.

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may 26, 100 block of 12th Street north, marchman act. an intoxicated man who walked into a home and fell asleep on the owner’s couch was taken to a medical facility by a police officer who later found him sitting on a brick wall near the residence. may 30, Sand pebble motel, 2218 gulf drive n., information. officers responded to a manager’s report of an unregistered guest, but the subject left on a bike before they arrived. Police believe the bicycle was stolen from Anna Maria. A suspect was later found passed out at the circle K, 2513 gulf drive n. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez May 28, 3800 block of 116th Street West, domestic disturbance. a deputy responded to an argument and determined no physical violence occurred. Cortez is policed by the MCSO. Holmes beach May 25, Anna Maria Island Centre, Ace Hardware, 3352 e. Bay drive, ordinance. after his golf cart became stuck in landscaping on the sidewalk outside the store, a 49-year-old Bradenton Beach man was cited PLEASE SEE streetlife, PAGE 23 EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT

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THE ISLANDER n June 6, 2018 n 23

streetlife continued from page 22 for driving the vehicle without a valid driver’s license. Holmes Beach police officers, who reported the man was intoxicated, gave the subject a courtesy ride home and moved the golf cart to a spot in the parking lot at the shopping plaza. May 25, 4000 block of Sixth Avenue, vehicle burglary. A woman reported an unknown person took an iPhone adapter and air-freshener from her vehicle. May 25, 600 block of Manatee Avenue, suspicious circumstances. A man reported an unknown person entered his unlocked vehicle and rifled through the glove compartment. Nothing was reported missing. May 26, Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, noise. At 11:40 p.m., an officer responded to a complaint of loud music and measured the sound between 75 and 85 decibels, where no more than 50 decibels are permitted after 10 p.m. The manager turned down the volume. The officer forwarded the report to code enforcement. May 27, 100 block of 47th Street and the beach, Baker Act. A woman told police and family members she wanted to hurt herself. An officer took her to a medical facility. May 27, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, tag/marijuana/alcohol. A Holmes Beach officer ran a vehicle tag and found it had expired in 2011. Police also spoke to the vehicle’s occupants, searched the vehicle and found a small amount of marijuana. A passenger was cited for an alcohol violation. The tag was seized and the vehicle was towed. May 28, Anna Maria Island Watersports, 505 56th St., theft. A group of four rented personal watercrafts and three of the PWCs were returned damaged. The renters left without paying for the damages and a request was sent to the state attorney for an arrest. May 29, Mike Norman Realty, vandalism. An unknown person broke a ceramic planter and pulled down several signs. Damage was estimated at $210. May 29, 600 block of Foxworth Lane, fraud. A bank fraud was reported. May 30, Citgo, 3015 Gulf Drive. A man told police his debit card had been compromised after purchasing

Vacationing LEO patches into Bradenton Beach There are patch collectors. And there is the Bradenton Beach Police Department. You see patches on all types of law enforcement officers — from deputies to troopers and firefighters — on their shirt sleeves, hats and jackets. Two patch collectors met when Sgt. Jeffrey Gibson flashed his badge May 30 and Bradenton Beach Police Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz welcomed him into the BBPD police station at 403 Highland Ave. While vacationing on Anna Maria Island, the officer from Nashville, Tennessee, sought a patch-trading opportunity. Gibson asked Diaz: Do you trade patches? The answer came as Diaz invited Gibson into the room where BBPD officers meet the press, public and work the desk — a room with a wall of patches. Diaz said he couldn’t guess how many departments are represented on the wall. Police trading of insignia is a popular pastime, according to Wikipedia, which references the New York City Police Museum’s worldwide collection, and a sign of respect and cooperation between agencies. Diaz agreed. At the BBPD, he said, there are patches from agencies as far as France, England, Russia, Germany and Italy, and as close as Longboat Key, Holmes Beach and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. “We definitely share with fire departments,” Diaz added. “But we don’t just give them out to everybody.” The BBPD requires an in-person request from an officer. Typically, officers who, like Gibson are on vacation, stop at the station with their hope to add to a gas three days earlier, but HBPD found no evidence of a skimming device. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

collection, he said. The two police officers combed the wall for the Metro Nashville Police Department insignia and found it — smack dab in the center. Nonetheless, the two agreed to the one-sided trade as the out-of-towner agreed to a photo to commemorate the meeting. And, in another turn of camaraderie, Diaz said he’d send Gibson a copy of his photo — if published — in The Islander. — Kathy Prucnell

Metropolitan Nashville Police Sgt. Jeffrey Gibson visits the police station in Bradenton Beach May 30 with his department’s patch. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

24 n JuNE 6, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Citizen scientists dive in, study health of Sarasota Bay

By Sandy ambrogi Islander Reporter What do you get when you combine 100 volunteers, 16 boats, eight paddleboarders, clipboards and electronic apps in one day on Sarasota Bay? An annual checkup. a collection of citizen scientists gave the local waters of Sarasota Bay an annual checkup by investigating the growth of seagrass, the clarity of the water and the presence of marine life — from minuscule invertebrates to manatees. Volunteers with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program may 5 took off by boat from the Sarasota Sailing Squadron headquarters at 1717 Ken thompson Parkway, Sarasota, and surveyed above and below the water for a read on the health of Sarasota Bay. the results, after three hours of surveying, are encouraging. Volunteers studied 140 survey points to see how much seagrass was present, the average blade length of each species of seagrass, what species — grasses and otherwise — were inhabiting the study point and how clear the water was in the area. The presence of algae also was checked. for the first time, a smartphone app, SurVeY123, was utilized to record and sort data. The app loaded

Volunteer Jeanette Marks surfaces May 5 in Sarasota Bay with blades of seagrass for a survey by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Volunteers checked 140 survey points. Islander Photos: Courtesy Sarasota County

the volunteer findings directly to a database. The study showed Sarasota Bay waters are improving in clarity, though larger amounts of algae in certain areas were found where not previously documented. Seagrass, needed for a healthy aquatic environment, thrives in clear water. The Sarasota Bay sea-

Capt. Larry Beggs, left, owner of Reef Innovations, pilots his boat with volunteers Claudia Vila, Constance Sartar and Liliana Benitez, while citizen scientists Shayna Coonin, left, in the water, and Kevin and Katherine Lawrence take a rest from surveying.

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grasses produce enough oxygen for all the human residents of Manatee and Sarasota counties to breath every day. the seagrass removes pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus runoffs from fertilizers — one of the main polluters and key to the formation of algae blooms such as Karenia brevis, commonly called red tide, which have plagued local waters. the blooms have been blamed for everything from difficulty breathing among people to the appearance of sludge-like green goop, resulting in massive fish kills. the SBep estimates nitrogen-loading to the bay has decreased 67 percent since 1988. In the same period, seagrass meadows have recovered from the low levels of the 1980s. Seagrass bed acreage is up 54 percent between State Road 64/Manatee Avenue to Venice Inlet on the southern end from survey levels recorded 30 years ago. Seagrass beds also help to stabilizer the bottom of the bay in heavy storms or even when boat passes over. a bonnethead shark, manatees, oyster toadfish with eggs, sheepshead, coral, urchins, clams and scallops also were sighted during the study. around the Bend nature tours led dipnet tours for individuals who wanted to wade and learn about seagrass. A nature festival at Ken Thompson Park rounded out the event. Booths, information, crafts and games from mote marine Laboratory and aquarium, Longboat Key turtle Watch, Sarasota Bay Watch, along with several local and state agencies entertained and informed. Food trucks were present, as well as live music. a raffle concluded the survey event. This was the fourth year for the SBEP survey.

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THE ISLANDER n JuNE 6, 2018 n 25

watching, waiting for sunny skies to come. I remember as a kid, that rainy days could be exceedingly more difficult to endure than any summer doldrums. also, i distinctly remember being warned by adults not to catch raindrops on my tongue because of “acid rain.” the adults might have understood the concept of “acid rain,” but i wondered if my face might dissolve like the Joker’s in “Batman.” Yet, i also remember merrily stomping about in puddles, using my umbrella like a bucket to catch the rain, floating paper boats in gutters and making bets on whether a rainbow would materialize. those were great gray days, splash-tastic days.

By Lisa Neff

When the rain comes

I went without cable television for about a decade, which meant I didn’t have to endure even a bit of cable news and I rarely saw a commercial. So i didn’t know or had forgotten how distasteful cable news and TV commercials would be to me until earlier this year, when I moved to a place providing basic cable. naturally, now that i have cable, Neff I watch, probably too much. one advertisement — not one of the diverse ones — seems to pop up a lot while i’m watching. it’s an ad for a product i’ll probably never buy: The Delta Faucet ShieldSpray. Perhaps you’ve seen the spot. a woman riding a bike is splashed by a passing car. a man on the beach is splashed by his wet dog. a child is splashed as a water balloon breaks on his head. A woman raises an umbrella to shield herself from the rain. The people featured don’t look happy. They look miserable. no one likes to get splashed, the viewer is informed, and that’s why Delta developed the “shieldspray” for kitchen sinks.

Milestone

A rainbow forms over the Anna Maria City Pier in late summer 2007. Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff it’s true, people don’t like to be splashed — not even when they’re floating in a swimming pool or bobbing around in the gulf of mexico, but especially not in the rain. the last week of may, i noticed people devising a variety of ways to avoid raindrops, including a woman running through the publix Super market parking lot holding a watermelon on her head. I was reminded of the lyrics in “Rain,” the Beatles song: “if the rain comes/they run and hide their heads.” I was too slow to catch her to ask about avoiding raindrops, but to anyone else i heard crying, “Will it ever end?” through the rain-soaked memorial day weekend, i asked, “What’s wrong with rain?” i heard about the dangers of flooding, auto accidents, even mudslides, but mostly I heard about the rainy-day blues. Perhaps, I told my wife as we took a walk around the block in a morning drizzle, people’s dislike for rain originates in childhood, when, bored with checkers or cards or assigned reading, they sat by the window,

Milestones

A man and woman brave wind and rain May 26 as they dart across Bay Boulevard to the Anna Maria City Pier. The pair peeked at the pier — closed since September 2017 — before quickly running to their car. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

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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.

French Table

Celebrating 104th

Janis Pearce celebrates her 104th birthday with friends and members of the Manatee Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. Linda Prindle, left, Janice Pearce, islander Holly Wilson and DAR regent Julie Moore celebrate the day. The chapter is listed with the National Society of DAR as on Anna Maria Island. The DAR, according to Wikipedia, is a lineage-based membership organization for women who are directly descended from a person involved in the United States’ efforts toward independence. Islander Courtesy Photo

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Seedings hold true in centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adult league soccer playoffs By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter proving the regular season standings are no fluke, the top four seeds in the adult soccer league all posted wins in first-round playoff matches during may 31 action at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Three of the four matches were won by comfortable margins, starting with no. 4 seed Slimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place rolling to a 5-1 victory over fifth seed ross Built in the opening match of the night. Center soccer celeb Ray Gardner, a popular sports director just a few years back at the center, scored two Cassidy goals and p.J. Smargisso had a goal and an assist to lead Slimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, which also received a goal from maxim panchenko and assists from andre Lewis and renee rupp. an own goal gifted by ross Built completed the scoring for Slims, which also received six saves from Will case in the victory. ryan Hogan notched the lone goal for ross Built on an assist from Chris Klotz, while Robb Marshall made eight saves in defeat. no. 3 seed Sato real estate struggled to a 1-0 victory over no. 6 moss Builders in the second match of the evening. Jose caseras notched the game winner on an assist from Damir Glavan. Goalie Jordan Demers made eight saves in the shutout victory. goalie Josh Bernet made eight saves to lead moss Builders in the loss. greg demeuese scored two goals and daniel anderson had a goal and an assist to lead no. 2 seed Lancaster design to a 4-1 victory over no. 7 mar/Kis insurance. robert armstrong scored a goal and goalie trey Horne made five saves in the victory. Mike Brusso scored for Mar/Kis, which received seven saves from Mario Prino in the loss.

the final match of the night saw no. 1 seed â&#x20AC;&#x201D; still undefeated â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Legler & flynn Law roll to a 6-1 victory over no. 8 acqua aveda behind two goals and an assist from Yorvi moreira and two goals from Steve Velliquette. Steve oelfke added a goal and an assist, while diego felipe and amy ivin also scored. felipe, Sean Flynn and Mark Rudacille combined on 10 saves in the victory. Jeff Walker notched the only goal for acqua aveda, which received a combined eight saves from Jake parsons and miguel ajoy in the loss. Semifinal matches commence June 7 at 7 p.m. with Sato real estate taking on Lancaster design followed by Legler & flynn taking on Slimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place at 8 p.m. Key royale golf news Members of the Key Royale Club celebrated Memorial Day with a nine-hole scramble followed by an old-fashioned cookout for more than 60 members, including hamburgers, hot dogs and an array of salads. the team of Jean Holmes, Hugh Holmes Jr., connor Bystrom and Jason Hrnak matched the 6-under-par 26 carded by Sue and Bruce Christenson and Karen and Scott mitchell to share clubhouse bragging rights for the day. mitchell also had the distinction of winning the longest-drive contest for the men, while debi Wohlers took the prize for the women. Herb Clauhs was the winner of the closest-to-the-pin contest on the third hole. Later in the day, the men played a modified Stableford-system match, which was captured by Art McMillan with a score of plus-5. The women took over the links May 29 for a ninehole individual-low-net match. Sue Christenson won flight a with a 1-over-par 33, while Sue Wheelerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2-under-par 30 gave her first place in flight B.

the may 31 menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thursday morning scramble was canceled due to rain. Horseshoe news May 30 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits got underway, but heavy rains washed out the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proceedings. Blue skies and the pitchers returned for June 2 action that saw two walkers post the only 3-0 pool-play records. the finals saw gary Howcroft punctuate a 22-8 victory with back-to-back double ringers to earn the weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bragging rights. Play starts at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits, with warmups at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome. register now for adult football the last day to register for the adult flag football league at the center of anna maria island is Saturday, June 9. cost for the league is $10 for center members and $126 for nonmembers. A $10 late fee applies after the signup deadline. Player evaluations and a draft will be held at 7 p.m. tuesday, June 12. games will be played starting at 6 p.m. thursday nights, with the season kick off set for June 21. to sign up, call the center at 941-778-1908 ext. 9205.

Just breathe

A manatee surfaces May 16 in the Portosueno Park boat basin on Palma Sola Bay. Manatees are on the move in waters surrounding Anna Maria Island and boaters are urged to use caution and observe idle speed and no-wake zones. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Ray returns to bay

Kevin Smith of Bradenton removes the hook from a stingray May 8 at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach before releasing it back to Sarasota Bay. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

TideWatch

Red tide detected in Manatee

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Karenia brevis, the florida red tide organism, was detected in background concentrations manatee county the week ending June 1. red tide was detected elsewhere in the region. for more information about red tide in florida, go to myfwc.com/redtidestatus.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

HIGH

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

7:33a 8:06a 8:37a 9:07a 9:38a 10:09a 12:25a 1:30a

1.7 1.8 1.9 2.1 2.3 2.5 1.5 1.5

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THE ISLANDER n JuNE 6, 2018 n 27

Recent rain not putting a damper on fishing By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter fishing around anna maria island remains consistent as long as you don’t mind fishing in the rain. Rainy days have enveloped our little island, but it doesn’t seem to bother the fish. at least most of them. inshore fishing is good for hooking spotted seatrout and catch-andrelease snook. Also present in the backcountry are jack crevalle, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel and a few redfish. nearshore and offshore fishing Stasny remains good, at least on the calm days when the gulf of mexico is fishable. Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper and cobia are being found on nearshore structure. moving out deeper yields kingfish, permit and amberjack. on my trips with Southernaire, i’m concentrating on the backcountry. catching spotted seatrout is providing good action for my clients and yields a few fish to put in the cooler. a lot of the larger trout — those exceeding 20 inches — have moved from the flats to spawn leaving many 12-to 18-inch fish to be caught. “Weeding” through the smaller ones is a factor, but my clients are putting their limits in the box. mixed in with the trout bite are Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle, which adds variety to the action. after trout fishing, i’m targeting catchand-release snook. numerous male fish, 20-26 inches, are on the shallow flats of tampa Bay and southward to Sarasota Bay. casting live, free-lined shiners is resulting in many hook-ups. Some snook sessions are exceeding 30 fish brought to the boat and released. in some areas, the snook are swimming over the white sandy bottom along the shoreline, which is an excellent

Before the deluge of rain began at the end of May, the tarpon were biting. The Oliver family — grandfather, father and son — came to Anna Maria Island to hook up with Capt. Warren Girle on a hunt for the silver king, and they were not disappointed. They had several fish on, including this 120-pounder, caught May 26 on a pass crab. From front to back are Brett Oliver, Girle and Jerry Oliver. Jason Oliver is behind the camera.

scenario for sight casting. Being able to see the fish is yielding larger catches of fish up to 30 inches. capt. Warren girle is on patrol for tarpon along the gulf beaches of anna maria island and Longboat Key, as well as in the passes. morning tides are proving best, with numerous hook-ups occurring before 9 a.m.

Waterfront living

Fishers wade May 29 from Danny Richards’ houseboat anchored between the Anna Maria Island Bridge and One Particular Harbor on Perico Island. Richards said he intends to transform the vessel into a bait boat or use it for his existing business, Seabreeze Double Crabs of Tampa. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

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for bait, pass crabs or threadfin herring work well. on “non-tarpon” days, girle is working the flats of Sarasota Bay. using live shiners as bait, he is leading his clients to a variety of flats species, including redfish, spotted seatrout and catch-and-release snook. capt. aaron Lowman is tackling the nearshore structure in the gulf of mexico, where Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper are providing consistent action. an abundance of chum is key to getting the bite started, he says. While fishing the reefs, Lowman’s clients are hooking into an occasional big bomber — a cobia. moving inshore, Lowman is putting his clients on a good number of catch-and-release snook. free-lined live shiners fished over shallow grass flats with good tidal flow is key to catching these shallow-water torpedoes. mixed in with the snook bite are spotted seatrout and the occasional flounder. Lastly, Lowman is targeting tarpon along the beaches and passes. casting live crabs or threadfin herring is attracting fish for his clients in the 80- to 120-pound class. capt. Jason Stock is working offshore when the weather permits. He is finding his share of permit where casting live crabs results in catches up to 20 pounds for his clients. also around offshore structure, cobia, kingfish and amberjack are being caught on live or artificial baits. moving inshore, Stock is in pursuit of tarpon. fishing the beaches and passes is proving reliable. for bait, live crabs and threadfin herring are working well. other baits — pinfish and large shiners — are triggering a strike when the tarpon are finicky, Stock says Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is targeting mangrove snapper on offshore structure. to catch these tasty fish, he is chumming with fresh-cut shiners until the fish start to feed. then he’s slipping a hook into a “livey” and free-lining it down to the structure. this method is yielding catches up to 20 inches. moving inshore, capt. david White is targeting tarpon inshore along the beaches and passes. first light is when he feels the best bite occurs. casting live threadfin herring or live crabs to schooling fish is getting the job done. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

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28 n JuNE 6, 2018 n THE ISLANDER By Bianca BenedĂ, bianca@islander.org

Cooking with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;classâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Waterfront Restaurant chef Justin Hibbert, owner Jason Suzor and chef Billy Hermenau greet hungry kids May 22 in the AME cafeteria during dinner. The fee for dinner was donated by the Waterfront to AMEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parent-Teacher Organization. The Waterfront is at 111 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Courtesy AME/Sheila Zinke

School is out for students at Anna Maria Elementary and the other public schools in Manatee County. Classes will resume Aug. 13.

PropertyWatch

Island real estate transactions

By Jesse Brisson Special to The Islander 7218 gulf drive, unit 9, La casa costiera, Holmes Beach, a 2,068 sfla / 2,288 sfur 3bed/2 1/2bath/2car condo with share pool built in 2005 was sold 04/30/18, chastain to Brinck for $1,100,000; list $1,180,000. 4002 fifth ave., Holmes Beach, a 2,737 sfla / 4,567 sfur 6bed/3 1/2bath/2car pool home built in 2010 on a 6,500 sq ft lot was sold 05/01/18, Alha Growth Inc. to pasqual for $1,025,000; list $1,295,000. 318 Bay drive S., unit 7, old Bridge Village, Bradenton Beach, a 2,164 sfa / 2,285 sfur 3bed/2 1/2bath bayview condo with shared pool built in 2004 was sold 04/27/18, mapes to Herard for $1,025,000; list $1,170,000. 211 oak ave., anna maria, a 1,810 sfla / 2,440 sfur 3bed/2bath canalfront home built in 1955 on a 11,250 sq ft lot was sold 05/07/18, McGuire to PADG 07 LLC for $800,000; list $869,000. 519 70th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,721 sfla / 2,279 sfur 3bed/3bath canalfront pool home built in 1967 on a 8,840 sq ft lot was sold 05/04/18, Vivolo to 519 70th Street LLc for $799,000; list $799,000. 3012 ave. e, Holmes Beach, a 970 sfla 2bed/1 NEW

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1/2 bath pool home built in 1972 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 05/01/18, nash to matta for $723,000; list $747,000. 526 Bayview place, anna maria, a 1,340 sfla / 1,760 sfur 2bed/2bath/1car canalfront pool home built in 1965 on a 6,600 sq ft lot was sold 04/25/18, Himango to Vann for $720,000; list $769,000. 706 n. Shore drive, anna maria, a 1,412 sfla / 1,752 sfur 2bed/2bath home built in 1967 on a 5,100 sq ft lot was sold 04/30/18, morton to Lowenberg for $712,400; list $759,900. 208 pine ave., anna maria, a 1,390 sfla / 2,144 sfur 3bed/2bath/2car home built in 1940 on a 5,775 sq ft lot was sold 05/01/18, Rosas to Gulfside Development LLc for $635,000; list $799,000. 101 66th St., unit 9, mainsail Beach inn, Holmes Beach, a 1,035 sfla / 1,284 sfur 2bed/2 1/2bath gulffront condo with shared pool bult in 2009 was sold 04/30/18, duvall to Leitgeb for $595,000; list $635,000. 314 64th St., unit e, Sixty fourth Street, Holmes Beach, a 2,040 sfla / 3,125 sfla 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1993 was sold 05/07/18, Keegan to urban for $495,000. 204 Harbor Lane, Holmes Beach, a 980 sfla / 1,598 sfur 2bed/1bath home built in 1956 on a 8,631 sq ft lot was sold 04/26/18, Vogt to Hirsch and company LLc for $440,000; list $499,900. 316 magnolia ave., anna maria, a 1,134 sfla

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You can read it all online at islander.org

2bed/2bath home built in 1981 on a 7,569 sq ft lot was sold 05/07/18, Mitchell to Mason Martin LLC for $425,000. 501 gulf drive n., unit 102, Bridgeport, Bradenton Beach, a 1,000 sfla / 1,075 sfur 2bed/2bath Gulfview condo built in 1982 was sold 04/30/18, chastain to Warner for $400,000; list $420,000. 305 palm ave., anna maria, a 910 sfla / 1,080 sfur 2bed/1bath half duplex built in 1957 on a 4,212 sq ft lot was sold 05/08/18, Bridgewood ag LLc to fuller for $375,000. 1801 gulf drive n., unit 272, runaway Bay, Bradenton Beach, a 1,080 sfla / 1,140 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1978 was sold 05/10/18, Hawk to Strietelmeier for $348,000. 6500 flotilla drive, unit 154, Westbay point & moorings, Holmes Beach, a 1,310 sfla / 1,426 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1978 was sold 05/03/18, Lddle to turk for $290,000; list $299,500. 1801 gulf drive n., unit 201, runaway Bay, Bradenton Beach, a 1,080 sfla / 1,140 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1978 was sold 04/30/18, dewhurst to treesh for $275,000; list $290,000. 3607 e. Bay drive, unit 109, Sandy pointe, Holmes Beach, a 976 sfla / 1,065 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1996 was sold 05/01/18, Kelly to nL realty management LLc for $274,900; list $274,900. 3607 e. Bay drive, unit 107, Sandy pointe, Holmes Beach, a 1,004 sfla / 1,074 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1994 was sold 05/03/18, Blubaugh to pysno for $264,900; list $274,900. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria, can be reached at 941-778-7244.

City of Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive

Holmes Beach, FL 34217

COMMON HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSIDERED HAZARDOUS: HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS, FUNGICIDES, INSECTICIDES, HERBICIDES, MOTOR OIL, ACID LEAD BATTERIES, PROPANE CYLINDERS, POOL CHEMICALS, OIL and LATEX BASED PAINT and GASOLINE. IMPROPER DISPOSAL can cause a fire or release toxic fumes, pose a health risk for collection and contaminate the water supply and the environment. The household hazardous waste collection program allows residents of Holmes Beach to safely dispose of items like these for free at the Lena Road Landfill located south of State Road 64, 1 mile east of I-75 at 3333 Lena Road, Bradenton, 9 am-3 pm every third Saturday. For a collection schedule for the Manatee County Utilities Administration Complex, 4410 66th St. W., Bradenton, go online to www.mymanatee.org/hhw or call 941-708-8811, option 2.

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 6, 2018 n 29

Privateers host post-school adventure

Kids let loose on Snooks Adams Day

Parents and kids explore the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Skullywag June 2 at Snooks Adams Kids Day at City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Vivianna Harwood, 1, plays in the sand pile, as Andrew Harwood, 5, Levi Raer, 5, and Phoenix Harwood, 3, dig in the sand for buried treasure at Snooks Adams Kids Day at City Pier Park.

Easton Nock, 3, and Lauren Taylor Nock, 9, watch as Privateers Roque Pastorious and Jeff Bachier demonstrate Alexis Burt, 7, shows off her pirate’s Fiona McCarthy, 10, throws a rat at the bucket as Jack McCatheir skills ornaments June 2 at Snooks Adams Kids Day outfit June 2 at Snooks Adams Kids rthy, 8, waits to bat her rats away June 2 in a traditional game at City Pier Park. Day at City Pier Park in Anna Maria. of Privateers Rat Toss at Snooks Adams Kids Day.

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2500 Gulf Drive N Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4201859 $3,145,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 105 Park Avenue Ken Kavanaugh & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943 A4400428 $2,795,000

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 216 Chilson Avenue Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4401971 $1,399,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 200 S Harbor Drive 1 Ken Kavanaugh, Jr 941-799-1943 A4215175 $1,250,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2307 Avenue C Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4205599 $969,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 5300 Gulf Drive 306 Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4400024 $643,000

L O N G B OAT K E Y 5611 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 5 Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4207769 $625,000

BR ADENTON 2111 Palma Sola Boulevard Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4404246 $389,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 6300 Flotilla Drive 99 Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4208643 $349,900

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 600 Manatee Avenue 224 Susan Nemitz 941-237-0045 A4204610 $349,000

S A R A S O TA 4643 Summerwind Drive 22 Toni Lyon 941-928-8735 A4214355 $125,000

BR ADENTON 7840 34th Avenue W 302 Barb Eberhart 941-761-7349 A4191449 $548,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

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BR ADENTON 7411 20th Avenue NW Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4212644 $600,000

RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 309 65th Street A 3 Bed 2 Bath $2,600 Maria Kagin 941-779-4150 A4201388

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30 n JuNE 6, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

isl

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Buying, selling, moving, groovin’

Constructive Play seeks new playground After just shy of 30 years at 304 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria, it’s time to move. The School for Constructive Play, which furnishes day care and nursery, preschool and kindergarten programs, is searching for a new location — including space for a playground. owner pam Bertrand said may 28 her landlord is selling the property that has housed the school since 1989. Bertrand says her lease is up in September, and she is seeking new space for the operation. “i need to be sure everything is up to standards when we move,” Bertrand said. “But it doesn’t matter where or what room we’re in. I need my babies and my babies need me.” For now, it’s business as usual, with the normal schedules and summer programs underway.

50-year island insurance icon changes families

“It was time. But it’s been hard to sell after so long,” trish mixon-o’reilly said from behind her large desk in her office. mixon-o’reilly officially handed over the 50-yearold business she started with her husband Jim in 1968 June l. Jim mixon insurance, named for trish’s late husband, has been ensconced in the island Shopping Center at 5412 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, since it opened. Jim mixon died in 2016, and mother and son mark continued on in business, running the company and serving the island community and its insurance needs. Jimmy Waller, a fourth-generation polk county businessman purchased the company from mixono’reilly and mark mixon. Waller, who also owns an agency in Lakeland, has more than 20 years experience as an agent, adviser and owner. He has been vacationing on anna maria island since childhood, and recently bought a home in anna Maria. The two families decided to use both names in the company title following the sale, renaming the agency Waller-mixon insurance. mark mixon, along with mixon-o’reilly, are staying on as consultants through 2018. employees at the Holmes Beach location also will remain, and Waller is bringing his Lakeland office manager, michelle Quarles, to the beach. Additional staff will be added

The School for Constructive Play, 304 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, is leaving Pine Avenue and looking for a new location. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi For more information, call the school at 941 7782210. SWAT mixes business with donations it all came together at the mall. Robyn Spirtas, founder of Successful Women aligning together, was the force behind the event. AMI Radio’s Casey Hoffman did interviews for broadcast. SWat members and nonprofits came together for a meet-and-greet may 24 at a showcase in the deSoto Square Mall in Bradenton. “What a fabulous way to present many of the important causes in our community,” Casey Hoffman of AMI Radio said.

She interviewed many participants from a variety of nonprofits and also SWat members. The event showcased the Women’s Resource center, care net of manasota, the Humane Society of Manatee County, Girls Scouts of the Gulfcoast and others. SWAT members provided donations of food, clothing, backpacks and other items for the nonprofits. The Anna Maria Island chapter of SWAT meets the third Thursday of each month at 11:45 a.m. at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 gulf drive S., Bradenton Beach. to rSVp for a lunch meeting, or for more information about the Anna Maria Island SWAT chapter, email swatami@gmail.com or call Janice teeter, island director, at 410-382-2257. Sold! after being listed on the market for $4.3 million, a Tennessee company has snatched up the Sunrise garden resort, 512 Spring ave., anna maria. chapman Hospitality ami LLc, managed by robert chapman, bought the property. Siam retreat Partners, headed by Spence Romine, is the seller. romine and wife Jessie bought the property in 2011 and gave the motel a makeover. The Sunrise Gardens Resort consists of 16 units, including studios, one- and two-bedrooms. Just a short walk to the Tampa Bay shoreline, it was built in 1938 as a fish camp. in 2002, it was converted to the Siam Garden Resort with an Asian theme, then later, indiPlease see isl biZ, NeXt PaGe Trish Mixon-O’Reilly, left, son Mark Mixon, Shannon Waller and Jimmy Waller pose at the Mixon Insurance storefront June 1 in the Island Shopping Center, 5412 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The sale of Jim Mixon Insurance, founded 50 years ago by the late Jim Mixon and wife Trish, was finalized June 1. The company will now have a new name, Waller-Mixon Insurance. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

as needed, Waller said. Waller-mixon will continue to offer personal “Jimmy is very family-oriented and I liked that,” insurance coverage, including home, auto, life, boat mixon-o’reilly said of the new owner. “i did not want and flood. in addition, commercial coverage is offered RENTAL HOME OWNERS to sell to an absentee owner or a bunch of investors. for liability, worker’s compensation, auto and more. q Why paying more than 15 % commission for great quality That’s not what I wanted for this business. It’s always Waller plans on expanding coverage. and outstanding service? been family.” “Waller-mixon will remain a full-service insurance the Wallers have three daughters, ages 11, 13 and agency. our mission is to protect, serve and champion q Benefit from our state-of-the art tools: responsive website, 15, who are looking forward to spending the summer our policyholders,” Waller said. online booking, travel insurance, safe credit card processing, at the beach while their parents settle into the new Waller-mixon is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. monday-fri24/7 inquiry responder, key-less check-in agency. day. For more information, call 941-778-2253. q Family owned and managed: Enjoy the personal touch - be treated as a VIP and not like a number

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Florida Dreams Realty of AMI 3340 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach Office: 941.462.4016 info@florida-dreams.com www.florida-dreams.com

RENTAL HOME OWNERS

BizCal

THE ISLANDER n JuNE 6, 2018 n 31

By Sandy Ambrogi

Chamber events wane, membership drive ramps up

Casey Hoffman, left, owner of AMI Radio, and Robyn Spirtas, founder of Successful Women Aligning Together, pause for a photo at the SWAT Charity Showcase May 24. Held at the DeSoto Square Mall in Bradenton, the event paired SWAT members with nonprofits supported by the organization. Islander Photo: Courtesy SWAT isl biZ continued from 30 vidual units were sold to investors. The investor-owned units were repurchased and incorporated into the motel. another small lodging property, palm tree Villas at 207 66th St., Holmes Beach, also recently sold. on March 16, Wendy Kokolis, owner of the Gulf Drive cafe and Kokonut Hut, 900 gulf drive n., Bradenton Beach, bought the Key West-style enclave. it was listed for $2.3 million. it has six units and nightly rentals.

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce membership drive is underway through July 31. on top of offering member benefits and programming, additional incentives are being offered to those who join during the drive. And current members may earn rewards for recruiting businesses. those who recruit a new member will be entered into a drawing for gift certificates, overnight hotel stays and more. to become a member, ask a neighboring business, call the chamber or stop by the chamber office in Holmes Beach for details. don’t forget the tri-chamber Business and BBQ on the Bay thursday, June 7. the fun gets underway at 5:30 p.m. at the resort at Longboat Key club, bayside, 3000 Harbourside drive, Longboat Key. the ami chamber business card exchange will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, at the Key Royale Club,

700 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for guests. For more information about chamber events or to rSVp, call the office at 941-778-1541 or email info@ amichamber.org. the ami chamber office and tourist center are at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. reservations are requested for the Longboat Key chamber of commerce June networking@noon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 14, at the Bijou Cafe, 1287 first St., Sarasota. cost is $25 for registered chamber members, $30 for walk-ins and $35 for guests. to register for events, or for more information about the Longboat Key chamber, call the office at 941-383-2466, go online to longboatkeychamber.com or visit at the office, 5390 gulf of mexico drive, Longboat Key.

Business news

does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’ve just opened the doors, received an award or staff deserves kudos. Submit your information to news@islander.org. Members and guests converse in the crowded lobby of the Hancock Whitney Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, during the May 23 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card mixer. Members of the bank staff donned yellow construction hats to mark the bank’s name change, which occurred May 25, after the merger of Hancock and Whitney banks. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

32 n JuNE 6, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

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

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

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RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

References available • 941-720-7519

Bed: A bargain!

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

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS ITEMS FOR SALE

BOATS & BOATING

ENTIRE HOUSEFUL OF brand-new, never-used staging furniture. Mostly blues and neutrals. 4BR, living, dining, study, lanai. Sell as one lot. Jeff, 407-744-1204 for appointment.

BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunﬁsh, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941685-1400.

BIKE $85, JEEP RIM, $35, Eldorado hood ornament, $50. 941-757-7603.

PONTOON BOAT RENTAL Create life long memories. Call 941-778-2121 or see boatﬂorida.net.

LAWN MOWER: HONDA, self-propelled, $60. 941-778-6172.

HELP WANTED

WOOD BEDROOM DRESSERS: Six-drawer dresser, $80, three-drawer dresser, $60, two side dressers, $70 for both. 941-778-7003. ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander ofﬁce, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

REAL ESTATE SALES associate wanted for smaller, well-established ofﬁce on Anna Maria Island. Send resume to P.O. Box 352, Bradenton Beach FL 34217.

FOUR OAK OFFICE chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

NEED LOCAL HELP for deep cleaning and laundry, 4-8 hours a week. $15/hour, ﬂexible hours. 727-902-7784.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander. org.

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 1-866-3629821. (limited time offer)

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