The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022

Mullet mania

Fa-la-la-day

festive show

ame principal mike masiello Dec. 20 opens the fifth-graders’ show, “Santa’s rockin’ christmas,” in the school auditorium. a Pto dinner preceded the performance. more photos, page 19.

Mote begins work at AM pier

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The vacant Anna Maria City Pier T-end building is finally seeing action.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy wrote in a Dec. 21 email to The Islander that Sarasota-based Willis Smith Construction had begun work installing the Mote Marine Laboratory educational outreach center in the 1,800-square-foot building.

Plans for the outreach center include a handful of live exhibits with about 1,000 gallons of recirculating seawater, as well as several interactive exhibits, such as microscopes and a livestream display of the waters beneath the pier.

The live tanks will include:

• An invertebrate touch tank where people can touch urchins, sea stars, horseshoe crabs and more;

• A mangrove tank displaying the plants’ importance in local marine ecosystems and containing juvenile fish and shrimp;

• A grass flat tank containing Gulf killifish and stone crabs;

• A tank with marine life from the waters surrounding the island.

The build-out and exhibit installation will be funded with $500,000 from the 2021 Manatee County Tourist Development Council budget.

Its addition may be the fi nal piece to the pier puzzle, which hasn’t been complete since Hurricane Irma left the historic pier

Flashback: 2022, the year in review

Part 1

compiled

Time to ring out 2022.

As the last of public COVID-19 restrictions were lifted and many pandemic precautions fell away, news about the coronavirus — which dominated The Islander’s headlines in 2021 and 2020 — was dramatically diminished.

What did make headlines? Disputes over public access and private construction on local beaches, rules related to parking on public streets, efforts to reign in developers and monitor vacation rentals.

Island traditions from Bean Point to Coquina Beach, community celebrations from Pine Avenue to Bridge Street and academic advances at the little school by the bay also made headlines.

So did milestones people achieved and the passing of local legends and leaders.

Read on in Flashback 2022, part one.

January

of Holmes Beach in federal court on behalf of Kaleta, claiming the city ran a blackball

him, resulting in more than $3 million in

Troubled resort scores legal win: In the legal battle between the city of Holmes Beach and the Bali Hai Beach Resort, the resort notched a victory. Judge Charles Sniffen dismissed a city counterclaim that sought injunctive relief against the resort for continuing to operate a spa and bar/lounge despite a stop work order.

Seepage detected at Piney Point : The Florida Department of Environmental Protection reported the discovery of three “low-volume seepage areas” at Piney Point in east Manatee County. The DEP said less than 3 gallons per minute of “seepage” was observed.

AME PTO cancels school dance: Anna Maria Elementary students would go another year without a dance, as the PTO agreed to

by Lisa neff islander editor

Developer drops NYE bombshell : Developer Shawn Kaleta dropped a $3.125M bombshell on New Year’s Eve. Attorney Michelle Grantham filed suit against the city

campaign against

damages.

Holmes Beach mayor Judy titsworth speaks march 1 in defense of the city’s park-by-permit system to county officials.

islander file Photo: ryan Paice

Jesse twitchell, colin caines and robby engel — of the Silver Dollar fishing boat — sort male and female mullet into containers Dec. 21 in cortez. read the story, page 20.

islander Photo: robert anderson

ava mason belts out a song. islander Photos: courtesy ryan Serra

damaged in September 2017.

The original pier was built in 1911 and became a staple for transportation by steamer and fishers on the island over the next century but was closed by the city following the storm due to the extensive damage it sustained.

The city demolished the pier in the summer of 2018 and began work rebuilding the same footprint and structure but with sturdier materials, including concrete pilings and Ipe hardwood decking.

The new pier partially reopened to the public in the summer of 2020 but the two T-end buildings remained unfinished and empty.

City commissioners selected the group of Brian Seymour, Vic Mattay and Nick Graham to operate the City Pier Grill and Bait Shop in the smaller, north T-end building in September 2020.

The grill and bait shop were open and operational by December 2020, leaving the T-end’s larger building empty.

Mote presented its plans for the outreach center to the city in February 2021 and negotiations with the city began soon after.

The parties agreed in September 2021 on a 10-yearlease to install and operate the outreach center in the empty building.

At the time the lease was signed, it included a March 29 deadline for Mote to complete the interior build-out.

However, Mote did not provide final conceptual plans for the outreach center to the city until April, at which point city commissioners voted 4-1 to extend Mote’s contract through March 1, 2023.

The city soon implemented several new deadlines for Mote to meet or risk dissolution of its lease, including:

• Begin engineering and design work by Aug. 18;

• Submit completed plans by Oct. 13;

• Begin construction seven days after the city issues permits;

• Apply for a certificate of occupancy within 12 weeks of the city issuing construction permits;

• Open the outreach center within four weeks after the city has issued a certificate of occupancy.

Mote met both of the first two new deadlines and city commissioners authorized the building department to execute a construction permit.

However, Mote did not obtain and submit bond documentation until Dec. 16, so the permit’s issuance was delayed — although it did not amount to a violation of the new contractual deadlines.

With work on the outreach center beginning four

SUNSET CRUISES

days after the construction permit was issued, Mote met the city’s third deadline.

Mote now has until Friday, March 10, 2023, to apply for a certificate of occupancy in compliance with the deadline.

If it meets the deadline, the outreach center should open by Friday, April 7, 2023.

Murphy wrote Dec. 21 that Mote did not provide a roadmap for construction.

“We do not have a schedule of their projected progress, nor did we require such a schedule in the lease agreement. It is their project to supervise in detail and to meet our schedule,” Murphy wrote.

Willis Smith Construction project manager Taylor Aultman did not respond to a Dec. 21 phone call from The Islander.

a pelican watches the water for a meal Dec. 21 on the walkway of the anna maria city Pier, where mote marine Laboratory began work installing an educational outreach center in the pier’s long-vacant t-end building.

new signs posted the week beginning Dec. 19 on the door of the vacant south building on the empty t-end of the anna maria city Pier advise people not to trespass, as well as alert construction workers on safety apparel. islander Photos: ryan Paice

Participants invited to New Year’s plunge in the Gulf

Clancy’s Irish Pub will launch 2023 with its traditional Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge.

The event will be at noon Sunday, Jan. 1, on the beach between Fourth Street South and 12th Street South in Bradenton Beach.

After the plunge, the activity shifts from the beach to the pub, 6218 Cortez Road, Bradenton, where there will be a post-plunge party with prizes and music.

Plunging into the year

Participants in the Shamrock Shiver charity Plunge — some in costumes — rush Jan. 1 into the gulf of mexico. clancy’s irish Pub & grill on cortez road in Bradenton sponsored the new Year’s Day event at cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. islander file Photo

The fundraiser will benefit local nonprofit organizations, including Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County and Take Stock in Children of Manatee County.

Since 2009, the Shamrock Shiver has raised more than $362,284. The goal for 2023 is $40,000.

To plunge, pledge or make a donation, contact Clancy’s at 941-794-2481, ext. 2.

New

Year’s

holiday brings

closings, long weekend

New Year’s Day will be observed Sunday, Jan. 1, which means some closures will create a long weekend.

Most government offices will be closed Dec. 31-Jan. 2, including city halls in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.

The island trolley will operate throughout the holiday weekend but other Manatee County Area Transit buses will not operate routes Jan. 1.

Manatee County parks, preserves and beaches will be open to the public but some amenities will not be open.

Also, the county’s libraries, including the Island Library, will be closed Dec. 31-Jan. 2. — Lisa neff

Q&A 122822

By Lisa neff

Flashback ’22

Community center increases fundraising challenge

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s holiday fundraising campaign is rising for the cause.

Jim McDaniel, the center’s director of development, wrote in a Dec. 21 email to The Islander that the nonprofit increased its “Campaign to Sustain 1.0” matching challenge to $75,000 after donors exceeded the original $50,000 goal.

The annual fundraising campaign began Nov. 21 and, as of Dec. 20, raised $69,457 from 91 donors and a matching amount from eight challenge donors — for a total of $138,914.

Last year, the nonprofit’s annual campaign raised

Happy Holidays Happy Holidays

$240,692 in response to a $50,000 matching challenge that was reached early and added to multiple times before ending in January.

This year’s campaign will end Jan. 13 but McDaniel said another fundraiser might follow.

McDaniel said the next fundraiser, a “special center board challenge,” would involve board members finding 30 donors to match donations from 30 new donors who rise to the challenge.

And the money might be needed to reverse the center’s $222,187.32 September defi cit, only three months into the 2022-23 fiscal year.

More information about the campaign can be found at the center’s website, centerami.org.

Last week’s question

In the new year, I resolve to … 23%. Be kinder.

11%. Make more money. 33%. Get fit.

11%. Travel. 23%. Other.

This week’s question

I project Mote Marine’s planned outreach center on the Anna Maria City Pier will open…

A. This spring.

B. This summer.

C. Before the end of 2023.

D. Maybe never.

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

Got a poll question? Email lisa@islander.org.

SerVing fuLL menu 3:30-9 pm 7 DaYS

HB bank rezoning request moves forward despite concerns

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Changes may be coming for the Manatee Avenue “gateway” to Holmes Beach.

But not without some naysaying.

City commissioners reached consensus Dec. 13 to move forward with a request to rezone property at 699 Manatee Ave., the former Bank of America building, from C-1 to C-2, despite voicing concern about the change.

Bob Bolus of Bolus Truck Parts and Towing Services purchased the vacant property from Bank of America in 2019 for $1,025,600 and the building has remained vacant.

Bolus, who attended the meeting along with his engineer, Paul Blackketter, told commissioners he’d spent more than $2 million to purchase and maintain the building so it would not detract from the city’s gateway.

The property is zoned for the C-1 commercial district, which allows for low-intensity commercial uses such as office spaces.

The city’s C-2 commercial zone allows for higher-intensity commercial uses, such as retail spaces or restaurants, in addition to the uses allowed in the C-1 zone.

City commissioners voted 3-2 last year to approve a request similar to Bolus’ for the former Regions Bank at 503 Manatee Ave., which was rezoned from C-1 to

C-2 to allow for a Publix Super Market pharmacy with a drive-thru and a liquor store.

Chad Minor, the city’s planning and zoning administrator, said Bolus’ request met all criteria required to rezone 699 Manatee Ave., and staff recommended its approval.

Minor said a separate site plan review would need to go before the commission if the owner wants to change uses but no such proposals had been submitted to the city.

Bolus said he intended to keep the property at 699 Manatee Ave., although there are FSBO signs on the grounds, but did not share plans about what he would

Lighting the way

marilyn margold, left, of the Doctor’s garden, joins Bob Schwaeger lighting the Hanukkah menorah in the garden Dec. 24 with his greatgranddaughter Hannah Weiss and Doctor’s office and garden owner Sean murphy. islander courtesy Photo

a vacant building at 699 manatee ave., Holmes Beach, is owned by Bob Bolus, who has requested a rezone from c-1 to c-2, a change that would allow the lot to be used for more intense commercial uses like retail spaces and restaurants. islander

ryan Paice

do with it after a rezone to C-2.

That presented an issue for city officials, who thanked Bolus for his efforts maintaining the property but expressed concern with the property’s unclear future use.

Mayor Judy Titsworth called the request “borderline terrifying” because allowing such a change would increase its market value, potentially pricing out future C-1 activities, such as urgent care clinics.

“I’m glad I’m not one of you during a rezoning of this type,” Titsworth said.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said he’s concerned a more intensive business would increase traffic in the area, which could impact adjacent residential buildings. He said he was surprised the staff report concluded the change would only result in a “minimal” traffic increase.

Schaefer added that knowing the intended future land use for the property would make the decision easier.

However, city attorney Erica Augello said such information was unimportant since the commission could only approve the request if it met the city’s rezone criteria in its current state — and it did.

The commission agreed to send it forward to the planning commission during its next meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

It may then go before the city commission.

Legislative delegation to meet Jan. 12

The Manatee County Legislative Delegation will meet at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, to take testimony and review requests for the 2023 legislative session.

State Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, chairs the delegation and set the meeting for Bradenton City Hall, 101 12th St. W.

People who address the delegation must deliver 11 copies of statements or requests to Boyd aide Amanda Romant by noon Friday, Jan. 6.

Materials can be emailed to romant.amanda@flsenate.gov.

For more information, call Boyd’s office at 941-742-6445.

Meetings

Anna Maria City

Jan. 5, 1:30 p.m., citizen recognition committee.

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

Bradenton Beach

Jan. 4, 1 p.m., P&Z.

Jan. 5, 6 p.m., commission.

Jan. 11, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

Jan. 12, 4 p.m., stormwater project.

Jan. 17, 9:30 a.m., commission/ P&Z.

Jan. 18, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

Jan. 24, 9:30 a.m., commission.

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

Holmes Beach

Jan. 4, 10 a.m., parks.

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

By Lisa neff

West Manatee Fire Rescue

Jan 17, 6 p.m., commission.

WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-7611555, wmfr.org.

Manatee

County

Jan. 10, 8:30 a.m., commission. Jan. 17, 9 a.m., commission. Jan. 24, 9 a.m., commission. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

Also of interest

Jan. 1, New Year’s Day. Most government offices will be closed Jan. 2. Jan. 12, 8:30 a.m., Manatee County Legislative Delegation meeting, Bradenton City Council Chamber, 101 12th St., Bradenton. Info: romant. amanda@flsenate.gov, 941-742-6445.

Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Day, most government offices will be closed.

Send notices to news@islander.org.

Photo:

Out with the old

I think sometimes, after a long illness, we tend to clean out the house, like a spring cleaning, and let in fresh air.

So maybe after the years of pandemic and caution, we need to do just that for ourselves. Clear our heads, hearts and minds.

Out with the old, in with the new.

In fact, I say, out with the cold. Enough of this cold weather. I thought this was Florida!

Meanwhile, I also think new — the new year — needs to be kinder and more thoughtful than the past.

So. Out with 2022. It’s the past. Let’s forge ahead with a kinder 2023.

First of all, those of you who, for whatever reason, dislike a traffic delay or a detour, button up. Your concerns would be better placed with the small mom-andpop shops, boutiques and restaurants located around downtown Holmes Beach, where a county force main project and city road improvements are underway. They’re struggling to thrive while traffic is stalled and rerouted away from their stores.

In 2023, we need to focus on that “shop small” theme and support island businesses all we can. We need to see them thrive.

Next up in 2023, forget your gripes and complaints about vacation rentals. That ship has sailed. For those who live on and around Anna Maria Island, we need to embrace the community we have — after all, we are a tourist destination — or settle with what we have.

The people who come to visit will some day want to live here — and that’s the really good news. Maybe there will be a year when more people are buying homes for their families than for conversions to vacation rental homes. The school again will begin to grow. And amenities and business will focus on people who live here.

Out with the old? For forecasters and procrastinators, there likely won’t ever be price reductions for property on Anna Maria Island. The sky’s the limit when you live in the ZIP codes that are among the most desirable across the United States. What price can you put on paradise?

In 2023, the best resolutions will be to believe you live in paradise and appreciate it. Protect it. Preserve it. Share it.

For 2023, we resolve to continue to bring you the best news on Anna Maria Island. Please, continue to support our advertisers and neighbors as the year advances.

And be kinder.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Anchors away and more

After having to reschedule due to Hurricane Ian and with a bit of anxiety caused by Hurricane Nicole, we finally pulled off the sixth annual Reef & Beach Cleanup Nov.12-13.

Once again, we had a great turnout, as 116 volunteers participated on 25 teams to pick up trash in Manatee County.

Despite terrible underwater visibility conditions, we had four competing teams of divers.

Here is the breakdown: Event total was 14,321 total pounds of marine debris removed from county waters, including 8,791 pounds of trash, 1,167 pounds of recyclables, 1,443 pounds of chain and metals and 24 tires.

Adding a “shoe” category, we counted 60 individual shoes.

And four boats of scuba divers brought in 161 anchors.

A huge thank-you to our cash sponsors. Without their support, this event would not be possible.

And thanks also for donations of merchandise for the raffles.

We could not do this without the companies lending support and services to the event.

One more huge thanks goes to the 30-plus committee members and event volunteers who dedicate their time for three days and for months in advance to make this event what it is.

We love what we do and we’d welcome anyone who would like to join us.

Hey, it’s a dirty job but someone’s got to do it!

The 2023 cleanup — find out more online at suncoastaquaventures.com or by calling 941-962-1488— will be Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

Suncoast Aqua Ventures team, Palmetto

Skimming online

Your opinion

We ‘Bea’ docking

a u.S. coast guard auxiliary team arrives by boat — the SeaBea ii — out of Holmes Beach. the photo in the archives is not dated and the team members not identified. islander

Photos: courtesy manatee county Public Library Historical Digital collections

Beach visitor landing a u.S. coast guard training crew arrives by a helicopter to the beach in anna maria in September 1979.

10&20 years ago

From the Dec. 25, 2002, issue

• Holmes Beach commissioners rejected a plan by the parks and beautification committee to build a gazebo adjacent to city hall. Committee members had spent two years working on the plan.

• Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn and a dean with the University of Florida’s coastal engineering department visited the bayfront to discuss ways to prevent shoreline erosion.

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offi cers seized from a Cortez boat fi sh alleged to have been caught using an illegal gill net. The officers arrested two men on the boat.

From the Dec. 26, 2012, issue

• Holmes Beach commissioners voted 4-1 to stay their course and enact a moratorium to halt new permitting for construction, demolition and substantial rebuilds in the city’s rental district.

• Bradenton Beach Special Master Harold Youmans submitted his notice of resignation, thanking the city for “the privilege” to serve.

• A hearing was set in a libel suit against Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen. The suit was brought by John F. Agnelli Jr. after Peelen made comments in which she apparently confused the identity of John F. Agnelli Jr. with his son, Frank Agnelli.

• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society dropped plans to raise funds to preserve the “Infield” cottage — a Spruce Street house built as a winter home in the 1950s by Major League ballplayer Warren Spahn.

— Lisa neff

find the islander archives online at the uoff Digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Happy New Year from Anna Maria Island

cancel the Dolphin Dance due to the coronavirus pandemic and lack of an organizer.

Anna Maria names citizens of the year: Anna Maria’s 2021 Citizen of the Year award winners included Anna Maria Island Historical Society vice president Barbara Murphy, the mayor’s wife, and Joan Voyles, founder and past president of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island.

Bistro ‘magic’ changes hands: After operating the Beach Bistro for more than 36 years, husband-andwife founders Sean Murphy and Susan Timmins sold the surfside eatery at 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, to developer Shawn Kaleta and attorney Louis Najmy for an undisclosed sum.

Chamber doles out trolley grants to islandcentric nonprofits: The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce awarded grants to 13 nonprofits through the Trolley Giving Back Program during an awards celebration at the Seafood Shack in Cortez.

County bolsters FMM’s Lake Minnie-net camp project: Manatee County commissioners unanimously voted to increase U.S. RESTORE Act funding for a project at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez that called for the construction of a net camp replica on Lake Minnie, a pond on the museum grounds.

February

Water taxi makes splash: Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, told officials at a Manatee County Council of Governments meeting that a pilot program for a water taxi could launch by late May.

Trolley ridership remains below prepandemic levels: Ridership on the trolley had not rebounded to prepandemic numbers but the passenger count was on the rise. Ridership in December 2021 was 29,332 compared with 19,164 riders in December 2020 and 38,456 riders in December 2019.

HB lowers speed limit citywide: City commissioners voted 3-1 to approve a resolution establishing a citywide speed limit of 25 mph — effective in mid-February — in an effort to improve safety and better integrate golf carts and low-speed vehicles on city roads.

AM officials discuss Pine Avenue changes: Commissioners reached consensus and directed Mayor Dan Murphy to work with staff to create a request for proposals for pervious paver sidewalks, as well as add new and enhance existing crosswalks on Pine Avenue.

Palma Sola committee seeks scenic highway extension : The Palma Sola Scenic Highway Committee met to discuss projects, including expanding the scenic highway in Holmes Beach to the south and

to the west.

Flashback ’22

Onstage in Anna Maria

island Players actors rehearse “Blithe Spirit,” which was presented in January at the anna maria playhouse. islander file Photo

home sale in July 2020.

March

Euphemia Haye sale puts staff member on top: Ray and D’Arcy Arpke, 41-year owners of Longboat Key’s Euphemia Haye restaurant, sold the eatery to Amy Whitt, a 15-year employee, for an undisclosed sum. The sale was in December but made public in February.

Child nearly drowns in pool: A 2-year-old boy nearly drowned after falling into a swimming pool at a vacation rental property in the 200 block of South Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report.

End-of-year gifts add up to center success: The Center of Anna Maria Island’s annual fundraising campaign for 2021-22 raised $240,692 in response to a $60,000 matching challenge.

Community key to $16M record home sale: A lavish Anna Maria beachfront estate sold for $16 million, breaking the all-time residential sale record for Manatee County of $13 million for a Longboat Key

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are ready to bust out the sparklers and celebrate a new year — with another kickoff the new year shopping trip! They’re on the lookout for bargains at their favorite thrifts and boutiques.

Cat’s Meow has 7,700 square feet of vintage, unique and repurposed items. You may want to lace up your skates, as this large vintage skating rink has plenty to offer bargain, antique, unique hunters. Plus, there’s a mancave and a cool clothing boutique. You don’t want to miss this vast collection of vendors.

Blue Flamingo is home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor,

garden features, candles, jewelry 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. The store is at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie. It offers 30-plus vintage, upcycled, shabby chic and artsy vendors. You won’t be disappointed.

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

BB shuttle operator faces scrutiny over out-ofbounds drivers: The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency met at city hall, taking up a conversation with the owner of Easy Parking Group about the fare-free shuttle program that operates between the commercial district and Coquina Beach, including back-and-forth talks over deviation from the route.

COVID numbers dwindle: Anna Maria Island was returning to its prepandemic normal. Since the pandemic’s March 2020 onset, more than 5.8 million cases of COVID-19 were reported in the state, resulting in 71,860 deaths as of March 10, according to the Florida Department of Health.

State funds $23M for Rattlesnake Key: The Legislature’s proposed 2022-23 budget, which still needed to go before Gov. Ron DeSantis, included $23 million for the purchase of Rattlesnake Key to advance plans for a state park near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Anna Maria clears pier inspection, Mote to move forward: Mayor Dan Murphy said Sarasotabased Infrastructure Solutions Services fi nished its inspection of the city pier and found it fi t to house turn to flashback, Page 9

a crew from the anna maria island Privateers capture, corral and chain anna maria mayor Dan murphy to a chair march 15 at the anna maria island Historical Society’s old jail as he’s held ransom for coins, jewels and booty for the historical society. islander file Photo

Mote Marine’s live display tanks.

Holmes Beach evacuates rental units : Police Chief Bill Tokajer, city staff and West Manatee Fire Rescue Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowsi condemned a multifamily building at 2809 Ave. E due to structural hazards. Two of three units were occupied.

County seeks proposals for water taxi service: Manatee County issued an invite to negotiate for water taxi services, advancing the long-discussed push for alternative transportation between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton.

Islander attacked outside AME after hours : Holmes Beach police were investigating a March 23 attack on the Anna Maria Elementary campus that resulted in injuries and the hospitalization of an island resident.

DEP approves plan for 2024 Piney Point closure : The Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued an order approving the conceptual closure plan for the former Piney Point facility.

April

Holmes Beach’s citywide speed-limit reduction off to good start: The early results of Holmes Beach’s 25-mph citywide speed limit were inconclusive but promising. Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the change was implemented without issue and resulted in some improvements.

Pine Ave. gains city’s historic designation: Anna Maria gained a new historic site: Pine Avenue. City historic preservation board members voted 3-0 to approve a certificate designating the commercial area as a historic site due to its central position in the city’s development and the many resources on the avenue.

Holmes Beach launches Earth Day campaign: Code administrator Kim Charron announced the city’s “Say No to Single-Use Plastic” campaign to observe the April 22 Earth Day holiday.

3rd suspect arrested in AME battery: The third of three suspects wanted for a battery of an island resident at Anna Maria Elementary was in custody. Sarasota County sheriff’s deputies arrested Cameron Evans, 18, in Sarasota for his alleged involvement in the incident.

HB officials reverse course on golf cart sunset regulation: Holmes Beach officials eased off the brake on residential golf carts. Commissioners unanimously voted to send a golf cart safety ordinance to a final public hearing and vote minus the planned sunset that would have phased out the vehicles.

AMITW preps for season : The ATVs were prepped. So were the volunteers, as Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring anticipated the May 1 start of the shorebird and sea turtle nesting season.

Man dies following pileup on AMI bridge: One life was lost following a three-car pileup on the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The crash occurred April 12, when a westbound motorist on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 failed to brake behind a pair of vehicles that

Flashback ’22

stopped for congestion.

Transit agency drops mask requirements: Manatee County Area Transit no longer required passengers

Ready for snowbird season?

Is your business ready for the high season on AMI? Improve your odds of success with

The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking to shop and dine, as well as indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

On queue for test kits

People line up Jan. 5 outside the island Library, 5701 marina Drive, Holmes Beach, for free at-home coronavirus test kits. islander file Photo

‘Forever’ 1st-class the postal service marked the 100th birthday may 4 of biologist eugenie clark with the release of a forever stamp with her image. clark, founder of mote marine, died in 2015. islander file Photo

to wear face masks following an April 18 statement from the federal Transportation Security Administration.

Bradenton Beach Charter Review Committee assembles: The commission-appointed charter review committee assembled for the first time to discuss possible charter amendments for the general election ballot.

Anna Maria extends Mote-pier timeline: Anna Maria commissioners voted 4-1 to extend a contract through March 1, 2023, with Mote Marine Laboratory for an educational outreach center in the vacant 1,800-

turn to flashback, Page 12

Small island big show

a camera crew films “the american Dream” april 4 on anna maria island. the national television show highlights real estate and lifestyles. islander file Photo: Brook morrison

Flashback ’22

Springfest judge anne abgott, right, visits march 19 with exhibiting artist melissa fego of fego gioielli Jewelry at city field in Holmes Beach. islander file Photo: Lisa neff

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON AMI

Sunday, Jan. 1

Noon — Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge, Gulf of Mexico between Fourth Street South and 12th Street South, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-794-2481, ext. 2.

ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout December, “Holiday Treasures, Treasured Holidays” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648.

Throughout December, Artists’ Guild Gallery Handmade Holiday Ornaments exhibit and sale, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Throughout January, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits Judy Vazquez’s mosaics, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Throughout January, Dawn Gerardot’s “Sensational Silks” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648.

Second Fridays through April, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Art Walk and Shop Stroll, Gulf and Marina drives, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648, 941-778-6694.

Tuesdays through March 7, 6:30 p.m., Anna Maria Movies in the Park, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

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

AROUND AMI

Saturday, Dec. 31

6 p.m.-midnight — Main Street Live New Year’s Eve celebration, Old Main, Bradenton. Information: 941-685-8196. Sunday, Jan. 1

12:30 p.m. — Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub post-plunge party, 6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. 941-794-2489.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Mondays in January, 6 p.m., Mote Lecture Series, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441.

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

2022-23 season at a glance

Through March 26, “True Nature: Rodin and the Age of Impressionism” exhibit Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 941-896-2667.

Through May 28, “Gods and Lovers: Painting and Sculpture from India,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

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

Saturdays through May, 9 a.m-2 p.m., downtown Bradenton Public Market, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-9329439.

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

SAVE THE DATE

Jan. 12-29, Island Players’ “The Odd Couple,” Anna Maria.

Jan. 14-15, Anna Maria Winter Art and Craft Show, Holmes Beach.

Jan. 15, Island Players’ “The 39 Steps” auditions, Anna Maria.

Jan. 21, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at the Center of Anna Maria Island presents Tommy DeCarlo, Anna Maria.

Feb. 8, Sarasota Bay Watch’s “Scallopalooza,” Sarasota.

Feb. 18-19, 2023, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez.

Feb. 25, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at the Center of Anna Maria Island presents Grand Funk Railroad, Anna Maria.

March 4-5, Invitational at Holmes Beach/Anna Maria, Holmes Beach.

March 9-26, Island Players’ “The 39 Steps,” Anna Maria.

March 12, Island Players’ “How the Other Half Lives” auditions, Anna Maria.

March 18-19, Anna Maria Island Art League’s Springfest, Holmes Beach.

March 21, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at the Center of Anna Maria Island presents The Orchestra, Anna Maria.

May 4-14, Island Players’ How the Other Half Lives,” Anna Maria.

Tuesday, Jan. 3

ON AMI

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

ONGOING AROUND AMI

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

Through March 18, “Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks,” the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ON AMI

Thursday, Dec. 29

10 a.m. — Seaside Quilters, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941778-6341.

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

ONGOING ON AMI

Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee. org/library, 941-778-6341.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

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

Mondays, 1 p.m., Thinking Out Loud discussions, the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-3836493.

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

Jan. 9, Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club meeting, Holmes Beach.

Jan. 14, Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, Anna Maria.

Jan. 20, Anna Maria Island Garden Club lunch and meeting, Anna Maria.

Feb. 8, Anna Maria Garden Club fashion show, Anna Maria.

Feb. 11, Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, Anna Maria.

Feb. 17, Anna Maria Island Garden Club lunch and meeting, Anna Maria.

March 9-11, Friends of the Island Library jewelry sale, Holmes Beach.

March 11, Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, Anna Maria.

March 17, Anna Maria Island Garden Club flower show, Anna Maria.

April 1, Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, Anna Maria.

April 16, Cortez Village Historical Society Village Picnic, Cortez.

2022-23 season at a glance

April 21, Anna Maria Island Garden Club lunch and meeting, Anna Maria.

May 6, Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, Anna Maria.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS

Friday, Dec. 30

ON AMI

9 a.m. — Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department’s Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-742-5923.

ONGOING ON AMI

Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 703582-7755.

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

AROUND AMI

Friday, Dec. 30

9 a.m. — Vertical oyster garden volunteer project, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: matthew.tschirgi@mymanatee.org.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Saturdays, 9 a.m., Robinson Runners run, walk stroll, Robinson Preserve NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, crystal.scherer@mymanatee.org, mymanatee.org.

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

SAVE THE DATE

Jan. 21, Big Bill 5K, Bradenton.

Feb. 25-March 28, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training season, Bradenton.

Players to open box office

The Island Players will open the box office Monday, Jan. 2, for tickets to “The Odd Couple,” written by Neil Simon.

Performances will take place Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Jan. 12-29. The theater is dark Mondays.

Tickets cost $25, with the box office open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, as well as an hour before performances.

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

Movie nights continue

Pass the popcorn!

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

Screenings begin at 6:30 p.m. The lineup includes:

Jan. 3: “Dial ‘M’ for Murder.”

Jan. 10: “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.”

Jan. 17: “Singin’ in the Rain.”

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

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

Jan. 31: “Gallipoli.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs and snacks.

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

March 12, Skyway 10K, Sunshine Skyway Bridge. April 7, Bradenton Marauders home opener, Bradenton.

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve.

Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.

Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Feb. 2, Groundhog Day. Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Feb. 20, Presidents Day.

March 13-17, Manatee County School District’s spring break. March 17, St., Patrick’s Day. April 9, Easter.

GET LISTED

Send announcements to calendar@islander.org. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

‘Sensational Silks’ showcased

Island Gallery West will showcase “Sensational Silks” by experimental artist Dawn Gerardot throughout January.

The exhibit “promises to surprise and delight the viewer,” read a news release from the gallery, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. “Painting on raw, white silk is such a beautiful technique. The colors are so bold and bright. The resulting paintings are absolutely sensational.”

gerardot

A reception with the artist will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, coinciding with the art walk in Holmes Beach’s city center.

For more information, call the gallery at 941-7786648.

Main Street Live rings in 2023

Main Street Live will ring in the new year and much more.

The event will be 6 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Dec. 31, on Main Street in downtown Bradenton.

Attendees will find food trucks, arts and crafts vendors and live music, including the island-based Trevor Bystrom Band onstage and a countdown to 2023.

For more information, call the organizing agency at 941-685-8196.

square-foot building on the pier.

Beach access dispute heats up: A dispute was heating up over a Holmes Beach property owner’s attempt to restrict beach access. Travis Resmondo, owner of a residence and vacant beachfront lots, claimed the beach access at the terminus of 78th Street was his property.

Kiwanis responds to pastor’s Easter remarks: The Rev. Ed Moss, pastor of CrossPointe Fellowship, directed homophobic remarks at another pastor and the audience for the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island’s annual sunrise Easter service on the beach. The club, meeting after the service, agreed Moss would not be invited to participate in the 2023 service.

BB reaffirms support for clam beds: Commissioners unanimously backed a resolution supporting the state allocation of $2.5 million for bivalve and seagrass pollution control efforts in Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor through an initiative promoted by the nonprofit All Clams On Deck.

BB charter concludes review: The results were in from a review of the city charter. A committee recommended commissioners place several questions — including one proposing the elimination of term limits for elected officials — before voters in November.

Woman drowns at Coquina Beach: A woman drowned April 25 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Police Lt. Lenard Diaz said the body was removed from the water by the beachgoers.

AM preservation board OKs historic home designation: The Anna Maria Historic Preservation Board, meeting April 26 at city hall, unanimously voted to approve a certificate of designation of a historic property — the first such certificate for a privately owned home in the city.

HB magistrate gives Bali Hai deadline: The Bali Hai Beach Resort owners got a May 11 deadline to come into compliance with Holmes Beach code. Special magistrate Michael Connolly issued two orders April 26 finding a pair of city code violations.

May

ITPO talks causeway congestion: At a meeting at Holmes Beach City Hall, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, chair of the Island Transportation Planning Organization, sparked a conversation about congestion along the Palma Sola Causeway and roadway safety on the stretch of State Road 64/Manatee Avenue that bisects a popular roadside beach destination and gateway to the island.

HB explores algae remediation: Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee Chair Ron Huibers urged city commissioners to take a more active approach while presenting the advisory board’s recommendations for

Called to the center

Jim Hassett calls a bingo game Jan. 27 at the annie Silver community center, 103 23rd St. n., Bradenton Beach. islander file Photo: Lisa neff

remediating harmful algae blooms.

AM mulls 1 bid, prospects for Pine Ave.: Mayor Dan Murphy said the city received a single bid in response to its request for proposals to improve Pine Avenue’s sidewalks, crosswalks and lighting in the first phase of the city’s efforts to “reimagine” the corridor.

AME-PTO board elected ahead of 2022-23 year : New officers for the 2022-23 AME ParentTeacher Organization board were sworn into office at the final AME-PTO board meeting of the 2021-22 school year.

Bradenton Beach retains outdoor expansion for businesses: The city commission chambers was at full capacity for a May 19 meeting as business owners, employees and residents turned out for a “sunset review” of measures enacted to alleviate indoor capacity limits placed on businesses due to COVID-19 restrictions. The commission decided to extend the measures.

BB reaches consensus on ballot questions: Commissioners agreed on questions — including a proposal to eliminate term limits — for the Nov. 8 ballot.

78th St. neighbors sue over beach access: The dispute over restricted access to a beach path in Holmes Beach reached the 12th Judicial Circuit Court as property owners in the neighborhood sued another owner.

Above-normal season forecast: The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season forecast called for an “above-normal”

season of 14-21 named storms, including 6-10 hurricanes.

Anna Maria takes ‘party house’ to court: Anna Maria officials wanted to send a message to vacation rental owners who allowed repeat noise violations. City commissioners reached consensus May 26 to pursue litigation against Mangoes on Magnolia LLC, the corporate owner at 313 Magnolia Ave., seeking a court-ordered one-year suspension of rental activity.

Anna Maria breaks up bidding for Pine Ave. improvements: Anna Maria commissioners unanimously voted to scrap a request for proposals to complete a project that included a series of improvements for Pine Avenue.

June

FISH approves plans to inject preserve with waterways: At a June 6 meeting at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage board approved a Sarasota Bay Estuary Program/ Environmental Science Associates conceptual plan to install waterways in the nonprofit’s nature preserve.

AM moves toward beach build approval: Anna Maria commissioners unanimously voted June 9 to award a right-of-way use permit allowing the development of vehicle access to an undeveloped beach lot at 105 Elm Ave.

Longboat considers boating restrictions at Beer Can: Longboat Key officials were working to establish a prohibition zone for motorboats on the southeast side of Greer Island.

Sign skirmish signals hot race: Political signage was stirring up the winds of election season in Holmes Beach. At-large Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, a Holmes Beach resident, delivered three of her opponent’s signs to the HBPD, signs she removed from properties because she said they were posted too early. The city, however, said the ordinance Whitmore cited wasn’t being enforced due to constitutional issues.

EPA issues permit for Gulf aquaculture project: Ocean Era netted a big catch. The Hawaii-based company announced June 12 that it landed a longsought permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, advancing plans for an aquaculture project about 40 miles off the Manatee/Sarasota coast in the Gulf of Mexico.

Controversy over rezoning arises for Bradenton Beach P&Z: Members of the Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board rejected a staff-written ordinance proposing a zoning change that deviated from board recommendations.

Contractor hired to complete Coquina project: A new contractor was hired to work on a parking lot renovation at Coquina Beach. The Manatee County Board of Commissioners selected Woodruff & Sons Inc. to complete the stalled parking lot project in Bradenton Beach.

LBK restricts motorboats at Greer Island : Longboat Key commissioners adopted an ordinance designating two restricted boating areas on Greer Island, aka Beer Can Island.

AM P&Z supports paid parking at Gulf Drive lot: Members of the city’s planning and zoning board unanimously voted to recommend city commission approval of a site plan that would allow paid public parking and associated signage in the Sandbar Restaurant’s overflow lot at 9902 Gulf Drive.

HB pushes forward with parking garage prohibition: Holmes Beach commissioners reached consensus to send a proposed ordinance that would amend the land development code to prohibit multilevel parking structures within city limits to a first reading and public hearing.

HB commissioners adopt ‘all tires off road’ ordinance: Holmes Beach city commissioners voted 4-1 to adopt an amended ordinance requiring motorists parking in rights of way to position all tires off roadways where sidewalks are not present.

School district announces conservation academy : The School District of Manatee County announced plans to establish the Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach.

Look for the second part of the year-in-review in the Jan. 4 edition of The Islander.

Happening on AMI, trending on Facebook

What link caught the most likes on the Islander’s Facebook page in 2022?

The one that took people to a website for an Anna Maria Island Bridge camera Sept. 28, the day Hurricane Ian made landfall west of Fort Myers.

The post — “Here’s the link to the Anna Maria Island Bridge Camera” — reached 38,100 and was the most shared text on The Islander’s Facebook page.

Second most-shared was a link to an Aug. 9 story headlined “Water taxi could ferry riders between Bradenton and AMI in 2023.” The report also had the second-highest reach for a text-based post at 31,000.

The text-based post with the third-highest reach — and the third most shares — was a March 30 update on the arrest of a suspect in a beating at Anna Maria Elementary in Holmes Beach.

The two most-liked photos on The Islander’s page in 2022 were of water and marine animals — one from the air, another from a boat.

A drone photo of manatees in shallow water posted Aug. 23 had a reach of 79,700, with 1,700 reactions.

A photo of a 30-foot whale shark about 40 miles off AMI had a reach of 53,200, with 2,659 reactions.

And the most viewed videos?

Both featured sharks.

A video posted Oct. 4 showing four bull sharks off Bean Point in Anna Maria had a reach of 338,300, with 3,800 reactions.

A video posted Aug. 1 of a 10-foot hammerhead on the island’s north end had a reach of 64,000, with 1,600 reactions.

— Lisa neff

Flashback ’22

colored eggs on the beachfront at the moose Lodge no. 2188 in Bradenton Beach are the target of children in an april 9 easter egg hunt. mia taake, 6, leads the pack of kids, resplendent in rabbit ears and a white easter dress and equipped with a bunny bucket. islander file Photo: robert anderson

the real coconut beverages were from ami coconuts.

BeLoW: an ollie’s Shrimp Shack server hands michael Koczersut a crabcake sandwich feb. 19 as the crowd peruses a lot lined with food booths at the 40th annual cortez commercial fishing festival. islander file Photo

Tidings

By Lisa neff

Roser Church to serve pancake breakfasts

Roser Memorial Community Church will hold the first pancake breakfast of the winter season 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, in the fellowship hall.

For $8, diners can enjoy pancakes, sausage, syrup, applesauce, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee or tea.

There will be no charge for children under age 5. Meanwhile, organizers are recruiting volunteers — grillers, flippers, mixers, runners, sausage servers, syrup servers.

Additional breakfast dates will be Saturdays, Feb. 11 and March 18.

Roser is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

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

Flashback ’22

Annunciation

plans sale

Plans to clear out some of the old in the new year?

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation will be collecting donated items Monday, Feb. 6, for a white elephant sale. The sale date is Saturday, Feb. 11.

The church is at 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more info, call the church at 941-778-1638.

Obituary

Edward Dale Powers

Edward Dale Powers, 62, of Englewood, died Nov. 29. He was born in St. Petersburg.

Mr. Powers had an interest in mechanics and loved motorcycles.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at the Roser Chapel, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be made to brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Mr. Powers is survived by sons Kiel of Anna Maria and Robert; father Dale W. and wife Lorna; and sister Cay Purves.

compiled by Lisa neff

ON AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

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

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

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

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s meeting; Mondays, 1 p.m., book group; Tuesdays, 6 p.m. first and second, 5 p.m. third and fourth, Terrific Tuesdays.

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

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

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

Ongoing: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Robics; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Roser Thrift Store; Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m., Youth Performing Arts, second and fourth Thursdays, 11 a.m., Just Older Youth group programs with brown-bag lunch; Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., Roser Ringers rehearsal; 7 p.m., Thursdays, choir rehearsal; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., adult Sunday school and coffee and conversation sessions.

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

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

Ongoing: Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m., Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; second Thursdays, women’s guild luncheons; Saturdays, 3:30 p.m., confession.

OFF AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

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

Ongoing: Fridays, 6:45 p.m., choir call.

SPECIAL DATES & EVENTS

Through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., Longboat Island Chapel’s Christmas in the Garden: A Celebration of Lights and Music.

Feb. 11, Annunciation’s White Elephant sale.

Editor’s note: During the holidays, please confirm ongoing events. Schedules may change due to holiday closures or special events.

Please, send notices for the religion page to Lisa Neff at calendar@islander.org

She sells by the seashore Snowbird gretchen Littlefield of Bradenton sells jewels and jewelry at the White elephant Sale held feb. 26 in the community room at the episcopal church of the annunciation in Holmes Beach. islander file Photo

Peggy Nash, longtime Anna Maria resident and member of Roser Memorial Community Church, shares a photo from her family gathering in June.

Next to Nash is her only living sister, Kay Mizer, 12 years younger and a resident of Bradenton.

Nash is holding great-granddaughter Lyla Ripley, the youngest family member. Kay is hanging on to Karson, Nash’s great-great grandson Karson is about to be 4 years old and loves the pool.

Nash’s four sons — Ken, Clark, Cliff and Brian — their wives, along with granddaughters Lacey and Chelsey and their husbands Todd Miller and Zack Ripley are standing behind Nash and Mizer. Their children, Stella, Eva and Lyla are in the front row, as are Nash’s great-granddaughter, Tiffany, mother of Karson, and Paula, Clark’s fiance.

More great-grandchildren include Brandon, back row, Samantha, in the middle, and Sebastian, waving in the front row.

Nash’s youngest son, Brian, who traveled from Cincinnati, is on the left in the back row, with his wife, Martha, directly in front of him.

On the right side is Clark, the son who lives most

near Nash in Bradenton and his twin, Cliff, gray shirt, from St. Paul, Minnesota. Between Clark and Cliff is their favorite cousin, Gary Dean, while Nash’s oldest son Ken is next to Cliff. Gary and wife Teresa traveled to AMI from their home on Pine Island. Jason Bailey, top row middle, is Karson’s dad.

Eight family members traveled from Medford, Oregon, for a week on the island in a vacation rental home in Holmes Beach. Three others, grandchildren Moorgun and Gretchen and great-grandson Alex, also from Oregon, were not able to come.

Nash said, “Hopefully they will next time.”

‘Constructive’ Christmas campaign

Kids enrolled at School for constructive Play’s VPK program show toys collected during their Holmes Beach school’s drive for the Salvation army’s forgotten angels program. the collection included toys and clothes for children up to age 12. the school is located within gloria Dei Lutheran church, 6608 marina Drive. islander

mary Katherine froehlich of Waynesboro, Virginia, fills a tote bag feb. 26 at the friends of the island Library annual book sale, a fundraiser to support improvements and programs at the Holmes Beach institution. islander file Photo: Lisa neff

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

• The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, is conducting its end-of-year fundraising campaign. Info: centerami.org, 941-7781908.

• The Friends of the Island Library is collecting jewelry for a fundraising sale in March. The drop-off is at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals, as well as assist with technology. Info: 941-345-2441.

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

Assistance offered on AMI

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

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

At your service

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

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

Milestones

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

compiled by Lisa neff

the nash family of anna maria includes matriarch Peggy nash, center in pink, and her sister, Kay mizer of Bradenton, seated to her left. islander courtesy Photo

Photo: courtesy Barbara Burgess

Demolition permit heralds start of Bradenton Beach resort

By robert anderson islander reporter

Developers are getting ready to demolish a familiar sight on the edge of the Bridge Street business district in Bradenton Beach.

The demo of the defunct Joe’s Eats and Sweets ice cream parlor, 219 Gulf Drive S., would be the first of what could be many to make way for the Bridge Street Hotel.

The city Dec. 12 issued a permit to owners of 219 Gulf Drive S. — AMI Plaza LLC, which leased the property with a letter of intent to purchase to developers Shawn Kaleta and Najmy Thompson PL.

Meanwhile, plans have been filed in the building and permitting office for 219 Gulf Drive S. and other neighboring properties which, when combined, could be sufficient for a hotel/ resort.

The properties include: 101 Bridge St., formerly the Freckled Fin restaurant, 106 Third St. S., currently a rental home, 105 Bridge St., the Island Time Inn, and 219 Gulf Drive S., which are either owned or leased by Kaleta and unnamed partners, including Najmy Thompson PL.

The other properties involved are 108 Third St. S., 110 Third St. S. Unit W, 112 Third St. S. and 117 Bridge St., all of which are registered to Bridge Street Bazaar Inc., owned by businessman/Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jake Spooner.

Conceptual drawings by Luttrell Architectural LLC of Tampa show a 103-room, 206,987-square-foot resort referred to in the design document as “Bridge St. Hotel.”

The plans include three floors of hotel rooms, retail space, a main hotel entrance, lobby and lounge, offices, a coffee bar, putt-putt golf facility and gym, as well as a rooftop swimming pool and outdoor deck.

Bradenton Beach building official Steve Gilbert said the city received plans in August and although plans were submitted, the project will need review by

Highlighted areas in red show properties involved in the possible redevelopment of southwest Bridge Street into a hotel.

islander graphic: courtesy manatee county Property appraiser office

the city planning and zoning board and the city commission before it can move forward.

“As to what is still needed, it’s quite a bit,” Gilbert wrote. “Flood design and elevations, FDEP is involved, elevation levels above grade. Parking plans

concept and design renderings submitted in august to the Bradenton Beach building and permitting office show what the resort might look like at the southeast corner of the gulf Drive-Bridge Street roundabout.

islander Photo: courtesy Bradenton Beach

that comply. Traffic patterns, dumpster locations, loading and unloading, setbacks, lot coverages, landscaping, etc., mixed-use zoning study because the development is proposed for food, lodging, and retail. There is an easement to be addressed also.”

the first of what could be many demolition permits to make way for the Bridge Street hotel development is the building at 219 gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, which once housed Joe’s eats and Sweets. the demolition permit was issued by the city Dec. 12.

islander Photo: robert anderson

Kaleta

najmy

By Brook morrison islander reporter

Anna Maria Elementary received a jolly report from principal Mike Masiello as he reflected on the first half of the 2022-23 school year.

“With COVID restrictions easing, we were all excited to get back to work and have a normal school year and bring back all of the wonderful programs we have at AME,” Masiello wrote via email Dec. 11 to The Islander.

He noted the return of extracurricular programs along with the introduction of new state standards, textbooks and educational programs.

“I must commend my staff and parents for working diligently with our students to ensure they are learning the new standards,” Masiello said.

One more new development? The partnership between AME and the Guy Harvey Foundation that launched the first Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Sciences.

The program exposes students to unique lessons designed to teach math and science through an art lens.

Masiello said AME always has instilled an awareness in students of how important it is to be stewards of AMI’s natural environment.

“Having a partnership with a well-respected name such as Dr. Harvey’s enables us to take that awareness to the next level,” Masiello said.

Good luck also played a role for AME near the start of the school year when it came to the impact of Hurricane Ian in late September.

“I feel fortunate we dodged another direct hit and were able to resume school rather quickly after the hurricane and I’m hopeful for a much calmer second half of this school year and hope our students and parents enjoy the remaining programs and events we have planned,” Masiello said.

As for 2023?

“Our goal is to continue to make school engaging for students so they are eager to come to school and learn each day,” he said.

of the island by Bonner Joy, publisher of the islander newspaper, is available at the islander office, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach.

Photos: Brook morrison

Greening by cleaning oliver morrison-tirpak, left, alaina canup and brother Beau hold bags of trash collected during a four Directions cleanup nov. 13 on Longboat Key. oliver is the son of islander reporter Brook morrison.

masiello

anna maria elementary second-graders pose Dec. 7 with teacher Laura redeker in the auditorium during Stem night, an evening devoted to learning activities related to science, technology, engineering and math. islander Photos: courtesy ame

ame fifth-grade student alex Serra stands with his first-place science project in the physical science category Dec. 7. alex wondered how the type of wood affects the amount weight it holds in kilograms. “anna maria Island,” a pictorial history book

trist fellows, left, maggie niedzwick and elijah Brannock — dressed as holiday characters — perform Dec. 20 in the student play “Santa’s rockin’ christmas.”

Sales for staff ame-Pto vice president tammy collins and daughter mia Wright sell baked goods Dec. 7, during Stem night to raise money for teacher and staff holiday gifts.

AME Calendar

• Tuesday, Jan. 10, classes resume.

• Monday, Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no classes.

AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more, call the school at 941-708-5525.

’22

‘Super sea’

studies

mote marine Laboratory and aquarium educator nicole Johnston answers questions april 21 from anna maria elementary students. “We are inspiring future ocean guardians by furthering their appreciation for marine health,” Johnston told the islander. islander file Photo: Brook morrison

ame fifth-graders gather with teacher Stephanie Davis Dec. 20 during the musical in the auditorium. the next play will be feb. 21. islander Photos: courtesy ryan Serra

Student salute to holiday season

PJ play anna maria elementary youngsters perform a kickline onstage may 17 for their class play, “Pajama Party.” the second-grade/kindergarten production was the final play of the 2021-22 academic year. islander file Photo

ame teacher Kelly crawford cheers for her kindergarten class may 17 during the final play of the 2021-22 school year. islander file Photo

By robert anderson islander reporter

Mullet are on the run and fishers are on the chase after a slow start to the season over the first half of December.

A mullet run is the spawning migration of the fish along coastal beaches, inlets and rivers. Scientists — and commercial fishers — theorize the run is triggered by decreasing water temperatures and a change in barometric pressure.

In a typical season, local fishers haul in about 700,000 pounds of mullet.

Commercial fishers on skiffs and kicker boats had been poised for a run in the bays and at the inlets since November.

And earlier in December, Karen Bell, owner of the A.P. Bell Fish Co., 4600 124th St. Court W., Cortez, said the season’s run seemed atypical.

“We’ve had some production locally but truly not a whole lot yet,” Bell said Dec. 15, about a week before the run began. “It’s a little bit early for us.”

Then mullet fishers — including Jesse Twitchell, Colin Caines and Robby Engel of the Silver Dollar, a boat rigged for fishing — told The Islander the run began around Dec. 21 and predicted it will continue for a few weeks.

With the run in full swing, Cortez Bait & Seafood and A.P. Bell Fish Co., both processing fish houses, were operating at a fever pace the week prior to Christmas Day.

The Islander reached out Dec. 21 for an update on the run to Bell, who responded by text: “Lots of fish, busy, we are scrambling.”

Bell had been buying mullet from North Carolina, Alabama and north Florida to meet demand.

She said mullet runs usually occur separately depending on locations, allowing for a gradual harvest and storage of the fish. This year, however, the northern areas saw mullet runs simultaneously and freezer space became an issue.

Even though A.P. Bell has a freezer that holds 3 million pounds, the outside storage used by Bell and other fish houses was full.

“Fishing is so seasonal,” Bell said. “We’ll catch this mullet now and then we’ll hope to sell them to

Columbia, Brazil, Georgia, South Carolina, because they are a low-cost protein that’s delicious. But when we don’t have somewhere to store it, it’s sort of problematic.”

Not only has the mullet run been plentiful but Bell also touted the area’s stone crab season, saying it has been a good one thus far.

“The next few weeks are big ones for stone crabs for Christmas. We’ve had a pretty prolific year.”

Bags of mullet roe are ready for the market Dec. 6 at a.P. Bell fish co. islander Photo: courtesy friends of the florida maritime museum/Kristin Sweeting

About mullet

chris Wolfgram, left, and Billy alstrom of the fishing boat Burning time show off a couple of mullet from their Dec. 21 haul, signaling a successful day of fishing.

islander Photo: robert anderson

Striped mullet and white mullet are the varieties commercially harvested in Florida.

Striped mullet are called black mullet, gray mullet or jumping mullet. White mullet are called silver mullet.

The fish can be found in bays and estuaries along both coasts but most of the commercial harvest takes place along the Gulf coast in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties.

Of all the fish harvested in the state, mullet is at the top of the list in terms of pounds landed.

The fish are caught from smaller boats by way of hand-thrown cast nets.

— robert anderson

mullet on ice. islander Photo: robert anderson

Design work continues for Cortez Bridge replacement

By robert anderson islander reporter

The state is continuing to build on its plans to build a new bridge on Cortez Road.

The Florida Department of Transportation is completing design plans to replace the Cortez Bridge that span the Intracoastal Waterway on Cortez Road between Bradenton Beach and Cortez. The project would comprise about a mile stretch of new bridge and roadway.

The DOT made its 2023-27 work program public in August. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed off in July on the five-year program, which will provide $76,998,790 for the construction of a megabridge replacement for the drawbridge beginning in 2025-26.

In the work plan, the DOT said the new bridge will allow greater clearance for large vessels and require less maintenance due to the lack of moving parts typical in a bascule bridge. The current bridge is a Dutchstyle counterweight-assisted drawbridge.

A group of four people who challenged the DOT’s choice to build a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span bridge includes Joe McClash, Linda Molto, Joe Kane and Jane von Hahmann. Von Hahmann and McClash served on the county commission; von Hahmann and Molto and live in Cortez.

They initiated a challenge seeking a midlevel 35-foot drawbridge instead of the high bridge, arguing the big bridge threatens the old fishing village.

A midlevel bridge, they maintain, will not require retaining walls but a megabridge will have inland walls that peak at 20 feet near Cortez businesses — including Tide Tables Restaurant, Annie’s Bait Shop and the Seafood Shack — and extend eastward into the community 700 feet along Cortez Road.

In August, magistrate Judge Anthony Porcelli of the U.S. District Court of Florida ruled in favor of the DOT, finding that “while some community members, including plaintiffs, expressed opposition to the adoption of the 65-foot-high level fixed bridge alternative,

such opposition does not render FDOT’s decision arbitrary or capricious.”

Porcelli continued, “The administrative record makes clear, FDOT expended great time and effort, including inter-agency collaboration, review of years’ worth of bridge inspection reports, public hearings, and conducting an engineering analysis and environmental studies, in determining whether the 65-foot high-level fixed-bridge alternative would pose any significant impacts.”

The Islander reached out Dec. 20 to von Hahmann and McClash as to whether they will appeal or continue the fight against a high bridge but, as of Dec. 22, they had not responded.

The Cortez plan has generated more opposition than the current plan to replace the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue with a similar high, fixed bridge.

“I don’t like the high version, I’ve never supported

it,” Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said of the DOT’s Cortez Bridge plan.

He said the group resisting the megabridge should have tried to work more with Manatee County.

“To me, if they were talking to anybody, they should have gone to the county and they didn’t,” Chappie said. “They’re the ones who represent the bridge area over the water and the Cortez side.”

For the design, the DOT created an aesthetic committee of residents and businesspeople from Cortez and the island.

The design phase began in October 2019 and is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2025.

Meanwhile, right-of-way acquisition will be funded for fiscal years 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Construction of the new bridge is scheduled to begin in 2025-26, according to the DOT website.

To learn more about the project, go online to: www.cortezbridge.com.

the 17-foot-clearance cortez drawbridge was built in 1956 on cortez road and replaced a wooden swing bridge built in 1921 to connect Bradenton Beach with cortez and the mainland. island Photo: robert anderson

Holmes Beach resident warned for lingering storm damage

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Anna Maria Island got lucky with Hurricane Ian. But there are lingering damages from the storm and apparently few hands to fix it.

Holmes Beach resident Kevin Fitzgerald told The Islander Dec. 16 that he recently returned to his home at 2908 Ave. B to find a warning posted by the city about his the deteriorated condition of his second-floor deck railing and stairs, which were damaged by fallen trees during the storm in late September.

Fitzgerald said he has been trying to find a contractor to fix the damaged railing since Ian swept through the state but had been unable to find reasonably priced repair work.

He contacted several contractors about the job but only one repair crew was available and when they showed up to inspect the damage — with no identification or company name — they asked for $20,000 up front.

“They were basically three drunks in a truck,” Fitzgerald said. “If I gave them X amount of money, in cash, they could put me on a calendar. … That didn’t work out.”

So Fitzgerald said finding the warning posted at his property by city code enforcement was frustrating.

“The frustration is high. … I was actively trying to find someone and they tagged me,” he said.

The warning notified Fitzgerald that he had seven days — ending Dec. 15 — to provide corrective action regarding the damage.

Fitzgerald said he called the city code compliance department as soon as possible but was told to send an

Honoring the sacrifice

manatee county Sheriff’s office

Detective nate Boggs, left, plays the bagpipes may 30 and leads the u.S. marine corps Honor guard during the memorial Day Symphony Salute at city Pier Park, 103 n. Bay Blvd., anna maria.

islander file Photo: ryan Paice

email instead.

He sent three emails explaining the situation to code compliance, but had yet to receive a written response as of Dec. 16.

Fitzgerald said on finding another warning from code enforcement Dec. 14, he went the following day to the office.

There, Fitzgerald said he spoke with code compliance supervisor JT Thomas, who assured him there would be no issues since he was seeking repairs.

“I was looking for something in writing so that, if I have to go back historically, should this get to a boiling point, I can say my actions were based on my interactions with him,” Fitzgerald said. “I don’t really know where to go from here.”

“If Mr. Thomas gets a better job offer and goes someplace else, his replacement is going to come in and go, ‘Oh, Fitzgerald, he hasn’t done anything in three months,’” he added.

Thomas told The Islander Dec. 16 that code staff found the damage at Fitzgerald’s property while in the neighborhood to inspect a nearby property, so they left notices to seek corrective action.

Thomas said, after speaking with Fitzgerald, that his concerns were addressed.

“I’m going to try to go to Manatee County and see if he qualifies for some money to help repair the house,” Thomas said. “The top floor seems real bad in disrepair, so we just want to get it secured as soon as possible. Our goal is to help him out and work with him.”

He said several property owners in the city were struggling to find contractors for repairs, so no fines or special magistrate hearings would be considered unless the property remained in disrepair several months from now.

“We’re all in it together,” Thomas said.

However, Fitzgerald told The Islander Dec. 20 that Thomas hadn’t fully communicated that to him, nor provided written correspondence communicating that message.

“Basically, nothing has changed from my end,” Fitzgerald said. “I really think a fourth inquiry to them on my part won’t get any more response than my first three.”

Chamber compiles restaurant, bar openings for New Year’s

Wondering what’s open or closed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day?

Maybe you’re looking for a big stack of pancakes to start the year off? A festive countdown to 2023? Someplace to celebrate with kids?

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce compiled and published a list, available on the web at https://bit.ly/3FLeptQ.

CRAB PARFAIT

the city code enforcement department posted a written warning Dec. 8 for damaged deck railing and stairs at 2908 ave. B, Holmes Beach. islander Photo: courtesy Kevin fitzgerald

Streetlife Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

Dec. 14, 700 block of Gulf Drive South, stolen property. Bradenton Beach police officers took a report concerning a vehicle burglary. The complainant said two iPads were missing from the car. The officer filed a case number and issued a victim’s rights card.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

Dec. 15, Island Real Estate, 3909 E. Bay Drive, Suite 115, suspicious circumstance. A woman called the Holmes Beach Police Department to report a man seen standing outside a locked door at her office. She said he may have been the same person who tried to unlock the door using a keypad. An officer advised the caller to contact the HBPD next time the man was observed on the premises.

Dec. 16, 400 block of 73rd Street, petit theft. An officer responded to reports of theft. A woman said a man stole a package delivered to her door. The complainant described the man’s clothing and vehicle, as well as provided Ring doorbell camera footage.

Dec. 16, Alvin’s Island, 3602 E. Bay Drive, petit theft. An officer responded to reports of theft and spoke with a manager, who said he observed a group of five people concealing products in their clothes. He said he confronted a woman in the parking lot and she returned a shirt to him. He checked the store’s security footage and saw another person stealing a different shirt. The manager filed a statement but said he did not want to press charges. An officer provided a case card, then

searched the area but could not find the group.

Dec. 17, 3300 block of East Bay Drive, arrest warrant. An officer saw an idling vehicle around 2 a.m. in a parking lot. The officer spoke with the occupants, a man and a juvenile girl, who provided identification.

The officer found a contempt of court warrant out of Manatee County for the girl, and he arrested her. After the girl’s mother did not respond to attempts to contact her, the officer transported the girl to the Manatee Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Bradenton.

Dec. 18, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, public urination. An officer patrolling the beach heard the sound of someone urinating. The officer found a man on a lifeguard tower who admitted to urinating from the tower. The officer issued a court summons and a trespass warning.

Dec. 19, 3900 block of East Bay Drive, petit theft. An officer responded to reports of theft and found a woman who said her rental bicycle went missing from a rack outside a store. The officer obtained video footage, which showed a man taking the bike. The officer issued her a case card and victim’s rights brochure.

Holmes Beach Police Department polices Holmes Beach.

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

Island watch In an emergency, call 911. To report info, call the MCSO Anna Maria, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941778-6311; Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

WMFR serves up district awards

West manatee fire rescue capt. Paul Hopkins thanks chief Ben rigney and fire commissioners feb. 15 with handshakes after being honored for 20 years of service and awarded the district’s 2021 officer of the Year award. islander file Photo

Eyes on the road

• Road crews in Holmes Beach as of Dec. 23 were working near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives to include new safety features and improve stormwater flow, which necessitate marked detours and closures.

The traffic pattern announced Dec. 23: Gulf Drive for a block west of Marina Drive is closed. Northbound and southbound traffic is flowing on Marina Drive— with intermittent work.

• The Manatee County Utilities Department is working on a force main project along Holmes Boulevard, including the intersection with Gulf Drive, which can result in some traffic delays and congestion.

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

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

— Lisa neff

By Lisa Neff

Enviro-lutions for 2023

Before I get to my new year goals, I need to take stock of some failure and success in the old year.

How’d I do on my enviro-lutions for 2022?

One resolution was to work at slowing my pace to “island time,” which I kinda-sorta accomplished, mostly because life still seemed on a pandemic pause.

My second resolution was to generate less waste by reducing purchases of processed foods, repairing household items and mending clothes.

neff

I succeeded on every level and even helped move some family members to reduce their consumption.

A third goal was to get outdoors daily to experience and enjoy nature.

I did get out routinely but I didn’t enjoy enough deep dives into nature. There were strolls in the park and many walks around the block but no long bike rides, weekend camping trips or hikes into wilderness.

So I’m carrying my old goals into the new year, as well as adding more than a few.

I resolve to:

• Make a commitment to “meatless Monday” and maybe “meatless most days” to lower my carbon footprint and maybe my cholesterol.

• Drive less by relying more on my feet, bike or public transit. Manatee County will help me achieve this goal with its fare-free trolley and mainland bus routes in 2023.

• Buy sustainable brands and products and avoid fast fashions and fast foods.

• Go paperless, with the exception of my treasured newspapers and the occasional hardcover treasure.

• Grow my own herbs and learn more about gardening.

• Pay attention to labels.

• Plan meals to prevent food waste. Nearly 40% of edible food in the United States goes to waste. I tossed some wilted romaine leaves just this morning.

• Avoid single-use plastics like the plague — shopping bags, beverage bottles, salad containers, Baggies and wraps.

• Always so no to bottled water. It’s not just about the plastic bottles that can take 450 years to decom-

pose. The extraction of water and production of all the plastic bottles is harmful to communities, marine life and wildlife.

I could go on but the more resolutions I make, the more I risk failure.

When 2024 comes around, I want to look back on 2023 and see success.

Did you know?

The ancient Babylonians are believed to be the first people to make resolutions — or promises — and to celebrate the new year, although the celebrations were in March not January.

The reward for keeping a resolution?

Favor from the gods in the new year.

anna maria island turtle Watch and Shorebird monitoring documented may 4 the first sea turtle nests of the 2022 season, reporting the discovery of nest no.

coquina Beach and nest no. 2 on the shore near 52nd Street in Holmes Beach. “So the turtle season

officially started,” amitW volunteer Hans Duerr said. islander file Photo

Krista carpenter bottle feeds a fawn april 7 at the Wildlife inc. rehab facility in Bradenton Beach. islander file Photo

State to beachgoers: Share the beach with shorebirds this winter

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission cautions beachgoers this winter to do better than “leave only footprints.”

On the shores and beaches, those footprints shouldn’t be too close to resting or nesting shorebirds.

Beachgoers can have a big impact on the conservation of coastal birds, according to the FWC, which wants people to follow these tips:

• Do the flock walk. Instead of walking straight through a flock of birds, walk around flocks and stay out of posted areas.

Getting too close to resting shorebirds, seabirds and wading birds can cause them to flush, disturbing birds that may need important rest from long migratory flights.

• Look for closures. Be on the lookout for signs designating critical wildlife areas, which are closed to

public access to protect high concentrations of wading birds and shorebirds.

Boaters and beachgoers can help birds by keeping their distance and noise volumes low near CWAs.

• Keep pups at home. No dogs are permitted on the Anna Maria Island’s beaches.

And the FWC says even well-behaved dogs can frighten shorebirds, causing them to panic and expend valuable energy.

• Resist the urge to feed the birds. Sharing snacks with birds at the beach might seem harmless or even helpful, but it can be harmful to them and other wildlife.

Shorebirds and seabirds are healthiest when eating the natural prey they normally forage for, such as small invertebrates in the sand and fish they’ve caught themselves from the water.

• Properly stash trash. Trash and food scraps attract

Gone fishin’ Youth campers from the center of anna maria island wait for the fish to bite June 28 at the t-end of the anna maria city Pier. members of the anna maria island Privateers also attended to assist young anglers. islander file Photo

predators while litter on beaches and in the water can entangle birds, sea turtles and other marine life and wildlife.

Beachgoers can help birds and other native wildlife by properly disposing of all trash, filling in holes in the sand and removing all personal gear from the beach before sunset.

— Lisa neff

Fishy business

the manatee county marine rescue conditions board at coquina Beach Dec. 7 indicates slight red tide. manatee county information officer Bill Logan wrote in a Dec. 7 email that fish kills were minimal and cleanup operations were limited at the location. He said the county is monitoring the situation and crews were raking beaches on anna maria island where needed. islander Photo: robert anderson

a 30-foot whale shark, one of a pod of four observed June 6 about 40 miles off anna maria island in the gulf of mexico, checks out the charter fishing boat captained by David White of anna maria charters. islander file Photo

And she’s off a loggerhead named esther crawls June 20 into the gulf of mexico near Lifeguard tower no. 10 at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. a tag was attached to track esther in the tour de turtles. islander file Photo: Samara Paice

Flashback

It’s

By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

The majority of organized sports on and around the island, both for youth and adults, were on hold for the holidays.

Merry Christmas to all of our Islander readers and to those who contribute to the weekly sports scene.

Horseshoe news

Dec. 21 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits saw three teams advance to the knockout stage. Bob Baker and Tom Skoloda drew the bye into the finals and watched as Bob Rowley eliminated Bob Heiger and Bob Palmer 23-13. Baker and Skoloda won the day’s championship with a 21-11 victory over Rowley.

cassidy

It was another three-team affair during the Dec. 24 games with the bye going to Lisa Allen and Tom Farrington. Bob Mason and Bob Lee cruised to a 23-6 victory over Skoloda and Steve Doyle to advance to the finals. Mason and Lee eased past Allen and Farrington 23-20 to earn Christmas Eve bragging rights.

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

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Key Royale golf news

Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started with the men playing their weekly modified-Stableford system match Dec. 19. John Solar

Going long

trevor Konieczny of michigan, right, throws a football nov. 22 to his brother tyler, left, while playing catch on manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. islander

and Quentin Talbert tied for first place with matching scores of plus-3. The trio of Ron Huibers, Art McMillan and Ron Vandeman were all a point back in a three-way tie for second place.

The women played their weekly nine-hole individual-low-net match Dec. 20 in two flights. The trio of Nina McSparren, Phyllis Roe and Sue Wheeler each carded even-par 32s for a three-way tie for first place in Flight A. Roxanne Koche was alone in second at 3-over-par 35.

Sue Pierce fired a 3-under-par 29 for the low-net round of the day and a first-place finish in Flight B. Jan Turner and Terry Westby tied for second with 2-over-

par 34s.

Members concluded the week of organized golf with a three-person shamble that counts two scores from each group.

First place went to the team of Mike Clements, Don Corrigan and Larry Pippel after they combined on a 4-over-par 68. The threesome of John Cassese, Larry Davis and Art McMillan matched the 5-over-par 69 carded by Bob Blaser, Brian Comer and Nub Turner for a second-place tie.

Flashback ’22

Islander archive 24/7

The Islander partners with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries to archive the newspaper on the UofF library site beginning with the first edition in 1992.

It’s searchable 24/7 key word, name or date. Look for The Islander in the stacks at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Dashing to the finish

connor Kreger of Saint clair, michigan, comes in first overall at 18:50 in the feb. 19 ame-Pto Dolphin Dash 5K street race in Holmes Beach. islander file Photo: nenita Daguinotas

World Cup spirit lingers on AMI Holmes Beach resident Johnny monetti, 11, practices his penalty shot Dec. 21 while his friend ronan robertson, 11, guards the goal on the soccer field at city field, adjacent to city hall on 59th Street and flotilla Drive. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Photo: ryan Paice

Extreme cold snap slows hot December fishing action

By capt. Danny Stasny islander reporter

As Anna Maria anglers rushed out to test the new fishing tackle they received for Christmas, they were being faced with extreme cold — for Florida — and strong winds.

Targeting fish in local waters in such conditions requires patience, as well as warm outerwear and a woolly hat.

Most anglers opt to use live shrimp as bait and it’s pretty much what we do during the cold winter months.

Targeting sheepshead, black drum, redfi sh and pompano is on the agenda, as all of those species readily eat shrimp and they’re tolerant of cooler water temperatures.

Fishing residential canals is advantageous, as many fish will migrate to sheltered areas and concrete seawalls to find warmer water. Species such as spotted seatrout and snook can be found, as well as most other inshore species, as they seek refuge from the cold.

Live shrimp as bait is a good bet in wintertime scenarios but don’t forget about such artificials as soft plastics on a jig head or the ever-famous DOA shrimp. Casting lures around docks and seawalls can provide surprisingly good results.

Just remember, in cold conditions the metabolism of a fish slows down, which makes it less apt to chase bait. So slow down your presentation and be ready to feel a tap on the rod when you receive a bite. The fish might not be as aggressive as normal so you need to pay attention. Don’t miss a strike.

On my own Just Reel charters, I’m using live shrimp for bait, as well as an assortment of DOA Cal jigs on a jig head. When baiting shrimp, I’m fi nding redfi sh, sheepshead and black drum accommodating. Casting the baits on a 1/4-ounce knocker rig under docks and around seawalls is yielding the best action.

Drifting the flats and casting soft plastics on a jig

By Lisa neff

Red tide bloom expands

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis , was detected in 75 samples collected from Florida’s Gulf Coast the week ending Dec. 25.

Bloom concentrations greater than 100,000 cells per liter were present in 30 samples, including four in Manatee County.

K. brevis was observed at background to medium concentrations in and offshore of Manatee County, background to high concentrations in- and offshore of Pinellas County, high concentrations in Hillsborough County, background to high concentrations in Sarasota County, low to medium concentrations inand offshore of Charlotte County, background to very low concentrations in- and offshore of Lee County, very low concentrations offshore of Collier County and background to medium concentrations in- and offshore of Monroe County.

Reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were not received from Manatee County but reports of respiratory irritation were received from Manatee, as well as in Pinellas, Sarasota, Lee and Collier counties.

For more information, go online to myfwc.com.

head is producing plenty of action on spotted seatrout with a host of other species mixed in, including pompano, bluefish, ladyfish and jack crevalle.

Lastly, fishing structure in the Gulf of Mexico is producing mangrove snapper and sheepshead.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishing is good, although with the drop in temps, he anticipates a lull in the action.

Prior to the cold front, anglers using live shrimp as bait were catching quite a few sheepshead, as well as black drum. Both species were being caught while casting live shrimp on a weighted rig under the pier

ayla reiner, 6, visiting her grandparents on Longboat Key from north georgia, shows off a redfish she brought to the boat “all by herself.” She used shrimp as her bait and the smile tells the rest of the story. ayla was fishing inshore Dec. 22 with family, guided by capt Warren girle and, after the photo op, the redfish was released.

among the pilings. While doing this, anglers also hooked into a few pompano and snook.

Spanish mackerel made a surprise appearance on days when the bait schools were present. Anglers casting speck rigs or silver spoons were hooking up frequently.

Capt. Warren Girle says before the cold front he was finding plenty of action in Sarasota Bay on spotted seatrout. Casting live shiners or artificials, such a soft plastics, was yielding many spotted seatrout as well as a mix of bluefish, ladyfish and jack crevalle.

Fishing canals for snook was productive, although, with the cold temperatures, at least by our standards, Girle expects the snook bite to diminish.

Lastly, casting live shrimp under docks is yielding action for Girle’s clients on redfish.

Capt. David White is finding action on nearshore and offshore structure while using live pinfish as bait. In those areas, gag grouper are the most predominant bite, with many catches being keeper-size fish — over 24 inches. Also, around structure in the Gulf, White is finding mangrove snapper.

Moving inshore, White is finding some snook action while working the flats and the residential canals, although he predicts the fish will go on a brief hiatus from biting during the cold snap. Bait with live shrimp is working well for White’s anglers along the beaches for sheepshead, black drum and pompano. Shrimp also is leading to a redfish bite while working the rocks and docks in canals.

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

Nearshore netting

fishers hunt Dec. 21 along the shoreline of coquina Beach for mullet during the season’s mullet run. a mullet skiff — sometimes called a kicker boat — often can be identified by its forward motor, housed in a cut out box in the centerline of the vessel. this setup allows fishers to tip, or kick up the motor, to run in shallow water with less chance of fouling the nets in the prop.

Stasny

TideWatch

islander Photo: robert anderson

ITEMS FOR SALE

tWin BeDS: eXceLLent condition. adjustable with electric controls, $75 each or best offer. 941-778-5542.

cHanDeLier, metaL like-new, $20, chairs, black, soft cushion, $15, white office chair, $15. 941-920-2494.

SiDe taBLeS: BroWn with glass top. two for $25. 941-920-2494.

antiQue Partner DeSK: all wood, $500. inquire at the islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

antiQue office cHairS: Perfect for eclectic dining set. circa 1950 from anna maria city Hall. inquire at the islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

Victorian BaBY carriage: Wood/wicker, great photo or theater prop. Benefits moonracer animal rescue. for photos: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

PETS

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

TRANSPORTATION

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

2001 Saturn LW-30 wagon. 126,300 miles. new tires, lifts, air conditioning. $2,350 or best offer. 941-778-4590, 7 a.m-7 p.m.

2003 HonDa oDYSSeY van: $1,995. Pines trailer court. call Larry, 402-223-8068.

BOATS & BOATING

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

Boat WaLK BoarDS: 15 ½-inch wide x 24-feet long. Pair, $1,200. call or text, 941232-6042.

SuncoaSt Bottom Painting: Professional bottom painting. mobile. call 941704-9382.

HELP WANTED

noW Hiring HanDYman: full-time professional services. $15 an hour and up, based on experience. call JayPros, 941962-2874.

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

KiDS for Hire ads are free for island youths under 16 looking for work. text or email: 941-778-7978 or classifieds@islander. org.

Don’t forget! the islander office will be closed monday, Jan. 1. Your classified ad for the Jan. 4 edition is due at noon Dec. 30. text or email: 941-778-7978 or classifieds@ islander.org.

SERVICES

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

cLeaning: Vacation, conStruction, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

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

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

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

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

HanDYman or cLeaning services: affordable rates. fred, 941-356-1456.

ProfeSSionaL WinDoW cLeaning: residential, commercial, free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-852-6163.

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

BeacH SerVice air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving manatee county and the island since 1987. for dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill eller, 941-795-7411. cac184228.

LAWN & GARDEN

connie’S LanDScaPing inc. residential and commercial. full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! insured. 941-778-5294.

BarneS

LaWn anD Landscape LLc. Design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-705-1444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

coLLinS LanDScaPe LigHting: outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. mJc24373@ gmail.com.

SearaY SPrinKLer SerViceS. repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. 941-920-0775.

SHeLL DeLiVereD anD spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

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, 941-962-2874.

HanDYman anD Painting. no job too small. most jobs just right. call richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

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

caLL HYDro cLean. full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

SaraSota interior Painting: We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! owner operated. fully insured/ licensed. call or text Don, 941-900-9398. instagram: SarasotainteriorPainting.

DonaLD PerKinS’ aBracaDaBra Painting LLc. interior/exterior. 30 years of experience. 941-705-7096.

RENTALS

anna maria guLf beachfront vacation rentals. one- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

commerciaL LeaSe: 419 Pine ave., anna maria. island real estate, Larry chatt, 941 345-1288.

SmaLL eXecutiVe office available. approximately 550 sf. gulf Drive exposure. Water and electric included, $850/month. $500 deposit. 5386 gulf Drive, Suite 101, Holmes Beach. 941-746-8666.

annuaL rentaL: tWo large bedrooms, two bath. Lanai, extra parking. five minutes to coquina. $1,975/month, plus utilities. 941-266-0439.

RENTALS Continued

3Br/2Ba guLf VieW! annual, furnished, elevated island house, Bradenton Beach. minimum six months, $3,500/month. first, last, security deposit, $1,500. no pets. Send detailed household information to LHB747@ gmail.com or 941-778-1098.

anna maria 2Br/2Ba. minimum six-month rental. Just over the bridge, beautiful community of the highly sought-after gated Perico Bay club. furnished villa with garage, includes water, Wifi, Spectrum, pest control, trash, and lawn care. no pets/no smoking. available april 1. $3,000/month, plus electric. 310-971-7210. VrBo 9422180ha.

SeaSonaL: 4Br/2Ba, pool, large sunroom, garage, laundry, $10,000/month. Walk to beach or cross street to beach. 3Br/2Ba sunroom, porch, garage, washer and dryer. $12,000/month. call 347-510-8417.

aVaiLaBiLitY Jan. 1 to Jan. 31, 2023. 3Br/2Ba single-level home located on the canal in the city of anna maria. $4,500 plus taxes and fees. call anna maria realty inc., 941-778-2259.

SeaSonaL 2Br/2.5Ba uPDateD townhouse. Pool, boat slip. $1,100/week. Dates available Jan. 15-30 and april 1-30. real estate mart, 941-356-1456.

1Br/1Ba at 55-PLuS park. no pets. 30-day rental. Dec. 30 to Jan. 29, 2023 (only). Pool, bay and beach, a one-minute walk to all. Vetting required. 831-212-2606, Sandpiper resort.

SeaSonaL rentaL 3Br and 4Br/2Ba, sunroom, swimming pool, garage, laundry. $9,000/month. call 347-510-8417.

REAL ESTATE

Winnie mcHaLe, reaLtor, 941-5046146. rosebay international realty inc. You need an aggressive and experienced realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - making Dreams come true.”

afforDaBLe ViLLa: 2Br/2Ba, community pool, in Bradenton, near img academy. $225,000 or best offer. real estate mart, 941-356-1456.

Passport to prosperity

Passport renewals Time to renew

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is renewing its “Passport” program for 2023 and inviting businesses to participate in the promotional campaign in which visitors travel from place to place collecting 16 stamps in a “Passport” booklet for a free T-shirt. The deadline for businesses to join the Passport booklet program is Wednesday, Dec. 28.

day, Jan. 17, at Southeast High School in Bradenton. Finalists include the Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe in Holmes Beach in the “Good Things Come in Small Packages” category and AMI’s Chiles Group in the “Good Things Come in Big Packages, Too” group. Also, the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, which operates a restaurant at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, is nominated in the “Special One-Time

WE TWEET TOO

Project” category.

Judith Patterson of Your cBD Store poses at the Dec. 15 anna maria island chamber of commerce holiday party hosted at the chamber office by the anna maria island Privateers. With Patterson are young Privateers, elf on the Shelf and Buddy the elf, Privateer president Kim “Syren” Boyd and ronald “candyman” fisher. islander Photo: courtesy amicofc

The program will be 3-5 p.m.

For more, call the MCoC at 941-748-3411.

Building up

The Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, is making plans to expand.

AMOB’s December newsletter announced, “The process of expanding and refreshing our operation … is officially underway! In collaboration with our awesome partner, the city of Bradenton Beach CRA, we’re looking to add a second food-and-beverage service location on the pier.”

The CRA is the agency charting growth and renewal in the city’s commercial district.

AMOB, which has operated for seven years on the pier, is planning a social media-based naming contest for the expansion — the winner gets a bar tab.

@ami_islander

One suggestion: Pearls on the Pier.

BizCal

PropertyWatch

ONGOING

Second Fridays through April, 5:30-7:30 p.m., City Center Artwalk and Shop, Gulf and Marina drives, Holmes Beach. Info: 941778-6648.

SAVE THE DATE

Jan. 5, 7:30 a.m., AMI Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, Judy’s Restaurant, Bradenton. Info: 941-778-1541.

Jan. 12, 11:30 a.m., AMI Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay, Bradenton. Info: 941-778-1541.

Jan. 17, 3 p.m., Manatee Chamber of Commerce Business and Education Partnership Awards, Southeast High School, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-3411.

Jan. 26, 5 p.m., AMI Chamber of Commerce Trolley Grant Awards, Seafood Shack, Cortez. Info: 941-778-1541. Fees generally apply and reservations are required.

Island real estate sales

522 Pine Ave., #4D, Anna Maria, an 822 sq ft 2BR/1BA Bayou condo built in 1973 sold 11/21/2022 by Hill to Brown for $615,000, list price $675,000.

5400 Gulf Drive, #23, Holmes Beach, a 968 sq ft 2BR/2BA 5400 Gulf Drive Apartments condo built in 1964 sold 11/18/2022 by Lavender to Anderson for $550,000 list price $635,000.

6500 Flotilla Drive, #231, Holmes Beach, a 1,394 sq ft 2BR/2BA Westbay Point condo built in 1979 sold 11/15/2022 by Shufelt to D&S Horizon Prop LLC for $799,000 list price $799,000.

509 56th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,066 sq ft 2BR/2BA home on a 6,961 sq ft lot built in 1963 sold

on 11/28/2022 by VP Trust to Kelley for $825,000, list price $1,000,000.

208 84th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,252 sq ft 2BR/2BA home on a 9,000 sq ft built in 1958 sold 11/22/2022 by Cook to Sloan for $904,000 list price $929,000.

Compiled by Island Real Estate staff. Island Real Estate sales professionals can be reached at 941-7786066, islandreal.com.

Business news

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’re new in business or your staff deserves kudos. Submit your info to news@islander.org.

compiled by Lisa neff

By carol Bernard