The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Aug. 02, 2023

Astheworldterns 6

Top Notch

Week 5. 3

Q&A 080223 3

Shark bite. 3

Kitty rescue. 3

Meetings 4

Opinions 6

Looking back. 7

HB planners dive into LDC. 8

County OKs beach market agreement. 9

Save the date. 10

AMI Happenings

What’s up on AMI? 11

School prep. 12-13

Obituaries 14

GoodDeeds 14-15

Gathering. 14

Community center posts $250k year-end loss. 15

Where’s Tuna Street? 16-17

Looking back at the Kingfish killings. 18-19

Cops & Courts 20-21

Streetlife. 20

RoadWatch 21

Dredging gets underway at Beer Can. 23

Adult football league enters playoffs. 24

Targeting mangrove snapper. 25

Hot and bothered. 26

Happy camping. 27

cLASSIFIEDS. 28-29

Isl Biz: 30

PropertyWatch. 30

To lead a horse from water

Manatee County sheriff’s patrol deputies lead their mounts July 25 from the water at Longboat

2023 Election

Dates draw near for Anna Maria qualifying

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Three Anna Maria city commission seats are up for grabs this November.

And the start of election season is right around the corner.

The window for qualifying to run in the city’s election is set to open at noon Monday, Aug. 14, and will close at noon Friday, Aug. 25.

To qualify to run for a commission seat, candidates must submit paperwork and fees to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton, including:

• A candidate oath;

• A statement of candidacy;

• Financial disclosure forms;

2023 Election

1 undecided in Bradenton Beach, 2 running

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Election season is about to get underway in Bradenton Beach.

2023 Election

3 Holmes Beach incumbents set to run

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

this the gunman?’

The Islander archive, dating to november 1992, is at the University of florida Digital newspaper Collection: ufdc.ufl.edu.

A composite sketch — first published in The Islander 43 years ago — was one of multiple sketches created of an alleged suspect in a an island murder-mystery. In this issue, The Islander looks back to Aug. 1, 1980, and the killings at the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach. Turn to pages 18-19 to read about witness accounts and an archival report from a journalist at the scene.

Chappie

Two incumbents — Mayor John Chappie and Commissioner Jan Vosburgh in Ward 3 — told The Islander July 26 that they plan to seek reelection in November, while a third incumbent, Commissioner Jake Spooner in Ward 1, said he was undecided.

All their terms end in November.

The window to qualify to run for election in Bradenton Beach will open at noon, Aug. 28, and run through noon Sept. 1.

Top Notch

Competition over three Holmes Beach city commission seats may be stiff this November.

Three incumbents — Commission Chair Carol Soustek, Vice Chair Terry Schaefer and Commissioner Pat Morton — told The Islander the week of July 24 that they will run for reelection in the general election.

The window for qualifying in the election will open at noon Monday, Aug. 28, and close at noon Friday, Sept. 1.

To qualify for a commission seat, candidates must submit paperwork and fees to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton, including:

Week 4: Pastel sky and surf

Hudson Saras of Colony, Texas, wins the fourth week of The Islander’s 2023 Top notch photo contest with this shot — taken July 13 in Holmes Beach near 45th Street. “I am 15 years old and spend my summers here,” Hudson wrote for the entry, adding, “I took this picture of the sunset by sticking my phone right in the surf.” The photographer wins an Islander “More-than-a-mullet wrapper” T-shirt and entry into the finals, which offers a grand prize of $100 from The Islander and gift certificates from The Islander’s community partners.

TURn TO HB elect, PAGe 4

Pass during a training session at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. The special patrol often is assigned to Anna Maria Island on the biggest beach crowd days — such as Labor Day, which is Sept. 4. for more, see page 2. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

TURn TO BB elect, PAGe 4

TURn TO Am elect, PAGe 4

‘Is

July 25

a

Preparing for patrol

Manatee County Deputy Lauren Bradley gives a thumbs up July 25 as she leads Deputy Blue from Longboat Pass adjacent to Coquina Beach, where the agency conducted water training. Deputies trained July 25 in the Gulf of Mexico and the waters at Longboat Pass on Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

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MCSO Deputy Dave Denmark and Deputy Gunney pose July 25 at the Coquina Beach jetty on the north side of Longboat Pass.

Deputy Serissa Thompson and Deputy Peanut pose

after

training session at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Thompson said the exercise allows the mounted patrols to practice rescue technique and balance and also provides hydrotherapy for the horses.

WMFR responds to boat crash, shark bite

By Ryan Paice

Islander Reporter

The weekend of July 29-30 had its fair share of AMI action.

West Manatee Fire Rescue fire marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, in a July 30 text message to The Islander, said WMFR’s work included response to a boat crash and a shark bite.

The boat crash involved 11 passengers — six adults and five children — aboard two vessels, which collided in the Intracoastal Waterway near Key Royale.

Kwiatkowski said a 41-year-old woman suffered head lacerations and was trauma-alerted to the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.

Nine other passengers were transported to the hospital with “minor injuries,” according to Kwiat-

WMFR rescues feline

kowski.

Also, a man in his early 20s was transported to the hospital for treatment after a shark bite.

Kwiatkowski wrote that the man was bitten in the lower leg while he was swimming in the Gulf of Mexico at the north end of AMI off Bean Point.

“We are uncertain as to the type of shark or circumstances leading up to the bite,” Kwiatkowski wrote.

A member of the man’s party applied a tourniquet to the leg and took him to the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach, where Manatee County Emergency Medical Services responded and transported the man to the hospital.

His condition, as well as the condition of those injured in the boat crash, was unknown as of July 31, according to Kwiatkowski.

Top Notch

You could be a winner, too

Look to Aug. 4 for the fifth in a series of weekly deadlines for The Islander’s Top Notch contest.

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

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

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

Look online for rules and details.

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

Entries should be sent to topnotch@islander.org.

— Bonner Joy

Photos: Courtesy WMfR

West Manatee fire Rescue firefighter/medic Clayton Lease, right, holds a kitten rescued July 25 from inside a decorative block wall at a home in Bradenton. WMfR serves west Manatee County, including parts of Bradenton, as well as Cortez and Anna Maria Island. Islander

WMfR firefighter

nate Bergbom uses a sledgehammer July 25 to breach a wall at a Bradenton residence, with the property owner’s permission, to rescue a kitten trapped inside a decorative block wall at the home.

Q&A 080223

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa neff

A new year school year begins Aug. 10. Favorite back-to-school item?

28%. Crayons.

26%. No. 2 pencil.

12%. Binder.

34%. iPad.

This week’s question

How often do you dine out on AMI?

A. Weekly or more.

B. Monthly.

C. Occasionally.

D. When on vacation.

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

• A qualifying fee or certification of petition signatures equal to 1% of the voters in the municipality’s last election.

Candidates must have resided in the city for at least two years before they can qualify to run for office.

So far, only one of three incumbents has committed to the race — Commissioner Charlie Salem.

Salem was appointed by the commission in January to fill a seat vacated by Carol Carter, who moved to Sarasota County after serving nine years on the board.

Salem filed two forms July 21 with the elections office, including an appointment of campaign treasurer and designation of campaign depository form and a statement of candidacy.

While candidates cannot qualify to run in November’s election yet, they can open a campaign account and appoint a campaign treasurer at any time.

They must then file statements of candidacy within 10 days.

Salem told The Islander June 26 that he will run for his first full two-year term on the commission.

“I’m just excited to keep making progress, especially on the issues of attracting and retaining the residents of Anna Maria,” Salem said.

On the other hand, Commissioner Jonathan Crane wants to maintain some wiggle room ahead of election season.

Crane was elected to the commission in 2019 and would serve a third term on the board if reelected. He told The Islander June 26 that he would “probably” run to retain his seat but hadn’t yet made up his mind.

The third incumbent, Commissioner Robert

To qualify, a candidate must file forms with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office naming a campaign bank account and appointing a campaign treasurer.

Candidates also must submit proof of residency in the city for 12 months, be a registered voter in Manatee County and pay 4% of one year’s salary of the office sought.

Commissioners receive $400 a month for their service, while the mayor receives $800 monthly.

Chappie has served the city for more than 12 years as mayor, in two separate six-year periods, and six years as a city commissioner. He also served a term as a county commissioner.

Spooner

“We’ve been able to do a lot in the last six years,” Chappie said. “I think we’ve accomplished a lot for the good of our community. I want to help be a part of the team to help continue the positive direction we have been heading.”

“This is my home. I am celebrating my 48th year here in Bradenton Beach,” Chappie added.

Vosburgh

Vosburgh has lived in Bradenton Beach since 2003 and has served the city as a commissioner for 10 years — not consecutively.

“You have to do your duty as a citizen,” she said. “No matter how small or large it is.”

Spooner has served four two-year terms as a commissioner.

Due to a 2022 vote of the electorate to amend the city charter and eliminate term limits, Spooner was able to retain his seat for a fourth term in 2024. Spooner, a local entrepreneur, made recent headlines for the July 10 purchase of a $4,75 million 1.83acre commercial property at 5325 Gulf Drive and 5327 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

In addition, Spooner also owns Fish Hole Min-

• A candidate oath;

• A statement of candidacy;

• Financial disclosure forms;

• A qualifying fee or certification of petition signatures equal to 1% of the voters in the municipality’s last election.

Candidates must have resided in the city for at least two years before they can qualify to run for office.

Nobody had filed candidacy forms with the elections office as of July 29, according to its website, votemanatee. com.

Nevertheless, the incumbents sound motivated to retain their seats.

Soustek told The Islander July 28 that Manatee County’s treatment of the city over its park-by-permit system made her decision to run for reelection “easy.”

“Their attacks are based on some of the decisions our commission made,” she said. “I’m not going to walk away from that. … We made our decisions based on facts, not stupidity, so I want to defend that.”

Soustek was appointed to the commission in 2014 to complete the unexpired term of David Zaccagnino, then reelected to her first full two-year term in 2015.

She has been reelected every two years since and, if she wins reelection in November, she’ll serve a fifth full term.

Schaefer was elected to the commission in November 2019 and was reelected in 2021.

He wrote in a July 27 email to The Islander that he plans to run for a third term on the board.

Morton told The Islander July 26 that he would run for reelection and wanted to “keep up the progress we’re making.”

Morton was first elected to the commission in 2003

Soustek

Schaefer

Kingan

AME assailant pleads no contest to felony aggravated battery

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Pleading brings closure to March 2022 assault.

A man arrested in connection to an assault outside Anna Maria Elementary School dropped his case weeks before it was set to go to trial.

Bradenton-based attorney Jon Weiffenbach, representing Palmetto resident John Bartholow, 18, at a July 27 hearing changed his client’s plea from not guilty to no contest to a second-degree felony for aggravated battery with great bodily harm.

The charge stems from a March 23, 2022, incident outside AME, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, that sent resident Evan Purcell, 41, to the hospital with serious injuries.

Purcell was walking his dog with his 10-year-old niece when he saw a group of young adults and teen-

Meetings

ANNA MARIA CITY

Aug. 2, 9 a.m., planning and zoning.

Aug. 3, 1:30 p.m., commission.

Aug. 10, 2 p.m., commission.

By Lisa neff

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

BRADENTON BEACH

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

Aug. 2, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

Aug. 3, 6 p.m., commission.

Aug. 16, 9 a.m., pension board.

Aug. 16, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

Aug. 17, noon, commission.

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

HOLMES BEACH

Aug. 2, 5 p.m., planning.

Aug. 15, 2 p.m., commission.

Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m., police pension.

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

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

Aug. 15, 6 p.m., commission.

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

MANATEE COUNTY

Aug. 3, 9 a.m., commission (work session).

Aug. 8, 9 a.m., commission.

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

ALSO OF INTEREST

Aug. 9, 3:30 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity meeting, Bradenton Public Works, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

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

Make the most of summer

Is your business making the most of the summer season?

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

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

agers possibly vandalizing the facility, according to a Holmes Beach Police report.

When Purcell asked the group to leave school grounds, they became aggressive and confronted him. He drew a pocketknife and the group beat him to the point of unconsciousness.

Purcell’s niece ran to a nearby residence and 911 was called.

Purcell was treated at HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.

The Purcell family has not responded to inquiries from The Islander about his condition.

The HBPD identified Bartholow, Sarasota resident Cameron Evans and an unnamed juvenile as suspects connected to the incident using video footage from the scene and witness testimony.

All three were arrested within a month and Bartholow was placed in custody at the Manatee County jail under $50,000 bond and charged with seconddegree felonies.

Evans was found guilty in March and sentenced to serve 36 months in prison, as well as one year of community control and six years of probation.

Bartholow was in and out of jail since his arrest.

He posted $50,000 bond April 21, 2022, and was released into the Manatee County Probation Department’s pretrial services program.

However, he was arrested for contempt of court in September 2022 for violating the program by resisting/ obstructing a law enforcement officer without violence and placed in the Manatee County jail.

Am elect COnTInUeD fROM PAGe 4

Kingan, did not respond to a June 26 call and June 27 text message from The Islander about his potential candidacy.

Kingan was appointed to the commission in November 2021 to succeed Doug Copeland, who was commissioner 2013-19 and was appointed to serve a remaining term in July 2021.

He did not seek reelection, resulting in a commission vote to appoint a successor.

Kingan won the vote and, if he reelected, will serve a second term on the commission.

City commissioners receive a $4,800 annual salary.

The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 10.

BB elect COnTInUeD fROM PAGe 4 iature Golf, 115 Bridge St., and Bridge Street Bazaar as well as the building that houses the bazaar and the Daiquiri Deck at 107 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Bradenton Beach has 644 registered voters, according to the Manatee Supervisor of Elections.

In the 2021 election, 348 voters cast ballots. In the 2022 election, 494 voters cast ballots. For more about candidacy requirements or the election go online to the elections office website, at votemanatee.com.

The election will be Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Bartholow was released again after he posted a second $50,000 bond Oct. 17, 2022, but was arrested a third time Dec. 9, 2022, on nine third-degree felony charges, three for burglary of an unoccupied conveyance and six for attempted burglary of an unoccupied conveyance.

Bartholow has been in the Manatee County jail since. He first pleaded not guilty to all nine third-degree felony charges.

Bartholow’s trial was set to begin in August but his pleading has changed the proceedings.

Now Judge Stephen Whyte of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court must adjudicate the case and it will be up to him to determine a sentence for Bartholow.

A sentencing hearing for the assault case will be at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center.

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

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

HB elect COnTInUeD fROM PAGe 4 and served 17 years before losing his seat in the 2020 election. He was elected to the board again in 2021 and could secure his 21st year as commissioner if this year’s reelection bid succeeds.

“I haven’t gotten enough punishment yet,” he jokingly said.

City commissioners currently receive $7,950 annual salaries but their pay will rise to $8,080 due to $130 annual salary increases based on cost-of-living adjustments and adopted in 2019.

If other candidates qualify to run, the city’s voters will decide the victors Tuesday, Nov. 7.

The deadline to register to vote in this year’s election is Tuesday, Oct. 10, and voters can request voteby-mail ballots until 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26.

HB also seeks candidates for charter review board

Three Holmes Beach commission seats aren’t the only positions up for grabs.

This year, the city is seeking candidates for a fivemember Holmes Beach Charter Review board. The city charter is akin to a constitution and establishes the structure, functions and procedures of municipal government.

Every five years, a board is elected to review the document and implement potential changes. The last charter review board was formed in 2018.

If the board adopts a proposed charter amendment by super majority vote, it will be presented to the city commission for submission to the voters in the next general election.

Charter review members are not paid and the board will dissolve once the review is completed.

Hard to forget

I find it amusing to hear youngsters saying a moment in time is the “best of my life.”

They’re so young, and so much is to come.

They’ll catch more fish, win more games, run faster, jump higher and do many great things in their future — of that we can be certain.

But some things that cross our path, whether young or old, are memorable. Not to be forgotten.

We mostly forget inconsequential moments. And some people remember more detail than others.

Islanders who lived here in the 1980s talk often about the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster. They recall times they crossed the bridge safely, and where they were the morning the Skyway Bridge fell into Tampa Bay, taking the lives of 35 people and changing the fate of many more.

I was driving on North Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria, watching a trio on the bayfront grabbing and snatching at a single pair of binoculars as I approached the city pier and the stop sign at Pine Avenue.

I looked across at a storm in the bay and reached to turn on my radio, which blared out, “Skyway disaster! Skyway disaster!”

The Kingfish killings weren’t so blatant.

Joe Bird, Islander editorial cartoonist, recalls enjoying adult beverages at the High Seas lounge with friends, including myself, and reacting to the sirens. “I was the first to head out the door,” he said.

He recalls seeing a doctor who frequented the High Seas at the scene with his arms covered in blood as he worked on a victim.

“It was a weird, horrifying feeling to see, and subsequently learn about that atrocity, right there at the front door to the island,” Bird said July 30.

There were plenty of police and onlookers. Bird said he rolled by and then zoomed home to work the phones and notify fellow staff at the old Islander.

None of us remarked on anything happening at the Island Foodway, which most likely didn’t catch our attention while our focus was on the station wagon and the jack-knifed boat and trailer.

We drove past in silence, worrying about what appeared to be a crash, not knowing of the murders.

We didn’t know until later that four people, including two children had died, or that a friend’s father was among the victims.

We didn’t know the killer was at large.

But the news, when it came, brought a chill over the island and nearly everyone we knew.

It pierced our idyllic island community.

It still does.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Mainland beaches

Editor’s note: The following is condensed from a letter to Manatee County Commissioner Kevin van Ostenbridge, R-District 3: My wife and I have been homeowners in Manatee County for 30 years and permanent residents for about half that time.

We now reside full-time on Anna Maria Island, where we built a new home in 2014. It is reasonable in size and only one elevated floor, elevated to meet the latest codes.

Skimming online

Website: islander.org

Facebook: islandernewspaper

Twitter: @ami_islander

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

▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org

Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com

Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Karen Riley-Love

Jacob Merrifield

Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

nicole Quigley

▼ Advertising Director

Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org

▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell

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

▼ Distribution

Urbane Bouchet

Ross Roberts

Judy Loden Wasco

(All others: news@islander.org)

Building a multifl oor parking garage is not the ideal solution.

First of all, it will only contain the additional number of cars generated by all the new construction surrounding the Bradenton area for at best a year.

What will we do in another year? Build a second garage? And then a third?

Our density and parking situations cannot be alleviated by adding more parking capacity on AMI. What we need is to create a new beach off the island.

The county has nearly 150 miles of “pristine coast line.” However, it seems practically all the road signs indicating the direction to beaches in Manatee County point toward AMI.

I have heard that the cost of the garage may be as high as $45 million. A lot could be acquired in that price range to establish a completely new beach area with plenty of parking spaces off AMI. This would reduce the gridlock that happens when beachgoers guided by the existing road signs arrive in this already crowded residential island.

The right approach to solve the parking problem on Anna Maria Island is not to find ways to funnel and pack more vehicles and people on AMI but to create one or more beaches somewhere else along the 150

Letters to the editor

We welcome opinion letters. Submit comments along with a name, city of residence and phone number for verification to news@islander.org.

“pristine miles” of Manatee County seashore and to plant new road signs advertising the new beaches to the beachgoers of the future.

Connections, AMI & beyond

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raymond J. Mathieu, Holmes Beach

At the gateway Toll gates go into operation on the Cortez Bridge connecting the mainland and Anna Maria Island in 1957. The florida Department of Transportation plans to replace the drawbridge with a fixed-span structure. Islander Photos: florida Memory Project/floridamemory.com

Islander archive 24/7

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our collection of printed newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992. It took some time, but it’s all maintained on the library site, searchable by key word, name or date. Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

We’d love to mail you the news!

At the shore Shrimp boats dock on Sarasota Bay at Bradenton Beach in 1958. Donald J. Marks is credited with the photo in the State Archives of florida.

Looking back

10&20 years ago

From the July 30, 2003, issue

• Regions Bank of Florida filed a $1.45 million foreclosure action against Tidemark Partners LLC and its investors, claiming the Holmes Beach project was three months behind in mortgage payments. Tidemark managing member Nick Easterling said they would make the payment.

• After more than 30 years of struggling with a parking plan for Anna Maria, commissioners appeared to favor a compromise within designated beach access zones to allow some public parking for beach visitors but not designate resident-only parking.

• An 18-year-old man died after losing control of his motorcycle on Cortez Road and striking a utility pole. Police said witnesses told them a car turned into the rider’s path as he was passing a vehicle and he attempted to swerve to avoid a collision.

From the July 31, 2013, issue

• After years of dealing with the problem of trash receptacles and recycle bins left curbside several days before and after pickup, Anna Maria was making plans to enforce a city ordinance and issue citations for violations.

• Anna Maria Island was listed among the 12 best family vacation spots in the world by FlipKey.com, a vacation rental website. FlipKey said, “This hidden gem is considered to be Florida’s best kept secret. (It) features gorgeous beaches, beautiful weather and a fun and family-friendly environment ideal for the ultimate family vacation.”

— Lisa neff

We mail The Islander weekly for a nominal $54 per year. We also offer online e-edition subscriptions — a page-by-page view of the weekly news for only $36 per year, but you must sign up online. It’s the best way to stay in touch with what’s happening on Anna Maria Island.

We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.”

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Holmes Beach planners review seawalls, consider grand trees

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Holmes Beach Planning Commission is picking up its pace for reviewing the city’s land development code.

Planning commissioners discussed potential LDC changes July 19 regarding landscaping and docks, including adding definitions and protections for grand trees.

The planning commission is a seven-member advisory board to the city commission that reviews proposed ordinances and land development regulations.

Planning commissioners completed a review of the city’s comprehensive plan last year and began their review of the LDC in May along with Fort Myersbased Morris-Depew Associates, hired by the city to assist the process.

The city’s LDC provides specific regulations for zoning, development and land use. It was adopted in 2007 and last revised in 2014.

The board meets on the first Wednesday of each month but called for two meetings in July to move the LDC review forward.

Morris-Depew planning director Ben Smith told commissioners July 19 a big part of the review is making the LDC more clear and more user-friendly.

Part of that clarity involves defining terms. MorrisDepew senior planner Lindsay Robin presented potential definitions for landscaping and buffering, as well

as for grand trees.

The proposed grand tree definition would determine any tree with an 8-inch or greater caliper — or diameter — 4.5 feet above ground level, excluding Ficus and Australian pine trees.

The city of Anna Maria uses the same definition in its code, as well as applies a fine of up to $5,000 for violations.

The proposed code would prohibit the removal of grand trees unless a property owner can demonstrate to the city commission that the tree renders their lot non-buildable, it is hazardous or diseased, or poses an extreme hardship.

Commissioner Lisa Pierce said she believes Australian and Norfolk Island pine trees, which are designated as invasive exotic species in Florida, provide valuable habitat for island wildlife and should be protected as well.

“We probably don’t want to be quite so black and white; we want to have a little bit of wiggle room for stuff that is otherwise good,” she said.

Planning commissioners agreed to include Australian and Norfolk Island pine trees in the LDC’s definition of grand trees.

Pierce added that she didn’t believe the proposed $5,000 was sufficient to discourage violations, since some property owners are willing to accept the fine as a cost of development.

Robin said she will research other municipal fine

Bradenton Beach sails through audit review

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Financials came in shipshape for Bradenton Beach in a fiscal-year audit.

Accountants Randy Dillingham and Jeff Gerhard of CS&L CPAs said an audit of financials for the 2021-22 fiscal year was accomplished without a problem.

In Bradenton Beach, the fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30.

“Overall, a good report,” Dillingham said during a July 26 audit review at city hall. “No material weaknesses, no noncompliance issues, no mandatory compliance. All in all, a good year for the city of Bradenton Beach.”

City department heads, commissioners, board members and the CRA assembled for the review with CS&L CPAs, an accounting firm based in Bradenton, providing taxation, accounting, auditing and consulting services.

“It was an open transparent process. All the records we asked for were produced and ready to be audited in good condition,” Dillingham said.

According to the report, city assets amounted to $15,627,844. Of this amount, the city had overall liabilities totaling $2,112,947, leaving $13,514,897 as the city’s total net position.

Of that figure, $323,213 was restricted for use by the Tingley Memorial Library, $1,294,801 was restricted for redevelopment and $187,732 was restricted for stormwater uses.

The city’s net position increased by $1,132,781 during the audited year.

Gerhard reported that at the end of the 2021-22 fiscal year, revenues decreased $2,348,540, largely due to a decrease in grants. Expenses also decreased by $242,549.

At the close of the 2021-22 fiscal year, the city reported a combined ending-fund balance of $2,100,094, an increase of $1,384,004 in comparison with the prior year. Of this total, $1,398,549 was available for spending at the city’s discretion. However, $219,132 of the balance was nonspendable due to prepaid items and $294,681 was committed for equipment replacement.

Similarly, the assets of the CRA exceeded its liabilities at the close of the 2021-22 fiscal year, creating a net position of $4,276,064. Of this amount, $1,459,073 was unspent ad valorem taxes and other revenues to be used on redevelopment projects within the CRA boundaries.

The CRA’s net position increased by $602,531 during the year.

The CRA’s governmental fund reported an ending balance of $1,294,801, an increase of $262,979.

Of this total amount, $1,293,799, was restricted for spending on redevelopment projects within the CRA’s boundaries.

Mayor John Chappie closed the meeting with a summation of gratitude directed to city staff.

“The city appreciates that, and all the hard work you do. Being financially and fiscally sound is key and is a reflection of the quality of the staff members, department heads, and elected officials in our community,” Chappie said. “Thank you all for the great hard work.”

schedules for grand tree violations and have MorrisDepew’s landscape architect recommend caliper size for defining a grand tree.

Planning commissioners also began reviewing the LDC’s regulations for seawalls, bulkheads, docks and piers.

Smith said the LDC lacks construction standards for seawalls, such as minimum and maximum cap elevations.

Commission Chair Gale Tedhams said Lynn Burnett, the former city engineer, had completed a sea level rise study in recent history that could serve as a basis for determining those elevations.

Smith said he would review the study and return with recommendations.

Earlier in the meeting, which doubled as organizational, planning commissioners voted on officer positions.

Tedhams was nominated for reinstatement as the commission chair without competition. She will continue to serve in the role until July 2024.

Jim McIntire also was reinstated as vice chair without competition.

There was no public comment.

The planning commission was set to meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, where the board will continue its discussion on docks before moving to walls and fences.

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

Pines residents lack notice on trailer park sale

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Some homeowners in the Pines Trailer Park are disgruntled.

After a July 26 story in The Islander gave a date for a closing on the sale of the Bradenton Beach mobile home park, several Pines residents reached out to The Islander to say they had received no official notice from the park owners or their lawyers since May.

David Graham, treasurer of the Pines homeowner’s association, and others emailed The Islander July 25-29, questioning the newspaper, which reported an unnamed a source stated a “closing is expected on or around Sept. 21.”

The Islander found the source and their information — shared information among park residents — credible and granted anonymity.

“I am the treasurer of the HOA board of the park.” wrote Graham, and the HOA attorney said “the last communication he received was the certified letter sent by the owner’s attorney in May.

Graham wrote, “I have not received any more communique since that last letter.”

“It has been quite stressful not knowing what is going on,” he added.

Graham’s sentiments were echoed in emails from others.

“I have not received any notice about a September closing for Pines Trailer Park; nor has anyone else I’m in contact with here,” wrote one park resident.

“I am a Pines Park resident and we have had zero communication from anyone regarding who is buying the park and when we are closing,” wrote another.

Homeowners in the mobile home park, 103 Church Ave., received a notice May 8 about an offer from an unknown entity to purchase the park.

The notice, prepared by attorney David A. Luczak for the Jackson Partnership, said the owners were considering an offer of $16,250,000.

According to the Luczak notice, closure of the sale was to occur 45 days from the successful completion of due diligence, which could have put the closing in June.

The Jacksons, brothers Richard and William, put the park on the market Jan. 25 for $16 million.

As required by state law, they first offered the park to the homeowner’s association, but the HOA failed to fund the purchase.

The Islander reached out to Richard Jackson of the Jackson Partnership July 30 by phone with no response as of Islander press time.

Bradenton Beach officials listen July 26 as Jeff Gerhard and Randy Dillingham of CS&L CPAs address the city’s year-end audit. Islander

Photo: Robert Anderson

County gives nod to new Coquina Beach market operator

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Retail therapy will return this fall to Coquina Beach.

Manatee County commissioners July 25 voted to approve a franchise agreement with Ready Set Go Tour & Travel for the company to coordinate a new Coquina Beach market at the public beach in Bradenton Beach.

The agreement was included in the commission’s consent agenda for the meeting.

Bradenton-based Ready Set Go, operated by Dottie Deerwester, was selected over two other companies by an evaluation committee.

The other bidders were Florida Marketplace Group, which coordinates markets in Coconut Grove, Miami Shores, Miami Lakes, Hialeah, Ocala and Orlando, and Your Tampa Markets, which administers the Tampa Riverwalk Festival market.

The agreement with Deerwester provides for market coordinating services in two two-year terms:

• One term began Aug. 1 and ends on July 31, 2025.

• The second term runs Aug. 1, 2025-July 31, 2027.

On the revenue side, for the first six months —

Bradenton Beach charts 5% bump in business tax

The Bradenton Beach City Commission will hold a public hearing and first reading of an ordinance Thursday, Aug. 3 to increase business tax fees by 5%.

Fees are dependent on the type of business operating in the city. The proposed fees would range from $35.19-$281.

A public hearing and first reading will be at the 6 p.m. meeting at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

— Robert Anderson

The Manatee County Coquina Beach market grounds, depicted in a March graphic, include vendor booth spaces and a shared public area at the south end of Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Islander Graphic: Courtesy Manatee County

Oct. 1-March 31, 2024, the county will receive $300 per market day.

After six months of operation, the county will receive $500 per market day.

The county also has the right to renegotiate compensation prior to renewal of the second term. Deerwester was traveling and unavailable for comment as of Islander press time July 31.

She will oversee the new market at the south end of the beach, where county crews laid a foundation in January.

The location will accommodate 80 vendors and turtle-friendly lighting will allow for night events.

A prior market operated along the multiuse trail at the beach and was run by Nancy Ambrose Services via an agreement with the county for more than nine years.

The county did not renew Ambrose’s contract last August, when then-administrator Scott Hopes decided to bring the market under county control — a decision that caused an uproar among Ambrose’s vendors.

Soon after severing ties with Ambrose, the county issued a statement saying the market would go on hiatus to be rebuilt under the guidance of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

At the time, the county said it would open a new market in November 2022.

The project was delayed by several factors, including Hurricane Ian in September 2022 and then a shake-up in the county administrator’s office.

The market is now set to launch in the fall.

Market days, according to the franchise agreement, include:

• Sundays, about 4-6 hours before sunset, concluding just before sunset.

• Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Wednesday, Aug. 9

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

ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout August, Artists’ Guild Gallery

“Beautiful Gulf Coast Beaches” exhibit, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6694.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

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

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

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

Through Sept. 17, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ “John Pirman: Diving into Nature” exhibit, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.

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

Through June 23, “Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

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

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

Sept. 14-24, Island Players’ “Farce of Nature,” Anna Maria.

Sept. 10, Anna Maria Island Centennial Celebration continued, Anna Maria.

Oct. 3-May 7, Anna Maria Farmers Market, Anna Maria.

Oct. 7, Florida Maritime Museum Cortez Nautical Flea Market, Cortez.

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

Nov. 2-12, Island Players’ “Later Life,” Anna Maria.

KIDS & FAMILY

Tuesday, Aug. 8

ON AMI

10 a.m. — Family story time, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

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

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

Thursday, Aug. 3

ON AMI

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

ONGOING ON AMI

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATE

Sept. 18, Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club kickoff meeting, Holmes Beach.

Annual bowling tournament to benefit community center

Bowlers are striking out to support the center.

The annual Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament to benefit the Center of Anna Maria Island, will take place in September.

The tournament will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Bowlero Bradenton, 4208 Cortez Road, Bradenton.

Plans include prizes, games and a costume contest.

Tickets are on sale at centerami.org/events. For more, call the center at 941-778-1908.

SPORTS & GAMES

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

OUTDOORS & NATURE OFF

Saturday, Aug. 5

AMI

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATE

Aug. 22, UF/IFAS Extension Service/Manatee County Residential Horticulture Program’s community tree workshop, Bradenton.

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

Aug. 26, Women’s Equality Day.

Sept. 4, Labor Day.

Sept. 10, Grandparents Day.

Sept. 11, Patriot Day.

Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out. Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season. Be prepared. Get listed! Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Center offers college admissions workshop

The Center of Anna Maria Island will present a five-week workshop on college admissions for highschool students planning to seek a higher education. The center said students will learn to optimize the admissions process in workshops set for Wednesdays Aug. 23-Sept. 20, according to a July 27 news release.

A 5 p.m. session will be for students in grades 9-11.

A second workshop at 6:30 p.m. will be for seniors.

The cost to enroll is $300 for members and $400 for nonmembers.

The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

$2

Island happenings

By Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

Sunny day astronomy event set for Robinson’s NEST

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources will bring Suncoast Stargazers to Robinson Preserve for Solar Astronomy at the NEST.

The event will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at the expansion park, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Attendees will be invited to take “a special

Play pickleball at center

The Center of Anna Maria Island is hosting adult pickleball play — Dink and Drink — Wednesdays

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Players must bring their own beverages and equipment.

All skills and abilities are welcome.

And registration is week to week.

The cost to play is $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers.

The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, call the center at 941-778-1908, ext. 210, or email recreation@centerami.org.

look through a hydrogen alpha solar telescope” and observe solar granulation, filaments, sunspots and solar flares, according to an announcement from the county.

For more information, call the county at 941-7425923 or go online to mymanatee.org.

Season theater tickets on sale

The Island Players theater group is selling tickets to its 75th season of plays through Sept. 1. Season ticketholders can attend five productions for $125.

Individual ticket sales — $28-$30 — will begin Sept. 5.

The first production of the season — the comedy “Farce of Nature,” directed by Mike Lusk — will run Sept. 14-24.

For more information about tickets or to download the application, go online to www.theislandplayers. org.

The box office is at 941-778-5755.

Swing bridge

Sisters Cama and Courtlyn — last names not provided — beat the summer heat July 26, taking turns plunging from a rope swing attached to the Longboat Pass Bridge. Vacationing from southern Illinois, the women found the swing while on a walk along the shore of Beer Can Island on Longboat Key with their grandmother. Islander

Island Library coordinates

Aug. 11 blood drive

The Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will host a blood drive with OneBlood 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11.

The blood drive will be in the library parking lot.

Appointments are not needed.

OneBlood, on its website at oneblood.org, said there is an increased need for type O and type O-negative donations.

For more, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Community center arranges blood drive

The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, will host a blood drive with

OneBlood 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22.

Appointments can be made online at oneblood. org/donate-now using the sponsor code #14076. Donors will receive a wellness checkup, as well as a coupon from Slim’s Place in Anna Maria for a free beverage.

For more information, call the center at 941778-1908.

Submit

Odd Duck Designs Shop

Wearable T-shirt art by local artist Connie Wolgast. Scan here shop! etsy.com/shop/OddDuckDesignsShop 941-224-1897

Now

to

“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.

Photo: Robert Anderson

Stocking up for school Checklists for a new academic year at Anna Maria Elementary

Here are checklists for the new academic year at Anna Maria Elementary School, which will begin Thursday, Aug. 10.

To download the supply lists from the school, go online to manateeschools.net/annamaria.

Grade-level supply lists for other schools in the School District of Manatee County are at manateeschools.net.

Also, through Aug. 6, consumers can purchase qualifying back-to-school supplies and avoid a state sales tax. A second exemption period will be Jan. 1, 2024-Jan. 14, 2024.

VPK

❒ Watercolor paints

❒ Plastic supply box

❒ 12 glue sticks

❒ Elmer’s glue bottle

❒ Round-tip scissors

❒ Package, pencils

❒ 24-count Crayola crayons

❒ 2 boxes, 8-count Crayola washable markers

❒ 8-count Expo dry-erase markers

❒ Red three-prong, two-pocket plastic folder

❒ Black three-prong, two-pocket plastic folder

❒ 1-inch white binder

❒ Black-and-white cover, wide-ruled composition

notebook

❒ 2 reams, copy paper

❒ 2 packages cardstock paper

❒ 2 tissue boxes

❒ 2 Clorox wipes boxes

❒ Hand sanitizer

❒ Ziploc bags

❒ Shacks to share

❒ Backpack

❒ 2 changes of clothes

❒ Sleeping mat

❒ Blanket

Kindergarten

❒ Supply box

❒ 2 packages, washable Crayola markers

❒ 4 boxes, 14-count Crayola crayons

❒ 2 bottles, Elmer’s glue

❒ 12 Elmer’s glue sticks

❒ Blunt-tip scissors

❒ 2 packages, Crayola colored pencils

❒ 2 packages pencils

❒ Scotch tape

❒ 4 tissue boxes

❒ 4 reams, copy paper

❒ Backpack

❒ 1-inch binder

❒ 2 boxes, Ziploc quart bags

❒ 2 boxes, Ziploc gallon bags

❒ 2 4-pack dry-erase markers

❒ Composition wide-ruled notebook

1st-grade

❒ 8 glue sticks

❒ Backpack

❒ 2 scissors

❒ 2 boxes, 24-count crayons

❒ Colored pencils

❒ Washable markers

❒ 2 pink erasers

❒ Pencil cap erasers

❒ 24 sharpened pencils

❒ Plastic folder

❒ Ream of computer paper

❒ Pencil box

2nd-grade

❒ 2 reams copy paper

❒ Wide-ruled notebook paper

❒ 3 composition notebooks

❒ 2 plastic 3-prong pocket folders

❒ Bar erasers

❒ 3-pack, glue sticks

❒ 2 tissue boxes

❒ 8-count pack, Crayola washable markers

❒ 12-count pack, Crayola colored pencils

❒ 4-count pack, black expo markers

❒ 2 packs, Ticonderoga pencils

❒ Pencil pouch

❒ Headphones

❒ 2 packs, 3x5 ruled index cards

❒ 2 packs, Band-Aid bandages

❒ Ziploc gallon bags

3rd-grade

❒ Bar erasers

❒ 3 tissue boxes

❒ Dry-erase markers package

❒ Colored pencils package

❒ Washable markers package

❒ 2 composition books

❒ Unscented hand sanitizer

❒ 3-pronged pocket folder

❒ 3 reams, copy paper

❒ Headphones

❒ 3-ring binder

❒ Sanitizer wipes

❒ Sharpened pencils

❒ Band-Aid bandages

❒ Children’s scissors

4th-grade

❒ 4 composition wide-ruled notebooks

❒ 3 two-pocket folders

❒ 2 packs, pencils

❒ 2 packs, cap erasers

❒ Colored pencils

❒ Highlighters

❒ Dry-erase markers

❒ Tissues

❒ Hand-sanitizer

❒ Headphones

❒ Copy paper

5th-grade

❒ 4 composition wide-ruled notebooks

❒ 5 plastic folders — blue, red, yellow, green, black

❒ Pencil pouch

❒ 2 packs, No. 2 pencils

❒ Pack, cap erasers

❒ Pack, colored pencils

❒ Pack, crayons

❒ Pack, markers

❒ 1-2 glue sticks

❒ 4-5 highlighters

❒ Black dry erase markers

❒ 2 tissue boxes

❒ Hand sanitizer

❒ 2 reams, copy paper

New school year brings new volunteer opportunities

The new school year will bring new opportunities for adult members of Anna Maria Elementary families to become involved.

Nominations are open for the AME School Advisory Council, which meets through the academic year to assist in preparing and evaluating school improvements and budgets.

The SAC’s meeting dates for 2023-24 are Sept. 28, Nov 30, Jan. 25 and April 18.

The meetings for the group — consisting of school staff, students and parents — take place at 3:45 p.m. in the Guy Harvey Education Room on campus, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Nominations are due in the school office by Sept. 5.

For a nomination form, go online to manateeschools.net/annamaria.

Also, the Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization is seeking volunteers to serve as room parents and at PTO events, as well as donate to sponsor the 2023-24 year.

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

— Lisa neff

Spooky skeletons enjoy a film at the entrance to the AMe-PTO fall festival Haunted House Oct. 22, 2022. The PTO is seeking volunteers to help with the 2023 festival and other events during the new school year. Islander file Photo

AME to host back-to-school open houses Aug. 8

Anna Maria Elementary School will offer evening sessions Aug. 8.

AME, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will host back-to-school open houses that Tuesday, providing opportunities to meet with staff, visit classrooms and learn about academic and extra-curricular events.

The first open house will be 4:30-5:15 p.m. and is for families with kids enrolled in VPK to secondgrade.

The second session will be 5:15-6 p.m. and is for families with kids enrolled in third-grade to fifthgrade.

AME principal Mike Masiello says back-to-school night offers an orientation for parents and students ahead of the first day of classes, which is Thursday, Aug. 10.

Also, AME-PTO officers will attend the open houses to preview plans for the new year, as well as sign up volunteers.

The PTO is seeking volunteers to help with a staff luncheon Thursday, Aug. 8, as well as a back-to-school bash Sunday, Aug. 20, family socials in September and October and the annual AME Fall Festival in October.

AmE NEWS

By Lisa neff

Ariyah Carlton finds her groove Aug. 5, 2021, during a back-toschool open house at AMe. Islander file

Health department offers no-cost immunization

The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County is offering no-cost immunizations to children heading to classrooms for the 2023-24 academic year.

Kindergartners, seventh-graders and new and transferring students must provide proof of immunization to attend Manatee County schools.

The first day of class for public schools is Thursday, Aug. 10.

The health department, 410 Sixth Ave. E., Bradenton, is offering back-to-school vaccinations by appointment 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.

Also, the department is offering appointment-only

vaccinations 8 a.m.-noon Aug. 5 and Aug. 12.

A walk-in vaccination clinic will be offered 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8.

The department also offers physicals, which cost $45 per child.

“Vaccinating schoolchildren against a variety of vaccine-preventable diseases helps parents and guardians protect the health not only of their children but also the health of their classmates and the community at large,” Dr. Jennifer Bencie, DOH-Manatee Health officer, said in a news release.

To schedule an appointment, call the health department at 941-748-0747, ext. 0.

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AME Calendar

1st bell, last bell

Elementary school hours for 2023-24 are 8:25 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Students can enter school as early as 7:55 a.m. There is no cost for school breakfast.

2023-24 school year

Throughout the summer, PTO sponsorship fundraiser. Through Aug. 6, Florida school supplies sales tax holiday.

Through Aug. 9, teacher workdays.

Aug. 8, 4:30-5:15 p.m., back-to-school night, VPK- to second-grade.

Aug. 8, 5:15-6 p.m., back-to-school night, third- to fifthgrade.

Aug. 10, first day of class.

Aug. 10, parents’ “welcome” coffee.

Aug. 20, 3-5 p.m., AME back-to-school bash, city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Sept. 4, Labor Day, no school.

Sept. 11, 3:45 p.m., PTO member meeting.

Sept. 28, 3:45 p.m., SAC meeting.

Oct. 12, end of quarter.

AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more, call the school office at 941-708-5525 or go online to www.manateeschools.net/annamaria. For PTO info, go to amepto.org.

Back to School

Sponsors:

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Photo: Ryan Paice

Gathering

By Lisa neff

Wednesday Night Blast returning to CrossPointe

CrossPointe Fellowship will resume its school year program — the Wednesday Night Blast — with a kickoff Wednesday, Aug. 30.

The 6 p.m. event will be in the fellowship hall, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and include pizza.

For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0719.

Men’s retreat planned

The Men of Christ Church group is planning an overnight retreat in March 2024.

A bulletin notice said, “This promises to be a special event of building relationships and bonding as men of God.”

Christ Church of Longboat Key-Presbyterian USA is at 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

For more information, call the church at 941-3838833.

‘Church of the Wild’ set for talk at Gloria Dei

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church will host a discussion on “Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us into the Sacred” in August.

Victoria Loorz wrote the book about “the wild roots of faith” and a “communion with all creatures.”

The Zoom-based discussion will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 14.

Gloria Dei is at 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, contact the church at 941778-1813.

Bible study to begin at Longboat Island Chapel

Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, will host a series on “Egypt and the Exodus.”

The Bible study series will begin Wednesday, Aug. 9, with two times and venues — 10 a.m. at the chapel or 5:30 p.m. online.

The Sermon series will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, at the chapel and online.

For more information, call the chapel at 941-3836491.

Par and prayer date set

Roser Church’s regular Golfing for God outing will be at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9.

The event includes nine holes of golf, dinner and Bible study at IMG Golf Academy, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. The cost for all three activities is $22.

Additional dates are Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 6.

Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. Send notices to calendar@islander.org. Please, include a phone number for publication.

Tidings

Compiled by Lisa neff

ON AMI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

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

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

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 2:45 p.m., Aug. 9, Golfing for God, Bradenton; Wednesdays through Aug. 30, 1 p.m., GriefShare; Tues-

days, 2 p.m., women’s book study.

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

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

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

OFF AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

GET LISTED, CHANGE LISTINGS

Send listings to calendar@islander.org

Roser Church to carpool for packing day at Beth-El

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, is organizing carpooling for a packing day with Beth-El Farmworker Ministry.

A notice on the church website said the volunteer event will begin about 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3.

Obituary

Wanda Lavonia Fulford

Wanda Lavonia Fulford, 90, of Cortez, died July 23.

She was born March 23, 1933, to James K. Fulford and Elizabeth Jones.

She was a proud native of the Cortez community and of her commercial fishing heritage.

She was married to the late Thomas “Blue” Fulford, a fishing legend and leader in the state among commercial fishers.

She was by his side as he fought a statewide net ban in the 1990s and strived to maintain the commercial fishing way of life.

She also was a homemaker and her original Cortez recipes were much sought after, including her smoked mullet spread.

A visitation for Wanda and Blue Fulford, who died in 2015, will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 4, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43 Street Chapel. Condolences may be made to brownandsonsfuneral. com

Mrs. Fulford is survived by sons Larry and Paul; daughter Terrie Cannon; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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 provided free — a service of your community newspaper. Paid obituaries can be discussed with ad consultant Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978.

Beth-El Farmworker in Wimauma works to address hunger relief, education, health care and spiritual growth in the farmworker community. For more information about the volunteer opportunity, call Lynn Brennan at 813-758-3234.

Blue fulford and wife Wanda join the crowd at the 2011 Cortez Commercial fishing festival in Cortez. Islander file Photo: Bonner Joy

Community center at $257,887 loss at end of fiscal year

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Fiscal 2022-23 started rough for the Center of Anna Maria Island and never turned back.

The community center finished its fiscal year $257,887 in the red after falling into a $222,187.32 deficit only three months through, according to a report provided by the center.

It marks the first time in six years the nonprofit failed to finish in the black and a steep drop from its $210,646 net income in fiscal 2021-22.

Nevertheless, executive director Christopher Culhane wrote in a July 28 email to The Islander that, “Overall the center had another great year.”

Culhane wrote that program revenue increased 30% over fiscal 2021-22 and, while fundraising revenue declined, the primary reason for the nonprofit’s defi cit was $207,484 in capital improvement costs covered by income over the last four years.

“Two years ago, the center’s board concluded there

GoodDeeds

By Lisa neff

Assistance offered on AMI

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941778-0414.

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

Assistance sought on AMI

• The Anna Maria Island Art League seeks volunteers to help organize the Springfest Fine Arts Festival March 16-17 in Holmes Beach. Info: 419-450-4824.

• The Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization seeks sponsors for the 2023-24 academic year. Info: amepto@gmail.com, 941-708-5525, amepto.org/ame-sponsor.

• The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island welcomes members to support the gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and also the nonprofit’s educational mission. Info: amiartistsguildgallery.com, 941778-6694.

• The Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, seeks volunteers — onstage and off — for the 75th season of shows. Info: theislandplayers.org, 941941 778-5755.

• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers to become docents and, beginning this fall, bake bread. Info: 941778-0492, amihs.org.

• The Friends of the Island Library welcomes members to support the Holmes Beach branch, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, friendsoftheislandlibrary.org.

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

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to

Is

it the dog’s day?

Did you know The Islander’s Top notch photo contest includes a special prize package for a winning pet photo? Submit entries to topnotch@islander. org. Please, include the photographer’s name, photo details — including when and where, and contact information. See contest details online. The final deadline is Aug. 11.

was enough cash on hand to begin its long-term campaign to address improvements needed to the facilities,” Culhane wrote.

In fiscal 2021-22, $144,458 was spent on capital improvements.

Last year, which ended June 30, the center spent $207,484 on capital improvements — almost as much as the $210,646 net income the year prior.

Those improvements include:

• Renovations to make a second-floor shower and bathroom compliant with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act, which ensures accessibility for disabled people;

• Remodeling the foyer;

• Replacing the shade sail at the playground;

• Replacing air conditioning units;

• Interior paint, power-washing the exterior.

Without its capital budget, the center still would have finished the year $50,403 in the red, at least partly due to a drop in fundraising income.

The nonprofit netted $223,378 in fundraising income last year, less than half of the $548,931 it col-

Photographer Jay Canterbury strums a guitar March 19 at the Anna Maria Island Art League Springfest fine Arts and Crafts festival in Holmes Beach. AMIAL is seeking volunteers to help stage the 2024 festival.

Islander file

Photo: Lisa neff

offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals, as well as assist with technology. Info: 941-345-2441.

• Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Info: 941-778-0414.

— Lisa neff

GoodDeeds notices: To list aid services on AMI or a call for help, email lisa@islander.org with details.

lected the year before.

A young angler attending the Center of Anna Maria Island’s July 25 youth fishing camp shows off his skills and his catch, a pinfish, at the Anna Maria City Pier. Islander

Photo: Courtesy CoAMI

That is a result of a $481,483, or 40% decrease in fundraising revenue, which isn’t offset by a $155,929, or 24% decrease in fundraising costs.

Culhane blamed the decrease in fundraising income to “the tight economy and lack of COVID or other government grants and funding.”

On the bright side, the center raised $234,452 more in program revenue last year than in fiscal 2021-22, from $769,292 to $1,003,744.

That revenue is cut by a $165,695 increase in programing costs, but still results in $485,328 in program income — $68,757 more than the year prior.

However, the program income is dwarfed by a $148,000 increase in general, indirect and administrative expenses from fiscal 2021-22 to last year.

It marks a 24% increase over the $610,309 spent on the same expenses the year prior, bringing the cost to $759,108.

Overall, the center only finished in the black four out of 12 months last year.

Its first positive month was also its best, having raised $90,863.43 in net income in December 2022.

The nonprofit followed that up with $27,446.56 in net income in January and $10,651.09 in March, before finishing June with $80,545.01.

“The center’s board and I remain focused on being fiscally responsible, balancing investments, and improving the facilities, while offering a wide range of programs at an affordable cost,” Culhane wrote.

The nonprofit had not released its budget by July 29 for fiscal 2023-24, which began July 1.

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Words from the witnesses at the Kingfish Boat Ramp killings

By Lisa neff Islander editor

From the archives, they speak — witnesses in the investigation into the Kingfish Boat Ramp killings 43 years ago.

Their voices are recorded on cassette tapes kept in evidence at the Holmes Beach Police Department. Some of them were interviewed Aug. 1, 1980, the evening of the shootings, and others were interviewed in the months or even years after the four murders that remain unsolved.

At about 5 p.m. Aug. 1, 1980, Dr. Juan Antonio Dumois, 47, of Tampa, with sons Eric, 13, and Mark, 9, and the doctor’s brother-in-law, Raymond Barrows, 52, of Miami, returned to the boat ramp after a day of fishing.

The vacationers, who were staying on the island, had put their boat on a trailer hitched to a station wagon when, according to Barrows, a stranger asked for a ride.

Dumois and Barrows helped the hitchhiker put his bike into their boat and then all three got into the wagon, with the hitchhiker joining the boys in the backseat and Dumois at the wheel.

Dumois was driving toward Manatee Avenue when the hitchhiker shot all four — Dumois and his sons would die — and then fled toward the nearby Island Foodway on East Bay Drive, where Westbay Cove resident Robert G. Matzke was shot during an altercation in the parking lot.

Not known today is the identity of the killer or killers or the motive.

Some of the witnesses, in recorded interviews with HBPD or the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, spoke while working through what they saw that day.

Some witnesses — in the days that followed — wondered if they offered a clue or a tip that might help solve the mystery.

And in several recorded interviews, one eyewitness, Raymond Barrows, was dealing with the loss of his two nephews and brother-in-law, his own injury and the confusion over what happened that afternoon.

Barrows, in an interview from then-Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, told police that a man wearing a tennis-like outfit, looking about 35 years old and walking a bike approached the wagon and asked for a ride.

“I opened the back door for him,” Barrows said.

“As soon as we got on the highway, I heard something, I couldn’t tell you what it was,” Barrows added. “I kind of slumped in the seat. … And then I saw Juan yelling.”

Barrows soon stopped that interview.

In another, also conducted at the hospital, an investigator asked Barrows whether the hitchhiker said anything after he got into the wagon.

“Not a word,” Barrows replied.

Theodore David Stahley of Bradenton Beach was driving near the boat ramp that day and saw, in his rear-view mirror, the Dumois’ station wagon moving erratically and what appeared to be a fight between the driver and someone in the backseat.

Stahley told his wife, “They ain’t watching where they are going.”

Then he said he heard two muffled bangs and saw the wagon swerve off the road.

“After that, after the dust settled … I seen somebody running towards the road from the car,” Stahley said. “They had brown cutoffs.”

Norma Stahley, in her interview, said she saw the station wagon and trailer jack-knife and then saw “this guy. He had to come from someplace around the car. … He was on foot. But he didn’t have a bike. … I kept watching. I didn’t see anyone else.”

The man was headed toward Manatee Avenue.

Another witness, Warren Baxter Pearson of Bradenton Beach, interviewed with the MCSO’s criminal investigations bureau Aug. 18, 1980.

THE GAME IS AFOOT

BY MICHAEL SCHLOSSBERG / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

A trailered boat and station wagon are jackknifed near the Kingfish Boat Ramp Aug. 1, 1980. five people were shot that day.

Pearson was traveling west on Manatee Avenue and stopped to help the victims after seeing the station wagon “with smoke coming from it.”

“Do you recall seeing anybody that looks like this?” an investigator asked. “This is an artist’s sketch of a witness’s idea of what the guy might have looked like.”

Pearson answered, “Not right off hand. I was really too busy to look.”

The day of the killings, investigators interviewed a woman who witnessed Matzke’s murder.

Matzke was in his car and another man stood outside the car, she said.

“The next thing I knew, he shot him,” she said.

She described the man with the gun — kind of curly dark hair, about 5-foot-9 or taller, 25-30 years old and shirtless — and said he drove away in a rusty brown sedan, “like a Ford LTD.”

Her son also was interviewed: “I heard a bang, thought it was a firecracker.”

Then he saw a “tall guy getting in his car and he took off.”

He described the man as skinny, having dark, wavy hair and wearing blue-jean cutoffs.

The investigator remarked, “It would be a big help if we could figure out what kind of car that was.”

Leads and tips — many of them — followed but ended with no arrests.

In October 1981, investigators interviewed Harold

PLeASe, See witnesses, nexT PAGe

Looking back: Killing spree at the Kingfish Boat Ramp

By June Alder Islander archives

As I recall, I was the only reporter in The Islander office Aug. 1, 1980, when someone yelled at me to pick up my phone.

My mother was calling.

Her voice was odd, whispery and urgent.

“I’m down here at Foodway. There’s been an accident or something — a man’s been hurt.”

I grabbed my camera and jumped in my car. It took me less than five minutes to round the bend at the Manatee Public Beach. That’s when I saw people milling around near Kingfish Boat Ramp.

I saw a car and boat trailer jackknifed near a pole. I parked and raced over to a scene of chaos.

Sheets were draped over two figures being lifted onto stretchers. They appeared to be children.

A few feet away from the car, medics bent over a man stretched out on the ground.

Close by lay a deeply tanned man in red-and-white striped trunks. He was barely breathing. I could tell by the look on the face of a woman in a nurse’s uniform holding his head that he was close to death.

I moved in closer with my camera. Through the viewfinder, I could see a small hole — about the size of a dime — in the man’s forehead.

Across the street at the Foodway, an ambulance was pulling out. A man had been shot.

I was beginning to realize the enormity of the crime that had shattered the pleasant afternoon.

On Aug. 1, 1980, Juan Dumois, a Tampa physician, his sons Eric, 13, and Mark, 9, and their uncle, Raymond Barrows of Miami, had left the boat ramp for a fishing trip.

Returning about 5 p.m., they loaded their boat onto a trailer hitched to their station wagon. Dumois and Barrows got into the front seat and the boys took seats in the back. Just as Dumois was about to drive off, a man approached. He said he sprained his ankle and asked for a lift.

The man and Dumois hoisted his bike into the boat and the stranger got into the back with the boys before Dumois pulled away. The station wagon had gone only a few yards when the man shot Barrows, Dumois and his sons and left.

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Matzke, working in the yard at his Westbay Cove North condo, observed the man leaving.

Matzke pursued him to the Foodway in his sports car. He encountered the man there. A shot rang out

WITNESSES FROM PAGE 18

E. Wanzo, the manager of the Holiday Cove Trailer Court in Cortez, who on the recording told them a resident with a gold bike left abruptly Aug. 3, leaving his clothes behind.

“He was very restless and uneasy,” Wanzo said. In a Feb. 23, 1981, recorded interview, Richard Wormuth told investigators about picking up a hitchhiker outside of Ruskin earlier that day who was traveling to Bradenton and seemed suspicious because he usually got around on a 10-speed bike, brought up the Holmes Beach murders and carried a pistol.

“The gun was the most beautiful shade of metallic blue you ever saw in your life, Wormuth said, adding that it appeared to be loaded.

Editor’ note: People can submit a tip to Manatee County Crime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers. com.

Emergency personnel and bystanders respond Aug. 1, 1980, in Holmes Beach, to a crash where three people were fatally shot and one person was injured. A fourth person was fatally shot at the nearby Foodway on East Bay Drive. The case known as the Kingfish murders remains unsolved. Islander reporter June Alder is pictured top left. Islander File Photo

and Matzke became the hitchhiker’s fifth victim. Most shoppers were unaware as the gunman got into a car that disappeared into traffic. Barrows survived the shooting but died of a heart attack in May 1982, less than two years later. The investigation dragged on, artists’ conceptions of the killer were circulated, a reward was offered and more than 100 suspects were questioned but no arrest was made.

Investigators over the years have said the only chance for a solution is that someone will talk.

Will we ever know the killer’s identity or the reason for the massacre on that bloody Friday?

Editor’s note: This story, edited for style and length, first published in The Islander in 1999. June Alder worked for the old and new Islanders, including at the time when the murders occurred. Alder is in the photo above, wearing a camera bag.

A Fiat driven by Robert Matzke crashed into another vehicle at the Foodway grocery store on East Bay Drive. Some people at the store thought a crash had occurred but Matzke, a retired Air Force colonel, had followed a man from a crash on Manatee Avenue to the Foodway. There, in an encounter, the man shot Matzke.

A collection of evidence tapes at the Holmes Beach Police Department. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff

Cops & Courts

HBPD arrests man for child abuse, domestic battery

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Pinellas Park resident Christopher Rivera, 31, July 18 for alleged child abuse and domestic assault.

Rivera faces four third-degree felony charges: child abuse, aggravated domestic assault, domestic battery by strangulation and defrauding an innkeeper.

Two officers were dispatched around 9:30 p.m. to the Waterline Villas & Marina, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, in response to potential fraud and guests who refused to leave their room.

A manager told police that Rivera and family had stayed in a room for five days but hadn’t paid $3,658.26 for the stay since multiple charges to a credit card they provided had failed.

The officers found the family in the parking lot, where Rivera was irritable and “rough” with children, according to a report.

Another child approached an officer and said that Rivera had grabbed a knife during a July 14 fight with his wife.

An officer spoke to Rivera’s wife, who said the incident stemmed from an argument about how rough he was with children.

She told police Rivera became aggressive, so she locked herself in a room to get away from him, until she heard him begin to abuse a child.

She opened the door to confront Rivera, who “threatened to kill her and himself if she left him,” and started choking her.

She said she locked herself and their children in a room for the rest of the night.

The officers spoke with the juveniles and three of them described either witnessing or suffering abuse.

The officers arrested Rivera and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody as of July 26 under $151,500 bond.

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

An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Island watch

In an emergency, call 911.

To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-7088899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

Island police reports

Anna Maria

July 27, 9000 block of Gulf Drive, fraud. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of fraud at a local business. A complainant said a person who stayed in a rental unit provided an invalid electronic check for their stay. The deputy issued a case number and filed 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

July 17, 500 block of 68th Street, child exploitation. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department responded to reports of potential child exploitation. The officer found the complainant, who said an unknown person sent her daughter a pornographic image via social media. She told police she documented the conversation, deleted her daughter’s social media account and blocked the unknown person’s phone number. The officer spoke with the daughter and educated her about safe social media and online communication practices. After reviewing the documented conversation, the officer determined there was nothing that constituted pornography and there was no

941 896 6245

R-Longboat

presents Preservation of Life awards July 25 to Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy Jared Leggett, left, and Holmes Beach Police Sgt. Thomas fraser, right. Leggett was awarded for saving the life of MCSO Sgt. Brett Getman, who suffered a heart attack at work in January. fraser received the award for assisting in Getman’s resuscitation and for saving a choking man in April while offduty at a restaurant, using the Heimlich maneuver.

concern for child exploitation. The officer issued the complainant a case number.

July 20, Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive, shoplifting. An officer responded to reports of theft and spoke with a manager. He said a man left the store without paying for two cases of alcoholic beverages. The manager provided video of the incident. The officer provided a case number to the manager.

July 20, 3000 block of 58th Street, suspicious circumstance. An officer responded to reports of a suspicious situation at a rental property that was supposed to be vacant. The officer found luggage, illegal substances and paraphernalia inside the residence. The officer placed the illegal items in HBPD storage. The homeowner and rental agency notified the officer that the homeowner’s children were staying at the unit and were allowed to be there. The officer identified the children and returned any legal items taken from the property.

July 22, Island Vacation Properties, 3001 Gulf Drive, recovered property. An offi cer responded to reports of recovered property. A property manager said a coworker found a handgun while conducting maintenance at a vacation unit. The firearm was not reported stolen or wanted. The officer contacted previous renters at the property and one replied to claim the firearm. The renter responded to the HBPD with a receipt of purchase in order to recover the firearm. HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

Streetlife By Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan,

Key,

Islander Photo: Courtesy MCSO

Congressman honors island law enforcement

Bradenton Beach police arrest man for possession

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach police arrested Michael Brown, 19, of Bradenton, July 25 on a charge of possession of marijuana over 20 grams with intent to sell and three counts of possession of a forged or stolen ID.

A Bradenton Beach arrest report states Offi cer Kyle Orms observed Brown driving without wearing a seat belt and initiated a traffic stop in the 300 block of Gulf Drive South.

Orms then noticed a smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, according to the report.

And, a search of the vehicle found three driver’s licenses from different states with Brown’s name.

A check of Florida Department of Law Enforcement databases showed the licenses were fraudulent.

The vehicle also held one large bag and several smaller containers of what appeared to be marijuana, as well as a scale. Orms field-tested the substances, which tested positive for marijuana.

Brown was arrested for alleged possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and three counts of possession of a false ID.

He was transported to the Manatee County jail in Palmetto.

If convicted of possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana with intent to sell, a third-degree felony, Brown could face up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.

If convicted of possession of a fake ID, a thirddegree felony, Brown could face a jail sentence of up to five years with a fine of up to $5000.

If convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia, Brown could face 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Brown was released on an $8,000 bond July 26.

His arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Former island worker sentenced for child porn

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Owen Hagan, an island restaurant worker and Bradenton resident will spend most of the next two decades in prison.

But the sentence could have been a lot lengthier.

Judge Frederick Mercurio of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court ruled July 18 to find Hagan, 29, guilty of 21 second-degree felony charges for child pornography possession and sentenced him to 18 years in state prison.

Hagan’s sentence is about five years less than the lowest permissible prison term of 286.65 months and far less than the life imprisonment he could have received, according to a criminal punishment code scoresheet for the charges.

Manatee County sheriff’s deputies arrested Hagan June 28, 2021, following a four-month investigation into suspicious activity on his personal computer.

He was employed at the now-defunct Island Grill in Holmes Beach.

The investigation began in February 2021, when DropBox Inc. reported suspicious computer uploads to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, which provided the tip to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

MCSO detectives used an IP address associated with the DropBox user to subpoena the suspect’s internet and email providers for more information, which helped them identify Hagan as the user.

Law enforcement contacted Hagan March 17, 2021, at his mother’s home, where he was living, and confiscated his cellphone for analysis.

A digital forensics program, Cellebrite Reader, found Hagan had accessed DropBox at several points, matching the reported uploads, multiple internet searches for child pornography and visits to websites known to contain the material.

The program reportedly recovered 11 images and 15 videos from Hagan’s phone that authorities claim include depictions of sexual conduct by a child.

Shortly after his arrest, Hagan was charged with 26 counts of child porn possession, which he responded to with a not guilty plea and a demand for a jury trial.

He also was charged July 21, 2021, with a thirddegree felony for soliciting a custodian of a child for unlawful sexual conduct.

Hagan initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea to nolo contendere or no contest at a March 28 hearing.

At the hearing, Mercurio found Hagan guilty and sentenced him to 60 months in state prison — the maximum prison term for a third-degree felony — with 622 days credited for time served before sentencing.

Mercurio’s sentence also ordered Hagan to be registered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as a sexual offender.

The original case ended in similar fashion but with more lenient sentencing.

At a July 18 hearing, state prosecutors dropped five of 26 second-degree felony charges and Hagan changed his initial not guilty plea to no contest for the remaining charges. He was adjudicated guilty and sentenced the same day.

The first 10 years of Hagan’s sentence will run concurrent with his 60-month prison sentence, meaning the sentences will run at the same time instead of piling up.

The next eight years of the sentence will run consecutive to the first 10 years, adding up to 18 years in prison.

With 750 days credited for time incarcerated before sentencing, Hagan is set to be released sometime in 2039.

The sentence was a stipulated downward departure from the lowest permissible sentence due to a “legitimate, uncoerced plea bargain,” according to the criminal punishment code scoresheet.

A downward departure is a sentence that reduces an offender’s punishment below the lowest permissible sentence due to mitigating factors, such as a plea bargain.

Yes, it’s FRee ...

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

Suncoast Waterkeeper working to keep it real

Kathy Caserta of Holmes Beach assists as husband Vic pops a bottle of Champagne to christen Suncoast Waterkeeper’s boat — a tool to further the nonprofits’s mission to protect and restore the area’s waterways through enforcement, fieldwork, advocacy and environmental education. eyes on the Suncoast, a new program to help stop pollution and mangrove destruction, was launched at a gathering July 26 that included libations and a buffet for members and prospective members at a floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar happy hour.

Water management district sets max millage

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board voted July 25 to lower property taxes by adopting a rollback millage rate of 0.2043 mill for fiscal year 2023-24.

The new year will begin Oct. 1.

The rollback rate is 9.6% lower than the current fiscal year’s millage of 0.2260. Swiftmud, in a July 25 news release, said applying the rollback rate would save property taxpayers $13.9 million.

The proposed budget is $224.8 million and includes

Side work employees from Bradenton-based Woodruff & Sons sit July 21 in construction vehicles they used to disassemble a water main at the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue. The remaining pipe sections were to hauled away the week of July 24. Islander

$92.4 million for cooperative funding initiatives and grants.

Through cooperative funding, the district plans to leverage a total investment of $175.2 million for sustainable alternative water supply development, water quality improvements and other water resource management projects.

Budget hearings will be at 5:01 p.m. Sept. 12 and Sept. 26 in Tampa.

— Lisa neff

Rusty Chinnis, chair of Suncoast Waterkeeper, a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance of more than 300 grassroots organizations that work to protect the waters, announced July 26 the launch of a boat and patrol program, eyes on the Suncoast. The boat was christened at a member-and-guest happy hour celebrating World Mangrove Day at floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar on Perico Island. for more about Suncoast Waterkeeper, go to suncoastwaterkeeper.org. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• Anna Maria Island Bridge on State Road 64/ Manatee Avenue: Single-lane closures can be expected 7 p.m.-6 a.m. through December. The Florida Department of Transportation is repairing the drawbridge due to the “harsh marine environment.” For more, go to www.swflroads.com/project/440237-1.

• City center in Holmes Beach: Work on the city’s project near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives is not concluded. Traffic patterns can change. For the latest, check the city’s page on Facebook. Manatee County’s work on a force main project is not concluded and traffic patterns can change. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

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

• Looking ahead : The DOT plans to resurface State Road 64/Manatee Avenue in Bradenton from 43rd Street West to 15th Street West and 10 Street West to 10th Street East.

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

— Lisa neff

Photo: Ryan Paice

Dredging gets underway at Beer Can Island, Longboat Pass

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

A dredging project paused to allow the incubation of a sea turtle nest on Longboat Key’s Beer Can Island is getting underway.

Charlie Mopps, program manager and assistant public works director for Longboat Key, told The Islander July 24 that a loggerhead nest had successfully hatched as of July 20.

The town government had been waiting for the hatch since May.

The nest was monitored by volunteers from Longboat Key Turtle Watch through Mote Marine Laboratory, clearing the way for work to begin.

The dredging contract was awarded in April to Coastal Dredging Co. of Louisiana but Mopps said much of the site work has been subbed to Gator Dredging of Largo.

The project involves dredging and redistributing sand swept from the north, accreting under the Long-

boat Pass Bridge and forming a spit that closed off access to the A1 channel.

The channel links waterfront residences along North Shore Road to Sarasota Bay but is sanded over, prohibiting navigation from the lagoon to the bay.

Mopps said the first step includes removing vegetation from the beach.

“You don’t want to dredge the vegetation off the beach,” Mopps said. “That way, when you are pumping you don’t get a bunch of detritus being passed along the beach. It’s common practice.”

Crews began installing fencing and removing vegetative matter July 27 on the east side of Beer Can Island and Mopps said visitors to Beer Can could expect the east side of the island to be closed to boaters and pedestrians into September.

He said sand from the spit on the east side of Beer Can would be piped to the Gulffront between concrete piers at the western edge of Beer Can.

Gator Dredging crews remove vegetation July 27 from an area designated for dredging at Beer Can Island at the northern tip of Longboat Key.

“The whole process, the dredging process should go on for only about two weeks, weather permitting,” he said.

Gator Dredging barges and dredge equipment are staged July 26 off the South Coquina Boat Ramp, 1465 Gulf Drive S., in Bradenton Beach, ready to remove sand accrued at Beer Can Island on the south side of Longboat Pass.

Mopps added that the project is costing $1.1 million and is funded by the town, which will seek partial reimbursement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and will be completed by mid-September.

Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Charlie Mopps, program manager and assistant public works director for Longboat Key, confers July 27 with a Gator crew working at Beer Can Island.

Football goes to playoffs, while golf, horseshoes cap week

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

The summer season of the adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island came to a close July 27 with Luxury Services on top of the standings with a 7-0 record.

Now it’s on to the playoffs for the No. 1 seed.

Moss Builders held onto No. 2 with a 5-2 record, just ahead of No.

Cassidy

3 Solid Rock Construction at 4-3.

Cortez Deep Sea Fishing, Salty Printing and Sandbar Restaurant all finished at 3-4, while Gulf Drive Cafe at 2-5 and Banks Home Lending at 1-6 completed the standings.

Playoff action kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, with No. 1 Luxury Services taking on No. 8 Banks Home Lending, followed by No. 4 Cortez Fishing taking on No. 5 Salty Printing at 7 p.m.

No. 3 seed Solid Rock will take on No. 6 Sandbar Restaurant at 8 p.m., while No. 2 seed Moss Builders will wrap up the first round of playoffs against Gulf Drive Cafe at 9 p.m.

Action July 27 kicked off with Gulf Drive Cafe earning a 40-30 victory over Sandbar Restaurant behind five touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown from Dominick Otteni. Otteni connected with Steven Pavina for three TDs and Dallas Buchholtz for two TDs in the victory.

Zachary Routh paced the Sandbar with two TD passes, one rushing TD and one receiving touchdown. Wes Coleman added three TD receptions and Jonathan Soultatos added one TD pass in the loss.

Solid Rock edged Salty Printing 14-12 in the second game of the evening in a defensive struggle that saw each team record three interceptions. Connor Ludwig paced Solid Rock with a passing and receiving touchdown. Tuna McCracken added a TD pass and Tyler Brewer finished with a TD reception and a pair of extra points to round out the offense. Octavious Cole led the defense with two interceptions and Travis Bates had one interception in the victory.

Brandon Rolland paced the Salty Printing offense with a rushing TD, while Zaon Williams scored a pick six. Rolland and Christian Hampton recorded interceptions to round out the defense for Salty Printing.

Luxury Services put down Banks Home Lending Team 63-27 behind seven TD passes and a rushing TD from quarterback Chase Richardson. Richardson found Alonzo Leemus for three TDs and Derrick Carey for two scores. Tim Holly and Jasmine Muldoon each

had TD catches and Holly added a sack for a safety on defense.

Cory Banks threw three TD passes, including two to Cruz Rodriguez, who also had a TD pass and an extra point. Sequiel Marintez and Dan O’Connor added TD catches to lead Banks in the loss.

The last game of the evening saw Ryan Moss throw four TD passes to lead Moss Builders past Cortez Fishing 27-23. Greg Moss had two TD grabs to lead Moss Builders, which also received TD receptions from Isaiah Lambert and James Roadman in the victory.

Matt Manger paced Cortez Deep Sea Fishing with two TD passes and a rushing TD, while Cole Carter and Anthony McCance each added TD catches.

Youth soccer at the center was quiet for the week.

The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Key Royale golf news

Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started July 24 with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match.

Jim Hill won the day’s proceedings with a plus-5, two points ahead of second-place finisher John Kolojeksi. Ed Harrell and Mike Pritchard shared third place with matching scores of plus-2.

The women took to the course July 25 for a nine-

Gulf Drive Cafe player Meghan Mitchell reaches July 27 for the flag of Sandbar Restaurant receiver Jonathan Soultatos during the final evening of regular season play in the adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

hole individual-low-net match that saw Anne Klein and Terry Westby tie for first at 2-over-par 34s. Helen Pollock was alone in second place with a 4-over 36. Members were back on the course July 27 for a shamble, where each threesome counts its two best scores from the group. The team of Mike Gillie, Jim Hill and Jerry Martinek combined on a 4-over-par 68 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. The team of Don Grau, John Kolojeski and Dom Livedoti were alone in second place at 5-over-par 69.

Horseshoe news

Horseshoe action July 26 at the Anna Maria City Hall pits was short and sweet. Steve Doyle and Dom Livedoti teamed up to forge the lone 3-0 record in pool play and were the day’s outright champs.

Three teams advanced to the knockout stage in the July 29 games with the lucky bye going to Gary Howcroft and Bob Baker. The duo watched as Bob Heiger and Livedoti eliminated Steve Kriebel and Katrina W. 22-11. Howcroft and Baker shut down Heiger and Livedoti 23-13 to win the day’s proceedings.

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.

Owen Serra, left, paddles as Hayes Bystrom holds a great blue heron they rescued. They discovered the bird in distress July 30 at the mangrove rookery in Bimini Bay. Hayes’ dad, Logan, a fishing guide, helped with the capture from his boat. The boys, both 8, are entering second-grade at Anna Maria elementary Aug. 10. Save Our Seabirds came to rescue the heron. Islander Photo: Logan Bystrom

Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Moving into August, targeting mangrove snapper

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Catching mangrove snapper is the highlight for another week.

Anglers just can’t get enough of the tasty fish and they’re so abundant around structure in the Gulf of Mexico and in Tampa Bay. Several methods of fishing work to hook the species.

One is anchoring and chumming. After putting enough shiners in the bait well for the day, take an extra throw with the cast net to collect an ample amount for chum. Fresh-dead shiners trickled over the transom during the slower stages of the tide is a great way to lure snapper out of their hiding places in the deep toward the surface, where they are visually targetable.

Once the fish are in the chum, free-lining baits to them is effective — just remember to use a light leader and a small hook, as mangrove snapper can be spooked.

If the snapper don’t rise up in the chum, add a weight to the rig to get the bait on the bottom in front of their noses.

Usually a knocker rig — an egg sinker and a small circle hook — will work. You might find chumming, even when bottom fishing, will aid in keeping the bite going. But if the current increases, you want to call a halt, as the chum will drift away and take the snapper with it.

Mangrove snapper also will congregate on deeper grass flats. In these areas, a free-lined shiner with a light leader and small hook will suffice.

On many occasions, you’ll be targeting other fish, including spotted seatrout, when you discover a school of snapper. So you might see a mix of catches, both the trout and snapper and possibly mackerel and ladyfish. The snapper have no problem competing with other species for your bait.

On my Just Reel charters, we’re targeting mangrove snapper. Fishing structure such as rocks and ledges is working well. Using a knocker rig with a live shiner is producing the best action. In fact, most days it’s resulting in limits.

Zachary Von Holle, CJ Grogan, Todd Miller and Jackson Miller, visiting from Ohio, show off their July 27 offshore catch — mangrove snapper. The team used shiners for bait to take home a tasty fish fry while on a charter trip guided by Capt. Warren Girle.

After snapper fishing, I’m moving to deeper grass flats to target trout. On most days, I’m seeing good rallies of fish as long as the tide is moving. Mixed in with the trout are Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and a random mangrove snapper.

Lastly, catch-and-release snook are being caught, although some patience is required. The linesiders are finicky.

Capt. David White is putting his offshore charters on yellowtail snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. Limits of the fish are being caught with ease as they frolic in the chum line. Freelining baits to the yellowtail is working well, plus it can be quite visual. On days when the yellowtails are deep, a bottom rig is getting the job done.

American red snapper and mangrove snapper also are being caught on White’s offshore charters.

Moving inshore, White says shark hunting is the highlight. Blacktip, sandbar and bull sharks are common catches. Fresh-cut chunks of mackerel are prime baits for the large predators.

Other catches inshore include catch-and-release snook and many mangrove snapper.

Katie McClary, visiting Anna Maria Island from St. Louis, gets help from Capt. David White July 26 to show off her amberjack. The big fish ate a live pinfish and was released after the trophy photo. White noted that he and McClary share the same birthday — July 27. Happy birthday!

Capt. Warren Girle says bay fi shing is producing action on morning tides in Sarasota Bay. Spotted seatrout are the most apparent bite, with limits being caught. Most catches are occurring while free-lining live shiners over deeper grass fl ats. Mixed in are a variety of other species, including ladyfish, Spanish mackerel and some rogue mangrove snapper.

On shallower grass fl ats, Girle says his clients are hooking up with snook during swift moving tides. Casting shiners along mangrove shorelines is working best.

Lastly, venturing into the Gulf is yielding mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says the number of mangrove snapper congregating around the pier is increasing, although they are not near what the full potential can be — yet.

Pier fi shers using live shrimp as bait are being rewarded with near limits of the tasty little snappers. Using live shrimp as bait is yielding other fish, such as redfish and catch-and-release snook.

Lastly, with the aid of a silver spoon or speck rig, anglers at the pier are hooking into an occasional Spanish mackerel.

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

FWC seeks snook solutions

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is proposing new management regions for snook along with regional regulations based on the fishery status by region.

The FWC, according to a July 27 news release, said it “is adopting a holistic management approach for snook that includes a review of several environmental and human factors including habitat, fishing effort and stakeholder feedback to evaluate the fishery at a more local scale.

To create the rule, the commission is seeking public input and hosting an online workshop that will start at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug 2, via myfwc. com/marine. To attend, people can click “Rulemaking: Submit a Comment/Attend a Workshop” and then “Upcoming Public Workshops.”

Capt. Mike Greig

Stasny

nesting notes

By Lisa Neff

Hot and bothered

Florida State University researchers this summer published research indicating that high concentrations of microplastics can increase the temperature of beach sand enough to impact the development of incubating sea turtles.

Researchers already knew that temperature influenced sea turtle fitness, hatchling success and sex.

The temperature of developing sea turtle eggs, for example, is what decides whether the offspring will be male or female.

Research shows that if turtle eggs incubate below 81.86 degrees Fahrenheit, the hatchlings will be male and if the eggs incubate above 88.8 degrees, the hatchling will be female.

Temperatures fluctuating between the two extremes will produce a mix of male and female hatchlings.

Research also has shown that the warmer the sand, the higher the ratio of female hatchlings.

Studies in recent years have looked at how a warming climate might threaten sea turtle populations by creating a shortage of males.

The new FSU study looked at the impact of pollu-

Fat Cat

Serving

tion — specifically microplastics — on the temperature of sand.

Microplastics — plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in length — are ubiquitous in the environment, detected in marine water, wastewater, tap water, air and, yes, sand.

“Understanding how changes to the environment could affect the temperature of nesting grounds is important for monitoring the future of these keystone species,” said study author Mariana Fuentes, an associate professor in FSU’s Department of Earth, Ocean

Bot on the beach

Sea turtle hatchlings like those that emerge from nests on Anna Maria Island beaches inspired scientist Shivam Chopra, a Ph.D. student at the University of California-San Diego, to develop a robot that can travel in sand at a depth of 5 inches. The bot also can travel at a speed of 1.2 millimeters per second. Chopra’s research team believed observing animals would be key to developing a bot that could swim and dig out of sand. They landed on sea turtle hatchlings and created turtle-like flippers that generate large propulsive forces. Islander Courtesy Photo

and Atmospheric Science.

To conduct the study, researchers mixed beach sand with microplastics — 5%-30% of volume — and recorded temperatures using thermometers at the same depth as a loggerhead’s eggs — the type of sea turtle most common to AMI’s nesting beaches.

Sand with higher concentrations of microplastics saw greater increases in temperature — increases potentially significant enough to alter hatchling sex ratios, physiological performance and mortality of embryos, according to the study.

Dept. of health: Caution issued with heat advisory

With another National Weather Service advisory forecasting high temperatures and humidity July 28, the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County issued cautions, stating, “It is important to prioritize the wellbeing of individuals and communities.”

The department recommended that people:

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol, as they can lead to dehydration.

• Stay cool. Avoid direct sunlight and long exposure to the sun. Spend time in air-conditioned environments.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing to help the body regulate its temperature.

• Minimize outdoor activities during the hottest

parts of the day. If a person must be outside, take frequent breaks in shaded areas and avoid strenuous physical exertion.

• Check on vulnerable individuals. Keep an eye on older neighbors, young children and individuals with health conditions who might be susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

• Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicle. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, even with the windows slightly open, and can be life-threatening.

The Islander reminds people to wear shoes or flip-flops when exiting a building, vehicle or other transportation and to be sure children’s feet are protected. Crossing beach sand or a paved parking lot can scald the foot bottom in very short order.

By Lisa Neff

Happy camping

Think it will rain? I asked, day after day throughout July, either of my wife or of my Alexa device.

I wanted relief to come for the sake of the bougainvillea and hibiscus wilting on the front patio and the bell peppers, rosemary and sage withering in the backyard.

And I hoped a little gray cloud might bring some relief from the heat for me as well.

Then I came upon the last July weekend — July 28, July 29, July 30 circled in red pen with “camptime” in the notes on the calendar.

I sure hope it doesn’t rain, I said, as I got psyched up for a weekend camping trip with a couple of friends that we booked more than a year ago for Highlands Hammock State Park.

When the slower summer season arrives, those of us in the Anna Maria Island workforce try to plan our getaways — short or long, near or far.

For me, one summer getaway always involves tent-camping.

And camping in a Florida summer almost always involves bugs, heat and rain.

I’m not the hardiest or most experienced of campers.

And my wife and I are not outfitted with high-end equipment. Our hatchback carries a two-person tent, a couple of sleeping bags, a propane camp stove, a lantern, a pair of folding chairs and firewood.

Our backpacks are stuffed with insect repellent, toilet paper, long pants, long-sleeve shirts, an air-horn and flashlights.

And our picnic basket and cooler contain the basics for a night and day in the woods, including marshmallows, granola bars, peanut butter, water and beer.

I think we take more than enough when things

A map shows where Suzi, a loggerhead outfitted June 27 in Bradenton Beach with a tracking device, traveled through July 31. Suzi is AMI’s entry in the annual Tour de Turtles, an educational-scientific marathon that was to begin Aug. 1, after The Islander’s press time. Islander Screenshot

BeLOW: Suzi is tagged. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

go right and not enough when things go wrong, like the day we arrived to Lake Griffin State Park north of Orlando with a kinder-gentler bug spray that seemed to attract mosquitoes or the chilly night we failed at lighting a campfire at Oscar Sherer State Park in Osprey and had to dine at the nearest steakhouse.

In hindsight, that night was better than all right. I’d like to camp more often but venturing out to

Rainy days ahead?

Did you know that August, on average, is the rainiest month in Manatee County.

The Manatee Water Atlas kept by the University of South Florida Water Institute shows the following rainfall averages:

• July: 8.6 inches

• August: 8.9 inches

• September: 7.6 inches

• October: 3 inches

• November: 1.9 inches

• December: 2.1 inches

• January: 2.4 inches

• February: 2.6 inches

• March: 2.9 inches

• April: 2.5 inches

• May: 3.3 inches

• June: 7.7 inches

Find the data manatee.wateratlas.usf.edu.

— Lisa neff

put up a tent requires driving for an hour at least. Camping opportunities just don’t exist on the island or even nearby, with the exception of some group camping at Robinson Preserve in northwest Bradenton.

In 2020, Manatee County voters approved a 0.15 mill ad valorem tax and authorized the issuance of up to $50 million in bonds to buy and protect water resources, preserve sea life and wildlife habitats and provide parks.

Wouldn’t it be ideal if the county, through its environmental lands management and acquisition initiative, acquired some accessible west Manatee property ideal for camping?

‘No Swim’ advisory remains for Palma Sola beach

The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County’s advisory against swimming at Palma Sola South, the beach on the south side of the Palma Sola Causeway/Manatee Avenue, remained in effect as of July 30.

Such advisories are issued when enterococci bacteria levels exceed federal guidelines for safe swimming, as contact with the water at the site could make beachgoers sick.

The DOH-Manatee received test results from samples taken July 17 that showed elevated levels of enterococci bacteria, which can result in human disease, infections and rashes.

The advisory — issued July 20 — was to remain in effect until the water meets federal Environmental Protection Agency safety guidelines, according to a news release.

— Lisa neff

Tracking Suzi in the tour

The Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles hard-shell marathon was to begin Aug. 1.

The tour program started in 2008 and each year involves using satellite telemetry to track sea turtles to boost science, research and education.

Anna Maria Island’s entry, Suzi, is a loggerhead tagged and released June 27 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

Suzi’s distance in the Tour de Turtles: 0. Suzi’s ranking in the Tour de Turtles: 0. Suzi’s travels since being tagged: As far north as offshore of Anna Maria Island, as far south as offshore of Manasota Key and as many as 150 kilometers out from land in the Gulf of Mexico.

The tour began after The Islander’s press time. People can follow Suzi’s journey at tourdeturtles. com.

— Lisa neff

A boardwalk takes campers deep into at Highlands Hammock State Park near Sebring. Islander Photo: Lisa neff

ITEMS FOR SALE

SAnDALS: TORY BURCH, black leather with gold buckle, size 7.5, like new, $50. 941-7611393. no text.

TWO TRAILeR TIReS: 15-inches, five-bolt tires and rim, $20 each. 941-778-5542.

TOMMY BAHAMA SOfA: Rattan, have pictures. $95. 816-721-5524.

fOUR BIKeS fOR sale: each under $100, male and female. Text, 816-721-5524.

nORITAKe SQUIReWOOD CHInA. 12-piece place setting, many extras. $300 or best offer. Like-new. Text, 816-721-5524.

VInTAGe WeDDInG DReSS and veil for $99. Ivory, size 3. Text, 816-721-5524.

PIAnO: BeAUTIfUL BURL wood from england. Antique, plays, needs tuning. Text, 816721-5524 for picture and price.

Sandy’s

AdoptA-Pet

Oh, those eyes!

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

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

SPOnSOReD BY

ANSWERS TO AUG. 2 PUZZLE

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

PAnInnI MAKeR: CUISInART, stainlesssteel, like new, $45. 941-920-2494.

CHAIR: BLACK, SOfT cushion $15/ each and office chair, white, $10. Spice rack, three-tier clear plastic, $20. 941-920-2494.

AnTIQUe PARTneR DeSK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPeCIALIZInG In BACHeLOReTTe parties. Call Michael Sue Scott. Intuitive reader. 941726-1234. www.michaelsuescott.com.

GARAGE SALES

GARAGe SALe: 9 a.m-3 p.m. friday and Saturday, Aug. 4-5. Most items free! Some priced. Donations to Tunnels 2 Towers or Salvation Army appreciated. 102 Pelican Drive, Anna Maria.

PETS

HeLP ReSCUeD PeTS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

GOLf CART RenTALS: fun for residents and tourists! www.GolfCartRentalAMI.com.

BOATS & BOATING

HAVe A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.

SUnCOAST BOTTOM PAInTInG: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382.

BOAT SLIP: HOLMeS Beach, 85th Street. With boat lift, electric, storage, water. $130,000 obo. 941-792-7965.

FISHING

fUn AnD fISH: Skiff rental. 24-foot Carolina skiff. Live bait and fi shing equipment included upon request. Call 941-704-9382.

HELP WANTED

SeeKInG “1” PROfeSSIOnAL line chef to leave the heat and travel to the Adirondacks on Lake George, nY. More details about rooming, travel and compensation, text 518-796-0902, leave contact information.

OLIVe OIL OUTPOST on Pine Avenue. Part-time position. Great pay, store discount. kkary@oliveoiloutpost.com. 941-5445400.

LOOKInG TO ADD two full-time maintenance department team members for vacation rental management company on Anna Maria Island. Maintenance knowledge is not required but would be helpful. email Jason@ islandvacationproperties.co m . 941-7781000.

HELP WANTED Continued

nOW HIRInG HAnDYMAn: full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.

RePORTeR WAnTeD: full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

neeD An ADULT night out? Call Maty’s Babysitting Services. I’m 16, love kids and have lots of experience. References upon request. 618-977-9630.

KIDS fOR HIRe ads are fRee for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

SERVICES

IS YOUR HOMe or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.

CLeAnInG: VACATIOn, COnSTRUCTIOn, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PReSSURe WASHInG, PAVeR sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

BICYCLe RePAIRS: Just4fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

COMPAnIOn/HOMeMAKeR: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. References available and licensed. Call Sherri, 941-592-4969.

API’S DRYWALL RePAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

PROfeSSIOnAL WInDOW CLeAnInG: Residential, commercial, free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-8526163.

AIRPORT RIDeS: SARASOTA, St. Pete, Tampa. Call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555.

exTRA HeLP AT home or on vacation. organization, cleaning, sitting, errands. very competent. Gemma, 805-570-1415.

RIDeS neAR AnD far, car transport. Based in Palmetto. 715-292-8692.

CLeAn TeCH MOBILe Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

PIAnO LeSSOnS: PROfeSSOR offering lessons beginner through advanced levels, all ages, audition prep and accompanying. 941-518-9973.

SERVICES Continued

A 24/7 RIDe service, local company, providing a professional car service to all local airports and venues. References on request. eamonn fortune, 941-447-7737.

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.

LAWN & GARDEN

COnnIe’S LAnDSCAPInG InC. Residential and commercial. full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

BARneS LAWn AnD Landscape LLC. Design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-705-1444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

COLLInS LAnDSCAPe LIGHTInG: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com.

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

MP LAWn MAInTenAnCe now accepting new clients. Call Dante, 941-730-9199. mp@ mplawnmaintenance.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VAn-GO PAInTInG residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

TILe -TILe -TILe. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call neil, 941-726-3077.

GRIffIn’S HOMe IMPROVeMenTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

ISLAnD HAnDYMAn: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

HAnDYMAn AnD PAInTInG. no job too small. Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

SCReenInG SeRVICeS: Replace your old or ripped window, door or porch screens. Many screen types available. Retired veteran here to serve our community! free estimates, call Lane, 941-705-5293.

CALL HYDRO CLeAn. full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

MORe ADS = more readers in The Islander.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

SARASOTA InTeRIOR PAInTInG: We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! Owner operated. fully insured/ licensed. Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Instagram: SarasotaInteriorPainting.

RENTALS

AnnA MARIA GULf beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

PeRICO ISLAnD PATIO home for rent. 3BR/2BA, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to AMI. Call or text, 859771-6423.

BeAUTIfULLY fURnISHeD, AnnUAL rental in Beach Harbor Club, Longboat Key. 2BR/2BA with views of the bay, laundry and condo amenities include pool, grill, with both bay and beach access. $200 application required. $3,800 month plus fi rst and last month’s rent and $1,000 deposit. Call Mike norman Realty, 941-778-6696. 3101 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, fL 34217.

WInTeR SeASOn RenTAL: no pets. Threemonth minimum. Available: December-May. elevated 2BR/1.5BA townhouse in Holmes Beach. Two blocks to beach. Sleeps four. $5,000/month plus tax and fees. Call Anna Maria Realty, 941-778-2259.

SUnnY SHOReS/SAGAMORe estates area: Annual rental, 3BR/1.5BA home includes washer, dryer, screened-in patio area, parking under carport, access to boat ramp and park by Palma Sola Bay. $1,900/month. Call Tom, 512-757-2297.

AnnA MARIA 3BR/1BA historic cottage, half block to Gulf beach and one block to Pine Avenue shopping and restaurants. Available november, $3,400/month. 941-7788456. terryaposporos@gmail.com

BeACH LIfe! 55-PLUS PARK: 1BR/1BA. Beach just across the street! furnished, pool, parking, six-month or annual rental. $1,499/month. Vetted by office. no pets. 831-212-2606.

Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer!

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.

Is it the dog’s day?

Did you know The Islander’s Top notch photo contest includes a special prize package for a winning pet photo? Submit entries to topnotch@ islander.org. Include photographer’s name, photo details (when and where) and contact info. See contest details online. The final deadline is Aug. 11.

“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 mail order.

isl biz

Cleanup expands

The Bins Be Clean trash bin and dumpster cleaning service is adding a third truck amid an expanding list of clientele.

Serving Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, west Bradenton and Sarasota westside, Bins’ clients include residential, commercial and vacation rental properties.

“We have seen a steady growth in our business the last few years as people become aware of how this service alleviates a nasty chore at an affordable price,” said Nate Welch, Bins Be Clean owner/operator, in a July 25 announcement.

Welch founded the company in 2016, starting on Anna Maria Island, where his reputation for dependability, good communication and customer service, as well as community service, caught on.

For more information, including discounts for new customers, visit binsbeclean.com or call 941-7780020.

Final farm days

Mixon Fruit Farms, owned by Dean and Janet Mixon of Anna Maria, was marking its final week at the end of July.

The owners announced earlier this year their plans

to close the grove business at 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton.

On Facebook July 25, Mixon Fruit Farms announced, “Today starts our last week open. Hop aboard our Orange Blossom Express and visit the wildlife, have lunch at our deli, enjoy our famous orange swirl ice cream, feed the koi fish, pick grapes and more. But most of all, come by and make one more Mixon memory with us.”

For more, go to mixon.com.

Welcome to AMI chamber

The Islander joins the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce in welcoming new members in July, including: Rhodes Home Appraisal of Bradenton, Julie Rhodes; the nonprofit community organization that promotes downtown Bradenton, Realize Bradenton, Karen Corbin; Hydreight Manatee, a mobile health and wellness provider, Cecilia McClure; and real estate agent Andrew Vac of Re/Max on Longboat Key.

BizCal By

Thursday, Aug. 3

Lisa neff

7:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, Compass Hotel by Margaritaville, 12324 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1541. SAVE

Aug. 10, AMI chamber luncheon at the Feast Restaurant, Holmes Beach.

Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., AMI chamber Bayfest, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1541, info@amichamber.org. Send calendar listings to calendar@islander.org.

Once Upon A Beach

By Carol Bernard

Island real estate sales

217 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, a 2,576 sq ft 5BR/4BA pool home on a 5,742 sq ft lot built in 2014 sold 7/6/2023 by AM Magnolia LLC to Davis for $2,700,000, list price $2,800,000.

753 Jacaranda Road, Anna Maria, a 3,117 sq ft 5BR/4BA pool home on a 7,501 sq ft lot built in 2014 sold 7/6/2023 by Legacy RE Inv LLC to Rickers Trust for $3,250,000, list price $3,499,000.

210 Gulf Drive S., #C, Bradenton Beach, a 900 sq ft 2BR/2BA Capri condo built in 2001 sold 7/7/2023 by Nehra to BMB Legacy Prop LLC for $995,000, list price $975,000.

2600 Gulf Drive N., #44, Bradenton Beach, a 1,179 sq ft 2BR/2BA Anna Maria Island Club condo built in 1984 sold 7/12/2023 by Repp to Reuss Trust for $1,380,000, list price $1,499,000.

3601 E. Bay Drive, #208, Holmes Beach, a 1,004 sq ft 2BR/2BA Sandy Point condo built in 1994 sold 7/7/2023 by Lewis to Narkunas for $565,000, list price $565,000.

3206 Sixth Ave., Holmes Beach, a 731 sq ft 3BR/1BA Palm Isle Village condo built in 1957sold 7/24/2023 by LaRocca to Nordgren for $725,000, list price $749,900

6327 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,206 sq ft 3BR/2BA North Beach Village condo built in 1988 sold 7/7/2023 by 6327 Gulf Drive LLC to Red Mangrove Prop LLC for $1,150,000, list price $1,200,000.

2908 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,350 sq ft 3BR/2BA pool home on a 5,001 sq ft lot built in 1976 sold 6/30/2023 by Fagler Plant Prop LLC to Proactive Prop Group LLC for $1,450,000, list price $1,493,500.

621 Foxworth Lane, Holmes Beach, a 2,584 sq ft 4BR/4BA home on a 11,543 sq ft lot built in 2011 sold 7/14/2023 by Milligan Trust to Dunigan for $2,300,000, list price $2,399,000.

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

“When it Comes to Buying or Selling Your Home, CALL ME FIRST!