The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021

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NO. 14

JAN. 27, 2021 free

the Best news on anna Maria Island Since 1992

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Astheworldterns. 6 ‘Vaccine tourism’ regulated. 4

Meetings. 4 federal order mandates masks for some properties, travel. 5 Island officials briefed on transportation projects. 5

Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

HB orders fines. 8 BB sides with county on refueling at ramps. 9

Save a date. 10

Happenings announcements. 11 ‘Re-imagined’ museum opens in Cortez. 12-13

‘Tenacious’ fire in Cortez, $2.5M yacht a total loss

West Manatee fire Rescue fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said, “this is likely the most tenacious fire we’ve gone to war with.” the 911 call for a boat fire at Cortez Cove Marina was made at about 3:45 p.m. Jan. 18 with WMfR and Cedar Hammock firefighters and apparatus responding. they fought the fire aboard the 75-foot Princess Motor Yacht, dry-docked for repairs at the Cortez Cove Marina on the waterfront at 4522 121st St. Court, Cortez, for 18 hours and prevented damage to surrounding boats, structures and the environment in the process. Story: Page 3. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jim Carver

AM asks public for pier ideas

Gathering. 14

Obituaries. 14 aM residents nominated for top citizen. 15

Q&A 012721

By amy V.t. Moriarty Islander Reporter

15

Streetlife. 16 Island officers assist at inauguration. 16 WMfR HQ construction ahead of schedule. 17 Wildlife rescue soars into 2021. Cold-stunned turtle succumbs. 18

You say tomato? 19 time to tackle sports. 20 Plenty of species going for live shrimp. 21

ISL BIZ:

22

PropertyWatch. 23 CLASSIFIEDS. 24 Literacy week @aMe. 26

NYT puzzle.

the house built on stilts over the water in Sarasota Bay by Raymond guthrie Jr. in 2017 — the subject of a court ordered demolition with a deadline that passed Jan. 24 — still stands across the water from the a.P. Bell fish Co. docks. Islander file Photo

Demo deadline passes, stay sought

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Another deadline to demolish Raymond Guthrie Jr.’s house in Sarasota Bay near the commercial docks of Cortez has come and gone.

And the structure — built on pilings over the water — remains standing.

Guthrie told The Islander Jan. 24 he would “maintain the status quo” and keep the house standing on the waterfront for the foreseeable future.

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He filed a motion Jan. 14 for a stay of enforcement of 12th Judicial Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas’ order requiring him to remove the structure by the Jan. 24 deadline, but he hadn’t received a court response as of Jan. 24.

Guthrie for three years has been locked in a legal battle with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which safeguards the state-owned Sarasota Bay waters where the stilt house stands on pilings. tuRn to CAMP, Page 2

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Anna Maria officials are fishing for ideas.

City commissioners and Mayor Dan Murphy are interested in public opinion about the best uses for the vacant building on the rebuilt Anna Maria City Pier.

A city pier workshop meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, to solicit thoughts regarding the use of the cityowned building, Murphy said Jan. 21 in a phone call with The Islander.

The mayor said the meeting will be held on the pier, 100 Bay Blvd., so people could get a feel for the space.

“It’s going to take a lot of public input and commission thought,” Murphy said.

Among the uses already suggested is a restaurant with inside seating.

A former use on the historic pier was a restaurant offering full-service dining and beer and wine sales.

As officials prepared to reopen the pier, a number of restaurateurs expressed interest in the location, Murphy said.

However, their restaurant plans called for use of the entire structure and Murphy said the commission nixed them in favor of splitting the space. tuRn to Pier, Page 4

Page 2 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 27, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

‘Amazing’ Day

Country singer garth Brooks, takes the stage Jan. 20 and performs “amazing grace” a capella for the Biden-Harris inauguration in Washington, d.C. Brooks invited the inaugural subjects and the audience to sing along on the final verse. the country music legend has performed for all the u.S. presidents since Jimmy Carter with the exception of Ronald Reagan. He and wife trisha Yearwood own beachfront property in Holmes Beach. Islander Screenshots

CAMp ContInued fRoM Page 1

Guthrie maintains the structure is a historic “net camp” where, until the advent of monofilament nets, cotton fishing nets were stored by commercial fishers, including his father and grandfather.

The structure resembles a residential home, with basic utilities, a living area and a deck.

The DEP maintains the house was illegally built without state permits and successfully argued the case in court in February 2019.

Nicholas first ordered Guthrie to remove the 1,200square-foot structure in February 2020, with a deadline to demolish the house last summer. The deadline was extended at Guthrie’s request, but the stilt house stood when it passed.

So the DEP filed a motion for contempt.

Nicholas’ order from November 2020 denied the DEP motion for contempt, but granted DEP’s request for Guthrie to remove the structure by Jan. 24.

Guthrie’s Jan. 14 motion states legislators, including state Sen. Jim Boyd and state Reps. Will Robinson and Tommy Gregory, would not fight to stay the demo order, but voiced support for preserving the structure during a January meeting and indicated they would pursue legislative action to protect camps.

“Guthrie has expressed his willingness and desire to abide by the decisions of the DEP as enforced by this court, but seeks additional time for legislative action to run its course,” the motion reads.

A.P. Bell Fish Co. owner Karen Bell, who intervened in the legal battle in support of Guthrie, told The Islander Jan. 20 that she wasn’t sure what would happen if Guthrie’s latest motion went unrecognized by the court before the deadline.

“We’re trying to (fight), but it’s just been frustrating,” Bell said. “The goal is to get it before the Legislature and let the citizens of Florida have a say as opposed to just the DEP because most everyone we’re aware of wants it to stay.”

“I don’t want to fight with anybody, but I certainly would like the consideration that the public gets an opportunity to have their say,” she added.

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Jan. 27, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

WMFR fights fire aboard dry-docked $2.5M yacht in Cortez

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

The 911 call for a boat fire at Cortez Cove Marina was made at about 3:45 p.m. Jan. 18.

It took 18 hours, but personnel from West Manatee and Cedar Hammock fire rescue departments extinguished the fire on a luxury yacht dry-docked at the marina, 4522 121st St. Court W., Cortez.

There were no injuries.

The cause of the fire had not been determined as of Islander press time Jan. 25.

Marina staff performing maintenance on the boat said the fire was discovered coming from the direction of the electric panels, said WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski.

WMFR reported no significant damage to surrounding boats, structures or the environment.

However, the 2014 Princess 72 Motor Yacht valued at $2.5 million was a loss.

Michael Gary, the owner of the boat, could not be reached for comment as of Islander press time.

Matthew Gary, Michael’s son and captain of the boat, answered a call from The Islander Jan. 25 and declined to comment. The Gary family are natives of Kansas.

The marina owner is John Lynch, who was not reached. A phone call to the marina Jan. 21 was answered by a worker who said marina leadership likely would not comment.

WFMR fights a few nautical fires a year, but the size of the Cortez blaze was unusual, Kwiatkowski said.

“This is likely the most tenacious fire we’ve gone to war with,” Kwiatkowski said. “We’ve fought structures that were larger over the years, but we have never had a fire so unwilling to go out. We attribute the fire’s tenacity, in large part, to the modern composition of building materials.”

The situation demanded the employment of complex firefighting strategies.

“It takes a large, well-trained crew to take care of something that big safely,” Kwiatkwoski said. “Upon

After 18 hours, West Manatee and Cedar Hammock fire rescue departments fully extinguished the Jan. 18-19 fire on a 75-foot luxury yacht dry-docked near the waterfront amid other stored boats at the Cortez Cove Marina, 4522 121st St. Court W., Cortez. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

arrival, we have to determine if this is an offensive or defensive attack. Can we eliminate the fire in its current stage, or should we focus all our efforts on defending the boats around it? This is the first big decision we had to make.”

In the end, WMFR employed forms of both attacks, setting up a ladder to spray the boat from above, and hand crews around the boat as well as a dedicated crew

to protect surrounding structures from radiant heat.

Aside from putting out the fire and protecting property, WMFR leadership had to consider firefighter safety, technical challenges presented by the burning boat on stilts and the integrity of the environment.

One of the dangers of multiple fire crews working at once is tunnel vision.

“Everyone is doing their job, offensive or defensive, and it’s easy to focus on your job alone,” Kwiatkowski said.

To mitigate danger, a crew works under a fire safety officer.

Firefighting tactics required measurement due to the weight of the vessel, as there was the possibility the supports under the yacht could collapse.

“The boat was on jacks prior to it catching fire, and then there was wood cribbing underneath to help stabilize it,” Kwiatkowski said. “When it caught fire, we introduced water. And water is heavy. So, you have a 75-foot vessel weighing itself down. You have the water. And you have to account for the fuel, which we estimated at about 1,500 pounds.”

To minimize stress on the support structure, crews filled the vessel with water and let the boat drain before filling it up again.

No fuel made its way into the cove, but WMFR worked with Sea Tow to set up buoys to contain surface runoff in the water around the perimeter of the dock.

“We are always training for the unknown,” Kwiatkowski said. “And we are constantly sharing information with other departments. It’s our job to be prepared for things people aren’t thinking about.”

Princess Yachts: Though the exact

specifications of the burned-out vessel have yet to be determined, according to the Princess Yacht website, the latest Y Class of Princess yachts are about 75 feet long with an 18-foot beam. They displace about 44 tons of water and carry about 990-1,200 gallons of fuel.

Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 27, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Vaccine tourism regulated, county supply exhausted

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Change appears on the horizon.

The state issued new health guidelines Jan. 21 requiring COVID-19 vaccines only be given to people who could prove they are full-time or seasonal residents of Florida.

State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees signed an advisory prioritizing Florida residents for the vaccine, following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order stating the shots should be reserved for part- or full-time state residents.

“We’re only doing (shots) for Florida residents,” DeSantis said Jan. 19, according to a CNN report.

“You’ve got to live here either full-time or at least part-time.”

Prior to the shift, there were no residency requirements in Manatee County.

As doses of the Moderna vaccine were administered in early January, Floridians were told by DeSantis that people from other states — and Canadian provinces — would be given the same consideration as full-time residents.

The only stipulation was they be more than 65 years old.

Manatee County Commissioners Carol Whitmore and Kevin Van Ostenbridge said they support the recent updates.

“I’m glad that our governor recognized Florida residents and that people made their voices heard to direct that change,” Whitmore told The Islander Jan. 22.

Van Ostenbridge said Jan. 22, “I wish that the state would narrow the scope of those being provided with

people with both doses of the vaccine, up by more than 100,000 doses the week prior.

Two doses — about 28 days apart — are required for the vaccine to be effective, according to the Department of Health-Manatee County.

As of Jan. 19, the state vaccinated more than 39,000 people who reside out-of-state, including more than 1,000 who had received the recommended two doses, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Within the county, 1,142 people received both vaccine doses as of Jan. 22.

“Demand for the COVID-19 vaccine is far in excess of the supply the state has received so far,” the DOH site stated Jan. 22. “It is anticipated that additional supplies will be coming soon.”

Vaccination location sites, including required information to join the vaccination pool, are listed at floridahealthcovid19.gov.

Tracking cases Jan. 16-22, 1,068 new cases of the novel coronavirus were reported in the county.

As of Jan. 22, 154 people in Holmes Beach, 68 people in Bradenton Beach and 44 people in Anna Maria had tested positive for COVID-19 since March Gov. Ron DeSantis, right, speaks Jan. 7 during a 2020 — an increase of 16 cases compared to the week news conference at Bennett Park, 400 Cypress prior.

Creek Blvd., Bradenton, a vaccination site. State According to metrics provided by the DOH as of Rep. Will Robinson accompanied the governor.

Jan. 22, 26,990 people tested positive for the virus Islander Photo: Courtesy DOH-Manatee in Manatee County since March 1, 2020, with 1,210 hospitalizations and 484 fatalities — an increase of 30 the vaccine to include people with immunodeficiency deaths in one week. illnesses.”

Of those testing positive, 487 were nonresidents, As of Jan. 22, the state had vaccinated 139,345 compared with 463 the week prior.

According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, three basic ways to slow the New on the beat The ability to take out the garbage in the middle spread of the virus include: Hi, my name is Kane Kaiman, and I am excited of the night in January without putting on boots is • Stay at least 6 feet — about two arm lengths — a luxury. I also cannot complain about the fishing, to be joining The Islander reporting team. from those who don’t live with you; I grew up in the Deep North and I hope to catch my first barracuda in the near • Avoid crowds. The more people you are in con— Cedarburg, Wisconsin — and future. tact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to I have yet to see an alligator. attended the University of WisCOVID-19; Aside from reporting the news, I enjoy table consin-Madison, where I majored • Wear a mask to protect yourself and others. in journalism and mass communi- tennis, poker and creative writing.

Anna Maria and Holmes Beach mandate that Before gravitating back to journalism, I was in cation. people more than 6-years-old wear face coverings I always enjoyed shoveling project management and sales and coached football.

Kaiman when they cannot maintain a distance of 6 feet from a snow; I think it builds character. I Looking at my background, I think the common person with which he or she does not reside. theme is a passion for communication. I hope to am a Packer fan, and I like bratwurst.

Bradenton Beach does not have a mask mandate In 2018, I moved to northwest Bradenton, reflect that in my reporting. and instead encourages people to wear masks in busiI look forward to getting to know members of and I live just across the bridge from Anna Maria nesses that request them. the community.

Island.

The state does not have a mask mandate and pro— Kane Kaiman I’ll admit, in many ways, Florida is a paradise. hibits local governments from fining people who fail to follow municipal mandates.

At the federal level, several mandates on masks — and other pandemic issues — went into effect Jan. 20-22.

See related story page 5.

Anna Maria City West Manatee Fire Rescue Jan. 28, 9 a.m., special magistrate.

None announced.

Jan. 28, 5 p.m., commission.

WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. pier continued from page 1 Feb. 10, 1:30 p.m., commission (at the city W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

Other suggestions include space for special events pier). and meetings, retail shops and a marine learning lab.

Feb. 11, 2 p.m., commission.

Manatee County “There’s benefit to every one of the ideas,” Murphy Feb. 25, 6 p.m., commission.

Feb. 4, 9 a.m., commission (land use). said.

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941Feb. 9, 9 a.m., commission.

Asked if he had a preference, the mayor said to 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

Feb. 23, 9 a.m., commission. say so would be disingenuous.

Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., “My preference is that we have direction. Let’s be Bradenton Beach Palmetto, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. proactive and make something happen,” he said.

Feb. 3, 9:15 a.m., commission.

Murphy does not anticipate the matter to be settled Feb. 3, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Of interest with a meeting.

Feb. 3, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES. Feb. 1, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Develop“I don’t think it’s wise to make a decision in one Feb. 4. 6 p.m., commission. ment Council, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 meeting about something so big and important,” he Feb. 10, 9:15 a.m., commission.

Haben Blvd., Palmetto. concluded.

Feb. 17, 9:15 a.m., commission.

Feb. 2, 4 p.m., Manatee County Council of GovThe new pier was built after the historic pier was Feb. 18, noon, commission. ernments, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and, based on the Feb. 24, 9:15 a.m., commission.

Blvd., Palmetto. insurance held by the city, required demolition.

Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Feb. 8, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Previously, the T-end of the old structure included 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Organization, Bradenton Beach. a restaurant, bait shop and 24-hour fishing.

Feb. 10, 4 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway CorDuring the construction of the new pier, two buildridor Management Entity, Bradenton Public Works, ings were erected.

Holmes Beach Feb. 3, 10 a.m., parks and beautification.

1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

The northernmost building now houses restrooms Feb. 3, 6 p.m., planning commission.

Feb. 15, Presidents Day, most government offices for pier patrons and the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop, Feb. 9, 6 p.m., commission. are closed. owned by Brian Seymour, Nick Graham and Vic Feb. 23, 6 p.m., commission.

Mattay, who also operate businesses on Pine Avenue.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941Please, send meeting notices to calendar@islander.

The available location is the vacant building on 708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. org and news@islander.org. the south side of the T-end.

Meetings

Jan. 27, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Order mandates masks on federal property, some travel

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

President Joe Biden began his term signing a flurry of executive orders, including a mask mandate for federal property.

But the mandate won’t make a sizable splash on Anna Maria Island.

The Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing signed Jan. 20 requires people on federal property to wear masks, social distance and adhere to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety guidelines in an effort to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

There are two U.S. Postal Service offices on the island: 101B N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, and 116 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. A third facility at 5354 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, is a contractual service.

The only federal properties on the island, however, are U.S. Postal Service offices at 101B N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, and 116 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach.

The postmasters for both offices were reportedly not authorized to speak with the press, but David Walton, USPS strategic communications director for its Mississippi and Suncoast districts, wrote in a Jan. 24 email to The Islander that the service was in the process of reviewing the federal mask mandate and declined to comment further.

Other federal properties in the area include a post office in Cortez and another in west Bradenton and the De Soto National Memorial in west Bradenton.

While the order only requires people to wear face masks on federal property, it encourages the use of the safety measure across the country.

The order states that the health and human services secretary and CDC director coordinate with state and local officials, as well as businesses and community

the Bradenton Beach post office at 116 Bridge St. is one of two facilities on the island impacted by President Joe Biden’s mask mandate for federal properties.

Islander Photo: Chrisann allen

leaders, to maximize public compliance with facemask requirements.

Biden signed another executive order Jan. 21 mandating some travelers wear face masks, including those traveling via airports and planes, ferries and intercity public transportation.

spreading COVID-19.”

Other executive orders that may impact islanders: • Call for increased financial assistance for the unemployed, those struggling to buy food, as well as people who missed stimulus checks; • Direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency to create community vaccination centers; • Direct the Department of Education and HHS to provide guidance for reopening schools and child care facilities; • Extend the nationwide moratorium on evictions and foreclosures until at least March 31.

Travel requirements The Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel may make a larger impact on the island since Manatee County Area Transit’s services, including its island trolleys, haven’t required passengers to wear face masks at any point since the pandemic began early last year.

The order states, “The Surgeon General and the On the web National Institutes of Health have concluded that maskTo read the orders or for more information, go wearing, physical distancing, appropriate ventilation online to www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presiand timely testing can mitigate the risk of travelers dential-actions.

island officials briefed on upcoming transportation projects

By Chrisann allen Islander Reporter

Traffic and related roadways often are a concern on Anna Maria Island.

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie hosted a Jan. 20 meeting of the Island Transportation Planning Organization, attended in person by Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jan Vosburgh and Manatee County District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy attended via telephone, while Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth was absent with excuse.

The ITPO is a committee of three elected officials, one from each of the three Anna Maria Island cities, that was chartered by the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization. The ITPO’s designated representative — presently Chappie — holds a seat on the MPO board.

Lacking a quorum, no motions were made.

David Hutchinson of the MPO attended with Jesten Abraham of the Florida Department of Transportation

#AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether

to provide updates.

Hutchinson said the MPO board had adopted a long-term transportation plan for the county, a process that occurs every five years.

He summarized some upcoming projects.

“We are making improvements, which will take 25-40 years,” he said. “We will continue to implement safety projects and work with Florida-DOT.” Hutchinson said the MPO was considering funding and the implementation process for the SUNTrail, which will include a 10-foot-wide bike path along State Road 789/Gulf Drive from the Longboat Pass Bridge in Bradenton Beach north to the Marina DriveGulf Drive intersection in Holmes Beach.

Abraham said the DOT is working on project priorities due to reduced funding resulting from pandemic-related cutbacks.

The DOT’s five-year plan includes developing the construction phase for a new, fixed-span, high Cortez Bridge.

Additionally, Chappie said plans to replace sewer

lines in Bradenton Beach, from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South, were underway and would be implemented this summer.

Construction would either reduce or eliminate parking at Cortez Beach.

“It’s not going to be a fun dig, it is going to be a problem,” Chappie said. “But it is something that has to be done and everybody knows it. It just is what it is.”

The ITPO met in advance of the MPO, which was to meet in Palmetto Jan. 25, as The Islander went to press.

The next ITPO meeting will be 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Click! The Islander welcomes news of the

milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices — along with contact info — to news@islander.org.

Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 27, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

This too will pass

Many of us — in the senior age bracket — are waiting, waiting, waiting to get a vaccine.

Many people were waiting to sign up for the vaccine last week, s websites crashed, signups turned into a lottery and other signup sites failed altogether.

The whole process — county to county, state to state — has no rhyme or reason.

I learned Sarasota County’s signup, first come, first served, had enlisted 50,000 seniors in its first hour.

Of course, the number of available vaccines was far lower — 3,000.

But at least the seniors who signed up don’t have to return to try again. They will “stand in line” online as more vaccine supplies become available.

In Manatee County, the first rounds of signup for the paltry 300 vaccines resembled a cattle call.

Of the county’s 100,000-plus seniors, once the 300 doses of vaccine were allocated, the list closed down.

People were forced to return another week to hit the magic “ticket” button for each of the allocated dates, with the repeated response: “Sold Out.” After some complaints about the process, the county backtracked. But those who register for new allocations are in a pool of tens of thousands, waiting for their name to pop up. And whose choice is it?

Unknown. How are the names drawn? Unknown.

When will there be more vaccines? Unknown.

At least with first come, first served, you get a number and a position in line.

Well, like the rest of you, I think we should do better for seniors, especially those with co-morbidities who long to see their families and live a remotely familiar, “normal” lifestyle.

AND — big and — it also appears there are staff and patients in ACLFs and vital care facilities in Manatee County who are not yet vaccinated?

It seems we’ve got better odds by taking part in the vaccine trials.

Meanwhile, some government and health care officials are following the same old muddy path — trying to control how people behave by encouraging those who are vaccinated to wear masks in public in order to encourage others to continue the practice.

About speed boat enthusiasts Skimming online …

For myself, I prefer truth and transparency.

How do you respond to people who put money Web (register for free news alerts) Tell us the truth — even as the science changes — and let us make the right choices, as we also choose to in front of the destruction of animals and water for islander.org their pleasure, making a negative impact on our given Facebook avoid people who ignore the guidelines.

I’ll be grateful when the vaccine orders from the gifts? islandernewspaper Ines Norman, Bradenton Beach new Biden plan trickle down to our level.

Twitter Please, let it be plenty and fast and fair. @ami_islander Government connections — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Instagram theislanderami Anna Maria: Mayor Dan Murphy; 941-708-6130; 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria FL 34216; cityofan- Pinterest islandernewspaper namaria.com; ammayor@cityofannamaria.com.

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Opinion

Your

Jan. 27, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

From the archives

10&20 years ago

in the Jan 24, 2001, issue:

Hail to the hall a crowd gathers in anna Maria for the dedication of a new city hall in 1967. for more historical photos, go online to www.mymanatee.org/neighborhoodhistories. Islander Photos: Manatee County Public Library System

Pelicans at the pier Pelicans in 1981 sit atop a building at the old anna Maria City Pier, which was demolished following damage by Hurricane Irma and replaced by a new structure.

• The Manatee County School Board approved 4-1 a proposal from two islanders for an island middle school, but stipulated the committee must have a location by April 2, 2001, to receive a contract and subsequent funding from the board. The committee also needed to raise $100,000.

• Anna Maria residents were mixed in their support of a proposal for a dog beach near Bayfront Park. Proponents said they had 16 people who supported the project, but a physician living close to the proposed beach location said high levels of e-coli bacteria were found in the waters at the only local beach — Palma Sola Causeway — that allowed dogs.

• Owners of the Beach Unlimited clothing store on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach removed some sexually explicit merchandise after police told the owners they had received complaints from residents.

in the Jan. 26, 2011, issue:

• Heavy wind, hail and rain blew across Anna Maria Island on Martin Luther King Day Jan. 17, 2011, causing minor damage and disrupting traffic.

• Bradenton Beach announced plans to move a 60-year-old cottage from city property over the Cortez Bridge to the preserve maintained by the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage.

• Bridge Street merchants said they were planning a Beach to Bay Eco Day to promote environmental awareness and market the business corridor.

islander issues

Take a trip back in time with The Islander in our digital newspaper collection. It’s simple, easy and available 24/7. There’s 29 years — the complete collection of The Islander — online at ufdc.ufl. edu.

— Lisa neff

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 27, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bradenton Beach reaches new parking agreement with resort

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The record for three Bridge Street parking spaces is getting set straight after more than 20 years.

City commissioners voted 5-0 Jan. 21 to approve a resolution-based parking agreement with BridgeWalk Resort, 100 Bridge St., granting the property exclusive use of three Bridge Street parking spaces that were supposed to be included in an original deal for the business.

The commission in 2000 approved a development plan proposed for the motel by the owners, Angela Rodocker and her late mother, Barbara Rodocker.

In 2000, city commissioners approved a plan that gave BridgeWalk exclusive rights to three parking spaces on Bridge Street.

However, as a whereas clause in the new agree-

ment states, “Recent events … have revealed an omission or scrivener’s error” failing to specify exclusivity over the spaces.

Angela Rodocker told commissioners people frequently park in the spots despite the posted “CHECKIN PARKING ONLY PLEASE” signs and leave their vehicles to go to the beach or visit businesses on Bridge Street.

She asked the city to grant her exclusivity over the spaces so she could enforce their use for motel guests.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale, who supported Rodocker’s request, asked the commission to give her full-time exclusivity to clear up confusion about whether the parking spaces are public or private.

Mayor John Chappie, who served on the commis-

sion at the time of the original agreement, said commissioners in 2000 verbally agreed to give the resort exclusive rights to the parking spaces even if it didn’t end up in the written agreement.

“I feel in my heart that the city made an agreement years ago,” Chappie said. “They (BridgeWalk) originally signed on to have those parking spaces and this is simply giving it to them.”

There was no public comment.

The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m.

Feb. 4 at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Holmes Beach special magistrate issues fines Holmes Beach code compliance is coming down on repeat violators.

Special magistrate Michael Connolly, an attorney appointed by the city to rule on code compliance violations, issued fines during a Jan. 21 hearing, held via Zoom and at city hall.

Property owners Shawn and Jennifer Kaleta were hit with a $500 per day fine from Nov. 18, 2020-Jan. 19, for renting a beachfront property they own at 102 48th St. for an improper length of stay, where the residential zone limits rentals to no less than 30 nights, according to city codes.

The fines totaled $30,500, with an administrative fee of $127.24.

Attorney Louis Najmy of the Najmy Thompson firm of Bradenton, represented the owners.

Also, Mohamad Waliagha, 515 75th St., was fined for advertising an improper length of stay.

Waliagha’s property is in a zone that does not allow rentals of less than 30 nights and code compli-

Place portrait photo here

ance determined he allowed weekly rentals.

The case had been continued to Jan. 21 because the owner claimed Nov. 20, 2020, that he did not receive timely notice.

The $500 daily fine imposed by Connolly was retroactive to Nov. 10, 2020, amounting to $7,500, as well as an administrative fee of $127.24.

Cases found in compliance or resolved include: • City v. Two Star Properties LLC and Najmy Properties LLC, 102 39th St., units 2, 4 and 6.

• City v. George P. Stellas Jr. and The Toy Barn of FL LLC, 5604 B, Marina Drive.

Other cases, including Blue Water AMI; Roadman-Raulerson; Pettersen; Allora; and Bali Hai, were continued.

The next special magistrate hearing was set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, at city hall and possibly via Zoom, with instructions available on the city website at holmesbeachfl.org.

— Chrisann allen

Bradenton Beach commissioners agreed Jan. 21 to a parking agreement with the BridgeWalk Resort, 100 Bridge St., granting the hotel exclusive use of the three spaces with “CHeCK-In PaRKIng onLY PLeaSe” signage on Bridge Street. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

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BB sides with county, limiting ramp refueling operations

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Paradise Boat Tours may not have much longer to use the South Coquina Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach to refuel vessels.

City commissioners reached consensus Jan. 21, expressing opposition to commercial operations such as Paradise Boat Tours refueling at the public dock.

The boat ramp is owned and maintained by Manatee County, although Bradenton Beach has an interlocal agreement with the county allowing use of the ramp as a staging area and a launch point for marine construction projects.

City attorney Ricinda Perry began the discussion by saying she received correspondence from county environmental program manager Alan Lai Hipp asking about the city’s stance on commercial vessels refueling at the dock.

Allowing the boat ramp to be used for such operations could impact the city’s ability to use the location, Perry said.

“The more people you have using the facility equals a greater chance of interference with our ability to use it,” she said.

Mayor John Chappie expressed concerns about the legality and safety of refueling at the public dock.

“Just to give a blanket statement here, I would say we need to say ‘No,’” Chappie said. “I can just envision all kinds of boats lining up with trucks full of 5-gallon cans in this public recreation area. ...So I’m not in favor of it.”

Commissioner Ralph Cole said allowing commercial vessels to refuel at the public dock would be “opening a can of worms.”

“I just don’t think it’s appropriate,” Cole said.

“There are plenty of other places to fuel a boat around here.”

Paradise Boat Tour’s owner Sherman Baldwin previously told The Islander his company uses a modified pickup truck to transport and dispense into tour vessels

Bradenton Beach commissioners Jan. 21 discuss whether commercial vessels should be allowed to refuel at the South Coquina Boat Ramp. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

up to 80 gallons of gas at the dock because it is cheaper than refueling at a marina.

Baldwin said his company had been refueling at the dock for seven years, with no issue until the county crack down last October.

There currently is no regulation prohibiting people from refueling vessels at the county-owned dock, but county commissioners unanimously signaled their opposition to the practice at a Dec. 15, 2020, meeting. The board asked county attorney Mickey Palmer to draft prohibitions against the fueling operations.

Lai Hipp told The Islander Jan. 21 that county staff was addressing the issue, but could not comment on the next step or when proposed regulations might go before county commissioners.

Baldwin told The Islander Jan. 21 that he is frustrated the item was discussed by the city without notice on the meeting agenda.

Florida law requires municipalities to give “reasonable notice” for public meetings so people can attend and participate in discussions.

Many cities, including Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, release agendas up to a week before a meeting

and they restrict changes.

On the other hand, meetings in Bradenton Beach feature an “adoption of agenda” after each roll call for attendance that allows last-second changes to any agenda.

The meeting was noticed, but the discussion item was not included on the agenda or in the notice.

Chappie proposed adding the discussion item to the agenda during its adoption at the Jan. 21 meeting and the commission unanimously voted to approve the amended agenda.

Baldwin said he decided not to attend the meeting because the discussion item wasn’t listed on the published agenda.

“I’m a little concerned that something that is so important to me popped up,” Baldwin said. “I wish I had a chance to address the commission to provide them a little more details instead of just an email from Alan Lai Hipp.”

“I think it needs to be a formal agenda item and thoroughly discussed,” he added. “My next step is to write the city commission and ask to get this on an agenda.”

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The Islander Calendar

get listed in the Islander calendar. email calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

on Screen presents “Frida, Viva La Vida,” Sarasota.

TBD. TENTATIVE Feb. 6, Anna Maria Island Privateers Casino Night, Palmetto.

July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers July 4 Parade, islandwide.

TENTATIVE AHEAD VIRTUAL ON AMI July 15, Anna Maria Island Privateers treasure hunt, TENTAFeb. 1, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria 2021 show opens.

TIVE Saturday, Jan. 30 March 4-25, artsHOP, islandwide.

5:30-10 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers scholarship party, Drift In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-780AHEAD OFF AMI KIDS & FAMILY 1668.

April 29-May 3, Sarasota-Manatee Originals Forks and Corks ONGOING ON AMI ONGOING ON AMI Food and Wine Festival, various locations.

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Movies in the Park, City Pier Park, 103 Throughout January, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits “Water N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708 –6130.

COMMUNITY & Dancing,” featuring work by Susanna Spann, 5414 Marina Drive, CLUBS AHEAD ON AMI Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Throughout January, “Love Lights,” mosaics by Donna GrossONGOING ON AMI March 6, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Day, man, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Informa- Anna Maria. TENTATIVE Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Thursdays in Paradise art, shopping and tion: 941-778-6648.

March 14, Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Holmes entertainment, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941Throughout February, “Coastal Dreams” paintings by Jamie Beach. TENTATIVE 896-2222.

Fugardi, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. InforJune 5, Anna Maria Island Privateers Snooks Adams Kids Day, Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakmation: 941-778-6648. fast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1382.

AHEAD ON AMI Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meetFeb. 13-14, arts and crafts fair, Holmes Beach. ing, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton March 13-14, Anna Maria Island Art League Springfest, Holmes Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505.

Beach.

Tuesdays into May, Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, April 10, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach’n 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708 –6130.

Food Truck Festival, Holmes Beach.

July 24, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas in July party, ONGOING OFF AMI Bradenton Beach. TENTATIVE First Fridays, 10 a.m., Parkinson’s Support Group, Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-926ONGOING OFF AMI 6413.

Through April 11. “For Real This Time,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies.

AHEAD OFF AMI Information: 941-359-5700.

Feb. 13, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, BraThrough June 27, “Kabuki Modern,” John and Mable Ringling denton.

Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. InforMarch 13, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Bramation: 941-359-5700. denton.

AHEAD OFF AMI

OUTDOORS & SPORTS

Jan. 31, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s Great Art

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Coastal dreaming Island gallery West will feature paintings by Jamie fugardi throughout february. the exhibit, “Coastal dreams,” features watercolors and acrylics focused on local surroundings — at sea and on land. the artist, a Sarasota resident of more than 40 years, has exhibited in tampa, Clearwater and Lakewood Ranch. She’ll be in the gallery 10 a.m.-5 p.m..

Sunday, feb. 21. for more information, visit IgW at 5368 gulf drive, Holmes Beach, or call 941-7786648. face masks are required at IgW. Islander Courtesy Photo

April 8, coastal cleanup, islandwide.

April 10, Anna Maria Island Privateers Whitey Horton Putt Putt Golf Tournament, Bradenton Beach.

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AHEAD OFF AMI Feb. 20, Feb. 27, Manatee County Audubon Society bird ID course field trips.

March 5-7, July 26-32, American Cornhole Organization world competition, various locations.

May 14, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Bradenton.

Feb. 9-11, Gulf Shellfish Institute clam restoration workshop, online.

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Island happenings

Jan. 27, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

get listed in the Islander calendar. email calendar@islander.org.

Kiwanis to meet Jan. 30

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will gather Saturday, Jan. 30, for a meeting and to hear from a representative of the Salvation Army.

The meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. at the Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.

Due to the pandemic, face masks are required when attendees are not eating or drinking.

For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMi

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals.

Information: 941-345-2441.

Collection day ahead • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser dawn Birkeland of Clean Harbors, a hazardous waste collection company, prepares fluorescent light tubes Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna for disposal during a past e-Scrap and Hazardous Waste Collection in Bradenton Beach. this year’s event, Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island set for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Coquina Beach, will look different, with masks and social disDenominations. Information: 941-778-0414. tancing required. Islander file Photo The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Audubon booking for virtual bird iD course, field trips Department seeks “self-guided volunteers” to clean The Manatee County Audubon Society is registerAlso, the group will host four Zoom-based classes trails and beaches, take photos and other tasks. Info: ing students for its annual bird ID course, which will on bird identification. The classes, beginning at 6:30 michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923. feature online instruction and two outings. p.m., will be Monday, Feb. 15; Wednesday, Feb. 17; Assistance offered to AMi Field trips are being organized for Saturdays, Feb. Monday, Feb. 22; and Wednesday, Feb. 24.

• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce 20 and Feb. 27.

The cost to enroll is $40 per person, in addition to offers free face masks. Information:941-778-1541. acquiring membership in the group, which is $25 per • The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants for household.

CALeNDAR ContInued fRoM Page 10 food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna For more information, contact Steve Black at 941Feb. 15, Feb. 17, Feb. 22, Feb. 24, Manatee County Audubon 376-0110 or sblack4823@gmail.com or Mike Barnes Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

• All Island Denominations offers help to those Society bird ID course, Zoom. at 586-246-4105 or ncndmike@comcast.net. who live on the island, go to church on the island, GOOD TO KNOW attend school on the island or work on the island. InforSubmit social news to news@islander.org. Please, include mation: 941-725-2433.

SAVE THE DATES time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name Send listings to calendar@islander.org. and phone number for publication. And, thanks for sharing!

Sunday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Monday, Feb. 15, Presidents Day. Sunday, March 14, daylight saving time begins.

Wednesday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.

GET LISTED POST IN THE CALENDAR Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 27, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cortez museum ‘Re-imagined’ amid viral shanty craze

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

I’m so happy I could sing.

In a world where sea shanties have gone viral on social media and people are singing the seafaring work songs on TikTok, the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez reopened as “Re-Imagined,” with exhibits that enhance links to the history of the sea.

The museum opened Jan. 19 after completing a renovation in which the entryway, education room, gift store and exhibits were “Re-imagined” to increase accessibility and enhance learning experiences.

The museum took a multifaceted approach to creating a more user-friendly environment, said Florida Maritime Museum supervisor Kristin Sweeting.

“Re-Imagined” put a focus on language.

In addition to increasing the size of the text in the displays for exhibits, the museum enhanced readability for comprehension.

Of equal importance is the use of English and Spanish in the exhibits.

The museum also took into account lighting and height.

“We wanted to make sure everyone could read things, see things, that the exhibits would be low enough for kids to interact with,” Sweeting said. “It was really about creating a diverse, intergenerational space for people to learn about Florida maritime history.”

Other enhancements involved improving exhibit continuity, information and interactivity.

“We developed more of a story to make a cohesive environment between exhibits, and we really went out of our way to make sure that everything we could label, we did label,” Sweeting said.

In a new “Captain’s Corner” — an intergenerational education room — kids can open drawers to examine artifacts.

Also, museumgoers can view the Blake Banks shell

Capt. Richard Correa, left, dick McIntyre and Mike Haley perform as the Shanty Singers in January 2019 on the porch of the florida Maritime Museum in Cortez. the singers feature the songs of sailors and stevedores working on the florida coast in the mid1800s. Islander file Photo

collection and browse a maritime research library.

The development of the permanent exhibits was funded in part by the state of Florida — the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The nonprofit Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum provided matching funds.

Other attractions include “Caught in the Storm: 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes,” a timeline exhibit with indoor and outdoor displays, as well as a mosaic in the museum’s butterfly garden.

With an emphasis on safety during the pandemic, the museum is open by appointment Tuesday-Saturday.

Admission is free, with two available time slots, 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Registration can be made at floridamartimemuseum.org or by calling 941-708-6120.

a view of the florida Maritime Museum’s new entryway. the museum reopened Jan. 19 for tour appointments following an extensive renovation project during the pandemic. the museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Islander Photo: Courtesy PLeaSe, See MUseUM, neXt Page fMM

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a newly completed mosaic in the museum’s butterfly garden. artist Pearse Kelly worked with local volunteers on the project. Islander Photo: Courtesy fMM Send your social news, weddings, anniversaries, births, travel photos, fishing, sports and event news and photos to news@islander.org.

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a new underwater exhibit in the “Captain’s Corner” intergenerational learning room at the florida Maritime Museum.

Islander Photo: Courtesy fMM

RIgHt: In the spirit of accessibility, the door to the “Captain's Corner” at the florida Maritime Museum is labeled in english and Spanish. Islander Photo: Courtesy fMM MUSeUM ContInued fRoM Page 12

The museum employs temperature checks at the door, as well as requires social distancing and masking. Staffers follow disinfection protocols between tours and tour groups are limited to 10 people.

Coincidentally, the museum reopened at a time when the popularity of sea shanties — centuries-old nautical work songs — has exploded online.

Since the end of December, videos on the platform TikTok with the hashtag #seashanty have garnered more than 1 billion views and, on Spotify, more than 12,000 sea shanty playlists have been created.

The museum is no stranger to this music. Before the pandemic, shanty singers from the Main Hatch Motley practiced and performed at the museum.

The current popularity of sea shanties can be chalked up to their simplicity and the spirit of fellowship they inspire, Motley member Richard Correa told The Islander.

“People want to go back to basics,” he said. “The music is all about companionship, making something work together.”

Sweeting said the appeal might lie in the music’s

rhythm.

“Sea shanties were developed as work songs, so they were made to distract you and to make something that wasn’t necessarily fun more enjoyable,” Sweeting said. “Rhyming in general is more fun. It’s similar to how kids prefer Dr. Seuss, because his books are more fun to read.”

Future shanty performances, like so many experiences, are on ice due to the pandemic.

However, for people curious about the history and inspiration behind the TikTok videos, the museum awaits at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez.

You can read it all online at www.islander.org

Tiki & Kitty’s Let’s go shopping!

Tiki and Kitty are design pros and with a keen eye for style and value, and they know you enjoy shopping small, local and vintage, too!

Cat’s Meow has 7,700-square-feet of vintage, unique and repurposed items. Plus, there’s a mancave and a clothing boutique offering something for every taste and style. Be sure to stop by the market, say “Hey” and peruse the amazing assortment of fun and funky finds.

Blue Flamingo eagerly awaits you with upcycled and repurposed goods, renewed furniture and decor, from antique cameras to garden features, as well as fresh candle scents, jewelry, trinkets and work by

local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints.

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

You Never Know Thrift has everything you could want: clothes, kitchen utensils, small appliances, furniture, DVDs and autographed sports memorabilia. The inventory is constantly changing. So keep going back.

You never know what you will find.

Scavengers Marketplace welcomes you

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Adventures in Shopping … Antiques, Art-Tiques and Chic Boutiques!

to peruse the goodies for a good cause at the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach.

Purchases at the store benefit Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue — our favorite pet rescue group, which is based at The Islander. Founder Lisa Williams is office manager and, along with board member/ Islander sales rep Toni Lyon, they lead the rescue efforts. FYI: the marketplace also carries Fusion Paints.

And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 27, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Tidings

Worship and events calendar

REGULAR WORSHIP Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769.

Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638.

Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church.

Sundays 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church.

8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719.

9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation.

10 a.m. — Roser Church.

10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9004903.

9 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491.

10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard.

11 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel.

ONLINE WORSHIP Christ Church of Longboat Key, christchurchlbk.org.

CrossPointe Fellowship, Facebook.

Obituaries

Bonnie L. Kirby Lalos

Bonnie L. Kirby Lalos, 79, died Jan. 14, with her family surrounding her in Bradenton.

She was born Bonnie Lee Kirby, the daughter of Howard A. and Betty Jane Davis, Oct. 14, 1941, in Akron, Ohio.

She graduated from Kenmore High School in 1959, where she was a cheerleader. She was a student of Etta Mae Smiths 1945-60 and traveled throughout the country, dancing Lalos with her best friend Deloris Carden.

She made her way to the Rockettes, checking off her bucket list before marrying.

She also was a Mason Rainbow Girl. She became a banquet manager at several Akron area restaurants, including Anthe’s, Tangiers and Holiday Inn Hudson, before relocating to Anna Maria in 1988.

She arrived in Florida and worked at Pete Reynard’s Restaurant until she became a dispatcher for the Holmes Beach Police Department, where she retired in 2013 after 24 years of service.

She always said she loved her job because she could tell the officers where to go and get away with it.

She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, sense of humor, laughter, kindness, tenacity, vitality and positive attitude.

She had a passion for dancing and life.

She was an avid scrapbooker and loved sewing.

COMMUNITY CHURCH

Essential Truths WHO IS JESUS?

A moral teacher? A religious leader? A savior?

New bookmark in the browser Web visitors will find a newly designed site for the episcopal Church of the annunciation at a new domain — amiannunciation.org. a social media post from the church said the project was in the works for a while but complicated by the coronavirus pandemic. the post praised work by Weena McKenzie, Judy Bennett, Wende Webb and Cindy Curley and noted the new site features an option for electronic donations. the church is at 4408 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. for more information, call the church at 941-778-1638.

Islander Screenshot Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon, Lord’s Warehouse thrift store, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941383-6491.

Sundays 11 a.m. — Sunday school, Christ Church.

Mondays REGULAR EVENTS 9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church, via Zoom.

Wednesdays Tuesdays 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church of Longboat 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics fitness, Roser Church.

Key. 10:30 a.m. — Book discussion group, Gloria Dei, Zoom-based.

6:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe.

Information: gdlami18@gmail.com.

6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe.

SAVE THE DATES Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Women’s fellowship class, CrossPointe.

Feb. 17, Ash Wednesday.

9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics fitness, Roser Church.

Feb. 25, Purim.

Catholic Diocese of Venice, Spectrum cable TV. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Facebook.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Facebook.

Harvey Memorial Community Church, Facebook.

Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel.org.

Roser Church, roserchurch.com.

She said, “I strived in life to give memories of me to all of you and show how much you were loved. I know it worked because you all gave me so much love back. I was the wealthiest person thanks to all of you.

A wealth you don’t have to pay taxes for and a wealth most would pay big bucks to have.”

She was married to Stanley, the love of her life.

A memorial visitation was held Jan. 21. Brown and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations can be sent to Tracey Vita’s School of Dance, 4181 Ninth Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205.

She is survived by her daughters Leslie, Leah and husband Will Manson and Lana Lalos Latella; son George T. and wife Leanne; grandchildren Shelby-Gail and Sarahbeth Manson, Niko, Alyssa Latella, Alexa and Mackenzie; sisters Norma Kirby Vidican and Bettylou Kirby Atkinson; brother James “Chip” Linn; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ruth estelle Williamson

Ruth Estelle Williamson, 98, formerly of Holmes Beach, died Jan. 17.

She was born Feb. 27, 1922, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Ernest and Medora Byrd.

As a child she moved from Tennessee to Detroit.

After graduation from Cooley High School, she was employed by Ruthrauff & Ryan Advertising Co. On April 24, 1943, she married John Williamson.

She lived in Brooklyn, New York, during World War II, holding a secretarial position in the U.S. Army

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

Growing in Jesus’ Name

In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM Please Register to Attend • Masks Required

941-900-4903 The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch our 10:00 AM service live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

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941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

COME HEAR THE STORY!

Air Corp. as she awaited the return of her husband from duty in the U.S. Coast Guard.

They eventually returned to the Detroit area, where they raised their family.

Williamson In 1983, they moved to Holmes Beach and then settled in Bradenton.

Mrs. Williamson was a member of Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria, serving on the board of deacons and as co-chair of the hospitality committee.

She belonged to the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, where she was past vice president of the women’s association and historian.

She was full of faith, life and laughter.

She enjoyed bowling, golfing, reading and bingo but most of all she loved to dance and play cards.

She had many wonderful friends whom she loved dearly.

Above all, she deeply loved her family.

She was an extraordinary person and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A special thank you to her private nurse Patty and to Tidewell Hospice. A memorial service will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Smile Train or Tidewell Hospice.

She is survived by son John Jr. of Livonia, Michigan; daughter Susan and husband Jerry Strayer of Adrian, Michigan; son David of Lake Orion, Michigan; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (office)

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

Jan. 27, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria announces nominations for top citizen By amy V.t. Moriarty Islander Reporter

An Anna Maria committee was set to review nominations for citizen of the year but a Jan. 22 meeting to discuss nominations and more was canceled moments before the start.

Citing a personal emergency for a member of the Anna Maria Distinguished Citizen of the Year Committee, city administrative assistant Stephanie Janney sent committee members an email canceling and then seeking scheduling input.

The agenda had included nominating and electing committee leadership and reviewing nomination guidelines, but the meeting did not take place.

Also slated for review were four nominees: • Carl Augustino of Spring Avenue, who was nomArbor Day ahead inated by neighbor Ernest Broderson; Bradenton Beach Scenic WaVeS Committee Chair • Jimmy Malfese of Alamanda Road, nominated Binky Rogers, left, and City Commissioner Marilyn

by Tripp Sebring; Maro display a proclamation Jan. 21 recognizing • Lynn Brennan of Oak Avenue, nominated by national arbor day. the city plans to plant four Patricia Walter; sabal palm trees at Katie Pierola Sunset Park, 2212 • Joan and the late Carl Voyles of Loquat Drive, gulf drive n., at 9:30 a.m. friday, april 30, to celnominated by Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter. ebrate the holiday. the city’s proclamation urges “all Broderson’s nomination touted Augustino’s genercitizens to support efforts to protect our trees and osity of time and effort to rebuild bicycles for donation, woodlands.” Islander Photo: Ryan Paice as well as the use of his expertise to repair neighbors’ golf carts and scooters while “never asking for compensation.”

The nomination for Malfese emphasized his dedication to the island and all that makes it special with everyone he meets. When he’s not working at the Rod

RoadWatch eyes on the road

Bernie waits at AMI bridge “When you reach the anna Maria Island Bridge and there are no dolphins leaping in the Intracoastal Waterway, you wait.” u.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and his mittens on Inauguration day became a sensation, sending #berniesmittens into the viralsphere.

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Q&A 012721

The islander poll

Last week’s results Do you plan to get a coronavirus vaccine?

The Florida Department of Transportation and 32%, Waiting in the pool.

Manatee County posted the following: 31%, Yes, but way down the priority list.

• Cortez Road and 119th Street West in Cortez: 19%, No, I will not.

Work to realign the intersection of 119th Street West at 15%, Already got at least one shot.

Cortez Road/State Road 684 continues. Phase 2, which 3%, Already had COVID-19. will continue into February, involves a new traffic pat0%, Undecided tern and shifting construction near the village.

For the latest road watch information, go online to This week’s question fl511.com and swflroads.com or dial 511.

Will you watch the Super Bowl?

And, a reminder, a fare-free trolley operates daily A. Yes, at home. on Anna Maria Island.

B. Yes, at a bar or restaurant.

— Lisa neff C. Yes, at a party.

D. Maybe.

BEN AND KAREN COOPER E. Not this year.

TAXES & ACCOUNTING To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

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& Reel Pier, Malfese can be found there, volunteering to teach children how to bait a hook, cast a line and haul in their catch.

“This may not sound like a lot but if you’re a parent visiting the pier or a resident bringing your child or grandchild out to fish, you will appreciate Jimmy’s incredible contribution,” Sebring wrote in his nomination letter to the committee.

Walter cited Brennan’s dedication to the community through her involvement with volunteer organizations, including All Island Denominations, which assists locals in need of emergency help.

In her nomination of the Voyles, Carter wrote that the couple served the city in a variety of ways. Carl Voyles was parade marshal two years for the Veterans Day Parade and Joan contributes to the arts community.

Carter also noted the couple’s support for the Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria.

When the committee meets, members will discuss the nominees and vote, either by secret ballot or voice vote, according to the agenda.

The committee will complete and deliver a tally of votes to the clerk’s office, for presentation to the city commission.

The city clerk said Jan. 25 that the award likely will be presented in February.

Anna Maria City Hall is at 10005 Gulf Drive.

For more information, call the clerk’s office at 941708-6130.

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 27, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

ON THe ROAD TO DC: island police assist, secure Biden-Harris inauguration officers from the Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach police departments stand Jan. 18 after being sworn into the Secret Service for the presidential inauguration. the officers who traveled to Washington, d.C., to assist with security in the capital included HBPd Sgt. Mike Walker, left, and officers Christine LaBranche, Lee diehl and adam deSantis, as well as BBPd officers Roy Joslin and devon Straight. Islander Photos: Courtesy gail Straight

Streetlife

Staff reports

island police reports

Bradenton Beach officers devon Straight and Roy Joslin stand watch on the street within view of the Capitol Building the night before the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Anna Maria Jan. 15, 500 block of South Bay Boulevard, animal complaint. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about a dog running on the beach while with the owners.

Jan. 17, 700 block of Jacaranda Road, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint about a loud party. The deputy found no violation.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach Jan. 16, city parking lot, 105 First St. N., property damage. An officer from the Bradenton Beach Police Department was dispatched to a call reporting damage to a vehicle. The vehicle’s owner parked in the lot and found glass shattered when he returned. However, nothing was missing. The officer gave the man a victim rights packet.

Jan. 21, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, 200 Bridge St., fire. A patrolling BBPD officer noticed a small fire in the restaurant’s maintenance area. The officer extinguished the fire and reported the incident to the West Manatee Fire Rescue District, which was investigating the cause.

BBPD polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez PLeaSe, See streetlife, neXt Page

FREE HAZARDOUS WASTE & E-SCRAP COLLECTION @ COQUINA BEACH 9-3 SATURDAY, JAN. 30 For the convenience of Anna Maria Island-Manatee County residents, a free residential household hazardous waste and electronic scrap collection is offered Jan. 30.

Hazardous waste and electronic scrap material will be collected Coquina Beach-Gulfside. Residents also can dispose of solvents, latex and oil-based paints, garden pesticides, household chemicals, waste oil, propane tanks, fluorescent bulbs, any mercury-containing devices (thermostats, thermometers) and pool chemicals.

Old gasoline (in gasoline containers), household, auto and marine batteries. (Alkaline batteries can not be disposed with household garbage).

No radioactive (smoke detectors) or bio-hazaradous materials (i.e. sharps/needles) will be accepted.

Electronic scrap includes TVs, computers and printers, scanners, fax machines, CPUs, keyboards, copiers, video and audio equipment, and small household appliances, such as microwaves, hair dryers, irons, cellphones, tablets, digital cameras and battery chargers.

For further details call Manatee County Solid Waste at 941-798-6761 or go to www.mymanatee.org/hhw or www.mymanatee.org/escrap

Jan. 27, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Fire district headquarters construction ahead of schedule A new home for the West Manatee Fire Rescue district’s administration is coming together quickly.

WMFR Chief Ben Rigney told commissioners Jan. 19 that Clearwater-based Creative Contractors was almost a month ahead of schedule in constructing the new administration building and could reach substantial completion by April instead of May. Construction began last fall. The contractor has laid a foundation and set exterior walls for the 3,800square-foot building, which is designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and act as a training space and emergency operations center.

The contractor was in the process of installing a roof as of Jan. 19.

Next, the contractor will install doors and windows, then build out the interior.

“They’ve been very busy over the last few months,” Rigney said. “Everything’s moving pretty smoothly and they’ve been great to work with.”

“I’m pretty impressed with the quality of work,” Commissioner Larry Jennis said. “Everything looks really good. They’re doing a nice job.”

WMFR purchased the lot in 2019 for $295,000 and construction is projected to cost $1,469,708.

Clearwater-based Creative Contractors began the week of Jan. 12 roofing West Manatee Fire Rescue’s new administration building at 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton. Chief Ben Rigney told WMFR commissioners Jan. 19 that construction was almost a month ahead of schedule and projected to finish in April instead of May. Islander Courtesy Photos: West Manatee Fire Rescue

— Ryan Paice

streetlife continued from page 16

Nothing to report.

MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach Jan. 16, Anchor Inn, 3007 Gulf Drive, Marchman Act. A Holmes Beach Police officer was dispatched because a person fell asleep after arriving at the bar and the bartender wanted the individual removed.

Upon waking the person, the officer determined he was intoxicated and Manatee County Emergency Medical Services transported him to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton.

Jan. 16, 600 block of Key Royale Drive, information. An officer responded to a complaint of broken windows. When the officer arrived, an abandoned dog was found inside a vacant residence. The dog was later rescued by a pet rescue group.

Jan. 18, 2700 block of Gulf Drive, traffic. An HBPD officer witnessed a car traveling at a high rate of speed. Upon stopping the vehicle, the officer determined that the juvenile motorist was driving without insurance or registration and was cited. The juvenile’s parents were contacted and the was car was towed.

Jan. 20, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, traffic. An officer observed a car run a flashing red light at 61 mph in a 35-mph zone. The owner had not registered the vehicle and it was not insured. The owner was cited and the vehicle was towed.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

SEAFOOD

WMFR lieutenant retires after 30 years Scaffolding surrounds the shell of the West Manatee Fire Rescue District’s new administration building Jan. 12 as construction continued ahead of schedule.

West Manatee Fire Rescue Lt. Jeff Lonzo, right, holds a ceremonial fire ax Jan. 13 alongside Battalion Chief Richard Jasinski to celebrate his final shift before retiring. Lonzo began as a volunteer with the Anna Maria Island district in 1991 and served the area for 30 years.

Stay home if you can and communicate with us online at #AMItogether and islander.org.

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 27, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

island wildlife rescue soars into 2021 despite funding dip

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc. isn’t swimming in money after 2020.

But it’s still been able to care for and feed the usual stream of wild animals in need of help on and around Anna Maria Island.

Ed Straight, who co-founded Wildlife Inc. in 1988 with his wife, Gail, told The Islander Jan. 19 the nonprofit that operates out of the couple’s Bradenton Beach residency at 2207 Ave. B is going strong despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The nonprofit usually partly funds operations by collecting donations at educational booths at events, but those events were canceled in 2020 to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Straight said he’s unsure when the nonprofit will return to attending events — leaving Wildlife Inc. safe but short on revenue.

“We didn’t think that would last into this year, but here we are,” he said.

Straight said a blood drive and a deal to appear on A&E’s “Live Rescue” television program helped shrink the shortfall. Also, “Live Rescue” producers may return to the facility in March to film if the nonprofit sees a bump in rescues.

“We still hustle,” Straight laughed. “But I think the key is that we never really had much in the first place.”

Regardless, Straight is proud the nonprofit cared for more than 2,000 animals in 2020.

“Considering all of the turmoil that occurred, we fared quite well,” Straight said. “We continued to do all of the things we normally do — I don’t think the wildlife suffered at all — it just took a little extra work.”

“We did have a slowdown of income, but we still produced the same results as we always did,” he continued.

People can donate to the nonprofit via their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/wildlifeinc, or call the facility at 941-778-6324.

a baby squirrel clings Jan. 19 to the side of its enclosure at the Wildlife education and Rehabilitation Center Inc., where it will stay until it can be released back into the wild.

a bald eagle with a broken wing lets out a call Jan. 19 from its enclosure at the Wildlife education and Rehabilitation Center Inc., 2207 ave. B, Bradenton Beach. Cofounder ed Straight said the eagle is a temporary resident but may not recover to the point where it can be released into the wild.

Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

Cold-stunned green turtle succumbs The captain didn’t know if it was still alive.

And, while they tried to save the green turtle, it did not last through the night.

Mark Howard, a retired fishing guide of 15 years, said he was outdoors at home with a hook and line in the water when he saw the sea turtle.

“I was fishing off my dock and I noticed right below my feet was this turtle,” he said. “I thought it was dead because it wasn’t moving at all.”

The juvenile green turtle was suffering the effects of a rapid drop in water temperature, known as “coldstunning,” but had also contracted fibropapillomatosis, a disease specific to sea turtles. The condition is a Herpes virus characterized by benign but crippling tumors on the surface of the skin and carapace, although often the illness does not manifest to the level that leads to death, according to Suzi Fox, Anna Maria

Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director.

Howard said he gently prodded the turtle with his fishing pole and found it was still alive. He pulled the turtle from the water, placed it in a bucket and called Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, but could not reach them.

So he called Fox. She retrieved the sea turtle, but it was deceased within hours of Howard’s call.

Fox said Howard appropriately responded to the situation.

She said people should call the FWC or call AMITW if they see a sea turtle in distress.

“It is not uncommon during the cold months for green turtles to become cold-stunned,” she said, adding they feed on seagrass in the bays.

Additionally, Fox said people should relay a GPS reading if reporting an injured animal while boating.

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Permanent residents — parrots Julio and Morgan — speak Jan. 19 from their enclosure at Wildlife Inc.

Capt. Mark Howard of Holmes Beach shoots a selfie Jan. 18 with a green turtle he rescued at his dock.

“I know turtles are very special,” Howard said. “So whenever I see them like that, it’s just the right thing to do.”

To report a distressed sea turtle, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 or contact Fox at 941-778-5638.

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Jan. 27, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

expect to find locally grown tomatoes in florida JanuaryJuly and octoberdecember but not in the hottest months of year.

Islander Photos: Lisa neff

By Lisa Neff

You say tomato?

I once savored a $120 tomato.

I was eating lunch in my kitchen, not dining at a restaurant with multiple Michelin stars.

I calculated the $120 cost based on the yield from an effort to grow a container vegetable garden in Anna Maria. One tomato was salvaged before the nematodes invaded the yard and destroyed an already pitiful crop.

I knew the parasitic pests were coming. An old neighbor seemed to neff get his morning pleasure from looking over the wooden fence between yards at the fresh crop while cautioning, “Look out for the nematodes?” “The nematodes will get you if you don’t watch out.”

After that failed effort to cultivate vegetables, I sought out farmers markets for produce until the coronavirus pandemic struck.

Recently, I returned to a market known for safe practices and found plenty of produce to enjoy.

I also found other shoppers complaining about a lack of variety. They said they wanted locally grown, freshly harvested produce but asked instead for berries, the kind typically grown in Michigan in midsummer, and pears, the kind grown in the winter but in Argentina.

If the mantra is “eat local, eat the seasons,” we’ve got to appreciate what can be grown in Florida’s hot, rainy summer or the cooler, drier winter.

The Florida Department of Agriculture conducts a “Fresh from Florida” program, providing a seasonal availability calendar and “What’s in Season Now?” charts at fdacs.gov and on social media at #FreshFromFlorida.

In January, expect to find locally grown avocados, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, carambola, cau-

liflower, celery, eggplant, grapefruit, guava, lettuce, mushrooms, oranges, passion fruit, peanuts, radishes, snap beans, squash, strawberries, sweet corn, tangerines and tomatoes.

Expect to find locally grown mango, watermelon, cantaloupe and mushrooms but not tomatoes in July,

which is when I tried to start my crop.

Back then, I was a year removed from the Midwest and made the error of assuming tomatoes grow everywhere in the sunshine.

I’d held notions about the Sunshine State and forgotten a hard-luck lesson from some past-read literature. Recall this passage in Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ “Cross Creek”: “I went then, the porch well cleaned, wet and glistening in the fading light, to water my garden. There were a few carrots that I had hoped to bring through the heat, a few zinnias, half a dozen desperate collard plants, poor things but mine own.”

I’ve learned a lot in the 15-plus years since my garden yielded a tomato and I gave away my EarthBoxes.

I’ve read about planning, soil preparation, composting, fertilizing, irrigating and managing pests.

I’ve studied the hardiness zones and grow charts and started a journal, with notes about when to plant beets and when to harvest collards.

So I’m ready to try again, whether at a community garden such as the one the city of Holmes Beach plans to establish near Grassy Point Preserve or in a patio greenhouse.

I’ll heed the caution of my former neighbor, “The nematodes will get you if you don’t watch out.”

And I’ll be satisfied with growing “mine own.”

’tis the season for florida fresh oranges, but don’t expect to find them ready to pick from the trees in mid-summer.

Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices to news@ islander.org.

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 27, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Center sports comeback: Adults, kids tackle football, more

each from Nate Welch and Matt Staggs.

The third match of the evening saw Sato hang on for a 4-3 victory over Servis First Bank behind two goals each from Will Kretzmana and Race Arande.

The final match of the evening saw the Gitt Team earn a 5-3 victory over Slim’s Place behind two goals from Jessica Williams and a goal each from Robert Fellowes, Tanner Zellmar and Jamie Hutchinson.

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Are you ready for some more football?

Youth flag football is up and running at the Center of Anna Maria Island with 19 teams in five age divisions, including instructional divisions for the 4-5 and 6-7 age groups — where no scores or standings kept.

Action in the 8-10 age division kicked off on the center field Jan. 19 with Beach Bums outscoring Tidy Cassidy MD 31-25 behind three touchdown passes from Brandon Sato and a pair of receiving touchdowns from Dylan Sato. Duncan Cloutier added a pair of rushing TDs for Beach Bums, which also received a touchdown from Preston LaPensee in the victory.

Tidy MD was led by Ronan Robertson’s three touchdown passes and a pick-six. Tidy MD also received a pair of touchdown receptions from Hayden Eurice and one from Kade Eslich in the loss.

The second game of the night saw Moss Builders slip past Cloud Pest Control by a 34-27 score behind four touchdown passes and a touchdown run from Mason Moss. Matthew Winsper had a pair of touchdown grabs, while Austin Guess and McKenna Darak finished with one each in the victory.

Leo Foster ran for two touchdowns to lead Cloud Pest Control, which also received scoring runs in the loss from Landon Sallier and Lucas Signor.

Next up, Coastline Contractors quieted Ray’s Ramblings with a 28-7 victory behind a strong defensive effort that saw Reef Marin and Emerson Lee come through with pick-sixes. Marin also added a TD run and a 2-point conversion to lead Coastline, which received a touchdown pass from Urijah Miller to Charlie Serra.

Drew Buky connected with Gray Sandhoff for the TD for Ray’s Ramblings, which received an extra point and an interception from Carter Hey in the loss.

Action in the 11-13 division kicked off Jan. 20 with Ugly Grouper cruising past HSH Designs behind Peyton Hovda, who ran for two scores and added a TD reception. Ashton Hovda threw for a pair of touchdowns, while Aidan Gannon had a touchdown catch and a pick-six in the victory.

Matthew Hennessey threw for three touchdowns in the loss, including two to Brennen Gunter to lead HSH Designs.

The second evening game in the 11-13 division saw Root Logix outscore Gulf Drive Cafe by a 27-17 margin behind Payton Harlan’s two touchdown passes to Carter Cantrell and Luke Winsper. Winsper added a rushing touchdown and an extra point in the win.

Zane Logan connected with JM Feeney and Audrey Guess for touchdowns to lead Gulf Drive Cafe in the loss.

The last game of the evening was a 26-2 blowout victory by Poppos over the Gitt Team. TJ Eckert threw for two scores, ran for one and added a pick-six for good measure. Colten Shook and Frankie Coleman each added TDs in the victory.

Dylan Lyssy accounted for the 2-point score when he sacked Eckert for a safety.

Horseshoe news The Inauguration Day horseshoe games at the Anna Maria City Hall pits Jan. 20 saw three teams post 3-0 records and settle things with a playoff.

Tom Farrington and Bob Palmer drew the lucky bye into the finals and watched as Bob Lee and Jerry Disbrow cruised past Bob Fleming and Tom Skoloda by a 21-2 score. Lee and Disbrow cooled off, falling to Farrington and Palmer by a 23-11 score.

The Jan. 23 games saw Lee and Skoloda earn the day’s outright title with the lone 3-0 record in the preliminary round.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection.

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Miles Moss, Beau Sanson, Jace austin, Kellan oelfke and andre Harwood of aMI Paddleboard prepare to execute a play during a Jan. 19 skillsand-drills session of the 6-7 football division at the Center of anna Maria Island. after working on their skills, they held a scrimmage to end the session.

Islander Photo: Courtesy CofaMI

Adult sports head into week 3 After two weeks of action, Beach Bums and Ugly Grouper sit atop the adult flag football league at the center, with matching 2-0 records. Moss Builders, Sandbar Restaurant, Slim’s Place and Solid Rock Construction follow at 1-1, while Mi-Box and Salty Printing are 0-2.

Action Jan. 21 kicked off with Beach Bums slipping past Slim’s Place by a 13-12 score behind two touchdown catches and an extra point from Anthony Mannino on throws from quarterback Matt Briley.

The second game of the night saw Solid Rock Construction destroy the Sandbar 32-6 behind four touchdown passes and a touchdown reception from Jon Moss. Connor Haughey finished with three touchdown receptions and a touchdown pass in the victory.

Ugly Grouper obliterated Salty Printing 33-0 thanks in part to pick-sixes by Brandon Kull, Octavious Cole and Melissa Acevado. Kull also threw to Cole and Jaret Rojas for a pair of TDs in the victory.

The last game of the night was a shootout with Moss Builders hanging on for a 39-32 victory over Mi-Box behind five touchdown passes from Ryan Moss, including three to Greg Moss and two to Dina DeJesus.

With two weeks of action on the books in the adult soccer league at the center, Burton Brick & Tile and Sato Real Estate are leading with matching 2-0 records. Allied, Blalock Walters and the Gitt Team are tied at 1-1, while Slim’s Place and Jiffy Lube follow with 0-1-1 records. Servis First Bank is 0-2.

Burton Brick & Tile edged Allied 1-0 Jan. 20 in the first match of the night behind Olsin Crean’s lone tally.

The next match saw Blalock Walters outscore Jiffy Lub 6-5 behind four goals from Chris Scott and a goal

Key Royale news The Key Royale Club kicked off the week’s golf action with the men’s Monday morning modified-Stableford system match Jan. 18.

The team of Art McMillan, Mike Morris, Gary Razze and Quentin Talbert matched the plus-5 carded

by Ken Nagengast, John Kolojeski, Steve Vasbinder and Tom Solosky to finish in a tie for first. Not sure who bought the post-golf drinks in the clubhouse.

Next up, the women competed in a nine-hole individual-low-net match in three flights Jan. 19.

Helen Pollock rode a birdie on the second hole to propel her to a 1-under-par 31 and a three-way tie for first place in Flight A along with Sue Wheeler and Roxanne Koche. Marcia Friesen was alone in second place with a 1-over-par 33.

Beth Lindeman had a chipin on the fifth hole and followed that with a birdie on number sixth on the way to a 5-under-par 27 and first place in Flight B. Connie Livanos was alone in second place at 2-under-par 30, while Pam Alvord, Mary Neal and MaryLou Dreier tied for third at even-par 32.

Terry Westby carded a 3-under-par 29 to grab first place in Flight C by four strokes over second-place finishers Ann Klein and Marilyn Niewijk.

Though not on the leader board, Merideth Slavin birdied the eighth hole, and Mary Wilkes and Peggy Clauhs posted chipins on the second and eighth holes respectively.

The men were back on the course Jan. 21 for a nine-hole scramble, with the team of Gary Risner, John Cassese, Jim Menzies and Joe Tynan combining for first at 1-under-par 31. A trio of teams tied for second place at plus-1.

Fishing tip! If you hook a bird, remember: Reel, remove, release! the new Jack elka 2021 calendar has arrived at the Islander office in the anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza in Holmes Beach. also available by mail order at islander.org. aMI Centre, 3218 e. Bay drive, HB

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

AM

Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 29 Jan 30 Jan 31 Feb 1 Feb 2 Feb 3

1:26p 1:37p 1:49p 2:04p 12:39a 1:33a 2:33a 3:45a

HIGH

PM

HIGH

AM

1.1 10:15p 1.1 11:01p 1.1 11:49p 1.2 — 2.1 2:23p 1.9 2:47p 1.7 3:17p 1.3 3:52p

2.2 2.2 2.2 — 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.7

5:34a 6:10a 6:44a 7:18a 7:52a 8:27a 9:00a 9:32a

LOW

PM

-0.8 3:43p -0.9 4:34p -0.8 5:25p -0.7 6:18p -0.5 7:15p -0.3 8:18p 0.0 9:30p 0.3 10:53p

LOW

1.0 1.0 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.0

AM City Pier tides; Cortez high tides 7 minutes later — lows 1:06 later

Moon

Full

WE ROCK ONLINE islander.org

Jan. 27, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Plenty of species are going for live shrimp inshore, offshore

By Capt. danny Stasny Islander Reporter

After a mild a mild cold front, fishing around Anna Maria Island is proving more accessible and productive.

Venturing offshore to ledges and wrecks is providing plenty of action on live shrimp.

An assortment of species are coming to the hook, including porgies, hogfish, mangrove snapper, Stasny sheepshead, flounder and Key West grunts.

If that’s not the makings of a great fish fry, I don’t know what is. Every fish mentioned can be breaded and deep-fried — and delectable.

And, if you know where to find fish, those species will readily take the bait.

If catch-and-release is more your speed, inshore sport fishing from Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay has a lot to offer.

Dock fishing for catch-and-release redfish remains steady. Casting live shrimp on a knocker rig under the right dock will get you in on action. Also lurking around these docks and pilings are sheepshead and black drum.

Jigging over deep grass flats and channel edges is proving to be good for catch-and-release spotted seatrout. While targeting these fish, you can expect to hook into ladyfish jacks and bluefish. Lucky anglers are even hooking into pompano, another tasty species.

On my Southernaire charters, I am working the nearshore ledges on days when the Gulf of Mexico is calm.

Anchoring over ledges in 40-60 feet of water is yielding a bite on just about every drop. A live shrimp combined with a 3/4- or 1-ounce knocker rig is attracting mangrove snapper, sheepshead, triggerfish, porgies, grunts and sheepshead. This bite is great if you’re looking for nonstop action.

Moving inshore, catch-and-release redfish action is good around residential docks where sheepshead and black drum are in the mix.

Finally, fishing deep grass in the bays for catch-

Town gains extension on pollution penalties Longboat Key officials requested the Florida Department of Environmental Protection extend a deadline for responding to the department’s proposed penalties for a sewage spill in June 2020.

Longboat Key manager Tom Harmer said the DEP agreed to push back the Jan. 22 deadline to Feb. 22.

About 14.7 million gallons of raw sewage spilled from Longboat Key’s only sewage line June 17-30.

Fixing the leak required the clearing of a path through mangrove forest to reach the site on undeveloped land at Long Bar Pointe on Sarasota Bay. As a result, the DEP is seeking $242,652.50 in penalties from the town.

“We are still in active discussions with the FDEP,” Harmer said.

Meanwhile, town officials continue to look at replacing the line stretching from the key across the bay bottom to the mainland.

Replacement is estimated at $16 million.

Maverick, Colter, and Jacob Mabe, brothers from Kansas City, show off some yellowtail snapper and a couple nice red grouper, all caught on sardines in 140 feet of water Jan. 21 with Capt. david White of anna Maria Charters.

and-release trout is proving to be entertaining. Mixed in are bluefish, jack crevalle and an occasional pompano.

Hamilton Brown at the Rod & Reel Pier says sheepshead are producing the best bite at Anna Maria Island’s northern-most pier for yet another week. Pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are hooking up sheepies 1-2 pounds.

When the bite slows down on shrimp offerings, experienced sheep herders are switching baits to live crabs. Fiddler crabs, slightly more challenging to catch, are excellent bait when the sheepshead get finicky.

Black drum are being caught by anglers targeting the sheepshead. These fish are 15-25 inches and will take fiddler crab or shrimp offerings.

Capt. David White is working offshore on calm days when the Gulf of Mexico lays down smooth. On these days, White is bottom fishing with live shrimp, which is yielding some nice-sized hogfish.

Moving inshore, White is seeing more sheepshead as the days progress through January.

Also, while inshore, White is hooking into a good number of catch-and-release redfish. For the reds, casting live shrimp under docks is providing the best action.

Capt. Aaron Lowman is taking charters to work some of the structure in the Gulf of Mexico, where a

variety of species await.

Using live shrimp combined with a bottom rig is yielding mangrove snapper, hogfish, porgies, Key West grunts and some catch-and-release gag grouper.

The most apparent are the grunts and porgies, although respectable quantities of the snappers and hogfish are being caught, too. To find this bite, Lowman is working areas such as artificial reefs, wrecks and ledges.

Moving inshore, Lowman is seeing a mixed bag of results with live shrimp on the hook. Black drum and sheepshead are being caught along sandy beaches and some pompano can be found in these areas, too.

Meanwhile, fishing docks and canals is providing action for Lowman’s clients, especially for catch-andrelease redfish.

Capt. Jason Stock is working offshore when the weather permits. Once at the Gulf fishing grounds, Stock’s clients are catching hogfish, mangrove snapper and porgies. Live shrimp is Stock’s bait of choice.

While these may not be the largest fish, they are some of the tastiest. Especially the prized hogfish.

For folks wanting to get their arms pulled out of their socket, Stock is turning them onto the catch-andrelease action on the big gag grouper.

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

Bill Mills of flushing, Michigan, shows off a tasty hogfish that ate a live shrimp on the hook Jan. 20 on a fishing trip with Capt. david White of anna Maria Charters.

— Lisa neff

Southernaire Fishing Charters

Licensed

Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 27, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

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Amy V.T. Moriarty

Getting charged up

County commission fills two TDC seats A new year brings new members to fill vacant Manatee County Tourist Development Council seats.

A new mayor in Bradenton and Barbara Baker’s retirement from Anna Maria Island Resorts at the end of 2020 led to two TDC vacancies.

The council comprises a county commissioner to chair the board, the mayors of Bradenton and Palmetto, four short-term accommodations owners or general managers and two concerned citizens, all who serve four-year terms.

Bradenton’s new mayor, Gene Brown, is seeking appointment for the seat reserved for a Bradenton official.

Five hoteliers applied to serve the remainder of Baker’s four-year term that expires June 30, including: • France Langan, general manager of Compass Hotel by Margaritaville on Perico Island; • Marlene Masson, new general manager at Anna Maria Island Resort in Holmes Beach.

• Rahul Patel, owner of Ellenton’s Red Roof Inn — and not an immediate relation to Jiten Patel, who has a seat on the TDC and owns the Holiday Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport; • Joyce Ware, general manager of Coconuts Management Inc. in Holmes Beach.

• Michael Wilcox, owner of Casa Coconut AMI LLC in Holmes Beach.

The board of county commissioners was expected to fill the TDC seats during a meeting Jan. 26, after The Islander went to press.

Jennifer geils, center with scissors, cuts the ribbon Jan. 19 on her Cheesecake Cuties Cafe, 3324 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board members joined geils.

Islander Photo: amy V.t. Moriarty

Not sure what the TDC does? Here’s a rundown: The TDC makes recommendations to the county commissioners regarding the operation of projects in the tourist development plan, and how tourist development tax revenue may be spent. It oversees the operation of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the county convention center.

The development will consist of smarthomes — two- and three-bedrooms, including some on the adjoining waterway.

Marketed as “luxuriously designed Zero Energy Homes,” Hunters Point houses will self-generate enough power to run themselves.

The land has been cleared and construction is set to move forward but stalled for Florida Power and Light to remove old power lines.

Gobuty estimated homes would be ready in about

Going, going … half sold Just 86 homes are being built.

Ranging in price from $445,000 to $625,000, nearly 50% of the Hunters Point Pearl Homes & Marina in Cortez are sold, Jeffrey Gobuty said Jan. 21 in a phone call with The Islander.

Gobuty is with the Compass Development Marketing Group, the real estate agency for the new development on the north side of Cortez Road on the approach This week to the Cortez Bridge.

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Feb. 11, networking luncheon, TBD. Feb. 25, business card exchange, TBD. March 6, scholarship application deadline, Holmes Beach.

April 10, Beach ’n Food Truck Festival, Holmes Beach.

May 14, golf tournament, Bradenton.

For more information, contact the chamber at 941-778-1541.

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Jan. 27, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

PropertyWatch By Johann Bertram

Real estate transactions

1603 Gulf Drive N., unit 24, Bradenton Beach, a 380 sfla, 1 bed / 1 bath condo-hotel built in 1971 sold 12/29/20 by BBDT LLC to Perfecto for $209,000; list $219,000.

1801 Gulf Drive N., unit 158, Bradenton Beach, a 722 sfla, 1 bed / 1 bath condo built in 1978 sold 12/18/20 by Donahue to Gibson for $285,000; list $289,000.

3601 E. Bay Drive, unit 104, Holmes Beach, a 1,035 sfla / 1,215 sfur, 2 bed / 2 bath condo built in 1986 sold 12/22/20 by Flannigan to Scears for $305,000; list $324,900.

1801 Gulf Drive N., unit 220, Bradenton Beach, a 1,080 sfla, 2 bed / 2 bath condo built in 1978 sold 12/28/20 by Rinzema to Vandermolen for $310,000; list $329,900.

522 Pine Ave., unit 2D, Anna Maria, a 822 sfla, 2 bed/ 1.5 bath condo built in 1973 sold 12/24/20 by Santiago to Meitz for $400,000; list $425,000.

3801 E. Bay Drive, unit 108, Holmes Beach, a 1,121 sfla, 2 bed / 2 bath condo built in 1981 sold 12/18/20 by Abela to Thomas for $402,000; list $415,000. iSL BiZ ContInued fRoM Page 22

14-16 months.

New owner updates equipment Steve Heitz gave up his Delaware gymnastics school to buy Beach Fun Rentals, 3328 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

When the coronavirus pandemic forced Heitz to shutter his school, he began to dream of Southern sunshine and moving to Florida, where a number of friends live, he said Jan. 21 in a phone call with The Islander.

Heitz said he had never been to the island but found the Beach Fun Rentals business for sale online and came to check it out in July 2020.

“How can you not love AMI?” he asked. “This place is perfect.”

He purchased the island business in August 2020.

But Heitz also continues to teach, now at Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics.

I’M A LIFELONG NATIVE OF AMI. I’m straightforward, down to earth, and proud to be at Michael Saunders & Co., where we hold ourselves to a higher standard of service and ethics.

— Johann Bertram, Realtor

6000 Marina Drive, Suite 113, Holmes Beach

941.779.3856 or JohannBertram@ michaelsaunders.com

1000 Gulf Drive N., unit 7, Bradenton Beach, a 450 sfla / 450 sfur, 1 bed / 1 bath beachfront condo built in 1983 sold 12/17/20 by Levins to Barons for $408,000; list $423,000.

432 62nd St., Holmes Beach, a 1,296 sfla, 2 bed / 2bath home built in 1972 on a 3,162 sqft lot sold 12/17/20 by Ryan to Logue for $427,000; list $399,900.

3302 Sixth Ave., unit 3, Holmes Beach, a 750 sfla, 2 bed / 2 bath condo built in 1986 sold 12/29/20 by Trudel to Burch for $450,000; list $469,000.

5300 Gulf Drive, unit 107, a 1,169 sfla / 1,169 sfur, 2 bed / 2 bath beachfront condo built in 1971 sold 12/29/20 by Clinton to Owens for $625,000; list $649,900.

209 84th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,402 sfla, 3 bed / 2 bath home built in 1959 on a 6,148 sqft lot sold 12/18/20 by Cougar Investment Management LLC to Nelson for $650,000; list $699,000.

1800 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, a 952 sfla, 2 bed / 2 bath beachfront condo built in 1979 sold 12/23/20 by Gallehue to Broerman for $655,000; list $680,000.

1800 Gulf Drive N., unit 116, Bradenton Beach, a 960 sfla, 2 bed / 2 bath beachfront condo built in 1979 sold 12/28/20 by Semans to Morse for $685,000; list Since taking over the “fun” business of tenting mobile equipment — from kayaks to bicycles and scooters to low-speed vehicles — Heitz said he has updated the inventory, adding newer model bicycles with pedal-assisted e-bikes.

And business has been good. He said the week of Christmas, the shop was cleaned out of equipment, yet customers kept coming in.

The remark Heitz hears most from customers is they want to be outside and active, and he’s happy to oblige.

So dear readers, as Freddie Mercury sang in the Queen song “Fat Bottomed Girls”: “Get on your bikes and ride!”

And if that bike happens to be a battery-operated, pedal-assisted one, all the better for your knees.

Got business news? Contact Amy Moriarty at amym@islander.org or call 941-778-7978.

Mike Norman Realty INC

$699,900.

Co., AMI office, can be reached at 941-779-3856.

Johann Bertram, a sales agent at Michael Saunders & Co., AMI office, can be reached at 941-7793856.

You can peruse the Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in november 1992, at ufdc.ufl.edu.

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

ANNA MARIA 3/3 WATERFRONT ZONED RESIDENTIAL/OFFICE/RETAIL Panoramic views of the water from this spacious 3BR/3BA home in the heart of Anna Maria on Pine Avenue. Easy boating access to the Gulf and Tampa Bay. 4,000 sf, 12-by-40-foot dock, cathedral ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake LaVista. AC, water heaters and kitchen appliances recently replaced. Two single-car garages. ROR zoning allows nightly rentals and future opportunities. $2,075,000

PANORAMIC BEACH VIEWS Gorgeous, unobstructed views of the Gulf and beach from this spectacular 3BR/3BA home across the street from a beachfront park that can never be built upon — allowing for beautiful views that will never be taken away! Open floor plan, 10-foot ceilings throughout, spacious beach-side porches and private heated “cocktail” pool. City allows for 1-7 night minimum for vacation rentals to maximize income. Selling “turn-key” furnished to continue as a vacation rental. $1,775,000

OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978 www.mikenormanrealty.com 31o1 Gulf Drive, Hholmes Beach 800-367-1617 | 941-778-6696

WE ROCK ONLINE

BEACH FRONT CONDO Exceptional views of the beach and Gulf from this updated 2BR/2BA unit in the “Anna Maria Island Club.” Updated kitchen with solid-surface counters, wooden cabinetry and breakfast bar. Complex offers a secured entrance, covered parking, an elevator and a huge, beachfront heated pool complete with sun-loungers and a hot tub. Selling “turn-key” furnished to continue as a vacation rental. $845,000

BAYFRONT CONDO Spectacular views of Sarasota Bay in this updated 2BR/2BA end unit in Sunbow Bay. Complex offers elevator, heated pool, tennis and scenic pier on the Intracoastal Waterway. Conveniently located in center of AMI with views of both bridges. Updated bathrooms and new flooring throughout. $415,000

islander.org

Mike Norman Realty INC Thank you Anna Maria; $20 million sales 2020, over 51 sold properties!

800-367-1617 941-778-6696 31O1 GULF DR HOLMES BEACH www.mikenormanrealty.com sales@mikenormanrealty.com

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 27, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

BOATS & BOATING Continued

tWo ge fRIdgeS: 28 by 28 by 64 inches, good condition, $89/each. 941-778-3920.

antIQue offICe chairs: Perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from anna Maria City Hall. the Islander newspaper, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

JaMeS@CoRteZ dIVIng company. Local dockside service, 941-792-7595.

eLeCtRIC LIft CHaIR: Heat and massage. new, never used. Was $395, sell for $150. 941-9202341.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

VICtoR/VICtRoLa: WoRKS. $50. 941-7064809.

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. fRee, one week, must be submitted online. email classifieds@islander.org, fax toll-free 1-866-3629821. (limited time offer)

42-InCH fLat-screen tV. great picture! Has two HdMI inputs. $100. 813-391-5187.

MaYtag gaS dRYeR: $99, gas grill, $30, glasstop coffee table, $40. 941-356-1456.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SHIP’S WHeeL taBLe: Capt. J. Lindroth original masterpiece of inlaid wood and brass. 19-inches tall, 45-inch diameter. $1,500. also, related pieces. marinateal@gmail.com.

Wanted: WoRKout dVds and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. deliver to the Islander, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach.

antIQue deSK. See at the Islander office, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance.

Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming.

LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755 CBC 1253471

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

References available • 941-720-7519

Wanted: YouR oLd cellphone for recycling. deliver to the Islander, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. fRee gun LoCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, florida fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police department.

Pick up at the Islander office, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. don’t be sorry, be safe.

GARAGE SALES MoVIng SaLe. 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. friday, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 29-31. furniture, household goods, construction materials. 2516 ave. C, Bradenton Beach.

PETS HeLP ReSCued PetS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer animal Rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

AdoptA-Pet

2018 goLf CaRt: garage-kept (gas), sixpassenger Club Car Precedent, $8,000.

Holmes Beach. Call 386-867-5081.

1995 MIata: 86,000 miles. Second owner since 1998. flyin’ Miata turbo. Well-maintained.

Receipts. needs nothing. extras including manuals and spare new tires. need more room. 941704-5348.

Honey is 5 years old.

She is up to date with vaccinations, spayed and looking for a loving family.

To meet this sweetie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach.

For more about pet adoption or to adopt Honey, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

BOATS & BOATING BIMInI BaY SaILIng: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941685-1400.

More ads = more readers in the Islander.

1993 26-foot BaYLIneR deck boat. 2002 Mercury outboard optimax motor. 225-hp, two Bimini tops, life jackets included. no trailer. $6,500 or best offer. 941-447-2198.

HELP WANTED aMI CaR WaSH/detailer. Looking for experienced detailer willing to be available seven days as needed. 941-527-6266. Holmes Beach.

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

KIDS FOR HIRE KIdS foR HIRe ads are fRee for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at the Islander office, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach.

SERVICES need a RIde to airports? tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. gary, 863-409-5875. gvoness80@gmail.com.

I don’t Cut corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941779-6638. Leave message.

HouSeCLeaneR: VeRY HoneSt and reliable. guaranteed quality work. Plenty of cleaning references to give upon interview. Palmetto area.

If interested and have questions, call 660-3622333.

CLeanIng In PaRadISe! Let me help you keep your little slice of paradise clean and safe! Local girl, lots of experience! Residential, vacation, business. give me a call, 941-773-0461.

BICYCLe RePaIRS. JuSt4fun at 5358 gulf drive. Can do all types of bicycle repairs. flat tires to new builds. We pick up and deliver.

Quick response and reasonably priced. 941896-7884.

40-YeaR PaInteR from Kentucky. Hourly rate guaranteed savings over contractor price. neat, dependable, equipped, insured. Highly productive. a+ rated by Better Business Bureau for 40 years. 502817-6786. aapressurewash.com.

LooKIng foR an eaRLY BIRd? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on tuesday at www.islander.org. and it’s fRee!

SPonSoRed BY

ANSWERS TO JAN. 27 PUZZLE

P A N S

R I O T

E R M A

H A W K

A M E N

S O L E

S W A T S

S H R E K

A D A P T

L O R R E

R E T R I B U T I O N

S L A M D A N C E S

S A N P E D R O

O T R E U R R I

I M E A N T

D I S S E S

U R E N E S I S A N H U E M O B A T E A C R M E H O V O W H O O K E W E R E O I L F K I T S A E T T N U M I A O N R O M T R A S E N

O R A L A M E L I I S L A N D O R E A H A M A I D S E D A M E H O N S A R I P R I M G O D E W E E I C E N G K A M R E F I K O T N G O T E D I B A T O M A D E R R S E B

B S A A D L O A M A M E L I N T M C E L E T I V A N A L G D E H A O N H U D O R E S R T O S E V E L A N

P R A D A S

I N C O M E T H A I X M E S A R A M E E R D I G U R A U R S D E

F I E R I

F E D E X

E L I T E

N E R V E

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L E S T

Signature AMI gifts! White and

tie-dye “More-Than-a-Mullet-Wrapper” T-shirts, $10-$15, and AMI stickers, $2. Come shop at The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. We also have 2021 Jack Elka calendars!

Jan. 27, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S SERVICES Continued

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

RENTALS Continued

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning taking storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkle. 941-920-3840.

PRESTIGE SERVICES OF Sarasota: Custom interior and exterior painting, polyaspartic epoxy floor applications for garage, pool and more. Polished and decorative concrete, paver sealing and IPE hardwood refinishing.

Reliable, quality work, reasonable prices. ‘A’ rating on Angie’s List. Call Jeff, 941-3560444.

VACATION RENTAL: 2BR/1BA, steps to Gulf beaches. Heated pool, fishing pier. 90-day rental, $3,000/month. Real Estate Mart, 941356-1456.

LAWN & GARDEN CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured.

941-778-5294.

LARRY’S BACK! SHELL delivered and spread. $55/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-7200770.

SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments.

Office, 941-518-6326. Cell, 720-299-1661.

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.

BLINDS, SHUTTERS, SHADES: Motorization. 30 years on AMI. Call Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.

ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros.

Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-9622874.

HANDYMAN AND PAINTING. No job too small.

Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-2041162.

HOLMES BEACH ANNUAL: Nice unfurnished, elevated 2BR/2BA. Garage, lanai, quiet area. $1,600month/yearly. 970-331-1042.

REAL ESTATE SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. Affordable, timely, within budget. Call Mike, cell, 1-616-204-8822, home, 941-896-5770.

RENTALS SEASONAL RENTAL: 2BR/2BA, Ground floor, three-month minimum, large, heated pool, laundry facilities. No pets. 941-363-1227.

COZY COTTAGE: SANDPIPER Resort. 55-plus.

1.5-minute walk to beach or bay, near pool.

1BR/1BA, washer/dryer. For sale or rent. Call 941-251-4767, leave message.

ANNA MARIA: BOOKING 2021-22 winter seasons. Beautiful 2BR/2BA ground level home with carport. 1.5 blocks to Gulf. Updated granite counter tops, patio with outdoor furniture, plantation shutters, flat-screen TVs in every room and more. Call 941-565-2373.

MARCH/APRIL AVAILABLE 2BR. Waterfront townhouse across from Robinson Preserve, heated pool, Internet, no pets. $3,250/month.

Call 941-798-3842.

SEASONAL: 2BR ISLAND condo, Gulf view, beach, pool, fishing, laundry, Three-month minimum, No pets. $3,000/month. 941-720-7519.

941-798-3842.

ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals.

One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-778-3143.

GULF AND BAY views with minute walk to beach.

2BR/1.5BA, minimum three-month lease. No smoking, no pets. $3,000 per month. Photos available. Cooper.michelle@gmail.com. 941-2251446, 941-960-8848.

2BR/2BA VERY NICE condo. Monthly. Holmes Beach. Gorgeous bay views, quiet area. FloridaRentalbyOwners.com#1106. 207-944-6097.

The Islander is Anna Maria Island’s longest running publication. Find essential news for residents and visitors at islander.org.

OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAYS 1-4 p.m. First floor, just beautifully renovated, three-bedroom condo in lush Westbay Point & Moorings. Turnkey, tastefully furnished and decorated. $520,000. 6500 Flotilla Drive #171, Holmes Beach. Zillow.

FOR SALE BY owner: 4BR/3.5BA, pool, Holmes Beach, west of Gulf Drive. 1.5 blocks from beach. $1,398,000. 724-263-6390.

CANAL HOME: DIRECT Gulf access, 3BR/2BA, 12,000-lb. lift, electric dock. Pool, screened lanai. 10323 Sandpiper Road W., Bradenton. Call Winnie McHale, 941-5046146, Rosebay Realty.

MY BUYERS AND sellers have money. Call me direct for your real estate needs. Fred T. Flis. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

Landscape Design Lawn Care Cleanups Stone Paths Licensed and Insured

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

LIC#CBC1253145

RESIDENTIAL-BUSINESS CLEANING by Jessie.

10-plus years experience. Top-brand cleaning products. Honest, mature, trustworthy. References from long-term clients. I work alone so no “crew” in your home. I have bimonthly openings.

Text or leave a message at 941-526-9900.

Bed: A bargain!

King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used.

941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net

AMI TAXI

professional, metered, on-call, gps, cards accepted www.amitaxi.com • amitaxi4u@gmail.com holmes beach, bradenton beach, anna maria

941-447-8372 airports • shops • dining

$YDLODEOH $We

BOXBOXBOX

CLASSIFIED AD ORDER rg ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ander.o___________

isl . w w w t ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ e a___________ n i l n o s d ed a ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ ___________ s___________ fi i s a l ce c ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ Pla___________ ____________

___________ ___________ ___________

CLASSIFIED RATES: Minimum $12 for up to 15 WORDS. 16-30 words: $20. 31-45 words: $40.

BOX ad: additional $4. (Phone number is a "word.")

The deadline is NOON Monday every week for Wednesday’s paper.

Run issue date(s) _________

_________

_________

3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941.778.7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

IMPROVE YOUR CURB APPEAL! Horticultural Design Services | Landscape Construction Landscape Maintenance | Irrigation Installation & Repair Brick & Stone Pavers | Walls, Gates, Fences | Tree Trimming Low Volt Outdoor Lighting Repair & Installation

_________ or TFN start date: ______________

Amt. pd _________________ Date _____________ Ck. No.� _________ Cash � _______ By _________

d � u No.

_____________________________________________________

Name shown on card: ____________________________________________card exp. date ______ / ______ House no. or P.O. box no. on cc bill ________________________Billing address zip code ________________ Your e-mail for renewal reminder: ____________________________________________________________

Web site: www.islander.org 3218 E. Bay Drive Holmes Beach FL 34217

E-mail: classifieds@islander.org Fax toll free: 1-866-362-9821 Phone: 941-778-7978

FOR MORE INFO 941.704.9025 ShadyLadyFL.com OUR BEST PRACTICES PROMISE IS APPLIED TO RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE.

317924

Credit card payment: �

Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 27, 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ! !

By Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org

AMe celebrates literacy week

There will be an abundance of fun for all!

Anna Maria Elementary is celebrating literacy week through Jan. 29, with participants encouraged to wear fun attire, take part in chalk drawing activities and welcome virtual guest readers.

The Florida Department of Education designated the theme — “Humanity.”

So AME’s featured book for the week is “A New Alphabet for Humanity” by Leesa McGregor.

“The book connects positive words that instill values and qualities to live by,” Lynne McDonough, AME’s media specialist, said Jan. 19 in a phone call with The Islander.

Thematic words for every letter of the alphabet — including “abundance,” “bravery,” “compassion” and “diversity” — are posted on a mural outside the media center.

Throughout the week, students will draw illustrations to represent those words, McDonough said.

Getting in on the celebration with a virtual reading is media center volunteer Charlene Doll, who cannot volunteer in-person this academic year due to Manatee County School District coronavirus pandemic precautions limiting campus access to staff and students.

Doll fosters guide dogs and has a new pup that will join her on camera as she reads LeUyen Pham’s “Outside Inside.”

Also, retired first-grade teacher Toni Lashway will read what McDonough calls “an uproarious cautionary tale about things that don’t belong together.”

The book is Elise Parsley’s “If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don’t!”

Additionally, school resource officer Josh Fleischer of the Holmes Beach Police Department will read the Caldecott Medal-winning “Officer Buckle and Gloria”

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a flyer from anna Maria elementary offers ideas for students to show their spirit during literacy week.

Islander Image: Courtesy aMe/Lynne Mcdonough

by Peggy Rathman. The book teaches the importance of teamwork.

Finally, students from Braden River High School will use the Microsoft Teams’ online platform to read to kindergarten-third-graders.

McDonough said a couple of titles include “Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners” by Laurie Keller and “The Peace Book” by Todd Parr. The books are part of the character-building collection donated by the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island.

Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the school at 941-7085525.

Ready for reading

Anna Maria Elementary students celebrate reading the week beginning Jan. 25 with literacy week.

A look at the schedule for the rest of the week: • Wednesday, Jan. 27: Be A Good Sport and Read!

Students wear their favorite team clothing in support of literacy.

• Thursday, Jan. 28: Hats off to Reading! Students wear a hat promoting a favorite book.

• Friday, Jan. 29: Graffiti Chalk Art! Students make graffiti chalk drawings of their favorite storybook characters.

AME Calendar

• Monday, Feb. 1, 4 p.m., PTO member meeting, via Zoom.

• Monday, Feb. 8, 3:45 p.m., school advisory committee meeting, via Microsoft Teams online platform.

• Tuesday, Feb. 9, 5:45 p.m., Manatee County School Board meeting, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

• Monday, Feb. 15, Presidents Day, no school.

• Tuesday, Feb. 23, 5:45 p.m., school board meeting, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

• Tuesday, March 9, 5:45 p.m., school board meeting, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

• Thursday, March 11, end of third quarter.

• Friday, March 12, record day, no school.

• March 15-19, spring break.

• Monday, March 22, beginning of fourth quarter.

• Thursday, May 27, last day of school.

Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

WATERLINE VILLAS & MARINA OWN A PIECE OF PARADISE BUILT BY MAINSAIL LODGING & DEVELOPMENT, WATERLINE HAS DISTINGUISHED ITSELF AS A PREMIER DESTINATION ON FLORIDA’S WEST COAST AND OFFERS THE BENEFITS OF RESORT AMENITIES. SPECTACULAR SERVICE AND A TIMELESS, CLASSIC DESIGN. THIS MEANS YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE DREAM OF OWNING A HOME ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND WITHOUT THE WORRY ASSOCIATED WITH MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP.

BOAT SLIP INCLUDED WHEN OWNER IS IN RESIDENCE TAMPA BAY VIEWS RENTAL INCOME POTENTIAL

GET IN TOUCH EL:727-379-4656 EMAIL:WATERLINE@CBREALTY.COM

5325 MARINA DRIVE. HOLMES BEACH, FL 34217

WATERLINERESORT.COM/ REAL-ESTATE/

RELEASE DATE: 1/24/2021

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

Jan. 27, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 No. 0117 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

OH, FOURPEAT’S SAKE!

1

BY ALEX BAJCZ / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

AC RO SS

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords page 24 ($39.95 a year).

52 Actor/TV host Joel 55 To take this, paradoxically, might signify taking a stand 56 Wedding exchange 57 The D-backs, on scoreboards 58 Quack doctor’s offering 59 London neighborhood west of Covent Garden 62 Most expensive block 64 Kirghizia or Byelorussia: Abbr.

67 Quick hit 69 Word in the Declaration of Independence but not the Constitution 70 ____ Rachel Wood of ‘‘Westworld’’ 71 ‘‘Can’t you ____?’’

72 Post-interruption question 75 Plant used in making biofuel 77 ____ Schomburg, Harlem Renaissance figure 78 Haiti’s ____ de la Tortue 79 Like some coffee and sprains 82 Heedless 86 ‘‘Fantabulous!’’

87 First ruler of a united Hawaii 91 Boot attachment 92 ____ Pre√ 94 Loan option, briefly 95 Like a narrow baseball win

96 Fixture whose name translates to ‘‘small horse’’ 99 Result of the ’64 Clay/ Liston fight 101 Hitting the ground heavily 103 Relatively light foundry product 108 Wash. neighbor 109 Lavishes affection (on) 110 Super-quality 111 ‘‘This one’s all mine!’’

113 Like about 97 percent of U.S. land 117 Óscar ____, 1987 Peace Nobelist from Costa Rica 118 Potful in some Italian kitchens 121 Given (to) 122 Stock-exchange worker 123 Makes Don nod?

124 Things that can be closed with a zip 125 Brains 126 Least spicy DOWN

1 Trashes 2 ____ shield 3 Bombeck who wrote ‘‘At Wit’s End’’ 4 Participates in a mosh pit 5 Los Angeles port district 6 Sea urchin, at a sushi bar 7 Took another take 8 Isaac’s firstborn

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Alex Bajcz, of Morris Plains, N.J., is an assistant professor of biology and environmental science at Drew University. He studies how and why plants produce fruits — he says he’s one of the few biologists who get to eat his research. The name Bajcz is Hungarian.

Since that’s difficult for American tongues, his family pronounces it ‘‘badges.’’ This is Alex’s sixth Times crossword and second Sunday. — W.S.

1 What a deadline increases 9 Dental brand 14 Neaten (up) 19 Jet routes 20 First name in flying history 21 ‘‘____ the Doughnut,’’ children’s book series 22 Classic saying originated by John Donne 24 Like oxfords, but not slippers 25 Really put one’s foot down 26 Shaded 27 ____ O’s (breakfast cereal) 28 Love, love, love 29 Population grouping, informally 31 Aid for making a tikibar cocktail 34 Isn’t attending solo, say 38 Bouncer’s requests, for short 39 Beethoven title woman (whose identity is unknown) 40 Supreme Egyptian deity 41 Standing on the street 44 Carpenter ____ 45 Pin number?

48 ‘‘Glad to have you back, dear!’’

2

9 Meditation sounds 10 Click the circular arrow button, say 11 Aids for sleepyheads 12 Top part of an I.R.S. form 13 Red morning sky, to sailors 14 Part of an Italian sub 15 Some pricey handbags 16 Things Wyoming and Nevada lack 17 Guy who hosts ‘‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’’ 18 Overnighting option 20 It’s been performed more than 1,000 times at the Met 23 Kan. neighbor 30 Title for a lady 32 Be outta sight?

33 Alice in Chains genre 34 Atlanta hoopster 35 Repeated word in Hozier’s 2014 hit ‘‘Take Me to Church’’ 36 Base of an arch 37 Video call annoyance 42 Falling-out 43 Mammal’s head and heart?

44 ‘‘Pokémon’’ cartoon genre 46 High-ranking 47 Chutzpah 49 Call to mind 50 Like Parmesan and pecorino 51 ‘‘You do it ____ will’’ 53 Stick (to) 54 That guy 60 Cheri of old ‘‘S.N.L.’’

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73 Classic work by Karel Capek 74 Whitney for whom a Connecticut museum is named 76 Certain security officer 79 Prez No. 34 80 Quick pick-me-up?

81 Send forth 83 Atmospheric prefix 84 Ostracize 85 Be left undecided 88 Watered-down rum

90

95

100

105

76

81

117

61 ‘‘With what frequency?’’

62 ‘‘The Masque of the Red Death’’ writer 63 Duck 64 Tries for a fly 65 Film character who says ‘‘That’ll do, Donkey. That’ll do’’ 66 Payback 68 Christensen of ‘‘Parenthood’’ 69 Grammy winner Stefani

47

71 75

79

99

46

54

63

69

93

98

53

58

74

77

96

51

62

73

45

39

48

59

18

33

38 42

17

28

32

37

40

16

24 27

30

15

21

26 29

103

12

23

25

64

11

20

22

34

10

113 120

89 Common lecture length 90 Giant in fairy tales?

93 Queen Anne’s royal family 97 ‘‘Let me clarify . . . ’’ 98 Trashes 99 Yellow-brick-road traveler 100 Folds and stretches 102 Backpacker’s lodging 103 Make lemonade from lemons, so to speak

104 Peter of ‘‘Casablanca’’ 105 ‘‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’’ co-star 106 Wood stain has a strong one 107 Tiny ____ 112 Hurtful remark 114 Ploy 115 Pocket rockets, in poker 116 In the event that 119 Symbol on a Junction Ahead sign 120 Future zygotes

Visit WWW.ISLANDER.ORG for the best news on Anna Maria Island.

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 27, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................