The islander newspaper e edition wednesday, feb 21, 2018 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Nesting in Robinson. 16 AsTheWorldTerns seek AMI safety. 6

AMI’s Olympic fame. 23

Vegas visits center. 25 FEB. 21, 2018 FREE

VOLUME 26, NO. 17

Anna Maria chooses concrete for pier pilings. 2 Hoteliers signal reservations about vacation legislation. 4

Meetings

On the government calendar. 4 HB Bert Harris claims go to courthouse. 5

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

New cell providers coming to Bradenton Beach tower. 8

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 10-11

Make plans, save a date. 12-13 Commissioner’s legacy: Grassy Point grant. 14 Benderson warns HB on business ban. 15

Streetlife. 20 Violent crimes up in 2017. 21

Obituaries. 22 PropertyWatch. 24 Fishing for fun in Cortez. 26 Voters face referendum for schools. 27 Adult sports take center field. 28 February fishing action? Just fine. 29

ISL BIZ

Remodel, redo. 30 CLASSIFIEDS. 32

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

Parkland tragedy reverberates on AMI

www.islander.org

Peace power in paradise

A message of peace is displayed on the sand on the Gulf shore near 52nd Street in Holmes Beach. The peace symbol was created in the sand in mid-February — close to the 60th anniversary of the design. On Feb. 21, 1958, Gerald Holtom unveiled his design for the first London to Aldermaston march, which mobilized thousands against Britain’s production of the atom bomb. Holtom’s design is universally recognized as the peace symbol. The symbol was based on the semaphore signals for the letters N and D, representing nuclear disarmament. See story, page 19. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

A day after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where 17 people were killed and 14 others injured by a former student wielding a highpowered rifle, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer was asked by city leaders if preventative procedures are in place at the island school. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Tokajer told commissioners at their Feb. 15 meeting the school already operates on virtual lockdown, with only the front door open after students arrive. Tokajer said lockdown drills are conducted every two months, although the Feb. 16 drill was postponed out of sensitivity to the Parkland tragedy. “We want everyone prepared in case something unthinkable happens,” he said. Tokajer said he went to the school to calm frightened students and reassure staff during a power outage Feb. 15. Holmes Beach police officers receive training annually to deal with “an active shooter,” he said. — Terry O’Connor

Treehouse owners reject demo, demand repayment

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The city of Holmes Beach is adamant. It is demanding the illegal treehouse on the beach be removed. The owners are just as adamant in defying the order. The embattled owners of the treehouse received a demand from city code enforcement Jan. 18 directing them to apply for a demolition permit by Feb. 9. They responded with a four-page letter listing five demands of their own, including reimbursement of their “monetary damages.” Treehouse owners Lynn Tran and husband Richard Hazen cited the U.S. Constitution and Florida state law in declining to apply for the permit required to dismantle their two-story beachfront treehouse. The treehouse was built in 2011 without city or state permits at 103 29th St., which includes Tran and Hazen’s home and four rental units named Angelinos Sea Lodge. The treehouse owners’ letter claims

The treehouse stands Feb. 19 on the beach. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor the city code enforcement board exceeded its jurisdiction under the U.S. Constitution, amendment 14; the Bill of Rights, amendments 1, 5, 8 and 9; and the Florida Constitution, sections 2 and 9. “We wish to settle this matter amicably without further court action within 60 days

by April 11,” they wrote. The letter demands of the city include: • Revoke the “unlawful” code enforcement order and render it null and void. • Exempt the treehouse from permit requirements. • Remove the prohibition of structures in the 50-foot setback from the Gulf of Mexico. “The city’s prohibition of building and structure in our beachfront setback goes too far and deprives us of our legitimate use of our property,” according to Tran and Hazen’s letter • Revise land development codes to honor the “Supreme Law of the Land” and the statutory authorities. • Reimburse monetary damages brought on “due to no fault of our own.” Tran and Hazen say their legal quest to keep the treehouse did not end Jan. 8 when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear their petition. “The answer is no to the demolition PLEASE SEE tReeHOUSe PAGE 2

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Anna Maria chooses concrete for new pier pilings feature. Commissioner Dale Woodland voted against the selection. He also voiced his desire to revoke his support entirely for the pier rebuild project. Woodland said the city failed to adequately consider the possibility of rebuilding the pier with wood and he is no longer committed to the decision to build a pier that would last 75-100 years. Woodland also raised concerns about the cost and time it will take to complete the project. Jay Saxena, Ayres Associates project leader for the pier design and rebuild, said he expects the design work to be completed by the end of summer, with construction to begin thereafter. In addition, Saxena said he expects a definitive timeframe on permitting in March from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After deciding on piling material, the commission moved to evaluating the options for decking. Saxena presented two options: Epay hardwood, or tReeHOUSe CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Jay Saxena of Ayres Associates, the Tampa-based engineering firm in charge of the design and rebuild for the Anna Maria City Pier, reports on the merits of using spun-concrete versus composite pilings during the Feb. 14 special meeting of the city commission. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

permit,” Lynn Tran said. City attorney Patricia Petruff said the treehouse owners have no legal legs to stand on. “The petition to the Supreme Court was a long shot, but its denial Tran makes it clear the owners have no further judicial options,” according to a memo from the law firm of Dye Harrison, the Bradenton law firm that represents Holmes Beach. The next move is a city lawsuit to force compliance, according to a motion to proceed to court adopted by the commission at its Feb. 15 meeting. Tran and Hazen have been under city order to remove the treehouse since 2013. “Now that all judicial and administrative options have been exhausted, it is time to comply with the code enforcement board’s final administrative order,”

a Kebony material. Woodland asked Saxena to also consider Trex, a composite decking material. However, Saxena cautioned that Trex would be more expensive. Woodland also asked about timber decking. Commissioner Doug Copeland said pine decking wouldn’t meet the city’s needs, pointing out the decking installed just before the pier centennial in 2011 and many pine planks already are degraded. Commissioner Carol Carter said the pine decking used on the Rod & Reel Pier “has weathered terribly.” The commission gave Saxena instructions to return in March with cost estimates for Epay, Kebony and Trex decking. Dennis Ellsworth, an Anna Maria resident, asked the city to clarify whether a water-taxi platform would be part of the rebuilt pier. Murphy said docking is not planned, but the city may consider it in the future. Johnson wrote Tran and Hazen. “The city has been lenient in allowing you to seek the judicial reviews you thought prudent, but since none of those was successful, you have a legal duty to remove the illegal structure from your property.” Tran and Hazen say it cost them $30,000 to build the treehouse, which sits on concrete pilings and has solar power. They’ve paid more than $180,000 in attorney fees and costs, plus they are liable for city-imposed fines of $50 per day, which was ordered July 22, 2015, amounting to another $47,000 as of Feb. 15. “Please note the daily fine continues to accrue until the city has determined the property complies with the code enforcement order,” Johnson wrote. Other penalties the owners could face if they continue to ignore legal rulings include a lien on the shortterm rental property, contempt of court findings and jail in severe cases, according to Petruff.

Unique Pet Portraits

Composited images printed to stretched canvas

6HOƓHV Sunsets PRINTS FROM

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter The pilings for the new Anna Maria City Pier will be made of spun-concrete. Commissioners voted 3-1 Feb. 14 to select spunconcrete pilings over pilings made of a composite material, citing the cheaper cost of spun-concrete. The price tag for 240 spun-concrete pilings would be about $180,000. The other option, composite pilings, would cost $250,000-$350,000, depending on whether the pilings are filled with concrete — an additional safety

THE ISLANDER n FEB. 21, 2018 n 3

Bradenton Beach, tour vendors face another delay for dock

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Another tourist season is in motion on Anna Maria Island and a major player is still missing from the party. A new floating dock adjacent to the Historic Bridge Street Pier — a replacement for a damaged dock — was approved by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency in March 2017, but has yet to be installed. And it looks like it may be Easter or later before there’s any action at the pier. As with the old dock, the new dock will be available for boaters on a first-come first-serve basis, to load and unload private and commercial vessels. Daily tours are expected to operate from the dock. The first payment for the new dock to contractor Technomarine — $29,995 of $119,980 — was approved and delivered in April 2017. The contract specifies completion within six months of the first payment, but does not include penalties for delays. Initially, representatives from Technomarine said they would begin work on the new dock in September 2017. However, Technomarine representatives said a busy hurricane season delayed their progress. According to a schedule provided December 2017 by Technomarine, the dock installation was set to take place in early February 2018. At a Feb. 7 pier team meeting, Horne pointed out that the schedule stated Technomarine would “mobilize into the site” starting Jan. 29 and dock delivery was planned for Feb. 5. However, Technomarine has not made an appearance. Following unanswered phone calls and emails to Technomarine by Speciale and Commissioner Ralph Cole starting Feb. 7, the city received a new schedule Feb. 14.

The area adjacent to the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach remains closed Feb. 15 while the city awaits installation of a new floating dock. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

According to an email from Technomarine pres- initially presented. We’re looking forward to seeing ident Jat Talton to Speciale, the contractor plans to what they do.” begin work at the pier March 19 and dock delivery is slated for March 26. April 30 was given as the final inspection date. No explanation was given for the delay. “My concern is I just want to see the job started and completed,” Speciale said Feb. 14. “And, I want to see to it that they put in the quality of dock they

Sign questions arise

Some question the Anna Maria Oyster Bar sign, which includes other businesses and was installed in 2016 at the entry to the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, regarding compliance with city regulations. The sign’s height, placement, style and lighting came up during a Feb. 15 city commission meeting. The commission opted instead to pass the matter to the pier team for consideration at its March meeting. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

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4 n Feb. 21, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Hoteliers signal reservations about vacation legislation

By Ed Scott Islander Reporter Now hotel owners are checking in. Some residents of Anna Maria Island feel vacation homes in their neighborhoods are more like hotels. But short-term rental owners believe in the sanctity of property rights. The latest battle in this saga between the state and local governments over home rule is driving hoteliers to speak out. Bharat Patel, Florida regional director of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, says there’s room for his group in the discussion. There was a large crowd in the gallery Feb. 12 as the Manatee County Tourist Development Council held its regular meeting at the County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. With about 10 of his association colleagues looking on, Patel spoke to TDC members about the need to oppose SB 1400, which was introduced by state Sen. Brad Steube, R-Sarasota, and state Sen. David Simmons, R-Seminole. Patel says if the bill passes, large residences will be able to “behave like hotels without abiding by the same rules” as hoteliers. That’s because the state won’t be

able to regulate these businesses as closely as municipal governments do now. A typical hotel pays sales tax and tourism tax, abides by the regulations of the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act and maintains the health, safety and welfare standards of the property, Patel said. But unburdened by regulation from the state, vacation rental property owners might eschew rules designed to pay taxes, then charge artificially lower rates and host rowdy guests. Under state control, vacation rentals also are likely to be inspected less often, Patel said. “The best control is local control.” Anna Maria is different from Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Flagler Beach, Miami, Pensacola or Jacksonville, Patel said by way of example. “The local areas are the ones that should be able to manage them,” Patel said after the meeting. “When you live in the community and you work in the community, it’s different than when you are renting a place.” Moreover, he said, a small hotel business typically generates a payroll of $200,000-$300,000 with housekeeping, the front desk, management and engineering. The so-called party homes on AMI and elsewhere do not generate those kinds of jobs, he said.

Vacasa plans to abide Anna Maria’s business ban

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter International vacation rental company Vacasa is taking steps to avoid violating Anna Maria's formula retail ordinance. In December, Island Real Estate sold its vacation rental operations to the Oregon-based vacation rental giant. The sale included handing over the lease to IRE’s Pine Avenue office. However, questions have been raised about whether Vacasa can operate in the city without violating Anna Maria’s formula business ban. Commissioners adopted an ordinance in August 2017 that defines a formula retail business as one with more than three locations, that maintains two or more of the following features: standardized merchandise, a standard facade, standard décor, a color scheme, standard uniforms or standard signage or trademarks. During the Feb. 8 city commission meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy said a company interested in operating in Anna Maria had asked why Vacasa was allowed to do business in the city, claiming it is a formula chain that operates internationally. Murphy said at the meeting that Vacasa does not appear to be in violation of the city ordinance, but added the city would keep an eye on the company to make sure it complies. Alex Pew, public relations manager for Vacasa,

said Feb. 12 the company is in conversation with city officials to ensure it does not violate the ordinance. Pew also said Island Real Estate employees at the Anna Maria office are being retained as Vacasa employees. Murphy said Feb. 15 that a meeting with Vacasa representatives “went really well.” “We had a productive conversation,” Murphy said. The company committed to ensuring its signage, décor and other features do not violate the city ordinance, according to Murphy. “They gave me their word that they would be in compliance,” Murphy said.

The TDC, an appointed board of nine members, including, by statute, four owners/operators of hotels, motels or other short-term rental properties, appeared sympathetic to the hoteliers. Council members Wayne Poston, mayor of Bradenton, Ed Chiles, island restaurateur and vacationproperty owner, and David Teitelbaum, island motel owner, were absent. Patel wanted the TDC to write a letter to legislators in support of his group’s position. But the TDC’s only role regarding pending legislation is to make recommendations to the county commission. Steube’s bill promotes “local pre-emption,” the notion that the state can pre-empt local ordinances, Patel said. The state would be empowered to wrestle control of regulation of vacation rental properties from local governments, including licensing and inspections. Lax inspections could result in disaster if, for instance, vacation homes are missing fire extinguishers, he said. And there’s no guarantee the state will address noise and other quality-of-life issues. Steube’s efforts are consistent with a statewide bid, indeed even nationwide, by state governments to push pre-emption over home rule, the principle of self-government. The bill passed the second of three legislative committees Feb. 8. TDC member and Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland said after the meeting he’s “not feeling real positive” about SB 1400 and the corresponding House bill. “It will certainly be detrimental to the city of Anna Maria,” said Copeland, who added that Anna Maria reached a balance between the rights of residents and vacation property owners with its most recent vacation rental ordinance. “We require registration, which requires inspections of fire safety and health, where if it goes to the state, that’s not going to happen,” he said. The sign at the former Island Real Estate office at 419 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, is blank. The office now belongs to Vacasa, an international vacation rental company. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

Anna Maria seeks vendors for farmers market

Fresh produce is coming to Anna Maria. The city of Anna Maria is seeking vendors for a farmers market at City Pier Park on the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard. The market will be held 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, March 6-May 8. Vendors with local produce, organic products, canned goods, bread, plants and seeds are welcome. No prepared or cooked foods will be allowed. In January, Mayor Dan Murphy announced plans to bring a farmers market to the park to increase foot traffic at the end of Pine Avenue. He said items competing with local shops would not be allowed. However, fresh produce would be a draw for the city, according to Commissioner Doug Copeland. Deputy clerk Debbie Haynes said Feb. 15 the city received inquiries from some vendors, but no firm commitments were made. She said the city pursued bringing in a team from another local farmers market, but was unable to agree on the size and nature of the market. Instead, the city will host the market, she said. Vendors who provide proof of liability insurance and meet market criteria will be allowed a free 10-by10-foot space at the park. To sign up, contact Haynes at 941-708-6130, ext. 121, or depclerk@cityofannamaria.com. — Bianca Benedí

Meetings

West Manatee Fire Rescue Anna Maria City • None announced. • Feb. 22, 6 p.m., commission. WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. • March 8, 6 p.m., commission. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. • March 13, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. • March 22, 6 p.m., commission. Manatee County Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941• Feb. 27, 1:30 a.m., county commission and 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Longboat Key Town Commission. • March 1, 9 a.m., county commission (land Bradenton Beach use). • Feb. 21, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. • March 6, 9 a.m., county commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., • March 20, 9 a.m., county commission. 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Holmes Beach • Feb. 26, 1 p.m., ad hoc form of government Of interest committee. • Feb. 26, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metro• March 1, 6 p.m., city commission. politan Planning Organization, Holiday Inn Saraso• March 7, 6 p.m., planning commission. ta-Bradenton International Airport, 8009 15th St. E., • March 13, 6 p.m., city commission. Sarasota. • March 15, 6 p.m., city commission. • March 30 is the Christian observance of Good • March 27, 6 p.m., city commission. Friday. Many government offices, including the • March 29, 6 p.m., city commission. island city halls, will be closed. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Send notices to calendar@islander.org and 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n FEB. 21, 2018 n 5

2 more Holmes Beach Bert Harris claims proceed to courthouse Owners of two vacation rentals, this one at 302 55th St. and another at 304 65th St., below, are among 13 lawsuits pending against the city of Holmes Beach. The corporate owners filed suit Jan. 26 in the 12th Circuit Court under the Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

change” offers. The lawsuits contend the owners built the homes before the city adopted the 2015-16 VROs and occupancy rule. In the Mojito Splash complaint, Thomas alleges developer Shawn Kaleta built a residence at 304 65th St. with five bedrooms in 2008 and transferred it into corporate ownership in 2013 with an intent to rent to at least 12 people at a time. The city’s VRO limited the home to 10 occupants and “significantly devalued the property,” the complaint states. The 302 55th complaint states the LLC took title in 2014 and, in July 2015, received a final certificate of occupancy for an eight-bedroom home. That complaint alleges the owner’s intent to rent to 20 people and the city VRO, prohibiting the owner from bookings parties exceeding 16 guests, limited the “rental pool,” and “thus significantly devalued the property.” Jennifer Kaleta is listed as the title manager of both LLCs, according to the Florida Secretary of State’s sunbiz.org website.

The city began receiving claims in March 2016 and the first lawsuit was filed in January 2017. According to treasurer Lori Hill, the city’s Florida League of Cities’ insurance covers $1 million per year, with coverage dependent on the ordinance challenged and the year the suit was filed. “Right now, our position is fine,” Johnson said. “We keep tabs on it. We think the cases are very defensible. “We believe we have good arguments. We wouldn’t be continuing the cases if we didn’t,” Johnson said. “At this point coverage is about expenses and costs,” Johnson added. No breakdown in costs paid in 2017 was available from the city at press time.

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By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter The stakes are rising for the city of Holmes Beach on the Bert Harris battlefield with two more lawsuits crossing the mayor’s desk. Corporate owners Mojito Splash LLC and 302 55th LLC filed suit Jan. 26 under the Bert J. Harris Private Property Rights Protection Act, a law designed to compensate owners for properties devalued by county and municipal government actions. The new complaints bring the number of Bert Harris suits against Holmes Beach to 13 and claims to $4.9 million. Filed by attorney Aaron Thomas of the Najmy Thompson law firm of Bradenton, the suits allege the city’s two-person-per-bedroom occupancy limit imposed a disproportionate and inordinate economic burden on the owners’ properties. The new suits join 11 similar suits targeting a series of rental ordinances adopted by the city commission 2013-16 to stem construction of large short-term rental homes. Ordinances, including limits on building footprints, living areas, setbacks, parking, pools, as well as occupancy, have been challenged in other cases. The city appears to be staying the course in the face of the mounting suits and costs. Mayor Bob Johnson was served Feb. 14 with the new litigation. “I’m quite comfortable with our position at this time,” Johnson said. The Mojito and 302 55th complaints allege the city caused $275,000 and $655,000 losses, respectively, according to appraisals filed in April 2017 with the original claims. Before filing a lawsuit under the act, the owners’ claims must be first brought to the government entity. The entity — the city, in this case — is required to respond with an offer of settlement, which can be an offer of no change in its actions — and Holmes Beach has thus far responded to all claimants with “no

Cortez Rd. W

6 n FEB. 21, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Change requires vigilance

When they say, “It takes a village,” people are usually talking cooperation, kindness and a willingness to help children, families and the community grow in prosperity. In the here and now, it seems appropriate to ensure we have all the protection we need to maintain our village. To hold the umbrella tight and protect everyone from tragedy. It is the awareness of the Parkland tragedy, the 17 students and faculty members who were killed in a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School just across the state, that awakens our senses. It was a place much like the Anna Maria Island community we love, with folks often riding around in golf carts and an air of affluence, a feeling of security and closeness with neighbors and friends. The kind of place where almost everyone knows your name. It was a place where tragedy was unthinkable. We all have to live with his tragedy but we don’t have to hold our breaths for the next time. I have a feeling this school shooting will go down differently in history. I hope it will. The students who remain at the high school are finding ways to make a difference. They already are demanding the government do something to prevent mass shootings. Do something about killing machines — semi-automatic rifles. Change laws. Change attitudes. Douglas High School senior Emma Gonzalez gave a passionate speech at an anti-gun rally Feb. 17 at a federal courthouse in Fort Lauderdale that everyone in Congress and President Donald Trump should hear — and, hopefully, heed. Emma called out the president for trying to blame others. She told the crowd of classmates and supporters the best thing would be to ignore Trump and fight on. Maybe you heard her cries against “B.S.” Emma is emerging. “This is my whole world now,” she told The New York Times Feb. 18. “I cannot allow myself to stop talking about this.” It is far past time to stop the rhetoric that comes behind the mass shootings. We need to join Emma Gonzalez and apply pressure to lawmakers, the NRA and the president through social media and every possible means. We need to hold high our ideals and fight. #joinemmagonzalez, stop the B.S., bring change. — Bonner Joy

FEB. 21, 2018 • Vol. 26, No. 17 ▼ ▼

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Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, copy editor Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Terry O’Connor, terryo@islander.org Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Ed Scott, edscott@islander.org Contributors Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, ﬁsh@islander.org Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager Jennifer Powell accounting@islander.org classiﬁeds@islander.org subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

Single copies free. Quantities of ﬁve or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2018 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 WEBSITE: www.islander.org PHONE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Opinion

Your

Super fans, super place

Eagles fans who regularly enjoy Slim’s Place in Anna Maria were thrilled with our exciting Super Bowl VII win. However, we take issue with Jim MacVicar’s portrayal of Slim’s as a place that is exclusive or where opposing team’s fans put their safety at risk. Nothing could be farther from the truth! While the fans are spirited, any banter is spoken in fun. Comments made by owner Chris Smargisso before the game were made in jest to warn people that the Slim’s fans would be extremely loud and enthusiastic. The only people asked to leave the bar were those who were there at 5 p.m. when the restaurant closed for a private, prepaid, reservation-only Super Bowl party. The party was a way to reward loyal fans who have gone to Slim’s week after week, year after year, to watch the Eagles play. The owners, Chris and PJ Smargisso, are warm, welcoming people. In fact they “adopt” new residents of Anna Maria Island and treat us like family. It is this atmosphere — along with great food — that makes Slim’s Place so special. Readers should note that we consider Slim’s the best sports bar anywhere! Ed and Linda Bailey, Holmes Beach

Fired for misappropriation of city property?

The only thing that is misappropriated is putting the power in your hands to get the Anna Maria City Pier refurbishment done in an expeditious manner. Apparently the pier and what it means to people is lost upon the powers-that-be. It is not just a wooden structure. It is something people come from around the world to walk out on and revisit to create memories and make new ones. It is not just a place. In our hearts, it is special. Why else would people chose to buy planks for their loved ones and lost ones here? I can not tell you how many people ask me what’s going on and tell me we would not have even come to Anna Maria if we had known the pier was closed. Again, you folks will think I sound funny but it was a magical place for us. We have watched children grow up there. We have seen them come year after year. We have seen marriage proposals, little ones catching their first fish. People coming together from all over. A home base for so many. It is not just a place, but I digress. Back to the point. These gentlemen recognized the significance of the meaning of this place for so many. I would be quite embarrassed if I had a hand in firing these two men. I don’t even know what to say. I cannot even tell you how many people have asked me, “Can you get my plank from me?” It is more than just a structure. Have your say But I guess this is lost upon you. I don’t know these The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 men but if it must be, fire them for something worthy words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and of dismissal. Brian Blaine, Bradenton length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Anonymous letters will not be printed. Email: news@islander.org. Anna Maria Readers also may comment on stories online or Islander on Facebook.

THE ISLANDER n FEB. 21, 2018 n 7

Street scene

This photo, looking east from Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach in 1947, shows ruts in the sand road, a recreation center and a Sinclair gas station at the end of the road, where the Cortez Bridge began. This photo and many other historical images can be found in “Images of America: Anna Maria Island” by Islander publisher Bonner Joy. Islander Courtesy Photo

Fans of Slim’s

The day after the Super Bowl, the Bradenton Herald published a fun article highlighting the camaraderie at Slim’s Place in Anna Maria between the Patriots and Eagles fans before the big game. Unfortunately an individual misconstrued the context of the article and called for a boycott of Slim’s. Since we were referenced in the story, we wanted to correct the perception that we were asked to leave for the airing of the Super Bowl. We were not asked to leave. We stopped by earlier in the day for some banter with the owners, as Slim’s is our home away from home for Pats’ games. The fabulous crew at Slim’s always takes great care of the many fans — regardless of what team they are there to cheer. We thank Chris, P.J and the team for all their hospitality to us and the many other Patriots fans throughout the season. If you’re a local or from out of town, it is a great place to catch whatever sport and team you root for as

all are welcome. Jack and Debbie Connors, Anna Maria

10&20 years ago In the headlines: Feb. 18, 1998

• The Anna Maria and West Side fire commissions voted unanimously to consolidate after lengthy discussions among members of both boards. • Holmes Beach Mayor Bob VanWagoner announced state funding to install bike lanes linking the three island cities would only pay for about two-thirds of the project. • Bradenton Beach officials were discussing a possible partnership that would reward residents for recycling. • Key Royale residents told Holmes Beach commissioners that short-term rentals were getting out of hand in their community and they wanted better enforcement of a 1991 restriction prohibiting rentals of less than 31 days.

In the headlines: Feb. 20, 2008

Find all weekly editions of The Islander newspaper dating back to its launch in November 1992 online 365 days a year, 24-7, at the University of Florida Digital Library Newspaper Collection at this website: ufdc.ufl.edu.

We’d love to mail you the news!

• Manatee County commissioners unanimously authorized county staff to obtain permits to rebuild the pier structure at Manatee Public Beach. There was no authorization for construction. • The Anna Maria Island Community Center was collecting contributions to auctions at its black tie gala, An Affaire to Remember. A vacation in Hawaii was a top auction item. • Organizers of the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival estimated attendance at their two-day event in 2008 was more than 24,000, generating more than $62,000 for the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage. The issue archives for The Islander can be found online ufdc.ufl.edu. Archived stories can be found online at islander.org.

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BB-post ofﬁce partnership considered for parking relief

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter It’s all about keeping Bridge Street bustling. Bradenton Beach appears to be open to a partnership with the U.S. Postal Service to alleviate congestion and create parking for visitors to Bridge Street. At the Feb. 15 commission meeting, Mayor John Chappie presented commissioners with a proposal to partner with the U.S. Postal Service to offer parking in the post office lot after post office hours and on weekends. The parking lot on Bridge Street also could be used for community events, pending city and community redevelopment agency approval. Chappie said he walked the post office parking lot with Clyde Chapelle, officer-in-charge for the Bradenton Beach office and Brett Hunter, a manager with the U.S. Postal Service office in Tampa. Chapelle and Hunter asked Chappie to “put in writing” what was discussed regarding the proposed partnership. Chappie offered what was shared to the commission and city attorney Ricinda Perry for review. “I just want to make this clear, this was just us talking,” Chappie said Feb. 15. “Everything has to go through the city commission.” According to the proposal prepared by Chappie,

The parking lot at the Bradenton Beach post office, 116 Bridge St., has restricted parking for noncustomers. The city is hoping to strike a partnership with the U.S. Postal Service to provide public parking after hours and on weekends. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

the city would use the parking lot on the west and south side of the building, located at 116 Bridge St., after post office hours, with one U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act parking space left open for post office employees or patrons. The city and CRA would be responsible for providing and funding a beautification plan for the prop-

erty and installing a flagpole. Additionally the city would maintain the improvements and would carry liability insurance for the offhours use of the parking lot. The commission agreed Feb. 15 to support the plans and directed Perry to review the proposal before it comes back to the commission.

Bradenton Beach approves beach fund request, includes community center

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach commissioners OK’d an initial request for a share of Manatee County’s beach concession funds. In a unanimous vote Feb. 15, commissioners and the mayor approved a $298,230 funding request to the county for bike/pedestrian path safety improvements and $33,534 for the Center of Anna Maria Island. The fund, which has grown to over $1 million, is allocated by the county for capital improvement projects recommended by the three island municipalities — Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach — to benefit the public. Each city is responsible for providing a list of projects for funding, and all three cities must approve the spending plan before it is presented to the county. For its portion of the fund, Bradenton Beach plans to add “sharrows,” arrows painted in the street indicating lanes shared with pedestrians and cyclists, signage

and sidewalk improvements to Avenue C between 22nd Street North and 26th Street North. Directional signage and crosswalks would be added at the intersections of Gulf Drive and Avenue C and 26th Street North from 22nd Street North to Katie Pierola Sunset Park on the west side of Gulf Drive. Citywide lighting improvements for Gulf Drive also are being considered by the commission as part of the funding request. Additionally, Mayor John Chappie presented the commission with a Feb. 15 letter from David Zaccagnino, chair of the center board, requesting $100,601 from the concession fund for capital improvements, including exercise equipment, roof repairs, plumbing and field maintenance. Zaccagnino wrote, “This will be an investment for our island community.” According to Chappie, the county attorney said a request for the center would be an allowable use of the surplus fund.

Chappie suggested allocating $33,000 — about a third of the center request — for the donation. City engineer Lynn Burnett, who is managing the islandwide funding request to the county, suggested the city make a separate request for the center. “If there is a chance the commission in another city does not agree, we could be hung up,” Burnett said. Chappie disagreed. “I’d like to do it all at once and if the other cities don’t like the idea of the center being supported in this manner, then it’s on them,” Chappie said. Commissioner Jake Spooner said there is enough money in the fund to cover the request for bike/pedestrian path improvements and the request from the center. A motion to approve the funding request, including safety improvements and the center, passed unanimously. The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Bradenton Beach cell tower repair completed, new carriers on horizon

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Reliable cellphone service may be around the corner. There may soon be new carriers and improved signals for the cell tower in Bradenton Beach. The tower recently was repaired after damage incurred during Hurricane Irma When Irma blew by Sept. 10, 2017, the storm took down a 4-by-12-foot section of paneling, which landed on a boat in the Bradenton Beach Marina, adjacent to the tower. Following Irma, marina owner Mike Bazzy contacted cell tower owner SBA Communications Corporation about fixing the tower and reinforcing it so panels would be less likely to blow off in storm events.

Cell tower provides city revenue

The Bradenton Beach cell tower, which was constructed in September 2014, provides some revenue for the city. The city received a $320,000 advance payment June 2014 from tower builder Florida Tower Partners of Bradenton. The cell tower was sold to SBA Communications Corporation, which leases the tower property from the city. Currently, the city receives quarterly payments amounting to 30 percent of tower revenues for any activated provider companies. In 2017, the city earned $1,093.48 in cell tower revenue from carriers Cingular and Verizon Wireless.

According to Bazzy, SBA representatives said a new “locking system” would be manufactured and installed on the tower. SBA workers climbed the cell tower Feb. 5 and attached new panels and the reinforced locking system. However, according to Bradenton Beach Police

Chief Sam Speciale, representatives from SBA said more equipment soon may soon be added to the tower. Speciale said Feb. 14 that AT&T Wireless would be added as a carrier “within the next few weeks.” He said the AT&T portion of the tower would be near the top, and he would be contacted by AT&T representatives when they are ready to place a crane to install the antenna. “Higher on the tower should mean better coverage,” Speciale said. Bradenton Beach leases the land the tower is on to SBA and Speciale is the contact for the city. SBA spokeswoman Lynne Hopkins confirmed Feb. 15 that AT&T is in the process of being added as a carrier. Currently, Cingular and Verizon Wireless are the only carriers on the cell tower. According to Commissioner Marilyn Maro, commission liaison to SBA, other service providers — including Sprint and T-Mobile — could be added if the carriers expand their service. Hopkins confirmed Maro’s statement and suggested people call their carriers, but ask to speak to “technical support,” not customer service. “Customer service would not be the right area,” Hopkins said Feb. 15. “If people speak to the technical resource department and say they have a weak signal, the engineers could then look into the possibility of making a change.” Workers with SBA Communications Corporation mount a panel Feb. 5 to the cell tower in Bradenton Beach. The tower was damaged Sept. 10, 2017, by high winds from Hurricane Irma. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

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Island happenings A sculpture by Ron Lemoine, a participant in the Fine Arts Festival presented by ArtCenter Manatee Feb. 24-25 at the Riverwalk Pavilion in Bradenton. The 17th annual festival will feature artist displays, food vendors, musical performances, art demonstrations and more. For more information, call ArtCenter Manatee at 941-7462862. Islander Courtesy Photo

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Submit your social news to news@islander.org. Please, include the time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name and phone number for publication. And, thanks for sharing!

AMI Chamber of Commerce 2017 Best Business of the Year

The Anna Maria Garden Club will meet at noon Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Special events on the club’s calendar include: • Penny Flower Show, 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 21. • Fashion show, noon Wednesday, April 18. Club members will discuss details for the flower show — the theme will be “Games People Play” — during the Feb. 21 gathering. An announcement said show categories include Twister, checkers, Apples to Apples, Uno, Chutes and Ladders, tic-tac-toe, fairy garden and horticulture, with ribbons presented for first, second and third in each group. For more information, call Charlotte Noyes at 941-778-6758.

‘Painting on Silk’ class set at AMIAL

The Anna Maria Island Art League will host Mark Mizener leading a workshop titled “Painting on Silk.” The workshop will be 2-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27. The fee is $60 for members and $65 for nonmembers. For more information, call AMIAL at 941-7782099 or visit AMIAL at 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach.

Box ofﬁce to open for ‘The Curious Savage’

The Island Players, Manatee County’s oldest community theater, is rehearsing “The Curious Savage” by John Patrick for the stage March 8-25. The box office will open for ticket sales Monday, Feb. 26. The play is the fourth in the theater’s 69th season. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20 each. The box office will open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays as well as an hour before curtain time. For more information, call the box office at 941 778-5755.

AMIAL offers lessons in ‘Writing for Art’ for women

The Anna Maria Island Art League will host a workshop on “Writing from Art” led by author Susan Huppert, former owner of Homegrown Publications. The “Women’s Writing Group” workshop will involve three lessons at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, Wednesday, Feb. 28, and Friday, March 2. An announcement said the women’s group will “examine the mind’s journey from graphic to pen.” The cost is $40 for members and $45 for nonmembers. The art league is at 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. For more information, call AMIAL at 941-7782099.

AMICCO to perform Bradenton concert

Let the music move you. The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra will perform its Broadway concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25. The “Broadway and Beyond” concert will be performed off-island at 2 p.m. at Kirkwood Presby-

terian Church, 6101 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. AMICCO’s opera concert, “Three Tenors,” will be March 25 at the Manatee High School performing arts auditorium in Bradenton. For more information, including tickets, call 941-795-2370.

Stepping to the music at Sandpiper

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Dancers strut their stuff Jan. 16 at the weekly Irish Ceili get-together at Sandpiper Resort, 2601 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Dancers gather Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in the Sandpiper mobile home park clubhouse for an afternoon of fun. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 941-779-1416. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

Island happenings

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Anna Maria Island Historical Society president Lynn Brennan delivers her report during the organization’s annual luncheon, held Feb. 13 at the Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria.

Author J. B. Crawford describes his books during the AMIHS luncheon Feb. 13. Islander Courtesy Photos

Historical society holds annual luncheon, elects ofﬁcers

By Valerie H. Wilson Special to The Islander The Anna Maria Island Historical Society held its annual luncheon Feb. 13 at the Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria. The sold-out luncheon served as the annual membership meeting for the organization. Members elected officers for the coming year. President Lynn Brennan, vice president Arlene Clarke, recording secretary Pat Copeland, corresponding secretary Evelyn Hoskins and treasurer George McKay were re-elected. Also, new board member Liz Hager was introduced. Brennan reviewed AMIHS accomplishments for the past year and described upcoming projects, includ-

ing creating a picnic area in the historic park and renovating Bell Haven cottage on the museum grounds at 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The organization also plans to publish a brochure for a walking tour of Bradenton Beach. Brochures already exist for Anna Maria and Holmes Beach. The Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria catered the luncheon, with dessert donated by Cupcakes Delight in Holmes Beach. A featured speaker was Cortez author J. B. Crawford, who said he is writing a book for each of his nine grandchildren — he has six still to write. Crawford donated books for sale at the AMIHS museum gift shop. Editor’s note: Valerie H. Wilson is the publicity director for AMIHS.

Craft market beneﬁts BB wildlife center

Pines bake, street sale ahead

The annual Coquina Tides Arts and Crafts Show will benefit the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach. The market will be 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, and Sunday, Feb. 25, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Another show to benefit the wildlife center will be March 17-18 at city field in Holmes Beach. For more information, call Sunset Boulevard Promotions at 941-379-0951.

Kiwanis meets about Just for Girls

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will gather Saturday, Feb. 24, for a program and breakfast. The program, featuring remarks by Ann White of Just for Girls, will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Club members and guests will gather for breakfast at 8 a.m. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Follow the trail of pie crumbs Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 24-25. The trail will lead to the Pines Trailer Park at the east end of Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. There, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 24 and 8 a.m.-noon Feb. 25, the residents of the park will host their annual street sale of household furnishings, appliances, clothing and more. Lunch and slices of homemade pie — prepared by park residents — will be offered in the clubhouse. For more information, call Eileen Mahoney at 716572-2484.

Senior Adventures hosts book sale, potluck lunch

The Senior Adventures group will hold a potluck lunch and book sale Friday, Feb. 23. Senior Adventures meets most Fridays for an outing or an activity at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Feb. 23, the group will host a lunch at noon at the center and the book sale will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information or to reserve a van seat, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

Saturday Art Demos

Time: 10:30 to Noon Feb. 24 - Join Graciela Giles in a demonstration watercolor techniques.

Mar. 3 - Artist Carole Dougherty will offer tips on mixed media painting. Paintings - pottery - mixed media - photography - jewelry - unique gifts - cards Visit us online anytime at islandgallerywest.com

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Under New Ownership! Ali Severson Hair.Skin.Nails.Massage Open 6 days a week www.acquaaveda.com 941.778.5400 need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts 317 Pine Ave., Anna Maria • www.emersonshumor.com

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12 n FEB. 21, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

March 9, ArtWalk, Holmes Beach. March 10-11, Anna Maria Island Art League Springfest juried arts and crafts festival, Holmes Beach. March 11, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND March 25, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. March 17, Center of Anna Maria Island Tour of Homes, islandwide. Wednesday, Feb. 21 April 13, ArtWalk, Holmes Beach. April 14, Anna Maria Island Cham1 p.m. — Ringling College of Lifelong Learning lecture, “Our ber of Commerce Beach ’N Food Truck and Music Festival, BraDigital Future — Helpful or Hopeless,” Alex Beavers, Island Library, denton Beach. May 3-13, Island Players’ “An Inspector Calls,” Anna 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Maria. 1-3 p.m. — Meet the Author opportunity with Ken Boring, Island OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. Wednesday, Feb. 21 Thursday, Feb. 22 3 p.m. — “Fogartyville Revisited” lecture by Bob Pitt, Florida 1-3 p.m. — Meet the Author opportunity with Marie Corbett, Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941- 6120. 778-6341. Saturday, Feb. 24 2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library lecture with Blue Marlin 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County, Rivrestaurant owner Adam Ellis, “The Making of a Restaurateur,” Island erwalk Pavilion, 452 Third St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-746Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. Saturday, Feb. 24 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — Coquina Tides Arts and Crafts Show to beneﬁt Wildlife Rehab and Education Center of Bradenton Beach, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-379-0951. 10:30 a.m. — Island Gallery West demonstration by watercolorist Graciela Giles, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Sunday, Feb. 25 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — Coquina Tides Arts and Crafts Show to beneﬁt Wildlife Rehab and Education Center of Bradenton Beach, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-379-0951. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Throughout February, Joanna Karpay exhibits her artwork in “The Color of Sunlight,” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. • Throughout February, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits the work of mixed-media artist Wendell Graham, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. • Throughout February, the Anna Maria Island Art League presents the “James Pay Exhibit,” 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-2099. • Through March 3, “A Plein Air Affair,” Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6694. • Through March 3, “Flora and Terra” watercolor exhibit, Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941778-6694.

A painting by Dorothy Gazino. The Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County will be Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 24-25, at the Bradenton Riverwalk, 452 Third St. W., Bradenton. The 17th annual festival is presented by ArtCenter Manatee and will feature artist displays, food vendors, musical performances, art demonstrations and more. For more information, LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI call ArtCenter Manatee at 941-746-2862. Islander March 8-25, Island Players’ “The Curious Savage,” Anna Maria. Courtesy Photo

Golf goes to the dogs!

2862. Sunday, Feb. 25 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County, Riverwalk Pavilion, 452 Third St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-7462862. 2 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra “Beyond Broadway” concert, Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6101 Cortez Road, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-795-2370. Monday, Feb. 26 5:30 p.m. — Mote Marine Aquarium lecture series with Gretchen Lovewell on “The good, the bad and the smelly,” WAVE Center at Mote, 1600 Len Thompson , Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441. ONGOING OFF AMI • Through May 6, “How People Make Things,” South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. • “Sea Debris: Awareness Through Art” exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441. • Second Wednesdays, Think + Drink (science), South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI March 25, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra Opera Concert, Bradenton. April 7, Manatee River Garden Club “Bradenton in Bloom” garden tour, Bradenton. April 8, Sea to Shore Alliance cocktail party, Bradenton. April 28, De Soto Grand Parade, Bradenton.

KIDS & FAMILY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Tuesday, Feb. 20 10 a.m. — Preschool Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI • Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7780719. • Tuesdays, 3:15 p.m., after-school children’s choir, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • Third Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Winter Time Turtle Talks with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-5638. • Terriﬁc Tuesdays for community and families, 5:30 p.m., Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. ONGOING OFF AMI • First Saturdays, Family Night at the Museum, South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. • Fourth Wednesdays, Stelliferous Live star talk, South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue

Golf Outing for the Rescue Tourney Golf and Awards Lunch at Terra Ceia Bay Golf & Tennis Club, Palmetto 7:30 Registration, 8:30 Shotgun Start ~ Saturday, April 28 Single Golfer $65: green fees, cart, lunch +2 drink tickets, awards & gift bags Proceeds Benefit Moonracer For more information, golf signup and sponsor opportunities, call Toni Lyon, 941-928-8735 or email tlyonami@gmail.com

Anna Maria hosts free movies at City Pier Park

What are you doing Wednesday nights? The city of Anna Maria is hosting weekly family-friendly movie nights Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in City Pier Park, at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard, through March 7. BYOB — bring your own blankets and lawn chairs — to the park Wednesday, Feb. 21, to watch Dolphin Tale 2, the 2014 film about a group of friend’s efforts to help save Winter the dolphin by finding her a pool mate. Come back Wednesday, Feb. 28, to enjoy Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade, the 1989 adventure film starring Harrison Ford as the renowned Indiana Jones.

THE ISLANDER n FEB. 21, 2018 n 13

GAMES, SPORTS & OUTDOORS

ton Beach. Information: 716-572-2484. 8:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast and meeting, with guest Ann White talking about Just for Girls, Anna ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Sunday, Feb. 25 Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 8 a.m.-noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Pines Trailer Park Street Sale, end of Bridge 941-708-6130. Street and Church Street by the Historic Bridge Street Pier, Bradenâ&#x20AC;˘ Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., through March 29, Annie Silver Comton Beach. Information: 716-572-2484. munity Center bingo games, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Fee ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND applies. Information: 941-778-3580. â&#x20AC;˘ Fridays, usually at 1 p.m., mahjong games, Island Library, â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Anna Maria Island Historical 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Society sales of Settlers Bread, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee â&#x20AC;˘ Second and fourth Fridays, 6 p.m., Center of Anna Maria applies. Information: 941-778-0492. Island bingo games, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. â&#x20AC;˘ Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ Information: 941-778-1908. JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, â&#x20AC;˘ Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. â&#x20AC;˘ Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Manatee County Veteran Services â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction for Divisions counseling and assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Infor- Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. mation: 941-778-6341. â&#x20AC;˘ Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, 12:15 p.m., duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. 941-779-0881. â&#x20AC;˘ Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

â&#x20AC;˘ Through March 26, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941747-3031. â&#x20AC;˘ First and third Wednesdays usually, Roser Memorial Community Church GolďŹ ng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414. â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., ACBL Open Pairs Duplicate Bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Fee apples. Information: 941-216-9600. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI

adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. â&#x20AC;˘ Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941518-1965. â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m., through March, Anna Maria Island Irish Ceili dance social, Sandpiper Mobile Resort, 2601 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1416. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI

April 4, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island golf tournament, Bradenton.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, Feb. 21 Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anna Maria Island Garden Club meeting, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: at 941-778-6758. Thursday, Feb. 22 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Quilting club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, Feb. 23 10 a.m.-1 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Senior Adventures book sale and potluck lunch, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. Saturday, Feb. 24 8 a.m.-2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Pines Trailer Park Street Sale, end of Bridge Street and Church Street by the Historic Bridge Street Pier, Braden-

March 3, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Day Festival, Anna Maria. March 7, Coffee with a Cop and The Islander, Holmes Beach. March 10, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. March 16, Annie Silver Community Center ďŹ sh fry dinner, Bradenton Beach. March 21, Anna Maria

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Island Garden Club Penny Flower Show, Anna Maria. April 18, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Fashion Show, Anna Maria. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ Second Wednesdays during season, Off Stage Ladies meeting and luncheon, various venues, Bradenton. Information: 941-9322798. â&#x20AC;˘ Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bradenton Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market, Main Street, downtown Bradenton. Information: 941-621-6471.

GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday, March 11, daylight saving time. â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, March 17, St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, March 30, Passover begins. â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday, April 1, April Foolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day. â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday, April 1, Easter. â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday, April 17, Tax Day. â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday, April 22, Earth Day.

GET LISTED Send announcements for The Islanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar to calendar@ islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

GOOD DEEDS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Looking for volunteer opportunities on or around Anna Maria Island? These organizations are seeking help: â&#x20AC;˘ The Roser Food Bank needs donations of cash and nonperishable food. The pantry is administered by Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7780414. â&#x20AC;˘ Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. Seeking volunteers for an organization or an event? Email calendar@islander.org with the details. Please include a contact name and phone number.

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14 n Feb. 21, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach commissioner’s legacy: Grassy Point grant

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The estate of the late Billie Martini may soon add to her island legacy. A successful matching grant application by the city of Holmes Beach will be required to do so. Jim McGuinness, Holmes Beach building official, said the city has been offered a “sizable” grant from Martini, the late Holmes Beach commissioner who was named Islander of the Year in 2002. Martini served on the Holmes Beach Commission four years after her initial 1993 election. She arrived on Anna Maria Island in 1944, first to Bradenton Beach, where she and husband Bob ran a motor court near the old wooden bridge and first became involved in city and civic affairs. She was predeceased by Bob, and she died Aug. 20, 2017, at the age of 91. Martini was long a supporter of Anna Maria Elementary School and funded a pavilion for outdoor play that was rebuilt in 2006 with the new school and rededicated to Martini. She longed to see a community pool built with her estate funds, but the vision lacked a location and a commitment for ongoing funding. She may be best known for seeking the development of the 34-acre Grassy Point Preserve in Holmes Beach, which is where her estate directed the grant opportunity. The preserve reopened April 19, 2017, after receiving additional improvements. McGuinness made the grant announcement at the 90-minute Feb. 14 meeting of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity at the Bradenton Public Works building. “I’m very happy to report the city of Holmes Beach has received a sizable, but currently undisclosed bequest, from the estate of Billie Martini,” McGuinness said. “She was one of the founders of Grassy Point, who dreamed about it, conceptualized it and made it happen.” “It has to be matched?” asked Palma Sola CME co-chair Ingrid McClellan.

Former Holmes Beach Commissioner Billie Martini is flanked by then-Commissioner Sandy Haas Martens and then-Mayor Rich Bohnenberger at the October 2012 opening of Grassy Point Preserve. Martini was honored for her vision and service to the city in seeing Grassy Point Preserve become a reality. Islander File Photo “Yes,” McGuinness said. The preserve, the largest city-owned park, features a shell trail and a boardwalk over the wetlands and mangrove hammocks on Anna Maria Sound. The Martini grant could be used to pay for the $108,531 second phase of the Grassy Point enhancements to be completed in April, McGuinness said. McGuinness said improvements include a kayak trail to the water, signage and a nature walk connecting to an existing boardwalk. Parcels immediately south of the preserve at 3019 Ave. C and 3021 Ave. C were purchased March 2, 2017, by the city for $660,000, according to the Manatee County Property Appraiser website. The lots will help improve Grassy Point Preserve park-

ing, McGuinness said. The city acquired the preserve in 2001 with a $359,945 grant from Florida Communities Trust under the auspices of the state Department of Environmental Projection. In other action: Joshua Linney attended his first meeting, replacing Jerry West for the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee on the Palma Sola CME. West stepped down in 2017 after moving from Holmes Beach. Corrinne Tucker of the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization replaced Leigh Holt on the Palma Sola CME. The Palma Sola CME corridor extension through Holmes Beach received a resolution from the Holmes Beach City Commission in 2011, but failed to obtain state funding, McClellan said. McGuinness said he intends to again present the idea to the commission soon. “I want to present the benefits, then let’s proceed with action,” he said. The Palma Sola CME wants the state to extend the scenic highway 1.5 miles south from Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach to connect with the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway. The Palma Sola Scenic Highway now encompasses State Road 64 West/Manatee Avenue West from East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach to 75th Street West in Bradenton. The scenic highway extension would include East Bay Drive near the boat ramp from Manatee Avenue south to Gulf Drive, ending at 27th Street. Two scenic highway groups — the Palma Sola committee and the Scenic Waves advisory committee — coordinate projects along Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. The Palma Sola CME will next meet in a joint session with the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, in a MPO training room, 7632 15th St. E., Bradenton.

Holmes Beach dog park concerns dominate committee meeting

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter They came to bark. Nearly 50 people attended the two-hour Feb. 14 meeting of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee, which was dedicated to one topic: dog park improvements. Many attendees in the gallery complained and applauded speakers at a meeting to address improvements for the city dog park on Flotilla Drive. Resident Don Anthony said public works personnel, who maintain the park, are rude and dismissive toward people who use it. “We can’t get any straight answers,” Anthony said. “It’s hard not to take it personal. A lot of people here are angry. We can’t ever get anybody to act when we ask for stuff.” Fourteen people signed up to speak during the public-comment period, which was limited to three minutes per person. Many thanked the committee for its work on a thankless task before voicing concerns. “I really applaud your spending money on this park,” said island snowbird Sue Fleischel of Villa

Money in the bank

The Holmes Beach City Commission received welcome news and a symbolic $5,515 return of its insurance premium at the Feb. 15 meeting. Holmes Beach resident Andy Hanson of the Florida League of Cities brought an oversized prop check to make the announcement. It’s the 10th year in a row Holmes Beach has received a refund of premiums. The premiums are returned after reserves are established, Hanson said. The FLC has returned more than $70 million in premiums statewide in the past decade. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

Hills, Kentucky. “Because it needs it.” “We are just trying to make decisions and move forward,” said committee chair Zan Fuller. The board approved the following: Spending $3,000 on two water stations; a plan to place brick pavers and fiber mulch under benches where water tends to puddle; two new canopied benches; planting more trees; replacing rusted fencing with vinyl-coated galvanized-steel fencing; and installing push-button gates, which would operate during park hours. The committee voted to keep fencing in the same location, then reversed itself after a revote requested by board member Joshua Linney. “I asked for the revote because most of the people I’ve talked to support expanding the park in some way,” Linney said. The board then approved a possible expansion of the dog park by a 4-1 vote with Dennis Groh dissenting. “I don’t believe everyone wants a larger dog park,” Groh said. “I think the neighbors have been pretty clear they don’t want more paws in the park.”

Joshua Linney provided a photo-diagram of where the dog park fence could be expanded. Fence placement and cost, if the dog play area is expanded, are yet to be determined. The reversed decision earned the loudest applause of the meeting. “It’s what the people want,” said board member Sarah Meeker. Groh recommended planting dog-safe trees, including Shady Lady black olive trees inside the fence and red-tipped cocoa plum trees around the 28,000-squarefoot park. The board approved. The city allocates $5,000 annually for public works crews to maintain the dog park, which has a pavilion, benches and a water hose. City commissioners allocated $50,000 for dog park improvements in 2018. Estimates are being gathered for the plumbing costs and the addition of water stations, landscaping, benches and trees. City engineer Lynn Burnett and public works foreman Dave Benton are working on a design to improve park drainage. Resident Neil Hammer said the committee’s task is impossible because too many people have found paradise. “And it’s getting worse,” Hammer said. The parks committee will next meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

THE ISLANDER n FEB. 21, 2018 n 15

Benderson vows to challenge Holmes Beach formula biz ban

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Holmes Beach has been warned a second time by Benderson Development Co. not to adopt a formula business ordinance. This time, the warning came in a letter dated Feb. 14 from attorney Bradley Ellis of Icard & Merrill Attorneys and Counselors of Sarasota. “We believe the current draft of the formula business ordinance 18-05 contains vague and contradictory language pertaining to the C-3 zoning district … which, if left unclarified, will require Benderson to challenge the ordinance,” Ellis wrote. The proposed ordinance would allow formula businesses as a special exception use. Despite the warning, commissioners unanimously approved the first reading of the ordinance at their Feb. 15 meeting. Alexander Stewart, an aide to city attorney Patricia Petruff, said he believes the proposed ordinance is the most “legally defensible” for Holmes Beach. Petruff was not at the meeting. Any formula business ordinance will likely draw a Benderson challenge, Ellis said in the letter and at the meeting. “Benderson in no way supports or endorses this ordinance being adopted in any form, and Benderson reserves all rights to challenge the ordinance should the ordinance ultimately adopted in any way affect

development, said his company would challenge any ordinance limiting formula businesses. Benderson’s first warning followed an Oct. 10 city meeting where planner Bill Brisson was directed by commissioners to draft a blanket franchise business moratorium covering all of Holmes Beach. The commission spent more than a year developing a formula business ordinance. Commissioners adopted a temporary formula business moratorium after Benderson leased space to Smoothie King and Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin-Robbins in its 60,000-square-foot Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza on East Bay Drive. The temporary moratorium was adopted June 14, 2016, to allow commissioners time to adopt a permanent ordinance. It has been extended twice and is now set to expire Feb. 28. The moratorium was not extended at the meetBenderson’s property interests,” Ellis said. At the meeting, attorney Matt Brockaway, also of ing. The city commission will next meet at 6 p.m. the Icard firm, said he represents the owner of property at 503 Manatee Ave., the site of a former Regions Thursday, March 1, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Bank. He, too, promised a legal challenge. Click! “The proposed ordinance is clearly over-reaching, The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in unconstitutional and illegal,” Brockaway said. “It’s a readers’ lives — weddings, anniversaries, births, deaths, litany of illegalities.” In October, when Holmes Beach was considering travels and other events. Submit notices and photoa blanket formula business ban similar to one adopted graphs with detailed captions — along with complete by Anna Maria, Todd Mathes, Benderson director of contact information — to news@islander.org. Attorney Bradley Ellis said Benderson Development Co. is likely to challenge the formula business ordinance that passed a first reading at the Feb. 15 city meeting. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

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Beckett Savchuk and mom Michelle are among the first public visitors to the NEST at the Robinson Preserve expansion in northwest Bradenton. A treehouse-like observation post, the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology is intended to offer lifelong learning opportunities. The grand opening was Feb. 16. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff

By Lisa Neff

Nesting in Robinson Preserve

Tres Inouye, 8, of Longboat Key, climbed the spiral staircase in the NEST Feb. 16 and wondered aloud, “Will I be as high as birds flying?” Aimee Carter, 13, of Anna Maria, studied the map on the floor in the NEST, hoping to compare where she lives to where she stood in Robinson Preserve. Sam Savchuk, 4, of Bradenton, looked out the window of the twostory NEST and asked, “Would it be too scary to skateboard down this?” Neff The Mosaic Center for Nature Exploration, Science and Technology was built to provide learning opportunities in the expansion at Manatee County’s Robinson Preserve in northwest Bradenton. Within five minutes after the ceremonial cutting of a ribbon to mark the grand opening of the NEST, kids were exploring and learning. So, too, were adults — hundreds of adults, including many islanders who cherish long walks, bicycle rides, kayak tours or wetting a line in the preserve. “Robinson is where the island meets Bradenton,” said Pauline Short, a seasonal resident of Holmes A crowd gathers Feb. 16 to celebrate the grand opening of the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology at the Robinson Preserve. Among the applauding celebrants are Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and former Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon and his life partner and community activist Tjet Martin.

“We’re where?” The first visitors inside the NEST examine a map of Robinson Preserve and the surrounding area on the first floor of the two-story wooden structure.

Guests were treated to cocktail shrimp, a variety of canapes, beverages and cupcakes, decorated with a nest and eggs at the grand opening Feb. 16 of the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science & Technology in Robinson Preserve in northwest Bradenton. Following the ribboncutting, visitors explored the structure and surrounding grounds and enjoyed the goodies. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Beach. “This place is a treasure.” She stood in the top level of the NEST, looking west, over treetops, and agreed, “This reminds me of a treehouse.” Many others echoed her thought. And how fitting to place a treehouse-like structure in a place called Robinson. As kids, didn’t we play “Swiss Family Robinson,” pretending we were shipwrecked on a remote island, living in a treehouse and not at all worried about a rescue? My backyard lacked a suitable tree for a treehouse, so my friends and I improvised, imagining our Dr. Seuss playhouse was on stilts. Sometimes we kept to the “Swiss Family Robinson” plot, but often we impro-

vised — hot lava flowed through the yard and, though I have terrific parents, I usually was orphaned. Perhaps that was the most serious hardship I could imagine. Years later, from the perspective of an islander, I’ve thought often about those childhood days pretending to be an orphan kid living on an island, getting by on pineapples and coconut milk and spearing fish with a stick. Pauline Short said in her childhood version of “Swiss Family Robinson,” she tamed goats. George Miller of Bradenton Beach, another visitor to the NEST celebration and guided tour of the 150acre preserve expansion, recalled fighting crab apple battles from his boyhood treehouse in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “It wasn’t anything but a piece of wood in a tree,” he said. “This is what I imagined it to be,” he said, standing in the NEST. At the celebration in Robinson, Charlie Hunsicker, the director of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, said a treehouse project — and not the one in Holmes Beach — inspired the design of the NEST. “Stick by stick, blade by blade, this was a labor of love,” Hunsicker said of the NEST and the expanded preserve where the first thrill, just before the parking lot, is to see a nesting eagle. Hunsicker is a visionary who, with a staff he highly praised Feb. 16, has championed the massive expansion of preserves in Manatee County, as well as the protection of our beaches. The Robinson extension, when completed, will include canoe and kayak launches, mangrove islands, a jogging and walking trail, freshwater ponds and restored wetlands. To those who turned out for a peek, Hunsicker said a goal in creating Robinson was to avoid squares and rectangles and right angles in the design. Instead, Robinson Preserve is a place of easy curves, slight bends and vast openness. A visitor doesn’t get lost in Robinson, but rather can find herself in nature.

Charlie Hunsicker, director of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, lauds staff and partners in the building of the NEST at the Robinson Preserve expansion in northwest Bradenton. Hundreds attended the Feb. 16 celebration.

THE ISLANDER n FEB. 21, 2018 n 17

Peace springs eternal for sand-struck Holmes Beach artist

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter “Hope for peace on earth.” Jim Shipley of Holmes Beach scripted his message in the sand amid the dunes and grasses at the 52nd Street beach access in Holmes Beach. It’s the message that inspires him. “I know it passes a message,” Shipley said Feb. 15, adding he’s spoken to many people on the beach with different opinions. Shipley has been etching in the sand, adding plant pods, swirls, hearts and peace symbols, near the Martinique condominiums, he said, for “a long time.” Applying his practice in tai chi, he fine-tunes his designs with calculated movements in the sand. Shipley maintains his art whenever he’s in town — he travels for a living, but plans to retire this year. He’s created sandcastles on the beaches of Anna Maria Island since 1995, designing sand art near the Beach Bistro and Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe in Holmes Beach and the Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton Beach. In the 1990s and early 2000s, he ran a kite shop in Holmes Beach, where he created castles in the store

window. He’s sent messages of love and respect for women on Valentine’s Day, to allay fears during hurricane season, and at several sandfests, where he once constructed a sand dragon reading The Islander. Carol Buskirk of Pennsylvania tells of her encounter with Shipley, making repairs after someone drove a dune buggy through his sand design. She described Shipley as “a nice guy expressing himself beautifully.” Shipley believes in collective thought — that everyone can change things. “My generation stopped the war with peace,” he said, looking back at the 1960s and the Vietnam War. Shipley directed his thoughts back to the present, saying guns aren’t the answer in reference to the Feb. 14 violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Raising children with integrity and hope is needed — and, of course, passing the message of peace. He’s passed it to his daughter and granddaughter and to Anna Maria Island. “The message is part of here,” he said. Peace.

Cutting up

Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac, left, puts her hand on top of the scissors as Commissioners Stephen Jonsson and Chair Priscilla Trace, former land-owner Bill Robinson and Commissioner Carol Whitmore perform the ribbon-cutting Feb. 16 at the grand opening of the NEST in Robinson Preserve. Charlie Hunsicker, director of Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, is just behind the group with the microphone. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Jim Shipley practices tai chi Feb. 15 near the sandscript he created at the 52nd Street beach access in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

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20 n Feb. 21, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court

Bradenton man gets 12-month probation

By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Parrish man arrested for DUI

Police arrested a Parrish motorist for driving under the influence after stopping a van that sped across the Anna Maria Island Bridge to Perico Island. Brook Duncan, 32, was stopped by a Holmes Beach officer Feb. 3 in the 12000 block of Manatee Avenue. HBPD Officer Alan Bores began to follow the van after observing the vehicle swerve across the road in the 5200 block of Gulf Drive at 3:41 a.m., Duncan according to a police report. Before the stop, the van accelerated eastbound on Manatee Avenue and the officer “paced the van at 70 mph,” the report states. Duncan told the officer he’d consumed a “couple of drinks” and agreed to a field-sobriety test, lost his balance and was arrested, according to the report. Duncan provided breath samples measuring 0.178 and 0.171 blood-alcohol content. The legal BAC limit is 0.08. Duncan declined an interview after being read his Miranda rights. He also was ticketed for failing to use a proper lane, obey a traffic control device and provide proof of insurance. He posted a $500 bond and was released. Duncan’s arraignment is set for 8:25 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Sex offenders visit AMI

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced Feb. 7 a male sex offender was visiting in the 300 block of Second Street North in Bradenton Beach. The 53-year-old was convicted of possessing sexually child abusive material in April 2011 in Macomb, Michigan. The announcement came two weeks after a 55-year-old sex offender was reported back on Anna Maria Island, residing temporarily in the 6600 block of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Sex offenders must register their permanent and temporary addresses and whereabouts, if transient, unless otherwise ordered by the court. On Feb. 8, the FDLE also reported other sex offenders in the area: • A 56-year-old male offender in the 4200 block of the 129th Street West in Cortez. • A 57-year-old transient male offender in Anna Maria. • A 53-year-old male offender in the 100 block of Crescent Avenue in Anna Maria. • A 53-year-old male offender on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. • A 59-year-old male offender in the 100 block of Ninth Street North in Bradenton Beach.

State drops prosecution in alleged Island Time theft

The 12th Circuit State Attorney’s Office dropped the case involving credit card irregularities at the Island Time Bar and Grill. The bar-restaurant’s former owner and manager filed reports in April 2017 with the Bradenton Beach Police Department alleging a former waiter of manipulating transactions by adding tips to bills paid by credit cards between December 2016 and February 2017. The allegations led to the arrest of a John McKee, 49. Prosecutors filed a grand theft case against McKee two months later. In dropping the case in December 2017, a memo stated the state was unable to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt because “the state’s main witness” would not testify against McKee. The witness blamed the irregularities on a faulty connection between the restaurant computer and chip reader, the memo stated.

DUI arrest in Holmes Beach turns to conviction

A Manatee County judge sentenced a Bradenton man to 12 months probation for driving under the influence, refusing a balance test and drug possession. Timothy Gossage, 23, pleaded no contest Feb. 8 to the three counts. Twelfth Circuit Judge Robert Farrance found him guilty and imposed the probation, including a concurrent six-month probation for possessing a cyclobenzaprine pill. The judge credited Gossage’s time served in Manatee County jail. Gossage also pleaded no contest to possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana. The judge withheld adjudication on that count. Gossage’s probation includes DUI school and a victim-impact panel. Farrance ordered Gossage to stay clean — off nonprescribed drugs — and to submit to random urinalyses. The judge suspended Gossage’s driver’s license for six months and ordered 50 hours of public service work. He also gave Gossage the option to terminate his probation by written request after six months. HBPD arrested Gossage and suggested the four charges after an officer observed him weaving and speeding on Manatee Avenue. An officer also issued speeding and failure to display registration tickets, which are pending in court. Gossage was assessed more than $1,900 in fines and costs, according to court records.

Timothy Andricks, 27, of Bradenton, was sentenced to 12 months probation for driving under the influence. Andricks’ probation, including a DUI course and a victim-impact panel, will terminate after six months if he completes the terms. Judge Mark Singer handed down the sentence in November 2017 after Andricks pleaded no contest to a DUI charge of less than 0.15 blood-alcohol content. The judge clarified the sentence in December 2017 to strike any breath-test result of 0.15 or higher from Andricks’ driving record. According to the police report, Andricks’ tests measured 0.183 and 0.168 BACs. Pursuant to state law, courts must impose enhanced penalties, including an alcohol-detection interlocking device, if breath tests measure over 0.15. The legal BAC limit is 0.08. Andricks also was ordered to impound his vehicle for 10 days and perform 50 hours of public work. Holmes Beach police arrested Andricks for DUI in May 2017 after an officer caught him speeding on Manatee Avenue. He was assessed more than $2,000 court costs and fines, according to court records.

Island watch

In an emergency, call 911. To report information on island crime, call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

Bradenton man gets early termination for DUI

A Bradenton man paid his dues for driving under the influence. Judge Robert Farrance terminated probation for Ryne M. Johnson Feb. 5, finding he satisfied the court’s conditions. He also waived the remaining costs of supervision. Johnson pleaded no contest in November, was found guilty and sentenced to a 12-month DUI probation. His probation included the potential for early termination, orders to complete an advanced DUI course and a victim-impact panel, credit for time served and 30 days house arrest. Farrance also ordered Johnson to install an alco-

Streetlife

hol-detection ignition device in his vehicle for two years and to perform 100 hours of public service. The judge suspended Johnson’s driver’s license for a year, except for business purposes, and impounded his vehicle for 10 days. Johnson was arrested driving a Mercedes-Benz in Bradenton Beach in March 2017, after he nearly hit pedestrians on Bridge Street. In addition to the DUI arrest, Johnson was ticketed for failure to use due care toward a pedestrian. The ticket was dismissed in November. Johnson was assessed $2,711 in court costs and fines, according to court records.

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria Feb. 10, Alamanda Road and North Shore Drive, domestic disturbance. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy observed a car stop at a residence and a passenger exit the vehicle. The deputy saw the driver throw the vehicle into reverse and yell at the other person, who was the motorist’s daughter. The daughter said blood on her shirt was from a bloody nose. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Bradenton Beach Feb. 8, Drift In, 120 Bridge St., battery. Bradenton Beach police were dispatched to a fight in the bar and found a female bartender who had been battered. The suspect, a 21-year-old woman and relative of the bartender, had left the scene. Witnesses told police the suspect punched the bartender in the back of her head, causing her to fall off a stool. The suspect struck and kicked the bartender on the ground before leaving the bar. BBPD sent a request to charge the aggressor to the state attorney. Feb. 8, 100 block of 10th Street, theft. A surfboard valued at $700 was reported stolen. Feb. 13, Bradenton Beach Police Department, 403 Highland Ave., fraud. A Bradenton Beach woman reported credit card irregularities after purchasing items Feb. 8 at a Cortez market with a Mastercard. She told police she thought it strange the clerk took her card to two areas for the transaction, which included her account and PIN numbers. Later in the day, she told police she noticed three unauthorized transactions on

the card from a Venice ATM for $300 and $180 and at a WaWa gas station for $367.85. She canceled the card. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez Feb.7, H & H Marina, 12444 Cortez Road W., theft. An unknown person stole an outboard boat motor cover from a boat and fled. The cover was valued at $400. Cortez is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach Feb. 8, Island Animal Clinic, 5343 Gulf Drive, found property. An employee reported she found two steak knives in a planter while she cleaned the front entryway. A Holmes Beach police officer took the knives and placed them in a property locker for safekeeping. Feb. 9, 43rd Street beach access, alcohol violation. Two juveniles were issued code violations after an officer observed them drinking beer on the beach. The underage drinkers dumped out their cooler and beer and disposed of the cans. Feb. 12, 3200 block of Sixth Avenue, burglary. An unknown person entered a covered patio and stole a television. No other items were disturbed. Feb. 13, 3200 block of Gulf Drive, suspended license/drugs. A police officer observed a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot and determined the driver, a 19-year-old Bradenton man, had a suspended license. As the officer was conducting a traffic stop, he smelled Please see Streetlife, Next page

THE ISLANDER n FEB. 21, 2018 n 21

Violent crimes on AMI up in 2017

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Violent crime reports in 2017 are up in all three cities on Anna Maria Island. Crimes against property dropped in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria, but climbed in Bradenton Beach. While rising crime sounds bad, violent crimes reported by island police agencies to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement — homicide, manslaughter, rape, robbery and assault — are still relatively small in number. But what about domestic violence? Is it on the rise in 2017? Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale responded Feb. 5 without pause: “Oh yeah.” Anna Maria contracts with Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for police services and the cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach staff their own departments. Holmes Beach goes a step further, providing a 24-hour dispatch service. Each January, the agencies submit crime data from their jurisdictions for the prior year to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for its statewide annual report, anticipated in the spring. Islandwide reports from 2017 show one homicide, one rape and five aggravated assaults in Holmes Beach; one rape and one robbery in Bradenton Beach; and three aggravated assaults in Anna Maria. The homicide stems from the HBPD October 2017 arrest of David Vickers for second-degree murder and aggravated child abuse of a 17-month-old child. Vickers was the live-in boyfriend of the mother entrusted to care for the toddler. The case is set for trial in December. Regardless of whether a crime is charged, the agencies are required to notify the FDLE of all reported crime. One such report comes from Holmes Beach. In May 2017, a woman alleged a man penetrated her with his hands while he sat next to her on a bar stool. She reported it to the HBPD, which, in turn, requested the state attorney review before making a charge. According to the HBPD, however, the prosecutor didn’t file a charge because the bar video didn’t show a crime occurred and the victim refused to testify. In Bradenton Beach, the robbery report stems from the May 30, 2017, arrest of Jamie Hall for armed burglary. Hall was sentenced to 10 years in January for invading a man’s Bradenton Beach home while he slept and threatening him with a box-cutter. The rape report involves a woman who told the BBPD she was raped by someone who drove her to

Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale at his desk in the city police station, 403 Highland Ave., holds the pamphlet given by officers to survivors of domestic violence. Streetlife continued from page 20

burnt cannabis coming from the vehicle. During searches of the driver and the vehicle, the officer found psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, cannabis resin and paraphernalia. The driver was arrested. His vehicle was towed. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy Patrick Manning and Sgt. Mike Jones check reports at the MCSOAnna Maria substation at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. Jones heads up MCSO District 5 in Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Two aggravated assault reports came from a Dec. 30 suicide attempt in a parking lot at Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue, which turned into an officer-involved shooting. MCSO also reported 34 property crimes, including three residential burglaries, seven vehicle burglaries, two stolen vehicles and 22 thefts in Anna Maria — down from 51 the prior year. Anna Maria isn’t seeing domestic violence like the other cities, according to MCSO Sgt. Russ Schnering, who headed the city’s MCSO-Anna Maria substation in 2016-17. Sgt. Mike Jones was assigned the position in mid-December 2017. Schnering recalls “domestic disturbances” that didn’t rise to the level of crimes. “The ones I do remember were people from out of town … people fed up with the other after sitting in a three-hour traffic jam to get to the island,” spousal arguments and people punching walls. “Then there are the arguments between husbands and wives and, before it escalates, they call 911,” he said, and when police arrive the victim “gets scared and denies anything happened.” Regardless of a denial, police are required to make the arrest if an officer determines a person committed a physical act against another. “Because, what if they come back and, God forbid, the person then beats the other up, or worse. Deputies always err on the side of caution,” Schnering said. Holmes Beach is the largest island city, with an estimated population of 3,873. Anna Maria is next with 1,576 and Bradenton Beach with 1,183, according to 2016 estimates from the Florida Legislature, Office of Economic and Demographic Research. However, according to Manatee County Tourist Development Council reports since 2015, the Bradenton area swells by nearly 400,000 visitors January to March. MCSO staffs Anna Maria District 5 with six deputies and Jones and, by the end of March, Jones expects two additional deputies at the substation in city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. Bradenton Beach has nine full-time police officers, including the chief, down one officer for the time being, and one part-time marine patrol officer. The BBPD station is at 403 Highland Ave. HBPD employs 17 full-time officers, including Tokajer, five dispatchers, an administrative assistant, a records clerk and two code enforcement officers at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

the island in May 2017, but there was no rape arrest because the alleged perpetrator was never found. Speciale said violent crime is rare in the city despite the 100 percent increase in Bradenton Beach due to the two 2017 violent crime reports, up from one, an aggravated assault, the year before. The chief acknowledged property crimes on the rise in Bradenton Beach, saying it’s likely the result of more people visiting the beaches. There were 28 burglaries and thefts, up from 23 from 2016. He estimated the city’s estimated population swells by 35,000 daily visitors during season and on holidays. For the year ending Dec. 31, 2017, the agency also reported 15 incidents of domestic violence, resulting in 12 arrests. In 2016, BBPD reported three instances of domestic violence. Bradenton Beach’s domestic violence incidents involved simple batteries, mostly cohabiting relationships and some repeat offenders, Speciale said. “There are people out there who can paper their walls with the victim rights’ brochures. A lot of the stuff is fueled by alcohol or drugs — mostly alcohol here,” he added. Protocol on domestic violence calls is for officers to separate and interview combatants and determine “how their stories line up” and arrest any person determined to be an aggressor, Speciale said. “First and foremost, our officers’ concern is if there are children, that the children are safe.” Holmes Beach Police Department reports seven violent offenses in 2017, up from five the preceding year, and 53 nonviolent offenses, down from 90 in 2016. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer credits his officers for the city’s overall reduction in crime and fewer burglary and theft reports. “The officers have done an amazing job to reduce crime through community outreach, neighborhood watch, house checks and active and aggressive patrolling,” he said. As far as the uptick in violent crime reports, Tokajer blamed it on more people, estimating daily populations at 10,000-12,000 people “on any given day,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer talks about 30,000 on weekends days and 50,000 on holidays and crime data from his office in the Holmes Beach spring break, calling it “something we can’t control.” police station, 5801 Marina Drive. The violence reported in Holmes Beach breaks down to one homicide, one rape and five aggravated Milestones assaults, up from one attempted rape and four aggraThe Islander welcomes stories about islandvated assaults reported in 2016. ers and island life, as well as photographs and There were 11 reported incidents of domestic notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — wedviolence, resulting in nine arrests in Holmes Beach, dings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries according to Tokajer. HBPD also reported 11 incidents and other events. of domestic violence in 2016. Submit your announcements and photographs Nonviolent crime reports from HBPD show 15 with captions for publication — along with conburglaries and 35 thefts in 2017, down from 20 burtact information — to news@islander.org. glaries and 67 thefts in 2016. Also, visit us on Facebook and join the MCSO reports crime dropped 29 percent overall 11,000-plus friends who “like” The Islander and in Anna Maria in 2017, but reports of violent crime share their social news. increased to three from one the prior year.

22 n FEB. 21, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Kathie Troshynski, visiting from Michigan, browses the books for sale at the Friends of the Island Library sale at in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church. The Friends accept book donations throughout the year for the annual three-day sale in order to provide programs and improvements to the Island Library. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Readers’ delight in annual sale

Ginny Upshaw, president of Friends of the Island Library, checks out Sarasota resident Ezra Katz’s purchase Feb. 17 at the Friends of the Island Library book sale. Prices for most books ranged from 50 cents to $2.

Obituaries

Cortez church offers lesson series

The Cortez Church of Christ will offer a series of lessons on discipleship beginning Thursday, Feb. 22. The series will continue at 7 p.m. through Saturday, Feb. 24, and also 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25. The church, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez, plans a different speaker each evening. Topics include defining discipleship Feb. 22, the first disciples Feb. 23, making other disciples Feb. 24, the cost of discipleship and what makes for a good disciple Feb. 25. Also, the church offers Bible study at 10 a.m. and a worship service at 11 a.m. Sundays. Mid-week Bible study takes place Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at the church. For more information, call the church at 941-2166286.

JOY conversation focuses on ‘Bugs and Drugs’

The topic for the Feb. 28 meeting of the JOY/ Just Older Youth group at Roser Memorial Community Church will be “Bugs and Drugs.” The club will host Kathleen Hnat, director of pharmacy for HealthSouth, and Erin McKeown, a HealthSouth infection preventionist. The program will be held in the fellowship hall at the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. JOY meets most second and fourth Wednesdays at the church. For more information and a reservation, call the church office at 941-778-0414

Submit your community news to news@islander.org.

At your service

Obituaries are provided as a community service in The Islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to Anna Maria Island. Information may be submitted to news@islander. org. Paid obituaries are available by calling sales rep Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978 or by email, toni@ islander.org.

ALL ARE WELCOME

Pastor Rosemary Wheeler Backer

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship Service

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Linda Keyworth Davis

Linda Keyworth Davis of Holmes Beach died Feb. 11. She was born Aug. 25, 1943, in Boston to R. Allen and Leontine Briggs Keyworth. She had three brothers and one sister. She attended Emma Willard High School in Troy, New York. She received a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and a master’s degree in English from Duke UniverDavis sity. She taught English for 17 years at Keshequa Central High School in Nunda, New York. She lived in Rochester, New York, for many years and that is where her children grew up and went to school. In 1996, she and husband William moved to Holmes Beach. Her interests included watching her favorite television show, “Judge Judy,” and the winter Olympic games, keeping up with her grandchildren and playing computer games. She loved to read and frequented the Island Library in Holmes Beach. She is remembered for years of work as the vice president for the Manatee County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Florida. She was outstanding at supporting, educating and advocating for families who had loved ones struggling with

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

mental illness. She will be missed by her family and friends. A private celebration of her life will be held. Memorial donations may be made to NAMI Manatee County, P.O. Box 9088, Bradenton, FL 34206. She is survived by husband William; sons Bowman, Russell and Nathaniel; daughter Katherine; and eight grandchildren.

James ‘Jim’ H. Ross

James “Jim” H. Ross, 72, of Holmes Beach, died Feb. 2. He was born and raised in the Kensington area of Philadelphia with his eight brothers and sisters. He was known around Anna Maria Island as Capt. Jim or Navy Jim. He was a resident of the island off and on since 1996. He retired from the U.S. Navy as a chief aviation boatswain’s mate at age 37. He loved being on the water and was a Sea Tow captain in the Keys and a supply boat captain for the oil rigs out of Aransas Pass, Texas. Since retiring he tried his hand at many things. He was a substance abuse counselor and ran marathons for many years, a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain and the manager of a Moose lodge in Key West. He spoke Japanese and Portuguese, and also knew American sign language. A celebration of life will be held island-style at Bortell’s Lounge, 10003 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. He is survived by son John of Tampa; daughter Jami-Leigh of Indiana; sisters Lynn Niblick of New Jersey, Denise Tozzi and Janet Morgan of Florida; brothers JackAll of Pennsylvania, Terry of Texas, Kevin are welcome of Connecticut and Brian of Florida; 21 nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends.

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation All are welcome

Sunday services 8 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II with Music Thursday service 9:30 am Holy Eucharist and Healing Feb 25 ONLY: 9 am Holy Eucharist followed by Annual Meeting The Rev. Matthew Grunfeld 4408 Gulf Drive ~ Holmes Beach

941-778-1638 ~ www.episcopalchurchoftheannunciation.com

THE ISLANDER n FEB. 21, 2018 n 23

World champion speedskater links AMI to Olympics

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve likely watched some of the Winter Olympics from South Korea, but did you know a long ago ice skater had ties to Anna Maria Island? Blazing across ice at breakneck speeds of more than 30 mph is not your normal Anna Maria Island pastime. But the state has ties to Olympic speedskaters, including a woman speedskating pioneer who lived and died on Anna Maria Island almost a half-century ago. Catherine Klein, who went by the nickname Kit, was born March 28, 1910, in the cold reaches of Buffalo, New York. She was the youngest of six children and, as a high schooler, she took up speedskating, the sport that would make her famous. According to the International Society of Olympic Historians, Klein walked or rode her bicycle across the Peace Bridge into Canada most mornings to practice at an ice arena at Fort Erie, then returned in time for school. She did the same while working as a stenographer after high school. The treks paid off for the determined young woman. The 1932 Olympics were held in her home state in Lake Placid. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speedskating was a demonstration sport when Klein competed her way to a gold medal in the 1,500-meter and a bronze medal in the 500-meter race. Before her wins at Lake Placid, she had suffered a heartbreaking loss at the national championship in Wisconsin. In a 1,000-meter skate-off to break a tie, both Klein and her competitor fell and slid across the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anna Maria Island,â&#x20AC;? a picto-

rial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Joy is publisher of the newspaper. She launched the paper in 1992, and she is a 42-year resident of the island.

HOW TO RELAX ON AN ISLAND.

Catherine â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kitâ&#x20AC;? Klein is pictured at the peak of her ice skating career, which spanned almost a decade in the1920s and 1930s. She later married and retired to Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy the USA Speedskating Association finish line. Klein was disqualified for interference. She later broke a hip, after the Lake Placid games, but by 1936 she had skated her way to regional, national and North American speedskating championships and set her sites on the 1936 womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden. It was the first womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race to be recognized by the International Skating Union.

Exc

Klein skated cautiously to avoid injury, but took home the overall world championship. Another American did not accomplish the feat again for 43 years. She also won another demonstration gold at the Winter Olympics in Bavaria in 1936. In a dramatic gesture following a tour of Europe after the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;36 games, Klein retired and threw her skates into the Atlantic Ocean on her return to the states aboard the S.S. Washington. That same year, she married an orthopedic doctor from Pennsylvania, Thomas Outland, and the pair eventually settled in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Klein signed a movie contract with Metro Goldwyn-Mayer, but had only bit parts and she skated with the Ice Follies with her toy white poodle. She later worked as a photojournalist for a string of newspapers in central Pennsylvania. But what of the Anna Maria Island connection? Outland retired from his work and he and Klein moved to Holmes Beach. Klein lived out her years on the island playing golf several times a week, swimming and serving as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, teaching safe boating to young people. She died in Holmes Beach April 13, 1985, at age 74. In all her years of competition, Klein never had a coach or trainer. She came to believe in later years that Olympic athletes are over-coached and subjected to too much pressure, according to the Western New York Skating Association. She also panned the Olympics in 1977, saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Olympics have become all furor-one gaudy spectacle, a money-making machine.â&#x20AC;? At the current Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, several of the competing speedskaters call Florida home. Brittany Bowe, Erin Jackson and Joey Mantia are from Ocala, while Mia Manganello is from Crestview in the Panhandle. Most were inline skaters before switching to the ice.

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24 n FEB. 21, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

PropertyWatch

Island real estate transactions

PARONOMASIA

BY MATT GINSBERG / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ AC RO SS

RELEASE DATE: 2/18/2018

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

By Jesse Brisson Special to The Islander 206 Spring Lane, Anna Maria, a 2,384 sfla / 3,687 sfur 5bed/4½bath/2car Gulfview home built in 2006 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 01/10/18, Brooks to Davis for $2,574,500; list $2,849,000. 216 68th St., Holmes Beach, a 2,662 sfla 4bed/5bath/2car pool home built in 2017 on a 8,288 sq ft lot was sold 01/08/18, Gold Farm Property LLC to Borchers for $1,925,000; list $2,099,000. 3017 Ave. E, Holmes Beach, a 2,008 sfla 4bed/3bath triplex built in 1954 on a 13,125 sq ft lot was sold 01/25/18, Richardson to Mumm Real Estate AMI LLC for $1,725,000. 421 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, a home built in 2018 on a 7,540 sq ft lot was sold 01/28/18, Centrem LLC to 421 Spring LLC for $1,500,000. 217 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, a 2,576 sfla 5bed/4bath/4car pool home built in 2014 on a 5,742 sq ft lot was sold 01/05/18, Magnolia Beach Views LLC to Bolduc for $1,495,000; list $1,495,000. 115 Elm Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,454 sfla / 3,138 sfur 3bed/2bath/1car pool home built in 1981 on a

5,500 sq ft lot was sold 01/31/18, Knisely to Allan for $1,425,000; list $1,495,000. 2308 Canasta Drive, Bradenton Beach, a 1,248 sfla / 3,040 sfur 3bed/2½bath/2car Bayfront home built in 1997 on a 9,000 sq ft lot was sold 01/24/18, Florida Gulf Coast Vacation Homes LLC to Sanford for $1,350,000; list $1,395,000. 205 69th St., Holmes Beach, a 2,000 sfla / 2,160 sfur 4bed/4bath pool home built in 1974 on a 7,000 sq ft lot was sold 01/17/18, Beachbound I LLC to Na3 LLC for $1,300,000; list $1,369,000. 7000 Gulf Drive, Unit 117, Tiffany Place, Holmes Beach, a 1,212 sfla / 1,420 sfur 2bed/2bath Gulffront condo with shared pool built in 1978 was sold 01/29/18, Crabb to Micho for $955,000; list $995,000. 618 Hampshire Lane, Holmes Beach, a 2,422 sfla / 3,230 sfur 4bed/3bath/2car canalfront pool home built in 1969 on a 9,975 sq ft lot was sold 01/25/18, Gamble to Arnold for $900,000; list $900,000. 310 68th St., Unit B, Anna Maria Island Beachwalk, Holmes Beach, a 2,043 sfla / 4,866 sfur 3bed/3½bath/2car land condo with pool built in 2011 was sold 01/04/18, Collins to Johnson for $850,000; list $875,000. 231 85th St., Holmes Beach, a 2,266 sfla / 2,690 sfur 3bed/3bath/1car home with spa built in 1958 on a 9,000 sq ft lot was sold 01/19/18, Camboni to Jelovich

1 Like most seamen, supposedly 5 Writer who said “Women are meant to be loved, not to be understood” 10 Holiday celebrating the arrival of spring 13 Islam’s final pillar 17 Nonirons 19 Two make a Hamilton 20 Handel’s “Messiah,” e.g. 22 Narrow passages for killer whales? 24 Kitchen nooks 25 Zodiac feline 26 Backs down 27 Fable about smoked salmon? 28 Kvetches 30 Balneotherapy site 32 “Yeah, right” 33 Raised some vegetables? 35 Decrease in the number of people named Gerald? 40 Hot Wheels maker 41 Are no longer 42 Mother ____ 43 Gulager of “The Return of the Living Dead” 44 In amongst 45 Number of bits in a byte 48 Gradually diminishes Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, page 32 nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

Tacos

50 Abstract artist Mondrian 51 First mass consumer product offering Wi-Fi 53 Sticks for breaking things 54 Belts for a Chinese leader? 57 Chaney who was called “The Man of a Thousand Faces” 58 Oakland’s Oracle, for example 60 Not budging 61 Cry from the mizzen top 62 Conveyance in “Calvin and Hobbes” 63 Overused 65 Storm harbinger, maybe 66 Gave a pick-me-up 69 Josip Broz, familiarly 70 Like many a campfire story 72 Responsibility lesson for a child 75 Inventors’ diaries? 77 So-called “Island of the Gods” 78 Ordinary Joe 80 Impose 81 Afterthought indicator 82 Well-known Cuban export 84 Fancy collar material 85 Lao-____ 86 Crucifixion letters 88 Guerre’s opposite 90 MGM’s lion, e.g. 92 Cloudophobia?

Burgers

95 Opposite of a strong boil? 97 Pandora’s release 98 Like Verdi’s “La donna è mobile” 99 As-yet-undeciphered Cretan script 100 What brings the rocket to the pad? 104 Archaeologists’ study 106 Managerial exec 109 Mark Twain farce about a painter who fakes his own demise 110 Jewelry for the oracle at Delphi? 112 Versatile 113 Subleases 114 Arafat of the P.L.O. 115 What Simon does 116 Classic British roadsters 117 Rank things 118 Trix alternative DOWN

1 Not reporting as instructed, maybe 2 Induce ennui in 3 Fuss about “The West Wing” actor Rob? 4 Old English letter 5 Electricians 6 Several Russian czars 7 Resident of Riga 8 Cousin of a highboy 9 Part of a road test track 10 List heading

11 Runner Liddell depicted in “Chariots of Fire” 12 Pub container 13 It might pick up a passing comment 14 Contrived 15 Beverly Hills ____ 16 Kid 18 Colorful shawl 19 Neighbor of Palisades Park, N.J. 21 Chanteuse O’Shea 23 Declining because of age 27 China’s Chou En-____ 29 Best 31 Early arrival 33 Service with more than a billion users 34 Recurring role for Stallone 35 Groks 36 Philatelist’s item 37 Turn’s partner 38 Hebrew leader 39 Wack 41 Small undergarments? 46 Like some sprains and champagnes 47 Rev 49 Carried cash around? 50 Schoolmarmish 52 Superman’s birth name 55 Morales of “NYPD Blue” 56 Some Poe works 59 Mulligan 60 Un-to 62 Legal pause

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64 “Come on in!” 65 Home, in slang 66 Buoyant cadences 67 “That is,” to Caesar 68 At a frantic pace 69 ____ bulb 71 Wood often used for bow-making 72 Help with the harvest? 73 V.I.P. at the Oscars

50 55

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for $840,000; list $875,000. 317 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,352 sfla / 2,740 sfur 3bed/2bath/2car pool home built in 1988 on a 7,564 sq ft lot was sold 01/05/18, Miles to Ashton for $820,000; list $879,000. 768 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, a 1,472 sfla / 1,502 sfur 2bed/2bath home built in 1960 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 01/12/18, Finold to Lisa and Marc Biales LLC for $704,500; list $759,900. 706 Rose St., Anna Maria, a 1,224 sfla 4bed/2bath duplex with pool built in 1966 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 01/11/18, Serpico to Pekarek for $630,000. 515 59th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,632 sfur / 2,210 sfur 2bed/2bath/1car canalfront home built in 1962 on a 9,500 sq ft lot was sold 01/16/18, Duytschaver to Suzor for $620,000; list $709,000. 2306 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach, a 1,768 sfla / 2,364 sfur 5bed/3½bath/1car duplex built in 1947 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 01/19/18, Bennett to Real Home LLC for $595,000. 2807 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,284 sfla / 2,034 sfur 2bed/2bath home built in 1988 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 01/19/18, Cooley to Hurff for $485,000; list $510,000. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria, can be reached at 941-778-7244. No. 0211

105 111 114

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74 What’s human, they say

118

76 Needle-nosed fish

91 Playwright Sean who 102 Drink disliked by wrote “Juno and the Buzz Aldrin [true Paycock” fact!]

77 Grocer’s wheel

93 Lets out, e.g.

79 “____ de Lune”

94 Step on it

103 Strangely enough, they’re often even

83 Garfield’s girlfriend in 95 All thumbs “Garfield” 96 Second and fifth

105 Hershey chocolate

86 Tepid approval

99 Career employee

108 Shrek, for one

87 Small, biting fly

100 G.I.s of concern

110 Voting affirmatively

89 Lined with trees

101 Cuba, por ejemplo

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Las Vegas comes to community center

Don Purvis does his part as an Elvis impersonator Feb. 16 on the Center of Anna Maria Island stage in the murder mystery dinner presentation of the Las Vegas-themed show, “What Happens on the Island … Stays on the Island.” Maureen Morris, Brenda Twiss, Jim Janaszak, Marcia Janaszak and Jayne Christenson gather around the blackjack table Feb. 16 during the Center of Anna Maria Island’s Las Vegas-themed murder mystery-dinner theater performance.

The cast of “What Happens on the Island … Stays on the Island” stage a telethon to raise money during the center’s 10th annual murder mystery show. The script, written by Beth Shaughnessy and her daughter Brianna Roberts, explored recent events on the island. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

26 n FEB. 21, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Sun-kissed Cortez ﬁshing festival aims for record

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter They came by the busload, carload and boatload Feb. 17-18 to the 36th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. They walked, biked, pushed strollers, rode motorcycles, spun wheelchairs and used walkers, too. The crowds came early and by the thousands. Most important of all, according to fourth-year chair Rose Lipke, they came. On opening day, Lipke projected a record-breaking crowd of more than 25,000 at the fest on the grounds and around Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. all the way to the waterfront at Cortez Bait and Seafood in Cortez. The two-day fundraiser benefits the nonprofit Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, which is dedicated to protecting the environment and preserving the fishing village and commercial fishery. Opening day of the fest dawned cool and foggy. Unlike recent years, however, when festivalgoers faced gloomy and rainy conditions, Mother Nature soon parted the ground clouds and delivered a sunny opening day with cooling breezes and temps rising in the 80s.

Dea Gullet, left, and her mother, Jane Showalter serve their family specialty from the Mullet by Gullet booth. They offered smoked mullet prepared with an old family recipe at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Feb. 17. Islander Photos: Terry O’Connor

Mullet, blue crab, grouper oyster, frog legs, alligator, clams, calamari and shrimp sated seafood lovers. Smoked sausage, jerk chicken, ribs, pork, turkey legs, hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, Italian sausage and beef brisket baited the carnivores. Desserts, beverages, side dishes and adult drinks were available as well. Terri Ledbetter said she and her husband Don Ledbetter were repeat visitors after attending the fest for the first time in 2017. “We timed our visit to the family,” Terri Ledbetter said. Live music on the festival stage, boat rides in the bay, nautical arts and crafts, children’s games and marine life exhibits rounded out the entertainment. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Sam Levita said about a dozen officers were employed by FISH Laura Lee Smith and Mickey Finn handle ticket for crowd control. sales in the steering cabin at the Cortez Commercial “We are deterrents,” Levita said. “When people see Fishing Festival Feb. 17. Several gates admitted us, they tend to stay under control. We also protect the patrons to the festival. money runners for the vendors.” The FISH board will next meet at 7 p.m. Monday, “It’s going to be mass hysteria,” said FISH vice March 5, at Fishermen’s Hall, 4511 124th St. W. president Jane von Hahmann as she scooted around on a golf cart. “It’s going to be a big party.” By Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org Proceeds help pay for the expansion and restoration of the 95-acre FISH Preserve along Sarasota Bay on the east side of the village, retiring mortgage debt and repairing damages inflicted at Fishermen’s Hall by Hurricane Irma, said board member Linda Molto. AME calendar More than 200 volunteers, 60 art vendors and more • Tuesday, Feb. 20, 5 p.m. PTO dinner by Anna than 30 food vendors served the throng of people. Maria Oyster Bar and 6:30 p.m. third-grade play. Hungry attendees faced an array of mouthwatering Public welcome. choices. • Friday, Feb. 23, third-grade field trip to Joan M. Durante Park, 5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. • 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, Mad Scientist assembly. • Monday, March 5-Friday, March 16, Manatee County School District elementary school choice enrollment period. • 1:15 p.m., Wednesday, March 7, early release. • 7-11 p.m. Friday, March 9, AME-PTO Spring Fling, South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. • Tuesday, March 13, 5 p.m. PTO Dinner and 6:30 p.m. play. Meagan West of the Shrimp Shack loads up a platter • Thursday, March 15, picture day. Feb. 17 at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. • Monday, March 26-Friday, March 30, spring break. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, T-Shirts $10 @ The Holmes Beach. Islander, For more information, call the school at 9413218 E. Bay Drive, HB. 708-5525.

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AME stands to gain from tax referendum passage, balloting in March

By Bianca BenedĂ Islander Reporter Anna Maria Elementary stands to gain at least $200,000 in new funding should Manatee County voters approve a school tax referendum Tuesday, March 20. Principal Jackie Featherston said Feb. 13 the school would see an increase in funding â&#x20AC;&#x153;for all employeesâ&#x20AC;? at Anna Maria Elementary, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, if voters approve the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s referendum. The vote will be conducted by the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections. If approved, the referendum would increase taxes by 1 mill, or $1 for $1,000 of taxable property value. The School District of Manatee County would receive an additional $30 million in tax revenue.

Carnage at South Florida school raises concerns at AME

By Bianca BenedĂ Islander Reporter What can be done? A South Florida high school shooting that left 17 dead on Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day has Anna Maria Elementary parents, teachers and community members wondering what can be done to ensure it never happens here, according to AME principal Jackie Featherston Diana Greene, superintendent for the School District of Manatee, issued a statement Feb. 14 to parents explaining the district is taking extra precautions to protect students in the wake of the shooting. Featherston said the school increased its police presence and at least two to three officers were â&#x20AC;&#x153;showing their vehiclesâ&#x20AC;? around the campus to reassure the public. In addition, she said AME staff met Feb. 16 to review lockdown and active-shooter procedures. She said the state requires drills throughout the year, but AME would review its steps. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Certainly all over the nation anytime something like this happens, parents are extra uncomfortable,â&#x20AC;? said Featherston. She said anxiety was particularly high at AME Feb. 15, the day after the shooting, when the school experienced a 20-minute power outage. Also, a note threatening students with a shooting at Manatee High School Feb. 22 was determined by the Bradenton Police Department to be a credible threat. Officers said Feb. 16 theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re â&#x20AC;&#x153;actively pursuingâ&#x20AC;? the case to determine who left the note.

Passage of the referendum would allow district staff wages to be more competitive, Featherston said. In addition, a half-hour would be added to the school day. Cynthia Saunders, deputy superintendent of the Manatee County School Board, said the district struggles to retain bus drivers when other school districts, including Sarasotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, offer better pay. She said an increase in the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to pay for bus drivers would ease the pressure to the district to cut back on routes, which could have a positive impact on Anna Maria Elementary. In November 2017, parents of students enrolled through hardship were informed their children would no longer be bussed to school. After protest, the district provided a bus route. However, district plans now call for halting the route in the 2018-19 school year. Other issues include keeping teachers, custodians and aides on board, Featherston said. Saunders said Sarasota teachers are paid on average $9,000 more than Manatee teachers. Manatee teachers earn, on average, $45,778 a year. Sarasota teachers make an average of $54,524. The state average is $47,858. For Anna Maria Elementary, a bump in salary could make the difference in the quality of staff in the next five years, when five or six teachers are expected to retire, Featherston said. In addition, the extra half-hour of schooling from kindergarten to 12th-grade would provide the equivalent of an entire extra year of schooling. Saunders said Sarasota students get that extra year of schooling because the district voted multiple times in the past 16 years to raise taxes. If approved, the referendum also would provide funds for a science, technology, engineering and mathematics teacher and equipment for every school. Hiring would be over the summer for the 2018-19

On the ballot

The text of the ballot question for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ad Valorem Millage Electionâ&#x20AC;? set for March 20 reads: Shall the School District of Manatee County operating ad valorem millage increase by one mill per year, beginning July 1, 2018, and ending June 30, 2022, to increase student achievement through more instructional time and after-school tutoring, to recruit and retain teachers and staff with competitive salaries, expand Career and Technical Education and STEM programs, and to support charter schools? Those who support the additional millage will vote yes. Those against increased property taxes will vote no on March 20.

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Adult sports take center field at community center By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter After six weeks of action, the standings are pretty tight in the adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Feb. 13 saw Cabb Cleaning edge Beach House Real Estate 28-26 to improve its record to 2-4. The loss dropped Beach House to 4-2. Moss Builders improved to 3-3 and tied for third place after rolling past last place Lancaster Design by a 45-27 score in the second game of the evening. The final game of the night saw Beach Bums improve to 3-3 by Cassidy handing previously undefeated Bins Be Clean a 26-25 defeat.

Third-place finisher Larry Pippel, left, second-place finisher Tim Friesen, champion Gary Risner and thirdplace finisher Tom Nelson pose for a photo at the club after the conclusion of the Key Royale Club’s men’s championship.

Adult volleyball update After four weeks of spikes and dives on the indoor court, Slim’s Place has a stranglehold on first place in the adult volleyball league at the center. They are 7-1, followed by second place Bins Be Clean, which has a 4-4 record. Bringing up the rear is Signarama with a 1-7 record. Bins Be Clean opened Valentine’s Day action with a 25-17, 25-20 victory over Signarama. Slim’s Place then handed Signarama a 25-14, 25-21 defeat in the second match of the night. Slim’s Place followed that match win with a 25-18, 25-15 match win over Bins Be Clean to close out the action for the evening.

He shot a 1-over-par 129 over the two days in the scratch-play event. Tim Friesen finished in second place, while Tom Nelson and Larry Pippel finished in a tie for third. In other action at KRC, the men played their regular Monday modified-Stableford system match Feb. 12. Jon Holcomb earned individual honors with a score of plus-7, two points ahead of second-place finishers Peter Lund and Larry Pippel. The team of Larry Davis, Bill Koche and John Purcell won the team event on a score of plus-11. The men were back on the course Feb. 15 for a nine-hole shamble. A shamble is a team golf game where everyone tees off and the best drive is where Key Royale golf news everyone hits their approach shot to the green, from No surprise for competitive golfers. which regular stroke play rules are followed. Twenty Key Royale Club men competed in the The team of Gerry Dahl, Jon Holcomb, Peter Lund 36-hole, two-day Men’s Club Championship Feb. 7 and Blake Ress combined on a 3-under-par 29. The team and Feb. 14. For the fourth consecutive year, the cham- of Mike Brakefield, Al Carr, Lex Halakan and Greg pion is Gary Risner. Shorten took second place with a score of 33.

Pirates begin spring training

Horseshoe news The fifth annual Ron Pepka Memorial Horseshoe The Pittsburgh Pirates, celebrating 50 years in Bradenton, will return this week to LECOM Park in Tournament was held Feb. 17 at the Anna Maria City Bradenton for spring training. The Pirates will host the New York Yankees at 1:05 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, in the home opener at LECOM Park. Four of Pittsburgh’s final six spring training games are scheduled to be played in Bradenton, including a night game Thursday, March 22, against the Toronto Blue Jays. The 16-game home schedule concludes with a 1:05 p.m. game Monday, March 26, against the Phillies. The Pirates went 19-12-2 last March, while tying the club record for wins, in addition to drawing a record 106,291 fans to 17 games at the Bradenton park. For more information, call the ballpark box office at 941-747-3031.

Ed and Linda Bailey celebrate the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl win by joining the victory parade organized by Slim’s Place in Anna Maria. The parade took place Feb. 11.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Feb 21 Feb 22 Feb 23 Feb 24 Feb 25 Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28

3:20a 4:45a 7:02a 5:59p 7:17p 11:24a 11:46a 12:06p

HIGH

1.3 3:11p 1.1 3:55p 0.9 4:50p 2.0 — 2.1 — 1.2 8:32p 1.3 9:38p 1.3 10:35p

1.8 1.9 2.0 — — 2.1 2.2 2.2

8:48a 9:19a 9:49a 1:12a 2:28a 3:30a 4:21a 5:04a

LOW

0.4 10:20p 0.0 0.7 11:45p -0.1 0.8 — — -0.3 — — -0.5 — — -0.6 2:05p 1.1 -0.7 3:18p 1.0 -0.7 4:17p 0.8

Hall horseshoe pits. The tourney honors longtime pitcher and lead man for the players, who play twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The double-elimination tourney saw the team of Jim Kleiner and Tom Skoloda advance to the finals after edging Sam Samuels and Steve Doyle by a 22-18 score. Kleiner-Skoloda dramatically handed Dom Livedoti and Del Reese their first loss as Kleiner came through with a game-ending, double ringer to earn a 21-19 come-frombehind victory and force a final game. Kleiner-Skoloda looked to have run out of gas as they fell behind Livedoti-Reese 12-2, but an impressive rally resulted in the win on a 23-12 score. Valentine’s Day action saw three teams post 3-0 records and advance to the knockout stage. Skoloda and Rod Bussey drew the bye into the finals and watched as Bob Lee and Bill Fox rolled to a 24-4 victory over Jerry Disbrow and Bob Rowley. Lee and Fox stayed hot in the finals, earning an easy 21-6 victory over Skoloda-Bussey. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits.

Moon

1st

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

A victory parade celebrating the Eagles Super Bowl win took place Feb. 11, beginning at Slim’s Place, known for its Philly pride. Islander Photos: Courtesy Linda Bailey and Bridget Gennett

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THE ISLANDER n FEB. 21, 2018 n 29

February fishing action as hot as the temps By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter With temperatures in the mid-80s, Anna Maria Island fishers are enjoying springtime conditions. God, I love it here in Florida. Water temps are on the rise, which is allowing the flats to host some excellent fishing, particularly for those targeting snook and trout. Both species are working their way out of their wintertime haunts and onto the lush grass flats that exist in our inshore waters. And when these fish stage up in the grass, they are there for one reason — to eat. Stasny Casting live shiners, shrimp and artificials is producing action for inshore fishers. If you’re looking for more variety, pompano, bluefish and ladyfish are present in the bays and Intracoastal Waterway. Sheepshead will be spawning in the upcoming weeks, which means they are feeding heavily. On my Southernaire charters, I’m targeting a variety of species. Jigging the flats with soft plastics, such as the MirrOlure “Lil John,” is producing some great action on spotted seatrout. Slot and over-slot fish are being caught. While targeting trout, I’m seeing an array of other species on the jig — pompano, bluefish and ladyfish. Switching over to live shrimp as bait is resulting in good action. Sheepshead, Key West grunts and hogfish are being caught around offshore ledges with some frequency. I’m also finding the sheepshead inshore on small rock piles and along sandy shorelines that have not been renourished. On the untampered shorelines, sand fleas and other small crustaceans and mollusks still exist, which in turn attract the sheepies. Casting live shrimp in these areas is proving quite effective. In some instances, when the water is clear, I’m sightcasting to the sheepies. How cool is that? Lastly, working top-water plugs — MirrOlure

Jerry Dye of Montana shows off his permit, caught Feb. 15 on a charter with reporter-Capt. Danny Stasny of Southernaire Fishing Charters. 84MR or the Rapala Skitterwalk — is providing explosive action on catch-and-release snook and large, keeper trout. Both species are being found on shallow grass flats where clean, clear water exists. This bite requires a little determination, but when a big snook or trout explodes on a surface bait, it seems worth the effort. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing more and more sheepshead showing up around the pilings. With the spawn close at hand, these zebra-striped fish are packing on the pounds, so to speak, with hopes of having plenty of stamina to procreate. Live shrimp are producing a bite, although strategic sheepshead fishers carry an assortment of baits, including fiddler crabs, sand fleas and tubeworms. According to Malfese, the

Ed Curran, left, of New Jersey, Larry Clanton of Wisconsin and John Kroos of Illinois fished the inshore waters of Anna Maria Island Feb. 12 with Capt. Warren Girle as their guide. The trio caught their rewards of redfish and black drum with shrimp for bait.

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

Southernaire Fishing Charters

bite should steadily improve in the days to come. After the spawn, the bite will diminish as the fish disperse into the bay. So act now. Capt. Aaron Lowman is working the deep grass flats for spotted seatrout. Using artificials, such as a jig head and soft plastics is proving to be the most effective method to catch these fish, although live shrimp under a popping cork will work, too. Mixed in with the trout bite are pompano, bluefish and ladyfish. Fishing offshore also is producing action for Lowman clients. Dropping live shrimp on a knocker rig to the bottom around edges and other structure is producing hogfish, mangrove snapper and plenty of Key West grunts. Sheepshead are beginning to make a showing on nearshore reefs. Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business charters is running his springtime pattern in February. With air temps in the 80s and water temps in the 70s, Gross has switched to using live shiners as bait instead of shrimp. Spotted seatrout 16-19 inches, as well as redfish and snook, are taking live shiners if they cross their paths. Spanish mackerel are taking shiners from Gross’ clients while casting over structure in Tampa Bay. Capt. Warren Girle is taking anglers to the flats of Sarasota Bay. By the use of artificials — jig heads and soft plastics — Girle’s clients are hooking up numerous 15-20 inch spotted seatrout. Pompano and permit are foraging in Sarasota Bay. To catch these elusive fish, Girle is using small pink or chartreuse jigs tipped with pieces of fresh-cut live shrimp. The bright colors are catching to the eye while the aroma of fresh-cut shrimp makes the bait irresistible to the hungry pompano and permit. Moving offshore, Girle is finding hogfish and Key West grunts around ledges and reefs. Live shrimp is Girle’s bait of choice. Capt. Jason Stock is working offshore for big amberjack. And by big, he means up to 75 pounds. Surface poppers retrieved quickly over offshore wrecks are drawing this aggressive fish to strike. Also, Stock is putting clients on some tripletail and hogfish. Moving inshore, catch-and-release snook, redfish and trout are being caught throughout the bays. Live shiners and artificials are proving to be effective for Stock. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is charging offshore despite some rough seas to fish for African pompano. The elusive fish are considered a trophy in our waters for two reasons. One, they are particularly odd-looking, and two, they taste great. These fish are averaging 20-30 pounds. When hooked on spinning tackle, they put up a ferocious battle. Also while offshore, White is catching tripletail around floating debris. Lastly, red grouper are being caught inside 120 feet of water. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

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30 n FEB. 21, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

isl

A customer places an order Feb. 13 at the counter of the newly remolded Poppo’s Taqueria. Poppos, 212 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Businesses remodel, redo, turn up the burners

Reelin’ in the business The Rod & Reel Pier is just a little north of the Anna Maria City Pier and just a little shorter. Since Irma reeked havoc on the city pier and officials locked the gate while decisions are made to rebuild it, the other Anna Maria pier has seen an uptick in business, mostly in the restaurant. Manager Rocky Corby, who moved from the AMCP to the Rod & Reel after the pier closed in September 2017, said dining room numbers “picked up quite a bit.” As far as the fishing goes, Corby said not so much. “We have a few regulars from the other pier who have moved their fishing up here, but a lot of guys are fishing somewhere else now. Also, let’s face it, the fishing has not been so great lately,” Corby said. The Rod & Reel Pier is at 875 N. Shore Drive,

Lucky celebration

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce celebrates howluckyami with a ribbon-cutting and champagne reception Feb. 15 at the new space in the rear of Restless Natives, 5416 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Karen LaPensee, left, of the chamber, owners Carol Clifford, Jan Labriola and Jane Sperlazzi, and chamber board chair Bev Lesnick prepare to cut the ribbon. Sperlazzi is the original creator of the howluckyami branding. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Anna Maria. The restaurant is open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. ordering at the subway-tile counter. The cost to fish from the pier is $2 per person. For In case you didn’t know, Poppo’s was named after more information, call 941 778-1885. Frank P. Harris, a reporter for the Boston Globe for 30 years. Poppo was the family’s nickname for Harris, New look for taco stop whose grandson is one of the owners of the chain. After a short shut down, the tacos and burritos are Poppos is open in Anna Maria 11 a.m.-9 p.m. sizzling again from the kitchen at Poppo’s Taqueria, daily. 212 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information or ordering, all 941-254At the island location, one of four in the local 7941. chain, the interior now more closely models the other Fe, fi, pho, yum three stores in Manatee County. New rustic tables and It’s well-known how good the bagels and sandchairs and a sleek concrete floor leave lots of room for wiches are at Jackie Estes’ Paradise Bagels Cafe and Catering, 3210 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. But the cafe typically is open for daytime goodies. Not so right now. Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a limited time, Estes is cooking up Vietnamese pho, a soup consisting of broth, rice noodles and herbs. Diners can select chicken, steak, shrimp, pork or tofu as additions and it comes with a side plate of bean sprouts, peppers, snow peas, cilantro and sauces. Locals know that Estes’ special evening meals are usually crowded and often sold-out. Paradise is 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday. Special pho meals are 5:307:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays for a limited time.

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No expense has been spared in the remodel of this Anna Maria Island Club condo! Spectacular Gulf views, elevator, Make sure to see this one of a kind beach unit. Karen Fineout (941) 518-3682. #A4209319. $1,100,000

Perico Bay Club 3BR/2BA end unit with sweeping vista view. Gated community with pools, active clubhouse, tennis, trails. Updated and gorgeous. Penny Bray (941) 795-6685. #A4206189. $419,000

Bridgeport condo 2BR/2BA wtih great view of the gulf. Under building parking, elevator, pool, beach access. Rae Ellen Hayo (941) 920-0364. #A4210168. $350,000

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THE ISLANDER n FEB. 21, 2018 n 31

BizCal

Jennifer Gunther, co-owner of Makers Market and Workshops, 6650 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, discusses options for creating handmade items at the market during the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce luncheon Feb. 7 at enRich Bistro in Bradenton. The next chamber event will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Manatee County Golf Course, 5505 34th St. W., Bradenton. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Chambers look forward to spring schedules

With daytime temps in the 80s, winter appears to be over and season is in full swing. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a sunrise breakfast at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, at the Olympic Cafe, 6408 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The cost to attend is $8 for members and $16 for nonmembers. Plans are being finalized for the Beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;N Food Truck and Music Festival 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Mark the calendars for a day of music, arts and crafts, classic cars and food trucks galore. For more information, call the island chamber at 941-778-1541, visit the office and tourist center at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, or visit the website at www.annamariaislandchamber.org. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will hold its 59th annual meeting and awards luncheon at

11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, at Zota Beach Resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Introduction of the board of directors and officers will take place, and the chamber member of the year and ambassador of the year will be named. Reservations are required and must be made no

later than Friday, March 9, to the LBK chamber. The cost is $35 per person. For information about the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce or to register for events, call the chamber at 941-383-2466, visit longboatkeychamber.com or the office at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

What a diďŹ&#x20AC;erence a week makes

Workers complete the siding Feb. 14 on the west end of the boat storage facility at One Particular Harbour on Perico Island. The marina addition now towers above Anna Maria Sound. When completed in the second quarter of 2018, the marina will offer storage for up to 128 boats. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

We LiKe LiKes

The marina basin is readied and the boat storage building at One Particular Harbour on Perico Island takes shape Feb. 7. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

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islanderClassiFieds ITEMS FOR SALE

GARAGE SALES Continued

WICKER HENRY LINK sofa, loveseat, chair, ottoman with cushions, end tables, coffee table, $1,400. 941-504-0526.

MOVING SALE: 9 a.m-3 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Feb. 23-25. Henry Link furniture, lamps, etc. 503 68th St., Holmes Beach.

PINE NEEDLE BASKETS: March 3, Historical Museum Pine Avenue, or call 941-778-8330.

VILLAGE GREEN: 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Feb. 24. Huge community tag/bake sale, corner of 68th Street and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton.

WHIRLPOOL TOP-MOUNT refrigerator. White, icemaker, excellent condition, (snowbirds) $100. Call 941-778-7226 for details. FOR SALE: SLEEPER sofa, $65, upright freezer, $65, clothes dryer, $55. 941-778-7003.

LOST SUNGLASSES Marina Drive, Holmes Beach yard sale. Contact Charlotte at 541-4500091.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander ofﬁce, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach

LOST: CAR KEYS. Customer accidentally picked up while at Bridge Street Interiors, Bradenton Beach, Jan. 23. If found, call 941-979-0113.

FOUR OAK OFFICE chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

iHOME CHARGER FOUND at Avenue C and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Call 941-962-2580

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. WANTED: YOUR OLD cell phone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

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AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com.

AMI CENTRE, 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

FREE GUN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander ofﬁce, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

AdoptA-Pet

ESTATE SALES ESTATE SALE: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 20-21. Bedroom furniture, twin mattresses, sleeper sofa/love seat, other furniture, kitchen items, pictures. Everything must go. 111 Cedar Ave., Anna Maria.

Rollo is a happy boy! He’s a 3-year-old mixed breed. He has all his shots and he’s in great health. Available to adopt: www.moonraceranimalrescue.com or email moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com Call lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit the islander next to Walgreens in Holmes Beach for more …

ESTATE SALE: FRIDAY, Feb. 23. 507 70th St., Holmes Beach. Large painting, Sherrill sofa, pair of chairs, wicker coffee and end tables and server, two white wicker queen bed sets, lamps, nautical double bed, recliners, rattan server and sofa bed, TV, Florida-style dining room table, chairs and buffet, decorative accessories, kitchenware, linens, vacuum and more. Pictures: estatesales. net. Sale conducted by Palma Sola Sales. Numbers given out at 8 a.m.