The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

JAN. 24, 2024 free

VOLUME 32, NO. 14

the Best news on anna maria island since 1992

astheworldterns 6 new arrest in 2017 double-murder. 3

Q&A 012424 3 BB contracts flood prevention. 4 am to review charter. 4

2024 elections 4 Meetings 5 am announces citizen of the year nominees. 5

Opinions 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

looking back. 7

Planners identifying resiliency projects. 8

RoadWatch 8 save the date. 10-11

Happenings What’s up on ami? 10-12 13

Gathering. 14

Derelict boats challenge law enforcement By robert anderson islander reporter

the waters surrounding anna maria Island are littered with derelict boats, prompting concerted efforts by government agencies to address the problem. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading an initiative from its law enforcement division to reduce a backlog of the derelict vessels across the state. according to data supplied to the Islander in a Jan.17 email from the FWC, there were 923 active derelict vessel investigations statewide, with an average of 600 new derelict vessels added annually. in manatee county, there were 19 derelict vessels in local waters, according to the FWC. FWc public information officer adam Brown said nine of the 19 vessels were fully investigated and are pending removal. The other 10 were in the investigative process. and that process can be slow moving. One derelict vessel that drifted ashore at De Soto National Memorial, 8300 DeSoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, has blocked a stretch of beach since it became displaced during Hurricane idalia in late august 2023. Dan Stephens, park ranger, said the

vessel had shifted a few times before coming to a rest along one of the trail heads. He said a removal can take some time because the FWc must try to find a registered owner. Florida law defines “derelict vessels” as those left in a wrecked, junked or substantially dismantled condition on public waters. Vessels can become derelict due to neglect, abandonment or as a result of a natural disaster. The vessels, whether sinking, aground or lacking vital operational systems, create hazards in waterways, posing risks to boaters, wildlife and natural resources. Boats are considered derelict if they fail to meet the criteria of a seaworthy vessel, which: • must be able to move under its own power; • Be secure from the elements; • Have a light while anchoring at night; • Have a current registration. a derelict boat might begin as a lost or abandoned vessel and then become occupied. Once occupied, enforcement agencies have a more difficult time removing a vessel as it is viewed as a domicile. To combat the issue, Brown said the FWC has been active in issuing citations

gas leak closes HB road.

Cops & Courts 18 fire district honors team.

flag football kicks off. 20 Head to docks, piers for sheepshead. 21 HB exploring skimmer options. 22

NYT puzzle. 22 at work at the cellular level. 23

cLASSIFIEDS. 24-25

Isl Biz: 26 tdc to take up stats, trends. 27

and warnings. according to FWc reports, from January 2020 to January 2023, 656 derelict vessel citations and 21 warnings were issued across the state. turn to derelict boats, Page 2

A derelict sailboat rests on its side Jan. 16 near private docks along Bay Drive South in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Concerns linger over contamination in Palma Sola Bay By robert anderson islander reporter

scenicWaVes plans for arbor day. 16

islander.org

Palma Sola Bay is under scrutiny as water testing data continues to reveal disparities in water quality between the north and south sides. Suncoast Waterkeeper and the Manatee County Department of Health independently monitor water conditions and results have raised concerns about potential health risks for tyrna people. Palma Sola Bay is a small embayment in west Bradenton that flows into anna maria Sound. Cortez, a community where commercial fishing has long been an important economic activity, is south of the bay. Suncoast Waterkeeper has been collecting water quality data from the north side of palma sola Bay, north of manatee avenue at the Palma Sola Causeway. The group’s results show levels of enterococcus bacteria consistently exceed those recorded on the south side, which is monitored by the health department. The testing site on the south shore of the bay is east of the first humpback bridge and Suncoast Waterkeeper tests on the north

People can be seen wading and fishing in the waters of Palma sola Bay on the south side of the Palma sola causeway, in spite of a posted warning of contamination from the manatee county department of Health during a past incident. islander file Photo: Bonner Joy

shoreline just before the bridge. Enterococcus bacteria, commonly associated with fecal contamination, can pose serious health risks, including gastrointestinal issues and skin infections. abbey tyrna, executive director for SCWK said test results for the north side indicate contamination levels that typically would warrant a public safety warning. For reference, a report of 0-35 cells per 100 milliliters of marine water is considered good, 36-70 cells is moderate and 71 or greater is poor.

The group’s Jan. 8 report for north Palma Sola Bay showed 364 cells per 100 milliliters. a dec. 26, 2023, test showed 379 cells per 100 milliliters. a dec. 18, 2023, test showed 1,112 cells per 100 milliliters. The DOH’s Jan. 10 report, for south Palma Sola Bay showed 0-35 cells per 100 milliliters. a Jan. 3 test showed 0-35 cells per 100 milliliters. a dec. 27, 2023, test showed 0-35 cells per 100 milliliters. Tyrna said Jan. 17 that recent talks with the state might enable the local health turn to contamination, Page 5

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Weather shuts down ferry

A cabin cruiser posted with red tags by the FWC blocks the entrance to a beach at the De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton. The boat broke its mooring during Hurricane Idalia in August 2023. It was one of four boats in the western reach of the Manatee River under investigation as of Jan. 18. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson derelict boats continued from page 1

The FWC and grant-funded law enforcement agencies, such as the Bradenton Beach Police Department, collaborate on investigations. The BBPD started its derelict vessel removal program in 2013. The BBPD’s patrol boat, a 24-foot center console A news banner Jan. 19 on the Gulf Islands Ferry Pathfinder, is the same model piloted locally by FWC website, gulfcoastwatertaxi.com, announces canofficers and is used to patrol bayside waters. cellation of the service Jan. 19-21 because the foreThe $120,000 vessel was funded with a grant from cast “does not allow for safe boating conditions.” the West Coast Inland Navigation District, a special The ferry service launched Jan. 14 after multiple taxing body for Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee delays and made some trips that Sunday between counties that promotes safe navigation and supports downtown Bradenton and the Anna Maria City local efforts to maintain and enhance navigation, boatPier. The service was set to make its first trips Jan. ing access, facilities, parks and more. 19-21 to the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Since its inception, the BBPD derelict vessel proBeach, where ferry operators plan to use a portable gram has removed more than 73 derelict or problem wheelchair lift until a ramp compliant with the U.S. vessels from the bay waters of Bradenton Beach. Americans with Disabilities Act is constructed. The The process of holding derelict vessel owners service schedule is Friday-Sunday. Islander Screen- accountable and removal of vessels involves complex shot legal procedures and considerable time. Derelict ves-

sels are removed from the water, often at significant expense. The FWC estimates costs for removal can vary widely based on vessel size, location and circumstances, with an average cost ranging $400-$800 per foot. In Cortez, Karen Bell, who owns and operates A.P. Bell Fish Co. Inc., 4600 124th St. Court W., and Starfish Co. Market and Restaurant, 12306 46th Ave. W., said Jan. 18 that she and others in the village filed complaints and were working with the FWC to curb derelict and sunken vessels in Sarasota Bay. She said safety concerns for captains and others navigating the waters around Cortez were the driving focus behind the complaints. Also, some Cortez residents and business people have said there are issues stemming from liveaboards, including trespassing, littering, theft and vandalism and illicit drug use has been reported in the area where they come ashore. please, see derelict boats, next Page

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Jan. 24, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Woman pleads not guilty in 2017 LBK double-murder By lisa neff islander editor

a port st. lucie woman pleaded not guilty Jan. 18 to a felony murder charge in connection with the 2017 killing of two people at the Zota Beach resort on longboat Key. latoya Hanna is the sister of a man arrested in august 2017 for the fatal shooting of night manager timothy Hurley, 59, of sarasota, and Victory security of Florida guard Kevin Carter, 51, of Bradenton, at the resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive. the longboat Key police department arrested Darryl Vaughn Hanna Jr., a part-time employee of Victory security of Florida, in connection with the aug. 4, 2017, crime and he was facing second-degree murder and robbery charges in 2018, when he suffered a stroke and traumatic brain injury, leaving him in a vegetative state. a judge then declared him incompetent to stand trial. until this month, darryl Hanna was the only person arrested in connection with the case. But early in lBKpd’s investigation, questions were raised as to whether more than one person was involved in the crime. By lisa neff an arrest warrant issued for latoya Hanna alleges that four people went to the resort to commit armed robbery: darryl Hanna Jr., latoya Hanna, another The Islander poll man and an unnamed coconspirator who “confessed Last week’s question involvement in the robbery and murders and provided should government permit mangrove removals? information about the crimes.” 28%. Never. the warrant alleged that latoya Hanna was the 37%. Only for safety reasons. driver of a getaway van and that Darryl Hanna Jr., 27%. On a limited basis. 8%. it’s OK. there are lots of mangroves. to date, 99 vessel owners have applied for the This week’s question city commissions meet twice a month. vessel turn in program. Vessel owners can call the FWC for more informa- When should meetings occur? a. Whenever they want. tion on the program at 850-488-5600. B. Daytime. People wishing to report a derelict vessel can call C. Evening. the FWc at 888-404-3922. D. One daytime, one evening meeting. People can track derelict vessels in their area To answer the poll, go online to islander.org. online at https://gis.myfwc.com/derelictvessel/.

a sailboat named miller time is grounded Jan. 19 at the cortez trailer Park, 12507 cortez road, cortez. derelict boats continued from Page 2

Bell said she and other business owners have considered hiring private security. cortez is one of the last remaining working fishing villages on Florida’s Gulf Coast and working captains have faced problems with improperly moored and sunken vessels interfering with navigation as they make their way to the fish house docks in cortez to sell their catch. “as far as the boats out there, one of my biggest concerns with this weather has been that they are moored improperly,” Bell said, referring to derelict vessels near the fish house. “i fully expected them to come barreling at our boats.” legislation passed in 2022 empowered the FWc to establish a Derelict Vessel Prevention Program to identify at risk vessels before they become derelict. so law enforcement officers routinely conduct vessel inspections, issuing citations and warnings for at-risk conditions. in 2022, the FWc began program allowing owners to voluntarily remove at-risk vessels at no cost. The program aims to prevent vessels from becoming derelict, resulting in cost savings for taxpayers and fewer derelict vessels in Florida waters.

Q&A 012424

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who had worked at the resort, “was familiar with the workings of the hotel.” “security video captures a white van matching the description of the van rented by latoya Hanna driving south through Bradenton Beach towards longboat Key” the morning of the robbery, the warrant stated. the warrant also alleged that latoya Hanna rented a hotel room used before and after the robbery, that she drove the coconspirators to and from the resort, that she owned a gun used to commit the killings and that she took action to conceal evidence. The warrant also alleged the Hannas were involved in a failed attempt to rob the resort July 21, 2017. the st. lucie county sheriff’s Office took latoya Hanna into custody Jan. 12 on the warrant out of Manatee County, then extradited Hanna to Manatee County. Hanna, 36, of port st. lucie, demanded a jury trial. as of Jan. 19, she remained in jail. an arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Feb. 9 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

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Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 24, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BB commission hires contractor for ﬂood prevention work By robert anderson islander reporter

The city of Bradenton Beach is putting the hustle on flood improvements to the north end of the city. City commissioners Jan. 18 approved a motion to hire Woodruff & sons of sarasota to spearhead flood prevention improvements. The contractor will implement changes to drainage and infrastructure components in neighborhoods along avenue’s a and B. the work is funded with a $2.69 million grant from the state. Public works director Tom Woodard supported the contract. “We’ve had great success with Woodruff,” Woodard said. “i have known Woodruff for years. i think between all of us we are going to be able to get a good outcome.” City attorney Ricinda Perry said construction must be completed by June 30 under the requirements of the grant, which was extended from an earlier deadline. Perry said supply chain disruptions, hurricanes and difficulties in securing bids from contractors after storms stalled the project.

she said the city might need to file for another extension with the state. Due to time constraints, Perry asked commissioners to allow her — as the grant manager — the latitude to make decisions in the field to keep the project moving. Perry told the commission she would like to save time by making single change orders rather than coming to them for approval. Commissioner Jan Vosburgh motioned to approve the contract with Woodruff & Sons and for Perry to make decisions as needed in accordance with time constraints. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ralph Cole and passed by a vote of 4-0. Commissioner Marilyn Maro attended the meeting and voted by phone. In other attorney matters, Perry spoke to commissioners about a potential lawsuit regarding Form 6, a financial disclosure statement elected officials in Florida must fill out and periodically renew. a new law requiring that municipal elected officials file the form was passed to add transparency to offices that make spending decisions with taxpayer funds.

some municipal elected officials have resigned and others have withdrawn from consideration for offices over the new requirement, including Jake Spooner, who resigned his seat on the Bradenton Beach Commission in december 2023. perry said the Weiss serota Helfman law firm of coral Gables had been approached by some city officials about possibly filing a lawsuit for declaratory and injunctive relief. The suit would allege the new Form 6 legislation constitutes a right to privacy violation, as well as interferes with the successful governance of local government. the firm will file the lawsuit once they have 10 municipalities sign on as plaintiffs. Perry asked if the city had an interest in pursuing the suit and commissioners discussed their right to financial privacy. However, no commissioner spoke in favor of joining the suit. Commissioners also approved payments in the amount of $21,399.25 to m.t. causley for contracted professional fees to city planner luis serna. The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

BB commissioners welcome new building official By robert anderson islander reporter

The city of Bradenton Beach is welcoming a new building official. Darin Cushing was welcomed to his new role during a Jan. 18 city meeting. Cushing succeeds Steve Gilbert, who retired Dec. 15, 2023, after 17 years in the position as a contracted employee from m.t. causley, a saFEbuilt company. cushing served as a building official for various municipalities, including longboat Key, Bradenton, Palm Coast and Palmetto. His background also includes a stint as a project construction manager with Manatee County. Mayor John Chappie welcomed the appointment. “We now have our new building official, who has been a sub around here for many years,” he said.

addressing commissioners, cushing acknowledged the diversity among the municipalities he has worked in, saying, “all these municipalities are all different. They all have their own zoning codes and land development codes. But i will learn them.” Cushing also conveyed his commitment to the city while giving a nod to Gilbert’s long service with the city. “i look forward to serving you guys as well as he did,” he said. Cushing is an independent contractor hired by the city through saFEbuilt, a community development and community infrastructure services company specializing in municipal and local governments. the commission also welcomed annabre Veal as darin cushing is recognized as Bradenton Beach’s the city’s new permit technician. Veal will work closely with Cushing, administer- new building official at a Jan. 18 city meeting. islander Photo: robert anderson ing permits issued by the city.

Election 2024

Anna Maria charter review set to begin By ryan Paice islander reporter

anna maria will have a full board to review its city charter this spring. Mayor Dan Murphy said Jan. 11 that the municipality received five applications from residents volunteering to serve on the charter review board and he will bring a proposed roster to the city commission’s next meeting for approval. The charter is akin to a constitution and establishes the structure, functions and procedures of municipal government. the city must review its charter every five years by appointing a board of three-five volunteers who review the document and present potential amendments to city commissioners for approval. Major amendments are added to general election ballots as initiatives, so final approval falls to the city’s electorate. The city also can adopt amendments by unanimous vote to correct typographical errors and remove language that is contrary to or superseded by state and federal law, without a popular vote.

Murphy said this year’s charter review committee will be facilitated by deputy clerk Fransheska Berrios. the five applicants to serve on the board include residents chris arendt, stevie coppin, scott isherwood, Pat Olesen and Chuck Wolfe. Olesen also applied to succeed either Robert Kingan or Deanie Sebring on the city commission, but was one of four applicants to withdraw their applications. arendt wrote in a dec. 13, 2023, email to city staff that Kingan pointed him toward the committee. coppin wrote in a dec. 5, 2023, email to city staff that she was interested in serving on the charter review board “because of the efforts underway to remove the governing of our city from the residents a thorough review of the statutes would be helpful.” Murphy said he was set to meet with the applicants Jan. 12 to discuss rules and responsibilities for charter review members. He added that he aims for the board to complete its review and present proposed changes to the city commission by late march or early april.

Holmes Beach shifts commission meeting times Holmes Beach City Commission meetings are moving to an earlier timeslot. Commissioners reached consensus Jan. 11 to schedule regular meetings to 2 p.m. to save staff time. The city previously held its second commission meetings of each month at 5 p.m. with the hopes that there would be more attendees outside of conventional 9 a.m.-5 p.m. working hours. However, Commission Chair Terry Schaefer said he had seen no difference in meeting attendance when comparing the 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. starting times. He suggested scheduling all regular meetings for

2 p.m. so city staff can get home on a timelier basis, since some late commission meetings have stretched past 8 p.m. The rest of the commission approved his suggestion. Commission meetings are at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, and are open to the public. The next commission meetings will be Tuesday, Feb. 13, and tuesday, Feb. 27. directions to attend via Zoom can be found online at holmesbeachfl.org. — ryan Paice

Registration open for presidential primary

Florida will hold its presidential preference primary tuesday, march 19, with only registered republicans heading to the polls. The nominating election is a closed primary, which means only voters registered in a particular political party can cast a ballot in that party’s primary. The deadline to register to vote in the GOP primary is tuesday, Feb. 20, according to the manatee county supervisor of Elections Office. To check registration status, people can go to votemanatee.com, where they also will find instructions to register, as well as request ballots by mail. as of Jan. 17, the elections office had not announced dates and hours for early voting in the contest. the early voting location nearest ami will be G. t. Bray park, 5502 33rd ave. drive W., Bradenton.

Island Dems to meet

the anna maria island and West manatee democratic club will meet at 11:30 a.m. monday, Jan. 29, at the island library, 5701 marina Drive, Holmes Beach. the club’s topic will be on “a four-story garage and other home rule issues” and the guest speaker will be Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth. titsworth For more information, email Barbara Beckwith at bbeckwith02@gmail.com or call the party headquarters at 941-301-4336. — lisa neff

Send announcements to news@islander.org.

Jan. 24, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria citizen of the year nominees announced By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

At least one name among the city of Anna Maria’s 2023 Distinguished Citizen of the Year nominees should be familiar. However, none are citizens of the city. The city received four nomination forms naming candidates for the award before a Jan. 5 deadline for submissions. The nominees include: • The island newspapers, The Islander and the Island Sun; • Anna Maria Island Garden Club; • Island worker and Palma Sola resident Christine Olson. Anna Maria residents John Kolojeski and Suzanne Seiter nominated the island newspapers. They wrote in their nomination form, “In this era when over 2,500 weekly publications have gone out

Meetings

By Lisa Neff

Anna Maria City

Jan. 25, 6 p.m., commission meeting. Jan. 25, 6 p.m., applicant selection. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach

of business around the U.S. over the last 20 years, our little community here on AMI has not one, but two thriving weekly publications filling all the needs of the community. “Both papers have excellent journalists who could be working at major publications. We get opinions on the important political issues affecting the islands as well as current events, sports, entertainment and environmental updates. People tend to take a newspaper for granted, until it is gone someday.” City Commission Chair Mark Short nominated the garden club. He wrote in his nomination form that the club deserved the award due to its focus on island beautification and environmental education. Another reason he made the nomination was the garden club’s effort to beautify all three island cities by helping to fund the addition of wind sculptures in each municipality. The club contributed $6,000 to both the cities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach to help fund the addition of three wind sculptures created by Utah-based artist Lyman Whitaker. Two sculptures were installed at City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, while another was installed outside the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The club also wants to partially fund the addition of a wind sculpture in Bradenton Beach. Bradenton resident Amy Hill and Sue Gengle, a real estate agent with Holmes Beach-based A Paradise Realty, separately nominated Christine Olson for the

award. Olson has worked on the island for more than 22 years, living there for much of that time, according to Hill. Hill and Gengle wrote that Olson deserved the award for her work as the founder of To Inform Families First, or the TIFF Initiative, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the timeliness of emergency notifications to family members. The TIFF Initiative was sparked by the death of Olson’s daughter, Tiffiany, who died following a Dec. 7, 2005, traffic crash. Olson was not contacted by law enforcement until six hours after the accident. Following the tragedy, Olson created the nonprofit to improve emergency notification times through the creation of the TIFF system, a voluntary emergency contact information program that ties emergency contact information to a state-issued driver’s license or identification card. The system has been adopted in 15 states. “Christine is very deserving of this award,” Hill wrote in her nomination form. “I can not say or write enough positive qualities about her! Please, consider giving her this award.” Mayor Dan Murphy has said that he hoped to present the nominations for the award at a January city commission meeting. The city commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.

department to utilize Suncoast Waterkeeper data to issue warnings. “The state has OK’d our data to go into their system to determine the quality of their waters,” Tyrna said. SCWK already has hired a technician to enter testing data into a state database. She said she is hopeful the group’s findings can be used to determine impairment for the bay and, if necessary, warn the public. “It is very clear that you should not swim in places where we find high levels,” she said. Data comparisons over time reveal a clear pattern, with the north side consistently recording higher levels of enterococcus bacteria. This difference would seem to underscore the importance of comprehensive monitoring strategies that consider variations in water quality across different areas of the bay. Tyrna said Suncoast Waterkeeper reports its findings weekly at suncoastwaterkeeper.org/safetoswim. She said the next step is to test for DNA. Enterococci bacteria is in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans and, through DNA testing, the specific source of a bacterial outbreak could be identified. The group received funding for DNA testing but

the cost was higher than expected, forcing the group to extend its timeline for results into February. “I have been in communication with DOH and Manatee County representatives on this issue of Palma Sola and us doing the bacteria testing,” Tyrna said. “They support it. They don’t have funding for it but they are interested in seeing the results. They are also interested in finding out what the possible sources might be.” She said county participation would be instrumental in helping determine the next step after the source or sources of the enterococcus bacteria is determined. The Islander reached out to the DOH by email Jan. 16 but as of Islander press time Jan.22 there was no reply. Water quality reports can be found at: www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality and www.suncoastwaterkeeper.org/safetoswim.

Feb. 1, 6 p.m., commission. Feb. 7, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Feb. 7, 1 p.m., P&Z. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, contamination continued from page 1 cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach Feb. 7, 5 p.m., planning. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. West Manatee Fire Rescue Feb. 20, 6 p.m., commission. WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County Feb. 6, 9 a.m., commission. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Also of interest Jan. 29, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee MPO, Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice. Feb. 6, 4 p.m., Council of Governments, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haven Blvd., Palmetto. Feb. 19, Presidents Day, most government offices will be closed. March 19, presidential preference primary. Please, send meeting notices to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org.

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit your story with contact information to news@islander.org.

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Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 24, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Another aha moment

I’m concerned about the city of Bradenton’s plans to sell city hall to a luxury condo developer. It’s about 4 acres of prime riverfront property in downtown Bradenton that includes the municipal auditorium — a ballroom that hosts events and exhibits. Now, the building is not historic in the sense that it has served the city — incorporated in 1903 — for many decades. in fact, the city built a new city hall in 1970 at 15th Street West on Wares Creek to replace the government offices built in 1913. The Wares Creek location was sold to a local developer in 1998 and the city moved to the present building on the riverfront. Well, as the city now is looking for a new city hall to serve its population of 55,698 — according to the 2020 census — we might suggest they consider repeating history on the still-vacant site of the former city hall. and the price for city hall is $14.1 million. How far that will go in providing for the city in the future is questionable, but in terms of real estate, it’s a pittance. It won’t even cover the cost for a new city hall. What does this mean to anna maria island? Well, there are always lessons to be learned from history. and in view of the threat from the state to either consolidate or unincorporate the island’s three cities, there could be —read: big could — an opportunity for developers to snatch up the municipal buildings that would be rendered useless by the state’s actions. and as for the ancillary properties? let’s not forget in our forecast that anna maria owns the city pier, the land leased to the community center, the historical society and the 75-year-old Island Players’ theater. In Holmes Beach, the city hall property is expansive at 12-plus acres but don’t forget Grassy point Preserve, the city boat ramp and the numerous parks spread across the city. For Bradenton Beach, the city owns the library, the Historic Bridge Street Pier, the cell tower and numerous parks in addition to city hall and the police department. Wow. (There’s that aha moment.) I can guarantee there will be salivating and speculation a plenty. But, while extrapolating can be dangerous, we — those of us who want to maintain our cities — should consider the implications, the worst case scenario for anna maria island, when it comes to mounting a Pier safety questioned On a recent visit to the anna maria city pier, i defense to the threat posed by the state legislature. Bradenton also should consider its legacy and noticed a potential problem. although there are railings at the entrance of the pride for future generations. pier, there are none all the way down to the T-end. Meanwhile, we’re skating on thin ice here. It seems to me to be a safety issue and an accident — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org waiting to happen. a person could easily trip and fall into the water. i ask, shouldn’t this issue be addressed? Lynne LaMarca, Bradenton Beach JAN. 24, 2024 • Vol. 32, No. 14 Editor’s note: The Anna Maria City Commission discussed handrails on the boardwalk before construc▼ Publisher, Co-editor tion of the new pier and decided against them. Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

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our theme, “We’re glad You’re Here,” originated in the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on ami. — the islander

Skimming online

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Connections, AMI & beyond

Anna Maria: mayor dan murphy, 941-7086130, cityofannamaria.com, ammayor@cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach: mayor John chappie, 941778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach: mayor Judy titsworth, 941708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org. Manatee County: Republican Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, 941-745-3705, kevin. vanostenbridge@mymanatee.org. Florida Senate: republican Jim Boyd, 941742-6445, boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov, flsenate. gov,. Florida House: Republican Rep. William cloud “Will” robinson Jr., 941-708-4968, will.robinson@myfloridahouse.gov, myfloridahouse.gov. Florida Governor: Republican Ron desantis, 850-717-9337 for staff, flgov.com for email.

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Jan. 24, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Engineering the skyway a team with Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Hall and macdonald engineers poses in the early 1950s. the firm worked on the sunshine skyway Bridge across tampa Bay, as well as the sunshine state Parkway between fort Pierce and Hollywood and the John e. matthews Bridge in Jacksonville. a.W “Bud” Brown, seated by a post and wearing a plaid shirt, served as foreperson and lived on anna maria island.

Boom time for Bimini Bay a pamphlet circulated in 1953 advertises opportunities in Bimini Bay estates on anna maria island. developer Walter Hardin, a real estate agent and former member of congress, drove the project. islander Photos: courtesy manatee county Public library system

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!

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10&20 years ago

From the Jan. 21, 2004, issue

• an effort by the city of anna maria to purchase the Island Marine property on Pine avenue hit a stumbling block when the owner’s appraiser reported the value of the five lots at $2.5 million. • the Holmes Beach planning commission unanimously approved a recommendation that the city commission amend an ordinance to allow a maximum of eight outdoor seats at dining locations. The recommendation also stated restaurants did not need more parking for the eight seats. • West manatee Fire rescue chief andy price said there was a growing emergency medical service problem for the district, as the county’s population grew in lakewood ranch. price said ambulances were available to go anywhere in the county at any time and many EMS calls had stripped WMFR of personnel.

From the Jan. 22, 2014, issue

• Beach builders made progress on the shore of anna maria island as renourishment work moved southward as planned, from 79th street to the Manatee Public Beach in the 4000 block of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. • anna maria commissioners amended their sign ordinance to limit new signs in the residential zone to a maximum of 4 square feet and only one sign allowed per residence or business. • a partnership between Gloria dei lutheran Church of Holmes Beach, three other local lutheran churches and manatee county Habitat for Humanity led to the beginning of construction for a new residence at Habitat’s Hope landing development in Ellenton. — lisa neff

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Anna Maria approves federal stormwater grant for $724,000 By ryan Paice islander reporter

Hurricane Idalia’s impacts are still felt in the city of anna maria months after the storm’s landfall. City commissioners unanimously voted Jan. 11 to authorize Mayor Dan Murphy to sign a grant agreement for $724,000 in federal funding to repair stormwater infrastructure damaged by idalia in august 2023. The city has worked for years to install lengths of stormwater infiltration trenches along public rights of way to improve flooding across the municipality. The trenches are a French drain design and are filled with small rocks and mesh, which filter nutrients, sediment and other pollutants out of stormwater before it reaches perforated drainage pipelines at the

bottom. Those pipelines carry drained stormwater to specific outfall locations. However, there is a limit to what the city’s drainage trenches can handle. Murphy said the flooding caused by Idalia’s storm surge resulted in extensive damage to the city’s trenches on the north side of the city by clogging the infrastructure with sand and debris. He said the damaged trenches must be dug out, cleared and replaced with new stone to restore their full functionality. In addition to other expenses associated with Idalia — such as debris removal and pumping — the storm is estimated to have cost the city around $965,000 in

damages, according to Murphy. The proposed grant agreement would provide $724,000 from the u.s. Federal Emergency management agency, while the state has agreed to contribute around $120,000, according to murphy. The city will be responsible for the remaining $121,000. Commissioner Jonathan Crane moved to approve the funding agreement. Commissioner Charlie Salem seconded the motion, which passed. There was no public comment. The commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at city hall, 10005 Gulf drive. directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.

Regional planners identifying infrastructure for resiliency projects By lisa neff islander editor

Irma taught a lesson. and ian and idalia provided some direction to planners tasked with identifying vulnerable infrastructure and prioritizing resiliency projects, who also are looking at how sunny-day flooding impacts the road network. The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization is working on a resiliency/vulnerability assessment in a multiyear study that’s now in the second phase. a review of the work to date is scheduled for the mpO board’s next meeting, which will be at 9:30 a.m. monday, Jan. 29, at the Venice community center, 326 Nokomis ave. s., Venice. a preview took place Jan. 11 during a meeting of the MPO’s technical advisory committee that was chaired by Sage Kamaya, Holmes Beach public works superintendent/city engineer. In phase 1, which concluded last January, the MPO team examined potential vulnerabilities to such hazards as flooding and storm surge and created a tiered list of projects and a catalog of possible strategies. in phase 2, which began last august, the team is working to identify the top 10-15 priorities. since august, they’ve looked at the impacts of recent storms, interviewed local officials and conducted an online survey. In the surveys and interviews, people said: • anna maria island and other barrier islands are the most vulnerable to storm surge but inland areas near the Manatee and Myakka rivers also can be affected. • Flooding impacts low-lying areas throughout both counties. • aging or inadequate stormwater infrastructure compounds the flooding impacts. • Hot spots include Gulf drive/state road 789 on

anna maria island and longboat Key, which is vulnerable to storm surge, washouts and nuisance flooding; u.s. 41, which flooded due to storm surge during hurricanes ian and idalia; and st. armands circle, which flooded during idalia. • General priority projects include replacing the cortez, siesta Key North and Venice avenue bridges; expanding and improving the evacuation route network; improving stormwater infrastructure; and using resilient infrastructure, such as underground utilities. The next task is to compile the information, according to William Roll of Kimley-Horn planning consultants, which is working with the MPO in the assessment. But before finalizing a document to present to the MPO board later this year, Roll said the project team is asking one more time about problem areas. “is there anything that’s missing?” he asked Jan. 11. About the MPO The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization is the regional transportation planning entity for Sarasota and Manatee counties. MPOs are established by state and federal laws and interlocal agreements to provide a process for local governments within the region to coordinate with the Florida Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway administration and the Federal transit administration. The Sarasota/Manatee MPO is governed by a 17-member apportioned board of elected officials representing both counties, nine cities and the Sarasota manatee airport authority. The island cities are represented by the chair of the Island Transportation Planning Organization, currently anna maria mayor dan murphy. For more information, go online to mympo.org.

a map of the area’s road network. red indicates the “most vulnerable” infrastructure and facilities. Blue indicates “vulnerable” and gray indicates “least vulnerable.” islander image: sarasota/manatee mPo

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• City center in Holmes Beach: Manatee County’s work on a force main project on Holmes Boulevard, marina drive and side streets continues and traffic patterns can change. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io. • Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach: Manatee County is working on sewer lines along Gulf Drive South. Motorists can expect lane shifts on Gulf Drive and the closure of 10th Street South. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io. For area road watch information, go online to swﬂroads.com or dial 511. — lisa neff

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a barricade blocks access to the Palma sola causeway on manatee avenue/state road 64 mid-morning aug. 30, 2023. High water associated with a king tide and Hurricane idalia was pushing onto the roadway in sections. islander Photo: lisa neff

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Jan. 24, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Wildscapes by Jacob Merrifield

a great horned owl has produced two fluffy owlets at the robinson Preserve and islander photographer, Jacob merrifield, who often shoots sharks and other marinelife, captured them Jan. 20 at feeding time, right. the owlets were 11-12 days old when the photos were taken. merrifield was shooting from a safe distance. He shoots with a trade name of Wildscapes Photography.

Trail transformation a steamroller flattens the foundation Jan. 8 for a 1.5 mile multiuse trail in Bradenton Beach. manatee county allocated $1.3 million for the project, which is slated for completion by the end of april. islander Photos: robert anderson

contractor Woodruff & sons removes asphalt Jan. 8 from the coquina Beach multiuse trail as part of a $1.3 million redo. manatee county information outreach manager Bill logan said Jan. 9 that the county will work around schedules for the coquina Beach market and other events. the work at the countyrun beach includes removal of the existing trail and the addition of root barriers.

Tiki & Kitty’s

It’s time you took a road trip with Tiki and Kitty to their favorite shops and boutiques in search of decor and bargains galore. Make this your year to have fun while satisfying your shopping habit. We’ll definitely make a stop at Blue Flamingo, home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints. We promise you will find treasures aplenty. T&K love Cat’s Meow, an 8,000 square-foot marketplace! Their vendors offer coastal, cottage, beach, antique, boho, mid-century modern and other home decor styles. they also offer vintage to fine jewelry and vintage albums. You may want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain, antique, unique hunters. You don’t want to miss this vast collection of vendors. Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed

store — so inviting, you’ll want to pull up a chair — with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie. It offers 30-plus vintage, upcycled, shabby chic and artsy vendors. You won’t be disappointed. Scavengers Marketplace has plenty of vendors to capture your wallet at the palmetto store, 2100 u.s. 301. There’s always something new to entice you among the vendors’ eclectic collections. FYi: scavengers also carries Fusion paints.

Stop by at our other locations:

The Vintage Vine Market is a favorite for Tiki and Kitty, who love the fine vintage wares and items with a whimsical twist at this store in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton riverwalk. the location in the 1910 building oozes charm. and they take select consignments by appointment. And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

Wed-Sat 10-5 Palma Sola Square Winn Dixie Plaza

615 59th St. W. Bradenton 941-896-8800

4HUR 3AT 0RIVATE SHOPPING BY APPT TH 3T % \ "RADENTON .7 CORNER TH -ANATEE !VE

Your place for fun, funky

Miss us? WE MISS YOU AMI!

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

MULTI-VENDORS & LOCAL ARTISTS

FUSION MINERAL PAINT

Dru Love, Owner Dru@bdVintage.com

Sales & Workshops

quirky!

Great work from Local Artisans Upcycled, Repurposed, Vintage Dixie Belle Paint, Fun Gifts & More! theblueflamingo.biz

Scavengers Marketplace SRQ 1175 N Washington Blvd Scavengers Palmetto 2100 US Hwy 301

10 to 5 Tues-Sat | 941.227.1936 4229 26th St. W. | Bradenton

4307 26th St. W. Bradenton 941.782.8883

Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 24, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

island gallery and studios, 456 old main st., Bradenton, will feature drawings by Janet flickinger in february. flickinger’s exhibit is “nature’s Palette: capturing creatures in art.”

compiled by lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT on AMi Wednesday, Jan. 24 5-7:30 p.m. — Anna Maria island historical society’s “An Artful evening,” 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. information: 941-778-0492. Friday, Jan. 26 7 p.m. — A.J. Croce concert, Center of Anna Maria island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. sold out. information: 941-778- Featuring in February the artists’ guild gallery, 5414 marina drive, 1908. Holmes Beach, will exhibit the paintings of Barbara onGoinG on AMi truemper-green throughout february. the gallery is through Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. tuesday-saturday, 2 p.m. sunday, at 5414 marina drive, Holmes Beach. island Players’ “the Mousetrap,” 10009 Gulf drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. information: 941-778-5755. sAVe the dAte through January, “sky Wonders” by Karen eddy, Artists’ Guild Feb. 23, Center of Anna Maria island/Bradenton Area ConvenGallery, 5414 Marina drive, holmes Beach. information: 941-778tion and Visitors Bureau Guess Who Alumni concert, Anna Maria. 6694. Feb. 28, Anna Maria island Garden Club Fashion show, Anna throughout February, Barbara truemper-Green exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina drive, holmes Beach. information: 941- Maria. March 1-2, Center of Anna Maria island’s Murder-Mystery 778-6694. dinner theater, Anna Maria. onGoinG oFF AMi March 7-24, island Players’ “Communicating doors,” Anna through January, “i Must have Flowers” exhibit by debbie Maria. snow, island Gallery and studios, 456 old Main st., Bradenton. March 10, island Players’ “the Woman in Black” auditions, information: 941-778-6648. Anna Maria. throughout February, “nature’s Palette” by Janet Flickinger, March 22-April 26, Music in the Park, Bradenton. island Gallery and studios, 456 old Main st., Bradenton. informaMarch 23, Center of Anna Maria island’s Wine tasting, Anna tion: 941-778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.org. Maria. through April 28, “dali and the impressionists,” the dali April 6, Center of Anna Maria island/Bradenton Area ConvenMuseum, 1 dali Blvd., st. Petersburg. Fee applies. information: tion and Visitors Bureau Al Jardin concert, Anna Maria. 727-823-3767. May 2-12, island Players’ “the Woman in Black,” Anna through April 28, the Bishop Museum of science and nature’s Maria. “Bird Photographer of the year,” 201 10th st. W., Bradenton. Fee May 3, theater in the Park, Bradenton. applies. information: 941-746-4131. May 10, theater in the Park, Bradenton. through June 23, “Mountains of the Mind: scholars’ rocks from MARKETS & SALES China and Beyond” exhibit, the John and Mable ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay shore road, sarasota. Fee applies. information: onGoinG on AMi 941-360-7390, ringling.org. Most Wednesdays, Fridays, sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Coquina First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays ArtBeach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. information: 941walk, 12th street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. informa840-0789, coquinabeachmarket.org. tion: villageofthearts.com. second Fridays of the month through spring, 5:30-7:30 p.m., saturdays, 10:30 a.m., art demos, island Gallery and studios, holmes Beach night Market, holmes Beach. information: 941-778456 old Main st., Bradenton. information: 941-778-6648, islandgal6694. leryandstudios.org. tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City second and fourth saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard. Anna Maria. information: jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez 941-708-6130. Cultural Center, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: ﬂoridamariselect dates, Artists’ Guild Gallery Paint the town sidewalk timemuseum.org.

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.

demonstrations and sales events, 5414 Marina drive, holmes Beach. information: 941-778-6694. onGoinG oFF AMi saturdays through May 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Market, old Main street, Bradenton. information: 941-301-8445. sAVe the dAte Feb. 9-10, Feed the Peeps Arts and Crafts Market, Anna Maria. March 2-3, the invitational, holmes Beach. March 8-9, Feed the Peeps Arts and Crafts Market, Anna Maria. April 6-7, Coquina Beach spring Arts and Crafts Market, Bradenton Beach. March 14-16, Friends of the island library Jewelry sale, holmes Beach.

KIDS & FAMILY on AMi Friday, Jan. 26 10 a.m. — 40 Carrots parenting program, island library, 5701 Marina drive, holmes Beach. information: 941-778-6341. Tuesday, Jan. 30 10 a.m. — Family storytime, island library, 5701 Marina drive, holmes Beach. information: 941-778-6341. onGoinG on AMi select thursdays, shark Pups and Grownups preschool program, Mote Marine science education and outreach Center on Anna Maria City Pier, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. information: mote.org.

Odd Duck Designs Shop Wearable T-shirt art by local artist Connie Wolgast.

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Holistic wellness center and spa

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60+ ARTISTS Open 10-6, Tues-Sat JEWELRY 5351 Gulf Drive WALL ART Holmes Beach HOME DECOR 941-242-5794 FURNITURE and a whole lot more!

Island happenings

Jan. 24, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Best in bird photos exhibited

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is showing the annual Bird photographer of the Year exhibition through april 28. the showcase “presents the captivating finalists and winning images from the international Bird Photographer of the Year competition,” according to a news release from the Bishop. The exhibition features more than 65 photographs depicting birds in their natural habitats, “showcasing their breathtaking behaviors and highlighting their critical role in our ecosystems.” a glistening-green tanager, photographed in ecua“Florida is fortunate to have a huge variety of dor by nicolas reusens of spain, is the “gold native bird species and I know our community is full award Winner” for Best Portrait in the international of dedicated birders,” said ashley Waite, director of Bird Photographer of the Year exhibition. the show is on display at the Bishop museum of science and museum experience. “i’m excited not just for the bird nerds but everyone to discover the beauty of internanature in Bradenton. islander courtesy Photo tional species through categories like ‘behavior,’ ‘birds in flight,’ and even ‘comedy birds.’” onGoinG oFF AMi the Bishop is at 201 10th st. W., Bradenton. First Wednesdays, soAr in 4 family night, the Bishop Museum, For more information, call 941-746-4131 or go 201 10th st. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. information: 941-746-4131, online to www.bishopscience.org. bishopscience.org. third Fridays, teen nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th st. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org. second saturdays, Quest for Kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th st. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org. sAVe the dAte Feb. 17-18, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. March 17, st. Patrick’s day Parade, holmes Beach and Anna Maria. May 4, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Crawﬁsh Boil, Anna Maria.

send listings to calendar@islander.org lecture and travel series, roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. information: 941-778-6341. onGoinG oFF AMi Mondays, 1 p.m., longboat Key Paradise Center for healthy living thinking out loud discussions, 546 Bay isles road, longboat Key. information: 941-383-6493.

SPORTS & GAMES onGoinG on AMi

Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, island library, 5701 Marina drive, holmes Beach. information: 941-7786341. thursdays, 6 p.m., Jan. 18-March 28, Annie silver Community Center bingo, 103 23rd st. n., Bradenton Beach. information: 941224-1973. Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, island library, 5701 Marina drive, holmes Beach. information: 941778-6341. Mondays, 10 a.m., morning yoga, island library, 5701 Marina Beach. information: 941-778-1383. drive, holmes Beach. information: 941-778-6341. Most tuesdays, noon, rotary Club of Anna Maria island meeting, Bridge street Bistro, 111 Gulf drive s., Bradenton Beach. inforsAVe the dAte mation: 941-718-5583. Feb. 9, Center of Anna Maria island Bingo Bonanza, Anna onGoinG oFF AMi Maria. Feb. 24, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training opens, Bradenton. third thursdays, 6:30 p.m., through April, Manatee Audubon March 8, Center of Anna Maria island Bingo Bonanza, Anna society meetings, First united Methodist Church of Palmetto, 330 11th Ave. W., Palmetto. information: manateeaudubon@gmail.com, Maria. April 5, Bradenton Marauders season opens, Bradenton. 941-729-2222. sAVe the dAte

Feb. 17, Grace irwin Memorial Fund “hunt for the Cure” scavenger hunt, Anna Maria. CLUBS & Feb. 21, Annie silver Community Center community suppers, COMMUNITY Bradenton Beach. on AMi March 9, Center of Anna Maria island Beach Cleanup, Anna Maria. Wednesday, Jan. 24 March 22, Annie silver Community Center community suppers, 5-7 p.m. — Annie silver Community Center community supper, Bradenton Beach. 103 23rd st. n., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. information: 941April 13, Center of Anna Maria island Beach Cleanup, Anna 224-1973. Maria. Thursday, Jan. 25

OUTDOORS & NATURE oFF AMi Friday, Jan. 26 5 p.m. — Full Moon Paddle, robinson Preserve, 1704 99th st. nW, Bradenton. information: 941-742-5923. Wednesday, Jan. 31 9 a.m. — nature Art: Painting with the elements, robinson Preserve, 1704 99th st. nW, Bradenton. information: 941-742-5923. onGoinG oFF AMi

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Blood drive, island library, 5701 Marina saturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the nest, robinson Preserve, LESSONS & drive, holmes Beach. information: 941-778-6341. 10299 ninth Ave. nW, Bradenton. information: 941-742-5923, LEARNING 1 p.m. — seaside Quilters, island library, 5701 Marina drive, mymanatee.org. on AMi holmes Beach. information: 941-778-6341. CALENDAR NOTES Monday, Jan. 29 Wednesday, Jan. 24 11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria island and West Manatee democratic KeeP the dAtes 10 a.m. — university of Florida “salt tolerant Plants” program, Club meeting island library, 5701 Marina drive, holmes Beach. island library, 5701 Marina drive, holmes Beach. information: 941Feb. 2, Groundhog day. information: 941-301-4336. 778-6341. Feb. 13, Mardi Gras. onGoinG on AMi Feb. 14, Valentine’s day. onGoinG oFF AMi Feb. 15, susan B. Anthony day. Most saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria island thursdays through Feb. 22, 2 p.m., Friends of the island library Feb. 19, Presidents day. meeting, Bradenton Beach City hall, 107 Gulf drive n., Bradenton

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Island happenings

Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 24, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Let the games begin! annie silver community center board member Jim Hassett draws the first number Jan. 18 during the first game of the winterspring season. Bingo is played thursdays at 6 p.m. at the center, 103 23rd st. n., Bradenton Beach. Pizza is offered — $1 for two slices — along with cake and other refreshments. Bingo prices are $3 for a packet of game sheets. games are played for cash prizes ranging $3-$7. membership is not required to participate. islander Photo: robert anderson

FISH, AGAMI collecting photos for Cortez show

the artists’ Guild of anna maria island and the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage are putting picturesque Cortez in focus. the nonprofits are partnering to bring back the photo competition that debuted at the 2023 cortez commercial Fishing Festival at the 2024 festival, which is Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 17-18, on the waterfront in the east end of the fishing village. Photographers of all ages are invited to participate by sharing images from Cortez, which will be displayed during the festival.

Digital entries — required by Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 11:59 p.m. via rimistudios@gmail.com — will be judged by aGami artist Jim rimi in age categories. Printed photos for display at the festival must be matted, titled, placed in a cellophane sleeve and submitted 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Feb. 16, at a.p. Bell Fish co., inc., 4600 124th st. W., cortez. For more information, contact aGami president Janet razze at 941-779-5477 or artistsguildannamariaisland@gmail.com.

Garden club seeks fashion show sponsors

How does the garden club’s fashion show grow? In part with sponsorships. the anna maria island Garden club is seeking sponsors for its annual fashion show, which is set for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the center of anna Maria Island. Businesses can sign up for sponsorships through Friday, Jan. 26. the show’s theme is “the amis” and a notice from the club said organizers promise “an unforgettable celebration of island fashion from local retailers

and community spirit.” Proceeds from the show go toward island beautification projects. Those who attend — $40 tickets will become available thursday, Feb. 1, at amigardenclub.com — “will be treated to island-style glamour, delicious cuisine and a charitable atmosphere.” For sponsorship information, contact Renitia Bertoluzzi at renitia.bertoluzzi@gmail.com. the club’s email is info@amigardenclub.com and its phone number is 941-405-3534.

Annie Silver serving supper

supper’s on at the annie silver community Center. the center, 103 23rd st. N., Bradenton Beach, will host a community dinner 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24. The meal will cost $10 and includes barbecue ribs or chicken, sides and desserts. additional dinner dates are Feb. 21 and march 22. The community center also is offering Thursday bingo games beginning at 6 p.m. and continues to welcome new members at the annual cost of $3 per person or $5 per couple. For more information, call dianne coates at 724787-1418.

Friends lecture series continues

the Friends of the island library continues its annual lecture and travel series thursday, Jan. 25, hosting Katya Koshedub talking about ukraine. Koshedub was born in montreal to ukrainian parents who settled in Canada after World War II and her first language, learned at home, was ukrainian. The Friends group invites an audience to Koshedub’s talk about her experiences living ukrainian in canada, her visits to ukraine and how “in manatee/ Sarasota she connected with new immigrants from ukraine due to the unprovoked invasion of ukraine which brought them here.” a Friends’ notice also said Koshedub “will also speak about the struggle to liberate ukraine from russia.” the program will begin at 2 p.m. at roser memorial community church, 512 pine ave., anna maria. the series will continue thursdays at 2 p.m. at the church through Feb. 22. For more information, go online to friendsoftheislandlibrary.org or call the island library at 941-7786341.

Society night: ‘An Artful Evening’ set for Jan. 24

the anna maria island Historical society will host “an artful Evening” 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, at the museum, 402 pine ave., anna maria. amiHs is inviting people to “witness a live showcase of artistic talent” in which artists will display their work as well as craft new work. amiHs also invites people to tour the museum complex, including the park, old city jail and Belle Haven cottage. Olive Oil Outpost and Time Savor Wine and Spirits will serve refreshments. For more information, call amiHs at 941-7780492 or go online to amihs.org.

Signature AMI gifts! White and tie-dye “More-Than-a-Mullet-Wrapper” T-shirts, $10-$15, and AMI stickers, $2. Call The Islander, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach, for office hours or appointment.

Bike Werks is a bike shop on wheels coming to you by appointment to tune up your bikes on the spot. 301.532.2679 | bikewerks.com

Jan. 24, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... By robyn murrell

eli roadman and Parker svoboda, students in the down by the Bay Homeschoolers of anna maria co-op, learn a trick Jan. 16 from the Honest magician, nick lande, at crossPointe fellowship, which serves as a gathering place for the co-op at 8605 gulf drive, Holmes Beach.

Magical moments

AME Calendar

students in the down by the Bay Homeschoolers of anna maria co-op pose Jan.16 with magician nick lande at the co-op’s gathering place at crossPointe fellowship, Holmes Beach. they meet twice a week during the school year. islander Photos: courtesy dBH/Brooke svoboda

• Thursday, Jan. 25, 3:45 p.m., school advisory council meeting. • Monday, Feb. 5, 3:45 p.m., PTO general membership meeting, cafeteria. • Friday, Feb. 16, 5:30 -7:30 p.m., Boys Night Out, auditorium. • Friday, March 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Princess Ball, auditorium. • Monday, Feb. 19, Presidents Day, no school. • Wednesday, March 6, 1:50 p.m., early release. • Friday, March 15, teacher workday, no school. • March 25-29, spring break, no school. Anna Maria elementary is at 4700 Gulf drive, holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

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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.

T-Shirts $10 @ The Islander, 315 58th St., HB.

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Visit The Coquina Beach Market

Wednesday, Jan 24th Friday, Jan 26th Sun, Jan 28th 10AM - 4PM

Here is what you will see at our Market: jewelry, candles, fresh lemonade, women’s apparel, custom & creative artwork, freezedried candy, fresh baked goods, pet items, home décor, metal artwork, stuffed turtles, sunglasses, Celtic jewelry, caps, skin care products, water totes & bags, t-shirts, guacamole, windchimes, bracelets, eco friendly bug spray, aloe vera lotions, jerky, fresh coconut drink, licorice, pearl jewelry, toys and MORE.

Music by Mike Sales 11AM - 2PM Wednesday and Friday NEW LOCATION: The Coquina Beach Market is located on the very South end of Anna Maria Island. If driving, take the South entrance to the park before the Longboat Pass bridge. If taking the trolley, walk South from the Café to the end of the island.

Check our Face Book page for the daily vendor roster, weather cancellations or marked closure days. www.coquinabeachmarket.org 941-840-0789 https://www.facebook.com/CoquinaBeachMarket

Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 24, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering By lisa neff

Church to install new pastor

christ church of longboat Key will install a new pastor, the Rev. Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, during a service Sunday, Feb. 4. the church in december 2023 announced a nominating committee reviewed more than 90 candidates and then, “with great joy and excitement … unanimously nominated” piermont. Piermont and her husband, Dennis, relocated to longboat Key from dublin, Ohio, for her first worship service as pastor, which was Dec. 3. The installation, celebrating Piermont’s arrival and also marking the church’s hiring of its first full-time pastor, will take place at 4 p.m. an announcement for the event said piermont looked forward to “becoming actively engaged in the longboat Key, anna maria island and surrounding communities.” the church is at 6400 Gulf of mexico drive, longboat Key. For more information, call the church at 941-3838833.

Roser volunteers celebrate

Extra chairs were needed at Roser Memorial Community Church Jan. 10 for the Roser Guild Thrift Shop volunteer appreciation luncheon. Thirty-eight volunteers attended, according to Peggy Nash, a member of the guild management team that thanked volunteers and “shared praise, prayer and information.” Nash told the islander that records show 2023 was the shop’s most successful year and that’s thanks to the volunteer effort, as well as Roser’s staff. “Especially for cleanup after … storms and the many things they do to help the guild,” Nash said Jan. 17. the shop is at 511 pine ave., anna maria, across the street from the church. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Roser Church

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

cherrie Birkman shows the first key to the roser guild thrift shop during a luncheon Jan. 10 celebrating the volunteers at store. islander Photo: courtesy Peggy nash

Feb. 25, episcopal Church of the Annunciation annual meeting and brunch, holmes Beach. March 14, roser Guild thrift shop Fashion show and luncheon, Anna Maria. March 14, st. Bernard Women’s Guild luncheon, holmes Beach. onGoinG on AMi

Tidings

compiled by lisa neff

this WeeK

Weekdays through Feb. 2 12:30 p.m. —Calvin College January series, roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria and remote. info: roserchurch.com. Tuesday, Jan. 30 5 p.m. — Wyndbreakers Celtic Band concert, roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria and remote. info: roserchurch.com. sAVe the dAte Feb. 4, Christ Church pastor installation. Feb. 7, Roser Golﬁng for God, Bradenton. Feb. 8, st. Bernard Women’s Guild luncheon, holmes Beach. Feb. 10, episcopal Church of the Annunciation White elephant sale, holmes Beach. Feb. 11, roser Church blood drive, Anna Maria. Feb. 12, Christ Church Valentine luncheon Cruise, sarasota. Feb. 13, roser Guild tea, Anna Maria. Feb. 13 shrove tuesday/Mardi Gras. Feb. 14, Ash Wednesday. Feb. 23-24, st. Bernard Catholic Church rummage sale, holmes Beach.

Gathering is the religion section. Send

announcements, calendar listings and photos to calendar@islander.org.

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM

IN PERSON � in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church

WE TWEET TOO

ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER

RoserChurch.com

2024

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

ROSER CONCERT SERIES • Doors open at 4:00 PM

s r e k a e r b Wynd ND

TUESDAY JANUARY 30 � 5:00 PM

CELTIC BA

Ennis and Craig celebrate the Celtic spirit with Irish and Scottish music for listenin’, dancin’, or gigglin’...

songs ballads ries OFFERING stoFREE�WILL jokes jigs RoserChurch.com reels “...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

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

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf drive, holmes Beach. info: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church. Worship: sundays, 9 a.m. ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Wednesday night Blast supper and 6:30 p.m., Wednesday night Blast; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf drive, holmes Beach. info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org. Worship: thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; sundays, 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. ongoing: Most Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s breakfast; Mondays, 1 p.m., book club. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina drive. holmes Beach. info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com. Worship: sundays, 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship. ongoing: First sundays, food bank collections; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., women’s social gathering. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. information: 941-779-1912. Worship: sundays, 9:15 a.m. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com. Worship: sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. ongoing: tuesdays, thursdays, 9:30 a.m., roserrobics; tuesdays, 2 p.m., women’s book study; first and third Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Just older youth group; Wednesdays through April 17, 1 p.m., Griefshare; select Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., Mom’s Cafe; Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., holy yoga. 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. onGoinG 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; tuesdays, 1:30 p.m., bridge club. Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico drive, longboat Key. info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org. Worship: sundays, 10 a.m. ongoing: Mondays, 4 p.m., choir practice. Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay isles road, longboat Key. info: 941-383-3428. Worship: Fridays, shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; saturdays, 10 a.m. Get listed, ChAnGe listinGs

@ami_islander

Growing in Jesus’ Name

send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

DĞŶ’Ɛ ŝďůĞ ^ƚƵĚǇ͗ DŽŶĚĂǇ @ ϵ͗ϬϬ tŽŵĞŶ’Ɛ ŝďůĞ ^ƚƵĚǇ͗ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂǇ @ ϭϬ͗ϬϬ

Visitors & Residents Welcome tĂƚĐŚ KƵƌ 1Ϭ͗ϬϬ AM ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ >iǀĞ͗ www.bit.ly/cclbksermons Žƌ www.christchurchof lbk.org (ĨŽůůŽǁ zŽƵdƵďĞ ůŝŶkͿ

“Gospel Shorthand: The Christian Journey in 13 Words” ϯ ͳ ^ h E z ^ Z D K E ^ Z / ^ / E : E h Zz

January 14, 21, and 28 • 10:00 AM ,ĂǀĞ ǇŽƵ ĞǀĞƌ ǁŝƐŚĞĚ ĨŽƌ Ă ĨŽĐƵƐĞĚ ǁĂǇ ƚŽ ƚŚŝŶŬ ĂďŽƵƚ ǁŚĂƚ ŝƚ ŵĞĂŶƐ ƚŽ ďĞ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ͕ Žƌ ĨŽƌ Ă ŶŽŶͲƉƵƐŚǇ ǁĂǇ ƚŽ ƚĂůŬ ĂďŽƵƚ ǇŽƵƌ ĨĂŝƚŚ ǁŝƚŚ ŽƚŚĞƌƐ͍ ƌ͘ WŝĞƌŵŽŶƚ ŚĂƐ ĐƌĞĂƚĞĚ ͞'ŽƐƉĞů ^ŚŽƌƚŚĂŶĚ͗ dŚĞ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ :ŽƵƌŶĞǇ ŝŶ ϭϯ tŽƌĚƐ͟ ƚŽ ĂĚĚƌĞƐƐ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŶĞĞĚƐ͘ ĂĐŚ ^ƵŶĚĂǇ ǁŝůů ƌĞǀĞĂů Ă ĨĞǁ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƚŚŝƌƚĞĞŶ ǁŽƌĚƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ŬĞǇ ĞǀĞŶƚ ŝŶ ^ĐƌŝƉƚƵƌĞ ŽŶ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŝƚ ŝƐ ďĂƐĞĚ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŬĞǇ ǁĂǇ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶƐ ƌĞƐƉŽŶĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĂƚ ĞǀĞŶƚ͘ Invite a friend!

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr. • 941.383.8833 ;ŽĸĐĞͿ • www.christchurchoflbk.org

Jan. 24, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

GoodDeeds

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 for the springfest Fine arts Festival march 16-17 in Holmes Beach. info: 419-450-4824. • the artists’ Guild of anna maria island welcomes members to support the gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: amiartistsguildgallery. com, 941-778-6694. • the island players, 10009 Gulf drive, anna maria, seeks volunteers for the 75th season of shows. Info: theislandplayers.org, 941-941 778-5755. • the anna maria island Historical society, 402 pine ave., anna maria, seeks volunteer docents and bakers. info: 941-778-0492, amihs. org. • the Friends of the island library welcomes members to support the island branch, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. info: 941-778-6341, friendsoftheislandlibrary. org. • Wildlife inc. rescue and rehabilitation in Bradenton Beach seeks help tending to injured animals. Info: 941-778-6342. • 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.

Island scavenger ‘Hunt for the Cure’ set

grace Kaththe first annual Grace irwin memorial Fund’s ryn irwin died “Hunt for the cure” involves a scavenger hunt across July 23, 2023. the island to raise money for the Children’s Cancer grace’s family, Research Fund. who estabThe event also celebrates the life of Grace Kathryn lished a fund in irwin, who died July 23, 2023. she had been diagnosed her name, says: with a cancerous brain tumor — rhabdomyosarcoma “she was a — in december 2022. smiley, amaz“after months of Grace fighting for her life, the ingly bright light cancer spread to her meninges and spinal cord and to everyone there were no more treatments,” her uncle, scott Viehwho knew her. man of Bradenton, wrote in an email to The Islander. she was happy, “Gracie passed away at home with our whole family kind, generon July 23, 2023, at the age of 9.” ous, healthy Viehman said he promised Gracie’s mom, his and everything sister, to “find something good to come out of all of you could this tragedy” and they decided to create the Grace ever ask for irwin memorial Fund “to do our part in stopping this in a daughter, horrible disease from affecting other families.” sibling, grandThe scavenger hunt will begin at 11 a.m. at the daughter, niece, center of anna maria island, 407 magnolia ave., anna cousin and Maria, and also conclude at the center. friend.” islander The event will include teams following clues to courtesy Photo find specific locations on ami, as well as a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, entertainment and food and beverage For more information or to support the effort, go vendors. Organizers arranged for the Manatee Community online to gracememorialfund.com or call the center at 941-778-1908. Foundation to collect proceeds for the event.

Library books blood drive

Roll up the sleeve. the island library, 5701 marina drive, Holmes Beach, will host a blood drive 10 a.m.-4 p.m. thursday, Jan. 25. The blood drive will be in the library parking lot. appointments are not needed. For more information, call the library at 941778-6341.

Roser Church brings GoodDeeds notices: To list an organization’s aid Celtic band to stage — lisa neff

services on AMI or a call for help, email lisa@islander. Roser Memorial Community Church is bringing org with details. the Wyndbreakers Celtic Band to a stage at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30. doors at roser, 512 pine ave., anna maria, will open at 4 p.m. and a free-will offering will be collected. a church notice said the Wyndbreakers celebrate “the celtic spirit with irish and scottish songs, ballads, stories, jokes, jigs and reels.” The duo features Ennis Pruitt and Craig Thomas — two men with many instruments, including guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, flute, whistles, banjo and spoons. For more information, call the Roser Memorial community church at 941-778-0414 or go online to roserchurch.com.

At your service Obituaries are offered as a free service to residents and families of residents, as well as to people with ties to ami. Email news@ islander.org.

the Wyndbreakers perform in a 2017 concert. islander courtesy Photo

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Senior Adventures plans trips

the senior adventures group at the center of anna maria island is getting on the road in January and February. The group will travel thursday, Jan. 25, to the seminole Hard Rock Hotel and casino, a 245,000 square-foot gaming space in Tampa. The bus will depart from the center, 407 Magnolia ave., anna maria, at 9 a.m., and the adventurers will be at the casino 10 a.m-1 p.m. Registration is required. Registration also is required for a Thursday, Feb. 22, trip to mazzaro’s italian market, a st. petersburg destination known for its cheeses, olives, deli sandwiches and pre-made Italian dinners, bakery items, handmade pastas and wine selections. the bus will depart the center at 9:30 a.m. the bus fare for senior adventures trips is $5. For reservations and more information, call the center at 941-778-1908.

Kiwanis meeting Saturdays

the Kiwanis club of anna maria island gathers at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. The club is compiling its winter-spring calendar, which includes several speakers at club meetings — a representative from the Salvation army Feb. 3 and state attorney Ed Brodsky march 23, for example — and an early notice for the sunrise Easter service at the Manatee Public Beach, which will be March 31. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

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MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT Chuck Caudill Entertainment Beach weddings and events. DJ, live guitar and more from an experienced island professional. 941-778-5676 • www.chuckcaudill.com Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions. Call: 941-778-0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com

TO BE INCLUDED IN IWED, CONTACT ISLANDER SALES DIRECTOR TONI LYON 941.928.8735 OR toni@islander.org

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 24, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

ScenicWAVES planning Arbor Day celebration By robert anderson islander reporter

Bradenton Beach scenicWaVEs committee members are gearing up for the city’s annual arbor day celebration in april. scenicWaVEs chair ingrid McClellan, during a meeting of the advisory committee Jan. 17 at city hall, broached the idea of making the annie silver community center, 103 23rd st. N., the focus of this year’s mcclellan celebration. “it’s a community space,” mclellan said, referring to the center. “You are working on improving the greenery with the garden club, which could include a tree or two.” scenicWaVEs member Bruce Butler, the center’s interim president, said the annie silver center could undergo a landscape makeover using a $2,000 grant from the anna maria island Garden club. He said the arbor day project would help with a much-needed fix for failed landscaping. “We want to do as much self-sustaining, native plantings as possible to limit the need for irrigation,” Butler said, adding that the center’s garden has not done well due to a lack of irrigation. scenicWaVEs members agreed the celebration, to be held Friday, april 26, should involve collaboration with the community center. Typically, such celebrations involve tree-planting ceremonies. mcclellan said scenicWaVEs would fine-tune the scope of work for arbor day at the next scenicWaVEs meeting, scheduled for 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. In other matters committee members reviewed the second iteration of a bicycle route map. The group reviewed the map, fine-tuning and making minor changes to points of interests along the

route, which runs from Gulf Drive east on Fifth Street South and north on Bay Drive South under the Cortez Bridge, connecting back to northbound sidewalks along Gulf Drive. McClellan said the map would undergo another iteration before being brought before the city commission for approval. Grant-funded signage also was a topic of conversation. Working with a $5,000 grant from the Tampa Estuary program, scenicWaVEs will design wildlife educational signs to be installed at John Chappie Park, 1400 Gulf Drive N., and Katie Pierola Sunset Park, 2212 Gulf drive N. Committee members also discussed the need for an official name for a designated park across from city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. The park was part of the city’s 2022 arbor day celebration and involved the planting of five sabal palm trees. However, the park is without an official name. Mayor John Chappie, acting as the city commission liaison to scenicWaVEs, said he would bring the matter of naming the park before the city commission at its next meeting in February. About ScenicWAVES the scenicWaVEs partnership committee is a citizen advisory committee that represents the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway Corridor Management entity and serves as the tree and landscaping advisory committee to promote awareness of the city-wide tree canopy and landscaping education programs.

Milestones The Islander welcomes

news about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives. Email news@islander.org.

Heading to lunch, Mr. Spoonbill? a roseate spoonbill perches on a railing that surrounds a drainage ditch at the anna maria island center strip mall on east Bay drive in Holmes Beach, where there’s a food court of options. the spoonbill diet primarily consists of shrimp and small invertebrates. spoonbills are pale pink at birth but gain vibrancy from their diet as they age. the spoonbill may have ventured out from grassy Point Preserve, across from the shopping center or the preserves on Perico island, where flocks are frequently observed as they graze in the shallow bay waters. islander Photo: Bonner Joy

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Jan. 24, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

A lot has changed so quickly A paid parking lot is open Jan. 16 at the corner of Third Street South and Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach, where Joe’s Eats and Sweets was demolished Dec. 11, 2023. The lot, owned by developer Shawn Kaleta, is part of a proposed 106-room resort project that will include seven other properties on Bridge Street, Third Street South and Gulf Drive. City building official Darin Cushing said the 32-space parking lot is an allowable use under the site’s approved development plan. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Fire shoots from a propane flare Jan. 21 in the 600 block of Key Royale Drive in Holmes Beach as firefighters and local law enforcement officers supervise a controlled burn to supress a leaking 500-gallon propane tank. Islander Photo: Courtesy HB Commissioner Greg Kerchner

Firefighters burn off gas leak in Holmes Beach

RIGHT: Demolition takes place Jan. 11 at a former restaurant at 101 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. The property, along with the defunct Joe’s Eats and Sweets, also demolished, had fallen into disrepair. Both are part of a planned 106-room resort.

Clean water advocates to meet

Captains for Clean Water was set to hold a public forum Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The meeting was to begin at 5:30 p.m., after press time for the Jan. 24 issue of the newspaper. The group was formed to “restore and protect aquatic ecosystems for the use and enjoyment of all.” For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

Center to host boating class

The center will host “Suddenly in Command” in partnership with the Longboat Key Coast Guard Auxiliary 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. The program is intended to provide people with the information needed to operate a boat in an emergency. For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

Escrap collection set

Manatee County in collaboration with the island municipalities will collect household hazardous waste and electronics 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. The collection will be at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Where signs will direct motorists to drop-off locations. People can dispose of solvents, latex and oil-based paints, garden pesticides, waste oil, propane tanks, fluorescent bulbs, such mercury-containing devices as thermostats, as well as pool chemicals. Electronics to be collected include TVs, computer components, copiers, video and audio equipment and also small household items, such as microwaves, hair dryers, irons, cellphones, tablets, digital cameras and battery chargers. For more, call the Manatee County at 941-7986761.

First responders put an end to a gas leak scare Jan. 21 in Holmes Beach. West Manatee Fire Rescue fire marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski wrote in a Jan. 21 text message to The Islander that staff and others supervised a controlled burn to relieve a leaking private 500-gallon propane tank at 636 Key Royale Drive. WMFR incident Cmdr. Derek Bill led the efforts, with support from the Holmes Beach Police Department, Longboat Key Fire Rescue and the Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue’s hazmat team. WMFR staff responded around 11:33 a.m. after an AmeriGas Propane technician, who was there to fill the tank, discovered the leak. First responders secured the scene and evacuated nearby properties. Kwiatkowski said the SMFR Hazmat team determined burning off the gas was the safest option. Firefighters set up a propane flare in the 600 block of Key Royale Drive, which was barricaded to the public, and burned off the remainder of the gas. There were no injuries and personnel cleared the scene by 1:50 p.m., according to Kwiatkowski. — Ryan Paice

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 24, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Man imprisoned for spitting at officer, violating probation By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A former island liveaboard is serving time in prison until July 2026 for spitting at a Bradenton Beach police officer and violating probation. Judge Lon Arend with the 12th Circuit Court sentenced Patrick Thurman, 62, last September to 60 months in prison following a third-degree felony conviction for battery of a law enforcement officer and two probation violations. The sentence stems from a May 4, 2020, incident in which Bradenton Beach police detained Thurman under the Marchman Act for alleged disorderly intoxication after finding he had been involved in a fight. Officers transported Thurman to the Bradenton Beach Police Department for processing. There, Thurman threatened to kill the arresting officers and spat on one of them. He was arrested for battery of a law enforcement officer with bodily fluid and taken to the Manatee County jail. Thurman initially pleaded not guilty but he changed his plea to no contest in September 2020. Arend then found Thurman guilty of the third-degree felony charge and sentenced him to three years on probation. By October 2020, the court found Thurman had

failed to comply with probation terms and he was arrested in August 2021. However, in March 2022, 12th Circuit Judge Charles Roberts found Thurman incompetent due to mental illness. The ruling vacated Thurman’s jail hold so he could be transported to Centerstone Behavioral Hospital in Bradenton to determine whether he met criteria for commitment under the Baker Act, which allows for the involuntary examination of people who may suffer from mental illness and exhibit a risk to themselves and/or others. Centerstone contacted a probation officer in June 2022 to report Thurman absconded from the facility May 21, 2022. The court again found Thurman in violation of probationary terms and ordered his arrest. Thurman was arrested in September 2022. After a period at a treatment facility, he was sentenced in September 2023 to 60 months in prison for violation of probation, with 944 days credited for time served in jail and hospitals. The sentence is running concurrently with another prison sentence. Thurman is serving his sentence at a state prison.

Colorado woman accused of battering mother, tampering By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Kendall Anderson, 31, of Denver, Jan. 9 on two third-degree felony charges for domestic battery of her 65-year-old mother and witness/victim tampering. Three officers responded around 10:39 p.m. to reports of a domestic disturbance at a property in the 5600 block of Guava Street. Upon arriving, an officer found Anderson following her mother around the property and attempting to corner her outside before she seeing police and returning inside, according to a Holmes Beach Police Department report. “I heard the younger voice of Ms. K. Anderson mockingly saying to her mother that her mother was afraid of her, followed by Ms. C. Anderson with fear in her voice saying, ‘Please get away from me,’” a report states. The officers spoke with the mother, who told police Anderson had been staying with her and had asked her for a haircut. However, she said Anderson became upset with the results of the haircut and shoved her multiple times, causing her to fall backward into a chair. The mother added that when she pulled her cellphone out and told her daughter she would call 911, her daughter took the phone away from her and threw it outside the house, then chased her around the prop-

erty. She said she did not want to press charges, but asked the officers to take her daughter into custody under the Baker Act, which allows for the involuntary examination of people who may suffer from mental illness and exhibit a risk to themselves and/or others. The officers also spoke to Kendall Anderson, who “admitted that she had pushed her mother away from her after her mother walked at her.” The officers arrested Kendall Anderson and transported her to the Holmes Beach Police Department for processing before she was taken to the Manatee County jail, where she remained in custody under $5,000 bond as of Jan. 17. If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony charge includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000. An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, March 1, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Island police reports

Anna Maria No new reports. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach No new reports. The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices the city. Cortez Jan. 13, 4110 127th St. W., Seafood Shack Marina, Bar and Grill, burglary. An MCSO deputy responded to a report of a burglary from a vessel moored at the marina, where onboard security footage showed an individual removing more than $800 worth of property from the boat. The deputy filed an incident report and issued a case number. Jan. 16, 4600 124th St. W., A.P. Bell Fish Co., drugs. The MCSO responded to a report of a plastic bag containing an unknown substance left in a public restroom. A deputy took the package for testing and filed an incident report. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach Jan. 11, Anchor Inn, 3007 Gulf Drive, domestic battery. Two Holmes Beach police officers responded to reports of a disturbance in the parking lot and found a man and woman engaged in a heated argument. The officers spoke with the pair, who said they had gotten into a verbal argument in the bar. The woman tried to leave but the man did not provide his keys due to his concerns the woman was intoxicated. That resulted in an altercation in which the woman chased the man in an attempt to take the keys. Security footage showed the woman grab the man by his hair and drag him “5-10 feet through the parking lot.” The officers arrested the woman and transported her to the Manatee County jail. Jan. 15, 6800 block of Palm Drive, drug paraphernalia. An officer saw a motorist using their bright lights and driving abnormally. The officer stopped the motorist, who said the officer had scared him and that his headlights only work on bright. The officer began to issue a warning for a high beam violation when the driver admitted to having two pipes inside the vehicle. The officer searched the vehicle and also found a mariplease, see streetlife, Next Page anna maria island Anna Maria C RIsland EAMERY Anna Maria CREAMERY & BA K ERY Island Fresh MadeSorbet In-House Gelato, CREAMERY Gelato, Custard & Sorbet

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Jan. 24, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Fire district issues promotions, names 2023 award winners

West manatee fire rescue lt. cameron frazier smiles Jan. 16 while holding the district’s 2023 officer of the Year award. deputy chief Jay Johnson presented the award, saying frazier displayed an “unwavering commitment” to the district’s values of excellence, courage and compassion over the past year. frazier also received a 10-year length of service award at the meeting in Bradenton. islander Photos: ryan Paice streetlife from Page 18

juana grinder containing green leafy shavings and several pen tubes and small plastic bags containing a fine white powder residue. The driver said the bags were left behind by others. the officer issued the man court summons for possession of drug paraphernalia. The residue in the pen tube and plastic bag tested positive for cocaine. Jan. 16, shell, 5424 marina drive, harassment. a woman reported her ex-boyfriend was harassing her, beginning with texts and phone calls. She said he also followed her in his vehicle when she left the gas station. an officer filed an information report and advised the woman to file a harassment report with her local police agency. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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Wmfr commissioner robert firefighter casey fischbach, right, shakes Battalion chief tyler macdon- Bennett holds a plaque Jan. 16 commemorating his time as ald’s hand Jan. 16 on receiving a promotion to second-class firefighter. district board chairman over Wmfr firefighter Jerrod the past year. commissioner apple stands Jan. 16 derrick Warner, who presented with Jay Johnson after the plaque, is serving as chair receiving the district’s for 2024. 2023 soteria award. the award is named after the firegreek goddess of safety fighter and salvation and is Zackary given to firefighters who misiura best model those values. is named Battalion chief tyler Wmfr’s macdonald, who pre2023 sented the award, said rookie apple had “accepted the of the challenge” of becoming Year Jan. 16. misiura joined the training officer for a the district in may 2023 and shift and excelled in the showed “initiative, motivation position over the past and perseverance,” over his year. first nine months, as well as recently beginning paramedic school, according to Brunner, who presented the award.

firefighter david miller smiles Jan. 16 after receiving Wmfr’s 2023 firefighter of the Year award. Battalion chief chad Brunner, who presented the award, said miller “stood out and went above and beyond” by becoming a training officer for B shift and “injecting new life” into the training process. miller also received a one-year length of service award.

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 24, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Flag football kicks off at community center By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

Bocce family

It’s time again for football — the main alternating sport along with soccer at the center of anna maria Island. the winter flag football season is underway, though the Jan. 16 11-14 youth division opener was rescheduled due to rain. action in the 8-10 division kicked off Jan. 18 with four games, starting cassidy with Cheesecake Cutie cruising to a 22-6 victory over adrian Griffin interiors. the second game saw sato real Estate earn a 24-0 shutout victory over Beach House Restaurant. The third game of the night saw am i coconuts edge solid rock construction 19-13, while the last game of the evening saw moss Builders obliterate chick-fil-a 37-0. The adult action kicked off Jan. 18 with four Jaden Grant, who also added a pick-six and a 2-point games, starting with Gulf Drive Cafe outscoring Edible conversion. anthony mccance and Brandon rolland cookie dough cafe 40-26 behind three touchdown each added touchdown receptions in the victory. passes by Zack price and a touchdown run and catch by Dallas Buchholtz threw three touchdown passes, including two to anthony lemus to lead Edible cafe in the loss. Steven Pavina added a touchdown catch to go along with two interceptions, including one he took to the house for a TD. The second game of the night saw Solid Rock Construction outscore Slim’s Place 37-34 behind four touchdown passes by Dominick Otteni and a huge game from Jonathan Soultatos. Soultatos ran for a TD, caught two TD passes and added a pick-six for Solid Rock, which also received TD receptions from Peggy Smith and Derrick Carey in the victory. anthony mannino threw five touchdown passes to lead Slim’s Place, which also received three TD catches and a pair of extra points from Christian Hampton and two TDs from Jacob Ferda in the loss. The third game of the evening saw Floridian Mortgage edge Sandbar Restaurant 14-0 in a low-scoring affair. Jasmine Muldoon led the way with two TD catches on throws from Chase Richardson and Octavious cole. Jackson Hayes and cody allen completed the scoring with an extra-point each. Sequiel Martinez paced the Sandbar with eight catches on offense, while tuna mccracken finished Flying in Holmes Beach with seven flag pulls in the loss. terry Kraus of Bradenton launches Jan. 19 from the final game of the night saw moss Builders a bump while skateboarding at the Holmes hang on for a 29-26 victory over salty printing behind Beach skate Park, 5901 marina drive. Kraus four TD passes from Jonathan Moss to Greg Moss, told the islander that the park is his favorite in who also added a 2-point conversion in the victory. the area. islander Photo: ryan Paice Matt Manger threw three TD passes and ran

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for another score to lead Salty Printing, which also received two TD receptions from Corey Jacques and one from Shawn Balvin in the loss. KRC plays on action on the links at the Key royale club in Holmes Beach got started Jan. 15 with the men’s weekly modified-stableford system match. Quentin Talbert earned clubhouse bragging rights for the day on carding a plus-3, one point ahead of Nelson Eagle, Eric lawson, dave richardson and larry solberg, who tied for second. there was a logjam in third place as Brian Comer, Jeff Greiner, John Kolojeski, Tom Solosky and Kurt Snouffer all finished at plus-1. Rain put a damper on the women’s day of golf Jan. 16 but members were back on the course Jan. 18 for a scramble/shamble combo. The team of Mike Gillie, Hendrick Grobler, dale Hudson and larry pippel took first place with a 3-under-par 29. the team of Herb clauhs, a.J. Ellis, rob Ellis and Bill Koch matched the 2-under-par 30 carded by the team of Mike Clements, Fred Miller, Gary risner and al Waal for a tie for second place. Horseshoe news Four teams advanced to the knockout stage during Jan. 17 horseshoe action at the anna maria city Hall pits. the first semifinal match saw Bob Heiger and Tom Farrington eliminate Tom Skoloda, while Bob mason and Gary Howcroft advanced with a 21-18 victory over Gene Bobeldyk and adin shank. the finals saw Heiger and Farrington hold on for a 22-17 victory over Mason and Howcroft. action Jan. 20 saw Bob Heiger trailing 16-1 in his final pool-play match, but he rallied for a 23-20 victory to advance to the finals. Heiger stayed hot and cruised to the winner’s circle with a 23-2 victory over Bob Mason and Dave Means. 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.

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Head to docks, piers for sheepshead, black drum, redfish By capt. danny stasny islander reporter

anna maria island anglers took on back-to-back cold fronts causing wind and plenty of rough seas in the past few weeks. luckily, species tolerant to the cold conditions — sheepshead, redfish and black drum — still can be caught as long as you’re willing to get out there and brave the elements. stasny live shrimp as bait works well to attract all three species to the hook. land-bound anglers are trying their chances at local fishing piers, as well as bridges. the attraction, especially for the sheepshead, is an abundance of barnacle-encrusted pilings. Sheepshead love nibbling on barnacles. Some anglers will go so as far as scraping the pilings to release barnacles into the water — a form of chumming. This whips the sheepies into a frenzy and they vigorously start feeding on the barnacles as they settle at the bottom. anglers who drop a nice piece of shrimp or a fiddler crab on a hook among the sheepies get a bite. and don’t think this commotion won’t attract attention. Black drum and redfish will definitely come over to see what’s going on, creating an opportunity for the angler to hook into another species with the sheepshead. For anglers in a boat, fishing near bridges and piers can be good, but most boaters are working over wrecks and reefs to get a bite. live shrimp as bait will suffice when combined

with a weighted rig to get the bait down around the structure and on the bottom. In many instances, targeting the sheepshead can be quite easy, as they seem to be more comfortable in their surroundings than say the sheepies under a fishing pier that see people above them all day long. The need to be employ tricky tactics such as chumming is usually not required. Most likely, the structure angler will catch plenty of sheepshead, while the angler fishing from land will also catch black drum and redfish. Hopefully, the abundance of sheepies makes up for the lack of variety for the boater. On my Just Reel charters, I’m catching numerous redfish and black drum around rocks and docks. Casting pieces of fresh-cut shrimp is yielding many hookups with sheepshead in the mix, although the reds and black drum are dominating the bite. Fishing along the beaches is yielding action, too. redfish and black drum are being caught, as well as sheepshead and whiting. Some of the large, spawning whiting are measuring 14-16 inches, with larger ones mixed in. an occasional pompano is being coming to the boat while casting along the beaches. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier said due to inclement weather, fishing has dropped off. With cold fronts and rough seas, the fish inhabiting the pier are on the move. However, determined anglers are putting a bite together. Sheepshead and black drum are being caught by anglers using live shrimp as bait. Persistence is key to gathering enough of either species to fill a bucket to take home for a fish fry. For those hoping to hook something big, sandbar sharks are randomly being caught. Soaking large baits such as fresh-cut chunks of mullet works well. Capt. Johnny Mattay is working offshore when the Brennan Brenckle, 9, visiting anna maria island from seas are calm between the cold fronts. While offshore, Mattay said limits of red groufreeport, Pennsylvania, shows off his Jan. 3 catch per are attainable while a variety of other species are at the beach. it put up a nice fight but only measured 11 inches and was released. using sand fleas, rounding out the bite. Mangrove and yellowtail snapper are two such species being caught. Brennan also caught two whiting, while fishing with the highlight catch of the week are african his grandpap, Patrick Kerr — who got skunked.

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todd Blakely and Paula martinez of Wicomico church, Virginia, show off a monster african pompano they caught Jan. 15 while fishing with capt. Johnny mattay of anna maria charters.

Benny Herz, 6, of rochester, michigan, shows off his Jan. 19 catch — a big hogfish. Benny caught the fish on a shrimp in about 50 feet of water. He fished with his dad, scott, and also got “a little bit of help” from capt. david White. they also caught mangrove snapper and red grouper.

pompano. the fierce fish are weighing in at 20-30 pounds. moving inshore, mattay said he’s finding sheepshead while working around reefs, rocks and other structure. Fishing around docks is producing action, especially on redfish. Capt. David White said sheepshead are the main attraction for his clients. While working inshore and nearshore structure with live shrimp as bait, White is leading clients to many of the popular zebra-striped fish. Fishing in the Gulf is producing better numbers than fishing in the inland waters, although either way White is finding enough to bring home for dinner. Moving offshore, White said yellowtail and mangrove snapper are biting. Plenty of red grouper are taking the hook, too. and african pompano are on the list for lucky anglers. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 24, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach exploring skimmer vessel options By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach officials are hoping a skimmer vessel can make a splash in island waters. City engineer and public works superintendent Sage Kamiya presented an update Jan. 16 to the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials about the municipality’s search for a vessel to skim algae and debris from local waterways. The CBIEO consists of representatives from the three AMI cities and the town of Longboat Key. Those who attended the Jan. 16 meeting include Anna Maria Commission Chair Mark Short, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, as well as Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier and town manager Howard Tipton. Titsworth said Holmes Beach struggled with occasional algal blooms in the past, but “nothing” like it has faced since the Piney Point disaster in 2021, when more than 200 million gallons of wastewater was released into Tampa Bay. That wastewater contained elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, nutrients that can fuel algal blooms like Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide, and Lyngbya wollei, otherwise known as bluegreen algae. Titsworth said that the city’s canals were covered in “carpets” of algae during summer months since, leading to residential complaints about navigating clogged waterways and the odor caused by the algal mats. “You just can’t go outside. It’s horrible,” she said.

The city’s clean water committee, an advisory board focused on water quality initiatives, was created around the same time as the Piney Point disaster and has pushed the city to purchase a harvester vessel to collect algal mats and dead fish in municipal canals and waterways. Removing decaying material from waterways can reduce foul odors and the water’s nitrogen load. Kamiya said that, after months of research, he narrowed the city’s search for a harvester vessel down to two options. Both Canada-based Aquamarine and Wisconsinbased Aquarius Systems manufacture harvester vessels that might work within island canals, according to Kamiya. However, there are still questions surrounding both options. Kamiya said the Aquamarine harvester features a conveyor belt made of galvanized metal mesh, which is resistant to saltwater but can corrode over time. The company has offered to replace certain parts of the vessel with different materials, but that might increase the cost of the vessel. There also are legal concerns about using a Canadian manufactured vessel to dispose of algae and marine debris due to the Jones Act, or Merchant Marine Act of 1920, which prohibits the use of foreign-made vessels from moving “merchandise” across coastal transportation zones. On the other hand, Kamiya has said more research must be done on the Aquarius skimmer, which may cost more than the Aquamarine vessel. He said city staff is drafting a request for proposals

RELEASE DATE: 1/21/2024

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, center, tells the BIEO Jan. 16 about the city’s plans to purchase a marine harvester. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

for a vessel that meets the city’s specifications. In the meantime, the city must still obtain permitting to operate a harvester and secure a deal with Sarasota-based Waste Pro, the city’s contracted waste hauler, to remove harvested algae and marine debris. Titsworth stressed that a harvester should only be used when there is no natural recourse to address algal mats and fish kills in local waterways. “The majority of the algae is going to drift back out with the outgoing tide,” Titsworth said. “So it should really only be used when there are constant east winds that have packed it in there thick and you don’t have any reprieve for the projections of weather anytime soon to get it out.” “Other than that, for the sake of the cities, I think we need to let Mother Nature take care of itself,” she added. Short asked if such a vessel could function in the open water, such as the Anna Maria Sound, or if it was limited to use in canals and enclosed waterways. Kamiya said he saw no reason why the vessels would not be able to operate in open waters, but there may be concerns about permitting across waterways. “I don’t think the vessel is limited,” Kamiya said. “It would be a permitting question, like ‘How big does that permit have to get?’” Titsworth also said the city was exploring other options for improving water quality in its canals, such as the installation of aquatic thrusters and bubblers to improve water flow. The date of the CBIEO’s next meeting had not yet been determined as of Jan. 19, according to the town of Longboat Key, which will host the meeting.

Aquamarine’s Model H5-200 aquatic weed harvester. Islander Photo: Courtesy Aquamarine No. 0114

GIMME A SECOND! BY MICHAEL SCHLOSSBERG / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Michael Schlossberg is an internist in Bend, Ore., who has been making crosswords for The Times since 2020. He got the idea for this one after seeing 68-Across as a title at his local bookstore. Although themeless puzzles are Mike’s favorites to solve, he says he doesn’t construct them ‘‘because I get decision paralysis — they’re too much of a blank canvas. I need to have a theme set to build around.’’ — W. S.

AC R O S S

1 ‘‘Old man’’ 5 ‘‘Yikes!’’ 9 Childproof-bottle contents, for short 13 Purchase at a cannabis dispensary 19 ‘‘Sounds ’bout right to me’’ 21 False ____ 22 Fine parchment 23 It might be pressed before work 24 It might be pressed before work 26 Post concerned with etiquette 27 ‘‘Capeesh?’’ 28 Up-and-down, as a relationship 29 Internet harvesting tool 34 ‘‘On Photography’’ author Susan 36 1918-2004 Fenway Park phenomenon, familiarly 38 Nothing-doing? 42 They’re home to spinners 46They’re home to spinners 50 Luxury fashion label 51 1990s workout fad 52 ‘‘The Racer’s Edge’’ sloganeer 53 Says, informally Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords page 24 ($39.95 a year).

54 Bay Area gallery, for 119 Target of many a short viral marketing campaign 59 Late winter/early spring, weatherwise 123 Lead role in 1978’s ‘‘La Cage aux 63 ‘‘____ and the Night Folles’’ Visitors’’ (opera) 124 Kind of terrier 65 Fragrant bloomers 67 Animal that becomes 125 Exclamation after a rescue a plant if spelled backward 126 Warm coat 68 Bandleader’s urging 127 Dash ... 128 Measurable impact, or an alternative title so to speak for this puzzle 129 Bad news for an 74 New ____ investor 75 Guides 76 Athleisure DOWN portmanteau 1 Spoke (up) 78 Certain beach top 2 Petrichor, n.: The 83 Snooty pleasant ____ of 85 Many a Yemeni rainfall on dry soil 86 Piece de resistance? 3 Bird also known 87 Tourney round as a lapwing 89 Some goofs 4 150-mile-per-hour train 91 One sailing through 5 Dawn figure, in myth long passages 6 Bovid named for the 95 One sailing through sound it makes long passages 7 ‘‘____ was saying . . . ’’ 99 Ready and waiting 8 Part of an ellipsis 100 Gadgets for truckers 9 Skinflints 102 Porterhouse 10 Novelist Ferber alternatives 11 Subject of a subway 106 Inspiration for many announcement a lottery pick 12 Remedy for a blink111 Shame, e.g. and-you-missed-it 114 The yoke’s on them moment 116 Chuck ____, TV 13 First lady? director/producer 14 Start of a classic who’s known as the request for advice King of Sitcoms 15 Bad reasoning 117 Target of many a 16 Rap’s ____ Chyna viral marketing 17 Hang in the shadows campaign

18 TV award 20 Actress Ritter of ‘‘Jessica Jones’’ 25 Serene, informally 27 For the lady 30 Country singer Stapleton 31 Remote-button abbr. 32 Hotshot 33 Place for a porter 35 Clip-on, for one 37 Superfund grp. 39 Bit of slander 40 Titan who gave birth on Delos 41 Disney subsidiary 42 Story that isn’t a quick read 43 BOGO, e.g. 44 Words after a verbal gaffe 45 Accessory for a ride-share vehicle 47 ____ cycle 48 ‘‘Aladdin’’ sidekick 49 Amazing woman, slangily 51 ‘‘Agricola’’ author 55 Petal pusher? 56 Peace, in Russian 57 Stadium cheer 58 Big mouths 60 ‘‘Told you so!’’ 61 Ursine : bears :: anguilliform : ____ 62 Dakota tribe 64 Staying power 66 Part of a process 69 ‘‘I’ve seen better’’ 70 Cool, back in the day 71 ‘‘Good’’ day: Abbr.

72 Santa-tracking org. 73 Really annoy, with ‘‘on’’ 77 Lift type 78 Just . . . all right 79 Info in a party invitation 80 Apple variety 81 Stephen of ‘‘Michael Collins’’ 82 ‘‘Eww! Enough!’’ 84 Bittern, e.g.

88 Bimonthly business magazine 90 Election-night news 92 Plant that may be mistaken for a dandelion 93 Landlocked province 94 Grp. once led by Arafat 95 Kind of lily 96 Hoover, for one, in brief 97 ‘‘No idea,’’ in a text

98 Like Ikea furniture assembly, for short 101 Sports jacket 103 ‘‘As if!’’ 104 Live and breathe 105 Feed 107 Storybook ending? 108 ‘‘Nice job!’’ 109 People of western New York 110 Sunders 111 Tourist mecca in southern Asia

112 ‘‘Never ____ Kissed’’ (1999 Drew Barrymore film) 113 Part of A.D. 115 Singer with the album ‘‘Watermark’’ 118 Hunky-dory 119 Email-chain abbr. 120 Min Jin ____, author of the 2017 best seller ‘‘Pachinko’’ 121 You can dispense with this 122 Complete collection

Jan. 24, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

At work at the cellular level

More than a few acquaintances have likened their personal discovery of anna maria island to finding a fountain of youth. They’re probably on to something, but it’s not the drinking water. We’ve known for years the many benefits of getting outdoors into clean air and that enjoying natural spaces contributes to our physical and mental neff health. New research finds that greenspace can positively impact a key genetic marker associated with exposure to stress but the impact of greenspace isn’t enough to compensate for other environmental challenges, such as air pollution. “there’s a lot of research that talks about the various ways in which greenspace is beneficial and a lot of research that talks about adverse health effects associated with pollution, racist segregation in housing and other social and environmental challenges,” aaron Hipp, professor of parks, recreation and tourism management at North carolina state university, said in a news release. Hipp is co-author of “the relationship Between Greenspace Exposure and telomere length in the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey,” which he described as an attempt “to quantify the beneficial impacts of greenspace at the cellular level and the extent to which greenspace can help to offset environmental harms.” The study focused on markers called telomeres,

described by the researchers as “sections of repetitive dNa found at each end of a chromosome that serve to protect the ends of the chromosomes from damage.” Each time a cell divides, the telomeres inside the cells become slightly shorter. and once the telomeres become so short that the cell cannot divide successfully, the cell dies. so telomeres are “important markers of biological age, or how worn down our cells are,” according to Scott Ogletree, who worked on the study and did post-doc work at Ncsu. many variables can influence how quickly telomeres wear down, including stress. so the researchers examined data from the u.s. Centers for Disease Control National Health and Nutrition Examination survey for 1999-2002. specifically, they looked at data on 7,827 people who allowed them to assess their demographics, the length of their telomeres and where they lived. Then the researchers looked at greenspace in each person’s neighborhood and how that related to their telomere length. “We found that the more greenspace people had in their neighborhoods, the longer their telomeres were,” Hipp said. “that was true regardless of race, economic status, whether they were drinkers or smokers, etc.” However, the positive impact of greenspace disappeared when other variables were found in a neighborhood.

Floating a ban florida lawmakers are considering a proposal — HB 321 and sB 602 — to curb the intentional release of balloons and treat such as littering. the House sponsor, st. Pete Beach republican linda chaney, said balloons ingested by marine animals are harmful and can result in death. islander courtesy Photo

“Greenspace is tremendously valuable for a community but it is not enough to overcome systemic racism and the effects of economic segregation and environmental justice challenges on its own,” Hipp said. The study, he said, drives the idea that creating greenspace in a community is important, but it’s as crucial — or more crucial — for us to address environmental harms.

Water district says ‘skip a week’

The Southwest Florida Water Management District reminded residents who irrigate lawns to “skip a Week” or more of watering during the cooler months of January and February. swiftmud referred to research by the university of Florida, which shows that grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during the cooler months. One-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days is sufficient. in fact, if a lawn has received any significant rainfall, then the irrigation

system can be turned off and operated manually. Grass needs water when: • Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of a yard. • Grass blades appear blue-gray. • Footprints on the lawn stay for several minutes after walking on it. Watering less during the winter will help conserve drinking water for critical uses during the dry season.

FOR FREE HOME DELIVERY OF THE ISLANDER ON Anna Maria ISLAND* — CALL 941-778-7978 Sorry, we cannot deliver single copies to condominium units or mobile homes.

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 24, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

KIDS FOR HIRE

TEN-SPEED BIKE, $50, country-style buffet server, $99. 941-356-1456.

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)

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.

SPINET PIANO, $250. 941-356-1456. TWIN MATTRESS, COVER, sheets, pillow, $100, twin Murphy bed frame, hardware, $100. 618-978-0986. FISHING/TROLLING RODS, reels, inshore/ offshore, name brands, excellent condition, ready to use. Moving, must sell. Call/text, 941-962-9984. VINTAGE METAL CARPENTER’S toolbox. 20 by 10 by 12 inches. Weighs 25 pounds empty. Pictures upon request. Bill, 724-9860314. WHITE VINYL ABOVE-ground pool ladder. Excellent condition, $49. 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.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance. Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming. LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600 Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

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

References available • 941-720-7519

TRANSPORTATION GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfCartRentalAMI.com. 2009 CLUB CAR: Customized, street legal. $4,200. Call 813-685-5530. UNCLAIMED PROPERTY: 2006 Ford F150 blue, 1FTRX12W26FA44923. If interested claim on or before Feb. 9, 2024 at 6110 17th St. E., Bradenton, FL 34203. 941-301-1524. Subject to all liens. UNCLAIMED PROPERTY: 2010 Honda Motorcycle, gold. vin#1HFSC47G8AA905789. If interested claim on or before Feb. 9, 2024, at 6110 17th St. E., Bradenton, FL 34203. 941-301-1524. Subject to all liens.

SEASONAL: RETIRED RN with over 20 years’ experience can assist with your family members or yourself, can provide care and skilled needs. Please, contact me for further inquiries at 973-819-2824. 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.

BOATS & BOATING

PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

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.

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.

SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382. CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085. BOAT SLIP RENTAL on 85th Street, Holmes Beach. No water, no electric. $300 monthly, annual lease. 847-838-2448. MAKO 2010 18LTS, 90-hp Mercury, $8,500. Call or text, 941-962-9984. FISHING FUN AND FISH: Skiff rental. 24-foot Carolina skiff. Live bait and fishing equipment included upon request. Call 941-704-9382. HELP WANTED ADD THE SEA Swimwear in Holmes Beach seeks part-time retail associate. Flexible hours. Please, call 941-254-7938. or mn20@ sbcglobal.net.

ANSWERS TO Jan. 24 PUZZLE

HEALTH CARE

NOW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874. REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org. Islander archive. UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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. AIRPORT RIDES: SARASOTA, St. Pete, Tampa. Call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555. CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482. PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes. PAINTING: INTERIOR/EXTERIOR: Sarasota interior painting. Call or text Don, 941-9009398. We are the best high-end painting! Just ask our AMI clients! I’m the owner and the painter. Free estimates. Fully insured licensed business. U PLUS ME LLC: Provides quality coatings for pool decks, driveways, garage floors, patios. Don’t miss out on our pro polishing services, concrete, terrazzo, travertine. 727623-5050. HANDYMAN: ISLAND BASED. Looking for small jobs the other guys turn down. Call 616-304-4187, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FREE ... The Islander newspaper is FREE at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer

service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind staff you’d like the serveyourself community news returned to the lobby.

Jan. 24, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

RENTALS Continued

REAL ESTATE Continued

PriVate caregiVer: do You need help with groceries, doctors’ appointments, cleaning, care for pet, care for elderly or companion. i am looking for a part-time job. i have references and very experienced. i have integrity and i can help you and your loved ones with anything! sparkles, 941-704-9948.

Perico island Patio home for rent. 3Br/2Ba, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to ami. January, 2024 available. now leasing may through december, 2024. call or text, 859-771-6423.

longBoat KeY moBile home lot. corner lot across the street from park amenities. $125,000. 941-744-6808.

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. collins landscaPe ligHting: outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. mJc24373@ gmail.com. HOME IMPROVEMENT Van-go Painting residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net. 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. 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. looKing for anY home improvement? Jrcc Home improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help. soutHWest Home imProVement: michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. affordable, timely, within budget. call mike’s cell, 1-616-204-8822. Bmf interiors: Home repairs and more, no job too small. 786-318-8585. 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.

aVailaBle noW and season: 1Br/1Ba, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com. special rates are available. 941-8071405. rare oPPortunitY to rent all-inclusive executive office space in Holmes Beach. great frontage and advertisement visibility. great for realtors, contractors, accountants, lawyers, etc. electric and water included. two offices available. suite 101, approximately 200 sf. $700/month $500 deposit. suite 104, approximately 400 sf. $750/month. $500 deposit. 5386 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. contact Bill at 941-746-8666. across from BaY, two miles to anna maria. 2Br/1Ba fully furnished. available february and march. all utilities, washer/dryer. $3,900 month. family owned. 941-7731552. seasonal: aVailaBle marcH-december. 2Br/2Ba tastefully furnished, close to beach, tennis, pickleball and boat ramp. Holmes Beach. 941-778-2919. retired couPle WisH to rent January through march 2025. one-three bedroom, close to Holmes or Bradenton Beach. 507456-3905. Vacation rental 2024: off-season, available may 1 to dec. 31, flexible. $2,200/ month. Perico Bay villa, 2Br/2Ba, garage, all upgraded. real estate mart, 941-3561456.

looKing for an earlY Bird? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on tuesday at islander.org. and it’s free!

Pines trailer ParK: 4 church ave. and Bridge street, Bradenton Beach. inspected, insured. $167,500. may be used as rental. 402-223-8068. oPen House: noon-2 p.m. saturday, Jan. 27. 3Br/2.5Ba newly renovated pool home. $1,545,000. recently reduced. 507 71st st., Holmes Beach. more information, call steve Bark, Bark & company realty, 941720-3200. oPen House: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. sunday, Jan. 28. 3Br/2Ba, two-car garage home extraordinaire. 6908 arbor oaks circle W., Bradenton. suzanne Wilson, Broker, coastal Properties realty, 941-962-0971. www.cPr. realestate.

PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT ISLANDER.ORG Island Limousine and Airport Transportation

Prompt, Courteous Service U New Vehicles 941.779.0043

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REAL ESTATE Winnie mcHale, realtor, 941-5046146. rosebay international realty inc. You need an aggressive and experienced realtor in today’s market! selling island homes, sarasota and Bradenton areas. multi-milliondollar producer! “selling Homes - making dreams come true.”

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 24, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

michelle mcsweeney creates latte art on a beverage Jan. 17 at ami coffee shack, 5500 marina drive, Holmes Beach. islander Photo: robyn murrell

biz

By robyn murrell

Order up at Coﬀee Shack

What’s brewing on marina drive? after a year of waiting, planning and steeping themselves in the anna maria island community, michelle and stephen mcsweeney in October 2023 opened ami coffee shack, 5500 marina drive, Holmes Beach. the couple from utica, New York, work in the shop with their son Max, preparing coffee from Kahwa, a roaster in St. Petersburg, as well as kombucha from Kombucha 221 B.c., a woman-led business in sarasota, and bagels from New York, which are shipped in daily. Michelle McSweeney worked for a coffee roaster for seven years and said during those years, she fell in love with coffee and community. Coffee and bagels make a perfect breakfast pairing and the shack has plenty of both, with five fla-

T hinking about what

is best for your rental property? If so, choose QUALITY over quantity, and get in touch with us!

vors of bagels and a drink menu that includes hot and cold coffee beverages, plus matcha, frappes and smoothies. a popular item on the menu is a turkey club. they also offer build-your-own sandwich wraps, avocado toast, steel-cut oatmeal, fruit, yogurt and bowls of cereal. Still to come at the coffee shop is a grab-and-go cooler stocked with locally made beverages and a patio for outdoor seating in the rear. ami coffee shack is open daily — 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. saturday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. sunday. For more information, call ami coffee shack at 941-226-1821 or go to annamariaislandcoffeeshack. square.site.

Mike Norman Realty INC OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978

Treasure shared at Haven

artist Haven ami held a grand opening Jan.18, featuring handmade items, including magnets, jewelry, artwork and furniture. lori mcKinnon, co-owner of the store, said, “Handmade items have a special quality that massproduced items will never have. They hold a unique meaning and bring value and connections.” McKinnon and her husband and co-owner, Shawn mcKinnon, moved to ami from massachusetts five years ago. With 20 years experience operating an online art business, lori mcKinnon decided to share her passion for art and handmade creations. The gift shop, 5351 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach also doubles as an art studio. “We have strived to create a welcoming space for artists to feel seen and heard,” she said Jan 17. shoppers can find mcKinnon working her magic, surrounded by pieces from over 60 artists of various mediums. The store also carries the work of island residents and any items in the shop are crafted exclusively for artist Haven ami. The store is open 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. For more information, contact artist Haven ami at 941-242-5794 or email artishavenami@gmail.com.

lori mcKinnon, co-owner of artist Haven ami gift shop and art studio, 5351 gulf drive. the shop sells handmade souvenirs and art and offers workshops. islander courtesy Photo

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.

MIKE NORMAN REALTY 3340 E. Bay Drive, HB Office 941 462 4016

EXCLUSIVE

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CORTEZ FISHING VILLAGE Gorgeous 3 BR/2 BT home located just a half mile to the beach. This 2,130 sq. ft. home is located on a spacious lot and offers a finished third story room that may serve as a fourth bedroom, office or studio. Stunning heart pine flooring in entrance, stairwell & hallways, high ceilings, a private rear deck, two-car carport, wooden blinds throughout, updated plumbing and electric. Walk or hop on your golf cart to visit the Florida Maritime Museum, the 96-acre FISH Preserve, the public Miller Dock on Sarasota Bay, multiple waterfront restaurants, AND two of the freshest seafood markets in the state of Florida. Asking $745,000. Call Marianne Norman-Ellis (941) 685-3393

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Jan. 24, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Manatee County tourist council to take up stats, trends By lisa neff islander editor

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council members will be doing some math as they review the “state of tourism,” which, based on data, has slightly declined. the tdc was set to meet Jan. 22, as the islander went to press, at Bradenton City Hall, 101 Old Main st., and the agenda included an update on the “state of tourism” by anne Wittine, director of quantitative research at Research Data Services. Wittine’s report, included in materials for the meeting, included a look at Bradenton area convention and Visitors Bureau expenses, November tourist development tax numbers and October 2023 tourism stats that indicate slight declines from the year prior. The report shows: • the tourist development tax revenue collected for November 2023 was down in Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, longboat Key, unincorporated manatee and palmetto compared with November 2022 while anna maria’s collection was up 14.85%. • Visitor numbers for October 2023 were 68,900, down 9.6% compared to October 2022, when the numbers were 76,200. • room nights for October 2023 were 168,300, down 13.2% from October 2022. • tourism direct expenditures for October 2023 were $50,901,900, down 10.1% from October 2022. • total economic impact for October 2023 was $80,389,400, down 10.1 from October 2022. • tourist tax development collections for October were $1,482,123, down 17.3% from October 2022. Generally, occupancy rates and room rates also were down comparing October 2023 to October 2022. However, longboat Key’s occupancy for October 2023 at 58.4% was slightly higher than October 2022’s 57.2%. also, while room rates went down on the mainland and longboat Key for October 2023, they went up 7% on anna maria island — from $196.87 in October 2022 to $210.57 in October 2023. Wittine was expected to interpret the numbers for the TDC during the meeting.

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renderings show the $48 million renovation and expansion of the Bradenton area convention center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. the manatee county tourist development council project includes the construction of a ballroom and the expansion of square footage. “this project is vital to our ongoing urban core redevelopment efforts which will provide an estimated economic impact of $25-$30 million annually to the community,” elliott falcione, executive director of the Bradenton area convention and Visitors Bureau, said Jan. 16 in a news release. the center will connect with a 252-room full-service marriott hotel, which is under construction. islander courtesy images

She also had reported slight decreases in tourism numbers for august and a “flat” economic impact during a meeting in October 2023. at that meeting, Wittine said the numbers of visitors traveling from Canada and Europe would rise and, according to the latest “state of tourism” report, they did. The percentage of Canadians visiting in October 2023 increased 107.5% compared with October 2022 and the percentage of Europeans visiting in October increased 53.6% over October 2022. Visits from midwesterners also increased 15.6%, but visits from the Southeast, Northeast and elsewhere in Florida declined. the Jan. 22 agenda also included an awards presentation, discussion on “new/old business” and updates on the $48 million expansion at the Bradenton area convention center, 1 Haben Blvd., palmetto, and the adjacent Marriott Resort and Spa. the next tdc meeting will be at 9 a.m. monday, april 15, at the county administration building, 1112 manatee ave. W., Bradenton.

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About the TDC The tourist development council recommends to county commissioners how to spend the tourist development tax — the 5% tax collected on overnight rentals of six months or less. TDT spending must boost and develop tourism. TDC members include County Commissioner Ray Turner, R-District 5, as chair, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown, Palmetto Mayor Shirley Bryant, hoteliers Jiten Patel, Ed Chiles, Eric Cairns and Rahul Patel and interested citizens Dave Wick and Norma Kennedy.

BizCal By robyn murrell

this WeeK Thursday, Jan. 25 5-7:30 p.m. — Anna Maria island Chamber of Commerce annual trolley grant awards and business card exchange, seafood shack Marina, Bar & Grill, 4110 127th st., Cortez. Fee applies. information: ingrid@amichamber.org, 941-778-1541. sAVe the dAtes Monday, Feb.1, 8-9:30 a.m., Anna Maria island Chamber of Commerce sunrise breakfast at Blueberries Cafe & Wine, 5337 Gulf drive, suite 300, holmes Beach. Fee applies. thursday, Feb. 15, 5 p.m., Manatee Chamber of Commerce annual dinner and awards, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 haben Blvd., Palmetto. Fee applies. Send calendar listings to robyn@islander.org.

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