The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 02, 2022

Cultivating ‘school’ lunch

anna maria elementary fourthgraders — and master gardener assistants — work in the rebuilt campus edible garden oct. 11 among 22 earthBoxes. “the students planted a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, kale, eggplant, cauliflower and broccoli,” Stem teacher Pidge Barreda wrote in an email to the islander. rigHt: Beau canup, cooper Pitkin and Karolina veselik tend to tomato plants oct. 12. the garden harvest soon will become lunch. more ame news, page 14. islander Photos: courtesy ame

HB resort target of erroneous bomb threat

By ryan Paice islander reporter

A person identifying as “Bobby Entrekin” contacted police at about 1:47 a.m. Oct. 22 to report he’d planted explosive devices at White Sands Beach Resort in Holmes Beach and they would detonate in 30 minutes.

Law enforcement found no explosive devices at the resort, 6504 Gulf Drive, but the threat prompted an evacuation and multiagency response.

“The subject calling in the threat sounded agitated and expressed being upset with ‘Cubans’ in the area. The call originated from … an area code from California. The caller advised that he was currently located in Shreveport, Louisiana, but gave no further description,” according to a police report.

Based on the called-in threat, two Holmes Beach police officers responded to the resort and checked the perimeter, where they reported there were no suspicious items.

The officers evacuated resort guests and contacted the Anna Maria Island Monkey Bus company, which provided two buses for guests for about three hours. During that time, police searched the property, according to Chief Bill Tokajer.

The HBPD contacted the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which provided a bomb detection canine unit and two members of its bomb squad to search alongside an HBPD officer.

The search found no explosive devices nor “any physical signs of suspicious activity on the property,” so resort guests were allowed to return to their rooms.

The investigation is ongoing.

Reporting a false bomb threat is a second-degree felony in Florida and prosecutors are not required to prove a defendant can carry out such a threat.

If convicted of a second-degree felony, punishment can include up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

MCSO closes perjury case

By ryan Paice islander reporter

It didn’t take long for an investigation into alleged perjury by an elected official to wrap up.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Offi ce confirmed Oct. 28 that it closed its investigation into Holmes Beach Commissioner Jayne Christenson’s “protected address” request to the supervisor of elections — seven days after the case was opened.

Christenson’s Oct. 11 announcement to withdraw from a three-way race for two commission seats led The Islander and others, including Dan Diggins, one of two people who qualified to run against Christenson on the Nov. 8 ballot, to review her candidate filings.

The review found Christenson’s home address blacked out on candidate forms filed at the SEO since June, when she submitted a public records exemption request to shield that information.

Her residency has come into question before, as she owns a home in Bradenton and her Holmes Beach property — which she owns with her mother — is registered as a vacation rental home.

On the Department of State public records exemption request form Christenson, she checked boxes indicating she is eligible

Friends in high places

david reid, formerly of Bradenton Beach and now of Hollywood, shared the islander news with actor Leslie Jordan on the set of “the cool Kids,” in September 2018. reid, who said at the time the comedy featured “lots of senior humor” and a great cast, lamented the death of Jordan oct. 24 to the islander while attending his 50-year manatee High School reunion. islander file Photo

Women of the Moose scare up a fun party for kids

Left

Women of

moose

the Loyal order of the moose No. 2188 lodge in Bradenton Beach. No. 2: Buzz Lightyear gets caught with his hand in the candy

the moose Halloween event. the Women of the moose organized and staffed the event, which took place at the lodge in Bradenton Beach. No. 3: costumes and candy are all that’s needed to ignite a smile for this youngster during the kids’ Halloween party at the moose Lodge, 110 gulf drive S., Bradenton Beach. the children enjoyed plenty of candy treats and a lunch of chicken fingers and french fries. No. 4: this Waste management pro fessional is taking his job seriously, taking out the junk … food and candy at the Women of the moose kids Halloween party at the lodge. islander Photos: courtesy Wotm/ Sherry fragapane

for the exemption as currently employed in the cat egory “human resource, labor relations, or employee relations director, assistant director, manager or assis tant manager of any local government agency or water management district.”

However, Christenson establishes in her statement of financial interest — a required candidate form — that she is employed with AbbVie, a pharmaceutical research and development company.

She also listed her occupation as sales manage ment in an affidavit with the SEO.

SEO staff have told The Islander that the office takes information given in public records exemption request forms at “face value” and does not verify its accuracy.

Nevertheless, the form includes a statement that “the requestor hereby swears or affirms, under pen alty of perjury, that the information contained in the foregoing public record exemption form is true and correct.”

Perjury is a third-degree felony in Florida, punish able upon conviction by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Diggins contacted the MCSO Oct. 21 to request an investigation into potential perjury on Christenson’s public records exemption request form.

“(Diggins) advised that (Christenson) does not work for the government of a water management dis trict in any form of official capacity currently,” accord ing to an Oct. 21 report.

Sheriff’s Deputy Randall Walker wrote in an Oct. 25 report, “I learned that Christenson is a city commis sioner for the city of Holmes Beach, FL. Her position as a city commissioner would qualify her for public records exemption request under the later portion of the verbiage as a ‘manager or assistant manager of any local government agency.’”

“This completes my investigation. This case will be closed unfounded as no crime has occurred,” the report concludes.

coNtiNued

Salute to vets steps off in Anna Maria

The city of Anna Maria will salute active military service and veterans with a parade and ceremony on Veterans Day.

The parade will begin at about 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, traveling east on Pine Avenue to the City Pier Park, where there will be a program.

Afterward, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society will host an ice cream social.

For more information, go online to cityofannamaria.com or call the city at 941-778-1005.

— Lisa Neff

Supervisor of Elections Michael Bennett told The Islander Oct. 28 the SEO provided law enforcement with the statute but no recommendation on Christenson’s eligibility for the exemption.

Bennett said a complaint to the Secretary of State’s office or Commission on Ethics could spark a review of the exemption request.

He added that, so far, he hadn’t heard of any ethics complaints filed against Christenson over the matter.

Attorney Sam Morley of the Florida Press Association wrote Oct. 26 in an email to The Islander that “The exemption does not apply to every ‘manager or assistant manager of any local government agency.’ Rather, it apples to ‘human resource, labor relations, or employee relations’ managers OR assistant managers, and only if their duties include hiring and firing, labor contract negotiations, administration or other personnel-related duties. So, it seems like the exemption is being wrongly enforced.”

Morley also stated, “The SEO might say it can rely on the affidavit alone, however, I’m not aware of any case law addressing whether an agency can so rely, or whether, when challenged, it must make its own inquiry into the facts.”

MCAT goes fare-free

As the trolley rolls, so does the bus.

Since its inception, the island trolley has operated fare-free. Beginning Nov. 1, all Manatee County bus routes will be fare-free for 18 months, part of a pilot program pushed by the board of county commissioners.

A fare still will be collected on the Sarasota County portion of the Route 99 service between downtown Bradenton, the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and downtown Sarasota.

“If we start treating transit like infrastructure instead of like a service, I think you’re going to start seeing a massive improvement in people’s lives,” said at-large County Commissioner George Kruse, who recommended the fare-free program.

Commissioners, in asking for the pilot, noted the success of the island trolley, which operates 365 days a year between Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and the Anna Maria City Pier.

— Lisa Neff

Morley’s opinion, shared with MCSO general counsel Eric Werbeck, also was shared by Werbeck with Walker.

Walker revisited the decision in an Oct. 28 report: “City Commissioner Christenson role is in a legislative matter as opposed to an administrative. Meaning she does not have the authority to unilaterally employ or terminate employment of anyone as a commissioner.

“With these facts in mind, it is my opinion that, City Commissioner Christenson would not be entitled to an exemption under the selected option she filed under.”

Despite the change of opinion, the case remained closed.

“Christenson’s actions of completing this form do not rise to the level of criminal intent as proof cannot be made that she maliciously and fraudulently applied for and received this exemption with the knowledge that she does not qualify for the exemption. … The case shall remain closed – unfounded.”

Time change Nov. 6

Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, with most of the country falling back an hour.

Though some U.S. territories and states do not observe daylight saving time, about 70 countries observe a time change.

A federal law specifies that daylight time applies from 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March until 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November in areas that do not specifically exempt themselves.

Public safety offi cials say the time change serves as a good reminder: Change batteries in smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors when changing clocks.

— Lisa Neff

Q&A 110222

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa Neff

Daylight saving time ends Nov. 6. Do you prefer to …

13%. Fall back.

4%. Spring ahead.

65%. Stay on daylight saving time.

16%. Stay off daylight saving time.

3%. I’m never on time anyway. This week’s question

Veterans Day is Nov. 11.

A. I attend a ceremony.

B. I fly a flag.

C. I thank a veteran.

D. All the above.

E. None of the above.

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

ServiNg fuLL meNu 3:30-9 pm 7 daYS

2022 Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach elections

1 incumbent, 2 hopefuls win Holmes Beach seats

By ryan Paice islander reporter

A dropout in the Holmes Beach commission race is a win for two political hopefuls.

What was to be a three-way race for two seats was thought to be over when Commissioner Jayne Christenson announced her decision Oct. 11 to withdraw from the race.

Christenson withheld her letter of withdrawal more than two weeks, leaving speculation about her intent. The letter was received by the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Oct. 29.

Christenson, who was elected in 2020, said in her statement at an Oct. 11 commission meeting that the primary factor in her withdrawal was her “work/life balance,” which she said left her with limited time for the city.

Supervisor of Elections Michael Bennett told The Islander Oct. 28 that a notice will be posted at the precinct 305 polling location, St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 Harbor Drive S., as well as included with mail-in ballots, to notify voters of Christenson’s withdrawal.

“A candidate in the race for office of Holmes Beach city commission has withdrawn, resulting in an unopposed candidate race,” the notice reads. “A vote cast in this race will not change the outcome as the remaining candidates are deemed by law to be elected for that race.”

In her absence — as well as that of Commissioner Kim Rash, who did not seek reelection — Daniel Diggins and Gregory Kerchner will take Christenson and Rash’s seats without a vote.

Diggins lost out on an appointment to a commission seat in 2016 but stayed engaged. He wrote in an

email to The Islander Oct. 30: “I am honored to represent the citizens of this wonderful community.”

Kerchner is the chair of the city’s planning commission and has served on the board since 2019.

He emailed The Islander Oct. 30, stating, “Holmes Beach is fortunate to have so many truly dedicated employees on staff. I look forward to working with them along with our other elected officials, to help guide our city’s growth and preserve paradise!”

Mayor Judy Titsworth also will retain her seat as she alone qualified to run for mayor. Titsworth served as city commissioner 2012-18 and has served as mayor since 2018.

This will be her third two-year term as mayor. Titsworth wrote in an Oct. 31 email to The Islander, “After hiring really qualified department heads to manage the day-to-day tasks, I am looking forward to this term being able to focus more on the community, the environment and projects that can improve quality of life.

The mayor is paid $27,120 annually, while commissioners receive a yearly stipend of $7,819.92.

Diggins, Kerchner and Titsworth will be sworn in prior to an organizational meeting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

There still is an election in Holmes Beach for the up-ballot races, as early voting continues 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily until Sunday, Nov. 6.

Residents can vote 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, at St. Bernard Catholic Church.

There were 2,678 registered voters in Holmes Beach as of Oct. 28, according to the SEO.

Voters head to polls Nov. 8

Early in-person voting for the general election continues through Sunday, Nov. 6, with polling 8:30 am.-6 p.m., and then Election Day polling is 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Balloting by mail for the general election — with federal, state, judicial and some local contests on the ballot — also is underway.

In Anna Maria on Election Day, voters will cast ballots at the precinct 301 polling place, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave. There are 941 eligible voters in Anna Maria.

In Bradenton Beach, precinct 307, voters cast ballots at the volunteer fire station, 201 Second St. N. There are 683 eligible voters in Bradenton Beach.

In Holmes Beach, precinct 305, voters cast ballots at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive. There are 2,678 eligible voters in Holmes Beach.

As of Oct. 26, about 42,048 votes were cast in Manatee County, with 87.4% of them cast by mail.

In Anna Maria, where there is no city race on the ballot, 14.9% of voters had cast ballots by Oct. 26.

In Bradenton Beach, where there are a series of proposed charter changes to decide, 21.5% of voters had cast ballots by Oct. 26.

And, in Holmes Beach, where there is a commission race on the ballot that was decided by a candidate’s withdrawal, 15.8% of voters had cast ballots by Oct. 26.

Voters can fi nd sample ballots at votemanatee. com.

Meetings

Anna Maria City

Nov. 10, 2 p.m., commission.

By Lisa Neff

Nov. 11, 1 p.m., Veterans Day Old Soldiers and Sailors Parade and Ceremony, Pine Avenue.

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach

Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

Nov. 2, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

Nov. 3, 6 p.m., commission.

Nov. 16, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

Nov. 17, noon, commission.

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

Holmes Beach

Nov. 2, 10 a.m., parks and beautification.

Nov. 2, 5 p.m., planning.

Nov. 9, 9 a.m., clean water.

Nov. 15, 10 a.m., code compliance.

Nov. 15, 5 p.m., commission.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

West Manatee Fire Rescue

Nov, 15, 6 p.m., commission.

Dec. 20, 6 p.m., commission.

WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

Manatee County

Nov. 4, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, Bradenton City Hall, 101 Old Main St., Bradenton.

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

Also of interest

Nov. 8 is Election Day nationwide.

Nov. 9, 3:30 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway Committee, Bradenton Public Works, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Most government offices will be closed.

Nov. 24, Thanksgiving. Most government offices will be closed Nov. 24-25.

Send meeting notices to news@islander.org.

diggins Kerchner

titsworth

2022 Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach elections

Bradenton Beach voters face foundation choices at ballot box

By robert anderson islander reporter

Bradenton Beach voters are facing fundamental changes to the city charter on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The general election ballot contains fi ve ballot questions proposing changes to the charter, including one to eliminate term limits for elected officials.

The charter forms the legal foundation of the government.

City commissioners appointed a charter review committee in April, based on recommendations from city attorney Ricinda Perry.

Based on the CRC review and with commission approval the questions before the voters include:

Official General Election Ballot November 8, 2022

Manatee County, Florida

City

Amendment

Ciudad

Bradenton

Constitucional

Bradenton

Amendment 3 to City of Bradenton Beach Charter

Enmienda 3 a la Carta Constitucional de la Ciudad de Bradenton Beach Filling of Vacancies by Appointment

• Forfeiture of office. The charter vests authority in three arbitrators to hold forfeiture of office proceedings against an elected official. The city wants voters to replace the panel procedure with a former forfeiture provision utilizing the city commission to conduct proceedings.

Temporary at-large fi lling of vacancies . The charter requires a ward commissioner to reside in the ward they represent. The city wants the authority to establish a procedure to temporarily fill a ward seat for one term with an at-large commissioner if no ward resident is willing to run.

Filling of vacancies by appointment. The charter requires the city to provide a special election to fill

a vacancy resulting in more than six months from a resignation. Voters will decide: Should the charter be amended to allow for all vacancies to be appointed by the commission?

Qualifications and terms of office. Voters will decide whether to remove term limits but maintain two-year terms for elected positions with an effective date of June 16.

Actions requiring an ordinance. This question asks whether the city should remove employee personnel benefits and procedures from the charter and require them to be adopted in a public meeting through a resolution of the commission.

Among the questions posed, the most impactful issue might be term limits.

Currently, elected officials serve two-year terms with a limit of three consecutive terms.

Amendment 5 to City of Bradenton Beach Charter Enmienda 5 a la Carta Constitucional de la Ciudad de Bradenton Beach

forfeiture of office, filling vacancies on the Bradenton Beach city commission, qualifications and terms of office for the commissioners and mayor are among the changes to the city charter before voters on the municipal ballot. islander graphic: courtesy Seo

With the Nov. 8 election, Commissioner Marilyn Maro, uncontested for her Ward 2 seat, can only retain her elected seat if voters decide to eliminate term limits.

Maro has served as Ward 2 commissioner for three consecutive terms. She was appointed to a two-year term in 2016 and was elected in 2018 and again in 2020.

Actions Requiring an Ordinance

Forfeiture of Office

in three arbitrators

Currently the City Charter vests

hold

office proceedings

an elected official

the

Charter to eliminate the three

the City Commission

replace

costs to be borne by the City. Should the City

The current City Charter requires the City to provide a special election to fill a vacancy that results in more than six (6) months from a resignation required by Section 99.012, Florida Statutes. Should the Charter be amended to allow for all vacancies to be appointed by the City Commission?

Revocación del Cargo Actualmente, la Carta Constitucional de la Ciudad otorga autoridad a tres árbitros para llevar a cabo procedimientos de revocación del cargo ("FOP", por su siglas en inglés) de un funcionario electo con costos a cuenta de la Ciudad ¿La Ciudad debe revisar su Carta Constitucional para eliminar el procedimiento del panel de tres árbitros y reemplazarlo por la antigua disposición de revocación del cargo utilizando a la Comisión de la Ciudad para llevar a cabo los procedimientos?

Yes, For Approval Sí, para la aprobación No, For Rejection No, para la desaprobación

Currently the City Charter sets forth actions requiring an ordinance. Should the City amend the Charter to remove employee personnel benefits and procedures from this section and require actions of the City regarding employee personnel benefits and procedures to be adopted in a public meeting through a resolution of the Commission?

Cubrir las Vacantes Por Designación La actual Carta Constitucional de la Ciudad requiere que la Ciudad proporcione una elección especial para cubrir una vacante que resulte en más de seis (6) meses desde una renuncia requerida por la Sección 99.012 de los Estatutos de Florida. ¿La Carta Constitucional debe enmendarse para permitir que todas las vacantes sean designadas por la Comisión de la Ciudad?

Yes, For Approval Sí, para la aprobación No, For Rejection No, para la desaprobación

Amendment 2 to City of Bradenton Beach Charter Enmienda 2 a la Carta Constitucional de la Ciudad de Bradenton Beach Temporary At-Large Filling of Vacancies

The current City Charter requires a ward commissioner to reside in the ward they represent. Should the City amend its Charter to establish a procedure to temporarily fill the ward seat for one term with an at-large commissioner if no ward resident is available or willing to run for office?

Acciones que Requieren una Ordenanza Actualmente, la Carta Constitucional de la Ciudad establece acciones que requieren una ordenanza. ¿La Ciudad debe enmendar la Carta Constitucional para eliminar los beneficios y procedimientos laborales de los empleados de esta sección y exigir que las acciones de la Ciudad con respecto a los beneficios y procedimientos laborales de los empleados se adopten en una reunión pública a través de una resolución de la Comisión?

Amendment 4 to City of Bradenton Beach Charter Enmienda 4 a la Carta Constitucional de la Ciudad de Bradenton Beach

Yes, For Approval Sí, para la aprobación No, For Rejection No, para la desaprobación

If voters eliminate term limits, then Maro, will stay in office.

If the vote for the elimination of term limits does not go through, Maro will not be able to remain as an elected official.

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 8, with polling 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Bradenton Beach Fire Hall, 201 Second St. N

There are 683 registered voters in Bradenton Beach.

AM incumbents set to retain seats

Anna Maria candidates are in for an easy Election Day.

hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Qualifications and Terms of Office

Should the City amend its Charter to remove term limits and maintain two (2) year terms for all elected positions with an effective date of June 16, 2022 in order to allow currently seated elected officials the ability to run for office, if otherwise termed out?

Calificaciones y Duración del Mandato ¿La Ciudad debe enmendar su Carta Constitucional para eliminar los limites de la duración del mandato y mantener de dos (2) años para todos los cargos electos con una fecha de entrada en vigencia del 16 de junio de 2022 con el fin de permitir que los funcionarios electos actualmente en funciones puedan postularse para los cargos, si de otra manera tendrian que salir por el fin de su mandato?

Cubrir Temporalmente las Vacantes con Comisionados Generales La actual Carta Constitucional de la Ciudad requiere que un comisionado del distrito resida en el distrito que representa. ¿La Ciudad debe enmendar su Carta Constitucional para establecer un procedimiento para cubrir temporalmente el puesto del distrito por un mandato con un comisionado general si ningún residente del distrito está disponible o dispuesto a postularse para el cargo?

Yes, For Approval Sí, para la aprobación No, For Rejection No, para la desaprobación

Ready holidayfor hustle?

Advertisers: Ready for the holidays on AMI? Improve your odds of success and reach The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking to shop and dine, as well as indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

Yes, For Approval Sí, para la aprobación No, For Rejection No, para la desaprobación

There is no municipal contest on the Nov. 8 Anna Maria ballot since no one challenged the incumbents: Mayor Dan Murphy and Commissioners Deanie Sebring and Mark Short.

This is the fifth consecutive municipal election without a challenge or a vote.

Murphy was first elected mayor in 2014. Short became commissioner in 2019. Sebring joined the commission in 2020.

They will be sworn into two-year terms at an organizational meeting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at city

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.

Anna Maria voters can cast ballots in federal, state, judicial and some local races 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 8 at the precinct 301 polling location, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave.

Vote-by-mail ballots must be mailed or delivered to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. Nov. 8.

There were 941 registered voters in Anna Maria as of Oct. 28.

— ryan Paice

Vote, vote, vote, vote

interspersed between the collars. It recalls pleasant, warm memories of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, both of her style and her strong opinions for women.

I can’t help but think she’d be leading the fight against the abolition of women’s rights at the highest court and in the halls of the state capitols throughout the United States.

A woman’s right to choose is prominent in the Nov. 8 election and also all the right’s we’ve fought for since chanting and shedding bras shocked the polite, political elite in the 1960s.

We fought for equal pay for equal work, an end to domestic violence, curtailment of limits on women in managerial jobs, equal status in higher education and at work, an end to sexual harassment and sharing of responsibility for housework and child-rearing.

And we fought for the right to control our own sexual and reproductive rights.

Women fought to leave the dark alleys and sleazy clandestine back-room shops where, faced with a lifeor-death decision for themselves or their fetus, they undertook self-induced or non-medical abortions.

Married women, single women, mothers and grandmothers should all fear the return of these desperate measures that women face without choice.

We need to elect people who can bring choice back to the forefront at the national and state levels by codifying the laws that allow a women to make the choice that’s right for her — not politicians, judges or men.

And while you’re finalizing your ballot choices for the Nov. 8 election, you do have just a few local decisions to tick off if you live in Bradenton Beach.

The city has only 683 voters and they face some critical choices when it comes to the city charter.

IMHO, it comes down to whether voters want the city to stay in the hands of the current administration for the foreseeable future or whether they want the city to evolve.

Right now, the mayor and the commissioners are comfortable running the city as they — and the city attorney — see fit. And the attorney has cleverly crafted a retroactive question for the ballot on removing term limits that puts them in control for however long they would like to serve. Not however long you, the voter wants them to serve ... but however long they choose to stay in power.

And that, too, is a scary prospect. Please, vote.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Bayfest was a blast

We would like to take this opportunity to extend a big thanks to the many amazing individuals and organizations who helped us organize and produce the 21st Bayfest.

They include but are not limited to:

CrossPointe Fellowship, thank you for your continued support. Your team works tirelessly day and night to make this event organized and successful. We cannot do this event without you!

Surfrider Foundation, thank you for making this event green! Working with CrossPointe Fellowship Church and Waste Management, beverages were sold mostly in aluminum cans and bottles, which were disposed of in recycle receptacles at the event, then put into a recycle dumpster.

To our volunteers, thank you for always being there for us, for your continued service with a welcoming smile that our festival vendors and attendees look forward to seeing! You are the force of this free family event!

To our sponsors, thank you for your continued generosity. Through your donations we have been able to accomplish another Bayfest and to continue providing scholarships for college and technical institute tuitions. We are extremely grateful for the difference you make towards fostering community spirit.

To our vendors, thank you for your dedication to providing exceptional and amazing arts, crafts, products, services and delicious food! We look forward to seeing you again next year!

To our bands, thank you for bringing an unprec-

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

edented energy to this event that brings people from all over to hear your music!

And to the attendees, thank you for coming to this event from near and far, and continued patronage for more than 20 years.

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Terri Kinder

Nightmare on Gulf Drive

It’s a scary location and those of us in Anna Maria and the north side of Holmes Beach who pass through the intersection of Gulf Drive and Holmes Boulevard should understand.

With the road closure on Marina Drive and the work on Holmes Boulevard, each car must come to a stop at this intersection.

Action to date by Holmes Beach authorities amounts to strapping a fourth stop sign to a pole. turN to letters

As drivers go through the intersection, the game of whose-turn-is-it is interesting, while also frightening, as unkind gestures and words are exchanged.

Add pedestrians navigating the intersection on the single crosswalk across Gulf Drive.

I have survived a near miss while I have witnessed more as drivers are now faced with five decisions.

In the morning, several delivery trucks stop on Holmes Boulevard, servicing the businesses in the area. Gridlock occurs, drivers are out of cars arguing with delivery people, again exchanging gestures and salty language. One would think you were in Manhattan not our island paradise.

It’s a “quieter” time, less traffic and people. So this situation will only get worse.

A few suggestions:

• A cop to direct traffic during the busiest hours;

• A temporary street light system;

• Transition the parallel parking on the west side of Holmes Boulevard to a deliveries-only space;

• Add a crosswalk across Holmes Boulevard.

David Barstow, Holmes Beach

Thank you

An Ian-sized thank-you to Darrin Wash and crew of Wash Family Construction for resurrecting our wood and metal dining canopy from upside down in our pool.

The crew with strong muscles and ropes came to our rescue from Ian’s winds.

Instead of becoming firewood, the canopy is standing and ready to party.

Judy and Marion Duncan, Anna Maria

So how come?

this was oct. 20 at 10 a.m. on marina drive in Holmes Beach. i am a resident. How come no one ever seems to be working on this project? — matt White, Holmes Beach

10&20 years ago

From the Oct. 30, 2002, issue

• The cost of an islandwide building department to serve the three cities was estimated at $332,000 in a report prepared by Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore.

• Anna Maria code enforcement, responding to an anonymous complaint, told sculptor Woody Candish the Halloween decorations at his home were frightening children. However, Candish was not cited for any ordinance violation and he kept his decorations in place.

• Movie stars Alec Baldwin, Susan Sarandon and Martin Sheen called Holmes Beach resident Steve Runfeldt to endorse Democratic congressional candidate Jan Schneider, who was running against incumbent Katherine Harris in the November 2002 election. Runfeldt was managing Schneider’s campaign.

From the Oct. 31, 2012, issue

• The Anna Maria Island Community Center named Scott Dell as interim director after the departure of longtime director Pierrette Kelly. Dell had been working at the center as associate director.

At the north end an aerial photograph shows “Stone crab Bayou” at the north end of Longboat Key in 1961. the bayou was in the “Lands ends” area at the north end of LBK Key and, according to news archives, was altered by seawall construction and a fill project about a decade later. islander Photo: manatee county Public Library System

Print

• U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the Florida Department of Financial Services continued an island investigation that resulted in two arrests — one for alleged use of false IDs to gain employment and one for alleged worker compensation fraud.

• A former Holmes Beach resident pleaded no contest and was sentenced to eight years in prison on 13 counts of pornography-related charges.

— Lisa Neff

Memories

Magistrate fines HB rental property owner nearly $20,000

By ryan Paice islander reporter

One violator was served a hefty fine for failing to comply with Holmes Beach city code and a previous order.

Special magistrate Michael Connolly Oct. 25 found Daniel Spitzer, owner of a home at 520 58th St., in violation of city code and an order from earlier this year requiring Spitzer to renew his vacation rental certificate and stop advertising his rental unit for less than 30-night stays.

Connolly ordered Spitzer to pay a city-recom mended $250 daily fine for the time he was found in violation, Aug. 8-Oct. 25, or $19,50078 for days, as well as a $127.24 administrative fee — bringing the total amount owed to $19,627.24.

Connolly first ruled in July to find Spitzer in viola tion of city code by advertising and renting his vaca tion unit for less than 30 days in the city’s R1 zone.

The R1 zone is one of the city’s low-density resi dential districts designed for single-family homes and stretches across several areas of the city.

City code requires minimum 30-day stays and matching advertisements for vacation rentals within the R1 zone.

Connolly found a violation had occurred and ordered Spitzer to comply with code but did not issue the city’s recommended $250 daily fine since it was not a repeat offense.

City code compliance officer Nate Brown said online advertisements for 14-night stays at the rental property remained active as of Oct. 25 and the owner had not applied to renew the city-issued vacation rental

the owner of 520 58th St., Holmes Beach, oct. 25 was found in violation of city code and fined $19,627.24 by special magistrate michael connolly. islander Photo: ryan Paice

certificate.

Brown also read a review of the rental unit posted online indicating the guest had stayed for a seven-night stay.

Marissa Spitzer attended the Oct. 25 hearing via

Zoom on behalf of her father-in-law, Daniel Spitzer, who she said had multiple strokes and remains in seri ous condition.

Spitzer said all rental bookings at the unit had been canceled from the July 26 hearing through the rest of the year and steps had been taken to notify people that the rental unit must be rented for at least 30 consecutive nights.

She said the property was up for sale, so they didn’t plan on renewing the vacation rental certifi cate, and the rental unit was currently not booked.

Spitzer said they had difficulties accessing her father-in-law’s online accounts to remove advertise ments for the rental unit but she reworded the adver tisements earlier that same day to say the property could not be rented.

City attorney Erica Augello said on behalf of the city that the matter remained a violation of the July 26 order because Spitzer hadn’t taken down adver tisements for the rental unit or obtained a vacation rental certificate.

Connolly’s latest order requires Spitzer to remove all vacation rental advertisements for his property or renew his rental certificate by 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8.

The order establishes that, if Spitzer fails to come into compliance, another $250 daily running fine will begin Nov. 9 and end when he complies.

The city’s next special magistrate hearing will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Zoom access for magistrate hearings is not avail able to the public.

Holmes Beach adopts nonbiodegradable straw ban

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Not just any straw comes in the beverages served in Holmes Beach.

City commissioners unanimously voted Oct. 25 to adopt an ordinance prohibiting the distribution and sale of marine-nonbiodegradable beverage straws and stir rers in an effort to protect sea life that can be harmed by litter.

The ordinance is a revised version of the proposed code commissioners came close to adopting in Sep tember that would have prohibited all plastic straws.

Plastic straws, one of the most common types of single-use plastics, are small enough to become lodged in sea turtles’ noses or ingested by sea turtles and other marine life.

The original ordinance was tabled so staff could include allowances for biodegradable plastic straws, which Mayor Judy Titsworth voiced support for since they also do not contain PFAs, or polyfluoroalkyls, which are long lasting and often cancerous chemical

compounds.

Some paper straws also use PFAs to provide resis tance from liquid absorption but remain allowed under the new ordinance.

“I think this is a wonderful first start,” Commis sioner Jayne Christenson said, adding she hopes leg islators will lift preemptions and allow municipalities to regulate other single-use plastics.

Florida preempts local municipalities from regulat ing single-use plastic or foam other than straws.

The new ordinance provides exceptions, including the sale of pre-packaged drinks with attached nonbio degradable straws, straws for medical, dental, educa tional or governmental use, as well as during local emergencies.

The ordinance also includes a “public education” section allowing the city to engage in efforts related to implementing the code, as well as identifying bio degradable alternatives.

There was no public comment.

Christenson moved to adopt the ordinance.

HB approves evolving restaurant-cocktail bar changes

By ryan Paice islander reporter

One Holmes Beach cocktail bar wants to try its luck as a restaurant.

But it’s asking for increased occupancy and a special exception for additional parking to make it happen.

City commissioners voted 4-1 Oct. 25 to approve a special exception for the Doctor’s Office, 5312 Holmes Blvd., for off-site parking spaces at an adjacent busi ness, as well as a site plan increasing occupancy to 66 seats after 5 p.m. weekdays, after noon Saturdays and 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays.

At all other times, the maximum occupancy allowed for the business is 21 seats.

Commissioner Kim Rash voted “no,” citing resi dents’ concerns that the changes would bring more people to an already crowded area.

The site plan proposal indicates the bar is tran sitioning to a restaurant with an increase to 66-seat occupancy and requires a special exception to use 12 off-site parking spaces at Island Lumber and Hard ware, 213 54th St., to meet the city’s parking standards — one parking space per three seats.

The Doctor’s Office currently has 10 parking spaces along its frontage, which is adequate for the

business’ 30-seat occupancy as a cocktail bar.

Building official Neal Schwartz reviewed and approved the site plan in May but due to the request for a special exception and increase in parking demand, the matter was sent before the city commission for consideration as a major site plan.

Planning and zoning administrator Chad Minor said city staff recommended the approval of the requested site plan and special exception, which he said complies with the city’s comprehensive plan.

Resident Margie Motzer voiced opposition to the plans during public comment, citing concern for the potential impact to the residential zone to the north of the cocktail bar.

“We are asking you adhere to the comprehensive plan, which says ‘Existing residential areas shall be protected from the encroachment of incompatible activities,’” Motzer said. “All residents are asking for is the quality of life that is promised in the code.”

Residents Barbara Hines and Nancy Deal also opposed the site plan. Deal said allowing additional parking at the Doctor’s Office would negatively impact the nearby residential area by increasing traffic in the area.

“It’s just not going to work,” Deal said. “There’s just not enough parking.”

a sea turtle winces as a straw is removed from its nostril. islander Photo: courtesy twitter

Commissioner Terry Schaefer seconded the motion, which passed.

The commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Wednes day, Nov. 15, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found online at holmesbeachfl.org.

Commissioner Pat Morton moved to approve the site plan and special exception.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer seconded the motion, which passed.

The commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Wednes day, Nov. 15, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Directions to attend can be found online at holm esbeachfl.org.

the doctor’s office, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, plans to transition into a restaurant with an occupancy of up to 66 seats during certain hours.

islander Photo: ryan Paice

BB planning board defers patio-dining vote to review parking loss

By robert anderson islander reporter

The owner of Wicked Cantina restaurant has had to wait to know whether a permanent expansion plan for outdoor seating — where temporary seating already exists — will be approved.

Bradenton Beach planning and zoning members voted Oct. 19 to defer the plan presented by Wicked Cantina owner Mike Dolan for an expansion of outdoor dining until it’s next meeting.

Dolan proposed making permanent the area approved for temporary open-air dining under a city pandemic policy. The change would result in the loss of parking — nine spaces below minimum requirements.

Dolan, who also owns the shopping mall that houses the cantina, said the area sees a lot of pedestrian traffic and is served by public transportation, which he said would offset the reduction in parking needed for the added seating.

However, members of the board said they were loathe to lose parking at a time when the city’s grappling with a lack of parking.

City staff recommended approval of a special use permit for the dining and the removal of nine spaces to accommodate the expanded area.

Staff stipulated no heating, cooking or open flames, entertainment, food preparation, smoking or refrigeration would be allowed in the expanded space.

However, the P&Z voted to continue the review

to confer with city attorney Ricinda Perry and city planner Luis Serna about the easement, setback size, restrictions and the loss of parking as it pertained to the restaurant and the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

The next P&Z meeting will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

AM planners aim to boost full-time residency

The volunteers on the Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board are aiming to tackle a “full-time” job.

Board members Bob Carter, Charlie Salem and David Haddox and chair Jose Erbella met at city hall Oct. 12 and discussed briefly a long-term goal — to boost full-time residency.

Various estimates put the city’s population at around 1,000, lower than a decade ago as more properties are developed into vacation rentals.

“There’s some stuff for us to do,” Salem said, crediting Mayor Dan Murphy and city planner Ashley Austin with prioritizing the initiative.

Salem said one approach might be to boost longterm rentals, possibly with a rent subsidy program.

The board also wants to address boat covers, which can become hazards in inclement weather, and expects to be involved in discussions about Manatee County possibly becoming a charter government.

“What does that mean for planning and zoning should that happen?” Carter said, mentioning the issue.

There were no votes during the meeting, which lasted about 20 minutes.

The next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

— Lisa Neff

Islander trivia contest T-shirt winner named

And the winner is…

A. Ginger Madden.

The Islander recently celebrated an anniversary, publishing a trivia quiz with questions about the first issues of the newspaper.

We invited people to submit their quiz sheet to enter a contest for a free T-shirt.

Madden, the first to enter, wins the “More than a Mullet Wrapper” T-shirt, which can be picked up from The Islander office, 315 58th St., Suite J, Holmes Beach.

She wrote with her entry, What a fun game this was! Thanks!”

Wicked cantina owner mike dolan.

BB planner Luis Serna shows P&Z member dan morhuas a plan for the Wicked cantina during an oct. 19 hearing. islander Photos: robert anderson

ONGOING ON AMI

7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 3-Nov. 13, Island Players present Neil Simon’s “I Ought to be in Pictures,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-5755.

Throughout November, artist Marg Williamson’s “Venues remembered” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, holmes beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-7786648.

Tuesdays Through May 9, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, North bay boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

ONGOING ArOUND AMI

Through Nov. 27, “Queens of the Air and Empresses of the Arena,” the John and Mable ringling Museum of Art, 5401 bay Shore road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

Nov. 12-May 28, 2023, “Gods and Lovers: Painting and Sculpture from India,” the John and Mable ringling Museum of Art, 5401 bay Shore road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

Through Jan. 15, 2023, “Multiple: Prince Twins Seventh-Seven” exhibit Museum of Fine Arts, 255 beach Drive Ne, St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 941-896-2667, mfastpete.org.

Nov. 12-March 26, 2023, “True Nature: rodin and the Age of Impressionism” exhibit Museum of Fine Arts, 255 beach Drive Ne, St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 941896-2667, mfastpete.org.

First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, bradenton. Informa-

Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

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

Through May 2023, 9 a.m-2 p.m., Downtown bradenton Public Market, Old Main Street, bradenton. Information: 941-932-9439.

SAVe The DATe

Nov. 11, Art Walk, holmes beach.

Nov. 12, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra Symphony on the Sand, bradenton beach.

Nov. 12-March 26, the Museum of Fine Art’s “True Nature: rodin and the Age of Impressionism,” St. Petersburg.

Nov. 23, realize bradenton’s Main Street Live/holiday bazaar, bradenton.

Dec. 2-3, realize bradenton’s bradenton blues Fest, braden-

Dec. 31, realize bradenton’s Main Street Live/New Year’s eve extravaganza, bradenton.

Feb. 18, 2023, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. March 18-19, Anna Maria Island Art League Springfest, holmes beach.

KIDS & FAMILY

ON AMI

Thursday, Nov. 3

6 p.m. — Teen yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes

beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

Friday, Nov. 4

10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341.

Saturday, Nov. 5

10 a.m. — Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341

2 pm. — Code Your Own Video Game, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, Nov. 8

10 a.m.— Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ArOUND AMI

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

SAVe The DATe

Nov. 15, Classic Movies in the Park begins, Anna Maria.

Nov. 19, bridge Street holiday Tree Lighting, bradenton beach.

Dec. 2, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce holiday tree lighting, holmes beach.

Dec. 3, holiday Lighted boat Parade, bradenton beach.

Dec. 9, Santa in the Park and holiday Walk of Treasures, Anna Maria.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ON AMI

Thursday, Nov. 3

2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes beach. Information: mymanatee.org/ library, 941-778-6341.

Saturday, Nov. 5

9 a.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908.

10 a.m. — Ask a Master Gardener, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341.

Monday, Nov. 7

10 a.m. — Creative Aging Series: Drawing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

1 p.m. — Climate Smart Series: energy, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, Nov. 9

5 p.m. — “being a blue Island economy” panel discussion, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-7781908.

6:30 p.m. — Island Time book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

Island happenings

Prize for painting palms

Cortez artist Anne Abgott won the Vee Hill Excellence in Landscape award at the Florida Watercolor Society show for the painting “Palms 1” and also the Cheap Joes Directors Award at the International San Diego Watercolor Society show for her painting “Bismark 1.”

Movie nights returning Tuesdays to City Pier Park

artist Karen deLeon Stuart, who shows her work at the artists’ guild gallery, 5414 marina drive, Holmes Beach, won a ribbon and monetary award from the “Painting outside the Lines” show at the art center manatee gallery in Bradenton.

Stuart won for an oil painting, “morning comes.” Stuart is the secretary for the artists’ guild of anna maria island, which will participate in an island artwalk friday, Nov. 11. for more information, call the gallery at 941-778-6694. islander courtesy

org/library, 941-778-6341.

Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, bradenton beach City hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., bradenton beach. Information: 941-778-1383, amikiwanis.com.

Wednesdays, 1 p.m., Mahjong Club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes beach. Information: mymanatee.org/ library, 941-778-6341.

ArOUND AMI

Saturday, Nov. 5

6 p.m. — brilliance: The bash at the bishop gala, the bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org

ONGOING ArOUND AMI

Second Fridays, 1 p.m., Parkinson’s Combined Support Group, the Paradise Center, 546 bay Isles road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

Mondays, 1 p.m., Thinking Out Loud discussions, the Paradise Center, 546 bay Isles road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6493.

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

Second Tuesdays, 4 p.m., Cortez Village historical Society meetings, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez road W., Cortez. Information: 941-840-0590, cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org.

SAVe The DATe

Nov. 11, Old Soldiers and Sailors Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, Anna Maria.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS

ON AMI

Monday, Nov. 7

6:30 a.m. — Manatee Audubon birding tour, bayfront ParkBean Point. Reservations required. Information: andy21mcas@ gmail.com.

ONGOING ON AMI

Tuesdays through Nov. 13, 6 p.m., open volleyball, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information:

centerami.org, 941-778-1908.

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

ONGOING ArOUND AMI

Saturdays, 9 a.m., robinson runners run, walk stroll, robinson Preserve NeST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, crystal.scherer@mymanatee.org, mymanatee.org.

Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the NeST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

SAVe The DATe

Nov, 18, Manatee County Parks and Natural resources oyster shell drilling, bradenton.

Nov. 23, Manatee County Parks and Natural resources Seashell Shore Walk, bradenton beach. Information: 941-742-5923.

GOOD TO KNOW

KeeP The DATeS

Nov. 6, daylight saving time ends.

Nov. 8, election Day.

Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

Nov. 13, World Kindness Day.

Nov. 24, Thanksgiving.

Dec. 7, Pearl harbor remembrance Day.

Dec. 17, hanukkah begins.

Dec. 21, winter begins.

Dec. 25, Christmas.

Dec. 26, Kwanzaa begins.

Pass the popcorn!

The city of Anna Maria is bringing back its Tuesday night movies in City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd.

Screenings, weather permitting, will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The lineup includes:

Nov. 15: “They Were Expendable”

Nov. 22: “Miracle on 34th Street”

Nov. 29: “Paw Patrol: The Movie”

Dec. 6: “The Greatest Showman”

Dec. 13: “Rio Bravo”

Dec. 20: “The Polar Express”

Dec. 27: “Sing 2”

Jan. 3: “Dial ‘M’ for Murder”

Jan. 10: “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” Jan. 17: “Singin’ in the Rain”

Jan. 24: “Gone with the Wind” (Part 1)

Jan. 25: “Gone with the Wind” (Part 2)

Jan. 31: “Gallipoli”

Feb. 7: “How to Steal a Million”

Feb. 14: “The Cutting Edge”

Feb. 21: “Encanto”

Feb. 28: “Field of Dreams”

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and snacks.

For more info, call the city at 941-708-6130.

Art center honors

Photo

the florida show is at the visual arts center in Punta gorda this month. islander courtesy Photo

a classic poster for the first film on the movies in the Park calendar: “they Were expendable” starring robert montgomery, John Wayne and donna reed. islander courtesy Photo

Island happenings

Lelia tavrides explains the nutritional value of broccoli greens to marketgoers oct. 11 at the anna maria farmers market at city Pier Park. the market operates 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. tuesdays into may under the shade sails at the corner of North Bay Boulevard and Pine avenue.

islander Photo: Samara Paice

The Center of Anna Maria Island will host a “Sip N Wick” session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, offering people an opportunity to make candles and sip wine.

The cost to attend is $60 for members, $65 for nonmembers.

Other programs and events at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, include:

• Yes Hearing’s free seminar on hearing loss and hearing aids, 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4, followed on Friday, Nov. 11, with “ear wax removal day” for $70 per ear and free hearing test day Friday, Nov. 18. Reservations must be made at yeshearingsrq.com.

• Beach cleanup Saturdays, 9-11 a.m. Nov. 5, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 1 and May 6. The center announcement said, “We look forward to seeing everyone … come together and protect our little piece of paradise.”

• Veterans Day and fall youth camps, Nov. 11 and Nov. 21-23. During the Veterans Day camp, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., campers will participate in the Anna Maria Veterans Day parade and ceremony. The Thanksgiving week camp features games, activities and a field trip.

For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

Players show opens Nov. 3

The Island Players will bring Neil Simon’s “I Ought to Be in Pictures” to the stage, with an opening set for Thursday, Nov. 3.

Kelly Wynn Woodland will direct the show coproduced by Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café and Gift Store of Anna Maria.

Performances will run through Sunday, Nov. 13, with the cast taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, is dark Mondays.

The box offi ce is open for in-person ticket sales 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, as well as an hour before performances.

Tickets are $25 each.

For more information, call the box office at 941-778-5755.

Auditions ahead

Auditions for “The Odd Couple” will be at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at the Island Players theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

Preston Boyd will direct the “female version” of the Neil Simon comedy, which will run Jan. 12-29.

Settlers bread at AM market

Scholars get a rise from AMIHS bread sales. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society will sell its fresh-baked secret recipe bread at the Anna Maria Farmers Market.

Sales of the historical society’s Settlers Bread — baked by volunteers in their homes — benefit the nonprofit’s scholarship program.

The city of Anna Maria resumed the market in October, with operating hours of 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays through the spring in City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd.

For market info, call 941-708-6130.

Center to host enviro forum

The Center of Anna Maria Island, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Blue Water Coalition and Eckerd College will host “Being a Blue Island Economy” 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, with the intent to discuss clean water and sustainable living.

The program will be at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Tracy Fanara of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will moderate the event. Fanara is an environmental engineer and ocean scientist who has designed hydrologic and hydrodynamic systems around the world. She also managed Mote Marine Laboratory until August 2020.

Panelists will include Curt Hemmel of Gulf Coast Research Institute, Angela Collins of Florida Sea Grant, Capt. Scott Moore of Captains for Clean Water, Ed Chiles of All Clams on Deck and Bob Carter of the Mote Marine Laboratory board of directors and a Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee member.

In a news release, the center said it “has a commitment to educate the community around the issue of environmental wellness and sustainability, and we are thrilled to have this collection of experienced and educated individuals to help lead the discussion toward positive change.”

Admission is free, with a $10 suggested donation.

For more information, call 941-778-1908 or email the center’s director of development at jim@centerami. org.

— Brook morrison

Nonprofits: Share wishes for Islander guide

Local charities and other organizations are invited to submit their wish lists to The Islander for the annual Wish Book, published the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Each year with the arrival of the holiday season, the newspaper invites organizations to share their wishes — the items they need or desire — in addition to the usual volunteers and funding — to carry them through the year — so that readers can add them to their shopping lists.

Please, send wish lists to Lisa Neff at lisa@ islander.org.

And readers, please pick up a copy of the Wish Book on Wednesday, Nov. 23.

AMI’s Kiwanis club marks a milestone

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island celebrated its 70th anniversary with a luncheon Oct. 22 at the Lazy Lobster restaurant on Longboat Key.

Longboat Key Kiwanis president Michael Garey, owner of the restaurant, hosted the club — 26 people, including club members, family and others.

Members of other clubs attended, including Bradenton Kiwanis president Neil Unruh, along with members Cheryl Unruh, Ken Christy, Allen Garner and Barbara Duncan; North Manatee Kiwanis past president Pam Parmenter, Cortez club president Nicole McDowell and, from the LBK club, Garey and member Andrew Vac. Krystal Laudicina, lieutenant governor for the Kiwanis’ District 17 in Florida, also attended.

Patricia Webster, Barbara Baker, Mary Ann Brockman and Sue Shinn planned the celebration, which featured a presentation on the club’s support for island students and a raffle of gift baskets to raise money for the AME K-Kids program.

The club made $700 for the program, including a $100 donation from a diner — a Rotarian — who was having lunch at the restaurant.

— Sandra K. Haas-martens

Kiwanis to host ‘Joyful’ director

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will meet at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

The program includes remarks by Ken Gregson of Joyful Friends in Bradenton.

For more, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-7781383.

Pumpkins in disguise

3-5

Meow and Blue Flamingo are taking part in the event so be sure to stop by their shops.

Go to shophophaul.com for more details.

Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to stay and visit — filled with collectibles and work by local artists. The store is in Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie. It offers 30-plus vendors, including vintage, upcycled, shabby chic, fanciful frocks and local crafts and art. You won’t be disappointed.

Scavengers Marketplace regrets the island store in Holmes Beach has closed. Please visit the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301, where a portion of your purchase benefits Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue — our favorite pet rescue group. Founder Lisa Williams leads the rescue efforts and also works at The Islander as office manager.

Installation celebration

amianna maria island president John chappie, club secretary Sandy Haas-martens, Kiwanis district 17 lieutenant governor Krystal Laudicina and club president-elect Patricia Webster attend the ami Kiwanis 70th-anniversary celebration and officer installation at the Lazy Lobster. club treasurer Jerry Buck is not pictured. islander courtesy Photo

Pumpkin book characters — created by anna maria elementary students — are displayed oct. 24 in the school’s media center. “many well-known book characters can be seen,” ame media specialist Lynne mcdonough said. islander Photo: courtesy ame

in

and

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints. And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

Vendors

Palma Sola Square

Dixie Plaza

59th St. W. Bradenton 941-896-8800

MINERAL PAINT Sales & Workshops

AmE

Left: ame fifth-graders eli Lewis, Landon reuter and riley Karecki paint a scene at grassy Point Preserve.

AME kids catapult to tournament anna maria elementary fifth-grade technology Student association members Lily guth, dylan Sato and alex Serra compete oct. 15 in a catapult competition with manatee county elementary and middle schools at Palm view elementary in Palmetto. islander Photos: courtesy Jen Serra

Ahead of the harvest ame fourth-graders Juilan Whipple-anderson, left, and Jacob Winstead plant beets oct. 12 in an edible garden at the Holmes Beach campus. the plants will be harvested in december and students will walk to the doctor’s office garden in the city center for a luncheon prepared from their harvest. the edible garden was suspended during the first year of the pandemic.

Mention

The Islander for 1O% OFF purchase.

valid with any other offer or prior purchases.

11-09-22

Adirondacks, Deep Seating, Outdoor Dining and More. Come tour our large store selection. We also offer design services.

6807 14TH ST. W., BRADENTON (ACROSS FROM ALEX KARRAS LINCOLN)

ame media specialist Lynne mcdonough shares information about mangroves during a fifth-grade field trip to grassy Point Preserve. “i think the mangroves closest to the water are black and the ones pointing down are red,” said ame fifth-grade student Jordan tobey.

ame fifth-graders practice yoga oct. 28 during a fitness class at grassy Point in Holmes Beach.

anna maria elementary fifth-graders prepare to watercolor a nature scene oct. 28, during a field trip to grassy Point Preserve, 3201 ave. c, Holmes Beach. Local artist marie garafano instructed the students. islander Photos: Brook morrison

Netting an outdoor lesson

Kayton Nedza and Jessica Prescott, teachers with the Hardee county School district outdoor classroom program, pose with fifth-graders oct. 17 at the coquina South Boat ramp in Bradenton Beach. “We bring all the kids in the county in fifth-grade over here. it’s the first time about 30% of them have ever been to the beach and about 90% of them have never been out wading, catching critters,” said Nedza. the class focuses on the Sarasota Bay estuary. Nezda said the group found Quahog clams, blue and spider crabs, flounder, snails, hermit crabs and seagrasses. islander Photo: robert anderson

AMI history lesson

Students from Lee middle School visit the anna maria island Historical Society museum and grounds, 402 Pine ave., anna maria. during the oct. 20 field trip, the kids toured the museum, the old jail and the Belle Haven cottage, as well as completed a scavenger hunt. for more about amiHS, call 941-778-0492. islander courtesy

Photo

AME

• Wednesday, Nov. 2, 1:50 p.m. early

• Monday, Nov. 7, 3:30 p.m., PTO board meeting.

• Tuesday, Nov. 8, Otis Spunkmeyer cookie sales.

• Friday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school.

• Tuesday, Nov. 15, 5:30 p.m., PTO dinner in the cafeteria; 6:30 p.m., fourth-grade play in the auditorium.

• Nov. 21-25, Thanksgiving holiday, no school.

• Wednesday, Dec. 7, STEM Night.

• Dec. 5-8, Scholastic Book Fair.

Anna Maria elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, holmes beach.

For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

Center collecting winter gear in drive for Turning Points

The Center of Anna Maria Island will collect coldweather gear through Nov. 18 to donate to the Turning Points Coat Drive.

Coats, hats, scarves and gloves and other cold weather gear, including sweats and new socks, can be dropped off at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

Milestones

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

Submit your story with contact information to news@islander.org.

MANATEE

Lisa Neff

Gloria Dei sets off to Selby

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church has plans for an “Adventure” outing Tuesday, Nov. 15.

The church group will visit the Marie Selby Gardens in Sarasota, traveling by bus from the island and taking a staff-guided tour of the gardens and an orchid show.

The cost, including transportation, admission and lunch, is $65.

People can sign up at the church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, or via email to gdlami18@ gmail.com.

For more information, call the church at 941-7781813.

Roser to host craft fair

Roser Memorial Community Church will host a holiday craft fair 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, in the fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

“Everyone is invited to stop by … to explore the tables of unique handcrafted items just at the right time to get your Christmas shopping done early,” read a church announcement.

The event also will feature a sale of baked goods and lunch items.

Crafter tables are still available for $20 and crafters who don’t want a table can donate their items to be sold.

Organizers also need volunteers to bake goods and staff the sale.

For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0414.

Roser offers performing arts

Roser Church offers a performing arts program for those between the ages of 8 and 10.

Music ministries director Craig Ramberger is directing the program with help from Brandon Kouri, associate director of music ministries.

The group meets at 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays in the church sanctuary, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Tidings compiled by Lisa Neff

ON AMI

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, holmes beach. Info: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church, @CrossPointeFellowship.

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6 p.m., supper; Wednesdays, Night Blast, 6:45 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s bible meeting.

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

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s meeting; Tuesdays, 6 p.m. first and second, 5 p.m. third and fourth, Terrific Tuesdays.

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., social gathering, Manatee Public Beach; Sundays, 10:15 a.m., coffee and fellowship.

Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., bradenton beach. Information: 941-779-1912.

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

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

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

Ongoing: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Robics; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1

David Osborn

David Osborn, 75, longtime resident of Dallas and Anna Maria Island, died Oct. 23.

He was born May 2, 1947, in Chicago to the late H. Larkin and Marion M. Osborn.

osborn

He grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, and, after earning his bachelor of arts degree at Northwestern University, served four years as an officer in the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Osborn had been coming to the island with his family for more than 60 years and it was one of his favorite places in the world. He was so happy to have

spent his final years living on AMI.

His love of the ocean, fishing, sports, cigars and cocktail-making was superseded only by the love for his only daughter, Kristin.

A kind and generous man, he will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or the Ocean Conservancy.

Mr. Osborn is survived by daughter Kristin and son-in-law Jordi Rovira; sister Rochelle and brotherin-law Louis Cain; niece Lauren Cain; brother Robert and sister-in-law Jacqueline; nephew Christopher; and former wife Linda.

glenda Beck, Pam Ladd and donna Pope serve lunch from the kitchen at roser memorial community church during the 2021 holiday craft fair. this year’s fair will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at the church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria. islander

Photo: courtesy Peggy Nash

Roser Thrift Store; ;Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m., Youth Performing Arts, second and fourth Thursdays, 11 a.m., Just Older Youth group programs with brown-bag lunch; Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., Roser Ringers rehearsal; 7 p.m., Thursdays, choir rehearsal; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., adult Sunday school.

St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. harbor Drive, holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.com, @stbernardcc.

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

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

OFF AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Shop; Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Bible study; Mondays, 4 p.m., choir rehearsal.

Temple Beth Israel, 567 bay Isles road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-3428.

Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. Ongoing: Fridays, 6:45 p.m., choir call.

SPeCIAL eVeNTS

Nov. 14, 12:30 p.m., Temple beth Israel books and brown bags meeting.

Nov. 19, 10 a.m., Gloria Dei annual pet blessing. Dec. 11, 2 p.m., Gloria Dei Christmas concert. Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org.

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

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org. Obituaries are free — a service of your community newspaper.

Paid obituaries can be discussed with advertising consultant Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978.

Holiday-themed greeting cards by maryKate Scott will be sold at the roser craft fair, with proceeds benefiting the friends of the island Library.

LBK takes bids for Greer Island ‘spit’ planCoquina boat ramp reopens

By robert anderson islander reporter

Get ready boaters.

Remodeling of the Coquina South Boat Ramp, 1465 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, was in the final stages, with the amenity set to reopen Nov. 1, said Manatee County public information officer Bill Logan.

The ramp closed for construction in March.

The $1.81 million redesign and remodel of the ramp was funded with West Coast Inland Navigation District money.

The WCIND is a special taxing body for Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties to maintain and enhance navigation channels, inlets, boating facilities, waterfront parks and piers.

According to a county parks and natural resources department web page, the ramp footprint has remained essentially the same, while upgrades include:

• Extending outer L-shaped docks 25 feet on either side to increase docking capacity;

• Widening the southernmost dock to improve handicap access;

• Changing the slope of the concrete ramp to provide more efficient loading and unloading at various tidal levels;

• Placing concrete block at the end of the ramp to prevent erosion caused by power loading of vessels;

• Adding a handicap access sidewalk.

By robert anderson islander reporter

Greer Island is getting in shape.

“The town is currently proceeding with completing a bid package to proceed with the Greer Island Spit Management plan,” Charlie Mopps, program manager and assistant public works director for Longboat Key, wrote in an Oct. 14 email to The Islander.

“This is a plan to restore the area to the approximate 2005 conditions by removing up to the permitted 35,000 cubic yards.”

Mopps said the plan is focused on resolving the scour resulting from Hurricane Ian and also on relocating sand that has migrated over time into the Greer Island canal and beneath the Longboat Pass Bridge.

He said Greer Island suffered erosion during Ian but the canal at Greer Lagoon fared well.

Mopps said the growth of the spit is attributed to town beach renourishment projects before the installation of groins that were constructed in the past year.

“Prior to the groins being established, the sand would travel north and east from the northwestern tip of Longboat Key,” Mopp wrote.

This accretion of sand made it to the east side of the bridge and began choking the lagoon, reducing flushing of the lagoon and harming seagrass beds.

The focus of the spit project is to return sand to Longboat Key beaches and help nourish the beach groin field profile.

Groins are usually placed in fields of multiple groins and are meant to inhibit the alongshore movement of sand and “catch” sand. This usually results in a wider, accretive beach on the updrift side of the groin

Left: duncan Seawall personnel put the finishing touches oct. 27 on renovations to the coquina South Boat ramp. the ramp was expected to be open for use Nov. 1, after the islander went to press for the week. islander Photo: robert anderson

a rendering depicts the spit management plan at greer island. islander Photo: courtesy Longboat Key

but a receding, erosive beach on the down-drift side.

The spit management plan is proposed to last 15 years.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued permits allowing the town to dredge the location consistent to 2006 conditions.

Also, a Florida Department of Transportation permit to work near the bridge was issued.

LBK director of public works Isaac Brownman said the town’s beach fund had about $500,000 for the work but the town was waiting for the bidding process to conclude to determine the actual cost.

Early Black Friday Deals

david reid, left, of Hollywood, california, and brother don reid of Bronson, michigan, traveled to Bradenton the week of oct. 20 for their 50th and 60th manatee High School class reunions — 1972 and 1962 respectively. the festivities kicked off with a get-together at the Shake Pit on manatee avenue and continued over the next few days at several venues, including the Hurricanes homecoming game — a 31-20 loss to cardinal gibbons of fort Lauderdale. islander Photo: Bonner Joy

ITPO discusses water taxi, concession fund uncertainties

By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

The county board is thirsty for daiquiri dollars. Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy discussed a Manatee County water taxi initiative and its impact on their wish list of municipal projects during an Oct. 24 Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting at Holmes Beach City Hall.

The county is moving ahead with a water taxi program that will ferry passengers between downtown Bradenton, Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria.

At an Oct. 6 county commission meeting, county administrator Scott Hopes indicated $350,000 of annual funding for the ferry program could come from Coquina Market revenues, tourist development tax dollars and surplus beach concession funds.

Traditionally, island governments wait for surplus dollars from the Coquina Beach snack bar and the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach to accumulate before outlining municipal projects they hope to see funded with the excess revenue.

The revenue pool recently grew to more than $300,000, prompting the mayors to draft a joint letter of support and written request for three projects addressed to the county board of commissioners.

According to an Oct. 25 email from Holmes Beach deputy clerk Michelle Lowe, Holmes Beach government was awaiting an executed resolution from Bradenton Beach before sending the letter to the county board.

County Resolution No. 14-119 contains guidelines for surplus concession fund spending, but includes passages absolving the county board of any obligation to spend the revenue on the cities’ requested projects.

At the Oct. 24 ITPO meeting, Chappie said the county board suspended meetings until after the Nov. 8 elections, prolonging uncertainty about whether Hopes and commissioners will allocate beach concession funds for the water taxi or the mayors’ projects.

Chappie said he was prepared to speak in front of the board in support of using the funds for the island projects.

“It’s a very successful project. Throughout the years, we’ve used it in the spirit of the way the reso-

Sage Kamiya, Holmes Beach city engineer and the itPo representative on the Sarasota/manatee mPo technical advisory committee, recaps a tac meeting at the oct. 24 itPo meeting at Holmes Beach city Hall. at the meeting, the itPo reappointed Kamiya to the tac, where he will serve as chair in 2023.

Kaiman

lution is written and what the funds should be used for, which is to help (all three island municipalities),” he said.

“I think we’ve all been very fiscally responsible with the projects,” he added. “And it’s not that much. I reminded the chairman it took several years to get

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• Anna Maria continues to pave roads. Paving through Nov. 4 is on Holly Road from Iris to Jacaranda Road, Newton Lane from North Shore Drive to Jacaranda, Iris from Jacaranda to the southeast end, Los Cedros Drive from Pine to Coconut Avenue, Hammock Road and Hammock Circle from Los Cedros to

that almost $300,000. It didn’t happen overnight. So, to start taking money out of that every year, there’s not a whole lot to support a ferry service or the purchase of a boat or two boats.”

Chappie addressed some county officials’ comments that said island municipalities had requested the water taxi service be implemented.

“I like the idea and I hope it’s successful but I just want to make it clear: it’s not as clear cut as the island cities asked for the county to do this and help,” he said. “It was more of a mutual understanding and agreement that this would be a transportation project.”

Titsworth said she couldn’t remember island governments asking the county to carry out the project and pointed out that a Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization analysis indicated the initiative wasn’t feasible.

Sarasota/Manatee MPO executive director Dave Hutchinson, an advisor to the ITPO — the island mayors — said the study indicated the project could work but would encounter challenges “on the land side, related to parking and transportation connections to the water taxi.”

Murphy said he met with former county administrator Ed Hunzeker seven years ago to discuss the water taxi, stressing that the service needed to be practical and affordable.

“It’s absolutely something you need to try and you need to see if we can make it work here, realizing you’re not going to get people with coolers and a bucket of Colonel Sanders to jump on a water taxi and come out here,” he said. “But you can get service workers.”

Murphy cited the barrier islands traffic study, which found that service workers accounted for about 30% of the daily traffic moving across the island bridges.

He said he told Hunzeker the county should treat the water taxi like municipal transit, providing a heavy subsidy to keep ticket prices affordable.

PLeaSe, See itPo, NeXt Page

PICTURES

by Neil Simon Co-Producer Ginny’s & Jane E’s Cafe Directed by Kelly Wynn Woodland

Libby Tucker travels cross-country from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in the hopes of starting a film

with the help of her estranged father. But Herb Tucker has his own problems — a case of perpetual writer’s block and the rocky relationship with his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Steffy.

Auditions for The Odd Couple (female

Neil Simon, 7:30 PM Sunday,

dates Jan. 12-29, 2023. Directed by Preston Boyd. For more information go to theislandplayers.org

941 778-5755.

northwest

from Hammock Road

the west end and Oak Avenue from the southwest end to the northeast end.

• Holmes Beach is working near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives to include new amenities and improve stormwater flow. There will be road and lane closures at Gulf and Marina drives with marked detours.

Construction work also requires the closure of the eastside trolley stop on Marina Drive north of Gulf Drive. So the northbound trolley is taking a detour, going from Gulf Drive, then east on 56th Street to Marina Drive to continue north.

• Manatee County’s utilities department is working on a force main project along Holmes Boulevard, which can result in some traffic delays and congestion.

For the latest road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511.

To check traffi c via road cameras, go to fl 511. com.

— Lisa Neff

to “city

Coquina Beach parking lot race to season is amping up

By robert anderson islander reporter

Will there be full parking lot by spring break at the island’s biggest beach?

The timeline for completion of the southern Coquina parking lot has been pushed up to March 2023, Manatee County public information officer Bill Logan wrote in an Oct. 26 email.

Previously, completion was set for April. Spring break for many Florida schools, includ ing Manatee’s is March 13-17. Spring break typically brings crowds to the beach.

Work by Woodruff & Sons began June 23 after the county hired the Bradenton company to complete a $5 million parking project that had stalled when the original contractor dropped out.

The earliest construction work began in April 2019, when the county hired American Pipeline of Miami to remodel and improve stormwater drainage and parking at the largest parking area on the island.

When American Pipeline went out of business, the project stalled for several months while the county

itPo from Page 18

“So, if that’s

said.

Sarasota/Manatee MPO and DOT liaisons share information with the ITPO members, the island mayors. The mayors rotate the chairmanship and the seat on the MPO.

Titsworth is currently chair and represents the island municipalities on the MPO board.

The next ITPO meeting will be 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

The next MPO board meeting will be 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Avenue S.

restarted the bidding process.

County commissioners hired Woodruff & Sons in May.

The project is funded with county tourist develop ment tax revenues.

Construction is taking place in two phases situated between the finished sections of the parking lot from

the Coquina Beach Cafe, 2650 Gulf Drive S., to the southernmost section of the beach.

Logan said Woodruff & Sons also would be employed to improve the 1.3-mile multipurpose trail at the beach.

No start date was set for the trail work but Logan confirmed it will be after March 2023.

islander Photo: robert ander son Debris removal continues an excavator loads debris from Hurricane ian into a wood chipper oct. 27 at Holmes Beach city field. Sarasota-based ceres environmental Services managed the debris, which was brought to the field from all around the city. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Woodruff & Sons paves an area of the coquina Beach park ing lot oct. 27 in Braden ton Beach.

Ian unlikely to dampen housing market for long

By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

For sellers, the headwind may be short-lived. After a red-hot spring and summer, island real estate sales slowed in September and October, said Christine Kourik Oct. 26.

But most sellers have not reduced their property’s price tags.

“We haven’t seen any real price reductions unless the property is extremely overpriced and they’re coming down to reality,” Kourik said.

The 31-year real estate agent now selling for RE/ MAX Alliance Group doesn’t expect sales volume and property pricing to flatline for more than several weeks.

“I don’t really see an increase in value right now. I think in maybe a month we might start seeing an increase again and going back to a normal market,” she said. “It’s just with the hurricane and everything, I think people are a little like, ‘Oh, wow.’ But they forget. People tend to forget and people will start buying again soon.”

Investors eying pricey rental properties have been deterred by rising insurance premiums, property taxes, interest rates and inflation she said.

And the worm has turned for buyers looking to improve properties for a quick profit.

“As far as someone picking a property up for $3 million and then trying to flip it three days later for $8 million, that time is gone,” Kourik said.

But mortgage-free cash buyers — who represent about 80% of prospective property owners and are not required by law to carry catastrophic insurance — won’t be fazed by market conditions or the potential for future storms to destroy their dwellings.

“A lot of the single-families are self-insured, so they could care less,” Kourik said. “The land value

a view of Bimini Bay from the backyard oct. 28 of a $4.95 million four-bedroom, 3,249 square-foot home in Holmes Beach’s North Point Harbour neighbor hood in Key royale. the property, 622 N. Point drive, has been listed by Hannah Hillyard of michael Saunders and co. for about two weeks. islander

Photo: Kane Kaiman

is there, so they’ll just rebuild. And with all the new construction going on right now, those homes are actually very well-built and will stand up to extreme weather.”

Property values and sales volume trended upward for about two years before reaching fever pitch in Feb ruary and did not drop off until late summer.

“We’ve had a great year and I think that in a couple of months, people are going to forget about the hur ricane and continue on with their investments,” Kourik said. “It’s a great place to live, great place to invest in and the values are just greatly appreciating. So, I think it’s a great place to park money.”

As of Oct. 20, 128 of the island’s approximately 9,000 residential properties were for sale, according to Mike Norman Realty sales associate and co-owner Marianne Norman-Ellis.

The rental market

Norman-Ellis and Wagner Realty property man ager Lisa Varano told The Islander in mid-October they’d fielded calls from snowbirds and other prospec tive renters who saw their annual rental properties in the Fort Myers-area destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

“Our rental season’s really strong. It’s going to be good and it might be a little busier because of the people that were supposed to be renting in the south coming here,” Norman-Ellis said.

“I do know that we’ve gotten a few people in our rentals due to displacement down there,” Varano said Oct. 20. “And we’ve already started getting calls for summer rentals due to people not being able to go to Sanibel or Captiva.”

Varano said Wagner usually doesn’t start receiving calls for weeklong summer rentals until after Janu ary but people put out of Fort Myers-area rentals are calling early to avoid missing out on their 2023 vaca tions.

PropertyWatch

By carol Bernard

Island real estate transactions

870 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, a 2,072 sq ft 4BR/5BA home on a 5,301 sq ft lot built in 2022 sold 9/19/2022 by Mist Investments LLP to AMI Raintree LLC for $4,150,000, list price $4,650,000.

2312 Gulf Drive N., #202, Bradenton Beach, a 1,180 sq ft 2BR/2BA Sunset Terrace Condo built in 1982 sold 9/14/2022 by Sierra Vacations LLC to Har kins for $1,225,000, list price $1,250,000.

207 Peacock Lane, Holmes Beach, a 1,713 sq ft 3BR/3BA home on a 8,006 sq ft lot built in 1973 sold 9/20/2022 by Levick to Haymond for $1,650,000, list price $1,782,000.

6422 Gulf Drive, #5, Holmes Beach, a 2,181 sq ft 3BR/3BA L’Plage condo built in 2003 sold 9/22/2022 by DePalma Corp Inc to Island Palms Retreat LLC for $2,370,000, list was $2,495,000.

329 Tarpon St., Anna Maria, a 1,008 sq ft 2BR/2BA home on a 8,250 sq ft lot built in 1961sold 10/7/2022 by Canniff Trust to Wilson AMI LLC for $1,905,000, list price $1,599,000.

207 Elm St., Anna Maria, a 2,752 sq ft 4BR/3BA home on a 5,719 sq ft lot built in 1945 sold 10/6/2022 by Mermaids WAT LLC to Newbold for $2,100,000, list price $2,300,000.

409 Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, a 2,340 sq ft 4BR/3BA home on a 5,502 sq ft lot built in 1999 sold 10/7/2022 by Jiang Prop LLC to Good Ions LLC for $2,245,000, list price $2,290,000.

315 Hammock Circle, Anna Maria, a 1,652 sq ft 3BR/4BA pool home on a 8,952 sq ft lot built in 1989 sold 10/6/2022 by Loeb to Quire Ventures LLC for $2,700,000, list price $2,750,000.

6301 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,206 sq ft 3BR/2BA pool home on a 2,879 sq ft lot built in 1988 sold 10/6/2022 by Gulf 6301 Land Trust to Autry for $1,127,500, list price $1,100,000.

2804 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,186 sq ft 2BR/2BA home on a 5,001 sq ft lot built in 1995 sold 10/6/2022 by Stone to Archidy for $1,350,000, list price $1,299,000.

614 Baronet Lane, Holmes Beach, a 1,713 sq ft 2BR/2BA home on a 11,456 sq ft lot built in 1963 sold 10/6/2022 by Boyer Trust to Kohlmann for $1,600,000, list price $1,700,000.

Compiled by Island Real Estate staff. IRE can be reached at 941-778-6066, islandreal.com.

MarketWatch

Anna Maria

By Lisa Neff

Median listing home price: $3.3 million, trending up 31% year-over-year.

Median sold home price: $2.7 million.

Listings: 39 properties, $675,000-$8.4 million. Bradenton Beach

Median listing home price: $1.5 million, trending up 30% year-over-year.

Median sold home price: $675,000.

Listings: 33 properties, $449,000-$3.5 million. Holmes Beach

Median listing home price: $1.7 million, up 32.9% year-over-year.

Median sold home price: $995,000.

Listings: 65 properties, $250,000-$12 million. Source: realtor.com

Anna Maria hires mobile app developer, host

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Anna Maria residents might want to make sure they have some storage space left on their mobile devices.

City commissioners voted 4-0 Oct. 27 to hire New York-based GOGov for $6,720 per year to create and host a mobile application to notify users about city news, including emergency alerts, as well as provide another method to submit record requests or municipal complaints.

Commissioner Deanie Sebring was absent with excuse.

The cost can be broken into two parts: $4,800 for GOGov’s citizen request management services and $3,600 for notifications and alerts services, according to the contract.

The price also includes a $1,680 “bundle discount” for subscribing to two services.

Mayor Dan Murphy said the app would improve the city’s two-way communication with people. He said GOGov’s services were more reasonably priced

than those of two other app hosts that he called “outrageously expensive.”

Commissioner Jonathan Crane expressed concern the app might lead to issues with Florida’s Governmentin-the-Sunshine Law, which ensures public access to government documents and communications.

He said city officials, commenting on other users’ requests and complaints, could make the city susceptible to potential Sunshine Law violations.

Murphy said the app only would allow communication between a user and the city, so users wouldn’t see each other’s posts.

He added that city clerk LeAnne Addy would oversee staff communication on the app.

In other matters…

Discussion items included:

• Legislative priorities for the upcoming state legislative session, such as seeking a larger portion of sales tax revenues, expanding the use of tourist development tax funds for maintenance costs and opposing the “erosion” of municipal home rule;

• Murphy said he expected to receive final say on the city’s plans for sidewalk improvements along Pine Avenue from the Florida Department of Transportation next month. He said he expects the city to select a contractor by March 2023 and begin construction by April 2023;

• Building official David Gilson said Mote Marine Laboratory staff told him they’d deliver final plans for an educational outreach center in the empty space at the T-end of the city pier by Nov. 4 and was on track to meet the city’s deadlines for the project.

The commission will meet next at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found online at cityofannamaria.com.

Charges reduced for GA man arrested in AM

Charges against a Georgia man arrested in Anna Maria were reduced Oct. 10.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Camren Fambrough, 21, of Canton, Georgia, Aug. 27 for carjacking with a weapon, burglary, criminal

resisting

he now faces lesser

attempted burglary of an occupied conveyance in place of carjacking and criminal mischief.

Fambrough allegedly attempted to gain entry to an occupied home in the 200 block of Magnolia Avenue by hurling a rock at a door and then trying to open the door, according to MCSO records.

The MCSO said the suspect ran and unsuccessfully attempted to force his way into an occupied vehicle.

On Oct. 10, the state attorney’s office reduced the charges to include attempted burglary of an occupied conveyance and criminal mischief.

If convicted of attempted burglary, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

If convicted of criminal mischief, he could face up to five years in prison.

Fambrough posted a $17,500 bond and was arraigned Oct. 28, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

— robert anderson

Island watch In an emergency, call 911. To report info, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

“Anna Maria Island,” a signed pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at the islander office, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach, or by mail. visit islander.org or call 941-778-7978. $20 plus postage, if applicable.

anna maria commissioner mark Short, left, talks about a mobile app oct. 27. islander Photo: ryan Paice

reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria

Oct. 25, 300 block of Tarpon Street, burglary. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to a call regarding a burglary. The complainant said they left the house they were renting and returned a few hours later to find the unit broken into and items missing. The deputy searched the area and issued an incident report.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach

Oct. 17, Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive, fraud. A Bradenton police officer called the Holmes Beach Police Department to report she was with a victim of credit card fraud. The officer said the complainant received an email telling him to purchase and send gift cards, which he bought at Publix. The complainant provided a phone number for a caller in the scam. An HBPD officer provided the complainant with a victims’ rights pamphlet and advised him to contact his bank to dispute charges at Publix.

Oct. 18, 500 block of Manatee Avenue, Baker Act. An officer saw a man, trespassed earlier in the night, laying on a bus bench. The officer spoke with the man, who said he wanted to harm himself and wished to be sent to Centerstone Behavioral Hospital in Bradenton. The officer transported the man to Centerstone.

Oct. 18, 200 block of 84th Street, trespass warning. An officer responded to reports of a man causing a disturbance and trespassing at a construction site. The officer found a man, who said the site owners asked him to care for it while they were out of state and

provided their phone number. The officer spoke with the owners, who confirmed the man’s story. Another officer spoke to the complainant, a female who said the man sometimes walks on her property. The officer issued the man a trespass warning for the woman’s property.

Oct. 19, 5200 block of Gulf Drive, marijuana/drug paraphernalia possession. An officer saw a motorist hauling a trailer with an inoperable taillight, and he conducted a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, the officer smelled marijuana. The driver said he didn’t have a medical marijuana license and the officer searched the vehicle. He found a grinder, as well as a white container and a bag containing a combined 9.5 grams of a leafy green substance that field-tested positive for marijuana. The officer issued the man a court summons, a criminal traffic citation for driving without a license and two uniform traffic citations for issues with regard to lights on his vehicle. The officer confiscated the marijuana and paraphernalia and a licensed driver came to pick up the man.

Oct. 20, 5400 block of Gulf Drive, disturbance. An officer responded to reports of a disturbance and contacted the complainant, who said they wanted an information report for court purposes and provided a sworn statement.

Oct. 21, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, camping. An officer saw a man around 3:30 a.m. in a sleeping bag in bushes near the beach. The officer informed the man he was in violation of the city’s camping ordinance. The officer issued a court summons and the man left.

Oct. 21, 100 block of 65th Street, stolen bicycle. An officer responded to reports of a stolen bike from Just 4 Fun Rentals and spoke with staff, who said their rental bike went missing after it was left unlocked at the beach. Staff provided a description and possible serial number.

Oct. 23, 5300 block of Gulf Drive, fraud. The owner of the Monkey Bus entered the HBPD to report that a white van unassociated with her business was

Juvenile arrested in BB vehicle burglary

A Bradenton Beach police officer arrested a juvenile for allegedly attempting to burglarize a vehicle.

The officer responded to a call from a vehicle owner who said three people attempted to enter their parked car but, upon discovering someone inside, the juveniles fled.

While an officer searched the area for the suspects, the vehicle owner apprehended one of the youths, who was taken to the BBPD station.

An offi cer contacted the youth’s father and transported the youth, whose name was withheld, to a juvenile center.

If convicted of attempted burglary of an occupied conveyance, a second-degree felony, the youth could face up to five years incarceration, $5,000 in fines and probation.

— robert anderson

claiming to be a part of its fleet. She provided a name for the driver. An officer advised the woman to contact the Bradenton Beach Police Department since her business is located in Bradenton Beach. The officer flagged the reported vehicle as suspicious in databases.

Oct. 23, Sunbow Bay condominiums, 3805 E. Bay Drive, domestic disturbance. Two HBPD officers responded to reports of a domestic disturbance. A woman said she was visiting her boyfriend when his son threatened to kill her and told her to leave. She said the man followed her to the parking lot yelling at her. The officers found the call was within the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction and asked the woman if she wanted them to be contacted about the case but she declined. The officers issued case cards to all parties, who left the area without issue.

The HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

Nesting notes

A tearful farewell

By Samara Paice

The last viable nest on Anna Maria Island yielded one live hatchling.

The loggerhead’s release to the Gulf unleashed a wave of emotion, as this season Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring lost its longtime leader, Suzi Fox.

AMITW volunteers had noted the last nest near the 700 block of North Shore Drive in Anna Maria hatched Oct. 21 and marked it for excavation Oct. 24.

Volunteers wait three days so any remaining hatchlings are undisturbed and can crawl out of the nest on their own.

But occasionally there are hatchlings remaining and the volunteers extract them, evaluate their health and determine if they can be released to the Gulf of Mexico.

That last nest had been washed over with high tides and yielded 90 unhatched eggs, as well as 16 hatched and one live hatchling.

The volunteers tearfully named the hatchling Suzi, in honor of Fox, who died Sept. 31.

As the hatchling crawled to the water’s edge, AMITW volunteer Karen Anderson said, through tears and emotion, “Go Suzi. You can make it.”

AMITW’s reports will be finalized for the state to wrap up the nesting season but questions remain for the nonprofit.

Who will become director and how will the team transition?

An Oct. 25 news release from Diane McCausey, AMITW vice president and a member of the board of

amitW volunteer Karen anderson counts eggs — unhatched and hatched — excavated oct. 24 from the last viable nest on anna maria island near the 700 block of North Shore drive in anna maria. islander Photos: courtesy eileen gallagher

Tour de Turtles ends

Esther, a loggerhead sea turtle tagged and released June 20 on Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach as part of the Tour de Turtles, was in eighth place through Oct. 31.

The Tour de Turtles hard-shell category started Aug. 1 and ended Oct. 31, as The Islander went to press.

Esther traveled 562 miles through Oct. 31.

Tour de Turtles is an educational effort led by the Sea Turtle Conservancy, which started in 2008 to educate and gather research data.

The Waterline Resort, Mainsail Vacation Rentals, both located on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, and AMITW worked with the conservancy to make the tagging of Esther possible.

About AMITW

a hatchling from a nest oct. 24 in anna maria is examined by amitW volunteer Karen anderson.

directors, said the board is working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to determine their plans.

“We have really big shoes to fill and we will be working to ensure Suzi’s legacy with AMITW moves forward with the same care and dedication she gave the program for more than 30 years,” McCausey stated.

amitW is a nonprofit focused on collecting data on threatened or endangered sea turtles. the organization also collects data on shorebirds. the nesting data is required to meet beach renourishment contracts and amitW is compensated by the county for its service.

as of oct. 31, amitW had identified 531 nests, 490 false crawls and 466 hatched nests with 37,081 hatchlings to the sea.

By Lisa Neff

Potent plants of paradise

Digitalis extracted from the foxglove plant and administered to the victim acts upon the heart in “Appointment with Death.”

In “The Labours of Hercules,” the victim suffers hallucinations from poisoning by deadly nightshade.

In “4.50 from Paddington,” the lovely, wild wolfsbane is used as a poison.

Mystery writer Agatha Christie employs other plant-based poisons as tools to commit murder and other crimes in some 80 stories: hemlock, cyanide, strychnine, nicotine, taxine extracted from yew hedges, ricin from the castor oil plant concealed in fig-paste sandwiches, morphine derived from poppies, henbane to produce convulsions and aspirin from the willow.

american nightshade can be toxic to people and pets. and “Nightshade” is the name of one of my favorite ray Bradbury characters — Jim Nightshade, the 13-year-old narrator of “Something Wicked this Way comes” who has hair “wild, thick, and the glossy color of waxed chestnuts.”

Cypress Pillar Healing Arts in Sarasota, recruited assistants to help guide us on our poison path and, because

Pokeweed is poisonous to people, dogs and livestock but is a food source for catbirds, mockingbirds and cardinals. the shoots and leaves are edible with proper cooking in the spring and summer but then become poisonous. the berries also are poisonous. islander Photos: courtesy u.S. fish and Wildlife Service

Neff

“Since I was surrounded by poisons, perhaps it was natural that death by poisoning should be the method I selected,” Christie, a keen gardener and a nurse during WWI who qualified to work as a pharmacy dispenser, wrote in her autobiography.

My mom used to read a lot of Agatha Christie, as did her mom, who loved Hercule Poirot and his “little grey cells.”

My wife, Connie, also is a devoted fan of Christie’s stories, shelving a collection that grows by a volume or two at Christmas.

So Connie eagerly joined me one evening in the NEST at the Robinson Preserve Expansion for a class on “Poisonous Plants of Florida” led by Melissa “Misha” Nell, who worked with the county parks and natural resources department when Robinson was being created.

Nell, a clinical herbalist and traditional healer at

was a hands-on lesson, she passed around some of the poison plants in her collection.

Nell’s goal was not to scare us but to stoke a sort of appreciation for plant powers, even deadly ones.

A poison, she said, can cause harm when sufficient quantities are absorbed, inhaled or ingested.

Dosis sola facit venenum — the dose makes the poison — she said.

We learned about taxonomy and some of the better-known poison plant families, such as cashew, dogbane, milkweed, jessamine and buttercup.

Nell told us about native poison plants in the state: American nightshade, fire on the mountain, bull nettle, pokeweed, poisonwood, trumpet creeper, Carolina jessamine, spotted water hemlock, lantana and the endangered and dangerous Manchineel.

The Manchineel is said to be the most menacing trees in the world — a bite of the sweet fruit can cause blisters, smoke from burning leaves can cause blindness and sap from the trunk is so acidic one drop can burn the skin.

The Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences says “interaction with and ingestion of any part of this tree may be lethal.”

Non-native and exotic poisonous plants you might

find around the neighborhood include angel’s trumpet, yellow alamanda, oleander, castor bean and the pencil cactus.

The pencil cactus contains a thick, milky latex sap that’s toxic. When the sap touches human skin, it can cause redness, rashes and burning. In the eye, the sap can cause blindness.

I’ve seen plenty of the plants Nell discussed in a number of yards and landscapes on AMI.

A couple of days after the program, I looked around my yard. The potted lantana, I decided, could stay. But the pencil cactus, planted too close to a public area, had to come out.

So I put on garden gloves and a pair of goggles and went to toil and trouble in the soil.

Watch out for …

Many poisonous plants share characteristics:

• White milky sap;

• Thorns, hairs, spines;

• Bitter or soapy taste.

Weather favors center soccer,

By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

the

are on

Cabinetry and Mac Parkman battle to a 2-2 tie in the 14U division. Mason Moss scored a pair of goals to lead Moss Builders, which also received two assists from Charlie Serra in the victory.

in the adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Wash Family Construction and Slim’s Place are

weeks of

atop the standings with matching 4-1-1 records.

Real Estate at 3-2-1 follows with Pool America and Gulfview Windows & Doors on their heels with 3-3 records. Moss Builders is still in the mix with a 2-2-2 record, while Servis First Bank at 1-4-1 and 1-5 Ross Built complete the standings.

An evening of action Oct. 27 kicked off with Sato jumping out to an early lead and an 8-6 victory over Ross Built. Jacek Czajkowski and Lindsey Styka scored three goals each to lead Sato, which also received a goal and two assists from Josh Sato and a goal and an assist from Daniel Anderson.

Ross Built saw Greg Ross and Dean Hinterstoisser score three goals each, while Sam Parker and James Lynch each contributed one assist in the loss.

The second game of the evening saw Pool America cruise to an 8-4 victory over Servis First Bank. Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos scored four goals to lead Pool America, which also received two goals from Matthew Staggs and a goal and an assist from Jana Whitehead. Chris Klotz made five saves in goal and added an assist to the victory.

Selena Gonzalez-Salinas had two goals and an assist while Lucky Durmaz and Joseph Keogh scored one goal each for Servis in the loss.

The night’s finale saw Gulfview Windows & Doors even its record at 3-3 thanks to a 9-4 victory over Moss Builders behind three goals each from Keith Mahoney and Raul Loera. Asli Gunsel added two goals, Zachary Long finished with a goal and Tuna McCracken helped preserve the victory with nine saves.

Jessica Williams and Damir Glavan scored two goals each in the loss for Moss, which also received an assist from Daniel Hampton and four saves from Olaf Krause.

Youth soccer standings

LaPensee Plumbing remains on top of the 10U standings in the youth soccer league at the center with a 5-1 record, just ahead of second-place Sato Real Estate at 4-0-2.

Island Real Estate holds down third at 3-2-1 with Solid Rock Construction close behind at 2-3-1. AMI Coconuts is alone in fifth place at 1-3-2, while Cloud Pest Control is still in search of a victory at 0-6.

HSH Designs remains on top of the 14U threeteam division with a 3-0-1 record, while Progressive Cabinetry is second at 1-2-1. Mac Parkman Foundation is at 0-3-2.

The 10U division action Oct. 25 got going with Solid Rock Construction earning a 2-0 victory over Cloud Pest Control behind a goal each from Renan Kesten and Turner Worth. Matthew Darak added an assist and Isaac Roadman finished with two saves in the victory.

Sawyer Leibfried finished with five saves for Cloud in the loss.

LaPensee Plumbing received two goals each from Preston LaPensee and Luca Rosenkrans as they cruised to a 4-0 victory over AMI Coconuts.

Jordan Steele and Sophia Kerr combined to make four saves for AMI Coconuts in the loss.

Sato edged IRE by a 1-0 score in the last 10U division game of the night. Dylan Sato notched the lone goal on an assist from brother Brandon, while Gunnar Maize and Camden Rudacille combined to make eight saves in the victory.

Vincent Gollamudi made three saves for Island Real Estate in the loss.

The final match of the evening saw Progressive

Dominik Zupa led Mac Parkman with a pair of goals while Xane Flores made three saves in the tie.

Horseshoe news

Horseshoe action Oct. 26 at the Anna Maria City Hall pits saw four teams advance to the knockout stage with 3-0 records. The team of Bob Heiger and Bob Baker cruised past Tom Skoloda and Rod Bussey in the first semifinal, while Tom Farrington steamrolled Steve Kreibel and Jerry Disbrow 23-2.

Farrington stayed hot in the final with a 21-4 beat down of Heiger and Baker.

Three teams advanced to the knockout stage during Oct. 29 action. Farrington and Bud Gaines received the bye to the finals and watched as Dom Livedoti and Stuart Lindberg edged Tom Skoloda by a 22-20 score. It was all Livedoti and Lindberg in the finals as they cruised to a 21-12 victory over Farrington and Gaines to earn the day’s bragging rights.

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

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Key Royale golf news

There was a full week of golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach last week, but the highlight of the week had to the hole-in-one by Bill Shuman. Shuman aced the 186-yard fourth hole with

Extra-oar-dinary women

Jackie mori of Sarasota turns the camera oct. 23 on women preparing for their maiden voyage with a Survivors in Sync breast cancer survivor team at the new paddler day at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. Sixteen women, including Holmes Beach residents vanessa Burns-Petersen and Brenda rose, attended the event. the park boasts four dragon boat teams, including a military veterans team led by Holmes Beach resident rickard Jensen. Beginner paddler days, open to all, are held weekly at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and 9:15 a.m. Saturday. to rSvP, email along@nathanbendersonpark.org or call 941-232-3470.

ross Built defender James Lynch tries to slow Sato real estate forward Lindsey Styka, who finished with three goals oct. 27 in Sato’s 8-6 victory during adult soccer action at the center. islander Photo: Kevin P. cassidy

PLeaSe, See sPorts, NeXt Page

As local water temps cool, fishing around AMI heats up

By capt. danny Stasny islander reporter

As we ease into November, anglers fishing around Anna Maria Island can expect the fall bite to really kick off.

Spanish mackerel, kingfish, bonito and sharks will be available close to shore in the weeks to come.

In some instances, these species should be found within a mile of the beaches. For all the species, anchoring and chumming with live shiners can be effective and free-lining baits among the chum will trigger an instantaneous bite.

When rigging for Spanish mackerel, a long shank hook should suffice but if you’re seeing kingfish behind the boat, you’ll probably want to add wire leader to your rig.

Trolling is an option, especially when targeting the kings or bonito. Lipped plugs are effective, as well as silver spoons.

On the flats, the cooler weather triggers the popular inshore species of snook, redfish and trout to feed heavily. Casting live shiners against the mangroves works well for snook and reds. For the trout, live shiners are good, but artificials such as soft plastics on a jig head will work, too. If you’re feeling adventurous, try tying on a topwater plug. As the water temps fall into the mid 70s, the trout tend to be rambunctious and will take a plug on the surface.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing the flats fishing improving with slightly cooler water temps. Snook fishing around the mangroves is getting good. There are redfish lurking in those areas, always a welcome site. Spotted seatrout are abundant on the deeper flats, although slot-size fish are hard to come by. Limits are still being caught by my clients, although achieving

adriana, left, Lucas, aaron and Sebastian Sanandres and omar morales, all visiting from New York, show off the mackerel and snapper they caught inshore oct. 22 while using shiners for bait on a fishing trip with capt.

Warren girle.

mark Howard and wife dot were fishing the intracoastal Waterway oct. 22 when they lucked into a two-hour snook, speckled seatrout and redfish bite. dot landed this 23-inch trout using a 3-inch pinfish under a popping cork — and “all fish were released to fight another day,” according to former fishing guide mark Howard. islander courtesy Photo

them requires patience while sifting through the many smaller fish.

Capt. Warren Girle is finding most of his action in the Gulf of Mexico, where migratory fish, Spanish mackerel, kingfish and cobia, are being caught. All three species are taking shiners as bait. According to Girle, the macks are the most abundant, with catches of 30-50 fish in a morning. The kings are sporadic — as are the cobia — although Girle expects the fish to be more apparent as we press through November to the

holidays.

Moving inshore, Girle is finding spotted seatrout on the flats of Sarasota Bay and in the surf along the beaches.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishing is good for yet another week at Anna Maria Island’s northernmost pier. Pier fishers using live shiners as bait are hooking into a variety of fish. Casting under the pier with a weighted rig is resulting in black drum, redfish, sheepshead and mangrove snapper.

Many black drum are being caught in the slot of 14-24 inches.

The reds are following suit, with mostly slot-sized fish — 18-27 inches — being caught.

Malfese says the sheepshead bite is early this year and sporadic, although anglers focusing on sheepies having good results.

Lastly, there are some snook being caught at the R&R on larger baits — pinfish and mojarras.

Capt. Jason Stock is finding plenty of action working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Gag grouper are being caught frequently, with daily limits attainable. Live pinfish as bait on a weighted rig are getting the job done, reports Stock. Mangrove snapper up to 8 pounds, as well as some red grouper are being caught in similar fashion.

Yellowtail snapper are being caught on smaller baits, such as live shiners. Migratory fi sh — cobia and amberjack — also are being found while working around the wrecks. Sizes for the cobia run up to 60 pounds.

Capt. David White is working inshore with good results on a range of species. In Tampa Bay, Spanish mackerel are the most apparent species. Freelining live shiners on a long shank hook is attracting the highspeed predators to bite.

Fishing around structure is resulting in gag grouper and live pinfish are the preferred bait.

On the flats, snook and redfish are being caught.

Finally on the nearshore reefs, White reports his clients are hooking up on cobia and bonito.

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

TideWatch

Red tide in Southwest Florida

A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, exists in Southwest Florida.

The red tide organism was detected in 25 samples, with bloom concentrations present in four samples from Sarasota County.

from Page 26

his driver — the first ace of his golfing career. Congratulations, Bill!

The men played their weekly modified-Stableford System match Oct. 24. The trio of Nelson Eagle, Jim Hill and Chuck Patrick each carded a score of plus-4 to finish in a three-way tie for first. Gary Razze was another point back in second place.

The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match in two flights Oct. 25.

Pam Lowry fired an even-par 32 to grab first place

in Flight A, one stroke ahead of second-place finishers Helen Pollock and Sue Wheeler.

Terry Westby’s 1-over-par 33 gave her first place in Flight B. Jackie Gorski was alone in second place at 3-over-par 35, a stroke ahead of Gloria LeDue.

The week that ended Oct. 27 with a nine-hole scramble that saw the team of Jenny Huibers, Ken Nagengast and Larry Solberg combine for the win on a 6-under-par 26. The team of Marty Hicks, Jerry Martinek and Bob Paine settled for second with a 5-underpar 27.

K. brevis was observed at background concentrations offshore of Manatee County, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Sarasota County, very low concentrations in Charlotte County and background concentrations offshore of Lee County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

No reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received.

Respiratory irritation related to red tide was reported in Sarasota County at Nokomis and Venice beaches.

Sampling is still impacted by the passage of Hurricane Ian, according to the FWC.

For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide/statewide.

Lisa Neff

ITEMS FOR SALE

raLPH LaureN Side chair with brocade fabric. Like-new. $300. 941-741-6989. cHaNdeLier BroWN, like-new, $20, office chairs, all white and all black, $20. 941-9202494.

Side taBLeS: BroWN with glass top. two for $25. 941-920-2494.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

PETS

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

TRANSPORTATION

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

BOATS & BOATING

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

FISHING

Live PiNfiSH-SHiNerS delivery available. 941-705-1956, text only.

HELP WANTED

NoW HiriNg HaNdYmaN: full-time professional services. $15 an hour and up, based on experience. call JayPros, 941962-2874.

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

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

HEALTH CARE

Private dutY: regiStered Nurse. Pet lover, non-smoker, fully vaccinated, help with transportation, shopping, light cooking, cleaning. Help with following doctor’s orders, bathing, etc. 10-plus years’ experience. call or text Jessica, 412-851-0840.

SERVICES

Need a ride to airports? tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. gary, 863-409-5875. gvoness80@ gmail.com.

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

cLeaNiNg: vacatioN, coNStructioN, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PreSSure WaSHiNg, Paver sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

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

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

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

gettiNg married? i will be your wedding officiant. call rev. James mcubbin, 941253-6649.

HaNdYmaN or cLeaNiNg services: affordable rates. fred, 941-356-1456.

ProfeSSioNaL WiNdoW cLeaNiNg: residential, commercial, free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-852-6163.

aLL cLeaN aNd concierge services on ami and surrounding areas. call or text me today for a quote! Peggy, 248-310-0012.

Pet Sitter: Hire today! in-home care for vacations, business trips and weekend getaways. call Susan to care for your pet and home while you are away on your vacation or trip. references available, 860-751-8660.

airPort ride, Pet and house-sitting, plant care. reliable. text deb, 941-962-4099.

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

LAWN & GARDEN

coNNie’S LaNdScaPiNg iNc. residential and commercial. full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! insured. 941-778-5294.

more adS = more readers in the islander.

LAWN & GARDEN

B ar N e S L a WN a N d Landscape LL c design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-705-1444. Jr98@barneslawnand landscape.com.

coLLiNS LaNdScaPe LigHtiNg: outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. mJc24373@ gmail.com.

SearaY SPriNKLer ServiceS. repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjust ments. 941-920-0775.

a N ge L o ’S L a WN care : m ow, edge, string trimming, blow. Starting at $20/cut. Licensed/insured. 941-217-9000.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

vaN-go PaiNtiNg residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpa per. island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

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

griffi N’S H ome im P roveme N t S i nc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. i nsured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

BLiNdS, SHutterS, SHadeS: motoriza tion. 30 years on ami c all Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.

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

H a N d Y ma N a N d Pai N ti N g . No job too small. m ost jobs just right. c all r ichard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

HoLLaNdS PaiNt, drYWaLL and handy man services: interior/exterior paint, drywall repair, wall/ceiling textures, stucco repair, pressure washing. o ver 25 years’ experi ence. a ll work guaranteed. r eferences. Licensed/insured. call dee, 256-337-5395.

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

S ara S ota i N terior Pai N ti N g : We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! o wner operated. f ully insured/ licensed. call or text don, 941-900-9398. instagram: SarasotainteriorPainting.

do N a L d P er K i NS’ a B raca da B ra Painting LL c i nterior/exterior. 30 years of experience. 941-705-7096.

giLL metaL coNStructioN: metal build ing. d esign-furnish-erect-repair. Jay g ill, owner, 941-274-0303. Licensed and insured cBc1265446.

RENTALS

a NN a maria gu L f beachfront vacation rentals. one- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

vacatioN 2023 SeaSoN: January, febru ary, march, $5,000/month. 2022 pre-season, $2,000/month. 2B r /1B a steps to beach, 55-plus condo, pool. real estate mart, 941356-1456.

moNtHLY vacatioN reNtaLS available for upcoming season in anna maria. 4Br/2Ba home, one block to the beach, old florida charm, completely updated. $5,600 plus fees per month. 3Br/2Ba canalfront home on north end. $5,600 plus fees per month. g reen r eal e state, 941-778-0455. www. greenreal.com

LooKiNg for aN earLY Bird? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on tuesday at islander.org. and it’s free!

REAL ESTATE

W i NN ie mc H a L e , rea Ltor , 941-5046146. rosebay international realty inc. You need an aggressive and experienced real tor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - m aking dreams come true.”

afforda BL e rea L e S tate services for buyers, sellers, property management or rentals. call fred flis, 941-356-1456.

Lot for SaLe. 10,000 sf buildable water front lot with utilities in Bradenton. d ock with boat lift. Seawall maintained by city. $500,000. 917-860-1917.

biz

By Kane Kaiman

Oyster empire, pizza, ETAs

Oysters Rock Hospitality has strung another pearl.

The soon-to-be six-restaurant company — comprising four Anna Maria Oyster Bars and Cafe L’Europe — will open another AMOB in North Port, according to an Oct. 26 news release.

Oysters Rock purchased North Port’s Family Table Restaurant, 14132 Tamiami Trail, and will convert the 28-year-old eatery into an AMOB by January.

Hospitality group owner John Horne, his wife, Amanda, and the AMOB team served food out of the location to area residents devastated by Hurricane Ian.

Beginning with the purchase of Cafe L’Europe in early 2022, Horne has sought to expand his holdings. AMOB has locations at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach and in Cortez, Bradenton and Ellenton.

In June, Oysters Rock announced plans to open another AMOB at 5405 University Parkway, Unit 110, Bradenton.

For more information, visit oysterbar.net or call 941-761-7797.

They dough it all Delivery, catering, late-night slices — Pizzano’s has you covered.

The Holmes Beach pizzeria and grinder shop, 5318 Marina Drive, opened Sept. 15 and has made an

impression on locals, tourists and patrons of nearby D.Coy Ducks tavern, owner Sam Marhi said Oct. 24.

“They come in in crowds sometimes,” he said. “They do a lot of slices. I think we’re the only place on the island that offers slices ready-to-go, calzones ready-to-go.”

The eatery is open 10 a.m.-midnight SundayThursday and 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Each morning, staff makes sauce and about 400 pounds of dough.

The shop offers Detroit-style pan pizza, tradition-

al-crust pizza and grinders in rolls or baked calzonestyle.

For fans of crunchy pizza, staff can bake midwestern tavern-style pizza on request.

Pizzano’s island location delivers to AMI, northern Longboat Key and Palma Sola.

Marhi, a Sicilian native, has been in the Florida pizza business for more than 30 years.

He opened and sold eight Pizzano’s locations in the Orlando-area before opening a location in Bradenton in 2020.

For more information, visit pizzanospizzaami.com or call 941-778-3663.

Making connections

former anna maria island chamber of commerce president deb Wing, left and clockwise, manatee county commissioner carol Whitmore, serving her last weeks in office, compass real estate’s Becky Sirigotis, anna maria commissioner deanie Sebring, Susanne arbanas of ami concierge Services and the islander’s toni Lyon show up for a photo oct. 13 during a chamber luncheon at Slicker’s eatery in cortez. islander Photo: courtesy amicofc

Kaiman

Pizzano’s Pizza and grinderz anna maria island manager Juan chapo stands in the Holmes Beach pizzeria oct. 5 with line workers from destin in the area postHurricane ian. Pizzano’s provided the workers with a free lunch. islander courtesy Photo

PLeaSe, See isl biz, NeXt Page

Publix, steamer, targeted ETAs

Ring in the new year!

Publix is targeting an end-of-the-year opening for a liquor store and pharmacy in Holmes Beach, accord ing to an Oct. 17 email to The Islander from Publix media relations manager Hannah Herring.

The satellite store, 503A Manatee Ave. W., was formerly a Regions Bank.

For more information, visit publix.com/contact or call 800-242-1227.

For another ETA, the steam’s still building. Takeout steamer pots of seafood will be available in Holmes Beach no later than January, according to Topsail Steamer store launcher and management

trainer Cole Klaren.

The outfit sought to open its seventh corporate location, 5315 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, by early fall but renovations fell behind.

The chain — which includes locations in New Jersey, Delaware and North Carolina – provides cus tomers steam pots full of shrimp, scallops and snow crab, as well as sausage, corn and potatoes.

Customers can choose seafood combinations or build their own pot.

For more information, visit topsailsteamer.com.

And, how about that Target store, coming soon to Beachway Plaza at 75th Street an Man atee Avenue in Bradenton? “No comment on the opening was the response to The Islander.

BY PAOLO PASCO / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

And as always… …Got biz news? Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@ islander.org or call The Islander, 941-778-7978.

BizCal

Island.

compiled by Kane Kaiman

ChAMber

tree lighting,

by Margaritaville

941-778-1541, becky@amichamber.org.

St. Pete Beach and more from this highly desirable location. Just steps from Pine Avenue Shopping & Dining, Galati’s Marina, Bayfront Park and the post office--- yet far enough away to enjoy the serenity of the beach right in your backyard! $2,650,00.

MIKE