The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024
County election results. 2
Few tickets remain for hurricane relief concert. 3
Coastal guardians spring into action. 4-5
Save the date for “Fun Day.” 5
Opinions 6
YEARS AGO
Looking back. 7
Students return to “little school by the bay.” 8
NYT puzzle. 8
Soccer heats up on Center pitch. 10
CLASSIFIEDS. 12-13
Isl Biz: 14
Salon Salon celebrates, celebrates, Doctor’s Garden raises the roof.
Fishing heats up. 15
Get in the Game. 16
REMINDER:
The Islander office on 58th Street in Holmes Beach remains closed.
Winners, winners in island municipalities
New Anna Maria mayor focuses on service
The city of Anna Maria will soon say “aloha” to Mayor Dan Murphy, who did not seek another term, bringing his 10 years of service as the city’s administrator to a close in December.
As a result of the Nov. 5 polling, Commissioner Mark Short will trade his seat on the dais for the mayor’s seat.
Short dominated the municipal vote over his opponent, former Commissioner Brian Seymour, by 60.47% of the vote — 387 votes for Short, 253 votes for Seymour.
Short is a retired accountant and originally a member of the city’s 2019 charter review committee. He was appointed to the commission later the same year and reelected without opposition in 2020 and 2022.
Anna Maria had 831 registered voters as of Oct. 7, according to the election supervisor.
The city electorate cast votes Nov. 5 at a new polling location, the Island Library in Holmes Beach.
No contest in Bradenton Beach, new commissioner
After a year of absences by Commissioner Marilyn Maro — and no explanation—the city of Bradenton Beach has a new commissioner from Ward 2.
Scott Bear, a civil engineer and Bradenton Beach resident for the past two years was the only person to qualify for the Nov. 5 municipal ballot.
Scott said his decision to run stemmed from a desire to advocate for the Ward 2 community, particularly on issues of home rule and stormwater resiliency.
Beach.
He spent 34 years in in the U.S. Army and the Florida National Guard.
He currently works as the West Florida area executive and corporate group manager for City National Bank.
“MJ” or Mayor Judy as she is referred to at city hall, took 51% of the vote, while Roth had 49% of votes cast.
Titsworth was winning by a greater margin in the early vote and vote by mail tallies, but Roth pulled in more votes at the polls, making it a close race, 1,012 to 987 votes.
Short became chair of the city commission in 2022 and remains in that role until he is sworn in as mayor. The swearing in date was not set by Islander press time.
Responding to an email inquiry Nov. 8 from Bonner Joy of The Islander, Short said, “I would just like to thank the voters of the city of Anna Maria for electing me as the next mayor and to let them know I will be focused on serving them in the best way possible. Clearly our near-term focus will be on finishing our recovery efforts and getting the city back to as normal as possible.
“We will be having our next commission meeting at 2pm Nov. 14, at which time updates on the pier and the city’s clean up efforts will be discussed.”
The Islander has no phone number for Maro and she could not be reached for comment.
Titsworth told The Islander Nov. 8 by phone from the Florida Keys that she would rely on the past six years accomplishments and look forward to two years fulfilling goals for the city to continue risk vulnerability assessments and seek grants for resiliency.
Please, note: for deliveries and inquiries, copies of back editions, and for Get in the Game football entries, The Islander is relying on our friends at Island Mail, Print & Gallery in the Anna Maria Island Centre plaza on East Bay Drive between Dollar Tree and Walgreens.
We won’t be keeping office hours, but we will make appointments to meet there. original Islander T-shirts, $2 AMI stickers and the book, Images of America: Anna Maria Island, are available there.
— Bonner Joy, publisher P.S. Email and phone are the same! info@islander.org, 941778-7978.
Explore The Islander archive dating to 1992 at ufdc.ufl.edu.
Christopher Arendt, chair of the 2024 charter review committee, qualified to run for a seat on the commission and had no opposition.
Commissioner Gary McMullen also qualified to run. He was appointed by commissioners in January to serve the remainder of a term that expires in December.
Since Arendt and McMullen were the only candidates for the two available seats, they are each automatically elected to serve twoyear terms.
The Anna Maria mayor earns a $19,600 annual salary, while commissioners receive $4,800 a year.
Both offices are two-year terms.
In a typical year, two seats on the commission are up for election in Bradenton Beach.
However, due to ward boundary modifications, Commissioner Ralph Cole will keep his seat until 2025. The ward changes were implemented in February, granting Cole an additional year on the commission.
The move also eliminates his accumulated term limits.
Bradenton Beach commissioners receive an annual salary of $4,800.
There were 581 registered voters in Bradenton Beach as of Oct. 7, according to the SOE.
Holmes Beach retains mayor, elects commissioner, past mayor to commission seats
Mayor Judy Titsworth narrowly held onto her seat in the Nov. 5 city election.
In what turned out to be a close race, Mayor Judy Titsworth faced off and beat political newcomer Michael “Mike” Roth by 41 votes.
Titsworth — granddaughter of the city’s namesake John Holmes Sr. — first served on the city commission and then was elected mayor in 2018 and reelected without opposition in 2020 and 2022.
Titsworth is a life-long resident of the city. Roth previously owned a vacation home in the city and resided in Tampa, but now claims his primary residence in Holmes
She remarked that she is pleased to have newly elected friends on the county board, and that she’s relieved that the threat posed by Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who lost his race for the at-large county seat won by Commissioner George Kruse, is gone.
Also, four candidates competed for two spots on the Holmes Beach city commission.
While Greg Kerchner did not seek reelection, Dan Diggins — who was elected to the commission in 2022 — earned enough votes to take a second term on the board.
Diggins said he is “looking forward to working with Carol Whitmore” and thanked everyone for taking time to vote.
The two seats, each for two-year terms, went to the two highest votegetters.
Whitmore, a former city commissioner and mayor, as well as a former county commissioner, had the most votes — 1,121 to Diggins 852, with planning commissioner Steven Oelfke taking 598 votes and Clean Water Committee member Bill Romberger taking 322 on Election Day.
No date had been set for a swearing-in ceremony by press time for The Islander. Due to damages following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the election supervisor changed the polling location for Holmes Beach to the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive.
At the close of registration for the Nov. 7 election, Oct. 7, Holmes Beach had 2,452 voters, according to the SOE.
Titsworth
Short
Diggins Whitmore
Bear
Arendt McMullen
Kruse, McCann, Siddique, Felts win county commission races
When the new board is seated this month, the Manatee County Commission will include three new faces.
In the Manatee County Commission District 1 race, community activist Carol Ann Felts of Myakka City handily defeated Democrat Glenn Pearson and NPA candidate Jennifer Hamey.
Felts had previously scored a huge upset over developer-sponsored candidate Steve Metallo in the Republican primary despite a massive funding disadvantage. Her victory in both races represents one of the most impressive grassroots victories in the postCitizens United era.
Felts earned 64% of the vote, Pearson got a surprising 26% in the deep red district, and Hamey, a popular attorney and activist in Parrish, collected only 9%. These results prove that an NPA candidacy is still a steep uphill battle.
In District 3, Republican Tal Siddique easily defeated Democrat Diana Shoemaker by 20 points. Siddique, who likewise defeated a better-funded opponent in the GOP primary, got just over 60% of the vote.
In District 5, Republican Robert McCann cruised past NPA candidate Joseph Di Bartolomeo 72% to 27%. McCann also overcame long odds in the Republican primary, easily defeating incumbent Ray Turner, who had been appointed to the seat by the governor following Vannessa Baugh’s resignation and had strong financial backing from developers.
In the District 7 At-Large (countywide) race, incumbent Republican George Kruse easily defeated grassroots Democrat Sari Lindroos-Valimaki. Kruse, who throttled incumbent District 3 commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge in the Republican primary, got 66% percent of the vote in the general election.
Kruse told The Islander Nov. 8, “Thank you! I’m looking forward to Nov 19 when we can offi cially change this board.”
Siddique also commented to the Islander:
“Winning this election capped off a 14-month grassroots campaign in a turbulent time in local politics
— to say the least. Despite being outspent 5-to-1, we won by going door-to-door across the district, staying on message, and presenting a vision for our community that wasn’t driven by special interests.
“People wanted to see a new generation of leadership take the reigns and I am eternally grateful for their support.
“I have already begun working, prior to the swearing-in ceremony, by going to community meetings to address the impact of flooding. We need to find a path forward for trailer park residents and more who were affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“Next, I want to see our county complete debris cleanup by Christmas by any means necessary.
“Lastly, I have a lot to get on top of, which means spending the rest of this year receiving county briefings, scheduling town halls and planning to execute on my campaign promises — small and large — starting next year.”
County voters approve 2 local referendums
by Dawn Kitterman
Manatee County voters cast their ballots to approve two proposed local referenda on Tuesday, Nov. 5 The measures needed at least 60 percent approval to pass.
Optional School Board Millage ContinuationPASSED
This local referendum was a request by the school district to continue funding for student achievement through the renewal of the optional additional 1 ad valorem millage point from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
The funds can be used for school safety and security, recruiting and retaining teachers and staff, additional instructional time and support, early literacy programs, career and technical education, STEM, visual and performing arts, athletics, and public charter schools. An independent citizen committee over-
You’re invited. Helene and Milton were outrageously rude. Without so much as a “by your leave,” they crashed into our lives, flooded homes, knocked over the furniture and ripped off our roofs.
They arrived so abruptly, they deprived us of that sacred old island tradition – the hurricane party.
We loved those hurricane parties.
Neighbors sitting around in candlelight drinking Dark and Stormys, telling lies about past storms and watching Key Largo reruns, while the wind howled through the trees and shook the windows.
We at the Doctor’s office aim to restore that grand old tradition – the Hurricane Party.
The Doctor’s office will be hosting a Really Big Post-Hurricane Party with free food and free cocktails and entertainment this Friday, November 8th, in the Doctor’s Garden, and if that party isn’t big enough, we are going to have another one the next Friday.
our guests of honor for the Really Big Post-Hurricane Party are Emergency Workers and Medical Staff, Teachers and
sees the spending to ensure proper use of the funds.
The measure passed with over 80 percent of Manatee County voters voting in favor.
Tourist Development Tax Referendum - PASSED
The county sought to levy and collect an additional one percent Tourist Development Tax from all short-term rentals of all lodging or accommodations to provide additional revenue to fund the improvements and operation of the convention center, sports complexes, aquariums, beaches, promoting tourism, and all other permissible uses.
High-impact tourism counties, as defined by the state, are eligible to put the extra millage point on the ballot. Previously, qualifying counties could pass the increase via the board of county commissioners. Each eligible county, including neighboring Sarasota and Pinellas counties, has done so. However, a 2022 statute passed by the Florida Legislature requires counties to put the increases to a vote. Manatee County received its certification from the state as a high-impact tourism county earlier this year, meaning it was the first county to put such a referendum before local voters for approval.
The measure passed with more than 68 percent of Manatee County voters voting in favor.
Kennedy, Felton win school board races
Former teacher Manatee County School Board member Charlie Kennedy and longtime educator Heather Felton easily won non-partisan school board runoffs on Tuesday.
Both Kennedy and Felton lead three-candidate races on the August primary ballot.
Kennedy defeated Jon Lynch 57.5% to 42.5%, nearly the same margin that Felton earned (57.54% to 42.46%) in defeating Mark Stanoch.
Republished from the Bradenton Times, bradentontimes.com.
Hairdressers.
And why nurses and medical workers, teachers and hairdressers ...?
obviously, we are grateful to our nurses and medics and cops. During hurricanes they restore order in the midst of chaos and trauma.
Teachers are constantly trying to restore order. They live in the eye of a hurricane every day.
Their classrooms are populated with swirling dervishes and mini-twisters bouncing off the walls.
Were you locked up with your kids for the weeks of Helene and Milton recovery?
It was teachers who were the heroes, who finally got the kids off your hands.
Hairdressers are essential special guests because, if you are going to a party after a hurricane, God knows you need to get your hair fixed.
our guests will be hosted by community leader and blues vocalist and Superbowl hero, Henry Lawrence, and soothed with the dulcet tones of Islander Howie Banfield.
Bar fare will feature the Doctor’s great roasted wings, “big beef” sliders, and buckets of complimentary painkillers will be available because we need to kill the pain generated by Helene and Milton.
We will have great music, great food and amazing cocktails in the beautiful Doctor’s Garden.
Amazing cocktails can cure anything. All the other medications want to be cocktails.
So knock off the drywall dust and come to a great party.
The Garden might not be big enough to contain all the celebrants, so the naked dancing will have to be in the streets.
Remember: Party Friday, Nov. 15, in the Doctor’s Garden.
SEAN MURPHY.
Few tickets remain for Nov. 15 hurricane relief concert
100% benefit for Gulf Island Hospitality workers
Tickets were on the way to a sell out by Nov. 8 for a special, one-night only benefit concert, Rock ‘N’ Support, featuring Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famer Lynyrd Skynyrd, with special guest Marcus King held at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, Friday, Nov. 15.
Hosted by the Center on Anna Maria Island and supported by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council 100% of the proceeds from the concert will support Gulf island hospitality workers who have been displaced due to the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene and Milton.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Special guest Marcus King
voters from Anna Maria and Holmes Beach line up Nov. 5 at their new polling location, the Island Library in Holmes Beach. The county made the change due to storm damages at Roser Memorial Community Church and St. Bernard Catholic Church, the polls for Anna Maria and Holmes Beach. Islander
will take the stage at 8 p.m. with headliner Lynyrd Skynyrd performing at 9:30 p.m. The official concert poster can be downloaded here along with the official artist image
Proceeds from the event will benefit local nonprofit organizations, Shuckin’ Good Caus e and t he community center Hurricane Relief Fund.
Displaced hospitality workers will be able to apply for grant assistance through the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.
“We are excited to support this important initiative through our Tourist Development Council, featuring one of Florida’s most legendary Hall of Fame rock bands. This concert will help raise funds for our barrier island hospitality employees — dedicated individuals who have consistently provided first-class service to our residents and visitors,” said Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn.
To purchase tickets, visit thecenterami.org/concerts. Prices start at $75 and the concert doors will open at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at the convention center, with special guest Marcus King on stage at 8 p.m. and headliner Lynyrd Skynyrd at 9:30 p.m.
For information, call the center at 941-778-1908.
Missing from the beach
My daughter passed away 10 years ago and my wonderful friends purchased a memorial bench with a plaque from the city of Holmes Beach so that I could enjoy the beach on Anna Maria Island and reflect on the 24 wonderful years I had with my daughter, Karen.
Unfortunately, the bench, along with many others, were destroyed or buried by the high surf from the two recent hurricanes.
If anyone knows or finds the bench, please, contact me at joycesdoran@gmail.com or 941-705-6223 or notify the city, 941-708-5800.
The city is collecting information and trying to find all the benches, and I’ve heard that some folks have found memorial plaques.
My daughter’s bench is dedicated “In Loving Memory of Karen Belinda Doran.” It was installed on 65th Street nine years ago.
Joyce Doran, Holmes Beach
▼ Modern Chop Happy Hour 11:30-6 Light Bite Specials 4-6, lounge only. ▲ Martini Monday: Signature Martinis, $7, plus 1/2 price lite bites -- lounge only.
▼ Tuesday: $3 Tacos and Margaritas 4-9, lounge only.
▲ Wine Down Wednesday, 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass ▼ Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour all nite in the lounge.
Photo: Courtesy HBPD/ Chief Bill Tokajer
Islander Courtesy Photo
Guardians spring into action, volunteer
It started last April with a beach cleanup for some college students who reside on Anna Maria Island and their friends. They organized a cleanup and soon after came up with an idea to form a nonprofit group to more for the island and the environment.
They formed a nonprofit group, Coastal Guardians Alliance, that incorporated in early October — in the nick of time to help the island community through the cleanup after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
It started with Mike Wallace, a student at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, and his wife Madi and Tori Young, who comprise the board of directors, and together they got support from IMG Academy, LECOM and others.
They gathered about 100 volunteers, who all rolled up their sleeves and went to work to help the island community.
They have four core groups and four program directors to oversee their objectives, including disaster and hurricane relief; enhancing beach vegetation and beach cleanups — which they plan to do monthly or quarterly — as well as launching youth ambassador programs.
They’re launching a youth program to encourage high school juniors and seniors to do community cleanups with eligibility for community service credits.
They have youth, ambition and a strong desire to make a positive contribution to their community and their neighbors.
People interested in volunteering or partnering on projects — beach cleanups or disaster relief — can be reached at contact@thecoastalguardians. org or by calling Mike Wallace at 321-205-6739.
ATTENTION RENTAL OWNERS!
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Santa arrives to Lester Family Fun Day in 2010.
Got time for a ‘fun day?”
The Center of Anna Maria Island is throwing the doors open 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, for their “favorite holiday event.”
The 22nd Annual Lester Family Fun Day, generously sponsored each year by Joey Lester and her husband Chuck of Holmes Beach and Wisconsin, is returning with a visit from Santa Claus, great food and more.
Chuck Lester died in the spring of 2024 and this is a great chance for everyone to catch the holiday spirit that he loved so much.
The lineup of fun activities and performances includes the Manatee High School Drum Line and DJ Freeze, pony rides, face-painting, crafts, inflatables and more.
Food will include Duffy’s burgers and hot dogs.
Santa will arrive at noon for visits with kids.
There will also be a golf ball drop at 2 p.m. — a 50/50 raffle in which the participant will claim a numbered golf ball. The closest ball in the hole or ball that lands in the hole first will win half of the pot.
Balls are $50 each or three for $100 at the community’s front desk or by calling the center.
Don’t miss this exciting holiday event!
The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, email info@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.
! Plan now for the next holiday!
Is your business ready to make the most of a new season?
Improve your odds of success with Islander newspaper readers looking to shop and dine, seeking indoor and outdoor fun, and a place to stay for their next visit. Call or text 941-778-7978.
Chuck and Joey Lester celebrate with the Center of Anna Maria Island on Fun Day, a holiday event that they sponsor with food, games and fun — all at family-friendly prices! Islander File Photos
OpinionYour
My heart is devastated and I am crying for the immeasurable loss we all have suffered.
The benches at the bus stops my wife and I use to sit on while waiting for the trolley, washed away. The streets we would stroll while going to the Sandbar or Minnie’s, destroyed beyond repair. The sights of quaint homes and their unique beauty that made the island look like home, have been ripped and torn away. The local restaurants we enjoyed going to and having “island time” service and enjoyable moments are now part of the past with uncertain future. The shops we walked in, looking at curious objects and its people, giving a more enjoyable experience than Disney, are now darkened and abandoned by destruction.
Now city engineers and crews and first responders are attending to the most life threatening or at least logistical ways to let others do their jobs.
All the while, locals are beside themselves. All the years they’ve spent saving, sacrificing and their effort to stake a small parcel on AMI now is dashed away. Dreams and joy of memories of happy days, the only thing they have left.
The businesses that labored for years and decades, fighting every year with inflation, constant repairs, termites, rising taxes and never ending road repairs that stifled their business, are now contemplating if it was ever worth it. Maybe they didn’t learn from COVID and now is a sign to call it closing time.
As a tourist who has come to the island only twice, I do not have even the right to write on this topic or opinion page. I should keep my mouth shut and look the other way.
But I can’t.
After seeing the videos and pictures of the bravery of countless people on AMI, I can’t live in silence. I was told by a therapist to have a social media detox treatment, but I can’t do that.
I can not tell others what to do now or ever what to do. I have no right.
All I have is to say I am deeply sorry and sorrowful for this immense loss. I wish I could hug and console each person who owns even a grain of sand on AMI. I wish I could sit on a fallen palm tree with each person and just listen and hug them for as long as they want.
And then I want to help each person, without recompense, to pick up whatever is left and help them find what they once had.
And maybe this could be a lesson for those here who complain more than being grateful for the sacrifice the locals endure everyday to make AMI what it
was. Maybe now and for a very long time, people will cease and desist on complaints and rudeness, because AMI will take as long to recover as a palm tree to be planted and fully grown.
I fear developers will jump on the opportunity to now buy out the island and divide it among themselves like they almost did with Lahaina in Hawaii — forever wiping out AMI.
I am now calling on the consciousness and hearts of all to unite our wills like the bridges still connect ing the mainland to help AMI. We will need prayer services, masses and worship services to help lift everyone’s spirits.
other options while you look for temporary housing.
And after receiving displacement assistance for immediate housing needs, applicants might be eligible for rental assistance, which can help pay for somewhere to live while repairs are being made or permanent housing is identified.
The initial award may cover up to two months’ rent.
Other needs
People also can apply for FEMA money to pay for serious needs, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, medical supplies and equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.
NOV. 13, 2024 • Vol. 33, No. 3
▼ Publisher, editor
Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
▼ Editorial
Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org
We all need to call those we know and love on AMI and tell them we love them and care for them and want to help. And I mean help.
Let us all together, tourists, business people, locals, visitors and all help this island because it is a gift from God to us and we need help to put this island together and reunite as AMIers.
Let us hold fundraisers, donation drives, send in money and cards and well wishes to everyone and all.
It is now time for those of us who are tourists to give AMI a hand, a BIG TIP, a real favor to an island that has given us beautiful times and memories.
Let us all walk in together and help AMI whichever way she needs us now.
Remember, the sun rises for everyone, always. AMI is calling, are you coming out?
Gregory Bracho,
Toledo, Ohio
A guide to FEMA
FEMA disaster assistance can provide funds to homeowners and renters for serious needs, basic home repair, rental of temporary housing and other uninsured expenses resulting from the trio of recent storms that impacted Manatee.
FEMA money can help with repairing or replacing a damaged home while FEMA displacement assistance helps people who can’t return home.
Displacement assistance, a one-time payment, can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or for
A claim also can be fi led to help you repair or replace personal items, including appliances, room furnishings, tools and items required for school or work. However, FEMA will not pay out money for items covered under personal insurance.
Money also can be requested to pay for purchases made for the recovery effort, to replace or repair damaged vehicles and to move or store property.
Needed to apply
To apply for FEMA aid, have ready a phone number, an address for impacted property, an address where staying, a Social Security number, a general list of damage and losses, banking information for direct deposit and a policy number and agent for personal insurance.
Save the contact
For FEMA help, go online to disasterassistance. gov, use the FEMA app, visit a recovery center or call 800-621-3362.
Connections on AMI
Anna Maria: Mayor Dan Murphy, 941-708-6130, ammayor@cityofannamaria.com.
Bradenton Beach : Mayor John Chappie, 941778-1005, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941-7085800, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.
We Anna Maria Island ❤
counting the vote in Anna Maria, 1978
Anna Maria Mayor Ernie Cagnina, left, looks over a tally of the Feb. 14, 1978, city election. Cagnina, who was propietor of the IGA grocery store in the city, was reelected to office on the ballot. Commissioner John Chambers looks on as City Clerk Mary Tebbetts is leaving with the voter’s ballots for the supervisor of elections office in Bradenton.
Anna Maria city clerk Mary Tebbetts, center, prepares to type a document, while Commissioner John Chambers, left and commission candidate Bob McDonald carry on a conversation at Anna Maria City Hall on Election Day, Feb. 14, 1978. The “official Ballot Box” for the city election sits on a table behind Tebbetts.
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Home sweet Holmes Beach, AME returns to ‘little school by the bay’
Anna Maria Elementary in Holmes Beach returned to campus for November.
Back-to-back hurricanes — Helene and Milton — had displaced students, faculty and staff, but all returned to campus Nov. 4 after 42 days at Ida M. Stewart Elementary in Bradenton.
Teachers, students, and Holmes Beach officials welcomed students back, including Police Chief Bill Tokajer and Mayor Judy Titsworth.
Hurricane Helene’s storm surge flooded the school’s auditorium, where music and art classes are held, with 3-4 feet of water. Both Hurricanes Helene and Milton flooded the school’s playground, where the water levels were similar.
‘Board’ yet? AME seeks volunteers for chess club
Anna Maria Elementary is seeking volunteers to launch a chess club.
The school needs volunteers who can dedicate one or two mornings a week to the club.
The school also welcomes donations of chess boards and pieces.
Anyone interested can contact AME media specialist Becky Demo at 941-708-5525, extension 51031.
AME Calendar
• Monday, Nov. 18, 8:40 a.m., Make a Difference Award assembly.
• Wednesday, Nov. 20 fourth-grade field trip.
• Monday-Friday, Nov. 25-29, fall break, Thanksgiving, no school.
• Monday, Dec.16, 3:45 p.m., PTO general meeting, cafeteria.
• Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 23-31, winter break, no school.
•Friday, Feb.21, Princess Ball.
•Tuesday, March 4, Walk-a-thon.
Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525
Principal Katie Fradley told The Islander Nov. 4 that the main building had no major damage. So, for now, art and music classes are being held to the Guy Harvey room in the school’s main building.
At Stewart, the students followed the district curriculum, which did not include their Guy Harvey lessons. “Now that we’re back on campus, we can access those materials and resources. We can continue with
the amazing Guy Harvey lessons,” Fradley said.
Also, the school plans to finish the playground’s learning deck in November. It is now delayed until crews return to finish it. The storm didn’t damage the progress that the team had made on the project.
The storm disrupted the AME Parent-Teacher Organization events, including the annual Fall Fest. In its place, the PTO organized a trunk-or-treat event at Stewart Elementary. “We haven’t discussed future events yet. We’re just excited to get our kids back on campus and return to normal,” said PTO President Jen Serra, Nov. 4.
For more info, call AME at 941-708-5525 or visit manateeschools.net/annamaria.
Welcome back, AME!
AME fifth-grade class sings their class song Nov. 4 to start their first day back on campus, led by teacher Stephine
Anna Maria Elementary second-grade teacher
Katrina Thomas hugs a student Nov. 4. Teachers welcomed students back to campus after storms displaced them. Islander
Answers:
No. 1027
Photos: Robyn Murrell
Davis.
Gathering Composer leads local choirs in music festival
Ten Roser Memorial Community Church singers participated in the 2024 Lloyd Larson Festival of Healing and Peace Nov. 3 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Bradenton.
associate director of music ministries at Roser Church and the “Noel Festival” accompanied by the Festival handbell choir.
The performance can be viewed on YouTube.
Something great happened
By Emily Glasscock, Roser Church video Specialist
As you all know, we’re still assessing all the things we’ve lost since hurricane Helene.
One loss that was heartbreaking to our associate director of music ministries, Brandon Kouri, was flood damage to nearly 90-95% of his piano and organ music collection.
While a coworker was inquiring about how to get his music back, to help in some way, word spread, and something great happened.
Beth Fox, music teacher at Community Christian School, Bradenton, heard of Kouri’s loss and felt moved to help Brandon, even though they had never met.
She reached out to some musician friends and Facebook groups to see if they’d be willing to donate or purchase some replacement music books for Kouri.
Slowly but surely, he’s had some of the collection he lost in the hurricane replaced and is receiving new music as well, from people all around the United States.
What a wonderful way to bless a fellow musician, and bring some light into this dark time we are all facing.
The church and Koui thank Fox, as well as everyone who sent music.
Kouri is overwhelmed with the generosity everyone has shown.
Go to RoserChurch.com/something-great-happened to see the list of books available still for donation. Kouri can be reached at Roser, 941-778-0414.
More than 60 singers from several area churches made up the Festival of Healing and Peace choir.
Roser has performed several anthems, cantatas and handbell pieces written by Larson, who stayed on Anna Maria Island often when he took part in festivals.
The choir attended a “Meet the Composer” choral workshop Nov. 2 to rehearse the following arrangements: “I Believe,” “Help My Unbelief,” “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning, ” “Light in the Heart of Winter, ” “Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace” and “Noel Festival — Christmas.”
The pieces directed by Larson included a piano duet, “Deep River,” by Larson and Brandon Kouri,
Since 1982, Larson has been an active composer and arranger for several major publishing companies of church and school music. His compositions and arrangements include more than 2,000 published works—including choral anthems, numerous Christmas, Easter and non-seasonal works, keyboard collections, vocal collections, instrumental works, orchestrations and handbell settings.
For more information about the music program at Roser Church, call Craig Ramberger, director of music ministries at 941-778-0414 or email craig@ roserchurch.com
Roser Church is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.
Roser Choir participants in the Nov. 3 Lloyd Larson Festival Choir performance at Trinity United Methodist Church pose with Roser
music director Craig Ramberger. right. Islander Courtesy Photos
Brandon Kouri, Roser Church associate director of music ministries shows off a newly donated book of “classic hymns.”
A storm-damaged book of music from Brandon Kouri’s collection.
Kids, adult soccer heats up on center
By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander reporter
After four weeks of action in the youth soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Solid Rock Construction is solidly on top of the 11-14 standings with a 3-0-1 record, 3 points clear of second place Gitt Team-KW On The Water, which is 2-1-1. HSH Designs and Better On Bikes follow at 1-2-1, while Shady Lady Horticultural Services completes the 11-14 standings at 1-3.
The 8-10 division has Moss Builders at 4-0, chasing perfection just ahead of Solid Rock Construction at 2-0-2. La Creperie holds down third place with a 2-1-1 record. Adrian Griffin Interiors is alone in third place with a 1-2-1 record, while Gulf Drive Cafe at 1-3 and The Fish Guy Aquarium Services round out the standings at 0-4.
Action in the 8-10 division kicked off Nov. 5 with La Creperie cruising past The Fish Guy Aquarium Services 6-0 behind a hat trick from Parker Svoboda and two goals and six saves from Sawyer Leifried. Louis Bacon added one goal and Grayson Hinckle added an assist in the victory.
Deacon Bekkerus made five saves to lead The Fish Guy in the loss.
Joseph Caballero scored four goals to lead Moss Builders to a 4-2 victory over Gulf Drive Cafe, their fourth win without a loss. Titus Moss had a strong game in goal, finishing with10 saves to close out the victory for Moss Builders.
Everly Chaplinsky scored two goals for Gulf Drive Cafe, which also received an assist from Lemon Blackburn and six saves from Miles Moss in the loss.
The last 8-10 division match of the evening saw Solid Rock Construction and Adrian Griffin Interiors battle to a 1-1 tie. Evangeline Zupa notched the lone goal for Solid Rock on an assist from Ruby Kesten,
while Elijah Roadman came through with seven saves in the draw.
Ruthie Ball led Adrian Griffin Interiors with one goal and Judah Treworgy made seven saves to help preserve the tie.
Action in the 11-14 division kicked off Nov. 4 with HSH Designs edging Better On Bikes 3-2 thanks to a hat trick from Sterling Holiday and an assist and five saves from Mason Moss.
Renan Kesten and TJ Hagey each scored for Better On Bikes in the loss.
Solid Rock rolled past Shady Lady 7-1 behind five goals from Charlie Serra and two from Callin Westfall in the second 11-14 match of the evening. Jordan Tobey closed out the win with eight saves in goal.
Dominik Zupa scored a goal for Shady Lady, which also received 12 saves from Jack Zaccanino in the loss.
8-10 soccer team Fish Guy’s Wesley Bekkerus surveys the field as he races past La Creperie defender grayson Hinckle during Nov. 5 action at the Center of anna
Island. Islander
The last 11-14 match of the week saw Gitt Team cruise to a 4-0 victory over Shady Lady Nov. 5. Ryk Kesten scored a pair of goals to lead Shady Lady, which also received a goal and an assist from Lucas Signor and a goal and five saves from Austin Guess. Jack Zaccagnino finished with five saves in the loss for Shady Lade.
Adult soccer moves to week 6
After five weeks of action in the adult soccer league at the community center, Solid Rock Construction holds a commanding 5-0 lead in the standings. AMI Dolphin Tours and Moss Builders are tied for second place at 3-1-1, just ahead of Pool America and Ross Built, which are tied for third at 3-2. Hampton Painting follows with a 1-2-2 record, just ahead of Bubble Binz at 2-3. Language Services holds down eighth place with a 1-2-2 record while Gulf Drive Cafe at 1-4 and Sato Real Estate at 0-5 complete the standings.
Action Nov. 7 saw Moss Builders and Hampton Painting battle to a 3-3 tie, while the second match of the night saw Language Services earn a 3-1 victory over Ross Built. AMI Dolphin Tours cruised to a 6-1 victory over Gulf Drive Cafe in the third match of the evening, and Solid Rock outlasted Bubble Binz 6-5 in the fourth match of the night. The action concluded with Pool America edging Sato 4-3.
Pitchers compete at AM city hall
Three teams advanced to the knockout stage during
Cassidy
maria
Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy
horseshoe action Nov. 6 at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Rod Bussey, playing for the first time since April, teamed up with Bob Hawks for a triumphant return to the pits. The duo dropped their first match, but proceeded to win four in a row to earn a trip to the winner’s circle.
Two teams met in the finals during the Nov. 9 games after posting 3-0 records during pool play. Tom Farrington cruised past Tom Skoloda and Tim Sofran 21-3 to earn the day’s bragging rights.
Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play.
Key Royale news
Golf activity at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach is getting back to normal with the men resuming their Monday morning ritual with a nine-hole individual-low-net match Nov. 4. Greg Shorten fired a 3-underpar 29 to earn a two-stroke victory over second-place finisher Tom Solosky. Dom Livedoti was alone in third place with an even-par 32.
The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match Nov. 5. Jana Samuels carded a 2-under-par 30 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. Linda Dorsey and Sue Wheeler tied for second at 1-underpar 31, while Brenda Solleveld took third place with a 1-over-par 33.
It’s November!
Guess what that means!?
Cortez crabbers are pulling stone crab traps.
FREE!
The Islander newspaper is FREE at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind staff you’d like the serve-yourself community news returned to the lobby.
Current conditions in the Gulf
Over the past week, the red tide organism Karenia brevis was detected in 56 samples collected from Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Bloom concentrations of 100,000-plus cells/liter were not observed. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continues to monitor satellite NOAA, USF imagery and offshore and alongshore patches of elevated chlorophyll, however, there has been extensive cloud cover across much of Southwest Florida, providing only spotty coverage over the past few days.
Confirmatory offshore sampling was not possible over the past week due to weather.
In Southwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed om very low to low concentrations in Manatee County, at background to low concentrations in Pinellas County, and background to low concentrations in Sarasota County.
Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported to FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline and other partners over the past week along Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee Counties.
Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported over the past week along Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties. For forecasts that use FWC and partner data, please visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Blooms Forecast
People can check a daily sampling map, which can be accessed via the online status report on the FWC Red Tide Current Status page.
For more information on algal blooms and water quality, visit Protecting Florida Together
This information, including maps and reports with additional details, is also available on the FWRI red tide website
Rod Bussey and Bob Hawks are the day’s winners Nov. 6 on four consecutive wins, earning the day’s bragging rights at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMI Pitchers
ITEMS FOR SALE
RACK: METAL FOUR-tier, $20. 941-9202494.
PRESSURE-TREATED LUMBER. 2x4 at 6, 8, 10, 12 feet. New and used. .35 to $1 a foot. 513-604-0385.
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. (limited time offer).
LOST & FOUND
MISSING CAT: HOLMES BEACH. Male, Cinnamon. Don’t attempt to catch, do feed. If seen, call mel, 941-592-2551.
TRANSPORTATION
GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfCartrentalamI.com
RV FOR SALE: Will deliver. 2013 Thor Challenger 37KT Class A 5500 Onan generator. $60,000. John.gravitt@frontier.com.
BOATS & BOATING
HAVE A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.
SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382.
CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085.
BOATS & BOATING Continued
WELCOME ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.
HELP WANTED
WANT TO WORK? Immediate opening. Custodian needed to service numerous buildings and grounds. must perform variety of cleaning tasks. Requires prolonged walking and standing. Must be able to work independently and with others. High school degree and valid Florida driver’s license required. Competitive compensation. 941-794-1250.
NOW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.
REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.
KIDS FOR HIRE
KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.
SERVICES
IS YOUR HOME or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.
CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.
PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.
BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.
PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes
SARASOTA PAINTING: INTERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.
LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. give us a call, 941-250-8548.
SERVICES Continued
U PLUS ME LLC: Provides quality coatings for pool decks, driveways, garage floors, patios. Don’t miss out on our pro polishing services, concrete, terrazzo, travertine. 727623-5050.
RIDEEASY 247 YOUR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.
LOOKING FOR SOMEONE who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. Looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena Gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-704-9948.
OUR SERVICES: CLEANING, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941-4049163.
IS YOUR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call U Plus Me LLC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.
BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411. CAC184228.
CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.
I SLANDER ARCHIVE UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
LAWN & GARDEN
CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.
NOW HAULING STORM trash. Shell delivered and spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-7200770.
Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.
LANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.
LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement? JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.
TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Robert, 941-726-3077.
DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.
MASSEY CONTRACTING: PROVIDING quality roofing services on all jobs, big or small. Giving honest, hassle-free quotes at a great price. Call Jon to schedule your free estimate, 727-477-5313. Lic#CCC1332486.
More ads = more readers in The Islander.
HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued
CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.
ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.
RENTALS
ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.
AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com Special rates are available. 941-8071405.
FOR RENT: Anna Maria Island condo. Great value, beautiful upgraded 2BR/2BR. Incredible water view. Pool, tennis, walk to beach. Private carport. Excellent rental terms. Owner/renter. Call/email for pictures, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com
2BR/1BA ANNUAL LEASE: Electric/ac/heat all included. $2,975/month. Looking for 1 or 2 quiet adults with no pets or smoking. Steps to Gulf. Owner-occupied duplex. Owner, 508496-8480. williamshomes@yahoo.com
JANUARY, MAY 2025 AVAILABLE: Snowbird special! Perico Island patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/ gate, two-car garage. Call or text Alison, 859771-6423. www.pericoislandrental.com
LAKEFRONT CONDO: 2BR/2BA 1,450-foot gated, pool. Available December, January, March. Text, 416-985-0623.
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY: FOR rent Anna Maria Island condo. November to November availability. Great value. Beautiful upgraded first floor 2BR/2BR. Incredible water view. Excellent rental terms. Owner/ renter. Call/email for pics, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com
MINUTES TO BEACHES! 2BR/2BA condo, water and cable included. Pool, washer and dryer. $2,000 per month, annual. 941-713-6743.
MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK? It’s an old saying, but it’s still true when it comes to The Islander. Look for more online at islander. org.
I SLANDER ARCHIVE UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
REAL ESTATE
WINNIE MCHALE, REALTOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”
2BR/2BA HOME for sale. 3,000 sfur. 1,100 sf garage. Steps to beach. $1,449,000. 941518-6329.
PRIVATE SALE: THE perfect VRBO or private vacation home. Beautiful beachside bungalow direct marina front with peek-a-boo views of Palma Sola Bay. Private boat docks are available. Just off the SR 64 causeway at Palma Sola Bay in the highly sought-after community of Palma Sola Park. This beautiful 2BR/2BA, sleeps 8 with heated salt pool and large tiki bar. $1,200,000. Contact owner, 941-661-6196.
COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR SALE in Palm Condo. 12x25-foot office suite. Street frontage. One allocated parking space. Shared client parking. $120,000. Call 941-7302606.
CONDO FOR SALE: 55-plus. 2BR/2BA split 1,100 sf. Bonus room, patio, newer flooring, central air handler, heat, pets welcome. Bradenton, ready for immediate possession. $179,900. Call 616-648-1648 for pictures or showing.
OFF ISLAND: NORTHWEST Shaw’s Point location. 3BR/2BA, two-car garage, pool home. High and dry and untouched by any storm. $670,000. Lisa varano, Wagner realty, 941-730-9060 or 941-751-0670.
LOCAL CASH HOME buyer: we make fair cash offers on houses based on condition. We can close quickly. Call Jeff, 941-2026957 or visit www.sarasotacashhomebuyers.com.
By Bonner Joy
Salon Salon celebrates, celebrates
Annie Petit and Nikita Fosmore, the motherdaughter duo who head up Salon Salon in Holmes Beach, have a party planned for their anniversary — and you’re invited.
“We can hardly believe it’s been 15 years since we opened our doors on this beautiful island! We’re inviting everyone to join us for “Together We Shine,” a unique pop-up event that honors both our journey and the incredible small businesses that make our community shine.”
For “Together We Shine,” Salon Salon is hosting an evening of shopping among a selection of small, local boutiques in the business’s parking lot.
There also will be live music by Trevor Bystrom and, of course, wine and charcuterie to make it “all the more special.”
It’s a chance to support local shops and businesses, and connect with neighbors, according to Fosmore and Petit.
Among the boutiques and businesses at the event are Pink & Navy, Gnarly Mangrove, Island Cabana, Nomad Collection, AMI Coffee Shack, Gypsea Tides, Original Sand Dollar, AMI Outfitters, Kiwi Style Fish & Chips, Beach Bums, Charted Waters, Beach Blos-
Petit, left, and Nikita Fosmore, mother-daughter and owners of Salon Salon in Holmes Beach, are hosting a pop-up festival and anniversary party 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at their business in the Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza, 3612 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.
som, White Wave, Beach Sand Babe Jewelry, Aluna Wellness and Graze Street AMI.
And from Petit and Fosmore: “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our story. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all!”
Raising the Roof!
The next party at the Doctor’s Garden is set for Nov. 15.
Henry Lawrence reaches out to Leslie Starler, a visitor with her husband Howard from Bloomfield, Michigan, at The Doctor’s Office Garden, where owner Sean Murphy was hosting the “Big Belated Hurricane Party” Nov. 8. The garden adjoins the Doctor’s Office at 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, where the performance by Lawrence and his keyboardist was shakin’ the trees. The pair showed up to celebrate and entertain — along with about 100 guests. The event also raised donations for a former employee who is dealing with a cancer diagnosis. And if you aren’t familiar with the name, Lawrence is a local community hero, blues vocalist and three-time Superbowl winner with the Oakland Raiders. The party will repeat in the garden on Nov. 15. Be there! Islander Photo: Bonner Joy
New biz
Toasted mango Cafe is installing its sign at the anna maria Island Centre shopping plaza in Holmes Beach, where the breakfast-lunch eaterie will soon open, sandwiched between China 1 and Solo’s Pizza. The restaurant has locations on Siesta Key and in downtown Sarasota. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy
Annie
Caution needed to navigate local waters, debris and
By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander reporter
As Anna Maria Island anglers begin their return to the water after back-to-back hurricanes, we all need to keep in mind that there is still debris and other navigational hazards to be conscience of throughout the area.
Whether it’s floating debris, such as sections of docks, fences or tree limbs, or even channel markers that have been knocked over, you want to proceed with caution as striking a large object in the water could not only severely damage a boat but can cause harm to the driver and put passengers at risk.
Some sandbars have shifted, moved and disappeared, making some channels impassable, while other channels have shifted, becoming narrower than normal and causing navigation to be slightly difficult.
And, when you’re on the flats, be cautious in the shallows as debris can find its way there, too. Small hazards can be waiting in the sand just underwater where it’s not visible, causing problems for boaters running at high speed to get over a shallow area.
All in all it may be wise to spend some time navigating areas you frequented before the storms at slower speeds to examine the bottom for obstructions or shallow areas, and make notes of where you need to go slow or avoid. This should be easier as the waters clear up and the bottom becomes visible again.
So if it’s your first time on the water in a while, or the first time since the storms, use caution and go slow when you’re not sure what’s ahead — or below.
Capt. David White is spending most of his days fishing the southern portion of Tampa Bay and its adjacent waters to the south. Targeting snook along the mangrove shorelines is proving to be worthy of a cast or two, as White says he’s putting clients on plenty of linesiders. Live shiners as bait are not only attracting snook, but also a fair number of redfish. In fact, White reports he’s seeing more reds than snook.
On deeper grass fl ats in the middle of the bay, White is finding action on Spanish mackerel and large jack crevalle. Both are quickly striking baits, within moments after a cast enters the water.
And congrats to Capt. Johnny Mattay and his bride on their wedding!
And, as another aside, Manatee County has opened the south Coquina Beach boat ramp for commercial fishers, guides and those who make their living off of the Gulf of Mexico.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
Make one stop to shop for the Dock!
Open Mon-Fri 8-4, Saturday by Appointment 12044 Cortez Rd. W, (941) 792-7657 marinedocktor@msn.com
Scott Pyle and Sam van Lenning, visiting anna maria Island from Milford, Iowa, show off a pair of redfish Nov. 4. They caught the fish on shiners in Sarasota Bay on a guided fishing trip with Capt. David White, who commented, “Redfishing is the best it’s been for a very long time. It’s been very fun.”
BELOW: Capt. Johnny Mattay embraces his bride Olivia following their vows Nov. 2 before a gallery of friends at the Jubilee Estate in Bradenton. Islander
