The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023

astheworldterns 6

Bridge Street report enters planning stage. 3

Q&A 081623 3

Meetings 5

Am continues residency discussion. 5

Am candidate qualifying begins Aug. 25. 5

Opinions 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7 monkey Bus forced offroad. 8

Save the date. 10

AMI Happenings

What’s up on Ami? 11

Back to class. 12-13

Gathering. 14

Obituaries 14

GoodDeeds 15

Where’s Tuna Street? 16-17

county oKs coquina trail funding. 19

RoadWatch 19

Cops & Courts 20-21

forecasters: Above-normal storm season. 22

Palma Sola causeway cleanup planned. 23

center names indoor soccer champs. 24

fishing in the heat. 25

NESTING NOTES 26

Getting schooled.

NYT puzzle 26

daytripping to town. 27

cLASSIFIEDS. 28-29

Isl Biz: 30

PropertyWatch. 30

Trooper: Motorist kills biker on AMI Bridge

By ryan Paice islander reporter

A 33-year-old man from Lancaster, New York, died Aug. 9 after he was struck while biking on the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue by a 23-year-old Bradenton resident who was driving an SUV, according to a Florida Highway Patrol news release.

The bicyclist and motorist, Jonathan Garrison, were heading east and approaching the bridge’s center span when the front left of the motorist’s SUV collided with the right side of the bike and its operator.

CAMPUS WELCOME Holmes Beach Police chief Bill tokajer and HBPd’s school resource officer christine LaBranche give out fist bumps to students on the first day of the new school year at the entry to Anna maria elementary. the 2023-24 academic year at the school began Aug. 10 with more than 200 students enrolled.

The bicyclist — who was not wearing a helmet — was “propelled” from his bike and struck the bridge’s concrete surface. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

FHP Sgt. John Boos was investigating

County forges Holmes Beach parking garage

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Planning for a parking garage at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach is underway at the county level.

Manatee County commissioners were set to meet Aug. 14, after The Islander’s press deadline, for a work session to discuss conceptual plans for four county parking garages, including a three-story structure at the countyowned beach.

The garage was proposed by County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge

Top Notch

after he came into office in 2020 and began criticizing the city’s park-by-permit system.

City officials argue the park-by-permit system protects residential quality of life.

County offi cials argue that it restricts island parking for off-island residents and visitors.

State Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, sided with the county and filed House Bill 947 to allow it to build a 36-foot-tall parking structure on county-owned property within the city — such as Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive — without obtain-

ing a permit from the city.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law June 23.

Now, the county is working on plans for such a structure.

The county has presented plans for a $45 million parking garage that would be funded by tourist taxes and provide 1,500-1,700 paid parking spaces in place of the existing 400-space parking lot at the beach.

A presentation prepared for the Aug. 14 work session showed plans for a three-story parking structure on the footprint of the existing parking lot, with a public access drivethrough on the ground floor and a drop-off area along the beachfront — where existing

Driver found guilty in HB pedestrian crash

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The first step has been completed in litigating a May 12 pedestrian crash that left one person dead in Holmes Beach.

12th Circuit Judge Robert Farrance withheld adjudication Aug. 9 against Michael Ritchie, 43, a Bradenton Fire Department driver/engineer, but ruled Ritchie guilty of failure to yield right of way to pedestrians Deborah and Miriam Trotter.

Farrance’s ruling ordered Ritchie to pay a $166 traffic citation and $21 in subpoena costs, as well as complete a four-hour basic driver improvement course within 60 days.

Week 6: Silhouette on Sarasota Bay

the islander archive, dating to november 1992, is at the University of florida digital newspaper collection: ufdc.ufl.edu.

Kris castagna of Bradenton wins the sixth and final weekly winner of the islander’s 2023 top notch photo contest with a photograph of son Kyle taken Aug. 5 at a sandbar south of Jewfish Key in Sarasota Bay at sunrise. the photographer won an islander “more-than-a-mullet wrapper” t-shirt and entry into the finals, which offers a grand prize of $100 from the islander and gift certificates from islander advertisers. the top notch grand winner will be announced Aug. 23, followed by announcements of the pet photo contest and honorable mentions.

Ritchie struck the Trotters with his 2018 GMC 2500 as they crossed Gulf Drive with an active “walk” signal between S&S Plaza and the defunct Wells Fargo building.

They were taken to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton, where Deborah Trotter, 65, of Holmes Beach, was treated and released the same day.

crash

tUrn to Parking garage, PAGe 2

tUrn to aMi bridge crash, PAGe 2

tUrn to Pedestrian

, PAGe 4

islander Photo: robert Anderson

Van ostenbridge

robinson

manatee Beach, looking north.

Plans for a three-story parking garage at manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf drive, Holmes Beach, are opposed by city officials but allowed due to the passage of House Bill 947 in this year’s state legislative session. islander Photo: courtesy manatee county

Scallop ‘no-harvest’ search set for Sarasota Bay

Baywatchers are needed to search for scallops.

Sarasota Bay Watch’s Great Scallop Search will begin at about 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, with participants gathering at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron on City Island, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota.

For the “no-harvest” search, volunteers will boat to destinations in the bay and snorkel to survey the scallop population.

The event, first conducted in 2008, helps provide scientists and conservationists with an understanding of the bay’s health.

Scallops are an indicator of a healthy bay, similar to canaries in underground coal mines. Development and pollution caused scallops to dramatically decline in the 1950s and for decades — until repopulation in 2011 — they were missing from the bay.

Volunteers also will survey other shellfish and seagrass.

Participants must bring snorkeling gear, but they will be equipped to search for scallops and clams.

Sarasota Bay Watch will provide lunch.

For more information or reservations, go to saraso-

aMi bridge crash continUed from PAGe 1 the crash, according to the release.

FHP Lt. Gregory Bueno wrote in an Aug. 11 email to The Islander that additional details, including the name of the deceased biker, will become public record when a formal crash report is filed.

FHP crash reports become available 10 days after an incident at floridacrashportal.gov.

Parking garage continUed from PAGe 1 retail, restaurant and restrooms are located.

The public access drive begins at the beach parking lot’s two current entrances, at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue and north of the S-curve along Gulf. The plan calls for a roundabout at the north end, where it connects with northbound Gulf Drive.

The drop-off area connects to terraced platforms, which lead to a circulation area that leads to the beach.

Plans also include a retail area on the second floor of the structure.

Holmes Beach officials have discussed launching a legal challenge to oppose the construction of a parking structure but no motions to pursue official litigation have been made by city commissioners.

County staff, in the presentation, is asking the county board for approval to move forward with the concept design and to pursue a public/private partnership for the project.

Later, according to the presentation materials, staff will pursue environmental, stormwater, traffic and lighting studies.

▼ Modern Chop Happy Hour 4-6

▲ Martini Monday: Signature Martinis, $7, plus 1/2 price lite bites -- lounge only.

▼ Prime Rib Tuesdays, plus $3 Tacos and Margaritas -- lounge only.

▲ Wine Down Wednesday, 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass, plus Snow Crabs

▼ Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour all nite in the lounge.

1830 59th St W, Bradenton

941.201.6006

Call to book private events. modernchopsteakhouse.com

tabaywatch.org or call Ronda Ryan at 941-232-2363.

A volunteer measures a scallop during a past “no harvest” search. islander file Photo

Bridge Street resort enters planning stage at city hall

By robert Anderson islander reporter

Developmental planning for a new resort on Bridge Street is getting underway.

Bradenton Beach building official

Steve Gilbert told The Islander Aug. 2 that he met that day with members of a development team regarding a resort proposed by Shawn Kaleta.

Conceptual drawings, submitted to the city in 2022 by Luttrell Architectural LLC of Tampa, show a 103room, 206,987-square-foot resort encompassing the southwest corner of Bridge Street called the Bridge St. Hotel.

“The drawings are the same as they were before,” Gilbert said. “We are expecting at this point that they will move a little faster.”

The design shows three floors with hotel rooms, retail, a main entrance, lobby and lounge, offices, a coffee bar, putt-putt golf facility and gym.

The rooftop includes a swimming pool and deck.

The properties involved in the proposed develop-

concept and design renderings submitted last year to the Bradenton Beach building and permitting office show what the resort might look like.

ment include several owned or leased by Kaleta and Najmy-Thompson PL:

• 101 Bridge St., formerly Freckled Fin restaurant;

• 106 Third St. S., a rental home;

• 105 Bridge St.. Apt. 1, previously Island Time Inn;

• 219 Gulf Drive S. Other involved properties include those registered to businessman Jake Spooner, a Bradenton Beach commissioner:

• 108 Third St. S.;

• 110 Third St. S., Unit W;

• 112 Third St. S.;

• 117 Bridge St.

Gilbert said the resort developer completed a parking study. Such a study typically includes an inventory of parking, an evaluation of parking conditions and projections of parking demand.

Gilbert also said the developer will be processing the project as a planned unit development, meaning typical zoning and codes will not apply.

A planned unit development is a type of flexible,

non-Euclidean zoning device that redefines land uses allowed within a stated land area.

“They will be setting the land development code aside,” said Gilbert.

“Instead of having to have five variances and three special use permits, the land development code doesn’t apply and they make specific finding of fact as to what’s appropriate.”

He said the development could be in public hearings by the end of the year and ready to go to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for state permits soon after.

The project will require DEP permitting because some of the buildings involved sit on the seaward side of the coastal construction control line program boundary.

The CCCL was created in 1989 in accordance with Florida statutes to regulate structures and activities which can cause beach erosion, destabilization of dunes, damage upland properties or interfere with public access. The CCCL also protects sea turtles and dune plants.

Q&A 081623

Last week’s question

SUNSET CRUISES & DOLPHIN TOURS

By Lisa neff

About the heat in July on AMI…

28%. My hottest July ever.

58%. Always hot in July.

10%. Going to get worse.

4%. Don’t know. Stayed inside. This week’s question

Do you remember the day — Aug. 16, 1977 — that Elvis Presley died?

A. Of course. The King.

B. Sort of.

C. No.

D. Who?

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

islander file

Photo

Gilbert

Kaleta Spooner

Pedestrian crash continUed from PAGe 1

Her mother, Miriam Trotter, 86, of Maryland, suffered critical injuries and died May 17.

Ritchie was not arrested and had not been charged with a criminal offense as of Aug. 12.

However, Holmes Beach Police Officer Alexander Hurt issued a noncriminal traffic citation to Ritchie for refusing to yield the right of way to the Trotters.

Attorney David Haenel of Sarasota-based The Law Place filed a plea of not guilty May 22 and requested a trial by judge on behalf of his client, Ritchie.

The contest culminated in an Aug. 9 traffic court hearing before Farrance.

Haenel represented Ritchie alongside private investigator and former traffic homicide investigator Sean O’Leary, who joined Ritchie’s counsel table as an expert.

The state does not prosecute civil traffic citations, so no prosecuting attorney was present to argue against the defense.

In lieu of a prosecutor, the citing officer — Hurt — can attend traffic court and present witnesses to justify the issuance of a citation.

Hurt attended the Aug. 9 hearing and three witnesses were subpoenaed to testify: Deborah Trotter, Ashley Caratini of Bradenton and Alan Miller of Canton, Ohio.

Miller — who was in another lane at the intersection during the crash — did not attend the hearing.

Hurt began testimony by detailing the incident.

Ritchie was in Marina Drive’s southbound leftturn lane in a white pickup, the first motorist in line at a red light at Gulf Drive, where roadway construction was ongoing and new traffic signals were operating.

The Trotters were at the southeast corner of the intersection and, after receiving a signal to cross Gulf

Holmes Beach resident

deborah trotter testifies Aug. 9 before Judge robert farrance about her experience as one of two pedestrians struck may 12 by michael ritchie while using an active pedestrian crosswalk. the other pedestrian was trotter’s mother, miriam, 86, who died five days after the incident.

Drive, entered the crosswalk.

At roughly the same time, Ritchie’s signal turned solid green. He proceeded to turn left onto Gulf and into the crosswalk, striking both the Trotters before coming to a stop.

Caratini, who was the motorist in line behind Ritchie, witnessed the collision and called 911.

Hurt said he arrived about 20 minutes after the collision — behind officers who arrived within three minutes — at which point the Trotters had already been taken by Manatee County Emergency Medical Services.

Hurt said he investigated by taking measurements and interviewing Ritchie, then speaking to Caratini and Miller over the phone the next day.

He said the newly installed traffic signal at the intersection was not programmed to turn red in accordance with the pedestrian crossing signal, resulting in the conflicting signals, but they were reprogrammed to do so shortly after the collision.

Haenel argued that the sidewalk the Trotters used before the collision and the crosswalk where they were struck were closed to the public due to construction at the intersection.

Hurt acknowledged signs along the sidewalk indicated restricted access but said the crosswalk remained active at the time.

He said the city covered pedestrian crossing signals at the intersection following the collision, until the pedestrian and vehicle traffic signals there could be reprogrammed to work in coordination.

Trotter was the first witness to testify. She said she was walking with her mother to the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, and waited for a crossing signal before entering the crosswalk.

Trotter said they began crossing Gulf Drive when she saw an unknown motorist in a black truck drive through the intersection, leading her to believe it had run a red light.

She said she looked back to tell her mom about the motorist and by the time she turned around, Ritchie’s vehicle was driving into her.

Trotter said she lost sensation following the collision and couldn’t see or move her body. She said she continues to suffer bouts of dizziness and head pain.

Haenel asked Trotter if she remembered if the sidewalk they were in before taking the crosswalk was closed. She said she did not recall it being closed.

Farrance asked Trotter if she had retained an attorney related to personal injury, property damage, as well as physical and emotional pain as a result of the incident. She affirmed that she had.

The last witness to testify was Caratini.

Caratini said she saw the Trotters enter the crosswalk when the light turned green and Ritchie’s vehicle slowly roll forward, leading her to believe he saw the pedestrians, so she held back from using her horn.

Caratini said Ritchie committed to the turn and collided with the Trotters and she called 911.

She said she harbored guilt over the incident for not honking her horn to stop Ritchie.

Haenel asked Caratini if she recalled the black truck seen by Trotter before the collision or if she noticed that the sidewalk was closed.

Caratini said she did not see a black truck reported by Trotter — Ritchie drove a white truck — but noted the crosswalk did not appear to be closed. She said a portion of Marina Drive had been closed with barricades but not the sidewalk south of Gulf Drive.

When asked if Ritchie would testify, Haenel said, “That’s not going to happen.”

In closing arguments, Haenel argued that a connection between the collision and Miriam Trotter’s death had not been established by presentation of a death certificate or testimony from a medical expert.

Hurt said a medical examiner’s report established a cause of death but Farrance dismissed it since the hearing was to consider closed testimony.

Farrance said Caratini’s testimony solidified the failure-to-yield citation but without causation to Trotter’s death due to the lack of medical testimony.

Farrance ordered Ritchie to pay the citation and subpoena costs, as well as attend driving school, but withheld adjudication due to a previously clean record.

Withholding adjudication means a person is found guilty but not formally convicted.

Farrance added that his ruling makes no determination about potential civil liability, personal injury or property damage.

Trotter declined to comment after the hearing.

Haenel told The Islander the ruling was “very fair.”

Bradenton had previously opened an administrative review of the incident, based on Ritchie’s job with the city as a fire department driver/engineer.

City administrator Rob Perry told The Islander Aug. 14 that the Bradenton Fire Department would review Farrance’s ruling and provide a recommendation on Ritchie’s employment to the city for consideration.

michael ritchie, left, sits Aug. 9 in a courtroom alongside private investigator and former traffic homicide investigator Sean o’Leary and attorney david Haenel, right. islander Photos: ryan Paice

Anna Maria continues residency incentive discussion

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Anna Maria residents are losing ground to shortterm vacation rental operations.

And the city is exploring options to combat the trend.

City attorney Becky Vose presented to city commissioners Aug. 3 her research into options proposed by Commissioner Charlie Salem to attract and retain long-term residents.

About 70% of the city’s dwellings are vacation rental units, according to Mayor Dan Murphy.

In an effort to turn the tide, Salem proposed at a June 22 budget meeting that the city explore the use of marketing to attract full-time residents and also incentives — such as grants, tax breaks and building code allowances.

He suggested budgeting $75,000 in fiscal 2023-24, which begins Oct. 1, for a feasibility study on options.

Vose said she’d research the matter from a legal perspective ahead of the study, which was tentatively included in the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

She discussed the early results of her research at a July 13 commission meeting but returned via speakerphone to the Aug. 3 meeting with more information.

Vose said the least risky option with no current or foreseen legal impediments would be to establish a marketing plan to attract full-time residents.

She said it would be a “slam dunk.”

On the other hand, Vose said Salem’s proposal to cut property taxes for long-term residents was not allowed under state law.

Nevertheless, she recommended the city speak to its lobbyist about potentially pushing for legislation to decrease property taxes for permanent residents in

Meetings

cities that have lost a certain amount of residents.

“At first, I didn’t think that had much promise, but I think we should at least talk with a lobbyist about it,” Vose said.

The city’s other options might be open to potential legal challenges, according to Vose.

One option would be to provide grants to permanent residents who agree to restrictive covenants preventing their properties from being used as short-term rentals.

Vose said the city could not base the value of those grants on property value since it could be interpreted as a reverse tax but it could base value on other aspects, such as the number of bedrooms or residents.

She added that such an option would be a “very sizable” investment but was a possibility.

Another option Salem proposed was to provide building code incentives to permanent residents.

Vose said there was little case law to determine the legality of such an option, so the city could explore it, but she warned that a successful legal challenge might allow certain properties to increase lot coverage and density.

Ultimately, Vose cautioned the commission that a potential legal challenge could be expensive.

Commissioners Jonathan Crane, Robert Kingan and Deanie Sebring said they were onboard with lobbying for legislation to provide tax incentives to permanent residents.

“I’m kind of intrigued by the idea,” Crane said. “I think bribing people to move here is more effective than trying to seduce them.”

Salem said he also was onboard with lobbying for tax incentives but he urged the city to move forward with exploring a marketing strategy to attract residents.

He said the $75,000 budgeted for a feasibility

By Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

ANNA MARIA CITY

Aug. 24, 5 p.m., commission.

Through Aug. 25, election qualifying.

Sept. 7, 5 p.m., commission.

Sept. 21, 5 p.m., commission.

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

BRADENTON BEACH

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

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

Aug. 17, noon, commission.

Aug. 28-Sept. 1, election qualifying.

Sept. 6, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

Sept. 6, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

Sept. 7, 6 p.m., commission.

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

Make the most of summer

Is your business making the most of the summer season?

Improve your odds of success with The Islander readers looking to shop and dine, as well as seeking indoor and outdoor fun. For ad info, call or text 941-778-7978.

study could be applied to learning how much money is needed to establish a marketing strategy and if it would result in the city’s intended effects.

Commission Chair Mark Short said the money also should be used to explore the other options outside of marketing, but voiced concern about potential blowback from some residents.

“I think we could get backlash from the existing residents who are very content and very happy, who are going to be like, ‘Well, why would I want to do that? … You’re only doing something for either new people or a small, select group of people who have the space to do this,” Short said. “I have that concern at the end of the day about how existing residents will look at this.”

Key Royale resident Fran Derr, a member of Key Royale Residents Owners Association’s welcome committee, said seven of eight new residents she’d welcomed to Key Royale moved from elsewhere on the island to get away from short-term rentals.

Key Royale is in a Residential-1 zone, which prohibits vacation rental stays of less than 30 days.

Derr said the restrictive zoning inhibits vacation rental operations and limits the impacts of tourism on residents. “It’s amazing to me that out of eight people I welcomed, seven already lived out here on the island,” she said.

The commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

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

2023 elections Candidate qualifying opens in Anna Maria

Qualifying for elected office in Anna Maria Island’s cities takes place this month,

HOLMES BEACH

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

Aug. 23, 5 p.m., planning.

Aug. 28-Sept. 1, election qualifying.

Sept. 6, 5 p.m., planning.

Sept. 13, 9 a.m., clean water ad hoc committee.

Sept. 14, 5 p.m., commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

MANATEE COUNTY

Aug. 21, 9:30 a.m., tourist development council, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

ALSO OF INTEREST

Labor Day is Sept. 4. Most government offices will be closed.

This year’s nonpartisan elections include:

• Anna Maria: Three city commission seats, which are two-year terms. Incumbents include Salem, Jonathan B. Crane and Robert Kingan.

Kingan announced he is not seeking reelection.

Qualifying will continue through noon Aug. 25.

• Bradenton Beach: Mayor and two commission seats — Ward 1 and Ward 3, all two-year terms. The current mayor is John Chappie. Current commissioners are Jacob “Jake” Spooner in Ward 1 and Jan Vosburgh in Ward 3.

Qualifying will be noon Aug. 28-noon Sept. 1.

• Holmes Beach: Three commission seats, all twoyear terms. Pat Morton, Terry W. Schaefer and Carol Soustek currently hold the seats.

Also up for election in the city: Five seats on a charter review board.

Qualifying will be noon Aug. 28-noon Sept. 1.

For more information, go to votemanatee.gov.

No, no no. Not here

Let’s face it, this whole business about putting a parking garage at the Manatee Public Beach stinks.

It’s a beautiful beach and honestly, I could probably make an argument for no cars there.

I’d like it if access was limited to folks who ride the fare-free trolley, spend an hour or two enjoying libations or food at the concession, splash at the water’s edge, bake a little in the sun and then ride on to other “hot spots” on the island.

But the parking garage will exceed the limits of people on the sand at the public beach. On weekends and holidays, the public spreads out on the beach beyond the “public” area because it’s crowded.

Just 400 or so cars is enough to crowd the sand with families, umbrellas, chairs and all the gear they bring. It already resembles Coney Island on Labor Day.

Here’s a look south at the Manatee Beach on Memorial Day 2004.

Can you really imagine the crowd if they put 1,500 cars in a parking garage?

If the Manatee Beach needs anything, it needs more restrooms and showers, a cooling station, a splash pad for kids, better handicap access, an Olympic-size pool and a pier, for people to walk out and enjoy the view, fish, jump in the surf and celebrate life’s milestones.

MPB should be improved with a rooftop pavilion for dances and gatherings — and guess what, folks?

The concession produces the income to cover some of those improvements and the excessively growing tourist development tax will cover all the costs.

Parking garage? What people really want is more parking on tree-lined streets and access to less-crowded beaches in residential neighborhoods.

And that’s not happening on Anna Maria Island.

So ... to the county commissioners who will decide on forcing a parking garage on our community — or not — I say, be careful what you wish for.

Those of us who love Anna Maria Island and the MPB will vote with our hearts.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Share, like, comment

The Islander Aug. 9 shared a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post of manatees near Park Avenue in Anna Maria and within 24 hours, we saw more than 200 likes, as well as a couple of dozen shares and a herd of comments, including:

• “What is it?”

— Beatriz Caicedo

• “An aggregation of manatees!”

— Patrick Lyn Snow

Skimming online

Website: islander.org

Facebook: islandernewspaper

Twitter: @ami_islander

Instagram: @theislanderami

Pinterest: @islandernewspaper

News alerts: Register at islander.org

E-edition: Subscribe at islander.org

Connections on AMI

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

▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org

robert Anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com

Brook morrison, brook@islander.org

ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Karen riley-Love

Jacob merrifield

capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

nicole Quigley

▼ Advertising Director

toni Lyon, toni@islander.org

▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell

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

▼ Distribution

Urbane Bouchet ross roberts

Judy Loden Wasco

(All others: news@islander.org)

• “The manatees had a police escort when they passed by me.”

— Andrew George White

• “Looking for love in all the right places.”

— Mark T. Kracker

manatee county Sheriff’s office deputies on Anna maria island took a series of photos of manatees just off the shoreline near Park Avenue in Anna maria Aug.

9. islander Photo: courtesy mcSo via facebook

Anna Maria: 941-708-6130, ammayor@cityofannamaria.com; Bradenton Beach: 941-778-1005, mayor@ cityofbradentonbeach.com; Holmes Beach: 941-7085800, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.

Looking back

Planning AME

Plans circa 1955-60 show a schematic for a new Anna maria School in Holmes Beach.

islander Photos: courtesy manatee county Public Library System archives

In the archives

Check The Islander archives 24/7

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

We’d love to mail you the news!

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

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

If you don’t live here year-round, use this form to subscribe by (snail) mail for yourself or someone else. (Sorry, we do not suspend mail subscriptions — you get The Islander free while you’re here!)

BULK MAIL U.S. SUBSCRIPTION (allow 2 weeks for every week’s delivery)

❑ 1 year: $54 ❑ 3-6 Months: $36 ❑ 1-3 Months: $24

U.S. FIRST CLASS AND CANADIAN MAIL SUBSCRIPTION

❑ 1 year: $160 ❑ 3-6 Months: $98 ❑ 1-3 Months: $54

❑ Single Issue: $5 FIRST CLASS MAIL, U.S. ONLY, maximum four weeks

MAIL TO: ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP

Credit card: ❏ d ❏ u No.

Name shown on card: Exp. Date

Credit card billing address:

MAIL START DATE:

10&20 years ago

From the Aug. 13, 2003, issue

• Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Alan Galletto said most members favored a county proposal to increase the resort tax — also known as the bed tax — from 3% to 4%. Galletto said many members agreed the increase was needed to fund the county’s marketing budget.

• Modular newsracks for media publications were installed in Anna Maria following 18 months of negotiations with the city by local media, including The Islander. The enclosures replaced freestanding racks the city described as “visual blight.”

PE at AME

A gym class takes outdoor exercise at Ame in September 1980. the new school year at the elementary school in Holmes Beach began Aug. 10.

• Bradenton Beach city commissioners extended a construction moratorium for a year. Commissioners said the extension was needed while the commission worked on a vision for development.

From the Aug. 14, 2013, issue

• Construction of a boardwalk at Neal Preserve on the south side of Manatee Avenue West on Perico Island began.

• Richard Motzer of the new Holmes Beach Committee on Traffi c Congestion and Parking summed up the committee’s dilemma at its first meeting: “We have a congestion problem.”

• A proposed amendment to Anna Maria’s parking ordinance was reviewed by the city’s planning and zoning board but it failed to gain approval.

• A dozen sea turtle nests were needed for Anna Maria Island to surpass a record set in 2012, when 362 nests were recorded during a stormridden season that claimed almost a third of the nests.

— Lisa neff

Monkey Bus owners forced off-road by insurance cost

By ryan Paice islander reporter

An Anna Maria Island staple is taking some time off to work through insurance issues.

Sally Dirbas, who co-owns the Monkey Bus shuttle service with her son, Mitchell Gross, told The Islander Aug. 10 that they shut the service down a week earlier to allow their insurance with Nebraska-based National Indemnity Company to expire.

Dirbas and Gross, as M&S Ad Ventures LLC, purchased the bus service in June 2022 from its founder, Roque Pastorius.

The service includes a fleet of eight small buses operated by independent contractors who shuttle passengers on and around AMI from morning until late night.

Historically, the Monkey Bus has operated on a

tips-for-trips basis with no standard fare for shuttle services.

Advertisers funds the service’s repairs, maintenance and improvements.

Anna Maria set to revisit sandwich sign regulations

Changes may be in store for businesses with sandwich signs in Anna Maria.

City commissioners reached consensus Aug. 3 to revisit regulations for A-frame signs.

Mayor Dan Murphy said he’d received correspondence complaining about the signs.

Before Murphy was mayor, the city scrapped a sandwich sign ordinance in favor of a prohibition.

Then the city passed a resolution following Hurricane Irma in 2017 to allow sandwich signs for a limited time to stimulate business recovery.

The city set a deadline for the resolution and twice extended it, then tied the deadline to the

reopening of the Anna Maria City Pier, which was damaged by Irma.

The pier reopened in mid-2020 but by then the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing, so the city again extended allowances for sandwich signs.

The resolution has since expired but the ordinance has not been enforced.

Murphy said he would return to the commission with a proposal for sandwich signs.

There was no discussion or public comment.

The commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

— ryan Paice

$15M Cortez restaurant sale pending, buyer unknown

By robert Anderson islander reporter

Real estate agents confirmed the Seafood Shack Restaurant, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez, is under contract with an unknown purchaser.

Vandyk Properties, a Canadian-based development company, listed the Seafood Shack and surrounding properties, including the submerged land lease, for $15 million in April with Coldwell Banker on Crexi.com.

Real estate agents David Neff and Elliot Rose of Coldwell Banker Realty were contracted as agents for the sale of the property.

Rose told The Islander Aug. 10 that the properties were under contract but that due to a nondisclosure agreement, he could not discuss details during a period of due diligence.

Due diligence occurs before the closing, giving a buyer time to inspect the fundamentals of the property, seller, financing and compliance obligations. Meanwhile, the agents were dealing with rumors.

Neff on July 30 responded to a Facebook post from

someone claiming to know details of the sale.

“Being the agent/broker representing the seller of the property, I can say with 100% certainty that the property has not sold,” Neff posted.

He continued, “The information that was given to you was premature as well as inaccurate. We are hoping to close the deal and the information as to who the buyer is, is confidential and may jeopardize the deal. Whoever the buyer is, they will likely re-envision and continue to operate a restaurant as well as the marina.”

Rose and Neff said Vandyk received more than five offers from interested parties.

Vandyk bought the property in 2014, including the 650-seat restaurant and banquet hall, 100-slip marina and 6 acres. The purchase also included Annie’s Bait and Tackle Shop, 4334 127th St. W., and a homesite at 4327 127th St. W.

But Vandyke has opted not to pursue future development of the property.

The marina was built in 1971 by Ham Jones, who built the restaurant a year later.

When Dirbas and Gross purchased the company, they also obtained a commercial transportation policy from Ohio-based Progressive Insurance for $1,900 per month.

Dirbas said the business thrived but when she read the policy’s fine print, she learned it allowed transportation between businesses but not residential properties or hotels.

They canceled Progressive and signed with NICO in February for $2,195 per month.

However, NICO informed Dirbas two weeks later that it recategorized the policy, raising the monthly payment to about $20,000.

Despite their success with the shuttle service, the business struggled under the new policy and they resorted to charging a $5 standard fare for all trips.

Dirbas said they paid the policy out of pocket for months and learned they were obligated to pay the remainder regardless of the policy’s termination.

The NICO policy also includes an agreement that prevents them from contracting for other insurance until 15 days after the policy expires.

So the Monkey Bus owners must wait until Aug. 18 to obtain new insurance.

Dirbas was hopeful they would find a new insurer for a price similar to its original policy.

“I think we’ll get a quote on the 16th day, if not sooner,” she said. “I know we can find another quote and get insurance for what we need.”

In the meantime, Dirbas and Gross said they were using the downtime to complete maintenance and improvements to the fleet.

Improvements include painting the buses and adjusting seating to face inward instead of the standard forward-facing bus seating.

Moving forward, Dirbas said the fare for the shuttle service will be dependent on the company’s next insurance policy.

If insurance costs are low, the company will return to the tips-for-trips policy.

If not, the company will charge $5 fares for most passengers, while Monkey Bus sponsors provide for a handful of regular patrons.

“It all depends on what it costs for a quote,” Dirbas said. “We’ve been fi ghting to keep it tips-for-trips because that’s iconic.”

Dirbas launched a GoFundMe campaign Aug. 7 titled “Save the Monkey Bus” with a $22,500 goal to help with insurance costs.

The campaign had raised $7,195 from 151 donors as of Aug. 14.

Sally dirbas and mitchell Gross, a mother-and-son team, pictured on purchasing the monkey Bus transportation service in July 2022, face vehicle insurance problems. islander courtesy Photo

Anna Maria planners table Bortell’s request

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Is historical precedent reason enough to grant a special exception request?

Anna Maria planning and zoning board members unanimously voted Aug. 2 to table a request from Bortell’s Lounge, 10002 Gulf Drive, until the applicant provides additional information.

The P&Z is an advisory board to the city commission currently consisting of four members who review proposed ordinances, variances and special exception requests.

Bortell’s opened its doors in 1977 and was purchased by Steve Rose in 2015. He closed it 2018 for renovations and reopened the bar in 2021, but improvements were ongoing as of Aug. 5.

Bortell’s — including the land, building, business and 4-COP liquor license — went on the market in June for $7,200,000 on loopnet.com.

The requested special exception would allow Bortell’s to install three exterior signs:

• One reading “BORTELLS” on the southeast exterior wall;

• One reading “BORTELLS BAR & GRILL” on the northeast exterior wall facing Gulf Drive;

• One reading “BOOZE BURGERS BEER” on the northeast exterior wall facing Gulf Drive.

The proposed signage would total 28.889 square feet.

City code allows each commercial use a single sign of no more than 16 square feet with a three-inch frame, so multiple signs would require approval.

Anna Maria-based contractor Tangerine Group applied for an accessory permit for the proposed signage but city planner Ashley Austin denied the permit after finding it did not comply with city code.

Representing Rose, Tangerine Group agent Sydney Buckley attended the meeting and told planners that the request would restore the Bortell’s historical signage.

She said the city’s allowed signage isn’t sufficient for the size of the business, which has had the same footprint since 1977.

P&Z member Dusty Crane questioned Bortell’s need for almost twice the square footage allowed for commercial businesses.

“Anna Maria has signage ordinances and this is going way beyond it,” Crane said. “If your goal is to introduce people to what (Bortell’s) is, I think it’s a little extravagant.”

P&Z member David Haddox said the business also has an exterior mural facing Gulf Drive that acts as a sign for the business and questioned whether it constituted signage under city code.

Haddox added that Google showed the building without historical signage” as far back as 2007.

added signage

An aerial photo shows Bortell’s Lounge as it was — including signage on the building, 10002 Gulf d rive, Anna m aria. Bortell’s owner Steve r ose is seeking permission — a special exception — from the city to add three exterior signs.

Bortell’s Lounge, 10002 Gulf drive, Anna maria, wants a special exception from the city to install three exterior signs. islander courtesy images

“I don’t know if there’s any historical basis,” he said. “I think the historical signage has been long gone.”

Crane said there were issues with the proposal but she could not decide on a recommendation without additional information, such as details about Bortell’s historical signage and the exterior mural.

“I don’t think we really fully understand what they’re proposing,” she said.

Haddox moved to table the item until the city receives more information.

Crane seconded the motion, which passed.

The P&Z board will meet next at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

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

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Thursday, Aug. 17

10:15 a.m. ‚ Island Morning Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout August, Artists’ Guild Gallery

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Island happenings

Theater group sells 20% of 75th season

The Island Players theater group is selling tickets to its 75th season of plays through Sept. 1 and, as of Aug. 10, had sold out about 20% of the seats. Season ticketholders can attend five productions for $125.

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

floridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

SAVE THE DATE

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

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

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

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

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

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

KIDS & FAMILY ONGOING OFF AMI

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

Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941746-4131, bishopscience.org.

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

SAVE THE DATE

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

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

Thursday, Aug. 17

ON AMI

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

Tuesday, Aug. 22

8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Blood drive, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

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

The box office is at 941-778-5755.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATE

Sept. 9, Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament to benefit the Center of Anna Maria Island, Bradenton.

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

SPORTS & GAMES

ONGOING

ON AMI

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

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

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

OUTDOORS & NATURE

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP

THE DATES

Aug. 26, Women’s Equality Day.

Sept. 4, Labor Day.

Sept. 10, Grandparents Day.

Sept. 11, Patriot Day.

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

BYOB discussion

What’s on the reading table or bookshelf? the island Library, 5701 marina drive, Holmes Beach, will host the island morning Book club, meeting at 10:15 a.m. thursday, Aug. 17. there is no assigned book for discussion. instead, the club invites participants to “bring your own book” to discuss. for more information, call the library at 941-778-6341. islander Photo:

Lisa neff

Island happenings

Pollinator planting day set for Aug. 19 at Perico Preserve

The Manatee County Natural Resources Department is coordinating a pollinator planting day at Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave., Perico Island.

The event will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19.

An announcement invited volunteers to the preserve to place 4,000 native plants at the trailhead.

The project involves the county, Oyster River Ecology Inc., a nonprofit involved in ecological restoration, and is funded by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program’s “Bay Partners Grant program.”

The goal is to convert 8,200 square feet of weedy,

non-native plants into a pollinator-friendly mix of native plants typically found in a coastal prairie habitat.

Volunteers should bring hats, sunglasses, work gloves, water bottles, sunscreen, closed-toe shoes and “a can-do spirit” according to a notice on Eventbrite, where reservations can be made.

Go to eventbrite.com and search for “Perico Preserve pollinator planting.”

For more information, call county environmental specialist Shaun Swartz at 941-290-8015.

‘Full Moon Yoga’ to benefit island turtle watch

Reach for the stars.

And salute the moon Wednesday, Aug. 30, when the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, hosts its “Full Moon Yoga” fundraiser. The event, led by Dana Sky, will be 8:30-9:30

Library to offer boating class

The Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will host a boat safety class at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28.

Peter Russell, vice flotilla commander with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 81, will present the two-hour program.

A notice said students will learn about safety equipment, radio procedures and rules of the water.

Registration is required.

To register, go to the library system link online at mymanatee.org.

For more information, call the library at 941-7786341.

Cortez center builds calendar

The Cortez Cultural Center will host Coffee at the Center 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12.

An announcement invited people to join the party for coffee, tea and conversation.

The center is at 11655 Cortez Road, Cortez.

The center’s calendar also includes:

• The Nautical Flea Market, which will be 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the center and also the nearby Florida Maritime Museum.

• A ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage’s FISH Preserve Friday, Nov. 3. The ceremony will celebrate the grand-opening of the preserve — more than 100 acres purchased in 2000 to protect environmentally sensitive property as well as the integrity of the Cortez fishing village.

For more information about the CCC, email cvhs2016@aol.com or 941-840-0590.

Centennial event permitted

Plans are in place to continue Anna Maria’s centennial celebration.

City commissioners unanimously voted Aug. 3 to approve a consent agenda including a special event permit for an Island Centennial Celebration 3:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd.

Looking back to 1923, Anna Maria was the first of the island’s three cities to be incorporated.

The city held an event to celebrate its 100-year anniversary following its Memorial Day event in May.

p.m., beginning with sunset and finishing under the blue moon.

Registration is not required but participants must check in at the front desk upon arrival.

While there is no fee to participate, a $10 donation is recommended. The beneficiary will be Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.

For more information, contact Monica Simpson at culture@centerami.org or 941-778-1908.

Mote offers preschool program at pier

Shark Pups & Grownups is an early childhood STEM program offered select Thursdays at the Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center on the Anna Maria City Pier.

Sessions will be 8:30-9:30 a.m. Aug. 24, Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 16 and Dec. 14.

The Aug. 24 program is called “Freshwater Florida: You Otter Know” and attendees ought be able to guess the focus.

The program “encourages families to learn about the ocean together through a combination of movement, sign language, storytime, science tool exploration, role play, games and crafts,” according to an announcement from Mote Marine.

Mote also offers Seashore SEAfari, a guided walking tour at the pier, select Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Upcoming dates include Sept. 6, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 6.

The pier reaches into Tampa Bay at Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria.

For more information, including registration details, go online to mote.org.

Odd Duck Designs Shop

The second celebration will include beer and wine sales, booths hosted by nonprofit organizations, as well as food provided by Poppo’s Taqueria, Harry’s Grill and the Anna Maria General Store, according to deputy clerk Fransheska Berrios.

The event also will feature music performed by the Sarasota-based Stockton Brothers and a sixpiece jazz combo comprising musicians from the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra.

Barbara Murphy, the mayor’s wife and vice president of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, said during public comment that AMIHS was excited to be a part of the festivities and would help serve refreshments.

The consent agenda also included approval of a special event permit and waiver of application fee from the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce for Bayfest 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, along Pine Avenue.

— ryan Paice

Community center set to reveal 2023-24 budget

Fiscal 2023-24 began more than a month ago for the Center of Anna Maria Island and the nonprofit’s financial outlook for the year remains unclear.

Executive director Christopher Culhane texted The Islander Aug. 8 that the nonprofit’s board of directors will meet Aug. 23 to adopt a budget for the current fiscal year, which began July 1.

The center had not released plans for the new budget as of Aug. 10.

The nonprofit had been on a six-year streak of finishing in the black before last year, when it finished $263,945 in the red and recorded losses in 8 of the 12 months.

The center finished the year before, fiscal 2021-22, with $210,646 in the black.

Culhane wrote that the board would meet privately all day Aug. 23 to discuss the budget at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

— ryan Paice

AME welcomes kids, parents to open houses; ushers in new school year

Ame third-grade teacher

Pam Buff introduces herself Aug. 8 to incoming students and their parents during an open house at the Holmes Beach school.

islander

AME Calendar

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

Sept. 4, Labor Day, no school.

Sept. 11, 3:45 p.m., PTO member meeting. Sept. 28, 3:45 p.m., SAC meeting.

Oct. 12, end of quarter.

Oct. 13, record day, no school.

AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more, call the school office at 941-708-5525 or go online to www.manateeschools.net/annamaria. For PTO info, go to amepto.org.

Parents watch Aug. 8 as children in kindergarten teacher Kiley flynn’s incoming class focus on their drawings during back-to-school night at Anna maria elementary, 4700 Gulf drive, Holmes Beach. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Jaxon romero, 4, of Bradenton, smiles Aug. 8 as voluntary prekindergarten teacher erin Bobo, left, and VPK aide Krista czajkowski, right, make their introductions. the VPK class is new to Ame. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Photo: ryan Paice

Kindergartner ryker Hoogewind, 5, of Bradenton, smiles at his dad Aug. 8 while drawing during backto-school night at Ame. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Amaura Gunter, 4, of Bradenton, plays Aug. 8 with building blocks in VPK teacher erin Bobo’s classroom.

islander

Photo: ryan Paice

Ame first-grade teacher maggie VanWormer introduces herself Aug. 8 to her incoming class and their parents. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Lt. Brian Hall of the Holmes Beach Police department, center, daniel Gagne and students Luke Willing, christoper calles-deleon and Andre Harwood unfold the U.S. flag on the first day of the 2023-24 school year at Ame. islander Photo: robert Anderson

1st day of 2023-24 school year

Samuel romero of Bradenton looks on, as son Jaxon, 4, poses for mom, Kelsey. Jaxon is a prekindergarten student at Ame.

islander

Photo: robert Anderson

!,((*@AB4C*'"*.+0%-2(%*)"2/*+"1D(&1%#',/)*-%.&:#*+"#.2(','&"#E

!"#$%&'()*'%(+#",* $-$./011.2

8%,+06*8/,-%#'"#*8%,+06*9"#:;",'*<%)6*!"/'%=*,#-*>?*8/,-%#'"#

fifth-graders Luke Willing and christopher Alexander are on flag duty the first day of school at Ame, 4700 Gulf drive n., Holmes Beach. islander Photo: robert Anderson

Left: mom Kiera Gazzo takes a photo Aug. 10 of son mason, 6, before his first day of first-grade at Anna maria elementary in Holmes Beach. the 2023-24 school year began with a bell at 8:25 a.m. islander Photo: robert Anderson

Gathering

By Lisa neff

Roser Church to host organist

Roser Memorial Community Church will host organist Nancy Siebecker during worship Sunday, Aug. 20.

Services will be at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel and 10 a.m. in the sanctuary, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Siebecker has worked as a church music director, college music teacher, private music coach and she’s also performed for years, including as the organist for the Wausau Lutheran Choir in Wisconsin.

When she moved from Wisconsin to the SarasotaManatee area, she joined the regional American Guild of Organists.

She also has a pipe organ in her home.

For more information, call Roser at 941-7780414.

Wednesday Night Blast returning to CrossPointe

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

The 6 p.m. event will be in the fellowship hall, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and include pizza. For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0719.

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

Obituaries

Luciana DiClemente

Luciana DiClemente, 89, of Holmes Beach, died peacefully July 30 in Michigan.

She was born in 1933 in Castel del Monte, Italy, and emigrated in 1955 to Detroit with husband Gino.

ABoVe: Brandon Kouri, associate director of music ministries for roser memorial community church, admires a floral arrangement created by edna Bomar for an Aug. 6 worship service. islander

Photo: courtesy Peggy nash

Tidings

riGHt: nancy Siebecker sits at a pipe organ at a Bradenton church.

islander courtesy Photo

compiled by Lisa neff ON AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m., followed by life group. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org.

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 9:15 a.m. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com.

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

Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc.

org.

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

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

OFF AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

GoodDeeds

By Lisa neff

diclemente

She discovered Anna Maria Island in the late 1970s and became a resident in the 2000s. She was a highly accomplished classic painter, sculptor, knitter, passionate gardener and wonderful cook in the Roman culinary tradition.

Mrs. DiClemente is survived by her husband, Gino; siblings Fiorella, Corrado and Paolo and wife Anna; sons John and wife Jeannie, Perry and wife Linda, Steve and wife Brenda, and Gino and wife Stephanie; nine nieces and nephews in Italy and four stateside. “Nonna Lu,” as known to family, also is survived by 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Walter E. ‘Turk’ Surko Jr.

Walter E. “Turk” Surko Jr., 87, of Holmes Beach, died July 27 at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton.

He was born in New Britain, Connecticut, to the late Walter Sr. and Lydia (Bodach).

He graduated in 1954 from Berlin High School and served during peacetime with the U.S. Army. He resided in Southington, Connecticut, before moving to Florida in 2003.

Roser

“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

Surko Jr.

Mr. Surko was a vice president at P&F Corbin Division of American Hardware, now Emhart Corporation in Berlin, Connecticut, before retiring in 1990. He was an accomplished engineer, who invented devices for the lock and door industry with 20 patents.

He was a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in New Britain.

Over the years, he enjoyed riding motorcycles and snowmobiles and playing guitar, golf and softball.

A private family service is planned for a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to American Macular Degeneration Fund, P.O. Box 515, Northampton, MA 01060. Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made at carlsonfuneralhome.com.

Mr. Surko is survived by stepson Bill Belden and wife Denise of Southington; three step-grandsons; twin sister Eleanore Nickolas of Southington; niece Karen Strobel and husband Will; nephews Michael Nickolas and wife Faith, and David Nickolas and wife Laurie; and several grand nieces and grand nephews.

Obituaries are offered as a free community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present. Submit to news@islander.org.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM in the Chapel 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church

ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER RoserChurch.com

Sign up to receive the eBulletin at RoserChurch.com/contact-us

Assistance offered on AMI

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

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

Assistance sought on AMI

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

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

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

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

• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers to become

PLeASe, See good deeds, next PAGe

Worship With Us At Our Church

Sunday Ser vice 10:00 AM

The Rev. Dr. Nor man Pritchard

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00

Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00

Visitors & Residents Welcome

Watch Our 10: 00 AM Ser vice Live: www bit ly/cclbksermons or www christchurchof lbk org (follow YouTube link)

HB commissioner wants to trade parking garage for pier

Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins wants to see the Manatee County Board of Commissioners switch their proposal for a parking garage at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach to a pier at the Manatee Public Beach.

He wrote the following, which was was edited for space:

While I question the wisdom of building a multilevel parking structure at Manatee beach, the completed structure itself should include more bathroom and changing facilities. Perhaps the entire top floor can be dedicated to amenities such as restaurants, shops, bathrooms and Gulf viewing areas.

Esthetically, a design like that would look less intrusive than parking areas on all levels. …

Also, I ask the commission to focus on building a new, hurricane-tolerant concrete pier at Manatee Public Beach.

A new pier can be patterned after the beautiful pier at Navarre Beach in the Panhandle — 1,545-foot pier that’s 30 feet above the water and provides great access. Compare that with Manatee Public Beach, where ADA access is a line of uneven blue mats that ends nowhere near the water.

A new pier could cost $10 million-$15 million and include many amenities. The Navarre pier cost $8.43 million to build and charges $7 for adults, $6 for seniors/active military, $4 youth and free for 5 and younger.

While we probably don’t need a Ferris wheel, amenities could include restaurants, restrooms, showers, etc.

Also, if a parking garage is built, the pier would give users of the garage another option, something other than sitting on a packed beach.

good deeds from PAGe 14

docents and, beginning this fall, bake bread. Info: 941778-0492, amihs.org.

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

• 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.

— Lisa neff

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

Family of ‘firefighters’

Stewart elementary School fifth-grader Philip Buhler, left, and his sixth-grade brother, Jack, smile July 26 while holding certificates naming them “Honorary Junior firefighters” of the West manatee fire rescue district. the Buhler family outbid others for the experience for the boys at a Stewart elementary Parentteacher organization auction to raise money for school supplies and student field trips. islander Photos: courtesy Wmfr

Philip Buhler aims a fire hose July 26 at traffic cones set up outside Wmfr’s Station 1, 407 67th St. W., Bradenton, as part of a firefighter-for-a-day experience that included breakfast with firefighters, tours and a challenge course. Wmfr serves parts of west manatee county, including Anna maria island.

Jack Buhler swings a sledgehammer July 26 to simulate breaking through a burning wall — part of the challenge course during an honorary firefighter experience auctioned by the Stewart elementary Parent-teacher organization.

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

CUSTOM C AKES DELI C IOUS DESSERTS 10-5, Mon-Sat @ 2 locations … 507B Pine Ave, Anna Maria 941.896.3167 Facebook.com/hometowndesserts

WE ARE SO MUCH MORE ARE SO MUCH MORE THAN DELICIOUS THAN DELICIOUS CHEESECAKE! CHEESECAKE!

941.504.7821 william@annamariaislandrealproperty.com

We speak bagel, egg-el, breakfast muffins, lunch salads, platters, sandwiches... and more!

PARADISE BAGELS CAFE & CATERING 3220 E. Bay Drive, Anna Maria Centre Shops 941-779-1212

Cortez group budgets for repairs, shares preserve update

By robert Anderson islander reporter

Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage board members voted Aug. 7 to fund repairs to some of their Cortez properties and planned a ribbon-cutting for the grand opening of their preserve.

The nonprofit, headed by a 12-member board, exists to promote the fishing way of life in Cortez, as well as protect the environmental and cultural integrity of the village.

At the meeting, board member Karen Bell suggested spending money to repair the retired fire station/ community center at 4523 123rd St. Court W., which FISH owns and uses for fish fries and other events.

Bell said a contractor inspected the station and determined a new fire suppression system with metal filters and exhaust fans is needed in the kitchen, where the old system needs to be torn out.

Bell also said the building needs bathroom and plumbing repairs.

Treasurer Jane von Hahmann motioned to allocate $10,000 for the work and was seconded by board member Alex Garner. The motion passed 8-0.

In other news, von Hahmann said the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program will host a Nov. 3 ribbon-cutting celebration at the FISH Preserve commemorating the completion of a wetlands project.

The preserve, 11655 Cortez Road W., is a nature

Twinkle, twinkle in the sound

Kayakers paddle at dusk

Aug. 7 in Anna maria

Sound in illuminated clear-bottom vessels, observing wildlife above and below the water, including a pod of manatees with at least one calf. Along with the kayakers, numerous pontoon boat tours were observed at dusk.

islander Photo: Joe Bird

park owned and administrated by FISH.

The SBEP, a cooperative partnership working to improve the environmental health of Sarasota Bay, provided $800,000 for the final part of a four-phase project begun in 2000 to return the preserve to its natural state.

The latest work includes the removal of invasive trees, construction of a tidally linked wetland, planting of native trees and maintenance for up to three months after completion.

florida institute of Saltwater Heritage members discuss repair plans for fiSH-owned properties Aug. 7 during a meeting at fishermen’s Hall in cortez. islander

The project is scheduled for completion in September.

FISH will pay to rent a tent and chairs to accommodate guests at the celebration.

Von Hahmann motioned to allocate $450 for the event. The motion was seconded by Bell and passed 8-0.

The event will be 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 3.

An Aug. 1 news release from the SBEP said the event was not open to the public.

About FISH

FISH is a volunteer nonprofit run by a 12-member board. FISH manages several properties in Cortez, including a 98-acre preserve, a boat shop, Fishermen’s Hall and the old Cortez fire station. The nonprofit formed in 1991 and is dedicated to the promotion, education and preservation of Cortez and Florida’s commercial fishing and other traditional maritime cultures.

The FISH board consists of 12 members: Steve Baker, Karen Bell, Alex Garner, David Cadmus, Tim Canniff, Cindy Rodgers, Angela Collins, Kim McVey, Nathan Meschelle, Lance Plowman, Pat Potts and Jane von Hahmann.

The group also oversees the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, drawing thousands to the village to celebrate the fishing industry, and funding the FISH annual budget.

Photo: robert Anderson

County OKs $1.3M Coquina Beach trail funding

By robert Anderson islander reporter

County commissioners are about to hit the trail.

The Manatee County Board of Commissioners approved $1,305,432.93 Aug. 8 to remodel a multiuse trail at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

The amount is the maximum the county will pay for the project.

The trail is a paved path about 8-feet wide that runs between the south end of the Coquina Beach parking lot northward about 1.5 miles to Fifth Street South.

Manatee County public information officer Bill Logan told The Islander Aug. 7 by email that the remodel includes laying a new trail in the footprint of the existing trail.

The project includes:

• Removal of the existing trail;

• Placing root barriers;

• Repaving the path;

• Trimming and replacing trees as needed.

Logan said tree mitigation at Coquina Park involves removing 96 Australian pine trees. Woodruff & Sons of Bradenton is the contractor on the trail project.

A start date was not announced as of Aug. 11. The project will take about eight months.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

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

• City center in Holmes Beach: Work on the city’s project near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives is not concluded. Traffic patterns can change. For the latest, check the city’s page on Facebook.

Manatee County’s work on a force main project is not concluded and traffic patterns can change. As of the week ending Aug. 13, the contractor was working on roadway patching and testing the sanitary sewer system. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

• Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach : Manatee County is relocating and replacing sewer lines. Through late August, northbound and southbound lanes on Gulf Drive South between 11th Street South and 13th Street South are shifted west to route traffic around the project construction zone. The contractor is installing new gravity sewer pipe across Gulf Drive South at 12th Street South and along the east side of Gulf Drive South a few hundred feet south of 12th Street South. The contractor also is installing the gravity sewer pipeline on 12th Street South. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

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

— Lisa neff

A section of the coquina Beach multiuse trail Aug. 8 shows cracks and an undulating surface caused by tree roots. other sections are in similar states, triggering a county-led remodel of the trail. islander

Sea tow vessels guide a disabled cabin-cruiser Aug. 10 through the Longboat Pass Bridge. the cruiser was towed to the Bradenton Beach marina for repairs.

islander

Photos: robert Anderson

Photo: robert Anderson

On-the-water rescue

Sea tow out of cortez responds Aug. 10 to a cabin-cruiser that experienced engine trouble and ran aground on a sandbar near the south end of coquina Beach in Longboat Pass.

Cops & Courts

Dog attacks, kills dog in Bradenton Beach open-air bar

By robert Anderson islander reporter

Bradenton Beach police cited a Holmes Beach man Aug. 9 for an ordinance violation after his English mastiff killed another dog and injured the owner.

The mastiff’s owner, Anthony Santamauro, also suffered an injury in the scuffle at Island Time Restaurant and Bar, 111 Gulf Drive S.

Bradenton Beach Officer Thomas Ferrara was patrolling when he heard a scream coming from Island Time, where he found employees tending to two people injured in an attempt to stop a large dog from attacking a smaller dog.

A woman, owner of the small dog, was bleeding on her left calf and left hand and the man, later identified as Santamauro, suffered a shoulder injury. He was holding an English mastiff by its collar.

Manatee County Emergency Medical Services was called to treat the injured, while Ferrara and Sgt. Steve Masi reviewed security video, which showed the man walking into Island Time with a large unleashed dog.

As the man and his English mastiff passed a table, the mastiff attacked the woman’s dog, which was leashed. Both the woman and man attempted to stop the attack and were thrown to the ground.

While the report does not state if the dog owners were bitten in the attack, BBPD Lt. Lenard Diaz told The Islander Aug. 11 that the woman’s dog, which was under 20 pounds, did not survive the attack.

According to the report, the woman is a resident of Illinois.

Santamauro identified his dog as a service dog.

The woman, who received a victim’s rights information pamphlet from BBPD, declined EMS transport.

Masi cited Santamauro for violating the city’s animal control ordinance, which reads, “The owner or custodian of a dog which causes injury to any person or to another domestic animal, or which causes damage to property, shall be in violation of this article.”

Masi also notified Manatee County Animal Control of the incident.

By robert Anderson and ryan Paice

Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria

Bradenton Beach

Aug. 2, 100 block of 12th Street North, fraud. A Bradenton Beach police officer was dispatched to a report of online fraud. The complainant said scammers impersonated Microsoft technical support and defrauded him of money. A case number was issued.

Aug. 4, 100 block of First Street South, stolen vehicle. A BBPD officer ran a license tag on a parked rental car that turned out to be reported stolen. The officer contacted the Bradenton Police Department, which confirmed the vehicle was stolen and notified the rental company.

Aug. 8, 110 Gulf Drive S., Anna Maria Moose Lodge, injury. MCSO deputies and emergency services responded to a medical call. A caller said a person walking on the beach fell into a hole and possibly broke their ankle. The man was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton for treatment.

The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez

HBPD arrests Palmetto resident for DUI

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Palmetto resident Ryan Boatwright, 49, Aug. 8 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

An officer located a motorist in the 3000 block of Gulf Drive around 1 a.m. matching the description of a potentially impaired driver heading north out of Bradenton Beach.

The offi cer followed the motorist and saw him exhibit strange behavior, such as stopping at a crosswalk with no pedestrians and stopping in the middle of a travel lane almost 100 feet from an intersection ahead.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, Boatwright, who had “bloodshot watery eyes and lethargic movements that was indicative of an impaired driver,” according to a report.

The officer called for backup to conduct a DUI investigation.

Another officer arrived and spoke to Boatwright, when he noticed the man was swaying while standing and smelled alcohol on his breath.

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach

Aug. 1, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, near drowning. The Holmes Beach Police Department responded to reports of a near drowning at the beach and found lifeguards treating a man with oxygen. Manatee County Beach Rescue met Emergency Medical Services, which transported him to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.

Aug. 2, D.Coy Ducks Bar & Grill, 5410 Marina Drive, trespassing. An officer responded to reports of a patron who refused to leave. The officer spoke with the woman and trespassed her from the property.

Aug. 5, 5000 block of Second Avenue, recovered property. An officer responded to reports of a firearm found in a vacation rental property. The officer met with a housekeeper and recovered the firearm. The officer contacted the pistol’s registered owner.

Aug. 5, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, simple battery. An officer responded to reports of battery and found a woman who said another woman assaulted her after she claimed an open parking space. She told police the woman struck her vehicle’s window

PLeASe, See streetLiFe, next PAGe

The officer asked Boatwright to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed.

The officers arrested and transported Boatwright to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where he refused to provide a breath sample.

An officer also issued Boatwright a citation for failing to provide proof of insurance.

The officer then transported Boatwright to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $120 bond.

If convicted, punishments for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Island watch

In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-7088899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

Salads

Pressed Cubans . Chicken Salad . Soup du Jour

Dog food, household items, cold beverages, beer, wine, cigs. FRIENDLY SERVICE!

Look for the BLUE market at the light 51st & Manatee 5104 Manatee Ave W . Bradenton . 941.896.6245

Streetlife

Teen arrested for Palma Sola Causeway hit-and-run

Bradenton police detectives arrested a teenager in connection with a hit-and-run Aug. 8 on the Palma Sola Causeway that sent a pedestrian to the hospital with numerous injuries.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department said a 17-year-old — their identity was not released — faces multiple felony charges. The juvenile is accused of attempted murder, hit-and-run with serious bodily injury, reckless driving with serious bodily injury and no valid driver’s license with serious bodily injury.

The crash occurred about 5 p.m. in the 8400 block of Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 near Palma Sola Causeway Park.

Investigators determined the juvenile and the injured individual, a 35-year-old man whose identity was not released, got into a verbal argument.

An Aug. 9 news release from BPD said, “The suspect drove away, turned around and intentionally hit the victim before driving away again. The suspect then left the vehicle and ran away.”

The teenager was arrested later Aug. 8 while the pedestrian was taken to the hospital suffering “numerous injuries.”

The pedestrian was in critical but stable condition Aug. 9.

As detectives continued to investigate, the BPD asked people with information about the incident to come forward. People can contact the BPD at 941932-9300 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, people can contact Manatee Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477 or via manateecrimestoppers.com.

streetLiFe from PAGe 20

and, after she rolled it down, reached inside the vehicle and took the sunglasses from her face. She said the woman threw the sunglasses and left the area. The victim asked to press charges.

Aug. 5, Anna Maria Elementary, 4700 Gulf Drive, trespassing. An officer saw a motorist driving a lowspeed vehicle through the school property around closed traffic gates. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, who said she was new to the area and took a wrong turn. The officer trespassed the woman and issued a court summons.

Aug. 7, 100 block of 49th Street, stolen vehicle. Officers located a motorist pinged by HBPD’s license plate recognition system for driving a vehicle that was reported stolen. The officers conducted a traffic stop

Cops & Courts

Holmes Beach police arrest Orlando resident for DUI

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Orlando resident Taiama Ferreira, 32, Aug. 6 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

Two officers located a motorist around 8 p.m. matching a witness’s description of a gray SUV swerving across the road.

The officers followed the motorist onto Manatee Avenue, where the driver took an abrupt left turn over the curb and sidewalk into Kingfish Boat Ramp at 752 Manatee Ave.

The officers conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, Ferreira, who smelled of alcohol, had “glassy and watery” eyes and “slurred, stuttered, and confusing” speech, according to a report.

Ferreira was accompanied by a minor passenger.

The officers asked Ferreira to perform field sobriety exercises, which she failed.

The officers arrested Ferreira and transported her

to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where she registered breath samples with results of 0.183 and 0.184 milligrams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.

The state’s legal blood alcohol level limit for driving under the influence is 0.08.

An officer transferred Ferreira to the custody of a Manatee County sheriff’s jail transport unit, which took Ferreira to the Manatee County jail. She was released Aug. 7 after posting $10,000 bond — substantially more than the average $120 bond for DUI charges due to the presence of a minor in the vehicle.

Ferreira’s minor passenger was brought to the HBPD, where she was picked up.

If convicted, punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. However, the presence of a minor could lead to enhanced penalties if convicted, such as increased fines and a higher maximum jail term.

An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

BB police investigate vehicle burglaries at county beach

The brand apparently mattered in multiple vehicle burglaries Aug. 8 at south Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

Bradenton Beach police reported four auto burglaries that day — all involving Hondas.

BBPD Officer Ryan Gagliano and Sgt. Steve Masi responded to the calls from Coquina.

During the investigation, the vehicle owners reported locking their doors before going to the beach. Yet there were no signs of forced entry to windows or scratches from picked locks on the vehicles.

In one instance, an owner returned home before

and detained the driver, who said he was the owner and that he had found the vehicle. However, he hadn’t reported recovering it to police. An officer removed the vehicle’s stolen status on databases and advised the man to alert the Bradenton Police Department that he found his car.

Aug. 8, 100 block of 77th Street, loitering. An officer smelled marijuana coming from people in a private gazebo and saw a member of the group break away and run to the beach. Another officer located and detained the runner. He told police he ran because he was a minor who had consumed alcohol. He was arrested and transported him to the Manatee County

realizing there had been a break-in.

Police said mostly wallets containing identification, credit cards and cash were taken and three owners reported credit card fraud involving South American businesses.

The four vehicles involved in the Coquina burglaries were Honda models from 2012-22.

A 2022 report from Star-V labs, an online security research group, said Honda vehicles are vulnerable to fob hacking — dubbed the Rolling-PWN attack — that exploits a weakness in the keyless entry system of some vehicles. — robert Anderson jail.

Aug. 9, 100 block of 52nd Street, leaving scene of crash with property damage. An officer responded to reports of a vehicular crash with no injuries and found a man who said a motorist struck his vehicle while leaving a parking spot. Another offi cer located the reported motorist at Kingfish Boat Ramp. The motorist told police he got scared and left the area following the crash. The officer issued a citation and court summons to the driver.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

Party at the club house

By June Alder

from the islander archives

Engineer Jack Leffingwell was pleased with the bridge he had built.

It was a first-class job, he thought.

What’s more, he had brought it in well under deadline, in time for the 1922 tourist season.

But it had been a hard six months’ work and he would be glad, after the official dedication, to get back to Cuba, where another job was waiting for him.

Leffingwell’s pal and childhood friend, Pat Green, decided to hold a farewell shindig at the small Cortez hotel where Leffingwell was staying, within steps of the new bridge.

The Club House was owned by Green Real Estate, which used the property for the entertainment of its customers. It was just the place for a weekend house party with Leffingwell’s many friends.

The Saturday of the party — Oct. 22, 1921— dawned bright with scattered clouds, an improvement over the “unsettled” weather of the week prior.

But by the time the first guests began to arrive in the afternoon, a slow rain started that wouldn’t let up for two days.

The party perked up that evening, when there was a big buffet supper followed by games and dancing.

Too bad, it was too wet and windy for dancing on the veranda.

Early Oct. 23, 1921, despite a dripping sky, the crowd trooped across the bridge to the beach.

The hardiest of the tribe dashed in and out of the roiling surf, enjoying themselves hugely — until heavy swells began to thunder in, shaking the beach with

The 1921 hurricane

their weight.

That was when Jack Leffingwell chased the merrymakers back to the Club House and put in a telephone call to the weather station in Bradentown.

There was a bad storm brewing but it was way out in the Gulf, he was told, and on a route straight northward, so it was not likely to do any damage to Florida.

So, as Leffingwell put it, describing that day 30 years later, “We thought we shouldn’t worry and went on enjoying ourselves.”

But in the afternoon, Leffingwell’s barometer “began doing things” and the sky darkened ominously. To Leffingwell it was obvious that a bad blow was coming. This was, of course, before there was any hurricane-tracking system.

“Naturally, having the responsibility of lots of

the club House hotel was the scene of a lively party on the eve of the 1921 hurricane, which left cortez and its fishing docks in a shambles.

girls, we became worried,” Leffingwell recalled. “We phoned the weather station again and were assured again that the disturbance was some 200 miles west of us and not to worry. But by four o’clock the wind had veered to the northwest and we were getting strong winds and rains in gusts. Pat and I talked it over and decided, much to the disgust of the guests, that we had better abandon the party and send the boys and girls home.”

“This we did, and a good thing, too,” he added.

Editor’s note: This is part one of a six-part series about the 1921 hurricane. The report, by the late June Alder, a former copy editor for The Islander, first appeared in The Islander in June 1993. It has been newly edited for style.

Coming up: In the Aug. 16 edition, look for June Alder’s “Marooned on a wild night.”

Forecasters increase hurricane season prediction to ‘above normal’

Scientists at the federal Climate Prediction Center increased their prediction for the Atlantic hurricane season from a near-normal level of activity to an above-normal level of activity.

Forecasters in a projection released Aug. 10 said

Deeds, needs after a storm

After a storm strikes, people in disaster zones can find help and people outside the zones can lend aid using the following resources:

• Florida’s volunteer portal is at volunteerflorida. org.

• National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster website at www.nvoad.org.

• Before collecting supplies to donate, people should connect with organizations in an affected area to identify what is needed.

• Donating cash can be the best way to help after

current ocean and atmospheric conditions, such as record-warm Atlantic surface temperatures, are likely to counterbalance the usually limiting atmospheric conditions associated with the ongoing El Nino event.

The Climate Prediction Center is a division of the

a disaster.

People can find ways to donate at www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf or text DISASTER to 20222.

• After a storm, turn to The Islander’s social media and website — islander.org — for local connections.

• Also, find other resources for help at mymanatee.org, floridadisaster.org and fema.gov.

National Weather Service, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Forecasters increased the likelihood of an abovenormal season to 60% from a 30% chance forecast in May.

The update to the outlook — which covers the entire six-month hurricane season that ends Nov. 30 — calls for 14-21 named storms with winds of 39 mph or greater, of which 6-11 could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or greater. Of those, as many as five could become major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or greater.

The updated ranges include storms that already formed this season.

The Atlantic basin experienced an active start to the season with five storms that reached at least tropical storm strength, including one hurricane.

An average hurricane season produces 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

— Lisa neff

islander file Photo

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” — G.B. Shaw

Palma Sola Causeway cleanup planned; signs, sales targeted

By Lisa neff islander editor

Advertising signs and merchandise sales along the Palma Sola Causeway have the scenic highway’s caretakers seeing chaos.

And they’re planning a crackdown on illegal activities.

The causeway is a stretch of Manatee Avenue/ State Road 64 that’s mostly policed, monitored and maintained by the city of Bradenton and it is part of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway.

Under the state designation, a highway committee of appointed members from Bradenton, Holmes Beach and Manatee County, as well as government technical advisers, makes project and policy recommendations and requests.

At their Aug. 9 meeting at Bradenton Public Works and on Zoom, the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity focused on methods to reduce illegal activity on the causeway under state and municipal regulations dealing with signs and onsite transactions.

Some established services along the causeway — such as the kayak and paddleboard rentals run by committee member Shawn Duytschaever and also several horse-riding operations — book and make financial transactions online, not on the causeway.

That’s being allowed, according to Bradenton code enforcement manager Volker Reiss.

Other vendors are conducting financial transactions on the causeway and that’s not allowed.

“It’s a free-for-all,” Reiss said. “It’s anarchy.”

He also observed, “You cannot get a permit to do any vending on public property. There is no permit to do that” in Bradenton.

Many vendors also are placing signs, flags and banners on the causeway — another no-no.

“We do not allow signs in the public right of way,” Reiss said, adding that signs on vehicles — such as wraps or decals — are allowed.

Taking the scenic route in Manatee County

Signage on the Palma Sola causeway Aug. 11 promotes a vendor. the city of Bradenton plans to enforce regulations restricting advertising in the rights of way, including along the causeway. islander

Bradenton’s prohibition on right-of-way signs has not been strictly enforced along the causeway but vendors can expect that to change, as code enforcement and police officers this month and next are checking for illegal signs, as well as illegal vending operations.

First-time violators will get a warning and repeat offenders will get citations.

“Let’s start with the signs and the vendors who are taking money,” Reiss said. “I’m confident we can get a handle on it.”

“I think that’s a great idea,” said committee chair Ingrid McClellan.

In other meeting business:

• McClellan shared a draft report of committee accomplishments to distribute in November at a meeting with other scenic highway groups.

• Members noted the installation of “Park Closed” signs along the causeway. The park is closed midnight-6 a.m.

There are three designated scenic highways in Manatee County — the Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway along U.S. 41 and part of a larger scenic road; the Palma Sola Scenic Highway on Manatee Avenue from 75th Street West in Bradenton to Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach and south from Manatee on East Bay Drive to Bradenton Beach; and the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway, which runs the length of Gulf Drive in the city. For more, go online to scenicmanatee.org.

About the committee

The Palma Sola Scenic Highway on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 runs from 75th Street West in Bradenton to the Gulf Drive intersection in Holmes Beach and a leg extends south from Manatee Avenue on East Bay Drive to the Bradenton Beach border.

The highway is part of Florida Scenic Highways system administered by the state.

The Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity helps guide projects, improvements and maintenance in the corridor.

The committee consists of appointed general members, along with technical government advisers. General members include Duytschaever, Allyson Gillies, Sage Kamiya and Mary Lange, Craig Keys, Joshua Linney, Mike Meehan, Bill Shuman, Megan Barry and chair Ingrid McClellan.

The next meeting will be a gathering with other scenic highway committees at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization office, 8100 15th St. E., Sarasota.

— Lisa neff

• Members reviewed plans for the summer-fall removal of invasive plants along the scenic highway, as well as tree-trimming.

• Members agreed to ask the county to place two port-o-lets at the boat ramp on the southwest part of the causeway.

The county maintains the boat ramp.

• Members briefly discussed water quality in Palma Sola Bay.

There were no actions taken but committee member Mike Meehan suggested conducting a study to identify sources of bacterial contamination.

“Only one-third of the time is the water in north Palma Sola Bay in good shape,” he said.

Photo: Lisa neff

Center names indoor soccer champs, heads to football playoffs

By Kevin P. cassidy

islander reporter

Summer soccer at the Center of Anna Maria Island came to a close Aug. 9 with championship matches in the 8-10 and 11-14 age divisions.

Solid Rock Construction lived up to its No. 1 8-10 spot by holding on to defeat AMI Dolphin Tours 3-2 behind a pair of goals from Matthew Darak and a goal from Turner Worth.

Holden Lake chipped in an assist, while goalie Isaac Roadman helped preserve the victory with nine saves.

cassidy

Gunnar Maize had a goal and an assist for AMI Dolphin Tours, which also received a goal from Parker Svoboda and 13 saves from Miles Moss in the loss.

The 11-14 division matchup saw No. 3 Moss Builders upset top-seed Solid Rock Construction 3-1 thanks to a pair of goals from Callin Westfall. Jackson Wyatt added a goal while Magness Rollins made 11 saves to help nail down the victory.

Ryk Kesten scored the lone goal for Solid Rock Construction, which also received 11 saves from Austin Guess in the loss.

Adult football playoffs continue

The seedings held up during playoff action in the adult flag football semifinals at the center as No. 1 seed Luxury Services and No. 2 seed Moss Builders advanced to the championship game.

The championship challenge will begin at the outdoor center field at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17.

Luxury Services jumped out to a 27-7 halftime lead Aug. 10 before holding on for a 34-26 victory over Cortez Deep Sea Fishing in the first semifinal game.

Quarterback Chase Richardson led the way with five touchdown passes, including two each to Alonzo Leemus and Brad Lowry, who both added a pair of extra points. Derrick Carey completed the scoring with a touchdown grab.

Tim Holly sparked the Luxury Services defense with three quarterback sacks, while Richardson added a sack and interception in the victory.

Anthony Mannino paced Cortez Deep Sea Fishing with a pair of TD passes, a TD reception and an extra points while Anthony McCance and Matt Manger each finished with a TD pass and a TD reception. Cole Carter added a TD reception, while also adding three flag pulls on defense.

Moss Builders cruised to a 27-point halftime lead on the way to a 46-24 blowout of Sandbar Restaurant

center 11-14 division soccer champs moss Builders: coach ryan moss, left, and players Walker Wyatt, Jackson Wyatt, mason moss, Hannah moss, miles moss, magness rollins, callin Westfall and Braelyn curtis display their championship gifts, water bottles. islander Photos: courtesy cofAmi

center 8-10 division soccer champs

Solid rock construction: Assistant coach matt darak, left, and players matthew darak, obi roadman, isaac roadman, eli roadman, turner Worth, Holden Lake, Sam raulerson and coach James roadman display their championship gifts, water bottles.

in the second semifinal matchup.

Ryan Moss threw five TD passes and ran for another TD to pace Moss Builders, which also received two TD catches and two extra points from Peggy Smith. Isaiah Lambert, Greg Moss and James Roadman each added TD catches for the Moss offense. Nick Cavalluzzi sparked the defense with three flag pulls, including two quarterback sacks, while Ryan Moss added a pick-six in the victory.

Cody Allen and Zachary Routh each threw two TD passes for Sandbar, which also received three TD receptions from Wes Coleman and one from Jonathan Soultatos in the loss.

KRC golf news

Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started with the men’s weekly modifiedStableford system match Aug. 7. Rod Hammonds and Dom Livedoti carded plus-3s to finish in a tie for first

place. Ken Nagengast, Chuck Patrick and Bill Shuman were all two points back in a three-way tie for second place.

The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match Aug. 8 that saw Helen Pollock and Terry Westby tie for first place with even-par 32s. Jana Samuels and Sue Wheeler finished in a tie for second at 3-over-par 35.

Members were back on the course Aug. 10 for a nine-hole scramble that saw the team of Mike Cusato, Ed Harrell and Deb and Dave Richardson combine on a 3-under-par 29 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. The team of Don Grau, John Kolojeski, Rich Salzburg and Kurt Snouffer were one stroke back in second place.

Horseshoe news

Two teams emerged from pool play and settled

PLeASe, See sPorts, next PAGe

Cortez Coastal Cruises

Capt. Silas Banyas | 941.209.9376

Another week of heat, but targetable species await AMI anglers

By capt. danny Stasny islander reporter

For yet another week, record-breaking temperatures are causing Anna Maria Island anglers to brace themselves for the heat.

With little to no breeze on the water and high heat, fishing requires stamina, a little shade and plenty of fluids. Hydration becomes paramount.

of snappers including lane, mangrove, yellowtail and American reds.

Various depths are being fished to target the snappers, with the red snapper being caught in the deepest water and the mangoes in the shallowest. In between are the lane and yellowtails.

Offshore wreck fishing also is producing action. Permit and blackfin tuna are being found lurking in those areas.

Stasny

Wearing proper attire, such as a longsleeve shirt, wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses also is a must when fishing in air temps of 95 degrees or higher.

And there’s not much relief from jumping in the water, as water temps are 86-90 degrees.

But don’t be discouraged.

Fishing is quite good as long as you target species that aren’t affected by the warm water.

Snapper comes to mind. Many varieties of snapper are being caught inshore and offshore. Inshore varieties, such as mangrove and lane snapper, are available in Tampa Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico.

Offshore species, such as yellowtail, vermilion and American red snapper, are being caught in the deeper waters of the Gulf.

Spotted seatrout is another species that seems to stay active during the warmer months, and the best action occurs during the early morning, with swift moving tides. Deeper grass flats in Tampa Bay hold good numbers of the fish.

Lastly, schools of redfish are appearing in the inland waters of Tampa Bay southward to Sarasota Bay. Again, early morning tides, when the waters are slightly cooler, are best.

If you find a school, try casting gold spoons to reds that are slightly spooky. If you find yourself close enough to cast baits to the school, live shiners will work. And don’t rule out fresh-cut chunk bait — ladyfish or mullet — as hungry redfish will devour the offering.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m targeting mangrove snapper. By bottom fishing or free-lining baits

things in the championship match during Aug. 9 action at the city of Anna Maria horseshoe pits. Bob Hawks and Bob Heiger jumped out to an early 12-0 lead, but Tim Sofran was unfazed in his rally for a 21-16 victory.

Heiger was not to be denied a trip to the winner’s circle during the Aug. 12 games. He teamed up with Dom Livedoti to post the lone 3-0 pool-play record and earn the day’s outright champs.

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

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

to schools of fi sh on the surface, I’m seeing limits being caught and my anglers are taking home a fish fry. Most are in the 12-inch range, although snapper up to 17 inches are being caught by lucky anglers.

Spotted seatrout also are cooperating. Deeper grass flats are yielding great quantities of trout, with some mornings yielding 30-40 fish or more. Keepersize trout are harder to come by but the consistency of hooking a fish every cast is entertaining. Mixed in are ladyfish, mackerel and silver trout.

Capt. David White is finding action for his anglers offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Using live shiners, frozen baits and cut sardines is leading to a variety

Moving inshore to the passes, White is reporting finding his share of mangrove snapper. Catch-and-release snook also are being targeted in the passes and along the Gulf beaches. Finally, blacktip and sandbar sharks are being found on White’s charters along the shorelines of Anna Maria Island, where the fish are readily taking fresh-cut chunks of mackerel as bait.

Capt. Warren Girle says mangrove snapper are predominant when fishing structure in the Gulf of Mexico. The use of small shiners as bait is attracting many snapper in the 12-inch range to the hook. Mixed in with the snapper bite for Girle’s anglers are Key West grunts and juvenile grouper.

Moving into Sarasota Bay, Girle is finding plenty of spotted seatrout. Using freelined live shiners as bait is working to lure the “flats favorites” to the hook. Artificials, such as topwater plugs, are working to catch the trout, which adds variety to the method of targeting the fish. Mixed in with the trout are ladyfish and an occasional mangrove snapper.

Lastly, Girle is finding schooling redfish in the shallows during lower stages of the tides.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says the numbers of mangrove snapper being caught is on the rise. Limits of the tasty fish are being caught by determined anglers during the early morning tides — just after the pier opens at 7 a.m. For bait, live shrimp work best.

While baiting with live shrimp, pier fishers are hooking into redfish ranging 20-30 inches. Malfese says to be prepared for a battle if you’re using light spinning gear. Catch-and-release snook also are being caught in this fashion.

And while fishing the pier while bait schools are present, don’t forget to cast a white jig or silver spoon out to catch mackerel.

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

Back at the dock, finley, Josie, and Bo mcclary, ages 7, 6 and 6, show off their daddy Joe’s July 30 catch of big yellowtail snappers. Joe mcclary, visiting with his family from St. Louis, is a long-time client of capt. david White, who runs guided fishing trips with Anna maria charters.

sPorts from PAGe 24

Capt. Mike Greig

rowan Bird, visiting Ami from Jackson, mississippi, with twin brother Gavin, also from Jackson, and dad Joe, the islander’s editorial cartoonist, from new orleans, fished the rod & reel Pier Aug. 11. the Bird family took home a mangrove snapper fish-fry. islander Photo: Joe Bird

nesting notes

By Lisa Neff

Getting schooled

Love loggerheads?

Raise a hand.

Manatee County school students returned to classrooms Aug. 10, including kids enrolled at Anna Maria Elementary in Holmes Beach.

AME is home to an art and science marine academy but for decades before last year’s launch of that private/public program, lessons at the “little school by the bay” instructed kids on life beyond the shore, especially the lives of dolphins in Sarasota Bay and sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring has collaborated on such instruction at AME and other schools.

And AMITW will continue to educate.

“This fall, AMITW will be working on developing and implementing programs that we can present and involve local schools and organizations,” AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella told The Islander Aug. 11.

The Islander connected with the director the week the new school year began to talk about outdoor and indoor learning.

The Islander: Well, it’s back to school time. Education for years has been a priority for turtle watch. What are the key lessons that turtle patrols give beachgoers who take an interest in their activities?

Kristen Mazzarella: We teach them what a turtle crawl looks like, how many eggs are laid in each nest as well as how to help protect sea turtles — fi ll in holes, no flashlights on the beach, pick up trash.

The Islander: Do you find most of the curious have some knowledge of sea turtles and nesting?

KM: Some do and some don’t. It’s always amazing how much the kids know though. And we love to educate the public so they know more about protecting this special threatened species.

The Islander: What do kids usually ask about?

KM: Kids usually want to know whether the mom is going to come back or if she will find her hatchlings in the ocean.

Once a sea turtle lays her nest, she leaves the beach and does not come back to the nest she laid. The baby sea turtles, known as hatchlings, are on their own to find their way out of the nest, down the beach to the water and out to the floating seaweed that they will live in the first several years. They are independent and never get to know their mom or dad.

The Islander: I recall, while covering some nest excavations, hearing kids school their parents on sea turtles and nesting. Why do you think kids take such

Tracking Suzi

The Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles hard-shell marathon began Aug. 1 with 12 sea turtles being tracked using satellite telemetry to boost science, research and education.

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

Suzi’s distance as of Aug. 14 in the Tour de Turtles: 476 miles.

Suzi’s ranking in the Tour de Turtles: Second. People can follow Suzi’s journey at tourdeturtles. org, as well as sign up for sea turtle updates on the site.

— Lisa neff

DOING FRONT FLIPS

BY JOHN KUGELMAN / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

A dead sea turtle hatchling lies Aug. 2 near a storm drain at a bayside parking lot in Bradenton Beach. Kristen mazzarella, executive director of the Anna maria island turtle Watch, told the islander Aug. 2 that the hatchling likely disoriented due to artificial lighting that led the turtle away from the Gulf of mexico. mazzarella said the AmitW is working with island governments and businesses to limit lighting through october. islander Photo: robert Anderson

an interest in sea turtles?

KM: Because they are pretty incredible and mysterious creatures. …

The Islander: Some interest might be inspired by popular films and books. Do you have a favorite sea turtle character?

KM: I personally love Squirt and Crush from “Finding Nemo.”

For more information about AMITW, call the nonprofit at 941-301-3484, email info@islandturtlewatch. com or go online to islandturtlewatch.com.

Answers: page 28

A map shows where Suzi, a loggerhead outfitted June 27 in Bradenton Beach with a tracking device, traveled through Aug. 14. islander Screenshot

mazzarella

No. 0806

An island on the move

By Lisa Neff

Daytripping to town

Islanders, prepare for some daytrips “to town” if you can.

Pack a water bottle.

Pocket some lunch money.

Arrange a carpool.

Set your heading for downtown Bradenton.

And plan to pack the commission chambers at the Manatee County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, where items of island concern will be on the board’s agendas probably for months to come.

The proposed construction of a parking garage at Manatee Public Beach and a fasttracked push to make it easier for developers to build near natural habitats — were set for discussion and possible actions as The Islander went to press this week.

On Aug. 14, county commissioners were set to hold a work session with a single agenda item: discussion and presentation on “parking garage concepts” with staff from the property management department.

A 21-page staff report to the board contained five pages related to the garage the county wants to build at Manatee Public Beach despite Holmes Beach regulations prohibiting such a structure and public outcry from islanders and others over the proposal.

The island opposition solidified long before the Aug. 10 release of the conceptual designs that show the enormity of the project and the staff request for commission approval to:

• Move forward with the concept design;

• Pursue public/private partnerships;

• Incorporate concessions, dining, restrooms, locker rooms, showers, retail, public safety and tourism amenities into the space.

The report states the county wants the garage to be a “gateway to the beach” with green space in upper levels and “terraced platforms” on the beachside of the structure.

To advance to this stage, the county roped in Republican legislators, who in their spring session successfully maneuvered a bill through the House and Senate and across the governor’s desk with a goal of

dredges are readied Aug. 8 in the waters off Beer can island at Longboat Key Pass. earthmoving equipment from Gator dredging, contracted by Longboat Key to cut away accreted sand, was set to pump sand from a blocked channel onto the western shore of the Gulf of mexico on the island. islander Photos: robert Anderson

earth-moving equipment shifts sand Aug. 8 for removal on the north side of Beer can island in Longboat Key. the town is relocating sand that accumulated under the Longboat Pass Bridge and in the 1A canal to the Gulfside beaches of Beer can island. Visitors — beachgoers and boaters — at Beer can island may find closures on the east and north sides of the island.

circumventing Holmes Beach’s home rule authority.

Next up, on Aug. 17, county commissioners will hold a land-use meeting that includes consideration of a proposed comprehensive plan amendment to scale back wetland protections.

The proposal involves removing county buffer requirements intended to protect wetlands and defer to the state for oversight.

The planning commission Aug. 10 voted 4-2 to advise county commissioners against making the changes following a hearing at which many spoke out, among them conservationists and scientists.

“If anything, the buffers need to be increased,” said former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash, raising questions about developers driving the proposed changes.

Abbey Tyrna, executive director of the Suncoast Waterkeeper conservation group, said reducing buffers between wetlands and development will reduce the function of wetlands, negatively impacting water

quality in rivers, bays and the Gulf of Mexico. Tyrna’s organization is circulating a petition against scaling back wetland rules.

The group and others, including the League of Women Voters of Manatee County and Manasota-88, were working to crowd the county chambers Aug. 17.

The league on Aug. 11 issued an action alert: “You are Needed Again, MORE THAN EVER. The Manatee County commissioners do NOT have to follow the planning commission recommendations and frequently don’t. We need a BIG turnout … and TONS of comments and emails. Speak or not, wear blue, for water, so we can spot a supporter.”

The commissioners are scheduled to take up the issue at 9 a.m., followed by a possible initial vote on the issue.

County commissioners undoubtedly will revisit both issues this summer and fall. Don’t let them dodge your opinions.

“See all the hatchling tracks going directly to the ocean?” writes the photographer, Kristen mazzarella, executive director of AmitW. She took the photo during a morning patrol the week ending Aug. 13, characterizing the find as “a beautiful hatch.” islander courtesy Photo

Holmes Beach, half duplex, 2BD/2BA. $715,000

As of Aug. 12, AmitW had identified 401 nests, 441 false crawls, 210 hatched nests and

about 15,122 hatchlings to the Gulf of mexico. they also reported 75 disorientation incidents.

ITEMS FOR SALE

oLiVe oiL from my farm in Greece. Wine bottle size (750ml). $19. delivered to your Ami address. 203-942-8399.

tWo trAiLer tireS: 15-inches, five-bolt tires and rim, $20 each. 941-778-5542.

PAninni mAKer: cUiSinArt, stainlesssteel, like new, $45. 941-920-2494.

SPice rAcK, tHree-tier clear plastic, $20, side tables, brown with glass top, 2/$20. 941-920-2494. 941-920-2494.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc.

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

AdoptA-Pet

Oh, those eyes!

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

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

SPonSored BY

ANSWERS TO AUG. 16 PUZZLE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPeciALiZinG in BAcHeLorette parties. call michael Sue Scott. intuitive reader. 941726-1234. www.michaelsuescott.com.

GARAGE SALES

YArd SALe: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug.19. furniture, dishes, antiques, lamps, household items. 513 Villa rosa Way, Anna maria.

moVinG SALe: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. 513 n. Bay Blvd., Anna maria.

LOST & FOUND

LoSt: WALLet neAr Judy’s restaurant, 9516 cortez road, Bradenton. reward. Please, call 313-310-3290.

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. HondA rUcKUS Scooter. 2022 with 199 miles. $2,500. call 941-713-3277.

for SALe: 2000 electric Gem car. new batteries, new motor, seat covers, new tires and wheels. Asking $2,800., call 813-758-3762. come see it, we know you’ll like it.

BOATS & BOATING

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

SUncoASt Bottom PAintinG: Professional bottom painting. mobile. call 941704-9382.

BoAt SLiP: HoLmeS Beach, 85th Street. With boat lift, electric, storage, water. $130,000 obo. 941-792-7965.

FISHING

fUn And fiSH: Skiff rental. 24-foot carolina skiff. Live bait and fi shing equipment included upon request. call 941-704-9382.

HELP WANTED

BootH StAff And parasail mate needed for local business. fun job, great environment, good pay. must be able to pass drug test. 518- 243-9465. parasailnationsouth@ gmail.com

micHAeL SAUnderS & comPAnY is seeking a full-time administrative assistant to run front desk at our Ami real estate sales office. Greet guests, process listings and closings, etc. Prior administration experience required. We offer excellent benefits. Send resume to humanresources@michaelsaunders.com.

noW HirinG HAndYmAn: full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. call JayPros, 941962-2874.

rePorter WAnted: full- to part-time. newspaper experience required. Apply to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

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

SERVICES

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

cLeAninG: VAcAtion, conStrUction, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PreSSUre WASHinG, PAVer sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

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

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

APi’S drYWALL rePAir: i look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

ProfeSSionAL WindoW cLeAninG: residential, commercial, free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-8526163.

AirPort rideS: SArASotA, St. Pete, tampa. call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555.

rideS neAr And far, car transport. Based in Palmetto. 715-292-8692.

cLeAn tecH moBiLe detailing. At your location. cars, boats, rVs. call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

PiAno LeSSonS: ProfeSSor offering lessons beginner through advanced levels, all ages, audition prep and accompanying. 941-518-9973.

rideeASY247: a local ride service providing a professional car service to all local airports and venues. references on request. eamonn fortune, 941-447-7737.

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

BeAcH SerVice air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving manatee county and the island since 1987. for dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill eller, 941-720-7411. cAc184228.

LAWN & GARDEN

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

BArneS LAWn And Landscape LLc. design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-705-1444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

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

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

mP LAWn mAintenAnce now accepting new clients. call dante, 941-730-9199. mp@ mplawnmaintenance.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VAn-Go PAintinG residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

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

Griffin’S Home imProVementS inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

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

HAndYmAn And PAintinG. no job too small. most jobs just right. call richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

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

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

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

RENTALS

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

Perico iSLAnd PAtio home for rent. 3Br/2BA, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to Ami. call or text, 859771-6423.

LooKinG for An eArLY Bird? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on tuesday at islander.org. And it’s free!

RENTALS Continued

BeAUtifULLY fUrniSHed, AnnUAL rental in Beach Harbor club, Longboat Key. 2Br/2BA with views of the bay, laundry and condo amenities include pool, grill, with both bay and beach access. $200 application required. $3,800 month plus fi rst and last month’s rent and $1,000 deposit. call mike norman realty, 941-778-6696. 3101 Gulf drive, Holmes Beach, fL 34217.

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

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

2Br/2BA LonGBoAt KeY annual rental. Penthouse with jaw-dropping view of the bay. completely upgraded and elegantly decorated. fully equipped and all amenities are included. $5,500/month plus tax, fi rst and last month’s rent and $1,000 deposit. Available now. 407-451-7179. Luznava@ bellsouth.net

Winter SeASon rentAL: Available december-may. 2Br/1.5BA elevated townhouse, sleeps four. Located in Holmes Beach, only two blocks to the beach. no pets. $5,000/month plus tax and fees. call Anna maria realty, 941-778-2259. dina@ annamariareal.com

LoVeLY Second-fLoor duplex for rent: 3Br/2BA partially furnished, can accommodate your needs. Washer/dryer. five minutes to Ami, quiet, safe. rent includes all utilities except electric. Annual $2,800/month. Will consider three-month, six-month. no smoking, call Kelly, 941-301-9938.

BeAUtifULLY refUrBiSHed 1Br/1BA coastal vintage-style vacation rental less than three-minute walk to the beach. one week minimum. Available Aug. 16. Late summer/fall special rates. Available January, february, march 2024. 941-8071405 or carlesvacationrentals@gmail.com.

montHLY rentALS: tUrnKeY furnished. Wildwood Springs. Upgraded 2Br/2BA, 90-day minimum. $2,000/month. September-december. deluxe Perico Bay villa, 2Br/2BA, one-car garage. november or december. $4,000/month, January 2024, $5,500. real estate mart, 941-356-1456.

AnnUAL: HoLmeS BeAcH elevated 2Br/2BA. Lanai, garage, nice quiet area. $2,200month. call 970-331-1042 for rental application.

more BAnG for YoUr BUcK? it’s an old saying, but it’s still true when it comes to the islander. Look for more online at islander. org.

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

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.”

You

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

isl biz

Order up

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is taking breakfast orders for a networking event at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach.

The event will be 7:30-9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Reservations are required by Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Menu choices include: all-you-can-eat pancakes; two eggs with toast and home fries or fruit; an eggbacon-and-cheese sandwich with home fries or fruit.

The cost to attend is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers.

For more information, contact the chamber at 941778-1541 or ingrid@amichamber.org.

From ILG to SRQ

Avelo Airlines announced Aug. 10 an expansion at Delaware’s Wilmington Airport with the addition of two new “nonstop tropical destinations.”

A news release identified the tropical destinations as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Sarasota-Bradenton.

Avelo described Wilmington Airport as a convenient, affordable and travel-friendly alternative to Philadelphia International Airport.

Avelo will offer an introductory one-way fare between ILG and SRQ — Sarasota Bradenton Inter-

national Airport — starting at $49, with service set to begin Nov. 2. Customers can make reservations at aveloair. com.

BizCal

By Lisa neff

SAVE THE DATE

Aug. 24, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce businesscard exchange at Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar, Perico Island.

Aug. 31, AMI Chamber of Commerce deadline for businessof-the-year nominations.

Sept. 7, AMI breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., AMI Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria.

Expecting bargains

A new five Below store gets some exterior touches Aug. 1 at Beachway Plaza on the mainland at 75th Street and manatee Avenue. A spokesperson said Aug. 3 that the store is expected to open Sept. 15. meanwhile, there was no response from target about its store opening adjacent to five Below. islander Photo: Bonner Joy

PropertyWatch

By carol Bernard

Island real estate sales

203 Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, a 2,113 sq ft 4BR/5BA pool home on a 7,501 sq ft lot built in 1991 sold 7/21/2023 by Wynn-Wynn LLC to McMahon for $2,875,000, list price $3,395,000.

501 Gulf Drive N., #108, Bradenton Beach, a 1,128 sq ft 2BR/2BA Bridgeport condo built in 1982 sold 8/4/2023 by D’Amica to Snyder for $475,000, list price $549,000.

1801 Gulf Drive, #142, Bradenton Beach a 1,080 sq ft 2BR/2BA Runaway Bay condo built in 1978 sold 7/21/2023 by Stellas to Cathell for $664,000, list price $679,000.

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

Business news

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

Once Upon A Beach

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